RSVP Magazine December 2012 by RSVP Magazine

December 2012

Boo! Ball Bone Bash Art on Fire Purple Reign Ball Taste of the Town Sip Around the World Merry Marketplace Girls Night Out Q&A with Casey Wittenberg

CONTENTS

Contents December 201 2

From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 RSVP drops in on Wayne Jackson at the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Merry Marketplace Girls Night Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 The Junior League of Memphis took the stress out of holiday shopping by hosting pop-up shops at Agricenter International.

The Ambassador Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 RSVP introduces a new column about native Memphians living their lives in a big

12 MERRY MARKETPLACE GIRLS NIGHT OUT Stephanie Romaine and Kaley Browning

way outside of the city.

StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 & 22 This lady continues to promote the option to buy global fair trade products in Memphis. She’s helping those who are blind or visually impaired experience life in a whole new way. StreetSeens highlight Jackie Nerren and Lynn Tune.

48 ART ON FIRE Ron and Joanna Byrnes

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Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Q&A with pro golfer Casey Wittenberg. RSVP Room View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 A Midtown living room combines whimsical touches with Old World charm to create a comforting balance.

Taste of the Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Close to 40 restaurants and vendors served up delicious drinks and eats to support

4 RSVP

the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Mid-South at Hilton Memphis.

Bone Bash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Zombies and ghouls gathered for a good time at the Arthritis Foundation’s

30 TASTE OF THE TOWN Kim Fleming and Carolina Stebbins

Halloween costume party at the Tower Center at Clark Tower.

Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42, 46, 56 & 57 Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.

58 BOO! BALL Lizzie Newton, Paige Phillips and Kate Smith

Purple Reign Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 The YWCA raised awareness for domestic violence with a disco-themed benefit at Minglewood Hall.

Art on Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Guests enjoyed some fun entertainment with fire at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Boo! Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 The Pink Palace hosted a screamingly good Halloween costume party to raise funds for the museum.

Sip Around the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Guests sipped on a variety of wines at the Memphis Botanic Garden to raise money for the National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee.

38 BONE BASH Christye Gilliland and Tracie Fisher

RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Back to the Caves I Say Dennis Phillippi calls for a return to a simpler way of pop culture.

Cover Photo Lucia and Ricky Heros at Art on Fire Photo by Don Perry

62 SIP AROUND THE WORLD Janeka Temple and Adrienne Ross

R SV P S TA F F Volume XVIII

Number III

December 2012 PUBLISHER

Roy Haithcock EDITOR

Leah Fitzpatrick CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kelly Cox Jonathan Devin Jeannie Mandelker Dennis Phillippi Eugene Pidgeon Lesley Young ART DIRECTOR

CHRIS PUGH, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE 901.276.7787, EXT. 103 chris@rsvpmagazine.com

Chris has been exercising his talent in the advertising world since 1999. He joined the RSVP team in 2009 and brought with him a love for laughter and creativity. Originally from New Albany, Mississippi, Chris has settled in Memphis and enjoys being active in the fashion community.

Patrick Aker s

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PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nathan Berry Baxter Buck James Eaton Don Perry Steve Roberts ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Chris Pugh Kristen Miller

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE 901.276.7787, EXT. 104 kristen@rsvpmagazine.com

Ruth Cassin EDITORIAL INTERN

R achel Warren RSVP

KRISTEN MILLER,

ACCOUNTING

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

Having worked in print advertising for nearly eight years, Kristen Miller felt it was a natural fit to join the RSVP team as an account executive. Kristen, who lives in Arlington with her husband and four children, loves to cook, fish, watch college and Arlington Tigers football, spend time with her family and advertising, of course.

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 Follow us on & RSVP Memphis Magazine

RACHEL WARREN, EDITORIAL INTERN 901.276.7787, EXT. 108 rachel@rsvpmagazine.com

Rachel is passionate about print media and has covered many local events in Jackson, Mississippi in the past. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Millsaps College, and in 2011, she moved back to her hometown of Memphis. She is delighted to be part of the RSVP team as an editorial intern. She loves writing about all the amazing people and places in Memphis, enjoying a great book and chasing a good story.

From the Editor

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his fall has more than flown by, which makes me realize what a wonderful time I have had covering all of the season’s festive gatherings, and hopefully, that sentiment remains intact as the holidays draw near. I’ve already got a number of December gatherings on my work and social calendar, and have even planned a crazy National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation outfit for the annual Clark’s Dinner I round up my friends to attend at Majestic Grille each year (ironically enough, I didn’t even dress up for Halloween this year, but somehow have a strong desire to costume myself at Christmas). And, as a reminder that I need to gather my house decorations, and subsequently button up my plans for family get-togethers at home this month, I passed a Christmas tree lot—one set up a whole week before Thanksgiving! Guess it’s the earlier the better for some folks when holiday décor is involved. When the “most wonderful time of the year” does arrive (can’t you hear the late Andy Williams singing?), I do agree that you should be prepared by doing things like fully stocking your pantry for guests, both the expected and unexpected kind, and shopping early for hot gift items that might sell out. However, in the midst of preparations, what often is forgotten are the acts of kindness we should bestow on our neighbors, those less fortunate or anyone who is going through a difficult time. You don’t have to look far to find someone who could use a little help, but if you are having trouble locating a person in need, please contact any of the nonprofits featured throughout the pages of RSVP. I’m sure these organizations would be happy to facilitate an opportunity for you to give back to their clients. Most of all, my wish for everyone this month is to feel at peace during what may seem like a super hectic time. In the words of an anonymous quote I came across, “Always remember to slow down in life; live, breathe and learn; take a look around you whenever you have time and never forget everything and every person that has the least place within your heart.” Okay, I’ll stop being sappy and let you enjoy the rest of the issue. Happy holidays!

Leah Fitzpatrick editor@rsvpmagazine.com

Co-founder of The Memphis Horns/Horn Arranger/Author/Songwriter

Hobby: Watercolor painting. Favorite author: Mark Twain. Ideal vacation spot: The beach. One thing you can’t live without: My wife, Amy. Favorite Memphis musician: My partner, the late Andrew Love. Movie you could watch over and over again: The Godfather. Where you take out-of-town guests: The Bar-B-Q Shop and Huey's. Your mantras: “Go through the doors that open” and “Must be present to win.” First job: Throwing The Evening Times newspaper in my hometown of West Memphis, Arkansas. Favorite album: Having played on 52 number one records and 83 gold and platinum albums, it is hard say! First concert: My own! Wayne Jackson and the Dizzy Three at the Avon Theater in West Memphis on March 11, 1958. One thing most people don’t know about you: I'm a pilot. I've flown many types of airplanes up to and including a Learjet. Childhood ambition: My grandmother posed this question to me when I was 6 years old. I said, "Grandma, I'm going to be on the radio!" Boy, was I ever! Your greatest achievement: Receiving the 2012 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award from my peers at the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Last book you’ve read: The ones I've written! In My Wildest Dreams-Take 1, In My Wildest Dreams-Take 2 and the third and final in the series, In My Wildest Dreams-Take 3. (Available in paperback on Amazon and all digital formats.)

Photo by Steve Roberts

SIGNATURE MEMPHIS D E C E M B E R 2 012 RSVP

Wayne Jackson

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EVENT MERRY MARKETPLACE GIRLS NIGHT OUT

oliday shopping can feel like a daunting task sometimes, which is why the Junior League of Memphis steps in and makes the experience an enjoyable one for thousands of Mid-Southerners year in and year out. The JLM pulls this off by inviting hundreds of local, regional and national businesses to set up pop-up shops in one single spot, Agricenter International, the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday in October. This year, there was a change of events associated with Merry Marketplace, as the JLM elected to forgo its traditional Merry Marketplace Gala in lieu of only hosting a Girls Night Out. Judging by the turnout, the decision was met with resounding approval. Baptist Memorial Healthcare sponsored Girls Night Out, joining the JLM’s effort to raise funds for numerous community projects and nonprofits. With Baptist’s logo emblazoned on the complimentary shopping totes handed out to guests upon arrival, the corporation’s support was evident, as was the backing of many area restaurants that donated appetizers for the festivities. Nibbles could be found from Cheffie’s Café, Circa by John Bragg, Felicia Suzanne’s, the Fresh Market, Gibson’s Donuts, Interim Restaurant & Bar, Napa Café, Olive Garden and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. The night’s signature drink came from Silly Goose Lounge, whose mixologists concocted a “Cream Cake” cocktail that fit the bill for those needing a sweet fix. Appropriately, event organizers had positioned sleek, white couches and a Girls Night Out photo booth, complete with wacky props, near the beverage table. Plenty more food options abounded throughout the venue in the form of assorted macaroons from Pistache French Pastry, pralines from Delta Pecan Orchard and homemade pickles from Felicia Willett of Flo’s, but edibles were just the tip of the iceberg of the items available for purchase. Other shopping categories included art, children’s products, gifts, home goods, jewelry, stationery/books, women’s products and miscellaneous wares. More importantly, gift wrap was available from several vendors like The Final Touch Gift Wrap, which had all of its paper selection covering boxes displayed on the three walls of its booth. With nearly 140 booths, Merry Marketplace truly offered something for everyone, especially at the Girls Night Out event—a perfect occasion to hear Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want Have Fun.”

