LampLighter - Cooper-Young Community Association

Transcription

FREE
VOLu M EXVI I I,N u M B E RV
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
F A M I I LY A F F A I R
Construction on a
new, state-of-the art
theater for Playhouse
could begin as early as
August 2007.
Join Horton, Lorax,
Yertle and your
CY neighbors for
Seussical!
COu RTN EYM I LLE RSANTO
Y
ouhavebrainsin
yourhead.Youhave
feetinyourshoes.
Youcansteeryourselfto
PlayhouseontheSquareon
See Page 14 for more information.
March18at2p.m.forthe
matineeperformanceofSeussical the Musical.
Thisfamily-friendlyeventoffersachanceto
socializewithotherCooper-Youngresidentsand
theirchildren.Youcanpurchaseticketsforthis
neighborhoodeventfromtheCYCA,whichis
sellingticketstosupporttheLampLighter.
Ticketpriceswillbe$20foradultsand$10
forchildren–asignificantsavingsonthe
normalmatineepriceforamusicalshowat
Playhouse.Inaddition,thismatineeispartof
Playhouse’sFirstSundaySeries,whichmeans
attendeeswillbetreatedtodiscussionswiththe
castanddirectors,aswellascomplimentary
foodandbeverages,andgreatkeepsakes.
Basedonthebelovedcharactersandstories
ofDr.Seuss,Seussicalfollowstheadventuresof
lovable,dependableHortontheElephant,
innocentbluebirdGertrudeMcFuzzandtinybut
big-thinkingJoJo,thesmallestchildinWhoville,
thesmallestplanetintheuniverse!Hortonis
teasedbytheotherjungleanimalsforbelieving
intheunseen,Jojoisostracizedfortheunpopularactofthinking–anactivitynotencouraged
bytheparentsandteachersofWhoville,andshy
Gertrudedoesn’tbelieveshe’squitegood
enoughthewaysheis.
Weonlyhavefiftytickets,soreservethedate
now.Forthoseunabletoattendtheevent,you
canalsosupporttheLampLighterbypurchasing
raffleticketsforaDr.Seussprizepackage.
Topurchasetickets,contactCourtneySantoat
[email protected].
TheCYCAwillsellSeussicalticketsattheMarch
13CYCAgeneralmeetingandatthecommunity
officesat2298YoungonMondayMarch5and
MondayMarch12from10to4.
March2007 LampLighter 1
5
Less than a year ago,
Playhouse on the
Square sponsored a
party to celebrate
the demolition of The
Antique Mall at the
corner of union Ave.
and Cooper. They are
now closing in on
their fundraising goal
of $10 million.
Pages 14-15
6
Fair appraisal
Meetings
inside
Help CY show the City Council and
other elected leaders that the redevelopment of the Fairgrounds is important
to our community. The CYCA invites
you to attend an informational meeting
on Thursday March 22 at 6 p.m. at First
Congregational Church.
Independence day
Burke’s Books is in the process of
moving from its location on Poplar to
the heart of Cooper-Young. Meet the CY
residents and owners of this independent bookstore and discover their plans
for the new location at 936 S. Cooper.
CYCA General
Meeting
March 13 at 6 p.m. at Celtic Crossing.
There’s a time to meet and a time to
socialize. This month, we are meeting at
Celtic Crossing for an informal gathering of
neighbors. Be sure to join us!
CYCA Board Meeting
March 20 at 7 p.m. at the community
offices at 2298 Young Ave.
Fairgrounds Meeting
March 22 at 6 p.m.: An information
session on Fairgrounds Redevelopment
will be held at First Congressional Church.
Representatives from Looney Ricks Kiss
will present the twenty Master Principles
developed for the Mid-South Fairground
Redevelopment Study and give examples
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
No panhandling campaign; new Fairgrounds meeting
E dm u nd M ackey
Steady study
27
Fairgrounds meeting
Panhandler
lowdown
On March 22, 2007 the CYCA will host a
As part of the new safety
meeting for politicians, city leaders and the
Rising classic rock band Hold Steady to
play at Hi-Tone on March 14. Read
Kerry Hayes’ interview with the group
to learn a bit more about, “unpretentious joy in performing.”
Extras
of how similar principles have been
applied in other redevelopment efforts
across the country. City Council Meetings
March 6 at 3:30 p.m.
plan the board put together
community to re-introduce the design
in January the CYCA has
principles recommended by the Looney,
Membership ...........................................................3
First Floor, City Hall at 125 North Main
partnered with the Center
Ricks, Kiss architect firm. The Cooper-Young
CYCA News...............................................................4
Street.
City Commission (CCC) to
Fairgrounds Committee has adopted these
Jon Devin..................................................................7
start a “No Panhandling” campaign in Cooper-
principles as the benchmark to judge all
Chatterbox ..............................................................8
Young. The panhandlers in the CY district have
proposed developments. All of the feedback
Crime Map ............................................................10
been prevalent for several years due to the
we have received from the community about
Pilgrim Center ......................................................13
generosity of patrons and residents of CY. Our
the development of the Fairgrounds is
Lifelong Learning................................................. 17
neighborhood has several places for refuge
addressed by these principles. The stadium
Peabody News .....................................................19
that provide resources to help the homeless
proposal from the mayor is in, and this is
Midtown Mama .................................................. 20
and others in need; we are encouraging you
your time to speak and be heard with the
Pet Column .......................................................... 22
to donate to these organizations as opposed
people that will vote on this issue—your city
CY Vine ................................................................. 25
to giving money directly to these hustlers. The
council representatives. Do not miss this
campaign will improve the quality of life in CY,
meeting.
Sorry In the February 2007
CYBA
and reduce some of the vandalism and petty
Edmund Mackey
LampLighter Karen Liebovitz’s name
901-276-7222 theft that has plagued our district.
President, Cooper-Young Community
was spelled incorrectly. We
CYDC
Association
apologize for the error.
[email protected]
The LampLighter will be changing its email contact
Staff and Volunteers
information. We have adopted new email addresses
Contributors
Founder
Editor
Layout
Business Manager
Distribution
Photographers
Ad Managers
Janet Stewart
Courtney Miller Santo
Shades of Gray, Inc.
Chris McHaney
Rich Bullington
Charles Gage
Miriam Dolin
Chris McHaney
Debbie Sowell
Content
Ad Sales
Distribution
901-827-4797 [email protected]
Katie Bruneau, Deborah Camp, Nick Canterucci, Joel
Chapman, Jon Devin, Miriam Dolin, Nate Furguson,
Stacey Greenberg, Kerry Hayes, Michael Hughes, Diane
Jalfon, Sam Kernell, Edmund Mackey, See’Trail
Mackey,D. Jackson Maxwell, Debbie Sowell, Carmen
Weaver, Matthew Woodruff, Jennifer Word
Cover: Miriam Dolin
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 March 2007
Meetings are held in Council Chambers,
Shelby County
Commission Meetings
Cooper-Young Organizations
CYCA
Shannon Choo
901-272-2922
[email protected]
[email protected]
Sutton Mora Hayes
901-272-1459
[email protected]
Cooper-Young Community Association
CYCA Board Officers
billing: [email protected]. To contact adver-
President
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer
tising: [email protected] and for questions about
CYCA Committee Heads
at our domain. To contact editorial or content, please
email [email protected]. To contact
distribution contact [email protected].
Deadlines for April LampLighter
Articles, submissions: March 15
Advertising copy: March 20
Distribution beginning: April 1
Please send all articles and submissions to: [email protected]. For advertising rate
sheet, or to submit ads electronically, please email:
[email protected]
Beautification and Code Enforcement
Block Club
Communications
Crime Mapping and Education
Festival 4-Miler
Membership
Monitoring Blight
Edmund Mackey
Debbie Sowell
See’Trail Mackey
Jason Word
Elizabeth Harcourt
Robert Grisham
Emily Bishop
Edmund Mackey
Richard Coletta, Michael Ham
Allan Ray
Debbie Sowell
Open
CYCA At-Large Board Members
Rosemary West, Carmen Weaver
CYCA N EWS
Membership, interns, email advertising
and more
Planting the seeds of community
Thank you for your overwhelming response
A U CTI O N B LO C K
Advance tickets
for art auction
now available;
Artwork to be
displayed at
Otherlands
He took third place in the Riley writing contest
at the University in the Spring of 2006 and
to the January membership drive. We are on
will be graduating this May with a degree in
our way to tilling up the soil for a lot of good
English (concentrating in Technical and
things to grow this year. We still have a long
Professional Writing) and a minor in history.
way to go and want a fruitful garden! If you
Matthew has contributed greatly to this issue
did not get the letter and seed packet, please
helping out with Chatterbox, the Crime Map
contact us and we will include you in our
and writing a story about Playhouse interns
database. You can also join by visiting www.
living in Cooper-Young.
cooperoung.org or fill out the form located
on this page (which can be dropped off at
2298 Young at the next neighborhood
CYCA now offering email
sponsorship
meeting or at your convenience). Your
S ee ’ T rail M ackey
In the last year, the
support is what helps keep our projects
CYCA has dramatically
going for the overall good of Cooper-
improved its electronic
Young. Remember also that your mem-
communications with its
bership comes with more benefits. Check
members and supporters.
out our membership page at our website
The Art for Art’s Sake Auction will be held at the Young Ave.
and see what discounts are available. Deli on April 14 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Mayor A C Wharton will
So far for 2007, we have 105 members
attend and preside over the opening of the event. Ron Childers,
and have raised $1785 for the cause. Our
Emmy award winning weatherman from Action News 5, will be
the celebrity auctioneer. The annual silent and live auction will
showcase original works by Memphis area artists and items
donated by exhibitors from the Cooper-Young Festival.
Among the special items being auctioned this year is a security
door donated by the Cooper-Young Development Corporation. The
door is valued at more than $300. The dimensions of the door are
30 inches wide by 80 inches tall and it features the CYDC logo.
tuning the five to ten emails it sends out
monthly. As part of that process, the CYCA will
goal is 500 Members and $6000. One way
sell email sponsorships on its emails begin-
to get in the mood is with our annual Mulch
ning in March. Sponsorship sales are being
to Members event coming in April. Lets get
handled by the LampLighter’s Advertising
to DIGGIN’!
Manager Chris McHaney, who can be reached
Sincerely,
at 901-359-1696. We are offering a special
Your Membership Committee trial advertising rate of $50 per month for
Intern joins LampLighter staff
Proceeds from the event are used to maintain the Trestle Art
In addition to the
redesign of the website, it has focued on fine-
The LampLighter got two more helping
March, April and May while we evaluate the
program. There are two sponsorship spots
available on each email and the spots will be
installation over Cooper Street. Maintenance costs include liability This security door,
with CYDC logo will
insurance, electricity, inspections, and graffiti removal.
hands this month with the addition of
sold to non-competing advertisers. By
Matthew Woodruff as an intern. Matthew is
purchasing the month, the advertisers are
Auction tickets
from a retired military family that settled in
featured on every email sent out by the CYCA
Clarksville. He graduated with honors from
during that month. Thanks to Midtown
Kenwood High in 2003 and is currently an
Property Management and Steve Womack,
Honors Student at the University of Memphis.
who will be our sponsors for March.
be available for bid
at the auction.
Purchase advanced tickets for $10 before March 17, and receive a free signed-poster for
this year’s auction by local artist, Adam Shellabarger. Advance tickets are available from
the CYCA at 2298 Young Avenue on March 1, 8, and 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. Order tickets
online at www.cooperyoung.org. There will be free refreshments and live entertainment.
The Young Ave Deli will have a cash bar and full dinner menu available. Tickets are $15 at
the door.
Join Us
Help plant the seeds of community and join the
CYC A today!
Art contest
The CYCA and the Peabody PTA are co-sponsoring an art contest for the Peabody
students. The students of Peabody Elementary School, our neighborhood school, were
asked to create artwork depicting their views on “What community means to me.” There
are three grade categories and the first place winner’s artwork from each category will be
New
Renewing Individual – $15 Senior 55 and older – $5 Household – $20 Trestle Tender – $50
Name_ _______________________________________________________________________________
auctioned at the April 14 event.
Address_________________________________________________ Zip___________________________
Reception at Otherlands
save
the
date
Enclosed is a check for my membersip in the Cooper Young Community Association
There will be an artist’s reception on April 1, 4-6 p.m. at
Phone________________________________________________ Email___________________________
I want to hear about volunteer opportunities
CYCA Annual Art for
Otherlands Coffee Bar for the winners of the Peabody
Arts Sake Auction
student art contest and the other artist’s featured in the live
Enclosed is my gift of $_ _________________________________________________________________
Artist’s Reception
portion of the auction. The art will be on display at Other-
in honor or/in memory of_ ______________________________________________________________
lands from March 5 through April 13. Don’t miss this is a
Enclosed is my gift of $___________________ for the General Operating Fund
great opportunity to preview the live auction art before Mail this form with your payments to: the event.
CYCA Membership, 2298 Young Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
April 1 at the
Otherlands Coffee Bar
You can also join online at www.cooperyoung.org. The CYCA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
March 2007
LampLighter thank-you
thanks
Karen Capps and Buzz Shellabarger were
awarded the 2005 and 2006 (respectively)
Alexia Hampton Memorial Awards. This award
is given annually to a volunteer who has shown
an exceeding devotion to CY.
Edmund Mackey, CYCA Board
President, chats with Donna Sue
Shannon, one of our new neighbors
on Elzey in Cooper-Young Place.
Square Foods generously
hosted and catered the
CYCA’s volunteer thank you
party. We are glad to have
such a terrific establishment
in our community.
LO U D L A U D S
Jeanice Blancett,
who moved her
health food
restaurant and
grocery to Cooper
Young last year,
helped cater the
volunteer party.
