By Rebecca Terrell

After the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision gave US women the right to a legal abortion, feminists across the country celebrated. After so many women had died or had their future fertility compromised from botched, illegal efforts, trained doctors could finally start offering this common medical procedure safely in their offices and hospitals across the country. Only it didn’t happen that way.

Foes of abortion rights threatened to protest any doctor or facility who dared to offer the procedure. Doctors backed down. So women organized themselves in communities across the nation to provide what the medical community would not – access to safe, legal, abortions.

In Memphis, a group of women’s rights activists led by Priscilla Chism opened a small non-profit clinic in 1974 called the Memphis Center for Reproductive Health. They hired physicians and other medical staff, trained volunteers, and opened their doors to the women of the Mid-South. Thirty-seven years later, this small non-profit is still serving the community, but with a new focus on comprehensive reproductive care and an expanding list of services.

“We wanted to create a model of reproductive healthcare that reflected the real needs of women, men, and teens in our community,” said Rebecca Terrell, Executive Director of the center since 2009. “For example, women coming into our clinic to terminate a pregnancy weren’t there because they wanted an abortion. They were there because they didn’t want to be pregnant. That’s a whole different thing. So we started to focus more on their primary needs of pregnancy prevention and planning, and we started listening to what else our patients wanted and needed. Where could men go for nonjudgmental STI testing and treatment? Where could same-sex couples go for fertility services? Where could transgender patients go for hormone management? Who was doing free HIV testing for every patient? Who was talking with teens about normal reproductive development? Who was offering comprehensive pregnancy options counseling? We realized a lot of needs were not being met. So we decided to step it up.”

And step it up they did. The growing non-profit, which will be rebranded as Choices on October 13, now provides adolescent reproductive health visits, colposcopies, fertility assistance including artificial inseminations, HIV testing, reproductive health services for people living with HIV/AIDS through Ryan White Part A, Gardasil vaccinations, lesbian and gay sexual health visits, transgender healthcare, miscarriage management, menopause management, comprehensive pregnancy options counseling, first trimester abortion care, and training of medical students and advanced nurse practitioners. They plan to include prenatal care and mid-wife deliveries by 2013.

So why the new name after all these years? “Nobody could remember our name!” said Terrell. “Even patients who loved the clinic and community supporters had a hard time referring their friends to us. It was just too hard.”

The new name and logo was created for the group by local marketing guru John Malmo. It expresses the values that the center has held for almost 40 years. “People have the right to make choices in their lives and in their healthcare,” says Terrell. “We all deserve choices.”

A cocktail reception to celebrate the center’s rebranding will take place Thursday, October 13, from 5:30 to 7:30pm at 1726 Poplar Ave. in Midtown Memphis. Tickets are $30 each and are available online at mcrh-tn.givezooks.com/events/choices-celebration.

By Alicia Cobbs

This year, the Memphis Hightailers have agreed to donate proceeds from their largest ride of the year – The Bluff City Blues 100 taking place on Saturday, October 1 – to bicycling and walking advocacy in Memphis! This is a huge step towards making Memphis into a bike and pedestrian friendly city, so let’s show the Hightailers how much we appreciate their support by volunteering at their event.

The Hightailers need volunteers for the event to assist in the rest area, finish area, registration, refresh area, and post-ride party. Volunteers are need from 7:30am until noon. Please contact Ms. Alicia Cobbs if you can help out at 901-725-8370 or info@livablememphis.org.

By Jeff Huelett

There are two free programs offered by The Church Health Center that you will want to be sure to put on your summer calendars! We are offering a class called Love Your Heart: Controlling Hypertension every first Wednesday of the month. The next classes will be held on Wednesday, August 3 and Wednesday, September 7 at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Ave. In addition, The Church Health Center and MIFA will host a farmers market from 10am to 2pm every Tuesday through Labor Day at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Ave. For more information about either of these opportunities call (901) 259-4673 or visit ChurchHealthCenter.org.

