July 2012
Zoo Brew Vin-A-Que GPAC Gala Gift of Life Gala Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball Q&A with Brian Craig
CONTENTS
Contents July 201 2
From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Two-time Olympic medalist Rochelle Stevens invites RSVP to the track.
Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Carnival week kicked off in grand fashion at the Hilton Memphis.
12 CROWN & SCEPTRE CORONATION BALL Ron Kirkpatrick and Cindy Hawthorne
StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22, 24 & 26 The Agricenter president gives us a glimpse into a project that almost didn’t happen: the state’s first solar array with a tracking system. One Memphis woman was brave enough to take on a new role in order to help start the inaugural Women’s Theatre Festival of Memphis. This couple has opened up their home and their hearts to assist families during some difficult times. StreetSeens highlight John Charles Wilson, Karen Moore and Mylissa and Mark Horrocks.
40 ZOO BREW Allyson Van Hooser and Jessica Mays
Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Q&A with WEVL program director, Brian Craig. J U LY 2 012
Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32, 33, 48 & 49 Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention. Gift of Life Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Guests arrived with a spirit of giving at the black-tie gala hosted by the National
4 RSVP
Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee
26 STREETSEEN Mylissa and Mark Horrocks
Zoo Brew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 A couple of thousand guests gathered at the Memphis Zoo’s springtime benefit to sample an array of beers and socialize among the ambiance of animals.
RSVP Room View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Out in Lakeland, Julie and Keith Patterson have erected a pool house that provides
50 GPAC GALA Keith Ellis Prest and Lucy Chancellor
year-round outdoor living.
GPAC Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 GPAC adopted a Vegas theme, complete with a gold Cadillac and an Elvis impersonator, for the organization’s spring benefit.
Vin-A-Que . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 The newest addition to the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Wine and Food Series offered more than 350 foodies a taste of snout-to-tail pork barbecue.
RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 A Look Back at Bad Looks
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He dodged a bullet, but not a mullet. Humor columnist Dennis Phillippi takes a look back at bad hairstyles.
GIFT OF LIFE GALA Jud and Jeanne Cannon
54 VIN-A-QUE Shannon Morgan and Elly Deyhle
Cover Photo Dr. Eric and Nikki Gardner at Gift of Life Gala Photo by Don Perry
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R SV P S TA F F Number X
July 2012 PUBLISHER
Roy Haithcock EDITOR
Leah Fitzpatrick CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kelly Cox Jonathan Devin Jeannie Mandelker Dennis Phillippi Suzanne Thompson ART DIRECTOR
Patrick Aker s
Fran Barnett ... 485-1646 Jim Black ... 483-3478 Cathleen Black ... 483-3476 Aleesa Blum ... 581-2775 Melody Bourell ... 461-4016 Camilla Brinner ... 569-0343 Leanne Brooks ... 292-4332 Margaret Burke ... 550-1959 Ramona Chapman ... 550-2396 Eileen Cherny ... 682-1868 Jon Dickens ... 496-5702 Barbara DuFour ... 292-5055 Rip Haney ... 351-2190 Lita Hurston-Reed ... 351-1119 Linda Kaplan ... 482-6473 Laurence Kenner ... 351-4210 Jerry Lucius ... 355-3076 Christie May ... 233-3096
Courtney Murrah ... 493-9536 Katie Nichols-Cook ... 628-3065 Mike Parker ... 277-7275 Juanna Phillips ... 485-2079 Barby Perlberg ... 619-8543 Mary Frances Pitts ... 355-5038 Jimmy Reed ... 461-1868 Greg Renfrow ... 283-2899 Sheldon Rosengarten ... 483-0546 Paula Sansom ... 335-7909 Myra Sheddan ... 870-0154 Alta Simpson ... 484-6040 Jim Simpson ... 484-0792 Melonie Simpson ... 921-6986 Teri Trotter ... 647-4018 David Tester ... 351-3439 Ward Walthal ... 634-6900
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.
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Nathan Berry Baxter Buck Don Perry Steve Roberts ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Chris Pugh Kristen Miller ACCOUNTING
Ruth Cassin
KRISTEN MILLER,
EDITORIAL INTERN
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE 901.276.7787, EXT. 104 kristen@rsvpmagazine.com
Maggie Giffin 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
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Thank you to the many organizations and individuals whose generosity make Memphis a great place to live.
Volume XVII
Having worked in print advertising for nearly eight years, Kristen Miller is pleased to join the RSVP team as 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
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Copyright 2012 Haithcock Communications, Inc.
MAGGIE GIFFIN, EDITORIAL INTERN 901.276.7787, EXT. 108 maggie@rsvpmagazine.com
Maggie is a recent graduate of the University of Mississippi with a degree in marketing communications with an emphasis in magazine publishing. Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, Maggie moved to Memphis to attend culinary school in hopes of pursuing a career in both food styling/writing and magazine publishing. Maggie enjoys reading magazines, cooking and her new position as editorial intern at RSVP.
From the Editor
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hough July hasn’t quite arrived, I can feel the heat coming before it even hits. If you’ve lived in Memphis for some time, you already know the sweltering days and nights I’m referring to, and in order to get through them, some necessary distractions better be lined up to make summer more bearable. For me, those distractions come in the form of celebrating family traditions…and also sleeping, eating and working within arm’s length of a fan. The first tradition I’ll honor this month comes on the Fourth of July, and no, it’s not having a picnic or watching fireworks, which were really never big in my family. Instead, the thing that I will be enjoying is going to pick blackberries—something I once did every Fourth of July with my grandfather and sister. While I upheld this tradition for a few years after my grandfather passed away, the last few holidays I have admittedly slipped up by not dousing myself in bug spray and venturing out to the fields in search of deliciously ripe berries. Of course, the best part about the experience, and what I probably miss the most, is coming home to make a cobbler with all my prized wild fruit. I remain determined, however, to bring back blackberrypicking this year and am already smiling just remembering my grandfather say, “Girls, you know blackberries are always ripe by the Fourth of July, so let’s go.” Unsurprisingly, each time I’ve been out on my family’s farm in Middle Tennessee without him, his berry prediction has been correct. Another favorite tradition coming up will be watching the Summer Olympic Games (unfortunately on TV, and not in London), which kick off July 27. Seeing Olympians compete for a coveted medal has always appealed to me, maybe because any athlete growing up wishes to achieve that level of physical and mental greatness that would allow him or her a shot at the gold. As for my favorite Olympic sports, I have always been a fan of gymnastics, archery, diving, swimming and athletics, or what I simply refer to as “track and field.” So, you can only imagine my delight when two-time Olympic medalist Rochelle Stevens agreed to be in the Signature Memphis section, featured on page 10. She even graciously brought her gold medal that she won in the Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympic Games in the women’s 4X400-meter relay to the photo shoot, and I gleefully got to hold it—what an experience! Have fun reading the rest of this issue, which comes filled with lots of Carnival Memphis pics, nonprofit coverage, an article about a sweet pool house, informative feature stories about local people, a hysterical RSVPhillippi article and everything else that keeps Memphis cool (just not in July).
Leah Fitzpatrick editor@rsvpmagazine.com
SIGNATURE MEMPHIS
Rochelle Stevens Founder & CEO, Rochelle Health & Wellness/President, Rochelle Stevens Foundation/Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist in the 4x400-Meter Relay
First job: Nike contract. Guilty pleasure: Sleeping. First concert: The Gap Band. Favorite author: Myles Munroe. Ideal vacation spot: Monte Carlo. Personal hero: Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Stress outlet: Sitting by a pool or lake. Childhood ambition: To be a track star.
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Words or phrases you overuse: “Make it happen.”
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Movie you could watch over and over again: Fast & Furious.
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One thing you can’t live without: Happiness.
Biggest obstacle you’ve overcome: Making the Olympic team.
Historical figure you most identify with: President Obama. Last book you’ve read: Think Like A Man by Steve Harvey.
Your greatest achievement: Graduating with several college degrees. One thing most people don’t know about you: I take everything seriously.
Your mission: The Rochelle Stevens Foundation, which helps college coaches recruit athletic talent for scholarships and development.
Photo by Steve Roberts
Your mantra: “Achieving Dreams,” which is the mantra of my foundation.
