Winter 2009/2010

MIDTOWN - 1680 Union ·272-3131POPLAR PLAZA- 85 S. Highland ·458-6031

Celebratewith

Cake!

www.gracememphis.com

3

Shop Strategically | p4 Spend in Midtown and make a difference.

A Midtown Family Story | p7 Dr. James Elliott fixes teeth and makes friends.

Neighborhood 4-1-1 | p5 Find helpful phone numbers for Midtown.

Welcome to the Neighborhood | p10New businesses grace Midtown.

The Pulse of Memphis | p12 Minglewood Hall offers all-inclusive venue.

Be a Midtown Santa | p16Support local retailers with holiday shopping.

Home Grown Health | p22Church Health Center plan ensures health.

PublisherM. Glenn Roseberry, Jrglenn@midtowncool.com

Account Executive/EditorLaura Nettenlaura@midtowncool.com

Creative DirectorPamela McFarlandpamela@midtowncool.com

Contributors:Richard J. AlleyJeff Hulett

22

10

table of contents

4

www.midtowncool.com

About the Cover: 2009 Church Health Center holiday card; painting by Jimpsie Ayers. Send a hand-inscribed card to

everyone on your Holiday greetings list, announcing a gift to CHC. A tax-deductible minimum gift of $10 per

honoree is suggested.

4

These days we all seem to be making strategic choices about how to spend our money. Should we eat out or fix dinner at home? Should we buy a newcar or make repairs on the onewe have? Should we buy steak or hamburger? In these demanding economic times, I want to challenge you to think not only about what you are buying but also about WHERE you are buying. All of us are aware of the sobering statistics that cons - tantly flash on the daily news, reminding us that we need to be smarter with our money. But let me share two statistics that you won’t hear on the national news: First, over half the jobs in America are in small businesses. And second, seventy percent of new jobs created in the U.S. are in the small business sector. In spite of all the attention given to big companies receiving federal bailout dollars, the small business owner down the street plays a vital role in growing our economy. Almost daily you make the choice of whether to eat at a chain restaurant or a local restaurant, where a local citizen has probably mortgaged his home, hired local labor to build out the facility, and bought his equipment from a local supplier. We all realize that the big chains hire people and invest

in our communities; however, most of their profits go

to a home office in another city. The builders who construct these

facilities are national contractors who travel here, build the restaurant, and leave. The equipment inside these facilities is shipped in. Do you see the difference?I really enjoy running. I love to go online to read about the newest gear, investigate the great races all over the world, and receive training tips from the pros. However, when it comes time to buy my next pair of shoes or singlet I go to Breakaway Running. Last year I stopped in before the cross country season and bought a new pair of shoes. Eagerly I put them on and ran on a flat grassy area to try them out, but quickly realized that these shoes did not provide the support I needed. I slipped the shoes off and noticed the damp grass all over the shoes. I knew they were no longer new and could not be returned. I recalled that Barry Roberson and his staff took in lightly used shoes and donated them to local kids and shelters as part of their “donate a shoe” program. Six months later when I returned to Breakaway to purchase a new pair of Nike’s, I also brought the cross country pair, which were still in the original box with the receipt attached. I knew

continued on page 21

Shop Strateg

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Center for Neighborhoods 526-6627Central Gardens Association centralgardens.orgCooper-Young Business Association901-276-7222Cooper-Young Community Association272-2922Cooper-Young Development Corporation 272-1459East End Neighborhood Association eastendmemphis.orgEvergreen Historic District Association Hotline274-3432 or 274-EHDAMayor’s Citizens Service Center 576-6500Memphis Police Department 545-COPSMPD West Precinct (Union Ave.)636-4600Memphis Mayor’s Office 576-6000Memphis City Council 576-6786Memphis Light Gas and Water 544-6549Property Code Enforcement 576-7380Vollintine-Evergreen Community Association Office 276-1782

NEIGHBORHOOD 4-1-1

deli gourmet market

& catering

10% OFF in-store food purchaseexpires 2-28-10 - only valid w/coupon

Come for lunch & take home

Holiday serving pieces &

gifts

2299 Young Avenue · 278-0028

6

Try Lenny’s Hot Catering for your next

event!

