Jackson Free Press

Monday, Feb. 24

3:00 p.m., Mississippi Reproductive Justice Coalition Legislative Strategy Meeting, at ACLU of Mississippi (753 N. Congress St.), in the conference room. Topics include the Comprehensive Sex Education Bill 837, the Child Protection Act and the Personhood Amendment. Free; call 601-354-3408.

[Tuesday, Feb. 23

7 a.m., IHOP's National Pancake Day at International House of Pancakes (2700 Greenway Drive and 474 Briarwood Drive). All IHOP restaurants are giving away a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes to all of their guests from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. In return, IHOP is asking for donations to the Children's Miracle Network. $1 and $5 Children's Miracle Network "Miracle Balloons" are also available for purchase and will be on display. IHOP is also taking online donations.

8 a.m., SafeHeart Screenings, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Community Room. SafeHeart Health Screens of Hattiesburg will do five ultrasound and EKG screenings that target risk for heart attack, stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm, atrial fibrillation and peripheral arterial disease. No needles will be used, and no disrobing is required. Testing time is about 10 minutes. Medicaid accepted; bring Medicaid card and photo ID. Call to register or come early. $129, free for those who qualify; call 601-450-5483 or 866-548-3006.

9:30 a.m., Financial Bailout Seminar, at Flora Public Library (144 Clark St., Flora). Topics include money management, home refinancing and credit. Door prizes will be given, and refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Madison County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Free; call 601-955-1132.

10:30 a.m., "Come in From the Cold at the Library" Feb. 23-24, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Come in and celebrate Library Lovers' Month with your favorite book and a hot beverage. Donations will be accepted by the Friends of the Pearl Library. Call 601-932-2562.

11:45 a.m., "Tired of Going with the Flow: Solutions for Heavy Periods," at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), in the Baptist for Women Conference Center. If you're finished having children and tired of heavy periods, there's an outpatient alternative. Join Dr. Leland Gebhart to find out how endometrial ablation can reduce or stop your monthly flow. $5 for optional lunch; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

Noon,Black History Month Program, at Jackson State University, Ayer Hall (1400 Lynch St.), in the Rod Paige Reading Room. The theme is "I, Too Sing America: The Piney Woods School and the Push for Industrial Arts Education." Angela D. Stewart of the Margaret Walker Alexander National Research Center is the presenter. Call 601-979-2460.

5:30 p.m., One on One with Mayor Johnson, at Jackson City Hall (200 S. President St.). Citizens who wish to speak to the Mayor must sign up between 5-5:30 p.m., and time will be limited based on the number of people who sign up. Call 601-960-2378.

6 p.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.

6:30 p.m., Jackson Audubon Society Monthly Chapter Meeting, at Eudora Welty Library (300 N. State St.). Conservation biologist Joelie Carney is the guest speaker. Open to the public. Free; call 601-956-7444.

Wednesday, Feb. 24

8 a.m., SafeHeart Screenings, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Community Room. SafeHeart Health Screens of Hattiesburg will do five ultrasound and EKG screenings that target risk for heart attack, stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm, atrial fibrillation, and peripheral arterial disease. No needles will be used, and no disrobing is required. Testing time is about 10 minutes. Medicaid accepted; bring Medicaid card and photo ID. Call to register or come early. $129, free for those who qualify; call 601-450-5483 or 866-548-3006.

10 a.m., Black History Presentation, at Jackson State University, Ayer Hall (1400 Lynch St.), on the 2nd floor. Flonzie Brown Wright, the first female black elected official in Mississippi since Reconstruction, is the guest speaker. Free; call 601-979-2735.

11:45 a.m.,23rd Annual Higher Education Appreciation Day -- Working for Academic Excellence (HEADWAE), at the Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.). Seventy outstanding students and faculty members from 35 Mississippi public and private universities and colleges will receive special recognition from the Mississippi Legislature. Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Hank Bounds will be the keynote speaker. Call 601-432-6647.

Noon, "History Is Lunch," at the William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Ellen Wilds discusses her book "Far From Home: The Diary Of Lt. William H. Peel," 1863-1865." Bring your own lunch; coffee/water provided. Free; call 601-576-6850.

4 p.m., Jackson/Hinds Library System Board of Trustees Meeting, at Eudora Welty Library (300 N. State St.). The trustees will discuss matters concerning the local library system. Free; call 601-968-5825.

5:30 p.m., Public Policy Toastmasters Club 8689 Meeting, at Jackson State University (1400 Lynch St.), 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. 25

10 a.m.,41st Martin Luther King Birthday Convocation, at Jackson State University, Rose E. McCoy Auditorium (1400 Lynch St.). The guest speaker is U.S. ambassador Andrew Young. Free; call 601-979-2735.

