Ellington

Community Meetings

Monday, March 17

9 a.m., Hinds County Board of Supervisors Meeting 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.

11 a.m., Mississippi Postsecondary Education Financial Assistance Board at Universities Center (3825 Ridgewood Road). The board holds the quarterly meeting in room 432. Free; call 601-432-6198; mississippi.edu.

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.

7 p.m.-8 p.m., LGBTQ Rights Lecture and Town Hall Meeting at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.). Immigrant rights and LGBTQ rights activist Felipe Sousa-Rodriguez is the guest speaker. Free; call 228-365-5140; email [email protected].

Tuesday, March 18

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 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.

Wednesday, March 19

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/.

7 p.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; hchra.org.

Thursday, March 20

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.-7 p.m., Capital City Toastmasters Club #1684 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.

Friday, March 21

7 p.m.-9 p.m., Women's Conference at Agape Christian Fellowship Church (787 E. Northside Drive). $25; call 601-850-9838.

Saturday, March 22

8 a.m.-noon, Women's Conference at Agape Christian Fellowship Church (787 E. Northside Drive). $25; call 601-850-9838.

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.

Monday, March 24

1 p.m., Jackson Public Schools Community Meeting at Jackson Public Schools (621 S. State St.). In the Board of Trustees Meeting Room. Get first-hand information about the JPS Accreditation Process and hear the goals the district is set to achieve this school year. Free; call 601-960-2782; jackson.k12.ms.us.

6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., New Foundation Toastmasters Club #702994 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 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.

Community Events

Monday, March 17

6 p.m.-8 p.m., St. Paddy's Cocktail Tasting at Sombra Mexican Kitchen (Township at Colony Park, 140 Township Ave, Suite 100, Ridgeland). Enjoy four Irish-themed cocktails, including a Beer and Ginger Ale Shandy and the Lucky Leprechaun, along with four appetizers. $30 plus tax and tip; call 601-707-7950; sombramexicankitchen.com.

Tuesday, March 18

8:30 a.m., Black Family Summit at Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University (1230 Raymond Road). The theme is "Reclaiming, Restoring, and Preserving the Black Male Presence in Mississippi." Includes panel discussions and a tribute to the late Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba and health screenings. The keynote speaker is Rev. C.J. Rhodes. $25 early bird, $30 on site, $40 exhibitors, CEUs available; call 601-957-7670; email [email protected]; mffk.org.

9 a.m.-noon, Information Technology for Nonprofits at Mississippi Center for Nonprofits (201 W. Capitol St., Suite 700). The workshop includes topics such as server and Internet security, protecting and backing up data, and new hardware and software products. Registration required. $109, $69 members; call 601-968-0061; msnonprofits.org.

6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Chef's Table at Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St.). Enjoy a four-course meal from chefs Gary Hawkins and Ryan Bell of 1908 Provisions and the Library Lounge. $65; call 228-493-6555; eatyall.com.

Wednesday, March 19

noon, History is Lunch: Commemorating 175 Years of the Old Capitol at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Millsaps College history professor Stephanie Rolph talks about civil and voting rights during Old Capitol's history. Free; call 601-576-6998; mdah.state.ms.us.

8:30 a.m., Black Family Summit at Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University (1230 Raymond Road). The theme is "Reclaiming, Restoring, and Preserving the Black Male Presence in Mississippi." Includes panel discussions and a tribute to the late Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba and health screenings. The keynote speaker is Rev. C.J. Rhodes. $25 early bird, $30 on site, $40 exhibitors, CEUs available; call 601-957-7670; email [email protected]; mffk.org.

Thursday, March 20

6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Special Guest Lecture at Tougaloo College (500 W. County Line Road, Tougaloo). In the Bennie G. Thompson Center. Dr. Akinyele Umoja speaks on the topic "Armed in Mississippi: When the Freedom Movement Stood Its Ground." A book signing follows the lecture. Free; call 601-977-7871; tougaloo.edu.

Friday, March 21

10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Finding Your Legacy Class at Tulane University, Madison Campus (2115 Main St., Madison). The facilitator is Rev. Glenn Shows, chaplin of the Mississippi Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution. Topics include initiating research, introducing a range of legacies and leaving a legacy. Registration required. $10; call 601-605-0007; email [email protected].

Saturday, March 22

9 a.m., Color Me Rad 5K at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium (2531 N. State St.). The nationally-recognized run/walk is part of the annual Zippity Doo Dah Weekend. Participants wear white and are color bombed at each kilometer. Proceeds benefit Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital. Registration required. Volunteers welcome. Fees vary by registration date (discount for early registration); call 354-6021; colormerad.com.

10 a.m.-3 p.m., Street Carnival at Sal & Mookie's New York Pizza and Ice Cream Joint (565 Taylor St.). Proceeds from game tickets and food sales benefit Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital. The annual event is part of Zippity Doo Dah Weekend. Also participate in the silent auction on the website. Free admission; call 368-1919; email [email protected], [email protected] (silent auction) or [email protected] (volunteer questions); salandmookies.com.

