Ellington

Community Meetings

Monday, Nov. 25

4 p.m., Jackson City Council Meeting at Jackson City Hall (219 S. President St.). Open to the public. Free; call 601-960-1064; jacksonms.gov.

6 p.m., Jackson Touchdown Club Meeting: Metro College Night at River Hills Club (3600 Ridgewood Road).Club members with an interest in football meet on most Mondays Through Dec. 2. Tonight's meeting features college coaches from the Jackson metro area. Call for information on membership dues. $30 non-members; call 601-506-3186; jacksontouchdownclub.com.

6 p.m., Jackson Touchdown Club Meeting: Most Valuable Senior Night at River Hills Club (3600 Ridgewood Road).Club members with an interest in football meet on most Mondays Through Dec. 2. Tonight's awards program features top seniors from all 10 Mississippi collegiate programs. Call for information on membership dues. $30 non-members; call 601-506-3186; jacksontouchdownclub.com.

6-7:30 p.m., New Foundation Toastmasters Club #702994 Meetings at Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University (1230 Raymond Road). In the Nebraska Room. Practice impromptu speaking, active listening, evaluation and leadership skills. Call for information on membership dues; call 601-502-8402 or 601-896-4400; email [email protected]; find "NewFoundation Linda Hartwell" on Facebook.

6:30-7:45 p.m., ALS (Lou Gehrig's) Support Group at Methodist Rehabilitation Center (1350 E. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The group meets in the BankPlus Community Room on the second floor. Free; call 601-364-3326.

Tuesday, Nov. 26

noon-1 p.m., "Guess Who's Talking Now" Toastmasters Club 3284 Meetings at Woolfolk Building (501 N. West St.) in the conference room on the first floor. Improve your communication skills, and become a better speaker and leader. Membership required. Free to visitors; call 601-359-6653 or 601-359-2573.

5:15 p.m., Public Policy Toastmasters Club 8689 Meeting at Universities Center (3825 Ridgewood Road) in the computer lab. Improve your communication skills, and become a better speaker and leader. Membership required. Call for details on membership dues; call 601-540-8472 or 601-432-6277.

Wednesday, Nov. 27

6-7 p.m., Downtown Jackson Toastmasters at Plaza Building (120 N. Congress St.). Learn to communicate better in front of groups and with peers. Meetings are Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. on the 12th floor in the Common Room. Call for membership information. Free; call 601-940-5247; email [email protected]; http://1275010.toastmastersclubs.org.

Thursday, Nov. 28

6-7 p.m., Capital City Toastmasters Club #1684 at Reformed Theological Seminary Library (5341 Clinton Blvd.). Join to improve your public speaking and leadership skills. New members welcome. Free; call 601-942-2154; 1684.toastmastersclubs.org.

Saturday, Nov. 30

4-5:30 p.m., Sick and Tired, and Seeking SOULutions at Afrikan Arts and Culture Studio (612 N. Farish St.). Our Community Against Racism hosts the forum on second Saturdays. The focus of the monthly forum is to provide African-centered cultural enrichment and work toward racial equality. Refreshments served. Free; call 601-979-1413 or 601-918-5075.

Monday, Dec. 2

9 a.m., Hinds County Board of Supervisors at Hinds County Chancery Court (316 S. President St.). The board holds its regular meeting, open to the public. Free; call 601-968-6501; co.hinds.ms.us.

Community Events

Monday, Nov. 25

8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., State Test (SATP) Workshop at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.). In the Education Building, first floor. High school students who are having trouble passing their mandatory state tests are invited to participate. Pre-registration required; lunch included. Free; call 601-948-4725; email [email protected]; myunitedway.com.

5-8 p.m., Renaissance at Colony Park Holiday Open House at Renaissance at Colony Park (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland). Enjoy refreshments, shop specials and discounts, pictures with Santa and prizes. Free; call 601-519-0900; renaissanceatcolonypark.com.

6-8 p.m., Six in the City: Holiday Edition at The Penguin Restaurant & Bar (1100 John R. Lynch St.). Red August's business networking and shopping event includes music from Kerry Thomas. Free; call 601-790-0501 for vender information; email [email protected].

6:30 p.m., "Inequality for All" Film Screening at Photamerica Popup Studio/Heartalot (3009 N. State St.). The documentary is about the demise of rights for working-class Americans. A roundtable discussion follows. Free, canned good donations welcome; call 662-334-1122; inequalityforall.com.

7:30 p.m., Best of Belhaven I at Belhaven University Center for the Arts (835 Riverside Drive). In the concert hall. The Music Department presents the most outstanding student performances of the semester. Doors open at 7 p.m. Free; call 601-974-6494; belhaven.edu.

Tuesday, Nov. 26

10 a.m.-noon, Turkey Tuesday at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive). Examine turkey feathers under a microscope, make your own turkey call and learn what turkeys eat for lunch. $4-$6; call 601-576-6000; msnaturalscience.org.

6:45-9:45 p.m., CONTACT the Crisis Line Training at Christ United Methodist Church (6000 Old Canton Road). In room 236. Become a certified volunteer telephone crisis line counselor. Pre-register online. Free; call 601-982-9888 or 601-713-4099; contactthecrisisline.org.

