Local briefs & announcements - July 25
RIFA hosting Pack the Bus Food Drive on Aug. 3
The Regional Inter-Faith Association (RIFA) is hosting its Pack the Bus food drive in support of the Snack Backpack ministry. The 13th annual event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at five local grocery stores in Jackson.
Pack the Bus is a food drive event that benefits the Snack Backpack ministry. This ministry provides kid-friendly, easy-to-prepare, nutritious food to elementary school children who have little to no food over the weekends. The food collected from Pack the Bus will be used to fill each Snack Backpack. In 2023, the event raised 15,000 pounds of food.
The food drive event will be held Saturday, Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Kroger Stonebrook (41 Stonebrook Place), Kroger University (35 W. University Pkwy.), Walmart North (2196 Emporium Drive), Sam's Club (2120 Emporium Drive), and Walmart South (2171 S. Highland Ave.). A school bus will be parked at each location, and RIFA staff and volunteers will be collecting food and money contributions to feed our hungry neighbors. Items needed to fill the Snack Backpacks include Pop-Tarts, Ramen Noodles (chicken or beef), Microwavable Popcorn (individually wrapped), Apple Sauce (with foil lids), Oatmeal (singleserve packs), Chicken Noodle Soup (with pop-tops), Ravioli (with pop-tops), and Macaroni and Cheese (individual packets/ bowls). RIFA provides Snack Backpacks to approximately 1,400 children at Jackson-Madison County elementary schools each week during the school year. Each Snack Backpack provides a child with six meals and two snacks. Donations can also be made to support the Snack Backpack ministry by visiting https:// secure.qgiv.com/for/snackbackpack.
July blood drives in Madison Co.
Here’s a look at blood drives held by LIFELINE Blood Services in or just outside Madison County for the rest of the month:
July 28 - Journey Church – 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
July 30 - TN State Veterans Home in Humboldt – 1-4 p.m.
City of Jackson to host seventh Community Clean-up Day
The City of Jackson, TN’s Health and Sanitation Department will hold its seventh Community Clean-up Day (Mattress, Tire, and Furniture Disposal event) on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 8 a.m. – noon at the Public Works Yard located at 164 Conalco Drive.
This bulk waste drop-off and paper shredding event will help residents better discard large items that are difficult to dispose of elsewhere. The event will allow citizens to shred documents and drop off items such as tires, mattresses, furniture, and bulk items over 50 pounds.
Event Guidelines:
- Event is free for city of Jackson Residents
- No Commercial Businesses
- 4 Tires per vehicle
- Furniture (including recliners, couches will be accepted)
- Paper shredding by DirectShred
- No appliances with Freon or Refrigerant
- No Hazardous Waste
Health and Sanitation Department are providing free tarps to the first 75 people in trucks or trailers to attend as a part of the education of the "Tarp Your Load" law.
Jackson Choral Society rehearsal
The Jackson Choral Society will host its first rehearsal for its Nov. 16 concert, “Seasons,” on Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Jackson at 200 South Church Street in Downtown Jackson. Singers, come join us for a first singing of the music for our concert, followed by an hour or so of snacks and socializing. Rehearsals will continue every Monday (except Labor Day) evening from 7 to 9 p.m. until the concert week. JCS is a community choir with members of diverse backgrounds, bound together by our love for choral music. No auditions. Everyone is welcome.
Jackson Fire Department to host 3rd Annual Patriots’ Day Memorial Stair Climb
Jackson Fire Department is announcing the 3rd Annual Patriots’ Day memorial Stair Climb at 8 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at the Ballpark at Jackson, 4 Fun Place. The objective of this event is to bring awareness and honor all heroic first responders that tragically lost their lives in the line of duty on that day.
The stair climb is open to all first responders, military personnel, and members of the community. The stair climb will consist of participants ascending approximately 2200 stairs, which is symbolic of the 110 stories ascended by first responders at the World Trade Center. The stair climb may be completed in full personal protective gear, partial gear, or gym clothes. In addition to the stair climb, there will also be ground games held for adults and children, vendor booths, a dunking booth, and much more. Register by selecting the “JFD Stair Climb” button on the Fire Department portion of the website at https://www.jacksontn.gov.
