December
2009
Chefs' Celebrity Gala Merr y Marketplace Gala Sip Around the World Les Passees Cabaret Ball Bone Bash Q&A with K aren Blockman Carrier
CONTENTS
Contents December 2009
From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Joyce Cobb This Memphis singing legend takes RSVP inside the WEVL 89.9 studio.
Chefs’ Celebrity Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 The Memphis Child Advocacy celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Chefs’ Celebrity Gala at the U of M Holiday Inn.
12 CHEFS’ CELEBRITY GALA Carol Prentiss and Jeff Morris
Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18, 40, 60 & 66 Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.
StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20, 22 & 24
48 SIP AROUND THE WORLD Keri-Gae Archer and Craig Woods
DECEMBER 2009
After a year without an executive director, the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County gladly welcomes its new leader. This auctioneer is all smiles about winning one of the industry’s most coveted awards. His penchant for realism leaves viewers standing in “awe” of his art. StreetSeens highlight Carol Carlson, Terri Walker and Mark Davey.
Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
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RSVPeople . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
RSVP
Q&A with restauranteur Karen Blockman Carrier.
A trek across the city’s party landscape.
24 STREETSEEN Mark Davey
Merry Marketplace Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Holiday shoppers flocked to Agricenter International for the Junior League of Memphis’ annual Merry Marketplace preview party.
Sip Around the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
56 LES PASSEES CABARET BALL Emily and Jeff McEvoy
The National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee served up plenty of wines from around the world during its fund-raiser at the Memphis Botanic Garden.
Les Passees Cabaret Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 One hundred years later, the city’s oldest women’s volunteer organization is still going strong, as evidenced at its annual ball at Hilton Memphis.
Bone Bash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 The Arthritis Foundation hosted a spooky benefit, complete with a costume contest, at Central Station.
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RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 You Do the Math, Seriously Dennis Phillippi makes a good argument about why algebra isn’t his thing.
MERRY MARKETPLACE GALA Hannah and Chris Wesson
62 BONE BASH Jared Powelson and Veronica Russell
Cover Photo Elizabeth and Mike Rodriguez at Les Passees Cabaret Ball Photo by John Hammer
Volume XV
Number III
December 2009 PUBLISHER
Roy Haithcock EDITOR
Leah Fitzpatrick CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ruth Cassin Kelly Cox Jonathan Devin Dennis Phillippi Lesley Young ART DIRECTOR
Patrick Aker s
DECEMBER 2009
PHOTOGRAPHERS
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Roy Haithcock John Hammer Don Perry Steve Roberts SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Libby Huff ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Chris Pugh ACCOUNTING
Ruth Cassin RSVP Memphis is published monthly by Haithcock Communications, Inc. First class subscriptions are available for $55.00 per year. Send name and address with a check to: Haithcock Communications, Inc. 2282 Central Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 For advertising information contact Roy Haithcock Phone (901) 276-7787, ext. 101 Fax (901) 276-7785 e-mail publisher@rsvpmagazine.com WEB
www.rsvpmagazine.com For editorial information or to request coverage of an event, please contact RSVP Magazine one month prior to the event. Call 901-276-7787, ext. 105 or fax to 901-276-7785. e-mail editor@rsvpmagazine.com Copyright 2009 Haithcock Communications, Inc.
Genuine crocodile belt regularly $350.00 Now $185.00 Pete Millar 100% cashmere sweaters regularly $295.00 Now $229.00
100% Cashmere blazer regularly $550.00 Now $399.00
Philip Stein watches from $385.00
Polo cashmere socks in assorted colors $24.00
100% cotton, wrinkle-free, no-iron dress shirts in assorted patterns $79.50
Ike Behar dress shirts regularly $175.00 Now $89.50 Peter Millar sport shirts, assorted patterns, regularly $115.00 Now $89.50
Women’s Burberry coats in a variety of colors $425.00 Burberry cashmere scarves $295.00
Marmot wind stopper, thermal fleece for men and women from $90.00
Juicy Couture velour warm up in pink, black or purple. Hoodie $98.00 Pants $88.00
Paige Hamilton nylon handbags $295.00, other styles from $130.00
From the Editor Beautiful Wedding Gowns for Every Style Thousands of Gowns in Sizes 2-32 Special Plus Size Boutique Area
Personal Consultant for Each Bride Call for an Appointment
870.734.3244 www.lowsbridal.com
Semi-Annual 1/2 Price Sale
DECEMBER 2009
Dec 26 – Jan 30
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“The gift shop with no nothing othing ordinary... ordinary on the road less l traveled.”
Baby Pixie Lily Little Giraffe
Tabletop T abletop Beatriz Ball Williams illiams Pots-A-Lot by Alex W
H Home I Interiors i Pine Cone Hill Dash and Albert Rug Company D Annie Selke Home by V Vanguard anguard Furniture Co.
Sleepwear Pine Cone Hill Plum Pretty Sugar
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’ll never forget the Christmas that my sister and I decided to go for a walk after our family’s big feast. Not only was I amazed that we opted to get up and moving, but I remember stumbling across two young girls, presumably sisters, who were proudly parading their holiday gift, a corgi puppy. The girls appeared totally enamored with the tiny creature, and their new pet seemed equally as pleased to be in their company. When I inquired as to their canine friend’s name, my heart immediately melted as they shouted, “Jingle!” I mean, is there anything cuter than the name Jingle “The Christmas Puppy?” If you’re a dog lover like me, you’ll be happy to see the picture accompanying my StreetSeen article of Carol Carlson, the new executive director for the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County. In the pic on page 20, Carlson’s grinning from ear to ear as she holds Jellybean, a black puppy who obliged our photographer, Steve Roberts, just long enough for his first photo shoot. This was another moment I won’t forget any time soon. It doesn’t take much effort on a puppy’s part to make someone smile, however an owner might not always feel the same. All too often, owners neglect and/or abuse their pets once they grow out of their “cute stage” or require a little extra care for health reasons. That’s when organizations like the Humane Society step in and say, “Enough is enough.” Most recently, the Humane Society stepped in to take care of nine dogs recovered from the City of Memphis Animal Shelter raid. Though the event was an unfortunate one, Carlson says she’s glad the raid has brought awareness to what it means for dogs to live in a shelter like that one. For those of you thinking of purchasing a dog or cat for someone special this holiday, please consider at least stopping by the Humane Society or any other rescue facility in the area. Just about everyone in our RSVP office has adopted a dog, and the bug spread to me last February. I now have two precious cocker spaniels, who really are more like children than pets. Okay, I’ll step off my soapbox, so you can get on your merry way. Please have a blessed holiday, and see you back in 2010!
Bath & Body elizabethW li b thW Antica Farmacista
Jewelry Hazen Design Waxing Waxing Poetic
Nestled between N G Goodlett & Highland off Walnut of ff W alnut Grove
485 High Point T 4 Terrace errace M Memphis 9 901.458.5471
Leah Fitzpatrick editor@rsvpmagazine.com
Jazz Diva/Music Instructor/Volunteer DJ for WEVL 89.9
First concert: Bob Dylan. Ideal vacation spot: Brazil. Favorite author: Suze Orman. Childhood ambition: Musician/singer. One thing you can’t live without: Love. Guilty pleasure: Black walnut ice cream. Words or phr ases you overuse: Hi baby. Favorite Memphis musician: Mavis Staples. Your mantra: So many songs, so little time. Stress outlet: Walking the Memphis river front. Personal heroes: Ghandi and Dr. Mar tin Luther King. Favorite album: The B side of Abbey Road by The Beatles. Biggest obstacle you’ve overcome: Songwriting—still tr ying. Last book you’ve read: The Piano Lesson by August Wilson. Historical figure you most identify with: Songstress Billie Holiday. Where you take out -of- town guests: Beale and South Main Street. First job: Candy striper for The Little Sister s of The Poor in Nashville. One thing most people don’t know about you: I love camping and fishing. Movie you could watch over and over again: All About Eve with Bette Davis. Your greatest achievement: Getting a brass note on Beale Street’s “Walk of Fame.”
photo by Steve Roberts
SIGNATURE MEMPHIS DECEMBER 2009 RSVP
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Joyce Cobb
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Share your sense of style this holiday season!
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EVENT
Chefs’ Celebrity Gala
CHEFS’ CELEBRITY GALA
he Memphis Child Advocacy Center (CAC) has found a recipe for success when it comes to putting on a benefit. Just take note of the 600 patrons who turned out to contribute more than $226,000 at the recent Chefs’ Celebrity Gala held at the U of M Holiday Inn. The secret ingredient? Getting local “celebrity” servers, or company CEOs, VPs and representatives, to rally hard for big tips, which go to the CAC, an organization that helps children at risk for abuse. Now in its 20th year, the Chefs’ Celebrity Gala has also proven its staying power. Carol W. Prentiss is the brains behind this function and created the event prior to the CAC opening. She continues to demonstrate her commitment to the CAC as the gala’s event chair, bringing in chefs from the American Culinary Federation, Greater Memphis chapter, to prepare a five-course gourmet dinner with food supplied by Sysco Memphis. This year, guests first got a taste of the menu during a cocktail hour that featured Asian curry shrimp martinis and spinach and goat cheese mini pizzas. The dinner menu included sweet potato and pumpkin bisque, Caesar cornucopia salad, an intermezzo of champagne sorbet and a surf and turf duet of beef tenderloin and striped bass, all topped off with a dessert of chocolate whiskey cake with raspberry coulis. Hungry yet? Other than the delectable creations and eager-to-please servers, another key component is the “Teddy Bear Surprises.” Donning price tags of $250, $500 and $1,000, the bears aren’t cheap, but gifts like jewelry, catered dinners, artwork, travel vouchers and weekend vacations, which are identified on slips of paper inside envelopes attached to the bears, far outweigh the costs. The bears were particularly popular at this gala, with a record number of more than 100 bears purchased. Breaking records always calls for a celebration, as if the 20th anniversary didn’t!
