Art for Art`s Sake Auction - Cooper

Transcription

FREE
VOLU M E XX, N U M B E R V
w w w.cooper young.org
C o o p e r -Yo u n g — M a n y Vo i c e s , O n e C o m m u n i t y
T h i s one ’ s a bi g one
Trestle Art getting
some TLC
B y E mily B i s h o p
When I moved to Cooper-Young back in
1988, the abandoned train trestle over
Cooper Street was an unwelcome symbol of
the struggles this neighborhood had endured
during the 60s and 70s when families fled
the city for the new suburbs. Visitors heading
south on Cooper from Union Avenue could
see little reason to venture past Central under
the rusty, graffiti-covered entry gate.
In 1995, the CYCA held a series of
meetings with neighborhood stakeholders to
identify needs in the community as part of the
Continued on page 12
C h an g e s aroun d t h e corner
Cooper Street
needs a facelift
By An dy As h by
Cooper-Young is a constantly changing
place. Residents come and go, and businesses
open and close all the time, leading to an
ever-evolving neighborhood.
One relative constant, however, has been
our infrastructure. Since the neighborhood’s
resurgence in the 70s, thoroughfares like
Cooper Street and Young Avenue have
remained relatively unchanged.
This could change for Cooper Street, as
two local organizations, the Cooper-Young
Business Association (CYBA) and Revolutions Community Bicycle Shop (RCBS),
have been looking at revamping this
neighborhood’s artery.
As a board member of the Cooper-Young
Community Association, many residents have
Art for Art’s Sake Auction
Saturday, April 11, 2009 • 6-9:30 p.m. • Young Avenue Deli
asked me what is going to happen to Cooper
Street and I haven’t been able to give them a
satisfactory answer.
Since any changes to this street would
affect the entire neighborhood, both
residents and businesses, an article in the
LampLighter is a good way of presenting
both plans. In order to present the proposals
$20 entry for refreshments, door prizes, and bidding rights in the silent and
live auction for original artwork, photography, pottery, jewelry, and more
objectively, they are presented in a question-and-answer format.
Tickets available online at www.cooperyoung.org
Artist’s Reception
Continued on page 12
April 2009
LampLighter 1
5
CY Porch Sale
Spring cleaning inspires creative
residents to organize a neighborhood
wide porch sale. Artists and musicians are
encouraged to participate along with regular
folks just cleaning out their closets.
Meetings
inside
Art for Art’s
Sake Auction
Saturday, April 11th, 6-9:30 pm
Young Avenue Deli
CYCA General
Meeting
Tuesday, April 14th, 6:30-7:30 pm
Doors open for refreshments at
6 pm
2298 Young Avenue
Cooper-Young Night Out
celebrates first year
6
The CYBA has been inviting the city
Elections will be held for CYCA Vice
President and Secretary
to experience Cooper-Young on the first
artists will set up on the sidewalks to offer
Saturday, April 18th, 9am-noon or
until the mulch is gone
Dates
everyone a special treat.
&
Thursday of each month for one year. Local
CYCA Mulch to
Members
Midtown Nursery at corner of
Cooper and Central
Neighbors remember
a beloved friend
L E TT E R F R O M TH E P R E S I D E N T
It’s spring clean-up time!
18
New York Street residents say
goodbye to Nekole Delashmit who died in a
tragic accident.
B y Debbie Sowell
Well, spring is here and what a time we will have doing our
spring cleaning! Not only will we be doing some spring clean-up
CYCA Community Director
around our homes, but we will be doing some clean-up around
Maggy Cardwell
the neighborhood, as well.
Mulch to Members is offered again this year to our current
CYCA Board Officers
CYCA is partnering with Mike Earnest of Midtown Nursery to sponsor our Mulch to Members
Art Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
giveaway and introduce his business to the neighborhood. See the ad in this issue for the
Book Signing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
PresidentDebbie Sowell
Vice-President
John Kinsey
Secretary
Andy Ashby
Treasurer
Jason Word
event on April 18th at a new location this year!
Community Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
CYCA Committee Heads
Crime Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Beautification
Andy Ashby
Code EnforcementSharron Johnson
Block ClubsGinger Spickler
Communications
Emily Bishop
Safety Education
Robert Grisham
Festival 4-Miler
Richard Coletta,
Michael Ham,
Membership
John Kinsey
Volunteer CouncilStephen Osborn
members. The City is not offering free mulch to us this year so the
Stay tuned to your email blast and the website for more information about a clean-up by the
Extras
Beautification Committee. This quarterly clean up will focus on the gazebo beds and the Robin
CYCA News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Marvel garden at the corner of Central and East Parkway.
CY History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
And last but not least…drum roll, please…you will be seeing a flurry of activity at the Trestle
CY Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Art in the coming months as we have signed a contract to have it painted and the windows
Education pondering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
replaced! The Art for Art’s Sake Auction has been the main event that has helped to raise the
Good Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
money needed to make all this happen now and in the future. Make sure you save the date
Letter to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
and buy your tickets for this year’s auction on sale now at www.cooperyoung.org for April 11th
Midtown Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
at the Young Avenue Deli.
Peabody School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Pet Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Deadlines for MAY LampLighter
Contributors
Andy Ashby, Candice Baxter, Emily Bishop,
Aunt Cicely, J. M. Croy, Penny Dodds, Jenifer
Staff and Volunteers
Founder
Janet Stewart
Copy Editor
Leslie Jaynes
Layout
Bradley Payne
Cover Art
Jeanne Seagle
Business Manager Chris McHaney
Distribution
Rich Bullington
Ad Managers
Chris McHaney
Debbie Sowell
Content
Ad Sales
Distribution
Eoff, Teresa Franks, Devin Greaney, Edward
Greene, Trisha Gurley, June Hurt, Aaron James,
Leslie Jaynes, John Kinsey, Lisa Lumb, Dr. D.
Jackson Maxwell, Corey Messler, Jennifer
Oltremari, Susan Roakes, Jeanne Seagle, David
Smith, Debbie Sowell,
Beth Spencer, Ginger
Spickler, Bennett Stebleton, Tamara Walker,
Peggy Williamson
901-272-2922 [email protected]
The LampLighter is published by the CYCA. The opinions and information presented here are
those of the staff and volunteers of the LampLighter and do not necessarily reflect the entire
Cooper-Young community. The LampLighter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
However, we commit ourselves to providing current and accurate information.
2
LampLighter April 2009
At-Large Board Members
Kyle Gowen
June Hurt
Ginger Spickler
Shelley Thomas
Articles, submissions: April 15
Advertising copy: April 20
Distribution beginning: May 1
Please send all articles and submissions to:
[email protected]. For advertising rate
sheet, or to submit ads electronically, please email:
[email protected]
Cooper-Young Organizations
CYCA
Maggie Cardwell
901-272-2922
[email protected]
CYBA
Tamara Walker
901-276-7222
[email protected]
CYDC
Sutton Mora Hayes
901-272-1459
[email protected]
Thanks to
Otherlands for
hosting the artists
reception on April
29th for the Art for
Art’s Sake Auction
live auction
contributors and to
Fork It Over Catering
for provided the
refreshments.
CYCA N E W S
CYCA 2009 Memberships
The following memberships were received between February 16th and March 15th. Memberships
received after the 15th of each month will be listed in the next issue. The Cooper-Young Community Association is supported by paid memberships and anyone is welcome to join and receive
the benefits of membership, which include discounts to local businesses. A membership form is
available below or you can join online at www.cooperyoung.org.
L e t t er t o t h e e d i t or
Do your part
I have started to write this letter so many times, but after recently having one more person tell
me CYCA should do (fill in the blank), I decided to finish what I had started.
What so many people fail to understand is that CYCA is only as strong as its members. We
have approximately 1,600 homes in Cooper-Young. We are lucky if we have ten percent of the
New Members
Elizabeth Harcourt
population as members. If you want CYCA to continue to do all it does and even more, then join.
Cathy L. Allen
Michael Harris
Maggie Cardwell gets calls all the time from people who live here but don’t join. It is not that she
Rik and Jan Anderson
Bob Isgren
or anyone else doesn’t want to help, but get real folks. You want help, join us, and do your part. I
Jason Brewer
Patrick and Son McCullough
can almost give you a list of the people that will volunteer at any event. Generally, the same
Nancy Buratto
Jeremy S. Palazolo
people over and over. So those of you who won’t join CYCA or volunteer, explain to me why. I
Blair and Brandy DeWeese
Jimmy Reece
know it is not the cost; the membership fee is way too low. So what gives?
Astrid and Tylur French
Marcy Reynolds
Sarah Frierson
Carl Schwerin
Norris and Earline Gabriel
Melissa Stallings
Robert and Mandy Grisham
Eric and Lindsay Wolfe
Mandi Hamilton
Brad Gilmer and Sarah Kyle
Lisa Marr
Tim Curry and Kathy Ladner
Brittany and Mallory Haynes
Michaela Burkhardt and Andy Windham
Howard and Judith Hicks
Rhonda Miles and Michael Michand
Bob Isgren
Jeanne Seagle and Fletcher Golden
David Mabury
Howard Paine and Teresa Franks
If for no other reason, volunteer for the simple fact it looks good to employers. Patsy Mister
Kristi Frisch and Trent Pitts
Edward Greene
Gary Nalley
Lee Henderson and John Bobal
Amelia Nowlen
In Honor of
Barry and Jennifer Oltremari
Earline Gabriel from N.R. Gabriel
Janet Stewart
Donation to General Fund
Kerry Vaughan
Janet Stewart
Ami and John Wittber
Jimmy Reece
As Terry Lawrence once said, “It is a proven fact neighborhoods don’t get better by themselves.”
We have an auction coming in April, take a short time and help. No one is asking you to
devote you life to CYCA, none of us do that, but with just a few hours a year, surely you can
manage that.
The more people who help out, the less there is for anyone to do.
So I challenge everyone who reads this letter to either volunteer or explain to me why you
can’t be bothered.
Please don’t use the excuse that you are a renter; you live here, your home is here and your
car and possessions are here, so you should care what happens here.
Community Spirit
Mission Our purpose is to form an association of residents and interested
parties to work together to make our diverse and historic community a
more desirable and safer place to live, worship, work and play.
Jeff Woods
A re y ou a member ?
Share your membership pride
with others
The CYCA Membership Committee is looking for members who will allow us to place a sign in
their yard. Signs will be placed in yards on the afternoon of Sunday, April 19th. These signs
are the size of a regular campaign sign and we hope will be up for about a month. In May, the
signs will be picked up by the membership committee.
Please contact the CYCA office at 272-2922 or [email protected] and let us know if you
will host a sign.
Enclosed is a check for my membersip in the Cooper-Young Community Association
New Renewing
Individual – $15 Household – $20
Senior 55 and older – $5
Trestle Tender – $50
Name_ _______________________________________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________ Zip___________________________
Phone________________________________________________ Email___________________________
I want to hear about volunteer opportunities
Enclosed is my gift of $_ _________________________________________________________________
in honor or/in memory of_ ______________________________________________________________
Enclosed is my gift of $___________________ for the General Operating Fund
Mail this form with your payments to:
CYCA Membership, 2298 Young Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
You can also join online at www.cooperyoung.org. The CYCA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
April 2009
LampLighter 3
CYCA N E W S
W on ’ t y ou be m y nei g h bor ?
CY Block Clubs looking for a few good
men (and women!)
C o o p e r - Yo u n g i s s e n d i n g
you a friend request!
B y Gin g er S p ickler
Do you know how to knock on a door? How about fire up a grill (or at least find someone to
do it for you)? If you meet these two rigorous qualifications, congratulations! You’re officially
eligible to be a Cooper-Young Block Club Captain!
I know, I know–you’re busy. Your yard is too small for parties. You think your neighbors are
weird. You know what? That’s okay–they probably think you’re weird too! But if you can dedicate
just a few hours a year to communicating with the people on your block, you may find that
you’ve got more in common than you think, and in the process, rediscover why you love
Join the Cooper-Young group on
Facebook so you can . . .
Connect with neighbors
Stay updated on official CYCA events (and see who’s coming!)
Upload pictures
living in Cooper-Young!
The job of Block Club Captain can be as much or as little as you want to make it. Mainly, the
point of a Block Club is to promote safety and community, so there are really just two main things
Advertise your community event*
we like to see a Captain accomplish:
Over a hundred and fifty people have already joined–what are
• Collect contact info from your neighbors and organize it into a format suitable for distribution
you waiting for?
to your block, for emergency and safety purposes.
• Host (or recruit someone else to host) the Neighborhood Night Out party on October 13th.
(Yeah, it used to be the National Night Out party in August, but come on, we live in
Memphis–who wants to be outside in August?)
The CYCA will provide support, both logistical and financial, to help make your job easier. We
have forms that you can pass out to your neighbors to make data collection easier, and (limited!)
funds to help you host a great party. If you’re really ambitious, we’ll provide other ideas that you
can use to promote safety and community all year long.
You don’t even have to go it alone–you can recruit a neighbor to be co-Captain with you.
