Community Events | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

Community Events

Sports League Registrations, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The Department of Parks and Recreation is conducting registration for the upcoming season from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. Call 601-960-0471.
• Adult Fall Softball League Registration through Sept. 9. The league consists of co-ed teams with a limit of 20 players per team. $250 per team.
• Adult Flag Football Registration through Sept. 30. Limit of 20 players per team. Games begin Oct. 17. $325 team.
• Adult Fall And Winter Basketball League Registration through Oct. 7. Men and women ages 35 or older may participate. Limit of 15 players per team. Games begin Oct. 17. $325 team.

Blood Pressure Checks for Seniors. The city of Jackson and St. Dominic Health Services provides blood pressure checks and immunization awareness information to qualifying individuals ages 55 or older living within the Jackson city limits. Free; call 601-960-0335.
• Aug. 16, 11 a.m., at Madonna Manor Retirement Center (550 Houston Ave.).
• Aug. 17, 10:30 a.m., at Golden Key Multi-purpose Senior Center (3450 Albermarle Road).
• Aug. 22, 11 a.m., at Johnnie Champion Senior Center (1355 Hattiesburg St.).

Monday, Aug. 15

5 p.m., J-A-M 20th-year Celebration, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), at Center Court. Jackson State University, Alcorn State University and Mississippi Valley State University alumni host a reception to kick off the 2011 SWAC football season and to raise funds for scholarships. Wear you favorite school colors and bring pompoms. Free; call 601-260-6279 or 601-954-4662.

6 p.m., SoFo New Season Kick-off, at Brent's Diner and Soda Fountain (655 Duling Ave.). SoFo is Fondren's ladies-only group whose membership is open to women who live or work in the district. Call 601-982-0548.

Through Aug. 15

Exchange Student Program Call for Host Families. SHARE! is looking for volunteers to host international high school exchange students for the 2011-2012 fall semester or school year. The exchange students arrive in late August to attend local high schools and live with the host family. Sign up by Aug. 15. Call 800-941-3738.

Tuesday, Aug. 16

11 a.m., It's All About Living Cancer Seminar, at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), at Hederman Cancer Center. The seminar is for cancer patients and their families. Teresa Davis, of Jackson Oncology Associates speaks on clinical trials. Free, $5 optional lunch; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.
5:30 p.m., Jackson Public School Board Meeting, at Jackson Public Schools (621 S. State St.). The board meets for its regular session, open to the public. Call 601-960-8700.

6 p.m., Mayor's Community-wide Ward 3 Meeting, at Cherry Grove Missionary Baptist Church (1296 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive). Find out about job opportunities, summer youth programs, economic development, ward updates, fire safety and senior citizens from the mayor and city department heads. Call 601-960-2378.

Wednesday, Aug. 17

Noon, History Is Lunch, at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). John Sumrall presents "Mississippi Rock 'n' Roll." Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.

State Institutions of Higher Learning Meetings Aug. 17-18, at University of Mississippi Medical Center (2500 N. State St.), in the Norman C. Nelson Student Union, second floor. Aug. 17 at 7 p.m., the board listens to a presentation on the University of Mississippi Medical Center in rooms C and D. Aug. 18, the board holds its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in rooms A and B, and the standing committees meet at 1 p.m. in room C. Open to the public. Call 601-432-6198.

Thursday, Aug. 18

11:30 a.m., NAMIWalks Team Captains Luncheon, location TBA. The luncheon is for individuals interested in forming teams to fundraise for and participate in NAMIWalks for the Mind of America in November. RSVP to receive the event location. Call 601-899-9058.

6 p.m., Latin American Business Association Mixer, at Lingofest Language Center (7048 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland). Networking and dinner is at 6 p.m., the meeting is at 7 p.m. and Isabel Escalante and Marcelo Veira perform at 8 p.m. Free; call 601-500-7700.

6:30 p.m., Cafe MIRA, at Parkway Place Theater (1075 Parkway Blvd., Flowood). The Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance is the host. The event includes a screening of "The Help" and a discussion after the film. $8, $7 college students with ID, $5.50 seniors; call 601-939-0201.