CYCA thanks volunteers with fete
at Square Foods
C armen W eaver
On Sunday, January 28, the Cooper-Young Community Association held a volunteer party
to honor those who volunteered for the association in 2006. The event was hosted by
Square Foods, which provided the space and food. Volunteers mingled while snacking on an
array of pinwheels, dips, chicken drummies, and other appetizers. Cooper Young’s newest
restaurant proved to be the perfect venue for the celebration. We were delighted that Jeanice
Blancett at Square Foods came on board and handled the venue and catering.
The event was an important time for CYCA board members to socialize with our volunteers. We were able to get a lot of feedback about events the volunteers enjoy working and
ideas they have to better our events. It also gave us the opportunity to
say a personal “thank you” to all of those that attended.
The association also used the party as an opportunity to present the
2005 and 2006 Alexia Hampton Memorial
Awards. This award is given annually to the volunteer(s) that has
shown an exceeding devotion to Cooper-Young. While we have many
devoted volunteers, the recipients of this year’s award are Buzz
Shellabarger and Karen Capps. Both Buzz and Karen have
served our community for many years. You can count on seeing them at
all Association events. We believe they are both praiseworthy and
Jason Elder shares a drink with
Robert Grisham. Both Robert
and Jason moved to CY from
California last year.
deserving honorees. Mothers and CY volunteers Debbie Sowell
and Jennifer Word visit at the party. Debbie
(who is holding her son Owen Jackson)
is hoping to start an informal CY Parents
group. For more information, see page 11.
“As a community organization we value our volunteer base more than
any other asset. Our volunteers help keep Cooper-Young a desirable
place to live,” says CYCA President Edmund Mackey. “Buzz Shellabarger
and Karen Capps exemplify what it is to be great neighbors and
community volunteers; they are long standing volunteers
for the community and residents of CY. Volunteerism in any
capacity is a noble journey but to volunteer in your own
backyard is far nobler.”
The CYCA hopes to make the Volunteer Thank You Party
an annual occasion. We anticipate a growth in the number
of volunteers we have this year and hope the event allows
us to continue to give a personal thanks to each of our
volunteers. If you would like to volunteer for the CYCA,
please contact our Community Director, Shannon Choo, at
[email protected]. Also don’t forget to visit the website
at www.cooperyoung.org often to learn about upcoming
CYCA Community Director and See’Trail
Mackey visit during the gathering.
Edmund Mackey, CYCA Board President
expresses his excitement over the
number of volunteers at the party to
Carmen Weaver.
volunteer opportunities.
Photos by Joey Weaver
CRITICAL MASS
BAC K TO TH E FUTU R E
Crowds attest to
need for Memphis
to go green
Principles guide
plans for the
Fairgrounds
N ate F u rg u son
S u san R oakes and E mily B ishop
The number of Memphians who are ready
to support an effort to green the city has
On March 22 at 6 p.m. at First Congrega-
reached critical mass. On February 8, a
tional Church the Cooper-Young Community
standing-room only crowd of more than 800
Association will host an informational
people (including AC Wharton, Sharon
session regarding the Fairgrounds redevel-
Goldworthy, W.W. Herenton, county commis-
opment. Representatives from Looney Ricks
sioners and council members) assembled to
Kiss Architects (LRK) will present the Master
discuss the greening of Memphis. The time is
Principles they were hired by the city to
right to add Memphis to the list of cities that
create to guide the redevelopment of the
now view green space as an essential
Fairgrounds and show examples of how
ingredient of a healthy city. The event was
similar principles have been applied in other
hosted by “Smart City’s” Carol Coletta and
areas across the country.
included presentations by Keith Kirkland of
The City Council has been invited to
the Wolf River Conservancy, Robert Schreiber
share its thoughts at the meeting on the
of the Greater Memphis Greenline, and Laura
principles and how they will apply to this
Adams of the Shelby Farms Park Alliance.
process. Residents from Orange Mound,
The plan, as outlined in the presentations,
Glenview, Cooper-Parkway, Rozelle-
seeks to connect the city in a network of
Annesdale, Central Gardens, Chickasaw
greenlines that will eventually create a
Gardens, Edwin Circle, Beltline and Buntyn
triangular beltline around the city. The first
are encouraged to attend. Everyone is
portion of the plan will extend the Wolf River
welcome.
Greenline from Germantown, bringing it all
The CYCA was motivated to organize this
the way downtown to the river’s terminus at
meeting as a result of frustration with the
the north end of Greenbelt Park on Mud
Island. The southern leg of the network will be
made up of the currently unused CSX rail line
that starts in Cordova and continues through
the heart of the city, ending downtown. Tying
lack of progress with the process of
redeveloping the Fairgrounds. Individual
A February meeting to draw attention
to the need for more green space in
Memphis drew a standing room only
crowd. Photo courtesy of Gary Bridgman
proposals have been brought before the
City Council such as the Kroc Center and
Joyland but a Request for Proposals (RFP)
the whole network together would be the
Mississippi River Trail whose
exact route was represented by
a green-dotted line running
along the river.
The keynote speaker of the
evening was Alex Garvin, a
has not been issued for the total project.
commissioned by the city also have not
to add Memphis
to the list of
cities that now
City’s Planning Commissioner
and Vice President of Planning,
Design and Development at the
Lower Manhattan Development
Corporation, the group formed
been published.
and more sustainable place to
“The meeting is to reconnect the people
live for our children and their
with the process and hopefully make some
children who will eventually
progress toward a plan for the Fairgrounds,”
inherit what we leave behind.
“public realm strategist” whose
past credits include New York
The results of an economic impact study
The time is right
view green space
as an essential
ingredient of a
h e a lt hy c it y.
after September 11, 2001 to
adhering to these principles. By viewing
system that connects the city’s
photos of what has worked in other cities
parks and greenways in a
we can envision what this park in the heart
larger network. By drawing it
of Memphis could be. Memphians have an
all together and placing
Garvin’s talk was drawn from an extensive
these places remain public, places that
background of experience. As examples of
everyone owns and uses, laying the founda-
cities pursuing change, he looked at places
tion for sustainability.
While these may seem like lofty goals, it is
become the predominant form of transporta-
possible if the people of the city take the
tion to and from work and Minneapolis, whose
initiative to make it happen. While the
major investment in green space at the turn of
government will oversee the building of the
the century provides a priceless gift for all
greenways, the momentum and the funding
generations.
will have to come from the people.
citizens to come together and build a healthier
of what the Fairgrounds could look like by
it would take to create a
“magnets” around the city, we ensure that
His message focused on our ability as
Residents can gain some understanding
is essential to think about what
oversee the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan.
like Copenhagen, where bicycle travel has
said Edmund Mackey, CYCA president.
However, in order to do this it
Keep updated on this movement at http://
www.greeninggreatermemphis.org.
opportunity to communicate to our elected
officials the importance we place on the
process for creating a good plan for the
Fairgrounds by showing up at this meeting.
The Fairgrounds was not mentioned at
Those in attendance signed the
Greening Greater Memphis Manifesto,
which acknowledged the, “personal,
organizational, and collective
commitment to this movement for
Greater Memphis, and as the beginning
of a continuing process that ultimately
results in our region becoming the U.S.
leader in parks, parkland, trails, and
outdoor recreation.” Photo courtesy of Gary
Bridgman
the recent meeting that drew more than
800 people at the Botanic Gardens. The
Greening Greater Memphis Movement is
building momentum for a new commitment
to greenways, greenlines and parks. As a
key piece of public space in Midtown, the
Fairgrounds must be included in this picture.
March 2007
LampLighter BETWEEN THE LINES
Burke’s Books
relocates to CY; to
open in April
The new location is going
to include a living room
section in the front of
K atie B r u nea u
their store that will be, as
Cher yl says, BYOC : Bring
For Burke’s Books’ owners Corey and Cheryl
Yo u r O w n C o f f e e .
Mesler, moving the bookstore to 936 Cooper
Street is a homecoming. Longtime residents of
Cooper-Young, the Meslers will be moving
Burke’s Books from its present location at the
According to Corey, “There actually aren’t that
corner of Poplar and Evergreen. If everything
many bookstores in the country that do both.”
goes according to schedule, the bookstore will
Because of their constantly changing inven-
be moving in mid-March, and they plan on
tory, customers may find books that they
having a grand opening in April.
cannot find elsewhere.
Both of the Meslers are excited about
Burke’s Books’ move to to the neighborhood,
largely because of the sense of community
Burke’s Books plans to encourage walk-in customers, and browsers in its new
location by including a living room section that will be BYOC (bring your own
coffee). Photo by Miriam Dolin.
with residents and businesses. “I feel like it’s
going to be a place where we can get really
Since the Meslers bought Burke’s Books in
their store that will be, as Cheryl says, BYOC:
involved in the community,” says Corey. “We’d
2000, their location on Poplar has seen fewer
even like to have book signings at other
and fewer walk-in customers. With the walking
locations in Cooper-Young.” Their new
community atmosphere in Cooper-Young, they
Cheryl’s blood. Cheryl grew up in Indianola,
location, next to Tsunami and the former flea
are looking forward to an increase in walk-ins
Mississippi, where she helped out in the family
market Second Time Around, will put them in
and browsers. The new location is going to
bookstore. A native Memphian, Corey has
the heart of the neighborhood.
include a living room section in the front of
been working in bookstores since his teens
Bring Your Own Coffee.
Selling books is in both Corey’s and
and has always preferred the freedom found
at an independent bookstore. In this tradition,
Cheryl says their new store location is a “really
funky little place with lots of character.”
Burke’s Books sells both new and used
selections, which makes the store unique in
Memphis and even the United States.
“It makes for a very unique store.” Cheryl
adds. “You never know what’s going to come
through, and we have regular browsers who
come in and check out the new arrivals.”
As far as new books, Burke’s usually carries
the most popular new selections. If they do
not have a book in stock, they can order it
and have it in about two days. Burke’s also
has a wide selection of modern first edition
and out of print Memphis histories. In addition
to their traditional book sales, the Meslers also
sell used and rare books on the internet at
sites such as abebooks.com and alibris.com.
After they move to Cooper- Young, Burke’s
will be open on Monday, Tuesday, and
Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday,
Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.,
and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Burke’s is one of the few bookstores in Memphis that
sells new and old books. It also carries material of
interest to Memphians – local authors, histories, etc.
Photos by Miriam Dolin.
PA I N T I N G I N T O A C O R N E R
Building on Young and Blythe needs
immediate attention
opinion
J on D evin
Cooper-Young is never at a loss for self-
The important thing to remember about
expression — I’ve always appreciated that fact.
graffiti, is that it is usually a signal. If it get
Nonetheless, when you mix self-expression
painted over quickly, then vandals know that
with spray paint, things tend to get a little out
people are watching that building. If it stays
of control as they have this last month.
up for long periods of time, it’s a safe place to
From the looks of it, in mid-February, some
creative minds started at Central and worked
return. In fact, it can become marked territory.
It’s not fair, it’s not fun, and goshdarnit, you
Forget Martha Stewart — I’ve always wished that graffiti
artists, when caught, could be subject to wearing ankle
their way down Cooper Street tagging every
shouldn’t have to do it, but if you own a
other building with words and symbols
building and it gets sprayed, you have the
including this one found on the New Ballet
responsibility to act. Believe me, I’ve been
Ensemble’s new building at York, “Welcome to
there, having thrice painted the outside doors
covered in detailed murals reaching eight feet
pop culture.” I remain un-amused.
and fire escapes at the Memphis Literacy
high. I walk passed it almost every day and it
Council on Cooper, where I work. Rather than
seems like the vandals are returning and
your building, why won’t you let the neighbor-
that graffiti artists, when caught, could be
complain at this point, I just thank God that so
adding on to their prior work.
hood do it for you? subject to wearing ankle bracelets to track
far they’ve only sprayed the metal and not the
their movements. The truth is that they hardly
brick.
Forget Martha Stewart — I’ve always wished
bracelets to track their movements.
Photo by Miriam Dolin.
people drive into this neighborhood from all
ever get caught because it only takes a couple
seconds to perpetrate. Like my cat, they spray
has been building for a while: I’m pretty angry
restaurants that surround this eyesore like
and run.
about the state of Sharon Andrini’s building
Casa Blanca, Blue Fish, Café Ole, Do, the
immediately behind Blue Fish on Young
Beauty Shop, and Dish only to be confronted
Avenue. Andrini, a non - CY resident, owns a
with the surest sign that unsavory and
business managing Pronto Pup vendors, which
dangerous people hang out in the immediate
InBalance Fitness who took things in stride
I love, but her building is nothing more than
vicinity. How can this not affect their business?
and painted over the graffiti on his building
free advertising space for gangs, and has been
the morning he found it. That’s apparently the
for some time.
First of all, I applaud Scott Lebovitz of
way to do it.
The entire west side of the building is
over the city to eat at the fine, upscale
Sutton Mora Hayes, executive director of
said “I have about three people stop by and
(901) 272-1122
It was with great interest, I devoured the
latest issue of the LampLighter, concerning
week.” She added that she would love for
the pros and cons of reopening Libertyland as
Andrini to donate the building to CYDC.
an ongoing amusement park. I applaud the
information given, and the effort by the Save!
Young Community Association, contacted
Libertyland group in getting it reopened. But
Andrini who told him that her problem is the
in my opinion, it is not a valid choice the city
on-going expense and trouble of repainting
of Memphis should make. Besides the initial cost of around $800,000
Tough cookies. If you buy a building, you are
to shore up the damages by it being shut
responsible for it. Period. But Mackey, in the
down for the past year, the suggested plan of
true CY spirit of community service, went on
the T - Rex group out of Wichita, Kansas is at
to offer to have the building’s exterior
best, flimsy, and considering a further study of
repainted and maintained by CY volunteers at
this group’s business woes in Kansas, would
no expense to her. He got the same response. probably suggest that this is not a deal to
Andrini is willing to allow criminals on her
Open the door to your future!
N ick C anter u cci
complain about (Andrini’s property) each
when it is likely that vandals will strike again.
