When we discuss the benefits of investing in the arts, we often talk about the beautification of our neighborhoods and the significant impact that the arts have on our economy. Although those are powerful ways that philanthropy directly impacts the arts that should continue to be robustly supported for the growth of all communities, we often overlook the critical benefits of providing arts access to students.

What happens when you have worked all your life to build a coping skills toolkit and then the toolkit seems to disappear?

The expert in neighborly love, Fred Rogers, said: “We live in a world in which we share responsibility. It’s easy to say ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.” Jackson is full of heroes. So many, in fact, they can’t all fit on this list. These are brief snapshots of a few ways our community is showing up for our village of children. As you read about the different organizations investing in JMCSS, consider how you can join them.

Jackson is home to some of the best mural artists in West Tennessee! In the past few years, the Mayor’s Public Art Initiative, and through efforts of many others like Our Jackson Home’s Artist in Residence program, there has been an explosion of new art popping up in and around Jackson. Whether you are joining us on this virtual tour, or going on adventure of your own, we hope you find time to explore our hometown in a new light by supporting these amazing artists. If you go on your own art-fueled adventure, we would love to see your photos! Use the hashtag #OJHmuraltour on Instagram to support local artists.

Growing up, downtown Henderson always contained a certain sparkle that I couldn’t quite put into words. Something about the spring flowers and summer buzz puts a light in my eyes and a skip in my step.

As a Henderson native, I am constantly in awe of this tiny town’s hidden gems. Whether it be a coffee shop or a local business, we have so many special experiences to offer.

My journey with houseplants and gardening started four years ago. It was the hot evening of Memorial Day, and my roommates and I were hosting some friends at the house we used to rent off of Pleasant Plains. After the food and fellowship, one of the guests showed me some tiny succulents, each in their own terra cotta pot within a cardboard box. She was raising money to be a missionary in Thailand, and one of her fundraisers was selling succulents. I’d never had a plant before I’d just never thought of it- but I selected a small green plant with a few leaves on it. I named it “Baby Plant” due to its size and set it on the windowsill in the kitchen.

With the renewed focus on sustainability in our shopping habits, Christmas on its way, and COVID-19 making our pockets lighter, the art of thrifting and antiquing is essential today. Thankfully, we have several locally-owned antique and vintage stores in the Jackson area. The perfect gift for a friend, family member, or yourself is waiting for you right here in the 731. You may find some truly wonderful mid-century modern pieces, handmade local crafts like soy candles or macrame wall hangings, Southwestern blankets, Turkish kilim rugs, used books and vinyl, and more at these locations. All you have to do is be patient and look!

I love a good recommendation. If you can tell me what you love and why you love it, chances are it will open me up to trying a new dish I wouldn’t have tried on my own. Chronic indecision? Let someone else decide for you.

We’ve all been there: that moment when we realize we’ve taken our local government for granted and quite frankly have no clue who to call. No matter how vigorously our local leaders keep watch over our city, there will always be the occasional pothole, confusing terms, and roadkill in your driveway to put a damper on your day. But dealing with those issues and a dozen other shouldn’t be a hassle. That’s why we’ve created this “Who’s Who?” guide to twelve of our city’s most important departments.

What bizarre days we’re living in right now, friends. Never in remembered history – my 91-year-old grandmother couldn’t even recall a time such as this – have we been asked to hunker down at home for the health and safety of ourselves and our community. There is a lot of uncertainty and stress revolving around this situation, but I’m typically one to look for the silver lining. One thing that has really struck me about this crazy and unexpected time is how it has forced innovation and fostered creativity in people. From business owners to parents, folks are discovering new ways to connect, to promote, to teach and learn, to shop, and much more. Nothing really looks the same in our daily activities, but life must go on. It’s pretty amazing how adaptable we can be when we have to.

Don’t let the cold weather keep you cooped up all month! Get out to catch some unique events offered this February for lovebirds and professionals to kids and students.

