City of Memphis Quarterly Newsmagazine

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901 view from the

I WORK FOR MEMPHIS Meet Your New Police Chief Mike Rallings

WELCOME CONTENTS

CONTENTS 2016 4-5 6-7 8 9 11 12 13 14-15 16- 17 18 19 21 22 25-30

Meet the Communications Team Reimagining Civic Commons Big River Crossings MOYS MPLOY Program MOYS Meet Your Youth City Council HR Career Carnival Engineering Traffic Update We Mean Business Inside the 901: Top Cop Communications Social Media Memphis Neighborhood Watch Parks & Neighborhoods Summer in Memphis MAS Leads the Way Libraries: Explore Memphis, JobLINC, Cloud901, BOOOKS & Friends

View From the Mayor’s Desk I’m very excited about the launch of our new quarterly magazine, “View From the 901.” I know you’re going to enjoy this publication, which is dedicated to showcasing some of our great employees and the hard work that all of you do in every Division of City Government. You’ll also hear about some new city venues and amenities.

It’s hard to believe that 2016 is nearly over and, in my first year, I have asked City workers to do their best while always keeping our customers in mind.

We’re off to a good start, but we can do more. I expect us to meet our challenges head on. After all, I WORK FOR MEMPHIS, and so do you.

The City of Memphis has a great story to tell. I hope you will share the “View” with your family and friends. Also, when talking about the City of Memphis, I hope you feel pride in your work each day and the services that you provide for the city that you love. That’s exactly how I feel.

-Jim

Inside the 901 Allison J. Fouche’ Managing Editor Marcey Wright Lead Copy Editor, Writer Graphic Artists Mathis Ryan Gabriel Vaughn

Contributors Joy Cox Timothy Harris Joann Massey Alexis Pugh Lia Roemer Toni Holmon-Turner Kyle Veazey Photo Credits Mike Brown, The Commercial Appeal William Kaiser Isaac Singleton Marcey Wright

MEET THE COMMUNICATIONS TEAM Here to serve you!

Left to right Row one Marcey Wright, Toni Holmon-Turner, Allison Fouche’, Joyce Ruby Row two Gabriel Vaughn , Kyle Veazey, Ursula Madden, Lameka Hoof , Mathis Ryan, Arlenia Cole

Led by Chief Communications Officer Ursula Madden, the City of Memphis Communications and Marketing Team is responsible for media relations, external communications, proclamations, oversight of public records requests, digital and social media, brand management, print publications, and marketing campaigns. We also lead the City in crisis communications. As part of Mayor Strickland’s effort to streamline communications, public relations and marketing needs of all City Divisions, our mission is to provide strategic counsel and creative solutions for all departments by promoting City programs, and increasing overall visibility and brand awareness. Below is more about our team.

If you need Communications and Marketing assistance, please use our online web form www. tinyurl.com/COMCreative Ursula Madden, Chief Communications Officer Ursula Madden began working as the chief communications officer for the City of Memphis in January 2016 as a part of newly-elected mayor, Jim Strickland’s administration. Prior to working for the City, she was an Emmy award-winning journalist and the main co-anchor of WMC Action News 5, where she worked on the broadcasting team for 17 years. Committed to serving the Memphis community, Ursula is on the Board of Trustee’s for the Church Health Center, St. Mary’s Episcopal School for Girls, and most recently United Way of the Mid-South. She is also a contributor to the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis. Ursula is a member of Renewal Church, formerly known as Christ the Rock and is a member of the Shelby County Links.

Kyle Veazey, Deputy Communications Officer As the City’s deputy communications officer, Kyle Veazey coordinates Mayor Strickland’s speeches, creates and disseminates weekly email announcements and social media, and oversees the City’s social media presences and other strategic communications campaigns for City Divisions. He came to City Government in January 2016, after an 11-year career in journalism. Also an author, Kyle penned the book, “How the Mississippi State Bulldogs and Their Bold Coach Defied Segregation,” which was published in 2012. He and his wife live in Midtown with their two dogs.

Allison Fouché- Marketing Manager Allison Fouché has nearly 20 years of communications and marketing experience in her career, which encompasses education, government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. She has served as both communications specialist and community affairs manager for the City of Memphis. Allison possesses a broad array of communication skills, including strategic communication planning, public relations, advertising and marketing research.

She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communications from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Science Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University. She is a wife and mother of three children.

Toni Holmon-Turner – Public Affairs Manager Toni Holmon-Turner is a native Memphian and is a graduate of Hamilton High School and Middle Tennessee State University. She has over 25 years of experience in public relations, media relations and event management.

She has served as the director of promotion and special events for the Center City Commission (Downtown Memphis Commission) and as vice president of marketing and consulting for Performa Entertainment Real Estate. In her leisure time, Toni enjoys cooking, reading and traveling.

Arlenia Cole - Media Affairs Manager Arlenia is the primary point of contact for media interactions and inquiries on behalf of all City Divisions. Arlenia also serves as public information officer for the Division of Public Works and, prior to her time with the City, she held a variety of non-profit communications positions, including Brinkley Heights Urban Academy, Girl Scouts of the Mid-South and Associated Catholic Charities. She joined the Mayor’s Communications Team in June 2016.

Mathis Ryan Mathis Ryan is a Memphis native and alumnus of Memphis College of Art. He is a graphic designer with the City of Memphis and provides layouts and design for the marketing team, as well as many projects throughout City Government and intergovernmental divisions. He may claim that his skills come from years of working in his field, but actually he's just really good at Googling things.

