By Matt Martin

So many movies, so few worth seeing.

Each year, the barely functioning Hollywood system releases a torrent of safe, predictable, and usually forgettable films to an ever-dwindling audience. Since investment costs are high, movie studios can’t risk putting large amounts of money into anything but the most obvious money makers. This leaves little room for many kinds of movies, and it becomes harder and harder for even the most established director or producer to try anything risky, original, or unconventional.  Up-and-coming filmmakers can barely get movies made at all. This process hasn’t done much for the quality of films.

Of the 300 to 350 films that will be released this year to theaters in America, around 80 percent will be a glut of tired rom-coms, repetive bland horror sequels, pseudo-intelectual action/dramas, and play-by-numbers comic adaptations (hopefully one exception to that this year).  This will leave about 30 to 40 potentially smart and original films to be released in theaters  Another couple of hundred great films will be made around the world, but only about 10 percent of those will ever be widely released. That percentage is even smaller for us in the American South, where limited theater access means fewer “foreign” films ever reach screens.

All of this, sadly, leaves us, the fans of cinema, with only around 40 to 60 options for great cinema all year. That includes American films and the world cinema market. That’s from the entire cinema output of the entire human race for a whole year. Only 50 or so options. I’m not liking those numbers.

What can we do about this cinematic inequality? Not much, I’m afraid. All we can do is see as many great movies as possible, whenever we have some spare time. Support intelligent art forms. Make them profitable so more intelligent art is financed and made. And that’s not just for movie theaters. What movies (or any art) we eventually buy, rent, or stream also help steer the creative choices of financially minded movie-making businesses. Money is power in America. Spend wisely.

Now, there’s only one question left: What should I watch? What’s worth my time, my attention, and my money? Good question. Not easily answered, though. We all have different tastes. And if big-budget, simply plotted, no-thought-required movies are what you like, then lucky you: you have a lot of choices this year. Every year, in fact. For lovers of great cinema though, there are precious few to look forward to. But hope prevails, and sure enough, a good 40 to 50 of the announced films for 2012 are looking very promising. Since most people will only get to see a few dozen movies all year, then it’s important that time not be wasted on inferior cinema. Here’s 20 films to watch for this year; a little cheat sheet for the fridge or day planner to help put the focus on some excellent possibilities. Look them up online for more information. So when you find yourself able to sit back and enjoy a good movie this year, either at the theater or at home, you can watch and rest easy knowing that good, intelligent cinema lives on and that you’ve done your part for the arts… or, at least, you didn’t waste your time and money. Now get to watching.

1) The Dark Knight Rises – Let’s go ahead and get this in here. Probably the most anticipated movie of the year, the last film in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy picks up eight years after the Joker’s reign of terror. Gotham city is at peace and relatively crime-free. The Batman is retired, until a new threat rises, demanding Bruce Wayne to return to battle one last time or face the city’s destruction. Of course, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Gary Oldman return to their roles, but all eyes are on Tom Hardy as facist criminal mastermind, Bane, and Anne Hathaway’s take on the aggressive, seductive Catwoman. Early reports say it’s brutal, disturbing, and brilliant. Expect every human on the planet to see this one. That includes you.

2) The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – …and this would be the second-most anticipated movie of the year. After literally years of pre-production and preperation, Academy Award-winning director Peter Jackson finally releases the first prequel to his Lord of the Rings trilogy. Set decades before the events of the original films, this follows the adventure of young Hobbit Bilbo Baggins as he joins a war campaign across MiddleEarth to wipe out the dragon Smaug. Along the way, he comes across a certain “precious” ring, that he soon finds not only tied to the success of their battle, but the fate of MiddleEarth as well. Certainly enticing and virtually guaranteed to be visually eye-popping.

