LampLighter - Cooper-Young Community Association

Transcription

FREE
VOLU M E XVI, N U M B E R VI
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
PIE IN THE SKY
Condos at corner
of Young and New
York latest CY
infill project
14
Folding the new into the old
Cooper-Young has a little bit of everything –
commercial, industrial, homes from the
C o u r tney M i l l e r S a nt o
1900s, homes from the 2000s – in this issue,
T
we explore the issue of infill development
he condos are coming. Cooper-Young’s
and how it changes our community.
first mixed-used condominium project
has broken ground and is expected to
7
be completed by the end of the summer. The
Four CY residents join community
association board
Pie Factory, as the project has been dubbed,
will be 35,000-square feet of residential and
commercial space between Philadelphia Street
Find out what a teacher, masseuse, social
and New York Street on Young.
worker and a Fed-Ex manager have in
While downtown Memphis has been a hot-
common – and what skills they bring to our
spot for condo development — mostly of the
neighborhood as the newest CYCA board
high-rise variety — few mixed-use projects
members.
22
Visit the Northwest in midtown
The Memphis Zoo opens its latest exhibit
– the Northwest Passage – this month.
This is your chance to see eagles fly and
polar bears swim and don’t forget to take
a gander at the refurbished elephant digs.
have been built in midtown. The Pie Factory is
being developed in part by Jeff Blackledge
and James Rasberry, both midtowners.
“Development projects in downtown
(Memphis) tend to get all the accolades,” says
Jeff. “The thing is that Cooper-Young never
declined, midtown never declined – people
live here and continue to live here…Where
there was some decline is in retail and it is
great to see it coming back.”
The Pie Factory is just one of several new
construction projects underway in the CooperYoung area. Developers and urban planners
often call these types of projects – which take
advantage of under-utilized or vacant lots in
developed neighborhoods – infill.
“The CYDC is very excited about the
development of the condos at the Pie Factory
site. We have been working to improve the
housing stock and environmental quality of
the southeast quadrant for years, and we
think that the addition of the Pie Factory
condos will build on the momentum of the
work we’ve already done in the area,” says
Sutton Mora Hayes, Executive Director of the
Cooper-Young Development Corporation. “It’s
very important to fill available space in
Cooper-Young with quality infill developments
that complement the existing character of the
neighborhood, and the pie factory project has
the potential to do that.” Developers also recently announced a
condominium project at the corner of Central
continued on page 15
March 2006
LampLighter 5
Solutions for CY concerns
discussed at town hall
Concerned community members got face-to-face with city officials in February at the
town hall meeting. Those who attended had the opportunity to discuss specific
neighborhood concerns with those who can help get them solved.
9
17
Vintage clothing tears it up in CY
Rock and roll is alive and well in Cooper-Young. Tear It Up, a boutique specializing in
punk and rockabilly clothing and accessories, opened in February at 895 S. Cooper.
Dropping the gavel
An auction of 13 CY properties and several other midtown houses, and duplexes
spurred Steve Lockwood to share his experience with watching the auction of
foreclosed properties on the courthouse steps.
Meetings
Features
CYCA General Meeting
March 14 at 6 p.m at the CYCA offices.
This is your chance to meet the
LampLighter staff and find out what
we do, how to get a story published
and offer suggestions for improving
the paper.
Art for Art’s Sake
Auction Planning
Meeting
March 1 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at
the CYCA office
CYCA Board Meeting
March 21 at 7 p.m. at the CYCA office
Extras
Jon Devin........................................................................................................... 4
Community Spirit............................................................................................. 7
Chatterbox....................................................................................................... 19
School News................................................................................................... 21
City Council Meeting
March 7 at 3:30 p.m.
March 21 at 3:30 p.m.
Council Chambers, First Floor, City Hall
at 125 North Main Street
Lifelong Learning...........................................................................................22
Food Thoughts...............................................................................................24
Art for Art’s Sake
Auction
Arts and Culture.............................................................................................26
April 8 6 p.m to 9:30 p.m. Tickets will
be available for purchase at the March
CYCA General Meeting. Be sure to put
Lette r f r o m the P r esident
this event on your calendar.
Greetings
This Lamplighter is about infill development. What is infill development? It is redevelopment of existing properties. Infill has now become a focus for city
officials and developers. Most of these
developments are four to five stories of
housing with retail on the street/sidewalk level
and underground parking garage. Why is
there this focus on infill development? There
are several reasons:
1. Growth management has designated urban
areas for residential development. To make growth management
work, we must tear down what is already built, and redevelop it for a
more effective use.
2. People are choosing to live in major urban areas of Memphis in
live closer to work. Many cities are also developing amenities that
make them desirable places to live.
3. The City of Memphis is encouraging mixed-use infill and trying to
Cooper-Young Organizations
create the necessary zoning to make this happen.
CYBA
Why should you care? Cooper-Young is now home to its own infill
Kathryn Jordan
901-276-7222 projects. The old pie factory, for example, is being converted into condos
and retail space. There is also a possibility of another huge infill project
near our community, the Fairgrounds, which will affect our quality of life.
Continue to look for the Community Association and the LampLighter
to bring you the latest on these and other projects.
cyba@bellsouth.net
CYCA
Randi Lynn
901-272-2922
info@cooperyoung.org
CYDC
Sutton Mora Hayes
901-272-1459
sutton_cydc@bellsouth.net
Cheers,
Edmund Mackey President, Cooper-Young Community Association
mixed-use infill. Commute times are long; people are choosing to
Cooper-Young Community Association
CYCA Board Members
President
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer
Staff and Volunteers
Contributors
Founder
Janet Stewart
Editor
Courtney Miller Santo
Layout
Shades of Gray, Inc.
Ad Manager
Nancy Gresham
Business Manager Chris McHaney
DistributionRich Bullington
Andy Ashby, Marisa Baggett, Emily Bishop, Deborah
Camp, Denise Cox, Jon Devin, Jacob Flowers, Morgan
Bernal Flowers, Diane Jalfon, Katie Jordan, Terry
Lawrence, Steve Lockwood, Randi Lynn, Edmund
Mackey, See’Trail Mackey, D. Jackson Maxwell,
Denise Parkinson, TroyAnn Polopoulas, Susan Roakes,
Steve Womack, Jason Word, Jennifer C. Word
Deadlines for March
LampLighter
Articles, Submissions: March 15
Advertising Copy: March 20
Distribution Beginning: March 31
Please send all articles and submissions to:
cylamplighter@yahoo.com
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.
LampLighter March 2006
For advertising rate sheet, or to submit ads
electronically, please email Nancy at:
lamplighter_ads@yahoo.com
Edmund Mackey
Debbie Sowell
See’Trail Mackey
Buzz Shellabarger
CYCA Committee Heads
Communications
Emily Bishop
Membership
Debbie Sowell
Finance
Jason Word
Festival 4-MilerRichard Coletta
Safety
Terry Lawrence
CYCA At-Large Board Members
Rosemary West, Michael Ham, Alan Ray, Carmen
Weaver, Justin Hill and Elizabeth Harcourt
CYCA Staff
Executive DirectorRandi Lynn
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Impartiality is a luxury:
Call to join peace march
J a c o b F l o we r s , M id - S o u th P e a ce a nd J u stice C ente r
O n S u n d ay, M a r c h 19 t h o s e M e m p h i a n s w h o h ave c h o s e n
Opinions
F RO M T H E L E F T
n o n - c o o p e r a t i o n w i l l t a k e t o t h e s t r e e t s o f C o o p e r -Yo u n g .
[Editor’s Note: Jacob is responding to a letter
next leaders of our country, the youth. Gandhi,
to the editor published in the February issue of
a man’s whose words I would trust over any
the LampLighter]
President, said, “Non-cooperation with evil is a
Well Mr. Tole you got me. In the last issue
sacred duty.” If we were to take the advice of
there was a great parody of what was deemed
those like Mr. Tole, blind obedience to the
an irrational anti-war movement. Just to clarify
wishes of those in power would be the status
things, we refuse to be impartial on this issue.
quo. But there are many of us who refuse to
As long as people are dying needlessly no one
cooperate with this government and its
should. Impartiality in the affairs of our
destructive practices.
government ultimately leads to abuses of
On Sunday, March 19 those Memphians
power as can be seen in the original case
who have chosen non-cooperation will take to
made for invasion, domestic spying, torture
the streets of Cooper-Young. Under the banner
from Guantanamo to Abu Ghraib, and now
that from Iraq to New Orleans we need to be
possibly the invasion of Iran.
funding people’s needs, not a war machine.
Impartiality is a luxury this world can no
Three years of occupation has left a path of
longer afford. There were no weapons of mass
destruction from Baghdad to Binghampton. It
destruction in Iraq. Iraq had no connection to
is time to end the occupation, bring the troops
the events of September 11, 2001. The U.S.,
home and work for peace through nonvio-
on the other hand, has nearly 10,000 nuclear
lence.
weapons, stockpiles of chemical and biolog-
Please join us, be a voice for peace. The
ical weapons and an annual military budget of
march will gather in the sanctuary of First
over $500 billion. Whether it is 30,000 or
Congregational Church at 1 p.m. We will then
100,000, too many Iraqi’s have died since
march to Overton Park for a Rally of words,
March 2003. Their country has been left in a
music and action from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The
further state of ruin; following over a decade
Eyes Wide Open exhibit will also be on display
of U.S. sponsored sanctions that killed over
in the Sanctuary of First Congo from March 15
500,000 children under the age of five. More
to March 21. This is a moving exhibit on the
than 2,500 U.S. soldiers have been killed and
human cost of war that speaks directly to the
20,000 to 30,000 have been horribly
hearts and minds of all Americans. For more
wounded. Our government has spent $300
information on either of these events contact
billion to carry out this war; that comes to
the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center at
more than $200 million every day.
725-4990 or center@midsouthpeace.org.
Meanwhile our so-called elected represen-
S A V E L I B E R T Y LA N D
Private theme park management
attempts to contact city
D enise P a r kins o n
The developments in the battle to save Libertyland just keep a-coming.
The latest news concerns the Chief Executive Officers of two private theme park
management companies who contacted the group, Save Libertyland!, in hopes of
gaining access to Mayor Willie Herenton, the sole leasing authority for the City of
Memphis.
Both the Mayor’s office (via Pete Aviotti, the Mayor’s assistant) and the management
of Libertyland then announced to the media that they would be interested in moving
forward and hearing the plans of the business executives.
Robert Barnard of T-Rex Entertainment, proposed a $10,000 per month rental until
the lease runs out next October, at which point he would buy the park and run it his
offer was turned down by Libertyland management and no counter-offer was issued.
Mr. Aviotti has cited the current lease as the reason the city cannot move forward
with securing private management. However, the latest indications are that no signed
lease exists. “My miscalculation,” said Mr. Aviotti.
The group, Save Libertyland! has asked to address the City Council on the matter
and is still awaiting reply. Meanwhile, many citizens concerned about Libertyland’s
future have contacted Save Libertyland! to ask why no counter-offer was made and
why $10,000 per month lease of the equipment is insufficient.
The president of the Mid-South Fairgrounds Board, Dr. Gene Smith, has told one
reporter he was no longer Board President, adding to the confusion, contradictions and
controversy surrounding the Mid-South’s only amusement park.
Denise Parkinson is part of the Save Libertyland group.
Impartial no; Silent never!
tatives of the people are carrying out massive
cutbacks in Medicaid, Medicare, tuition aid,
food stamps and other vital social programs.
Of these cuts, $50 billion is being cut from
programs targeting the people who will be the
March 2006
LampLighter Making peace with infill development
J o n D evin
I
’ve never been one to let
go of a good gripe. Take,
for instance, a torch I’ve
been carrying around since
high school. It was six weeks
W h e n a n i n f ill i s d o n e r i g h t , n a m e l y, w h e n i t c o m p l e m e n t s
rather than re-creates, it can be a source of great strength
had received an F in AP English and the
salutatorian scored an F in Honors Physics. But
because it was already after midterm and
photos had been put into the yearbook, both
were allowed to retain their titles and the
scholarships that came with them even though
they both had to go to summer school. Guess
who ranked number 3.
Of course that was 1992 and I now have a
college degree. (Psychology majors: you’re
wasting your lives!!!) Nevertheless, it’s just too
delectable to not rehash over and over and
over again. The pain is still exquisite.
There is one gripe, though, that I’m making
good progress on dropping. I’m making peace
with infill development in the neighborhood.
If you’ve been reading this column for a
while you might remember that I had nothing
good to say about the Cowles’ development
on what is now Elzey Ave. at Barksdale.
They’ve called it Cooper-Young Place, and I’ve
resisted all urges to repaint their sign to read
Cooper-Young Lite, Cooper-Young Free, or
perhaps I Can’t Believe It’s Cooper-Young.
same size and general style as all of the
homes around it, so no worries. You have to
look close to notice any difference at all.
So how does a proactive neighborhood like
to an aging neighborhood.
Cooper-Young both embrace and keep a leash
before graduation and word
got out that the valedictorian
Opinions
C OO P E R -Y OU N G L I T E
on a monster like infill development? There
But recently two of my close friends bought
Blanche, y’are.
one of the darn houses, and lest I not get
invited to Christmas parties anymore, I’m
So it could have been done better, but
what’s done is done.
going to have to embrace change.
When an infill is done right, namely, when
are no controls, obviously, since much of the
decision-making is left to the Land Use Control
Board and the City Council. Maintaining an
active relationship with members of both of
it complements rather than re-creates, it can
these bodies is key to maintaining Cooper-
much better than I thought. The houses are
be a source of great strength to an aging
Young’s soul and identity. If you have been
handsome and solid. They make much better
neighborhood. It’s a city’s best weapon
use of the empty eroding lot that lay sallow
against suburban sprawl, and it replaces
for so many years. And they are attracting
dangerous or decaying structures that the city
people to the neighborhood who otherwise
can’t afford to demolish. Ideally, it even helps
would not buy here because they are not
maintain the livability of a neighborhood — it
to carry a file cabinet down stairs without a
interested in an 80 year to 100 year house
doesn’t out-price the current residents forcing
shirt on. You’re just going to get your nipple
with creaky floors and drafty windows.
a change in racial, social, or economic
rings caught in a drawer. Likewise, a healthy
demographics. In other words, this isn’t just
amount of fore-thought and preparation will
about aesthetics.
save our neighborhood some agony in the
And truly, this infill development turned out
Now out of deference to the residents on
the north side of Evelyn Ave., many of whom
emailed me their atta-boys after my original
As a matter of fact, this neighborhood has
burned by infill, your help as a volunteer may
be exactly what it takes to keep someone else
from experiencing the same.
