Vol. 1, Issue 9 September 2019 KEEPING YOU UP-TO-DATE MONTHLY WITH THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN SHELBY COUNTY, TN The first ever Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Healthy Places Initiative, a $5.4 million renovation of the historically signifi cant David Carnes Park in the Whitehaven community in Memphis, TN, began with select input from residents who requested a walking trail, fitness area, and a splash pool for the children during the hot summer months. The vision of these residents became reality on August 10th, when BCBS, the City of Memphis and the nearby, Greater Faith Tabernacle Ministries, where Rev. Dr. Orlester Johnson is the Sr. Pastor, celebrated the opening of the park although it was not completely finished. NOTES FROM THE EDITOR By Yvonne D. Nelson, Ph.D. Here at NEWSCENE we spread the truth. If you are looking for the positive things going on around Shelby County, we invite you to peruse through our online edition for free and we encourage you to help us stay afloat, bringing you interesting topics about people you know, by subscribing to our monthly print edition or purchasing copies that interest you. If you know of an event that is about to take place in your community, please call and let us know about it too. There is a great chance that we don’t already know about it. If it’s too late to let us know about an event, please remember to take a few pictures while you are there and send them our way! NEWSCENE subscriptions are currently available for $84/year. You can subscribe online at iLoveShelbyCounty.com, email NEWSCENEShelbyCo@gmail.com, write us at I Love Shelby County, P.O. Box 9146, Memphis, TN 38190-0146, or call us at 901-300-0250. Thanks, Yvonne Story and Pictures by Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson It was June 14, 2018, when Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) held a “design reveal and groundbreaking ceremony” and hosted “location tours” for members from the Whitehaven community in Memphis, TN. The idea was formulated by BCBS “to create amazing spaces for our neighbors so they can participate in the outdoor activities they love” and to build “landmarks the community can be proud of for years to come.” The grand opening of the park was held August 10, 2019. The program featured a speech by Rev. Dr. Orlester Johnson of the Institute for Success/Greater Faith Tabernacle Ministries. Johnson owns the land directly adjacent to the park. Two of the park’s namesake (David Carnes) grandsons were present and many acknowledgments were given to those including, but not limited to District 3 City Councilwoman Patrice Robinson. “I can remember when there were fruit and nut trees lining this land,” said Phil Carnes during the ceremony. “They are gone now, but the land has been transformed into an open space for everyone, a public space that promotes health services. It is a wonderful thing what BCBS has done in honor of my grandfather’s name.”
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Story and Pictures by Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson The late Harvey Vengroff, an affordable housing developer, was described as a “very hands-on and instrumental” person who brought affordable housing to residents in many areas of Florida. Vengroff was a known philanthropist. He gave a home to a nonprofit working with the homeless by donating space in one of his Sarasota properties, helped many of his property’s tenants to acquire personal assets, employment training, going to and graduating from recovery programs, and to accomplish other strategies to help them become self-sufficient. He was a “community loving and serving” person and so is the rest of his family, especially his son, Mark. The senior Vengroff was known for being a landlord who “specialized in converting dilapidated properties” into affordable, clean, and secure housing options for low-income persons. “My father did a lot of things without wanting, needing, or receiving credit,” said son, Mark Vengroff, of Bantam by One Stop Housing, who recently purchased and is in the process of renovating two former motels in the Whitehaven area of Memphis, TN. “Our father was an extraordinary man and our family intends to pursue his plans.” One Stop Housing was founded by the Vengroff’s in April 2018. “Our philosophy is to Mark Vengroff, Owner/Partner One Stop Housing Stock Photo provide clean, safe, and affordable housing to the general public,” said Mark. “We offer a great diversity of rental units; apartments of various sizes, duplexes, townhomes, villas, and houses in Florida. This allows for easy upgrading or