Congregations continue to strengthen Cooper

Transcription

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VOLU M E XVI I, N U M B E R IV
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
w w w.cooper young.org
worship
CHURCH ROW
Congregations
continue to
strengthen
Cooper-Young
ou t re a ch
C our t ne y M iller S a n t o
S E RVIC E
I
n Memphis, not only is there a church on every
corner, but there is typically a church on the
block in-between those corners. Cooper-Young is
no exception to the city’s high concentration of
places to worship. Within our boundaries, there are
nine congregations holding regular worship
meetings.
These congregations help make Cooper-Young
a more livable community through service and
outreach programs. They introduce our community to people who live outside the neighborhood
and provide a stabilizing influence on CooperYoung.
“Is a neighborhood really a neighborhood
without a place to worship? I believe, the pillars
of a community includes places of worship,” says
Edmund Mackey, president of the Cooper-Young
Community Association. “CY has several places to
worship, some established and others that are
emerging but all are welcome fixtures in the
community. The fabric of our community is
woven with the thread from our places of
worship.”
Galloway United Methodist is just one of the
congregations that not only worships in CY, but
reaches out into our community with its programs and service. Its mission statement reads in
part, “We express our communal spirit through
creative, exciting worship, the arts, and through
community outreach…Together, we learn and
serve others locally, globally, through innovative
and artistic outreach.”
One of its more successful programs has been a
partnership with Graffiti Playground, a youth and
young adult dance, acting, music, and art troupe.
The group is the brainchild of DeWayne Hambrick.
Most recently, DeWayne directed Graffiti Playground
in several performances of Rent. Galloway has also
started a new “open door” worship, which you can
read more about on page 15.
Maintaining active and engaged congregations in
Midtown has not been easy. Many of the churches
continued on page14
December 2006 – January 2007
LampLighter 11
Andria Cline, who has taken over the realms at Mothersville for the last year is
looking for a few good mothers who want to take on the venture – either as a nonprofit or for-profit endeavor. She talks about the history of this unique store and
what it means to the community in her article.
Music does not only sooth the human soul, but also the heart and mind of your
household companion. Deborah Camp takes readers through the journey of
introducing music to pets. Noting that she and her husband, “firmly believe that
music, interspersed with the sound of a human voice, reassures and comforts our
little guys.”
Beyond the beat
24
December 12 at 6 p.m., at the
community offices, 2298 Young Ave.
We’re having a holiday cookie
party for the last meeting of the
year. Bring your yummiest
Pet sounds
18
Meetings
No joy in Mothersville …
CYCA General
Meeting
Kerry Hayes, the LampLighter’s newest columnist, will talk riffs with the raff of
Memphis’ Midtown music scene. This month, he talks with Will Hoge, a traditionalist,
a disciple of soul and southern rock who is bent on making a few disciples of his
own. Will plays the Deli later this month.
holiday cookies to share with
neighbors and friends. We’ll also
raffle tickets to Playhouse on the
Square’s holiday productions and
have sign-up sheets for committees.
CYCA Board Meeting
December 19 at 7 p.m., at the
community offices, 2298 Young Ave.
City Council Meetings
Extras
December 5 at 3:30 p.m.
Membership.................................. 3
Lifelong Learning.......................20
Chatterbox..................................... 6
Marisa Baggett...........................21
Safety Column.............................. 9
CY Vine .......................................22
Crime Map..................................... 9
Elementary News......................27
Meetings for both are held in Council
Chambers, First Floor, City Hall
at 125 North Main Street.
Shelby County
Commission Meetings
Midtown Mama..........................11
le t t er from t he presiden t
Season’s Greetings,
Cooper-Young Organizations
Recently, the Memphis Flyer reported that Cooper-
Spike in crime? Coordinate safety and block clubs. This community
Young was selected as the Best Neighborhood in
association is the unseen hand that helps get the things done many of
Memphis. The Flyer cited the strong community
us do not individually have the time, connections, or resources to do.
association as a major reason for its decision. I must
Have you renewed your association membership? Have you recently
admit I was proud when I read it, feeling like I had a
moved in and did not know your association was at work? Hopefully
part in it, but then it dawned on me that this could be
this will serve as a reminder to some and validation to others that your
the reason our membership numbers are dwindling.
community association is hard at work but needs your continued
The community association does a lot that gets taken for granted. As
support. The Memphis Flyer recognizes your community as one of the
president of the association I attend countless meetings on behalf of our
safest, most desirable places to live, work, play and worship. I’m a
neighborhood. At these meetings, I find that most attendees recognize CY
proud member of the community association. Are you?
as a trendsetter and beacon for Memphis neighborhoods. Graffiti on a
Have a blessed holiday season and a prosperous new year,
buildings? Community volunteers paint over it. Cars barreling down Young?
CYCA
Shannon Choo
901-272-2922
[email protected]
CYBA
Kathryn Bruneau
901-276-7222 [email protected]
CYDC
Sutton Mora Hayes
901-272-1459
[email protected]
Cooper-Young Community Association
CYCA Board Officers
Coordinate with the city to build speed bumps. Trash around the business
Edmund Mackey
district? Purchase a trash bin while volunteers clean and empty trash cans.
President, Cooper-Young Community Association
President
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer
Edmund Mackey
Debbie Sowell
See’Trail Mackey
Jason Word
CYCA Committee Heads
Staff and Volunteers
Contributors
Founder
Editor
Layout
Business Manager
Distribution
Photographer
Ad Manager
Janet Stewart
Courtney Miller Santo
Shades of Gray, Inc.
Chris McHaney
Rich Bullington
Charles Gage
Chris McHaney
Content
Ad Sales
Distribution
Marisa Baggett, Morgan Bernal, Deborah Camp, Nick
Canterucci, Carol Ciscel, Andria Cline, Jon Devin, Yolanda
Dozier, Dalila Early, Jason Elder, Stacey Greenberg, Kerry
Hayes, Julia Hicks, Michael Hughes, Diane Jalfon, Terry
Lawrence, Edmund Mackey, D. Jackson Maxwell, J.S.
Smith, Bill Stemmler, Michael Taylor, Casey Weatherford,
Ken Weatherford, Josh Whitehead, Jennifer Word and
Steve Womack.
Deadlines for February
LampLighter
Articles, submissions: January 15
Advertising copy: January 20
Distribution beginning: February 2
Please send all articles and submissions to:
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.
LampLighter December 2006 – January 2007
[email protected]
For advertising rate sheet, or to submit ads
electronically, please email:
[email protected]
Communications
Membership
Finance
Festival 4-Miler
Safety
Emily Bishop
Debbie Sowell
Jason Word
Richard Coletta
Michael Ham
Open
CYCA At-Large Board Members
save
the
date
Rosemary West, Alan Ray, Carmen Weaver and
Elizabeth Harcourt
CYCA Annual Art for
Arts Sake Auction
April 14 at the
Young Avenue Deli
Community Spirit
N ow y ou see i t
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.
N ow y ou D on ’ t
Be sure to visit www.cooperyoung.
CY was filled with spooky
org to see what exciting benefits
houses this year. Walking the
now come with CYCA membership.
neighborhood trick-or-treaters
cleanups
On Sunday November 12, the building that houses the community offices for the
Cooper-Young Development Corporation, Cooper-Young Business Association
and Cooper-Young Community Association was vandalized with graffiti.
Terry Lawrence, who heads the CYCA safety committee and Edmund Mackey,
Board president and Elizabeth Harcourt, of the beautification committee,
immediately tackled the problem. “Graffiti will multiply in our neighborhood if
left unchecked,” says Terry. The CYCA’s goal is to have all graffiti removed within
48 hours. The organization encourages business and property owners not to let
graffiti accumulate on their buildings. By November 14, the graffiti had been
covered with primer and it was completely painted over by November 18.
were greeted by ghosts,
Sowing the seeds – The new year
witches, ghouls, cartoon
is bringing on the winds of change and it is
characters, nightmares before
time to grow something special! Planting the
Christmas characters, and
seeds of our community is the goal. Look to
more spider webs that all the
your mailboxes in January for how you can
spiders in CY put together
support the efforts of CYCA and add a splash
could make. The winners of the
of color too! We are still looking for volun-
2006 “Halloween Yard of the
teers with Filemaker Pro skills and anyone
Year” are 2032 Nelson, 2027
willing to serve on the membership com-
Nelson and 2063 Young.
mittee. If you are interested contact the CYCA
today at [email protected].
Join Us
We’ve been working to make our neighborhood a better place to live since 1976.
New
Renewing
Single – $15
Household – $20
Trestle Tender – $50
Senior 55 and older – $5
New Residents – FREE
Friend of CYCA (Non-resident) – $30
Name_ _______________________________________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________ Zip___________________________
Phone________________________________________________ Email___________________________
Contact me about volunteer opportunites in our community
Enclosed is my gift of $_ _________________________________________________________________
in honor or/in memory of_ ______________________________________________________________
Donna Sue Shannon, one of our new
neighbors on Elzey in Cooper-Young
Place reports: Our new street is a
favorite for walking dogs (our two
rescue cuties included)! However,
a number of the walkers have not
been bagging. So, being the party
street that we are, we decided to
have fun—and beautify, healthify,
and educate all in one. Saturday,
November 11, six of us armed with
shovels, scoopers, trowels, small
bags and one huge heavy duty one,
laughed our way down our two
public alleys, the median and some
yards, bagging almost fifty pounds
of poop. One of our neighbors had
ordered the free signs from the
City, so we also strategically placed
SCOOP THE POOP signs. Afterward
we gathered to toast ourselves with
a bottle of champagne and a barrel
of laughs for memories. A little chore
proving that safety, block unity,
beautification, code awareness and
FUN can all be covered in one fell
scoop. Participating were: Mike
Taylor, Van Menard, Linda Kirklen,
John Kinsey, Wayne Shannon and
me—the newly designated Block
Captain—Donna Sue Shannon.
Mail this form with your payments to:
CYCA Membership, 2298 Young Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
The CYCA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
How does the CYCA manage to
accomplish its to do list every
year? It does so with the help of
its committees (beautification and
code enforcement, communications,
4-miler, safety, finance and
membership). If you’ve ever thought
about getting involved in the
neighborhood and wondered where to
start, one of these committees is an
excellent place. We’ll be talking more
about committees at the holiday
cookie party on December 12. Also it
may be last minute, but volunteers to
cheer on the runners in the St. Jude
Marathon are still needed. All that
is required is to show up near the
intersection of Cooper and Young and
clap a little when the runners run,
walk or drag themselves by. Laura
Gray Teekell of St. Jude (pictured)
attended the meeting to encourage
folks to make race day a party
atmosphere for the runners.
LampLighter L E TT E R T O T H E E D I T O R
FOR D TOUG H
Freedom of
speech is good
(most of the time)
Is it the twilight of the Ford family’s infamy now that the
federal government is Ford-free?
J on D evin
One of my favorites columns of the
LampLighter, is the Letters to the Editor
section. It is from this section, I can get a
feeling on what fellow CY residents are
thinking. And at times, I’ve been both
amused and outraged. But one thing most
people will agree on is that freedom of
speech, is a wonderful device, the majority
of the time.
Jack Lazenby’s recent note, last month,
did raise important points, however, I
wouldn’t go as far to agreeing with all of his
opinions. True, the recent cancellation of the
annual CY artist show surely struck a nerve,
and probably showed how important this
event is to CY residents. However, I’m sure
there were many more factors as to the
show being cancelled than the average
person knows about. Hence the hiatus it has
taken for 2006. It might be interesting to
see a full-blown article on what exactly
went wrong, along with what went right.
As far as Jack’s calling of everyone within
the CY axis to resign from boards etc, well,
in my opinion, that is hasty and overbearing. It’s tough enough to find enough
quality people to volunteer, let along get
paid for doing anything of merit these days,
especially in the CY universe. Still, his
opinion does raise some flags.
(I did find it amusing, that the current
Editor of the LL, lives outside CY, as reported
in the Comical Appeal [Commercial Appeal,
November 5]. Myself, I have no problems
with that. The Editor can live on Pluto, for all
I care, just as long as he or she does a first
class job in running the LL.)
