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Happy New Year!
January marks a new year full of promise and fresh beginnings. It’s a great time to take stock of the prior year. What are the activities and who are the people that brought you joy in 2024? Where are the areas in which you would like to make changes in 2025? Make a plan to ensure that you continue to surround yourself with the people you love doing what makes you happy. Set some goals to improve in the areas where you want to see growth and change. Make sure to consider what you love about Memphis and include plans to eat at your favorite restaurants, shop at your go-to local stores and visit some of our city's wonderful museums and parks.
In this issue, we look to the experts at OrthoSouth to help keep us injury free as we engage in our favorite sports activities. We offer some tips on how to maintain a healthy, nutritious diet with advice from the head trainer at Iron Tribe Fitness and the owner of Memphis Nutrition Group.
We also celebrate some of the ways in which local Memphians show their devotion to our city and its residents. Derek Fordjour created Contemporary Arts Memphis to help local aspiring artists realize their dreams. Stacey Saed, owner of Annestasis, provides a compassionate approach to helping Memphians downsize, get organized and move, eliminating stress along the way. Walnut Grove Dental Group has been providing dental services to loyal Memphians for over 40 years.
Also, check out the useful household tips and tricks provided by Oxford, Mississippi-based designer Baylor Pillow.
As you open your 2025 calendar, try to make sure to add things you look forward to, remove stressful or unnecessary activities and show gratitude for the city we all love.
Happy new year from all of us at River City Lifestyle!
JEANNIE TABOR, MANAGING EDITOR @RIVERCITYLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Christian Owen | christian.owen@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kit Garrott | kit.garrott@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Jeannie Tabor | jeannie.tabor@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lindsey Tonkin | lindsey.tonkin@citylifestyle.com
PHOTO EDITOR
Bonner Morgan bonnermorganphotography@gmail.com
MARKET AREA COORDINATOR
Malise Culpepper | malise.culpepper@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Amy Birdsong Golden
STAFF WRITERS
Margaret Ledbetter, Morgan Zanone
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jeff McMillen
COPY EDITOR
Jo-Ellen Sharpe
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Maude Burrow
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Steve Jones, Uday Sripathi
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Learn
Proverbs 3:5-6
inside the issue
Get Back to the Activities You Love
SAM SCHROERLUCKE, MD
Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Dr. Sam Schroerlucke is a fellowship trained orthopedic spine surgeon and member of the brand new OrthoSouth Spine Institute, a multidisciplinary group of spine specialists at OrthoSouth who recognized the unique needs of patients experiencing back, neck, and related painful conditions, and who are working together to deliver specialized care pathways to address these needs.
The goal of the Spine Institute is to simplify your patient journey and give you confidence that you are on the best treatment path for your unique situation, utilizing our complete toolset of skills and knowledge for your benefit. Navigating healthcare for back and neck pain doesn't have to be complicated.
Call (901) 883-6287 or book your consultation online today for a 5-star patient experience with Dr. Schroerlucke and the OrthoSouth Spine Institute.
business monthly
Falling Into Place
Falling Into Place, founded by Mary Claire White, is an original shopping experience and an interactive one. It offers a fun, hands-on candle-making workshop. In this hour-long class, you'll craft three scented soy candles while enjoying complimentary wine, snacks, and a 10% discount on store purchases. Located in the Broad Avenue Arts District, this boutique also offers unique gifts from independent designers. fallingintoplace.net
The Sewing House
The Sewing House is a community founded on family tradition. Here, you can develop or enhance your sewing skills, including quilting and heirloom techniques. Owner Jennifer Reith, inspired by her grandmother's quilt shop in Alabama, has created a space for sewers of all levels. She promotes peaceful, interactive entertainment in our technology-dependent and fast-paced world. With various classes and a passion for sewing, it's the perfect place to learn, make, slow down and enjoy a longloved craft. shopthesewinghouse.com
The Mane Wildling
Enjoy a private floral design party at The Mane Wildling. Whether it's a birthday, shower or team-building event, workshops at The Mane Wildling will encourage you to embrace the wild side and create festive arrangements to take home and enjoy - a fresh way to celebrate with friends and family! @themanewildling
STUDIO1688
Studio 1688, in partnership with Blown Fuse Glass Art Mobile Studio, has served the Memphis area for 18 years. It is owned and handled by a local artisan who offers beginner-friendly glassworking classes, glassblowing demos, and custom glass creations. The studio hosts private events like birthdays, girls’ nights and team-building activities. You can find their work at local art fairs and events or visit their home studio at 3553 Faxon Ave. @blownfuseglassart333
Five in One
Five in One began as an art space where maker parties were held every Monday night. Now, the shop has settled into its forever home on Summer Avenue. Housed in a charming 1950s former bicycle shop, it’s now a hub for screen printing, woodworking, retail, and creativity. Explore their online store for tees, pins and other unique items celebrating the city. fiveinonesocialclub.com
The Art Project
Their inviting tagline is: "Make art. Leave the mess." The Art Project in Overton Square offers workshops and various adult private events, from birthdays and team-building to mod-podge and mimosas. You can participate in a step-by-step instruction or a relaxed, free-form art activity. Projects are customizable for a truly unique and creative experience. With beer available and BYOB wine, it’s the perfect setting for a memorable, interactive event. artprojectmemphis.com
The Bead Couture
The Bead Couture, a female-owned gem in Memphis, offers a wide range of beads, jewelry supplies, repairs, custom work and handcrafted pieces. With over 30 years of experience in beads, metalwork and enameling, owner Joy Moore brings her expertise to every design. Sign up for one of Joy's workshops with friends for a colorful and creative outing. The shop features a stunning selection of her original works, making it the perfect place to find novel pieces or learn new jewelry-making skills. thebeadcouture.com
WALNUT GROVE
Dental Group
A Legacy of Connection and Care in Memphis
ARTICLE BY KIT GARROTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN
For over 40 years, Walnut Grove Dental Group has been a trusted dental provider in Memphis, evolving to meet the needs of its community while staying true to its founding values. Originally established in 1979 as Meadows & Avery Dental Partnership, the practice has grown, embraced new technologies and rebranded.
