Jackson Free Press

Through Dec. 17

Scholastic Writing Awards Call for Submissions through Dec. 17, at Eudora Welty House (1119 Pinehurst Place), at the Eudora Welty Education and Visitors Center. Junior high and high school students in central Mississippi counties may submit works by Dec. 17 at 5 p.m. Visit artandwriting.org for a list of counties and guidelines. Free; call 601-353-7762; artandwriting.org.

Tuesday, Dec. 18

1-3 p.m., Grants and Loans for a Small Business, at Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University (1230 Raymond Road). Learn the proper ways to obtain funding, and types of grants and loans. Registration required; seating limited. Free; call 601-979-2795; mssbdc.org.

4:30-5 p.m., Holiday Story Time, at Canton Public Library (102 Priestley St., Canton). Hear stories, sing carols, and watch a puppet show. All ages welcome; ideal for ages 3-7. Free; call 601-859-3202.

6 p.m., Mayor's Ward 4 Community Meeting , at New Traveler's Rest Baptist Church (1440 Peach Place). Share suggestions, address concerns and receive information on services the city provides. The WIN Job Center will have a representative available to discuss job opportunities. Free; call 601-960-1084.

6 p.m., "Getting on Easy Street" Finance Seminar, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Community Meeting Room. The topic is "It's the Perfect Time - to Purchase a Home." Registration required; limited seating. Free; call 601-982-8467.

6:30 p.m., Holiday Hustle, at downtown Canton. The race includes a Reindeer Trot for children ages 12 and under. Register to receive a T-shirt, Christmas stocking and more. $25, $20 Reindeer Trot or Spirit Runner; call 601-988-3107; racesonline.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 19

CANCELLED: 10-11:45 a.m., Art in Mind Art Program , at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). The Alzheimer's Association of Mississippi offers the program on fourth Wednesdays at 10 a.m. for people with early-stage dementia and their caregivers. Participants tour the galleries and make art in the studio classroom. Registration required. Free; call 601-987-0020; alz.org/ms.

11 a.m., Hinds County Human Resource Agency Meeting, at Hinds County Human Resource Agency (258 Maddox Road). The Board of Directors holds its monthly meeting. Open to the public. Free; call 601-923-1838.

3:30-4:30 p.m., Welty Holiday Story Time, at Eudora Welty House (1119 Pinehurst Place). Parents and children in grades K-3 listen to a story and make crafts. RSVP. Free; call 601-353-7762; email [email protected].

Through Dec. 19

Books for Tots Campaign through Dec. 19, at Jackson/Hinds Library System. The initiative promotes early literacy skills. Donate new and unwrapped books or money to any branch through Dec. 19. Free; call 601-968-5807.

Thursday, Dec. 20

10 a.m.-2 p.m., Christmas Open House at Hederman Cancer Center, at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.). Enjoy holiday music and refreshments, and place an ornament on the Christmas tree in honor or memory of a loved one. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262; mbhs.org.

3:30 p.m., Telling Tales, at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Come for story time and a craft with an ethical focus. Free; call 601-576-6920; email [email protected].

4-6 p.m., Christmas Family Movie, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Watch a movie and enjoy hot chocolate. Free; call 601-932-2562.

5-8 p.m., Late Night Shopping Event, at Mississippi Craft Center (950 Rice Road, Ridgeland). The center stays open late for holiday shoppers, and cartoonist Marshall Ramsey signs copies of "Fried Chicken and Wine: Short Stories Inspired by Banjo the Dog." Free admission, $24.95 book; call 601-856-7546.

6-8 p.m., Christmas Open House, at Township at Colony Park (1037 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland). Enjoy extended shopping hours, giveaways, music and a visit from Santa. Free; thetownship.com.

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. Free; call 601-960-0003.

Friday, Dec. 21

9 a.m., Friday Forum, at Koinonia Coffee House (136 S. Adams St., Suite C). State Rep. Cecil Brown talks about Medicaid reform. Free; email [email protected].

Saturday, Dec. 22

10 a.m.-2 p.m., Christmas Festival, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Just for Kids is the host. Children enjoy games, food, prizes, photo shoots, a dance contest, vendors and toy distribution. Free; call 601-503-3265; email [email protected].

10 a.m.-6 p.m., JPS Appreciation Days, at Metrocenter Mall (3645 Highway 80 W.). JPS employees are invited to take free photos with Santa. Also held Dec. 23 from 1-6 p.m. Free; call 601-960-8935.

2-3:30 p.m., Mississippi NOW Chapter Meeting, at Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St.). Attendees cover several topics including reproductive rights, racism and gender discrimination. Children welcome. Free; call 662-607-8868.

Sunday, Dec. 23

2-5 p.m., Christmas in the Park , at Poindexter Park (Poindexter Street). At 1025 Central St. Volunteer to help feed the homeless that day. Contact the facilitator to confirm. Free; call 601-953-5747.

