WHAT'S HAPPENING

Send events of community interest in South Mississippi to mynews@sunherald.com or fax to 896-2104. Please label "What's Happening." Deadline is noon, Monday through Friday.

TODAY

Gulfport Elks annual blood drive, 1:30-5 p.m., Elks Lodge/American Legion, 12010 Klein Road, Gulfport. Details: 239-0700.

ALYX- double red cell blood drive, 2-7 p.m., Edgewater Mall in front of Dillards. For type O and B donors. ALYX donors must schedule an appointment. Details: 239-0700.

GED testing orientation, 5:30 p.m., Gulfport High School. Testing session will be Aug. 8-9. Details: 385-7626.

The Teen Book Club, 6 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Details: 832-8906.

Jackson State University alumni, 6:30 p.m., St. Mark's Church, 28th Street and 34th Avenue. Special meeting to discuss the JSU annual coast wide cookout. Details: Hal Merritt, 832-6375.

Provost Guard, 7 p.m. Joppa Shrine Center, 13280 Mississippi 67, Biloxi. Details: (601) 928-9200.

TUESDAY

Breakfast with Biloxi mayor, 8 a.m., Gulf Coast Business Technology Center, 1636 Popp's Ferry Road, Biloxi. RSVP. Details: Rachael, 604-0014.

Capacity building conference, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 8, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Aug. 9, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jackson county campus, 2300 U.S. 90, Gautier. For faith-based and community organizations. Learn about TRANSFORM project and grants. Lunch not included. Details: (601) 968-006, www.transform.ms.

Story time, 10 a.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" and "Pickles to Pittsburg" are the stories. Details: 832-8906.

Blood drive, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Hancock Bank, Long Beach. Sponsored by Mississippi Blood Services. Details: 697-5807.

Harrison Active Seniors, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Aug. 8-9, Woolmarket Community Center. Details: 896-0214 or 864-6274.

Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 5, Gulfport executive board, 4 p.m. in the board room, 2600 23rd Ave. Details: 863-4935 or 871-5463.

Moss Point School District board, 5 p.m., Carl Eley administration building, 4924 Church St.

Look Good, Feel Better, 6 p.m., Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, George County campus. Nationwide program at no cost to female cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment and experiencing appearance related side effects. Participants need to register. Details: Dotsy Clark , (601) 947-7711 or the American Cancer Society, (800) ACS-2345.

VFW Post 2434, 6 p.m., 453 Howard Ave., Biloxi. Annual dues will be collected, and rebuilding efforts will be discussed. Details: 872-5944.

Seabee Base RAB meeting, 6:30-8 p.m., Crystal Inn, 9379 Canal Road (at the Canal Road exit off Interstate 10), Gulfport. Topics: "Dioxin Clean up: and "Canal Road Dirt Pile Studies." Open to the public. Details: Gordon Crane, 871-2485.

Stone County Shriners Club potluck dinner, 6:30 p.m., Wiggins Masonic Hall on First Street. Details: (601) 928-9200.

The West Harrison Water & Sewer District, 7 p.m., West Harrison Volunteer Fire Department, 10071 Vidalia Road, Pass Christian.

New Mystery book club, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. True crime stories to lighter mysteries will be moderated by John Washburn. Details: 832-8906.

WEDNESDAY

Town Hall Meetings for nonprofits, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jackson county campus, 2300 U.S. 90, Gautier. Part of statewide and nationwide series leading up to National Nonprofit Congress, in Washington, D.C., in Oct. to forge unified vision and message for nation's nonprofits. Input needed from Mississippi's nonprofit sector. Details: (601) 968-0061 or www.nonprofitcongress.org.

Blood drive, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Aug. 9-10, Pascagoula City Hall, 603 Watts Ave. Sponsored by Mississippi Blood Services. Details: 697-5807.

