McNairy Magazine 2021

McNairy Magazine

3 Creative Economy

M o n e y i s n e v e r t h e p r i m a r y m o t i v a t i o n f o r c r e a t i n g a r t

9 A Sense of Place

T h e l a t e s o u t h e r n h u m o r i s t L e w i s G r i z z a r d i s c r e d i t e d w i t h s a y i n g , " T h e S o u t h i s t h e l a s t p l a c e w i t h a s e n s e o f p l a c e . "

13 Art is Not a Dirty Word

T h e w o r d " a r t " h a s a n o f f - p u t t i n g r i n g t o m a n y p e o p l e A d d t h e a d j e c t i v e " f i n e " a n d i t ' s e v e n w o r s e

16 It's all Fine Art to Me

T h e p h r a s e " f i n e a r t " i s s o m e t i m e s u s e d t o d i s t i n g u i s h v i s u a l a r t c r e a t e d p u r e l y f o r e x p r e s s i v e o r a e s t h e t i c s p u r p o s e s f r o m a r t o b j e c t s f a s h i o n e d f o r u t i l i t y

21 Creativity is Not Canceled

F r e i d a H a m m i s o n e o f M c N a i r y C o u n t y ' s m o s t c e l e b r a t e d p a i n t e r s S h e p u r s u e d s o m e f o r m o f v i s u a l a r t m o s t o f h e r l i f e

25 All the World is a Stage

MCEDCC is a vital link between industry, retail, and our community We strive to create community pride, growth, and to help businesses maintain a viable workforce and customer base Our members, through Chamber memberships, help to create a thriving community.

P u b l i s h e d b y M c N a i r y C o u n t y E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t a n d C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e

O N T H E C O V E R Lanessa Miller produced this large work during a 2015 artist residency Miller depicts a typical jam at the Latta, circa 1949 Photography of painting by Huffoto

D i r e c t o r C h a m b e r a n d T o u r i s m J e s s i c a H u f f

A s s i s t a n t J o s h u a W a f f i r d

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Creative Economy

By Shawn Pitts

Money is never the primary motivation for creating art. No one picks up a paint brush or sits down at a piano the first time with dreams of fame and fortune.

Most people are attracted to the various artistic disciplines because they allow individuals to satisfy their need to create or effectively express themselves. But that’s not to say there is no connection between artists and the economy.

The vast majority of artists, like athletes, will never go pro. But many of them will continue their creative pursuits for a lifetime as hobbyists. A certain percentage of these will achieve a level of skill that is appreciated by their neighbors creating economic opportunity.

Think of the potters, textile artists or metalworkers who supplement their income peddling their wares or the band whose members work day jobs but pick up extra money playing music on the weekends. It is rarely expressed in economic term, but these and many others engaged in similar creative activities, are essentially small business owners.

They generate income for themselves as well as the venues who hire them to play music or the retailers who purchase and resell their art. They spend their earnings locally, buy supplies from

other small business owners, and pay into the county and city tax bases.

Taken together they are a significant segment of our local economy. Similarly, when local people organize to create opportunity for artists, the economic impact is amplified and the community is the winner.

First, and most importantly, our talented friends and neighbors are offered creative outlets that can be enjoyed by the public. Think of the plays, musicals, concerts, art showings, exhibitions and other cultural pro-

cial windfall for the entire region.

In 2016 The Tennessee Arts Commission invited Arts in McNairy to participate in a national survey conducted by Americans for the Arts to determine the impact of arts activity on local economies.

The individualized findings for McNairy County were astonishing. During the survey period hundreds of visitors and locals were asked a variety of questions to determine spending patterns connected to arts events.

That data was com-

lines, keeping valuable resources in the local economy.

In fact, for every dollar invested in arts events, audiences put nearly $13 back in local cash reg isters. That’s nearly ten times the national aver age. As it turns out, the lo cal arts scene is far from a trifle, it’s a crucial part of our economic diversity and vitality.

Simply stated, the arts are just good business for McNairy County. So the next time you order a ticket for a lo cal show, or purchase a piece of art from a local artist or maker, think of it as an investment in your community.

You will be getting a one of a kind original; you will be supporting local creativity; and you will be building a sustainable creative economy. There’s no downside in any of that.v

grams that draw literally thousands of people to the Latta every year.

Think of the Rockabilly Highway Murals and Trail of Music Legends in downtown Selmer and the annual plein air painting festival in Adamsville which draw cultural tourists to our county in droves.

These programs enhance local livability, build positive identity and good will within our community, and engender positive associations among visitors. But they also produce an often under-appreciated finan-

bined with budget figures from organizations like Arts in McNairy who invest heavily in community arts programs.

In the final analysis, McNairy County’s creative sector is responsible for generating hundreds of thousands of dollars in economic activity, pouring money into the tax base, creating jobs and enhancing prospects for industrial recruitment and retention.

Local arts programs attracted thousands in outside revenues and reduced spending across county and state

Lanessa Miller and Dr. Shawn Pitts at the reveal for “Quite the Thing” in 2015.

in McNairy (AiM) is a live theater, an art gallery, a publishing house, a community history/heritage center, and more! ts in McNairy fosters an atmosphere where all the arts and artists across disciplines can learn and thrive. AiM was founded in 2001 on the principle that participation in the arts is a cornerstone for the development of a healthy munity Over the years, AiM has demonstrated this principle through arts programs, concerts, performances, festivals, orkshops, exhibits, and in-depth exploration of McNairy County’s rich cultural heritage. The organization has been gnized at the local, state, and national levels for excellence in rural arts development and planning Simply stated, AiM aspires to connect local creatives to the larger community where their gifts may be shared and appreciated

Arts in McNairy | 205 W Court Ave, Selmer, TN PO Box 66, Selmer, TN 38375 731-645-2671 | artsinmcnairy@gmail com

A Sense of Place

By Shawn Pitts

The late Southern humorist Lewis Grizzard is credited with saying, “The South is the last place with a sense of place.”

If you think about it, you know exactly what he meant. Widespread commercialization and the homogenizing effects of corporate media have washed almost all of the local flavor out of many places.

But as Grizzard saw it, much of the American South retained enough of its regional character to remain a distinctive and recognizable subculture.

To put it another way, the place we call home is tethered to a particular awareness of its own history and traditions.

That may not be as rosy as it sounds. The South has had more than its fair share of vexing social struggles, but what Grizzard had in mind was un-

doubtedly more upbeat.

Since he made those remarks the language of recognizable places has been formalized in a branch of community development called “placemaking.” I’ve never been crazy about that term since it seems to suggest places can be designed and made to order, but it serves as shorthand for a handful of useful concepts like community asset mapping and place-based cultural assessment.

Many communities now use these sorts of tools to intentionally cultivate that illusive sense of local identity that everyone seems to desires these days.

Five years into a successful effort to improve cultural programming Arts in McNairy set about to honor a simple statement in the organization’s founding documents. The AiM bylaws laid out a bold vision that included a goal to “preserve and promote the cultural

strengths of McNairy County.”

We didn’t know it at the time, but that phrase rather prophetically summed up the aspirations of many in the emergent field of placemaking.

AiM leadership had the good sense and honesty to realize that the organization had spent its first few years successfully establishing programs that created opportunities for locals to engage with diverse new art forms but neglected large swaths of our traditional culture. That insight would forever change the way the organization did business.

For two years, a volunteer committee appointed to determine what the “cultural strengths” of McNairy County actually were met with people around the county asking probing questions about our most cherished traditions.

The committee was tasked not only with providing an accurate picture of the traditional cultural landscape—both historical and contemporary—but also with understanding why certain features of our heritage were so treasured, and what efforts could be made to preserve and call attention to them.

The end game, of course, was

programing but it’s one thing to know what you have, and quite another to know what to do with it.

If you take a good look around these days, the evidence of Arts in McNairy’s groundbreaking placemaking efforts is everywhere. Maybe just as significantly, if you made inquiry in wider placemaking circles you would find that the county has become quite well known outside its own borders for AiM’s heritage preservation efforts, but we weren’t exactly starting from zero.

Before the organized arts community ever got behind him, Jack Martin was already a legend in the realm of folk craft preservation. In 2015 the committee nominated Martin for and he was awarded the Governor’s Folklife Heritage Award, the state’s highest honor in the arts.

Thanks largely to Martin, McNairy County is known far and wide for our broom making heritage.

The committee’s work on music heritage also yielded impressive results. The rediscovery and preservation of Stanton Littlejohn’s home audio recordings significantly altered the broader understanding of American music history, especially the early development of rockabilly and rock ’n’ roll music.

Those recordings are now in the collections of The Library of Congress

Detail of a rainbow broom by fourth-generation Selmer craftsman, Jack Martin, of Hockaday Handmade Brooms. Photo by Bryan Huff.

and have been the subject of numerous magazine and news articles as well as an international record and CD release.

The unlikely fame of our area’s favorite lunch treat, the slug burger, the local textile traditions, the old-time and bluegrass music heritage, and a number of other cultural expressions add even more depth and dimension to the local sense of place. Why is all of this important? Why should we care about handmade brooms, a fading music heritage and slugburgers? I could offer many reasons and I hope to dig a little deeper into the subject in future essays, but I will give you my two best answers now.

First and foremost is the unique identity these facets of our culture provide our community. The things people create, the music they make together, the food they serve each other and the traditions they seek to hang on to say a lot about who those people are.

We could do worse than being known for

changing the course of music history and preserving local food and folkways. Virtually every town in America has fast food franchises and chain retailers, but

you can’t show up in most places and buy locally made brooms or eat at a lunch counter that serves distinctively local fare.

While national media

feeds us a monotonous diet of musical sameness our community has embraced a deeper awareness and pride in its own musical heritage. Maybe none of that is your cup of tea, but it would be a mistake to think everyone is similarly disinterested.

Thousands of people visit our county each year to enjoy the things we take for granted. They drop money in local cash registers while they are here, go home with an improved opinion about our community, and tell their friends about the good times and good food they enjoyed in McNairy County.

Whether you appreciate handmade brooms, music traditions and slugburgers or not, you are, in one way or another, the beneficiary of the unique local flavor they lend our community.

I sometimes wish more locals appreciated the depths of our culture the way visitors do.

Imagine what a place this would be if we all pulled in the same direction.

Art is Not a Dirty Word

By Shawn Pitts

The word “art” has an offputting ring to many people. Add the adjective “fine” and it’s even worse.

