Jackson Free Press

Through Jan. 20

Hinds Community College Extended Registration, at all campuses. The Jackson Campus-Academic/Technical Center on Sunset Drive and the Nursing/Allied Health Center on Chadwick Drive will have registration through Wednesday, Jan. 20. The hours for extended registration at these locations only are 8:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19 and Wednesday, Jan 20. Students can still register at other locations, including Raymond. Call 1-800-HINDS-CC.

Jan. 18

6:30 p.m. Mississippi Meets Tuscany with Elaine Trigiani at BRAVO! Restaurant (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 244). Be introduced to the art of olive oil tasting and eat regional dishes such as Gulf oysters and honey roast pork loin. Tugliani will also talk about her life in Tuscany. Reservations are required. $90; call 601-982-8111.

7 p.m., Jackson 2010 State of the Arts at North Midtown Arts Center (formerly One to One Studios, 121 Millsaps Ave.). The annual meeting brings together members of the arts community to share their plans for the upcoming year. Free; call 601-497-7454.

Jan. 19

11:45 a.m., Lunch and Learn at Eudora Welty Library (300 N. State St.) in the Community Room. The topic is early child care and education. Speakers include Carol Burnett of the Mississippi Low Income Child Care Initiative, Rhea Bishop of the Mississippi Education Innovation Center and Rachel Hicks of Mississippi First. Optional $10 lunch must be ordered by noon, Jan. 18. Attendees can bring their own lunch. Free; call 601-326-0700 or 601-326-0701.

4 p.m., Jackson Academy Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Jackson Academy (4908 Ridgewood Road). The school celebrates the opening of its new Performing Arts Center. The event was rescheduled from Jan. 12. Call 601-364-5718.

5 p.m., Jackson Public Schools Board Meeting at Jackson Public Schools (621 S. State St.). The JPS Board meets for its regular session, open to the public. Free; call 601-960-8700.

Jan. 20

10 a.m., Senior Medicare Patrol Counseling at Eudora Welty Library (300 N. State St.). Counselors from the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District/Area Agency on Aging will be available to give advice on fraud, abuse and health care. Free; call 601-981-1511.

9:30 a.m., Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) Housing and Community Development Hearing at Renasant Center for IDEAS (398 E. Main St., Tupelo). The purpose of the hearing is to obtain citizen input in the development of the 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development Programs for the state. Call 601-359-3179.

Noon, "History Is Lunch" at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Jerry Ward, professor of English and African American World Studies at Dillard University, will present "New Directions in the Study of Richard Wright." Bring your own lunch; coffee/water provided. Free; call 601-576-6850.

3 p.m., Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) Housing and Community Development Hearing at Greenwood Chamber of Commerce Building (402 Highway 82 West, Greenwood). The purpose of the hearing is to obtain citizen input in the development of the 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development Programs for the state. Call 601-359-3179.

Jan. 21

8:30 a.m., Mississippi KIDS COUNT 3rd Annual Summit at Christ United Methodist Church (6000 Old Canton Road). The topic is children's health issues. Speakers include Arkansas Surgeon General Joe Thompson and Dr. Jan Cooper of Columbia University. Register by Jan. 13 at mskidscount2010summit.eventbrite.com; can earn continuing education (CEU) credits. $40, $50 CEU attendees; visit mskidscount2010summit.eventbrite.com.

9 a.m., "Arts in Crisis: A Kennedy Center Initiative" at MSU Riley Center (2200 5th St., Meridian). Kennedy Center President Michael M. Kaiser will address the challenges facing non-profit performing arts organizations through such areas as fundraising, building more effective boards of trustees, budgeting, and marketing. Online registration at http://www.msurileycenter.com required. Free; call 601-696-2203 or 601-480-7557.

9:30 a.m. Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) Housing and Community Development Hearing at Greenwood Chamber of Commerce Building (402 Highway 82 West, Greenwood). The purpose of the hearing is to obtain citizen input in the development of the 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development Programs for the state. Call 601-359-3179.

10 a.m., Mississippi Health Awareness Day 2010 at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The day is geared toward promoting healthy living and providing disease prevention. Activities will include health screenings by SafeHeart of Hattiesburg ($129, free for those who qualify), workshops, seminars, and other preventative health activities, including a 5K run/walk, which is sponsored by Leadership Jackson. Free; call 601-376-2397.

11:30 a.m., Friends of the Jackson Zoo Orientation Meeting at Jackson Zoological Park (2918 W. Capitol St.), in the Gertrude C. Ford Education Center. Current and prospective members are invited to attend. Lunch will be provided. RSVP required. Free; e-mail [e-mail missing].

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. Call 601-960-0003.

7 p.m., Miss MC Pageant at Mississippi College (200 Capitol St., Clinton) . The competition takes place in the Swor Auditorium. Free; call 601-925-3809.

7 p.m., "Earthwatch Volunteer in the Cloud Forest of Ecuador" at Clinton Community Nature Center (617 Dunton Rd., Clinton). Dr. Martha Hutson will discuss her experiences in the Andes Mountains. Free, donations welcome; call 601-926-1104.

Jan. 22

Noon, 2010 National Migration Week Celebration at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.), in the Leggett Center. In support of migrants and refugees, the event includes food samples, exhibits and performances. Free; call 601-326-3772.

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.

3 p.m., University of Southern Miasissippi Nursing Program Information Session at University of Southern Mississippi (118 College St., Hattiesburg). The session is for participants in the masters, Ph.D. and DNP programs in the School of Nursing. Call 601-266-5457.

Jan. 23

8 a.m., Football Preview Day at Mississippi College (200 Capitol St., Clinton). Students who are interested in playing football for the Choctaws are invited to attend. The meeting takes place in Anderson Hall. Free; call 601-925-3800.

8 a.m., Heart Beats of Jackson Health Fair at Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.). Participants will have the opportunity to meet with area physicians and medical personnel and have screenings for cardiovascular disease performed. Nutrition and healthy living workshops will also be available during the day, along with featured guest speakers. Appointments for a free screening will be available to the first 350 individuals who call the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership office. Free; call 601-948-7575.

Jan. 24

[2 p.m., Jackson Area National Organization for Women (NOW) Meeting at Charles Tisdale Library (formerly Northside Library) (807 E. Northside Dr.). Topics include Roe v. Wade Day and the upcoming regional conference. Donated items for the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter of Hattiesburg will also be collected. E-mail [e-mail missing].

6 p.m., "An Evening in the Caribbean" at Huntington's Grille (1001 E. County Line Road). Chef Timothy Sims prepares a four-course tropical dinner paired with Bacardi cocktails. Music by Cucho and Los Papis. Reservation required. $60; call 601-957-1515.

Through Jan. 25

The World Through Lou's Lens at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). An exhibit showcasing 80 years of Lou Shornick's photography along with pieces donated by various local artists such as Anthony DiFatta, Tony Davenport and Bill Wilson. All proceeds from the sale of the artwork will go to the Kids Fund established at the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson to support the launch of Mississippi Music N Motion, a new music education program for underprivileged students. Call 601-960-1557.

Through May 26

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.