Jackson Free Press

Free Tax Counseling and Filing IRS/AIM or AARP volunteers will do electronic filing. Bring all necessary documents. Joint filers must come together. Free.
• Through April 11, at Ridgeland Public Library (397 Highway 51, Ridgeland), on Mondays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 601-856-4536.
• Through April 11, at Richard Wright Library (515 W. McDowell Road), on Mondays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 601-372-1621.
• Through April 12, 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 Quisenberry Library (605 E. Northside Drive, Clinton), on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-5 p.m. Call 601-924-5684.

Sports League Registrations, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The Department of Parks and Recreation is conducting registrations for the upcoming season. Interested individuals can fill out registration forms between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. Call 601-960-0471.
• Adult Summer Softball League Registration through April 4. There is a limit of 20 players per team. $350 per team.
• Girls' Softball League Registration through April 29. A birth certificate and recent photo are required. $10 per player.
• Slammin' Jammin' Youth Basketball League Registration through April 22. Youth ages 8-17 may participate. A birth certificate and recent photo are required. $10 per player.
• Hershey's Track and Field Youth Program Registration through May 10. Youth ages 9-14 may participate. A birth certificate and recent photo are required. Free.

Monday, April 4

International Week April 4-8, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.). The event is a celebration of cultural diversity and includes the International Taste of JSU April 4; the Parade of Flags and the International Bazaar April 6; the International Night of Dance April 7; and the International Scholarship Banquet April 8. The International Film Festival is April 4-8 in the Student Center Theatre. Visit jsums.edu/intweek for more details. $50, $500 table of 10 for banquet; other events free; call 601-979-3796.

Events at Jackson City Hall (200 S. President St.)
• 9:30 a.m., One on One with Mayor Johnson. Citizens who wish to speak to the mayor must sign up from 9-9:30 a.m., and time will be limited based on the number of people who sign up. Call 601-960-2378.
• Jackson City Council Meeting. The Jackson City Council holds its regular meeting, open to the public. Call 601-960-1033.

10 a.m., Story Time Tuesday, at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). A local celebrity comes to the zoo to read an animal story. Afterwards, the kids get to do a related craft project or have an animal encounter. Free with paid admission; call 601-352-2580.

11 a.m., North Shore Animal League America's Tour for Life, at PetSmart (6333 Interstate 55 N.). The Mississippi Animal Rescue League hosts the world's largest cooperative mobile pet adoption event. Call 601-969-1631.

5:30 p.m., Jackson Public School Board Meeting, at Jackson Public Schools (621 S. State St.). The JPS School Board meets for its discipline session, open to the public. Call 601-960-8700.

6 p.m., Jackson Arts Collective Monthly Meeting, at The Commons at Eudora Welty's Birthplace (719 N. Congress St.). Every first Monday, the Collective Steering Committee meets to discuss business of the previous month and listen to local artist proposals for the sponsorship of events that fall in line with their mission. Open to the public. Call 601-497-7454.

Tuesday, April 5

6:30 p.m., Leadership/Personal Development and Life Skills Seminar Series, at Operation Shoestring (1711 Bailey Ave.). Operation Shoestring and Kuumba Promos host the seminars on first and third Tuesdays during the school year. The series is intended to introduce leadership and life management skills to local youth. Enrollment is required. Free; call 601-353-3663 or 601-957-2969.

Wednesday, April 6

National Start! Walking Day. Join Mississippians in the movement to start working toward a healthy lifestyle. Employees are encouraged to wear sneakers to work and take at least 30 minutes out of the day to walk. Visit startwalkingnow.org.

11:45 a.m., Parents for Public Schools Lunch Bunch, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Community Meeting Room. The topic is the Ask for More Arts initiative. Please RSVP. $5 lunch; call 601-969-6015, ext 320.

Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Robert Luckett, director of the Margaret Walker Alexander Center at JSU, talks about the life and work of Margaret Walker Alexander. Bring a lunch; coffee/water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.

Thursday, April 7

7:30 a.m., Business and Technology Expo, at Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.). The Mississippi Business Journal hosts this event that includes more than 100 exhibits, a business breakfast with "The Biggest Loser" winner Patrick House as the keynote speaker, the Top 40 Under 40 awards luncheon, free seminars and more. Free with a business card; call 601-364-1000.

5:30 p.m., Information Session,at Belhaven University (1500 Peachtree St.), in the McCarvey Triplett Student Center, in the second floor theater. Learn about Belhaven's master of education, master of arts in teaching, P.A.C.E. and teacher certification programs. Refreshments served; please RSVP. Call 601-968-8947.

5:30 p.m., Economic Security Financial Forum, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Community Room. The theme is "Learn How to Build Wealth and Get Out of Debt." Get tips on loan requirements, home ownership and self-employment. Refreshments and door prizes included. Free; call 601-898-0326.