Nick Canterucci lives on Elzey Avenue.
opinion
N ick C a n t erucci
One of my friends from college describes
anyone currently seated in the Senate. So
time, one wonders if Jake’s political aspira-
trash, rural Tennessee” family. To illustrate, she
tions will be renewed, and if so, if he will have
cites the fact that whenever anyone in the
the audacity to seek the Democratic candi-
because he was the Democrat and happily, he
family needs a new car, they just mow more
dacy — and their campaign funding — another
lost out while the Dems took control of both
lawn until they find one. Strangely, this
time. Hopefully local Dems will think better
houses without him. Best of both worlds, you
than to run someone who previously ran
might say. So now that the Fords’ best and
against them.
brightest is down for the count, what happens
analogy always reminds me of Memphis’
political espousal of the Ford family. Whenever
there’s an open political race, they just find
another family member to fill it.
But while the surviving Republicans on
And of course, there’s our old pal, Junior.
I’ve never had such a hard time voting for
which was the lesser of two lessers?
As it turned out I did vote for Ford Jr. simply
next?
Memphians need to discern whether or not
someone in my life. I have to say that
they can really trust anyone coming from the
Capitol Hill lament the changing face of the
everything the Corker ads said about him was
Noble House of Ford any more. Even if
Senate and House of Representatives, the
basically true: he’s a slick talker, his perfor-
another young Ford with sincere intentions
local political horizon may be taking new
mance in Washington was lackluster, his
and good qualifications came along, he/she
shape as well.
attendance was worse, and he’s way too
would be haunted by distracting controversy
connected to his scandalous family. That said,
and scandal that would make serving as an
tribal council in November, and I still haven’t
I really wanted a Democratic majority in
individual impossible.
picked my jaw up off the floor. Does the fact
Congress.
Two out of three Fords got sent home from
that the federal government is now a Ford-free
Bob Corker wasn’t much of an option. His
zone signal the twilight of this family’s
business dealings suggest borderline sleaze,
infamy? The three Fords campaigning in this
but truth be told, he’s probably no worse than
No more yard-mowing. It’s time for this
election high-stakes political momentum to
yield some new players.
last election certainly make one hope so.
First, there was Ophelia. As if it wasn’t bad
enough that she was elected with no political
or law experience, she gave Memphis a real
shiner when facing results of her flawed
election. She claimed that dead people vote in
every election and that the only reason that
she was singled out was because she was
black.
Personally I can’t imagine saying that in a
soft whisper to my closest friend, but Ophelia
said it to Action News 5. No matter what
circumstances exist (or imagined), no
respectable elected official would want to go
into office knowing that they had actually won
with the help of fraudulent votes. Ophelia’s
recalcitrance demonstrated admirably that she
felt entitled to her Tennessee Senate seat, and
that she was willing to trample the will of her
constituents to keep it.
In November, she won by a landslide over
Republican Terry Roland, who by the way
happens to be the first Republican besides
Mark Luttrell that I’ve voted for in fourteen
years.
Then there’s Jake. Largely silent until the
media began noticing his lack of appearances,
statements, or anything reminiscent of an
actual campaign, Jake bombed out in the
Democratic primary, where he saw endorsements from high-ranking, black political
figures zip past him to Steve Cohen. Taking a
lead from Sinatra, Jake performed the now
famous Lieberman Maneuver and sang, “I’ll do
it my way” opting to run as an independent
against Cohen and Mark White.
Having been clobbered by Cohen a second
herself as coming from your typical “white
As fall leaves pile up at the gazebo area just like everywhere else, Bryant
Cummings uses his commercial vacuum to keep our public space clean. Bryant
has been working with the CYCA Beautification Committee on plans to improve
the area and add more color throughout the year. To volunteer to help, contact
the CYCA at 272-2922 or email [email protected].
Contact Bryant at 406-8316 for an estimate for your leaf removal needs.
HEy NINEtEEN
out of 365 where residents and businesses
CY Festival
Chairman offers
insight into event
and responds to
recent criticism
may experience inconveniences, but I firmly
believe that the benefits far outweigh the
negatives. any suggestion of doing away with
this event is ludicrous. the Festival is always
open to suggestions and criticism; however,
it’s far better to talk to us and get the facts
before you make statements that indicate you
really don’t know them.
BILL StEMMLER
We have formed a committee that will be
responsible for the art Show next year. this
We have successfully completed the
nineteenth consecutive year for the Festival,
show has always been run by the artists, so if
and I want to personally thank everyone for
anyone is interested in participation you are
their help and support. It would appear,
more than welcome to give us a call. there
however that not all residents are happy with
were uncontrollable circumstances that led to
some of this year’s activities. Every year there
my decision to cancel the event this year.
I have been involved in Cy since early
are challenges — some new, some old, and
some unexpected. are we perfect? No. Can we
1985 and although I don’t live in the neigh-
improve? yes. Is the Cooper-young Festival
borhood I visited it often as a child and have
Committee open to suggestions and criticism?
yes, they are welcomed if presented in a
proper way. In response to Jack Lazenby’s
letter to the editor I would like to offer some
have in my own neighborhood.
businesses may experience inconveniences, but I firmly
sixty charter members as a grassroots effort of
only be reflective of the wants and needs of
Bill Stemmler
young Business association (CyBa) and the
the CyBa was formed in 1988 with nearly
What we do in this community must not
believe that the benefits far outweigh the negatives.
history and insight to the value of the CooperFestival.
spent more time here over the years than I
The Festival is one day out of 365 where residents and
has made regular yearly and emergency
donations to the CyDC over the years in
excess of $65,000.
a handful of business and property owners
the first Cooper-young Festival organized
such as Bill Stemmler, Stephen Crump, Bemis
by the founders of the CyBa took place in the
atkins, Richard Sullivan, Delmer George, and
late fall of 1987. Neighborhood leaders
Charlie Ryan. their initial purpose was to
realized the need for money to fund the
reclaim the buildings, streetscapes and
ambitious projects and organizations they
businesses of the Cy district to promote a
were putting together. the Festival was one of
•
LampLighter equipment, a computer for
$1000
•
•
trestle artwork, project funding of $13,500
reflect those of the business community. It has
to be good for both, or it’s not going to be
good for just one interest. thanks for letting
me be a part of Cooper-young, a wonderful
place to live and enjoy life.
Old office/new office, funding and
financing for purchase of old office at 892
Cooper and for move to current offices at
2298 young, and a share of expenses
•
the people that call it home, but it also must
Bill’s Last Festival
the 2007 Festival will be our
Community Police Headquarters, funding
twentieth anniversary and we
hope to have one that will be
better business climate. this mission evolved
the best ways to raise money, promote the
of $3000 to lease office space on young
into also providing a forum to address
neighborhood and bring people into the area
ave., and pay for the COaCt Unit in that
remembered. It will be my last
common problems and to promote the Cy
to see what remarkable things were going on.
space over $10,000 yearly
as Chairman and an active
district as a desirable place to live, work and
In 1985 when I first came to the neighbor-
the Gazebo area, funding of $1500 for
participant. Cooper-young is my
patronize, by maintaining a living, creative
hood their was one small restaurant where
cobblestones along young, and occasional
second home and I know what it
and safe environment.
Dish is today. What a remarkable transforma-
resources to help maintain the area over
looked like in 1985 and it makes
tion we now enjoy.
the years. the CyCa also maintains the
me proud of what it has become
area.
over the years with the hard
the CyBa along with the CyCa were
awarded an Oasis Grant of $500,000, which
•
the Cy Festival is the largest one-day event
•
changed the contour of the intersection of
in the city, drawing 65,000 to 75,000 people
Cooper and young and added the gazebo
to our neighborhood. It brings people from all
I would hope that everyone can see just a
corner. Special street lampposts, ginkgo trees
the surrounding counties and states and is the
few of these benefits. the Festival is one day
and benches were included in this grant and
perfect venue to show off a revitalized inner-
remain today as inviting streetscape features
city neighborhood. Cooper-young has served
for all to enjoy.
as the flagship of how to turn around a
We charted the Cooper-young Development
the funding we need to operate the CyBa
reduce poverty, community deterioration and
office, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12
neighborhood tension through charitable and
p.m., with our director — the only salaried
educational programs. these programs are
employee. all officers and Board members are
aimed at improving housing and living
unpaid volunteers.
conditions in Cy, promoting community
that the CyBa has funded with revenue from
community among residents, owners and busi-
current and past Festivals; this is not a
nesses in the Cy community and surrounding
complete listing.
neighborhoods. take a look at New york,
•
•
and renovated homes that once stood
bought and rebuilt them. the CyBa Festival
volunteers that I have worked
with on the three organizations.
the following are just a few of the things
participation, and encouraging a sense of
boarded up and in disrepair before the CyDC
work, sweat, and tears of many
declining neighborhood. the Festival provides
Corporation (CyDC) and provided funding to
Philadelphia, Cox, and Blythe, to see the new
First Congregational Church, donations
Peabody School Choir, risers for $2000
Peabody School, donations in excess of
$2500
•
Cy Street Banners, on lampposts in the
business area for $1500
LampLighter
5
C H AT T E R B OX
The people, places
and businesses of
CY that make the
news
C our t ne y M iller S a n t o
and Young), the developer plans to build two
houses there. Jimmy Thompson says the
homes will be between 1800 and 2000
square feet. He is dedicated to build homes
that fit in our neighborhood.
Even in Cordova, people
love CY
Mark Chambers, president of the Cordova
We’re not the only ones who think there are
people and places in Cooper-Young worth
talking about. This is our monthly round-up
Leadership Council (CLC) said in the Memphis
Daily News (November 20) that 2007 events
Decoy duck
will include “an open forum with guests such
The Dixon hosts The Call of the Wild: Sporting Art in the Mississippi Flyway, a celebration of the
as a Cooper-Young representative. The idea is
cultural phenomenon of the duck decoy as American Folk Art. The exhibit features more than 200
of CY neighbors, businesses and community
to learn how the success story of that culinary
antique and contemporary decoys from the Canadian Provinces down through Louisiana, as well
folk that have others talking. If you’ve got
and commercial hotspot in Midtown Memphis
as decoys from the Atlantic, Midwest, and Pacific Flyways. The decoy, once considered only as a
can be adapted to Cordova.”
functional lure, has now become an important facet of American Folk Art as sculpture with historic
something you think we should know about,
Light up
go ahead and email us at cylamplighter@
The Brooks will
yahoo.com, or call us at 827-4797.
www.dixon.org. Located at 4339 Park Avenue, the Dixon is open Tuesday through Friday from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
light it up
Central Gardens Security
beginning
The Central Gardens Association will hire a
December 2 at
private security guard to patrol the neighbor-
noon with
hood, which is next to Cooper-Young. Nearly
performances
400 Central Gardens residents have agreed to
by Lipstick on
pay about $40 per month for around the clock
Your Collar, a
protection. The association hopes to hire a
four-part a cappella group from Rhodes
guard before Christmas. The guard will only
College . The group will be performing holiday
respond to calls for help from people who are
favorites in the museum’s rotunda. Free with
paying for the service.
museum admission. Then on December 3 at 2
Historic debate … yawn
and artistic value. For information about this event, please call 761-5250, or visit the website at
specialty drinks. Don’t miss the unveiling of
the winning light sculpture on the museum’s
time you search the internet! To start using it,
plaza. Free for members, $6 for non-members.
go to www.goodsearch.com and while you are
on the GoodSearch homepage, choose either
“Cooper-Young Development Corporation” or
“Cooper-Young Community Association” from
the list of charities. Then start searching the
Internet just like you normally would. Fifty
percent of the revenue generated from
advertisers is shared with the CYDC or CYCA.
p.m. the museum will preview a screening of
That’s about a penny per search. That may not
the PBS program Picturing Mary, an explora-
Judging from the response (there was one) to
tion of the image of the Virgin Mary
CYCA Board President Edmund Mackey’s call
throughout history and the world. The fun
for community comment on renewing the
continues on December 6 at 6 p.m. with Light
debate about historic zoning, Cooper-Young
Up the Brooks 1st Wednesday, which will be a
isn’t interested. As for the property that started
festive holiday celebration featuring live
the debate (near the corner of Philadelphia
music, art tours, a dance performance, and
raises money for the CYDC or CYCA every
seem like much, but think about how many
times you search a month! It can really add
up!
