Local briefs, announcements - June 13
LOCAL BRIEFS
C.A.S.T. for Kids this weekend
The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation will hold a C.A.S.T. for Kids event on Indian Lake in Cedar Grove on June 15, starting at 8:30 a.m. This will be a free boating and fishing event for children with special needs. The event is open to all children, ages 6-18, no matter their disability. Participants must pre-register online at https://castforkids.org/event/indianlake/ and the space is limited to the first 40 children who register. The C.A.S.T. (“Catch A Special Thrill”) for Kids Foundation enriches the lives of children with special needs, supports their families, and strengthens communities through the sport of fishing. The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation is in its 33rd year of celebrating children with special needs by providing free boating and fishing events for them to enjoy the outdoors. In 2024, the Foundation will hold over 100 events. You can view a complete National schedule at www.castforkids.org. Anyone with questions please contact event coordinator Bob Redding at indianlake@castforkids.org.
Paris Creative Agency expands, welcomes Mallette to team
Paris Creative Agency has announced its expansion and the addition of Amy Mallette as brand architect. She brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in public affairs, digital marketing and strategic communications.
Mallette has served as the director of public affairs for the City of Jackson and previously director of marketing at Union University College of Pharmacy. Her extensive experience in these roles has equipped her with a keen understanding of the latest trends and best practices in the industry. Amy specializes in digital marketing, public relations and strategic communications, ensuring our clients will benefit from her expertise and innovative approach.
RIFA to host 19th Canstruction
The Regional Inter-Faith Association (RIFA) has announced Canstruction 2024: An Evening with Mike Goodwin, presented by Foundation Bank. The 19th annual event will be held on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Downtown Jackson. Mike Goodwin is a comedian, keynote speaker, and content delivery coach. His signature bowtie represents his expectation-defying brand of comedy that leaves a variety of audiences - from churches to corporate events to swanky galas - laughing hysterically and completely inspired, without a foul or vulgar word spoken.
In this design competition, Jackson-based businesses, churches, schools, and organizations form teams to showcase their talents by creating giant sculptures entirely out of unopened cans of food on Sept. 24. All the canned food used to make the structures is donated to RIFA for distribution to people in our community. At the Canstruction gala on Sept. 26, the structures are on display for guests to view the teams’ creative efforts toward RIFA’s mission. The gala also includes a formal dinner, awards ceremony, and entertainment by Mike Goodwin.
Opportunities are available for sponsorships, structure-building teams, and full table purchases. Balcony tickets are also available. For more information, please contact Erin Mount at 731-427-7963 or emount@rifajackson.org.
Flag Day retirement ceremony on Friday
Boy Scouts of America Troop 6 and Knights of Columbus Assembly 1086 are hosting a flag retirement ceremony on June 14, at 6 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church to celebrate the 247th anniversary of the adoption of the American flag.
Anyone with a worn flag in need of respectful retirement is welcome to bring it to the parish office at St. Mary’s before the ceremony. The groups are also welcoming newer, unused flags in need of a good home, and plan to distribute them to attendees in need of a new flag.
Nominations being taken for Leadership Jackson
The Greater Jackson Chamber is now accepting nominations for the Leadership Jackson 2024 class. This adult leadership program is aimed at empowering business professionals to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Jackson-Madison County community and its opportunities and challenges.
Leadership Jackson offers an immersive three-month program that allows participants to explore Jackson, engage with influential leaders and take part in weekly sessions delving into critical topics affecting Jackson-Madison County.
Starting June 1, applicants can fill out a nomination form online at LeadershipJackson.com or at the 2024 Leadership Jackson Nomination form link. Applicants must be a Greater Jackson Chamber member, and a leader in their company or organization should nominate them. They can nominate themselves if they are the primary decision maker. Due to class size, members must limit their nominations to one per chamber member.
The 2024 class will be led by Leadership Jackson Chair Kris Kelley, JACOA, and Vice Chair Mike Bryant, Centennial Bank.