At some point we all learn why it’s best not
longrun. It’s time for our neighborhood organi-
epistle on this subject, I’ll say it is down-right
seen plenty of infill projects turn out right.
zations to begin mobilizing a committee to
painful to look at one of the new houses
When James Rasberry’s condos arise along
meet developers at the door.
backing up to the Evelyn homes in the same
Young Ave. at New York, plans shows that the
view. Evelyn is now so dwarfed one wonders if
structure will be similar in size and style to the
they’ll get any sunlight in their backyards. Erin
Keathely Pie Factory it replaces. The units will
Cowles responded to my criticism saying that
sell for around $100,000, which is in line with
her houses are about the average square
existing Cooper-Young property values. A
footage of homes in Cooper-Young, and I say
single infill home went up on an empty lot
don’t argue with someone in denial. But y’are,
right behind my house last year, but it’s the
MEET THE PRESS
Put a few faces with LampLighter bylines
I’ve met a lot of people
about the paper, what you hate about the
since moving to Cooper-
paper. Do you wonder if Jon Devin is as funny
Young, being editor gives me
and insightful in person as he is in print? Are
an instant reason to make
you hoping to get a good brunch recipie from
someone’s acquaintance, and
Marissa Bagget or do you need Deborah
yet there are still a handful of
Camp’s advice about a stray animal on your
LampLighter writers and columnists I have yet
block? Are you an artist that wants to be
to meet face-to-face. To remedy that, and to
featured on our cover? Come to the meeting.
give me a chance to try out Marissa’s cupcake
We’ll be there at 6 p.m. ready to chat.
recipe, the LampLighter is holding an open
to eat free cupcakes, talk to our advertising
March 14.
manager, talk to me, talk to our distribution
manager, and our business manager as well
of my writers and staff as possible to attend
as Emily Bishop, our link to the board and all
(and if any of you secretly want to write for
around LampLighter guru.
the LampLighter, it will be a great opportunity
to come and talk to us before actually
committing).
This is your opportunity to come and tell us
what you want to read about, what you love
or print out a copy to read later. Just visit www.cooperyoung.org and click on the button to the
left that reads LampLighter.
The bad – We are in the process of discontinuing subscriptions. I hear what you are saying
(I hate reading stuff online, it costs too much to print it out, so and so doesn’t have internet
connection) so I need your help. Our Distribution Manager Rich Bullington has pulled together
a list of businesses that carry the paper, all you need to do now, is tell your friends, coworkers
and other unlucky sorts (who don’t live in CY) about how to get the LampLighter.
So this is what I am promising – a chance
house at the CYCA community meeting on
I’m in the process of convincing as many
I’ve got some good news and some bad news. The good – We are putting the
LampLighter online each month in PDF format, which makes it easy to access from a computer
How to get a copy of the
LampLighter
Pick up the LampLighter at:
Artists on Central
Bank of America (at Cooper and Young)
Barksdale
Bookstar (Poplar Place Shopping Center)
Borders Books
Burke’s Books
Cafe Ole
Central Animal Hospital
Central BBQ
Central Library
Dabbles
Dr. Castle
Flashback
Java Cabana
Midtown Market (at Cooper and Evelyn)
Otherlands
Playhouse on the Square
Sowell Realtors
Young Avenue Deli
Zinnies East
L I S T E N I N G T OUR
Town hall meeting draws nearly 100 community members
M
ore than 100 residents sloshed
through the rain to attend the
Cooper-Young town hall meeting
in February. The meeting offered an opportunity for neighbors to bring their concerns
directly to city and civic leaders.
Those in attendance came away with tips
on how to get code violations enforced, a
better understanding of who is responsible
for alley upkeep, and first-hand insight into
the police department’s efforts to deter
S OU P ’ S O N
crime in CY.
More than 150
artists donate
work for auction
Councilman Dedrick Brittenum, who
represents District 4, helped organize the
event, and persuaded key members of the
Memphis Police Department, Code Enforcement Division, and the Housing and Commu-
S ee ’ T r a i l M a ckey a nd
Ja s o n Wo r d
nity Development office to attend. He called
the evening a “listening tour” because it
offered an opportunity for residents and
officials to listen to each other.
The attendees were divided into four
groups and the speakers rotated between the
four groups. So by the end of the evening, all
had a chance to lob questions at Larry
Goodwin, Director of the Police Department,
Mark Collins, Head of MPD West Precinct,
Judge Potter with the Environmental Court,
Allen Medloch, Head of the Building Code
Inspection, Robert Lipscomb, Director of HCD
and Johnny McKay with Code Enforcement.
The evening focused on concrete answers
to the concerns of community members.
An overview of that information follows.
The full minutes are available at
www.cooperyoung.org.
Code Enforcement
Residents should call the Mayor’s Citizens’
Service Center at 576-6500 to report code
violations, including cars parking in yards,
abandoned cars and dilapidated houses.
LaSonay Hall is the director of the Center. In
Councilman Dedrick Brittenum called the evening a
“listening tour” because it offered an opportunity for
r e s i d e n t s a n d o f f i c i a l s t o l i s t e n t o e a c h o t h e r.
O
n Saturday April 8 from 6 p.m. to
9:30 p.m. Cooper-Young will be
celebrating art with the fourth
annual Art for Art’s Sake Auction, sponsored
addition, Councilman Brittenum’s office has a
do is to secure their outside trash bins.
by the Cooper-Young Community Association.
complaint form citizens can fill out. Code
Criminals in the area have been known to use
The location will be the Young Avenue Deli,
Enforcement now has the ability to work with
unsecured bins as a means of transporting
2119 Young Avenue.
the police department on properties defined
stolen goods out of the area. They can also be
as a public nuisance.
used as ladders that allow criminals to crawl
the annual maintenance of the Trestle Art
over barred windows or fences.
Installation over Cooper, between Elzey and
Citizens can keep track of code enforcement complaints and city responses through
the complaint database located on the City of
Memphis’s website (http:// www.memphistn.
Central. The annual maintenance costs of the
Animal Control
There is no city ordinance for stray cats, but
gov/hcdweb/content/search.aspx). Code
Animal Services is currently working with
Enforcement is being reengineered and
officials to get such an ordinance in place. Call
decentralized, and the code of ordinances is
Animal Services (Tony Butler) at 362-5310 to
being completely rewritten. In the near future
report loose dogs. If they can determine the
they expect that citizens will be able to speak
owner of the dog, that owner can be cited
directly to code officials about the specifics of
$50 for violation of the loose-dog city
a particular property.
ordinance. Dog barking is considered part of
Alleys
If there is a utility easement, MLGW is
responsible for the upkeep of that particular
alley. If the alley is used for trash pick-up, the
the noise ordinance. As a result, call the MPD
There has been an additional one dollar
owner is responsible. Contact General Services
increase targeted rat patrols.
Boarding House vs. Rooming House
A boarding house provides services to the
The MPD is aware of an increase of crime
people that live there, for example, meals to
in the Cooper Young area. They are also aware
residents. A rooming house just rents a room
of an influx of people that do not live in the
to a renter; no services are included. Group
neighborhood traveling through the neighbor-
homes provide services to targeted group of
hood by foot. The majority of crimes have
people such as the elderly or disabled.
works with the CYCA to send out safety
reports via email, and has instituted system
that alerts residents by zip codes of suspected
removal and general upkeep. These expenses
run close to $5,000 annually.
For starters, we have the amazing support
of donated art from over 150 artists, who
participated in the Cooper-Young Festival.
Additional donations of art are being collected. A preview and list of contributors will
party of the spring!
charge added to the MLGW bill of all city
increased patrols as a result. The West Precinct
insurance, electricity, inspections, graffiti
Pest Control
residents that is specifically being used to
been petty larceny and break-ins. MPD has
Memphis Award for urban art, include liability
at 545-COPS to report barking dogs.
those are agencies take charge, the home
Crime
Trestle Art, winner of the 1999 Imagine
be available online prior to the auction. This
city is responsible for that alley. If neither of
at 576-6326 with questions.
Proceeds from this year’s event will cover
year’s event is expected to be the biggest art
Admission to the event is $10 per person in
advance and $15 per person the day of the
event. Admission includes musical entertainment, canapés, dessert, bidding rights in the
silent and live auctions, and the chance to win
door prizes. In addition, there will be a cash
bar and Young Avenue’s entire menu available
for those wishing to purchase a full dinner or
their favorite Deli fare.
The committee is still seeking volunteers to
help put the event together. The next meeting
will be March 1 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
For more information contact Randi Lynn,
executive director of the Cooper Young
Community Association at 272-2922. Tickets
will be available a the March 14 General CYCA
Meeting.
criminals in an area via an electronic phonetree system. One small thing all residents can
March 2006
LampLighter CY SAFETY
Trust your instincts: When you know
something isn’t right
T e r r y L a w r ence , C Y C A S a fety C o mmittee l e a d
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
Last month I asked that we all
on by your community association are done
do two things – the first dealt
so by volunteers. There is only one paid part-
with keeping yourself and your
time staffer. That one person (the Executive
family safe and the second was
Director) is overworked, underpaid, and
related to making our commu-
greatly appreciated. It is volunteer hours that
nity a safer and better place. In
enable us to put on the Art for Art’s Sake
keeping with that theme, this
Auction; to publish one of the finest papers in
month’s personal safety tip is: trust your
the Midsouth our very own LampLighter; and
instincts. There are times when we get that
to put on our biggest fund-raiser, the Four-
odd feeling about a certain situation. Some-
Miler. Volunteers make the Neighborhood
thing internally has all of your sirens and
Watch Program work. Most of us work 40 plus
whistles blasting away at full volume because
hours a week, so finding time to volunteer is
something in your immediate environment is
difficult but not impossible.
posing a threat to your safety.
One of the most common times for this to
The community association’s board of
directors, which is a working board, is made
happen is at night while coming or going to
up of all volunteers. I am not asking that you
your vehicle; or while taking a walk down an
get involved in everything, but I am asking
unfamiliar, poorly lit street. If it does not feel
that you make a commitment to get involved
right — do not place yourself, or stay, in that
in at least one of the many activities that
situation. This is an area that the male ego has
continue to define your community as one of
a tendency to get us into trouble. As we are
the best in Memphis. So, trust your instincts
filling out the police report, we are saying to
and come out to the next general membership
ourselves “I knew something just wasn’t right.”
meeting. Discover how you can get involved.
If it does not feel right, go back into the
restaurant and ask for an escort or wait for
other people going in the same direction.
The second thing I want you to do is: get
involved. All of the activities and events put
Do you want to know what crime is taking place in our neighborhood? The Memphis Police
Department offers a tool on its web site (www.memphispolice.org) that allows you to locate crime
information.
Crimemapper allows you to input an address and search in quarter-mile increments for a specific
type of crime (e.g. drug, burglary or theft). It then returns with the results of your search for the
previous 30 days. It contains only crimes that are reported to the Memphis Police Department and
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Results displayed are not distinguished as attempted or completed
crimes. For example, the results may show a motor vehicle theft, but a 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.
Community Spirit
B OAR D M embe r s
CYCA M E M B E R S H I P N EWS
S p otli g h t
ALL A B OAR D
CYCA Board appoints four residents
Our members count!
volunteers!
Trestle Tenders
R a ndi Lynn
Bruce Worrell in honor of Angela Strain
At its January meeting, the Cooper-Young
Community Association Board unanimously
approved the appointment of four additional
board members. These new members will
serve as “at-large” members until each decides
which committee best utilizes his or her
to families through her employment with the
University of Tennessee Medical Group,
Department of Psychiatry. Elizabeth says “I am
interested in enriching our community
Carmen Weaver
specific talents.
We also want to welcome the following
our area. New residents get a one-year free
membership:
Lamplighter, Carmen is
Alexander
definitely not afraid to get
Baca
her hands dirty in the
Bailey
name of community
Young in March 2002. He
Banks
involvement.
has a degree in Aviation
“I love working with people
Becton
Alan Ray
Alan moved to Cooper-
Studies from the University
and I love Cooper-Young. I hope to be a great
of Nebraska at Omaha. He
advocate for my neighbors.” Carmen holds an
is currently the Manager of Flight Safety at
MA Ed and is currently employed with the
FedEx Express. Alan is a native Memphian and
Shelby County school system. In her spare
graduated from Memphis Catholic High
time she enjoys live music and volunteering.
Bergeron
Bettis’
Burke
Cate
Cunningham
Curry and Ladner
the Marine Corps Reserve with an honorable
Justin Hill
Develasco
discharge in 1998 as well as attaining the
A recent addition to the Cooper-Young
Dull
rank of Eagle Scout in the BSA. “I look forward
to serving on the board and working with
others to continue the development and
promotion of Cooper-Young as a community,”
says Alan.
Elizabeth Harcourt
community, Justin has
Ervin
lived in the zip code
Evans
38104 for nearly 30
Foster
years, hailing from the
Foster
Annesdale Park Neigh-
Franklin
borhood. A true midtown
Gilcrease
soul, he has been involved in healing
Hackett
home in Cooper-Young
traditions for the past 13 years. Justin became
Harcourt
in September 2005 after
a licensed massage therapist toward the end
Hidalgo
living in the midtown
of 1998 after graduating from The Massage
Holyfield
area for nearly 15 years.
Institute of Memphis. Although still licensed to
She is proud to serve the
practice, his working time is spent in the
community through
educational and administrational aspects of
Elizabeth purchased a
volunteering for the Festival Four Mile Race, as
the field. Justin is intent on helping to improve
well as the St. Jude Marathon aid station
the overall safety, environmental cleanliness
offered by the CYCA. After earning a BA in
Psychology from Rhodes College and an MSW
outside? This is the job for you!
Mike Robertson
Donna Sue and Wayne Shannon
individuals and families who have moved into
From shoveling mulch to delivering the
School. His past experience includes service in
Want to volunteer but it is too cold
New Members
through social collaboration, resource
development, and advocacy.”
and appeal of the community.
• Need volunteer hours? Love to volunteer?
Call the office 272-2922 or email
info@cooperyoung.org to set up your own
data entry hours — evenings, weekends,
anytime you want to work. It is easy! Sit in
our climate controlled office and type in
some important data.
• We still have a few LampLighter routes
Johnson
available. If you would like to volunteer for
Jones
LampLighter delivery route please contact
Jordan
Leimer and Greenwood
Leitzell and Conklin
Lin
Lynch
McClor
McVicar
Miller
Neal
Simmons
Smith
Rich Bullington – rlbull@aol.com or 7264635
Member Events & Benefits
• General Meeting is Tuesday, March 14,
6 p.m. at the community office 2298
Young Ave.
• Auction Planning Committee meetings are on March 15 and 29, April 5
and 7 all from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the
Community Office for anyone that is
interested in volunteering for this com-
Still
mittee. If you are interested on serving on
Tatum
this committee or any committee for the
Taylor
CYCA please email the office at info@
Threatt
cooperyoung.org.
