Ellington

Monday, March 26

7 p.m., Taste of Mississippi, at Highland Village (4500 Interstate 55 N.). Enjoy gourmet dishes, a silent auction and live music. Hunter Gibson and the Gators, and Pryor and the Tombstones perform. Proceeds benefit Stewpot Community Services. $65 in advance, $80 at the door; call 601-353-2759.

7 p.m., Vigil in Memory of Nolan Ryan Henderson III, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.). The candlelight vigil is at the Gibbs-Green Pedestrian Parkway near the Jacob L. Reddix Building. Call 601-979-0374.

7 p.m., Millsaps Arts and Lecture Series, at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.), in the recital hall. Rick Cleveland, Boo Ferriss and Jay Powell discuss Mississippi's baseball legacy. $10; call 601-974-1130.

Tuesday, March 27

2 p.m., Jackson's Promise Coalition for Dropout Prevention Meeting, at United Way (843 N. President St.). The topic is "Engaging Decision Makers in Dropout Prevention Efforts." Call 601-965-1353.

6 p.m., Mississippi Biomass and Renewable Energy Council Annual Meeting, at One Jackson Place (188 E. Capitol St.). At Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, suite 400. Learn more about the organization that promotes sustainable energy in the state. RSVP. Call 601-960-3623.

6:30 p.m., Jackson Audubon Society Chapter Meeting, at Eudora Welty Library (300 N. State St.). Dr. Dave King of the Corps of Engineers' Coastal and Hydraulics Lab gives tips on seashell identification. Visitors welcome. Free; call 601-956-7444.

Wednesday, March 28

Presidential Inauguration March 28-30, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.). The series of events honoring Dr. Carolyn Meyers includes receptions, luncheons and ceremonies, and culminates with the Inaugural Reception and Gala at 6 p.m. at the Walter Payton Center. Visit jsums.edu for a complete schedule and to RSVP. $50 gala, other events free; call 601-979-6942.

Noon, "History Is Lunch," at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Mississippi Community College Board executive director Eric Clark presents "The Necessity of Compromise in Preserving a Healthy Democracy." Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.

Thursday, March 29

10 a.m., Women Are Representing (W.A.R.) Silent Protest, at Smith Park (Yazoo St.). Participants march to the Mississippi State Capitol (400 High St.) for a rally. The purpose is to protest recent reproductive health legislation. E-mail [e-mail missing].

2 p.m., Humanities Festival Lecture, at Tougaloo College, Woodworth Chapel (500 W. County Line Road, Tougaloo). Dr. James Stewart, James Wallace Professor of History Emeritus at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn., speaks on the theme "Abolishing Slavery in Lincoln's Time and Ours: Creating a 21st Century Abolitionist Movement." Free; call 601-977-4431.

4:30 p.m., Youth Dropout Prevention Council Meeting, at United Way (843 N. President St.). Learn how to get involved in dropout prevention for high school students. Call 601-965-1353.

6 p.m., "Breaking Barriers 2" Film Premiere and Forum, at Cardozo Middle School (3180 McDowell Road Ext.). The goal of the program is to determine ways to improve the lives of African-American males. Author Dr. Ivory A. Toldson and filmmaker Nicole Franklin are the speakers. Free; call 601-960-8672.

6 p.m., Fit 4 Change 5K, at Mississippi State Capitol (400 High St.). Paul Lacoste Sports hosts the race that includes participation from state legislators. Registration required. Proceeds benefit Victory Sports Foundation's obesity-prevention efforts. Free, donations welcome; call 601-398-0950.

7 p.m., LABA-Link Business Networking Event, at 125 Bellingham Drive, Madison. Learn more about the Latin American Business Association and how to become a member. Free; email [e-mail missing].

Through March 29

Unity Within the Community, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.). The student-led event includes voter registration drives on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. through March 29 at the Student Center, and an voter registration rally and forum March 29 at 6 p.m. at the Sollie B. Norwood Masonic Lodge. Call 601-979-3040 or 601-979-1058.

Friday, March 30

Unity Conference March 30-31, at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). The Mississippi Immigrants' Rights Alliance and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference are the hosts. The goal is to foster unity among people of different faiths. The program includes a dinner and awards program March 30 at 7 p.m., and activist Imam Ali Siddiqui is the keynote speaker. Registration required; scholarships available to cover fee. $50, $25 students, $25 conference only, $30 dinner only; call 601-968-5128, 601- 906-1717 or 769-233-4847 (Espanol).

9 a.m., Friday Forum, at Koinonia Coffee House (136 S. Adams St., Suite C). The speaker is Thea Faulkner, director of Parents For Public Schools' Parents Leadership Institute. Free; email [e-mail missing].