11 a.m., Sweet Potato Brunch at High Noon Cafe (Rainbow Plaza, 2807 Old Canton Road). The sweet potato-themed menu features vegetarian and vegan dishes. The event is part of Zippity Doo Dah Weekend. Prices vary per item; call 366-1513; find Sweet Potato Brunch on Facebook.

Sunday, March 23

2 p.m., Retirement Program for Rev. Will T. Jones at Mt. Wade M.B. Church (3752 Dry Grove Road, Terry). The pastor is retiring after 22 years of service. Cards, gifts and well wishes welcome. Free; call 601-878-2323; email [email protected].

4 p.m., Women's History Month Awards Ceremony at China Grove A.M.E. Church (1060 Mannsdale Road, Madison). The theme is "Celebrating Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment." The church and Circle of Hope for Depression Awareness honors women who have made a difference in their careers and communities. Free; call 601-919-7444.

Monday, March 24

8 a.m.-5 p.m., Complimentary Dyslexia Screening at Dore Jackson (1850 Lakeland Drive, Suite P-221). Screenings are open to the public. Participants must be at least 7 years old. Free; call 326-5550; doreusa.com.

6 p.m., Chilean Wine Tasting at Amerigo Italian Restaurant (6592 Old Canton Road). Sample four Chilean wines, including Aresit Chardonnay and Cono Sur Pinot Noir. Wines are paired with bruschetta al Pomodoro and tiramisu. Reservations required. $20 plus tax and tip; call 601-977-0563; amerigo.net.

6 p.m.-8 p.m., CARA's Wine Tasting Fundraiser at Olga's Fine Dining (4760 Interstate 55 N.). The fundraiser for Community Animal Rescue and Adoption includes wine and food pairings, a silent auction, door prizes and music from Double Ramm Outlaws. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. For ages 21 and up. $45 in advance, $55 at the door; call 601-497-0375; carams.org.

Ongoing

Mon.-Sat., 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.

Mon.-Fri., 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].

Mon.-Fri., Senior Aides Program in Jackson. 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.

Tues.-Sat., through March 21, #Mow2Grow Lawn Mower Raffle at Mississippi Children's Museum(2145 Highland Drive). Register for a chance to win a zero-turn John Deere riding lawn mower valued at $2,500. The drawing is March 21 at 3:30 p.m. Winner does not have to be present to win. The rafle is a fundraiser for the museum's Literacy Garden. $15 per ticket, five entries for $50, 10 entries for $100; call 601-981-5469; mschildrensmuseum.com.

Sun., 9 p.m. through March 30, The Walking Dead Watch Party at Capitol Grill (5050 Interstate 55 N., Suite F). Watch the popular AMC show on an 11-foot television screen, and enjoy drink specials and a late-night happy hour. Use #TWDJackson on social media. No cover; call 601-899-8845.

Mon., 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., through March 31, OFNA Happy Hour at Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St.). The OurFondren Neighborhood Association is the host. The weekly social is for those who live, work or play in Fondren. Free; call 487-6349; email [email protected]; facebook.com/OurFondren.

Wed., 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., through April 2, Hybrid Kickboxing and Jeetkunedo Class at Mississippi Basketball and Athletics (2240 Westbrook Drive). The course is designed to teach basic self-defense and includes an introduction to Jeetkunedo. Registration required. For ages 18 and up. $150; call 601-974-1130; millsaps.edu/conted.

Mon.-Fri. 2:30 p.m.-6 p.m., through April 30, 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.

Mon.-Sat., through May 5, Cinco de Mayo Raffle at Sombra, Anjou, Char and Amerigo . Buy raffle tickets for a chance to win a four-wheeler from Got Gear. The raffle is May 5 from 6-7:30 p.m at Sombra Mexican Kitchen (140 Township Avenue, Suite 100, Ridgeland). Proceeds benefit the Mississippi Burn Foundation. $10-$10; call 601-540-2995; email [email protected].

Mon.-Fri., through May 15, North Mississippi Fish Hatchery Youth Art Contest at Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (1505 Eastover Drive). Students must submit a portfolio including entry form and artwork by May 15. Winners in four age categories will have their work included in Mississippi Outdoors magazine and posted on foundationwfp.com. First-place winners get a free magazine. Free; call 662-563-8068; foundationmwfp.com.

Mon., 6:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m., through May 26, ALS (Lou Gehrig's) Support Group 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.

Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., through June 2, Tutoring Registration at Genesis and Light Center (4914 N. State St.). The center is accepting applications for its after-school program for ages 6-18 in math reading, and language arts. Applications accepted on weekdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call for details on cost; call 601-362-6736; email [email protected]; genesisandlightcenter.com.

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