Blogging about all things Hickory Hill. Memphis Biggest Neighborhood.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Obama on Kennedy's Legacy


“Though it is Teddy’s historic body of achievements we will remember, it is his giving heart that we will miss. He was the friend and the colleague that would pick up the phone and say I was sorry for your loss . . . to those who would never imagine that a U.S. Senator would take the time to think of them . . .

We cannot know for certain how long we have here. We cannot foresee the trials or misfortunes that will test us along the way. We cannot know what God’s plan is for us. But what we can do is live out our lives as best we can with purpose and with love and with joy. We can use each day to show those who are close to us how much we care about them. And treat others with the kindness and respect we wish for ourselves. We can learn from our mistakes and grow from our failures and we can strive at all cost to make a better world. So that some day if we are blessed with the chance to look back on our time here we’ll know that we spent it well. That we made a difference. That our fleeting presence had a lasting impact on the lives of others. This is how Ted Kennedy lived. This is his legacy. He once said and this was already mentioned about his brother Bobby that he need not be idolized or enlarged in death because of what he was in life, and I imagine he would say the same about himself. The greatest expectations were placed upon Ted Kennedy’s shoulder because of who he was. But he surpassed them all because of who he became. We do not weep for him today because of the prestige attached to his name or his office. We weep because we loved this kind and tender hero who persevered through pain and tragedy. Not for the sake of ambition or vanity. Not for wealth or power. But only for the people and the country he loved. “

President Barack Obama
Eulogy of Senator Ted Kennedy
August 29, 2009

Sunday, August 16, 2009

iM Aware! 5k Walk Run in Hickory Hill


Shelby County is experiencing one of the highest infant mortality rates in the nation. The Hickory Hill Community Redevelopment Corporation (HHCRC) has teamed up with Hickory Ridge Mall, World Overcomers, MSC Health Department’s Healthy Start Program, All Babies Count, and SuperLo Foods to host an iM AWARE! 5k Walk/Run. Organizers of the event hope to increase public knowledge about infant mortality and advocate for a healthy start and bright future for all babies in Memphis and Shelby County. Proceeds will go to support The Baby Store which is opening in Hickory Ridge Mall.

iM Aware! 5k Walk/Run is scheduled to take place Saturday, September 26th at 9:00 a.m. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. at Hickory Ridge Mall located at 6075 Winchester Road. The community is invited to enjoy this fun-filled, family-oriented event that includes activities for all ages.

Registration and sponsor packets can be found online at iM Aware! website.

UniverSoul Circus is Coming to Hickory Hill


Named one of the Top 10 “Most Requested Family Attractions” by Ticketmaster, the world-renowed UniverSoul Circus will be in Memphis from August 18th through August 23rd. The circus, now in its 17th season offers a unique circus experience under the Big Tent and is known as the “Circus with Soul.” Shows will consist of comedy and magic acts, contortionists, African elephants, Rough Riders, Chinese Acrobats and flying performers on the trapeze. Tickets are on sale at Ticket Masters and groups of twenty and more can acquire tickets by calling 800-316-7439.

National Night Out in Fox Meadows


The annual Fox Meadows National Night Out 2009 event drew more than 50 homeowners from southeast Memphis. Each interested in preserving the tranquilly and value of their neighborhoods by pushing back against crime. Colleen Phillips, president of the Fox Meadows Homeowners Association and organizer of the event, has been active in hosting National Night Out celebrations for more than a decade. As in previous years, the event united neighbors, civic leaders, law enforcement and the clergy. Memphis Fire Department and Memphis Police opened fire trucks and cruisers for inspection by neighborhood children. Guest speakers, great food, and wonderful fellowship provided a perfect platform to discuss strategies to help keep Fox Meadows an attractive community.

Participants were invited to sign up for the Citizens Police Academy and were presented with crime fighting tools like CYBERWATCH, MPD’s crime abatement program designed to provide public safety information and alternative methods for communicating with the police. Teenagers were introduced to “Streetwise,” a program started by the National Crime Prevention Council which provides common-sense strategies for teenagers to stay safe and protect their personal property. Information about these programs can be found by following these links: http://www.memphispolice.org and http://www.weprevent.org.

Mrs. Phillip’s long-time dedication to organizing this annual event is rooted in her basic belief that neighbors united can and do make a difference. The Fox Meadows community is adjacent to Hickory Hill and neighbors in both communities share the same challenges in preserving their family-oriented, working-class neighborhoods. This 2009 National Night Out event was hosted by Resurrection Community Church on Winchester.