Local briefs, announcements - Nov. 28

Lane College to recognize World AIDS Day

Lane College will commemorate World AIDS Day on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Kirkendoll Center on campus. This is a time to bring people together from around the world to raise awareness, remember those affected by HIV/AIDS, and celebrate progress in the fight against this global health issue. World AIDS Day provides a unique opportunity to educate, advocate, and inspire change. It is one of the most recognized international health days and a key moment to reflect on advancements in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care and renew our commitment to ending the epidemic. For more information, Mrs. Fisher Smith, Director of Campus Life, at 731.693.2500 and fsmith@lanecollege.edu.  

Jackson Clinic announces new Midtown provider

The Jackson Clinic has announced the addition of Travis Rice, D.O., as a primary care provider at its Midtown location. Dr. Rice brings extensive knowledge and a strong dedication to family medicine, having completed his residency at the University of Tennessee Family Medicine Residency Program in Jackson. The Jackson Clinic’s primary care providers work collaboratively with patients to develop personalized care plans that incorporate quality measures tailored to each individual’s unique needs. By utilizing health information technology and evidence-based medicine, they deliver the highest quality of care while improving access and providing cost-effective alternatives. 

Annual ‘A Union Christmas’ concert set for Dec. 6

Union University’s music department will present its annual “A Union Christmas” concert Dec. 6.

The evening will feature performances by the combined choirs and instrumental groups of the Department of Music, as well as congregational singing and Scripture reading.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel. It is free and open to the public.

Jackson Clinic welcomes new hospitalist

The Jackson Clinic announces the addition of Dr. Kelechi Emmanuel to its Hospitalist Department. Dr. Emmanuel joins an esteemed team of hospitalists. The Hospitalist Department operates at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. 

Dr. Emmanuel earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Spartan Health Sciences University School of Medicine in Vieux-Fort, Saint Lucia. She completed both her internship and residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Harrisburg, PA,. Dr. Emmanuel is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Medical Association, American Heart Association (AHA), American College of Physicians (ACP), and Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. 

Hospitalists specialize in the comprehensive medical care of hospitalized patients, coordinating with nurses, specialists, and surgeons to ensure optimal treatment. They document hospital stays, including diagnoses, medications, and examinations, facilitating ongoing, comprehensive care. Hospitalists also keep patients' primary care physicians informed about their progress, ensuring seamless continuity of care.

Holiday closing

Madison County Government Offices will close at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 and will be closed Thursday and Friday.  Normal business hours will resume Monday morning, December 2, 2024.

Youth Villages launches Holiday Heroes campaign

Youth Villages’ Holiday Heroes campaign is underway, and the nonprofit is looking for more heroes to help make the season special for more than 1,500 West Tennessee children and families in their care.  

The children and youth served by the organization have experienced trauma, abuse and neglect, and the campaign aims to help alleviate the strain that can be caused this time of year by providing gifts and holiday cheer. 

Holiday Heroes has been helping children and families in West Tennessee for nearly 20 years by connecting corporate and community volunteers to provide gifts and celebrations for West Tennessee children during the holidays. 

Individuals, companies and groups (church, civic, social) can help by making monetary donations. To give, visit the Holiday Heroes website. Youth Villages will receive donations starting now and throughout the month of December.  

For more information about Holiday Heroes and giving joy to a child or family this holiday season, contact Kaitlyn Kyle at Kaitlyn.Kyle@youthvillages.org. 

Turkey Day 5k to benefit RIFA

Thursday, November 28, 2024 – Gold's Gym and Fleet Feet will be hosting the  20th annual Turkey Day 5K to benefit RIFA. The Gold's Gym/Fleet Feet Turkey Day 5K is on  Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, at Gold's Gym in Jackson. The race will begin  promptly at 8 a.m. The 19th Annual Gold's Gym/Fleet Feet Turkey Day 5K was held November 23, 2023, featured  over 600 participants, and raised $16,000 for RIFA in the fight against hunger.  

OJH, City of Jackson to host inaugural mural design event

Our Jackson Home and the City of Jackson are partnering to host Jackson’s first mural design event, Design Dash on January 10-11 at theCO. The event will give West Tennessee artists an opportunity to collaborate with an artist teammate of their choice to collectively design Downtown Jackson’s newest mural.

West Tennessee-based artists are invited to participate in Design Dash at theCO on January 10 and 11, 2025. Each artist should pair up with another artist teammate and sign up to participate as a team of two by January 3. The artist teams will have no prior knowledge of the mural location or theme until they arrive at the event. Once arriving to participate in Design Dash, artist teams will receive the mural location and have two days to design the mural. The teams will receive free mentorship throughout the event from professional muralists Whitney Herrington and Kim Radford.

At the conclusion of the event, artist teams will each pitch their mural ideas to the public and a panel of judges on January 11 at 4:00 p.m. at the Design Dash Showcase event at theCO. The event is free and open to the public, and will give everyone a glimpse into the mural designing process. The winning team will receive $11,000 to install their new mural in Downtown Jackson.

All artist participants must be visual artists or graphic designers and must live in West Tennessee. There is no cost for artists to participate, and meals will be provided during the event.

A full description of Design Dash and the form to sign up to participate can be found on Our Jackson Home’s website at ourjacksonhome.com/designdash. 

Public meetings schedule

Here's a rundown of public meetings coming up:

Jackson City Council meetings happen in the George A. Smith City Council Room at City Hall (101 East Main Street in Downtown Jackson) unless otherwise noted.

• City Council’s next meeting is Dec. 3 at 9 a.m.

Madison County Commission committee meetings typically happen at the County Finance Complex at 1981 Hollywood Drive unless otherwise noted.

• Juvenile Justice Center Committee will meet at 9 a.m. on Dec. 3

The Community Economic Development Commission Board will have its next meeting on Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. at The Greater Jackson Chamber (197 Auditorium Street in Downtown Jackson).