Marcey Wright – Public Relations Supervisor Marcey has worked or interned in five states in the areas of print and online journalism, news radio, broadcast television, marketing and public relations. From 2008 – 2011, she worked at local station ABC24, now Local Memphis, and in 2011, she earned a Master of Science Degree in Legal Studies from Kaplan University. Marcey also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Humanities / Journalism from LeMoyne-Owen College. She is a Christian wife and mother, who is actively involved in her church, St. John Missionary Baptist Church, in South Memphis.

Gabriel Vaughn – Graphic Artist Gabriel “Gabe” Vaughn has worked at Memphis Public Libraries for more than 17 years as a graphic artist, where he creates promotional material for 18 library locations. He is a graduate of Memphis College of Art and holds a Bachelor of Liberal Studies Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Memphis. Gabe is married with one daughter, Gabrielle (and is pretty good at braiding her hair). He enjoys cooking and helping his mom with her alterations business in West Memphis, Arkansas.

Lemeka Hoof – Public Records Specialist Lemeka Hoof has more than 10 years of professional administrative experience and has worked in various administrative positions, including supervisory roles. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business / Organizational Management from Victory University and has completed several graduate studies courses toward her Master of Business Administration Degree in Human Resource Management at Strayer University. Lemeka is a Memphis native, who loves music, reading, art and movies.

Joyce Rudy – Communications Specialist Since May 2016, Joyce has worked part-time as the City of Memphis Communications Specialist. In this role, she is primarily responsible for writing proclamations and letters on behalf of Mayor Jim Strickland. In 2012, after 20 years of multitasking, organizing, and mentoring in the home, Joyce was accepted into the University of Memphis and later earned a Bachelor of Professional Studies Degree with a concentration in Paralegal Studies / Law.

CIVIC COMMONS Reimagining the Civic Commons Initiative seeks to counter trends of economic and social divisions in cities and neighborhoods. The project will support a connected set of civic assets in each city – a civic commons – to yield increased and more equitably-shared prosperity for cities and neighborhoods. The Memphis team aims to redefine citizens’ expectations of public parks and libraries and to foster socioeconomic connections across boundaries in a culturally and environmentally-sensitive way.

“The Mississippi River was Memphis’ first great place and our Riverfront has always been a vital part of our economy and culture,” said Maria Fuhrmann, City of Memphis grants coordinator and member of the Memphis Civic Commons Team.

The Fourth Bluff project will activate these assets over the next three years with a variety of events, activities, prototypes, enhanced connectivity, signage, and public art.

Reimagining the Civic Commons is a partnership between four national foundations – The JPB Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, and The Rockefeller Foundation — and local leaders, including the Memphis Reimagining the Civic Commons Team. The total national investment in the civic commons by national funders and local funds in each city total $40 million.

The plan will use art, entertainment, the natural environment and education as catalysts to renew a cross-cultural connection to the Mississippi Riverfront.

As part of this grant, the Memphis team will participate in the national Civic Commons Learning Network, which will host cross-city learning opportunities, provide tools, and grow the resources needed to reknit communities across the country through investments in public spaces.

Find out more about each city’s plan online at www.CivicCommons.us

National Initiative to ‘Reimagine the Civic Commons’ Selects Memphis for $5 Million Grant.

Initiative supports Memphis’ plans to invest in revitalizing and connecting public spaces through The Fourth Bluff Project A new national effort to counter the growing economic and social fragmentation in our cities has awarded Memphis’ Fourth Bluff project a $5 million grant. Reimagining the Civic Commons is a partnership of four national foundations that seek to foster civic engagement, economic opportunity and environmental sustainability through revitalizing and connecting parks, libraries, community centers, and other public spaces.

Along the Riverfront, the historic Cossitt Library, Memphis Park, and Mississippi River Park will be revitalized and transformed into places where Memphians from all neighborhoods and backgrounds can come together.

“Memphis is honored to have been selected and join this cohort of great cities,” said Mayor Jim Strickland. “Creating opportunity in a civic commons for people to share experiences with people different from themselves grows a sense of community, engagement, and understanding between all Memphians.”

Memphis was one of four cities selected for the grant. Other cities are Akron, Chicago, and Detroit. The $5 million grant for Memphis will be matched by local private and public sources.

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Big River Crossing Approximately one mile long, Big River Crossing is the longest public pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi River. It serves as the centerpiece to Main Street, a 10-mile multimodal corridor between Memphis, TN and West Memphis, AR. Located on the historic Harahan Bridge, the Big River Crossing was made possible by a unique public and private partnership leveraged by the Federal Main to Main Tiger IV Grant. “For decades, some of the most iconic images of our city have been our bridges,” said Mayor Jim Strickland. “This extraordinarily generous plan will make the historic Harahan Bridge even more iconic.”

The official opening is

October 22, 2016 and will open daily to the public from dawn until 10 p.m.

For more information, visit bigrivercrossing.com.

•••••••••••••••••••••

MANHOOD UNIVERSITY Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and the City of Memphis presented its inaugural Manhood University Conference on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at the renowned Tiger Lane. Themed “Building Better Men in Memphis,” this event was designed to celebrate, engage, inspire, enlighten and educate all men and fathers, regardless of background or socioeconomic status. All sessions and activities for the day were free and open to those who registered.

