To list your events in the P&K Calendar e-mail calendar@parents-kids.com. Deadline is six weeks prior to publication. Photos are welcome, but may not be returned.
May Saturdays
Greater Belhaven Market. 9am-1pm. April-December. McDade’s Market parking lot. Open-air market offering a variety of foods, seasonal produce, art and crafts.
Through- May 11
Bone Up On Bones Exhibit. Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Explore the marvels of the human skeletal system and get an inside look at what makes up bone. 601-354-7303.
Through-June 1
Mississippi Wildlife Federation Fourth Annual Youth Photography Contest and the Second Annual Adult Photography Contest. Youth ages 10-18 and adults are invited to submit photographs for entry no later than June 1. Send entries to 855 S. Pear Orchard Rd. Suite 500, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Winners will be announced Sun., Aug. 3, during the Annual Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza at the Trade Mart. Call 601-206-5703 or visit www.mswildlife.org.
Through June 8
Backyards & Beyond: Mississippians and Their Stories - the first year after Katrina. Mississippi Arts Center, 201 East Pascagoula Street. Appropriate for all ages, this exhibition offers a historic and profound collection of works centering on hurricane Katrina's aftermath by Mississippi artist H.C. Porter. Admission is free, and donations for Mississippi Gulf Coast Recovery are encouraged. Visit www.backyardsandbeyond.org.
Through-September
Mississippi Braves Baseball. Trustmark Park. Game dates and ticket information visit www.mississippibraves.com or call 601-932-8788.
Through December 31
2008 Year of the Frog. Jackson Zoo. New amphibian exhibit frogs and salamanders will be available for adoption and animal ambassador programs will educate and entertain. Call 601-352-2580 or 601-352-2580 or visit www.Jacksonzoo.org
May 1 Thursday
Painted Flower Pots. 3:30-5pm. ARTichoke, 1012 East Fortification Street. For kids and adults ages 6 and up. Paint a terra cotta flower pot, perfect for a Mother's Day gift. $25.00 price includes all supplies. Call 601-949-4000.
May 1 Thursday
Baptist Hosts Classes for Multiple Births. 6:30pm. Four week class. Baptist Medical Center. Baptist for Women hosts the Marvelous Multiples childbirth class for couples who are expecting more than one baby. Cost $5 per couple. Registration is required by calling the Baptist Health Line at 1-800-948-6262 or 601-9486262.
May 1-4
Children’s Night of One Acts. Black Rose Theatre, Brandon. 601-981-2456 or visit www.blackrosetheater.com.
May 3 Saturday
Madison Station Elementary School Spring Carnival. 3-6pm. Madison Elementary School Campus. Meet under the big top for pony rides, games, food, moon jumps, train rides, rock climbing, Spider Mountain, silent auction and more! Tickets are 50¢ and will be sold in $5, $10 and $20 increments. All proceeds benefit Madison Station Elementary School. For more information please visit our website: www.madisonstation.com or call 601-856-6246.
May 3 Saturday
Bike Rodeo. 1-3pm. Freedom Ridge Park, Ridgeland. Open to all ages but it is geared toward children. Bring your bicycle and helmet.
May 3 Saturday
Flowood Arts & Crafts Fair. 10am- 4pm. Winner's Circle Park. Crafters Fair with Mississippi's Finest Artisans. Free. Call 601-992-4440.
May 4 Sunday.
Ballet Mississippi Spring Performance. Let The Music Dance. 2pm. Thalia Mara Hall. To celebrate the afternoon’s performance, an after performance reception/party will be held on the Mezzanine. Ticket prices $8-16. For ticket information and the after performance party, call 601-960-1560, or visit www.balletms.com
May 4, 11, 18 Sundays
Jackson Zoo to Host Gospel, Jazz and Blues Sundays. 1:30-3:30pm. Wildlife Amphitheatre at the Jackson Zoo. Celebrated award-winning local Gospel, Jazz and Blues musicians. Price included with admission. For more information, 601-352-2599 or visit www.Jacksonzoo.org.
May 5-6 Mon.-Tues.
Billy Joel's Movin' Out. 7:30pm.Thalia Mara Hall. This Tony Award winning musical set to the music of Billy Joel with choreography by Twyla Tharp tells the story of a generation of American youth growing up on Long Island during the 1960s and their experiences with the Vietnam War. Call 601.960.1535 or visit www.kesslerbroadway.com/
May 8 Thursday
Canton Flea Market. 8am-5pm. Courthouse Square, Canton. The South’s finest Arts and Crafts Show. Free admission; charge to park. Call 800-844-3369.
May 8-10 Thurs.-Sat.
Brandon Day Festival. Shiloh Park. Country music entertainment, arts-n-crafts, vendors, carnival rides, baseball/softball tournaments, and much more! General Admission to the concert is free. Tickets to Saturday's concert are $15 in advance and $20 day of show. Call 601-825-5021 or visit www.cityofbrandon.net.
