Monday, Jan. 23
Free Income Tax Return Preparation Jan. 23-24, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.), at the College of Business, rooms 201 and 202. The Center for Business Development and Economic Research, and the Accounting Society offer the service from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Free; call 601-979-2029 or 601-979-2699.
Our Evolving Mind - Millsaps Enrichment Series Jan. 23-Feb. 13, at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.). Luke Lundemo teaches the class Mondays from 6:30-8 p.m.. Get tips on meditation and stress reduction. $80; call 601-974-1130.
Tuesday, Jan. 24
11:45 a.m., Can I Skip My Pap Smear? at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.). Dr. James Moore discusses gynecologic cancer risks, screening, prevention and treatment. Registration required. Free, $5 optional lunch; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.
6:30 p.m., Jackson Audubon Society Chapter Meeting, at Eudora Welty Library (300 N. State St.). The meeting includes a meet-and-greet and the screening of the film "Ghost Bird." Bring popcorn to share. Visitors welcome. Free; call 601-956-7444.
6:30 p.m., W.I.N.E. (Women Inquiring, Networking and Engaging) Meeting, at the home of deborah Rae Wright (1335 Grand Ave.). The topic is dating, and balancing relationships and career ambitions. Bring wine or a snack. RSVP. Email [e-mail missing].
NAMI Basics Education Program Jan. 24-Feb. 28, at NAMI Mississippi (411 Briarwood Drive, Suite 401). The six-week program is for parents and caregivers of youth with mental illness. Sessions are Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. Pre-registration required. Free; call 601-899-9058 or 800-357-0388.
Wednesday, Jan. 25
10 a.m., Art in Mind Art Program, at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). The Alzheimer's Association of Mississippi offers the monthly program is for people with early-stage dementia and their caregivers. Participants tour the galleries and make art in the studio classroom. Register by Jan. 23; space limited. Registration forms available at alz.org/ms. Free; call 601-987-0020.
11:45 a.m., Heart Valve Disease: Not Going with the Flow, at Baptist Health Systems, Madison Campus (401 Baptist Drive, Madison), in the Community Room. Dr. Stewart Horsley explains how heart valves should work and what happens if they do not function properly. Registration required. Free, $5 optional lunch; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.
Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Millsaps College Humanities Scholar in Residence Peggy Prenshaw discusses her book "Composing Selves," the most comprehensive treatment to date of autobiographies by women in the American South. Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.
4 p.m., Jackson/Hinds Library System Board of Trustees, at Eudora Welty Library (300 N. State St.). The board discusses matters concerning the local library system. Free; call 601-968-5825.
6 p.m., Presidential Lecture Series, at Tougaloo College, Woodworth Chapel (500 W. County Line Road, Tougaloo). The speaker is William "Bill" Keyes, founder and director of the Institute for Responsible Citizenship in Washington, D.C. Free; call 601-977-7871.
6:30 p.m., LABA-Link Meeting and Networking Session, at Tequila's Mexican Grill (7049 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland). The Latin American Business Association holds committee meetings at 6:30 p.m., and the networking session from 7-8:30 p.m. Free admission; email [e-mail missing].
Thursday, Jan. 26
5:30 p.m., Dads and Moms Parent Conference, at Cardozo Middle School (3180 McDowell Road Ext.). The event includes workshops, exhibitors, door prizes, giveaways and a free dinner. The keynote speaker is Marcus Cathey, pastor and founder of West Point Baptist Church in Hattiesburg. Parents encouraged to register at the child's school. Free; call 601-960-8945.
6 p.m., Precinct 4 COPS Meeting, at Redeemer Church (640 E. Northside Drive). These monthly forums are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0004.
6 p.m., Trying to Have a Baby, at Baptist Health Systems, Madison Campus (401 Baptist Drive, Madison). In the Community Room. Dr. John Isaacs explains how lifestyle choices, stress, and nutrition relate to infertility. Registration required. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.
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.
7 p.m., Special Needs Symposium, at Covenant Presbyterian Church (4000 Ridgewood Road). Check-in is at 6:30 p.m. Parents and Kids Magazine is the host. Learn about resources available to special-needs children. Dinner, dessert, goody bags and door prizes included. For adults only; registration required Free; call 601-366-0901.
Friday, Jan. 27
Public Health Conference, at Dancing Rabbit Inn (13240 Highway 16 W., Choctaw). The theme is "Working Toward a Healthier Mississippi." Speakers include Carlis V. Williams from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Leslie Griffin from Delta State University. Additional costs for hotel accommodations apply. On-site registration available. Free for high school students. $15 through Jan. 20, $20 after; $10 seniors; email [e-mail missing].
Veterans of Foreign Wars Mid-Winter Conference Jan. 27-29, at Regency Hotel (400 Greymont Ave.). The theme is "Proud to Serve." The guest speaker is Paul Ott of the television show "Listen to the Eagle." $45; call 601-352-8904.
9 a.m., In-the-Know: Decoding the IRS 990 Forms, at Mississippi Center for Nonprofits (201 W. Capitol St., Suite 700). Learn what version of IRS Form 990 to use and how to complete it. Early registration recommended. $99, $49 members; call 601-968-0061.
10 a.m., EITC Awareness Day and Keep the Change Fair, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). United Way, the Jackson Asset Building Coalition and the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation are the sponsors. Free tax preparation is available to those with household earnings under $51,000. Receive information on education, banking, health and government assistance programs. Free; call 601-965-1354.
2 p.m., Kiehl's Ribbon Cutting, at Dillard's Northpark (1200 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland). The event includes a check presentation to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mississippi, a toast, and skin consultations and hand massages. Free; call 601-957-7100.
