Jackson Free Press

Monday, March 1
"Support Haiti Relief" Show at Bryant Galleries (3010 Lakeland Cove): 50 percent of all sales from the Haitian collection will go to the American Red Cross Haitian Relief Fund. Free admission; call 601-932-5099.

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. Free; call 601-359-6030.

Tuesday, March 2
5:30 p.m. Jackson Public Schools Board, at Jackson Public Schools (621 S. State St.). The JPS Board meets for its discipline session, open to the public. Free; call 601-960-8700.

"Downtown Spaces, Hip New Places" 2010 March 2-5, at downtown Jackson. On March 2 from 7-9 p.m., a preview party with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and music by Swing de Paris will be held in the King Edward Hotel's grand ballroom. Tickets are $50. On March 3 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., a luncheon with philanthropist Helen LaKelly Hunt will be at the Jackson Convention Complex. Tickets are $100 per person or $100 per table. On March 4 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., enjoy a tour of downtown and a sidewalk art show on Congress St. Tickets are $20 per person. Tickets of $125 per person covers all three events. $20-$125; call 601-326-0700.

Mustard Seed Book Drive March 2-April 5, at Borders (100 Dogwood Blvd., Flowood). Donate books in good condition to the residents of The Mustard Seed. Donations welcome; call 601-992-3556.

Wednesday, March 3

11:45 a.m., Parents for Public Schools Lunch Bunch, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The focus of the meeting will be the Ask for More Arts Initiative. $5; call 601-969-6015.
6:30 p.m., HBCU College Fair and Financial Aid Awareness Expo, at Hilton Jackson (1001 E. County Line Road). Talk to college recruiters and get information on options to pay for college. Free; call 601-977-7772 or 601-977-7919.

Thursday, March 4

9 a.m., Procurement Development Workshop, at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Natchez Campus (11 Co-Lin Circle, Natchez). The workshop will provide attendees with information on how to secure government contracts, how to take advantage of Mississippi Planning and Development District Finance Programs and Small Business Administration (SBA) 8a Programs, how to benefit from Co-Lin's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and how to do business with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Free; call 601-359-9448.

6 p.m., The Phoenix Initiative, at St. Luke's United Methodist Church (621 Duling Ave.). Get updates on the Fondren neighborhood revitalization efforts. The guest speaker is Bill Scruggs, president of the Fondren Renaissance Foundation. Free; call 601-362-6381.
6 p.m., Precinct 1 COPS Meeting, at Jackson Police Department - Precinct 1 (810 Cooper Road). These monthly meetings are forums designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0001.

Friday, March 5

8 a.m., Day of Sharing for Teachers of the Gifted Conference, at University of Southern Mississippi (118 College St., Hattiesburg), in the R.C. Cook University Union. The keynote speaker Dr. Kristen Stephens of Duke University. Following the presentations will be the "Time for Sharing" session, in which teachers of the gifted share materials, mini-units, activities, ideas and products they have used successfully in the classroom. The registration deadline is Feb. 26. Free, continuing education credits for $20; call 601-266-5236.

1:30 p.m., "Breaking Through the Red Tape," at Holmes Community College (412 W. Ridgeland Ave., Ridgeland). Find out how to deal with errors on your medical bills from Kay Rhett of Claims Check. Reservations are required; space is limited. Free; call 601-605-3431.

Saturday March 6

7:30 a.m., Pancake Breakfast, at Applebee's (900 E. County Line Road, Suite 101, Ridgeland). Proceeds benefit the Murrah High School Band, the host of the event. $5; call 601-937-1135.

8 a.m, Power APAC Pancake Breakfast, at Up the Creek (278 Dogwood Blvd., Flowood). Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the A-Cubed Dance Fund. $5; call 601-960-5300.

8 a.m., Jackson Audubon Society Monthly Bird Walk, at LeFleur's Bluff State Park, Mayes Lake (115 Lakeland Terrace). The walk will be led by an experienced Audubon Society member. Bring binoculars, water, insect repellant and a snack. Call ahead if you would like to borrow a pair of binoculars. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Free, $3 car entrance fee; call 601-956-7444.

9 a.m., Diggin' and Donuts, at Belhaven Park (Poplar Blvd.). Neighborhood volunteers will be landscaping the park. The event is sponsored by the Belhaven Garden Club and the Greater Belhaven Neighborhood Foundation. Call 601-352-8850.

10 a.m., Mid-South NOW Regional Conference, at Willie Morris Library (4912 Old Canton Road). The conference will consist of two workshops dealing with women's issues. The keynote speaker is to be determined. Lunch is included. $20; e-mail [e-mail missing].

WomenBuild 2010 Clinics, at Lowe's (836 Ridgewood Road, Ridgeland). In preparation for WomenBuild 2010 in April, home improvement workshops are being offered. The exterior siding workshop is on March 6, and the interior painting and trim workshop is on March 27. A reservation is required. Free; call 601-353-6060.

Through March 12

Financial Assistance for Organic Farmers. The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has more than $900,000 to help Mississippi farmers produce organic products and to introduce growers to high tunnel structures that extend the growing season for crops. The deadline for landowners to apply for funds is March 12. Free; visit USDA's Web site

Through March 28

Footsteps in Hope Walk Fundraiser. The 8K walk/run on March 28 at 2 p.m. at Old Trace Park (Post Road, Ridgeland)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 and create a fundraising page. Sponsorship options are also available. Donations welcome; call 901-338-7011.

Through April 8

Celebration of Strong Women Call for Nominations, at Baptist Medical Center Web Site (mbhs.org). There are five different categories which include Defender, Mentor, Leader, Perseverance and Promise. Nominees will be judged by a distinguished panel of women. Nominations are due by April 8 at mbhs.org. The winners will be announced May 6. Free; call 601-968-5135.

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