festival photos - Cooper-Young Community Association

Transcription

FREE
VOLU M E XVI I, N U M B E R I I
w w w.cooper young.org
C o o p e r -Yo u n g — M a n y Vo i c e s , O n e C o m m u n i t y
RAISE THE BARRE
New Ballet
Ensemble dances
its way into new
studio
C ourtne y M iller S anto
The derelict warehouse near the corner of
Meda and York in Cooper-Young didn’t merit a
second glance. Katie Smythe Thinnes was in
search of a new home for New Ballet Ensemble
RAISING
THE
BARRE
New Home for New Ballet Ensemble Page 14
(NBE), the dance company and studio she had
founded in 2000.
“Yuck,” says Katie of her first look at the
building, which is a stone’s throw away from the
Trestle Art. “We drove by and I didn’t even want
to get out of the car. It was too industrial, the
street was too dark and it had no presence.”
NBE, which currently serves about ninety
students, is dedicated to providing professional
dance training to Memphis children regardless of
ability to pay. Katie and five professional dancers
recruit inner city children through their extensive
outreach programs with Memphis public schools.
NBE is working toward having fifty percent of
their students on scholarship.
“It is amazing to be able to introduce children
to dance,” says Brandon Conger, who recently
joined NBE. “That is one of the things I love
about our outreach program.”
Since 2002, NBE has operated out of the
Icehouse on Central but the leased space offered
little opportunity for growth. And so, the search
stretched on and on. It was constrained by Katie’s
desire to remain in Midtown and lack of suitable
structures. James Raspberry, a commercial agent,
saw Katie at Otherlands and again suggested the
building on York. In the months since her first
visit, the cinderblock exterior had been brightened up with cool shades of yellow, green and
red paint.
FESTIVAL
PHOTOS
Pages 12-13
For the second visit to 2157 York, which had
formerly served as a warehouse for Keathley Pie
Factory, Katie brought a dancer, who was
working in Virginia with her. “We walked in and
the potential just hit us. She said she’d move
back home if we did this.”
Katie had found a new home for NBE and in
her typical fashion, she immediately went to
continued on page14
October 2006
LampLighter Membership benefits, Halloween
contest, historic plaques
3
CYDC changes
The Cooper-Young Development Corporation is
saying goodbye to several of its board members,
including Ellen Eubank, who had served as president
of the housing revitalization organization for the past
two years.
Eat for less
With the support of some of our local restaurants, Cooper-Young Community
Association now has discounts along with membership. Just show your card at
participating restaurants and get a one-time discount that can be applied to your visit.
4
Share your thoughts
Like a snail, progress on the redevelopment of the
Mid-South Fairgrounds is moving forward. The
LampLighter wants to encourage all residents to get
involved in the process and we’ve put together a
If you aren’t already a member, today is a great day to start. See discounts below!
survey to start the process.
Buns on the Run — free dessert with purchase
Blue Fish — 10 percent off any one entrée on a weeknight
Café Ole — Enjoy one complimentary lunch or dinner entrée when a second is of
equal or greater value is purchased — up to fifteen dollars
Young Ave Deli — Enjoy one complimentary lunch or dinner entrée when a second is
Robbery suspects arrested
18
a.m. and 3 p.m.
Over the Labor Day weekend, twelve violent crimes
were committed in the Midtown area. The four men
suspected of these burglaries appeared in court on
September 27. The LampLighter will follow their
progress in our judicial system.
Soul Fish Café — Enjoy one complimentary lunch or dinner entrée when a second is
Celtic Crossing — 10 percent off any one item when you visit at lunch between 11
CYCA General
Meeting
October 10 at 6 p.m. at the CYCA
offices. We will be recapping the
festival and run, discussing the
beautification fundraiser and
ornamental plaques for houses, there
will be a membership update, and we
will be discussing block clubs.
CYCA Board Meeting
October 17 at 7 p.m. at the CYCA
offices
of equal or greater value is purchased — up to seven dollars
of equal or greater value is purchased — up to seven dollars
Meetings
C Y C A N ews
Extras
City Council Meetings
October 3 at 3:30 p.m.
Meetings for both are held in Council
Chambers, First Floor, City Hall at 125
North Main Street.
Members’ News .................................................................3
Shelby County
Commission Meetings
Galloway ..............................................................................6
Chatterbox ...........................................................................8
Get Historic
Cooper-Young Community Association has designed ornamental plaques to
adorn your home while denoting your residence in a beautiful and progressive
historic district. Our plaques were designed with beauty and durability in mind, and
are ready to be mounted on the exterior of your home. These plaques make beautiful
accents to your home, and are wonderful gift ideas for anyone joining our community. Each plaque is two and a half inches by six inches and costs thirty dollars.
Support your growing community, while beautifying your home! Our plaques will be
available in six to nine weeks, and we will contact you when your order has arrived.
Restaurant Review .............................................................9
Festival 4-Miler ................................................................ 10
2006 CY Festival ............................................................. 11
Pet Column ........................................................................17
Cooper-Young Organizations
Crime Map ........................................................................ 18
CYCA
Lifelong Learning............................................................. 21
Shannon Choo
901-272-2922
Midtown Mama ............................................................... 22
Peabody News ................................................................. 22
CYBA
LampLighter Column...................................................... 23
Kathryn Bruneau
901-276-7222 Spooky house
[email protected]
[email protected]
CYDC
The megamarts have begun selling witches, goblins, ghosts and candy by
Sutton Mora Hayes
901-272-1459
[email protected]
the bucket, which can only mean one thing: it is time for the CYCA’s
Halloween Yard of the Year contest. Last year tour neighborhood turned out a haunted house, a haunted boat and a few
Cooper-Young Community Association
yard decorations the size of small buildings. The last four
CYCA Board Officers
years the top prize has gone to 2061 Evelyn, but any house
first place? Judges will be walking the neighborhood on all
President
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer
hallows eve, so get your spook on and your decorations up!
CYCA Committee Heads
can unseat the champions. Will one of the runner ups (2063
Young, 2077 Oliver and 2032 Nelson) from last year take
Communications
Membership
Finance
Festival 4-Miler
Safety
Edmund Mackey
Debbie Sowell
See’Trail Mackey
Buzz Shellabarger
Emily Bishop
Debbie Sowell
Jason Word
Richard Coletta
Michael Ham
Terry Lawrence
CYCA At-Large Board Members
Staff and Volunteers
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
901-827-4797 [email protected]
Morgan Bernal, Katie Bruneau, Deborah Camp, Shannon
Choo, Dalila Early, Stacey Greenberg, Michael Ham,
Sutton Mora Hayes, Michael Hughes, Terry Lawrence, Dr.
D. Jackson Maxwell, TroyAnn Poulopoulos, Jennifer Word
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 October 2006
Rosemary West, Michael Ham, Alan Ray, Carmen
Weaver, Justin Hill and Elizabeth Harcourt
Contributors
Deadlines for November
LampLighter
Articles, submissions: October 15
Advertising copy: October 20
Distribution beginning: October 27
Please send all articles and submissions to:
[email protected]
For advertising rate sheet, or to submit ads
electronically, please email:
[email protected]
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APPLAUD THIS
Festival successes powered by our
volunteers
SHANNON CHOO
I just want to personally thank everyone who volunteered their time and effort toward the
CyCA Festival booth and Art Auction drop-off and pick-up on September 16. your efforts made
Community Spirit
Mission Our purpose is to form an association of residents and interested
parties to work together to make our diverse and historic community a
more desirable and safer place to live, worship, work, and play.
2006 Membership Goal
this event a huge success for the CyCA.
The Taste of Cooper-young raffle was a resounding success. For just one dollar, contestants had
Membership – 243
a chance to eat at nearly every restaurant in Cy — a prize worth nearly $630. The winner was
Goal – 600
Ginger Maine.
Donations: – $1859
If I have forgotten anyone, please forgive me and let me know so that I can add you to the list.
Goal – $8000
Again, Thanks so much for volunteering, we truly appreciate your time and help.
Join Us
Connie Arduini
Jesse Gillespie
Mimi Naef
Debbie Sowell
Jaine Bartlett
Robert Grishom
Al Newberry
Kate Thornton
Emily Bishop
Mike Ham
Denise Pool
Jill Troutman
Leslie Boone
Elizabeth Harcourt
Doris Porter
Mike Vincent
Tracie Burke
Nicholas Harris
Beth Pulliam
Debi Vincent
Michelle Campbell
Sarah Hershberger
Katlynn Rena
Wardy Watkins
New
Karen Cardwell
April Lambert
Doug Rooker
Carmen Weaver
Single – $15
Richard Coletta
Madeleine Landrum Noe
Kathryn Schurch
Joey Weaver
Trestle Tender – $50
Kayce Conville
Dianne Lloyd
Ted Schurch
Jason Word
Name _______________________________________________________________________________
Rachel Davis
See’trail Mackey
Buzz Shellabarger
Jennifer Word
Address ________________________________________________ Zip __________________________
David Early
Edmund Mackey
Judy Shellabarger
Joan Foley
Anne Massoni
Lisa Shingler
Anna Gattuso
Amy Millsap
Betty Slack
We’ve been working to make our neighborhood a better place to live since 1976.
Renewing
Household – $20
Senior 55 and older – $5
New Residents – FREE
Friend of CyCA (Non-resident) – $30
Phone _______________________________________________ Email __________________________
Contact me about volunteer opportunites in our community
Enclosed is my gift of $ _________________________________________________________________
in honor or/in memory of ______________________________________________________________
S O H A R D T O S Ay G O O D B y E
Mail this form with your payments to:
CYDC makes changes to board
CyCA Membership, 2298 young Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
S U T T O N M O R A H Ay E S
In the next months, several new faces will join the Cooper-young Development
The CYCA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Be sure to visit www.cooperyoung.org to see what exciting benifets now
come with CYCA membership.
