LampLighter - Cooper-Young Community Association

Free
VolU M e xVi, N U M B e r V
Cooper Young Town Hall Meeting
Property crime
continues
to plague
Cooper-Young
5
February 2 is your chance to talk with your city
coU rTN eY M i lle r SaNTo
officials. dedrick Brittenum, our district’s
A
recently appointed councilman, is bringing
recent rash of burglaries, larcenies and
together the heads of several agencies to
other property crimes has members of
answer questions and share information about
the cooper-Young community asking
safety, code enforcement, environmental and
housing issues in cY.
14
Do you know the most common
crime in our community?
Property crime remains cooper-
Young’s most committed crime. if you
are interested in tracking the
thefts, burglaries and
petty larcenies that
happen here, the
Memphis Police
department has a
10
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
tool for you.
Shake Rattle and Roll
what more they can do to stop crime in the
neighborhood.
“Where you have people, you are going to
have crime,” says inspector r. Mark collins, who
took over as head of the Memphis Police
department’s West Precinct in September. “it is
a sign of prosperity; there have to be
vehicles in cooper-Young for them to be
broken into.”
While statistically, the winter and
fall months show a sharp decrease in
crime, unusually warm weather and
an influx of people in the area has
changed that this year.
“There are just a lot of people on
the street that i don’t recognize,” says
Take one last look at the 90 second thrill
Ben Smith, chef and owner of
ride that is the Zippin Pippin. learn why
Tsunami, which experienced a
elvis loved the coaster (and all amusement
parks) and find out the true age of libertyland’s wooden beast.
burglary on christmas eve. “and i
know most of the regular characters in
cooper-Young.”
This was the third burglary in eight
years for Tsunami. The latest happened
at 4:30 a.m. on christmas morning. The
thieves smashed the front door, but could
not gain entry because of the safety glass.
They then smashed one of the large front
windows, entered and stole the point of sale
cash machines.
Karen lebovitz, who own otherlands (just
outside of cY), had her coffee shop broken
into four times in two weeks. “it was hard to
deal with, every night i would go to bed
wondering if i’ll get called or go in the next
Lt. Aldridge (left) and Inspector R. Mark Collins, West Precinct
day to discover another break in,” she says.
The thieves busted out a bottom window
and managed to avoid the motion detectors.
They also stole Karen’s register. it was the first
time in several years that otherlands’ had
experienced a break in. The theft finally
continued on page 14
February 2006
Lamplighter 1
8
9
General Meeting
Cooper-Young on the internet
There are a variety of sites dedicated to providing news and information about the
cY community. do you know which ones are out there and what purpose each
serves? if not, be sure to read this primer on cY websites, newsgroups and blogs.
Fairgrounds community meeting
draws a crowd
Nearly 100 people turned out for the chance to learn a bit more about the
redevelopment options for the Mid-South Fairgrounds and add their two-cents to the
debate. The meeting also drew a documentary crew and fervent supporters of the
Save libertyland campaign.
13
Meetings
Features
Convenience store on McLean
denied permit to sell beer
The hood Grocery store at the corner of Mclean and Felix was denied a permit to
sell beer by the Memphis alcohol commission in January. The application was
protested by the cooper-Young development corporation, which is making a
significant investment in the area on Seattle Street.
There will be no cYca general
meeting this month
Town Hall Meeting
Thursday February 2 at 6 p.m. at First
congregational church in the
Sanctuary
Art for Art’s Sake
Auction Planning
Meeting
February 15 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
at the cYca office
CYCA Board Meeting
February 21 at 7 p.m. at the office
City Council Meeting
Lt. Aldridge (left)
and Inspector R.
Mark Collins, West
Precinct
February 7 at 3:30 p.m. council
Extras
chambers, First Floor, city hall at 125
Jon devin .......................................................................................................... 4
North Main Street
community Spirit............................................................................................ 6
chatterbox ...................................................................................................... 17
City Council Meeting
School News .................................................................................................. 18
February 21 at 3:30 p.m. council
lifelong learning .......................................................................................... 19
chambers, First Floor, city hall at 125
Food Thoughts .............................................................................................. 21
North Main Street
arts and culture ............................................................................................25
leTTer FroM The PreSideNT
Greetings
Join me in welcoming and congratulating
the new members of the board: Justin hill,
2922 or email info@cooperyoung.org so your voice can be heard.
it has come to my attention that my december letter caused a small
Cooper-Young Organizations
CYBA
Kathryn Jordan
901-276-7222
carmen Weaver, alan ran and elizabeth
number of residents discontent. The letter outlined my opinion about the
harcourt. They will collectively and
current and future use of the Fairgrounds. The letter in no way endorsed
individually be an asset to the future
razing Fairview Middle School or libertyland. it opined on the possibilities
CYCA
development and path our community
of the site with the premise that the current use is not the best use for the
treads. The LampLighter will feature them
city or Midtown residents. The city of Memphis made the decision to
randi lynn
901-272-2922
next month.
discontinue the lease with libertyland and the Memphis city School
Your board will be meeting this month for
Board will decide the fate of Fairview. it has been the cYca’s role to
the annual board retreat. The retreat serves as a springboard for the
inform, educate and update the community at-large on the progress of
actions and events the community association will invest in, for the
decisions that are being made by our elected officials.
cyba@bellsouth.net
info@cooperyoung.org
CYDC
Sutton Mora hayes
901-272-1459
sutton_cydc@bellsouth.net
upcoming year. if you have any questions, comments or opinions we
cheers,
Cooper-Young Community Association
would love to hear from you. You can call the community offices 272-
edmund Mackey
CYCA Board Members
President, cooper-Young community association
President
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer
edmund Mackey
debbie Sowell
See’Trail Mackey
Buzz Shellabarger
CYCA Committee Heads
Staff and Volunteers
Contributors
Founder
editor
layout
ad Manager
Business Manager
distribution
Janet Stewart
courtney Miller Santo
Shades of Gray, inc.
Nancy Gresham
chris Mchaney
rich Bullington
andy ashby, Marisa Baggett, emily Bishop, deborah
camp, Jon devin, Jim Futell, Sutton Mora hayes,
diane Jalfon, Michele Johnson, Terry lawrence, randi
lynn, edmund Mackey, d. Jackson Maxwell, denise
Parkinson, Susan roakes, Michael Tole, edward
Greene, randy McKeel, courtney oliver, ronda cloud,
Shannon Paavola and Jennifer Word
Content
Ad Sales
Distribution
901-827-4797
901-276-2255
901-726-4635
cylamplighter@yahoo.com
lamplighter_ads@yahoo.com
rlbull@aol.com
The LampLighter is published by the cYca. The opinions and information presented here are those of
the staff and volunteers of the LampLighter and do not necessarily reflect the entire cooper-Young
community. The LampLighter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. however, we commit
ourselves to providing current and accurate information.
2
LampLighter February 2006
articles, Submissions: February 15
communications
Membership
Finance
Festival 4-Miler
Safety
advertising copy: February 20
CYCA At-Large Board Members
distribution Beginning: February 24
rosemary West and Michael ham
Please send all articles and submissions to:
CYCA Staff
cylamplighter@yahoo.com
executive director
Deadlines for March
LampLighter
For advertising rate sheet, or to submit ads
electronically, please email Nancy at:
lamplighter_ads@yahoo.com
emily Bishop
debbie Sowell
Jason Word
richard coletta
Terry lawrence
randi lynn
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
A just war
M ic hae l Tole, M e da Str e et
Letter
I
f Jacob Flowers’ article in the December/
Kurdish people — those who suffered under
claimed that our presence in Iraq is because
neither were enacted over the several years in
January edition of the Lamplighter was
a fascist and sadistic regime — and their
of “our government’s imperial desires,”
which the Democratic Party, for instance,
what it pretended to be—simply a look at
current struggle against totalitarian ideolo-
though he never specified those desires.
Ironically, some of the same people that
controlled Congress (whose job it is to actually
legislate these things). Flowers’ implication,
the war in Iraq from an impartial, humani-
gies that threaten them and the rest of the
tarian perspective—one could have respected
civilized world. And what Flowers called
are against the war in Iraq are the same that
furthermore, that “Bush’s government”—any
its position. But in reality Flowers’ article was
Bush’s war could just as easily be called
accused the United States of killing millions
United States government for that matter—
actually enjoys war or initiating the suffering
an attempt to solicit support for an irrational
anti-war movement, and this should be made
Flowers’ article was an attempt to solicit support
and death of American citizens is particularly
nasty.
clear.
for an irrational anti-war movement
In the article, Flowers claimed that the
war in Iraq is not legal. One could make the
a n d t h i s s h o u l d b e m a d e c l e a r.
case—once again—that it is legal simply
Flowers claimed sympathy for dead and
wounded American soldiers who he referred
to as his “fellow Americans,” but said that they
kill the innocent and that tens of thousands of
because Iraq failed to fulfill its obligations
under the 1991 Gulf War cease-fire agree-
John Kerry’s war, or the war of any one of
of Iraqis due to UN sanctions. And ironically,
them “will suffer the long-term psychological
ment. In addition to this, one could make
the members of Congress who voted
some of the very same people that are
repercussions” of doing so. Flowers also
the case that, at the time of Iraq’s liberation
overwhelmingly to use force to uphold the
against the war are the same that accuse
claimed sympathy for the families of dead
from the Hussein regime, Iraq had forfeited
UN resolutions Saddam violated.
the United States of propping up tyrants.
American soldiers, but he insinuated that the
Not for a moment would these dogmatists
grief they feel is not as legitimate as Iraqi
and current criminal behavior—which would
Flowers claims, perhaps Hussein should
concede — perhaps for fear of being socially
families who have lost loved ones because he
have presumably continued.
its sovereignty due to the extent of its past
But if the war in Iraq is immoral, as
have been left in power to allow him to go
outcast — that the United States could be on
said that Americans are responsible for what
Flowers’ assertion that more than
on butchering more than the many hun-
the right side of history with its Middle
has happened. It is fair to say that Flowers’
100,000 Iraqi civilians have died since
dreds of thousands of innocents than he
Eastern policy or the war in Iraq could be
position on the war is not neutral, although his
March 2003 is untrue. In late October 2004,
did.
one of the noblest causes for which the
article feigned neutrality and claimed simply
United States has fought in many years.
to be a look at “the human cost of war.”
the British medical journal The Lancet
Perhaps it would have been moral to
leave Hussein in power and simply have
figure. But this study has been discredited
lifted the no-fly zones. On the other hand,
responsible for the hunger, suffering and
of the innocent and must never forget them,
because of its methodology and I would
maybe it would have been moral to leave
death of Americans because we do not have a
we must remember to blame Saddam Hussein
direct curious readers to articles by Fred
Hussein in power as to allow nations (like
“living” minimum wage and a universal
and the reactionary forces that are responsible
Kaplan Slate.com or Rob Stein at washington-
France) who did not support the military
healthcare system. But in truth, there has
for their deaths. We must also remember that
post.com. I would also direct curious readers
intervention in Iraq to continue profiting
never been a “living” minimum wage or
peace is a good thing, but sometimes war is
to iraqbodycount.net for a more accurate
from the UN oil-for-food scandal.
universal healthcare under any president—and
the only just recourse.
figure concerning the deaths of Iraqi
Flowers stated that “the majority of the
civilians. The consensus of most experts is
world” opposed the war in Iraq. The
that roughly 30,000 Iraqi civilians have died
majority is not always right. Clearly it was
because of the war. But although Flowers
not moral for the “majority of the world” to
pointed out the death and wounding of
‘multilaterally’ refuse to stop the massacres
Iraqi civilians and American soldiers, he
in Bosnia or Rwanda or what is taking place
made no mention of the “insurgents” that
in Darfur. Again, maybe nothing should
have been intentionally targeting them or
have been done about Iraq and it should
the immoral and illegal acts of the Saddam
have simply been allowed to implode. The
Hussein regime, which is ultimately to
world community could then have perhaps
blame for what has transpired in Iraq.
witnessed a bloody struggle for power and
What Flowers referred to as Bush’s war
Flowers claimed that the president is
While Americans and Iraqis grieve the loss
published the study that contained this
maybe have done nothing to stop it either.
“on” Iraq, furthermore, is the war of anyone
It was moral for the United States to
who is in solidarity with the Iraqi and
intervene in Iraq. Flowers nevertheless
February 2006
Lamplighter criMe SeeN
There’s a shadow under every silver cloud
We’r e like a pag e ant que e n wit h bag s un d e r he r
I
once met a guy at a museum and decided
eye s , o r a f i ve - t i e r, r o s e - c a p p e d b r i d a l c a ke w i t h
to accept his invitation to dinner figuring
that total losers are not likely to frequent
a roach crawling up the side.
museums or know much about post-impressionism. and what a date it was! he was
classy, conversant with literature, built (an exarmy football player!), yet down-to-earth and
slightly sentimental with an edge of mystery.
Then, over dessert, he smiled and i realized he
had no molars. Shortly thereafter he mentioned that his divorce would be final in three
to five months and the statewide liens on his
bank account were being successfully
disputed. check, please!
My hopes crashed like President Bush’s
Now cY has some great crime prevention
reporting in the LampLighter. The cooper-
tools. Thanks to the cooper-Young Business
Young development corporation spends huge
association, the Memphis Police department
amounts of time and money digging out
has maintained a highly visible presence in
dilapidated homes in our shadier areas and
the neighborhood through its Police reserve
making them marketable to law-abiding folks.
