VIProfile: Darren Lykes

VIProfile: Darren Lykes

A native of Atwood, Tennessee, Darren Lykes has always had an artist’s eye. When he was merely 17 years old, his parents, Vivian and Bernard, gave their talented son a camera as a way for him to explore his creativity. Darren’s parents were not aware they had ignited a passion within their son that would soon be transformed into a lifelong dream and his future profession.

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Hollywood Glamour

Hollywood Glamour

“A Night of Hollywood Glamour” was held at the New Southern Hotel as a fundraiser for the Jackson Downtown Development Corporation. The downstairs lobby was the host center for a glass of champagne and meeting friends before going upstairs to the ballroom or the speciality tasting room. Food was located in various locations allowing guests to visit and mingle prior to the band playing.

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Destination Downtown

Destination Downtown

What an exciting time it is for downtown Jackson! Two years ago in my introduction to the Destination Downtown special section I related a story about a speech I gave at First Friday Forum around 1990 as the first Executive Director of Jackson Downtown Development Corporation (JDDC). I asked the attendees to close their eyes and dream with me about a bustling center city with numerous residents in homes, condos and apartments; a renovated New Southern Hotel; and busy retail shops and restaurants.

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Boots & Bowties

Boots & Bowties

The University School of Jackson presented its third annual “Boots and Bowties” fundraiser on February 20th. The night featured musical talent by Jonathan Singleton and the Grove and dinner by Coyote Blues. While USJ is known throughout West Tennessee and beyond for its annual “Holiday Mart” fundraiser, Boots and Bowties is just as important, if somewhat smaller, in raising money to help the school meet its education standards.

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The Good Life: Huntsville, AL

The Good Life: Huntsville, AL

There is a new energy in Huntsville, Alabama (City Population: 180,000). I was last in this lovely Southern city in 2008. Much has happened there since then. Huntsville, Madison and all of Madison County, Alabama is buzzing with activity. New construction like the City Centre project in downtown Huntsville, to be completed in 2017, will add retail, dining and accommodations to the core of the city.

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Books at the Barn: Imagination Library Fundraiser

Books at the Barn: Imagination Library Fundraiser

The Imagination Library is a program started by Dolly Parton to bring books into homes for children up to age five. Children who have not been exposed to the opportunity to read grow up without an interest in reading. The Jackson Library Association receives donations to co-fund this book program. Less funding means there are children in our area who do not receive a book.

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Lane College Founder’s Day Scholarship Dinner & Gala

Lane College Founder’s Day Scholarship Dinner & Gala

On March 6, 2016, Lane College celebrated its 2nd annual Founder’s Day Scholarship Dinner and Gala. The event was held on the campus of Lane College in the gymnasium which was transformed into an elegant setting which included fresh flowers, trees, chandeliers and formal place setting. Attendees were greeted and escorted to their tables by students of the college.

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The Jackson Chamber's Annual Celebration

The Jackson Chamber's Annual Celebration

Union University’s Carl Grant Center was the setting of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce’s “Annual Celebration” ceremony. The center was well decorated, the “DJ5” disc jockey had the lights and music rocking as guests arrived. After the registration everyone was given a drawing ticket and directed to the buffet line. Door prizes included items like an Apple Watch and iPad, and the grand prize was a 50” plasma TV.

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Blue Suede Dinner & Auction

Blue Suede Dinner & Auction

This year marked the 22nd annual Blue Suede Dinner and Auction benefiting The Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. A staple in our community, the Center now has 15 locations to aid in their mission to provide support to families in preventing and dealing with child abuse and help both parents and children meet the practical needs in preserving and improving the quality of family life.

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Boots & Bling

Boots & Bling

What a fun night at the Jackson Fairgrounds, where “Boots & Bling: It’s a Heart Health Thing” was held. Attendees were encouraged to “break out their cowgirl boots, grab their besties and get ready for a girl’s night out.” Guests enjoyed a delicious meal and enjoyed dancing the night away, all while learning more about preventing the number one killer of women—heart disease.

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The Good Life: Columbus, Mississippi

The Good Life: Columbus, Mississippi

In 2008 the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Columbus, Mississippi one of “America’s Distinctive Destinations.” “As one of the best kept secrets in the state of Mississippi, it is an unrivaled destination for anyone who enjoys Southern architecture, savors down-home cooking, and seeks an escape to the great outdoors,” said Richard Moe, past president of the National Trust.

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