Today

March 9

SAFEHEART HEALTH SCREENS: Madison the City Chamber members may sign up for SafeHeart Health Screens from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. today at Baptist Health Systems in Madison. Cost is $119. To set up an appointment, call 1-866-548-3006 or visit safehearthealthscreens.com.

MEN'S BIBLE STUDY: Ridgeland Recreation & Parks will host Men's Bible Study from 9-10:30 a.m. each Tuesday at the Ridgeland Recreational Center. Details, (601) 856-6876.

MYSTERY READERS MEET: The Madison County Mystery Readers will meet at 10:30 a.m. at the Ridgeland Library. New members and guests are welcome. Details, (601) 853-8392.

COOKIE SALES UNTIL SUNDAY: Girl Scout cookies will be sold by Girl Scout troops at booths around the Jackson metro area through March 14. To locate a booth at a business near you, contact the Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi office at (601) 366-0607.

RISING READERS: The Madison Public Library will host Rising Readers story time for ages 3-5 at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. each Tuesday. Story time includes books, movement, rhythm and fun. The event is free. No reservations required. Details, Liz Turner at eturner@mcls.ms or (601) 856-2749.

THE BLAKE RIBBON-CUTTING: The Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting at 11:30 a.m. for The Blake at Township, 608 Steed Road. Details, (601) 991-9996.

PAINTING PALS: Bring your own supplies and join other artists to paint or draw at the Ridgeland Recreational Center at Old Trace Park, overlooking the Reservoir. The group meets at 1:30 p.m. every Tuesday. The cost is free. Details, call Lynda at (601) 856-6876.

TEENAGE REPUBLICANS ORGANIZING: Madison County Teenage Republicans will hold an organizational meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Frisco's Deli, 2160 Main St. in Madison. All students interested in joining or learning more about the group are welcome.

CHILL N' CHAT @ CUPS: The Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce Junior Diplomats will have a social gathering at 6 p.m., hosted by Cups, 7000 Old Canton Road. Details, (601) 991-9996.

REPUBLICAN WOMEN MEET: The Madison County Republican Women's monthly meeting will be held at the corner of 2001 Main St. and Crawford Street in Madison. Reception begins at 6 p.m., the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Guest speaker is Rep. Philip Gunn.

MYSTERY DINNER THEATER: Mississippi Murder Mysteries presents The Honeymoon is Over, featuring the Happy Honeymooners game show and its crazy contestants, at Rossini Cucina Italiana, 207 W. Jackson St., Suite A in Ridgeland. Cash bar opens at 6 p.m., seating at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Cost is $40 per person, plus tax and tip. Details, (601) 856-9696.

PLAY AUDITIONS: The Center Players Community Theatre will hold auditions for the comedy Over the River and Through the Woods at 6:30 p.m. at St. Columb's Episcopal Church, 550 Sunnybrook Road in Ridgeland. The six cast members consist of two sets of grandparents (two males and two females, each 30 or older); and one male and one female (each 20 to early 30s.). Cold reading from the script. Show dates are April 23-25. Details, director Betty Jo Mahaffey at bjmahaffey@ yahoo.com or (601) 366-9084, or visit centerplayers.net.

THE BOYS NEXT DOOR: The Holme-Towne Players on the Goodman campus of Holmes Community College will present the play The Boys Next Door at 7 p.m. March 9-12 in the school's Montgomery Fine Arts Auditorium. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. Details, (662) 472-9029.

ACT PREP WORKSHOP PLANNED: Holmes Community College Ridgeland Campus will host an ACT Preparation Workshop from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on March 27, which will cover test taking tips/strategies, how to prepare for the test and an overview of major content areas. Cost is $50. Space is limited. To register or for details, (601) 605-3339 or (601) 856-5400.

HEAD START TAKING APPS: Friends of Children of Mississippi Madison County Head Start is accepting applications for children ages 3-4 for the coming school year. Students must be 3 years old by or on Sept. 1, 2010. For details, contact the various locations, all in Canton: Community Pride Center, (601) 859-6952; Annie Devine Center, (601) 859-9711; or Smith Chapel Center, (601) 879-3469.

PARIS TRIO ART SHOW: Paris Trio, the mother-daughter art team of Lisa, Vivian and Rachel Marie Paris, is featured at an artist show hanging through March 12 in the art gallery of the McRae Fine Arts and Media Center on the Jackson Prep campus. Gallery hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. All art is for sale. For more information, visit rachelMparis.com or lisaParis.com.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS AUDITIONS: Black Rose Theatre Company will hold auditions for Steel Magnolias at 6:30 p.m. today and March 10 at the theater, 103 Black St. in Brandon. Performance dates are April 23-25 and April 30-May 2. Directed by Ron Pirtle. Roles are available for six females, ages 18-70. No preparation required for audition. Details, (601) 825-1293.

