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

Community Events and Public Meetings

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Eighth Annual JFP Chick Ball July 28, 6 p.m., at Hal & Mal's (200 S. Commerce St.). The fundraising event benefits the Center for Violence Prevention, and this year's goal is to start a rape crisis center. For ages 18 and up. Seeking sponsors, auction donations and volunteers now. More details: jfpchickball.com and follow on Twitter @jfpchickball. Get involved, volunteer, and donate art, money and gifts at [e-mail missing]. $5 cover; call 601-362-6121, ext. 16.

Monday, May 14
6 p.m., Pop Culture Club, at Flowood Library (103 Winners Circle, Flowood). Participants ages 17-25 discuss television shows, movies, books and more. Free; call 601-919-1911.
6:30 p.m., W.I.N.E. (Women Inquiring, Networking and Engaging) Meeting, at the home of deborah Rae Wright (135 Grand Ave.). Attendees meet to discuss a chosen topic. Bring wine or a snack. RSVP. Email [e-mail missing].
"Southern Remedy: Premature Parenthood" Television Series May 14-18, 7 p.m., on Mississippi Public Broadcasting, channel 29. The five-part series explores Mississippi's teen pregnancy epidemic. Call 601-326-3002.
Tuesday, May 15

8:30 a.m., Courage for Carter Rally, at Brandon High School (3090 Highway 18, Brandon), in the gymnasium. The fundraiser includes a pep rally, a basketball game between students and faculty, and performances from teachers. Proceeds go toward medical and travel expenses for Carter Kline. $3; email [e-mail missing].
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.
6:30 p.m., LABA-Link Planning Meeting, at Lingofest Language Center (7048 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland). The Latin American Business Association meet to discuss plans for upcoming events and further development of the organization. Refreshments served. Email [e-mail missing].
Through May 15
Alpha Kappa Alpha Spelling Bee Registration. Children in grades 3-5 compete in a spelling bee for cash prizes May 19 at 1 p.m. at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Register by May 15. Call 601-813-4154.
Wednesday, May 16

Bike Walk Mississippi's Wear Yellow Day. Wear yellow in support of watching out for pedestrians, runners and cyclists while driving, and avoiding distracted or drunk driving. Visit bikewalkmississippi.org.
7:30 a.m., Small Business Conference, at Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University (1230 Raymond Road). The Mississippi Gulf Coast/Delta Alliance for Economic Inclusion is the host, and the theme is "Moving from Obstacles to Opportunities." Registration required. $35; call 601-979-2029.
9 a.m., History Cafe, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Join the men's group for coffee and a discussion of the Civil War. Free; call 601-932-2562.
Noon, "History Is Lunch," at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Restoration architect Robert P. Adams, 40 & 8 Society representative Johnny Bracy, and museum staff discuss the Merci Train Car renovation. Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.
Thursday, May 17

9 a.m., Internet for Beginners, at Flowood Library (103 Winners Circle). Learn how to navigate the web, use search engines, print and store information. Free; call 601-919-1911.
10 a.m. Computer Class for Adults, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Learn to send and receive email. Free; call 601-932-2562.
5 p.m., Networking in the Neighborhood, at The Parker House (104 N.E. Madison Drive, Ridgeland). The event offers those who are new to the area an opportunity to meet local folks, try new foods and get involved with area charities. Enjoy menu samples, door prizes and music. The Madison County Habitat for Humanity is the featured charity. Free admission; call 601-624-7738.
6 p.m., Precinct 3 COPS Meeting, 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.
6:30 p.m., Mississippi Fallen Law Enforcement Officer's Candlelight Vigil, at the Statewide Fallen Officers Memorial between the Sillers and Gartin Justice buildings off High Street. The Mississippi Chiefs of Police Association hosts the program to honor local and state officers who were killed in the line of duty. Call 601-359-2002 or 601-291-6064.
Friday, May 18
9 a.m., Mississippi Bar Intellectual Property Section Seminar, at Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum (1152 Lakeland Drive). The topic is "From Music, Film and Television Arts to Sports: Hot Issues and Disputes in Entertainment." Registration and breakfast at 8:15 a.m. Fee for attorneys includes six CLE credits and one ethics hour for the "Ethics and Professional Responsibility" seminar. $125 attorneys, $75 general, free for full-time judges; call 601-355-9226.
9 a.m., Friday Forum, at Koinonia Coffee House (136 S. Adams St., Suite C). Chip Reno, founding partner of The Talon Group, gives updates on Mississippi's legislative session. Free; email [e-mail missing].
Armed Forces Day Celebration May 18-20, at Chateau Ridgeland (745 S. Pear Orchard Road, Ridgeland). Events include a barbecue May 18 at 5:30 p.m., a veterans' picnic May 19 at 2 p.m., and a Red, White and Blueberry Brunch May 20 at 11 a.m. Live music May 18-19. RSVP. Free; call 601-956-1331.
Saturday, May 19

