Joe Barker and Mayor Franklin Smith
Three SWTDD employees recognized for service to the Southwest TN region 
 
 
 
 
 
Gladys Warren & Mayor Franklin Smith
 
Jessica Rice & Mayor Franklin Smith

October 24: Public Guardian Program Volunteer Information Session

Sometimes people turn to a family member, friend, bank, or company when they need help. But what happens when there's no one to ask? What happens when none of these are there to help?

Public guardians, also known as conservators, help people over 60 who can no longer help themselves. The person needing help may be unable to make decisions about money or medical care. They often need help with basic needs.

Conservators do their best to help older people meet their needs, yet remain as independent and comfortable as possible. Conservators are protectors for seniors who find themselves alone.

Additional help is needed to take care of the needs of the seniors in southwest Tennessee. Come to SWTDD on October 24th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to learn more at the PG/Conservator Program Volunteer Information Session. Lunch will be provided. In our district, Dayle Mathis is the public guardian/conservator and Nicole Guin is the assistant district conservator.

For more information, please contact Nicole Guin, 731-668-6407 or nguin@swtdd.org.
 
Chester County Senior Center places second in Regional Brain Games; West Tennessee will be represented by seniors from Tipton County at state-wide competition on October 19 in Jonesborough

Tipton County 'Know Brainers' won the regional competition for West Tennessee.
The competition was tight as the difficult questions were asked, but at the end of the day, the Tipton County Seniors, representing the Memphis AAAD region, were the victors of the West Tennessee Regional Brain Games Competition. The Tipton County "Know Brainers" will compete in the state-wide tournament on Thursday, Oct. 19 at The McKinney Center in historic Jonesborough, TN.  Chester County won second place (representing Southwest Tennessee) and the Crockett County seniors (representing Northwest Tennessee) placed third.
 
Chester County - 2nd Place 
 
Crockett County - 3rd Place

SWTDD Annual Meeting cancellation honors first responders  
 
It's never happened before, but it did in 2017. SWTDD's Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on August 31st had to be cancelled a few hours before it was to begin because of potential flash flooding and strong storms across the entire West Tennessee region -- dangerous weather arriving with the remains of "Hurricane Harvey". With more than 250 guests registered to attend, a decision was made not to put our guests in harm's way with up to seven inches of rain, isolated tornadoes and other severe weather hitting in Memphis and barrelling toward West Tennessee.  
 
With the food already prepared for the banquet, a decision was made to provide lunch for the first responders in Jackson-Madison County: police, sheriff, fire departments, and EMS personnel. Several of SWTDD's mayors also came by for lunch.
 
Here are pictures of a few of the first responders and other guests that came to SWTDD...
 

 
NEED TO KNOW: Types of Eldercare and Financing Options
WE NEED YOU: To volunteer for MyRide West Tennessee

For many individuals getting to a medical or dental appointment, the grocery store, or bank is as simple as jumping in the car or on the local bus. But for some, it is difficult due to declining health or the rigors of aging.
 
MyRide West TN is a senior-friendly, door-through-door volunteer transportation service for Madison County residents age 60+ who need rides for essential trips (medical, groceries, etc.). The key feature of MyRide West TN and the reason for its sustainability is the use of volunteers.  
 
Make the day of a senior in Madison County by calling to volunteer - and invite a friend to help you in volunteering for as little as one ride per month! Call Keita Cole at 731-668-6420
 
MyRide West Tennessee LITERALLY has seniors waiting for volunteers to sign up - will that person be you? To learn more, www.myridewesttn.org
 
The REDI College Access Program is on the move helping high school students get ready for college in lots of creative ways!   
 
Here are pics from the recent Haywood County College Knowledge Night...
 
 
 
SWTDD is selling Alzheimer's T-shirts

SWTDD has Alzheimer's T-shirts for sale for $20. As part of the way that SWTDD staff gives back to the community, we annually raise monies to support the annual Alzheimer's Walk to Remember and have a team walk on that day. If you are interested in buying one, please contact Summer Howell, 741-668-6419 or showell@swtdd.org

To support us by making a donation to the SWTDD Alzheimer's team, click here.
Oct. 14 @ JSCC: 16th Annual Bagels & Bluegrass Bicycle Century Tour 

The 16th Anniversary of the Bagels and Bluegrass Bicycle Century Tour is set for Saturday, Oct. 14 at Jackson State Community College. The event includes bicycle road tours varying in length from 14 to 100 miles. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Jackson State scholarship fund and Friends of Chickasaw and Pinson Mounds State Parks.
 
The routes on the Bagels and Bluegrass Bicycle Century Tour are designed for beginners to advanced riders. There is a 14-mile family fun ride, 32-mile, 62-mile and 100-mile routes. The 100-mile century route will take cyclists through Chickasaw and Pinson Mounds State Parks. For completing this route, cyclists will receive a commemorative patch.
 
Registration begins at 7 a.m. in the lobby of the Gymnasium at Jackson State. There will be a welcome ceremony beginning at 7:45 a.m. and cyclists will begin the tour at 8 a.m. The fee for the ride is $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event. Families can participate together on the 14-mile family fun ride for $35 per family.  
 