The practice began when Drs. Dan Meadows and Jim Avery purchased a local dental office from a retiring dentist. The building was originally a duplex—half dental clinic, half apartment. Over the years, the practice expanded, undergoing significant renovations in 2006 to accommodate its growing patient base while retaining its welcoming, home-like atmosphere.
In 2015, Dr. Kaleb Page, Dr. Avery’s son-inlaw, joined the team, bringing fresh energy and an appreciation for the practice’s legacy. By 2021, Dr. Page had taken ownership, and in 2023, the practice rebranded as Walnut Grove Dental Group to honor its enduring roots and bright future.
ADAPTING THROUGH THE DECADES
Through every stage of growth, Walnut Grove Dental Group has prioritized delivering excellent care while embracing advancements in dental technology. “Dentistry has rapidly evolved over the last decade,” Dr. Page shares. “I think healthcare as a whole has tried to become more approachable and less intimidating for people over the last fifty years.”
Among the innovations the practice now uses is a digital scanner for impressions and models. “Think of a camera that takes several still images and stitches them together to create a virtual dental model,” Dr. Page explains. “It’s much quicker and more comfortable than the traditional putty impressions.” Digital X-rays, a mainstay for years, also play a key role. “They give clear images with less radiation and are much faster than film X-rays used to be,” he adds.
The practice also incorporates modern treatments like dental implants, clear aligners for teeth straightening and other options that weren’t available in the past. These tools allow the team to address both dental and overall health comprehensively. “There are so many connections between dental health and overall health,” Dr. Page emphasizes. “We want to help patients maintain or improve those areas when needed.”
CONTINUED >
A LEGACY OF CARE
Walnut Grove Dental Group maintains long-standing relationships with its patients based on the trust the practice has earned in Memphis.
“Healthcare has become more approachable, and we’ve embraced that,” Dr. Page says. “We want every visit to feel comfortable and welcoming, from the moment a patient calls us to the time they leave. Familiar and friendly faces make all the difference.”
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
As Walnut Grove Dental Group grows, Dr. Page and his team remain committed to blending advanced care with personal connection. With the recent additions of Dr. Jessica Daves and Dr. Hanna Orland, the practice is well-equipped to serve Memphis families for generations to come.
For Dr. Page, dentistry is about more than treatments—it’s about creating lasting relationships and ensuring that every patient leaves with a healthier smile and a positive experience. “At the end of the day, everything we do is about serving our patients better,” he says.
ORIGINAL BUILDING PICTURED IN THE LATE 80S
In 1979, Drs. Avery and Meadows purchased the practice from a retiring dentist, and originally the building was a duplex with a dental practice on one side and an apartment on the other. The clinic space was renovated in 2006, while caring for patients at a second location in Cordova around that time.
Pillow Talk with BEEP Design
DAILY DESIGN TIPS AND HOUSEHOLD HINTS FROM BAYLOR PILLOW
ARTICLE BY AMY BIRDSONG GOLDEN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BEEP DESIGN CO.
Photo by Taylor Square Photography
Photo by Lindsay Pace Photography
A New Year’s resolution sparked designer Baylor Pillow to be more active on social media. He found it hard to define online relevance in the design world. “But here’s the thing. I am absolutely—no question—bored to death with the look-at-me culture of Instagram. And let’s be real, the design industry breeds some of the worst offenders,” he jests. “My dilemma was clear. I knew I needed to step up my online presence, but the idea of consistently styling and photographing projects felt impossible.”
