Issue 219- July 22, 2009

From Your Director

When I was living in Indiana or when I am traveling around the country and people ask that famous question “where are you from”, I get to say “Tennessee!” Nine out of Ten times I hear “The Volunteer State!” Of course most of those who say this are referring to the University of Tennessee, not how or why we actually became known as the Volunteer State. I am telling you all this because here in Jackson, we are still volunteering. I hear and see it everywhere. People giving their spare time to help make their community better, this might be by participating with a civic organization, service organization, or just spending time with someone who is lonely.

Downtown Jackson also needs volunteers. The JDDC’s 18th Shannon Street Blues and Heritage Festival in June had over a 100 volunteers with over 300 hours of work. The event would not have been successful without all their help- thank you volunteers! We always have something going on, whether it is an event, a committee meeting, looking at design plans or studying ways to attract businesses downtown. We definitely have something for everyone!

Next week’s newsletter will list the different committees and their mission. If you love Downtown Jackson and want to be a part of its continued success and growth, look at the committees and decide which one suits you the best. You can give an hour a month or ten hours a month, it’s up to you. Click here to complete a volunteer form, or just give us a call. Thank you for your continued support of Downtown Jackson.

Mayor's Civic Pride Awards

Please congratulate the following downtown businesses, recently recognized for their contribution to the beautification of Jackson with the Civic Pride Award: Exotic House of Beauty for the Commercial/Retail division, Aeneas Internet and Telephone for the Service/Office division, and TLM Associates for their renovation on Lafayette Street.

The Civic Pride Awards are a continuing project of Keep Jackson Beautiful, which works for litter prevention, education and beautification. For more information, click here.

Sleeping Beauty

Jackson Teen Theatre presents their take on this classic story of a cursed young princess and the hero that comes to her rescue. Performing five plays a year, Jackson Teen Theater offers children and teens the opportunity to explore their creativity and boost their self-confidence. Tickets are $6 in advance and $7 day of.

Thursday, July 23 and Friday, July 24 at 7:30 pm
Friday, July 24 at 2:00 pm
Ned R. McWherter Cultural Arts Center
314 East Main Street

For more information, click here or call 425.8397

B for Business

This monthly program features relevant information and networking opportunities for community business leaders.

Seth Chandler, with DCA/DCPR, will present this month's program on the ease and importance of web marketing. This session is free for Chamber members, but please call ahead to reserve your seat.

Thursday, July 30
7:45 pm—9:00 am
Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce
197 Auditorium Street

For more information, click here or call 427.7900

Fabulous Friday

Don't miss this Fabulous Friday. The last Friday of every month, downtown businesses open their doors, with live music, free art exhibits, and great food and drinks from downtown's unique establishments.

Then, check our galleries for your picture. You may be featured in our regular photo gallery update, “This Week Downtown.”

Friday, July 31
All Day
Downtown Jackson

For more information, click here or call 427.7573

DAR Genealogy Work Session

Each month, the Jackson-Madison Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution provide this free session for prosepctive members.

The research session is especially helpful for those completing lineage research for membership in the DAR, SAR, or CAR. Receive support and helpful tips for your research.

Tuesday, August 4
6:00 pm—8:00 pm
Jackson-Madison County Library
433 East Lafayette Street

For more information, click here or call 422.1512

Rock-A-Billy Festival

This year's Rock-A-Billy Festival features three days of world class musicians from the genre, including the W.S. Holland Band and Wanda Jackson.

Day passes start at $22, or get a three day pass for $60. Also, don't miss the Rock-A-Billy Festival Car Show on August 8, from 10 am to 2 pm on Church Street. Click below for the full three day line up.

Thursday, August 6 at 7:00 pm
Friday, August 7 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, August 8 at 7:00 pm
Jackson Fairgrounds Park
800 South Highland

For more information, click here or call 427.6262