The Downtowner

D E C E M B E R 2 0 13M E M P H I S
Building Bridges
of Light

2 DOWNTOWNER MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 MEMphIsDOWNTOWNER.com
at the
pink palace
museum
nov. 23
through
Dec. 31
santa vs. the
snowman
the light before
christmas
star of
wonDer

Support our Babyheart Medical Missions and you will help heal
Six million kids with congenital heart defects are

4 DOWNTOWNER MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 MEMphIsDOWNTOWNER.comMEMphIsDOWNTOWNER.com
Downtown Productions Inc.
408 S. Front Street, Suite 109
Memphis, TN 38103
P.O. Box 3367, Memphis, TN 38173
©2013 Downtown Productions Inc.
memphisdowntowner.com
tel: 901-525-7118 • fax: 901-525-7128
admin@memphisdowntowner.com
Materials may not be reproduced in whole or part without the
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in this publication are courtesy of the persons or organizations
involved. Downtowner Magazine Memphis is a monthly publication
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notify us of any change in address.
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DECEMBER 2013 · VOLUME 23 · ISSUE 11
features
8 Campus Canvas
Meet the winners of our 11th annual Downtown Elementary School Art
Contest — small hands exploring “Patterned Pathways” of creativity.
by Terre Gorham
20 Discovery901: The Bridge
Read all about it! The homeless get both a voice and a job.
by Linda Raiteri
24 My 2 Cents: Sally Jones Heinz
MIFA Executive Director
interview by Terre Gorham
27 Now Serving: MaggieMoo’s of Memphis
MaggieMoo’s keeps it cool in a hot spot Downtown.
by Caroline Saunders
30 So It Goes
Dear Santa …
by Raymond L. Atkins
departments
6 Skyliners
7 City Blocks
12 December Special
Events Calendar
14 Around Town
Events Calendar
28 Entertainment &
Dining Guide
About the Cover:
“Bridges of Light” won the Downtowner magazine’s annual Nonprofit Holiday
Card-Cover Contest. It was created by Memphis artist Kong Wee Pang, who
was inspired by a Bridge Builders induction ceremony she attended. Born and
raised in Malaysia, Pang’s passion for art is garnering nationwide attention and
resulted in her inclusion in the “Present Tense: The Art of Memphis” exhibit
at Dixon Gallery and Gardens. This die-cut card is available through BRIDGES,
a 90-year-old organization that unites and inspires diverse young people to
become leaders committed to community transformation. To order “Bridges of
Light,” call 901-260-3724 or visit bridgesusa.org.
Jodie Vance Publisher
Terre Gorham Editor
editor@memphisdowntowner.com
Chris Strain Creative Director
art@memphisdowntowner.com
Advertising Department
sales@memphisdowntowner.com
Contributing Writers
Raymond L. Atkins, Linda Raiteri,
Caroline Saunders
Contributing Photographers/Artists
McCall Hagler, Skip Hooper,
Joan Marcus, John Moore,
Linda Raiteri, Caroline Saunders
staff
ChrisStrain
Have you got what it takes to shoot a
magazine cover? Let’s find out! Send your
hi-res cover considerations to: contest@
memphisdowntowner.com. You’ll be notified
if your cover photo is selected.
GO AHEAD AND COVER US UP!

All skill levels welcome and no deadline, so COVER US UP!
For more information, email contest@memphisdowntowner.com or call 901-525-7118, x. *817.
COVER US UP!
We need your help covering up the Downtowner!
Downtowner Magazine’s ongoing Photo Contest is clicking away!
Have you got what it takes to shoot a magazine cover? Let’s find out!
Submit high-resolution digital photos or artwork that capture anything suitable
for a Downtowner Magazine cover: nature, whimsy, urban landscapes,
works of art — anything!
All entries will be given magazine-cover consideration.
SUBMITTING PHOTOS:
Email photos or artwork to contest@memphisdowntowner.com
or visit memphisdowntowner.com for mailing address
PHOTO CONTEST
AFRICANAMERICANSANDBIBLICALIMAGERY
ASHETO
AMEN
rbm Ventures Karen and Dr. Preston Dorsett
Irene and Joe Orgill
Chris and Dan Richards
October 20, 2013
January 5, 2014
4339 Park Ave. Memphis dixon.org
Carl Clark, Image No. 43 from the Woman Series: Sunday MorningWhile Considering a Decisive
Moment, 1991, Gelatin silver print, Collection of the artist
Organized by Museum of Biblical Art, New York, NY
Generously sponsored by
R. BRad MaRtin FaMily Foundation

Roll ‘em!
Native Memphis author Vincent Astor shares his
love for movie houses in his latest book, “Memphis
Movie Theatres,” the newest addition to Arcadia
Publishing’s Images of America series. Astor, whose
mother regaled him with stories about Downtown’s
theaters, has warm memories of the cinema back
when movie houses had only a single screen.
The book, with more than 200 captioned images,
begins with the earliest nickelodeon in 1905 and
ends with the most important contemporary
cinema in 2003. Along the way, readers can view
rarely seen images from the archives of Malco
Theatres, Memphis Fire Department, Memphis
Police Department, Memphis Public Library,
Memphis Heritage, and several family collections.
From the vaudeville palaces on Main Street
to the nickelodeons on Beale, “Memphis Movie
Theatres” chronicles the changes in the movie-
theater industry in Memphis.
Memphis Heritage and Vincent Astor host a
book signing on Dec. 7, 10 a.m.– 5 p.m., at Howard
Hall, 2282 Madison. The book is also available at
area bookstores and online retailers and through
Arcadia Publishing.
For more information, call 888-313-2665 or visit
arcadiapublishing.com.
SKYLINERS John Henry Photography
Corporate Neighbor Awards
Saluting area companies that answer the call to service and exemplify the corporate neighbor philosophy
of addressing community needs through employee volunteer programs and community involvement, the
Corporate Volunteer Council of Memphis presented its annual Corporate Neighbor Awards.
CVC, part of Volunteer Mid-South, is dedicated to promoting employee volunteerism in the corporate
sector, and it hosts this awards program to honor exemplary corporate community engagement programs
across the region.
The 2013 Corporate Neighbor Awards salute:
Corporate Neighbor of the Year
— Small Company
Cummins Inc.
Every Employee Every Community is a service
initiative that allows every Cummins employee to
use four hours of a designated workday to serve
the community.
Corporate Neighbor of the Year
— Large CompaNY
Memphis Light, Gas and Water
MLGW is consistently one of the largest
corporate blood donors in the city and partners
with various organizations to make positive
impacts.
outstaNdiNg projeCt award
FedEx
FedEx Cares Week involved more than 900
team members contributing 4,500 hours at 11
nonprofits.
exeCutive Leadership award
Chris Miller, owner of Yuletide
Nine percent of Yuletide’s net proceeds goes
to nonprofits through monetary gifts, in-kind
donations, and volunteer hours.
empLoYee spirit award
Rachel Sumner, Huey’s
Sumner built a nonprofit organization to fight sex
trafficking in Memphis and volunteers 40 hours a
week as the executive director.
For more information, call 901-523-2425 or visit
volunteermidsouth.org.
Volunteer Mid-South announced its 2013 Corporate Neighbor Award Winners: (l–r) Katie Maxwell,
CVC president; Rachel Sumner, Huey’s; Chris Miller, Yuletide; Joyce Thomas Fykes, Cummins Inc.;
Alonzo Weaver, MLGW; Rose Jackson Flenorl, FedEx; and Lisa Harris, Volunteer Mid-South president.
courtesyArcadiaPublishing
courtesyVolunteerMid-South

DECEMBER 2013 | DOWNTOWNER MAGAZINE 7MEMphIsDOWNTOWNER.com
CITY BLOCKS
City Cheers ...
ArtsMemphis, a nonprofit organization that
ensures excellence in the arts and builds vibrant
cultural communities, receives one of the nation’s
top arts-marketing awards for its Hop-On Hop-
Off bus service campaign. The bus provides quick
and easy transportation to Memphis’s cultural
attractions. The first-place award, presented by
Americans for the Arts, recognizes the innovative
way the bus service encourages residents and
tourists to visit key local arts venues: 901-577-5467,
memphishop.com.
Dr. Gerald Eisenstatt, one of Downtown’s
favorite and most community-oriented
optometrists, becomes certified by the American
Board of Optometry.
To attain this honor, he
completed a series of
rigorous post-graduate
activities, then passed a
challenging computer-
based examination.
Next up? Dr. Eisenstatt
has enrolled in the
ABO’s Maintenance of
Certification program,
a 10-year process:
See Main Street, 103 S. Main, 901-495-9900,
memphisfamilyvision.com.
Hitting the Streets …
A Memphis Thing Artist Market & Gallery
showcases paintings, drawings, photography, fiber
art, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and other creations
— all handcrafted by local artists: 506 S. Main,
901-484-6198, facebook.com/amemphisthing.
Fly Lounge lands inside FedExForum. The
new restaurant and lounge on the Plaza Level
combines the best in nightlife and dining with a
health-inspired menu by Kelly English, signature
cocktails, banquet seating, freestanding center
bar area, VIP accommodations, live music, and a
sophisticated, upscale atmosphere: 901-205-1457,
flylounge.com.
On the Move ...
The Tennessee Historical Commission
approves the addition of six South Main Street
Historic District commercial buildings to the
National Register of Historic Places. The district was
expanded east along G.E. Patterson to include the
U.S. Postal Inspector’s main field office and Desoto
Carrier Annex at 161 G.E. Patterson. It was also
expanded east along St. Paul Avenue to include
the future artspace community at 138 St. Paul and
the post office parking lot at 148 St. Paul: www.
tn.gov/environment/history/docs/south-main-street-
historic-district.pdf.
In celebration of 11 years Downtown, Felicia
Suzanne’s renovates its patio oasis (top photo)
with a new bar, menu, and furniture, including two
large tables for the award-winning restaurant’s
farm-table concept. A new patio name tops off
the changes: Flo’s Bar and the Shack Out Back: 80
Monroe, 901-523-0877, feliciasuzanne.com.
Special Deliveries ...
Riley (right), a 6-foot-tall, concrete statue
created by local artist Chris Little, sits at the
entrance of The Barking Lot, greeting fellow
canines and their owners: Main Street and Jefferson
Avenue, 901-598-1391, downtownmemphis.com.
Music Mojo ...
Memphis legend Wayne Jackson, cofounder
of The Memphis Horns and co-creator of the soulful
rhythm behind an eclectic collection of songs
such as “Dock of the Bay,” “Mustang Sally,” and
“Sweet Caroline,” launches a new website that
includes his discography, filmography, books, and
life stories that span generations: 901-302-8911,
waynejacksonmusic.com.
Downtown Departures ...
A Downtown “greasy spoon” institution
since 1978, Elliott’s Restaurant wraps up its
renowned burger and fast-food service on
S. Second.
courtesyDMC
courtesySeeMainStreet
courtesyArtsMemphis
courtesySullivanBranding

Our 11th annual Downtown Elementary School Art
Contest presented a theme of “Patterned Pathways.”
Grades 1–4 explored world patterns, while Grade 5
ushered in royal patterns.
Here’s what unfolded …
Patterned
Pathways
Campus Canvas