RMHC to host inaugural 731K Family Fun Run
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis-Jackson, TN is hosting its inaugural "731K RMHC Family Fun Run” on July 31 in downtown Jackson as a part of 731-day festivities. The race will begin and end at the West Tennessee Farmers Market, with check-in starting at 7:30am and the race beginning at 8am.
RMHC Memphis-Jackson, TN invites children and adults of all ages to join the fun! For children under 18, registration is $10. For adults, registration is $20. For families, registration is a flat fee of $50. Participants will receive a t-shirt while supplies last.
731k participants should be prepared to be cooled off by water gun stations and the Jackson Fire Department during and after the race.
To register, please visit https://rmhc-memphis.org/731k.
Love Your Block seeks Housing Repair Needs survey participation
Love Your Block – Jackson, TN is seeking the participation in a Housing Repair Needs survey.
Feedback from the survey will help the program identify the most needed repairs and barriers residents face in addressing them.
The survey can be accessed by visiting https://loveyourblock.jacksontn.gov and selecting the “Housing Repair Needs Survey” button.
Alexander named president of the The Jackson Symphony Board of Directors
The Jackson Symphony announced earlier this month that Greg Alexander, publisher and owner of VIP Jackson, VIP Pickwick, VIP Pensacola and VIP Destin Magazines, has been elected President of the Board of Directors for The Jackson Symphony.
Alexander, who will serve a two-year term, was elected by members of The Jackson Symphony Association at their annual meeting in June. Alexander succeeds Stan Harris in the role, who served as President from 2022-24 and oversaw a time of tremendous growth for The Jackson Symphony. During his tenure, the Symphony surpassed attendance records performing for more than 30,000 people each year, sustained an annual operating budget of more than $1 million—the only arts organization in West Tennessee to do so, and established The Jackson Symphony Endowment Fund to ensure long term financial viability of the orchestra.
Serving alongside Alexander on the executive committee is Roger Smith, President-Elect; Jessica Salonus, Secretary; Mike Farris, Finance Chairman; Mary Jane McWherter, Development Chair; Bill Kipp, Governance Chair; Kay Wilkes, Patron Chair; William Hutchinson, Artistic Advisory Chair; Anita Hamilton, Endowment Board Chair; Lee Eddleman, League Chair; and Stan Harris, Immediate Past President. For more information on The Jackson Symphony and its outreach programs, visit thejacksonsympony.org.
Leaders Credit Union receives 2 awards
Leaders Credit Union, a member-owned financial cooperative based in Jackson, Tennessee, has won the Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Member Service Award and the Desjardins Financial Education Award from the Tennessee Credit Union League. The awards were presented at the Tennessee Credit Union League’s Annual Meeting in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
The Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Member Service Award was given to recognize Leaders Credit Union’s philosophy that they play out in their internal and external operations. This award was granted based off their involvement with providing training for their employees to become Certified Financial Counselors, so their members could be given adequate counseling to improve their financial health. Since many counties in West Tennessee experience poverty, employees at Leaders Credit Union are pursuing the mission to equip their communities with adequate financial education and resources to help them make wise choices for spending and saving.
Another award presented to Leaders Credit Union was the Desjardins Financial Education Award. Named after the man who brought credit unions to North America, Alphonse Desjardins, this award honors the Desjardins program, which was created by the Credit Union National Association. The program recognizes credit unions who are leading the way for their members and community to provide them with the tools they need to improve their financial literacy. Since it is imperative that youth are taught strong financial habits to practice before they become financially independent, Leaders Credit Union teaches financial education classes and simulations for students across West Tennessee.
Madison County Sheriff’s Office warns residents of scam calls
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is issuing a warning to residents regarding a resurgence of scam calls targeting individuals within Madison County. These deceptive calls, displaying a telephone number identified as 731-284-8899, is falsely associated with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and often employ the name "Sergeant Barnes," among others.