Corporation (CyDC). Several of our current board members are leaving and we are
searching for new board members to take their places. They can never be replaced, but we
Got Skills? Then the CyCA membership committee needs you. We’re looking for a
are looking forward to the new ideas and energy that comes with new board members!
volunteer to help maintain and manage our database. If you have experience with FileMaker Pro
This month, however, we want to say thank you to the board members who have served
and are looking for a way to get involved in the community, this is your opportunity. The
us so well over the past few years.
volunteer position would be about five hours a month and can be done on your own time! If you
First we are saying goodbye to Liz Edmundson, Lauren Taylor, and Frank Roberts at the
end of this year. Liz has led our Board Development committee for the last year and
are interested, contact the CyCA today at
[email protected]
Lauren has been an integral part of our Resource Development committee since joining
the board last year. Frank brought years of commercial development experience and ideas
to our Property Development committee. Each has an extremely busy schedule that
requires them to have to leave the CyDC Board, but we are truly thankful for the time they
have given us since joining the board. Each has made a lasting impression and their
membership has helped sustain the CyDC.
Finally, we are saying goodbye to our board president, Ellen Eubank. Ellen has served as
the president of the CyDC for the past two years and has been on the board since 2001. In
July, Ellen was promoted by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and her position was
transferred to the St. Louis office. Ellen has been an invaluable leader for the CyDC in her
years as president and her insight and leadership will be missed. We realize that this is a
great opportunity for her, and we send our best wishes to her in St. Louis. When Ellen
leaves us October 1, present board member Brian Stephens will be stepping in as interim
board president.
The Board Development committee is currently conducting a search for new board
members, and the board will make its selections before the end of the year. Stay tuned to
the LampLighter for details on our new members and for updates on the housing developments of the CyDC!
October 2006
LampLighter
3
THE FAIRGROUNDS
S U R V E y S Ay S
Neighborhood shares its views on the Kroc Community Center
S U S A N R O A K E S A N D E M I Ly B I S H O P
This is twelfth article in a series about the proposed redevelopment of the Mid-South Fairgrounds. Mayor Willie Herenton and Mayor A C
Wharton created a Fairgrounds Re-use Committee to study what to do with the property. This committee has since evolved into the Fairgrounds Redevelopment Committee. This article presents examples of the results from the survey posted on the Cooper-young Community
Do you want the Kroc Community Center to
locate at the Mid-south Fairgrounds?
Association’s website.
I
Yes - 54.3%
n August the CyCA posted a link on its
percent) said yes. Even more respondents (just
website to a Fairgrounds Redevelopment
under 24 percent) said maybe or they were
do show that opinions vary and more detailed
Survey. The survey primarily asked about
not sure.
information is needed so that the public can
Maybe - 17.1%
decide how they feel about the components
Not sure - 20%
views of the Kroc Community Center which
We also asked people how they thought
While this first survey was brief, the results
No - 8.6%
the Salvation Army has proposed building on
they would to get to the Kroc Community
a portion of the Mid-South Fairgrounds
Center if it was developed at the Mid-South
property. As of September 18, seventy people
Fairgrounds. Most people (58 percent) thought
www.cooperyoung.org/lamplighter. Click on
had responded to the survey.
they would usually walk or bike. Many more
the CyCA Fairgrounds Survey August 06 link.
(70 percent) thought they would sometimes
you may also access each of the LampLighter
the Kroc Community Center locating at the
walk or bike. These results may explain why
issues with articles in this series, which focus
Mid-South Fairgrounds. The first chart shows
so many people (68 percent) either supported
on redevelopment of the Mid-South Fair-
Yes - 34.3%
fewer than ten percent oppose this develop-
or at least didn’t oppose placing removable
grounds.
No - 21.4%
ment. Just over a third of respondents said
vertical posts in the current main entrance to
maybe or that they were not sure.
the Mid-South Fairgrounds on East Parkway to
The survey shows that most people favor
While many respondents (34 percent) prefer
allow pedestrians and bicycles to enter any
that the Fairgrounds remain in public owner-
time and allow cars to enter only during
ship, nearly half (44 percent) think maybe or
special events.
of the Fairgrounds redevelopment.
The full results of this survey are located at
Do you want the entire Mid-south Fairgrounds
property to remain public land?
Maybe - 18.6%
Festival goers are invited
to share views about the
Fairgrounds
Not sure - 25.7%
A second survey was launched by the
LampLighter at the Cooper-young Festival
Would you be willing to give up the
of various components of the Kroc Commu-
on September 16. Information slips were
development of the Kroc Community Center to
Kroc Community Center to prevent the sale of
nity Center. The most prevalent view (just
handed out to visitors of the CyCA and
prevent the sale of a portion of the Mid-South
a portion of the Mid-South Fairgrounds
under 33 percent) strongly opposed the
CyDC booths. The organizations would
Fairgrounds property?
property, over half of respondents (55 percent)
location of the parking lot facing East
like to encourage discussions about the
said no. However, nearly a quarter (23
Parkway. Again, many respondents (20
Fairgrounds Redevelopment and the
percent) were not sure what they think.
exchange of information about the
they are not sure. When asked if they would
be willing to give up the development of the
Opinions were mixed about the placement
Community comments
process. While the first survey focused
No - 55.7%
mainly on the proposed Kroc Community
Maybe - 15.7%
Center, this survey focuses on the entire
“Support for a housing and business development. Something that would bring much needed
public: a child friendly park, and new housing to this area. Something along the lines of the feel of
Habor Town.”
”Public use in public trust. Totally public space to serve the needs and interests of the surrounding
residents. Youth and family oriented. Nothing like Peabody Place, please. Not interested in catering
to tourists. Solely in the interest of residents of that area of town..”
“Easy access and security are my biggest concerns. I live in Midtown and would use the Kroc Center
frequently if I feel safe there.”
4
Yes - 21.4%
Mid-South Fairgrounds. If you have
thoughts on the future of the Fairgrounds,
please visit www.cooperyoung.org and
look for the LampLighter Fairgrounds
survey link.
Names and email addresses of all
respondents to the survey will be
confidential. We will also post compiled
results of the survey at www.cooperyoung.org.
Not sure - 7.1%
October 2006
LampLighter M U S I C A L M I N I S T R AT I O N S
Rent and a peasant’s feast come to
Galloway
T ro yA nn P oulopoulos
I’ve spent a lot of the last couple of
Rent w i l l a l w a y s r e m i n d
weeks hanging out with the cast and
us that there is
musicians of the upcoming production of
Rent. Cooper-Young and Galloway are
“ N o d a y b u t t o d a y.”
fortunate to be the first local theatre group
in the country to be given the rights to
perform this amazing show. Yes, it is a little
Village of New York where Mr. Larson
“edgie” for a church, but Rent’s message is
composed Rent, it gives the Memphis
clear — tolerance, friendship, love, diversity,
theater lover a new theater experience. In
and acceptance of all. Hey, it is a Cooper-
addition, various well-known local chefs and
Young sort of story, the very qualities that
culinary artists will serve their own ver-
have drawn so many of us to this area. sion of the Peasants Feast at each perfor-
Here is the story of Rent
Jonathan Larson’s dream was to change
the face of American Musical Theatre — to
bring the MTV crowd and Broadway
mance. All proceeds will benefit the Graffitti
Playground Performing Arts Center housed
at Galloway. For more information see www.
graffittiplayground.com
Galloway can’t say it is a Cooper-Young
together. He worked hard for fifteen years
church and fail to embrace the people, the
to become an overnight success. He truly
stories, and the situations of those around us.
lived the starving artist’s life that he wrote
Galloway is Rent from our free Community
about. He worked at a diner on weekends
Meal on Wednesday nights, to assisting
to pay the bills — then dedicated eight hours
people with needs, to being located in a part
a day five days a week to work on his music
of town that is populated with young people
that we know today as Rent. Jonathan
who are searching for purpose, meaning and
wanted to immortalize his friends in his
their place in life. We are becoming more and
work — friends that were affected by the
more a place of music and the performing
times — the late 1980s — when the AIDS
arts. Galloway is the perfect place for a
epidemic, homelessness, and poverty raged
Peasant’s Feast and a tribute to an artist who
out of control.
tried to tell the next generation about love
Jonathan, each year had a “Peasants
and tolerance. Don’t miss an evening of
Feast” with friends and artists to celebrate
entertainment and pleasure that you won’t
all that had been accomplished that year in
forget!
their lives. In Mr. Larson’s honor, Galloway
Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson,
and Graffitti Playground proudly present this
Directed by Dewayne Hambrick
musical review. A talented group of young
Musical Direction by Vernon Harris, Remaining
Memphis artists will perform twenty of
Showtimes: 7 p.m. October 7 and October 14.
Rent’s popular and well-loved selections in
Tickets: $50 (includes the Chef’s Peasants Feast)
an unforgettable interactive musical theater
Students $35 (with identification) Ticket Office:
experience. Set in a Bohemian coffee shop
314-5556
venue, much like the Life Café in the East
&ALL&EST
/CTOBERPM
ATTHEDOOR
,IVE-USIC&REE#AMYS0IZZA
"EERWHILESUPPLIESLAST
0ROCEEDSTOBENEFIT#9#!
BEAUTIFICATIONPROJECTS
VINES TIMES
Feed your culinary energy and curiosity by hosting a wine tasting
M ichael H ughes
Memphis is a city that is passionate about
food and wine. Cooper-Young is a perfect
example. At the core of this vibrant neighborhood is the beating hearts of young healthy
restaurants, pumping culinary energy felt
Here are a few rules to follow when holding
a wine tasting of your own:
• It is supposed to be fun, don’t stress about
anything
• Keep it simple. Don’t try and cook an
more intimate setting.
No matter what you bring or what other
guests bring, be sure not to make any snap
decisions before tasting the wine. I’ve found
that many of my preconceived notions about
Who is the new
Columnist?
M ichael H ughes
The LampLighter welcomes one of its newest
throughout Memphis. Likewise, CY’s residents
extravagant meal. A few simple snacks do
a wine are unfounded. For example, many
have a culinary energy and curiosity about
just fine.
wine drinkers still associate rose wines with
columnists Michael Hughes. Michael will be
white zinfandel. This couldn’t be further from
sharing his sparkling perspectives on wine and
them that drives them to try new and
interesting wines and cuisine. Case in point, I
gather once a month with a group of friends
to taste wines and snack on tasty bites. Our
little wine club has been dubbed “The Carova
Milkbar” (all you film fanatics will get that
reference). The only rules we have are that
each person must bring one bottle of wine,
and it must be a wine the group has never
tasted.
