Today in the J

Commonwealth Associates Ribbon Cutting.  11:30 AM.  Commonwealth is celebrating the unveiling of its new corporate headquarters in the heart of downtown Jackson, Michigan! Located at 245 W Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI 49201 inside the old Comerica Bank building, the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on March 21, at 11:30 am. The event will be officiated by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. Light hors d’oeuvres and building tours to follow.  Event page here.

Relay for Life Kickoff Event.  Cancer takes from us every day. It takes big days, little days, birthdays, holidays and days for us to just simply be.  But together, we can help take these days back from cancer! It wouldn’t be Relay For Life without a celebration, so we’re marking the start of our Relay season with a kickoff event! This is a chance for our community to get inspired, excited, and ready to Relay!  Check-in/Networking 5:30 PM.  Program 6:00 PM.  Cascades Manor, 1970 Kibby Road, Jackson.  RSVP to katie.jones@cancer.org 517.325.2272.  Information about this year’s Relay For Life of Jackson County event.  Meet and network with Relay For Life volunteers.  Learn more about the American Cancer Society’s mission and the impact we are making.

Alzheimer’s Support Group.  4:30 PM.  Do you know someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia? Join us for our Alzheimer’s Support Group at Vista Grande Villa! Come for a personalized discussion with Alzheimer’s Specialist, Pam Reese, RN. Share your journey in a small group format led by Pam with others who are currently experiencing someone affected by Alzheimer’s Disease.  Vista Grande Villa, 2251 Springport Road, Jackson.  Event page here.

Read with a FURiend.  4:30 PM.  Did you know that reading to a furry friend can help young readers gain confidence while building their literacy skills?  Join us at the Summit Branch to read to therapy dog Maia or hear a story read by a library staff member. You can also hear stories about Maia’s adventures and get book suggestions and take-home activities.  Spring Dates (all sessions at 4 PM):  March 14 & 21, April 11 & 25, May 9 & 23.  This program is intended for ages 3-12.  Maia is a retired FEMA disaster search dog, member of Alliance of Therapy Dogs and HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response.  Summit Branch, Jackson District Library.

March is Reading Month at the Jackson District Library.  March is Reading Month and get caught reading!  Dust off that book you’ve been putting off, pick up an old favorite you’ve already read a dozen times, or start reading that novel you got as a Christmas present because it’s time to celebrate March is Reading Month.  All ages can participate, and everyone from Jackson Mayor Daniel Mahoney to your favorite barista at your coffee corner is taking part in JDL’s reading challenge. Simply read a total of 4 hours during the month of March to win a free umbrella – just in time for April showers – and also get entered into our grand prize drawing for a wide variety of prizes including pool passes, a Dungeons & Dragons bundle, and more.  You can also snap a picture of yourself reading at any of JDL’s “Reading Nooks,” located at each library branch and tag JDL on social media along with #getcaughtreading for a bonus grand prize entry.  Register for the challenge in the beanstack app or by clicking here

Jackson County Art Teachers Show.   ART 634, 634 N Mechanic St Suite 25, Jackson.  Join the art teachers of Jackson county and their students in celebration of youth art month, and the dedicated educators that inspire them. The work will be on display until April 9! Swing by and celebrate some of Jackson County’s best and brightest.