Allison Erath Shipp has been selected as the first “Hub City Hero” for her work with Give Back Jack and Blessing Boxes.
Shipp created Give Back Jack to serve as a bridge between non-profits and the community by providing tangible opportunities for people to donate resources including time, money and supplies. To learn more about this program, visit the Give Back Jackson Facebook page.
During the pandemic, Shipp created Blessing Boxes to help those struggling with food insecurity. Using a network of volunteers, she is able to fill wooden boxes throughout town with food that can be collected by anyone who needs it.
“Allison is an advocate for people in need,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “If she notices an issue in the community, she works toward fixing it. We could use more people like her in Jackson and are lucky to have her.”
“Hub City Heroes” selflessly and steadily give of their time and talent to improve the lives of others in the community. Recognition as a hero is one small way to thank these public servants for their efforts and it gives honorees the opportunity to raise awareness for causes that are important to them.
Lauren Pritchard Cobb has been selected as the February “Hub City Hero” for her commitment to feeding children in Madison County through her work with RIFA’s snack backpack program.
“Lauren is extremely talented, and we are fortunate that she also has a heart for giving,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “She is an advocate for fighting food insecurity in our city and inspires us by frequently hosting community concerts to raise funds for RIFA.”
Pritchard is from Jackson, Tenn. and is known as the musical artist LOLO. She is not only a show-stopping singer, but also a venerable songwriter. She has penned hits for Panic! At the Disco’s recent #1 blockbuster album and has written a New York Times raved about off-Broadway musical, “Songbird.” Her career has taken her to the stages of New York and London and she recently moved back to Tennessee with her husband and son.
“Hub City Heroes” selflessly and steadily give of their time and talent to improve the lives of others in the community. Recognition as a hero is one small way to thank these public servants for their efforts and it gives honorees the opportunity to raise awareness for causes that are important to them.
Mayor Scott Conger has selected Harlem Globetrotter A.J. Merriweather to honor as the City of Jackson’s next Hub City Hero.
Merriweather is from Jackson, Tenn. and began his basketball career as a South Side Hawk where he developed a reputation for his thrilling dunks and remarkable athleticism. He played basketball at Eastern Tennessee State University (ETSU) on a full-ride scholarship where he received a degree in engineering.
Merriweather often mentors and works with youth at the T.R. White Sportsplex where he practices for the Harlem Globetrotters. He has donated more than 50 basketballs to the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson. In addition to his local philanthropic efforts, Merriweather has participated in several youth basketball camps at ETSU.
“A.J. is not only an extraordinary basketball player, he also uses his talents to inspire and encourage young people in Jackson,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “He turned his passion into a path to higher education and then into an opportunity to travel the United States while doing what he loves. He has impeccable character and is a great role model to high school athletes.”
“Hub City Heroes” selflessly and steadily give of their time and talent to improve the lives of others in the community. Recognition as a hero is one small way to thank these public servants for their efforts and it gives honorees the opportunity to raise awareness for causes that are important to them.
Mayor Scott Conger has selected Julanne Stone to honor as the City of Jackson’s April Hub City Hero.
Stone is the executive director and founder of the Scarlet Rope Project. This faith-based nonprofit provides safe housing and resources to survivors of sex trafficking. The organization often works directly with local law enforcement and government officials to raise awareness of the signs of sex trafficking and to develop strategies to protect survivors. Scarlet Rope Project staff work with survivors from various economic, religious, educational and parental backgrounds to develop an individualized plan of care with the goal of healing and recovery.
“Julanne serves as a bridge between her network of healthcare providers, therapists, volunteers, law enforcement or government officials and the survivors of sex trafficking that come to the Scarlet Rope Project for help,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “She is an example of helping the most vulnerable among us and I admire her strength and compassion.”
“Hub City Heroes” selflessly and steadily give of their time and talent to improve the lives of others in the community. Recognition as a hero is one small way to thank these public servants for their efforts and it gives honorees the opportunity to raise awareness for causes that are important to them.
Mayor Scott Conger has selected Juanita Jones to honor as the City of Jackson’s May Hub City Hero.
Jones is the founder and executive director of Keep My Hood Good Community Campaign. This local nonprofit promotes personal, civic and community responsibility for underserved, underprivileged youth through structured activities that encourage breaking the generational poverty cycle. The campaign serves as many as 26 students from local schools each week teaching them the principles of accountability, excellence, integrity, and respect of self and to others.
