The Friends of the Jackson-Madison County Library will be hosting their monthly First Thursday program next week on March 7, 2024 at 12:00 pm at the library featuring Anthony Kirk, owner of Turntable Coffee Counter in downtown Jackson. After more than a decade working in area coffee shops, Anthony opened his coffee counter at The Local in February of 2021. The business soon outgrew that space and in July 2022, it was moved to the current location at 300 E. Main Street. True to his motto of “brewing coffee and community,” Turntable has hosted special events and has become a welcoming place for all ages and groups. It has also developed into a favorite for steadfast coffee enthusiasts.

Join the Friends on March 7 at noon for an interesting and informative look at coffees of the world and how to improve your own coffee experience at home.

The Jackson-Madison County Library is located at 433 E. Lafayette St. in downtown. For more information, contact the Library at 731-425-8600, visit the Library’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/JMCLibrary or its website at www.jmclibrary.org. 

 

Shiloh National Military Park is excited to announce a special ranger-led hike taking place on the battlefield. On Saturday, February 24, 2024, join Ranger Timothy Arnold for a hike entitled, “Jones Field: The Second Day.” On the second day of the Battle of Shiloh, General Lew Wallace, advanced his Union Division into Jones Field. Follow Park Ranger Arnold as he details the officers and men that fought under General Wallace’s direction, and the struggles they faced advancing against fierce Confederate resistance. The hike will begin at Tour Stop #12 (Jones Field) at 10:00 am. Hikers should be prepared to walk up to one mile on uneven terrain. Appropriate clothing for the weather, comfortable walking shoes, and water are recommended. Pre-registration is required. Please call the Shiloh Visitor Center at 731-689-5696 any day of the week between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to reserve your spot. For more information on all events at both the Shiloh and Corinth battlefields please call 731- 689-5696 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/shil and Facebook page at facebook.com/ShilohNMP.

A massive metal sculpture towers above Brownsville's main street and has been a work in progress by local artist Billy Tripp since 1989. It is the subject of a new film directed and produced by another Brownsville native, Randall Kendrick.  "The Steel Garden: A Documentary" will have its first hometown premier Friday evening, February 23, 6:30 pm at the Ann Marks Performing Arts Center in Brownsville. "The Steel Garden" examines Tripp's life and work as he sets his sights on retirement and builds one of the final pieces of his ever-expanding sculpture – The Mindfield. "Billy Tripp’s work means more to me than I can describe," says Kendrick. "I think what he has accomplished in his 67 years is incredible, and my goal with the documentary is to provide an accurate and thorough picture of him. He inspired me to pursue my dreams and I hope that through this film that he inspires others as well." Kendrick spent three months interviewing various people connected to the sculpture and filmed Tripp’s work on weekends until August 2022 when he began editing the film. His documentary was completed in January 2023. "The Steel Garden" has won Best Documentary at the Hub City Film Festival, Jackson, and played in California at the California Capital Documentary Film Festival.  Immediately following the Brownsville screening, Kendrick and Dr. Beth Shaw Tripp will host a Q&A with the audience. "The film has been well received at film festivals," said Visit Brownsville Director Sonia Outlaw-Clark, " and we are looking forward to sharing it with our community." Kendrick is an independent filmmaker living in Tennessee. He didn’t have a set budget or a crew when he started production on "The Steel Garden." He handled all aspects of the production himself and spent a little money at a time while working a day job to make ends meet. This is an official Bicentennial event of the City of Brownsville and is free and open to the public. For more information, call 731-779-9000 or email soutlaw-clark@brownsvilletn.gov.

Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store will host a Black History Month Lunch & Learn program featuring Jackson Police Deputy Chief of Police Derick Tisdale and Jackson-Madison County African American Chamber President Clarissa Halton-Williams from 12 to 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 29, 2024, in the Delta Room of Old Country Store, located at 56 Casey Jones Lane. Tisdale and Williams will discuss entrepreneurship and police relations within the African American community. Tickets are priced at $18 per guest and include an all-you-can-eat buffet, a drink and gratuity. Tickets must be purchased in advance at tinyurl.com/3f29yb8x. For inquiries about the event, please contact Jenni Clausing, Activities & Events Coordinator, at (731) 668-1223. In 2022, the restaurant hosted a Black History Lunch & Learn with Lane President Logan Hampton, who discussed the Freshman Four and Woolworth sit-ins during the civil rights movement in Jackson. Old Country Store maintains a display in the restaurant, called “Faith - Courage - Sacrifice - Freedom,” that is a testament to the local civil rights movement and narrates the story of Lane College students Shirlene Mercer, Ernest Brooks Sr., Henry Moses, Kimmie Davis and others, who protested at the “whites only” lunch counter at the F.W. Woolworth’s store (formerly located where Jackson City Hall now stands) on October 27, 1960. The exhibit includes three original chairs from the 1960s Woolworth’s store. “Hosting our annual Black History Month Lunch & Learn reflects our commitment to fostering unity and understanding in our community,” OCS President Brooks Shaw said. “We believe in the power of shared stories to inspire, educate and unite us, and events like these embody our commitment to being a place where all voices are heard and celebrated.” Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store is a multi-faceted destination located at 56 Casey Jones Lane in Jackson, Tennessee. It includes the restaurant, Miss Anne’s Ice Cream Shoppe, Miss Juanita’s Gift Shop and the Dixie Café for takeout or dine-in. The establishment is preparing to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2025. For more information, visit instagram.com/caseyjonesvillage, facebook.com/oldcountrystore or caseyjones.com.       Public Notice is hereby given that the Community Economic Development Commission meeting will be held at 11:30 am, Tuesday, March 19, 2024.   The meeting will be held at 197 Auditorium, Jackson, TN  38301 (Board Room).   Public comment is offered to matters that are germaine to the items on the agenda for the meeting.  An individual may register prior by contacting the commission at 731-425-8333, or by registering prior on the sign-up sheet at the location of said meeting.   Please confirm your availability by emailing lnunnery@jacksontn.com or calling 731-425-8333.   MEETING AGENDA Community Economic Development Commission March 19, 2024  
  1. Call to Order and Public Comment
  2. Consideration of Minutes
  3. Consideration of Financial Report
  4. Budget Review/Income Statement
  5. CEDC Grants FY 2024
  6. Hotel & Lodging Tax / Revenue Update
  7. Visit Jackson Report
  Unfinished Business
  1. Consideration of Office Space update
    1. Review of Chamber proposed Lease
  New Business
  1. FY 2025 CEDC Grants
  2. Hospitality Workforce Update
  3. Other Business
  4. Schedule next meeting
  Congratulations to City Florist for being recognized as the Greater Jackson Chamber’s Small Business of the Month.  Inspired by their family's entrepreneurial spirit and fueled by a genuine love for flowers, City Florist began its journey in 1987. Today, after many years of serving the community, City Florist is known for its unique offerings, community engagement, and commitment to customer satisfaction.  City Florist takes pride in offering a wide variety of plants and flowers, as well as heartfelt keepsakes that customers can cherish for years to come. Their success lies in their commitment to delivering fresh and beautiful products that last, and in their close collaboration with customers to create customized floral designs that reflect their unique vision and style.  In addition to providing exceptional products and services, City Florist is also committed to giving back to the community. They regularly partner with local nonprofits and participate in community events and have even launched a heartwarming initiative called "Love Your Neighbor Mondays" where they deliver fresh floral arrangements to local businesses to brighten up their day.  From crafting a first bouquet for a new couple to creating tribute pieces for families saying their final goodbyes, the business has left a lasting mark on the lives of its customers. Customers are encouraged to visit City Florist to share joy with loved ones, whether it's expressing appreciation to friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors. With a commitment to being there in times of joy and sorrow, City Florist remains a trusted partner for all floral needs.  City Florist attributes its success to understanding the significant role customers play in business growth. Building and maintaining vibrant relationships with customers is at the core of their philosophy, ensuring a thriving business that values the community it serves.  To learn more about City Florist, visit their website at https://www.cityfloristjackson.com.  Steak Escape Sandwich Grill, first started in Ohio by Ken Smith and Mark Turner, is a successful sandwich shop that has dedicated itself to being the highlight of the day to everyone who walks through their door. Founded in 1982, the restaurant made its way to Jackson in 2017 and has provided great food ever since. Jackson’s Steak Escape held a grand re-opening in October of 2023 to celebrate the arrival of new owner Maribel Sadal. When asked why she wanted to own the restaurant, Sadal responded: “I fell in love with the food and what it stood for.” Sadal hopes to make the restaurant a household name. Steak Escape may be a franchise, but it is passionate about the Jackson community. “We are locally owned and very family-oriented,” Sadal said. “We love our community. I love the people and feel of a small town.”  Known for not only its customer service but also its unique branding, Steak Escape is constantly redesigning to meet the needs of its customers. When people veered away from food courts and began to frequent streetside restaurants, Steak Escape moved from malls to standalone buildings, even offering drive-thrus at some stores. Steak Escape Sandwich Grill can be found at 1430 Union University Drive. For more information, contact Maribel Sadal at 909-240-3078 or visit https://www.facebook.com/SteakEscapeJackson.

