Jackson Free Press

"The Vagina Monologues" Auditions, at The Cedars Historic Home (4145 Old Canton Rd.). Open auditions will be held for a reading of Eve Ensler's book. E-mail [e-mail missing] to reserve a time slot.

6 p.m., Teaching Degree Information Session, at Belhaven University (1500 Peachtree St.), in the McCravey-Triplett Student Center Theater. Find out about Belhaven's advanced teaching degree programs designed for the working student. An RSVP is required. Free; call 601-968-8965.

Tuesday, Feb. 9

9 a.m. One on One with Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. at Jackson City Hall (200 S. President St.) The meeting is an opportunity citizens to discuss issues, report problems or just speak with the mayor. Jacksonians who want to ask questions must sign up between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

9:30-11 a.m., "Profiles of Our Heritage" Black History Month Observance, Feb. 9-11, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Thad Cochran Center. A series of forums will be held daily. Speakers include Hinds County Chancery Clerk Eddie Jean Carr, Hinds County Tax Collector Eddie Fair, Walter Saddler, Kamikaze, Primus Wheeler and Charlotte Moman. Area schools will also provide entertainment. Free; call 601-982-8467.

10 a.m., Jackson City Council Meeting, at Jackson City Hall (200 S. President St.). The Jackson City Council holds its regular meeting, open to the public. Free; call 601-960-1033.

Noon,"Dispelling the Myths About Hospice," at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), in the Hederman Cancer Center. Join speaker Trudye Garraway, R.N., for answers to your questions. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 1-800-948-6262.

1:30 p.m., Crisis Line Counselor Training, at Beth Israel Congregation (5315 Old Canton Road). Learn basic counseling techniques and get information about available community services. Online registration is required. Call 601-982-9888.

6 p.m., NAMI Mississippi Family-to-Family Education Program, at St. Dominic Hospital (969 Lakeland Drive), in Conference Room 3. The 12-week class is for family members of adults with a serious mental illness such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and others. Topics covered include brain biology, treatments, side effects, coping and communication skills. Pre-registration is required. Free; call 601-899-9058.

6 p.m., "Extreme Makeover: Lifestyle Edition" Feb. 9-March 2, at Tougaloo College (500 W. County Line Road), in the Owens Health and Wellness Center, room 212. The four-week series will focus on the two important aspects for preventing long-term illness: nutrition and exercise. Sponsored by Community Outreach for Health Awareness, Inc. (COHA), Alzheimer's Association, Jackson Nutrition Clinic and Tougaloo College. Free; call 601-376-2413 or 601-987-0020.

6 p.m., Center for Black Studies Civil Rights/Black Power Symposium, at University of Southern Mississippi (118 College St., Hattiesburg), in the Polymer Science Building auditorium. Bob Zellner, whose parents and grandparents were members of the Ku Klux Klan, will speak on his work as a white southerner in the civil-rights movement. He will be joined by former Black Panther Party member and black-power activist Charles Taylor. Free; call 601-266-4025.

6:30 p.m., Carbon Footprint Reduction Workshop: Oil Ain't the Only One, at Rainbow Green Services (2807 Old Canton Rd.). Learn about reducing gas mileage and alternative forms of energy. $15; call 601-987-0002.

7 p.m., "Finding Hope During Cancer," at Med News Live Web Site (Baptist). Clinical psychologist Bufkin Moore, will tell how to go through cancer treatment with a hopeful outlook. He will also discuss how friends and family can provide support. Free; http://www.mbhs.org/mednewslive.

Wednesday, Feb. 10 Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Mississippi State University history professor emeritus William Parrish discusses his book "Frank Blair: Lincoln's Conservative." Bring your own lunch; coffee/water provided. Free; call 601-576-6850. 5:30 p.m., Public Policy Toastmasters Club 8689 Meeting, at Jackson State University (1400 Lynch St.). The group meets Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Sampson Library auditorium on the second floor. Improve your communication skills and become a better speaker and leader. Membership required. Call for details on membership dues; call 601-918-8523.

Thursday Feb. 11

9 a.m., 12th Annual National HBCU Student News Media Conference and Career Fair Feb. 11-14, at Jackson State University (1400 Lynch St.), in the JSU Student Center. The conference will host the nation's largest gathering of historically black college and university journalism and communications students. Plans include workshops covering news reporting with current multimedia platforms, advertising, production and professional development sessions. Registration is required. $100; call 601-979-2167.

6 p.m., JFP Lounge at Pi(e) Lounge, at Sal & Mookie's (565 Taylor St.). Enjoy a special JFP "Creative Class" martini, free munchies, and lots of fellowship with Jackson creatives and progressives. Free admission; call 601-362-6121, ext. 11.

6 p.m., "Preserving Mississippi's Blues Heritage," at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Alex Thomas of the Mississippi Development Authority will discuss the development of the Mississippi Blues Trail. Free; call 601-576-6920.