Maybe you’re great on a spreadsheet, but not such a great party planner. If that’s the case, the
social butterfly two doors down who doesn’t know Excel from PowerPoint might just be the yin to
your yang. Some of the most successful Block Clubs work this way.
Interested in signing up for a year-long trial? Contact me at [email protected] for more
details. See the chart below for a list of blocks that need Captains. If your block is not listed here,
it’s because someone has already claimed it, but I’m sure they’d still love your help. Send me an
email and I’ll put you in contact with them!
Street Boundaries
Blythe
Nelson and Young
Meda
Nelson and Young
BlytheYoung and Walker
MedaYoung and Walker
Blythe
Walker and Southern
Meda
Walker and Southern
Bruce
Oliver and Young
Meda
Elzey and Central
BruceYoung and Walker
Nelson
Barksdale and McLean
Bruce
Walker and Southern
Nelson
Cooper and Cox
Cooper
Elzey and Evelyn
Nelson
Cox and Philadelphia
Nelson
E. Parkway and Philadelphia
New York
North of Evelyn
New York
Nelson and Young
CooperSouthern and Walker
Cox
Nelson and Young
CoxYoung and Walker
Cox
Walker and Southern
Elzey
Cooper and Meda
Elzey
New York and E. Parkway
Evelyn
Cooper and Tanglewood
Evelyn
Evelyn
Cooper and Cox
Evelyn
Cox and E. Parkway
Felix
Manila
Manila
New YorkYoung and Walker
Oliver
OliverTanglewood and Barksdale
PhiladelphiaYoung and Walker
Philadelphia
Walker and Southern
TanglewoodSouthern and Felix
Walker
WalkerTanglewood and Barksdale
Walker
Rembert and Barksdale
Young
YoungTanglewood and Barksdale
FleeceSouthern and Walker
4
Street Boundaries
*Contact the group administrator to post an event that is open
to the whole neighborhood.
CYCA N E W S
CYBA NEWS
Porc h Sale s ure t o be a s ucce s s
F u t ure for t h e F air g roun d s
Spring cleaning is a neighborhoodwide event
Mayor Herenton to speak at
CYBA meeting
B y B enne t t S t eble t on
B y Tamara W alker
Creative people will find a way to capitalize on almost any situation, even a severe recession.
Fortunately, Cooper-Young is filled with creative people.
The second General Membership Meeting of the CYBA for the year 2009 will be held
on Tuesday, April 21 st from 5-6 pm at Tsunami Restaurant. Guest speaker for this evening
The Cooper-Young Porch Sale will bring in a few extra dollars for participants, while encour-
is Dr. Willie W. Herenton, Mayor of the City of Memphis. Mayor Herenton will share his
aging them to do some spring cleaning, and offering the greater community a chance to save
thoughts regarding what will be done at the Fairgrounds and future community development
some real money on all the things they might want or need.
around that area.
The neighborhood-wide yard sale is scheduled for Saturday, April 25th from 8 am – 5 pm. In
This will be the second time Mayor Herenton has been a guest speaker of the Cooper-Young
the event of rain, it will be held one week later on May 2 . Individual households are in charge of
Business Association. The very first meeting of the CYBA, back in 1988, was held at the Galloway
their own schedule, so expect some mild fluctuations within these times.
Church on Young Avenue and Mayor Herenton was the Superintendent of the Memphis City
nd
The items for sale will be as varied as the people selling them. We already have commitments
to sell furniture, kids stuff, clothing, household items, music, books and all sorts of other quality
new and used merchandise. Artists will also be marketing their original paintings, crafts and other
Schools at that time. He was elected Mayor of Memphis in October of 1991 and made history in
October of 2007 as the first mayor of Memphis to ever be elected to five consecutive terms.
There will be a social time from 5-5:30 pm and Mayor Herenton will speak starting at 5:30 pm.
Tsunami Restaurant is located at 928 South Cooper Street. Everyone is welcome to attend.
creative works.
All Cooper-Young households are encouraged to participate. Make an event out of it. Invite
musicians to perform on your front lawn, offer space on your porch to an artist friend who would
like to sell his/her work, have friends and family over for an afternoon barbecue and/or give out
free balloons for kids. Use your imagination, make it fun and sell your stuff!
If you live in Cooper-Young and would like to participate, please contact Benn at
[email protected]. We’re asking for $5 to cover advertising expenses. That small investment
will get your address on the flier and in the online advertising.
If you’d rather buy than sell, just wander around our neighborhood and pick up some bargains.
Watch for the fliers appearing soon in storefronts with precise selling locations. We’re also on the
Cooper-Young Facebook group, and will be popping up wherever our advertising budget allows.
Cooper-Young Porch Sale
What: Yard sales hosted by homes all around the neighborhood
When: Saturday, April 25th
Where: Throughout residential Cooper-Young
B o tanical B alloon s
Bratton’s
Brattonia
Code Enforcement
active in
Cooper-Young
Many residents have received letters from
the City’s Code Enforcement Department
recently. A new Code Enforcement Officer,
Inspector Peete, has been assigned to our
neighborhood. For years the Code
Enforcement Department has been
understaffed and only able to respond
to complaints. With the increase in
Cooper-Young resident, Christopher
Bratton, creates balloons like you have
never seen before. His unique botanical
balloon show will be at Dixon Gallery and
Gardens. The show Brattonia, will offer free
admission from 10-12 am on Saturday, April
25th, and the show will be open until 5 pm.
staffing, Code Enforcement now has the
manpower to tour the neighborhood and
notify residents of code violations.
The CYCA submits complaints to Code
Enforcement to address the most serious
cases, such as abandoned, boarded up and
burned out houses. So, lets all be proactive and clean up
our yards and porches to avoid future
citations because code enforcement is
active in our community.
April 2009
LampLighter 5
M u s ic , M enu s an d M emorie s
Cooper-Young Night Out celebrates its
first anniversary
B y Tamara W alker
Join us in the hippest, most eclectic part of the city to celebrate the first anniversary of the
popular Cooper-Young Night Out on April 2nd at 5 pm. The first Thursday of the month is when
independent business owners dish it all out and offer up live music, discounts and specials in area
shops and restaurants. With 18 restaurants in the area and another 25 antique and retail shops,
Cooper-Young is the place in Midtown to kick up your heels and start the weekend right!
Jim Pettit and Friends will perform at the gazebo at the corner of Cooper and
Young at the anniversary celebration of Cooper-Young Night Out on Thursday
April 2, at 5 pm. Jim Pettit plays drums, Andre Matlin on keyboard & sax,
Lance Williams on bass, Lloyd Rainey on guitar and Marilyn Kennedy is out
front on vocals.
Listen to the music
Jim Pettit and Friends will be playing jazz at the Gazebo located in the neighborhood square at
the corner of Cooper and Young Avenue starting at 5 pm. This five piece band known for their
swinging dance music will be the perfect thing to listen to while you sign up for the first annual CY
Menu Hunt.
Join in the first ever Menu Hunt
The folks at Celtic Crossing have joined with area restaurants to host a free CY Menu Hunt event
that will have you roaming from one restaurant to the next in search of the right answer to the
questions listed on the trivia sheet. At the end of the evening, one lucky winner will win a prize
package of $700 in gift certificates from Beauty Shop, Blue Fish, Café Ole, Celtic Crossing, Central
BBQ, Dish, Do Sushi/Noodle Doodle Do, Java Cabana, Lou’s Pizza, Soul Fish Café, Sweet, Tsunami
and Young Avenue Deli. Teams of one to four can register in person at Celtic Crossing, Young
Avenue Deli, or the Gazebo at 5:30 pm the day of the event or online at www.celticcrossingmemphis.com. The Menu Hunt begins at 6 pm and ends at Celtic Crossing with all answer sheets turned
in by 9 pm.
Shop at the sidewalk sale
Local artists are helping make this Night Out truly a celebration by setting up along the
sidewalks to display and sell their items. Some of the artists that will be on hand are Darla
Linerode-Henson, Jes Crownover, Jennifer Hyatt, Lizi Beard-Ward, Chuck Parr, Rene Nickel, Marjorie
Mebane, Angi Cooper, Karen Bottlecapps, Carol Robison and Cindy Uphoff to name a few. They
will be offering mixed-media items, metal art, pottery, paintings, vintage items and jewelry.
Visit businesses for Night Out specials
In honor of its 100th Anniversary, Toad Hall Antiques is offering guests 15 percent off everything
in the store. Celebrate from 5-9 pm as well as throughout the weekend, April 3rd and 4th, from 10
am-5 pm both days. It is sure to be a good time!
Central BBQ has half-off their BBQ nachos and beverage specials. On tap at Young Avenue
Deli and SoulFish Café, the kiddies eat free with an adult entrée purchase. Gary Johns and his
Boys are playing some classic Sinatra tunes at the Beauty Shop. Don’t forget it’s Open Mic night
at Java Cabana or you can join Café Ole for some Happy Hour Margaritas. Rusty Lemon will be
live on the patio at Celtic Crossing along with discounts on beverages and the Celtic Sampler. Across the street, get into action with the Memphis Drum Shop; they will be hosting a Drum
Circle in front of their shop starting at 6 pm. Other things to get into on this night would be a
drawing for a $100 gift certificate and free refreshments at Loudean’s.
Toad Hall Antiques is celebrating their 100 year old building with a Champagne Preview Party
with 15 percent off all items. Kiss a toad while you are there! Debra Parmley will be at Burke’s
Book Store from 5:30–7 pm to read from and sign copies of her first novel, A Desperate Journey.
The reading starts at 6 pm. Stash-the Midtown Yarn Shop is having a Knit-In and Secret Sale
from 6–9 pm. There is a big sale going on at Lux, the designer clothing store, so stop by for some
refreshments with Memphis Flyer Hottie, Tadd. Midtown ATA Marital Arts is the place to drop the
kids for only $5 for babysitting from 5–9 pm. Get in on some free Reiki by certified practitioners from 5–9 pm at The Sanctuary and get half off second piercings at Underground Art.
There is absolutely something for everyone in Cooper Young – this is the place to see and be
seen on April 2nd!
Don’t forget to bring donations! In the spirit of community, we will be using this occasion to collect new toys for St. Jude
Children’s Hospital. Donations for St. Jude can be dropped off at Burke’s Book Store and Midtown
Martial Arts during the month or the Gazebo the night of the event.
Come on over and get into something fun in Cooper-Young!
6
MI
Fo
k
s un s h ine , s an d wic h e s an d s on g s
Park Friends Day at
Overton Park
on April 18th
KR
T
see
B y Su s an R oake s
chi
aga
Park Friends, Inc. (PFI) is hosting a Park Friends Picnic and Concert in Overton Park at the Levitt
yea
Shell on April 18th from 1-3 pm. Everyone is encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and spread out on
abo
the lawn at the Levitt Shell and enjoy a relaxing time at Overton Park while listening and dancing
N
to the sounds of the Earnestine and Hazel’s Band.
sho
Earlier in the morning of April 18 Park Friends is offering an architectural, cultural and
th,
historic tour of the tenants of the park. The tour begins at 9:30 am at the Parkview and
tha
continues on to the Crump Statue, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Memphis College of Art,
abo
The Zoo, Veteran’s Plaza, The Old Forest, Abe Goodman Golf House and ending at the Levitt
tha
Shell for the Picnic and concert. The tour is limited to 30 people and PFI members get first
last
spots on the tour.
one
“We want people to come out and enjoy Overton Park with PFI and see all it has to offer,” says
Som
Willy Bearden, board member of PFI and tour guide for the Overton Park tour. “We are usually
A
asking for help with something. This time we want everyone to see what the park has to offer.”
dra
PFI is the Citizen’s Advocacy Group for Memphis Parks and is the only non-profit group in
wh
Memphis dedicated to providing a community voice for public parks in Memphis. PFI advocates
big
for all parks in Memphis. However, our work focuses primarily on Overton Park. For years, PFI has
me
worked in Overton Park to eradicate invasive plant species in The Old Growth Forest, enhance an
stu
education and exercise trail system, develop a compatible trail map and coordinate several
do
clean-ups throughout the year.
har
For more information, contact Pam Branham at 901-413-2105 or [email protected].
kin
A
jus
tha
pas
B ook t h i s
Debra Parmley
reading and
signing at Burke’s
dow
B y C ore y M e s s ler
eve
hol
kno
our
and
Bartlett writer Debra Parmley will be at
I
Burke’s Book Store on Thursday, April 2nd, 5:30
gru
– 7 pm to read from and sign copies of her first
him
novel, A Desperate Journey (Samhain Publishing,,
the
$15 paperback). The reading will begin at 6 pm
pre
with the signing coinciding with Cooper-Youngs
wit
First Thursday Night Out.
yea
In the novel, Rob Truman, after spending
my
seven years in prison for a crime he didn’t
the
commit, is out to balance the scales of justice on
up
the man who sent him there. His plans didn’t
get
include falling for the one woman who will lead
tog
him to his quarry. Love is the last thing they
I
need, but it may be the only thing that saves them.
and
Originally from Springfield, Ohio, Debra has lived in five states and traveled extensively.