The comprehensive curriculum of Leadership Jackson covers a diverse range of topics throughout the weekly sessions while also incorporating a focus on leadership skill-building. Notable leaders from key sectors, including health care, criminal justice, economic development, livability, education, and government, will provide valuable insights by presenting an overview of the present state, challenges, and future vision of their respective fields. This collective knowledge equips participants with a broad understanding of the inner workings of Jackson-Madison County, fostering a big-picture perspective.
For more information about Leadership Jackson or to see the program schedule for the 2024 class, visit LeadershipJackson.com or contact Lauren Saliba, vice president of education and leadership development, at lsaliba@jacksontn.com.
Bemis Historical Society meeting
Bemis Historical Society extends an invitation to its monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 18, at 6:00 p.m. at the Bemis Mill Village Museum, located at 2 North Missouri Street in Jackson.
In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day this month, Rodger Holtin of Freed-Hardeman University will deliver an insightful presentation on the music of World War II. This event promises to delve deep into the rich and emotive soundscape of the wartime era, exploring how music served as a crucial element in bolstering morale and fostering unity among both soldiers and civilians. Join us for this engaging and educational exploration of World War II's musical heritage, as we honor the legacy of those who lived through this pivotal moment in history.
Prospective members and guests are welcome to attend. The 100-year-old museum building is handicap accessible. Browse the museum to enjoy the artifacts and to visit the museum’s Company Store or visit online at bemishistory.org. Membership in Bemis Historical Society is an opportunity to contribute to the preservation and celebration of Bemis’ rich history. Annual society membership dues are $25, and they can be conveniently paid at the meeting or sent by mail to PO Box 9266, Jackson, TN 38314-9266.
Local teacher selected for WestStar
The UT Martin WestStar Leadership Program’s sixth WestTeach class has been chosen and will meet for the first of four sessions Aug. 26-27 in Martin and Union City. The remaining sessions will be held Sept. 25 in Jackson, Oct. 30 in Dyersburg and Nov. 14 in Brownsville. The class includes 23 participants from 14 counties. Graduation is scheduled Dec. 17 in Martin.
WestTeach was created as a class project by the 2017 WestStar Leadership class to support teacher development. A new class is selected annually by the program’s advisory committee following teacher nominations by school superintendents and directors.
West Tennessee teachers selected for the program learn about the region’s economic needs and opportunities. Each class also meets with regional industry and community leaders to learn more about what students might experience outside of the classroom both in the workplace and beyond. Eighty-nine teachers have completed the program since it began.
One teacher from a Madison County school is a part of this class: Mary Katras, JCM-Early College High School.
Health Dept. urges pregnant women to stop smoking
The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department is announcing a new program that will provide women and families with resources to quit smoking.
Tennessee’s G.I.F.T.S. program is now available in Madison County. G.I.F.T.S., which stands for Growing Inside Free of Tobacco and Smoking, provides support and counseling for pregnant and postpartum women who want to quit smoking. G.I.F.T.S. offers up to $300 in rewards upon program completion.
Pregnant women can be referred by their healthcare provider or through a self-referral. Women attend four smoking cessation sessions.
Following the sessions, they will take monthly breath tests at the health department. For every smoke-free breath test, participants will receive a $25 voucher that can be used for diapers, baby wipes, groceries, or other supplies. Participants can earn $25 vouchers monthly for up to 12 months.
“Women who quit smoking are less likely to have premature and low birth weight babies and reduce the risks of secondhand smoke on their children,” said LeKendria Mays, Health Promotions Coordinator. “It’s a free program that not only improves the health of your family, but rewards you financially.
A smoker who lives with the participant can also enroll in the program. If they successfully quit smoking, they earn additional monthly vouchers for the family.
For more information on the G.I.F.T.S. program, contact LeKendria Mays or Alex McHugh at 731-423-3020.
