Ellington

Community Meetings

Monday, Dec. 16

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

6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., New Foundation Toastmasters Club #702994 Meetings at Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University (1230 Raymond Road). In the Nebraska Room. Practice impromptu speaking, active listening, evaluation and leadership skills. Call for information on membership dues; call 601-502-8402 or 601-896-4400; email [email protected]; find "NewFoundation Linda Hartwell" on Facebook.

6:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m., ALS (Lou Gehrig's) Support Group (fourth Mondays) at Methodist Rehabilitation Center (1350 E. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The group meets in the BankPlus Community Room on the second floor. Free; call 601-364-3326.

Tuesday, Dec. 17

noon-1 p.m., "Guess Who's Talking Now" Toastmasters 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. Improve your communication skills, and become a better speaker and leader. Membership required. Free to visitors; call 601-359-6653 or 601-359-2573.

5:15 p.m.,Public Policy Toastmasters Club 8689 Meeting Tuesdays, through undefined NaN, at Universities Center (3825 Ridgewood Road). The group meets on first and third Tuesdays at 5:15 p.m.,in the computer lab. Improve your communication skills, and become a better speaker and leader. Membership required. Call for details on membership dues; call 601-540-8472 or 601-432-6277.

6 p.m., Jackson City Council Meeting Dec. 17, Dec. 23, 4 p.m.Dec. 31, 10 a.m., at Jackson City Hall (219 S. President St.). Open to the public. Free; call 601-960-1064; jacksonms.gov.

Wednesday, Dec. 18

9 a.m.-4 p.m., Writing a Grant Proposal: The Basics at Mississippi Center for Nonprofits (201 W. Capitol St., Suite 700). Topics include grants research, developing a needs statement, creating a budget and assembling the proposal package. Registration required. $139, $99 members; call 601-968-0061; msnonprofits.org.

11 a.m., Hinds County Human Resource Agency Meeting at Hinds County Human Resource Agency (258 Maddox Road). The Board of Directors meets on third Wednesdays. Open to the public; Hinds County residents encouraged to attend. Free; call 601-923-1838.

6 p.m.-7 p.m., Downtown Jackson Toastmasters at Plaza Building (120 N. Congress St.). Learn to communicate better in front of groups and with peers. Meetings are Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m.,on the 12th floor in the Common Room. Call for membership information. Free; call 601-940-5247; email [email protected]; http://1275010.toastmastersclubs.org/.

Thursday, Dec. 19

1 p.m., "A Start to Hearty Healthy Living" Seminar at B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center (400 Second St., Indianola). Topics include the flu, Alzheimer's, cancer, diabetes, mental illness, sleep disorders and heart disease. Includes health screenings and door prizes. Free; call 662-887-9539; bbkingmuseum.org.

5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.,Women for Progress Live Radio Broadcast through undefined NaN, at WMPR 90.1 FM and wmpr901.com . Dorothy Stewart and Willie Jones host the program. Topics include education, economics and politics. Call-ins welcome at 601-948-5950. Free; call 601-918-5137.

6 p.m., Precinct 3 COPS Meeting at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 3 (3925 W. Northside Drive). These monthly forums are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Free; call 601-960-0003.

6 p.m., City of Jackson Local Sales Tax Town Hall Meeting at Word and Worship Church (6286 Hanging Moss Road). The Jackson City Government hosts the meeting to discuss the one-percent local sales tax referendum. Free; call 601-960-1084.

6 p.m.,Alignment Jackson Ward 6 Town Hall Meeting at Peeples Middle School (2940 Belvedere Drive). The focus of the meeting is to improve Jackson Public Schools. JPS parents are encouraged to attend. Free; call 601-960-1089; jackson.k12.ms.us.

6 p.m.-7 p.m.,Capital City Toastmasters Club #1684 through undefined NaN, at Reformed Theological Seminary Library (5341 Clinton Blvd.). Join to improve your public speaking and leadership skills. New members welcome. Free; call 601-942-2154; 1684.toastmastersclubs.org.

