Premier Issue/2009
Celebrate with
Cake!
MIDTOWN - 1680 Union 路272-3131 POPLAR PLAZA- 85 S. Highland 路458-6031
2
welcome to midtown magazine
It is exciting to publish the first
magazine dedicated to Midtown. My desire is to print a quarterly magazine that focuses exclusively on the Midtown citizen and Midtown business. We are proud to add this new publication to our family of magazines. It’s a project that has been in the works for some time, with the intention of offering Midtowners something you certainly deserve and need: your own publication.
In each issue of Midtown Magazine we’ll feature some of the people and places that make Midtown special. You’ll find interesting articles, new businesses that are investing in the Midtown community, and a helpful map and business directory.
In so many ways Midtown is Memphis.
Its residents are committed to living in the heart of the city, and in doing so make Midtown the center of all that Memphis has to offer. We look forward to watching Midtown grow and improve as our magazine tells the story that is uniquely Midtown.
M. Glenn Roseberry, Jr. Publisher
table of contents
3
4 Down and Derby | p4 Roller Derby diva tells all. A Great Compromise | p7 Memphis Heritage hatches new plan. Welcome to the Neighborhood | p10 New merchants mean more music , magic and medicine in Midtown.
7
The Attic of Memphis | p16 A little boy goes to the Pink Palace.
16 Publisher
M. Glenn Roseberry, Jr glenn@midtowncool.com
Account Executive/ Editor
What if You Couldn’t Read This? | p20 Memphis Literacy Council gives the gift of reading. Neighborhood 4-1-1 | p23 Find helpful phone numbers for Midtown. Photo Credit: Cover- Moonshine Folksinger, Valerie June; Photo by: Tamara Walker page 7-courtesy of Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Laura Netten laura@midtowncool.com
Account Executive/ Design Lauren Leggett lauren@midtowncool.com
Creative Director Pamela McFarland pamela@midtowncool.com
www.midtowncool.com
4
WNN && DDOOW Y B R E d Y B R E d
An average Thursday in the life of Instant Karmen
N
o Roller Derby Diva gets up at 6:30!” I shout in my head as my alarm so inconveniently repeats its irritating clanging again and again. My husband doesn’t move, so I hit him with my right hand, forgetting last night’s run-in with Rolls Royce – a member of our scrimmage team, not the automobile manufactured in England. Brendan runs in to remind me of his 7:15AM field trip which “we can NOT be late for.” I wonder if my penalty last night gave him the inspiration for that tone? I quickly remind him where he can take that tone and am once again alone with my rock of a husband. Reminder: grab bottle of Tylenol for purse; it’s going to be a long day for my right arm. Not surprisingly, I don’t manage to get out of bed until 7:00 and still need to get Ian & Ayden up and running. Their school starts at 8:15 but we’re members of the cool-parents-whoare-never-on-time club. ater that morning my phone is buzzing with texts from Derby Girls, confirming an invitation for the next volunteer project. I hold the position of Head
L
of PR and community service for the team this year, but I silence it when I’m approached by my husband/boss who informs me that another waitress has called in sick this morning... the morning I NEED to be off my feet! My shoulder is reminding me why violence toward your husband never pays off. Managing a restaurant seems like the perfect way for a Roller Girl to balance out her night-life aggression. inish lunch shift. Pick up boys from school. Run last-minute errands. Home at last my aching body hopes to rest for just a minute before I have to cook dinner, but the kids have other plans. We play, we fight and I’m ready for nothing but a nap before practice. I get dinner prepared but have to wrap it up to-go and we all head to the Fairgrounds for my derby date. he first hour of practice is filled with sprinting drills, footwork, and competitive relays. Speaking of exhausting endeavors, I should really check on the kids, who have inevitably turned our dressing rooms into Toys-R-Us. More drills, including pyramid
F
T
of pain (need I say more?). More Tylenol. I hit her; she hits me. Note: We are bound by an intense set of rules from the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA); hitting of the fighting variety is not allowed. We finish with stretching and then it’s back to mommy mode. “Let’s go. Pack it up.” It’s amazing how quickly children obey when spoken to by a sweaty, exhausted adult with bruises on their knees and black out under their eyes. A group of Derby Girls invite me for a round of beer, but the young ones trailing me are my reminder why I can’t tonight. t home it’s time to get all three kiddos in bed. Once this task is achieved, a glass of water & a monster intervention are requested. Sigh. A derby girl’s job is never done. “Instant Karmen to the rescue,” I yell down the hall. Does this monster know what I did to the opposing jammer tonight? He’s about to find out!