To achieve his goal, he began sharing tips, tricks, hints and advice each day in 2024 – all wrapped in an Instagram story format. “Homemaking, art and design? That’s where I have deep curiosity and, as a result, some real knowledge. I really want to be seen as a resource in those areas because I truly want to help people enjoy their things and, therefore, enjoy their lives. Two of my biggest tenets are don’t save for the best and don’t be overly precious . You should enjoy your fabulous things every day; if you don’t, you may as well not have them. I want to take it a step further and coach followers through the best ways to spend on those fabulous things and how to take care of them,” he explains.
Baylor started the Oxford, Mississippi-based BEEP Design Consulting in 2020 which focuses on residential and commercial interiors nationwide. With an emphasis on function and beauty, he believes in heirloom interiors : spaces made for comfort, socializing and livability. He was named an Emerging Designer for Arts Memphis’ 2024 Art by Design.
“The tips have come from everywhere,” he shares. “Things I’ve learned, vintage cookbooks I obsessively collect from the Mississippi Delta (where I’m from). Other books like Sally Quinn’s The Party, Lulu Powers’ Food to Flowers, George Grotz’s The Furniture Doctor, anything from Martha Stewart’s amazingly thorough and organized publication and advice from other designers and friends. Even followers have shared gems,” he notes.
He stuck with the resolution for the whole year through each daily post. Baylor was able to grow his online presence, engage with followers and share his design projects in a genuine way. This month, we are sharing 25 of his tips in honor of the new year.
1. You should flip diffuser sticks about every other week to keep the scent fresh. So many people lament that diffusers don’t work - but they have the reeds sitting in the same position for a year plus.
2. You’re probably putting your garbage bag in wrong. Typically, they come off the roll inside-out. The loose seam should be to the inside of the trash bin. It will be much more durable this way and fit the can more easily.
3. Reduce flies and mosquitoes from entering your house by spritzing the interior of exterior door frames with a 50/50 solution of Pine-Sol and water - works on deck furniture, too.
4. The natural way to reduce ants in your kitchen is to keep fresh sage growing on the counter.
5. Keep lampshades level by placing a washer between the finial and the lampshade fitting.
6. Use a little bit of mineral oil, beeswax spray or even Vaseline to wipe curtain rods 1 to 2 times a year. It keeps the rings from dragging.
7. If you need to melt butter in the microwave, place some of the wrapper over the top of the bowl to insulate and keep it from exploding everywhere inside.
8. An emptied dishwasher is as important as an emptied trash can before a party.
9. When packing a suitcase, lay the items most likely to wrinkle at the bottom. The pressure from the clothes on top keeps them held upright.
10. Best not to give a hostess gift you expect to be used or served immediately. It adds extra stress and can feel self-serving.
11. Never pour hot oil down the drain. Instead, line a bowl with aluminum foil and pour the hot oil in. Once it hardens, pull the foil out, roll it into a ball and toss.
CONTINUED >
“Hire your designer when you hire your architect. Make sure they share the same ethos or at least respect each other’s.”
12. Easiest way to peel a boiled egg: let it cool, then tap the top and bottom on the countertop and roll the egg across a paper towel with gentle pressure. Usually comes off in one or two pieces.
13. Mayonnaise polishes furniture really well. Apply a small amount on a cloth until it’s covered in a thin layer. Let it sit for a few hours, then buff it off with a microfiber cloth. This tip sounds crazy - but it works!
14. Have a wallpaper pattern that you love but don’t have a wall? Maybe it’s a remnant, or is over budget? Consider adding it to the back of a piece or the interior of a drawer. Don’t worry. This method will not hurt the integrity of a piece. Backing, shelves, and drawer boxes are usually not original on antiques.
15. Keep a few old wine corks on hand to cut and use for wobbly furniture.
16. Cashmere and wool shampoos are a bit of a marketing scam in my opinion. I hand wash in cold water with baby shampoo and baking soda and have never had an issue.
17. Avoid using chlorine bleach if you have water higher in iron, i.e., water from a well. The reaction between chlorine and iron causes yellowing over time.
18. Red wine and dish soap in a bowl attract and trap fruit flies.
19. Remove dents left by furniture in rugs and carpets by placing ice cubes on top of the indentations and letting them melt and dry. Repeat as necessary.
20. Hire your designer when you hire your architect. Make sure they share the same ethos or at least respect each other’s.
21. Use a seam ripper to easily clean up the roller head of your vacuum if it is clogged with hair, threads, etc.
22. Use a lint roller to regularly dust lampshades and upholstered headboards.
23. It really takes time to finalize paint colors. Rule of thumb: look at the color in three locations and lighting conditions. Make this easy on yourself by painting 16 x 16 drywall boards and moving them around over a few days as the light and weather change rather than painting all over different spots of your walls.
24. If you don’t have an herb stripper (most people don’t, and I don’t want one), you can pull woody herbs like rosemary and thyme through one of the holes of your box grater and get the same result.
25. If you don’t have space to house a ton of serving pieces, opt for the following:
• 9” salad plates as a workhorse for sides, appetizers, garnishes, desserts, etc.
