Bart Hawley

Michigan Poet Laureate Dr. Melba Joyce Boyd - Author Visit. 12 PM to 2 PM.  Meet 2026 Michigan Poet Laureate Dr. Melba Joyce Boyd as she joins us for a reading of her works. About the Poet: Dr. Boyd is a recently retired distinguished professor in African American Studies at Wayne State University and is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Michigan in the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies. Her poetry, essays, and creative nonfiction have appeared in anthologies, academic journals, cultural periodicals, and newspapers in the United States and Europe. The Kresge Foundation honored her as the 2023 Kresge Eminent Artist. She has a Doctor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in English from Western Michigan University. Carnegie Library, Downtown Jackson. National Civics Bee:  Jackson County Competition.  5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.  Calling All Young Civic Leaders in Jackson County Michigan!  The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host the National Civics Bee Michigan Statewide Finals at the White Auditorium at Spring Arbor University! This exciting nonpartisan competition gives 6th–8th graders the chance to show off their civics knowledge, share ideas…

Jackson Fire Department Car Seat Inspection. 1 PM to 3 PM.  Jackson area families wanting to make sure their children travel safely can take advantage of the Car Seat Inspection Program from the Jackson Fire Department. Firefighters launched the program in 2022 to provide monthly car seat checks for the Jackson area. The inspections are free and no prior sign up is needed. The inspections will take place at the Jackson Central Fire Station, 518 N. Jackson St. Families are welcome to visit the fire station for the checks between 1-3 p.m. When visiting the Jackson Central Fire Station, pull into the south driveway of the fire station off of N. Jackson Street. Drive around the building past a yellow tower. There will be three large bay doors and a parking lot in front of them to park in. Firefighters will greet you once you've parked. Firefighters request parents or guardians bring their children and car seats to the inspection. Crews will look to make sure the car seat is in proper working order, fastened to the vehicle correctly, and is a safe fit for the child. A limited number of car seat replacements are available for free if firefighters…

Friday, April 24 Jackson County Student Art Show.  Join us for the 11th Annual Jackson County Student Art Show! This inspiring showcase features artwork from over 20 schools, with students in grades K–12 displaying their incredible creativity. The show spans the entirety of the mall, so be sure to take a stroll and soak it all in. We’ll also have light entertainment and refreshments on select days, making it the perfect time to come out, explore, and support local students and their beautiful art.  During mall hours at Jackson Crossing Mall. 4th Annual Barbecuing for Athletes & Cornhole Tournament.  Benefiting Special Olympics Michigan.  The Federation Cornhole State PRO/AM Cornhole Tournament runs Friday and Saturday.  The Barbecue is Saturday, with sales available to the public at 3 PM.  Jackson Optimist Ice Arena. “Hello, Dolly”.  7 PM.  Columbia Central Jr./Sr. High School presents “Hello, Dolly”, our spring musical.  Columbia Central High School.  Tickets at the door. Sauk Theatre presents “John & Jen” .  8 PM. A truly original musical, this is the story of Jen and her relationships with the two Johns of her life: her younger brother, who was killed in Vietnam, and his namesake, the son who is trying to…

College Connection Fair. 5:30-7:00 pm.  Hosted by Northwest High School.  Visit as many college admissions counselors and program representatives at their booths as you would like!  Ask questions and gather information! Over 50 colleges, universities, trade schools and military branches from Michigan and surrounding states will be there  REQUIRED: Pre-registration at https://app.strivescan.com/registration/  All students attending the College Fair MUST pre-register before entering the gymnasium.  Parent registration is optional. Also available - an Information Session sponsored by the College & Career Access Center of Jackson: ‘College Planning for Juniors: What Can I do Now? 5:00-5:30pm Learn about next steps in your college search, admissions and financial aid process once you have your SAT scores.  Northwest High School, 4200 Van Horn Rd., Jackson.  Film Screening:  “The Blind Side” (2009). 7 PM.  Join us for a big-screen screening of The Blind Side, the inspiring true story of Michael Oher, a young man navigating instability and hardship who is taken in by a family that helps him find support, structure, and opportunity. As he adjusts to a new environment, the film explores how understanding, patience, and advocacy can shape a person’s path forward. Jackson County Student Art Show.  Join us for the 11th Annual Jackson County Student Art Show!…

P.A.T.H. Summit. 5 PM to 7 PM.  This is a community event to honor community partners and the local sober community. Attendees will be able to enjoy small plates & refreshments while connecting with local leaders, treatment providers, and recovery advocates. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to hear powerful testimonials from individuals celebrating recovery and recognize community award-winners. Additional Details: On-site childcare will be provided by Early Impressions at no cost. P.A.T.H. is Prevention, Awareness, Treatment and Healing/Recovery.  Recovery is Possible - Hope is Real - Community Makes the Difference.  Registration is NOT required to attend, however, it is encouraged for planning purposes (here).  American 1 Event Center, Keeley Park. Spring Rummage and Book Donation Sale.  3 PM to 7 PM.  (Thursday 9 AM to 3 PM).  Join us for our Rummage & Book Sale at Jackson First United Methodist Church.  You’ll find everything rom books and household items to clothing and hidden gems — all while supporting local and international missions through United Women in Faith.  275 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson. 17th Annual Earth Day Block Clean Up.  9 AM to 1 PM.  Hosted by Production Realty.  Every year our ProAgents clean up and beautify the block…

Jackson County Student Art Show.  Join us for the 11th Annual Jackson County Student Art Show! This inspiring showcase features artwork from over 20 schools, with students in grades K–12 displaying their incredible creativity. The show spans the entirety of the mall, so be sure to take a stroll and soak it all in. We’ll also have light entertainment and refreshments on select days, making it the perfect time to come out, explore, and support local students and their beautiful art.  During mall hours at Jackson Crossing Mall. NHS Blood Drive.  There will be a Blood Drive held in the Commons of Northwest High School on April 21st from 8:30AM-1:50PM.  Anyone age 17+ can donate, (age 16 with parent consent).  Sign up here. Tech Help Tuesdays. 1 PM to 3 PM.  Need help with your phone, tablet, laptop, or other tech device? Join us every Tuesday from 1–3 PM at the Jackson District Library’s Brooklyn Branch conference room for Tech Help Tuesdays! Bring your device and your questions—our staff is here to assist with troubleshooting, setup, and basic tech support. No appointment needed! National Library Week. Join JDL in celebrating National Library Week! National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting…

Empowering Survivors:  Inspiring Change in Our Community.  12 PM.  In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, you're invited to join the Jackson Business and Professional Women's Club on April 20th.  What You'll Gain:  Knowledge and empathy for what a survivor's journey is truly like,  Offer your own words of resilience and strength for AWARE's community awareness initiative, Actionable steps you can take to give hope to survivors and change our community for the better, and an opportunity to connect with other like-minded community leaders who are ready to take action.  Guest speaker: Olivia Piepkow, AWARE Shelter.  Cost: $16 with lunch | $5 without lunch (+ Credit Card Fees).  Cascades Manor.  Event page and tickets here. National Library Week. Join JDL in celebrating National Library Week! National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. JDL staff across the county will be having a Spirit Week, and patrons are encouraged to join us in dressing on theme each day! Monday 4/20: Pajama Day, Tuesday 4/21: Jersey Day, Wednesday 4/22: Wacky Wednesday, Thursday 4/23: Decades Day, Friday 4/24: Fandom/Favorite Character Day. All staff and patrons must adhere to…