Monday, Oct. 18
5:30 p.m., The Positive Ones Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), in the Hederman Cancer Center. This support group for breast cancer patients and survivors will be held in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Come to give and gain strength through shared experiences. Call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.
6 p.m., Jackson Touchdown Club Meeting at River Hills Country Club (3600 Ridgewood Road). Members of the athletic organization meet weekly during the football season and have access to meals, fellowship and the chance to listen to speakers from around the country. This week's speaker is Larry Fedora, head football coach of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. $280 individual membership, $1,200 corporate membership; call 601-955-5293 or 601-506-3186.
Tuesday, Oct. 19
5:30 p.m., Jackson Public Schools Board Meeting at Jackson Public Schools (621 S. State St.). The JPS School Board meets for its regular session, open to the public. Free; call 601-960-8700.
5:30 p.m., National Crime Awareness Rally at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Thad Cochran Center. The theme is "Precinct 3: Working Together for a Better Community." The rally features law enforcement, elected officials and other experts providing important information that equips the citizens of Jackson with the tools and resources they need to keep their families safe. There will also be a vendor fair spotlighting neighborhood associations within Precinct 3, a talent show, food, children activities and more. Rally T-shirts are available for $10. Free; call 601-982-8467.
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.
7 p.m., Southern Songwriters at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.). Will Kimbrough, David Womack and Eric Stracener will speak as part of the Millsaps Arts and Lecture Series. $10; call 601-974-1130.
Wednesday, Oct. 20
State Institutions of Higher Learning Meetings Oct 20-22, at University of Mississippi Medical Center (2500 N. State St.), in the Norman C. Nelson Student Union. Oct. 20, the Board Search Committee for the Alcorn State University presidential search will hold candidate interviews at 8 a.m. Oct. 21, the Board of Trustees will have their regular monthly meeting at 9 a.m., and the Board Search Committee for the Jackson State University presidential search will hold candidate interviews at 12:30 p.m. The interviews will continue Oct. 22 at 8:45 a.m. Open to the public. Call 601-432-6647.
9 a.m., Senior Health and Wellness Fair at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.). Flu and pneumonia shots, health screenings and healthy lifestyle demonstrations are offered. Get resource information on legal services, disability services, Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, housing and employment services. The event is for seniors ages 55 and older. Free; call 601-960-0335.
11:45 a.m., Know What to Do in an Emergency Oct 20, at Baptist Health Systems, Madison Campus (401 Baptist Drive, Madison), in the Community Room. Join Dr. Eric Zoog, medical director of Baptist's Emergency Department, to learn about cardiocerebral resuscitation (CCR). Registration is required. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.
Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Curtis Wilkie discusses his new book about Dickie Scruggs, "The Fall of the House of Zeus: The Rise and Ruin of America's Most Powerful Trial Lawyer. "Bring a lunch; coffee/water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.
Thursday, Oct. 21
11 a.m., Blood Pressure Checks for Seniors at Madonna Manor Retirement Center (550 Houston Ave.). The City of Jackson's Department of Human and Cultural Services and the staff of St. Dominic Health Service's Care-A-Van outreach program provide blood pressure checks and cancer awareness information to qualifying individuals ages 55 or older living within the Jackson city limits. Free; call 601-960-0335.
4 p.m., Strength in Pink Celebration at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), in the Hederman Cancer Center. Join WLBT and the Clinic of Plastic Surgery as breast cancer survivors are honored in a special ceremony. Call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.
5 p.m., "Present Meets Past: Voices from Mississippi History" at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Visitors can interact with several personalities from the building's past. The event is a fun way to learn about the building and Mississippi's history. Free; e-mail [e-mail missing].
6 p.m., American Business Women's Association Meeting at Roberts Walthall Hotel (225 E. Capitol St.). Carolyn Boteler, owner of TempStaff, speaks on updating your professional portfolio at the LeFleur's Bluff chapter meeting. $25; call 601-260-4806.
6 p.m., Precinct 3 COPS Meeting at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 3 (3925 W. Northside Drive). These monthly meetings are forums designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0003.