3) Django Unchained – Oh, wait…it’s a Tarantino year? Sweet. Every few years, beloved pulp director Quentin Tarantino comes out of hiding and releases another genre-bending cinematic love letter. He’s weaved tales from hipster mob gangsters to sword-swinging samurai moms to World War II revenge-happy assassins. So what could come next? The hyper-violent spaghetti western of course, with just a dash of the American slave revolt movies. The Django films (pronounced Jango) were a seemingly endless series of Italian-made westerns (hence “spaghetti” westerns…get it?) that spanned from 1966 until the mid-1980s. Although only loosely tied together, they followed an avenger of the prarie named Django who was constantly having to out-think and out-shoot everyone in sight. Tarantino, who has publicly talked many times of his desire to make a western, sets his Django tale in the American South, pre-Civil War. Jamie Foxx is the title character, an ex-slave turned bounty hunter, who after years of being apart, sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, in what will hopefully be a deliciously villainous role. Also starring Kurt Russell, Samuel L. Jackson, Christoph Waltz, Sacha Baron Cohen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Don Johnson, and the RZA. Are you kidding? How could you not want to see this?

4) Prometheus – Acclaimed director Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Alien) returns to his sci-fi roots with this tale of a team of explorers, who after discovering a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, go on a distant journey into deep space to find not only the answers to human history but its future as well. Although it is not being openly revealed by the studio, early reports say this sci-fi horror film might be, in part, a sort of prequel to the Alien films. Check out the creepy trailer online. Starring Chalize Theron, Michael Fassbender, Guy Pearce, and Noomi Repace (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo).

5) The Great Gatsby – Love him or hate him, director Baz Luhrmann (Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge) creates cinema spectacles that are often eye-catching, sometimes provacative, and always over the top. Who better to direct F.Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece of glitzy-rich, doomed high society youths? Tobey Maguire is Nick Carraway, a Midwesterner now living in New York, who becomes fascinated and eventually entangled by the lavish, decadent lifestyle of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. The road of the rich may lead them to madness, obsession, and tragedy, but it’s going to be beautiful ride. Also starring Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, and Isla Fisher.

6) Les Miserables – Having directed last year’s Oscar-winning film The King’s Speech, as well as the recent phenomenal TV miniseries John Adams and Elizabeth I, director Tom Hooper is on a hot streak. It’s the perfect time to adapt the award-winning stage musical based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel. Set in 19th-century France, Hugh Jackman plays a paroled prisoner seeking redemption. Also starring Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, and Helena Bonham Carter. With that kind of pedigree, you can guarantee it will be nominated for multiple Oscars.

7) Dark Shadows – It couldn’t have been made any other way.  Of course, resident oddball director Tim Burton would be the only choice to adapt the landmark gothic horror soap opera Dark Shadows, which ran from 1966 til 1971 in America and England. Johnny Depp is Barnabas Collins, a centuries-old vampire who returns home after many years to find his estate is in ruin and his family is falling apart from dark secrets, all the while dealing with various witches, monsters, and ghosts. The original series was a heady mixture of creepy, old-school, fog-and-cobwebs horror and sexy, sleazy daytime soap. Let’s hope it stays that way.

Sadly, space concerns limit more expansive discussions of the remaining films. So it’s up to you to look up the rest of these online and do a little research.

Moonrise Kingdom – The new film from Wes Anderson, director of The Royal Tenenbaums and The Life Aquatic, starring Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Harvey Keitel, Tilda Swinton and many more.

9) Looper - A set in the future gangster tale from director Rian Johnson (Brick, Brothers Bloom).

10) Savages - Director Oliver Stone takes a break from “history” films to tell the tale of two pot growers who go to war against a Mexican drug cartel. With Aaron Johnson and Benicio Del Toro.

11) The Dictator - Sacha Baron Cohen returns to uncomfortable comedy territory to raise hell, middle East style.

12) Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter – Look at that title. Enough said. From Russian director Timur Bekmambetov (Nightwatch, 9)

13) Cosmopolis – Legendary director David Cronenberg, fresh off the success of his Eastern Promises and A Dangerous Method takes on Don Delillo’s haunting dark noir novel.

14) World War Z – Writer Max Brook’s landmark novel about the aftermath of a global zombie disaster is adapted by director Marc Forster (Quantum of Solace, Finding Neverland, Monster’s Ball) with Brad Pitt. Sign me up.