CATEGORY: GRADES 1–2 World Patterns
CATEGORY: GRADES 3–4 World Patterns
1st Place
Amari Jamison • Grade: 2
Artwork Title: Rainbow Butterfly
Aspires to be: portrait artist
I took out all of my favorite colors and used them. My
butterfly has sharp wings, and drawing them was the
hardest part. I had to practice on the back. Art is almost
like dancing. You know how they say you have to let the
music lead you? I think with art, you have to let your
imagination lead you.
Judges’ Comments:
We were taken by the variety of patterns — a different one for each part of the butterfly.
There’s symmetry and form in the butterfly, and there’s symmetry and form in the
patterns themselves. The serrated wing edges show attention to detail. Amari, keep
thinking on your own, using your colorful imagination.
2nd Place
Isaiah Nolan • Grade: 1
Artwork Title: Flower of Painting
Aspires to be: artist, teacher, fireman,
architect, and doctor
I made a pattern of circle, triangle, circle, triangle and
put squiggly lines inside the petals. I added the dots and
colored them blue. Last, I drew the large background
petals to make it look like there was a flower inside
a flower. That was the hardest part. Art is important
because if people like your art, you can give it to them
and make them feel happy.
Judges’ Comments:
This one is so bold, with the black outlines, that it made us look at it and brought us right
into the center. There’s a nice progression of movement throughout the piece and a lot of
“oomph” to it. Isaiah, keep working in your bold way. It’s a great way to explore and not be
afraid of what you may find.
3rd Place
Caiden Nason • Grade: 1
Artwork Title: The Fire Flower
Aspires to be: Olympic athlete — track
I like red and black and circles. I’ve never seen a flower
like this; I made it up in my head. I wanted my flower
to look good. The hardest part was having to press
down so hard with my crayon. Art is creative, and being
creative makes you smart.
Judges’ Comments: There’s so much
energy here: layers of lines, circles, and textures.
We’re reminded of an eyeball, looking out at us, and the rays emanating from it create
movement. Caiden, continue converting energy to art.
Honorable Mention
Vrish Soni • Grade: 2
Artwork title: Design Butterfly
Aspires to be: whatever my mom wants me
to be
Butterflies come in a lot of designs and different colors.
I tried to use plenty of shapes and wiggly lines. The
butterfly is sitting on red roses. The red background was
the hardest part; it took a lot of coloring, and my arm
got tired!
Judges’ Comments:
We’re impressed with the level of care this has. Vrish carefully colored the different
pattern segments, and the pattern he added in the background mimics the butterfly’s
antennae. We like his use of complementary colors and the contrasts of colors and
patterns, too. Vrish, keep making patterns, because you evidently have a natural ability
for them.
1st Place
Amaurey
Thomas
Grade: 4
Artwork Title: Mom
Takes Care of Baby
Aspires to be: artist,
surgeon, or scientist
that dissects animals
Drawing a giraffe made
sense to me because I
wanted to be very creative. Momma and baby are looking
back at a predator and blending themselves into the tree.
I made a purple sky instead of a blue one because I like to
be original. Drawing the giraffes’ geometric shapes was
hardest. Art entertains me, and I enjoy it.
Judges’ Comments:
This is so unique in that Amaurey decided to have an
unusual patterned background, then a patterned tree
for the middle ground, and then a distinctly patterned
foreground. That’s an advanced concept for this age. We
loved the story it was telling: It’s a family that looks very
connected. Amaurey, keep telling stories in your art.
2nd Place
Alise Williams
Grade: 3
Artwork Title: Zebra
in the Grass
Aspires to be:
teacher, hair stylist,
and astronaut
My zebra is smiling
because he’s been eating
grass. He’s looking back
at whoever is looking at him. Drawing his mouth was
the hardest part. I colored the mouth and the nose pink
because it’s not a part of the stripes, but it connects to the
stripes. Art makes me feel good.
Judges’ Comments:
We love the expression on the zebra’s face. His backward
glance looks worried or that he’s watching something —
maybe a lion! The picture’s contents were minimal and yet
evoked curiosity as to what the story is. Alise, keep making
us wonder what is happening.
3rd Place
Quenton
Nichols
Grade: 3
Artwork Title: Zebra
on the Field
Aspires to be:
architect
My zebra is eating, and
there’s a house in the
background. An African
family lives there. Art is important to me because I’m
always building, drawing, and creating things, and it makes
me feel me.
Judges’ Comments:
Quenton is so bold in his work. His use of color is very solid,
and the way he worked with the patterns in the animal is
notable. In the background, we glimpse a part of the world,
telling us a story of a time and a place. Quenton, keep
thinking bold, strong, and individual style.

CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THIS YEAR’S CONTEST!
KEEP UP THE GOOD ARTWORK FOR NEXT YEAR’S CONTEST!
We owe tremendous gratitude to our loyal partner and contest co-sponsor, Art Center, an art
supply store at 1636 Union. Art Center (artcentermemphis.com) has always been so supportive by
contributing generous monetary awards, art supplies, and gift bags to the contest winners and
the school.
Special thanks to this year’s contest judges:
Shannon E. Elliott, Ed.D.
Director of Art Education,
Memphis College of Art
Shannon is the new MCA director and
comes from Rochester, NY, where she was
named 2011 Art Teacher of the Year for
New York State.
Jennifer Gonzales
Coordinator of Art Education,
Memphis College of Art
As an artist and educator, Jennifer
advocates for using the arts to build
communities and engage the public.
We applaud the hard work and coordination efforts of Downtown Elementary School art teacher
Miranda Bavier and her creative, talented art students.
1st Place
Cahle Spates
Artwork Title: The Colorful Queen
Aspires to be: music and art teacher
This queen is my mom, because my mom is my role
model. The queen is looking at herself in the mirror and
wondering what other people think about her. I started
by drawing the face, then added all sorts of designs and
patterns that I like. Art is important because I’m able to
express my feelings.
Judges’ Comments:
This is extremely well-designed with every part of the paper thought about and used.
There are areas that pop and areas that recede and patterns throughout. We were very
struck with how well it was done. Cahle, you’ve got a real knack for design, with the way
everything is overlapped and crossed. It’s very sophisticated.
3rd Place
Charles Lawrence
Artwork Title: The Royal Queen
Aspires to be: artist or a basketball player
(point guard)
The queen lives in a kingdom, and she’s looking out the
castle window at a garden. She’s very calm, so I used
a lot of blue. The hardest part was making the eyes a
realistic shape. Art is important to me because it brings
out my character.
Judges’ Comments:
The figure is placed off to the side and is in motion — dashing out of that picture!
There’s a limited use of color, which is sophisticated, and the colors he chose are royal
ones. We were also struck by the line work, especially the eyes. Charles, keep your
artwork in motion.
Honorable Mention
Kenady Rix
Artwork Title: The Queen Full of Colors
Aspires to be: fashion designer
I decided to do a lot of patterns to bring out her royalty.
Her crown has gems, and I used bright colors in her
robe. When I was younger, I couldn’t draw, so I didn’t
like art. But the more I learned how to draw, the better
I liked art.
Judges’ Comments:
Look at all the different patterning that is happening!
There’s so much attention to detail in the garment that this royal person is adorned
with. The facial expression makes you wonder what she’s thinking — it’s very reflective.
Kenady, continue observing details. You have true talent for that.
CATEGORY: GRADES 5 Royal Patterns
2nd Place
Azaria Boyd
Artwork Title: The Beauty of the Queen
Aspires to be: pediatrician or second-grade
teacher
I drew her hat to be one like queens wear. She is
wearing a pink-diamond necklace. Pink diamonds are
very rare! I tried to include as many unique designs and
patterns as possible. Art is everywhere. Without art, the
world would be plain and dark. Art makes the world
lighter and a little more peaceful.
Judges’ Comments:
This has the patterned sense of regality: There’s something in the facial expression and
posture that gives the queen a reserved quality. The patterns help move our eye around
the page and mimic the directions of the other lines. Even though she’s standing still,
there’s a lot of movement. Azaria, keep working on facial expressions, for which you have
definite talent.

To submit your events for calendar consideration, email editor@memphisdowntowner.com. Events must be open to the public.
Special Events
Dec. 1: Ballet Memphis Nutcracker Tea. A
Victorian Christmas party with Nutcracker ballet characters,
special performance, crafts, games, and silent auction. 2–4p,
$45. Peabody Hotel, 737-7322, balletmemphis.org.
Dec. 1: Jingle Bell Ball. Youth enjoy age-
appropriate holiday soirees with all the trimmings. 2–7p,
$25. Gibson Guitar Factory and Peabody Hotel, 527-5683,
memphischaritable.org.
Dec. 5: Cooper-Young Night Out. Live
music, retail specials, and assorted cuisine in Midtown’s
historically hip district. Every 1st Thu. 5–9p, free. 276-7222,
cooperyoung.biz.
Dec. 6: Tool Box Bash. Hammer in the holidays
with live and silent auctions, Wall of Wine auction, food,
and music to benefit Habitat for Humanity. 7–10p, $50. The
Great Hall, Germantown, 322-3504, memphishabitat.com/
toolboxbash.
Dec. 6–7: Cumberland Forest. Walk the Winter
Wonderland path to see themed cabins, enjoy kids games,
sip cider, pose with Santa, and witness the Nativity scene
with live animals. Fri. 6–9p, Sat. 5–8p, donation of mittens
or gloves. First Cumberland Presbyterian, Olive Branch, MS,
662-893-7347, firstcpchurch.org.
Dec. 6–8: Rural Route Studio Tour. Three art
and pottery studios in the country present works created
by the artist in residence and provide a firsthand look at
unique art environments. Fri.–Sat. 10a–5p, Sun. noon–5p,
4881 Canada Rd., 384-9132, faganart.com.
Dec. 7: Breakfast with Santa. Elf-themed crafts,
live animals, wagon rides, and live music. 9–11:30a, $15
RSVP. Botanic Garden, 636-4131, memphisbotanicgarden.
com.
Dec. 7: St. Jude Marathon and 5K. Lace up
your shoes for a Memphis Runners Track Club–sanctioned,
Boston Marathon–qualifying race, followed by a fun-filled
weekend to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
8a, Fourth and Beale, 578-7582, stjudemarathon.org.
Dec. 7, 14, 21: Holiday Magic of Science.
Deck the halls with science! See snow appear out of the air
and learn why tinsel is so sticky. Science demos capture the
spirit of the season. Noon, $5. Pink Palace Museum, 636-
2362, memphismuseums.org.
Dec. 8: Acoustic Sunday. Jesse Winchester and
Mary Gauther join Amy Lavere and John Paul Keith for an
evening of music magic to benefit Beth Sholom Synagogue.
7p, $39. 6675 Humphreys, 683-3591, bsholom.org.
Dec. 8: Metal Museum Holiday Show.
Browse through treasures at the museum store, view
the new “Ha! Metalsmiths at Play” exhibit, and watch a
demo on creating copper ornaments. Noon–5p, free. Metal
Museum, 774-6380, metalmuseum.org.
Dec. 9: Luna Nova Concert. A program of British
chamber music from the first half of the 20th century
includes a variety of composers. 7:30p, free. Grace-St. Luke’s
Episcopal Church, 493-0958, lunanova.org.
Dec. 11: Munch and Learn: Christmas
in Art. Bring your lunch! Local artists and experts
demonstrate and discuss holiday art and horticulture.
Noon–1p, $8. Dixon Gallery, 761-5250, dixon.org.
Dec. 12: Cocktail Wars. Five Memphis mixologists
compete to advance to the finals of the first North American
Spirits Championship. Watch, taste, and vote! 7–10p, $15.
Alfred’s on Beale, 275-9613, dishcrawl.com.
Dec. 13: The Art of Reading and Book
Sale Preview Party. An adults-only art event for
book lovers, with surprise performances, open bar, and
hors d’oeuvres to benefit Literacy Mid-South. 6–10p,
$35. Germantown Community Theatre, 327-6000,
literacymidsouth.org.
Dec. 14: Christmas in Collierville Home
Tour. Four homes and a historic church open their doors
to holiday decor and merrymaking. 10a–4p, $25. 196 Main,
486-2739, ccc1936.org.
Dec. 14: Cotton Museum Holiday Open
House. Free tours, crafts and cooking demos, local gift
vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. 10a–3p, free.
Cotton Museum, 531-7826, memphiscottonmuseum.org.
Dec. 14: Downtown Howl-iday Parade.
Promenade your pooch in his holiday finery amid the
decked-out Downtown storefronts. Check-in 2p, parade
3p, free. Court Square to AutoZone Park, 575-0540,
downtownmemphis.com.
Dec. 14: Memphis Farmers Market:
Holiday Market. Hoe! Hoe! Hoe! A wintertime
market with fresh produce, arts and crafts, music, and
garden-fresh festivities. 10a–2p, free. Central Station
Pavilion, 575-0580, memphisfarmersmarket.org.
Dec. 15: Davies Manor Open House. The
oldest log house in Shelby County decks its halls with
holiday finery and festivities. 2–4p, free. 9336 Davies
Plantation, 386-0715, daviesmanorplantation.org.
Dec. 15: Gingerbread House Workshop.
Decorate a delicious gingerbread house with friends or
family teams of three. Supplies provided. 3–5p, $35 RSVP.
Brooks Museum, 544-6246, brooksmuseum.org.
Dec. 17: A Key West Christmas. A Downtown
holiday celebration, Jimmy Buffet–style, with music, food,
and good times. Wear your best beach togs. 6–9p, donation.
Arcade Restaurant, 521-9552, memphisdna.org.
Dec. 19: Art After Dark: Ashe to Amen. Live
music, cash bar, musical performance, and guided exhibit
tour. 6–9p, $7. Dixon Gallery, 761-5250, dixon.org.
Dec. 21: Home for the Holidays Concert.
An annual favorite and family tradition with the Memphis
Symphony Orchestra, Wendy Moten, and Memphis
Symphony Chorus. 2:30p & 7:30p, $15+. Cannon Center,
537-2525, memphissymphony.org.
Dec. 21: Winter Solstice Party. The final hurrah
in the Four Seasons Cocktail Series offers complimentary
cocktails, light hors d’oeuvres, and a side of theater never
seen. 5:30–6:30p, free. Playhouse on the Square, 725-0776,
playhouseonthesquare.org.
courtesyFaganArt
Three art and pottery studios in the country
present works created by the artist in residence
and provide a firsthand look at unique art
environments, Dec. 6–8. See Special Events.
courtesyNewBalletEnsemble
New Ballet Ensemble presents its 10th annual “Nut ReMix,” where Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker”
leaps into the 21st century at GPAC, Dec. 6–8.