Currently she resides just outside Memphis, Tennessee. Whether penning tales of the Wild West,
ple
packing her bags for another trip, or dancing as a gypsy fortune teller with her belly dance
and
troupe, Debra is always traveling somewhere.
day
find
Gerri Russell, author of Warrior’s Bride, says the book is “a stunning debut! A Desperate Journey
tryi
is an enchanting tale of love, forgiveness, redemption, and passion. Don’t miss this one.”
the
Come support Debra April 2 at Burke’s Book Store. If there are any questions concerning this
nd
event, please contact Corey Mesler at 901-278-7484.
ear
nev
the
Do
4
LampLighter
April 2009
December 2007
LampLighter 7
tim
4th Annual Juried Art Education Exhibition
T h e E n d i s N ear
Here’s what’s happening at
Peabody Elementary
The 4th Annual Juried Art Education Exhibition, held in collaboration with the University of
Memphis’ Department of Art and local K-12 teachers, ran March 5th through 27th at Jones Hall
Gallery. Juror for the 2009 exhibition was Chandler Pritchett, 2008 University of Memphis
MFA graduate.
B y J enifer E off
The end of the school year is fast approaching and there are many exciting things that are
The theme of this year’s exhibition, Growth, Change, and Transformation, was shared through
the artists’ visual interpretation and choice of media. Jami Hooper, Peabody’s art teacher,
underway at Peabody Elementary. Here are a few of the highlights:
submitted one recent work of art along with two student pieces. Peabody student, Ella Jones, took
Club Exhibition Night
home 1st place for her piece.
On April 14th, all of Peabody’s after-school clubs will be on display for parents and community
The exhibition marked the beginning of Youth Art Month, an annual observance each March
members to view during the PTA meeting that evening. Peabody has a wide variety of clubs from
that emphasizes the value of art education for all children and encourages support for quality
which students may choose to participate. These include (but are not limited to): Soccer Club,
school art programs.
Funky Folk Art, Drama Club, School Newspaper, Computer Club and Cooking Club. Please make
sure you stop by to view samplings of what each club has to offer. There will be stations for each
Science Fair
club with live performances, artwork and other student-created work on display.
Exhibition of Student Work
The Spring Exhibition of Student Work will be on display at all Memphis City Schools, including
Peabody, on April 28th. Memphis City Schools is committed to creating a learning environment in
which all students will develop and showcase their academic and creative talents. With support
from the community, parents and teachers, students will plan, research, create and display their
products in an Exhibition of Student Work. Creation of student projects for the exhibitions allows
students to apply their knowledge and talents beyond the classroom and increase their achievement. Community volunteers will be at the school to judge each product based on the degree of
student creativity, originality and imagination; the demonstration of the student’s understanding
of the topic; and the reflection of the product showing the student’s amount of time and effort. A
copy of the Juror Scoring Sheet can be found on the MCS website.
All students participated in the Science Fair this year. Pictured is Ms. Magbee’s
1st grade class project.
Open Enrollment
According to the MCS website, Memphis City Schools’ Open Enrollment and No Child Left
Behind (NCLB) Transfer process, which allows parents to choose a school other than the one
assigned by address, will begin Tuesday, April 7th in the auditorium at the Board of Education,
located at 2597 Avery.
From 6:30 am until 4:45 pm on Tuesday, April 7th, Memphis City Schools will offer bar-coded
applications at the Board of Education to help parents and guardians avoid the inconvenience of
long lines during the application process. The bar code on the application serves as the “ticket” to
hold your place in line. Application packets for Open Enrollment will also be available. Parentsponsored line-ups or lists will not be honored, and MCS Security will not permit anyone to line
up for the April 7th ticket process before 5:30 am.
An example of student work currently on display in the lobby of Peabody.
International Festival
In addition, bar coded applications and information packets will be available in the Office of
Student Enrollment and Records, room 104 of the Board of Education, from April 8th–April 24th. A
bar-coded application will allow parents to apply online using any computer with internet access.
The Peabody International Festival will be held on May 6 this year. Each year, the students
th
(and teachers) at Peabody go all out in order to show what they have learned about a certain
Parents are strongly encouraged to apply using this convenient method.
All students who live in the Memphis City Schools district are guaranteed school assignments
country. Each grade level learns about a different country or area (5 grade–Japan, 4 grade–
based on the address of the parent/legal guardian. However, Open Enrollment allows a parent/
Russia, 3rd grade-Mexico, 2nd grade–France, 1st grade–Kenya, Kindergarten–United States,
legal guardian to choose a school other than the one assigned by address if space is available in
Pre-Kindergarten–Memphis). The school will be transformed into an international delight of
the school selected.
th
th
amazing student products, as well as samples of traditional foods and dress. This is an event you
will not want to miss!
Family Art Night
Family Art Night was celebrated again this year on March 31st at 6 pm. The event was
orchestrated by 2 grade teacher, Regina Boyd. Many artists from the community had stations
Due to the requirements of the NCLB law, a category has been established as part of the Open
Enrollment process that gives top priority to students whose address assigns them to schools that
have been designated by the Tennessee Department of Education as “High Priority.” Pending
adequate funding, students who qualify for and receive an NCLB transfer may also receive
transportation to their desired school.
nd
set up in the cafeteria while hands-on art demonstrations were going on in the classroom. The
demonstrations ranged from recreating the sculptures of Alexander Calder to producing artwork
in the style of Van Gogh.
TCAP Week
Students in grades 3-5 will be taking the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program
(TCAP) Achievement Test during the week of April 20th–24th. The Achievement Test is a timed,
multiple choice assessment that measures skills in Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science
and Social Studies.
8
hip hop
L ack of lock s
The Toad turns 100!
Local artist illustrates new children’s
book about cancer
B y Tamara walker
The Toad Hall Antiques building has been
Long-time Cooper-Young resident Jeanne Seagle
around for 100 years making it truly an antique!
has just illustrated a new children’s book, Mommy
Back in 1909, a gentleman named Caleb
without Hair? My World Turned Upside Down.
Andrews built 2129 Central Avenue to open a
In Mommy without Hair? My World Turned
grocery store to cater to neighborhood residents.
Upside Down, first-time author Selene Benitone
He was a respected man and adorned his name
introduces four-year old Jack, who shares his story
on the top of the building where it still is today.
about his mother’s cancer, the changes cancer
The building next door, which was formally 2127 Central but is now combined as one building,
brings to his home and how his family faces her
was home to Mitzell Plumbing from 1914 and a few years later became Central Avenue Pharmacy.
treatment with faith. Jack tells his story in simple,
For a time, it was home to a series of barber shops that were popular gathering spots for locals.
straightforward language with a positive point of
In 1919, Andrews sold his grocery store to a pair of brothers, Ernest and Joseph Dardano, who
view, and reveals the sometimes humorous but
lived upstairs with their family. The store remained open for six years and in 1925, it became
sometimes emotional aspects of daily life in a
Piggy Wiggly #21. Meanwhile, next door, the pharmacy was bought by Gilbert and Maude
family with a mommy without hair.
Edwards and became Edwards Pharmacy for the next 40 years. The Edwards Pharmacy closed in
This illustrated children’s book provides a
the mid-80s and was definitely missed for it was one of the last places in Memphis to have a
teaching tool that makes cancer treatment
working soda fountain.
understandable to younger children and connects
In 1945, the Piggly Wiggly moved out and American Appliance Company operated in the
space for a few years; in the 50s it became a railroad salvage company and in the 60s it was
families affected by cancer.
Colorfully illustrated by Jeanne Seagle, the
Honeycutt Furniture and Appliances. An antique store and second hand shop, Second Hand Rose
pages move through engaging and warm scenes
was opened in the late 70s and after their move to another location on East Central, the building
where Jack and his family talk openly and safely
sat vacant for awhile. about his mother’s cancer and her successful treatment.
Dana Whitehead bought the building in 2002 and within a six month period, Dana made
numerous improvements, which included an old heart pine floor she found in a gymnasium in
About Selene:
Ecru, Mississippi, that was installed in the downstairs area. Before opening the door in March of
A Memphis native, Catherine Selene Benitone was diagnosed in 2006 with small cell lung
2003, she thought a building so grand and timeless needed a mascot. Shortly thereafter, Dana
cancer at the age of 33. From the time she received her diagnosis, Selene and her husband, Lt.
commissioned a painting of a gracious, handsome toad to greet customers as they came to the
Colonel Trevor Benitone, also a native Memphian and Air Force pilot and staff officer, struggled
shop and in doing so, added a whimsical touch to the neighborhood.
with how to share the news with their three children.
Every year, Mr. Toad invites his guests to a storewide sale where everything is 15 percent off
Formerly a pre-kindergarten and first grade teacher, Selene searched for guidance but could
to celebrate his birthday. Combining it with the 100 year anniversary of the building will only
not find books which dealt with cancer appropriately for their children. In the course of her own
make it a bigger and better party. So leap on over and celebrate during the preview party on the
successful treatment, Selene decided to write a children’s book to help other families explain
Thursday, April 2nd Night Out event in Cooper-Young from 5-9 pm as well as throughout that
cancer and its treatment in a warm, engaging style.
weekend, April 3rd and 4th from 10 am-5 pm both days. You can bet Mr. Toad will be waiting on
your visit.
Through the years, Selene has worked with Parent Teacher Associations and with the
American Red Cross as a volunteer coordinator in communities where Trevor was stationed.
Today, Selene and her family live in Washington, DC. She recently learned her cancer has
M ar d i Gra s in M em p h i s !
Big Sam’s Funky Nation to perform at
the Center for Southern Folklore Hall
B y Tim C urr y
Come prepared to shake your tail feathers like a Mardi Gras Indian Friday, April 3rd, as Big
Sam’s Funky Nation delivers that funky New Orleans sound to the Center for Southern Folklore
Hall, 119 S. Main Street at the Peabody Place Trolley Stop in the heart of Downtown Memphis.
Showtime is 8 pm and admission is $15 in advance and $18 on the day of the show. $25 tickets
include a meet-and-greet session with
Big Sam in the Folklore Store before the
show, with beer and wine included.
Former trombonist for the legendary
Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Big Sam
Williams, has assembled a talented
group of jazz-trained musicians who
mix the improv style of jazz and the
horn-heavy front section associated
with big band funk. Combining his
returned and she has resumed treatment.
About Jeanne:
Illustrator and painter, Jeanne Seagle brings Jack to life through her talented hand. A graduate
of the Memphis College of Art, Jeanne’s career has been dedicated to her craft.
Named a Fellow of the Virginia Center for Creative Arts in 2003, Jeanne also completed a
painting residency at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in 2007 and is currently involved in
painting a series of murals in the St. Jude Children’s Care Center for Art Impact, Inc. She has
illustrated a number of children’s books, including Mickey and the Golom by Steve Stern, which
has been selected for the 2010 show “One Hundred Years of Jewish Children’s Art” at the
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts.
Having lost her own mother to cancer, Jeanne knows firsthand the importance of talking
about cancer. She was excited to collaborate with Selene. Jeanne lives and works in
Cooper-Young.
Book Signings:
Davis-Kidd Bookseller, Memphis, April 7th (6 pm)
Kids Town, Cordova, April 9th (10 am-5 pm), 10th (10 am-5 pm) and 11th (9:30 am-2 pm)
St. Peter’s Church & School, Washington, DC, April 3rd (6 pm)
Thanks to www.Jacksbackpack.com for the above information.
distinctive trombone riffs with a
call-and-response MC style, Big Sam
prides himself on getting the crowd
up and second-lining around the room from the very first number. For an evening of non-stop
hip shaking and finger popping action from one of the Big Easy’s most dynamic party bands,
come see Big Sam’s Funky Nation.
April 2009
LampLighter 9
C Y Hi s t or y
Midtown Acupuncture
& Natural Apothecary
Then and now photos spark memories
B y L i s a L umb
In case you’ve missed our blurbs in the last few LampLighters, the CYCA, in conjunction with
Opening Special ï Free Consultation
Memphis Heritage, is currently working on updating the history of the CY neighborhood. As part
10% Off First Four Treatments
of this project, we’re asking residents to share with us some of their CY family photos (the older
Expires 4/30/09
the better). Local artist Aaron James (Hollingsworth) has generously shared with us these two
amazing “then and now” photos, spanning six generations of his family and taken on the same
Effective Treatment for:
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Call for information on how we can help.
917 South Cooper | 272-2600 | midtown-acupuncture.com
In Historic Cooper-Young District
front porch in CY, a mere 71 years apart. If anyone has any similar old pictures of CY (with or
without people, but hopefully with a story), please contact Lisa Lumb or Emily Bishop at the
addresses below. We promise to treat your old photos with kid gloves, scan them with the utmost
care and return them promptly, and we’d love to hear any old stories about the neighborhood.
Please contact Lisa Lumb at [email protected] or Emily Bishop at 210-6905 if you have old
pictures or stories about CY.
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Ethyl Thomas Wallace holds her one-year-old granddaughter Gloria on the front
porch of 1882 Manila in 1938 and, almost 71 years to the day in the same spot,
Gloria’s granddaughter, Charissa Hollingsworth, holds her baby Penelope who is
the sixth generation of the Hollingsworth-Ingram family in Cooper-Young.