20th Anniversary Event
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DECEMBER 2009
Matthew and Betsy Kamler
Cathy and Tim Dalfiume
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See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Robin Schieber and Rena Booth
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Don Perry
Susan Glassman and Jackie Fishmer
Chaz and Heather Jones
David and Mary-Marsha Riley
Dr. Susan Murrmann Price and Melanie Dewane
David Shotsberger with Sandra and Lynn McCorry
Bobby and Amy Martin
EVENT CHEFS’ CELEBRITY GALA
Stephanie Bada and Victoria Busey
Sharon Howard and Kay Shaw
DECEMBER 2009
Jeff Mollerup and Elliott Kiersky
Eric and Loretta Kane
Dan Beasley and Stephanie Beasley
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John and Heather Maki
Vicki and R.D. Singh
Elizabeth and Dr. Paul Hill
Corey and Lashaundra Johnson
Joelle Rogin and Clay Purdom
Courtney McCollum and Stacey Pfund
Wish Lists Aren’t Just For Kids Anymore
TIME IS PLASTIC www.toywatchusa.com
Exclusively at
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JAMES DAVIS Fine Jewelry Boutique 400 Grove Park Memphis, TN 38117 901.767.4640 Marge Snipes and Tammy Earwood
EVENT
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CHEFS’ CELEBRITY GALA
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Michelle and Richard Whitley
Annette and John Johnson
DECEMBER 2009
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Jackson Wadsworth and Melissa Melton with Hayley and Chad Varner RSVP
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Karen and Butch Cannon
Phil and Mary Anne Reed
Amy George, Scott and Melissa Elsholz and Babbie Lovett
EVENT CHEFS’ CELEBRITY GALA Dorothy and Jerry Cleaves
Nancy and Doug Kelso
DECEMBER 2009
Andre Fowlkes, Linda Jamison, Kara Bius and Zack Jamison
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Georgeanna and Ted Goldthorpe with Brett Prentiss
Tommy and Jamie Turner
Melissa and Joseph Thorne
ONSITE
Onsite
Metal Museum Repair Days Germantown Garden Club Tea Standing in the Gap4 Breast Cancer
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DECEMBER 2009
Joy Cook and Sally Colvard at Germantown Garden Club Tea
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Elaine Beer and Sunny Duffey at Germantown Garden Club Tea
Marsha and Carly Fields and Lucie Calvin at Germantown Garden Club Tea
roken pieces were reunited, dents were dispelled and clocks ticked again as Mid-Southerners racked their kitchens, closets and front yards for anything metal that needed mending and then toted the broken hardware to the National Ornamental Metal Museum’s annual Repair Days. Metalsmiths from all throughout the country volunteered their skills for the fund-raiser, which included free estimates, an auction full of donated artwork, demonstrations and hands-on activities, Jim Wallace, Carissa Hussong and Michael Chmielewski including a kids’ tent. Featured artist Elizabeth Brim at Metal Museum Repair Days from the Penland School of Crafts was on-hand for an exhibit, gallery talk and demonstration, and visitors enjoyed not only dinner, but also the “passing of the fruit jar,” a tradition involving adult libations. Repair Days is the museum’s primary fund-raiser, and this year marked the institution’s 30th anniversary. Tea parties aren’t just for little girls or children’s stories, but for grandmothers, mother-and-daughter teams and ladies who just enjoy dressing up and nibbling on cakes, as was demonstrated by the Germantown Garden Club at its Simply Elegant Tea held at the home of Mikki Duffey. One of the club’s many fund-raisers for the numerous charities the nonprofit supports during the year, the old-fashioned gathering included not only finger foods, but close to 100 tea sets on display. More than 70 ladies graced the twostory home to view the tea sets, peruse the antique items and handmade jewelry and purses available for Marcus Stafford and Tatia Johnson purchase, and visit over plates of canapés and demitassat Metal Museum Repair Days es of drinkables. “It was just beautiful,” said club member Pam Ott. “The home was beautiful. The table was beautiful. It was truly elegant.” During the month of October, individuals and groups gather for events held in conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This October, for the third year, Standing in the Gap4, a Christian community outreach organization, assembled to implement its particular tool in the fight against the disease—prayer. Survivors, along with their friends, family and organization supporters, donned pink pullovers, pants and pinafores for a Sunday lunch, presentations and several invocations to honor survivors and lost loved ones and pray for a cure. Supporters walked away with encouragement in the form of a booklet of inspirational words, memorials and testimonials, as well as a Kent and Madelyn Gordon small gift-wrapped box with a symbolic healing kit with at Metal Museum Repair Days The Gift of Healing.” this year’s theme, “T Story and photos by Lesley Young
Carmen and Dion Grey at Standing in the Gap4 Breast Cancer
Kathryn Koban, Latasha King and Christy Koban at Standing in the Gap4 Breast Cancer
Sherry Townsend and Mary Glenn at Standing in the Gap4 Breast Cancer
STREETSEEN
Carol Carlson Finding Aninmals Forever Homes
DECEMBER 2009
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hough the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County might be closed on Mondays, dogs and cats still glare out from behind windows with longing eyes in search of willing owners, and executive director Carol Carlson is there to witness the animals’ hopefulness. She knows just as much as anyone that matching a dog or cat with a new owner takes time and patience, which is why she’s making a big effort now to push for holiday pet adoptions. And as you can see in the picture at right, Jellybean, whom Carlson refers to as an “LBD” or little black dog, is ready to show off for his potential family. However, Jellybean is just one of hundreds of adoptable pets at the Humane Society, which currently houses roughly 340 cats and dogs and has another 72 in foster care. Carlson says the ideal number of animals for the facility is around 250, but she hasn’t seen the canine and feline population that low since assuming her new role a few months ago. To save space, staffers pair up roommates and family groups, who also help with socialization skills. Despite this remedy, room for future animals remains limited since animals can stay at the Humane Society for an indefinite amount of time until they are adopted. “Our universal need is adopters, but most of the time people don’t think to come here,” Carlson relays. “Statistically, only 17 percent of pets come from shelters or rescue facilities.” So far this year, the Humane Society has placed 500 animals in homes. In order to keep these numbers rising, Carlson has worked hard with her staff to raise the bar on the level of customer service and helped implement a new behavior assessment program that shows whether simple training techniques are needed to make a dog more adoptable. For those who assume that mixed breeds are only available, she points out that many pure breeds come through the doors. She adds, “Please think about your lifestyle and level of care you’re willing to provide, and remember that babies are more time consuming.” Carlson would also like to clarify that the Humane Society doesn’t receive any government funding since it’s a private, nonprofit organization, and it only accepts abused or injured cases. After an animal has been taken in, the Humane Society provides medical care and treatment and works to ensure it is adoptable once healed. A huge volunteer base helps socialize and exercise the animals while at the society. “People need to know they can get good animals here,” she says. Ready for a furry friend? Stop by the “Take Me Home for the Holidays” kick-off at the Humane Society on November 28. You just might find the gift that keeps on giving. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
DECEMBER 2009
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STREETSEEN
Terri Walker Auctioneer With Attitude
DECEMBER 2009
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ou can’t win if you’re not in it,” Terri Walker remembers her husband and business partner, Lance, saying as he signed her up for the 2009 International Auctioneer Championship in Overland Park, Kansas. Determined not to revisit her prior eight losses, Walker wanted nothing to do with the competition, but she good-naturedly participated in the event. As luck would have it, she swept the women’s division this July, taking home the coveted grand champion trophy. In years past, she always tried to analyze what the judges were looking for, but not this time. Her tactic this year was simple: Be yourself. Competing against 27 other women, Walker was the last contestant to take her stab at the title. After getting through the preliminary round of bid calling, Walker became one of seven women chosen to advance to the interview portion. For the interview, she says the judges basically wanted to know about her auction experience and knowledge of the National Auctioneers Association, but allowing her personality to shine through was a big part as well. Then came the next round of bid calling with higher dollar amounts. Of her winning chant, Walker says, “Ultimately, it’s the judges’ opinion, so I feel lucky to have had top scores all the way across the board.” One of the criterion in bid calling is salesmanship, a skill Walker has perfected through the years, first working for her auctioneer father in Missouri and then with her husband at Walker Auctions in Memphis for 27 years. Her area of expertise is benefit and real estate auctions, and has grown to include online estate auctions. She has traveled to almost every state for jobs, even to Canada and the Virgin Islands, and last year alone, the company helped charitable groups raise $12 million. She adds, “I work with Lance as my ringman a lot, so I can pick up on his signals if something’s ready to close. I also have an ability to watch people in an audience and make them feel comfortable about what they’re buying.” Walker also conducts seminars about how to put on the most effective benefit auction and is planning a seminar in December at Walker Auctions to help the elderly and their children make informed decisions when it comes to downsizing. As if selling things like cars, tickets to “Oprah” and even walk-on parts to TV shows doesn’t keep her busy enough, Walker clears her schedule for a daily three-mile jog and piano and harp practice. And every other Monday night, you can find her at Dan McGuinness Pub playing with the Memphis Harp Ensemble. She’s already sold us on being able to do it all! Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
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STREETSEEN
Mark Davey Master of Tricking the Eye
DECEMBER 2009
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hen Mark Davey was a kid, he remembers his mother painting a Charlie Brown mural on his bedroom wall, and years later, he’s found himself painting his children’s walls with their favorite characters. Outside of his household, Davey has gathered a following for portraits and murals, which often highlight trompe l’oeil, a style of painting that makes images appear three-dimensional. Perhaps you’ve seen the dalmations he painted for the Budweiser mural at AutoZone Park or the O’Reilly Auto Parts storefront mural at the former Memphis Motorsports Park? “I’ve always been drawn to realistic paintings and fooling people into thinking they’re real,” he says. In fact, one viewer thought his mural at a Vesta Home Show was so real, she kept trying to touch it. His latest project includes making a mural and marquee for Colonial Middle School that students will be able to change out with information. Once that project is complete, he will shift his attention to finishing up some renderings for a mural he’ll paint on a wall in the Collierville square next spring. He estimates the Collierville mural, which will depict many of the town’s historical elements like a cannon, train, and its first church and school, will take about 200 hours to design and create. “People often think a mural is a job that can be done fairly quickly, but they forget I have to pressure wash the wall, prime it and put on an ultraviolet clear coat,” Davey explains. “I also work sun up ‘til sun down to get a project done once I start.” Behind the scenes, his wife, Megan, assists with Davey Studios, freeing Davey up so that he just has to paint. Megan also helps with the creative side and laughs that she often climbs up scaffolding to bring her husband lunch, since he doesn’t like to leave in the middle of painting. Just watch out when the couple sees a wall devoid of imagery. “It’s really hard for us to walk by a blank wall because the ideas start spinning for what we can fill it with, and the bigger the wall, the better,” Davey says. As for his favorite subject to depict, he says that’s a loaded question. He does admit to enjoying painting when there’s a crowd because his ultimate goal is to create art that people will stop and linger at for a while. He smiles, “It’s really nice to be able to show kids that you can do something with art because a lot of people think you can’t…I was one of those people until a layoff forced me to do it full-time.” Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
Dreaming of a White Christmas? Boxed Pearl Sets $50
DECEMBER 2009
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Celebrating our 50th Anniversary
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VOX POPULAR
Vox Popular Q&A with Karen Blockman Carrier
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RSVP: Can you share one of your early experiences that shaped your love of cooking and/or food in general?