May 9 Friday
Pepsi Pops on the Reservoir. Gates open 4:30; Symphony starts 7:30pm. Old Trace Parkway, Ross Barnett Reservoir. Gates open 4:30pm. Pre-concert entertainment, children's activities and concessions begin at 5pm and concert begins at 7:30pm. Bring a picnic and blanket for a family evening with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy music under the stars and fireworks. Advance tickets $12 adults, $5 children ages 4-18. $15 adults, $6 children at the gate. Free under 4. Call 601-960-1565.
May 10 Saturday
International Migratory Bird Day. Jackson Zoo. Open early. Admission: Friends of the Zoo free; children under 2 free; child 2-12 $2.95; adult 13+ $5.80; senior 65+ $4.65. Groups with 15 or more contact 601-352-2586 for special rates and reservations. Parking $1, Rides train $2, carousel $2. Strollers from $4-8. Call 601-352-2581.
May 11 Sunday
Mother’s Day.
May 11 Sunday
Mother’s Day at the Zoo. Mom’s free when they come with at least one child. Jackson Zoo. 9 am-5 pm. Admission: Friends of the Zoo free; children under 2 free; child 2-12 $2.95; adult 13+ $5.80; senior 65+ $4.65. Groups with 15 or more contact 601-352-2586 for special rates and reservations. Parking $1, Rides train $2, carousel $2. Strollers from $4-8. Call 601-352-2581.
May 15 Thursday
PAWS to Read. 6:30pm. Flowood Public Library. Children read to therapy dogs.
May 16-17 Fri.-Sat.
Annual Mississippi Home Educators’ Statewide Spring Conference. Missisippi College, Clinton. Children’s programs and activities both days. New Homeschoolers’ workshops, book fair, exhibits special sessions and more. Visit www.mhea.net.
May 17 Saturday
Hershey's Track and Field Competition. 9am, Hughes Field.Jackson Parks and Recreation is hosting local track and field competition. Boys and girls ages 9-14 may register free at the Jackson Medical Mall Department of Parks and Recreation through May 9.Contact Sam Miller at 601-960-0471.
May 24-January 4
Dinosaurs! Visit the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and travel back millions of years as you roam amongst the dinosaurs. From a Protoceratops with hatchlings to a Tyrannosaurus rex - see them walk, roar, feed, fight and care for their young. This robotic dinosaur exhibit will fascinate children and adults of all ages! . 8 am-5 pm Mon.-Fri.; 9 am-5 pm Sat.; 1-5 pm Sun. LeFleur’s Bluff State Park. Admission to park and museum $5 adults, $4 seniors, and $3 children. Membership $35 individual or $65 family. 601-354-7303.
May 27-June 8
The Fantasticks. New Stage Theatre. The longest running musical in the world played Off-Broadway for over 40 years and is currently playing on Broadway. Call 601-948-3533 or visit www.newstagetheatre.com.
May 29 Thursday
Mississippi Symphony on the Square. Canton.
May 31 Saturday
NICU Reunion. 2pm. Baptist Medical Center. If your child received care in Baptist’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, please plan to attend our NICU Reunion. There will be refreshments and fun activities for children, plus an opportunity to visit with Baptist’s NICU staff. Come and celebrate the miracle of your child all over again! To register, call the Baptist Health Line at 601-948-6262 or 1-800-948-6262.
Upcoming
June 14 Saturday
Katfishin' Kids. 7:30-10:30am. Turcotte Lab off Hwy. 43, Ross Barnett Reservoir. Teaching children ages 5-14 how to fish. Each child participating will receive a free t-shirt and goodie bag while supplies last. Lunch will also be provided. Free. Call 601-206-5703.
Exhibits and Ongoing Events
The Children's Museum of Memphis. Open 9 am-5 pm, Mon.-Sat., and 12-5 pm, Sun. 2525 Central Avenue, Memphis. A discovery museum for children, families and educators, designed to complement the school curriculum and encourage the curiosity and imagination of children through interactive programs and hands-on exhibits. . Admission: $7 children (1-12) and senior citizens (65+), $8 adults (13-64), and
free for museum members and children under one. Call 901-458-2678 or 901-320-3170. For a complete list of activities and coupons visit www.cmom.com.
Clinton Community Nature Center. 617 Dunton Road, Clinton Trails (non-paved) open daily 7 am until sunset. Price Hall opens 9 am-5 pm, Mon.-Fri. and 1-5 pm, Sat.-Sun. Stroll trails and see the butterfly garden, amphitheater, famous elephant tree, & gift shop and more. We offer field trips for school & home school groups. No food, pets, or smoking please. Register for Day Camps.601-926-1104 visit www.clintonnaturecenter.org
Eudora Welty House Museum. 1119 Pinehurst, Jackson. The museum will be shown by reservation Wed.-Fri. 9am, 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. Admission $5 adults, $3 students, and children under six free. Group discounts available. Call 601-353-7762.
