Ellington

Sept. 13, 2011

The Copper Iris Catering Co. Inc. (115 N. State St.) has been open for less than two weeks, but its owners are already talking about changing, perfecting and adding variety to the menu.

Jonathan Lee, who co-owns the Copper Iris with Olivia White, said they categorize the cuisine as southern eclectic but make many different types of food.

"We try to cover all the customers as far as different tastes, try to change up our menu, have different specials and not just serve the same thing all the time," Lee said.

The owners try to serve food that few restaurants in the area have, Lee said, such as the Cuban sandwich.

"It's a really simple sandwich, but no one sells it around here," he said.

The Copper Iris is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and offers lunch and event delivery for five or more people. To see a menu or place a catering order, visit TheCopperIris.com or call 601-961-7017.

Salsa for Scholarships

The Mississippi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will hold a fundraiser Sept. 29 to celebrate 200 years of Latin American independence and to raise money for scholarships.

Karla Vazquez, chamber president, said the event will have music, salsa dancing, food from different Hispanic restaurants and the chance to learn more about Hispanic culture.

The event is free, but the chamber will collect donations for the scholarships and hold a silent auction. Vazquez said they are hoping to raise $10,000 to send five children to Holy Child Jesus School in Canton. Donations are tax-deductible.

For information, visit the Mississippi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or contact Vazquez at [e-mail missing] or 601-906-1736.

Solar Saturday

The Gulf States Renewable Energy Industries Association will unveil Jackson's largest solar-energy system this Saturday as part of a series of events designed to raise awareness of solar energy in Mississippi. Representatives will unveil the system at 10 a.m. at Central Mississippi Health Services (5429 Robinson Road Extension).

The association will also hold a Solar Energy Expo at Northpark Mall at 11 a.m. Saturday with exhibitors providing information about solar and renewable energy in Mississippi. At 4:30 p.m., the association holds its monthly meeting at the Hilton Jackson boardroom, where local businesses, firms and government officials can learn more about the renewable-energy industry and network.

For information, call 888-647-7342 ext. 11.

Optical Boutique at One University Place

Envision Eye Care and Optical Boutique is the latest addition to One University Place (1100 John R. Lynch St.) near the Jackson State University campus.

Dr. Tonyatta Hairston owns Envision and also has shops in the Belhaven neighborhood and Magee. The new office offers scheduled or walk-in appointments and accepts the JSU Supercard. Envision is offering 25 percent off eye exams, glasses and sunglasses.

To find out more or make an appointment, call 601-487-6812.

City Welcomes New Insurance Company

Myers Insurance Group (4915 Interstate 55 N., Suite 206B) is now open in Jackson. At a grand opening ceremony today, city officials presented owner Brenda Myers with a certificate of appreciation from Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr.

A press release from the city announcing the grand opening said Jackson has issued more than 800 business licenses this year.

Myers Insurance Group offers life, health and accident insurance for individuals and businesses. Visit the company online at myersinsurancequotes.com.