By Suzzane Striker

I’m a proud resident of CY and member of the CYCA. Anyone who talks to me for more than two minutes knows that. They may not remember my name or much else about me, but they remember I live in CY. Today I’m positively giddy with pride and joy; today once again we have come together as a community to help our less fortunate neighbors during our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive to benefit First Congo’s Loaves and Fishes food pantry. A thousand thanks to the residents of CY for their generosity.

For the pantry, the food drive is welcome help. Loaves and Fishes offers light snacks and food and clothing assistance every Tuesday and Thursday from 2-3pm. The church also opens their doors for a ministry called Food For Families once a month where registered families can come and ‘shop’ for groceries. These ministries are not a part of the church’s operations budget. They rely entirely on the generosity and donations of church members and the community. Collectively we make certain no one in our neighborhood or close by goes hungry.

We’re a busy bunch here in CY. There is always something going on in the neighborhood or around Midtown, and the call for volunteers is constant. So I owe a special round of thanks to all the volunteers listed below who made the food drive possible:

Sydney Ashby ● Cheryl Bledsoe ● Summer Burt ● Nick Canterucci ● Marcia and Lori Cohen ● Barb and Jason Elder ● Faye Gardner ● Edward Greene ● Ashley Hanna ● Kristan Huntley ● June, Justin, Tyler Hurt ● Peter Owen ● Amy Pickle ● Beth Pullian ● Larry Rutledge ● John Silberman ● Shelley Thomas ● Carmen and Joey Weaver ● Asuka and Vincent Yow

I know my volunteers participated because they believe in and want to be supportive of the pantry and our neighbors in need. I take their response to my call for help very personally, and I’m always very touched by it. Some are repeat volunteers, most of them have full time jobs, families with children, and are involved in multiple community actives, and yet they made time to get out and deliver flyers and/or get up early on a Saturday morning to pick up donations. At least this year we lucked out and finally had nice weather.

Extra special thanks go out to our fearless, energizer bunny CYCA president June Hurt who, aside from helping out in other ways, enlisted the help of her friend Amy (who doesn’t even live in CY) and Nick (who works the night shift and is usually asleep when the drive started) to deliver flyers and help pick up donations. And our Community Director Kristan Huntley helped immensely by printing over 1,000 flyers and helping with pick up.

There are a few people who helped out just because I asked, namely my honey bunny John Silberman who sponsored the printing of 500 flyers, the refreshments, and allowed me to relax and enjoy interacting with people on my jaunts in the neighborhood to deliver flyers without worrying about needing to rush back to work.

There would be no pantry without Rev. Cheryl Cornish, Julia Hicks (Director of Missions), and Rev. Sonia Walker and their volunteers at First Congo who saw a need for the pantry and responded to it even though the church was already responding to so many other social needs in the community. And if it weren’t for Carmen Weaver and See’ Trail Mackey there may not be a CY Thanksgiving Food Drive for me to be involved with. To all of them, especially Carmen Weaver who asked me to help out four years ago, I am eternally grateful. It has enriched my life in more ways than I can adequately express.

This year I did the food drive with my former neighbor and friend Richelle close to and heavy in my heart. Richelle and her husband were members of the working poor and victims of shyster mortgage brokers; they were constantly struggling to keep it all together and provide for their two growing children. There was a time that, if it weren’t for the pantry, Richelle would have been faced with the choice of putting gas in the car so that she and her husband could get to work or feeding her family. Sadly they lost their house, and shortly after they moved, Richelle was diagnosed with Leukemia. Tragically, Richelle lost her gallant and cheerful battle with it a few days after last year’s food drive.

I’ve had people thank me for keeping the food drive going. I’m almost embarrassed to accept their thanks. Although I do this because I care and think it’s important to give back, this is just what we do in CY – we look out for one another, and we take care of each other. I also do it for personal/selfish reasons.

Every year I get out and about in this neighborhood that I love, and I have some magical, whimsical, enchanting, awe inspiring experience with people or even with something I discover on people’s porches or in their yards. And I can hardly wait for next year’s drive.

