Ellington

Eighth Annual JFP Chick Ball July 28, 6 p.m., at Hal & Mal's (200 S. Commerce St.). The fundraising event benefits the Center for Violence Prevention, and this year's goal is to start a rape crisis center. For ages 18 and up. Seeking sponsors, auction donations and volunteers now. More details: jfpchickball.com and follow on Twitter @jfpchickball. Get involved, volunteer, and donate art, money and gifts at [email protected]. $5 cover; call 601-362-6121, ext. 16.

Monday, July 23

6 p.m., "Protecting Yourself from Home Repair Contractor Fraud and Scams," at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). Topics include selecting a contractor, building permits, project preparation and typical scams. Free; visit ncphif.org.

Tuesday, July 24

10 a.m., Disaster Preparedness Exposition, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The Mississippi Center for Justice is the host. Senior citizens get tips on disaster recovery and survival resources. Free; call 601-352-2269.

Wednesday, July 25

Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Alanna Patrick and Betty Uzman of MDAH's Paper Archives offer a look inside the Eudora Welty Collection with "Welty at Home." Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.

4 p.m., Jackson/Hinds Library System Board of Trustees, at Margaret Walker Alexander Library (2525 Robinson Road). The board discusses matters concerning the local library system. Free; call 601-968-5825. Free; call 601- 968-5825.

6 p.m., Mayor's Ward 1 Community Meeting, at Beth Israel Congregation (5315 Old Canton Road). Share suggestions, address concerns and receive information on services the city provides. The WIN Job Center will have a representative available to discuss job opportunities. Call 601-960-1084.

Thursday, July 26

Miracle Treat Day, at Dairy Queen (724 Raymond Road). A portion of proceeds from Blizzard and Miracle Balloon sales benefit Children's Miracle Network. Free; miracletreatday.com.

Noon, Sinusitis: Facts and Fiction, at Quisenberry Library (605 E. Northside Drive, Clinton). Dr. Jay Young clears up misconceptions on the illness. Lunch and door prizes included. RSVP. Free; call 877-907-7642.

4 p.m., Hometown Hero and SUMITT Awards, at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.). The theme is "A Taste of Tourism." The Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau hosts the annual program and reception to acknowledge individuals who have contributed to the city. RSVP. Reserved table available ($100). Wear business attire. Free admission, $100 reserved table of eight; call 601-960-2321; email [email protected].

5:30 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. Free; call 601-960-0004.

7 p.m., Moth Night: A National Moth Week Celebration, at Clinton Community Nature Center (617 Dunton Road, Clinton), in Price Hall. Dr. Bill Stark presents information on the environment and variety of Mississippi's moths and caterpillars. See a photographic exhibit and a demonstration of light trapping as a technique for catching moths. Free; call 601-926-1104.

Friday, July 27

Mississippi Sales Tax Holiday July 27-28. The holiday from the seven-percent state sales tax applies statewide to all consumer purchases of clothing and footwear with prices of less than $100. Some restrictions apply. Verify if your city has opted out of the holiday. Free; call 601-923-7015.

9 a.m., Friday Forum, at Koinonia Coffee House (136 S. Adams St.). David Kelly of The Chartre Consulting speaks on the new housing development plans for the Dr. Robert Smith Parkway/(JSU) Parkway. Free, email [email protected].

Hinds Community College Summer Commencement July 27, at Hinds Community College, Raymond Campus (501 E. Main St., Raymond), in Cain-Cochran Hall. State Rep. John Moore speaks to the academic and career-technical graduates at 10 a.m. Lanell Kellum of the Mississippi Community College Board speaks to the nursing and allied health graduates at 2 p.m. Free; call 800-HINDS-CC.

BancorpSouth Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Induction Weekend July 27-28, at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum (1152 Lakeland Drive). The induction banquet is July 27 at 5:30 p.m. at Jackson Marriott (200 E. Amite St.). July 28, meet the inductees at 9:30 a.m., and the Drawdown of Champions is at 6:30 p.m. The drawdown includes a sports memorabilia auction and a chance to win $5000 $100 banquet, museum admission applies for inductee meet-and-greet, $50 drawdown; call 601-982-8264; msfame.com.

6 p.m., Community Bike Ride, at Rainbow Whole Foods Co-operative Grocery (2807 Old Canton Road). Bikers ride to a different destination on the last Friday of each month. Jackson Bike Advocates is the sponsor. Free; facebook.jacksonbikeadvocates.

Through July 27

Host an Exchange Student. The Pacific Intercultural Exchange is looking for host families for the 2012-2013 school year. Register by July 27. Call 866-360-0598.

Saturday, July 28

7 a.m., St. Joe Bruin Burn 5K Run/Walk, at St. Anthony Catholic School (1585 Old Mannsdale Road, Madison). Registration is at 6 a.m., and the run, walk and one-mile fun run start at 7 a.m. Teams of up to five people allowed. $25, $10 fun run, $75 team; call 601-607-7054; active.com.

9 a.m., Homebuyer Education Class, at Jackson Housing Authority (2747 Livingston Road). Topics include 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. Free; call 601-362-0885, ext. 115.

International Tiger Day, at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). Learn fun facts about tigers, talk to keeper staff and enjoy craft projects. $10, $9 seniors, $6.75 children ages 2-12, members/babies free; call 601-352-2580.

