RSVP Magazine July 2015 by RSVP Magazine

July 2015

Zoo Brew Promise Ball Princess Ball Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball Flavors of Memphis Culinary Gala Memphis in May International Gala RSVProfile with John Paul Shaffer

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CONTENTS

Contents JULY 2015

From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Memphis in May’s president and CEO, James L. Holt, wraps up Memphis in May festivities and shares some southern favorites with RSVP.

Ambassador Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Keith Sykes: Taking Memphis on the Road Local musician Keith Sykes is taking his artistry on the road and sharing his Memphis style with the world.

16 CROWN & SCEPTRE CORONATION BALL Emma Leatherland with Boll Weevil

Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

This Party with a Purpose kicked off the celebrations and events of Carnival week with the annual coronation of the Carnival Memphis king and queen.

StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 & 24

PROMISE BALL Grace Morrison and Harper Murrah

He is leading the way in pediatric cardiac surgeries for children with congenital heart disease throughout the world. She is directing an event that will be the largest collaborative mural in Memphis history. StreetSeens highlight Dr. Rodrigo Soto and Karen Golightly.

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RSVProfile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 John Paul Shaffer, project manager for Livable Memphis, is helping Memphis communities “activate their potential” through MEMFix.

Princess Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Carnival Memphis honored their princesses for their community service work throughout Carnival Week.

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Memphis in May International Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

28 PRINCESS BALL Kelly Selberg and Abby Parker

The Peabody Hotel Skyway Room set the scene for this elegant celebration with Polish flair.

Promise Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Supporters of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation were transported to the Roarin’ Twenties on a night filled with flappers, feathers, and fund-raising.

48 FLAVORS OF MEMPHIS CULINARY GALA Sarah Wages and Mandy Youngblood

Flavors of Memphis Culinary Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 The finest chefs in Memphis provided tableside entertainment and fare for this gala, benefiting the American Liver Foundation Mid-South Division.

Zoo Brew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 The Memphis Zoo outdid itself on an exceptional evening showcasing both local and international beer selections.

Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58, 59, 60, 61 & 62 Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.

RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Happy July, 2nd Dennis Phillippi details the excellence of the United States. Not only are we a country of inventors and creators but we have the inherent right to be “haters” of our inventions and creations. This is one Proud American.

MEMPHIS IN MAY INTERNATIONAL GALA Lisa Garvey and Beth Flanagan

52 ZOO BREW Ashley Wolf and Mike Muruako

Cover Photo Mace and David Gearhardt at Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball Photo by Don Perry

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R S V P S TA F F Volume XX

Number IX

June 2015 PUBLISHER

Roy Haithcock EDITOR

R achel Warren CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emily Anderson Virginia Davis Emily Adams Keplinger Dennis Phillippi Suzanne Thompson Lesley Young

CHRIS P UGH, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

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.

ART DIRECTOR

Krista Geyer PHOTOGRAPHERS

Daniel Frederick Patrick Lantrip Don Perry Steve Roberts ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

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Chris Pugh Robin Morgan

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Ruth Cassin EDITORIAL INTERN

Ellen Cassin RSVP Memphis is published monthly by Haithcock Communications, Inc. First class subscriptions are available for $55.00 per year. Send name and address with a check to: Haithcock Communications, Inc. 2282 Central Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 For advertising information contact Roy Haithcock Phone (901) 276-7787, ext. 101 Fax (901) 276-7785 e-mail publisher@rsvpmagazine.com WEB

www.rsvpmagazine.com For editorial information or to request coverage of an event, please contact RSVP Magazine one month prior to the event. Call 901-276-7787, ext. 105 or fax to 901-2767785. e-mail editor@rsvpmagazine.com

ROBIN M ORGA N, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Having worked in advertising for 13 years, Robin is most passionate about magazine print. Her energy is contagious, and she counts as her hobbies running, shopping and spending time with her girlfriends. Robin's "bright spot" is her daughter Emily Anne. Robin loves living in downtown Memphis, which affords her the opportunity to run down Riverside Drive anytime!

KRISTA GE YE R, ART DIRECTOR

Krista has spent most her entire life in the Mid-South area. She moved home after earning her Bachelor’s Degree from Auburn University and is thrilled to be able to work on something as “Memphis” as RSVP magazine. When not working you can probably find Krista at Shelby Farms with her husband and her dogs or riding her horses.

