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

Community Events and Public Meetings

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Oct 31, 2011

Monday, Oct. 31

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 former JSU coach Joe Gilliam Sr. $280 individual membership, $1200 corporate membership; call 601-506-3186.

Tuesday, Nov. 1

Events at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). Call 601-352-2580.
Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive Nov. 1-23. Bring a canned good or non-perishable food item and receive $1 off general admission. Donations welcome.
Story Time Tuesday, 10 a.m.. A zookeeper reads an animal story, and the kids get to do a related craft project or have an animal encounter. Free with paid admission; call 601-352-2580.

Fall Costume Drive Nov. 1-6, at Mississippi Children's Museum (2145 Highland Drive). Donate new or used costumes so that children can play dress-up at the museum. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-6 p.m. Sunday. Donations welcome; call 601-981-5469 or 877-793-5437.

Women of Color Entrepreneurs Conference Nov. 1-2, at Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University (1230 Raymond Road). The Jackson State University College of Business is the host. The conference is a certification and contracting training opportunity for women who own small businesses. Environmental Protection Agency regional administrator Gwendolyn Keyes-Fleming is the speaker. Conference open to men and women. $200, $50 students; call 601-979-2541.

10 a.m., Jackson City Council Meeting, at Jackson City Hall (200 S. President St.). The Jackson City Council holds its regular meeting, open to the public. Free; call 601-960-1033.

10 a.m., Helping Hands Blood Drive, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Mississippi Blood services takes donations until 4 p.m. at Center Stage. Donors receive a free T-shirt. Donations welcome; call 888-90-BLOOD.

Noon, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran Forum on American Enterprise, at Jackson Marriott (200 E. Amite St.). The Mississippi Council on Economic Education is the host. Editorial cartoonist Marshall Ramsey is the moderator, and Senator Thad Cochran is the keynote speaker. Registration required. $100 and up; call 601-974-1325.

Noon, First Tuesday Lecture, at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive). University of Louisiana doctoral candidate Tyler Olivier talks about river shrimp migration. $4-$6, children under 3 and museum members free; call 601-354-7303.

6 p.m., Voter Education Forum, at Mount Helm Baptist Church (300 E. Church St.). Learn more about the three ballot initiatives citizens will vote on in the Nov. 8 election. Call 601-353-3981.

Wednesday, Nov. 2

8:30 a.m., Hobnob Mississippi, at Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum (1150 Lakeland Drive). The Mississippi Economic Council is the host. The event is for political, business and community leaders who are interested in Mississippi's progress. Listen to political speeches for state-level candidates. James Barksdale also speaks on improving public education. The Capitol Steps, a political parody group, performs. Sponsorships available. $75, $65 MEC and Co-Conveners members; call 601-969-0022 or 800-748-7626.

11:45 a.m., Parents for Public Schools Lunch Bunch, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Community Meeting Room. PPS advocates for quality education in public schools. Please RSVP. $5 lunch; call 601-969-6015, ext 320.

Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Retired FBI agent Avery Rollins presents "The FBI Oral History Program in Mississippi." Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.

Thursday, Nov. 3

11 a.m., Childhood Obesity Prevention Luncheon, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Patrick House, the 2010 winner of NBC's "Biggest Loser," is the speaker. RSVP. Free; email [e-mail missing].

5:30 p.m., Holidays Without the D.A.S.H., at Hinds Behavioral Health Services (3450 Highway 80 W.). Glenda Crump gives tips on avoiding depression, anxiety, stress and headaches during the holiday season. Refreshments and door prizes included. Free; call 601-321-2400.

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.

6:30 p.m., Healing on the Spiritual Path - The Key to Tomorrow's Health, at Eudora Welty Library (300 N. State St.). Dr. M. Machacek of Austria is the speaker. Free, donations welcome; call 225-335-3016.

Friday, Nov. 4

8 a.m., Social Studies Teachers Workshop, at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). "The Civil War in Mississippi: Frontlines" is the theme. 0.5 CEU credits available through Mississippi College. $40, $5 CEU credit; call 601-576-6800.

9 a.m., Friday Forum, at Koinonia Coffee House (136 S. Adams St., Suite C). Mayo Flynt, president of AT&T, is the speaker. Free; email [e-mail missing].

11 a.m., Chemistry Lecture, at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.), in Olin Hall, room 120. Anthony Bell, a Millsaps alumnus and assistant professor of biomedical chemistry at the University of Southern Mississippi, is the speaker. Free; email [e-mail missing].

Jackson State University Centennial Football Reception and Gala. The football reception and autograph session is at 4 p.m. at the Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). The gala is at 6 p.m. at JSU's Walter Payton Center (32 Walter Payton Drive). $100, $50 children under 12, $1,000 table of 10; call 601-983-9490.