“The existence of strong and positive men creates stability in our homes, our communities and in our city,” said Ken Moody, special assistant to the Mayor for Community Affairs. “We definitely want to do everything that we can to help men create better lives for themselves, their families and, ultimately, the communities where they live.”

Saturday morning was filled with informative seminars and midday, the Strengthening Families Expo provided participants with interactive exhibits and other useful material.

Several City and community partners also attended the Expo, including Memphis Police Department recruiters, volunteers from the Memphis Public Library & Information Center (who provided free books on fatherhood and parenting), CIGNA Healthcare, 100 Black Men of Memphis, Families Matter, Methodist Healthcare, Shelby County Schools, the City of Memphis Workforce Investment Network, and City of Memphis Human Resources personnel.

Following the informational sessions, registrants were able to kick back and enjoy quality time with their children during a Family Fun Festival offering game trucks, laser tag, bubble bouncers, and much more.

Approximately 150 men joined together for this time of inspiration, education, and hope.

Moody said this event was only the beginning of a long-standing relationship. “Every 90 days, we’re going to meet and follow up with the men. We believe that connecting with them is the key to building them up.”

MPLOY PROGRAM

The Memphis Office of Youth Services (MOYS) is a vibrant cornerstone in our city. It helps teens and young adults to broaden their horizons by exposing them to cultural, educational, and social employment opportunities.

In summer 2016, MOYS put 1,000 teens and young adults to work during the MPLOY Youth Summer Experience. Participants ages 14 – 21 worked alongside full-time employees at major businesses and non-profit organizations throughout the city to gain real-world career experience.

Teens ages 14 – 15 spent the summer in various training programs like Hattiloo Theatre and the Stax Music Academy, which exposed them to music and theatre production, marketing, web-based tools, and digital media. At the summer’s end, students from Stax performed a summer grand finale at the Levitt Shell, and teens from Hattiloo performed the hip-hop musical “Flow” written by Will Power on the lawn of LeMoyne-Owen College.

More than 100 other students ages 14 – 15 participated in Junior CEO Programs, where they learned to create business plans and later presented them to a panel of judges comprised of local business leaders. Youth ages 16 – 18 worked at local businesses and non-profit organizations. They also participated in weekly Youth Empowerment Symposiums, which focused on creating and implementing their career plans. Young adults ages 18 – 21 worked at major corporations and participated in New Memphis Institute’s Professional Development Series.

Students interested in participating in the 2017 MPLOY Youth Summer Experience or the year-round Memphis Ambassadors Program must submit an application online between December 1 and December 31, 2016. Eligible participants must be residents of Memphis, Tennessee. Participants are chosen at random via a computer lottery system to ensure that students from each City Council District are represented. The lottery for each program will be held in February 2017. For more information, visit www.cityofmemphisyouth.org.

Jim Strickland

City of Memphis Youth City Council

MAYOR

Meet Your Youth City Council Ariel Walton

Tyrany Nunn

Mackenzie Walker

Kiara Amador

Lizbeth Lopez

Craigmont High School.

Ridgeway High School.

Whitehaven High School.

Wooddale High School.

Memphis Catholic Middle and High School.

Kenneth Robinson

Sydnee Collins

Jazzmun Norman DISTRICT 8 Pos. 1

DISTRICT 8 Pos. 2

Taelen Boyd

LaDarryl Winsley

Mitchell High School.

Memphis Academy of Health Sciences High School

Douglass High School.

Hollis F. Price Middle College High School.

Westwood High School.

DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 6

DISTRICT 2

DISTRICT 7

DISTRICT 3

DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 5

DISTRICT 8 Pos. 3

The Memphis Youth City Council

The MYCC is modeled after the Memphis

(MYCC) is a youth member council

City Council. It consists of 13 students,

that serves to represent youth interests

each elected by peers at their own school

in the City of Memphis government.

after running their campaigns. Seats 1-7

Students serve as an advisory board to

are filled by the winning candidates from

the Mayor and the Memphis City Council.

one school per district. The remaining six

Its purpose is to engage our youth in the political process and create leaders for the future.

Dallas Moore

Megan Wassef

Joey Rodriguez DISTRICT 9 Pos. 2

DISTRICT 9 Pos. 3

St. Mary’s Episcopal School

Memphis University School.

East High School.

DISTRICT 9 Pos. 1

cityofmemphisyouth.org For more information visit us @

Presents

seats are filled by the winning candidates from six schools within the two super districts.

Ike Griffith, DIRECTOR

Career Carnival & Talent Reception

All City of Memphis Divisions came together Friday, Aug. 5, 2016 with one objective in mind – to hire the city’s “best and brightest” potential employees. Hosted by the Human Resources Department, the City’s first Career Carnival and Talent Reception was held at Memphis Botanic Garden. The event offered citizens of all ages and experience levels a chance to share what they have to offer the City, if hired.

Kenisha and Brittany Jones were a few of more than a thousand job seekers who attended the event. Kenisha, hoping to expand her career, and Brittany, aiming to launch hers, said they both found what they were seeking at the job fair. “I was looking for different career opportunities that the City of Memphis has to offer, and I accomplished that,” Kenisha commented. “I made some connections with the Workforce Investment Network and got some business cards also. So, it was very informative, and my day was very productive.”

Brittany added, “Today was a great experience for me, as an upcoming college student. I learned great information about college and useful part-time jobs.”

Certified Employment Specialist Judy Creed said she encouraged her clients to attend the Career Carnival. Creed helps citizens with disabilities or other challenges to find gainful employment.

