Ellington

Tuesday, July 26

11 a.m., Blood Pressure Checks for Seniors, at Tougaloo Multi-Purpose Senior Citizens Center (318 Vine St.). The city of Jackson and St. Dominic Health Services provides blood pressure checks, and heat and skin care awareness information to qualifying individuals ages 55 or older living within the Jackson city limits. Free; call 601-960-0335.

Events at Jackson City Hall (200 S. President St.).
• 5:30 p.m., One on One with Mayor Johnson. Citizens who wish to speak to the mayor must sign up between 5-5:30 p.m., and time is limited based on the number of people who sign up. Call 601-960-2378.
• 6 p.m., Jackson City Council Meeting. The Jackson City Council holds its regular meeting, open to the public. Call 601-960-1033.

6:30 p.m., An Evening in the Garden, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Enjoy a guided tour of the new Learning Garden and gardening activities. Refreshments served. Free; call 601-932-2562.

Wednesday, July 27

10 a.m., Senior Toning Class, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). At Center Stage. Seniors have an opportunity to get in shape and have fun while doing it. Tougaloo College is the sponsor. Free; call 601-977-6137.

10 a.m., Free Legal Guardianship Assistance, at Chancery Court (316 S. President St.), on the third floor. The Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project offers legal information and assistance with the guardianship of a minor. Legal assistance is offered to individuals who meet income eligibility requirements and bring necessary documents. Schedule an appointment by 3 p.m. July 26; walk-ins handled on first-come, first-served basis. Free advice, $107 court filing fee (cash or money order); call 601-960-9577.

Noon, "History Is Lunch," at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Mississippi Department of Archives and History archivist Will Morgan presents "Dunbar Rowland and the Mississippi Hall of Fame." Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.

Thursday, July 28

7:30 a.m., Mission Mississippi Prayer Breakfast, at Cherry Grove Missionary Baptist Church (1296 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive). The organization's purpose is to promote racial healing and unity. Free; call 601-354-8900.

10 a.m., Computer Class for Adults, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Learn the basics of preparing documents in Microsoft Word. Free; call 601-932-3535.

11:30 a.m., North Jackson-Madison Kiwanis Golf Tournament, at Deerfield Golf Course (264 Deerfield Club Drive, Canton). Registration and lunch is at 11:30 a.m., and tee time is at 1 p.m. Awards and door prizes given. $400 team of four, $100 hole sponsor; call 601-718-6527 or 601-790-8380.

Noon, "Growing a Home-Based Business: What You Need to Know" Webinar. Small business expert Boyd Wright answers questions on how to grow a home-based business, the benefits and the challenges. Free; visit sba.gov.

4 p.m., Hometown Hero and SUMITT Awards Program and Reception, at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.). The Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau hosts the event. Wear business attire. RSVP. Free; e-mail [e-mail missing].

5:30 p.m., Central Mississippi Community Forum, at The Pinnacle at One Jackson Place (190 E. Capitol St.). In the lobby. The Mississippi chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council meets to discuss environmentally responsible methods of development and construction. Light refreshments served. Open to the public. Call 601-376-9191.

6 p.m., "Small Business Grants and Loans" Workshop, at Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University (1230 Raymond Road). Topics includes do's and don'ts, and types of grants and loans available. Registration required. Free; call 601-979-2795.

6 p.m., Circle of Us Meeting and Product Swap, at Sanaa Gallery and Boutique (5849 Ridgewood Road, Suite 212). Circle of Us is a support group for African Americans who wear or desire to wear their hair in its natural state. Bring hair products to share. Email [e-mail missing].

6 p.m., Precinct 4 COPS Meeting,at Redeemer Church (640 E. Northside Drive). These monthly forums are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0004.

6:30 p.m., LGBT Support Group for Youth/Young Adults, at A Brave New Day (Fondren Corner, 2906 N. State St., Suite 204). Rise Above for Youth welcomes youth and young adults age 14-24 to connect with others in the community and to share experiences and resources. The meeting is held the last Thursday of each month. Free; call 601-922-4968.