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2246 Court Avenue Avenue
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East Memphis
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1234 Main Street $150,000
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CROWN & SCEPTRE CORONATION BALL
EVENT
Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball “The Party With a Purpose”
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Tom Coogan and Westin Lawrence
Nancy and Jimmy Tashie
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t’s the greatest show on Earth. It’s Carnival,” said John Phillips, president of Carnival Memphis during his opening comments. He went on to describe the Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball, held at Hilton Memphis, as “the South’s grand tradition.” The ball marks the beginning of Carnival week, during which members of the 10 Grand Krewes make their way through a series of nearly non-stop parties. The presentation of Carnival royalty began as King Michael Lightman and Queen Elizabeth Parrish made a grand entrance and processed from one end of the ballroom to the other, toward their elegant thrones. The shimmering train of Queen Elizabeth’s flowing gown was guided by some of the court’s pages, one of whom was King Michael’s grandson, Michael Aidan Lightman. “Welcome the fairest ladies in the land,” the announcer said as the Carnival’s princesses were presented to the court. These fair ladies included three princesses of the Royal Court, followed by the Festival, Regency and Grand Krewe Princesses, as well as the Ladies of the Realm. Each of them was attired in a white evening gown, and with their escorts, the 49 young ladies took their places at court. Royalty of the 10 Grand Krewes were presented next, and after queens of each krewe were announced, their dukes and duchesses followed. The duchesses of each krewe were dressed in evening gowns of vibrant colors, except for those from Phoenix, who wore attire in keeping with its Roaring Twenties Coronation Ball theme. The last group in the procession, The Secret Order of the Boll Weevils, wore their wacky costumes and threw small bags of popcorn into the audience to emphasize Carnival’s salute of the movie and film industry. This tribute was prompted by King Michael’s family business, Malco Theatres, which were founded by his grandfather, M.A. Lightman, in 1915. Carnival Memphis raises money through its parties and events for different children’s charities each year, which is why the social group has been dubbed “the party with a purpose.” This year’s charities were the School Advocates for Vision & Education (SAVE), the Boy Scouts of America Scout Reach Program for the Raleigh-Frayser area and Jubilee Schools. “Let the party with a purpose begin,” declared Queen Elizabeth, ordering her subjects to begin the night’s festivities. After dinner was served, the revelers crowded the dance floor, where the music of the Pat Patrick Band kept them on their feet until the clock struck midnight.
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Kati Tannehill and Blake Campochiaro
Story by Suzanne Thompson Photos by Don Perry
Katie Borgmeyer and Matt Gambrell
Mike Walsh and Cathy Welsh
L.R. Jalenak Jr. and Peggy Jalenak
Paul Fermi and Ed Galfsky
Carnival Memphis King Michael Lightman and Queen Elizabeth Parrish
Paige and John Phillips
EVENT CROWN & SCEPTRE CORONATION BALL
Cindy and David Gambrell
Dan and Meredith Borgmeyer
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Carolyn Ashmun and Richard Ashmun
Joe Campochiaro and Sarah Steele
Stephanie and Dr. Richard Cape
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Paula Wyatt and Dr. Greg Maksi
Holly and Patrick Crump
David and Chrissie Tashie
Chuck and Mary Stewart
Angela and McKenzie Nobert
David and Mace Gearhardt
EVENT CROWN & SCEPTRE CORONATION BALL J U LY 2 012
Lisa and Gaylon Lawrence
Janie and Bruce Hopkins
Debbie and Barry Marshall
Joey and Amy Dudek
Abe Plough and Julie Ellis
Barbara Benstein and Mike McNeer
C.C. and Bill Brewer
Julie Eaves and Michael Harless
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EVENT CROWN & SCEPTRE CORONATION BALL J U LY 2 012
Catherine Norton and Jonathan Sessions
Donnie Angel and Cindy Shaw
Gary and Joann Jones
Anna Cox and Ben Hanks
Brannon Smithwick and Zac McMillian
Natalie Brown and John Thatcher
Grant Joiner and Annie Buttarazzi
Paul and Holly Craft
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EVENT Virginia and Reg Steele
Linda Yoakum and William Raiford
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Charlie Shoaf III and Ann Newell
CROWN & SCEPTRE CORONATION BALL
Trip and Elaine Spear
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Dr. Jess and Mary Lee Wesberry
Kirk and Karen Johnston
Marilyn and Phil Seaton
Kelly Acree and Clay Anderson
EVENT CROWN & SCEPTRE CORONATION BALL
Jack Conway and Kelley Martin
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Vickie Carwell and Sandra Cooper
Jeff and Chantal Johnson with Dr. Eric and Elvira Ormseth RSVP
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Buddy Russell and Debbie Halbrook
Michelle Kornberger and Jeff Box
Ryan Landwehr and Amber Roettgen
Ronnie and Rhonda Solberg
EVENT Kim and Ron Cribb
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Holly and Ken Cooper
CROWN & SCEPTRE CORONATION BALL
Grace Norcross, Kristina Jennings and Catherine Knight
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John, Jennifer and Lauren Lasseter with William Pickering
Sarah and Dennis Norton
Frank and Kim Stallworth
STREETSEEN
John Charles Wilson Managing a Power Farm
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he 1 megawatt solar farm that Agricenter International manages on five acres alongside Walnut Grove Road has the distinction of being the state’s first solar array with a tracking system, but according to Agricenter president John Charles Wilson, the sun literally almost didn’t shine on this project. He vividly remembers time running out for Agricenter to secure the project’s financing, which was the final piece needed needed to guarantee a spot in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Generation Partners Extended Pilot Participation Agreement (a TVA initiative that offers technical support and incentives for installing renewable generation facilities). “It was one hour before our deadline to turn in the plan when we called Silicon Ranch about financing it,” Wilson tells, “and they said they would consider it. Within 30 minutes, they had faxed a letter to TVA saying we had the financial end covered.” The fact that Silicon Ranch, a company founded by former Tennessee governor Phil Bredesen, is Nashville based resonated with the Agricenter board adds Wilson, who says working with local and statewide outfits on the solar farm was important. The Agricenter mostly kept to that regional focus when enlisting LightWave Solar in Nashville to build the array, and LightWave subcontracted Sharp Solar in Memphis to make the 4,160 solar panels, ECE Solar in Bartlett for electrical work and Ronald S. Terry Construction in Memphis for dirt work at the site. However, Array Technologies out of New Mexico is responsible for the single-axis tracking system, a feature that communicates with a GPS tracker to find the panels’ best position based on the sun’s location, thereby increasing electric production by as much as 20 percent. Evergreen Solar, a Virginia company that has a company principal living in Memphis, helped with the tracking system installation. Wilson vouches, “Memphis averages 5.1 hours of sunlight a day per year, making us a good site for solar.” Memphis Light, Gas and Water and TVA commissioned and grid-interconnected the solar photovoltaic system, which offsets energy used by the Agricenter. When more energy is produced than Agricenter uses, the surplus energy can power 107 outlying houses. Wilson points out that the average home uses 15,600 kilowatt hours of energy per year, but that the solar farm will produce 1.6 million kilowatt hours annually. The Agricenter will have the option to buy the solar farm at a fair market cost, estimated in 10 years time by Wilson, but until then, Silicon Ranch will own the $4.3 million venture and sell power to MLGW. And for each kilowatt hour of electricity produced, Silicon Ranch will receive 12 cents above market rate from a TVA subsidy. According to Wilson, there is really no risk involved for Agricenter as a manager, and from an educational standpoint, the farm is a huge asset to the nonprofit since it hosts visits for nearly 6,000 youth each year. “The solar farm lets people understand about diverse energy systems—we’re doing a farm now that has plants to make into biofuel, of which it’s going to take all of these alternative sources to produce energy for the future,” Wilson expresses. Installing an informative display platform for visitors at the site is currently in the works, and if people take what they learn about solar electricity seriously, Wilson says it might mean more solar panels will appear on homes—a green solution indeed. Oh, the power of a farm! Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
STREETSEEN
Karen Moore Opening the Stage for Women
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hile the buzz about Overton Square’s revitalization grows, there soon will be another reason to flock to the neighborhood with the inaugural Women’s Theatre Festival of Memphis (WTFM) set to hit the Midtown Theatre District August 2-4. As only the third known women’s festival of its kind (others are in L.A. and India), WTFM co-founder/executive producer Karen Moore knows she and co-founder/producer Ruby O’Gray have a monumental undertaking on their hands, but both are ready to work toward expanding women’s roles in all aspects of local theater. “We feel like Memphis is the right spot [for the WTFM] for the fact that so many of our artists have to leave to make it, and we want to create the opportunities for them to make it here,” Moore explains. “Also, Ruby, who has written over 60 plays, has been saying for years that Memphis is her Hollywood.” A trained vocalist, director and stage/film actress herself, Moore first noticed O’Gray’s desire to create the WTFM when the two attended the National Black Theatre Festival in North Carolina some years ago. Afterward, O’Gray began toying with starting a festival of the same high standard but that also honored women, however the timing wasn’t right since Moore lived in Italy then. Once Moore moved back to Memphis (she had lived in Memphis before when she worked as a reporter for News Channel 3) after her daughters got accepted in Overton High School’s Creative and Performing Arts program, planning the festival with O’Gray became more of a reality. However, the final motivation came when O’Gray suffered from congestive heart failure a year ago. Moore says that after that experience, O’Gray wanted to be sure her dream came to light, so the two began meeting on a weekly basis starting