City of Memphis Quarterly Newsmag v3

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901 view from the

I WORK FOR MEMPHIS Anthony Woodard Operations Administrator, Public Works

WELCOME

CONTENTS 2017 4

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Mayor Strickland grants expungement for Memphians RiverPlay Pop-up Park Inside the 901: Anthony Woodard City welcomes largest MPD class Mayor Wharton portrait unveiling Memphis 3.0 Five Fridays of Free Jazz BookStock: Library party for all ages

Editor-in-Chief Allison J. Fouche’ Marketing Manager Contributors Amanda Fryer Ashley Cash Joann Massey Kyle Veazey Marcey Wright Lt. Karen Rudolph Timothy Harris Story Ideas, omissions or additions contact marketing@memphistn.gov

A view from the Mayor’s Desk Johnson would pick up Tarik and take him to practice. When Tarik would return home, he would go on and on about how much fun they had. His mother knew Officer Johnson was a positive police role model.

Life moved on as it does, of course, and both Officer Johnson and Tarik moved and lost touch. Tarik later became a star basketball player at Ridgeway High, at the University of Memphis and at Kansas University. Last year, he signed a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. His mother recently sought out this officer who was so influential so many years ago, and he and Tarik reunited.

One of my calls to action is to mentor a young person. It’s proven that a young person’s ability to choose the right path in life so often depends on the influence of an older person. I wanted to share with you a story that shows the impact and effects of mentoring a young person in our city.

You may have seen on social media where I was honored to conduct the wedding ceremony of former University of Memphis basketball star Tarik Black and his new bride Kennedy. Tarik was back in town to launch a foundation to help our young people -- and I thanked him for that.

But today, I want to share something more -- a story Tarik’s mother told me last week and is allowing me to share with you: When Tarik was a kid, about 8 or 9, his family lived across the street from Memphis Police officer Byron Johnson. One day, Officer Johnson knocked on the door. He had seen Tarik playing outside and wondered if he played basketball -- Tarik was already a tall kid, after all.

Officer Johnson coached a basketball team and wanted to give Tarik an opportunity to join that team. Tarik hadn’t yet started to play basketball.

His mother said OK. Week after week, Officer

The Tarik Black Foundation launched this month and, as part of its programming, is holding a summer basketball camp for young people in our city.

At the end of each camp, the foundation plans to honor a police officer who has been a role model in the community they live in or patrol. The name of the award? The Byron Johnson Neighborhood Officer Role Model (NORM) award. The acronym ‘NORM’ is by design, because Tarik and the foundation want this kind of relationship to be the norm in the community.

How great is that? Thank you, Tarik, for doing this.

And thank you, Officer Johnson -- who is now a 20-year veteran and Sergeant Johnson -- for reminding us how much positive impact matters in the lives of our young people. Commit to an hour a week of mentoring through The Giving Hour Initiative. Visit thegivinghour.org to sign up.

Yours,

HEART HEALTH EXPO 2017 On February 24, we presented the Heart Health Fair & Expo. Attendees benefited from free health screenings and educational opportunities and a whole lot of fun in the Hall of Mayors at City Hall.

Celebrity chef Gina Neely was there for a special heart-healthy cooking demonstration, featuring one of her delicious recipes featuring angel hair pasta. Some of the other exciting moments included the Heart Survivor Fashion Stroll and a fitness demonstration led by FitNation’s Toye Bogard.

Mayor Strickland helps break barriers to grant expungement In March 2016, Mayor Jim Strickland hosted a fundraiser to gather funds to pay the $450 fee necessary to have a criminal record expunged.

This was done in an effort to assist those individuals facing employment boundaries after fulfilling their obligation to the court system.

The cases get processed through the General Sessions and Criminal Court Clerk’s offices, and are comprised of minor, nonviolent offenders Approximately $55,000 was donated by local citizens to aid in the Mayor’s fee payment program.

Business accelerator program culminates with its first “Pitch” Day Mayor Jim Strickland, StartCo President Andre Fowlkes, Director of Business Diversity and Compliance Joann Massey and several diverse business enterprises partcipated in the Propel Pitch Day the culmination of a 12-week minority business accelerator program where participants had the opportunity to “pitch” their business services to private and public sector purchasing officials. Pitch Day is designed to build capacity by offering hands-on technical assistance, mentorship opportunities, business model enhancement and other skills to enhance the businesses’ ability to garner contracts in the public and private sectors.