Tom Clifton Eyes Midtown
An opening reception will be held for Tom
Clifton at the Eclectic Eye at 242 South Cooper
on December 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. Tom Clifton’s
current focus on sculpted, textural abstracts
halloween howls
are influenced by global and environmental
diversity. Each piece’s construction comes
from multiple mediums, as well as patterns
developed during the process of building
several layers of textures and colors. Tom is
serves as a resident art interpreter for WKNO’s
White Gardenia to close its
doors
annual art auction. His work includes both
Come the end of January, there will be no
commercial and residential installations
more eclectic indulgence in Cooper-Young.
throughout the Mid-South, as well as Los
White Gardenia (located at 820 South Cooper)
Angeles, Boston, Atlanta and the Caribbean.
is closing. Owner Joan says she made the
For more information, contace Eclectic Eye at
decision after careful consideration. The store
276-EYES (3937) or www.eclectic-eye.com
is selling everything. Joan urges customers to
owner of the T Joseph Clifton Gallery and also
stop by and see what is on sale. “Everything
Philadelphia Street residents Mandy and
Robert Grisham hosted a costume party for the
youngest of Cooper-Youngians on Halloween.
Nearly thirty people attended the party, which
was for children up through age five. Mandy
reports that it was fun for the adults to visit,
since most of the children were too small to do
much, but be held by a parent. There were treats
and lovely decorations. Mandy hopes to have
more of these events for all the parents of small
children in Cooper-Young.
must go, even the fixtures. We are also give
away fantastic prizes for frequent shoppers.
Come and shop early while the selection lasts.
Search with a cause
The Cooper-Young Development Corporation
and the Cooper-Young Community Association
have signed up to be part of goodsearch.com,
a search engine (like google or yahoo) that
And this just after the Commercial Appeal
(November 3) selected the store as a great
place for holiday shopping, saying, “Reasonably priced offerings include serving pieces
and dinnerware from Earth, Hand and Fire
pottery; soy candles hand-poured locally,
AM E R ICA R ECYC LE S
C H AT T E R B OX
and more are at this tea shop/antique store/
Resident kicks off education and
awareness program for CY
artist’s gallery in Cooper-Young.”
Yol a nd a D ozier
designs from neighborhood jewelry artists,
City Council approves sale
of Fairgrounds acreage for
Kroc Center
America Recycles Day, November 15, came
fun. Recycling is addictive — just try it! Don’t
and went without a bang. It’s not surprising
have a recycling bin? Visit your local recycling
since only about 35 percent of Memphis
drop-off at First Congregational Church until
residents recycle. I’m a firm believer that
your bin arrives. For more information about
On November 7, the City Council approved
MTV at the Deli
a preliminary proposal to sell nearly fifteen
Cat Power and MTV took over Young Avenue
recycling is a lifestyle and you have to make it
REAAC or the City of Memphis recycling
acres of the Mid-South Fairgrounds to the
Deli for two days in November. The singer-
program, contact me at [email protected]
Salvation Army for $1.6 million. The land lies
songwriter, who recorded her most recent
part of your daily life. I want to change the
landscape of recycling participation over the
next to Fairview Junior High School and is
album The Greatest at Ardent Studios, was
next year. With your help, we can do it
bordered by East Parkway. The Commercial
filming for a new concert series. According to
together.
Appeal (November 8) said, “more hurdles
those who attended the event, it was quite the
Two things need to change — awareness
remain in the Kroc Center’s path.” Those
live show and featured more than a few
and education. Throwing a plastic bottle in the
hurdles include raising more matching funds
Memphis music legends. We’ll keep you
tan recycling bin is great, but do you know
for the center, a potential bidding process
posted about when it will air on MTV. And loof
what type of plastic is recyclable in Memphis
for the land, and a trip before the Land
for a review of the show in February.
and how to recycle it? It’s not rocket science
Use Control Board. However, most remain
but it takes commitment and dedication. I
optimistic about the project.
started recycling when I moved to Cooper-
Holiday hours
For winter break, the Cooper-Young Development Corporation will be closed Monday,
December 25, 2006, thru Monday, January 1, 2007 and will reopen Tuesday, January 2,
2007. The CYDC will also be closed Monday, January 15, 2007, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther
King’s birthday. The Cooper-Young Community Association and the Cooper-Young Business
Association will also be closed from December 25, 2006 to January 1, 2007.
or visit www.memphiswaste.org.
Young in 2001 and haven’t looked back.
As an unofficial champion of recycling and
through my participation in the Leadership
Academy Fellows Program, I decided to share
my passion for recycling and encourage
others to do the same. The Fellows program is
a year-long leadership experience designed to
“empower the leader inside.” We take the
knowledge gained and couple it with a
community need to develop a community
action plan (CAP). My CAP, a grassroots
recycling education and awareness campaign
(REAAC), is coming to Cooper-Young in 2007.
What is REAAC? Simple. I want to educate
Cooper-Young residents about what and how
to recycle and raise awareness of the curbside
recycling program. Our successes will be
modeled to take REAAC citywide.
So, c’mon Cooper-Young. Join me in the
LampLighter United Housing opens doors!
We offer low rate loans, qualified contractors,
compassionate counselors and and a variety of other
services for Memphis first-time homebuyers
and existing owners.
Open the door to your future!
(901) 272-1122
USE IT OR LOSE IT!
Medical Savings Accounts expire January 1, 2007.
Did you know that eye exams, glasses, and
prescription sunglasses all qualify as medical
expenses under your Medical Savings Account?
And if you don’t use your savings before
January 1, 2007, you lose it.
Don’t lose your money. Call us today to schedule
your appointment.
Midtown:
Collierville:
276-EYES (3937)
853-3213
242 South Cooper | Midtown Memphis | 276-EYES (3937)
Houston Levee Galleria | 3670 S.Houston Levee #102
Collierville, TN | 853-3213 | eclectic-eye.com
FUTURE FORECAST
2007 will be known as the year we got it together
Terr y L a wrence
The last article of the year has always been
The Safety Committee will have many new
the hardest to write, and this year has been
members now that everyone knows that it
Christmas lunchboxes 7 p.m.
even harder. Instead of a recap of safety tips
only takes a couple of hours per month to
December 24 at CYCA offices
or reminders of a safe holiday season, I think
contribute to the committee. The community
my best contribution would be to write about
will be able to focus on three important
the great things that will happen from a safety
aspects of our safety: the ABCs of CY Safety.
perspective in 2007.
• Alleys — we will maintain clear passage-
Early last summer we had what I called our
ways. If not, the police cannot patrol them
darkest days. The crime rate in our neighbor-
and the bad guys will be the only ones
hood was out of control. The number of
using them.
violent crimes was higher than at any point in
• Block clubs — we will establish at least
recent memory, but through the efforts of this
forty block clubs in Cooper-Young. This will
community and our local law enforcement
give us a network of concerned neighbors
agencies, we stemmed the tide.
to help with any number of illegal activities
It is the goal of your safety committee to
never have those days repeat themselves in
Cooper-Young. 2007 will be known as the
in the community.
• Communication — we will know how to
Show the men and women of the
Memphis Police and Fire Departments
that CY cares for those that protect our
community. Each year the CYCA packs
boxes of portable treats and drinks for
officers that patrol our sleeping
community on Christmas Eve. We can
help fill the gap for those on overnight
duty. Bring your donations (to help fill
seventy boxes) to the Community
Office between 7 and 8 p.m. on
December 24. If you bring homemade
finger foods, please feel free to label
effectively communicate not only what has
year that we got it together — the year that
each bag with your family’s informa-
occurred, but what might happen before
safety came off the back burner for many in
tion to add a personal touch. We will
situations become problems
also need help packing the boxes to
When we make these things happen, then
have them ready by roll call at 10 p.m.
the community and became a personal goal. It
will become a personal goal because each
one of us needs to tell how to make it happen
and step up to help make it happen.
the 2007 that I envision will be the same one
that you experience.
on the eve of Christmas.
O c t ober 2 9 t o N ovember 2 8
Crime Map
Do you want to know what crime is taking place in our neighborhood? The Memphis Police Department offers a tool on its web site (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. It contains only crimes that are reported to the Memphis Police Department and Shelby
County Sheriff’s Office. Results displayed are not distinguished as attempted or completed crimes. The crime map, which the LampLighter prints every issue,
utilizes this tool.
LampLighter 10 LampLighter December 2006 – January 2007
L I B AT I O N L O N G I N G
Memphis beer garden reality falls far short of potential
S ta ce y G reenberg
Last Thursday, I read that Raffe’s Deli was
Was it crazy to want to have a beer in a kid-friendly place?
having a grand opening for its beer garden on
that once housed the Chicago Pizza Factory
Is that idea too progressive for Memphis?
Friday. Beer garden…these two words stirred
visions of lush green grass surrounded by
(and adjacent patio), serves breakfast for
dinner, and then turns a blind eye when
I know these places exist!
comfy tables and chairs. I could see the
friendly waitresses who would bring me a
2. Brother Juniper’s spruces up the building
parents bust out their mini-coolers.
“But it’s nice,” she said trying to cheer me
3. Dish hosts a monthly happy hour for fami-
becoming alcoholics and neglecting their
microbrewed beer and a tofu burger. (My
up. “You can order any of the beers and
children. I’m not at all implying that young
lies, scotch guards the “bed,” and adds
fantasy included a small playground in the
sandwiches from Raffe’s and there will be
parents should be barhopping with their kids.
peanut butter and jelly to the tapas menu.
center of the garden where my well-behaved
specials, like shish kebob, on the weekends.
I’m talking about creating a space that has
4.The Children’s Museum puts in a skybar so
monkeys happily played with other children
And maybe even belly dancers.”
interest for both adults and children, allows
parents can sip martinis, chat, and watch
“Okay, thanks,” I said before hanging up.
families to build community, and requires no
their kids run wild below. (TVs could be
Once I knew that the “beer garden” was
planning or cleaning on the part of parents.
mounted above the bar for alternate views
unseasonably warm on Wednesday and
really just a restaurant (or a bar, actually), I
I’ve come up with a few ideas for Memphis
of the ground floor).
Thursday, that I wanted nothing more than to
wasn’t nearly as excited about it. I then
that melds the Laurelwood Brewpubs experi-
sit outside with my kids and friends and enjoy
revisited another fantasy of mine where I have
Feel free to email me to add to the list.
ence with my beer garden fantasy:
a cold beer or two.
a roomy house with an expansive backyard
1. Bosco’s tears down Yosemite Sam’s and
between bites of their fresh vegetables.)
The weather had been so amazing and
Having been to Raffe’s before and well
that I can fill with all of my friends on a
replaces it with a small park like area full of
aware that it is nothing more than a conve-
moment’s notice. (Granted having people over
Adirondack chairs and an attractive stone
nience store and deli, it has an awesome beer
would require cooking and cleaning, but it
wall.
selection. I thought that their idea of a beer
would be better than not getting together).
garden would be a glorified patio, but that
Most of the families currently interested in
OPEN ARMS
was fine (as long as it was enclosed). I decided
hanging out with mine have the same
to go early to beat the rush and avoid
problem as I do — too little house and not
annoying other customers who have different
enough yard — or likewise, lots of half-finished
ideas of what constitutes a beer garden.
projects that pose a danger to unsupervised
Future of Mothersville placed in
community’s hands
children.
Andri a C line
I emailed friends with kids to see if anyone
else wanted to join me. Normally with a
“monkey convergence” as we call it, there is
Welcome to Midtown.
As I made my way to meet up with
Mothersville community, deserve.
As the fourth year of Mothersville’s
quite a bit of back and forth as to where and
everyone at El Porton, I mourned the loss of
presence in Memphis comes to a close, I’m
when to go, but not this time. Apparently the
my beer garden fantasy. Was it crazy to want
filled with so much happiness when I see the
fact, it’s still hard for me to seriously consider
words “beer” and “garden” were just as
to have a beer in a kid-friendly place? Is that
community of parents who have found a place
not being here every day — but I wanted to
appealing to my friends as they were to me. I
idea too progressive for Memphis? I know
here. It is my daily privilege to help your
get this message out as early as possible so
did suggest that one of us do a drive-by
these places exist!
families find the products or resources you
that any of you who may be interested in
might need to make these first hectic years of
pursuing ownership have time to think over
parenting a little bit easier.
options. For those who may consider con-
before we drag our kids there and then
Just last week I saw a description of
discover that the open patio was dangerously
Laurelwood Brewpubs in Oregon. It read: “We
close to Poplar Avenue.
