Memphis Parent - October 2021 by Contemporary Media

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202 1

M E M P H I S PA R E N T.C O M

P L U S

KIDS AND COVID

TEAR-FREE CHECK-UPS

GIRLS INC.

EXPLORE MEMPHIS

WHERE FAMILIES

THRIVE JOIN THE Y:

FIND YOUR LOCATION

No Contracts

www.ymcamemphis.org

Free Childcare While you Work Out Discounts on Programs & Activities Unlimited Access to Group Exercise classes Year-Round Pool Access

Time for a check-in with your child’s teacher? Check in on their mental health, too Now that school is back in full swing, how is your child adjusting to being back in the classroom? When you meet with your child’s teachers, ask them about how your child is doing emotionally as well as academically. If your child is dealing with emotional setbacks, we can help. Our inpatient and outpatient behavioral health programs can help them regain lost coping skills. Lakeside also offers a fully accredited school program so students can maintain their studies while in treatment.

Don’t let anxiety or depression prevent your child from having a successful school year. Find out how we can help by calling 901-377-4733 today.

We Can

HELP

Call 901.377.4733

Together, we are

resilient.

Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakeside Behavioral Health System, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakeside Behavioral Health System. The facility shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. Model representations of real patients are shown. Actual patients cannot be divulged due to HIPAA regulations. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 210138-0611 7/21

2911 Brunswick Road Memphis, Tennessee 38133 901.377.4733 | lakesidebhs.com M E M PH I SPA R ENT.COM

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October 15, 17, 22-24, 28-31

$13 MEMBERS / $15 NONMEMBERS Not included with daytime admission. Ages 2 and up require a ticket to this event.

Purchase tickets online at

memphiszoo.org

M E M PH I SPA R ENT.COM

OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 9

O C T O B E R

The Answer is YES! ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC SCHOOL

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

5-7 PM

Do you want your child to receive an education that sets the foundation for success?

2021

THE 20-20-20 RULE

Dr. Glen Steele explains the 22 all-important eye-health rule. By Risha Manga

From the best selfie spots to area parks, enjoy our city this fall.

TIPS FOR TEAR-FREE 25 CHECK-UPS

FROM THE PEANUT GALLERY

By Discover Memphis Naturally

Ways to calm kids’ fears for wellness exams. By Sarah Lyons

Girls Inc. is growing more than just okra at their youth farm.

KICKING AND SCREAMING

Even with a new coach and a hard season, kids can find fun in sports. By Samuel X. Cicci

14 DEAR TEACHER Diagnosing ADHD

KIDS AND COVID

The Delta variant is making kids sick, but a vaccine is predicted soon. By Toby Sells

OUR COVER KID

Ari (6) with dad, Memphis Parent Art Director Bryan PHOTO: BRYAN ROLLINS

DEPARTMENTS 8 901 FUN Holiday happenings and more

A grandpa remembers his childhood visit to the set of Howdy Doody. By Jon W. Sparks

THE MIGHTY GIRLS By Risha Manga

EXPLORE MEMPHIS!

30 CALENDAR AND 27 OUTSTANDING EVENTS TEACHER Family-friendly fun for Celebrating unsung heroes months to come 29 DAD LIBS Merry and bright — in Memphis

OUR STAFF

Two-Year-Old Program Grades PK(3’s) through 8

Enroll today!

2100 North Germantown Parkway Cordova, TN 38016

901-388-7321 www.sfawolves.org 4

O C T O B E R 202 1

Editor Shara Clark Art Director Bryan Rollins Advertising Art Director Christopher Myers Account Executives Michelle Musolf, Sloane Taylor Production Operations Director Margie Neal Calendar Editor Julie Ray Social Media Coordinator Kalena Matthews Editorial Intern Risha Manga

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Memphis Parent strives to provide information of value to all who are invested in our children’s future.

Memphis Parent is published by Contemporary Media, Inc. CEO Anna Traverse Fogle Director of Business Development Jeffrey A. Goldberg Special Projects Director Molly Willmott Controller Lynn Sparagowski Digital Services Director Kristin Pawlowski P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101 p: 901.521.9000 • f: 901.521.0129 Send advertising queries to: margie@memphisparent.com

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E D I T O R ’ S

N O T E

IT’S FALL , Y’ALL!

We’re embracing the changing of seasons here at Memphis Parent — pulling out the sweaters and boots, readying our mugs for hot cocoa, and adding our favorite holiday movies to the queue. As the weather cools and the leaves change, we’re looking forward to so much — the food, family, and togetherness that accompanies this time of year, and the opportunity for renewal alongside Mother Nature. In this month’s issue, we’ve set a focus on health — as the ongoing pandemic has shown us how important it is to take care of ourselves and families. With many parents and children missing annual wellness checks due to Covid and much of our lives shifting to a virtual atmosphere for school or work, the Southern College of Optometry’s Dr. Glen Steele speaks with us about the importance of eye health — and ways to

manage screen-time breaks — in “The 20-20-20 Rule” (page 10). Some children especially can be nervous about health exams. On page 12, we’ve offered a few tips on ways to prepare them for a tear-free check-up. Of course, the rise of illness among children has been a concern the past few months with the surge of Covid’s Delta variant. Toby Sells covers the latest (as of press time) on the virus and vaccine with two infectious disease experts at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in “Kids and Covid” (page 28). While we hope for the health and wellness of all as the world continues to navigate the pandemic, we’re still set on having some safe family fun. In “Explore Memphis” (beginning on page 22), Discover Memphis Naturally has shared

some sweet selfie spots to hit and park outings to plan in the coming months. Get out there and adventure! We’re also gearing up for the holidays, and in doing so, we’ve put together a short list of items that can jump-start your shopping list. From the newest games and gadgets to sweets and subscription boxes, check out some of 2021’s trending gifts in our Holiday Gift Guide (page 16). We’ll see you back here in the spring. In the meantime, be sure to read our latest features and browse the comprehensive family-friendly events listings on memphisparent.com. Take care,

Shara Clark

Editor

Every

HERO needs a

mentor, every mentor needs a GUIDE.

memphisparent.com 6

O C T O B E R 202 1

S C IEN TIST. A RTIST. C H E E RLEA D ER . She gets to be all of these things at Harding.

Join us for an Open House for Sr. K–12! THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 6:00 p.m.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7 2:00 p.m.

1100 Cherry Rd. | 901-767-4494 | HardingLions.org

JOIN US FOR

DISNEY EXHIBIT At GRACELAND

Featuring over 450 items, from nostalgic classics to modern favorites, the exhibit takes guests on a magical journey through the costumes, props, and memorabilia that they know and love from over 80 years of Disney movies, shows, cartoons and attractions.

SPECIAL THEMED EVENTS OCT 28

OCT 10

Tea Party

Trivia Night

Be our guest for a charming tea party with snacks and tea service in an enchanted setting, followed by a tour of the exhibit.

SEPT 25

Test your Disney knowledge and compete for fun prizes. Enjoy drink specials and a fun-ﬁlled night out with friends!

OCT

OCT 27

30-31

Dress Up Days Bring the kids in their favorite costumes and enjoy special treats and surpises!

Tickets

Discuss Disney’s legendary Haunted Mansion attraction with an expert panel via Zoom then tour both the exhibit and Graceland Mansion.

Images courtesy of the Bowers Museum, CA 2020

Choose

VIP

Haunted Mansion Panel & Tour

to enjoy a

GUIDED TOUR of the exhibit

Tickets available at

M E M PH I SPA R ENT.COM

# 901F U N

OCTOBER 1

FRIDAY

Memphis Greek Festival On Friday and Saturday, October 8th and 9th, visit Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (573 North Highland) for Greek food, entertainment, dancing, fun, and games. $3. memphisgreekfestival.com. 21

THURSDAY

Mushroom Festival From Thursday through Sunday, October 21st-24th, Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park invites families for this camping festival dedicated to mushrooms. Features classes and demonstrations, live music, tastings, wild food forays and dinners, identification tents, guided hikes, and more. memphismushroomfest.com. 23

SATURDAY

Dia de los Muertos Parade and Festival Enjoy a reverse parade where families are invited to honor ancestors and celebrate the cycle of life and death at this free festival at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art (1934 Poplar), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 23rd. cazateatro.org. 30

SATURDAY

Halloween Hike Get an active start to your Halloween celebrations by taking a not-so-spooky walk through Memphis Botanic Garden (750 Cherry) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 30th. Special treat and activity stations along the way will feature pumpkin storytime, bat crafts, a bone dig, and more. $5 members, $10 nonmembers. Under 2 free. memphisbotanicgarden.com. 636-4100.

NOVEMBER 6

Mid-South Fair The Landers Center (4560 Venture Drive, Southaven, MS) brings back fair food and fun with the long-running MidSouth Fair, October 1st through 3rd. Features a petting zoo, rides, attractions, exhibits, contests, and more. $10. midsouthfair.com. 662-280-9120. 8

Festivals, holiday happenings, and more!