downsizing within our clientele base.” “Our tenants will experience a sense of stability knowing that we not only own, but manage and maintain our properties,” said Mark.” We do little to no outsourcing. Our entire team is committed to meeting our tenants’ needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals.” Overall, the facilities will create 300 affordable housing units. Each studio unit is rented on a monthly lease and includes utilities, cable, and free Wi-Fi. The locations are conveniently located near public transportation route stops, including the Airways Transit Center, a transfer point that is served by major transportation lines like Greyhound and Megabus and offers local Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) over-the-counter customer services Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 am and 12 noon. The Airways Center has a 24-hours a day, 7-days a week large, open customer lobby area with amenities including restrooms, vending machines, and a restaurant. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening for the Springbrook and Airways units was held on Saturday, April 10, 2019, at the Airways location off Directors Row. The event offered attendees free food and music in an outdoors and inviting setting. “We are One Stop Housing,” Mark said in the interior main lobby as he kicked off the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “One Stop Housing is the largest workforce housing developer and management company in Florida and the only non-government subsidized solutions for affordable housing. We are proud to announce that many of the people on our team have worked their way up through management. We really believe that giving people an opportunity for a clean, safe, and affordable place to live is important. About a third of our residents turn into retired residents who remain for life.” Bantam Apartments is known for partnering with other organizations to help people through self-esteem classes, healthcare services, and financial matters. “Memphis was not on the radar until the Mayor’s office reached out and called us,” said Mark. According to Col. Mickey Williams [of the Raines Station police department], after 5-weeks on Springbrook he’s receiving less calls about the property already. We just brought 300 affordable units into the community. We’re here and we love it, so you can’t get rid of us now!” The ribbon cutting was attended by Mayor Strickland. On Saturday, August 10th, Bantam Apartments, 2949 Airways at Directors Row, held a grand opening celebration to introduce the community to their Airways and Springbrook properties featuring affordable, clean, and safe studio apartments. Pictured are One Stop Housing employees Audrey Abraham (left) and Nili Dutton of Sarasota, FL. Visit bantamapartments.com for additional details. 4
Currently under renovation, individuals and small families are invited to consider moving to the high security, affordable Airways and Springbrook studio apartments. Renting for $600/mo. (non-renovated) and $650 (renovated), the 300 sq. ft. rental units include utilities, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV services. Call (901) 402-8889 or visit https://onestophousing.com/rentalapplication-1/rental-application to apply today! All Units Include... Full-Sized Refrigerator! Full-Sized Stove w/Oven! Microwave! Bring your ID and four (4) most recent stubs Nonrefundable $25.00 application fee $1,200/month income requirement SSDI and SSI accepted in some instances No government subsidies (Section 8) accepted Security deposit required = 1st month’s rent 30-day notice required to end monthly lease A limited number of furnished units available No credit check required! 5
3865 WINCHESTER @ GETWELL ROAD, SUITE 6 MEMPHIS, TN 38118 (662) 510-4751 Story and Pictures by No More Silence Foundation LaTrossica Wilson, President & Executive Director No More Silence Foundation was founded with the intent to provide coping mechanisms through the arts using educational strategies to help with healing from abuse trauma in multipurpose ways. “We use a variety of art-related programs aimed at targeting prevention of childhood abuse,” said No More Silence Foundation President and Executive Director LaTrossica Wilson. “The programs we offer help to assist victims and none victims in gaining self-esteem, better literacy, rebuilding families, and understanding the steps in preventing sexual violence.” No More Silence is a public benefit nonprofit corporation organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. The organization has designed and developed several programs in furtherance of its