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E L L E N CA SSIN, EDITORIAL INTERN

Ellen is a native Memphian who currently resides in Nashville. She received her Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Spring Hill College. Her interests include sports, public policy, and anything crafty. She is excited to be with RSVP as the editorial intern and in her spare time you can either find her with a book in her hand or playing with her dog, Mae.

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From the Editor

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ell it’s official: the summer is here. Summer in Memphis has arrived in all its hot sticky, humid glory. Hopefully, all you good folks are taking some vacation time to escape the heat or, better yet, going straight to the source – the beach – for some quality R&R. The Fourth of July is one of my top holiday favorites. Fourth of July means American flags, grilling out, cold drinks, and, usually, if you know a friend of a friend or if you are that friend of a friend, a pool is involved. Oh yea, and it’s an excuse to blow things up. Nothing is better than watching your loved ones trying to rig up a Roman candle and running away like mad after they’ve indulged in a poolside libation or two. I personally don’t do the firework rigging, but I find that the firework set-up is usually more entertaining than the firework show itself. Despite the heat, there are some Memphians making a difference. Dr. Rodrigo Soto (page 22) is traveling all over the world and performing life-saving surgeries to children suffering from congenital heart disease. Artist Karen Golightly (page 24) is hosting the biggest collaborative mural (over 60 artists!) in Memphis on July 18 called Paint Memphis at the floodwall adjacent to the proposed Chelsea Greenline in the North Midtown community. John Paul Shaffer (page 26) is helping Memphis communities dream big and demonstrate their potential. There are plenty of things going on in the city this summer. I am intent on seeing as many Time Warp Drive-In film series movies as I can at the Summer Drive-In. If you are looking to for some AC action, The Orpheum Theatre is also showing its annual Summer Movie Series. Beale Street Landing is hosting “Free Tuesday Movies.” I guess Memphians really like to watch movies when it’s hot. Makes a lot of sense when you factor in how any small movement out there makes you, uh, perspire a lot. That’s a nice way to put it, right? Seems like watching a movie and limiting your range of movement is your 1 2 3 4 best plan of action. That and watching your loved ones blow things up while you enjoy a cold fruity drink. Stay cool, Memphis!

Rachel Warren editor@rsvpmagazine.com

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President and CEO of the Memphis in May International Festival, Past Chairman and current Board Member of the International Festival and Events Association Favorite Southern Idiom: “Looky here.” Hometown: New Carlisle, Ohio. A Memphian since 1979. Favorite Memphis “Thang”: My fiancée, Brooke Tweddell. Best Memphis Hangout: The lobby of The Peabody Hotel. Favorite Song: “Life by the Drop” by Stevie Ray Vaughan – simple and soulful. Proudest Moment of Your Life: Moments – when each of my four children were born. First Car You Owned: A 1965 Buick Riviera. My father was a Buick Dealer for 20+ years. Most Memorable Memphis in May Trip: I have had many, but India and Turkey really stand out. Best Thing About Poland: The people are warm, friendly and inviting, like Mid-Southerners. Pro-Tip for a MIM First Timer: Buy your tickets early and park on the northern end of downtown, near city hall. Wildest MIM Barbecue Team Name: There are so many, but “Big Al and the Buttrubbers” is one that always cracks me up. A Nonliving Celebrity/Role Model You Would Invite to Dinner: P.T. Barnum – the world’s greatest showman and business-savvy producer and promoter. One Goal You’d Still Like to Accomplish: Establish a major new event that would reinforce our local culture, drive tourism and generate national media attention. Best Part About MIM: The diversity of programs we produce offers something for just about everyone. l get to interact with a broad array of people from all walks of life, and it is never dull.