• Silver bowls (16 oz.) - anything from a jar of olives to a bag of Lay’s looks good in a silver bowl.
• Good-looking food-grade wax paper. For larger foods/servings - use your sheet pans for serving and just put wax paper beneath.
• White ceramic roasting pans that go from oven to table are worth their weight in gold
LEARN MORE: Follow Baylor Pillow and BEEP Design Consulting at @beepdesign.co Stay tuned for a downloadable release of all of his 2024 Daily Tips.
ARTICLE BY MORGAN ZANONE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN
ORTHOSOUTH AND OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS WORK HARD TO KEEP ATHLETES HEALTHY
IT TAKES
A VILLAGE
No one can deny the popularity of sports in this country. In 2023, the National Football League’s 32 teams collectively generated over $20 billion in revenue. That doesn’t even include other professional sports where fans are equally passionate, like basketball,
avoid and recover from injury. It takes a village to keep our athletes healthy on and off the playing field.
With the rise in popularity of competitive sports at an earlier age, it is more important than ever to understand the importance of taking care
“CROSS-TRAINING IS UNIVERSALLY BELIEVED TO BE THE KEY TO INJURY PREVENTION.”
baseball and ice hockey. It’s not just professional sports that Americans love. Most people have a favorite college team, and everyone enjoys watching their children play sports at the grade school and high school levels. Many of us continue to play sports as we age. While an athlete in his 50s is not likely to play contact football, he might like to play tennis, golf or a pick-up game of basketball. Athletes sustain injuries at both professional and developmental levels. OrthoSouth’s Owen Tabor, MD quotes his mentor as saying, “If you are going to compete, you are going to get hurt. That’s just a part of the game.” Because of this, there is much research in the medical industry on injury prevention and recovery. The doctors at OrthoSouth and an athletic trainer at Memphis University School (MUS) share their opinions and expertise on what it takes for an athlete to
of our athletes before an injury occurs. The same sentiment applies to older amateur athletes. There is a difference in treating an injured high school athlete versus an injured 50-year-old athlete, but the prevention techniques are quite similar.
According to Tyler Cannon, OrthoSouth MD, “cross-training is universally believed to be the key to injury prevention at any level or any age. As for older athletes, or weekend warriors, many of the same prevention techniques apply. For adults, cross-training should involve a mix of cardio, strength training and flexibility each week. The best way for adults to avoid injury is to spend some time working on balance and flexibility, like taking yoga and Pilates classes. A person is unlikely to incur an injury in those classes, and it helps decrease the chances of getting hurt while playing other sports.”
CONTINUED >
Katie Upchurch, athletic trainer at MUS, says their athletes “lift weights frequently in order to develop muscle structure that can handle the physical demands of the sports we offer.” Many high schools supplement these practices with yoga, Pilates and even ballet. At MUS, they tailor their lifting and stretching exercises to support each specific sport’s movements.
According to Tom Giel, OrthoSouth MD, “Nutrition is vitally important for all aspects of life and sport. Fortunately, a well-balanced diet provides all the key nutrients most people need to recover appropriately. Early in an injury, I will often recommend a brief two-to three- day period of rest. Beyond that, I encourage most people to cross-train in a different sport that helps you meet your fitness goals.”
Even with the best preventative practices, injuries occur from time to time. Depending on the age and fitness of the athlete, the treatment varies for the individual. For instance, when a high-school football player incurs an injury, there is a team doctor and an athletic trainer on the sidelines. The doctor evaluates and diagnoses the injury on the spot then later determines the course of action for the best healing. Injuries to high-school athletes are typically acute injuries, mostly sprains and fractures. It is rare for younger people to require surgery, as they tend to heal more quickly and their bones straighten out as they grow. After the injured high-school student receives a diagnosis and treatment from the orthopedic doctor, an athletic trainer
“EVEN WITH THE
BEST PREVENTATIVE PRACTICES, INJURIES OCCUR.”
can implement the long-term approach to the athlete’s recovery. Upchurch incorporates strength and conditioning exercises alongside electric stimulation, a Hypervolt massage gun, heat and/or ice, and other methods to support recovery.
Orthopedic doctors are seeing more repetitive stress injuries in young athletes due to specialization in one sport at a young age. A lot of young athletes focus on a single sport and play it virtually year-round without much time off. The “Tommy John” phenomenon, the drastic increase in the number of Tommy John elbow surgeries, is due to young baseball pitchers throwing too many hard pitches during the extended competitive baseball seasons. Giel says, “The most common advice I give young athletes is to play multiple sports through the high-school age if possible. By the very nature of the different sports, different stresses will be encountered and mitigate the risk of over-use issues. It’s not uncommon for a teenage athlete’s repetitive stress injury to force him to quit the game he loves before entering high school. It’s most common in tennis and baseball, but it can happen in other sports as well.”