15) Ted – the first live action film from Seth McFarlane (creator of Family Guy) stars Mark Wahlberg who finds his teddy bear has come to life due to a childhood wish. Said to be a disturbing, bizarre adult comedy, also starring Mila Kunis and Giovanni Ribisi.

16) Gravity – In an interesting and refreshing change, Sandra Bullock leaves safe rom-com territory to play the lone survivor of a failed space mission to repair the Hubble telescope who desperately tries to return to Earth and her family. Also starring George Clooney and directed by firebrand director Alfonso Cuaron (Children of Men, Y Tu Mama Tambien).

17) The Silver Linings Playbook - Bradley Cooper plays a former teacher, who after many years in a mental institution, moves back in with his mom and tries to reconcile with his wife.  Unstable but brilliant director David O. Russell directs (The Fighter, Three Kings, I Heart Huckabees). Also stars Robert De Niro, Jennifer Lawrence, and Chris Tucker.

18) Twixt - Insanely famous director Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, The Conversation) delivers a murder mystery about a failing writer (Val Kilmer) who finds himself at the center of a small town investigation involving a young murdered girl. Also starring Bruce Dern and Elle Fanning.

19) Skyfall – He’s back.  After bankruptcy almost consumed legendary studio MGM, the long-running James Bond series was thought to have finally met its end. But you can’t keep a great character down. Daniel Craig returns as Bond, bringing with him an A-list of help: stars Ralph Fiennes, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench, and Academy award-winning director Sam Mendes (Road to Perdition, American Beauty, Revolutionary Road). Bring it.

20) Silence - Technically, this one will be out either end of 2012 or beginning of 2013, but I’m mentioning it anyway. But this will also probably be one of the most critically loved films of the year, so I want to get you thinking about it. Directed by Martin Scorsese (do I really need to cite some movies you’d know him for?) and set in the 17th century, this follows two Jesuit priests who face violence and persecution when they travel to Japan to locate their mentor and spread their beliefs. Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Benicio Del Toro, and Gael Garcia Bernal.

Now the ball is rolling. Enjoy the cinematic feast lying ahead of you this year. And keep your eyes peeled for the underdogs ― there are always a few great films each year that come out of nowhere (like Drive in 2011). And of course, being in Memphis, there are still some phenomenal films from 2011 that haven’t even hit the theaters here. Make sure you see A Dangerous Method and The Artist as soon as they reach us. And finally, cross your fingers that we’ll get at least one good, original horror movie this year. These days, even that’s a tall order.

‘Til then, hungry film fanatics…bon appetit.

By David Royer

It’s February, when the LampLighter brings readers its annual Cooper-Young business guide, and despite a chilly national economy, things seem to be warming up around here. If a word could sum up the state of business in Cooper-Young lately, it might be: delicious.

Thirteen new businesses opened their doors in CY in 2011 and another three opened or are ready to open in the first two months of 2012.

Local businesses Charm Boutique, Shoenista and the Polish Bottle filled a need for fashionistas in the neighborhood, and hipster magnet Urban Outfitters anchored a revitalized retail spot at Cooper and Central last February. With more than 140 locations in the country, Urban Outfitters, a trendy clothing and dorm room décor outlet, is one of the few national retailers to establish a presence in the district’s mostly home-grown business community.

But mainly, growth in 2011 and early 2012 centered around CY’s thriving culinary scene.

“In 2011, we were excited to see Cooper-Young established as the restaurant district of Memphis, with 18 restaurants,” said Tamara Cook, director of the Cooper Young Business Association. “We have such a strong group of talented chefs.”

Sweetgrass opened a more casual side of its low-country-themed restaurant next door, at the appropriately titled Next Door. Stone Soup Cafe & Market is serving up breakfast and brunch across the street from First Congregational Church and Skunx Chef’s Pub took over the old Lou’s Pizza Pie spot on Young late last year, serving gourmet pizzas and more. And there aren’t many places in Memphis that serve real vegan fare, but Imagine Vegan Cafe began doing just that on Young.

The neighborhood’s newest restaurant, Mulan Bistro, is updating the former Bluefish space on the southeast corner of Cooper and Young and expects to open its doors in early February.

