By Sydney Ashby

Just like the character Two-Face in Batman, Josh Somes’ fate was decided by the toss of a coin. When he returned to Memphis after living in Kansas City, he and his wife, Deidre, had to decide which one of them was going to work on their rental properties and which one was going to get a “9-to-5” job. Josh lost – or many would say won – the toss, and as a result he began improving their rentals and scouting out new properties to purchase. That next purchase was 2053 Oliver, and along with it, they decided to not just restore the property but to pursue third party verification through Energy Star to ensure that the house would be as energy-efficient as possible.

Surprisingly, what led Josh to the CY neighborhood was an article about the Smallest User competition. “I’d read the online version of the Lamplighter while in Kansas City and was impressed by Cooper-Young’s desire to lower their energy consumption,” Josh said. “I knew this was the neighborhood to attempt this project.” So, he and Deidre began sustainSTUDIO and have labeled their first attempt “Project Ginkgo” after the ginkgo tree in the front yard. Josh hopes to have Project Ginkgo completed by 2012, the centennial of 2053 Oliver.

Challenges
Josh and Deidre have faced many challenges in the process to restore 2053 Oliver. But in order to stay focused and make decisions easier, they are always asking themselves, “How sustainable can we make it?” Specifically, they want to ensure that the house is as energy efficient as possible, and as a result, are seeking third party verification to make the house Energy Star qualified.

But Josh and Deidre are also intent on making sure the house retains as much of its original character as possible. For example, deciding whether or not to replace the windows or simply add on storm windows was extensively discussed. While replacement windows would be energy efficient, the trade off of getting rid of the originals was not worth it. Storm windows will still ensure proper insulation and energy conservation without compromising the uniqueness of the house. And although none of the four fireplaces will be functional as that would not allow the house to be Energy Star certified, Josh still decided to keep them for the sake of their aesthetic.

Converting the house from a duplex to a single-family design was another challenge. The question of energy efficiency had to be coupled with a design that reflected a 21^st century lifestyle. They decided on the 2-bedroom plan that mirrored the original plan of the house but made a big change with the design of the kitchen. Josh and Deidre decided to open it up quite a bit to reflect the tendency now for the kitchen to be more of a gathering place than it was when the house was originally built.

Perhaps the biggest challenge and the starting point for most major energy-conservation home projects came with the ‘envelope.’ The envelope includes the walls, crawl space, roof, and attic – anything that separates the interior of the house from the exterior environment. Josh had the plaster removed off the walls and sprayed in a layer of foam, then insulation covered by new drywall. This is a technique known as ‘flash and batt.’ The roof was completely stripped and re-laid, with roof vents and reflective sheathing added (you can learn more about this at their website: sustainstudio.com). According to Josh, “Once the envelope is determined, you have to look at all the different components that you will put back into the house, and you have to make sure you right size according to the improvements to the envelope including the addition of central heating and air.”

Reclaimed/Recycled
In an effort to use as much reclaimed and/or recycled material as possible, Josh has traveled as far as Holly Springs, MS an as close as across the street. Almost 40% of the hardwood floors are reclaimed from wood used in a home in Holly Springs. The guest bathroom sink was reclaimed from another homeowner in Cooper-Young who didn’t want scrappers to get it. The back eave tongue and groove on the newly re-build back wall of the house is repurposed paneling from inside the home. They have also taken several metal cabinets and doors from the home and dispersed them to neighbors in the Midtown area. In addition, all the woodwork, stains, and paint are chemical-free.

Josh has no idea if he’ll recoup the investment he has put into the house, especially considering the state of the current housing market. However, that hasn’t been his main concern. He says, “How can we really improve the house to a point where it is an asset to the neighborhood as opposed to just leaving it as is?” Josh considers this a litmus test to determine if he will continue restoring houses in this manner. He continues, “At what point do you say, I’m not going to tear down the exterior wall or I’m not going to use an Energy Star hot water heater that might come at a premium? So it comes down to what you are going to do to separate yourself to make your house appealing beyond just the aesthetic.”

Utility Mortgage
Utility mortgage is a phrase Josh coined to describe the state of many non-energy-efficient homes. He explains that someone could be paying a $500 utility bill, which could be almost as much as the mortgage. The Energy Star certification should have a positive impact in lowering the utility bill and is typically part of Josh and Deidre’s decision-making process in determining what features to install in the house. This is how they decide which components to install and which ones, while they might be appealing, will truly have an impact. Josh and Deidre have tried to help out future tenants making a conscience effort to bundle the hard decisions into the whole project, so that they’re not just selling one component, but instead an entire system.