"Draw Near" Ladies Fellowship. First Baptist Church of Fannin (at the Reservoir). Tues. 9:00am. Ladies of all ages are invited to join us for breakfast, Bible study, mission/outreach opportunities. Childcare is available free of charge upon reservation. For information call Leigh-Anne Ainsworth 601-829-2350/540-7282 or the church office 601-829-1004.
The Florence-Richland Homeschool Group. A co-operative, support organization for families offering educational, recreational, and community ministry activities include weekly park days, spelling bees, holiday-themed parties, a yearbook staff, science fairs, talent shows, special events at a local nursing home, craft days, fieldtrips, and special activities for teenagers. All homeschooling families or those interested in educating at home are invited to participate. For more details, contact Elysa Harvey MacLellan at (601)845-3432 or jimelm@alltel.net .
Governor’s Mansion Tours. Tues.-Fri. 9:30, 10, 10:30 & 11am. 300 East Capitol Street. First occupied in 1842, the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion is the second-oldest continuously occupied governor’s residence in the United States. This Greek Revival structure was designed by state architect William Nichols, who also designed the Old Capitol. The Mansion was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975. Free. Reservations are required for groups of ten or more. Call 601-359-6421. www.mdah.state.ms.us.
Jackson Audubon Society Family Bird Walk. 8-10 am, first Sat., monthly, except Dec. & Jan. Each walk led by an experienced JAS member. Look and listen for birds along the nature trails. Binoculars available for loan, call to reserve a pair. Children accompanied by adults welcome. $3 park admission. Call 601-956-7444 or visit website www.dreamwater.org/jxnaudubon
The Jackson Zoo. 9 am-5 pm. Admission: Friends of the Zoo free; children under 2 free; child 2-12 $3; adult 13+ $6; senior 65+ $5.40. Groups with 15 or more contact 601-352-2586 for special rates and reservations. Parking, Rides train, & Carousel $2. each. Strollers from $4-8. Call 601-352-2581.
Free Health Screenings at Lakeview Family Medical Clinic. 65 Lakeview Drive, Clinton. Tues. 5-7pm. & Thurs. 7-9am. Screenings include blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose. Kirby Orme, M.D., a family medicine practitioner on the medical staff at CMMC. No appointment is necessary. Contact the clinic at 601-924-1744.
The Little Light House. Volunteers needed. Tuition-free Christian Developmental Center for children age birth to six with special needs and developmental delays. Volunteer opportunities available, assist teachers with helping children in circle time, snack, lunch, and interacting one-on-one with the children in a supervised setting. Call 601-829-3446, or visit online to www.llhms.org.
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport. One of the USA's top 50 children's museums is situated on six oak-filled acres in a renovated 1915 school. Visitors can cross a creek, touch a tornado, sort shrimp, crank a crane, tromp in treehouses and much more. Tue-Sat 10am-5pm. Admission $7. Call 228-897-6039 visit www.lmdc.org.
Manship House Museum. 9 am-4 pm, Tues.-Fri., 10 am-4 pm, Sat., 420 East Fortification St., Jackson. Free. Reservations required for groups of 10 or more. 601-961-4724.
The Memphis Zoo. Hours March-Oct.9am-6pm. Nov.-Feb.9am-5pm. 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis. Admission price includes entrance to all exhibits, including giant pandas. $13 Adults (ages 12-59); $12 seniors (ages 60+); $8 children (ages 2-11); Children under age 2 admitted free. Parking $3 per vehicle / Memphis Zoo Members park free. Just to name a few of the zoo’s events, Saturday Zoo School for Preschool Students, Saturday Trekkers, & Homeschool workshops. Call 901-276-WILD or visit www.memphiszoo.org for a complete list of the Zoo’s events.
Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum. 9 am-5 pm Mon.-Sat., 1150 Lakeland Dr. Walk through, learn about and enjoy the rich past and tradition that make Mississippi. 601-713-3365 or 1-800-844-8687. www.MDAC.State.ms.us.
Mississippi Museum of Art. 10 am-5 pm Mon.-Sat., 12-5 pm Sun. 380 South Lamar Street. $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 ages 6 through college age, under 5 and MMA members free. Students are free on Trustmark Free Tuesdays and BlueCross Free Thursdays. Seniors 60+ free on BancorpSouth Senior Salute Mondays-first Mon. of each month. Visit www.msmuseumart.org
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. 8 am-5 pm Mon.-Fri.; 9 am-5 pm Sat.; 1-5 pm Sun. LeFleur’s Bluff State Park. Admission to park and museum $5 adults, $4 seniors, and $3 children. Membership $35 individual or $65 family. 601-354-7303.
