Jackson Free Press

Events at Fleet Feet Sports (Trace Station, 500 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland). Free; call 601-899-9696.
• No Boundaries 5K Informational Meeting Jan. 5, 7 p.m. Learn about the 10-week training program ($100) for beginners or previously inactive people. Training starts Jan. 12 with session on Thursdays at 6 p.m. and culminates with the St. Paddy's Day 5K March 17.
• Beginner Running Clinic Jan. 9, 7 p.m.. Topics include pacing, stretching, injury prevention and proper equipment.

Monday, Jan. 2

Survival Spanish, at Lingofest Language Center (7048 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland). Learn basic conversational Spanish Mondays from 6-8:30 p.m. starting Jan. 2, or Saturdays from 9:30-noon starting Jan. 7, for a total of five classes. $175, $20 materials; call 601-500-7700.

Tuesday, Jan. 3

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.

10 a.m., Walk of Concern, at Smith Park (302 Amite St.). Occupy Jackson is the host. Local organizations such as the NAACP, MIRA, the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement and MoveOn.org march to the Mississippi State Capitol (400 High St.) to address concerns with legislators such as immigration law, voter ID and the treatment of public workers. Call 601-209-6597, 601-218-9096, 601-906-1717 or 601-968-5182.

Wednesday, Jan. 4

Noon, "History Is Lunch," at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Author and former publisher Gerard Helferich talks about his new book, "Stone of Kings: In Search of the Lost Jade of the Maya," and the role a Natchez citizen played in the search. Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.

Thursday, Jan. 5

11:45 a.m., Migraines: Nip Them in the Bud, at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), at the Baptist for Women Conference Center. Nurse practitioner Gina Burge gives tips for preventing and treating migraines. Registration required. Free, $5 optional lunch; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

6 p.m., Drop Out Prevention Town Hall Meeting, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Community Room. Participants discuss strategies to keep children in school. Dinner and door prizes included. Free; call 601-948-4725.

6 p.m., Precinct 1 COPS Meeting, at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 1 (810 Cooper Road). These monthly forums are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0001.

Friday, Jan. 6

8 a.m., Coffee and Contacts, at Associated Food Equipment and Supplies (829 Wilson Drive, Suite E, Ridgeland). Join the Madison County Chamber of Commerce for an hour of fast-paced business card exchanges and networking. Bring at least 50 business cards. Free; e-mail [e-mail missing].

Business Seminar for Artisans Jan. 6-7, at Mississippi Craft Center (950 Rice Road, Ridgeland). Bruce Baker, nationally-renowned mentor to the craft and art industry, is the instructor. $75 for one day, $100 for both days; call 601-856-7546.

Through Jan. 6

Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program. The City of Jackson encourages residents to drop off trees at one of the following locations: Mynelle Gardens (4736 Clinton Blvd.), Parham Bridges Children's Playground (5055 Old Canton Road), Sykes Park (520 Sykes Road) and Dizzy Dean Museum (1326 Lakeland Drive, next to Smith-Wills Stadium). Please remove all decorations, nails and tree stands before dropping off trees. City crews will chip the trees into mulch for landscaping projects. Free mulch available to the public starting Jan. 13. Call 601-960-1193.

Saturday, Jan. 7

7 a.m., Mississippi Blues Marathon and Half-Marathon, in downtown Jackson. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi is the sponsor. The event includes a full marathon, a half-marathon, a one-mile kids race and relay teams. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Mississippi Blues Commission. Registration required. Fees vary; call 601-664-5726.

11 a.m., Education Advocacy Training: Effective Communication, at Lumpkin's BBQ (182 Raymond Road). Learn to be a stronger advocate for your child or student. Lunch provided; please RSVP. Free; call 877-892-2577.

Sunday, Jan. 8

Yoga Foundations Series Jan. 8-29, at Butterfly Yoga (3025 N. State St.). Beginners learn basics such as breathing and posture on Sundays from 2-3:30 p.m. $60; call 601-594-2313.

Through Jan. 31

Heart Day Registration, at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.). Register for the Feb. 4 cardiovascular screenings from 7-11 a.m. that include an EKG, blood work and a body mass index calculation. For ages 18 and up. $25; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

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 Dec. 15

Run 4 Rehab. The fundraising project benefits rehabilitation services at Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital. Registered runners raise money for each kilometer run through Dec. 15. Donors determine pledge amount per kilometer; visit run4rehab.com.

Ongoing


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. starting Jan. 12.

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.

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 sessions of dialogue and problem-solving to encourage racial harmony and community involvement. Jackson 2000 is looking for participants from all walks of life. Email [e-mail missing].

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. 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.

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 earns cash through the FundingFactory Recycling Program. The shelter collects empty laser or toner cartridges and used cellphones and sends them to FundingFactory for cash. Donations welcome; email [e-mail missing].

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.

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.

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.

Networking Social, at Locker Room Lounge (205 W. Capitol St.), Thursdays at 7 p.m. 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.

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.