Parks & Neighborhoods
Bridging the Gap Between Parks and Neighborhoods
The Official Newsletter of the City of Memphis Division of Parks & Neighborhoods Volume 1 2014
Hats off to Memphis Animal Services!
Features: Holiday Highlights, Upcoming Events, Memphis Music, and more!
FEBRUARY 1 - MAY 4, 2014
A Project of American Anthropological Association Funded by Ford Foundation & National Science Foundation
We all know that people look different. Throughout history, those differences have been a source of strength, community and personal identity. They have also been the basis for discrimination and oppression. What is race and how are we affected by it every day? Race: Are We So Different? explores the concept of race from scientific, historical and cultural perspectives. The exhibition offers a powerful look at race and racism, and challenges visitors to ask questions, think critically and talk about the issue and their own experiences.
Including numerous community events: In Our Own Backyard · I Am An Icon · Locker Decorating Project · Free Lectures · Cross Cultural Events · And more! P!NK PALACE MUSEUM
Kathy and JW Gibson
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR’S BENCH Division of
Parks and Neighborhoods
For many of us, the New Year is motivating. We resolve to make positive changes with a renewed sense of purpose. We promise ourselves that we will eat healthier, exercise more and take time for “me.” Taking “time for me” may mean curling up with that bestseller that we’ve been dying to read, training for that marathon, learning to swim or play golf. It may just mean that you are finally going to “stop and smell the roses.” We hear you loud and clear! The Division of Parks and Neighborhoods is committed to providing endless possibilities, helping to ensure you meet those New Year resolutions. Our mission is to help people build memories, participate in engaging activities, maintain good health through recreation, provide youth with well-rounded programs, honor our seniors and educate the citizens of Memphis. Bike lanes, walking trails, golf, swimming, health and wellness screenings and fairs are just a few of the opportunities awaiting you. Take a walk through our Botanic Gardens stopping to smell the roses or spend some quiet time at our Brooks Museum where you can explore “the transformative power of art.” Explore the world of animals strolling through our Zoo, or adopting “man’s best friend” from Memphis Animal Services. Stroll with your new four-legged companion through any of the city’s 157 Parks or revel at your pet’s excitement in one of two city parks just for dogs. Thanks to all of the Parks and Neighborhoods Division staff for their steadfast devotion in diligently providing a wealth of positive experiences for our customers. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions to motivate us to be champions for the community and serve each sector according to their needs. Please contact us at parksinfo@memphistn.gov. Clearly, taking advantage of the many opportunities the City of Memphis offers can be exhilarating and exhausting so, go ahead and curl up with that good book you checked out at the Library as you end your day. You deserve it! Yours in service,
Janet P. Hooks, Director
HARDAWAY THANKSGIVING OUTREACH Former Memphis Tiger and NBA star Anfernee Hardaway reached out to the Binghampton community for the 4th consecutive year and treated 100 families with Thanksgiving meals. The baskets consisted of Honey Baked ham or turkey, corn pudding, sweet potato casserole, green beans, rolls, pecan pie and a case of soft drinks. The families were chosen from organizations that are affiliated with the Lester Community Center in Binghampton. Hardaway’s mother Faye stepped in as the official on-site support with the assistance from State Representative G. A. Hardaway to distribute baskets to those in need. Volunteers assembled, assisted, and distributed baskets to families. This was such a special time of giving and all of the families were thankful to be receiving an abundance of food that would last throughout the holiday.
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS CHRISTMAS MELODIES RUTH TATE SENIOR CENTER Seniors at Ruth Tate Senior Center were treated to the musical sounds of the Queen of Beale Street, Ms. Ruby Wilson. The holiday themed concert was sponsored by Creative Aging Mid-South. Ms. Wilson sang many traditional Christmas songs and even added a touch of the blues to some of her selections. At one point during the concert, the entire room was singing and dancing to the sounds of Ms. Ruby Wilson. Since 2004, Creative Aging Mid-South has brought enriching experiences to seniors. The Ruth Tate Senior Center is newly renovated and filled with activities for seniors. The seniors have monthly dances, holiday parties and group trips. If you would like to become a member of the Ruth Tate Senior Center, a volunteer, or an instructor, please call Kristine Strickland at 901-948-7502.
