Ellington

Latasha Willis

Monday, Dec. 12

7 p.m., "Taking Charge of Your Health and Wellness" Seminar, at New Destiny Christian Center Church (Wind River, 405 Briarwood Drive, Suite 301). Topics include the fundamentals of good nutrition and healthy weight loss methods. Chiropractor Dr. Billy King Shaw and nutrition counselor Pastor Joyce Handy are the speakers. Free; call 601-301-2046.

Tuesday, Dec. 13

11:30 a.m., Alzheimer's Association Lunch and Learn, at Baptist Healthplex, Clinton (102 Clinton Parkway, Clinton). The topic is caregiver stress. Speakers include Dr. Gary Mayfield and Melanie Fortenberry. Bring lunch. Free; call 601-987-0020.

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.

3 p.m., University of Phoenix Open House, at University of Phoenix, Jackson Campus (120 Stone Creek Blvd., Suite 200, Flowood). Meet the faculty and staff, tour the school and enjoy refreshments. Call 601-664-9510.

6 p.m., Shop with a Doc, at Walmart, Pearl (5520 Highway 80 E., Pearl). This fundraiser benefits children from limited-income families who are burn victims. Each child is given a gift card to spend on whatever they wish. The Mississippi Firefighters Memorial Burn Association is the sponsor. $150 to sponsor one child; call 601-540-2995.

6:30 p.m., Kickin' with Santa, at Liberty Baptist Church (5199 Lakeland Drive, Flowood). Members of Reservoir Karate give a demonstration. Also enjoy a smoked chicken dinner and raffles. Proceeds benefit Hudspeth Regional Center. Dinner: $3 individual, $10 family of four; raffle tickets: $3, two for $5; call 601-955-1677.

Thursday, Dec. 15

Mississippi State Kennel Club Magnolia Christmas Classic Dec. 15-18, at Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.). The Brandon Kennel Club of Mississippi and the Mississippi State Kennel Club host all-breed conformation shows, obedience trials and rally trials. Participants must register and pay fees by Nov 30. Proceeds benefit local animal shelters. $2 donation, children 12 and under free; call 601-573-8133.

10 a.m., State Institutions of Higher Learning Meeting, at Universities Center (3825 Ridgewood Road), in the IHL Board Room. The board meets to discuss a University of Mississippi Medical Center bond issue and a University of Southern Mississippi personnel matter. Open to the public. Call 601-432-6333.

5 p.m., LABA-Link Small Business Resource Conference, at Jackson-Evers International Airport (100 International Drive), in the Community Room. The Latin American Business Association is the host. Learn about procurement opportunities with the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority and the City of Jackson. Free; email [e-mail missing], [e-mail missing].

5 p.m., Networking in the Neighborhood, at Kathryn's (6800 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland). The event offers those who are new to the area an opportunity to meet local folks, try new foods and get involved with area charities while having fun. Sponsors include Clear Channel Radio, Fox 40, My35, Capital City Beverages, Patterson Consulting attorney Ramel Cotton and realtor Bret Baxter. Free admission; call 601-624-7738 or 601-718-4056.

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

6 p.m., Health and Beauty Program: Holiday Beauty Simplified, at Sanctuary Body Spa of St. Dominic's (340 Township Ave. Suite 200, Ridgeland). Dr. Dotie Jackson discusses non-surgical laser treatments, and attendees receive a free makeover and skin consultation. Refreshments included. Limit of 30 guests; RSVP before Dec. 12 recommended. Free; call 601-790-2222.

Through Dec. 15

Toys for Tots. The United States Marine Corps Reserve hosts the annual toy drive for needy children. Toy donations are accepted at designated drop-off locations. Monetary donations can be mailed to 4350 Officer Thomas Catchings Drive, Jackson, MS 39209, or submitted online at jackson-ms.toysfortots.org. Volunteers welcome. Call 601-847-0180 to volunteer or 601-960-1084 for assistance.

Friday, Dec. 16

7 p.m., "The Greatest Gift" Benefit Concert, at Belhaven University Center for the Arts (835 Riverside Drive). Performers include Mary Haskell, Dorothy Moore, Guy Hovis, the Williams Brothers and the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet. Proceeds benefit The Christmas Village, a residential ministry in Canton for pregnant women. $20 balcony seats, $25 orchestra seats; visit thechristmasvillage.org/tickets.