Our recent wine club meeting was held at
my friend Elizabeth’s house on York Avenue.
Richie and Megan brought a J. Rochioli
Russian River Pinot Noir and a 1998 Ashton
Hills Clare Valley Sparkling red from Australia.
Michael B brought a 1975 Chateau Calon
• Set a price boundary for the group. But if a
group member chooses to splurge, don’t
the truth. Most roses coming from Spain,
feel guilty for not having spent more.
France and California are dry, crisp and
• Create an open and safe forum for
discussing the wine. Some people are shy
about their opinions on wine. Make it safe
for them to discuss what they taste.
• Hydrate! Make sure to keep plenty of water
on the table so the group can quench their
thirst.
• Make sure to have extra wine glasses.
From time to time a glass might get
broken. It’s nice to have extras so that no
one has to drink out of a tumbler.
• Another fun idea is to theme the tasting.
refreshing with bright fruit flavors and acidity.
What do you like best about
These wines are the perfect compliment to the
Memphis?
light grilled fare that most people are dining
on in the summer.
Toward the end of the tasting we agreed
that each bottle was fantastic in its own way. It
was interesting to see how the same grape
(Pinot Noir) produced wildly different styles
when in the hands of a different region and
winemaker.
bottle, Elizabeth quietly excused herself to the
kitchen and returned with yet another bottle
For example, ask everyone to bring a
of wine for us to enjoy. Obviously, we were
1991 Gloria Ferrer Late Disgorged Brut
Spanish wine and serve little Spanish
having too much fun to let it end. It’s always
Sparkling from Carneros, California; and a
snacks such as olives, almonds, Spanish
best to have an extra bottle of wine on hand
1999 La Pousse D’Or Premier Cru from the Les
cheese (try Mantia’s for the best selection,
just in case no one wants the night to end.
Jarolierres vineyard in Pommard Burgundy.
4856 Poplar), bread and olive oil.
Our lovely host Elizabeth contributed a 2003
Interestingly enough, we noticed an
impromptu theme had developed at our
Angelo Gaja, and a 2001 Peregrine Pinot Noir
recent tasting. All of us had contributed three
from Central Otago, New Zealand.
Pinot Noirs and one Pinot Noir blend (the
An array of delicious cheeses, olives and
nibbles (such as dolmas, hummus and
spanakopita) were displayed across the dining
It has a real soul and personality. The city
gives off this energy that I haven’t felt
elsewhere. Midtown, and specifically CooperYoung, has this youthful heartbeat that pulses
with music and food. It’s what we sustain
ourselves with.
How did you get into wine and
After we had made our way through each
Segur from Bordeaux. Kelly and I brought a
Rossj-Bass Chardonnay from Italian wine star
food.
food?
I was raised in a Spanish household. My
mom was born in Bolivia; we had a strong
sense of food when I was growing up. The
kitchen was the heart of the house. My
grandmother (we called her Ta), who was from
Spain, would cook exotic things for my mom
and dad (who was born in Missouri but really
fell in love with my mother’s culture). Dishes
like braised beef tongue, arroz con pollo,
paella and flan. And this was way before the
culture wide obsession with Spanish food and
Gloria Ferrer Brut has a percentage of Pinot),
wine. She also made the best fresh hot sauce
each one from a different part of the world.
in the world. Since Ta passed away my father
If you want to hold an even simpler wine
has taken over the hot sauce duties, which is
table. Throughout the tasting, impromptu
tasting with no effort at all, arrange to have it
pairings were created. Each one of us would
at a CY restaurant. Tsunami (928 South
snack on something and shout “you’ve got to
Cooper) has a dining area to the right of the
try this with (insert wine) here!” I found the
bar that’s perfect for a small gathering. The
olives to pair best with the different Pinot
Blue Fish (2149 Young Avenue) has “cabana”
Noirs.
rooms to accommodate a large group, and a
How is Memphis’ food and wine
dining room in the rear of the restaurant for a
scene?
funny because he isn’t even Spanish. Ta and
both my parents really instilled in me a desire
to experiment with flavors, and the importance of sharing your dishes with loved ones.
Excellent, especially for its size. There are
countless independently owned restaurants
that serve all types of cuisine. In Cooper-Young
you can get fresh seafood at both The Blue
Fish and Tsunami, but they aren’t the same.
Each restaurant puts its own spin on seafood.
You can get tapas at Dish, Mexican at Café Ole
and great sandwiches and live music at Young
Avenue Deli. Just down the street is Central
BBQ, which is one of the best, if not the best,
BBQ places in the city. It’s almost a self
contained city.
October 2006
LampLighter C H AT T E R B OX
The people, places and businesses of CY that make the news
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
Dive in
location in December, in part due to efforts
in scope. In a departure from Cold Mountain
led by the CYDC and the director of the
protagonist Inman, Will Cooper narrates his
Annesdale Snowden Neighborhood.
own story in retrospect, beginning with his
Olympic gold medalist and best-selling author
The 2006 Memphis Gaymes will feature
Additionally, the International Antique
days as an orphaned, literate “bound boy”
of CY neighbors, businesses and community
Greg Louganis. This is the fourth year for the
Mall at the corner of Central and Cooper is
who is dispatched to run a musty trading
event, which will run from October 1 to
folk that have others talking. If you’ve got
ending its lease in January and moving to
post at the edge of the Cherokee Nation.
October 8. The Gaymes are sponsored by the
the Carl Remers building across the street in
Nearly nine mesmerizing decades later, Will
Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center
February.
is an eccentric elder of great accomplish-
(MGLCC). Greg will attend events, receptions
ments and gargantuan failures, perched
and present the gold, silver and bronze
cantankerously on his front porch taking
medals during closing ceremonies. There will
potshots at passenger trains rumbling
be competition in bowling, pool, darts,
across his property.
basketball, miniature golf, softball, laser tag,
something you think we should know about,
go ahead and email us at cylamplighter@
yahoo.com, or call us at 827-4797.
Fix me
The gazebo area is looking sharper than
Harvest
A new business has cropped up on
Cooper between Mothersville and InBalance
fitness. Harvest Group, is an advertising
Nonviolence
conference
ever thanks to the efforts of Bryant Cum-
and design firm with a portfolio that
mings. The damaged brick pillar, however,
includes clients like the American
remains in need of repair. The area is
Diabetes Association, Gibson Guitar
technically the responsibility of the city. I
Showcase, Foundation Music and South
Conference for Nonviolence
urge all our residents to call the Mayor’s
Main Arts District. We are thrilled to have
will be held October 13-14 at
Citizen Service Center and request a repair
their creative minds in our neighbor-
Christian Brothers University.
at 576-6500, Monday through Friday,
hood. For more information visit
The primary purpose of the
between the hours of 8:30 and 5. I’d send
www.harvestmemphis.com.
conference is to bring
you to the online form at www.cityofmemphis.org, but I cannot get it to work. (A big
problem I’ve encountered when trying to
visit most sections of the city’s website
when using my Mac instead of my PC).
Fairgrounds focus
The Memphis and Shelby County
Fairgrounds Redevelopment Committee met
in August. We hear that Trust Marketing,
owned and operated by Beverly and
Howard Robinson, have been hired to
handle community involvement in the
decision-making process related to redevelopment of the Fairgrounds. This involvement may include focus groups. However,
we have not yet heard of anyone in CY that
has been contacted.
Sprucing up an eyesore
Now that construction is nearly complete
The third annual Gandhi
together academics, activists,
and people passionate about nonviolent
transformation. The conference’s speakers
on the Airways bridge over Southern
include, Sister Helen Prejean, Frida
Avenue, the eyesore that is Happy Hocker
Berrigan, Arun Gandhi, and Victor La
Pawn has received a new coat of paint. The
Cerva. The conference offers an array of
historic white cement animals remain as
workshops and trainings that will support
silent guardians along Airways.
attendee’s work to bring more peace and
Famous author
alert
Charles Frazier will
justice to the world. Visit www.gandhiconference.org to find out more information and to
register.
to 7 p.m., to sign copies
open to the public and everyone is encouraged to join in the fun. For more information
call 857-85223 or visit www.mglcc.org.
Fine print
While the 2006 Cooper-Young Festival may
be the biggest event for our community, it
barely rated a blip on the radar screen of the
Commercial Appeal. Coverage leading up to
the event was first rate. But the next day
(September 16) the Appeal ran only a small
photo of a pair of feet entering a booth! I
don’t know how many people attended the
celebrations of Mexico or Munford, both of
which received articles and full-color large
photographs, but it didn’t equal the hordes at
the highly successful Festival. Oh well. Next
year the event turns twenty, and that is sure
to increase the coverage. On a positive note,
famed Cooper-Youngian Vincent Astor has
be at Burke’s Bookstore
on October 19, from 5
scrabble and volleyball. All competitions are
Curtain up
On Saturday November 4, Playhouse on
of his new novel
the Square will be transformed into an
Thirteen Moons
elegant, but casual, ultimate party spot.
(Random House, $26.95
Join in the fun as you travel from room to
changed his tune about Mud Island, and
spoke at length to the Commercial Appeal
about it on September 17.
Midtown meet Middle
Tennessee
hardcover). There will be no reading.
room and experience the different sounds
Frazier’s first book Cold Mountain became a
of entertainment, while sampling the best of
best-seller and won the National Book
Midtown, Cooper-Young, Dish and Tsunami in
food and drink. Each of the three parties
landscape of businesses. Da Hood grocery
Award. His long-awaited second novel is set
an article about places to visit in Memphis
features its own distinct live music and food.
and convenience store on McLean has
primarily in North Carolina’s Great Smoky
other than Beale street. It looks like the
Tickets are $100 and all proceeds benefit
closed, and the building is for rent. Da Hood
Mountains. The story takes place mostly
tourism’s new “flip side” brochure is really
Playhouse on the Square. For more informa-
was denied a permit to sell beer at the
before the Civil War this time, and it is epic
working.
tion, call 726-4656.
