By Josh Spickler

I have no idea what the weather’s like while you’re reading this, but as I’m writing it, it’s chilly outside. And on Feb. 11, at Peabody Elementary, it will be chili inside. Get it? Chilly outside. Chili inside. Get it? I’ve been waiting five years to use that joke, which, of course, is not original. Regardless, it’s time for the Fifth Annual Cooper-Young/Peabody PTA Chili Cook-off! Can you believe it’s been five years?

With your help, over the past five years, we’ve raised more than $6,000 toward beautification on and around the Peabody Elementary campus. We’ve installed new play equipment, new landscaping, fresh paint and other exterior improvements that help Peabody and Cooper-Young shine for visitors and residents alike.

But not only do we raise money for a good cause, we have fun doing it. You’d be surprised how many different ways there are to make chili. Hot, exotic, Texas or Cincinnati style. We always get a little of everything, and the chili and the neighbors are a warm respite on a cold, winter afternoon.

So, in just a few short days, no matter the weather, there will be plenty of hot, delicious chili available for your consumption in the Peabody Elementary Cafetorium. And, despite what our moms taught us, we’re going to judge. There will be awards in the following categories: Judges’ Choice (decided by our celebrity panel of chili experts, of course), People’s Choice, Best Vegetarian, Best Hot and Most Unusual.

Soak those beans, brown that beef, plug in that Crock Pot and meet us at Peabody Elementary on Saturday, Feb. 11 at high noon to see who takes home the prizes this year. It’s only $15 to register before Feb. 3 ($20 after Feb. 3). Contact mandygrisham@gmail.com or visit friendsofpeabody.org/ for registration information.

If you only want to eat the chili, you can do that, too. Five bucks gets you four generous tastings (more than enough to count as lunch) and a drink. Get there early when the chili is still warm and, well, still there. We’ll crown the winners at 1:30 sharp. Don’t miss it.

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.

Press Release from the Mississippi River Corridor- Tennessee

For the past several months, the Mississippi River Corridor-Tennessee in partnerships with the University of Memphis and the Memphis Regional Design Center has been involved in a systematic study of the Shelby County segment of the Mississippi River Trail. The primary purpose of this study is to recommend changes and additions to the 50-mile segment of this ten-state trail that currently exists within the County to enhance its value to local residents and business owners.

Our study included a mile-by-mile survey of the existing route, interviews with representatives of local hiking and bicycling organizations, meetings with parks and recreation departments, and three public meetings that more than one hundred Shelby County residents and officials attended. Using data from these research activities, the Mississippi River Corridor-Tennessee, and its project partners, has prepared a preliminary report on enhancing the Shelby County Trail which will be presented at a final community meeting that you are cordially invited to attend.

This community meeting will take place on Thursday, January 19th at 6:00 pm in the Main Hall of Central Station located at the southwest corner of South Main Street and G.E. Patterson, across the street from Earnestine & Hazel’s Bar & Grill. Enter off of G.E. Patterson.

Light refreshments will be served and child care will be available.

The proposed agenda for this meeting is as follows:

• Welcome – Charles “Chooch” Pickard, Executive Director, Memphis Regional Design Center
• Purpose of the Shelby County Trail Plan – Diana Threadgill, President, Mississippi River Corridor TN
• Highlights of the Shelby County Trail Report – Findings and Recommendations – Ken Reardon, Professor and Director of the Graduate Program in City and Regional Planning, University of Memphis
• Community Comment – ALL
• Where We Go From Here – Karen Thornton, Community Coordinator, Graduate Program in City and Regional Planning, University of Memphis

We hope you will be able to join us for this important community planning meeting. Please extend an invitation to other members of your family, organization, and community who you feel may be interested in this event.
Contact Ms. Karen Thornton at: 901-474-5633 for more information on this trail plan. Additional information regarding the Mississippi River Corridor – Tennessee can be found at www.msrivertn.org.