We offer low rate loans, qualified contractors,
compassionate counselors and and a variety of other
services for Memphis first-time homebuyers
and existing owners.
Reopening of
Libertyland not a
valid choice for
Memphis
the Cooper-Young Development Corporation,
Edmund Mackey, president of the Cooper -
United Housing opens doors!
LETTE R TO TH E E DITOR
opinion
owners who got sprayed in this last round?
So how about it Sharon? If you won’t paint
It is downright embarrassing to think that
All of this leads me to one point, and this
So where does that leave all of the business
their respect for what we have created here. take. If T - Rex truly wants to step in and run
property for destructive purposes, but won’t
the park, then they should pony up the
allow responsible citizens on her property for
monies needed for repairs, instead of sticking
restorative purposes?
the tax payers for it. Libertyland’s time, While there’s no law saying that you have
sadly, has come and gone, and the area
to be a good neighbor, you certainly have to
should be used for a more secure and logical
appreciate it when your neighbors start
business plan.
considering your presence to be as great a
I concur 100 percent with the recent
nuisance as the vandals enjoying your wall
opinion of Chris Kauker, that the park does
space. I really wonder if the recent hits on
not fit the needs of the majority of both CY
Cooper would have happened if Andrini had
residents and the rest of Memphis. Anyone
not been constantly encouraging vandals
who lives in CY, around the time of the annual
through her non-benign neglect.
Fair, can attest to problems ranging from
This neighborhood is my home and has
excessive trash, parking woes, petty crime,
been for years. I would hope that everyone —
and rude people. It’s time to mothball this
residents and nonresidents alike — would love
unneeded relic forever!
CY as much as I do, but if not, I at least expect
Nick is a CY resident and lives on Elzey
Avenue
March 2007
LampLighter C H AT T E R B OX
The people, places
and businesses of
CY that make the
news
M atthew W oodr u ff
We’re not the only
community leaders believe that the church
may be able to aid the search for competent
employees by judging character along with
marketable skills. Emphasis is being placed on
churches in an attempt to create jobs for
unemployed minorities. Churches will send
potential employees to the Chamber for a
second round of screens after which they will
be referred to potential employers. Councilman Dedrick Brittenum says that “There’s a
ones who think
perception that members of a congregation
there are people and
are going to have certain core values that
places in CooperYoung worth talking
would be attractive to an employer, and those
are dedication, loyalty, punctuality, a can-do
attitude and a sense of sprit.”
about. This is our
monthly round-up
Peria Boutique comes to Midtown
of CY neighbors, businesses and community
Peria Gober, a Memphis Native, is bringing her Peria shoe boutique to the area. The store will
folk that have others talking. If you’ve got
feature pieces from Poetic License, Hollywould, Cocobelle, BCBGirls, and Lulu Guinness. The shop
something you think we should know about,
is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m on Tuesdays through Wednesdays, Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7
go ahead and email us at lamplighter@
p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Peria says that her shop will be part of
“the missing component” of retail in Midtown and says “I’m dedicated to this area and feel we
cooperyoung.org, or call us at 827-4797.
Two spins for Goner
Records
Goner Records recently released the
Gonerfest 2 DVD and CD combo, on sale this
Tuesday. The DVD features over seventy
minutes of intense live performances along
with candid footage of the bands and short
interviews. The set also includes a CD with
over sixty minutes of music from every band
that played at Gonerfest. Support Gonerfest
and Goner Records by picking up this
performance packed DVD/CD combo today!
Goner Records was also recently mentioned
in an article found at Jaunted.com, “the pop
culture travel guide,” in reference to their
association with Memphis Indie rocker Greg
Cartwright. Cartwright is well known in the
Memphis music scene, and Goner offers
several of his recordings with band Reigning
Sound and others he has recorded with or
produced. Goner has Cartwright’s Live at
Goner Records, the aptly named in-store
recording, along with recordings from many
other Memphis musicians.
Teamwork on job
opportunities
The Memphis Regional Chamber along with
the City of Memphis and Johnson & Johnson
are coordinating efforts with local churches in
order to help the city’s growing unemployment problem. The plan, according to an
article in the Commercial Appeal (February 4),
is to create job opportunities for unemployed
Memphians for underemployed businesses in
the area.
So, how is the church involved? Well,
have a wonderful range of potential customers within a short driving distance.”
Overton Park Amphitheater
to be renovated
The Overton Park Shell will reopen with a
new name after major renovations in early
and John Marin along with many other
which offers great hiking and snorkeling.
examples of printmaking techniques. The
Carmony’s article makes the trip so enticing
collection will be shown through June 3.
that he may find himself a bit crowded on his
next visit to this sparsely populated coast.
2008. The shell will be renamed The Levitt
Pavilion for the Performing Arts at The Overton
Park Shell. Originally constructed in the
1930s by the City and the Works Progress
CY resident brings his
Hawaii home
Cooper-Young’s Brad Carmony recently
Local artist showcase at
Eclectic Eye
The Eclectic Eye will display the work of
Association, the shell has fallen into disrepair
gave readers of the Commercial Appeal
over the last seventy years. The Memphis City
artist Erica Barth McCarrens from March 2
(February 11) a how-to for a successful visit to
Council has approved $500,000 in funds to
through May 2. McCarrens, a Midtown
the island of Kauai, Hawaii. His advice ranges
be matched by the Mortimer Levitt Foundation
resident and Memphis College of Art graduate,
from the advantages of renting a house over
and the Friends of the Levitt Pavilion Memphis,
envisions her work as “sky, landscapes and
staying in a hotel to the beach with the best
Inc. Askew Nixon Ferguson Architects has
seascapes that are not weighed down with
surfing. Carmony insists that any visitor to the
been tapped to renovate the venue where
explanations and stories.” An artist reception
island of Kauai must visit the Na Pali Coast,
will be held on May 2 from 6 to 8 p.m.
music stars such as Elvis Presley and Johnny
Cash played in their early careers. Plans
include audio-visual upgrades along with field
seating and removal of metal buildings. The
approximate cost of the renovations will be $1
million and work will begin this June. The
renovated venue will be used to hold a
concert series, which Lichterman dubbed
“music under the stars,” beginning in the
spring of 2008.
Print show at Brooks
Museum
The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art will be
presenting a collection of prints depicting
American life and landscapes. The prints that
make up the exhibit depict American artist’s
definitions of nature, national identity in the
18th century, and metropolitan life that came
along with booming industry in the 20th
century. The collection contains art from
Joseph Pennel, Lyonel Feininger, Grant Wood,
C H AT T E R B OX
LETTE R TO TH E E DITOR
LampLighter
coverage of
Fairgrounds
biased
House of Mews makes a
move
In the February issue, LampLighter contributor Elain Harvey informed us of the big
House of Mews move. During the past month
D enise P arkinson
the House of Mews has searched for and
found a new home just across the street from
It saddens me so to write this, after looking
their old location at 933 S. Cooper. Though
the move has already occurred, volunteers are
through the February LampLighter and finding
still needed for tiling and cage fabrication
many interwoven stories, all with the intent of
projects along with the usual call for interested
denying the importance of re-opening
persons to adopt kitties looking for a home.
Midtown’s closed, historic park.
I thought that my contribution — as a writer,
Stop by and check out the new building and
lend a hand in supporting this Cooper-Young
promoter of arts, and a mother of three with
attraction.
zero free time and limited resources — was a
Changes in store for
riverfront
CY business community (all of whom support
valued one at the LampLighter and within the
re-opening the park, with the only abstention
Friends for Our Riverfront in association
to our petition being Ben Smith of Tsunami).
with the Project for Public Spaces asks the
I am left to draw my own conclusions after
community to join in project planning for a
reading page after page of incomplete, one-
more community friendly riverfront. According
sided information, which seems to conclude
to its website “PPS is a nonprofit organization
that there is “no support for an amusement
dedicated to creating and sustaining public
spaces that build communities.” They provide
training and research assistance along with
park” at Libertyland’s century-old site. No
Barksdale Shooting
mention of our success at saving the priceless
The owner of a convenience store on Barksdale is closing her business after being shot on
other services in order to accomplish commu-
February 13. Owner Christy Kim told Channel 24 Eyewitness news on February 20 that, “after ten
nity goals. The event will take place Saturday,
years of selling groceries to the Cooper Young community she is shutting down her business. She
March 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost for
says what makes her sad is that the criminals are running her out of business, and out of a commu-
attendance is $20, which includes a free nity she loves.” This is the second shooting at 8 til late grocery in the last year. In January Kim gave
lunch. For more information about PPS visit
permission to students from the Memphis Art College to paint a mural on the side of her building.
www.pps.org.
Photo by Miriam Dolin.
Following a month of chaotic confusion and
Memphis seniors learn that graduations will
R ichard O ’ B rien
The eighth annual Memphis International
(February 6), “the graduation ceremonies of 15
night at the Malco Paradiso. The festival, which
Memphis and Shelby County schools will take
as grown tremendously since its inception in
place at the Mid-South Coliseum after all.” In
1999, will screen more than fifty films.
other news, despite the uncertain future of the
Admission prices to the Festival vary: There
coliseum (Mayor Herenton’s plans call for it to
is a full Festival pass available for $35 at the
be demolished) a February 20 Commercial
door, or $30 in advance and a Student Pass for
Appeal article details one businessman’s plans
only $15. Tickets to individual screenings are
for the structure. “Businessman Chris Talley
also available for anywhere from $6 to $10.
wants to buy the Mid-South Coliseum for $2
After the opening night screening, all films
million, spend another $25 million to
will be shown at Studio on the Square. The
modernize the aging arena and fill it 100 days
following feature films have been chosen as
a year with sports and entertainment.”
finalists and will be screened at the Festival:
New Jersey loves CY
The Asbury Park Press featured Memphis as
its, “Trip of the Week” on February 11. The
article encouraged folks to go beyond
Graceland in their explorations of the Bluff
City and gave a shout out to Central BBQ,
Young Avenue Deli and a few other Midtown
hot spots.
phone or even dependable computer) could
over the past fifteen months to integrate our
Memphis International Film Festival showcases
Film Festival kicks off its March 22 opening
quartered in my small kitchen, with no cell-
organization rebuffed every attempt we made
SCREEN GEMS
Coliseum. According to the Commercial Appeal
I am at a loss to comprehend how the true
grass-roots effort of Save Libertyland (head-
be omitted and disregarded by the CYCA. The
overly dramatic television news reports,
continue as scheduled at the Mid-South
for the miracle of our saving the Pippin.
awareness efforts, and has never once
solicited my input on the subject of our • MOJAVE PHONE BOOTH, directed by John
vast archives of data (located at savelibertyland.blogspot.com and now at
Putch
Memphis Magnet.) The information shared by
In addition, the film will feature finalists in
local media in regard to the park seems to
documentary, short, animation and music
have been left out of this issue of the
video. The Festival is currently seeking
LampLighter, as well.
volunteers to be responsible for greeting
filmmakers, special guests, and festival
attendees during their respective shifts.
For more information, please visit
www.memphisfilmfourm.org
I am also bewildered by the omission of
salient facts such as the increasing crime
opinion
Graduating coliseum
national historic landmark Carousel, no kudos
problem at the Libertyland site; the theft of
property by the MidSouth Fair; the crime
spilling over into adjacent areas (chiefly the
Sunshine Car Wash crack-dealers and the BP
Service Station’s constant break-ins). After all,
my initial concern in saving this historic park
was as an antidote to crime, vacancy, and
• MEXICAN SUNRISE, directed by Rowdy
joblessness — a motivation which has been
Stovall
vindicated by subsequent reality.
• BEAUTIFUL DREAMER, directed by Terri
All in all, I must say that the current issue of
Farley-Teruel
the LampLighter has left me feeling shut out,
• FORGIVEN, directed by Paul Fitzgerald
• VANAJA, directed by Rajnesh Domalpalli
• OH, MR. FAULKNER, DO YOU WRITE,
disregarded, and incredibly, overwhelmingly
depressed.
Denise Parkinson is the co-founder, Save
Libertyland! and a Cooper-Young resident.
directed by Jimbo Barnett
• FORFEIT, directed by Andrew Shea
March 2007
LampLighter J U S T S AY N O
To Our Readers
Panhandling problematic for CY
In addition to the crime map, which details crimes within a one mile radius of the intersection of
E dm u nd M ackey
Panhandling is a challenging issue faced by
cities of all sizes, and one that affects
Memphis as well. The experience of numerous
professionals and service agencies finds that
money given to panhandlers often enables
self-destructive behaviors like alcoholism and
drug addiction. One former panhandler and
addict has even stated, “Giving money to a
panhandler is like giving a gun to someone
who is suicidal.”
To address homelessness throughout our
community, Partners for the Homeless, a public -private partnership, was established in
November 1995 as an initiative of the
Memphis Grantmakers Forum to unify public
The LampLighter is working with the CYCA to bring you more meaningful crime information. Cooper and Young, we are also including a list of the crimes that happened within our neighbor-
What can I do to help the homeless in
our community?
• Donate your money to legitimate organizations dedicated to helping the homeless.
• Volunteer your time to organizations and
service agencies addressing this issue.
hood. That list includes the case number, and information from the Memphis Police Department
about whether arrests have been made. The map is for crimes from January 28 to February 18.
This information was compiled by Matthew Woodruff.
Date
Reported
Case Number
Arrest
Burglary/Residential
2/17/07
0702008053ME
No
No Street and Block
Offense
S Barksdale (800)
Bruce St (1000)
Theft from Motor Vehicle
1/26/07
0701013758ME
Bruce St (1000)
2/4/07
0702001655ME
No
homelessness by visiting local service
Central Ave (2100)
Shoplifting/Misdemeanor
2/18/07
0702008549ME
No
agencies.
