Events of Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Jackson Storyfest. This year, the Jackson District Library is working with professional storytellers to bring the 33rd annual Jackson Storyfest virtually to schools, senior centers, and homes.

The complete schedule of events including workshops, storytelling sessions, and the Storyfest Showcase is below.

Moving and Grooving Our Way to Literacy:

Language Immersion for Young Children

10 – 11:15 AM

This action-packed workshop is designed for early childhood educators and parents of young children, Jenifer Strauss will lead participants through a series of rich and diverse language experiences based on brain science and the American Library Association’s Every Child Ready to Read Five Practices. To learn more and register, click here.

If You Can Tell It, You Can Write It:

Personal Narrative and Storytelling to Story Writing Connection

2 – 3:15 PM

This workshop is for elementary, middle school and high school teachers, Jenifer Straus will introduce you to the brain science, the stories and the PROCESS that will inspire students to write personal narrative and memoir. To learn more and register, click here.

Turning Memories into Treasures

4 – 5:30 PM

In this workshop, award winning storyteller and teaching artist, Judy Sima, will help families re-create memorable events in their lives. Through a step by step process that includes imaginative play, sketching and sharing, family members become eager to share their stories with others. (Ages 6 and older)

This workshop is limited to 20 participants, so make sure to register! To learn more and register, click here.

Silver Tales: Songs and Stories for the Young at Heart

Nov. 5-18

“Gemini” – twin brothers San and Laz Slomovits, along with special guest Emily – will perform a mix of classic songs of the 60s and show tunes from Broadway musicals. This prerecorded video is available until November 18 on JDL’s Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

Storytelling Sessions

Nov. 5-18

Performances by storytellers from around Michigan will be shared in local schools for Preschool through 12th grade. These prerecorded videos will also be available for anyone to enjoy on our Facebook Page and YouTube Channel until Nov. 18.

Storyfest Showcase

6 PM

The festival culminates 6 PM Friday, Nov. 6 with the Storyfest Showcase, featuring performances by storytellers Jenifer Strauss, Robin Nott, La’Ron Williams, Judy Sima, Kinetic Affect, and a musical finale by Jackson’s own Airtight. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event and celebrate the magic of storytelling with us.

This event will be available to enjoy on our Facebook Page and YouTube Channel until Nov. 18.

Liberty Township Fire Department Food Drive.  Liberty Township Fire Department Food Drive will look a little different this year.  They are collecting donations during normal business hours 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at Station 1 on Monday November 2nd – Friday November 6th.  Now more than ever the shelves of local pantries need the community’s help. Please consider joining LTFD in their efforts to end local hunger.  Click here to view the Facebook event page.

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.   

2020 Adopt-A-Family Presented by Community Action Agency.  Community Action Agency is seeking support 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.

Red Cross Blood Drives.  There is a critical need for blood donations.  All blood drives are by appointment only.  See the complete schedule and reserve your time at redcrossblood.org.

Upcoming Blood Drives:

Wednesday, November 4, 2020:  St Rita Parish  12:00 PM – 05:45 PM

Thursday, November 5, 2020:  First Presbyterian Church   11:00 AM – 4:45 PM

Tuesday, November 10, 2020:  Michigan Center Bible Church  9:30 AM – 3:15 PM

Wednesday, November 11, 2020:  Commonwealth Commerce Center  11:00 AM – 04:45 PM