Turner
• Do you have email? Are you on signed up
Vaughan
for our email alerts on safety, community
Weathersby
events, and volunteering? Sign up for your
Wilson
choice of newsletters. Click the green
button on the Cooper-Young website to
sign-up www.cooperyoung.org
Jenkins
Renewing Members
John and Ty Browning
Regina and Tim Coleman
Donations to the General Fund
Donna Sue and Wayne Shannon in honor of
Whitney Jo
from UT Memphis. She is currently a Licensed
Clinical Social Worker offering clinical services
Calling all
welcome
Mission Our purpose is to form an association of residents and interested
parties to work together to make our diverse and historic community a
more desirable and safer place to live, worship, work, and play.
2006 Membership Goal
Membership – 54
Goal – 600
Donations: – $125
Goal – $8,000
March 2006
LampLighter S OR T I T OU T
Resolve to recycle: CY residents urged
to use neighborhood’s resources
T
he city is stepping up efforts to
One of the best ways to increase recycling is to
encourage residents to recycle and as
ordinance to remove all construction debris
encourage your non participating neighbors –
part of that effort, the Cooper-Young
people are more likely to recycle if their neighbors
packets it distributes to new residents.
April 2005 to July 2005. According to Solid
Waste Management (SWM), the midtown
collection volumes are between 75 percent to
85 percent of the two previous years.
For the past three years the city has
collected between 9,000 and 10,000 tons of
recycling. Currently SWM collects curbside
recyclables every Tuesday in Cooper-Young.
“We’re trying to build our recycling back up
to the level it was prior to layoffs,” says Joyce
Williams, Recycling Coordinator with SWM.
“While Cooper Young is a great recycling area,
there is always room for improvement. One of
the best ways to increase recycling is to
encourage your non participating neighbors –
people are more likely to recycle if their
neighbors recycle, and if they are “recruited”
by friends.”
In addition to stashing your recyclables in
the plastic beige box provided by SWM, CY
residents can also drop off their recycle at First
Congregational Church. This is a good option
if you’ve overfilled your box for the week or
for businesses in the area.
Joyce has recently fielded several calls
asking if our recycling is actually going to the
dump. “Then answer is no. Each day I get
tonnage reports from our processor. If my
numbers are off, or if a truck didn’t get in, I
make phone calls,” she says. “They pretty
much know they will get into trouble if they
don’t come in. Once we had to impose a cash
penalty, but in general, things run smoothly.”
Because Memphis does not offer a financial
incentive to recycle, many businesses do not
make the extra effort. At Fresh Slices, a
the effort to recycle glass herself.
“I cringe when other serves forget and drop
(glass bottles) casually into the trash; I go right
behind them and take it out,” says Morgan. “All
that I can do is to take all the wine bottles used
throughout the week and the beer bottles from
the four nights a week I work, to the recycling
bins at First Congo.”
Many of those who makes these extra efforts
to recycle have lived in communities where
there are financial incentives or penalties that
encourage recycling.
Memphis has had pilot recycling programs
since the early 1990s with the entire city
receiving services in 1995. Memphis’ program
began with newspaper, cans, glass bottles and
jars, and #1 and #2 plastics. Between 2002
and 2004 it added magazines, office paper,
hardboard and cardboard, toilet tissue and
paper towels
• We only accept #1 and #2 plastics. The
most common plastics are soda and water
bottles, milk jugs, and detergent bottles —
but there are many more plastic items at
your house that can be recycled
• We take cans — food (steel) cans, aluminum cans
• Glass bottles and jars are welcome, but we
don’t take other types of glass
• While most plastic grocery bags are
school paper, brochures, mail and year round
recyclable, they get caught in our conveyer
recycling of phone books.
belt sorting system so we don’t accept
According to Joyce, the most confusing
aspect of recycling is the plastics. Not all
plastics are recyclable in Memphis – although
them.
Additionally, Joyce offers these tips about
construction debris and paint.
• Paint: I don’t know how many calls I get
38002
100%
weekly (too many to count) that are related
38016
80%
67%
56%
to paint disposal and the next Household
38018
60%
47%
53%
Hazardous Waste collection day. We are
38028
100%
25%
100%
only funded for one collection per year –
38104
83%
74%
69%
and the majority of what is dropped off is
38105
38%
28%
25%
triangle,” says Joyce. “Common non-recyclables
paint. The reality is – latex paint isn’t
38106
67%
47%
44%
include pimento cheese containers, squeeze
hazardous – the reason we don’t collect it
38107
74%
55%
59%
is because we deal with “solid” waste – not
38108
54%
29%
48%
liquid. We compact everything that is
38109
63%
36%
58%
collected so when paint is placed in the
38111
71%
53%
57%
garbage can, our trucks leave a trail of
38112
75%
59%
68%
paint as they drive through the neighbor-
38114
61%
45%
47%
hood. We can collect dried paint and it’s
38115
69%
59%
55%
easy to “solidify” your leftovers. If your
38116
57%
34%
53%
latex paint can is less than one-quarter full,
38117
77%
66%
76%
just take the lid off — it will dry up in about
38118
58%
44%
56%
one week. Once it’s solid, double bag it
38119
85%
76%
83%
(just in case there’s some liquid left) and
38120
82%
75%
72%
place it in your green garbage can. If you
38122
61%
49%
55%
have more paint, or are in a hurry, add
38125
50%
38%
73%
kitty litter or “oil dry” granules. Both work
38126
75%
75%
70%
well and work quickly (about two hours
38127
61%
46%
56%
when mixed one-half kitty litter, one-half
38128
58%
43%
49%
paint).
38133
62%
48%
44%
38134
69%
54%
67%
up construction debris. If a homeowner is
38135
100%
100%
doing work on their home, they might rent
38138
a dumpster ,or any Memphis resident can
38141
about 95 percent of common household items
are. Soda and water bottles are #1, milk jugs
and detergent bottles are #2. For all other items
check the bottom of the container. There will be
a triangle with a number between 1 and 7. “We
only take the ones with #1 or #2 inside the
mustard, spoonable yogurt, and most plastic
party ware.”
The SWM offers these guidelines for
recycling.
• We take all types of paper except for
• Construction Debris: The City doesn’t pick
take a “pick up” truck load of debris to the
Recycling per zip code: In 2003
and 2004, AWM sent post card
surveys to between 6,000 and
7,000 customers. They had about a
20 percent response rate and
these numbers are generated from
those postcards. In 2003 AWM
asked if they recycled and how
often — thus there is a citizen
participation rate and a weekly
collection rate. In 2004 AWM
asked if they recycled — therefore,
only one number.
2 0 04
recycling collection to every other week from
restaurant near Overton Park, one of the
waitstaff – Morgan Bernal Flowers has taken up
Recyc l e
budget reduction measures cut curbside
r ecycle, and if they ar e “r ecruite d”by friend s.
B ins at
curb
weekLy
Memphis’ recycling efforts took a hit after
Recyc l e
information about recycling in the welcome
related to contractual work.
2 0 03
Community Association will be including
landfill for free. Contractors are required by
57%
67%
100%
47%
34%
46%
G O I N G T H E E X T RA M I L E
Waitress vigilant in her efforts to
encourage recycling
M o r g a n B e r n a l F l o we r s
RO C K A N D W E AR
New clothing store offers independent
labels
K a tie J o r d a n , C Y B A D i r ect o r
My strong feelings have something to do
with my time in New England where recycling
was more prevalent. In some cases, you were
penalized for not taking the effort to recycle.
For example, in Worchester, Mass., you had to
purchase your trash bags, but recycling was, of
course, free. There were recycling bins in local
coffee shops, bookstores, and all over college
campuses. In our campus housing at Hampshire College, we were provided three separate
bins per apartment, and there were “trash
dumps” within a short walking distance to sort
our recycling, drop off trash, and compost.
Recycling has become such a habit, a way
of life, that I cannot drop a beer bottle into the
trash can at Fresh Slices without feeling guilty.
Some people ask why I do it – and my answer
is always, why not? True, lugging a box of
dripping beer cans and heavy wine bottles to
my Beetle every night is not fun and those
moments when my car smells like a bar at
three am is not appealing — or even wise for
driving around town — but it is something that
I will continue to do as long as I work at Slices.
If I were to work at another small restaurant, I would do the same, and I will en-
composted their leftover food (even the
R
guests’), recycled glass, cardboard, and plastic
at 895 S. Cooper. As the store advertises, Tear
products, and used fruits and vegetables
It Up sells “threads for the rest of us” ‚ with
grown on local farms. All the dairy products
everything from punk clothing to rockabilly
came from local farmers – and the Pint
wear for men and women.
littering landfills and using natural resources.
My favorite restaurant in Greenfield, Mass.,
The People’s Pint, used cloth napkins,
ock and roll is alive and well in
Cooper-Young. Tear It Up, a boutique
specializing in punk and rockabilly
clothing and accessories, opened February 1
brewed their own beer, using glasses instead
Carrying independent clothing labels such
of glass bottles. This restaurant is an example
as Sourpuss, ECStar, and Dwayne Peters, Tear
of an environmentally conscious business.
It Up is unique in Memphis. In fact, you will
When I see bumper stickers that say, “Think
not find the brands in Tear It Up in any other
Globally, Act Locally,” I think of the People’s
store in Memphis. Although rock and roll is
Pint. I feel better at night when I leave with
the inspiration for much of the clothing,
that big, heavy, stinky box of beer bottles. I
Adrienne Klein, owner, says, “Most of the attire
hope someday that other servers, owners and
can appeal to anyone with an individual sense
managers can say the same thing.
of style.” Many of the brands are custom-made
According to the Solid Waste Management
to order and made by hand.
Service Center, in 2004 the city collected
A native of Philadelphia, Adrienne has lived
104,087.81 tons of recyclable material. It
in Memphis for four years. She has worn many
collected $359,013.97 in recycling revenue
of these brands for years, but was not able to
due to curbside recycling, mulch and compost
find them anywhere in Memphis. She says, “In
sales, and other efforts. And SWM saved $2.18
my other retail positions, people would come
million by not having to send that recycling
in and ask for certain brands or styles, and
material to the landfill.
they weren’t available here in Memphis.”
Adrienne adds that she saw the opportunity
courage Slices to recycle with the city once I’m
gone. If only a few servers take wine and beer
bottles outside at night, that is less glass
Because of her interest in
the arts, Adrienne will
feature the work of a local
artist each month in
Te a r I t U p f r e e o f c h a r g e .
A resident of Midtown, Adrienne knew that
and the need in Memphis for a store such as
she wanted to open her store in the CY
Tear It Up.
neighborhood. She was attracted to the
growth in the area and also by the fact that
you can park your car and walk around the
F RA G I L E C O N T E N T S
neighborhood. Tear It Up joins the ranks of
Young Avenue Glassworks opens shop
specialty clothing store in Cooper Young, such
Andy Ashby
exclusive to their stores.
as Lux and the Alley, that carry brands
The opening has generated excitement in
A trio of entrepreneurial artists opened the
the neighborhood. Peter Imes, owner of the
The store sells hand-blown glass art and
700-square-foot store Young Avenue Glass-
smoking accessories. The glass art includes
895 Cooper building and CYBA board
works on January 3.
such items as ornamental flowers, goblets,
member says, “I am very excited that
vases, perfume bottles, ashtrays and beads.
Adrienne is in Cooper Young. The neighbor-
Partners Allan Resneck, Jeremy Smith and
Vassily Crettol knew each other from Knox-
hood needs locally owned retail stores to
“The vast majority of things we have here,
ville. Smith and Crettol run a glass studio
Jeremy and Vass blow themselves,” Allan says.
compliment our restaurants, and Tear It Up fits
there, and they called Allan in Memphis to see
They also have some friends that offer other
right in.”
if he would be interested in setting up
items, including jewelry and other artwork.
something in the Bluff City.
After talking about the idea, they decided
to go for it. ”We looked at what else was in
Although Adrienne has been in the retail
Allan says he would also like to expand their
business for over 10 years, music is her
operation on Young Avenue.
inspiration for Tear It Up. In fact, the name
pays homage to a rockabilly song from the
“We’re hoping that if everything goes well,
Memphis like this and we knew that we could
with the permission of the landlord and the
1950s by Billy Lee Riley, Paul Burlison, and
offer a superior product at a better price,” says
fire department, we’d like to set up a studio
Sonny Burgess, and it is also a punk reference.
Allan. They started looking at where to set up
here as well and blow glass out of here,” he
Because of her interest in the arts, Adrienne
shop and settled on 2162 Young Avenue, next
says. “Hopefully, we can get something set up
will feature the work of a local artist each
to Painted Planet.
and bring someone else to work. People can
month in Tear It Up free of charge. Adrienne
“Location just kind of popped up at the
right time,” Allan says. “It’s an ideal location.
come and see the work being done.”
In addition to glasswork, the shop also sells
The Cooper-Young neighborhood is a great
a lot of first or second concert poster prints
location for our store because there is a real
signed by the artists like Pink Floyd, the
appreciation for the arts here. We figured this
Grateful Dead and Santana. Allan says they
would be a perfect fit.”
might start carrying candles in the future and
They recently hung their sign, which was
made by Allan’s friends Kyle Davis, Terrence
Allan Resneck hopes to expand Young
Avenue Glassworks to include onsite
glass blowing.
says that she is not picky, and “whatever your
art is, you can display it.” Art students are also
welcome to display their work.
For more information about Tear It Up,
youngavenueglass or Call: 725-2779.
please call 276-1930 or visit the store at 895 S.
Cooper.
could feature more glass candleholders.
Hours: Monday to Saturday, noon to
Bishop and Bubba. Brandon Fischer, a Cooper-
10 pm, Sunday, noon to 6 pm
Young resident, helped to install the sign.
Web site: www.divingin2memphis.com/
March 2006
LampLighter Introductions
CYBA Director
Kathryn Jordan
business community?
Kathryn (Katie) Jordan, who
As was discussed most
was hired as director of the
Cooper-Young Business Associa-
recently at the Town Hall meeting
on February 2, crime is a concern for
tion in January, is settling into her new
the CY business community, as well as for the
position. She took a few moments to
residents.
answer a few questions about the CYBA
What has your experience been
with the CY Festival?
and what she will bring to the position.
(Also, to correct an error in the February
issue, Katie is not married, but engaged.)
What do you love about
Cooper-Young?
I love the Festival. Last year, my grandmother, who is an artist, was a vendor, and I
helped her with the whole process. The day of
Festival, it was fun to be in the middle of the
action- even setting up early in the morning
was fun.
I love the atmosphere, the energy, and the
diverse mix of people and businesses here in
Cooper Young. Also, one of my favorite things
is that you can walk everywhere in the
What new initiatives are you
working on?
We are working on the business association
neighborhood.
website, which will be www.cooperyoung.biz. It
As director of the CYBA, how will
you and your organization better
our community?
will be a great tool for the neighborhood as
The role of the CYBA is to support the
businesses in the district. A large aspect of
this support is public relations, which helps
foster awareness of this community.
