Issue 86 - December 27, 2006

From Your Director ...

Happy New Year! The year 2006 may have been good or bad for you, but one thing is certain, we get to do "it" all over again. Fresh start, wipe the slate clean and welcome the new year in. Oh I know the old doesn't really go away, but for some reason it is easy to feel that it is a new beginning for some things.

The City of Jackson and Madison County will experience a lot of changes in 2007 with new leadership, new developments, new concerns, and new solutions.

JDDC saw a lot of changes in 2006, most of them positive. There will be challenges in 2007, but with such a wonderful, improving, dynamic downtown, it should be fun and rewarding. One goal will remain; to attract more people downtown. There are still many that haven't been downtown since before the tornado, and I'm sure their memory is not the best. They should see and experience their downtown today. What a transformation.

Reflection is good, but keeping the vision for the future is more important. That is JDDC's role in the community, to keep the downtown viable, to ensure economic stability, to be in-sync with the political goals, to enhance the recruitment capabilities of business and industry, and to provide the best quality of life possible for all city and county residents. So come on, get on board. You'll be glad you did!!!

Kwanzaa to Take Place on December 31st

Kwanzaa, a unique African Celebration is not a substitute for Christmas. It is a time of reaffirmation of the African American Culture. Kwanzaa, founded in 1966, means "first fruits of harvest", and will be observed by more than 18 million people worldwide for seven days. Jackson will have their special annual celebration presented by the SAACA Organization at the T. R. White Sportsplex, 304 N. Hays Avenue on December 31st, starting at 5:00 p.m.

Admission is free. For more information you may call 267.3212.

Shops of the Painted Lady to Hold Thursday Luncheon

The Tea Room at the Shops of the Painted Lady, 415 East Lafayette Street, will be serving lunch on Thursday, December 28th with an 11:00 a.m. and a 1:00 p.m. sitting. This would be a very special treat so plan on taking someone to lunch between the holidays and experience this special place.

The Tea Room will be closed on January 4th and will re-open on the 11th for your dining pleasure. Reservations are required. For more information you can call 427.2000.

"Friends" to Hold Book Discussion

The Friends of the Library will host their first meeting of the year with a discussion presented by Madison County Attorney Jerome Teel in respect to his novel "The Election".

Bring a sack lunch and the Friends will provide beverages and dessert.

The meeting will take place at the Jackson-Madison County Library, 433 East Lafayette Street at noon on January 4, 2006. Mark your calendar now. For more information you can call 425.8600.

Fabulous Friday will Happen December 29th

On Friday, December 29th, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., downtown Jackson once again comes alive with fun, food, and music. Downtown merchants stay open late, and welcome the New Year in with pre-parties. Stop down and enjoy the festivities.

Dickson Gallery, Marguerite's, Art on a Hot Tin Roof, Yesterdays Antiques, and Artopia will all have special events, so plan on a fun night.

For more information you can call 427.7573.

First Friday Forum
Special Presentation to Take Place
January 5, 2006

First Friday Forum welcomes in the New Year with a Special Presentation. On Friday, January 5, 2007, Mayor Charles Farmer will address the First Friday Forum attendees with an enlightening dialogue. Mayor Farmer will deviate from his traditional first of the New Year City of Jackson address and will lead a question and answer session entitled, "Everything you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask." It should be an interesting and lively presentation you won't want to miss.

First Friday Forum is from noon until 1:00 p.m., in Clayton Hall at First United Methodist Church, 200 South Church street. The event is sponsored by First United Methodist Church and Jackson Downtown Development Corporation. A $5.00 lunch is available. For more information you can call 427.7573.