In less than a couple of weeks, shoppers of Memphis malls will see the Salvation Army's Christmas Trees. Thousands of cards with chidren's names, ages and gift wishes will hang down the branches of the these Angel Trees in anticipation of a shopper willing to walk up to the tree, read a card and tell the volunteer standing by the tree: "give me one of your bags, I'm buying this child's Christmas gift."
By Hassan Allawi In less than a couple of weeks, shoppers of Memphis malls will see the Salvation Army's Christmas Trees. Thousands of cards with chidren's names, ages and gift wishes will hang down the branches of the these Angel Trees in anticipation of a shopper willing to walk up to the tree, read a card and tell the volunteer standing by the tree: "give me one of your bags, I'm buying this child's Christmas gift."
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By Jasmine Deener
The party began at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6. As participants walked into the University Center Ballroom, the Up 'till Dawn letter sending party started. The Up ‘till Dawn program began at the University of Memphis around 14 years ago. It is partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and is comprised of several year-round fundraising events, one of them being the Letter Sending Party. “This is out biggest fundraiser of the entire year," said volunteer Taylor Means. "Our goal for this year, we are hoping to get $150,000... We are sending out 25,000 letters." After participants walk in and register, they receive their bundle of 50 letters. They address the letters to friends and family and turn them back in so they can be mailed. Once the letters reach their destination, the recipients are able to mail in a donation and St. Jude receives all of the profits. About 51 years ago, then actor Danny Thomas opened the doors of St. Jude It is such a cherished hospital because they treat devastating pediatric diseases, mainly cancers, and no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay. By Kylcye Bolden
University District community citizens walked out of the council chambers on Oct. 15 after city leaders granted McDonalds' representatives a delay to reevaluate plans for their new location. The community was led out by their attorney, David Wade, who called the delay “fruitless” and a “waste of time.” Wade and many members of the UD community object to having a drive-thru loop on Highland and Southern Avenue, which completely neglecting the University District Overlay. Since its adoption, every project has “required some type of variance to meet the overlay,” said Brian Bacchus from the Office of Planing and Development. Planners for the new restaurant remain steadfast about having a drive-thru despite it conflicting with the plan meant to maintain the aesthetic of the UD. SR Consulting LLC representative, Cindy Reaves, assured the council members that the civil engineering firm would use the extra time to adopt a better plan that will meet “more of the intent of the overlay” but still include a drive-thru. By Natalie Cole
Generating business and gaining a following can be a daunting task when starting a business from the ground up, but making the right connections can make all the difference. The 41st Annual Crafts Fair offered the platform for many who are trying to give their business a boost as well as those who are established but also value additional exposure. No different than years past, “one of the city's most popular fall gatherings,” according to The Commercial Appeal, brought out “many, many thousands,” stated John Morrison, a volunteer for the weekend event. The fair offered something for everyone hosting over 250 vendors creating and selling jewelry, wood crafts, T-shirts, painting and clay sculpting as well as activities for kids, live music, a petting area,and multiple food options. The Pink Palace, who sponsors the event, has a mission statement to “inspire people to learn...,” which is exactly what people had the opportunity to do at the event as well as get in a little shopping. “This event is important because the museum likes to educate people, and so we had the first two tents just demonstrating the craftsmen that teach the old arts of weaving, pottery, glass-throwing, and stuff like that,” said Claudia Stenberg. By Margot Pera
For Mary Michael Ryan, perusing the booths and noshing on succulent treats at the Pink Palace crafts fair is a part of family tradition. “When I was in elementary school we went every year; all I really remember are the corn dog stands and the homemade biscuits,” Ryan said, laughing. “I always got to buy something too so that was fun.” This is the Pink Palace’s 41st year to put on the event at Audubon Park. Most of the staff that works at the fair are volunteers from an organization called Friends of the Pink Palace. “I think this fair is a great fundraiser for the museum because it gives artisans and craftsmen an opportunity to showcase their work, and it is also very family friendly,” said Sally Coleman, the fair’s treasurer. “On average, we raise about $100,000.” Ryan, a 25-year-old graduate student at Memphis College of Art., attends the fair for more than just a weekend festivity. For her, it is a place to get inspiration for her portfolio. “I love seeing the dedication of the people that work for themselves, selling their own art and being successful at it,” Ryan said. “I love seeing the different techniques used and meeting local artists.” By Kelsey Gilliam