Unit on cooper. The cooper-Young community
it doesn’t matter, though, if these three
association has an active community Safety
wonderful organizations work around the
Task Force, public safety notices by email, and
clock if individual residents don’t take some
regular column space devoted to crime
responsibility. if you can afford a lawn mower,
Opinions
JoN deViN
a gas grill, or a bicycle, you can afford a chain
to lock it down. if you have time to take a
vacation, you have time to call the West
Precinct and schedule your vacation watch. if
you care enough to live in this neighborhood,
then you should care enough to follow even
the most basic public safety tips for your own
good as well as that of others. Make 2006 a
year to develop simple, common sense safety
habits in your home or business.
approval rating. i said a quick thanks to the
almighty that i had driven my own car and
that i have caller id. amen. Then i ordered
G eTTi NG To KNoW YoU
another beer and did what all respectable
A strong community is a safe community
men do in preparation for a graceful yet
sudden departure: i allowed enough time to
replay Bohemian rhapsody in my mind and
then said i had to get up early the next
morning to feed my out-of-town neighbor’s
prize pet iguana.
i suppose there’s a shadow under every
silver cloud.
For cooper-Young, it’s crime. Yes, we’ve
cornered the market on funky, artistic
eclecticism, diversity of people, and architectural charm. indeed, cY is a model of
proactive neighborhood development. But
underneath all of the good stuff is the smelly
residue of petty larceny, burglary, and the
occasional assault or car theft. We’re like a
pageant queen with bags under her eyes, or a
five-tier, rose-capped bridal cake with a roach
crawling up the side.
Getting serious about curbing crime is
going to be more difficult for us, though,
because on a day-to-day basis, we’re comfortable enough as we are. everyone knows that
something as simple as leaving your porch
lights on at night can reduce your chances of
a break-in by as much as 50 percent, yet on
my block, my house is one of seven out of 30
or so houses who do so regularly.
every day i walk past cars parked on the
street whose back seats are littered with
backpacks, briefcases, coats, cell phones, and
even laptops computers. i can tell you from
personal experience that thieves will break out
your window for nothing more than an old
canvas totebag and your favorite Barbra
Streisand cd (and you just know somebody
got a lot for that). do we really believe we
aren’t inviting crime, or are we just too lazy to
care?
4
LampLighter February 2006
coU rTN eY M i lle r SaNTo
I
have only lived in cooper-Young a few
•
months, but i’m already fiercely protective
of our community, and i’m always
surprised when people who live in east
Memphis, or Bartlett or Germantown ask me if
i feel safe in our neighborhood.
i’m surprised when my hairdresser tells me
she moved away from cooper-Young because
her boyfriend had his car broken into every
time he visited. i’m surprised when the desk
•
•
•
don’t leave valuables in plain sight (by
thank each of you for our support. if you
windows, on the backseat of your car)
want to advertise or have any questions, you
Subscribe to the cYca Safety Newsletter
can reach Nancy at 276-2255 or
Get to know your neighbors
nancyagresham@bellsouth.net. our
Participate in a neighborhood watch or
start one
•
Keep on eye on your neighbors’ houses or
businesses
i believe the best way to create a safe
deadline for the next issue is Feb. 20.
You may also have noticed how sharp, fresh
and just plain awesome this edition of the
LampLighter looks. hats off to Paula Kovarik,
who has started working with us to improve
the layout and design of the paper. Paula runs
sergeant at the West Precinct tells me that
community is to create a strong community.
her own graphic design firm Shades of Gray
there “are a lot more burglaries than you’d
cooper-Young is no 98-pound weakling, but
(www.sogray.com) and her husband is a
think.” i’m surprised when my rental insurance
we’re not quite ready to go after the heavy-
tireless supporter of the LampLighter, who
and car insurance both double because “the
weight belt either. We need to bulk up a bit.
edits each issue. With the addition of Paula
crime rate is so high.”
LampLighter Staff Updates
and Nancy, we have a complete staff, and i
Too much of the crime in our neighborhood
happens because we make it easy. We don’t
We are thrilled to welcome Nancy Gresham
am thrilled to start the new year out with such
great coworkers. i also wanted to mention
leave our porch lights on, or we leave our car
as our advertising Manager. a long-time cY
what a terrific job our distribution Manager
doors unlocked. and the easier it is for
resident, Nancy has jumped into the job with
rich Bullington and our Business Manager
criminals, the more crime they will commit.
both feet and is recruiting new advertisers
chris Mchaney continue to do for the paper.
This issue of the LampLighter contains tons
and charming our current advertisers. We
of terrific tips to help you make it harder for
criminals.
Find something you aren’t doing and start
doing it. here’s a cheat sheet for those of you
who don’t want to read the whole issue:
•
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Calling all writers
The LampLighter survives because of our cadre of volunteer writers. i appreciate
everyone who takes the time to write for us. as i expand the coverage of the paper, and
Be watchful
as i hear about all the great stories coming out of cooper-Young, i find myself in need of
Join your neighborhood watch
people willing to write on assignment. What does that mean? Well it means i give you a
Volunteer for the cYca safety committee
story, along with the names and contact information for everyone you’d need to talk
Go to the town hall meeting on February 2
report crimes
report suspicious behavior to the police
Tell the police if you witness a crime
lock your doors (car, shed, house, etc.)
leave your porch light on
with to write it. if you are at all interested, please contact me as soon as possible. i have
a dozen great ideas – from the new exhibit at the zoo, to a feature on two boys who
shared a kidney, to writing up news about our local music scene. drop me an email at
cylamplighter@yahoo.com or give me a call at 827-4797. if you can do it one month and
not the next, that is fine.
CY town hall meeting set for
February 2 at First Congo
coU rTN eY M i lle r SaNTo
T
Meeting
S a F e T Y Ta l K
Meeman Center
for Lifelong Learning
he upcoming Town hall meeting offers cooper-Young residents the opportunity to help foster a more open and responsive government. dedrick
Brittenum, our district’s recently appointed councilman, is bringing together
the heads of several agencies to answer questions and share information
about safety, code enforcement, environmental and housing issues in cY.
“councilman Brittenum has shown a genuine interest in representing our community and has requested our help in planning a Town hall Meeting,” says Sutton Mora
hays, executive director of the cooper Young development corporation. Sutton has
helped organized the meeting. “This meeting is taking place at the request of coun-
cilman Brittenum, and is designed to create an environment where issues of common
interest and concerns, not personal agendas, can be addressed in a positive manner.”
Please submit any questions you might like to ask the panel by Wednesday
February 1 to Sutton. You may either call the office at 272-1459 or email her at
cydc@bellsouth.net
The cYdc, cYca and cYBa encourage everyone in our community to attend this
Town hall, which will be held Thursday February 2 at 6 p.m. at First congregational
church. councilman Brittenum has met with members of the cYBa and it’s board, and
has also met with representatives from the cooper Young development corporation.
The following city officials have been invited to attend:
•
director larry Godwin of the Memphis Police department
•
inspector Mark collins – West Precinct
•
Judge Potter – environmental court
•
allen Medloch – head of Building code inspection
•
robert lipscomb – director of housing and community development
•
Johnny McKay – code enforcement
a strong turnout for this meeting will help our elected officials and those in civil
service understand how committed we are to our neighborhood as a community.
Please plan on attending and invite your neighbors.
This Old
House
are you in the process of
remodeling one of cooperYoung’s gems? Would you
be willing to write about your experiences
for the LampLighter? contact courtney at
Immaculate Conception
Cathedral School
827-4797 or cylamplighter@yahoo.com for
more information.
invites you to attend the
1 6 T H
A N N U A L
MARDI
GRAS
Silent & Live Auctions
Saturday, February 25, 2006 • 6pm–11pm
•
•
•
•
•
•
Central at Belvedere in Midtown
$10,000 Cash Giveaway
Dance to Live Music by Entourage
Delicious Creole Food and Beverages
$25 ticket packages available now or at the door
For more information, call 725-2710
ICCS is a coed elementary school Pre-K–8 and an all-girl college preparatory high school
February 2006
Lamplighter 5
Join Us
Community Spirit
We’ve been working to make our neighborhood a better place to live since 1976.
New
Mission Our purpose is to form an association of residents and interested
Renewing
parties to work together to make our diverse and historic community a
Single – $15
more desirable and safer place to live, worship, work, and play.
Household – $20
2005 Membership Goal
Senior 55 and older – $5
Trestle Tender – $50
New Residents – FREE
Membership – 344
Friend of CYCA (Non-resident) – $30
Name_ ___________________________________
Address___________________________________
Zip_______________________________________
Phone____________________________________
Email_____________________________________
Contact me about volunteer opportunites in
our community
Goal – 600
The Eclectic Eye accepted donations
of new, unwrapped toys during the
holidays and for every frame purchase
made during that time, The Eclectic
Eye donated five dollars towards the
purchase of a new toy. Over 450 toys
were dropped off and an additional
$1,000 was spent by the store at
The Village Toymaker on new toys.
Last year, a total of 135 toys were
dropped off and an additional 40 were
purchased with money raised from the
purchase of frames.
Enclosed is my gift of $_ ____________________
in honor or/in memory of
_________________________________________
Mail this form with your payments to:
CYCA Membership
2298 Young Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
The CYCA is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.
Art for
Art’s Sake
Auction seeks
volunteers
Planning has begun for the fourth
annual Art for Art’s Sake Auction, which
raises funds to support the Trestle. The
Auction Planning Committee needs
volunteers to help make this event a
success.
The committee will hold a planning
meeting on February 15 from 6 p.m. to
7:30 p.m. at the Cooper-Young
Community Association offices. Cochairs Jason Word and See’Trail Mackey
encourage anyone who is interested to
attend.
Donations: – $7,500
Goal – $8,000
Trestle Tenders
Gene Pearson and Louise Mercuro
R. Weinberg, Eclectic Eye
New Members
Kathryn Jordan has been hired as the
director of the Cooper-Young Business
outside? This is the job for you! Call the
office 272-2922 or email info@coopery-
Reginald and Jacqueline Bennett
oung.org to set up your own data entry
Betty King
hours — evenings, weekends, anytime you
Renewing Members
Norris and Earline Gabriel
want to work. It is easy! Sit in our climate
controlled office and enter important data.
• We still have a few LampLighter routes
Bob Isgren
available, including some recent openings.
Michael Karz and Sandy D’Amato
Tanglewood and Fleece from Walker to
Mike, Gina and Mallory Prater
Southern need people willing to deliver the
Donations to the General Fund
Milan Buncick and Susan L. Roakes
Louise Mercuro and Gene Pearson In
paper. And one of our larger routes on
Nelson from Cooper to McLean is also
available. If you would like to volunteer for
a LampLighter delivery route please
memory of: Their dogs Maggie and Ridge-
contact Rich Bullington – rlbull@aol.com or
field, who loved walking in CY
726-4635
Volunteer Spotlight
Special thanks to the Membership and
Communications Committee for all their hard
Member events and benefits
• Town Hall Meeting (No General Meeting
in Feb.) – First Congregational Church on
work.
February 2 at 6 p.m. Any questions about
$3,000 to support maintenance and
Corrections
insurance of the Trestle. The event
An incorrect email address was given for
included a silent auction, refreshments,
Midtown Tae Kwon Do. The correct address is
live acoustic music and a special
www.midtowntaekwondo.com.
“volunteers only” after party.
The committee is also looking for
Want to volunteer but it is too cold
Rebekah Jordan
The 2005 auction raised more than
CYBA Director
Calling all volunteers!
• First Saturday is CANCELLED
• Need volunteer hours? Love to volunteer?
the evening can be directed to Sutton Mora
Hayes, Executive Director of the CYDC at 272-1459
• CYCA Office Hours: There will be no
office hours from February 3rd to February
19. Regular office hours will resume on
We inadvertently left out
February 20. Please call 272-2922 to
Association. Kathryn and her husband,
businesses willing to donate items to
Edwina Hackett’s photo
the silent auction. Last year the event
make an appointment if you need to use
Ludovic Bruneau recently opened the
from her December column
offered more than 200 items.
the office.
Bruneau Academy at 895 South Cooper.
entitled “Taking the Daze
The CYBA’s previous director Michelle
If you’ve thought about getting
Johnson, is moving with her family to
involved, this is the perfect opportunity.
Vermont. Look for an interview with
Call the CYCA office today (272-2922)
Kathryn next month.
if you have any questions, and be sure
to attend the February 15 meeting.
LampLighter February 2006
Out of Holidays.” We enjoy
Edwina’s columns, and have
included her photograph here.
•Do you have email? Are you on signed up
for our email alerts on safety, community
events, and volunteering? Sign up for your
choice of newsletters. Click the green
button on the Cooper-Young web site to
sign-up www.cooperyoung.org
Community Spirit
reNeWiNG MeMBer
St. Jude
Memphis
Marathon
SPOTLIGHT
as a
Edward Greene
evelyn avenue
new feature in
the cYca membership pages
of the LampLighter, we will feature
one of our renewing members each
How many years have you been a
member of CYCA?
about 10 years
How many years have you lived in
month. We hope this will help us get to
know our members a little bit
better and have a little bit
Cooper-Young?
of fun.
20 years
Your favorite Cooper-Young memory?