For some, such a phrase evokes notions of highbrow institutions or forms of art that seem, by design, inaccessible to ordinary folks. Similarly, “culture” may sound just as distasteful with its overtones of elitist exclusion.

But the arts and culture are as common to everyday human experience as the air we breathe. Any activity that taps into the deep reservoir of individual creativity may rightly be regarded as

community.

These insights are especially important in rural communities where many residents may feel alienated or disconnected from urban cultural centers that do not mirror their artistic interests or serve their creative needs. Twenty years ago— March 6, 2001 to be exact— this was very much on the minds of a small group of citizens who met at Selmer City Hall to form Arts in McNairy (AiM).

No one knew it at the time, but we were in for the adventure of a lifetime. Though the groundwork had been laid as early as August of the previous year, that

connected to the leader ship’s tenacious focus on the community rather than the organization itself.

Yes, as the vehicle that delivers key programs, the infrastructure of the organi zation must be thoughtfully maintained and funded, but the uncompromising mission to persevere and enrich McNairy County’s cultural life was Arts in McNairy’s north star from the outset.

It is the primary reason the organization is still going strong at twenty and looking to an even brighter future. As we commemorate two successful decades of

an art form, and culture is simply the creative traditions we share and value as a community.

Viewed in this light, arts and culture are stripped of their negative baggage and we begin to see our neighbors and our neighborhood from a fresh and healthier perspective. Everyone from the local banjo picker, story teller and quilter to the classically trained violinist, poet and oil painter may be respected as a contributor to the creative life of our

March meeting marked the official launch of an organization that would rally McNairy and surrounding counties around a staggering variety of cultural programs in nearly every creative discipline.

Over the years Arts in McNairy has been recognized at the local, state and national level for excellence in rural arts programming.

I am firmly convinced that the acknowledged quality and sustainability of the group’s efforts are directly

creative community build ing, it is my great honor to share some of Arts in McNairy’s history as well as the leadership’s forward looking vision with readers of the Independent Appeal through a series of short, guest columns.

I was there for that first 2001 meeting along with Independent Appeal pub lisher, Janet Rail, who was subsequently appointed to AiM’s inaugural board of directors. Janet intuitively grasped and championed

One of Arts in McNairy’s first programs was the summer art camp hosted by Selmer Community Center. Local kids received fun and educa tional instruction in a variety of arts disciplines during the weeklong camps. Artists and arts educators Shelia Treece and Ronnie Christo pher are shown above preparing student artwork for showing at the close of the 2001 camp.

Hockaday Handmade Brooms

Hockaday family brooms began in the early 1900s by Will Hockaday as simply a means to make a living through the winter. Now, over 100 years later, the Hockaday brooms is now an art form and tradition carried on by Will Hockaday’s great-grandson, Jack Martin, on the original equipment designed and built some 100 years ago. Hockaday Handmade Brooms is located at 2076 Hwy 142 in Selmer. For more information or for shop hours, call Jack at 645-4823 or visit hhbrooms.com.

Quilting is a living handcraft tradition in rural America. Southern farm communities seem especially rich in homespun textile techniques such as quilting, and McNairy County is no exception. For nearly 40 years quiltmakers and quilt-lovers alike have gathered each October to pay homage to the beauty and utility of local quilts. McNairy's textile and handcraft heritage is still unfolding. McNairy County Tourism and McNairy County Libraries hosted the 39th Annual McNairy County Quilt and Craft Trail. There were 150 quilts on display in four locations. Rita Casey presented her quilts at the trunk show and Linda Smith held a discussion on quilting at the McNairy County Historical Museum. The 2019 American Craft Week Star Awards presented a national award to the McNairy County Quilt and Craft Trail for Outstanding Charity Event. Thank you to our many sponsors including Dr. Barton Chase III and the Ramer Family Clinic. In October of 2020, the 40th annual event was held virtually and can be viewed on Facebook at McNairy County Touirsm.

It’s all Fine Art to Me

By Shawn Pitts

The phrase “fine art” is sometimes used to distinguish visual art created purely for expressive or aesthetics purposes from art objects fashioned for utility.

In other words, fine art is thought-provoking or pretty to look at, but otherwise not very useful. I’ve never found that distinction particularly helpful, especially when it’s used by snobs to make themselves feel superior or to erect artificial barriers that hamper accessibility to the arts.

Another unproductive way of categorizing creativity is placing a partition between fine art and folk art as a means of segregating the trained artist from the selftaught artist. Again, not very helpful.

Fortunately there’s not a lot of art snobbery around here, and the county arts agency, Arts in McNairy, has worked hard to ensure it stays that way. One of the core values of the organization has always been inclusiveness.

The volunteer leadership oriented to recognize the value of all creativity without regard for artificial boundaries or elitist attitudes about the arts. It is possible—desirable, as we see it—to simultaneously appreciate the merits of a great painting and an item of traditional handcraft or folk art without drawing meaningless comparisons.

This is not to say there are no standards when considering what constitutes quality artwork.

Even those who are not artistically inclined will recognize that the requisite skills and imagination required to paint a masterwork or the years of tradition and experience that go into artisan level handcraft are not quite the same as enjoying a paint by number board or craft kit.

There’s nothing wrong with painting by numbers or using prepackaged craft projects which can actually help people gain valuable skills in those mediums. We recognize the benefits

an attractive necklace or bracelet.

But those experiences sparked something deeper in this woman and she was able to use them as a springboard to become a successful jewelry artisan. Creative maturity follows many paths.

I am grateful for all those who have labored over the years to call attention to the diverse group of visual artists working in our community. From the earliest days of Arts in McNairy’s existence a dedicated visual

learning opportunities for visual artists and made a popular annual student art show—the latest installation is now hanging in the Latta galleries—a staple of the organization’s activity.

Embracing the opportunity for creative collaboration with other AiM programs, the committee partnered with the heritage arts chair to give the community stunning works of public art like the two widely acclaimed Rockabilly Highway Murals by Brian Tull, and Lanessa Miller’s “Quite the Thing” that now graces the Latta Theatre, fittingly commemorating that space’s live music heritage.

In 2016 the committee curated an exhibit of incredible local artists for the Nashville Arts at the Airport project.

That display was seen by thousand of international travelers and it offered, perhaps, the most accurate reflection of our county’s creative diversity and highlighted AiM’s inclusive approach to the visual arts.

in such pursuits but place a higher value on the work of those who engage more deeply with the creative side of the process in their chosen artistic discipline.

I think of a talented metalsmith and jeweler who got her start dabbling in jewelry making with simple beed kits. Anyone who could read the instructions and possessed reasonable dexterity could have completed the kits, had fun while doing so, and been rewarded with

arts committee has supported a vibrant regional scene of first-rate artists and artisans. Off the top of my head I can think of local exhibits and receptions that have included: painters, potters, glass artists, sculptors, folk artists, photographers, muralists, collagists, textile artists, media artists, illustrators, and others whose works defy tidy categorization.

The committee has hosted workshops and

I remember receiving a text from a friend who was passing through the Nashville Airport one evening. It said something like, “Wow! Who knew McNairy County was so rich in visual artists?”

My reply was something like, “We did.”

The exhibit “I Am Me” by self-taught artist Patty Chism Falls graced the walls of the Latta galleries in 2017. It was one of hundreds of arts and cultural exhibits AiM’s visual arts committee has sponsored over the last two decades.

McNairy County Museum

The McNairy County Historical Museum is located in the Ritz Theatre in Downtown Selmer. In the museum, you will find items from the Purdy Courthouse, Felker art and research, and fossil collection from UTMartin Coon Creek Science Center. The folk art music box collection of 7 box dulcimers, along with other instruments, and music box documentation are now part of the Arts in McNairy Cultural Collection at the McNairy County Historical Museum It is the largest, and one of the most significant, collections of Tennessee Music Boxes in the world The museum hosts several collections based on life in McNairy County such as business, education, military, religion, healing, and arts. McNairy County Historical Society is the managing organization with assistance from Needles ' n Pins. The museum is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 11:00 am - 2:30 pm and also on special occasions.

Located at 114 N 3rd St., Selmer. (731) 646-0018

Jack Boone

Jack Boone Literary Preservation Project

The Jack Boone Literary Preservation project is an effort to preserve the "lost" works of Tennessee writer Jack Happel Boone (19031966) His life was full of accomplishments hindered by frustration and circumstance Now more than 50 years after his death, his longhidden works are emerging for a new audience to experience his distinct Southern writing style

Jack Happel Boone was born in 1903 in Gibson County, Tennessee. He spent his youth in Chester County, Tennessee, and attended public schools in Henderson. Educated at Memphis State College and Vanderbilt University, he began writing professionally as early as 1932. Between 1932 and 1944, he was published in such publications as Prairie Schooner, Household Magazine, Southern Review, A Vanderbilt Miscellany, and Story He taught at such prestigious universities as Clemson, Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, as well as lectured at the University of Iowa.

Boone wrote regularly from 1932 until the mid-1950s. His novel, Dossie Bell is Dead received critical acclaim after its publication in 1939. Woods Girl is the long-buried sequel to that novel. Boone wrote most of his works in a manner that would reflect the language, speech, and tradition of his subjects. His works provide a glimpse of backwoods and rural life in West Tennessee in the 1930s and 1940s including many archaic customs held over from far earlier times. The majority of his works are set in rural West Tennessee in the area commonly known as The Nation (McNairy County). Boone remained primarily in Chester County until his death in 1966.

Dewey Phillips

Daddy-O Dewey Phillips of Adamsville was the voice of a pivotal postwar American generation As announcer for the Red, Hot, and Blue program, he helped WHBQ bridge the gap between their white audience and advertisers and their black audience to bring a new kind of sound to the air R&B Dewey had an ear for the best tracks and brought some of the Midsouth’s most popular sounds to WHBQ

Stanton Littlejohn

From his home recording studio in Eastview, Stanton Littlejohn did so much to preserve early Rockabilly music. Not only did Littlejohn record the earliest versions of the legendary Carl Perkins music, three years before Sun Records. Littlejohn’s recordings are archived by the Library of Congress and his Perkins recordings have received international interest and recognition.

