Jackson Free Press

College Saving Training

Do you want your little ghoul to learn the value of a dollar? Hope Credit Union, a community financial institution that empowers low-wealth individuals to build assets, is holding a training session on October 31 designed to help families of more than 130 capital city-area children save for college. During the program, kids can wear their Halloween costumes as they make a deposit into their college savings fund at Hope branch locations.

The two-year pilot program, which is part of the Mississippi College Savings Account Program, sets up an account at Hope Credit Union for every child enrolled at Virden, Jones and Westside Early Childhood Development Centers in Jackson. Additionally, the Mississippi College Savings Account program will match any deposit up to $50 in addition to any funds the family contributes. The program aims to build the deposits over time with contributions from family members, friends and community groups as well as the child.


Wrapping in Ridgeland

This holiday season, Ridgeland will become the center of the wrap world. The Ridgeland Tourism Commission's "Wrap It" holiday campaign highlights local industry and brings a festive flavor to Ridgeland, including a festival, holiday workshop and craft show, local promotions and more.

During November and December, Mistletoe Marketplace, Handworks Holiday Market, Christmas on Ice, Gingerbread House Workshop, Chimneyville Craft Show, Wonderland of Lights and the Victorian Christmas Festival in Canton will be on full display.

In addition, the tourism commission has partnered with local hotels to offer "Sleigh and Stay" overnight packages for last-minute shopping trips, available through Dec. 23. Visit the Ridgeland Tourism Commission or call 800-468-6078 for additional information.

Storm Cancels Flights

Sandy, the monstrous storm that's tearing up the eastern seaboard, is causing the cancellation of a number of flights at the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport. While most flights are on schedule, airport officials said, several flights to and from the east coast have been called off today. They include Southwest Airlines Flight No. 1601 to Baltimore-Washington International, scheduled to leave Jackson at 4:40 p.m. Southwest Flight No. 1165 from BWI, which was supposed to land in Jackson at noon, was also cancelled today. Additional flight status information can be found by visiting www.jmaa.com.

Bras for a Cure

Riverwalk Casino Hotel is building bridges with its 5th Annual "Bras for Breast Cancer" Fundraiser. The Vicksburg casino hotel has been busy collecting brassieres from individuals and businesses with the hope of outdoing last year's total of more than 15,000 undergarments. On Thursday, Nov. 1, the bras will be strung across the Old Highway 80 Mississippi River Bridge before a "bridge tour" commences to show off the donations. The event starts at 9 a.m. Check www.riverwalkvicksburg.com for more info.