Today in the J

Downtown Jackson Christmas Parade.  Start time is 6 PM.  The Parade route is Michigan Avenue, from Blackstone, heading east to Francis Street.  The theme this year is “Peace on Earth”.  Lighted floats, marching bands, Christmas characters and of course, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.  Following the parade, Santa will greet children in the lobby of Consumers Energy, One Energy Plaza.  Parade goers are encouraged to park in either of the two parking decks adjacent to Consumers Energy (open and free after 3PM).  ARTitude Opening Day.  Starting on November 17th until December 24th, the ARTitude pop-up marketplace will be open Tuesday through Saturday 11:00am-7:00pm and Sundays 12:00pm-4:00pm.  ARTitude is a holiday pop-up marketplace located in Downtown Jackson. Over 40 artists selling original art in a wide variety of mediums including paintings, metal works, jewelry, mixed-media, sculptures, ceramics, glass, and so much more. Open for the entire holiday season!  Artists interested in participating should apply online at www.ARTitudeJackson.com. Range of options for artists.  ARTitude is located at the former Christian Scientist Church, at the intersection of Wildwood, West Michigan and Louis Glick, Downtown Jackson. Jackson Symphony Orchestra presents Bach’s Lunch Series.  The Bach's Lunch Series promotes classical music through free noontime concerts open to the…

The Eastern Branch of the Jackson District Library presents Matt Damon movies Thursdays in October at 2 PM.  Today’s movie is “We Bought a Zoo” (2011, PG).  Free admission and free popcorn.  Intended for adults.  Widescreen and comfortable seats too! S.T.E.A.M. and Stories, Carnegie Branch, Jackson District Library.  Join us at the Carnegie Branch on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for a story and craft that emphasizes S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Intended for ages 0-5. Project Homeless Connect.  St. John’s United Church of Christ in downtown Jackson will be hosting this year’s “Project Homeless Connect.” If you’re looking for help, come meet all of the organizations that can be of assistance to you all in one place. There will also be a hot lunch served and other goods available to you.  If you are facing homelessness, or know someone who is, this is for you!  10 AM to 2 PM, St. John’s United Church of Christ, 801 South Mechanic Street, Jackson. Funday’s After Hours Adults Only Pallet Party.  Who says the kids get to have all the fun? Join us for a kid-free relaxing evening for us grown-ups as we get our craft on making a lovely pallet sign! Did we mention there will be…

Michigan's firearms deer season begins today and runs through Nov. 30. Adam Mellema presents “Remembering World War II”.  Storyteller Adam Mellema brings to life the stories of real men and women in their own words.  This poignant collection has been warmly received as both a  gripping history lesson and a tender trip down memory lane.  Free presentation, 10 AM, Carnegie Branch, Jackson District Library. Pop Pilates at Spring Arbor Branch, Jackson District Library.  Join us every Wednesday at 9 AM for Pop Pilates with Allie. Suggested donation of $3. Intended for adults.  Spring Arbor Branch 517-750-2030 113 E. Main St. Spring Arbor. Yoga at the Concord Branch, Jackson District Library. Bring your mat and join us every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for yoga with Amy Reamer. This class is free, but there is a suggested donation of $5. Intended for adults.  Concord Branch 517-905-1379 108 S. Main St. Concord. AARP Michigan Veterans Workshop.  Please join AARP as we honor and support those who served by helping Michigan veterans and their families access benefits and resources.  A representative from the VA hospital will share information about special programs for women veterans.  Participants will also hear about services available to veterans in Michigan  and current…

Yoga at the Carnegie Branch, Jackson District Library.  Feeling stressed? Join us on every Tuesday at 5:30 PM, for yoga at the Carnegie Branch. Newbies to certified Yogis welcome. Intended for adults.  Carnegie Library 517-788-4087 244 W. Michigan Ave. Jackson. Pre-School Story and Craft.  Join us at the Meijer Branch every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. for stories, crafts and more. Intended for ages 0-5 and their families. 5 Healthy Towns Eating Class:  Eating with Decadence.  Made possible in part by a grant from the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation.  Tuesday, November 14 at 6 p.m., Chef Brad West takes holiday classic recipes and turns them into healthier dishes. Space is limited. Registration is required, so please call the branch to reserve your spot. Intended for adults. This event is located at the Whistlestop Depot – 218 E. Michigan Ave., Grass Lake.  Grass Lake Branch  517-522-8211. The Jackson City Council meets tonight at 6:30 PM for a regularly scheduled meeting.  6:30 PM, Council Chambers, City Hall.

South Central Michigan ALPACT presents...."Walking in Oak Creek" Free Movie and community discussion starts at 6:30 P.M. Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson.  South Central Michigan ALPACT (Advocates and Leaders for Police and Community Trust) is hosting a free screening of the film “Waking in Oak Creek” to be followed by a community discussion around the content. This film, from Not in Our Town, is inspired by the actions of thousands of Wisconsin residents who stood up for their neighbors in the face of hate after a shooting in a Sikh temple. Our County’s Water:  A Blue Future?  Spend an evening at the Carnegie Jackson Public Library to find out what you can do to ensure enough clean water. Healthy communities depend on the protection of our most vital and vulnerable asset: water. Enjoy an interactive and lively workshop followed by refreshments and camaraderie.  The Greater Jackson Sierra Club's meeting this month features Monica Day, MSU Extension's Water Resources Educator speaking on WATER JUSTICE with ideas from Maude Barlow's book “Blue Future: Protecting Water for People and the Planet Forever." How secure is the future of our precious local clean water? Together we will consider and discuss the value of and threats to our local water resources. Monica will…

