Last night I attended the September Downtown Neighborhood Association meeting at Blind Bear. There wasn’t a speaker or formal program – rather, it was an opportunity to come together with neighbors for food and drink. Nevertheless, I did come away with a few pieces of info I want to pass on to my readers.
National Night Out is a chance to break bread and socialize with the people who keep us safe, our police officers and firefighters. It’s a chance to learn how we can all work together to make our neighborhood safer. There’s always yummy food supplied by area restaurants and shops.
The DNA is organizing a National Night Out celebration on the grounds of the Cossitt Library, northwest corner of Front and Monroe, the evening of Tuesday, October 3. Previously, National Night Out was celebrated the first Tuesday of August, but (unless you live in Alaska) the early October weather is much more hospitable.
Got a question for SOUTH MAIN: You guys doing anything for NNO? In past years there have been gatherings under the Memphis Farmers Market pavilion and at the 409 South Main event space. If you have info, hit me up at paul.ryburn@gmail.com or contact me on Facebook Messenger.
Why am I so concerned with what South Main is doing for NNO when DNA is organizing a great event a block from my front door? Elementary, my dear Watson. Two-piece boxes of Jack Pirtle’s chicken tend to show up at South Main NNO celebrations – boxes that include a biscuit and a cup of that yummy gravy. I’m totally willing to put on my walking shoes and travel for some Pirtle’s.
In other DNA news, they are planning an end-of-year celebration for the latter half of October. These parties celebrate all that is wonderful about Downtown and always overflow with food and beverages. I’ll have more details soon.
A number of DNA members got their 901 PEACE purple wristbands at the meeting.
If you see me out, I can give you one. Luanne (The Grizzlies Glamma/Sparkle Mentality) has a bag of them and can give you one, as can a few others. The wristbands are the brainchild of owners of a Beale Street hotspot. They are designed to promote unity among our Downtown stakeholders and 10,000 of them were printed.
Related to the wristbands is a Downtown Neighbors Clean, Green, and Beautiful Pledge you can print out, sign, and return to your neighborhood association or send to downtown@downtownmemphis.com. Take the pledge to create a more welcoming Downtown
I discovered a new menu item last night. Blind Bear put out chicken bacon ranch quesadillas on the DNA’s food buffet last night. For some reason, I had passed those over until yesterday. They were so good that I went back to the buffet for seconds!
The body pulled from the Mississippi River last weekend has been identified as Tamia Taylor. Taylor was a 21-year-old mother who disappeared from a “booze cruise” operated by Memphis Riverboat Cruises a couple of weeks ago.
Riverside Drive’s reopening date remains up in the air following the completion of Tom Lee Park.
MLGW will open its Downtown office Saturday morning to help customers with delayed billing issues.
St. Mary’s soup kitchen at 155 Market Ave. in The Pinch needs the following items: vegetables (onions, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, etc.), stew meat, chips/pretzels, cookies/brownies, coffee, sugar, and bottled water. 901-522-9420 for more info. The soup kitchen has operated since 1870 and serves the hungry six days a week.
Memphis in May is polling BBQ teams as it tries to find a new location for BBQ Fest.
The Moxy Memphis Hotel will host Haunt Couture: A Moxy Halloween Soiree on October 31. Drag queens, DJ Alpha Whiskey, Pok Cha Egg Rolls food truck on site. Costume contest with a night’s stay at the Moxy as the grand prize.
The CA has a list of haunted locations Downtown.
A chorizo and Mexican street corn flatbread is the special at Local on Main today:
There will be a sunset skate at River Garden Thursday from 5 to 8 PM. Free lessons and free limited skate rentals.
Doug MacLeod plays Live at the Tracks at Central Station Hotel Thursday evening.
Brimstone Jones plays Loflin Yard Sunday at noon.
A New York judge has found the Trumpster and his adult male spawn Don Jr. and Eric liable for fraud. The judge also took away Trump Org’s business license. A receiver will be brought in to handle the dissolution of the corporate entities. The Trump family has announced it will appeal.
That’s it for today. Back tomorrow with more news.