Jackson Free Press

During its annual awards ceremony June 28, the Mississippi Main Street Association named Belhaven Park the best public-private project is the state.

In 2006, the Greater Belhaven Neighborhood Foundation and residents worked to save the park and enhance the neighborhood. Residents worked with the city of Jackson to improve the park, which was once an eyesore in the neighborhood.

"The original size of the park has been doubled, and great care was given to the design of the park to fit seamlessly within the Belhaven Historic District. Belhaven Park has been restored to its original purpose as an urban green space and is now emerging as Greater Belhaven's gathering place and Town Center," MMA wrote in a press release.

Mississippi Main Street, a program of the Mississippi Development Authority, helps fund revitalization efforts for 50 communities throughout the state.

Other winners include: Olde Towne Mural in Clinton as the best public improvement project; Lexington City Hall, in Lexington, Miss., as the best rehabilitation project; and Rebecca Dewberry, owner of Bellissimo in Eupora, as the Main Street Merchant of the year.

Branding Meeting Dates Set

The Hinds County Economic Development Authority and urban-planning firm Arnett Muldrow and Associates will host a series of meetings to brand the county July 20 through 22.

The three-day process involves a series of meeting with community leaders and the public to form logos, taglines, marketing plans, web pages and signage. In March, HCEDA Executive Director Blake Wallace announced that the county had contracted with Arnett Muldrow to conduct a branding campaign to improve the image of Hinds County and attract industry and residents. 

The focus-group meetings for Hinds County are thematically arranged and will include an open session for the public. During the first day, the firm gathers input and information from the community. On the second day, the firm presents a product for community critique and feedback. On the third day, the firm produces a revised, final product.

The times and locations have not been determined, yet. For information, call 601-353-6056.

Viking Classic

The Viking Classic Professional Golf Association's annual tournament will take place at the Annandale Golf Course in Madison July 11 through 17.

The tournament features professional golfers and celebrity chefs such as Emeril Lagasse and Rick Tramonto who will host live cooking demonstrations.

In honor of the tournament, Edwin Watts Golf Shop in Ridgeland is hosting a golf ball-recycling event July 11 and 12. The first 100 people who bring a dozen golf balls for recycling each day will receive a free pass to the tournament.

Free Dental Clinic

Mississippians who can't afford dental care will have the opportunity to receive relief from oral problems during the Mississippi Mission of Mercy's dental clinic July 15 and 16 at the Jackson Convention Complex.

The Mississippi Dental Association Foundation, the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry, the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation, the City of Jackson and Brown Bottling and BCI Communications are funding the clinic.

Adults and children will receive care based on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 6 a.m. each day for cleanings, filling and extractions. No eligibility requirements are necessary.

For more information, call 601-664.9691.