The Boys and Girls Club of Jackson is celebrating its 50th year of serving the Jackson community’s youth this year, and on Thursday evening, June 7, a cocktail reception was held at the beautiful home of Carl and Alice Kirkland. Many local supporters of the non-profit organization came out to celebrate alongside the dedicated staff who carry out the daily mission of the Boys and Girls Club.
Read MoreJenna Hamilton King was born in Jackson, Tennessee. She then moved to Cedar Grove, Tennessee and grew up on the family farm, Southern Serenity Ranch, showing horses as a hobby. Upon graduation from MTSU, she opened her Prom, Formal and Bridal boutique named My Best Friend Jenna.
Originally located on Carriage House Drive, her new location is now at Madison Downs in north Jackson. Jenna is passionate about her Prom Runway Event, Lights Camera Fashion benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, now in its eighth year.
Read MoreOn a typical hot, steamy July day, Jackson National Golf Club hosted Redemption Road Rescue’s first Horsin’ A Round Golf Tournament. Organizer, Dana Talkington, assembled a wonderful committee and put together an amazing event, with a starting line-up of 17 teams. Tom Talkington, owner of the golf club, said “during my 40 plus years of hosting golf tournaments, I have never seen a first tournament starting line-up like this.” With the help of Redemption Road Rescue volunteers, JT, the donkey, and Franklin, the miniature horse, the golf carts scrambled to reach their designated holes. All went well and an exhilarating day was had by all!
Read MoreElaine 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.
Read MoreThe Jackson Exchange Club – Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse held their 11th annual Field of Flags dedication on the lawn of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 22. The over 1,000 American flags flew until June 9 and honored the following important groups: children who have lost their lives because of neglect and abuse; military who served and are presently serving; first responders – firefighters, police and EMS.
Read MoreThe board of the Kirkland Cancer Center and their friends held the second annual Simply Southern event at the home of Jeb & Caroline Campbell on Friday evening, May 11. The event was held to raise funds for the center and to further its mission to serve the area’s cancer patients.
Read MoreWith 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.
Read MoreLocated 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.
Read MoreRelay for Life of Madison County was held on Friday evening, May 4 at the West Tennessee Farmers’ Market in downtown Jackson. Companies, teams and individual participants who, together, have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the organization gathered together amongst survivors, their families and other community members for an evening of raising further awareness and funds.
Read MoreHarry Henry is a native Jacksonian. He graduated from Jackson High School, and he has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in marketing from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Read MoreDr. Eric Sievers, a cardiothoracic surgeon, shared information about Cardiovascular Assistive Devices as well as “Heart Recovery Reunion” at the Friends of the Heart event held at Flatiron Grill on April 26. In addition to the presentation, attendees heard patient testimonials and enjoyed refreshments.
Read MoreThe Barn at Snider Farms was bustling with people and the sounds of great music at the annual Boots, Bands & Bingo fundraiser hosted by the Jackson Service League. The event, held on March 31, featured a great time playing bingo, listening to entertaining music by the Kimberlie Helton Band and the opportunity to bid on quality items at a silent auction. Proceeds raised from Boots, Bands & Bingo benefitted Jackson Service League, Inc. where they will later be distributed to local women’s and children’s non-profits.
Read MoreJonathan 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.
Read MoreOn Saturday, April 14, many came out for a great time for a great cause at Crawfish for A Cure, an event with Haltom Home Team, a new Relay for Life Madison County participating group. The event raised funds for the American Cancer Society, which is the driving force behind Relay for Life. Community members enjoyed great food, corn hole games, comradery and music by Reverend Jessie and the Holy Smokes.
Read MoreFounded 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.
Read MoreOn Thursday, April 12, United Way of West Tennessee held its fifth annual First Ladies’ Luncheon. It was an afternoon to celebrate the organization’s work in the community as well as recognize those who give.
Read MoreNewlyweds Jake and Karlie Carroll moved from Hardin County to Jackson for work. When looking for a home they sought to find something unique with a historical feel. Although the home they purchased is new, the downtown location gave it the older feel they were looking for.
Read MoreWhat an impressive evening sponsored by The Jackson Sun and Jackson Area Business and Professional Women (JBPW). The J. Walter Barnes Conference Center was packed as many came out to support the 20 Most Influential Women in West Tennessee, Outstanding Woman Military Veteran, and the Sue Shelton White Award Winners. Stacy Miller, President of JBPW, welcomed the crowd and also led the Pledge of Allegiance. Presentation of the colors was given by the Girl Scouts Heart of the South. Esther Gray Lemus powerfully sang our National Anthem. Special guests included Mayor Jerry Gist, Harbert Alexander Sr., Leland Burress and Mike Jung.
Read MoreThe 2018 Chamber of Commerce Annual Celebration took place at the Carl Grant Center on Union University Campus. The entry hall was decorated to welcome guests and get them in the right state of mind. Kyle Spurgeon and Ryan Porter have worked hard to bring new growth and development to the face of the Chamber.