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Carrier: I was raised as an Orthdox Jew, very religious, and never had catfish, shrimp, oysters or bacon until I moved out of the house when I was 17 and went to the University of Oklahoma. I came back after a year and went to the Memphis Academy of Art, which is now the Memphis College of Art, and I remember going to Berkels Bakery in Overton Square, which did these plate lunches. I went there my first week at the Art Academy, and there was this lady there with painted eyebrows who said, “Hey Sug, whatcha want for lunch?” and I said, “What’s catfish?” She proceeded to tell me that I wasn’t from here, but I told her I was. Then, she got this woman in the back and told her, “She don’t know what catfish is and says she’s from Memphis, but I don’t quite believe that.” They then told me all about catfish and brought some out. Next thing I knew, I was eating the tails and the fins, and it was great. RSVP: How difficult was it to open your first restaurant, Automatic Slim’s, in New York City? Carrier: It wasn’t that difficult. There were nine guys and me, and we opened Automatic Slim’s in 1986. What happened was I had a catering business there called Lunch Catering. I started off with Susana Trilling, but she left the city about a year later. In the mean time, I had met a guy from Texas, and he wanted to start a catering business where we did all these lunches for his friends in the fashion world. We would do about 10 to 15 lunches, and we’d have all these big name photographers, like Steven Meisel, eating our lunches. You have to understand, they loved Southern food, and it was a novelty at the time. About a year into Lunch Catering, these friends who I had met at the Jazz Festival in New Orleans called me up and told me they’d like to do a restaurant and wanted me to do the menu and be a partner. I went and talked to these guys, and I said, “Sure.” It took about $100,000 to open, so everyone only had to contribute $10,000 each. I called my father and told him what we were doing, and he
Photos by Don Perry
estauranteur Karen Blockman Carrier has not only introduced Memphians to masterful culinary creations, but she has excelled at bringing them into her world of innovative dining concepts. When she opened Automatic Slim’s Tonga Club back in the early ‘90s, no local had seen an eatery look more like an art gallery than a restaurant, and no one could get enough either. And just like that, Carrier found herself setting up the city’s first communal dining table at the Beauty Shop Restaurant, turning her former house in Victorian Village into Cielo, which is now Mollie Fontaine Lounge, and tackling Asian cuisine at Do Sushi, a dinner spot also open up for lunch under the name Noodle Doodle Do. Carrier admittedly gets bored every few years and goes in search of other projects, with thoughts of opening a New Orleans restaurant in the future and a cookbook in the works. Luckily, RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrick caught up with Carrier moments before the daily lunch rush at the Beauty Shop, where the woman of the hour took off time from her role as “Super Chef.”
thought it was some big restaurant. So, the night we opened, my father flew to New York, walked in and said, “This is it?” I was like, “Oh, yeah!” We had three tables and a bar that sat 15. He kept wondering how I would make a living at this, but I told him, “No problem.” Then we moved the catering business to Automatic Slim’s during the day, since we weren’t open at that time. Fortunately, the restaurant was always packed and became this hip scene. To this day, we are still open. It’s now an NYU hangout, but we still play James Brown and all the Memphis Stax artists, always have and always will. It’s become an institution, and I go back three of four times a year. I miss New York. RSVP: What motivated you to move back to Memphis? Carrier: My husband, who was still just my boyfriend at that time, had moved back to Memphis two years before we got married, and I thought that was the end of that relationship. Then, he started flying me back every three weeks and eventually asked me to marry him. We set a date, got married and I got pregnant, and I was still flying back and forth. They knew me so well at Northwest Airlines, and when I began wearing big coats, they made me open up my coat and saw that I was pregnant. They asked how far along I was, and I told them I was seven months along. Finally, they told me I was crazy and would have to pick where I was going to live. To this day, I tell people that Northwest made me choose where I had to get settled. I packed it up and came back to Memphis, and Carol Coletta got wind that I was coming home and offered me the catering job of the closing of the Brooks before their renovation. I took it, and that’s how Another Roadside Attraction was born. From there, Roadside boomed. I thought I’d open a little catering business, but I never thought it would be anything huge. It was huge! RSVP: Why did you decide to open up an Automatic Slim’s in Memphis?
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Carrier: I had built this great clientele with Roadside, and after five years, I felt I had enough of a base to start a restaurant. I started looking around for space downtown because I wanted an area where people walked. You have to understand that downtown was the center of our universe growing up. It’s where we went shopping and where all of our high school dances were.
funny, Jeff Nesin from the Memphis College of Art told me that the school wanted to give me the first Distinguished Alumni Award in 2003. I said, “Why me?” and he said, “Because in our minds, you’ve taken what you learned here as a painter and carried it on into the design of your restaurants.” I never really had thought of the two as a connection before that.
RSVP: Do you feel that Memphians were as receptive to your first restaurant here as they were to your catering business?
RSVP: What’s the experience you want diners at any of your restaurants to have?
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DECEMBER 2009
Carrier: Absolutely! I think that what happened with Slim’s is…I had started looking for space downtown back in 1988 or 1989. I was actually looking at all of these spaces on South Main. I found a pool hall down there that I thought was just unbelievable. My friends convinced me that I was too ahead of my time because nothing was down there—this was way before South Main is what it is today. I was like, “Okay.” I then found a space down on Second Street and opened up Slim’s there in July of 1991. It was wild because the city had never seen a restaurant that looked like Automatic Slim’s. It was a labor of love. It was built by Wayne Edge, who was a sculptor and one of my best friends from my Memphis Art Academy days. It had tiles behind the banquet by Carol DeForest, who I also knew from the academy. The tables were done by my friends in New York City, who were sculptors. The light fixtures were done by my husband. The bar was done out of a poplar tree that had fallen on Poplar dur28 ing a big storm. We had to build a mezzanine and stairs to the basement. I just pulled together all these people, and there was not one contractor. We did have to hire a plumber and electrician, but back then I could actually pull the permit as a contractor. When we opened and people started coming in, not only had they not tasted food like that, their heads were going like 360 degrees going, “What is this?” And when I sold Slim’s a year ago, we had been open 17 years. Those years were magical. RSVP: Were there any stigmas with Automatic Slim’s location you had to overcome? Carrier: Well, I have been told I took a chance on downtown, and I think people thought I was going to fail. When we opened on Second Street, there were no street lights, and not much was going on other than The Peabody and Rendezvous. Five, six, seven years into it, people realized I wasn’t going anywhere. Then, people started looking at the viability of downtown. We put an ad out for our 13-year anniversary that said, “It’s 13 years later, and they built a neighborhood around us.” That’s basically what happened. RSVP: You have since opened up several other restaurants, so just wondering how you come up with unique concepts for each? Carrier: I think that’s the painter or artistic background in me. It’s
Carrier: I don’t want it to be just normal. I want them to come in and experience not just a great overall culinary experience as far as trying things they’ve never tried, but, you know, in a traditional way. So, they might have a steak frites, but it might have a spice dust on the steak and provide a burst of flavor they’re not quite sure of. My French fries have truffle oil, parmesan, black pepper and star anise, so I’m always pushing that limit. I do a lot of candied lemon zest and spice nut dusts, which are enhancers to the food. I’ve realized that people are sort of going back to normalcy in their food, but when they taste something that they’re comfortable with and it sort of bursts in their mouths so that they think it’s awesome, that for me is really important. I’m not making them feel uncomfortable with the food, but I’ve given them something to go home and talk about. My food is bold, it’s not dainty. When you see it, you know it. RSVP: If you had one “go-to” dish to recommend to people, what would it be? Carrier: Cinnamon sugar roasted chicken. It’s so easy. I have a few other ingredients in the recipe, but cinnamon sugar is the main thing, and you just dust it all over the chicken and slow roast it. It’s comforting, like cinnamon sugar toast when you’re a kid. I like to make brown rice with it and smother it in the gravy that comes off the cinnamon sugar drippings. RSVP: Any word on when your cookbook will be out? Carrier: I joke I had a deadline 12 years ago. Now, I have until April 1 to finish the proposal. I’m just boxing everything up to ship it off to Martha Foose to decipher through it because I’m too close to it. For me, I have too many restaurants and too many stories, so someone else needs to figure out which are the best ones. RSVP: Looking back on your career, would you have done anything differently? Carrier: Not one thing. It’s been a great ride. Don’t get me wrong, there’s been sweet and sour success, you know, when your husband passes and your kids are really young. My success didn’t come with everything good all the time. My first year at Slim’s I struggled, but as soon as I started getting nervous, business would pick up.
