Events of Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Our Town Meal Distribution Program.  FINAL WEEK!  4 PM to 6 PM.  Martin L. King, Jr. Center.  The Our Town Meal Distribution Program is ready to help anyone with a need.  Here are the key details community members need to know about receiving free meals:  Come to the MLK Center at 1107 Adrian St. in Jackson from 4-6 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until April 9, 2021.

• Please do not line up in your vehicle before 3:30 p.m. the day of distribution.
• If you come in a vehicle, please stay in your vehicle and follow signs to the distribution area.
• Walk-ups are welcome, but please be prepared to wait in line and social distance.
• Healthy meals from local restaurants are given to anyone who needs a meal.
• Meals are available on a first come, first serve basis.
• Volunteers in the distribution area will assist you.
• Meals are pre-packaged and can be reheated at home.
• Vegetarian options are available.
• Monetary donations are accepted but not required.

Find out more at

Red Cross Blood Drives.  The American Red Cross is calling for donors of all blood types, especially those with type O blood, to race to give blood and help refuel the blood supply.  This spring, the Red Cross is teaming up with INDYCAR® to urge people to help keep the blood supply on track by donating blood or platelets. Schedule a donation appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.  As a special thank-you, those who come to give blood or platelets April 1-15 will automatically be entered to win a VIP trip for four to the 2022 Indianapolis 500®. The Red Cross will also automatically enter all who come to give in April for a chance to win one of five $1,000 e-gift cards to a merchant of choice. Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Indy500. 

Jackson

4/7/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 743 West Michigan

Michigan Center

4/12/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, 4250 Page Avenue

Jackson

4/13/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Jackson College, 2111 Emmons Rd

Michigan Center

4/14/2021: 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., Our Lady of Fatima, 913 Napoleon Center Rd.

Jackson

4/15/2021: 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., Free Methodist Church, 2829 Park Drive

4/15/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Jackson American Legion, 3200 Lansing Avenue

Jackson College Potter Center Virtual Shows.  With performing arts venues closed in the region, the Potter Center at Jackson College will offer a Virtual Series, free for the community. Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra.  This thrilling salsa group plays dynamic, dance-floor-filling arrangements of indie, alternative, and popular songs that we love from groups like The Black Keys, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arcade Fire, Spoon and more.   This is innovative, astonishing salsa with a fresh, entirely original sound for today’s modern audience.  Bandleader and Percussionist Gianni Mano has led the WSO through two hit albums and almost 10 years of arrangements and live performances throughout the United States – including a residency at Lincoln Center, establishing the WSO as a groundbreaking force in the worldwide salsa scene. This program was filmed when WSO performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC and includes a bonus track of their music video “Love Song” by the Cure, which has attracted almost 4 million unique views!   View show here!

Take Back the Night Virtual Fitness Fundraiser.  April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). This year’s theme is “We Can Build Safe Online Spaces.” Sexual harassment, assault, and abuse can happen anywhere, including online. As we connect online— whether in workspaces, classrooms, or social media platforms—we can learn how to practice digital consent, intervene when we see harmful content or behaviors, and ensure that online spaces are safe and respectful.  Locally, AWARE, Inc. will be hosting a virtual fitness fundraiser sponsored by Henry Ford Allegiance Health that will run April 1 – 30, 2021. The mission is a total of 33.5 miles, and you have until April 30th to complete your journey. Miles can be tracked by any of the following exercise activities: steps, running, walking, cycling, swimming, rowing, elliptical, skiing, or wheelchair. You can track your activity on the website once you create an account manually or you can connect one of the following devices to automatically track it for you: Fitbit, RunKeeper, Strava, UnderArmour or Connected Fitness Garmin.  As a special thanks everyone who signs up will receive a teal ribbon pin that you can proudly wear showing your support of survivors. We encourage you to take a picture and post to social media with the hashtag #SAAM2021 and to tag AWARE in the post. The first 10 people to complete the mission will receive a complimentary glow in the dark Take Back the Night T-shirt. The cost to join is $30 per person. Funds raised will be used to support the operating costs to implement sexual assault services. Services include legal advocacy, emergency shelter, counseling, and accompaniment during a medical exam.  To sign up please visit www.awareshelter.org/events/take-back-the-night

Michigan Theatre Drive Thru Popcorn Pickup.  Simply drive up to the main entrance/marquee of the Michigan Theatre downtown for a FREE box (or boxes) of popcorn! Tuesday thru Friday, 5-6:30 pm.  No catch! Just come enjoy a Covid-safe, FREE, drive-thru pick-up experience.  Donations to help support the Michigan Theatre are welcome, but not required.