By Leah Roen

Midtown is being reviewed by the Memphis Fire Department for a potential removal of the ladder truck from the Union Station, according to a letter sent by Director of Fire Services Alvin Benson to City Council members. This is of concern for our area since we rely on the truck for rescue, vehicle extraction, elevator rescue and fire entry into homes and businesses.

Budget cuts reducing fire department personnel and six ladder trucks were approved in May. Trucks already have been removed in the Whitehaven and Hickory Hill areas. Benson told City Council that the planned cuts would not affect fire engine or ambulance response times. The MFD is trying to assure everyone that this is a case of overlapping services.

But should the need arise for the ladder truck, one from another territory would have to be called and arrival time would by design be slower, simply because of the increased distance traveled.

If the adjoining territories’ ladder truck is out of service, meaning they are at school, on another run or in the shop, yet another ladder truck from still further away would be necessary. In the event of a fire at a business, two trucks are always summoned, again slowing response times.

The MFD says there is an overlap of services. There has always been and always will be an overlap of services as this is what is required to manage our needs for fire and rescue calls. Without overlap, ladder trucks would stay in their own territory and therefore not be available when there is need for them.

In 1981, the MFD took a pumper truck out of service on Elvis Presley Blvd. Across the street from the fire house, a young child died after there was a delay in getting another vehicle there.

Additionally, ladder trucks carry necessary equipment such as a portable generator necessary to keep medical equipment up and running; elevator rescue equipment; atmosphere monitors; salvage covers that protect things during a fire; a Stokes basket for rescue; high-rise gear for rescue; rescue saw; PPV fan for use during fires to clear smoke, Holmatro tool to cut victims from cars; rams, spreaders, reels and Ajax tool for rescue; chock block; defibrillator; smoke ejector; portable lights; ladders of several sizes for rescue and to fight fires and much more.

This fire house has always had a ladder truck and so far, there doesn’t seem to be a good reason to compromise the health and safety of Cooper-Young or the rest of Midtown. The ladder truck is necessary here to protect the lives of our citizens and our historic properties as well as the businesses in Cooper-Young.

Councilman Kemp Conrad graciously agreed to a town hall meeting in Cooper-Young on this matter from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31 at Peabody School.

By Kristan Huntley

The men and women of the Memphis Police and the Fire Departments work tirelessly day in and day out to help keep us safe in Cooper-Young, including on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, we like to show the wonderful police officers and firemen and women that Cooper-Young cares about them and appreciates their dedication.

Each year the CYCA fills bags with portable treats and drinks for the men and women who protect our sleeping community on Christmas Eve. You can bring your donations (approximately enough to help fill 70 bags) to the Community Office at 2298 Young Avenue between 7 and 8pm on December 24. If you bring homemade finger foods, please feel free to label each bag with your family’s information to add a special personal touch. These folks really appreciate this effort and the love put into each bag.

We will also need help packing the treat bags that night between 7 and 8pm so we can have them delivered and ready by roll call at 10pm. To volunteer, just come by 2298 Young around 7pm. It is lots of fun and a great way to share the Christmas spirit!

By Katie Pemberton

What do Annie, holiday ornaments, and Zumba have in common? They’re all ways to support the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County this holiday season!

First up, take in a show at Playhouse on the Square! Now through Dec. 23, Annie will be showing at Playhouse at 66 S. Cooper St., and guess who plays Sandy the dog? One of the Humane Society’s very own residents – Hester. Just 10 months ago Hester was living with her seven puppies in a hole in the wall of a garage when the Humane Society rescued her from a hoarding situation. Now she’s healthy and happy and a part of Playhouse’s Annie cast. Performances will take place at Playhouse Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm. The Humane Society will be on hand offering merchandise, educating about its mission, and accepting donations at selected performances. For tickets, visit playhouseonthesquare.org or call the box office at 901-726-4656.