A
<
--Instant Karmen, aka Colleen Couch-Smith, is a mother, a restauranteur, and Angels of Death team member
5
ROLLER DERBY ROLLER DERBY 1011 10 Jammer:
One player from each team who is designated as the point scorer. Her job is to skate around the track, passing through the opposing team, thus earning a point. She ONLY has 4 opposing players attempting to injure her.
The Pack: Formation of opposing team to stop jammers from getting through • 5 players per team • Each team has 1 jammer and 4 pack players MRD Stats League beginning: Feb. 2006 Best team record: Angels of Death, undefeated 3 seasons in a row
For more Derby lingo visit www.memphisrollerderby.com
6 Michael Berryman’s family owned and operated
Your Full-Service Cleaners
Trust us with your suede, leather, comforters, and drapes. Alteration services available.
40% OFF
all pre-paid dry cleaning
1400 Madison 38104 · 726-0977 Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks & The Deli Fresh Experience ™
Try Lenny’s Hot Catering for your next event!
Midtown 12 S. Cooper St 901-276-5775
American Way Audobon 4726 Spottswood 4668 American Way 901-368-4215 901-202-4800
Highland 521 S. Highland 901-454-7077
Poplar/Humes Elvis Presley 2893 Poplar Ave 4103 Elvis Presley Blvd 901-320-0022 901-507-4298
French Village 4085 Summer Ave 901-327-0320
A Great Compromise
New Chick-fil-A Hatches on Union Midtown will have a new eatery in a unique landscape, thanks to a compromise between Chickfil-A and Memphis Heritage. After months of working together, the two groups created an appropriate compromise on the development site that included the historic Cumberland Archives building at Union and Rembert. The original plan to demolish the entire structure to make way for the Chick-fil-A restaurant was changed to maintain the Union Ave. façade and the great tower of the gothic structure. This compromise saves components of the historic building and preserves some of the integrity of the Union streetscape. Behind the façade and tower will be an outdoor eating area. Construction
7
started in April with an opening date planned for this fall. Memphis Heritage appreciates Chick-fil-A for working with the Midtown community on this development. CFA went the extra mile to support the wishes of many Midtown residents, thanks in part to the efforts of Memphis Heritage Executive Director June West and Midtown Development Corporation. Memphis Heritage’s mission is to educate and coordinate individuals and groups to save, improve, reuse, and maintain architecturally and historically significant buildings, streets, neighborhoods, parks, and cultural artifacts of Shelby County, Tennessee. Memphis Heritage’s offices, a 7,000 square foot home built in 1912, and a gift from Mr. Hal B. Howard Jr., are located in the heart of Midtown at 2282 Madison at Edgewood.
