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, donate art, money and gifts at [e-mail missing]. $5; call 601-362-6121, ext. 16.
Monday, April 30
3 p.m., Mississippi Blood Services Blood Drive, at Bibleway Church (121 E. Ford St., Ridgeland). Picture ID required. Donors receive T-shirts. Call 601-790-9781.
Mississippi Main Street Association Planning Charrette April 30-May 3, at Canton Multipurpose Complex (501 Soldier Colony Road, Canton). The town hall meeting to get input on improvements for Canton is April 30 at 6 p.m., and MMSA reveals design plans May 3 at noon. Open to the public. Call 601-859-5816.
Tuesday, May 1
10 a.m., Story Time Tuesday, at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). 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.
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.
7 p.m., Millsaps Arts and Lecture Series, at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.), in the recital hall. Authors Alan Huffman and Reese Fuller discuss their most recent books. $10; call 601-974-1130.
Wednesday, May 2
Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). MDAH historic preservation director Ken P'Pool talks about restoration projects on the Gulf Coast. Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.
Thursday, May 3
Events at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Free; call 601-932-2562.
• 10 a.m., Computer Class for Adults. Learn the basics of computers.
• 6 p.m., Jackson Astronomical Society Meeting. Anyone interested in astronomy or space science is welcome to attend.
National Medical Association Annual Convention May 3-5, at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi). The theme is "Battling Disparities in the Gulf Coast: Learning from Legends, Closing the Gaps, Separated Yet Together." Topics include the effects of Hurricane Katrina and the Gulf Oil Spill, and the Affordable Health Care Act. Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson speaks May 5 at 7 p.m. $150, $50 Legends Banquet ($500 table of 10); call 919-696-0206.
9 a.m., Email for Beginners, at Flowood Library (103 Winners Circle, Flowood). Learn how to set up an email account, and send and receive messages. Free; call 601-919-1911.
5 p.m., Fondren After 5. This monthly event showcases the local shops, galleries and restaurants of the Fondren neighborhood. Free; call 601-981-9606.
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 and door prizes included. Free; call 601-948-4725.
6 p.m., Summer Enhancement Program Registration, at Metrocenter Mall (3645 Highway 80 W.). Youth ages 6-16 listen to guest speakers, make arts and crafts, watch movies and more during the summer. Shot record or birth certificate required. Lunch and snack included; transportation not included. $70; call 601-960-0471.
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.
7 p.m., "Fuel the New Year" Nutrition Workshop, at Fleet Feet Sports (Trace Station, 500 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland). The topic is decoding food labels. $10; call 601-899-9696.
Friday, May 4
10 a.m., Go Red for Women Luncheon, at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.). The American Heart Association's event includes a healthy lunch, screenings, a silent auction, exhibits, testimonials from women affected by heart disease, and a fashion show. $75 luncheon, free screenings and seminars; call 601-321-1209.
7 p.m., Wine Tasting and Silent Auction Fundraiser. Enjoy wine samples from sommelier Warren Gunn and gourmet food from local chefs. Proceeds benefit Mississippi Children's Home Services. $100 per person; call 601-352-7784 for venue information.
Saturday, May 5
8 a.m., Slammin' Jammin' Youth Basketball League Registration, at George Kurts Gymnasium (125 Gymnasium Drive). Youth ages 17 and under may participate. Birth certificate and recent photo required. Games begin June 1. $10 per player; call 601-960-0471.
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 a.m., Magnet Galaxy of Cars and Bikes Show, at Richland Community Center (410 E. Harper St., Richland). The University of Mississippi Medical Center's Magnet Champion Committee is the host. See cars, motorcycles and the UMMC Air Care helicopter, and participate in a health fair and a silent auction. Door prizes included. Free, vehicle registration: $20 in advance, $25 day of event; call 601-815-4878.
9 a.m., Freedom Camp for Biblical Truth in Racial Reconciliation, at Baptist Healthplex, Clinton (102 Clinton Parkway, Clinton). The seminar traces racism to the time of Noah and explores ways to reconcile in the church and beyond. Free; call 601-214-6140 or 601-262-7411.