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS CONGRATS JUNIOR LEAGUE OF MEMPHIS! On December 14, 2013, Mayor A C Wharton, Jr. recognized the Junior League of Memphis for their longstanding commitment to the Lester Community Center. The Junior League of Memphis has provided enriching experiences to the youth at Lester Community Center through the G.R.O.W. program. G.R.O.W. Memphis is a Junior League of Memphis initiative that revolves around a strategic plan to shape the community center’s programs in areas of education, literacy, health, personal growth and family unity. The programs and events are designed for both parents and children to gain relevant and supportive information on topics that include job skills, etiquette, literacy, and more. G.R.O.W. stands for "Giving. Readiness. Opportunity. Wellness.� Celebrating its fourth year, Mayor Wharton honored the organization with an elegant plaque and proclaimed December 14th to be Junior League of Memphis Day. Joseph Lee, Deputy Director of Parks and Neighborhoods welcomed the attendees to the program and there were remarks by Walter Casey, the Director of Lester Community Center and Stephanie Simpson, the President of the Junior League of Memphis. Concluding the recognition ceremony, families who regularly take part in the Junior League of Memphis program were gifted with a lovely holiday dinner and a family size kit of essentials like tissue, detergent, paper towels, hygiene products, and other items. Children displayed their creative talents with an arts & crafts session. The event was a wonderful culmination for 2013 with anticipation for achieving more goals in 2014.
HATS OFF TO MEMPHIS ANIMAL SERVICES!
Parks & Neighborhoods recognizes Memphis Animal Services (MAS) for showing dedication, commitment, hard work ethic, and persistence during 2013. MAS was awarded a $50,000 grant in December 2013 to spay and neuter in the low income zip codes of 38114, 38106, and 38126. This generous funding, awarded by Pet Smart Charities, is a testament to the determination of the MAS volunteers to provide quality care for our community pets.
Memphis Animal Services staff work tirelessly to ensure that cleaning and feeding protocols are maintained with integrity, NACA (National Animal Control Association) training in animal care is implemented, and the facility is safely monitored along with other business practices. The department has built relationships with media outlets and community leaders to demonstrate how faithful they are to successfully bringing positive outcomes to pets in the community.
ADOPTIONS TRENDING UPWARD Memphis Animal Services had a record-breaking 2,968 adoptions in 2013. The 2013 Live Release Rate (traditionally referred to as Positive Outcomes) for MAS has been at its highest in the past five years with 4,047 animals being given better care and positive results. The statistics reflect a continuous trend of improvements. For 2013 MAS intake was 12,181 animals, which is a 25% decrease from the 2009 intake of 16,256 animals.
EUTHANASIA TRENDING DOWNWARD MAS’ euthanasia rate of 7,692 is the lowest that it has been in 5 years, reflecting a 42% decrease since 2009 (13, 255). Lastly, December 2013 marks the first time in five years that the Live Release Rate exceeds the number of euthanasia conducted at Memphis Animal Services. Mayor Wharton challenged the team at MAS to increase adoptions while decreasing euthanasia and MAS has accomplished this goal.
PAWS IN THE PARK On October 5, 2013, Memphis Animal Services hosted Paws in the Park: A Pet Adoption Event at Peabody Park. Families came and shared their love for animals and supported the cause of finding new homes for pets. University of Memphis athletes volunteered by walking dogs as part of the MAS enrichment program. One animal was adopted and vaccinations and microchips were administered during the event.
Memphis & Shelby County Resource and Information Fair Finding a job is a challenge. When you are an ex-felon, it becomes even harder to find employment opportunities. To address this unfortunate reality, the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Re-Entry in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Corrections held its first Resource and Information Fair. The fair was organized to facilitate a smoother transition from the prison environment back to the community. Dozens of people lined up at the Mid-South Fairgrounds Pipkin Building with their information in hand to speak with potential employers offering advice and resources on life skills and restoration. The Resource and Information Fair made its mark as the largest effort of its kind held in Tennessee.