7 p.m., "New Zealand---South Island Adventure" Oct 21, at Clinton Community Nature Center (617 Dunton Road, Clinton). Explore the glaciers, fjords, national parks, wineries, and snow covered mountains of New Zealand's scenic South Island with Larry Estes, retired biologist, and his wife Rhea. Free, donations welcome; call 601-926-1104.
7 p.m., Whiskers, Wine and Wags Oct 21, at The Cedars Historic Home (4145 Old Canton Rd.). Proceeds benefit the Jackson Friends of the Animal Shelter's spay and neuter program. $50; visit sitstay.petfinder.com.
7 p.m., Blues by Starlight Oct 21 at Highland Village (4500 I-55 North). The fundraiser benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi. $100; call 601-969-7088.
Friday, Oct. 22
7 p.m., Dance for Kids at Risk at Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ (5302 Queen Mary Lane), in the Family Life Center. Join Donald's Home, a girls' group home, as the nonprofit organization host its first annual fundraiser. $10 donation; call 769-226-6232.
Saturday, Oct. 23
7 a.m., Shalom: A Day of Health and Wellness at Farish Street. The event by the Farish Street Community of Shalom includes a health fair, health screenings, food and music. Call 601-355-7858.
9 a.m., Dog Trot and Cat Walk at Belhaven University Center for the Arts (835 Riverside Drive). Registration is at 8 a.m., the run starts at 9 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:15 a.m. A T-shirt is included. Proceeds from the 5K event benefit ARF of Mississippi, a no-kill animal shelter. $25 in advance, $30 day of event; call 601-750-2740.
9 a.m., Walk to Cure Diabetes at Mayes Lake at LeFleur's Bluff (115 Lakeland Terrace). Registration is at 9 a.m., and the walk begins at 10 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Donations welcome; call 601-981-1184.
10 a.m., Top Flight Financial Seminar at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The session is in the Community Meeting Room. Call 601-957-5602.
10 a.m., Search for Documentary Participants at Cultural Expressions (147 Millsaps Ave.). J. Lee Productions is looking for African American single, dating, married and divorced people to showcase in an upcoming documentary called "Black Love," an in-depth look at relationships. Interested participants must attend the screening to be considered. Call 601-706-9152.
10 a.m., Family Partnerships Workshop at Mississippi e-Center (1230 Raymond Road). Hosted by the Action Leadership Institute, the topics are "Childcare Mandated Training" and "Start a 501(c)3 Tax-Free Business." Registration is required. $39; call 601-965-0372.
10 a.m., Children's Health Festival at Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum (1150 Lakeland Drive). Families and children of all ages can meet Sesame Street's Cookie Monster, enjoy obstacle courses and fitness challenges, take advantage of free health screenings and learn about healthy eating. Free food, music, recreational activities with local fitness experts and educators, and prize drawings for children. Free; call 601-896-3884.
10:30 a.m., Meet the Candidates at Eudora Welty Library (300 N. State St.). The Jackson Metro League of Women Voters is sponsoring the program for those running opposed for the two circuit judge posts in Hinds County. Call 601-944-9822.
Noon, Community Fun Day at Word of Truth International Outreach Ministries (773 Highway 469 N., Florence). The event, hosted by the youth department, includes free refreshments, information for youth from community organizations and advice from adult- education teacher Paula Bridges on how youth should deal with daily challenges. Free; call 601-594-6994.
Noon, OctoberFest at Jayne Avenue Community Center and Park (3615 Jayne Ave.). The Jayne Avenue Community Association offers a day full of activities to promote community camaraderie, combat crime, and encourage residents to take value in their neighborhood. The event includes food, games, arts and crafts, health screenings, giveaways, a local talent showcase and more. Free admission; call 601-291-2243.
1 p.m., OUToberfest at Smith Park (302 Amite St.). The event is Mississippi's annual LGBT celebration held to recognize National Coming Out Day and National LGBT History Month. The event includes political and spiritual speakers, kids' activities, music and more. Free; visit outoberfest.com.