What do you think about redeveloping
the events i have helped with. one of best
the Mid-South Fairgrounds?
is when the Trestle was open and all the
any changes at the Mid-South Fairgrounds
good it has done cY
need very careful study and then
i have three dogs – Jorja (a Jack russell
need to weigh in heavily.
What is your favorite Cooper-Young
(a white boxer) … so you guess
spot?
if you mean commercial probably
damn if i know (lol) –
Young avenue deli, otherwise my own
making friends, i guess
block of evelyn avene.
What was the last movie you rented?
Must Love Dogs, think that was title
What is your earliest childhood
Childr en’s Re sear ch H os pit al.
eeds and desires of cooper-Young
terrier), rocky (a greyhound) and Paladin
What are you really good at?
t h e CYC A’s a i d s t a t i o n . T h e S t . J u d e M e m p h i s M a r a t h o n ,
held December 3, 2005, helped raise money for St. Jude
There are so many – all the halloweens,
Are you a cat or a dog person?
Nearly 20 volunteers helped hand out water to runners at
Who is the last person you went to
dinner with?
My wife, sister and brother-in-law
memory?
My mother coming home from hospital
when my younger sister was born. about
2 1/2 years old. don’t remember my sister
coming home, just my mother.
February 2006
Lamplighter 7
c a P i Ta l i Z i N G o N c Y
Local real estate company promotes
newest neighborhood web site
Cooper Young is a hot commodity on and off the Internet. Here is a list and
brief description of some of the web sites and groups associated with our
community.
aN dY aS h BY
T
he cooper-Young neighborhood just
added some more real estate.
however, this store front property is
on the information superhighway.
Kendall haney realty, located at 612
www.cooperyoung.org
S. cooper, started a new web site, www.
cooper-youngnews.com, in early december.
The cooper Young community association
“it’s a web site that was created for
operates this site, which offers information
neighborhoods. it’s a way for us to give back
about community events, membership,
to the community,” Kendall haney, broker and
neighborhood safety and volunteer opportuni-
owner, says. “i think it’s just a central location
ties. it is also where you’ll find electronic
that somebody could go to and get any
copies of the LampLighter. and when the cY
information that has to do with the neighbor-
Kendell Haney with Katie Nichols
hood.”
The web site has realty listings in the area,
as well as a listing of local events and a place
for people to add information. There is a
variety of services on the site, from information on local businesses to a classified section
for cooper-Young residents.
information about the Festival 4-Miler.
“We wanted a web site that
The cooper-Young Festival, which celebrates
its 19th year in September 2006, draws more
than 50,000 visitors each year. This is the
place to visit to keep updated on the Festival,
which features a mix of art, music and crafts
presented by over 300 artisans from around
the country The cY Business association runs
this site, which offers the Festival schedule, a
listing of pre-Festival events, vendor and
brought the community
sponsorship information.
t o g e t h e r, w h e r e t h ey c o u l d
interact with one another”
Katie Nichols
“We wanted a web site that brought the
community together, where they could
had a question on there, asking how many
interact with one another,” Katie Nichols,
homes were in the cooper-Young area. The
Kendall haney’s marketing director said. “You
prize: $100. The answer: 1705 homes.
can share photos, like if people have parties or
Festival rolls around, it is the place to find out
www.cooperyoungfestival.com
The company also bought signs and put
www.cooperyoung.com
This “online guide of and for the cooperYoung community” was started in 1998 by cY
resident donna Mcdonnell. at the time, cY
neighborhood events.” Katie sees those
them up in the neighborhood. The response
didn’t have a web site and “since i was a
opportunities as well, especially for big events
so far has been good, and they will continue
single mother with small children i couldn’t
in cY. “i think even the cooper-Young Festival
to advertise to promote it. The web site will
participate like i wanted, so this was a way to
would be a big thing. People could put
also allow residents to promote their home-
give to the community,” says donna. “i felt by
pictures of the Festival up there for everyone
based businesses.
a resident providing the site, it could be for
yahoo, which he describes as “a forum for
to see,” she says.
it will also promote regular businesses in
http ://groups.yahoo.com/group/
cooperyoung/
Mark Morrison moderates this group on
everyone without one entity having more
residents and business/home owners of the
cooper-Young. For example, they are working
control than the others.” The site draws visitors
cooper-Young neighborhood in Midtown,
similar web sites for neighborhoods like
on allowing businesses to put coupons on the
for its shopping directory, real estate listings,
Memphis, Tennessee. i would like this to be a
central Gardens or areas like downtown
web site.
Kendall haney realty has been making
dining directory and current events. her
place to facilitate the discussion of crime in
condos. The cooper-Young site was the first
“What we’re trying to do is get a lot of
listings are free, and donna, who volunteers
our neighborhood, renovation and preserva-
one because of the way the community is
activity between the people who live there
her time, feels the site gives her, “the feeling
tion of our historic houses, or any other topic
organized. “We wanted all of Midtown, but we
and the businesses there, to promote those
even though i don’t attend meetings and
related to the area.” Mark volunteered to help
thought that cooper-Young would be the most
businesses as well,” says Kendall.
social events, i am being a part of the
make sure that this “unofficial” forum for cY
neighborhood i have lived in for 20 years.”
residents remains vital and interesting.
active in the beginning,” Kendall says.
Kendall haney realty did one mail-out to
introduce the new web site in december. They
The web site is managed in-house. it’s
updated every two days with new real estate
listings. Those will go back three months. it
will feature home sales or openings in
the area. it will have house prices so
you can know what they’re sold for.
“it’s always changing every day. it’s
not something you see once and then
that’s it,” says Katie.
Kendall hopes this new web site
will help cooper-Young continue to
improve. “We just want to keep the
neighborhood strong and help them
grow. The more people can communicate with each other, the more they
can support someone else’s business
that they were not aware of beforehand,” says Kendall.
8
LampLighter February 2006
Ask t h e N e i g h b o r s
CYCA holds meeting to exchange ideas about the Fairgrounds
S us a n R o a k e s a n d Em i ly B i s h o p
This is the fifth in a series of articles about the proposed redevelopment of the Mid-South Fairgrounds. Mayor Willie Herenton and Mayor A.C. Wharton created a Fairgrounds Re-Use Committee
to study what to do with the property that lies along the eastern border of Cooper-Young. This
article reports on a CYCA meeting where the Re-Use Committee’s recommendations were presented
for the community to consider and comment. It also gives an update on the decision process.
N
early 100 people packed the
Following the LRK presentation, Susan
cafeteria at Fairview Jr. High School
Roakes, Associate Professor of City and
in December to discuss the
Regional Planning at the University of
redevelopment and reuse of the Mid-South
Memphis, led the discussion. Community
Fairgrounds. The City Council is expected to
members were most concerned about
make a decision about the 114-acre property
by spring.
The meeting, which served as the CYCA’s
general meeting, was held December 13. The
purpose of the meeting was to exchange ideas
about re-use of the Fairgrounds. The CYCA
invited the Re-Use Committee to present the
recommendation’s they will make to the
Fairview is as public and important a use of land, building,
and resources as there is. We should be demanding its
resurrection more than a play ground /theme park.
Nearly 100 people participated in a
discussion about the redevelopment
of the Mid-South Fairgrounds. The
Re-use Committee sent its report to
Mayor Willie Herenton and Mayor
A.C. Wharton in January.
I say re -invest, rehab, re -make, re -staff, and make it a
full flagship school. Connect it with its neighbors and let
mayors in January.
Martin Edwards, Co-chair of the Committee
it mean something in its premiere location.
introduced Frank Ricks and Steve Auterman,
–CY resident
lead architects at Looney Ricks Kiss (LRK) on
the Fairgrounds Redevelopment Study. Steve
improving the appearance and upkeep of the
Auterman presented background on the
site, whatever the use. Underground utilities,
what would happen to Fairview Jr. High. Many
fairgrounds site, guiding principals for re-use
litter control, and neighborhood security were
agreed that having a school at this location is
of the site (which the Committee adopted on
specific concerns. Community members also
an asset. Most focused on upgrading and
November 3, 2005) and six scenarios that LRK
favored re-creating the greenway at the main
expanding this historic landmark. Mixed
Council and County Commission, respectively.
had developed for the site. A link to the full
entrance on East Parkway. They also wanted
opinion was given to the suggestion that the
These legislative bodies will make the final
report is available at www.cooperyoung.org.
trees incorporated into the design.
school building be converted to condominiums.
decision. The big question is when? We will
Community members were concerned about
Libertyland generated the strongest opinions,
The full list of comments and the results of the
vote can be viewed at www.cooperyoung.org.
Mayors Herenton and Wharton will next
present their recommendations to the City
keep you updated on plans for the Fair-
but they were mixed. Members of Save
grounds and try to answer remaining
“Make the space beautiful and useable all year long. Bury the utilities; consolidate parking, green all
Libertyland were very vocal about wanting
questions:
around. Make use of the size to create bike paths, walking paths, and beautiful spaces to stop, to
to save Libertyland. However, others quietly
• Where will the Kroc Center locate?
• What is best for students at Fairview Jr.
stare, to ponder. Take a slice of Central Park or Forest Park in St. Louis. From my study of the history
rejected this idea. Other controversial
ideas involved retaining the Mid-South Fair
of the area, it was the place that Memphians went to play. Beyond race tracks, there were ballrooms,
and introducing light rail through the Fair-
theatres, concerts, fishing/skating ponds, walking paths, and more. Let’s aim in that direction.”
grounds site.
–CY resident
High?
•Is the current entrance to the Fairgrounds
on East Parkway at the best location?
Community members provided comments
and were asked to vote on these comments.
The comments and votes are included in the
Re-Use Committee report that was presented to
the mayors in January. While the mayors are
not required to consider the community views,
the meeting did provide the mayors with an
idea of the range and strength of community
opinion on the best use the Fairgrounds site.
• What commercial and residential uses will
enhance public uses located at the
fairgrounds and the neighboring communities?
• What are likely traffic, noise, and lighting
impacts of the proposed uses?
• What will mayors Herenton and Wharton
recommend?
town hall
meeting
Don’t miss the Town Hall meeting Thursday
February 2 at 6 p.m. at First Congregational
Church. This is your chance to speak with the
movers and shakers of our city.
February 2006
Lamplighter K i ng C o a st e r
Zippin Pippin – one heck of a ride
C o u r tn e y m i l l e r S a nt o
A
s an Elvis fan and a roller coaster
the crowd around him.
enthusiast, I count myself lucky that
I was able to shake, rattle and roll
on the Zippin’ Pippin’ last year. It was a fun 90
seconds. There is a small part of me that is still
holding out hope that others will get to
experience “Elivs’ favorite coaster” but as the
plans, it seems unlikely.
I had the chance to speak with La Vonne
Gaw from the Graceland Archives about the
Zippin Pippin and why Elvis loved it so much.
This is what he had to say.
Elvis loved amusement parks and since he
lived in Memphis, Libertyland (or the Fairgrounds as it was known then) was the one he
went to most often.
was in town. In fact he rented it out nightly for
weeks on end between production times for
his movies throughout the 1960s. He usually
He usually had anywhere from 50 to 100
invited guests.
attracting a crowd, so he had to rent out
“Sure, I like amusement
p a r k s , … I l i ke ’e m a
have fun with his friends. On his last visit to
he attracted a huge crowd and spent the night
winning stuffed toys and throwing them into
lot. And I like winning
Pandas and that kind of
s t u f f.”
– Elvis Presley
10 LampLighter February 2006
Fairgrounds were the Zippin
nation’s oldest operating wooden roller
Pippin and the Dodgem
coaster.
Ron Hardin, the general manager for the
Pippin over and over
Mid-South Fairgrounds notes that, “The
without stopping, usually
Pippin is standing on its original location. It
sitting in the front or back
has never been moved. But in today’s
car. On the Dodgem Cars
market it would cost you more to come in
he and his friends played
and take that thing apart. I mean there is
their own version of war
some original wood in there but it is buried
with the cars. He also liked
so deep and it would be stuff that is not
to be the operator for
structurally significant.” The cars have also
others on the Tilt- A- Whirl.
been replaced, most recently in the 1980s.
While no one has stepped forward to
concessions at Elvis’ treat,
purchase and move the coaster, Hardin is
snacking on pronto pups,
open to the possibility of purchasing the
coke and ice cream.
name and building a replica of the coaster.
land on August 8, 1977 just
Type
Wood
a few days before his
Manufacturer
National
Amusement
daughter Lisa Marie and
couldn’t go there or anywhere without
the Fairgrounds in public sometime in 1957,
then, which has earned it a spot as the
death. He was treating his
After he became famous in 1956, he
Roller Skating Rink whenever he wanted to
1923 and has operated continuously since
His favorite rides at the
Elvis last rented Liberty-
rented it from midnight until daylight or later.
Crosstown), Libertyland, and the Rainbow
after that.
His friends also enjoyed the
Elvis rented it many, many times when he
movie theaters (usually the Memphian or the
land. It has occupied the same spot since
Cars. He rode the Zippin
city marches forward with its redevelopment
The Zippin Pippin predates Liberty-
He began renting it out
Devices
her friends. He was there
First Season
1923
with a party of about 20.
Height
70 ft
Elvis summed up his
First drop
70 ft
feelings about thrill rides in an August 1956
Speed
40 mph
interview, “Sure, I like amusement parks,” he
Track Length
2865 ft./
said. “I like ‘em a lot. And I like winning
Pandas and that kind of stuff.”