What challenges exist for the CY
10 LampLighter March 2006
well as for individual businesses.
Licensed, Insured & Bonded, Radio Dispatched
March 2006
LampLighter 11
F u nne l visi o n
City Council Parks Committee hears
report from Re-use Committee
Original Fairgrounds Entrance
S u s a n R o a kes a nd E mi ly B ish o p
This is the sixth 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 CooperYoung. This article reports on CYCA plans to assess proposals that have been presented and
possibly develop a plan for the Fairgrounds that focuses on the best use of the site for Cooper-
Existing Fairgrounds Entrance
Young and other neighboring communities. It also gives an update on the decision process.
T
he Fairgrounds Re-Use Committee
others presented the Memphis Athletic
presented its report to the City Council
Campus (MAC) to the CYCA as a redevelop-
Parks Committee on February 21. The
ment proposal. Consistent with the Fairground
principals in this report outline the guidelines
Re-use Committee’s “highest and best use”
for redevelopment proposals. The Re-use Com-
scenario, the MAC proposal also keeps the
mittee adopted one of six possible scenarios
Children’s Museum on Central Avenue and the
as the “highest and best use” of the property.
Liberty Bowl on Hollywood. The MAC proposal
So far, the Memphis Athletic Campus (MAC) is
replaces Fairview Jr. High with dormitories for
the only development proposal that has been
CBU students. It also includes a Kroc Commu-
presented for the entire Fairgrounds site. The
nity Center located just south of the new
Salvation Army has also expressed interest in
dormitories, re-uses some existing buildings
locating a Kroc community center at the
for boxing and volleyball, locates an action
Fairgrounds site.
park and driving range south of the current
The scenario that was selected as the
soccer fields throughout the site. A public park
redeveloping all but the Children’s Museum
is shown in the southeastern area of the site.
and the Liberty Bowl Stadium. It relocates
This proposal also extends Young Avenue to
Fairview Jr. High to a smaller site across from
Early Maxwell Boulevard.
and the lack of connection it provides to users. The MAC proposal moves this
entrance to connect to Nelson. Will this change funnel traffic from Cooper Street
through this residential street?
On February 7, Mayor Herenton presented
to the Memphis City Council Parks Committee
residential at the north end of the site, public
a nonbinding letter of intent to the Salvation
park space at the center of the site, and sports
Army to allow both parties to explore locating
and recreation activities at the southern end of
the Kroc Center at the Mid-South Fairgrounds.
the site. This proposal also extends Young
This letter will allow the Salvation Army and
Avenue to Early Maxwell Boulevard.
the City of Memphis to proceed with due
in 2004, are outlined in the report. Looney
anything about problems associated with the current main entrance on East Parkway
Keep updated online
the site include mixed office, retail, and
The next steps in the process, which started
The LRK presentation in December suggested recreating the grandeur of the
original entrance. The current entrance is not very attractive. Neither proposal says
main entrance on East Parkway and scatters
highest and best use for the site includes
Young Avenue. New uses recommended for
Entrance
To help our community keep informed on
the redevelopment of the Mid-South Fairgrounds, the CYCA added a special section to
diligence on a Kroc Center locating at the
Fairgrounds site.
Ricks Kiss, which was hired to study the
report, the MAC, nor the Kroc concept provides
click on the button on the left marked
information about potential impact on
LampLighter. Once you are in the LampLighter
neighborhood communities or market
portion of the website, you will see a button
potential for the proposed uses. The CYCA is
at the top marked Fairgrounds Redevelop-
seeking answers to many questions.
ground and supplementary material we
cannot include in the LampLighter.
Fairgrounds, completed its project with this
This month we will show you the Fair-
final report. Shelby County Mayor A C
Wharton is expected to review these results of
the Fairgrounds Re-use Committee in March.
presentation in December were most concerned about improving the appearance and
upkeep of the Fairgrounds site, whatever the
use. Community members favored recreating
the greenway at the main entrance on East
portions of the Mid-South Coliseum and the
Parkway. They also wanted trees incorporated
In the beginning
Last Fall
February 21
End of March
Fairgrounds Re-Use
of the current leases to continue. The City and
21 “master principals”
Private developers
City Council Parks
County Mayors and the local government
designed to guide
proposal (MAC)
Committee hears report Committee presents
bodies must also decide what existing uses
redevelopment of
presented to CYCA
from Fairgrounds
report to Mayor
will remain, what uses should be relocated or
the site.
Re-Use Committee
Wharton.
introduced. Required investment and open,
Master
Principles
MAC
Council Parks Committee on April 25.
Private development proposal –
MAC
Last fall, Kerr Tigret, Rick Brenneman and
1
2
3
4
concerned about what would happen to
Fairview Jr. High. Libertyland received the
strongest opinion, but it was mixed.
As a community, we like the idea of
creating gathering spaces at the Fairgrounds
come together. We are also pleased to see
5
6
expected to make a progress report to the City
into the design. Community members were
site where the surrounding communities can
public discussion will be key next steps.
The Fairgrounds Re-Use Committee is
As we reported in February, community
members that attended the Re-Use Committee
image of the MAC proposal.
County Commissioners. Shelby County owns
discontinued, and what new uses should be
Gathering space and green space
grounds Re-Use Committee’s report and an
This report may also be presented to the
the Memphis City Council must decide which
Neither the Fairgrounds Re-Use Committee’s
its website. Visit www.cooperyoung.org and
ment. This page will contain all the back-
possible redevelopment options for the
Liberty Bowl Stadium. Mayor Herenton and
Unanswered questions
and community concerns
open green space in the Re-Use Committee’s
“highest and best use” scenario and the MAC
proposal. And we are interested in the
inclusion of sports and recreation activities,
especially for youth. Will these activities work
well at the proposed locations on the site? Will
youth and other community members be able
to easily and safely access these activities?
Safety
new mixed-use development along Central
We also agree with the idea that “eyes on
the street” promote safety, but are not clear
how eyes in the coffee shops at the north end
of the site will be able to see crime happening
in the park and the sports and recreation areas
located further south. Can the different
activities be better integrated to achieve the
Re-Use Committee’s following principles?
• The site should be part of an active urban
environment, and that environment thrives
when a varied mixture of activities are
located among each other
•All uses should serve, compliment, be
compatible and part of the adjoining
neighborhoods as well as the greater
community: The site is a not only a
regional amenity, but also part of the local
community. As such, it should be of direct
benefit to both the surrounding neighborhoods and the broad community
• Development should not be piecemeal and
users should not be disconnected from
each other
•All improvements should bring activity to
the street, and bring so-called “eyes on the
street” around every park and street
Extension of Young Avenue
Both the Re-Use Committee’s “highest and
best use” scenario and the MAC proposal
suggest extending Young Avenue into the site.
How might this change affect CY? Will it
facilitate infill along Young Avenue? Or will
Avenue absorb the market potential in the
near future. There is no mention of the need
for improved street crossings from CooperYoung, Edwin Circle, and Beltline Neighborhoods. How will youth in Orange Mound,
Cooper-Parkway, and Glenview get to the site?
Fairview Jr. High School
What about Fairview? While the building
and the school have not received the attention
they deserve lately, do we want to loose
them? Memphis City Schools is considering
renovating Fairview and converting it to a
middle school. What is the likely impact of the
recommendations in the Fairgrounds Redevelopment Study, the MAC proposal, and the Kroc
Community Center concept on students at
Fairview? We hope to talk with Principal Burks
and bring you more information next month.
Other questions still unanswered:
• What is the Kroc Community Center and
where might it locate?
• What is best for students at Fairview?
• Is the current entrance to the Fairgrounds
on East Parkway at the best location?
• What commercial and residential uses will
enhance public uses located at the
Fairgrounds and surrounding communities?
• What are likely traffic, noise, and lighting
impacts of the proposed uses?
• What will Mayor Wharton recommend?
• What will the City Council and County
Commission decide?
Join Us
We’ve been working to make our neighborhood a better place to live since 1976.
CYCA invites Project for Public Spaces to assess
redevelopment
The Cooper Young Community Association has extended an invitation to the Project
for Public Spaces, Inc. (PPS) to assess the likely impact of redevelopment scenarios
presented in the Fairgrounds Redevelopment Study, the MAC redevelopment proposal,
and the Kroc Community Center concept.
At its February meeting, the CYCA Board voted to invite PPS to assist with assessing
New
Renewing
Single – $15
Household – $20
Senior 55 and older – $5
Trestle Tender – $50
New Residents – FREE
Friend of CYCA (Non-resident) – $30
the likely impact of these suggested uses and locations on CY and other neighbor-
Name_ __________________________________
hoods in the area. PPS Vice President, Kathy Madden was in Memphis last year when
Address__________________________________
she presented PPS’s “Placemaking” approach at the Mid-South Planning and Zoning
Institute.
PPS is a non-profit planning and design organization that is dedicated to advancing
the comfort, attractiveness, as well as the social, cultural and economic vitality of
Zip______________________________________
Phone___________________________________
Email____________________________________
public spaces. Founded in 1975, PPS has helped over 1,500 communities, large and
small, grow their public spaces into vital community places, with programs, uses and
Contact me about volunteer opportunites in
people-friendly settings that highlight local assets, spur rejuvenation and serve
our community
common needs, using structured observations, surveys, interviews, and a unique
community process that puts residents and stakeholders first.
PPS will assess the likely impact of these suggested uses and locations on CY and
other neighborhoods in the area. As part of the assessment, PPS will tour the
fairgrounds site and discuss how the City, County, and communities can work together
to create a Master Plan for the Fairgrounds site that is best for everyone.
CYCA is neither for nor against any of the ideas that have been put forth. The CYCA
board wants to make sure that the likely impacts of these proposals are well understood and the decision-makers are well informed about the implications.
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.
March 2006
LampLighter 13
Community Development
infill primer
What is infill development?
The reuse of vacant or underutilized land
parcels within cities. Infill takes on a variety of
shapes and forms. It may mean tearing down
an abandoned industrial building and
replacing it with a residential development. It
may mean tearing down one house and
replacing it with several – the CYDC’s Seattle
project is a good example of this. Or it may
mean finding a new use for an old building
(Sears Crosstown), or using a parking lot for
something more than parking (Mid-South
Fairgrounds). Infill is an integral part of
creating a sustainable community.
Is infill development good or bad?
Both. It will depend on the project and its
integration into the existing community. There
are neighborhood groups in East Memphis
that oppose developments that tear down one
large house with a large lot and replace it with
several smaller homes. However, The Pie
Factory has been well received by our
community not only because it replaces the
unusable with the usable, but because the
project is in scale with our neighborhood —
economically, aesthetically and physically.
Infill is efficient. It is an antidote to sprawl, in a
loose sense every house built as infill means
one less house built in the undeveloped areas
surrounding Memphis.
Why should I care about infill?
Successful infill development can be an
economic boost to neighborhoods. It can bring
in tax dollars, which can translate into better
services and improved infrastructure. It can
also price current residents out of a neighborhood. Infill that does not properly account for
changes in traffic and pedestrian traffic can
hurt a community. Infill that does not reflect
the character of a neighborhood can change
that character.
What is density and why does
it matter?
Many infill projects increase density in
neighborhoods. This means more people per
1. Identify important infill locations in
CY. Think we don’t have any? Look around,
block. Where there was one house, there are
there are vacant lots, houses on the verge
now two, or where there was a pie factory,
of falling down, apartment or multi-family
there will now be 32 residences. Often
houses in disrepair, vacant or failing busi-
communities become concerned that the
nesses, and the obvious Mid-South
increase in people will outstrip public
resources such as police, fire, utilities, schools
and streets. These are concerns that need to
be addressed, but one of the advantages of
infill is that it does not require an expansion of
an area. Police don’t have more blocks to
patrol, they just have more people in those
blocks. It is important to understand how an
increase in density can affect our community
and to ensure that developers and city officials
are planning for this increase. Studies show
that an increase in urban density is much less
costly than an expansion into areas where
services do not already exist. So as a taxpayer,
it costs more to our government to build new
houses in Shelby County than it does to put
up Cooper-Young Place.
What is gentrification and why
does it matter?
Simply put, it means those with money
move into an area and make it too expensive
for those without as much money to live in a
neighborhood. Gentrification takes many
forms. A woman who has lived in the same
house for 40 years may find she cannot afford
a property tax increase, or a neighborhood
that was populated by starving artists
becomes too expensive for those artists.
Gentrification dilutes racial diversity in a
neighborhood. There are organizations in CY
working to make sure that these scenarios
don’t happen, but it pays to understand
gentrification and to know that an infill
development that builds $500,000 homes
may increase gentrification in CY. A strong
community has a good mix of incomes and
Fairgrounds.
2. Build community consensus. We need
to agree about what infill development
should look like in our community – do we
want grocery stores, condominiums, more
park space? What do we hope to achieve
with infill development – affordable
housing, better sidewalks and roadways?
We may consider creating design guidelines as a community to ensure that infill
architecture fits into our community.
3. Work with community groups and
government officials to achieve goals.
The CYDC is working with HUD to provide
affordable housing in our community the
CYBA is working with zoning officials to
promote changes that strengthen our community. The CYCA is working to advocate
for the community in major infill projects
such as the Mid-South Fairgrounds.
4. Work with agencies and organizations to improve infill sites. Tear down
structures, and improve infrastructure, and
market infill sties to developers, lenders
and investors.
What benefits does infill bring to
our community?
Cooper-Young is a revitalized community. It
is often held up as an example of how to bring
new life into an aging neighborhood. If we as
a community become proactive about our infill
development, we could realize more benefits:
provide new residents to support our shopping
district and services, increase the property-tax
base, preserve open space in surrounding
housing prices.
counties, and create new community assets
As a neighborhood what can we do
to promote successful projects?
parks.) For old timers and newcomers infill
such as additional shopping, restaurants and
development is a wise use of resources in our
own backyard.
This information was compiled using a
variety of internet resources (see page 16).
Latest CY infill project
Pie Factory after
continued from page 1
and Highland and an article in the February 17
Commercial Appeal discussed the possibility of
another mixed-use development similar to the
Avenue at Carriage Crossing on Highland near
the University of Memphis campus. These
projects, combined with the redevelopment of
the Mid-South Fairgrounds is as much infill
activity as midtown as ever seen.
“Cooper Young is a vibrant community that is
still changing, still evolving,” says Jeff. “If you
look at Central Gardens, or Evergreen – those
are contained communities. You need to get in
your car to go somewhere. But CY it is walkable. … A true urban community.”
Most people in the Cooper-Young community
Site work on the project
Pie Factory before
Cooper-Young Place infill home
began in late November
2005 and construction is
expected to be complete no
later than August.
James Rasberry
view The Pie Factory as a positive infill
development for the neighborhood. Other infill
projects in CY have garnered less support, and
some projects neighbors outright detest.