In the mean time you don’t have to wait for next year’s food drive to contribute to the pantry. Anytime you want to make a contribution, however small, please don’t hesitate to contact me, and I’ll be happy to come pick it up. Also please keep Loaves and Fishes Tuesday and Thursday snacks in mind when you have a party and there are lots of leftovers. They’ll put the extra food to good use to serve lots of people. You can contact Julia Hicks at First Congo at 901-278-6786, ext 3, or me at suzzanes@comcast.net or 901-276-6450.

Once again a thousand thanks to all the dedicated volunteers and the community for your generosity and support of the Loaves and Fishes food pantry. I wish everyone an especially blessed holiday!

Loaves and Fishes and Food For Families ministries at a glance

Everyone in the neighborhood is familiar with First Congregational Church. It’s a cornerstone of our community. The Loaves and Fishes Closet and Food For Families are among the many ministries housed at 1000 S. Cooper St. Here are the services they provide.

• Every Tuesday and Thursday from 2-3pm Loaves and Fishes offers a light snack as well as assistance to anyone with food and clothing needs.
• On the 4th Sunday of each month Food For Families provides groceries for registered households.
• This year’s December Food For Families will be held on the 3^rd Sunday in December, since the 4^th Sunday is Christmas Day.

Thanks to the First Congregational members who generously give regularly to this ministry, as well as to CY neighbors who gave in the Thanksgiving Food drive! For more information about these ministries, contact Julie Hicks at julhicks@hotmail.com or 901-278-6786, ext 3.

By Bard Cole

On Thursday, June 23, 7pm at First Congregational Church (1000 S. Cooper) writers from the University of Alabama’s Creative Writing program will be holding a fundraising event called “Tuscaloosa Ink: Alabama Writers in Memphis.” Proceeds from this event will go to the University of Alabama’s Acts of Kindness fund to assist students, faculty, and staff affected by the tornado in Tuscaloosa this past April.

The evening’s lineup will feature University of Alabama professor Michael Martone, author of Fort Wayne is Seventh on Hitler’s List, along with former and current students from Alabama’s MFA programs. The evening will also include a silent auction featuring signed work by notable Alabama authors such as Mark Childress (Crazy in Alabama), Warren St. John (Rammer Jammer Yellowhammer), cartoonist Howard Cruse (Stuck Rubber Baby), and other items including a gift subscription to Alabama Heritage magazine.

Admission to the event is $10. The event is co-sponsored by Bama on the Bluff (Alabama Alumni Association, Memphis Chapter).

From Mid-South Peace and Justice Center press release

Saturday, January 15, the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center will present their annual benefit gala “Living the Legacy of Nonviolence” in the beautiful sanctuary of First Congregational Church. You don’t want to miss this amazing event. Come here the inspiring words of Van Jones, former special adviser to President Obama on green jobs and founder of Green for All. There will also be musical performances by local favorites Amy LaVere and Andy Cohen, a delicious sustainable meal from PGF certified Just for Lunch, as well as free childcare.

There are two ways to enjoy the evening. You may purchase banquet tickets for $40 that will entitle you to a reception and seated banquet at 6pm (tables of 8 available). You may also come through general admission. $20 is the suggested donation, but no one will be turned away for financial reasons. General admissions opens at 7pm. Tickets may be purchased at midsouthpeace.org, by phone at 901-725-4990, or in person at our offices (1000 S. Cooper St.).

Press release from Revolutions

Hey everyone! Come out and support Revolutions by participating in Trivia Night on January 29. I have heard rumors that there will be a bicycle category! We’ll also have door prizes and other swag up for grabs. Doors will open at 6pm and games will begin at 6:30 in the Fellowship Hall at First Congregational Church, 1000 S. Cooper Street. Proceeds will help pay for automatic security doors for the new Revolutions entry in the meditation garden!

This event costs $15 per person (teams of 6). Feel free to bring your own dinner, snacks, or drinks. Please send your team name and team member’s names to julhicks@hotmail.com and make your payments to First Congregational Church. For more information call 901-278-6786, ext. 9, or visit revolutionsmemphis.com.

By Nanette Davis
The Thanksgiving holiday is just around the corner, and many of us are thinking about food. Not only about what will be on our table but what will be on our neighbor’s table. First Congregational Church’s Food for Families ministry provides food for households in the 38104, 38111, and 38114 zip codes.