I probably wouldn’t have decided that 2019 was the year I was going to eat all the greens in Jackson if I’d grown up in the South, but I’m an adult convert, someone who moved here twenty years ago, tried greens for the first time, and decided they were brilliant. Good greens bring flavors together in ways few other foods do; they’re salty, sweet, bitter, savory, and often smoky and meaty, and they embody the sorcery of cooking: homely plants that taste like grass clip- pings, with a mouthfeel like eating stiff construction paper, are transformed into something unctuous and satisfying and harmonious.

The holiday magic may be over, but don’t worry that your January will be dull. Cozy up with these fun events throughout the community, and don’t forget to sync the full calendar with yours so you don’t miss a thing.

It’s Christmastime, and we’re here for it! Take advantage of all the free fun offered in Jackson, for kids and adults alike.

The Halloween fun may be over, but November is jam-packed of fun community events to get you in the holiday spirit! From shopping and eating to bingo and line dancing, check out what Jackson has to offer before Thanksgiving.

It’s finally fall! Well, almost. Join us as we gear up for arguably the most beautiful time of year in Jackson as we celebrate with drinks, music, and all kinds of outdoors fun.

This September will mark four years of my career at Chandelier Restaurant here in Jackson, and I’ve enjoyed every minute, from my first years as a server to my recent promotion to fine dining assistant manager. Chef Jennifer Dickerson opened this fine dining spot in 2015, and I know the entire community would agree that it has raised the bar for our city’s cuisine.

September may be Jackson’s overall best month for community events, and the great weather makes it even better! While we’re always excited for classics like the state fair, international festival, and Starlight Symphony, here are five other favorites we want to see you at. And don’t forget to sync our event calendars with Google or iCal so you don’t miss a thing!

Don’t let the summer fun end once 731Day passes! August is full of one-of-a-kind entertainment and so many opportunities to support local non-profits in special ways. Check out our top event suggestions.

July is by far one of our favorite times of the year with 731Day on its way, but there’s so much more leading up to that beloved end-of-summer event! Check out all the laughs, music, and other fun in store for this month.

Don’t find yourself empty-handed this Mother’s Day! Jackson has dozens of excellent local shops to explore, many of which are run by women. If you’re stumped on what Mom would truly appreciate this year, check out this gift guide for ten one-of-a-kind ideas from female-run businesses we have featured in our journal and on our blog.

Spring in the South is something special, and this May we’ve got plenty of events to celebrate just that. See what five community get-togethers you can’t miss this month.

It’s a late Easter this year, which thankfully means for better weather for celebrations! Make sure to get outside now that spring has sprung, and bring a neighbor to these awesome community events.

Already hungry for lunch? Us, too. Instead of trying to drive across town in your short break or run home for disappointing leftovers, try out the recently launched Waitr app! Waitr currently delivers food from over two dozen area restaurants, over half of which are unique to Jackson, and the list is growing. Not only that, but their app also offers an easy-to-operate group ordering option that allows for a special and convenient way for multiple people to grab a bite in a hurry.

As the weather gradually warms up this month, we’re all eager to get out of the house and find unique ways to spend our weekends. This March is full of exciting events, new and old, and many of which are as fun for kids and they are for adults. Check them out!

While the weather may be dreary these days, Jackson’s social scene is most definitely not. February is bringing the most dancing, learning, and new fun our city has seen since the holiday. Here’s just a handful of the awesome events happening throughout our community this month.

January might not be the most exciting month following the joy of Christmas and entering the bleak midwinter, but Jackson has plenty of fun to offer, especially with a handful of annual events we’re all looking forward to. See what’s in store this month!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, y’all! Jackson has so much family fun for you this holiday season, so check out these five favorite events happening this December.

Anybody else out there who can’t believe it’s already November? Don’t worry—you’ve still got a few weeks to prepare yourself for Christmas, but thankfully some holiday cheer is just around the corner, from decking the halls and wrapping gifts to spending time with family enjoying a play, race, or service event. Check out what’s coming up here in Jackson!