No Place Like Home: A French Country Home Surrounded by Beautiful Land & Wildlife

No Place Like Home: A French Country Home Surrounded by Beautiful Land & Wildlife

Eddie Smith is a native of the Jackson, Tennessee area and Martina Smith was born in Flint, Michigan. Martina’s family moved to Jackson in 1983 when her father, John Elford, purchased Dixie Distributing Company in Jackson. Eddie and Martina have been married for 31 years, and they owned and worked hands-on Smith Remodeling Company for 21 years serving the Jackson and surrounding area. Eddie is an avid hunter and travels throughout the United States and Canada. He has met and made many cherished friends in his travels. Martina likes to travel with Eddie, but her passion now is her two grandsons, Parker Smith and Wyatt Muir. She loves spending weekends with their daughter, Erica Muir, and her grandchildren. They live in Murfreesboro and drive home every weekend so they can spend time together.

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The Good Life: Lexington, KY

The Good Life: Lexington, KY

On a recent beautiful sunny day a friend and I drove from Jackson to the lovely city of Lexington, Kentucky (pop: 321,000). I had not visited Lexington in several years. What a vibrant city! (Our drive of 340 miles took about 5 1/2 hours or so via I-40 E and I-65 N.)

Horse lovers agree: this is the place. Whether you are an experienced equestrian, a racing fan or just appreciate the beauty of horses, prepare to be thrilled at the stunning landscape they inhabit in the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. If your schedule permits, be sure to take a country drive and explore the Horse Country back roads. Head out in any direction from the center of town, and soon you’ll be surrounded by the rolling bluegrass pastureland that you’ve heard so much about. Neatly mowed fields trimmed with black or white fences stretch to the horizon. Pick up a “Bluegrass Country Driving Tour” at the Visitors Center downtown.

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The Art of Living: The All-New Official SEC Tailgating Cookbook

The Art of Living: The All-New Official SEC Tailgating Cookbook

“The All-New Official SEC Tailgating Cookbook,” by the Editors of “Southern Living,” is the ultimate guide to game day with 150+ crave-worthy tailgating recipes, including those specifically developed for each of the 14 NCAA Southeastern Conference football teams.

From Alabama to Vanderbilt, each SEC team is profiled with information on school traditions, iconic football moments, legendary coaches and players, and photos. In the “Tent Talk” sidebars, you’ll find fascinating football trivia to quiz your fellow tailgaters.

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VIProfile: Dana Crotts

VIProfile: Dana Crotts

Dana Crotts lived in Haywood County where she graduated from Haywood High School. In 1989 she moved to Hardin County.

Dana is president of the Medical Marketing Network and the founder of Partners in Care—West TN. In addition, she is a member of the Interagency Council and Health Council for Hardin and McNairy Counties. She is a graduate of Leadership McNairy County.

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The Good Life: Tupelo, MS

The Good Life: Tupelo, MS

For years I have traveled U.S. Hwy. 45, usually in route to Aberdeen or Columbus, Mississippi. Rarely have I stopped to explore Tupelo. When the now closed Barnes & Noble bookstore was open in the mall at the Barnes Crossing Shopping District in Tupelo, I took an exit off Hwy. 45. I saw signage for an Automobile Museum, but I never visited this attraction.

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VIProfile: Elaine Christian

VIProfile: Elaine Christian

Elaine Christian is a native West Tennessean. She grew up in Obion County and has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration and an MBA, both from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

After graduation, Elaine began her career as an accountant at Porter Cable Corporation in Jackson, now Black & Decker. Her work there led her to a position as Senior Vice President and Director of Finance for the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, and later the President and CEO of the Dyersburg Chamber of Commerce. Prior to her retirement in 2004, she was President and CEO of The Work Place, a workforce development and training organization in Memphis. Elaine is also a Certified Public Accountant.

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The Art of Living: What Can I Bring?

The Art of Living: What Can I Bring?