Central Ave (2100)
Shoplifting/Misdemeanor
1/24/07
0701012253ME
No
Central Ave (2200)
2/10/07
0702004574ME
No
Cooper St (800)
Burglary/Business 1/27/07
0701014083ME
No
Cooper St (900)
Aggravated Assault
2/4/07
0702001626ME
Yes*
Cooper St (1100)
MVT/Passenger Vehicle
2/3/07
0702000919ME
No
Felix & Cooper
2/2/07
0702000875ME
Yes**
• Learn more about panhandling and
• Visit the Partners for the Homeless website
for information about homelessness
initiatives.
Is panhandling legal?
S Mclean Blvd (900)
Burglary/Business
2/14/07
0702006331ME
No
Constitution’s First Amendment. In Memphis it
Oliver Ave (1900)
1/29/07
0701014917ME
No
is regulated by City Ordinance. People
Oliver Ave (1900)
1/31/07
0701015942ME
No
Partners is the primary source for information
panhandling are required to have a permit
Philadelphia St (1000)
2/14/07
0702006535ME
No
and data regarding homelessness in Memphis.
issued by the City and must abide by the
Walker Ave (1900)
Theft of Vehicle Parts/Accessories
2/4/07
0702001629ME
No
Young Ave (2300)
Burglary/Business
1/25/07
0701012712ME
No
and private efforts to address the issue of
homelessness in Memphis and Shelby County.
Partners for the Homeless and the Center City
Panhandling is legal under the U.S.
conditions of the permit. Commission recommend not giving money to
Panhandling, even with a permit, is illegal:
panhandlers. A better way to help is to donate
• After sunset or before sunrise
• At any bus, train, or trolley stop
• In any public transportation vehicle or
to charities and organizations with outreach
programs that truly help the homeless and
needy. In future issues, the LampLighter will
focus on some of these charitable options.
What is panhandling?
The biggest misconception about panhandlers is that they are homeless. In fact, the
vast majority of panhandlers are not homeless, and the vast majority of homeless do not
panhandle. Generally speaking, panhandlers
are strangers that approach you on the street
to hustle you for money, which will most likely
be used to buy drugs or alcohol.
It is important to note that street vendors,
outdoor performers and other people
providing a legitimate service with a valid
permit are not panhandlers.
Why say no to panhandling?
According to studies, giving money to
panhandlers does not help those in need
because:
• Cash given to panhandlers will most likely
be used to buy alcohol or drugs.
• Most panhandlers are not homeless.
• For some, panhandling is a profession and
at times, studies show, a lucrative one.
• Homelessness is not the problem for truly
needy panhandlers, but rather a symptom
of underlying problems. They need help,
facility including loading and unloading
areas
• In any vehicle on the street
• On private property unless the owner or
occupant has granted permission
Panhandling is also illegal when carried out
in the following ways:
• By using profane or abusive language,
either during the solicitation or following a
refusal
• In a group of two or more persons
• In a manner which could be perceived as a
threat
• By intimidating or obstructing pedestrian or
vehicular traffic
• By assaulting or aggressively begging,
including any physical touching
• When using false or misleading solicitations
The CYCA is currently working to address
the panhandling problem in our neighborhood. We will be working with businesses
and local organizations to educate our
community about this problem. Look for
more information in upcoming issues of the
LampLighter and at www.cooperyoung.org.
not handouts.
Be on the lookout for
these posters, which
are part of a campaign
to boost safety in CY.
10 LampLighter March 2007
*Teddy Jackson, male, age 44 has been arrested on this Aggravated Assault charge.
**Percy Johnson, male, age 37 has been arrested on this Burglary of Motor Vehicle charge.
There are no updates to report on those crimes printed in the February LampLighter
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.
P L AY T I M E
S TA D I U M S E A T I N G
Reaching out to
the stroller set
Mayor’s vision for Fairgrounds
D ebbie S owell
Calling all Mommies and Daddies too.
Have you noticed all the babies in the
hood? When the weather is warmer there
are strollers everywhere. On my block alone
there were four babies born within four
months at the end of 2006. Midtown is no
longer just a young yuppie designation but
a young family destination. And as a new
mother, I am coming to realize that I can’t
do this on my own. I need help!
I can’t believe that these words have just
left my lips. I have always been the
independent one. Who needs a man (no offense Honey)! We should have a network of
these young Moms, Dads and little ones. We should make friends that can grow up
together and go to school together. So the big question is: “will you come out to play?”
Without adding more stress to my life, of course, I want to see if there is interest in
forming a group of parents in Cooper-Young (or beyond our borders) that would like to
be a part of this network to schedule play dates, recommend sitters, go walking or just
people I can ask questions like “How do I get the cereal to stay in the mouth?!” If
interested, please email me at [email protected] or 278-6600. Once I get a list
together, we can meet and decide what we need the most and what we collectively
want out of this newfound friendship.
S u san R oakes
Memphis City Mayor Herenton presented his master plan for the Mid-South Fairgrounds
redevelopment to the Memphis City Council meeting on February 20. He called it an opportunity
for a “nexus” between downtown and east Memphis.
Components of the redevelopment study by Looney Ricks Kiss were evident in the proposal.
The Mayor’s plan is most similar to scenario five presented in the redevelopment study (see www.
cooperyoung.org/lamplighter/fairgrounds.asp to view this report). The Mayor’s master plan leaves
the Children’s Museum in place. It also shows sports and recreation at the southern end (without
the Mid-South Coliseum and LibertyLand) and mostly mixed-use (commercial and residential) at
the northern end. Fairview Junior High stays in its current location in the Mayor’s current plan,
with mixed use occurring on the property currently owned by the Memphis City Schools, on both
sides of the school building. The Mayor also incorporates the Kroc Community Center development along East Parkway, just south of the school property.
The biggest changes involve relocation of the stadium, removal of the festival green, and
expansion of the master plan to encompass the entire Beltline Neighborhood and possibly all or
part of the Lundee Neighborhood. The current stadium is demolished and a new stadium is
located at the center of the Fairgrounds property (somewhat west of where it is currently located).
Several times the Mayor said that there would be a lot of “green” in the redevelopment. He also
said that one of the greenlines discussed at the Memphis Greening meeting at the Botanical
Garden would connect to the Fairgrounds. For more information on this meeting see page 5.
The Coca Cola Bottling Co. and Fairgrounds Ministorage are replaced with sports and recreation. The area east of Hollywood, including the Beltline Neighborhood and all of the businesses
along Hollywood are designated for redevelopment. He did not say what this redevelopment
would entail, however he did say that $10 million would be spent improving the infrastructure in
this area.
Couch surfing in Cooper-Young
M aggie L o u ise
On a cold weekend in February, Cooper-
but spent most of their time at the Cooper-
Young had the pleasure of hosting four
Young Youth Hostel. I had a chance to visit
Nomads of the Couch Surfing tribe. If you
with them over dinner at my house. Emily
haven’t heard of couchsurfing.com go check it
showed me a fantastic device for women
out. As a former roadrunner of sorts I find the
called the “pee-style.” It basically allows a
concept brilliant. Here’s the deal; you register
woman to pee while standing. Emily confided
your couch on-line and then people who are
“It took a little getting used to and the first
traveling and need a place to crash can book
time I ended up pouring it backwards and
your couch and vice-versa. Of course they
p***** myself, but now it’s great and can’t
have references and all that and you can
imagine peeing any other way.” More
decline a guest if you don’t like the look of
gadgetry for road life; I love it.
their profile or just don’t have the schedule for
Where as Eric and Bob had been mostly
it. They even have a section for musicians! No
Greyhound bussing form town to town, Emily
more sleeping in the van for lack of hotel
and Nikga were making use of rideshare posts
funds!
on Craig’s list. This, in combination with couch
Eric and Bob, of the Couch Surfing Show
surfing is almost too much to fathom! Not
hail from Arizona and are both ex-marines.
even the most zealous ‘Dharma Bum’ of the
They were sent to me by way of Kellen Kjera,
1950s/1960s could have imagined internet
local Cooper-Young photographer and CS host
thumbing?
veteran, who’d been boarding them for about
One thing to remember when you’re
a week. Eric and Bob plan to couch surf the
hosting a couch surfer … almost everyone
entire world over the next two years. Episodes
they stay with wants to party and make sure
air weekly on couchsurfing.com, so be sure to
they have a great time … so before you plan
check them out. They were both great guests;
out all sorts of festivities, ask first, they might
cleaned up after themselves and were very
prefer to just do laundry, eat a home cooked
respectful to my home. Eric even offered to fix
meal and sleep.
Here are a few related websites of interest:
things around my house. Nikga and Emily are from San Francisco
and did not actually couch surf at my house
couchsurfing.com, craigslist.com, hostels.
com, rideshare.com, Icarpool.com
March 2007
LampLighter 11
H A LT I N G H . A . L . T
Address your hunger, anger, loneliness
and tiredness to be more complete
J oel C hapman , P h . D .
Alcoholics Anonymous
but in general, they will either turn the
uses many handy
frustration inward (“I must be a bad child”) or
acronyms to help us
outward (getting in trouble, causing havoc).
remember fundamental
These children can grow up to either see
principles of living a sober
themselves as defective or unworthy, or see
and healthy life. One AA
the world as untrustworthy and uncaring.
memory tool I have found helpful in coun-
The “L” stands for “Lonely.” This kind of
seling situations spells H.A.L.T.: “hungry,
loneliness isn’t just about a lack of friends. This
angry, lonely and tired.” In the context of an
loneliness can speak of a deep sense that we
AA meeting, the acronym reminds that, in
are unworthy and must conceal our true nature
order to live a sober life, we
need to be mindful of proper
H . A . L .T. c a n h e l p
nutrition (hungry), resolve
resentments (angry), don’t
isolate ourselves (lonely) and
get proper rest (tired).
us live a more
balanced and
fulfilled life.
H.A.L.T. has much broader
from others. We fear letting others
get close, lest they discover our
secret shames. Psychologist
Pauline Clance termed this fear
“the impostor phenomenon,” and it
can lead to a perfectionist, rigid approach to life.
meanings, as well, which can
Finally, the “T” stands for “Tired.”
help us live a more balanced and fulfilled life.
Living with a chronic sense of being unlovable,
For example, hungry also encompasses
unrelieved frustration and anger, and fear of
emotional needs. Among many emotional
being discovered as a fraud are not only
needs, I’d like to emphasize three: affection,
physically fatiguing, but spiritually fatiguing as
affirmation, and affiliation. From the start of
well. We become both “bone-tired” and “spirit-
life, we need to be loved. Without love,
tired.” A fancier word for spirit fatigue is
children do not flourish, even if well-fed.
demoralization— sometimes the beginnings of
We also require validation that our
presence in the world is valued. We might
a depression which requires treatment.
I find it helpful to take stock of how my day,
hear the words “I love you” spoken, but if
my week, my life is going by reviewing the
adult caregivers do not affirm our essential
hungry, angry, lonely and tired aspects of my
worth, the expression of love can be empty.
experiences. Life can be unexpected and
As with love, affirmation is often shown by
frustrating, and if we do not pay heed to our
behaviors — not just words. Parents who
fundamental needs for love and acceptance,
routinely tell their child that she did a good
resolve our resentments in a timely manner,
job, or he is an important part of the family,
lessen perfectionism, and allow our spirit to
are underscoring their love of their child.
breathe, we increase the chances for a
Affiliation is an important human need, as
burdened, overwhelming life. It is interesting to
well. We need to know that we are included in
note that the Latin word for spirit and for
family events and discussions. It is deeply
breath come from the same root — “spiritus.”
confusing to a child to be told they are loved
We need to halt the suffocation of our human
and valued, and yet routinely excluded,
needs in order to live fully and healthfully.
ignored or left to their own devices.
The “A” stands for “Angry.” In a develop-
Dr. Chapman is Director of The Pilgrim
Center, a community counseling service located
mental sense, a child who does not feel loved
at First Congregational Church. For further
and cherished is going to feel very frustrated.
information please contact him at 901-844-
Children show their frustration in many ways,
4357, Box 2.
March 2007
LampLighter 13
T H E AT R E R I S I N G
Playhouse may break ground on new
building
in August
Quiet.Ifyoulistencarefullyyouwillhear
thedistinctbuzzofrevitalizationbuilding
momentuminMidtown.There’stobeanew
Target,arenovatedamphitheaterforOverton
Parkandevennewcondominiums(Park
Terraceiscurrentlyinconversion).Changeis
coming.
Oneofthefirstsparksofthisrevitalization
waslitlastApril,whenPlayhouseonthe
SquaredemolishedtheformerAntiqueMallat
thecornerofCooperandunionasanopening
salvotobuildinganewtheateronthesite.
LastmonthPlayhouse’sfundraisingeffort
reached$9million,accordingtoHolden
Potter,DirectorofDevelopment,whois
theatrecompany,withlimitedspacefor
helpingtoorganizethecommunityphaseof
staging(nineteenyearsinthecurrent
thetheater’scapitalcampaign.OncePlay-
location).Thenewtheatrewillbedesigned
housereachesitspreconstructiongoalof$10
andbuilttobeactor,musician,dancer,stage
millionconstructionwillbegin.
managerand,especially,audiencefriendlyby
“EveryMemphianwilllovethisnew
award-winningtheatredesignerJohnMorris.