Through Dec. 23

Socks for Seniors. Donate socks for senior citizens with low-incomes or in nursing homes, or start your own sock drive. Visit the website to register a collection project or find a location. Donations welcome; call 615-787-SOCK; email [email protected]; socksforseniors.com.

Through Dec. 24

Old Fannin Road Farmers Market (1307 Old Fannin Road, Brandon). Open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Call 601-919-1690.

Pink Car Giveaway, at Chelley's Italian Catering (1929 Christine Drive, Byram). Buy raffle tickets for a chance to win a 2004 custom pink Infiniti. Proceeds benefit the Central Mississippi Breast Cancer Society. Winner announced Dec. 24. $25 per ticket; call 769-257-4737; chelleysitaliancatering.com.

Through Dec. 31

Your Vote Counts, at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Students get to use a real voting machine to vote on a variety of issues. The Secretary of State's office is the sponsor. Free; call 601-576-6920.

Through Jan. 2

Jackson 2000 Friendship Ball Call for Proposals. Nonprofits in the greater Jackson area who wish to receive proceeds from the 2013 Friendship Ball may submit proposals by Jan. 2. Free; email [email protected].

Through Jan. 11

Brandon Youth Art Contest, at Brandon Public Library (1475 W. Government St,, Brandon). The theme is "The ABCs of Nature." Children in grades K-12 may compete using any medium, and entries must be no larger than 8.5"x11". Submit by Jan. 11 at 5 p.m. The awards ceremony is Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. Free; call 601-825-2672; cmrls.lib.ms.us.

Through Jan. 28

Winter Community Enrichment Series. Most classes begin the week of Jan. 28 and fall into the categories of art, music, fitness, design, business and technology. Call to request a brochure of classes and fees. Fees vary; call 601-974-1130; millsaps.edu/conted.

Ongoing Events

Events at Fleet Feet Sports (Trace Station, 500 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland), at the multi-use trail. Open to the public. Free; call 601-899-9696.

• Weekly Group Walk. Walks are Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Walk two or four miles.

• Weekly Group Run. Run 5.4 miles Thursdays at 6 p.m.

• Super Star Senior Adult Walking Club. The group walks Thursdays at 10 a.m.

New Foundation Toastmasters Club #702994 Meetings Mondays, 6-7:30 p.m., at New Dimensions Ministries (110 Alta Woods Blvd.). Practice impromptu speaking, active listening, evaluation and leadership skills. Call 601-918-5164 or 601-896-4400 for information on membership dues; 702994.toastmastersclubs.org.

“Good Twin, Bad Twin Unleashed.” Calden and Alden Hopkins hosts the interactive talk show Mondays at 10:30 p.m. The twins present opposing viewpoints for Facebook fans to comment on. Like "Good Twin, Bad Twin" on Facebook.

Hill Training Workout, at Avondale Street and Old Canton Road in Fondren. liveRIGHTnow hosts the exercise session Mondays at 7 p.m. and Fridays at 6 p.m. Free; call 601-717-2012.

Computer Courses for Adults, at Hinds Community College, Raymond Campus (501 E. Main St., Raymond). Classes usually meet once a week for four to eight weeks, and fees depend on the level and type of class. Call 601-857-3773.

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.

• Downtown Jackson Toastmasters, at Plaza Building (120 N. Congress St.). Meetings are Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. on the 12th floor in the Common Room. Call 601-940-5247; visit 1275010.toastmastersclubs.org.

Zumba Fitness Classes, at Dance Unlimited Studio (6787 S. Siwell Road, Suite A, Byram). The Latin-inspired aerobics classes are held weekly. Visit peurefun.com for a class schedule. $5; call 601-209-7566.

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 every first Friday of the month. Appointment required. Free; call 601-707-7355.

"Real Divas Read" Book Program. Divas 4 Charity seeks low-income women in college who are need assistance with purchasing textbooks. To qualify, students must have a grade point average of 3.0-4.0 and submit a one-page essay of why they should receive benefits to [email protected]. Benefits include an Amazon Kindle and e-books. The charity also sells $5 raffle tickets to fund the program, and a $100 gas card is given away each month. Call 508-443-4827.

Mississippi Roadmap to Health Wellness Center , through Nov. 30, at Mississippi Roadmap to Health Equity (2548 Livingston Road). Options include aerobics and Zumba classes, equipment for resistance training and toning, and a children's gym. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. Free; 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.

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 Dialogue Circles Program. The program includes six two-hour sessions of dialogue and problem-solving to encourage racial harmony and community involvement. Six-week commitment required. Free; email [email protected].

Events at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.)

• Adopt-a-Park Program Registration, 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.

• ENCOUNTER Teen Empowerment Corps. 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.

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. The broadcast is also available on jacksonmedicalmall.org. Call 601-982-8467.

Events at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), at Hederman Cancer Center. Registration required. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

• Cancer Rehab Classes, in the Activity Room 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.