purposes. The activities of the No More Silence Foundation includes the delivery of presentations, classes, and seminars to the public. “Topics relate to coping after CSA, preventing CSA, rebuilding families after the CSA, and individual achievement,” said Wilson. “I personally conduct the presentations since it was deemed that I was the best individual suited for carrying out such activities due to my professional background and experience.” No More Silence Foundation activities are conducted regularly throughout the year. Scheduling depends on public demand, budgeting, and availability of resources. The organization’s target delivery area will be Memphis, TN, and will extend to other regions both in and out of the state as opportunities become available. “During our A.R.T.S Summer Camp we provided our campers with a DIY carnival, horseback riding, and backpacks filled with school supplies,” said Wilson. “Our residential chef (Chef ChyKena Alexander of Southern Flair Gourmet Food) provides a Southern Therapeutic Breakfast every Saturday at the No More Silence Foundation, 3865 Winchester Road, Suite 6, to help the community get their weekend started. “We believe that every girl going back to school should return this year feeling the 3Cs Cute, Courageous, and Confident,” said Wilson. “Therefore, we provide our ‘Amazing Braids’ program for girls and a pay what you can fee for their parents.” The No More Silence Foundation partnered with its next-door neighbor, Barber Town Cuts & Styles to provide Back to School Haircuts for Boys along with giving away free backpacks and school supplies. “We also opened our facility up for the children to come dance and skate during our annual Back to School Dance & Skate Party and we gave the children free school supplies, added Wilson who is now in partnership with Start-A-HeatMobile CPR offering youth, family, and friends CPR training and recertification for those who need it. 6
CHECK OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING AT NO MORE SILENCE FOUNDATION 7
Photo by Andrew Withers Individuals from TN and AR came out on Sunday, August 18, 2019, to help the UMOJA Foundation Memphis celebrate the 3rd annual Benjamin Franklin Booth day and to honor Minister Suhkara A. Yahweh (rear center) who turned 81 years old the following day. Story and Pictures by Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson Umoja, is the Swahili word for “unity.” It is also the name of an all-female matriarch village founded by Samburuan Rebecca Lolosoli, in 1990 on the principles of women’s rights located near the town of Archers Post in Samburu County, Nairobi Kenya. Lolosoli’s UMOJA village is a sanctuary for homeless survivors of domestic violence where the traditional subordinate position of the woman is not practiced. Umoja was the name chosen by a far-left District of Columbia political party founded in December 1993 by the then 27-year old student activist Kemry Hughes. Under his direction, the party would “focus on the specific needs of communities of people of color” including better education and government-subsidized medical services for the poor and disenfranchised, taxing non-residents working in D.C., ending tax exemption for nonprofit organizations, paying a living wage, expanding the earned income tax credit, affordable housing options, preserving the general hospital, and hiring local exclusively. The concept was a hit and the Umoji Party continued to qualify to appear on voter registration forms through the year 2000 when their single candidate was unable to secure the 7,500 votes required to retain its majorparty status in that year’s general election. The Umoja Foundation Memphis was formed to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race by focusing on and helping to rebuild harmony in families. The organization held its 3rd annual B. F. Booth celebration on Sunday, August 18, 2019, in the Booth Park east of Florida Street on South Parkway East. The event also honored Lance “Sweet Willie Wine” Watson a.k.a. Minister Suhkara A. Yahweh, who, in 1968 was a young and prominent leader of “The Invaders,” a militant group formed in Memphis, TN. Yahweh was instrumental in the “Walk Without Fear” march from West Memphis, AR to Little Rock, AR to protest racial inequality in 1969 and was once injured by an angry mob of white men while performing organizing duties in Forrest City, AR. Yahweh is currently calling for the removal of voting machines that he says has the effect of “disenfranchising” voters of color. Call (901) 508-1343 for information. 8
