Paul Taylor is someone who truly cares about this place we call our Jackson home. From his history in Jackson as well as time spent living in other parts of the country, Paul brings a unique perspective and understanding for where we have been as a community and has the vision and skills to help us accomplish better for our community. Paul Taylor is making change in Jackson.
Read MoreProfessional photographer Darren Lykes is driving change in Jackson through a surprising but powerful avenue — connection.
Darren’s involvement in the community is far-reaching. As both an event producer and leader, he was one of the founders of The STAR Center’s “Dancing with the Stars,” producer of Lane College Founder’s Day scholarship luncheon each spring, and chairperson of Jackson TN Pride – Pride in the Park and Pride After Dark. He serves on the board of the Ned, the Miss Tennessee Volunteer and Miss Volunteer America programs, as well as the Community Foundation of West Tennessee.
Read MoreIron City, Tennessee sits just north of the Alabama border, tucked right at the bottom of the state line. As its name suggests, the town is tough; its history marked with rebellion and anarchy in a setting that brings to mind Jason Isbell’s “Decoration Day” — a song rife with generational violence, a southern-fried version of the Hatfields and McCoys.
Cody Stooksberry was born and raised in Iron City and describes his hometown as “a town that’s known for being a little outlaw.”
Read MoreMany of my strongest memories revolve around food. The pancakes at the breakfast table in conversation with my grandfather, the glass of cider at a café while in Paris with a few of my friends, the dinner co-op with meals shared through my first years after college while my friends' children ran around the house. These moments built around food and drink shape our routines and sense and belonging. We build our families and our communities — chosen or given to us — around these rituals.
Read MoreBethany Lutz, owner of The Mother Thifter, spent most of her life feeling trapped by the same clothing and the feeling of being un-human, undeserving of beauty. Getting dressed each day was not a joyful ordeal filled with excitement; it was simply a routine, a mandatory part of her day. The pandemic of 2020 was transformational for most people, whether for good or for bad. Thankfully for Bethany, her life was flipped upside down and the heart of her business was born.
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