Parks and Neighborhoods

Parks&

The Official Newsletter of the City of Memphis Division of Parks & Neighborhoods Spring Edition 2013

Neighborhoods Bridging the Gap Between Parks and Neighborhoods

Reopening of Ruth Tate Senior Center

Responsible Pet Owners Month

Issac Hayes is Unsung

Name this Park For a chance to Win Lunch for two at Bhan Thai.

Look for details inside.

Features: Summer Camp, Junior Achievement Bowl-a-thon,

Responsible Pet Owners Month

The 2013 Certified Neighborhood Leader Training Program kicks off with a full class!

On March 21st, neighborhood leaders from across the city gathered at the Office of Community Affairs to begin the 2013 Certified Neighborhood Leader Training Program. The mission of this five month program is to build leadership in Memphis neighborhoods to create innovative solutions for improving the community. Classes include information about critical city services including the 311 Call Center and the Memphis Police Department, ways to improve neighborhood communication, and how to apply for funding. The program will culminate with a graduation ceremony featuring Division of Parks and Neighborhoods Director Janet Hooks as the keynote speaker.

To find out more about future class offerings email communityaffairs@memphistn.gov or call 901.636.6260. e class offerings email communityaffairs@memphistn.gov or call 901.636.6260.

College Collage Offers a Chance to Get into the Game By: Marcey Evans Citizens of Memphis can get back into the game of education on Friday, April 12, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library (3030 Poplar Avenue).

Annual college fair, College Collage, will offer non-traditional students a chance to get information on returning to school and completing their degrees, despite how long they’ve been out of the classroom.

Colleges and universities attending the event include the University of Memphis, Christian Brothers University, LeMoyne-Owen College, Webster University, Southwest Community College, Remington College, Mid-South Christian College, and many more.

Offering something for everyone, representatives from each college, university or program will be on-hand to answer questions, provide admissions information, and discuss financial aid. Recent high school graduates will benefit from attending College Collage also.

This event is presented by The Memphis Public Library and Information Center and Leadership Memphis. It is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

City of Memphis Parks and Neighborhoods

Parks and Neighborhoods Message from the Director’s Bench Spring is Here! So Let’s Enjoy Memphis..

Parks and Neighborhoods is one of the few divisions in city government that truly reaches the people. We provide so many services, programs, and amenities, that our division is as diverse as the community we serve.

Parks and Neighborhoods does more than provide leisure and community activities.

We also provide a LIFETIME of MEMORIES. Remember meeting your friends at the neighborhood park? Hitting the game winning single? Fighting the ants while eating your outdoor picnic with your family? Visiting your favorite museum? Attending Summer Camp? Parks and Neighborhoods is proud to be a part of these memories and this spring we look forward to offering many opportunities for your family and friends to live a longer and healthier life.

Director Hooks greets founding director Ruth Tate at the grand reopening of the senior center.

Whether its visiting the Dog Park and Skate Park in Tobey Park, taking swimming lessons at Hickory Hill Community Center, or playing a round of golf at Pine Hill, there is always something to see and do. You can always find a program, activity, or a special place that brings you back again and again. We are in every neighborhood, often just around the corner, and we have something for everyone!

So enjoy Memphis and the many beautiful memories that can be created in the vast number of facilities that are open to all. And remember, comments and suggestions are welcomed. Please feel free to e-mail your thoughts, ideas, or good news to parks.info@memphistn.gov.

Yours in Service,

Division of Parks and Neighborhoods Janet P. Hooks, Director

Janet P. Hooks, Director

Deputy Directors Dr. LaSonya Hall Joseph Lee Larry Smith

Name that Park!

Be the first to respond to the contest by naming the Memphis park featured on the cover.

Produced by the Office of Public Relations Allison Johnson Fouché

Send responses to parks.info@memphistn.gov. The first correct entry will win a free meal for two (2) at Bhan Thai Resturant .

Parks&

The Official Newsletter of the Division of Parks and Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods

Editor-in-Chief - Creative Director

Contributors:

Marcey Evans Nyah Nile, Tri-State Defender

Bridging the Gap Between Parks and Neighborhoods

Photo credits: Marcey Evans Jeanne Chancellor Allison J. Fouché Nyah Nile

Martin Luther King Park

Read Across America at MPLIC Draws a Colorful Cast of Characters By: Marcey Evans Children across America were reading and portraying their favorite characters on Friday, March 1, 2013. Their author of choice was Dr. Seuss, and the celebration – Read Across America – was a national observation of the renowned author’s birthday.