Portlanders LOVE our microbrews and these
Unfortunately no one was available for a
The primary mission of Mothersville is to
I am not in an urgent rush to leave — in
tinuing the store as a for-profit business, I’d
brewpubs offer awesome traditional yet
support mothers in their efforts toward
recommend a partnership or group ownership,
drive-by, so I called to get the scoop. “So tell
slightly upscale pub food plus they have a
peaceful, natural parenting. In order to reach
which would enable a manageable division of
me about this beer garden,” I said to the
kids play area. Their kids’ menu has a lot of
this goal for myself, I have decided that it is
time, financial investment and responsibility.
young woman on the phone.
offerings and the servers are used to serving
time for me to turn Mothersville over to the
There’s also the option of converting Mothers-
“Uh, like what?” she said.
beer with kids running afoot. Great place to
next mothers who believe in this mission.
ville into a non-profit entity, which would
“Is it inside or outside?” I asked.
meet friends with kids and pretend you are
“Oh it’s in a building next door. There was a
still hip and have a life.”
family emergency so it isn’t really finished yet.
We plan to have a patio by spring.”
“Oh,” I said, clearly deflated.
Talk (especially in the New York Times)
The ownership of Mothersville has taken a
non-traditional path to this point, but that path
require a board of dedicated mothers to take
the lead in this new direction.
has worked well for the women who have
The start of a new year is always a good
about the Three Martini Playdate and the
kept the store running. Kristy Dallas Alley
time to begin new endeavors. But if that’s not
Momtini is concerned with suburban moms
conceived of Mothersville and opened the
possible, I will stay with the business through
store at its first location in January 2003.
a later transition. However, if there are no
When she decided to return to teaching, Uele
interested buyers before the end of our current
Siebert and I formed a partnership and took
lease term, my most likely course of action
over the business in January 2005. Uele left
will be to close the store permanently at that
the partnership to pursue her own passion,
time. This is the absolute last thing I would
Groovy Foods, at the end of 2005, and I have
like to see happen, so I deeply hope that there
been operating Mothersville solely since that
are optimistic, community-minded entrepre-
time. And now, due to a combination of
neurs who are willing to see Mothersville
personal and professional factors (namely, a
through its next stage of service to Memphis.
baby on the way and the unexpected success
of my side business), I feel that I can no longer
For more information contact Andrea at
272-0081 or www.mothersville.com.
give the store the full-time attention it, and the
LampLighter 11
S U R E S HOT
Cooper-Young residents invited to
participate in city-wide photo contest
J osh W hi t ehe a d
Cooper-Young has been invited as one of
Please direct all questions and digital
forty historic neighborhoods in Memphis to a
photos to Josh Whitehead at josh@liv-
city-wide photo contest that will showcase
ablememphis.org and hard copies to Photo
Memphis’ historic architecture and city
Contest, Coalition for Livable Communities,
planning.
1548 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104.
Cooper-Young, like its peers in North
Photographers should include their name,
Memphis, South Memphis, Midtown and
phone number, and comments on how their
Downtown, features an urban design devel-
photos are representative of their neighbor-
oped prior to World War II that has regained
hood’s design. Photographs will be posted
popularity:
online at www.livablememphis.org. The date
• Houses with large front porches
• Courtyard apartment buildings along
and time of the photo exhibition will be
announced in a forthcoming article.
collector streets
• Corner stores located in the heart of
neighborhoods
• Streets designed for automobiles and
pedestrians
In 2002, Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton
initiated a process that will completely retool
the County Code of Ordinances to encourage
a more balanced approach to county development. The Coalition for Livable Communities
(CLC) invites the residents of these neighborhoods to demonstrate the design characteristics of their communities through photography
to ensure greater citizen participation in this
important process
A photo exhibition will feature those photos
which exemplify the architecture of city
planning of Memphis’ historic neighborhoods.
We want to know what makes these places
special. As such, residents of Cooper-Young are
invited to submit photos that demonstrate:
•Architectural features synonymous with a
particular neighborhood
•The relationship between street and
buildings that make a neighborhood
livable
• Design features that make a neighborhood
unique.
12 LampLighter December 2006 – January 2007
LampLighter 13
joy to share space, projects, interests and
Worship
concerns with a creative, welcoming neighbor-
Continued rom page 1
hood like Cooper-Young.”
that were cornerstones of Cooper-Young in the
years to people who believed that slavery was
moved away from the center of the city.
wrong, women could preach and Christians
“I think the churches in Cooper-Young are
worship
Today, First Congo traces its roots back 140
early 1900s left the area when members aged or
could change the world through the power of
unique, compared with a lot of Memphis-city
God’s love. It was known during the Civil War
churches, in that a large proportion of their
era as the Strangers Congregational Church, a
parishioners actually live in
Cooper-Young,” says Sutton
Mora Hayes, Director of the
Cooper-Young Development
Corporation. “In other
place where those lost and
“Is a neighborhood
adrift in a strange land of
Protestant fundamentalism
really a neighborhood
could find sanctuary. The
without a place to
group changed its name to
neighborhoods I’ve worked
in Memphis, the church
S E RVIC E
buildings are old stalwarts of
ou t re a ch
the community, but over the
years, the population that
attends the church has
moved out of the neighborhood. Parishioners attend
First Congregational in
worship? I believe, the
1909. In the past decade,
First Congo has grown from
pillars of a community
sixty members to a
includes places of
congregation of 300
members. Such growth was
wo r s h i p,”
Edmund Mackey, president of
Cooper0Young Community Association.
the church because their
the intention of church
members in renewing their
ministry and moving to
grandparents or parents,
Cooper-Young.
who grew up in the neighborhood, attended the
In addition to church activity, First Congo
church. This generation, however, lives in a
has opened its doors to the community in part
different part of town. Neighborhood members
through its shared ministries. The church
are dwindling, it seems. The churches in Cooper-
shares its space with twenty-nine other
Young have done a great job of attracting the
organizations, each of which has a calling to
local population because they have stayed
bring people together in an environment of
active for local causes and tried to position
healing, justice and reconciliation.
themselves as community centers. They are
While these two large congregations are the
important assets that provide a sense of
most visible participants in our community,
stabilization in the area.”
smaller churches, such as Memphis Friends
One such success story is First Congregational
Church, more commonly known as First Congo,
which moved its worship to the complex of
(commonly called Quakers), have had a long
and supportive relationship with Cooper-Young.
That relationship extends beyond the
buildings at 1000 S. Cooper in November 2000.
borders of our neighborhood. Many of the
The move prevented this enormous space, the
smaller congregations draw members from all
former home of Temple Baptist and Greater
over Memphis. This means that each Sunday
Imani, from becoming a vacant nuisance to the
CY receives hundreds of visitors — which
neighborhood.
represent hundreds of opportunities for our
“When our congregation moved to Cooper-
community to make an impression. There are
Young five years ago, we felt immediately
also churches all across Memphis and
welcomed by the businesses, residents and
especially Midtown, that likewise draw
organizations that make this unique neighbor-
members of our community.
hood so very special,” says Cheryl Cornish,
Learn a little bit more about these churches
pastor at First Congo. “We love our partnership
and their upcoming holiday services in this
with this neighborhood of special people. It’s a
month’s LampLighter.
Churches and Places of Worship
City
Population
Churches*
Per Capita
Baltimore, Maryland
635,815
1857
1 per 342 residents
Memphis, Tennessee
672,277
1797
1 per 374 residents
Washington, D.C.
582,049
1407
1 per 414 residents
Fort Worth, Texas
624,067
1340
1 per 465 residents
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
578,887
1066
1 per 543 residents
Charlotte, North Carolina
610,949
937
1 per 652 residents
Columbus, Ohio
730,657
1017
1 per 718 residents
Austin, Texas
690,252
855
1 per 807 residents
San Francisco, California
739,426
676
1 per 1094 residents
El Paso, Texas
598,590
454
1 per 1318 residents
* Number of listings in the churches category at www.yellow.com. The cities selected were
chosen because they are similar in population to Memphis.
Churches in Cooper-Young
Apostolic Fellowship Church
with folks who wanted to work with First
1024 Philadelphia Street
Congregational in special collaborative
Memphis, TN 38104
901-722-7770
ventures, our Shared Space Ministries: The
Pilgrim Center, The MeDiA Co-op, Revolutions: A Community Bicycle Initiative, the
Pastor: Rev. H. Thompson, Sr.
Defense Depot Concerned Citizens’ Com-
Worship Services: Sundays: Church School at
mittee, the International Women’s Re-
8:30 a.m., Morning Worship at 10 a.m.,
sources Center, and the Global Goods
Holy Ghost Service at 7 p.m.; Tuesdays:
Store.
Bible Study at 7 p.m.; Saturdays: Prayer
And we share our space with 29 other or-
Service at 10 a.m.
ganizations, all of whom have a calling to
Divine Temple Church of God in
Christ
1915 Young Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
901-278-6484
Pastor: Rev. Richard Suell
healing, justice and reconciliation. For a list
of those partners, please visit: www.firstcongo.com/sharedspace.shtml
Tuesday Bible Study 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday
with a sizeable number of young Friends;
Intercessory Prayer 8 p.m.; Friday Evange-
some of them have attended meeting
listic service 6:45 p.m.
Friends to sit still for more than about ten
Original Bible Church
minutes. They stay with us for about that
877 Blythe Street
long at the beginning of meeting, then
Memphis, TN 38104
School (Sunday school), and return at
meeting’s close and share the last few moments of silence with us.
(Galloway)
1994 Southern Avenue
1000 South Cooper
www.gallowaychurch.com
Memphis TN 38104
Pastor: Rev. Troy Ann Poulopoulos
901-278-6786
Worship Services: Sundays: 8:30 a.m. Casual
Memphis, TN 38104
901-726-4028
Pastor: Bishop Gregg Carroll
Worship Services: Sunday School 9 a.m.;
Gospel Early Service; 9:30 a.m. Living
Pastor: Rev. Cheryl Cornish became part of the
Word Church; 11 a.m. Open Door Worship
First Congregational family in 1988. A na-
Service; 6 p.m. Southern/Contemporary
tive Nebraskan, Cheryl studied Philosophy
Gospel Service. On Wednesdays there is a
at Williams College and received he Master
community dinner with music and
of Divinity degree at Yale University Di-
devotional.
1984. While she was at Yale, Cheryl served
Program (GASP), Music Factory (piano and
as Coordinator of the Yale Divinity School
guitar lessons), Graffitti Playground (youth
Women’s Center. She served as pastor at
dance/acting/voice) Yoga / Movement, Nu-
Ebenezer United Church of Christ in Au-
bian Theatre (Ballet, Movement, Djembe,
gusta, Missouri for four years prior to being
Jazz), Girl Scout Troop #3, Brownie Troop
called to First Congregational, Memphis.
#225, Foster Youth Drum Line, Foster
Worship Services: Our church coffee hour that
Youth Jazz Orchestra, Food Not Bombs
(cook/bake/deliver to the needy)
m.; Friday 7:30 p.m.
775 Tanglewood
Memphis, TN 38114
www.firstcongo.com
Community Programs: Galloway After School
Sunday at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday 7:30 p.
worship
901-272-2973
Worship Services: Sunday at 10:15 a.m.,
Word of Truth MB Church
New Life Community Church
World Wide Ministries Promised Land
of Christ (First Congo)
worship service will start at 10:30 a.m. We
Sunday Praise Celebration 4:45 p.m.;
Meeting has been blessed over the years
Galloway United Methodist Church
Memphis, TN 38104
will find information about the church. Our
meeting house. For children: Memphis
they leave the room to attend First Day
bring people together in an environment of
First Congregational United Church
begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday, where you
Sunday Morning Worship 10:15 a.m.;
since birth. We do not expect our young
1015 South Cooper Ave.
vinity School before being ordained in
an unprogrammed, silent worship at our
Liberty’s Mass Baptist Church
OPEN DOOR
Galloway introduces new worship
service to reach community of young
adults
K en a nd C a se y W e a t herford
It’s the Zoo. It’s the art. It’s knowing your
neighbors. It’s the crest of foam on your
favorite Young Avenue brew. It’s the piled-high
pulled pork sandwich at the BBQ Shop. It’s
never — and I mean never — finding a parking
place at Schnuck’s. It’s when, year after year,
Neverland finds a home at Playhouse on the
Square. It’s all that is Midtown, all that is
Memphis.
