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.
• Through Feb. 29, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl) Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; 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.

Tuesday, Feb. 7

Urban Forestry and Green Infrastructure Conference Feb. 7-8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive). The Mississippi Urban Forest Council is the host. Topics include conservation, risk management and community revitalization. CEU credits available. Registration required. $95, $75 members, $25 students, $20 awards program.; call 601-672-0755.

"Black History: Road to the Vote" Feb. 7-23, at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). This program for school groups provides a glimpse of African-American history in Mississippi and their struggle for voting rights. Reservations required. Free; call 601-576-6920.

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., Mayor's Ward 6 Community Meeting, at Christ Tabernacle Church (1201 Cooper Road). Share suggestions, address concerns, and receive information on city services and job opportunities. Call 601-960-1084.

6 p.m., Ward 3 "Meet the Candidates" Forum, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), at Center Stage. Candidates share their platforms, and audience members ask questions and share concerns. Call 601-940-3361.

7 p.m., Do-It-Herself Workshop, at Home Depot, North Jackson (6325 I-55 North). Learn to install a backsplash. Free; call 601-952-0740, ext. 129.

Wednesday, Feb. 8

11:30 a.m., Women's Council Meeting Feb 8, 11:30 a.m., at Ruth's Chris Steak House (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 6001, Ridgeland). Leadership trainer Sara Jane Hope is the speaker. Prospective members welcome. Lunch included; RSVP. $30; email [e-mail missing].

Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Mississippi Humanities Council project specialist David Morgan presents "Jimmie Rodgers and Will Rogers." Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.

Thursday, Feb. 9

Mississippi Addictions Conference Feb. 9-11, at Hilton Jackson (1001 E. County Line Road). The theme is "Trends, Treatment and Transformations: Addiction in 2012." The conference for health-care workers, counselors, law enforcement and clergy members includes lectures and breakout sessions. The keynote speaker is addiction psychiatrist Dr. Gary Carr. Meals included. $100 and up, $50 and up for one day; call 601-261-9899 or 601-516-0382.

10 a.m., Computer Classes For Adults, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). The Internet search engine class is at 10 a.m., the laptop class is at 2 p.m. and the greeting card class is at 6 p.m. Pre-registration required for evening classes. Free; call 601-932-2562.

11 a.m., Mississippi Minority Business Alliance February Membership Meeting, at Jackson-Evers International Airport (100 International Drive), in the Community Room, third floor. Network with minority business owners and other professionals. Bring business cards. Call 601-965-0366.

11 a.m., Mississippi Education Achievement Council Meeting, at Universities Center (3825 Ridgewood Road), in the IHL Board Room. The council works toward education achievement goals for the state. Call 601-432-6333.

6 p.m., Minority Business Network Meeting, at Divine Ministries (1417 W. Capitol St.). Rosalyn Sylvester of AFLAC is the guest speaker. Bring business cards and marketing materials. RSVP recommended. Free; call 601-750-2367.

6 p.m., Precinct 2 COPS Meeting, at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 2 (711 W. Capitol St.). These monthly forums are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0002.

Friday, Feb. 10

9 a.m., Starting a Nonprofit: The Complete Guide to Getting Your 501(c)(3), at Mississippi Center for Nonprofits (201 W. Capitol St., Suite 700). Learn the guidelines for registering a tax-exempt organization. $179, $89 members; call 601-968-0061.

9 a.m., Friday Forum, at Koinonia Coffee House (136 S. Adams St., Suite C). The speaker is Stuart Kellogg, general manager of WAPT. Free; email [e-mail missing].

Startup Weekend Jackson Feb 10-12, at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.), in Leggett Center. The Mississippi Technology Alliance is the host. Collaborate with designers and developers to create a web or mobile application for a potential business. Joel Bomgar of Bomgar Corporation is the keynote speaker. Student discounts available. $75 by Feb. 9, $99 after, $25 Feb. 10 only; visit jackson.startupweekend.org.

7 p.m., Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball, at The Castle of Raymond (1479 Pine Hill Drive, Raymond). The event is in honor of the 12th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Enjoy a cash bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres and door prizes. Kolective Rhythm and Tawanna Shunte perform. Wear semi-formal attire and a mask. Proceeds benefit Building Bridges. $25 in advance, $30 at the door, $160 table of eight; call 601-922-0100.

Saturday, Feb. 11

7 a.m., Fleet Feet's 10th Anniversary Celebration, at Fleet Feet Sports (Trace Station, 500 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland). The event includes a run/walk, breakfast and door prizes. Free; call 601-899-9696.

8 a.m., Native Plant and Rose Sale, at Clinton Community Nature Center (617 Dunton Road, Clinton). Purchase native shrubs and trees, and antique roses. Call 601-926-1104.

8 a.m., Roll Off Dumpster Day. The city of Jackson's Solid Waste Division is encouraging citizens of Jackson to participate by taking tree limbs, other yard debris, and household items to one of their designated locations until 3 p.m. Residents may bring all household furniture and appliances for disposal. Tires, chemicals and gas tanks not accepted. Free; call 601-960-0000.

