Tag Archives: Jackson

Strengthen your community through volunteerism

I’m always on the lookout for volunteer opportunities and Volunteer Mississippi often sends information about how to serve your community. Starting next Tuesday, Volunteer Mississippi will hold information sessions to discuss the availability of federal funds to support local national service programs and opportunities to access national service resources. Programs include AmeriCorps State, VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) and Senior Service Corps programs.

All sessions will be an hour and a half long. Those interested in submitting an application for an AmeriCorps State program to operate in 2014 will meet for an additional hour after the presentation, for Nuts & Bolts of AmeriCorps State.

DATES/LOCATIONS:

STARKVILLE – Tuesday, August 20, 9 – 11:30 am

                      Greater Starkville Development Partnership, 101 S Lafayette St, Starkville         

 

HERNANDO – Wednesday, August 21, 9 – 11:30 am

                            Gale Center, 2601 Elm St., Hernando

 

CLARKSDALE – Thursday, August 22, 9 – 11:30 am

                              Coahoma Opportunities, Inc. – 115 Issaquena Avenue, Clarksdale

 

 JACKSON  – Thursday, August 29, 9 – 11:30 am

                         William F Winter Building, 200 North St., Jackson

                                               

 HATTIESBURG – Tuesday, September 3, 9 – 11:30 am

                                  Train Depot Community Room, 308 Newman St., Hattiesburg

 

GULFPORT – Wednesday, September 4, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm

                          Knight Nonprofit Center, 11975 Seaway Rd., Gulfport

AmeriCorps is a grant-funded national service network providing resources to Mississippi communities. Service program members pair with nonprofit and faith-based and community organizations and public agencies to build volunteer capacity and meet locally-identified needs. AmeriCorps members also recruit area volunteers to directly address core issues—education, disaster, health, veterans, and the environment—forging self-sustaining communities. To learn more or register for an information session, contact AmeriCorps Mississippi Program Officer Judy Stein at (601) 842-6700 or judy@volunteermississippi.org.

During the public information sessions, Volunteer Mississippi invites informal comment from the public concerning the use of service and volunteerism as strategies to meet critical community needs. This input will be considered in the development and implementation of a national service plan for the State of Mississippi. Comments will be accepted during each public information session or may be submitted in writing by email to info@volunteermississippi.org. Comments should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. Central Time, September 30.

Volunteer Mississippi engages and supports Mississippians of all ages and backgrounds in service to their communities. As your state office of volunteerism, Volunteer Mississippi administers AmeriCorps programs, supports a network of Volunteer Centers, and coordinates other initiatives fostering community engagement and building volunteer capacity throughout the state. Contact MCVS at (888) 353-1793, our website http://www.volunteermississippi.org, Facebook http://www.facebook.com/volunteeryall and Twitter @volunteeryall.

From the city of Byram Public Works: Water Service to be turned off in Gary Road area

(From the Facebook page operated by Byram residents…)

WATER SERVICE WILL BE “OFF” TOMORROW, 8/3/2013 IN THE GARY ROAD AREA

The City of Jackson will be doing a tie in of the water line at Wagonwheel Drive/Gary Road Saturday, August 3. The water will be off for 6-8 hours while they, COJ, are doing the work. It is a ‘STRONG” POSSIBILITY” that “ALL” subdivisions could be effected and will not have water service Saturday, August 3.

THIS WORK IS IN NO WAY RELATED TO THE GARY ROAD PROJECT, but is being done to accommodate the Safe Routes to School project being done by HINDS COUNTY. This project will provide sidewalks in this area.

Tammie Roberson
Public Works Director
City of Byram
P. O. Box 720222
601-372-7791

Burgers and Blues will host 100th birthday celebration of the American Cancer Society

One hundred years ago, the American Cancer Society began the fight of a lifetime – the fight against cancer. With the help of donors and generous restaurant owners like Burgers and Blues, the American Cancer Society is leading the way in transforming cancer from deadly to treatable and from treatable to preventable. Because of donations, today, 2 out of 3 people diagnosed with cancer are surviving (for at least five years). In fact, more than 400 people a day in the U.S. are celebrating birthdays that would have otherwise been lost to the disease.

As a way to celebrate the American Cancer Society’s 100th birthday, Burgers and Blues of Ridgeland has decided to host a 100th birthday party on Tuesday, July 30. Burgers and Blues will donate 10 percent of all food sales that day. Guests will also be allowed the opportunity to make donations directly to American Cancer Society. The party features entertainment from the Jesse Smith Band.  

“We are so grateful to Burgers and Blues for hosting such a great event for us,” said Amanda Patton, Executive Director.  “As we celebrate our 100th birthday, we realize how important each and every birthday is. We’re determined to make this cancer’s last century and finish the fight – not just in America but for people everywhere. We can’t do this alone. We need generous donors to join the fight against cancer by providing donations or coming out to the party and buying lunch or dinner.”  