6 p.m., Precinct 3 COPS Meeting Aug 18, 6 p.m., at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 3 (3925 W. Northside Drive). These monthly forums are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0003.

Saturday, Aug. 19

Sway Dance and Fitness Anniversary Events Aug. 19-20, at Sway Dance and Fitness (801 S. Wheatley St., Suite A, Ridgeland). The ribbon cutting with the Madison County Chamber of Commerce is at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 19. The birthday and expansion celebration is from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Aug. 20 and includes fitness demonstrations and visitor bag giveaways. Refreshments served at both events. Free; call 601-946-7075.

3:30 p.m., Slam-dunk Diabetes, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The Mississippi Medicare Diabetes Screening Project is the host. NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins shares his story about living with Type 2 diabetes. Free; call 601-977-7797.

Anusara Yoga Workshop Aug. 19-21, at Butterfly Yoga (3025 N. State St.). Noah Maze teaches sequencing, forward bends and other poses. Classes are at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Aug. 20 and 10 a.m. Aug. 21. $55-$175; call 601-594-2313.

7:05 p.m. American Heart Association Night, at Trustmark Park (1 Braves Way, Pearl). Mention the American Heart Association when purchasing a ticket to the baseball game between the Mississippi Braves and the Huntsville Stars, and receive a $2 discount, a coupon for a hot dog and soda for $1 each, a coupon for a free Braves gift, and a free ticket to the Aug. 28 or Aug. 29 game. $2 from each ticket sale goes to the American Heart Association. Purchase tickets by 4 p.m. from the Trustmark Park Box Office or by phone; no online sales. Service charge waived for phone orders. $5 and up before discount; call 888-BRAVES-4 or 601-932-8788.

Ram City Reunion Aug 19, 10 p.m., at Roberts Walthall Hotel (225 E. Capitol St.). Provine High School alumni ages 21 and up are welcome to attend. The event is also open to the public. Table reservations available. $15 in advance; call 601-331-8260 or 769-257-2552.

Sunday, Aug 20

10 a.m., Step in to School Event, at Mississippi Children's Museum (2145 Highland Drive). Celebrate going back to school with immunization information, healthy lunch options, educational television programming and more. $8, children 12 months and under free; call 601-981-5469 or 877-793-5437.

1:30 p.m., Spiritual Healing Lecture, at Quisenberry Library (605 E. Northside Drive, Clinton). The introductory lecture is on spiritual help and healing through the teachings of Bruno Groening, a German healer. Community Hour follows the lecture from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Free, donations welcome; call 225-570-8170.

Through Aug. 24

Operation Sunscreen. Purchase sun-care protection package to send to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan through Aug. 24. Each package contains sunscreen, lip protector, a thank-you note and gum or candy. $25 donation; call 601-201-1979.

Through Aug. 30

Jackson Inner-city Gardeners Call for Volunteers. JIG needs volunteers to help maintain plots and harvest vegetables. The produce will be donated to help feed the homeless and elderly and will be sold to the community at affordable prices. The garden is at the corner of W. Northside Drive and Medgar Evers Blvd. beside the BP gas station. Volunteers can help Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 -11 a.m. JIG sells produce at the garden Saturdays from 8:30 a.m.-noon. Call 601-924-3539.

Through Aug. 31

Call for Grant Applications, at Women's Fund of Mississippi (Plaza Building, 120 N. Congress St., Suite 903). The Women's Fund will make grants to programs that aim to create economic security for women in Mississippi. Eligible applicants must be non-profits with 501(c)(3) status. Interested applicants should call the office to brainstorm the project concept before formally submitting a concept brief. August 3 is the deadline for concept brief submissions. Call 601-326-0701.

Project ReDirectory Recycling Program. Residents are encouraged to participate in the telephone book recycling project. Bins are located throughout the metro Jackson area, and you can schedule a pickup from your business if you have 50 books or more. Contact Keep Jackson Beautiful for a list of locations. Books may also be dropped off at Recycling Services (3010 N. Mill Street). Call 601-366-4842.