873.3 m
Vehicles
1
Riders Per Vehicle
24
Ride Time
90 seconds
h e l p w a nt e d
Closing of Libertyland cuts teen job prospects
D enise P arkinson
I
n light of the tragic spike in homicides
Memphis’s current budget problems meant
among inner-city youth during the first
that “the money is simply not available to
weeks of January, the announcement of
fund the program.” When asked to comment
Libertyland’s closure has taken on an added
on the issue of the hundreds of jobs wiped out
dimension: the issue of public safety. due to the loss of Libertyland, Mayor Herenton
The closure of Libertyland represents the
elimination of the largest recreational
declined.
Libertyland does not receive tax money
“T hey wante d a 10 -ye ar le a s e ( in or d e r to r e - inve s t in
Libertyland). Our counter proposal was for a year-to-year
le a s e. We could n’t g o wit h t heir 10 -ye ar pr opos al b ec au s e of
t he cit y ’s futur e plans for t he park , which we don’t k now
w h a t t h o s e p l a n s a r e .”
destination for area youth, as well as the
from the city, county, or state, unlike other
extinction of the single largest employer of
entities within the parks system. For example,
inner-city teens. Such a simultaneous
Memphis taxpayers are liable for more than
convergence of unemployment and lack of
$5 million in debt due to recent upgrades in
not updating the park; there’s no new rides.”
informed that Mid-South Fair officials consid-
venue is unprecedented for Memphis youth.
the city’s golf courses, while the Liberty Bowl
Lipscomb then suggested that, with Liberty-
ered the year-to-year lease a blow to re-
is undergoing a $10 million dollar renovation. land closed, Memphis youth can “go to
investment and the main reason new rides
Disney World.”
were not added, Aviotti elaborated:
Libertyland has for three decades employed
from 500-800 teens each season, providing
“It’s always concerning when kids don’t
Pete Aviotti, special assistant to Mayor Herenton
For a clearer explanation of the lease
“They wanted a 10-year lease (in order to
much-needed summer jobs as well as a safe,
have opportunities,” says Robert
convenient gathering-place during the summer
Lipscomb, Memphis’s new Chief Financial
problem that led to Libertyland’s closure
re-invest in Libertyland). Our counter proposal
vacation. Several city leaders were contact-
Officer. “Working during the summer is a way
(this according to both the past president and
was for a year-to-year lease. We couldn’t go
ed and asked whether they were concerned
to stay out of trouble...(although) the ones who
current vice president of the Mid-South Fair,
with their 10-year proposal because of the
aren’t working don’t necessarily turn to crime.” Libertyland’s non-profit management
city’s future plans for the park, which we don’t
company) we turned to Pete Aviotti, special
know what those plans are.”
about so many young people being denied
jobs as well as a place to congregate.
Mayor Willie Herenton noted that the city’s
summer jobs program for youth would also
When asked about the city’s repeated
denial of a lease for Libertyland and if that
denial of a lease (for more than a decade) has
assistant to Mayor Herenton.
When asked whether the loss of a 30-year
“First of all, the city was not the one that
employer/destination was ominous for
not return this summer. This shuts down an
contributed to the park’s decline, Lipscomb
shut down Libertyland. It was the Mid-South
additional 1,600 jobs. “That was a $600,000
said, “It’s a dead property...the problem with
Fair. They weren’t denied a lease; they just
(teenagers) have the right to go out and look
Libertyland is not the lease, it’s that they’re
didn’t get the lease they wanted.” When
for whatever jobs they can find.”
program,” Herenton said, explaining that
Memphis teenagers, Mr. Aviotti replied, “They
Save
Libertyland! continues the
effort to find new, for-profit management alternatives
so that the park can be rescued from demolition. Several city
council members support the group’s effort to bring the issue, including the
lease controversy, before the council in early February. The group will hold its
second in a series of concerts dedicated to saving Libertyland, a Valentine’s Dance for
Love of Libertyland, on Saturday, February 18, at the HiTone Cafe in Midtown. The show
features an early (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.) musical event for children and families, as well as a late
show (10 p.m. -til), featuring Harlan T. Bobo and the Luv Clowns, the MiniVan Blues Band,
and introducing 14-year-old Audra Brown, who sings and plays acoustic guitar.
Donations ($5 minimum) are welcome and the documentary film crew will be on
hand. For more information, contact Save Libertyland! at 901-276-0346. February 2006
Lamplighter 11
S a v e L i b e r tyL a n d
A visitor’s view of local treasures
J i m F ut r e l l , H i st o r i a n
N a t i o n a l Amus e m e nt P a r k H i st o r i c a l Ass o c i a t i o n
L
ast year, I had the opportunity to visit
erected in its present form in 1923, making
Memphis for the first time. Given my
it the fifth oldest operating roller coaster in
experience in the past with visits to
the country. Its designer, John Miller, was
other Southern cities, I admittedly did not
the most prolific roller coaster designer in
have high expectations. Many of them have
history, designing and building hundreds
lost sight of what makes a city great and
of rides during the 1920s. He invented the
turned their back on their urban heart in favor
means to “lock” a roller coaster train to the
of unchecked suburban sprawl.
track resulting in the high speed thrillers
I left Memphis feeling that it was a city
working together to build a world class
found today. Its loss would be tragic.
Further supporting the cause for preserving
community and feeling a touch of jealousy
Libertyland is the utter lack of competition in
that Pittsburgh, my hometown, did not seem
the region. A resident of Memphis would have
to have the same shared vision. I looked
to travel to Hot Springs, AR; Bowling Green,
forward to sharing the city with my family on
KY; Pigeon Forge, TN or St. Louis, MO, to visit
a return visit.
another major amusement park.
That is why I am so baffled by the situation
Furthermore, other similarly sized markets
surrounding Libertyland. Over the past few
have successfully supported comparably sized
months, I have watched as the citizens of
parks for decades. These include Hartford, CT
Houston have agonized over the loss of
(Lake Compounce); Louisville, KY (Six Flags
Astroworld, their beloved theme park which
Kentucky Kingdom); Grand Rapids, MI
fell victim to rising land values. This does not
(Michigan’s Adventure); Buffalo (Martin’s
have to be the case in Memphis. While
Fantasy Island); Rochester, NY (Seabreeze
Libertyland has struggled in recent years,
Amusement Park); and Oklahoma City, OK
when I visited, I could see the potential of the
(Frontier City). It is also important to note that
place with its tall trees and charming build-
along with Martin’s Fantasy Island and
ings. But I could also see that the park has not
Seabreeze, Buffalo and Rochester are the key
had the opportunity to thrive in recent years.
markets for Six Flags Darien Lake in upstate
The Revolution desperately needed a coat of
New York. People will support an amusement
paint and the new rides looked like they were
park if given a compelling reason to do so.
borrowed from a carnival. For any amusement
As an amusement park historian, I have
park to thrive, it needs stability, a committed
seen dozens of communities throughout the
management team and resources to continu-
country look fondly back to the days when an
ally make improvements. From what I have
amusement park was part of their social fabric
seen and heard, while management has tried,
and wish that they could again recapture
they have been stymied by the lack of a long
those days.
term lease and limited resources to succeed.
I can only image what Libertyland could be
I have seen how local leaders in Nashville
have scrambled to replace Opryland since that
if given the resources to thrive rather than left
theme park was demolished. Many of them
to hang out to dry. In addition to the trees and
are willing to invest millions in public funds to
buildings that many amusement parks would
see another major amusement park open in
pay dearly to have, Libertyland is blessed with
the community.
two other critical assets that link the place with
It does not have to be this way in Memphis.
generations of Memphians and could be
As you have demonstrated, Memphis has the
powerful marketing points.
commitment and vision to build a world-class
1) The hand carved carousel is one of the last
community. It is imperative that Libertyland be
and finest examples of a departed Amer-
looked upon as an asset rather than a liability,
ican art form. Throughout the country,
and it be given the resources it needs to
communities have banded together to ac-
compete. It could be as simple as turning
quire, restore and operate antique carou-
operations over to a company experienced in
sels as tourist draws and Memphis should
operating amusement parks and giving them
be no different.
the stability of a long-term lease or even
2) Just as important is the Zippin Pippin. Not
ownership. I urge the leadership of your fine
only was it Elvis Presley’s favorite ride, but
community to make a commitment to seeing
it represents one of the last examples of
Libertyland thrive and grow so that if can be
roller coaster technology from what is
as valued an asset as Graceland, the Peabody,
known as the Golden Age. Although its
Beale Street, the zoo, the Civil Rights Museum
roots date back further, Zippin Pippin was
and the Grizzlies.
12 LampLighter February 2006
The Memphis
Alcohol
Commission
denied an offpremises beer
permit to the
Hood Grocery
on McLean in
January. The
permit was
opposed by the
CYDC and the
Rozelle-Annesdale
Area Association.
B l u e C h r i stm a s
Owner closes store of hand-made
goods and home-made feelings
An d y As h by
L
ess than six months after it opened, a
atmosphere. Those were the two things I was
CY boutique that sold hand-crafted
focused on and quite frankly, I think I did both
items has closed.
of those very well.”
Dylan Blue, which was located at 933 S.
After a strong start, the store, which had
Cooper, was named after store owner John
700-square-feet of retail space, closed after
Madsen’s first grandchild. The first name came
Christmas.
from Bob Dylan, while the last name came
“The first 45 days, I did quite well. I was
from the blue states in the last presidential
actually at break-even, which is really good,”
McLean grocery store denied permit
to sell beer
election.
says John. “But what I was seeing was the half
S utt o n M o r a H a y e s , E x e c ut i v e D i r e c t o r C Y DC
“So his name is Dylan Blue, my store’s
the people that were coming in were from
someone threw a switch. A lot of those folks
A
just seemed to not come back to the neigh-
permit on January 18.
name is Dylan Blue and my business is going
outside of Cooper-Young, like East Memphis or
to be named Dylan Blue,” says John. “That kid
Germantown. It just seemed like after gas hit
started life with a lot of good karma.”
three dollars a gallon after Katrina, it was like
John brought his own unique merchandise
into the neighborhood.
“I wanted to give people the opportunity to
shop in a place where everything is hand-
borhood.”
Since opening Dylan Blue in June, John
grocery and convenience store on
However, in an effort to help revitalize the
McLean will not be allowed to sell
area, the organizations felt it was important to
beer, after the Memphis Alcohol
challenge the permit. The CYDC and the RAAA
Commission denied its application for a
The permit was denied by a one vote
protested this permit on several grounds.
First, the Rozelle-Annesdale Area Association researched the 20 petition signatures
margin by the Commission. The CYDC and
needed to apply for the permit. To receive a
made. I think there is kind of an aura, a
received editorial coverage in publications
Rozelle-Annesdale Area Association worked
permit of this type, the owner of the business
character, a flavor to stuff that’s been made by
such as At Home Tennessee, World Traveler and
together to protest granting an off-premises
must acquire signatures from area residents,
hand and that people care and concern and
Memphis Magazine. He also partnered with
beer license for the “Hood Grocery” located at
and the signers must list how long they have
real effort into,” says John.
the CYCA in a special shopping night on
975 South McLean.
known the applicant. Of the 20 signatures,
John makes his own jewelry, but he also
December 7.
had items from other artists in the store on
Although his Cooper-Young store has
consignment. However, the store was about
Each organization stressed the need for
two of the signers were found to live outside
this area to remain residential. This property
of the district. Another three submitted a
closed, John is going to keep on selling his
has been a problem in the neighborhood
notarized letter to the Memphis/Shelby County
more than just merchandise. It was also about
unique merchandise. He still runs a web site,
for many years, with the owner of the
Alcohol Commission stating that they had
creating a certain environment.
www.dylanblue.com, where he has about 100
property – Ronald Mosby – currently under
never met the applicant, nor had they signed
items for sale at any one time. Madsen said
indictment for possession of narcotics with
the petition.
an inviting place to be and was very soothing
he will keep showing at fairs and flea markets
intent to sell. Mawardi Abdulahi, the applicant
in appearance,” John says. “I have had people
in the region. He might also have an opportu-
for the off-premises beer permit is leasing
the corner of McLean and Felix, and has no
come in here and just ask if they could relax
nity to travel as a factory-licensed vendor to
space from this owner and has no criminal
off-street parking places available to its
for a while because it does have a soothing
Harley Davidson rallies.
background.
patrons. As a result, visitors to the store must
“I wanted to create a shop that looked like
Secondly, the Hood Grocery is located at
park along McLean and Felix. These visitors
often park on both sides of Felix, which is only
28-feet wide, blocking additional cars from
entering or leaving the neighborhood. This is
a major inconvenience to current and future
residents, and can potentially be a safety
hazard.
Finally, the CYDC will break ground this
spring on a large and ambitious residential
revitalization program focusing on Seattle
Street, located one block to the west of Hood
Grocery. This revitalization effort will bring
much needed homes and opportunities to this
area of the neighborhood, and its success
depends on the stabilization of its residential
character. The CYDC is concerned that this
business, surrounded on all sides by residential property, will not aid in the improvement
of the area. The type of services offered can
be found nearby on Lamar and on Cooper in
areas designated for commercial development.
Active commercial use of this space will
diminish the impact of quality residential
redevelopment in the area.