“We were very sensitive to this neighbor-
demolished in March 2005.
The building had a long history in CooperYoung – it was the headquarters for Keathley’s
hood,” says Jeff. ”We tried to keep it to a similar
Inc., a mom and pop baking business started by
scale to what had been there before, and we
Rubye Keathley in the early 1920s. According
are doing a lot to make the structure look like
to several published reports, by the mid-1960s
three separate buildings – to soften the scale.”
Keathley’s Inc. had grown to be the largest
The Pie Factory replaces a crumbling, unused
producer of packaged pies in the United States
building that was a haven for mosquitoes and
and employed 125 with an annual payroll of
drug dealers. It will offer 3,000-square feet of
$500,000. (Those who lived here when it was
commercial and retail space, with parking
baking, remember the sweet smell of pecan pie
across the street in a vacant lot on New York
that often drifted over the neighborhood).
and 32 one and two bedroom condominiums,
The company was sold to Fairmont Foods
which will be between 750 and 1,150 square
Company in the 1970s and by 1979, the
feet and priced between $100,000 and
company ceased to exist after a restructuring.
$130,000.
The Keathley Pie factory at 2271 Young Ave.
Site work on the project began in late
November 2005 and construction is expected
was closed.
The building then changed hands a couple
to be complete no later than August, says
of times, according to the Shelby County
Rasberry, one of the project’s investors and a
Assessor’s office. It was purchased in 1990 for
member of the Cooper-Young Business
$100,000 and it remained empty, except for
Association Board. “The commercial space will
the occasional alternative art show. In 1997,
be one, maybe two stores,” says Rasberry.
Robert and Karl Birkholz purchased the building
It has taken several years for this project to
for $275,000 and then in 2003, BDJ threw its
come to fruition. In early 2003 the BDJ
ownership hat in. BDJ has since transferred
Partners, which is comprised of James Rasberry,
ownership to NY&Y Development Corp. – which
Jeff Blackledge and Larry Bloch purchased the
was recently formed for the expressed purpose
Keathley Pie Factory and unveiled their plans to
of managing The Pie Factory project.
demolish the building and replace it with a mix
Patton and Taylor Construction Co. have
of condominiums and commercial space.
been hired to build the structure. Currently the
“The delay was really just an issue of it
ground is ready, and the parking and building
taking that long to go through the process,”
Velma Avenue infill home
pads are in place.
says Jeff. The project is utilizing some federal
housing funds, which added to the red tape. “It
just took that long to get things signed off on. I
think James had the mayor’s signature on
everything by fall 2005.”
The factory, which had been vacant for
nearly 14 years, was in an extensive state of
disrepair. In a 2002 LampLighter article on the
orange eyesore, Steve Lockwood called it the
“800-pound gorilla” and “a large, dilapidated,
and ugly building.” The building was finally
C h a n g e i s c o m i n g t o C Y. R o e b u c k A u c t i o n s h e l d a n a u c t i o n
o f 3 3 m i d tow n p r o p e r t i e s , i n c lu d i n g 13 i n o u r n e i g h b o r h o o d .
The houses are part of the closure of Lois and Buck, a
l o n g - t i m e r e a l e s t a t e c o m p a ny o n C o o p e r. M a ny o f t h e
properties were multi-family homes and small apartment
buildings.
March 2006
LampLighter 15
FITTING IN
Numerous infill projects are currently
under construction in CY
O
resources
infill resources
Infill Development: Completing the Community Fabric – A collection of web links to
guidebooks, articles, case studies, and infill examples collected by the Municipal Research and
ur little patch of
hood which is conveniently
the city is partici-
located to businesses,
pating in the urban
schools and churches.
renewal that is revitalizing
What makes Cooper-Young
Memphis. The bluff city, like
special is that we like the
many cities, is on the re-
differences in our houses
bound. For the first time in
and our people as much as
many decades people are choosing to live in
the heart of Memphis – and as any good map
will prove, CY is in that heart.
Not only are there many infill developments
under construction in CY, there are projects
that have been completed and plots of land
that could benefit from infill. Here is a brief
overview of some of those areas.
Cooper-Young Place
Cooper-Young Place, the new section of
Elzey off of Barksdale, is taking shape as the
newest addition to the neighborhood. There
will be 33 homes in this infill development
we what we share in common.
Contact The Cowels Company or Linda
Sowell at 276-0070 for information on the
new homes available on Elzey.
New York and Southern
Over the last few months, two small
architecturally unimpressive houses have
replaced what was a single dwelling at 1072
New York. These house are now for sale by
Crye-Leike and are priced at $172,000.
756, 760, 764, 768 Velma
There are several new homes on Velma
when all the construction is completed. These
(just off Central) – roughly priced between
houses are definitely reaching the high end for
$235,000 and $250,000 apiece. This planned
CY with prices ranging from $279 to $345K.
development was built by Barry Properties.
For your money you will get 2000 sq. ft. or
The company was founded by Jeff Barry in
more filled with heavy millwork and custom
1991 and has developed 565 residential lots
cabinets. All of the homes are two stories with
valued at more than $23 million.
at least three bedrooms and two and a half
baths and the ample closets will make any
Underutilized and vacant lots in CY
midtown resident envious. They have stained
There are not many vacant lots in CY, but
concrete floors and the garages are accessed
there are several structures both commercial
from the alley behind the houses.
and residential that are vacant and in a state
Most of the homes under construction are
of disrepair. One example is the house at 2183
already sold but there are a couple of spec
Elzey. Another is the empty lot at 2089 York
houses available.
behind the Electric Supply Co. The property,
The architecture of the new homes is more
which houses a collection of rusting junk has a
Harbor Town than Cooper-Young but the front
for sale sign on the padlocked fence, but the
porches are very midtown. Building new
phone number is obscured.
homes in an historic neighborhood presents
its challenges. Change is always difficult and
pleasing everyone is impossible. We love our
old homes even while we dream of having
insulation in our walls and larger closets.
Cooper-Young has what other communities
are trying to reinvent, a walkable neighbor-
Services Center of Washington http://www.mrsc.org/Subjects/Planning/infilldev.aspx
Strategies for Successful Infill Development – A report prepared by the NortheastMidwest Institute http://www.nemw.org/infillbook.htm
Smart Growth Online – Search “infill” to find links to publications and other resources
http://www.smartgrowth.org
Planetizen – Search “infill” to find links to publications and other resources
http://www.planetizen.com
GOING, GOING, GONE
Auction on the courthouse steps
not a pretty process
S teve L o ckw o o d
T
he subject of housing auctions has
Oh, did I mention you’ll
come up. Are there a lot of them; or is
it just our imagination? Yes, there are
a lot of homes being sold at auction. Shelby
County is, after all, the foreclosure capital of
the country. There seem to be two types of
have to evict the folks
that just lost their house
to for ec losur e? T hey ’r e
auctions. There are those run by John
Roebuck. The Roebuck firm sells properties for
owners that are, I suspect, in a hurry. I went to
one; it was kind of like a party.
The other type – the dreaded auction on
the courthouse steps. Nearly every day an
arcane process takes place on the steps at the
southwest corner of the Adams Street
courthouse. At noon, or sometimes 11 a.m.,
four or five lawyers with attaché cases and
folders of papers start murmuring all at once.
They are selling houses. They call out (softly)
an address, an opening bid price, and call for
additional bids. There are perhaps a dozen
others standing around, out in the cold of the
courthouse steps, with clipboards. Occasionally they call out a bid. Generally, there is no
additional bid. The folder goes back into the
attaché. Someone just lost their house to
foreclosure – it took about 20 seconds. In the
meantime, there are other attorneys standing
10 feet away also mumbling their way
through sales. It’s truly chaotic.
The process, as best I can understand it, is
that when buyers get months behind on their
payments, the lender files for foreclosure and
a Substitute Trustee is appointed by the court
to sell the property. The foreclosure sale is
advertised three times, one week apart, in a
newspaper – typically The Daily News. At the
auction the lender “bids the debt” (if the sale
gonna love you.
the debt, one could bid $40,000, the debt
would be wiped out, and they would lose
most of their investment. They don’t let that
happen. On the other hand, if I want to bid
$120,100, the house is probably mine.
There are a couple of catches. You need
cash in about 24 hours. And you need to
make sure you are getting clear title – that
there are no other liens or debts on the
property. That can be tricky. And you generally would have to buy it without the benefit
of having looked inside. Why? Because there’s
usually someone living there. Oh, did I
mention you’ll have to evict the folks that just
lost their house to foreclosure? They’re gonna
love you.
So, I guess the bottom line is – proceed
with caution. Often times, it seems to me, the
sales prices are not that good a deal. I also
have ethical questions about the process. It
may be certain that folks are going to lose
their homes to foreclosure. I’m just not sure I
want to be the guy who buys it. It feels like a
scene from the Grapes of Wrath when farmers
lose their land at tax sale. But by all means,
go down to the courthouse steps and have a
look. Be on time. By 12:10 you’ll be heading
home. Let me know how it feels to you.
has not been averted by the debt being paid,
the borrower renegotiating with the lender, or
several other options). In other words, if the
homeowner owes them $120,000, they start
the bidding at that amount. If they did not bid
o
e
to
.
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an
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i ou
sl
i
e created
stor
t
n humanity
hte
an
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d
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evolution o
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OFFERING:
Workshops
Support Groups
1320 Madison Ave.
(Next to Stewart Brothers Hardware)
Open: Tue. — Sat. 11 AM to 7 PM
Phone: (901)-726-0264
Email: piedpiper@midsouth.rr.com
March 2006
LampLighter 17
H AR D T O D O
Recovering self after a relationship break-up:
Galloway offers eight-week course to help
N
T r o yAnn P o u l o p o u l o s , P a st o r a t G a l l o w a y United M eth o dist C h u r ch
eil Sedeka, The Carpenters, The
Partridge Family and Lenny Welch
all tried to tell us that it is hard to
When a loving relationship ends we are left to question why?
break-up with or lose the person we love
when they recorded the Sedeka song,
“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.” Part of the words
say: (feel free to sing along)
If you go then I’ll be blue
‘Cause breaking up his hard to do
singleness, trusting again, sexuality, and
Often we were not ready for the relationship to end,but even
when ready there is still loss and change to deal with.
Don’t take your love away from me
Don’t you leave my heart in misery
They say that breaking up is hard to do
Now I know, I know that it’s true
Don’t say that this is the end
Instead of breaking up I wish that we were
making up again
When we find ourselves split with someone
we love because of divorce, separation, losing
a partner or the breakup of a serious relationship; it is normal to feel isolated, alone, and
often lost to the possibility of a happy future.
Often our new list of unmet needs is overwhelming. But, when we can begin to
understand the dynamics and intensity of our
emotions and needs, it helps us to move
toward healing ourselves.
When a loving relationship ends we are left
to question why? Often we were not ready for
the relationship to end, but even when ready
there is still loss and change to deal with.
Sometimes that loss is in our hopes and
dreams for the future, and this loss can be
more devastating than the reality of what was
lost.
• Do you know anyone who fought over
which person got the dog or the cat?
• How does someone feel when they see a
former lover with a new person?
• What happens when we have a lifestyle
• How do we endure another person’s anger
or irrational behaviors after a break-up?
Our task is to understand what we are
feeling, how that affects our life, and to
resolve ourselves to a new future often with a
change in the dynamics of our friends and
family. We need to retrieve new hopes,
dreams, plans, and expectations. This requires
the work of dealing with hurt, anger, blame,
guilt, shame, and other emotions so that we
can recapture ourselves. Unfortunately if we
don’t take the time to resolve these feelings,
we often carry them into our next relationship,
and we are not the healthy, whole people that
we should be. Sometimes it even causes us to
latch on to another unhealthy person with
disastrous results.
Galloway Church will conduct an eight
week workshop to assist individuals who have
recently experienced a break-up, separation,
or divorce to get a better handle on their
feelings and lives. The group will meet on
Sunday afternoons from 4 – 5:30 p.m.
beginning March 12. This is not intended to
be a time of counseling, but a time when a
group of people who have recently experienced a break-up can come together to listen
to each other, to care for one another, and to
offer encouragement to each other.
So no matter who you loved, you are
welcome to join the group. It is important that
we don’t distinguish between losses which we
enough money?
suffer and think that one loss should be more
finding new love. Please call and reserve a spot for yourself.
Wouldn’t it feel great to be re-empowered and
re-vitalized? Come and share with us as we
built on two incomes and now there isn’t
• How do we process feelings of rejection?
fear, loneliness, anger, letting go, self-worth,
severe than another loss. All losses can cause
pain and grief. Kenneth R. Mitchell and
explore our futures together.
Contact Galloway Church at 272-2973 to
Herbert Anderson in their book All Our Losses
receive a flyer or to reserve your spot for the
All Our Grief’s encourage working through our
March the group. Free childcare will be provided
grief:
by reservation. The cost for books and materials
“Grief is a normal emotional response to
is $20 per person.
significant loss. The abnormality of grief is
Facilitators are: Pastor Troy Ann Poulopoulos,
frequently a consequence of the refusal to
603-2731, and gallowaychurch@yahoo.com
grieve or the inability of the grieving person to
and Tim Clarke, 479-234-3454. The church is
find those who are willing to care. Grief is
located in Cooper-Young at 1015 S. Cooper at
universal and inescapable even when its
Walker, www.gallowaychurch.com.
existence and impact are denied. It is a
composite of powerful emotions assailing us
whenever we lose someone or something we
value. Grieving is the intentional work griefstricken persons engage in, enabling them to
return eventually to full, satisfying lives. It can
be avoided, though at a very high cost to the
one who refuses it.”
Some of the topics we’ll discuss include:
C H AT T E R B OX
Rumored and
Reported
for Thursday March 16, from 8 p.m.
We’re not the only ones who think there are
Dutch Masters, Head, Final
people and places in Cooper-Young worth
Solutions and Harlan T Bobo. For
talking about. This is our monthly round-up of
Records 2152 Young, 722-0095 or
to 2 a.m. at Beerland – featuring
The Leather Uppers, King Louie
One Man Band, The Carbonas, The
more information, check out Goner
CY neighbors, businesses and community folk
www.goner-records.com.
that have others talking. If you’ve got
Too much vinyl
Harlan T Bobo got a major
something you think we should know about,
go ahead and email us at cylamplighter@
yahoo.com, or call us at 827-4797.
Burke’s book
(actually his
book)
Corey Mesler,
longtime resident of CY
and owner of Burke’s
Book Store, has had his
second novel
published. We Are
Billion-Year-Old Carbon is billed as “a mindblowing hippie novel that takes the reader
through the entire rollicking devastating
gamut of the 1960s” through Corey’s linked
stories, poems and music reviews. Corey
reports that he had a “rousing good signing at
my humble bookstore” in early February. The
book ($14.95 paperback, $25 hardback) is
available, of course, at Burke’s Books, www.
burkesbooks.com
Abstract planet
Painted Planet, one of CY’s great art spaces
showcases Blonde X Three on March 10.
