Community News

BROOKLYN, Mich.  – What began in 2002 as a tribute to honor the victims and heroes of September 11, has now evolved into so much more. This year, the Spirit of America blood drive will return to the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan, and it promises to be just as memorable. This event isn’t just a blood drive; it’s a unique opportunity for the community to honor and remember all those affected by 9/11. Since its inception in 2002, the Spirit of America blood drive has collected more than 9,773 pints of blood, all of which has the potential to have helped more than 29,319 lives. “The Spirit of America has evolved out of a simple need to want to do something for 9/11 into a meaningful, heartfelt and truly good thing to do with our community,” Roger Curtis, track president, said. Those who attempt to donate blood will have the opportunity to ride the MIS tram around the track, through the tunnel to the pits and into MIS’ Home of the Brave exhibit. The exhibit is a 4,000-square-foot multi-media exhibit featuring “as it happened” videos, Presidential letters, magazines, newspapers, and more. Donors will also be treated to lunch…

The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce will host the 33rd Annual Leadership Jackson program for 2015-2016 at the Baker College Welcome Center located at 2800 Springport Rd. starting September 2, 2015 through April 14, 2016. The Leadership Jackson program will meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 8-10 am. This year’s Leadership Jackson program sponsors include Consumers Energy, CP Federal Credit Union, Michigan Community Credit Union, Tony Lewis and many more.  Why Should YOU Register for Leadership Jackson? To create personal goals which will allow you to reflect and assess leadership concepts and skills for your future development. To gain a heightened awareness concerning the Jackson community, its needs and issues. To develop an enhanced desire and ability to become a community steward. Why Should You Send Your Staff to Leadership Jackson? This program will allow you to provide challenging, growth-orientated and rewarding opportunities for your employees. Your employees are worth this investment! To get more out of your Leadership Jackson experience, participants must experience all of the following activities during class: Attend all class sessions, Attend one Jackson City Council meeting, Jackson County Commission meeting, Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting, Attend one Business After Hours or…

"Famous @ the Forks" is an entertaining talent competition for tweens and teens (ages 8 -18).  Sing, dance, rap, play an instrument, or tell jokes, all are welcome...groups too.  Registration for Famous @ the Forks, will be held, July 11, 2015 from 1:30 - 4:30 at the Albion District Library in the Naomi Lane Room.  This is the 2nd annual Famous @ the Forks talent show.  Following the registration process, try outs will be held at Albion Community School Auditorium on Aug. 1, where ten finalist will be selected to move on to the mentoring phase of the competition.  Mentors will work with the young entertainers to perfect their performance and develop their stage presence.   On Sept. 12, the 10 contestants will perform at the Bohm Theatre, and a winner will be chosen, receiving a cash prize of $500 and an opportunity to showcase their winning talent at the Festival of the Forks, Sept. 19, 2015.  This is an exciting and fun filled event.  And who knows where it will lead!  The Famous @ the Forks tween and teen talent competition is being hosted by G & A Enterprises, the Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, the Festival…

July 6, 2015 -- Thousands of Adopt-A-Highway volunteers will be back picking up litter along state roadways starting Saturday, as they've done each summer since 1990. Participants in the popular Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) program will clean highway roadsides from July 11 to 19 during the second of three scheduled pickups this year.             "This year marks a quarter century of outstanding community service from groups in the Adopt-A-Highway program," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "For 25 years, these volunteer crews have given a big financial boost to MDOT, and the entire state. They're performing an important job that we simply couldn't otherwise afford.             Every year, Adopt-A-Highway volunteers collect about 70,000 bags of trash, for a total of more than 2 million bags in 25 years. Last year alone, Adopt-A-Highway cleanups generated a $5 million value for state taxpayers.             Getting involved in the program is straightforward. Volunteers include members of civic groups, businesses and families. Crew members have to be at least 12 years old and each group must include at least three people. Groups are asked to adopt a section of highway for at least two years. There is no fee to participate…

From left to right: Trevor Tarantowski, Allyson Oliver, Rachel Waskiewicz and Paige Lukasik. Jackson, Michigan — The Kiwanis Club of Jackson is pleased to announce it has awarded four one-time $1,000 college scholarships to local high school graduates. They are: Paige Lukasik, of Michigan Center High School; Allyson Oliver, of Western; Trevor Tarantowski, of Jackson Christian; and Rachel Waskiewicz, of Grass Lake. To qualify, applicants had to live in Jackson County, graduate from a Jackson County high school and plan to attend full-time a college or university within Jackson County. Home schooled students could also apply. Applicants had to show success in high school and exemplify the Kiwanis standards through extra-curricular activities and volunteer opportunities. Both Paige and Rachel will attend Jackson College to study nursing; Allyson will study accounting at Spring Arbor University. Trevor will study Communications and Worship Ministries at Spring Arbor. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. The Kiwanis Club of Jackson was established in 1918. Today, it is nearly 90 members strong. To learn more about the club, log onto www.jacksonkiwanis.com.