I just left the CYCA office where I was able to get my dogs’ photos taken with Santa and see our Community Director, Kristan Huntley, in an elf costume – best $10 I’ve spent in a while! Do I feel bad about taking my stinky, geriatric pups in there without giving them a bath first? A little. Did I have time to give those baths? Oh, heck no! The holiday season has officially started for me, and I’m off on a dead run barreling toward the new year.

For the last few years, I’ve been what most would consider a “Grinch.” It may have started when my mother broke her back putting up her ridiculously extravagant Christmas light display (think “Griswold Christmas”) or maybe the first time I heard “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” in a store the day after Halloween. Either way, I’m not really a fan of shopping, crowds, traffic, Christmas carols, Christmas decorations, ringing bells, or those sweet goodies that manage to put a couple extra inches on my waistline every December. Oddly enough, I did enjoy the Christmas carolers that popped up in the neighborhood last year….but I digress.

This Grinch has too much going on this month to plot against Christmas coming to Whoville! Saturday, December 3 the St. Jude Marathon aid station and cheering section is a Cooper-Young tradition that can’t be missed. Tuesday, December 13 is the CYCA Holiday and Volunteer Thank You Party where we get to show our volunteers how much their support means to our community. Who will win the Alexia Hampton Award this year? I know who it is, but I’m not telling! Saturday, December 17 we’re stuffing the CYCA Membership Renewal letters, eating snacks, and avoiding the holiday sales. Everyone deserves a break, right? And don’t forget the Police and Fire Department Goodie Bag Stuffing on Christmas Eve! Off, off, and away!

June Hurt

How to motivate volunteers

The second CY Regional Beerfest has come and gone, and at the risk of insulting a long list of extraordinary volunteers, I am convinced that the Beerfest Committee may be the most dedicated and efficient CYCA committee I’ve ever seen. Luckily, CY is full of some really hard workers, but I have to admit that managing even a small group of well-meaning volunteers can sometimes feel like herding cats. So what kind of voodoo spell did Andy Ashby cast on these gentlemen to make them the well-oiled machine that pulled off this great event? I’m merely guessing here, but wives and significant others take note.

Andy: Anyone up for spending hours picking up trash and pulling weeds at the festival site while drinking dark ales?
Trevor: I’ll bring my blower.
Andy: I need someone to call all over town to price tents, tables, chairs, and 2,000 pounds of ice while enjoying some IPA.
Mark: I’m on it.
Andy: Who wants to meet three times a week to discuss every mundane detail of permits and insurance for this event while drinking full-bodied lagers?
Josh: I’ll be there.

I think what impresses me most is the fact that a few guys turned their common passion for beer into a great event that raised thousands of much needed dollars for the CYCA. What is your passion and how can you use it to give back to your community? Can your passion for gardening help start a community garden? Could your passion for reading inspire you to volunteer at Literacy Mid-South?

Right now I’m passionate about seeing our Community Director, Kristan Huntley, dress up in an elf costume again, which I will gladly give money to see when I take my dogs to get their photo taken with Santa at the gazebo from 5:30-6:45pm on Tuesday, November 15. If you are passionate about public art, join me at the gazebo to help raise money for mural projects in the neighborhood.

June Hurt

By June Hurt

I am pleased to report that Wonder Woman’s run for the LampLighter was an overall success. Along the race route, I collected some modest donations, a few jello shots, and two marriage proposals. I managed to survive the run without any wardrobe malfunctions or major injuries, and most of my dignity remained intact.

The two casualties of the night were my boots, which fell apart shortly after crossing the finish line, and my right big toenail, which will most likely fall off in the next few weeks (you can all thank me personally for not sharing a photo of the toe). To all the runners that chastised me for running in the boots, feel free to pat yourselves on the back, take a bow, and shout, “I told you so!” from the rooftops. Although I still think you people are crazy for running so much, I agree that you know what you are talking about.

Although I always look forward to the Festival, I have to admit that I am also relieved when it is finally over. I’m always amazed at how long and hard our volunteers work for the CYCA throughout the weekend! I’d like to thank our community director, Kristan Huntley, for all her hard work preparing for her first Race/Festival weekend.

Rest up dear friends and neighbors because the CY Regional Beerfest is coming up soon! Be sure to purchase your tickets now at beerfest.cooperyoung.org, Boscos, Mid-South Malts, or the CYCA office.

This month I’d like to share an actual conversation between me and Tyler, my 12-year-old stepson.