“Juanita’s heartfelt commitment for the youth in our city can be seen in her work through the Keep My Hood Good Community Campaign,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “She has dedicated over a decade to this cause and I commend her efforts in making the lives of the students she serves even better.”
“Hub City Heroes” selflessly and steadily give of their time and talent to improve the lives of others in the community. Recognition as a hero is one small way to thank these public servants for their efforts and it gives honorees the opportunity to raise awareness for causes that are important to them.
Mayor Scott Conger has selected Steve Beverly to honor as the City of Jackson’s June Hub City Hero.
Beverly, a native of Columbus, GA, has over 30 years of experience in journalism in Jackson. Beverly said that he was taught to focus on how news affects the people who live in any city.
“In television, if you don’t love people and the city where you serve, you will never be successful,” said Beverly. “I have tried to forge relationships with the average person on the street and neighborhood as well as the leadership of every community [I] have lived.”
Beverly is a retired professor from Union University where he operated the broadcast journalism sequence as if it were a small television news department. For 10 years, his students produced “Jackson 24/7” and later established “West Tennessee Today” as a digital news platform. Beverly says that his students had the opportunity to interview elected officials including mayors, state legislators, as well as other appointed officials.
Beverly was inducted into the Union University Sports Hall of Fame and honored as the Tennessee Communications Educator of the Year in 2021. Beverly also continues to be a mental health advocate by helping to “chip away at the stigma that has kept many people from seeking the necessary help and counseling to heal from mental illness.”
“Steve’s heart for the City of Jackson, TN and the people who live here is top notch,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “Steve has spent over 30 years in Jackson reporting the news accurately and fairly all with the love of the city in mind.”
“Hub City Heroes” selflessly and steadily give of their time and talent to improve the lives of others in the community. Recognition as a hero is one small way to thank these public servants for their efforts and it gives honorees the opportunity to raise awareness for causes that are important to them.
Chris Istvanko is a master barber with Gold Chain Cutters, LLC. Istvanko, who has been cutting hair since 2015, said that he was craving an artistic outlet and chose barbering despite having other talents and no experience in cutting hair.
Istvanko has cut hair for families with low income as well as citizens of the homeless community. He said that he loves the reactions of the people he serves.
“When I give [my client] a mirror and see the smile on their face, that’s the real deal,” said Istvanko. “Whether it be a paying customer or someone who is down on their luck. If I can make that person smile and forget about their troubles, that’s my dream come true.”
Istvanko said that his mission is to let men know there is a place that offers haircuts and more to help increase their confidence. He has a passion for the community and wants to be able to give back more by bringing his barbering gifts to more people. Recently, Chris volunteered his time at the temporary warming shelter that opened at the Carl Perkins Civic Center this past winter. There, he was able to help one homeless man, in particular, find the confidence he needed to acquire a job and find his own place to live again.
“Chris is the gold-standard in what it means to be a hero in our community,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “His humble spirit and his passion to give back to ‘the least of these’ is a testament to the people who call Jackson, TN home.”
Istvanko said that he would love to be a part of a back-to-school program that gives children of low-income households an opportunity to get a haircut.
“Hub City Heroes” selflessly and steadily give of their time and talent to improve the lives of others in the community. Recognition as a hero is one small way to thank these public servants for their efforts and it gives honorees the opportunity to raise awareness for causes that are important to them.
Ella Watkins is the founder of Sisters with Aspiring Goals (S.W.A.G.)
Watkins, a retired Jackson-Madison County Schools educator, founded SWAG with the goal to “provide young women with skills and resources to obtain future goals and careers of their choice.”
“I started to wonder what my life would’ve been like if I had to endure some of the same tragedies as these young girls,” says Watkins. “I can only thank GOD for the strong, confident, and caring people that were placed in my life to support and hold me to a higher standard.”
Watkins often collaborates with the City of Jackson’s Recreation and Parks Department to host events such as the Human Trafficking Awareness seminar and suicide prevention programs.
“A hero is defined as a person, who in the opinion of others, is a role model. Ella is just that,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “She is a model for selflessness in service for the young women and girls in the SWAG program.”
“Hub City Heroes” selflessly and steadily give of their time and talent to improve the lives of others in the community. Recognition as a hero is one small way to thank these public servants for their efforts and it gives honorees the opportunity to raise awareness for causes that are important to them.
