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.

CYCA Safety Meeting
Monday, November 7, 7pm
2298 Young Ave.
Interested in making CY a safer place? Join the Safety Committee and have an impact!

November CYCA General Meeting
Tuesday, November 8
2298 Young Ave.
Doors open at 6pm, meeting from 6:30-7:30pm
Please come learn more about the 2011 Alley Research grant received by the CYCA from Strengthening Communities. Resident input is vital to the success of this project, and your opinion matters!

CYCA Membership Meeting
Tuesday, November 8, 7:30pm
2298 Young Ave.

Photos with Santa at the gazebo
Tuesday, November 15, 5:30-6:45pm
Gazebo at Cooper and Young
Pay a small fee to have your photo taken with Santa as a fundraiser for mural projects in the neighborhood.

CYCA Board Meeting
Tuesday, November 15, 7pm
2298 Young Ave.

CYCA Beautification Meeting
Monday, November 28, 6pm
2298 Young Ave.
Anyone wishing to make the neighborhood a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing place is welcome to attend.

By Sarah Frierson

In Cooper-Young we love any reason to celebrate and indulge our sweet tooth, making Halloween a favorite holiday for many. As you plan for October 31, keep in mind some of these tips and help make Halloween fun and safe for everyone.

For homes welcoming trick-or-treaters:

1. Turn on your porch light or other exterior lights as long as you are offering candy or goodies to trick-or-treaters.

2. Remove obstacles or hazards from the areas between the sidewalk and your door. Children wearing masks or costumes are far more likely to trip over planters, benches, large rocks, etc.

3. Consider using battery-powered lights instead of candles in jack-o-lanterns and other decorations.

4. Confine, segregate, or otherwise prepare household pets for an evening of frightful sights and sounds. Be sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and proper identification tags.

5. Turn off your porch light or other exterior lights by 8pm.

For trick-or-treaters and parents:

1. Park and walk through the neighborhood. Please leave bicycles, skateboards, and rollerblades at home for the evening.

2. Plan to complete your trick-or-treating before 8pm.

3. Consider putting reflective material or tape on your costume and treat bag.

4. Travel in a group. Young children should be with an adult.

5. Stay on the sidewalks.

6. When possible, please cross the street at an intersection.

7. Please do not approach houses with porch lights turned off.

8. Bring flashlights if you plan to be out after dark.

For those residents who do not wish to participate in Halloween activities:

1. Please turn off all exterior lights until after at least 8:30pm.

2. Please drive slowly and be on the lookout for children.

For everyone:

1. Please call the police (901-545-COPS) if you have any safety concerns or witness any problems.

2. Have a fun and safe Halloween!

By April Boleware
As I write this I am envisioning a cool fall night, with citronella pillars burning and the smell of hot dogs grilling. The evening that I am thinking of is Tuesday, October 11 to be exact – CY Neighborhood Night Out! Cooper-Young appreciates and enjoys outdoor gatherings as long as the weather is accommodating. It’s become our tradition to postpone National Night Out (which is held in the heat of August!) until October to ensure the best possible turn out.
Neighborhood Night Out is a time to get to know your neighbors, welcome newcomers, and make your block a safer place to live. All block clubs are encouraged to host an event this evening. If your block doesn’t have a club and you are interested in helping get that started or finding out more, send an email to april.cyca@yahoo.com. Party throwers will receive a goodie bag full of party activities and prizes to give away. Party attendees will also have a chance to win baskets and gift cards in a drawing that will take place after the night’s events.
This year, our sponsors are Outback Steakhouse and Target. The Target Asset Management Team, and David Clark from Frase Protection who spoke at the CYCA June General Meeting, will be taking tours of our parties to talk about public safety as well as home security. Memphis Police officers will also be stopping by to show their support.
In addition to great party items, Central BBQ has kindly offered to give us special fares on their tasty BBQ packages. They are offering 10% off their catering package for 15 people or more. It includes pulled pork, beans, coleslaw, sauce, paper products, and serving utensils. They are also offering a 12 person pack for $25 and a 6 person pack for $15. This includes pulled pork, buns, sauce, and coleslaw. Orders for Central BBQ should be placed by October 10.
Just like last year, the first twenty blocks to register their parties with the CYCA are entitled to reimbursement up to $50 with receipts for food purchases. Alcohol purchases are not eligible for reimbursement. To register your party, please send an email to april.cyca@yahoo.com. In addition, party bags will be ready for pick up at the CYCA office on Monday, October 10, so stop by anytime from 11am-6pm to get yours.