For rent
Cooper-Young is an ever-changing
Tennesean online sang the praises of
SQUARE ONE
New CY eatery provides healthy food
at a reasonable price
M organ B ernal
Square Foods, Cooper-Young’s new addition
I was pleased to find stir-fried tofu with
in dining, offers an array of pre-made and
onions and bell peppers in the Grab and Go
reasonably priced menu items, as well as
for only $3.53! The portion was more than
supplements and bulk foods. The new café is
generous for a lunch item and surprisingly
a great place for breakfast, lunch, dinner,
mild in flavor. The tofu was seasoned
appetizer and take home items for you and
generously with cumin and chili powder, but
your family.
lacked a salty taste that haunts many tofu
Broad bay windows allow a stream of light
dishes. Excited with my cheap finds, I returned
into the café’s modest dining area and a
the following day to drool over chilled cashew
delectable view of our neighborhood’s
noodles, tuna salad sandwich, and cheese
bustling intersection. While gazing at bikers,
biscuits. The noodles were overwhelmed by
pedestrians, and plump cats lounging in the
sesame oil and tamarind, masking the sweet,
House of Mews, the time will fly before your
nutty taste of cashew butter. My disappoint-
food is delivered, along with a smile and a
ment increased with the homemade Tongol
side of shaved carrots. Square Food’s menu is
tuna; the mixture could use a dash of salt,
peppered with vegetarian dishes and reason-
pepper, or cayenne and perhaps bits of
ably priced carnivorous options like organic
chopped onion or more celery to combat the
free range chicken, all natural smoked turkey,
bland taste.
and daily specials that include fish, chicken,
The next morning, I toasted a cheddar
vegetables and sides. All sandwiches are
cheese biscuit (two for $1.25), adding a
prepared on mouth-watering multi-grain toast
vegetarian sausage patty from Morning Star
or buns that are made locally by Brother
Farms. The combination evoked memories of
Franco.
my grandmother’s homemade biscuits, the
Lighter fare include the house salad ($4.99),
smell of fresh coffee, and Southern breakfasts.
to which you can add chicken, shrimp, or tofu
These heavenly morsels renewed my faith in
for a small fee, a vegetarian BLT, PB & H,
Square Foods, and I began plotting my next
made with local honey and ripe bananas, or
trip to raid the exotic cheese selection.
the grilled cheese that explodes with flavors of
Armed with a bottle of Matua Pinot Noir
provolone, swiss, and cheddar. For a mere
and Gazela Vino Verde (from Joe’s Liquor,
$3.99, these sandwiches are the cheapest
located on the corner of Poplar and Belve-
finds in Cooper-Young. Perhaps the most
dere), a crisp, white, “green wine” with a light
classic dish is the homemade Oatburger, a
fizz, I purchased Wisconsin Cheddar, Emman-
towering mound of patty, sprouts, tomato, and
taler, Double Gloucester Stilton, Smoked
onion on a warm bun. Unfortunately, this
Gouda, and Goat cheese. The cheddar was
“burger” suffers inconsistencies from the
rich and creamy with a mild finish, and the
kitchen, but at $4.99 it is an ample meal. On
dense Gouda had a smoky, robust bite; both
occasion, you can also purchase Oatburger
paired well with the Pinot Noir. The refreshing
patties in the Grab and Go section of Square
Vino Verde complimented the rich, more
Foods and dress them to your liking at home.
complex Stilton, but tasted bitter with the
Other G&G items include baked tilapia,
pungent Emmantaler. This type of Swiss would
homemade hummus and tabouli, fresh dill
melt nicely into a grilled cheese or tuna
pasta salad, roasted eggplant, and breakfast
sandwich, but stands too starkly on its own.
burritos.
However, one can never go wrong with goat
If you are in the mood for a low-carb meal,
cheese, and a few sun dried tomatoes or fresh
or something warm and spicy, there are stir fry
grape tomatoes will only enhance the flavors
dishes served with local, organic brown rice,
of this soft cheese that can be enjoyed with
all under seven dollars.
either red or white wines.
In the very early 1950s, when Agatha Christie penned a twenty-minute
radio play entitled Three Blind Mice as gift to celebrate Queen Mary’s
eightieth birthday, she had no idea it would eventually become The
Mousetrap — the world’s longest running play of any kind. That play is
now at the Playhouse on the Square and runs through October 22 on
Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Playhouse
on the Square is located at 51 South Cooper Street in Midtown. For more
information or to make reservations, please call 726-4656 or visit our
website at www.playhouseonthesquare.org. Actor Michael Gravois (as
Giles Ralston) and Ann Marie Hall (as Mrs. Boyle) star in The Mousetrap.
Photos taken by Rory Dale at the Woodruff-Fontaine House
October 2006
LampLighter 906 runners
M ore than 1 8 0 0 S N E A K E R S
More than 900 cross finish line in 2006
Festival 4-Miler
Runners in the 2006 Festival 4-Miler put their best foot forward at the start
of the race. The new course this year gave new Cooper-Young residents the
opportunity to show off their community. It took runners anywhere from 21
minutes and 46 second to nearly an hour and 12 minutes to complete the fourmile course.
M ichael H am
The recipe for a successful 2006 Festival 4-
highlighted one of Cooper-Young’s icon’s —
Miler included runners and walkers, volun-
the Trestle Art. Dozens of residents threw
teers and party-goers, a pace car and police
“Light the Way” parties to encourage and
cars along with a pinch of live music supplied
support the runners. First through Third place
by local band Ten Mile Bayou.
winners (listed below) should contact Shannon
The final receipts are still being tallied, but
Choo at 272-2922 or [email protected]
the event is the year’s largest fund-raiser for
to claim their prizes.
the Cooper-Young Community Association.
• First Place and $150 Schnucks Gift Card:
Special thanks go out to the 906 runners who
crossed the finish line, Adrian and Lee, the
beer guys and Roadshow BMW, which
provided the pace car, a convertible Mini.
The Race Committee would also like to
thank the 2006 sponsors: 94.1 The Buzz, Wild
Oats, WRVR 104.5 FM, Cooper-Young Business
Association, Autozone, Sowell & Co., Schwartz
Electric, Memphis Animal Clinic, Cafe Ole,
American Lubricating, Camy’s, Blue Fish,
Young Avenue Deli, Celtic Crossing, Breakaway
Athletics, Close Trak, Bob’s Barksdale, National
Company Plumbers, Peddler Bike Shop, Clear
Mountain Spring Water, Buns on the Run,
Coletta’s Pizza, Smoothie King. and a special
thank you to Bluff City Sports, who served as
the 4-Miler’s Presenting Sponsor.
The new course proved successful and
2091 Nelson
• Second Place and $100 Schnucks Gift Card:
2095 Nelson
• Third Place and a $50 Wild Oats Gift Card:
2069 Evelyn
• Honorable Mentions: The Elzey Party and
1979 Felix
The complete list of runner’s results is
available at www.memphisrunners.com, and
the top finishers in each group are:
• Women Overall Open: Wendy Ragle • Women Overall Masters: Valerie Pino • Women Overall Grandmasters: Bernadette
Getzler
• Men Overall Open: Bryan Baddorf
• Men Overall Masters: Marc Riseling
• Men Overall Grandmasters: Calvin Johnson
FESTIVAL
10 LampLighter October 2006
Festival 4-Miler
Volunteers
These are the people who helped to
make this year’s Festival Friday 4-Miler a
fantastic event for everyone involved.
Everyone worked so hard, and we truly
appreciate every single person who came
out to help us in the days before and on
the day of the race. If Shannon Choo
(CYCA Director) has failed to include
anyone on this list, please let her know
so you can be added and properly
thanked. “Thanks again for all your time
and effort. Our volunteers are the ones
who make these events as fun and
successful as they are,” says Shannon.
“We could not do it without you!”
Connie Arduini
Adam Baker
Alicia Bellow
Dee Benson
Teche Bergeon
Emily Bishop
John Bobal
Clifton Boone
Kathryn Bowman
Regina Boyd
Linda Browning
Lynn Campbell
Nancy Clayton
Richard Coletta
Beverly Cooper
Paul Cooper
Benjamin Cowell
Rebecca Di Giovanna
Janet Eason
Redmond Eason
Barbara Elder
Jason Elder
Liz Engel
Joe Engel
Gwen Fisher
Kathy Fisher
Joan Foley
Suzanne Garverick
Jesse Gillespie
Beverly Greene
Edward Greene
Nancy Gresham
Robert Grishom
Mandy Grishom
Mike Ham
Elizabeth Harcourt
Lee Henderson
Sarah Kim
Linda Kirklen
April Lambert
Erica Lansky
Terry Lawrence
Karen Lebovitz
Charles Lee
Dianne Lloyd
Edmund Mackey
See’trail Mackey
Courtney Magbie
Renee Massey
Scott Massey
Pat Mazzeo
Anne Meggs
Jane Miller
Briget Murphy
Dale Murphy
Mimi Naef
Jeremy Palazolo
Doris Porter
Steve Pulliam
Beth Pulliam
Brett Rena
Katlynn Rena
Tim Reynolds
Doug Rooker
Charlie Santo
Buzz Shellabarger
Judi Shellabarger
Betty Slack
Keith Smith
Debbie Sowell
Sandra Spragins
Donna Sue Shannon
Laura Toler
Wardy Watkins
Christina Watkins
Samuel Watkins
Carmen Weaver
Joey Weaver
Rosemary West
Ralph West
Jason Word
Jennifer Word
Samantha Young
The 2006 Young Artist Contest asked
participants to submit artwork based on the
theme: Memphis — A City Full of History.
Among the more than one hundred entries,
the following twelve received particular
recognition:
Grades One to Four
First Place: Janie Peacock from Grahamwood
Second Place: Nithya Wemula from
Grahamwood
Third Place: Bridger Smith from PDS
Honorable Mention: Laura McKinnon from
Grahamwood
Grades Five to Eight
First Place: Caroline Orr from Hutchison
Second Place: Emma Kate Rose from
Grahamwood
This year’s sponsors helped make the Festival a great success.