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Merry Marketplace Girls Night Out Holiday Shopping for a Cause

Jessica Olson and Jessica Toliuszis

Mic and Sheri Hensley

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See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Kindall Bast and Julianne Lesley

Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Baxter Buck

Kendra Vickery and Lori Keith

Tisha Carpenter and Lisa Harris

Amie Vowell and Alexandra Howard

Haley Moore and Meredith Canale

Alice Dean, Melissa Turner and Leann Crossno

Nicolle Gempler and Karen Foster

EVENT MERRY MARKETPLACE GIRLS NIGHT OUT

Stacy Crenshaw and Jasmine Ikerd

Meredith Perkins and Beth Farrelly

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Monica Lash and Peggy Fortner

Gwynne Barton and Curry Blanton

Amy Mrva and Brittany McDonald

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Janet Laine and Lynette Tribble

Yvette Holland and Margot Holland

Jessica Rooker and Dana Hooper

Crystal Lovreta, Xion Adams and Sharee Edwards

Vicki Olson and Vickie Smith

Alisa Bernard and Charity Helvie

EVENT MERRY MARKETPLACE GIRLS NIGHT OUT

Barbara Thewis and Erica Thewis

Jessica and John Tolar

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Melissa Kimbrough and Dawn Hansen

Abby Schroeppel and Rachel Phillips

Amy Hill and Laura Finley

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Grace Parsels and Mary Katherine Parsels

Allison Frazier and Shaundra Gatewood

Jagruti Patel and Nimika Patel

Melissa Taylor, Edwyna Bonner and Jalonda Hill

Elizabeth Sledd and Sharon Sumrall

Sara Saulters and Laura Wymore

THE AMBASSADOR SERIES

The Ambassador Series By Eugene Pidgeon

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE AMBASSADOR SERIES

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“L

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et those who wish have their respectability—I wanted freedom, freedom to indulge in whatever caprice struck my fancy, freedom to search in the farthermost corners of the earth for the beautiful, the joyous, and the romantic.”—Richard Halliburton Richard Halliburton was born in Brownsville, Tennessee on January 9, 1900. Yet, if you inject a little poetic license, maybe roll a slathering of Southern Gothic hyperbole into the mix and then deep fry it…voila...you might just have yourself an authentic native Memphian. Authentic enough for ducks to count. Either way, and by all facts and exaggerations, Halliburton and his family did actually settle here in 1903. But, Richard Halliburton was not destined to stay in Memphis. The even tales of his life and death are rich and evocative and have been folded into an urban legend that remains, to this day, indelibly Southern yet universally accessible. Halliburton’s triumphs and tragedies are as the strewn debris of parades. His life was short, galvanic and an organic illustration of how one who constantly wagers on the long shot can often prevail. He always played his hand against the odds and never wavered from them, even if he lost and even as he died. As close as historians can surmise, Halliburton was evicted from this mortal coil at the mean old age of 39 in 1939 while navigating an ancient Chinese junk, the Sea Dragon, across the Pacific Ocean from Hong Kong to San Francisco. His body was never recovered. Lost at Sea are the only words to mark his passing. Crazy, huh? Still, many long years after his death, Halliburton’s myth, his legend and his élan are all tenured and are still intact. They are anchored in the shared cultural bedrock of Amelia Earhart, Ernest Hemingway, Thomas Wolfe and Susan Sontag, most of whom were his colleagues and friends. Halliburton himself, a hybrid mutant fusion of Indiana Jones and Howard Hughes, was a writer, a teacher, an adventurer and a native Memphian. More impor-

tantly, Halliburton was an ambassador. An ambassador not so much for God and country, and not even for church and state, but rather, he was an ambassador of possibility. His was the possibility of character, the possibility of chance and ultimately the possibility of choice and freedom of movement. However, Halliburton did not recognize freedom of movement as being simply a physical proposition. It was also the free movement of the mind and of the heart and soul. In January 2013, RSVP will introduce the first installment of a brand new monthly column I will be writing called The Ambassador Series. The idea for the column was inspired in many ways by Halliburton and too by the fact that I am a native Memphian who has lived away from Memphis longer than I have lived here. There are many native Memphians whose lives have called them to be elsewhere. There are many natives of the Bluff City who are now carrying on amazing lives in other parts of the country and in other parts of the world. Yet, no matter how disparate the journey, each of these men and women share the common influence and the impact of their Memphis origins. Today, an entire nation of Memphians is spread across the horizon gathering stories and storms enough to change the world. Every month one of these Memphians will be interviewed and profiled in The Ambassador Series, and I invite all of you readers to participate in this adventure. Together, we can build an archive and celebrate our community of ambassadors whose very lives and actions across the globe are a reflection of what we, here, are as human beings and of who we are as Memphians. If you know someone who is a native but is living and working somewhere else, please e-mail suggestions to eugenepidgeon@rsvpmagazine.com. I am so grateful to editor Leah Fitzpatrick, publisher Roy Haithcock and Ruth Cassin for this wonderful opportunity to reacquaint myself with the city I was born to and the people who helped to make me the kind of person I am proud to be today.

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STREETSEEN

Jackie Nerren In Favor of Fair Trade

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lobal Goods Fair Trade Store makes a point of displaying back-stories about the inspiring creators of the vast products it sells, which is just one reason the store remains anything but commonplace in today’s retail world. A ministry of First Congregational Church, Global Goods also only marks its items up enough to cover shipping costs and is solely run by volunteers, who help promote the concept behind fair trade items. The store’s volunteer coordinator, Jackie Nerren, explains the significance of purchasing products with the fair trade certification. “Fair trade is all about justice and paying people a fair price for what they do,” she says. “It’s also about making sure people are working in humane conditions with no sweatshops or no child labor. We make sure we only buy from companies that are certified fair trade providers, which means they go out and source actual items in towns and villages and revisit them later to make sure they’re still meeting the fair trade standard.” Most of Global Goods’ merchandise comes from craftspeople residing in developing countries, with a vast majority of products from nations all throughout the African continent, India and Peru, which Nerren says is simply because there are suppliers in those places that store buyer Debbie Odom and the rest of the volunteers really like. Many other countries, such as Bangladesh, Mexico and Vietnam, have items that pop up in the store from time to time, and even fair trade U.S. goods appear on the shelves sometimes. Some of the more unusual inventory has included Kenyan galimotos (toy bicycles fashioned out of wire that have riders whose legs serve as pedals to make the wheels move) and Nerren’s current favorite, a purple clutch made of 100 percent recycled plastic, fabric and cassette tapes by young adults with special needs from underprivileged communities in metropolitan Delhi. Even the fair trade accessories Nerren dons in the accompanying photo have special origins. “The scarf I’m wearing is remade in America from recycled tee shirts, and my purse is made from a sewing co-operative in Rwanda of 30 women who are living with HIV/AIDS, many as a result of genocidal rape,” she tells. Nerren says another interesting thing about the particular company that sources the purse in the photo is its name, Manos de Madres, which translates as “Hands of Mothers.” Women, in particular, create a numerous amount of Global Goods’ stock, giving them a way to make money to support their families. In her “real life,” Nerren actually earns a living as an independent market research consultant, but helping the store’s featured female crafters, as well as the male artisans, has been rewarding enough that she’s volunteered to sell their wares since Global Goods began at First Congo 10 and a half years ago. Open from 9-5 on Saturdays and before and after First Congo’s church services on Sunday morning, the store has come to mean a lot to all of its volunteers and those who enter its doors, which are located on the front side of the church that faces Cooper Avenue. “I think we’re the best kept secret in town, but once customers find us, they tell everyone they know,” Nerren says. “More importantly, it makes people happy to find all these wonderful things that have great stories about those you’re helping.” Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts

STREETSEEN

Lynn Tune Improving Quality of Life for the Visually Impaired

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ounded in Cincinnati in 1903, Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired expanded its scope of comprehensive services to Memphis 13 years ago, and since that time has reached a large population of citizens often left underserved and underutilized in the local community. Lynn Tune, Clovernook’s manager of program services in Memphis for nearly 11 years, emphasizes that vision problems will continue to be an issue for many people, with more seniors beginning to suffer from agerelated macular degeneration and diabetics running the risk of getting eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy. Tune says, “A number of years ago, the Southern College of Optometry estimated there were more than 60,000 visually impaired people in Memphis and Shelby County, but I’m sure that number is larger now.” Clovernook, which recently received the highest accreditation possible by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities when it got reaccredited for another three years, currently has between 60-70 visually impaired or blind people on its roll here, and 30-40 more are on a waiting list. Upon intake, each client undergoes a vocational evaluation and does a preference test, and then, clients get evaluated by every staff member in Braille, computer training and orientation and mobility. Clients ultimately receive an individualized plan that helps them realistically meet goals. During the Clovernook experience, participants also have the opportunity to participate in innovative programs that offer everything from artistic development and community living support to financial literacy, however Tune notes that optional programs like art are only done by students when they aren’t in class, with no state-funded money used for those programs. In addition, an onsite low vision clinic is available to seniors and people unable to receive low vision aids because of little income. According to Tune though, Clovernook’s main objective is to help put people in the workforce by providing them with job readiness training and employment services. In a good year, the nonprofit might place 11 or 12 people in jobs, but Tune admits she’s unhappy with the poor number of people placed in jobs. She indicates that employers are often hesitant to hire people with visual problems, but that several Clovernook clients have gone on to show competency as a graphic design professor, short-order cooks, customer service reps on the phone, Avon salespeople, bus boys, teachers and as employees of Envision Industries, a manufacturing company in Kansas City, Kansas that hires visually impaired and blind people. Two legally blind people are even employed in Clovernook’s Memphis cup manufacturing center, which makes hot paper cups that are completely biodegradable in salt water and are used by the U.S. Navy on every ship in its fleet. Whether Clovernook clients achieve employment or not, each hopefully gains empowerment as a result of obtaining the skills needed to become independent, productive citizens. A great example of such an individual was pointed out by Tune as she recalled getting a letter in the last six months from a woman whose daughter was visually and physically impaired, but who wanted to have computer training. While the family had to pay out-ofpocket for the training since they lived in Mississippi, they found that the experience was worth it. Tune relays, “In the letter, the mom told me how much it [the computer training] benefited her daughter, and now her daughter is writing a small book about Clovernook!” Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts

VOX POPULAR

Vox Popular Q&A with Casey Wittenberg

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RSVP: Why did you choose golf as your sport of choice growing up, and did you ever play another sport?

