Issue 127 - October 10, 2007

From Your Director ...

Downtown Jackson is proud to announce the opening of the very first exhibit at the Discovery Museum of West Tennessee. The Drachen Foundation Japanese Kite Exhibit will be on display from October 15 - November 17, 2007. This exhibit is free for all who wish to learn more about the history of Japanese kites. This collection of 40 Japanese kites from different times and kite makers throughout Japan is a colorfully delightful display to introduce visitors to the art and culture of Japan. Help us kick-off the exhibit with a public reception on October 15, 2007 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The Discovery Museum of West Tennessee will provide interactive exhibits for children in addition to housing a visual setting for historical facts regarding the evolution of Jackson, Madison County and West Tennessee. This museum will enhance downtown and beckon all children of our region to unleash their minds. It will provide creative, innovative, and interactive exhibits of the highest quality to entertain, while simultaneously teaching about our culture, our history and our world.

Discovery Museum
315 East Lafayette St.

Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Days of Operation Tuesday - Saturday
Admission: Free

Welcome to the future of Downtown Jackson ... one we can invent together!

Poetry Discussion, "Why Poetry Matters to American Culture"

It isn’t often that a former U.S. Poet Laureate visits West Tennessee. Thank you to Judy Pennel and the team at the library for securing former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky's for a November 1st visit.

In preparation for the upcoming visit, Dr. Gene Fant will present a program titled, “Why Poetry matters to American Culture (Despite Our Anxieties!).” Fant serves as Chair and Associate Professor of English and Dean, College of Arts & Sciences at Union University. Don’t miss our community’s opportunity to continue the critical dialog on the importance of poetry. Bring a sack lunch if you wish.

Thursday, October 11, 2007
12:00 p.m.
Jackson-Madison County Library, 433 East Lafayette Street

For more information contact the Jackson-Madison County Library 425.8600.

Smoke On The Mountain Homecoming

The wildly popular sequel to “Smoke On The Mountain” is in town for one night at the Ned!

Let’s go back in time to October, 1945. The war is over and America’s years of prosperity are just beginning. But there’s another kind of rite of passage at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, where the Reverend Mervin Oglethorpe is giving his last service.

Join the Sanders family as they send Mervin and June off in style, with hilarious and touching stories and 25 fabulous Bluegrass Gospel favorites.

Friday, October 12, 2007
7:00 p.m.
Ned R. McWherter West Tennessee Cultural Arts Center, 314 East Main Street
Tickets range from $18 to $25.

To Reserve your tickets contact the Jackson Centre Box Office at 427.8587.

"How to Improve Credit History for Small Business Owners"

In conjunction with the African American Business Showcase, Sharon Taylor McKinney of the Business Enterprise Resource Office (BERO) will conduct a seminar on "How to Improve Credit History for Small Business Owners."

BERO is a great resource targeting small, minority and women-owned businesses providing technical, financial and management information assistance. It also works closely with the Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise Office assisting small and minority businesses with procurement opportunities.

Following the seminar visit the African American Business Showcase.

Saturday, October 13, 2007
11:00 a.m. BERO Seminar
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. African American Business Showcase
T. R. White Sportsplex, 304 North Hays Avenue

For more information contact the African American Chamber of Commerce at 424.2030.

By Any Means Necessary

National playwright, director, and producer Laterras R. Whitfield, brings his newest and most hilarious stageplay to the stage in the comedy entitled, “By Any Means Necessary.” Come witness the story of three women who get so fed up with being single, they devise a scheme to get married by 30… And they’re 29.

Familiar stars make up the cast including: Tisha Campbell-Martin (from My Wife and Kids & Martin), Chante Moore (R&B Sensation), Guy Torry (comedian/actor), Dave Hollister (R&B Extraordinaire), Chico Benymon (from UPN’s Half & Half), Shar Jackson (from Moesha).

Saturday, October 13, 2007
3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Carl Perkins Civic Center, 400 South Highland Avenue
Tickets are $27.50

To reserve your tickets contact the Jackson Centre Box Office at 427.8587.

Brown Bag Lunch Series

In celebration of National Business Women’s Week, October 15-19, the local Jackson Business & Professional Women’s Club is presenting “The Brown Bag Lunches.” The weeklong series covers topics including “Women and Retirement,” “Marketing on a Budget,” “Travel Within a Day’s Drive,” “Surviving the Sandwich Generation,” and “Fall Decorating with Dried Flowers.”

The free series is open to the community and lasts an hour. Bring your lunch and the beverages will be provided by Middlebrooks & Gray, P.A.

October 15 - 19, 2007
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Jackson-Madison County Library, 433 East Lafayette Street

For more information contact Middlebrooks & Gray, P.A. at 423.2234.

Are you job hunting? Should you be?

Get the suit to the cleaners, polish your shoes and update your résumé for next week’s Job Fair. The area's top businesses and industries are gathered under one roof to talk about job openings and employment opportunities.

It's free and no appointments are necessary. So, whether you are looking for qualified job applicants or searching for a job, The Jackson Sun Career Fair is the place to be!

Tuesday, October 16, 2007
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Carl Perkins Civic Center, 400 South Highland Avenue

For more information contact The Jackson Sun at 425.9648.