Ellington

McAlister's Deli plans to use the grand reopening of its Maywood Mart location next week as a fundraising opportunity for a local charity. Everyone who visits the restaurant June 5 and donates a bag of dry dog food to Community Animal Rescue and Adoption will receive a voucher for a free meal on their next visit to the Maywood location.

McAlister's (1240 E. Northside Drive) will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 5 to show off its new design. The Ridgeland-based restaurant chain has been redesigning some of its restaurants within the past few months, beginning with its Clinton location.

On Saturday, June 9, Great Scott (4400 Old Canton Road, 601-984-3500) will host Putting on the Dog, a benefit for CARA. The event, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will include a silent auction, crafts for sale, activities for the kids and a display of Corvettes by the Mississippi Corvette Club. A $5 donation will buy you food from Basil's or Rooster's. Sweets from Campbell's Bakery will also be available for purchase.

This is the second year Great Scott has hosted the fundraiser for CARA. While the main purpose of the event is to raise money for the animal shelter, CARA will also have some of its dogs in need of homes at the event.

Virginia College Moving to Former Brookshire's Building
Virginia College in Jackson is planning to move its campus from its location at 4795 Interstate 55 N. to a new, larger facility at 5841 Ridgewood Road.

The building, which once housed a Brooksire's Grocery, provides 65,000 square feet of space, about 15,000 square feet more than the current location.

Virginia College plans to move to the new campus in April of next year following a $5.1-million renovation.

SBA Recognizes Smithville Mayor
The U.S. Small Business Administration presented a Phoenix Award to Smithville, Miss., Mayor Gregg Kennedy earlier this month for leading his town during its recovery from a devastating tornado.

The April 27, 2011, tornado flattened much of Smithville, killing 16 people and destroying 153 homes, four churches, the police station, Town Hall and 14 of the 15 businesses in town.

The SBA said in a statement that Kennedy worked with a doctor to set up a makeshift hospital and organized search and rescue efforts after the storm.

"Working for days without sleep, Kennedy became a symbol of optimism for Smithville residents and set the town on the road to rebirth," the award announcement said.

The SBA presents Phoenix awards each year to business owners, public officials and volunteers who contribute to rebuilding their communities after disasters.