Discovering Carl Perkins Eastview, Tennessee 1952 - 53

Carl Perkins, one of the founding fathers of rock & roll, began his legendary recording career for Sun Records in 1954 After two fairly undistinguished hillbilly outings, he created Blue Suede Shoes, which changed the face of American popular music It was the first song to top all three charts at once: pop, hillbilly, and R&B

Producer and music historian, Shawn Pitts and Hank Davis just made a startling discovery that will rewrite rockabilly history Carl Perkins recorded at least two years earlier in a small studio in rural Eastview, Tennessee. Those records make it clear that he was far from the clueless hillbilly who had to be dragged kicking and screaming into the rockabilly revolution. In fact, one of the four songs he recorded was Good Rocking Tonight, perhaps two years earlier than Elvis Presley cut it at Sun!

In October 2019 Bear Family Records released ’Discovering Carl Perkins’. It contains for the first time anywhere, these historic, unreleased recordings -- complete and remastered for the best possible sound -- along with several rare outtakes from Carl´s earliest Sun period. They appeared on a ten-inch LP that includes previously unseen vintage photographs and detailed liner notes about the music, and how the local culture gave rise to these historic, one-of-a-kind recordings. It s quite a landmark event for those interested in early rock & roll history, Sun Records, Carl Perkins and the birth of rockabilly.

A r t s i n M c N a i r y

W e a r e e x c i t e d t o a n n o u n c e t h a t t h e

M c N a i r y C o u n t y M u s i c H a l l o f F a m e C l a s s o f

2 0 2 1 w i l l i n c l u d e : T a l e n t e d m u l t ii n s t r u m e n t a l i s t , M a r t h a L y n n H o l t ; f o u n d e r o f R o b e r t ' s W e s t e r n W o r l d , R o b e r t M o o r e ; r e g i o n a l b l u e g r a s s f a v o r i t e , R u d y M o o r e ; a n d m u s i c i a n , b u s i n e s s o w n e r a n d m u s i c p r o m o t e r , E a r l L a t t a T h e s e n e w e s t m e m b e r s o f t h e H a l l o f F a m e w i l l b e h o n o r e d i n a l i v e i n d u c t i o n c e r e m o n y a n d t r i b u t e c o n c e r t a t t h e L a t t a T h e a t e r 6 : 0 0 p . m . , F r i d a y , J u n e 1 1 . A t t e n d a n c e w i l l b e l i m i t e d t o 1 0 0 , s o s t a y t u n e d f o r d e t a i l s a b o u t h o w t o r e s e r v e y o u r s e a t o r m a k e p l a n s t o w a t c h t h e l i v e s t r e a m o n t h i s p a g e . C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o t h e C l a s s o f 2 0 2 1 !

McNairy County’s music heritage is unparalleled. Arts in McNairy’s annual Music Hall of Fame and Trail of Music Legends, pay honor to the men and women who have shaped our music history at the local, regional and national level Whether it’s internationally recognizable names like Dewey Phillips and Carl Perkins, local old-time masters such as Elvis Black and Waldo Davis, or living legends like Kay Bain and Wayne Jerrold's, the Hall of Fame and Trail of Music Legends brings the stories of our musical heritage alive and preserves them for the next generation Learn more at: www trailofmusiclegends com or www.artsinmcnairy.com

Creativity is Not Canceled

By Shawn Pitts

Freida Hamm is one of McNairy County’s most celebrated painters. She pursued some form of visual art most of her life, but as an adult graduate of Memphis College of Art and University of Memphis, Freida achieved international renown, primarily as a landscape artist with an instantly recognizable style.

Working quietly from her home and studio on 5th Street in Selmer, Freida won international awards and commissions, was featured in numerous group and solo exhibitions worldwide, and turned out a body of work that is still much desired by art collectors today. Arts in McNairy was

honored to collaborate with her on occasion and proud to have her patronize many of our programs, but you really didn’t see Freida out and about that much. You could typically find her at her studio doing what she loved most: creating art.

Freida is our reminder that whether we see one another or not, creativity is never cancelled. While we have been disappointed by the temporary suspension of programming at the Latta, our first responsibility is the health and wellbeing of the community we serve.

As you might imagine, social distancing is difficult for an organization that was committed from the outset to bringing

people together to share all kinds of creativity. Our mission hasn’t changed, but the way we go about it has evolved rapidly under the unprecedented conditions we are now facing together. Keep watching our social media outreach. We will be posting videos from the Crossroads exhibit from time to time, sharing thoughts from our leadership, and highlighting Arts in McNairy’s various community arts program.

Of course, we will keep you updated on scheduling changes, and hope to have good news about future plans and programs as Arts in McNairy heads into our exciting 20th Anniversary season in 2021.

Spring is a time when we celebrate renewal, a time when nature itself is creating anew. This year, we encourage you to renew your sense of wonder and creativity. Write those poems you have neglected or finish that short story you started. Read a good book. Dust off the instrument and play a few tunes, if only for your own enjoyment.

Take an online museum tour, or shoot that digital short film you’ve been thinking about. Break out the paints, pastels or pencils and have at it. Sing and dance like you mean it.

Creativity is not cancelled.

Freida Hamm--Lavender Fields (2009)

The Ellis Truett Jr. Collection

The Tennessee music box, or box dulcimer, is one of the most enigmatic musical instruments ever discovered. Little is known about its origins, but it is an ingenious folk instrument made of materials at hand in the counties of southwest and south middle Tennessee. The earliest music boxes date to the 1880s or possibly even the 1870s. Playing and construction techniques were passed from generation to generation, continuing through the 1940s. Community scholars like Ellis Truett of Henderson County, Tennessee, and Gerald Young of Giles County, Tennessee were perhaps the first to appreciate the cultural significance of these crude but beautifully resonant instruments. Scholars such as Dr. Richard Hulan, David Schnaufer, and Sandy Conatser provided valuable research and further insight into their history. An excellent article by Schnaufer and Conatser that first appeared in the Tennessee Folklore Society Bulletin can be accessed online The essay is reproduced with the permission of the Tennessee Folklore Society. That issue as well as other back issues of the Tennessee Folklore Society Bulletin may be ordered. In 2015 Arts in McNairy purchased a collection of seven music boxes formerly owned by Ellis Truett (pictured above). His collection of 7 box dulcimers, along with other instruments, and music box documentation are now part of the Arts in McNairy Cultural Collection at the McNairy County Historical Museum It is the largest, and one of the most significant, collections of Tennessee Music Boxes in the world. The Jackson Area Plectral Society and Needles-nPins Quilters of Selmer were generous partners in the acquisition of these Tennessee treasures. The collection is available for scholarly research and inspection by request and is occasionally on display at the museum or Latta Visitor's and Cultural Center, both in downtown Selmer, Tennessee. More information can be found at www artsinmcnairy com/tennessee-music-box html

Adamsville High School Band

McNairy County boasts two top five high school marching bands in the state of Tennessee. Adamsville High School Marching Band took home the title of Division II State Championship 2019. The achievement marks the 12th state championship in Divison I and II combined.

McNairy Central Bobcat Band

The McNairy Central Bobcat Band has a stunning record under the leadership of Band Director Ryan Foret. The students work incredibly hard throughout the year to hone their skills and create phenomenal performances both on and off the field, from their marching band season in the fall to their winter and spring concerts.

All the World is a Stage

By Shawn Pitts

We were standing in line to buy tickets when the gentleman approached us. It was, perhaps, fitting that it was a football game.

Something important was obviously on his

Nairy’s community theatre program. He said his son, among other kids he knew, had gotten involved with the youth theatre productions and the family had witnessed a rather remarkable change in him.

was even doing better in the classroom.

The man went on to say he always wanted his son to play football, which he did for a time with some success, but the young man’s heart just wasn’t in it. He had the aptitude, but not the

plays in which his son was cast and found the live shows surprisingly entertaining. More importantly he realized his son had found his niche and was learning many of the valuable lessons about teamwork, discipline and leadership he hoped time on the gridiron

In twenty years of involvement with community theatre, we’ve heard countless stories like that: kids who didn’t quite fit in anywhere else finding their voice on stage; adults who always wanted to give acting a try but never did until there was a nearby outlet; people of all ages who found a welcoming community of theatre enthusiasts who valued their contributions and their

The father’s experience as an audience member also echoes much of what we’ve heard from local theatre goers: many of them didn’t know how fun and entertaining live theatre could be until it was regularly accessible in their community. Add to that, the thousands of students who had their first exposure to live theatre at one of the

The young cast of Arts in McNairy’s 2014 production of The Wizard of Oz at the Latta Visitor’s and Cultural Center. Photo courtesy of Bryan Huff and Huffoto.

daytime shows staged exclusively for local school children at the Latta and I think you will see where I am going with this article.

There is a tendency in community development circles to see local theatre programs as extraneous to the “real work” of community building; it’s better to have one than not, but it’s really not essential.

I remember hearing an economic development professional attempt to praise a theatre company in his region by saying, “Hey, not everybody can play sports, so we appreciate the theatre program offering kids an alternative.” He meant well, and it’s always good when someone recognizes inherent value in the arts, but that statement betrays a pitiful lack of understanding.

He made it sound like people only do theatre because they can’t do sports; they would really prefer to be a pitcher or a quarterback, but they settle for a role in a play because they didn’t make the team.

I used the example of the young man and appreciative father Joanna and I encountered to illustrate a point. The son was athletically gifted and had experienced success in organized team sports, but found more meaning and fulfillment in the arts.

Theatre was not his second choice, it was the place he experienced affirmation

through interaction with other creative people who helped his family recognize the transformative power of community building through the arts.

If it’s a healthy, well rounded community we are after, that sounds

joyed lavish Broadway musicals and austere, minimalist theatre; intense drama and side splitting comedy; original play debuts and stage adaptations from the canon of western literature; adult dinner theatre and one act plays produced, acted and directed by local youth; and the list goes on and on.

If there is one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s that a robust community theatre program is more than a few people getting together to occasionally memorize and recite some lines. It’s an economic engine that pulls thousands of dollars into our local economy each year.

performance for our kids. It’s a framework for exploring and understanding the wider world while bringing inspiring stories to life with and for your neighbors.

It is life-changing for many individuals and, don’t let anyone kid you, it is community building of the highest order.

So, as we emerge from the shadow of a pandemic, when it’s safe to gather in large groups again, do yourself a favor and come to an audition, buy a season ticket, or just attend a show or two.

pretty essential to me.

Arts in McNairy’s community theatre program has offered this region high quality, local entertainment for two decades now. Along the way adults, teens and children have acquired valuable skills in acting, directing, costuming, set design, technical production and theatre management.