“This event was very beneficial and necessary. It gave my clients an opportunity to speak on their own behalf, to express their interests, and to learn. Because everything (application process) is online, this way, they got to speak directly to people, and I think that’s wonderful!”

After making career connections inside Hardin Hall Visitors’ Center, job seekers ventured outside to find a performance stage and several tents filled with games, live entertainment, free dental and vision checkups for school-age children, face painting, food trucks, and lots more.

Phi Beta Sigma Steppers, Oakhaven High School Drum Line, Peacemakers, White Station High School Drum Line, and the Young Actors Guild provided entertainment. Also underneath the “big top,” families could find a list of community service agencies, like MIFA, Shelby County Schools, the RISE Foundation, Core Fire, Lewis Help Today Foundation, CSA, Staples and others.

Information on re-entry programs, opportunities for SCS late registration, and additional details for kids returning to school were also available.

“This event is only the beginning, and we plan to continue it annually to encourage Memphis’ best and brightest to consider us as an employer of choice,” noted Chief Human Resources Officer Alexandria Smith. “We are also very appreciative of the major community partners who provided information and services at the event, truly demonstrating that we are all one Memphis – serving together.”

On August 1, crews from Traffic Engineering flipped the switch on new traffic signals on Union Avenue, where it intersects with McLean. The signals allow left turns from Union onto McLean. Thousands of drivers who travel through the intersection daily welcomed the change.

Engineering worked with Communications to raise public awareness around the traffic signals and for good reason: They’re the first such signals installed within the city limits.

Signals will permit left turns from eastbound and westbound inside lanes by using a four-section, left turn display, including a green arrow, a flashing yellow arrow, steady yellow arrow, and a red arrow. The flashing yellow arrow is the first such signal installed in Memphis.

1. RED ARROW: Drivers turning left must stop.

2. YELLOW ARROW: Drivers should prepare to stop; red arrow will display next.

3. FLASHING YELLOW ARROW: Drivers can make left turns, if no vehicles or pedestrians are coming.

4. GREEN ARROW: Drivers can proceed with left turn movements - a protected left turn.

WE MEAN BUSINESS

As the director of the Office of Business Diversity and Compliance, it is my intent to connect vendors directly to decision makers for procurement opportunities with the City of Memphis. On Tuesday, July 25, we extended a formal invitation to do business with hundreds of business owners during the We Mean Business Symposium, held at the Memphis Cook Convention Center. In doing so, our objectives as City leaders were simple – to be more inclusive and intentional about MWBE contracting.

The mission of the symposium was to grow the City’s spend with SMWBE by increasing transparency and frequency in communication about upcoming opportunities. The greater half of the morning consisted of a series of procurement presentations from all City of Memphis Divisions and quasi-governmental agencies such as MATA, EDGE, Cook Convention Center and Downtown Memphis Commission. Private sector partner Brent Grinder or Grinder, Taber, Grinder, LLC also offered a presentation. To further support our execution efforts, successful professionals in the community were recruited to serve as Business Ambassadors

This dynamic event included a luncheon sponsored by FedEx, featuring keynote speaker and CEO / President of Black Enterprise Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. and vocalist Gabby Green. Graves challenged the audience to be proactive about growing communities by patronizing African-American businesses.

Also in his call-to-action message, Graves motivated audience members to leverage any and all resources to reach new heights.

The event closed with a Procurement Networking Session, which offered vendors the unique opportunity to network and ask questions to procurement officials from each department.

CEO and President of Black Enterprise, Earl “Butch” Graves, Joann Massey, director of Business Diversity and Compliance and Mayor Jim Strickland

The event closed with a Procurement Networking Session, which offered vendors the unique opportunity to network and ask questions to procurement officials from each department.

This event and other exciting initiatives reinforce the City’s resounding message. We want to do business with the SMWBE community of Memphis.

Other similar initiatives and partnerships are detailed below.

The “Start Up In Day” website, smartstartmem.com. Made possible by a grant from the Small Business Administration, this online “one-stop shop” seeks to streamline the process for citizens to establish and legally form a business, thus enabling them to get off the ground quicker. This website is the result of a partnership among the City of Memphis, EPIcenter, Memphis Bioworks Foundation, the Shelby County Clerk’s Office, and the Memphis & Shelby County Office of Planning and Development.

Propel, a minority business accelerator partnership with Start Co. Propel seeks to help existing businesses by strengthening their business models, the delivery of their business models, and their access and engagement of customers in particular contracts with governments and other corporations. Visit memphistn.gov for more information.

The Equitable Economic Development Fellowship, an initiative of the National League of Cities, PolicyLink and the Urban Land Institute. Through this fellowship, Memphis leaders will get a rare opportunity to learn more about how to increase economic development tax breaks and incentives for small, minority, and women-owned businesses.

The signing of a Strategic Alliance Memorandum (SAM) with the Small Business Administration.

This formal partnership will increase opportunities within the city for the common goal of expanding small business development.

For more information about the Office of Business Diversity and Compliance or other programs and events, visit www.memphistn.gov/BDC or call (901) 636-6210.

EDITORIALFEATURE

INSIDE THE 901:

TOP COP

It’s not a job for the shy or faint of heart and after 24 years of serving to protect Memphis streets, Mike Rallings has been appointed to the helm of the Memphis Police Department. In this interview, citizens and fellow City servants will have a one on one with the man in uniform, as he outlines his vision for leading the fight against crime in Memphis.

What inspired you to become a police officer?

I have always wanted to be in law enforcement.