THURSDAY

Seabee Base blood drive, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., CBC Chapel Fellowship Hall, Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport. Blood drive is open to active duty and civilian employees on base as well as military retirees and dependents. Not open to general public. Details: 239-0700.

The Mississippi State Port Authority Board, 8:30 a.m., Harrison County Courthouse.

American Society for Training & Development Lighthouse Unit, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., executive dining room, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jefferson Davis Campus, 2226 Switzer Road, Gulfport. Speaker: Bruce Waguespack. Lunch: $8. RSVP by Aug. 4. Details: Sandi Cutler, 539-6805 or scutler@smpdd.com.

Sons of the American Revolution luncheon, noon, Blow Fly Inn, Gulfport. Details: Gil Broussard, 326-0823.

The Gulf Coast Association of Legal Support Professionals, 5:45 p.m., Harrison County Election Commission Office, 2600 24th Ave., Gulfport. Details: Rita, 864-4511.

Moss Point Community Meeting Ward IV, 6-8 p.m., Tiger Town, 4331 Jackson St. Citizen's input needed for future development plans.

The James Joyce Book Club, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Details: 832-8906.

Back to School Concert, 7 p.m. for all ages, Robinwood Baptist Church, 17076 W. Wortham Road, Saucier. Two local bands will play. Speaker: Gabe Smith, Church of the King, Gulfport. Hot dogs, popcorn, nachos served. Details: Aaron Leimer, 669-6456.

SATURDAY

Growing Farmer's Workshops, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Aug. 12, Sept. 9, 30, Mississippi State Coastal Research and Extension Center, Popp's Ferry Road, Biloxi. Discussion on a wide range of fruit and vegetable crops that can be grown in the Deep South for year round harvest. Online registration at www.growingfarmers.ncat.org. Cost: $35 includes three workshops, lunches and notebook, $20 students (college), seniors age 65 or older and second person from same organization; $20 extra notebook. Details: John Braswell, (601) 403-8939, braswell@ext.msstate.edu or Nana Mejia, (985) 789-0631, nanam@ncat.org.

Friends of the Pass Christian Library book sale, Aug. 12-19 at the original library building, 111 Hiern Ave. Several thousand books will be offered for sale.

Back to School Bash, 10 a.m.-noon for K-sixth grade, Robinwood Baptist Church, 17076 W. Wortham Road, Saucier. Details: Aaron Leimer, 669-6456.

The Ocean Springs High School Class of 1976 reunion meeting, 11 a.m., Laura Pitalo Parker's house in Biloxi. Details: www.oshs76.com or 697-1526.

Story time, 2 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. "Arthur's Baby" and "Berenstain Bear's: Baby Makes Five" will be read. Craft time will follow. Details: 832-8906.

Bay St. Louis Second Saturday Art Walk, 4-10 p.m., Main Street, Old Town. Details: Jenise McCardell: 466-6347.

Wild Night Life, 8 p.m., Gulf Islands National Seashore, Ocean Springs. Guided night time walk of the bayou. Bring a flashlight. Meet at Pavilion No. 1. Program lasts about an hour. Details: 875-9057.

AUG. 14

Open strings rehearsal, 6-7 p.m., Gulfport High School. Gulf Coast Symphony Youth Orchestra fifth season.

Stone County Arts Council, 6 p.m., Senior Center, 1240 South Magnolia Drive. Discussing and planning a calendar of events for the coming year. Details: Holly W. Bond, (601) 928-4830.

AUG. 15

AARP driving course, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 15-16, St. Paul's Methodist Church, 800 Porter Ave., Ocean Springs. Bring license. Cost: $10. Details: Herb Carnathan, 864-9487.

Story time, 10 a.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Stories are "The Napping House" and "Naptime for Slippers." Activities will follow. Details: 832-8906

Keesler Federal Credit Union, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m., third floor Human Resources Dept., Pass Road and Big Lake Road, Biloxi. Details: 239-0700.