They have experienced the challenges of late nights and long weekends in the theatre working in concert with dozens of volunteers to bring a finely tuned production to stage and the joys of thunderous applause at the closing curtai.

Audiences have en-

It’s a springboard for building confidence, acquiring life skills, and enhancing academic

You’ll be glad you did and it will be encouraging for those who work so hard to provide live, local arts and entertainment options. They do it for you, you know? It’s called community theatre for a reason.

University of Tennessee at Martin, Selmer/McNairy Co.

The University of Tennessee at Martin established an extension campus in Selmer in 1998 Since then, the UTM McNairy County/Selmer Center offers a full rotation of general education and undergraduate courses to support more than 80 specialized programs The center can design curricula to meet the needs of local businesses and industries (731) 646-1636 www utm edu

Tennessee College of Applied Sciences, Crump

Tennessee College of Applied Technology prepares individuals for high skill, high wage, high demand careers in fifteen programs of study. Career training for Business Systems Technology, Collision Repair Technology, Computer Graphics Design, Computer Information Systems, Computer Information Technology, Drafting & CAD Technology, Electronics Technology, Health Information Technology, Heating, Ventilation, Air Cond./Refrigeration, Industrial Electricity, Industrial Maintenance, Machine Tool Technology, Practical Nursing, Technology Foundations, Farming Operations Technology and, Welding Technology. (731) 632-3393 www.TCATcrump.edu

Little Free Libraries

freelittlelibraries.com can be accessed to locate these boxes all across the country. The project is focused on books for children ages birth to 6th grade, they also include a large selection for youth and adults. Book donations are being accepted at the Latta, 205 W. Court Ave. in Selmer, and Jack McConnico Memorial Library in Selmer, or books can be left inside any of the boxes. The project was a partnership between McNairy County Health Department, McNairy County Libraries, Mary Lou Johnson Foundation, and John Huff Eagle Scout Project. This project also won the McNairy County Chamber of Commerce Community Enhancement Award, March 2020.

Coon Creek Science Center

Within the 232-acre grounds, located at 2983 Hardin Graveyard Road in Adamsville, lies one of the most important fossil sites in North America. It was acquired by the Pink Palace Family of Museums in 1988 and as of May of 2020 is currently operated by the University of Tennessee at Martin. The creek bed of Coon Creek contains a treasure load of 70 million year old marine fossils left behind when the waters of the Gulf of Mexico receded from the area. The site attracts both youth and international scientists. For more information please contact the UTMartin, Selmer/McNairy County Center.

(731) 646-1636 www.utm.edu

Outdoor Adventure

C o u n t r y C r i t t e r s C a m p g r o u n d a n d R V P a r k a r e l o c a t e d a t

1 3 3 1 E l m R d , A d a m s v i l l e , C o u n t r y C r i t t e r s C a m p g r o u n d & R V

P a r k i s a p r i v a t e l y o w n e d c a m p g r o u n d c o m p l e t e w i t h R V h o o ku p s . C a l l 7 3 1 - 4 3 4 - 8 9 8 9 f o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n .

F a m i l i e s c o m e f r o m a l l o v e r f o r a s i p o f h o t c h o c o l a t e o r c i d e r w h i l e h a y r i d i n g t h r o u g h t h e f i e l d s a t D u n c a n ’ s l o o k i n g f o r t h e i r p e r f e c t C h r i s t m a s t r e e D u n c a n ’ s C h r i s t m a s T r e e F a r m i s a 3 5a c r e f a r m l o c a t e d a t 1 8 6 H e s t e r R o a d i n S e l m e r . T h e f a r m g r o w s L e l a n d C y p r e s s , V i r g i n i a P i n e , C a r o l i n a S a p p h i r e , a n d B l u e I c e . P r e - c u t F r a s e r F i r s a r e s h i p p e d i n t h e w e e k o f T h a n k s g i v i n g T h e g i f t s h o p b o a s t s h a n d m a d e , f r e s h w r e a t h s a n d g a r l a n d , b o w s , o r n a m e n t s , a n d a v a r i e t y o f C h r i s t m a s d e c o r a t i o n s .

K & M P r e c i s i o n R i f l e T r a i n i n g l o c a t e d i n F i n g e r , K & M P r e c i s i o n R i f l e T r a i n i n g i s a s t a t e - o f - t h e - a r t c o m p l e x f o r l o n gr a n g e r i f l e a n d h a n d g u n t r a i n i n g T h e r a n g e h o s t s m u l t i p l e s h o o t i n g c o m p e t i t i o n s . I t s l a r g e s t i s t h e B u s h n e l l T a c t i c a l G a p

G r i n d P r o / A m C o m p e t i t i o n a t t r a c t i n g s h o o t e r s f r o m a r o u n d t h e w o r l d .

S i n c e 2 0 1 7 t h e A n n u a l B i g H i l l T r a i l R u n h a s b e e n a h u g e s u c c e s s . B i g H i l l T r a i l R u n i s n o w a 5 k o n t h e p a v e m e n t . W e h a v e a l s o a d d e d t h e S h e r i f f ’ s C h a l l e n g e r a c e t h a t r u n s a l o n g s i d e t h e c i r c u m f e r e n c e o f t h e b r e a t h t a k i n g T r a v i s M c N a t t L a k e a t B i g H i l l

P o n d S t a t e P a r k . T h e s i x - m i l e c o u r s e r e q u i r e s s e l f - s u f f i c i e n c y . I t i n c l u d e s v a r y i n g t e r r a i n w i t h f o r e s t t r a i l s , a r e a s o f m u d , a n d r o c k . M c N a i r y C o u n t y T o u r i s m h o s t s t h e e v e n t a n d m a k e s c o n t r i b u t i o n s b a c k t o t h e p a r k . W e l o o k f o r w a r d t o t h i s e v e n t e a c h y e a r a n d r e m e m b e r o n l y t h e b e s t m a k e i t u p t h e h i l l

R o c k a b i l l y P a r k i s l o c a t e d i n H i s t o r i c D o w n t o w n S e l m e r , I t i s t h e s i t e o f f a m e d R o c k a b i l l y M u r a l I I a n d t h e S e l m e r F a r m e r ’ s M a r k e t . T h e p a r k c o n s i s t s o f g r e e n s p a c e , a s m a l l s t a g e t h a t h o s t s o u t d o o r m u s i c e v e n t s , s e a t i n g , a n d v a r i o u s d i s p l a y s o f s c u l p t u r e a r t w o r k . I t ’ s m a i n t a i n e d b y S e l m e r P a r k s & R e c r e a t i o n .

Local Swimming

Easthills Aquatic Club

Sibley Dr, Selmer

610-6073

A members-only club featuring a large outdoor swimming pool, kiddie pool, and bathhouse.

Selmer City Pool

Located at Selmer City Park

645-3866

Open to the public Features a large outdoor swimming pool, kiddie pool, and bathhouse

Selmer Country Club

1254 Country Club Ln, Selmer 645-9915

A members-only club

City Parks

Buford Pusser Memorial Park, Adamsville

Ted Hughes, Director of Adamsville Parks & Recreation

731-926-5675

The park consists of a lighted basketball court, lighted tennis courts, a playground with a variety of equipment for kids to enjoy, 4 ball fields, an open-air pavilion, picnic tables, 4 grills, shade trees, and a walking track.

Bethel Springs City Park

Located behind City Hall and the Community Center

The park has a walking trail around a green space and picnic tables

Eastview City Park

Located on Highway 57 behind The Junction Truck Stop The park consists of a walking trail, outdoor seating, and baseball, softball, and soccer fields

Michie City Park

Located on Highway 57 next to Michie Elementary School The park consists of baseball fields and a basketball court

Ramer City Park

Located on Highway 57 across from Ramer Elementary School The park consists of a walking trail, outdoor seating, and green space

Selmer City Park

Sybil Dancer, Director of Selmer Parks & Recreation, 731-645-3866

Located at the intersection of Highways 64 and 45 in Selmer The park consists of a walking trail, basketball courts, tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball and softball fields, a playground, an outdoor stage, two open pavilions, outdoor workout equipment, and a city swimming pool

Dixie Park Splash Pad

Dixie Park is located at 230 E Court Ave. in Selmer, the site of the historic Dixie Cafe. The park consists of a splash pad, green space, and an ADA-compliant bathhouse. It’s maintained by Selmer Parks & Recreation. The all-new Dixie Dog Park is here! Come visit this fun park!

B i g H i l l P o n d " W a l k i n g T a l l " 5 0 / 2 5 k B i g H i l l P o n d 5 0 / 2 5 K h a s s o m e t h i n g f o r e v e r y o n e . T h e r a c e h a s 3 1 a n d 1 5 5 m i l e s m a d e u p a l m o s t e n t i r e l y o f a s i n g l et r a c k t r a i l w i t h o n l y a l i t t l e c r u s h e d g r a v e l p a r k r o a d t o h e l p s t r i n g o u t t h e c o m p e t i t i o n T h e r a c e f e a t u r e s a f i r e t o w e r t h a t y o u c l i m b a n d a s w a m p b o a r d w a l k t h a t i s a l m o s t a h a l f - m i l e a c r o s s T h e h i s t o r y o f t h e a r e a c o m e s f r o m S h e r i f f B u f o r d P u s s e r , w h o i s k n o w n f o r h i s l e g e n d a r y o n em a n w a r o n m o o n s h i n i n g , p r o s t i t u t i o n , g a m b l i n g , a n d o t h e r v i c e s a l o n g t h e M i s s i s s i p p i - T e n n e s s e e s t a t e l i n e T h e r a c e o f f e r s e n o u g h s c e n e r y a n d e l e v a t i o n f o r t h e m o s t g r i z z l e d t r a i l r u n n e r b u t s h o u l d b e d o a b l e f o r t h e f i r s t - t i m e r

Shiloh National Military Park

Established in 1894, Shiloh National Military Park remains one of the best-preserved and most pristine Civil War battlefields The 5,000-acre park is located at 1055 Pittsburg Landing Rd , Shiloh, TN on the banks of the Tennessee River The Park is also home to a United States National Cemetery which contains around 4,000 soldiers and their families. The park includes Shiloh Indian Mounds. A short walking trail leads to the mounds with an overlook of the Tennessee River. Near the mounds, you may also catch a glimpse of the Shiloh bald eagles. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and its paved roads are enjoyed by bikers, walkers, and runners. 731-689-5696

Chickasaw State Park

Chickasaw State Park is a 1,400-acre park that boasts plenty of recreation: hiking trails, paddle boating, bicycle-friendly roads, primitive or RV camping, cabin rentals, and horseback riding The park has plenty of picnic space, pavilions, a playground, and beach volleyball. Chickasaw became a state park in 1955 and before that was one of Tennessee’s 20 New Deal-era parks. It’s located at 20 Cabin Lane in Henderson, TN. For more information, call 731-9895141.

Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park

The park covers more than 1,200 acres and contains at least 15 Native American mounds. Archaeological evidence suggests the mounds were both burial and ceremonial in purpose. Pinson Mounds is a national historic landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located at 460 Ozier Rd, in Pinson. Contact 731988-5614 for more information

Golf Courses

Shiloh Golf Course

2915 Caney Branch Rd, Adamsville 731-632-0678

A semi-private club featuring an 18-hole regulation-length golf course

Selmer Country Club

1254 Country Club Ln, Selmer 731-645-9915

A members-only club featuring a 9-hole regulation length golf course, outdoor swimming pool, and restaurant

Adamsville Jr./Sr. High School

Football, Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, Cheer, Golf, Softball, Track & Field, Tennis

McNairy Central High School

Football, Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, Cheer, Golf, Softball, Volleyball, Tennis, Track & Field

Bethel Springs Jr. High School

Football, Basketball, Cheer, Softball

Michie Jr. High School

Football, Basketball, Cheer, Softball

Ramer Jr. High School

Football, Basketball, Cheer, Softball

Selmer Middle School

Football, Basketball, Cheer, Softball

School Sports Community Sports

Adamsville Parks & Recreation

Football, Cheerleading, Basketball, and Soccer Applications for Dixie Youth T-ball, Softball, and Baseball are available through City Hall, and games are played on the fields in the Buford Pusser Memorial Park 731926-5675

Chewalla Basketball League Basketball and Cheer 731-239-9802

Ramer Community Sports

Baseball, Softball, Basketball, and Soccer. 731-610-6063

Selmer Parks & Recreation

Football, Basketball, Cheer, Softball, Baseball, Soccer, and special needs athletics Games are played at Selmer City Park, Patriot Park, and the Selmer Community Center 731-645-3866

FarmersSelmerMarket

The Selmer Farmer's and Craft Market is open six days a week and is located at the Rockabilly Park in Historic Downtown Selmer. As a Pick TN site, it's a perfect space for farmer's and craft merchants to sell their wares and for McNairy County residents to find locally grown and made products. Farmer's set up in the pavilion and crafters set up in Rockabilly Park. Though there is no cost for setting up, vendors must fill out an application and return it to McNairy County Tourism at the Latta. Contact Jessica Huff for more information at (731) 645-6360.

Ada’s Country Store

Ada’s Country Store is an Amish grocery located at 9653 HWY 45 N in Bethel Springs. Recently expanded, the store features homemade food, including canned items, homeopathic teas, herbs, and supplements, health products like gluten and sugar-free items, and more. The store also has a well-loved deli which serves handmade sandwiches on fresh-baked pieces of bread, hoop cheeses, freshly sliced deli meats, and fresh veggies. You can also find homemade soaps and bath products by Mammy’s Soap Company Contact them at 731-934-9310

Taste of McNairy

Taste of McNairy hosts local businesses, churches, and civic groups The groups set up themed booths and served tasty samplers of various foods from pork tenderloin sliders to pinto beans and cornbread to desserts. The event is organized in support of Habitat for Humanity. Awards are given in the following categories: Best Entree, Best Dessert and Best Decoration for table theme.

Love of Literacy

Love of Literacy Dessert Tasting is a favorite annual event in McNairy County held near Valentine’s Day. Local businesses and organizations decorate tables and serve dessert samples. There is entertainment and fun to be had by all. Judges award prizes for best desserts and decorations. Funds raised benefit the McNairy County Literacy Council to support McNairy County Adult Education and their initiative to help adults pursuing their high school equivalency test The event supports a good, educational cause The event is sponsored by Independent Appeal

Freedom Fest

Every Independence Day Selmer Parks & Recreation hosts Freedom Fest at the Selmer City Park. The Festival includes live music throughout the day from local rock bands to AiM’s Community Band. It culminates in a fireworks display at sunset.

126th Finger Barbecue and Picnic

The Finger Barbecue and picnic have survived war, recessions, and the Great Depression, naysayers, and sometimes low attendance. Still, it persists at the present location on the grounds of the old Finger School. People have come back home to visit, with their hearts full of love and affection for their hometown. They brought their children, grandchildren and listened to music, ate good food and spent time with old friends and relations. Now held in October, it continues to maintain the flavor of it's origins, a celebration of the town and the people who hold it. It is believed to be one of the oldest "continuing" such events in Tennessee. It is certainly the oldest in McNairy County and surrounding counties. It has carved it's own place in local and regional history. Saturday, October 2, 2021

Kid's Fest

Kid’s Fest is an annual event favorite in McNairy County held every April. The event features many family-friendly attractions including fair rides for kids, food and activity vendors, and many cartoon characters for kids to meet from Disney princesses to Olaf, everyone ’ s favorite snowman. Kid's Fest started as an event created and organized by the McNairy County Chamber of Commerce, in 2019, Mary Lou Johnson, Inc took the helm of organizing the eighth annual event.“We’re really excited about hosting the Kids Fest,” said LaShell Moore of Mary Lou Johnson, Inc., “ and we want to continue to make it an even bigger event that all children and families can look forward to attending each year ” Look for Kid's Fest to return in 2021 at the Selmer City Park.

Plein Air Art Festival

Renaissance on Main’s purpose is to revitalize Main Street Adamsville into a convenient, inviting family destination through the arts and small businesses. The Plein Air Art Festival featured artists from across the county and region. Professional and amateur painters competed in a “live” painting competition. Please follow the annual event on FaceBook @RenaissancOnMainAdamsvilleTN Art

A.R.T.S. Theatre Group

A.R.T.S. (Actors Revealing Their Skills) Theatre Group is a local community theatre. Shows are performed at the Marty in Adamsville. The group performs several shows from August to June. Auditions are open to anyone regardless of experience who wants to start acting. Follow them on Facebook for more information. artstheatregroup@gmail.com

ROC Selmer Pumpkin Fest

ROC Selmer was created by individuals who wanted to bring events and activities that appeal to young adults in Selmer and the surrounding cities. ROC is an acronym for Revive Our Community and the group is attempting to do just that The first Pumpkin Festival kicked off in October 2017 and has continued to grow every year since This festival attracts people of all ages The fall-themed festival offers pumpkin carving, fun back-yard-style games, great food, and retail vendors. The ROC hopes that by providing these opportunities to young adults and growing families, that we can strengthen and revive our small town. The ROC intends to continue to provide events that make citizens proud to come from a small town.

Halloween Street Party

When the leaves fall and temperatures drop, the Independent Appeal prepares for the Annual Halloween Street Party in downtown Selmer. Downtown will be transformed into a family friendly street party on Halloween with enough treats for children of all ages. Contact Independent Appeal for details on the annual event. (731) 645-5346

Derailed

Derailed Haunted House located in Ramer, TN is a scary and fun indoor walk-through attraction. Recently, the attraction was featured in Forbes magazine for its use of cutting-edge technologies. Derailed features two haunts, Vengeance and Terror Town in 3-D. Vengeance is a classic style attraction packed with live actors and engaging animatronics. It is self-paced so the patron may become immersed in the richly designed sets. Terror Town in 3-D is the newest attraction featuring mind-blowing 3-D artwork that is visually terrifying under UV lighting. Guests at Derailed may also enjoy trying to escape from one of the non-scary-themed escape rooms. Derailed features Stalag 13 which has a high success rate and Escape By the Number in 3-D which presents an extra challenge in a 3-D environment. Both escape games require teamwork. Those who may be interested in paranormal research should also check out Derailed during the year to see what ethereal guests may be visiting the property Derailed features outdoor movies each night of operation for free Sit around the bonfire, grab a soft drink and popcorn from the concession stand, and enjoy a horror classic with your friends. Derailed is open each Friday and Saturday in October. Check out the website www.derailedhauntedhouse.com for tickets and more information.

Tour of the home, jail and office of the legendary sheriff known for his hickory stick wielding pursuit of criminals. The house contains original furnishings and features videos highlighting Sheriff Pusser's career and an interview with his daughter, Dwana, and Buford’s close friends. Also on display, are the charred remains of the ’74 Corvette that Sheriff Pusser was driving at the time of his fatal accident. Buford Pusser's office and county jail has life size photos and memorablia while he served as Sheriff of McNairy County.

www.bufordpussermuseum.com

Sheriff Buford Pusser

Home and Museum

342 Pusser Street Adamsville, TN 38310 (731) 632-4080

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 11-4 PM

Unless otherwise stated, all area codes are 731.

ZIP CODES

Adamsville, 38310

Bethel Springs, 38315

Chewalla, 38393

Finger, 38334

Guys, 38339

Lawton, 38375

Michie, 38357

MIlledgeville, 38359

Ramer, 38367

Selmer, 38375

Stantonville, 38379

CLIMATE

Avg Annual Rainfall 55”

Avg Snowfall 3”

Avg Winter Temp 48° F

Avg Summer Temp 90° F

EMERGENCY

In case of emergency, dial 911

Fire Departments

Adamsville Volunteer Fire Dept.

731-632-1401

231 E. Main St., Adamsville

Bethel Springs Fire Dept.

731-934-7262

4068 Main St., Bethel Springs

Finger Volunteer Fire Dept.

731-934-4441

2296 Finger Leapwood Rd., Finger

McNairy County Fire Dept 731-645-5700

170 W. Court Ave., Selmer

Michie Volunteer Fire & Rescue

731-239-3500

5725 Hwy. 22 S., Michie

Ramer Volunteer Fire Dept 731-645-7564

16 Key Ln., Ramer

Selmer Fire Dept.

731-645-6173

707 Industrial Park Rd., Selmer

Milledgeville Fire Dept.

731-645-5700

202 Ellis Rd., Milledgeville

Law Enforcement

McNairy County Sheriff’s Office

731-645-1000

300 Industrial Park Dr., Selmer

Selmer Police Dept 731-645-7907

144 N. 2nd St., Selmer

Adamsville City Police Dept

731-632-3094

231 E. Main St., Adamsville

Bethel Springs Polive Dept. 731-934-7266

4066 Main St., Bethel Springs

GOVERNMENT

U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander (202) 224-4944

455 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.

