Ellington

AARP Tax Aide Volunteer Service.  The service is available to low- and moderate-income taxpayers with special attention to those ages 60 and older. Bring all necessary documents. No appointment required. Free.
• April 4 and April 11, 9 a.m., at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Call 601-932-2562.
• Through April 16, at Richard Wright Library (515 W. McDowell Road) Mondays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; call 601-372-1621.
• Through April 17, at Willie Morris Library (4912 Old Canton Road) Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; call 601-987-8181.
• Through April 16, at Quisenberry Library (605 E. Northside Drive, Clinton) Mondays and Thursdays from 1-5 p.m.; call 601-924-5684.

Monday, April 2

2 p.m., Laptop Computer Classes for Adults, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Learn the basics of operating a PC laptop. Pre-registration required; space limited. Free; call 601-932-2562.
6 p.m., "Getting on Easy Street" Finance Seminar, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Community Meeting Room. The topic is "A Penny Saved Is a Penny Earned." Registration required; limited seating. Free; call 601-982-8467.
Tuesday, April 3

8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Cradle to Prison Pipeline Presentation, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.), in the Liberal Arts Building, room 266. Psychologist Dr. Umar Johnson talks about issues such as ADHD and special education, exploitation, black-on-black crime and relationships. Sessions are at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Free; call 601-353-4455.
10 a.m., Story Time Tuesday, at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). A zookeeper reads an animal story, and the kids get to do a related craft project or have an animal encounter. Free with paid admission; call 601-352-2580.
5:30 p.m., Jackson Public School Board Meeting, at Jackson Public Schools (621 S. State St.). The board meets for its regular session, open to the public. Call 601-960-8700.
6 p.m., Community Town Hall Meeting, at Pearl Street AME Church (2519 Robinson St.). The prelude to the National Justice Conference features psychologist and Frederick Douglass descendant Dr. Umar Abdulla-Johnson, and Jamie and Gladys Scott. Free; call 601-353-4455 or 601-957-2969.
Wednesday, April 4

11:45 a.m., Parents for Public Schools Lunch Bunch, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Community Meeting Room. The topic is Ask for More Arts, a school-community-arts partnership. RSVP. $5 lunch; call 601-969-6015, ext. 320.
Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Novelist Howard Bahr presents "Anti-Romanticism in Historical Fiction." Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.
7:30 p.m., Community Forum on Economic Justice, at Tougaloo College (500 W. County Line Road, Tougaloo), in Holmes Hall. The theme is "Continuing the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.: From Civil Rights to Human Rights and Economic Justice." Speakers include Safiya omari of the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, Mississippi NAACP Director Derrick Johnson and Jackson City Councilman Chokwe Lumumba. Free; call 601-353-4455.
Thursday, April 5

Events at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Free; call 601-932-2562.
• 10 a.m., Computer Class for Adults. Learn the basics of computers.
• 6 p.m., Jackson Astronomical Society Meeting. Anyone interested in astronomy or space science is welcome to attend.

6 p.m., Drop Out Prevention Town Hall Meeting, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). In the Community Room. Participants discuss strategies to keep children in school. Dinner and door prizes included. Free; call 601-948-4725.
6 p.m., Precinct 1 COPS Meeting, at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 1 (810 Cooper Road). These monthly forums are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0001.
Friday, April 6
KidFest! April 6-7, at Freedom Ridge Park (235 W. School St., Ridgeland). The family event includes big-top acts, a children's activity tent, music, food, animated characters and rides. $10, children under 2 free; call 601-853-2011.
12:30 p.m., Millsaps Forum, at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.), in room 215. Author and Mellon Fellow Drew A. Swanson talks about efforts to preserve colonial history and coastal wetlands in the south. Free; call 601-974-1305.
5 p.m., Nonviolence Concert in Honor of Nolan Ryan Henderson, at F. Jones Corner (303 N. Farish St.). Amazin' Lazy Boi hosts the event featuring Jesse Robinson, Scott Albert Johnson, 5th Child, PyInfamous, the Bailey Brothers and more. Free; call 601-665-9684.
Through April 6

Adult Summer Softball League Registration,  at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Register at the Department of Parks and Recreation weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Games begin April 16. $350 per team; call 601-960-0471.

