Jackson Free Press

Community Meetings

Monday, Feb. 24

6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., New Foundation Toastmasters Club #702994 Meetings at Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University (1230 Raymond Road). In the Nebraska Room. Practice impromptu speaking, active listening, evaluation and leadership skills. Call for information on membership dues; call 601-502-8402 or 601-896-4400; email [email protected]; find "NewFoundation Linda Hartwell" on Facebook.

Tuesday, Feb. 25

noon-1 p.m., "Guess Who's Talking Now" Toastmasters 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. Improve your communication skills, and become a better speaker and leader. Membership required. Free to visitors; call 601-359-6653 or 601-359-2573.

4 p.m., Jackson City Council Meeting at Jackson City Hall (219 S. President St.). Open to the public. Free; call 601-960-1064; jacksonms.gov.

5:15 p.m., Public Policy Toastmasters Club 8689 Meeting at Universities Center (3825 Ridgewood Road). The group meets on first and third Tuesdays at 5:15 p.m. in the computer lab. Improve your communication skills, and become a better speaker and leader. Membership required. Call for details on membership dues; call 601-540-8472 or 601-432-6277.

6:30 p.m., Jackson Audubon Society Monthly Meeting at Eudora Welty Library (300 N. State St.). Adam Rohnke speaks on the topic, "How Birds Sing." Visitors and beginner birders welcome. Free; call 601-832-6788; jacksonaudubonsociety.org.

Wednesday, Feb. 26

6 p.m.-7 p.m., Downtown Jackson Toastmasters at Plaza Building (120 N. Congress St.). Learn to communicate better in front of groups and with peers. Meetings are Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. on the 12th floor in the Common Room. Call for membership information. Free; call 601-940-5247; email [email protected]; http://1275010.toastmastersclubs.org/.

Thursday, Feb. 27

5:30 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. Free; call 601-960-0004.

6 p.m.-7 p.m., Capital City Toastmasters Club #1684 at Reformed Theological Seminary Library (5341 Clinton Blvd.). Join to improve your public speaking and leadership skills. New members welcome. Free; call 601-942-2154; 1684.toastmastersclubs.org.

Saturday, March 1

8:30 a.m., Rankin County Democrats Monthly Breakfast at Corner Bakery, Flowood (108 Market St., Flowood). On first Saturdays at 8:30am, Jackson-area Democrats meet for breakfast and discuss current political activities. Open to the public. Free with food for sale Free with food for sale; call 601-919-9797; rankindemocrats.net.

10 a.m.-8 p.m., CUUPS Jackson Weekly Workshops at Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson (4866 N. State St.). In the Religious Education Building. Enjoy a day of socializing, support, free workshops and a drum circle. Schedule available online. Free; call 982-5919; email [email protected]; cuupsjackson.org.

Sunday, March 2

9 a.m., Hinds County Board of Supervisors Meeting at Hinds County Chancery Court (316 S. President St.). The board holds its regular meeting, open to the public. Free; call 601-968-6501; co.hinds.ms.us.

Community Events

Monday, Feb. 24

6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., OFNA Happy Hour at Fondren Public(2765 Old Canton Road). The OurFondren Neighborhood Association is the host. The weekly social is for for those who live, work or play in Fondren. Free; call 216-2589; facebook.com/OurFondren.

6 p.m.-9 p.m.,"10 Ways to Say I Love You" Dinner Theater at Anjou Restaurant (361 Township Ave., Ridgeland). The Detectives Mystery Dinner Theatre presents the interactive comedy. Cocktails at 6 p.m. (separate price); show at 7 p.m. Includes a three-course meal. Reservations required. For ages 18 and up. $49; call 601-937-1752; thedetectives.biz.

Tuesday, Feb. 25

5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Brews and Bacon at Fondren Public(2765 Old Canton Road). Enjoy beer and appetizers at the fundraiser for the Mississippi Burn Foundation. $10; call 601-540-2995; email [email protected]; msburn.org.

6 p.m.-9 p.m., NMHS Unlimited Film Productions' Filmmaker's Bash at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). The event is the kick-off for the annual It's All About You Film Festival. Includes a cooking competition, entertainment and an overview of the film festival lineup. VIP reception at 6 p.m.; main event at 7 p.m. $50, $100 VIP; call 960-1515; blackhistoryplus.weebly.com.

Wednesday, Feb. 26

noon, History Is Lunch at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Author Meredith Magee talks about her book, "James Meredith, Warrior, and the America that Created Him." Free; call 601-576-6998; mdah.state.ms.us.