Midtowngem,”saidJackieNichols,Founder
MorrisdesignedtheSteppenwolfTheatre,
andExecutiveProducerforPlayhouse.“This
theLookingglassTheatreandtheNorthlight
newtheaterwillbecomeafocalpointforthe
Theatre,allinChicago.ThenewPlayhouseon
revitalizationofMidtownandOvertonSquare,
theSquarewillhavealargeflysystem,
creatingatruetheatredistrictandcenterpiece
expansivewingspace,afullorchestrapit,and
forentertainmentinMemphis.”
trapsforraisingandloweringactorsand
ThePlayhousecampaignreceivedabig
scenery.
boostfromtheAssisiFoundation,whichin
InFebruary,Playhouseheldadinnerto
JanuaryannouncedthatPlayhousewould
honorthosewhohavedonatedmorethan
receiveagrantof$250,000thisyearwitha
$100,000totheproject.Thosesupportingthe
renewalopportunityof$250,000in2008to
projectatthatlevelinclude:JeniamFounda-
helpbuildthetheater.
tion,HydeFamilyFoundation,TheMemphis
NicholshassaidthatPlayhousecouldbreak
ArtsCouncil,PloughFoundation,Adams
groundasearlyasAugust.The400-seat,
Foundation,TheAssisiFoundation,Henryand
state-of-theartlive,professionaltheatrewillbe
JeanneVarnell,BrigandEllenKlyce,Menke
builtdirectlyacrossthestreetfromitscurrent
Foundation,Mr.andMrs.AllenMorgan,Jr.,
home.
CarlandKatyAsmus,RommyandGay
PlayhouseontheSquareistheonly
Hammond,BillyandRobinOrgil,
professional,resident,regionaltheatre
ThomandLynnWellerKellyand
companyinMemphis.Theorganization
C.T.Fitzpatrick,FirstTennessee
produceseighteenplayseachseasoninthree
Foundation,BobandTinaFockler,
venues–PlayhouseontheSquare,TheCircuit
JimmyHumphreys,MichaelD.a
PlayhouseandTheatreWorks.
ndDebbiRose,Boband
Playhouseproductionsreachacombined
Playhouse on the Square’s $10 million theater will
be built at the corner of Union Ave. and Cooper
St. The site is cleared and construction could
begin as early as August. Photo by Miriam Dolin
The state-of-the-art theater will have a full
orchestra pit and traps for raising and lowering
actors and scenery. This rendering shows multilevel seating. Image courtesy of Playhouse on the
Square.
DeborahCraddock.
audienceofmorethan56,000peopleeach
year.Itreachesmorethan32,000children
annuallythrougheducationandoutreach
programs.AndPlayhousefoundedand
operatesthenationalunifiedProfessional
TheatreAuditionswhichbringrepresentatives
of103professionaltheatrecompaniesand
some1000actorsfromaroundthecountryto
MemphisthefirstweekendineachFebruary.
Forthirty-sevenyears,Playhouseonthe
Squarehascarriedoutitsprogramsinspaces
notoriginallydesignedforaprofessional
1 LampLighter March2007
Playhouse on the Square is the only
professional, resident,regional theatre
company in Memphis.
Playhouse on
the Square
houses its
interns and
visiting
professionals
in an
apartment
building on the
corner of Young
Ave. and Meda
St. in CooperYoung. Photos by
Chris Parks.
SEASONALSIGHTINGS
See something new: Playhouse season
includes 12 regional premiers
Although Suessicalhasyettoopen,Play-
tunesintoatheatricalnarrative.
houseontheSquarehasenoughconfidence
aboutitssuccessthatthetheaterhasselected
theDr.Suess-themedmusicaltoreplacePeter
Panduringtheholidayseason.Getreadyfor
nextseasonbytakingalookatwhatwillbe
Regionalpremiere
A Year with Frog and Toad
November2toDecember23
AwildridewithMr.Toadinthisfamily
musicalbasedonchildren’sbooksby
playing.
Playhouse season
INTERNINCY
Communal house for
Playhouse actors
creates strong bond
M AT T H E W W O O D R u F F
Cooper-Youngisahomeawayfromhome
ArnoldLobel.
Mike Amoroso, one of
the Playhouse interns.
He will be involved in the
upcoming production of
Suessical!
enjoyprivacyandeasyaccesstoutilities.
formanyoftheactorsandproduction
Whenaskedabouttheneighborhood,the
assistantsatPlayhouseontheSquare.
residentshadnothingbutgreatthingstosay.
Participantsinthetheater’sinternship
Mostoftheinternsenjoythecloseproximity
program,aswellasvisitingprofessionalsare
toshoppingandnightlife,especiallyYoung
allhousedinanapartmentbuildingatthe
AvenueDeliandCelticCrossing.Assistant
cornerofMedaandYoung.
stagemanagerKatePieratt,originallyfrom
Regionalpremiere.
Jerry Springer The Opera
Plaid Tidings
August10toSeptember9
November16toDecember22
TheTVhostiscalledupontoreconcileJesus
AChristmassequeltothehit“Forever
andSatan.
Plaid.”
Regionalpremiere.
Regionalpremiere.
Scapin
A Lesson Before Dying
September28toOctober21
NewadaptationofMoliere’scomedy.
Regionalpremiere.
January11toFebruary10,2008
BasedontheclassicnovelbyErnestJ.
Gainesaboutaninnocentblackman
Seussical
sentencedtodeath.
November9toJanuary6
Musicalbasedonthebooksandmostfa-
The Great American Trailer Park Musical
mouscharactersofDr.Seuss.
Regionalpremiere.
February29toMarch30,2008
Astripperontherunfromhermurderous
Knoxville,says“Iwenttoaverysmallcollege
A Tuna Christmas
Cooper-Youngnotonlystrengthensthe
incentralKentuckyinaverysmalltown,so
November23toJanuary6
ex-boyfriendtakesrefugeinaFlorida
neighborhood’sartisticsocialfabricbutalso
formetobeinwalkingdistancefrom
Twomenportrayanassortmentofresidents
trailerpark.
offersPlayhouse’sinternsdirectaccesstoCY’s
shoppingandrestaurantsmakesmefeellike
restaurants,barsandartgalleries.This
anadultinthebigcity.”
Thepresenceofthesecreativemindsin
internshipprogramoffersyoungpeople
Sheanaalsoenjoystheshoppingand
interestedinacareerintheatertheopportu-
personalityoftheneighborhood,“it’ssucha
nitytogainexperienceintheaterproduction
littleeclecticarea,there’ssomanycuteshops
andacting.Playhouseinterns,whocomefrom
andweliverightnextdoortothecoffeeshop
allacrossthecountry,getthechancetohone
theirskillsinperformance;costume,scene,
(JavaCabana),sothat’sreallynice.”
ScottFerguson,aguestdirectorfrom
inasmallTexastown.
Compleat Female Stage Beauty
The Pirates of Penzance
April18toMay18,2008
January25toFebruary24
WhenEngland’sKingCharlesIIchanges
GilbertandSullivanmusicalthatislovedby
thelawtoallowwomentoactintheater,
piratefanseverywhere.
afamousmaleportrayerofwomen’s
partsloseshislivelihood.
All My Sons
March14toApril13,2008
Regionalpremiere.
ArthurMiller’sdramaaboutasonsearching
Orson’s Shadow
sound,andlightdesign;propprocurement;
Chicago,expressedreservationsabout
andstagemanagement.Participantsinthe
Memphis’reputationforcriminalactivitybut
forthetruthbehindhisfather’swar
June6toJuly6,2008
programreceiveperformanceanddesign
saidthat“theplusesdefinitelyoutweighthe
profiteering.
LaurenceOlivier,OrsonWelles,Joan
creditalongwithmonetarycompensationand
minuses,IloveCooper-Young.”
freehousing.Theapartmentbuildinghouses
Overall,theinternsareenjoyingtheir
bothinternsandvisitingtheaterprofessionals.
experienceinCYandwitheachotherinthe
Eachyearanewgroupofinternsarrivesto
house.“Ireallyenjoyworkingwiththeother
liveinthehouse.
interns,”saysKate,“they’reverytalentedand
Forsome,livingwiththeotherinternshas
beenanenjoyableexperience.“I’venever
I’llbegladtosayIknewthemwhen.”
Forthoseinterestedinseeingthisgroupof
Purlie
PlowrightandVivienLeigharecharacters
May2toJune1,2008
inthisplayaboutthefoundingofthe
Musicalaboutapreacherwhotricksaracist
NationalTheatreCompany.
plantationownerintogivinghimlandfora
newchurch.
Regionalpremiere.
POTS@The Works season
TBA Musical
And Baby Makes Seven
livedwithallguysbefore,sothat’sbeenquite
internsinaction,theyrecommendthe
June20toJuly20,2008
theexperience,”saysactressSheanaTobey.
upcomingproductionofSeussical,amusical
Playhouseisstillnegotiatingtherightsfor
Otherinternshavehorrorstoriesabouttheir
featuringcharactersfromDr.Seuss’tales.
experienceswithother,lessthanadequate,
ChildrenwillenjoytheanticsofhostTheCat
livingaccommodations.
intheHatalongwithotherfanfavorites.Mike
Circuit Playhouse season
Amorososaidthathereallyenjoysdoing
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
communalhousing,”relatesactorMike
performancesforchildren.“There’snotmuch
July27toAugust26
Amorosodetailingapasthousingexperience.
betterinthisworldthanmakingakidlaugh
Twocouplesspendatempestuousevening
String of Pearls
“IworkedinthisplaceinWisconsinwhereI
andtheycanbehard.Kidscanbesomeof
togetherinEdwardAlbee’sclassic.
July11toAugust3,2008
livedinaroomaboutthesizeofaclosetand
yourtougheraudiencesbecausetheycanspot
hadtoshareakitchenandbathroomwith
afakeprettywell.Whenyoucanmakethem
eighteenotherpeople.”InthehouseonMeda
laughyouknowyou’redoingagoodjob.”
“There’salwaysariskwhenyoudo
however,thisisnotaproblem.Internshere
thisproduction.
January4toJanuary27,2008
PaulaVogel’sdarkcomedyaboutthree
expectingparentswhomakeapactto
Lies and Legends: The Musical Stories of Harry
ridtheircrowdedapartmentoftheir
imaginarychildren.
Regionalpremiere.
Fourwomenplaymultiplerolesinthis
Chapin
storythatfollowsastringofpearls
September14toOctober14
throughseveralgenerations.
Themusicalweavesthelatefolksinger’s
Regionalpremiere.
March2007 LampLighter 15
HIGH TIMES
Cost of waging
the war on drugs
D r . D . J ackson M axwell
Caucasian women. There are nearly a halfmillion people in prison for nonviolent drug
offenses at an annual cost of $9 billion. From
1995 to 2003, 49 percent of the growth in
federal prison population was due to drug
offenses. Every year, 700,000 persons are
Today, parents have many worries concerning their children. One worry that
appears in nearly every poll is drugs. Often
families find it necessary for both parents to
work and children spend a lot of time in the
care of others, whether in school, extended school care, daycare, summer camps or other
activities. These situations expose our children
to many outside influences, sometimes even
exposure to drugs.
To combat misinformation that is prevalent
about drugs, I’ve compiled information from
law enforcement agencies, correctional
facilities, the Justice Department, the National
Institute on Drug Abuse, the United Nations
and more.
The illicit drug trade is big business
worldwide. The U.N. estimates that drugs
make up eight percent ($400 billion) of the
value of all commodities traded. There are 141
million people globally (2.5 percent of the
world’s population) who are regular users of
marijuana. Over the last two decades, the U.S.
has spent hundreds of billions of dollars in its
war on drugs. Despite these efforts, law
enforcement agencies concede that drugs
today are both purer and cheaper to buy.
Only a fourth of the money allocated for
the war on drugs is spent on prevention and
treatment. Law enforcement and interdiction
efforts consume three - quarters of the allotted
money. Currently, 7 million Americans are in
prison, on parole or probation — a record one
in 32 citizens. Although all racial groups use
drugs at roughly the same rate, 75 percent of
those in prison on drug charges are minorities.
Additionally, African - American women are
ten times more likely to be reported to childwelfare for drug use during pregnancy than
arrested for marijuana possession. The annual
outpatient treatment for drug abuse is $1,800
as compared to $26,000 for each person
incarcerated.
The effect on children and society has been
profound. During the 1990s, kids dying from
drug use doubled to 17,000 deaths per year.
In late 1990s, drug use among teenagers
began to increase with more than 80 percent
of students today stating that marijuana was
easy to obtain while other drugs such as
heroine and cocaine were also readily
available. Over a quarter of a million AIDS
cases can be traced back to shared needles.
All of this despite a two - decade old “Just Say
No” campaign designed to stop children’s drug use.
Children do not realize the risks involved in
drug use. Few kids are aware of or prepared
for the extremely addictive quality of today’s
purer, more powerful drugs. As parents, we
must talk to our kids about drugs. The
message needs to be clear that drugs can kill
you and even if they do not, there is a fair
chance they will cause you grief. We must take time to explain our beliefs on
drugs to our children. They need to know the
facts as well as the dangers. Children need to
be given the chance to ask questions and
openly discuss the issue. Further, it is crucial
we keep track of our children. We need to
know where they are, who they are with, and
what they are doing. It is important to notice
any sudden changes in our children’s
behavior. By taking a proactive stance, we can
help guide our children to make the correct
choices where drugs are concerned.
If you have any questions or comments,
please email Dr. D. Jackson Maxwell at:
[email protected]
Trade the Usual with
“I Never Thought of That”
Sun 12 - 5pm.
Men’s Precision
Cut
and Shampoo
just
$14.00
March 2007
LampLighter 17
BOUNDING OUT
Proposed changes for Memphis City Schools affect CY
C o u rtney M iller S anto
and part of York. Idlewild, on Linden
Fairview
High School are among the schools
Avenue, is about two-tenths of a mile closer
affected by the Memphis City School
than Peabody.)
• Changes from 7-9 to 6-8.
• Boundary changes do not affect CY
Peabody Elementary and Fairview Jr.
Board’s recent approval of a district-wide
plan to reconfigure attendance boundaries
• No changes for Peabody’s “school-within-aschool” optional program, which centers
and grade configurations at its schools.
around enriched academics. The optional
More than half of the district’s 191 schools
program is for first through fifth graders,
will see changes in the 2007 to 2008
which will not be affected by the removal of
school year because of this plan.
sixth graders from the school.