From my earliest memories I can recall having a love for firearms and cars. As a child, I knew I would be a part of something as the military or law enforcement.

As a native Memphian, you’ve been “homegrown” and know the pulse of the city. How has this firsthand knowledge served you as a police officer?

I grew up in various neighborhoods and met a variety of individuals who played a significant role in shaping me into the person I am today. I have never forgotten where I came from and I remain grounded with what is going on in our community. I am a people person and believe in our community. These values have always served me well in my role as a police officer.

What has sustained you on the Memphis streets for the past 24 years?

My faith in God, devotion to the department and this great city, and a love for public service have all guided me throughout my career. Also, military preparation assisted me in naviagating through many situations.

You’ve seen thousands of situations play out on Memphis streets, some racially charged, others not. How do you know how to respond in each case?

I view each case differently. First and foremost, I have learned to do a lot of praying. Beyond my training, I rely on my judgement, and the morals and values that have been instilled within me to make the right decision in each case.

EDITORIALFEATURE

The Black Lives Matter Movement

is a hot topic of discussion, with the July 10 march on I-40, many Memphians have done more than join the conversation. The protest ended peacefully, and you were very instrumental to that outcome.

How did you know how to approach this tense situation?

I heard a voice inside of me saying “get up on that bridge.” My main objective was to get both the protestors and my officers off that bridge. Additionally, I wanted to arrange some type of dialogue to help end the situation peacefully.

I can remember looking over the side of the bridge and realizing the magnitude of the situation. I could not allow anyone to get injured or fall from the bridge. This was a potentially dangerous situation for all parties involved. I am thankful that it concluded with no injuries or damage.

In a recent media conference, you mentioned that you strive to maintain a non-combative approach in addressing hostile situations, similar to that of Dr. King. Could you elaborate on your rationale for this peaceful approach?

No one wins when things turn violent and people get injured. I believe in non-violence; we must be role models for our youth. If we can resolve issues without injury to my officers or citizens, then that is a win for everyone.

Often you’ve challenged the media to join the fight against violence in the city. How can they help in the fight in better supporting the Memphis Police Department?

The media has the ability to play a very important role. They can help build up our community, but they also have the ability to present Memphis in a way that can negatively impact our city as a whole. I encourage them to do their part by presenting Memphis in a positive light and showing the great things that Memphis has to offer. They can assist MPD by reporting factual information and by building a better relationship with local law enforcement.

How can the community and each citizen work to make Memphis a better and more peaceful place?

I always refer back to the old school way of thinking. It takes a village to raise a child and it takes a team to build a strong foundation. We must work together and not forget the basic principle of treating each other with kindness. Everyone must be held accountable and take responsibility for their actions. Citizens are crtical in helping law enforcement identify problems in their communities and sharing that information with law enforcement.

Up Through the Ranks In 1990, Michael Rallings joined the Memphis Police Academy. After graduation, he served as a patrolman and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1996; the rank of Lieutenant in 2001; the rank of Major in 2008; appointed to the rank of Colonel in 2009; and appointed to the rank of Deputy Chief in September 2009 where he commanded Uniform Patrol Division District II, Special Operations Division, and Uniform Patrol District I. Throughout his 24 years of service, Rallings has worked at, the Organized Crime Unit, North Precinct, East Precinct, Central Precinct, South Precinct, and Firearms Training Unit, General Investigations Bureau, Felony Response Bureau, Fraud and Document Bureau, Entertainment District Unit, Training Academy, Mt. Moriah Station, and Executive Administration. In 2016, Rallings was appointed to Interim Director by Mayor Jim Strickland until he was later appointed to Director of Police Services.

MEMPHIS SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATE The Office of Communications launched new social media presences for the City of Memphis as part of 901 Day, a September 1 celebration and organic event honoring Memphis. For the first time, City Government is on Twitter (@CityofMemphis), and the City’s Facebook presence has been revived, after a yearlong hiatus.

For a better look, check out @CityofMemphis accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms!

Also, Graphic Designer Mathis Ryan and Marketing Manager Allison Fouche’ developed a new set of graphics for all other Divisions on social media. This strategic effort is intended to strengthen branding for the City and draw awareness to the good work going on every day in City Government.

MEMPHIS AREA NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

Memphis Area Neighborhood Watch celebrated the Neighborhood Crime Prevention Grant Award Recipients’ Ceremony for Cycle III on October 4, 2016 at Memphis City Beautiful (664 Adams Ave.). These neighborhood groups really showed their commitment and dedication to our City’s crime prevention efforts.

Some neighborhood groups plan to initiate various crime prevention projects in their neighborhoods, such as peace rallies, youth community events, mentoring at-risk youth, community newsletters, adding security windows, placing decorated trash receptacles in blighted areas, and adding extra lighting and several surveillance camera enclosures.

In August, the Memphis Area Neighborhood Watch Office was invited to participate in a tour of the Cooper-Young Community Camera Project. Through this project, several neighborhoods in the Cooper-Young area applied for our neighborhood crime prevention grant funds.

After receiving the grant award in May, block captains immediately started to implement a plan to install several weather-proof cameras in their neighborhood. They were able to purchase 70 cameras with the NCPG funds.

The Cooper-Young Neighborhood Watch has already started to see success with their project and have captured a few suspicous activities on camera. Several neighborhood groups worked together with community volunteers and the MANW Office to apply for similar projects. Our next set of workshops started on October 4, 2016. r

The deadline to apply for the next cycle is November 1, 2016.