Up next, check a few items off your gift list by making a donation to the Humane Society in honor of your loved ones. The Humane Society is offering a special gift item for holiday donations. People wishing to make a donation for loved ones as a holiday gift will receive a commemorative holiday ornament for donations of $10 and up. The honorarium ornaments are available now through the end of the year at the Humane Society.

Lastly, shake your winter blues away at Zumba for a Paws to benefit the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County. Zumba for a Paws is a 2-hour Zumbathon featuring many of Memphis’ Zumba instructors, including Kimberly Hawkins, Deontario “Deejay” James, and more; drawings for prizes; healthy snacks; vendors and adoptable pets; plus an exclusive halftime performance by a talented Humane Society dog. Zumba for a Paws will take place Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10am to noon at Mullins United Methodist Church gymnasium at 4 N. Mendenhall Road. Participants who purchase tickets for the drawing, starting at just $1, will be eligible for prizes from The Wine Market, Hollywood Feed, Melanie’s Hallmark, Knick Knack Patty Whack Pet Services, the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County, Arbonne, Advocare, and more. There’s one more way participants can help raise money for the Humane Society with Zumba for a Paws – through sponsorships from family and friends. Zumba for a Paws will award prizes to participants who raised the most funds through sponsorships. For more information about Zumba for a Paws or to download the sponsorship form, visit memphishumane.org.

Most of us will remember our pets when the holidays come around; we’ll watch them “open” gifts of plush ducks, frogs, or hamburgers, rawhide bones, and new collars and leashes. The Humane Society hopes that during this time the community will also remember our pets still looking for their forever homes. You can help them by volunteering, donating, or adopting, of course, but also simply by becoming a fan on Facebook or a follower on Twitter and helping the Humane Society get the word out about its programs, fundraisers, and adoptable pets.

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 Lisa Lynch

Annie

Playhouse on the Square begins the holiday season with the family-friendly classic, Annie. Annie is a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and finds a new family and home in billionaire Oliver Warbucks.

Annie is directed by Dave Landis, choreographed by Courtney Oliver, and features Sydney Bell, Dani Chaum, Carla McDonald, Irene Crist, Ben Laxton, Kyle Blair, Kelsey Hopkins, Sarah Hoch, and Fred Harpell. Annie runs at Playhouse on the Square November 18 – December 23, Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm. There are no Thursday performances (except for the Pay-What-You-Can performance on December 22) and no Sunday performances.

Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge

When the Ghost of Christmas Past can’t quite get her supernatural powers to send herself and Scrooge to the right place in time, they wind up at the home of a boozy and disgruntled Mrs. Cratchit. It’s just one of many twists in this Christopher Durang comedy that turns every Christmas cliché on its head. This parody of A Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life is, according to NY Theatre.com, “modern, funny, refreshing, and filled with spirit: the sassy kind.”

Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge is directed by Copeland Woodruff and features Claire D. Kolheim, Alice Berry, and Jim Palmer. Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge runs at The Circuit Playhouse, November 25 – December 23, Thursdays – Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 7pm.

Aesop’s Fable-ous Christmas Tree

When Aesop is given a Christmas spin, you’ll find six birds a‘racing (a la The Tortoise and the Hare) and eight reindeer learning that necessity is the mother of invention. A dozen vignettes feature all of your favorite Christmas characters and blend humor, rhythmic elements, rapping, puppetry, poetry, song, and storytelling to create a fast-paced, fun-filled show that will delight the child in everyone.

Aesop’s Fable-ous Christmas Tree is written and directed by Resident Company Member Michael Gravois and features the Playhouse on the Square Theatre for Youth Touring Company. Aesop’s Fable-ous Christmas Tree runs at The Circuit Playhouse December 3 – December 18, Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. The Pay-What-You-Can performance is Sunday, December 4.

Playhouse on the Square is located at 66 S. Cooper St., and The Circuit Playhouse is located at 51 S. Cooper St. For more information or to make reservations for any of these productions, please call 901-726-4656.

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.