The Meridian Council for the Arts and The Meridian Museum of Art are planning Art for Meridian, an event to raise money for arts grants, projects, programs for the Meridian/Lauderdale County Community.  

The event is scheduled from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Northwood Country Club in Meridian.

The jazzy, casual party includes a silent auction, complimentary beverages, reception, seated gourmet dinner and a live auction.  There will also be a cash bar. The silent auction will include opportunities to add to your art collection as well as view and purchase outstanding items and services such as culinary delights, wine tasting and retail items.

More than 12 local and regional artists have prepared artwork for purchase at the live auction. Contributors include Birmingham artist Cecily Hill Lowe, Jackson artists Lucy Mazzaferro, Charlie Busler, Rachel Mizner, Keith Everett and Juliet McDonald, Laurel artist Mandy Buchanan, Oxford artist Lee Collier Harper, photographers Reggie Thomas, Karen Rush, Laura Holiday and Greg Cartmell.  There will also be an opportunity to bid on a gourmet dinner prepared by Chef David Crews, a well known Mississippi chef.

Sponsorships are available and tickets are on sale. Call 601-683-ARTS, Meridian Museum of Art, Meridian Community Development Office or Debbie Ford at 601-917-4661.

Artwork In The live auction will be on display at Northwood Country Club the week before the event.

MCC medical students visit Capitol

Medical students from Meridian Community College visited the Capitol on Jan. 22 and spoke with lawmakers including Sen. Sampson Jackson and Sen. Derrick T. Simmons after observing lawmakers in action.

Airman graduates basic training

U.S. Air Force National Guard Airman Christopher R. Rainer graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Rainer is the son of Charlie and Terri Rainer of Meridian. He is a 2018 graduate of Clarkdale High School, Meridian.

Lamar student assists in House

Lily Collins of Meridian recently served as a page for the Mississippi House of Representatives.  Pages generally run errands for officials and House staff. 

Collins is the daughter of Mary Jane and Al Collins and attends Lamar School.

“I am very appreciative to Speaker Pro Tempore (Greg) Snowden for allowing me the opportunity to learn how the Mississippi legislature operates,” Collins said.

Cheryl Owens writes the Neighbors column for The Meridian Star. Submit items to cowens@themeridianstar.com.