6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., Beginning Insight Meditation Course at Wolfe Studio (4308 Old Canton Road). The 12-week course is based on the teaching of Rodney Smith of the Seattle Insight Society. Space limited. Suggested donation of $20; call 366-1844; email [email protected].

Thursday, Feb. 27

5:30 p.m.-7 p.m., Women for Progress Live Radio Broadcast at WMPR 90.1 FM and wmpr901.com. Dorothy Stewart and Willie Jones host the program. Topics include education, economics and politics. Call-ins welcome at 601-948-5950. Free; call 601-918-5137.

6 p.m., Back in the Day Black History Celebrationat New Hope Baptist Church (5202 Watkins Drive). The annual event includes poetry, singing, films, book signings, voter registration and a reception. The guest speaker is Lieutenant Col. Cherrie Davis. Free; call 601-981-8696.

Friday, Feb. 28

7 p.m.-10 p.m., Epilepsy Foundation of Mississippi's Heroes Among Us Gala at Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood). Includes dinner, a silent auction and music from Tony Pasko. The guest speaker is Phil Gatone, CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation of America. Proceeds benefit the the 2014 Alvin P. Flannes Summer Camp for children with epilepsy and seizures. $75, $400 table of eight; call 601-936-5222; epilepsy-ms.org.

7 p.m.-11 p.m., Krewe de Cardinal Ball at Old Capitol Inn (226 N. State St.). TThe Mardi Gras-style ball includes food, an open bar, signature cocktails, a silent auction, and music from DJ Young Venom and the Southern Komfort Brass Band. The event is a fundraiser for St. Richard Catholic School. $75 for two; call 359-9000; krewedc.com.

Saturday, March 1

8 a.m.-noon, Jackson Audubon Society First Saturday Bird Walk at LeFleur's Bluff State Park (2140 Riverside Drive). An expert birder 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. Free; call 601-832-6788.

10 a.m.-5 p.m., 4 the Record Swap at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). Buy, sell or trade vinyl records at the biannual event. Includes a funk musician panel, refreshments, music from deejays and giveaways. Early-bird admission until 2 p.m. Record sellers and other vendors must register. Bring your own turntable. $5 early bird, $2 general, $30 vendors, children under 12 free with an adult; call 601-376-9404; email [email protected]; 4therecordswap.com.

11 a.m., Mojo's Fifth Birthday Celebration at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). The zoo staff gives the chimpanzee a birthday treat. Includes birthday cake for visitors. Included with regular admission; call 601-352-2580; jacksonzoo.org.

1 p.m.-3 p.m., Church Kick-off Community Celebration at TurningPointe Church (1600 Oak St., Flowood). Enjoy free food, space jumps and prizes March 1 from 1-3 p.m. The grand opening is March 2 at 10 a.m. Free; call 601-826-2512; yourturningpointe.com.

5 p.m.-10 p.m., Vicksburg Carnaval De Mardi Gras at Southern Cultural Heritage Center (1302 Adams St., Vicksburg). Includes a gumbo cook-off, live music, children's activities and food vendors. $10 (includes gumbo tasting bowl and one beverage), children: $5 for admission (includes games), $5 tasting bowl; call 601-636-5010; email [email protected].

6 p.m.-9 p.m., International Food Tasting Festival at Ascension Lutheran Church (6481 Old Canton Road). Sample international fare in the fellowship hall. Proceeds benefit Foor for the Poor, an international hunger relief program. $5 in advance, $10 at the door; call 601-956-4263; email [email protected].

Monday, March 3

6 p.m., Bayou Teche Lundi Gras Beer Dinner at Sal & Mookie's New York Pizza and Ice Cream Joint (565 Taylor St.). Enjoy a six-course Cajun dinner paired with craft beers. RSVP. $60 per person; call 601-369-1919; email [email protected]; salandmookies.com.

6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., OFNA Happy Hour at Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St.). The OurFondren Neighborhood Association is the host. The weekly social is for for those who live, work or play in Fondren. Free; call 487-6349; email [email protected]; facebook.com/OurFondren.

Ongoing

Mon.-Sat., Fight Against Hunger at BRAVO!, Broad Street Bakery and Sal & Mookie's. Dine at participating restaurants and add a donation to Extra Table to your receipt. Donations welcome; extratable.org.