Providing the best possible dental
care while ensuring the patient’s
experience is a comfortable and
pleasurable one.
www.downtowndentist.net
526-9111 | Morgan Keegan Tower | 8th Floor
Dentistry for the entire family
Cosmetic Dentistry, including tooth whitening
Crowns and Bridges
Dentures and Partials
TMJ Treatment
Services include but are not limited to:
• Exterior/interior wood repair
• Light electrical
• Light plumbing
• Furniture assembly/installation
• Custom-built to fit
• Lawn and landscaping
*Monthly maintenance contracts available
Home and Business Services
Maintenance • Repair • Assemble
Marty J. Speak • Artisan/Owner
182 Bass Rd | Horseshoe Lake, AR 72348 | 901.848.3780 | Martyj2002@gmail.com
Wabi Sabi (Natural Beauty)
Custom Handcrafted Furniture
Reclaimed • Repurposed
Design • Create
Thru Dec. 24: WinterArts. A wondrous showcase
of holiday gifts created by local artists benefits Artworks
Foundation. Shops of Saddle Creek, winterartsmemphis.com.
Thru Dec. 24: Memphis Arts Collective
Holiday Market. More than two dozen regional
vendors offer handcrafted and collectible wares. Mon.–Sat.
10:30a–6:30p, Sun. noon–5:30p. 1501 Union, 338-4943,
memphisartscollective.com.
Dec. 25: Peabody Christmas Brunch. An
overflowing buffet of traditional Christmas favorites with
all the trimmings. 10:30a–3:30p, $60. Peabody Hotel, 529-
3668, peabodymemphis.com.
Thru Dec. 27: Starry Nights. More than 1 million
lights shine in the largest holiday light show and festival in
the Midsouth. Mistletoe Village, Santa, s’mores, hot cocoa,
and holiday shopping. 6–9p, $20 per car. Shelby Farms Park,
767-PARK, shelbyfarmspark.org/starrynights.
Dec. 27: South Main Art Trolley Tour. Stroll
through the historic arts district as shops, restaurants, and
art galleries display unique merchandise, cuisines, and art.
Every last Fri., 6–9p, free. Main between Vance and St. Paul,
578-7262, southmainmemphis.net.
Dec. 27: Liberty Bowl Teams Welcome
Party. Eat, drink, and play as the city welcomes the
Liberty Bowl’s two competing teams. 6p, $25. AutoZone
Park, 795-7700, autozonelibertybowl.org.
Dec. 27–31: AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Events. A playbook of citywide events includes a team
welcome party, VIP dinners, parade, pep rally, tailgating, and
the big game. 795-7700, autozonelibertybowl.org.
Dec. 28: New Year’s at Noon. Kids dress as
cowboys and cowgirls to celebrate the Year of the Horse and
a brand-new year, including a balloon/candy drop. 10a–2p,
$15. Children’s Museum, 458-2678, cmom.com.
Dec. 29: Players & Coaches Dinner. Join the
players and coaches of Liberty Bowl’s two competing teams
and hear a game preview and insider information. 6p, $40.
Hilton Memphis, 795-7700, autozonelibertybowl.org.
Thru Dec. 30: Snowy Nights in My Big
Backyard. Play in the snow, create winter crafts, enjoy
games, watch a musical light show, and sip hot cocoa or
spiced tea: Fri.–Sat. only thru Dec. 14; daily Dec. 17–30;
closed Dec. 24–25. 5:30–8:30p, $10. Botanic Garden, 636-
4116, memphisbotanicgarden.com.
courtesyPlayhouseontheSquare
Take a trip to Neverland with the boy
who won’t grow up. “Peter Pan” flies into
Memphis at Playhouse on the Square, now
through Jan. 5.

Around Town Events
Art Village Gallery: 410 S. Main, 521-0782,
artvillagegallery.com. Ephraim Urevbu’s permanent collection
and artist showcases from exotic lands.
AutoZone Park: Third & Union, 721-6000,
memphisredbirds.com.Also see Memphis Redbirds AAA
Baseball.
Thru Dec. 21: U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots drop box for new,
unwrapped toys,Wed.–Sat., 10a–2p.
Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference
Center: 3663 Appling, 385-6440, bpacc.org.
Dec. 7: Jim Witter: “Christmas Memories,” musical tributes to
musical greats, 8p. Dec. 12–15: “The Nutcracker” ballet.
Beale Street: Between S. Main and Fourth, 529-0999,
bealestreet.com, bealestreetmerchants.com.
Dec. 30: AutoZone Liberty Bowl Parade (3p), followed by Liberty
Bowl Pep Rally in Handy Park (5p).
Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve on Beale Street, 5p–till.
Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art:
Pembroke Square, 119 S. Main, 523-ARTS, belzmuseum.org.
Brooks Museum of Art: 1934 Poplar, 544-6200,
brooksmuseum.org. See website for full list of workshops,
lectures, films, lunches, and programs.
Wednesdays: Pay What You Can, 10a–4p. Dec. 15: Gingerbread
House Workshop, 3–5p.
Thru Jan. 5: “Shared Vision:The Sondra Gilman and Celso
Gonzalez-Falla Collection of Photography.”
Thru Jan. 12: “#MemphisShared,” Instagram photographs
submitted by Memphians.
Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary’s School:
60 Perkins Ext’d, 537-1483, buckmanartscenter.com.
Thru Dec. 6: “Dream Escapes,” paintings by Jennifer Goss. Dec.
7–8: Roudnev Youth Ballet: “Nutcracker,” a youth-friendly version
of the original.
Dec. 13–Jan. 17: Levy Gallery:Antiques of Early England and
the Old South; reception Jan. 10, 5:30–7:30p.
Dec. 19: Inside Sounds:An Evening of Acoustic Blues, 7:30p.
Dec. 20: “Fried Glass Onions — Memphis Meets the Beatles,” 8p.
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts: 255
N. Main, 576-1200, box office 576-1269, 800-726-0915,
thecannoncenter.com. See website for complete events listing.
Dec. 6: Visible Music College: “The Rock ‘n’ Roll Christmas Show,”
7:30p, 381-3939, visible.edu.
Dec. 21: Memphis Symphony Orchestra: “Home for the Holidays,”
2:30p & 7:30p, 537-2525, memphissymphony.org.
Center for Southern Folklore: 119 & 123 S.
Main, Pembroke Square, 525-3655, southernfolklore.com.A
showcase of folk art, Southern music, and food.
Children’s Museum of Memphis: 2525 Central,
458-2678, cmom.com. See website for daily programs, clubs,
and activities.
Dec. 28: New Year’s at Noon.
Thru Jan. 5: “Grossology:The (Impolite) Science of the Human
Body.”
Christian Brothers University: Beverly & Sam
Ross Art Gallery: 650 E. Parkway S., 321-3243, cbu.edu.
Thru Dec. 12: “Four Women: For Art’s Sake.”
Chucalissa Archaeological Museum: 1987
Indian Village, 785-3160, memphis.edu/chucalissa.
Circuit Playhouse: 51 S. Cooper, 726-4656,
Thru Dec. 29: “A Tuna Christmas,” a mysterious phantom
wreaks havoc on a small town’s elaborate lawn decorations.
Cooper-Young Historic District: Midtown, 276-
7222, cooperyoung.biz.
1st Thursdays: Cooper-Young Night Out, festive time with live
music, retail discounts, and restaurant specials, 5–9p.
Saturdays Year-Round: Farmers Market, 8a–1p.
Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton
Exchange: 65 Union, 531-7826, memphiscottonmuseum.
org.
Dec. 14: Holiday Open House, 10a–3p.
Crosstown Arts Gallery: 422 N. Cleveland, 507-
8030, crosstownarts.org.
Dec. 13–Jan. 10: Memphis Heritage: “Newman 2 … A New
Generation”; reception Dec. 13, 6–8p, memphisheritage.org.
Dance Scholars: Southwest TN Community College,
737 Union, 301-3262, dancescholarsinc.org.
Dec. 14: “Students’ Works & Dances,” a modern, jazz, and
Nutcracker dance performance, 7p.
Thru Jan. 31: Fundraising sale: 2014 calendar available for
purchase.
Davies Manor Plantation Museum: 3570
Davieshire, 386-0715, daviesmanorplantation.org. Shelby
County’s oldest log house.
Dec. 15: Holiday Open House, 2–4p.
courtesyGalleryFiftySix
“Places in the Americas,” new works by Janet
Weed Beaver, opens at Gallery Fifty Six on
Dec. 6, 5–8 p.m., and runs through Dec. 28.
Thru Dec. 30: Zoo Lights. Jungle all the way with
new LED-lighting displays, Ferris wheel, Santa’s reindeer,
magic shows, camel rides, ice-skating rink, and the Polar
Express Train. 5:30–9:30p on select nights, $8. Memphis
Zoo, 333-6500, memphiszoo.org.
Dec. 30: Beale Street Parade. Floats, frivolity,
and high school and university marching bands give a
Liberty Bowl–style performance, followed by a pep rally and
fan night. 3p, free. Beale Street, autozonelibertybowl.org.
Thru Dec. 31: Enchanted Forest Festival
of Trees. A Memphis tradition filled with animated
characters, model trains, decorated trees, and holiday magic
to benefit Le Bonheur. Mon.–Sat. 9a–5p, Sun. noon–5p, $6.
Pink Palace, 525-8733, theenchantedforest.org.
Dec. 31: Liberty Bowl. Two of college football’s
top teams take to the gridiron to determine who’s champ.
Pregame buffet 11:30a, $35. Game kickoff 3p. Liberty Bowl
Stadium, 795-7700, autozonelibertybowl.org.
Dec. 31: Beale Street New Year’s Eve.
Bury your blues and rock in a new year at the clubs along
Memphis’s most celebrated street. 5p–till, Beale Street,
529-0999, bealestreet.com.
Dec. 31: Death Du Jour Mystery Dinner
Theater. Help solve the murder in “Rockin’ in the New
Year,” where a pop singer shows off her engagement
ring “rock” and, before the clock strikes midnight, is in
over her head in deep water. 7–10p, $38 includes dinner
and theater. Spaghetti Warehouse Downtown, 210-0545,
deathdujourmysteries.com.
Thru Jan. 8: Christmas at Graceland. Elvis
welcomes the holiday season with spectacular lights,
holiday displays, and special decorations he originally
displayed, both inside and outside the mansion. 332-3322,
elvis.com.
courtesyMemphisCollegeofArt
“Balancing Act,” works of clay by Leandra
Urrutia, is on exhibit through Jan. 5 at the
Memphis College of Art Gallery at Playhouse
on the Square.

