Jackson Free Press

Return of the Freedom Riders: 50th Anniversary Reunion through May 26. More than 100 Freedom Riders and their families will reunite with their colleagues and tell stories about the struggle to end racial segregation in American interstate travel in 1961. Programs, ceremonies, visits, exhibits, oral histories, a film festival, and education and training forums will take place. Visit ms50thfreedomridersreunion.org for a detailed schedule.

Free public events include:
• May 23, 4 p.m.: Freedom Trail Marker Dedication at the Medgar Evers Home Museum (2332 Margaret Walker Alexander Drive).
• May 24: Freedom Trail Marker Dedication at Greyhound Bus Station (219 N. Lamar St.) at 11 a.m., the All People's Program honoring the Freedom Riders at the original Trailways Bus Station location (outside of Jackson Convention Complex, 105 E. Pascagoula St.), and the All People's Public Reception, Exhibit and Book Fair at the Jackson Convention Complex at 3 p.m.
• May 26: "The Parchman Hour" play at Jackson State University, Rose E. McCoy Auditorium (1400 John R. Lynch St.). Ticketed events include:
• May 24, 7:30 p.m.: Freedom Rider Legacy Banquet at Jackson Convention Complex with music by Dorothy Moore, $40.
• May 26, 12:30 p.m.: Freedom Rider Praise Luncheon at Jackson Marriott with guest speaker Dr. Calvin O. Butts, $30. Registration includes all free and ticketed events plus meals, visits to historic sites in the Delta, panel discussions and forums, a youth leadership summit and tours of Jackson civil rights sites. $175, $100 Freedom Riders, $75 students, $70 one day; call 601-979-1517.

Monday, May 23

Basic Media Relations Workshop May 23-24, 5:30 p.m., at Southern Cultural Heritage Center (1302 Adams St., Vicksburg), in the Academy Building. Frank Worley explains how to work with the media for personal, nonprofit or commercial uses. $60, $55 members; call 601-631-2997.

Tuesday, May 24

Empowering Communities for a Healthy Mississippi Conference May 24-27, at Hilton Jackson (1001 E. County Line Road). Free pre-conference workshops are held May 24 from 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Registration precedes each day of the conference May 25-27. Topics include disease management and prevention, tips for health-care workers and empowering the community to live a healthier lifestyle. Continuing education credits available. $85 by May 11, $105 after; $45 students with ID; call 601-985-8727.

8:30 a.m., "Completing the Form 1023" Workshop, at Mississippi Center for Nonprofits (921 N. President St., Suite C). The workshop is a page-by-page review of the IRS Form. Topics include writing a narrative description of activities, projecting financial expenses and how to determine your public charity status. Registration required. $60, $35 members; call 601-968-0061.

6:30 p.m., Jackson Audubon Society Annual Meeting and Potluck Supper, at Eudora Welty Library (300 N. State St.). The program includes officer elections and a slideshow. Bring a dish to share. Visitors welcome. Call 601-956-7444.

7 p.m., Jackson Choral Society Meeting, at Trinity Presbyterian Church (5301 Old Canton Road), in the choir room. The meeting is an orientation and tour presentation for the choir's participation in the Eph Ehly Choral Festival May 26-30, 2012, in Innsbruck, Austria. All interested singers are encouraged to attend. Call 601-927-9604.

Wednesday, May 25

10 a.m., Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation Meeting, at Universities Center (3825 Ridgewood Road), in room 507. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss various accreditation issues and other regular business. An executive session may be held in accordance to the Open Meetings Act. Call 601-432-6333.

Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Architectural historian Jennifer Baughn will give an overview of work by prominent Mississippi architects. Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.

6 p.m., Circle of Us Meeting, at Brice Media (6712 Old Canton Road, Suite 6, Ridgeland). Circle of Us is a support group for African Americans who wear or desire to wear their hair in its natural state. E-mail [e-mail missing].

Thursday, May 26

Events at Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance (MIRA) (612 N. State St.). Call 601-968-5182.
• 9 a.m., Immigration Law Consultations. Clients should bring all immigration documents related to their case, especially documents bearing their alien registration number. $100 plus MIRA membership.
• 3 p.m., Naturalization Workshop. Attorneys assist 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. $100 plus includes MIRA membership, $675 N-400 filing fee.

11 a.m., Girl Scouts Metro Jackson Golf Classic May 26, 11 a.m., at Lake Caroline Golf Club (118 Caroline Club Circle, Madison). The tournament is a four-person scramble where participants compete for prizes. Proceeds benefit Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi. $150 individual or hole sponsor, $600 team, $650 corporate; call 601-366-0607.

2 p.m., AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps Graduation, at AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, Southern Campus (2715 Confederate Avenue, Vicksburg). About 140 Corps members who have served communities throughout Mississippi and in 10 other southeastern states will celebrate their dedication to service. Call 601-630-4048.

5:30 p.m., Downtown Jackson Partners Property Owner Planning Meeting, at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). All property owners within the Downtown Jackson Business Improvement District are asked to attend. Call 601-353-9800.