A F TE R G LOW
Team effort nets happy crowd at this year’s Festival
First Place: Alexis Kraus from Whitestation
High School
NARAS, and Laurie Pyatt of the American
workers. You suffered through this long
Festival has come and gone, and I cannot
Federation of Musicians Local 71, John Sprott
process with me. I am grateful for your
believe that it is over. Having lived through my
from the Union. Our stage managing geniuses
patience, support and good ideas. Sutton Mora
first Festival as director, it is clear to me just
— Jenni Lee for managing the East Stage,
Hayes, Executive Director of the CYDC, Ellen
how much of a team effort it takes to stage an
Hydro for managing the First Congo Stage,
Eubank and Paige Beverly — President and
event the size of the Festival. The entire
Paul Averwater for managing the Main Stage,
Vice President of the CYDC, Shannon Choo —
Cooper-Young community, residents and
Allen Byasee for managing the Cooper Stage,
Executive Director of the CYCA, and Mike
businesses alike, can be proud of the Festival,
and William Floyd, of Profound Sound for the
Ham, CYCA Festival Booth Coordinator.
which would be impossible without the help of
sound systems. Cameron Mann of Young
the following people, to whom I extend an
Avenue Sound, you did an unbelievable job of
enormous thank you.
selecting and organizing a great assortment of
Contest/Workshop
This event would not have been possible
a job well done!
sponsors, many of whom were new this year.
Bank, Kendall Haney Realty Group, Memphis
prime real estate in the neighborhood —
Grizzlies, TN Education Lottery, Roadshow
Principal Kongsouly Jones. A heartfelt thank
Charlie Ryan, Charles McKelroy (Cadence
MINI, Memphis Music Commission, Sam’s
you also to Young Artist Contest Judging
Bank), John and Cathy Bennett for their
Town Casino, WWTQ AM Radio - Progressive
Coordinator Gregg Coats, the girls from The
wonderful hospitality, Richard Coletta, Officer
Talk Radio. 94.1 The Buzz, WRVR 104.5 The
Art House, and all the children who partici-
Barbara Davis and all her reserve officers, City
River, Memphis Flyer, CW30/Eyewitness News.
pated and the parents and teacher who
of Memphis Police Officers, Lt. Kirkwood and
encouraged them all.
his Co-Act Unit, Julia Hicks and First Congo
Artists’ Invitational
A quick word about the annual Artists’
staff at Party Concepts, Julie Terry and the
Invitational: unfortunately, we had to cancel
Civitan Organization for hosting the Children’s
this event but we hope to regroup and come
saint and the resident Festival guru. Stephen
Area, Memphis Drum Shop, Melton and
back stronger than ever next year. We
Crump, who takes care of many details.
Associates, Memphis Literacy Council, James
sincerely hope that in our artist community
Thanks to Beanie Self for organizing and
Rasberry, Bret James, The Blue Fish, and Bank
this tradition can be revitalized and made
securing all the food vendors and assigning
of America. Also a big thank you to Ron Carter
better for the Cooper-Young Festival’s
them each the “best space available,” Lizi
and the High Electric team.
twentieth anniversary.
Beard and Chuck Parr for working with all the
David Mah did amazing work with the art
Overall, the nineteenth Annual Cooper-
artists and crafters and placing them exactly
for this year’s Festival poster. It is wonderful to
Young Festival was a fantastic event. Neigh-
where they want to be, and Ken Whitehead
have artists like David, who are willing to
borhood residents, businesses, and all three
for your invaluable and tireless help with the
share their time and talents to make our CY a
community organizations (CYBA, CYCA, CYDC),
beer volunteers. In the music realm, thanks go
wonderful place.
pull together to make our neighborhood
out to Jon Hornyak and Courtney Bolding of
My heartfelt thanks to my friends and co-
Honorable Mention: Larry Hunt from Craigmont High
Peabody Elementary displayed the
entries in the 2006 Young Artist
Contest.
w w w.cooper young.org
Where to begin?!? Bill Stemmler — you’re a
School
Thank you all!!!! — Corona (D.Canale), Cadence
their time, energy, knowledge, and use of
Church, Reddy Ice Company, Theresa and the
Third Place: Jon Duong from Craigmont High
The Festival would not take place without
the generous and continued support of our
without Peabody Elementary School and its
Cooper-Young Festival
estation High School
Our Sponsors
musicians and performers for all four stages —
A million thanks to all of the following for
Second Place: Guillermo Quintera from Whit-
Join Us
energize
Cooper-Young, Young Artist
Honorable Mention: Seth Carson from PDS
Grades Nine to Twelve
K atie B runeau
The nineteenth annual Cooper-Young
Third Place: Thomas Edding from PDS
Cooper-Young
gets better and
better with your
participation.
shine.
October 2006
LampLighter 11
FESTIVAL
Memphis Drum Shop had its wares
available for everyone (even toddlers) to
try their hand at.
The Memphis Police Department not only kept an eye on the
Festival crowd, they also kept an eye on the many unique
items on display. Members from a local high school theater
group entertained festival goers with performance antics.
State Farm, like many Cooper-Young businesses, claimed a
booth space on front of its storefront. Steve Womack and
crew had free water for the thirsty crowd.
Balloon animals go a long way toward
entertaining the stroller set — and the
clown costume didn’t hurt.
Bright skies and warm weather helped bring thousands of people to hear music and do a little people watching.
Memphis Grizzlies encouraged
the regular-size folk attending
the Festival to try their hand at
basketball.
Thank you to Charles Gage for taking the Festival and 4-miler photographs.
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
October 2006
LampLighter 13
DANC I NG ON AN D ON
Meet Katie Smythe
Thinnes
NBE’s founder and
director is a fixture in the
Cooper-young community,
having served on the board
of Cooper-young Business
Association and in
operating her dance
company in Cy for the last
four years. She was raised in Memphis.
NBE students are eager to start practicing in their new studio, which they expect to do by
the end of October.
Currently ninety students
take classes at NBE in the
Icehouse building located
on Central Ave.
What is your favorite ballet?
Loyce Houlton’s “Wingborne,” a pas de deux set to Dvorak’s “Silent Woods”
(solo cello). Mrs. Houlton (Minneapolis choreographer) called dancers into the
studio in the middle of the night because she had a dream that the cellist who
agrees, “Its big and I love the
performed this, her favorite piece, had died. It is about ascending, and I’ve
bright colors — they are so eye-
never seen anyone view it without openly weeping. The next morning, she
catching. It will be such a good
found out that Jacqueline du Pré had, in fact, passed away from her long battle
space.”
with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I also love Kenneth McMillian’s (Royal Ballet)
The $1.2 million renovation
Romeo and Juliet as danced by Allesandra Ferri and Julio Bocca (who just
expanded the usable space from
retired).
11,000 to 14,000 square feet. It
triples NBE’s capacity for classes
Tell us about your background in ballet
— creating three studios, offices,
I was trained by Michael and Judy (Jacob) Tevlin at Memphis Ballet and my
an expansive lobby, restrooms
first professional ballet position was at age fourteen as the youngest member
and dressing rooms with
of the Tennessee Bicentennial Ballet directed by Norbert Vesak in 1976. The
showers, a pilates studio and
summer of work culminated in performances in Nashville. Under the Tevlin’s
costume storage. The space
tutelage, I traveled to the Royal Academy of Dance in London, England at the
offers the growing ensemble the
age of fifteen where I danced with John Field, then Director of the Royal Ballet.
I trained for three summers at the Banff School of Fine Arts in the prestigious Master Class where I was cast as a soloist in Brian McDonald’s (Les
Grandes Ballet Canadien) “Time Out of Mind” and in “Paquita.” It was in Banff
that I met Loyce Houlton, the Director of the Minnesota Dance Theatre
(Minneapolis). At eighteen, I joined the trainee program of Houlton’s MDT,
quickly moving into soloist roles in the company such as Russian Girls in
George Balanchine’s “Serenade” and performed in his “Concerto Borocco” and
“Allegro Brilliante” as well as other classical and contemporary repertoire.
How did you become interested in teaching ballet?
After a brief foray into theater and television in New york and Los Angeles, I
got my first teaching engagement as the director of ballet at the Santa Monica
Dance Center in California. I received a few good reviews for creating “Toby
Celery” in Bob Dylan’s “Tarantula,” a year long project performed at the
Powerhouse Theater in Santa Monica which combined theater, video music,
dance and song directed by Daryl Larson. This performance amalgam of
dance, theater and video has informed my choreography and concepts for the
New Ballet Ensemble.
I moved to New york as a young mother and joined the private professional
class of Christina Bernal, where I studied intensively for three years to teach
Ms. Bernal’s (a protégé of Maggie Black) technique on which NBE’s classes are
still based. After a year as a ballet teacher for Classical Ballet Memphis, I
established my own program at the Buckman Arts Center in Memphis, quickly
outgrowing the small space.
flexibility it needs and will
New Ballet Ensemble
provide the community with additional space
Continued from page 1
for event rental.
“It is so big ... but a new, wonderful space to
work to make it happen. While NBE had never
be able to create art in,” says Coley Webster,
undertaken extensive fund-raising, this project
one of the professional dancers with NBE. “I’m
required it. The NBE Board developed a
used to working in a small, almost cramped
strategic plan and embarked on a capital
space and to be moving into something so
campaign. An anonymous donor purchased
vast and with so much is exciting.”
the building and deeded it to NBE. Grinder
Because the new studio could be consid-
Haizlip came on board to manage construc-
ered an attractive nuisance to criminals, safety
tion, and JBHM Architects was recruited to
became a crucial element in the design. The
design the new studio space.
parking lot will be gated and NBE is working
At the ground-breaking party in May,
with MLGW to add street lights on york, which
students and dancers got their first look at the
is zoned industrial and poorly lit. There is also
space. Among those in attendance were
a state-of-the-art security system.
Quarlinda Brown and her daughter Briana
Brown, who performed at the ceremony.
“Its really cool,” says Briana, who is among
the scholarship students at NBE. Her mother
With NBE set to move into the new studio
by the end of October, the potential of the
building that was once overlooked, is nearly
realized. “I love the urbanity of it. It is a funky,
New Ballet
Ensemble
old place brought to life again” says Katie.
“The idea of taking this industrial thing and
turning it into a place for urban children to
learn ballet ... well it seems right.”
What is NBE?
New Ballet Ensemble is a nonprofit school
and professional dance company dedicated to
recognizing and training talented Memphis
children, giving them the best instruction
based not on income level or ability to pay,
but on the ethic of solid technical training and
artistic development.