“I felt that [this change] was long
overdue,” says Martavius D. Jones, who
represents the Cooper-Young area on the
Memphis City School Board. “One of the
major considerations was student safety
… In redrawing some of the boundaries,
efforts were made to reduce as much as
feasible children having to navigate busy
streets and intersections and use some
logical landmarks, such as railroads and
interstates, as boundaries.”
• Peabody has 435 total students in the
Optional Program, of which 214 are transfer
students from other neighborhoods/
attendance zones. In comparison, Idlewild
has 522 total students in the Optional
Program, of which 248 are transfers
• Adds students from Rozelle, Idlewild and
Hanely and sends some of its students to
Idlewild and Hanely because of boundary
changes. For more detail, see the map.
residents – the entire neighborhood
remains within its attendance boundaries.
• Adds students from Airways, White Station,
Sherwood, Lester and East High and sends
some of its students to Lester because of
boundary changes. Please see the map for
more detail.
Cooper-Young’s high school remains Central
High. Although its attendance zone changes
Revised attendance boundaries for
Fairview. The dark line indicates the
old boundary, the shaded area the
new and the raised area is CooperYoung.
all grade and boundary changes.
• Letters to parents notifying them of the
changes that have been approved.
• A series of public meetings to be held in
slightly to include a few students from
every attendance zone for parents to learn
Northside, it remains basically the same.
more about the changes and to ask
Central High School is one of the district’s
questions of school and district staff.
thirty-two Optional Schools with a focus on
enriched academics and college prepatory
classes.
Although some parents have expressed
Once the communications materials are
completed and sent out, parents will be able to
visit www.mcsk12.net or contact the MCS at
416-5300 for information. Until that time,
concern about how these changes will affect
parents should contact their school’s principal.
children in the Memphis City schools and
Optional Schools, Shawn Pachucki, a
For Optional Schools information, parents can
are not participating in the district’s
spokesman for MCS, says, “In fact, the
call 416-5338.
optional program will encounter these
changes may actually benefit some parents
changes:
whose new boundaries may now be within
schools. It does provided detailed informa-
the attendance zone for Optional Schools. This
Peabody
tion on individual schools in the form of
is the case for CY with some of our residents
• Changes from K-6 to K-5.
• Boundary change that sends some CY
annual report cards. If you would like to
now being zoned to attend Idlewild.
compare schools or learn more about
Cooper-Young residents who have
residents to Idlewild (This mainly affects
those who live on Central, Metcalf, Velma
Revised attendance boundaries for
Peabody Elementary. The dark line
indicates the old boundary, the shaded
area the new and the raised area is
Cooper-Young.
According to Pachucki, Memphis City
The state of Tennessee does not rank its
Peabody, Idlewild, Fairview or Central,
Schools is working on an in-depth communi-
please visit www.k-12.state.tn.us/rptcrd06/
cations plan that will include:
and select “Memphis” in the box provided
• A web site with detailed information about
next to “select a system to view.”
educational experience. Look for us on
PEABODY N EWS
Sundays during the coming weeks!
Art contest
begins, American
Idols and more
Jammin’ Jamboree
The Peabody Blazin’ Step-Team and Spirit
Squad were special guests at the MidTown
Divas’ third annual Jamboree on February 24.
J ennifer W ord
The Jamboree was held at Sherwood Middle
School. The girls did an incredible job.
Peabody Preps for SACS
Upcoming events for the Blazin Step-Team
From top to bottom and front to back,
include the “07 Step-It-Up” Youth Step-Show
we’ve dusted, scrubbed and waxed our
at the Rose Theatre at the University of
building to make Peabody shine for our
Memphis on Saturday, March 24. The ladies
company. Our neighborhood school is going
through the process of accreditation to comply
work really hard throughout the year.
Peabody’s choir recently recorded performances to be broadcast on Channel 19 as
part of the station’s Songs for Sundays series. Photo courtesy Jennifer Word
Thanks!
Assurance Team arrived on Thursday, February
Students are working diligently to complete
for Sundays series. The choir performed:
neighborhood establishments that have
22 and completed their visit with commenda-
incredible art pieces. Thanks to the CYCA and
“Gloria Deo,” a song in Latin by MaryLynn
assisted Peabody in the last few months. Celtic
tions and recommendations on Friday
the Peabody PTA for prize donations. Please
Lightfoot; “This Train Goes Marching On,” an
Crossing and Playhouse on the Square both
afternoon. During the past year, the staff and
come out and support Peabody and the
African American Spiritual; “Turn the Beat
gave gift certificates for door prizes for the
parents at Peabody have prepared a “self-
neighborhood at the Auction.
Around,” a recent hit by Gloria Estefan; and
Tennessee Principal’s Association Meeting.
“Alleluia,” a traditional Israeli melody. The
Central BBQ and Young Avenue Deli catered
Peabody Choir is full of gifted young singers.
lunches for the Quality Assurance Team during
So far, the choir is the only elementary choir
our SACS visit. In the past, Tsunami and Café
that has been invited to appear on the Songs
Ole have hosted and held demonstrations for
on Sunday series. Peabody Principal, Kong-
the International Cooking Club. We could not
souly Jones and Mr. Sanders were interviewed
do all that we do at Peabody without those in
concerning Peabody’s outstanding Academic
the neighborhood who support us. I would
and Arts programs. Teachers, Mickie Fencl,
also like to thank Lizi Beard, Karen “Bottle”
Rosalyn Lake, Mr. Sanders’ student teacher,
Capps, and Lisa Lumb for helping with past
and Jennifer Word assisted on this wonderful,
and present art club activities.
with the standards of the Southern Association
of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The Quality
study” document that the team will evaluate.
Visits to the classrooms and conferences with
students, teachers, community members, and
Black History Program
On February 27, the Peabody Cafeteria was
stakeholders are on their busy schedule. The
packed to capacity for the annual Black
team will have an opportunity to evaluate the
History Program. Our talented Music Director,
programs that make Peabody so famous.
Jerry Sanders, directed the program. The
Throughout the two-day visit, the Quality
school choir, dance ensemble, and the drama
Assurance Team sampled the wonderful food
club performed. Chris Jones, school counselor
prepared in the Cooper-Young district. We
and PE teacher, and Tammie Chapman are the
would like to thank Central BBQ and Young
sponsors for the Drama Club. The students did
Avenue Deli for their delicious lunches.
an incredible job. Parents, friends, and
Peabody Elementary is a great part of the
neighbors were wowed by the incredible
Cooper-Young community and is working hard
tribute staged by our singers, dancers, and
to maintain high standards and provide the
actors.
highest level of academic excellence. We are
so proud of our students and their accomplishments.
I would personally like to thank all the
Cleanest in the City
The Peabody Custodial Staff won Star Team
of the Month for February. This is a new
program that City Schools has designed based
on High Quality Standards, Outstanding Plant
Inspections, Monthly Meetings, and superior
customer service and satisfaction. Only two
schools in the entire district have won, and
Peabody was one of the two.
The custodial staff would also like to thank
National Board Certified
all the students, staff, and faculty for a
delightful Custodial Appreciation Day. The
Our own, Felicia Wright, Clue teacher, has
ladies were showered with gifts, cards, lunch
received the highest certification in education.
at Outback Steak House and a spa treatment.
Ms. Wright worked extremely hard to
complete the rigorous requirements to achieve
such an esteemed honor. We are very proud
of Ms. Wright and her accomplishments.
Peabody Art Contest
Cooper-Young resident, Lisa Lumb (mother
Peabody’s American Idols
On February 8, the choir arrived at the City
School studio to tape its first televised
performance. Again, under the incredible
direction of Jerry Sanders, the choir experienced the life of a television personality! The
of second grader Griffin Lumb) is spear-
choir sang beautifully for the cameras. Mr.
heading the Peabody Art Contest. The
Sanders and the choir worked hard to prepare
students have been given a chance to submit
for such a magnificent opportunity. The choir
original artwork to enter into a school-wide
was selected to represent the City School’s
contest. The top winners in each of the three
Music Education Program by taping several
categories will have their artwork auctioned
songs to be broadcast on Channel 19 (City
off at the Art for Art’s Sake Auction, April 14.
Schools Cable Channel) as part of their Songs
March 2007
LampLighter 19
“A little bit, but you would save some
GETTING SCHOOLED
money not making lunches.”
Education choices in Memphis lacking
“Don’t they close when the City Schools
close?
S tacey G reenberg
I
“Yes, but they do stay open extra days for
was a proponent of the Memphis Public
working parents.”
School system before I had kids. “I went to
Warren and I set up an appointment to
public schools and I turned out fine,” I
take Satchel and Jiro on a tour of Evergreen.
would say (loudly in bars while having
We were greeted at the door by one of
hypothetical holier-than-thou arguments).
Satchel’s old Threshold classmates. There
When I actually got pregnant and started
were other familiar faces too — from the
thinking about reality versus winning an
playground, from Mothersville, from the
argument, I realized that “fine” wasn’t what I
grocery store. The director told us that there
wanted for my future offspring.
were three other students with a Japanese
For the first year of Satchel’s life I plotted
parent and/or grandparent, which we thought
ways for Warren or I to stay home full-time,
was pretty cool. Once we saw all of the
but (ironically, due to needing two salaries to
amenities at Evergreen, we were impressed. It
cover our student loans) nothing panned out.
had all that Threshold had and more — all the
Our precious baby went to a home-based
way to the eighth grade. We were sold.
daycare and we went to work. When Satchel
Looking over the enrollment packet, I was
was eighteen-months-old and showing signs
worried if we’d be able to afford Evergreen. It
of sponge-like learning abilities, I started
was less than Maria Montessori, but it was
looking for a school to enroll him in. I called
more than Threshold — especially if we
around and didn’t find too many options for
his age group. At the time, the best choice was
Threshold Montessori. Not only did they take
the kids young, they were open from 6 a.m. to
6 p.m. — a working parent’s dream. At the
school, children did art twice a day, played
needed before and after care, which we did.
Satchel and Jiro currently attend
Evergreen Montessori School on Poplar
Ave.
However, Warren and I were committed to
making it work. And thanks to the understanding of Evergreen’s director, we did.
Satchel has made many close friends at
his school, including Kai. Both Kai and
Satchel are one-quarter Japanese.
The boys have been at Evergreen for two
months now and are fitting right in. They love
outside a lot, and had freedom to choose what
yoga and Tae Kwan Do and can’t wait for
“work” they wanted to do when they wanted
to do it. Best of all, I liked the diversity.
Threshold had a pretty even mix of white kids
and black kids in addition to a smattering of
kids with other ethnicities.
I want to live in Memphis. In Midtown. I want to be a part
of the solution. But I also want my kids to get a great
soccer. Warren and I like seeing our friends at
drop offs, pick ups, and parent meetings. I
don’t miss making lunches one bit. The school
reflects Midtown and feels very neighborly.
(and not necessarily traditional) education.
Satchel thrived at Threshold. He was well-
It is easy for me to imagine the boys
staying at Evergreen indefinitely, but not
liked by the teachers and students and quickly
“invited” to attend a full day session after
adapted to Montessori learning. He paved the
proving himself part-time, I couldn’t quite
“Why?” I asked, perplexed.
brainer for us to buy a house (twice now) in a
way for Jiro to be accepted at fifteen months,
figure out how a family with two working
“There’s too many people. Too many brown
transitional neighborhood — the realtor
and soon he was thriving too. By the time Jiro
parents could logistically send their child there
enrolled, I no longer got upset by the amount
(even if they could afford it).
of television they watched or the junk food
As much as I liked Threshold, I had to think
big school.
people,” he said.
without feeling a little guilty. It was a no-
actually said something along the lines of,
“Whaaa, huh?” I was totally taken off guard.
“This neighborhood needs people like you” —
But truthfully, I noticed too. According to
but taking the leap into the public school
they witnessed their friends eating. In fact, I
ahead. Threshold only goes through kinder-
the school’s racial breakdown, in a class of
looked forward to the third Thursday of each
garten and Satchel is almost five. Warren and I
twenty-four, there might be three or four non-
I saw a high-school friend last fall at a
month when they had fast food or pizza
had a come-to-Jesus talk where we discussed
African American students. Satchel had plenty
Rock-n-Romp. As we sat and talked for over
because that was one less day that I had to
sending Satchel to Idlewild Elementary, the
of black friends at Threshold, but I didn’t know
an hour, he told me how much he wanted to
make lunches. I was secure in the knowledge
public school in our zone at the time. Idlewild
how he’d feel being in the minority at Idlewild.
move back to Memphis.
that they were both well cared for and
was close by, it’s an optional school, and it
I would really like to have Satchel in a
“What’s stopping you?” I asked.
intellectually stimulated. I gave glowing
has a pretty decent reputation.
classroom that more accurately reflects the
“The schools,” he said. In North Carolina, he
accounts of the school to my friends and
We decided to do an Idlewild drive-by in
diversity of Midtown.
system is much scarier.
told me, they have great schools. All kinds of
never spent a moment worrying about either
August. I immediately noticed the “Open
of my boys once I dropped them off.
House Next Thursday Night” sign out front,
her daughter at Evergreen Montessori. “You
and the boys immediately noticed the cool
should see it,” she said. “They have all of the
want to be a part of the solution. But I also
complex in conversations with friends who
playground behind the teachers’ parking lot.
traditional Montessori materials, they make
want my kids to get a great (and not neces-
sent their kids to the “fancy” Maria Montessori
That Saturday we went to the playground and
lunch there, there’s a huge backyard with no
sarily traditional) education. I don’t want a
downtown. With its gardening program, high
started talking about the time when an
sand and lots of animals, and there are all
third of my income to go to private school,
parent involvement, and no TV or plastic toys,
excited Satchel would go to his “big school.”
kinds of extras like yoga, soccer, and Tae
especially when a third of it already goes
Kwan Do.”
toward student loans.