6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.,Practicum for Psychic Phenomena at Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson (4866 N. State St.). Spiritual intuitive Duann Kier is the facilitator. Learn how to develop your psychic ability. Includes presentations, discussions, personal practice, group experiences and focused meditations. For ages 18 and up. $5; call 982-5919; email [email protected]; duannkier.com.

Friday, Dec. 20

7 a.m.-8:30 a.m., Coffee and Conversation at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Interact with business professionals, leaders, and other community members, and learn about upcoming city projects. Free; call 601-576-6920.

Saturday, Dec. 21

10 a.m.,Jackson Association of Black Journalists at Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University (1230 Raymond Road). Members meet on third Saturdays, excluding holidays. Free; call 979-1246; email [email protected].

10 a.m.-8 p.m.,CUUPS Jackson Weekly Workshops at Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson (4866 N. State St.). In the Religious Education Building. Enjoy a day of socializing, support, free workshops and a drum circle. Schedule available online. Free; call 982-5919; email [email protected]; cuupsjackson.org.

4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.,Sick and Tired, and Seeking at Afrikan Arts and Culture Studio (612 N. Farish St.). Our Community Against Racism hosts the forum on second Saturdays. The focus of the monthly forum is to provide African-centered cultural enrichment and work toward racial equality. Refreshments served. Free; call 601-979-1413 or 601-918-5075.

Monday, Dec. 23

4 p.m., Jackson City Council Meeting at Jackson City Hall (219 S. President St.). Open to the public. Free; call 601-960-1064; jacksonms.gov.

Community Events

Monday, Dec. 16

7:30 p.m., "Dublin Carol at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.). In the Hewes Room. The play is about a recovering alcoholic's efforts to escape the burdens of his past. The performance is part of New Stage Theatre's Unframed Series. For mature audiences. $7 (cash or check); call 601-948-3533, ext. 222; newstagetheatre.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 17

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. Free; email [email protected].

Wednesday, Dec. 18

7:30 p.m., "A Christmas Carol" at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.). Enjoy the musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel about a miser's encounter with three spirits. $25, $22 students and seniors, $18 ages 12 and under, $75 family package, group discounts available; call 601-948-3531; newstagetheatre.com.

Thursday, Dec. 19

5 p.m., Museum After Hours at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). Enjoy a cash bar at 5 p.m.,and exhibition tours at 6 p.m.,or 6:30 p.m.,Intended for young professionals, but all ages welcome. Admission varies per exhibit; call 601-960-1515; msmuseumart.org.

5:30 p.m., Screen on the Green at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). Watch the film "Christmas Vacation" in the Art Garden. Includes a cash bar and concessions. Free; call 601-960-1515; msmuseumart.org.

7:30 p.m., "A Christmas Carol" at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.). Enjoy the musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel about a miser's encounter with three spirits. $25, $22 students and seniors, $18 ages 12 and under, $75 family package, group discounts available; call 601-948-3531; newstagetheatre.com.

7:30 p.m., Song Eternal II: Handel's Messiah at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). The Mississippi Chorus' reunion choir performs in celebration of their Silver Season. Also enjoy music from soloists Olga Perez Flora and James Flora with members of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. 10-percent discount for groups of 10 or more. $10-$30; brownpapertickets.com.

Friday, Dec. 20

7:30 p.m., "A Christmas Carol" at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.). Enjoy the musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel about a miser's encounter with three spirits. $25, $22 students and seniors, $18 ages 12 and under, $75 family package, group discounts available; call 601-948-3531; newstagetheatre.com.

Saturday, Dec. 21

9 a.m.-noon, Cookies with Santa at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). Activities include putting wish lists in Santa's mailbox, decorating cookies and pictures with Santa. Bring a camera. Free with regular admission; call 601-352-2500; jacksonzoo.org.