Current Exhibits:
Fish Feedings. 10 am, every Tues. and Fri.
Creature Features. 10am & 2pm, almost every Sat. Informal live or mounted animal programs.
Miss. Museum of Natural Science Lecture Series. 12-1pm, Rotwein Theater, First Tues. monthly. Free to Museum Foundation Members (please show card). Regular museum fee: $5 adults; $4 for seniors; $3 children.
Preschool Discovery Room. General Museum visitors: 1-4 pm Mon.-Fri; 9:30 am-12 pm & 1-4 pm Sat; 1-4 pm Sun. Hands-on discovery room designed for ages 3-pre K5 is open to general museum visitors. Topic for Group Classes varies. Open when a staff member or volunteer is available and schedule subject to change. Thirty minute classes are designed for groups of 10-16 children; class times are 9, 9:45, & 10:30am Mon.-Fri. Call Joan Elder for reservations, 601-351-7303 ext. 136.
Time for Twos. 1-4 pm, second Tues. monthly. Preschool Discovery Room reserved for 2-year-olds and their caregivers. Reservations not required.
Story Time. 1:15, 2:15, and 3:15 pm Wed. for children ages 3-5. Summer Camps will be offered in June and July of 2008 for 2’s and for 3 through pre-k 5’s. Call Joan Elder, Preschool Coordinator, for details.
Mississippi Olde Time Music Society Jam Session. Clinton Visitor’s Center, 1300 Pinehaven Rd. Just off Natchez Trace Parkway milepost 89. First Sunday of every month. Free. 601-924-2221.
Mississippi Petrified Forest. US Hwy 49 at Hwy 22, Flora. Open every day except Christmas. Earth Science Museum, nature trail, rock patio, picnic area, campgrounds and more. Adults $5, seniors & students $4, group rate available. Call 601-879-8189 or visit www.mspetrifiedforest.com.
Museum of Mississippi History Traveling Exhibits Program. Due to the closure of the Old Capitol Museum, the museum division of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History has revamped its traveling exhibits program. Seven exhibits are available at this time, with several in development. For more information call 601-576-6927.
National Scrabble Association Club #427. 11 am. First & third Sat. monthly. South Hills Library, 515 West McDowell Rd., Jackson. Ages youth to senior adults. Call Juanita Washington, 662-746-6670; Danny Gatlin, 601-371-0096; or Gloria Scott, 601-355-6621.
New Stage Theatre. Reservations for its upcoming season of touring productions. These shows tour to elementary, middle and high schools as well as libraries and community centers. If interested in scheduling New Stage at your venue or for more information, please contact the Education Department at 601-948-3533, ext. 232 or education@newstagetheatre.com.
Russell C. Davis Planetarium. 201 E. Pascagoula St., Jackson. Film and laser show admissions are Adult $6.50, Senior $5.50, Child 3-12 $4. Sky show admissions are Adult $5.50, Senior $4.50, Child 3-12 $3. Group and back-to-back discounts are available on all shows. Call 601-960-1550 or visit www.thedavisplanetarium.com . Programs, show times, and admission prices may change without notice.
Smith Robertson Museum & Culture Center. Jackson. Visit the permanent exhibits to learn more about black history. Mon.-Fri., 9 am-5 pm; Sat., 10 am-1 pm; Sun., 2-5pm. Admission: $4.50 adults, $1.50 children, $3 for seniors. For more information 601-960-1457.
Weekend Crafts Demonstrations. Saturdays. Mississippi craftsmen and artisans demonstrate their talents free to the public at the Chimneyville Crafts Gallery, Miss. Ag. & Forestry Museum. 601-981-2499. Also 10 am-4:30 pm Sat. and Sun. at the Miss. Crafts Center on the Natchez Trace in Ridgeland. 601-856-7546.
Sports
YMCA Sports Programs. Contact your local Y for details.
Jackson City Sports Programs. Jackson Dept. of Parks & Recreation for details. Metro Girls Softball ($10.00 per player): Through May 2. Divisions: Girls ages 8-10, 11-13, 14-16. Battlefield Baseball ($10.00 per player): Through May 2. Divisions: Boys ages 9-12, 13-15. Slammin Jammin Summer League Team Registration ($10.00 per player): Through May 28. Boys & Girls age divisions 9-12, 13-15, 16-18. Sam Miller 601-960-0471
Clinton Parks & Recreation. Registration for variety of sports programs. Call 601-924-6082 or 601-925-1386 or visit www.clintonpartsandrec.com
Dance Instruction
Ballet Magnificat! School of the Arts. Classes in ballet and jazz. Ages 3-adult. Call 601-977-1001 or visit www.balletmagnificat.com.
Dance Program, Jackson Parks & Recreation. Classes at Champion Dance Center and Grove Park Comm. Center. Ballet, jazz, hip-hop, alternative dance. 601-960-1422 or 601-960-1807.