It is this spirit of raw culture, of refreshing
diversity, that we appreciate even relish. And
that’s why starting this November, Galloway
Church, in the heart of Cooper-Young, is
No, church is about people. It’s a place to
accept and be accepted. To serve and be
have classes for kids and for adults that
1928 Southern Avenue
start before worship, at 9:45 a.m. on
Memphis, TN 38114
Sunday morning. These are very informal
901-274-0702
Galloway, reaching out to a growing commu-
and we welcome first-time visitors. Classes
Christian Recording Artist Todd Agnew wrote,
Pastor: Brad Benham, III
nity of young adults. Incorporating various
“My Jesus would never be accepted in my
Worship Services: Sunday School and Worship
styles of music, dance, rhythm, art, and all that
church / The blood and dirt on His feet might
8:30 a.m.; Thursday Bible Study 6 p.m.
is Midtown, we are rebuilding. We are creating
stain the carpet / But He reaches for the
a church — through the love of Jesus Christ —
Memphis Friends Meeting (Quakers)
hurting and despises the proud / and I think
that is relevant to you and to every life in this
He’d prefer Beale Street to that stained-glass
917 S Cooper St
vibrant community.
crowd.” That’s a Jesus I want to know. That’s a
are usually held in the middle building, in
the classroom across the hall from the
Global Goods store and down the hall from
the church offices. Our worship service will
last just over an hour. There’s nursery care
from 9:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. and kids can
share in the worship service for a few min-
Memphis, TN, 38104
utes until the Children’s Sermon. After that,
(901) 274-1500
they are taken downstairs for activities
while the worship service continues for
changing the way we worship.
served. To love and be loved. And it’s about
The Open Door is a new worship service at
Truth be told, the name says it all. The door
worshiping a God who shows us how.
Jesus I want to love.
is open. The table is open. All are welcome. All
Have you been hurt by a church? Do you
have something to offer, and that’s the whole
www.memphisfriends.org
want to dive deeper into the truths of God? Do
idea. A church is not about sin, it’s not about
Worship Services: Meeting for Worship 11 a.m.
you need a place where you can be real? Then
dressing up, and it’s certainly not about a
every First Day (Sunday); Meeting for Con-
come to the Open Door at Galloway Church,
preacher. TroyAnn Poulopoulos, pastor of
Community Programs: The congregation oper-
duct of Business 10:00 a.m. 2nd First Day
starting this November at 11 a.m. every
Galloway, would agree.
ates some ministries and programs on its
(Sunday); Meeting for Learning 10 a.m. 3rd
Sunday morning. We’re not perfect, and we’re
own. We’ve developed six partnerships
and 4th First Days (Sundays). The service is
adults.
not going to be. But we are open. Come.
LampLighter 15
A LTA R S TA R T
Cooper-Young proves ideal place for
church focused on upward, inward and
outward journeys
J a son E lder
Five years ago, while attending seminary in
G O G LO BA L
countries, which means the workers are
Reduce holiday
gift-giving stress:
buy once and give
three times
paid a fair wage and work in decent
conditions. Your fair trade purchases help
lift a family out of poverty, add years of life
to a farmer, educate children, and build
infrastructure in poor communities!
•
Buying at Global Goods broadens our
inventory and materials to educate people
J uli a H icks
nity. Life is meant to be shared. We desire
dreaming of starting a church together. They
to be a people who are authentic, not self-
dreamt of a church made up of people who
important and have no pretense when it
were devoted to Jesus, who took seriously the
comes to life. Genuine relationships
social issues of their neighborhood and world,
happen when we get honest about who we
and simply had fun living life together. That
are and what’s happening in our lives.
dream led them to Cooper-Young, a neighbor-
Therefore, we want to ever strive to be
hood they admired for its values and vision.
truthful, merciful, generous and coura-
Today that dream is becoming a reality.
geous, just like Jesus, our model and hero.
to the effects of fair trade on the environ-
Robert and Mandy Grisham, with one-year-old
mental, economic, and social justice
son, Adam, moved into Cooper-Young in
We rush around too much, we buy too much,
systems of the world. You can’t beat this
February to begin the groundwork of the new
and we’re often left feeling dissatisfied and
deal!
church. Their friends, Jason and Barbara Elder
stressed-out when it’s all over. To combat this
Our five-year-old Global Goods Fair Trade
(with baby on the way), joined them in July.
Yes, we over-do it with holiday shopping!
over-doing, some of us have tried the “bah
store has moved to a new and larger location
Both families have been blown away by the
humbug” approach and decided not to give
in our building at 1000 S. Cooper Street. You
warmth of their welcome and sense of pride
presents at all because it’s so exhausting and
can park right on Cooper Street and walk in
within Cooper-Young.
problematic. Others are trying a “simpler life”
the front door of our building next door to The
and give only a few, very practical gifts, or
Beauty Shop Restaurant. (Better yet – go to
decided, but the values are clear. They
maybe they simply give money. And there are
lunch or dinner at one of the fabulous Cooper-
describe the values and hopes by way of three
those who enjoy the personal touch and hand-
Young restaurants and then walk over to the
journeys:
make all their gifts.
store for a free taste of fair trade coffee while
• The Upward Journey is about relation-
you browse!) We encourage gift certificates
ship with God. Long before we all were
another idea! We suggest you “Buy once and
because loved-ones will receive information
conceived by our parents we were
give three times” at First Congo’s Global Goods
about fair trade and have a reason to check it
conceived in the mind of God. We are alive
Fair Trade Store for a gratifying gift-giving
out for themselves. We hope you’ll want to
because God wants us to know him!
experience. When you shop fair trade, you are
join us in this global justice ministry!
Therefore, we want to provide spaces
•
Giving a unique and affordable gift to a
Global Goods Fair Trade Store at First
Congregational Church at 1000 S. Cooper is
voice concerns, disbeliefs, or simply be
Purchasing gifts that have been grown,
open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.
silent learners.
manufactured, or crafted within fair trade
to 6 p.m. MasterCard and VISA accepted
to our neighbors across the street and
across the world. Jesus taught that we are
to live beyond ourselves, to get our eyes
off of us and to bless others by word and
work. Therefore, we will continually seek
ways we can serve God by serving others
In the spring, the church will offer an
introductory class to Christianity, called Alpha.
It is a ten-week exploration of the Christian
faith in a friendly, non-pressured environment.
It is a great place to meet others and ask some
of the most important and complex questions
of life. No matter where you are on your
spiritual journey you are always welcome.
where spiritual seekers can ask questions,
loved-one
• The Outward Journey is one of service
locally and globally.
The name of the church has yet to be
At First Congregational Church, we have
•
• The Inward Journey is one of commu-
San Francisco, four friends sat around a table
If you’d like to learn more or simply
welcome them to the neighborhood, please
visit them at www.projectmustardseed.com.
practices usually in under-developed
PEACE TESTIMONY
Quakers have called CY home for the last eleven years
C a rol C iscel
worship
times the whole hour goes by without a word
Oxford, Mississippi. Friends
being said. You might think that very strange,
Meetings are a twentieth century
Cooper and Oliver you may have noticed the
but Friends find the silence restorative as the
phenomenon in the Delta, but we
blue sign which says “Memphis Friends
hour goes by quickly. With all that practice,
have been around since the early
Friends are very good at “a minute of silence;”
settlement of east Tennessee and
in fact, we are always surprised to find it over
eastern Kentucky. Daniel Boone
since 1995 and a part of Memphis since 1957,
so quickly! On other Sundays, our meeting is
and his family were Quakers.
but we’ve always been in Midtown. Our
filled with messages, as people speak into the
If you have looked at the Midtown foursquare house on the southwest corner of
Meeting, Quaker Worship, 11 a.m. Sunday.”
Quakers have been part of Cooper-Young
numbers are few, but especially in times of
war, people seek us out because of our
historic peace testimony. Quakers refused to
fight in the English Civil War way back in the
1640s, and we have sought alternatives to
Memphis Friends Meeting is
silence, always spaced with long pauses, but
happy to have found a home in
often building on the same theme. When that
Cooper-Young. We enjoy traditional
happens, we say we have experienced a
music that wafts our way on Sunday morning
Congo, just down the street. We like the
“gathered meeting.”
from Celtic Crossing. Gathered on Wednesday
ginkgos, the Festival, and the vibrant commu-
We are the only Friends Meeting in
Memphis Friends gather at 917 S. Cooper
evenings for candlelight worship, we enjoy
nity spirit. When we sit on our front porch
Memphis, but there are six more in Tennessee:
watching diners coming and going from
having our picnic potluck under balmy
one each in Chattanooga, Nashville, Cookev-
Tsunami and Jasmine just across the street.
weather, it is a delight to watch the people
meeting. We get together on Sunday morning
ille, Crossville, West Knoxville, and the Tri-
We are so happy to have another inclusive
walking by. This is a wonderful community
and sit silently waiting on the Spirit. Some-
Cities. There is another meeting even closer in
church, vitally interested in peace issues, First
and we are blessed to be part of it.
violence ever since.
Our worship service is an unprogrammed
Q U O TA B L E Q U O T E S
A little something for the journey:
Pilgrim Center celebrates its fifth year
J oel C h a pm a n , P h . D .
counsel
It’s hard to believe The Pilgrim Center is
begun a new unrest, and I know now that it’s
ending its fifth year of operation, but so it is.
the subtle, dark, internal world that’s my
Most of our center newsletters, The Pathfinder,
fiercest opponent in the battle to become most
have included a feature called, “A Little
truly who I am.”
Something for the Journey,” a thought, or
Sandy Furrh, LCSW: “Whether I am looking
quote, which might be helpful for the life
at life as a mother, wife, therapist, daughter or
journeys of our readers. We are wrapping up
friend, what often helps me the most is the
our fifth year with a special Pathfinder, in
Serenity Prayer: God, grant me the serenity to
which each of the center counselors share with
accept the things I can not change, courage to
you an experience, thought or piece of advice
change the things I can, and wisdom to know
especially helpful to them along their life
the difference.”
journey.
Edwina Hackett, LCSW: “Being involved in a
As for myself, I recall the advice given to
head-on collision in 1997 was a life-changing
The kitchen at Pilgrim House is one of the shared spaces
C Y S TAY
Pilgrim House Conference Center and
Hostel offers affordable rooms
me and fellow classmates by a dearly loved
event. To tick off all the countless differences
professor, Dr. Irma Shepherd. She said, “First,
would take far too much space. Suffice it to
figure out what you most want to do in life,
say that being unable to get out of bed or
and then figure out a way to get paid for it.”
stand for more than six months was a
visitors is to the Cooper-Young historic
She believes in the essential goodness of the
tremendous exercise in patience (not my
neighborhood — for our restaurants, shops,
human spirit and believes that we have the
strong suit) and acceptance. Things became
art galleries, coffee shops and live music.
right to be happy and make a living at the
paradoxically both much more important and
Now you can send them here for an
same time. I took her advice to heart, and
less important than ever before. For example, I
affordable, good night’s sleep, within
here I am now: loving my work, enjoying
treasured a flower, a visit, or a funny show
walking distance of all these attractions!
helping others, and earning a living at it.
and had to let go entirely how my house
Denise Cox, M.S.: “The year I was born, ee.
cummings wrote what was to be the guiding
principle throughout most of my life: To be
J uli a H icks
One of the best places to send Memphis
The Pilgrim House Conference Center and
looked and all of the details that we are
Hostel is now open at First Congregational
accustomed to choosing daily.”