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A Trek Across the City’s Party L andscape Palmer Home for Children Fall Fashion Luncheon The Palmer Home for Children recently hosted its 10th annual Fall Fashion Luncheon at the U of M Holiday Inn. This
and he was none other than a very hilarious Elvis. Most of the young models on the runway were themselves Palmer Home residents. They wore fashions from 225 Delta, Sachi, Itty Bitty, Dillard’s, Cotton Tails,
year, the luncheon paired with the first American National Golf Classic, making the Fair ways and Runways fund-raiser a two-day event benefiting the Palmer Home.
Rita Schelly and Jennifer Adams
DECEMBER 2009
ization, the Palmer Home’s mission is to provide a stable and loving home—and a positive future—to “social orphans,” those who lack a safe and nurturing family. Camille Brantley and Janie Lowery
Story and photos by Kelly Cox
Kelly Nelson and Susan Greene
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30 This event marked the debut of the “Palmer Vintage” store, which featured donated goodies like Christmas ornaments, designer handbags and Palmer Home cookbooks for purchase. For those who preferred to try their luck with bidding, the silent auction was back again, but the highlight of
Paisley, What’s Hot and Janie Rose, to name a few retailers. Among the more than 200 people at the luncheon were Palmer Home executive director Robert Farris, vice-president of development Jonathan Ahern, Kristin Grant, Lisa Sanford, Lola Tiner, Cher yl Parker, Cecil Sowell, Mar y Frances Pitts, Nina Tayloe, Brenda Wrather, Kirby Floyd, Jeni Stephens, Lisa Langley, Rita Schelly, Jennifer Adams, Rhea Crenshaw, Marcia Baker, Kelly Proud, Susan Horner, Courtney Smith, Cindy Dobbs, Camille Brantley, Janie Lower y, Kelly Nelson and Susan Greene.
Friends For Life Halloween Party “Under the Big Top” All Hallow’s Eve is a night rich in traditions, and around here, one of those traditions is the Friends For Life Halloween Party. This year’s venue, the eye-catching BRIDGES Center, normally hosts a rope course for youth, so the soaring ceilings and trapeze-like hangings were a great fit for the party’s look.
The Palmer Home for Children was
Robert Farris and Jonathan Ahern
the luncheon was, of course, the fashion show. First, Palmer Home President Dr. Ed Waldron took the podium and proved to be a charming raconteur as he related some favorite stories from life with the kids. Then, the fashion show’s emcee arrived,
Kirby Floyd and Jeni Stephens
founded in 1895 and today comprises three campuses in Mississippi. A Christian organ-
Venita Marie Martin, Florence Johnson-Raines and Kimkea Harris
In keeping with this year’s theme of Under the Big Top,” the fete had the feel “U of a circus as soon as one neared the
DECEMBER 2009 RSVP
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both of WREG-TV Channel 3. Among the hundreds who partied into November were John Snook, Bill Burcht, Rick Bartl, Shannon Sparks, Shelley McKee, Warren Grantham, Larr y Delancey, Tom Clifton, Venita
Richard Cormeny and Bruce Bentley
DECEMBER 2009
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entrance, where Magic Mr. Nick and his glamorous assistant, Keleigh Klarke, lit up the night with fire-eating. Although Elvis was there—and even Cary Grant (complete with the North By Northwest airplane)—most of the partygoers had chosen carnivalthemed costumes. There were ringleaders, snake charmers, stilt-walkers, bearded ladies and a pair of sideshow-worthy Siamese twins. There were clowns, and an organ-grinder’s
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monkey so sinister it’d give you nightmares. Chris Heimann cut a fine figure as a mustachioed strongman hoisting a 500-pound weight. All the while, “carnies” passed circus concessions, like popcorn and hot dogs with relish. On the panel of costume contest judges were some familiar faces in masquerade. They were humorist and actor Dennis Phillippi, Jason Miles of WMCTV Channel 5 and Shaun Chaiyabhat and Tom Powell,
Brian Spieht and David Babis
tion assistance to healthcare and healthy life skills training.
Story and photos by Kelly Cox
WKNO Preview Party “The Art of Fine Living” Nothing lights up an empty wall like a splendid new
entire city one night in late The Art of Fine Living” October. “T preview reception gave art patrons a sneak peek at the many wonders to be auctioned off in support of WKNO. Almost 150 pieces were donated for this year’s event, which is part of WKNO’s many annual fund-raising programs. Works on display included pottery, sculpture, photography, pen
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and ink drawings and virtually all painting media from oil to water color. Artists in attendance like Carolyn Moss, Elaine Neeley, Peggy Bishop, Bob Canady, Tom Clifton and Jane Williams strolled among their works and enter-
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piece of art, and in that case, WKNO could have lit up the
DECEMBER 2009
Mandy Pruett and Carolyn Moss
Lynn Morgan and Shannon Saliba
work, whose total value ran well into five digits, would support the operations of public radio and television in the Mid-South. She congratulated the efforts of artists Mike Jones, Helen Stahl, Jeanne Seagle, Deb Boardman, Peggy Pipkin, Jan Singer, Megan and Jason Cole, K aren Bottle Capps, Sandee Sander, K atie Dann, Sylvia Duke, Julio F. Rodrigues, Milly Moorhead West
tained friends and guests, including Fayth Rowland, Margie Loundy, Mandy Pruett, Jacinda and Sam Johnson, Hal Bishop, Pat and Dave Norris and University of Memphis president Dr. Shirley Raines.
DECEMBER 2009
Wine and an array of cheese and hummus tempted eventgoers Becky Dickey, Mike Moss, Brian Weeks, Lynn Morgan, Shannon Saliba and Pat Brown, many of whom arrived in business casual attire hoping for
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Pat Brown and Tom Clifton
and Danny Broadway. Bidding for the art took place online the following week, but the smiles, enjoyment and celebrating took place very much in the moment. Story and photos by Jonathan Devin
Jane Williams and Becky Dickey
a good bargain. The grandest unveiling of the evening though was not the art, but the art hall itself. WKNO recently opened its brand new, state-of-the-art Digital Media Center in a wooded area off of Whitten Road in East Memphis. Architect Steve Berger and his wife Catherine
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were on hand to watch the crowd enjoy the spacious interior with its two-story, vaulted ceiling. Amy McDaniel, auction coordinator for WKNO, said that proceeds raised from the art-
Barkitecture 2009 Showcase of Doghouses Weimaraner Rescue of the South and Memphis Area Golden Retriever Rescue paired up for Barkitecture 2009, a showcase of architect-designed doghouses held at Woodland Hills. While bringing high-end design to the lowly mutt hut is not a new idea—in fact, “barkitecture” events are popular fund-raisers from coast to coast— it always leads to surprising, playful and ingenious results.
Snoopyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s old A-frame it ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t! As Tammy Leeth explained, reinventing the doghouse can be a fun team-building exercise and an opportunity to showcase talent...on a canine scale. And with proceeds going to animal rescues, everybody wins!
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SALE NOW through Saturday, December 19 3HUNLQV ([W Ă? 0HPSKLV 71 Cindy Ring, Dave Tamburrino and Mindy Martin
Kitchens took the prize for its hearth-inspired indoor doghouse. The doghouse that
Join us at our
brought the most money in a live
new location at
auction, emceed by Donna Davis,
Park Place Mall
earned its designers the coveted â&#x20AC;&#x153;Barkitect of The Yearâ&#x20AC;? trophy.
January 2010!
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Entries were submitted by Archimania, Clark-Dixon, Cracker Barrel, Custom Outdoor Creations, Designer Baths & Kitchens, Haizlip Studio, Looney Ricks Kiss, Pat and Cynthia Eck, SAM Studio, Three Dog Baker y and the University of Memphis Architecture Department. Guests
DECEMBER 2009
(Mohs Micrographic Surgery)
Brad and Stacey Greives with Julia Heevner
Yvette and Wade Lewis
That honor went to SAM Studio for its polycarbonate, unhoned marble and salvaged wood creation, with a tread plate aluminum roof and a natural branch embellishment. As the architects explained, they kept in mind how their own dogs interact with the DECEMBER 2009
“airy cover in a spot to see all
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leash were Cole, a weimeraner,
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outdoor environment, favoring
and Carson, a golden retriever.
their surroundings and cool earth beneath them!” Two of the “party animals” meeting and greeting on
Cole used to be paralyzed by a spinal injury, but after a lot of rehabilitation, he is now able to walk with his foster mom, Judy Shore. Carson is an adoption suc-
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and Brad Greives, Kaylee Belle Greives, Sarah Hadskey, Marcie
known as Monkey Hate Clean played upbeat pop favorites while guests K athy and Kelly
Lisa and Tom Watson
Smith, Julia Heevner, Jon Romines, Angie
Jo took advantage of a seasonably warm and
Zinkus, Shelley Lawrence, Carrie and Shon
pleasant evening in early November to wel-
Johnson, Yvette and Wade Lewis, Cindy
come guests streetside with the help of
Ring, Dave Tamburrino, Mindy Martin,
Fish, Jane Hankins, K aren Clifton, Andrew
POTS staffers Michael Detroit and Dave
Carol Hulser, Janet Baldwin, Ruth and Ron
Pope, Linn Sitler, Mike Ryan, Judith
Landis. Midtown legend and theatre innova-
McElroy, Liz and Mike Digman, Shea
Rutschman, Elisabeth Silverman, Cher yl
tor Jackie Nichols of POTS mixed with the
Payne and Michael Vesey enjoyed interna-
crowd in the lobby as guests arrived to pick
tional beers and a buffet dinner of grilled
up their tickets. Attire was “Midtown Chic,”
chicken breast, haricot vert, sliced apple
so guests Lisa and Tom Watson, Padma and
salad and sweet potatoes and parsnips. The
Sullins, Andrea Stefec, Heather Paine, Matthew Davidson, Peggy Geer, Wendy Isham, Terr y Nichols, Tony Brown, Kembree Darakshani and Frank Merendino.