last July. “I’m amazed at all the things we’ve accomplished: we wrote grants, got a commitment from the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, became a sponsored project of Women of Style, Spirit and Success, got a donation from FedEx and secured a host committee, with Beverly Robertson of the National Civil Rights Museum at its helm,” Moore remarks. She adds that the theater community has embraced the project and that more than 70 arts organizations in the Greater Memphis area have been invited to participate in the festival’s 20 something performances, inclusive of plays, dance numbers and workshops from costuming to writing plays. In addition to Moore and O’Gray, all other festival producers (Olivia Johnson, Sherronda Johnson, Aryen Moore-Alston and Michelle Mitchell) have also volunteered their time to the effort and helped pour over performance applications from across the U.S. to those from Australia, Brazil and the United Kingdom. The criteria for applications stipulated that a performance either had to be about a woman, written by one or directed by a woman, and those chosen will take place simultaneously from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. on the Friday and Saturday of the festival at Circuit Playhouse, Playhouse on the Square and TheatreWorks. On opening night at 7 p.m. at Circuit Playhouse, 11 women will also be honored for their work in theater during the Gyneka [Greek for woman] Awards Gala, which Moore promises will involve an actual performance and not be a stodgey awards show. Moore smiles, “You’ve never seen this type of awards show, and the rest of the festival is going to be something!” Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
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STREETSEEN
Mylissa and Mark Horrocks One Roof, Lots of Love
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n today’s culture, extended families often live under one roof, however for Mylissa and Mark Horrocks, an extended family means something different at their home, which functions as the headquarters for Habitat for Hope. Located on 48 tree-filled acres near Shelby Forest, the 4,000-square-foot house where the Horrocks and their three children live has, on average, 18-20 additional families, who have children with serious illnesses, come through its doors a month to stay on either a long-term or short-term basis. Mylissa estimates that since Habitat for Hope opened, it has actually supported, served and cared for nearly 400 families during some of their most trying times. A nonprofit since 2006, Habitat for Hope arose after the Horrocks dealt with their daughter, Bella, being treated for stage III malignant melanoma. Residing in Fort Myers, Florida at the time, the Horrocks traveled to Memphis for their daughter’s 52-week chemotherapy treatment. Fortunately, they had their hometown church and community’s support, but they realized that many families going through similar circumstances didn’t have the same support network they did. Then, Mylissa and Mark were further inspired to start Habitat for Hope when they met Ana and Rob Brennan, as the Brennans were contemplating moving to Memphis to keep their five children together during their daughter, Briana’s, cancer treatment. Mylissa says, “Ana was a real source of joy and encouragement to me as a mom, and then we dreamed with them about this concept [providing a room for visiting family members coming to see a patient]. Though their daughter has since passed away, I’m so happy things are being carried on. We even have a rocker on the front porch in tribute to Briana.” The Horrocks went home to Fort Myers after Bella was cured, but they felt the call to return to Memphis to start Habitat for Hope, with the goal of providing emotional and spiritual care for families in addition to temporary housing as their child undergoes medical treatment. Once Habitat for Hope got nonprofit status, the Horrocks luckily had a board member who offered exclusive use of his Millington house and property, which the Horrocks are purchasing in stages. Mylissa and Mark have added special touches along the way, including a horse pasture, playground, deck with fire pit and an expanded horse barn, to give Habitat for Hope families a sense of living their normal lives. In addition, the Horrocks have a partnership with ALCO Management for use of two downtown apartments for Habitat families. “The care we provide is about a family as a whole, and we’ll even do things like put on a graduation party, organize retreats for moms who have lost children or pick up a family at the airport,” Mark relays. He adds that Habitat for Hope kicks into high gear when providing hospice/palliative care for families, and in the future, hopes to provide two free-standing cottages for pediatric hospice families. Habitat also offers bereavement support, has trained family care volunteers, does in-patient care at area hospitals, organize fellowship and spiritual gatherings, does service projects at FedExFamilyHouse and the list goes on. At the end of the day, which is much longer than 9-to-5 for Mylissa and Mark, they know they’ve succeeded when a Habitat for Hope family feels like their own. “It’s not just us who make families feel like their own; our volunteer coordinators also do that,” Mark emphasizes. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
VOX POPULAR
Vox Popular Q&A with Brian Craig
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RSVP: What was your first experience like visiting the WEVL station, and where was it located then?
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Craig: The first time I came to the station it was in the Exchange Building, but when I first started being a volunteer, it had moved to Madison and Cleveland. Anyway, when I first came to the station with my friend, it was to get a tour. We walked into the place, and the woman on the air said, “I’m so happy to see you guys because I’ve got a headache and have got to go home.” She thought we were there to relieve her, so she was gone. We were only like 14, and since she’d left, we were left to do the show. I had done sound at church before, so I kind of knew where certain things had to go, and my friend was an audio-visual type. We were able to get stuff on the air, but I’m sure it was the worst radio show ever. I think the lady who had been there before us had been doing some kind of folky stuff, but we started playing some bluegrass because I knew a little bit about that. Afterward, the next person came on, and my friend said, “I think I’m going to get a show.” I thought they wouldn’t give a teenager a show, however he got a show and after a few months started inviting me to come down because I was the record collector person. I started coming down to do the show, and slowly, it kind of became my show. Then, my cousin started coming down with me, so the three of us started doing the show. RSVP: What type of show were you doing? Craig: It was kind of a Bashful Bob type of show, like country music of the ‘50s and ‘60s. No one was doing that here at the time. What fascinated me about that type of music…well, I was really into radio as a kid, and when my parents bought me a nice radio, I got real fascinated by being able to pick up those AM stations at the time
Photos by Don Perry
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armer temps signal the onslaught of summer concerts, and not to be missed is the 24th annual Blues on the Bluff, a benefit concert for WEVL FM 89.9. A mostly volunteer-run station, WEVL (“WE VoLunteer”) only has two full-time employees and one part-time staff member, but the independent station keeps the radio waves burning with its listener-supported tunes thanks to quality events like Blues on the Bluff, scheduled for July 21 at 6 p.m. at the National Ornamental Metal Museum grounds. RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrick met with long-time WEVL program director Brian Craig in the studio to get the scoop on the concert line-up and to hear just what makes this nonprofit station thrive not only within its 50 mile-radius coverage area, but overseas as well thanks to online streaming. If you haven’t tuned in, do so now because nothing beats the personalities and the originality behind WEVL shows.
from around the country. WWL in New Orleans and WSM in Nashville both had these shows geared toward truck drivers, and I don’t know why, but I thought that was the coolest thing in the world. Every song would be an old country song that was sent out to someone like Bill on the road from Omaha to Kansas City from his wife, Charlotte, who is at the house in Springfield, Missouri. I just thought that what I wanted to do was be the all-night truck driver disc jockey. That was the first thing that got me interested in music that wasn’t just current rock music on the radio, and listening to old country music just led to me liking older rock, older R&B, blues and just music in general. RSVP: Is it true that WEVL shut down a while in ’83 for lack of funds? Craig: What happened was WEVL was only a 10-watt station, and it had applied to the FCC [Federal Communications Commission] to go to a higher power so it could cover the whole city. WEVL got granted permission to do that, but it involved changing the frequency slightly. The station was 90.3 then, but to be higher powered, WEVL had to become 89.9. So, WEVL got the application granted, and as soon as our application was granted to do that, Oxford, Mississippi applied for 90.3 for Oxford since WEVL was vacating 90.3. All of a sudden, the date comes where WEVL is supposed to move, and we don’t have the funds to move, but the folks in Oxford are ready to start broadcasting. So, we had to go off the air until we could get the funds to buy the equipment to go to a higher power. We just kept getting extensions to do that, and eventually it came down to the point where there were going to be no more extensions. A lot of people thought we should just hang it up. I have to give Judy [Dorsey, the station manager] all the credit in the world for keeping on it and
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going, “No, let’s apply for one more extension.” She did, and we got granted what was probably going to be the absolute final extension, and somehow they raised enough money to get back on the air in February of 1986. RSVP: Were there any major changes when WEVL got back on the air in ’86? Craig: The biggest change was that WEVL could be heard—it wasn’t just in Midtown anymore. Now, you might get someone calling in from San Diego or an e-mail from Japan since we’re able to stream online. RSVP: I know you weren’t always the program director, so when did you officially assume that role? Craig: In April of 1992. So, I’ve been the program director for just 20 years, and 11 years before that, I was a programmer/volunteer.
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RSVP: How is being a program director at WEVL different than being one at a commercial station?