10 a.m., Town Hall Meeting - POSTPONED at Cathedral AME Zion Church (428 West Northside Drive). The Mississippi State Conference NAACP is a sponsor. The topic is "Why Vote? What Are the Issues?" Representatives from the United Auto Workers also give a presentation on their efforts to unionize the Toyota plant. Refreshments served. Free; call 601-353-8452.
10 a.m., Aldersgate Health Fair, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church (655 Beasley Road). The fair includes health screenings, seminars and aerobics. The program is part of the church's 47th anniversary weekend celebration; call for details, Free; call 601-366-8071.
10 a.m., Pages of Promise Summer Reading Kick-off, at Jaycee Park (263 Hite St.). United Way hosts the celebration to launch their annual summer reading program June 4-Aug. 7. Free; call 601-948-4725.
Noon, Summer Reading Kick-off, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Cancer Center Corridor. Operation Shoestring and United Way host the event to advise parents on promoting summer reading for their children and discuss the Jackson Public Schools' summer reading program. Free; call 601-353-6336.
1 p.m., Happy Couponers Club, at Flowood Library (103 Winners Circle). Get tips on using coupons and organizing grocery stockpiles. Bring coupons the share include expired coupons to donate to military families. Free; call 601-919-1911.
3 p.m., Community Foundation of Greater Jackson Fundraiser, at Hal & Mal's (200 S. Commerce St.), in the Red Room. Enjoy food, a silent auction, a raffle and music. Proceeds benefit the Ace McNeely Music Fund to provide music lessons and instruments to disadvantaged children. $15; call 601-497-1754.
Sunday, May 20
Noon, Dog Day Afternoons, at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). Bring your dog to the Art Garden for an afternoon of play. Shelter dogs available for adoption. Free; call 601-960-1515.
2 p.m., Museum to Market Trail Clean-up Day, in Belhaven. Jackson Bike Advocates, Bike Walk Mississippi and other organizations clean up the proposed Museum to Market Multi-use Trail. Bring work gloves and meet at the corner of Whitworth and Moody streets (Belhaven Heights) behind Cozuelas. Email [e-mail missing].
Monday, May 21
9 a.m., Hinds County Board of Supervisors, at Chancery Court (316 S. President St.). The board holds its regular meeting, open to the public. Call 601-968-6501.
2 p.m., Look Good...Feel Better, at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), at Hederman Cancer Center in the Activity Room. The program helps women undergoing cancer treatments to address appearance-related side effects. Registration required. Free; call 800-227-2345.
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.

Through May 23
Summer Enhancement Program Registration, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Youth ages 6-16 listen to guest speakers, make arts and crafts, watch movies and more during the summer. Register at the Department of Parks and Recreation from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays through May 23. Shot record or birth certificate required. Lunch and snack included; transportation not included. $70; call 601-960-0471.
Through June 15

We the People 9*17 Contest. Constituting America seeks music, film, video and oratory entries related to the U.S. Constitution from college and law school students for a $2,000 cash prize. The submission deadline is June 15. Visit constitutingamerica.org.