The show features Donna Bowers, Liz Lee
and Bryan Holmes on Three Views of
Abstracts. Then on March 24, the Planet
features Arthur Covington. Painted Planet is at
2158 Young Ave. Don’t miss these two events
which feature food and live music from 8 p.m.
to 11 p.m.
Memphis, women and
rugby
The Lady Blues are looking for a few good
feet and a few good hands. This local rugby
club for women practice Mondays and
Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at
Tobey Field at the University of Memphis.
Those interested in joining the team are
encouraged to attend practice; no experience
is necessary. For more information on
the Lady Blues and their schedule, check
out www.memphiswomensrugby.org
or contact Carmen Mills at
The Eclectic Eye presents a trunk show by
First Congo reels in
music producer
Karyn Rachtman, a former vice-president of
Capitol Records and a musical supervisor and
producer on such movies as Barnyard,
Bulworth and Boogie Nights, spoke at First
shout out from the Commercial
Congregational Church on February 2. Karyn
Appeal (February 10). Bobo was
took part in First Congo’s “The Music for Film
the cover story for the paper’s
Workshop,” which was moderated by Ralph
l.a.Eyeworks on Saturday, March 4 from 11
Friday entertainment section. Bobo cel-
Sutton a recording engi neer and record
a.m. to 4 p.m. The show features two self-
ebrated the release of his acclaimed debut
producer who recently launched Studio D at
taught designers, Gai and Barbara, who began
album Too Much Love on vinyl February 14
the House of Blues recording studio in
their collection with the Beat frame. They have
at the Hi-Tone Café. Bobo also continues to
Memphis. Rachtman shared an insider’s look
since evolved their signature style and created
perform in support of the Save Libertyland
at the world of music in film and television.
era-defining frames like the Pluto, Bondo,
Bodhi and Luck. Major innovations — like
campaign. Look for a feature on Yvonne
Bobo, local artist and the subject of Too
floating barrels, outrageous colors, experi-
Much Love in the next issue of LampLighter.
mental materials and forceful shapes — have
She is opening a new gallery next to Young
kept l.a.Eyeworks at the pinnacle of frame
Avenue Glassworks.
designers worldwide. On March 24 from 6 to
8 p.m., the Eclectic Eye will host an artist
reception for Melanie Anderson, the
Sweet notte
Thanks to the Commercial Appeal (January
featured artist in the store. Her works
22), I now know where to buy a fleece hat for
will be on view from March 24 to April 26.
my daughter – with removable finger puppets.
For more information 276-3937 or
Bella Notte is one of three area stores that
www.eclectic-eye.com
sells LeapyLeigh hats and clothing. LeapyLeigh
Vintage CY
Light Years Vintage, caught the eye of the
Memphis Flyer (February 3). Kristen Rutschman
and Dale McNeil, who own the store which
opened in November, talked to the reporter
about the vintage void that existed in
is the brainchild of former Central Gardens
resident Leigh Wilson, her designer line
includes the puppet hats, denim pants and
cotton t-shirts and onesies.
Understanding street
renamings
40 Shades of Tom
Artist and CY resident Tom Foster made an
appearance at Then & Again Gallery on 506 S.
I want to give a standing ovation to the
Main on February 10. Tom showed works
Midtown Appeal (January 22) for clearing up
featured in Forty Shades of Blue, which was
vintage rock t-shirts.
confusion about renaming streets around our
recently honored at Sundance Film Festival,
city. The City Council recently approved
Tell Dedrick
animation he did for the documentary
renaming a portion of Peabody Avenue to
Cowboy Jack’s Home Movies and drawings
Memphis after the close of the Cotton
Exchange. Light Years Vintage specializes in
honor a doctor who had a long-time practice
done for the CD jacket for the North Missis-
that despite Memphis Light, Gas and Water’s
in the area. Turns out it isn’t a full-blown street
sippie Allstars nominated for a Grammy.
crazy high prices for natural gas that our
rename, just an honorary sign and a cer-
Councilman Dedrick Britteneum has received
emony (whew). There are a lot of these
very few calls from constituents. Give him a
honorary street renamings in Memphis (each
call, send him an email, or write a letter. Let
of which takes up city council’s time, and costs
him know we want to know why Memphis
about $750). There are quite a few in the
hasn’t seen any relief in gas prices. Nationally,
midtown area and many of them honor
delivery of natural gas futures have dropped
pastors. (I’ve got to get a little bit editorial here
to the lowest levels since July 2006. And a
– can’t we have a citizen committee approve
recent report from the U.S. Department of
these and use the City Council’s time for more
Energy said natural gas supplies are up 23
important matters, and maybe also require
percent for the week ended Feb. 3, compared
that the $750 cost is paid by the nominating
to a year ago. Give Dedrick and our other
organization?)
The Memphis Flyer (February 17) reports
council members a reason to question
the lack of relief in our gas bills.
pr@memphiswomensrugby.com or 484-5290.
Gone southwest
Featured artist and
featured frames
for the South by Southwest Music Festival to
In March Goner Records is headed to Austin
hobnob with big-wigs and infect the music
industry with its craving for loud obnoxious
music. In addition, the Goner Showcase is set
March 2006
LampLighter 19
TRYI NG TI M E S
Solving academic problems may require special attention
and intervention
I
D enise C o x
n over 20 years
Parents sometimes rely exclusively on the advice of the
of providing
specialized
services to adult
and child learners, I
have become
New CY
house
for sale
classroom teacher before seeking an evaluation for their
child, but I have often heard parents regret not having used
t heir own b e s t sense of t heir child ’s ne e d s.
aware that this time
of year is stressful
for parents and
children who experience challenges to their
learning. It’s a time to take or to raise scores
on admissions tests and to select the best
college or technical school for their needs. For
parents of the youngest students, it’s a time to
assess the student’s progress during the school
year and to determine the best intervention
for a student who may be struggling or
marginally performing in the classroom.
Parents often wonder where to turn to
obtain the best support for their student.
Following are some of the services that may
be offered by community professionals and
some thoughts about choosing the best type
of intervention for your child.
If there are minor specific academic issues
then a tutor may fit your needs. Some schools
offer after-school tutoring, with group or
individual help sessions available to your
student at no charge. This is particularly true
in middle or high school. Talented and patient
high school and college students may provide
tutoring at a reasonable fee and some
communities have professional tutoring
services with tutors who may come to your
home or meet with older students at a public
place such as a library. A parent should obtain
references and observe a tutoring session with
their child to determine if the tutor is a good
match.
A learner may require more specialized
attention than a tutor can provide if any of the
following circumstances apply:
•A student has demonstrated little or no
transfer of basic skills to academic content
areas such as science or social studies
• There are problems learning in multiple
subject areas
• There is a diagnosed learning or attention
disorder
• There are behavioral or compliance issues,
Parents sometimes rely exclusively on the
advice of the classroom teacher before
seeking an evaluation for their child, but I
used their own best sense of their child’s
Congregational Church. For more information
needs. Parents should understand that if they
about treatment of learning and developmental
rely on the public school system to perform
disabilities, call her at 844-4357, option 7. For
the evaluation, they might wait for several
more information about The Pilgrim Center,
months before the evaluation is completed
contact Dr. Joel Chapman, option 2.
and results are available. Usually a student will
need an evaluation that is current within the
past three years in order to obtain accommodations in standardized testing and for college.
A learning specialist is a professional who
understands the neurological and psychological foundations of learning and can help
develop strategies for learning, retention and
application of information based on the
learner’s unique strengths and weaknesses.
Often this professional will have an advanced
degree in education or psychology, and their
services are focused on helping a student
“learn how to learn.” While a tutor may focus
on improving performance in a subject area, a
learning specialist may use the student’s
subject materials to support development of
overall cognitive skills.
A student’s grades may improve as a result
of working with either a tutor or learning
specialist, but the improvement is focused
more on the student’s process of learning than
in tutoring a specific subject. Post-secondary
institutions may have a learning specialist on
staff to assist students with learning or other
disabilities in meeting their academic goals
and prepare for transfer of academic skills to
the work setting.
A therapist will assist with emotional and
psychiatric issues which affect a student’s
functioning in the academic, personal or
professional realms. These issues prevent the
effective learning of skills and concepts and
the application of those skills and concepts to
problems or other complications not
often mistakenly focus only on the academic
directly related to school performance
consequences of learning problems, but these
Anytime academic problems are unresolved
problems have far reaching implications in the
a psychoeducational evaluation should be
considered in order to rule out learning
disorders. Information from such an evaluation
can also result in helpful teaching strategies
and recommendations for parents to use at
home.
Denise Cox is a learning specialist and therapist at The Pilgrim Center, located in First
further personal goals. Students and parents
and assuming vision and hearing are normal,
nable.
have often heard parents regret not having
medical issues, family crises, emotional
or persist despite tutoring and help at home,
even a week without help can seem intermi-
daily life of the individual. A therapist who
understands this will help a student develop
skills in all areas.
If your child is not performing at the level
that is expected, don’t wait to see if things get
better. Remember that an adult’s sense of time
is different from that of a child and when a
child is having trouble performing in school,
Brand new 3-bedroom,
2-bath house in the
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for $99,500. Living
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off-street parking, and
pulldown attic. Call
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901.278.4380 for more
details.
E L E M E N TAR Y N E W S
Peabody celebrates heroes, spellers, and scholars
J ennife r W o r d
Peabody celebrates Black History
Month
The dynamic students at Peabody Elementary performed a moving tribute to “Our
Heroes” in honor of Black History Month.
Second grade students presented famous
Black Americans. Our fourth grade classes
created a PowerPoint presentation and taught
the audience about artists from Memphis.
Sixth grade students rapped about a famous
mathematician. The fifth grade students gave
an excellent presentation on entrepreneurs (all
parents of Peabody students). Third graders
gave a marvelous performance on women in
the south. First grade students educated us on
the influences in education and our kindergarteners were the athletes of Memphis. Everyone
involved did a fabulous job.
Spelling bee
Fifth grade student Keith McGee was
Peabody’s representative to the Shelby County
Spelling Bee held at the University of Memphis. Keith did a fantastic job representing the
school. Keith won the school-wide spelling bee
in December, which allowed him a seat in the
county Spelling Bee. Congratulations Keith on
a job well done.
Yearbook time
The fifth grade teachers and yearbook staff
have been hard at work creating a beautiful
yearbook for Peabody students. The yearbooks are a terrific keepsake of your child’s
year at Peabody. The yearbook includes
student pictures, club pictures, and pictures of
activities throughout our year. The yearbook
costs $24 and can be ordered now by calling
the school office at 416-4606 for details.
Honoring our BEST
Remember to support our yearbook!
Dr. Suess reads across America
March 2 was Read Across America day.
Peabody celebrated by having numerous local
celebrities visit and read to each class. The
students enjoyed listening to and speaking with
the different readers.
We have many hard working students who deserve mention of their efforts. The following are
the award-winning students from the Third Six Weeks.
Principal’s List
Janiesia Brimmer, Jala Cox, Makayla Jackson, Ricquel Lofton, Steve Robinson, Griffin Lumb, Maliah Mayweather, Jessica Ragland,
Yocelin Sanchez, Joshua Simpson, Karrington Walker, Jada Allen, Hannah Certion, Alexander Asemota, Christian Briwder, Aloria
Curry, Dejah Montgomery, Kendra Richmond, Alexis Sears, Terry Taylor, Brianna Matthews, Devonte Bradshaw, Kaleb Dones,
Tierney Shields, Kyra Perry-Stewart Janiyah Meeks, Shelbi Allen, Genesis Berry, Kayla Cole, DeMarcus Miller, Justin Mull,
Christopher Toombs, Johnesha Harris, Keith McGee II, Carlisa McCord
Honor Roll
rare relationship that is found in few communi-
Ali Aden, Kennedi Broady, Kolbi Broady, Nathan Long, Promise Mitchell, Alexis Watson, Shemar Calhoun, Lauren Cook, KaRissa
Gibson, William Graves, Aarielle Morton, Anterea Paschall, MacKenzie Walker, Taylor Alexander, GerMya Bradley, Alexis Davis,
Journey Hogan, Solomon Johnson, Dajah Jones, Princess Moore, Larry Bowman, Vernon Calvery, Koran McGory, JoElle
Thompson, Micah Davis-Bowen, Jamya Wren, Jala Allen, Deanne Bailey, Cyle Canada, Mansoor Nadir, Alexia Tuten, Anthony
Welcome, Allen Kelly, Cachet Lee, Kylon Emory, Tierra Garmon, Zachary Hart, Nia James, Torries Thomas, Ernest Smith,
Terrianna Sledge, Tera Tennial, Cassie Jiles, Jada Johnson, Jaidah Terry, Ronald Walton, Travis Williams, Marcus Jones, Jazmine
Mitchell, Kedel Sulimani, Hariana Taylor, Brian Triplett, Jaquirq Valentine, Jamal Venable, Jazmyn White, Chasity Whitmore,
Quincy Foster, Natavia Gordon, Terrell Ueal, Cyanna Broughton, Olivia Campbell, Taylor Gardner, Michael Goodrich, Emily Hoel,
Shelby Lee, Teshay McCord, Dominic Middleton, Autumn Moore, Zachery Thompson, Kenneth Trimble, Markel Atkins, Kevon
Eskridge, Shay Garvin, Omar Moss, Everet Turnage, Reginald Anthony, Shenequa Foster, Maria Herron, Malik Mayweather,
Ronisha Stewart, Jerry Thompson, Marvakus McNeal, Robert Retic, Shaterrica Washington, Brandon Atkins, London Bailey,
Javarah Baldwin, Erin Beasley, John Calvery, Brandon Crawford, Jalillian Davidson, Chasity Gowdy, Chasity Henderson, Shaquille
Hill, Kyiara Jackson, Justin Jones, Quinton Jones, Vincent Lee, Rowan Lumb, Marissa Martin, Constance Newborn, Tineisha
Odum, Kimberly Smith, Autumn Taylor, Ronald Thompson, Nygel Yancey, Franklin Thomasson III, Terrance Newsome Jr.
ties in the city. We are fortunate to be apart of
Citizenship
such an outstanding community.
