Jackson Free Press

Sports League Registrations, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The Department of Parks and Recreation is conducting registration for the upcoming season from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. Call 601-960-0471.
• Adult Fall Softball League Registration through Sept. 9. The league consists of co-ed teams with a limit of 20 players per team. $250 per team.
• Adult Flag Football Registration through Sept. 30. Limit of 20 players per team. Games begin Oct. 17. $325 team.
• Adult Fall And Winter Basketball League Registration through Oct. 7. Men and women ages 35 or older may participate. Limit of 15 players per team. Games begin Oct. 17. $325 team.

Blood Pressure Checks for Seniors. The city of Jackson and St. Dominic Health Services provides blood pressure checks and immunization awareness information to qualifying individuals ages 55 or older living within the Jackson city limits. Free; call 601-960-0335.
• Aug. 10, 11 a.m., at T.L. Love Senior Center (2912 Holmes Ave.).
• Aug. 11, 11 a.m., at Tougaloo Multi-Purpose Senior Citizens Center (318 Vine St.).

Monday, Aug. 8

6 p.m., Summer Commencement Exercise, at Tougaloo College (500 W. County Line Road, Tougaloo). In Woodworth Chapel. LeRoy G. Walker Jr., chairman of the Tougaloo College Board of Trustees, is the speaker. Open to the public. Call 601-977-7735.

Tuesday, Aug. 9

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 between 9-9:30 a.m., and time will be limited based on the number of people who sign up. Call 601-960-2378.
• 10 a.m., Jackson City Council Meeting. The council holds its regular meeting, open to the public. Call 601-960-1033.

1:30 p.m., Mississippi Commission on the Status of Women Meeting, at Woolfolk Annex Building (501 N. West St.), room 204. Learn more about the upcoming Sept. 16 conference. Open to the public. Email [e-mail missing].

6 p.m., Jackson Chamber of Commerce Community Forum, at New Horizon Church International (Renaissance South) (1770 Ellis Ave.). The topic is community development in South Jackson. Call 601-948-7575, ext. 233.

Wednesday, Aug. 10

Energy Efficiency Program Kick-off Aug. 10-11, at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). Residents will be provided with information, resources and incentives to reduce their utility costs and carbon emissions. Attendees will receive energy saving information, learn to track household energy consumption/reduction, and save money. The Jackson Fire Department will also present an educational component on fire safety and fire prevention. Homeowners will also be able to sign up for the Residential Retrofit Voucher Program. Hours are 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Call 601-960-2378.

11:45 a.m., Jackson 2000 Luncheon, at Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center (528 Bloom St.). Museum director Pam Junior discusses the "Freedom's Sisters" exhibit. Lunch and museum tour included; please RSVP. $12; email [e-mail missing].

11:45 a.m., The Silent Killer, at Baptist Health Systems, Madison Campus (401 Baptist Drive, Madison), in the Community Room. Cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Stewart Horsley talks about risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Free, $5 optional lunch; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Christian Pinnen, a graduate student at the University of Southern Mississippi, presents "Slavery and Empire: The Development of the Natchez District, 1720 - 1820." Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.

4 p.m., Mississippi Blues Trail Marker Ceremony, at King Edward Hotel (235 W. Capitol St.). The Mississippi Blues Commission unveils the marker in recognition of the hotel's role in Mississippi's blues heritage. Visit msbluestrail.org.

6 p.m., Home Improvement Fraud Workshop, at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.), in the atrium. Learn how to prepare for a project and how to avoid contractor scams. Registration not required but preferred. Free; call 855-2-NO-FRAUD.

Thursday, Aug. 11

10 a.m., HIV Prevention and Cultural Competency for the Transgender Population Seminar, at A Brave New Day (Fondren Corner, 2906 N. State St., Suite 204). Participants learn how to work with the transgender community in HIV prevention and care services. Robin T. Higashi of the National Community Health Partners is the trainer. Registration required. Free; call 601-713-3999.

10 a.m., Computer Class for Adults, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Learn how to use Internet search engines. Free; call 601-932-3535.

6 p.m., Minority Business Network Monthly Meeting, at Eudora Welty Library (300 N. State St.). Minority Business Network is a non-profit organization created to empower local small and minority businesses through knowledge, positive reinforcement, training and exposure. Call 601-750-2367 or 601-316-5092.

6 p.m., Precinct 2 COPS Meeting, at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 2 (711 W. Capitol St.). These monthly forums are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0002.

6:30 p.m., New Vibrations Network Gathering, at Unitarian Universalist Church (4866 N. State St.). The mixer is held every second Thursday. Bring business cards and brochures to share with others. Call [e-mail missing].