Through Dec. 16

Holiday Heroes Program, at Youth Villages (Atrium Building, 805 S. Wheatley St., Suite 240, Ridgeland). Youth Villages, a nonprofit that supports children who have suffered abuse or neglect, or are dealing with mental-health issues, needs donors to sponsor children for the holidays by giving a gift no more than $75 in value. Call 601-572-3726.

Telling Tales, at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Come for story time and crafts with an ethical focus at 3:30 p.m. Fridays. Free; call 601-576-6920.

Saturday, Dec. 17

8 a.m.-2 p.m., Mississippi Farmers Market (929 High St.). Shop for fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables from Mississippi farmers, specialty foods, and crafts from local artisans, including the Greater Belhaven Market, as the market closes for the season. Call 601-354-6573.

11 a.m., Holiday Toy Drive, at circa. Urban Artisan Living (2771 Old Canton Road). Bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to needy children, and enjoy live music from local performers including the DScott4RealMusic Production Band Ensemble. Call 601-919-7111.

9 p.m., Gift for Others Birthday Party, at Salsa Mississippi Studio and Club (605 Duling Ave.). The birthday party for Jessica Gordon and Alka Ahuja includes a free salsa class at 9 p.m. and a Latin dance party at 10 p.m. Bring non-perishable food items for Stewpot, gently-used coats for WLBT's Christmas Coat Drive and gently-used toys for Toys for Tots. $10, $5 college students with ID; call 601-213-6355.

Monday, Dec. 19

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

Through Dec. 23

Christmas Wish List Drive, at Jackson Street Gallery (500 Highway 51, Suite E, Ridgeland). The gallery is collecting specific donated items for The Home Place, a senior citizens home in Madison. Donate Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Items to donate include salon products, Kleenex and snacks. Contact the office for the full list. Donations do not have to be wrapped; they will be wrapped on-site. Donations welcome; call 601-853-1880.

Through Dec. 24

Old Fannin Road Farmers Market (1307 Old Fannin Road, Brandon). Homegrown produce is for sale Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and noon-6 p.m. Sunday until Christmas Eve. Call 601-919-1690.

Through Dec. 30

Jackson 2000 Call for Nonprofit Proposals. Local organizations who wish to receive funds from the proceeds of the 2012 Friendship Ball should complete a Request for Proposal Form and submit it by Dec. 30. Include a copy of an IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter. Email [e-mail missing].

Through Dec. 31

Food for Thought, at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Donate books and non-perishable foods. Special programming for school groups throughout the month highlights the value of good citizenship. Call 601-576-6920.

Through March 23

Health-related Professions Program Enrollment Oct 24-Mar 23, at Bailey Magnet High School (1900 N. State St.). The school is accepting applications for students entering grades 9-12. Call 601-960-5343.

Through May 22

Leadership, Personal Development and Life Skills Seminar Series, at Operation Shoestring (1711 Bailey Ave.). Operation Shoestring and Kuumba Promos host the seminars on first and third Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. during the school year. The purpose is to introduce leadership skills, life management skills and cultural pride to local youth. Enrollment required. Free; call 601-353-3663 or 601-957-2969.

Through Jan. 31

Power APAC Call for Alumni, at Power Academic and Performing Arts Complex (1120 Riverside Drive). The school seeks alumni to participate in their 30th anniversary celebration Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Belhaven University Center for the Arts. Call 601-960-5387.

Ongoing


Toastmasters Club Meetings. Improve your communication skills, and become a better speaker and leader. Membership required.
• Public Policy Club 8689 Meetings, at Universities Center (3825 Ridgewood Road). The group meets on first and third Tuesdays at 5:15 p.m. in the computer lab. Call 601-540-8472 or 601-432-6277; visit publicpolicy.freetoasthost.biz.
• "Guess Who's Talking Now" Club 3284 Meetings, at Woolfolk Building (501 N. West St.). The group meets from noon-1 p.m. Tuesdays in the conference room on the first floor. Call 601-359-6653 or 601-359-2573; visit club3284.freetoasthost.net.