6 p.m.,Precinct 2 COPS Meeting, at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 2 (711 W. Capitol St.). These monthly meetings are forums designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0002.

6 p.m., My Scoop Party, at Highland Village (4500 Interstate 55 North), in the plaza. This wine and cupcake tasting is sponsored by Colony Wine Market and The Cake Diva. Reservations are required. Proceeds benefit the Mississippi Children's Museum. $40 donation; call 601-981-5469.

7 p.m., "Hearts for Heroes," at the King Edward Hotel, aka the Hilton Garden Inn (235 W. Capitol St.). The Valentine-themed event benefits burn victims and the Mississippi Firefighters Memorial Burn Association. The gala will feature cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction and live music by The Carltons. "Heroes" will be honored as the 2010 Firefighters Hall of Fame. Attire is semi-formal. $50, $100 couples in advance; $60, $120 couples at the door; call 601-540-2995.

8 p.m., "Mississippi ReMixed," on Mississippi Public Broadcasting, MPB-TV (Channel 29). "Mississippi ReMixed" tells the story of Jackson native Myra Ottewell, as she returns to her birthplace determined to celebrate the great racial transformations in the state since the 1960s, but discovers that understanding race relations is far more complicated than she bargained for. JFP editor-in-chief Donna Ladd and JFP columnist/blogger Brad "Kamikaze" Franklin appear in the film. Call 601-987-3000.

Friday, Feb. 13

8 a.m., Greater Belhaven Market, at Mississippi Farmers Market (929 High St.). Be sure to stop by and buy some produce or other food or gift items as the market reopens for the 2010 season. Market hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission; call 601-506-2848 or 601-354-6573.

1 p.m., Open House/Meet and Greet, at Negrotto's Gallery and Custom Framing (2645 Executive Place, Biloxi). Lillian Lizana demonstrates how to paint with mixed media, and Pastor Carlton McArthur signs copies of his book, "No More Drama." Free admission; call 228-388-8822.

4:30 p.m., Black History Praise Festival, at Turning Point Mission Center (1814 Shady Lane Dr.). The Puppetry Ministry will perform skits and musical presentations under blacklights. Free; call 601-372-1080 or 601-613-2507.

6 p.m., Mississippi HeARTS Against AIDS Benefit, at Hal & Mal's (200 Commerce Street). The 18th annual art auction (live and silent) raises funds to assist Mississippians living with HIV and AIDS. $35, $20 for students with a valid student ID; call 601-366-9084.

7 p.m., Sweetheart Concert, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), Thad Cochran Center. Listen to the soulful sounds of Henry Rhodes and the Band while feasting on Piccadilly's most popular entrees. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson. Tickets can be purchased with cash, JSU Supercards or credit cards. $10; call 601-982-8467.

Saturday Feb. 14

6:30 p.m., 4th Annual Cheese and Wine for Valentine's, at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.), in the Gertrude C. Ford Atrium. Sample various wines provided by Glazers' Broker of Spirits and Fine Wine, and enjoy music by Soundz featuring Tonya Boyd-Cannon. Proceeds benefit the Cure Sickle Cell Foundation. $25; call 601-853-3420 or 601-918-3987.

Through Feb. 21

Dixie National Rodeo and Livestock Show, at Mississippi State Fair Grounds (1207 Mississippi St). The month-long event featuring horses and livestock and a rodeo from Feb. 11-17. $16, $20, $24 for rodeo, free livestock shows; call 601-961-4000.

Through Feb. 25

9 a.m. and 11 a.m., "Black History: Road to the Vote," at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). This program, offered to school groups, provides a glimpse of African-American history in Mississippi, specifically relating to the struggle for voting rights. Sessions are Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reservations are required. Free; call 601-576-6920.

Through Feb. 26 9 a.m.-2 p.m., "Voices from the Past" at Manship House (420 E. Fortification St.). Students in grades 3-5 experience the history of their African American ancestors through hands-on activities and a special tour. Call 601-961-4724 for more information.

Through April 12

Free Tax Counseling and Filing, at Richard Wright Library (515 W. McDowell Road). Electronic filing by AARP volunteers will be done on Mondays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring all necessary documents. Joint filers must come together. Free; call 601-372-1621.

Through April 13

Free Tax Counseling and Filing, at Willie Morris Library (4912 Old Canton Road). Electronic filing by AARP volunteers will be done on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring all necessary documents. Joint filers must come together. Free; call 601-987-8181.

Through April 14

Free Tax Counseling and Filing, at Margaret Walker Alexander Library (2525 Robinson Road). Electronic filing by AARP volunteers will be done on Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring all necessary documents. Joint filers must come together. Free; call 601-354-8911.

Through April 15

Free Tax Counseling and Filing, at Clinton Public Library (111 Clinton Blvd.). Electronic filing by AARP volunteers will be done on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-5 p.m. Bring all necessary documents. Joint filers must come together. Free; call 601-924-5684.