Photo by Steve Roberts

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James L. Holt

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The Ambassador Series By Emily Adams Keplinger

KEITH SYKES: TAKING MEMPHIS ON THE ROAD M

emphis music has made its mark in a variety ultimately, returned to Memphis.” of genres. Some of its reputation has been He met the woman who would become built on people coming to Memphis to hear his wife, Jerene Rowe. Although the two had blues on Beale Street or making a pilgrimage to known each other in passing during high school, Graceland. But others in the music industry, like their real connection came when Sykes was passKeith Sykes, have been putting Memphis on the ing through town for the Christmas holidays. map by taking their music on the road. They’ve been together ever since. Sykes’ love of music started early. When Coming back just in time to be part of the he was 12 years old, he saved money from his original heyday of Overton Square, Sykes played Press-Scimitar newspaper route to buy his first with several local garage bands. Sykes was a regurecord – Booker T. & the M.G.’s “Green Onions” lar at Overton Square hotspots like the original album. He said he rode his bike to Pop Tunes on Lafayette’s Music Room, High Cotton and Trader Poplar to make the purchase, then took the record Dick’s. home and nearly wore it out. When asked what he thinks about the re“My sister Gail was the musical one in cent revitalization of the Overton Square enterour family. Growing up, she took clarinet and piano lessons. When I was a 17-year-old high school senior, she showed me four chords she learned at college. Until then, I hadn’t given music a try, but that piqued my interest. I started watching others play guitar and found I had a natural feel for it,” Sykes recalls. In 1965, with Christmas money burning a hole in his pocket, Sykes headed to Nathan Novick’s Pawn Shop on Beale Street where he bought a $20 guitar. “Then my father bought me a Gibson guitar, a Martin D-28 with a spruce top and Brazilian rosePhoto by Donn Huff wood sides and back. I still have it to this day,” Sykes says. tainment district, he says, “I think the Overton Sykes says he started out liking all types Square revival is fantastic. It is exactly what the of music. He found inspiration in the variety of people of Memphis needed. Beale Street is a worldgreat music that came out of Memphis: rockabilly, class tourist attraction, but Overton Square is for blues, soul and a lot of country music. Then he the locals. It’s where you run into friends from looked beyond Memphis and found Hank high school and college years. It feels like a neighWilliams and became truly enamored with country borhood hangout, in an upscale way.” music. Sykes credits Bob Dylan, Hank Williams, Sykes’ affection for Overton Square is genChuck Berry, John Pine and Guy Clark as being uine. He was one of the many performers who the most influential musicians in his life. In fact, took to the stage during the district’s recent 45th when Sykes discovered the music of Bob Dylan in anniversary party. It was a chance to play with 1965, it opened the door for him to follow the cronies Bill Marshall (who toured with Hank music of other folk artists like Joan Baez, Joni Williams Jr.), Larry Raspberry, Dave Smith and Mitchell, and Peter, Paul and Mary. And it led him Scott Sudbury. to the world outside of Memphis. Sykes is considered one of Memphis’ “In 1968, I went to New York City. I most well regarded music figures. Shoe Producwanted to be a part of that folk music scene. I tions, then Ardent Studios, is where Sykes ended up auditioning for the ‘Holiday Inn Cir- recorded. He has more than 100 songs recorded cuit.’ I played the ‘Coffee House Circuit’ and by artists as diverse as Rosanne Cash and George found myself performing at approximately 75 col- Thorogood. Sykes’ songs have sold more than 25 leges a year for the next five years. I really enjoyed million copies worldwide. He has played with Kris that gig, but, after five years, I was ready to move Kristofferson and has been a member of Jimmy past the transient nature of college crowds. I Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, co-writing the iconic started trying to work clubs in bigger cities like title song for the “Volcano” album. Dallas and Austin. I spent a week in Nashville and, After a lot of touring and a break here and