Through Sept. 2

Fall Registration, at Ekklesia School of Ministry and Theology (1770 Ellis Ave.). Certification programs include Christian studies, and ministry and theological studies. Register by Sept. 2. Classes begin Sept. 6. Call 601-346-7503 for details on registration and fees.

"Fill the Bus" School Supply Drive, at Fondren Corner (2906 N. State St.). Drop off school supplies for Boyd Elementary students at the designated location through Sept. 2. Donations welcome; call 601-981-1658, ext. 20.

Through Sept. 25

Jackson Square Farmers Market, at Jackson Square Promenade (2460 Terry Road). Vendors sell food, clothing, crafts and other items in the parking lot. Hours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free admission, $5-$10 vendor fee; call 601-372-7157.

Through Oct. 29

Byram Farmers Market (20 Willow Creek Lane, Byram). The market is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. until Oct. 29. Products include fresh produce, wildflower honey, roasted peanuts, jams, jellies, birdhouses, and baskets and gourds for crafting. Call 601-373-4545.

Through Nov. 5

NAMIWalks Registration, at NAMI Mississippi (411 Briarwood Drive, Suite 401). NAMIWalks is an annual walk to raise funds for NAMI Mississippi, a local branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots organization dedicated to providing support, education and advocacy for consumers of mental health services and their family members. Visit namims.org to join an existing team, form a new team, walk as an individual or become a sponsor. Each team member who raises at least $100 will receive a T-shirt. Donations welcome; call 601-899-9058.

Through Nov. 12

Old Farmers Market (352 E. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Hours are 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday. Call 601-354-0529 or 601-353-1633.

Through Nov. 16

Nature Nuts Preschool Program, at Clinton Community Nature Center (617 Dunton Road, Clinton). The nature discovery program is for children ages 2-5. Sessions are held on third Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. Registration required. Receive a $2 discount for each additional child. $8 per session, $5 members; call 601-926-1104.

Through Dec. 2

First Friday Free ADHD Screenings, at Office of Suzanne Russell, LPC (665 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland). Licensed professional counselor Suzanne Russell offers free 30-minute ADHD screenings for children on first Fridays through Dec. 2. Appointment required. Free; call 601-707-7355.

Through Dec. 17

Mississippi Farmers Market (929 High St.). Shop for fresh locally-grown fruits and vegetables from Mississippi farmers, specialty foods, and crafts from local artisans, including the Greater Belhaven Market. The market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. During the peak-growing season, hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Call
601-354-6573.

Through Dec. 24

Old Fannin Road Farmers Market (1307 Old Fannin Road, Brandon). Homegrown produce is for sale Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and noon-6 p.m. Sunday until Christmas Eve. Call 601-919-1690.

Ongoing
Zumba Fitness Classes. The Latin-inspired aerobics classes are held at two locations. $5; call 601-209-7566.
• Mondays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 9 a.m., at Dance Unlimited Studio, Byram (6787 S. Siwell Road, Suite A, Byram).
• Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m., at Dance Unlimited Studio, Florence (3091 Highway 49 South, Suite E, Florence).

Diabetes Support Group Meetings, at Baptist Health Systems, Madison Campus (401 Baptist Drive, Madison). Baptist Nutrition Center hosts the meetings on third Thursdays at 1 p.m. Free; call 601-973-1624.

Adopt-a-Park Program Registration, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), at the Department of Parks and Recreation. Organizations and businesses are encouraged to sign up to help maintain Jackson parks and trails by picking up litter, landscaping and painting. Call 601-960-0471.

Venture Incubator Talk and Tour Open House, at Venture Incubator (City Centre Building, 200 S. Lamar St., South Tower, 10th floor). Potential or current small business owners, and professionals interested in mentoring small business owners are welcome to meet with Wes Holsapple, president and CEO, and tour the facilities on Mondays from 5-6 p.m. and Wednesdays from noon-1 p.m. Refreshments served. Free; call 601-414-0140.