February 2006
Lamplighter 13
Crime and Safety
Safe streets start with safe homes
Te r rY l aW r e N c e
I
trust that we all had a
out of the comfortable walking distance for
safe and happy 2005,
many people. The bad guys are banking on the
and that 2006 is starting
fact that many of us will not walk down the
out to be an even better year.
street and confirm the handyman’s referral. Be
Throughout this year, i am
aware that the reason for making the offer
going to ask each of us to do
might be to gain access to your property and
two things: the first relates to
worst still to the inside of your home.
keeping ourselves and our
Stop crime with your phone
one of the best weapons you have to stop crime is your phone. The Memphis Police
department offers two programs designed to specifically reduce neighborhood crime:
545-COPS (2677)
To report a crime that is not an emergency, call 545-coPS. it is vital that you report
crime – even something as small as having your shed broken into, or losing a garden tool.
528-CASH (2274)
The second thing i want each of us to do is
families safer, and the second relates to
Check in on our senior citizens fre-
making our community a safer and better
quently. By checking in on our seniors we are
place. i want to make the distinction between
combating several things at once. First, during
the two because creating a safe environment
times of extreme cold or heat, they are the
is akin to performing rescue work. You can not
most vulnerable to these conditions. Stop by to
rescue others if you have become a victim
make sure that their home is properly heated or
yourself. We must make our immediate
cooled as the season warrants. Second, falls
personal space safer, then we can help to
around the house and other medical emergen-
make the spaces around us safer. The first
cies claim the lives of many seniors each year.
thing i want each of us to do is be aware. Be
So the more frequent we stop in to visit with
aware of the fact that not everything a
our seniors, the greater our chances of being
stranger tells you is the truth. if someone
there sooner if help is needed.
offers to do handyman work around your
MaKe The call
This is the number for crime Stoppers, an anonymous hotline that accepts crime related
tips. You do not have to know every detail of a crime in order to contact crime Stoppers. You
might only know the gender or nickname of a suspect, or perhaps you know the make of a
car you think might have been involved in a crime. Your call to crime Stoppers is valuable.
While crime Stoppers does pay monetary awards for tips that led to an arrest or the resolution of an open case, those rewards are secondary to the positive sense of self you develop
just by sharing knowledge that helps reduce crime. Some people are reticent to contact crime
Stoppers for fear that their identity will be made known. crime Stoppers is truly anonymous;
you will be known only by the identification number assigned to you when you call. if you
have witnessed crime or even just think that you might know something, take the time to call
crime Stoppers. Your call will help reduce crime and will make our neighborhood safer.
if you own a cell phone, you may also consider carrying it when you walk the neighborhood. it will make it easier to call and alert the police to suspicious behavior on
These are two very easy things that all of
house and uses the name of one of your
us can and should do. So let us be aware
neighbors as a reference — be aware. Be
and check in on our seniors starting
aware that the referred neighbor’s house is
today.
your block.
Know your
neighborhood
Property crime
There are a hundred positive reasons to get
to know your neighbors. You may discover
continued from page 1
“ Yo u h a v e t o k e e p y o u r e y e s o p e n .
stopped when the police installed a special
m e t h a t n o b o d y s a w a nyo n e t a k i n g t h a t c a s h r e g i s t e r.”
It utterly mystifies
that the couple across the street throws a great
barbeque, or the older lady next door keeps
coBra alarm system.
Karen Lebovitz
No suspects have been charged with either
the Tsunami break-in or the otherlands’
an eye out for unusual activity during the day.
There is also the fact that your neighbors
may be criminals. on January 13, a cooper-
While not all crimes are preventable, others
my questions and will return an email
Young resident was arrested in connection
quickly.”
with a child pornography sting. The Commer-
burglaries. although inspector collins thinks
are. “our most problematic crimes at this time
they may have locked up the responsible
are larceny thefts, thefts from vehicles and non-
individual for other crimes. There had been
residential burglaries. These are crimes of
our community to contact him with any
who lives in the 1000 block of Philadelphia
several similar incidents across the Midtown
opportunity,” says collins, “and could be
concerns they might have. “i can’t fix a ticket,
was already on the Tennessee Sexual
business community.
reduced if we all are a little more careful when
but i can fix red tape,” says collins. in
offenders registry.
we leave things in our vehicles or unsecured
addition to calling the precinct, the inspector
around our homes.”
can be reached via email at mcollins@
post on our unofficial group forum at http://
memphispolice.org.
groups.yahoo.com/group/cooperyoung/. This
Ben worries about the perception that
cooper-Young is a dangerous place among
those who don’t live in our community. “The
“You have to keep your eyes open. it utterly
inspector collins encourages members of
people who eat in my restaurant, don’t live
mystifies me that nobody saw anyone taking
here and when they hear about crime in
that cash register,” says Karen. “We also should
portion of the West Precinct will relocate.
cooper-Young, they don’t make distinctions
really get neighborhood watches going more.”
inspector collins expects that having a
about where it happened.”
Police are also frustrated that so many
Tsunami owner Ben, encourages people to
Within the next three years, the non-traffic
presence in that area will help aid revitaliza-
cial Appeal reported that Peter r. Vermilye,
The LampLighter was alerted to this by a
post started an interesting discussion about
criminals living in our neighborhoods.
The state allows people to search by zip
code for sexual offenders. a cursory search
be more aware and to take responsibility for
tion and in turn deter crime. “We’re on
criminals return to the streets a short time
keeping the areas around their house and
top of each other here,” says collins
after being arrested. inspector collins pulled
businesses safe. “i know most of the characters
about the precincts three acre
out a stack of papers eight inches thick and
that hang out around here,” he says. “i try to
site. “i think it will benefit
database, visit www.ticic.state.
indicated that those were the arrests for the
respect them and their situation. i understand
those neighborhoods and in
tn.us/SEX_ofndr/search_short.asp.
first 18 days of January. “it is challenging,
about being homeless … but at the same time
turn the whole precinct to
almost everyone we lock up is out the next
i want to make this area an inhospitable place
be there.”
day on bond,” says collins. “it is hard not to
for thugs.”
get despondent, but i just tell my cops to stay
focused and stay on it and we’ll get them.”
collins, who has family roots in the midtown
interested in searching the
The West Precinct serves
area of Memphis – with
reducing crime in the area. he is actively
92,000 residents and 200,000
the MPd to show a reduction in crime for the
involved in with neighborhood and community
daily commuters in the space
year 2005. it ended the year with .09 percent
groups in the area. “he is great,” says randi
of about 22.35 square miles.
fewer crimes than in 2004.
lynn, cYca director. “he always responds to
14 LampLighter February 2006
living in our community. if you are
the most densely populated
area stretching back to 1929, is committed to
The West Precinct was the only precinct in
shows no additional sex offenders
Inspector R. Mark Collins
Lt. Aldridge
Crime and Safety
B l o c k C a pta i ns
Wat c h W o r d
Be the go-to guy or gal for your block
Keep your home safe
Secure your storage areas – this includes the gate to your backyard, your shed or other
C o u r tn e y M i l l e r S a nt o
T
outbuildings.
Be cautious of door-to-door solicitors. There are many legitimate organizations that
he Cooper-Young Community Associa-
use the meeting space provided by the
tion is looking for a few good eyes and
CYCA. Call the office to reserve a time and
canvas neighborhoods for donations, but criminals have also been known to obtain entry
ears. The Block Club program is in
date.
into homes by posing as solicitors or asking for work. They may also use the visit as an
need of residents willing to take responsibility
to increase the safety of their block.
While the CYCA has had many active Block
Clubs in year’s past (especially following the
• Make flyers about the event to hand out to
your neighbors with the date and time and
address. The CYCA will help if needed.
•At the meeting, ask for everyone’s address,
opportunity to learn if you are home, if you have a dog, or what valuables you own. If you
are unsure about door-to-door solicitors in your neighborhood, call the police at 545-COPS.
If someone wants to mow your lawn or rake leaves be sure to ask for identifi-
cation or references. Then before you hire them, call the references. Do not allow
windstorm of 2003), the program has become
phone number, and email. This information
stagnant. “I’ve only heard from a handful of
can be quite useful in an emergency. This
Block Captains since I started working with the
information should not be used for
number on your personal belongings. Keep an updated list of these belongings,
CYCA,” says Randi Lynn, CYCA Director. Randi
solicitation or shared with anyone outside
including serial numbers. If the belongings are found with someone who cannot produce
encourages all Block Captains to contact her.
the area. It is strictly for your block’s use in
the corresponding ID number, then it’s cause for immediate arrest.
This will help the organization keep an up-to-
an emergency. Safeguard this information;
date list.
Do not leave items of value in your car.
nothing can ruin an effort to organize faster
Do not leave valuable items (purse, briefcase, television, stereo, etc.) within
Block Clubs use citizen involvement to
than publishing people’s private information
secure their own homes and personal property
or using it to sell Girl Scout cookies.
and to report suspicious activities to the police.
•Identify one or two individuals who will
They are the eyes and the ears of the community. Being involved in a Block Club provides
education about securing your home, identifying suspicious activities, learning what crimes
and trends are common in your area, as well as
providing a secure venue for neighbors to get
volunteer to serve as Block Captains. They
will organize meetings, keep in touch with
police and the CYCA and serve as the
information point person for your block in
an emergency.
someone you do not know to enter your house.
Participate in Operation Identification by engraving your driver’s license
easy reach or view of a window.
Leave your porch light(s) on at night.
Lock all windows and doors before leaving home.
If you will be away from your house for a period of time, put your house on vacation watch.
This free service means that an officer will stop in front of your home at least four times in
a 24-hour period each day. Call 274-7012.
Sign up for the CYCA’s free electronic newsletter, which is chock full of safety
tips and information. It is the best way to keep up-to-date on safety issues in our
to know one another.
neighborhood.
Block Clubs come in all shapes and sizes:
Get to know your neighbors and share contact information.
some are formal; some are just neighbors
getting together to barbeque and talk. Each
M a pp i ng M i s d e e d s
block has the power to decide for themselves
Crime in
Cooper-Young
the scope of their involvement with each other
and the surrounding neighborhood. However,
organized blocks are the cornerstone of
D
preventing crime in our community.
o you want to know what crime is taking
If you are part of an active Block Club, please
place in our neighborhood? The
call Randi at 272-2922, and let her know about
Memphis Police Department offers a tool
your club (Whitney Jo, Debbie Sowell and Jon
on its web site (www.memphispolice.org) that allows
Devin are the only captains the CYCA knows). If
you to locate crime information.
you are interested in starting a Block Club for
Crimemapper allows you to input an address
your little corner of CY, please call Randi. The
and search in quarter-mile increments for a specific
following guidelines may help you get started:
type of crime (e.g. drug, burglary or theft). It then
•Decide the boundaries of your block – for
returns with the results of your search for the
example, some long streets in our neighbor-
previous 30 days. It contains only crimes that are
hood have three or four groups per block.
reported to the Memphis Police Department and
The Memphis Police Department suggests
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
that each group consist of at least 10
houses.
• Talk to your neighbors. Explain why you
want to organize your block and ask for
their participation. Identifying yourself to
your neighbors and let them know that you
are a concerned resident of the area.
• Find a time, date, and place that is good for
you and your neighbors to meet. This does
not have to be formal. It could be a
gathering in your own home or front yard. If
you would feel more comfortable meeting in
Results displayed are not distinguished as
Using the Crimemapper tool, we were able to put
attempted or completed crimes. For example, the
results may show a motor vehicle theft, but a
together a quick list of crimes that happened in our
n e i g h b o r h o o d f r o m N ove m b e r 15 to J a n u a r y 15. Po lic e
r e por t s wer e file d for ne arly 10 0 crime s .
• 3 aggravated assaults
(2 domestic violence)
• 41 burglary
• 5 drug violations
• 49 thefts
• 1 purse snatching
• 1 shoplifting
• 8 simple assaults
vehicle actually may not have been stolen, but an
attempt was made to steal it, or a burglary may not
have occurred, but an attempt to commit a
burglary may have occurred.
The crime map, which the LampLighter prints
every issue utilizes this tool, and is provided to us
by Katherine Turner.
a neutral space outside the block, you can
February 2006
Lamplighter 15
B e a uty m a r ks
Trestle remains one of CooperYoung’s most valuable assets
R a n d i Lynn , C Y CA D i r e c t o r
W
hen friends or family were visiting over the holidays, I’d always wait to see if
they mentioned the trestle as we drove down Cooper. Without fail, I was
always able to proudly share information about one of Cooper-Young’s most
valuable assets. With the auction right around the corner, here is the short story that you
may remember or never knew about the Cooper-Young Trestle.
Work on the CY Trestle Project began as a collaboration among the CY Community
Association, the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, and the UrbanArt Commission. Since the early 1990s, the trestle on Cooper just south of York had been abandoned.
The Union Pacific railroad agreed to donate that portion of the railroad to the CYCA in
December 1998. Then, in May 1999, a required lease encroachment agreement that
granted air rights to that portion of Cooper Street was signed between the City of Memphis
and the CYCA. Initial funding came through a Community Foundation grant for the
Gateways 2000 project. Matching funds came from the CY Business Association, residents,
and generous corporate and private donors who made this huge undertaking possible.
Jill Turman, a local metal sculptor selected from a nationwide search that included 32
submissions from San Francisco to New York, created 12 steel models of actual buildings
in the neighborhood that are featured in a walking tour pamphlet available at the
community offices. Each house represents prevalent architectural styles of the houses in
Cooper-Young. This pioneering project was awarded the 1999 Imagine Memphis Urban Art
Award for Vision. The art trestle dedication was held on October 7, 2000 with the
presence of Mayor W.W. Herenton.