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Craig: It is different because I’m not going to go in there and tell Tom, the host of our New Orleans Big Beat show, what to play and what not to play. My job as program director revolves more around training people how to be disc jockeys because 99 percent of the people who come here have no prior radio experience. You have to train them how to be broadcasters and make sure that they are up on all the FCC rules and regulations, which at a noncommercial station are a little bit different than at a commercial station. We have to be careful what we say about for-profit businesses, etc. The job is more training people and overseeing that. We also expect people to play a
certain type of music that they set forth in their shows, but it’s up to them to define what that style of music is. For instance, we expect Tom to play New Orleans music, and if all of a sudden, he starts playing the Grateful Dead every week, I would have to step in and say something. Most of the people we screen pretty well though, so I never really have to do that. We have people who have been doing shows for a long time; both Joyce Cobb and “Ridge Runner” started doing shows in 1981. RSVP: Is WEVL currently looking for any show hosts? Craig: Always. I like to hear people’s ideas and think it always works better if someone comes to us with an idea for a show, rather than us telling people what kind of show we’d like. The best way to get a show is to go online [wevl.org] and fill out our application. No experience is necessary, and the vast majority of people have never had any deejay experience. We have a little bit of music in every genre in our library for program hosts to use, but most bring in their own music. It’s interesting seeing the music format go from playing records to CDs to people bringing in digital music, but we still have a turntable for a few programmers who still like to play a lot of vinyl. J.B. [host of A Fistful of Records] on Sunday mornings and Rebecca [host of Pajama Party] on Saturdays both play a lot of vinyl. The good thing about volunteer radio is that the programmers bring a passion and knowledge about music. The bad thing is that if they ever have to quit the show due to moving, a new job or a lifestyle change, they aren’t instantly replaceable. That can be hard on listeners because they might get used to hearing a certain type of show. RSVP: What has been the most memorable live performance done in the WEVL studio?
RSVP: What are the off-air volunteer opportunities at WEVL? Craig: There are lots of people who come down here all the time and help out in the music library by opening up the CDs and kind of processing what comes in—we get about a hundred CDs a week in the mail—to doing data entry and mailings. Then, there are people who work our events, like Blues on the Bluff or our pledge drive, which we do twice a year. RSVP: What groups are playing at Blues on the Bluff this year? Craig: The opening act is going to be Lightnin’ Malcolm with Marquell Kimbrough, then Jimbo Mathus & the Tri-State Coalition and Elmo & the Shades. It will be the first time that Jimbo and Elmo have played Blues on the Bluff. We’ll also have the silent auction again, and Central BBQ will be there. One thing we really want to get across to people is that WEVL pays to rent the grounds at the National Ornamental Metal Museum for Blues on the Bluff, so the concert is not in conjunction with the museum. Blues on the Bluff is solely a WEVL event.
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It costs about $22,000 a month to keep the radio station on the air. The vast majority of our money comes from our spring and fall pledge drives, and we get miscellaneous donations year-round. Car donations are also a big source of income for us. You can donate your used car, motorcycle, RV or boat to WEVL, and there’s a company that sells it at auction, with the proceeds coming to us. We air the announcement about it several times a day on WEVL. Occasionally, we’ll do a small concert at places like the Hi-Tone as a fund-raiser, and last year, in October, we did the first WEVL Trivia Tournament, which we’ll do again this year at Minglewood Hall. RSVP: How do you plan to keep WEVL relevant for the next generation of listeners? Craig: I think the whole radio thing is changing rapidly because you’ve got lots more competition now with satellite radio and all sorts of streaming services, but what I think keeps WEVL relevant is that you can’t replace the local hosts we have. You can’t replace “Ridge Runner� and the other personalities involved. I think as long as we can develop the next generation of personalities to present the music in a knowledgeable fashion, we will be relevant. We can use some more young programmers though.
RSVP: What do Blues on the Bluff proceeds go toward at WEVL?
RSVP: If you could use three adjectives to describe WEVL, what would they be?
Craig: They keep us in business—they go to operate the radio station.
Craig: Diverse, entertaining and local.
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Craig: Probably one of the most memorable for me was Mud Boy and the Neutrons—Lee Baker died not too long after he was in the studio here. Them being here was really special. Of course, the Harlan T. Bobo Christmas shows were always special when he did those because you never knew what to expect. We’ve had a lot of good performances though. We just had Alejandro Escovedo in the studio, and he recently played Minglewood.
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Onsite I Arts in the Garden Party
PRSA-Memphis Vox Awards
Get Down and Derby
PTAH’s Black Tie-Tennis Shoe Party
Despite the threat of rain earlier in the day, the weather cooperated, and by evening, clear skies prevailed for Arts in the Garden Party, held in MorGreen Nursery & Landscape’s picture-perfect setting. The lush greenery and floral plants bursting with new blooms provided the perfect backdrop to display works created by local artisans, which were available for purchase to support the Page Robbins Adult Day Care Center. Guests were offered smoked turkey and mozzarella meatballs, Angus beef flatiron skewers, chorizo sausage-stuffed, baconwrapped shrimp and many other tantalizing treats. A live auction was also conducted, during which a few select items that were made by Page Robbins’ clients, who had collaborated with local artists, were up for bids.
Public relations professionals’ stories about people, places and organizations help make the Mid-South shine, so the community came together to honor the area’s best storytellers at the Public Relations Society of America-Memphis Vox Awards. Guest emcees Ned Canty and Kontji Anthony presented the awards during dinner at the University Club of Memphis as video clips prepared by Running Pony Productions played around the room. The two biggest awards went to Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation, which won the Vox Grandis for its “Play It Down” public service campaign about hearing loss, and cocoabeens communications founder Beena J. White, named Professional of the Year. Keeping to the storytelling theme, Opera Memphis’ Kristin Vienneau, accompanied by pianist Stephen Carey, performed before tables with centerpieces of artfully arranged books and origami-like paper sculptures. “‘Storytelling’ is a big buzzword now,” noted PRSAMemphis president Holden Potter, “but PR professionals have been talking about it for years.”
With women wearing hats of every description, it would have been easy to mistake the Tower Center for a club near Churchill Downs since it was filled with people gathered for the running of The Kentucky Derby. Shouts rose up as the horses thundered down the track during the broadcast of the race at Get Down and Derby, a fund-raiser for the Down Syndrome Association of Memphis & the Mid-South. Guests were offered the chance to place money on their favorite steed, with ticket sales benefiting DSAM. Only three people chose the winner, and their modest winnings were split among them, after half was donated to the nonprofit. To add to the festivities, the crowd was treated to a dance performance by Company d, which is made up of DSAM clients.
After weeks of merrymaking at Carnival Memphis krewes’ coronation balls, revelers needed to shake off the pressure and relax, so what better way to revive oneself than another over-the-top party? At the Grand Krewe of PTAH’s annual Black Tie-Tennis Shoe PTAH-OGA at the Great Hall of Germantown, tuxes, sneakers and togas were the dress code, and the goal was to have fun and raise money for the Carnival Memphis Children’s Charity Initiative. “Did you ever think you’d see a football player in a toga?” asked Bubba Winkler, a University of Memphis Hall of Famer who played pro ball with the Green Bay Packers. “I never thought it would be me.” The dance floor, packed with guests dancing to the music of 240 Loop, was cleared for the Krewe skit contest. The Grand Krewe of Ptolemy captured first place with its rousing “Ptolemy Salutes to the Great PTAH-OGA!”
Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson
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Rick and Teresa Jordan
Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson
Story and Photos by Jeannie Mandelker
Chandra Evans, Elliot Hobson and Nina Staples
Story and Photos by Jeannie Mandelker
Cindy Shaw and Donnie Angel
Denise Martin, Cindy Robb and Amber Cook Mitch and Denise Omar with Mike and Page Omar
Beena White, Holden Potter, Kontji Anthony and Ned Canty Robin Owens, Ann Graham, Dr. Donnie Owens and Patti Russell
Roger and Sandra Lewis
Jessica and Sam Hord
Martine Hobson, Alyson Edwards and Suzanne Culpepper
Bubba and Judy Winkler
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Onsite II Memphis Brewfest The third annual Memphis Brewfest would have taken place rain or shine, but shine it did the day of this event, prompting more than 2,200 beer nerds to line up at AutoZone Park’s gates to try some 100 beers from around the globe. While listening to tunes by The Brit Stokes Band, patrons perused tasting stations set up by Magic Hat Brewing Company, New Belgium Brewing, Samuel Adams, Stella Artois and Stone Brewing Company, to name a few of the vast sipping selections. All Brewfest proceeds benefit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy and the Memphis Redbirds Foundation, and once again, the fund-raising effort was declared a huge success by event volunteer Margaret Stokes, whose brother, Martin Daniel, founded the premier beer celebration. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Chris Pugh
Terrye and Andy Mastin, Margaret and Robert Stokes and Susie Hudson
Skip Ledbetter, Aaron McKenzie and Tim Armor
Allison Gillis-Brownlow, Janice Davis, Wendy Marie and Dr. Candyce Thompson
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Christian Conway, Nikki Haynes and Major McNeil
Centennial Speaker Series Academy Award-winning actress and “Dancing with the Stars” alum Marlee Matlin used her fame for charity as she spoke at the 2012 Centennial Speaker Series, held at Hilton Memphis to raise money for the Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Hearing impaired since she was 18 months old, Matlin could identify with the cause she helped raise funds for since many babies in the hospital’s NICU are also hearing impaired. The luncheon’s proceeds will specifically go toward purchasing koala warmers to save babies’ lives in the NICU. Story by Maggie Giffin Photos by Chris Pugh
Anita Vaughn and Marlee Matlin
Barb Poier and Anne Wesberry
Pam Arrindell and Dr. Brooke Dishmon
Josephine Circle Luncheon, Fashion Show and Auction Members of Josephine Circle teamed up to bring its members and guests an exciting day of fashion at the annual Josephine Circle Luncheon, Fashion Show and Auction at Hilton Memphis. As the group’s one fund-raiser of the year, the pressure was on to create a truly unique environment, which definitely happened thanks to members choosing a classic theme: “The Roaring Twenties, Gatsby, Flappers and Hot Jazz.” Once guests bid on auction items donated by area businesses, they stepped inside the ballroom and were quickly transported to the bygone era with special touches, including towering centerpieces that boasted black and white curly plumes jutting out of slender hurricane vases, which also contained black and white ribbon, flowers and zebra-print decorations. Laurelwood Shopping Center supplied the fashions for the main event, and guests supplied generous donations that will go toward educational loans and scholarships. Beth Skudder and Kelly Fossett
Betty Kirkland and Paula Crow
Susan Orabone and Wanda Barzizza
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BRIDGES Fashion Show The BRIDGES Fashion Show brought together 200-plus people for fashion and a worthy cause at the BRIDGES Center. This year’s show, “Sharing Our Worlds Through Fashion,” showcased local designer Yendry Alvord, who created the featured designs exclusively for BRIDGES, and to get guests in the party spirit, a Miami Fusion VIP Cocktail Party took place before models heated up the catwalk. The event raised $32,650, which benefits BRIDGES and its mission of building a community of leaders to advance racial, economic, educational and environmental justice.