Senior health screening and lunch, 10:30-11 a.m. screening, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. potluck lunch, Donal Snyder Community Center, Biloxi. Bring favorite dish. RSVP by Aug. 11. Details: 435-6148.

Region 13 Commission for Mental Health-Mental Retardation, 11:30 a.m., Gulf Coast Mental Health Center, 1600 Broad Ave., Gulfport. Monthly board meeting. Details: Jeff Bennett, 863-1132 or jbennett@gcmhc.com.

AUG. 16

Breakfast with Gulfport Mayor, 8 a.m., Orange Grove/Lyman Community Center, U.S. 49. By Gulfport Chamber of Commerce. Free to chamber members. RSVP. Details: Kyla, 604-0014 or kyla@mscoastchamber.com.

Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., American Red Cross bus, Choice Supermarket, 200 W. Railroad St., Long Beach. Details: 239-0700.

Gulf Coast Business Conference, 5:30-8 p.m., Gulf Coast Business Technology Center, 1636 Popp's Ferry Road, Biloxi. Learn about loans, collateral and other business basics. Free, but registration recommended. Register by Aug. 15 Details: SBA, 863-4449, ext. 25 or Bridget. Johnson@sba.gov.

AUG. 17

AARP driver safety course, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Aug. 17-18, Donal Snyder Community Center, 2520 Pass Road, Biloxi. Two four hour sessions. Cost: $10. Bring driver's license. Details: Ed Beeson, 392-6326.

Preschool story time, 10 a.m., Margaret Sherry Library, 2141 Popp's Ferry Road, Biloxi. For ages 2-5 on Thursdays. Read books, play games, activities, create crafts, sing songs, etc. Details: 388-1633.

Annual Founders' Day, 11:30 a.m., LaFont Inn, Pascagoula. Jackson County Republican Women Annual Founders's Day will host speaker Sen. Trent Lott and Gov. Mitt Romney (R-Mass.). Cost: $30 per person, no tickets sold at door. Details: Janet, 497-4495 or Joy, 769-1935.

Eagle Scout Project Troop #201bloodstock community, 4-8 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 15th Street and 23rd Avenue, Gulfport. Appointments. Details: Henry, 831-4232.

Small Business Basics workshop, 5:30-8 p.m., Gulf Coast Business Technology Center, 1636 Popp's Ferry Road, Biloxi. Must register and prepay to attend. Cost: $25 before Aug. 10, $30 after. Details: 392-9741 or btcbridgette@cableone.net.

Moss Point Community Meeting Ward V, 6-8 p.m., Escatawpa Community Center, Jamestown Road. Citizen's input needed for future development plans.

AUG. 18

Long Beach Cheerleaders fundraising book fair and performance, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. book fair, Aug. 18-19; performance 6 p.m. Aug. 18, 1 p.m. Aug. 19, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Book fair vouchers available from cheerleaders at schools in Long Beach. Details: Brenda Nelson, 324-1650.

Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., in the gym, South Mississippi Regional Center, Beatline and Railroad Street, Long Beach; 2-6 p.m., Red Cross bus, Wal-Mart, U.S. 90, Pascagoula. Details: 239-0700.

Bugfest 2006, 4-8 p.m., Crosby Arboretum, 370 Ridge Road, Picayune. Dr. Bug is back and needs help locating insects at the Arboretum. Register by Aug. 11. Details: (601) 799-2311.

Gulf Coast Symphony Youth Orchestra auditions, 5-8:30 p.m. Aug. 18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 19, symphony office, 796 View Marché, Biloxi. Students should call the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra office to schedule appointment. Weekly Monday rehearsals begin Aug. 21. Details: 435-9800.

AUG. 19

Cast For Your Catch, 10 a.m., Gulf Islands National Seashore, Ocean Springs. Learn the traditional art of throwing a cast net. Wear clothing that can get wet and/or muddy. Limited to 20 for safety. Sign up starts Aug. 5. Meet at visitor center. Details: 875-9057.