They are currently serving 165 households distributing 3 to 4 tons of food each month. First Congo orders this food from the Memphis Food Bank, and it generally cost about $600 a month, or less than 10 cents a pound, including delivery! The congregation pays for this ministry through personal donations and dedications, because it costs more than their operating budget can afford. According to Julia Hicks, Director of Mission at First Congregational, “Because we serve the local zip codes, this really is an example of neighbors helping neighbors. More and more of our neighbors are suffering in this tough economy with high unemployment rates.”

Hicks offers several ways for the community to help and stresses that any assistance is appreciated and goes far. She added, “Canned goods can be donated, but money definitely goes further. If neighbors would like to dedicate a whole month, that’s about $600 these days.” If giving time is how you would like to help Food for Families, you can volunteer to unload the pallets of food that generally are delivered on the Wednesday morning before the 4th Sunday. Help is also needed on 4th Sundays as the food is distributed and rides home are offered to folks without transportation. Hicks shared that, “One neat fact is that many of our volunteers are also recipients of the food. It’s clear that they appreciate the opportunity to work side-by-side on this.”

First Congo also utilizes their purchasing power at the Food Bank each week to pick up food for the Loaves & Fishes ministry. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30-3pm, whoever comes to their door is served a snack and has the opportunity to shop for clothes. They serve about 50-75 people per week and generally spend $15-30 per week. According to Hicks, “We also have a church member who cooks individual meal servings to offer on Thursdays; soups, casseroles, and yummy hot, healthy food that they can take away or eat here at the church. The cost of that runs about $40 per week.”

To contribute food, money, or time contact Julia Hicks at (901) 278-6786 ext 3 or send an email to julhicks@hotmail.com. You can also mail donations to First Congregational Church, 1000 S. Cooper, Memphis, TN 38104.

By Kara Chamberlain

Cooper-Young is making news. The newly coined CY Jabberwocky is a list of events in or about CY that other media found interesting and buzzed about.

House of Mews stays

John Giannini, founder and CEO of Memphis-based information and technology firm Service Assurance, made a long-term financial agreement with the House of Mews. The nonprofit cat adoption agency has struggled financially, but thanks to Giannini and Kelli Mitchell the House of Mews is here to stay.

Zoning meeting fills school

Residents of Midtown show up in force to back new planning district. 100 Midtowners filled the Peabody Elementary Cafeteria on June 17th to discuss the changes involved in the new zoning districts. The Q&A session explained some of the changes that will make commercial districts more appealing to pedestrians and bikers. Two more meetings will be held before July 8th.

Art at LeBonheur

The new LeBonheur Hospital features artwork by CY artists Jeanne Seagall and Yvonne Bobo. LeBonheur held an opening celebration on June 15th. LeBonheur’s new location is at 50 N. Dunlap.

Pie for sale

Cooper-Young’s Pie Factory condos hit the auction block in July. J.P. King Auction Co. Inc. is auctioning off the property’s 18 remaining lofts on July 24th at 11 am. The condos are located at the former Keathley Pie Factory on Young and are currently listed from $110,000 to $135,000.

Bike path signage survey

Pat Faundree is recruiting volunteers to help assist in the bike tours. One of the main problems that the City Council faces with the routes is missing signs. Pat also encourages residents to keep pressure on city council to make sure that bike facilities are included in the next round of repaving. Contact Pat Faundree if you are interested in volunteering at patfaindree@yahoo.com.

CYCA booth at July 10th market

Stop by the community association’s booth at the Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market on July 10th. The CYC Farmers Market is 8 am to1 pm on Saturdays. We will have information about the Smallest User Competition and items for purchase such as “Life is good in CY” koozies and other CY gear.

Summit at First Congo

The Neighborhood Community Action Summit is meeting at First Congregational Church (1000 South Cooper St.) on Wednesday, July 14th at 6:30 pm. The meeting will focus on the Issues First Campaign, which covers awareness and promotes advocacy over issues pertaining to health, poverty, jobs, crime, and violence in Memphis. For more information contact Ivy Thompson of the Mid South Peace & Justice Center at 901-725-4990.

