Community Events and Public Meetings | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

Community Events and Public Meetings

Monday, Oct. 3

5 p.m., HeARTS Against AIDS RED Party, at BRAVO! Restaurant (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 244). The fundraiser includes a cocktail hour, music and a silent auction. Advance ticket purchase recommended. $40, $75 couple; call 601-259-6768.

6 p.m., Jackson Touchdown Club Meeting, at River Hills Country Club (3600 Ridgewood Road). Members of the athletic organization meet weekly at 6 p.m. during the football season. This week's speaker is Ole Miss athletic director Pete Boone. $280 individual membership, $1200 corporate membership; call 601-506-3186.

Tuesday, Oct. 4

Events at Jackson City Hall (200 S. President St.).
• 9:30 a.m., One on One with Mayor Johnson. Citizens who wish to speak to the mayor must sign up between 9-9:30 a.m., and time will be limited based on the number of people who sign up. Call 601-960-2378.
• 10:00 a.m., Jackson City Council Meeting. The Jackson City Council holds its regular meeting, open to the public. Call 601-960-1033.

Noon, First Tuesday Lecture, at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive). Marine scientist Dr. Ruth Carmichael talks about the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on horseshoe crabs. $4-$6, children under 3 and museum members free; call 601-354-7303.

6 p.m., National Night Out, at Jackson Roadmap to Health Equity Project's Farmers Market (2548 Livingston Road), in the parking lot. The block party is part of a national campaign to fight neighborhood crime. Free; call 601-982-8467.

6:30 p.m., Habitat for Humanity-Metro Jackson 25th Anniversary Gala, at Old Capitol Inn (226 N. State St.). The banquet is a celebration of 25 years of service and 500 houses built for needy families. The organization also honors board member and former Mississippi first lady Elise Winter for 25 years of service. Proceeds go toward the construction of the 501st Habitat home. $100; call 601-940-4950.

Wednesday, Oct. 5

Fannie Lou Hamer Memorial Symposium Oct. 5-6, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.), in the Dollye E. Robinson Liberal Arts Building. The theme is "We Are Not Afraid: Youth Activism and the Mississippi Freedom Struggle." Dr. Joyce Ladner is the keynote speaker. Free; call 601-979-1562.

SMHART Institute Mental Health Conference Oct. 5-7, at Golden Moon Hotel and Casino (Highway 16 W., Choctaw). The event includes presentations from social workers and mental health professions, a luncheon and a vendor fair. Judge Lynn Toler ("Divorce Court") is the keynote speaker. CEU credits available. $50, $75 with CEU credits, $25 students; call 601-979-1531.

Events at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.).
• 11:45 a.m., Parents for Public Schools Lunch Bunch, In the Community Meeting Room. The topic is "Great Expectations for Healthy Schools: The Facts on State-mandated Sex Education." Please RSVP. $5 lunch; call 601-969-6015, ext 320.
• 6 p.m., Personal Finance and Credit Workshop, in the Community Meeting Room. Learn how to improve your credit score and build wealth. The first 20 attendees get their credit score for free. Free; call 601-982-8467.

Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Historic preservation division staff members share their favorite archaeological artifacts in honor of Archaeology Month. Bring a lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.

6 p.m., Hispanic Presence Seminar, at Lingofest Language Center (7048 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland). Leticia Gassaway is the speaker. Businesses learn more about the diverse Hispanic Market. Refreshments included. Free; visit labalink.com.

Thursday, Oct. 6

6 p.m., Dropout Prevention Town Hall Meeting, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Community Room. Participants discuss strategies to keep children in school. Dinner included. Free; call 601-948-4725.

6 p.m., Precinct 1 COPS Meeting, at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 1 (810 Cooper Road). These monthly forums are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0001.

Religions of the World: A Survey of the Ways the World Thinks Oct. 6-27, at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.). James Bowley teaches about world religions from a non-sectarian view on Thursdays from 7-8 p.m. $100; call 601-974-1130.

Through Oct. 6

Medical Mall in Motion Call for Participants, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The Jackson Medical Mall Foundation seeks church teams to participate in the "Medical Mall in Motion" healthy weight loss competition. The winning team gets $5,000, which is given at the 2012 Community Reinvestment Awards program. RSVP by Oct. 6 for two church representatives to attend the informational meeting at 11 a.m. Oct. 13 in the Community Meeting Room. Call 601-982-8467.

Friday, Oct. 7

First Friday Free ADHD Screenings, October Session, by appointment, at the office of Suzanne Russell, LPC (665 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland). Licensed professional counselor Suzanne Russell offers free 30-minute ADHD screenings for children. Appointment required. Free; call 601-707-7355.

9 a.m., Health Disparities Conference, at Hilton Jackson (1001 E. County Line Road). The theme is "Winning the War Against Obesity." Limited seating; registration encouraged. Registration is required for the luncheon at 12:15 p.m. Free; call 601-979-1102.

Through Oct. 7

Adult Fall And Winter Basketball League Registration, 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. Men and women ages 35 or older may participate. Limit of 15 players per team. Games begin Oct. 17. $325 team; call 601-960-0471.

Saturday, Oct. 8

8 a.m., Jackson Audubon Society Birding Field Trip, at Sky Lake Boardwalk (Highway 7, Belzoni). Carpoolers depart from Renaissance Hotel () at 7 a.m. Sights include the world's largest cypress tree and the Yazoo Valley Wildlife Birding Area. WMA permit required ($15 at any sporting good store). Free; call 601-956-7444.