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BOULEVARD CHRISTIAN CHURCH HEALTH FAIR & BACKPACK GIVEAWAY Teresa Jones Stewart (from right) waits on Ashley and Alauni Smith of Precious Angels Child Care and Learning Center during the Boulevard Church of Christ Health fair held Saturday, August 10, 2019. The well-attended event featuring gift bag giveaways was held in the Family Life Center on the church property at 4439 Elvis Presley Boulevard. Southwest Tennessee Community College 1234 Finley Drive, Memphis, TN 38116 is hosting a… Career and Community Resource Job Fair Friday, September 20, 2019 10 AM — 1 PM Free Health Screenings Bring plenty of resumes and dress for success On-the-Spot Hiring! 10
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Democrats Collective is a collaborative group of organized Democrats joined together to host a forum for Memphis citizens to get to know the candidates seeking election in the 2019 Memphis Municipal Election to be held Thursday, October 3, 2019. On Thursday, August 1, 2019, the Democrats Collective sponsored a free forum for the community featuring the candidates at the Martin Luther King Jr. Labor Center, 485 Beale Street. A total of 45 candidates or their representatives spoke during the two hour event that ran over due to a pause in the program from MPD police issuing tickets that were immediately recalled thanks to one of the event organizers and moderator, Norma Lester (center). Want to know who’s on your ballet? Visit VOTE411.org® Visit VOTE411.org for a “one-stop-shop” for nonpartisan election-related information categorized with both general and state-specific information online. The site, launched by the League of Women Voters Education Fund (LWVEF) in 2006 is a great place to go online for everything from candidates’ personally written bio’s to your home polling location. The site includes early voting options, ID requirements, registration deadlines, voter qualifications and registration forms, election dates, absentee ballot information, information on voting machines, and general information on how to watch debates with a critical eye. VOTE411 works for addresses all over the USA! 12
The Penny King’s get together every second Saturday night at Westy’s, 346 North Main Street, and “do what they do!” Pictured (from left) are Mike Forrest (electric guitar), vocalist Maria Spence, David Lee (bass guitar), and Allen Rankin (drums). Story and Picture by Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson Westy’s is a quaint little restaurant in between two Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) trolley stops on Main Street. Located at 346 North Main Street, Westy’s is open year around from 10:30 AM until 3 AM daily. On the night of August 10, 2019, the restaurant advertised a going away party for Jimmy Ogle, a well-known Memphisborn historian, who has held many titles during his lifetime including that of being the unique individual who can identifiy each manhole cover design found in downtown Memphis. Well, I thought I caught a glimpse of Jimmy, but I guess I never did — not that night anyway. What I did catch a glimpse of was the band known as “The Penny Kings,” featuring Maria Spence, Mike Forrest, David Lee, and Allen Rankin. “We’ve all been playing around town for many years,” said Spence. “We got together as a group to do a blues service at Calvary Church, liked what we heard, and started playing gigs.” The Penny Kings are second Saturday regular performers at Westy’s and they made “a little fuss” later in the night including “a rousing Ode to Jimmy O.” The band will be at Westy’s, on Saturday, September 14, 2019, from 9:30 until closing and they will be performing at the Overton Park Golf house on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 from 6—8 PM. 13
Memphis Light, Gas and Water hosted the first of three “Your Power, Your Voice,” Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) community engagement meetings to encourage an open discussion between the utility and customers. The meeting was held Tuesday, August 20 at the Hollywood Community Center, with MLGW President and CEO J.T. Young, MLGW staff, and representatives from Siemens Industry Incorporated, the consultant working on the IRP. Young wants community input about the reliability, affordability, resiliency, and sustainability of the services being offered by MLGW and answered questions from customers about the IRP process. Young opened the hour and a half long meeting by introducing the many MLGW team members present and Gary Vicinus, Regional Director, Utilities Digital Grid Siemens. The IRP process is an industry standard approach for utilities to assess optimal resources needed for the long-term electricity