Jackson Free Press

UMC Blood Drive., at University of Mississippi Medical Center (2500 N. State St.). Mississippi Blood Services will take donations. Please bring ID. Call 888-902-5663. Donate at these locations and times:
• March 29-30, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., in two donor coaches between the School of Medicine and Guyton Research Building.
• March 31, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., in a donor coach at UMC's main entrance.
March 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., in the Student Union.
• April 1, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., at Blair E. Batson Hospital.
• April 2, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., in a donor coach at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.).

Tuesday, March 30

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. $129, free for those who qualify; call 601-450-5483 or 866-548-3006.

9 a.m., Health Fair, at YMCA Flowood (690 Liberty Road, Flowood). Get basic screenings and advice on staying healthy. The fair will be open until noon. Free admission; call 601-665-0663.

5:30 p.m., Community Meeting, at Byram Middle School (2009 Byram Bulldog Blvd., Terry). State Senator David Blount, D-Jackson, will address legislative funding for education in the Hinds County School District. Call 601-857-7012.

6 p.m., Saving OurSelves (SOS) Seminar, at Hinds Behavioral Health Services - Region 9 (3450 Highway 80 W), in the Conference Center. Learn healthy self-help strategies for living in a stressful world. Free; call 601-321-2400.

Wednesday, March 31

8 a.m., "Extreme Makeover" of the Stewpot Cafeteria and Library, at Stewpot Community Services (1100 W. Capitol St.). Projects include installing new supply cabinets and flooring, painting, and placement of picnic tables. The event is sponsored by HeARTWorks, an independent art ministry at Stewpot, Home Depot and United Way. Call 601-201-4940.

Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Author William Morris will show images from and talk about his book, "Ole Miss at Oxford: A Part of Our Heart and Soul." 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 John R. 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 601-918-8523 for details on membership dues.

Thursday, April 1

10:30 a.m., Donate Life Picnic, at Smith Park (302 Amite St.). The Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency and Mississippi Blood Services will hold a joint press conference to kickoff National Donate Life Month. There will be a picnic open to the public following the press conference. Free; call 601-933-1000.

Noon, Young Professionals Alliance Luncheon, at Clarion-Ledger Community Room (311 E Pearl St.). Topics include the role of the alliance, upcoming events and ways to get involved. An RSVP is required. Free; e-mail [e-mail missing].

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.

Saturday, April 3

8 a.m., The Fight Against Obesity 5K Run/Walk and Family Day, at Jackson State University, Walter Payton Recreation and Wellness Center (34 Walter Payton Place). There will be an Easter egg hunt, face painting, health screenings, food and a chance to win tickets to see Chrissette Michelle live in concert. Registration starts at 7 a.m. $10, $5 JSU students, $40 team of 5, $35 4-member family pack; call 601-979-1559 or 601-979-1368.

8 a.m.-2 p.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 until Dec. 18. Free admission; call 601-506-2848 or 601-354-6573.

9 a.m., Admissions and Financial Aid Round-Up, at Tougaloo College (500 W. County Line Road, Tougaloo), in the Owens Health and Wellness Gymnasium. Students who are planning to attend Tougaloo can complete the admissions process, including financial aid paperwork, and attend a short workshop about what is expected during the freshman year. Please bring your 2009 tax information. Lunch is included. RSVP by March 29. Free; call 601-977-7765.

Monday, April 5

9 a.m., Hinds County Board of Supervisors Meeting, at Chancery Court (316 S. President St.). The Board of Supervisors holds its regular meeting, open to the public. Free; call 601-968-6501.

9 a.m., Rankin County Board of Supervisors Meeting, at Rankin County Government Offices (211 E. Government St., Brandon). The board holds its regular meeting. Call 601-825-1475.

Through April 5

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

Historic Preservation Awards Call for Nominations, at Jackson City Hall (200 S. President St.). The City of Jackson Historic Preservation Commission will issue awards in May to outstanding historic preservation projects that have been substantially completed between January 2007 and January 2010. The deadline for nominations is April 5 at 5 p.m. Free; call 601-960-2006.

Through April 7

Governor's Cup Awards Call for Nominations. Sponsored by Gov. Haley Barbour and the Mississippi Development Authority, in partnership with the Mississippi Economic Development Council, the awards recognize businesses from around Mississippi that made a significant contribution to their communities and the state in 2009. The deadline for nominations is April 7. All award recipients will be honored at the annual MEDC awards banquet scheduled for July 22. Call 601-359-3593.

Through April 8

Community Foundation of Greater Jackson Call for Grant Proposals, at the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson (525 E. Capitol St., Suite 5B). The foundation is accepting applications for 2010 grant awards. General grant proposals, especially for programs with an emphasis on reading and programs seeking to prevent youth dropouts, are being accepted. Nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, churches and schools are eligible to apply for their programs located in Hinds, Madison and Rankin Counties. An application and guidelines are available on the Foundation's Web site. Free; call 601-974-6044, ext. 221.

Celebration of Strong Women Call for Nominations. The five categories are include Defender, Mentor, Leader, Perseverance and Promise. A distinguished panel of women will judge nominees. Nominations are due by April 8 online. The winners will be announced on May 6. Free; call 601-968-5135.

Free Tax Counseling and Filing

AARP volunteers will do electronic filing. Bring all necessary documents. Joint filers must come together. Filing is available at these locations and times:

• Through April 12, at Richard Wright Library (515 W. McDowell Road) on Mondays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 601-372-1621.
• Through April 13, at Willie Morris Library (4912 Old Canton Road) on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 601-987-8181.
• Through April 14, at Margaret Walker Alexander Library (2525 Robinson Road) on Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 601-354-8911.
• Through April 15, at Clinton Public Library (111 Clinton Blvd., Clinton) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-5 p.m. Call 601-924-5684.

Through June 15

Grant Development Program Call for Applications, at Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau (111 E. Capitol St., Suite 102). The Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau's grant program is open to any non-profit tourism-related entity, such as attractions and events, in the city of Jackson. The application deadline is June 15. The grant period is from September 1, 2010, to August 31, 2011. Call 601-960-1891.