Project History and Future
Josh loves to talk to anyone about what he’s doing. He is very open and has gotten to know his neighbors well as many will now come up to the house and ask him questions about what he is doing. While he and his wife are happy to speak informally to anyone with questions, they are planning on holding a showcase for people who are interested in learning more about updating their homes to be more energy efficient. Check their website in the coming weeks for the day and time (sustainstudio.com).

When asked how Josh got started doing this, he said, “I was in my mid-twenties and got tired of going through the motions, so I bought a fixer upper, along with a hammer and a Home Depot ‘How To’ book.” Josh and Deidre, who has a degree in interior design from UM, had just started dating, and Josh told her it would take him three months and $3,000 to restore the house and they could move in. “It didn’t quite work out that way,” he said, laughing. “It took quite a bit longer and quite a bit more money.” Adding to that, their neighbor was pressuring them to buy his house, which had failed inspection. Just to get him to quit asking, Josh offered a very low number. The neighbor cussed him and told him no. But then a week later, the neighbor called and said he’d take it. So, Josh and Deidre started work on a second house. Their third house was also a bit of an accident, but the trend led to Josh pursuing and obtaining a degree in architecture from the University of Kansas. After Josh’s father passed away, he and Deidre moved back to Memphis and as you already know, flipped a coin.

They feel good about what they’re doing now, as the houses they restore become true assets to neighborhoods they are in, and in the process, they are also able to employ people in an industry that has taken a sustained hard hit. They sincerely want to fix up houses to a point where they are truly desirable. They see it as a way to not only improve the neighborhood, but also to improve the city.

By Mary Cashiola

The Peabody Hotel recently completed the installation of their Blink Level 2 charging station for electric vehicles (EVs). The charging station is open to the public and can accommodate the all-electric Nissan LEAF.

While the Peabody Hotel station is the first publicly available charging station installed in the Memphis area through The EV Project, they are working with their partners to determine the best sites for charging station installations, and are taking into account traffic patterns and the locations of employment centers, regional attractions, and retail hubs. The EV Project is the largest deployment of electric vehicles and charge infrastructure in history. Nissan LEAF drivers who qualify to participate in The EV Project will receive a residential charger at no cost.

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!

I Love Memphis mural on Cooper Street
By Barb Elder
If you have recently traveled south on Cooper Street and glanced at the parking lot across from Bluff City Sports under the Trestle Art, you’ve probably noticed a bright splash of orange and huge black and white lettering covering the retaining wall that use to be riddled with graffiti. Inspired by ilovememphisblog.com, a series of 10 murals are being painted throughout Memphis this summer to stir up pride in our beloved city. According to the Memphis Business Journal, these murals are being funded by the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Memphis, and the UrbanArt Commission. With artists donating their talents and the use of a simple color scheme, the price of each mural is kept to a minimum. Thanks to local artist Brandon Marshall and everyone involved with the project for gifting CY with this new public art!

Support the homeless at Memphis City Council
By Jacob Flowers
Mid-South Peace and Justice Center invites you to the Memphis City Council Chambers (125 N. Main St) on Tuesday, June 7 from 3:30-6:30pm to join us as we call out to our elected officials to support and fully fund the Mayor’s Plan to End Homelessness, federally and locally. In the coming weeks, both Mayors will go before the City Council and County Commission to present their funding requests for the plan, and the needs of our brothers and sisters are great. We need your help to remind our leaders of just how important funding of this plan truly is.
We will also be calling on the Council for a percentage of jobs to be set aside for the homeless and graduates of the Shelby County Drug Court to do blight demolition, board ups, and yard work that the city needs done. We can provide jobs for those who have little chance of getting them and curb blight at the same time.

Au Fond and El Diablo close their doors
By Barb Elder
Change is one of the only things you can count on, and recently in Cooper-Young we have seen change come once again to the businesses on one of our main thoroughfares. Ben Vaughn, owner of Au Fond Farmtable and El Diablo taqueria on Cooper St., closed both restaurants this May. We wish Ben well, and we will miss his contribution to the CY community.

Free Men’s Health Summit coming June 11
By Jeff Hulett
The Church Health Center’s 4th annual Men’s Health Summit will be held from 8:30am to 2pm on Saturday, June 11 at the UT Student Alumni Center, 800 Madison Ave. This free event will show men how to live a healthier life through prevention and awareness and will focus on hypertension, diabetes, and patient empowerment. You can register by calling 901-830-9886, but limited space is available. For more information, call 901-261-8833.
For a full listing of Church Health Center events, classes, and activities, many of which are free to the public, visit churchhealthcenter.org.