OrthoSouth's Tyler Cannon, MD and Katie Upchurch, MUS athletic trainer
According to Cannon, “More common injuries in adults include chronic injuries, like tennis elbow or Achilles tendonitis. For older people, the path for healing is slightly different than a high-
“ORTHOPEDIC
healing processes. To earn their qualifications, these trainers must hold at least a master’s degree, undergo a rigorous training process, and pass a national board exam. They create programs to
DOCTORS ARE SEEING
MORE REPETITIVE STRESS INJURIES IN YOUNG ATHLETES”
school athlete. Of course, assessment and diagnosis are similar, but surgery may be necessary and physical therapy is almost always part of the healing process. The most consistent rehabilitation policy is to understand and accept the natural rate of healing and tailor the rehab to the stage of the healing process. It’s important not to push too hard too early or wait too long.”
Orthopedic specialists, like the doctors at OrthoSouth, are key in recovering from sports related injuries. Equally important are the athletic trainers who help implement the preventative and
prevent injury, treat acute injuries on the sidelines and help rehabilitate those same injuries so the athletes can return to play. Upchurch points out that the state of Tennessee does not mandate that there be an athletic trainer on the sidelines of high-school games and notes, “If you wonder how important that care can be, ask Demar Hamlin. Athletic trainers literally saved his life.” The importance of these specialists is paramount in keeping athletes healthy and competing in the sports they love… they are “the village” looking out for the athletes’ good health.
2025 LAUNCHES
CITY CURRENT
PREMIERE EPISODE
A Healthy Conversation: We are focusing on health and wellness this month, featuring a modern menu of festive nonalcoholic beverages, shared by Sisco Larson, general manager of Joe’s Wines and Liquors in Midtown Memphis
Including excerpts performed by singer-songwriter and native Memphian Sherman Tabor. Music
Contemporary Arts Memphis
ARTICLE BY MARGARET LEDBETTER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN AND STEVE JONES
Artist Derek Fordjour Opens Innovative Art Space in Memphis
“Front Turn Double,” 2024 by Derek Fordjour - Bonner Morgan Photography
Creativity runs deep in the River City and a new resource is available to aspiring artists. Renowned artist and Memphis native Derek Fordjour is back with a vision to inspire students. He is channeling his own success into building opportunities for young artists in his hometown. His latest project, Contemporary Arts Memphis (CAM), which began as a series of fellowships for young artists, is now a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Memphis.
Designer Avni Pathak and Amanda Asbell, CAM Project Director, in the dedicated library space - Bonner Morgan Photography
Since 2021, CAM has operated out of a classroom at the University of Memphis, providing a summer program for a select number of students. The new space on Marshall Avenue opens doors to a much larger community, offering year-round access to after-school programs, weekend workshops and summer intensives. “Our whole goal is to get kids into art colleges or programs—not just painting, but the entire ecosystem: art history, curating and everything in between,” explains Derek “Pat” Patterson, CAM’s Executive Director.
CAM also offers college counseling, writing support and scholarship application assistance to help students turn their dreams into reality. As Patterson puts it, the new facility is more than just a place to create art—it’s a launchpad for futures.
L to R: Amy-Beth Rice, Derek Fordjour, Avni Pathak, Derek Patterson, Christy Gilmore, Amanda Asbell - 2024 CAM Awards and Exhibition - Steve Jones Photography
2024 Summer Fellowship painting - Steve Jones Photography
For Fordjour and his team, CAM is the realization of a lifelong dream. “My dream for CAM has always been to build a community of support and instruction for as many young people as possible, regardless of their background,” he says. “This building brings us one major step closer to realizing that vision more fully.” Through its programs, CAM will continue to provide opportunities for Memphis youth to hone their skills, apply for scholarships and explore the possibilities of artistic expression. As Fordjour puts it: “This isn’t just about creating art—it’s about building futures, one artist at a time.”
Located in the vibrant Edge District, CAM spans an impressive 4,500 square feet in a thoughtfully repurposed 1940s building. Designed to nurture creativity, the space includes large studios and a gallery anchored by an original piece by Fordjour himself. The Memphis native earned his BA at Morehouse College before receiving an MEd in Arts Education at Harvard University and an MFA in painting at Hunter. His work is featured in multiple important collections around the country including the Whitney Museum in New York and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, as well as the private collections of notable artists like Jay Z, Beyoncé and Drake.
The facility itself is as inspiring as the work being done within it. Designed by interior designer Avni Pathak, the space is an urban oasis. Every detail has been carefully curated, from sound-dampening panels in the entryway to serene light in the studios. She worked closely with Fordjour and his team to maximize the CAM experience. “Artists throwing ideas around has the same energy as fireworks igniting inside a building,” says Pathak. “That brilliance is reflected in every corner of this space,” she says. Even practical features have a creative twist. An old elevator shaft has been reimagined as stylish storage,
“It’s a place where kids can get their reps in and practice their craft.”