supply to meet the needs of their customers. Siemens took the floor and provided a non-technical definition of an IRP. An IRP is, “a comprehensive view of what a utility needs to continue providing energy to its customers” in the future. This requires knowing and considering variables that do not currently exist. MLGW is a “public utility” and each and every one of its customers are stakeholders in the agency’s future. Vicinus also explained the objectives of the meeting, the stakeholder engagement plan, the objectives and metrics of an IRP, and the options MLGW has to choose from for the future utility needs of its customers. The first stage was to create a Power Supply Advisory Team (PSAT), a group of MLGW customers, city leaders, and MLGW management who are charged with evaluating MLGW’s current agreement with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). This group will also be responsible for researching alternative power supply alternatives. Once completed, the IRP will outline the electric resources needed by MLGW to meet the electricity demand of their customers over the next 20 years. The development of the IRP will contain significant stakeholder engagement that will include: MLGW’s Board of Commissioners, MLGW’s senior management, and MLGW’s customer advocates. Both PSAT and IRP meetings are open to the public. Updates, links to videos from past meetings, and other pertinent information is available online at mlgw.com/about/powersupply. The next "Your Power, Your Voice" IRP meeting is scheduled for November and the next PSAT meeting is Monday, September 16, 2019 at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Broad, 2835 Broad Ave, Memphis, TN 38112. 14
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Story and Pictures by Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson A select group of music-lovers filled the auditorium for “An Evening with Mickey Gregory,” on Thursday, August 29, 2019, for the legendary Memphis activist, trumpeter, and bandleader’s 81st birthday celebration. The musical event began with a question and answer session led by Robert Gordon, a local author and filmmaker, included reflections on his musical career that was an instrumental part of the success Isaac Hayes achieved and more, and ended with the retired Gregory donating his trumpet into the Stax Museum’s permanent artifact collection. The 2-hour event hosted by the Stax Museum of American Soul Music began at 7 pm and featured performances by the Knights of Jazz and students and graduates of the Stax Music Academy. The Bazaar (1335 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104) owner, Ann Yates (center), began doing the salsa when trumpeter, Dr. Alvin McKinney, The Prime Minister of Joyful Jazz of Prophetic Management and Entertainment of Memphis, TN and Los Angeles, CA, began looking for dancers at the 81st birthday celebration for Mickey Gregory (center at wall) on Thursday, August 29, 2019. The two hour event was held at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, 926 E. McLemore Avenue in Memphis, TN, in Soulsville U.S.A. 16
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NAREB’s 50th anniversary was held Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at the historic 1850s era Italianate Annesdate Mansion on Lamar. Story by Tony Jones NAREB’s 50th Anniversary Party Precedes State Of Black Housing Report The Memphis Chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) hosted a cocktail party Wednesday, Aug 28th to celebrate the chapter’s 50th Anniversary helping to sustain African American realtors. Held at the Annesdale Mansion on Lamar, several speakers saluted the organization’s quietly impactful influence on African American commerce and the nation’s democracy. Founded in Tampa, Florida in 1947, it’s not a stretch to refer to them as a secret weapon of black progress. The organization’s members are after more than just commissions, chapter president Cheryl Muhammad emphasizes. She and other members have been utilizing their social media imprints, regular conversation and, where appropriate, sales meetings and business encounters to trumpet NAREB’s official message of “Building Black Wealth Through Homeownership”. “It’s not a slogan, it’s the truth,” Muhammad espouses. “Think of all the professions, tradesmen, goods and supplies used in the home daily and you come to realize it’s simply a workable concept that needs more emphasis, especially here where the social map is crying out for the need to grow the black business sector. We’ve been trumpeting this call for decades, now urban areas throughout the nation are beginning to