LaPria Harris, Quarterrick Rhodes, Naviah Segrest, Olivia Asemota, Elechi Egwuekwe, Kiersten Horton, Kristen Horton, Winny
Lemmy, Myles Smith, Kaylyn Webster, India Williams, Threa Alammari, Bianca Baker, Marcus Gillard, Keichia Greene, Krystyna
Johnson, Ambresia Matthews Kayla McHarty, Ejaria Miller, Anzia Moore, Kiya Perry, Cleveland Rhodes, DeZha Robinson, Trey
Rodgers, Siu Rogers, Mykala Simpson, Andrew Trigg, Ali Aden, Yocelin Sanchez, Jala Cox, KaRissa Gibson, Griffin Lumb, Aarielle
Morton, Anterea Paschal, Jessica Ragland, Princess Moore, Jaidah Terry, Franklin Thomasson, Christian Briwder, Jala Allen,
Devonte Bradshaw, Kaleb Dones, Kyra Perry-Stewart, Tierney Shields, Alexia Tuten, Nancy Lakok, Janiyah Meeks Terrance
Newsome Jr., Shelbi Allen, Christina Watkins, Kayla Cole, Nia James, Harianna Taylor, Nygel Yancey, Taylor Gardner, Adrianne
Moore, Zachary Thompson, Kevon Eskridge, Ebony Woody, Karriemah Bowen, Jasmine Ferguson, Chelsi Hawkins, Lavencia
Jones, Joshua McNeal, Asha Potter, Natalie Sanchez, Nora Sullivan, Nicholas Thomas, Kristian Scott, Kayla Smith, Ronisha
Stewart, Arianna Thompson, Adel Alammari, Miles Blake, Rashunda Hawkins, Marvakus McNeal, Trey Davis, Terrica Hill, Damion
Howery, Cornetius Matthews, Richard Merriweather, Domencia Puente, Johnny Rush, Brandon Atkikns, London Bailey, Javarrah
Baldwin, John Calvery, Brandon Crawford, Jalillian Davidson, Chasity Henderson, Terance Sanders, Antonio Williams, Jacob Hoel,
Justin Jones, Vincent Lee, Rowan Lumb, Carlisia McCord, Tineisha Odum, Kimberly Smith, Autumn Taylor, Bryant Webster
Board retreat
Peabody Elementary welcomed the CooperYoung Community Association to their annual
Board Retreat in the school’s library on
February 25. The CYCA is fortunate to have
such a wonderful school in the community. Mr.
Pettigrew is happy to open the doors of the
school. The Community and the school share a
Upcoming events
Spring is a busy season of the year and
Peabody is no exception. We have many
events of interest coming up so mark your
calendars and support your school. If you need
information call the school office at 416-4606.
Calendar
March 10
Abbreviated Day/Teacher’s Planning –
Students Half Day
March 13-17
Spring Break
March 21
Deficiency notices
March 30
All City Choir Ridgeway High School
April 10-13
TCAP
Perfect Attendance
Cameron Foster, Erinn Robinson, Gregory Greer, Kiersten Horton, Kristen Horton, Olivia Asemota, Tyrus Folsom, Ancia Moore, Ali
Aden, DeAndre Bowers, Alldimir DeLaEspada, Lena Puente, Chandler McBride, Charlie Trigg, Alexis Watson, Lauren Cook,
Jeremiah Garmon, KaRissa Gibson, William Graves, Griffin Lumb, Jessica Ragland, Destiny Stokes, Kent Rogers, Terra Tennial,
Franklin Thomasson Ronald Walton, Alexander Asemot, Chirstian Briwder, Vernon Calvery, Micah Davis, Koran McGory, Cyle
Canada, Antonio Hervey, Donald Moss, Tierney Shields, Antwan Tate, Dejah Montgomery, Jalan Prater, Devante Smithq, Alexia
Tuten, Isnino Aden, Desi Banks, Jauquarius Sample, Torries Thomas, Shelbie Allen, Doneshia Banks, Charmaine Frison, Mardo
Lopez, Kelcy West, Kayla Cole, Nia James, Jada Johnson, DeMarcus Miller, Christopher Toombs, Chasity Whitmore, Jose Alberto,
Desia Banks, Tennisha McCray, Gerianne Armstead, Tyrik Baldwin, Jasmine Burns, Olivia Campbell, Michael Goodrich, Teshay
McCord, Dominic Middleton, Zachery Thompson, Kenneth Trimble, Tierney Washington, Kevon Eskridge, Antionette Tate,
Lonneashia Dickens, Malcolm Eason, Luis Meza, Jasmine Ragland, Aaron Avant, Shemaria Eason, Jacoby Sample, Natalie
Sanchez, Caleb Canada, Destine Gentry, CeCelia Greene, Shon Hallowell, Deadrick Hearn, Martavious Hopson, Austin Langston,
Marvakus McNeal, Brian Mwikya, Katlyn Rena, Robert Retic, Kurteous Anderson, Desiree Banks, Destiny Boyd, John Chism,
Terrica Hill, Damion Howery, Martavis Love, Cornetius Matthews, Kristen Northern, Domenica Puente, Johnny Rush, Brandon
Atkins, Erin Beasley, Shaquille Hill, Quinton Jones, Rowan Lumb, Autumen Taylor, Shaterrica Washington
March 2006
LampLighter 21
L I F E LO N G L E AR N I N G
Wunderlich – a leader with vision
D r . D . J a cks o n M a xwe l l
T
oo often we turn on the local news or
and personal responsibility. These values have
open a newspaper only to find another
led to awards for Downtown Elementary
depressing story about how a former
students. These include: a first and third place
leader in the community has fallen from
at the West Tennessee History Day competi-
grace. Once again money, power or self-
tion, a dozen ribbons from the Annual MCS
indulgence has corrupted an erstwhile pillar of
Science Fair, student artwork featured on the
our community. To combat that, I give you an
cover of Downtowner Magazine, a student
inspirational story of someone with vision,
placed in the “Memphis City Beautiful
tenacity, and personality who has started an
Contest,” students selected by the Grizzlies to
organization from scratch and led it to the
appear on the nationally broadcast NBA Stuff,
pinnacle of success.
and one student won Senator Bill Frist’s
It was just a little over two years ago that
Downtown Elementary students’ TCAP and
doors to welcome 550 students from 120
Writing Assessment scores are in the top 5
different public, county, private, home and
percent in the city.
Ms. Wunderlich consistently works to build
the leadership of Principal Marcia Wunderlich
strong community-school relations and has
these students along with 50 faculty and staff
been rewarded with the support of volunteers,
members (also from different schools and
backgrounds) have grown into a family—and a
very accomplished family at that! Thanks to
Ms. Wunderlich, Downtown Elementary has
quickly become one of the most acclaimed
elementary schools in the state.
The community has joined in her efforts to
provide a top-notch learning environment. The
school has five community partners (known as
adopters) who provide over 30 volunteers to
tutor about 100 students each week at the
Downtown Rotary Club sponsored Tutoring
Center. The University of Tennessee funded
the school’s science lab and sends scientists,
researchers, doctors and professors to the lab
to conduct hands-on experiments with
students. The Memphis Grizzlies established a
Reading and Learning Center in the library.
The Fogelman YMCA piloted an extended care
program for children, located on the school
campus. All of these successful programs exist
as a direct result of the hard work and
foresight of Ms. Wunderlich.
Student’s academic progress has been
phenomenal. Coming from divergent schools
and backgrounds, the students have devel-
to the Memphis Zoo frolics in his
new environment.
Photo courtesy of the Memphis Zoo
statewide “Sixth Grade Essay Contest.”
Downtown Elementary School first opened its
out-of-state schools. Since opening day, under
Payton, one of the newest additions
and both nonprofit and corporate adopters. In
addition she maintains the highest quality
faculty and focuses on developing students
academically and socially. As Kelli Riding, a
parent and Director of YMCA Children’s
Childcare, stated, “Ms. Wunderlich is wonderful. She has an open door policy that
welcomes and supports everyone. She also
does an excellent job in developing teamwork.
But what I admire the most, is her unconditional love of children and education.”
I give credit where credit is due – Ms.
Wunderlich is the driving force behind
Downtown Elementary’s enviable success.
Simply stated, Marcia Wunderlich is a
remarkable person, principal extraordinaire
and a community leader to be emulated.
Dr. D. Jackson Maxwell is a National Board
Certified Teacher and an Educational Consultant. If you have any questions or comments,
please contact Dr. Maxwell via email at:
maxwellj01@k12tn.net
G R I N A N D B E AR I T
Northwest Passage now open at
Memphis Zoo
T
here’s still a chill in the air and three
2005. Their pairing was orchestrated by the
new residents of the Memphis Zoo are
American Zoo and Aquarium Association’s
glad for it. This month, the Northwest
Species Survival Plan — a carefully managed
Passage exhibit opens to the public, featuring
breeding and conservation program for endan-
three polar bears – Peyton, Haley and
gered and threatened species.
Cranbeary.
The exhibit offers visitors the chance to
get nose-to-nose with the bears. The $23
females, weighing up to 1,400 pounds and
million, three-acre exhibit is a tribute to the
500 pounds respectively. It is estimated
animals, First Nations culture and architecture
between 22,000 and 25,000 polar bears are
of the Pacific Northwest.
in the wild, though exact numbers are not
In addition to the polar bears, it will be
known in their Arctic habitat of Alaska,
home to sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles
Canada, Russia, Greenland and Norway. Polar
and black bears. The exhibit includes
bears are a potentially threatened species,
underwater viewing areas for both the polar
which means it could easily become endan-
bears and sea lions and harbor seals, a 500-
gered. Threats to the bears include pollution,
seat amphitheater for the Zoo’s popular sea
poaching and industrial disturbances.
lion show and a longhouse. The exhibit will
The Memphis Zoo, located near Cooper-
have more than 500,000 gallons of purified
Young in Overton Park, is home to more than
fresh and saltwater for marine mammals.
3,500 animals representing over 500 different
Payton and Haley are from Brookfield Zoo
species. The Zoo was founded in 1906 and
in Chicago. Cranbeary is from Denver. The
resides on 70 acres in the middle of Overton
polar bears have returned to Memphis after a
Park. The Memphis Zoo has completed over
six year absence. Their portion of the exhibit
$77 million in renovation and expansion since
features a chilled130,000-gallon freshwater
the early 1990s, making it one of the finest
pool.
zoological parks in the nation. Visit online at
Haley is a three-year-old, 540-pound
oped a cooperative spirit, reflected through a
female originally from the Seneca Park Zoo,
school culture that values academic success
and Payton is a two-year-old, 680-pound male
born at Brookfield. The two have been living
together since their introduction in November
Polar bears are the largest land carnivore.
Males can grow two to three times the size of
www.memphiszoo.org
Frame: Booth & Bruce England
Style: 805 - Red Fade
Find the frames
that define you.
242 South Cooper
Midtown Memphis
276-EYES (3937)
www.eclectic-eye.com
Chad Schaffler
Executive Film Producer
1049 Productions
wrapping paper • paula @ sogray.com • 725.0308
March 2006
LampLighter 23
F OL D G ent ly
Working super foods a breakfast worth remembering
M a r iss a B a ggett
In a recent effort to
“It ’s purple. It ’s not suppose d to b e purple.
eat healthier foods, I
began focusing on
Yo u ’ r e s u p p o s e d t o b e a b l e t o s e e t h e b l u e b e r r i e s .”
super foods. Between the
choices of beans,
blueberries, broccoli, oats, oranges, pumpkin,
soy, salmon, spinach, tea, tomatoes, turkey,
walnuts and yogurt, you’re left with a false
sense of sound medley. At first, I did remarkably well eating nice sized portions of each
item on a regular basis.
But extravagant monotony quickly set in
and I became desperate for more variety and
challenge. I created a rule that for one meal a
day I would eat a “super meal,” anything that
incorporated at least four or more of the super
foods. After way too many “super sandwiches”
— turkey, tomato and spinach on oat bread, I
needed a new dare — a super breakfast. My
quest for a tasty “super breakfast” that was
pleasing to my sweet tooth proved difficult.
But refusing to admit defeat, I finally forced an
idea. Maybe I could make some “super
scones” to have with breakfast tea. And for my
super spread, I could have some vanilla
yogurt. Though it was cheating to have two of
my super elements on the side, the idea still
had merit, and I decided to give it a whirl.
But which super foods would be the basis
of my scones? I thought of making one of my
favorite breakfast breads into a scone. I
composed the transition in my head, carefully
working through all the details. Like the
maestro of a symphony, I carefully directed
each ingredient into the composition in the
proper amounts at the appropriate times.
With my spatula acting as my baton, I was
just about to usher in the blueberries when I
remembered the first time I became acquainted with the cooking technique of
folding. At the time, I was quite young and
working part time at a bed and breakfast
Get a break
on your taxes
and save for
retirement
S teve W o m a ck
eating more of the latest
panacea — the supposed
I RA T H E I R S
helping the chef. She was meticulous about
And with careful instruction, she taught me
everything and often stood over my shoulder
that day a suitable method of folding.
April 15 has long been
considered a date to
After my mental scrimmage of making the
to make sure I was properly on task. Noticing
that I had an affinity for baking, she became
scones and my walk down memory lane, I
avoid. Visions of tax men
comfortable enough with my baking skills to
produced a nice batch of scones. Between sips
coming for your money
give me a recipe and let me prepare it without
of tea, I pondered a new challenge if that
are common in many
supervision.
boredom set in again. Savory scones with
advertisements on
edamame, perhaps? Hmmmmm. Maybe not
television and in print.
One day, she gave me a recipe for
blueberry poppyseed bread. As was her
custom, she asked me to review it and ask
Wouldn’t it be nice if
so much...
you could do something
“Super” Blueberry Poppyseed
Scones
to lower your federal income tax burden
with confidence, I told her I could do it. She
(makes about 10)
With a traditional Individual Retirement
left me to attend her sauce in the pan on the
2 cups all purpose flour
Arrangement (IRA), you may be able to do just
stove, and I anxiously went to work. I was so
¼ cup sugar
proud of myself when the smell of the
2 tsp baking powder
questions about any of the terms or directions
before getting started. I looked it over and
blueberry bread started drifting throughout the
kitchen. I was overcome with the sweet smell
and had hoped desperately that there would
¼ tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
/3 cup butter
instead of mailing a big check on April 15?
that.
A contribution of the 2005 maximum of
$4,000 prior to April 15, 2005, could reduce
your taxable income, making your federal tax
burden less for the year. If you were 50 or
1
older by the end of 2004, you can add a
oven and cooled for 10 minutes, I inverted it
2 tsp orange zest
$500 catch-up contribution to potentially
onto a wire cooling rack just as the recipe had
1 ½ tsp poppy seeds
reduce the tax burden even more.
stated as the chef stood right behind me, I was
1 cup frozen blueberries, thawed and
be leftovers to sample. When it came from the
smiling inside because I just knew she was
drained or 1 cup of fresh blueberries
going to be so proud.
tossed in 1 tbsp orange liqueur
But when I turned to her, I knew something
was terribly wrong. Her face was twisted into a
frown and she just stared at the bread. She
lightly tapped her fingers on her chin and
asked me if there were any blueberries left.