10 a.m.-noon, Pics with Santa at Highland Village (4500 Interstate 55 N.). At Center Court. Package options include four 5-by-7 photos or 10 4-by-6 photos. $40 sitting fee; call 601-982-5861; email [email protected]; highlandvillagems.com.

10 a.m.-1 p.m., Christmas Grab at The Church of Philadelphia Ministries Baptist Church (257 Maddox Road). The church gives away donated clothing, shoes, toys and household items. Open to the public. Free; call 601-922-4090.

noon-6 p.m., Make a Joyful Noise 2013 at Metrocenter Mall (1395 Metrocenter Drive). Enjoy soloists, choirs and performance groups at Center Court. Free; call 601-969-7633, ext. 22.

1 p.m.-5 p.m., Showtime with Santa at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). Meet Santa, and enjoy performances from Eddie Williams, Eriel Paymon, Shasa Cohren and more. Free; call 601-497-6796.

5 p.m.-8 p.m., Toys for Tots Drive and Spa Party at Village Apartments Community Center (386 Raymond Road). Little Miss Prissy Spa hosts the event for girls that includes manicures, facials, making beauty products, a portrait and more. Refreshments served. Bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to the Good Samaritan Center. $13 in advance, $15 day of event; call 769-216-0227; email [email protected].

5 p.m.-9 p.m., Spa La La La Christmas Spa Party and Toy Drive at Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum (1150 Lakeland Drive). Glitz Gloss & Glam Day Spa for Children is the host. Enjoy spa treatments, food, giveaways and more. Bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to Batson Children's Hospital. Advance tickets. $15-$15; call 769-230-6153 or 769-226-3411; email [email protected]; glitzglossglam.eventbrite.com.

7 p.m.-8 p.m., Festively Fabulous and Free Christmas Concert at Christ United Methodist Church (6000 Old Canton Road). The Mississippi Community Symphonic Band, the Mississippi Swing and the Mississippi Boychoir perform. Also enjoy an old-fashioned holiday sing-a-long and some special surprises. Free, donations welcome; call 769-218-0828; mcsb.us.

Sunday, Dec. 22

2 p.m., Christmas in the Park at Poindexter Park (200 Poindexter St.). Volunteer to help feed the homeless that day. Contact the facilitator to confirm. Free; call 769-257-0815 or 601-291-8687.

4 p.m. and 6 p.m., The Music of Christmas Dec. 22, at First Presbyterian Church (1390 N. State St.). The 100-voice First Presbyterian Choir and 50 members of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra perform. Free; call 601-353-8316; email [email protected]; fpcjackson.org.

Ongoing

Fight Against Hunger at BRAVO!, Broad Street Bakery and Sal & Mookie's. Dine at participating restaurants and add a donation to Extra Table to your receipt. Donations welcome; extratable.org.

Youth Ambassadors Program at Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center for Arts and Education (1600 Government St., Ocean Springs). The arts program for children includes free membership and special programs at a reduced cost. Free; call 228-818-2878; email [email protected]; themaryc.org.

Senior Aides Program. The city of Jackson offers the part-time job program to low-income seniors ages 55 and up. 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. Free; call 601-960-0335.

Computer Courses for Adults at Hinds Community College, Raymond Campus (501 E. Main St., P.O. Box 1100, Raymond). Classes usually meet once a week for four to eight weeks, and fees depend on the level and type of class. Free; call 601-857-3773; email [email protected].

through Dec. 16, Scholastic Writing Awards Call for Submissions at Eudora Welty House and Museum (1119 Pinehurst Place). At the Eudora Welty Education and Visitors Center. Junior high and high school students in central Mississippi counties may submit works by Dec. 16 at 5 p.m.,Visit artandwriting.org for a list of counties and guidelines. Free; call 601-353-7762; artandwriting.org.

through Dec. 18, Adult Basic Education/GED Program at Hinds Community College in Jackson, Raymond, Utica and Vicksburg . People who aspire to earn a high school equivalency certificate may register for orientation and testing before the GED price and testing format changes in 2014. Call or go online for specifics. Free Adult Basic Education courses, $75 GED testing fee; call 601-857-3912; hindscc.edu.