- Derek Patterson
while custom lockers and a dedicated library ensure students have everything they need at their fingertips. Student work is on exhibit in the gallery space and even in the restrooms which are adorned with custom wallpaper created from student paintings. The wallpaper will be rotated regularly to spotlight new talent.
“This was like coming home to the classroom,” says Pathak, whose background in graphic design informed many of the decisions. Derek and his team gave her a lot of freedom to express herself as that is the intention of the entire project, a space where artists’ visions come alive.
Bonner Morgan Photography
This visionary project is supported by grants from the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis and the Shelby County Commission among others, underscoring its importance to the health of the broader community. CAM bridges the gap between professional artistry and aspiring talent, providing a space where economic and geographic barriers dissolve.
Patterson compares the space to a gym for athletes. “It’s a place where kids can get their reps in and practice their craft,” he says. Studio space, often prohibitively expensive, is now accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
CAM is more than a space however, it’s a movement. With its innovative design, passionate leadership and focus on community impact, it promises to be a cornerstone for Memphis’ creative future.
“This isn’t just about creating art -- it’s about building futures, one artist at a time.”
- Derek Fordjour
CAM Provides opportunities for students that extend far beyond traditional classroom experiences. Derek Fordjour is pictured here with a CAM student. Steve Jones Photography
Derek Fordjour speaks at the CAM ribbon cutting. Steve Jones Photography
FROM THE RIVER CITY KITCHEN
Turkey Chili GOOD CHILI
Like most folks, we love to have a good soup at home in the winter. We also like to “clean up” our eating after the holidays. I created this turkey chili a couple of years ago, and it is still a family favorite.
I use Penzeys Spices. We are big fans of their chili powder. For this recipe, I use one tablespoon of mild and one tablespoon of hot; you can adjust it to your family’s taste buds. I started using two cups of bone broth and one cup of low-sodium broth - like everyone else, adding protein where I can is a bonus. You can use whatever vegetables you have in your hydrator - bell peppers, celery or any other to substitute for the zucchini. Enjoy!
ARTICLE BY MALISE CULPEPPER
• 1.5 pounds 93% lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/3 tsp minced garlic
• 3/4 cup diced zucchini or squash
• 4 cups raw spinach
• 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• Toppings: Avocado, cheese or sour cream
directions:
Step 1. Sauté ground turkey, onion and garlic. Drain if necessary.
Step 2. Add zucchini or squash, tomatoes, broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper and the bay leaf.
Step 3. Let simmer for at least half an hour.
Step 4. Add desired toppings and enjoy!
GOOD CHILI ingredients:
MIDTOWN
3050 Walnut Grove Rd. Memphis, TN 38111 (901) 458-8000 GERMANTOWN
9155 Poplar Ave., Suite 25 Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 624-6773 CORDOVA
7980 Fischer Steel Rd. Cordova, TN 38018 (901) 754-6161
ACHIEVE LONG-TERM RESULTS THROUGH A KNOWLEDGE-BASED INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH
Creating a Healthy Nutrition Plan
ARTICLE BY JEANNIE TABOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN
Photo provided by Iron Tribe Fitness
Josh Pentecost, head trainer Iron Tribe Fitness/Photo provided by Iron Tribe Fitness
“Before creating a plan, it is crucial to understand the client’s nutrition and health goals.”
Sifting through the daily onslaught of conflicting information about nutrition and diet plans can be confusing and overwhelming. How many ounces of protein should we be eating every day? Do we need to add electrolytes to water in order to be fully hydrated? Would a Keto-type diet of low or no carbs help one lose weight? If you follow any influencers or nutrition-based companies on social media, it feels like the answers to those questions can vary week to week with significant contradictions.
In order to get to the bottom of these questions and to build a base of knowledge from which to make nutrition decisions, I decided to consult the experts: Josh Pentecost, head trainer at Iron Tribe Fitness, and Blair Mize, owner of Memphis Nutrition Group (“MNG”). “Before creating a plan,” Josh says, “it is crucial to understand the client’s nutrition and health goals. My approach to food discussions will be different for the professional athlete who wants to compete versus the 75 year old grandmother who wants to be able to get up off the ground and play with her grandkids. It’s also important to determine if the client is looking for sustained, long-term change or trying to reach a short-term goal like slimming down for an approaching wedding, for example.” Josh wants to see each client as a whole person versus just a number.
Once Josh has assessed a client’s goals and their current health status, he helps them create a nutritious meal plan with specific goals. “Just having a plan in place is half the battle. Many people try to make their nutrition decisions without any parameters and that’s when temptation becomes irresistible.” Josh encourages clients to make their plans simple and easy to follow. For example, one of the elements of his personal
plan is to have one dessert a week. Ideally, this dessert will be phenomenal, like his wife’s triple fudge brownies with ice cream. “Knowing my plan includes a weekly indulgence helps me to be disciplined. For example, when people bring sweet treats to the gym I can say ‘no thank you’ and stick to my plan. If you make exceptions, all of a sudden the exceptions become the plan.”