Church, with nightly rates from $10 to $25
Don Thomas, D. Min., LPC: “Several years
per person. Private, semi-private and bunk
nobody but your self in a world which is doing
ago, I heard the Rev. Robert M. Shelton share
rooms are available. Reservations are
its best, night and day, to make you every-
a quote from one of his professors, Paul
encouraged but not required. Travelers will
body else means to fight the hardest battle
Lehmann, who said, God comes to us out of
be asked to present a out-of-state drivers
which any human being can fight and never
the future, picks up the pieces of our broken
license or a passport for identification. Cash,
stop fighting.”
past and creates for us a meaningful present.
checks and VISA/MasterCard are accepted.
While the past does leave its mark, it can
Accommodations include a beautiful
the very public challenge to society’s status
become the raw material for a future that is
kitchen, full baths on the hallway, laundry
quo. Now, as I enter the second half of my life,
replete with hope.”
facilities, wireless access, a recycling center,
As a young adult in the 1970s, I undertook
I’m aware of a much less public, deeply
The Pilgrim Center is a counseling program
comfortable community areas, light shared
chores, and easy free parking.
private battle. My focus turns inward, and I
for the community, located at First Congrega-
examine what my life has been and discern
tional Church. You may reach any of the
what I still want to make of it. It would be very
counselors by calling 844-4357 and leave a
center and hostel? First Congo was founded
easy to ‘settle’ for the status quo, but the
message in his or her voice mail.
145 years ago as “The Strangers Church” — a
Why does a church have a conference
congregation in the hotel district of down-
unmet dreams and deferred ideals have
The library is well stocked.
town Memphis where strangers gathered,
named by the New England founders of the
church who felt themselves “strangers” in
the south. We have a historic commitment
to welcoming the stranger, which we now
practice as intentional hospitality.
For years First Congo has enjoyed hosting
youth groups and justice workers who are
traveling through Memphis on their way to
conferences and mission jobs, such as
Katrina rebuilding efforts. Now, in addition
to that, we’re encouraging folks to make
Memphis their destination of interest and
service.
We’re providing an affordable and
conducive space for local non-profits to hold
Christmas and New Year events at First Congo
conferences here in a city rich with civil
• December 1: Global Goods Fair Trade
local art, and southern food! And we want
Children’s Pageant
Open House, 6 to 9 p.m. Free coffee and
snacks along with a five percent discount on
all purchases!
• December 2:
rights history, a major music center, unique
• December 24: Christmas Eve Early Service at
5 p.m This special service will last about 30
to share in the mission of hostels around
minutes in special consideration for children.
the world — providing a place where young
• December 24: Christmas Eve Service of
Global Goods Open House,
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• December 1 to 24:
Heifer Project Interna-
tional Gift Cards available in the store, open
from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through
Saturday
• December 8: Memphis Symphony Orchestra
and Chorus presents Classical Christmas
Concert at 8 p.m.
people and folks on tight budgets can enjoy
a safe, comfortable, and welcoming place to
lessons and carols at 10 p.m.
• December 17: Children’s No-Rehearsal
stay on their journeys.
• December 31: Prayers for a New Year
Christmas Pageant. All children are
followed by a labyrinth walk with live music
welcome! Come to the sanctuary at 10 a.m.
for a meditative walk by guitarist Mark Allen,
Sunday morning to get a costume.
5 to 7 p.m.
Pilgrim House Conference Center & Hostel is
located at First Congregational Church at 1000
Cooper. For more information, call 405-4414 or
278-6786 ext. 5 or pilgrimhouse06@yahoo.
• December 17: Cooper-Young Peace
com or www.pilgrimhouse.org
Journey at 6 p.m. A neighborhood
pilgrimage for peace, including songs and
prayers for our neighborhood. Pancake
Labyrinth
supper afterwards!
LampLighter 17
PET SOUNDS
Music as therapy for your companion animals
D ebor a h C a mp
There is much evidence to suggest our pets
“Dogs are walking ears and noses, and it is well known that
enjoy music. Some animal behaviorists have
t h ey h e a r h i g h e r f r e q u e n c i e s t h a n h u m a n s .”
even gone so far as to say that we humans
Robert Boyd
vastly underestimate an animal’s ability to
appreciate it.
appreciation of Robert Boyd’s CD, Jurong Bird
One of the most amusing instances of an
Park, evoked an intense response. Carew
animal’s response to music can be found in
says Australian composer Robert Boyd. “Dogs
recalls: “I went to put my hand down and turn
the late Willie Morris’s book, My Cat Spit
are walking ears and noses, and it is well
off the CD player, and Max growled at me. He
McGee. In this particular tale, he refers to his
known that they hear higher frequencies than
didn’t want me to turn it off.” She claims
stepson’s dog, Jake. Whenever the dog heard
humans.”
Jurong Bird Park has become an important
the theme music to the National Public Radio’s
part of Max’s life, and the CD, which features
program “All Things Considered,” he would, as
music, and has produced albums that are used
the sounds of 8000 birds inhabiting Singa-
Morris told it: “immediately freeze, cock his
as music therapy by people with sleeping
pore’s famous Jurong Park, has a pacifying
ears, then proceed to dance madly about
disorders, terminal illnesses and autistic
effect on her dog.
while he lifted his snout and howled to the top
“Animals are very responsive to sound,”
Robert writes, performs and records his own
children. He is among an emerging group of
I can personally affirm that music has a
of his lungs.” He did this until the theme song
artists who also compose for animals — a
positive effect on our mostly peaceable
finally ended. And it was this musical piece
discriminating group as judgmental as
kingdom of felines. Since my husband and I
alone that elicited such an emotional
humans regarding the quality of the notes
work from our home, each of our offices is
response.
they hear.
equipped with CD players, and of course we
Whether it’s Bob Marley, the Dixie Chicks,
avail ourselves to the wide and eclectic variety
Mahler, or Miles Davis, I suppose our pet’s
sounds he hears, he’ll take off, but if he likes
of music itunes offers on our computers.
musical tastes and preferences can be as
the music, he will lie down and enjoy it,” says
Michael is usually tuned into a jazz station —
individual and quirky as our own.
Robert.
KPLU out of Seattle — or playing classical or
“If an animal doesn’t like the musical
Last year on National Public Radio’s
Weekend Edition, journalist Scott Simon
blues music.
Although thoroughly unscientific, and most
featured musician Skip Haynes and his newly
certainly anthropomorphic, we believe our
released CD: Ask the Animals: Song to Make
cats have musical preferences. They do not
Dogs Happy. Skip produced the CD with the
gravitate toward hard rock or whiny country
help of animal communicator Dr. Kim Ogden-
music, but they do park themselves into
Avruitik, who advised him to beware of certain
listening groups when a good jazz piece
types of percussion (too much like gunshots)
emanates from the speakers. Michael’s
and overuse of the word “no,” (an unpopular
desktop speakers are shredded by the overly
word among many species). Tunes that proved
enthusiastic individuals who have been
to be popular with canine listeners were
spotted draped over and clutching them,
“Sweaky-Deakey,” “I’m Your Doggie” and “I’ll
listening and purring appreciation.
Be Back.”
During the research phase of the CD, like
That animals like some kinds of music is
useful information. Music playing softly can
any good marketer, Haynes tested his songs
calm an animal during a thunderstorm. It can
on some 200 dogs. What he learned was that
resonate sympathetically when a pet is
his focus groups appreciated sambas, and
recovering from illness or surgery. It can aid
hated music that sounded like Johnny Cash.
during the emotional stress of settling into a
He also noticed that some songs made the
new home, and can help a pet suffering from
animals stretch out in front of the speakers,
separating anxiety. We always have a radio
like people attending an outdoor concert on
going on when we’re away for a few hours,
the lawn.
and we firmly believe that music, interspersed
Pet owner Cazee Carew described her own
observations of her dog Max, a canine whose
with the sound of a human voice, reassures
and comforts our little guys.
Contact Deborah Camp at 525-0552, or
[email protected] for comments
or suggestions.
N E W L O C AT I O N
Natural Learning School to start in June
with summer camp
D elil a E a rly
Much work has been put into opening the
to Cecilia Palazola, and collaborating with the
Natural Learning School. Starting in January
Memphis College of Art. We intend to have
2007, we will begin enrolling children in the
College of Art interns working in the school.
June-July summer camp and for our fall
We have also found a creative movement
semester. The application form will be
teacher and two prospective part-time
available on our website.
teachers, and have posted an ad for one full-
Recently we had a meeting with twenty-
time teacher. We also have contracted with
eight attendees. Ann Lewin-Benham gave us a
Ann Lewin-Benham, who has more than
fantastic presentation on Reggio Emilia, the
thirty-five years of experience in education, to
philosophy we will implement. At the opening
train our teachers in the Reggio Approach.
of the meeting we focused on our latest
Finally, we need help from supporters with
accomplishments. These include: writing the
the planning and construction of the school’s
strategic plan, naming our school, getting our
playground. We are seeking an attorney
Employer ID number (thanks to our accoun-
willing to serve on our board or to volunteer
tant and board member Betty Owen), creating
a few hours each month, and most of all pre-
a logo (with the input of numerous parents).
school teachers to teach at the school.
After fire inspection, we met with an
If you can help in any way, please contact
architect firm (Haizlip Studio) and a contractor.
us at [email protected] and
We decided that the Ice House is not the
please visit our website at www.naturalearn-
perfect home for us. The building needs costly
ingschool.com.
remodeling work to become a school. Instead
This article has been written with the help
we decided to concentrate our investments on
of Molly Wallace (a sixth grade CLUE student
the program and our faculty. We are currently
from Snowden School)
negotiating with a local church that has a
fantastic space. The facility includes a dance
studio, a stage, a computer lab and a beautiful
playground area. The building offers good
initial space and will accommodate our future
growth.
To introduce our school to the community
we have started our marketing campaign.
Allison and John Hancock have designed our
website and brochure. We’ve been featured in
the Commercial Appeal in an article written by
Lindsay Melvan and continue with monthly
updates in the LampLighter.
Other milestones include applying for nonprofit status, receiving a generous donation of
materials from the Children’s Museum thanks
LampLighter 19
GIFT OF READING
expand our tutoring program. Archer-
Extraordinary
measures are
often required
to ensure every
student succeeds
Malmo, St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral,
Memphis Grizzlies, Memphis Redbirds, plus
downtown and Midtown residents are the
primary providers of tutors,” says Coordinator Emily Woodside. “No experience is
necessary — just a willingness to help
students.” John Markham, Director of
Broadcast Communication for Archer-
D r . D . J a ckson M a xwell
Malmo and a second year volunteer at
Downtown Elementary, says, “I had never
There was a boy, born in the 1960s, who
tutored before but always wanted to give
began his education in an open-air class-
something back to the community. It was a
room surrounded by 200 other students. The
bit scary to take the first step, but once I
boy did not do well. He had ADD (Attention
Deficit Disorder). The teachers assured the
boy’s parents that soon a “light” would click
John Markham working with student
James Thomas, improving James’
reading skills in the Grizzlies’ Den.
on in his head and he would catch up to his
peers. Year after year the boy’s parents were
take notice and take action to prevent
told the same thing.
students like myself from failing.
By the third grade, the boy still could not
read or write on any level. Finally, his
model school where intervention is the
parents had enough. They pulled him out of
norm. It is the cutting edge of creating an
this school and enrolled him in a new school
environment where all children are academ-
with special tutoring programs. Damage was
ically tracked to make certain they are
done, and it took the boy until middle school
performing on level in all subjects. The
before he could read, write and perform as
students who are not meeting their educa-
well as his peers.
tional expectations are offered intervention
The boy I’m talking about is me. I am
in the CY Guide.
mastery of required skills. The Tutoring
Maxwell, for never giving up on me. She
Center, extended care enrichment programs,
spent countless hours working on helping
and the After School Book Club all provide
me to read, getting me into a new school,
opportunities for struggling students to keep
and finding tutors who could help me. I am
pace with their peers.
The School’s Tutoring Center has begun
teered their time to tutor me. These efforts
its third year. Forty volunteers are tutoring
enabled me to finish school, graduate from
nearly 100 students in math and reading.
college, have a career in education, and
“John Elkington and the Downtown Rotary
become a productive citizen.
have been driving forces in helping us
Fortunately, the open-air classroom
concept has gone by the wayside, and
Submit all information
educators have learned that a “light” does
by January 5, 2007 to
heads. Instead, extraordinary measures are
[email protected]
programs that work to improve their
eternally grateful to my mother, Betty
thankful for those individuals who volun-
Get your business listed
Downtown Elementary has become a
not automatically go off inside students’
often required to ensure every student
succeeds. The accountability required by the
No Child Left Behind Act ensures all schools
committed to tutoring, my experience has
been great! Teaching is much more rewarding than I ever dreamed.”