SATURDAY

World Junior BBQ League BBQ Championship Join the excitement at AutoZone Park in Downtown Memphis on November 6th. Grand champion wins $5K along with other cash prizes awarded in each category (chicken thighs, spare ribs, pork butt, brisket). Sign up online to become a member and compete. Entry fee, $150. worldjrbbqleague.com. 11

THURSDAY

Disney’s The Lion King Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist making its triumphant return to the Orpheum Theater (203 S. Main). November 11th through 28th. Tuesdays-Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Saturdays, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. $34-$154. orpheum-memphis.com. 525-3000. 20

SATURDAY

Memphis Water Lantern Festival Features food trucks, music, and lanterns at Martin Luther King Riverside Park on November 20th, 2-7 p.m. $35. waterlanternfestival.com.

DECEMBER 3

FRIDAY

A Christmas Carol Theatre Memphis (630 Perkins Extended) hosts this classic in which miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is approached by the ghostly vision of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him of an upcoming spiritual journey. Opens Friday, December 3rd, 7:30 p.m., and continues through December 23rd, Thursdays-Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., and Sundays, 2 p.m. $35. theatrememphis.org. 5

SUNDAY

Memphis Israel Festival Enjoy all things Israel including food, culture, market goods, activities, and more at Agricenter International (7777 Walnut Grove) on December 5th. memphisfoi.org.

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JANUARY 29

SATURDAY

Magic Carpet: Taiko for Tots with Matsuriza On January 29th at 10 a.m., Buckman Arts Center (60 Perkins Extended) invites girls and boys ages 2 and up to grab their magic carpet for an adventure to Japan to explore Taiko drumming with Matsuriza. Pay what you can with donations accepted. buckmanartscenter.com. 537-1483.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Mid-South Maze This Mid-South Maze returns to Agricenter International September 17th through October 31st. Thursdays-Fridays, 4-10 p.m., Saturdays, noon-10 p.m., and Sundays, noon-8 p.m. Features corn cannon, haunted maze, and hayrides. $10. midsouthmaze.com. Priddy Farms Pumpkin Patch Visit Priddy Farms now through November 7th to pick your own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and enjoy activities like the petting zoo, corn maze, hayrides, haunted woods, bounce houses, and more. Maze is haunted on weekends. priddyfarms.net. Jones Orchard Corn Maze Explore the Jones Orchard fall maze Fridays, 6-11 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, noon-11 p.m., from October 1st to 31st. $8. jonesorchard.com. Zoo Boo Memphis Zoo hosts its annual Halloween event October 15th, 17th, 22nd-24th, and 28th-31st. 6 p.m. Features candy stations, magic shows, straw mazes, and more. A limited number of tickets are available for each night. All tickets must be purchased online in advance. No tickets will be available for purchase at the gate. $13 members, $15 nonmembers. memphiszoo.org. Starry Nights Shelby Farms Park’s spectacular light show returns November 26th through January 22nd. Experience the magic of the holidays with dazzling displays featuring more than 3.5 million lights. $20. shelbyfarmspark.org.

I never stopped searching. Briarcrest students are taught to embrace any challenges life may bring and use them to grow academically and spiritually. To lead the next generation into the future.

Learning never stops.

OPEN HOUSES: Elementary - Oct. 19 and Nov. 9 | Middle & High School - Oct. 28 and Nov. 18 briarcrest.com

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NOW TUTORING ONLINE “Students Learn to Succeed” Pamela Palmer, M.S., M.A., Ed.D. 901.331.6082 • pam@pamelapalmer.com

At St. George’s, the way we weave it all together is what sets your child apart. Discover how we prepare your child for college, career, and a life lived bravely and beautifully. Join us for a VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE on Oct. 19, Nov. 14 or Nov. 17. RSVP at sgis.org/visit. M E M PH I SPA R ENT.COM

H E A LT H

By Risha Manga

THE 20-20-20 RULE

Dr. Glen Steele explains the all-important rule when it comes to eye health.

Since many children missed annual health checkups during the Covid-19 pandemic, now is the time for parents to consider the adverse effects of skipping preventive healthcare exams, including vision screenings. Dr. Glen Steele, Southern College of Optometry’s professor of pediatric service, shares the effects children may have experienced during the past year and a half. Nearsightedness accelerated among children due to increased use of digital devices with virtual learning, video streaming, and social media, adding up to 10 to 12 hours per day in front of a screen. “A lot of the doctors are seeing an increase in nearsightedness,” Steele says. “I would recommend that children hold their devices in their laps, instead of holding it too close to their face, and take breaks from the screen.” Be a good role model: “If parents are on their devices when they are talking to their kids or when the kids are trying to tell them something, the communication is not going to be as attentive,” Steele adds. “So parents — encourage breaks, encourage distance, and be a role model.” The 20-20-20 Rule We all have heard about 20/20 vision. It can be described as what an average individual can see on an eye chart when they are standing 20 feet away. Nowadays, with new lifestyles, children and adults are likely to have higher screen times, especially since the onset of the pandemic and the move to online learning. With this, the American Academy of Ophthalmology says the use of digital devices doesn’t necessarily damage eyesight, but it can cause eye strain and unpleasant symptoms like dry, irritated, and tired eyes. “What I recommend parents do is to get a full comprehensive eye exam and 10

then don’t think about just taking the “It all started even before the pandemic, device away,” says Steele. “They are going but has gotten worse since the pandemic,” to be using the device for the rest of their continues Steele. Pupils let light into the lives, so I am teaching them how to take eyes to help you see clearly. They are conbreaks.” A break may be simply looking trolled by muscles in the iris, the colored around for 20 seconds, following the 20part of the eye. Pupils naturally widen or 20-20 rule. dilate in dim environments to allow more If you find yourself looking at screens light into the eye. If one notices a sudden all day, your eye doctor may have menchange to one or both pupils, or if the tioned this rule to you — every 20 minutes pupils frequently stay dilated, one should spent using a screen, one should try to look contact one’s primary care physician or away at something that is 20 feet away ophthalmologist to make sure the eyes from your eyes for a total of 20 seconds. and vision are safe and there are no other Young children need to be broken into this. underlying health issues. Preschool children should take a break ev“The thing with large pupils is that ery 5 minutes. Elementary school children their eyesight is not necessarily getting should take a break every 10 minutes, and worse, but it tells me it’s a persistent adolescents and adults without symptoms sympathetic response,” says Steele. “And should follow the 20-20-20 rule. the other things that are controlled by that If eye strain persists after trying the are heart rate, digestive issues, respiratory 20-20-20 rule for a few days, one should issues — all the things connected to the see a doctor who can check for other unnervous system are all hyped up. It’s all a derlying conditions. “One thing I am seereflection of what is going on in the body. ing a lot of is large pupils, and this is caused The start of a solution is to get a full eye by [video] games, social media, and time on exam.” devices during virtual school,” Steele says. Taking care of health is critical, espe“When you focus, the pupils constrict, and cially during the Covid-19 pandemic, and when you don’t, they grow large. I used to good eye health is as important. With the see two to three children with larger pupils advent of online and virtual learning along each semester, but now, I am seeing five with video games and social media, the to six a day that are like that. I am saying importance of a comprehensive eye exam this to parents: Large pupils means defocus, cannot be neglected. Dr. Steele encoursmaller pupils means focus. ages people to take care of their eye health as part of their overall health and wellness.

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Too much time with digital devices can cause vision problems. Schedule your child’s eye exam today.

1225 Madison Ave., in the Midtown Medical District

901-722-3250

eyecentermemphis.com

M E M PH I SPA R ENT.COM

H E A LT H

By Sarah Lyons

TIPS FOR TEARFREE CHECK-UPS The average child will have nine well visits in their first two years of life and at least one check-up every year after. For kids who tend to worry and even fear going to the doctor, this can be overwhelming. There are a few things parents can do to calm the fears of kids who have an upcoming check-up.