Poplar/Humes2893 Poplar Ave901-320-0022

Audobon4726 Spottswood

901-202-4800

American Way4668 American Way

901-368-4215

French Village4085 Summer Ave

901-327-0320

Midtown12 S. Cooper St901-276-5775

Elvis Presley4103 Elvis Presley Blvd

901-507-4298

Highland521 S. Highland901-454-7077

Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks & The Deli Fresh Experience ™

General Dentistry

10 S. Belvedere,Suite BMemphis, TN 38104

276-7042o�ce hours by appointment

Serving Memphiansin Midtown for 20 years

James E. Elliott, D.D.S.

No matter your preference, More Space Place can maximize the potential of your space. From closet customization and Wall Beds, to home o�ce and storage solutions, let More Space Place create a space-saving and cost-e�cient alternative to an expensive move or re-model project.

Maple, Chocolate or Cherry?

545 S. Main, Suite 121Memphis, TN 38103

521-1350

memphis@morespaceplace.com

present this ad & receive $5 off your next catering ordernow offering delivery & curbside service at Cooper location

7

Try Lenny’s Hot Catering for your next

event!

Poplar/Humes2893 Poplar Ave901-320-0022

Audobon4726 Spottswood

901-202-4800

American Way4668 American Way

901-368-4215

French Village4085 Summer Ave

901-327-0320

Midtown12 S. Cooper St901-276-5775

Elvis Presley4103 Elvis Presley Blvd

901-507-4298

Highland521 S. Highland901-454-7077

Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks & The Deli Fresh Experience ™

What do a psychology degree, a Schwinn bike shop, and a

dental practice all have in common? Nothing other than Midtown’s Dr. James Elliott! At age 35 James Elliott had earned his psychology degree, had owned his own bike shop for several years, and was currently sitting behind a desk at a computer firm; however, he still felt dissatisfied. After taking an interest inventory test and considering the needs of his family, Dr. Elliott decided to move his family from Jackson, MS to Memphis and attend dental school. “We sort of reinvented ourselves,” he admits. What that meant was his wife Corinne taking on a new

teaching job and his boys, then ages 4, 7 and 11, doing what they could to help out so Dr. Elliott could be a full-time student. When the Elliott’s decided to make their home in Memphis, they chose Midtown and they never left. For the past 17 years, they have lived in the Evergreen district, with Corinne sitting on the board several terms and serving as block captain. Dr. Elliott volunteers with St. John Orthodox Church, which was at one time a small congregation of 14 but is now home to 300 parishioners. “Midtowners have a great desire to be connected to each other,” says Dr. Elliott, and he believes

the residents are determined not to become like a suburban area. He claims that concerts, art shows, and activities such as the Greenline “put energy back into the community.” He relates Midtown to a pot of vegetable soup: “it all comes together for a great flavor.” Two of the Elliott’s sons also live in Midtown where they run their own lawncare business. Why did Dr. Elliott switch to a career in dentistry when his life was moving along so well? One reason is his penchant for working with his hands and fixing things. “We still have the same vacuum and washing machine from the 70’s,” chimes in

continued on page 26

a midtown family story Dr James Elliott DDS

8

961 S Cooper St725-1919 or 725-7811

www.stevewomackagency.com

Look good. Eat good.Sunday brunch 10AM-3PMWeekday lunch 11AM-2PM

Dinner 5-10PM everydayThursday night live music.

966 S Cooper272.7111

www.thebeautyshoprestaurant.com

Eat. Dream. Sushi. Lunch served Tuesday-Saturday 11:30AM-4PM

Dinner from 5PM- until we run out of �sh964 S Cooper

272.0830www.dosushimemphis.com

Fabulous selection of unique yarns and accessories

816 S Cooper 276-544212 - 8 Tuesday-Thursday10 - 5 Friday & Saturday

STEVE WOMACK – STATE FARMLife-Health-Auto-Business

Long Term Care-Retirement PlanningFinancial Services

MIDTOWN ACUPUNCTURENATURAL HEALTH CLINIC

Ask about the new specialson our Facial Rejuvenation.