Dotty Giusti, Susan Scott and Karen Clawson
band challenged guests to suggest a new name for the band. Wade and Company pro-
Story and photos by Kelly Cox
vided the catering. The “Finale” took place in the the-
A Taste of Playhouse “Curtain Up!” The stage was set, the lights were
Reuben Simonian and Elizabeth Alperin with Padma and Joel Lyons
shining and the excitement was palpable as Playhouse on the Square (POTS) presented an elaborate annual gala in three acts. This Curtain Up!” event featured three year’s “C
Joel Lyons, Sue and Frank Guarino, Nikki Brinkerhoff, Dotty Giusti, Susan Scott, K aren Clawson, Reuben Simonian and Elizabeth Alperin arrived in blue jeans, light blazers and little black dresses.
Judith Rutschman and Elisabeth Silverman
In “Act I,” guests strolled from the
Jane Hankins, Jackie Nicholls and Karen Clifton
K atz Galler y, where they sampled from a
Daylights and dancing among the forested
fountain-like grand fromage spread and
set of “Narnia.” Desserts included assorted
selections of red and white wine and cham-
“pick-up” sweets and after dinner drinks.
pagne, to the Memphian Room, where
Host Ron Childers of WMC-TV Channel 5
Renée Kemper tickled the ivories. This room
thanked guests for their support as well as
also featured two martini bars and hors
the evening’s sponsors: The Arthur F. and
d’oeuvres, such as bacon wrapped artichoke
Alice E. Adams Foundation, Southwestern
hearts, shrimp satay, bousin tarts and mini
Distributing and Macy’s.
blue crab cakes. courses of music, food and libations. POTS development director Whitney
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atre with more music by The Living
DECEMBER 2009
Peggy Geer, Wendy Isham, Tonia Hanson, Terry Nichols and Donna Davis
A lingering crowd took its time moving on to “Act II” in the POTS scene shop. In this space, the cover band formerly
Story and photos by Jonathan Devin
ONSITE
Onsite
Celebrate World Habitat Day “Taste of Red” Pumpkins & Paws
H
DECEMBER 2009
Kim Motschman and Ron Cribb at “Taste of Red”
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40 Susan Ewing and Jean Christensen at “Taste of Red”
abitat for Humanity® of Greater Memphis, the Coalition for Livable Communities and the Memphis Regional Design Center teamed up to bring Memphians Celebrate World Habitat Day. The fund-raiser took place at A skew Nixon Ferguson Architects, where guests mingled amongst fellow supporters while savoring wine from W ine Market and tasty hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Just Catering. Local favorite Valerie June entertained attendees with her folksy sound. Memphis Habitat executive director Dwayne Spencer said of the reception, “It was a first effort by local organizations to work collectively to create awareness about the issue of decent shelter and the global concern for human habitat.” The Mid-South Chapter of the American Red Cross hosted an event full of food and wine pairings at Taste of Red” gathering inside Brinkley Plaza. The its “T adjoining Felicia Suzanne’s served as a restaurant sponsor, along with Bangkok Alley, Café Toscana, Coletta’s, Fratelli’s and Itta Beena. To make the task of balancing a plate and wine glass a little easier for guests, organizers provided small plates that had cutouts for wine glasses to rest, which made sampling wines provided by Star Distributors all the more appealing. Gerr y Finney performed throughout the night as the crowd bid on silent and live auction items to raise funds for the services the Red Cross provides to residential fire and other disaster victims. Pets had a reason to dress up for Halloween this year at the first ever Pumpkins & Paws at the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County. First, second and third place prizes were awarded for the best dressed dog, with the lone feline entry receiving a well deserved honorable mention. Activities included bobbing for treats, face painting and decorating pumpkins. MobileVet Memphis, who recently celebrated its oneyear anniversary, Aussie Pet Mobile, On Doody and Mark’s Petworth also participated in the event. For those individuals who applied to adopt animals from the Humane Society during the event, MobileVet Memphis offered one free clinic visit, giving the seven pets who were adopted something to woof about.
Amy Poston, Baxter and Sarah Poston at Pumpkins & Paws
Penny and Harley Chapman at Pumpkins & Paws
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick Bobbie Middlebrook and Michelle Bates at Pumpkins & Paws
Brian and Julie Burns at “Taste of Red”
Lee Askew, Dwayne Spencer and John Webb at Celebrate World Habitat Day
Ruby Bright, Ellen Klyce, Valerie June and John Gemmill at Celebrate World Habitat Day
Ann Lesley Elliott and Kimberly Crafton at Celebrate World Habitat Day
DECEMBER 2009 RSVP
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EVENT MERRY MARKETPLACE GALA
f Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year,” then the Junior League of Memphis’ Merry Marketplace Gala is the perfect predecessor to the most joyous of holidays. A private shopping event and cocktail party traditionally held at Agricenter International the Thursday night before Merry Marketplace opens to the public, the occasion serves as a fund-raiser for the league’s community outreach programs. Hundreds of Memphians relished the chance to fulfill their loved ones’ wish lists at a venue that offered more than 140 vendors. The variety of giftables goes without saying, as merchants offered everything from jewelry cleaning solutions to Christmas ornaments to children’s toys. Others setting up shop were food vendors like Bakers Cookies, Toffee To Go, Inc., Pastamore Gourmet Foods and Cake Bliss, a company specializing in 13 kinds of pound cake (Who knew pound cake came in flavors such as sweet coconut lime or lemon ginger?). And for those wary of flu season, The Shot Nurse was also onsite. Choosing where to start was the difficult part! Silent and live auctions filled the agenda as well, but the options here were just as endless, with one Junior League member pointing out that around 500 items were up for bids. Thankfully, the auction had been grouped into categories: clothing, jewelry, children’s, home, gift certificates, Christmas, sports and gifts. As a majority of women wandered throughout the expansive space with Christmas purchases in mind, their male counterparts could be found in the Men’s Zone, an area boasting Boscos, Gus’s Fried Chicken, Parmasters, Dream Outdoors and a bar. Many more area restaurants and catering companies, including favorites Pete and Sam’s, Central BBQ, Monkey Bread Bakery, Rendezvous and Restaurant Iris, to name a few, spread out signature eats at tables positioned amongst vendors. Balancing tote bags of goodies and cocktail plates became a juggling act for some, but bistro tables, which were decorated with small bouquets of red roses, saved the day as prime resting spots. The John T. McClure Jazz Trio supplied the music while guests munched and chatted with friends old and new. Tonya Wells chaired this year’s Merry Marketplace Gala, with the help of vice-chair Katie Marks and Merry Marketplace chair Jennifer Taylor. SunTrust, Baptist and Cellular South acted as presenting sponsors for the unique holiday shopping mecca.
DECEMBER 2009
Merry Marketplace Gala Preview Gala
I
Mimi and Jim Taylor
Cheryl Pellegra and Lindsey Dyer
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See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Bruce and Judge Camille McMullen
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Don Perry
Russ and Maggie Henderson
Tonya Wells and Michelle Gurley
Lauren Wiener and Ginger Collier
Chris and Jennifer Brunetti
Bill and Chey Widdop with Chantal Johnson
Bonnie Hollabaugh and Kit Chope
HappiStores The place where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find all the
In Carrefour, Kirby Pkwy. & Poplar, 901-758-0034 See us on Facebook
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HAPPI-STORES
DECEMBER 2009
Department 56 Christmas Villages & Snowbabies
EVENT MERRY MARKETPLACE GALA
Trevor and Allison Yant
Nayla and George Nassar
Ashley Fike and Natalie Oliver
DECEMBER 2009
John and Heather Maki
Carmen Bond and Jenny Vergos
Christina and Kimberly Hester
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Linsey Edwards and Jessica Toliuszis
Charlotte Bray, Amy Beth Dudley and Madelyn Gray
Kelly and Sharon Truitt
Ben Mitchell and Liz Harvey
Destin Tucker, Alice Higdon and Holly Cousar
Justina’s A Full Service Salon
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Special Deal #1 Free Micro Laser Peel
Dr. Heil
1789 Kirby Parkway, Suite 10 • Germantown, TN 38138 901.624.8808
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DECEMBER 2009
Providing Quality Care for the Elderly and Disabled throughout Tennessee.
After
WR Community Services provides Homemaker, In-Home Respite, Personal Care Attendant and Assistance Services.
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The First and Last Name in Quality Services Provision
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WR Community Services LLC. 2600 Poplar Avenue, Suite #405, Memphis, TN 38112 Founded in 2007 Email: quality@wrcommunity.com Office: 901-325-7997 Fax: 901-325-7998 or 877-322-7998
swatches fine fabrics • furniture • baby
Holiday Sale - 20% off all accessories! 2132 West Street • Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 759-0971 • (901) 624-3339 Fax Located on West Street between Poplar and Poplar Pike - South of Saddle Creek
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Julia McDonald and Margaret Chesney
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DECEMBER 2009
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Hearing Screening and $500 OFF a pair of New Digital Hearing Aids.