there, Sykes was invited to do Saturday Night Live. To this day he considers it one of the highlights of his career. That same week he did the King Biscuit Flour Hour with Robert Kline hosting. And for a decade (1993-2003), Sykes played “songwriter swaps” on Beale, mostly at The Black Diamond, featuring many of music’s best writers. Still he was playing contracts all over the country. Then in 1986, Sykes made another transition, this time from performer to songwriter. He continued publishing music until 2001. Soon after, his life came full circle as he returned to performing again. “When I’m on the road, I meet people and, of course, they ask, ‘Where are you from?’ I always get a smile and a positive response when I say, ‘Memphis!’ Sykes continued, “Memphis means music. It has such a strong music history that people in the music industry connect to it right away. When I’m playing solo, I talk to the audience and share with them some of the times I had growing up in Memphis. I tell how in 1960, there were a string of country music shows played every Saturday on WMC Channel 5, and how I use to go there and hang out. No one ever asked me to leave. One day, I met Dusty Rhodes and that’s how he became my first manager.” It was through Dusty Rhodes that Sykes was introduced to the Wilburn Brothers, who signed him to his first recording contract. Through the Wilburn Brothers, Sykes became a part of the Porter Wagoner Show, which hosted such regulars as Dolly Parton, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. Sykes has travelled widely, but it is he is convinced that it is his Memphis connection that made him the musician that he is today. “I’ll be on the road performing for the majority of the next three years. Two consecutive weeks at home is a rarity for me. I’m doing what I love, and I’m grateful that I can make a living at it, but I miss Memphis and its people when I’m gone. There’s nothing better for me than an unplanned Sunday afternoon. I like to get on my motorcycle, head to the Memphis Yacht Club and hang out with the people there for a while. Then I ride up to the Millington Winery to catch up with some other folks. No pressure, I just get to be me,” Sykes said. But when Sykes does head back out on the road, he will take a more than a little bit of Memphis with him: the way he talks, his Southern manners, a custom-made guitar built for him by his friend, Phillip Stafford of Lakeland, and the memories of Memphis that have inspired so much of his music.

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Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball

CROWN & SCEPTRE

Carnival Memphis Parties with a Purpose

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Amber Roettgen and Judson Maxwell

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he Hilton Memphis was recently graced by royalty. Carnival Memphis held its annual Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball, marking the beginning of a week-long celebrations and gatherings. In one of the grandest affairs of the year, the Carnival Memphis queen, Lockie Dearman, dressed in her white coronation gown with collar, crown and sceptre and Carnival Memphis king, John Bobango, in his official garb with sash, crown and sceptre, walked the procession and took their places on their thrones to officially kick-off Carnival Memphis week. The ball commenced at the East Memphis hotel ballroom with guests in ball gowns and white-tie attire mingling while sipping cocktails and discussing the events to follow. “This officially kicks off the start of Carnival week,” Carnival Memphis Executive Director Ed Galfsky said. Other events ensued during the first week of June, including the Princess Ball and the whirlwind of visits to charities and nursing homes made by Dearman and Bobango. Bobango was chosen as king this year as a representative of the legal profession in Memphis. Each year the organization chooses an industry to spotlight and honors individuals and businesses in the field. Bobango is the chief manager of Memphis-based Farris Bobango PLC and the recipient of numerous awards in his field. Dearman is a graduate of Hutchison School and is pursuing a degree in accounting at the University of Mississippi. The king and queen made close to 60 visits to local charities during Carnival Week in an effort to carry out Carnival Memphis’ community involvement mission – Carnival Children’s Charity Initiative. Each year the organization also chooses three children’s charities to support. This year members focused on Madonna Learning Center, Peer Power Foundation and RedZone Ministries. Since establishing the Children’s Charities Initiative in 1999, Carnival Memphis has raised over $1.75 million with matching funds and is close to reaching $2 million with this year’s additional funds. “These are great organizations. The Peer Power Foundation has expanded to tutoring 15 to 20 schools, some in Mississippi. The tutors are paid high school students and college kids and even teachers and college professors,” Galfsky remarked. With that kind of mission and those kinds of funds, Carnival Memphis lives up to its tagline: “The party with a purpose.” The party carried on late into the evening with dinner and dancing and music by The Pat Patrick Orchestra, and with of course, the usual hijinks and pranks by the pesky, but playful, Secret Order of the Boll Weevils.

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

Wayne Fewell and Anita Howald

Story by Lesley Young Photos by Don Perry

Matt Brinner and Peyton Halle

Francis Winkler and Jane Leatherland

Annie Taylor and Bob Bryant

Joe Brandenburg and Sylvia Cox

Donna Melton and Ed Galfsky with Debbie and Barry Marshall

Keith and Donna Renard

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Keith and Julie Barton

Hunter Morrow-Elder and Katie Crutcher

Gwen and John Brown

James Sexton and Ellen Horn

Bridgette Speake and Karen Johnston

Molly and John Goggans

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Jones Hussey and Tempe Ray

Phil, Nicole and Carol Dunavant with Kelly and Pearson Crutcher

John Bobango and Lockie Dearman

McClain Gordon and Alison Smith

Amanda Crowder and Janice Crowder with Renee and Thomas Wright

EVENT CROWN & SCEPTRE Will Taylor and Loghan Smith

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Judy Jones and Laura Alexander Dobbs

