The time to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2020-2021 academic year has arrived. Jackson State Community College is hosting a series of workshops to assist students and their parents in completing the application. The workshops will begin on October 28 with the last one being held on January 30.

Completion of the FAFSA is an essential requirement to access financial aid for attending college. This requirement extends to all of those who have applied for or receive the last-dollar scholarships known as Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect.

John Brandt, Director of Financial Aid, encourages everyone to attend the free workshops at JSCC. “This is a great opportunity to take care of this detail that is essential for receiving financial assistance of any kind,” said Brandt. “With a small amount of preparation, this task can be completed in approximately 30 minutes, and we are more than happy to help.”

The documentation needed at the workshop includes tax returns, W2 forms, amounts for child support paid or received, and any other relevant financial documents for the 2018 tax year. Students who are claimed as dependents are asked to bring a parent with them.

For a complete listing of dates and times, visit www.jscc.edu/fafsa. Call 731-425-2605 for any other questions.

Looking for live music this weekend? Jackson and West Tennessee are home to numerous live music venues and special events over the December 12^th weekend. Thanks to our friend Matt Barnacastle and the Jackson Area Music Society for sharing the weekend’s live music events!

Thursday December 12^th      

• Scott Myatt, The Coffee Shop (Humboldt), 11:00am
• Old Time Music Jam, Old Country Store, 5:00pm
• In-The-Round Songwriter’s Night, White Oak Farms (Medina), 6:30pm
• Open Mic Night w/ The Skeleton Krew, Cody’s, 8:00pm
• Open Mic Night w/ Dave Thomas, The Tap, 9:00pm
• Hunter Jordan w/ Christian Mayo, Slide & Ride 2, 9:00pm

Friday December 13^th

• Josh Smith, Baker Bros. BBQ, 11:30am
• Brandon Lewis, The Blacksmith, 6:00pm
• Ben Jessie, West Alley BBQ, 6:00pm
• Christmas at the NED, the NED, 6:00pm
• Christmas In Denmark, Demark Presbyterian Church, 6:00pm
• Jordan Skoda & The Damwrights, Mulligans, 7:00pm
• Hollywood & Southern Fire Band, American Legion Post 12, 7:00pm
• An Evening w/ TN Songwriters Vol. III, Crown Winery, 7:00pm
• Christmas w/ The Annie Moses Band, Williams Auditorium (Henderson), 7:00pm
• Tyler Goodson, Bistro Eleven Sixty,7:30pm
• Alex Butler, Redbones, 8:00pm
• Bryan Moffitt, Trenton Elks Lodge, 8:00pm
• Will Burton & Will Young, The Tap, 9:00pm

Saturday December 14^th  

• Willi X Evans, Gary Branchaud, & MORE, Sadie Lou’s, 3:00pm
• BulletTown Trio, West Alley BBQ, 6:00pm
• Pure Country, American Legion Post 12, 7:00pm
• Michael King, Bistro Eleven Sixty, 7:30pm
• Bryan Moffitt, Redbones, 8:00pm
• Carter St., Boars Nest (Alamo), 8:00pm
• Memphis Yahoos, Lexington Moose Lodge, 8:00pm
• Jeff Caughron & Brett Kelly, Mulligans, 9:00pm
• Colton Flanagan & Austin Anderson, The Tap, 9:00pm
• Seeking 7, The Naked Turtle, 9:00pm
• Stumpwater, Pine Ridge (Medon), 9:00pm
• Derrick Brantley & Micah Baker, The Deuce (Lexington), 9:00pm
• Will Burton, MT Bottles (Bradford), 9:00pm

Sunday December 15^th  

• 5^th Annual Our Jackson Home Holiday Show, U of M Lambeth, 4:30pm
• Opal Staples, The STAR Center, 7:00pm

Whether it’s an annual event or one of our great live music venues, experience the music which could only be “Made in Tennessee” found halfway between Memphis and Nashville in the heart of the Americana Music Triangle!  Visit JacksonTN to connect with what is happening in Jackson and West Tennessee. Connect socially on Facebook and Twitter or call 731.425.8333.

Nationally-syndicated radio personality and standup comedian Rickey Smiley will be at Jackson State Community College Friday, December 13. Smiley is scheduled to be at the Student Center from 10:30 a.m. to noon for a meet-and-greet event with the public.

Smiley will be broadcasting his program from Thomas Media’s Hot 96 and 96 Kix stations in downtown Jackson. As a primary sponsor, JSCC will host the public event on its campus.

Smiley was originally scheduled to be at the college on November 8, but the event had to be rescheduled. “We are very happy Mr. Smiley was able to reschedule this event,” said Brian Gann, JSCC vice president of student services. “Everyone at Jackson State is excited about having a celebrity like Rickey Smiley on campus for the public.

Gann went on to say that this is a great opportunity for JSCC to make a positive connection within the community.

“We welcome anyone who would like to meet Mr. Smiley and learn more about JSCC,” Gann said. “Our staff will be on hand to talk with anyone interested in learning more about opportunities to improve their lives through education at Jackson State.”

All aboard for the Polar Express 2019! Children dress up in their favorite pajamas to board the Polar Express at the Depot on the grounds of Discovery Park of America. All guests get their own seat, a cup of deliciously-hot hot chocolate, a scrumptious chocolate chip cookie, and the story of the Polar Express read to them by the Conductor. After the story is read, guests can exit the train and have their pictures taken with the characters before heading home.

Show times for Dec. 13, 14 and 15 are as follows:
12:30 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:15 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Tickets will be available closer to the event dates. For more information, click the LEARN MORE tab below.

Come experience holiday magic when Ballet Arts, Inc. returns with their sparkling production of The Nutcracker.

Relive this classic tale, traveling with Clara and the handsome Nutcracker Prince as they embark on a thrilling adventure. From the moment the lights dim, you will be transported to a magical place filled with adorable children, toy soldiers battling mischievous mice, a Christmas tree that grows to 40 feet, waltzing flowers, sparkling swirling snowflakes and experience the Land of the Sweets.

Your experience of this glittering classic ballet will warm your spirit. Make The Nutcracker a favorite family tradition.

~Date & Time~
*Friday – 7pm
*Saturday  – 7:00pm – Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party – 5:30pm
*Sunday – 2:00pm – Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party – 12:30pm

For the Friday night show, ask about the VIP upgrade for the Nutcracker Suite (21+ only).

For more information or to purchase tickets, click the LEARN MORE tab below!