9245 5 Poplar Av Avenue venue (US Highw way 72), Suite 9 Highway Ger manto own, TN 38138 Germantown,
www.phonak-us.com www .pphonak-us.com
Conveniently Located in the Villa Village age Shops of Forest Hill
Expires 12/31/09
FFinancing inancing A Available vailable • W We e FFile ile M Most ost M Major ajor IInsurance nsurance P Plans lans Jane Gillespie, Brenda Grinder, Debby Phillips and Carol Woods
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DECEMBER 2009
Barbara Guyton and Caroline Williams
MERRY MARKETPLACE GALA
Davina Jones with Mervyn and Janel Goods
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Susan Carr and Jennifer Taylor
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Palmer Smith, Laura Reynolds and Liz Parks
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Kim Turner and Missy Beyer
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EVENT
Sip Around The World
SIP AROUND THE WORLD
Wine Tasting
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DECEMBER 2009
Sam Huddleston and Ekin Zafir
Stan and Arlene Weinrich
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or a city located far from a notable wine region, Memphis sure is a vino-friendly town. On any given day, a number of local restaurants and nonprofits host wine tastings, but none are so large in scale as that of the National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee’s (NKFWT) Sip Around the World. For 15 years running, the organization has put on a remarkable sippers’ paradise that continues to draw impressive crowds of close to 1,000 people. The Memphis Botanic Garden’s Goldsmith Civic Garden Center took on a whole new vibe, as 31 tasting tables and countless volunteers inhabited the facility. NKFWT executive director Mable Barringer welcomed all to the event and motioned guests to pick up a program of the participating wineries. Athens Distributing Company once again supplied more than 250 wines, produced in California, Oregon, Argentina, Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and South Africa, for starters. As samplers tried a number of reds and whites, some could be heard saying, “Can I go back for another pour if I really like the wine?” But, of course! Amidst the flurry of activity, guests could be found nibbling on an assortment of cheeses, veggies, meats, breads, brownies, cookies and mini tarts, which were displayed on tables decorated with beautiful fall arrangements from Holliday’s Florist. Bamboo Forest and Disc Jockeys etc. pumped in the background sound. Silent auction items were set up in the larger Hardin Hall, with a live auction, conducted by Steve Miles, later taking place in Goldsmith Auditorium. Several lots catering to wine lovers were an in-home wine tasting extravaganza for 12 donated by Kirby Wines & Liquors, a Fleming’s wine dinner for six and a Napa Valley wine tour. A big thanks goes to DaVita for its gold level sponsorship of the event, which enables the NKFWT to continue its mission of helping those affected by kidney and urinary tract diseases.
Tricia Jones and Will Victor
Bonny Kinney and Scott Andrews
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Don Perry See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP T.C. Johnson and Kay Shelton
Brandon and Amanda Dill
Jerrell and Angela Rucker
Carrie Fehnel, Alanna Moore and Catherine Eaves
Tanesha Matthews and Landrus Burress
BOOK YOUR H HOLI HOLIDAY DAY AY P PA PARTIES ARTIE ES NOW!
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EVENT SIP AROUND THE WORLD DECEMBER 2009
Johanna Meadows, Tracy Ralph and Kim Kingsley
Mable Barringer, Aniella Allen and Sheila Waller
Dipti Desai and Rashana Lincoln
Shannon Kloek and Alicia Miller
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50
Anna Van Winkle and Gloria Dodds
Tiffany Adkins with Linda and Aspen Grissom
Jessamyn and Sam Bradley
Scott and Pam Tupman
Andrea Harano with Cindy and Patrick Funck
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51
DECEMBER 2009
EVENT SIP AROUND THE WORLD DECEMBER 2009
Mike and Robin Harris with Shena Van Etten and Kyle Schultz
Nancy Imre and Al Owings
Gail and Mike Huey
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Elizabeth Rook, Keri Cruzen and Amie Harrison
Lisa Sloan and Casey Malone
Amy Beth Dudley and Amy Farris
Bob and Tami Eiseman
Brian and Riki Jackson
C.C. Myers and Charles Boone
DECEMBER 2009
SIP AROUND THE WORLD E V E N T Angie Roberts and Marie Holliman
Tout le Monde A Gift Boutique
Lesley Kitts, Ashley Wallace, Dr. Allison Stiles and Jennifer DaCosta
We invite you to view our fabrics, trims, cornices and headboards...EXCLUSIVE to us! Around the world and out of this world! Located at the corner of Forest Hill Irene and Poplar Justin and Stephanie Monroe
Natalie Dellinger and Jennifer Hendrix
9067 Poplar Avenue, Ste 101 • Germantown, TN 38138 • ph. 901.754.2909 fax. 901.754.2245 • toutlemonde@att.net
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SIP AROUND THE WORLD E V E N T DECEMBER 2009
Kris and Chris Amen
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Jennifer and Tony McKissick
$998,000 Old Grand Junction Lane Hardeman County These 159.54 acres of prime Hardeman County hunting land are mostly wooded with hills, fenced pastures, and an abundance of deer and turkey. Also included is a beautiful three bedroom, two and one half bath rustic turnkey log home with log walls, two fireplaces, pine floors, large front porch, and a great deck with awesome views. Completely updated with central heat & air. A five year old, nine stall barn with heat, overhead spray system and electric doors is included with the property. Stocked lake. Perfect for a hunting lodge.
Betty Jones, Phyllis Jones, Antoinette Holman, Louise Burks and Brittany Hyman
Praveen Srinivasn and Connie Massey
Sandra and Bob Hayne
Alan and Sabrina Donze with Curtis and Alice Finn
THERE’S A NEW NEIGHBOR in your neighborhood. Now that I’m right here in your area, there’s no one better than a State Farm® agent to serve your insurance needs. Call me today.
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Walk-ins Welcome 1900 Kirby Parkway, Suite 100 Germantown
(901-624-6885)
55
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State Farm Insurance Companies Home Offices: Bloomington, IL statefarm.com® P02603 11/04
DECEMBER 2009
Parker Rhett, Agent 4515 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 38117 Bus: 901-680-7400 parker.rhett.rd95@statefarm.com
EVENT LES PASSESS CABARET BALL
es Passes not only knows how to play hard, but this women-only volunteer organization has built a reputation for working even harder to provide advocacy and support for children and families in Memphis throughout its 100 year existence. This amazing accomplishment prompted a memorable bash, themed “100 Years of Loving Memphis,” at Hilton Memphis. Elegance reigned at the affair, which explains the abundance of sparkly oversize jewels found on tabletops and inside wine glasses given as party favors. Les Passes member Annie Taylor said, “You should have seen the invites sent out…they were these great faux diamond rings!” Tall flower arrangements of calla lilies, tulips and hydrangeas, which appeared in hurricane vases illuminated with LED lights and topped off by black shades with crystal adornments, complimented the ambiance. Even the napkin designs had been given special thought and resembled black and white tuxedo jackets with small red rosebuds on the lapels. Prior to the actual program, some 250 formally clad members and their dates mingled in the hallway outside the Tennessee Grand Ballroom for a cocktail hour that featured violinist fiddler Donna Wolf. Several silent auction tables tempted guests to browse offerings of makeovers, hand-painted Christmas wine glasses and U of M Men’s Basketball tee shirts signed by Coach Josh Pastner. Perhaps the most coveted item of all was a 1986 Honda Shadow in mint condition. Around 7 p.m., guests took their seats in the ballroom for dinner and the traditional presentation of “Living Ads.” This year, emcee Judge Kay Robilio announced nine living ads: Grace Forsdick, Virginia Higginbotham, Alex Livesay, Jennifer McPherson, Madeline Rardin, Megan Schlitt, Mary Stevenson, Jeannette Walker and Caroline Webb. After the young ladies walked the length of the ballroom with their escorts and pages, The Plaintiffs played “The Way You Look Tonight.” That song was followed by “What a Wonderful World,” which had the pages and escorts dancing with their parents. On a serious note, Les Passees president Meg Glass mentioned during the ceremony about the group’s latest achievement, the opening of the Harwood Center this past August. This facility aids children under age 3 who have developmental delays. By night’s end, $45,000 had been raised for this effort, in addition to Les Passees’ other programs, such as Kids on the Block. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick See all the party photos at Photos by John Hammer rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
DECEMBER 2009
Les Passess Cabaret Ball “100 Years of Loving Memphis”
L
Krista Brewer and Bill Freeman
Sally and Lyman Aldrich
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Pam and John Campbell
LeeAnn and Todd Vanderpool
Gina and Jeff Webb
Julie and Kevin Stonebarger
Julia and Tom Panagon
Lovie Raines, Lisa Geater, Judy Jones, Meg Glass and Libby Hubbard
Donna Wolf and Annie Taylor
EVENT Judge Kay and Victor Robilio with Teresa Starnes
LES PASSESS CABARET BALL
Bruce and Judy Young
Kathy and Brian Swords
Sam and Cindy Ettingoff
DECEMBER 2009
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RSVP
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Douglas and Tracy Hubbard
John and Christina Ogle
Taylor Huffman and William Green
Cheryl and David Schlitt
EVENT LES PASSESS CABARET BALL
Mary, Cleo and Prudy Stevenson
Blake White and Courtnee McKim
DECEMBER 2009
Joy Scott and Gerald Matthews
Joyce and Kevin Ruby
Pamela Williams and Susan Nicholas
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Kacie and Stephen Cooper
Mickey and Judy McLellan
Tim and Rene Booth
Barret, Mary, Alex and Christopher Livesay
Amanda and Chris Cox
Brian and Kristina Bennett
EVENT Jeanne and Lawrence Fortney
LES PASSESS CABARET BALL
Jeff and Mary Sexton
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Making Women Count ... in the relentless pursuit of excellent healthcare
Melrose Blackett M.D. Providing over 20 years of
DECEMBER 2009
compassionate care and Shelby County and Beyond.