For more than five years now, the CYCA (a 501(c)3
The innovation and
quality of the
Tr e s t l e A r t p r o j e c t
has increased the
visibility of our
c o m m u n i t y…
organization) funds the annual maintenance of the
Trestle Art through membership dues, donations, and
special fundraising events such as the upcoming
auction. We could not have anticipated the events on
September 11, 2001, making the liability insurance a
difficult item to acquire due to the terror threats to
public buildings. Our expenses for 2005 were approximately $5,000, more than three times the anticipated
annual expense when the installation was completed.
The annual expenses include rent, insurance, utilities,
lighting maintenance, inspection, and keeping the art graffiti-free. Expenses are expected
to run as high as $5,000 again this year. For 2006, some expenses are increasing such as
utilities and the structural repairs scheduled to take place in May; however, we have found
a better insurance rate and bartered with Schwartz Electric to reduce other expenses.
The innovation and quality of the Trestle Art project has increased the visibility of our
community and city and is now an inseparable structure of our neighborhood. The beauty
of this project has gone well beyond the construction of a unique art piece in the urban
environment. We have seen an increase in safety, a greater exposure to other neighborhoods and cities, and an increasing participation from the community. It one of CooperYoung’s most valuable assets that we can all be proud to share.
16 LampLighter February 2006
C H AT T E R B OX
Rumored and
reported
We’re not the only ones who think there are
people and places in Cooper-Young worth
talking about. This is our monthly round-up of
CY neighbors, businesses and community folk
chased during the trunk show to Peabody
and adults were asked to write poetry and
And on a more community note, Goner has
Elementary School to buy books for its
prose inspired by works of art in the museum.
one of the more active message boards in our
library. The Lafont frames incorporate a classic,
Students from Memphis City Schools and
community check it out at www.goner-records.
sophisticated style that utilizes rich, colorful
adults from the Memphis Literacy Council
com/board/.
acetates and the purest of metals. www.eclectic-
participated in the project. Their stories are
eye.com
displayed in a special exhibition alongside
Search for oldest furnace
CY – the game
the art at the Brooks Museum through
A recent article in the Memphis Flyer (January
February 12.
Conway Services Heating and Cooling is
celebrating the New Year “and its 15-year
anniversary” by conducting an “Oldest
that have got other me dia talking or the
13) about Memphis and Wikipedia (an
Furnace” contest. “We are looking for the
community talking. If you’ve got something
internet information catch-all)
oldest operational, residential furnace in our
mentioned CY, which got us thinking,
service area,” said John Conway, owner. “The
what does “the free encyclopedia that
winner will receive a brand new, completely
anyone can edit” have to say about
installed, high-efficiency York Affinity furnace,
our community. There was the usual
valued up to $2,500.” Call Conway Services
glowing report about our redevelop-
Heating and Cooling if you think you may
ment and revitalization, but also an
have the oldest operating furnace. The
entry for Cooper-Young, an abstract
decision of the judges will be final, and the
board game. “Invented by Luke
contest ends March 2. The “Oldest Furnace”
Pebody while a doctoral student in
winner must be a working, residential furnace.
you think we should know about, go ahead
and email us at cylamplighter@yahoo.com, or
call us at 827-4797.
The daily CY
The Daily News (January 10) devoted
several pages to Cooper-Young and the
Cooper-Young Development Corporation,
including a commentary by CYDC Director
Sutton Mora Hayes. We learned that construction on Seattle Street/McLean Avenue area
project is set to begin in late February or early
March. The project, which includes building
10 new homes, will be completed in several
phases with funding and support from the
Memphis, Tennessee, and named after a
midtown Memphis neighborhood he lived in
known as “Cooper-Young” (see neighborhood
website)” To learn how to play, you’ll have to
visit www.wikipedia.org.
Fairview renovation
City’s Division of Housing and Community
In the recently released Memphis City
Development and the Tennessee Housing
School’s Five Year Facilities plan, Fairview Jr.
Development Agency. The issue also featured
High School is slated for a major makeover.
an interview with Randi Lynn, CYCA Director
Fairview is one of the 30 city school over 60
and an excellent editorial about our commu-
years old and is one of 10 listed on the
nity. Randi tells the Daily News that, “Safety is
National Register of Historic Places (as is
our top priority. The Fairgrounds redevelop-
Peabody Elementary). Records show that for
ment plans are a close second and we are
many of these schools, much of the mainte-
always looking to improve community
nance and renovations required were not kept
awareness, beautification and membership,
up to date causing some problems for the
which helps maintain our mission.”
schools. If the program is adapted as is,
Fairview’s renovation would begin in the 2006
to 2007 school year. Additionally, as part of a
revamping of the grades, Peabody would
become a K-5 in the 2007 to 2008 school
year. The LampLighter will take a more in-depth
look at the program and how it will affect our
neighborhood in the next issue.
Young industry
Cheesy, cheesy smell
With construction starting on the previous
site of the Keathley Pie Factory, the LampLighter reports a distinctly cheesy odor drifting
up from the dirt after a recent rain. One
neighbor described it like “rotting cheesecake”
and another “like giant bag of cheetos.”
Book eyes
The Eclectic Eye presents a trunk show by
The Daily News (January) published a report
that NY and Y Development Corp. has taken
out a $3.1 million construction loan through
Bank of Bartlett for property at 2271 Young
Ave. The property contains a two-story
industrial/manufacturing building constructed
in 1947.
Brooks partners with
Literacy Council
A new exhibition at the Memphis Brooks
LaFont on February 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at
Museum of Art focuses on storytelling as a
its store on 242 S. Cooper. As part of The
vehicle for looking at art. A Picture is Worth a
Eclectic Eye’s ongoing commitment to
Thousand Words: Stories in Art at the Brooks is
supporting the community, the store will
the result in part of a project in which children
donate $25 from every LaFont frame pur-
Trading Spaces
Jennifer Murley of the 1000 block of New
York Street recently participated in Trading
Spaces, the wildly popular home make-
over television show, which airs on the
cable channel TLC. For those of you who are
unfamiliar with the show, Trading Spaces offers
There is no gimmick or obligation to purchase
anything to enter this contest. The winner will
be announced on March 5, at the Vesta Home
Expo, to be held at the Agricenter. Conway
Services Heating and Cooling is located at
6426 Summer Gale. For more information
regarding the contest, call 384-3511.
two neighbors the opportunity to decorate a
room in each other’s houses. Homeowners
work with an interior designer who plans the
concept, and a carpenter who builds pieces for
the room. Given a budget of $1,000 to $2,000
for each design, teams have two days to
complete the renovation. Jennifer will give us
the inside scoop on her experience in the next
issue (we can‘t reveal any secrets before then
anyway). So watch the show on TLC, which
should air in early March.
Farewell
Ida Bomprezzi, a resident of Cooperyoung for more than 60 years passed away.
This Tanglewood resident had just finished a
book about her life, which she had dedicated
to helping the deaf. Two of her three children
were hearing impaired.
Healthy toddlers
Carol Bickler and her son Elijah
Fish to fly soon
Tiger is at it again. As reported by the Daily
News (January 18) Tiger Bryant, who owns
Young Avenue Deli, is partnering with longtime friend Raymond Williams to open a
restaurant in the space formerly occupied by
the Cooper-Young Flower Mart. The Flying
Fish Café is expected to open this month,
Jackson were featured in a Commercial
and when the LampLighter talked with
Appeal (January 6) article about toddlers not
Raymond at a recent Memphis Alcohol
eating healthy. We’re glad to report that Elijah
Commission hearing, he said he‘d like the
enjoyed a healthy lunch of fruit and veggies,
doors to be open ”as soon as possible.”
although his mother did admit he enjoys the
occasional fast food.
Goner keeps on going
Our own local record store reports that its
National board certified
Our own columnist Dr. D. Jackson Maxwell
was featured in the Midtown Appeal in
January. Dr. Maxwell, an elementary school
2006 plans include the “Goner South By
teacher, recently became a National Board
Southwest Showcase” featuring King Louie One
certified teacher. The Memphis City Schools
Man Band, Harlan T Bobo, Head, Leather
counts 40 Board certified teachers in its
Uppers, Reigning Sound, and The Carbonas.
district. Way to go Dr. Maxwell.
February 2006
Lamplighter 17
P e a b o d y P r o j e c ts
Students roll sushi and create art at Brooks
J e nn i f e r W o r d
J
anuary has been an exciting time at
The majorettes practice diligently throughout
Peabody School. The students and
the year and did an outstanding job. The
teachers came back refreshed from the
jamboree was a huge success with a lot of
winter break. We have some new faces in our
participation. Many who attended were
hallways this semester. We would like to
amazed at the talent of our young squad.
welcome Mrs. Charlotte Baker to our faculty.
Congratulations girls on a job well done!
Mrs. Baker is coordinating our Learning Lab.
She has spent the last few years in Michigan.
However, she has chosen to return to
Open house wows parents
Peabody School’s Optional Open House
Memphis and Memphis City Schools. Mimi
was held on January 19. We had a successful
Naef, a resident of Cooper-Young, is currently
turn out. Prospective parents and students
fulfilling her student teaching requirements in
were able to tour the school and see our
Mrs. Mary Frances Williamson’s first grade
students’ outstanding work showcased
class. Mimi is completing her Master’s Degree
throughout the building. Parents were
at Christian Brothers University. We welcome
especially impressed with Peabody’s Interna-
both these ladies to our school.
tional Studies Program. If you have questions
about the Optional Program call the office
at 416-4606.
Honors assembly
The third six weeks honors assembly was
held January 19 in the school cafeteria.
The fourth grade students enjoy making their own African mask at the Brooks.
Ready! Set! Write!
Our fifth grade students participated in the
The state of Tennessee and the district use the
TCAP Writing Assessment on February 1,
assessment to evaluate the progress of all fifth
2006. The students and teachers have worked
grade students. The students did a wonderful
hard all year to prepare for the assessment.
job. Thanks for all your hard work.
Students were rewarded not only for incredible academic work but also for great
behavior. Students received awards for
Principal’s List (all As and Es), Honor Roll (As
and Bs), Citizenship (no conduct marks), Good
Behavior (student had less than six conduct
marks), and the B.U.G Award is award to any
student who brings up a grade and maintains
all other grades. Congratulations to all of our
Chef Ben Smith, Tsunami, wows the
International Cooking Club.
Sushi at Tsunami
students who received an award. We have
some very hard working students at Peabody.
Thanks to all of our parents who work with us
to help our students succeed.
Chef/Owner Ben Smith of nearby Tsunami
graciously hosted the International Cooking
Going once! Going twice!
G a m e , s e t , m at c h
Playing Together returns to the
Children’s Museum of Memphis
Ran dy Mc Ke e l
P
lay King Tut’s favorite game of Senet. Challenge a friend to a game of Skittles or Mancala.
Play chess on a giant chessboard with huge game pieces. Play a multitude of games that
span generations and cultures in the traveling exhibit Playing Together: Games at the
Children’s Museum. This special exhibit will be on display from January 28 to April 23.
The Playing Together exhibit was developed and designed for children of all ages by the
Memphis Children’s Museum in 1994 and has traveled to numerous other children’s museums
across the country for the last 11 years. Now it returns home to the Van Vleet Gallery for another
showing before touring the country again.
Club. The Cooking Club focuses on a specific
The PTA is starting to plan for a spaghetti
country every month that are represented in
dinner and auction. The dinner/auction will be
International Studies. Chef Smith demon-
imaginative ways of playing together through games. As children and adults play games together,
held in April. If you would like to help with the
strated how to make sushi to the students for
they build skills, gain knowledge, learn cooperation and share memories,” says Judy Caldwell,
planning or donate items call the office at
our study about Japan foods. The students
Children’s Museum of Memphis executive director.
416-4606. Be on the lookout for additional
and the teachers had a wonderful time
The exhibit is divided into game categories of strategy, math, coordination and physical skills,
information. If you are not already involved
learning about the different ingredients and
and racing to the fish. The focal point is an oversized chessboard with giant game pieces. In
your child’s PTA please contact the school
techniques used in making the popular
one area visitors invent their own games using various playing pieces, game boards and timers. In
office to learn more.
the House of Cards playing area, visitors can ply a variety or other board games while they visit the
Japanese dish. Chef Smith did a remarkable
job at assisting students and teachers in
learning how to roll sushi. Tsunami is one of
Brooks Museum
On January 26, the fourth grade students
“The goal of this exhibit is to show how throughout history and across cultures, people invented
exhibit.
One of the earliest three-in-a-row games, Nine Men’s Morris is a strategy game in the exhibit
that inspired games like checkers, chess and backgammon. Boc-Tin, a Chinese game, is a version
the restaurants located here in Cooper-Young.
were able to participate in the ABC Program
Chef Smith and his staff have received
sponsored by the Memphis Brooks Museum of
numerous awards including the most recent
Art. The students were able to tour part of the
“Best Seafood” in Memphis. Thank you
museum. Then the students were able to go to
Chef Smith.
the workroom and create their own artwork.
every country in the world has a variation. Museum visitors can throw beanbags on the numbers
The ABC program is a grant-funded program.
and jump their way to victory on an indoor Hopscotch court.
Majorettes jam at the Jamboree
The beautiful and talented majorette
By the end of the year the Fourth Grade will
of Shut the Box that was played by French sailors aboard ships many years ago.