Despite this, I did have a small inferiority
it seemed it belonged more in California than
At the Open House, Satchel was amazed by
Recently, a crunchy friend of mine enrolled
in Memphis. I had called Maria Montessori
the sheer number of people. We walked by
when I was initially looking for a place to send
classrooms and ventured into the library, and
hadn’t sent Satchel there in the first place.
Satchel, but upon discovering that they were
of course, the restrooms. He seemed smitten,
“What time do they close?”
only open until 2:30 p.m., closed in the
but inexplicably, by the time we got home,
“Six-thirty,” she said.
summer, and that Satchel would have to be
Satchel said he no longer wanted to go to the
“Isn’t it expensive?”
“Really?” I said trying to figure out why I
schools. Even public Montessori schools.
I want to live in Memphis. In Midtown. I
I want better choices.
March 2007
LampLighter 21
G RAPE DANG E R S
and dark chocolate are the most toxic, acting
Protect your pet
from toxic food
as both a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. Pets
D eborah C amp
breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain,
can ingest chocolate and not show signs for
up to twenty-four hours. Symptoms, when
they occur, can include staggering, labored
and fever. With increased heart rate the
I received an email the other day from a
animal may experience seizures, coma, or
friend passing along a cautionary tale of a
death.
Labrador who recently died from eating
Another particularly dangerous food is the
raisins. It was a sad story of a lab, who
managed to break into an unopened box of
onion. Onion poisoning will cause the
It is alarming that no one is completely sure why this
raisins and wolf down every bite. By the time
his human guardian found him he was licking
seemingly harmelss snack is so deadly to most pets.
his lips and ambling over to the water bowl. At
development of hemolytic anemia, a condition
where the pet’s red blood cells literally burst
while circulating in its body. Poisoning occurs
usually within a few days of ingestion.
first, other than being annoyed, his companion
help vets identify and treat dogs at risk,” says
ingested grapes or raisins, the first line of
Symptoms can include weakness, breathless-
thought little of it. He often shared his goodies
veterinarian Dr. Charlotte Means, who works
defense is getting your pet to your vet as
ness, or collapse. It is important to note that
with Max. But within a few hours it was
as a toxicologist for the Animal Poison Center
quickly as possible. If you are unable to do
onions in any form should be avoided — all
obvious that Max was in distress. Although he
in Urbana, Illinois. In each of the reported
this immediately, you can induce vomiting by
are equally toxic.
was rushed to the emergency animal hospital,
cases, either grapes or raisins were ingested. It
administering a teaspoon of hydrogen
and no expense was spared to save his life,
made no difference what the brand was,
peroxide every ten minutes or so until you get
anything, but a little bit of bread dough can be
six-year-old Max died within a few days of
whether they were fresh, or even the amount.
results. It cannot be overstated how serious
deadly. A pet’s stomach creates the perfect
renal failure.
In some cases, a dog had eaten as much as a
this condition can be.
oven-like environment for dough to do what it
This may come as a surprise because
pound of grapes. In others, as little as a single
Without medical help, the animal’s kidney
As we are aware, pets want to eat almost
is supposed to, and that’s rise. It can quickly
raisins have been used by trainers as rewards.
serving of raisins. There were no geographical
function is slowly damaged, and some
expand in the stomach, causing it to distend
However, in 1989, the ASPCA’s Animal Poison
clues either as the cases came from all parts
animals can actually live several weeks as
beyond its capacity, cutting off its blood
Center noted a trend of more animals dying as
of the United States.
their condition deteriorates. Eventually the
supply. Additionally, ethanol is produced by
a result of eating this seemingly harmless
In cases where the fruit was obtained and
animal will produce very little urine, and then
the fermenting yeast and is absorbed into the
snack. And more alarming is that no one is
tested, toxicologists have screened for
finally, when its kidneys can no longer
blood stream, causing further problems.
completely sure why it is so deadly to most
pesticides, mycotoxins (fungal contaminants),
function at all, the animal will die.
pets.
and heavy metals such as lead or zinc. “Even
“Nearly all developed acute renal (kidney)
If you get to the vet quickly, your veteri-
Here is a partial list of other foods and
substances to watch out for: coffee, mush-
in cases where the grapes were grown in
narian will administer activated charcoal to
rooms, alcohol, nuts (particularly macadamia),
failure, and as more cases were reported
private, owners confirm that no insecticides,
prevent absorption of the toxins. In most cases
tea, tomato leaves, potatoes and their
enough data was generated in the database to
fertilizers or antifungals had been used,” says
your pet will need to be placed on intravenous
peelings, fat trimmings (can cause pancre-
Dr. Means. As yet, no one has solved the
fluids for at least forty-eight hours. From there,
atitis), human vitamin supplements containing
mystery of why the fruit causes dogs and cats
the prognosis is often very good. Says Dr.
iron, large amounts of liver, citrus oil extracts,
to become ill. The only thing they are sure of
Means, “If all blood work is normal after three
sugary foods, and garlic.
is that it is caused by an unknown toxin.
days, it’s unlikely that kidney failure will occur.
After eating raisins or grapes, veterinarians
caution. Make sure your pantry is dog and cat
report that animals may become ill within a
fluids must be continued and other medica-
safe, and be especially vigilant when pre-
few hours, vomiting and developing diarrhea
tions should be used to stimulate urine
paring food in the kitchen. Don’t leave
and showing signs of abdominal pain. Later,
production.”
questionable food unguarded! If your home is
the animals may become quiet and lethargic.
Other foods are equally toxic and must be
anything like ours, there is always a four-
When animals have been examined by vets at
withheld from our animal companions. As
footed sentry on patrol cruising the perimeter
this stage, blood chemistries have shown
much as we love to spoil them with the foods
to sniff out vulnerabilities in the area. It is our
elevated blood calcium and elevated levels of
we love, we must remember that many foods
job to make sure everything is secure and the
blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and phospho-
contain chemicals that rarely cause problems
kitchen borders are protected.
rous. These substances are directly related to
for humans but can be deadly for our pets.
kidney function.
If you suspect that your cat or dog has
It’s always best to err on the side of
If the animal shows evidence of renal failure,
These include my all time favorite —
chocolate. Cocoa powder, cooking chocolate,
Please send your comments or questions to
Deborah at [email protected].
C R A F TA S T I C
Local artists among winners
COU RTN EY M I LLE R SANTO
The artists in Cooper-Young aren’t seeking
Currently the group has more than seventy
isolation – they’ve chosen to live in CY
members and is “growing,” says Gail. “It is an
because it is a hotbed of artistic activity. Two
amazing resource to have artists with different
dynamic and talented women — Ansley
skills come together. We’re a real fun group.”
Larsson and Gail Grice — are reaching out to
MACA has members in a wide variety of
the fine craft community in Cooper - Young
media: clay, metal, stone, glass, paper, wood,
and Memphis through the Memphis Associa-
fiber, sculpture, jewelry, photography, furniture,
tion of Craft Artists (MACA).
weaving, ceramics, baskets, mixed media and
Ainsley, who is president of the association
and Gail, who is a Cooper-Young resident and
more. Painting and country craft are the only
media not included by MACA.
vice president, have seen more exposure of
Most recently MACA held its biannual
their work because of their membership in
awards show at Exhibit A Gallery on Central
MACA.
Avenue. Awards were presented to:
“The exposure just builds on itself,” says
Ainsley, who credits her involvement in MACA
for an appearance on HGTV’s That’s Clever!,
which opened up opportunities to talk about
her art on Live @ 9. She has also been written
up in Memphis Magazine.
The nonprofit organization strives to
encourage, develop and promote fine crafts
and fine craft artists in the Memphis area.
They achieve this through meetings, workshops, exhibition and sales events, community activities, fun events, newsletters and
email notices.
Best in Show: Mary Louise Egger for her Pottery Vase
Merit Award: Ansley Larsson for her Batik Ostrich Egg Lamp
Cooper-Young artist Gail Grice is the vice-president of MACA. In her studio on
Evelyn behind her house, she creates pottery and jewelry. Her art is available at
Artists on Central. For more information visit www.ehfpottery.com
Attendance was strong at the semiannual MACA awards show on February 15.
Works were shown at Exhibit A Gallery on Central Ave.
Calling all 3-D artists and
crafters…
Merit Award: Pat Moody for her Metal
Sculpture
Memphis chapter). The cost for yearly
Merit Award: Skippy Gronauer for her Pottery
Sculpture
portion of that to help with chapter expenses.
Best New Artist: Nicola Tupis for her Lampwork Glass Bead Necklace and Earrings.
Visit www.tennesseecrafts.org or call 901-682-
That’s Clever! is now casting for another
8198 for more information.
season and wants to find artists in Memphis.
membership is $40 and MACA receives a
The Home and Garden Network’s hit series
The show is seeking unique 3 - D art projects
MACA is a chapter of the statewide group
and the people who make them. A crew will
the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists
visit each artist in his/her home/studio and
(TACA). To participate in MACA, you first need
profile the artist making one pre-determined
to join TACA (which will assign you to the
project. If you are an undiscovered 3 - D artist
or crafter, live in or less than an hour from
Memphis and want your five minutes of fame,
please send an e-mail requesting an application to: [email protected].
You can also go to www.HGTV.com and find
the “That’s Clever!” listing in the “Be on HGTV”
section. And check for air times of the
Artist Lester Jones displays
this piece called, “Linda.”
Photos by Miriam Dolin
show in your area. Current casting info
will also be posted on www.myspace.
com/ThatsCleverTV.
Artist Brad McCollum displayed
his artistry in this piece entitled
“6th Century B.C. Greek Vessel.”
Cooper-Young area Duplexes,
Houses & Apartments
House - 909 Philadelphia,wood floors, kitchen with all appliances included, washer and dryer, bathroom
just fully renovated,fresh paint, privacy fenced back yard, front porch, secure covered parking, (there is a
seperate studio apartment upstairs), house is vacant so drive by and look around, $795/mo
Cooper-Young at publication of this ad, but please call or e-mail to
There are no other vacancies in Coopercheck availability of Cooper-Young rentals.
Security deposit and credit check required for all properties.
Contact Rhea Property Management
901-528-0110 ext 203 or e-mail [email protected]
March 2007
LampLighter 23
E Y E I N G S TA R D O M
Local television program showcases Memphis talent
the National Civil Rights Museum, which
they gave hesitantly.
Judge Bailey is no longer on the board
M iriam D olin
and voiced his discontent with the current
As Memphis
years at Carver High School and thinks of
Judge D’Army Bailey can carry more
state of the museum. He thinks the message
serves as the
himself first as a teacher and then as a
titles than judge; he is also an actor, author
is “blunted” and kids today do not under-
backdrop for high-
painter. His humility showed as he dis-
and civil rights leader. Bailey, a graduate of
stand the action behind the events of the
budget movies
counted McNary’s title of artist saying he
Booker T. Washington High School, is a
Civil Rights Movement. He is also frustrated
and subsequently
had only mastered painting and could only
Memphis native who attended Southern
that the museum is not kept in working
steals some of the
be called a painter. Hunt went to college
University, a black college in Baton Rouge.
order – placards are falling down, the water
Hollywood
thinking he wanted to be a coach and
He was expelled from the university
fountain does not work, and worst in his
spotlight, Mem-
began as a sports medicine major. In an
because of his involvement in the Civil
eyes, the video of the street riots in Bir-
phians want their
effort to avoid the “ologies” (as in bio) he
Rights Movement. After receiving his law
mingham were inoperable on Martin Luther
piece of the limelight as well. Loretta
visited the art department where he found
degree from Yale, Bailey served as the
King Day in January! He hopes telling his
McNary has her hopes set high for her self-
his home.
national director of the Law Students Civil
story will provoke the community to push
Rights Research Council in New York. He
for change at the museum.
titled television talk show. She hopes her
talk show will one day be an award-winning
Despite his insistence on being a teacher
first, Hunt is an accomplished painter. One
was in New York when Dr. Martin Luther
When Bailey is not adjudicating cases or
national program. While she has to polish
of his paintings, “Little Rock 9” was featured
King, Jr. was shot at the Lorraine Motel. He
starting museums, he is honing his acting
her hosting skills before she can reach
on a United States Postal Service stamp. His
is currently serving Memphis in his seven-
and writing skills. He already has published
national fame, she is highlighting the work
paintings have hung in the White House,
teenth year on the bench.
one book, Mine Eyes Have Seen and is
of local celebrities.
the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and
Judge Bailey was one of the few people
working on his second. His film credits include
celebrities’ homes including Eddie Murphy,
who had a dream to turn the Lorraine
Mystery Train, The People v. Larry Flynt and
schedule where every six weeks or so she
Justin Timberlake, and Steve Wynn. Before
Motel into a civil rights museum. After the
How Stella Got Her Groove Back. He also
tapes two half hour shows back to back,
relinquishing his place in the spotlight, he
assassination of Dr. King, the motel had
counts Maya Angelou among his close friends.
each featuring one guest. I attended the
encouraged parents to take their children
fallen into disrepair, and in 1982 the bank
McNary is currently operating on a
Loretta McNary’s interviewing skills
January 24 taping at which McNary
to the art museums and galleries of
foreclosed on it. With the help of money
occasionally left something to be desired, but
interviewed Artist George Hunt and Judge
Memphis and implored the Board of
raised by WDIA and others, Bailey and his
she certainly knows how to pick her guests! As
D’Army Bailey.
Education to reinstate art education into
group made an offer on the Lorraine Motel
I listened to the incredible stories of George
George Hunt is a prominent artist in
our schools. Hunt currently works out of his
at auction on the Court House steps. These
Hunt and Judge D’Army Bailey, I was over-
Memphis, though he does not think of
studio overlooking Beale and D’Edge Art on
visionaries then petitioned the city and the
whelmed by the celebrities in Memphis, even
himself as such. He taught art for thirty-six
South Main.
state legislature for the resources to build
the ones I had never heard of before!
