Ellington

Monday, Oct. 17

• L.E.A.D. Conference Oct 17-20. Four one-day conferences teach youth the importance of preventing tobacco use in their communities. Shaun Derik is the keynote speaker. Sessions are from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Venues include Lake Terrace Convention Center (1 Convention Center Plaza, Hattiesburg) Oct. 17, Washington County Convention Center (1040 S. Raceway Road, Greenville) Oct. 18, Oxford Conference Center (102 Ed Perry Blvd., Oxford) Oct. 19 and the Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.) Oct. 20. Free; call 601-420-2414.

6 p.m., Precinct 3 Community Meeting, at Operation Shoestring (1711 Bailey Ave.). The mayor, police chief and other community leaders of Jackson along with representatives of Milton S. Eisenhower Foundation addresses concerns and issues about the community. The main topic is establishing a youth safe haven and a police mini-station. Call 601-353-6336, ext. 23.

• 6 p.m., Jackson Touchdown Club Meeting, at River Hills Country Club (3600 Ridgewood Road). This week's speaker is Mississippi State head football coach Dan Mullen. $280 individual membership, $1200 corporate membership; call 601-506-3186.

• Tuesday, Oct. 18

• 6 p.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.

• 6:30 p.m., Urinary Incontinence Seminar, at Baptist Health Systems, Madison Campus (401 Baptist Drive, Madison), in the Community Room. Dr. Charles Secrest discusses minimally-invasive outpatient treatments. Registration required. Free, $5 optional lunch; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

• Wednesday, Oct. 19

• Noon, "History Is Lunch," at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Living history actors present "Present Meets Past: Voices from Mississippi History." Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.

• 3 p.m., Family Law Clinic, at Hinds Community College, Jackson Campus (3925 Sunset Drive). For National Pro Bono Month, the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project and the Jackson Young Lawyers Association offer free legal assistance for low-income individuals. Registration required. Free; call 601-960-9577.

• Thursday, Oct. 20

• 8 a.m., State Institutions of Higher Learning Meetings, at University of Mississippi Medical Center (2500 N. State St.). The Board Search Committee meets in the Norman C. Nelson Student Union, rooms C and D, to discuss the search for the next president of Mississippi University for Women. Open to the public. Call 601-432-6333.

• 8:30 a.m., Else School of Management Fall Forum, at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.). Jim Barksdale of Barksdale Management Corporation speaks on the topic "Public Education...The Big Idea." The breakfast buffet is at 8 a.m. RSVP recommended. $15; call 601-974-1250.

• 11 a.m., Free Medication Reviews, at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), in the main lobby. For National Hospital and Health System Pharmacy Week, bring medications for pharmacists to review for potential interactions and side effects. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

• 5 p.m., Traffick Jam Fundraiser, at Swell-O-Phonic (Fondren Corner, 2761 Old Canton Road, Suite 103). A portion of proceeds from sales goes toward the upcoming Traffick Jam Walk-a-thon, which benefits Hard Places Community to fight against child sex trafficking in Cambodia and other places in Southeast Asia. Donations welcome; e-mail [e-mail missing].

• 5 p.m., Networking in the Neighborhood, at Two Rivers Restaurant (1537 W. Peace St., Canton). The event offers those who are new to the area an opportunity to meet local folks, try new foods and get involved with local charities. Free admission; call 601-624-7738 or 601-718-4056.

• 6 p.m., A La Carte Skin Care with Dr. Adair Blackledge, at Viking Cooking School (Township at Colony Park, 1107 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland). Enjoy wine and cheese pairings, and a superfoods-based menu. Dr. Blackledge gives anti-aging tips. Limited seating; RSVP. $125; call 601-898-8345.

• 6 p.m., Latin American Business Association Meeting, at Mediterranean Fish and Grill (6550 Old Canton Road). The event includes committee meetings, dinner, networking and officer elections. Call 601-447-5915 or 601-608-8999.

• 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., "Child Poverty in Mississippi and Its Implications," at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.), in the Dollye M.E. Robinson Liberal Arts Building. The Hamer Institute hosts the lecture. Panelists include Oleta Fitzgerald, Mary Ann HIl, Jed Oppenheim, Sarah Welker and Rhea Williams-Bishop. Free; call 601-979-1562 or 601-979-1563.

• 6:30 p.m., Cafe MIRA, at Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance (612 N. State St.). See the film "Salt of the Earth." A discussion and Q&A follows. Free; call 601-354-9355.