7:30 p.m., Latin American Business Association Committee Meeting, at Babalu Tacos and Tapas (622 Duling Ave.). Committees include community service, events, marketing and membership. Email [e-mail missing].

Saturday, Aug. 13

7:30 a.m., Pancake Breakfast, at Applebee's (900 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland). The event is a fundraiser for the Murrah High School Band. $5; call 601-937-1135.

9 a.m., Olde Towne Market, in downtown Clinton. Vendors will sell everything from fresh produce to unique handmade crafts on the brick streets of Olde Towne Clinton. This month's theme is "Dog Dayz," emphasizing our animal friends. Free admission; call 601-924-5472.

9 a.m., Homebuyers Workshop, at Medgar Evers Library (4215 Medgar Evers Blvd.). Mississippi Home of Your Own (HOYO) 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.

10 a.m., NAACP Education Summit, at Walmart Supercenter (2711 Greenway Drive). The theme is "Reading Is the Key." The event includes school supply giveaways, free food, space jumps, seminars and entertainment. Free; call 601-353-6906.

1 p.m., Raw Food Potluck Social, at Butterfly Yoga (3025 N. State St.). Please RSVP and indicate what you are bringing. Free; email [e-mail missing].

3 p.m., First Day Program, at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.). The back-to-school event for JPS students and parents includes entertainment, games, prizes and health screenings. Noo Noo, Lil' Al and Mississippi Public Broadcasting's Ed Said perform. Free; call 601-960-1084.

6:30 p.m., Dancing with the Mississippi Stars, at Country Club of Jackson (345 Saint Andrews Drive). The event features local celebrities and dance instructors. Proceeds benefit Community Place, a non-profit skilled nursing home. $75; call 601-355-0617, ext. 315.

Sunday, Aug 14

4 p.m., End of Summer Car and Bike Show, at Bouldin Park (720 Nissan Drive, Gluckstadt). Gates open at noon. Enjoy vehicle displays, and get free schools supplies while they last. Proceeds benefit the No Phone Zone Campaign. $5; call 601-896-7997.

Monday, Aug. 15

8 a.m., ServSafe Food Manager Certification Course, at Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association (130 Riverview Drive, Suite C, Flowood). The ServSafe Essentials 5th Edition manual covered in the eight-hour course. An exam will be administered at the end of training. Registration required. $145; call 601-831-6428.

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

Through Aug. 15

Exchange Student Program Call for Host Families. SHARE! is looking for volunteers to host international high school exchange students for the 2011-2012 fall semester or school year. The exchange students arrive in late August to attend local high schools and live with the host family. Sign up by Aug. 15. Call 800-941-3738.

Through Aug. 24

Operation Sunscreen. Purchase sun-care protection package to send to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan through Aug. 24. Each package contains sunscreen, lip protector, a thank-you note and gum or candy. $25 donation; call 601-201-1979.

Through Aug. 30

Jackson Inner-city Gardeners Call for Volunteers. JIG needs volunteers to help maintain plots and harvest vegetables. The produce will be donated to help feed the homeless and elderly and will be sold to the community at affordable prices. The garden is at the corner of W. Northside Drive and Medgar Evers Blvd. beside the BP gas station. Volunteers can help Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 -11 a.m. JIG sells produce at the garden Saturdays from 8:30 a.m.-noon. Call 601-924-3539.

Through Aug. 31

Call for Grant Applications, at Women's Fund of Mississippi (Plaza Building, 120 N. Congress St., Suite 903). The Women's Fund will make grants to programs that aim to create economic security for women in Mississippi. Eligible applicants must be non-profits with 501(c)(3) status. Interested applicants should call the office to brainstorm the project concept before formally submitting a concept brief. August 3 is the deadline for concept brief submissions. Call 601-326-0701.

Project ReDirectory Recycling Program. Residents are encouraged to participate in the telephone book recycling project. Bins are located throughout the metro Jackson area, and you can schedule a pickup from your business if you have 50 books or more. Contact Keep Jackson Beautiful for a list of locations. Books may also be dropped off at Recycling Services (3010 N. Mill Street). Call 601-366-4842.

Through Sept. 2

Fall Registration, at Ekklesia School of Ministry and Theology (1770 Ellis Ave.). Certification programs include Christian studies, and ministry and theological studies. Register by Sept. 2. Classes begin Sept. 6. Call 601-346-7503 for details on registration and fees.