Friday, April 8

8 a.m., McAllister's Deli Tea for Tots Golf Classic, at Annandale Golf Club (419 Annandale Parkway, Madison). The event includes an 18-hole tournament, a tea party, a performance by the Bells of Faith and more. Proceeds benefit The Mustard Seed. $1,000 team, $10 tea party; call 601-992-3556.

10 a.m.-4 p.m., UMMC Blood Drive, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Mississippi Blood Services is taking donations in the Community Meeting Room. Please bring ID. Call 601-984-2884.

10 a.m., Getting Started: Establishing a 501(c)(3), at Mississippi Center for Nonprofits (921 N. President St., Suite C). Learn the basics of forming a nonprofit organization and how to fill out Form 1023 from MCN Executive Director Mark McCrary. Registration required. $79; call 601-968-0061.

10 a.m., Reduce and Restore Workshop, at The Pilates Place of Mississippi (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 150 and 156). Allison Evans and Kelly Blackstone of Three Branches Healthy Living speak about the negative effects of chemicals in everyday products and healthier alternatives. $25; visit threebrancheshealth.com.

7 p.m., Scholarship Banquet, at Mississippi e-Center (1230 Raymond Road). U.S. congressman Bennie Thompson is the speaker. Proceeds benefit the Jackson-Hinds chapter of the JSU National Alumni Association's scholarship program for graduating high school seniors. $30, $180 tables; call 601-688-2064 or 601-331-3278.

Saturday, April 9

Ride for CST Motorcycle Ride and Poker Run, at Got Gear Motorsports (230 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland). Registration is at 7:30 a.m., and the motorcycle ride is at 9 a.m. First, second, third and worst hand prizes will be given away for the poker run. Proceeds benefit the 47th Civil Support Team Family Readiness Group. $35 per bike by March 18, $40 per bike after; call 601-624-5293.

Monarch Festival April 9-16, at Clinton Community Nature Center (617 Dunton Road, Clinton). The festival includes a monarch rescue, a photography exhibit, a haiku contest, lectures and monarch adoptions. Times and locations vary. Contact the center for details. Call 601-926-1104.

7:30 a.m., Natchez Trace Century Ride, at Old Trace Park (Post Road, Ridgeland). Enjoy a scenic bike ride on the Natchez Trace Parkway. Choose from distances of 25, 50, 62 and 100 miles. Rest stops with refreshments will be available approximately every 10 miles. A T-shirt and post-ride meal are included. $45; visit natchezcenturyride.racesonline.com.

8 a.m., Women and Applied Politics Seminar, at Mississippi State Capitol (400 High St.), in Room 215. The Mississippi Commission on the Status of Women and the John C. Stennis Institute of Government are the hosts. The purpose of the seminar is to encourage women to become involved in the political process. Registration required; lunch included. $100; call 601-201-7142.

9 a.m., Homebuyers Workshop, at Medgar Evers Library (4215 Medgar Evers Blvd.). Mississippi Home of Your Own is the sponsor. HOYO empowers people with disabilities to become homeowners through grants and support systems. Residents with and without disabilities in Hinds and surrounding counties are invited to attend. Free; call 601-432-6876 or 866-883-4474.

9 a.m., Spiritual Health and Wellness Awareness Conference, at Enoch Grove Missionary Baptist Church (352 E. Mountain Creek Road, Florence). The event includes health screenings and presentations from the Family Health Care Clinic, the Jackson Heart Study, the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, the American Cancer Society and more. Refreshments included. Free; call 601-824-0078 or 601-981-8330.

10 a.m., NatureFEST! at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive). Interact with animals, dig for fossils, explore the "Amazing Butterflies" exhibit, take behind-the-scenes tours of the museum's collections and research labs, and explore the trails and native plant garden. Presenters include bat expert Rob Mies and Terry "Snake Man" Vandeventer. $6, $5 seniors, $4 children 3-18, members/children under 3 free; call 601-354-7303.

10 a.m., Gathering on the Green, at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Enjoy fun, food, and other festivities on the historic Old Capitol Green. Free admission; call 601-576-6920.

3:30 p.m., Fondren Park Grand Opening Celebration, at Fondren Park (Northview Drive and Dunbar St.). Enjoy refreshments, live music and a movie on the pavilion stage at dark. Attendees can also sign up to join the Fondren Park Neighborhood Association. Free; call 601-981-9606.

Shine 2011 with Pinelake Church. Church members and friends will complete beautification projects throughout metro Jackson. Call 601-829-4500 or visit pinelake.org/shine to register and be assigned to a work location.

7 p.m., Sante South Wine Festival, at The South (627 E. Silas Brown St.). More than 30 vintners of fine wines offer samples. Food, live music and a silent auction are included. Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer's Association of Mississippi. $70; call 601-987-0020.

11 a.m., Parent/Guardian Education Advocacy Trainings, at Lumpkin's BBQ (182 Raymond Road). Sessions are held the second Saturday of each month, and the topic varies. This month's focus is bullying prevention. Lunch provided; please RSVP. Free; call 877-892-2577.