Donations given to the American Cancer Society go toward not only research, but making sure people facing cancer have the help they need, like a free place to stay during treatment and a ride to get there. It also helps to continue the fight to ensure everyone has access to quality healthcare, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. 

If donors would like to make a donation but cannot make it to the birthday party, they can drop them off or send them to American Cancer Society, 1380 Livingston Lane, Jackson, MS 39213.

Grace House donation drive

Grace House donation drive

Grace House, located in midtown Jackson, operates a transitional living facility for people living with HIV/AIDS that are denied housing. Take a look at the needs list for the Grace House should you attend this event THIS Saturday at Soul Wired Cafe, 111 Millsaps Avenue, 2-6 p.m. There will be free food, a live band, D.J., kids activities, guest speakers, all Military Active Military/Veterans/Law Enforcement will receive a 10 percent discount for any purchases made at Soul Wired Cafe. Also, if you are not registered to vote or know someone that needs to be registered, MS M.O.V.E. will be on-site. There also will be Grace House representatives on site to receive donations. For questions, call (601) 750-0841.

Spring horse show and benefit for Mississippi College Equestrian Team

If your family is looking for something to do this weekend, go see the Spring Horse Show and Benefit for the award-winning Mississippi College Equestrian Team. It’s on April 13-14 at Providence Hill Farm in Jackson.

Spring Luncheon and Silent Auction are 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, with Hunter Derby at 1 p.m. Tickets for lunch are $35 a person. The money goes to the MC Equestrian Team. Check out some of the following items in the Silent Auction:

Item # 1:

A 2 night stay in our “Love Me Tender” Suites, which is a 4 room suite dedicated to Elvis Presley (he stayed here during the summers in the 50″s).  It is 2200 sq ft, it has 3 bedrooms and a hospitality room.  I can match that up with a golf package; I will ask Jimmy F at the Golf Course how many rounds he can give me with this package.  The estimated value of this package will be $2600.00.  If any of you want to see our hotel, you can go to www.gulfhillshotel.com.  I am sure that many people you all do business with has been here and have played golf here, and can also appreciate our downtown area.  Perhaps some of you have been here yourselves. Contact is Becky Bartles.  Donor is Gulf Hills Hotel, attn:___________, address & phone no.

Item # 2:

“An Old Fort Bayou Getaway”

One night for 2 at Gulf Hills, Kayak rentals for 2 at the Kayak Shed from South Coast Paddling Company, and Dinner at the famous Shed BBQ and Blues Joint.  Value starts at $160

This package is pretty neat because they bring the kayaks to the hotel and we launch you here, or at The Shed.  You can paddle upstream or downstream, and when you get to the Shed, they will pick up your kayaks there.  Then you can eat and listen to the live music as long as you wish!

Contact is Becky Bartles; Donor is ______________________.

 Item # 3:

“Appetizers for your Spring Party”— Gift Certificate for appetizers for 50 donated by Fresh Cut Catering & Floral and Wendy and Bruce Putt.

Contact is Jamie Martin

Item #4:

Spa and Salon Services from Barnette’s Salon and Aqua the Day Spa—Gift certificate with basket of goodies on the way.

Contact is Jamie Martin

Item #5:

Three Introductory Lessons at Providence Hill Farm by Tina Davey– $135 value

Item # 6:

Day of Bass Fishing at Providence Hill Farm for 4– $500 value.

Item #7: 

Duck Flush Sporting Clay Shoot for 4 people and Providence Hill Farm(Approximately 2 hours)– $440 value

Item #8:

$50 gift certificate to Pan-Asia, 1 month Diamond membership to Palm Beach Tan, 1 hour massage at Massage Envy, 1 hour facial at Massage Envy.– $266 value

Item #9:

Handmade queen size quilt with equestrian theme.– $200 value

Item #10:

Original watercolor by equestrian team member Sarah Yost, fine arts major at MC. Painting will be 16×20. –$200 value

Item #11:

Commissioned oil painting or your favorite equine by Sarah Yost. — $400 value

Item #12:

Hand painted TOMS shoes for child– $75 value

Item #13:

1 week vacation in a RCI affiliated resort anywhere in the US, Canada, Mexico,  Bermuda, Bahamas, or the Caribbean. RCI is the largest timeshare vacation exchange network in the world. 

Submitted by Mississippi College

Team Pay It Forward (with more information from Suburban Digest column)

Today’s Suburban Digest column is from Brandon, about a group of students from Brandon High School in Team Pay It Forward. Art teacher Marcia Davis asked her students to help renovate a daycare center in Flowood, and the group has more service projects in store this year. To read the article, click here.

I didn’t have enough space to include more information about the Ronald McDonald House in Jackson where the group will do house and office chores on May 4. I’d like to share the Wish List of items needed and hopefully someone can help out the team and the Ronald McDonald House. You can reach Ms. Davis at (601) 447-8619 if you’d like to join the team that day.

Office needs: Postage stamps, print cartridge for HP printer (number 940 xl color and 940 xl black), Office Depot gift card.