Quality vision care close to home
in the heart of Midtown.
1225 Madison Ave., in the Midtown Medical District
901-722-3250
www.tec.sco.edu
D’Edge Art and Unique Treasures: 550 S. Main,
521-0054, facebook.com.Works by Debra Edge, Rosa Jordan,
Heather Prouty, and Philip Eubanks.
Thru Dec. 15: “At the River I Stand,” new works by George
Hunt.
DeafConnect of the Mid-South: 144 N. Bellevue,
278-9307, deafconnectmidsouth.org.
Thru Dec. 27: Art Connect, art show and sale.
Dixon Gallery and Gardens: 4339 Park, 761-5250,
dixon.org. See website for workshops, lectures, classes,
garden demos, and children’s events.
Tuesdays & Sundays: Current exhibit curatorial tour, 2p.
Wednesdays: Munch & Learn Lecture Series, noon.
Thru Dec. 8: Tennessee Shakespeare Company: “It’s a Wonderful
Life:A Live Radio Play,” 759-0604, tnshakespeare.org.
Thru Jan. 5: “Ashe to Amen:African Americans and Biblical
Imagery.”
Thru Jan. 12: “Brian Russell: Continuum,” cast glass and forged
metal sculptures.
Elmwood Cemetery: 824 S. Dudley, 774-3212,
elmwoodcemetery.org.
Evergreen Presbyterian Church: 613 University,
274-3740, evergreenmemphis.org.
Dec. 6: Rhodes MasterSingers and Memphis Symphony Orchestra:
“Memphis Messiah,” 7:30p, 537-2525, memphissymphony.org.
Farmers Market: Cooper-Young Community:
Year-Round: Saturdays, 9a–1p, 1000 S. Cooper,
cycfarmersmarket.org.
FedExForum: 191 Beale, 205-1234, tickets: 800-745-
3000, fedexforum.com. See website for complete events
listing.Also see Memphis Grizzlies NBA.
Dec. 6: Trans-Siberian Orchestra: “The Lost Christmas Eve,” a
rock-opera debut, 8p.
Dec. 27: Zac Brown Band, 7p.
Fire Museum of Memphis: 118 Adams, 636-5650,
firemuseum.com.
Sharing Christmas Hope
churchhealthcenter.org | 901.272.7170
Christmas Blessings
“Yellow Church” by John Robinette
A gift to the Church Health Center in honor of those on
your holiday list will also mean a gift of health to many
of our neighbors in need. Those you honor will receive
a hand-personalized, full-color Christmas card from the
Church Health Center acknowledging your gift. A tax-
deductible minimum gift of $10 per honoree is suggested.
Want Home Delivery, But Tired of Pizza?
Westy’s has 230 menu items we’ll deliver right to your door
Dine in or carry out
www.westysmemphis.com901.543.3278
OPEN 10am–3am e
DELIVERY 11am–2pm
346 NORTH MAIN
OPEN
DELIVERY
(on the trolley line)
10am–3am every day
11am–2pm / 5pm–2am
courtesyMCA
“Resurgence” weaves compositions of
fragmented memories from paper and rope
at Memphis College of Art Midtown through
Dec. 19.

Gallery Fifty Six: 2256 Central, 276-1251,
galleryfiftysix.com.
Dec. 6–28: “Places in the Americas,” new work by Janet Weed
Beaver; reception Dec. 6, 5–8p.
Germantown Performing Arts Center: 1801
Exeter, 751-7500, gpacweb.com.
Dec. 6–8: New Ballet Ensemble: “Nut ReMix,” an energetic take
on “The Nutcracker” features a mix of traditional and modern.
Gibson Guitar Factory & Showcase: 145 Lt.
George W. Lee, 543-0800, gibson.com.
Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church: 1720
Peabody, 272-7425, gslparish.org.
Dec. 9: Luna Nova Ensemble, 20th century British chamber music
concert, 7:30p, free, 493-0958, lunanova.org.
Graceland: 3734 Elvis Presley Blvd, 800-238-2000, 332-
3322, elvis.com.
Thru Jan. 8: Christmas at Graceland, holiday decorations that
Elvis originally displayed both inside and outside the mansion.
Hattiloo Theatre: 656 Marshall, 502-3486, box office
525-0009, hattiloo.org.
Dec. 5–22: “The North Star:An Urban Nativity.”After finding
shelter in a rundown apartment building, Mary is visited by one of
the resident squatters.
IMAX Theater: Pink Palace Museum, 3050 Central, 636-
2362, memphismuseums.org.
Thru Dec. 31: “The Light Before Christmas” brings to life “The
Night Before Christmas.” “Santa vs.The Snowman,” an animated
holiday favorite. “Great White Shark,” a family-friendly look at the
largest predatory fish in the world.
Joysmith Gallery: 46 Huling, 543-0505.African-
American artists plus ancestral and contemporary art. Open
by appointment only.
Kroc Center: 800 E. Parkway S., 729-8007,
krocmemphis.org. See website for fitness programs,
swimming activities, cultural events, and educational
opportunities.
Thru Dec. 30: Paintings by Steve Nelson.
Leadership Memphis Gallery: 363 S. Main, 278-
0016, allenprojectsonline.com. Open by appointment only.
Dec. 27: Art Show benefiting Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services,
6–9p, 324-3202, spaymemphis.org.
Library: Benjamin L. Hooks Central: 3030 Poplar, 415-
2700, memphislibrary.org. See website for classes, workshops,
and programs.
Dec. 12: Holiday Gift Creating Bonanza, 3p.
Dec. 14: Free Legal Clinic, 10a–noon.
Library: Cossitt Branch: 33 S. Front, 415-2766,
memphislibrary.org.
Dec. 9: Computer Class: Update Your Resume for the Year, 11a–
noon.
Dec. 11: Annual Christmas Tea, noon–1p.
Dec. 18: Movie Day: “The Christmas Story,” noon.
Lichterman Nature Center: 5992 Quince, 767-
7322, memphismuseums.org. Open year-round for self-guided
trail backpacking and nature programs/exhibits.
4th Saturdays: Trail Blazin’ Volunteers, 9a–noon.
Magevney House: 198 Adams, 523-1484,
memphismuseums.org.
Malco Theatres: 761-3480, malco.com.
Thru Dec. 25: Wrapped With Love, handmade movie-film bows
to benefit St. Jude.
Mallory-Neely House: Victorian Village, 652 Adams,
523-1484, memphismuseums.org.
Marshall Arts Gallery: 639 Marshall, 406-6978,
marshallartsmemphis.com.
Dec 6–13: “639 Show,” with the 16 artists of Marshall Arts;
reception Dec. 6, 6–9p.
Memphis Black Arts Alliance: 985 S. Bellevue,
948-9522, memphisblackartsalliance.org.
2nd & Last Sun.: Jazz-A-FIRE jazz/jam sessions, 3–5p, 22 N.
Second.
Memphis Botanic Garden: 750 Cherry, 636-
4100, memphisbotanicgarden.com. See website for classes,
workshops, lunch & learns, camps, receptions, and lectures.
Dec 2–31: Martha Kelly & Elizabeth Alley art exhibit and sale;
reception Dec. 3, 5:30–7:30p.
Dec. 7: Breakfast with Santa, 9–11:30a, RSVP.
Dec. 23: Snowy Day Camp, 10a–2p.
Memphis Center for Independent Living:
1633 Madison, 726-6404, mcil.org.
Dec. 6: Holiday Open House and Silent Auction, 4–8p.
Memphis College of Art—Midtown: 1930
Poplar, 272-5100, mca.edu.Works by students and alumni in
all media.
Thru Dec. 11: Fall BFA Show; reception Dec. 6, 6–8p.
Thru Dec. 19: “Resurgence,” paper-and-rope exhibit by Tara
Bullington-Baker; reception Dec. 6, 6–8p.
Memphis College of Art—Downtown: 477 S.
Main, 272-5100, mca.edu.
Thru Dec. 14: “Xenobia,” Generation X–inspired exhibit by
Justin Bowles, justinautumnbowles.com, and “(Im)material Matters,”
gelatinous, translucent works by Katie Whitfield, katiewhitfield.com.
Memphis Grizzlies NBA: FedExForum, 205-1234,
grizzlies.com. Season runs Oct–Apr.
Dec. 3: Phoenix, 7p.
Dec. 5: L.A. Clippers, 7p.
Dec. 7: Golden State, 7p.
Dec. 9: Orlando, 7p.
Dec. 11: Oklahoma City, 7p.
Dec. 15: Minnesota, 5p.
Dec. 17: L.A. Lakers, 7p.
Dec. 23: Utah, 7p.
Dec. 28: Denver, 7p.
Dec. 30: Chicago, 7p.
Memphis Heritage: Howard Hall, 2282 Madison at
Edgewood, 272-2727, memphisheritage.org.
Dec. 7: Book signing and sale: “Images of America: Memphis
Movie Theatres” by Vincent Astor, 10a–5p.
Memphis International Raceway: 5500 Victory
Lane, Millington, 969-7223, racemir.com. See website for list
of racing activities and events.
JohnMoore
Two actors play more than 20 characters in a holiday-dysfunctional town suffering from
a mysterious Christmas phantom. “A Tuna Christmas” runs through Dec. 29 at The Circuit
Playhouse.
SkipHooper
The ultimate miser Ebenezer Scrooge
confronts his curmudgeonly past and finds
redemption in “A Christmas Carol,” playing at
Theatre Memphis Dec. 6–23.

Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum:
Inside FedExForum, 191 Beale at Third, 205-2533,
memphisrocknsoul.org.
Tuesdays: Free admission for Shelby Co. residents w/ID, 2–7p.
Memphis Zoo: 2000 Prentiss Place, 333-6500,
memphiszoo.org. See website for workshops, classes, and
clubs.
Thru Dec. 30: Zoo Lights, 5:30–9:30p on select nights.
Thru Jan. 5: Memphis Zoo on Ice and Ferris wheel rides,
9:30a–4:30p daily, 5:30–9:30p on select nights.
Metal Museum: 374 Metal Museum Dr., 774-6380,
metalmuseum.org. See website for class and demo times.
Dec. 7–Mar. 9: “Ha! Metalsmiths at Play”; reception Dec. 8,
noon–5p.
Dec. 8: Holiday Show and Sale, noon–5p.
Dec. 14–Mar. 2: “Tributaries:Andrew Hayes,” sculptures of
books and steel.
Mid-South Food Bank: 239 S. Dudley, 527-0841,
midsouthfoodbank.org.
Dec. 4: Holiday Food Drive, 5a–6p.
Mississippi RiverKings Hockey: Landers Center,
Southaven, MS, 662-342-1755, riverkings.com. Season runs
Oct.–Mar.
Dec. 7: Bloomington, 7p.
Dec. 13: Huntsville, 7p.
Dec. 27: Louisiana, 7p.
National Civil Rights Museum: 450 Mulberry,
521-9699, civilrightsmuseum.org.
Thru 2013: Freedom’s Sisters, exhibit celebrating 20
extraordinary African-American women who fought for freedom and
changed the course of history.
Thru 1st Qtr 2014: Due to renovations and expansion,
access includes the motel balcony where Dr. King was assassinated,
listening posts in the motel’s courtyard, and the Legacy Building, a
museum in the boarding house where the assassin’s bullet was fired.
New World Connection International
Cultural Center: 509 S. Main, 292-6149,
newworldconnection.org.
Dec. 5: Christmas Film Night, the Russian film equivalent to “It’s a
Wonderful Life,” 7p.
Orpheum Theatre: 203 S. Main, 525-3000, 800-982-
2787, orpheum-memphis.com.
Dec. 3–8: “Sister Act the Musical,” Broadway’s feel-amazing
musical comedy smash.
Dec. 13–15: Ballet Memphis: “The Nutcracker,” 737-7322,
balletmemphis.org.
Dec. 19: Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me, 7:30p.
Dec. 21: Johnny Mathis Christmas Concert, an enchanting
evening of holiday hits, 8p.
Peabody Memphis: 149 Union, 529-4000,
peabodymemphis.com.
1st Wednesdays: Master Taster’s Club Wine Tasting, 5–6:30p,
Peabody Corner Bar.
Dec. 6: Historic Dinner Series: Prohibition Repeal Day Dinner, 6p,
Chez Philippe, RSVP 529-4188.
Dec. 25: Christmas Brunch, 10:30a–3:30p. Christmas Day Dinner,
11a–10p, Capriccio Grill, RSVP 529-4199.
Pink Palace Museum: 3050 Central, 320-6362,
memphismuseums.org.
Home for theHome for the
HolidaysHolidays
Tickets (901) 537-2525 | MemphisSymphony.org
Follow the Memphis Symphony!
SPONSOR
TICKETS START AT $15
STUDENT TICKETS ONLY $5
DECEMBER 21, 2013
TWO CONCERTS
2:30PM & 7:30PM
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
Special Guests
Wendy Moten, Soloist
Memphis Symphony Chorus
courtesyInsideSounds
David Evans joins Daddy Mack, songwriters Wally Ford and Eddie Dattel, and Ghost Town Blues
Band for “An Evening of Acoustic Blues” at Buckman Arts Center Dec. 19.
courtesyMarshallArts
“639,” showcasing works by the 16 artists of
Marshall Arts, opens Dec. 6, 6–9 p.m.