Discuss what will happen Prior to the appointment, talk to your child about what to expect. Be open and honest about what will happen at the appointment and why. “We talk about everything that may happen, good and scary,” says Sara Sinani, mom of three boys. “I feel it helps them prepare emotionally and keeps the image of the doctor as a ‘helper’ rather than someone to be feared.” After sharing what to expect at the appointment, ask your child if they have any questions or concerns. Be honest and tell the truth so they know what to expect, even if it is something unpleasant, like shots. “We encourage our kids to ask us, the nurses, or doctors in order to get the info they need to feel comfortable,” says Sinani. The more information your child has, the more comfortable they will feel when the day of the check-up arrives. Role play Playing doctor is not only fun for kids but it’s also a great way to get them more comfortable with the idea of visiting the doctor. Tara Sayers, school nurse and mom of two, says, “I always buy kids ‘doctor kits’ for their first birthdays.” She also suggests letting them touch the equip-

ment themselves prior to someone else using it on them. Becky Asher, mom of triplet boys, suggests checking out library books about visiting the doctor or watching children’s videos like Daniel Tiger or Doc McStuffins that help kids learn what to expect from a doctor visit. Role playing helps kids act out their fears and concerns as well as become more comfortable with new situations. Come prepared When the day of the check-up arrives, try to be as prepared as possible. Pack items that will entertain your child if they have to wait, such as books, small toys, coloring books and crayons, or a tablet if wifi is available at the doctor’s office. Include any comfort items that may help your child if he is nervous or upset, and a cup of water. Check with the office to see if snacks are allowed before bringing one. Some offices do not allow snacks due to risk of allergies in other patients. You might also consider bringing pain medication, like Tylenol, to give after shots are administered. It’s best to wait until after the visit because an accurate temperature must be recorded prior to vaccines, and painkillers mask a fever if

your child has one. It’s also important for the parent to prepare themselves to be calm and supportive through the check-up. Children can sense our fears and nervousness. When mom and dad are calm and comfortable, the child will most likely feel the same way. Plan a reward Prior to the visit, set up a reward, big or small, for your child and let them know what to expect. Having something to look forward to after the check-up can make even a reluctant child more willing to cooperate during their time with the doctor. Choose something that will motivate your child. Some ideas could be a treat like ice cream, a candy bar, or going out for lunch, or a trip to the park, pool, or an opportunity to invite a friend over to play. Some parents may also decide to purchase a small toy or book their child has had their eye on. Whatever you decide to choose as a reward, explain to your child what it will be and how they will earn it. After the visit, tell them you are proud of them for their bravery and talk about how they felt during the appointment. When children know they can talk about their feelings honestly, they are usually more likely to discuss other fears in the future.

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay at home mom of six children, including 7-year-old triplets. 12

O C T O B E R 2 0 2 11

10 CHILDREN’S BOOKS ABOUT DOCTOR VISITS Books can help kids understand what to expect from an upcoming doctor visit and help them work through their fears. Check your local library for these titles to read with your child.

A Visit to Dr. Duck by Rosemary Wells

Take our

and invite Fido!

How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon? by Jane Yolen

Nervous Nellie: A Book for Children Who Worry

Scan to visit musowls.org/admissions

by Dr. Urmila Pai M.D.

Biscuit Visits the Doctor

by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

For B oys in G rad e s 7-1 2 • mu sowls. org

The Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor by Stan and Jan Berenstain

Corduroy Goes to the Doctor

by Don Freeman and Lisa McCue

Froggy Goes to the Doctor

by Jonathan London

Doctor Maisy

by Lucy Cousins

George Visits the Doctor by Nicola Smee

Sarah and Duck Visit the Doctor by Sarah Gomes Harris

MEM PH I SPA R ENT.COM

D E A R

T E A C H E R

By Marge Eberts and Peggy Gisler

THE WAY TO DIAGNOSE ADHD My third grader’s teacher recently suggested that my child has ADHD because she is so inattentive in class. I thought that the symptoms of ADHD were hyperactive impulsive behavior. Could the teacher be right? — Unsure Your child’s teacher may or may not be right about this. You do need to find out as soon as possible, for it is these children who have suffered the greatest learning loss during the pandemic. There are a number of professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, school counselors, doctors, nurse practitioners, and social workers who have the expertise to make an exact diagnosis. Diagnosing for ADHD may not be covered with your health insurance. The additude.mag website describes three presentations of ADHD. One is the predominantly hyperactive/impulsive where a child is blurting out answers in class. There is also the predominantly inattentive, in which focus and attention are the primary symptoms rather than hyperactivity. And the third presentation is where both inattention and impulsivity go handin-hand. Unfortunately, the signs of inattentive ADHD, which is found predominantly in girls, is often overlooked by parents, teachers, and medical professionals, so they rarely get the treatment that they need. Look at the signs of inattentive ADHD below to begin investigating if your child has this type of ADHD. The American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic manual for ADHD, the DSM-V, lists nine symptoms of inattentive ADHD. At least six of these

must be present and must significantly disrupt a child’s life in order to merit a diagnosis. They are:  Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, etc.  Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or activities (e.g., easily distracted).  Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.  Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork or chores (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).  Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.  Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time.  Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, lunch, mobile phone).  Is often forgetful in daily activities. If your child has ADHD, you must become an expert on the subject to ensure she gets the best possible help at school. Fortunately, there are several very excellent organizations that will help you do this. They are Attention Deficit Disorder Association, CHADD, National Resource Center on ADHD, the Council for Exceptional Children, and the American Psychiatric Association. And you must get acquainted with Wrightslaw to find out all the legal aspects of getting the best help for your daughter at school. While some blogs on ADHD can be extremely helpful, others contain misleading or inaccurate information. Be sure to avoid any that are selling cures for ADHD.

Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or to the Dear Teacher website. ©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2021.

O C T O B E R 202 1

There are many ways to help kids who stutter...

STEAMFest

Featuring booths, talks, presentations, demonstrations & more. Learn about the importance of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) from community partners. October 23 at the Museum of Science & History. WWW.MEMPHISMUSEUMS.ORG • 3050 CENTRAL AVE / MEMPHIS, TN 38111

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F E AT U R E

Games, gadgets, and more to kick-start your shopping list.

Compiled by Memphis Parent staff

With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about that gift list. Not a shopper? Worried about battling crowds? Not sure what your kids want? Don’t worry! From the latest gadgets to the newest games, we’ve got a few things to get you started. Here is the 2021 Holiday Gift Guide.

Carrera GO! Mario Kart — $65.99 This race track set brings our favorite characters out of the video game and into our homes. The Carrera Go! Mario Kart set allows families to come together and build customizable tracks, race each other at high speeds, and spend quality, screen-free time together — all while enjoying the inner nostalgia of Mario and friends. Available at select retail stores and online at Amazon and Target.

Bandai Entry Grade Model Kits — $7-$30 We’ve heard kids 6 and up will love these entry-grade model kits. No glue, tools, or painting is involved in constructing these fun figures. Easy twist-off parts snap together to have your little one building their very own Gundam, Pokémon, or Dragon Ball characters in no time. Available in various retail stores including Barnes & Noble and Target, and online.

O C T O B E R 2 0 2 11

Beat the Parents — $15.99 In this new version of the popular kids vs. parents trivia game, everyone will have to put something on the line. First, write your wager on the included whiteboard — it can be serious (“kids will do the dishes”) or silly (“mom will cluck like a chicken”), but you’ll need to do it if your team loses! Kids and parents ask each other questions from the cards — move forward on the board for every correct answer. Land on a challenge space and go head-to-head with the other team: You might need to race paper airplanes or say a tongue twister to win the points! Players: 2-6, ages 6+. Available at Target, Walmart, and Amazon. Hedbanz Blastoff ! — $19.99 Everyone’s favorite guessing game is back with a fun, new twist. Guess what’s on your head before 3 … 2 … 1 … BLAST OFF! Put on the Blastoff Band, load it with a card, and set the timer. Try to guess “What Am I?” while your team gives clues — but do it quickly, because your card will go flying when time runs out! Be the first team to guess three cards correctly before the buzzer. Win three rounds to win the game. The game contains two Hedbanz Blastoff Bands and 100 picture cards. Players: 4+, Ages 6+. Available at Target, Walmart, and Amazon.

The Yoto Player — $99.99 The Yoto experience is built around content cards that are popped into the Yoto Player to unlock engaging stories, activities, and podcasts for kids to enjoy. Choose between a variety of classic and original stories in the content library, from Disney 5 Minute Frozen Stories to Beezus and Ramona, from The Planets and The Solar System to Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Yoto’s content collection contains cards suitable for children from birth to 12 years old. Starter pack/cards range from $10 to $35. Available at us.yotoplay.com.

Cookies from Maui Cookie Lady — $6.75-$8.75 For a taste of Hawaii without leaving home, order these gourmet handrolled cookies straight from Maui. Holiday flavors adults especially will love include Scrooged - Stuck at Home (made with Kahlua and pecan), Rumchata EggNog, and It’s a Wonderful Whiskey Life (with Bailey’s truffle stuffed in a Velvet cocoa cookie topped with crushed candy canes). Available at themauicookielady.com.

Little Global Citizens — $34.95+ Teach children about countries from around the world, their cultures, and the importance of diversity and tolerance with Little Global Citizens. Families can use this subscription service as a full education unit to teach their children about a specific country, or for older children, use them as a foundation for additional work. The activities allow children to work on math, science, language skills, creativity, cooking, comprehension — and the important skills of empathy and global awareness. Each box is filled with items from that country including authentic guides, crafts, games and puzzles, language skills, recipes, a story book, and more. Available at little-global-citizens.com.

eat2explore — $24.95/box Explore the world through your kitchen with eat2explore’s kids’ subscription box service. Your kids will be immersed into a world of cultural experiences as you enjoy exotic ingredients and recipes from 18 different countries/regions. Kids will love to try arroz con pollo or beef shawarma while learning about facts that make each country unique, as well as discovering new places to add to their passports. Each box includes recipes, history, and geography and are the perfect way to learn more about our world. The boxes can be purchased one box at a time, or through a monthly subscription. Available at eat2explore.com, Amazon, Williams Sonoma, and Kohl’s.