In these fraudulent calls, scammers pose as deputies from MCSO and falsely claim that the recipient has failed to appear for jury duty in a local court. Victims are then instructed to follow specific payment instructions, which may include withdrawing cash from an ATM, sending a money order, or purchasing certain types of gift cards. The scammers assert that this payment is necessary to address the alleged court matter.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that it will NEVER initiate such calls or demand any form of payment over the phone. Furthermore, individuals should never provide cash, and any website provided by the scammer for online payments is fraudulent and should not be accessed. The telephone number or any related recorded message that claims to be the Madison County Sheriff’s Office is also fraudulent.
Tori Wilkerson joins the Hickman Realty Group
Hickman Realty Group’s Jackson office has welcomed new agent Tori Wilkerson to the team. She brings extensive experience in residential real estate, commercial real estate and new construction to Hickman Realty Group.
Wilkerson, a graduate of Lambuth University, is originally from Bethel Springs in McNairy County. In addition to her professional pursuits, Wilkerson enjoys spending quality time with her husband of 26 years, Will, and their three children Halen (19), Mailey (17) and Selah (13).
TCAT students win gold at SkillsUSA Nationals
Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) at Jackson has two students that have achieved the highest honor at the 2024 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference by receiving the gold status in their respective competitions.
Brian Matthews of Brownsville in Residential and Commercial Appliance Technology, and James Banks of Brownsville in Plumbing demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and proficiency in their fields, earning top honors in their competition. Michael Cains of Lexington competed in Electrical Construction Wiring and placed 13 th in the nation and received a Certificate of Excellence for exceeding industry standards in the competition.
TCAT at Jackson also had 21 students compete at the state competition winning gold, one silver, and three bronze medals.
Adelsberger Marketing announces new CMO services
Adelsberger Marketing has announced its new Fraction Chief Marketing Officer service that will be launched this month.
The Fractional CMO service provides strategic marketing leadership without the cost of a full-time Chief Marketing Officer. AM brings its marketing expertise alongside small and mid-sized businesses that lack strategic marketing leadership to guide them to success in their goals. Their year-long strategic approach develops annual goals, which motivate quarterly planning, monthly tracking of progress and statistics, and daily execution.
The new service will consist of three service plans that offer services for all size businesses. The Advisory Service is for companies with internal marketing that need leadership and accountability in the marketing development of their company. The next plan offered is Marketing Assistance for companies with internal marketing staff that are junior staff or have a specific skill set and need additional leadership and creative help to accomplish the goals. Lastly, our Full Implementation (Advisory Service + Marketing Assistance) service is great for growing companies without dedicated internal marketing staff.
Elk Olympics honors deceased veterans
Jackson Elks #192 recently held the Elk Olympic games to raise funds for the West Tennessee Veterans’ Cemetery in Parker’s Crossroads. An estimated $3,000 was raised over four four-evening, seven-event games complete with opening and closing ceremonies. Over 107 Elk members participated in the games with the best winning gold, silver and bronze medals in such events as corn hole, eight-ball pool and free throw shooting. The games were held in honor of deceased Elk and Air Force veteran Suni Miani. The project was created by Alex Miani, who chaired the event.
Mid-West Tennessee Genealogical Society
The Mid-West Tennessee Genealogical Society will meet Tuesday, August 13, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Program Center of the Jackson-Madison County Library at 433 East Lafayette Street in Jackson.
Madison County Historian Ricky Long will be presenting an enlightening program on the history of the Hollywood Cemetery in Jackson, TN. Ricky will share the rich past of one of Jackson's most historic sites. Attendees will explore the cemetery's origins, notable burials, and its significance within the local community. Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or a history enthusiast, this program promises to offer valuable insights and a deeper appreciation for this cherished landmark. Join us as we uncover the stories that have shaped our heritage.
Anyone interested in genealogy is invited to attend the meeting. Annual membership dues are $20 and include quarterly issues of “Family Findings” with West Tennessee genealogical stories and research tips. Questions should be sent to mwtgs1968@gmail.com.
