.....Working with JPD's Precinct 4, FRF has developed a Virtual Neighborhood Watch program which allows residents and businesses to upload videos and photos from security cameras directly to Precinct 4. Using the below form, you can upload up to four of these files: mov, jpeg, m4v, mp4, jpg You will also be asked to provide a brief description of the incident and agree to be contacted by Precinct 4 officers if they need additional information.

....."The ability to have Fondren residents and business owners assist us with by helping us keep a data base of suspicious behavior will greatly help in our efforts to keep Precinct 4 safe and crime-free," said Commander Obie Wells of Precinct 4.

.....You can find the "upload link" on fondren.org and on 2021 FRF e-newsletters at the bottom of the newsletter. (Or bookmark the below link from the blue button)

Order a free Virtual Neighborhood Watch sign

.....It started in 2013 as a Christmas gift to the community by Susan Schmieg. Seven years later, Fondren is home to 11 Little Free Libraries. They resemble oversized birdhouses but hold treasures of books for reading and sharing.

.....The Fondren libraries are part of a worldwide movement to promote literacy and build a sense of community through sharing skills, creativity and wisdom across generations.

.....Susan's library was down for several weeks last summer for a roof repair but is back in business and filled with books. And, now it is joined by the newest Little Free Library - a memorial to Marian Kennington Stevens - at 4015 Oakridge Drive.

.....Here's a list of all Fondren's Little Free Libraries:

.....OurFondren Neighborhood Association will host its annual Crime and Safety meeting on Tuesday, January 12 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be virtual.

....."We look forward to arming the residents of Fondren with information so they are well-prepared for any potential criminal activities that might happen in the near future," said J. Adam Strong, OFNA President.

.... Registration is required for the meeting.

.....Last week's LA Times included Fondren in an article titled

"14 clever COVID-19 design solutions from around the world."

.....The article featured "best ideas that have emerged from around the world this year. They are clever and sometimes astonishing solutions from all types of creative people, solving new challenges beautifully, effectively and quickly."

.....Fondren's Common Ground street mural and Dining on Duling event was featured along with projects from cities around the globe like New York, Belfast, London and Santa Barbara.

.....The street mural was made possible by Salam Rida, Travis Crabtree and Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Fertile Ground Project. The mural was designed and painted by Scott Allen, Casey Jennings and the A Plus Signs team.

.....Join Fondren resident Barry Plunkett starting January 18, when he will lead us along with our Fondren Wellness Community from Healthy Ways to Brighter "post-pandemic" Days.

.....Most of you know Barry from Interiors Market in the Fondren Business District. And, many will remember him from his career at St. Dominics Hospital where he worked for more than 20 years, first as Senior Vice President and later as Vice President of the holding company, St. Dominic Health Services.

.....For the past 13 years, Barry has been a health operations consultant for Horne LLP, working with hospitals in Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Alabama.

....."Tune in" every other week through this newsletter as Barry helps steer Fondren into wellness awareness, and get tools and tips from our Fondren wellness partners that will result in a healthier you!

.....Partial list of Healthy Ways Partners: Fondren Fitness, Mama Nature's Juice Bar, StudiOm, St. Dominic's, UMMC, Fondren Crossfit, Progressive Health, MOCA, Verve Health Station, Oak Street Health, and Nutrition Systems.

.....Progressive Health has developed a unique outpatient program to address the physical and functional impairments of patients affected by COVID-19.

.....According to owner Chris Hannibal, post COVID symptoms often include fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, muscle pain, decreased muscle strength and balance issues. In addition, inactivity during hospitalization and at-home recovery can result in strength deficits.

....."After a comprehensive evaluation, our therapists will create an individualized plan of care with patient-centered goals," said Hannibal, "Strict monitoring, along with patient feedback and frequent communication with referring physicians ensures that each client recovers as quickly and safely as possible."

.....Nichole Baker moved StudiOm Yoga to Fondren 10 years ago from Belhaven where she lives with her husband Jay and their son Miles. 

.....Nichole began her yoga studies 30 years ago to help her understand how to strengthen and stretch her back.

....."I felt I needed more than weights and swimming to improve my understanding of how to treat my scoliosis," she said.

.....She choose Iyengar Yoga because of the focus on alignment, learning on how and why to do yoga poses.

.....For 28 years Nichole has been sharing her love of teaching and has attended numerous workshops and teacher trainings with senior teachers all over the United States. She spent 7 weeks in Pune India and studied at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Institute (RIMYI). Nichole holds a Level 3 Iyengar Yoga Teaching certification (CIYT) and is also a certified yoga therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapist (IAYT). 

.....After seven years of only having Iyengar Yoga classes at StudiOm Nichole decided to share her spaciously warm studio with other teachers and offer different classes like Mat Pilates, Tai Chi and Bellying Dancing. StudiOm has also hosted many workshops, meditation classes and other styles of yoga.

.....During the pandemic StudiOm is only open to 10 students per class, and offers streaming live classes through FaceTime and WhatsApp.

.....Go to www.studiomyogaofms.com for all info and email any questions to nicholebakeryoga@gmail.com .

..... FRF accepts contributions of all sizes! Help us Keep Fondren Fabulous with a tax deductible contribution today!

.....Thank you to these individuals for your support of FRF:

Camp Best in memory of Governor William Winter and

Renaissance Society Members 

 "foundation of the foundation"

Dr. Ardarian Pierre

Buddy Graham

Coleen O'Brien

Donavon Thigpen

Kathy Clem

Joseph Martin