Food/kitchen needs: Individual size boxed cereal (variety pack), individual snack food items (please no “nabs”/crackers with peanut butter or cheese), microwaveable meals, single-serve frozen dinners.

Cleaning needs: Liquid laundry detergent, self-squeeze mops with matching replacement mop heads, Mr. Clean floor cleaner, multi-surface cleaner (409/Clorox brand), disinfectant spray, disposable spoons, toilet paper.

General House needs: “Discount store” gift cards (I’m guessing any dollar store or Fred’s)

Share-a-Night Donor: $8 per night

Disclaimer: For health and safety of families, used items or stuffed animals are not allowed. If you have other gift ideas, call house manager Chris Kennedy at (601) 981-5683 before delivering them. The Ronald McDonald House is 2524 North State Street.

And, here are a few photos of the Ray of Sunshine Learning Center where the students painted the main hallway and left some nice artwork. Enjoy.

RayofSunshine2 RayofSunshine3 RayofSunshine1

Working families can save money on Super Tax Day’s free tax prep

The United Way of the Capital Area kicks off its free income tax service for low-to-middle income families with Super Tax Day at Metrocenter Mall this Saturday, Feb. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. IRS-certified volunteer tax prep volunteers will be on hand to file taxes for FREE for anyone whose household income was under $50,000 in 2012.

A typical tax payer will save hundreds of dollars in preparation fees and refund anticipation loans by taking advantage of the VITA program. Additionally, VITA volunteers are trained to identify taxpayers who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which could be worth as much as $5,800 for some qualifiers.

In addition to the free tax service, Super Tax Day will feature a variety of exhibitors offering information on banking, workforce development, and other valuable information.

Throughout the entire tax season, free tax prep will be offered in 11 locations throughout the tri-county area. Hours of operation at each site varies.  Hours, locations, and other information is available on United Way’s website (www.myunitedway.com) or by dialing 2-1-1 to reach a call specialist.

Last year, United Way’s VITA program filed nearly 2,780 tax returns putting $4.7 million back into the tri-county in refunds and credits.  The service is completely free.  Refunds and credits can be deposited directly into bank accounts, and volunteer tax preparers are trained and certified by the IRS.

 “We hope everyone who qualifies for VITA takes advantage of this service. We can save the average tax payer hundreds of dollars in tax preparation fees,” says Ira Murray, Vice President of Community Impact for United Way.  “Clients who use the VITA service keep their entire refund and pay nothing for the service.  In some cases, we find that clients qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) which puts even more money into their pockets,” he said. 

“Rapid refund and fast tax establishments charge high interest rates for refund anticipation loans, charge high fees for their service, and aren’t necessarily trained to look out for EITC and other tax credit eligibility,” Murray said.

Items clients must have with them in order for their taxes to be prepared are:

  • ORIGINAL Social Security cards for the filer and anyone claimed on the return (NO PHOTOCOPIES ACCEPTED);
  • Valid photo identification;
  • All income documents such as W-2’s, 1099’s, etc.;
  • Bank routing number and account number for direct deposit.

If you know anyone who could benefit from this free service, pass this along! 

2012 in tweets.

Call me a copycat, but I saw a very good blog post by my colleague Alex McDaniel titled, “What Does Twitter Say About Your Life in 2012?”  and read about a free tool named Vizify that allows users to create interactive profiles using information aggregated from social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, LinkedIn and Instagram. So, I wanted to see what this year looked like for me and the tweets I put out. Needless to say, this was a busy year full of changes in my life, personally and professionally.

These are the terms I tweeted the most in 2012 — yes, I know there are 19 days left in the year.

STORY-133 uses, 4 responses

I had my first hurricane experience with Isaac and did double duty for the Suburban Digest page that week.

The week I moved from The Madison County Herald to The Clarion-Ledger was busy and stressful.

#SUBURBANDIGEST-75 uses, 2 responses

I tweet using this hashtag almost everyday because this page prints every Thursday. My new beat is rolling along!

The main column carries good news and feature articles from eight communities in the metro area.

CANTON-71 uses, 3 responses

I depend on social networks daily for information from my communities.

Multimedia is something I’ve taken on this year as I strive to have a multifaceted beat. This particular video has over 4,000 views.

JACKSON-49 uses

My first tweet from this twitter account at an assignment in Canton.

My first experience seeing (and smelling) dead bodies.

RIDGELAND-46 uses, 3 responses

I have a soft spot for our military. These are the most selfless people in the world.

It’s nice to see my place of residence get an app!

VIDEO-42 uses, 8 responses

One of the funniest assignments I’ve had.

HOME-32 uses

I use the word “home” a lot as it is my favorite place before and after work.

GOOD MORNING-30 uses

I like giving positive words on my Twitter account and interacting with followers.

PAGE-29 uses

The growing pains were killing me when I first started the Suburban Digest page.

My tweet for 12/12/12.

CITY-28 uses, 6 responses

On September 11, the city of Jackson presented me with a parking ticket. Never again!