Marsha Blackburn (202) 224-3344

Dirksen Senate Office Building, SD-185, Washington, D.C.

U.S. Representative Mark Green (Dist.7) (202) 225-2811

509 Cannon Building, Washington, D.C.

State Senator Page Walley (Dist.26)

425 Rep. John Lewis Way N. Suite 750 Cordell Hull Bldg. Nashville, TN 37243 (615) 741-2368

State Representative

Ron Gant (Dist.94) (615) 741-6890

301 6th Ave. N., Suite 117, War Memorial Building, Nashville

Local Mayors

McNairy County

Larry Smith

731-645-3472

170 West Court Ave., Suite 201, Selmer

Adamsville

David Leckner

731-632- 1401

P.O. Box 301, Adamsville

Bethel Springs

Gary Bizzell, Jr.

731-934-7266

P.O. Box 214, Bethel Springs

Eastview

Jessie Robbins

731-645-3428

199 Hwy. 57 West, Ramer

Finger

Robert Heathcock III

731-934-4677

P. O. Box 98 Finger, TN

Guys

Keith Rinehart

731-239-4700

PO Box 122, Guys

Michie

Anthony Smith

(662) 415-7054

P. O. Box 27 Michie, TN

Milledgeville

Dannie Kennedy

731-687-3811

P.O. Box 6, Milledgeville

Ramer

George Armstrong

731-645-7564

P.O. Box 38 Ramer

Selmer

John Smith

731-645-3141

144 N. Second St., Selmer

Stantonville

Larry Russel

731-645-7770

285 Michie Pebble Hill Rd, Stantonville

COURTHOUSE

McNairy County Courthouse

731-645-3511

170 W. Court Ave., Selmer

LIBRARIES

Irving Meek Jr. Public Library

731-632-3572

204 W. Main St., Adamsville

Jack McConnico

Memorial Library

731-645-5571

225 Oak Grove Rd., Selmer

DMV

731-926-1581

880 Pickwick St., Savannah

LICENSE PLATES & REGISTRATION

McNairy County Clerk

731-645-3511

530 Mulberry Ave., Selmer

UTILITIES

Electric

Pickwick Electric Cooperative

731-645-3411

(800) 372-8258

672 Hwy. 142, Selmer

Gas

Adamsville Public Works

731-632-4214

203 Sunrise Drive, Adamsville

Selmer Utility Department 731-645-8243

500 Peachtree Ave., Selmer

Waste Management

Adamsville Public Works 731-632-4214

203 Sunrise Drive, Adamsville

Recycling Center

731-645-5909

Water & Sewage

Adamsville Public Works

731-632-4214

203 Sunrise Drive, Adamsville

Bethel Springs Water Dept.

731-934-7266

4066 Main St., Bethel Springs

Selmer Utility Dept.

731-645-8243

500 Peach St., Selmer

CHIROPRACTORS

Robin Barnes

112 S Magnolia St., Adamsville 632-9100

Shawn Pitts 134 Warren Ave, Selmer 731-645-3850

COUNSELING

McNairy County Ministerial Association

133 North 3rd St., Selmer 731-645-5316

Quinco Mental Health Center

641 East Poplar Ave., Selmer 731-645-5753

10710 Old HWY 64, Bolivar 1-800-532-6339 1410 Pickwick St., Savannah 731-925-5054

DENTISTS

Ron Bell, 718 Federal Dr., Selmer 731-645-3291

David Bradley

349 East Main St., Adamsville 731-632-1680

Randall Deaton 518 East Main St., Adamsville 731-632-3371

Ronnie Fullwood 177 West Court Ave., Selmer 731-645-7785

James Hoover 518 East Main St., Adamsville 731-632-3371

Greg Wilson 710 Federal Dr., Selmer 731-645-7506

ELDERLY CARE

Adamsville Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center 409 Park Ave., Adamsville 731-632-3301

Lynnfield Place 150 High School Rd., Selmer 731-646-0064

AHC McNairy County Senior Living/Rehabilitation

835 E. Poplar Ave., Selmer

731-645-3201 PHARMACIES

Adamsville Family Pharmacy 726 East Main St., Adamsville 731-632-1730

Deberry Drugs 834 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-6100

Joyner RX 185 West Court Ave., Selmer 731-434-0180

Lott Family Pharmacy 835 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 645-5556

Michie Pharmacy 5823 HWY 22 South, Michie 731-239-2100

Mid-Town Pharmacy 270 E Court Ave, Selmer 731-645-7008

Todd’s Discount Drugs 347 East Main St., Adamsville 731-632-0995

Walmart Selmer 1017 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-9758

Walgreens 409 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-4423

HOME HEALTH

Deaconess Homecare 912 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-8088

690 Pickwick St., Savannah 731-925-6626

Regional Home Care, Selmer

1040 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-646-2610

Volunteer Health Care

317 Poplar Ave., Selmer 731-645-3970

HOSPICE Mercy Hospice

137 Cypress Ave., Selmer 731-646-1213

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

McNairy County Health Department 725 East Poplar Ave. P.O. Box 429, Selmer

731-645-3474 731-645-3475

Services: Child Health, Tennder Care, Immunizations, Family Planning, Sexually Transmitted Disease Control, Tuberculosis, Nutrition, Women’s Infants and Children (WIC), Children’s Special Services (CSS), Primary Care Clinics, Basic Prenatal Care, HUGS (Help Us Grow Successfully), Vital Records, Health Education, Food and General Sanitation, Motor Vehicle Registration

MASSAGE THERAPY

Tracey Howell, LMT 134 Warren Ave., Selmer 645-0618

OPTOMETRISTS

James H. Smith, O.D. 138 Houston Ave., Selmer 731-645-7255

Andrea Mitchell, O.D. 270 E Court Ave A, Selmer 731-645-7932

Joseph Driscoll, O.D. 135 S Y Square, Selmer 731-645-5236

John D. Dodd, O.D. 236 N Maple St, Adamsville 731-632-5000

PHYSICIANS/NURSE PRACTITIONERS Juan T. Aristorenas 135 West Main St, Adamsville 731-632-3373

Devender D. Reddy 305 East Main, P.O. Box 503, Adamsville 731-632-901

The Clinic

M.S. Bakeer 714 Federal Dr., Selmer 731-645-7952

Fast Pace Urgent Care 1021 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-646-1781

505 East Main St., Henderson 731-435-1488

1805 Wayne Rd., Savannah 731-926-4222

1359 West Market St., Bolivar 731-361-1003

1400 HWY 72 East, Corinth MS 662-664-5537

Lifespan Health 765 Florence Rd., Savannah 731-925-2300

150 East End Dr., Savannah 731-925-2300

255 Wayne Rd., Savannah 731-925-8016

105 Davis St., Savannah 731-925-8879

726 East Main St., Adamsville 731-632-5433

181 South Y Square, Selmer 731-645-6245

Michie Healthcare Associates 5823 HWY 225, Michie 731-239-9470

Michie Medical Clinic, Inc. 6659 Michie Pebble Hill Rd. P.O. Box 297, Michie 731-632-1783; Fax 731632-1786