9 p.m., City of Jackson's "It's Cool to Be in School" Project, at Salsa Mississippi Studio and Club (605 Duling Ave.). Bring school supplies for needy students to the weekly "Burn the Dance Floor" Latin dance party ($10 cover, $5 students with ID), and the person with the largest donation gets a prize. Suggested items include crayons, washable markers, colored pencils, sanitizer, glue, manila paper and wide-ruled paper. Donations welcome; call 601-213-6355.

Through July 28

Vicksburg Farmers Market, in downtown Vicksburg, on the east side of Washington Street between Jackson and Grove streets. Open Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8-11 a.m. Call 601-634-4527.

Monday, July 30

Graduation Matters Institute's English II Exam Workshop July 30-Aug. 2, 9 a.m.-noon, at Eudora Welty Library (300 N. State St.). The workshop is for high-school seniors at risk of not graduating because of low English II State Test scores. Limit of 40 students; registration required. Breakfast provided. Free; call 601-948-4725.

Through July 31

Adult Summer Library Program. The Mississippi Library Commission selects winners from among adults ages 21 and older of the Adult Summer Library Programs at participating public library systems. Adults either participate in a traditional reading program or introduce literacy skills to children ages 5 and younger through books and activities. Prizes from 11 casinos include free hotel stays, meals and activity certificates. Registrations dates and times vary for each library. The drawing is held July 31. Call 601-432-4056.

Through Aug. 1

5000 Pencil Drive, at University of Phoenix, Jackson Campus (Stone Creek Blvd., Flowood). Donate pencils for Mississippi Children's Home Services by Aug. 1. The goal is 5000 pencils. Free; call 601-664-9505.

Through Aug. 4

Weekly Summer Activities for Teens, at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium (2531 N. State St.). Sundays from 6-9 p.m., teens are welcome to enjoy socializing, basketball games, card games, music and more. Security provided. Free; call 601-960-1084.

Through Sept. 4

Fall Community Enrichment Series, at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.). Most classes begin the week of Sept. 24 and fall into the categories of art, music, fitness, design, business and technology. Call to request a brochure with classes and fees. Free; Call 601-974-1130; millsaps.edu/conted.

Through Sept. 30

Dog Day Afternoons, at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). Bring your dog to the Art Garden for an afternoon of play Sundays at noon. Shelter dogs available for adoption. Free; call 601-960-1515.

Through Oct. 10

Poker Run, at Fleet Feet Sports (Trace Station, 500 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland), on second Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Participants receive five playing cards during the three-mile run/walk, and the people with the best hand and worst hand win prizes. After-party at Cazadores (500 Highway 51, Suite R, Ridgeland). Free; call 601-899-9696.

Through Oct. 11

Livingston Farmers Market (129 Mannsdale Road, Madison). Open from 4-8 p.m. Thursdays. Call 601-898-0212.

Through Oct. 31

Byram Farmers Market (20 Willow Creek Lane, Byram). Open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 601-373-4545.

Doris Berry's Farmers Market (352 E. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Open Monday-Saturday from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Call 601-354-0529 or 601-353-1633.

Through Nov. 30

Jackson Roadmap to Health Equity Project's Farmers Market (2548 Livingston Road). Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. WIC vouchers accepted. Call 601-987-6783.

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. Saturdays. Call 601-354-6573. 



Through Dec. 24

Old Fannin Road Farmers Market (1307 Old Fannin Road, Brandon). Open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Call 601-919-1690.

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.



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 every first Friday of the month. Appointment required. Free; call 601-707-7355.

"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 [email protected]. 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. 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 Dialogue Circles Program. The program includes sessions of dialogue and problem-solving to encourage racial harmony and community involvement. 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. 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.



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.



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 [email protected].



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 [email protected].



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.

Events at Mississippi Children's Museum (2145 Highland Drive). $8, children 12 months and under and members free; call 877-793-5437.

• Tinker with Tuesdays. Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m., children ages 4-11 learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

• ABC Come Play with Me. Wednesdays at 10 a.m., children ages 3 and under enjoy songs, games and learning activities to prepare them for preschool.

• Farm Bureau Spotlight. Fridays at 3:30 p.m., children ages 4-11 learn about agriculture and visit one of the galleries for a featured topic.

Ultimate Frisbee Pickup Game, at 800 Garvin St. Sundays at 3 p.m. The sport is played with teams of seven who score by catching and throwing a disc toward an end zone. Visit mississippiultimate.com.

4 Suits Bridge Club, at Flowood Library (103 Winners Circle, Flowood). Players compete Mondays from 1-4:30 p.m. Free; call 601-919-1911.

Art in Mind Art Program, at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). The Alzheimer's Association of Mississippi offers the program on fourth Wednesdays at 10 a.m. for people with early-stage dementia and their caregivers. Participants tour the galleries and make art in the studio classroom. Registration required; space limited. Registration forms available at alz.org/ms. Free; call 601-987-0020.

Senior Aides Program. The city of Jackson offers the part-time job program to low-income seniors ages 55 and up. Participants receive assistance in finding a job during the training process. Applicants must have state ID, a Social Security card, proof of income and a utility bill to sign up. Call 601-960-0335.

Early Childhood Development Program. The city of Jackson offers child-care services for ages six weeks to 4 years at Jones Early Childhood Development Center (2050 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive), and ages 1-4 at Virden Early Childhood Development Center (3159 Edwards Ave.) and Westside Early Childhood Development Center (1450 Wiggins Road). Register weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at either location. Bring items such as proof of income, proof of residency, a birth certificate and immunization records; call for a complete list of documents. Call 601-960-0335.