The Memphis Education Association, with support from the Memphis Public Library and Information Center and several other organizations, held a Reading Rally at the Central Library to promote literacy, to foster children’s love for reading, and to encourage heightened participation among parents.

Angela Robledo, mother of a third grader at Shelby Oaks Elementary, attended the event, which included several student performances. “Reading is knowledge,” she said, while watching the Shelby Oaks Cheerleaders and Dancers, The South Park Dreamers, and the Dr. Brewster Drama Club. “Days like today encourage my daughter to read.” Robledo said any program that reinforces the value of reading is a plus.

“Today enriches everyone’s life,” agreed Mary Seratt, coordinator of Library Youth Services at The Memphis Public Library and Information Center. “Reading helps to open children’s hearts and minds.”

Seratt said the value of reading is unsurpassed, even in the eyes of the program’s distinguished guests, such as Memphis Mayor A C Wharton, Jr. and Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell. “To know students have support from their elected officials is great. These are people (children) who cannot vote, yet they (elected officials) came to an event like this to encourage reading and the library.”

Following the program, children and their parents took their pick from several age-appropriate books, donated by the Memphis Education Association.

For more information on reading programs and youth services offered at the Library, visit www.memphislibrary.org or call (901) 415-2700.

Wolf River Greenway wins 2012 ACEC Engineering Excellence Award On March 5, 2013, the City of Memphis – Wolf River Greenway prepared by ETI Corporation received an Engineering Excellence award in the category of “Studies Project” / Recreational Facility. Among other things, entrants were evaluated on the role of the firm in the project, role of the consultants, originality and innovation, future value of the work to engineering profession, meetings and/or exceeding client’s needs, complexity and social, economic, and sustainable design considerations.

This scenic greenway is now the centerpiece for the transformation of the Mid-South into a 21st century community, allowing users to experience the natural beauty of bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands, and to visit local shops and cafes along the way via multiple access points. The Wolf River Greenway will also intersect with other area trail systems including the Shelby Farms Greenline, providing visitors with a link to the largest urban park in the United States. The Wolf River Greenway project is being managed by the Wolf River Conservancy with partnerships between government, business, community groups and non-profits as well as private donors and foundations.

ETI Corporation (ETI) a Mid-South based engineering design firm was founded in 1982 and serves a diverse mixture of clients throughout Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. The company’s services include Professional Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Planning and Surveying. It was that range of design services that led the City of Memphis to select ETI for the Wolf River Greenway projects designers. Working closely with the City’s staff and the other companies involved in the project, ETI helped developed a cohesive design plan that compliments the City’s overall recreational plans.

2013 SUMMER CAMP JUNE 10 – JULY 26, 2013

The Division of Parks and Neighborhoods offers a Summer Day Camp (ages 5 to 12) at all of its 24 Community Centers and a Summer Teen Camp (ages 13 to 15) at selected sites. Campers will participate in recreational, athletic, cultural and educational activities, Citywide Summer Camp Track and Field Competition as well as attend field trips. Athletic Programs such as Soccer, Tennis, Basketball and Softball are also offered. A Summer Day Camp is also offered at the Skinner Development Center for participants with special needs.

Early Registration – Saturday, April 13, 2013 9:00 am – 12 pm Option 1: Total fees paid guarantees summer camp slot.

Full fee - $162.00 regular rate; $81.00 discount rate for families on verified government assistance; (Must provide proof via Food Stamps, AFDC, Social Security, or Disability for Child); Non-resident fee $324.00 regular rate. Early Arrival - Basic rate of $35.00 for one child/$55.00 for 2 or more children.

Option 2: One-half (1/2) of total fees paid reserves camp slot for 30 days. Balance due on partial pays by May 11, 2013 (Regular Registration date)

Regular Registration – Saturday, May 11, 2013 9:00 am- 12 pm Option 1: First time registrants pay full fees at this time.

The youth drowning rate in ethnically di-

Option 2: Registrants pay balance due (of ½ ) from April 13,verse 2013.communities Early Registration Slot is twoprocess to three times guaranteed at specific registration site. higher than the national average. Unfortunately, nearly 60 percent of African-

Option 3: Registrants can elect to pay ½ of total fees due. Balance Due: June 8, 2013 (pending slot American and Hispanic children are unavailability) able to swim. part am of an ongoing Final Registration - Saturday, June 8, 2013As9:00 – 12 pm

effort to bring awareness and education to this epiOnly Option: Full payment of any fees; no partial payments will be accepted during this period. demic, the City of Memphis Where: Any center which has not reached its capacity during Early and Regular RegistrationDivision dates. of Parks and Neighborhoods has partnered with KIPP Collegiate Elementary to provide kindergartners free swim lessons at Summer Camp at a Glance Bickford • All fees must be remitted by money order or cashier’s check only. Aquatic Center. The two-week swim sessions provided students with • No cash, credit cards, or personal checks will be accepted. basic water awareness and helped open • Regular operational hours are 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM each day the door to a lifelong skill and hobby.