917 S. Cooper272-2600

www.midtown-acupuncture.com

Don’t forget our2nd annual New Year’s Eve Sale!

Stop in and see Steve, Anne or Brad for your insurance needs!

NEW BALLET ENSEMBLEAND SCHOOL

A Community Arts Education organization in the heart of Midtown classes begin Monday, January 4th

ages 3-adult2157 York Ave

274-5368www.newballet.org

9

961 S Cooper St725-1919 or 725-7811

www.stevewomackagency.com

Look good. Eat good.Sunday brunch 10AM-3PMWeekday lunch 11AM-2PM

Dinner 5-10PM everydayThursday night live music.

966 S Cooper272.7111

www.thebeautyshoprestaurant.com

Eat. Dream. Sushi. Lunch served Tuesday-Saturday 11:30AM-4PM

Dinner from 5PM- until we run out of �sh964 S Cooper

272.0830www.dosushimemphis.com

Fabulous selection of unique yarns and accessories

816 S Cooper 276-544212 - 8 Tuesday-Thursday10 - 5 Friday & Saturday

STEVE WOMACK – STATE FARMLife-Health-Auto-Business

Long Term Care-Retirement PlanningFinancial Services

MIDTOWN ACUPUNCTURENATURAL HEALTH CLINIC

Ask about the new specialson our Facial Rejuvenation.

917 S. Cooper272-2600

www.midtown-acupuncture.com

Don’t forget our2nd annual New Year’s Eve Sale!

Stop in and see Steve, Anne or Brad for your insurance needs!

NEW BALLET ENSEMBLEAND SCHOOL

A Community Arts Education organization in the heart of Midtown classes begin Monday, January 4th

ages 3-adult2157 York Ave

274-5368www.newballet.org

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welcome to the neighborhood

Bluff City BayouJeff Corrigan and his partner Les Carloss opened Bluff City Bayou five years ago, but this summer they decided that working a few blocks from home was a great idea and moved their Cajun/Creole restaurant to its new location at the corner of Peabody and Cooper. In October they also started serving lunch, which has been quite popular. An especially appetizing menu item for the winter season is their made-from-scratch soups, including oyster artichoke, crawfish bisque, black bean and crab corn chowder. Les has been a chef for 30 years and if you enjoy his creations, be sure to buy one of his cookbooks – it’s a great gift idea! Open for lunch and dinner Tues-Sat 2117 Peabody Ave, 274-8100.

Grace Restaurant Though Chef Ben Vaughn opened his first solo restaurant in 30 days, he worked on the concept for about eight months. His goal – a venue small enough that it’s always busy with a small menu so that there are “no distractions.” What he created was Grace, a fine dining restaurant

located in Cooper Young. “It’s a real neighborhood here – the atmosphere, the people. Everything comes to life,” says Vaughn.Open Mon - Fri 11-2, Mon-Sat 5 til. 938 S Cooper, 274-8511.

Painted PlanetOriginally located in Midtown nine years ago, this art gallery has come full circle and returned home. Nestled on Cooper Avenue, Painted Planet displays many Midtown artists’ works, including paintings and jewelry. Several local artists share the gallery space with owner

10 be cool, be connected . . .

Grace

new Midtown businesses

1111to advertise call 649-3602

Donna Bowers and her good friend and fellow artist Rose Long. The owners also host Live at the Planet where patrons can

enjoy poetry readings, music, comedy and performance art. Donna, a cancer survivor, created Healing Planet, which is for women fighting cancer. The proceeds from her art sales fund this free ministry, which occurs the first Monday of every month. Services include massage, pedi, mani and prayer. Open 12-8 Tues-Sat798 S Cooper, 725-0054.

Petra inside Kwik ChekMidtowners quickly recognize both the international cuisine of Petra and also the fabulous deli inside Kwik Chek on Madison. Owned by Sue Reyna and her husband Brad Willbanks, the two dining establishments have come together in a marriage that fits Midtown. Sue has kept most of Petra’s eclectic menu of Korean and Mediterranean. Kwik Chek’s menu is already infused with some Mediterranean offerings. Much of the shelving in the store will be replaced with additional seating. The transformation is

sure to please both new and estab-lished customers. Open 9 am-10 pm Mon-Sat, 11-8 Sun 2013 Madison, 274-9293.