Fencing
Fencing Club. Ridgeland Recreation Center. Develop agility, strength, speed and cunning. Introductory and beginner classes at Ridgeland High School. Call David Williams 601-853-2027.
Martial Arts
Academy of Kung Fu. Ridgeland Recreation Center. Ongoing classes for ages 4-adult. $45. Call Trey Crake 601-856-5051 or visit www.academyofkungfu.com.
Karate. Children and adults. Visit www.jacksony.org or call 1-55 Y 601-948-3090; Reservoir Y 601-992-9118; Clinton Y 601-720-2915.
Jason Griffin TaeKwonDo Academy
Two locations in town-Brandon and Ridgeland. Serving the area for over 10 years! Classes available for ages 4-60. Call 601-977-9000 for more information! www.griffinstkd.com
Martial Arts. Judo with Dave Melton, Grove Park Community Center and Karate with Robert Lyles, Champion Gymnasium. Call Jackson Parks & Rec., 601-960-7407.
TaeKwondo. 10 am-12 pm, Saturdays, First Baptist Church, Jackson. Family Life Center. Free, except for uniform and belts. Call Glenn Odom, 601-961-5159.
Running
Mississippi Track Club. Walk or run your way into shape this year with the help of the family-friendly Miss. Track Club. 601-856-9884 or www.mstrackclub.com.
Swimming
Makos Swim Team. Year-round competition swim team. Practices at Courthouse Racquet Club in Flowood and Madison, Baptist Healthplex in Clinton, and Simpson County Athletic Club. 601-932-4800 or www.msmakos.org
Maley Swim School. Year-round lessons in indoor pool include Waterbabies, Beginner through Advanced Strokes and Adults. Available for birthday parties. 601-898-7946.
Swimming Lessons. Health Line Wellness Center at St. Dominic's offers group and individual swim lessons for children ages 3-12. Indoor heated pool and state-of-the-art facilities. Call 601-200-4925.
Sunkist Swim Team. Year round competition swim team. Ages 5-18 Practices daily at new indoor Flowood YMCA pool, 690 Liberty Road and Clinton YMCA pool. Call 601-664-6814 or e-mail Sunkistcoach@yahoo.com.
YMCA Swim Lessons and Pool Rental. Available year-round at Flowood Family Y, 601-664-1955 and the Downtown Y, 601-948-3090. Summer lessons at Reservoir Y, 601-992-9118, and Clinton Y 601-924-5812. Call for information or visit www.jacksony.org.
Tennis
Jackson Parks & Recreation Tennis. Year-round tennis programs, ages 4-12 and adults for different levels, Battlefield Park. Team competitions available. 601-960-1388.
Parham Bridges Tennis Academy. Various programs for different levels. Call Megan, 601-956-1105.
Ridgeland Tennis Center Junior Program. Ages 7 and up. 601-853-1115.
YMCA Tennis Lessons. Ages 5 and up. Reservoir YMCA. 601-992-9118.
Support Groups & Classes
American Red Cross Classes. For information on classes and times call 601-353-5444 ext. 114.
Asthma Support Group for Children and their Parents. Central Miss. Medical Center. Free. 601-376-2376.
Baptist’s Nutrition Center offers “Way to Go Kids®” Weight Loss Program. Way to Go Kids® is a four-week program designed to help overweight & under active kids build lifelong, healthy attitudes about food & fitness. New sessions begin the first Wednesday of each month from 3:45- 4:45pm. Pre-registration is required. For more information and cost, call 601-973-1624.
Brain Injury Support Group. 7 pm, fourth Monday monthly, St. Dominic Hospital. For patients and families dealing with brain injuries. Free. 601-981-1021.
Cancer Support Group. 9am. Second Tues. of the month. St. Dominic’s Cancer Center. Free. Call 601-200-3070.
Central Mississippi Autism Support Network. Support group meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month from 11:30am-1pm in the Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Community Room, 5 Old River Place, Suite 101, Jackson. Pam Dollar 601-594-9314.
Child Abuse Hotline. Anyone with cause to suspect abuse or neglect is required by law to report it, including lawyers, doctors, teachers and clergy. 800-222-8000.
Childbirth Classes. St. Dominic Education Services. Call 601-200-6934. Woman’s Hospital. Call 601-933-6160.
Consumer Credit Counseling. Free budget counseling; debt management. For a small donation. Appointment only. Miss. Children’s Home Society, 1900 N.West St. 601-352-7784.
Diabetes Education & Support.
Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. Third Sun. monthly. Support group for parents and kids; Teen support group meets every other month. 601-957-7878 for location.
Baptist Medical Center. 10 am, first Thurs. monthly. Free support group in Medical Arts West, Ste. 410. For more information or to register call the Baptist Health Line at 601-948-6262 or 1-800-948-6262.
River Oaks Hospital. Support Group Call 601-936-1052. Free.
