Parents & kids

Snowy Nights in My Big Backyard

Submitted by Jenn Allmon, News Producer

Wednesday, November 14th, 2012, 2:21pm

It's snowing in Memphis next weekend!

But you won't find snow flakes in Dave Brown's forecast, but you can find them in The Memphis Botanic Garden at their annual Snowy Nights in My Big Backyard.

Beginning Friday, Nov. 23 visitors can stroll through falling snow and see a musical light display in the children's garden. There is themed lighting at all the playhouses.

Kids can play in a giant Snow Globe that's even bigger and better than last year's. They can also decorate cookie dough ornaments, search for hidden snowflakes in the Snowflake Forest, and play games like the Mitten Toss and Tic-Tac-Snow.

There's even a Giant Light Bright where you can make your own designs.

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Church Serves Up All the Trimmings on Thanksgiving

Submitted by Nichole Cyprian on Saturday, November 10th, 11:36 pm

Heartsong Church and the Memphis Islamic Center will be serving up all the trimmings for the Cordova Community this month.

Members will be hosting the 3rd annual Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. at Heartson Church.

The event will be catered by Tom's BBQ, which gained national recognition on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives", hosted by Guy Fieri.

The purpose of the dinner is to give the community a chance to know each other and enjoy each other's company. Organizers will also update members on the progress of Friendship Park, an 8-acre park shared between Heartsong Church and the Memphis Islamic Center.

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City and county launch homebuyer program, down payment assistance

Submitted by John Phelps, Community Blogger

Friday, November 9th, 2012, 4:27pm

City and county launch homebuyer program, down payment assistance

(WMC-TV) – Memphis and Shelby County leaders are launching a major effort to help people buy homes in the county.

Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell and Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton have announced the creation of a large-scale homebuyer workshop.

Dubbed Memphis-Shelby County Helping Homebuyers, the program is set to provide up to $15,000 of assistance toward a down payment for those who qualify for the program. The program is for those who plan to buy and live in a home located in the Memphis city proper, or in Shelby County.

The qualified funds may also be used for home renovation

Wells Fargo is sponsoring the event, and multiple lenders will be present.

“This will provide a major boost to our efforts to strengthen our neighborhoods through homeownership,” Mayor Wharton stated.

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Ready to run with the Lions?

Submitted by Brent Green

Friday, November 2nd, 2012, 11:49pm

You can run with the Lions Saturday, November 3rd at the Harding Academy 5K and "5L" run to benefit their students. The 5K event gets started at 9 am with the 5 laps or “5L” for the little ones at 10:30 am.

The runs will be held at the Harding Academy Campus at 1100 Cherry Road.

There will be a DJ, coffee bar, moon bounce for the kids as well as a high ride.

For more information, email Lisa Greer at greer.lisa@hardinglions.org or to register for the race click here.

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ArtsMemphis and Ducks Unlimited host Family Day at Shelby Farm

Submitted by Steve Crain, WMCTV.com

Thursday, November 1st, 2012, 10:03am

ArtsMemphis and Ducks Unlimited host Family Day at Shelby Farm

Information provided by ArtsMemphis

ArtsMemphis and Ducks Unlimited will host Conservation Through Art (CTA) Family Day from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 4, at Shelby Farms Visitor Center.

The free event, sponsored by Baptist Memorial Health Care, will feature a variety of outdoor activities designed for the entire family, including fishing, conservation games, duck calling lessons and working dog demonstrations.

Organizations offering activity booths include the Metal Museum, the Orpheum Theatre, New Ballet Ensemble and School and Theatre Memphis. Whole Foods Market will provide an eco-friendly learning game and healthy snacks. Family Day also will include performances by Voices of the South, Watoto Memphis and Prizm Ensemble.

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Memphis among the top five for birthrates

Submitted by Lyle Bontrager on Tuesday, October 23rd, 8:10 am

Memphis has the fourth-highest birthrate among the 100 largest US markets, according to a recent study.

The top 16 markets are all in the south and west. Leading the list is Provo, Utah, with a rate of 87 births per 1,000 women. Memphis came in fourth with a rate 54 births per 1,000 women. By contrast, Knoxville, TN ranked third from the bottom of the list, with 39 births per 1,000 women.

The top five cities in birthrate, in order, were:

1. Provo, Utah (87)
2. McAllen-Edinburgh, Texas (86)
3. Durham, North Carolina (80)
4. Memphis, Tennessee (77)
5. Boise, Idaho (76)

The bottom five cities:

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Trunk or Treat: Celebrate Safely

Submitted by Tammy Phillips on Sunday, October 21st, 3:48 pm

Looking for a safe way to take your little ghosts and goblins trick-or-treating? As a mom, I can totally relate. I am always looking for a way to keep my little girl out of the street; only visit homes that want to participate; and make sure we avoid all other dangers.

Sunday night my family will participate in the Highland Church of Christ "Trunk or Treat" event. Organizers at the church have members form a large circle with their cars. Members decorate their trunks with fall themes. After a cookout on the church lawn, kids line up for a "win-win" situation! Kids walk in a circle and get candy at every stop. NO traffic. Everyone wants to participate. All other dangers gone.

The cookout starts at 5 p.m. "Trunk or Treating" begins at 6pm. The Church is located at 400 North Houston Levee in Cordova.

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