Weekly Update

Friends,  

As you may have seen, yesterday the state legislature approved its budget which included the $350 million we requested to support our stadium renovation projects.

For more than a year now, we have methodically worked on this historic transformation of our city’s sports venues. We truly appreciate the support of the Memphis Grizzlies, University of Memphis, Memphis 901FC and Memphis Redbirds in these efforts.

Thanks to Governor Lee and his administration, Lt. Governor McNally, Speaker Sexton, and the members of the legislature who have supported us through this process. Over the next few years, our sports venues will be dramatically improved and will help us retain the Grizzlies, 901FC and Redbirds, and will hopefully be the catalyst needed to help the University move into a power five conference.

While the $350 included in the budget is substantial, we also have bills set for votes this week that will allow us to help fund the local share of the sports facilities. Once those bills pass, we will be able to address the “Big Ask” in more detail. Stay tuned.

211 expanding services: Memphis Public Libraries is expanding its Linc-211 services to include licensed social workers to better serve our community.

Two full-time social workers and outreach specialists will be based at five Memphis Public Library Branches-- Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, Whitehaven, East Shelby, Hollywood, and Raleigh. These services will be offered from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and they are free to anyone who needs assistance.

Customers that need assistance can also access services at any Memphis Library location by calling 211 and setting up an appointment at their local library branch.

By having these social workers in our libraries, it will help combat many of the challenges that youth and adults face due to the lack of access or knowledge of proper social services.

Last year 211 specialists answered nearly 83,000 calls requesting information. Most callers asked for referrals connected to food, housing, and employment. For example, social workers can refer customers to agencies for mental health services, education, immigration, or job assistance. 

As I say all time, increasing opportunities for our young people is crucial. As it stands today, nearly 30,000 youth in our community are not enrolled in school and not working. But there are over 30,000 job openings in the county, free job training programs, free technical training, and free community college.

With the help of these social workers, Memphis Public Libraries is the place to connect our youth with the services they need to succeed. For more information about this and other services we offer, visit opportunitymemphis.com.

A good story: Recently, two MLGW crews were working at Lawrence and Hacks Cross installing electric distribution equipment. While they were working, the crews noticed an 18-wheeler flatbed truck moving slowly toward their work area.

The members started moving out the way as the truck hit the pole where they were about to perform work. The crew removed the driver from the truck and found he was nonresponsive with no pulse.

At that point MLGW Lineman, Shad Old started CPR and Crew Leader Hinchey called in the emergency while others assisted with traffic until paramedics arrived on site. The man left in the ambulance but was breathing again. Paramedics on the scene told the crew that without their efforts and quick response, the individual would have died.

To the crew members:

Crew 1080 – David Hinchey                                  Crew 1130 – Justin McCarter

                      Daniel Reed                                                             Shad Old

                      Thomas Malone                                                      Zachery Doty

                      Cade Shackelford

We are thankful for your efforts to spring into action to help a citizen in need.

Gold Star Families: Next Wednesday, April 26 at 3:00 p.m., we will have the dedication ceremony of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in Liberty Park, located near the Tiger Lane fountain.

This event is open to the public, and there will be several Gold Star Families and many military veterans in attendance. As you may know, a Gold Star Family is one who has sacrificed a Loved One while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.

The monument is the product of a joint effort between the City of Memphis, the Liberty Park Gold Star Families Memorial Monument Committee, and the Woody Williams Foundation. Constructed from black granite, it will provide a serene location for families to commemorate their loved ones and serve as a poignant reminder to all of the sacrifices made for our continued freedom.

I hope that you will be able to attend as we pay tribute to Gold Star Families, preserve the memory of our fallen soldiers, and educate future generations about the cost of our nation's liberty.

Enjoy your weekend and Go Grizz!!

Yours,