Zumba Fitness Classes. The Latin-inspired aerobics classes are held weekly at two Dance Unlimited Studio locations. Visit duzumba.com for class schedule information. $5; call 601-209-7566.
• 6787 S. Siwell Road, Suite A, Byram.
• 3091 Highway 49 South, Suite E, Florence.

Fitness Center, at Jackson Roadmap to Health Equity Project's Farmers' Market (2548 Livingston Road). Options include aerobics and Zumba classes, equipment for resistance training and toning, and access to a personal trainer. No joining fee or long-term commitment is required. Hours are 8 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturdays. $20 per month; call 601-987-6783.

Diabetes Support Group Meetings, at Baptist Health Systems, Madison Campus (401 Baptist Drive, Madison). Baptist Nutrition Center hosts the meetings on third Thursdays at 1 p.m. Free; call 601-973-1624.

Adopt-a-Park Program Registration, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), at the Department of Parks and Recreation. Organizations and businesses are encouraged to sign up to help maintain Jackson parks and trails by picking up litter, landscaping and painting. Call 601-960-0471.

Venture Incubator Talk and Tour Open House, at Venture Incubator (City Centre Building, 200 S. Lamar St., South Tower, 10th floor). Potential or current small business owners, and professionals interested in mentoring small business owners are welcome to meet with Wes Holsapple, president and CEO, and tour the facilities on Mondays from 5-6 p.m. and Wednesdays from noon-1 p.m. Refreshments served. Free; call 601-414-0140.

Jackson 2000 Dialogue Circles Program. The program includes sessions of dialogue and problem-solving to encourage racial harmony and community involvement. Jackson 2000 is looking for participants from all walks of life. Email [e-mail missing].

Jackson Public Schools Call for Volunteers. Jackson Public Schools is seeking volunteers from the community to be mentors for seniors enrolled in the Advanced Seminar: Employability Skills course. Call 601-960-8310

Medical Mall Moment Report at WOAD 1300 AM. Find out about the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation's current activities every second Friday of the month at 8:30 a.m. Call-ins to 601-995-1400 are welcome. Send your questions and comments in advance to [e-mail missing] or call the office for more information. The broadcast is also available on jacksonmedicalmall.org. Call 601-982-8467.

Cancer Rehab Classes at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), in the Activity Room of the Hederman Cancer Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. The class helps cancer patients enhance cardiovascular strength, endurance, their immune system and bone density. It helps to increase overall strength and stamina, decrease fatigue and weight loss, and improve digestion. Registration is required. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

Weekly Storytime at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Each Tuesday, Baby Bookworms Storytime for children ages birth-36 months is at 9:30 a.m., and Preschool Storytime for children ages 3-6 is at 10:30 a.m. The event includes stories, rhymes, music and a puppet show on the last Tuesday of the month. Free; call 601-932-2562.

Business Plan Workshops, at New Horizon Church International (Renaissance South, 1770 Ellis Ave.). Get hands-on, individualized or small-group assistance to develop your customized business plan. Sessions are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-noon or 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m., and first and third Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Appointment required. Call 601-371-1390, 601-371-1296 or 601-371-1427.

Tutoring Sessions and Peer-to-peer Study Groups, at Richard Wright Library (515 W. McDowell Road), in the Community Room. Sessions are every other Saturday from 9-11:30 a.m.; call to confirm dates. Students in grades 8-12 and GED students are welcome to get help with research projects, state subject areas tests, English, science, history and math. School supplies and snacks provided. Free; call 601-948-4725 or 601-372-1621.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Family Support Group, at St. Dominic Hospital (969 Lakeland Drive), in the St. Catherine Room. NAMI Mississippi offers a support group for family members who have an adult relative with a mental illness on second Thursdays at 7 p.m. Free; call 601-899-9058.

Programs on WMPR 90.1 FM and wmpr901.com.
• Women for Progress Radio Broadcast. Dorothy Stewart and Willie Jones host the program on Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. Topics include education, economics and politics. Call 601-918-5137.
• Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. Show. Every Wednesday from 1:30-2:30 p.m., Jackson mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. discusses activities, issues and other newsworthy items that are occurring in the city of Jackson. Call 601-960-1084.