<
--submitted by Memphis Heritage memphisheritage.org 272-2727 info@memphisheritage.org
8
9
10 be cool, be connected . . . 10
welcome to the neighborhood
Minglewood Hall Located inside the beautifully renovated building at 1555 Madison, Minglwood Hall offers a wide variety of venue possibilities for any event. The hall is enhanced by versatile LED lighting to create the mood you desire. Other amenities include a sound system with a complete PA, lighting and engineer, full-service bar, catering kitchen, brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s/ groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rooms, temporary business offices, tracked heavy curtains for reducing the size of the space to create a more intimate atmosphere for smaller groups, full capacity accommodates 1,200 guests, complimentary onsite parking lot, courtyard and plaza entryway for pre-event cocktails. 1555 Madison Ave, 312-6058 minglewoodhall.com Midtown Nursery Mike Earnest has developed a perfect neighborhood garden shop on the corner of Central
and Cooper. They offer a variety of annuals and perennials. Also, be sure to come by for all your tropical plants needs, great for summer. Along with decorative pots and gift ideas, they have a custom outdoor kitchen and fireplaces on display. Each Thursday they offer fresh organic produce. 2120 Central Ave, 272-5724
J Fearn Bridal An elegant experience for an elegant bride, J Fearn Bridal Gallery is an upscale bridal salon that provides a unique and complete bridal experience for the elegant and sophisticated bride. By appointment only 2228 Central Ave, 278-0058 Jfearnbridal.com continued on page 14
11 to advertise call 314-9464 or 649-3602 11
we make room for living
Trend-spotters all agree: in 2009, the focus is on doing more with less. In the home, this means creating flexible rooms. From closet customization and wall-beds, to home office and storage solutions, let More Space Place create space-saving and cost-efficient alternatives to an expensive move or remodel project.
545 South Main Memphis, TN 38103 521-1350
memphis@morespaceplace.com
sign me up! <WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GOING ON> IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
submit your news for our e-newsletter OR sign up to receive it every month! email: lauren@midtowncool.com
midtowncool.com
map JACKSON
Vollintine-Evergreen
AVENUE
RHODES COLLEGE
NORTH PA
40
27
MCLEA
21 24
< To DOWNT
OWN
240
ENUE
14
9
BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART
POPLAR AV
18
Central Gardens
16 11 10
COO
PER
COLLEGE OF ART
15 29 1 13 25 12 7
UNION AV
ENUE
17 ANNESDALE
SAM
Overton Park
N
23 22
RKWAY
ZOO
EAST PARKWAY
12
>WALNUT GROVE>>
>to HIGHLA
ND STREET &
CENTRAL AVENUE
5 28 Cooper19 Young 3 2 6 20 4
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
U of M>>
26
n
SOUTHERN AVENUE
W
E
welcome to midtown! one mile
be cool, be connected . . .
S
business directory
DINING
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Boscos _ do Sushi & Lounge Young Avenue Deli Beauty Shop Celtic Crossing Fork It Over Cafe 1912
EATS
9 Ghost River Brewing 10 Baskin Robbins 11 Valenza Pasta 12 Smoothie King 13 Lenny’s Subs 14 Edible Arrangements 15 Bogie’s Deli
SERVICES 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Dr. James Elliott, DDS Midtown Nursery Krosstown Kleaners Midtown Acupuncture Steve Womack - State Farm Drake Cleaners Jewelry Market More Space Place Midtown Taekwondo
FUN 25 26 27 28 29
Ballet Memphis Pink Palace Memphis Zoo New Ballet Ensemble Memphis Heritage
13
2120 Madison 964 S Cooper 2119 Young 966 S Cooper 903 S Cooper 2299 Young 243 S Cooper
432-2222 272-0830 278-0034 272-7111 274-5151 278-0028 722-2700
beer lover’s restaurant lunch & dinner, sushi & noodles restaurant & large beer selection lunch & dinner, lounge Irish pub catering, lunch, meal delivery/pick-up affordable bistro fare
827 S Main 1680 Union 14 N Mclean 1995 Union 12 S Cooper 1430 Union 2098 LaSalle
278-0087 local brewery 272-3131 ice cream, soft serve & cakes 278-0078 fine pasta manufacturer, gourmet foods 726-1300 smoothies & health food 276-5775 deli & catering 278-0900 fresh fruit bouquets 272-0022 breakfast & lunch, deli & catering
10 S Belvedere Ste B 2120 Central 1400 Madison 917 S Cooper 961 S Cooper 197 N Evergreen 43 S Main 545 S Main 200 N Evergreen
276-7042 272-5724 726-0977 272-2600 725-1919 726-4464 522-9624 521-1350 725-5552
general dentistry lawn & garden needs dry cleaning & tailor acupuncture & natural apothecary auto, home & life insurance dry cleaning & alterations jewelry & repairs Murphy beds, closets & space saving design martial arts training
Multiple locations 3050 Central 2000 Prentiss 2157 York 2282 Madison
737-7322 320-6320 276-9453 274-5368 272-2727
