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Jack Werne: A Spirit of Giving

NEWS RELEASE from: Main Street Collierville
For immediate release.

For more information, contact Laura Todd or Linda Stamps at:
Main Street Collierville
125 N. Rowlett
Collierville, Tennessee 38017 		Office: (901) 853-1666
FAX: (901) 853-6777
E-mail: mnstreetcv@aol.com
June 12 , 2007

Across the United States, National Preservation Month is celebrated each year in May. In Collierville, National Preservation Month was celebrated through various activities including The Annual Preservation Awards presented on May 18, 2007, which recognized those individuals and businesses who work to preserve and improve the Historic District. One individual stood out among others: Jack Werne. Jack was recognized this year for his outstanding “Spirit of Giving.”

Jack was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. His grandfather’s farm was at 196 and Raleigh-LaGrange where he spent summers as a child. “Going into town” (Collierville) was the highlight of the week. “I think,” said Jack, “that is when I decided to live in Collierville.”

Jack attended Messick High School and graduated from Memphis State University. He met his wife, Betty, in 1978 and they were married in 1979. Jack and Betty moved to Collierville in 1984. Since living here, he has become very involved in the community and served on the Main Street Board of Directors as Past President in 2006, Collierville Youth Athletics Association, Boy Scout Troup 50, and Collierville Employees Retirement Plan Committee. Jack currently serves on the Collierville Arts Council, Administrative Board of Collierville United Methodist Church, and is a member of Wifgall Grays Sons of Confederate Veterans. He, along with his wife, Betty, have for years volunteered to dress in period costumes and serve as guides at Magnolia Cemetery and on the town Square while taking guests back in time through the rich history of Collierville.

Jack has continues to serve on the Implementation Committee for the Collierville Downtown Development Corporation. He focuses his efforts to ensure that the Historic Town Square neighborhood is economically vibrant and viable. When asked why being involved in the community is so important, Jack simply responded, “It is home; we have to be involved.” He continued, “Collierville’s history and heritage make it a wonderful place to live. The energy and good feeling from this community is invigorating and sustaining.”

Jack closed the interview with a few words of advice for young adults in the community: “Life is what you make it. You can make a difference not just for now, but for what Collierville will be.”

Jack Werne, the 2007 recipient of the Spirit of Giving Award, proudly displays his engraved platter.