The American Heart Association hosted its annual Go Red for Women event at the Carl Perkins Civic Center on March 21 to to raise awareness of women’s risk of heart disease and build a healthier West Tennessee. Female heart disease survivors were recognized including Savannah Conley, a very young mother and wife whose female side of the family had severe heart disease. On the evening of the dinner, Savannah was present with her new heart and her young daughter to walk the survivor runway with joy and pride. Approximately $197,000 was raised for the Heart Association.

Fat Tuesday came a little early this year with a fun and festive event Saturday evening, February 23. The Jackson Service League’s inaugural Masquerade Mardi Gras Ball kicked off in downtown Jackson with attendees enjoying live music by The Skeleton Krew, delicious Cajun-inspired food and beverages, dancing, themed outfits and masks, and socializing amongst friends.

Lane College hosted their fifth annual Founders’ Day Scholarship Gala on Sunday afternoon, March 3 at the J.F. Lane Health and Physical Education Building on the Lane College campus. This event serves as the college’s yearly premier fundraiser, which also celebrates the 137th year of existence and the birthday of their founder, Bishop Isaac Lane.

The 25th Annual Blue Suede Dinner & Auction, with the theme of “Don’t Stop Believin,” was held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. The Musical entertainment was provided by “Resurrection: A Journey Tribute.” In the backstage area was a 40-foot-tall mural dedicated to the memory of Carl Perkins. Carl was the catalyst whose vision of a Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse has grown to an outreach of surrounding counties near Madison County. This year a fund goal target of $350,000 is needed to provide the protection and counseling for the children.

The MBF Jenna “Lights, Camera, Fashion” 2019 opened the doors at 5 p.m. to the public. The Civic Center was nearly full by 5:30 p.m. of family and friends of these high school student models. Upon entering the lobby, banner pictures of each girl were displayed along both sides of the walkway. Each year the funds raised by this amazing event are directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis.

The 2019 Jackson Symphony “Crystal Ball” was held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center to a sold-out crowd. The Jackson Symphony League hosts this event, which is the largest fundraiser for the Symphony. Members of the Symphony also visit the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital and the Alice & Carl Kirkland Cancer Center. The performers believe this exposure to music helps in the healing process. Additionally, the Chamber Music concerts held at several churches are reaching people who may not attend a larger event. The Jackson Youth Orchestra also performs, and this allows the youth to be exposed to professional level musicians.

On Saturday, January 5, the Carl Perkins Civic Center was packed full of West Tennesseans in beautiful gowns and suits for an evening benefitting Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The third annual Black Tie & Boxing presented by Express Employment Professionals was as entertaining as it was beautiful.

Leadership Jackson celebrated the graduation of its 40th class on Thursday evening, December 13 with a ceremony and awards banquet. Graduates, their families and Leadership Jackson alumni gathered at the Carl Grant Events Center at Union University to enjoy a meal together and learn about the 32 members of this year’s graduating class. Awards were given to several members of this class as well as distinguished alumni to recognize their achievements.

The New Southern in Downtown Jackson was full of extra sparkle and shine as Habitat for Humanity held its first Dream Builders Gala on New Year’s Eve. Window World and WBBJ were the title sponsors of the event, which included dinner, music and a champagne toast to ring in 2019. Couples danced to the music of the Jimmy Church Band as they enjoyed their last night out of the year.

The 2019 Law Enforcement Ball held at the Jackson Fairgrounds saw a new banner named ”731 Crime Stoppers,” replacing their former title. An estimated 450 guests were in attendance at the ball. Terry Baker did a superb job decorating the Fairgrounds. There were several raffle items to be awarded, and food catered by Brooks Shaw from Casey Jones Village was great. The three cooks have a combined 97 years of chef experience.

Each year at the Patron’s Party, held at the Walden & Norton colonial home, one thinks that last year’s party was tops. Then you meet Thurston at the champagne table. From there you are escorted by young men in tuxedos up the stairs to the grand entry hall. The hall is bustling with friends and guests chatting, while Matt is playing the baby grand piano. At the foot of the circular staircase is the dining table with numerous finger foods and sweets.

An excited crowd gathered at the Jackson Fairgrounds Park on Thursday night, October 18, to enjoy dinner and drinks and watch local friends and colleagues perform in the STAR Center’s third annual Dancing with the STARs. Event organizers transformed the space at the Fairgrounds into a glamorous stage for the live dance competition. Attendees enjoyed dinner and drinks. Then names were drawn to determine the order of the competition. The dancers had worked tirelessly with their choreographers to prepare for the competition, and they did not disappoint the crowd. Judges awarded first place to Beth Haltom and Ontoni Reedy, second place went to Ginger New and Brad Adkins, and in third place were Betsy Little and AJ Massey. Ginger New and Brad Adkins also won the People’s Choice Award, chosen by votes from the audience.

The West Tennessee American Heart Association held its third annual “Feast In the Field” in the Delta Room at Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store on October 16. The event, usually taking place in the Farm at Casey Jones Village, was moved indoors due to inclement weather.

On a wonderful evening with a light breeze, patrons who had staked out their seating and dining spot, sat back and waited. The early arrivers laid out their blanket or table, waiting for family and friends to experience a most unique experience. The 39th Jackson Symphony Under the Stars is one of the largest picnics in the area. The visiting and eating stops when conductor Peter Shannon steps up on the podium.

RIFA Canstruction 2018 was off and running this year with displays of “ shock and wonder” as some defied the laws of gravity. There was a two-finger split baseball hand structure, a shark coming up out of the water with his big mouth open and numerous structures that made you say “Wow!”. All of the structures were huge contributions that the RIFA Food Bank needs.

Union University’s 21st Annual Scholarship Banquet was held on October 21 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center to a sold-out crowd. Prior to a concert by MercyMe, Dr. Dub Oliver interviewed three Union students about their experience at the University. Student panelists were David Kagaruki, Binh Morris, and Anna Strand. The dominant point each made was the sincere attention the teachers provided to their students.

The Jackson-Madison County Library Foundation held its 8th Annual Books of Madison County on August 21 at the Jackson Fairgrounds. Many community members came out to support the library at the event that has grown consistently. Attendees enjoyed a catered dinner, entertainment and a silent auction.

On Saturday, July 28, Toast of Jackson, a fine wine and art festival and celebration of local and regional wineries, was held at the Jackson Fairgrounds.

The event raises funds for the Exchange Club of Jackson and the Exchange Club-Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) formally dedicated the new Special Agent De’Greaun ReShun Frazier TBI Crime Laboratory and Regional Headquarters at a groundbreaking ceremony. It will be located on 350 Smith Lane south of McKeller-Sipes Regional Airport.

Friends of Heart celebrated their two-year anniversary at Bistro Eleven Sixty on Thursday evening, July 26. The celebration was well attended, and guests enjoyed hearing about all of the fund’s accomplishments in and for the community since its 2016 founding. Friends of Heart, a fund of the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation, works with West Tennessee Heart and Vascular Center to expand the level of care and services offered to the heart patients of West Tennessee. Their goal is “to bring cutting edge technology and resources to our own communities.”