Blake Fountain, Katie Buckmaster, Caroline Carter and David Jordan RSVP

Ken and Debbie Glenn

Todd Brown and Tiger Bryant

Al and Sally Perry

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Albert and Kathie Alexander

Lynn and Tom Kissell

John Rutledge and Dee Stephens

Michael Oehmler and Holly Hagan

Sarah and Tom Scoggin

William and Lockie York

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Annie and Tom Duck

Karen and Kirk Johnston

Oliver Scoggin and Tiffany Brimhall

Joey and Amy Dudek

Dr. Nancy Chase and Bill Carwell

Dr. Jess and Mary Lee Wesberry

Barbara Baker and Bill Hunt

EVENT CROWN & SCEPTRE Kemp, Anne, Coco and Kemp Conrad

Kathleen and Philip Cruzen

Laura and Kenny Charbonnet

Lisa and Hugh Mallory

Missy and Phillip Green

Buddy and Lanetta Lanier

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Victoria, Brent and Audrey Smith

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Greer Bryant, Taylor Kinard and Margaret Shaul

Janette, Bobby and Sadie Krauch

Martha and Mike Hess

Sharon Ross and Bill Ross

Jack and Chrisann Conway

Susan and Mike Shivers

Keri and James Taylor

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CROWN & SCEPTRE

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Brooks, Alyce, Katie and David Krouse

Charee and Lou Whittenberg with Trish and Edgar Tenant

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Michelle, Morgan and Todd Brown

Preston, Christina, Collier and Richard Roberts

Bailey Phillips and Will Kaelin

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Audrey Gayle Sullivan, Davis William and Amy Carter

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Retha Moore and Mark Pender

Michael, Sienna, Suzana and Aidan Lightman

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Dr. Rodrigo Soto Hearts United

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hile many Memphians are traveling this summer for some quality away time, there is one Memphis organization that will be traveling, not for relaxation, but to provide some much needed medical services to developing nations. The International Children’s Heart Foundation (ICHF) is traveling around the world to provide life-saving pediatric cardiac surgeries for children with congenital heart disease free of charge, as well as equipping local doctors and hospitals with the education and resources they need to treat more patients on their own. ICHF’s medical team has performed more than 7,500 operations in more than 30 hospitals globally. Recently, Dr. Rodrigo Soto joined the ICHF team as lead surgeon and CEO of clinical operations. His abundance of experience as a seasoned pediatric cardiac surgeon is helping to save lives and to give hospitals the tools they need to deliver crucial pediatric care in the future. The end goal of ICHF is to diminish the need for their services, Dr. Soto explains, “The cardiac surgeries are important for the patients themselves, but it is in the way that we teach the hospital how to diagnose, operate and give post-op care to children with congenital heart disease that is crucial. Teaching and helping people learn how to provide this care in their own communities is part of our legacy. Hopefully, then, the need for us will be obsolete, allowing us to go aid another area and their patients.” Soto got his first taste of the inspiring work of the ICHF in 2002 when he signed up as a volunteer. At the time, Soto says he was living in Melbourne, Australia working as staff pediatric cardiac surgeon at Royal Children’s Hospital. On his first ICHF trip, Soto was stationed in Nicaragua for two weeks, and from there he says he was hooked. “For me, my 30 years of medical education and experience made a lot of sense during those two weeks in Nicaragua. Even though I was very comfortable living in Australia, those weeks working in a very poor hospital with limited resources were so rewarding,” describes Soto. Soon after, Soto moved to his home nation of Chile to work as the ECMO program director and pediatric cardiac surgery program unit director at Clinica Alemana in Santiago but was offered a position at ICHF, beginning his new journey of saving lives through operations and education in developing nations. In this role, Soto is in charge of finding the sites that the largely volunteered-based ICHF team travels to and accessing the individual needs of the site. The team will then bring in equipment, medical devices, medical supplies and medications to fully upgrade the pediatric cardiac surgery facility or, in some cases, build an entirely new pediatric unit. For instance, Soto explains, recently the team made their first-ever trip to Georgetown, Guyana, which, at the time, had no pediatric cardiac services. Soto says that ICHF donated $150,000 in equipment to allow for pediatric care, built a pediatric ICU unit and is training local doctors and staff in pediatric care. He notes that, because of ICHF’s aid, the hospital in Georgetown is now better prepared to handle more complex procedures, causing a ripple effect of professional medical care and lowered mortality rates. “In three to five years, they will have a local doctor that is trained to look after pediatric patients with congenital heart disease, which is the hardest patient to take care of. Therefore, anything else is going to be relatively easy,” he states. In the future, Soto wants to focus the ICHF’s attentions on providing Latin American and Caribbean countries as well as Cuba with quality, worldclass pediatric cardiac care. He is also building a concept where ICHF can establish these world-class sites for pediatric cardiac care as referral sites for surrounding areas with an emphasis on quality over quantity, crafting one strong unit that is able to provide excellent care to several surrounding locations. To donate to this the life-saving services of ICHF, check out their website www.babyheart.org. Story by Rachel Warren Photo by Steve Roberts