The LampLighter is working with the CYCA to bring you meaningful crime information. In addition to the crime map, which details crimes within a one-mile radius of the Cooper-Young intersection, we also included a list of crimes that happened within our neighborhood. This list includes the case number, which you can use to contact the police. The crimes were reported
from July 24 to August 23, 2011.

CASE #    Arrest     Offenses     Date     100 Block
1108013294ME        Simple Assault/DV    8/21/11    COOPER AND YOUNG
1108012564ME        MVT/Motorcycle    8/19/11    1900 FELIX
1108011698ME        Simple Assault/DV    8/18/11    1100 S COOPER
1108010385ME        Burglary/Residential    8/16/11    1900 E MCLEMORE
1108009828ME    Yes    Simple Assault/DV    8/15/11    2200 YORK
1108009675ME        Simple Assault/DV    8/15/11    1000 MEDA
1108009042ME        Vandalism/Misdemeanor    8/14/11    2000 MCLEMORE AVE
1108007650ME        Vandalism/Misdemeanor    8/12/11    1000 NEW YORK
1108007254ME        Aggravated Assault/DV    8/11/11    1100 S COOPER
1108007157ME        Burglary/Residential    8/11/11    1900 SOUTHERN
1108006353ME        Theft of Vehicle Parts/Accessories    8/10/11    5700 TANGLEWOOD DR
1108005624ME        MVT/Passenger Vehicle    8/9/11    2100 E MCLEMORE
1108005431ME        Burglary/Residential    8/8/11    1900 E MCLEMORE
1108005261ME        Burglary/Residential    8/8/11    1000 BRUCE
1108005159ME        MVT/Passenger Vehicle    8/8/11    2000 SOUTHERN
1108005038ME    Yes    Drugs/Narcotics Violation/Felony    8/8/11    1900 E MCLEMORE
1108004550ME        Other Theft/Non-Specific    8/7/11    1000 NEW YORK
1108004268ME        Shoplifting/Misdemeanor    8/7/11    2100 CENTRAL
1108004029ME        Purse-Snatching    8/6/11    YOUNG AND BRUCE
1108003154ME        Other Theft/Non-Specific    8/5/11    1000 S COX
1108002912ME        Other Theft/Non-Specific    8/5/11    1000 PHILADELPHIA
1108001512ME        Vandalism/Felony    8/3/11    1000 NEW YORK
1108000590ME        Shoplifting/Misdemeanor    8/1/11    2100 CENTRAL AVE
1108000338ME        Robbery/Individual    8/1/11    800 N BARKSDALE
1108000265ME        Other Theft/Scrap Metal    8/1/11    800 N BARKSDALE
1107023434ME    Yes    Simple Assault/DV    7/30/11    1500 SOUTHERN
1107022534ME        Vandalism/Misdemeanor    7/29/11    1900 WALKER
1107022239ME        Burglary/Residential    7/28/11    1000 SOUTH COX
1107020803ME        Other Theft/Non-Specific    7/27/11    1000 PHILIDEPHIA
1107019587ME        Theft of Vehicle Parts/Accessories    7/25/11    1000 BRUCE
1107019379ME        Burglary/Residential    7/25/11    2800 FELIX
1107018941ME        Other Theft/Non-Specific    7/24/11    1000 BLYTHE

By Mary Cashiola

The City of Memphis has identified the following organizations to provide temporary overnight shelter to our homeless citizens during the current extreme heat conditions.
•    Single ladies should contact The Salvation Army at (901) 543-8586.
•    Single men should contact Memphis Union Mission at (901) 526-8434.
•    Families should contact The Emergency Housing Assistance Hotline at (901) 260-4663.