10 LampLighter April 2009
3/07 1:35:31 PM
December 2007 LampLighter 23
Tro p h ie s mee t t oe s
Harvest principle suffers freak ADDY®
Award injury
B y Tamara W alker
Saturday was a night of celebration for the design agency, Harvest Creative, until one of the
company’s principals, Daniel Brown, was brutally injured by a freak pyramid accident. “He was
managing the 7 gold pyramids and 11 silver awards just fine,” stated Andrew Holliday, the other
principal at Harvest. “It was when they added the Judge’s Special Award for Outstanding Art
Direction that he lost control and dropped the pyramid on his foot.”
Brown spent Sunday recovering from the injured foot and hurt ego. After liquid treatment, the
pinky-toe pierced by the pyramid was reportedly stable and intact. The 7 gold pyramid awards for
Product Sales Presentation, Point of Purchase (Attached), Point of Purchase (Campaign), Collateral
Material, Advertising Industry Self Promotion, Illustration Campaign, Special Effects (Internet),
Judges Special Award for Outstanding Art Direction and 11 silver awards were all reportedly
undamaged. “Thank goodness the pyramids are fine,” exhaled Brown. “My toe will heal and I’ve
got nine other ones if it doesn’t. Those 19 awards are irreplaceable.”
Andrew, Daniel and their team were presented their awards at a special ADDY® event hosted at
the University of Memphis Fogelman Center on February 28th. Harvest is an innovative design
agency focused on brand development, web development and retail design located in the
Cooper-Young Historic District. The company excels at providing print, web and point of sale
experiences. Visit the company’s website at http://www.harvestcreative.com for more information.
With over 60,000 entries annually, the ADDY® Awards are the world’s largest and arguably
toughest advertising competition. The ADDY® Awards represent the true spirit of creative excellence
by recognizing all forms of advertising from media of all types, creative by all sizes and entrants of
all levels from anywhere in the world. The American Advertising Federation, a non-profit industry
association, conducts the ADDY® Awards through its 200 member advertising clubs and 15
districts. It is the only creative awards program administered by and for the advertising industry.
Pictured (left to right): Mike Force, Michael Hildebrand, Andrew Holliday
and Daniel Brown
April 2009
LampLighter 11
Cooper Street continued from page 1
Tamara Walker has responded for the Cooper-Young Business Association. She is the director of the CYBA, a non-profit organization that
represents Cooper-Young business owners and holds the Cooper-Young Festival each year.
Likewise, Anthony Siracusa has responded for Revolutions Community Bicycle. Siracusa is the executive director at Revolutions, a non-profit
organization in First Congregational Church that promotes bike riding through its classes, workshops and other volunteer efforts.
The following questions were sent to the Cooper-Young Business Association and Revolutions Community Bicycle:
What is your group’s overall plan?
CYBA: To make Cooper-Young more pedestrian friendly by slowing traffic down on Cooper Street. At this point, that could be any or all of the
Trestle Art continued from page 1
Eagle Project. Out of this, the abandoned train
trestle over Cooper was identified as an
eyesore at the gateway of the neighborhood
and in 1997 the CYCA applied for a grant
from the Community Foundation to turn it
into a beautiful gateway. The CYCA raised the
following: a median, safety signs, blinking safety lights at Nelson and the Cooper/Young intersection, textured crosswalks, parallel/diagonal parking
required matching funds and the Urban Art
or just narrowing the street to two lanes of traffic with or without bike lanes on either side.
Commission conducted a national call to
RCBS: Revolutions Community Bicycle Shop hopes to make Cooper Street into Memphis’ first complete street. We have advocated for the creation
of bike lanes alongside on-street parking with one lane of traffic in each direction, a lowered speed limit throughout the entire street, sidewalks
which are handicapped accessible, intersections with devices that accommodate the visually impaired, intersections that are striped and signed for
artists for the project. Jill Turman, a local
metal smith, won the job with her idea to
safe pedestrian access and increased bicycle parking at local businesses along the Cooper Street corridor. Our plans include making these improve-
create metal replicas of twelve buildings in
ments to all of Cooper Street, an area which begins on the northernmost end of Cooper at Southern and extends northward to Cooper’s conclusion
the neighborhood. The sculptures would
at Overton Park.
feature backlit windows to symbolize the life
How did the plan come about?
inside the community.
CYBA: After having numerous discussions of the CYBA board, watching the pedestrians try to cross the street, listening to the police describe the
speed in which people drive down Cooper Street and hearing the story of the policeman that was injured by a car flying down Cooper after the
Festival in 2007, we must think about the safety of people who frequent our restaurant and retail district and the neighborhood residents who stroll
here at their leisure.
RCBS: The plan grew out of a brainstorming session with the chair of the Cooper-Young Community Association’s (CYCA) beautification committee.
The Trestle Art was dedicated in October of
2000 and quickly became the icon of
Cooper-Young. This public art, owned by the
CYCA, comes with the responsibility to
I was asked to evaluate the idea of installing artistic bicycle racks throughout the Cooper-Young Business district, which I was thrilled about, but had
maintain it and keep it beautiful. Insurance
a practical concern with how people will get to these bike racks. Cooper Street is still an intimidating street for the novice bicyclist, but with a few
costs tripled after September 11th and
basic improvements it could attract a great number of bicyclists to the district to use well-designed, neat looking bike racks. I proposed that the CYCA
vandalism has added to the annual mainte-
hold a meeting to discuss the idea of creating bike lanes on Cooper Street, a meeting which First Congregational Church agreed to host. The meeting
nance costs. The Trestle Art is scheduled to
was a hit. It was a standing room only event, and one of the largest meetings in the Neighborhood Association’s history. People attending the
meeting were eager to help out, and as a result, we (RCBS) formed an ad-hoc committee to forward the idea of a complete street to City of Memphis
planners and engineers. In late summer 2008, I met with the City of Memphis engineers who agreed to consider the idea of creating bike lanes and
get special attention this spring including
repainting from top to bottom and new
improving pedestrian access on Cooper Street. Currently, the engineers are still evaluating the idea.
windows. The painting and repairs will cost
How developed is your plan?
around $20,000. The Art for Art’s Sake
CYBA: Charlie Ryan (CYBA past president) met with Rick Copeland, the head of the City of Memphis’ planning department, and he has bought in to
Auction is a fundraiser for the CYCA, who
the idea that we need to slow down traffic before someone is seriously injured. They were specifically talking about the two-lane idea. We are
pays the bills for the public art. Help us raise
looking at painting in a median and then later putting in a permanent structure. We have Ralph Smith, a former City Engineer, helping us look at
the money we need to keep this artwork
various options/designs that might be available considering the space we have on Cooper Street. In addition, we have met with Ralph and Mary
Baker at the office of planning and development on the impact this will/would have on the business neighborhood and annual festival. We are
working around the parallel parking that is already available to the business owners since they have parking guidelines they must adhere to and that
have already been met.
beautiful and welcoming by attending this
year’s Art for Art’s Sake Auction on Saturday,
April 11th at the Young Avenue Deli.
RCBS: The above (Revolutions) answer addresses this question, but we hope the city engineers
will consider using stimulus dollars to make the aforementioned improvements to Cooper Street.
How does your plan impact the neighborhood?
CYBA: We would have slower traffic in a high pedestrian area. Who knows? Maybe someone
won’t get run over by these people that drive down Cooper Street at 50-55 miles per hour. It would
make it easier for someone with a stroller to get across the street; it would encourage walking
rather than parking and re-parking; and, if we were able to put in a median, it would give folks a
place to land in the middle of the street instead of having to “run it.” We (the board) think that it
will give the business area a friendlier/safer atmosphere once we get rid of this “Poplar Avenue”
type of thoroughfare. We want to maintain the charm and character of this historic neighborhood.
RCBS: Creating bicycle lanes and increasing accessibility to sidewalks and crosswalks is an
effective way of creating safer streets. These improvements make neighborhoods more attractive
places to buy a home, and often they improve the property values as well. Bike lanes in particular
are an effective way of calming traffic and reducing the overall amount of air pollution in a
neighborhood. Encouraging people to walk and ride bicycles reduces white noise and other
droning sounds associated with fast-moving car traffic. Also, bicycle access in a business district
enhances the patio life of restaurants, coffee shops and other institutions attempting to promote
outdoor seating. Finally, the creation of bicycle lanes in particular is a way of promoting a humanpowered, healthy transportation model that is accessible to a wide variety of peoples. In an
economy where individuals struggle to make ends meet, the bicycle provides a financially
attractive form of transportation, a carbon free way of traveling to the movie store, the book store
or the local pub.
What is your projected timetable?
CYBA: Six months to one year.
RCBS: Our hope is that in the next year we will see bicycle lanes being striped on Cooper Street. As mentioned above, if stimulus dollars can be
used to make this short-term investment in our community, we feel that the long-term results will be a less polluted, more attractive and, ultimately,
more livable community.
Changes to Cooper Street are
being discuss by the Cooper Young
Business Association and Revolutions
Community Bicycle Shop. Angled
parking, medians, and bike paths are
all being looked at as possibilities for
the future of Cooper Street.
Trestle Art inspires local artists to give
Mollie Jaye Riggs
Phone: 283-3276
B y E mily B i s h o p
Description: mixed media painting titled “My
The art for sale in the Art for Art’s Sake Auction is donated by local artists and many of them call
Biloba Nights.” Against a dark night sky,
Cooper-Young home. The Trestle Art over Cooper Street inspires many artists to support the Cooper-
leaves from a Ginkgo Biloba tree rain down
Young Community Association (CYCA) in this annual event. Artists and artisans at the Cooper-Young
on the Cooper Street Trestle.
Festival donate items and local businesses also give generously to the auction. The Young Avenue
Value: $900
Deli is hosting the event on April 11 and providing appetizers while Camy’s is supplying the desserts.
Statement: Ginkgo leaves represent the many
Southwestern Distributing is providing beverages to enjoy while browsing through the items in the
trees that line Cooper Street. The Trestle Art is
silent and live auctions. CYCA volunteers will be wearing custom t-shirts donated by Bluff City Sports
the gateway to our community.
with this years’ artwork by Jeanne Seagle. Take home a beautiful work of art and feel great knowing
What inspires you: Life; good and bad.
you have supported public art and the CYCA at the Art for Art’s Sake Auction.
Why I live in CY: Cooper-Young is an active
and healthy environment. I can park my car
Jeanne Seagle
in the driveway on Friday and not move it
Email: [email protected]
until Monday morning. I love that! Ginkgo
Description: Watercolor on paper titled, “Street
was termed “good for the heart” in China and
in the Sky.” A brightly-colored, loosely
in India, Ginkgo is an ingredient in soma, a
rendered depiction of the south side of
longevity elixir. I say, “Cooper-Young is good
the Coop e r -Yo u n g r a i l ro a d tre stl e
for the heart.”
bridge o n a su n ny wi n te r d a y. Th i s i s
th e im a g e I se e a s I l e a ve th e n e i gh b orhoo d - a l o ve l y fa re we l l .
Value: $650
Why I live in C-Y: Long before I had even heard
the name Cooper-Young, I loved to ride my
bike around the area, exploring the many
unusual and intriguing streets. When it became
known as an artists’ neighborhood I was
definitely hooked. A friend lived in the
neighborhood and had a beautiful back yard that seemed to merge with all the other back
yards on the street- an uncommonly beautiful pecan grove. When it came time to buy a house
and one of my friend’s neighboring houses was empty, I knew this was it! I have friends on
every street and love all the activities that go on here, and I love being part of a giant renovation project.
Mike Jones
Phone: 388-6635
Website: www.M-Jones.com
Description: Rickett’s Glen
Value: $350
Statement: Waterfall at Rickett’s Glen,
Pennsylvania
What inspires you: I am inspired by light and
shadow and the human figure.
Why you work in CY: I do not actually live in
Robby Johnston (Slim)
the Cooper-Young area but I have been
involved with the Festival for several years and
Phone: 491-5415
feel like I am a part of the area. Other works
Lizi Beard-Ward
are available for viewing at Gallery 56.
Phone: 725-5017
Description: Triptych entitled, “The burbs”
acrylic on plywood
Value: $400
Description: 2 photos, Digital Imagery of
Barksdale trestle taken on snow night,
February 2009, titled, “Trestle of the
Night”: Each piece is framed to 11 x 14.
Value: $220
Statement: As the trees go down, the suburbs
rise – a simple statement about how much is
enough.
What inspires you: The rural south, its people
and places.
Statement about why you love CY: I love CY’s
diversity, hospitality and food!
Lisa Lumb
Contact: [email protected]
Description: Mixed media on found object
titled, “Sex, Drums, and Rock and Roll”
continued on page 14
Value: $350
April 2009
LampLighter 13
Paul Clarke
Website: www.servogroup.com
Description: Dogwood Blossoms 22x32
Value: $480 min., bid $175
Statement: The Dogwood blossoms symbolize resurrec tion and regeneration, a chance to be reborn and start a
new life.
What inspires you: My inspiration is rooted in images of
everyday life.