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Chris Pugh
EVENT
Gift of Life Gala
GIFT OF LIFE GALA
Benefiting the National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee
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Carolynn and Lewis Clark
Ivy Bryant and John Phillips
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ome people give money to support good causes. Others give food to the needy. Some give life by donating their organs to those who would die without them. That spirit of giving was celebrated in grand style at the 2012 Gift of Life Gala, hosted by the National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee atop The Peabody in the Skyway, where giving never tasted so good. Guests arrived to a buffet of shrimp cocktail, cheeses and fruit while servers passed spanakopita and chicken satay. Gents in tuxedos and ladies in full-length gowns, many in summery blues, aquas and reds, mingled amongst a silent auction containing such prized possessions as a fiddle signed by Charlie Daniels and a guitar autographed by Taylor Swift. Dinner soon followed with a black bean and tortilla salad, baked salmon, fried chicken, asparagus and sweet potato purée all served on black linen. Centerpieces by Holliday Flowers brightened the tables with yellow tulips, snapdragons, eucalyptus and ivy. Before dessert—a trio of tasty delights—was served, partygoers were treated to video presentations of three honorees whose work has served patients with renal disease. Alyce Mantia Price, who is still known for her international culinary market, was honored for organizing a cook-off event called “The Teflon Chef,” which benefits the NKFWT annually. Debbie Jones, an NKFWT board member, also received accolades for 10 years of service to the KEEP program, a health screening program that raises awareness among patience who have never considered the condition of their kidneys. Finally, many generous remarks were made to honor Dr. Nawar Mansour, the medical director of Acute Dialysis at Methodist University Hospital, where his expertise in nephrology and renal pathophysiology has helped thousands of patients. Though she had not intended to be honored herself, NKFWT executive director Mable Barringer was also noted in several moments of spontaneous praise from the podium for her hard work. The solemnity of the evening then melded into festivity as the Memphis Soul Revue struck their first chords and guests flocked to the dance floor.
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Lakisha Waters and Willis Davis
Story by Jonathan Devin Photos by Don Perry
Pat and Neil Sherman
Tom and Alyce Mantia Price
Meghan Terry and Rebecca Reasons
Lori and Dan O’Brien
Alex, Sophie, Dr. Nawar, Isabelle, Reem and Nicole Mansour
Dr. George Flinn and Johnny Diggs
EVENT GIFT OF LIFE GALA Tina and Adam Sandoval
Judy and Kevin Spiegel
Drs. Wesam and Lama Ballouk
Dr. Luis and Corinna Campos
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Bob Bell and Jamie Patterson
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Phil Cannon and Cindy Brock
Aidar and Elvira Gosmanov
Melissa and James Cobb
Laretha and Bryson Randolph
William M.J. Taylor and Gretchen Turley
Michael Rohrer and Melody Cunningham
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Ted Medlin and Betty Shipman
Lawrence Migliara and Sharon Leichman
Lesley Hartney and Lauren McHugh
Angel and Darron Dowell
Barry Wall and Angie Wallick
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Leon Edwards and Kenya Burks
Bill and Teresa Bullock
Leland Burress and Erica Augusto
David and Patricia Dunavant
Martin and Cathy Pantik
Angela and Tim Foster
EVENT GIFT OF LIFE GALA Sharon and Mashhud Mirza with Kimberly German
Terry and Cynthia Lawrence
Sam and Jennifer Tucker
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Joyce Fykes with Chuck and Jaye J. Doan
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Carla and Joseph Fahhoum
Tammie Haymer, Debbie Jones and Ellen Edge
Robert and Teresa Hug
Sheila and Michael Viglietti
Melissa Moore, Vinay Ranga and Adrienne Ross
EVENT
Zoo Brew
ZOO BREW
Spring into Suds
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Adrian Hall and Allison Ertz
Tiffany Stuart and Peyton Aven RSVP
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les and alligators, pilsners and porcupines, stouts and storks—at the Memphis Zoo’s springtime Zoo Brew, the ambiance of animals helped beer aficionados get their lager on. Actually, the animals called it an early night as a couple thousand guests arrived to sample an array of beers from Memphis and around the globe while strolling among the scenic habitats of the zoo. Each guest was given a map leading not to the giraffes, the pandas or the scimitar oryxes, but to 44 different stations from the hippo pool to Primate Canyon, where souvenir shot glasses where filled and refilled with suds. Cold beer was just what the veterinarian ordered on a hot, sultry night in May that inspired most guests to wear shorts, tee shirts and light summer dresses. Into the evening, as the shadows fell, many danced to the live cover band Gary Escoe & the Atomic Dance Machine playing in the entry plaza, while others relaxed in the Dino VIP Lounge. Under the Primate Pavilion, Jeremy Shrader kept the beat moving, and Dingo Entertainment rocked the night away inside the China Exhibit courtyard. Just outside of Cat Country, guests munched on cheeseburgers, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels and other concessions in order to keep pace with the drinking. Tennessee was well represented by Yazoo Brewing Company of Nashville with its Dos Perros, Hefeweizen and Sly Rye Porter. Ghost River Brewing of Memphis was also on the scene offering a choice of ales, including Copperhead Red and Witbier. Some beers seemed to be in competition for the cleverest name, like Stone Brewing Company’s Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale, Rogue Ales’ Chateau Rogue OREgasmic Ale, Shipyard Brewing Company’s Old Thumper and Red Brick Brewing Company’s Laughing Skull Amber. The German beers scored high on longest names, which proved difficult to pronounce after drinking for a while. Just try saying Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier or Aecht Schlenkeria Rauchbier without any drinks. But, fruit beers seemed most popular of all and included Lindemans’ Strawberry, Samuel Smith’s Organic Cherry and Raspberry, Saranac’s Pomegranate Wheat and Woodchuck Hard Cider’s Pear beer. The kegs eventually emptied, and bottles all found their way into recycling bins, but not one guest left feeling thirsty. And since the $133,000 raised by the event goes to support general zoo operations, even the lions and tigers and bears could say “cheers!” See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Kevin and Crystal Barrett
Story by Jonathan Devin Photos by Nathan Berry
Chris and Randa Kelley
Tommy and Cindy Nettle
Jeremy Riddick and AJ Konrad
Sheila and Tom Moore
Brad and Jennifer Farrell with Lisa and Robert Giardino
Lydia Berryman and Kaitlyn Dassatt
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Nour Haddad, Casey Beck, Gina Harden and Sydney Tomes
Rachel Bradley, Kera Massey and Stephanie Johnson
Sean and Anna George
Steve and Whitney Hegedus
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Brittany and John Paul Mintz
Riley Jennings, Alex Snyder and Sam Coates
Alex Mackin and Becky Taylor
Chelsea Kilgore and Matt Tutor
Monica Masoud, Carol Matthews and Pegah Shahidi
ZOO BREW E V E N T Kiran Hanumaiah and Shelly Price
Scott and Susan Armacost
Brennan Zachary, Richie Rich and Kyle Cooper
Wade Woodmansee and Tricia Pirozzi
Carist and Darrell Neal
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Derick Garner and Mary Alice Ruleman with Caroline and Tom Kuhnert
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Felicia Brownlee, Deanna McClendon and Barbara Arnett
Katie Shotts, Tim Brewington and Dawn Norman
Bryce and Julie McCreary with Cari and George Baird
Andrew Hussey and Grace Paik
Katie DiNuzzo and Ted Shroyer
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Drs. Michael and Erin Amini with Dr. Rana Khazmadar and Dr. Michael Perez
Eric Gray, Allie Mounce, Holly Whitfield and Bryan Thorn
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Emily Williams, Stacey Voyles, Ray Williams and Katie March
Steve Potter, Melanie Nicholson, Natalie Cole and Chris Churchill
ZOO BREW E V E N T Andressa Santos and Sergio Soares
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Carlos Torres and Rachael Keating
Lorrie Allen-Moore, Kevin Smith and Jennifer Freeman RSVP
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Tricia Harris and Zak White
Christy Colley and Adam Baker
Ronny and Jen Piper with Tracy and Jason Simpson
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Interview by Kelly Cox | Photos by Steve Roberts ituated in an environment that is both artfully designed and invitingly casual, the pool house of Julie and Keith Patterson brings laid-back luxury and year-round outdoor living to their 1.7 acres in Lakeland. If the rattan patio seating under the pergola or the trail leading down the hill to the swing and the fire pit have a Southern California feel to them, it’s no coincidence—Julie is originally from San Diego. The pool itself was built by Nature’s Path, while Lisa Holmes and Wade Burrus are to credit for building the pool house. It features an open floor plan of post and beam construction supported by cedar timbers, with a tongue and groove stained pine ceiling and a scored and stained concrete floor by HB Concrete. Creature comforts include a gas fireplace and a full kitchen with a large granite island and all Viking appliances, right down to a big gas wok.