The Memphis Union Mission will also operate daytime cooling centers at 600 Poplar Avenue for both men and women (open until 4pm each day) and at 383 Poplar for men only (open until 7:30pm).

All of the above will remain in effect until the area heat advisory has been lifted.

CASE #    Arrest     Offenses     Date     100 Block
1106016580ME        Burglary/Non-residential    06/22/11    1000 S COOPER
1106015823ME        Other Theft/Non-Specific    06/21/11    2200 YORK
1106015300ME        Theft from Building    06/21/11    2100 CENTRAL
1106015135ME        Simple Assault/DV    06/20/11    1000 PHILADELPHIA ST
1106014438ME        Other Theft/Scrap Metal    06/20/11    2000 OLIVER
1106014294ME        Other Theft/Non-Specific    06/19/11    900 BLYTHE
1106012157ME        Shoplifting/Misdemeanor    06/17/11    2100 CENTRAL
1106011918ME        Simple Assault/DV    06/16/11    2000 SOUTHERN
1106011595ME        Burglary/Residential    06/16/11    1000 S COX
1106011439ME        Burglary/Business    06/16/11    900 S COOPER
1106010243ME        Burglary/Residential    06/14/11    1000 FLEECE
1106009435ME        Other Theft/Non-Specific    06/13/11    2000 EVELYN
1106009051ME        Theft of Vehicle Parts/Acces.    06/13/11    2200 YOUNG AVE
1106008584ME        Simple Assault/DV    06/12/11    1800 OLIVER
1106008283ME        Shoplifting/Misdemeanor    06/12/11    2100 CENTRAL
1106008227ME    yes    Drugs/Narcotics/Felony    06/11/11    YOUNG AND COOPER
1106006986ME        Vandalism/Misdemeanor    06/10/11    2200 CENTRAL
1106004536ME        Vandalism/Misdemeanor    06/07/11    2200 YOUNG
1106003100ME        Simple Assault/DV    06/04/11    5700 TANGLEWOOD DR
1106003039ME        Other Theft/Non-Specific    06/04/11    800 S COOPER
1106002022ME    yes    Drugs/Narcotics/Felony    06/03/11    1000 BRUCE
1106000831ME    yes    Aggravated Assault    06/01/11    1000 S COOPER
1106000356ME        Simple Assault/DV    06/01/11    900 BLYTHE ST
1105023131ME        Burglary/Residential    05/31/11    1900 MANILA
1105022704ME        Shoplifting/Misdemeanor    05/30/11    2100 CENTRAL
1105022426ME        Burglary/Residential    05/30/11    1000 NEW YORK ST
1105021708ME        Theft from Motor Vehicle    05/29/11    900 BLYTHE
1105021201ME        Burglary/Residential    05/28/11    2000 SOUTHERN AVE
1105020813ME        Shoplifting/Misdemeanor    05/28/11    2100 CENTRAL AVE
1105020196ME        Theft from Motor Vehicle    05/27/11    2000 WALKER AVE
1105019198ME        Burglary/Non-residential    05/26/11    2000 OLIVER
1105019118ME        Simple Assault/DV    05/25/11    2100 FELIX AVE
1105019073ME        Drugs/Narcotics/Felony    05/25/11    SOUTHERN AND BARKSDALE
1105019005ME        Burglary/Residential    05/25/11    1000 BRUCE ST
1105018143ME        Simple Assault/DV    05/24/11    1000 MEDA