Chick-fil-A The cows are mooing in Midtown in celebration of the recent addition of the ever-popular Chick-fil-A restaurant, which opened its first store over 40 years ago. The store reached a compromise with the community by keeping a portion of the historic Cumberland church and creating a unique outdoor seating area. Midtowners can now feel free to “eat more chikin.” Open Mon-Sat; closed Sun1980 Union Ave, 272-0511 <

hChristmas treeshamaryllishgarlandhChristmas cactus

hpoinsettiashwreathshfirewoodhpaper whites

midtown nursery

corner of Central and Cooper

h857-2954

bring this ad & receive $5 OFF your Christmas tree purchase

Rollin Kocsis at Painted Planet

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the Pulse of MEMPHISStep back in time inside the historic Minglewood Hall, originally home to Tastee Bread Company and, until recently, Strings and Things. Stop time as you take in a concert or enjoy the magical moment of a wedding. Or leap forward in time as your senses are mesmerized by Minglewood’s light and sound system, which rivals any venue in Memphis. So named for a song called “Minglewood Blues,” written by Noah Lewis and recorded in Memphis in 1928, the impressive Minglewood Hall was opened by the DeHart Group in February. The original song changed over the years, but part of the lyrics include, “If you’re ever in Memphis, better stop by Minglewood.” For J.De DeHart, a national level music industry veteran, opening such a diverse venue is a dream come true. “Being a fan of the Grateful Dead (who modified the original Minglewood song on their first album), I’ve always wanted to create the real thing here in Memphis.” New to Minglewood is 1884, a more intimate hall adjoining the greater hall and headed up by Trey DeHart. Ideal for after concerts and after-hours gatherings, it is complete with flat-screen TV’s for catching the latest game. Event Coordinator Angela Martinez adds, “1884 is like a chameleon – it can be a corporate luncheon atmosphere by day and sexy lounge atmosphere for an after

party by night.” The unveiling of 1884 is in mid-December. Intricate wall sconces, elegant scored concrete floors, and walls draped with luxurious curtains create an ambiance that is sure to impress guests. Perhaps Minglewood’s most attractive feature is its versatile state-of-the art LED lighting and sound system. Over 250,000 programmable color ways set the mood for any type of event. Chris Watson, chef for Minglewood Grille and Catering, is equipped to do in-house and off-site affairs for five to 500. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Chris can create light appetizers or a five-course dinner. Plus, Minglewood’s in-house bar and knowledgeable staff meet your event desires. The 13,000 square-foot facility offers other amenities such as separate rooms for brides and grooms, sky box suites, secured parking, and tracked theatre-style curtains for reducing the room size to create an intimate atmosphere for smaller groups. At full capacity, Minglewood accommodates 600 seated guests, 1200 reception guests, and 1500 concert-goers. For parties, receptions, corporate conferences, luncheons, proms and reunions, Minglewood is a “one-stop shop” for all your event needs and wants. Whether going to a Daughtry concert or planning a wedding reception, Minglewood Hall is your place to feel the pulse of Memphis. <

-Grant Willits

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HOLIDAY PARTIES, WEDDINGS, RECEPTIONS,

REHEARSAL DINNERS & CORPORATE EVENTS

CALL 312-6058 NOW TO RECEIVE 2009 PRICING!

VOTED BEST

PLACE TO SEE LIVE MUSIC

By the Memphis Flyer

Dr. Kelli DumasThe Downtown Dentist

downtowndentist.net526-9111

Cosmetic and General Dentistry50 North Front Suite 870in Morgan Keegan Tower

the Pulse of MEMPHIS

-Grant Willits

14map

welcome to midtown!

Overton Park

UNION AVENUE

SOUTHERN AVENUE

JACKSON AVENUE

EAST

PA

RKW

AY

MCL

EAN

Cooper-Young

RHODES COLLEGE

ZOO

COLLEGE OF ART

BROOKS MUSEUMOF ART

SAM COOPER

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240

Central Gardens

Vollintine-Evergreen

NORTH PARKWAY

< To DOWNTOWN

>to HIGHLAND STREET & U of M>>

>WALNUT GROVE>>

CHILDREN’SMUSEUM

ANNESDALE

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CENTRAL AVENUE

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POPLAR AVENUE

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one mile

be cool, be connected . . .

