Events of Tuesday, December 1, 2020

ARTitude Holiday Marketplace.  The pop-up holiday marketplace in Downtown Jackson is open now through December 24th.  There is a variety of gifts for purchase from local and regional artists and vendors. Shop beautiful handmade jewelry, cards, ornaments and other unique holiday gifts. Support local and support #artsinjackson!  With retail still open at a 30% capacity, please #MASKUP and practice social distancing!  135 West Cortland Street (former Vermeulen’s), downtown Jackson.  Hours:  Tuesday thru Saturday 11 AM to 7 PM, Sunday 11 AM to 4 PM.

Nite Lites Drive Thru Christmas Light Show.  Every night through December 31, 2020.  Michigan International Speedway.  US 12 Entrance Only.  12626 US-12, Brooklyn.  Hours:  Sunday thru Thursday, 5:30 PM to 9 PM.  Friday and Saturday 5:30 PM to 10 PM. Pricing: $25 per car/vehicle (Sunday thru Thursday), $30 per car/vehicle (Friday & Saturday).  $45 per limo/motorhome/mini bus.  $100 per tour bus.  Most credit cards accepted.  We DO NOT accept “tap and go” cards or Apple Pay.

The Salvation Army of Jackson County  Red Kettle Campaign. The classic Red Kettles will be located at: Walmart, Sam’s Club J.C. Penny’s, Polly’s locations, Kroger, Big Lots, Blaine’s, and Jackson Crossing Mall -Pet Smart, Gordon’s, Dollar Tree, Bed Bath and Beyond. Bell ringers will be following all CDC guidelines and have been trained in COVID – 19 safety protocols. 

Salvation Army Food Pantry.  The Salvation Army of Jackson County Food Pantry Hours:  Regular Pantry Hours are 10 am-noon and 1-2 pm Monday through Thursday.  Food Boxes are available every 30 days. In an emergency food may be provided from 2-4:30 pm -please call ahead – 517-782-7185.   

Holiday at Homes Program.  Region 2 Area Agency on Aging is seeking monetary donations from individuals and businesses across our region so our agency can purchase gifts for community members who are in the greatest economic need.  We hope that you can join with us in supporting those in need in our region by making a monetary donation that will not only help to provide gifts during the holiday season, but also fund household needs and provide services for older adults and adults with disabilities throughout the year. Holidays at Home is an especially personal way to let our vulnerable adults know that they are valued.  You may visit www.r2aaa.net and choose HOLIDAYS AT HOME when making your donation, or send your donation to 102 N Main Street, PO Box 189, Brooklyn Michigan, 49230, attention HOLIDAYS AT HOME. Thank you in advance for your generosity!  For additional information on this program or any of the other programs and services, please contact Region 2 Area Agency on Aging at (517) 592-1974 or at www.r2aaa.net.

Wreaths Across America Wreath Sales.  This year, St. John Cemetery will host its fourth annual National Wreaths Across America Day ceremony virtually. The virtual ceremony will be held on December 19th at 12 PM on the St. John Catholic Cemetery Facebook page.  The veteran wreaths will be laid privately.  Coordinated by local volunteers, St. John Cemetery is raising money to purchase 2,300 remembrance wreaths to place on the graves of our veterans.  If you would like to sponsor a wreath for $15, visit jacksoncemetery.org or make a check payable to Wreaths Across America and sent to St. John Cemetery, 403 E. South Street, Jackson, MI 49203.  For more information, call 517-783-1728.

2020 Adopt-A-Family Presented by Community Action Agency.  Community Action Agency is seeking support for their 2020 Adopt-a-Family Campaign, to help make the holidays a little brighter for those who face the prospect of being unable to celebrate the season.  Secure financial contributions can be made by clicking on the “Donate” button on the CAA website (www.caajlh.org) and then selecting “Adopt-a-Family Holidays 2020” from the drop- down menu. For those who still wish to shop, a list for an identified family will be provided by CAA. The families waiting to be adopted are from CAA’s tri-county service area which includes Jackson, Lenawee, and Hillsdale counties.   Those wishing to adopt a family may make a secure donation through the “Donate” button on the CAA website (www.caajlh.org) or may also contact Steve York at (517) 539-8310 or by email at: syork@caajlh.org.  Due to COVID-19, CAA is modifying the program this holiday season.  In-person operations will be limited.  If you would still like to adopt a family in the traditional way, this option may be available on a limited basis.

Photo:  Miller’s Shoes in Downtown Jackson has waterproof winter shoes and boots, New Balance, Rockford, SAS, Johnson & Murphy, Birkenstock shoes.  Many more top brands, specializing in American-made products.  Children’s shoes, slippers, sandals and much more.  Christmas gift certificates are available.  Shop Local!  Serving Jackson since 1912.

About that sign: The exterior of Miller’s Shoes features one of the oldest art-deco shoe signs in Michigan. It is all colored stained glass, not painted metal. The neon has been completely redone, originally built in the 1930’s and has been on Michigan Avenue ever since.