By Ginger Spickler
Quick! Name one present you got for Christmas last year in five seconds or less. 5 . . . 4 . . . 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . time’s up! Couldn’t do it? You’re probably not alone. But in a small village along a tributary of the Amazon River in Peru, there is a whole community of people who will never forget the Christmas gift that was given to them by Cooper-Young – a well that brings fresh, clean water to a people who previously had none.
You may remember that the LampLighter’s cover story in December was about Advent Conspiracy, a movement by hundreds of churches across the country (including Neighborhood Church in CY) to restore meaning and significance to the celebration of Christmas. One of the ways Neighborhood Church decided to participate in the conspiracy was to work toward raising enough money to build a well, and we asked our whole community to participate as part of a project we called “Cooper-Young for Clean Water.”
After all the money came in from the church and church members, friends and family who gave us donations instead of Christmas presents, the kids of Neighborhood Church and Peabody Elementary, and the rest of our community, the total funds raised amounted to more than $6,200! Considering that in previous years Neighborhood Church alone had given only about $500, it was truly amazing to see what a difference it made when our whole community participated.
And now, the well has been built in Colonia de Caco, a San Miguel neighborhood in Iparia, Peru. In areas like this, the infant mortality rate is 50 percent or higher, and many residents suffer and die from diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and malaria. Because of the remoteness of their tribe, these people have been largely forgotten by their government.
But today there are more than 250 people with access to clean water who formerly were getting water to meet all their needs from the dirty river. They have been trained on proper care of the pump (and who to contact if it needs maintenance), hygiene methods, disease transmission, and how to keep their water clean.
Fifty-eight year old community member and local fisherman, Rogelio Davila Rengifo, stated, “The old water source was far away and contaminated. I am happy now that our community has a new well with good water.”
So thank you to all who participated. The generosity of our community has truly made a difference to the people of another one.

By Betty LaMarr
Mark Twain once said, “One may make their house a palace of sham, or they can make it a home, a refuge.” This quote, by one of the most famous authors of all time, strikes a chord in some of us. For many, home is an amazing place. It is where we go to relax and to be ourselves after a long day at the office. Home is where we feel loved and at peace. For others, “home” and “refuge” are polar opposites. Home is a place of chaos, discomfort, anger, sadness, and despair.
So what makes the difference between a home of refuge and a home of distress? There are many things that make a home more than a place to live, but respect plays a large role. We must respect ourselves, respect others, and respect our belongings. For some people fortunate enough to own a home, they have control over many of these aspects. But what about the rest of us? There are many of us who rent instead of own, sometimes living paycheck to paycheck in the midst of chaos. What I want to talk about this month is those of us who have respect for ourselves, others, and what we own but are forced to live in a state of filth or in hazardous conditions because of those bottom feeders of society we call slumlords.
If you are unfamiliar with the terminology, a slumlord is defined by USLegal.com as “an unscrupulous landlord who milks a property without concern for tenants, neighborhoods, or their own long term interests.” These individuals buy up properties in poor neighborhoods faster than floor seats to the Grizzlies game and then let the properties deteriorate into shambles.
How do you know if you live in a slumlord property? Just look around and you will have a pretty good idea. If there are consistent hazards to your safety and your health, most likely you are living in one of these establishments. Many of you have noticed these hazards and have told your landlords and the maintenance staff of these issues to no avail. It seems nothing ever gets worked on, and you hear phrases such as, “Oh, I thought I fixed that.” or “Just put a towel around it and it will stop leaking.” Calls often go unanswered, but somehow these slumlords always show up on time to collect rent. It’s funny how that works.
The reason that this subject hits so close to home is because during an unfortunate time in my life, I rented from a slumlord. Before that, I ran a successful business, owned my own home, drove a Porsche, and had very good credit. But when it rained, it poured, and I lost it all. My mom always said that I was the strong one in the family, and therefore, I had to pull myself up by my own bootstraps. But at that point in my life, I barely had bootstraps to pull myself up with. I was deceived by the nice looking façade of a property and decided to rent. It was a disaster! Mold in the walls made us sick, rodents and other animals inhabited the roof, and the neglected common areas became a haven for drug addicts and dealers.
During this very tough time, I realized something. Despite my credit score and my financial situation, I did not have to live like this. When talking to your landlord seems futile, there is still something you can do. Report your landlord to the necessary authorities. Keep track of all neglected complaints, and take pictures of hazards or damages. Check out Nolo.com and their Renter’s Rights resource center. Remember that legally a landlord cannot evict you for reporting him or her, and have confidence that you are not alone.
A credit score does not define you as a person. However, when you start to lose respect for yourself, others, and your property, you are losing something much more valuable than economic status. You are losing your self worth. Be proud of who you are no matter what situation you are currently in, and work to make it better. No situation is hopeless, and together we can help put those corrupt landlords in their place and start creating homes and neighborhoods that are true refuges in times of despair.
For questions or comments you can email Betty LaMarr at askbettylamarr@aol.com or visit her at askbettylamarr.blogspot.com.