Well Baby Check-UP, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Miner's Doll & Toy Store, 927 Washington Ave. Ocean Springs. For little mommies to bring in their doll babies for a check-up. Mommies will receive a certificate and a small gift. Details: 875-8697.

Harrison County Federation of Democratic Women, 11:30 lunch; noon meeting, McAllister's, Pass Road, Biloxi.

Jackson State University cookout, 1-5 p.m., 28th Street City Park, Gulfport. Hot dogs, hamburgers, soda and chips.

Book signing, 2-4 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Vickie Niolet will sign her book, "Parting Shots of Old Town Bay St. Louis." Details: 832-8906.

Aug. 20

Blood Drive, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, Ocean Springs. Mississippi Blood Services drive. Details: 697-5807.

Turkey Shoot, 1 p.m., North Bay VFW Post #6731 on West Gay Road in D'Iberville. Eleven rounds at $2 per shot. Prizes.

AUG. 21

Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 5, Gulfport General Meeting, 4 p.m. in the BINGO Hall. Details: 863-4935 or 871-5463.

American Association of University Women, 5 p.m. meal; 5:30 p.m. meeting, O'Neal's Restaurant, 2330 Eat Pass Road, Gulfport. Gulf Coast branch. Details: R. Elaine Schmidtling, 669-5475, turpie55@aol.com.

AUG. 22

NALS Legal Training Course (basic), begins Aug. 22, through November; Franke and Salloum, PLLC, 2605 14th St., Gulfport. A 12-week course for those with less than three year's law office experience or limited to socialized area of law or for students preparing for Accredited Legal Secretary or Professional Legal Secretary certification examination. Registration fee includes all materials. RSVP by July 1. Details: Jeannie M. Shaw, 831-8709 or 868-7070 or jmshaw@cableone.net.

Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., break room, Mississippi Power Service Center, 28th Street and 30th Avenue, Gulfport. Details: 239-0700.

Story time, 10 a.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Stories are "Everyday Angels" and "Goodnight My Angel." Activities are planned. Details: 832-8906.

Book signing, 5-7 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Author and Katrina volunteer Barbara McGrath will be sign her book, "The Storm: Students of Biloxi, Mississippi Remember Hurricane Katrina." Details: 832-8906.

AUG. 23

Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Red Cross bus, Triton Systems corporate office, 522 East Railroad, Long Beach. Details: 239-0700.

Networking at Noon, Montana's Restaurant, Gulfport. Cost: $15 includes lunch. RSVP. Details: Millie, 604-0014 or millie@mscoastchamber.com.

SD-VOSB & VOSB Outreach Event, Aug. 23-24, IP, 850 Bayview Ave., Biloxi. For service disabled veteran owned small business and veteran owned small business to provide insight on networking and procurement opportunities within Northrop Grumman. Limited space. RSVP. Details: Mijisha Gray, sebp ss@ngc.com or fax, 933-7525.

AUG. 24

Writing a Winning Business Plan workshop, 5:30-8 p.m., Gulf Coast Business Technology Center, 1636 Popp's Ferry Road, Biloxi. Must register and prepay to attend. Cost: $25 before Aug. 17, $30 after. Details: 392-9741 or btcbridgette@cableone.net.

Moss Point Community Meeting Ward VI, 6-8 p.m., Moss Point High School auditorium. Citizen's input needed for future development plans.

AUG. 25

Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Red Cross bus, Hancock Medical Center, 149 Drinkwater Blvd., Bay St. Louis. Details: 239-0700.

George Ohr Rising opening reception, 6-8 p.m., Fine Arts building, Jefferson Davis campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Details: 374-5547.

Four Sun Herald staffers and executives book signing, 6-8 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Personalizing the books, "Katrina Before and After" and "Katrina Eight Hours That Changed the Mississippi Coast Forever," will be publisher Ricky Mathews, executive editor Stan Tiner, Coast Chronicles writer Kat Bergeron and photographer John Fitzhugh. Details: 832-8906.

