Events of Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Jackson Law Enforcement Memorial.  12 PM  The annual event pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. The memorial is organized by the Jackson Police Department Honor Guard. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police Jackson Post, and the Blackman-Leoni Township Department of Public Safety are also participating. The names of Jackson County officers killed in the line of duty will be read during the “Roll Call of Heroes”, followed by a gun salute and taps. Magistrate Christopher Dickerson of the 12th District Court will be the event’s keynote speaker. The memorial is open to the public. TRUE Community City Square is located within Horace Blackman Park at 212 W. Michigan Avenue.

Food Truck Wednesdays.  Join us for Food Truck Wednesdays at Ella Sharp Museum. Food trucks will be parked on farm lane, and the granary patio will be open for seating. We look forward to seeing everyone there!April 10th – September 11th.  Every Other Wednesday, 11am – 2pm.  Today, May 8 food truck lineup:  Baby Bear Burger, M&M Heavenly Foods, Phat Belly Foods, Rollin Hoagies, and PB&J’s BBQ.

Jackson College Astronomical Observatory Public Viewing.  9 PM to 11 PM.  Jackson College’s new Astronomical Observatory will hold public viewing nights on Wednesdays and Fridays, 9-11 p.m. (weather permitting) now through the month of July. Viewing nights provide the public with an opportunity to look through the new high-tech telescope to see the planets, the moon and stars. Astronomical Observatory Coordinator Talia Burns will be available to explain what guests may be looking at and to answer any related questions. Guests are also welcome to bring their own telescopes; the site has an outdoor platform area with several piers for amateur astronomers.  Those interested are advised to check the weather beforehand. The telescope is ADA compliant and accessible to people in wheelchairs. When entering Central Campus from Emmons Road, take the service drive to the left; the observatory is just beyond the softball and baseball fields.

Community Shred Day.  4 PM to 6 PM.  Join us for a community shred day at our North Street branch! Safely shred and discard your personal documents for FREE, courtesy of American 1 Credit Union. A reputable shred company will shred your documents on-site before you leave. All shredded materials will be disposed of in a proper manner, and the company will recycle all materials securely to ensure no personal information will be obtained. All businesses and individuals are welcome. No membership is required.  American 1 Credit Union, North Street Branch, 930 West North Street, Jackson.

Grass Lake Farmers Market.  Every Wednesday May through September.  4:00pm til 7:00pm.  Fresh Produce, Arts & Crafts.  Grass Lake Community Events Park, 120 Brown Street, Downtown Grass Lake.

The CCC in Michigan. 6 PM.  The Jackson MI Historical Society presents The CCC in Michigan. This presentation will be held at the Airport Rd branch of the Jackson District Library.  In the 1930s, a tree army invaded Michigan. 100,000 strong, the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps occupied over 120 camps throughout the state. They fought forest fires, built state parks, and planted 484 million trees, while sending much needed money home to their families. Join Historian, Hillary Pine, to learn how this Great Depression-era program transformed Michigan’s landscape in ways that can still be seen today.  Hillary Pine lives in St. Ignace and is a citizen of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She has a B.A. in Art History from the University of Michigan and an M.A. in Cultural Heritage & Museum Studies from the University of East Anglia. She is the Northern Lower Peninsula Historian for the DNR and Michigan History Center.   Free and open to the public.

Movers for Moms Tilted Charity Event. 5 PM to 10 PM.  Come enjoy all the Pinball games and Video games at Tilted Arcade Bar for Free. Just bring a $10 gift card for entry and not only will you have fun but also help the families at The Aware Shelter.  Tilted Arcade Bar, 146 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson.  Hosted by Two Men and a Truck.

Jackson College Summer Registration.  Summer session begins May 20! Completing a college credential can mean increased earnings and job opportunities for life. Build a brighter future for yourself and your family. Jackson offers affordable tuition and financial aid opportunities, excellent instruction, in-demand programs and personalized support. No matter the circumstances, students can fit college courses into their schedules; Jackson offers a variety of class lengths and sessions.  Details here.