NEIGHBORHOODS USA The 41st Annual Neighborhoods, USA Conference (NUSA) was held May 25 – 28, 2016 at the Memphis Cook Convention Center. Proudly hosted by the City of Memphis and its Housing and Community Development Division, this year’s event welcomed over 800 community leaders and professionals and contributed more than $1.3 million to the City’s economy.

The conference, themed “Memphis is the Place to Be in 2016,” consisted of 65 workshops focusing on grants and government programs, health and safety, natural environment and resources, neighborhood initiatives, senior boom, social and civic engagement, technology and a youth track.

During pre-conference activities on Wednesday, May 25, attendants enjoyed an overview tour of the city and its history by visiting historic homes, strolling through a neighborhood, riding the Parkways, and viewing the city’s breathtaking skyline. In addition, more than 18 neighborhood pride tours were hosted for registrants to enjoy. The 2017 NUSA Conference will be held in Omaha, Nebraska and will focus on “Bridging the Future.” For more information, visit www.nusa.org.

Metro Alarm Did you know that you can receive a discount on your property insurance by having an alarm permit? It is required by the City of Memphis and Shelby County that home security alarm systems have permits and are registered through the Metro Alarm office. Over 56,000 of all alarm calls into MPD 911 are false calls. Registering your alarm helps support the Metro Alarm office support MPD in limiting false alarm calls reduce the 911 MPD. Register today, visit cityofmemphis.org and select alarm payments.

SUMMER IN MEMPHIS: MORE FUN, LESS WORRY! Summer in Memphis proved to be an overwhelming and unprecedented success in a variety of ways. From June 11 to August 6, more than 49,000 visitors made a splash in City pools. Due to new security measures taken at City of Memphis community centers and outdoor swimming pools, summer 2016 can be touted as a major incident-free summer. This year, the Division of Parks and Neighborhoods contracted with SkyCop for surveillance of our outdoor pools. With this measure, “fence jumpers” were given pre-recorded and live verbal warnings to leave the pools before Memphis Police were called. Throughout the summer, fence jumping incidents decreased.

The Memphis Police Department’s C.O.P. officers were also in City community centers throughout the summer. MPD did an excellent job in securing our City’s assets and our most precious patrons – children. With more than 2,600 campers attending the City’s 25 community centers, the 2016 summer camp experience was greatly enhanced due, in part, to donations totaling over $50,000 from corporate and individual donors who helped to send local kids to summer day camps.

Campers enjoyed seven “Go for the Gold” Olympic-themed weeks featuring different countries like Italy, China, the U.S., and this year’s host country Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. All campers experienced field trips to local museums, skating rinks, a Memphis Redbirds baseball game and more, topping the summer with an End-of-summer Block Party at Tiger Lane! The day was filled with train rides, a petting zoo, bouncers, track and field events, a golf putting challenge, grilled hot dogs for lunch, and live entertainment from Memphis’ own international artist iHeartMemphis (Richard Colbert). Following the performance, iHeartMemphis spoke to kids and encouraged them to get good grades, stay in school, listen to their parents and respect themselves and others.

Campers enjoyed an End-of-summer Block Party at Tiger Lane with iHeartMemphis!

MAS LEADS THE WAY in reducing breed discrimination.

Memphis Animal Services (MAS) has been working on a plan to increase adoptions and reduce breed discrimination by changing the way we describe animals in our care. MAS hopes to be a progressive leader in reducing breed discrimination by eliminating labels and allowing our pets to be judged by their individual characteristics, rather than a breed label.

Research shows that breed labeling, based on visual assessment, is an unreliable method of assigning a breed and that most labels are actually wrong. According to a letter published in the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association, research shows that when visual identification is used to try and identify the breed of a dog, it is usually only about 25 percent correct when compared to actual DNA testing results.

In another recent study published online by the National Institute of Health, it was concluded that: “In the shelter, removing breed labels was associated with increased adoptions and reduced length of stay for all breed groups, particularly pit bull-type dogs.” Too often, we see potential owners walk through our kennels, stop to look at a dog that catches their eyes, and then watch them look up, read the kennel card and see the words “Pit bull,” for example, and decide to move on.

Therefore, MAS no longer places breed labels on incoming animals and have phased out the practice entirely, effective October 1. We were thrilled to hear that another local shelter heard about our plan and is already jumping on board. We hope this can be a movement that spreads throughout our community!

Bank of America Presents:

At the Pink Palace November 19 - December 31

• Santa Lands on the Pink Palace Lawn Saturday, November 19 at 9am • Polar Express 3D

OCT 14 - 16, 2016 AT AUDUBON PARK

• The Light Before Christmas 3D • Pictures with Santa

EXPLORE MEMPHIS EXPLORE MEMPHIS

Library’s Summer Learning Program Attracts Thousands of Memphians

A record number of customers visited Memphis to lead healthier lifestyles, which will improve Public Libraries to explore the excitement and their overall quality of life. To do so, we created fun during Explore Memphis a summer learnprograms to exercise their bodies and minds ing program offering interactive events, free or through movement, healthy eating, and promoting reading all year round.” discounted admission for Library cardholders to local attractions, and prizes galore! Centered on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, With reading as their priority, Library employArts, and Mathematics), Explore Memphis 2016 ees at the 18 locations accepted a system-wide encouraged local families to “Get Fit” while challenge during Explore Memphis to increase participating in Zumba, self-defense classes, the number of books customers check out stretching, Wii Fitness, sporting events and during the summer. June winners of “Operation: more.