AUG. 26

Your Guide to Eating Out, 10 a.m., Gulf Islands National Seashore, Ocean Springs. Discover the plants and animals that were important for survival in Davis Bayou on this guided walk. Meet at visitor center. Details: 875-9057.

Charles Drew Coalition Community

blood drive, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Good Deeds Community Center, Madison Street off U.S. 49, Gulfport. Details: 239-0700.

"Great Russian Nutcracker" auditions, 2 p.m., center court, Edgewater Mall, U.S. 90, Biloxi. Ages 6 to young teens roles for party guests, mice, angels, little snow flakes, butterflies, little pages and junior corps de ballet. Bring tights, leotards, ballet slippers and pointe shoes. Production date is Nov. 22. Pre-register online at www.nutcracker.com.

The "Colgate Country Showdown," Picayune High School auditorium. A country music talent showcase and radio promotion. The deadline to enter is Aug. 14. Cost: $10 entry fee. Details: (601) 798-4835 or wrjw@charter.net.

AUG. 29

American Red Cross Katrina Memorial blood drive, 1-7 p.m., Edgewater Mall near Dillards, U.S. 90, Biloxi. To schedule an appointment, go to www.givelife.org and use sponsor code Katrina. Details: 239-0700.

Book signing, 5-7 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Ann Scelba, a wholistic practitioner and teacher, will sign copies of her new book, "Waltzing with Katrina: Courageous stories from people who stayed."

Book and DVD signing, 5 p.m. signing, 6 p.m. discussion of experiences, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Storm chasers Jim Reed and Mike Theiss, who rode out Hurricane Katrina at the Holiday Inn-Beachfront in Gulfport, will be signing copies of their book and DVD, "Hurricane Katrina Through the Eyes of Storm Chasers." Details: 832-8906.

St. Martin High School Class of 1981, 7 p.m., Sunkist Country Club, Biloxi. Twenty-fifth class reunion. Details: Angela Alley, 392-3925 or aalley9744@cableone.net.

Moss Point Community Meeting citywide, 6-8 p.m., Pelican Landing, Mississippi 613. Community wrap-up meeting and Hurricane Katrina anniversary observance.

AUG. 30

Book fair, 5-7 p.m., Aug. 30-31, Sept. 5-7, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. For students at Tulane University, Mississippi Coast campus. Books for most courses will be available. Details: Cyndi Vitri, 388-5769, Andrea Yeager, 832-8906.

AUG. 31

Landscaping with Wildflowers, 1 p.m. registration, 1:30-3:30 p.m. program, Orange Grove Community Center. Speakers: mark LaSalle, Audubon, Mississippi and Liz Cos, Native Plant Society. Details: 831-1647.

SEPT. 1

Book signing, 5-7 p.m. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Michael Holloway Perronne, author of "Starstruck: A Hollywood Saga," will sign copies of his book. Details: 832-8906.

Gulfport students of the 1950s combined reunion party, 8 p.m., Orange Grove Community Center.

SEPT. 2

Low-vision support group, 9:30 a.m., Ocean Springs Hospital library. Legally blind individuals and their families meet the first Saturday of each month to discuss concerns and support. Details: 875-5090 or 218-1549.

Blood drive, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 2, noon-5 p.m. Sept. 3, Prime Outlets, Creosote Road, Gulfport. Mississippi Blood services drive. Details: 697-5807.

Gulfport High School Class of 1954 luncheon reunion, 11 a.m., Sept. 2, Blow Fly Inn, U.S. 49. Details: 697-8989.

SEPT. 8

Gulfport High School Class of 1995 Reunion, 6:30 p.m. GHS football game Sept. 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. family picnic, Sept. 9, James Hill Park, 6 p.m. night out event, IP, Biloxi. Classes from 1993-1996 can attend. Details: Jamye, (304) 876-3244.