Karen Bottle Capps
Phone: 497-0819
Website: [email protected]
Description: This is a portrait of a CY favorite and award
winning B BQ restaurant, Central B BQ.
Value: $950
Carol Robison
Statement: This portrait has everything Central B BQ,
Phone: 502-1649
including the owl and its pigeon friends living above
Description: Painting titled “Curses like
the doorway. From the big hockey puck shaped sign,
Chickens Come Home to Roost”
the stained glass window, the smoker and pipers, to the
Value: $800
American flag and checkered roof, you can just taste
About Carol: Painted art for last year’s
their ribs and homemade hot sauce. Good Lord, pour
Art for Art’s Sake Auction poster of her
me a Ghost River beer and bring it on!
two dogs on a walk in Cooper-Young.
Why I live in CY: First, I love my neighbors and enjoy all
What inspires you: Daytime T V and
the CYCA events. I also like the fact that our neighbor-
my dogs
hood is walk-able and close to downtown. With the
exception of airplane noise, it’s quiet and easy going on my
block of Evelyn.
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AQcZ^bc`Sj2WUWbOZ/`bajO\R[]`S
Full day or half day | Tuition includes all supplies | Before/after care available
Community Education
Professional staff and studios
A Memphis tradition for over 70 years
Registration
begins April 6
O ve r t o n Pa r k | 193 0 Popla r Avenu e | (9 0 1) 2 72-5 142 | www.mca.e du
April 2009
LampLighter 15
Pinc h me
Memphis journal goes nationwide
B y C an d ice B ax t er
The Pinch, the award-winning literary journal of
The University of Memphis, is celebrating the
3#(7!24:
%,%#42)##/).#
3#OX3TREET
-EMPHIS4.
!LAN3CHWARTZ
release of the spring 2009 issue, soon to hit
bookstores across the country. The Pinch Release
Party will be held on Friday, March 27th from 7-10
pm. Join authors, editors and artists for an
evening of readings and refreshments at the
Woodruff-Fontaine House, a beautiful French
Victorian mansion built in 1870 along “Millionaires Row,” 608 Adams Avenue in Memphis.
Contributors Corey Mesler and Natalie ParkerLawrence will read excerpts from their published
work. This event is free and open to the public.
r 2007
The Pinch, formerly River City, is one of the
oldest literary journals in the country and
publishes fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, art
and photography. The Pinch receives submissions
from both established and emerging writers from
all over the world. Sponsored by The University of Memphis and The Hohenberg Foundation, The
Pinch is published biannually and sponsors a national contest in fiction and poetry each year. The
journal is named for the Pinch District, a Downtown Memphis area rich with culture and history.
For more information on the release party, subscriptions, readings, submissions and contests
contact Candice Baxter at The Pinch office at (901) 678-4591 or visit www.thepinchjournal.com.
Trium p h an t re t urn
Welcome back, Ives family!
B y A aron J ame s
The LampLighter is happy to welcome home
the Ives family of the 2000 block of Felix, after
a nearly three-month stay in Boston. The
temporary relocation was required so little Anna
could receive specialized medical treatments
only available at Massachusetts General
Hospital. The treatments were administered on
a daily basis, five days a week, but the short
duration and minimal side effects allowed for
plenty of time to explore the many wonderful
attractions in and around Boston. Although
comfortable, home-like accommodations were
provided within the hospital complex, the
family is understandably excited to finally be
home! And we are pleased to report that all is
well with Anna, which should come as a relief
to her many adoring fans.
You may recall an online auction and
Hi-Tone concert for Anna earlier this year. The
fundraiser was organized and managed almost
entirely by Anna’s dad’s business partner and
An enthusiastic contingent of family
and friends was on hand Saturday
March 18th at the Memphis airport,
to welcome home little Anna Ives
(holding pinwheel), with her mom Amy.
co-owner of Goner Records, Eric Friedl. The two
events raised an astounding $30,000, which all
goes to assist the Ives family with expenses. Although the auction is over, it’s never too late to
help, which you can do by stopping by Goner Records on Young, or calling 722-0095.
Global Goo d s M arke t i s h ere t o make a Difference
C ommuni t y Gar d en 1 0 1
Do you know where that shirt
came from?
B y A aron J ame s
A backyard garden begins
The #1 trick to any garden is soil preparation, and the #1 trick to soil preparation is getting rid
B y B e t h S p encer
of the native grass. Last summer, I covered my garden plot with opaque tarps, which killed the
Buying a t-shirt from the mall doesn’t seem cruel. However,
grass by denying it photosynthesis (just about anything that blocks the sun will do this). Then in
there are people making them for Eddie Bauer in El Salvador
the fall, I removed the tarps and covered the
who are so underpaid they can’t even afford milk for their
entire plot with around 2” of horse manure,
children, according to The National Labor Committee.
which I found for free on Craigslist. Then, this
Global Goods Fair Trade Market is helping to raise aware-
was covered with about a foot and a half of
ness about the global economy. Buy anything from the gift
leaves, which I, of course, found for free on
shop and you can guarantee it was made by someone in a
every curb in the neighborhood! Finally, this
developing country who was paid fairly.
layer cake was iced over with two months’ worth
Shopping at the store could make a difference in the plight
of used coffee grounds from Starbucks, who
of the poor people in third world countries. “It’s great for the
normally discards 80 pounds or more a day!
global economy,” said Ashley Mitchem, volunteer coordinator
Over the winter, we turned the mulch mixture
for the store. “It’s a great feeling to know you’re helping people
a couple of times to ensure sufficient decomposi-
to get an education for their children and get clean drinking
tion, and then this was tilled under (twice–at
water.” Jackie Nerren, a volunteer at the store, said “There’s no
right angles) to blend everything together with
child or sweatshop labor involved. Everything has to be fair
the native soil. Before planting, I turned the plot
trade, humane labor. A little bit of consistent pay can make a
by hand with a spade. The trick here is to dig
huge difference.”
Global Goods operates based on the seven principles of fair trade: fair wages, public accountability, respect for cultural identity, financial and technical support, environmental sustainability,
consumer education and cooperative work environments.
The store has something for everyone. You can buy books, coffee, chocolate, clothing, toys,
instruments, jewelry, decorations and bumper stickers—all while helping the global economy.
“It’s the best kept secret in town,” said Jolie Williams, while shopping for gifts. “It’s affordable
and the cards are great.” Customers can sip coffee from Nicaragua or Guatemala while they shop,
for a small donation. “It’s a comfortable place, where you feel at home,” said Vernessa Lester, who
was also buying gifts. “The best thing about it is that you’re helping people in other countries.”
The store has unique, eclectic products that are environmentally-friendly, as well as economically-friendly. It has earrings made from recycled flip-flops, created by Kenyans who used
washed-up sandals they found on beaches. Global Goods also sells purses made from recycled
car tires and cup holders created from recycled soda cans. “We have stuff you would never find
anywhere else,” Nerren said. Most of the products in Global Goods tell where they were made.
The store has birdhouses from Haiti, baskets from Bangladesh, clothes from Honduras and Nepal,
art from Africa, toys from Sri Lanka, jewelry from India and the Philippines and items from many
other developing countries.
Socially conscious shopping is becoming a bigger priority to many people.
“Our generation has really come out and said ‘we want to know what’s going on,’” said Tucker
Strickland, who has been involved with humanitarian work for five years, and founded Music on
Mission. “Just because we’re on different continents, doesn’t mean we’re on different planets,” he
down the full blade depth and “plop” the clump
right over on top of itself (just like dumping a
cake from the pan), followed by another quick
till just to smooth out the garden surface. This
last step is to ensure nutrient-rich soil to full root
depth, or about 12-16”. I am pleased to report
Aaron James, an architect by
profession, started his back yard
garden as a way to ensure that his
new granddaughter gets plenty of
healthy, homegrown veggies. that my soil turned like butter, and my earthworms averaged an astounding 6”!
So what do you do if you decide to plant a garden without sufficient time for the above soil
preparations? The first step MUST be to scrape off the top layer of native grass. Once you get a
shovel blade under it, the root assemblies should separate fairly easily from the soil beneath. The
grass and roots can then be stockpiled in your compost bin, and will provide perfect mulch in the
fall. But, for now, you have to till in about a 50 percent blend of new mulch into the plain old dirt
you’ve exposed. If I were in this position, I would try to find a neighbor who didn’t rake last fall
and ask them if I could clean their yard in exchange for the now perfectly decomposed leaves.
The easy way, of course, would be to purchase a load of mulch from your favorite garden supply
store. Either way, make sure the material you add is well on its way to being fully decomposed, as
you don’t want any additional rotting to harm your roots.
I hope this little tidbit is of some assistance! Next month we’ll look at garden layout and planting.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or want to check out my plot, feel free to email me at:
[email protected]. Thanks for reading and happy gardening!
said. “We all share this world.”
Global Goods Fair Trade Market is located inside the First Congregational Church at 1000 S.
Cooper Street St. It is open on Saturdays from 10 am-6 pm and Sundays before and after church
services. Just come in the red door in front, go up the stairs and we’re right in front.
Join us for a Neighborhood
Easter Egg Hunt on April 4TH
N E W
L O C A T I O N
(see website for details)
The Chapel at
Union Avenue Baptist Church
2181 Union Avenue
Childcare provided
for infants through five
year olds
Our desire is to bring together a
community of believers who follow
God completely and serve the world
compassionately with the love of Jesus.
Every Sunday Evening at 5:30 pm
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
WWW.NCMIDTOWN.COM
The Chapel at
Union Avenue Baptist Church
2181 Union Avenue
April 2009
LampLighter 17
Secure C ommuni t y
Keeping Midtown a safe place to live
and work
B y Pe g g y W illiam s on
Have you heard that there is an organized and growing group of Midtowners who are actively
working with our Union Station Police Precinct to decrease crime in Midtown? This group to date
has raised over $10,000 that has been used to upgrade the Union Station Bike Patrol with new
bikes and officer bike uniforms. Through their communication network and blog, they have been
directly responsible for three armed robbery arrests related to crimes in Midtown.
Who is this group? Midtown Security Community (MSC) is a year-old security-focused
collaborative effort among Midtown neighborhoods, businesses, non-profits and churches. The
group works closely with the Union Station Police Precinct to keep Midtown a safe place to live
and work. Goals of the group include:
• To increase conversation among Midtown businesses, non-profits, churches, schools, neighborhoods and the Union Station Police Precinct about how we can collaborate on security issues
• To share best evidence-based security practices that support and work for Midtown
• To continue to assess progress and next steps for this group (e.g. additional meetings,
increased participation by businesses/neighborhoods, special interest groups, etc.)
Formed in March of 2008, this energetic group of Midtowners uses the Union Station Police
Precinct boundaries of East Parkway, South Parkway, Danny Thomas and Jackson as its working
definition of “Midtown.” Monthly meetings are held at different Midtown sites and provide
accurate, up-to-date information from Union Station Colonel Billy Garrett on “Crime Stats and
Successes” for the previous month. The best evidence-based security ideas are shared by
participants and outside speakers. Dist. Atty. General Bill Gibbons and Dr. Richard Janikowski,
criminologist at University of Memphis, have both presented to the group in recent months.
The MSC blog (www.midtownsecuritycommunity.org) is full of security information of a general
nature and also has tips specific to Midtown. Helpful posts have included how to secure your
door jambs to decrease the likelihood of having your door kicked in. “Stow it; don’t show it” is
another constant reminder on the blog about not leaving valuables in view in your car. As a
result of the MSC/Union Station relationship, posters have been distributed to Midtown
businesses that say “Stow it; don’t show it.” Larceny from a vehicle is a crime DO we have
some control over.
Dr. Richard Janikowski of the University of Memphis has asked MSC to partner with him in
creating a pilot project he is calling a Crime Prevention Extension Service. It will be modeled
after the agricultural extension service where farmers received training on how to improve their
crop yield. Dr. Janikowski believes that we need a community-wide effort to teach people how to
be safe. That is the goal of this pilot project, which will involve writing a security curriculum and
then training trainers to go to various community groups and teach people how to be safer. The
project is expected to get started this spring with significant involvement from MSC participants.
MSC is presently involved in obtaining a charter and 501 (c) (3) status and will shortly have its
first Board of Directors. The sustained energy and commitment shown during the past year by
participants convinced the group that there was enough interest in keeping Midtown safe to
pursue a charter.
You’re invited to attend a Midtown Security Community meeting soon. Meeting dates are
posted on the blog. Refreshments are always served from 5-5:30 pm with the business meeting
from 5:30-6:30 pm (guaranteed ending!).
“Be part of the solution. Help keep Midtown a safe place to live, work, and worship.”
Peggy Williamson is Chair of the Midtown Security Community and can be reached at
www.midtownsecuritycommunity.org
SIGN UP FOR EMAIL
SAFETY ALERTS at
COOPERYOUNG.ORG
To Our Readers
L ookin g B ack
The LampLighter is working with the CYCA to bring you meaningful crime information. In
addition to the crime map, which details crimes within a one-mile radius of the Cooper-Young
intersection, we also included a list of crimes that happened within our neighborhood. This list
includes the case number, which you can use to contact the police. The crimes were reported from
Crime down in first 100 days
B y Devin Greane y
Though it is hardly a consolation to those who were victimized, most crime statistics have fallen
(in some cases dramatically) in Cooper-Young from this time last year.