7:30 p.m., Latin American Business Association Meeting, at Lingofest Language Center (7048 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland). The meeting's purpose is to form an association that represents the Hispanic business community. Future goals include networking and hosting cultural events. E-mail [e-mail missing].

Through July 28

Summer Feeding Program, at Kingdom Faith Ministry (1036 S. McRaven Road). The program for youth ages 18 and younger includes breakfast at 8 a.m. and lunch at 11 a.m. on weekdays. Free; call 601-922-1155.

Friday, July 29

8:30 a.m., Super Sitters Babysitting Class, at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.). The class is recommended for ages 11-15 and teaches essential babysitting skills. The fee includes books, a boxed lunch and a snack. Registration required. $45; call 601-968-1712.

9 a.m., Friday Forum, at Koinonia Coffee House (136 S. Adams St., Suite C). Dorsey Carson, candidate for Mississippi State House of Representatives District 64, is the speaker. Free; email [e-mail missing].

Tax-free Weekend July 29-30, at Northpark Mall (1200 E. County Line Road #267). Shoppers can purchase items of clothing and shoes priced under $100 tax free. The mall offers extended hours of 9 a.m.-10 p.m. both days. Call 601-956-3438.

Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Induction Weekend July 29-30. Inductees include Jeff Brantley, Rita Easterling, Mike Kinnison, Con Maloney, Corky Palmer and the late Jerrel Wilson. The banquet is at 5:30 p.m. July 29 at the Jackson Marriott (200 E. Amite St.). July 30 at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame (1152 Lakeland Drive), the inductee meet-and-greet is at 9:30 a.m., and the Drawdown of Champions is at 6:30 p.m. $100 banquet, $50 drawdown; call 601-982-8264.

Saturday, July 30

7 a.m., Breakfast with the Primates, at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.), at the Elephant House Cafe. Enjoy breakfast, children's activities and a discussion with the orangutan and chimpanzee zookeepers. Space limited; register required. Submit payments by July 26. Payment includes zoo admission. $3 discount for zoo members. $12, $10 children; call 601-352-2580, ext. 228.

7 a.m., White Elephant Sale, at Fondren Hall (Northwood Shopping Center, 4436 N. State St.). Purchase unique merchandise from local merchants. Limited booths available. Free admission, $50 booth; call 601-981-9606

8 a.m., Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Opportunity, location TBA. Join volunteers from Lingofest Language Center in the construction of a Habitat for Humanity home. E-mail [e-mail missing].

8:30 a.m., Porsches & Coffee Breakfast, at Broad Street (4465 Interstate 55 North). Prospective members are welcome to attend the Magnolia Region Porsche Club of America's monthly meeting. E-mail [e-mail missing].

9 a.m., All Aboard the Kindergarten Express, at Mid-Jackson Family Resource Center (301 Adelle St.). The workshop prepares parents and children for kindergarten in Jackson Public Schools. Food and door prizes included. Free; call 601-965-8000.

9 a.m., School Supply and Canned Food Drive, at Walmart Supercenter (2711 Greenway Drive). Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the host. Donations welcome; e-mail [e-mail missing] for a supply list.

9 a.m., Homebuyer Education Class, at Jackson Housing Authority (2747 Livingston Road). The class covers topics such issues, personal finances, home inspections and the role of lenders and real estate agents. The class is required to qualify for a Jackson Housing Authority loan. Registration required. Free; call 601-362-0885, ext. 115.

2:30 p.m., Spiritual Healing Lecture, at Quisenberry Library (605 E. Northside Drive, Clinton). The introductory lecture is on spiritual help and healing through the teachings of Bruno Groening, a German healer. Free, donations welcome; call 225-335-3016.

Sunday, July 31

Noon-midnight, Tommie "T-Bone" Pruitt Benefit Concert, at The Shed, Hattiesburg (126 Mobile St, Hattiesburg). The concert's purpose is to raise money for Pruitt, who lost his home in a recent house fire. $10 donation; call 601-434-6786.