Circulation” were Frayser, Cornelia Crenshaw, Levi and Poplar-White Station libraries. The top five (5) winners for July were Levi, Cornelia Crenshaw, Cherokee, East Shelby, and Poplar-White Station libraries. Four BackBeat Tour tickets and a family pass for six (6) to the Metal Museum for customers were the grand prizes.

The program’s ultimate goal was to create a “more literate Memphis” by motivating citizens to read, learn, and live healthier lives. From June 1 - July 31, customers of all ages could explore the city at attractions like the National Civil Rights Museum, Dixon Gallery and Gardens, the Metal Museum and more. In addition, hundreds of age-appropriate Library programs were offered to help kids and teens avoid the “summer slump” in learning and to aid adults in becoming lifelong learners.

“Children and teens lose knowledge and skills if they do not participate in educational activities over the summer,” stressed Children’s Services Coordinator and event planner Jennifer Hornby. “Our objective was to make Memphis Public Libraries the premier summer destination for children, teens, and adults.”

Adult Services Coordinator Wang-Ying Glasgow said she hopes customers were inspired to pursue “Sports, Health, and Fitness,” the theme for adult participants. “We want adults

Director of Libraries Keenon McCloy shared her thoughts on a successful summer. “Explore Memphis is a highlight on our calendar each year, and the entire Library family comes together to make it happen by planning theme-driven programs, establishing community partnerships, securing speakers, and the list goes on. I can hardly express my gratitude to every hand that went to work to make this happen, along with the Friends of the Library and the Foundation for their invaluable support.

Because of this dedication, Memphis got the message and responded in a major way with higher attendance than any prior Explore Memphis. We aimed high and, thankfully, reached the goal. Now, we’re hoping to make the next Explore Memphis equally impactful in improving lives in our city!”

Library’s Summer Learning Program Attracts Thousands of Memphians A record number of customers visited Memphis Public Libraries to explore the excitement and fun during Explore Memphis a summer learning program offering interactive events, free or discounted admission for Library cardholders to local attractions, and prizes galore! Centered on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), Explore Memphis 2016 encouraged local families to “Get Fit” while participating in Zumba, self-defense classes, stretching, Wii Fitness, sporting events and more.

The program’s ultimate goal was to create a “more literate Memphis” by motivating citizens to read, learn, and live healthier lives. From June 1 - July 31, customers of all ages could explore the city at attractions like the National Civil Rights Museum, Dixon Gallery and Gardens, the Metal Museum and more. In addition, hundreds of age-appropriate Library programs were offered to help kids and teens avoid the “summer slump” in learning and to aid adults in becoming lifelong learners.

“Children and teens lose knowledge and skills if they do not participate in educational activities over the summer,” stressed Children’s Services Coordinator and event planner Jennifer Hornby. “Our objective was to make Memphis Public Libraries the premier summer destination for children, teens, and adults.”

Adult Services Coordinator Wang-Ying Glasgow said she hopes customers were inspired to pursue “Sports, Health, and Fitness,” the theme for adult participants. “We want adults

to lead healthier lifestyles, which will improve their overall quality of life. To do so, we created programs to exercise their bodies and minds through movement, healthy eating, and promoting reading all year round.”

With reading as their priority, Library employees at the 18 locations accepted a system-wide challenge during Explore Memphis to increase the number of books customers check out during the summer. June winners of “Operation: Circulation” were Frayser, Cornelia Crenshaw, Levi and Poplar-White Station libraries. The top five (5) winners for July were Levi, Cornelia Crenshaw, Cherokee, East Shelby, and Poplar-White Station libraries. Four BackBeat Tour tickets and a family pass for six (6) to the Metal Museum for customers were the grand prizes.

Director of Libraries Keenon McCloy shared her thoughts on a successful summer. “Explore Memphis is a highlight on our calendar each year, and the entire Library family comes together to make it happen by planning theme-driven programs, establishing community partnerships, securing speakers, and the list goes on. I can hardly express my gratitude to every hand that went to work to make this happen, along with the Friends of the Library and the Foundation for their invaluable support.

Because of this dedication, Memphis got the message and responded in a major way with higher attendance than any prior Explore Memphis. We aimed high and, thankfully, reached the goal. Now, we’re hoping to make the next Explore Memphis equally impactful in improving lives in our city!”

JOBLINC CAREER FAIR

Record-breaking Attendance for Library’s JobLINC Career Fair 2016 Around 1,500 jobseekers took the next step in their careers Thursday, July 28, 2016 at Memphis Public Library’s JobLINC Career Fair, held at the Pipkin Building on Tiger Lane. Offered in partnership with the Workforce Investment Network (WIN) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the fair welcomed more than 100 hiring companies seeking to be “Brilliant at the Basics” by helping to put more Memphians to work.

Senior Education Counselor Kim Jordan-Fluker of Graduate Memphis commits much of her time to helping Memphians return to work or to the classroom. “For Graduate Memphis to be here, to help with devising people’s career paths and post-secondary educational opportunities, and to direct them to vendors that might be hiring in their given fields, has been really great. Today has been an absolutely phenomenal day on many different levels.”

Jobseekers met representatives from a list of attending agencies, like AutoZone, Baptist Memorial Health Care, Crye-Leike Realtors, Elvis Presley Enterprises, the Memphis Police Department, Graduate Memphis, LeMoyne-Owen College, FedEx Ground, Coca-Cola, First Tennessee Bank, and many more.