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“Building Community One Wall at a Time”

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rtist Karen Golightly says you can tell a lot about a city by its walls. Memphis has a lot of blank walls, but Golightly is working with several organizations throughout the city to change the city’s blank walls into pieces of unique art. Heading the first-ever and biggest collaborative mural event in the city called Paint Memphis this July, Golightly is giving artists and locals the chance to tell their stories and brighten a neighborhood with some Memphis love. Golightly is an associate professor of English Literature and Creative Writing at Christian Brothers University and has been photographing street and graffiti here and outside the U.S. for years. Her art has been displayed in several literary journals including “Triggerfish Critical Review,” which recently dedicated an entire issue to her photography. She is also working on a book that will combine her graffiti photography with poetry. “One of our tag lines for Paint Memphis has been: ‘We are building community one wall at a time.’ Street art is really important because it is, in some ways, the most uncensored voice that is available,” Golightly says. Three years in the making, Paint Memphis will be a one-day event on July 18 of this year that will bring 60 local artists from all over (even South Korea!) to Memphis to team up and paint the south side floodwall adjacent to the proposed Chelsea Greenline. Partnering with Greater Memphis Greenline Association, ioby Memphis, UrbanArt Commission, Home Depot, Montgomery Martin Contractors, graphic designer Bill Simmers, Donnie Smith of Smith Artisan Photography, Memphis Made Brewing, Central BBQ, Nashville graffiti curator Wallace Joiner and local artist Brandon Marshall of “I Love Memphis” mural fame in the Cooper-Young district, this event’s first objective is to work with the theme of “Revival” and bring some color and fun to the North Midtown community. Golightly says, with this theme in mind, the team wants to bring some healthy and positive attention to this neighborhood through the art wall. She says she and Syd Lerner, executive director of Greater Memphis Greenline, have found research that heavily suggests public and graffiti art have shown to reduce crime and attract people over and over again. “How crazy would it be if we enacted positive change in a community through art?” Golightly exclaims, adding that the team has worked closely with neighborhood residents to ensure the art wall reflects the desires of the neighborhood. The wall starts at the Chelsea trailhead at North Evergreen and Chelsea and expands .3 miles. With over 74 walls panels, each 20 feet by 7 feet, there is whole lot of room for the invited artists to tell their stories. There will be one free panel for locals to paint their stories, with provided guidelines that prohibit profanity, gang symbols or offensive material, that will allow for ongoing community expression, called a “permission wall.” Greater Memphis Greenline and other volunteers will provide continual surveillance to uphold these guidelines and paint over anything that violates them. The team also plans to expand this concept of a permission wall for graffiti and public art to the north side of the wall with the same community guidelines. Golightly explains that this event and the following results of it are part of a larger mission to facilitate more legal spaces and permission walls in Memphis for graffiti writers. She jokes that the reason she has put together this event is for her own selfish reasons. “I am tired of climbing over fences and going into dangerous, blighted buildings. I just want to go up to a wall and photograph it,” she laughs, describing that in many other cities there are legal spaces for people to view and create graffiti and public art, cutting down the risk for artists and allowing for community input. She says that Memphis has a talented graffiti art scene that needs legal spaces to express their talents that the spirit of Memphis has helped cultivate. “Most graffiti writers don’t say a bunch of negative things about their city. They want to show how positive it is, and they want to show off their talents. Public art is a great way in which an artist can share their art with an individual that as no access to or no desire to step into a gallery. It crosses all sorts of classes, genders, ethnicities and beliefs,” Golightly articulates. Don’t miss the Paint Memphis event on July 18 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. See www.paintmemphis.org for all the details. Story by Rachel Warren Photo by Steve Roberts