8 a.m.-3 p.m., Roll Off Dumpster Day. The City of Jackson's Solid Waste Division is encouraging citizens of Jackson to participate by taking tree limbs, other yard debris, and household items to one of their designated locations until 3 p.m. Residents may bring all household furniture and appliances for disposal. Tires, chemicals and gas tanks not accepted. Free; call 601-960-0000.

9 a.m., Teacher Training Workshop, at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). Kindergarten through second-grade teachers get lesson plans and activity ideas for students in the classroom and on a visit to the zoo. $15, $5 for 0.5 CEU credits optional; call 601-352-2580.

9 a.m., Homebuyers Workshop, at Medgar Evers Library (4215 Medgar Evers Blvd.). Mississippi Home of Your Own (HOYO) empowers people with disabilities to become homeowners through grants and support systems. Residents with and without disabilities in Hinds and surrounding counties are invited to attend. Free; call 601-432-6876 or 866-883-4474.

9 a.m., Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, at Mississippi State Capitol (400 High St.). Registration is at 7:30 a.m., and the opening ceremony is at 8 a.m. Proceeds from the 5K walk benefit the American Cancer Society. Donations welcome; call 601-321-5500.

9 a.m., Craft Fair and Bake Sale, at Nativity Lutheran Church (495 Crossgates Blvd., Brandon). Purchase crafts, baked goods, and grilled bratwurst and hot dogs. Proceeds benefit charities such as Harbor House, the Center for Violence Prevention and Stewpot Community Services. Free admission; call 601-825-5125.

10 a.m., Monarch Tagging Program, at Clinton Community Nature Center (617 Dunton Road, Clinton). Dr. Bill Stark discusses monarch butterfly migration and life stages. Monarchs rescued earlier as eggs are tagged and released. Some eggs or larva may be available for adoption. Free, donations welcome; call 601-926-1104.

Monday, Oct. 10

10 a.m., Levee Board Meeting, at Flowood City Hall (2101 Airport Road, Flowood). Members of the Rankin-Hinds Pearl Flood and Drainage Control District will have their monthly meeting. Call 601-939-4243.

11:45 a.m., Shoulder Replacement Surgery Seminar, at Baptist Healthplex, Clinton (102 Clinton Parkway, Clinton). Dr. Rhett Hobgood explains new surgery techniques. Registration required. Free, $5 optional lunch; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

Through Oct. 13

Livingston Farmers Market (129 Mannsdale Road, Madison). The market is open 4-8 p.m. Thursdays. Call 601-898-0212.

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. 11

Small Business Awards Call for Nominations. Submit nominees for the Small Business Administration's Small Business Person of the Year and Small Business Champion awards by Nov. 11. Nominees are honored during National Small Business Week May 20 - 26, 2012 in Washington, D.C. Visit sba.gov/ms.

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.

Versatility Exercise and Health Education Program, at Tougaloo College (500 W. County Line Road, Tougaloo). In the Owens Health and Wellness Center, room 223. Seora Casper leads the exercise class on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:45 p.m. through Nov. 16. Registration required; space limited. Free; call 601-977-7797.

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.

Through May 22

Leadership, Personal Development and Life Skills Seminar Series, at Operation Shoestring (1711 Bailey Ave.). Operation Shoestring and Kuumba Promos host the seminars on first and third Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. during the school year. The purpose is to introduce leadership skills, life management skills and cultural pride to local youth. Enrollment required. Free; call 601-353-3663 or 601-957-2969.

Ongoing
Toastmasters Club Meetings. Improve your communication skills, and become a better speaker and leader. Membership required.
Public Policy Club 8689 Meetings, at Universities Center (3825 Ridgewood Road). The group meets on first and third Tuesdays at 5:15 p.m. in the computer lab. Call 601-540-8472 or 601-432-6277; visit publicpolicy.freetoasthost.biz.
"Guess Who's Talking Now" Club 3284 Meetings, at Woolfolk Building (501 N. West St.). The group meets from noon-1 p.m. Tuesdays in the conference room on the first floor. Call 601-359-6653 or 601-359-2573; visit club3284.freetoasthost.net.

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

Fitness Center, at Jackson Roadmap to Health Equity Project's Farmers' Market (2548 Livingston Road). Options include aerobics and Zumba classes, equipment for resistance training and toning, and access to a personal trainer. No joining fee or long-term commitment is required. Hours are 8 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturdays. $20 per month; call 601-987-6783.

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 Wednesday from 1:30-2:30 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; email [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.

ENCOUNTER Teen Empowerment Corps, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). On first Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m., Youth Solutions hosts a rally for teens in the Community Room. Activities include spending time with mentors, motivational talks, IGNITE Vocal Talent rehearsal, teen dramas and character development. Free; call 601-829-0323.

Home Repair Grant Call for Applicants, at Hood Building (200 S. President St.), in suite 316. Seniors 62 and older or disabled citizens may apply between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Bring valid photo ID, a deed or warranty deed, proof of income, homeowner's insurance and a Social Security card. Call 601-960-1438 or 601-960-1491.

On Location TV, on Comcast channel 18. Host and producer Phyllis "Peaches" Robinson spotlights people, places and events in Jackson. The variety talk show airs at 8:30 p.m. Sundays and 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Send an email if you have a story idea for the show. E-mail [e-mail missing].

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