By Emily Bishop

Have you registered for the Festival Friday 4 Miler yet? I’m sure you are planning to do that soon, or maybe you are the kind who likes to wait until the last minute. Nevertheless, this past month the first online registrations began to trickle in. In fact Jon Carroll was the first person to register for the race. And in honor of the race’s 20th anniversary we would like to get to know Jon. We know all runners have a story – a reason why they come out, sweat, and support the CYCA. Here’s what Jon had to say about the reason he runs and the reason he participates in the Cooper-Young Festival Friday 4 Miler.

I am 34-years-old and have been running for most of my life. I ran cross country in high school, but I only made the team because they needed a fifth to qualify in events. After high school I ran occasionally. That changed at age 30 when my wife kicked me in the butt and told me to start getting in shape because she wanted me to be around to see our son grow up. So, I started running again and promptly lost 40 pounds.

Last year was actually the first time I ran the 4 Miler. Heck, last year was the first time I ran any race since high school due to the long-time restriction on headphone usage. I openly admit to finding running boring and do it mostly to stay in shape and counteract my love of food. In order to combat the boredom, I listen to music and various pod casts while I run. Although I do have a modicum of speed, I am by no means a speed demon and run races for the camaraderie, and oh yeah, the T-shirts. Due to lack of speed, I don’t win anything except an occasional placing in my age bracket in small events (Yeah Meowathon!).

I would describe the 4 Miler as fun, quick, and enjoyable. For those used to a 5K, it is a transition as your body may want to start gearing down and cross the finish when you still have another mile to go. The spectators who line the 4 Miler course crack me up! It is great to see the community spirit both along and within the race. From a technical standpoint, the course is flat and easy, and I like the finish off the corner with a brief straightaway. It was a deeply enjoyable race, and I plan to do it again every year possible.

Register online at cooperyoung4miler.racesonline.com

By Anthony Siracusa

This year, the Memphis Hightailers have agreed to donate all of the proceeds from their largest ride of the year – The Bluff City Blues 100 – to bicycling and walking advocacy in Memphis!

This is a huge step towards making Memphis into a bike and pedestrian friendly city, so let’s show the Hightailers how much we appreciate their support by volunteering at their upcoming “Red, White and Blue” club ride on July 2.

The Hightailers need us to provide at least 6 volunteers for the event to help with the rest area, the finish area, registration, the refresh area along the route, and the post-ride party. Volunteers are need from 7:30am until noon.

Please contact Ms. Alicia Cobbs from Livable Memphis at (901) 725-3124 or info@livablememphis.org if you can help out.

Thanks in advance for helping make Memphis into a wonderful place for biking and walking!

By Betty Lamarr

April is such a wonderful month. It is when the flowers really start to bloom, when the chilly weather starts to become a warm breeze, when Easter reminds us all of God’s love (or at least how much we like chocolate), and of course, when we get to file our taxes. Taxes may not bring a smile to your face like the thought of newly arriving spring, but they make some people in our community jump for joy.

Income tax abuse is more rampant than many of us would like to admit, and it brings in a flood of money to some very undeserving people. Sure, some of us get tax refunds for well deserved reasons. Many people buy a house, pay for tuition, donate to charity, or put money away in their 401(k). However, some take this wonderful time of year to pawn their kids off faster than an iPad at a Whitehaven yard sale. It is these particular individuals that I would like to focus my discussion on in the hopes that it brings awareness to the issue of income tax abuse.

Every year I am approached by at least one mother who asks me if I want to put her child on my taxes in exchange for part of the money I would receive on my tax refund. If they simply ask for $500 in return for the $1500 you could get back from the government, women who have multiple children can really benefit. If a woman has five kids and pawns them off for $500 each, it adds up to some decent cash. This is the same cash that most of us have to work for day in and day out.

Income tax abuse seems to reward the wrong people for the right things. It is not bad to have children, and it is good that the government understands that it takes money to feed those hungry mouths and clothe those fast growing bodies. However, it is not right for women to have children that they are unable to care for properly simply because of the financial benefit. It takes a certain amount of self-control (and birth control) to stop and think before you decide to get pregnant. Women need to discern what is best for their own life and for the lives of any children they bring into this world.