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RSVProfile John Paul Shaffer

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“Here Comes the Neighborhood”

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t seems in the last few years Memphis has witnessed a resurgence of pride for the city, and, with it, a renewed interest 26 in digging in and lending a hand in reactivating and revitalizing our neighborhoods. Livable Memphis is one such organization that is committed to developing and redeveloping neighborhoods in Memphis through healthy and sustainable methods with a focus on land use and transportation. A program of the Community Development Council of Greater Memphis, Livable Memphis helps neighborhoods grow by listening to the community itself, discussing the issues and lending a helping hand in growing the neighborhood into a vibrant and economically sustainable area. Additionally, Livable is taking a special interest in pedestrian and transportation issues. One such way in which Livable is making a difference in Memphis communities is through the MEMFix program, which it created through its partnership with the City of Memphis’ Mayor’s Innovation Delivery Team. With a tagline of “Here Comes the Neighborhood,” MEMFix has quickly won over Memphians from all sections of the city and is helping various neighborhoods dream big and, together, showcase their potential for quality public areas and economic vitality. John Paul Shaffer, project manager for Livable Memphis, set the wheels in motion for MEMFix and has big ideas for stronger Memphis communities. Shaffer explains that University of Memphis City and Regional Planning Department, from which he graduated from, really got the ball rolling for him in terms of connecting with innovative young minds that were passionate about how communities are structured and maintained. As a bicycle enthusiast, he soon got involved with Revolutions Bicycle Co-op, which led him to join on with Livable Memphis as a volunteer bicycle and pedestrian advocate. At the same time, Shaffer also began working with Bike

Walk Memphis, a bicyclist and pedestrian advocacy group. He explains that the idea for a program like MEMFix came about when a friend sent him an email detailing a Texas program called “Build a Better Block Project.” “With the ‘Build a Better Block Project’ the people did a one block demonstration project, and they had spent around $1,000 dollars doing that to transform the street with pallets and things like that. They went into empty storefronts and did these pop-up shops. I thought that was really cool, and it seemed like something that really fit with the innovative mission of Livable Memphis,” says Shaffer. This concept of creating a demonstration of what a block or area or neighborhood could be was quickly accepted by Livable Memphis says Shaffer, adding, “Sometimes plans get made, and they sit on a shelf. But, Livable Memphis brought a bunch of people together, and everyone thought it was a great plan. Everyone said, ‘Let’s do it.’” From there, Livable Memphis partnered with the Mayor’s Innovation Delivery Team (MIDT) to create its own version of a program that works to help reactivate Memphis neighborhoods and community areas with clean-up crews and fresh paint and additions like bike lanes and community gardens. The events reinvigorate chosen city blocks over a weekend to “demonstrate the art of possible” with pop-up shops and showcased infrastructure plans. MEMFix has created these demonstrative events for Broad Ave., the Edge District, South Memphis, Highland and Walker, Crosstown and the Pinch District. They have worked with organizations such as the Downtown Neighborhood Association, ioby Memphis, Clean Memphis, Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, Downtown Memphis Commission, the City of Memphis, and the Memphis Grizzlies, to only name a few of the many organizations that collaborate with Livable