10 a.m.,"Fresh Start" Career and College Fair, at the Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). High schools seniors and job seekers are encouraged to attend. Free; call 601-982-8467.

11:30 a.m.,Isaac Byrd "For My People" Awards Luncheon, at Jackson State University Student Center Ballroom (1400 Lynch St.). This year's honorees are Ambassador Andrew Young, Dr. L.C. Dorsey, Dr. Alferdteen Harrison and Dr. Clarence Hunter. Dr. John A. Peoples, president emeritus, is the guest speaker. Free; call 601-979-2735.

11:45 a.m., Hysterectomy Seminar, at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), in the Baptist for Women Conference Center. For many women, hysterectomy is the best solution for a variety of gynecological issues. The good news is that there are many different ways to do the surgery, some of which are minimally invasive with a short recovery. Join Dr. John Wooley as he explains all the options. $5 for optional lunch; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

1 p.m., Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts, at Galloway United Methodist Church (305 N. Congress St.). The annual awards program is a celebration of Mississippi artists and arts organizations sponsored by the Mississippi Arts Commission and Gov.Haley Barbour. Free; call 601-359-6031.

5:30 p.m., Celebrity Throw, at Mississippi Craft Center (950 Rice Road, Ridgeland). Watch local sports celebrities such as Rick Comegy and Michael Rubenstein try to make pottery. An auction for each celebrity's work will follow at $1 per popular vote. Proceeds will benefit the Education Fund of the Mississippi Craft Center and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. Free admission; call 601-856-7546.

6 p.m.,Precinct 4 COPS Meeting, at Redeemer Church (640 E. Northside Drive). These monthly meetings are forums designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0004.

6:30 p.m., LGBT Youth Support Group, at Rise Above for Youth Office (121 E. State St., Ridgeland). Rise Above for Youth is proud to offer its first LGBT youth (age 14-24) support group meeting. All are welcome to attend. Free; call 601-922-4968.

Through Feb. 25

9 a.m., 11 a.m., "Black History: Road to the Vote," at the 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. The sessions are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reservations are required. Free; call 601-576-6920.

Friday, Feb. 26

8 a.m., Social Workers Conference, at Richland Community Center (410 E. Harper St., Richland). The theme is "Care in the Face of Adversity." The program is NASW-approved for 3.5 CE credits for licensed social workers. Registration required. Refreshments and box lunch included. $35; call 601-825-2268.

8:15 a.m.,Immigrant Workers' Rights Training Feb. 26-27, at Mississippi Immigrants' Rights Alliance (MIRA) (612 N. State St.). This training is designed for immigrant worker advocates. Topics include the I-9 process and immigration-related employment discrimination, I-9 audits, E-Verify, Social Security number mismatches, immigrant access to benefits, and wage and hour issues. Check-in begins at 8:15 a.m. Online registration is available. The registration deadline is Feb. 22. $5; call 213-639-3900, ext. 117.

9 a.m.,Used Book Sale Feb. 26-27, at Fondren Presbyterian Church (3220 Old Canton Road). Sponsored by the Jackson Branch of the American Association for University Women (AAUW), all proceeds benefit the AAUW Educational Foundation. Sale hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Feb. 26 and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Feb. 27. Free admission; call 601-353-9820.

11:45 a.m.,Tougaloo College 22nd Annual Business Luncheon, at Hilton Jackson (1001 E. County Line Road). The special guest speaker is W. David Watkins. $40 individual, $375 for table of 10; call 601-977-7871.

Noon,High Noon Brown Bag Luncheon, at B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center (400 Second St., Indianola). Spend your lunch hour with inspirational poet and songwriter E.L. Conrod. Free; call 662-887-9539.

Noon,Friday Movie Series, at Jackson State University (1400 Lynch St.). The movie "The Untold Story of Emmett Till" will be shown in the Student Center Ballroom. Filmmaker Keith Beauchamp may make an appearance. Sponsored by the Margaret Walker Alexander National Research Center. Free; call 601-979-2735.

Noon,Brown Bag Lunch, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Gerald Noelle with Covenant Associates will speak about identity theft. Bring a bag lunch. Drinks and dessert will be provided. Free; call 601-932-2562.

9:30 p.m. Murrah High School Alumni Mixer, at Schimmel's (2615 N. State St.). Murrah High School alumni 21 and older are invited to attend. No athletic gear, plain T-shirts, tennis shoes or baseball caps. The first 50 ladies to enter get a free drink. $20; e-mail [e-mail missing].

Through Feb. 26

"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. Reservations are required. Free; call 601-961-4724.