CY VINE
Creative forces at work in wine mirrors artistry of CY
M ichael H u ghes
Creativity, artistry and innovation are vital
W i n e s h o u l d e v o k e e m o t i o n . W i n e s h o u l d i n s p i r e a n d e l e c t r i f y.
to the survival and growth of the wine world.
They are also the vital building blocks of not
equation from grape to glass. As a result, these
amplified in the Three Vineyards. It’s darker,
only the Cooper-Young neighborhood but this
wines show their own soul and passion. Siduri’s
earthier, more aromatic, exhibiting more layers
special city of ours. Many Memphians
wines are not inexpensive but they are worth
of texture and flavor. Yet it still maintains a
emphasize the negatives while disregarding
every penny.
delightful balance between power, fruit,
the strengths of our community. Here we have
Lucky for the consumer, there is artistry and
acidity, alcohol and tannin.
a deep, thriving pool of artists in the realms of
creativity even in some large-scale wineries.
dance, music, photography and others. Art is
Washington State is a perfect example of this.
is ripe with creativity and talent. It doesn’t take
important to a city not just for the beauty it
Chateau Ste. Michelle is one of the largest wine
much work to find something to stir your soul.
adds but for the inspiration it gives us. I
companies in this country. The Columbia Valley
There are many art events occurring each
recently went to a performance by Ballet
appellation in Washington is a perfect growing
week, just as there are many wines waiting to
Memphis. We as a city are so lucky to have
site for the Syrah grape. Ste. Michelle takes
be discovered. Get up and enjoy what the art
such a creative force in our midst. As I sat
perfect advantage of this mix of soil, climate
world and the wine world in Memphis have to
mesmerized by the beauty of human
and man’s intervention by producing an
offer. Our own Cooper-Young houses Monty
movement, I thought of the ballet that
exceptional, affordable Syrah. It’s unlike the
Shane Gallery where one of the most exciting
winemakers perform with their grapes —
hedonistic fruit bomb Shirazes from Australia
photographers in the region, Monty Shane,
coaxing honest and creative expression out of
and more like the elegant and powerful wines
displays his work along with shows by other
the vineyard.
of the Northern Rhone in France, the ancestral
young artists (visit www.montyshane.com).
Wine never has to be merely a beverage. It
home of Syrah. This particular wine has dried
Dine at one of the many delicious restaurants
can, and is meant, to be so much more. Wine
berry aromas, light smoked meat, leather and
in the CY (such as The Blue Fish, Tsunami or
should evoke emotion. Wine should inspire
earth on the nose. Its flavors are an array of
Dish) on a Friday or Saturday evening and
and electrify. True artists can create wine that
blueberry, blackberry and pepper.
afterward visit Monty’s Gallery to view (or
does all that. Creative forces such as Enrico
Another producer in Washington with a
The city of Memphis and the world of wine
purchase) his beautiful and heart-wrenching
Scavino of Paolo Scavino winery in Piedmont,
boutique feel but large-scale operation is
Italy craft wines to move not only the palate
Hedges. Their two most well known red wines
Art and wine are one in the same. When
but also the spirit. His red blend Vino da
are prime examples of their focus on quality at
crafted with heart, soul and creativity both can
Tavola Rosso is a blend of indigenous grapes
all price points. The entry-level CMS red is a
move in ways never thought possible.
(Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto) and a bit of
blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and
•
Cabernet Sauvignon. The aromas invoke
Syrah. It’s the perfect weekday wine at a
thoughts of wild fruits and exotic spices. The
weekday price striking a balance between
flavors gently force a return sip. Each compo-
complexity and casualness. It has a medium
nent of this wine is balanced by the next. Each
body and tannic structure, hints of dark fruit
sip reminds the drinker that this is something
and just a whisper of oak influence. The
different, something special.
Cabernet bring black currant, the Merlot brings
Adam and Dianna Lee are kindred spirits of
light spice and the Syrah brings a dark color
photography.
Paolo Scavino, Vino da Tavola Rosso,
•
Siduri, Keefer Ranch, Russian River Valley,
CA Pinot Noir, 2004 $57.99
•
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Valley,
WA, Syrah, 2002 $15.99
•
•
Hedges, CMS Red, WA, 2003 $12.99
Hedges, Three Vineyards, WA, 2003
and a wild berry. The Three Vineyards bottling
Pinot Noirs at Siduri Wines in Santa Rosa,
is their premier blend, but still isn’t that
California. They don’t own their vineyards, but
expensive. It is a similar blend to the CMS but
their contracts with vine growers give them
with the addition of Cabernet Franc as well.
Joe’s Wines, 1681 Poplar Avenue. Visit www.
Everything that the entry-level bottle exhibits is
balletmemphis.org and www.montyshane.com
allows oversight of every factor in the
Call Jim at 276-7625
Piedmont, Italy, 2004, $20.99
Enrico Scavino. They handcraft incredible
explicit control over vineyard lots. This control
cooper-young
carriage
house rental
available.
One bedroom,
utilities
included.
$22.99
All recommended wines are available at
celeb
multi
rate
ply yo
ur fu
join i
n.
n Coo
per-Y
activ
oung
ities
as a v
olunt
eer
for more information.
March 2007
LampLighter 25
CY H I STORY
BROOKS NEWS
Art museum kicks off good tasting event
D iane J alfon Brooks Museum of Art kicked off its 2007
an elegant black tie, six-course dinner limited
format prints of everyday subject matter, he
wine season with a bourbon tasting event on
to 130 seats and featuring the cuisine of Chef
creates iconic images of ordinary scenes. The
March 1 and continues the festivities through
Wally Joe and other nationally acclaimed
exhibition is comprised primarily of photo-
the Grand Auction on May 12. The Art of Good
chefs. A number of spectacular items will be
graphs from two of his 1980 portfolios,
Taste 2007: A Season of Wine, Art & Lifestyle
auctioned off. Tickets are $750 each and
“Troubled Waters” and “New Orleans Project.”
Auctions is a series of wine events held at the
include admission to the Grand Auction and
Brooks Museum each spring. All funds raised
Brooks Uncorked!
through the events go directly to support
The Grand Auction, to be held on May 12
Soul food The corner held
a plethora of
amenities in the
1920s
S am K ernell
My sister Sara was older than me – in fact,
she was married. We used to walk up to the
corner (which was everyone called Cooper and
Brooks celebrates “50 Years of Soul” in
Young back then) to shop. We would pick up a
education and programming for the museum
at 5:30 p.m., includes heavy hors d’oeuvres,
2007 with the exhibition Soul Food! African
hand-basket at the entrance to the store (as
and its exhibitions.
wine, and cocktails. Over sixty live lots of
American Cooking and Creativity on view from
the push-carts we use now were unheard of
auction items, including rare and vintage
May 19 through August 19, 2007. Over fifty
back then).
events: the Buffalo Trace Bourbon Tasting
wine, large format bottles, vertical tastings,
works including photographs, mixed media
which was held on March 1, Brooks Uncorked!
wine dinners, fine art, and luxury trips. Tickets
installations, paintings, and artifacts illustrate
bakers (I don’t think we had any candlestick
on April 13, the Patrons Dinner on May 11,
are $125 each.
the roots of soul food and the development of
makers), but anyway, they all flirted with Sara,
black culinary traditions.
even the shoe repairmen, especially the shoe
The Art of Good Taste comprises four
and The Grand Auction on May 12.
Brooks Uncorked! will be held on Friday,
April 13 at 7 p.m. VIVA ESPAÑA! This year’s
Vernacular Icons
An exhibition of photographs by William
The rich cooking customs associated with
Sara was a knock-out. All the butchers,
repairmen.
the genre of soul music is evident throughout
It would make me mad. I would scowl at
event will highlight the culture and wines of
Eggleston is on view at Memphis Brooks
Memphis and the world. Spicy fried chicken,
them for Sara was a married woman. But this
Spain with more than sixty varieties to sample.
Museum of Art through March 25, 2007.
melt-in-your-mouth biscuits, tangy greens, and
isn’t just about Sara – Cooper-Young was such
In addition to wine tasting, this spirited
Vernacular Icons: Photographs by William
crunchy okra have established their place in
a wonderful place to shop. We had everything:
celebration features live music, a sumptuous
Eggleston explores the photographer’s method
the food culture of the South. The origins of
2 grocery stores
buffet of gourmet food, and a silent auction of
of capturing the real world by choosing to
these culinary traditions are made visible in
2 pharmacies
unique items including wine. Tickets are $125
shoot seemingly unimportant places and
Soul Food! African American Cooking and
2 barber shops
each.
objects. His democratic way of seeing was
Creativity, an exhibition organized by The
1 beauty shop
influenced more by his personal vision than
Amistad Center for Art & Culture at the
by previous artistic styles. Through his large-
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.
1 furniture store
1 shoe repair shop
1 café
1 hardware store
1 cleaners
1 clothing store
3 churches
1 movie theater
The Patrons Dinner on May 11 at 7 p.m. is
I know I’ve left something out. But I don’t
want to forget the bakery. Sara and I both had
muta
a sweet tooth and we always made our way to
multi
te
ply yo
ur fu
join i
n.
n Coo
p
er-Yo
activ
ung
ities
as a v
olunt
eer
the bakery. It was pleasurable walking home,
our arms full of groceries, with my mind
dwelling on the pastry that I would get after
eating my veggies.
MUSIC SCENE
Ther e’s an at titude t hat tie s
INTELLIGENT HEDONISM
Hi-Tone welcomes
indie rock rising
star Hold Steady
t h e m t o g e t h e r, w h i c h i s t h i s
sort of unpretentious joy in
performing and the
K E R R Y H AY E S
communal experience of
performing and going to
“You get both the actions and the consequences in one package—you get the party,
shows.
and you get the aftermath.” Keyboardist Franz
Nicolay is describing his take on Hold Steady’s
sound, a fiery blast of rock bombast that
serves as the backdrop to lyricist Craig Finn’s
cryptic coming of age tales about kids, drugs,
lust, and love.
2006’s “Boys and Girls In America” was
their third album in three years, coming on the
heels of their cult breakthrough, “Separation
Sunday,” and their debut “Almost Killed Me.”
Nicolay’s piano and organ lines have taken an
Hold Steady will play at Hi-Tone on March
14. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12
the day of the show. Photo by Marina Chavez.
increasingly prominent role in the group’s
sound, providing a melodic counterpart to Tad
Basically, it’s just me and Tad sitting down,
Kubler’s metallic guitar leads and Finn’s
with a guitar and piano, and he’ll have a riff and
breathless, barroom-poet vocals.
need a bridge, or I’ll have a riff and need a
Hold Steady’s popularity continues to swell
bridge, and we can kind of control each other’s
along with their touring commitments to
indulgences a little bit. Then we bring it in and
promote “Boys and Girls In America.” Their
work through it with Craig and the rest of the
show at the Hi-Tone this month is their second
guys. Craig will go through his notebooks, which
performance in less than six months. “The
he has thousands of, and start thinking, “What’s
south and the Midwest is fertile country for a
the tagline that fits in here? What’s the narrative
classic-rock sort of band,” says Nicolay. “Some
of the record?”
of our early tours we did places like Birmingham and Jackson, to very little attendance. In Jackson, actually, there was zero
attendance. And there were packs of wild dogs
roaming the streets.”
2006 was a big year for Hold Steady.
Where do you go from here?
We’re just going to keep touring for most of
You’re involved with a number of other
bands and projects. What do you like
about being in an indie rock band, given
how different they are from your other
groups?
There’s an attitude that ties them together,
which is this sort of unpretentious joy in
performing and the communal experience of
the year. I think we might do another tour of
performing and going to shows. That is some-
Europe in April. At some point in May or June,
thing that The World/Inferno Friendship Society
we may go to Australia and Japan, and then
(a punk/klezmer/gospel ensemble) and the Hold
the summer festivals, and then maybe in the
Steady and Anti-Social Music (a composer/
fall we’ll start thinking about writing a new
performance collective based co-founded by
record.
Nicolay) all share.
How has the songwriting process for
the band evolved?
It’s still developing. “Separation Sunday”
was written so fast, that was kind of a
transitional record. I felt like “Boys and Girls In
America” was the first one where we really
had time to write it. We did a series of demos,
so we had a chance to work out what maybe
the new sound of the band was going to be
like, with me as a bigger part of the sound.
This is the first record I felt like that we really
wrote as a band.
“Intelligent hedonism,” I guess, if you want a
short phrase to describe it. People who are
choosing to celebrate the joy of existence
together, with music as the glue — without the
separation of performer and audience.
Hear the truth when the Hold Steady and the
Thermals visit the Hi-Tone on March 14. Tickets
$10 advance, $12 day of show. Available at
www.hitonememphis.com. For more information,
visit www.theholdsteady.com, www.franznicolay.
com, and www.myspace.com/thethermals.
Thermals play provocative at Hi-Tone
Joining the Hold Steady, and visiting Memphis for the first time, will be the
Thermals from Portland, Oregon, the latest project by longtime collaborators and
co-conspirators Hutch Harris and Kathy Foster. “We were just getting a little
stagnant with other projects we were doing, and then with the Thermals, it just
really felt exciting again and we were excited to play in a band like we hadn’t
been since we were 16,” says Harris.
2006’s “The Blood, the Body, the Machine” made headlines across the
independent music world as one of the year’s most provocative albums. As
described by Harris: “It’s a loose story about a United States sometime in the
future, governed by a facist, Christian government. It’s about escape.”
The band’s busy touring schedule is now spreading their all-too-timely
message all over the country. “The only negative feedback we’ve gotten on this
record are from people who think we’re just out to bash Christians, which isn’t
true at all,” Harris says. “It’s not supposed to be anti-Christian. It’s supposed to be
a political record.” Photo courtesy of Sub Pop Records
March 2007
LampLighter 27

LampLighter - Cooper-Young Community Association

Transcription

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