realize the bedrock impact of home ownership in the black community.” That cry in the wilderness has coalesced into NAREB’s 2MN5 initiative. The abbreviation stands for 2 million new homes in 5 years. When first announced several years ago, the ir seemingly lofty initiative wasn’t met with much national attention, but now their cry in the wilderness has become a trumpet call that is especially relevant to cities like Memphis, where the group’s initiative feels like a spring wind. Muhammad feels, “NAREB is a sleeping giant. I see us as potentially as important in our market as any organization you can name. We have a real legacy that drives us forward, and a real need to fulfill.” Both can be found on the website, nareb.com. “NAREB has played varying influential roles in the implementation of equal rights, fair housing, equal opportunity, and community development legislation at the local, state, and federal levels since its founding. Some significant policy achievements of NAREB were the first local fair housing legislation in 1962 in New York City, the first state fair housing legislation in 1963 in California, and the first national fair housing legislation in both 1947 and 1968. It was the 193 California legislation that propelled NAREB into national prominence.” The organization recently released its’ annual State Of Housing In Black America report hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus in the nation’s capital, the main highlight of a wealth of information available on their website. 18
Top left: Sheritta MCray, NAREB Memphis, Region 7 Vice President and immediate past President. Top right: (from right) Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Treissa Parks, and Vernon Greer. Below: Bartender/Mixologist Amber Winbush joined Candy Bar Personal Bartending Services owner Candace Duncan bartending with style with bars available both inside and outside the mansion. 19
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Election 2019 Talk - Who are the Candidates? ALL BALLOTS INCLUDE (1) THE REFERENDUM AND (2) MAYOR, (3) MUNICIPAL COURT CLERK, and ALL 3 MUNICIPAL JUDGE DIVISIONS RACES MAYOR CANDIDATES... (choose one) David Walker DeAngelo Pegues Jim Strickland Lemichael D. Wilson Leo AwGoWhat Robert (Prince Mongo) Hodges Sharon A. Webb Steven Bradley Tami Sawyer Terrence T. B. Boyce Willie Herenton MUNICIPAL CITY JUDGE CANDIDATES... (choose one per division) David Pool: Div. 3 Jane Chandler: Div. 3 LaTrena Davis-Ingram: Div. 1 Tarik B. Sugarmon: Div. 2 Teresa D. Jones: Div. 1 MUNICIPAL COURT CLERK CANDIDATES... (choose one) Carl A. Irons II David W. Vinciarelli De Givens Delicia DeGraffreed George “Dempsy” Summers Joe Brown Lea Ester Redmond Myron Lowery William Stovall CITY COUNCIL DISTRICTS 1–7 CANDIDATES… choose one per your division) Berlin F. Boyd, 7 Britney Thornton, 4 Catrina L. Smith, 7 Davin D. Clemons, 6 Dawn Bonner, 1 Edmund H. Ford, 6 Frank Colvett Jr., 2 J. Jaques Hamilton, 6 Jamita E. Swearengen, 4 Jerred Price, 7 Jimmy Hassann, 7 John Emery, 2 John R. Marek, 5 Larry Springfield, 7 Marvin White, 2 Michalyn C. S. Easter-Thomas, 7 Patrice Jordan Robinson, 3 Paul S. Brown, 6 Perry Bond, 6 Rhonda Logan, 1 Sherman D. Greer, 1 Tanya L. Cooper, 3 Theryn C. Bond, 6 Thurston Smith, 7 Toni Green-Cole, 7 Will “The Underdog” Richardson, 7 Worth Morgan, 5 CITY COUNCIL SUPER DISTRICTS 8 & 9, POS 1 - 3 CANIDATES… choose one per your division) Brian L. Saulsberry, 8.2 Cat Allen, 8.3 Charley Burch, 9.3 Chase Carlile, 9.1 Cheyenne Johnson, 8.2 Cody Fletcher, 9.3 Craig Littles, 8.2 Darrick Dee Harris, 8.1 Deanielle Jones, 9.2 Erika Sugarmon, 9.1 Ford Canale, 9.2 Frank Willliam Johnson, 8.2 Gerald Kiner, 8.3 Gerre Currie, 8.1 J. B. Smiley Jr., 8.1 Jeff Warren, 9.3 Lynnette P. Williams, 8.3 M. Latroy Alexandria-Williams, 8.1 Marinda Alexandria-Williams, 8.2 Martavius D. Jones, 8.3 Mauricio Calvo, 9.2 Nicole Cleaborn, 8.1 Pam Lee, 8.3 Pearl “Eva” Walker, 8.1 R. S. Ford Sr., 8.3 Tyrone Romeo Franklin, 9.3 Early Voting Begins on Friday, September 14, 2019. Early Voting Ends on Saturday, September 21, 2019. ELECTION DAY is Thursday, October 3, 2019, and POLLS OPEN AT 7 AM and CLOSE AT 7 PM. Want to know who’s on your ballet? Visit www.VOTE411.org® Visit VOTE411.org for a “one-stop-shop” for nonpartisan election-related information categorized with both general and state-specific information online. The site, launched by the League of Women Voters Education Fund (LWVEF) in 2006 is a great place to go online for everything from candidates’ personally written bio’s to your home polling location. The site includes early voting options, ID requirements, registration deadlines, voter qualifications and registration forms, election dates, absentee ballot information, information on voting machines, and general information on how to watch debates with a critical eye. VOTE411 works for addresses all over the USA! 22