Senet is one of the earliest racing games, dating back over 3,000 years. It was discovered in the
tombs of Egyptian pharaohs and carved into roof tiles of ancient temples.
A coordination and physical skills game, Hopscotch dates back to Roman times and almost
In addition to playing games, one area focuses on how people react to winning and losing
have made three trips to the Brooks Museum.
squad, sponsored by Ms. Shana Williams
games. Photographs capture people’s faces after they won or lost a game. Visitors can try to guess
Thanks to the parents and teachers that
hosted a Jamboree at Fairview on January 21.
what the outcome was from their facial expressions.
chaperoned our kids.
18 LampLighter February 2006
Playing Together: Games is included with admission to the CMOM.
L i f e l o ng l e a r n i ng
Bellamy baskets: tis’ the season always
D r . D . J a c ks o n M a x w e l l
W
hile the winter holidays have
thousands of dollars worth of food, school
thinking I did something special
passed, we should help our
supplies, toys, and clothes to Memphis City
to help benefit someone else’s
neighbors throughout the year.
School children and their families. Bartlett
life, someone less fortunate,
The following is a story of two very different
students collect donations through their
makes me feel good.” Jasmine
schools and communities who share the same
Student Council and clubs and distribute
was joined by students Chris
cooperative, giving spirit—and who over the
baskets to families in the downtown area.
Frankilin, Jessica Contratto,
years have forged a partnership to help those
The Downtown School Guidance Counselor,
Antwan Jackson, Kirby Ingram,
Grace Wood, selected recipients based upon
and Natalie Hurt. The following
need. In the past, families have included those
school organizations donated
tary School hosted the annual Bellamy Basket
who have lost a mother or father, parents who
baskets: Art Club; Bartlett Against
program. For the last decade, Bartlett High
had lost a job, families suffering from illnesses,
Alcohol & Drugs; Fellowship of
School students have donated tens of
and victims of a house fire. This year, the
Christian Athletes; French, Latin
less fortunate than themselves.
On a recent Saturday, Downtown Elemen-
and Spanish Clubs; Reading &
Technology Club; National Honor
Bartlett students Kirby Ingram,
Jasmine Vann and Natalie Hurt stand
by baskets they helped prepare for
families in downtown Memphis.
Society; Junior and Senior Class Officers;
Basketball Cheerleaders; Academic Team;
DECA; Mu Alpha Theta; Pep Club; Cross
Country Team; Newspaper; and Student
Bellamy Baskets were given to 21 families.
The baskets are given in honor of Dennis
Bellamy, teacher and guidance counselor at
Bartlett High School. Mr. Bellamy was admired
Bartlett High School students, teachers and volunteers prepare to give out
Bellamy Baskets to families in the downtown Memphis area.
Council. In addition, Margaret Bellamy, the
widow of Dennis Bellamy makes a yearly
financial contribution.
Marcia Wunderlich, Principal of Downtown
for his generous and charitable nature. The
Elementary School, is pleased. “I am so happy
Bellamy Basket project strives to continue his
with all of the support that Downtown
lifelong work. The baskets are put together to
Elementary School and its students have
meet the specific needs of each family. For
received throughout Memphis,” says Marcia.
example, clothing, toys and school supplies
“Bartlett High School’s yearly gifts and
are purchased based on each child’s age
donations to our children and families are
and size.
greatly appreciated.”
Approximately, a dozen students and
The Bellamy Baskets are a fantastic project
teachers from the schools were on hand to
that helps bring two divergent communities
assist families in creating their baskets.
together. Not only does this partnership help
Melanie Contratto, Chemistry teacher and
children and their families, but it shows that
Student Council Advisor at Bartlett, said “The
city and county schools can work coopera-
students really enjoy helping others. They
tively. Anytime communities can reach out to
work for a week to get everything together
one another to help those less fortunate, we
and then get up on Saturday morning to
all end up winners. Keep the “season” and
deliver the baskets to Downtown.” Melanie
“spirit of giving” in your heart throughout the
continues, “You know if high school kids get
year.
up really early on a weekend, they really want
Dr. Maxwell is a National Board Certified
to help!” Laura Houston, a Physical Sciences
Teacher and educational consultant for
teacher and Pep Club sponsor at Bartlett, also
Memphis City Schools. If you have any questions
facilitated.
or comments, please email Dr. D. Jackson
Jasmine Vann, student and Student Council
Maxwell at: maxwellj01@k12tn.net.
member at Bartlett, said “Giving the Bellamy
Baskets feels good. Just the satisfaction of
February 2006
Lamplighter 19
EYE-096 LAMP copy.pdf
1/13/06
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
20 LampLighter February 2006
5:15:17 PM
sw e e t m e m o r i e s
The greatest of all desserts – cupcakes
MIDTOWN
IS
MEMPHIS
M a r i s a B a gg e tt
O
ne of the things that excited me the
most as a child was the anticipation
of my birthday party. Birthday
parties always yielded one of my favorite
To t h i s v e r y d a y, I a m s t i l l
easily placed under the
spell of these delightful
things - cake or even better, cupcakes. There
wasn’t a single aspect of the celebration that I
confections.
Chocolate Cupcakes
enjoyed more than getting down to the
cupcakes. While everyone else wanted to play,
mischief and quickness
I wanted to know, “When can we eat the
of my little hands.
And upon returning to
cupcakes?” In fact, the making of these little
makes about 12
1 ½ cups plain or cake flour
treats was how I learned to figure out when
the process, I always
1 ¾ tsp baking powder
my birthday was close. I was too young to
managed to stick a few
¼ tsp salt
quick fingers into the
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
understand a calendar or even the concept of
how many days were in a week, but when my
sticky mix while she spooned it into the paper
Grandma pulled out that red box of cake mix
cupcake cups. It was the moment I enjoyed
from her grocery store paper sacks, I always
almost as much as I did the actual eating of
got suspicious. It was the small, plastic
the completed cupcakes. The sticky, dark pink
container of paper cupcake holders that
mixture tasted like strawberry flavored milk. It
always confirmed my suspicions. And as I later
was so good and I always wanted more, even
learned, my Grandma only used a box mix
though my Grandma warned me of stomach
when making cupcakes for the kids; all other
aches and illness from eating raw eggs. But all
cakes were made from scratch.
I could think was that anything that tasted this
Hardly able to contain my excitement, I
would always ask to help. Grandma was
good definitely could not be bad.
When the cupcakes were safely in the oven
¾ cup sugar
3 eggs
½ cup milk
2 tsp Grand Marnier, Frangelico, Amaretto or your favorite liqueur
If you, or someone you
know, are thinking of buying or selling a Midtown
home in 2006, please contact me.
late, melted
934 NEW YORK
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a
standard cupcake pan with 12 cupcake cups.
and all the dishes were washed, I roamed the
open the mix with a pair of scissors. As I
hallway with fingers still tightly wrapped
would dump the lumpy pink powder into the
around my spoon. I paced the length of the
bowl, a little cloud of it would rise like smoke.
hallway over and over again dragging my
“Be careful, you don’t want to waste it,”
spoon against the walls. It was all I could think
large bowl. Gradually add sugar until
Grandma would urge. I liked to lick my finger
to do while I waited impatiently for the
lightened. Slowly beat in eggs. Begin-
and stick it into the bowl and watch as if it
cupcakes to bake. There was nothing better
ning and ending with the flour mix-
were magic, the light pink powder turn dark
than that first smell of sweetness coming from
ture, add to butter mixture alternating
pink right before wiping my finger clean on
the kitchen. Waiting seemed an eternity, but
with milk. Add liqueur and mix well.
my tongue. Each time I did this, I would frown
my eternity passed like light years as soon as I
Stir in melted chocolate.
and remind myself that I should have waited
fell asleep. Upon awakening, the cupcakes
until we mixed in the other ingredients. At this
were like some unexplainable phenomenon
stage, the powder itself tasted chalky. Sweet,
that appeared on the table, piled high with
but nothing like the strawberry flavor that I
pastel icing. It never took long to convince my
was ever so fond of.
Grandma for a preview.
To this very day, I am still easily placed
IS
Your Midtown
REALTOR®
3 squares (3 ounces) semisweet choco-
gracious and allowed me the luxury of cutting
I had to have a spoon of my very own
Joe Spake
Completely renovated 2 BR cottage in the heart of C-Y. New
HVAC, D/W, gleaming hardwood
floors, fresh paint. $127,500
2. Stir flour, baking powder and salt in a
small bowl.
3. Beat butter with an electric mixer in a
4. Fill cupcake cups with about 2/3
cupcake mix.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until
crowned. Remove from pan and allow
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to cool completely on a wire rack before icing.
when it came time to mix in the eggs, oil and
under the spell of these delightful confections.
water. It was just for the sake of appeasing me
For my recent birthday, my friends helped me
and keeping my hands busy, because I was
celebrate the occasion by obliging my request
not allowed to mix. Grandma was afraid that I
for chocolate cupcakes and pink icing (and
wouldn’t be able to break the egg yolks. I
champagne). And I have found that cupcakes
played with my spoon and the paper cups
evoke a sense of nostalgia in almost ev-
(or ½ stick butter and ¼ cup vege-
while she turned the bowl with great effort by
eryone. But why save the magic of cupcakes
table shortening for whiter icing)
hand. The longer she stirred, being ever so
just for birthdays? They are the perfect way to
3 tbsp milk
careful in her efforts to prevent the special mix
say in fanciful, bite-sized goodness, the very
1 tsp vanilla extract
from spilling, the darker the mix became. I
things greeting cards say. Try sending a few
watched closely for any opportunity to stick
cupcakes with a handwritten note or tie a
my fingers into leftovers for a quick taste
ribbon around the paper cup with a simple
preview. Despite my Grandma’s careful,
note attached the next time you want to say
watchful eye, my hands would “mysteriously”
thank you, thinking of you, or hope you’re
be covered in the stuff. I remember vaguely,
having a great day. Your sweet sentiments will
as we stopped our cupcake process to scrub
be considered even more heartfelt and you’ll
my hands clean, her lecturing me about the
get a big reward — a chance to lick the spoon!
Basic Icing
3 cups confectioner’s sugar
Joe Spake
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
In a medium sized bowl, beat all
ingredients on low speed until smooth.
Add 1-2 drops of food coloring if desired.
Spread desired amount on top of cooled
cupcakes.
February 2006
Lamplighter 21
If d o gs r un f r e e
America’s most unwanted
D e b o r a h C a mp
L
ast week Michael tried
choice if and only if the animal receives the
tant — the companionship of people or of
this column. He was a large black feral cat we
again to collar a large
care and comfort it needs. But often that is not
other animals — then what is the point of just
fed for many months but who wouldn’t let
black dog he’d seen
the case — even at some so-called no-kill
existing? Charles Darwin wrote in his book,
anyone near him. He stumbled onto the porch
shelters.
The Descent of Man: “Animals not only love,
one night and into Michael’s arms, bloodied
but they have the desire to be loved.”
and mangled, pleading for help. Michael
darting around Mid-town. The
dog didn’t seem to belong to
Too often animals — like the skittish dog
anyone and sooner or later
Michael attempted to rescue — are caught and
he’d probably get hit by a car
end up in a shelter dedicated to keeping the
us so? Because deep down we rebel against
So why does the issue of euthanasia upset
rushed him to the emergency animal clinic
where he was patched up, and where we were
if he weren’t caught. This dog,
animal alive at all costs. Even if well fed and
the injustice of it. If people would only be
told he had feline AIDS and leukemia. In
however, was quick and
treated humanely, many thousands of these
responsible with their pets. If only all no-kill
follow up visits with our own vet, we were
furtive in his skillful efforts to
unwanted dogs and cats are kept indefinitely
shelters could be like Best Friends Sanctuary
advised he would not survive long. Stubby
out maneuver Michael and the leash. He
where they suffer in isolation like an inmate
in Utah — a place where animals do enjoy
was a real fighter though. His was tough,
didn’t trust people and he didn’t want to be
on death row.
daily companionship and socialization. But
loveable, and lived two years longer than
that is not the case. It is heart rending to know
predicted.
rescued.
It’s animals like this one that present one of
It is no comfort for social animals to be
held captive in shelter cages month after
that approximately 13 to 17 million dogs and
Stubby’s illness finally took its toll. We
the greatest moral dilemmas for rescuers. If
month, year after year. One of the most basic
cats are killed in animal shelters each year —
knew euthanasia was the right thing to do.
you catch him against his will and present him
needs of all domestic animals is companion-
the perfectly healthy right along side the less-
Although the circumstances may differ, it is
to the humane society chances are he’ll spend
ship. Without it, they live in misery and
than-desirable cast-offs.
always our responsibility to put an end to an
a long time languishing in a cage. If he gets
depression much like caged laboratory
hauled off to Animal Services this type
animals. Like prisoners of war kept in
are euthanized than those who spend their
bility to see that the euthanasia — a Greek
probably won’t make it 24 hours before he is
isolation, many animals slowly go insane,
entire lives in isolation chained in someone’s
word that literally means “a good death” — is
put down. Allowed to go on his way he will
walking in circles and banging against their
yard, locked up in a shelter cage, or trying to
as comfortable and painless as possible. We
procreate, spread disease, and eventually die
cages. The cruelty of permanent caging and
survive on the mean streets. There are things
thank Dr. Jennifer Karnes, of Central Animal
a slow, agonizing death on the streets.
its ensuing loneliness is more than most
worse than death.
