Bart Hawley Show

Jackson High School will be hosting the State Jazz Festival, Wednesday, March 25 in the Jackson High School Auditorium.  Joel Shaner, Director of Instrumental Music, along with student musicians Noah Spencer and Brett Trombley will be participating with the JHS Jazz Band performing at 6:30pm.  The festival begins at 2:30pm and all are welcome.  WKAR is profiling the Jackson band for an upcoming episode of "Forte".  Other guests:  Summit Township Supervisor Jim Dunn;  Laura Schlecte, city council representative;  Park Supervisor Jim O'Brien, Hayes State Park;  Dave DeBaker, entertainment previews.

The Jackson Women's History Council has selected Angela Machnik and Nancy Miller as this year's recipients of the 2015 Susan B. Anthony Award.  For their leadership on women's equality issues, the two were honored at a dinner program last month along with the presentation of essay contest winners from area schools.  Other guests:  Builderwalk with General Materials;  Rock Mangus and David Schwartz, Mission of Hope Cancer Fund;  Alicia Barry, Director of Development, Food Bank of South Central Michigan;  "Gears, Beards & Beers" with Lyman Robertson, Cindy Pape and Coley Kennedy;  Gabby Whitaker, Yanet Morales and Devon Payne, Jackson Area Career Center's Hair and Fashion Show winners;  Ethan Smith, Napoleon High School's Jeremiah's Gift Dinner.

Vandercook Lake Schools' Townsend Elementary is featuring Vandy the Jayhawk and other guests for reading month activities at the school.  Families interested in the kindergarten program  will have an opportunity for tours and a round-up in April.  Principal Aaron Bush and teacher Colleen Stapley will be hosting Michigan author Monica Harris next week.  Other guests:  Nat Parker, JSO guest conductor;  Doug Shumard, Good Shepherd Catholic Radio;  Ron Douglass, Jackson Community Concert Band;Kylie Thomson, The Hunt Club (Friday fundraiser for family battling cancer);  Sue Lovell, Pet of the Week, Cascades Humane Society.

Jackson city councilman and vice mayor Derek Dobies announced his intention to run for reelection as 6th ward council representative.  In a second term, he plans to continue work on road improvements, leaf pickup returning, installation of the Consumers Energy mural and progress on downtown development.  Other guests:  Scott Robbins, Jackson County Parks Director;  Athena McConnell and Linda Donihue, Michigan Theatre;  Northwest High School students Domanic Lykins, Olivia White and Jaison Balluff, "Beauty and the Beast";  Steve Trosin, JSO Affinity Series;  Big Brothers Big Sisters "Match of the Month" with Art Turner and Gabe.

Jackson auctioneer Tim Bos has been elected president of the Michigan Auctioneers Association.  Tim is a long time Jackson auctioneer and antique expert who is well known for donating his services at area charity auctions.  Tim will be the auctioneer at this week's Jackson High School Ambassador Dinner and Auction.  Other guests:  Bob Hoffman, Public Relations Director, Wharton Center;  Nicole Gilbert, Jackson District Library Napoleon Branch manager; Al LeCrone, National Kidney Foundation Beer and Wine Tasting Fundraiser (Uncorked, March 27, Grand River Brewery);  Russ Jennings, Ashley Rogers and Shaun Kelley, McThirsty's.

Denise Owens, Jackson County Fair Manager announced more vendors for the 5th Annual Southern Michigan Winter Beer Fest along with an increase of beer offerings to 209.  The Fest is Saturday, March 14.  Other guests:  Irish band "Five O'Clock in Dublin" performs;  Shelia Drewry, American Red Cross;  Carole Briggs, Jackson Parkinson Support Group;  Dana Ashlock, Jackson Noon BPW Club with Nike Award winner Rosalie Jonas, Rosalie's Sweet Treats.

Organizer of iCreate, John Voelz introduced the winners of the 5th Annual iCreate event.  Grand Prize winner is Paragon 5th grader Billy White.  Other winners include Alyssa Lindeman, 8th grade, Addison and Ena Humphries, 8th grade, Paragon.  Musician Kenny Flowers performed Billy's winning poem, "The Beauty of the Night".  The event was held last night at the Michigan Theatre.  Other guests:  Western Schools Superintendent Michael Smajda;  In the Kitchen with Lisa Spampinato;  Barb Baird Pauli, Jackson High School principal with John Waldron, chair, 28th Annual Ambassador Dinner.