I want to throw a possible scenario out there. It’s not the best one to think about, but it’s one we ought to keep in mind, and be prepared in case it does happen.
Local medical experts (REAL experts, not the people who post COVID rants on Facebook) predict that the COVID-19 overflow hospital on Union will have to open by Christmas. A hospital overflow situation is expected nationally by the time President-Elect Biden and Vice-President-Elect Harris take office January 20.
I have noticed that the Shelby County COVID-19 task force has the capability to think several moves ahead, as though they’re playing a game of chess with the virus. What if they leave things as they are, or close to it, through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, realizing it’s futile to expect families not to see each other at all during the holidays…
… but then, to starve the virus of new hosts, they issue a 4-week Safer at Home order Monday, January 4 to Monday, February 2, or alternately, January 11 to February 8? That’s the slowest time of the year for most businesses (except gyms), it would be double the virus’s two-week incubation period, and it would get things back open in time for Valentine’s Day.
I have no inside knowledge that something like this is being considered, and to be clear, I am NOT ADVOCATING for such an order (a few of my Facebook friends would be thrilled though). However, I think there’s a possibility such an order could happen. So, I invite my readers to think:
- If such an order is issued, what are you going to do to stay afloat financially? How are you going to make sure you have money squirreled away for your February 1 rent or mortgage payment?
- How are you going to keep yourself entertained if such an order is issued? Might that possibility affect what gifts you give for the holidays?
- What nonessential services might not be available for a while? For example, you might want to book an appointment at the hair salon mid-December if this prediction looks more accurate by that time.
South Main Association members: There is an online monthly meeting of the organization tonight at 6 (Zoom link) It will be time to vote on the 2021 Board of Directors, and developer Chance Carlisle will be the featured speaker, talking about the projects his group has going on in South Main. There will also be presentations from other business owners:
- Brit McDaniel of Paper & Clay, taking over the old Harley-Davidson space with a ceramic arts shop
- Robert Clayton and Emeka “Cleopatra Bake” of Cupcake Cutie, which recently relocated to South Main
- Tawanda Pirtle and Mady Perry of new gift shop Feelin’ Memphis at 509 S. Main
Slider Inn Downtown is planning a Ghost River beer dinner for Tuesday, November 17. I’ll post more details as I get them.
The Memphis Flyer will hold a virtual Pet Adopt-a-Thon, along with Hollywood Feed and the Memphis Humane Society, this Thursday 2:00 to 3:30. They’ll feature some of the adoptable cats and dogs, have a Q&A with the trainer, and give you a look at the work being done at the Humane Society.
Pfizer has a COVID-19 vaccine that has proved 90% effective in testing and for which paperwork could be submitted to the FDA for emergency-use authorization as soon as next week. That would be great news if it holds up. The FDA was shooting for greater than 50% efficacy, and Pfizer has beaten that standard by a mile.
Now the government has to find a way to make this vaccine free for all. To charge for the vaccine would be discriminatory. President-Elect Biden has said he has a plan to make this happen.
Downtown Yoga has announced that Cora Pitt has joined its staff. Cora brings over 500 hours in Pilates training, as well as Barre Above and TRX qualifications. You may know her from Aldo’s Pizza Pies or Slider Inn Midtown. Cora will teach Pilates-60 at Downtown Yoga every Monday night, with both in-studio and virtual options available.
The CA has a list of Thanksgiving to-go options. Note that for most restaurants, you will need to order well in advance. Downtown options listed in the article include Felicia Suzanne’s, Hog Wild BBQ/A Moveable Feast Catering, Memphis Soul, and the Peabody.
Plus I have a couple more for you. From Catherine & Mary’s:
It’s that time again! Bring a @hogandhominy pie home for the holidays. We’re offering whole Peanut Butter, Carol’s Delightful Smile and Lemon Chess pies this season for $40. Order them by Saturday, Nov. 21 to have them on your table by Thanksgiving! Place your order downtown or in East Memphis 🥧🍂East Memphis call (901)347-3569 or email erika@enjoyam.comDowntown call (901)254-8600 or email agrant@enjoyam.com.**ORDER DEADLINE: Nov. 21**PIE PICK UP DAY: Nov. 25
From New Wing Order:
Want to bring great taste to Thanksgiving dinner without putting hours in the kitchen? New Wing Order has you covered! We’ll be offering the following specials for pickup or delivery* on Wednesday, Nov. 25^. pic.twitter.com/CZZvzVYOWa
— New Wing Order (@newwingorder) November 9, 2020
Thanksgiving Pinwheels – Oven roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, herbed cream cheese, swiss cheese, and granny smith apple – two dozen for $35
Baked Mac & Cheese – Made with four cheeses and finished with a buttery panko breadcrumb topping – 1/2 pan (feeds 12-15) for $30— New Wing Order (@newwingorder) November 9, 2020
Collard Greens – Made with bacon, onions, garlic, and a spicy kick – 1/4 pan (feeds 8-10) for $20
Banana Pudding – 1/2 pan (feeds 10-12) for $20
Pumpkin Pie – $20*Delivery offered for orders of $100 or more. ^All orders must be placed by Sunday, Nov. 22.
— New Wing Order (@newwingorder) November 9, 2020
Arkansas head football coach Sam Pittman has tested positive for COVID-19. Pittman, fresh off a 24-13 whooping of the Tennessee Lady Vols powder puff football team on Saturday, will have to isolate for 10 days. Barry Odom, DC and associate head coach, will take the reins in his absence.
My recommendation for tonight is that you get out on a patio, because today is going to be the last really nice day, with afternoon and early evening temperatures in the 70s, falling into the 60s.
From Action News 5: Downtown Dining Week provided a glimpse of normalcy during the pandemic.
From Fox 13: Restaurant owners want to make to-go alcohol sales permanent, a move I support 100%.
Fox 13 also has a list of places where veterans eat free on Wednesday for Veterans’ Day. The list is a bunch of corporate chains so not much for Downtown. However, we do have:
- Free 12-ounce tall coffee for veterans and active-duty members at Starbucks
- 25% off dinner for veterans and active-duty at Texas de Brazil Monday-Thursday
- Free small breakfast combo at Wendy’s for veterans and active-duty
We have a couple of events coming up in Health Sciences Park at Madison and Dunlap this week. Thursday, Opera Memphis will do a pop-up from 10 AM to 1 PM. The Stickem food truck will be on-site, and there will be free gifts and Poparoos popcorn for the first 50 attendees. Social distancing is required, masks are encouraged, and sanitation products will be available.
Acoustic trio Mommy Jamz performs at the park Friday from 11 to 1. Food truck (they didn’t say which one) on-site and the same COVID deal as the day before.
Politico has started a new Transition Playbook daily newsletter for those who want to keep up with the latest on the Biden-Harris transition plans.
Someone is selling a Camy’s triangle menu on eBay for 18 bucks. Didn’t know that was a collectors’ item.
That’s it for today. Probably I will make a stop at Blind Bear after work this afternoon. Back tomorrow with more news.