Ellington

Monday, Feb. 15

5:30 p.m., Evening in Maroon Gala, at the Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.). The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and the dinner, auction and program follows at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds will fund scholarships for incoming Mississippi State University students from central Mississippi. Tickets can be purchased via e-mail or online. $50; call 601-320-3997.

6 p.m., Crossroads Film Society Brainstorming Session, at Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St.). The group will brainstorm ideas about films and events for 2010. Free; call 601-510-9148.
Tuesday, Feb. 16

11:30 a.m., "Pioneer African-American Women Leaders in Mississippi," at the Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). The program, a celebration of diversity, will be presented by Dr. Beverly Hogan, president of Tougaloo College. The event is sponsored by the Jackson branch of the American Association of University Women. $11 lunch; call 601-919-2138.

5:30 p.m., Jackson Public School Board Meeting, at Jackson Public Schools (621 S. State St.). The JPS School Board meets for its regular session, open to the public. Free; call 601-960-8700.

5:30 p.m., Third Tuesday at Pi(e) Lounge, at Sal & Mookie's (565 Taylor St.). Mix, mingle and network in a festive atmosphere with metro Jackson's young professionals and movers and shakers. Bring your business card to enter the monthly prize drawing. Free; e-mail [e-mail missing].

6 p.m., "Breaking Boundaries: A Fine Arts Tribute to Black History," at Murrah High School (1400 Murrah Drive). Murrah High School's fine arts introduction classes present a program featuring visual arts, theater arts and the performing arts. Proceeds go toward Haitian relief efforts. $1; call 601-960-5380.

Wednesday, Feb. 17

Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Anthony Mozingo discusses his new book "The Longleaf Trace Companion." Bring your own lunch; coffee/water provided. Free; call 601-576-6850.

5:30 p.m., Public Policy Toastmasters Club 8689 Meeting, at Jackson State University (1400 Lynch St.), in the Sampson Library auditorium on the second floor. Improve your communication skills and become a better speaker and leader. Membership required. Call for details on membership dues; call 601-918-8523.

Thursday, Feb. 18

9 a.m., The Porter L. Fortune, Jr. History Symposium/ Future of the South Conference Feb. 18-20, at University of Mississippi - Johnson Commons (218 Dormitory Row West, Oxford), in the ballroom on Feb. 18-19 and in the Tupelo Room of the Barnard Observatory on Feb. 20. The theme is "The Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi." Scholarly talks and discussion will take place Feb. 18-19, and an unstructured discussion of the relationship between the history of the Civil Rights Movement and the future of Mississippi will take place Feb. 20. Speakers include Diana Freelon Foster, D'Andra Orey and Charles Tucker. Free; e-mail [e-mail missing].

10 a.m., State Institutions of Higher Learning Meeting, at Universities Center (3825 Ridgewood Road). The Board of Trustees will meet in the IHL Board Room for their regular monthly meeting. Free; call 601-432-6647.

5:30 p.m., Crime Prevention/Watch Program, at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 4 (4436 N. State St., 2nd Floor), in the community room. Sponsored by OurFondren and the Fondren Association of Businesses, the meeting will be a discussion of ways to prevent crime in Fondren. Free; call 601-981-1658.

6 p.m., LGBT Parents Playgroup Meeting, at Gattitown (772 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland). The group's first play date is a chance to fellowship, eat Gatti's pizza and play games. $3.99-$6.99 buffet, kids 3 and under free; $0.99-$1.49 drinks; call 601-559-6133 (after 6 p.m.).

6 p.m. Precinct 3 COPS Meeting, at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 3 (3925 W. Northside Drive). These monthly meetings are forums designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0003.

6:30 p.m., "National Education Association and Civil Rights," at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.), in the Heritage Room, room AC215. Part of the Medgar Evers/Ella Baker Civil Rights Lecture Series, panelists will discuss the role of the NEA in the civil-rights movement. Free; call 601-979-1562.

Friday, Feb. 19

11:45 p.m., Sleep Apnea Seminar, at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), in the Baptist for Women Conference Center. Find out the relationship between your tonsils, adenoids and sleep apnea. The speaker is Dr. Vinod Anand. $5 for optional lunch; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

Noon, Friday Movie Series, at Jackson State University (1400 Lynch St.). The movie "The Tuskegee Airmen: They Fought Two Wars" will be shown in the Student Center Senate Chamber. Some of the original Tuskegee Airmen may make an appearance. Sponsored by the Margaret Walker Alexander National Research Center. Free; call 601-979-2735.

Noon, Lovely Legs Screening, at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), in the Baptist Cardiovascular Center. In this 20-minute screening, a clinician will review brief venous medical history and examine any questionable veins in your legs with an ultrasound. Additionally, a surgeon will discuss possible treatment options with you. Appointments are required. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 1-800-948-6262.

7:30 p.m. Black History Program at Holy City Empowerment Ministries (251 Kearney Park Road). Youthful presentations, great singing and a special message. Open to the public. Free; call 601-879-3999.

8 p.m., Haiti Benefit Concert, at Christ United Methodist Church (6000 Old Canton Road). Local teen bands Goodwhether and The Da Vincis are raising money for Haiti relief. All ages are permitted. $8 donation; call 601-826-3734.

