.....Fondren was frequently mentioned at the recent 21st Annual Meeting of the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership. It was recognized as an example of a vibrant business district and also for it's citizens who provide leadership to the Chamber and to the region.
.....Immediate Past Chairman of the Board Jeff Good (above, left) was recognized for his leadership during a challenging year which saw many changes: from moving the office twice, to selecting a new President to the realignment of the chamber's focus and activities.
....."So many changes," he said," but one thing remained constant; the need for a vibrant and engaged business community to help lead the discussion for what we want our towns, counties and region to look like."
.....Fondren property owner and entrepreneur Gabriel Prado, (right) of PraCon Global Investment Group, presented opening comments at the luncheon. He challenged attendees to "change the place you live" instead of leaving.
.....He also talked about the need to create an environment for entrepreneurs as a strategy for reversing the brain-drain."
.....Prado has created an incubator space for entrepreneurs in Fondren and is currently working on a High-End Lofts development at the old McRae's site on Meadowbrook.
.....Good is a past FRF board member; Prado is currently serving on the FRF Board of Directors.
Brook Garden Club
plans work day
Neighbors invited to get tools sharpened
.....Members of the Brook Garden Club, established in 1953, will host its annual work day on the front lawn of The Cedars on Thursday, March 17, 9 a.m; - noon.
.....On site to sharpen garden tools and kitchen knives will be James Runnels. Brook members would like to invite all neighbors to drop by with any implements that might need a spring sharpening. Mr. Runnels accepts cash, checks and PayPal.
.....The Cedars is located at 4145 Old Canton Road.
Brook Garden Club Members, from left, Brenda Ware Jones, Kathy Kirchmayr, Linda Raff,Jeanne Yarbrough and Nell Wade.
Sweet Potato Queens in Fondren
.....Several hundred Sweet Potato Queens are scheduled to shop, eat and drink in Fondren on the afternoon of March 25 prior to the St. Paddy's Day Parade the next day, according to Jill Conner Brown, THE Sweet Potato Queen.
It's still a work in progress!
.....Although it appears the manhole cover on Old Canton Road at Avondale is fixed and the barrel can be moved, it is not. The cover has yet to be fastened and remains a hazard - thus the continued presence of the orange barrel.
.....The city is aware that the orange barrel, placed in the middle of the traffic lane, is also a hazard and requests caution when driving down that stretch of Old Canton Road.
Drama, comedy at The Cedars
.....Uproar Theatre will present a One-Act Festival March 24, 25, & 26th at The Cedars, 4145 Old Canton Road. The performances, starting at 7:30 p.m., are schedule for the back yard but will be moved inside in case of rain or cold.
.....Tickets must be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets. Prices are $7.50 for Senior Citizens and $10 General Admission.
.....Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets and folding chairs. Due to parking limitations, they are also encouraged to carpool.
Our 'Knocking Out Blight' Team
.....Volunteers from Fondren Church and Bridging the Gap spent the first Saturday in March working on Taylor Street. The team is committed to maintain safe and clean neighborhoods in Fondren.
Oak Ridge neighbors plan Yard Sale
.....The neighbors on Oak Ridge are hosting a street-wide yard sale on Saturday, April 2, starting at 7 a.m. "Cruise down Oak Ridge and see the bargains in the participants' yards," said Ouida Holland, Oak Ridge resident.
Pride event at Fondren Park April 3rd
.....Fondren resident and MS Capital City Pride Executive President Jason McCarty has announced a state-wide event, Transgender Day of Visibility, April 3, 2-5 p.m. at Fondren Park.
.....The public is welcome.
.....Residents around Fondren Park should be aware of extra traffic on the day of the event
Mark the date, plan to join us
.....Fondren will join with Keep Jackson Beautiful for a Community Clean Up Day on April 23. Watch for details and start recruiting your neighbors for a community-wide Spring Cleaning.
PraCon hosts town hall meeting
.....PraCon Global Investment Group will host a town hall meeting on Wednesday, March 16, 6 p.m. to discuss plans for the redevelopment of the old McRae's site on Meadowbrook Road.
.....The company has requested the property be rezoned to allow upscale multifamily dwellings. The City of Jackson Planning Board will conduct a public hearing on the rezone request on March 23, 1:30 p.m. at 200 S. President Street.
....."We believe this economic development project will be the anchor needed to spur the redevelopment in North Fondren that will have a positive social impact in the neighborhood," said Gabriel Prado, CEO and President of PraCon Global Investment Group.
Keeping Fondren Fabulous!
.....FRF accepts contributions of all sizes! Help us Keep Fondren Fabulous with a tax deductible contribution today!
.....Thank you to these individuals for supporting Fondren.
The Brook Garden Club in honor of Rick Griffin
David Anderson
Neighbor-hood Watch Signs
Become a partner with JPD in solving neighborhood crimes!
Virtual Neighborhood Watch signs are now available to deter people from entering your property to commit a crime. For a donation of $10, FRF will deliver a yard sign to your property. You can relocate the sign, once it is received.
.....Whether you have a sign or not, you can upload video and photos from your home security camera directly to JPD's Precinct 4 with this link:Send video to JPD.
.....The sign is just a deterrent to those who may be trespassing, informing them that their images may be sent to Precinct 4 and used as evidence.