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F E AT U R E

The Mighty Girls

Girls Inc. is growing more than just okra at their youth farm.

“Our mission is to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold,” says Lisa Moore, CEO and president of Girls Inc. And Zia Higgins is just that. Higgins, then a high schooler, got up in front of Frayser Exchange Club members to make an announcement and froze like a deer in headlights, saying nothing but the word “Okra!” A year later, Higgins gave a speech in front of 600 guests and spoke brilliantly and confidently without looking at her notes. How did she transform? A simple answer — Girls Inc. of Memphis. Girls Inc. creates an environment where girls create trusting and encouraging relationships while receiving training that helps them succeed in both their futures and academics. Alongside, they also learn to lead healthy lifestyles. “We track those outcomes annually with our girls,” explains Moore. As Girls Inc. of Memphis celebrates its 75th anniversary, it’s hard not to acknowledge all the social justice work and female empowerment projects the organization has done over the years. By serving and nurturing strong girls from more than 42 ZIP codes, they certainly have a lot to be proud of — whether it is managing a farm in Frayser or engaging with the larger Memphis community, the work done at Girls Inc. makes a huge impact and creates a rewarding experience for participants. Higgins and many 18

others like her have benefited from the social entrepreneurship and civic engagement opportunities. Higgins and other high school girls created the Girls Inc. Youth Farm, a 9.5acre plot in Frayser, which provides for the local community. “[We thought] let’s make this a girl-run farm because [the plot’s] in a food desert. There was no infrastructure there, but we had a group of high school girls who thought that was an intriguing idea,” says Moore, regarding the decision to start a youth farm on the then-newly purchased plot in Frayser. Today, high school girls are responsible for running the farm and making decisions, from what should be planted to how and where the crops should be sold and distributed. Additionally, the projects from which young girls can girls who are a part of the farm gain life benefit, including financial literacy and skills, are encouraged to lead healthy college preparedness. Whenever the girls lifestyles, and learn ways to become aren’t on the farm, they are participating more independent. On a day-to-day bain other Girls Inc. programs where they sis, the girls do anything and everything learn to get “equipped with a healthy from making plans and charting crops to lifestyle, further their education, and delegating tasks around the farm. “Every work on community engagement, leadday is different — depending on the crop ership, and independence,” Moore says. that is growing or the crop that needs to “This is where girls really learn how to be grow,” Moore says. a leader and grow as a person. Last year, Apart from the youth farm, which we served 2,008 girls. We just did has slowed down due to the Covid-19 things differently and offered virtual pandemic, Girls Inc. has several other programming.”

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By Risha Manga

In fact, this past June, Girls Inc. held a groundbreaking for the new Patricia C. Howard Campus in Frayser. With this new campus, the program will serve so many more in the community, including a full program center for girls ages 6 to 18, administrative offices, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces with stages, and a farmto-table teaching kitchen. “Lots of exciting things in store,” says Moore. “We’re going to have a teaching kitchen, so our girls will be educating the community on how to take farm to table right here in the same space.” No matter what program a girl signs up for, whether it is the farm or robotics, the outcomes are the same — growth and development in a pro-girl environment. Girls Inc. also partners with local schools to reach a larger community. Zia Higgins has since joined Girls Inc. as an employee after graduating from college, and while accompanying visitors on a tour of the farm, she proudly welcomed the visitors and quipped that she started the youth farm. “And yes she did,” Moore adds. “She [Higgins] takes such pride and ownership to this day.” To learn more about Girls Inc. of Memphis or to build a success story similar to Zia Higgins’, visit girlsincmemphis.org.

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F E AT U R E

Kicking and

Screaming Even with a new soccer coach and a difficult season, kids can find all the fun in sports.

As my friend Matt and I rolled up to the St. Paul Catholic School parking lot for our first day of coaching, we mused over how we might approach our new gig. Keep it light and fun? Turn into drillmasters with frequent blasts of a shrill whistle? Or somehow find a way to juggle both of those ideologies and mold our new group of 3rd and 4th graders into a winning machine? Unfortunately for us newbies, we were about to find out that the path to coaching isn’t that simple. But a long, sometimes vexing season was worth it when these kids got the chance to experience the beautiful game for the first time. My relationship with soccer goes back to my elementary school days as a rec league participant, and continues unabated today with an almost unhealthy obsession to watch every overseas game possible (yes, that sometimes means waking up at 4:30 a.m. for the early bird

matches). But almost all the elementary schoolers on our team had never so much as kicked a ball in their life. That meant no throwing out formations like 4-3-3 right away, no diving into terminology like “playing a high line,” and no expecting them to know what a wall pass was right off the bat. Instead, it was back to basics. A learning process from the ground up, but not just for them. Just as they’d never kicked a ball, I had never coached how to kick a ball. We embarked on this journey together, ready to see what this strange season had in store and how our team might stack up. I’ll admit, it was tough getting things off the ground. Starting from square one proved a difficult task, but as understanding grew, the fun

O C T O B E R 2 0 2 11

came organically. Over the first couple of weeks, the kids got a grasp of the basics and were able to start stringing together some relatively impressive passing sequences up and down the field. And some of the positive play translated to games. One of our powerhouse forwards kept banging in goal after goal, sometimes running the length of the field solo before finishing off a move. One of our midfielders charged around channeling fire and brimstone, stealing the ball repeatedly and sending boys twice her size toppling to the floor, cueing up cheers from her teammates. But for all the improvement, there was still a large skills gap. Many of our preppy-ish opponents had seasoned young players. Think students that had

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F E AT U R E

Explore

For fun with family not far from home, hit the best selfie spots or get out in nature. TOP 10 SPOTS IN TOWN FOR A FAMILY SELFIE Whether for fall break or a family outing this weekend, more mild temperatures welcome a wonderful excuse to get outside and explore together! Discover Memphis Naturally, a hub to promote Memphis’ dynamic outdoor destinations and experiences, has compiled family-friendly spots to not only see but also snap a memory! Grab your phones or cameras and treat these 10 ideas as your family’s newest bucket list.

Arkansas/Tennessee state line on Big River Crossing

It’s not often you find yourself in-between two states on the longest pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi! Have fun with this center spot by capturing some family members “states apart” — and if you stay long enough, you might catch a Mighty Lights light show at sundown.

The MEMPHIS sign on Mud Island

This multicolored block-letter sign is a must-do on Mud Island. With the city skyline as the backdrop, a photograph in front of this art installation is a Memphis

memory worth making. Now, strike a pose on a letter of your choice!

With the buffalo at Shelby Farms Park

Go where the buffalo roam, and you may even see some up close! The herd resides in a nearly 50-acre range at Shelby Farms Park with plenty of space, grass, and fields for them to enjoy. Get your “herd” together for a great family photo.

The Lookout at Bass Pro Shop Pyramid

Looking for fresh selfie angles? The Look-

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out at the Bass Pro Shop Pyramid offers aerial views of Downtown Memphis and beyond with a glass-ﬂoored observation deck overlooking the Mississippi River. What landmarks can you spot from there?

Paddling Hyde Lake at Shelby Farms Park

Nothing exudes “epic” more than an action shot paddling on the lake! Rent a kayak, canoe, or tandem kayak and get the whole family out on the water. Pro tip: Bring a waterproof phone holder.

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Hyde Lake The “beach” within reach along the Wolf River

This “secret beach” is a great place to build sand castles, have a picnic, hang a hammock, and watch for wildlife. The Wolf River covers ~100 miles through fields, forests, and communities in Memphis and is vital to our drinking water.

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The “With Love From Memphis” mural in the Edge District

We encourage you to snap a selfie in front of as many murals in Memphis as you can, but if looking for something to send home, visit the Edge District and capture your own postcard-styled shot in front of this painted cityscape.

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Memphis skyline from Big River Trail

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Ready for an adventure? Cross over Big River Crossing and hike/bike the Big River Trail in West Memphis. This 6-mile paved loop offers incredible views of Memphis from the west bank of the Mississippi River.

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The Blue Kids on the V&E Greenline

The 10-year old art installation knows how to pose for a photograph. Located on the V&E Greenline near the Crosstown Concourse, these kids are ready for some fun. Please be respectful of these old souls!

With the kangaroos at the Memphis Zoo

Within this free-range kangaroo exhibit at the Memphis Zoo, you and yours can see these marsupials up close — and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a selfie with a curious kangaroo. Learn more at memphisadventures.com and follow @naturallymem on social media for daily ideas.

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Continued from page 23

F E AT U R E

FIVE FAMILY-FRIENDLY WAYS TO EXPLORE MEMPHIS’ PARKS

one hour, inspire a love for the outdoors, and take in the beautiful views of Shelby Farms Park.