Community Affairs he 2014 Certified Neighborhood Leader Training Program (CNLTP) is a FREE program available to any Memphis resident, who is interested in learning more about developing the skills needed to become an effective neighborhood leader. This year’s theme is “Stronger Leaders. Stronger Neighborhoods. Stronger Memphis!” Sessions are held monthly at the Office of Community Affairs located at 314 S. Hollywood (Next door to the Liberty Bowl Stadium). Session times are from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., and are facilitated by persons from various City divisions and neighborhood leaders. Each session will cover best practices in handling a wide array of community and neighborhood concerns and issues. For example, topics ranging from How to engage the City Council, Interacting with MPD’s Neighborhood Watch to Code Enforcement, Understanding the 311 Call enter complaint line, and Utilizing effective communication techniques for member outreach and growth, will be discussed. Sessions on the importance of using social media and grant writing are also planned. Our hope is that every participant will gain knowledge and understanding of a topic, policy, procedure or program that they might not have had prior to attending the CNLTP session. We endeavor to stress peer-networking among the neighborhood leaders, and encourage an atmosphere of commitment to our communities. Lastly, we hope that each participant will plan to play an even greater role as advocates for positive change in their neighborhoods.
UPCOMING EVENTS Binding Wounds, Pushing Boundaries: African Americans in Civil War February is nationally recognized as Black History Month and the Memphis Public Library and Information Center has a riveting exhibit for the public to view. Saturday, February 8 – Saturday March 29, 2014, the “Binding Wounds, Pushing Boundaries: African Americans in Civil War Medicine” exhibit will be on display. The exhibit showcases the various contributions African Americans made in the medical field during the Civil War. Despite being considered unequal in the late 1800s, African American men and women served as nurses, surgeons, and other medical professionals, challenging the roles based upon social construction. Be sure to check out the program on Thursday, February 20, 2014, from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. For more information, go to www.memphislibrary.org.
The Emissaries of Memphis Music From the days of Stax to the melodies of today, the contributions made by women to Memphis Music have often been overlooked! The Emissaries of Memphis Music shines a positive light on this oversight by saluting the career contributions of Memphis women in music. March is Women’s History Month! What an appropriate time to spotlight the achievements of women who are ambassadors of the Memphis creative culture. On Thursday, March 20, 2014, the 5th annual Emissaries of Memphis Music will be held at the Kroc Center Theater, located at 800 East Parkway South from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $35 and will be available at www.memphismusic.org. Please contact 901-636-6850 for more information. Emissaries of Memphis Music honorees are singers, songwriters, producers, engineers, musicians and supporters who have played a major role in introducing the world to the Memphis Sound. The Emissaries of Memphis Music is also a fundraiser presented through Memphis Music Matters, the 501 (c) (3) non-profit arm of the Memphis Music Commission. Event proceeds benefit the Memphis Musicians Healthcare Plan … a plan that provides free access to medical care for Memphis musicians.
Pets for Life Outreach Memphis Animal Services is proud to embark on a grassroots mission to provide pet parents in the 38114 zip code with FREE vaccines and spay/neuter services as a first step to better health of the animals. On April 5, 2014, the Pets for Life Outreach will occur at the Orange Mound Community Service Center located at 2572 Park Avenue. The overall aim of this event is to decrease the percentages of animal neglect and offer a broader awareness on caring for animals. For more information, please contact MAS at 901-636-1447.
by: Erica P. Dallas
THE SOUNDS OF MEMPHIS STAX LIVE MUSIC SHOWCASING all the great music that Memphis has to offer featuring Rock, R&B, Hip-Hop, Country and Gospel performances.
Hard Rock CafĂŠ 315 Beale Street
STAX FRESH TRAX is a consumer driven, fan and music enthusiast group listening session presented by the Memphis Music Commission. The sessions are free and feature new music created by local Memphis musicians. FIRST THURSDAY OF EA CH MONTH 6PM @ THE STAX MUSEUM 926 EAST MCLEMORE ACCEPTING ALL MUSIC GENRES
Every first and third Monday of each month
FREE admission & FREE Appetizers!
www.memphismusic.org 901.636.6850
125 North Main, Suite 200 Memphis, TN 38103
Join the Library’s Teen Advisory Council TODAY!
By: Marcey Wright
T
WANT TO SUPPORT PARKS & NEIGHBORHOODS?
INVOLVED