Dec. 7, 14, 21: Holiday Magic of Science: Decorate for the
holidays with different science concepts, noon.
Thru Dec. 31: Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees, a Memphis
holiday tradition.
Thru Feb. 14: “The Early Advantage,” exhibit commissioned by
Urban Child Institute.
Playhouse on the Square: 66 S. Cooper, 726-4656,
Thru Jan. 5: “Peter Pan.”Thru Jan. 5: MCA Gallery: “Balancing
Act,” works of clay by Leandra Urrutia.
Porter-Leath: 868 N. Manassas, 577-2500, porterleath.
org.
Dec. 2–6: Toy Truck donations, 7a–7p, Bud Davis Cadillac, 5433
Poplar.
Railroad and Trolley Museum: 545 S. Main, 590-
3099, mrtm.org.
Run/Walk:
Dec. 28: Starry 4K at Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park
benefits Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, 5p, 767-PARK,
starry4k.racesonline.com.
Sharpe Planetarium: 3050 Central, 636-2362,
memphismuseums.org.
Thru Dec. 31: “Star of Wonder,” current scientific thought
concerning a 2,000-year-old mystery.
Dec. 7–Mar 1: “Wonders of a Winter Night,” a guided tour
through the winter night sky.
Shelby Farms Park: 500 N. Pine Lake, 767-PARK,
shelbyfarmspark.org.
Thru Dec. 27: Starry Nights, 6–9p.
Slave Haven Underground Railroad
Museum: 826 N. Second, 527-3427,
heritagetoursmemphis.com.
Soulsville USA: 926 E. McLemore, 942-SOUL,
staxmuseum.com. Historic music neighborhood.
South Main Historic Arts District: Between
Vance and St. Paul, 578-7262, southmainmemphis.net.
Last Fridays: South Main Art Trolley Tour, shops, restaurants,
and galleries stay open late, 6–9p.
Southland Park Gaming & Racing: I-40
& I-55, exit 279A,West Memphis, 870-735-3670,
southlandgreyhound.com.
St. John’s Episcopal Church: 3245 Central, 323-
8597, stjohnsmemphis.org.
Dec. 15: Memphis BoyChoir and ChamberChoir: “Lessons &
Carols,” 4p & 7p.
Dec. 18: GirlChoir: Christmas Recital, 6p.
Calvary Episcopal Church
102 N. SecoNd • 525-6602 • calvarymemphiS.org
Dec 11 7pm........................Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
Dec 22 10am......................Christmas Pageant and Eucharist
Dec 24 4:30pm..................Family Eucharist
7:30pm ..................Eucharist with Children’s Chapel
10pm .....................Choral and Strings Prelude
10:30pm................Midnight Mass
Dec 25 4pm........................Christmas Day Eucharist
First Presbyterian Church
166 poplar • 525-5619 • firStpreSmemphiS.org
Dec 8 11am......................Advent Service
Dec 24 5pm........................A Service of Lessons and Carols with Candlelighting
First Unitarian Church
“the church of the river”
292 virgiNia ave. W. • 526-8631 • churchoftheriver.org
Dec 22 4:30pm..................Punch and Cookie Reception
5:30pm..................Candlelight Service
St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral
700 poplar • 527-3361 • StmarySmemphiS.org
Dec 4 5:40pm..................Blue Christmas: Liturgy/ Soup & Salad/ Conversation
Dec 6 7pm.......................White Station High School Christmas Concert
Dec 8 10am.....................Feast of St. Nicholas
Dec 15 3:30pm.................Adams Ave Camerata Christmas Concert
Dec 18 5:40pm..................Singing & Greening the Cathedral, Soup & Salad, $5
6:30pm..................Caroling at Union Mission
Dec 24 5pm........................Children’s Pageant and Mass
10:30pm................Music for Christmas
11pm......................Eucharist
Jan 5 6pm........................Feast of Lights, Burning of the Greens
St. Peter Church
190 adamS • 527-8282 • Stpeterchurch.org
Dec 24 5pm .......................Christmas Eve Family Mass
10:30pm ...............Carols
11pm .....................Midnight Mass
Dec 25 10am .....................Christmas Morning Mass
Jan 1 10am .....................New Year’s Day Mass
Trinity Lutheran Church
210 WaShiNgtoN • 525-1056 • triNitymemphiS.org
Dec 24 6pm........................Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service
Dec 25 9am........................Christmas Day Sunday School & Adult Bible Study
Dec 25 10:30am................Christmas Day Communion Service
Invite You To Join Them In
Their Holiday Celebrations
Downtown
Churches
JoanMarcus
Amen! Direct from Broadway, “Sister Act” is the hilarious, five-time Tony-nominated musical
smash produced by Whoopi Goldberg. Rock the church rafters at The Orpheum, Dec. 3–8.

St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral: 700 Poplar, 527-
3361, stmarysmemphis.org.
Dec. 15: “The Shining Night,” choral music with The Adams
Avenue Camerata, 3:30p. 299-2601, adamsavenuecamerata.org.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music: 926 E.
McLemore, 942-SOUL, staxmuseum.com.
1st Thursdays: Stax Fresh Trax, group music-listening
sessions, 6p.
Thru Oct. 31, 2014: “And the Grammy Goes to Memphis,”
a showcase of the various Grammy Awards for music attributed to
this region.
Sun Studio: 706 Union, 521-0664, sunstudio.com.
Theatre Memphis: 630 Perkins Ext’d, 682-8323,
theatrememphis.org.
Dec. 6–23: “A Christmas Carol.”
TheatreSouth: 1000 S. Cooper, 726-0800,
voicesofthesouth.org.
Dec. 6–21: Voices of the South: “Sister Myotis’ Holiday Spin,” an
evening of Yuletide fun and hilarity.
TheatreWorks: 2085 Monroe, 274-7139,
theatreworksmemphis.org.
Dec. 6–14: Bluff City Tri-Art: “A Family Affair: MaRRy Xmas,” a
holiday wedding threatens to be canceled when the bridegroom is
suspected of cheating.
University of Memphis: Art Museum: 142
Communication and Fine Arts Bldg, 678-2224, memphis.edu/
amum.
Thru Jan. 4: “Bauhaus twenty-21:An Ongoing Legacy” explores
the timeless modernism of Bauhaus architecture and the visions of
contemporary practitioners. “Terri Phillips:We Have Always Lived in
the Castle,” installation of sculpture and sound.
Uptown Neighborhood: 525-4880,
uptownmemphis.org.
Victorian Village: 671 Jefferson, 523-0235,
victorianvillageinc.org.
Walking Tours: Downtown History: Host Jimmy Ogle,
604-5002, jimmyogle.com, free.
Dec. 19: Downtown Courthouse, meet Adams & Second, noon.
W.C. Handy Home: 352 Beale, 527-3427,
wchandymemphis.org.
W.C. Handy Performing Arts Park: 200 Beale,
526-0115, bealestreet.com.
Woman’s Exchange: 88 Racine, 327-5681, womans-
exchange.com.
Thru Dec. 20: WE Consign, consignment sale, Mon.–Fri.
10a–4p, Sat. 10a–2p.
Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum: 680
Adams, 526-1469, woodruff-fontaine.com.
Submit events for calendar consideration:
editor@memphisdowntowner.com.
We publish citywide events that are
open to the public.
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courtesyDixonGallery
Dixon Gallery and Gardens celebrates
15 years of Memphis artist Brian
Russell’s innovative cast glass and
forged metal sculptures. “Continuum”
runs through Jan. 12.
courtesyMetalMuseum
Forge a special holiday tradition and watch
the sparks fly when you give a gift of
blacksmithing classes at the Metal Museum.
Visit metalmuseum.org.

Discovery901
L
aunched in the spring of 2013, the
locally produced, monthly newspaper
The Bridge is fulfilling its mission
to “bridge the gap” between homeless and
sheltered by providing people experiencing
homelessness with both a voice and a job.
The voice is the articles, poetry, and art
created by and about the men and women
who are now or were formerly living on the
streets. The job is selling the professionally
printed newspaper. The money earned goes
primarily toward a vendor’s food and shelter
— and toward an investment in the future by
buying more newspapers to sell.
Some vendors, like 52-year-old Joe Isgriggs,
can tell tales of a profligate youth, where
he spent money as fast as he earned it.
His lost-more-than-I-won moment came
after he wrecked his car, spent time in the
hospital, and discovered that all his earthly
possessions were gone. Now he’s earning
enough as a top vendor with The Bridge to
Read all about it!
The homeless get both a voice
and a job.
LindaRaiteri
Launched in the spring of
2013, the locally produced,
monthly newspaper The
Bridge is fulfilling its
mission to “bridge the
gap” between homeless
and sheltered by providing
people experiencing
homelessness with both a
voice and a job.

pay $50 a week to Memphis Union Mission’s
Opportunity Center, where he shares a
room with 11 other men, each working to
transition to self-sufficient living.
Isgriggs saves the money he earns on a good
day and reinvests it in his business as an
independent contractor with The Bridge. He
buys the newspapers for 25 cents each and
sells them at the agreed-upon price of $1 per
copy. He is also setting money aside so he
can rent a three-bedroom house with two
other top-selling vendors.
The newspaper is published by the nonprofit
Memphis Street Newspaper Organization.
In 2012, sophomore James Ekenstedt and
his Rhodes College roommate, Evan Katz,
brought the concept of The Bridge to
Memphis.
“There are a lot of these types of nonprofits
selling newspapers around the country,”
says Ekenstedt. “We heard about the one
in Nashville and decided to replicate it.
Basically, it’s a grassroots operation.”
This is how it works. Rhodes College
students volunteer to work in The Bridge
program. They introduce the homeless to the
newspaper’s concept and mission by giving
brief presentations at various soup kitchens
across the city, and then they invite those
who are interested to the weekly training
sessions at St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral.
Vendor applicants are interviewed and then
trained in the do’s and don’ts of successful
newspaper selling. Certified vendors are
issued a badge and given 25 newspapers to
sell at $1 a copy — so the first $25 earned
is all profit. The successful vendors return to
buy more papers and earn 75 cents for each
subsequent paper sold.
Vendors sell at places such as farmers
markets, charitable venues, and special
events. “You get out of it what you put into
it,” says Linda Bozart, a top-selling Bridge
vendor who currently lives at a shelter while
managing her multiple sclerosis. “We view
it as a job. You look around and think, ‘Is
this going to be a good venue?’ If a venue
doesn’t work out, we try somewhere else.”
About 40 full-time Rhodes students work
part-time for the paper, which is printed by
Signature Offset in Olive Branch, MS. The
students are the presenters, the interviewers,
the trainers, the record keepers, the article
contributors, the layout designers, the
editors, and the ad sellers. The Bridge has no
office; all pre-press work is done on laptops.
Homeless and formerly homeless writers
and artists are paid $10–$25 for their
contributions to the paper. “We publish
about 95 percent of what’s submitted,”
Ekenstedt says. “We have two primary
sources for work. Contributors bring their
work to us — written or drawn — and
we type it up or scan it, and we also tap
into Door of Hope, which hosts a writing
group for formerly or currently homeless
individuals. We have about 20 homeless
authors; unpaid staff writers fill in the rest.”
Eddie Shandrew, who sleeps in a parking
lot “unless it rains or somebody steals
my things,” contributed an article to the
September issue of The Bridge. He had been
living with his brother’s family and working
in an Arkansas restaurant, but after the
family got evicted and his boss became
abusive, Shandrew sold everything and rode
a bus as far away as his money would take
him: Memphis.
His article, “The Walking Homeless,”
McCallHagler
About 40 full-time Rhodes College students work part-time to produce The
Bridge, including co-founder James Ekenstedt, editor-in-chief Chloe Bryan, and
art director Monique Hagler.
PeoPle think we’Re just
sleePing all day. that’s not
tRue at all. we’Re tRying to
get sPonsoRs foR the newsPaPeR;
we’Re selling the newsPaPeR.