Opposition to plans for a new restaurant in the University District continue to complicate McDonald's Corporation from constructing their new building on the Highland Strip. On Tuesday night, the city council debated whether to delay the vote on the application for the build of a new McDonald's on the southeast corner of Highland and Southern. President Cindy Reeves, from the SR Consulting firm, asked the council for a delay on proceeding forward until Dec. 17, in order for the design team to create an alternate plan to accommodate the wishes of the neighbors of the University District. Attorney David Wade advised the council to move forward on the vote since the issue has been on hold for five months. He argued that the proposed plans would not address the basic objection that the neighbors had with the original plan. The issue surrounding the vote on the application is the proposed loop-around drive-thru that will not comply with the University District Overlay. The overlay standards have been an issue with many developments in the University District. By Hassan Allawi The University of Memphis' college students were invited, along with students from the 13 other universities and colleges in the city to a two-hour celebration at Founders Park downtown. By Grant Milner
One of the most anticipated events every fall in the Bluff City is Memphis Madness. The event gives fans an opportunity to see the Tiger basketball team for the first time before the season gets underway. This year’s team has nine new faces, including seven freshmen and two senior transfers. “Memphis Madness can’t get here fast enough,” said freshman guard Markel Crawford. “Seeing that I was hurt when I came to the last Memphis Madness, the fans really love it and it’s just a good experience.” The doors to FedExForum will open Friday, Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m. for the event, preceded by a live disc jockey on the outdoor plaza starting at 4:30 p.m. When the doors open, the first 1,000 fans will receive autograph vouchers, as the men’s team will be signing autographs for fans from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Once the autograph session is completed, the agenda for the event inside the arena is unparalleled. “I know it’s going to be a lot of fun,” added freshman Pookie Powell. “Everybody is going to have a good time. That’s what made me commit here, Memphis Madness.” By Jasmine Deener
Many writers benefited from this past weekend’s Bookstock Memphis Area Author’s Festival at the Benjamin L. Hooks Library at 3030 Poplar Ave. The event took place from 10:30 am to 3:30pm. It was a family event with scavenger hunts for kids, a food truck outside as well as book signings and cooking demos inside. There were many different genres of books to choose from including Christian and faith based books, horror suspense novels and domestic abuse memoirs. All of the authors were from Memphis and showcasing their first or second book. “Today has been great," Sherri Scott, a local author promoting her first book, said. "I’ve met some very nice people. I’ve sold some books and I’ve been able to get out my message of abstinence to teens.” By Margot Pera
The ancient college student adage--“I’m too busy to exercise”--is no longer valid thanks to an initiative started by Memphis Healthy U called, “Midday Moves.” Every weekday at 12:30 p.m., students gather in the central courtyard near the University Center to exercise for 15 to 20 minutes. “President Martin wanted an exercise program students could do daily so we came up with Midday Moves,” said Jasmine Ellis, student coordinator of Midday Moves and sports and leisure commerce graduate student. “The reason it is just a quick 15 to 20 minutes is so faculty and students can get lunch, change into their gym clothes, get a workout and run to class.” Midday Moves has a motley assortment of exercise programs to fit every student’s preference. Monday and Tuesday can be anything from dancing to aerobics to intramural teams hosting a game. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday the classes usually focus on workouts like Tai Chi, Yoga or a step show. “Sometimes the different colleges or departments host exercise classes,” said Bianca Jackson, a public health graduate student and host of the Midday Moves event. “We are trying to get different companies and corporations to sponsor classes.” |