Issue 82 - November 29, 2006

From Your Director ...

It is perceived that there is a parking problem downtown. Well, there really isn't one. It would be unreasonable to think that you can park at your front door anytime on any given day. Did you know that there are over 1700 surface parking spaces available in the area known as the Central Business District? The City has provided several free parking lots, all less than two blocks from any downtown establishment, making parking convenient.

The downtown merchants originally asked the City to post a time limit on street parking to accommodate downtown visitors. Employees parking in front of a building for eight hours is an unrealistic expectation. Most of us have gotten tickets for not adhering to the posted limitations and shouldn't get upset when we make the choice to ignore the rules.

Good news though. As recommended by the Urban Land Institute Use Study (ULI), adopted after the tornado of 2003, a parking structure for downtown may soon become a reality. The land has been purchased, and a project is being proposed. Just think how much productivity would increase for employers if employees didn't go out and move their cars every hour. An additional place to park all day would be a welcome addition.

As a City, we are experiencing growing pains, and it's not always easy. As the downtown grows and prospers, we will face a lot of these changes and improvements, but time is on our side. It will only get better . . . wait and see. You'll be glad you did!

Jackson Symphony to Present Christmas Pops

On Saturday, December 2nd, at 7:30 p.m., the Jackson Symphony Orchestra will perform "Christmas Pops" at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, 400 South Highland Avenue. Former Miss America, Kellye Cash, vocalist, and combined choruses from our universities will inspire the spirit of Christmas with their musical gifts.

Admission ranges from $12.00 to $45.00. For more information you can call 425.8587 or 427.6440.

"Something to Read Bookstore" to Host Book Signing

"The Talent Among Us, Vol VI-Perceptions" will be released at 2:30 p.m., December 2nd, at Something To Read Bookstore inside The Painted Lady Shoppes, 415 East Lafayette Street. This anthology by Main Street Publishing includes poetry and short stories from local and area wide writers, who will be on hand to sign books.

For more information you can call 427.7379.

Christmas Parade December 4th

Don't forget this year's Christmas parade, "Christmas Memories," will be Monday, December 4th, starting at 6:30 p.m. from the Carl Perkins Civic Center, 400 South Highland Avenue.

The United Methodist Church will be providing their second annual complimentary hot chocolate station at the corner of Chester and Church Streets. So be sure to stop by.

Library to Show Film Series

One of the most charming husband and wife teams in film history are Nick and Nora Charles. Reacquaint yourself with this lovable pair and enjoy seeing four of the six movies in the series on the big screen at the library. The films were made between 1934 and 1947 and star Myrna Loy and William Powell. They were inspired by THE THIN MAN, a novel by pulp crime writer Dashiell Hammett. The films will be shown in chronological order beginning at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, December 2nd.

For more information you can call 425.8600

Ballet Arts, Inc. to Perform "The Nutcracker"

Ballet Arts, Inc., will be performing "The Nutcracker," December 8th and 9th at 7:00 p.m. and December 10th at 2:00 p.m. at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, 400 South Highland Avenue.

For 25 years Ballet Arts has been bringing the highest quality performances, combining the skills of professional and amateur dancers from all over the world.

Tickets are on sale now through Special Occasions, located at 188 Commerce Center Circle. Regular store hours are 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tickets may also be purchased at the Carl Perkins Civic Center box office on the day of the performance beginning one hour prior to the performance. For more information you can call 668.3240.