Mulan, a Chinese restaurant and sushi bar, opened in Collierville eight years ago, but managing partner Matt Kan said customers for years had requested a location in Midtown. Kan said Mulan will offer fresh, authentic Szechuan-style entrees along with sushi. But don’t look for an American-style buffet. Mulan’s head chef has 30 years of experience in the kitchen and previously worked in a five-star hotel in China, he said.

Kan said he’s a big fan of Cooper-Young, which reminds him of his hometown in China.

“I always come here to eat in the Cooper-Young area,” Kan said. “The Midtown area is really unique.”

Another unique-in-Memphis hotspot opened in November. When Alchemy brought its small-plate dishes and cocktail concoctions to the neighborhood, it also brought a sexy, cosmopolitan vibe and major crowds of up to 600 people on some busy weekend nights, general manager Ben McLean said.

The restaurant soon began offering valet parking to ease congestion and entice diners from outside the area.

“We like Cooper-Young because it’s kind of a destination now for restaurants,” McLean said. “We plan on being in Cooper-Young for a very long time.”

Though the neighborhood has seen some turnover among businesses in the past few years ― Alchemy took over the space vacated by Grace and Au Fond and another taco shop lasted just a month ― some restaurateurs said the competition is healthy.

“What’s happened in Cooper-Young is a rebirth, and it’s fantastic,” said Jacob Leonard, bar manager at Cortona. “A rising tide lifts all boats.”

Cortona, a contemporary Italian restaurant, began packing diners in at the former Dish location early in 2011 and will mark its first anniversary this month. Managers say they like being at the center of the city’s restaurant scene.

Both Cook and McLean noted a need for more retail and art in the district in 2012. But CY’s new reputation among diners could provide a foundation that would support a wider range of businesses this year, Cook said.

“We hope the stability and diversity of these restaurants will help bring in more retail and art venues,” she said.

Cooper Young First Thursday Night Out is when area businesses stay open late and dish out a world of discounts on everything from sushi to antiques. People from all over Memphis come to Cooper Young to enjoy our little neighborhood’s quirky charm on this night once a month from 5 – 9 pm.

While some of the area restaurants and bars host live music, we also host live music at our gazebo area located at the corner of Cooper Street and Young Avenue. At this time, we are looking for singer-songwriters and bands to play from 6 – 9 pm starting in April.

If you are interested in playing at this event, please contact Tamara Cook at 276-7222 or cyba@bellsouth.net.

Memphis Skate Park opens

By Barb Elder

The official opening of the long-awaited Memphis Skate Park was Wednesday, November 9. The park is located close to CY on Avery at Toby Fields next to the dog park. According to a press release from the Mayor’s office, “the park features 2 bowls, a snake run, as well as ramps and rails for skaters of all levels to enjoy.” If you are looking for a fun way to work off those holiday calories, look no further!

Santa poses with pets at Hollywood Feed

By George Grider

A Cooper-Young animal rescue group will be sponsoring Santa photos with pets this holiday season. Pet Matchmaker Rescue will be hosting the event at Hollywood Pet Stores the first two weekends of December. Photos are printed and delivered to jubilant shoppers in a smart frame. We request a $10 tax deductible donation.

Santa will appear during the first two weekends of December. He can be found at Hollywood Feed at 2648 Broad Ave. on Saturday, December 3 and 10 from 11am-3pm and at Hollywood Feed at 2015 Union Ave. on Sunday, December 4 and 11 from 12pm-4pm. Animal owners are invited to pose with their pets as well.

Rave reviews for Alchemy

By Barb Elder

I’ve been reading reviews and articles about one of the newest CY restaurants, Alchemy, all month. The Commercial Appeal, Memphis Business Journal, Memphis Magazine, and others seem to have nothing but good to say. But it wasn’t until I drove by 940 S. Cooper on a random Tuesday night and saw the place completely packed that I began to think, “Maybe this place is here to stay.” I guess it’s too early to tell, but they seem to be off to a great start.

Here are the bare bones facts that I gleaned from these articles. Alchemy takes great pride in their bar, which apparently has fantastic and original cocktails, and serves a variety of small plates. The atmosphere is also reportedly wonderful. Alchemy is open from 4pm-1am Monday through Saturday and 4pm-10pm on Sunday. You can call 901-726-4444 for more information or visit them on Facebook.