6:30 p.m., 100 Black Men of Jackson's 20th Anniversary Scholarship and Mentoring Celebration at Jackson State University, Walter Payton Recreation and Wellness Center (32 Walter Payton Drive). The theme is "What They See is What They'll Be." The featured speaker is Justis Gibbs, the son of attorneys Robert and Debra Gibbs and a tenth-grade APAC student at Murrah High School. $50, $400 table; call 601-366-8301.
Sunday, Oct. 24
Jackson State University Homecoming Celebration Oct 24-30, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.). The theme for this year's celebration is "Celebration of Tiger Nation." The week will be filled with activities geared toward students, alumni and supporters. For this year's homecoming parade, Oct. 30 at 9 a.m. on Capitol St., the grand marshal is actress Vanessa Bell Calloway. The celebration culminates with the Oct. 30 JSU football game against Prairie View A&M at Veterans Memorial Stadium at 4 p.m. Visit jfpevents.com for a complete schedule of events and campus locations. Call 601-979-2241.
2 p.m., Fion Pour at Fenian's Pub (901 E. Fortification St.). The informal wine tasting is a fundraiser for Celticfest Mississippi. Purchase tickets at celtisfestms.eventbee.com. $25 in advance and for CHS/JID members, $35 at the door; call 601-366-6644 or 601-948-0055.
Monday, Oct. 25
11 a.m., Blood Pressure Checks for Seniors at Johnnie Champion Senior Center (1355 Hattiesburg St.). The City of Jackson's Department of Human and Cultural Services and the staff of St. Dominic Health Service's Care-A-Van outreach program provides blood pressure checks and cancer awareness information to qualifying individuals aged 55 or older living within the Jackson city limits. Free; call 601-960-0335.
Through Oct. 27
Breast Cancer Awareness Bra Drive at Repeat Street (626 Ridgewood Road, Ridgeland). Donate old or new bras, and Riverwalk Casino will donate $1 per bra to the American Cancer Society. Bras in good condition are donated to shelters throughout Mississippi. The deadline for donations is Oct. 27. Donations welcome; call 601-605-9393.
Through Oct. 28
Mississippi Raiders Minor League Football Team Tryouts at Battlefield Park (953 Porter St.). The tryouts are for the 2011 summer season and are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. The team is looking for males ages 18 and up who are high school seniors or out of school. Those who RSVP get a $10 discount on the tryout fee. $80; call 601-238-7090, 601-842-2116 or 504-701-5775.
Through Oct. 29
Holiday Card Contest at Mississippi Public Broadcasting (3825 Ridgewood Road). MPB invites children ages 4 through 12 to design and illustrate an original greeting card incorporating a holiday theme not specific to any religious celebration. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 29. Entry forms can be downloaded from mpbonline.org/mpbkids. Call 601-432-6370.
Through Oct. 30
Farmers' Market at Byram Farmers Market (20 Willow Creek Lane, Byram). The market is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. until Oct. 30. Products include fresh produce, wildflower honey, roasted peanuts, jams, jellies, birdhouses, and baskets and gourds for crafting. Call 601-373-4545.
Musical Instruments Drive at Russell C. Davis Planetarium (201 E. Pascagoula St.). Mississippi Music-n-Motion, the Central Mississippi Blues Society and Mississippi Film Institute are collecting used musical instruments, providing access to music education for area students. All kinds of band and orchestra instruments in both student and full size are needed. Accessories such as cases, stands, reeds, strings, and drumsticks and pads are welcome. Items may be dropped off at the planetarium, and will also be collected during the Mississippi International Film Festival Oct. 30. Donations welcome; call 769-234-7607.
Through Nov. 1
Mississippi Arts Commission Minigrant Call for Applications at Mississippi Arts Commission (Woolfolk Building, 501 N. West St., Suite 1101A). Professional-level artists can apply to support promotion efforts, attend a professional workshop or to purchase art supplies. Non-profit organizations or local government entities can apply for up to $1,000 to support presentations by members of the MAC's artist roster or to support professional development efforts for an arts organization. The application deadline is Nov. 1. Call 601-359-6030.
Through Nov. 7
Farmers' Market at Old Farmers' Market (352 E. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Brenda's Produce features fruits, vegetables and flowers from Smith County, and Berry's Produce also has a wide selection of products to choose from. Hours are 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Call 601-354-0529 or 601-353-1633.