recounts his first weeks in Memphis. “When
you think of zombies,” reads his lead
paragraph, “you think of ‘The Undead.’ But
my analogy is that homeless persons are like
zombies, too. Just think of it: We’re always
in groups looking for food, walking slowly
(due to heavy backpacks). Some, like me, are
limping due to sore knees or feet. The police
don’t let us sleep, day or night.”
“I’d like to write more articles,” he says,
“but, after all, I am homeless. People think
we’re just sleeping all day. That’s not true
at all. We’re trying to get sponsors for the
newspaper; we’re selling the newspaper.”
Funding for The Bridge comes from vendor
purchases, advertising, sponsorships,
and donations. The newspaper has also
received funding from the Kinney Program
at Rhodes. “We’ve gotten advertising buy-in
from a few businesses,” says Ekenstedt,
“although it’s difficult because advertising
is so competitive. But doing good is good
business, and so is being associated with
a good project. It’s more about sponsoring
than expecting a return on investment.”
Askari Shabazz — his name means
“everlasting soldier” — has been homeless
in Memphis for several months. He plans
to return to his hometown, San Diego,
where he’s a paralegal and advocate for the
homeless. Until then, he’s selling The Bridge.
“When I see a nice crowd, I just approach
them,” he says. “If it’s 10 people, about half
of them will want the paper.”
Like 51-year-old Shabazz, those gathered for
vendor training on a recent Thursday at St.
Mary’s are not the “young and the restless.”
Most are probably feeling the twinges of
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LindaRaiteri
Rhodes College students volunteer to work in The Bridge program. They introduce the
homeless to the newspaper’s concept and mission, and then they invite those who are
interested to the weekly training sessions at St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral.
LindaRaiteri
Two Bridge vendors, Cynthia Crawford
and Joe Isgriggs, discuss where to
sell their papers that day. Vendors sell
at places such as farmers markets,
charitable venues, and special events.

at Orion Starry Nights
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incipient arthritis, stiff joints, and other
signs of long, often hard years. But all are
determined to find a better life, and selling
The Bridge fits the goals and physical needs
of most.
“It’s not an 8-to-5, 40-hour-a-week
commitment,” says Bozart, who can
now afford medication for her multiple
sclerosis. “It’s a way to earn money while
accommodating my disease.
“And these kids!” she continues, referring
to the Rhodes students. “They do all of
this for nothing and are so supportive.
You don’t get a lot of that being homeless.
Everybody thinks you’re crazy, an alcoholic,
or substance abuser. They think you’re not
trustworthy, that you’re not trying hard
enough. You can’t imagine how encouraging
it is that these students have faith in us to
do the right thing and represent them well
and professionally. I just haven’t had that in
so long.”
The Bridge, thememphisbridge.com
LindaRaiteri
Certified Bridge vendors, including
Askari Shabazz, are issued a badge and
initially given 25 newspapers to sell at
$1 a copy — so the first $25 earned is all
profit. Successful vendors return to buy
more papers at 25 cents each, thereby
earning 75 cents for each subsequent
paper sold.
MemphisBlogs.com
A new way to keep up with Memphis

SALLY JONES HEINZ
ExEcutivE DirEctor, MiFA
interview by Terre Gorham
I was born in Memphis in 1959 and grew up on Forrest Avenue next
to Trinity Methodist Church in the Evergreen neighborhood.When I look
back on my childhood, I realize how lucky I was.We lived in a two-story,
American foursquare house with four bedrooms and one bathroom. My
parents bought that house when they moved to Memphis in 1955, and it
was the only house we ever had.
I have three older brothers.Two of them are significantly older, and the
next one is five years older, so we didn’t play much together, but there were
a lot of kids in the neighborhood — best friends next door, best friends
right behind us — and everybody’s mother was everybody’s mother.We all
played outside together — kick the can, talent shows, four square — and
we all walked to Snowden School together.
My father, Jameson, was dean at Rhodes College, so all the way
through high school, many of my best friends were the children of Rhodes
faculty members. He walked to work every day. He later became president
of the Memphis College of Art and finished his career there.
My mother, Dorothy, was a housewife, but she tutored at the
elementary school and worked in the food pantry at Evergreen Presbyterian
Church. Church was important to her.The warmth of our home was largely
because of her. My friends always told me that our house was the house
they liked to come to.
I went to Central High School. Even at that point, I wasn’t sure what
I wanted to do in life. I guess I assumed, without really thinking about it,
that I would teach.
I never considered going anywhere else but Rhodes College. My father
had already moved to the Memphis College of Art, so I felt the road was
clear for me to go. I absolutely loved it — loved going to class, loved my
professors, loved living in the dorm with all my girlfriends.
I majored in American studies, which — in hindsight — fits my
personality. I sort of rebel against any subject that is too narrow or too
focused, and American studies gave me the chance to study the art,
literature, history, architecture, and culture of a big country.At that point, I
planned to get a master’s degree and a Ph.D. and teach at the college level.
I received my master’s in American studies at the University of Texas in
Austin in 1983.The first year in Austin was hard because I had never been
away from Memphis, and I missed my friends, family, and the closeness I
felt there.After a year, I fell in love with Austin and wanted to stay, but after
getting my master’s, I realized I didn’t want to teach and that I’d better
figure out what to do with myself. I moved back to Memphis.
In 1984, Memphis Heritage Inc. was realigning its personnel, and
I had taken some courses in architecture, which interested me. People
in Memphis at that time were beginning to recognize the importance
My 2 Cents

of preservation, and I wanted to be a part of that. I started working at
Memphis Heritage part time, and by 1985, I had become its executive
director. I was 25 years old.
But what really set me on the fundraising path was when I joined
Robert F. Sharpe and Co. in 1988. Robert is a nationally recognized expert
in planned giving and fundraising. I learned so much about successful
fundraising there. I also realized that I wanted to work with and focus on
just one nonprofit as opposed to working for several nonprofit clients at
one time, as I did at Sharpe.
My next stop was Rhodes College, where I worked as director of alumni
and in the communications department.After eight years at Rhodes, I felt it
was time for another change, and I became the director of development for
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art in 2003.While there, I learned how a small
team could accomplish big things.
There were two reasons I decided to come to MIFA as its vice president
of development in 2007. One was that when I met the executive director,
Margaret Craddock, I immediately knew I wanted the opportunity to work
with her.
The other was that my mother had died two years before, and my father
had moved into assisted living. It was a gift and a joy to help take care of
my father, but I also experienced firsthand what a stressful and confusing
duty it can be. I saw how critically important MIFA and its programs are
to seniors and their caregivers. I wanted to be a part of growing that
organization and its important work.
When Margaret announced her retirement in 2010, I thought a long
time before I applied for her position. I knew it was a big job and that MIFA
is a treasure in Memphis that would be entrusted to me to steward it.Also,
there was the responsibility of continuing to serve as many people despite
the challenges of funding. MIFA has such a tradition of good, solid, strong
leaders — could I fill those shoes?
I decided to try. I became executive director of MIFA in February
2011, and so far, it has exceeded all my expectations. It is an honor to
be entrusted to lead an organization like MIFA that is such a beloved
institution in our city. In turn, MIFA is blessed with a skilled staff, strong
board of directors, and faithful volunteers and donors who remain
dedicated to serving some of our city’s most vulnerable populations.
My goal is to ensure MIFA continues to be here for another generation,
responding to community needs.
The purpose of MIFA …
The Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association is
a broad-based, professional, social services
nonprofit with nine programs that support
the independence of vulnerable seniors
and families in crisis. It operates on a $9.5
million annual budget and was founded in
1968 after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was
assassinated, as an advocacy organization to
address poverty and racial division.
MIFA is unique in the nation
because …
It’s unique in its founding — how and why
it came to be — and it’s unique in that
it’s interfaith. Our vision is to unite the
community in service, and one thing that
all faiths have in common is the desire to
serve others.We provide that opportunity
regardless of faith.
The MIFA program nearest
to my heart …
MIFA runs nine programs. It’s hard to pick
just one because each one is so vital — and
I like them all! At a recent board meeting,
a volunteer from our Senior Companions
program came. Senior Companions is one
of our smaller programs, where we pair
low-income but active seniors with seniors
who need assistance.The active senior reads,
shops, writes letters — whatever the other
senior needs.The volunteer blew us all away
and said exactly what we hear from all our
volunteers. She told us how blessed she was
to have this opportunity to serve through
MIFA and how this MIFA program has
benefited her. She was totally transformed
because of this opportunity.
My work ethic …
There’s a motto that former Rhodes College
President Dr. Charles Diehl often repeated:
“The good is ever the enemy of the best.” In
other words, don’t settle for just the good. Be
the best.That motto guides me in both my
professional and personal lives.
When I was named MIFA’s
executive director …
It was an icy day — snowing! — and
the retiring director, Margaret Craddock,
looked at me and said, “Well, here’s your
first decision as executive director: Is MIFA
delivering meals tomorrow or not?”We still
laugh about that. But I can call Margaret for
advice anytime.
When Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr. was assassinated,
I was …
in my third-grade class at Snowden
Elementary. I do remember that my father
went to march after the assassination, and
I felt both proud of him and very afraid for
him. In our attic, we had the “I Am a Man”
sign he carried.
The traits I got from my
father …
are a love of learning, the ability to enjoy life,
and the willingness to be open to people.
MIFA’s first program …
was MIFA Transit, which took seniors to
medical appointments.When it was first
created, MIFA borrowed church vans every
day. Now, we have a fleet of MIFA vans.
My first goal when becoming
executive director in 2011 …
MIFA relies a good part on government
funding, which is getting smaller and smaller.
Because of that, we knew we had to rethink
how MIFA would operate in the future.We
developed a strategic plan, and it was a

wonderful thing for the leadership group and
board to do together. It gave us a chance to
make sure we all shared the same vision, the
same mission, and the same end goals.
People might be surprised
to learn that …
When we got the VISTA volunteer contract
in 1974, the majority of the volunteers
were housewives, not the typical young
college graduates.These young, educated
women started a lot of MIFA’s programs.
They wrote all the neighborhood histories
for the Neighborhood Center; Meals on
Wheels started with them; Mid-South Food
Bank — which is now its own entity — was
created by them; and The Mid-South Senior
newspaper — now The Best Times — was
started by them. So in some ways, the story of
MIFA involves a lot of women and their work.
MIFA’s volunteers …
number more than 2,000 annually. MIFA
couldn’t exist without them.
The biggest lesson I learned
about the nonprofit sector …
came during my first experience with it at
Memphis Heritage. I learned the importance
of being a good steward of other people’s
money.We did everything by the rules,
and we were serious about being fiscally
responsible for the donations we received. I
learned how critical it is to be prudent with a
nonprofit’s money.
A difficult aspect of
fundraising …
is that too often, fundraisers focus on crises.
The better course is to cultivate long-term
relationships and involve donors in solutions.
You’ve got to keep people looking at the
good work that the organization does all the
time and not just when something people
care about is being threatened.
A big “aha” moment ...
During my graduate studies in Austin, people
I met there would go on and on about Texas
and how great Texas was.At first, I thought,
“That is so boastful! People aren’t supposed
to brag and talk that way all that time.”Then
I realized we all ought to be talking that way
about our hometowns.We all ought to have
that sense of pride. It charged me up.We
need to feel that way about Memphis, too,
instead of apologizing for our shortcomings.
One of my favorite quotes …
“The more I learn, the less I know.”
The secret to being a
successful fundraiser …
Fundraising is a chance to help people
support something that is important to them.
I don’t see it as persuading people to do
something they don’t want to do; it’s helping
people do something they do want to do.You
want people to give where they feel they are
making a difference and where it speaks to
their heart. I love meeting all the people and
seeing if I can help them do that.
As director of alumni at
Rhodes, I learned …
the power of a team. Everyone worked
together so well — and we had fun doing
it — and I saw how a team can do so much
more than one person.
The big preservation fight
when I was at Memphis
Heritage …
was the MATA bus barns, where the old
streetcars and trolleys were parked. U.T. had
bought the property and was going to tear
the barns down and build dorms — which
is what ultimately happened. But trying to
preserve the barns was our big fight.
The public’s biggest
misperception about MIFA ...
I think people don’t realize the breadth of our
programs.They know us for Meals on Wheels
and from the thrift store that closed, but not
the whole umbrella of what MIFA provides.
My favorite part of what
I do …
is the variety in this job. One day we’re
figuring out how to deliver meals to more
homebound seniors, and then the next day
we’re working on the annual fund campaign,
and then the focus shifts to MIFA’s incredible
volunteer workforce and new opportunities
there. I also love that the job brings together
both analytical research skills and people
skills.
Most people don’t know
that I …
am a calligrapher. My father and his two
brothers all painted, and I have some of
their watercolors hanging in my office. My
three brothers are musicians. But I didn’t
inherit any of that. Calligraphy was all I got
artistically!
My family …
I met my husband, Brad, on a blind date
while I was working at Rhodes, and we
married in 2000. He’s a supply-chain logistics
consultant.We have three kids: Nina, a
standard poodle, and our two cats, Jack and
Scout.
People might be surprised
to learn that I …
ran my first marathon at age 53, which was
last year, in Little Rock. I went out of town to
try it — just in case! Now I’m ready to do the
St. Jude Marathon in Memphis.
My final 2 cents ...
For Memphis to reach its full potential, we
have to address poverty. For people to escape
poverty, it starts with meeting the basic needs
of food and shelter, because without those,
it’s hard to think about anything else.
My 2 Cents (cont’d)
Read the Entire
My 2 Cents
at MemphisDowntowner.com
Read the Entire
My 2 Cents
at MemphisDowntowner.com

