The "lazy days of summer" aren't so lazy any more.

Whether you are an animal lover, a bookworm, or want to support a worthy cause, there will be plenty to keep you busy this June.

Animal Shelter open house

The Senatobia-Tate County Animal Shelter will hold an open house and ribbon cutting this Thursday, June 4, from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Come out, tour the shelter, have some refreshments, and maybe take home a new friend!

According to Shelter Director Heidi Terrell, the Mississippi State Veterinary program has visited the shelter, and now many of the animals have been spayed or neutered.

Relay for Life

Tate County's fifth annual Relay for Life will be this Friday, June 5 from 6:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. at Gabbert Park in Senatobia.

Teams from all over the county will form campsites to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, as well as have members walking around the track all night. They will operate games and sell concessions and other items, hoping to be the team which raises the most money.

Entertainment will be provided by The Miracles, The Big Strung Thumb, and many others.

Cancer survivors will take the first lap, and will be honored with a dinner at the Survivor Tent.

Luminarias will be lit in honor or memory of cancer patients at 9:00 p.m. The bags for the candles have been decorated by local children. They may be purchased with a $10 donation in advance, or on the night of the event.

Events will be going on all night long, and breakfast will be served in the morning.

Summer Library Program

With school out, it's time for the First Regional Library Summer Library Program to begin.

This year's theme is Be Creative at your Library. Both local libraries, in Senatobia and Coldwater, are participating.

Registration begins this week, and children can earn prizes by continuing to read throughout the summer.

Senatobia's programs include magician Jimmy Dixon on June 9, several special storytime segments, and the annual tie-dye day on July 7.

Coldwater will also have special events, including several movie showings, a wildlife program with the Corps of Engineers on June 12, and a Teddy Bear Picnic on July 18.

Several programs are scheduled for teens and adults as well. For instance, Coldwater will host a Teen Karaoke Day on June 26, and an afternoon tea for adults on June 17.

All programs are free and open to the public.

Call the Senatobia Library at 562-6791 or the Jessie J. Edwards Public Library in Coldwater at 622-5573 for more information.

Five Star Races

Rounding out June's event calendar is the biggest fundraiser for Senatobia's Optimist club, the Five Star Races.

June 26 is the date, and the annual event provides activities for the whole family.

Toddler Races for ages 1-5 are held in the Coliseum at Northwest Mississippi Community College, while older children can participate in a 1/4 mile or one-mile "fun run" outside.

Adults have their choice of a 5K run or a two-mile walk.

Prizes are awarded in several categories, and a post-race buffet will be provided for participants.

Money raised at the races benefits the Optimist Club's scholarship at NWCC.

For more information, contact Carolyn Stanford at 562-8201 or email cstanford @sycamorebank.com.

This summer, we have great opportunities to help others, help our community, and help keep our learning skills sharp.

Get out your calendar, and get out there! You, and the community, will be better off for it!

Email News Editor Melissa Turner

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