Pitch a tent at T.O. Fuller State Park

Did you know Memphis is home to 162 parks? Whether near your home or on the other end of town, our city’s parks are free and available to all to enjoy. Bookmark these ideas for this fall with the family:

Catch a fish at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park’s Poplar Tree Lake

With ample campsites for RVs and tents, T.O. Fuller offers plenty of space for everyone to have a great time, whether having a picnic, sharing stories around the fire, grilling up some grub, or enjoying a nature hike.

Plan a sunset picnic at River Garden

Located on the banks of the Mississippi, River Park offers beautiful views of the mighty river along with its barges, boats, and bridges. Within this space, there are play structures, swinging benches, and pavilions perfect for dining.

Get the gang together and fish for bass, bluegill, and catfish on this picturesque lake. This state park offers year-round fishing, boat rentals, and camping options if you want to make a trip out of it.

Enjoy horseback riding at Shelby Farm Stables

See it from the trees with Go Ape!

Choose from 20-minute to 2-hour rides and get a chance to spot deer, ducks, and wildlife while on horseback in the scenic Shelby Farms Park. They also offer private sunset rides!

The Treetop Journey is perfect for all ages with its suspended bridges, obstacles, and ziplines. Immerse yourself in nature for

Learn more at memphistn.gov/parks.

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F E AT U R E

By Jon W. Sparks

From the Peanut Gallery

“Say kids, what time is it?”

When I’m trying to figure out what’s on TV that my granddaughters might enjoy, my overwhelmed mind goes back to the days of the late 1950s when the only suitable TV fare for kids was Saturday mornings. It was agonizing to choose among three shows, one on each network, because if you didn’t watch it in real time, it was gone. If your sibs didn’t want to watch what you did, you were out of luck. It wasn’t quite the Dark Ages since we all had cathode ray tubes, but imagine a society so bereft that there were no consumer video recording devices. But I had an experience that made all the juvenile angst worth it. I got to attend The Howdy Doody Show. I was assuredly a fan. Between 10 and 10:30 a.m. every Saturday, I sat inches away from the black and white Magnavox TV (despite my mother’s importunings) and carefully drank in the antics of Howdy and Buffalo Bob Smith. Somehow, because my parents knew somebody who knew somebody, I was able to get on that show, sitting in the notorious Peanut Gallery with a bunch of other well-scrubbed, Ikeliking, all-American youth. When the day came for me to go to Rockefeller

Center, home of the NBC studios, I was in heaven. This was TV. Real television. Going live everywhere, except maybe not the Soviet Union. Mother and I went into the building and everything became entirely surreal for me. I saw one of my favorite people, ventriloquist and show host Shari Lewis, walking down the hallway between two giant men and laughing. I was very much in love. Mom and I were eventually directed to the studio where Howdy Doody was filmed, and I had never seen anything like it. Everything was either much bigger or much smaller than I had imagined. There were 40 of us kids who streamed into the bleachers that made up the Peanut Gallery. In front of us was a whirlwind of activity — cameras being rolled around, production assistants with headphones, some people in costumes (the stars!), and lights hanging and buzzing everywhere. A timer big enough for everyone to see was mounted on a stand and count-

ing down the moments to broadcast. One man, very much in charge of the Peanut Gallery, glared at us. “All right you kids, shut up!” he said. “Shut up!” Where, I wondered, was the joy? “Now you do exactly what I tell you to do or I will kick you out of here,” he said. We paid attention. He instructed us on when to applaud and who to watch. We rehearsed the opening seconds of the show, where Buffalo Bob intones, “Say kids, what time is it?” and we all holler, “It’s Howdy Doody Time!” We’d then sing the show’s theme song which, apparently, is one of the first times audience participation was used on TV. The thrill of being there had turned to terror by the time our handler got through with us, but we did watch that timer with the attentiveness of professional card players and when the second hand hit 10 o’clock we listened for the cue and then hollered for all we were worth. Then we forgot about the jerk and CONTINUED ON 26 MEM PH I SPA R ENT.COM 2 5

Continued from page 25

Preschool Open House

Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal School Saturday, Nov. 13 at 9 a.m. | 250 Lemaster For parents of children age 2-4 by June 1, 2022 Meet the teachers and learn about our play-based Preschool program. Email learnmore@gslschool.org to RSVP.

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and our city.

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more about poverty, hunger, and homelessness in our community. Give. See how you can help support high-impact programs. Visit community.mifa.org 26

O C T O B E R 2 0 2 11

began to enjoy the show, although we weren’t watching it quite the way we’d been accustomed to. Buffalo Bob used cue cards! Everybody used cue cards! Clarabell the clown, being mute, did not, of course, but he did prance around squirting his seltzer bottles and causing general havoc, which we loved. It was a swirl of activity whether on air with performance energy, or off air with the controlled chaos of changing for the next scene. We couldn’t hear some of the scenes with the marionettes such as Howdy conversing with Phineas T. Bluster. They were a bit far away and were miked, but not so we could make out what they were saying. I don’t know what the show was about, not that there was a meaningful “plot.” We were essentially extras, there to provide a certain atmosphere but otherwise ordered to stay out of the way. Over to the right was a tiny booth that I realized was the Ruff and Reddy Show. It was just cartoons, of course, with just the live-action host Jimmy Blaine. It came on after Howdy Doody, and we were allowed to watch a bit of it although all we saw was the host reading cue cards. The cartoons were going on elsewhere in the ether of broadcast TV. But still! As we left, the jerk was smiling (he was done with us and thus, relieved), and saw to it each one of us got a big manila envelope with swag. I remember it contained a cardboard marionette of Howdy Doody, with metal brads allowing the arms and legs to move. It was cool, yet ultimately unimpressive as a functioning toy. There was other stuff as well, most of which I don’t remember. But there was a package of Hostess Sno Balls, pink and covered with shredded coconut. I was well pleased, even though the Hostess cupcake was my preference. But loot is loot and it meant I’d been a member of the Peanut Gallery and a footnote to a footnote of American Pop Culture. So when I am confronted today with entire networks that are devoted solely to children’s programming, I settle into a comfortable bemusement. And think about Shari Lewis.

O U T S TA N D I N G

T E A C H E R

by Risha Manga

NAKIA WHITE

Nakia White has been teaching K-4 for the past 21 years, primarily third grade. This year, White is teaching fourth grade ELA and Social Studies at Schilling Farms Elementary. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee - Martin in Human Learning (K-8) and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from UT.

White says. “The students were allowed to chat White’s grandmother’s love for teaching helped with one another about various topics, and I her discover her own love for teaching. “I come from a family of teachers,” she says. “My grand- used breakout rooms as well.” She extensively used various teaching tools mother was a third grade teacher for many years, like Schoology and Classkick, which allowed her and her love for teaching made an impact on my to instantly see if a student missed classwork. career choice.” Even though it posed challenges, especially White takes immense pride in being a teacher when technology glitched, she grew to love it. “I and holds herself to the highest standards. “I was able to broaden my teaching experience by have very high expectations for myself as a using different technology strategies to push out teacher and the children that I have the privilege engaging lessons to my students,” says White. of teaching,” she says. Children are the future and the center of the world for their families. “This experience allowed me the opportunity and confidence to teach an online summer learning And she believes it’s her responsibility to ensure that the kids are learning more than just aca- STEM class.” White has transitioned back to teaching in demics. “It is my job to do my best to help them person. “I did miss the face-to-face interaction academically and socially,” she explains. with the students,” she says. “I missed the hugs White embraced pandemic-related changes and being able to really connect.” last year as a virtual teacher. “Students were White models her classroom on the Golden actively engaged through lots of PowerPoints, fun facts, animations. I played lots of games,” Rule — she wants to treat the children the way

she would expect her own children to be treated. “I know how I want my own children to feel when they are in a classroom,” she says. White implements a positive environment in her classroom. “I am constantly modelling appropriate behaviors, complimenting when students are showing positive behaviors.” This reward/compliment encourages the students to do it again, helping the target behavior to increase. Being responsible and taking responsibility is a life skill that can go beyond the classroom. When a child is involved in finding the solution, they are more likely to stick with it. “I also work to help students accept responsibility for negative behaviors and find solutions to unacceptable behavior,” White says. White enjoys teaching — and the fact that she is learning and growing with her students as well. “Although I am the teacher, I learn so much from these wonderful little humans,” she says. 

We want to shine a light on your child’s teacher, or even a teacher who made a difference in your life. Submit your nomination today by emailing teacher@memphisparent.com. M E M PH I SPA R ENT.COM 27

H E A LT H

By Toby Sells

Kids and Covid

The Delta variant is making kids sick, but a vaccine is predicted for them later this year.