15business directory

26 Ballet Memphis Multiple locations 737-7322 professional dance company & school 27 Pink Palace 3050 Central 320-6320 cultural and natural history museum 28 Memphis Zoo 2000 Prentiss 276-9453 zoo & aquarium 29 New Ballet Ensemble 2157 York 274-5368 school & performing ensemble 36 Danceworks, Inc 2117 Union 301-DANC dance education 37 Minglewood Hall 1555 Madison 312-6058 concerts & special events

FUN

DINING

EATS

SERVICES

1 Boscos 2120 Madison 432-2222 beer lover’s restaurant 2 do Sushi & Lounge 964 S Cooper 272-0830 lunch & dinner, sushi & noodles 3 Grace 938 S Cooper 274-8511 progressive Southern cuisine 4 Beauty Shop 966 S Cooper 272-7111 lunch & dinner, lounge 6 Fork It Over 2299 Young 278-0028 catering, lunch, meal delivery/pick-up 7 Cafe 1912 243 S Cooper 722-2700 affordable bistro fare

9 Ghost River Brewing 827 S Main 278-0087 local brewery 10 Baskin Robbins 1680 Union 272-3131 ice cream, soft serve & cakes 11 Valenza Pasta 14 N Mclean 278-0078 fine pasta manufacturer, gourmet foods 12 Smoothie King 1995 Union 726-1300 smoothies & health food 13 Lenny’s Sub Shop 12 S Cooper 276-5775 deli & catering 14 Edible Arrangements 1430 Union 278-0900 fresh fruit bouquets 15 Bogie’s Deli 2098 LaSalle 272-0022 breakfast & lunch, deli & catering30 Easy-Way 596 S Cooper 726-4917 fresh produce31 Easy-Way 337 N Cleveland 726-6889 fresh produce

16 Dr. James Elliott, DDS 10 S Belvedere Ste B 276-7042 general dentistry 17 Midtown Nursery 2120 Central 272-5724 lawn & garden needs 18 Massage Envy 1680 Union #111 276-1011 massage therapy 19 Midtown Acupuncture 917 S Cooper 272-2600 acupuncture & natural apothecary 20 Steve Womack - State Farm 961 S Cooper 725-1919 auto, home & life insurance 21 Breakaway Running 1997 Union 722-8797 athletic shoes, apparel & accessories 22 Transforming Bodies 937 S Cooper 276-1773 fitness center 23 More Space Place 545 S Main 521-1350 Murphy beds, closets & space saving design 24 Fantastic Sams 8 N McLean 276-1405 hair salon25 Dr. Kelli Dumas, DDS 50 N Front #870 526-9111 cosmetic & general dentistry32 Calming Influence 74 N Cooper 276-9423 massage & bodyworks salon33 Executive Office Center 119 S Main 312-5500 office leasing34 Madison Tobacco 1497 Union 726-5118 cigars & pipes35 Stash 816 S Cooper 276-5442 yarn and knitting supplies

midtowncool.com

_

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Cooler temperatures have arrived, and colorful lights are beginning to dot the landscape of Midtown. From the stately Victorian homes to the Cooper-Young district to Overton Square, evidence of the holidays has emerged. As you contemplate the perfect gift for a loved one this holiday season, consider the small retailers of your community. Often these small retailers offer unique gift items that you can’t find in the larger shops and with each purchase, you will be putting money back into your own community. If the spirit has yet to take hold of you, plan a visit to Flashback, the vintage store for housewares, clothes and accessories, located at 2304 Central Avenue. Millett Vance, co-owner with husband Gene Rossetti, spends hours decorating the store’s front window, and indeed her creativity has caught the eye of many passersby. “I’ve had people tell me that seeing the win-dow, evocative of a 1950s era holiday, is the kick-off to their Christmas season,” says Vance. She adds, “Flashback is a great place for multi-generations to shop. Grandparents can show kids what Christmas was like when they were younger.”Cheryl Mesler, co-owner of Burke’s Book Store in Cooper-Young with