professional dance company & school cultural and natural history museum zoo & aquarium school & performing ensemble historical preservation organization
midtowncool.com
14 14
welcome
continued from page 10
Martin Music For 12 years Cordova has been the home of Martin Music, but when founder Eric Martin created his home in Midtown, he knew this was where he wanted his business, too. “We’ve always loved Midtown.” Labeled a “high-end boutique”
music store catering to clients worldwide, Martin Music can sell you a Fender, teach you how to play it, and fix it after you’ve damaged it from all the abuse. Be careful though, if you walk in a customer, you may walk out an employee-many clients have become fulltime associates over the years. Martin Music is excited to bring their specialty to midtown. 1659 Poplar Ave, 729-2466 martinmusicguitar.com Midtown Acupuncture & Natural Apothecary Stressed? Anxious? Sports Injury? Jessica Puckett, MSOM, L.Ac is committed to helping her clients find relief at her natural health clinic. A nationally board certified
to advertise call 314-9464 or 649-3602 15 15 BLM_FUS_MID_AD.pdf
Acupuncturist, Jessica holds an MS Degree in Oriental Medicine and Nutrition, and is ready to share with others what helped her find a better quality of life. She offers a range of services including Chinese medicine and acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary and lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy. 917 S. Cooper, 272-2600 midtown-acupuncture.com Gallery Fifty Six Located within walking distance of the shops of the Palladio, this fine art gallery features the largest selection of local artwork in the Mid South. 2256 Central Ave, 276-1251 thepalladiogroup.com/ galleryfiftysix C
M
5/14/09
5:05:18 PM
FUSEw/ Film Contest June 1–July 15 E
mbrace that flicker of creativity that burns deep inside you! Start dancing, start filming, and start sharing your happy dance with us. Learn more at balletmemphis.org
Y
CM
Serving Memphians in Midtown for 20 years
MY
CY
CMY
K
James E. Elliott, D.D.S. General Dentistry
10 S. Belvedere,Suite B Memphis, TN 38104 276-7042 office hours by appointment
balletmemphis.org 901.737.7322
16
The attic of Memphis Like most small children growing up in Memphis we made a pilgrimage to the Pink Palace during my elementary years. As a third grader during the 60’s I had my own perspective when entering that old mansion that smelled of floor polish and other unidentified odors that told me this was a very old house. Walking into the first room, I froze in front of a huge bear standing with his ferocious mouth gaping, baring his menacing teeth. At first, I feared he was alive and a danger to all. I was both exhilarated at the sight and somehow hopeful that he was alive and as dangerous as he appeared. Standing like a statue myself, I was as stiff as my new Levi blue jeans with my mouth agape, doomed for sure if this creature was in fact alive. It took a few moments to realize that the bear was no longer a threat. My imagination
adjusted and I immediately began fantasizing about hunting the huge beast alone in the woods. I was quickly jerked from my trance b y my teacher, Mrs. Lane, and told to move to the next room. But wait! Didn’t she know that I was in little boy heaven? Didn’t she know that this is the stuff of legends? Next I came to an exhibit of a miniature circus, replete with moving parts of all the p a r t i c i p a nt s that a circus could possible muster in a young child’s mind: Elephants, fire eaters, curvy women on horseback and, of course, trapeze artists. All during my visit I was never allowed to truly explore this mansion of wonder and lose myself as only a seven year-old could. What was behind the locked doors? What was here that I was not supposed to see? What secrets did this old house hold? Years later I returned as an adult. continued on page 19
be cool, be connected
17
midtowncool.com
18
be cool, be connected
midtowncool.com
19
attic continued from page 16 This time I bought my own ticket. No one would tell me to hurry or to move on to the next exhibit because we were on a schedule. This time there were dinosaurs! Again, I stood in wonder. I lingered for hours reading every single fact displayed on exhibit plaques, taking in all I had missed during my childhood visit. This summer take your children to see the wonders of The Pink Palace. Let them dawdle along at their own pace, absorbing all there is that piques their imagination. Drink in the adventures that are behind every exhibit. When I took my own children for the first time I was the most patient parent I could be. We lingered. We imagined. We read. It made us think about all we could do and experience in the whole wide world, if only we dared.
if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Italian, we probably make it!