With every invitation received, from a dinner to backyard barbecue, the first question you ask is “What can I bring?” Now you have the answer, thanks to Elizabeth Heiskell, a Delta-born chef, caterer, and frequent Today Show contributor. The cookbook guides readers to greet any party or gathering with the perfect covered dish, sweet treat, or gift from the kitchen that ensures you’ll be invited back time after time, year after year.

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The Good Life: South Walton, Florida

The Good Life: South Walton, Florida

Located along a 26-mile stretch on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, South Walton encompasses a strand of sixteen acclaimed beach neighborhoods, each with its own unique style.

Renowned for its turquoise water and sugar-white sand, South Walton is continually recognized as a premier destination that offers an upscale yet casual place to build lasting memories. It attracts high-end luxury travelers and families.

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VIProfile: Jonathan Harlan

VIProfile: Jonathan Harlan

Jonathan Harlan is a native of Jackson, Tennessee. He is married to Fiona and the father of four children.

Harlan received a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He was a  scholarship recipient for one year’s study at the University of Pune, Maharastra, India in 1986. In 1992 Harlan received a Masters of Arts degree from Miami University of Ohio.  He did post graduate work at the University of Virginia in 1993.

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The Good Life: Paducah, KY

The Good Life: Paducah, KY

Founded in 1827 by William Clark of Lewis and Clark fame, Paducah’s origins and prosperity may be attributed to its strategic location at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. Today, visitors may take a journey on America’s inland waterways from the era of Paducah’s earliest inhabitants to the city’s modern day life on the river through captivating stories, interactive exhibits and music at the River Discovery Center. Paducah’s history is reflected and preserved in its architecture and historic attractions including the 1905 Market House, Market House Museum and “Wall to Wall” Murals.

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No Place Like Home: Montana Modern

No Place Like Home: Montana Modern

Nestled among lush, green grass and stately oak trees and centrally located in the heart of North Jackson stands the barn of Flint Cox and Kelly Smith. Upon first arrival, one is immediately drawn to the tranquil sound of the beautiful waterfall and gated entry. Built for sharing memories and relaxing with family and friends, this is not only a barn but a home away from home.

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VIProfile: Marty Clements

VIProfile: Marty Clements

Marty Clements has been Director of the Jackson-Madison County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) since 2005 starting with EMA as Deputy Director after the tornado of May 2003. He is a Certified Emergency Management Professional. He was one of twenty-five recipients of the Governor’s First Responder Awards for 2011 in honor of the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

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The Good Life: Bowling Green, Kentucky

The Good Life: Bowling Green, Kentucky

As the third most populous town in Kentucky (after Louisville and Lexington), Bowling Green has roots dating back to its incorporation in 1798. Although Kentucky was considered neutral at the start of the Civil War, Confederate loyalists declared the city to be the state capital in 1861. That distinction didn’t last long as Bowling Green was taken over by the Union army in 1862.

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The Art of Living: Agriculture & Culinary Arts offered at Liberty Technology Magnet School

The Art of Living: Agriculture & Culinary Arts offered at Liberty Technology Magnet School

As our thoughts turn to spring, it seems appropriate to spotlight the agricultural and culinary arts programs offered at Liberty Technology Magnet School.

According to Keli McAlister, Communications Coordinator, Jackson-Madison County School System, “Both North Side and South Side High Schools have greenhouses on campus. However, none have a program as large as the one at Liberty Technology School. There are no similar Culinary Arts programs in any of the other Jackson-Madison County schools.”

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VIProfile: Pepper Pratt

VIProfile: Pepper Pratt

Dr. Pepper Pratt has been involved in ministry to students, couples and families since 1984. He has served as a youth pastor, pastor, psychotherapist in private practice and is currently the Executive Director at Youth Town of Tennessee. Pratt is a graduate of Union University (BS in Sociology), The University of Memphis (MS Counseling and Community Agency), The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MA in Christian Education/Family Ministry) and Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary (Ph.D. Biblical Counseling). Pratt has also worked with athletes in performance training locally and mission work around the world including several Olympians and the Dominican National Team in soccer.

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