February 24, 2009 to March 20, 2009.
Thefts from vehicles have taken the most dramatic turn; there are one-third of the reports this
year compared to the same time last year. Police have had an intense media campaign recently
CASE NUMBER
Offenses
Date
100 block
0903010738ME
Robbery/Individual
03/19/09
2000 OLIVER
0903010640ME
Robbery/Individual
03/19/09
1000 NEW YORK
0903010169ME
Robbery/Individual
03/19/09
TANGLEWOOD & EVELYN
0903010134ME
Simple Assault/DV
03/19/09
1100 REMBERT
0903009858ME
Vandalism/Misdemeanor
03/18/09
1100 TANGLEWOOD ST
0903009603ME
Robbery/Individual
03/18/09
900 SO COOPER
in the area this year compared to one last year. The first 100 days of 2009 have begun on a
0903009354ME
Aggravated Assault
03/17/09
1100 S REMBERT
positive note.
0903009119ME
Theft from Motor Vehicle
03/17/09
2000 WAVERLY AVE
Crime statistics from
0903008926ME
03/16/09
COOPER AND YOUNG
January 1 , 2008 to March 15 , 2008
0903008562ME
Burglary/Business
03/16/09
1000 S COOPER
0903008516ME
Burglary/Business
03/16/09
2000 YORK
0903007823ME
Other Theft/Non-Specific
03/14/09
1100 MARBORO
DRUG OFFENSE
2
DRUG OFFENSE
5
0903007801ME
Vandalism/Felony
03/14/09
1100 E PARKWAY S
MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT 2
MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
3
0903007703ME
MVT/Passenger Vehicle
03/14/09
2000 SERN
ROBBERY, INDIVIDUAL
4
ROBBERY, INDIVIDUAL
3
0903007533ME
Drugs/Narcotics Violation/Misd.
03/14/09
2300 SPARKWAY
SHOPLIFTING
9
SHOPLIFTING
6
0903006656ME
03/12/09
1900 EVERLYN
THEFT FROM BLDG
4
THEFT FROM BLDG
0903006351ME
03/12/09
2000 FELIX
THEFT FROM VEH
0903006287ME
Simple Assault/DV
03/11/09
2200 S PARKWAY E
THEFT, OTHER
advising Memphians to “Stow it; don’t show it”; that is, to hide valuables in your car or truck if you
must carry them at all.
Burglaries have also taken a nosedive. They are only 55 percent of the total from this time last
year. A recent visit by the police explaining Operation Identification should make the area even
less desirable.
Assaults, some of them domestic-related, have increased. We have had no reports of rapes
Crime statistics from
st
th
ASSAULT, SIMPLE
BURGLARY
0903004386ME
03/08/09
1200 S Parkway E
PURSE SNATCH
0903003352ME
03/06/09
COPPER AND YOUNG
RAPE
0903002977ME
03/06/09
COOPER AND NELSON
0903002922ME
03/06/09
1000 TANGLEWOOD
0903002723ME
03/06/09
2000 SERN AVE
0903002646ME
03/05/09
900 S COOPER
0903001655ME
Theft of Vehicle Parts/Access
03/04/09
1900 FELIX
0903001554ME
03/04/09
2100 MCLEMORE
0903001541ME
03/04/09
2300 S PARKWAY E
0903001529ME
03/04/09
2100 EVELYN AVE
0903001522ME
Burglary/DV
03/04/09
800 S COOPER
0903000695ME
Simple Assault/DV
03/02/09
800 S COX
0903000006ME
Vandalism/Felony
03/01/09
2000 WAVERLY
0902016056ME
02/26/09
1000 BLYTHE
0902015735ME
02/25/09
900 S COOPER AVE
0902014550ME
Aggravated Assault
02/23/09
2000 CARNES
0902014519ME
Aggravated Assault
02/23/09
2000 CARNES
0902014542ME
02/23/09
1100 S COOPER
0902013955ME
Aggravated Assault/DV
02/22/09
2000 CARNES
0902013863ME
02/22/09
2300 S PARKWAY E
0902013214ME
Simple Assault/DV
02/21/09
900 PHILADELPHIA
0902013042ME
02/20/09
900 N PARKWAY
0902013006ME
02/20/09
2200 S PARKWAY E
0902011930ME
Other Theft/Non-Specific
02/18/09
1200 S Parkway E
0902011559ME
02/18/09
1900 MANILA
4 20
30
January 1st, 2009 to March 15th, 2009
ASSAULT, SIMPLE
6
BURGLARY
11
1
THEFT FROM VEH
10
9
THEFT, OTHER
12
1
VANDALISM
5
1
ASSAULT, AGGRAVATED
1
Thanks to the Memphis Police Cyber Watch for the above statistics.
Crime Map
Do you want to know what crime is taking place in our neighborhood? The Memphis Police
Department offers a tool on its website (www.memphispolice.org) that allows you to locate crime
information. Crimemapper allows you to input an address and search in quarter-mile increments
for a specific type of crime. It then returns with the results of your search for the previous 30 days.
The crime map for this issue was compiled by Jane Hurt.
April 2009
LampLighter 19
F arewell , N ew York S t ree t
of charcoal and poured them all in. Boy, did that
Neighbors remember a beloved friend,
“family” member
create a huge fire…and that corn cooked faster
B y J ennifer O lt remari
When Nekole Delashmit bought her cute, renovated Cooper-Young Development Corporation
house over a decade ago, she wasn’t annoyed by the groups of kids running the streets back then.
She knew deep down they were good kids just looking for attention. Her reaction? She started the
New York Street “Kids Club.” Children from blocks away flocked to her front yard for snacks, stories,
games and the chance to be near a grown-up who showed interest in their lives. Nekole cared and
those kids felt it.
Nekole had that kind of effect on folks. She meant a lot to a lot of people.
A tragic accident took Nekole’s life the first week of March. She was only 36 years old. To us,
she was our neighbor, our friend–a part of our family. Losing her so abruptly, so unfairly, has been
heartbreaking.
Since her death, we–her New York Street family–have frequently gathered on porches, on
curbs and at bars to vent our grief, shock and outrage, but also to laugh and swap stories
about our dear friend. It helps. We thought we’d share some of our favorite memories of
Nekole with Cooper-Young.
Cathy Milam, friend and neighbor
Nekole was my sweetheart. She was like another daughter to me. She really was. She would
come out on her front porch late at night, sometimes in the early morning, and she would whisper
(really loudly) across the street, “Miss Cathy, you over there?” I had a screened porch so she
couldn’t really see me. I’d “whisper” loudly back, “Yeah, come on over.” She would come running
over with her cigarettes (always one for me), and a few cans of beer. We would talk half the night.
And she would always call me when she was going to grill steaks. She cooked the best steaks ever.
She would call and say, “Miss Cathy, I’m cookin’ steaks tonight, you got one?” If I didn’t she would
pick me one up at the store. She was always looking out for me, and I for her. Words cannot
express how much I miss her. I am just devastated by her loss. She was so special and there will
never be anyone in my life that can take her place.
Cindy Key, friend and neighbor
Nekole was fond of saying that we must’ve been soul mates because we both loved to grill and
both loved NASCAR. I remember the time we helped a friend move and the friend had an old,
small grill that she was going to throw away. It had been abused and needed some care, but it had
potential. Nekole and I, being the grill connoisseurs we were, thought, “Hey, we can fix this up and
give it as a present!” So we asked for the grill and got it. We spent a whole Sunday afternoon
watching NASCAR and fixing that grill. We were so proud of ourselves when we got it working! She
gave it away to someone who needed it a few years back, but she would always ask, “I wonder if
Amy still has that grill? You think we could get it back?” It makes me laugh even though my heart
hurts. I love and miss you, my friend.
Whitney Jo, friend and neighbor
Nekole loved the neighborhood cookouts. She would always bring the corn. She had this spice
she would rub over all of them with butter and then wrap them in foil and throw them on the grill.
The last cookout we had, she was determined to grill the corn first, since it took the longest to
cook. So I got the grill out, started the charcoal, and yelled for the corn. Nekole came over with her
corn and her beer. She looked at the grill, and said, “Girl, that is just not enough coals.” We argued
like always because I knew there were enough coals to cook the corn, but she tore open the bag
than ever. In fact, all of the food cooked a lot
faster that night. That was Nekole…make it all
bigger and it will be better! Our neighbor, our
friend, and our family member is gone, yet, she
will never be gone from New York Street. Nekole
Delashmit will always be with all of us, at every
cookout, and every day.
Stephanie Erb, friend and neighbor
It’s hard for me to sum up my seven years of
getting to know Nekole. We had countless nights
of sitting on the porch for hours together sharing
conversation while sipping our beers. I will never
forget one night I was sitting on my porch swing
watching a car that I had never seen before on
our street, making sure it was not doing anything
“bad.” So, I was just watching and Nekole snuck
up behind me and yelled, “BOO!” Needless to
Nekole Delashmit (1973 - 2009)
say, I yelled out of fear, dropped my beer and almost fell out of the swing. She said, “Stephanie, I
saw you watching that car, and, girl, I just had to come mess with you.” She then came up on the
porch, and as always, we sat there just talking.
Jennifer Oltremari, friend and neighbor
Nekole was an aunt and she loved her little nieces and nephews so much! I remember her
sister-in-law was pregnant with twins the same time I was pregnant with my little boy. Toward the
end of my pregnancy, I got huge and she would always come over to check on me and update me
on her sister-in-law. In fact, one night during a neighborhood cookout she made me leave the
party to go prop up my grossly swollen legs and “cankles.” After I had the baby, we would go for
walks and she would always wander across the street to “talk” to my baby and update me on her
sweet, little twin nieces. She was so proud of them and I could tell she loved my little Charlie, too.
Mai Williams, friend and neighbor
There are two quotes that best describe Nekole Delashmit to me. The first quote comes from Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve. You don’t have to
have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You
only need a heart full of grace—a soul generated by love.”
The second quote pretty much sums it up for most of us. It’s from the poet Maya Angelou: “I’ve
learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will
never forget how you made them feel.”
From all of us on New York Street: We love you and miss you so much, Nekole. You may be
gone, but you will never, ever be forgotten.
ART C U R E S
F re s h Take on L ocal an d I n t erna t ional A r t :
Find
balance
Artists
on Central
N. J.
Woodsat
art
show opens
at
J. S. SMITH
Gallery Fifty-Six
Many artists create out of a need to express themselves and often to make a statement through
B y J . M . C ro y
their artwork. Artist, Kathy Abernathy takes it one step further and creates art as an actual cure for
Five years ago, a little gallery dedicated to featuring the artwork of talented local artists and
a physical ailment.
crafters established itself as Artists on Central at 2256 Central Ave. With a wide array of paintings,
Plagued for years with near-constant migraine headache pain and after multiple medications
sculpture, pottery, arts and crafts, the gallery offered every kind of art imaginable for each and
and neurological appointments, Kathy began to find that the more she worked at her abstract
every taste and individual. As time progressed, the gallery fine-tuned its selection of art for the
paintings, the less migraine pain she suffered.
guests’ desires and more and more fine art made its way to the walls of the gallery. Making
the change from full-time work in computer programming to becoming a full-time artist
New
ownership
and
remodeling
helped thedoing
gallery
provide
more ofHer
thedegree
type ofinfine art
was never
something
she
would
have considered
before
thiseven
discovery.
that
the
customers
desired.
Soon,
plans
were
made
to
not
only
show
the
finest
local
art available
mathematics and computer science never prepared her for the experimentation and wonderment
butthrough
also to reach
out to But as she felt the positive changes that art was having on her life
created
her paintings.
nationally
and
internacoupled with the personal fulfillment that it brought things began to fall in place almost out of
tionally
artists
nowhere.
As acclaimed
she worked
full time on her paintings, doors began to open that led to honors and
for
representation
within
awards through the Memphis Germantown Art League shows, opportunities came to be juried into
its walls.
and sales were being made through galleries in Nashville, Memphis, and Palm
national
shows,
Springs, April’s
Florida.opening of the
Kathy
as sheatsays, “follow her bliss” into the art world. “It’s the hardest, most
newbegan
Galleryto,
Fifty-Six
demanding,
and
most amazing
career I know of,” continues Kathy. Today, she is thankful for all
the same
location
of
those2256
yearsCentral
of painAve.
and disability for without them she says she would not have found the
overwhelming
for living
continues affinity
the tradition
of a creative life.
showcasing the best local
art while including
internationally-acclaimed
artists with its first show
featuring the work of N.
