New York Times columnist David Brooks was the featured speaker for the 18th Union University Scholarship Banquet held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center to a sellout audience. David is a writer of several books including The Road to Character. In this book, ten effective individuals demonstrate how character is developed through selflessness. A focus and development of one’s inner self leads to a rich and fulfilled life. The Union University Choir performed three a capella selections to the delight of the audience.

The Jackson-Madison County Library Foundation held a successful fundraiser this year at Jackson Fairgrounds Park honoring Frances Mayes. Frances and her husband, Edward, were gracious to the 270 people who came to hear Frances discuss her book “Under the Tuscan Sun.” For two and a half years the book was a best seller even though it was written and published 20 years ago.  The movie is what breathed life into a hidden treasure, a book of “Hope & New Beginning.”

On an amazingly beautiful night at First Presbyterian Church, the Jackson Symphony Orchestra played classical and blockbuster movie theme music to the roaring crowd. Everyone brought their picnic baskets to sit and eat while listening to the best free concert in Jackson. The concert built up to the anticipated “1812 Overture” and real historic cannon fire. It was rumored there were 3,000–4,000 in attendance as the grounds were covered from Highland up to the stage and side areas.

The Darryl Worley’s Hit Makers & Harleys fundraiser for the Savannah Cancer Center was once again held at Jackson’s Bumpus Harley-Davidson. Featured songwriters were Darryl Worley with “Have You Forgotten;” Jim Brown with “Five O’Clock Somewhere;” Mark Collie, mentor to Darryl Worley, with “Even the Man in the Moon is Crying;” and Daryle Singletary with “Let Her Lie.”

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