Saturday, Feb. 20

8 a.m.-2 p.m., Greater Belhaven Market, at Mississippi Farmers Market (929 High St.). Be sure to stop by and buy some produce or other food or gift items as the market reopens for its 9th season. The market is open every Saturday until Dec. 18. Free admission; call 601-506-2848 or 601-354-6573.

9 a.m., Homebuyers Workshop, at Medgar Evers Library (4215 Medgar Evers Blvd.). Sponsored by Mississippi Home of Your Own which empowers people with disabilities to become homeowners through grants and support systems. Residents with and without disabilities in Hinds County and surrounding counties are invited to attend. Free; call 601-432-6876 or 866-883-4474.

9:30 a.m., Childhood Obesity Seminar, at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), in the Baptist for Women Conference Center. Bring your child to this fun, family-friendly morning of learning how to eat right, get moving and get healthy. Speakers include Dr. Julia Sherwood, Dr. April Ulmer and chef Luis Bruno. $5 per child; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

10 a.m., Child ID Kit Giveaway, at Circle Lodge No. 638 (5474 Old Canton Road, Madison). Representatives of the Mississippi Child Identification Program will be offering free child ID kits for children ages 17 and younger. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free; call 601-270-5027.

Noon, Jackson Zoo Job Fair, at Livingston Park (150 Livingston Park Drive), in the Community Center (the green building located to the west of the zoo admission gate). The Zoo will be hiring seasonal and part-time positions. All applicants must be at least 17 years old. Please bring a valid form of identification. Call 601-352-2580.

2 p.m., High Tea, at Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St.). The Mustard Seed Ladies Auxiliary hosts this annual function. Call 601-992-3556.

6 p.m., Extreme Designers Fashion Showcase Pre-Social, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Thad Cochran Center. The event is a way of networking and showcasing talented fashion designers, makeup artists, hair designers and models in Mississippi and beyond. Music by Taylor Hildebrand; hosted by Fondren Art Gallery. $12, $15 VIP; call 601-720-7517.

7 p.m., Taste of the U, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Thad Cochran Center. This annual cooking competition among the staff members of University of Mississippi Medical Center honors Chancellor Dan Jones and Lydia Jones. $25 adults, $15 students, $5 children ; call 601-984-5695.

7 p.m., Wild Pursuit for the Cure 2010, at Country Club of Jackson (345 Saint Andrews Dr.). The black-tie event includes wild game cuisine, a cocktail buffet, live and silent auctions, and music by The Chill. Proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. $100 individuals, $75 couples, $1000 tables; call 601-956-7447.

9 p.m., Game Night: P.L.A.Y. (Party Like A Youngster), at Schimmel's (2615 N. State St.). Play adult versions of classic games such as Uno, Monopoly, Life, dominoes and musical chairs. $5; e-mail [e-mail missing].

Sunday, Feb. 21

2 p.m., Goodwill Art Show, at the Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). Over 200 artists with disabilities will showcase their artwork. Free; call 601-960-1557.
Through Feb. 21

Dixie National Livestock Show, at Mississippi State Fair Grounds (1207 Mississippi St). The month-long event includes horse and livestock shows throughout the day. Free; call 601-961-4000.

Through Feb. 25

9 a.m. and 11 a.m., "Black History: Road to the Vote," at the Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). This program offered to school groups provides a glimpse of African-American history in Mississippi, specifically relating to the struggle for voting rights. Sessions are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reservations are required. Free; call 601-576-6920.

Through Feb 26

"Voices from the Past," at Manship House (420 E. Fortification St.). Students in grades 3-5 experience the history of their African American ancestors through hands-on activities and a special tour. Call 601-961-4724 for more information.

Through Feb. 27

Jackson Area NOW Used Book Fundraiser. Donate your gently used books, CDs or DVD for an upcoming fundraiser tentatively set for Feb. 27. The sale location is to be determined. Donations welcome; e-mail [e-mail missing].

Through March 28

Footsteps in Hope Fundraiser. Participants can register online and create a fundraising page. Sponsorship options are also available. The 8K walk/run on March 28 at Old Trace Park in Ridgeland is in support of HIV/AIDS projects such as Grace House in Mississippi and Old Mutare Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center in Zimbabwe. Donations welcome; call 901-338-7011; visit footstepesinhope.org.

Free Tax Counseling and Filing Electronic filing by AARP volunteers. Bring all necessary documents. Joint filers must come together.
•Through April 12 at Richard Wright Library (515 W. McDowell Road) on Mondays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free; call 601-372-1621.
•Through April 13 at Willie Morris Library (4912 Old Canton Road). Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m Free; call 601-987-8181.
•Through April 14 at Margaret Walker Alexander Library (2525 Robinson Road) on Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.Free; call 601-354-8911.
•Through April 15 at Clinton Public Library (111 Clinton Blvd.) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-5 p.m. Free; call 601-924-5684.

Through March 1

Mississippi Arts Commission Call for Grant Applications, at Mississippi Arts Commission (Woolfolk Building, 501 N. West St., Suite 1101A). The deadline for organizations and individual artists is Monday, March 1. MAC awards grants that support a wide range of arts activities, from fellowships for professional artists to project grants for activities produced by community organizations. Visit the agency's Web site to download an application or apply via eGrant. Free; call 601-359-6030.