The program has had three payment cycles to date. The first cycle served 22 participants, and paid $9,990 in fees. The second session served 23 participants, and paid $10, 350 in fees. The third cycle has 33 participants, and will pay out $15, 300 in fees. So far, the total participant count is 78 and total fee amount of $35, 640.

Each cycle presents an opportunity for the Workforce Investment Network to give soft-skills training and the District Attorney’s office to engage the participants with the policies and procedures of the expungement process.

Pictured CBPA Propel Participants, StartCo President Andre Fowlkes, Ted Townsend, Chief of Staff TN Dept. of Economic Development, Mayor Strickland Councilman Martavius Jones and Joann Massey, Director Business Diversity & Compliance.

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FREE POP-UP PLAY SPACE INVITES MEMPHIANS TO EXPLORE HISTORIC “FOURTH BLUFF” ALONG THE RIVER ALL SUMMER LONG Organizers and supporters of the Fourth Bluff announced a new project to activate parts of Memphis’ Mississippi riverfront - RiverPlay a temporary public gathering and recreation space at Mississippi River Park. The “pop-up park” will open to the public in May. The Fourth Bluff is part of Reimagining The Civic Commons, a partnership of the JPB Foundation, the Knight Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, and the Rockefeller Foundation that seeks to foster civic engagement, economic opportunity and environmental sustainability through revitalizing and connecting parks, libraries, community centers, and other public places. Memphis is one of five cities included in the nationwide initiative.

RiverPlay follows the popular Fourth Bluff Ice Rink which was temporarily installed in the park during the winter and will include a variety of flexible and multi-use amenities on both Mississippi River Park itself and adjacent parts of Riverside Drive, which will be closed to vehicular traffic.

Amenities will include playing fields and basketball courts, a skating rink, and spaces for mobile food vendors. RiverPlay will be open through Aug. 1.

“Memphis has the best natural riverfront in the country, and it is important that find ways to make the most out of every square inch of these remarkable public spaces,” Mayor Jim Strickland said. “As our Downtown core continues to develop and welcome new residents, workers, and visitors all the time, programs like Fourth Bluff and innovative projects like RiverPlay illuminate exact why our riverfront is so special.”

RiverPlay partners include the Memphis Grizzlies, the City of Memphis, Riverfront Development Corporation, and Downtown Memphis Commission.

EDITORIALFEATURE

INSIDE THE 901: ANTHONY WOODARD Operations Administrator, Public Works

Barriers, whether real or perceived, can be broken and Anthony Woodard is a testament to just that.

From part-time worker to Operations Administrator, Woodard has shown that obstacles can be overcome and challenges are only placed in our way to make us stronger and prepare us for the next level.

You started out as a crew member. Tell us more about what motivated you to become part of management?

I started as a temp on September 9, 1991. I was just grateful to have a job. I had no idea that it would turn out to be a career. I was made full time in July 1992 and worked to obtain my CDL license so that I could drive. After spending several years as a crew person/ backup driver, I watched a lot of things. I watched how the job took a toll on the men and women who spent years pounding the pavement. Needless to say, I wanted something more. I watched people being mistreated by some members of management and I wanted to help change that, but I realized that the only way to do this was to work my way into a position which would allow me to be a decision maker. I have worked in many capacities along the way: first as a crewperson, bob truck driver, a backup picker

operator, zone supervisor, area improvement supervisor, area manager, sector administrator and now as the Operations Administrator. God has been good to me.

How have you overcome obstacles in your career?

I have faced many obstacles with a head on approach and much prayer. I believe that the word of God is true and that he has a plan for each and every person’s life according to Jeremiah 29:11. I believe that the obstacles that I have faced have helped build character and faith in me. I have been blessed with great spiritual leaders Bishop Charles Rodgers and Bishop Adrian Rodgers and a great wife Doctor Elizabeth D. Woodard and great parents who have supported me in the tough times to overcome the obstacles not only on the job but in my life.

EDITORIALFEATURE

What has been your favorite role as a member of the Division of Public Works?

I would have to say that my favorite role was the Sector Administrator. It gave me an opportunity to help others to achieve and to interact with my co-workers and the public directly. It also allowed me to see firsthand the impact of what we do as Solid Waste workers and how we affect the community.

You have worked in Solid Waste for over 20 years.

How has the work environment changed?

