ARISE Jackson: Bridging a Gap by Partnering with Schools

When I was five or six years old, I attended a Vacation Bible School at a Baptist church somewhere on the south side of Jackson. I can’t remember the name of the church now, only that on the last afternoon every boy and girl, ages five to nine, were packed into a multi-purpose room (what Baptists might call a “fellowship hall”), and a man or woman told us that we needed to be saved. I don’t ever remember any name of the devil being used . . . no Satan, Lucifer, or Beelzebub.

Missing Jackson, Part 1: “The Waiting Is The Hardest Part” – Tom Petty

I’m a good ol’ southern girl, but I spent years away from West Tennessee. I learned along my travels that Jackson is the best place to call home. Don’t believe me? Follow me on my journey this fall throughout the USA and Canada as I chronicle my tour, opening of my off-Broadway show, and why I’ll missing Jackson.

Roots and Wings

It's that time of year again. When our students return to Bulldog Country (The West Tennessee version—not Athens, Georgia, don't you know!), increasing the income of our local "Stuff-Marts," and reminding those of us affiliated, both directly and by marriage, of why we love this Place. In our ever-expanding circle, this has been a summer of engagements, newlyweds, and new-to-them abodes.

On: The Farmers' Market

There is something comforting about ritual. Of course there’s also something comfortable about the familiar, but ritual is different. The repetition that comes with ritual isn’t out of habit. It’s not something you slip into, like ordering the same dish every time you go to your favorite restaurant. It’s done with intention, with reverence, and with appreciation. For many Jacksonians, Saturday mornings at the West Tennessee Farmers’ Market is one such ritual.

Alba: Jackson's New "Third Place"

Alba, the coffee shop that now sits on 112 East Baltimore downtown, follows a string of laughable changes in owners and names. First, there was Starbucks, followed by Green Frog. Green Frog sold their business to Ugly Mug, and Ugly Mug closed shop within a few months. The important thing, though, is that there is a really good local shop there, and it is celebrating one year in business.