December 28, 2012

As we close another year and begin anew, Find It In Fondrenâ„¢ is taking a look back at 2012. It seems cliche, because, after all, everyone does a year in review piece. But what’s exciting for us is to realize in such a small space, in such a short time, so much good has happened.

It is our goal and mission, 365 days a year, to bring you the people, places and events of Jackson’s Hippest Neighborhoodâ„¢. It’s all the good news they tell us can’t possibly be newsworthy. But we think anything good is worth celebrating, especially here in Fondren (and we have a website and magazine to prove it.) Take a look at what we found in 2012 (in no particular order)…

Plans were announced by Jason Watkins and the Pix Development Company to bring back the Pix Capri Theater on North State Street. The word is that they’ll incorporate a dine in movie concept and add additional screens on the back of the current, historic building. In other development news, Fondren Muse opened in the overlay district of North State Street. The high end consignment boutique also helps CARA. Whitley’s Flowers celebrated 65 years with some fresh ideas and a facelift and Pippa Jackson’s ARF came to Jackson, just across the way from Fondren on Mayes Street. The no-kill animal shelter has plans for expansion with the new facility.

Café Olé, a Latin themed tequeria, in the former Capitol Medical Supply across from Que Sera Sera, is slated for an early 2013 opening. Owner Alex Sivira says he will serve authentic recipes handed down from family and friends. There are other tasty tidbits we heard about in 2012 that you’ll just have to wait until 2013 to gobble up.

In event news, it was announced that Color Me Rad, a festive, color-filled 5k run is coming to Zipitty Doo Dah® on March 23, 2013. Registration is currently underway. The first ever Millsaps Day was held in August and drew hundreds of Majors for discounts and special promotions geared at back to school. The Flaming Lips made a tour stop here in May in an attempt to break a Guinness Book of World Records record (and they did), and Fondren Renaissance’s Fondren Unwrapped drew a record pre-holiday crowd of its own in November.  Fondren Renaissance also added a new Fondren After 5 component, fondRUNâ„¢, with the help of liveRIGHTnow and Find It In Fondrenâ„¢. Fondren Renaissance also introduced the C Spire Wireless Summer Music Series and helped to bring Random House’s Magic Tree House tour to The Cedars. And, let’s not forget a smashing fundraising event called 4k Turkey. Four friends (Eddie Outlaw, Lori Garrott, Mike Smith and Stacey Spiehler) raised over $9,600 for Stewpot, taking collections over 3 days time at William Wallace Salon – busting past their $4,000 goal.

In people news, Los Angeles hair stylist to the stars Syd Curry came home to his Mississippi roots and found a chair at SMoak Salon. New Yorker Winnie Rubin took on a new life challenge – as a Fondren resident and Food Corps volunteer in Jackson. Chaney Nichols’ Esperanza Plantation celebrated 10 years and ended 2012 with a heavily attended, much anticipated holiday showcase concert that brought Questions in Dialect back together and The Weeks home from Nashville. And, we said goodbye to and remembered Simon Hamburg.

In other noteworthy 2012 stories,  interior designer Nancy Price celebrated ten years, we got to know “the girl with the red hair and glasses”, Lauren Miltner, Fondren found out we’d see $2 million in federal grants for improvements, and Jackson Police veteran James McGowan became commander of our Precinct, Precinct Four.

Stylish boutique Blithe and Vine celebrated three years in Fondren Corner, Mississippi Industries For The Blind celebrated 70 years (who knew so much happens between West and Mill Streets?!), Midtown neighbors Good Samaritan Center celebrated 40 years – and opened a resale boutique in Fondren. And Jackson has a record store again, thanks to Morningbell Records opening in Duling Hall.

Our newsmaker of the year? Sister Mary Dorothea Sondgeroth, who was featured in no less than four articles on FindItInFondren.com and at least two pieces in our magazine. This year, Sister Dorothea Sondgeroth retired, received a Papal honor, had a new chapel named for her and took on a new role at St. Dominic’s. Newsworthy indeed!

What will 2013 bring? If it’s good and it happens in Fondren, you’ll be first to know. Thank you for your support. Here’s to a healthy, happy and prosperous New year!