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Wittenberg: I definitely played all sports pretty much throughout high school until around 15. Golf is just born and bred in my family. My grandfather [James Wittenberg] played golf. He went down to LSU and won a national championship in golf down there. My dad [James Wittenberg Jr.] went to LSU and played golf and then played the tour for about five years. So, it was just kind of something that was in my family, something that I did as a little kid with my brother and my dad to spend time with them. RSVP: Who was your mentor? Wittenberg: My dad was my mentor and is a good guy to lean back on. He understands the pressures of golf and the lifestyle of it, and it’s nice to have somebody who has really been there and lived it because, from an outsider’s perspective, what we do sometimes seems all glamorous when you see the guys that win on the 18th green each Sunday on TV. RSVP: How has your game evolved since turning pro in 2004? Wittenberg: I turned pro at a really young age. I was 19, and I left school to turn pro. And, really, the honest answer to my golf game now versus what it was then is that I’m more mature in so many more aspects in my life than I was then. I think I have just grown up a little bit, and I think consequently my golf game has grown up as well. I think I’ve learned a lot through the processes and experiences that I have had, and I feel like I have had the right people around me. I feel like I have the right people around me now to hopefully get me to where I want to be. RSVP: Where do you want to be professionally? Wittenberg: I would love to play on a Ryder Cup team. I was fortunate enough to play on a Walker Cup team as an amateur, which is essentially the same thing, and to be able to do it as a pro would definitely be a dream come true. I would also love to get to the

Photos by Don Perry

hough hometown golfer Casey Wittenberg has been a pro since 2004, it wasn’t until this year that all his playing experience paid off big. Not only did he add two career titles to his resume by winning the Chitimacha Louisiana Open and the Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open, but he ended 2012 as the number one money earner of the Web.com Tour, a developmental tour for the PGA Tour. This achievement has earned him fully exempt status on the 2013 PGA Tour, along with an exemption into The PLAYERS Championship, which offers the biggest purse of any golf tournament. Now in the off-season, Wittenberg admits he’ll be taking a (much deserved) few weeks off and preparing for his upcoming wedding at the end of December, however don’t expect him to slack off too much, as he admitted to RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrick during their interview at TPC Southwind that the off-season is his favorite time of year to develop his golf game.

point in my golf career where I can feel like I can compete in certain golf tournaments that I have always dreamed of as a kid. The level of competition, just like any professional sport nowadays, is so great and the players are so good that I’d like to think that if I work hard enough and my opportunity comes around I could take advantage of it at that time. I feel like I am doing all the right things to get myself to that point, but obviously there are no guarantees in anything. RSVP: What lessons has golf taught you that you have carried over into your personal life? Wittenberg: The one thing I would say about golf is that it is a humbling game. It is one of those things that you do on your own, and you obviously have people around you who are part of your team that try to help you out, but you live and die yourself. For all the great times, there are definitely bad times, and it makes you really appreciate all the friends and family that hang in there for both. You just appreciate that idea that nothing is ever guaranteed in life. Just because you are playing great golf one year does not mean you are going to do it the next. RSVP: How do you stay in touch with your fans? Wittenberg: I do a little bit of Twitter [@CaseyWittenberg]. I don’t do it as much as some of my sponsors and people would like, but the tour does a great job with us trying to help us stay connected and helping create a media profile for everybody. I have a lot of younger kids who follow me because of where I went to high school and because of the fact I played golf at Oklahoma State, which is a pretty big golf school. I am really blessed to have been around a lot of great touring pros when I was younger, and to be able to give that [experience] back to some of these kids who have some potential, and to provide some great direction in their lives even if they don’t play golf, is something that I love to be a part of. RSVP: How did it feel to win the Chitimacha Louisiana Open and

Present Tense

RSVP: How has working with your instructor, Adam Schriber, improved your game this year? Wittenberg: It’s improved it a lot. Adam’s been a longtime instructor of one of my best friends, Anthony Kim, and he’s provided a fresh, different perspective of what I’ve had previously. Sometimes change is a good thing, and for us, at this point, we’re working well and playing well together. I’m looking forward to the continuation of the relationship and seeing where we can get to. RSVP: What does your daily

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RSVP: What was it like to outperform Tiger Woods at the U.S. Open this year? Wittenberg: I was fortunate that I played with Tiger at the last round of the U.S. Open on Sunday this year. I have played with him a couple of other times before in some majors. He is a great player, but he did not have his best day on Sunday when I played him. We had a good talk and chat around the golf course, and I feel that he is definitely on his way back to where he was before.

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Wittenberg: It was, especially Louisiana because that was my first run on the Nationwide Tour [now the Web.com Tour]. It was nice to cross that hurdle. I felt like a lot of pressure was taken off of me. I felt like I had underachieved to a certain extent up until that point in time, and to be able to win a golf tournament early in the year is always a great way to start because it gives you something to build on. I think that helped me when I played in the U.S. Open, and then a week after the U.S. Open, to win in Wichita was great. It secured my card for the PGA Tour and opened up the rest of my summer, giving me the opportunity to focus on some aspects of my game that otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to. It also helped me have a better perspective on what it is like to win. You know the first time you do it, it maybe just kind of happens. The second time you kind of figure out the process and what it takes to do it.

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the Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open this year? That was a big deal!

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training regime entail? Wittenberg: In the off-season, I spend a lot of time practicing and in the gym. During the actual season, the tournaments mainly all run together, so you don’t have as much time to really focus on the aspects of your game that you might during the off-season; you just try and maintain where you are or pick one or two aspects that you feel like you need to really work on to get better. You just don’t have as much time when you’re on the road to tournaments— weeks go by fast, and you have other responsibilities. I love to practice and like the stress of being out there in the grind and making myself stay on the practice tee and hit more golf balls. This time of year is actually my favorite time of year. I love the competition aspect of playing tournaments too, but I like to see things change and to get better in certain areas, which happens for me during the off-season. RSVP: What was your plan last season to get a spot on the PGA Tour for this coming season? Wittenberg: It changed a little bit throughout the summer, just because of the fact that I was starting to work with Adam for the first time at the end of last year. I’ll be honest and say that I really didn’t think I was going to win a golf tournament in March, considering that I was going into a new philosophy, and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to win in Louisiana. Then, my goal kind of changed from just wanting to win one golf tournament to wanting to win three. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to win three, but just trying to finish number one on the money list for the Web.com Tour was my main focus the second half of the year. RSVP: When you found out you were the top money earner in the Web.com Tour, how did that feel? Wittenberg: As great as it felt for me personally, it felt almost better for others who are involved with my golf game. There are so many people who put in so much time

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and energy into making sure that I’m successful that it’s almost more satisfaction for me for them than it is for my own personal gratification. It’s a lifestyle and a commitment from some many aspects, from significant others to moms and dads, friends and coaches. To be able to justify my year for them was what I was most proud of. RSVP: It was recently announced that the PGA Tour is offering fewer tournaments and thereby fewer chances to earn money to finish inside the Top 125 for 2013. How do you feel about that decision? Wittenberg: The tour is going through some changes right now, and obviously, there are some mixed emotions about it. I don’t really think anyone likes change when you’re used to things being a certain way, but I think it’s going to be good for the tour in a lot of ways. It’s going to be difficult though for rookies who don’t have full status on the tour or who depend on those reshuffles in order to get into golf tournaments, but the great thing about this job is that if you play well, your doors open up. This [decision] will just require people to play good golf. RSVP: What is your approach going into this upcoming season?

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Wittenberg: I would just like to finish the year at the end of 2013 in a better position than I start it in January. If I continue

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to focus on the right things and continue to work on the things we’re working on, then I’ll be able to achieve that. Hopefully, this is the start of a long, good run of golf for me. As long as I can stay humbled and focused throughout the process, I feel like I can start knocking off some of those life dreams and goals I have. RSVP: What tournament are you most looking forward to? Wittenberg: I’m looking most forward to the U.S. Open. Obviously being U.S. born, it is the biggest tournament for me in the world, and to have the opportunity to be able to play in that golf tournament is something I cherish. I know how difficult it is to qualify for it, and to already be in that tournament for 2013 is something I’m fortunate for. RSVP: Is there anything you need to improve upon to stay competitive next year? Wittenberg: I know I’m not at the level that I want to compete, so I will have to improve in all aspects of my game. I feel like I can do that. It might take a little more time than I want it to, but I feel like if I continue to do the right things and stay around the right people that I can get there. RSVP: Anything special going on in the off-season? Wittenberg: I’m getting married to my fiancée, Haley Spratt. Our honeymoon is going to be in Hawaii, so I’m fortunate that the first couple of tournaments are on the West Coast, with the first in Hawaii.

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Interview by Jonathan Devin | Photos by Steve Roberts ometimes a home’s greatest treasure is also its biggest challenge.

When Jennifer and Frank Watson III first saw the living room of

their classic turn-of-the-century house in Midtown, they were

charmed with the room’s original dark wood paneling and antique brass chandelier and sconces. There was also the green and whiteveined marble hearth and white and black checkerboard tile in the foyer. But, there is a limit to the richness of Old World charm says Jennifer, who enlisted the help of designer Becky Fields to help keep Top: A wall of glass doors and transoms illuminates the Watsons’ living room, where original alder wood paneling is anything but imposing. A wide palette of fabric prints in yellow, orange and amber highlights the stately wood and brings a hint of Jennifer's nontraditional flair into a classic Midtown home. Above: Jennifer, who said she can't imagine life without a dog in the house, chose a number of animal figurines, including two Chinese foo dogs which grace an inlaid wood side table and highlight the green marble hearth.

the room’s grand features from becoming oppressive. It turns out that sunlight and a little whimsy go a long way toward making a house a home.

