Ellington

Tuesday, March 9

8:30 a.m., MINCAP Business Session, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The group will meet in the Community Meeting Room. Open to the public. Call 601-982-8467.

9 a.m., Reception and Networking Luncheon, at Mississippi State Capitol (400 High St.). The meet-and-greet reception for legislators at the Capitol begins at 9 a.m., and the luncheon at the Old Capitol Inn begins at noon. Reservations are required for the luncheon. The event is sponsored by the Mississippi Commission on the Status of Women. $25 lunch; call 601-291-5067.

9:30 a.m., One on One with Mayor Johnson, at Jackson City Hall (200 S. President St.). Citizens who wish to speak to the mayor must sign up between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., and time will be limited based on the number of people who sign up. Call 601-960-2378.

10 a.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.

10 a.m., Free Kidney Screenings, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the UMC Conference Center. Tests include a full renal panel, complete blood count and cholesterol check. A reservation is required. Free; call 601-981-3611.

10:30 a.m., Mississippi Authority for Educational Television (MAET) Board of Directors Meeting, at Mississippi Public Broadcasting (3825 Ridgewood Road), in the Board Room of the Administration Building. The MAET Board of Directors will conduct business concerning the operations of Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB). The meeting is open to the public. Free; call 601-432-6683.

11:30 a.m., Mississippi Center for Public Policy Quarterly Luncheon, at the University Club (210 E. Capitol St., Suite 2200). The theme is "Downsizing Government--From Someone Who Has Done It." The Honorable Maurice McTigue, former New Zealand cabinet minister, will be the keynote speaker. $15; call 601-969-1300.

Noon, Women's Networking Luncheon, at Old Capitol Inn (226 N. State St.). Network for change with the Mississippi Women's Commission. Reservation required: e-mail [e-mail missing]. $25; call 601-291-5067.

3:30 p.m., Grant Writing Workshop, at Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau (111 E. Capitol St., Suite 102). The Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau is accepting applications until June 15 for its annual Grant Development Program for nonprofit tourism organizations. All potential applicants are required to attend the workshop. A second one will be offered on April 14. Call 601-960-1891.

Wednesday, March 10

11:45 a.m., Jackson 2000 Luncheon, at Schimmel's (2615 N. State St.). The guest speaker is Jonathan Lee, the incoming president of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. Please RSVP. $10; e-mail [e-mail missing].

6 p.m., "Jackson's Renaissance: One Business Journalist's Perspective," at Mississippi State College of Architecture and Design (509 E. Capitol St.). Discuss the city's eco-development with a creative-class journalist, CNN Money producer Amy Haimerl, who has covered and supported Jackson's renaissance for nearly a decade. Free; call 601-362-6121, ext. 16.

Thursday, March 11

10 a.m., Children's Health Fair, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), at Center Stage and in the Community Meeting Room. Sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, local elementary students and others will have access to traditional health screenings. Adults can participate in a "Lunch and Learn" focused on children's mental health. Free; call 601-366-8309.

10 a.m., ACLU Lobby Day, at Mississippi State Capitol (400 High St.). Spend the day meeting with your representatives about issues that are important to you. Free; call 601-354-3408.

Noon, Radio JFP on WLEZ, at WLEZ 100.1 FM ().Join Donna Ladd and Todd Stauffer every Thursday from noon-1 p.m., where they will discuss vital issues, play local music and feature special guests. This week's guests are CNN Money's Amy Haimerl and attorney Melvin Priester Jr. The broadcast will also be available online at wlezfm.com. Free; call 601-362-6121, ext. 17.

6 p.m., Precinct 2 COPS Meeting, at Jackson Police Department - Precinct 2 (711 W. Capitol St.). These monthly meetings are forums designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0002.

Friday, March 12

9 a.m., Cut-A-Thon, at Colorize Hair Studio (105 N. Central Ave., Ridgeland). Volunteer hairstylists from Redken salons will cut and style hair until 7 p.m. to raise money for Mississippi cancer patients. 100% of proceeds benefit Hope House of Hospitality in Jackson. Walk-in customers only. $30 minimum donation; call 601-259-6645.

Through March 12

Financial Assistance for Organic Farmers. The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has over $900, 000 to help Mississippi farmers produce organic products and to introduce growers to high tunnel structures that extend the growing season for crops. The deadline for landowners to apply for funds is March 12. Free; visit offices.usda.gov.

Saturday, March 13
9 a.m., Reproductive Justice Training, at Jackson Enterprise Center (931 Highway 80 West), in the 2nd floor conference room. The Mississippi Reproductive Coalition will provide training with a focus on human rights that can be applied in everyday life. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Free; call 601-354-8601.
5:30 p.m., "Cross-Pollinate: A Speaker Series," at the Jackson Community Design Center (509 E. Capitol St.). Shahid Buttar will discuss government accountability as it relates to the war on terror. Call 415-425-9291.

Through April 5

Historic Preservation Awards Call for Nominations, at Jackson City Hall (200 S. President St.). The City of Jackson Historic Preservation Commission will issue awards in May to outstanding historic preservation projects which have been substantially completed between January 2007 and January 2010. The deadline for nominations is April 5 at 5 p.m. Free; call 601-960-2006.

Free Tax Counseling and Filing. Electronic filing by AARP volunteers will be done at the following locations. Bring all necessary documents. Joint filers must come together. Free; call 601-372-1621.