Saturday, April 7

8 a.m., Jackson Audubon Society First Saturday Bird Walk, at Mayes Lake at LeFleur's Bluff (115 Lakeland Terrace). An experienced Audubon Society member leads the walk. Bring binoculars, water, insect repellent and a snack. Call ahead if you would like to borrow a pair of binoculars. Adults must accompany children under 15. Free, $3 car entrance fee; call 601-956-7444.
9 a.m., Jackson Showboats Open Tryouts, at Mississippi Basketball and Athletics (2240 Westbrook Road). The new semi-pro basketball team seeks players. Registration is at 9 a.m., and tryouts are at 10 a.m. Call 769-203-2108.
9 a.m., Hoops for Hope Basketball Tournament, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.), at T.B. Ellis Gymnasium. Registration is at 8 a.m. ($100 team). Proceeds benefit the Capitol Street Boys & Girls Club. $5, $3 children ages 4-17, children under 4 free; call 601-969-3511.
10 a.m., "Give Blood, Give Life" Blood Drive, at Mt. Vision Missionary Baptist Church (2533 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive). The youth department and Mississippi Blood Services are the hosts. Refreshments and giveaways included. Appointment required. Donations welcome; email [e-mail missing].
10 a.m., Gathering on the Green, at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Enjoy music, food, crafts and other festivities on the historic Old Capitol Green. Free admission; call 601-576-6920.
10:30 a.m., Paw Pals, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Read stories to therapy dogs. Call 601-932-2562.
7 p.m., Two Rivers Gala, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), at the Thad Cochran Center. The annual event is a scholarship fundraiser for Tougaloo College which includes food, music, and comedy. Performs include Eric Benet, Eddie Cotton and the Cotton Club, Calico Panache, the Mo' Money Band featuring Henry Rhode, D. Scott, Thomas "Tiger" Rogers, comedian Steve Brown, Jesse Primer, and Doug and Melvin Williams (The Williams Brothers). $100; call 601-977-7871 or 800-745-3000.
Through April 7

Walk Against Fear 2012.  The civil rights march for immigrants ends at the Mississippi State Capitol (400 High St.). The marchers host immigrants' rights workshops along the way. Email [e-mail missing].

Through April 9
Warrior Dash Registration. The world's largest running series involves racing on a 5K obstacle course April 21 at Mississippi Off Road Adventures (118 Elton Road). Races start every half-hour beginning at 8 a.m. Enjoy refreshments and music after the race. Register by April 9. Proceeds benefit St. Jude Children's Hospital. $70; visit warriordash.com.
Through April 15

Free Tax Service,  at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). United Way offers the service Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6 p.m.-9 p.m., and Saturday from 1-4 p.m. Income limits apply; call for details. Bring all necessary documents. Free; call 211.

Through April 16

Call for Scholarship Applicants,  at Community Foundation of Greater Jackson (525 E. Capitol St., Suite 5B). Amounts per scholarship range from $500-$3,200 and are based on merit and need. Visit cfgj.org for guidelines. Call 601-974-6044.

Through April 30

Jackson Inner-city Gardeners Call for Volunteers,  at Jackson Inner-city Garden (Medgar Evers Blvd. and Northside Drive, behind the BP station). Volunteers can help prepare the garden for spring planting Saturdays from 8-11 a.m. Email [email protected].

Jackson Public Schools Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment.  Parents and guardians may submit applications for the 2012-2013 school year through April 30. Visit jackson.k12.ms.us for a list of participating schools. Call 601-960-8315.

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 June 15

We the People 9*17 Contest.  Constituting America seeks music, film, video and oratory entries related to the U.S. Constitution from college and law school students for a $2,000 cash prize. The submission deadline is June 15. Visit constitutingamerica.org.