In late August, 39 percent of all Tennessee Covid-19 cases were in children (aged 0-18 years), and Shelby County had been hit the hardest. At that time, there were 14,329 kids with Covid. About 60 percent of those infected kids were 11 to 18 years old (meaning many of those could have been vaccinated). Since the pandemic began, Shelby County has seen more sick kids than anywhere else, more than 21,000. (Compare that to Nashville’s next-highest kids’ case count at about 13,300.) Kids weren’t immune to Covid’s alpha variant; many got sick. But the Delta variant sent case counts though the roof, thousands of students to quarantine, and record numbers of kids to hospitals here. Covid complications had 27 children in Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in the last week of August, seven of them in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 21 in acute care. Those figures had been climbing but had leveled off. Doctors have speculated that the virus didn’t mutate to be more aggressive in children. The variant is just way easier to get and to give, and with no vaccines for children until recently, it spread through an unprotected population. Delta’s rapid rise, especially in children, surprised the world, particularly those in the U.S. Covid wasn’t over in June here. But case counts fell to lows unseen since the very early days of the pandemic, thanks to high vaccination rates. Leaders began to breathe easier. Much of the response machinery began to be shelved. The county mask mandate was removed, for example, and the never-used ($51 million) overflow hospital was closed in the former Commercial Appeal building. But this wasn’t hubris. It seemed to be kind of over. Delta’s surprise came not just for 28

government leaders but for scientists, too. “I certainly was not expecting the way it is playing out,” said Dr. Diego Hijano, an infectious diseases expert with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “We always knew the virus would move through the vulnerable and the unvaccinated. Obviously, it makes sense that all the kids that

Dr. Diego Hijano

Dr. Aditya H. Gaur

are unvaccinated are getting infected, and that’s driving a lot of what we’re seeing. But I did not expect things to change so dramatically.” In terrible timing, Delta rose as kids were on their ways back to school. Remote learning was off the table for most in Shelby County. Face masks were made

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optional across the state by an executive order by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. Going to school, it seemed, came with no guarantee for complete safety. However, another state order more recently allowed schools to offer a virtual option. Two lawsuits — both from Shelby County — are challenging Lee’s mask optout. As of late August, Shelby County Schools reported 857 total student cases of Covid-19 and 123 staff cases. However, more than half of those cases were reported in one week, from August 20th-26th. What’s a parent to do? Le Bonheur and the Memphis-based University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) issued must-read back-to-school recommendations, updated with the latest guidelines from federal, state, and local governments. For Dr. Aditya H. Gaur, a St. Jude infectious disease expert, “Science today says wearing masks will make a difference.” And kids can lead the way. He remembered a St. Jude colleague once asked his daycare-aged child about how to get ready to go to school. “Going to the daycare means putting on your socks and shoes, and it means putting on your mask,” Gaur said. “So that child has grown up in a pandemic and the mask is similar to his socks. “If his parents can role model … and normalize it by saying this is what is needed, that child is going to do it. I think if we, as adults, can be similar — which is the mask guidance is back on — we’ll wear the mask. If that’s how we take it, our kids will wear the mask.” Vaccines for kids aged 5 and up are on the way. And the pressure for them is growing. In mid-August, a bi-partisan group of nearly 100 U.S. House members signed a letter urging the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) for information on the drug and when it may be available. In January, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institue of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, predicted a children’s vaccine by spring or summer 2021. Asked recently, Fauci pushed that timeline to late fall or early winter.

D A D

L I B S

By Jeff Hulett

MERRY AND BRIGHT — IN MEMPHIS

Make Memphis your destination for shopping and festivities this holiday season.

Memphis is known for its soul, grit, and rock-and-roll, but it’s also a great place to visit during the holidays. Hopefully you will be welcoming in friends and family, but if it’s just you and your crew, the city has innumerable offerings for a staycation. Never too crowded and always chock-full of fun and festive happenings, the Bluff City is primed to put any Grinch in the holiday spirit. And when you work up a thirst for something sudsy and delicious, Memphis has your back on that front, too! For a wintry and cheerful trip in December focused on shopping and dining, I would suggest swinging by the iconic Peabody Hotel. Their happy hour is a great way to taste some local beers and get the lay of the land before hitting the town for some shopping and unique cuisine. During the holiday season, the lobby is decked-out with Christmas trees adorned with ornaments of all shapes and sizes, as well as one of the biggest gingerbread houses you will ever see. The Peabody also features several one-of-a-kind shops, including the famous clothier to the King (Elvis!), Lansky Bros, and an enticing spa. The duck march is a must-see, too. But whatever you do, don’t forget to take a selfie atop the Skyway roof. Did you really visit if you don’t get a picture up there? Depending on your taste and budget, there are many wonderful restaurants

Downtown, including Huey’s, Central BBQ, and the Majestic Grille. A flurry of decorations up and down Main Street and South Main, and of course Beale Street, will put you in a great mood. All restaurants offer local beers and spirits and a wide selection of other libations. While Downtown, visitors should also pop in to the Old Dominick Distillery. They make some of the most delicious vodkas and bourbons this side of the Mississippi River and also offer fun tours and tastings. After dinner, there’s always something to do, as live music is a mainstay on Beale. But you can also head to Midtown for some live music at funky haunts like Lafayette’s Music Room or Bar DKDC. Or you can just stay put Downtown and grab a cold beer and Soul Burger at Earnestine & Hazel’s.

There’s no right way to do Memphis — it’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of town. If you wake up feeling a little sluggish, Saturday morning is all about breakfast at the Arcade. Try and sit at Elvis Presley’s booth, if it’s available. The sweet potato pancakes are to-die-for, and you might as well grab a Bloody Mary or mimosa to wash it all down. Then you can head over to Broad Avenue or Cooper-Young for some shopping. Broad has many boutique shops, including Falling into Place, Five in One Social Club (just off Broad), and Merchants on Broad. Gifts for everyone on your list can be found at these unique yet fun shops. In the historic Cooper-Young district, you can stop by Burke’s Books and Goner Records for the book enthusiasts and music-lovers on your list. Lunch at Soul Fish or the Young Avenue Deli will get your energy back up, too — both have extensive beer selections that feature local and regional favorites. Once you feel good about collecting gifts for the loved ones on your list, it might be time for a little sightseeing. The Big River Crossing pedestrian bridge Downtown is a great spot for catching photos of the Memphis skyline. Then head up to the sky deck at the Bass Pro Pyramid. And don’t sleep on taking in a Memphis Grizzlies or Tigers game. By this point, it’ll be time to grab dinner. If you like Italian food with a Southern twist, you can’t go wrong with Catherine & Mary’s, or if you haven’t had your fill of ’cue, it may be the right time to try the Rendezvous or Cozy Corner. Saturday nights offer endless possibilities, as Memphis rarely stops the party. Spots to check out include Paul Raiford’s Disco, Blind Bear, and Loflin Yard. While this isn’t an exhaustive list on Memphis’ wintry game, it’ll get you off and running. Remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Jeff Hulett is a freelance writer, musician, and PR consultant in Memphis. He lives in the Vollintine Evergreen neighborhood with his wife Annie, two girls Ella and Beatrice, and dog Chalupa. MEM PH I SPA R ENT.COM 29

C A L E N DA R

OCTOBER

1 • FRIDAY Family Movie Night: The Addams Family. Germantown Performing Arts Center, 1801 Exeter. 6-8 p.m. Features a hilarious and spooky film, food truck fare, and live entertainment. Bring your blankets, chairs, and snacks for a relaxing night of family togetherness. $10. gpacweb.com.

The Secret Garden. Theatre Memphis, 630 Perkins Extended. Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, 2 p.m. Through October 10. An orphan is sent from India to live in her distant family’s gloomy mansion on the desolate English moor and discovers a magical adventure. $25. theatrememphis.org. Mid-South Fair. The Landers Center, 4560 Venture Drive, Southaven, MS. Through October 3. Features a petting zoo, fair food, rides, attractions, exhibits, contests, and more. $10. midsouthfair.com. 662-280-9120. Mistletoe Merchants of Memphis. Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove. FridaySunday, October 1-3. Featuring fun events, silent auctions, raffles, and shopping. $10. midsouthmediagroup.com. 2 • SATURDAY Carnival of Creativity. Off the Walls Arts, 360 Walnut. Noon-5 p.m. Enjoy an innovative art experience featuring dance classes, Lucky 7 Brass Band, art exhibit, puppets, free stuff, and more. off thewallsarts.com. 7 • THURSDAY Creative Works Conference. The Halloran Centre, 225 South Main. Thursday-Saturday, October 7-9. Join creative workshops and enjoy a market of creative goods. $399, $139 for students. creativeworks.co. 8 • FRIDAY Memphis Greek Festival. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 573 North Highland. Friday-Saturday, October 8-9. Features Greek food, entertainment, dancing, fun, and games. $3. memphisgreekfestival.com. Fall Plant Sale. Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry. Friday-Saturday, October 8-9 and 11-12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; October 11-15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. A variety of plants, shrubs, and flowers, as well as fall favorites for immediate color, such as mums, pansies, and more. memphisbotanicgarden.com. 636-4100. 9 • SATURDAY Harvest Festival. Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Features pumpkin painting, kid’s activities, arts and crafts, hayrides, and educational stations for family-friendly fun. agricenter.org.