Weight management help from the Church Health Center

By Jeff Hulett

Free Healthy Bodies classes are being offered for the month of December at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Avenue, every Monday at 9am, Tuesday at 6:15pm, and Saturday at 8:30am. Healthy Bodies is a complete weight management program all about healthy lifestyle changes. Topics range from portion sizes to reading food labels, exercise, and emotional eating. For more information, call Carissa at 901-259-4673, ext. 1663.

Pamper yourself at The Polish Bottle

By Barb Elder

There is a new nail and skin salon in Cooper-Young called the The Polish Bottle. They describe themselves on their Facebook page, saying “The Polish Bottle is a full service nail and skin salon. We offer all phases of natural nail care, waxing, and facials. Come in and enjoy a margarita and a manicure or perhaps a glass of wine with a pedicure. If you want to brighten up your skin make an appointment for our signature Vita-C facial and walk away with that healthy skin glow. Parties and private events are scheduled by appointment.”

If this piques your interest, head over to 2163 Young Avenue or call 901-272-0920. They are open Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-6pm, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-7pm, and Saturday from 9am-3pm.

Classical concert at Grace-St. Luke’s

By Patricia Gray

The Luna Nova Ensemble will perform at Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (1720 Peabody) on Monday, December 12 at 7:30pm. This free concert will feature music from the 17^th through the 20^th century and includes new arrangements of Renaissance dances by Praetorius, a movement from Bach’s suite set for vibraphone, a set of prayers by the French Impressionist composer Andre Caplet, and a new work for horn and vibraphone by Canadian composer Jan Jarvlepp. Performers are Esther Gray Lemus (soprano), Daniel Gilbert (violin), Nobuko Igarashi (clarinet), Robert Patterson (horn), David Carlisle (percussion), Wesley Emerson and Andrew Drannon (organ).

The concert will be followed by a reception in the parish hall. For more information, visit lunanova.org or call 901-493-0958.

Lou’s Pizza Pies to become Skunx Chef Pub

By Barb Elder

MicroMemphis.com does a great job covering local CY news. In a recent article by MicroMemphis reporter Adam Douglas, plans were laid out to slowly transform Lou’s Pizza Pies into Skunx Chef Pub. The qualities that everyone loves about Lou’s will remain, for example much of the menu will carry over. But the new manager Duncan Aiken is working to, among other things, improve the restaurant atmosphere, obtain a license to sell wine in addition to beer, and to make the restaurant a late night destination. The changes are being implemented gradually as the restaurant remains open. Skunx should be in full swing around the new year.

Arts Access offers free arts tickets to the underserved

By Julia McDonald

ArtsMemphis announces that the 2011-12 Arts Access brochures are now available in more than 100 locations across the community. Arts Access is a program sponsored by Baptist Memorial Health Care that allows eligible individuals to experience arts exhibitions and performances at nearly 30 venues at no cost. The program is open to EBT cardholders, Church Health Center patients, TennCare patients, and Tickets for Troops member families. Information on obtaining a free Arts Access card and event brochure is available at artsmemphis.org/artsaccess.

An Arts Access card allows a cardholder to reserve up to four tickets for 150 different arts events listed in the Arts Access brochure. Participating arts groups include Playhouse on the Square, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Hattiloo Theatre.

Redeemer Presbyterian Church holds Christmas Eve service for the community

By Gil Brandon

Redeemer’s annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will take place from 5-6pm on Saturday, December 24, with great Christmas music and the always-popular children’s sermon! Redeemer meets in the auditorium at Snowden School (McLean and North Parkway). Nursery will be provided through age 2. Make this a part of your Christmas tradition. All are welcome to attend.

J.C. Graham fills Gallery Fifty Six

By Richard Kendrickson

Memphis artist J.C. Graham will present a new body of work at Gallery Fifty Six in December. His show is titled Sound Advice For the Parents of Unruly Children. The artist has relied heavily upon assemblage constructions for this exhibit, and has continued themes that have remained predominant in his work for several years – Southern US homonyms, rigid patriarchal familial structures, expectations, and the artist’s experiences with each during his upbringing in rural Arkansas.

