Ellington

• Monday, Oct. 24

6 p.m., Power of Pink Balloon Release, at Highland Village (4500 Interstate 55 N.). The event is in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pick up balloons from A Daisy a Day from noon-5 p.m. for the ceremony. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

6 p.m., Jackson Touchdown Club Meeting, at River Hills Country Club (3600 Ridgewood Road). Members of the athletic organization meet weekly at 6 p.m. during the football season. This week's speakers are Marcus Dupree, Sid Salter and Billy Watkins. $280 individual membership, $1200 corporate membership; call 601-506-3186.

• Tuesday, Oct. 25

8:30 a.m., Business University, at Holmes Community College (412 W. Ridgeland Ave.), at the McGowan Workforce Center. Deirdre Danahar speaks on the topic "Values: Grounding and Guiding Markers for Success and Fulfillment." $20, $10 members; call 601-605-2554.

Noon, Blood Drive, at The Blake at Township (608 Steed Road, Ridgeland). Donate at the Mississippi Blood Services donor coach. Donations welcome; visit blakeliving.com.

5 p.m., Lovely Legs Vein Screening, at Baptist Medical Clinic, Dogwood (151 E. Metro Drive, Flowood). The session includes an examination and a discussion of treatment options. Registration required. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

5:30 p.m., Parents' Night Out, at Cardozo Middle School (3180 McDowell Road Ext.). Parents of students with disabilities get information on transitional services, vocational rehabilitation, higher education, graduation options and new initiatives. Free; call 601-960-8935.

6:30 p.m., Personhood Panel Discussion, at Mississippi College School of Law (151 E. Griffith St.). Experts in the field of reproductive rights discuss Mississippi's Personhood Amendment. Free; visit law.mc.edu/personhood.

6:30 p.m., Jackson Audubon Society Monthly Chapter Meeting, at Eudora Welty Library (300 N. State St.). Dave King, the southeastern regional compiler for the Christmas Bird Count, is the speaker. Open to the public. Free; call 601-956-7444.

• Wednesday, Oct. 26

9 a.m., Senior Health and Wellness Fair, at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.). Seniors ages 55 and older receive flu and pneumonia shots, health screenings and information on services such as Social Security, Medicare, housing and employment. Free; call 601-960-0335.

10 a.m., Senior Aerobics Class, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), at Center Stage. Tougaloo College is the sponsor. Free; call 769-798-7691.

Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Jackson writer Ellen Anne Fentress presents "Reporter Norma Fields: American Woman." Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.

5:30 p.m., Parents' Night Out, at Kirksey Middle School (651 James M. Davis Drive). Parents of students with disabilities get information on transitional services, vocational rehabilitation, higher education, graduation options and new initiatives. Free; call 601-960-8935.

Thursday, Oct. 27

8:30 a.m., The Fundamentals of Applying for Tax-Exempt Status, at Mississippi Center for Nonprofits (921 N. President St., Suite C). Go page-by-page through the complete IRS application for tax-exempt status, and learn to write narrative description activities, project financial expenses, and determine public charity status. $60; call 601-968-0061.

10 a.m., Computer Class for Adults, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Learn how to prepare documents with Microsoft Word. Free; call 601-932-3535.

Noon, Jackson Touchdown Club Golf Classic, at Country Club of Canton (183 Country Club Road, Canton). Lunch is at noon, and the tournament is at 1:30 p.m. The format is a four-person scramble. Prizes given. Register by Oct. 26. $100; call 601-856-1059 or 601-540-5364.

5 p.m., HeARTWorks Art Show, at Fischer Galleries (3100 N. State St., Suite 101). HeARTWorks is an art ministry to the people in and around the Stewpot community. Proceeds from the sale of the artwork benefit the artists and Stewpot Community Services. Call 601-291-9115.

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., Beans and Greens Dinner, at Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University (1230 Raymond Road). The Hinds County Democratic Executive Committee is the host. Speakers includes gubernatorial candidate Johnny DuPree and Congressman Bennie Thompson. $25, $375 table of 10 with full-page advertisement; call 601-672-1792 or 601-668-9646.

7 p.m., Reconciliation Celebration Banquet, at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.). Mission Mississippi honors Dolphus Weary and Lee Paris at the event. $65; call 601-353-6477.

• Friday, Oct. 28

11:30 a.m., Certified Nursing Assistant Training Center Graduation, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The ceremony takes place at Center Stage. Call 601-364-1188.