Davis, Dawn and Mike Goodwin
Amy and Donnie Thweatt
MEMPHIS WOMEN’S CONSULTANTS PLLC 7655 POPLAR AVE., #130 GERMANTOWN, TN 38138 BLDG. A
Phone: (901) 757-0229 Same Day Appointments
Phyllis and Bill Allen
Stephanie and Bill Barbour
George and Susan Wortham
Jeff and Cathy Harris
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Annual Exams Prenatal Care Prenatal Counseling Birth Control Sexual Counseling STD education Menstrual problems Heavy Periods Weight Management Treatment of Fibroids Endometriosis In Office Sterilizations
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service to the women of
ONSITE
Onsite
Ronald McDonald House Cocktail Party “Mardi Gras on Main Street” IRIS Orchestra Kick-off UNICO Columbus Day Gala
P
Regina Giometti and Gerri Camurati at UNICO Columbus Day Gala
Ron Giometti and Michael Spano at UNICO Columbus Day Gala
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DECEMBER 2009
artygoers toasted to charity during a cocktail party hosted by Linda and Ernie Mannerino at their home to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Memphis. The occasion gave new supporters and donors an opportunity to learn more about the assistance that Ronald McDonald House and Hearts for the Future, the nonprofit’s donor society, provide for families with seriously ill or injured children. The Collier ville Town Square resembled New Orleans’ French Quarter for the 17th annual Partners in Preser vation Party & Taste of the Town, themed Mardi Gras on Main Street.” More than 20 area “M Jean Mathews Crawford and Anne Kenworthy restaurants participated in the gourmet portion of the at IRIS Orchestra Kick-off evening by having food stations set up at “Fat Tuesday Avenue,” “Fleur de Lis Lane” and “King Cake Alley.” Van Gogh’s Ear supplied the party tunes while attendees poured over the selection of silent and live auction goodies, one of which included a New Orleans catered dinner package. Proceeds help Main Street Collier ville put on gatherings held on the square each year, including the Sunset on the Square Concert Series and Magic on Main Street Movie Night, to name a few. IRIS Orchestra kicked off its 10th season by welcoming back renowned violinist Midori for an encore performance. To help IRIS celebrate, the Germantown Per forming Arts Centre (GPAC) Guild hosted an opening night party following the concert for 500 patrons and musicians. The orchestra’s next con60 John Staelin, Elizabeth Locke, Midori and Bob Mednikow cert of the season will feature four-time Grammy® winat IRIS Orchestra Kick-off ner and Metropolitan Opera star Dawn Upshaw on January 9 at GPAC. The UNICO Memphis Chapter honored two exemplary Memphians during its Columbus Day Gala held at the Doubletree Hotel. During the event, Frank Navarra presented Dr. Michael Neel with the UNICO Memphis Civic Award, and Dan Vaccaro gave William “Bill” A. Lucchesi the UNICO Memphis Italian American Award. The presentations were followed by a delicious steak dinner and dancing, with music provided by UNICO’s own Michael Spano as the deejay.
Tom and Elizabeth Farrar, Marty Regan and Rev. John Geaney at IRIS Orchestra Kick-off
Story Submitted and by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos Submitted and by Tran Bui and Steve Roberts
Linda and Ernie Mannerino at Ronald McDonald House Cocktail Party
Sandy Kindig and Rebecca Matthews at “Mardi Gras on Main Street”
Danny and Jennifer Thompson with Gary and Terri Smith at “Mardi Gras on Main Street”
Rick and Debra Colter with Jeff Humber and Pamela Denly at Ronald McDonald House Cocktail Party
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DECEMBER 2009
EVENT
Bone Bash
BONE BASH
A Bewitching Fund-raising Gala
N
DECEMBER 2009
Shirley and Yi Lu
Glenn and Gina Wells
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62
ot many parties on the social calendar allow adults the freedom to dress in head-to-toe costumes, but the Arthritis Foundation makes an exception at its annual fall fund-raiser, Bone Bash. Central Station housed the frighteningly fun festivities, where vampires, pirates and ever other imaginable Halloween celebrant appeared to support the organization’s local health and wellness programs, local and national research efforts and education and awareness materials. Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates presented the bone-chilling evening that had guests competing for the best costume honors. Throughout the party, attendees gave tickets to the best dressed male and female, and those with the most tickets at the end of the night were declared the winners. Choosing standout costumes wasn’t quite so easy, considering the creativity couples opted for in the form of Mayor A C Wharton and Jerry “The King” Lawler and Donald Trump and Miss California, Tara Conner. A group of friends even made a showing as characters from Beetlejuice. However, the most votes went to Yi Lu for his Michael Jackson Thriller get-up and to Dr. Vicki Jones for her Elle Woods hot pink number, complete with a matching purse and dog. Guests also got in the Halloween spirit thanks to the spooktacular décor worthy of a haunted house. A few of the highlights included a graveyard of “RIP” tombstones at the entrance, a jar of gooey eyeballs at the bar, a giant tarantula crawling on the candy bar and neon bats hanging from the ceiling. Lots of pumpkins and purple and orange lights were also thrown in the mix to help decorate the bar and hors d’oeuvre table brimming forth with fruits, cheeses, veggies, meatballs, spinach dip and chicken skewers by Delectables Catering. A chocolate fountain was another visual centerpiece in itself and had partygoers coming back for a sugar rush, as if there wasn’t enough candy for one already. A silent auction and tunes by Elmo and the Shades kept the crowd entertained until the witching hour, when the clock struck midnight and Halloween officially began. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
George and Katherine Brown
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by John Hammer Patty and Tom Schoelkopf
Mark and Pam Vaughn
Keevia Porter and Tiffany Gray
Kristi and Nick Pesce
Steve West and Pamela Hauber with Emily and Jeff McEvoy
Mike and Dr. Vicki Jones
EVENT BONE BASH
Lose Weight
Fastest Weight Loss Clinic In Town! Phentermine, Adipex, Ambien, and Other Prescription Medications Available
30-day supply of phentermine available in clinic for only $25
ATT REEGALIA GALIA
Free VIT B12 Shot for new patients
Butch and Kim Inman
Cordova Medical Clinic
Holiday H olidaay Sale Salle
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Select IItems tems 2525-50 -50%
%RQQLH /DQH (1 block east of Corky's)
Maurice Ward and Tara Austin
Jason Bowles and Leah Fitzpatrick Bowles
DECEMBER 2009
Frank and Sally Navarra
Walk-Ins Welcome No Appointment Necessary Monday-Saturday www.cordovamedical.com
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Samantha Gore and Kristin Hicks
Sally and Henry Brenner
Troy and Kristin Norwood
Beth Dailey and Scott Kenneth
AFTER HOURS
MEMBERS OPENING RECEPTION FOR THE CARRY ME! LUCITE® HANDBAGS FROM THE CARYN SCHEIDT COLLECTION AT DIXON GALLERY AND GARDENS (PHOTOS BY BAXTER BUCK)
After Hours A photo collage of the latest business happenings
FREDERIC SAGE AND MAURI PIOPPO TRUNK SHOW AT PETER D. POOLE FINE JEWELERS
SERIOUSLY FUN! ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Leigh Ann, Julie, Mary Avery and Peter D. Poole at Peter D. Poole Fine Jewelers
DECEMBER 2009
Burton Bridges and Karen Brandon at Dixon Gallery and Gardens
Jane Ezzell and Betty Hays at Seriously Fun!
Allison Allen and Lauren Shaffrey at Peter D. Poole Fine Jewelers
Simon Ellis, Janice Berkson, Caryn Scheidt, Erin Riordan and Kevin Sharp at Dixon Gallery and Gardens
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64
Julie and Ronald Pierotti at Dixon Gallery and Gardens
Janet Burkett and Alla Olswanger at Seriously Fun!
Charlotte and Fred Hodges at Peter D. Poole Fine Jewelers
Julie Krug, Doris McLendon and Rita Coots at Doris McLendon’s Fine Jewelry
Katie Kalsi and Victoria Bromley at Doris McLendon’s Fine Jewelry
DORIS MCLENDON’S FINE JEWELRY CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
Bill Cowan and Kris Stewart at Doris McLendon’s Fine Jewelry
Our East Memphis family VM°9LHS[VYZ°^PSS°JVTWSL[L [OL°WPJ[\YL ° )\`PUN°VY°:LSSPUN 7LYRPUZ°H[° (\K\IVU°7HYR OfMPJL! °
Tom Kimbrough Helen Broker Akin
Steve Bearman
Beth Blumenfeld
Phoebe Burks
Bill Butler
Sheryl Cassibry
Sandra Charlton
Robin Fauser
Gwen Flaniken
Jimmie Harder Fowler
Jan Gordon
Lynn Hammond
Lauren Harkins
Walker Hays
Carolyn Hooker
Tom Iverson
Sylvia Joure
Joy Kimbrough
Ali Benson Koch
Janet Lee
Nan Lee
Elizabeth Marchisio
Toni Martello
Christine McBee
George Merrifield
Tricia Snider
Carol Stout
Jeff Sullivan
Cooper Turner
Michael Varner
Mike Mills
Alice Newton
Jim Pascover
Claire Perkins
Nancy Perrine
Wendy Rylee
Crissy Smith
Susie Sneed
Lynn Walker
Norfleet Washatka
Vivian Watson
Melissa Wilbanks
Mig Williams
Judson Williford
Amy Woods
Mandy Wright
ONSITE
Onsite
U of M Outstanding Alumni Awards Dinner The Architects Party Harvest Party
T
DECEMBER 2009
Dr. Shirley Raines and Dr. Thomas Appleton at U of M Outstanding Alumni Awards Dinner
Dean Henry Kurtz and Meah King at U of M Outstanding Alumni Awards Dinner
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he University of Memphis College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Chapter hosted its 13th annual Outstanding Alumni Awards Dinner at The Racquet Club of Memphis. Festivities began with a welcome reception, followed by dinner and an awards ceremony. James Morse (BS ’90, MS ’93), Keith Prewitt (BA ’81) and Dr. Thomas Appleton (BA ’71) were honored as Outstanding Alumni, while Meah King (BA ’02 MAT ‘05) was recognized as an Outstanding Young Alumna and Maurice Elliott as an Outstanding Friend. Everyone “in the know” is aware that The Architects Party, held at Askew Nixon Ferguson Architects and benefiting the International Children’s Heart Foundation (ICHF), is always among the hottest Keeping the Thrill Alive,” this affairs of the year. “K year’s theme, was a celebration of ICHF’s 15th anniversary, as well as the 20th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Guests donned their most creative Halloween attire to compete in the costume contest for the grand prize of a trip for two anywhere in the continental United States along with a free week’s condo stay. Sponsored by 94.1 KQK and emceed by Steve Conley, party highlights included a big anniversary candle blow-out, live music, fortune telling, old silent horror movies projected on walls and the pièce de résistance, a “Mass Thriller Dance” in which dozens of attendees participated. Earnestine and Hazel’s was the site of The Cotton Museum’s third annual autumn fund-raiser, Har vest Party. A large turnout of supporters crowded the floor to listen to great tunes by the Earnestine and Hazel’s Band and to bid on silent auction articles, including two nights at Charleston Place in Charleston, ´ South Carolina, a ride in a Piper J-3 Cub departing from the Wolf River Airport in Fayette County, a guided duck hunt at Frenchman’s Bayou in Arkansas, tickets to the 51st Annual Liberty Bowl and gift certificates for many restaurants. Upstairs, Lex Bonner led the partygoers with a sing-along around the piano. Event sponsors were Sygenta, The Seam, Tetra Tech, American Cotton Shippers Association and V. Alexander Company.