The show is available for viewing from December 2 thru December 30, with an artist’s reception set for Friday, December 2 at 8pm. Gallery Fifty Six is located at 2256 Central Avenue. Regular gallery hours are Wed. – Fri. noon to 4pm and Sat. 11am to 4pm. Call 901-276-1251 for more information or visit their website at galleryfiftysix.com.

Lindenwood Christian Church holiday events

By Chris Nemec

December means great music at Lindenwood Christian Church. Don’t miss these upcoming opportunities to stop and savor the season. On Sunday, December 4 at 7:30pm The Christmas Spectacular 2011! will take the stage. This is one of the Mid-South’s favorite holiday concerts, with the Lindenwood Chancel Choir, orchestra, soloists, trumpeter Ryan Anthony, organist Chris Nemec, and conductor Gary Beard. Included will be such favorites as “Hallelujah Chorus,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and familiar carols. Premieres to the Mid-South area include a new “Fanfare” by John Rutter and Nigel Hess’ “Christmas Overture.” General admission tickets are $12.

On Saturday, December 24 at 5pm there will be the Family Christmas Eve Service of Candlelight, Carols, and Communion. This free 45-minute service includes music by members of The King’s Choir and the Lindenwood clergy in a family-friendly atmosphere. Later that day, at 11pm, join us for A Service of Lessons and Carols. The Christmas story unfolds through word and music as the Lindenwood clergy, the Lindenwood Chancel Choir, and trumpeter Ryan Anthony usher in Christmas morning. Included will be Holy Communion. Preceding the service, at 10:30pm, will be caroling by Laudate! in the candlelit Grand Foyer. This event is also free.

Call 901-458-1652 or email chris.nemec@Lindenwood.net for more information about these events. Lindenwood Christian Church is located at 2400 Union Ave. and is handicap accessible.

David Perry Smith Gallery December show

By Barb Elder

In a recent press release, David Perry Smith Gallery announced the opening of their new show called Creative Holidays that features new work from artists Greg Gustafson, Andy Reed, Charlotte Terrell, Bob Eoff, Jancie Alebertine, Warren Greene, Martica Griffin, Alex Walter, Mitchell Gaudet, Rod Moorhead, Robby Johnston, Mary Long-Postal, Laurie Samuels, and John Sadowski. The opening reception is to be held Friday, December 2, from 5-8pm, and the show will be available for viewing December 1 thru December 29. David Perry Smith Gallery is located at 703 New York, and gallery hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 10am-5pm. For more information go to davidperrysmithgallery.com or call 901-606-9690.

By Lauren Beyer

Looking for that one-of-a-kind item you won’t find in a big box store? Want to shop in a place where you’re not just a consumer but also a supporter of unique local artisans? Does shopping in general stress you out? The Memphis Arts Collective offers a solution to all these problems at their 20^th annual Holiday Artist Market which is located at 1501 Union Avenue in Midtown.

Shoppers can enjoy complimentary refreshments while perusing paintings, pottery, mixed media art, fused glass art, soaps, ‘upcycled’ art and wearables, vintage collectibles, clocks, metal sculptures, folk art, and photography. There’s also other wearable art including hats, jewelry, scarves, and clothing. Several artists will have seasonal items available with holiday themed cards, jewelry, and ornaments. Many of the show artists are nationally recognized and have work in private collections across the United States.

In addition to the great work represented, the Memphis Arts Collective is a true collective. All members play a part in putting on this fantastic artists market. Mewtopia Cat Rescue is our featured charity benefiting from a silent auction held at the market. Working with charities is part of Memphis Arts Collective’s non-profit mission statement.

The Memphis Arts Collective Holiday Artist Market will be open 7 days a week from December 2 through December 24 at 1501 Union Ave. Hours for the market are Monday-Thursday and Saturday 10:30am-6:30pm, Friday 10:30am-9pm, and Sunday 12-5pm. Call 901-487-3019 or visit memphisartscollective.com for more information.