husband Corey, says that trying to support local artists and gift stores is important to them. They emphasize that used books in good shape make great gifts. “We try to offer a wide range of things from lower cost used books to higher end leather-bound books,” said Mesler. “We also try to carry some off-the-wall titles that you might not find in the regular stores.” They make it a point to visit The Art Center, at 1636 Union Avenue, for unusual gift-wrapping materials.The Mesler’s shop for locally-made gifts at Diane’s Art, Gift & Home in the Evergreen district at 1581 Overton Park. The gift shop recently opened an art gallery on the second floor of the building nestled next door to Fresh Slices Sidewalk Café. The shop offers jewelry, children’s clothing and framed artwork, the majority of which is made by local artists. “Shopping locally is so huge for us,” said store manager and artist Suzanne Galloway Mcclain. “Memphians are big on supporting local shops and artists.”Shoes, rare books or vintage Santa candle holders all make great gifts, but there’s one more gift you may not have considered – food! Everyone likes to eat – especially around the holidays; however, preparing holiday meals can be stressful as our to-do lists

continued on page 18

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be a midtown santa

17

14 N Mclean Memphis, TN 38104

278-0078

Tu- Fri 10-6 Sat 11-3 Closed Sunday & Monday

~House-made fresh pastas, saucesand soups~Gourmet foods, imported

cheeses and olive oils~

if it’s Italian, we probably make it!

�ve generations of family recipes

Manufacturer of Fine Pasta

Executive o�ces without the executive expense.

119 South Main Street Suit Memphis, TN 38103 901-312- .executiveof�cecenter.com

to advertise call 649-3602

18

are a mile long. Why not let the staff at Fork It Over prepare a delicious feast for your family or appetizers for party guests? Have your order delivered or pick it up from the gingerbread-colored bungalow at 2299 Young Avenue. Gift certificates also provide an ideal gift.At the corner of Madison and McLean, Kathey Cianciola of Valenza Pasta offers Italian favorites such as ravioli packaged fresh or frozen for the family feast. They can also bundle gift baskets to go under the Christmas tree. “Just let us know what you want to spend and we’ll fix you up,” advises Cianciola. And one critical piece of advice – don’t forget the knot bread for sauce scooping or gift cards to round out Christmas giving.At Peria shoe boutique, 1680 Union Avenue, owner Peria Gober offers a holiday wish list program, where wives, daughters and girlfriends can come in to register for items they would like to see under their tree. This takes the guesswork out of gift buying for the men in their lives. It couldn’t be any easier if elves delivered the shoes! “We have a lot of products not readily available in Memphis,” said Gober, “as well as smaller gift items.”Santa can’t be everywhere at once, but he could get a full season’s worth of shopping done, and fill up his belly, in the shops of Midtown. From Cooper-Young to Evergreen, the holiday spirit is alive and well – and waiting for your arrival! <

continued from page 16

-Richard J. Alley richardalley.com

Go to www.midtowncool.com & vote for the best of midtown.Support your favorite local businesses-your favorite restaurant, coffee shop, retail-everything you love! Winners will be announced in the spring issue of midtown magazine

Votefor your faves

WriteNever been published as a writer? Now’s your chance!We’re searching for a Midtowner who’s got writing talent.We are looking for an article related to Midtownwritten by a Midtowner. $200 1st place cash prize!

Publication in Summer issue of Midtown Magazine

Deadline April 1go to www.midtowncool.com

to �nd out more

for fame & fortune

19

midtowncool.com

be cool, be connected

20

midtowncool.com

be cool, be connected

21

someone would love these “like new” shoes. When I got to the checkout I told Barry what had happened six months earlier when I tried out the shoes. Instead of ringing up my new shoes at the regular price, he deducted the price of the cross country shoes I brought to donate. He simply refused to allow a customer to be stuck with shoes they could not wear. Breakaway’s shoe donation program started three years ago, and in that time thousands of shoes have been given to homeless ministries, Sudanese refugees, and Soulsville Charter School’s cross country program. Bryan at Breakaway commented, “People have given us great feedback and it’s really made a difference.” Anyone can bring in lightly used shoes and get $10 off their next shoe purchase. You and I know that this type of service does not happen online. Barry and local business owners like him reinvest their profits in the community. They hire local residents and give to local charities. Steve Womack at State Farm provided a grant to the Cooper Young Development Corporation and also assisted the Cooper Young Association in building a playground at Peabody Elementary. These and many other business people give back to our community and spend their money right here every day.