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Left: At first the Watsons weren't sure about bringing in their whimsical sofa and modern leather chairs, but found that they were the perfect match with their daughter Julia Watson's original abstract art, which flanks the front door. Below: Jennifer's father's Stodart baby grand piano is retired from playing, but it's the perfect showcase piece for a grand living room with its sculpted dark wood and turn-of-the-century styling. Bottom: A handsome pair of striped wingback chairs brings out the more traditional side of the room's appeal. The Watsons wanted a large framed mirror to help capture the openness of the glass wall opposite it, catching the light and expanding the room as if the wall was not even there.

Jennifer: That was the selling feature on the house. When we looked at the house initially, Frank walked in and I thought, “I know he’s going to love this.” He wanted to have our old house paneled. I think it’s the feel of the traditional—old, dark, manly wood—that he loves. The sun porch is more my room. Frank: Thank God no one has monkeyed with that paneling. It’s original, and we’re told it’s alder wood. It’s sort of Old World, sort of Old Memphis. It seemed warm. You fire up the fireplace, and it’s easy to enjoy. The room is great to have a party in or to have Christmas in. The front door is made of the same wood. The checkerboard stone tile is all original. RSVP: It seems like the fabric colors you chose—the reds, oranges and yellows—draw out the rose in the wood. Frank: There’s a lot of wood in here, so you have to break it up with something. And, we really didn’t do any major renovation. We thought about going with a darker color rug, but it was so dark in here already that we went lighter. That couch we picked well before we got the rug. Becky said, “Let’s not make it too Old World.” It’s a little different.

any other house in Midtown. We like the light. It can be a dark home if it’s a dark day outside. We thought about putting up blinds, but then we thought we’re up high enough that people can’t see in. We decided not to put a TV in here. This is more of a reading room. RSVP: Speaking of wood, the baby grand almost blends right in, doesn’t it? Jennifer: That’s a pre-Civil War baby grand Stodart piano, and it belonged to my dad. I don’t play at all—I just think it’s pretty. You can’t keep it tuned because it has the old wooden pegs, and with the climate in the South, it just won’t stay tuned. But, it fits the style of the room, and that’s why we like it. Frank: The house was built in 1900, I think, by R.E. Lee, a steamboat captain, and he owned a number of lines that went from Memphis to Osceola and down into Mississippi. RSVP: Tell me about the paintings you’ve chosen to flank the front doors.

Jennifer: We both liked the carpet, but the fabrics are mine. The reds, oranges and yellows—I think those are what I gravitate toward. And, my son, Will, likes Alabama red. He’s my athlete. So, we started with the rug, and it was our inspiration. It has more red than orange. Then, we got the sofa home. It’s a patchwork design, so it’s warm and cozy.

Jennifer: My daughter, Julia, is our artist, and she did these last summer. She’s very, very artistic in general. I love them, so I had them framed.

RSVP: I guess it helps too that you’ve got a whole wall of glass doors with transoms leading to the sun porch. Did you always know you’d leave them uncovered?

RSVP: And, I’m seeing lots of animal figurines and candlesticks, and even some pheasant feathers. I’m guessing someone’s an animal lover?

Frank: We put our Christmas tree right in front of the window. It’s an interesting look with the glass transoms. I hadn’t seen that in

Jennifer: That’s me. I’m an animal girl. I can’t imagine life without a dog in the house.

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RSVP: Some people would be instantly turned off by the wood paneling because it’s from another era, but it actually drew you into the room?

EVENT

Taste of the Town

TASTE OF THE TOWN

Making Children’s Wishes Come True

“C

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Steve and Kelly Pairolero

Ben and Emily Todd

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ome hungry, leave happy” should be the motto of Taste of the Town, as nearly 40 Mid-South restaurant and hospitality vendors continue to provide a diverse mix of hors d’oeuvres and libations to delight charitable supporters of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Mid-South. Recently held for a 12th time by the Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce, the delectable benefit unfolded at Hilton Memphis, where a record-breaking live auction made the night a success. “The live auction raised more than $21,000 for Make-A-Wish, which is the best result to date,” said Brooke Ehrhart, senior development coordinator of the Mid-South Chapter. Thanks to the funds raised at Taste of the Town, four MidSouth Wish kids with life-threatening medical conditions will each be granted a wish of their choice. An example of such a wish was voiced during the event by Wish kid Dalton, an 8-year-old boy with multiple sclerosis who wanted nothing more than a trip to Hawaii to see volcanoes. Dalton’s mother, Stacie Al-Chokachi, said that while her son wasn’t able to see the volcanoes because they were too active during their trip, the whole family did get to enjoy a stingray experience, Pearl Harbor and all that the tropical paradise had to offer. Emcee Steve Conley pointed out Dalton’s wish was just one of many that the organization grants. Conley relayed, “The Make-A-Wish Foundation does 220 wishes a year here in Memphis.” (The foundation’s goal for this year is 225 wishes.) Pretty soon, attendees—satiated from eating nibbles ranging from shrimp served with mangoes, sesame seeds and cabbage from Noodles at Horseshoe Tunica and buffalo chicken wontons by Memorable Event Planners and Caterers to Mesquite Chop House’s pumpkin cheesecake with white chocolate icing—were moved enough by Dalton’s story to place many silent and live auction bids to help make more wishes come true. Coach Josh Pastner of the University of Memphis men’s basketball team and Coach Melissa McFerrin of the U of M women’s basketball team even got together on stage to stir up some bidding for two hot items: U of M men’s basketball season tickets and a private wine tasting with hors d’oeuvres by Eclectic Catering with McFerrin at your house. McFerrin delivered a winning pitch when she said, “There is a young lady named Dorielle who requested to be a part of a women’s [basketball] practice, and though she couldn’t attend because of her health, several coaches and I went to visit her at the hospital…she’s worth every penny.” See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Jeff and Cindy Debardelaben

Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Don Perry Geralyn and Wardell Seals

Melissa and Sam King

Rebekah Sudduth and Brooke Ehrhart

Christy Evans and Scott Felix

Timothy and Linda Williams with Erin O’Neal

Karen Perrin and Jennifer Chandler

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Kandi Collins and Shawn Carter

Steve Conley and Donna Wolf

Lucas and Hailey McNair

Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Angelo Brooks and Dria Chapman

Tom Love and Emily Capadalis

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Laurie and Charlie Durham

Charles and Jane Speed

Forrest and Denise Dunn

Janet Hatcher, Josh Pastner and Alyson Blain

Lindsay Howell and Caleb Ickovic

Doug Golden and Karin Frost

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Chris and Cleo Wicher

Melody and Darrell Smith

Angela Moon and Cory Simonton

Richard and Kristen Hehn

Dave and Arleen Klevan

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Jim and Teri Daniels

Becky Siano, Ruth Johnson and Sandra House

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Joe Larkins, Bethany Smith and Ann and Gene Henson

Jennifer and Al Poindexter

Mikki and Castle Knox

Kris and Nick Nicholas

Chris and Joanna Thomas

Lana Danko, Alexis Liles and Laura Hoffman

EVENT

Bone Bash A Halloween Benefit for the Arthritis Foundation

BONE BASH

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Lucky Gilliland and Brett Wright

Missy and Paul West RSVP

espite the necrotic lesions on their faces, the two zombies at the door could not have been friendlier as guests arrived for the Arthritis Foundation’s 2012 Memphis Bone Bash the Saturday before Halloween. After several years at The Peabody, the event moved to the Tower Center at Clark Tower. The delightfully macabre atmosphere featured eerie purple lights washed against the walls, and tables sported either tall vases of dead (okay, dried) flowers or “funkins,” foam pumpkins carved with the Arthritis Foundation symbol. This year, hosts urged guests to come in costume by staging a Creepy Costume Contest, and partygoers happily obliged. There was a dashing Lois Lane and Clark Kent (with two buttons open and tie askew to reveal the familiar blue Superman jersey), Marilyn Monroe, Pharaoh and his queen and Alfalfa with his girlfriend Darla of The Little Rascals. The winning costume was Miss Loofah, a blue gauzy mesh worn over black by Donna Melton, whose companion, Ed Galfsky, was clad in a terrycloth robe and flip-flops. When asked the significance of the costumes, Melton answered with a deadpan face, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” The evening began with a VIP cocktail party for sponsors. Dr. Cathy M. Chapman and Dr. George R. Woodbury Jr. represented Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates, P.C., their medical practice and the evening’s presenting sponsor. Partygoers grabbed glasses of Champagne as they walked in and then nibbled on ghoulishly delicious hors d’oeuvres that included devilish eggs, baked Brie with blackberry jam blood and a mysterious but tasty canapé called “Gray Matter.” The party shifted into full gear when ’80s rock band Walrus took the stage, causing the crowd to take to the dance floor. In the second set, the Dirty Horns added their sound and, like the other musicians, were decked out in costume. Revelers stopped moving only to snack on a buffet of teriyaki bat wings, tombstone potato skins and red wine risotto topped by garlic-crusted shrimp. Throughout the evening, attendees had a chance to bid on silent auction items that included rare wines and celebrity-autographed (Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen and Elton John) paraphernalia. Some people chose to consult with a tarot-card reader to find out what the future had in store for them. First launched in Memphis a decade ago, Bone Bash is a proven fund-raising concept that has spread to many other Arthritis Foundation chapters, according to Meghan Beasy, the director of development. The event serves to remind people that arthritis affects the bones of 60 percent of people over 50, while supporting an organization that helps arthritis sufferers continue to enjoy life. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Dan and Ali Garen

Story by Jeannie Mandelker Photos by Nathan Berry

Lura and Steve Turner

Fred and Alison Parker

Eric and Linda Gay

Donna Melton and Ed Galfsky

Gayle and Tom Webb with Wanda and George Dent

Jim Orick and Hunter Lang

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Lindsay Bryant and Amanda Malone

Meghan and Rob Beasy

June Curry and Barry Simmons

Phil Ashford and Jeannie Mandelker

Beth Clements and Jessie Gaines

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David Shepherd and Katie Hair

Amy Alberson and Haley McDurmon

Eric and Amy Stookey

Tamah and Jeff Halfacre

John and Jean Strange

Bob and Adrian Fencl

BONE BASH E V E N T Ann and Dr. Stewart Burgess

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Vicki and Mike Jones

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Linda and Jim Tomasik

Lynn Moss and David Mace

Dr. Cathy Chapman and Dr. George Woodbury

Glenn Shepherd, David and Sara Shepherd and Will Hair

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Crescent Club’s Casino Royale Night

Cirque du CMOM Kick-Off Party

Adapt-A-Door Auction

Botanical Biergarten

While James Bond did not make an appearance, he certainly missed out on some delectable eats, some elegantly equipped women and some stiff competition during the Crescent Club’s Casino Royale Night. Held in the club’s dining room on the top floor of the building, the themed fund-raiser included gaming tables and croupiers, a silent auction of royal proportions, play money and potations, and, of course, a delectable spread, all set to the musical stylings of saxophonist Pat Register. Though a private club, as part of the ClubCorp affiliation the Crescent Club hosts an open event each year with the intention of raising funds for three charities, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, ClubCorps’ Employee Partner Fund and an organization of its choosing. This year, the club chose the Make-AWish Foundation® of the MidSouth. “Any proceeds from ticket sales will be split equally among all three charities,” Della Franklin, membership coordinator for the Crescent Club, said.

