This past Saturday evening our neighborhood had a block party. It was great. Our neighbors two doors down hosted the evening and we shared a wonderful evening with some neighbors we know and several we had not met in the two plus years we have lived in Jackson. It was special to spend time with these new friends and I look forward to getting to know them better over time.

JDDC's special event, "Rally In The Alley," scheduled for this Thursday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. is put on to afford a similar experience for downtown folks to meet and greet old and new friends, co-workers and to meet new people that call downtown home, at least during the day. It's a fun-filled evening of fellowship, food and music.

JDDC, Horton & Associates, Aeneas Internet and Telephone and Askew Hargraves, Harcourt and Associates, Inc. are sponsors for the evening. The ever popular Joseph McKinney Project Band will be playing throughout the evening. Askew, Hargraves, Harcourt and Associates, Inc. will be cooking barbecue all day in the alley and fresh pork sandwiches will be provided by the firm for your eating pleasure, and JDDC will be providing the cold drinks. Plan on stopping by on Thursday the 28th and enjoy this great event. You'll be glad you did. For more information you can call our office at 427.7573.

Annual American Cancer Society Fashion Show & Silent Auction at the Civic Center

The 12th Annual American Cancer Society's "Runway For A Cure Fashion Show and Silent Auction" will be held on Tuesday, October 3rd, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, 400 South Highland Avenue. The silent auction starts at 5:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:00 p.m.             

For more information and for tickets you can call 664.1084.

Thomas Aud Retirement Party Scheduled for Sunday

In appreciation for Thomas L. Aud's thirty-one years' as Executive Director of the Jackson/Madison County Library, the staff and friends are hosting a retirement party on Sunday, October 1, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., in the Library Program Center, 433 E. Lafayette.

Members of the community are cordially invited to drop by to reminisce, extend good wishes to the honoree, and enjoy the fellowship and refreshments. For more information you can call 425.8600.

Dickson Gallery to Host Art Show and Reception

The Dickson Gallery of Fine Art, 118 East Lafayette Street, has begun final preparations for an exquisite show presenting the original works of watercolorist Mary Spellings. The opening reception will be held Friday evening, September 29th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., complete with live music in cooperation with "Fabulous Friday" downtown. The show will continue through Friday, October 13th until 5:30 pm.

While Mary has lived in Madison County all her life, she has received national recognition for her works entered in a multitude of prestigious artists competitions over the years. For more information you can call 423.9708.

Home Builder Association Open House to be Held at Jackson Fairgrounds

The Annual West Tennessee Open House, building, remodeling and decorating show sponsored by JEA and Bancorp South will be held Friday, September 29th, through Sunday, October 1st, at Jackson Fairgrounds Park. Hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Special this year will be "Houses for Houses" a bird house display and contest to benefit Habitat for Humanity.

For more information you can call 423.6226.

Library to Host Book Signing

The novel is a fast-paced, highly-readable mystery filled with suspense, intrigue and political conspiracy. Come to the Library Program Center on September 30th and support our newest local author. For more information you can call 425.8600.

Marguerite's to Host Special Event Friday Night

Marguerite's Gallery of Fine Art, 124 East Baltimore Street, in conjunction with Fabulous Friday, will be hosting a Special Wine and Cheese Party featuring "Karaoke with Karen" on September 29th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.                           

This should be fun and participation from the attendees is encouraged. For more information you can call 427.3006.