Through Sept. 25

Jackson Square Farmers Market, at Jackson Square Promenade (2460 Terry Road). Vendors sell food, clothing, crafts and other items in the parking lot. Hours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free admission, $5-$10 vendor fee; call 601-372-7157.

Through Oct. 29

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

Through Nov. 5

NAMIWalks Registration, at NAMI Mississippi (411 Briarwood Drive, Suite 401). NAMIWalks is an annual walk to raise funds for NAMI Mississippi, a local branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots organization dedicated to providing support, education and advocacy for consumers of mental health services and their family members. Visit namims.org to join an existing team, form a new team, walk as an individual or become a sponsor. Each team member who raises at least $100 will receive a T-shirt. Donations welcome; call 601-899-9058.

Through Nov. 12

Old Farmers Market (352 E. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Hours are 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday. Call 601-354-0529 or 601-353-1633.

Through Nov. 16

Nature Nuts Preschool Program, at Clinton Community Nature Center (617 Dunton Road, Clinton). The nature discovery program is for children ages 2-5. Sessions are held on third Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. Registration required. Receive a $2 discount for each additional child. $8 per session, $5 members; call 601-926-1104.

Through Dec. 2

First Friday Free ADHD Screenings, at Office of Suzanne Russell, LPC (665 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland). Licensed professional counselor Suzanne Russell offers free 30-minute ADHD screenings for children on first Fridays through Dec. 2. Appointment required. Free; call 601-707-7355.

Through Dec. 17

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

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

Zumba Fitness Classes. The Latin-inspired aerobics classes are held at two locations. $5; call 601-209-7566.
• Mondays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 9 a.m., at Dance Unlimited Studio, Byram (6787 S. Siwell Road, Suite A, Byram).
• Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m., at Dance Unlimited Studio, Florence (3091 Highway 49 South, Suite E, Florence).

Diabetes Support Group Meetings, at Baptist Health Systems, Madison Campus (401 Baptist Drive, Madison). Baptist Nutrition Center hosts the meetings on third Thursdays at 1 p.m. Free; call 601-973-1624.

Adopt-a-Park Program Registration, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), at the Department of Parks and Recreation. Organizations and businesses are encouraged to sign up to help maintain Jackson parks and trails by picking up litter, landscaping and painting. Call 601-960-0471.

Venture Incubator Talk and Tour Open House, at Venture Incubator (City Centre Building, 200 S. Lamar St., South Tower, 10th floor). Potential or current small business owners, and professionals interested in mentoring small business owners are welcome to meet with Wes Holsapple, president and CEO, and tour the facilities on Mondays from 5-6 p.m. and Wednesdays from noon-1 p.m. Refreshments served. Free; call 601-414-0140.

Jackson 2000 Study Circles Program. The program includes six two-hour sessions of dialogue and problem-solving to encourage racial harmony and community involvement. Jackson 2000 is looking for participants from all walks of life to sign up, and sessions will be scheduled soon. E-mail [e-mail missing].

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 current 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.

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.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Family Support Group, at St. Dominic Hospital (969 Lakeland Drive), in the St. Catherine Room. NAMI Mississippi offers a support group for family members who have an adult relative with a mental illness on second Thursdays at 7 p.m. Free; call 601-899-9058.

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.

CARA Recycling Program, at Community Animal Rescue and Adoption (CARA) (960 N. Flag Chapel Road). Mississippi's largest no-kill animal shelter is earning cash for operating expenses by participating in the FundingFactory Recycling Program. They are collecting empty laser or toner cartridges and used cellphones from the community and sending the waste products to FundingFactory in exchange for cash. Donations welcome; e-mail [e-mail missing].

Adopt-a-Park Program Registration, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), at the Department of Parks and Recreation. Organizations and businesses are encouraged to sign up to help maintain Jackson parks and trails by picking up litter, landscaping and painting. Call 601-960-0471.

Fitness Camp, at Lake Hico Park (4801 Watkins Drive). Do cardiovascular and strength training exercises, and learn about proper nutrition. Sessions are from 8-9 a.m. Saturdays. $20; call 601-331-8468.

Yu-Gi-Oh Tournaments, at Java Ink (420 Roberts St., Pearl). Compete and trade cards with other fans at 2 p.m. Sundays. Admission varies each week; call 601-397-6292.

Zumba Fitness Classes. The Latin-inspired aerobics classes are held at two locations. $5; call 601-209-7566.
• Mondays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 9 a.m. at Dance Unlimited Studio, Byram (6787 S. Siwell Road, Suite A, Byram).
• Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. at Dance Unlimited Studio, Florence (3091 Highway 49 South, Suite E, Florence).