Through Nov. 12
2011 Small Business Week Awards Call for Nominations at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.). The Small Business Administration Mississippi District Office is actively seeking nominations for the 2011 Small Business Week Awards. Nominations are being accepted for outstanding small business owners and advocates in a variety of categories. Nomination packets must be received by Nov. 12. Call 228-863-4449, ext. 223.
Through Dec. 1
"Being an American" Essay Contest. U.S. high school students and their teachers are invited to compete for nearly $115,000 in prize money and all-expense-paid trips to Washington, D.C., by writing an essay that is 750 words or less. The deadline is Dec. 1. Visit beinganamerican.org.
Through Dec. 5
Habitat Hideaways at Habitat for Humanity/Metro Jackson (615 Stonewall St.). Buy raffle tickets for a child's playhouse to raise money to build decent, affordable houses for families in need in metro Jackson. The drawing is Dec. 5. $20, $40 for three, $100 for ten; call 601-353-6060. $20, $40 for three, $100 for ten; call 601-353-6060.
Through Dec. 18
Greater Belhaven Market at Mississippi Farmers Market (929 High St.). Buy local fresh produce or other food or gift items. The market is open every Thursday and Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission; call 601-506-2848 or 601-354-6573.
Through Dec. 24
Farmers' Market at Old Fannin Road Farmers' Market (1307 Old Fannin Road, Brandon). Homegrown produce is for sale Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and noon-6 p.m. Sunday until Christmas Eve. Call 601-919-1690.
Ongoing
Medical Mall Moment Report at WOAD 1300 AM. Find out about the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation's current activities every second Friday of the month at 8:30 a.m. Call-ins to 601-995-1400 are welcome. You can send your questions and comments in advance to [e-mail missing] or call the office for more information. The broadcast is also available on jacksonmedicalmall.org. Call 601-982-8467.
Cancer Rehab Classes at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), in the Activity Room of the Hederman Cancer Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. The class helps cancer patients enhance cardiovascular strength, endurance, their immune system and bone density. It helps to increase overall strength and stamina, decrease fatigue and weight loss, and improve digestion. Registration is required. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.
You Have the Mic at Afrika Book Cafe (404 Mitchell Ave.). The open political forum for discussing Jackson's current issues is hosted by Othor Cain and Mista Main of Hot 97.7 FM on Mondays from 6-8 p.m. E-mail [e-mail missing].
Ask for More Arts Call for Artists. Ask for More Arts is currently seeking artists to work with children in grades K-5 in the Jackson Public Schools district. Parents for Public Schools of Jackson is the convening partner. Call 601-969-6015.
Farmers' Market at Mississippi Farmers Market (929 High St.). Shop the Mississippi Farmers Market for fresh locally-grown fruits and vegetables from Mississippi farmers, specialty foods, and crafts from local artisans. The market is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 601-354-6573.
Farmers' Market at Jackson Roadmap to Health Equity Project's Farmers' Market (2548 Livingston Road). Buy from a wide selection of fresh produce provided by participating local farmers. Market hours are noon-6 p.m. on Fridays, and 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Free admission; call 601-987-6783.
Events at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Free; call 601-932-2562.
• Weekly Storytime. Each Tuesday, Baby Bookworms Storytime for children ages birth-36 months is at 9:30 a.m., and Preschool Storytime for children ages 3-6 is at 10:30 a.m. The event includes stories, rhymes and music, and a puppet show on the last Tuesday of the month.
• Pearl Peanuts Afterschool Program through May 25. On Wednesdays at 4 p.m., children in grades K-6 enjoy stories, crafts, snacks and special activities such as cooking, gardening and puppetry.
Youth Women's Cycling Group in Ridgeland. Get fit while participating in a fun, recreational environment Saturdays at 10 a.m. The club is for young girls ages 13-17. Free; call 601-559-5577.
Mississippi Music Foundation Money Match Program. The program is for artists living in Mississippi seeking to record and release an original CD. MMF will match up to 50 percent of funds raised to complete one song or group of songs. All genres are accepted, but all groups or artists must apply and acceptance is not guaranteed. Call 662-429-2939.