Calling all couch potatoes

Training for the Cooper-Young Fesitival Friday 4-Miler is just around the corner. Star Runners will lead a group called Couch to 4-Milers which meets Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 am, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 pm, and Saturdays at 8 am. The group begins at Inbalance on weekdays and Saturday runs change locations each week. For more information call 901-461-2049 or send an email to stars1472@hotmail.com.

Otherlands July music line-up

Saturday, July 10th: Holly & the Memphis Dawls. Americana vocal trio featuring Holly Cole on guitar, Jana Misener (Giant Bear) on cello, and Krista Wroten (Yazoo Shakes) on violin and accordion.

Tuesday, July 13th: Will Kimbrough, with Blair Combest. Will is a popular singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer who made his national debut with Will & The Bushmen.

Saturday, July 17th: Black Max, a whimsical cabaret folk and vaudeville act, featuring a rotating cast of stellar Memphis musicians.

Sunday, July 18th: Star & Micey, a swirling mix of acoustic folk and blue eyed soul.

Saturday, July 24th: Cotton and Coal, fronted by Southern Illinois transplant (via Los Angeles), songwriter and crooner Caleb Sweazy, the band features members of the Memphis Hepcats and Groundspeak.

Otherlands has live music every Friday and Saturday in a smoke free, all ages environment. See their complete events calendar and food menu at otherlandscoffeebar.com or friend them at facebook.com/otherlands.

By Michael Gilbert

The eminent violinist, Sanford Allen, will be the guest artist for the Eroica Ensemble’s concerts on June 5th and 6th. With Music Director, Michael Gilbert, conducting, Mr. Allen will perform the virtuosic Bruch Concerto in G minor as well as the Haydn Concerto in C major. Trained at the Juilliard School and Mannes College of Music in New York City, Mr. Allen has performed solo and chamber music concerts around the world and appeared as soloist with the Detroit, Baltimore, Quebec, and the New York Philharmonic Orchestras. The August 2002 issue of Strad magazine lauds him as a “fabulous player” with “extraordinary commitment and finesse.” Winner of a Koussevitsky International Recording Award, Mr. Allen is a member of the performance faculty at Rutgers University and has been responsible for numerous commissions and first performances of contemporary music. He holds the distinction of being the first black musician to become a regular member of the New York Philharmonic. He remained with the orchestra through the tenures of music directors Leonard Bernstein, George Szell, and Pierre Boulez.

Michael Gilbert, Music Director of the Eroica Ensemble, is also the Music Director of the Music Masters Course Japan. Descended from a family of Tennessee musicians and trained as a violinist by his father, Noel Gilbert, Michael Gilbert later studied in New York at the Juilliard School of Music with Ivan Galamian and Dorothy Delay. After serving as concertmaster of the San Antonio Symphony, the Santa Fe Opera, and the American Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Gilbert joined the New York Philharmonic where he performed with Leonard Bernstein, Pierre Boulez, Zubin Mehta, and Kurt Masur. Mr. Gilbert made his conducting debut with the Kyoto Symphony in Japan in 2004 performing Mahler Symphony No.1 and returned the following year with Bruckner Symphony No. 4. Since then, he has conducted and coached at music festivals and orchestral seminars around the world. At the University of Memphis this past summer, Mr. Gilbert led a workshop on the Saito Conducting Method. The course will be offered again this summer, August 8-15.

The performances with the Eroica Ensemble will be 7:30 pm Saturday, June 5th at First Congregational Church, 1000 S. Cooper Street, and at 3 pm Sunday, June 6th at Lambuth University in Jackson, TN. Both concerts are free. The public is warmly invited to attend.

Based in Memphis, the Eroica Ensemble is a non-profit organization that brings together musicians from across the country for free public concerts in the communities of West Tennessee. This year, Eroica is presenting 10 orchestra concerts in Memphis and Jackson, TN. Audiences for Eroica concerts have been growing steadily since the orchestra’s start in 2007 bringing hundreds of concertgoers to Midtown’s Cooper-Young District for evening shows. Typically, the orchestra gives two weekend performances for each program: a Memphis concert on Saturday evening and an “out-of-town” concert in Jackson on Sunday afternoon.

For more information, please visit http://www.eroicamemphis.org. To schedule an interview, email Anthony Gilbert at info@eroicamemphis.org or call 901-725-1642.