Monday, Oct. 25
5:30 p.m., Venture Incubator Open House and Seminar at Regions Plaza (210 E. Capitol St.). The seminar for business owners and entrepreneurs provides information on how the Venture Incubator can help grow small businesses. A tour of the Venture Incubator offices is held after the seminar. Please RSVP. Call 601-906-4868.
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 Jimmy Smith, former Jackson State star and All-Pro wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars. $280 individual membership, $1200 corporate membership; call 601-955-5293 or 601-506-3186.
6 p.m., Steel Chef Mississippi Oct. 25, at King Edward Hotel (235 W. Capitol St.). Chef Tom Ramsey hosts the event featuring Chefs Levi Minyard of Madidi Restaurant and Craig Noone of Parlor Market. A silent auction and food from local restaurants in included. Proceeds benefit the Community Place Relocation Initiative. Seating is limited. $100, $150 couples; call 601-355-0617, ext. 315.
Tuesday, Oct. 26
11 a.m., Blood Pressure Checks for Seniors at T.L. Love Senior Center (2912 Holmes 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 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.
2 p.m., Small Business & Entrepreneurial Expo at Northpark Mall (1200 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland), on the lower level at center court. Small business counselors from the Mississippi Small Business Development Center's subcenters at Hinds Community College and Jackson State University provide tools, financing advice and general education to assist existing and prospective business owners. Additional workshops are in the Community Room from 5-7 p.m., and registration is required to attend the workshops. Free; call 601-956-3438.
4 p.m., Jackson Friends of the Library Reception at Eudora Welty Library (300 N. State St.). The event includes the dedication of the Ellen Douglas Room and unveiling of her portrait, and remarks from Millsaps College professor Peggy Prenshaw, editor of the book "Conversations with Eudora Welty." Call 601-968-5811.
5:30 p.m., Community Meeting on Teen Pregnancy Prevention at Plaza Building (120 N. Congress St.), on the 12th floor. Rachel Hicks of Mississippi First, Shawna Davie, and Dr. Michelle Owens will lead the discussion on what is being done in Mississippi and what others can do to help. Refreshments served. Free; call 601-326-0701.
6 p.m., Mississippi Raiders Minor League Football Team Tryouts Oct. 26-28, at Battlefield Park (953 Porter St.). The tryouts are for the 2011 summer season. The team is looking for males aged 18 and up who are high school seniors or out of school. Those who RSVP will get a $10 discount on the tryout fee. $80; call 601-238-7090, 601-842-2116 or 504-701-5775.
6:30 p.m., Hummingbird Lecture at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive). The presenters are hummingbird experts, bird banders and authors Bob and Martha Sargent. Free; call 601-956-7444.
Wednesday, Oct. 27
10 a.m., Senior Aerobics Class at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), at center stage. Seniors have an opportunity to get in shape and have fun while doing it. Sponsored by Tougaloo College. Free; call 601-977-6137.
Noon, "History Is Lunch" at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Beth Batton from the Mississippi Museum of Art talks about an exhibit of photographs by Oraien Catledge. His book of photographs, "Oraien Catledge: Photographs", will be available for purchase. Free, $35 book; call 601-576-6998.
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.
Thursday, Oct. 28
10 a.m., "Light a Candle * Feed a Child" Campaign at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), in the gift shop. For every Bridgewater Candle jar sold, a donation is made to feed one child for one day through the charity Rice Bowls. Each customer that brings a nonperishable food item will receive a free Bridgewater Candle Company votive. Visit bridgewatercandles.com.
10:30 a.m., Blood Pressure Checks for Seniors at Golden Key Multi-purpose Senior Center (3450 Albermarle Road). 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.
Noon, Young Professionals Alliance Luncheon at Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership (201 S. President St.). The guest speakers are sports director Rick Cleveland and radio host Bo Bounds. RSVP by Oct. 26. $10, $7 members; e-mail [e-mail missing].
3 p.m., Naturalization Workshop at Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance (612 N. State St.). MIRA licensed attorneys assists applicants in preparing their N-400 applications for submission to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The workshop is only for individuals who have been lawful permanent residents for the last five years, or three years if married to and living with a United States citizen. $150 (includes MIRA membership), $675 N-400 filing fee; call 601-354-9355.
6 p.m., Precinct 4 COPS Meeting at Redeemer Church (640 E. Northside Drive). These monthly meetings are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0004.
6:30 p.m., Power of Pink Finale at Highland Village (4500 Interstate 55 North). The evening includes live music by The Chill, food, drinks, a silent auction and a cupcake challenge. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society $50; call 601-321-5500.
7 p.m., Reconciliation Celebration Banquet at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.). The theme is "Facing Our Challenges and Casting the Vision." Mission Mississippi will honor Governor William Winter and Dr. John M. Perkins. $65; call 601-353-6477.
Friday, Oct. 29
5 p.m., Credit Training at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Community Meeting Room. A BankPlus representative gives tips on improving your credit. Call 601-982-8467.
7 p.m., UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.), in the Trustmark Ballroom. Proceeds benefit Tougaloo and Rust colleges. $50, $75 VIP; call 601-977-7871.
9 p.m., Pink Friday at Suite 106 (106 Wilmington St.). The purpose of the event is to increase awareness of the importance of early breast cancer detection and raise funds to assist with the search for a cure. Proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation. $10 suggested donation; call 601-954-2788.
Saturday, Oct. 30
8:30 a.m., Porsche & Coffee Breakfast at Broad Street (4465 Interstate 55 N.), on the second floor. Prospective members are welcome to come to the Magnolia Region Porsche Club of America's monthly meeting, held the last Saturday of every month. E-mail [e-mail missing].
2 p.m., Open House at Joyflow Yoga (Trace Harbour Village, 7048 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland). Come for demonstrations, samples classes and door prizes. Class discounts are offered. Also enjoy a showing of the documentary "Titans of Yoga" at 5:30 p.m. Free; call 601-613-4317.
Holiday Card Contest at Mississippi Public Broadcasting (3825 Ridgewood Road). MPB invites children ages four 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.
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 at the Mississippi International Film Festival Oct. 30. Donations welcome; call 769-234-7607.
Through Oct. 30
Jackson State University Homecoming Celebration 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 on Oct. 30 at 9 a.m. on Capitol St., the grand marshal will be 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.
Monday, Nov. 1
9 a.m., Hinds County Board of Supervisors at Chancery Court (316 S. President St.). The Board of Supervisors holds its regular meeting, open to the public. Call 601-968-6501.
9 a.m., Rankin County Board of Supervisors Meetingat Rankin County Government Offices (211 E. Government St., Brandon). The board holds its regular meeting. Call 601-825-1475.
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 may apply to support promotion efforts, attend a professional workshop or to purchase art supplies. Non-profit organizations or local government entities may 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-expenses 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 winning ticket is drawn 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.
Through Feb. 28
Jackson State University Alumni Association Membership Drive. The Jackson-Hinds chapter is currently seeking new members to join the association. $25 membership; e-mail [e-mail missing].
Through May 27
After-School Enhancement Program at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The City of Jackson Department of Parks and Recreation's program is Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Youth ages 7-12 may participate. Activities include studying and learning during homework sessions, listening to guest speakers, and participating in arts and crafts. Immunization compliance is required. Parents and guardians must also provide transportation and food each day. Registration continues until all slots are filled. Free; call 601-960-0471.
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.
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 who are seeking to record and release an original CD. MMF will match up to 50 percent of funds raised by an artist 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.