Boscos provides gift cards for charity auctions ranging from the Memphis Zoo to the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf. Ghost River provides funds for the Wolf River Conservatory, Memphis Botanical Gardens and many others. The list goes on and on. Just one or two more customers a day matters to the small business owner – that means you can be the difference! It may make the difference in a job for a student, a tenant for a local builder, or taxes for our city. In return you receive world-class products and excellent service. You are going to purchase goods and services anyway, so why not do it in Midtown? Do us all a favor – be a strategic shopper and buy in Midtown. <

Shop Strateg

icallyThank yo

u for us

ing VISA

x ------

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Top copy

-Merchan

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copy-cu

stomer

I agree

to pay a

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continued from page 4

-M. Glenn Roseberry, Jr.

Soulsville student displays his “new” shoes

22

You might know the Church Health Center for their Clinic located on Peabody or their wellness ministry called Hope & Healing located on Union, but this faith-based health organization offers the community so much more than most Memphians realize. For more than 18 years, the Church Health Center’s employer-sponsored healthcare plan for small businesses and self-employed people, the MEMPHIS Plan, has been helping those in need to have access to quality, affordable healthcare. And with the current state of the economy, the Plan is growing by leaps and bounds.Because of volunteer

doctors who see MEMPHIS Plan patients in their own private practices, the Center is able to serve uninsured working people and their families. Local hospitals, diagnostic centers and laboratories also donate their services, providing continuity of care and peace of mind to their patients. “You may be sitting next to a MEMPHIS Plan patient at your doctor’s office and never know it,” said Assistant Director of the Plan, Jennie Robbins. “Plan participants receive the same quality care you receive.”

Thanks to generous people who donate their time, the MEMPHIS Plan is able to help people like Lemzel Johnson, who for many years has worked for Neighborhood Christian Center, another ministry that provides compassion to the practical and spiritual needs of people in the Memphis area.In 2007 Johnson and his family became MEMPHIS Plan participants, and his decision to enroll proved a timely one. One night, after work, Johnson’s life changed drastically.

Home Grown Health

the Church Health Center’s MEMPHIS Plan helps thousands receive care

continued on page 24

Lemzel Johnson and his family

23

CALMING INFLUENCERelax…It’s Midtown. We provide massage therapy, salt glows, detox face masks & “No Wrap Body Wraps”. Midtowners have a perfect place to escape stress & worries. Call now for your own bit of relaxation!74 N Cooper, 276-9423 CalmIn�uence.com

IT’S ALWAYS FRESH AT

EASY-WAYSince 1932, your Midtown source for local produce.596 S Cooper, 726-4917 M-Sat 7-6 Sun 12-5 337 N Cleveland, 725-6889 M-Sat 7-6easywayproduce.com

TRANSFORMING BODIESFitness CenterTrainer Roland Genesy helps you reach your �tness goals & maintain a healthier way of living.937 Cooper (Corner of Cooper & Young) 276-1773transformingbodies�t.com

living well

BREAKAWAY RUNNINGWhether you run, walk, work out or just need a comfortable pair of shoes, trust Breakaway’s

knowlegeable sta� & the i-step foot scanning technology to guide you to

the best shoe for you. Apparel & accessories, too!

1997 Union, 722-8797 / 552 Mendenhall, 766-7600 breakawaymemphis.com

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“It was a typical day at work and then I came home, ate dinner with the family and kissed my four kids goodnight,” Lemzel said. “Next thing I knew, I was in a hospital bed and my wife was explaining to me that I’d had a seizure.”Doctors discovered that Lemzel had a pituitary adenoma near his optical nerve. Pituitary adenomas are typically benign, slow-growing tumors that arise from cells in the pituitary gland, the master gland that regulates the body's hormones.

