HIGHLAND VILLAGE NEWS
Char Restaurant Expands Into Adjacent Highland Village Space
Popular steakhouse adds large private dining area for meetings and special events
JACKSON, Miss. — This winter, Char restaurant will expand into an adjacent Highland Village space adding a private dining area just in time for the busy holiday season. By leasing the neighboring 3,000 square foot venue, the popular steakhouse will offer more options for meetings and special events. The $400,000 renovation project will begin on September 1st and construction on the project will not interrupt everyday operations. Char has also renewed their long-term lease on the current space so as to continue serving diners for many years to come.
“We jumped at the chance to increase our special events space in Jackson,” said owner David Conn. “We look forward to hosting parties and meetings, big and small, in this expanded dining area.”
JBHM Architecture will design the new private dining space to be completed by Carraway Construction before the holiday season. The new area will have its own entrance, bar and bathrooms and offer full audio-visual capabilities. Expansion of the current Char kitchen will accommodate all food and beverage needs. This addition brings Char’s total square footage to 9,300 square feet.
“Char has been a signature fine dining attraction at Highland Village for many years, and we are delighted that they are making this commitment to bring an upscale special events venue to the area” said Masa Liles, Highland Village General Manager. “From our perspective, David’s eagerness to expand, coupled with his recent long-term lease renewal, speaks volumes for our passion for helping our retail partners succeed.”
Ms. Liles said this announcement is one of several exciting retail developments in the works for Highland Village. “There is significant activity brewing right now, and we are putting the finishing touches on several major announcements. I look forward to sharing the details in the weeks to come.”
Jackson Academy to Hold Weekly Live Radio Broadcast Events at Highland Village this Fall
#JAatTheVillage will showcase athletic and other school department programs and activities in inviting
social setting for students, families and alumni
JACKSON, Miss. — Jackson Academy has launched a live radio broadcast event series this Fall at Highland Village. The weekly program, JA at The Village, will be held every Tuesday through November 1st (except for October 18th) in the iconic retail center’s newly renovated courtyard. Click HERE to see photos from the inaugural broadcast on August 23rd.
The live broadcasts will air from 5:30 to 6:30pm on The Raider Network and be hosted by Brian Eubank, the Voice of the Raiders, who has hosted popular radio programming in the Jackson market for many years. Pre-event activities (i.e., music, food vendors, games, giveaways, etc.) provided by Highland Village and sponsoring tenants will begin at 4:30pm.
JA at The Village will feature JA’s 18-foot branded mobile broadcast station with projection system on-site – and serve as an inviting social platform for students, families and alumni of the school to gather and learn the latest on weekly topics ranging from 
athletics to performing arts and many other school department programs and activities.
Shows will be themed each week to showcase a different school department, program or activity, and include live
performances and demonstrations, where available.
“We are always seeking opportunities to position Highland Village as a community gathering place, where friends and families can socialize, shop and dine,” said Masa Liles, Highland Village General Manager. “With Jackson Academy and so many of its families located right in our backyard, creating a mechanism for them to gather here just makes perfect sense.”
BELLWETHER CHURCH NEWS
Bellwether Church Welcomes New Youth Leader
Bellwether recently welcomed new Youth Leader, Hunter Poole, and his wife Kaylie to the church family. Hunter grew up in Ridgeland, and feels a call to friend and mentor the next generation at Bellwether. Read more about Hunter’s journey at www.bellwetherchurch.org.
We hope you will make Hunter and Kaylie feel welcome as they begin investing in the lives of our youth in this community.
Youth Group Schedule Announced
During the regular school year, our Youth Group (open to 6th Grade and up) meets Sundays from 5-7pm in the White House. Dinner is served each week. If you would like to be added to the youth email or would like to be a youth small group leader, please contact Hunter Poole at hpoole@bellwetherchurch.org.
Spann Elementary the Focus of Bellwether’s Love Your Neighbor Mission
Bellwether is continuing our Love Your Neighbor mission efforts by reaching out to Spann Elementary this fall. Our presence goes a long way with these children and we have several opportunities for you to make a personal impact one block away from our church property:
3rd/4th grade Book Buddies & Math Tutors:
Spann students benefit immensely from 1-on-1 attention – test scores improve, classroom behavior improves, and kids feel like they count. We need people who love books or have good numbers sense. You will be paired with 1-2 kids for 30-45 min – you can commit every week or every other week. General time slots: 10:30am-11:15am or 12:30-1:15pm. We can make a huge impact one block away. Email Linda Tate (lindatate2@me.com) to sign up.
Spann Necessities Closet & Character Cash:
We can help Spann staff keep a closet stocked for kids who come unprepared to school: new underwear (especially kindergarten age), K-5th socks, K-5th belts, deodorant (travel size), and sanitary napkins.
Spann kids also earn Character Cash for behaving properly and being leaders in their classrooms. The kids will “cash in” their Character Cash for prizes during the year. Popular prizes are basketballs, footballs, sunglasses, hats, soccer balls, glow in the dark items, bubbles, hair bows, headbands, purses, wallets, and rubber bracelets. Email Linda Tate (lindatate2@me.com) to donate items.
Where is LeFleur East Exactly?
LE is easy to describe to friends and neighbors. Basically, it’s the area along I-55 from LeFleur’s Bluff State Park to Canton Mart Road, all the way back to the Pearl River. If you’re within those borders, chances are you’re in LeFleur East. So spread the word about Fondren’s neighbor to the east! Forward this email to friends & neighbors and encourage them to patronize our many great retailers, restaurants and more!
Join The Conversation on Nextdoor
If you’re not familiar with Nextdoor, now’s the time to check it out. Nextdoor is a social media and sharing platform designed exclusively for neighborhoods where neighbors can…
- Facilitate neighborhood watch activities
- Ask & answer neighbors’ questions
- Post items for sale (or FREE items!)
- Put the word out about lost or found pets
- Share interesting information and much more
Interested? Simply visit Nextdoor to enter your address and sign up for your FREE account. You can also download their smartphone app form the Apple App Store or Google Play.
LE’s website features an area map that corresponds with Nextdoor, and the Foundation is now working with Nextdoor to correct and refine its neighborhood designations. So watch this space for more information as we receive it.
