For the Kids
I think Jim Strickland’s and Shea Flinn’s hearts are in the right place (“For the Kids,” November 14th issue), but getting a tax increase (any tax increase) passed in this tightfisted, Tea Party era is going to be very difficult, no matter how worthy the cause.
I will vote for the increase, but I do not have great hopes for its passage. Hopefully, Memphis voters will (pleasantly) surprise me.
Charlotte Bird
Memphis
The Hamp
Thank you for Bianca Phillips’ excellent article on Binghampton (“The Hamp,” November 7th issue). To the long list of nonprofits, businesses, churches, and individuals working in Binghampton, it would be remiss not to name and honor Rachel Coats Greer, her late husband Harry, and their Rachel’s Kids, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives in Binghampton.
Rachel is a tireless guardian angel for children and adults alike in Binghampton. Stop by Rachel’s Flowers on Poplar any Saturday between now and Christmas, and you’re very likely to see a group of Binghampton children and teenagers in Rachel’s shop busily crafting reindeer for sale. Rachel returns every penny from the sale of the reindeer to the child to save and use. Bravo, Rachel! Bravo, Binghampton!
Peggy Williamson
Memphis
Merry Christmas, Dammit
Just got home to Jackson after picking up a Flyer in Memphis. I read Bruce VanWyngarden’s column about the “war on Christmas” (Letter from the Editor, November 14th issue). My wife and I will be sitting down this weekend and addressing our “Christmas cards” that we purchased at Lifeway Christian Bookstore. We do not send out Season’s Greetings or Holiday cards. We send out the real thing.
When I am out this time of year, if I see someone I think might be Muslim or Hindu, etc., I make it a point to wish them a very Merry Christmas. God bless you, and Merry Christmas.
George Dean
Jackson, Tennessee
Jim Santoro
Many of us who lived in Memphis during the 1970s and 1980s fondly remember the Memphis Star. This publication was the brainchild of publisher/owner Jim Santoro, and it promoted all genres of Memphis music on a monthly basis. Besides publishing the Memphis Star, Jim was also an excellent performer and songwriter who had many of his songs recorded here and in Europe. However, his heart and soul were always in the promotion of talent in the Memphis area through his paper.
Sadly, Jim passed away last month. If anyone remembers the Memphis Star and has stories or thoughts they wish to share, please forward them to me at the email below and I will get them to his wife, Jackie.
Thank you to the Flyer for this space. We miss you, Jim.
Phil Olive
Memphis
lowdrivemusic@yahoo.com
Tim Sampson
Another good issue ruined. I get to the back page, and there is Tim Sampson with his ideas on how to save the world or, in this case, the homeless (The Rant, November 14th issue). Tim’s always good for a liberal dig at the wealthy too.
Add the private school stickers on the SUVs as something else he doesn’t have the loot for, in addition to a hotel run by the homeless. Who do you think would finance such a project? A Northside High School alum or an MUS alum? That’s usually who it takes.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the homeless getting off the streets. But instead of knocking the conservatives who could fund these projects, point the homeless in the direction of Bellevue Baptist Church. That’s five acres for sure.
Scott Blankenship
Memphis
Like Tim Sampson, I too could care less about nachos, billboards, or Lady Gaga, but I do love the idea of a hotel named SHELTER. (I don’t know why all caps were used in the column, but decided to follow suit.) What a great concept! Shabby chic in the heart of Midtown Memphis.
The resurrection of the French Quarter Inn is highly overdue. What better way to enliven the square and lure tourists to our fair city? I spent my “first life” in the hotel/bar/and restaurant industry and would be more than willing to help with planning, training, and organizing this endeavor.
Great vision, Tim. I’m holding out for the innovative loot-holders.
Carol Ricossa
Memphis