278-0078
Manufacturer of Fine Pasta
<
--M. Glenn Roseberry, Jr. five generations of family recipes ~House-made fresh pastas, sauces and soups~Gourmet foods, imported cheeses and olive oils~
14 N Mclean Memphis, TN 38104 Tu- Fri 10-6 Sat 11-3 Closed Sunday & Monday
20
what if you couldn’t read this? Write a check…study a menu …help your child with a book report…One in three people lack the reading skills to do any of these activities that many of us in the land of opportunity take for granted, but individuals range in ages of 18 to 80 share a secret, the secret of illiteracy. Memphis Literacy Council, founded in 1974 as a nonprofit educational organization that provides programs for low-literate adults and disadvantaged families, is doing what they can to change that. Ninety percent of the students attending the Memphis Literacy Council have some type of learning disability. The others have different stories; supporting families at a young age, thus discontinuing their education. Literacy Council Director Debra Hall adds, “The reason many seniors come is because they want to read the Bible.” Getting a person to voluntarily walk through the door of their Midtown location is the hardest battle as shame is a large factor. “Our students are self-motivated,” Hall
shares, “We cannot force anyone to come or tell them they must stay.” Many students keep their studies a secret to friends and family. Others share this information openly after seeing the difference it makes in their quality of life. One may wonder how illiteracy happens here in Memphis. Studies have shown that children of parents who do not know how to read are at a much higher risk of acquiring an illiterate lifestyle than children whose parents do read. “We want the parents in here. People say to focus on the future generation for change, but it starts with the parents setting the example,” Hall adds, “We are so proud to have people of all ages come in, with the goal of improving their lives as well as their families.” A startling statistic shows that illiterate seniors die at two times the rate of others. Hall declares, “When you can’t read the prescription bottle, or look in the phone book to find a local doctor, these are serious health hazards.” The facility boasts multiple tutoring rooms for individual or classroom style instruction. A computer lab with interactive programs and continued on page 22
21
midtowncool.com
midtown nursery corner of central & cooper
} NEW! Custom outdoor kitchens & fireplaces
fresh organic produce on thursdays come early for best selection
}
e38104e272-5724
2120 central
22
read continued from page 20
bookshelves filled with literature— most of which was donated by the community—help students implement l e s s o n s learned in their classroom. The atmosphere inside has a very welcoming feel as more than 350 trained volunteers provide tutoring for adults who want to learn. Hall and her amazing staff continue to encourage new volunteers of any age to step in and become tutors. “One of my great satisfactions in tutoring is seeing a student learn to read and how that changes their self
image,” veteran tutor Andy shares. The community of people in and around this establishment is one of excitement and hope. Here, relationships are built b e t w e e n students and tutors that last a lifetime. Imagine if you couldn’t read this article; you would have no idea what you were missing. --Lauren Leggett
<
Memphis Literacy Council 902 S. Cooper Street | 327-6000 memphisliteracycouncil.org
to advertise call 314-9464 or 649-3602
NEIGHBORHOOD 4-1-1 Center for Neighborhoods 526-6627 Central Gardens Association centralgardens.org Cooper-Young Community Association 272-2922 Cooper-Young Development Corporation 272-1459 Cooper-Young Business Association 901-276-7222 Evergreen Historic District Association Hotline 274-3432 or 274-EHDA Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Citizens Service Center 576-6500 Memphis Police Department 545-COPS MPD West Precinct (Union Ave.) 636-4600 Memphis Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office 576-6000 Memphis City Council 576-6786 Memphis Light Gas and Water 544-6549 Property Code Enforcement 576-7380 Vollintine-Evergreen Community Association Office 276-1782
23 23