Jackson Free Press

Charity Funding Seminars. American Charity Assistance Network gives ways to fund charities, churches, and nonprofits at no cost. Also, learn how to become a paid volunteer. Call 769-233-6285.
• Nov. 15, 7 p.m., at Fortson Insurance Agency (2348 Highway 80 W.).
• Nov. 17, 7 p.m., at Richland Community Center (410 E. Harper St., Richland).

Monday, Nov. 14

National Education Week Nov. 14-19, at Tougaloo College (500 W. County Line Road, Tougaloo). Tougaloo College will celebrate National Education Week (November 14-19, 2011) with a series of events. The Division of Education, Supervision and Instruction will use the week to help raise awareness of the need for every child to receive a quality education. Call 601-977-7757.

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. This week's meeting is a tribute to Mississippi football legends including Billy Ray Adams, Art Davis, the late T.B. Ellis and Hugh Laurin Pepper. $30 non-members; call 601-506-3186.

Tuesday, Nov. 15

6 p.m., Jackson City Council Meeting, at Jackson City Hall (200 S. President St.). The Jackson City Council holds its regular meeting, open to the public. Free; call 601-960-1033.

6 p.m., Community Gardens Meeting, at Hood Building (200 S. President St.). Make suggestions for or learn how to get involved in starting or maintaining Jackson community gardens. Call 601-960-0462.

6:30 p.m., Central Mississippi Go Club Gaming Session, at China Buffet, Clinton (125 Highway 80 E., Clinton). Learn to play Go, an ancient game similar to chess. Free; call 601-940-9189.

7 p.m., Millsaps Arts and Lecture Series, at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.), in the recital hall. Poet Marc LaFrancis and the Victory Belles perform as a salute to veterans. $10; call 601-974-1130.

Through Nov. 15

Library Support Staff Certification Registration Assistance Awards, at Mississippi Library Commission (3881 Eastwood Drive). The Mississippi Library Commission will offers awards to library support staff applying for the American Library Association's Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) Program. Applications available at mlc.lib.ms.us. Apply by Nov. 15. Recipients are selected by random drawing Nov. 21. Call 601-432-4498.

Wednesday, Nov. 16

8 a.m., Alzheimer's and Caregivers Conference, at Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University (1230 Raymond Road). The theme is "Strengthening Our Community's Circle of Care." Topics include dementia risk factors and current treatments. Dr. Monica Parker of Emory University School of Medicine is the keynote speaker. Free admission, $20 for 3.5 CEU credits; call 601-987-0020.

Noon, MIRA Strategy Meeting, at Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance (612 N. State St.). The topic is post-election Mississippi and what the organization should do to continue its mission. Lunch provided; RSVP. Free; call 601-968-5182.

Noon, "History Is Lunch," at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Sister Paulinus Oakes talks about her book, "The Sisters of Mercy in Mississippi During the Civil War and Yellow Fever." Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.

3 p.m., Tougaloo College Honors Program Lecture Series, at Tougaloo College (500 W. County Line Road, Tougaloo), in the Bennie G. Thompson Center. Former Tougaloo and Dillard University professor Dr. Jerry Ward speaks on the topic "Richard Wright and Questions of the 21st Century." Free; call 601-977-7870.

7 p.m., Latin American Business Association Meeting, at Lingofest Language Center (7048 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland). Share ideas, and help plan upcoming events for December and the New Year. Call 601-447-5915 or 601-608-8999.

Through Nov. 16

Stewpot Food Drive, at The Shoebar at Pieces (425 Mitchell Ave.). Donate non-perishable goods and receive discounts on merchandise. Donations welcome; call 601-939-5203.

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.

Versatility Exercise and Health Education Program, at Tougaloo College (500 W. County Line Road, Tougaloo), in the Owens Health and Wellness Center, room 223. Seora Casper leads the exercise class on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:45 p.m. through Nov. 16. Registration required; space limited. Free; call 601-977-7797.

Thursday, Nov. 17

NAACP State Convention and Policy Institute Nov. 17-19, at Marriott Courtyard Beachfront (1600 E. Beach Blvd., Gulfport). The theme is "Affirming America's Promise: Making Democracy Work in Mississippi." The event includes seminars, workshops and panel discussions. AT&T representatives will collect used cellphones to donate to the military. Prices vary per event, some events free; call 601-353-8452.

10 a.m., Computer Class For Adults, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Learn to send and receive email. Free; call 601-932-2562.