6 p.m., Rock the Runway: Divas Against Domestic Violence, at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.). The cocktail mixer is at 6 p.m., the fashion show is at 7 p.m. and the trunk show is at 9 p.m. Purchase tickets at WRBJ (745 N. State St.) or Sterling Photography (731 S. Pear Orchard Road, Suite 36, Ridgeland). A portion of the proceeds benefits Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Center. $20; call 508-443-4827.

7 p.m., Mental Health Candlelight Vigil, at Mississippi State Capitol (400 High St.). NAMI Mississippi is the host. Speakers include individuals living with mental illness, and family members of those with mental illness. Candles provided. Call 601-899-9058.

7 p.m., Community Reinvestment Awards Gala, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in Thad Cochran Center. The Jackson Medical Mall Foundation pays homage to individuals and agencies that are giving back to the community. Special guests include Sheryl Lee Ralph, "Biggest Loser" winner Patrick House, Jonathan Slocumb, and David and Tamela Mann. $50; call 601-982-8467.

Saturday, Nov. 5

6-10 a.m., Belk Fall Charity Sale, at Belk, Northpark Mall (1200 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland). Shop, save and support your favorite Jackson school or nonprofit. The first 100 adults to enter receive a Belk gift card. Receive a $5 discount on your first purchase. Ticket required to enter. $5 admission; call 601-919-5000.

7:30 a.m., Breakfast with Ballerinas, at Applebee's (900 E. County Line Road, Suite 101, Ridgeland). The pancake breakfast is a fundraiser for Power APAC's dance department. $5; call 601-960-5387.

8 a.m., Jackson Audubon Society First Saturday Bird Walk, at Mayes Lake at LeFleur's Bluff (115 Lakeland Terrace). An experienced Audubon Society member leads the walk. Bring binoculars, water, insect repellent and a snack. Call ahead if you would like to borrow a pair of binoculars. Adults must accompany children under 15. Free, $3 car entrance fee; call 601-956-7444.

9:30 a.m., Financial Seminar, at Ridgeland Public Library (397 Highway 51, Ridgeland). Learn about credit scores and reports, foreclosure avoidance, and tips on holiday spending. Free; call 601-856-7413.

10 a.m., NAMIWalks for the Mind of America, at Winners Circle Park (100 Winners Circle, Flowood). Check-in is at 9 a.m. The 4K walk is a fundraiser 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.

10 a.m., Hot Diggity Dog Walkathon and Fair, at Canton Multipurpose Complex (501 Soldier Colony Road, Canton). The fundraiser includes pet adoptions, food, children's activities, prizes and craft vendors. Dogs must be on a non-retractable leash that is six feet or shorter. Proceeds benefit the Gallant Hearts Guide Dog Center. $20 individual, $15 each for team of three or more; call 601-853-6996 or 601-826-1843.

12:30 p.m., Operation Bloom Free Breast Cancer Screenings, at Taylorsville High School (324 Hester St., Taylorsville). Participants receive a free clinical breast exam, recommendations for follow-up care, self-exam training and information on how to receive a free and/or discounted mammogram. Insurance not required. Call for an appointment; walk-ins welcome. Hours are 12:30-4:30 p.m. Free; call 601-939-9778.

6:30 p.m., Squat and Gobble, at Reservoir Pointe (140 Madison Landing Circle, Ridgeland). Enjoy food, door prizes, a silent auction, a dance contest and a turkey-calling contest. Greenfish performs. Proceeds benefit local domestic violence shelters. $35; raffle tickets: $10, $50 for six; call 601-932-4198.

Monday, Nov. 7

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.

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. 15

Library Support Staff Certification Registration Assistance Awards, at Mississippi Library Commission (3881 Eastwood Drive). The Mississippi Library Commission will offers awards to library support staff applying for the American Library Association's Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) Program. Applications available at mlc.lib.ms.us. Apply by Nov. 15. Recipients are selected by random drawing Nov. 21. Call 601-432-4498.

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 Nov. 28

Cartoon Basketball League Registration, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Parents may register youth ages 8-14 from 8 a.m.-5 pm. weekdays. Birth certificate and photograph required. The deadline is Nov. 28, and games begin Jan. 7. $10 registration fee; call 601-960-0471.

Through Dec. 2

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 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. Hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 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 March 23

Health-related Professions Program Enrollment Oct 24-Mar 23, at Bailey Magnet High School (1900 N. State St.). The school is accepting applications for students entering grades 9-12. Call 601-960-5343.

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 weekly at two Dance Unlimited Studio locations. Visit duzumba.com for class schedule information. $5; call 601-209-7566.
• 6787 S. Siwell Road, Suite A, Byram.
• 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. Email [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. Email [e-mail missing].

Kids' Fiesta Fun Event, at Lingofest Language Center (7048 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland). On first Fridays from 6-8 p.m., children ages 5-11 learn basic Spanish in a party atmosphere that includes games, songs and refreshments. Limited space; pre-registration required. $15 per child; call 601-500-7700.

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.

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.

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