11:30 a.m., Clef Notes Luncheon, at Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St.). The Jackson Symphony League hosts the event. Mississippi Symphony Orchestra conductor Crafton Beck and soloists performing at the "Ode to Joy" concert March 31 are the special guests. Reservations required. $26.50; call 601-981-5195.

12:30 p.m., Millsaps Forum, at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.). In room 215. Michael Reinhard, assistant professor of political science at Millsaps, reports on the results of his four-year study of higher education in Afghanistan. Free; call 601-974-1305.

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.

7 p.m., Figment FUN-raiser, at North Midtown Arts Center (121 Millsaps Ave.). Enjoy music and adult-sized games such as Giant Twister, boxing and "peer pong." Proceeds go toward the FIGMENT arts festival in April. For ages 21 and up. $5 cover; visit jackson.figmentproject.org.

Through March 30

Community Empowerment and Awareness Month, at Northside Senior Center (104 E. Northside Drive). Enjoy an inspirational movie and popcorn Fridays at 6 p.m., and forums Saturdays at 9 a.m. Limited seating; reservations required. Free; call 601-960-2166.

Emerging Leaders Institute Call for Applicants, at Hinds Community College, Utica Campus (34175 Highway 18, Utica). Applicants must be in the 10th-12th grade during the 2012-2013 school year, have a 3.0 GPA and have outstanding leadership skills. Apply by March 30. The program is May 31-June 8. Call 601-885-7120.

Saturday, March 31

7:30 a.m., Racing for a Donation, on Liberty Road, Flowood. The race includes an 8K run/walk and a one-mile fun run for children ages 12 and under. Proceeds benefit the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency (MORA). Parking available at the MORA parking lot (4400 Lakeland Drive, Flowood). Registration required. $20 by March 24, $25 after; call 601-933-1000.

8 a.m., ACT Workshop, at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.), in Olin Hall. Learn test-taking strategies, get tips and take practice exams. Bring the calculator and watch you will be using for the actual test. Limited seating. Registration available at get2college.org. Free; call 601-321-5533.

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. Registration required. Free; call 601-362-0885, ext. 115.

9 a.m., Walk for Babies, at Little School Learning Center (202 Visconti Place, Madison). Registration is at 8 a.m. The event includes a three-mile walk, a fun run for children ages 4-10, refreshments, a silent auction and entertainment. Fee includes T-shirt for ages 6 to adult; $10 T-shirts for ages 5 and under. Proceeds benefit the Mississippi SIDS Alliance. $20, $10 ages 6-12, children 5 and under free; call 877-471-7437.

9:30 a.m., Fight Against Obesity 5K Run, at Jackson State University - Walter Payton Recreation and Wellness Center (32 Walter Payton Drive). Runners, walkers and cyclists welcome. The event includes a one-mile fun run/ride. Register by noon March 29; registration available at active.com. Proceeds go toward scholarships for the Camp Tiger Tails Summer Program. $15, $50-$60 team of three to five, $10 fun run/ride/JSU student; call 601-979-1557.

10 a.m., Mississippi Valley State University Alumni Scholarship Breakfast Mar 31, 10 a.m., at Embassy Suites Hotel (200 Township Place, Ridgeland). Brigadier General Augustus Leon Collins, adjutant general of Mississippi, is the keynote speaker. $15; call 601-421-8556.

11 a.m., Mayor's Pride Ride, at Christ Tabernacle Church (1201 Cooper Road). Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. highlights historic landmarks and new developments in the city during the bus tour. Free; call 601-960-1084.

Noon, Community Day, at Christ Tabernacle Church (1201 Cooper Road). The third annual event includes food and family-friendly activities. Free; call 601-373-1711.

Noon, Cigars and BBQ, at Havana Smoke Shoppe (4760 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road, Suite F). Enjoy cigar and drink samples, and free food. Proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Donations welcome; call 601-706-9273.

9 p.m., The Bachelorettes Reunion Concert, at The Commons at Eudora Welty's Birthplace (719 N. Congress St.). Proceeds go toward buying wigs for patients at University of Mississippi Medical Center. $5 suggested donation; call 601-352-3399 or 601-540-1267.

Through March 31

"Directing Democracy: Mississippi's Elected Officials" School Program, at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). The program for grades four and up explains the roles of elected officials and the election process. Reservations required. Call 601-576-6920.

Monday, April 2

9 a.m., Hinds County Board of Supervisors, at Chancery Court (316 S. President St.). The board holds its regular meeting, open to the public. Call 601-968-6501.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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].

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 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.

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.

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.