One of the most innovative programs at
Downtown Elementary is the After School
Book Club — an intensive reading intervention program for at-risk students. Three
certified teachers work with first through
third grade students in small group settings
(six students per teacher). This remedial
reading program allows student to keep a
number of the books they read each month.
Additionally, the program supplies a bus to
transport the students back home after each
book club meeting.
School administrator Elisa Bennett states
that, “Downtown Elementary competes
against private schools for top-notch
students. We offer programs far beyond the
expected. What makes these exceptional
educational experiences possible are our
highly qualified teachers, extraordinary staff,
and dedicated volunteers.” You can become
a part of this success story, too. This holiday
season give back to your community by
offering children a gift of something they
The After School Book
Club provides opportunities
for struggling students to
can ever get enough of — your time. Please
volunteer at your neighborhood school.
Dr. D. Jackson Maxwell is a National Board
Certified Teacher with over twenty years of
educational experience. If you have any
keep pace with their peers.
questions or comments, please feel free to
contact Dr. Maxwell at: [email protected]
BY TH E DOZ E N
Cookie planning requires the perfect
cup of hot chocolate
M a ris a B a gge t t
It all started with a simple trip to the store
milk or maybe its the mental image of
to replenish two items for my baking cabinets
delicious, warm molten chocolate sliding
— baking soda and dark chocolate chips. I
easily down one’s throat that makes a mug of
reminded myself of this over and over as I
hot chocolate such a special treat. I’ve found
made my way from the far end of the
that sipping on a mug of chocolaty bliss is
crowded parking lot. It was beautiful outside
quite useful outside of cookie planning.
and I tried to enjoy the crisp autumn air and
During this hectic time of the year, I find that
the colorful change of leaves. In anticipation
taking the time to sit and enjoy a mug of hot
of the crowd at the parking lots (they’ll be full
chocolate is a calming, meditative experience.
until mid January), I made a pact that I would
Life seems to slow from the pace of water
never circle around more than once in pursuit
running full blast from a faucet to the more
of a closer parking spot. I was proud that I had
leisurely flow of molten chocolate. Each
kept my pact as I grabbed a hand basket on
delightful sip seems to coat my heart with a
my way into the store.
reminder of the very sweetness of life. With a
The sight of a colorful cookie display
few, slow deep whiffs of the rich aroma rising
stopped me in my tracks. Literally. I felt
from a steaming mug, insignificant thoughts
something welling up inside as I looked at
melt away, and I am left in the moment. Here
those cookies. I forgot that I was standing in
is my favorite recipe for soothing thick,
the dead center of the walkway, until a polite
drinkable chocolate.
“excuse me” jolted me into reality. I returned
my hand basket and upgraded to the large
Hot Chocolate
buggy. Slowly I walked toward the baking
(each batch makes one large mug)
aisle. Every year, I promised myself that I’d
1 1/4 cup milk
wait just a little longer before I start contemplating cookies to be made. I hadn’t a clue
why my inner cookie monster had emerged so
early in mid-November, but she did. She was
1 stroke of orange zest
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark
chocolate
here to stay until at least mid-February after a
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
myriad of heart shaped goodies had been
1/4 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
made, so I willingly piled my buggy with
everything the cookie monster demanded
including milk and a bag of popcorn.
I suppose the beginning of my baking
madness is rooted in my childhood, where
Mom and I would spend fall and winter
Garnish suggestions: whipped cream,
chocolate shavings, orange zest, cinnamon
sticks, marshmallows, pinch of cayenne
pepper
In a saucepan, heat milk with orange zest.
afternoons baking cookies. Just as important
Whisk constantly until milk begins to get hot
and as exciting were the moments we spent at
and frothy. Do not allow the milk to boil. Add
the dining room table thumbing through
chocolate chips and stir over heat until melted.
seasonal cookie magazines deciding which
Remove pan from heat and whisk in cin-
varieties looked good enough to be added to
namon and vanilla extract. Pour into a large
our perennial favorites. As we thumbed, we
mug and garnish if desired.
took turns “oooing” and “aaaahing” over the
For white chocolate version, substitute
photographed delights. Cookies from dog-
white chocolate chips or chopped white
eared and frayed pages of past years’
chocolate for dark chocolate and omit
magazines were compared with those on the
cinnamon. Follow the same procedure and
pages of crisp, clean pages of brand new
add a peppermint stick, if desired, for a tasty
glossies that would soon bear splatters of
stirrer.
batter and grease marks from fingerprints. A
bowl of salty popcorn served as our snack of
choice to counter the sweetness of rich mugs
of steaming hot chocolate. There was nothing
better than the soothing richness of stove top
hot chocolate to satiate my sweet tooth. And
over the years, my inner cookie monster made
me believe that contemplating cookies without
celeb
multip
rate
ly you
r fun
join in
.
Coop
er-Yo
activ
ung
ities
as a v
olunt
eer
drinking a mug of chocolate was quite cruel.
Maybe it’s the soothing smell of the warm
LampLighter 21
CY VINE
A primer on Champagne
sparkling wine and CY restaurants
M ich a el H ughes
TWO MUCH
Artists on Central celebrates a birthday
J . S . S mi t h
Artists on Central Art Gallery celebrated
It’s the holidays, which means that it’s time
have found the gallery to be one stop
its second birthday in October and is
shopping for all their artistic needs. There
for good wine, good food, family and friends.
of fresh fish on their small plates menu.
looking forward to its third year in business
are always new artists and new works to
Splurge a little. Upgrade your bottles. What
Without a doubt, it is the best carpaccio in
in the Cooper-Young business district.
see without intimidation (as can be the case
better time than now to share special bottles
Memphis, and a perfect companion for bubbly.
with loved ones. There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate with good wine: Christmas,
Tsunami (928 Cooper) offers a carpaccio
“I looked at a lot of places to start my
at other galleries). When a customer walks
If it’s a rich full-bodied fish like tuna, a bright,
dream business and only one area of town
into Artists on Central, he or she is always
crisp brut style sparkling will pair perfectly.
met all our criteria,” says Jane Croy, owner
greeted by a working artist, who may even
Hanukah and New Year’s Eve. Nothing says
The higher acid cuts through the richness of
of the gallery at 2256 Central Avenue. “Not
be creating a work of art on the spot. The
celebration like Champagne and sparkling
raw tuna. Overall, the Asian influence in
only was the building perfect for my ideas,
gallery is always more than happy to help
wine.
Tsunami’s cuisine is a perfect foil for many
but the neighboring business were all very
match a color swatch or call up one of its
types of sparkling wine, except for the beef.
receptive to having a new business in the
artists to create a custom piece. For gift
area and have since been extremely helpful
giving there are original pieces of jewelry,
to a new shop.”
hand-turned wooden bowls, hand-carved
There is a difference between the two.
“Champagne” refers to the sparkling wines
The Blue Fish (2149 Young) offers by the
coming from the Champagne region of France.
glass:
All other wines of that style produced
• Gloria Ferrer, Brut, Sonoma County.
Locating the space with almost 3000
wooden boxes, hand-knit scarves, custom
anywhere else cannot legally use the term
Sourced from the Carneros district of
square feet was just the first part of the
purses, clothing and furniture, and an entire
Champagne. The taste difference can be
Sonoma, this rich sparkling wine is a blend
journey to provide a place for more local
sale area in the back of the gallery. A
staggering. The Champagne region lies over
of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It has
artists to show their work and to give
handmade card completes the package for
very chalky, mineral-based soil. That soil type
luscious texture and a racy acidity.
customers the opportunity to discover a
the most unique gifts in town.
imparts a mineral, chalky texture and flavor to
the wine, in a good way of course. Another
• Francis Coppola, Sofia, Blanc de Blancs,
favorite artist. As the painting and ham-
Feeling privileged to be a successful
California. This sparkler is a blend of the
mering and sawing created display spaces,
business also creates a desire to give back
factor that influences Champagne is the
white grapes Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc,
the artists began to arrive to eagerly show
to the community. During the past two
hundreds of years of experience that local
and a touch of Muscat. It is meant to be
their wares for approval to be a part of the
years, Artists on Central has worked with
reminiscent of Prosecco.
gallery. Though not a co-op or consignment
their artists to donate pieces or participate
shop at conception, there was still an aim to
in fund-raisers for the Humane Society, the
find more than crafts: to seek out original
Food Bank of the Mid-South, MIFA, MDA
paintings, fine jewelry, accessories and
and the American Cancer Society.
growers and producers have to draw from.
This can’t be replicated. Some facts on
sparkling wine and Champagne:
•Aria, Pinot Noir Brut, Cava, Spain. This rose
sparkling is 100 percent Pinot Noir. Aromas
• Brut: dry style.
• Demi-sec: dessert style, meant for a cheese
and flavors of fresh berries are evident,
along with an elevated acidity which
or dessert course.
makes it perfect for salads and appetizers.
• Rose: from the addition of still red wine or
skin contact with red grapes.
• NV: Non-Vintage means that the wine is a
Dish Tapas Lounge (948 Cooper) is a
great place to share wine and food with
friends this holiday season. The Mediterranean
blend of vintages as opposed to one single
influence in the menu is a great match for
year.
sparkling wines from Spain and Prosecco from
• Blanc de Blancs: White from Whites are
Italy. Luckily they offer both Segura Viudas
made entirely of white grape types such as
Aria Brut Cava by the glass and Mionetto “Il”
Chardonnay.
Prosecco by the half-bottle. These wines pair
• Blanc de Noirs: White from Blacks are
perfectly with dishes such as hummus with
made entirely of black grapes such as Pinot
roasted red pepper and chives, and grilled
Noir.
sardine with herb oil.
• Extra Dry: sweeter than Brut but not as
sweet as Demi Sec.
• Cava: sparkling wine from Spain.
• Prosecco: sparkling wine from Italy, lower
To end the year right, pop open a bottle of
quality Champagne. We all deserve a little
treat. Particular bottles to look for are:
• Bollinger, Special Cuvee, NV. One of the
best, if not the best, Champagne houses.
in alcohol than other bubblys.
Owns some of the only vineyards in the
Sparkling wine and Champagne are perfect
region to be planted on their original
wines for the holiday season. Start out with a
rootstock, which equals old-vines. Old-
glass of bubbly instead of a cocktail when out
vines translate to deeper flavor and
to dinner at one of Cooper-Young’s remarkable
complexity.
restaurants. There are few pairings as good as
fish (especially raw fish) and bubbly. Adept
•Alfred Gratien, NV. The winemaker
ferments all the base wines for this house
chefs at Do Sushi Lounge (964 Cooper)
in barrels as opposed to stainless steel. This
handcraft delicious designs with fish and
spice, perfect foils for Champagne and
sparkling wine. When ordering something with
method leads to added richness and body.
• Pol Roger, Rose, Vintage Reserve. A stellar
elevated spice, ask the server for a sparkler
with more sweetness. The fruity sweetness will
offset the heat in the sushi, and the heat, in
turn, tones down the sweet.
rose Champagne made from Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay. It has beauty, complexity,
elegance, deep flavor, and a finish that
lasts forever.
furniture — all on the cutting edge of fine
art.
“When my husband and I signed the
On November 4, Artists on Central hosted
the unveiling of a holiday card, whose sales
will benefit MIFA. The main gallery area
lease for the building, we were wondering if
now features the artist who created the
we really would find enough fine artists to
design for the card. Everyone at the gallery
fill the space, but as we painted the walls, all
is excited about starting their third year in
white and the floors black to keep a
business in Cooper-Young.
sophisticated look, the artists came in with
Artists on Central also has a website at
beautiful colorful pieces that just gave me
www.artistsoncentral.com, which reaches
chills as the walls became more and more
beyond Cooper-Young, consulting with
decorated with their artwork,” says Jane.
customers from California to Louisiana to New
Currently the gallery represents the work
of more than fifty artists and customers
York. For information about the gallery visit the
website or call 726-0330.