The City of Jackson proudly announces the appointment of Lauren ‘LOLO’ Pritchard as the Creative Arts Coordinator, a key role dedicated to fostering the city’s arts community. In her capacity, Lauren will serve to enhance art accessibility, education, and economic sustainability.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lauren to the City of Jackson team,” said Alex Reed, Chief of Staff. “With her passion and background in the arts, we anticipate a more coordinated effort to enhance out city’s cultural landscape.”

Lauren plans to coordinate with key entities such as Jackson Downtown Development Corporation, The CO, Our Jackson Home, and the Jackson Arts Council to install public artwork and transform downtown Jackson into a publicly recognized Arts District by 2026. Additionally, Lauren plans to secure more direct funding for the arts, increase financial support within the school system and work closely with designated arts facilities.

“I believe art is vital in every community because it speaks a language that transcends regular communication, opening our minds to different perspectives,” shared Lauren ‘LOLO’ Pritchard. “Prioritizing art offers people the gift of expression, fostering fellowship and understanding, and I aim to ensure that our art programs benefit all ages and capabilities, including those with disabilities or special needs, as well as building more creative art stability within our education systems.”

Lauren ‘LOLO’ Pritchard plans to host monthly art information meetings that will be open to the public.

A function of the Greater Jackson Chamber is to help support our small businesses; so we’ve decided to hold a giveaway to boost support for those businesses! Each week between February 7 and February 24, one lucky person will have the chance to win a gift certificate to a business they support! A winner will be announced each Monday following the end of the previous week’s contest.  Dates of the Giveaway:  The following rules apply to win the Chamber Small Business Giveaway:  Week One:  Week Two:  Week Three:  Each week the winner will win a gift card from the business they tag. If that business is unable to issue a gift card, gift certificate, or credit for service, arrangements will be made for the prize at an alternate establishment.  Let’s show our small business some love!

  The Jackson-Madison County Library is excited to announce our upcoming participation in Dolly Day alongside the Madison County Imagination Library. The library will host a special Saturday story time on February 17th at 10:30 am in celebration of the musical icon. Patrons will then be encouraged to head over to Turntable Coffee for a celebration to benefit Madison County Imagination Library. The Jackson-Madison County Library is located at 433 E. Lafayette St. in downtown Jackson. For more information, contact the Library at 731-425-8600, visit the Library’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/JMCLibrary or its website at www.jmclibrary.org.