Louise and Calvin Turley at Harvest Party
Grace Swaney and Gil Uhlhorn at Harvest Party
Story Submitted and by Ruth Cassin Photos Submitted and by Roy Haithcock Honey and Rudi Scheidt at Harvest Party
Julie Johnson, Eric Robertson and Marcia Boyd at U of M Outstanding Alumni Awards Dinner
Kim Brukardt and Kelly Snodgrass at The Architects Party
Rosa Valdez, Christina Baggett and Yashi Monzon at The Architects Party
Bob Hutchins and Charissa Camp at The Architects Party
After Hours
AFTER HOURS
PALLADIO CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
A photo collage of the latest business happenings
DERMATOLOGY REALM CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
Collin Peel, Emily Ozier and Calvin Ozier at Palladio
Dan Mullally, Josh Pastner and Alan Graf at James Davis
Nancy and Rodgers Menzies at Palladio Herb Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mell, David Porter and Johnny Pitts at James Davis
DECEMBER 2009
Teresa Wilkes, Denise LaForce and Dr. Adam Baker at Dermatology Realm
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Brenda Medling and Steven Hickman at Palladio Sherry Bramucci and Christy Prewitt at Dermatology Realm
MINDY LAM TRUNK SHOW AT KITTIE KYLE
Mindy Lam and Cindy Gambrell at Kittie Kyle
Van and KK Weinberg at James Davis
JAMES DAVIS HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Rob Joyner, Mark Goodfellow and Sonya Dunn at James Davis
Mayor A C Wharton and Penny Hardaway at James Davis
RSV PHILLIPPI
By Dennis Phillippi
YOU DO THE MATH, SERIOUSLY
DECEMBER 2009
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ometimes when I can’t think of anything for a column, I just look at surveys on the Internet. Last month, in a similar jam, I stumbled onto one poll that showed women’s disturbing trends in footwear. This month, I found one that was much more reassuring: More than 90 percent of students at one university in New York can’t do basic algebra. That one made me feel a lot better. Why would a lack of simple mathematics knowledge among college students cheer me? Because I can’t do it either. Honestly, I can barely do addition. My education, or more accurately, “education,” was affected by the ‘60s. You see, back in the ‘70s, when I was supposed to be learning the three misnamed R’s, the school system I was in had somehow been taken over by a bunch of glassy-eyed hippies who didn’t believe in the traditional approach to education. Or hygiene. Instead of a steady diet of meat and potatoes information, we were allowed to learn at our own pace, finding our own direction. That’s why I can’t do math. My own pace in that area has been very, very slow. My own direction where numbers is concerned has been away. We were encouraged to call our teachers by their first names, read what moved us and generally given what they, in their best-meaning way, considered freedom. I’m a big fan of freedom. I admire those brave men and women who fight every day for freedom. People all throughout the world should be free. Except, of course, children. Another study I stumbled onto doing what passes for research in my world was one that explained why children cannot resist candy. This study came about because the scientist doing work on adults with damage to the frontal lobe of their brain noticed that his subjects often acted just like children. They had little impulse control. They had very short attention spans. They couldn’t handle math. That’s right, children behave in many ways exactly like brain damaged adults…or comedians. Giving children options seems like a positive thing. The schools I went to were even called “Optional Schools.” But here’s the thing, if you give someone who is brain damaged, or a child or a comedian
options, he or she will almost always choose the easiest one. I can prove it. The point of this was supposed to be about algebra, but I’ve already drifted into the easier option—telling you how to raise your children. I’m sure that algebra is important, or eggheads wouldn’t be so dismayed that so many of us can’t do it. It seems like something that you’d need if you were
That’s right, children behave in many ways exactly like brain damaged adults…or comedians. going to work in, say, the Space Program or the Defense Department, or facilitating teenaged girls being able to have horrible songs as their ringtones. It seems like something that would come in really handy if you had to figure out where to dam a river or build a wind farm. The problem is, I don’t actually know what algebra is. The only reason I passed algebra 1 on the third try in high school, and believe me I wish I was making this up, was because the teacher was also the head of the cheerleaders, and I agreed to draw a big picture of the school’s mascot in exchange for a D. Luckily, that teacher’s name has been lost to history, or this would be the next big scandal for the fake news to chew on. Nancy Grace, Did one teacher trade a passing grade for a drawing of a lion? More on this disturbing story after I scare you about some other stuff that has nothing to do with you. I called a friend of mine who has a degree in math and asked her to define algebra. She was very disappointed. She was also unable to give me any kind of satisfactory definition. Granted I put her on the spot because she was at her job, which may involve the use of algebra, and there
were apparently people in her office, but all I heard was a lot of words like integers and vectors and binary operations. It was all jibber jabber to me. I then called my wife, who is a CPA, and works with big numbers all day every day. She was even less help. Sure, she was on an airplane on the runway in Detroit, and there was a screaming baby beside her, but still, she’s a CPA. Then I looked it up, just like my mom would’ve told me to do. You know what I found? Vectors, integers and binary operations. This is not an effort to justify my lack of knowledge, my weird education or the general laziness of children and college students…oh wait, that’s exactly what it is. I’ve been looking for this kind of thing since 1981. If 90 percent of an entire college can’t do algebra, maybe the hippies had the right idea. If these college students haven’t learned it, maybe I’m not such a numbskull. Maybe algebra is a specialized area that only needs to be taught to people who are going to be putting it to some kind of use, such as for chemistry, foreign languages or geography, which are other areas I know virtually nothing about. Once again, I bugged my friend at her job and defied her to tell me one instance in my like when I might use algebra. She said that if I were planning a party and needed to calculate how much hooch to have on hand for X number of people, that’s algebra. I explained that I always have tons of hooch on hand. She said, growing increasingly exasperated, if I were choosing between two cars to buy and wanted to figure which would give me better mileage and save me money, that’s algebra. I told her I would ask the guy. At this point, because I was apparently interrupting a “meeting,” she just called me lazy and stupid. Yeah? Me and 90 pecent of college students.
RSVP’s humor columnist ends 2009 feeling another year savvier for stumping his CPA wife and friend who has a degree in math about the importance of algebra. We here at the office must admit that even our sound minds might be perplexed to calculate a satisfactory answer for our favorite know-it-all.
Celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime Black-Tie Gala, featuring “Best of Memphis” cuisine and beverages presented by renowned area restaurateurs. Entertainment provided by the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music and several local legends.
Special thanks to RSVP magazine for its support.
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For underwriting information, call 90 For 901-678-2560 1-678-2560 Visit V isit us online at wumr wumr.memphis.edu .memphis.edu
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i t ’ s j a zz! Member Sponsors: Askew Nixon Ferguson Architects / Fleming Associates Architects Joint Venture, Sedgwick CMS Associate Sponsors: Alpha Reporting Corporation, Baptist Memorial Health Care, Classic Party Rentals, The Marston Group, PLC, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Metro 67, Parkway Realty, Regions Bank, The Stern Cardiovascular Center , The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
DECEMBER 2009
Building tours will be conducted throughout the evening, followed by the formal program and a late-night party for students and young lawyers. VIP reception presented by SunTrust - Tickets $350. Single Tickets $250. Tickets are limited. Order yours today to reserve a place in Memphis and law school history! To purchase tickets, please call 901.678.1562 or visit www.memphis.edu/alumni/lawgala.
RSVPAST
What a Milestone!
DECEMBER 2009
1920s
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C
ampbell Clinic staff and fellows (front row) Spencer Speed, Willis Campbell, Joseph Mitchell and Joseph Hamilton and (back row) clinic residents pose for a photo taken beside Campbell Clinic in the 1920s. Now celebrating its milestone 100th year of service to Memphis and the Mid-South, Campbell Clinic is recognized as a world leader in orthopaedics. PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMPBELL CLINIC If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Leah Fitzpatrick at 276-7787 ext. 105 or e-mail the photo and caption to editor@rsvpmagazine.com All photos will be returned promptly.
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