9 a.m., Cedars Work Day, at The Cedars Historic Home (4145 Old Canton Road). Volunteers are welcome to assist in the yard maintenance project. Bring garden tools and work gloves; water provided. Call 601-981-9606.
10 a.m., Pickin' and Paddlin' Outdoor Festival, at Mayes Lake at LeFleur's Bluff (115 Lakeland Terrace). Enjoy canoe races, exhibits, children's activities and a barbecue lunch. Performers include storyteller Diane Williams, the Delta Mountain Boys, Backslash, the Irish Ramblers and the Neighborhood Christian Center Children's Choir. Proceeds benefit the Neighborhood Christian Center. $10, children 10 and under free; visit nccjackson.com.
10 a.m., MCM Cinco de Mayo Celebration, at Mississippi Children's Museum (2145 Highland Drive). Make papel picado flags with tissue paper in the Inspirations Studio, listen to Spanish music and participate in a Spanish scavenger hunt. $8, children under 12 months and members free; call 601-981-5469 or 877-793-5437.
10:30 a.m., Paw Pals, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Read stories to therapy dogs. Call 601-932-2562.
Noon, Babalooza: A Festival in Fondren, at Duling Green (Duling Ave. and Old Canton Road). The festival includes food, children's activities provided by the Jackson Zoo, the Mississippi Children's Museum and the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, and music from Asleep at the Wheel, Mingo Fishtrap, The Revelations featuring Tre Williams, Buddy and the Squids, the Patrick Harkins Band and Dave's Highway. Sponsorships available. $10, children 14 and under free; call 601-292-7121 or 601-832-3020.
Noon, Bathsheba Grand Chapter Golf Tournament, at Brookwood Byram Country Club (5001 Forest Hill Road, Byram). Registration and lunch is at noon, and the shotgun start is at 1 p.m. The game is a three-person scramble and includes a closest-to-the-pin contest. Prize given. Admission includes green fees, cart fees and lunch. $75 per golfer; call 601-953-8323 or 601-896-3947.
4 p.m., Day at the Derby, at Providence Hill Farm (2600 Carsley Road). Enjoy watching the Kentucky Derby on television, mint juleps, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and live and silent auctions. The Jackson All Star Band performs. Hats and colorful ties encouraged. Proceeds benefit the University Transplant Guild. For adults only. $50; call 601-978-0271.
4 p.m., Cinco de Mayo Zumba Fiesta, at Courthouse Racquet and Fitness Club, Brandon (255 Mar-Lyn Drive, Brandon). Paula Eure and guest instructor Vantashi Wilks lead the Zumba class. Enjoy Mexican-inspired refreshments and door prizes. Costumes welcome. $10 in advance, $15 at the door; call 601-209-7566.
7 p.m., Wishmaker's Bash, at Hilton Jackson (1001 E. County Line Road). The annual fundraiser includes live and silent auctions, and music from JamHaus. Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation of Mississippi. Sponsorships available. $100; call 601-366-9474, ext. 1+305.
7 p.m., Jammin' for Joints, at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). The Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center hosts the gala in the auditorium, and the theme is "Studio 54." Liquid Pleasure performs. Proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation. $65 in advance, $75 at the door, $120 couples; call 601-853-7556.
Sunday, May 6
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.
Monday, May 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.
2 p.m., Laptop Computer Class for Adults, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Learn the basics of operating a PC laptop. Pre-registration required; space limited. Free; call 601-932-2562.
Through May 11
Small Business Week Video Contest. Small business owners submit videos telling how the Small Business Administration has helped them. Submit by May 11 at 4 p.m. Chosen videos will be part of a screening at the SBA National Small Business Week event in Washington, D.C., in May. Visit smallbizvid.challenge.gov.
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 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 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.
Old 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.
"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.
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.
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].
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.
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.
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