NOW SERVING (cont’d on page 29)
“I like ice cream.”
So began Velma Bobo’s business plan when
she decided to open a MaggieMoo’s franchise
Downtown. And it’s no surprise that she’s an
outspoken ice cream and yogurt aficionado.
But Velma’s allegiance carries beyond her
shop of ice cream and treats. “We put a smile
on everyone’s face. Ice cream brings back
childhood memories.”
Many franchise options are available to
ice cream lovers, so why MaggieMoo’s?
“Choosing MaggieMoo’s was a no-brainer,”
says Velma. “It seemed like something we’d
enjoy doing rather than opening just an
ice cream shop. Coming to MaggieMoo’s is
like having your food served fresh from a
restaurant’s kitchen instead of choosing from
a steam table or vending machine. We make
the ice cream and yogurt here, so we have all
the delicious flavors you could want.”
Velma’s favorite flavor is typically any
variation of dark chocolate, but Salted
Caramel Cake recently changed that. It was
the flavor of the month for August, but
popular demand has kept it on the menu
indefinitely.
Other memorable treats include the Moocha
Cowpuccino milkshake, the creamy Udderly
Butter Bebopper, and the cake batter–
flavored Better Batter Boogie Board. “That
last one is a tongue twister,” Velma says,
laughing. “When people ask for it, we say,
‘You’ve got to say that five times fast.’”
But business hasn’t been all salted caramel
cake and tongue-twisting deliciousness. The
store has had its share of hard times, not the
least of which was the closing of the Peabody
Place Mall in 2011, just six years after Velma
opened her first store there.
“We were one of the last stores to close in
the mall, and traffic was horrible at that
point,” Velma recalls. “Once we acquired
our new location, the biggest challenge was
steering traffic from the mall to Main Street.
It took a lot of work to recapture our mall
customers while gaining new patrons.”
The relocation from Peabody Place to the
Main Street Mall in 2011 required reinvention,
too. “It’s a different type of traffic,” says
Velma. In Peabody Place Mall, you had a
captive audience. If it rained, people still
came inside the mall. They were there. But
here, when it rains, they disappear.”
And then there’s winter. “During the summer,
ice cream is a given,” says Velma. “For
winter, we have to reinvent ourselves again.”
In addition to hot chocolate, candies, yogurt,
and specialty cakes, MaggieMoo’s offers an
ice cream donut — a warm, ice cream donut.
“We have a special warmer for them,” says
Velma. “The donut is crispy on the outside
with cold ice cream on the inside, and it just
melts in your mouth. The donuts were a
big seller all winter. Then springtime came,
and we were still selling them. During the
summer, we were still selling them. I said,
‘We’re selling these year-round!’”
Now Serving
MaggieMoo’s
of Memphis
Caroline
Saunders
by
CarolineSaunders
MaggieMoo’s is much more than ice cream
cones and sundaes. Smoothies, yogurt,
cupcakes, ice cream pizza (!), and specialty
cakes are just a few of the additional treats
available.
CarolineSaunders
MaggieMoo’s enjoys the pedestrian traffic along the Main Street Mall. During
the winter months, reinventions take place inside the ice cream and treatery
shop — such as hot chocolate and warm, ice cream donuts.
CarolineSaunders

A & R BAR-B-QUE
24 N. Third at Court • 524-5242
ALCENIA’S
317 N. Main • 523-0200
ALDO’S PIZZA PIES
100 S. Main • 577-7743
ALFRED’S ON BEALE
197 Beale • 525-3711
ALLANAH’S BREAKFAST CAFE
86 N. Main • 521-9393
ARCADE RESTAURANT
540 S. Main • 526-5757
arcaderestaurant.com
Memphis’s oldest cafe is on the trolley line
in historic South Main arts district. Glowing
neon signs and 1920s architecture transport
to the past, but pesto, feta, and walnut pizza
bring taste buds to the present. Country
ham, sweet-potato pancakes, hot plate
lunches, cheeseburgers and fries, specialty
sandwiches, pizzas. Family-owned for three
generations, listed as a historic landmark,
and featured in many movies. Private dining
room. 7am–3pm daily.
AREPA & SALSA
662 Madison • 433-9980
AUTOMATIC SLIM’S
83 S. Second • 525-7948
B.B. KING’S BLUES CLUB
143 Beale • 524-5464
bbkingclubs.com
Inspired by an authentic Delta juke joint,
this club at Second and Beale includes B.B.
King photos and memorabilia, along with a
reputation for fun, food, and music. Live mu-
sic nightly with the world’s finest musicians,
including the energetic solid rock, soulful,
groovy house band, All Stars. Casual dining
with a variety of Southern comfort food
fused with flavors from around the globe.
The lip-smacking BBQ ribs and white cheddar
mac and cheese are legendary.
BANGKOK ALLEY
121 Union • 522-2010
BARDOG TAVERN
73 Monroe • 275-8752
BEALE STREET TAP ROOM
168 Beale • 527-4392
BELLE DINER
117 Union • 433-9851
THE BISTRO AT COURT SQUARE
75 Jefferson • 522-2200
BLEU RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
221 S. Third • 334-5950
downtownbleu.com
Something fresh just bleu into town. A
bold and flavorful restaurant and lounge
that reflects the deliciously unique melting
pot that is America. Bleu’s chef gives the
standard fare — and your discerning pal-
ate — a flavorful boost. A neu Downtown
favorite is born where guests are treated to
culinary delights that include the signature
corn and blueberry salad, grilled pork and
grits, and salmon roulade. Jazz in the lounge
every weekend.
BLIND BEAR
119 S. Main • 417-8435
BLUE MONKEY BAR & GRILL
513 S. Front • 527-6665
BLUE PLATE CAFE
113 Court Square South • 523-0332
BLUEFIN
135 S. Main • 528-1010
BLUES CITY CAFE
138 Beale • 526-3637
bluescitycafe.com
Open early for lunch and late-night for
dinner. Dine in or carry out. Enjoy the best
meal on Beale, from BBQ ribs and catfish
to the best steaks in town. Live entertain-
ment nightly in the Bandbox. Cadillac
Room available for 10 or more. Featured on
Travel Channel’s “A Taste of America,” Food
Network’s “Bobby Flay Show,” in Bon Ap-
petit magazine’s “BBQ Issue,” and Southern
Living.
BLUFF CITY COFFEE
505 S. Main • 405-4399
BOGIE’S DELICATESSEN
80 Monroe • 525-6764
BON TON CAFE
150 Monroe • 525-0883
THE BRASS DOOR
152 Madison • 572-1813
BRINSON’S DOWNTOWN
341 Madison • 524-0104
CAPRICCIO GRILL
The Peabody Memphis • 149 Union
529-4199
CENTER FOR SOUTHERN FOLKLORE
119 S. Main at Peabody Pl • 525-3655
CENTRAL BBQ
147 E. Butler • 672-7760
THE CHEESECAKE CORNER
113 G.E. Patterson • 525-2253
CHEZ PHILIPPE
The Peabody Memphis
149 Union • 529-4188
CITY MARKET GROCERIES & DELI
66 S. Main • 729-6152
COURT HOUSE DELI
22 S. Main • 527-2253
COYOTE UGLY SALOON
326 Beale • 888-UGLY
COZY CORNER RESTAURANT
745 N. Parkway • 527-9158
DENNY’S
166 Union • 522-1304
DEJAVU RESTAURANT
51 S. Main • 505-1212
DON DON’S HOTWINGS & SOUL FOOD
782 Washington • 521-9593
DOUBLE J SMOKEHOUSE & SALOON
124 G.E. Patterson • 335-0251
DREAM BERRY FROZEN YOGURT
94 S. Main • 343-0685
DYER’S HAMBURGERS
205 Beale • 527-3937
EARNESTINE & HAZEL’S
531 S. Main • 523-9754
earnestineandhazels.com
You’ve got to see this historic bar! The
famous Soul Burger sizzles for lunch 7 days a
week. Lunch delivery of 4 or more available
Mon–Fri for just $5 per burger. Tucked in
the back of this storied building, the cozy,
16-seat, 5 Spot restaurant serves fine dining
fare accompanied by white tablecloths,
candles, and a jazz jukebox. Bring your own
wine! Open daily 11am–3am.
EIGHTY3
83 Madison • 333-1224
ELLIOTT’S RESTAURANT
16 S. Second • 525-4895
EVELYN AND OLIVE
630 Madison • 748-5422
FELICIA SUZANNE’S
80 Monroe • 523-0877
FERRARO’S PIZZERIA & PUB
111 Jackson • 522-2033
THE 5 SPOT
531 S. Main • 523-9754
FLIGHT RESTAURANT
39 S. Main • 521-8005
FLYING FISH
105 S. Second • 522-8228
FLYING SAUCER
130 Peabody Place • 523-PINT
FRANK’S MAIN STREET MARKET & DELI
327 S. Main • 523-0101
FRONT STREET DELI
77 S. Front • 870-1522
GRAWEMEYER’S
520 S. Main • 800-1553
THE GREEN BEETLE
325 S. Main • 527-7337
Inside the oldest tavern in Memphis —
opened in 1939 by grandfather Frank from
Sicily — original pieces from the past
intermingle with remodeled modern ameni-
ties, and casual Italian fare is scratch-made
from old family recipes and local ingredients.
The neighborhood restaurant — still family
owned — is famous for G-Mama’s lasagna,
house-made meatballs, subs, and salads. Full
bar, TVs, patio seating, and Sis’s made-from-
scratch desserts. Open 7 days.
GUS’S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN
310 S. Front • 527-4877
HAMBURGERS AND MORE
3 S. Main • 545-0048
HAPPY MExICAN
385 S. Second • 529-9991
HARD ROCK CAFE
315 Beale • 529-0007
HAVANA’S PILON
143 Madison • 527-2878
HOOTERS
Peabody Place at Third • 523-9464
HUEY’S DOWNTOWN
77 S. Second • 527-2700
www.hueyburger.com
1927 Madison, 4872 Poplar, 1771 N.
Germantown Pkwy, 2130 W. Poplar, 7825
Winchester, 7090 Malco Blvd. in Southaven.
Celebrating more than 43 years of blues,
brews, and burgers. Voted “Best Burger in
Memphis” since 1984. Delicious sandwiches,
salads, and housemade soups. Shoot frill
picks into the ceiling, and write on the walls!
Live music every Sunday night, 8:30pm. Open
Sun–Thu 11am–2am, Fri–Sat 11am–3am
(kitchen closes one hour earlier).
ITTA BENA
145 S. Second • 578-3031
ittabenamemphis.com
Tucked away worlds apart from Beale Street,
this exclusive, upscale restaurant is designed
after the speakeasies of the ’20s, with an
unmarked, discreet entrance. Itta Bena com-
bines upscale Southern contemporary cuisine
with a Delta influence. Enjoy a signature
martini in the private lounge. We’re a favor-
ite with local and visiting celebrities … for
obvious reasons. Join us. Dinner daily 5pm.
Third floor above B.B. King’s Blues Club.
JERRY LEE LEWIS CAFE AND HONKY TONK
310 Beale • 596-9378
JOHNNY G’S CREOLE KITCHEN
156 Beale • 528-1055
K-JAY’S BAR AND GRILL
88 N. Main • 570-8201
KAMIDA
160 Union • 525-5491
KING’S PALACE CAFE
162 Beale • 521-1851
KOOKY CANUCK
97 S. Second • 578-9800
kookycanuck.com
Locally owned in the heart of Downtown,
award-winning Kooky provides a fun, unique
dining experience for all ages! Comfortable
lodge setting serves “Americana” food with
a Canadian twist, including poutine, BBQ
egg rolls, Glenna’s meatloaf, catfish, prime
rib, veggie burgers, skillet desserts, and the
famous 4-lb Kookamonga burger — free if
eaten within one hour! Table-top s’mores,
kids’ menu, private parties. Open daily
11am–1am; bar open until 2:30am.
KUDZU’S BAR & GRILL
603 Monroe • 525-4924
LENNY’S SUB SHOP
22 N. Front • 543-9230
153 S. Main • 529-4377
LIL’ ANTHONY’S CAFE
341–45 Beale • 672-8510
LITTLE CAFE ECLECTIC
111 Harbor Town Sq. • 590-4645
LITTLE TEA SHOP
69 Monroe • 525-6000
Downtown workers have lunched here since
1918 for the best of Southern home cooking.
Plate lunch standards include chicken pot
pie, catfish, greens with hot sauce, black-
eyed peas, and cobblers for dessert. Iced
sweet tea is the authentic drink, and the
decor, like the food, is homey and comforting
in the middle of a stressful day. Works by
local artists adorn the walls, adding to the
feel of lunching in a cozy home. Mon–Fri
11am–2pm.
LOCAL GASTROPUB
95 S. Main • 473-9573
LUNCHBOx EATS
288 S. Fourth • 526-0820
THE MAD EARL
150 Madison • 249-2135
MADISON AVENUE CAFE
143 Madison • 730-1373
MAGGIEMOO’S ICE CREAM & TREATERY
125 S. Main • 522-1912
MAGNOLIA GRILLE
250 N. Main • 527-7300
THE MAJESTIC GRILLE
145 S. Main • 522-8555
majesticgrille.com
Home of the “Unforgettable Sunday Brunch”
11am–3pm. What began in 1913 as the
Majestic Theatre is now a 1940s-style bar
and grill, with an upscale, uniquely Memphis
ambience and great food at reasonable
prices, specializing in steaks, fresh seafood,
flatbread creations, and gourmet burgers.
Open daily at 11am. Kitchen open late.
MARMALADE RESTAURANT &
LOUNGE
153 G.E. Patterson • 522-8800
Marmalade Restaurant believes that sharing
the South’s best-kept eatery secrets is one of
our major contributions to Memphis’s popu-
lation. Marmalade’s food offers the taste
of home. This includes our grilled steaks
and pork chops, Southern fried catfish and
chicken, fresh garden vegetables, seafood
gumbo, cornbread, and homemade peach
cobbler. Full-service bar, on-site parking, and
music with R&B, soul, and jazz DVDs. Facili-
ties for group meetings and dinners. Tue–Thu
6–9pm, Fri–Sat 6pm–midnight.
MAx’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL
115 G.E. Patterson • 528-8600
MCEWEN’S MEMPHIS
120 Monroe • 527-7085
MESQUITE CHOP HOUSE
88 Union • 527-5337
MISS CORDELIA’S GROCERY
737 Harbor Bend in Harbor Town
526-4772 • misscordelias.com
Delicious sandwiches made to order. House-
Entertainment
& Dining Guide