5 p.m., Networking in the Neighborhood, at Ciao Bella (LeFleur's Gallery, 4800 Interstate 55 N., Suite 6B). The event offers those who are new to the area an opportunity to meet local folks, try new foods and get involved with area charities while having fun. Sponsors include Clear Channel Radio, Fox 40, My35, Capital City Beverages, Patterson Consulting attorney Ramel Cotton and realtor Bret Baxter. Free admission; call 601-624-7738 or 601-718-4056.

5:30 p.m., "The Soloist" Screening and Discussion, at Russell C. Davis Planetarium (201 E. Pascagoula St.). Attendees watch the film, and discuss homelessness and mental illness. Call 601-960-2178.

6 p.m., Precinct 3 COPS Meeting, at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 3 (3925 W. Northside Drive). These monthly forums are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0003.

7 p.m., Networking Social, at Locker Room Lounge (205 W. Capitol St.). The purpose of this event is to bring together professionals and entrepreneurs from different fields to exchange leads, build rapport, and make meaningful connections. Proceeds benefit the second annual Pretty Christmas Toy Drive. $10; call 601-345-0407.

7 p.m., Magnolia Speech School Annual Drawdown, at Old Capitol Inn (226 N. State St.). The fundraiser includes a silent auction, a cash bar, food and prizes. Limit of 250 tickets. $125 (individuals and couples); call 601-922-5530.

Friday, Nov. 18

9 a.m., Friday Forum, at Koinonia Coffee House (136 S. Adams St., Suite C). Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith is the speaker. Free; email [e-mail missing].

6 p.m., Chefs and the City, at Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St.). Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, a five-course dinner with wine pairings, live and silent auctions, and music from Jimmy Keys. Featured chefs include Dan Blumenthal, Luis Bruno, Jesse Houston and more. Proceeds benefit the Simon Sharp Eagle Fund. Limit of 200 tickets. $150; call 601-948-3429, ext. 314.

Saturday, Nov. 19

7:30 a.m., 12K's for the Holidays, in Fondren. On-site registration is at 6 a.m. The race includes a 12K run, a 5K run/walk and a one-mile kid's fun run. Proceeds benefit the Good Samaritan Center. $30 in advance, $35 day of race, free fun run; call 601-355-6276.

8 a.m., NACA Homeownership Workshop, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Community Meeting Room. The Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America assists low- and moderate-income people with becoming homeowners without sub-prime or predatory loans. Free; call 601-922-4008, ext. 1921.

9 a.m., Homebuyer Education Class, 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.

9 a.m., Simon's Walk, at Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St.). The 5K run and walk is in memory of Simon Sharp, the son of Fairview Inn owner Peter Sharp who succumbed to leukemia. Proceeds benefit Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital and the Andrew Jackson Council of Boy Scouts. Donate $25 or more to receive a T-shirt. Teams welcome. Donations welcome; call 601-421-0001.

Through Nov. 22

Chase Community Giving Program. Chase Bank offers the program to give $25,000 to the nonprofit with the most votes. Like Chase Community Giving on Facebook and enter your ZIP code for a list of charities to vote for. Visit apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving.

Through Nov. 23

Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive, at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). Bring a canned good or non-perishable food item through Nov. 23 and receive $1 off general admission. Donations welcome; call 601-352-2580.

Through Nov. 28

Cartoon Basketball League Registration, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Parents may register youth ages 8-14 from 8 a.m.-5 pm. weekdays. Birth certificate and photograph required. The deadline is Nov. 28, and games begin Jan. 7. $10 registration fee; call 601-960-0471.

Through Dec. 2

First Friday Free ADHD Screenings, at the 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.

"A Diva Christmas" Toy Drive. Divas 4 Charity is the sponsor. The toy drive benefits teenagers at Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital. Drop-off locations include Keep Swinging Boxing and Fitness, Downtown Cafe, Sterling Photography and Forest Hill Place Leasing Office. Email [e-mail missing] for a list of suggested toys. Toys must be new and unwrapped. Donate by Dec. 2. Donations welcome; call 601-321-4218.

Through Dec. 16

Holiday Heroes Program, at Youth Villages (Atrium Building, 805 S. Wheatley St., Suite 240, Ridgeland). Youth Villages, a nonprofit that supports children who have suffered abuse or neglect, or are dealing with mental-health issues, needs donors to sponsor children for the holidays by giving a gift no more than $75 in value or donating a check for $75. Checks must be received by Dec. 5, and gifts must be received by Dec. 16. Donations welcome; call 601-572-3726.

