🌱 Shellie Brown Kemp In The MSO + Jackson Zoo NY Weekend Hours

Good morning, Jackson! Here's everything you need to know to get this Thursday started off right.

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First, today's weather:

A thunderstorm in spots. High: 79 Low: 65.

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Here are the top three stories today in Jackson:

1. Violinist Shellie Brown Kemp was named Symphony Concertmistress of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. She also started 'NEW JXN,' a collaborative music group, that performs with singer-songwriters in Jackson. (Jackson Free Press)
2. The Jackson Zoo will be open for limited hours during New Year's weekend. They made the decision based on the needs of families during the holidays and the fact that the zoo is an outdoor environment. (WJTV)
3. Pediatric mental health care service needs have increased, according to a UMMC researcher. CHAMP (Child Access to Mental Health and Psychiatry) is working to increase Mississippi children's access to mental health care and provide education in mental health to primary care providers. (WJTV)

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Today in Jackson:

• Jackson New Year's Eve Meditation w/ Sahaja Yoga Meditation - Zoom Event (6:00 PM)
• Fueled for Adventure - Mississippi Children's Museum (3:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• During Mississippi Market Co-op's 2021 fiscal year, 70% of all classes were taught by local BIPOC instructors, bringing diverse perspectives and recipes to the co-op community. Taking a class is a great way to get involved and learn something new. This January there will be more classes available. (Instagram)
• Mississippi Children's Museum's holiday exhibit is running for only a few more days. Come see Journey to the North Pole before it's gone! Slide around our Reindeer Rink, speed down our Snowflake Slide and more at Jackson's favorite holiday exhibit until Jan. 2. (Facebook)
• The Mississippi Wildlife Federation is partnering with the Harrison County Sheriff's Office again for a FREE Kid's Fishing Rodeo. It will be held on Sat., March 19 at the Harrison County Farm in Gulfport, MS. (Facebook)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Ring In the New Year With 15 Percent Off Beautiful Blooms From FTD! (December 31)
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You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning for another update.

— Kayla Harrison

About me: Kayla Harrison is a Writing Arts professor, as well as a freelance writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. In her free time, you can find her listening to podcasts, writing poetry, and visiting local coffee shops.