Hospital, and her assistant for coming into our
Hunger, heat or freezing rain, exhaustion,
animals can bear.
mange, fights, and other horrors will inevitably
take its toll.
These are the not-so-cute, semi-feral
types — with severe behavioral problems.
They are the ones who, based on past
experience, have no good reason to trust
people. In the animal world, these are
America’s Most Unwanted.
Why are there millions upon millions of
homeless animals trying to make their living
on the city streets and country roads of our
nation? They eat from dumpsters, drink from
mud puddles, hide in woods, sleep under
abandoned porches, and ferret out an
existence characterized by hardship and
loneliness.
As hard as it is to believe, it’s common for
city people to move and leave their pets
behind. Whether it’s cross-country or just
across town, people rationalize that their pets
will be OK in the old neighborhood. It’s
difficult to wrap your mind around such a
mentality, but abandoned pets account for the
many millions that freely roam our streets.
The solution is not pretty. And for many, it’s
simply not acceptable. But I will tell you what
the solution is: euthanasia. Oh, I know what
you may be thinking. There are many new nokill shelters popping up that are staffed by
well-intentioned volunteers and dedicated
animal lovers. These good folks — and I mean
that with the greatest sincerity — will insist that
keeping the animal alive and breathing is the
best possible choice. Of course it’s the best
22 LampLighter February 2006
Therefore, I submit that humanely adminis-
To be honest, I worry less about those who
And yes, we’ve had to practice what we
preach. In December, right before the
animal’s suffering. And it’s also our responsi-
home and making that possible.
Contact Deborah Camp at 525-0552, or
tered euthanasia is a blessing, not a curse. If
holidays, we had to have Stubby euthanized.
dcamp@memphisbusiness.com for comments
the animal cannot have what is most impor-
This is the tailless cat I’ve mentioned often in
or suggestions.
February 2006
Lamplighter 23
United Housing opens doors!
We offer low rate loans, qualified contractors,
compassionate counselors and and a variety of other
services for Memphis’ first-time homebuyers
and existing owners.
Open the door to your future!
(901) 272-1122
Brooks
24 LampLighter February 2006
Arts and Culture
STorY aN d SoNG
Black history in
Memphis
african american culture abounds in
Memphis and has played a central role in the
development of our city. We have the unique
opportunity to expand our understanding of
black history without leaving the city limits.
children’s Museum of Memphis
Storytelling – African American
History Month
Saturday, Feb. 25, 2 p.m.
all ages event included with admission
Memphis Symphony orchestra
Annual King Tribute Concert
The canon center for the Performing
P r i VaT e l i V e S
Exhibit offers glimpse of African
Americans from 1900 to 1950
d ia N e Ja lF o N
T
here is little visual documentation about the private lives of african americans in
the early twentieth century. a new exhibition at Memphis Brooks Museum of art
offers a glimpse into the shared rituals, diverse lifestyles, and evocative stories of
Southern african americans from 1900 to 1950.
Pictures from Home: Six African American Studio Photographers in the South, 1900 - 1950
will be on view at the museum from February 13 through april 30, 2006.
The six commercial photographers represented in Pictures from Home created a wide
spectrum of remarkable photographs, taken in studios and at urban and rural events. These
Did you know you can download a PDF
images were created over a period of time marked by enormous social change and
version of the LampLighter each month?
transition in the South.
The photographs record individuals, just a generation removed from the bonds of slavery,
Just visit www.cooperyoung.org and click
on the LampLighter button on the left por-
arts in Memphis
and organizations from every social stratum — the privileged and the poor, the illiterate and
Saturday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
the educated, the light and dark skinned, the elegant and the plain, the young and the
tion of the screen. There you’ll find copies
admission free
elderly.
of the latest issue, along with all the issues
This annual tribute to the life and work of
The 122 dignified images provide an important counterpoint to the racial stereotyping
Martin luther King Jr. features the Memphis
that prevailed between the civil War and the civil rights Movement. Memphis is repre-
Symphony orchestra and chorus, and the
sented in the exhibition by the inclusion of reverend lonzie odie Taylor (1899-1977), who
Mississippi Boulevard christian church
communicated both through his art and his sermons a feeling of shared worth and value.
Sanctuary choirs in the world premier of Black
from the previous 11 months.
Pictures from Home was organized by the Tubman african american Museum and
Suit Blues. For the first time in history of this
curated by ellen Fleurov, an independent scholar and President of crossroads Traveling
tribute, the concert will be presented free of
exhibitions.
charge to the public.
British Television
Advertising
Awards return to
the Brooks
d ia N e Ja lF o N
last year’s screenings of the British
Television advertising awards at the Brooks
caNadiaN rhodeS
Brooks features Canadian culture and
new photographic exhibit
d ia N e Ja lF o N
L
ocal favorites The Gamble Brothers
history. The interpretive text and exhibition
Band bring their distinctive blend of
brochure were researched and written by the
soul and funk to Memphis Brooks
students of Garceau-hagen.
Museum of art on February 1. The February
Most of the photographs included in the
Museum were a huge success. This year’s
1st Wednesday celebration, Northern
exhibition are part of the rhodes college
installment brings a new batch of innovative,
Exposure, will include a taste of canadian
collection. The project provided an opportu-
racy, and sidesplitting commercials. Memphis
culture with Molson beer, canadian wine, and
nity to conduct important research on the
Brooks Museum of art will screen the 2005
canadian-inspired cuisine in the Brushmark
photographs, which were donated to the
BTa awards for two nights only on Thursday
restaurant.
college several years ago. edward S. curtis
and Friday, February 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. in the
a screening of the canadian film Seducing
was a prolific photographer of Native ameri-
Dr. Lewis will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the
cans, publishing a series of twenty volumes on
dorothy K. hohenberg auditorium. The film is
the subject. For thirty years, he photographed
these screenings, which played to sold-out
free with 1st Wednesday admission. rhodes
tribes in the United States, British columbia,
houses in other museums across the country.
history professor dee Garceau-hagen will lead
and alaska. Today, his work is widely admired
one of this year’s award-winning spots
a gallery tour of the new photographic
for its masterful composition.
features Garrison Keillor serenading viewers
exhibition Edward S. Curtis and the American
while a honda diesel engine floats across an
Indian at 7 p.m. The exhibition, a collabora-
from 6 to 9 p.m. Brooks 1st Wednesdays are
idyllic animated landscape.
tion between rhodes college and the Brooks,
free for members and five dollars for non-
features 35 compelling photographs of Native
members. The Brushmark restaurant provides
americans from the early 20th century.
a rare opportunity for evening dining and the
dorothy K. hohenberg auditorium.
The Brooks is pleased to once again present
Tickets will be available at the museum on
the days of the screenings only. The box office
will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and
curtis’s photographs were widely acclaimed
If you would
like to
advertise
in the
LampLighter,
contact Nancy
at 276-2255
The 1st Wednesday festivities will take place
Museum Store is open for browsing during the
reopen again at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 for
as they spoke to popular nostalgia about the
festivities. 1st Wednesdays are presented by
Brooks and adFed members and seven dollars
american West. This exhibition places curtis’s
cB richard ellis and sponsored by Paulsen
for non-members. Seating is limited. For
photographs within the larger contexts of
Printing. February’s 1st Wednesday is a special
additional information, call 544-6208.
Native american and american cultural
collaboration with the consul General of
canada and coors Brewing.
February 2006
Lamplighter 25
Arts and Culture
The Graduate makes its regional
premiere at Playhouse on the Square
coU rTN eY oliVe r
derived from the oscar nominated movie
affair unravels when Benjamin falls in love
and best-selling book, The Graduate opened
with the robinsons’ daughter elaine. originally
January 27 at Playhouse on the Square. This
a cult novel, a classic film and a quintessential
version was adapted by Terry Johnson and
hit of the 1960s, Benjamin’s disastrous sexual
premiered in london in 2000.
odyssey is now brought vibrantly to life in this
With a story that has stood the test of time
for nearly 40 years, The Graduate is a dark
regional stage premiere.
directed by recent recipient of the eugart
comedy based on Mike Nichols’ 1967 coming-
Yerian lifetime achievement award, Ken
of-age film that starred dustin hoffman as
Zimmerman, (The Goat, or Who is Sylvia), The
Benjamin and the late anne Bancroft as the
Graduate stars associate company member
sultry Mrs. robinson. cited by The New York
Mark Mozingo (The Wizard of Oz, A Closer
Times as being “one of the best social satires
Walk with Patsy Cline) as Benjamin, with guest
we’ve very had,” the fairly new stage adapta-
artists carmen rae Myers as the legendary
tion of the beloved classic is brilliantly re-
Mrs. robinson and resident company member
masters into “a sexy, funny new play.”
Megan Bowers (The Wizard of Oz, Floyd
The Graduate tells the tale of Benjamin
Braddock, a recent college graduate, who
collins) as elaine.
The Graduate runs at Playhouse on the
returns home to empty, materialistic Southern
Square through February 26, Thursdays
california, uncertain of his future. Suddenly
through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at
prey to one of entertainment’s most famous
2 p.m. The pay what you can performance is
seductresses, a confused and naïve Benjamin
February 2 at 8 p.m. For more information
finds himself sharing a bed with the alcoholic
or to make reservations, please call the
but beguiling, Mrs. robinson, a long-time
box office at 726-4656 or visit
friend of his parents. however, the doomed
www.playhouseonthesquare.org
Pa r T Y W i T h o S c a r
Pink Palace and Ronald McDonald House
partner for Academy Awards soiree
r o N da c lo U d
do you love movies? do you know which
programs and posters as attendees at the
movies are likely to be nominated for best
academy awards ceremony. There will be
costume? Then the party for you is cel-
celebrity appearances, a silent auction, oscar
ebrate oscar Night america held at the Pink
trivia games, fantastic food, door prizes,
Palace on Sunday March 5. This gala, black-
musical entertainment, a cash bar and much
tie event will help raise money for the
more. all proceeds from this special evening go
Palace and the ronald Mcdonald house
to support The ronald Mcdonald house and
charities of Memphis.
the Pink Palace Family of Museums.
This unique fundraiser for the two
don’t miss this festive celebration of the
charities celebrates the 78th annual
2006 academy awards at the Memphis Pink
academy awards and is the only oscar
Palace Museum from 6 p.m. to midnight.
party in Memphis officially sanctioned by
Sponsorships for oscar Night america 2006
the academy of Motion Picture arts and
begin at $500. Single tickets to the black-tie
Sciences. at the same time, approximately
gala are available for $125. For more informa-
46 oscar Night america parties will be
tion or reservations, please contact the Pink
raising money for charities across the United
Palace at 320-6362.
States.
Guests of this sumptuous black-tie affair
academy awards for outstanding film
achievements of 2005 will be presented on
will be entertained by a live broadcast of the
Sunday, March 5 and will be televised live by
78th annual academy awards ceremony
the aBc Television Network and shown locally
from hollywood, which will be televised on
by aBc-24 WPTY beginning at 6 p.m. (cST).
monitors throughout the Museum, in the
oscar Night america at the Pink Palace is made
Sharpe Planetarium and on the giant screen
possible by aBc-24, home of eyewitness News,
in the iMax Theater. each guest will have
in partnership with ronald Mcdonald house
the opportunity to receive the same official
and the Pink Palace Family of Museums.
2 LampLighter February 2006
Our History
Looking back
Sam Kernell
A Sister’s Cafe
Once, while I was a student at
Peabody School in the 1920s, a sister
of mine, Nell, and her husband opened
a small café at Cooper and Young. I
used to go there when school let out at
3 p.m. and have hot tamales and a soft
drink (FREE). You think I wasn’t a big
shot as I sat there at the counter and
watched the other (underprivileged)
children drudge homeward to what, I
thought, must be a rather bleak
existence.
Peabody Theater
When I was a child (in the 1920s),
Sara, my older sister and her husband
would often take me to the Peabody
Theater, located on the corner of
Cooper and Nelson, where we would
view silent movies. Of course I couldn’t
read the words flashed on the bottom
of the screen, so I was constantly
elbowing Sara, wanting to know:
“What’d they say? What’d they say?”
She used to tell me years later that she
was glad to see “talkies” come in
because she got tired of being
punched in the ribs all the time.
The man who cut hair
We need volunteers willing to
help distribute the LampLighter.
Our goal is to get the paper to
About 1930, on Blythe Street (the
north end), there was an old gentleman who lived in a garage. We liked
him because he was always ready to
carry on a conversation with us kids.
And to supplement his income (if he
every one of the 1600 houses in
CY. Routes available include
had any income to supplement), he
would cut hair. Our parents were eager
to save money any way the could, so
Tanglewood and Fleece from
they sent me to him for grooming
Walker to Southern and Nelson
all he was cheap. We would perch on
from Cooper to McLean. Contact
Rich Bullington at rlbull@aol.com
or 726-4635 if you can help.
because he was convenient and above
an old packing crate, and he liked to
take all the time in the world trimming
our hair. He had an ample belly, and I
remember tobacco juice would
sometimes escape from his lips and
dribble down his front. He would spit
often, and sometimes the wind would
catch it just right and cause tobacco
juice to cascade right into our faces.
We didn’t care. It as worth the torture
to hear some of his stories.
February 2006
Lamplighter 27
28 LampLighter February 2006