Tyler: “Why are you running so much lately? You hate running.”

Me: “I’m training for the CY Festival Friday 4 Miler next month. I’m running it dressed in a Wonder Woman costume to raise money for the LampLighter.”

Tyler: (With a look of sheer horror and disgust) “Why would anyone give money to see you run in a Wonder Woman costume!?!”

Me: “I’m guessing that some people will think it’s funny.”

Tyler: “There is nothing funny about that at all! I can’t think of anything more embarrassing!”

Me: “Dear, sweet boy. I can always think of more ways to embarrass you. Some day you can tell your therapist all about it.”

Tyler was right about one thing. I really do hate running. But I love the LampLighter more! I just hope that my willingness to drag myself around the race route in an old, 80s style, ill-fitting Wonder Woman costume inspires a few more people to donate to help our beloved, yet struggling, monthly paper. Residents can donate at the CYCA office, to me personally, or donate online. Just go to cooperyoung.org for more information.

Speaking of the race, I’m so excited that runners are signing up at an even faster pace than last year, and we are well on way to hitting our goal of 2000 runners for our 20th year. I was pleased to find out that a number of our regular race volunteers are choosing to run the race instead, but it has left us needing a good number of people to step up and fill those volunteer positions the night of the race. Please contact Kristan at the office at 901-272-2922 or info@cooperyoung.org as soon as possible to volunteer! Now let’s all have an exciting and safe Festival weekend!

June Hurt

It’s a typical, balmy Memphis summer. But instead of just complaining about the heat, I’ve decided to reveal three things that I have learned as a result of these recent high temperatures.

First, I learned that if the heat index is above 105, my older, black-haired dog with chronic bladder control issues can actually hold it indefinitely to avoid going outside. Second, after a recent decision to show my support for local businesses by only wearing their t-shirts in public, I realized how much said businesses need to offer summer versions of their shirts. Walking around in a bunch of black and navy blue t-shirts makes me feel like I may spontaneously combust. On a positive note, when the paramedics are reviving me on the sidewalk after a massive heat stroke, one of them might be reminded of how tasty the food is at Soul Fish or that it is time to go to Victory Bike Shop to buy a new bike helmet. Third, the members of my block club have proved to be the most dedicated and understanding bunch I know. Most of them actually showed up for our “We Should Have Done This in Spring” Block Club party on the hottest day of the year, sat on their own lawn furniture that I creatively borrowed from their porches, and enjoyed the breeze from fans that I have yet to return to their rightful owners.

Hopefully, the heat won’t be so bad in September for the Festival Friday 4 Miler. The race committee is working hard to get ready for the event and post-race party. Whether you run the race to win or walk the whole way, it is a great way to show your support for the CYCA. If you are not running or volunteering for the race, have you already figured out which Neighbors Light the Way party you’re going to attend? Can’t wait to see what last year’s pirates come up with this year…..
June Hurt

After a year of serving already, I would like to say thank you for officially voting me in as your CYCA Vice President a couple months ago. I can’t wait to get started on……Pardon me, what was that? John did what? He’s where? I’m what?

In case you are unaware, our former President, John Kinsey, had to step down from his duties unexpectedly when a new job took him away from our beloved neighborhood to North Carolina. As Vice President it was my privilege to take up the charge. I have to admit that I wasn’t expecting to fill the role of President so soon, but in Cooper-Young we adapt and overcome, so I shall carry on that tradition. I will miss John and am thankful for everything he did to help fine tune our organization. Fortunately, I feel very comfortable stepping up at this time because we are lucky enough to have a good combination of experience and energy in our remaining board members. And let’s not forget our Community Director, Kristan Hunley, whose liveliness rivals the Energizer Bunny. April Boleware has also stepped up to take over the duties of Vice President, and Renée Massey will take over as our Membership Chair.

Although summer is supposed to be our slow time of year, there are still exciting things going on! This week I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new skate park in Toby Park. I can’t wait to see my husband try to keep up with the kids out there. Cooper-Young Night Out is in full swing, and resident and visitors have braved the heat to enjoy the festivities. We are also still waiting patiently on those bike lanes. I have a special pair of stilettos ready for my first trip down those freshly-painted lanes, so keep your eyes pealed.