Women are not the only ones at fault. One might wonder suspiciously why the government does not see this flagrant abuse and cause it to cease. There is clearly a fault in the system that rewards people who cheat on their income taxes, whereas people who pay their bills on a regular basis are not awarded any type of similar benefit. Reward those who try to get off welfare by getting a job; don’t punish them by taking away their benefits as soon as they get one! All the current governmental system does is give people a reason to do something wrong, and punish those who try to do something right.

Those of us who work hard to earn a living should stand up for what we believe in. Don’t take these women up on their offers to use their children for financial gain. Instead, understand the true value of your integrity and stay honest while you strive to make constructive changes in the system. It may not be easy, but it is possible, and it is honorable.

Speaking of honesty and integrity, look out for next month’s article where I will discuss why women falsely accuse the wrong man for being the father of their children. This topic, highly requested by my male readers, should make for an interesting debate. Keep reading and discussing and know that I appreciate your great feedback. For questions or comments email me at askbettylamarr@aol.com or visit me at askbettylamarr.blogspot.com. You can also find me every Tuesday at midnight on Comcast Channel 17.

In case you haven’t heard, May is National Bike Month. To celebrate, Revolutions Community Bicycle Shop is hosting a series of events to get people pedaling!

Classes titled “Bicycle Safety in the Streets” are being held in numerous locations throughout the community. Midtowners can catch the course at the Church Health Center Wellness (1115 Union Ave) on May 2 or at Revolutions (1000 S. Cooper) on May 23. Dates, times, and details can be found at revolutionsmemphis.wordpress.com/classes/.

Group bike rides will be held every Sunday at 5:30pm around Midtown. These leisurely bike rides are slow-paced and perfect for beginning and young riders. The best part – the ride will include a stop at YoLo (6 S. Cooper St.) for a cool treat. Dates, times, and details for all group bike rides can be found at revolutionsmemphis.wordpress.com/bike-tours/.

May 20 is the official Bike to Work Day. Make sure you register, review the resources at downtownmemphis.com/biketowork/, and plan to join in the fun!

By Angela Knipple

After a successful first year, the Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market (CYCFM) will be opening for its second season at the corner of Cooper St. and Walker Ave. in the parking lot of First Congregational Church on April 30.
Most of last year’s vendors will be returning, and many of them are planning to offer more products than ever before. Las Delicias, makers of those incomparable chips and dips, plans to bring tamales and perhaps ceviche. Bill Albrecht, who sold worm castings and composting supplies last year, will also sell vegetables this year. CYCFM board member Lori Greene says, “Bill’s growing these vegetables in his wonderful worm compost. I can’t wait to see how gorgeous they’re going to be.”
Some new vendors will be familiar faces as Farmer Bert, Bert Dinkins, will have his own booth this year. Dinkins worked last year with Greene at her Downing Hollow Farm in preparation for running his own farm. True Vine Farms is another new vendor. True Vine is a family farm from North Mississippi that plans to offer sustainably grown produce and eggs from their flock.
Also new at CYCFM this year is an increased sense of purpose and dedication. While farmers markets bring fresh produce into a community, in some communities the need for that produce is more profound. CYCFM straddles two food deserts. The 2008 Farm Bill defined a food desert as “an area in the United States with limited access to affordable and nutritious foods.” While it may be hard to think of any part of Midtown falling under that definition, for many Memphians without personal transportation, it’s not just an idea; it’s reality.
In the media it seems that, more often than not, farmers markets are portrayed as being the domain of foodies. They’re seen as being more expensive and less convenient to shop at. But for community markets like CYCFM, the mission is to be just that – a community market that meets the needs of the community. “It’s easy to look around the community and see the need and talk about fixing it. But just talking isn’t a solution. It’s time for us to walk the talk,” says Sue Easley, CYCFM board member.
One way that CYCFM is helping is by becoming a vendor in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Formerly the Food Stamp program, SNAP uses debit cards to distribute benefits to program participants. A cardholder can buy food and non-alcoholic beverages from any participating vendor. By working with GrowMemphis, CYCFM, along with the South Memphis Farmers Market and the Urban Farms Market, expect to be able to accept electronic benefit transfer purchases. SNAP opens the markets to customers who would not otherwise be able to shop there. Residents of area food deserts will be able to purchase much-needed fresh produce. Additionally, GrowMemphis has received a grant that will allow at least some of the dollars spent with food stamps to be doubled – sending more produce home with more customers.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are an undeniably important part of a healthy diet for people of all ages. Also important is a sense of community. CYCFM plans to continue building that as well. As Greene says, “Having a market like this makes a community more livable. And Midtown is just a natural home for our market.” The market is entirely volunteer-supported. “We want the community to be as involved as possible. Our volunteers are what make the market run,” says Greene. If you would like to be a part of the team at the market, email sue@cycfm.org.