Premier Internal Medicine & Pediatrics 714 Federal Dr., Selmer 540-9083

WTHC PrimeCare, Adamsville 345 HWY 64, Adamsville 731-632-3383

WTHC PrimeCare, Selmer 1 Primecare Dr., Selmer 731-645-7932

Ramer Family Health Clinic 3856 HWY 57 West, Ramer 731-645-6118

Trinity Medical Clinic 181 South Y Square, Selmer 731-434-0200

Providers: Rhonda Hunt

YOGA THERAPY

Simchah Huizar

Breath of Life Yoga & Therapy

Selmer 731-610-5517

493

1269

701

3070

RESTAURANTS

American

Ada’s Country Store & Cafe 9653 HWY 45, Bethel Springs 731-934-9310

The Alley Sports Bar and Grill

275 Mulberry Ave. Selmer 731-434-0420

Circle T Grillin 132 Houson Ave. 731-439-0708

Hillbilly’s Wing Shack 26280 HWY 69, Adamsville 731-632-2222

JR’s Steakhouse 6708 HWY 45 S, Eastview 731-645-0138

Mayra’s Cafe 103 S Front St, Selmer 731-645-6070

Kokomo’s 50s Diner 740 US-64, Adamsville 731-632-1958

Ole Monterey Cafe 6017 TN-22, Michie 731-239-5863

Ramer Station Restuarant 4000 TN-57, Ramer 731-645-7772

Grill 57 4500 Highway 57 W Ramer

Saw Meal Restaurant & Steakhouse 731 E Main St, Adamsville 731-632-5111

Top Nutition 355 Hwy 64E Adamsville 731-439-3355

T&T Grocery 3171 US-64, SELMER 731-645-9922

Without Borders

124 West Court Ave. Selmer

731-439-1379 Asian

China King 117 W Court Ave, Selmer 731-645-9188

Barbeque

Pappy John’s Original Barbeque 3597 US-45, Selmer 731-645-4353

The River Barbeque Company 723 E Main St, Adamsville 731-632-4647

Smokey Joe’s BBQ 304 E Poplar Ave, Selmer 731-645-5188

Coffee

The Bean Scene 130 E. Main St., Adamsville 731-632-0852

Dessert

Dannuhcakes Sweet Shop 134 E. Main St., Adamsville dannuhcakes@gmail.com

U.S. Doughnuts 467 Mulberry Ave, Selmer 731-982-7023

Fast Food

Burger King 645 Mulberry Ave, Selmer 731-646-1710

Hardee’s 619 Mulberry Ave, Selmer 731-645-5342

Jack’s 431 E Main St, Adamsville 731-632-1620

McDonald’s

621 Mulberry Ave, Selmer 731-645-4488

Sonic Drive-In 589 Mulberry Ave, Selmer 731-645-5200

325 E Main St, Adamsville 731-632-0788

Subway 152 S Y Square, Selmer 731-645-6060

1017 Mulberry Ave, Selmer 731-646-3740

Subway 721 East Main St. Adamsville 731-632-0800

Love’s Subway 6870 US-45 Ramer 731-6455163

Taco Bell 628 Mulberry Ave. Selmer 731-434-0115

Mexican

Atzimba Mexican Restuarant 469 Mulberry Ave, Selmer 731-646-1772

El Palomino Mexican Restaruant 780 Mulberry Ave #1, Selmer 731-646-0040

Los Aztecas Mexican Restaurant 588 Mulberry Ave, Selmer 731-434-0301

Panchito’s Mexican Restaurant 112 E Main St, Adamsville 731-632-0915

Pizza

Domino’s Pizza 226 E Court Ave, Selmer 731-645-9907

Hometown Pizza 593 Mulberry Ave, Selmer 731-645-4748

HomeTown Pizza 718 East Main St. Adamsville 731-315-1016

Pizza Hut 1029 Mulberry Ave, Selmer

731-645-3200

Seafood

Top O’ the River 5831 TN-57, Michie 731-632-3287

Slugburgers Snack Shack 156 S 2nd St, Selmer

Hope’s Place 121 N. Maple, Adamsville 731*632-1617

Pat’s Cafe 110 E Court Ave, Selmer 731-645-6671

Wink’s Cafe 155-199 S 2nd St, Selmer

ACCOMMODATIONS

Crazy K Cabin Rentals 833 N Prather Rd, Michie 731-452-5262

Deerfield Inn 414 E Main St, Adamsville 731-632-2100

Heart Pine Hall 1765 Guys Chewalla Rd., Guys 731-610-7625

Old Home Motel 211 E Main St, Adamsville 731-632-3398

Shiloh Chennault Bed & Breakfast 2525 Houston Cemetery Rd., Ramer 360-525-4207

Smith Cottage 31 Scove Ln, Stantonville 731-610-8680

Southwood Inn 631 Mulberry Ave, Selmer 731-645-4801

www.southwoodinn.com

Star Plus Inn & Suites 644 Mulberry, Selmer 731-645-8880

www.starplusinn.com

# M e e t M c N a i r y

1 Plumbing Company Inc 3101 Hwy 57 W Ramer 731-444-0199

ABB

400 S 4th St., Selmer 731-645-6121

Action Realty 102 W Court Ave. A Building, Selmer 731-645-7101

Adamsville / McNairy County Industrial Development Board

231 East Main St., Adamsville 731-632-4214

AHC McNairy County Senior Living / Rehabilitation 835 E Poplar Ave., Selmer 731-645-3201

All City 263 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-8900

Alley Avenue Salon 696 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-610-2772

American Johnny PO Box 42, Michie 731-239-9660

American Legion Post 162 PO Box 712, Selmer 731-645-3830

AT&T 916 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-4029

B & B Propane 5756 Hwy 22 S, Michie 731-239-3900

B & L Advantage Insurance 171 S Third St., Selmer 731-645-8917

BancorpSouth 515 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-7915

Beauty Bar, Michelle ONeal

586 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-610-4350

Better Source Supply 1093 N Maple St., Adamsville 731-632-9122

Bodiford-White Insurance

584 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-6151

Broken Rose Tans, Etc. 154 South 2nd St. Selmer 731-610-0790

Butcher Boy Machines International, LLC 640 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-434-1012

C&B Linen 607 South Main St., Waynes-

boro 931-722-6193

CarQuest Kings Auto Parts 40 Hwy 142, Selmer 731-645-9876

Cato Fashions 1023 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-3634

CB&S Bank 731 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-646-1351

Centennial Bank 119 East Main St. Adamsville 731-632-3326

Central Bank 436 E Main St., Adamsville 731-632-0462

Chambers Insurance 160 S Second St., Selmer 731-645-3551

Circle T Grillin 132 Houston Ave. Selmer 731-439-0708

City of Ramer 16 Key Ln., Ramer 731-645-7564

Connector Castings 671 Industrial Park Dr., Selmer

731-645-9400

Cook Coggin Engineers 110 N Third St., Selmer 731-982-7020

Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling 601 Washington St., Corinth, MS 662-287-1433

Crazy K Ranch 833 N Prather Rd., Michie 731-610-6109

Creekside Climate Controled Storage 535 Mulberry Ave. Selmer 731-645-0121

Cross Heating and Air 1482 Poorhouse Rd Lexington 731-614-9951

Cybertech 122 East Main St.,Adamsville 731-632-3550

Dannuhcakes Sweet Shop 134 East Main St., Adamsville 731-607-8986

Danny Roberts Heating & Air Warren Ave., Selmer 731-645-6487

Darren Bowers, FIC Modern Woodmen of

America

109 North 3rd St., Selmer 731-645-5557

DeBerry Drugs 834 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-6100

Deusner & Kennedy Law Firm 177 W Court Ave., Selmer 731-645-6177

Do All Custom Machining & Tooling Co. 421 TN Ave., Selmer 731-645-4908

Dodd Eye Clinic 609 N Filmore, Corinth, MS 662-286-5671

Dolphin Waterslides Inc. 334 E Main St., Adamsville 731-632-1407

East Main Pharmacy 712 E Main St., Adamsville 731-632-3278

Edward Jones

Sam Vise, AAMS 830 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-6199

El Palomino Mexican Restaurant

780 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-646-0040

Express Employment 196 Carriage House Dr., Jackson, TN 731-660-0061

Farm & Home Realty 811 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-4344

Fast Pace Medical Clinic 1021 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-646-1781

First Class Storage PO Box 799., Selmer 731-646-1800

First United Methodist Church

1122 W Cherry Ave., Selmer 731-645-5267

Flowers Repair Shop 211 Sunrise Dr., Adamsville 731-632-0492

Fullwood Dental Clinic, LLC Dr. Ronnie Fullwood 485 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-7785

Fully Loaded Mobile Food Truck 731-439-5637

Gen of Eve Clerical Services 505 Ashe Ln., Selmer 731-315-9813

Godfrey Insurance 327 East Poplar Ave., Selmer 731-645-5202

Hagy’s Catfish Hotel Restaurant 1140 Hagy Ln., Shiloh, TN 731-689-3327

Hamilton Ryker 1901 East South Harper Rd., Corinth 662-286-6247

Henry Furniture 533 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-3282

Hollingsworth Locksmith 44 McMahan Rd., Ramer 731-645-6793

Home Banking Company 795 E Poplar Ave., Selmer 731-645-6166

Home Comfort Heating and Cooling 125 Chestnut St. Selmer 731-610-4933

Huffoto 110 N 2nd St., Selmer 662-284-6517

Independent Appeal 111 N. Second St., Selmer 731-645-5346

Inman Brother’s Service Center and Wrecker Service 694 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-5193

Jackson State Community College

2046 North Parkway., Jackson 731-424-3520

Jesus Cares McNairy 120 West Court Ave Selmer 731-645-4388

Jones Exhaust 442 Arendall St., Adamsville 731-632-0652

Joyner RX 185 West Court Ave. Selmer 731-434-0180

K & V Services 4254 Main St. Bethel Springs, TN 38315 731-577-0005

Kelly Services 1081 Vann Dr. Suite 101, Jackson, TN 731-668-1002

Lakeview Church 877 West Cherry Ave., Selmer 731-645-9777

Lamar Advertising Company 2389 Dr. F. E. Wright Dr., Jackson, TN 731-427-0426

Lashlee-Rich Inc. 1100 West Main St., Humbolt 731-784-2461

Lawson Welding 92 Three Star Dr., Selmer 731-645-7776

Legacy Hospice 137 Cypress Ave., Selmer 731-646-1213

Lifeline Blood Services 183 Sterling Farm Dr., Jackson. TN 731-427-4431

Lifespan Health 765 Florence Rd. Savannah

731-925-2300

181 South Y Square Selmer, TN 731-645-6245

726 East Main St. Adamsville 731-632-5433

Life Wind Covenant Church 63 Linsey Ln., Selmer 731-614-2715

Los Aztecas Mexican Restaurant 588 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-434-0301

Lott Family Pharmacy 835 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-5556

Loyal Order of Moose PO Box 861 Selmer 731-610-8872

Lynnfield Place 150 High School Rd., Selmer 731-646-0064

Magnolia Regional Health Center 611 Alcorn Dr., Corinth, MS 662-293-1000

Mammy’s Soap Company Bethel Springs 501-520-7870

Man Power 157 South Y Square, Selmer 731-645-8884

Mary Lou Foundation PO BOX 153, Selmer 731-610-1881

MAS Components and Coatings, LLC 2282 Airport Rd., Selmer 731-645-5755

McDonalds 621 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-4488

McNairy Central High School 493 High School Rd., Selmer 731-645-3226

McNairy Co Board of Education

530 Mulberry Ave. Suite 2, Selmer

731-645-3267

McNairy County Carl Perkins Center 574 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-646-3627

McNairy Co Developmental Services

565 Industrial Park Rd., Selmer 731-645-7730

McNairy County Early Literacy Foundation 225 Oak Grove Rd., Selmer 731-645-5571

McNairy Co Farm Bureau Insurance 555 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-3232

McNairy County Friends of the Libraries 225 Oakgrove Rd., Selmer 731-632-0637

McNairy County Government 530 Mulberry Ave. 731-645-3241

McNairy County Historical Society

114 N 3rd St., Selmer 731-434-9668

McNairy County Libraries 225 Oakgrove Rd., Selmer 731-645-5571

McNairy Literacy Council 701 Industrial Park Dr., Selmer 731-645-5355

McNairy County News 252 Mulberry Avenue, Selmer 731-645-7048

McNairy County Senior Center Inc. and RSVP 408 Park Ave. Adamsville 731-632-0302

McNairy County Soil Conservation 512 Mulberry Ave. Selmer

731-645-5466

Mid South Family Farms 15135 HWY 19 W., Ripley 731-635-1903

Mid South Farmers Co-op 335 TN Ave., Selmer 731-645-5156

Mid South Garage Doors 861 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-7740