Aaron Fitzgerald has been selected as the October Hub City Hero.
Fitzgerald relocated to Jackson in 2015 from California with his wife to become owners of Christian Brothers Automotive. He says that he looked for several opportunities and found that his current business’ passions aligned with his.
Fitzgerald said that he and his wife wanted to be able to help people that are underserved and cannot help themselves. Therefore, they give back to several organizations including WRAP, Scarlet Rope, RIFA and others.
He says that he wants other people to buy into that same type of program of giving back.
“Don’t get stuck on the things that aren’t happening. Get involved,” said Fitzgerald. “Find out where you can serve. Don’t say, ‘we don’t have this in town. Try to make things happen. Don’t be afraid to dive in.”
Fitzgerald is married to his wife Rhonda and they have three children and four grandchildren. He is the past president of Old Hickory Rotary Club, Leadership Jackson Alumni, and a member of the Board at Northside Assembly.
“Aaron came to Jackson from California with a passion to give back to the community through his personal life and his business,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “That is the sentiment that makes a Hub City Hero.”
“Hub City Heroes” selflessly and steadily give of their time and talent to improve the lives of others in the community. Recognition as a hero is one small way to thank these public servants for their efforts and it gives honorees the opportunity to raise awareness for causes that are important to them.
West Tennessee Healthcare’s Director of Corporate Health and Wellness Shelley Hayes has been selected as Hub City Hero for the month of November.
Hayes, a member of the Old Hickory Rotary Club, has been instrumental in the Rotary Heart and Soul project established in August of 2019 which is a fundraiser designed to put shoes on the feet of students in the Jackson-Madison County School System. Through partnering with Samaritan’s Feet shoe recipients received a pair of new shoes and socks and had their feet washed by Rotarians and community leaders and volunteers.
In 2019, the three clubs, in partnership with Samaritan’s Feet, collectively distributed 1400 pairs of new athletic shoes and socks to students at Arlington Elementary, Andrew Jackson Elementary, and Alexander Elementary.
“In 2017, I was informed about a need for shoes in the Jackson-Madison County School System (JMCSS) – I made it my mission at that very moment to help figure out how to raise money to put shoes on the feet of children in the JMCSS,” said Hayes. “As a Rotarian, I felt like this need; along, with the mission of Samaritan’s Feet aligned with the motto of all Rotarians – “Service above self.” Therefore, I presented this project to our three local clubs and Rotary made this mission a reality! Together the three Rotary Clubs of Jackson have raised enough money to put shoes on the feet of all the children in three inter-city schools In Jackson TN.”
Hayes, a graduate of South Side High School, Jackson State Community College and Union University, is married to her husband Nick. Hayes is a Leadership Jackson Alum and has received multiple civic awards including 2020-2021 Rotary District 6760 District Volunteer Service Award, 2020-2021 Rotary District 6760 Service Above Self Award, and August 2020 Jefferson Award.
“Hub City Heroes are individuals who see a need in our community and take the necessary actions to meet that need,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “Shelley’s ‘service above self’ mindset is what makes her a hero.”
“Hub City Heroes” selflessly and steadily give of their time and talent to improve the lives of others in the community. Recognition as a hero is one small way to thank these public servants for their efforts and it gives honorees the opportunity to raise awareness for causes that are important to them.
Hannah Wall was selected as the December 2021 Hub City Hero.
“I think the best advice is to love the one in front of you,” said Wall. “It’s what I live by every day.”
Wall, born and raised in Jackson, TN, attended and graduated from North Side High School and is currently a sophomore at Union University studying pre-med.
Wall’s nominator said of her, “Hannah is the person we all should be,” and that “she deserves every bit” of recognition.
Wall is heavily involved with her church, North Jackson Baptist Church and partners with her father, County Commissioner Jeff Wall, with the Jackson-Madison County Trunk-or-Treat.
“Not all heroes wear capes, but Hannah is definitely a Hub City Hero,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “Her involvement with the annual Jackson-Madison County Trunk-or-Treat brings joy to many and that’s exactly what heroes do.”
“Hub City Heroes” selflessly and steadily give of their time and talent to improve the lives of others in the community. Recognition as a hero is one small way to thank these public servants for their efforts and it gives honorees the opportunity to raise awareness for causes that are important to them.