The registration fee includes a free breakfast and lunch, t-shirts for the first 100 registrants, and a goody bag. Each registered rider is also eligible for a special door prize drawing. Registration form, maps and more details are available at www.bagelsandbluegrass.tn.org.  
 
For more information about the Bagels and Bluegrass Bicycle Century Tour, visit www.bagelsandbluegrass.tn.org, watch the promotional video here, or call 731-616-7474.
'Too Tall' Jones guest at JMCAA Chamber Golf Tourney on Sept. 26

Sports Hall of Famer and hometown favorite, Ed "Too Tall" Jones will be the special guest golfer for  the Jackson Madison County African American Chamber of Commerce's 7th Annual Follow Me Celebrity Golf Classic on Tuesday, September 26 with an 8:30am shotgun start at Bent Tree Golf Course, 2993 Paul Coffman Drive in Jackson. 

The event was originally scheduled on Sept. 12, but has been rescheduled due to forecasts of strong winds and rain from tropical storm Irma. Co-chaired by Ted Austin of Jackson Energy Authority and Charley Deal of the University of Tennessee at Martin along with celebrity co-chair and former NFL defensive back Coach Derrick Burroughs of Lane College, the tournament is a four-player scramble open to men, women, mixed teams and individuals. 

For a printable registration form, click here. For more information about the tournament and related events, call 731-424-2030 or email fhoward@jmcaacc.org.
Helping Veterans: Assisted Living, Home Care & Long Term Care

They've served our nation and they have selflessly put their own life on the line to protect ours -- and those of our children, grandchildren and loved ones.

How do we now help these veterans maintain their dignity and receive the care they need as they age? By clicking  here, you can read a PDF that provides helpful information for veterans and their families.

"The VA website does an excellent job of describing the programs and types of assistance available to elderly veterans. Instead our objective is to focus on veterans' options to help with non-medical care / aging care. The aim [of this publication] is to help veterans discover and understand the benefits available to them, to find financial assistance and to provide ideas that can reduce the costs associated with long term care, be that in a nursing home, in assisted living or at home.

"Be aware that not every options is available to every veteran. Some programs' eligibility criteria specifically state that the recipient cannot be eligible to receive a different VA benefit. Also worth noting is that the sources of funding described here are not limited to those offered by the VA. Also included is assistance from non-profit organizations intended specifically to help veterans."
Did you know? New Medicare cards are coming out soon!!!

Click on the two resource links below to learn all the latest information on the new Medicare card roll-out!!!


 
LaunchTN's funding opportunity: Discover Entrepreneurship Grants 
 
With the Discover Entrepreneurship Grants, LaunchTN has introduced a new funding opportunity for organizations aiming to support entrepreneurs. Non-profit organizations can apply for grants toward youth and adult education meant to develop future founders and build high growth companies.  
 
LaunchTN's intention is to stimulate opportunistic approaches to fostering entrepreneurship among diverse populations and across a variety of industries. Learn more here.   
 
Enterprise Fund Program created by TN Department of Agriculture 
  
The Agriculture Enterprise Fund is a new initiative from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, an important Rural Task Force partner. AEF grants are available for new and expanding Tennessee agricultural and food businesses, farmers, and other entities.

Successful applicants will display an impact on local farm income, access to markets, increased capacity, or agricultural innovation, especially in Tennessee's at-risk and distressed counties. Read more and apply here.
September 29-30: It's time for the 40th Annual Chester County BBQ Festival!  
 
It only happens once per year -- so don't miss the 40th Annual Chester County BBQ Festival on Sept. 29 & 30 in downtown Henderson.

Proudly produced by the Henderson/Chester County Chamber of Commerce, this is a free two-day event. For vendor information or to volunteer, please visit www.chestercountychamber.com and click on the events tab or call 731-989-5222
 
Sept. 23 - Vikings Gala with Shaquille O'Neal

The Vikings Gala is Saturday, Sep. 23 at the Oman Arena in Jackson and features NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal. This fundraising event will help build an athletic program that can provide rich opportunities for Humboldt students. Doors open at 7 p.m. for seating in the lower, middle, and upper sections. Sponsorship packages include a reception and meet & greet with Shaquille O'Neal, as well as dinner and entertainment. For more information, please contact 731-784-2652. SWTDD's REDI program assists with college access in all Gibson County high schools.
October 5: The UT Gardens in Jackson hosts Fall Plant Sale
   
The UT Gardens, at 605 Airways Blvd in Jackson, will host a Fall Plant Sale on Thursday, October 5 from 3 - 6 p.m. All are welcome. 
 
At the plant sale, shoppers will find an array of plants ideal for this region, including trees, shrubs, and a wide selection of pansies and other plants for winter seasonal interest. UT Garden staff and local Master Gardeners will be on hand to help out with plant or siting questions.

"Autumn is a great time to revive a lackluster landscape," says Jason Reeves, curator of the UT Gardens, Jackson. "The plant sale will be a great place to find inspiration and expert advice."