Monday, Aug. 1

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.

Survival Spanish Aug 1-22, at Lingofest Language Center (7048 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland). Learn basic conversational Spanish from 10 a.m.-noon or 7-9 p.m. Mondays. $98, $30 materials; call 601-500-7700.

Through Aug. 1

Adult Summer Library Program Drawing. The Mississippi Library Commission will select winners from among participants ages 21 and older of the Adult Summer Library Programs at participating public library systems. Prizes from eight casinos range from $100-$430 and include free stays at the hotels, meals and spa services. Registrations dates and times vary for each library. The drawing is held Aug. 1. Call 601-432-4056.

Through Aug. 15

Exchange Student Program Call for Host Families. SHARE! is looking for volunteers to host international high school exchange students for the 2011-2012 fall semester or school year. The exchange students arrive in late August to attend local high schools and live with the host family. Sign up by Aug. 15. Call 800-941-3738.

Through Aug. 24

Operation Sunscreen. Purchase sun-care protection package to send to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan through Aug. 24. Each package contains sunscreen, lip protector, a thank-you note and gum or candy. $25 donation; call 601-201-1979.

Through Aug. 30

Jackson Inner-city Gardeners Call for Volunteers. JIG needs volunteers to help maintain plots and harvest vegetables. The produce will be donated to help feed the homeless and elderly and will be sold to the community at affordable prices. The garden is at the corner of W. Northside Drive and Medgar Evers Blvd. beside the BP gas station. Volunteers can help Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 -11 a.m. JIG sells produce at the garden Saturdays from 8:30 a.m.-noon. Call 601-924-3539.

Through Aug. 31

Call for Grant Applications, at Women's Fund of Mississippi (Plaza Building, 120 N. Congress St., Suite 903). The Women's Fund will make grants to programs that aim to create economic security for women in Mississippi. Eligible applicants must be non-profits with 501(c)(3) status. Interested applicants should call the office to brainstorm the project concept before formally submitting a concept brief. August 3 is the deadline for concept brief submissions. Call 601-326-0701.

Through Sept. 25

Jackson Square Farmers Market, at Jackson Square Promenade (2460 Terry Road). Vendors sell food, clothing, crafts and other items in the parking lot. Hours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free admission, $5-$10 vendor fee; call 601-372-7157.

Through Oct. 29

Byram Farmers Market (20 Willow Creek Lane, Byram). The market is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. until Oct. 29. Products include fresh produce, wildflower honey, roasted peanuts, jams, jellies, birdhouses, and baskets and gourds for crafting. Call 601-373-4545.

Through Nov. 5

NAMIWalks Registration, at NAMI Mississippi (411 Briarwood Drive, Suite 401). NAMIWalks is an annual walk to raise funds for NAMI Mississippi, a local branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots organization dedicated to providing support, education and advocacy for consumers of mental health services and their family members. Visit namims.org to join an existing team, form a new team, walk as an individual or become a sponsor. Each team member who raises at least $100 will receive a T-shirt. Donations welcome; call 601-899-9058.

Through Nov. 16

Nature Nuts Preschool Program, at Clinton Community Nature Center (617 Dunton Road, Clinton). The nature discovery program is for children ages 2-5. Sessions are held on third Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. Registration required. Receive a $2 discount for each additional child. $8 per session, $5 members; call 601-926-1104.

Through Dec. 2

First Friday Free Screenings, at Office of Suzanne Russell, LPC (665 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland). Licensed professional counselor Suzanne Russell offers free 30-minute ADHD screenings for children on first Fridays through Dec. 2. Appointment required. Free; call 601-707-7355.

Through Dec. 17

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. The market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. During the peak-growing season, hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Call
601-354-6573.

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.

Ongoing

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 Study Circles Program. The program includes six two-hour sessions of dialogue and problem-solving to encourage racial harmony and community involvement. Jackson 2000 is looking for participants from all walks of life to sign up, and sessions will be scheduled soon. E-mail [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 Friday from noon-12:30 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; e-mail [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.