June Hurt

Change is always upon us – seasons, times, fashions, and opportunities. For me there has been a recent change in employment opportunity, which means that for the CYCA, there is a change in leadership. It’s with sadness that I resign as CYCA President as I move to a new city.
It seems like only yesterday I moved to CY and soon thereafter joined the board of the CYCA. In that time I’ve had the chance to see the organization grow in leaps and bounds. Our membership rolls continue to grow, new membership benefits are available, and we purchased our building.
It’s been a personal honor to have led our organization in various roles over the past several years. It’s refreshing to join an organization and not be pigeonholed as the Treasurer simply because I’m a CPA. Our organization is wonderful in letting people expand their talents and abilities.
Vice President June Hurt has stepped into the role of President. Under her leadership I’m sure the CYCA will continue to prosper and be a force in keeping Cooper-Young the coolest neighborhood in Memphis. I wish everyone the best as life continues to change.

John Kinsey

Thank you to everyone who donated items, volunteered, attended, bid, and purchased art at last month’s Art for Art’s Sake Auction. The event was a rousing success with over $13,000 raised to fund maintenance for the Trestle Art as well as other community enhancement projects. We are truly blessed to have such support in CY and Memphis!

The month of May is a great time to be in our yards. Perhaps you love gardening and yard work. Perhaps you prefer to have someone else take the yard work responsibility. Either way, the CYCA will be on the lookout for yards that are worthy of the “Yard of the Month” moniker. Households receiving this award will be featured in the Lamplighter.

Congratulations to June Hurt and Andy Ashby for their re-elections to CYCA Vice-President and Secretary, respectfully. I thank them for their continued dedication to our mission of making Cooper-Young a safer and more desirable place to live, work, worship, and play. They are serving two year terms. If you are interested in running for either office in 2013, consider joining the Board of Directors and get involved at a leadership level.

Although March was pet month in CY, let’s continue to be mindful of our pets as the weather heats up. It’s hotter inside parked vehicles than we might realize. Any pet left in a car, even if the windows are open a bit, are still subjected to high levels of heat. Please consider leaving your pets at home on hot days versus leaving them in your car. That five minute errand could be deadly for your pet.

This is going to be an exciting month for Cooper-Young! On April 9, from 6–9:30pm at Young Avenue Deli, the CYCA will host the Art for Art’s Sake Auction. It’s a great time to get out, see some friends, have a beer, and get some great local art for a low (unless someone is bidding against you!) price. Tickets are only $15 for CYCA members and $20 for non-members – saving $5 is a great reason to join our membership rolls. To purchase a ticket go online to cooperyoung.org.
April is also a great time to begin spring cleaning. It’s amazing how much stuff I’ve collected and carried from place to place in all my moves. What a great feeling it is donating those possessions to resale charities. In addition to the inside of our home, this is a wonderful time to clean out flowerbeds, trim back winter growth, and re-mulch. The CYCA will be on the lookout for yards to recognize as our Yard of the Month. Plant something pretty and you might be selected to display the Yard of the Month sign in your front lawn and be recognized in upcoming issues of the Lamplighter.
At the April General Meeting our members will be voting on amendments to our bylaws and electing both a Vice-President and a Secretary. Please come out and vote, or even better, come out and run for office. Nominations will be accepted from the floor.
As our motto says, “Life is good in Cooper-Young!”

John Kinsey

I don’t know about you, but I have never been so excited to see the pages of the calendar turn to March. Although this time of the year means windy days, I’m more than happy to have wind versus snow and ice. After a winter like this maybe we should pick up the neighborhood and move Cooper-Young to Florida! We could set up next to the prim and proper seaside and cause quite a raucous I’m sure!
In addition to wind, March brings a focus on pet safety to Cooper-Young. Sure we all know about heartworm pills and leashes, but what else do we need to know? The March General Meeting will focus on common and not so common ways to take care of pets during everyday events and emergencies. Additionally, special pet events will occur throughout the month. To learn more you can read the article on page 1 and come to the General Meeting on March 8 at the CYCA offices at 2298 Young. Social time begins at 6pm, with the presentation running from 6:30-7:30pm. Many thanks go out to the Safety Committee for pulling this month’s pet safety events together.
Back in February a team of Cooper-Young residents concluded their two day Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. I highly recommend this course to everyone. I came away with many new ideas such as having a fire extinguisher on every floor of my house as well as moving the current extinguisher to a more accessible location. See page 3 for more information on CERT training and how you can better prepare yourself for emergency situations.
A look ahead on the calendar shows that our annual Art for Art’s Sake Auction is right around the corner in April. Read the article on page 5 or check out our website, cooperyoung.org, for more information on how to volunteer, how to contribute, and how to buy tickets.

Peach in Cooper-Young,

John Kinsey