Memphis City Council vice chairwoman and District 3 representative Patrice Robinson threw a holiday party for residents of Hickory Hill. The event was held at the Hickory Hill Community Center on November 7.

Robinson holds a monthly meeting with residents in Hickory Hill to discuss their concerns and priorities, but she decided this meeting should have a different atmosphere. Instead of an evening of serious business, residents could sit, relax with refreshments and chat with her or each other. 

“All year we've had monthly informational meetings in the Hickory Hill area,” said Robinson. “But this was not a formal meeting. Today was the culmination of a full year of everybody being on point and asking the right questions for the community. It was a great celebration.”

Some of the children who participate in the Police Activities League stop by to meet Robinson and District 11 Shelby County Commissioner Eddie Jones.

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“We had some of the young people participating in the PAL program sit in today," said Robinson. "They got to meet their councilwoman. They got to meet their county commissioner. They didn't even know we existed. This was a great day."

The vibe of the party was laid back. The only important topic briefly discussed among the participants was the future addition of more SkyCop cameras in Hickory Hill, but there will be a future meeting to discuss these plans in more detail.

“On December 5, myself and Commissioner [Van] Turner will be hosting a meeting for the 38115, 38118, 38141 and 38125 communities. [Both] of us have 25 SkyCop cams to give out,” said Jones. “We're going to look at where we're going to put those cameras.”

Rorey Lawrence is one of the co-founders of the Seniors of The Hickory Hill Community Center. He said the members of the group are retired professional trying to maintain their strength and health by working out, dancing, swimming and socializing at the community center. 

“We are still active, and we gathered seniors from all over the city that come hang out with us.”
Lawrence, who worked at AT&T for 39 years before retiring. 

"We solicited the city to get the [community center] open from 9 a.m. to noon with the help of [Robinson]," he said. "Councilwoman Patrice Robinson was the advocate for us. That's why I'm here to support this young lady because she is instrumental to what happens in Hickory Hill.”

Vegetables, homemade cupcakes, fruit and punch were among the refreshments served.

Around 25 people attended the party. The councilwoman said the rain and chilly weather kept many regular meeting attendees away, but everyone who made it have a great time. 

“This was an opportunity to sit and chat,” said Robinson. “Everybody enjoyed it who came."