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The pool house serves as a year-round retreat for the Pattersons, who enjoy the space as much in colder months as they do in spring and summer thanks to a stone fireplace and wood shutters that can be closed to keep heat inside.
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Left: The contemporary freeform pool is designed in a naturalistic style. Insets: The Blue Moon beer tap, while a playful touch, really helps cut down on waste during parties. And, the clock on the wall in the dining space is always set to 5 o'clock.
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47 RSVP: How did the pool house project take shape? Julie: We found a picture in a magazine of kind of what we wanted, and then we showed it to Lisa and Wade, and they took it from there. They said, “What if we didn’t do that, but we did this?” and I said, “Okay!” They gave us some great ideas. They asked us if we wanted a bathroom, so we added a full bath. I work in the yard a lot, so it’s great to be able to shower out here. At their suggestion, we installed air-conditioning in the bathroom because otherwise it’s so hot in the summer you couldn’t get your suit down and back up! RSVP: Are you able to enjoy the pool house through the seasons? Julie: Absolutely. On the side that opens to the pool, remote-control shade screens go all the way to the floor to cut down on the sunlight in the afternoon, and you can really feel it lower the temperature in here by several degrees. I have a Lady Banks rose planted to climb across the arched openings in the brick on one side; it only blooms in the spring. Then in the winter, we can close the shutters and turn on the gas fireplace, and it’s really comfortable to sit out here. Honestly, every day that we’re home, we’re out here. My husband is usually sitting in one of two spots, and I’m usually gardening. I was just in a show for the Bartlett Garden Club and won first place with my coleus. It was the first time I’d entered. I also won the Horticulture Award of Excellence for this grouping, which contains two types of coleus, angelonia, variegated ivy and marigold. RSVP: Do you have a lot of parties out here? Julie: Oh, yeah. We do. My husband will take chicken, shrimp, beef or any other kind of meat and wok it all together with vegetables, and having the Blue Moon beer tap really does help cut down on
trash. One of our neighbors who just moved in a few months ago asked if it would be alright if he and his fiancée could get married in our backyard. We said, “Sure, we don’t care!” So, there’s even going to be a wedding here. We’ve actually had a lot of people we know come and take pictures here, like engagement pictures. RSVP: I like that the clock is always set to 5 o’clock. Julie: Yes, yes it is. I bought that at a little store in Chickasaw Oaks Village. My friend and I were walking through after lunch, and I said, “I need that clock. I love that clock!” Then, I looked at it, and I noticed on the back that it didn’t even have the inner workings—it didn’t keep time. My friend said, “So, it can be 5 o’clock all the time!” and I said, “That’s perfect.”
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Onsite III Steak n’ Burger Dinner
Salvation Army Annual Dinner
Duration Fine Arts Club Spring Luncheon
Go Red for Women Girls Night Out
More than 750 people attended the Steak n’ Burger Dinner that funds one club affiliated with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis for an entire year! During the fund-raiser at Minglewood Hall, adults enjoyed burgers generously supplied by Sonic, while youth from the BGCM savored more than 120 steaks provided by Napa Café. Guests also got to hear from Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay, who served as the keynote speaker. Once the last bite had been taken, and after sponsors got a chance to know the kids, everyone left full of good food and in even better spirits knowing that the event raised more than $277,000 for the BGCM, now in its 50th year.
From former NFL star to motivational speaker, Herschel Walker proved his diverse range of talents during the Salvation Army Annual Dinner, presented by Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance at Hilton Memphis. Touching on a theme of “Breaking Free,” Walker chronicled how he broke free from early hardships and how he later dealt with his diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder (DID). Echoing the sentiment, Renewal Place graduate Tonya Eubanks shared her heartfelt story of how she broke free from secrets, shame and addiction, and other graduates told their stories as well through a video that aired. At the event’s close, chairs Kim and Johnny Pitts took the stage, where Johnny exclaimed, “We’ve raised a record amount of money tonight for the ministry the Salvation Army does!”
The Duration Fine Arts Club ushered in the change of season with its Spring Luncheon at the University Club. Ruth Boyd and Joan Draper teamed up to chair the affair, which also included the installation of new officers: Dianne Ramsey-president; Donna Godwin-vice-president; Bobbie Templeton-secretary; Annemarie Bobay-treasurer; and Hilda Mullen-programs. Each of the officers was presented by member Carole Feisal, who entertained all with her dramatic interpretation of a Southern belle, and given a fragrant gardenia. With the club’s commitment to providing artsrelated experiences for its member, the program wouldn’t have been complete without beautiful music made by Terri Theil, on piano, and Theil’s vocal student, Sophie Blatt, who impressed with songs like “I’ll Be Seeing You” and “I Dreamed a Dream.”
Memphians broke out their best red ensembles to combat heart disease at the Go Red for Women Girls Night Out at Hilton Memphis. Heart disease remains the number one killer of women in the U.S., so the event, which is sponsored by the Go Red for Women division of the American Heart Association, is designed for attendees to visit informative stations set up by area vendors to learn how to stop the disease and also hear heart disease survivors’ stories. Jenna Bush-Hager served as the guest speaker this year, while Valerie Morris and Dr. Tina Jones chaired the benefit.
Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Story by Maggie Giffin Photos by Libby Huff
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Chris Pugh
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Nancy Stutts and Tiffany Griffin
Pryor Lott and Antonio Harris
Herschel Walker with Kim and Johnny Pitts
Terri Theil, Sophie Blatt and Brenda Glass
Valerie Morris and Dr. Tina Jones
Duane Carter and Ron Nelson
Sally Hook and Billie Jean Graham
Ruth Boyd and Joan Draper Mona and Jacquelyn Sappenfield
Trip Spear, Dan Clarahan and Vinny Borello
Eula and Rob Horrell
Dianne Ramsey and Donna Godwin
Debbie Fields Rose, Lou Carrick and Dr. Susan Murrmann
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Onsite IV
Ted and Kathy Ferguson Story and Photos by Kelly Cox
Steve and Golden Bearman
Martha and Mike Hess
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Dishes for Wishes When a cuisine schedule is passed out, you know you’re in foodie paradise, as was the case at Dishes for Wishes, benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the MidSouth. Hosted again by Felicia Willett at Felicia Suzanne’s, the event sold out with 300-plus guests, who contributed more than $187,000 for children with life-threatening medical conditions. From lamb sliders and tempura fried pimento cheese to hot wing rolls and crawfish pies, there was definitely something for everyone, and the live auction items, auctioned off by Steve Conley and Karen Perrin of 94.1 KQK, were also tempting with items like a private dinner party in McEwen’s cellar and a beach retreat up for grabs. Capping off the festivities was a touching speech given by Wish kid Justin, who spoke about his Walt Disney World Resort trip made possible by MakeA-Wish. Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Dr. Sandra Dee, Justice Janice Holder and Dr. Josefina Go
LCDR Manny and Dinah Arcelona
49 Karen Perrin, Felicia Willett and Steve Conley
Women of Achievement Awards
RISE Foundation Luncheon
Planned Parenthood Patrons Party
The Women of Achievement Awards honored the community’s female “changemakers” during a presentation at the U of M Holiday Inn. During the ceremony, organized by Women of Achievement Inc., honorees were presented plates crafted by Memphis potter Katie Dann. Those receiving awards included the following: Yvonne Acey—Steadfastness; Vanessa Luellen—Courage; Carolyn Hardy— Determination; Dr. Beverly Bond—Vision; Summer Owens—Heroism; Dr. Lisa Jennings— Initiative; and Dr. Georgia Patton—Heritage.
