.....The FRF Board has accepted the nominations of three new board members to join the Foundation's governing body for 2021. The new members replace retiring members David Pharr, Andrew Neely and Buddy Graham. The Board also named long-time FRF supporter Graham as Board Member emeritus, and thanked Pharr and Neely for their years of service to Fondren.

......................Meet the new Board Members ...

Dr. Pierre moved to Fondren 5 years ago and often admired the diversity, camaraderie and union of the neighborhood. She thrives on building connections between community and family. Ardarian is an Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Geriatrics at UMMC. She and her husband, Dr. David C. Pierre, have four children: Arden, Avery, Dylan and Aubry.

Matthew has made Fondren home after living in Washington, D.C. where he served on U.S. Senator Roger Wicker's staff and later as Government Relations Advisor for Adams and Reese LLP. He now works for the firm's Ridgeland office, focusing on governmental relations and political consulting. Matthew currently serves on FRF's Economic Development Committee.

Jonathan has spent his professional career in healthcare and is executive for one of the industry's global leaders in medical equipment and healthcare innovation. He appreciates civic engagement and has developed a significant network having served in various board capacities throughout his career. Jonathan's active engagements include the Board of the Foundation for Mississippi History and One Percent Commission which oversees the expenditure of funds generated by a local option sales tax for infrastructure improvements for the city. He and his wife, Davetta Lee, and daughter Morgan, make their home in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Fondren.

.....Mary Linley Sweat will preside over FRF's activities for 2021 as new Board President. She succeeds Roy Campbell who served as 2020 president. She joins the following officers who will make up next year's Executive Committee: Liz Brister, vice president; John Lauderdale, treasurer; Belmont Trapp, secretary; and Campbell as past president.

....."Just like 2020, next year is sure to present challenges for our community and for FRF. And, just like in 2020, the FRF Board is committed to turn those challenges into opportunities to support our neighbors and our business district," she said, calling out 2020 President Campbell for his steady, outstanding leadership.

....."It is very likely that 2021 will continue an emphasis on social distancing, but that doesn't mean our neighbors have to go it alone," she said. "FRF will be there to keep you connected and keep our community strong."

..............(all $20 or under! Click on the video below)

AnderCorp's Hunter Lipscomb and Chris Monsour, and David Pharr of Pix Development Corporation.

.....The long-awaited Fondren Strip project started construction last week, cementing Fondren's intention to be a major entertainment destination.

.....The first phase of the $13 million project will include a "new" Capri Theatre, a bowling alley, a restaurant and a tiki bar.

.....The second phase, scheduled to start soon, will include the construction of Ed’s Burgers, a 1950s-style restaurant by Chef Robert St. John.

.....Construction for phase one is expected to take 10 months, weather pending.

.....Fondren firm Wier Boerner Allin serves as architects for the project. The Fondren office of AnderCorp is the General Contractor.

.....JPD Precinct 4 Commander Obie Wells wishes Fondren a happy and safe holiday season with the following tips:

.....*Park your vehicle in well-lighted area. 

.....*Always lock your doors and set alarms, to your vehicle and home.

.....*Always lock valuables up in safe at home if possible.

.....*Take pictures or write down all important serial numbers off of valuable such as T.V.s, guns, etc. In case they are taken or stolen, they can be identified later.

.....*Try to dispose of big boxes, that identify valuable items properly. Do not leave them on the curve outside your home, it gives criminals an idea of what’s inside. 

.....A pandemic is a great time to learn something new and ring in the new year with some joyful sounds - especially when the classroom is right in the heart of Fondren's Business District.

.....Buy a gift certificate for yourself, your child or someone who needs to brush up on their skills - Fondren Guitars by Patrick Harkins is a first stop for everything and anything musical. Learn to play the guitar, bass, drums, piano, mandolin, ukulele, banjo - even perform in a student rock band.

.....Students of all ages and skill levels are welcome; no experience required.

.....You can also find a wide selection of new and used instruments.

.....Drop by at 607 Fondren Place or call Patrick at 601-362-0313.

unemployed, self-employed patients

.....Fondren medical office, Vanderloo Family Medicine, is now accepting patients who are self-employed or recently unemployed. The clinic offers Direct Primary Care (DPC) memberships for $65 per month which includes unlimited office visits, texts, calls, and video chats with Dr. John Vanderloo. No insurance is needed and there are no hidden fees. They also offer student plans, family plans and plans for small businesses that provide healthcare to their employees. Email for more information.

..... 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:

Renaissance Society Members 

 "foundation of the foundation"

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