How large is NBE?
Through the years, NBE has emphasized
individual attention and small class size. The
program began with twelve students and
currently ninety are enrolled. The organization’s strategic plan projects enrollment will
reach 300 students (with half attending
through the scholarship program) by 2008. In
addition, NBE does outreach with Bridges,
Kipp, Girl’s Inc. and Memphis Athletic
Ministries, where Katie teaches more than 600
students each year.
New Ballet
Ensemble
musicians and singers and the inclusion of the
after-school program at NBE. NBE performers
classic repertoire as well as new contemporary
range in age from sixteen to twenty-five and
pieces. One such performance is Nut Mix, the
as a result hold the attention of their younger
ensemble’s contemporary take on the
audience members. The dancers are intro-
Nutcracker and Clara’s story. NBE’s version
duced as young people working seriously
combines the classical score of that ballet with
towards a vocation in dance even while they
the treatment of it by Duke Ellington and Billy
maintain excellent grades in high school and
Strayhorn in act two. The ballet follows Clara
college. We speak to their accomplishments
down Beale and into the café on Beale Street
and goals. NBE performs for all ages, Pre-
where she toils with her father on Christmas
school through High School. The Pre and
Eve, distracts the Health Inspector from their
Elementary school program draws on the
mouse problem, and imagines a different
ballet, Sleeping Beauty, utilizing the Little Red
Christmas.
Riding Hood and Puss and Boots diverstiss-
What type of outreach does NBE do?
Does NBE perform?
Performance is an integral part of this
curriculum; however, you will not find typical
ballet recitals at the New Ballet Ensemble
School. Rather we orchestrate dynamic,
professionally produced programs which
broaden the students’ artistic abilities by
including other performing artists, live
The dancers of the New Ballet Ensemble
travel to local schools to present outreach
performances to engage the interest of the
school population in dance. The dancers and
ments in Act III. Children delight in opportunities to participate as they learn the pantomime
of the Wolf and Little Red.
How do I find out more information
about NBE?
Director will frequently return to the school
the following week to lead introductory
The organization, has an excellent website
at www.newballet.org.
workshops for children in grades Kindergarten
to sixth grade who are interested in applying
for a scholarship to study in the intensive
1st Wed at the Brooks!
EJB
FILM SCREENINGS
8LYVWHE]3GXSFIV
TQ
¨1VW4EPJVI]
EXXLI'PEVIQSRX©
EFMPT
NVFSUPT
Brooks members: $5
Non-members: $7
Dorothy K. Hohenberg
Auditorium
When a widow falls on the sidewalk in front of the
apartment where a young writer is living, the two share
tea and begin an unlikely friendship, part of which
involves a mild deception of others. Starring Joan
Plowright (Mrs. Laurence Olivier).
Wednesday, November 1 | 6 -9 pm
8LYVWHE]3GXSFIV`TQ
%VGLMXIGXYVI*MPQ7GVIIRMRK
¨6IKYPEVSV7YTIV
:MI[WSR1MIWZERHIV6SLI©
· Tour our featured exhibition, Material Terrain:
A Sculptural Exploration of Landscape and Place
· Enjoy the Tropicana sounds of La Vuelta
Members – Free admission!
Non-members – $6
info: 544.6209
Presented by CB Richard Ellis
Sponsored by Paulsen Printing
and 94.1 The Buzz
Brooks and AIA members: $5
Non-members: $7
· Dance performance and lessons by Salsa Memphis
· Enjoy refreshing margaritas!
8YIWHE]3GXSFIV`TQ
¨9RHMWGSZIVIH+IQW©-RHITIRHIRX´PQ
¨,YQER8SYGL©
· Make Cempasúchil (traditional paper flowers)
· Sample delicious Mexican cuisine at the
Brushmark Restaurant | reservations, 544.6225
Overton Park | Memphis | www.brooksmuseum.org | 901.544.6200
October 2006
LampLighter 15
H E A R T W A R M I N G TA I L
The hobo who came to stay
D eborah C amp
You never know what
“This little guy is gonna make someone a great cat!”
adventures lie in wait for you
as a LampLighter columnist.
Ye a h , I k n o w , I e n t h u s e d . H e r e a l l y w i l l !
During the past four years I’ve
had fun researching articles,
talking to other animal lovers,
an eighteen year commitment of food, vet
before long almost doubled in size. Although
and responding to emails and
bills and pet sitters. Indeed, our inn was full,
my husband steadfastly denies it, I’ve got a
phone calls from people who
and we have totally run out of friends and
feeling this Hobo has reached the end of the
wanted to share stories, ask
acquaintances on which to pawn off rescued
line. That is to say, I think he’s found his
questions, or get guidance for
animals. In fact, we’re convinced that some of
home. Only this morning Michael said, “This
pet problems.
our friends purposely don’t take our phone
little guy is gonna make someone a great cat!”
calls when they hear from the grapevine we’re
Yeah, I know, I enthused. He really will!
Recently I received a phone call from a
charming gentleman who used to live in
Cooper-Young. Sam now resides in German-
trying to place yet another abandoned kitten.
Contact Deborah Camp at 525-0552, or
So, sadly the answer was no. I gave him
[email protected] for comments
town with his wife and cat, and spends his
phone numbers of area shelters and rescue
time reading, writing, and generally enjoying
groups, although I knew he had a slim chance
his golden years. At age 85, he writes thought
of getting Hobo into them due to feline
provoking poetry and short articles, which
overpopulation. A few weeks later I heard
have been published in the Commercial
from Sam again. The news was not good. He
Appeal, Best Times, and even in the Lamp-
had found Hobo lying in middle of the street
Lighter. And that is where our initial connec-
on one of the hottest days of the summer. He
tion was made.
appeared to have been either attacked by
He called one afternoon simply to chat
another cat or a raccoon, or struck by a car.
about cats, and to ask my opinion about one.
Sam’s voice was shaking as he asked what to
A young male cat had taken up residence in
do. As it turned out, Sam had gotten the cat to
his apartment community — and had taken a
a vet. Medicine was prescribed for infection,
particular shine to Sam. The little fellow didn’t
and drops for what appeared to be an eye
have a home, so like a hobo, he depended
injury. Sam was distraught. Hobo looked bad,
upon the kindness of strangers. Sam was
he said. He was resting in a box inside his
happy to oblige, and so began their routine.
home, but that was a temporary arrangement.
Every morning Hobo was waiting for Sam
What should he do? The best thing, he
outside the front door. It was easy to see
reasoned, was to take the cat back to the vet
where the cat had slept. The slightly mashed
for euthanasia. I felt a pang of guilt. If only I
back bushes revealed a spot that matched the
had been able to help him earlier it wouldn’t
outline of his small frame. Often during the
have come to this. The elderly man’s tears
day Hobo could be found napping in that
tore at my heart.
spot, waiting for Sam to bring him a tasty
think. I would call him back. Within thirty
lake.“Hobo follows me around just like a dog,”
minutes Michael and I found ourselves
said Sam. “He’s very well mannered. When we
heading out to Germantown with a cat carrier,
take our daily walk down to the lake, he
wondering what in the world we’d gotten
doesn’t chase the ducks. He just lies down
ourselves into. We met Sam, and Hobo was
right next to where I’m sitting and we enjoy
transferred into our carrier. He was small and
each others company.”
inert, but just as handsome as Sam had
e
described. He peered at us mournfully, his fate
this situation. Sam explained, “Hobo needs a
in our hands. Michael took one look at him
real home. My wife and I have a cat, but he
and suggested he’d be good as new within a
does not want a brother.” He added that his
few days. After an emotional departure, we
wife wasn’t keen on bringing Hobo into their
eased out of the driveway with the image of
home. Sam was concerned about Hobo’s
Sam weeping as we turned the corner.
safety. Any number of things could happen to
gyrat
join i
n Coo
per-Y
activ
oung
ities
as a v
olunt
eer
I told Sam to give me a minute and let me
treat, or for their afternoon stroll around the
There was, however, a small problem with
or suggestions.
As we drove home we discussed our
a young, unneutered stray cat at large, and
strategy. We would nurse this cat back to
many of them could be unpleasant. So, Sam
health, get him neutered, and somehow we
had inquired, did I know of anyone willing to
would find him a home. That was over a
adopt a sweet, playful and handsome young
month ago. Michael was correct in his
cat? Sadly, I told him I knew of no one who
prediction. Although Hobo was banged up
was in the market for another pet. Most of the
pretty good — and for a while we thought he
people we are close to look at pet guardian-
might have a permanent hip impairment — he
ship the same way we do, which can be up to
was well healed within a few weeks and
October 2006
LampLighter 17
P O LI C E B LOT TE R
Midtown robbery spree stopped by arrest of four men
M emphis P olice D epartment
Several citizens in the Midtown and Cooper-
• On September 3 at 12:30 a.m. in the 1400
Young communities of Memphis were robbed
block of Madison, a male was leaving his
during Labor Day weekend from August 26 to
business that he had just closed when he
September 3. On September 7, four men were
was robbed at gunpoint by two males.
arrested in connection with the crimes. They
were each to appear in court on September 27.
All defendants have been identified as
members of the Vice Lords, specifically from the
“99 Insane Vice Lord” set.
• Deandre Lynch, age 17, is charged with eight
counts of Aggravated Robbery and is being
held at Juvenile Court without bond.
• Xavier Green, age 18, is charged with three
held in the Shelby County Jail on a $250,000
bond.
• Luther Darnell, age 25, is charged with three
held in the Shelby County Jail on a $250,000
bond.
• Richard Coleman, age 18, is charged with
one count of Aggravated Robbery through an
block of Nelson, a female was robbed of
“The Shelby Count y Dis tric t At torney General ’s O f fice will
continue to work with the Memphis Police Department in
fighting the war against violent, street terrorism in our
c o m m u n i t y.”
– Attorney General Bill Gibbons
her purse by two males armed with a
handgun that approached her car, tapped
on his driver’s window, and demanded her
ground and the victim ran when the
purse.
gunman reached to pick it up.