Center Stage Jackson presents “My Fair Lady”.  Last weekend!   Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 3pm.  Jackson College's Potter Center, Baughman Theatre.  Directed by Steven Owsley.  Acclaimed Professor and confirmed bachelor Henry Higgins makes a wager with his linguistic colleague Colonel Pickering that in six months he can pass off “gutter snipe” Eliza Doolittle as a duchess at an embassy ball. Through arduous training, day and night, Eliza learns how to speak English “properly,” and transforms into a lady respected and adored by all classes. However, she finds herself in a difficult position, now too refined to go back to her old life and not with any means or desire to live life as a lady of leisure – especially by herself.  Tickets can be purchased at a discount rate online at www.CenterStageJackson.org or by calling (517) 539-4118. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.  Students:  $16 in advance, $18 at the door.  Adults: $18 in advance, $20 at the door. Group rates available (10 or more). The Michigan Theatre presents a free showing of the movie “Die Hard” this evening at 7 PM.  New York City policeman John McClane (Bruce Willis) is visiting his estranged wife (Bonnie…

The Jackson Community Foundation is hosting their 2017 Annual Meeting at the Michigan Theatre.  Learn who we are, what we do and how we help the community!  Refreshments 5:15 PM to 5:45 PM.  Presentation 6 PM to 7 PM.  All are welcome and there is no charge.  RSVP by email to imcdaniel@jacksoncf.org.  Preserve and Transform Your Memories at the Carnegie Branch, Jackson District Library.  Learn how to transform your digital memories into scrapbooks, keepsakes or home décor. Join us on Thursday, November 9 & Wednesday, November 15 from 6-8 p.m. for a two-session program that will educate you on all these cool possibilities. Intended for adults. Jackson Emergency Response Team presents Gun Violence Community Forum at the Martin Luther King Center at 7 PM.  Coming together to create solutions.  A panel of city, county and state officials; local leaders, pastors and business owners.  Bring your solutions!  Because of the sudden rash of shooting deaths involving young African-American men recently, this forum was organized to discuss the issues, hear from local authorities and work together on solutions.  Free event, all are welcome.  Martin Luther King Community Center, 1107 Adrian Street, Jackson. Region II Planning Commission presents their 2017 Annual Dinner, 6…

Pop Pilates at Spring Arbor Branch, Jackson District Library.  Join us every Wednesday at 9 AM for Pop Pilates with Allie. Suggested donation of $3. Intended for adults.  Spring Arbor Branch 517-750-2030 113 E. Main St. Spring Arbor. Yoga at the Concord Branch, Jackson District Library. Bring your mat and join us every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for yoga with Amy Reamer. This class is free, but there is a suggested donation of $5. Intended for adults.  Concord Branch 517-905-1379 108 S. Main St. Concord. Le Monde en François. Calling all high school and college aged French speakers! Join us every Wednesday from 4:30 PM to 6 PM. for the Jackson District Library new French Club. This is your opportunity to practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing in French. Every week alternates between group meetings and study sessions. This is a French speaking group, not French language lessons. Intended for ages 16-23.  Carnegie Branch, Downtown Jackson. Turkey Windsocks for the Holidays at Jackson District Library.  Celebrate Thanksgiving by making a turkey windsock. Intended for ages 6-12.   November 8 at 4:30 – Concord Branch | 517-905-1379 | 108 S. Main St. Concord. Holiday Cards for Service Men and Women at the Springport Branch of…

Today is Election Day for registered voters in the City of Jackson, Vandercook Lake School District and Concord School District.  Jackson voters will decide on Mayor and four council seats.  Vandercook Lake School District voters are being asked to approve a Building and Sinking Fund Tax Proposal.  In the Concord School District, a Bonding Proposal for repairs, improvements and upgrades is on the ballot.  The polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM. The Jackson Anchor Initiative is hosting a Retailer Workshop today from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Consumers Energy Innovation Center, Downtown Jackson.  Learn about proven techniques, latest trends, store design and case studies.  This fast-paced workshop is designed to give small retailers and restaurants specific nuts and bolts techniques for increasing shopper traffic and sales.  Presented by Gibbs Planning Group.  There is no cost and all are welcome. Yoga at the Carnegie Branch, Jackson District Library.  Feeling stressed? Join us on every Tuesday at 5:30 PM, for yoga at the Carnegie Branch. Newbies to certified Yogis welcome. Intended for adults.  Carnegie Library 517-788-4087 244 W. Michigan Ave. Jackson. Holiday Cards for Service Men and Women at the Springport Branch of the Jackson District Library. …

Congressman Tim Walberg presents the Veterans Resource Fair.  Congressman Walberg will be hosting a Veterans Resource Fair to provide the resources necessary for veterans to file VA benefit claims. Representatives from the Community Action Agency, Jackson County Veterans Affairs Office, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, and Veterans Benefits Administration will be onsite to aid veterans and/or their beneficiaries to learn more about available benefits and services. Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.  Location: Jackson County Veterans Affairs Office, 1715 Lansing Avenue in Jackson. Reservations are due today for the 2017 Lumen Christi 43rd Annual Dinner and Auction.  The theme this year is “Seek Him”.  Donation is $95 per person.  The event is scheduled for Friday, November 17, 2017.  Social hour and silent auction starts at 5:30 PM, Live auction and dinner at 7 PM.  Reservations can be made by calling 517-787-5080 or online at lumen17.gesture.com. Holiday Cards for Service Men and Women at the Springport Branch of the Jackson District Library.  Stop by the Springport Branch between November 6-11 during open hours to decorate a card for those in the Armed Forces and Veterans at home. All materials provided. All families welcome. Yoga at Meijer Branch,  Jackson District Library.  Every Monday and Wednesday at…