By Sarah Knowles

With their recent decision to expand to a year-round market season, the Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market (CYCFM) has a lot to offer for the upcoming holiday season, including their artisan holiday series. If you are still searching for the perfect gift, or better yet, if you have not even started searching for the perfect gift, you will not want to miss this opportunity to purchase unique, affordable, and locally made products.

Memphis artists, makers, and crafters will be selling a wide variety of original, handmade items from fine art, jewelry, and purses to yard decorations, letterpress books, and birdhouses. The CYCFM has established a growing artisan community that you can be a part of by purchasing their creations and supporting the local movement. “It’s amazing how many talented and creative people the market has brought together with the artisan fair,” says local artist Page Baker. With such a diverse group of artisans and work, you are bound to find the thoughtful gift you are looking for.

Baker is a participating local jeweler and metal-smith, is a regular at the market, and has been “influential with the expansion in the artisan community,” says market manager Debbi La Rue. Baker says that making jewelry is a great way to incorporate her love of working with metal with her love of connecting with people. “When I make something that makes another person happy, it is very exciting to me. There is no better feeling than seeing someone wearing a piece that I made and seeing how they have incorporated it into their personal style.” Moreover, Baker praises the market for giving her the opportunity to “interact with shoppers and other artisans in a fun and relaxed environment.”

Avid supporter of the market and artist recruiter Penny Dodds says, “I feel better about giving my money to a local artisan, artist, or merchant. I know where my money goes – into their pockets to feed and support themselves and their families. We do have power to change the dynamics of our economy by making small steps every day. I think farmers markets, by including artisans, help all of us learn from scratch how to spend our money wisely and live well together.”

So don’t let the cold hold you back! Bundle up and come out to the CYCFM holiday series November 26 and December 3, 10, and 17 to experience the vibrant, laid-back artisan market, meet the vendors, and support the movement of shopping locally this holiday season. The market is located in the parking lot of First Congo (1000 S. Cooper) and runs on Saturdays from 9am-1pm.

By Andy Ashby

This January, the Cooper-Young Community Association is organizing an event to raise money for a planned mural on McLean Boulevard. Stone Soup Café and four Cooper-Young homeowners are hosting a “Moveable Feast” on Friday, January 27, 2012 starting at 6pm. This will consist of two groups of 20 people each enjoying a three-course meal at three different stops. For each group, the first house will serve salads and appetizers, and the second house will serve an entrée. Then, both groups will meet at Stone Soup Café (993 S. Cooper) for dessert.

Tickets are $20 and will be available for sale at the CYCA offices (2298 Young Ave.). All proceeds will go toward the McLean Mural Project, which will brighten up a popular gateway to the neighborhood.

Local artist Carl E. Moore has designed a mural to be painted underneath the railroad overpass on McLean Boulevard near Central Avenue. He plans on starting this summer. The entire project will cost $5,000, which includes cleaning and treating the surfaces, as well as designing and painting the murals. The CYCA has raised $1,500 so far. The Moveable Feast money, paired with funds raised from the Santa picture event in November, should put us at $2,500, which would be enough to paint one side.

The CYCA is approaching other organizations to raise the remainder of the funds. We may also organize more fundraisers to generate the rest of the money. If you’d like to buy tickets or donate to the McLean Mural Project, stop by the CYCA offices or call Andy Ashby at 901-691-2396.

By Renée Massey

I can think of several reasons why you or I might want to pick up a meal or a nice appetizer on our way home any time of the year – a friend just had a baby and could use a break from daily chores like cooking, a neighbor is ill and could use some help with dinners, or an acquaintance is having a potluck. In every case, we might want to help or participate, but we’re busy! During the chaos of the holiday season, that is even more true. However much we love the holidays, it leaves most of us with packed schedules and little time to prepare a meal for ourselves and our families, even when there’s not something special going on like a new baby, an illness, or a party. And as you’ve been learning all year, your Cooper-Young Community Association membership has more to offer than just supporting the mission of making Cooper-Young a safer and more desirable place to live, worship, work, and play. It can get you a discount on that meal that you pick up on the way home!