Rankin Medical Center. 10:30am, fourth Thurs. monthly, Fitness Plus. Free. 601-824-8445.
Central Mississippi Medical Center. 10-11am, third Tues. monthly, Diabetes Management Center classroom, third floor. Free. 601-376-2485.
St. Dominic Wound Center. Call 601-200-6718.
DivorceCare. Several area Baptist churches offer this video series combined with group discussion, which covers topics such as anger, loneliness, depression, new relationships, forgiveness, children, and more. Visit www.divorcecare.com to find a workshop near you.
Epilepsy /Seizures Disorders Education & First Aid. Epilepsy Foundation of Mississippi. Epilepsy Teen Support Group. Second Thursday monthly 5:00pm, The Epilepsy Foundation of MS office, 2001 Airport Road, Suite 307 Jackson, call 601-936-5222 or 1-800-898-0291.
First There, First Care. Would you know what to do if you witness a crash? Many do not and either pass on by or become a victim themselves. This short class teaches how to spot a crash, how to stop safely, and how to give lifesaving help until help arrives. Classes offered by the Madison Fire Department. Call Lisa 601-856-8894 for class times and locations.
Fun and Friends Playgroup. 11am Mon., unless noted. Open to moms of children ages 0-4 yrs. Group membership is free, but pay admission if visiting places where charge is involved. Monthly Mom's Night Out for members. Call Kelly 601-924-6205, e-mail funandfriendsplaygroup@msn.com, or visit www.geocities.com/funandfriendsplaygroup.
Grief Support
St. Dominic Behavioral Health Assoc. /North Campus. Call 601-200-3110.
Compassionate Friends. 7 pm, second Tues. monthly, Fondren Presbyterian Church. Support for families who have lost children. 601-713-4357.
Grief Support for Children. McClean Fletcher Center, 2624 Southerland Dr., Grief support center for children 601-982-4405.
Bereavement Education/Support Group. 12pm, first and third Thurs. monthly. Hospice Ministries, 450 Towne Center Blvd. Ridgeland. Open to any adult grieving the loss of someone loved. Free. 601-898-1053.
Coping with Terminal Illness. 6 pm, last Thurs. of each month. McClean Fletcher Center, 2624 Southerland Dr .Ongoing education support group for children/adolescents and their families. 601-982-4405.
Hearts in Motion. 8:15 am. Every Mon., Wed., & Fri. Food Court, Northpark Mall. Exercise class hosted by Baptist Heart Services in the Food Court. No registration required. For information call the Baptist Health Line 601-948-6262 or 1-800-948-6262.
Home Safety Hero. Madison Fire Department teaches a class to boys & girls on home safety. What to you do in an emergency, calling 911, tips on baby sitting, what to do in bad weather, first aid tips, and how to make safer choices (seat belts, bike helmets). The kids are given a safety check list to complete and when they complete it, they get a prize! Class for children 9 and up call 601-856-8894.
Infant Loss Support Group. 7pm, first Tues. monthly. River Oak’s Hospital, Lobby Classroom. Open to family, grandparents, caregivers or anyone who has suffered the loss of an infant. Call Cathy Files with Mississippi SIDS Alliance, 877-471-7437 or 601-853-4306.
La Leche League. 6:30pm-8pm, second Thurs. monthly, Christ United Methodist Church and 10-11:30am, third Thurs., St. James Episcopal Church Youth House, 3908 Hawthorne. Morning and evening mother-to-mother support groups for pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers. Small children and nursing babies are welcome 601-353-BABY for info, or call a local leader for breast-feeding help: Nancy 601-346-6211; Becky 601-853-6942; Paula 601-502-4813; Elise 601-924-2370. E-mail Paula Gray, famof5grays@gmail.com
Learning Disability Assoc. of Miss. Support for parents and professionals. 601-362-1667, ldams@bellsouth.net or www.ldams.org.
Mississippi Capitol Area Homeschoolers (MCAH). Support group for anyone involved in home education. The group is open to ALL homeschoolers/unschoolers as well as anyone interested in homeschooling/unschooling. No fee to join. Weekly play day, monthly field trips and other activities. Call Lynn Berthaut, 601-664-0372.
Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation Parent Support Group. Meetings held in May, July, & Sept. on the fourth Sat. at 11am in the Blair Batson’s Children’s Cancer Conference Room, 2500 N. State St., Jackson. Kris Roberts 601-984-2707.
Mississippi Moms Connection. Visit www.mississippi-moms.com. Forums currently include: pregnancy; the stay-at-home moms group; the Dual Duty Moms (that work full time and are full time moms); the infant, toddler, school age, and teen sections; The Yum Yum room (covering topics such as breastfeeding and cooking); North, Central and South Mississippi Groups. Topics cover a wide spectrum for mom to find the guidance and support she needs. Site is completely secure; a person must be a registered user to have access to the forums and member lists. Our Administrator and Moderators thoroughly keep tabs on what's going on to keep the website a safe and fun place to hang out online.