SCIENCE STORY TIME: The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science holds story time for 2-year-olds from 1-4 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Details, (601) 354-7303, ext. 136 or www.msnaturalscience.org.

Wednesday

March 10

AGAPE MEN'S COFFEE GROUP: Men will meet for coffee and fellowship from 9:30-11:30 a.m. every Wednesday at the Ridgeland Recreational Center. Details, call Earl Beck at (601) 856-4252.

NONDENOMINATIONAL BIBLE STUDY: The Madison the City Retirement Program will host Nondenominational Community Bible Study from 10-11:30 a.m. each Wednesday at the Madison Community Center. All residents are invited. Details, (601) 317-9756.

2010 GARDEN TRENDS: MSU Extension Service horticulturist Donna Beliech will present "2010 Garden Trends" at 10 a.m. at the Madison County Extension Service Office, 152 Watford Parkway, WIN Job Center Building in Canton. The free event is open to the public. Details, (601) 859-3842.

BABY BOOKWORMS: The Ridgeland Public Library, a branch of the Madison County Library System, will host Mother Goose on the Loose, a Baby Bookworms story time, for children from birth to age 2 at 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. each Wednesday. Story time includes books, movement, rhythm, rhymes and fun. The event is free and no reservations are required. Details, Stephanie Jurss at sjurss@mcls.ms or (601) 856-4536.

BOARD MEETING: The Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce board of directors will meet at 11:30 a.m. at the Chamber office, 754 Pear Orchard Road in Ridgeland. Details, (601) 991-9996.

LENTEN SPEAKERS SERIES: Grace Episcopal Church, 161 E. Peace St. in Canton, will host a Speakers Series at noon on Wednesdays during Lent. Speakers include: March 10, former Gov. William Winter; March 17, the Rev. David Elliott; and March 24, the Rev. John Jenkins. Details, (601) 859-2680.

FINANCIAL PEACE COURSE COMING UP: Financial Peace University, the 13-week program taught by Dave Ramsey, will be held at 4 p.m. starting March 21 at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 7469 Old Canton Road in Madison. To register or for details, Scott Reid at (601) 853-1090.

SHAMROCK PROJECT GOLF PLANNED: Mu Chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority at Millsaps College will host its fourth annual Shamrock Project Golf Tournament on March 26 at Whisper Lake Country Club in Madison. Proceeds benefit the Family Support Center and Prevent Child Abuse America. Shotgun start at 1 p.m. Fees are $100 per person. To register, contact Katie Knippa at knippka@millsaps. edu or (972) 658-2692; or Lindsey Tassin at tassilr@millsaps. edu or (225) 978-9029.

FOLLOWING JESUS TO THE CROSS: Highland Colony Baptist Church, 1200 Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland, will present "A Walk to Remember: Following Jesus to the Cross," an interactive journey throughout the church representing the major moves Jesus made during his last week on earth. The exhibit will open at 4 p.m. on March 31 and April 1, with the last showing starting at 7 p.m. each night. Guided group tours will be available earlier in the day by appointment, by calling the church at (601) 853-4031.

DOING BUSINESS IN ISRAEL: The Mississippi Development Authority and Mississippi World Trade Center will host a luncheon to provide Mississippi companies with information about doing business with Israel and the Middle East from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. on March 15 at the Capitol Club, 125 S. Congress St. in Jackson. Cost is $20. Registration required by March 12 by contacting Ann Atkins at aatkins@mswtc.org.

ADULT/YOUTH GOLF TOURNEY PLANNED: The Mississippi Children's Museum Youth Ambassadors will sponsor the inaugural MCM Adult/Youth Golf Tournament on March 27 at the LeFleur's Bluff State Park golf course. Proceeds benefit the Museum. Tee times are 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., with lunch provided at noon. Cost per player is $75. Hole sponsors are also sought. To register, (601) 981-5469.

ACTING CAMPS INFO: New Stage Theatre will hold Early Bird registration through May 7 for its 2010 Summer Camps for students having completed grades K-11. Scholarship auditions for the 2010 Broadway Jr. Summer Camp Intensive will be held April 17. Scholarships are based on need. To register, reserve an audition spot or for details, contact education director Chris Roebuck at education@newstagetheatre.com or (601) 948-3533, ext. 232.

Thursday

March 11

SENIOR BRIDGE: The Madison the City Retirement Program offers bridge for seniors from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Madison Community Center. Bring a lunch, dessert and drinks provided. To reserve a spot, call (601) 317-9756.

FRIENDSHIP BIBLE COFFEE: Ridgeland Recreation & Parks will offer Friendship Bible Coffees for senior adults from 10-11:30 a.m. every Thursday at the Ridgeland Recreation Center. To register or for details, call Lynda at (601) 856-6876.