Mon.-Fri., Computer Courses for Adults at Hinds Community College, Raymond Campus (501 E. Main St., P.O. Box 1100, Raymond). Classes usually meet once a week for four to eight weeks, and fees depend on the level and type of class. Free; call 601-857-3773; email [email protected].

Mon.-Fri., Senior Aides Program in Jackson. The city of Jackson offers the part-time job program to low-income seniors ages 55 and up. 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. Free; call 601-960-0335.

Mon., 6 p.m.-7 p.m., through March 3, Dance for Parkinson's at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.). At the Hall Activity Center. Participants are empowered to explore movement and music in ways that are refreshing, enjoyable, stimulating and creative. For ages 18 and up. Free; call [email protected]; email 601-974-1755.

Mon.-Fri., through March 7, City of Jackson Summer Youth Employment Program at Jackson Department of Human and Cultural Services (1000 Metrocenter Drive). In suite 101. Students ages 16-24 may apply by March 7. Applicants must provide proof of parent's income, a birth certificate, a Social Security card and ID. Free; call 601-960-0326.

Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.-1 p.m., through March 9, Sunburst Model Search Pageant at malls in Mississippi. The pageant is for males ages newborn to 3, and females ages newborn to 27. All participants receive a trophy and crown. Entry form required. $10-$45; pageantinfo.com.

Mon.-Fri., through March 14, Creative Arts Festival Call for Papers at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.). The Margaret Walker Center seeks proposals of 250-500 words for papers, presentations and panels for the festival (April 11-12). Categories include poetry/spoken word, visual arts, written works and performing arts. The deadline is March 14. Free; call 601-979-2055; email [email protected]; jsums.edu/margaretwalkercenter.

Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m., through March 15, National Cutting Horse Association Eastern National Championships at Mississippi State Fairgrounds (1207 Mississippi St.). Youth compete for cash prizes at the Kirk Fordice Equine Center. Catfish dinner March 5 and March 10 at 6:30 p.m. Free; call 601-961-4000 or 817-244-6188; nchacutting.com.

Tues.-Sat., through March 21, #Mow2Grow Lawn Mower Raffle at Mississippi Children's Museum(2145 Highland Drive). Register for a chance to win a zero-turn John Deere riding lawn mower valued at $2,500. The drawing is March 21 at 3:30 p.m. Winner does not have to be present to win. The rafle is a fundraiser for the museum's Literacy Garden. $15 per ticket, five entries for $50, 10 entries for $100; call 601-981-5469; mschildrensmuseum.com.

Sun., 9 p.m. through March 30, The Walking Dead Watch Party at Capitol Grill (5050 Interstate 55 N., Suite F). Watch the popular AMC show on an 11-foot television screen, and enjoy drink specials and a late-night happy hour. Use #TWDJackson on social media. No cover; call 601-899-8845.

Wed., 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., through April 2, Hybrid Kickboxing and Jeetkunedo Class at Mississippi Basketball and Athletics (2240 Westbrook Drive). The course is designed to teach basic self-defense and includes an introduction to Jeetkunedo. Registration required. For ages 18 and up. $150; call 601-974-1130; millsaps.edu/conted.

Mon.-Fri. 2:30 p.m.-6 p.m., through April 30, Common Core After Hours Learning and Readiness Program at PERICO Institute (Jackson Medical Mall, 350 W. Woodrow Ave., Suite 300). The weekly program for children in grades K-12 includes English and language arts, math, science, and music and art appreciation. Registration required. Light snack included. $50 per week; call 769-251-1408; priydems.com.

Mon.-Fri., through May 15, North Mississippi Fish Hatchery Youth Art Contest at Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (1505 Eastover Drive). Students must submit a portfolio including entry form and artwork by May 15. Winners in four age categories will have their work included in Mississippi Outdoors magazine and posted on foundationwfp.com. First-place winners get a free magazine. Free; call 662-563-8068; foundationmwfp.com.

Mon., 6:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m., through May 26, ALS (Lou Gehrig's) Support Group at Methodist Rehabilitation Center (1350 E. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The group meets in the BankPlus Community Room on the second floor. Free; call 601-364-3326.

Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., through June 2, Tutoring Registration at Genesis and Light Center (4914 N. State St.). The center is accepting applications for its after-school program for ages 6-18 in math reading, and language arts. Applications accepted on weekdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call for details on cost; call 601-362-6736; email [email protected]; genesisandlightcenter.com.

Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., through July 31, Private Tutoring in Jackson metro area. In-person and virtual tutoring available for students in grades K-12 in math, science and literacy. Registration required. $15-$50; je411.webs.com.