Wednesday, Nov. 27

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Artifact and Collectible Identification Program at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). The MDAH staff is on hand to review and assist in identifying documents and objects of historical value, including potential donations to the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. Free; call 601-576-6850.

6:30-7:30 p.m., Boxers Rebellion Hybrid Kickboxing Through Nov. 27, at Mississippi Basketball and Athletics (2240 Westbrook Drive). Jeremy Gordon is the instructor. This course is designed to give the participant the foundation for self-defense. Registration required. For ages 18 and up. $150; call 601-974-1130; millsaps.edu/conted.

Thursday, Nov. 28

7 a.m., Turkey Day 8K at Fleet Feet Sports (Trace Station, 500 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland). The race includes a quarter-mile kids' fun run. The event is a fundraiser for the Ridgeland Multi-use Trail System. Space limited; no race day registration. $25, free fun run; call 601-899-9696; fleetfeetjackson.com.

9 a.m.-5 p.m., Thanksgiving at the Zoo at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). Enjoy free admission to the zoo as a thank-you gift from the Jackson Zoo. Free; call 601-352-2580; jacksonzoo.org.

Friday, Nov. 29

8 a.m.-2 p.m., Teacake Celebration at Mississippi Farmers Market (929 High St.). undefined Free; call 354-6573.

9 a.m.-5 p.m., Old House Depot's Seventh Birthday Anniverasy and Mo the Cat's Third Birthday Party at Old House Depot (639 Monroe St.). Enjoy birthday cake, craft beer and music from the Jamie Weems Trio, featuring Tim Avalon and Tyler Kemp. Free T-shirts for the first 50 guests. Free; call 601-592-6200; oldhousedepot.com.

10 a.m.-8 p.m., Merchants Open House Weekend at Historic Canton Square (Courthouse Square, Canton). Visit locally-owned shops, and enjoy extended hours and specials. Free; call 601-859-5816; canton-mississippi.com.

5 p.m.-9 p.m., Belhaven Street Arts Festival at 900 block of Belhaven Street, between Hazel and Edgewood. Free; email [email protected]; greaterbelhaven.com.

6 p.m., Community Bike Ride at Rainbow Natural Grocery Cooperative (2807 Old Canton Road). Bikers ride to a different destination on the last Friday of each month. Jackson Bike Advocates is the sponsor. Free; call 366-1602; email [email protected]; find Jackson Bike Advocates on Facebook.

7 p.m.-9 a.m., Family Slumber Safari at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). Families with children ages 7 and older enjoy hikes, behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters and a campfire at the overnight event. Registration required. $30 per person; call 601-352-2580, ext. 240; jacksonzoo.org.

Saturday, Nov. 30

10 a.m.-8 p.m., CUUPS Jackson Weekly Workshops at Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson (4866 N. State St.).In the Religious Education Building. Enjoy a day of socializing, support, free workshops and a drum circle. Schedule available online. Free; call 982-5919; email [email protected]; cuupsjackson.org.

10 a.m.-8 p.m., Midtown Holiday Studio Tours at Midtown Arts District (McTyere Ave., Millsaps Ave., Wesley Ave., Wilson St. and Keener Ave.). The Business Association of Midtown (BAM) is the host. Visit businesses, and enjoy products and performances that are "Made in Midtown." Also enjoy a Holiday Pop-up Market of local art. Performers include Lizzie Wright, England 1819 and more. Free admission, items for sale; email [email protected] or [email protected]; madeinmidtownjxn.com.

10 a.m.-9 p.m., TurnUp Studios Grand Opening at TurnUp Studios (155 Wesley Ave.). The new art studio features works from Clay Hardwick, daniel johnson and Jamie Weems. Free; call 769-257-0141; email [email protected]; turnupstudios.com.

noon, City of Jackson Holiday Parade at downtown Jackson . The theme is "Merry Ole Town of Jackson." Local schools and organizations participate in the annual event that includes a visit from Santa. Free; call 601-960-1084; jacksonms.gov.

Sunday, Dec. 1

noon, "Green with Everything" Weight Loss Lecture at Photamerica Popup Studio/Heartalot (3009 N. State St.). Douglas "RFD" Lacey shares how he lost 127 pounds in seven months and gives nutrition tips. Free; heartalot.com.

Monday, Dec. 2

6 p.m., Chef Nick Wallace's New York Preview Dinner at BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N.). The exclusive preview of the chef's menu that he will showcase at the James Beard House includes a six-course dinner and an optional wine flight for an additional charge. Seating limited; RSVP. $80 per person; call 601-982-8111; email [email protected]; bravobuzz.com.

7 p.m., Eat Drink Delta: Notes from a Hungry Traveler at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.). Author Susan Puckett and photographer Langdon Clay share the stories behind the food of the Mississippi Delta. The event is part of the Arts and Lecture Series. $10, $5 students; call 601-974-1130; millsaps.edu/conted.

