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 21
2 p.m., Look Good ... Feel Better May 21, 2 p.m., 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.
Tuesday, May 22

10 a.m., AARP Community Conversation, at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). The topic is the future of Medicare and Social Security. RSVP. Free; call 877-926-8300.
2 p.m., Harvey Milk Day Rally, at Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum (1150 Lakeland Drive). The demonstration and petition signing is in support of allowing LGBT weddings on state-funded properties. Find "Peaceful Rally and Delivery of Petition (Harvey Milk Day)" on Facebook.
4 p.m., Know Your Rights: "Expungements 101," at Hinds Community College, Jackson Campus (3925 Sunset Drive). Attorneys discuss and answer questions concerning Mississippi expungement laws. Light refreshments provided. Free; call 601-960-9577.
6:30 p.m., Jackson Audubon Society Annual Meeting and Potluck Supper, at Eudora Welty Library (300 N. State St.). The meeting includes officer elections and presentations. Bring a dish to share. Visitors welcome. Free; call 601-956-7444.
Wednesday, May 23

Statewide Nonprofit Management Conference May 23-24, at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.). The Mississippi Center for Nonprofits is the host, and the theme is "Positioned for Progress." $199, $149 members; call 601-968-0061.
10 a.m., Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation Meeting, at Universities Center (3825 Ridgewood Road), in room 507. MCCA meets to discuss various accreditation issues. Call 601-432-6333.
Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Architectural historian Todd Sanders talks about project successes under the Tax Credit program. Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.
4 p.m., Jackson/Hinds Library System Board of Trustees, at Margaret Walker Alexander Library (2525 Robinson Road). The board discusses matters concerning the local library system. Call 601-968-5825.
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.
Thursday, May 24

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.
10 a.m., Computer Class for Adults, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Learn to use Microsoft Word. Free; call 601-932-2562.
5:30 p.m., Precinct 4 COPS Meeting, at Redeemer Church (640 E. Northside Drive). These monthly forums are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0004.
Jackson Bike Advocates' Epic Bike Weekend May 24-27. May 24, join the bike ride from Rainbow Grocery to the Mississippi Museum of Art's Art Garden to attend Screen on the Green at 7 p.m. May 25 is the annual Alleycat Bike Race and Scavenger Hunt; the after-party at Sneaky Beans features music from Overnight Lows and Bloodbird. May 26, participate in the bike polo match with bike polo enthusiasts from Mobile, Memphis, Little Rock and New Orleans. May 27, take a bike ride to Julep for brunch. Helmets encouraged. Free; find Jackson Bike Advocates on Facebook.
7:30 p.m., Holocaust Remembrance Program, at Beth Israel Congregation (5315 Old Canton Road). The program includes a screening of the documentary "Amnon's Journey" and music from Ensemble Polonaise. Free; call 601-956-6215.
Friday, May 25
10 a.m., Misssissippi Black Leadership Summit Regional Conference, at University of Southern Mississippi (118 College St., Hattiesburg), at the Trent Lott Center. The theme is "Moving Mississippi in the Right Direction." The goal is to ensure fair representation in the area of leadership throughout the state. Lunch served. RSVP; limited seating. Free; call 601-353-8452.
10 a.m., Don't Fry Day, at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). Learn sun safety tips and how animals protect themselves in the sun. $9, $8.20 seniors, $6 children ages 2-12, members/babies free; call 601-352-2580.
Noon, Brown Bag Luncheon, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Forrest L. Cooper discusses his book "Looking Back Mississippi: Towns and Places." Bring lunch; drinks and dessert provided. Free; call 601-932-3535.
Saturday, May 26

7 a.m., Magnolia Meltdown on the Parkway, at The Township at Colony Park (1111A Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland). The race includes a 5K and 10K run/walk, and a one-mile fun run. Proceeds benefit St. Dominic Community Clinic, a free clinic for the homeless and the working poor. $25 through May 24, $35 after, $15 fun run; call 601-605-9886.
8 a.m., T.B. Ellis and "Wavee" Dave Chambers Golf Klassic, at Eagle Ridge Golf Course (1500 Raymond Lake Road, Raymond). Registration is at 7 a.m., and lunch is at 12:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity's community service programs. $100 individual, $100 tee box sign, $800 and up for teams; call 601-953-2399 or 601-927-3508.
9 a.m., Back to the Races: Horses v. Cancer, at Grand Village of the Natchez Indians (400 Jefferson Davis Blvd.). At Grant Downs (2900 Forest Ave. Ext.). Share a Life Foundation hosts the fundraiser to benefit The Cancer Center, a nonprofit that offers hair replacement serves to women and children. Enjoy horse races, live entertainment and western dancing. The trail ride is at 2 p.m., and the races are at 7 p.m. $5, $3 ages 6-12, ages 5 and under free, $25 race entry fee; call 769-798-9412, 601-918-2333 or 601-896-8533.
9 a.m., C Spire Summer Soaker, at Mississippi Children's Museum (2145 Highland Drive). Participate in a one-mile fun run, cool off at the museum's fountain, eat popsicles and learn about sun protection. Pre-registration required. $10; call 601-981-5469 or 877-793-5437.
9 a.m., Homebuyer Education Class, at Jackson Housing Authority (2747 Livingston Road). Topics include personal finances, home inspections and the role of lenders and real estate agents. The class is required to qualify for a Jackson Housing Authority loan. Registration required. Free; call 601-362-0885, ext. 115.
Sunday, May 27
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.
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.
Art in Mind Art Program, at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). The Alzheimer's Association of Mississippi offers the program on fourth Wednesdays at 10 a.m. for people with early-stage dementia and their caregivers. Participants tour the galleries and make art in the studio classroom. Registration required; space limited. Registration forms available at alz.org/ms. Free; call 601-987-0020.
Senior Aides Program. The city of Jackson offers the part-time job program to low-income seniors ages 55 and up. Participants receive assistance in finding a job during the training process. Applicants must have state ID, a Social Security card, proof of income and a utility bill to sign up. Call 601-960-0335.

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