J. Woods. An opening
reception for the show
and grand reopening for
the gallery will occur on
April 3rd. The public is
invited to a ribbon
cutting at 5 pm at the doors of the gallery followed by an Opening Reception for the show
“Bucolic Biographies” featuring new work by N. J. Woods. Guests will see the remodeling that has
already taken place in the gallery along with work in progress as they stroll through over 3,000
square feet of showroom space. N. J. Woods will be present during the evening of the 3rd to showcase her newest work of
dreamlike and autobiographical scenes of the Midsouth. Her luminous colors and nostalgic
themes have been featured around the nation and though her beginnings as a self taught artist
were humble, her creative growth has gained her a wide artistic reputation. As N. J. says, “Creativity often breeds insanity such as Van Gogh’s loss of an ear, or Georgia
O’Keefe’s time spent in a psychiatric hospital, but unlike these masters of art, I paint to keep my
sanity.” Her father was an artist and the memory of his work inspires her to create today.
With an upbringing in the city and country relatives, N. J. paints rustic life from memory and
Spring Showers by Kathy Abernathy
imagination. From what started in a shotgun house in the Orange Mound section of Memphis,
Kathy
will have
showtoduring
the month
of December
at Artists on
Central Art
Gallery themes
and she
Tennessee
andavisits
her Grandma
Sarah’s
house in Coldwater,
Mississippi,
nostalgic
hopesabound
those who
see
her
work
will
enjoy
the
same
sense
of
wonderment
and
bliss
that
she
felt as
in her work. she created each piece. “Perhaps you would even feel a release from the pains of everyday life,”
Having painted professionally for more than 10 years, N. J. has quite a following for her
says Kathy. “Art can truly steal your heart . . . and renew your soul”
paintings. Her focus, she says, is more on the color than the subject so the viewer needn’t be
Kathy’s show, Finding Balance, will be at the Artists on Central Gallery 2256 Central Avenue
Southern or African-American to appreciate or become emotionally connected with her work. from December 7 through December 31. There will be an opening reception for the artist on the
If you love color, you will love N. J. Woods’ artwork featured in the first show for the new
evening of December 7 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. The show will continue throughout the month of
Gallery Fifty-Six. The first of many fine art shows to be featured in the gallery, guests are invited
December during regular gallery hours of 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
to come to the opening reception and/or visit the gallery to see N. J. Woods’ show anytime
In January, Kathy and each artist who has been selected for a one man show at Artists on
Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am-5 pm through April 30th. For more information about this
Central during 2007 will be together, as a group show, each artist displaying some of their newest
show, the new gallery or future shows at the gallery, please call the gallery at 276-1251 or go
pieces with statements as to the direction his or her art will be taking in the future. It’s a sneak
online
to GalleryFiftySix.com.
preview
of the
styles, talents, and directions that each artist will be taking for 2008 and beyond.
Featured artists in this show will be M. J. Reeves, Mary Winger-Bowman, G. Allen B., Nigel Merrick,
John Sosh, Kenny Hayes, John Sadowski, Jane Croy, Jeff Corbett, and Kathy Abernathy.
For more information about the gallery and the shows or if you are an artist who would like to
display your work at Artists on Central come by the gallery at 2256 Central Avenue to pick up a
show application or call 276-1251. You can also visit the gallery online at www.thepalladiogroup.
com. Just scroll down to Artists on Central as one of the shops of The Palladio Group, which also
Yard of the month
r ecognit ion be gins in
April. Email nominations to
[email protected]
includes Market Central, Palladio, Waterworks and a new area of artist’s studios all located in the
2200 block of Central Avenue
April 2009
LampLighter 21
December 2007 LampLighter 21
I s t h ere an en d t o s c h ool s y s t em p roblem s ?
Car ponderings and things that make you go “hmmm…”
B y Dr . D . J ack s on M axwell
juror. Jurors have little more than a 30-minute
water is too hot. In reality, installing a regulator
Another recent car pondering involved
the coast or taking our children to see the
can easily prevent water from getting “too hot.”
teacher training. Each year, every Shelby
video training session. For the first exhibition,
newest, biggest ball of twine, my wife Robyn
So, why is there no warm water?
County teacher and staff member is required to
this was deemed adequate by the MCS
Often as we find ourselves on a road trip to
attend an in-service day. During these trainings,
administration to pass judgment on students’
We call these philosophical ramblings “car
allow teachers to choose classes they teach
no matter if you are Jewish, Hindu, Muslim,
projects and assign grades. Hmmm. I think a
ponderings.” Seeing how both Robyn and I are
based on their seniority? Other schools assign
Atheist, Agonistic or of any other religious
huge issue would be made if I presumed to
educators, the topic often turns to the current
teachers classes based on their personal
persuasion, you will be subjected to at least
conduct 50 percent of a surgeon’s operation or
state of our school systems and their manage-
preferences, randomization, or using cronyism
one Christian prayer. This year the training was
if I took over 50 percent of an air traffic
ment. Between us, we have been in the
as guides. While these practices are made
held at Bellevue Baptist Church so there were
controller’s job for a day.
business of education for nearly 50 years and
possible because most teachers are certified to
even more Christian prayers than usual. What
have seen many things. Most of these have
teach more than one subject, common sense
ever happened to the separation of church
ings my wife and I have recently discussed. I
been good, a few bad, and some merely
says that principals should assign classes on the
and state–or at least opting for a non-denom-
am sure there are reasons for these administra-
bizarre. While we do not claim to have all the
merit of a teacher’s educational experience,
inational prayer or moment of silence?
tive policies but in our jobs as teachers, we
answers, we do believe educators must
skill level, and proven ability (i.e. students’ test
constantly examine and evaluate what they
scores). Why is common sense not the policy?
and I take time to contemplate life’s mysteries.
are doing. The following are a few of the
Another question: Why do some schools
The Memphis Education Association (MEA)
On another topic, I commend Dr. Kriner Cash
These are a few of the educational ponder-
have not been made privy to the thinking of
for the changes he has brought to MCS. The
the decision-makers. If you have any questions
increased safety measures that have led to
or similar ponderings, please feel free to email
questions that we have concerning various
serves as the intermediary for teachers in their
metal scanners in all high schools, increased
these to us. We will do our best to present these
aspects of how the business of education is
dealings with the Memphis City Schools Board
security and police presence on campuses and
ponderings with the hope that all of us will
being conducted today.
of Education. MEA arbitrates disputes, negoti-
identification cards for students are welcome.
receive some kind of a reasoned or enlightening response.
ates salaries, sets working conditions, and signs
Moving Accelerated Reader from MCS-funded
planners who design our schools. Health
contracts. Therefore, after leaving office, why do
to a locally-funded program will undoubtedly
research states that the best way to prevent the
so many MEA Presidents receive jobs working
save money and can be preserved at schools
Board Certified Teacher and an Educational
spread of colds, flu, and other common
at the Board of Education? To me, this creates
actually using it. The system-wide student
Consultant . Robyn Maxwell is a highly
diseases is by frequently washing our hands
the appearance of collusion and impropriety.
exhibits certainly proved that Dr. Cash could
qualified, master level teacher with 20
with soap and warm water. However, I have
Further, many public servants in the police and
dictate and deliver a project that, in the end,
years of educational experience. If you
never found a sink in a school that students
fire departments and in the city and county
drew positive media attention. However, I
have any questions or comments, please
have access to that has hot running water! One
governments are pensioned after working 20 or
ponder the logic of the proposal that every
contact Dr. Maxwell via email at: djackson-
teacher suggested school designers are afraid
25 years. Why must teachers work 30 years for
student will receive 50 percent of a report card
[email protected]
that children would scald themselves if the
similar retirement benefits?
grade based on the opinion of a community
My first question is for the architects and
Dr. D. Jackson Maxwell is a National
Goo d F oo d for Goo d Peo p le
P L AY D AY S
An early spring treat Playhouse
that
on the Square features entertaining holiday line up
everyone can enjoy C O U R T N E Y O L I V E R
B y J ennifer O lt remari
Playing outside on a delightful, warm and breezy day
cooking
your boring
Theversus
holiday
seasoninside
has arrived,
which means old favorites,
right! “The Producers”, the critically acclaimed musical
planning for the bottom t
kitchen? Hands down, playing almost always wins new
this time
of year.
it an shows
odd are playing at
favorites
andAnd
just that
plainmakes
enjoyable
comedy adapted by from Mel Brooks’ 1968 film of the same
for the top two. It will be
sort of “in-between” season for cooking.
name, finally comes marching onto the Playhouse stage.
holiday refreshments.
Playhouse on the Square. In addition, Playhouse also an-
Spring fever is a real thing. It’s torture for most of
us to sititsstill
on a sunny,
April day--much
nounced
previously
top-secret
summer musical show–it’s
For more information,
It’s New York in 1959 and two theatrical producers scheme
less stay inside and toil over a hot stove. We’re just“The
not Producers.”
interested.
And, after shedding bulky layers of winter clothes, This
suddenly
extra
pounds
from eating
year’sthose
holiday
shows
include:
to get rich by overselling interests in a Broadway flop—a
725-0776 or email jackie
musical titled “Springtime For Hitler: A Gay Romp with Adolf
Upcoming auditions
cold weather gut-bombs like sweet potato casserole and
pot With
roast Frog
are painfully
obvious.
Yet, December 23 at
“A Year
and Toad”
runs through
and Eva at Berchtesgaden.” But complications arise when the
that’s another reason not to cook.
show unexpectedly turns out to be a roaring success. Drawing
upcoming shows “Scapin”
the Circuit Playhouse. Based on the beloved series of books by
In honor of spring–and all things quick, easy and
light–we’re
resuscitating
but overly
a
Arnold
Lobel of
an aquatic an
oddoldie
couple:
confident Frog
On December 3 Playho
on ridiculous accents, over-the-top caricatures, and show
on Tuesday December 4
goodie from Cooper-Young’s own Ben Smith, chef/owner
Tsunami
S. Cooper).
Ben
and hisofbest
friend.(928
Saturdays
and Sundays
at 2 p.m.
business in-jokes, the musical was a hit in New York, winning a
Park” will be asked to sing
featured this recipe in the LampLighter years ago. I immediately
ripped
out and December
stuck it on 23
my at the Circuit
“Plaid Tidings”
runsit through
record-breaking twelve Tony Awards.
song, preferably of the co
fridge, where it’s been ever since. Over the years, I’ve
passed this
alongand
to friends,
family
Playhouse.
Thisrecipe
endearing
charming
plaid-clad quartet
“The Producers” runs at Playhouse on the Square June 20 to
and coworkers. It’s unanimous–everybody loves it.from “Forever Plaid” are transported back for a nostalgic holiday
In about 15 minutes, you could be relaxing on theextravaganza.
porch with a bowl of tasty, chilled sesame
noodles, sipping an ice-cold pilsner, enjoying the gorgeous
spring weather.
Yes, it’sJanuary
that easy.
Cheers!
“Seussical”
runs through
6 at
Playhouse on the
July 20, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at
for “Scapin” will be asked
For “Trailer Park” Playh
2 p.m. The Preview performance is Thursday, June 19 at 8
female singer/actors, Age
p.m. The Pay What You Can performance is Thursday, June 26
adult male singer/actors,
Square. Capture the imagination and revolutionary whimsy of
at 8 p.m. First Sunday Event is Sunday, June 22, following the
“Scapin,” the theatre is hir
Dr. Seuss in this fantastical musical celebration.
1 package soba noodles (Japanese buckwheat noodles;
12Christmas”
oz.)
“A Tuna
runs through January 6 at Playhouse on
2 p.m. performance. Audiences will enjoy the chance to meet
twenties to mid-forties an
the cast and crew and tour the backstage areas of Playhouse on
mid-twenties to mid-fortie
1 tablespoon chopped ginger
the Square. Tacky tree trimmings, gaudy garlands and redneck
the Square. Food and beverages will be provided.
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
ribbons festoon the town of Tuna, Texas as this much-loved
Holiday open house
¼ cup soy sauce
audience favorite returns.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
Big Broadway show comes to Playhouse
Chilled Sesame Noodles
(serves 6)
1 bunch green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons peanut oil or olive oil
For more information,
courtney@playhouseonth
Playhouse on the Square is having a holiday open house at
its current five-story office building that will become part of the
Theatre and Arts Center Complex at 2158 Union—or as folks
“Step 1: We find the worst play ever written. Step 2: We hire
the worst director in town. Step 3: We raise two million dollars...
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Step 4: We hire the worst actors in New York and open on
Cook the soba noodles, according to the package
directions,
until
tender.
Broadway
and
before
youBE
canWARNED
say Stepthat
5, we close on
soba noodles take far less time to cook than other Broadway,
dry noodles.
Drain
theand
sobago to Rio.” That’s
take
our and
two cool
million
noodles under cold running water.
have been referring to it: “the new Playhouse on the Square.”
On Tuesday December 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., we are
inviting members, boards, staff, and friends of Heart of the Arts
and Midtown Development Corporation. Come see what we are
Make a dressing by whisking together the ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions
and peanut or olive oil.
Mix the cooked noodles with the dressing and toss well. Garnish with the toasted
sesame seeds.
Memphis Farmer’s Market is back starting April 18th!
Word on the street is local produce beats organic fruits and veggies when it comes to
eco-friendliness. So, infuse your meals with the freshest food around (unless you have your
own garden, that is). Grab your canvas bags, hop on the bike and trek downtown to the train
station to find the best early spring fare like homegrown asparagus and year-round favorites
such as fresh herbs.