It takes 94 volunteers and nearly a year of planning to pull off the annual Cirque du CMOM fundraiser for the Children’s Museum of Memphis. So, to reward the hard-working party planners for the big event next February, co-chairs JJ Keras and Jana Tayloe got their team prepared with a pre-party in October. Held at the poolside back house of Keras’ in-laws, volunteers and their spouses or dates refreshed themselves for the coming party-planning months with Brazilian caprinis— the country’s national cocktail— served by showgirls in samba attire to coincide with the Carnival-themed party next year. Corky’s barbecue was served, and music from Marcela Pinilla and Joe Restivo kept everyone in a well-rested, laid-back Latino mood.

“Is it bad to bid on your own door?” local woodworker Will McGown asked. He liked the settee he built out of a discarded door for this year’s Memphis Heritage Adapt-A-Door Auction so much that he almost tried to outbid his fellow attendees. “When I was cutting the door, I saw that it was heart pine; luckily, I cut it in just the right spot,” he said. McGown was one of nearly twodozen artists or teams who entered a door into the fourth annual fund-raiser, working his magic to make a landfill-bound piece of wood into something beautiful. Cupboards, wine racks, chairs and even a functioning cart were some of this year’s ideas by artists who hoped their creations served MHI’s mission to save, improve, reuse and maintain architecturally and historically significant buildings, neighborhoods, parks and cultural artifacts in Shelby County. As attendees bid on the nifty fabrications, they had the chance to enjoy pub grub and an open bar, as well as vote on their favorite adaptation. Thankfully for McGown, his divan was entered into a bid-off, and he was relieved of his inner conflict. “Oh, good, now I don’t have to worry about it,” he said.

Story and Photos by Lesley Young

Beer lovers flocked to the firstever Botanical Biergarten, cohosted by the Memphis Botanic Garden and the Harwood Center to benefit both. In the rustic outdoor setting of the Botanic Garden, guests enjoyed more than 30 varieties of beer (and cider!), provided by Southwestern Distributing, paired with delicious local fare like creamy shrimp and grits from Automatic Slim’s, pulled pork sandwiches from Hog Wild BBQ, fried pies from Miss Polly’s Soul City Cafe and much more. The Missouribrewed Crown Valley Worktruck Wheat went spectacularly well with smoked sausage from Rendezvous, while Fratelli’s piping hot sauerkraut soup offered a hearty, cabbage-packed cup of beer garden authenticity. Later, live music by George McConnell & The Nonchalants inspired dancing on the grass. Harwood Center executive director Claire Moss called the collaboration between the Botanic Garden and Harwood Center “a natural partnership.” Harwood Center is a specialized preschool for children 18 months to 5 years old with developmental disabilities, and the Botanic Garden offers a variety of activities for children, including those with special needs.

Story and Photos by Lesley Young

Story and Photos by Kelly Cox

Lisa Roberts, Della Franklin and Rachael Williams

JJ Keras and Jana Tayloe Yvonne Bob and Davy Ray Bennett

Anne Saunders, Roxanne Aaron and Karen Hudson

Mary Pat Custer and Tommie Pardue

Craig and Melika Dillihunt

Lauren and Chad Hannaford

Abbey Williams and Jim Calhoun

Mildred Kiel, Joan Solomon and Sue Kaplan

Mimsie Crump and Jay Keras

Meredith Page, John Griffin and Cheryl Sullivan

Ashley Mayer, Claire Moss and Elliot Kiersky

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EVENT

Purple Reign Ball

PURPLE REIGN BALL

The YWCA’s Disco-Themed Benefit

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Ben and Monica Morgan

Tony Nichelson and Kimberly Sykes

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ctober is a commemorative month for breast cancer awareness and work and family, in addition to it being National Book Month. It is also the month for national domestic violence awareness, with purple as its signature color. Every other year in October, the YWCA hosts the Purple Reign Ball to not only raise money for the cause, but to also bring awareness of the silent killer. “Not only is domestic violence a silent crime, it’s also a deadly crime,” Monica Morgan, the event chair for this year’s party, said. Held at Minglewood Hall, the third biennial Purple Reign Ball was an event fit for the stars. This year, Morgan and her team brought in renowned Le Cordon Bleu Chef Robert Hayes, a chef as well as an event designer for the likes of Oprah Winfrey, John Travolta and Vince Gill, to create an evening full of enchantment. “It is just incredible; it’s over the top,” Morgan said. “It’s a very enchanted evening for a very special cause, which is to raise money for our domestic violence shelters.” The YWCA provides emergency shelter for women and children fleeing abuse, court advocacy programs for protection, immigrant women’s services, job skills training, community education and a 24hour crisis line as a resource for victims. In addition to a silent auction that included items such as jewelry from James Avery, Tennessee Titans memorabilia and travel packages, Gary Escoe and the Atomic Dance Machine entertained the ’70s attired guests for a disco-themed evening. Chef Hayes did not hold back with a cocktail buffet that lined the extent of the entertainment hall, and, at times, towered over tiered platters. Using the event’s and the cause’s signature color, he bathed the buffet, tables and everything else in the room in a soft purple light to put the final touch on a special benefit. “Domestic violence is such a heavy cause and a serious subject, we want to do something uplifting,” Deanna Chamberlain, YWCA director of public relations, said. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

David and Kathy Ivey

Story by Lesley Young Photos by Baxter Buck

Emily Sellers and Ines Negrette

Stephanie Gregory and Africa Gonzalez

Karen Clawson and Jackie Williams

Keevia Porter and Zayid Saleem

Patti Marsh, Rick Travers and Lisa Hirschman

Darius and Donald Wilson

EVENT PURPLE REIGN BALL Lela Smith and Beverly Mullikin

Richard Westbrook and Della Adams

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Greta Hunter and Lia White-Ruemer

Marselle Pruitt and Kylie Pace

Paul Dooley and Darla Sisk RSVP

Chris Pugh and Amy Hyneman

Lukey and Elena Williams

Sandra Johnson and Sarah Baker

Harrison and Lauryce McIver

Emily Dickerson and Steve Hutton

Julia and Rick San Roman

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Onsite II STRUT! Memphis As evidence that “justice never goes out of style,” more than 300 movers and shakers rolled into Mercedes-Benz of Memphis for STRUT! Memphis, the primary fund-raising event for the Community Legal Center. Now in its second year, this fusion of the fashion-forward and the socially-conscious was jam-packed with chic people minutes after it began. In addition to an extensive silent auction and ample cocktail hour eats, the event this year added a signature drink, the Walnut Old-Fashioned, to its fully-stocked bars tended by local luminaries like Mayor Mark Luttrell. As sunset filled the floor-to-ceiling windows with vivid color, models walked the catwalk in a preview of fall fashions from Laurelwood Shopping Center. The Community Legal Center strives to ensure access to justice for all, providing low-income individuals with private legal counsel in basic civil matters. Steve Cohen, Steve Mulroy and Kontji Anthony

Story and Photos by Kelly Cox

Kathy Laizure and Mayor Mark Luttrell

Haunted Happenings

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Rain had swept through the area, pulling a cloak of cold weather in its wake, and Halloween was just around the corner when the Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum hosted its fourth annual Haunted Happenings. A.J. Northrop, board president of the Memphis Chapter of the Association for the Preservation of Antiquities offered, “I think the spirits are active tonight. They sometimes are after a storm.” This year, the Victorian mansion dimmed its lights, allowing visitors to explore its rooms by minimal lamplight more in keeping with historical accuracy. In the basement’s club rooms, paranormal investigative team Expedition Unknown displayed ghost-hunting gadgets like a K2 meter for detecting electromagnetic fields and a parabolic dish for listening. In an adjoining room, artist Karen Auberger presented a show of her spooky digital photography and painted-over, altered images, evocatively entitled “Open Locks, Whomever Knocks.” Also new was the turn-of-the-century barn dance in the Carriage House, with autumnal decor and a spread of treats including traditional Irish colcannon for dancers to dine on and goblins to gobble. Funds raised at Haunted Happenings benefit the Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum.