Ways to participate in Japan relief efforts
By Barb Elder
In the May issue of the LampLighter, one of our articles featured the story of a Japanese Cooper-Young resident, Asuka Taga Yow, and all that she is doing to mobilize our community in support of those in need in her home country. Although we may not hear much about Japan on the news these days, nearly three months after the earthquake and tsunami the needs in this part of the world are still overwhelming. For anyone interested in learning more or getting involved, don’t forget that Asuka will be hosting a table at the CY Community Farmers Market (1000 S. Cooper) the first Saturday of every month from 8am-1pm to raise awareness, take donations, and sell origami creations and T-shirts. Thanks to your help, Asuka has already raised $675 through her Farmers Market table and yard sale in May. All money that she raises will go entirely for Japan relief. While we kick back and enjoy the Memphis summer, lets not forget those hurting and in need in Japan.

Wacky Wednesdays at the Brooks provides free summer activities for kids
By Barb Elder
According to a recent newsletter, each week in June and July, the Brooks Museum of Art in Overton Park will be showing a children’s film and hosting an open studio from 10am-noon. Children of all ages and their adult friends can drop by the Open Artworks Studio and create a variety of artwork using many different materials. They can also watch a multitude of films made just for kids. Museum admission and all activities are free.

Otherlands to host benefit for Shelby Farms and the Greenline
By Karen Lebovitz
Otherlands is soliciting 8×10 framed photos of the Greenline and Shelby Farms Park from the community. You can bring these photos to us with all of your contact info on the back so that we can return them to you at the end of the show. We want to plaster the walls of Otherlands in June with great images of this fantastic asset we all love to love.
Then, on Saturday, June 18, starting at 8pm we will be hosting a benefit for Shelby Farms and the Greenline featuring the Dan Montgomery Band and The Magic Kids. Tickets are $10 or $5 for current park members. If you don’t have a membership, you can join at the door and get in at the member’s price. For more info check the events on the Shelby Farms Park Facebook page and respond that you are attending.

Habitat for Humanity opens ReStore
By Lauren Hannaford
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis is holding their grand opening of the ReStore, located at 7130 Winchester Road, on Thursday, June 9. The ReStore offers new and gently used household items and building supplies for sale, and accepts donations of items such as furniture, appliances, books, cabinetry, windows, hardware, lumber, tools, flooring, lighting, and toys. The ReStore does not accept clothing, mattresses, or used carpet. All donations are tax-deductible.
Joe Davidson, manager of the Memphis ReStore, says, “The ReStore is not only a green alternative to disposing of unwanted items, but it’s also a great way to support Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis.” For more information about the ReStore, call Joe Davidson at
901-737-8673 or visit memphisrestore.com.

Local artist Nick Canterucci opens The New Frontier at Odessa
By Barb Elder
In a recent press release, local artist Nick Canterucci announced that there will be a public artist reception to celebrate his show, The New Frontier, at Odessa (2613 Broad Ave) on June 17, from 6-9pm. Canterucci is a self-taught artist who has collaborated with many artists within the Ann Arbor and Memphis art scene. He’s been a fixture at many CY artist invitationals and did a successful show with Karen “Bottle” Capps in early 2006. In late 2010, he released his first solo show in 30 years at Odessa. On June 17, Canterucci will return to Odessa to showcase his new body of American Folk outsider art.

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 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.

Farmers Market returns to CY
According to organizer Lori Greene, the CY Community Farmers Market is set to return to the parking lot of First Congo at 1000 S. Cooper on Saturday, April 30. The Market will be open for business each Saturday morning from 8am-1pm until October 29 with more of that delicious, fresh produce and the food vendors and artisans that we have all come to enjoy and love. Stay tuned to their website, cycfarmersmarket.org, for more information or to learn how to get involved.

Turning VCR’s into art
If you have an old, functional or non-function VCR, drop it off at Yvonne Bobo’s studio at 2164 Young Ave. or at Java Cabana next door. She’s working on a green-energy art project with Sherwood Elementary School students. Let’s help her out!