Midtown Pharmacy, Suite C 270 E Court Ave., Selmer 731-645-7008

Mind Gamez 110 N Second St., Selmer 662-284-6517

Miss Maggie’s Children’s Consignment Store 156 South 2nd St. Selmer 731-879-6920

Mitchell Eye Center, Dr. Andrea Mitchell 699 E Poplar Ave., Selmer 731-434-3401

Monogram Refrigeration LLC

789 Peach St., Selmer 731-645-7955

NCS Fulfillment Center 149 N Railroad St., Selmer 731-645-4496

Nichole Park Photography 731-453-4986

nicholeparkphotography. com

North End Wine & Spirits 425 Peach St., Selmer 731-434-3040

Office Pro

515 Childs St., Corinth, MS 662-287-4474

Owl Creek Lumber 700 Industrial Park Rd., Selmer 731-645-6437

Paul Fisher Oil Company

365 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-3616

Personnel Placements, LLC

569 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-300-2466

Phillips 66 Spectrum Corp 500 Industrial Park, Selmer 731-645-4972

Pickwick Electric Cooperative 672 Hwy 142, Selmer 731-645-3411

Pink Logistics

325 Industrial Rd., Adamsville 731-646-1446

Quality Iron and Steel LLC. 333 TN Ave., Selmer 901-472-9395

Quinco Mental Health Center 641 Poplar Ave., Selmer 731-645-5753

Ramer Family Health Care 3856 TN-57, Ramer 731-645-6118

Regions Bank 116 S 3rd St., Selmer 731-453-8700

Requisite Ink Toners, LLC 119 North 4th St. Selmer 806-292-8914

River City Concrete 850 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-7903

Rumor Has It Beauty Bar and Advanced Cosmetics 116 West Court Ave Selmer 731-412-4854

Sassy Fras Boutique 109 North Second St., Selmer 662-610-1220

Selmer Chiropractic Dr. Shawn Pitts

134 Warren Ave., Selmer

731-645-3850

Selmer Collision Repair 356 Industrial Dr., Selmer 731-645-6888

Selmer Finance Co 192 Houston Ave., Selmer 731-645-5361

Selmer Golf & Country Club

1254 Country Club Ln., Selmer 731-645-9915

Selmer/McNairy County Industrial Development Board 205 W Court Ave., Selmer 731-645-0075

Selmer Middle School 635 E Poplar Ave., Selmer 731-645-7977

Selmer Parks and Rec. 230 North 5th St.,Selmer 731-645-3866

Selmer Quick Stop 430 Peach St., Selmer 731-645-1022

Selmer Smiles, Dr. Ron Bell 718 Federal Dr., Selmer 731-645-3291

Selmer Tobacco Beverage 837 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-434-3044

Selmer Townhouse Apartments 408 Florence Ave. Selmer 731-645-9774

Servpro of McNairy 542 N Church Ave., Henderson 731-983-0883

Shackelford Funeral Directors 160 Cypress Ave., Selmer 731-645-3481

Shelter Insurance

132 N 3rd St., Selmer 731-645-7954

She Shed Fitness 132 W Court Ave., Selmer 731-610-6373

Silicon Ranch 222 2nd Ave South, Suite 1900 Nashville, TN 37201

Simpson & Simpson Law Firm 108 N 3rd St., Selmer 731-645-3366

Skyline Eye Clinic Dr. James Smith 138 Houston Ave., Selmer 731-645-7255

SMC Recycling 117 Texaco Dr., Selmer 731-645-6302

Smith & Lambert Certified Public Accountants 105 Second Street North, Selmer 731-645-7621

Smokey Joe’s BBQ 302 E Poplar Ave., Selmer 731-645-5188

Sonic of Adamsville 325 Main St., Adamsville 731-632-0788

Sonic of Selmer 589 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-5200

Southern Reality 188 Houston Ave., Selmer 731-645-8878

SP Designs 108 Jones St., Selmer 731-434-0144

St Jude The Apostle Catholic Church

1318 E Poplar Ave., Selmer 731-645-4188

Star Physical Therapy 1021 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-4501

State Farm, Milton Nash 1040 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-7777

Steve Sweat Body Shop 2144 Highway 64 E., Selmer 731-645-7034

Stockdales Selmer 581 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-3238

Subway 152 S Y Square, Selmer 731-645-6060

Taco Bell Hospitality Tennessee, Inc 628 Mulberry Ave. Selmer 731-434-0115

Tennessee Coil Springs & Stamping 180 Church Ln., Selmer 731-645-7545

TN College of Appiled Technology 3070 US-64, Crump, TN 731-989-0095

Terrific Tans 102B W Court Ave., Selmer 731-439-3362

Terry Abernathy Attorney 115 S 2nd St R., Selmer 731-645-6163

Terry Wood Law Office 236 North Maple St., Adamsville 731-632-4266

The Alley Sports Bar and Grill 275 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-434-0420

The Bank of McNairy 610 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-646-1171

The Flower Bee 114 Houston Ave. Selmer 731-645-8870

The In 144 Houston Ave Selmer 731-434-0035

The Loft on Court - Lower Level 156 W Court Ave., Selmer

731-645-3112

The Shack Salon & Gift Shoppe 207 Jones St., Selmer 731-645-3359

Top Nutrition 355 Hwy 64E., Adamsville 731-439-3355

Top O the River 5831 TN-57, Michie 731-632-3287

Town of Bethel Springs Mayor Gary Bizzelle Jr. 4066 Main St., Bethel Springs 731-934-7266

Town of Selmer

Mayor John Smith 144 N 2nd St., Selmer 731-645-3241

Town of Stantonville

Mayor Larry Russell PO Box 59, Stantonville 731-645-7770

Tarilhead Outdoor Media 688 Wilshire Drive Jackson, TN 217-347-1012

Trinity Medical Clinic LLC 832 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-434-0200

Tru Savers Hardware 172 Houston Ave., Selmer 731-645-5562

United Industries 95 Lakeview Dr., Selmer 731-645-8467

US Donuts 467 Mulberry Ave., Selmer 731-982-7023

United Way of West Tennessee PO Box 2086, Jackson, TN 731-422-1816

UT Extension 703 Industrial Park Rd., Selmer 731-645-3598

UTM McNairy County/

Selmer Campus 1269 TN Ave., Selmer 731-646-1636

UT Martin, West Star 554 university St., Martin 731-881-7000

Wal-Mart 1017 Muleberry Ave., Selmer 731-645-7938

Weaver Communications, Inc. PO Box 272 Savannah 731-926-2488

We Made It Inc. 330 S Maple St., Adamsville 615-379-7323

West TN Healthcare Primecare, Suite B 270 E Court Ave., Selmer 731-645-7932

West TN PBS 210 Hurt St., Martin 731-881-7561

White and Associates Insurance - Bodiford - White Insurance 584 Mulberry Ave.Selmer 731-645-6151

Wilson Family Dentistry Dr. Greg Wilson 710 Federal Dr., Selmer 731-645-7506

Without Borders Nutrition 124 West Court Ave., Selmer 731-439-1379

WRAP 512 Rowland Ave., Jackson 731-668-0411

Yachad, LLC 205 Henco Dr., Selmer 731-645-8324

Personal Memberships

Billy Joe and Martha Glover

Bill and Verna Webster

Kirk and Linda Hamlin

Linda Hamm

Suzanne Henson

Tom Neal Hamilton

Jai Templeton

T h e G o v e r n o r ' s V o l u n t e e r S t a r s A w a r d s ( G V S A ) i s a n i n i t i a t i v e f r o m V o l u n t e e r T e n n e s s e e t h a t s e e k s t o r e c o g n i z e o u t s t a n d i n g v o l u n t e e r s f r o m e a c h o f T e n n e s s e e ' s 9 5 c o u n t i e s . W i t h t h e p r o g r a m n o w i n i t s t h i r t e e n t h y e a r , p a r t i c i p a t i n g c o u n t i e s r e c o g n i z e o n e o u t s t a n d i n g y o u t h a n d o n e o u t s t a n d i n g a d u l t v o l u n t e e r . T h e G o v e r n o r ’ s V o l u n t e e r S t a r s A w a r d s a l s o r e c o g n i z e s o n e b u s i n e s s a n d o n e n o n - p r o f i t f r o m e a c h o f T e n n e s s e e ’ s t h r e e G r a n d R e g i o n s f o r t h e i r o u t s t a n d i n g c o m m u n i t y i n v o l v e m e n t a n d s e r v i c e . F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a c t C o u n t y C o o r d i n a t o r , J e s s i c a H u f f a t ( 7 3 1 ) 6 4 5 - 6 3 6 0 .

Go v e r n o r ' s V o l u n t e e r S t a r s A w a r d s 2 0 2 0 D r . S h a w n P i t t s , A d u l t J o h n H u f f , Y o u t h

McNairy Leadership is a local youth and adult leadership program organized by McNairy County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development. McNairy Leadership’s purpose is to identify, encourage, and equip community-minded youth and adults who want to become more involved, who want to help McNairy County become a better place, and who are willing to embrace leadership opportunities. Each class consists of up to 24 people. For the youth leadership class, that’s 12 juniors from McNairy Central High School and 12 juniors from Adamsville High School. From August to May, the youth and adult groups participate in team-building activities, read leadership material, and visit local businesses, services and attractions while learning about topics such as agriculture, tourism, nonprofits, education and healthcare, economic development, and local government. The final trip is to the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville where the groups learn about the state government. The groups are tasked with completing a community project by their graduation in May.

For more information go to www.mcnairy.com/mcnairy-leadership

Free Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, publicity in both county newspapers, coverage on Chamber’s newsletter and Facebook page

The Chamber distributes an annual McNairy Magazine that includes a membership listing A Chamber member’s services are spotlighted each week in the Monday Morning Mail newsletter

The Chamber honors one Chamber Business of the Month and Industry of the Month, each month

Advertising opportunities available in county maps, Chamber magazine, and website

The Chamber partners with organizations that aid in the expansion and growth of a local businesses such as the TN Small Business Association Meetings are available through the Chamber monthly with, Small Business Specialist, Joel Newman of Jackson, TN Opportunity to serve on Board of Directors or committee(s) of your choice Allowing direct impact upon the future of your community while promoting your business

Being housed in the McNairy County Visitor’s Center allows the Chamber to furnish newcomers and tourists with packets and brochures regarding members, and local attractions

Networking opportunities are provided on a regular basis through the Chamber, with events like Chamber Coffee

Small business meetings available monthly with the #ShopMcNairy campaign in place to aid small businesses and encourage the community to shop locally

The Chamber acts as a liaison between the business community and local, state, and federal government When needed the Chamber will address matters that affect the local economy and business

When needed the chamber will address matters that affect the local economy Job Fairs are available through the Chamber to connect businesses with potential employees

Recommendations and referrals are made to your business, when applicable The Chamber plays an active role in the community by supporting festivals, events, and county programs the chamber plays an active role in the community by supporting festivals, events, and county programs

Non-Profit

McNairy Leadership "Rising Star" Youth

McNairy County Carl Perkins Center

Nathan Burks

Economic Development

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