Through July 7
Stop the Violence Essay Contest. Students in the Jackson Public Schools system are welcome to write on the topic "How is the violence in the city of Jackson affecting your future?" Submit essays by July 7. Three winners receive $100 and a trophy, and will read their essays at the annual Stop the Violence Rally. Email [e-mail missing].
Through Oct. 10
Poker Run, at Fleet Feet Sports (Trace Station, 500 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland), on second Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Participants receive five playing cards during the three-mile run/walk, and the people with the best hand and worst hand win prizes. After-party at Cazadores (500 Highway 51, Suite R, Ridgeland). Free; call 601-899-9696.
Through Oct. 31
Byram Farmers Market (20 Willow Creek Lane, Byram). Open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 601-373-4545.
Doris Berry's Farmers Market (352 E. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Open Monday-Saturday from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Call 601-354-0529 or 601-353-1633.
Through Nov. 30
Jackson Roadmap to Health Equity Project's Farmers Market (2548 Livingston Road). Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. WIC vouchers accepted. Call 601-987-6783.
Through Dec. 15

Run 4 Rehab. The fundraising project benefits rehabilitation services at Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital. Registered runners raise money for each kilometer run through Dec. 15. Donors determine pledge amount per kilometer; visit run4rehab.com.

Mississippi Farmers Market, at Mississippi Farmers Market (929 High St.). Hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Call 601-354-6573. 

Through Dec. 24
Old Fannin Road Farmers Market (1307 Old Fannin Road, Brandon). Open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Call 601-919-1690.
Through Dec. 31

Your Vote Counts, at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Students get to use a real voting machine to vote on a variety of issues. The Secretary of State's office is the sponsor. Free; call 601-576-6920.

Ongoing

Events at Fleet Feet Sports (Trace Station, 500 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland), at the multi-use trail. Open to the public. Free; call 601-899-9696.
• Weekly Group Walk. Walks are Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Walk two or four miles. 
• Weekly Group Run. Run 5.4 miles Thursdays at 6 p.m.
• Super Star Senior Adult Walking Club. The group walks Thursdays at 10 a.m.

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, at Dance Unlimited Studio (6787 S. Siwell Road, Suite A, Byram). The Latin-inspired aerobics classes are held weekly. Visit peurefun.com for a class schedule. $5; call 601-209-7566.

First Friday Free ADHD Screenings, 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 every first Friday of the month. Appointment required. Free; call 601-707-7355.
"Real Divas Read" Book Program. Divas 4 Charity seeks low-income women in college who are need assistance with purchasing textbooks. To qualify, students must have a grade point average of 3.0-4.0 and submit a one-page essay of why they should receive benefits to [e-mail missing]. Benefits include an Amazon Kindle and e-books. The charity also sells $5 raffle tickets to fund the program, and a $100 gas card is given away each month. Call 508-443-4827.

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.

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 Dialogue Circles Program. The program includes sessions of dialogue and problem-solving to encourage racial harmony and community involvement. The next session is May 5-June 9. Email [email protected].

Events at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.)• Adopt-a-Park Program Registration, 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.
• ENCOUNTER Teen Empowerment Corps. 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.

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. The broadcast is also available on jacksonmedicalmall.org. Call 601-982-8467.

Events at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), at Hederman Cancer Center. Registration required. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.
• Cancer Rehab Classes, in the Activity Room 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.
• Positive Ones Breast Cancer Support Group. Baptist Cancer Services hosts the meetings on third Mondays at 5:30 p.m. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Email [e-mail missing].

Zumba Classes, at Covenant Presbyterian Church (4000 Ridgewood Road). The 45-minute classes are at 8:30 a.m. Fridays. Baby care provided. $5 per class; call 850-572-0055; email [e-mail missing].