Saturday, Feb. 27

Jackson Area NOW Used Book Fundraiser, Donate your gently used books, CDs or DVD for an upcoming fundraiser tentatively set for Feb. 27. The sale location is to be determined. Donations welcome; e-mail [e-mail missing].

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 its 9th season. The market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. until Dec. 18. Free admission; call 601-506-2848 or 601-354-6573.
8 a.m.,

Jackson Heart Study Health Screenings, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Mall Common Area. Get basic screenings for ailments that may lead to heart disease. Free; call 601-982-8467.

9 a.m., Mississippi Gem and Mineral Society's Annual Gem, Mineral, Fossil and Jewelry Show Feb. 27-28, at Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.). The 51st annual show features dealers, demonstrations and exhibits. See gems, minerals, fossils, jewelry, beads, lapidary tools and much more. Show hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Feb. 27 and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Feb. 28. $5 adults, $3 children; call 601-276-2203.

11 a.m., Dress for Success Clothing Drive, at Repeat Street (626 Ridgewood Road, Ridgeland). Bring your donations of new or gently used non-interview clothing, shoes, jewelry, household items and furniture. Volunteers will be on hand to accept donations and pass out receipts from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Donations welcome; call 601-985-9888.

Noon, Jackson Zoo Job Fair, at Livingston Park (150 Livingston Park Drive), in the Community Center (the green building located to the west of the zoo admission gate). The Zoo will be hiring seasonal and part-time positions. All applicants must be at least 17 years old. Please bring a valid form of identification. Call 601-352-2580.

1 p.m., "Walking on Broken Glass," at Borders (100 Dogwood Blvd., Flowood). Christa Allan, mother of Mustard Seed resident Sarah Allan, signs copies of her book. The Mustard Seed's handbell choir, Bells of Faith, will perform. Proceeds benefit The Mustard Seed. $13.99 book; call 985-635-9339.

5:30 p.m., New Summit School Draw Down, at the Agriculture and Forestry Museum (1150 Lakeland Dr.). The Mardi Gras celebration includes a Louisiana-style dinner, live and silent auctions, music and a $10,000 grand prize. Proceeds benefits New Summit School. $100 admission for two; call 601-982-7827, 6:30 p.m.,

"Gridiron Heroes: An NFL Event Benefiting Mississippi's Burn Victims," at Alumni House (574 Highway 51 North, Ridgeland). Featured guests include Michael Oher, who was portrayed in the movie "The Blind Side," Jerious Norwood, Nate Hughes, Justin Jenkins and many more. Activities include autographs and pictures with the players, food, cocktails, and a sports-themed silent auction. Proceeds benefit the Mississippi Firefighters Memorial Burn Association. Attendees must be 18 and older. $30 individual, $50 per couple; call 601-540-2995 or 601-212-9870.

7 p.m., "Bring It On!" Mixed Martial Arts Match, at Wahabi Temple (4123 Interstate 55 S.). Presented by Psychout Promotions, match-ups include Trey "Smash" Brown versus John "Hollywood" Harris and Brian Albin versus Justin Thornton. Call 601-992-1198 for information on VIP seating. $26.10, free for children 5 and under; visit ticketmaster.com.

Through March 1

Mississippi Arts Commission Call for Grant Applications, at Mississippi Arts Commission (Woolfolk Building, 501 N. West St., Suite 1101A). The deadline for organizations and individual artists is Monday, March 1. MAC awards grants that support a wide range of arts activities, from fellowships for professional artists to project grants for activities produced by community organizations. Visit the agency's Web site to download an application or apply via eGrant arts.state.ms.us. Free; call 601-359-6030.

Through March 28

Footsteps in Hope Walk Fundraiser. The 8K walk/run at Old Trace Park (Post Road, Ridgeland) on March 28 is in support of HIV/AIDS projects such as Grace House in Mississippi and Old Mutare Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center in Zimbabwe. Participants can register online at footstepsofhope.org and create a fundraising page. Sponsorship options are also available. Donations welcome; call 901-338-7011.

Through April 15

9 a.m., Free Tax Counseling and Filing Electronic filing by AARP volunteers will be done on Bring all necessary documents. Joint filers must come together. Free.
• Through April 12 at Richard Wright Library (515 W. McDowell Road), Mondays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; call 601-372-1621.
• Through April 13 at Willie Morris Library (4912 Old Canton Road), Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; call 601-987-8181.
•Through April 14Margaret Walker Alexander Library (2525 Robinson Road), Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; call 601-354-8911.
•Through April 15 at Clinton Public Library (111 Clinton Blvd.), Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-5 p.m.; call 601-924-5684.