LampLighter 23
SOUND IT OUT
Will Hoge, a disciple of soul and southern rock, to play Young
Avenue Deli
K err y H a y es
I’ve just asked singer/songwriter Will Hoge to talk about his
musical influences, and the sheer
quantity of possible answers
seems to stagger him. “It’s rock
and roll,” he answers after a
thoughtful moment. “Basically
everything that’s been recorded
from 1957 to today.” And he’s
Hoge relies on
serious.
a grueling
Suffice to say, Nashville native
Will Hoge is a traditionalist, a
tour schedule
disciple of soul and southern rock
to sustain his
who is bent on making a few
disciples of his own. Will’s desire
drive to rock,
to just rock and roll got complicated in 2003, when he was
gathering
forced to dissolve a relationship
new converts
with Atlantic Records after they
failed to properly promote his
The Black Keys come to the Young Avenue Deli on December 14.
a l o n g t h e way.
major label debut, Lonely
Blackbird on a Wire. Subsequent
releases, including this year’s The Man Who
Killed Love, have been produced and promoted wholly independently, without a major
record label’s money or machinery.
Hoge relies on a grueling tour schedule to
sustain his drive to rock, gathering new
converts along the way. The LampLighter
caught up with Will between stops on his most
recent tour, which comes to the Young Avenue
Deli on December 16. Tickets are $10.
What were your impressions of Memphis
growing up?
WH: We actually did the majority of our
first studio album at Ardent Studios, so
Memphis is a city that I’ve always had kind of
a love affair with. My family all grew up in
Nashville, so Memphis was always kind of on
the radar. My father and my uncle were
musicians in the 1960s, so all the Elvis stuff
and everything like that, the Stax Records
stuff, wasn’t lost on my family. My uncle
actually moved to Memphis and was in a rock
and roll band down there for a long time. My
places overseas, you see much
music, and I’ve never done that for a band. So
more of an instant reaction
we’ve been real fortunate. I’m just humbled that
because it’s something that those
anybody would come see us at all, much less
people have never really seen before.
come from 15 hours away. Photo by Kristin
Barlowe.
Is it different trying to promote yourself
without a major record company’s
Black Keys at Young Avenue Deli on
support than it was two or three years
December 14
ago?
It’s a bit easier. It’s really hard still, but it’s
easier than it was. It’s one of those things that
we’ve had to learn. Terrestrial radio is just such
an expensive format to try to compete with.
But there a lot of new things happening that
are kind of leveling the playing field—there’s
satellite radio, the internet, things like that.
The one thing that record labels can’t
control, and can’t buy, and can’t pay for, is that
they can’t make someone love your band.
They can make someone love your single, but
they can’t make someone really fall in love
with what you’re doing, and become a fan.
That’s a relationship in and of itself. We’ve
done a pretty good job of taking care of the
people who have let us get where we are, you
know, the people who drive from Boston to
Nashville to see us play. I love the hell out of
dad actually bought his first pair of bellbottoms at Lansky Brothers years ago.
How do people in other parts of the
country respond to your music, which
has a very strong Southern influence?
You know, it’s funny, there is a different
reaction, the further we get away [from home.]
The music becomes more of an import. You
take something that’s real and Southern, and
you don’t get that in places like Milwaukee or
Boston. We saw it when we go to London, or
The raw, jagged, and uncompromisingly lowfi bluesy rumblings of the Black Keys first caught
the attention of the national press with the
release of Thickfreakness on Oxford, Mississippi’s Fat Possum label in 2003. While the last
three years have seen many of their garage rock
contemporaries vanish into irrelevance or
reinvention, the Black Keys have only refined a
working formula — one guy on guitar, one guy
on drums, and slamming, sweaty hooks by the
bucketful. Their recently released fourth album,
Magic Potion, was recorded for “people to be
able to sit on a porch…with a can of beer and
blast the record through a boom box,” according
to guitarist Dan Auberbach. Hoist a bottle of
your magic potion of choice when the Black
Keys come to the Young Avenue Deli on
December 14. Tickets are $15 at www.ticketweb.
com. Photo courtesy of Michael Wilson.
KNIT PICK
Yarn Studio serves as community
gathering place
M org a n B ern a l
“Many customers come in to sit, knit, visit,
and bare their souls,” says Papatya Curtis,
owner of the Yarn Studio on Cooper. “ I am
told, and truly believe, that the Yarn Studio is
vital to the community as a gathering place
and haven for support of all types.” Her
electric blue eyes shine with pride as Papatya
shares the details of her store, claiming that
Midtown is the “creative center” of Memphis.
Since December 2002, the Yarn Studio has
occupied a quaint one-bedroom house on the
corner of Elzey and Cooper. Each room
explodes with color and textures, beckoning
visitors to touch the soft wool and luscious silk
threads. The wares include knitting and
Papatya Curtis displays her wares at
The Yarn Studio. Photo by Charles Gage.
crochet supplies, including needles, books,
[cable] scarf in every color available for family
magazines, knitting bags, biodegradable wool
and friends,” boasts Papatya.
wash and more. There is also a large,
I was drawn to the artistic knitting bags
welcoming table where visitors can sit, collect
scattered throughout the store. From carrying
their thoughts, and create. If you need help
small needles to toting a nearly completed
with a few final steps on a baby sweater? Stop
throw, Yarn Studio offers bags in all sizes,
in and Susan or Papatya will gladly assist; you
colors, styles, or ‘recycled’ materials. My
may even be tempted to join a weeknight
favorite bags were made from used sweaters,
class on cabling, Fairisle, crochet, or “From the
carefully washed, cut, and sewn together,
Toes Up,” a new sock- knitting workshop.
complete with a vintage bead enclosure ($50
An East Memphis customer professed her
to $90). For a more sophisticated look, the
loyalty to Yarn Studio — that warm, inviting
Vintage Velvet bags are roomy and easy to
atmosphere kept drawing her back. On
handle (starting around $100). If Carrie
occasion, she has even called the shop with a
Bradshaw took up knitting, she would don the
knitting question or crocheting disaster. Unlike
fabulous faux leather bag in baby pink or
other knitting stores throughout the city, this
black for a reasonable $89.99.
Cooper-Young business attracts a diverse
In lieu of the holiday season, gift cards can
clientele; as a result, a men’s knitting group
be purchased in-store or online, and Wish List
on Thursday nights will start soon. (Visit www.
cards are available for those who would like to
yarnstudio.com for class times, workshops,
jot down suggestions for that less-than-certain
and sales). In honor of the holidays, Yarn
shopper. With every $100 purchased, you
Studio will offer a two-hour ‘quick cable’ scarf
receive ten percent credit, which can equal a
class for those (like myself) who love thread,
ball or two of yarn! The Yarn Studio is a haven
but cannot knit. You will leave with the skills
for knitters and the location for holiday gift
and enough yarn to knit a gift for only twenty
shopping for someone special that possesses
dollars. “We have customers who knit this
a passion for thread.
G a llow a y
LampLighter 25
P E A B O D Y E L E M E N TA R Y
Students keep busy this fall with
international study, library cards,
holiday preparation and more
FROM TH E H EART
Holidays present opportunity to pass
along forgotten treasures
M ich a el Ta y lor
J ennifer W ord
pated in the Race for the Cure for the first
time. The majority of staff registered for the
race. Fifth grade teacher, Jenifer Eoff’s sister
designed t-shirts for us to purchase and wear
to the race. We were too late to be considered
an official team but team Peabody rocked. Ms.
Artarius Hurd, sixth grade teacher ran the
majority of the race. She smoked all of us.
Next year, we are going to strive to be an
official team and raise money and awareness
Students celebrated International Week
beginning November 13. Peabody Optional
School focuses on International Studies
throughout the year. The week’s study focused
on arts, dress, food, music, and games of the
six countries our school studies throughout
the year. The students enjoyed sampling foods
from other nations such as sushi, salsa and
chips, éclairs, hot dogs, apple pie, Russian tea
and cookies, and even goat’s milk. Mrs.
Barbara Finney, and her students taught the
other students different games from around
the world. Each grade focuses on a particular
country for the year.
Holidays
present.
Helping our children read
November 1, Peabody Elementary hosted
The Memphis Library System held a contest
always count on a little surprise, She would say, “I know you have always liked this so I want
you to have it, so you can enjoy it now.” God rest her soul. I think these gifts were given for
the happiness it brought to our faces.
So put your wallet away and explore your long-forgotten boxes, packed closets, basements or attics. Consider passing along a favorite ornament to someone who will cherish it as
you have. Or how about baking a batch of cookies or fresh bread and wrapping them up?
Better yet, give them on your favorite serving plate, you know, the one they always liked.
This kind of gift costs more time than money, but means a lot more than a store bought item.
Reason being, it comes from the heart.
for students to create a library card. The
students were encouraged to design library
card for the Memphis Public Library System.
Us
n
i
Jo
Terry Taylor, a third grader in Teresa White’s
class won the top honor at Peabody. Terry’s
card will be entered in a contest that is open
to students throughout the city.
In step
Peabody Optional School has a new co-ed
Step/Drill team that consists of ten girls and
four boys. The team will perform at the
Honors Program on November 21. Ms. Fifer
and Ms. Linda Bell sponsor the team.
Memphis goes back to school
g
oun d
Y
r
n
ope ter a
Co
et
our
b
s
hy
t
i
get
w
ter
on.
ati
bet
p
i
tic
par
The week of October 16, the Memphis City
School system celebrated Memphis Goes Back
to School. Ms. Netarsha McDaniel, Peabody’s
a workshop entitled Helping Your Child to
Resident Principal coordinated the event for
Read for parents of students in grades K-2.
the school. Mr. Calvin Anderson, of Vice-
Nanci Bishop, our guest speaker from Save the
President of Blue-Cross Blue Shield was the
Children, introduced parents to ways to turn
Principal for the Day. Local civil service
everyday household materials into fun
employees volunteered their time to come
activities for young readers. Games, music, art
and read to the students of Peabody. The
projects, and many more ideas were practiced
students even witnessed the firefighters
in hands-on applications. Future parent
rushing to a call. The Phi Beta Sigma fraternity
workshops are planned for math and reading
performed for the fourth through sixth grades.
activities for older students.
The fraternity encouraged our students to
Peabody thinks pink
belonged to her or grandma. After we all moved away from home, we would visit, and could
g
Admission is free and there will be security
Memphis library card
the same way. She would surprise us kids with things that we always had an eye for that
or
Jerry Sanders are sure to delight all ages.
message of the NED show.
I asked my Aunt many years ago, when you die, I would love that old quilt that she and
momma used as a kid. She said, take it now, it’s just sitting in the cedar chest. My mom was
g.
Ensemble and Choir under the leadership of
Your Best. The students were motivated by the
knew one of the younger generation favored an item.
un
around the globe. The Peabody Dance
Never Give Up, Encourage Others, and Do
now? My family members have always been generous in this way, especially when they
yo
Dance from Africa, as well as songs from
inspirational message. NED is an acronym for
you keeping them safe for? Why not give them to someone who might appreciate them
er
kovsky’s Nutcracker and a Kwanzaa Harvest
with outstanding yo-yo tricks while giving an
treasures in our home, but many also have them packed away for safe keeping. What are
op
Holidays will include dances from Tchai-
tional yo-yo show. The speaker entertained
How many times have you asked, what ever happened to grandma’s old gravy-boat? Or
that piece of pottery that Aunt Clair gave me years ago? Many of us proudly display these
co
14 at 7 p.m. The celebration of Winter
November 1. The NED show is an interna-
I’m talking about digging in your attic or basement for forgotten vintage items.
w.
Holiday Program will take place on December
The NED Show came to Peabody on
re-gifting (you’ll have to keep the salad spinner that your office coworker gave you last year).
ww
The much-anticipated annual Peabody
Never give up
holiday budget a bit tight, think about giving things you already have. No, I’m not suggesting
en
International week celebrated
throughout our school and community.
There is no better gift than giving something from the heart. If the price of gas has your
ze
i
g
er
Mrs. Williamson’s fifth grade class
celebrates Kenya
The time has come to consider what you will give to friends and family for the holidays.
study hard in order for every child to be
college bound.
The staff and faculty of Peabody partici
LampLighter 27

Congregations continue to strengthen Cooper

Transcription

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