MOMS Club ®. An international, non-profit organization in support of stay-at-home moms. Offers playgroups, fieldtrips, MOMS Night Out, and more. If you live in Madison County e-mail momsclubofmadisonms@yahoo.com
Moms in Motion. Mon. & Wed. at 5:30 pm. Health Line Wellness Center, St. Dominic, offers a structured water fitness class that helps maintain cardio, respiratory and muscular fitness throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. Must be at least 12 weeks into pregnancy and have a signed medical release from physician. Call 601-200-4925 for details. Cost $50 per month or free for mothers delivering at St. Dominic’s.
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 9-11:30am second Mon. monthly. Crossgates Baptist Church, Brandon. MOPS is an international organization that exists to encourage and equip mothers who have children under age six. Childcare is provided while moms enjoy a speaker, small group discussion, and a creative activity. Suggested donation is $5. For more information and to reserve childcare, please call Jo Hebert, 601-919-8867 or Kathy Scholl, 601-825-3255.
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 9-11am. The last Tues. of the month at Pinelake Church. MOPS is an international organization that exists to encourage and equip mothers who have children under age six. Childcare is available with registration. Brandye 601-955-9673, e-mail joeybrandye@bellsouth.net, or www.freewebs.com/pinelakemops.
Mother’s Morning Out. Lakeland Presbyterian Church. Monday and Wednesday 9am-12:00 noon. Limited space in 3 and 4 year olds. Registration is $95.00 and monthly tuition is $ 95.00 for both mornings. One day per week is $45.00 registration and monthly tuition is $45.00. Find registration form and additional information at Lakelandpres.com or call the church office 601-992-2448 or call Betty at 601-503-4606. Summer program (June and July) and fall registration going on now.
Parenting Classes. Center for Violence Prevention, Rankin County Human Resource Agency. 601-825-1309.
Parenting Support. 5:30-6:30 pm each Thurs., Mt. Elam M.B. Church, 701 Old Whitfield Rd, Pearl, MS. Offered by West Jackson CDC Parent Training Center. Free parenting/healthy relationship classes and fatherhood classes. An on-site mobile library is also available for participants. Refreshments are served at each session. For more information call 601-352-6993.
Pet Safety and First Aid. This class gives you tips on what to keep on hand in case your pet becomes ill or injured. Class offer by the Madison Fire Department. Call Lisa 601-856-8894 for class times and locations.
REJOICE. Support group for young mothers. First Baptist Church, Jackson. Meets during the school year Aug.-May. Call 601-949-1949 for brochure.
Reservoir Area Christian Home Educators. 7-9 pm, first Thurs. monthly. All homeschoolers welcome, not just those in the Reservoir area. 601-992-8768.
Resource Center Network. Pearl. Services include a 24-hour crisis and referral line to assist immediate needs, a home-like temporary shelter, counseling, workshops, and daycare 601-932-4198 or visit www.rcnms.org.
Spina Bifida Association of Miss. Support and information for families of children diagnosed with this permanently disabling birth defect. Call 601-957-2410 or visit www.spinabifidams.com.
Teen Parent Support Class. West Jackson CDC Parent Training Center, 2485 West Capitol. Improve parenting skills and meet new friends. Consultant available. Saturdays 10am. 601-969-7232.
Tourette Syndrome Association. Mid South Office-Mississippi. Contact Sonia Bartosek at sonia_mstsa@bellsouth.net or 601-366-1766 or www.tsa-usa.org.
West Jackson CDC - Hinds County Families First Resource Center. 1060 J. R. Lynch Street, Jackson. Offering the following: free parenting classes, healthy marriage classes, fatherhood training, teen parent/teen issue classes, and abstinence workshops. There is also a walk-in resource library on site. For more information on setting up classes or workshops at your site, please call 601-352-6993.
West Nile Virus Support Group. 1pm. St. Dominic’s Behavioral Health Associates/North Campus. Last Fri. of each month. Free. Call 601-200-3110
Reading
Canton Library. Baby Bookworms-age 2, Wed. 10am; Risin’ Readers-age 3, Tues. 9:30am; Risin’ Readers-age 4, Tues. 10:30am; Risin’ Readers-age 5, Wed. 11am.
Flowood Library. After School Story Time. Tuesdays 3pm. Children K-fifth grade, stories, games and once-a-month craft. Preschool Story Times. 10:30am. Wed, & Thurs. for children ages 3-6. Mother Goose Lapsit. 9:30 & 10:30am. Mon. mornings and 3:30pm. Thurs. afternoons for ages birth-3 years.
Lemuria Bookstore Storytime. Saturdays 10-11am. Join us in Oz, the children’s section of Lemuria, for children’s books read by “The Story Lady.” Ages 2-10.