• Positive Ones Breast Cancer Support Group. Baptist Cancer Services hosts the meetings on third Mondays at 5:30 p.m.

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.

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 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.

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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.

NAMI In Our Own Voice Presenter Training, at NAMI Mississippi (411 Briarwood Drive, Suite 401). In Our Own Voice is a public education program that allows trained speakers to share their personal stories of mental illness and recovery. Presenters commit to making at least one presentation per month for one year after the two-day training. Free; call 601-899-9058.

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.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness Family Support Group, 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.

Game Night, at Heroes and Dreams (5352 Highway 25, Suite 1650, Flowood). Play video, board and card games Fridays from 7:30-11:30 p.m. Free; call 601-992-3100.

Girl Talk Monthly Live Chat. Chat with an OB/GYN on second Tuesdays at 8 p.m. to ask health questions. Questions can also be emailed ahead of time. Visit mbhs.org/girltalk.

PRIYDE Recycling Drive, at PERICO Institute for Youth Development and Entrepreneurship (PRIYDE) (Jackson Medical Mall, 350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave, Suite 300). The youth advocacy group is collecting electronic equipment to send to FundingFactory for cash. Donate ink and toner cartridges, call phones, MP3 players, GPS devices, digital cameras and laptops. Call 769-251-1408.

American Rosie the Riveter Association Membership Drive. ARRA seeks to honor women who were involved in World War II efforts such as factory work, collecting scrap metal or volunteering with the Red Cross. Call 888-557-6743.

Events at Mississippi Children's Museum (2145 Highland Drive). $8, children 12 months and under and members free; call 877-793-5437.

• Tinker with Tuesdays. Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m., children ages 4-11 learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

• ABC Come Play with Me. Wednesdays at 10 a.m., children ages 3 and under enjoy songs, games and learning activities to prepare them for preschool.

• Farm Bureau Spotlight. Fridays at 3:30 p.m., children ages 4-11 learn about agriculture and visit one of the galleries for a featured topic.

Ultimate Frisbee Pickup Game, at 800 Garvin St. Sundays at 3 p.m. The sport is played with teams of seven who score by catching and throwing a disc toward an end zone. Visit mississippiultimate.com.

4 Suits Bridge Club, at Flowood Library (103 Winners Circle, Flowood). Players compete Mondays from 1-4:30 p.m. Free; call 601-919-1911.

Art in Mind Art Program, at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). The Alzheimer's Association of Mississippi offers the program on fourth Wednesdays at 10 a.m. for people with early-stage dementia and their caregivers. Participants tour the galleries and make art in the studio classroom. Registration required; space limited. Registration forms available at alz.org/ms. Free; call 601-987-0020.

Senior Aides Program. The city of Jackson offers the part-time job program to low-income seniors ages 55 and up. Participants receive assistance in finding a job during the training process. Applicants must have state ID, a Social Security card, proof of income and a utility bill to sign up. Call 601-960-0335.

Early Childhood Development Program. The city of Jackson offers child-care services for ages six weeks to 4 years at Jones Early Childhood Development Center (2050 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive), and ages 1-4 at Virden Early Childhood Development Center (3159 Edwards Ave.) and Westside Early Childhood Development Center (1450 Wiggins Road). Register weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at either location. Bring items such as proof of income, proof of residency, a birth certificate and immunization records; call for a complete list of documents. Call 601-960-0335.

Mission Mississippi Prayer Breakfasts. Mission Mississippi hosts the event on most Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:45-7:45 a.m. to encourage unity across racial and denominational lines. Visit missionmississippi.org for a schedule and locations. Call 601-353-6477.

Zumba Fitness Classes, at Optimum 1 Dance Studios (Jackson Square Promenade, 2460 Terry Road, Suite 2000). The one-hour classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. $5 per class; call 601-918-5107.

Events at Ridgeland Recreational Center (Old Trace Park, Post Road, Ridgeland). Call 601-856-6876.

• Yoga Classes. Learn gentle stretching poses and strength exercises. Classes are Mondays and Fridays from 11 a.m.-noon. Registration required. $10 per class.

• Tai-Chi Fusion on the Reservoir for Seniors. The ancient Chinese martial art promotes flexibility, stamina and focused breathing. Held Wednesdays from 11-11:30 a.m. Registration required. $5 per class.

• Zumba Fitness Class for Seniors. The Latin-inspired aerobics class for ages 40 and up is held Thursdays from 1-1:45 p.m. Registration required. $5 per class.

Sick and Tired, and Seeking SOULutions Saturdays, 4-5:30 p.m., at Afrikan Arts and Culture Studio (612 N. Farish St.). Our Community Against Racism hosts the forum on second Saturdays. The focus of the monthly forum is to provide African-centered cultural enrichment and work toward racial equality. Free; call 601-979-1413 or 601-918-5075.