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46 Karen and Jeff Auberger

Finley McCuller, Miles McCuller and A.J. Northrop

Story and Photos by Kelly Cox

Friends For Life Halloween Party Envisioned as “Apocalypse 2012: The Party to End All Parties,” this year’s annual Halloween fund-raiser for Friends For Life was every bit as good as prophesied: In fact, it was bigger and better than ever. The BRIDGES Center deteriorated delightfully into a disaster-zone nightclub with blackened weeds, broken concrete slabs and giant cockroaches as decor. The deejay booth, cocooned in chain links and caution tape, crouched beneath a world-destroying comet streaking overhead. Large numbers of zombies peopled the cheerful carnival of carnage that included a human Hernando DeSoto Bridge going up in flames. Even costumes that seemed to diverge from the theme added to a fitting sense of chaos, with everyone from witches to wolfmen to Katy Perry showing up for the end of the world. Denim-clad zealots waving end of times placards mingled with “binders full of women” to pursue the common agenda of dancing the night away. A partygoer dressed as a chef (or perhaps a butcher) from the Fresh Flesh Catering Co. actually had nothing to do with the delicious spread of party noshes, which culminated in a tier of marvelously macabre little cupcakes. As always, the best costumes won cash prizes, and a ball was had by all. Patrick Akers and Kym Clark

Story and Photos by Kelly Cox

Aaron Smith, Shannon Sparks and Trey Horrell

Spirits with the Spirits One of the oldest nonprofits in the state, Elmwood Cemetery has more than 75,000 inhabitants resting in its historic grounds, however those residents made room for 300 more the night of the Spirits with the Spirits benefit. As soon as guests crossed over the impressive entry bridge into the cemetery, they were transported to another world—one filled with crackling embers in fire pits, ghosts hanging from trees and the dripping wax of candles. Even the food catered to the theme with names like “Graveside Gruel” and “Voodoo Stew,” all washed down with beer from Ghost River Brewing, of course. Those who dared to learn of their future ventured over to the fortuneteller, while those wanting to hear of the past climbed aboard a wagon that mules pulled throughout the grounds as Annie Cook, a “cemetery resident” played by Emily Bell, shared her story. Feeling brave, many took complimentary flashlights to tour the tombstones at their leisure, but several partygoers stayed put to hear the Earnestine & Hazel’s Band. Funds raised this night totaled more than $11,000 for Elmwood. Angela Watson and Victoria Mariencheck

Sheila Thomas and Laurie Harwell

Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

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Art on Fire

ART ON FIRE

An October Night at the Dixon

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Anna and Jason Eckhardt

Ken McCown and Sara Hall

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hough the leaves on the trees were falling at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, what really caught 900 visitors’ eyes the night of Art on Fire was the giant metal cauldron parked on the South Lawn. A staple at the museum’s autumn fund-raiser for three years running, the cauldron never ceases to amaze with its sheer size or the soaring flames that are produced from the fire within the vessel. And, though the event name might imply that art is actually on fire, no masterpieces get torched in the cauldron; they only get put on the auction block to draw bids, and therefore raise funding for the Dixon’s education programs. Being that the event preceded Halloween this year, partygoers seemed to already be in a festive spirit, heightened even more so by nods to the holiday in the party décor, which incorporated lots of pumpkins carved with flame designs by Chip Crager. Keeping with the fire theme, a portion of the night was dedicated to performances by Fire Fun Entertainment, a professional company of fire dancers, belly dancers, go-go dancers and circus performers who are members of Fire Tribe Memphis. Gathered around the group in a circle, attendees looked on in amazement while company members executed breathtaking feats, such as eating fire while doing the tango. Also impressive were the National Ornamental Metal Museum blacksmiths who created a fire poker onsite, and sculptor Eli Gold, an artist from Gulfport, Mississippi who crafted a metal lamp. Both the fire poker and the lamp were auctioned off in the silent auction, which was located inside a warm tent that also housed more unique items, including a lamp made from a fence post of William Faulkner’s Rowan Oak home, a classic men’s Barbour jacket from Oak Hall, a Lilly Pulitzer luncheon package from The Pink Door and The Stovall Collection and one-of-a-kind art from talents like Paul Edelstein. The evening also gave attention to a diverse mix of local restaurants and food vendors, from Bangkok Alley to Owen Brennan’s and Simply Delicious Catering, by having them set up tasting stations around the perimeter of the lawn. Buster’s Liquors & Wines, Coca-Cola, Ghost River Brewing, Rex-Goliath and Glazer’s Distributors generously provided the libations that complemented the tasty fare. After dining and imbibing, guests swayed to the sounds of Amy LaVere and Nashville band The Cumberland Collective, of which one member readied the audience for the group’s spirited set by walking around the grounds playing a washboard, showing yet again all the unique components involved in this party. As Dixon director Kevin Sharp said, “Thanks for helping us throw the best party of the year, and a big thanks goes out to Danny Hopper for being our master fire chief.” See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Walker and Ginnie Robbins

Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Don Perry

LeRoy and Sheila Pettyjohn

Mike and Martha Hess

Lesley Entrekin and J.R. Williss

Steve Miller and Eva Brooks

Courtney Tomlinson, Amanda Vann and Lisa Andreotta

Beth and Ben Buffington

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Tonya and Reed Walters

Suzanne Williamson and Paige Proctor

Sharman and Terry Lynn

Kate Maudlin and Shawn Zorn

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Eric Osowski and Janelle Crandall

Antonico and Paul Thomas

Anna Harris and Beth Watts

Austin and Page Baker

Suzana and Michael Lightman Jr.

Ricky and Catherine Harris

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Tony Moses and Lauren Martin

Daniel and Jennifer Tacker

Johnny and Kim Pitts

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Mimi and Steven Conn

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Kristina Tickle with Nina and Sam Watts

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Rich and Jennifer Hughes with Sherry Smith

Joanie and Michael Lightman

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Tony Mongello with Heather and Drew Summerhill

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Linley Schmidt, Greely Myatt and Jonathan McCarver

Nancy Cheairs, Jim Buchman and Jeane Umbreit

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Freedom Award Ceremony

“WE Consign” Preview Party

Super Gala

Music at Twilight

The National Civil Rights Museum continued its tradition of recognizing those individuals who make “tireless contributions in civil and human rights, education, the arts, sports and community service, justice and for their dedication to creating opportunity for the disenfranchised” at its annual Freedom Award Ceremony. Held at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, the ceremony attracted several well-known celebrities, including Grammy® Award winner and featured performer Patti LaBelle, as well as actress and philanthropist Holly Robinson Peete, who served as emcee. The esteemed awards went to Dr. Bernard Lafayette-National Freedom Award, Marlo Thomas-Humanitarian Award and Muhammad Yunus-International Freedom Award. Many museum advocates contributed to the success of the institution’s largest annual fundraiser, with Sheronica Prater and Patrice Tolton proud to volunteer for the first time alongside Marilyn Smith, an event volunteer for four years.

Attendees of the annual “WE Consign” Preview Party got into the holiday spirit early at the Woman’s Exchange of Memphis headquarters on Racine Street in East Memphis. Showcasing more than 180 consignors, the event offered every kind of gift item imaginable, but Woman’s Exchange manager Nora Boswell declared her favorite when she said, “Our Old World Santas are something special, however my favorite item is a chair with animals as the arms of the chair—I think it’s unique and something you would probably have at a lake house.” Adding to the occasion were the delicious hors d’oeuvres handmade by Woman’s Exchange members, and the Champagne punch was definitely a hit. The consignment store will remain open until December 21, with Boswell noting that items change daily.

Literacy Mid-South’s headquarters in Cooper-Young resembled the ultimate comic book store for its second reincarnation of the Super Gala. Kevin Dean, Literacy Mid-South’s executive director, recognizes that many young people grew up learning to read through comic books, so he chose a comic book theme for the nonprofit’s benefit. Supporters embraced the concept by sporting the costumes of their favorite comic book characters, including Black Widow, “Rockette” Raccoon and Captain Marvel, and prizes (two tickets to the Literatini event in June 2013) were awarded to the best costume contest winners. Once again, DJ Lil’ Eggroll entertained the crowd with party tunes, while Celtic Crossing catered the affair that also featured a silent auction of tempting items. Proceeds totaling $10,000 will help Literacy MidSouth continue bringing “superhero” power to adults by helping them learn to read.

Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Chris Pugh

“Everyday people creating beautiful music” is the Germantown Community Chorus’s motto. Yet, at the chorus’s annual Music At Twilight fund-raiser hosted by Saint George’s Episcopal Church, most guests left with the feeling that the night’s music came from extraordinary people with authentic talent. Titled “From Dusk Till Dawn,” guests were treated to an ensemble of classic songs that included themes of dreaming and waking, such as “Mr. Sandman” and “I Dreamed a Dream.” Michael Detroit, renowned associate producer of Playhouse on the Square was the night’s emcee and auctioneer, energizing the audience as he auctioned off items ranging from holiday cookies to flight simulator tests. The silent auction was also full of goodies, and many wasted no time stocking up on early holiday gifts. All in attendance also enjoyed a catered meal with all the fixings from the Germantown Commissary. The night ended with approximately $8,000 raised for the chorus, some of which will go toward helping sponsor its event with the Youth Concert Series. Next up for the Germantown Community Chorus will be a holiday concert with the Germantown Symphony Orchestra on December 15.

Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

Story and Photos by Rachel Warren

Ellen Stucker and Nora Boswell Karen McKinney, Laura Carter and Kevin Dean

Gail Mathewson, Juli Martin, Jennifer Martin and Ryan Lakanen

Pat Ferguson and Linda Porterfield

Al Garrett, Erica Nason and Amanda Wheeler

Judy Feld, John Scott and Janis Way

Jackie Falls, DeeDee Laughlin and Sue Reehoff

Caitlin Dempsey, Stacy Early and Marilyn Connor

Nancy Hugo, Barbra David and Fina Behnke

Karen and Juan Carlos Altuzar

Carl and Sabrina Carter with Cynthia and Sonny Davis

Marilyn Smith, Patrice Tolton and Sheronica Prater

Harbor Town Dog Show

RiverArtsFest Preview Party

Arc Mid-South Awards and Benefit Gala

It’s not just the actions of Newark, New Jersey Mayor Cory Booker that are inspiring—he reduced shootings and murders by 40 percent in the city and has committed to a $40 million transformation of the city’s parks and playgrounds. His words carry just as much vigor. Phrases like “conspiracy of love” and “genius is equally distributed” wafted over the room of luncheongoers, as they were treated to his almost preacher-like elocution in late October. As part of its 90th anniversary celebration, BRIDGES invited the celebrated mayor to speak at its Leadership in Action Luncheon, held at the organization’s downtown building, where event planners also took the opportunity to educate their guests on the youth leadership program’s evolution. While eager attendees munched on sandwich wraps, French fries and gazpacho, they couldn’t help but respond to the animated speaker’s invocations. Fox13 News anchor Mearl Purvis served as mistress of ceremonies, and in the end, the crowd walked away with appetites sated and hearts full of hope. “It’s a conspiracy of love,” according to Booker.