By Wes Williamson

The days are getting longer, the clocks have been moved forward an hour, and all of this winter’s snow is gone. We are starting to open our windows to let the fresh air in, and we are all getting that itch to begin our spring cleaning! During the winter, snow is not the only thing that accumulates. Somehow stuff seems to work its way into our houses, and yard waste manages to grow too. As we get started on our spring cleaning, there are always safety tips to employ to avoid a disastrous situation.

Cleaning Safety

• Household and pool chemicals, paints, and poisons should be properly marked and stored under lock and key, away from children’s reach. Dispose of any that are leaking, expired, or that look bad. If you don’t know how to dispose of them, seek outside advice. Never put them into the trash or pour down the drain.Visit cityofmemphis.org/framework.aspx?page=870 for a listing of hazardous wastes the city properly disposes or recycles.
• When cleaning up hazardous chemicals, wear rubber gloves and follow the safety direction on the packaging. Never mix chemicals in the same container.
• Make sure gasoline and cleaning fluids are well marked and stored in a cool, dry place away from the house and out of the reach of children and pets. Use only approved containers for gasoline storage.
• Never use gasoline to clean skin, clothes, auto parts, or floors.
• Clean up work areas. Put dangerous tools, adhesives, matches, or other work items away from children’s reach.
• Check your barbecue grill for leaks and cracks, and be sure to store any propane tanks away from your house and garage.
• Remove all fire hazards, including stacks of rags, newspapers, and magazines. Pay special attention to the spaces around your furnace, hot water tank, fireplace, space heaters, and dryer, as well as under the stairs.

Yard Work Safety

• Limber up. Yard chores may seem easy, but they involve muscles you probably haven’t used in a while.
• Always wear protective clothing when you handle pesticides and fertilizers.

More than 60,000 people are treated in emergency rooms each year for lawn-mower
injuries.

• Rake before you mow to prevent any stones and loose debris from launching intothe air.
• Never operate a mower in your bare feet and avoid wearing loose clothing.
• Never start a mower indoors.
• When refueling your mower, make sure the engine is off and cool. Don’t spill gasoline on a hot engine, and don’t smoke while pouring gasoline.
• Never leave your mower operational while unattended.
• Don’t use electrical mowers on wet grass.
• At least 55,000 people each year sustain injuries from trimmers, lawn edgers, pruners and power saws.
• Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using the tools.
• Inspect the product for damage, and don’t use it if there are problems.
• Use proper eye protection.
• Make sure blade guards are in place on all cutting equipment.
• Don’t let tools get wet unless they are labeled “immersible.”
• Unplug all tools when not in use.
• Make sure the tool is in the off position before you plug it in.
• Store gasoline-powered equipment away from anything that uses a pilot light.
• Make sure you use the right saw for the task, and always wait for the saw blade to stop before pulling away from a cut to avoid kickback.
• When pruning trees, be careful not to let metal ladders or trimmers contact overhead wires.
• Before you do any hands on weed removal, make sure you know how to identify poison ivy, sumac, oak and similar toxic plants. Find out ahead of time how to treat the rashes they cause to reduce the irritation.
• Be aware of wildlife in our area too, and be cautious around storm drains, old stumps, and places where yard waste has been piled up for a few months. We have raccoons, rats, poisonous and nonpoisonous snakes (I have already found several snakes in my yard this spring).

I hope these tips help to keep you and your family safe this spring! For reference visit kimbertonfire.org/firesafetySpring.htm or cityofmemphis.org.