Jackson Free Press

American Board Teaching Information Sessions.. Learn how to earn a professional teaching license. Teacher certification specialist Ashley Guy is the facilitator. Bachelor's degree required. Online registration available. Free; call 877-669-2228; americanboard.org or abcte.org.

• Jan. 8, 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., at YMCA Downtown Jackson (800 E. River Place).

• Jan. 9, 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., at Ridgeland Public Library (397 Highway 51, Ridgeland).

Monday, Jan. 7

2 p.m., State Institutions of Higher Learning Board Search Committee Meeting, at Universities Center (3825 Ridgewood Road). The committee meets in the IHL Board Room to discuss personnel issues related to the search for the next president of the University of Southern Mississippi. Open to the public. Free; call 601-432-6333; mississippi.edu.

Tuesday, Jan. 8

10 a.m., Jackson City Council Meeting , at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.), in the recital hall. Open to the public. Free; call 601-960-1064.

5:30 p.m., Jackson Public Schools Board of Directors Meeting, at Jackson Public Schools (621 S. State St.). The board holds discipline meetings on first Tuesdays and regular meetings on third Tuesdays. Open to the public. Free; call 601-960-8700.

Wednesday, Jan. 9

11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., Lunch Bunch Forum, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). In the Community Room. Parents for Public Schools of Jackson and Jackson 2000 are the hosts. The topic is "Students as Historians: Teaching Civil Rights." Representatives from the McComb School District are the speakers. RSVP to receive lunch. Free, $5 lunch; call 601-969-6015.

History Is Lunch Jan. 9, noon, at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Pearl River Glass Studio founder and owner Andy Young talks about the 40th anniversary of the Mississippi Craftsmen's Guild and the book "I Am a Craftsman: 40 at 40." Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.

Thursday, Jan. 10

Events at Baptist Health Systems, Madison Campus (401 Baptist Drive, Madison)

Real Solutions for Bladder Problems: Take Your Life Back Jan. 10, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. In the Community Room. Urogynecologists Dr. Robert Harris and Dr. Stephen Speights discuss treatments for bladder leakage and urgency in women. Registration required. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262; mbhs.org.

4-6 p.m., Excellence in Action Nonprofit Certification Program: Information Session, at Mississippi Center for Nonprofits (201 W. Capitol St.). Learn about the Jan. 17-18 workshop that covers certification requirements for individuals and organizations. Registration required. Free; call 601-968-0061; msnonprofits.org.

5 p.m., Hinds County School Board Meeting, at Hinds County School District (13192 Highway 18, Raymond). The board meets on second Thursdays. Open to the public. Free; call 601-857-5222.

6 p.m., Precinct 2 COPS Meeting, at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 2 (711 W. Capitol Street). These monthly forums are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Free; call 601-960-0002.

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.

Saturday, Jan. 12

8:30 a.m., Chill in the Hills, at Guaranty Bank (1900 Cherry St., Vicksburg). The race includes a 10K run, 5K walk and one-mile fun run; awards given. Proceeds benefit Grace Christian Counseling Center. Register by Jan. 5 for a discount. $25 run/walk, $15 fun run (ages 12 and under); call 601-636-5703; email [email protected]; vicksburgslam.com.

9 a.m., Mayor's Pride Ride, at New Horizon Church International (1770 Ellis Ave.). Majoy Harvey Johnson Jr. leads the guided bus tour of historic landmarks and new developments in jackson. Seats limited; RSVP. Free; call 601-960-1084.

11 a.m.-1 p.m., Ending Mass Incarceration in Mississippi: Moving Talk into Action, at Lumpkins BBQ (182 Raymond Road). The Southern Poverty Law Center, the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement and the Mississippi Student Justice Alliance host the workshop. The focus is ending the over-incarceration of young people of color in Mississippi. Lunch and drinks provided. Free; call 334-322-8218; email [email protected].

1 p.m., Living Food Potluck, at the office of Dr. Leo Huddleston (6500 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland). Held on second Saturdays; please RSVP. Bring a dish or donate $10; call 601-956-0010.

1-4 p.m., Hands of HOPE Ministry Education and Health Fair, at Progressive M.B. Church (2323 Powers Ave.). Local vendors, agencies, and/or clinics will conduct a series of educational workshops for parents and teens as well as health screenings and services. Light refreshments and entertainment for the kids. Mobile farmers market will also be on site. The Lanier High School Band performs. Free; call 601-331-9914.

Sunday, Jan. 13

11 a.m.-4 p.m., Mississippi Bridal Show and Expo, at Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.). The theme is "A Touch of Class." The event includes workshops, food samples, a fashion show, entertainment and giveaways. $20; call 601-988-1142; email [email protected]; msbridalshowandexpo.com.

1-5 p.m., Premier Bridal Show: Weddings and Celebrations, at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.). The event includes door prizes, samples and consultations with wedding professionals. No strollers allowed. $22 in advance, $25 at the door; call 601-957-1050; thepremierbridalshow.com.

Monday, Jan. 14

1 p.m., Levee Board Meeting , at Flowood City Hall (2101 Airport Road, Flowood). Members of the Rankin-Hinds Pearl Flood and Drainage Control District hold their monthly meeting. Free; call 601-939-4243.

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.

Through Feb. 10

Food Revolution Contest, at Rainbow Natural Grocery Cooperative (2807 Old Canton Road). Pick up a free CD of audio interviews with any purchase, and listen to experts talk about food issues. Take a multiple-choice test Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m. for a chance to win $500 or other prizes. Free hors d'oeuvres for contestants. Free; call 601-937-7224; email [email protected].

Through March 4

Summer Food Program Call for Sponsors. The Mississippi Department of Education seeks sponsors to operate the program that the Office of Child Nutrition will administer. Schools, nonprofits, residential summer camps and government entities may participate. Sponsor training is March 5-6. Free; call 601-576-4954 or 601-576-4955; email [email protected] or [email protected].

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.