6:30 p.m., LGBT Support Group for Youth and Young Adults, at A Brave New Day (Fondren Corner, 2906 N. State St., Suite 204). Rise Above for Youth welcomes youth and young adults age 14-24 to connect with others in the community and to share experiences and resources. The meeting is held the last Thursday of each month. Free; call 601-922-4968.

Friday, May 27

9 a.m., Friday Forum, at Koinonia Coffee House (136 S. Adams St., Suite C). District 26 state senator John Horhn is the speaker. Free; e-mail [e-mail missing].

9 a.m.-5 p.m., Don't Fry Day, at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). The Environmental Protection Agency and the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, have partnered with several zoos in promoting sun safety and encouraging people to protect their skin from the sun. $9, $8.20 seniors, $6 children ages 2-12, members/babies free; call 601-352-2580.

Through May 27

Generation E Contest. Entergy Mississippi will award $25,000 in grants to nonprofits, schools and municipalities in the utility's 45-county service area for eco-friendly projects. Apply by May 27. Visit entergy.com/our_community/Grant_Guidelines.aspx.

Adult Summer Basketball League Registration, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The Department of Parks and Recreation is currently conducting registration for the upcoming season from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays through May 27. Limit of 12 players per team. $325 team; call 601-960-0471.

Saturday, May 28

National Go Outdoors Events May 28-29, at Bass Pro Shops (100 Bass Pro Drive). The program is a chance for kids and adults to reconnect with the outdoors. Activities vary and include fishing demonstrations, a casting contest and a Dutch oven cooking demonstration. Visit basspro.com/gooutdoors for a schedule. Free; call 601-933-3700.

8:30 a.m., Porsches & Coffee Breakfast, at Broad Street (4465 Interstate 55 N.), on the second floor. Magnolia Region Porsche Club of America hosts its monthly meeting; prospective members welcome. Email [e-mail missing]; visit magnoliapca.com.

9 a.m., Homebuyer Education Class May 28, 9 a.m., at Jackson Housing Authority (2747 Livingston Road). The class covers topics such issues, personal finances, home inspections and the role of lenders and real estate agents. The class is required to qualify for a Jackson Housing Authority loan. Registration required. Free; call 601-362-0885, ext. 115.

10 a.m., Community Blood Drive, at McAlister's Deli, Byram (7385 S. Siwell Road, Byram). Donate at the Mississippi Blood Services donor coach and receive 10 percent off your meal purchase. Donors must be 17 or older (16 with signed parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and have a valid ID. T-shirt included. Donations welcome; call 800-817-7449.

10 a.m., "4 the Record" Swap Meet,at North Midtown Arts Center (121 Millsaps Ave.). Buy, sell or trade records, and enjoy music by local performers and deejays including Skipp Coon, Taylor Hildebrand, PyInfamous, DJ Young Venom and DJ Jonasty. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Salvation Army. After-party at Suite 106 (106 Wilmington St.) at 9 p.m. $4, children under 12 free; call 601-376-9404.

10 a.m., Community Health and Wellness Fair, at Parham Bridges Park (5055 Old Canton Road). Burns Grove Lodge No. 495-A sponsors the event, which includes free health screenings, food and door prizes. Free; e-mail [e-mail missing].

10 a.m., Back to the Dirt with Dr. Dirt, at Afrika Book Cafe (404 Mitchell Ave.). Gardening expert and radio show co-host Dr. N. Dirt gives a lecture and answers gardening questions. Food included; bring your lawn chairs. Proceeds benefit Arts Klassical. RSVP by May 25. $10 donation; call 601-291-8804.

1 p.m., "Speaking Out Against Child Sexual Abuse" Workshop, at Mississippi School for Therapeutic Massage (1935A Lakeland Drive). The nonprofit SpeakingOut will give prevention tips at the four-hour workshop. Light snacks and beverages included. $20; visit speakingout-csa.com.

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.

Free Mental Health Screenings For Adults, at Hinds Behavioral Health Services (3450 Highway 80 W.). The clinic offers the service in honor of National Mental Health Month. Free; call 601-321-2400.

Teacher Professional Development Workshop Call for Applicants, at University of Mississippi Medical Center (2500 N. State St.). Applications are being accepted for two one-week biotechnology-focused workshops. The programs, funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, will be held June 13-17 and June 27-July 1. Middle and high school science teachers are encouraged to apply. Call 601-815-1269.

Through June 16

Disability Rights Mississippi Fundraising Raffle, at Disability Rights Mississippi (Regions Plaza, 210 E. Capitol St., Suite 600). Prizes include gift certificates, artwork and vacations. Winners do not have to be present at the June 16 drawing. $5, $20 for five entries; call 601-968-0600.

Through June 30

May Madness Membership Drive, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.). Pay your JSU National Alumni Association membership dues, upgrade your current life membership level or buy a legacy brick, and enter a drawing for an Apple iPad 2. $50 dues, $125 legacy brick; call 601-979-2281.

Through July 3

Summer Reading Workshops, through July 3. Designed to help students and their parents with JPS mandatory summer reading assignments, United Way's workshops are held throughout the summer at area libraries. Workshops are offered for every grade. Go to myunitedway.com or dial 211 for a schedule and locations. Volunteers needed. Call 601-948-4725.

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 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. 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. 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. 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

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.

Youth Women's Cycling Group. 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 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 will 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.

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].