Jackson 2000 Study Circles Program. The program includes six two-hour sessions of dialogue and problem-solving to encourage racial harmony and community involvement. Jackson 2000 is looking for participants from all walks of life to sign up, and sessions will be scheduled soon. E-mail [e-mail missing].
Jackson Public Schools Call for Volunteers. Jackson Public Schools is seeking volunteers from the community to be mentors for seniors enrolled in the Advanced Seminar: Employability Skills course. Call 601-960-8310.

Medical Mall Moment Report at WOAD 1300 AM. Find out about the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation's current activities every second Friday of the month at 8:30 a.m. Call-ins to 601-995-1400 are welcome. Send your questions and comments in advance to [e-mail missing] or call the office for more information. The broadcast is also available on jacksonmedicalmall.org. Call 601-982-8467.

Cancer Rehab Classes at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), in the Activity Room of the Hederman Cancer Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. The class helps cancer patients enhance cardiovascular strength, endurance, their immune system and bone density. It helps to increase overall strength and stamina, decrease fatigue and weight loss, and improve digestion. Registration is required. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

Weekly Storytime at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Each Tuesday, Baby Bookworms Storytime for children ages birth-36 months is at 9:30 a.m., and Preschool Storytime for children ages 3-6 is at 10:30 a.m. The event includes stories, rhymes, music and a puppet show on the last Tuesday of the month. Free; call 601-932-2562.

Business Plan Workshops, at New Horizon Church International (Renaissance South, 1770 Ellis Ave.). Get hands-on, individualized or small-group assistance to develop your customized business plan. Sessions are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-noon or 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m., and first and third Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Appointment required. Call 601-371-1390, 601-371-1296 or 601-371-1427.

Tutoring Sessions and Peer-to-peer Study Groups, at Richard Wright Library (515 W. McDowell Road), in the Community Room. Sessions are every other Saturday from 9-11:30 a.m.; call to confirm dates. Students in grades 8-12 and GED students are welcome to get help with research projects, state subject areas tests, English, science, history and math. School supplies and snacks provided. Free; call 601-948-4725 or 601-372-1621.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Family Support Group, at St. Dominic Hospital (969 Lakeland Drive), in the St. Catherine Room. NAMI Mississippi offers a support group for family members who have an adult relative with a mental illness on second Thursdays at 7 p.m. Free; call 601-899-9058.

Programs on WMPR 90.1 FM and wmpr901.com.
• Women for Progress Radio Broadcast. Dorothy Stewart and Willie Jones host the program on Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. Topics include education, economics and politics. Call 601-918-5137.
• Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. Show. Every Friday from noon-12:30 p.m., Jackson mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. discusses activities, issues and other newsworthy items that are occurring in the city of Jackson. Call 601-960-1084.

CARA Recycling Program, at Community Animal Rescue and Adoption (CARA) (960 N. Flag Chapel Road). Mississippi's largest no-kill animal shelter is earning cash for operating expenses by participating in the FundingFactory Recycling Program. They are collecting empty laser or toner cartridges and used cellphones from the community and sending the waste products to FundingFactory in exchange for cash. Donations welcome; e-mail [e-mail missing].

Adopt-a-Park Program Registration, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), at the Department of Parks and Recreation. Organizations and businesses are encouraged to sign up to help maintain Jackson parks and trails by picking up litter, landscaping and painting. Call 601-960-0471.

Fitness Camp, at Lake Hico Park (4801 Watkins Drive). Do cardiovascular and strength training exercises, and learn about proper nutrition. Sessions are from 8-9 a.m. Saturdays. $20; call 601-331-8468.

Yu-Gi-Oh Tournaments, at Java Ink (420 Roberts St., Pearl). Compete and trade cards with other fans at 2 p.m. Sundays. Admission varies each week; call 601-397-6292.

Zumba Fitness Classes. The Latin-inspired aerobics classes are held at two locations. $5; call 601-209-7566.
• Mondays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 9 a.m. at Dance Unlimited Studio, Byram (6787 S. Siwell Road, Suite A, Byram).
• Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. at Dance Unlimited Studio, Florence (3091 Highway 49 South, Suite E, Florence).

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