By Leigh Woeller

On March 11, no one thought that a 9.0 earthquake would cause a tsunami to hit Japan, home to the world’s third largest economy. Together we watched in disbelief as the waves flooded inland and moved homes, buildings, and cars like they were toys a child might play with in a bathtub. But the only thing harmless and innocent about this event was the unsuspecting people whose lives have been changed forever.
At Good Feet and Soles4Souls, we are terribly saddened by the devastation in Japan and are mutually committed to assisting in the recovery. Together we are fully prepared for an extensive response should the need prove to be as widespread as reports are predicting.
An event like the Japan earthquake and tsunami can make people feel helpless, but they’re not. Good Feet and Soles4Souls are asking that people stop by any participating Good Feet Store location (goodfeet.com/locations) or visit giveshoes.org to find the nearest shoe drop-off location and donate as many new or gently worn pairs of shoes as they can spare.
Why donate shoes? Shoes are a personal item that protect from disease, reduce injuries, and provide hope that things are going to get better. A natural disaster like the one in Japan immediately creates situations of extreme poverty which put people at greater risk for disease and creates terrible feelings of hopelessness. Providing shoes that protect people from disease and gives them a sense of hope and caring can help speed up the recovery process and make it possible for the Japanese people to dream beyond their current situation and remind them that they are loved and cared about.
Join our response by donating shoes and giving generously today! If you’re interested in supporting the Good Feet and Soles4Souls relief efforts, stop by a participating Good Feet Store today (goodfeet.com/locations) or visit giveshoes.org to find the nearest shoe drop-off location. To financially sponsor a new pair of shoes from your laptop or smart phone, text the word SHOES to 20222 to donate $5 now.

By Kyle Wagenschutz

As spring approaches many people are considering taking to two wheels for the first time in many years. Dusting off bikes long forgotten in the deep recesses of garages, sheds, and basements, many are pumping air into flat tires and reintroducing the simple pleasures of bicycle riding into their lives. For good reason too – riding bicycles improves cardiovascular fitness by making exercise a part of daily transportation, it improves air quality by reducing the amount of automobile exhaust pumped into our air, and it assists in weight loss and muscle building fitness routines.

While riding a bicycle is considered a lifelong skill never to be forgotten, many have common questions about the intricacies of organizing their lives around a commute to work that doesn’t take place in a car. With so many retail options available today, it is often difficult to know what products are necessary to make a commute more convenient versus those that are sold as novelty items. For many the cityscape has changed dramatically since their last ride, causing concern over safety and convenience.

Below are some basic tips for making your commute more successful and enjoyable. While these will get you started, be sure to find some local bike commuters and find out what they recommend. Often times these “experts” know the best routes, equipment, and techniques for making your commute more enjoyable and convenient.