Josh offered a few other things to consider when trying to stick to a healthy nutrition plan. “Most people have heard this, but it’s true. When grocery shopping, try to look for items around the outside of the store. These areas include fresh produce, dairy and meat – items that are less processed.” Josh mentioned the importance of getting the right amount of sleep. “It is definitely more difficult to make good decisions about your nutrition when you are not feeling your best. It is often tempting to satisfy a craving in the name of being tired.”
The next step after creating an individualized health plan, is to ensure that you reassess that plan after 3 or 4 weeks, ideally. “You should ask yourself –how is my body responding to the changes I’m making? If you are emotionally exhausted trying to stick to the plan, then it won’t be sustainable and changes need to be made.”
Back to the original questions about specific diet fads, like high protein or Keto, Josh reiterates the importance of knowing your overall goals. “If you are trying to gain muscle mass and don’t want to lose weight in the process, a high protein diet makes a lot of sense. If you are pretty happy with your weight and just trying to make healthy decisions, eating your weight in ounces of protein is unnecessary and could cause weight gain or an overall imbalance of nutrients.”
Ideally, we harken back to the advice we probably received from our parents as children, “Make sure that your plate is colorful.” Josh says a long-term sustainable goal is to get your calories from a balance of macro-nutrients, so 1/3 protein, 1/3 carbohydrates and 1/3 vegetables, with a small dose of healthy fat for flavor and satiety. Many people mistakenly think that they need to eliminate carbs all together from their diet, but Josh clarifies, “try to choose complex carbs that are more purposeful and take more time to process like legumes, peas, beans and whole grains.”
MNG owner Blair very much agrees that a balance of macro-nutrients is key to a healthy diet; however, her approach differs from Josh’s. MNG’s nutrition philosophy is based on Intuitive Eating, an eating framework focused on listening to your body’s internal cues rather than external diet rules. The primary principles are as follows:
Reject the diet mentality – Let go of diet rules and the constant pursuit of weight loss, which often leads to a harmful cycle of restriction and overeating.
Honor your hunger and feel your fullness – Learn to recognize and respond to your natural hunger cues and to listen for signs that you’re comfortably full.
Challenge the food police – Silence critical thoughts that label food as “good” or “bad.”
“A person’s relationship with food is multifaceted and deeply intertwined with emotions, relationships, culture, body image and personal experiences. With Intuitive Eating as the foundation of our approach, MNG empowers individuals with personalized education, guidance and support to reject restrictive diets and reconnect with their core values and the innate wisdom of their body.”
Blair adds, “Wellness and diet culture often stand in the way of intuitive eating. Wellness culture is a way of thinking that connects being healthy with being morally ‘good,’ and it promotes certain behaviors and a specific body type as the key to achieving that ‘goodness’.”
Blair provided more details about macro-nutrients and ways in which they interact with one another for improved health. “There are many benefits to a meal plan that includes all three macronutrients. For example, carbohydrates play a supportive role in protein absorption and utilization, influencing the efficiency of how the body uses protein. Combining carbs with protein in post-workout meals or snacks can enhance muscle recovery and growth. An overemphasis on protein, at the expense of carbs and fats, can strain the kidneys and cause other health issues.”
Blair informs me that the recommended amount of protein in one’s diet is 10-35% of total calories. Protein intake should be individualized based on your age, height, weight, activity level and overall goals; however, most individuals would benefit from consuming 20 – 30 grams of protein per meal. Potential reasons someone may increase protein intake include maintaining or building muscle mass, preserving bone health, and greater satiety throughout the day.
Concerning hydration, electrolyes like sodium, potassium and magnesium are minerals that are often added to water to help with hydration during exercise or in hot weather. These minerals help the body maintain fluid balance, muscle function and nerve signaling. Some research suggests that a small amount of carbohydrates can enhance the absorption of water and electrolytes, particularly sodium, because glucose helps transport sodium and water across cell membranes. So, electrolyte drinks with some sugar might be more effective for hydration than completely sugar-free versions, particularly when rapid rehydration is needed.
Low or no carb diets, like the Keto plan, work by causing the body to burn fat for energy instead of glucose. When the body doesn’t get enough glucose (carbs), it looks for other forms of energy to help us function. Without carbs, insulin levels drop and fat is released from our cells. The fat overwhelms the liver, which turns it into ketones, our body’s second choice for energy.
Striking the right balance of macronutrients and calories depends on each individual’s goal. Josh concludes, “there is no golden bullet. Be cautious before jumping into the latest, greatest diet fad. Everyone wants to sell books. Following a simple, goal-based nutrition plan with consistent effort will yield the best long-term results.”
Memphis Nutrition Group owner Blair Mize
Annestasis
ARTICLE BY JEANNIE TABOR
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START ANNESTASIS?
