Ellington

Tuesday, March 16

8:30 a.m., Stimulus Funding Opportunities Conference, at River Room Conference Center (100 Ridge Drive, Flowood). The Mississippi Development Authority will host a conference to explain opportunities for Mississippi-based certified minority contractors associated with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Registration is required. Free; call 601-359-6678.

11 a.m., "Queen of the Natchez Trace,"at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). To kick off the "Petitions, Protests, and Patriotism: Mississippi Women in Preservation, 1900-1950" exhibit, Dot Ward, president of the Natchez Trace Parkway Association, will discuss Mississippian Roane Fleming Byrnes' work to preserve the Natchez Trace Parkway. Free; call 601-576-6920.

Wednesday, March 17

Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Delta State University English professor Elizabeth Sarcone talks about poet Pearl Rivers (born Eliza Jane Poitevant Nicholson). Bring your own lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6850.

5:30 p.m., Public Policy Toastmasters Club 8689 Meeting, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. 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, March 18

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 its regular monthly meeting. Free; call 601-432-6647.

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.

Friday, March 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. The market is open every Saturday until Dec. 18. Free admission; call 601-506-2848 or 601-354-6573.

Through March 28

Footsteps in Hope Walk Fundraiser. The 8K walk/run on March 28 at Old Trace Park (Post Road, Ridgeland) at 2 p.m. is in support of HIV/AIDS projects such as Grace House in Mississippi and Old Mutare Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center in Zimbabwe. Participants can register online and create a fundraising page. Sponsorship options are also available. Donations welcome; call 901-338-7011.

Through March 31

"Support Haiti Relief" Show, at Bryant Galleries (3010 Lakeland Cove). 50 percent of all sales from the Haitian collection will go to the American Red Cross Haitian Relief Fund. Free admission; call 601-932-5099.

Through April 5

Mustard Seed Book Drive, at Borders (100 Dogwood Blvd., Flowood). Donate books in good condition to the residents of The Mustard Seed. Donations welcome; call 601-992-3556.

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 that 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.

Through April 7

Governor's Cup Awards Call for Nominations. Sponsored by Gov. Haley Barbour and the Mississippi Development Authority, in partnership with the Mississippi Economic Development Council, the awards recognize businesses from around Mississippi that made a significant contribution to their communities and the state in 2009. The deadline for nominations is April 7. All award recipients will be honored at the annual MEDC awards banquet scheduled for July 22. Call 601-359-3593.

Through April 8

Celebration of Strong Women Call for Nominations, at Baptist Medical Center Web Site (mbhs.org). There are five different categories that include Defender, Mentor, Leader, Perseverance and Promise. A distinguished panel of women will judge nominees. Nominations are due by April 8 at mbhs.org. The winners will be announced on May 6. Free; call 601-968-5135.

Free Tax Counseling and Filing

AARP volunteers will do electronic filing. Bring all necessary documents. Joint filers must come together. Filing is available at these locations and times:

• Through April 12, at Richard Wright Library (515 W. McDowell Road) on Mondays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 601-372-1621.
• Through April 13, at Willie Morris Library (4912 Old Canton Road) on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 601-987-8181.
• Through April 14, at Margaret Walker Alexander Library (2525 Robinson Road) on Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 601-354-8911.
• Through April 15, at Clinton Public Library (111 Clinton Blvd., Clinton) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-5 p.m. Call 601-924-5684.