Sunday, April 10

2 p.m., Blasta Wine Tasting, at Fenian's Pub (901 E. Fortification St.). Sample affordable wines from Wine & Spirits in the Quarter. Hors d'oeuvres included. Participants receive a Schott Zwiesel titanium crystal glass as a keepsake. Proceeds benefit CelticFest Mississippi. $25 in advance, $35 at the door, $25 Celtic Heritage Society members; call 601-366-6644 or 601-948-0055.

Monday, April 11

10 a.m., Levee Board Meeting, at Flowood City Hall (2101 Airport Road, Flowood). Members of the Rankin-Hinds Pearl Flood and Drainage Control District have their monthly meeting. Call 601-939-4243.

11:30 a.m., Governor's Initiative for Volunteer Excellence Awards, at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). During the luncheon, Mississippians who have given exemplary volunteer service to their communities will be honored. $30; call 601-432-6306.

Hope Hollow Golf Classic, at Reunion Golf and Country Club (880 Mannsdale Road, Madison). Lunch is at 11:30 a.m., and tee time is at 1 p.m. Proceeds benefit Hope Hollow Ministries, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with disabilities. $600 four-man team, $150 hole sponsorship; call 601-506-6293.

Through May 2

Library Registration Assistance Awards, at Mississippi Library Commission (3881 Eastwood Drive). In spring 2011, the Mississippi Library Commission will offer Registration Assistance Awards to library support staff applying for certification in the American Library Association's Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) Program. Applications are available at mlc.lib.ms.us. The submission deadline is May 2. Recipients will be selected by random drawing May 6. Free; call 601-432-4498.

Through May 31

Summer Camp Open Enrollment, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.). Kids Kollege is now accepting applications for the Classic Summer Camp and the CDF Freedom Schools Summer Program, which will take place in June and July. Participants can take educational classes in math, science, and reading as well as recreational courses in sports, dance, and art. Children ages 5-17 are eligible. Call the office for fees at 601-979-1142.

Through Oct. 29

Farmers' Market, at Byram Farmers Market (20 Willow Creek Lane, Byram). The market is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. through Oct. 29. Products include fresh produce, wildflower honey, roasted peanuts, jams, jellies, birdhouses, and baskets and gourds for crafting. Call 601-373-4545.

Through Dec. 17

Farmers' Market, at Mississippi Farmers Market (929 High St.). Shop for fresh locally-grown fruits and vegetables from Mississippi farmers, specialty foods, and crafts from local artisans, including the Greater Belhaven Market. The market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. During the peak growing season, hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Call 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

Jackson Public Schools Call for Volunteers. Jackson Public Schools is seeking volunteers from the community to be mentors for seniors enrolled in the Advanced Seminar: Employability Skills course. Call 601-960-8310.

Medical Mall Moment Report at WOAD 1300 AM. Find out about the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation's activities every second Friday of the month at 8:30 a.m. Call-ins to 601-995-1400 are welcome. 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.

Weekly Storytime at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). 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, music and a puppet show on the last Tuesday of the month. Free; call 601-932-2562.

Youth Women's Cycling Group. Get fit while participating in a fun, recreational environment Saturdays at 10 a.m. The club is for girls ages 13-17. Free; call 601-559-5577.

Mississippi River Master Naturalist Program, at Southern Cultural Heritage Center (1302 Adams St., Vicksburg). The program is open to anyone ages 18 and up and covers a broad range of naturalist education topics including the hydrology, ecology, habitats, plants, insects, fishes and birds of the Mississippi River. The course of study can be completed in as few as 10 weeks or as long as 1 year depending on the participant's schedule. The cost covers membership in the National Audubon Society and books for the course. The program can be taken for college or CEU credits through several regional colleges; additional costs apply. $350; call 601-661-6189.

Business Plan Workshops, at New Horizon Church International (Renaissance South, 1770 Ellis Ave.). Get hands-on, individualized or small-group assistance to develop your customized business plan. Sessions are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-noon or 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m., and first and third Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Appointment required. Call 601-371-1390, 601-371-1296 or 601-371-1427.

Tutoring Sessions and Peer-to-peer Study Groups, at Richard Wright Library (515 W. McDowell Road), in the Community Room. Sessions are every other Saturday from 9-11:30 a.m.; call to confirm dates. Students in grades 8-12 and GED students are welcome to get help with research projects, state subject areas tests, English, science, history and math. School supplies and snacks provided. Free; call 601-948-4725 or 601-372-1621.

Programs on WMPR 90.1 FM and wmpr901.com.
• Women for Progress Radio Broadcast.Dorothy Stewart and Willie Jones host the program on Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. Topics include education, economics and politics. Call 601-918-5137.
• Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. Show. Every Friday from noon-12:30 p.m., Jackson mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. discusses activities, issues and other newsworthy items that are occurring in the city of Jackson. Call 601-960-1084.