11:45 a.m., Joint Replacement Seminar, at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), in the Baptist for Women Conference Center. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jeff Almand discusses the latest technology. Registration required. Free, $5 optional lunch; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

Noon, Brown Bag Luncheon, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Margaret Smith gives tips on relieving stress. Bring lunch; drinks and dessert provided. Free; call 601-932-3535.

6 p.m., Community Bike Ride, at Rainbow Whole Foods Co-operative Grocery (2807 Old Canton Road). Jackson Bike Advocates is the sponsor. Visit facebook.com/jacksonbikeadvocates.

6:30 p.m., Common Cause Mississippi's Membership Banquet, at University Club (210 E. Capitol St. #2200). The organization honors Rims and Judy Barber. Former Mississippi governor William Winter, Oleta Fitzgerald and Dr. Bob Smith are the speakers. RSVP. $40; call 601-969-0302.

• Saturday, Oct. 29

6:30-10:30 a.m., Operation Bloom Free Breast Cancer Screenings, at YMCA Flowood (690 Liberty Road, Flowood). Participants receive a free clinical breast exam, recommendations for follow-up care, self-exam training and information on how to receive a free and/or discounted mammogram. Insurance not required. Call for an appointment; walk-ins welcome. Free; call 601-939-9778.

7:30 a.m., Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Opportunity, location TBA. Join volunteers from the Latin American Business Association in the construction of a Habitat for Humanity home. Email [e-mail missing].

8 a.m., Fall Native Plant Sale, at Clinton Community Nature Center (617 Dunton Road, Clinton). In Price Hall. Choose from more than 50 species of native plants and antique roses. Call 601-926-1104.

8:30 a.m., VITA Volunteer Orientation, at United Way (843 N. President St.). Learn how to participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Visit myunitedway.com.

9 a.m., Community Health Symposium II, at Jackson Revival Center Church (519 W. Silas Brown St.). The theme is "Fall Focus on Health and Wellness." Get information on cancers specific to women, insurance and caregiving. Free; call 601-317-1908.

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.

9:30 a.m., Mother/Daughter Brunch, at Baptist Health Systems, Madison Campus (401 Baptist Drive, Madison), in the Community Room. Dr. Barbie Sullivan talks about adolescent health issues, and Megan Clapton of Shepherd's Staff discusses self-image, relationships, communication and emotions. Registration required. $5; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

6:30 p.m., Animal Rescue Fund Angels Party, at Highland Village (4500 Interstate 55 N.), at Center Court. The fundraiser includes a silent auction, refreshments and music from Scott Albert Johnson. Proceeds benefit the Miriam Wilson Weems Sanctuary, a no-kill shelter. $25, $50 couples; call 601-665-2212.

8 p.m., Masquerade Ball, at Capital Club (125 S. Congress St., Suite 19). Enjoy gourmet cuisine, local music, a silent auction and a cash bar featuring and a signature cocktail. Masks are required and are sold at the entrance. Wear cocktail attire. Proceeds benefit the Center for Violence Prevention. $50 in advance; call 601-932-4198.

Through Oct. 29

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

• Through Nov. 5
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• 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. Join JFP's team at http://www.nami.org/namiwalks11/MIS/jfp2011. Donations welcome; call 601-899-9058.

• Through Nov. 11

• Small Business Awards Call for Nominations. Submit nominees for the Small Business Administration's Small Business Person of the Year and Small Business Champion awards by Nov. 11. Nominees are honored during National Small Business Week May 20 - 26, 2012 in Washington, D.C. Visit sba.gov/ms.

• Through Nov. 12

• Old Farmers Market (352 E. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Hours are 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday. Call 601-354-0529 or 601-353-1633.

• Through Nov. 15

Library Support Staff Certification Registration Assistance Awards, at Mississippi Library Commission (3881 Eastwood Drive). The Mississippi Library Commission will offers awards to library support staff applying for the American Library Association's Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) Program. Applications available at mlc.lib.ms.us. Apply by Nov. 15. Recipients are selected by random drawing Nov. 21. Call 601-432-4498.

• 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.

• Versatility Exercise and Health Education Program, at Tougaloo College (500 W. County Line Road, Tougaloo). In the Owens Health and Wellness Center, room 223. Seora Casper leads the exercise class on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:45 p.m. through Nov. 16. Registration required; space limited. Free; call 601-977-7797.

• Through Nov. 28

• Cartoon Basketball League Registration, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Parents may register youth ages 8-14 from 8 a.m.-5 pm. weekdays. Birth certificate and photograph required. The deadline is Nov. 28, and games begin Jan. 7. $10 registration fee; call 601-960-0471.

• Through Dec. 2

• First Friday Free ADHD Screenings, at the 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. Hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 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.

• 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.

• 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 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. 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.