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. Hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 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.

Through March 23

Health-related Professions Program Enrollment Oct 24-Mar 23, at Bailey Magnet High School (1900 N. State St.). The school is accepting applications for students entering grades 9-12. Call 601-960-5343.

Through May 22

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 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. during the school year. The purpose is to introduce leadership skills, life management skills and cultural pride to local youth. Enrollment required. Free; call 601-353-3663 or 601-957-2969.

Through Jan. 31

Power APAC Call for Alumni, at Power Academic and Performing Arts Complex (1120 Riverside Drive). The school seeks alumni to participate in their 30th anniversary celebration Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Belhaven University Center for the Arts. Call 601-960-5387.

Ongoing


Toastmasters Club Meetings. Improve your communication skills, and become a better speaker and leader. Membership required.
• Public Policy Club 8689 Meetings, at Universities Center (3825 Ridgewood Road). The group meets on first and third Tuesdays at 5:15 p.m. in the computer lab. Call 601-540-8472 or 601-432-6277; visit publicpolicy.freetoasthost.biz.
• "Guess Who's Talking Now" Club 3284 Meetings, at Woolfolk Building (501 N. West St.). The group meets from noon-1 p.m. Tuesdays in the conference room on the first floor. Call 601-359-6653 or 601-359-2573; visit club3284.freetoasthost.net.

Zumba Fitness Classes. The Latin-inspired aerobics classes are held weekly at two Dance Unlimited Studio locations. Visit duzumba.com for class schedule information. $5; call 601-209-7566.
• 6787 S. Siwell Road, Suite A, Byram.
• 3091 Highway 49 South, Suite E, Florence.

Fitness Center, at Jackson Roadmap to Health Equity Project's Farmers' Market (2548 Livingston Road). Options include aerobics and Zumba classes, equipment for resistance training and toning, and access to a personal trainer. No joining fee or long-term commitment is required. Hours are 8 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturdays. $20 per month; call 601-987-6783.

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. Email [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 Wednesday from 1:30-2:30 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; email [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.

ENCOUNTER Teen Empowerment Corps, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). On first Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m., Youth Solutions hosts a rally for teens in the Community Room. Activities include spending time with mentors, motivational talks, IGNITE Vocal Talent rehearsal, teen dramas and character development. Free; call 601-829-0323.

Home Repair Grant Call for Applicants, at Hood Building (200 S. President St.), in suite 316. Seniors 62 and older or disabled citizens may apply between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Bring valid photo ID, a deed or warranty deed, proof of income, homeowner's insurance and a Social Security card. Call 601-960-1438 or 601-960-1491.

On Location TV, on Comcast channel 18. Host and producer Phyllis "Peaches" Robinson spotlights people, places and events in Jackson. The variety talk show airs at 8:30 p.m. Sundays and 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Send an email if you have a story idea for the show. Email [e-mail missing].

Kids' Fiesta Fun Event, at Lingofest Language Center (7048 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland). On first Fridays from 6-8 p.m., children ages 5-11 learn basic Spanish in a party atmosphere that includes games, songs and refreshments. Limited space; pre-registration required. $15 per child; call 601-500-7700.

Zumba Classes, at Covenant Presbyterian Church (4000 Ridgewood Road). The 45-minute classes are at 8:30 a.m. Fridays. Baby care provided. $5 per class; call 850-572-0055; email [e-mail missing].

NAMI Connection Support Group Meetings. The alliance of individuals with mental illnesses meets Tuesdays at 2 p.m. to share experiences and learn new ways to cope. Trained facilitators lead the meetings. Free; call 601-899-9058 for location information.

Gentle Joints Aquatic Program, at The Club at St. Dominic's (970 Lakeland Drive). The Arthritis Foundation sponsors the low-intensity water class. Sessions are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 2 p.m. Registration required; club membership optional. $35 for 12 classes, $60 for 24 classes; call 601-200-4925.

Events at St. Dominic Hospital (969 Lakeland Drive). Free.
• Cancer Support Group Meetings. Cancer patients and survivors meet on second Tuesdays at 9 a.m. at the Canter Center. Additional meetings for women are on second Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Call 601-200-3070.
• Caregivers Support Group Meetings. The group meets on second Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in the conference rooms. Call 601-200-6768.