8:30 a.m., "Keep Your Head Up: Being Black and Christian in 21st-century Mississippi," at Mount Helm Baptist Church (300 E. Church St.). Speakers include Dr. Anthony Bradley, associate professor of theology and ethics at The King's College, and Pastor C.J. Rhodes. RSVP at [e-mail missing] by Feb. 6 to receive lunch. Free; call 601-353-3981.

9 a.m., Homebuyers Workshop, at Wingfield High School (1985 Scanlon Drive). Mississippi Home of Your Own (HOYO) empowers people with disabilities to become homeowners through grants and support systems. Residents with and without disabilities in Hinds and surrounding counties are invited to attend. Free; call 601-432-6876 or 866-883-4474.

9 a.m., Parent and Youth Conference, at Zion Travelers MB Church (925 W. Pearl St.). The continental breakfast and registration is at 7:30 a.m. Topics include substance abuse, suicide, bullying, sex, domestic abuse and dropout prevention. Free; call 601-953-5747.

10 a.m., Quarterly Youth Leadership Meeting - Central Region, at Lumpkin's BBQ (182 Raymond Road). Youth ages 10-18 learn how to become activists and leaders in their communities. Topics include effective communication, outreach and civil liberties. Participants also help draft the Mississippi Student Bill of Rights and plan the next Youth Hip-hop Summit. Free; call 601-354-3408.

10 a.m., FirstLove Youth Alliance Meeting, at God's Refuge Christian Fellowship Center/Church (1931 Boling St.). Youth ages 11-18 learn about leadership and responsibility at the Valentine's edition of the event. Registration recommended. Free; visit firstloveya.eventbrite.com.

10 a.m., Free Income Tax Return Preparation, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.), at the Student Center, suite 2241. The Center for Business Development and Economic Research, and the Accounting Society offer the service. Free; call 601-979-2029 or 601-979-2699.

10 a.m., Critters and Crawlers, at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). The program for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers includes indoor and outdoor activities, and animal encounters. Discounts available for members. Prices vary; call 601-352-2580, ext. 241.

1 p.m., Raw Food Potluck Social, at Butterfly Yoga (3025 N. State St.). Please RSVP and indicate what you are bringing. The event includes a raffle for the book "Naked Chocolate: The Astounding Truth About the World's Greatest Food." Free, suggested donation of $10 for first-time guests; email [e-mail missing].

2 p.m., Deep Opening Kripalu Yoga, at Courthouse Racquet and Fitness Club, Northeast (46 Northtown Drive). Moira Anderson Miller is the instructor. To register, mail payments to Jean Powers, 3046 Tidewater Circle, Madison, MS 39110. $40 in advance, $45 at the door; e-mail [e-mail missing].

Sunday, Feb. 12

2 p.m., Francis the Miracle Pup's First Birthday Party, at Community Animal Rescue and Adoption (CARA) (960 N. Flag Chapel Road). Enjoy refreshments, party favors, a tour of the shelter and photos with Francis. $10 photo, pet food or other donations welcome; call 601-842-4404.

3 p.m., "Putting Our Voices Together" Monthly Fellowship, at Integrative Health and Wellness Center (6204 N. State St.). Butterflies by Grace Defined by Faith hosts the session, and the topic is "Sharing Our Love to Undress Domestic Violence." Bring toiletries to donate to local shelters. Free, donations welcome; call 601-953-5747.

Monday, Feb. 13

1 p.m., Levee Board Meeting, at Flowood City Hall (2101 Airport Road, Flowood). Members of the Rankin-Hinds Pearl Flood and Drainage Control District hold their monthly meeting. Call 601-939-4243.

Through Feb. 15

GIVE Awards Call for Nominations. The Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service and the Office of the Governor seeks nominees for the Governor's Initiative for Volunteer Excellence (GIVE) Awards. The award is for outstanding volunteers who have served their communities. Nominations must be received by Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. Email [e-mail missing] for a nomination form. The awards program is April 16. Call 601-432-6306.

Through Feb. 27

Huggable Heroes Program. Build-A-Bear Workshop recognizes young leaders ages 8-18 who service in their communities and around the world. Anyone age 8 and above can nominate someone through Feb. 27 by visiting buildabear.com/huggableheroes or by picking up an entry form at participating Build-A-Bear Workshop stores. Winners will receive a $7,500 college scholarship, a $2,500 donation to the charity of his or her choice, and a trip to Build-A-Bear Workshop World Bearquarters in St. Louis. Call 888-560-2327.

Through March 2

Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program Registration, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), at the Department of Human and Cultural Services, Suite 311-A. The City of Jackson's Family and Youth Division is accepting applications from students ages 16-19. Applicants must provide a birth certificate, Social Security card, a driver's license or state ID, and the parent or guardian's proof of income. Applications accepted weekdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The deadline is March 2 at 5 p.m.; space limited. Call 601-960-2174 or 601-960-0326.

Through March 9

Yoga Classes, at The Commons at Eudora Welty's Birthplace (719 N. Congress St.). Tara Blumenthal and Katie Cassady teach the class Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from noon-1 p.m. Beginners and level one students welcome. $12 drop-in fee, $80 class package; email [e-mail missing].

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 [e-mail missing].

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.

Through Dec. 15

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. 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.

"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 to [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 [e-mail missing].

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

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.

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.
• 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.