Ellington

Donate Blood and Save a Life Monday through Thursday, Dec. 7-10, a the University of Mississippi Medical Center (2500 N. State St.) and Friday at the Jackson Medical Mall. Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (at the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children); Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday (at the Jackson Medical Mall, 350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please bring ID. Call 888-902-5663.

Monday, Dec. 7

6 p.m., Public Hearing: Civilian Police Review Board at Jackson City Hall (219 S President St.) Attend this first public hearing to consider a civilian police review board. People concerned about law enforcement abuse of power issues should come and to speak about the importance of having independent community monitoring of citizens' complaints regarding treatment by law enforcement. Free; call 601-960-1035.

Tuesday, Dec. 8

5:30 p.m., Blues for a Cause at Koinonia Coffee (136 S. Adams St., Suite C). Enjoy a relaxing evening of blues provided by Ben Payton while hearing about the work of Voice of Calvary Ministries. Sponsored by Dr. Bill Cooley. Donations welcome; e-mail [e-mail missing].

Wednesday, Dec. 9

Noon, Millsaps College MBA Information Session at the Capital Club (125 S. Congress St., Suite 19). Melissa Meacham, director of graduate admissions for the Else School of Management at Millsaps, will answer questions about the program during this lunch-and-learn session. Free; reservations recommended; call 601-974-1256.

2 p.m., Develop a Business Plan at Delta State University (1003 W. Sunflower Road, Cleveland). Learn how to take this important first step in starting a business. Free, online registration required; visit http://www.mssbdc.com.

Thursday, Dec. 10

11 a.m., Statehood Day at the Old Capitol (100 S. State St.). Celebrate Mississippi's 192nd birthday with an address by Governor Haley Barbour. Call 601-576-6920.

Noon, Task Force: Underperforming Schools at the Mississippi State Capitol (400 High St.). The legislative task force to study underperforming schools and the enhancement of accountability and sanctions imposed on those schools and districts will hold its fifth meeting of the year. Call 601-359-1336.

1 p.m., Marketing Strategies for Small Business at the WIN Job Center - Canton (152 Parkway Drive, Canton). Learn how to effectively promote your business. Free; call 601-979-2795.

4:30 p.m., Fourth Annual Christmas Gala at Bon Ami (1220 E. Northside Drive, Suite 230). Support the Center for Violence Prevention at its Annual Christmas Gala at Bon Ami. Heavy hors d'oeuvres served; cocktail/business attire. To become a sponsor or to purchase tickets, please call 601-932-4198. $50; call 601-932-4198.

7:30 p.m., Young Professional Alliance's Second Annual Blue Tie Ball at the River Hills Country Club (3600 Ridgewood Road). Music by Faze 4. Advance ticket prices until Dec. 9. Members $25/$45 couple; others $35/$55 couple; $45 at door; call 601-948-7575, ext. 241.

Friday, Dec. 11

6:30 p.m., The Animal Rescue Fund Angels Party at The Cedars Historic Home (4145 Old Canton Rd.). The Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) hosts this event with music from The Couch Band with Baby Jan of the Earth Angels, and food, wine and a silent auction. $30, $50 per couple; e-mail [e-mail missing].

7 p.m., "A Night of Musical Artistry" at the Alamo Theatre (333 N. Farish St.). The Mississippi Jazz Foundation presents this sixth annual jazz event, featuring Grammy-nominee Kirk Whalum and Mississippi recording artist Michael Burton. $35; call 601-594-2314.

Saturday, Dec. 12

7:30 a.m., Greener, Cleaner Farish District in the Historic Farish Street District. For fresh air, meet near Davis Street, between Farish and Mill streets. Dress warm and bring your weeders, trimmers, shovels, etc. for a community clean-up. Call 601-291-7381.

9 a.m., 18th Annual Fun with Santa at the Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The Jackson Chapter of Jack and Jill of America in collaboration with the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation will host Fun with Santa. Children aged 2 to 12 will participate in games, entertainment, take photos with Santa, and enjoy food and have lots of fun. Free to the public; call 601-954-2171, 601-750-1829 or 601-352-3440.

10 a.m.-3 p.m., MARL Pet Photos with Santa at the Mississippi Animal Rescue League (5221 Greenway Drive Extension). $15 for six photos with Santa; call 601-969-1631.

3 p.m., People's Assembly at the Cynthia Church of Christ's Holiness (3502 Shell Rock Road). Share concerns, ideas, issues and thoughts on how to improve Ward 2 and the City of Jackson, and get information about how the 2010 census will impact Jackson residents. Free; call 601-353-5566.