Read MoreNestled 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.
Read MoreIt is where I am from, it has provided a great life, and it’s my family’s history and its future!
I strive and work every day to make Jackson and rural West Tennessee a better place to live.
I remember PoFolks Restaurant and want to start a petition to bring it back! And if that’s not Jackson enough, then it’s because I’m proud to build homes in a community that values hard work, relationships, and doing things the right way.
Jackson is engrained in me. One can seek out a place to live where they are comfortable, but it is special when you live in a place that fulfills you. Yes, family heritage, family friends, business success, and one’s faith can be fulfilling, but the Jackson community is special. Jackson provides all the elements for me that make life good.
I want Jackson to be visionary and strategic. I have always, and will be, FOR Jackson in all ways possible to make Jackson better. It is going to take a team effort to accomplish all of the opportunities before us, and no doubt it will take vision and change. Our community is ready to take Jackson to the next level, and I look forward to seeing it happen!
I believe in building better — homes, businesses, and relationships — right here in the community that built me.
Because I don’t just live here, I have a passion for seeing Jackson become the very best it can be.
Since I moved to Jackson 47 years ago this town has offered our family life-long friendships, career opportunities, and the desire to continue to grow with our community as a wonderful place to call HOME.
I believe in where we’re headed. Whether it’s helping our airport grow, supporting small businesses, or just being a good neighbor, I’m proud to be part of Jackson’s story. This city is taking off, and I’m glad to be on board. (Couldn’t resist the airport puns.)
I absolutely love this community. My family, my friends, my education, and my career are all rooted in this great community, and I only foresee it just getting better and better with time. We have so much to be grateful for to be able to call this place our home!
This is where I can make the greatest difference, where collaboration thrives, and where a brighter future for our children is not just a hope, but a shared reality we are actively building together. #winning
...this city has shaped me, inspired me, and given me the opportunity to serve and grow alongside an amazing community.
I am Jackson because I have aimed to improve both myself and the West Tennessee community.
Jackson is my home and always has been. I was born here. My parents and all of my grandparents are buried here. I spent my formative years here, my professional career here, and now my retirement years here. Jackson has changed so much and it has changed for the better. Many people choose to relocate to Jackson because of everything it has to offer. I consider myself fortunate to have been born here, and I firmly believe that Jackson’s best days are still ahead.
After living for the last 21 years and being in business for the last 20 years I’m proud to run Jackson’s version of “Cheers,” where everyone knows your name and genuinely cares. I firmly believe in the trajectory of our town, and the opportunity that Jackson offers is rare -- to be on the cusp of extraordinary growth and opportunity. I’m proud to be a Jacksonian and rabid Rams fan.
Jackson is a representation of who I want to be. It is a city that opens its doors to people from other places and embraces them as one of their own. I hope that is how I have lived my life. No matter where I am, the people and the experience make or break the deal. I am a product of my family, and I hope to maintain the small-town feel that I experienced all those years ago when I stepped onto the campus of Lambuth University.
I am a product of the genuinely kind people who live here. Jackson has given me the opportunity to practice medicine that I never imagined possible. Hopefully I am making a positive impact on a community that I love.
In this one unique location, mountains meet music…art meets adventure...culture meets cuisine…and no one meets a stranger. The walkability of downtown allows people to explore and discover vibrant murals, local music, historic sites, art museums, parks, greenways and more. With its sophisticated mix of culture and cuisine, experience a destination served up with genuine hospitality.
On Sunday night, May 19 The Jackson Symphony continued the popular Symphony on the Move concerts in the lovely Vann Gardens neighborhood. Many gathered on the lawn to listen to the beautiful music by members of the Jackson Symphony.
Other Jacksonians in my generation and I are a bridge: remembering what we loved about growing up in this town and helping transform it into a place our kids and grandkids will be proud of. I am part of the Jackson that was, the Jackson that is now, and the Jackson we will create together.
On June 6 hundreds of participants gathered at the Farmers’ Market in downtown Jackson for the Heaven’s Cradle Twilight Run and Downtown Rendezvous. The Twilight Run is a special occasion to honor and remember the children of bereaved families and is Heaven’s Cradle’s largest fundraiser.
I AM JACKSON because… I believe in Jackson and the surrounding area, and I am excited to see continued growth in our community. I am blessed to be in a professional role that allows me to not only enjoy living in this community, but also to serve in ways to help improve it. To see Jackson and the surrounding areas thrive throughout the years, and to help make sure this growth and development continues is a beautiful thing!
The First Ladies Luncheon was held Thursday, April 18, at the Jackson Fairgrounds. The event, presented by United Way of West Tennessee, has become a favorite tradition in Jackson and West Tennessee. Table sponsors had the opportunity to create unique tablescapes.
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Socializing Throughout West Tennessee!
I AM JACKSON because…
No matter where life or my career has taken me, this has always been home. My family’s roots here run deep, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to live, work, and give back to the community that has meant so much to us.