Madison Library. Risin’ Readers-ages 3-5, Tues. 10am; Baby Bookworms-ages 1-2, Wed. 10am & 10:45am.
Neighborhood Christian Centers of Jackson. Offers free after school tutoring at the following locations:
Ash Street Center, 417 W. Ash Street. Monday- Friday, 2:30-5:30pm, K-12th grade
First Presbyterian Church, 1390 North State Street. Tuesdays, 5:00-6:00pm, K-5th grade
Mission First (First Baptist Church), 275 Roseneath Street. Monday-Thursday, 3:30-4:30pm, K-12th grade
Redeemer Church, PCA, 640 Northside Drive. Wednesdays, 4:00-5:45pm, K-12th grade
To sign up for any of these locations, please register at our Ash Street location or contact Mrs. Johnnie Bruce, Tutoring Director at: 601-354-8855 or 601-366-0040. For more information visit: www.nccjackson.com.
Parent/Baby Reading Classes. Baby Achieve offers fun-filled classes designed demonstrate hands-on reading activities that parents can perform in class and at home with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers that will lead them to read early. Morning or afternoon classes are available. Call to schedule one month of free classes through our special promotional offer 601-672-5407.
Pearl Public Library Children Events. Baby Bookworms, ages 3 & under, Tues. 9:30 am. Preschool Story Time, ages 3-6, Tues. 10:30 am. Pearl Peanuts, ages 6-12, third Wed. 4pm. Family Story Time, all ages, first Thurs. 6:30 pm. Teens, ages 13 & up, second Thurs. 6 pm. 601-932-2562.
Ridgeland Library. Rising Readers, ages 3-5, Tues. 3:30 pm. Baby Bookworms, ages 1-2, Thurs. 10:30 am. Teen Advisory Board/RPL Anime Club. For information call Jennifer Finch 601-856-4536 or e-mail jfinch@mad.lib.ms.us.
Yellow Dog Books Story Time. Wed. & Sat., 10 am. 100 Depot Drive, Madison. For toddlers and up. Each story time will usually include a crafts activity. For information call 601-605-8955.
Classes for Kids
Academy of Fine Arts. Classes in various performing arts provided for students of all ages: guitar, piano, violin, ballet, percussion, vocal classes and show choirs. Call FBC Music Ministry, 601-825-6768.
Babysitting. Supersitters with CPR Training. Baptist Medical Center. Babysitting for teens 11-16 with information on developmental stages, feedings, and safety. Meets quarterly. Call 601-948-1712 to pre-register. Childcare & Babysitting Safety. 8am-3pm, St. Dominic. Call 601-200-4925 for dates. Babysitter’s Training. American Red Cross, 875 Riverside Dr. Call 601-353-5444 x114. Flowood Family YMCA, ages 11-15, cost $45. Call for dates 601-664-1955.
Lifeguard Training. Lakeland Courthouse. $185 fee includes Lifesaving, CPR, First Aid, and AED. Call Kandy 601-932-4800 to register.
Maley Swim School. Year-round lessons in indoor pool include Waterbabies, Beginner through Advanced Strokes and Adults. Available for birthday parties. 601-898-7946.
Sibling Classes. Young children are given insight into their new role as big brother or sister, and introduced to the paraphernalia of baby care in special classes taught at hospitals where babies are delivered. Call your local hospital for more information.
St. Dominic Education Services. Last Sat. monthly. 10-11am. 601-200-6934. Free.
Woman’s Hospital. Bring a doll or stuffed animal. Free. For dates call 601-933-6160.
River Oaks Hospital. Bring a doll or stuffed animal. Free. For dates call 601-933-6160.
Youth United Way Student Volunteer Program. Encourages and provides opportunities for community service to students in public, private, and parochial schools, ages 13-24, in Hinds, Madison, and Rankin counties throughout the year. 601-965-1355 or www.myunitedway.com.
Health and Safety
CPR for Infants & Children.
Woman’s Hospital. Activity Room. 6-8:30 pm, second & third Wed. monthly. AHA book included. 601-933-6160.
American Red Cross. Adult, child and infant CPR & First Aid. Pre-registration required. 601-353-5444 ext. 114 for dates.
St. Dominic Education Services. Call for dates 601-200-4925.
Car Seat Inspections. Madison Fire Department, Old Canton Rd or Hwy. 463, Madison. Come by and let us show you how to install your car seat correctly. Don't take chances with your child's safety.
Hearing and Speech. If you suspect a hearing loss or a speech/language problem, call Magnolia Speech School for an evaluation. 601-922-5530.
Infant Seat Safety Check. St. Dominic’s Medical Mall. MS Safe Kids technicians available to show how to properly install child’s car seat. Free. Call for dates 601-200-6934. Woman’s Hospital, Classroom A, 10am-12pm meets monthly, to register call 601-933-6160.