NAMI Connection Support Group Meetings. The alliance of individuals with mental illnesses meets Tuesdays at 2 p.m. to share experiences and learn new ways to cope. Trained facilitators lead the meetings. Free; call 601-899-9058 for location information.

NAMI In Our Own Voice Presenter Training, at NAMI Mississippi (411 Briarwood Drive, Suite 401). In Our Own Voice is a public education program that allows trained speakers to share their personal stories of mental illness and recovery. Presenters commit to making at least one presentation per month for one year after the two-day training. Free; call 601-899-9058.

Gentle Joints Aquatic Program, at The Club at St. Dominic's (970 Lakeland Drive). The Arthritis Foundation sponsors the low-intensity water class. Sessions are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 2 p.m. Registration required; club membership optional. $35 for 12 classes, $60 for 24 classes; call 601-200-4925.

Events at St. Dominic Hospital (969 Lakeland Drive). Free.
• Cancer Support Group Meetings. Cancer patients and survivors meet on second Tuesdays at 9 a.m. at the Canter Center. Additional meetings for women are on second Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Call 601-200-3070.
• Caregivers Support Group Meetings. The group meets on second Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in the conference rooms. Call 601-200-6768.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness Family Support Group, 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.

Game Night, at Heroes and Dreams (5352 Highway 25, Suite 1650, Flowood). Play video, board and card games Fridays from 7:30-11:30 p.m. Free; call 601-992-3100.

Girl Talk Monthly Live Chat. Chat with an OB/GYN on second Tuesdays at 8 p.m. to ask health questions. Questions can also be emailed ahead of time. Visit mbhs.org/girltalk.

PRIYDE Recycling Drive, at PERICO Institute for Youth Development and Entrepreneurship (PRIYDE) (Jackson Medical Mall, 350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave, Suite 300). The youth advocacy group is collecting electronic equipment to send to FundingFactory for cash. Donate ink and toner cartridges, call phones, MP3 players, GPS devices, digital cameras and laptops. Call 769-251-1408.

After-school Tutoring Program, at Word of Faith Christian Center Church (4890 Clinton Blvd.). At the Teaching Center Building. Math and English tutoring are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. Students much be enrolled at a participating JPS middle school and receive free or reduced-price lunches. Snacks and transportation to the school provided. Registration required. Free; call 601-922-9323.

Remembrance Support Group Meetings, at University of Mississippi Medical Center (2500 N. State St.), in the University Physicians Pavilion, room MO-16. The support group is for those who have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant death. Meetings are on first Tuesdays from 6:30-7-30 p.m. Call 601-984-1921. 

American Rosie the Riveter Association Membership Drive. ARRA seeks to honor women who were involved in World War II efforts such as factory work, collecting scrap metal or volunteering with the Red Cross. Call 888-557-6743.
Events at Mississippi Children's Museum (2145 Highland Drive). $8, children 12 months and under and members free; call 877-793-5437.
• Tinker with Tuesdays. Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m., children ages 4-11 learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
• ABC Come Play with Me. Wednesdays at 10 a.m., children ages 3 and under enjoy songs, games and learning activities to prepare them for preschool.
• Farm Bureau Spotlight. Fridays at 3:30 p.m., children ages 4-11 learn about agriculture and visit one of the galleries for a featured topic.

Ultimate Frisbee Pickup Game, at 800 Garvin St. Sundays at 3 p.m. The sport is played with teams of seven who score by catching and throwing a disc toward an end zone. Visit mississippiultimate.com.
4 Suits Bridge Club, at Flowood Library (103 Winners Circle, Flowood). Players compete Mondays from 1-4:30 p.m. Free; call 601-919-1911.
Vicksburg Farmers Market May 5-July 28, in downtown Vicksburg, on the east side of Washington Street between Jackson and Grove streets. Open Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8-11 a.m. through July 28. Call 601-634-4527.
Livingston Farmers Market (129 Mannsdale Road, Madison). Open from 4-8 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 11. Call 601-898-0212.

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