SEPT. 11

Bridge lessons, 1 p.m., Coalville United Methodist Church, Lorraine Road, Woolmarket; Methodist Church, Diamondhead. Easy Bridge. Learn by playing. First 4 lessons are free. Registration. Details: Kurt, 396-4015 or Janice, 255-7057.

SEPT. 14

Resources for Women-Owned Businesses, 9 a.m.-noon, Hancock County Chamber, 412 U.S. 90, Suite 6, Bay St. Louis. Registration recommended. Details: 466-9145.

SEPT. 16

Biloxi Seafood Festival, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 16, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sept. 17, Biloxi Town Green. Food, arts and crafts. Details: Rachael@mscoastchamber.com or 604-0014.

SEPT. 19

Capacity building conference, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 19, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Sept. 20, Gulf Coast Business Technology Center, 1636 Popp's Ferry Road, Biloxi. For faith-based and community organizations. Learn about TRANSFORM project and grants. Lunch not included. Details: www.transform.ms.

SEPT. 21

Resources for Women-Owned Businesses, Biloxi, 9 a.m.-noon, Gulf Coast Business Technology Center, 1636 Popp's Ferry Road, Biloxi. Registration recommended. Details: 466-9145.

SEPT. 23

Blood drive, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 23, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 24, Edgewater Mall, U.S. 90. Mississippi Blood services drive. Details: 697-5807.

Harrison Central High School Class of 1996 reunion, 7 p.m., Orange Grove Community Center, U.S. 49 North, Gulfport. Details: Mandy Herrmann Moran, 860-6226 or mandymoran@bellsouth.net.

SEPT. 26

SBA Community Express Loan Program Conference, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Hancock County Chamber, 412 U.S. 90, Suite 6, Bay St. Louis. Registration recommended. Details: 466-9145.

OCT. 7

Low-vision support group, 9:30 a.m., Ocean Springs Hospital library. Legally blind individuals and their families meet the first Saturday of each month to discuss concerns and support. Details: 875-5090 or 218-1549.

Fifteenth annual George Ohr Fall Festival of Arts, Biloxi Town Green. Details: Holly Zinner, 374-5547.

OCT. 12

Shriners free medical screening clinic, 2-6 p.m., Wiggins Primary Care Center, 200 Coastal Paper Ave., Wiggins. To identify children who can benefit from expert orthopaedic and burn care provided at Shriners Hospitals. Details: (601) 928-9200.

OCT. 20

Pigs in the Park, 5 p.m.-until Oct. 20, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Oct. 21, downtown city park, Park Street, Lucedale. Event in conjunction with Praise in the Park music fest with New Song. Barbecue pork competition, bake-off competition, car show, cake walk, children's activities, art show, pinewood derby car race and more. Details: (601) 947-4215 or www.hiscreation.org.

NOV. 4

Low-vision support group, 9:30 a.m., Ocean Springs Hospital library. Legally blind individuals and their families meet the first Saturday of each month to discuss concerns and support. Details: 875-5090 or 218-1549.

DEC. 2

Low-vision support group, 11 a.m., Ocean Springs Hospital library. Legally blind individuals and their families meet the first Saturday of each month to discuss concerns and support. Details: 875-5090 or 218-1549.

What are people saying about mortgages today:

Rates on 30-year mortgages edged down last week to a seven-month low. Mortgage-giant Freddie Mac reported Thursday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages fell to 6.3 percent, down slightly from 6.31 percent two weeks ago. It put rates at the lowest level since they were at 6.24 percent the first week of March.

Bank of Hawaii, Central Pacific Bank, Territorial Savings Bank and Wells Fargo Home Mortgages all cut their 30-year mortgage rates to 5.75 percent this week.

Most people think of a mortgage as a means to an end. After all, you buy a house, not a home loan. But a mortgage is much more than the path to homeownership. It is a financial instrument that must be managed, just like any other financial investment.