/3 cup buttermilk
2
1 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
In a medium sized mixing bowl, stir
My smile faded and my pride plunged
together first 5 ingredients. Cut in butter until
immediately into my stomach like a brick
mixture resembles coarse meal using a pastry
tossed from a skyscraper. I had messed up. I
cutter or my favorite, your hands. Add orange
watched as she grabbed a knife and sank it
zest and poppy seeds. Then make a well in
into my bread. “It’s purple. It’s not supposed to
the center for the wet mixture.
be purple. You’re supposed to be able to see
In a separate medium sized mixing bowl,
the blueberries. Did you fold them in?” After
combine blueberries, buttermilk and vanilla
sinking a knife into the bread and taking a
extract. Add wet mixture to the center well of
quick bite she added, “It tastes right, but you
the dry mixture. Using a plastic spatula, gently
need to make it over. The purple looks weird.”
fold together until just moistened.
If you already have a traditional IRA, make
a contribution prior to the April15 deadline. If
not, talk to a financial professional as soon as
possible to start one.
There are restrictions governing who may
contribute to a traditional IRA. If you don’t
qualify, consider a Roth IRA. You won’t get the
tax advantages now, but qualified withdrawals
can be made free of federal income tax during
your retirement years.
Either way, having a plan for retirement is
important. You owe it to yourself to make the
best plan possible.
On a slightly floured surface, gently knead
dough a few strokes until nearly smooth. Pat
dough into an 8 inch circle and cut into 10
wedges. Place wedges on an ungreased
baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes,
or until golden.
Serve warm with vanilla yogurt. (And
English breakfast tea!)
If you would
like to
advertise
in the
LampLighter,
contact Nancy
at 276-2255
S TAR P O W E R
Pets celebrities: betcha didn’t know
D eb o r a h C a mp
If you love animals, celebrity gossip and music, then
her e’s anot her scoop jus t for you.
E
veryone loves
upon the link between nature, animals and
celebrity news, right?
economic exploitation. A life-long vegan,
Well, not everyone. In
Phoenix has also lent his celebrity to animal
fact, if you are my husband
welfare organizations appearing in ads and
poop. In a recent interview, while gushing over
you pretty much try to stay
public service announcements. Turns out his
a new addition to her doggy family she
away from that stuff. Lindsey
co-star Reese Witherspoon is also a huge
remarked: “I understand why people have
Lohan? Who is she? Paris
animal lover, with several pets at home and a
dogs. Better to have a dog than a baby.”
Hilton? Couldn’t be bothered.
heart for taking in strays.
Although I’ve heard plenty of people say the
Katie and Tom. Please go
away. You get the picture.
So much of the trivial
Closer to home, country music star and
poodle owner Naomi Judd has recently written
a pet book, Gertie the Goldfish and the
same thing, celebrities routinely get bashed
for such comments, so let it be added that she
was referring to the difficulties and loneliness
information that gets rained upon us about
Christmas Surprise. Another pet loving star-
Hollywood stars is little more than stories of
turned-pet-book-writer is none other than
excess and self-absorption. But occasionally
Grammy-wining Gloria Estefan whose book,
we get the opportunity to see movie folks as
The Magically Mysterious Adventures of Noelle
real people we can identify with. It’s particu-
the Bulldog debuted at number two last year
larly gratifying to see them using their fame
on the New York Times Bestseller List. The
fiancé Sheryl Crow. The dog was born with a
promote kindness and compassion for
book, published in English and Spanish,
potentially fatal leaky heart valve. Armstrong
animals.
chronicles her real life adventures with her
flew Rex to Colorado State University for
beloved pet.
open-heart surgery, a 4 1/2-hour procedure
Joaquin Phoenix, the sexy star who played
Johnny Cash in Walk the Line, recently
Of course when you’re talking celebs you
of traveling and being on the road constantly.
Plenty of celebrities have paid large sums of
money to help their ailing pets. Lance
Armstrong went to extraordinary measures to
save Rex, a dog given to him by his erstwhile
that cost over $10,000. Regis Philbon also
narrated a thought-provoking video/DVD
know there’s going to be extremes. Hollywood
called Earthlings. The documentary focuses
spent a small fortune on his cat Ashley, who
insiders report with a straight face how both
suffered from cataracts.
actresses Halle Berry and Elizabeth Taylor
While it might appear that Hollywood stars
carry their mini pooches around town in
prefer dogs I’ve uncovered evidence that
$1,500 Hermes dog totes while Jennifer Lopez
plenty of the glitteratzi equally love their feline
and Britney Spears prefer the less expensive
pals. Among Hollywood’s cat people are
$400 PuchiBags. Supermodel Gisele Bund-
Cameron Diaz and her cat Little Man, Snoop
chen, however, favors the merely $1,000
Dogg and his two Siamese kitties named Miles
Louie Vuitton “Sac Chien,” given to her by the
Davis and Frank Sinatra, Billy Crystal, Jay
thoughtful Leonardo DiCaprio.
Leno, Kirsten Dunst and Leeza Gibbons. Diva
In the pet world, Pamela Anderson, is in a
league of her own. The buxomy blonde
bombshell is a long time spokesperson for
of fine living Martha Stewart has seven
beautiful Himalayans.
If you love animals, celebrity gossip and
PETA who more than walks the walk. She has
music, then here’s another scoop just for
appeared nude in the organization’s anti-fur
you. Tune into the online radio station
campaigns and has engaged in plenty of
www.dogcatradio.com and listen to non-stop
street level protests against animal testing and
gab about pets and great music brought to
abuse. Her own pampered pets accompany
you by Adrian Martinez, president of Marusa
her on her travels where they sometimes stay
records, an independent record label in Los
at the $3,000 a night Las Ventanas Al Paraiso
Angeles. Martinez founded the station
resort, complete with a pet spa offering
because “my cat, Snickers, asked me to do it.”
massages and special pet cuisine.
He discovered that Snickers loved 80s rock
Recording artist Mariah Carey is another
music, so now he’s broadcasting online to “do
celeb who enjoys traveling with her squadron
something for the pet community.” You gotta
of pooches. She particularly likes taking them
love those Hollywood folks!
aboard the yacht. In a K9 magazine interview,
Contact Deborah Camp at 525-0552, or
she confessed her partiality to dogs grew from
dcamp@memphisbusiness.com for comments
having to endure the taunts of the family’s
or suggestions.
parrot as a teen. “My mom’s parrot bit me and
used to torment me by calling my name just
like my mother would when she would call
me to come downstairs. So in the middle of
the night the bird would be shrieking Mariah!”
Actress Claire Danes, however, has always
been a “dog person.” She’s even been spotted
and photographed by the paparazzi walking
her dog and conscientiously picking up dog
March 2006
LampLighter 25
Arts and Culture
G AR D E N I N S P I RA T I O N
World renown landscape architects at Brooks Museum
D i a ne J a l f o n
R
enowned landscape architects Todd
the eyes of a landscape architect involved in
tive Arts Trust members. Cost for non-DAT
Longstaffe-Gowan and Ben Page will
residential and institutional design throughout
members is $30 with advance registration.
be the featured speakers at a Garden
the southeastern United States.
Lunch at the Brushmark is an additional $15
The Garden Symposium will begin at
and includes tax and gratuity. To receive a
Museum of Art on Saturday, March 18 from 10
10:30 a.m., with pre-registration at 10. Todd
brochure with additional information and
a.m. to 3 p.m. The Decorative Arts Trust, a sup-
Longstaffe-Gowan will deliver the morning
registration form, call 603-8672.
port group of the Brooks Museum, is pre-
presentation followed by lunch at the Brush-
senting the symposium, which will take place
mark Restaurant or area restaurants. Ben Page
in the Dorothy K. Hohenberg Auditorium.
will present the afternoon session beginning at
Mr. Longstaffe-Gowan is a landscape
1:30. Cost for the symposium is $15 for Decora-
Symposium to be held at Memphis Brooks
architect who acts as Garden Advisor to
Hampton Court Palace, Surrey and Spencer
House, London. He will present a sampling of
MASTER OF MAKE-BELIEVE
his landscape projects ranging from London to
Magic of Maxfield Parrish at the Brooks
the English countryside, and extending to such
diverse locales as France, Greece, Trinidad and
Barbados.
The highlight of the talk will be his
restoration of the gardens and parks of
Hampton Court Palace, 200 acres of varied
landscape on the outskirts of London. Other
themes to be discussed include the role of
designers and estate workers, planting and
horticulture techniques, and statuary fountains
and other garden ornaments. He has written
two books and published extensively in a
range of publications.
Ben Page is a landscape architect based in
Nashville who heads a firm whose work
If you would
like to
advertise
in the
LampLighter,
contact Nancy
at 276-2255
includes residential, institutional and corporate
design. He established a private domestic
garden for the Vice-President’s residence in
Washington, DC. In Memphis, he has done
planning and design for Dixon Gallery and
Gardens, St. John’s Episcopal Church, and
Memphis University School. His work has been
published in Southern Accents, Veranda, House
Beautiful, and Conde Nast House & Garden
among others. Ben Page will focus on new
trends in landscape design as seen through
D i a ne J a l f o n
This spring, Memphis Brooks Museum of
studies, and celebrated book illustrations. A
Art is pleased to present an exceptional
highlight of the exhibition will be rarely seen
exhibition of the work of Maxfield Parrish
murals, such as the 18-foot North Wall
(1870-1966), well-known and beloved
commissioned by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney
American artist. Maxfield Parrish - Master of
for the studio in her Long Island mansion.
Make-Believe will include more than 70 works
Supplemental objects include Parrish’s own
from American museums and private
props, photographs, and set models used to
collections. The exhibition will run from
stage the scenery for his fantastic imagery,
March 10 – May 7, 2006.
lending insight into his working methods. The
Parrish is well known for his idyllic
exhibition is accompanied by a fully-illustrated
landscapes and whimsical characters rendered
catalogue. Maxfield Parrish – Master of Make
in lush, breath-taking color. During his lifetime,
Believe was organized by The Trust for
he enjoyed enormous popularity for his
Museum Exhibitions in Washington, D.C., with
masterful paintings and illustrations. He also
the assistance of Ms. Alma Gilbert, director of
took advantage of newly developed high-
the Cornish Colony Museum and a connoisseur
quality color printing techniques that aided in
of Parrish’s work. Presenting sponsor is
reproductions of his work. Parrish created
SunTrust, with additional support from The
numerous calendar and book illustrations as
Bodine Company, and the Doris and Hubert
well as cover designs for magazines including
Kiersky Charitable Remainder Trust, and BDO
Collier’s, Ladies’ Home Journal, Cosmopolitan,
Seidman, LLP.
Life, and Century. The exhibit will present the
artist’s signature paintings such as Daybreak
(1922) and Interlude (1922), photographic
OUR H I S T OR Y
Huck Finn
S a m K e r ne l l
S
ometimes my wife, when she’s in a
good mood, will call me Huckleberry
Finn; but there are other times when
she’s not in such a good mood she’ll call me
something else just as colorful, but I don’t
have the time or inclination to tell you about
that right now.
But when she does refer to me as Huck, it
sets me to thinking about my childhood, and
it does seem to come right out of Mark
Twain’s writings.
When I was a child back in the 1920s and
1930s, playmates were scarce for a while on
my section of Blythe Street. But then over a
period of several months, my luck changed,
for there were three farm families that moved
in close-by. Each family had a boy about my
age (a year or two younger). We had a grand
ole time. We played cork-ball in the street,
took old skates and made scooters out of
them, had rubber-gum wars with a rival gang
several blocks up the street.
We put together a push-mobile with a real
steering wheel on it, and later put on headlights, and went tearing down Blythe street in
the darkness at a terrible rate of speed. Also
my brother-in-law won a sidewalk bike at the
fair and he gave it to me. I was the only kid
for miles around that had one, and of course, I
could dictate who rode it and for how long.
…that gal walked a mile each way every few days that
wondered, was it the homebrew? (Now, I feel
summer to keep us supplied in books.
time, I had a brother-in-law, who, on our
We built tree houses, and hiked a great deal.
tall tree, in which I would often go to sleep.
There was a sugar cane farm out at the
The thought occurred to me one day that I
edge of town and we would hike out there
was going to roll out of that thing and go
and eat all the sugarcane we wanted, then
crashing to the ground, so I took ropes and
bring some back for the girls (of course) –
wove a protective net under (just incase).
trying to make points. In that vein also I
There was a gorgeous blond next door (two
prowled the alleyways looking for broken
years my senior Frankie Pearl) who would
glass, taking the pretty colored pieces to
walk down to East End Library on Cooper
whichever girl at the time had her hooks in
Street to get books. One day I jokingly said to
me – so she could use it for playing hop-
her (from my tree house) “bring me a book.”
scotch.
And sure enough she did. I had to lower a
Everything was going along real fine, I
rope down to her so she could loop the book
thought – like life does sometimes when
init and I would haul it back up. This got to be
you’re not looking, but one day a veritable
a habit and you know, that gal walked a mile
terrible tragedy stuck. Right at the end of the
each way every few days that summer to keep
school every one of my playmates was
us supplied in books.
shipped off to Oklahoma for the summer,
A teacher at Fairview Junior High School
another went to Alabama, and the third was
used to inquire of students if we were doing
sent to Selma. I was devastated … and
any reading. Well, I tell you, at the end of that
experienced a terrible lost feeling.
summer, I was the best read kid at Fairview. I
Tree house reading
But, resourceful as I am, I found something
to occupy my time. We had a lot of old
compelled to explain that last remark.) At that
latticed-in back porch, would make homebrew,
and he told me if I helped him bottle it and
cap it, I could have some.) Of course, I
subsequently told all the kids that I had access
to the stuff. How could I do otherwise?
That was the best brew and wholly worth
bragging about – I’ve never tasted a beer
since then that could even come close. Of
course, like everything else, my taste buds
were young then.
Down through the years, I’ve always
suspected that the neighbors may have held a
conference about me, and had come to the
conclusion of predicting a life of dissolution
for me…and that is why they had in fact sent
their sons off for the summer – to protect
them.
Sam reports that in case you are wondering,
he is now a teetotaler.
learned more words than I have since.
Homebrew
Lying in that hammock and daydreaming, I
lumber and ropes lying around the place, and
naturally turned to introspection. I got to
I determined to build me a super-duper tree
thinking … maybe the parents who sent their
house; and even put a hammock way up in a
sons away for the summer didn’t like me. I
March 2006
LampLighter 27
Are you a midtown mama? Are you
ready to share your parenting insights and exploits with the
world -- well at least Memphis? The LampLighter is looking
for a columnist willing to write about parenting in midtown.
In the next issue of LampLighter
Auction for Art’s sake – get the inside scoop on CYCA’s annual
fundraiser to support the Trestle.
Trading Spaces – Jennifer Murley takes us on an insider’s tour of
her experience with the home makeover reality show
Fairview Jr. High School – There are many changes in store for
this historic school — find out what they are and get an inside
look at how the school contributes to our community.

LampLighter - Cooper-Young Community Association

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