Canines from around the MidSouth put their best paw forward for a chance at winning one of the coveted treats at this year’s annual Harbor Town Dog Show. Pugs, Pomeranians and Pekingese all had a chance to take home the designated honor of “Least Obedient,” “Best Tail Wagging” or even “Best in Show,” all to support their fellow fidos at the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County. Held again at Harbor Town’s Nursery Park, the fund-raiser had a VIP section that was kicking, a swarm of man’s best friends licking, especially in the pooch kissing booth, and many pups strutting their stuff in costumes that ranged from hippies to Hollywood divas. Hot dogs were the chosen entrée for the occasion, as many vendors set up shop to sell their four-legged themed wares, and no dog left unloved at one of their favored events of the year.

Volunteers of the RiverArtsFest kicked off its sixth year with the annual RiverArtsFest Preview Party. Held in the South Main Historic Arts District at See the Difference Interiors, partygoers celebrated the extensive planning and hard work that went into bringing Memphis a three-day festival of spectacular art, food and music by the river. As guests arrived from the chilly night, they were welcomed with cozy drinks and delicious hors d’oeuvres from Whole Foods Market. With a silent auction featuring work from the Artist Market and music from the wonderful folk musings of Myla Smith and Michael Cragin, there was no shortage of a good time. Many at the party took the opportunity to walk along South Main Street, taking in artwork from the vendors set up early for the festival and the galleries whose doors were open late from the monthly South Main Trolley Night.

People from all throughout the Mid-South arrived at Hilton Memphis to honor the inspiring accomplishments of individuals with disabilities at the 17th annual Arc Mid-South Awards and Benefit Gala. The Arc Mid-South is a nonprofit organization that devotes itself to providing political and social opportunities for people with disabilities. As the night unfolded, guests enjoyed a sumptuous VIP dinner and both a silent and live auction, which included a little bit of everything from a 55-inch LED HDTV with Wi-Fi to round-trip plane tickets to a destination of your choice. Memphis’ own Joe Birch from WMC-TV 5 moderated the awards, while the accomplished and stunning Soulan Des Shaun Johnson was the evening’s keynote speaker. The talented Stephen Lee Trio provided the musical entertainment for the evening.

Story and Photos by Lesley Young

Story and Photos by Rachel Warren Story and Photos by Rachel Warren

Robin and Gary Greer, Cory Booker and Kenneth Whalum

Julie, Stephan and Kenneth Binder with “Maya Papaya” Gay and Pierre Landaiche with Carol Watkins

Merle Smith, Soulan Des Shaun Johnson and Dare Estok

Ken Moody, Gayle Rose and Howard Eddings

Jason Sparrow, “Bailey” and Jessica Sparrow

Michael Cragin and Myla Smith

Venus Sanders with Willie and Dianne Brooks

Karren Williams, Sharon Avery-Fields and Jessica Chaney

Mary Padron and Pam Duffer

Ellen Hornyak, Michelle Reese, Cathy Jameson and Bonnie Thorton

LaSherlette Jones and Florence Howard

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BRIDGES Leadership in Action Luncheon

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Boo! Ball

BOO! BALL

A Costume Party Benefiting the Pink Palace Family of Museums

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Jeff and Leigh Ann Wills

Chris and Chironda Bowden

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he taxidermied birds, the World War II clothed mannequins and the Cotton Carnival masks of the Pink Palace Museum exhibits all had the opportunity to take a break from their anecdotal roles and don creepy crawlers and webbing to help set the tone for the inaugural Boo! Ball. Held in the museum’s historic pink mansion on Halloween weekend this year, the Boo! Ball was the place to see and not be seen. Costumers disguised themselves as ravens, the Mad Hatter, Amy Winehouse—a woman named Amy draped in a sandwich board made of wine boxes—and a Trojan soldier. Even former University of Arkansas head football coach Bobby Petrino, outfitted with a neck brace and Razorback pullover, and his blond-haired mistress made an appearance. “We do all sorts of parties for other groups, but we wanted to have a party for the Pink Palace, a fund-raiser for the museum that’s a fun party,” Jeff Wills, president of the Board of Trustees of the Pink Palace Family of Museums, said. Masqueraders filled their glasses all through the night with a special Witches Brew and danced to the sounds of the Soulsations. Michael Nabors Catering provided some eerie edibles, and event planners set the scene with the ghostly garnishings. But, it was the merrymakers in their masquerade attire that made the party. “This was an exciting event to come to,” Carol Moore, a government employee and East Memphis resident, who came as a witch, said. “There are some really creative costumes here. It’s a fun night, plus my inner child likes to dress up.” Wills and his team look forward to making the Boo! Ball a new Memphis tradition. “Maybe in the future we’ll have an auction and some other things,” he said. “This being the first year, we just want to focus on people having a good time.” See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Pam and Bobby John

Story By Lesley Young Photos by James Eaton

Lisa and Hugh Mallory

Jeremy and Tia Camper

Brent and Katy Nair

Julie and Joseph Loveland

Meg West, Lauren Edmonds, Janet Gerber and Jenny Brindell

Karen and Sam Almand

EVENT BOO! BALL Trip and Elaine Spear

Alex Tenga, Matt Farmer, Samantha Chron and Don Thurakichprempri

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Brookie Tribo and Meg Zachry

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Robin and Dallas Stark

Amy Phillips and Ben Jordan

Marty and Brooke Ketelaar with Phil and Lisa Rees

EVENT BOO! BALL

Cathy and Jerry Grilli

Martha Campbell and Terry Robertson

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Shane and Gina Bennett

Jen and Ron Coleman

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Hillary and Trace McIntyre

Cindy and Frank Childress

Michelle and John Woody

Amy Farris

Owen and Amy Keith

Jinny and Will Bozeman

EVENT BOO! BALL Drew Koester and Marilyn Fontana

Henriette Fisher, Nicole Fox, John Tashie, Jennifer Jaudon and Valerie Smith

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Mike Bates and Jena Sayle

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Lee Wilson with Ryan and Mack Harris

Dale Denato, Lin Fryman, Connie Stanfield, Cindy Childress and Jan Connor

EVENT

Sip Around the World

SIP AROUND THE WORLD

ith October and its beer-related events out of the way, Memphians were more than ready to sample a different type of beverage the first Friday night in November, and that is precisely what they did at the 18th annual Sip Around the World, a wine benefit for the National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee. Held at the Memphis Botanic Garden, “Sip,” as some have simply come to call it, has been a successful fund-raising venture in this market for a number of years, however it outdid itself yet again by increasing the Champagne selection in the VIP area and introducing a wine pull. Regulars and newcomers alike appreciated the additions. China Jenkins, who first attended the event several years ago, said of her VIP experience, “Have you been in the VIP tent? If not, it’s amazing! There are Champagnes being served that are up to $400 a bottle.” Chris Glankler, vice president of the Bluff City Wine Division of Athens Distributing Company, the perennial presenting sponsor of the event, agreed that the VIP tent was the place to be, but said that the entire wine selection at Sip was noteworthy. Some 300 wines total made the cut this night, and 100-plus wineries were represented. The wine pull, which guests paid $20 for to participate, also featured 96 bottles of wine. Attendees just had to choose a favorite number between 1 and 96 to retrieve a bottle. Eagles Trace, a winery out of Napa Valley that only makes red wine, had a particularly strong connection to the National Kidney Foundation though, as one of its three Memphis-based investors, Kent Ritchey, stated that he is a renal (kidney) failure survivor. He said, “You won’t believe how many people in Memphis are affected by this [kidney] disease, which is why we [Eagles Trace] are always one of the first ones to sign up for this event.” Not to mention, Eagles Trace poured up some excellent wine, including a stand-out pinot noir that Ritchey pointed out won the Jefferson Cup in a blind tasting two years in a row (2005 and 2006) as the best American-produced pinot. However, if wine wasn’t your thing, there were a few opportunities to taste other beverages. Thom Tran, co-owner of Humphreys Wine & Spirits, offered, “I’m trying the sake tonight. If you drink it with sushi, it’s great.” Speaking of cuisine, a wine and food pairings pavilion featured heavy hors d’oeuvres from BlueFin Edge Cuisine and Sushi Lounge and Just for Lunch, and Circa by John Bragg supplied mouthwatering appetizers in the VIP area. All tasting aside, the event filled many a heart with the satisfaction of helping contribute to the wonderful work the NKF of West Tennessee does to fight kidney disease.