Other company representatives, like Karen of FedEx Ground, echoed Jordan-Fluker’s sentiments.

“The event has been very helpful with introducing us to people that we would not normally get to see. We’ve had a lot of really good candidates coming through and beginning the initial phases of our hiring process. So, our experience has been really good.”

The wide variety of companies gave other jobseekers like Derrick Jones more options and more opportunities to land promising job leads.

Although Jones said he has been seeking employment for a while, he left the career fair more optimistic about his future. “I landed an interview, so my day has gone really well. Events like this have a great impact on the community because so many people are jobless, but all the companies here are helpful in finding the careers that we’re seeking.”

The JobLINC Career Fair has been helping to make Memphis a more “productive” place for more than 25 years. This annual event is an extension of the Library’s JobLINC services, which assist customers in finding jobs, locating scholarships and educational opportunities, and lots more.

For additional information about the Memphis Public Library & Information Center’s JobLINC services or how to participate in the next JobLINC Career Fair, call (901) 415-2787.

GROWING INTEREST Memphis Public Library’s New Seed Library Memphis Public Libraries are moving customers from consumers to producers, thanks to the new Grow Memphis Seed Library now available at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, Business and Sciences Department, 3rd floor).

The seed library offers customers a chance to check out fruit, vegetable, and flower seeds for free!

Memphis Public Libraries teamed up with Grow Memphis and the Tennessee Extension Master Gardener Program to make the seed library possible and all the possibilities that come along with it.

“Certain areas of Memphis have been referred to as ‘food deserts’ where fresh produce is not readily available, but the seed library is a free and easily-accessible resource for customers to get and grow their own produce – perhaps in flower pots or their own backyards,” said Jessie Marshall, Business and Sciences Department manager. “The seed library will also encourage Memphians to grow their own food and eat

healthier by giving them access to seeds at no cost.”

The process for checking out seeds is simple. Customers will sign a log book noting the seeds they’ve gotten and, after harvest, return more seeds to the seed library for other customers to use. Grow Memphis has graciously agreed to maintain the seed library.

Whether professional or beginning gardeners, all customers can take advantage of the seed library with help of master gardeners, who will be on hand each week to answer questions.

There is growing interest in the seed library and the impact is immeasurable,” said Director of Libraries Keenon McCloy. We are very excited about this project and the opportunity for Memphis Public Libraries to branch out in new and exciting ways.”

For more information about the Grow Memphis Seed Library, call (901) 415-2734.

CLOUD

901 Memphis Youth Learning 21st Century Skills Year Round in Library’s Teen Lab

In the fall, Memphis Public Libraries celebrated CLOUD901’s one-year anniversary with teen exhibits and a talent showcase highlighting what teens have learned inside the lab. During the event, which was free and open to the public, teens performed original poetry, songs, and short films before an audience of enthusiastic guests. Surrounded by teens’ creations from the previous year in CLOUD901, customers received a booklet filled with images of teens’ work in digital drawing, photography, pottery, visual arts, woodworking, video game design, and 3-D printing.

“The life of the CLOUD begins and ends with the arts. We always get to express ourselves,” said Ja’Shun, who performed his original song, Good Vibe Party, during the one-year anniversary celebration.

Director of Libraries Keenon McCloy said no other place exists in the city where teens can go to take advantage of such a wide range of hi-tech offerings. “CLOUD901 presents an extraordinary opportunity for teens in Memphis to connect, learn, and grow. As an informal learning space, Memphis Public Libraries have the unique opportunity to help support the formal education system. Ultimately, the goal is to retain Memphis talent in Memphis, and we want teens to use their creative energies.”

CLOUD901 is open Mondays – Thursdays, 3 p.m.

- 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Sundays, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. During this time, teens can work independently or to take advantage of expertled sessions, using state-of-the-art technology like 3-D printers, audio and video equipment, MacBook Pros and Airs, X-Boxes, PlayStations, music keyboards, and more.

For more information about CLOUD901, 2017 summer camps, or year-round programs for teens, call (901) 415-2760.

Party in the Cloud

Saturday, November 5th @ 7 p.m.

For more information go to www.memphislibraryfoundation.org/party-in-the-CLOUD

FINDING HELP IS EASY WHEN YOU

MAKE RIGHT CALL the

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3-1-1

Memphis residents can call 3-1-1 for non-emergency assistance for City Services Requests are assigned to the appropriate City. Division or supporting agency for resolution. Common requests include: debris in yard, vehicle violation, overgrown weeds, potholes, trash cart and recycle bin replacement, trash collection, sewer backup, drain flooding, traffic sign maintenance, and loose/stray dogs.

Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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2-1-1

Residents can call 2-1-1 for information on community, social and health services, as well as services like housing, employment, food banks mental health and addiction agencies. Common calls to 2-1-1 include: senior services, emergency shelters for homeless, services for domestic violence victims, public health, crisis services, housing help, youth programs, and family counseling.

Hours: Monday –Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

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9-1-1 emergency

Residents should always call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies or crimes in progress. An emergency is any situation that require immediate assistance from the police, fire department or paramedics. Examples include: a fire, a car crash (especially if someone is injured), a medical emergency, such as someone who is unconscious, gasping for air or not breathing, experiencing an allergic reaction, having chest pain, having uncontrollable bleeding, or any other symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

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Honorable Mayor Jim Strickland City of Memphis Office of Communications