• •

Lunch and a snack will be provided free of charge each day Monday through Friday except for recognized holidays The City of Memphis Aquatics Depart(4th of July in observance of Independence Day). ment is a major training and swim-les-

For more information log on to parks.memphistn.gov or call 901.636.4203.

Documents Needed Only parents/guardians can register campers and must provide a Driver’s License or State ID for themselves along with a birth certificate for the camper. Additionally, Legal Guardian documentation must be provided.

Proof of Residency must be supported by 2 of the following documents in order to receive the regular rate: City of Memphis Tax Bill Current Utility Bill (within 30 days) Current Bank Statement (within 30 days)

City Employees Bowl For Good Cause

By Marcey Evans

Bowl-a-thon Winners

Strikes or gutter balls, despite skill or technique, City of Memphis employees and their families bowled for a good cause on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at Winchester Bowl. Helping youth to achieve an economic education was their common goal, and “Bowling-on-the-River,” a two-weekend annual fundraiser, was their means to achieve it.

This year’s event, sponsored by Junior Achievement, attracted more than 100 companies and 6,000 bowlers to aid Memphis-area school children, who participate in Junior Achievement. Proceeds from the event will help to expand the organization’s in-school business and economic education services.

“At no time in history has financial literacy been more important,” stressed Ralph Bridgewater, who spearheads the Library’s participation in the event. “The earlier we can have that (financial literacy) talk with our youth, the better.” JobLINC Services Manager Robyn Stone agreed, stating that an economic education prepares youth for adulthood in several ways. “There is more to getting a job than finding who’s hiring. You need to get your house in order (financially).

When you have the stress of finances, you need to know where to go for help.”

The Library, representing the City of Memphis’ Parks and Neighborhoods Division, has been helpful in raising funds each year. Stephanie White, Director of Library Communications, said it’s also a time for giving back. “Because Parks and Neighborhoods is a part of the City, we are all about service. Today is a great opportunity to get out, have fun, and raise money for a good cause.”

Library employees had lots of fun, while bowling, dancing, and winning prizes. The team-building fundraiser will continue through midMarch and will culminate with an awards ceremony in April 2013.

The top Female Bowler for the City of Memphis Barbaralette Davis

Law

726

The top Male Bowler for the City of Memphis Nick Clevers

General Services

755

Top Team Joe Clevers’s Team GS

3441

Top Fundraising Teams Public Works Parks & Neighborhoods City Court Clerk

11 Teams

10 Teams

4 Teams

$4,822.00 $3,348.00 $3,134.00

Police Fire Law

4 Teams

4 Teams 2 Teams

$1,623.60 $1,411.00 $1,161.00

Challenges Winners in both Fundraising and Scores

General Services vs. Engineering Fire vs. Police

Parks and Neighborhhods vs. Public Works

Finance vs. Executive Human Resources vs. Law

Total Amount Raised $21, 829.70 City of Memphis Parks and Neighborhoods

Memphis Animal Services celebrates Responsible Pet Owners Month According to a recent Gallup poll 6 in 10 Americans own some type of pet. February was Responsible Pet Owners Month, and in observance Memphis Animal Services (MAS) scheduled a month long series of events aimed at creating awareness and providing pet owners opportunities obtain services and to become better educated on what it means to be a responsible pet owner.

“One of our main goals is promoting, motivating, and enforcing responsible pet ownership,” says James Rogers, Administrator of Memphis Animal Services. “We hope that this month long campaign will help bring consciousness to what the community can do to create responsible pet ownership communities.” To kick-off the observance, the winning logo from last year’s competition was revealed.

Nationally, the vast majority of animals that fill shelters or end up on our streets have arrived at that situation because a human relationship has failed them. The problems MAS and other shelters confront daily – bites, strays, surrenders – is not an animal problem, but often the fault of an irresponsible owner.