CARA Recycling Program, at Community Animal Rescue and Adoption (CARA) (960 N. Flag Chapel Road). Mississippi's largest no-kill animal shelter is earning cash for operating expenses by participating in the FundingFactory Recycling Program. They are collecting empty laser or toner cartridges and used cellphones from the community and sending the waste products to FundingFactory in exchange for cash. Donations welcome; email [e-mail missing].

Adopt-a-Park Program Registration, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), at the Department of Parks and Recreation. Organizations and businesses are encouraged to sign up to help maintain Jackson parks and trails by picking up litter, landscaping and painting. Call 601-960-0471.

Fitness Camp, at Lake Hico Park (4801 Watkins Drive). Do cardiovascular and strength training exercises, and learn about proper nutrition. Sessions are from 8-9 a.m. Saturdays. $20; call 601-331-8468.

Yu-Gi-Oh Tournaments, at Java Ink (420 Roberts St., Pearl). Compete and trade cards with other fans at 2 p.m. Sundays. Admission varies each week; call 601-397-6292.

ENCOUNTER Teen Empowerment Corps, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). On first Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m., Youth Solutions hosts a rally for teens in the Community Room. Activities include spending time with mentors, motivational talks, IGNITE Vocal Talent rehearsal, teen dramas and character development. Free; call 601-829-0323.

Home Repair Grant Call for Applicants, at Hood Building (200 S. President St.), in suite 316. Seniors 62 and older or disabled citizens may apply between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Bring valid photo ID, a deed or warranty deed, proof of income, homeowner's insurance and a Social Security card. Call 601-960-1438 or 601-960-1491.

On Location TV, on Comcast channel 18. Host and producer Phyllis "Peaches" Robinson spotlights people, places and events in Jackson. The variety talk show airs at 8:30 p.m. Sundays and 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Send an email if you have a story idea for the show. Email [e-mail missing].

Kids' Fiesta Fun Event, at Lingofest Language Center (7048 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland). On first Fridays from 6-8 p.m., children ages 5-11 learn basic Spanish in a party atmosphere that includes games, songs and refreshments. Limited space; pre-registration required. $15 per child; call 601-500-7700.

Zumba Classes, at Covenant Presbyterian Church (4000 Ridgewood Road). The 45-minute classes are at 8:30 a.m. Fridays. Baby care provided. $5 per class; call 850-572-0055; email [e-mail missing].

NAMI Connection Support Group Meetings. The alliance of individuals with mental illnesses meets Tuesdays at 2 p.m. to share experiences and learn new ways to cope. Trained facilitators lead the meetings. Free; call 601-899-9058 for location information.

NAMI In Our Own Voice Presenter Training, at NAMI Mississippi (411 Briarwood Drive, Suite 401). In Our Own Voice is a public education program that allows trained speakers to share their personal stories of mental illness and recovery. Presenters commit to making at least one presentation per month for one year after the two-day training. Free; call 601-899-9058.

Gentle Joints Aquatic Program, at The Club at St. Dominic's (970 Lakeland Drive). The Arthritis Foundation sponsors the low-intensity water class. Sessions are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 2 p.m. Registration required; club membership optional. $35 for 12 classes, $60 for 24 classes; call 601-200-4925.

Events at St. Dominic Hospital (969 Lakeland Drive). Free.
• Cancer Support Group Meetings. Cancer patients and survivors meet on second Tuesdays at 9 a.m. at the Canter Center. Additional meetings for women are on second Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Call 601-200-3070.
• Caregivers Support Group Meetings. The group meets on second Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in the conference rooms. Call 601-200-6768.

Networking Social, at Locker Room Lounge (205 W. Capitol St.), Thursdays at 7 p.m. The purpose of this event is to bring together professionals and entrepreneurs from different fields to exchange leads, build rapport and make meaningful connections. Proceeds benefit the second annual Pretty Christmas Toy Drive. $10; call 601-345-0407.

Game Night, at Heroes and Dreams (5352 Highway 25, Suite 1650, Flowood). Play video, board and card games Fridays from 7:30-11:30 p.m. Free; call 601-992-3100.