Wine Tasting for Charity

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Mike and Gail Huey

Jim Pennington and Ashley Crawford

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Tim and Angela Foster

Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Don Perry

Liz Harvey and Jonathan Parnell

Nicole Brodie and Ashley McMillan

Nosart Nezakat and Zare Vidazar

Gannon and Amanda Buckmaster

Susan and Steve Vescovo with Amy and Michael Hester

Amy Gibbs and Kyle Hubbard

EVENT SIP AROUND THE WORLD Jane and Jonathan Burk

Jon and Christy Parks

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Laschelle and Charles Jones

China and Ryan Jenkins

Christopher and Jennifer Jenkins RSVP

Cindy Brock and Phil Cannon

Mike Sidebottom and Caroline Cullum

Emily and Tim Messer

Linley Schmidt and Jonathan McCarver

Pat Dearmond and Holly Center

David de la Paz and Amy Caruso

EVENT SIP AROUND THE WORLD

Amy Barnett and Kristin Mallory Pawlowski

Robert Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Bryan and Susan Patrone

Gwendolyn and Zeke Banks

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Sheila Coleman, Clemetee Whaley and Sharon Maclin

Jared Lisenby, Lauren Lindsey, Logan Van Frank and Kaylin Moore

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Tina and Adam Sandoval

Tonya Wells and Renee Rucker

Krista Dorroh, Brittany Cabigao, Gabe Bouck, Stephanie Steele and Tony Westmoreland

Alan and Catherine Smith, Erica Smith and Marta Brown

Wes Burrow with Christie and Adam Burns

EVENT SIP AROUND THE WORLD M.C. Best and John Bogan

Rick Buchanan, Mike Aaron and Kirstie Humphrey

J.T. Thompson, Anna Cox, Mark Sanders and Donna Mabry

Kris and Chris Amen

Mary Holmes and Joyce Fykes

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Michelle and Jimmie Mancell

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Daniel Woods and Amber Dawn Phelps

Britt and Bobby Ervin

Toney Walsh with Mike and Nancy Clary

Terricka Hardy and Felicia Phillips

Bryan and Stacey Moultrie

David Armstrong and Morgan Depas

24 27

24 Opaque gem

26 “The Man Who Came

to ___”

27 Annoyed

30 “Holiday Inn” star

Astaire

30 32

33 38

50 57

49 Firm up muscles

50 He saved Christmas

52 Pregoʼs competition

56 Tear

43 Slab

60 Capital of Western

40 Compass point 41 Natural resin

44 Opp. of yeses

45 Toddle

38 Flowing

2 “___ Actually”

4 Bill Murray version of a Dickens classic 52

51 Anger

1 Upon restful furniture

5 Scriptural “your”

51 58

DOWN

3 Object

36 What a car drives on 37 Wood chopper

46 Spiny plant

33 Turf

44 46

65 Greek island

31 Sleep disorder 32 State capital

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21 Mattress 22 Tattered

64 24 hour periods

57 Dr. Jekyllʼs “partner” 59 African country

Samoa

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cl a ssy

6 Clarence in “Itʼs a Wonderful Life”

7 “Miracle on 34th Street” actress Natalie

8 Less than two 9 Trucks

10 Reorient 11 Frat

12 More able 13 Lack

21 Not good

23 Enron and Arthur ______ 25 Countrymen 26 Not as wet

33 Irritation

34 Fairy tale opener 35 Tinter

39 Subsequent 42 Voiced

45 Foot extension 46 Thin pancake 47 Orphan __ 48 Wood 49 Braid

50 Long time periods 51 Lazily

53 Accent mark 54 Chap

55 Exhort

58 Congressional vote 59 New York City

azz!

27 Farm building 28 On

29 Chew

For underwriting information, call 901-678-2560 Visit us online at wumr wumr.memphis.edu .memphis.edu

Solution:

63 Dreamer

32 “___ in Toyland”

N E E D

“Come to the Stable”

30 Red dog-like animals

I T E M

62 Actress Loretta of

L O V E

61 Snaky fish

A B E D

L O R R I E S

D Y E R

20 Demonstration

G N A W

19 Loaf

U P O N

18 Movie __

B A R N

17 Each

T O E

16 Ear part

U R G E

15 Taboo

A L A L O B I D L A G G E N N E R D E S O R U N N S L I C O T T E N E R A G N I G E Y O U N C R E T

14 Bungle

A W O N O N G O E E D L D F R B O I A X E B E R E S T S I R Y D E E L S A Y S

10 Actor Alda

S T C H R Y B O O P A G E D E A D S A M N O C T U E S T D H A E R D

6 Absent without leave

A N N I E

guests

Edited by Ruth Cassin

C R E P E

1 List of highly desired

E R A S

ACROSS

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AFTER HOURS

After Hours A photo collage of the latest business happenings

Girls Night Out at James Davis

Saundra Messinger Trunk Show at Kittie Kyle

Grand Opening of Social

Saundra Messinger and Cindy Gambrell

Jane Sorsby and DeeDee Gauthier

Sonja Dowdy, Janie Sims, Jane Ezell and Josh Pastner

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Grand Opening of Blessing Permanent Makeup

Collins and Leigh Anne Tuohy JoBeth Brown and Don Mercer

Claudia Efird, Didi Montgomery, Sinclaire Montgomery and Becky Anderson

Van Weinberg, Elizabeth Livingston, Myra Clark, KK Weinberg and Anthony Clark

Sherra Brown and Kristin Johnson

Kelley Butler and Kathryn Alexander

Christmas Open House and Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Reception at Palladio

Paul Edelstein with Linda and Paul Bourassa

John and Emily Ozier

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67 Susanne Millwood, Linda Felts and Hannah Walker

RSV PHILLIPPI

By Dennis Phillippi

cooked in beef tallow, there would never have been a first grass-eating ancestor. I’m kidding about gastropubs, of course. They’re fine establishments that marry some of the most important elements of modern society, food and alcohol. Just, please, keep a space on the menu for people like me. Call it the “boring eaters” section of the menu. There already is one; it’s called the “kid’s menu,” but a grown man can get all self-conscious about ordering the kid’s chicken fingers around other adults. So, change the name and offer adult portions of chicken fingers, hot dogs and normal non-arugula draped burgers, and you’ll be surprised by how much product you move. Truthfully, this probably extends to a lot of areas in life. I’ve pretended to try

If I want to sit through something truly challenging, I’ll watch my great aunt eat a shrimp cocktail. watching challenging TV shows that are about meth-making school teachers or super-realistic portrayals of cops under fire, but it’s just not for me. If I want to sit through something truly challenging, I’ll watch my great aunt eat a shrimp cocktail. The last thing I want during a show is to have to ask myself if the hero of this story is a good person. He or she is the hero for crying out loud. Flawed heroes are for people who want to be intellectually stimulated. That’s not the reason I watch television. That’s the reason I don’t do Sudoku, study French or spend a lot of time in museums with pictures painted abstractly. It’s too much work. One time I saw a Jackson Pollock in person, and I was impressed. To this day, I have no idea what exactly was going on there, but something sure was. This hasn’t been the case with modern art for the most part. Believe me, I’ve seen plenty

of Picassos, but while I tip my hat to his doing something new, trying to figure out what precisely it is, well, that’s going to interfere with me watching sitcoms and shows where the good guys catch the bad guy at the end of 44 minutes of perfectly mediocre entertainment. Condemn me all you’d like, but I’d rather see a painting of a girl in a boat than a baffling canvas of blocks of color that are supposed to make me feel something, the latter of which only gives me the feeling that it’s overpriced. Sitting around in a coffee shop after a movie trying to figure out what happened in it might just be a young people’s game. Not that I did it when I was young, but that seems to be the types who do. This year has brought some great movies, from Argo to Lincoln to Skyfall, and not once during any of those movies did I feel like I needed to make a mental note to ask my wife later what on earth that was all about. I love my film buff friends, many of whom I know from the actual film world, but I hate seeing the look on their faces when I tell them that whatever little known gem of an indie they discovered that I absolutely have to see appeals to me about as much as watching lacrosse. Hey, while I’m blaspheming, lacrosse is one of those sports that networks are trying to get us to watch that holds little interest for me. Lacrosse, Australian rules football, rugby and cricket all require far too much effort. This is, after all, a country that still resists soccer because we don’t want to learn the rules; getting us to understand the difference between a drop punt and a torpedo punt is going to be an uphill battle. Understand, I know these are shortfalls of mine, but if some little slice of the pop culture landscape could be treated like a national park for codgers and old cranks, we’d appreciate it. And, kindly leave that cold, marinated baby octopus off my salad, thanks.

Brilliant, Dennis! You probably hate hearing that term since “brilliant” is British slang and all used to compliment someone for a job well done. Because gastropubs originated in England, we thought that word choice was fitting. Too much thought went into it, we know!

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cientists recently discovered that prehistoric man ate grass and sedge, a diet that would’ve been both difficult to digest and unpleasant tasting. It appears that these ancestors of ours were probably “driven” to this dietary choice by their changing environment, even though many among them probably wouldn’t admit that this change was occurring. Despite the fact that the diet would’ve been at best tedious, it may have made it possible for early man to migrate to new territories and to take advantage of whatever he found there. This is a pattern that will continue unabated until the last run-down area of Detroit is finally gentrified, or approximately the year 2 Million. This was, according to scientists, and they should know, the beginning of the gastropub movement. As soon as one hominid chose to eat grass instead of fruit and meat, it was inevitable that eventually someone would decide that a hamburger needed a slice of avocado and a pizza cried out for a sprinkling of shrimp and cilantro. At heart, I’m really with the ones who decided to skip the grass entrée. The truth is, and I’m not proud of this, I don’t like interesting food. I grew up in the ’60s and ’70s, when the most interesting thing you were likely to encounter at the dinner table was your mom’s brief experiment with owning a wok. A steady diet of meatloaf, spaghetti with sauce from a jar and casseroles whose chief ingredient was mayonnaise left me with a palate that doesn’t have room for duck ribs braised in truffle oil. There’s a reason why fast food in this country hasn’t really changed much in the last five decades, and that reason is my generation, and the ones that came before. Sure, in recent years fast food places have started offering salads and fruit cups and the like, but the main menu is pretty much the same, fried meat and plenty of it. Had that first grass-eating ancestor had the chance to snack on French fries

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Christmas Pajamas

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isters Holly and Ellen Cassin, pictured left to right, celebrate Christmas at their grandmotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house in their new Christmas nightgowns. Their mother says she always gave Holly and Ellen pajamas to open up on Christmas Eve morning so that they could wear them that night. And, in 1996, flannel plaid was all the rage. 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.