Memphis Animal Services believes that part of the solution lies in creating responsible pet ownership communities. Community involvement not only helps keep animals safe, but helps us serve and respond to the animal control problem more effectively. “Responsible pet ownership is more than providing food and water for a pet.

Pet parents must be aware of, and provide for the pet’s medical, physical and emotional needs. Education is an important aspect of understanding the responsibilities of pet ownership and pet parenting” said Dr. Recbecca Coleman, MAS Medical Director.

Ginger and her new parents at the Mobile Adoption at PetCo Bartlett, one of the many events hosted during Responsible Pet Ownership Month.

The basic elements of a responsible pet ownership community include: • Provide proper vaccinations for pets • Provide identification tags and/or microchip for pets • Spay or neuter pets • Training, socialization, proper diet, shelter, and medical care • Not allowing pets to become a threat or nuisance in the community

The Skate Park is on Fire......

On any given sunny day, you will find many cyclists and skateboarders taking advantage of our Skate Park @ Tobey Park.

Councilman Myron Lowery, Deputy Joseph Lee, Director Janet Hooks, Founding Director Ruth Tate, Center Director Kristine Strickland, Diane Tidwell, and Mayor Wharton cut the ribbon as the center reopens.

Ruth Tate Senior Center Reopens The Ruth Tate Senior Center was originally named the South Memphis Senior Center and was the first senior center in Memphis.

Founded in 1978, the center was located in the basement of a church, where seniors gathered to enjoy activities such as art classes and piano lessons. As the center continued to grow, it moved to its current location at 1620 Marjorie in the late 1980’s.

On May 8, 2005 the South Memphis Senior Center was renamed the Ruth E. Tate Center for the director who organized the center since its creation. The center was originally managed by Meritan, and on November 1, 2012 the City of Memphis began operations of the facility.The Ruth Tate Community Center is newly renovated and filled with activities for seniors. Our seniors have monthly dances, holiday parties, and group trips.

Members of the Orange Mound Senior Center Steppers, Lewis Center Jug Band and McWheter Center Tap Class provided entertainment at the festivities.

McWherter

City of Memphis Parks and Neighborhoods

The Office of Community Affairs welcomes its newest member

Toni Hayes

Toni is not new to City government. She has over 13 years of City of Memphis service.

Her first job as a teen was with the Park Commission. Her previous position prior to coming to the Office of Community Affairs was with the Office of Emergency Management, Division of Fire Services. Working for the Office of Community Affairs gives her the opportunity to work and make a difference within the communities of Memphis. Stronger communities means a Stronger Memphis and she can help make that happen.

Hometown: Born and raised in Memphis, TN Status: Married with a beautiful son and daughter Education: Graduate of South Side High School. Currently finishing my degree in Public Administration from Ashford University.

Job responsibilities: Building relationships and with the Neighborhood Organizations and Associations by assisting them with various community initiates and neighborhood issues.

Libraries Welcome Marcey Evans

An addition to the MPLIC family is Public Relations Supervisor Marcey Evans. Marcey worked at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library June 2010-July 2011 as a part time employee in the Marketing Department as the Marketing Communications Specialist. She now returns to the Library eager to work and making great contributions. Both are located at Central Branches. She is also a contributor for our Division newsletter.

Spotlight:

Glen Andrews Memphis Animal Services Animal Control Officer Glen Andrews is truly one of our city’s unsung heroes. Whether he is responding to an animal related call in a neighborhood, educating our kids about animal safety, or responding to a fatal crash involving horses on I- 240, this father of three, truly has a way with animals.

He is living in purpose, loves what he does, and his gentle spirit allows animals to trust and fall in love with him over and over again.

Hometown: New York City Goals: To enhance all citizens knowledge of proper and responsible pet ownership.

Job Responsibilities: Educates our citizens about responsible pet ownership and protects the rights of pets as well as the rights of citizens from animal nuisances. He enforces city ordinances. He also assists in cleaning and the enrichment of our sheltered pets. He also provides community and media relations.

Why do you like working for MAS? I strongly support the underdog (no pun intended). I feel that my sincere compassion for the safety and well being of unwanted pets is my calling. I am challenged every day with convincing an abused, neglected, or simply unwanted pet to trust me, and being successful 99% of the time is motivating! Here I have the opportunity to guide new pet owners so that their relationship with their new pet can be successful and long lived.

Officer Andrews speaks with the children and their parents within the community while educating them on City Animal Ordinances, Animal Health Care, and all services that are offered at MAS.

What is your most memorable MAS moment? A young lady and her son were at our shelter and they wanted to reclaim their dog.