The change has been tremendous. From the type of vehicles used to the number of employees and the technology that has been introduced to help track our productivity. In 1991 there were approximately 1,200 Solid Waste workers and now we service a greater customer base with 500 workers. I think innovation such as ArcGIS truck development and the dedication of our staff and workers have been key to the success of the department.

During your tenure, what has inspired you to keep going?

I have a love for my city and a desire to serve my city.

What is your inspiration and motivation for being able to continue when change occur?

I believe change is inevitable though seldom embraced initially.

It has to take place in order for any business to survive and flourish.

Once you understand that then it becomes easier to embrace.

Imagine if travel had stopped with the horse and wagon, people would be limited only to where they travel by that mode of transportation. Change is often painful but necessary.

Mayor Strickland, Director Rallings welcome largest MPD recruit class in years

Mayor Jim Strickland, Police Director Michael Rallings and Chief Human Resources Officer Alexandria Smith welcomed approximately 150 recruits – officers and police service technicians -as they begin training as part of the largest class in more than six years. The officer candidates will graduate Aug. 11.

PSTs do important work. They handle traffic incidents and similar issues, and are important ambassadors for our city. But they also help free up our commissioned officers to be more proactive in fighting violent crime. And thanks in part to the Blue Path program we’ve started in conjunction with Southwest Tennessee Community College, we’re building a pipeline from high school to PST to commissioned officer that will help our staffing situation in the long haul.

A C Wharton's City Hall Portrait Unveiled City officials, judges, past mayors, and members of the community joined Wharton and his family to celebrate the “public hanging” of his mayoral portrait. Wharton’s portrait, which resides adjacent to his predecessor, former Mayor Willie Herenton, will be only the second of an African American in the Hall of Mayors.

Artist Larry Walker, says Wharton’s portrait, which features the past mayor posed on the Main St. Mall in front of both Memphis City Hall and the Vasco A. Smith Jr. County Administration Building, reflecting his tenure as Memphis mayor (20092015) and as Shelby County mayor (2002-2009), is unlike any of the other portraits in the room.

Naturalization Ceremony New beginnings. New hope. New home.

More than 100 newlynaturalized citizens began new lives in America on Friday, Jan. 13, 2017, at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. The special Naturalization Ceremony was offered in partnership with the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services – Memphis field office.

Memphis Fire turnouts and life safety dalmatians The Fire Museum of Memphis hosted Memphis Fire Department and Lion Totalcare presentation of official Memphis Fire turnouts and life safety dalmatians .

LOTTIE DOT, IZZY AND ASTRO!

June 12 July 28 , 2017 Monda 8:30 a.yms - Fridays AGES . - 5 p.m .

5-12 AGES 13-15* TEEN C

AMP

R E M M SU IS

MPH E M F O Y T I C 2017

P M A C Y A D

EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT DISCOUNT IS AVAILABLE MONDAY, MAY 1ST - FRIDAY, MAY 12TH To register a camper please bring the following documentation: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Driver’s license or State ID Birth Certificate Proof of guardianship Proof of residency

(Utility Bill, Tax Bill, Pay Stub, Lease/ Rental agreement)

For more information call 901.636.4203

Regular Rate

$162

Discount Rate

$129

Non - Resident Rate

Early Arrival Rate

$259

Activity Fee

$35 $55 $50 - $65 one child

two or more

varies by site and includes field trips & camp t-shirt

*All fees must be paid by money order or cashier’s check only. No cash or personal checks allowed

Since beginning the Memphis 3.0 planning process in fall 2016, over 2,000 of you have shown interest in wanting to stay updated and wanting to be involved in shaping a bold vision for our city’s future.

What is Memphis 3.0 and why do we need it?

Memphis has not had a comprehensive plan to establish a vision for our city’s future and a roadmap for how get there since 1981. Memphis 3.0 will become our community’s guide to a great future as a city of opportunity for all.

Much of the way Memphis is and looks today is a result of actions taken in its second century from 1919 to 2019, from economic segregation and suburban sprawl to low population growth and overbuilt land. A lack of a comprehensive plan has allowed Memphis to drift through this period, preventing growth and prosperity. Our central question for Memphis 3.0 is: how can a new comprehensive plan set the course to reverse these trends as we enter our third century?

What are the steps for the comprehensive plan?

There are nine primary phases for the planning process and the public will be able to participate in every one.