A list of plants to be sold will be available after Sept. 29, http://west.tennessee.edu/events

The UT Gardens include plant collections located in Knoxville, Jackson and Crossville. Designated as the official botanical garden for the State of Tennessee, the collections are part of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. Their mission is to foster appreciation, education and stewardship of plants through garden displays, educational programs and research trials. The gardens are open during all seasons and free to the public. See http://utgardens.tennessee.edu for more information.

Through its mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions.
 
 
Sept. 17-24 - Tennessee River Ag Expo. For more info and the schedule of events, click here.  
Sept. 23 - Michie Fall Fest @ 2 p.m. and Michie's Got Talent @ 5 p.m. at Michie City Park. 
Sept. 23 - Guinn & Wisdom LIVE concert at Rockabilly Park in Selmer, 6-8 p.m. Concert is free; bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Sept. 23 - McNairy County Developmental Services' Annual "Boots & Buckles Ball" with Andy Avery will perform. Call 731-645-7730 to reserve ticket(s)/table. MCDS is also accepting silent auction items.   
Sept. 23 - Shaquille O'Neal speaks at Humboldt Viking Gala. See story above for details.
Sept. 24 - West TN Mini Tractor Pull at Saltillo City Baseball Park, 5 p.m. Call 731-967-2020 for more info.  
Sept. 28 - Take Your Girls Night Out 5K (to benefit women in West TN who are battling breast cancer with medical and living expenses). Race is organized by and begins at the Woman's Clinic in Jackson.  For more info or to register, click here.  
Sept. 29-30 - 40th Annual Chester County BBQ Festival in Downtown Henderson. For more info, please contact the Henderson/Chester County Chamber, 731-989-5222.
Sept. 30 - Pig Trot 5K, 8 a.m. at 123 Front Street in Henderson.
See flyer below.
Sept. 30 - Chester County Household Hazardous Waste Day, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Chester County Recycling Center in Henderson.
For more information, call 731-537-3278.
Sept. 30 - 5K Run & Car Show, 9 a.m., Adamsville City Park. Hosted by American Legion Post 97.  
Sept. 30 - Ryan Parnell Memorial Piglet Splash, Dash & Roll Triathlon for children ages 2-6 p.m. benefiting Chester County Imagination Library, 123 Front Street in Henderson. For more info, please contact the Henderson/Chester County Chamber, 731-989-5222.
Sept. 30 - Third Annual Tennessee Rhythm Run Half Marathon, 5K and One Mile Fun Run/Walk.
Proceeds benefits the Friends of Heart Fund that supports cardiovascular patients in West Tennessee. For more info or to register, click here.  
Sept. 30 - Baby Blast & Kidsplosion, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jackson Fairgrounds. Fun, educational and free event for children of all ages. For more information, click here.  
Oct. 2 - Wings Over Savannah Fly-In at Savannah/Hardin County Airport. For more information, call 731-925-8181.  
Oct. 5 - Hardin County Chamber Golf Tournament at Shiloh Golf Course.  
Oct. 5 - Bolivar/Hardeman County Job & Career Fair, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bolivar Municipal Building, 211 North Washington Street. Open to all employers in the region to have a booth -- and to all those seeking employment or better employment opportunities.  
Oct. 6-7 - 36th Annual Scotts Hill Appreciation Days. For more info on Facebook, click here.  
Oct. 7 - West TN Special Olympics Horse Show, 10 a.m. at James K. Taylor Memorial Arena in Huron, TN. For more details about the event, contact Barbara Meussner.  
Oct. 7 - Annual Doe Creek Re-enactment Day. For more info on Facebook, click here.  
Oct. 8 - 18th Annual Walk to Remember, 2 p.m. at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital Barnes Auditorium & Serenity Garden. Time of remembrance for all who have lost a baby/child due to miscarriage, stillbirth or other reasons causing his/her life to end too soon.  
Oct. 12 - Workforce Development Initiative to improve the quality of life of the citizens in the West Tennessee region, 5:30-7 p.m. at Haywood Criminal Justice Complex, 100 South Dupree St. in Brownsville. For more info see above flyer. RSVP to ggavin@brownsvilletn.gov.  
Oct. 14 - Henderson County Household Hazardous Waste Day, 8 a.m. until Noon at Henderson County Convenience Center  in Lexington. For more info, call 731-968-8738.
Oct. 21 - Town of Scotts Hill's Arts & Crafts in the Park. For more info on Facebook, click here.  
Oct. 21 - McNairy County Household Hazardous Waste Day, 8 a.m. until Noon, McNairy County Recycling Center in Selmer. For more info, call 731-645-5909.  
Oct. 28 - Madison County Household Hazardous Waste Day, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 112 Union Street (Farmers' Market) in Jackson. For more information, call 731-425-8612.  
Nov. 7 - Facing Future Choices Conference at West Jackson Baptist Church.  
Nov. 11 - Sirens & Heroes 5K, 9 a.m. at The Ballpark in Jackson. The Sirens & Heroes 5K celebrates local first responders, the men and women who work selflessly around the clock to save lives, eradicate danger and mitigate losses. For more info or to register, click here.  



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