The RISE Foundation hosted two leading experts from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in Washington D.C. to help raise awareness about consumer rights for two of the nation’s most vulnerable populations: men and women of the military and older citizens. Holly Petraeus, assistant director of the CFPB’s Office of Servicemember Affairs, and Hubert “Skip” Humphrey III, assistant director of the Bureau’s Office of Older Americans, served as the speakers for the luncheon, themed “Servicemembers and Older Americans: Facing Financial Pitfalls,” that was held at the Memphis Cook Convention Center.
Jennifer and Frank Watson III hosted a Patrons Party at their home to thank the sustaining patrons of Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region. Around 75 people attended the annual event honoring the reproductive health service provider’s donors, whose generous gifts have ensured that Planned Parenthood will continue to provide contraception and related health care to women and teens who could not afford it otherwise. A number of PPGMR’s board members were in attendance, as well as state senator Beverly Marrero and musician Lily Afshar.
Story by Maggie Giffin Photo by Andrea Zucker Photography
Story and Photo Submitted
Story and Photos Submitted
Yvonne Acey, Vanessa Luellen, Carolyn Hardy, Dr. Beverly Bond, Summer Owens and Dr. Lisa Jennings
Holly Petraeus
Lisa Cook, Terica Lamb, Linda Williams and Stephanie Scurlock
Jennifer Watson, Robin Rasmussen and Frank Watson III
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Pearl of the Orient International Gala The Memphis in May International Festival presented the Pearl of the Orient International Gala at The Peabody. This elegant gathering honored the 7,107 islands of the Republic of the Philippines, His Excellency, Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr., and The Honorable Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. of the Philippine Department of Tourism. In the Grand Ballroom, amid towering white lily centerpieces, guests dined on Filipino-inspired cuisine like pork croquettes on green papaya salad with jicama, carrot and cabbage slaw in sugar cane vinegar; shrimp cakes with peanut coconut sauce and mung beans; and chorizo-stuffed Cornish hens with soy, lemon and garlic, long beans and jasmine rice.
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GPAC Gala
GPAC GALA
“Viva La GPAC”
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ith a Gold Cadillac parked in front and a replica of the gates to Graceland marking the entrance, it wasn’t hard to guess the theme of the 2012 GPAC Gala. Viva La GPAC’s guests were welcomed by an Elvis impersonator to the affair that has gained a reputation for its originality and panache. It was difficult to determine whether the grand lobby held more guests or silent auction items. From dance lessons to dinners, pet portraits to tool sets, there was something that would appeal to almost everyone, according to the bid sheets. There was also a jewelry case filled with baubles provided by Mednikow Jewelers, which offered guests a chance to win a $500 gift certificate if they bought a glass of Champagne. As the lights flickered, the Elvis look-alike (Corey Klein) encouraged guests to take a seat in the theater, where the event’s many sponsors were acknowledged, as were the gala chairs, Sandra and John Paul Jones. The partygoers then took their places on stage, which had tables boasting golden tablecloths adorned with towering glass centerpieces filled with orchids and greenery. “Swag bags,” brimming with party favors, flickered with attached blue and white lights and awaited diners at each place setting. GPAC executive director Tania Castroverde Moskalenko took center stage and presented the 2012 Patron of the Arts Award to Dr. Neal and Joey Beckford. New York City-based musician Caroline Jones provided entertainment during dinner. She began by playing a prelude to “Amazing Grace” on the harmonica and then sang the hymn a capella. The young songstress, who also played the guitar and the banjo, continued to entertain with a variety of tunes, which naturally included an Elvis song, “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.” A dinner that began with a salad of butter leaf lettuce with onion jam, fried green tomatoes and mustard vinaigrette, was followed by an entrée of chicken breasts stuffed with goat cheese, rosemary and sherry sautéed brussels sprouts with shallots and wild mushroom and chive pilaf. A dessert, consisting of a miniature banana crème brûlée and a flourless chocolate torte with crème fraîche was served as auctioneer Jeff Morris began taking bids for items befitting “The King,” including a baby grand piano, jewelry and trip packages, which finished off the evening.
Dan and Amanda Bureau
Patricia Bradshaw and Emily Robbins
Story by Suzanne Thompson Photos by Baxter Buck See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Bob and Nora Caporale
Shannon and Beryl Brown
Rhonda and David Porter
Susan and Jim Myers, Ginger and Bill Haynes, Connie Tichy, Rick Estep and Susan and Scott Jackson
Pat and Anne Halloran
EVENT GPAC GALA
Valerie and Jeff Morris
Chris and Tina Reisedge
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Bob Willis and Amanda Giffin
Micki Martin and Whitney Pitts
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Arnold and Joan Weiss
Denise Burnett and Gary Hoeffler
Lynn and Dr. George Galzada
Maury Ballenger and Sharon Bicks
Roy and Donna Cohen
Adrienne Pakis-Gillon and Bill Gillon
EVENT GPAC GALA Kendra Wooten and Sandra Patterson
Genie and Ralph Braden with Barbara and Jeff Michael
Martha Bernal and Cesar Ceballos
Jeff and Karen Weesner
Dr. Esmond and Pamela Arrinde with Lillian and Judge George H. Brown Jr.
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Susan and Greg Gilluly
John and Janet Golen
Dr. Neal Beckford with Drs. Susan and Mike Lacy
Charles and Allegra Inzer with Frank Jackson
Sebastian Gonzalez, Corey Klein and Laura Orozco
EVENT
Vin-A-Que
VIN-A-QUE
“The Art of Wine and Swine”
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Daniel and Debra Sledd
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he Memphis Wine and Food Series reached the 20-year mark this spring, but that hasn’t stopped the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art from keeping the series deliciously innovative. For instance, take Vin-A-Que—the series’ newest addition. The event, which fittingly took place in May (deemed by some as the month of barbecue), offered 350 foodies and art supporters snout-to-tail pork barbecue dishes paired alongside specialty cocktails and premiere wines. Wine and swine, why not? Compared to other stops in the Wine and Food Series, Vin-AQue exuded a more casual vibe and had a bit of country thrown in, from live music on the terrace by Papa Top’s West Coast Turnaround to whiskey drinks served in mason jars. Another down-home touch came from the sod positioned underneath roasting boxes, which made the whole area feel like you were in the middle of a backyard cookout. Even better, from the roasting boxes came the wonderful smell of smoked whole hogs being prepared by Wally Joe and Andrew Adams of the Brushmark and Acre and by Andrew Michael’s Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman. Germantown Commissary played to the slider craze with its pulled pork sliders, while the Brushmark had cooked up vegan options with its portabella sliders, mixed grilled vegetables, barbecue-pulled King Trumpet mushrooms and a grilled romaine salad. Other delectables included The Bar-B-Q Shop’s pulled pork sandwiches with slaw and Garibaldi’s barbecue pizza, but there were even more selections as noted by guest Austin Lowry. He grinned, “The smoked pork jowl [with pickled ramps and rhubarb] from Interim was unique and interesting, but Central BBQ brought down the house with their ribs.” In addition to all the yummy food, patrons bid on outdoorthemed silent auction items and sipped on wines provided by featured winemaker Martinelli Winery, along with upcoming 2013 featured vintners, Elk Cove Vineyards and Argyle Winery. Athens Distributing, Buster’s Liqours & Wines, Ghost River Brewing, Glazer’s Robilio, Southwestern Distributing, Star Distributing and United Liquors Corporation also supplied libations, as did new Cooper-Young restaurant Alchemy with its “Gin and Sin” and “Dancin’ Jimmy’s Secret.” For a first-time fund-raiser, the turnout was solid and so were the top-notch wine and swine pairings. Brooks Museum public relations and public programs manager Andria Lisle added that VinA-Que was a “huge success,” and sees it as part of the Memphis Wine and Food Series from here on out.
