Jackson Free Press

AARP Tax Aide Volunteer Service. The service is available to low- and moderate-income taxpayers with special attention to those ages 60 and older. Bring all necessary documents. No appointment required. Free.
• Through Feb. 29, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl) Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; call 601-932-2562.
• Through April 16, at Richard Wright Library (515 W. McDowell Road) Mondays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; call 601-372-1621.
• Through April 17, at Willie Morris Library (4912 Old Canton Road) Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; call 601-987-8181.
• Through April 16, at Quisenberry Library (605 E. Northside Drive, Clinton) Mondays and Thursdays from 1-5 p.m.; call 601-924-5684.

Monday, Jan. 30

7 p.m., "Muslim Women and Transformation," at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.), in room 215. Dr. Amina Wadud of Starr King School for Ministry lectures on the role of women in progressive Islam. Free; call 601-974-1333.

Tuesday, Jan. 31

9 a.m., Faith-Based Boot Camp: Fundraisers and Boards That Work for Your Mission, at Mississippi Center for Nonprofits (201 W. Capitol St., Suite 700). Learn effective fundraising strategies and ways to find qualified board members. $179, $89 members; call 601-968-0061.

6:30 p.m., Whisky, Whiskers and Wags, at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). The scotch tasting and dinner benefits the Mississippi Animal Rescue League. Tickets sold in advance only. Sponsorships available. $65 tasting and dinner, $30 dinner only; call 601-896-5157.

7 p.m., Millsaps Arts and Lecture Series, at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.), in the recital hall. Front Porch Dance with the Strange Pilgrims present "Contemporary Dance in Mississippi." $10, $5 students, free with Millsaps ID; call 601-974-1130.

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.

Wednesday, Feb. 1

Mississippi Economic Development Council Winter Conference Feb. 1-3, at Hilton Jackson (1001 E. County Line Road). The theme is "Staying on Top of Your Game." Topics include filmmaking, smart phone apps, revenue enhancement and marketing. $295, $195 members, $120 spouse or student, $80 Feb. 2 only; call 601-352-1909.

10 a.m., Foreign-Trade Zone Seminar, at Hilton Jackson (1001 E. County Line Road). The Mississippi World Trade Center hosts an in-depth seminar on the benefits of the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) program. Registration required. $45, $30 members; call 601-353-0909.

11:30 a.m., Parents for Public Schools Lunch Bunch, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), in the Community Meeting Room. PPS advocates for quality education in public schools. Please RSVP. $5 lunch; call 601-969-6015.

Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). University of Southern Mississippi history professor Max Grivnos presents "African American Soldiers in the Civil War." Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.

Thursday, Feb. 2

Computer Classes For Adults, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Classes includes basic computer skills from 10-11 a.m. and Microsoft Word from 6-7:30 p.m. (pre-registration required). Free; call 601-932-2562.

1 p.m., Open House and Immigration 101 Information Session, at McCoy Federal Building (100 W. Capitol St.), at the USCIS Application Support Center. Immigrants get details on the U.S. citizenship process. Appointments with officers available Feb. 2-3. Free; call 407-237-8837.

After-school Tutoring Program starting Feb. 2, at Word of Faith Christian Center Church (4890 Clinton Blvd.), at the Teaching Center Building. Math and English tutoring are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. Students much be enrolled at a participating JPS middle school and receive free or reduced-price lunches. Snacks and transportation to the school provided. Registration required. Free; call 601-922-9323.

6 p.m., Jackson Astronomical Society Meeting, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Anyone interested in astronomy or space science is welcome to attend. Call 601-932-2562.

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, 6 p.m., 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.

5-8 p.m., Fondren After 5. This monthly event showcases the local shops, galleries and restaurants of the Fondren neighborhood. Free; call 601-981-9606.

6 p.m., Jackson Youth Ministry, Revealed, 6 p.m., at River Hills Country Club (3600 Ridgewood Road). David Kinnaman, president of the Barna Group, shares survey results of how Jackson's youth groups compare to national standards. Free; call 601-201-7268.

Friday, Feb. 3

8 a.m., Mississippi Kids Count Summit, at Christ United Methodist Church (6000 Old Canton Road). Topics include bullying and Internet safety. Speakers include Rachel Simmons of the Girls Leadership Institute, American Idol contestant Jasmine Murray and Merve Lapus of Common Sense Media. Meals included. CEU credits available. College students can request a fee waiver by emailing Dorris Baggett at [e-mail missing]. $55; call 662-325-3442.

9 a.m., Friday Forum, at Koinonia Coffee House (136 S. Adams St., Suite C). Wilma J. Scott, director of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, talks about unlawful employment discrimination. Free; email [e-mail missing].

10:30 a.m., Friends of the Library Monthly Meeting, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). New members welcome. $5 annual dues; call 601-932-2562.

6-8 p.m., Kids' Fiesta Fun Event, at Lingofest Language Center (7048 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland). On first Fridays, 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.

7:30 p.m., Christian Dance Hall: Singles and Couples Night, at Salsa Mississippi Studio and Club (605 Duling Ave.). CLB Hollywood Entertainment hosts the all-new weekly event with music, line dancing and karaoke. Door prizes given. Win a free limousine ride. Donations benefit the Center for Violence Prevention. Reservations required. No cover, donations welcome; call 601-331-1043.

Saturday, Feb. 4

8 a.m., ACT Workshop, 8 a.m., at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.). In Olin Hall. Learn test-taking strategies, get tips and take practice exams. Bring the calculator and watch you will be using for the actual test. Limited seating. Registration available at get2college.org. Free; call 601-321-5533.

8 a.m., Jackson Audubon Society First Saturday Bird Walk, at Mayes Lake at LeFleur's Bluff (115 Lakeland Terrace). An experienced Audubon Society member leads the walk. Bring binoculars, water, insect repellent and a snack. Call ahead if you would like to borrow a pair of binoculars. Adults must accompany children under 15. Free, $3 car entrance fee; call 601-956-7444.

8 a.m., Rotary Club of North Jackson Pancake Breakfast, at St. James Episcopal Church (3921 Oakridge Drive), in Fowler Hall. Proceeds go towards efforts to eradicate polio. $8; email [e-mail missing].

8:30 a.m., Rush to Brush 5K, at University of Mississippi Medical Center (2500 N. State St.), at the Norman C. Nelson Student Union. Registration is at 6:30 a.m. The event also include a one-mile fun run at 9:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit the pediatric dentistry department at Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. $25, $15 fun run; visit mstrackclub.com.

9 a.m., Zoo Connections Teacher Workshop, at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). Teachers for grades K-2 learn how to incorporate a visit to the zoo into a curriculum. Bring lunch. $15, $5 for 0.5 CEU credits optional; call 601-352-2580, ext. 241.

10:30 a.m., Paw Pals, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Read stories to therapy dogs. Call 601-932-2562.

7 p.m., Bacchus Ball, at Country Club of Jackson (345 Saint Andrews Drive). Enjoy a Creole cocktail buffet, live and silent auctions, and music from Complete Desire. Seats are limited. Proceeds benefit the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. $125 seated reservations, $250 unseated reservations; call 601-957-7878 or 877-DFM-CURE.

Through Feb. 5

Citizens Police Academy Registration. The Jackson Police Department seeks applicants for the program that is from Feb. 6-13. Learn the police department's public safety and crime prevention methods. Call 601-960-1389.

Monday, Feb. 6

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.

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 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. 15

Mississippi Farmers Market, at Mississippi Farmers Market (929 High St.). Hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. Call 601-354-6573.

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.