JUNIOR AMBASSADORS SOUGHT: The Madison the City Chamber invites students entering grades 10-12 to apply to the Junior Ambassador Program. The group meets once a month and requires active membership, including working on special Chamber events, networking with local business leaders and working in the Chamber office. Deadline to apply is March 19. Details, (601) 856-7060 or MadisonTheCityChamber.com.

FLORA PLANT SWAP COMING UP: The Flora Spring Plant Swap will be held at 9 a.m. on March 25 in the Flora Library meeting room. Bring one or two well-rooted plants to swap, and others, if you want to share. Free. Details, Library at (601) 879-8835 or Janis at (601) 879-8252.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS' TEE-OFF PARTY: The Steel Magnolias professional women's golf association will host its annual Tee-Off Party at 5:30 p.m. at Colonial Country Club in Jackson. The event is free to current and prospective members. The group combines golf and business, with players of all skill levels welcome. The group's annual charity golf event will benefit The Center for Violence Prevention. For reservations to the Tee-Off Party, cer2158@aol.com or sandrahodges@bellsouth.net. For membership information, jpat44@bufordplumbing.net.

SUPPORT GROUP MEETS: A support group for those struggling with mood disorders, stress, nervous symptoms, anxiety, worry, anger or fear will be held at 7 p.m. each Thursday at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson. Details, (601) 665-2231.

GOSPEL CHOIR CONCERT: The Belhaven University Music Department presents The Voices of Praise Gospel Choir of Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, in concert with the Belhaven Voices Gospel Choir, at 7:30 p.m. at the Belhaven University Center for the Arts on Riverside Drive in Jackson. Details, (601) 974-6497.

HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT: Genesis Hospice Care seeks caring and compassionate volunteers to provide "a special kind of caring" for terminally ill patients and their families. For training, call (601) 321-8812.

SPORTS MUSEUM VOLS SOUGHT: The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum seeks volunteers ages 14 and older to assist staff in the museum's daily operations. Days are flexible and shifts are three hours in length. Details, (601) 982-8264 or mferriss@msfame.com.

Friday

March 12

CUT-A-THON FOR CANCER PATIENTS: Leah Vincent, owner of Colorize Hair Studio, 105 N. Central Ave., off Jackson Street in Ridgeland, will host a Cut-A-Thon from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., with all proceeds benefiting Hope House of Hospitality in Jackson, a Christian ministry which provides a place to stay and transportation at no cost for patients receiving treatment for cancer and other serious illnesses. No appointments needed, walk-in customers only. For a minimum donation of $30, each customer will receive a cut and style. Local musicians will perform, and drawings for gift cards and merchandise from local businesses will be held throughout the day. Details, (601) 259-6645.

RITZY RAGS RIBBON-CUTTING: The Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m. for Ritzy Rags Consignment Boutique, 775 Lake Harbour Drive, Suite F. Details, (601) 991-9996.

SENIOR BOWLING: The Madison the City Retirement Program will host senior bowling at 12:30 p.m. each Friday in March at Old Fannin Lanes near the Reservoir in Brandon. First-time and experienced bowlers welcome. Coaching available. Details, Arno Cox at (601) 856-7854.

SPORTS FUNDRAISER: Select fifth-grade students from Canton Elementary School and Canton School of Arts and Sciences will compete in basketball at 6 p.m. at Canton High School, with proceeds benefiting the CHS Athletic Department. One game will be held for females, and one for males. Admission is $3 per person. Details, (601) 859-5325.

HEALTHCARE QUALITY CONFERENCE PLANNED: The Mississippi Association for Healthcare Quality presents "The Many Faces of Healthcare Quality," an educational conference featuring experts in the field of quality and safety, on April 9 at the Norman C. Nelson Student Union on the campus of the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. Continuing education credits available. Details, www.missahq.org.

WINE TASTING COMING UP: The Mississippi Children's Home Services Auxiliary will present a Wine Tasting & Silent Auction to benefit Mississippi children and families in need, from 6-9 p.m. on April 30 at the home of Herb and Becky Ivison, 2631 Lake Circle in Jackson. The event will showcase wine and gourmet food from Jackson area restaurants, and a silent auction with vacation packages, fine wine, jewelry and more. Tickets for $50 may be purchased in advance at mchscares.org/winetasting, or at the door.

JA SUMMER CAMPS SET: Jackson Academy has announced its Summer Sports and Performing Arts Camps. Sports camps include speed camp, basketball, baseball, cheerleading and Accent, fastpitch softball, football, soccer and more. Performing arts camps include music camp, Capital City Jazz camp, musical theater/drama workshop and School of Rock. Details, jacksonacademy.org or (601) 364-5763.