• 7 p.m., Third Thursday Nature Lecture, at Clinton Community Nature Center (617 Dunton Road, Clinton). In Price Hall. Dr. Frank Hensley. report on two long-term studies of turtle and snake movements. Free, donations welcome; call 601-926-1104.

• 7 p.m., Fashion For A Cause, at Tougaloo College (500 W. County Line Road, Tougaloo), in Holmes Hall. A portion of the fashion show's proceeds benefit Cancer for College, a foundation that gives scholarships to young girls who survived breast cancer. $3 in advance, $6 at the door; call 601-594-8781.

• 7 p.m., Blues by Starlight, at Highland Village (4500 I-55 North). The fundraiser featuring music, food and a silent auction benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi. Performers include Jesse Robinson and the 500 Pound Blues Band, Hunter Gibson and the Gators, and Bubba Wingfield. $100; call 601-969-7088, ext. 25.

• Friday, Oct. 21

• Scarecrow Cruise and Car Show Oct 21-22, at Madison Square Center for the Arts (2103 Main St., Madison). Register for the car show from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 21. Oct. 22 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., enjoy a car show, a silent auction, a magic show and music. Proceeds benefit the Mississippi SIDS Alliance and Hope Hollow Ministries. Free, donations welcome, $25 car registration; call 601-259-5248 or 601-291-9757.

• Fall Flower and Garden Fest Oct 21-22, at Truck Crop Branch Experiment Station (2024 Experiment Station Road, Crystal Springs). The event includes plant samples, garden exhibits, seminars, a wagon ride, a one-mile fun walk, walking tours and food vendors. Hours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station and the Mississippi State University Extension Service are the sponsors. Free; call 601-892-3731.

• 11:45 a.m., Heart Health Seminar, at Baptist Healthplex, Clinton (102 Clinton Parkway, Clinton). Dr. James Warnock and Dr. Doug Harkins share the American Heart Association's seven tips for a healthy heart. Registration required. Free, $5 optional lunch; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

• Domestic Violence Conference Oct 21-23, at Zion Travelers MB Church (925 W. Pearl St.). The candlelight vigil is at 6 p.m. Oct. 21. Oct. 22, the prayer breakfast is at 7:45 a.m., and the conference breakout sessions are at 9 a.m. The conference ends with Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. Call 601-953-5747.

• Saturday, Oct. 22

• 8 a.m., Pancake Breakfast, at Chateau Ridgeland (745 S. Pear Orchard Road, Ridgeland). The event includes a flag ceremony and military speakers. Proceeds benefit Outward Bound for Veterans, a non-profit that helps veterans readjust to civilian life. $7; call 601-956-1331.

• 7 p.m., Sisters Surviving Pink Gala, at Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum (1150 Lakeland Drive). The Tau Phi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority hosts the benefit that recognizes and supports breast cancer patients and survivors. Johniece Dupree, wife of gubernatorial candidate Johnny Dupree, is the speaker. $40; call 601-212-7295.

• 7 p.m., Art, Poetry and Justice Slam, at Metrocenter Mall (3645 Highway 80 W.). The event is part of National Youth Justice Awareness Month and s meant to shed light on issues facing youth in the community. Cash and prizes awarded for the best submissions. Giveaways included. Free; call 877-892-2577.

• 7 p.m., Heather Spencer Soulshine Memorial Concert, at Hal & Mal's (200 S. Commerce St.). The annual fundraiser with music, food and an auction raises money for the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Heather's Hope Grant Program. Performers include Brad Biard, the Ham Hocks, Blue Mountain, Dave's Highway and Jade Hendrix. Donate an auction item worth more than $100 dollars and get free admission. $20; e-mail [e-mail missing].

• Sunday, Oct. 23

• Pastor's 12th Anniversary Celebration, at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church (233 Cottonwood Drive). Pastor Joseph Taylor and First Lady Sadie Taylor are honored for their years of service. Rev. Clavorn Logan speaks at 10:45 a.m., and Rev. John A. Coleman speaks at 2:30 p.m. Free, donations welcome; call 601-355-1646 or 601-981-6027.

• Monday, Oct. 24

• 6 p.m., Power of Pink Balloon Release, at Highland Village (4500 Interstate 55 N.). The event is in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pick up balloons from A Daisy a Day from noon-5 p.m. for the ceremony. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

• Through Oct. 29

• Byram Farmers Market (20 Willow Creek Lane, Byram). The market is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 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. Join JFP's team at http://www.nami.org/namiwalks11/MIS/jfp2011. 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 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 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].