through Dec. 20, Tues.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.,Christmas at the Governor's Mansion at Governor's Mansion (300 E. Capitol St.). See holiday decorations with seasonal greenery in the historic section. Guided tours held Tuesday-Friday from 9:30-11 a.m.,on the half-hour; closed Saturday-Monday. Groups of 10 or more must RSVP. Free; call 601-359-6421.

through Dec. 20, Winter Holidays Exhibit at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Enjoy the model trains of Possum Ridge, period toys and Christmas trees. Open Monday from noon-4:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.,and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.,Free; call 601-576-6800.

through Dec. 23, Christmas in Canton Victorian Christmas Festival at Historic Canton Square (Courthouse Square, Canton). At the Canton Welcome Center inside the Historic Trolio Hotel. The annual month-long celebration includes vintage car, truck and train rides, animated museums and light displays. $3 museum admission, $1 rides; call 601-859-1307 or 800-844-3369; email [email protected]; cantontourism.com.

through Dec. 23, Wrap It in Ridgeland! at Ridgeland . Gather with family and friends and savor the region's finest shopping, dining and hospitality. Free; visitridgeland.com/wrapit.

through Dec. 29, Fri.-Sat., 12 Days of Christmas at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). Includes lighted pathways, special sights such as Candy Cane Lane, Santa's Workshop and the Winter Wonderland tree display, and hot cocoa. Free with regular admission; call 601-352-2580; jacksonzoo.org.

through Dec. 31, Wonderland of Lights at Freedom Ridge Park (235 W. School St., Ridgeland). Drive through to enjoy a display of holiday lights and decorations. Free; call 800-468-6078; visitridgeland.com.

through Dec. 31, Holiday Tree Design Showcase at Mississippi Children's Museum (2145 Highland Drive). See trees decorated by local schools in the galleries. $8, children 12 months and under free; call 601-981-5469; mschildrensmuseum.com.

through Dec. 31, Tues.-Sat., Years of Yuletide: Christmas in Jackson at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). The exhibit highlights various Jackson Christmas traditions with selected artifacts and photos. Free; call 601-576-6800; oldcapitolmuseum.com.

through Dec. 31, Go Red Multicultural Scholarship Fund. American Heart Association's Go Red For Women and Macy's offer scholarships to multicultural women interested in healthcare careers. 16 women will receive a $2,500 scholarship. Apply by Dec. 31. Free; goredforwomen.org/scholarship.

through Jan. 4, Tues.-Sat., Thief at the Crossroads: The Blues as Black Technology at Gallery1 (One University Place, 1100 John R. Lynch St., Suite 4). See John Jennings' comic art that showcases African-American expressions. Jennings is a Mississippi native currently living and working in Buffalo, N.Y. Blues reception Oct. 11 from 6-8 p.m.,Free; call 601-960-9250; jsums.edu/gallery1.

through Jan. 5, Mon.-Sat., 1-9 p.m., Christmas on Ice at Baptist Health Systems, Madison Campus (401 Baptist Drive, Madison). Enjoy an ice skating rink and ice slide, a Christmas Story Trail, decorations, concessions and concerts. $15 skating and ice slide (rental skates included), concerts and Christmas Story Trail free; call 601-500-5970; christmasonice.com.

through April 30, Mon.-Fri., 2:30 p.m.-6 p.m., Common Core After Hours Learning and Readiness Program at PERICO Institute (Jackson Medical Mall, 350 W. Woodrow Ave., Suite 300). The weekly program for children in grades K-12 includes English and language arts, math, science, and music and art appreciation. Registration required. Light snack included. $50 per week; call 769-251-1408; priydems.com.

through July 31, Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Private Tutoring. In-person and virtual tutoring available for students in grades K-12 in math, science and literacy. Registration required. $15-$50; je411.webs.com.