Through Dec. 15

Run 4 Rehab.  The fundraising project benefits rehabilitation services at Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital. Registered runners raise money for each kilometer run through Dec. 15. Donors determine pledge amount per kilometer; visit run4rehab.com.

Mississippi Farmers Market,  at Mississippi Farmers Market (929 High St.). Hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. Call 601-354-6573.

Through Dec. 31

Your Vote Counts,  at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Students get to use a real voting machine to vote on a variety of issues. The Secretary of State's office is the sponsor. Free; call 601-576-6920.

Ongoing

Events at Fleet Feet Sports (Trace Station, 500 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland), at the multi-use trail. Open to the public. Free; call 601-899-9696.
• Weekly Group Walk. Walks are Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Walk two or four miles. 
• Weekly Group Run.  Run 5.4 miles Thursdays at 6 p.m.
• Super Star Senior Adult Walking Club.  The group walks Thursdays at 10 a.m.

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,  at Dance Unlimited Studio (6787 S. Siwell Road, Suite A, Byram). The Latin-inspired aerobics classes are held weekly. Visit peurefun.com for a class schedule. $5; call 601-209-7566.

"Real Divas Read" Book Program.  Divas 4 Charity seeks low-income women in college who are need assistance with purchasing textbooks. To qualify, students must have a grade point average of 3.0-4.0 and submit a one-page essay of why they should receive benefits [e-mail missing]. Benefits include an Amazon Kindle and e-books. The charity also sells $5 raffle tickets to fund the program, and a $100 gas card is given away each month. Call 508-443-4827.

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.

Venture Incubator Talk and Tour Open House,  at Venture Incubator (City Centre Building, 200 S. LaMarch 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 [email protected].

Events at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.)  
• Adopt-a-Park Program Registration,  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.
• ENCOUNTER Teen Empowerment Corps.  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.

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 [e-mail missing] or call the office for more information. The broadcast is also available on jacksonmedicalmall.org. Call 601-982-8467.

Events at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), at Hederman Cancer Center. Registration required. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.
• Cancer Rehab Classes,  in the Activity Room 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.
• Positive Ones Breast Cancer Support Group.  Baptist Cancer Services hosts the meetings on third Mondays at 5:30 p.m. 

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.

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 mayorHarvey Johnson Jr. discusses activities, issues and other newsworthy items that are occurring in the city of Jackson. Call 601-960-1084.

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.

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. [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; [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.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness Family Support Group,  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.

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.

Girl Talk Monthly Live Chat.  Chat with an OB/GYN on second Tuesdays at 8 p.m. to ask health questions. Questions can also be emailed ahead of time. Visit mbhs.org/girltalk.

PRIYDE Recycling Drive,  at PERICO Institute for Youth Development and Entrepreneurship (PRIYDE) (Jackson Medical Mall, 350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave, Suite 300). The youth advocacy group is collecting electronic equipment to send to FundingFactory for cash. Donate ink and toner cartridges, call phones, MP3 players, GPS devices, digital cameras and laptops. Call 769-251-1408.

After-school Tutoring Program,  at Word of Faith Christian Center Church (4890 Clinton Blvd.). At the Teaching Center Building. Math and English tutoring are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. Students much be enrolled at a participating JPS middle school and receive free or reduced-price lunches. Snacks and transportation to the school provided. Registration required. Free; call 601-922-9323.

Remembrance Support Group Meetings,  at University of Mississippi Medical Center (2500 N. State St.), in the University Physicians Pavilion, room MO-16. The support group is for those who have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant death. Meetings are on first Tuesdays from 6:30-7-30 p.m. Call 601-984-1921. 

American Rosie the Riveter Association Membership Drive. ARRA seeks to honor women who were involved in World War II efforts such as factory work, collecting scrap metal or volunteering with the Red Cross. Call 888-557-6743.