Early Voting Locations in Memphis 23
Sample Ballot - City Council District 1/SD 9 26
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MEMPHIS WOMEN IN BUSINESS A Cut Above Lawn Service provides more than just the traditional grass cutting services. From transforming dirt into luscious green yards to cleaning truck fleets and securing empty commercial properties waiting to be demolished, A Cut Above is the first place to call for all of your outdoor cleaning needs. The company has an A+ BBB rating and recently joined the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. Operations are constantly expanding into new areas including, but not limited to Madison and Gibson Counties in Tennessee as well as the northern portions of Mississippi. “We do more than just cut grass,” said A Cut Above founder Daphnie Swift (pictured above second from left). “At A Cut Above we promote personal growth, development, and leadership training to help everyone succeed.” A Cut Above works in and for the communities it serves too. This past January the company assisted all persons who were negatively affected by the government shutdown with basic lawn care needs free of charge and, in June, they announced free lawn care services for elderly homeowners throughout the summer fast grass-growing months. “A Cut Above Lawn Service Corporation is a lawn service and landscaping company that provides excellent residential and commercial services at economical prices,” said Swift. “We specialize in lawn service, landscaping, pressure washing, debris removal, illegal dumping site cleanups, boarding and securing vacant properties against vandalism, minor tree trimming and removal, and minor demolition.” Look for ACA on Facebook or call (901) 237-7579 for a free estimate on your residential or commercial job soon! 46
MEMPHIS WOMEN IN BUSINESS In addition to being a member of the Whitehaven Rotary Club, Misty Rosser White has been with State Farm Insurance Agency since 1987. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Memphis and is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, National Association of Real Estate Brokers, and a Tennessee Achieves Mentor. You may spot her recently wrapped VW Beetle sitting in front of her office on Elvis Presley Boulevard where she provides the community with auto, home, health, life, business, and property insurance products plus banking, mutual funds, and annuities. “Our mission is to help our customers overcome everyday risks and realize their dreams,” says Rosser White. “In doing so, we are committed to providing professional, prompt, and friendly service.” For more information, drop by, call (901) 255-5555, or visit mistywhite.com online today. 47
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An All-Day Aviation Event for GIRLS AGES 10 - 18 YEARS ONLY! Saturday, October 5, 2019 TN COLLEGE of APPLIED TECHNOLOGY (TCAT) 3435 Tchulahoma Road Memphis, TN 38118 Register Online (MemphisBelles.org) 50
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SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSCENE, the NEW SCENE where NEWS is SCENE, for $36.00 bi-annually or just $7 per Month! Single and multiple copies are also available for purchase. Thank you for subscribing to our first NEWSCENE publication. We are the NEW SCENE where NEWS is SEEN! We hope you enjoyed the stories about and the pictures taken at events we visited last month. We are looking forward to sharing more pictures and stories with you next month about the many events taking place this month. As you know, we can’t be at more than one event at a time, but we are here to assist you to get your events online, in our calendar, and in print. Don’t forget you can click on the links that are included to visit websites, blogs, Facebook pages and more! We want to be the first place you look to learn about the things happening in your community, but we won’t know about what’s happening unless you tell us. Write to us at NEWSCENEShelbyCo@gmail.com or call (901) 300-0250 to leave us a message. We promise to return your call in a timely fashion. NEWSCENE . . . ...is currently seeking ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS and passionate and outgoing volunteer photojournalists who can write stories and take pictures at local events. Interested persons should phone (901) 300-0250 for details. 52
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