They are 1) Identify issues, 2) State goals, 3) Collect data, 4) Assess current and future conditions, 5) Create implementation plans, 6) Evaluate alternatives, 7) Adopt the plan, 8) Begin to take actions to carry out the plan, and 9) Monitor the plan and report the results to the public.

Participation and Outreach In addition to the individuals who attended the kick-off rallies, we’ve interacted with an additional 1,300 people

through interviews, small group meetings, surveys, the roaming podium, and requested neighborhood meetings. Through that engagement, 10 common themes arose. Our next steps are to use these commons themes in conversations with community members to develop a shared vision and goals for Memphis 3.0. Information provided will educate planners on what Memphians picture when they think of vibrant neighborhoods, places for opportunity and growth, and areas for improvement.

Ways to get involved We are currently mobilizing our community partners and providing opportunities for community members to become directly involved with the process. At the request of the community, we’ve developed a volunteer ambassador board. Volunteers will lead and facilitate discussions, participate in a photo campaign for Memphis, host 3.0 workshops, and more.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.memphis3point0.com or email Ashley.cash@memphistn.gov for details.

Free Jazz Fridays ‘Transforms’ Customers’ Experience at the Library After a long workweek, Fridays mean freedom. Memphis Public Libraries recently offered customers the perfect way to unwind after a long week at work – Five Fridays of Jazz – a free concert series at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.

“I’ve had a good and relaxing time. It’s a tremendous concert, and I’ve seen a lot of friends I haven’t seen in a while,” said concertgoer Clarence Christian. Christian and hundreds of other music lovers put their feet up and let their hair down, while listening to free entertainment from jazz greats like Joyce Cobb, Rhodes College Jazz Orchestra, Stax Music Academy Jazz Ensemble, Dr. Bill Hurd and the Legends of Jazz Quintet, Reach Forever Quartet, the International Jazz Twins, and The (Re)birth of Cool with the University of Memphis Birth of Cool Ensemble.“ You have an exceptional group of musicians and an outstanding audience,” Christian said.

The series, now in its second year, included live painting along with live music. As musicians performed on stage, visual artist Stacey Ferguson captured the essence of each night with her paintbrush and canvas.

This event was sponsored by Memphis Public Libraries, the City of Memphis, the Memphis Library Foundation, Friends of the Library, Levitt Shell, Amro Music, Arts Memphis and WUMR Radio with help from Otolaryngologists Associates Neal Beckford and Ron and Jan Coleman.

For more information about Five Fridays of Jazz at Memphis Public Libraries, call (901) 415-2739.

Bookstock 2017 is ‘Party at the Library’ for Customers of All Ages!

More than 5,600 customers filled the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library to enjoy live music, author talks, food, face painting, arts and crafts, a movie screening and – of course – great books! The annual literacy festival, Bookstock 2017 transformed Central Library into a reader’s paradise.

“It’s a party at the Library,” said customer Andria Brown.

In addition to the festivities, Brown and a crowd of readers had the chance to meet featured authors Lisa Wingate (Before We Were Yours), ReShonda Tate-Billingsley (The Perfect Mistress), Daniel Connolly (The Book of Isaias) and Adrienne Berard (Water Tossing Boulders). Over 40 other authors also attended the event to promote their recently-published books, like columnist Otis Sanford (From Boss Crump to King Willie), news anchor Katina Rankin (Up North, Down South), chefs Justin Fox Burks and Amy Lawrence (The Chubby Vegetarian Cookbook) and many more.

Following the event, Chubby Vegetarian authors shared why they enjoyed Bookstock. “We loved connecting with the sweet community of readers in Memphis and talking about cooking good food,” they said. Avid reader George Boyington told Facebook friends about his favorite part of the day. “I got to visit my favorite authors at Bookstock,” he bragged while posting a few selfies.

Other fun extras were also planned for the whole family, like a Chinese fashion show, live Latin music, cooking demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, a puppet show and storytimes for kids.

Director of Libraries Keenon McCloy best summed up the event. “For authors, it’s a wonderful networking opportunity and a chance to sell their books.

Customers can choose from age-appropriate activities, while listening to live music and eating great food. In essence, there’s something for everyone.”

MAYOR STRICKLAND & MBK ALLIANCE PRESENT

The My Brother’s Keeper Opportunity Summit will provide individuals between the ages of 16 and 29 opportunities to participate in career preparation and interview with employers for on-the-spot hiring. The event also provides access to community resources and social services that address common barriers to employment.

For more information, visit mbkamemphis.com.

#Path2Success