Choosing a bike
You don’t have to spend a fortune to ride a bicycle. Unless you are planning to ride in the Tour de France this year, spending a couple thousand dollars on a bike is not necessary. Any bike that you feel comfortable on will work after making sure it is in good working order. Be sure to consider weather protection such as fenders and a rack for carrying items to and from the office. Owners of Cooper-Young’s Victory Bicycle Studio (victorybicyclestudio.com) at 2294 Young Ave are experts in finding the right bike to fit the type of riding you want to accomplish. For a more hands on approach, you can visit Revolutions Community Bicycle Shop (revolutionsmemphis.com) in the basement of First Congregational Church at 1000 S. Cooper St. to learn how to build a bicycle from the ground up.

Keeping it maintained
Regardless if you purchase a bicycle from the local department store, pawn shop, or retail bike shop, have your bike checked over by a mechanic at your local bike shop. Find out if local bike shops offer basic mechanic training so you can learn how to repair a flat, fix a chain, and inspect your brake pads for wear. Routine maintenance is the key to maximizing the lifespan of your bicycle. Ask your mechanic how often you should be changing your tires, chain, and brake pads.  Be sure to inquire at Revolutions about classes that specialize in teaching bicycle repairs.

What to wear
You don’t need special bicycle clothing to commute to work. If the weather is nice, a pair of jeans and a t-shirt is more than adequate. You may find that you can ride in your work clothes at a relaxed pace if your commute is short enough. For longer more strenuous rides, cycling specific clothing may be a good option as it is design to wick away moisture from your skin and dry faster than cotton clothing. In cold weather be sure to layer clothing, and in wet weather be sure to have a waterproof jacket and/or pants to cover your riding clothes. Be sure to wear shoes that are comfortable and are resistant to slipping. Be sure to tuck the laces in the side of your shoes and roll up your pant legs before riding to avoid having them caught in the drive train.

Choosing a route
One of the most important aspects of your commute will be the route you choose. Be sure to consider distance, traffic volume, road width, road condition, and terrain when choosing a route. The shortest route is not always the safest route for bicyclists. Some routes may be a bit longer but much more pleasant and safe because of lower traffic volumes and speeds. Stick to streets with on-streets facilities such as bike lanes or signed shared roadways. Often times these routes have already been identified as ideal routes for bicycles and have added infrastructure to alert motor vehicles of your presence.

Getting there safely
According to state and local laws bicycles are vehicles and should act and be treated as such on the roadways. Remember to ride on the right with the flow of traffic, obey all stop signs, traffic lights, and lane markings, and look and signal before changing lanes or making a turn. Be aware of your surroundings, and take special note of hazards such as glass or debris in the roadway that may interrupt your travel path. Be sure to be visible by wearing bright clothing. At night you should always have a front and rear light on your bicycle to alert oncoming motorists of your presence. Do not swerve and ride in a haphazard manner. Riding predictably in a straight path and using clear hand signals for turning will keep you safe in the roadway. Ask your local bike shops about bike safety and riding technique classes that may be offered in the community or if printed copies of the local laws are available.

Parking your bicycle
Finding a place to put your bicycle and riding gear can often be a challenge. Try to find an indoor parking area in your office or building in which to keep your bike safe and dry. If you have to park outside and there is no bike rack available, lock your bike to an immovable object in a highly visible area out of the elements. Many buildings have bike racks tucked away in a hidden corner. Be sure to ask your employer or building owner if parking already exists for bicycles.

Showering
Often times cleanliness and hygiene are the biggest obstacles to commuting by bicycle. In some instance, showering may not be necessary in the morning when it is cool outside. For some simply cleaning up in the bathroom sink will be appropriate. For others a full shower is the only way to go. As with the availability of bike racks, many workplaces have showers located in the building; be sure to inquire about access and location. Nearby health clubs may offer shower-only memberships for a few dollars a month.
To ease the burden of carrying toiletries back and forth on your bicycle, keep a set on hand at the office tucked away in a drawer. You may also consider driving a week’s worth of work clothes to your office on your off-days so that during your normal working schedule, your work clothes are readily available without the burden of carrying them back and forth from home.