By Julie Ray

V & E Art Walk. Vollintine Evergreen Greenline, corner of Avalon and Tutwiler. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Features 60 local artists and other attractions celebrating the arts in the MidSouth including artists’ booths, activities, food trucks, craft beer, wine, and more. veca.org.

vacancy, Iris Orchestra is rising toward the sun again. The concert will open with Felix Mendelssohn’s “String Symphony,” which opens with a dark tone and concludes optimistically, drawing parallels to the past year. $45. irisochestra.org.

10 • SUNDAY Walt Disney Archives Tour & Tea Party. Elvis Presley’s Graceland, 3734 Elvis Presley. 1-2 p.m. A charming tea party with petite sandwiches, cookies, and tea service in an enchanted Instagram-worthy setting, followed by a tour of “Inside the Walt Disney Archives.” $30/adult (11 and up), $20/child (3-10). graceland.com.

20 • WEDNESDAY Beatles vs Stones. Orpheum Theater, 203 S. Main. 7:30 p.m. The Fab Four, represented by tribute band Abbey Road, will engage in a barrage of hits against premiere Rolling Stones tribute band Satisfaction. $45. orpheummamphis.com. 525-3000.

13 • WEDNESDAY Food Truck Garden Party. Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry. 5-8 p.m. Explore the garden after hours and enjoy a variety of local food trucks, live music, and a cash bar. Dogs are welcome. $10. memphisbotanicgarden.com. 636-4100. 14 • THURSDAY The Tambourine Bash. Levitt Shell, 1928 Poplar. 7 p.m. Featuring 30+ musicians performing for the benefit of Music Export Memphis where funds go directly to the artists. $25. musicexportmemphis.org. 15 • FRIDAY Family Campfire Party. Memphis Botanic Garden. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Learn about plants and animals that come out when we go to bed. Participate in an old-fashioned campfire singalong while making s’mores over the fire. $10 members, $15 nonmembers. Children under 2 are free. memphisbotanicgarden.com/familycampfire. 636-4100. Garden Circus. Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove. Friday-Sunday, October 15-17, 6:30 p.m. Features amazing feats of athleticism with aerial acrobats plus elephants, tigers, and more. $10-$20. spectacularcircus.com. Family Movie Night: Monsters, Inc. Germantown Performing Arts Center, 1801 Exeter. 6-8 p.m. Features film, food truck fare, and live entertainment. Bring your blankets, chairs, and snacks for a relaxing night of family togetherness. $10. gpacweb.com. 16 • SATURDAY Magic Carpet with Lucky 7 Brass Band. Buckman Arts Center, 60 Perkins Extended. 10 a.m. Girls and boys ages 2 and up are invited to grab their magic carpet for an adventure across the globe with the Lucky 7 Brass Band. Pay what you can with donations accepted. buckmanartscenter.com. 537-1483. Iris Orchestra in the Sunlight. Germantown Performing Arts Center, 1801 Exeter. 7:30 p.m. After a season of concert hall

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21 • THURSDAY Repair Days. Metal Museum, 374 Metal Museum. Thursday-Sunday, October 21-24. Features repairs, community, art, and family fun. metalmuseum.org. Mushroom Festival. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. Thursday-Sunday, October 21-24. Camping festival dedicated to mushrooms. Features classes and demonstrations, live music, tastings, wild food forays and dinners, identification tents, guided hikes, and more. memphismushroomfest.com. 22 • FRIDAY Pelican Fest. Reelfoot Lake State Park, 2595 Highway 21 East, Tiptonville, TN. FridaySaturday, October 22-23. Take a pelican pontoon boat tour, taste local food fare, enter the photography contest, see the bird program, and more. tnstateparks.com. Bigfoot Festival. Memphis Made Brewing Company, 768 Cooper. 2-6 p.m. A familyfriendly celebration of Sasquatch including stories, films, costumes, trivia, great local beer, and everything Bigfoot. facebook.com/ memphisbigfootfestival. Vegan BBQ Cook-Off & Festival. Tiger Lane, 335 South Hollywood. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. This Halloween edition will feature a cooking contest, food samples, fitness information, and costume contest + candy for the kids. Free$20. missfitnessdiva.com. 23 • SATURDAY Dia de los Muertos Parade and Festival. Memphis Brooks Museum, 1934 Poplar. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy a reverse parade where families are invited to honor ancestors and celebrate the cycle of life and death. Free. cazateatro.org. River Arts Fest. Riverside Drive along the bluffs. Saturday-Sunday, October 23-24. A street celebration of the visual, performing, and culinary arts with attractions and activities for all ages. riverartsmemphis.org. A Ferry Tale. Orpheum Theater, 203 S. Main. 7:30 p.m. Experience a refreshing

splash of musical theater at the premier of this hip-hop/soul fantasy featuring homegrown singers, actors, dancers, and rappers from the greater Memphis area. $15-$45. orpheum-memphis.com. 525-3000. 27 • WEDNESDAY Haunted Mansion Panel and Graceland Tour. Online from Elvis Presley’s Graceland. 9-9:30 p.m. Featuring Disney guest speakers via Zoom sharing more about Walt Disney World’s eerie estate, The Haunted Mansion, a tour of the “Inside the Walt Disney Archives” exhibition, and a tour of the Graceland Mansion with live tour guides. $75. graceland.com. 30 • SATURDAY Halloween Hike. Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Get an active start to your Halloween celebrations by taking a not-so-spooky walk through the garden. Treat and activity stations along the way will feature pumpkin storytime, bat crafts, a bone dig, and more. $5 members, $10 nonmembers. Under 2 free. memphisbotanicgarden.com. 636-4100. Halloweekend at The Disney Archives Exhibit. Elvis Presley’s Graceland, 3734 Elvis Presley. Saturday-Sunday, October 30-31. All guests touring the exhibit on Saturday and Sunday who wear a costume receive a holiday treat bag just for dressing up. $8-$15. graceland.com.

NOVEMBER

5 • FRIDAY Nature by Firelight. Lichterman Nature Center, 5992 Quince. 5-9 p.m. Take a Night Hike around the lake, then warm up by campfires and enjoy toasted s’mores and beverages. Check out the night sky with the staff of the MoSH Planetarium. Experience live nocturnal animal encounters and make a craft. $25/adult (includes tickets for two glasses of wine), $15/youth. memphismuseums.org. Black Violin: The Impossible Tour. Orpheum Theater, 203 S. Main. 7:30 p.m. Lead by classically trained string players Wil B. (viola) and Kev Marcus (violin), Black Violin uses their unique blend of classical and hiphop music to overcome stereotypes while encouraging people of all ages, races, and economic backgrounds to join together to break down cultural barriers. $25-$45. orpheum-memhpis.com. 525-3000. 6 • SATURDAY World Junior BBQ League BBQ Championship. Autozone Park in Downtown Memphis. Grand champion wins $5K along with other cash prizes awarded in each category (chicken thighs, spare ribs, pork butt, brisket). Sign up online to become a member and compete. Entry fee, $150. worldjrbbqleague.com.

7 • SUNDAY Call of the Wild: Illustrated Edition. Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center, 3663 Appling. 2 p.m Experience Jack London’s classic using 180-degree projection screens. This performance immerses you in Buck’s world with a unique mix of illustrations from the book’s first edition, period photographs, and animation. $10 youth, $15 adults. bpacc.org. 385-6440. 11 • THURSDAY Crafts & Drafts Holiday Market. Crosstown Concourse, 1350 Concourse. 10 a.m. A unique shopping experience that showcases a curated group of independent local artists, makers, and crafters. Guests will enjoy local shopping, creative family activities, and tasty local brews. Free. memphiscraftsanddrafts.com. Disney’s The Lion King. Orpheum Theater, 203 S. Main. Tuesday-Friday, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. November 11-28. Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist making its triumphant return to the theater. $34-$154. orpheum-memphis.com. 525-3000. The Toymaker’s Apprentice. Circuit Playhouse, 51 Cooper. Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m., and Sunday, 2 p.m. November 11-December 22. Old Gideon has a decision to make: Will Jack or Libby be the new apprentice for Gideon’s Toyshop? Watch as the most unique interview process gives each child an equal chance. But only one will win the job in this sweet holiday show celebrating hard work, fair-mindedness, and the joy of artistry. $42. playhouseonthesquare.org. 12 • FRIDAY Little Shop of Horrors. Playhouse on the Square, 66 Cooper. Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m., and Sunday, 2 p.m. November 12-December 22. When a green outer space creature lands in your flower shop, what do you do? Feed it people of course. Hapless flower shop worker, Seymour, only wants the love of his life to notice him. When his little blood sucking plant grows to become the talk of the town, Seymour will get more than he bargained for. $42. playhouseonthesquare.org. 19 • FRIDAY Clue. Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center, 3663 Appling. Friday-Saturday, November 19-20, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, November 21, 2 p.m. Let it never be said that Mr. Boddy didn’t host interesting dinner parties. Take shelter on a dark and stormy night with six guests as they try to solve a murder in , based on the cult-classic film and board game. $25. bpacc.org. 385-6440.