Saturday

March 13

BETH MOORE SIMULCAST COMING UP: Beth Moore, author and founder of Living Proof Ministry, will present her "So Long Insecurity Conference" live via satellite from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 24 at Pinelake Church's Reservoir Campus, 6071 Hwy. 25 in Flowood. The event, for women of all ages, is based on her newest book, "So Long Insecurity: You've Been a Bad Friend to Us." Tickets are $15, and include lunch. Tickets available at The Source Bookstore at Pinelake, LifeWay Christian Bookstore or at thesourceatpinelake.org. Details, (601) 829-4500.

ZOO DAY 2010: The Jackson Zoo hosts Zoo Day 2010, featuring the opening of a new Sumatran Tiger exhibit, with 8,000 square feet of outoor roaming space for the zoo's three Sumatran tigers. Zoo Day also includes games, activities and music for the entire fmily. Regular zoo admission applies. Details, jacksonzoo.org.

MAKE-A-WISH GALA PLANNED: The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Mississippi will hold its annual gala, A Magical Masquerade, on March 27 at the Country Club of Jackson. A silent auction will begin at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. The featured speaker is former wish recipient and country recording artist Kevin Sharp. Music from 9 p.m.-midnight by Hunter Gibson and the Gators. Tickets are $100 each or $175 for two. For tickets or details, (601) 366-9474 or 1-800-819-4072.

PEACE LOVE AND PREP PLANNED: Jackson Prep P.A.T. will host its annual fundraiser, Peace Love and Prep, from 7-10:30 p.m. on April 10 at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum. Events include a buffet dinner, music by Backslash, silent auction and raffle. Tickets are $50 per person. Details, jacksonprep.net or (601) 939-8611.

Sunday

March 14

CANCER SUPPORT: First Baptist Church Madison holds its CancerCare support group at 5 p.m. on the second Sunday of every month, for cancer patients and their caregivers. Details, (601) 856-6177.

FOOTSTEPS IN HOPE 2010 PLANNED: The third annual Footsteps in Hope 8K Walk/Run, supporting HIV/AIDS projects in Mississippi and Zimbabwe, will be held at 2 p.m. on March 28 at Old Trace Park along the Ross Barnett Reservoir in Ridgeland. To register, visit footstepsinhope.org. For sponsorship opportunities, contact footstepsinhope@gmail.com or (901) 338-7011.

Monday

March 15

YOGA CLASSES: Ridgeland Recreation & Parks will offer yoga classes for flexibility, fitness and fun, taught by Lisa Newman, from 11 a.m.-noon every Monday and Friday at the Ridgeland Recreation Center. Cost is $10 per class. Details, call Lynda at (601) 856-6876.

COUNTRY LINE DANCING CLASS: Ridgeland Recreation & Parks offers a Country Line Dancing Class every Monday at the Ridgeland Recreational Center at Old Trace Park. Beginners will dance from 6-7 p.m.; advanced line dancers from 7:15-8:45 p.m. Cost is $10 per week. Details, call Lynda at (601) 856-6876.

YOUTH REVIVAL: Sharon Community Church, 114 Church Lane in Sharon, will hold its annual Youth Revival at 7:15 p.m. nightly, March 15-17. Speakers are: March 15, the Rev. Leon Collier and the Makarios Ministry family; March 16, the Rev. Burkey Thompson and the Macedonia M.B. Church family; and March 17, the Rev. Paul Fleming and the Without Limits Ministry family.

BUSINESS UNIVERSITY PLANNED: The Madison County Chamber of Commerce will host a Business University from 7:45-9:30 a.m. on March 31 at the McGowan Workforce Training Center at Holmes Community College in Ridgeland. Speaker is the "Social Media Handyman," Paul Chaney, Internet marketer, blogger and author. Cost is $10 for Chamber members, $20 for future members. Register by March 29 at info@madisoncountychamber.com or (601) 605-2554.

TASTE OF MISSISSIPPI TO BE HELD: The 22nd annual Taste of Mississippi: Homegrown Hunger Relief will be held at 7 p.m. on March 29 at Highland Village in Jackson. The event, benefiting Stewpot Community Services, offers samplings from more than 45 area restaurants, a silent auction and live music. Tickets are $65 in advance, $80 at the door. For tickets or details, tasteofms.org or (601) 353-2759.

Tuesday

March 16

RISING READERS: The Ridgeland Public Library will host a Rising Reader story time for ages 3-5 at 4:30 p.m. each Tuesday. Story time includes books, music, rhythm, rhymes and fun. The event is free. No reservations are required. Details, Stephanie Jurss at sjurss@mcls.ms or (601) 856-4536.

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