6 p.m., Community Bike Ride, at Rainbow Whole Foods Co-operative Grocery (2807 Old Canton Road). Jackson Bike Advocates is the sponsor. The destination will be announced later. Visit facebook.com/jacksonbikeadvocates.
9 a.m., Friday Forum, at Koinonia Coffee House (136 S. Adams St., Suite C). Speaker to be announced. Free; email [e-mail missing].
6:30 p.m, Art for Heart, at Country Club of Jackson (345 Saint Andrews Drive). The American Heart Association celebrates its 34th annual heart ball with cocktails, auctions and a seated dinner. The Billy Smiley Band performs. $125-$250; visit heart.org/metrojacksonheartball.
Saturday, Jan. 28
7 a.m., Power APAC Pancake Breakfast, at Applebee's (900 E. County Line Road). The fundraiser is for the school's dance department. $5; call 601-960-5387.
Garage Games 2011: CrossRoads Competition Jan. 28-29, at Performance Sports Powered by Mississippi CrossFit (853 Wilson Drive, Ridgeland). Participants compete in a series of athletic games to test the endurance, strength and agility. Check-in is Jan. 28 at 7:30 a.m. Registration includes a T-shirt. $100; call 601-991-3360.
9 a.m., American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery Training, at American Cancer Society (1380 Livingston Lane). The organization trains breast cancer survivors who are at least one year from the completion of their treatment to support others who are in active treatment. Registration required. Call 601-321-5500.
9 a.m., Red Cross Training, at Lingofest Language Center (7048 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland). The Latin American Business Association (LABA-Link) is the host. Get a general overview of how the Red Cross Disaster Assessment teams support families after a fire or during a disaster relief operation. Learn the importance of completing required disaster assessment forms. Registration required. Email [e-mail missing].
9 a.m., Homebuyer Education Class, at Jackson Housing Authority (2747 Livingston Road). Topics include 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., Job Fair, at Northpark Mall (1200 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland), at Center Court. Local companies share employment opportunities. Bring resumes to share. Free; call 601-863-2316.
10 a.m., Free Income Tax Return Preparation, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.), at the Student Center, suite 2241. The Center for Business Development and Economic Research, and the Accounting Society offer the service. Free; call 601-979-2029 or 601-979-2699.
Noon, "A Healthier You" Workshop, at Butterfly Yoga (3025 N. State St.). Butterfly Yoga's Scotta Brady and liveRIGHTnow's Terry Sullivan are the instructors. Learn yoga, sample smoothies and learn about power foods. Raw food lunch included. Registration recommended. $90; visit liverightnowonline.com/workshop-a-healthier-you/.
6 p.m., "Cut, Poison, Burn" Documentary Screening, at Russell C. Davis Planetarium (201 E. Pascagoula St.). The documentary follows the lives of families who are seeking alternative cancer treatments but have been hindered by the FDA. Some of the people from the film also share their stories via Skype. Popcorn and a drink included. A portion of the proceeds benefits People Against Cancer, the Foundation for Collaborative Medicine and Research, and Setting Them Free. $12; call 601-487-6894.
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.
Emma L. Bowen Foundation Program. The foundation seeks minority high school students who are rising seniors, seniors or college freshmen, to participate in a paid internship at a television station or other media outlet. Participants are paid hourly wages and receive matching funds for college expenses. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA, attend or plan to attend a four-year college or university, and have an interest in media, business, computer science, engineering, or technology. Apply by Jan. 31. Visit emmabowenfoundation.com.
Through Feb. 15
GIVE Awards Call for Nominations. The Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service and the Office of the Governor seeks nominees for the Governor's Initiative for Volunteer Excellence (GIVE) Awards. The award is for outstanding volunteers who have served their communities. Nominations must be received by Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. Email [e-mail missing] for a nomination form. The awards program is April 16. Call 601-432-6306.
Through Feb. 27
Huggable Heroes Program. Build-A-Bear Workshop recognizes young leaders ages 8-18 who service in their communities and around the world. Anyone age 8 and above can nominate someone through Feb. 27 by visiting buildabear.com/huggableheroes or by picking up an entry form at participating Build-A-Bear Workshop stores. Winners will receive a $7,500 college scholarship, a $2,500 donation to the charity of his or her choice, and a trip to Build-A-Bear Workshop World Bearquarters in St. Louis. Call 888-560-2327.
Through March 2
Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program Registration, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), at the Department of Human and Cultural Services, Suite 311-A. The City of Jackson's Family and Youth Division is accepting applications from students ages 16-19. Applicants must provide a birth certificate, Social Security card, a driver's license or state ID, and the parent or guardian's proof of income. Applications accepted weekdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The deadline is March 2 at 5 p.m.; space limited. Call 601-960-2174 or 601-960-0326.
Through March 9
Yoga Classes, at The Commons at Eudora Welty's Birthplace (719 N. Congress St.). Tara Blumenthal and Katie Cassady teach the class Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from noon-1 p.m. Beginners and level one students welcome. $12 drop-in fee, $80 class package; email [e-mail missing].
Through April 15
Free Tax Service, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). United Way offers the service Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6 p.m.-9 p.m., and Saturday from 1-4 p.m. Income limits apply; call for details. Bring all necessary documents. Free; call 211.
Through April 16
AARP Tax Aide Volunteer Service, at Richard Wright Library (515 W. McDowell Road). The service is available to low- and moderate-income taxpayers with special attention to those age 60 and older. Volunteers are available Mondays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring all necessary documents. No appointment required. Free; call 601-372-1621.
Through April 30
Jackson Inner-city Gardeners Call for Volunteers, at Jackson Inner-city Garden (Medgar Evers Blvd. and Northside Drive, behind the BP station). Volunteers can help prepare the garden for spring planting Saturdays from 8-11 a.m. Email [e-mail missing].
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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 [e-mail missing]. 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.
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. LaMarch 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.