20 • SATURDAY Memphis Water Lantern Festival. Martin Luther King Riverside Park. Features food trucks, music, and lanterns. $35. Saturday, November 20, 2-7 p.m. waterlanternfestival.com. Iris Orchestra: The Gen-Z Cellist. Germantown Performing Arts Center, 1801 Exeter. 7:30 p.m. At only 21 years old and the youngest cellist to win the International Tchaikovsky Competition, Zlatomir Fung has proven to be a star among the next generation of classical musicians. $45. irisochestra.org. 21 • SUNDAY Craft Food & Wine Festival. The Columns. Celebrate culinary magic benefiting Church Health clinical services. $65. Sunday, November 21, 3 p.m. craftfoodandwinefestival.com. 26 • FRIDAY A Holiday Juke Joint. Hattiloo Theatre, 37 South Cooper. Friday, 7:30 p.m., and SaturdaySunday, 2 p.m. November 26-December 19. A montage of dance, singing, music, and acting by some of Memphis’ most talented artists will fill you with cheer and make you want to try to do a backflip. Four-seat box, $150. hattiloo.org. 525-0009.

DECEMBER

3 • FRIDAY A Christmas Carol. Theatre Memphis, 630 Perkins Extended. Opens Friday, December 3, 7:30 p.m., and continues through December 23, Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, 2 p.m. Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is approached by the ghostly vision of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him of an upcoming spiritual journey. $35. theatrememphis.org.

Nutcracker: Land of Sweets. Buckman Arts Center, 60 Perkins Extended. Friday, 6 p.m., and Saturday, 2 p.m. December 3-4. The timeless tale of Clara and her beloved Nutcracker performed by the dancers of the Buckman Dance Conservatory, offering a fresh interpretation of this endearing holiday classic. $25 for adults, $20 for students. buckmanartscenter.com. 537-1483. 4 • SATURDAY Todd Oliver & Irving. Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center, 3663 Appling. 7:30 p.m. Have you ever met a talking dog? Get ready. Meet Irving, the funniest comedian on four legs, and his ventriloquist friend Todd Oliver. Todd brings his family-friendly fun to you for a dog-gone, side-splitting good time. $25. bpacc.org. 385-6440. St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend. Beale Street, Downtown Memphis. 7 a.m. Run in-person or virtually and be a St. Jude hero. stjude.org. MEM PH I SPA R ENT.COM

C A L E N DA R 5 • SUNDAY Memphis Israel Festival. Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove. Enjoy all things Israel including food, culture, market goods, activities, and more. memphisfoi.org. 12 • SUNDAY The Southern Literary Salon Series: Truman Capote’s Christmas Memory. Tennessee Shakespeare Company, 7950 Trinity. Sunday, December 12 and 19, 3 p.m., and FridaySaturday, December 17-18, 7:30 p.m. Featuring Capote’s interviews, correspondence, and novel dialogue created while he lived in the South. $20-$27. tnshakespeare.org. 759-0604. 21 • TUESDAY Hamilton. Orpheum Theatre, 203 S. Main. December 21-January, 2, 2022. The story of America then, told by America now. $59. orpheum-memphis.com. 525-3000.

JANUARY

21 • FRIDAY Mike Super — Magic & Illusion. Halloran Centre, 225 S. Main. 7:30 p.m. Mind-blowing illusions combined with the hilarity of a headline comedian. Super has taken the performance of magic to new, mainstream levels that will reach out and literally touch you. $37.50. 525-3000. orpheum-memphis.com. The Mountaintop. Hattiloo Theatre, 37 South Cooper. Friday, 7:30 p.m., and SaturdaySunday, 2 p.m. January 21-February 13. A gripping reimagination of events the night before the assassination of the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 3, 1968. Four-seat box, $150. hattiloo.org. 525-0009.

28 • FRIDAY Matsuriza Taiko. Buckman Arts Center, 60 Perkins Extended. 8 p.m. Audiences feel the rhythm as they execute intricate, musical arrangements on giant drums in a dazzling display of pure, physical stamina. Matsuriza mesmerizes audiences with its rolling, clashing sound and dramatic choreography. $35. buckmanartscenter.com. 537-1483. 29 • SATURDAY History That Doesn’t Suck! Live Podcast. Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center, 3663 Appling. 7:30 p.m. Join Professor Greg Jackson for an in-depth and entertaining take on history that is suitable for all ages. With immersive sound effects, lights, and more, this ain’t no boring lecture. $30. bpacc.org. 385-5588. Magic Carpet: Taiko for Tots with Matsuriza. Buckman Arts Center, 60 Perkins Extended. 10 a.m. Girls and boys ages 2 and up are invited to grab their magic carpet for an adventure to Japan to explore Taiko drumming with 32

Matsuriza. Pay what you can with donations accepted. buckmanartscenter.com. 537-1483. 30 • SUNDAY Iris at the Brooks: Jeffrey Kahane. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, 1934 Poplar. 3 p.m. Jeffrey Kahane joins Iris Orchestra musicians for an intimate afternoon of eclectic solo and chamber music selections. $40. irisochestra.org.

FEBRUARY

3 • THURSDAY The Mersey Beatles. Halloran Centre, 225 S. Main. 7:30 p.m. The world’s most authentic and only Liverpool-born Beatles tribute band was the resident band for over a decade at the Cavern Club where The Beatles got their start. $35. 525-3000. orpheum-memphis.com.

25 • FRIDAY Jason Bishop. Halloran Centre, 225 S. Main. 7:30 p.m. Features stunning and original state-of-the-art magic. $37.50. 525-3000. orpheum-memphis.com.

MARCH

11 • FRIDAY BPACC Youth Theatre presents The Addams Family. Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center, 3663 Appling. FridaySaturday, March 11-12, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, 2 p.m. March 13. Every family has its quirks, but none like the Addams family. Wednesday, now grown, brings home a sweet, smart man from a respectable family — a fact she and her father Gomez try to desperately hide from her mother Morticia. $15. bpacc.org. 385-6440.

16 • WEDNESDAY Alton Brown Live: Beyond The Eats. Orpheum Theatre, 203 S. Main. 7:30 p.m. A culinary variety show. Audiences can expect comedy, music, highly unusual cooking demos, and more potentially dangerous sciencey stuff. $35. orpheum-memphis.com. 525-3000. 24 • THURSDAY Fairytales on Ice. Buckman Arts Center, 60 Perkins Extended. 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sit on the edge of your seat as professional, champion ice skaters, Broadway singers, and cirque performers captivate audiences of all ages. $35. buckmanartscenter.com. 537-1483. 27 • SUNDAY Bartlett Community Concert Band. Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center, 3663 Appling. 7:30 p.m. A dynamic musical organization dedicated to performing the best in concert band music for Bartlett and the greater Memphis area. $10. bpacc.org. 385-6440.

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ONGOING

MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITS Children’s Museum of Memphis. Wacky Hollow. October 1-November 28. Children are guided through the forest maze to discover that someone has upset the balance of Wacky Hollow. The object: solve the identity of this mysterious prankster in this family-friendly adventure. cmom.com. 458-2658.

Dixon Gallery and Gardens. “Dia de los Muertos: Student Altar Exhibition.” October 9-November 7. Exhibition featuring ofrendas (altars) designed by Mid-South students, a Monarch butterfly collaborative art-making activity, and stories behind some of the iconic symbols that represent this celebration of life. Graceland Exhibition Center. “Inside the Walt Disney Archives.” Through January 2, 2022. Exhibition celebrating the legacy of The Walt Disney Company archives. Features behindthe-scenes access never before granted to the public. graceland.com. 332-3322. HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Agricenter International. Mid-South Maze. Thursday-Friday, 4-10 p.m., Saturday, noon10 p.m., and Sunday, noon-8 p.m. through October 31. Features corn cannon, haunted maze, and hayrides. $10. midsouthmaze.com. Priddy Farms. Pumpkin Patch. Through November 6. Pick your own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and enjoy activities like the petting zoo, corn maze, and hayrides, haunted woods, bounce houses, and more. Maze is haunted on weekends. Free. priddyfarms.net. Jones Orchard. Corn Maze. Friday, 6-11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, noon-11 p.m., October 1-31. Find your way through the maze and enjoy fall in the orchard. $8. jonesorchard.com. Lichterman Nature Center. Scarecrow Building Contest and Exhibit. October 1-November 10. See the seasonal scarecrow exhibition created by contest participants. The scarecrows can be frightening, friendly, silly, or serious. memphismuseums.org. Memphis Zoo. Zoo Boo. October 15, 17, 2224, and 28-31, 6 p.m. Features candy stations, magic shows, straw mazes, and more. A limited number of tickets are available for each night. All tickets must be purchased online in advance. No tickets will be available for purchase at the gate. $13 members, $15 nonmembers. memphiszoo.org. Shelby Farms Park. Starry Nights. November 26-January 22. Experience the magic of the holidays with dazzling displays featuring more than 3.5 million lights. $20. shelbyfarmspark.org.

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