A: The genesis of Annestasis was the desire to combine all of my skills and talents and craft a career helping people move beyond their current circumstances. The name Annestasis
FOUNDER STACEY SAED BRINGS A COMPASSIONATE APPROACH TO HELPING CLIENTS
DECLUTTER, DOWNSIZE, ORGANIZE AND MOVE.
ANNESTASIS IS PRESENT FOR
THE DECISIONS THAT BAFFLE, THE TASKS THAT OVERWHELM AND THE RESULTS THAT EMPOWER.
means to be reborn. It started as a wellness lifestyle coaching service with a healthy home component. What it morphed into was a relocation specialty service company walking people through the trauma of moving into a vibrant new life. The greatest need has been found in the Senior Adult community, but it is really a service for all ages and stages.
Q: WHAT ARE THE GREATEST NEEDS THAT YOU SEE IN THE RELOCATION INDUSTRY?
A: The relocation industry has been treating moving as a logistical function. What is lacking is the human component. Moving is a top five life stressor and it is taxing for everyone involved. Annestasis is present for the decisions that baffle, the tasks that overwhelm and the results that empower. We want to treat our clientele like family during the process of moving or refreshing their existing spaces. Our tagline is “Creating Peace in the Process.”
Q: DESCRIBE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES.
A: My experience has been very positive. The senior adult living game has changed since my grandparents’ era. The spaces are generous, life giving and beautiful. One of my closest alliances is with OPUS East Memphis. I began conversations with Beth Robertson, the Executive Director, before the ground was broken at this premier property. What I offered is to be a bridge between the magical spaces they provide and the homes/possessions that people had no idea what to do with before they could move. Without a solution, they could see the dream but had no path to get there.
Stacey Saed
ANNESTASIS
Native Memphian Stacey Saed created Annestasis to satisfy a need in the Memphis community by creating inviting living and working spaces. When she’s not working, she enjoys hiking, meditation, painting and writing. She has a self-described patchwork quilt of professional experience, including a bachelor’s degree earned at the age of fifty from the University of Memphis. “Each of my former careers - wealth management, administration, management, interior design and motherhood have given me the tools to be an entrepreneur and the muscle to stick it out when it would have been so much easier to go work for another company,” says Saed. She has three college-aged children. “Creating something that is greater than myself and disruptive to the status quo is showing my kids how to rebound after many missteps and wrong turns. They need to see a ‘win’ and that keeps me pushing forward.” Companioning others as they are reborn after relocation into a new season of life is Saed’s corporate mission, but she says her children are her “why.”
Q: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INVOLVING ANNESTASIS IN A MOVE TO A RETIREMENT COMMUNITY?
A: The benefits of using Annestasis are partially practical and partially emotional. We are the hands and feet of those moving and their loved ones who can’t help in this specific way because of time, distance or both. We can make choices, project manage, gather the necessary supplies and vendors and shorten the process from months to days. We have known people who did not have artwork on their walls for months after a move as they were still going through boxes. Languishing in this state can be paralyzing and postpones the joy that awaits them on the other side of a long to-do list. Annestasis knows how to get someone fully home from beginning to end in a week or less, including the magnets on the fridge.
Q: WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
A: I absolutely love the reveal at the end of hanging the final piece of artwork! That is my happy place – providing those final touches. There are always kind words of praise as the relief rushes over them when we drive away with the last box and bag of trash. They can take a deep breath of relief and very often that means a tearful goodbye to me and my trusty team.
Q: TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR STAFF.
A: We have an incredible team with a variety of professional backgrounds. Each member brings the most important component to the project – compassion. The hard skills of proper packing and organizational techniques can be taught, but a heart that loves people is the most important piece of the puzzle.
Q: WALK US THROUGH A RECENT CLIENT’S EXPERIENCE AND THE STEP-BY-STEP MOVING PROCESS.
A: Recently my team and I had the distinct pleasure of helping a couple move out of their home of over four decades into a senior living facility. They couldn’t see how the furnishings they loved in their current home in Midtown would fit into their cottage at OPUS East Memphis. After my initial consultation, I was able to explain our process, take measurements of the property and the proposed pieces, create a “blue tape” floorplan in their new space so they could walk around the possible placement and then put it all into action. We met several times prior to packing day, and it moved like clockwork. We unpacked them, placed everything according to plan, hung the artwork and they were ready to acclimate by week’s end. They said they felt like they were living in a hotel. The things they left behind no longer weighed them down and their existing possessions showed up anew in a fresh light. It was one of the most rewarding opportunities we have experienced.
DAVID LUSK GALLERY
97 Tillman . Memphis
JODI HAYS Rockefeller
2024, spray enamel on deconstructed, sized and stretched textile with dyed cardboard collage, 24 x 18 x 2”
David Yurman
John Hardy
Gurhan
Roberto Coin
Elizabeth Locke
Monica Rich Kosann
Penny Preville
Hulchi Belluni
Raymond Yard
Antique Jewelry
Mednikow Diamonds
MONICA RICH KOSANN