Issue 95 - February 28, 2007

From Your Director ...

On Friday afternoon, I had the privilege of attending the ribbon cutting of Teamsouth Discount Shoes, located at 317F Royal Street. This is a new business that just opened up that was a long time dream of Kurtiss Barnes. Mr. Barnes is one of those special people I'm always talking about. He's a true entrepreneur, a risk taker, a pioneer, and an example of what our downtown is all about. He had an idea, and created a home for the $35.99 shoe warehouse. We have so many of these special people downtown. The small shop owner, the unique business proprietor, the specialty item places to visit and the one of a kind business you can't find anywhere else.

I marvel at the sheer guts some of these business people possess, and have great admiration for them. They have created the heart and soul of Jackson's downtown, and it's their spirit you feel when you walk the streets and visit the shops and businesses. They didn't have to be downtown, they chose to be downtown. Thank you, all of you, for you're investment, determination and commitment to your business and the downtown family. Your success is our success.

Just as important, the downtown's success could not have happened without visitors, clients, employees, and shoppers. We thank you for your support. For those of you that haven't shared all the downtown has to offer for awhile, plan a visit soon. You'll be glad you did!!!

The 21st Annual "Taste of Jackson" to take place Thursday Evening March 1st

The 21st annual March of Dime's "A Taste of Jackson and West Tennessee" will take place on Thursday, March 1st, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, 400 South Highland Avenue.

Over 50 area restaurants will be showcasing their finest dishes for visitors' to benefit the March of Dimes Campaign for Healthier Babies.

Clark Shaw, CEO of Brooks Shaw's Old Country Store in Casey Jones Village will be the featured chef for this special event.

Tickets are on sale at the March of Dimes office and Jackson area Kroger stores. For more information you can call 668.1023.

National Theater for Arts & Education, LLC to Present Two Performances

National Theater for Arts & Education, LLC is an educational organization dedicated to supplementing the basic classroom curriculum by making available drama, music and dance programs to help increase a students' cultural awareness.
On Wednesday February 28th, the production "The Giver," an adaptation of Lois Lowry's Newberry award winning novel will be presented at the The Ned R. McWherter West Tennessee Cultural Arts Center, 314 East Main Street, at 10:15 a.m.
On Monday, March 5th , a performance by the leading dance company of South America will be presenting a "Latin America Dance & Song Festival," also at "The Ned" at 10:15 a.m. Both of these programs should prove to be very educational. For more information you can call 866.988.5553.

First Friday Forum to be held on March 2nd

Attendees of this months First Friday Forum are in for a very special treat. Back by popular demand, on Friday, March 2nd, Sharon Younger, President of Younger Associates will address the First Friday Forum guests with timely information on trends, market overviews, growth patterns and market predictions for the City of Jackson. Ms. Younger and her associates are well known for “keeping the pulse” on the city statistics. Numbers are never boring for her and the presentation should prove to be enlightening, informative, and worthwhile. You won't want to miss this presentation.

First Friday Forum is from noon until 1:00 p.m., in Clayton Hall at First United Methodist Church, 200 South Church Street, and 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.

Jackson Centre to present Williams and Ree at the Ned

On Saturday evening, March 3rd, at 7:00 p.m. the Jackson Centre brings the Comedy Team of William & Ree to the Ned R. McWherter West Tennessee Cultural Arts Center, 314 East Main Street.

America's favorite music and comedy duo often referred to as "The Indian and The White Guy" will be blending pop culture trends into a fast-paced, lively show, full of zings interspersed with songs.

They prove they have what it takes to get an audience going. They pick on everyone, no matter what their background, and prove they have developed a camaraderie on-stage that appeals to all ages and purely entertains.

The show is brought to you in part by the West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex.

For More information you can call 425.8587.

"Annual Spring Show" on exhibit at City Hall the month of March

The Jackson Art Association will be exhibiting their "Annual Spring Show" at Jackson City Hall, 100 East Main Street the entire month of March from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, Monday through friday.

A special art show opening reception will be taking place from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 4th, at the City Hall to kick off the show. Plan on attending to see and enjoy the wonderful talent.

For more information you can call 660.5090.

Library to host Noon Book Review on Thursday

On Thursday, March 1st at noon, in the program center of the library, 433 East Lafayette Street, the Friends of the Jackson Madison County Library, will present Carol Buckley, Executive Director/co-founder of the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee.

She will share her thoughts on her children's book "Just for Elephants." You can bring a lunch, and the "Friends" will provide dessert and coffee. For more information you can call 427.8600.