“I didn’t know what was going on,” he said. “But I knew that I was in good hands with my doctors. They took care of everything and treated me with great care and respect.”“Without the MEMPHIS Plan there’s no telling what would have happened to me,” Johnson said gratefully. “When you add up all of the visits to the hospital, appointments with specialists, medicine and treatment – well, you do the math.”The MEMPHIS Plan is also meeting the needs of workers at Pettit’s Lawnscapes, a residential and commercial design landscape and property-maintenance firm. Manager Barbara Howell said she is glad she’s able to offer the Plan to the company’s workers, who have benefited from the Plan recently.“It’s an amazing feeling for us in management to offer the Plan to

our employees,” she said. “Without it, some of them might not receive medical care.”Pettit’s employee Jerome Moseby went in for what he thought would be a routine eye exam only to learn that a disease in his eye would require a special lens implant. “Jerome must have had this disease since he was a child, but he could never afford surgery,” Howell said. Pettit’s Lawnscapes employees have been helped in many ways over the years through the Plan – including dental visits, eye care, help regulating someone’s blood sugar and other services. In fact, one employee

attributes the plan for saving his life. “One of our workers last summer was so sick he had to go to the ER,” Barbara said. “Turns out he had a virus that was affecting his stomach and liver. Thank goodness for the Plan and his operation or he might not have made it.”Barbara Howell and the Pettit’s Lawnscapes crew feel that the Plan brings the team together. “Ya’ll have helped us tremendously,” she said of the Church Health Center.The MEMPHIS Plan is just another way the Church Health Center cares for those in need of quality healthcare. <

Home Grown Healthcontinued from page 22

-Jeff Hulett

For information about the MEMPHIS Plan, call (901) 272-PLAN (7526) or visit www.churchhealthcenter.org.

AbunDANCE: Joyful Noise

Playhouse on the SquareFeb 27—Mar 7

An all-out reason to celebrate as Ballet Memphis begins a new tradition in our new Midtown home with new work and original music guaranteed to make you smile. From the percussive Takademe to the African rhythms of Second Before the Ground, new work by Czech choreographer Petr Zahradnicek, and a world premiere collaboration between Jane Comfort and Kirk Whalum made possible by a grant from the National Dance Project. Tickets start at just $10.

balletmemphis.org 901.737.7322 

BLM_ABN_AD_MIDMAG.indd 1 11/23/09 9:30 AM

“Next thing I knew, I was in a hospital bed”

25AbunDANCE: Joyful Noise

Playhouse on the SquareFeb 27—Mar 7

An all-out reason to celebrate as Ballet Memphis begins a new tradition in our new Midtown home with new work and original music guaranteed to make you smile. From the percussive Takademe to the African rhythms of Second Before the Ground, new work by Czech choreographer Petr Zahradnicek, and a world premiere collaboration between Jane Comfort and Kirk Whalum made possible by a grant from the National Dance Project. Tickets start at just $10.

balletmemphis.org 901.737.7322 

BLM_ABN_AD_MIDMAG.indd 1 11/23/09 9:30 AM

26

continued from page 7

-Laura Netten

www.danceworksinc.org

23rd Season

452-8811sponsored by

ArtsMemphis & Tennessee Arts Commission

Performance December 12th, 7pm, STCC Union CampusRegister NOW for Spring 2010 Program

Corinne. Another reason is Dr. Elliott loves talking to people. In fact, his psychology degree from Millsaps College has been helpful as he works with his patients. Dr. Elliott is well-known among his patients as being gentle, especially with those who have an innate fear of the dental chair. The Elliotts credit their patients with making their work so enjoyable and celebrate the fact that they have assisted generations of the same family. “Our goal was never to have a high volume of patients,” Dr. Elliott asserts, “but trying to do what’s best for

the patient – whether that is helping them find a job or fixing their teeth.” Similarly, their patients have watched the Elliott family grow. Every year Corinne hangs a new family picture in the office, and often her children are recognized by patients around town. “We like what we’re doing and we have no plans to retire,” admits Corinne. So whether you need a tooth fixed or you just want to make a new friend, Dr. Elliott’s dental practice is just around the corner! <

a midtown family story

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www.boscosbeer.com