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Kayla and Jonathan Pence
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Don Perry
Kim and Ben Williams
Hemant and Mary Gupta
Courtenay Adams and Amanda Dent
Howe Sipes and Angela Hammond
Val Hall, Ashley Britt and Whitten Jordan
Austin and Jenna Lowry
EVENT VIN-A-QUE J U LY 2 012
Cindy Kramer and Judy Strong
Cathy and Andy Perkins
Rebecca White and Jerry Hensley
Grant and Kim Gillum
Andrea and Matt Lum
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Lauren Edmonds and Jenny Brindell
Lisa Smith and Lindsey Hammond
Elisha and John Vego
Christina Vranich and Jessica Toliuszis
Cheryl and Kevin Slane
Andy and Mary Katherine Dempster
VIN-A-QUE E V E N T
Dudley and Jessie Flanders
Marene and George Roberts
Doris and Walter Battle
Sally and John Presnell
Melissa Tate and Suzana Lightman
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Stephen Kuehl and Lana Ortcutter
Buddy Gaynor, Kate Pera and Brian Dickerson
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Katie Wallace, Melissa Purcell and Allison Jacob
Tina Bradley and Valerie Morris
Mike and Beni Dragutsky
Heather Wilson and Joe Santiago
Diane Jalfon and Kelli Mitchell
Zach Beaver, Lyndsey Williams, Connelly Caughey and Jared Zeringwe
VIN-A-QUE E V E N T
Steve West and Pamela Hauber
Roger and Kathy Sapp
Dana and Kent Farmer
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Jake Miller and Shawn Mitchell
Jennifer Baker and Zac Williams
Mel and Betsy Park
EVENT VIN-A-QUE
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Katherine and Jeff Graham with Kay and Jim Durrett RSVP
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Fiona and Lance Binder, Kelly Robinson and Michael Hughes
Peter Habicht, Cameron Kitchin, Regina Martinelli and Jeff Kitterman
AFTER HOURS
After Hours A photo collage of the latest business happenings
“Rendezvous on the Range” BBQ at the FedEx St. Jude Classic
Nick Vergos of Rendezvous and Scott Hennessy of True Temper Sports
Pinot’s Palette Grand Opening
Bella Vita Artist Trunk Show Benefiting The MED
Ken and Kristi Bauer
Laurie Losorwith, Phil Shannon and Stephanie Singley
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Reggie White Medical CardioPulmonary Rehab Ribbon Cutting
Carrington Walthall and George Davis
Sonya Edwards and Sarah Robertson
Rick and Mary Gruber
Cari Hale and Tammy Biggs
Marsha Brown and B.J. Johnson
Emily Ozier and Cecel Allee
Michael Camp, Shea Randall and Derek Denman
Greg Fortune and Marnie Denman
Jennie Binkley, Cindy Fowler, Loretta Harrell and Neely Easter
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For underwriting information, call 901-678-2560 Visit us online at wumr wumr.memphis.edu .memphis.edu
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26 Second to last mo. 27 Adorn
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43 Comedian Jay
44 Australian bear 45 Agony 48 Issue
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61 Legal
63 African river 64 Loaf
65 Widely known 66 Guys' dates
Downtown Memphis 6 Do a dance
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4 Cow sound
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9 Potentiality
10 Part of a coat 11 Rich dirt
12 __ Major (Big Dipper) 13 Eve's garden 22 Question
24 Wheel tooth
25 Come close to 27 Bundle 28 Live
29 Me too
30 Waitress on "Cheers" 31 Ammunition 32 Review
33 The Levitt ____ 35 Tinter
37 Affray
40 Luau guitars 41 Run
43 Madman
46 College located on North Parkway 47 Hero Lee for whom a riverside park is named
48 Studio where Elvis first recorded 50 Silenced 51 Zest
52 Capital of Western Samoa 53 Jail room 54 Statute
55 Ca. University 56 Asian nation
57 Lawyer (abbr.) 60 Hubbub 62 Sorbet
Solution:
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18 County Mayor Luttrell
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S L U E L O R D E A S E E M A N V E R S E H F L C E R O A L A P P L Y E U S A I C I T C L A T E A M Y
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A M I A R K I C N O A G G M S M U O K S U M U L U N E T L E E D S
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Edited by Ruth Cassin
S U M P N O I A I O N M T N A B N A S A D E C K I A L D T R E Y T L E O R T U R H O N O M A T A D I D E C O S
with "Boss"
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RSV PHILLIPPI
By Dennis Phillippi
wore their hair long. In my case, it was long and big. My hair, when left to its own discretion, has the consistency of fusilli pasta—wild corkscrews that sprout in every direction. In order to wear it long when that was de rigueur, the use of a hair dryer and inverted brushing produced the kind of mane worn by the likes of Gino Vannelli and Leo Sayer. As it happens, they were both attractive rock or pop stars and not an underweight adolescent whose nose and Adam’s apple were duking it out for prominence. It was a good look for them, and not at all an unusual look for a guy my age at that time, but now, on Facebook, it is a bad, bad haircut. Match it with floppy hats, tinted glasses and a butterfly collar, and you have a deep lode of
Yes, I, like virtually every man in my generation, sported the Kentucky waterfall in those anti-halcyon days. photos I would just as soon not have sitting around on the Internet. It would be great to be able to say that the next phase of my tonsorial history was an improvement, but anyone who has the slightest memory of the timeline in question knows that next up were the ’80s. It got worse. Immeasurably worse. One word friends: mullet. Yes, I, like virtually every man in my generation, sported the Kentucky waterfall in those anti-halcyon days. For those of you young enough, old enough or just plain lucky enough to be unfamiliar with the haircut from hair bands, the mullet was shortly cropped in the front and the top, with a cascade of questionable judgment in the back. There were many variations on the look, but that’s the basic template. My friends Jeff and Brandon both sported straight blond mullets, reminiscent of a young Steffi Graf. I wore the modified curly uber-Saget cut, which you can see to this day in reruns of “Full House.” The top was styled to resemble a standard poodle, while the back was similar in appearance and tex-
ture to an enormous steel wool scrubber. Throw in huge shoulder pads, a neck the size of a bendy straw and glasses Sally Jessy Raphael would’ve considered too flashy, and you have a look best forgotten by everyone. Wouldn’t that be nice? Sadly, that is not the case. Make the effort, and you can find the pictures yourself. I wouldn’t advise it, but you can. Men are obviously not the only ones who have been unwisely swayed by fashion trends, but it doesn’t seem to bother women. My wife, and all the other women who run my life, see these old high school pictures of themselves with massive cliffs of hair towering over their overly made-up faces and declare themselves “cute.” They find the blue eye shadow and acid washed denim overalls adorable. Men do not ever look back at earlier incarnations of themselves and think of the words “cute” or “adorable.” Those are words associated with baby tigers and talking babies on commercials. We see our disastrous decisions and think “idiot” and “sucker.” It doesn’t matter that we all looked like morons in those decades. Just because all of my friends also wore painter’s pants and neon ties does not mean I want to see myself, or be seen by others, in them. Just because Rick Springfield and David Copperfield also wore short-waisted, double-breasted suits doesn’t make them cool— it just means those guys were dummies, too. These days my wife cuts my hair with clippers. Maybe someday I’ll look back and wonder why I wore my hair very short and well kempt, but it’s hard to imagine. The look is timeless and, as a side benefit, very cheap to have. It takes just a few minutes, and for a few seconds, I also get to see what it would’ve been like to have hairy shoulders. Boy, I dodged a bullet on that one. Dodged a bullet, but not a mullet—there must be a tee shirt in there somewhere.
Dennis Phillippi, oh how we wanted to change out your picture in this column with one from the uber-Saget days! To make this story truly believable, it definitely needed a picture from your past, but we’ll leave it to our readers to scan Facebook for mullet proof.
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ike many people in my generation, I was hesitant to sign on for the whole social networking thing for a lot of reasons: the prospect of having to answer to old girlfriends for ancient transgressions, the possibility of being pestered by the very people I’d been avoiding for years and the thought of having to pretend to maintain yet another line of communication to the world while not actually doing so. What never dawned on me was the very real issue of old haircuts. My family never went in for a lot of photo taking. There were so many of us that documenting every event would’ve been impossible, so we never really made the attempt. Unlike my wife, I don’t have boxes of old pictures and photo albums from senior cruises and other people’s weddings. Hence, I never thought about the zillions of old photos that other people might have. To be more specific, I never thought about the zillions of old photos other people might have of me. This was quite an oversight. You see, I’ve been in show business my entire life. More pictures have been taken of me throughout the course of my lifetime than your average average-looking baby. All those community theater productions, old television appearances, and yes, the Mime Years, were pretty thoroughly captured for posterity. Had I ever really thought about all those pictures that had been taken, I would’ve assumed they were all moldering in the bottom drawer of dressers or file cabinets, or crumpled in attics. Never would I have imagined the idea of them being posted on Facebook. And yet, that is exactly what has happened. There for all the world to see are all of those old pictures, which would be bad enough, but worse still, most of them were taken in the ’70s and ’80s. Just think of the haircuts you had during those miserable decades. Now imagine what a young show business egomaniac was carrying around on his head. In the ’70s—my teen years—guys
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A LOOK BACK AT BAD LOOKS
RSVPAST
Carnival Memories
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n 1979, Carnival Memphis was still known as “Cotton Carnival,� and a duchess in the organization was referred to as a “Lady in Waiting,� according to Suzanne Thompson, a “Lady in Waiting� herself. Pictured above in a blue dress, Thompson also says that the court then traveled in chartered buses throughout the city attending parties together and was officially presented to the public as its members disembarked on the cobblestones downtown following a big party on the royal barge. The Carnival king and queen in 1979 were Robert Smithwick Jr. and Mary Louise Self, both pictured with Thompson above, as are some of the royal pages. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUZANNE THOMPSON If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Leah Fitzpatrick at 276-7787 ext. 105 or e-mail the photo and caption to editor@rsvpmagazine.com All photos will be returned promptly.
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