Habitat for Humanity, Nissan mark 10 Years of partnership

Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area has been granted $84,000 as part of a donation from Nissan North America to help families across the country secure decent, affordable housing. Nissan is kicking off its second decade of partnership with Habitat for Humanity with a $1 million donation, bringing contributions in North America to more than $14 million over the past 11 years. Nissan employees will volunteer to support construction or revitalization projects in 12 Habitat communities this year. Additionally, Nissan is donating nine vehicles to be used locally by Habitat offices. “Nissan values its partnership with Habitat for Humanity because it delivers strong results each year in building sustainable communities in the areas where our employees live and work,” said Nissan Vice President Rebecca Vest. Nissan’s partnership with Habitat began in 2005 when it donated 50 trucks and mobilized employees to assist in home building following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the Gulf Coast region. In the last decade, Nissan has donated an additional 88 vehicles. Since 2006, Nissan’s employees have logged more than 80,000 volunteer hours with Habitat for Humanity, building 71 homes across the U.S.

Virginia College plans ‘Go For The Gold’ event Sept. 24

Virginia College in Jackson will host “Go For The Gold,” an enrollment event for prospective students and their families from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 24, at the campus located at 5841 Ridgewood Road. While learning about the educational opportunities available to Jackson-area students at Virginia College, attendees are also invited to enjoy activities for all ages. The event is part of Virginia College parent company Education Corporation of America’s National Enrollment Event being held simultaneously at 64 other Virginia Colleges, Brightwood College, Brightwood Career Institute and Ecotech Institute locations throughout 16 states. Throughout the event, admission counselors will be on hand to discuss careers that best suit prospective students’ individual skills and interests. Additionally, attendees can tour the campus, hear about the hands-on training approach characteristic of Virginia College programs, meet faculty, students and staff including the financial aid office, learn about the application and enrollment process and experience the variety of programs through live demonstrations led by current students. For more information about Virginia College in Jackson, visit www.vc.edu/jackson. To register for the National Enrollment Event, visit www.vc.edu/gold.

JSU mourns tragic loss of student; No foul play suspected

Jackson State University is saddened to announce the death of junior civil engineering major Benjamin O. Sabine, who was found deceased in Campbell Suites Residence Hall in the early-morning hours of Sept. 20. “Our hearts go out to the family, and we mourn this tragic and untimely death. Our students are always our first concern, and we have made counselors available to help them cope with this unfortunate loss,” said JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers. According to the Hinds County Coroner’s Office, there was no evidence of foul play; however, the incident is still under investigation. A toxicology report will be released pending the results of an autopsy. Continue to follow JSU’s Twitter account @JacksonStateU for accurate information.

Public invited to Boys & Girls Clubs’ Day for Kids event Sept. 24

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi will host its Day for Kids event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 24, at the Capitol Unit, 1450 W. Capitol St. in Jackson. The public is invited to the event designed to highlight the critical needs of kids and teens in the community. Today, many youth are facing serious issues that can deprive them of a happy healthy childhood and negatively impact their future. Day for Kids celebrates the life changing work taking place at Boys and Girls Clubs each day by encouraging adults to spend meaningful time with young people and engage in fun and active play. This year’s Day for Kids will be celebrated with 500 parents and kids participating in an event at Boys & Girls Clubs Capitol Unit. The Day for Kids aligns with Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi’s overall initiative to help kids and teens become more actively engaged in their community, live a healthy lifestyle and achieve academic success. The ‘play’ incorporated in the Day for Kids event fosters creativity, imagination, exploration and helps kids develop and master various skills. The Club is open five days a week, opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. Youngsters interested in joining the Club, learning more about BGC Day for Kids or other youth programs can contact Ron Thornton at (601) 969-7088 or email rthornton@bgccm.org.

Third annual Ovarian Cycle Jackson seeks to raise awareness, funds

Riders from across the state will come together at the third annual Ovarian Cycle®Jackson spin celebration on Sept. 29, at the Club at Township. Presented by Newk’s Cares and St. Dominic’s Hospital, the event seeks to raise critical awareness and support of ovarian cancer prevention in addition to funds for treatment research through the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance. According to the National Cancer Institute, women with ovarian cancer have a 46 percent survival rate for the five years after diagnosis, compared to 89 percent for those diagnosed with breast cancer and almost 67 percent among all cancer patients. This is due in large part to no early screening test, like a mammogram, to identify the disease in its most treatable stage. The Ovarian Cycle®Jackson will kick off with a light breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Cycling sessions will start every hour, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., where participants can ride at their own pace while instructors keep their spirits high and smiles wide. Individual riders and teams are invited to register for one of five 45-minute time slots at NewksCares.com. Over the past two years, Newk’s Cares raised more than $300,000 through Ovarian Cycle®Jackson. For more information, please visit NewksCares.com.