Fork It Over Catering at 2299 Young Avenue offers a 5% discount on any in-store food purchase when a CYCA membership card is presented. Perfect! Michelle Campbell, owner of Fork It Over, told me, “I am a firm believer that you should support the community that you are in. This community is very supportive of small, local businesses. It is a close-knit community with people who take great pride in where they live and who they are.”

She describes Fork It Over as a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to food. If you are not acquainted with Fork It Over, they provide prepared meals that are ready to heat and eat. Their menu, offering four entrées and six side dishes, changes weekly and is updated every week on their website, forkitovercatering.com. They carry frozen entrées, casseroles, and appetizers in their freezer case. They can cater large parties (think weddings or business cocktail parties) or small book club dinners at home. Catering menus are also on the website. As you head into the holiday season, think about Fork It Over for Christmas and New Year’s parties. They do fried turkeys, spiral hams, and all the fixin’s. In addition to being a membership sponsor, Fork It Over has provided food for CYCA events like the Art for Art’s Sake Auction art preview. So show your thanks for their support by supporting Fork It Over!

Now back to that holiday season. Part of what keeps us so busy during the holidays is, let’s be honest, holiday shopping. Keep it simple this season by shopping close to home. You will be supporting your neighborhood businesses, and at Burke’s Books that CYCA membership card gets you a discount again. Burke’s Books is at 936 South Cooper, and CYCA members get a 10% discount. Owner Cheryl Mesler says that after living in the neighborhood for nearly 20 years, she and husband Corey jumped at the chance to move Burke’s from Poplar Avenue to CY when the opportunity came up. They love the foot traffic in the neighborhood, which encourages patrons from other businesses and restaurants to come in and browse. Browsing at Burke’s Books is encouraged! The Meslers are especially excited about the new coffee-table book Memphians, which features over 200 notable Memphians (including some from Cooper-Young). Stop by Burke’s Books and let the staff show you the new book or maybe buy the Tsunami cookbook or the Cooper-Young history book as a Christmas gift for a friend or neighbor. Shop and give local this year and remember to thank Burke’s Books for being a CYCA sponsor when you go in.

The membership year is ending but a new one is right around the corner. If you are a CYCA member, you will be seeing a membership renewal in your mailbox soon. Please renew to support the unique things happening in this neighborhood. If you are not a member, consider joining us in 2012. You not only receive great discounts like the ones at Burke’s Books and Fork It Over Catering, but you will be supporting the Community Association whose mission is to make Cooper-Young a more desirable place to live, worship, work, and play. You can join by visiting us online at cooperyoung.org, by filling out the membership form on page ? of this paper, or by contacting our office at 2298 Young Ave or 901-272-2922. Thank you for your support!

By June Hurt

This time last year, I asked for a few good souls that were blessed with the means to consider showing their support for the LampLighter in a tangible way. By making a one time donation of $60 or more or a monthly donation of $5 or more, they could become a LampLighter Benefactor and be listed as such in every issue. I am pleased to say that 23 families and individuals responded to that request, and helped supplement our decreasing advertising sales, helping us continue to produce the LampLighter at the same quality and frequency another year.

As much as I would have loved for the local economy to recover and for businesses to be in a better position to show their support by purchasing more ads, I’m sorry to say that the outlook for 2012 remains the same. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I’m asking again for your support. We have already gotten commitments from some of the existing LampLighter Benefactors to continue their support, and I hope that others decide to continue also. There’s always room for more!

If you would like to become a LampLighter Benefactor or are choosing to continue to be one, you can go to cooperyoung.org and click on the LampLighter Benefactor link under Membership and Gifts.

By June Hurt

It’s that time of year again! Time for you to take a few hours off from the holiday hustle and bustle and help us get our CYCA 2012 Membership Renewal Letters out to the residents! As most of you are aware, CYCA Memberships expire at the end of the year, so renewals need to go out in December while everyone is in the giving spirit!

Come on down to the CYCA Office on Saturday, December 17 from 9am to noon to help us stuff, stamp, seal, and sort about 1,600 envelopes. As always, we will temp you with goodies and drinks. This will be a fun time to hang out with your neighbors, so come on down. Anything is better than fighting the holiday crowds!