• On September 3 at 2:10 a.m. on Belvedere
Shelby County Attorney General Bill
Gibbons states, “The Shelby County District
Attorney General’s Office will continue to work
block of Cooper, a female was approached
and St. Augustine; A male was robbed of
with the Memphis Police Department in
by a male armed that grabbed her by the
credit cards and a phone by two males
fighting the war against violent, street
neck and rammed her head into a car.
armed with a handgun.
terrorism in our community. The D.A.’s Gang
Witnesses ran out and the male fled in a
• On September 3 at 6:00 a.m. on Fourth
and Narcotics Prosecutions Unit will handle
dark colored Toyota Camry occupied by
and Beale, a female was walking at Fourth
these most recent robbery cases and will use
additional suspects.
and Beale when she was hit in the back of
all of the resources available to hold these
the head and knocked unconscious. When
offenders accountable.” Attorney General
and Cowden, a male was sitting in his car
she regained consciousness, her purse was
Gibbons has assigned Assistant District
when two males tapped on the driver’s
missing.
Attorney Ray Lepone of the Shelby County
• On September 3 at 1:20 a.m. on Barksdale
door with a handgun and demanded his
wallet. The wallet was thrown on the
District Attorney’s Anti-Gang Unit as the lead
prosecutor on all of these cases.
arrest warrant and is being held on a
$60,000 bond. Coleman is charged with an
additional two counts of Aggravated Robbery
and is being held on $250,000 bond on
these cases in the Shelby County Jail.
Here are brief descriptions of the robberies:
• On August 26 at 1:36 a.m. on Central and
Belvedere; two females where robbed of a
purse and a 2003 Acura RXS was taken.
• On September 1 at 10:50 p.m. on McLean
and Linden; a female and a male were
approached and the female was robbed of
her purse and cell phone.
• On September 1 at 10:58 p.m. in the 900
block of New York two females were sitting
on their porch when two males approached;
pointed a handgun; demanded their purses;
then fled when they where told they did not
have anything.
• On September 2 at 11:05 p.m. on Poplar and
Barksdale; A male was robbed at gunpoint by
two males of money and credit cards. The
males ran across the street and committed
the next robbery with this victim watching.
• On September 2 at 11:10 p.m. on Barksdale
and Poplar; a female was robbed of her purse
and eighty dollars at gun point by two males.
• On September 2 at 11:30 p.m. in the 2100
block of Nelson, a male was approached by
two males and robbed of cash at gunpoint.
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 and is provided to us by Katherine Turner.
A lle y s and autos
Keeping it clean: reduce crime
T err y L awrence
There are two topics that I
Young. It is our responsibility as good citizens to
want to cover this month. The
do whatever we can within the bounds of the
first is alley clean-up which
law to make our neighborhoods safer places.
affects the entire community.
So let me see all of you on October 21 at
Now that the weather is more
7:30 a.m. on Tanglewood between Nelson and
of a friend than an enemy, it is
Oliver. The appropriate dress would be long
time again to attack the alleys. The temperature
pant and shirts with sturdy shoes or boots.
rose quickly during our last alley clean-up,
Refreshments and snacks will be provided.
making it almost impossible to continue that
My second topic is the most reported crime
day. So I figure that we have several more
in our community. If you think that crime is
chances this year to clean-up the alleys before it
larceny or burglary you are incorrect. The most
gets too cool.
reported crime in our community is theft from
The alley we will concentrate on is bordered
vehicles. But it can be controlled.
by Nelson and Oliver on the North and South,
Have you ever worn a jacket or sweater
and by Barksdale and Tanglewood on the West
during the morning drive to work and since it
and East. Alleys that are as overgrown as some
was much warmer on the drive back from work
of ours are not only unsightly, but they provide
simply left it on the seat of the car? If you
an unimpeded highway for bad guys going to
answered yes to this question then you ran the
and coming from crimes. They are used to hide
risk of being a crime statistic. Believe it or not,
ill-gotten goods and serve as entry points into
some people leave items like cameras, laptops,
your property. The worst part is that our
and ashtrays full of coins in their car. It might
overgrown alleys prevent our police department
not seem like much to you, but to someone that
from seeing and patroling the alleys.
lives or passes through our neighborhood, it
You cannot get an off-road vehicle down
might be worth breaking out your window. This
through some of these alleys let along a squad
is one crime that we have the most direct control
car. This appeal is not just to our neighbors who
over. If we do not leave valuables in our vehicles
border an alley, but to all members of Cooper-
then there will be nothing there to steal.
October 2006
LampLighter 19
E D U C AT I O N O N I C E
Natural Learning School to open on Central Avenue
come in and practice skills like collaboration,
D alila E arly
enjoy a day of learning with new peers. Bring
negotiation and social interaction. Drop in and
in questions/explore a subject in dept with our
work on short and long-term projects; and
teachers. Use resources like: art studio, library,
employ the education approach of Reggio
guide experiences of joint, open-ended
dress up area, etc. Sign up to one of our
Emilia, who believes that children, no matter
discovery and problem solving.
enrichment classes can feel welcomed and be
The Natural Learning School, which will
We believe that parents play an active part
their age, are natural learners and, if given the
part of a community.
proper supportive environment and allowed to
in their children’s learning experience and
pursue their own interests, will blossom. The
that, by doing so, they can help ensure the
of active, flexible and individually structured
school, which will open in June, will operate
welfare of all the children in our school.
environment become confident, self-moti-
out of the Icehouse on Central Ave., which
Parent’s participation can take on many forms
vated, independent and creative learners and
formerly housed New Ballet Ensemble.
and will be considered essential to the success
thinkers. Our school proposes to take the
of the Natural Learning School.
external pressures and stress off both children
Our school aims to help children learn how
Memphis children who grow up in this kind
Because our school is located in Midtown,
and their parents and to give all its students
profoundly about any and all subjects, learn
we will take full advantage of the riches of our
the opportunity to live and learn at their own
how to communicate effectively, to negotiate,
neighborhood. There will be frequent
pace and in their own way. We believe the
to respect differences, and to collaborate with
excursions, both planned and spontaneous,
Natural Learning School will be a significant
their peers and learn a great deal about
and we will develop meaningful partnerships
alternative to all other models of education
themselves — who they are, what interests
with many of the artistic, cultural and business
presently available to Memphis families.
to be independent learners, learn more
them, and about their natural skills and
talents.
We believe that faculty should serve as
partners, nurturers and guides.The teachers
who will join our faculty are positive, energetic
and passionate learners themselves and will
place the highest priority on the social and
We believe that parents
play an active part in their
childr en’s learning
experience and that, by
doing so, they can help
emotional learning of each individual member
of our school’s community. Employing a multidisciplinary, interwoven curriculum, they will
facilitate the children’s exploration of themes;
ensure the welfare of all
the children in our school.
organizations and individuals who enhance
the area.
We are committed to having a diverse
If you are interested in the vision we have
for this school and would like to participate in
our upcoming meetings, or if you have
student population comprised of different
questions to ask or would like more informa-
ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds;
tion before you can consider enrolling your
and we intend to offer students who have
child(ren) or if you are a teacher searching for
struggled in other school settings a place
a superb educational environment, then
where they can flourish and learn as well.
please contact me at www.naturalearning-
The school will also serve as a home-school
resource center. We will offer the homeschooling families a place where they can
school.com, [email protected],
or 355-5034
GET HIP
Ideas for the involved and curious
D r . D . J ackson M axwell
As the heat of the
One of my family ’s favorite
summer finally dissipates
with the coming of fall,
outdoor activities become
much more enjoyable. It
is time to get out with our
families and explore our
neighborhoods, taking advantage of living in
our urban environment. While the Memphis
activities is taking a trip
downtown. The “Urban
Excursion” involves parking
t h e c a r, h o p p i n g a t r o l l ey,
and starting an adventure.
Zoo, Children’s Museum of Memphis,
Memphis Public Library, Putt-Putt, and Chuck
home is driving everyone crazy, load up the
E. Cheese are great entertainment, too often
kids and head out for a rainy day car picnic.
we find ourselves falling back on these same
Pay a visit to your favorite drive-through
activities. Try some of the following off-the-
restaurant then find a scenic place to park
beaten-trail suggestions for both kids and
where everyone can take off their seat belts
adults.
and relax. I suggest heading down toward
One of my family’s favorite activities is
Riverside Drive or Mud Island where you can
taking a trip downtown. The “Urban Excursion”
park on the bluffs with an excellent view of
involves parking the car, hopping a trolley,
the Mississippi River. Car picnics give children
and starting an adventure. If we are in the
and parents a chance to spend time together
mood for history, the National Civil Rights
to commune and talk minus the usual
Museum, the Cotton Museum, Slavehaven
distractions. Plus, it is an excellent way to have
Underground Railroad Museum, the Peabody
fun, wiling away a few hours while waiting for
Place Museum (Chinese artifacts), or the Fire
a break in the rain.
Museum of Memphis become our destina-
Take a Regional field trip. Take a short trip
tions. If sports are the choice and the time of
(one or two days) and discover local areas of
year right, you can catch the Grizzlies or Tigers
interest. For example, Shiloh Military Park
for basketball or the Redbirds baseball at
(located near Savannah, Tennessee) offers
Autozone Park. Musically speaking, Beale
families the opportunity to explore a Civil War
Street, Handy Park and the Rock ‘N’ Soul
battle site complete with interpretive speakers,
Museum (at the FedExForum) offer a chance to
field guides, and audio tour. If presidents are
see and hear what makes Memphis famous. If
of interest, Andrew Jackson’s home Hermitage
you are in the mood for a walk, Mud Island
(just outside Nashville, Tennessee) or Bill
River Park and the Bluffwalk are scenic,
Clinton’s hometown of Hope, Arkansas and
informative and great exercise. While
Bill Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock,
downtown you can visit area parks, play in a
Arkansas tell the stories of our nation’s former
fountain, take a Ride the Ducks tour, attend an
leaders. North of Memphis in Limestone,
Orpheum play or a movie at Peabody Place. A
Tennessee is the cabin of the famous fron-
good way to end the day is to stop by a down-
tiersman and politician, Davy Crockett. A bit
town eatery before riding the trolley back to
closer, north of Millington is Meeman-Shelby
your car and heading home.