When: Saturdays, April 18th thru October, 7 am to 1 pm (rain or shine)
Where: Central Station, South Front Street at GE Patterson in the Historic South Main
District, Downtown Memphis
Free parking adjacent to the market.
Call chris
for ad rates
359-1696
10 LampLighter
December 2007
3#(7!24:
%,%#42)##/).#
3#OX3TREET
-EMPHIS4.
!LAN3CHWARTZ
April 2009
LampLighter 23
Pe t column
Springtime in Cooper-Young… and the
animals the season brings with it
B y Tri s h a Gurle y
How many cats can you count today?
Ahh, spring. The lovely time of year when blossoms sprout, people come out of their own
hibernation, and Memphis gets nice weather before the summer heat wave hits. Some say love
arrives in spring with all this freshness, and the animal kingdom is in sync with this belief. In fact,
spring brings with it its own season–Kitten Season.
While there’s no official kitty equinox, Kitten Season commonly begins in the last two weeks
of March and goes on until November. Few things are as adorable as a snuggly, soft, mewing
kitten. Unfortunately, the majority of kittens arrive on this Earth due to what amounts to owner
neglect or indifference.
Female cats will reach maturity at six months of age and will then be ready to produce litters.
An unspayed female cat will go into heat every three weeks. Yes, every three weeks. An average
litter is usually four to six kittens. In one year, a mother cat can produce an average of 18 kittens.
Within six months, all those cuddly kittens will be able to have their own babies. If you’re not
mathematically inclined, I have done the calculations for you: in seven years, that one female cat
has helped produce 420,000 cats!
And what shall become of all these kittens, the thousands who will not be fortunate enough to
end up in loving, safe forever homes? You’ll see the “free kittens” signs, the classified ads in
newspapers selling kittens, dead cats on roads, the starved and flea-ridden ferals in the neighborhood. Some will end up in the hands of abusers and as bait for dog fighting. Some will end up in
animal testing labs or as dissection animals for schools.
Don’t count on shelters to take up the slack. As willing as a shelter’s staff may be, there simply
isn’t the space or funding to take in all these new cats.
It’s a grim picture, but you can help. The number one way to help is to spay or neuter your cat,
even if your cat is strictly indoors. Memphis has many local, low-cost spay and neuter programs.
One place to check out is Mid-South Spay and Neuter Services (formerly known as the Animal
Protection Association). Visit their site at www.spaymemphis.com or call them at 324-3202. CY’s
own House of Mews is also a great resource on how to obtain a low-cost spay or neuter for your
cat. They can be reached at 272-3777.
No Easter Bunnies, Please
Easter is April 12th. Whether or not one celebrates the holiday, the images of fluffy bunnies,
chicks and the like are practically oozing off the shelves in most major stores. Treats and gifts will
be given to friends and family. Inevitably, Easter also inclines some folks to think a young rabbit,
chick or duckling would be the sweetest gift of all, particularly for a child.
No doubt, such critters are sweeter than chocolate eggs. But consider a stuffed toy version of
these animals before making the mistake of buying a live one.
Rabbits are not pets to stick in a cage and toss lettuce to once in a while. Even if one acquires
a rabbit for free, the initial cost to own a rabbit averages $300. This does not even include
veterinary care or other medical expenses. Like dogs and cats, rabbits must be spayed or
neutered. They are fragile animals and aren’t designed for children’s handling. A rabbit can live
to be 10-12 years old, and like people, they are born to run and play. Their habitats must be
cleaned regularly and they need fruits, vegetables and chew toys to prevent tooth erosion. Check
out www.rabbitwisememphis.org, a local rabbit rescue website, on more reasons why Easter
rabbits are a bad idea and how to help if you know of rabbits in danger.
Likewise, chicks are especially brittle animals. Many chicks carry salmonella, even without
showing signs of illness. Children can be poisoned with salmonella by simply holding the bird,
and people with HIV/AIDS, pregnant women and the elderly are also susceptible.
A duckling is also a poor choice. They can actually drown without the protective oils of their
mothers (their down will absorb water instead of repelling it). In addition, ducks do not have a
sphincter muscle and thus cannot be potty trained. They’re especially unsafe around children, as
they will pinch and peck if annoyed.
Most impulse-bought animals such as these will not live one year. Owners will turn the animal
out into the wild, thinking nature will take over. It will indeed take over–the animal will starve to
death or become prey for another animal.
Perhaps the most far-reaching problem, however, is the lesson this teaches children. Instead of
modeling humane treatment for all creatures, cruelty is reinforced by regarding animals as simple
toys, and disposable ones at that.
Email Trisha at [email protected].
W h y t ravel an y w h ere el s e ?
“Summer Camp around the World” is
right here in Cooper-Young
B y Penn y Do d d s
As the warmth of spring in Memphis enlivens our neighborhood, we at the Natural Learning
School are busy planning our first summer camp. Imagine being able to fly around the world this
summer! Imagine children traveling, friends-in-hand, to experience new cultures together. We
thought that would be fun, too, and invite all children to find a seat on our pretend plane for our
Cooper Young
Porch Sale
Saturday, April 25. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Rain date: May 2
two-month world tour adventure. First stop…Japan! This is the land of sushi rolls, volcanoes,
kimonos, origami, taiko drums, and tea ceremonies. We can’t wait to arrive!
Households all over Cooper Young will be hosting
yard sales, and selling original art & crafts.
Find almost anything you want at bargain prices.
For a list of participating addresses, or to
host your own sale, contact Benn.
[email protected]
“Summer Camp around the World” is open to children ages two - nine, regardless of previous
or future school affiliations. Over the course of the summer, campers will pretend to travel, with
passport in-hand, to nine countries, experiencing a new country each week. While “visiting,”
campers will be introduced to legends, stories, art, and traditional dishes that they will help to prepare and science activities. Children will have a meaningful encounter with the culture of each
country through drama, music and costume making. In addition to all those fun activities, we
offer optional afternoon swimming classes, soccer practice, rest time for campers who nap and
daily free play in and out of doors.
We are also excited to offer music and creative movement workshops from Memphis’
Being Art. Anne Froning Wike and Sean Murphy are an exceptional artistic team experienced
in working with young children. They offer workshops that stimulate and develop children’s
musical sensibilities and physical reaction to sound. Sean and Anne will also guide the
children on the art of instrument building. To learn more about Being Art, please visit their
website at www.beingart.com.
Campers may sign up by the week for full or half days. Camp runs from 9 am – 3 pm, Monday
through Friday, from June 1st-July 31st. We will accept applications for June camp sessions until
May 15th or until fully enrolled, and we will register for July sessions until June 12th or fully
enrolled. Spaces are limited! Register now!
Please visit our website www.naturallearningschool.com or call (901) 361-3289 for more
information and an application form. We are sure that all those traveling with us this summer
will have amazing journeys, come home with lots of stamps in their passports and make
memories for a lifetime.
April 2009
LampLighter 25
F oo d for T h ou g h t
Eating well and gluten-free
B y Davi d Smi t h
A fairly common disorder that receives little attention, both in the public eye and in the
world of cuisine, is celiac disease, or more commonly known as gluten intolerance. It is an
autoimmune disease that occurs in one out of every 133 people, and yet many restaurants lack
any substantial dishes to cater to people afflicted with it. Perhaps a greater understanding of this
condition will inspire more local restaurants in Cooper-Young to extend their hands and menus to
gluten intolerant Midtowners.
Gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barley, though oats can also cause reactions to some.
Different from an allergy, gluten specifically inflames and damages the inner wall of the small
intestine in gluten intolerant individuals, causing both painful side effects and blocking nutrients
from entering the bloodstream. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, symptoms are
greatly varied, but can include recurring abdominal pain and bloating, chronic diarrhea or
constipation, joint pain and fatigue. If left untreated, long-term conditions of celiac disease
include malnutrition through mineral and vitamin deficiencies, early osteoporosis, anemia and
pancreatic and/or gallbladder malfunction. Even consuming small amounts of gluten that may
not immediately bother an individual can still cause damage to the small intestine.
According to the MayoClinic, the cause and origin of celiac disease is unknown, but it is
most often genetic. If the disease is present within the immediate family, the odds of carrying it
skyrocket from 0.7% for the general population to between 5% and 15%. The onset of the disease
for carriers is often triggered by a traumatic event, such as surgery, infection or pregnancy.
Unfortunately, the only current remedy for this condition is maintaining a completely
gluten-free diet, which is easier said than done when considering the diverse, prevalent and
sometimes obscure ways in which gluten products are used. However, this does not spell the end
for gluten intolerants from enjoying a night out of good eating at one of our Cooper-Young
restaurants. Fortunately, there are some locations that are especially mindful of the dangers and
gastrological difficulties of dining out with this condition.
Outback Steakhouse, located at 2255 Union Avenue, has a separate and extensive
gluten-free menu that still features many of their signature dishes. A favorite on that menu is
a flourless hot fudge brownie dessert topped with homemade ice cream and whipped cream
adorned with chocolate shavings. Kevin Luke, the new proprietor, understands the importance of serving those dishes absolutely free of any possible contact with gluten for his
mother-in-law has celiac disease. Because of this personal interest, he personally prepares
each gluten-free dish to ensure its quality and safety.
Tsunami, located at 928 South Cooper, is also a safe-haven for sufferers of celiac
disease. Although the menu is ever-evolving and does not specifically feature gluten-free
dishes, head chef Ben Smith and his staff are acutely aware of gluten intolerance, and Smith
is eager to accommodate his guests by altering his Pacific Rim dishes to make them as safe
as they are delicious.
C Y Socie t y Pa g e
If it’s new and exciting, give me
a holler!
B y A un t C icely
Hi there, sweeties! Aunt Cicely here with the first installment of the CY Society Page–news
about you, by you!
So what kind of news is old Aunt Cicely looking for, you may wonder? Well, if you remember
the society page from your basic small town paper, it was full of news about engagements,
weddings, births, and who had whom over for dinner. Now, you don’t have to tell me every time
your good-for-nothing neighbor, Stanley, pops over at dinnertime to poach your chicken (pun
most certainly intended), but if you just had a great neighborhood get-together, a good vacation,
or even just a slightly-above-average baby, I want to know about it and I want pictures!
And don’t just send me your own news, you press-hounds, you--send all the info that’s fit to
print about the major life happenings on your street. Aunt Cicely isn’t looking for gossip (the
The Memphis, Gay & Lesbian Community Center raised the most donations to
win the People’s Choice award at the 2nd annual Cooper-Young Chili Cook-Off.
preacher gets onto me about that), but if you’ve got juicy details and pictures about your CY pals’
trips to the altar or bouncing baby boy that they’re willing to share, I want ‘em!
Now, on to the news! It seems that there’s been a baby boom over there on Nelson
Avenue–at least four new babies have turned up in households on that street over the
past year, and rumor has it that there are several more buns in the Nelson oven. Anybody
looking to get in the family way might check to see what they’re putting in the punch at
their neighborhood gatherings!
And speaking of neighborhood gatherings, if you missed the 2nd Annual Cooper-YoungPeabody Elementary Chili Cook-Off, you missed a good time indeed. The snow started
just in time to put everyone in the mood for a steaming bowl of chili, and the competitors
did not disappoint. Though Aunt Cicely was partial to the non-award-winning Glenferno Chili
entered by Evelyn resident Glen Thomas, those Rhodes boys from Walker Street
admittedly earned the Judges’ Choice Award with their entry that included two different
kinds of scotch. (Don’t tell the preacher, but I had more than a few bites of that tasty
concoction!) And the team from the Memphis, Gay & Lesbian Community Center raked
in the donations to win the People’s Choice Award for their crawfish chili served over rice.
Rhodes Boys from Walker Street won
the overall award at the Cooper-Young
Chili Cook-Off.
Micah Grisham tries to sway the
judges at the chili cookoff.
The event raised almost $1,000 for improvements to the Peabody Elementary playground.
Aunt Cicely will be back next year, but will
definitely be bringing the Pepcid next time!
Finally, Anthony Siracusa, who is the
founder of Revolutions Community Bicycle
Shop at First Congo, is giving new meaning
to the term “pedal pusher.” Anthony has
won a fellowship from the Thomas J.
Watson Foundation that will allow him to
travel the world, starting in July, studying
bicycle cultures on four continents for a
full year. His travels will take him to
Denmark, the Netherlands, China, Australia
and Mexico.
Whew! Aunt Cicely got tired just writing
about that little jaunt–time for a little of
Josiah Ayers, born 4/17/08 to Susan and Joe Currier (picture shows him with
big brother, Mason)
Asher Ozan, born 7/10/08 to Ozge
and Damien Kovarik
that spiked chili and a nap. See you next
month, sweeties!
Send your news to Aunt Cicely at [email protected]. Don’t forget about your
graduates in May!
Stella Grace, born 2/28/09 to Scarlett and Chris Cook
Samuel Parker, born 10/10/08 to Lea
and Carter Speed
April 2009
LampLighter 27

Art for Art`s Sake Auction - Cooper

Transcription

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