Global Goods at Burke’s
Located at First Congregational Church, the Global Goods Fair Trade Store is a wonderful gift shop that stocks coffee, chocolate, gifts, cards, jewelry, and much more. Fair trade is an alternative way to shop that supports craftspeople and farmers in the developing world and ensures that they are paid fair wages that reflect the work they do.
To further promote fair trade in CY, Burke’s Book Store has partnered with First Congregational Church in creating a Global Goods mini-store. So, to shop fair trade in Cooper-Young you now have more options. You can visit Burke’s at 936 S. Cooper or the flagship store at First Congregational Church located at the north end of the large building at 1000 S. Cooper.

Dinner at Celtic Crossing for a good cause
Celtic Crossing and Sam Adams are holding a Sam Adams Irish Beer Dinner on Monday, March 14 at 6:30pm. The dinner is a 5 course meal with entrees prepared with a Sam Adams beer and paired with a 7oz beer. In addition, there will be live entertainment by a wonderful Irish performer, dancer, and storyteller. Tickets are $40 a person or $70 per couple, and proceeds will benefit Memphis Irish Arts Foundation, which is a 501c3 non profit organization. Tickets are available at Celtic Crossing.

Art opening at Painted Planet
On Friday, March 11, from 6-9pm, Painted Planet will host an artist’s reception featuring the paintings of Bruce Combs and Austin McClanahan in a show called Men with Paint. The reception will include live music, refreshments, and some wonderful new art. This event is free and open to the public, and the show will run through April 1. Painted Planet is located at 798 S. Cooper.

Worlds Apart goes Hollywood
CY business, Worlds Apart, recently moved from its Central Avenue location to 322 S Hollywood, across and down the street from the Children’s Museum. While they have left our borders, they will continue their tradition of offering designer home accessories and furniture at outlet store prices. We wish them continued success!

Worlds Apart
322 S. Hollywood St.
901-529-0844
Worlds-Away.com

Half price Friday Family Nights at The Children’s Museum
According to a news release, The Children’s Museum of Memphis is extending its hours on Fridays beginning February 25. The museum will now be open for Friday Family Night from 5-7pm. Admission for those two hours will be half price – only $5 per person for ages 1-100. Museum members and children under one will still be free. For more information call
901-458-2678 or visit cmom.com.

The Memphis Heat is on
The world premiere of the new documentary on the history of Memphis wrestling, Memphis Heat: The True Story of Memphis Wrasslin’, is set for Thursday, March 24, at 7 and 9pm at the Malco Paradiso. Following the premiere the film will run at the Studio on the Square from March 25-31. This film is directed by Memphian Chad Schaffler and based on Ron Hall’s book, Sputnik, Masked Men, & Midgets: The Early Days of Memphis Wrestling. To see a trailer of the film you can go to memphisheatthemovie.com, or visit us at
facebook.com/memphisheat.

Temple Grandin to speak at 1st Annual Midsouth Autism Conference
Temple Grandin, subject of the award winning movie, Temple Grandin, will be the opening speaker for the 1st Annual Midsouth Autism Conference, April 7-9, at Harrah’s Conference Center in Tunica, MS. Organized by Transformations Autism Treatment Center, this conference features nationally recognized experts in the field of Autism including Dr. Travis Thompson and Dr. James Partington. The goals of the conference are to raise awareness concerning Autism, to make families aware of treatment options, and to make professionals aware of the latest research. There will be vendors from across the country with resources available for families and professionals. To learn more or to register for the conference, please call 901-231-1931 or go to transformingautism.com.

By Kimberly Crafton

Memphis Goodwill Incorporated recently announced that its retail store located at 574 Highland Avenue will become a half-price location, meaning that everything in the store will be discounted at 50 percent off. This new concept is being implemented at the Highland store only. All items in the store will be priced as they would in any other Memphis Goodwill retail store location, and the 50 percent discount will be applied at the register. The discount applies to everything in the store and is not a promotion, but rather a change in the way the store does business.
“People know they can get a great deal at any Memphis Goodwill retail store location, thanks to donations provided by residents of the Memphis area communities,” said Tony Martini, chief executive officer and president of Memphis Goodwill Inc. “Purchases made at our stores help us continue our mission of providing jobs for people with disabilities.”
The principle behind the change is to give the gently used donations another chance for a new home before they are taken to the Bargain Barn at 6899 Stage Road.
“This is another way we can sustain the green efforts of our organization,” said Dave Leutwyler, executive vice president of Memphis Goodwill. “This will help us keep even more merchandise out of the landfills and get it into the hands of consumers in Memphis. The Highland store, which is located just around the corner from The University of Memphis, is a great place for this concept.”
The Highland store is open Monday through Saturday from 9am-8pm and Sunday from noon-6pm. For more information, please visit goodwillmemphis.org.