State Park with its nature walks, camping
An unusual outing can be had at one of our
facilities, picnic areas, Frisbee golf course, and
local cemeteries. Back at the turn of the
canoeing. These are only a few of the
twentieth century, families routinely took
adventures available for families willing to
weekend trips to a cemetery to visit departed
take a chance on a exploring the Mid-South.
loved ones, marvel at the classic statues, and
Hopefully these suggestions peak your
picnic. Historic Elmwood Cemetery offers both
interest enough to step off the road usually
tape and guided tours. Learn about interned
traveled in order to treat your family and
dignitaries, past events, and prominent
yourself to a new outing. As the weather cools,
markers and statues that grace the grounds.
it is a wonderful time to get together and
Elmwood Cemetery has guidebooks, walking
create memories. Be hip and give these
paths, several of Memphis’ oldest trees, a
happening ideas a try.
sanctuary, and even a picnic area. Throughout
If you have any questions or comments,
the year, special events are held at Elmwood
Dr. D. Jackson Maxwell is a National Board
Cemetery making it one of Midtown’s best-
Certified Teacher at Downtown Elementary
kept secrets.
School and can be reached via email at:
If the weather is bleak and sitting around
[email protected]
October 2006
LampLighter 21
C M O M WA N T S Y O U
PEABODY HAPPE N I NG S
Change is underway at
Children’s Museum
Great moments for grandparents,
majorettes and young artists
S tace y G reenberg
J ennifer W ord
With 150,000 visitors
and members can also expect to see a new
a year, the Children’s
cafe where guests may buy and eat lunch.
Museum of Memphis is
There will be an expanded party space and up
an incredible asset to
to two feet of snow on the lawn when the
Midtown. Unfortunately,
temperature is twenty-eight degrees or lower
we don’t always see it
during winter months.
that way. I have often
While this all sounds great, I can’t help
been disappointed by special events held
wishing for more. I understand that the
there and have heard others complain that the
Museum wouldn’t exist without its corporate
museum is dirty and the staff unresponsive.
sponsors, but I’d like for the museum to have
However, Dick Hackett, former Mayor and
much more of a homegrown community feel
fundraiser for St. Jude, has recently been
akin to the one at First Congregational Church.
named CEO and is open to hearing about
I’d love to see a host of fun classes and
problems and doing something about them.
educational programs a la Music for Aardvarks
Hackett recently hosted a forum for iDiva
readers to get their input. (iDiva is an online
community run by the
Leanne Kleinmann)
About twenty people
showed up to share
had special events styled after Rock-n-Romp
Right now we as a
Commercial Appeal
and moderated by
or yoga for kids. Wouldn’t it be cool if they
community have the
opportunity to really get
involved with the museum,
their thoughts,
including the
LampLighter’s own
Courtney Santo.
share our ideas, and create
something phenomenal.
“Strangely enough, I
or Baby Loves Disco
that are fun for the
whole family? Or what
if they worked in
conjunction with
Mothersville to design
comfortable areas
throughout the
museum where nursing
mothers could relax
while watching their
was the only person who had a current
older kids play? What if the mini grocery store
membership,” she said. “I was really impressed
featured nutritious natural products like the
by Dick’s determination to get the community
ones at Square Foods? What if Cooper-Young’s
involved in the museum.” All participants of
talented artists were given free reign to liven
the forum were strongly encouraged to remain
up the recycled art area?
active in creating a better museum.
Number one on the to-do list is a new area
Right now we as a community have the
Cooper-Young Residents Ralph and Rosemary West with grandchild, Erin.
Grandparent’s day
Students at Peabody celebrated Grandpar-
Seeking accreditation
The staff and faculty are busy working on
ent’s day with an incredible luncheon. The
our SACS accreditation. SACS is the Southern
cafeteria staff prepared a sumptuous meal for
Association of Colleges and Schools. The
the students and our special guests of honor.
association is the governing body that
It was wonderful to see the students sharing
accredits the schools in Tennessee. The
with their grandparents. Thanks to the
process is long and detailed. We will complete
cafeteria staff, faculty, and students for
the process during the second semester. If you
creating such a fabulous day.
would like to help the SACS committee as a
Young Artist Contest
The Cooper-Young Business Association and
Peabody Elementary held the annual Young
Artist Contest at Peabody. The school held a
stakeholder or community member please call
the office at 416-4606.
Peabody majorettes
perform
opportunity to really get involved with the
devoted to kids age ten to twelve years old.
reception on September 14. The school
museum, share our ideas, and create some-
crowds as they performed at the Cooper-
Hackett has started clearing out annex space
received artwork from all over the city. The
thing phenomenal. Let’s not let it slip by.
theme for this year was Memphis History. The
Young Festival. The girls played to applause
artwork was displayed in the cafeteria. During
and appreciation as they did an incredible job
in front of a very large audience.
for the exhibit and couldn’t be more excited.
Dick Hackett is available seven days a week
The entire museum has been cleaned and the
via phone 283-4163 or email: rhackett@
carpet is being replaced. With the help of
the Festival, the school was open for parents,
cmom.com. To join the public forum, send an
corporate sponsors like Kroger, AutoZone,
friends, and Festival patrons to admire the
email to Randy McKeel at randy.mckeel@
Morgan Keegan, and Coca-Cola, he plans to
incredible artwork. The school was glad to
cmom.com. At the very least, become a member
upgrade other areas in the museum. Visitors
host such a wonderful event. Peabody is proud
and visit the museum as often as you can.
to be a part of Cooper-Young.
The Peabody majorettes delighted Festival
H EART AN D SOU L
A box of everything and nothing
If you take a look through the
I had to sit down and explain to my three-year-old that
limbs of my family tree, you’ll
there are bad guys and good guys and that we
find that as a bunch, my
ancestors have been too poor,
wouldn’t be able to play dress up with the things in my
too many and moved too often
to collect anything that could
jewelry box anymore.
pass for a family heirloom. In eight generations, the only things worth passing along are
a six-foot wooden cigar store Indian, a 1969
Camero and until last week a jewelry box.
I spent one summer living with my
ask him about it.
The box has sat on countless footlockers,
stood. It wasn’t a crime I was prepared to
handle. I scoffed at the folks who told me I
dressers, bookshelves and countertops. It has
was crazy buy my first home in Midtown and
traveled with me to Lexington, Charlottesville,
not in Germantown. I, in my ivory tower, had
grandparents, who had a modest house in a
Richmond, Portland and Memphis and each
proclaimed that stuff is just stuff and crime
blue-collar beach town in Oregon. They gave
year I dropped my keepsakes into it. There
happened everywhere. I tried to be smart, I
me full reign over the basement, which had its
were leftover coins from my trip to Paris and a
had an expensive alarm system installed,
own television. This was bliss because my
toonie from my honeymoon in Vancouver. The
locked my doors, bolted my gates, got to
parents didn’t own a TV and I was able to
necklace I wore to my wedding and the first
know my neighbors on a first-name basis, but
spend the summer watching Melrose Place and
pair of expensive earrings my husband
none of that mattered.
The Heights (along with working full time at an
purchased for me. One compartment was
upscale gift shop).
In one month in Memphis, nearly 1300
completely stuffed with shells and rocks from
homes were burglarized, and ours was one of
At the end of that summer, my grand-
each of the beaches, lakes and rivers I’d
them. Which tells me there is something
mother called me upstairs and handed over
visited. It was a box full of nothing and
wrong with our city. I just can’t figure out how
one of the most beautiful jewelry boxes I had
everything.
to go about fixing it. My daughter said it best,
ever seen. It was large — about the size of tool
Lately my three-year old daughter, who
box and had six different compartments that
fancies herself a princess, had become
were lined in plush red velvet. The wooden
fascinated by the box and its contents. She
box was painted with delicate asian scenes of
would sneak into the bedroom and put on all
trees, flowers and a mountain in shades of
of the necklaces and all of the bracelets and
brown and red.
then walk stately into the living room and
My grandmother just told me it was
three or four of these secret pillagingsn, I
it plays music.” She turned it upside down and
finally told her that if she asked first, I’d let her
twisted an oval knob on the bottom of the
play in the jewelry box. I took out a few of the
box. Then when it was righted and the top
more valuable items (my engagement and
opened, a distinctly asian harp plunked out a
wedding rings). And I enjoyed telling her
cheery tune (tink ta ta tink ta tink tink tink).
stories about the things she found to play
Years later a friend who had majored in music
with.
Heart and Soul.
She had also included a note that explained
I had visions of the day I’d give the jewelry
box to her and of the things she’d find to put
in the compartments. I knew it wasn’t
how she came by the box. It turned out that
valuable, but it was a small piece of our
while my father was serving in the Marines
family’s history. And so, I was surprised when
during the Vietnam War, he had been
it was among the items missing from our
stationed in Okinawa, Japan and while there
house following a burglary. Where the jewelry
he had purchased two music boxes. One for
box had sat on my dresser was one of the
my grandmother and an identical version (but
bricks the criminals had thrown through our
green in color) for his high school sweetheart.
window.
In her letter, grandmother explained that she
Angry doesn’t begin to describe how I feel.
thought it should stay in our family and as the
I had to sit down and explain to my three-
eldest daughter it seemed fitting to pass it on
year-old that there are bad guys and good
to me.
guys and that we wouldn’t be able to play
I was thrilled. It gave me a place to stash
dress up with my the things in my jewelry box
seashells, notes from boyfriends, ticket stubs,
anymore. And now I won’t be able to write my
and the odd piece of costume jewelry I
eighteen year old a letter telling her about the
acquired. It also made me feel more con-
box and her grandfather.
nected to my father, who didn’t exactly
to be bad and that they shouldn’t take things.”
show me the treasures she had found. After
something she thought I might like. “Oh, and
told me it was the classic beginner piano tune
“well, we just have to teach the bad guys not
I had lived my thirty years without having a
embrace the touchy-feely model of father-
home burglarized. Heck before I moved here, I
hood. He didn’t really talk about being a
had never even met someone who had their
Marine and I was glad to get the chance to
home broken into. It wasn’t a crime I under
October 2006
LampLighter 23

festival photos - Cooper-Young Community Association

Transcription

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