Every Tuesday at the BLUEStage Club, Blues Jam Session

hosted by TC & the Roadmasters 7-11pm. Free.

The Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce will host it's annual Leadership Academy

for 2008-2009 at Spring Arbor University downtown Jackson site located at 113 W. Michigan on the 2nd floor starting September 3, 2008 and going until May 20, 2009. The Leadership Academy will meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 8-10 am.

Who should attend the Leadership Academy? The Leadership Academy is designed to help you assimilate a variety of leadership skills quickly, so that you can meet the challenges of a changing workplace and community with confidence. Today's leaders must be able to balance the demands of leadership so they are able to be successful. This Academy is a resource for developing and improving your community involvement, knowledge and leadership skills. The purpose of the Academy is to prepare interested, motivated individuals for important leadership responsibilities with various business, civic and citizen organizations with our community. If you live or work in Jackson, and are looking to enhance your skills, then you are an ideal candidate for the Leadership Academy. Students range from recent college graduates to seasoned professionals.

To get more out of your Leadership Academy experience, the Leadership Academy Committee believes participants should experience all of the following activities during class: Attend all class sessions, Attend one Jackson City Council meeting, Attend one Jackson County Commissioners meeting, Attend one of your local Township meetings, Attend a Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting, Find and interview your mentor, Attend three Business After Hours during September ~ May, Attend two other Chamber functions during September ~ May.

Topics that will be covered are teambuilding, negotiation skills, public speaking, time management, managing conflict, how to talk to the media and write press releases, 2 nonprofit tours and much more.

Registration for the Leadership Academy is as follows: if registered by August 4, 2008 the cost is $250, if registered by August 29, 2008 the cost is $300. All payments must be received prior to first session of the Leadership Academy on September 3, 2008.

Sponsorship packages are available. Package A is the Title Sponsor of the Leadership Academy which allows you to send a participant or provide a scholarship for someone to attend, listed in printed promotional material and a full page ad in the graduation program. Packages range from $100 to $850.

For more information please contact Angela Machnik at 517-782-8221 or Angela@gjcc.org. Go online and download the registration and sponsorship opportunities forms at www.gjcc.org under Events then Special Events then the Leadership Academy link.

Grass Lake Fall Harvest Festival – September 20, 2008

The Grass Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its second annual Grass Lake Fall Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 20, 2008. This event will combine several activities into one and will included a farmer’s market and antique tractor display, the 8th Annual Michigan’s Center for the Photographic Arts Fall Focus Festival children’s program, live entertainment and an Art and Craft Show in the Village, classic car show, and Halloween Weekend at Apple Creek Campground, and Business Carnival at Farmer’s State Bank as well as many other family activities throughout the day.

We are still seeking fine art and craft vendors to exhibit and sell their work in the Village of Grass Lake. Artist’s applications may be obtained through the chamber’s website www.grasslakechamber.org. If you have questions, or need more information, please contact Patti Lyons at the Dale Fisher Galleries (517) 522-3705 or through email at dfisher@dalefisherphoto.com Reservation deadline is August 10, 2008.

Summer Art Classes with Joan Larsen

Thursdays are ART Days!!

Morning and evening classes

August 21 - Waterbased Oil Monotypes (Prints)

Morning session: 9:30 am till Noon - Evening session: 6 pm till 8:30 pm

Workshop Cost: $15

Location: 3181 Mathews Rd., Spring Arbor

Questions: 517/524-7185 or joan@joanlarsen.com

Art-o-mat Kerplunks Culture

What is an Art-o-mat?
Art-o-mat machines are retired cigarette vending machines that have been converted to vend art. There are 82 active machines in various locations throughout the country

What do you get from an Art-o-mat?
The experience of pulling the knob alone is quite a thrill, but you also walk away with an original work of art. What an easy way to become an art collector.

Want to be an Artomat artist?
There are around 400 contributing artists from 10 different countries currently involved in the Art*o*mat project. We are always searching for fresh work. Click Here to Learn More...

Don’t Limit Your Child’s Life by Limiting Their Options

 Solutions 2 Wellbeing, the healing division of Recovery Technology is offering free seminars titled, Pathway 2 Solutions, for everyone interested in learning more about Attention Deficit Disorder and its impact on families. The seminars will be presented at 7:00pm, every second Thursday of the month, at the Recovery Technology building located at1200 N. West Ave., Suite 400.
The seminars will discuss the dynamics of ADHD and how it, can exhibit hyperactivity or inattentiveness. Information will be presented on how ADHD affects children, their families and school life. Current treatment guidelines will be discussed and available resources will be presented. Parents will also, learn about their child’s right and what they are entitled to. Tips will also be given on how to relieve the financial burdens that can be associated with a chronic disorder. Solutions 2 Wellbeing extends an invitation to everyone who has an interest in learning how they can they can help an ADHD children become more successful. For more information, or to reserve your space, please call, 787-WISH (9474).

In Their Own Words – Jackson’s Own WWII Vets Present Their Stories

This program starts the second series of presentations featuring the experiences of Jackson’s own World War II veterans.

On Saturday, September 6, 10 am to noon, E.B. Andrews, who was in the Army Infantry, will share his story. Mr. Andrews will talk about his Army experiences fighting in France and Germany.

Hear Mr. Dick Thelen’s story about the USS Indianapolis and how his ship delivered the Atom Bomb to Tinnian. Mr. Thelen will be speaking on Saturday, October 4, 10 am to noon. He will also talk about awaiting rescue for 112 hours in 10,000 feet of shark infested waters after his ship sunk.

Leo Forster, German Wehrmacht (Army) Lt., will speak from DVD regarding his war experiences and activities of the SS on Saturday, November 1, 10 am to noon. Larry Martin will be present to answer questions.

These presentations are FREE to the public. The World War II vets will be on hand to answer questions and share their experiences. Don’t miss this unique opportunity.

This program is brought to you by Jackson District Library. Questions can be directed to Mr. Martin at batt.chief@yahoo.com or our Reference department at 517.788.4087, ext 234. Or you may access Mr. Martin’s blog, “World War II – In Their Own Words,” through Jackson District Library’s website http://www.myjdl.com/ and click on the link.

iART Home Tour 2008

Mark your calendars for the iART Home Tour 2008!!

What: View eye-thrilling as we view the private art collections

Where: 8 beautiful homes in Jackson

When: September 27, 10 am - 4 pm; September 28, noon - 4 pm

Tickets: $20 - Adults, $10 Students

More information: ACAJC office 783-4300 or email info@acajc.org