NOW SERVING (cont’d from page 27)
In addition to the legendary ice cream donut,
MaggieMoo’s offers two other franchise
inventions: the ice cream cupcake and ice
cream pizza. Then there are the endless
cakes: classic dream cakes include Chocolate
Heaven and Maggie’s Mud; deluxe dream
cakes offer Cookie Dough Drizzle and Cotton
Candy Carnival; truffle dream cakes include
So Many Kisses and Pink Peppermint Truffle;
and dream cakes for kids includes
everything from Barbie to Disney
characters to dinosaurs. Add
seasonal party cakes, cupcakes
in every flavor and design, and
chocolate-covered strawberries,
and you start to get a taste for
the treats inside MaggieMoo’s.
And if none of that awakens your
sweet tooth, there’s the Create
Your Own cake.
“The most unusual cakes we’ve
done are whatever the customer
can come up with,” Velma says.
And the franchise’s customers are
notoriously creative. “Just when
I think we’ve done everything
possible, here we go again!”
Just as memorable as the treats is spokescow,
Maggie. “Maggie doesn’t know she’s a
cow,” Velma warns. “She’s a diva, but she’s
a friendly diva, and she loves taking pictures
with fans, in her bell, jewelry, and pink
outfit.” Those fans can be found at Redbirds
games and birthday parties — or anyplace
that requests Maggie’s charms.
For Velma, she doesn’t want to be any
place but Downtown. “Location, location,
location,” she says. “People enjoy fresh
ice cream, and we provide instant, small
celebrations. Being Downtown, we meet
people from all over the world — and we put
a smile on each of them.”
MaggieMoo’s of Memphis, 125 S. Main,
901-522-1912, maggiemoos.com
made daily soups. Fresh-baked breads.
Authentic, fresh, fun dishes to enjoy at our
table or on the patio with a bottle of beer —
or to go. Call for catering needs. Cordelia’s
Table open daily 7am–9pm.
MISS POLLY’S SOUL CITY CAFE
154 Beale • 527-9060
misspollysmemphis.com
Authentic soul food heats up Beale Street!
Fried chicken and waffles, house-made
vegetables like Mamma made, and all the
down-home trimmings that make soul food a
Southern tradition. Open daily.
MOLLIE FONTAINE LOUNGE
679 Adams • 524-1886
MOVIE & PIZZA COMPANY
110 Harbor Town Sq. • 527-2233
OFFICE@UPTOWN CAFE
594 N. Second • 522-1905
ONIx RESTAURANT
412 S. Main • 552-4609
PA PA PIA’S
83 Union • 521-4331
PAULETTE’S
50 Harbor Town • 260-3300
PEABODY DELI & DESSERTS
& THE CORNER BAR
The Peabody Memphis • 149 Union
529-4000
PEARL’S OYSTER HOUSE
299 S. Main • 522-9070
PIG ON BEALE
167 Beale • 529-1544
PIZZA ITALIA
175 Peabody Place at Third • 644-2021
PURPLE HAZE
140 Lt. George W. Lee • 577-1139
QAHWA COFFEE BAR
109 N. Main • 800-2227
RENDEZVOUS
52 S. Second • 523-2746
RENEE’S SANDWICH SHOP
202 G. E. Patterson • 525-2963
RIVERSIDE GRILL
694 Riverside • 527-3946
RIZZOS DINER
106 G.E. Patterson • 523-2033
RUM BOOGIE CAFE
182 Beale • 528-0150
RUMBA ROOM
303 S. Main • 523-0020
RUSSWOOD PARK SPORTS BAR & GRILL
160 Union • 525-5491
SAIGON LE
51 N. Cleveland • 276-5326
SAM’S HAMBURGERS AND MORE
94 N. Main • 543-9977
THE SILLY GOOSE
100 Peabody Place • 435-6915
SILKY O’SULLIVAN’S
183 Beale • 522-9596
SKY GRILLE
668 Union • 521-9778
SOUTH OF BEALE
361 S. Main • 526-0388
THE SPAGHETTI WAREHOUSE
40 W. Huling • 521-0907
SPINDINI
383 S. Main • 578-2767
STARBUCKS
201 S. Third • 334-5940
SUBWAY SANDWICHES & SALADS
85 N. Main • 543-3782
110 Auction • 521-9753
SUPERIOR RESTAURANT
159 Beale • 523-1940
TAMP & TAP
122 Gayoso • 207-1053
TExAS DE BRAZIL
TGI FRIDAY’S
185 Union • 523-8500
TJ MULLIGAN’S
362 N. Main • 523-1453
TROLLEY STOP MARKET
704 Madison • 526-1361
TUG’S
50 Harbor Town Sq • 260-3344
TWELVE BAR
310 Beale • 473-8144
twelvebarbeale.com
Named for a common chord progression
of the blues, this speakeasy-type supper
club sits quietly above the hubbub of Beale
Street, offering a private, hidden, elegant
experience that lasts into the wee hours
of morning. Enjoy our classic handmade
cocktails, fine dining, private rooms and
balconies. Come celebrate with us. Open
Wed-Thu & Sun 4pm-3am, Fri-Sat 6pm-5am.
TWILIGHT SKY TERRACE
79 Madison • 333-1925
WILLIE MOORE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT
109 N. Main • 521-4674
WESTY’S
346 N. Main • 543-3278
westysmemphis.com
We’re the Downtown restaurant with enough
ambience that movies such as The Firm, The
Rainmaker, and 21 Grams chose to film here.
“Break the chain” and eat locally. We’ve
served Memphis incredible food since 1983,
so bring family and friends to the Pinch
District and explore our extensive, diverse
menu. Make sure to finish your meal with
our world-famous hot fudge pie! Open daily
10–3am year-round; delivery 11am–2pm and
5pm–2am.
WET WILLIES
209 Beale • 578-5650
WRAPZODY GOURMET WRAPZ
99 N. Main, Ste 101 • 503-9842
YAO’S CHINA BISTRO
113 S. Main • 523-2065
ZAC’S CAFE
Hungry
to see your restaurant
profiled?
Call 525-7118, ext. 817
Full restaurant profiles are paid
advertising. For information on
how to get your profile in our
Restaurant Guide,
call 901-525-7118 or email
sales@memphisdowntowner.com.CarolineSaunders
MaggieMoo’s owner Velma Bobo puts the final touches on
a specialty ice cream cake. “The most unusual cakes we’ve
done are whatever the customer can come up with!”
CarolineSaunders
MaggieMoo’s has a freezer filled with grab-
and-go treats that provide patrons with
“instant, small celebrations.” The creative
ice cream and yogurt flavors are all made
in-house.

A lot of people think writers have it
made, but let me assure you that
it’s not all cigars and brandy, and there
is a steep learning curve that comes with
the occupation. When I first embarked
upon my writing career, I had a simple set
of expectations for the enterprise and a
reasonable time frame in mind to accomplish
them. I figured I would pace myself and take
six months or so to write my first novel, and
then maybe I’d spend a couple of weeks
editing and fine-tuning the thing to its
ultimate brilliance.
The next step was to be the manuscript-
marketing stage, but I wasn’t much worried
about that because I expected the only issue
I would encounter at that point would be the
conundrum of which of several lucrative offers
to accept. However, by limiting my queries to
just a few of the major houses, I had hoped to
cut down on fuss, bother, and postage.
Then once I had sold the book and received
a low to mid six-figure advance plus a
three-book contract — it was my first novel,
after all, so I wasn’t going to be greedy — I
planned to take time to select the pipe I
would smoke in my author photo, travel to
New York to lease an apartment overlooking
Fifth Avenue, sew some leather patches on
the elbows of my sport jackets, and jot down
several dozen notable quotes so I wouldn’t
get caught short when being interviewed
by Oprah or on NPR. I also hoped to set
aside some time to practice looking astute,
so I could look astute at the drop of a hat
whenever the need arose.
After the book was released, I planned to
insist upon a modest, 20-city book tour (not
counting the international signings, of course).
My launch would be at the Strand bookstore
in New York City — which
is sort of the Super Bowl for
authors — and I would work
my way west from there.
The midpoint of the tour
would be at Square Books
in Oxford, MS, because it is
important for every Southern
author to periodically travel
to The Faulkner Shrine to
pause, reflect, and buy an
I-Heart-Faulkner T-shirt.
Because I am a man of the people, a
volksauthor, if you will, there was to be no
fee charged at any of these events, provided
my faithful readers bought at least two copies
of the hardcover edition and didn’t make too
much noise while waiting in those long lines.
I also planned to welcome homemade baked
goods, but I thought I might discourage baby-
kissing and dog-petting, especially during the
cold and flu season.
I gave a good bit of thought to the best way
to handle the Pulitzer Prize and National Book
Award nominations when they came in, and I
decided that the best course would be to react
with humility and restraint, as is my way. I
planned to go ahead and get both acceptance
speeches ready, of course, while fully realizing
that I would most likely only need one or the
other.
When the movie deal materialized, I planned
to insist on total artistic control, a large sack
of money, one of those megaphones like
Cecil B. DeMille used to have, and Tommy
Lee Jones. I also expected opportunities to
stand in front of the iconic HOLLYWOOD sign,
see my star placed in the Hollywood Walk of
Fame, and — at least once — yell, “Action!”
and “Cut!”
Finally, I would accept an author-in-residence
position from a prestigious Southern
university — Mercer, perhaps, or Sewanee,
The University of the South — and there
I would work on my subsequent novels
and occasionally teach the ins and outs of
the writerly life to a small class of select
upperclassmen. Periodically, I would travel
to seminars, symposiums, and workshops
so that people from all over would have the
opportunity to hear my wisdom from its
source.
That was the plan.
Today, three published novels later with a
fourth in the oven, some of this has not yet
happened. OK, most of this has not happened
— but there is still time for every wish to
come true. An author is nothing, if not an
optimist.
When I began this grand journey, I didn’t even
know what I didn’t even know. And although
my wish list to Santa is long, with several
carryover requests from years past, I now
know one important fact: Being a writer is the
best career gift I’ve ever been given.
Everything else is just details.
So It Goes
artworkbyChrisStrain
Dear Santa …by Raymond L. Atkins

The Downtowner

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