Ongoing

Fight Against Hunger at BRAVO!, Broad Street Bakery and Sal & Mookie's. Dine at participating restaurants and add a donation to Extra Table to your receipt. Donations welcome; extratable.org.

Youth Ambassadors Program at Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center for Arts and Education (1600 Government St., Ocean Springs). The arts program for children includes free membership and special programs at a reduced cost. Free; call 228-818-2878; email [email protected]; themaryc.org.

Senior Aides Program. The city of Jackson offers the part-time job program to low-income seniors ages 55 and up. 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. Free; call 601-960-0335.

Computer Courses for Adults at Hinds Community College, Raymond Campus (501 E. Main St., P.O. Box 1100, Raymond). Classes usually meet once a week for four to eight weeks, and fees depend on the level and type of class. Free; call 601-857-3773; email [email protected].

Through Nov. 26, Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Toys for Tots Registration at Metrocenter Mall (1395 Metrocenter Drive). Needy families may register with proof of income and expenses, photo ID and Social Security cards. Free; call 601-960-1084; toysfortots.org.

Through Dec. 5, Toys for Tots Call for Donations at local Walgreens locations . The Central Mississippi Marine Corps League hosts the annual toy drive. Donate new, unwrapped toys for needy children to receive for Christmas. Toy donations welcome; call 601-960-1084; toysfortots.org.

Through Dec. 6, Saints and Sinners Short Fiction Contest. Saints and Sinners LGBT Literary Festival seeks original, unpublished short stories between 5,000-7,000 words with LGBT content on the theme of "Saints and Sinners." Awards include cash and publishing in an anthology from Bold Strokes Books. $15-$15; call 504-581-1144; email [email protected]; sasfest.org.

Through Dec. 10, Paper Football Super Bowl Pre-registration. Children and adults compete Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m., and the overall winner receives a plaque. Refreshments and a door prize included. Pre-register by Dec. 10. $5; call 601-924-6082; clintonparksandrec.com.

Through Dec. 13, Toy Drive for Batson at Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (1505 Eastover Drive). Donate new, unwrapped toys for distribution to pediatric patients at Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital. Toy donations welcome; call 601-432-2400; mdwfp.com.

Through Dec. 16, Scholastic Writing Awards Call for Submissions at Eudora Welty House and Museum (1119 Pinehurst Place). At the Eudora Welty Education and Visitors Center. Junior high and high school students in central Mississippi counties may submit works by Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. Visit artandwriting.org for a list of counties and guidelines. Free; call 601-353-7762; artandwriting.org.

Through Dec. 18, Adult Basic Education/GED Program at Hinds Community College in Jackson, Raymond, Utica and Vicksburg . People who aspire to earn a high school equivalency certificate may register for orientation and testing before the GED price and testing format changes in 2014. Call or go online for specifics. Free Adult Basic Education courses, $75 GED testing fee; call 601-857-3912; hindscc.edu.

Through Dec. 23, Christmas in Canton Victorian Christmas Festival at Historic Canton Square (Courthouse Square, Canton). At the Canton Welcome Center inside the Historic Trolio Hotel. The annual month-long celebration includes vintage car, truck and train rides, animated museums and light displays. $3 museum admission, $1 rides; call 601-859-1307 or 800-844-3369; email [email protected]; cantontourism.com.

Through Dec. 23, Wrap It in Ridgeland! at Ridgeland . Gather with family and friends and savor the region's finest shopping, dining and hospitality. Free; visitridgeland.com/wrapit.

Through Dec. 31, Wonderland of Lights at Freedom Ridge Park (235 W. School St., Ridgeland). Drive Through to enjoy a display of holiday lights and decorations. Free; call 800-468-6078; visitridgeland.com.

Through Dec. 31, Holiday Tree Design Showcase at Mississippi Children's Museum (2145 Highland Drive). See trees decorated by local schools in the galleries. $8, children 12 months and under free; call 601-981-5469; mschildrensmuseum.com.

Through Dec. 31, Go Red Multicultural Scholarship Fund. American Heart Association's Go Red For Women and Macy's offer scholarships to multicultural women interested in healthcare careers. 16 women will receive a $2,500 scholarship. Apply by Dec. 31. Free; goredforwomen.org/scholarship.

Through Jan. 5, Mon.-Sat., 1-9 p.m., Christmas on Ice at Baptist Health Systems, Madison Campus (401 Baptist Drive, Madison). Enjoy an ice skating rink and ice slide, a Christmas Story Trail, decorations, concessions and concerts. $15 skating and ice slide (rental skates included), concerts and Christmas Story Trail free; call 601-500-5970; christmasonice.com.

Through April 30, Mon.-Fri., 2:30 p.m.-6 p.m., Common Core After Hours Learning and Readiness Program at PERICO Institute (Jackson Medical Mall, 350 W. Woodrow Ave., Suite 300). The weekly program for children in grades K-12 includes English and language arts, math, science, and music and art appreciation. Registration required. Light snack included. $50 per week; call 769-251-1408; priydems.com.

Through July 31, Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Private Tutoring. In-person and virtual tutoring available for students in grades K-12 in math, science and literacy. Registration required. $15-$50; je411.webs.com.