I witnessed them get their dog’s health status, which wasn’t good news. The young lady was told that her dog was heartworm positive and therefore was not a surgery candidate for neutering. This meant that her bill was going to double ranging between $400 - 500. The woman and the little boy cried as she told him that they were not going to be able to get their dog back. I intervened and asked if there was anything I could do to help. The woman then told the story of her pet and how she and her son were heartbroken because they were going to lose a member of their family. I spoke to our volunteers and together the volunteers and I raised the money that she needed to reclaim her dog.

Her son smiled, hugged me, and thanked me. I felt like I could live in that moment! It truly was a memorable moment as I watched the young lady, her son and their dog leave our facility, Together!

Any other interesting talents or facts? I am bilingual and speak Spanish. I am also trained in animal behavior and have taken many customer service training courses. I am savvy in veterinarian clinic operations.

I was lead juror on the Tyco case, which came about because of Enron financial case. Glenn Andrews/Tyco can be googled. (Smile) Also being the chief events coordinator in NYC exposed me to many actors etc. I was honored with hosting a fundraiser at the Ritz Carlton hotel where the prize was dinner with the cast of the Sopranos TV show and the cast were present for the fund raiser. I was a guest speaker on the Broadway Show 12 Angry Men and I trained a shelter dog to play Sandy in the play Annie. Unfortunately the dog I chose was a second runner up, I was still so proud of that baby, and he was adopted afterwards.

City of Memphis Parks and Neighborhoods

Hayes’ daughter Victoria, James Alexandar of the BarKays and WDIA’s Bev Johnson, watch the screening and laugh about the good times.

Music Commission dishes Issac Hayes Unsung

By Nyah Nile, Tri-State Defender A cold winter night in January, check!, One mid-calf long, burgundy, vintage-leather trench coat, check!

Two VIP, TV One “Unsung” Isaac Hayes private screening passes, check!

Viewing the private screening Tuesday night at the Stax Museum where it all began, priceless!

The only thing missing was the red carpet and paparazzi following me.

The Memphis Music Commission hosted the premier event. All in all, it was one of those times that truly made you proud to be from Memphis.

Maybe it was the positive energy that you feel the moment the neon lights from the Stax Museum sign sparkle in your eye. Maybe it’s the soul music you hear drifting from the outdoor speakers when you get out of your car. Maybe it is the “everything is going to be alright feeling” you get as the painted records on the ground guide your steps to the double-entrance doors.

Entering the building I had no idea it was going to be so packed. All the who’s who of Memphis seemed to be out in full support of the late great Isaac Hayes. Two viewings and both were filled to capacity. At the center of the energy was Hayes’ daughter, Veronica Hayes, who told The New Tri-State Defender that she was excited, very emotional and satisfied that the “Unsung” segment had turned out consistent with her dad’s image. “At first when we were contacted I was like, ‘Oh my God, my father is not unsung,’” Hayes said. “But when you think about it, a lot of this generation can only identify with ‘South Park.’ So by them bringing life back to him again the younger kids can see what he has done in the past and how much the artists today still sample from his music.”

In attendance was the legend, James Alexander of the Bar-Kays, sitting front and center to see his dear friend. The Bar-Kays were featured back in 2011 on Season 4 of TV One’s “Unsung. “They did a good job on us and they did a superior job on Black Moses Isaac Hayes,” said Alexander. “The most memorable moment I had with Isaac Hayes was probably when I was with him when he learned to drive. It was right here in front of McLemore Avenue.”

While waiting to see the second viewing, I mixed and mingled, running into more of Hayes’ family. Also in attendance were Larry Dodson Jr., Ruby Wilson, Kurt Clayton, Johnnie Walker, Rome Withers, Eddie Harrison, Drummer Willie Hall and Preston Shannon, just to name a few.

“This was a great entertainment hour. I really loved it,” said Wilson, aka “The Queen of Beale Street.” He was a great man....I came to Memphis because of him 40 years ago. I was looking for three people – Isaac Hayes, Rufus Thomas and Carla Thomas and I found all three!”

Johnnie Walker of the Memphis Music Commission said the Stax Museum was the perfect venue for the event. “ Memphis has a rich history and an incredible legacy. Look at what the president was dancing to, ‘Let’s Stay Together,’ OK. Come on, the Bar-Kays just performed for Mr. President....I am just excited about the new Memphis and the new music.”

To make a donation or to volunteer contact:

Allison J. Fouche’ allison.fouche@memphistn.gov or 576-6006