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position. He adds, “I have always been a student of civic engagement and even politics to an extent. I think this job was kind of a way to build on that. It is really inspiring.” Memphis attitudes toward what is possible and what can change in the city have dramatically turned around, and Shaffer says he is inspired by this attitude shift. He remarks that, like a lot of young adults, he was ready to leave Memphis as soon as high school graduation was over, but that there has been a big change since then in the city’s perception of itself, creating a fostering community where people are keen on staying and making a difference. “It is inspiring to see how much that perception has changed and see how many people are coming to our universities and colleges and end up staying here because the positivity is starting to come back around. Finally, the pride is starting to outweigh the negative self-perception of the city. This is a chance to show a different way of thinking,” he says. It is this dramatic re-envisioning of our city that is part of MEMFix’s mission and is being happily embraced by Memphians who want to see their city reflect the pride and energy that they are feeling for their hometown. When asked what’s next for MEMFix, Shaffer replies that the program is discussing how to develop a suburban concept or even an office concept. He remarks that Livable Memphis and Bike Walk Memphis will be working together, recharging its bike advocacy work and including pedestrian and transit issues in that as well. “We are getting together to talk about how we can restart this. How do we make it a broader effort, and how do 27 we make it more representative of the city as a whole? How do we bring some of these equity issues into the equation?” he notes, adding that Bike Walk Memphis wants to further connect itself in a statewide movement with Bike Walk Tennessee, of which Shaffer is a chairman of the board, and make the state one of the friendliest for pedestrians, bicyclists and other uses of transportation. Shaffer believes that through Livable Memphis programs like MEMFix and their participation with Bike Walk Memphis and Bike Walk Tennessee, they are building healthier communities by re-envisioning neighborhoods with more bikable and walkable areas and by rethinking transit methods. Shaffer says, “It helps with tourism and health. The more activity we can get out of everybody is great, whether you park your car once when you get to work and then make all of your other trips by walking, or you use a nearby bike share to commute on a bike. There are many positive economic, health, and safety effects that happen when you have bikable and walkable paths and alternative forms of transportation.” Be a part of the “Here Comes the Neighborhood” mission and stay tuned for the next MEMFix event at www.memfix.org. RSVP

to make MEMFix possible and successful. Shaffer says that it was very important for Livable to have full neighborhood backing and participation for the MEMFix projects. He also cites that the events must reflect the strengths and needs of each neighborhood, and, while fun, the most important part of MEMFix is that the events must be geared toward creating positive attention and change for the neighborhood area. Keeping costs low and building social capital are also very important to maintaining the enduring momentum of the program. For the Edge District, the MEMFix team took over the intersection of Marshall and Monroe with live bands and artists, food trucks, vendors and pop-up shops, giving Memphians a look at the great businesses in the area and a pop-up planning office that showed possibilities of new murals, street redevelopment and new plaza areas. The MEMFix team says that through a weekend’s worth of work and dreaming they were able to highlight the bubbling art scene in the Edge, test new approaches to pedestrian infrastructure, and add bike lanes and pedestrian plazas. Since then, the Edge District has coordinated a neighborhood association. Recently, MEMFix took over the Pinch District, and, while it is too early to say what positive changes will come from their work there, Shaffer says the immediate result was “bringing people to the Pinch. The neighborhood and the MEMFix team were very intentional about doing it before Bass Pro opened. We wanted to kind of put up a flag and said, ‘Here is the Pinch!’ It said remember this place is great, and it is going to be great again. We want to make sure that is part of the conversation when talking about redeveloping that part of downtown.” In the Pinch District, Shaffer describes that the team was focused on highlighting the buildings in the neighborhood with pop-up shops, transforming the spaces into what they could be. He cites how Sweet Potato Baby, a local cupcakery, built its pop-up shop in an empty storefront as a coffee and bakery shop with a shared space for ioby Memphis, another neighborhood growth organization that uses crowd-resourcing platforms. “While people were getting a cup of coffee and a sweet, they could also see several interesting projects happening in the city, possibly encouraging them to donate or participate in some way,” Shaffer says. Shaffer, noting one of the biggest pluses of the program, says, “The fact is MEMFix, in the grand scheme of things, is a very cost effective way to do these things. You are testing out things. You are prototyping. You don’t spend a whole lot of money doing it, and they can have huge results. The results vary by neighborhood, sometimes it is big economic growth and sometimes it is rethinking what kind of community spaces are needed or testing out new kinds of infrastructure that the city can build to make our streets better for everybody.” Having worked with the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization for three and half years, Shaffer reflects that this previous job allowed him to really understand how projects get funded and the process of making it a reality. When he was offered the position of Livable program director, he was able to bring that experience, along with his many years of pedestrian, bicyclist and transit advocacy work, together into one

Story by Rachel Warren Photos by Don Perry

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Princess Ball

PRINCESS BALL

“Hip, Hip, Hoor ay!”

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Morgan Sumner and Emily Green

Niall McMillan and Catherine Cantu RSVP

ith a “Hip, Hip, Hooray!” hundreds of revelers gathered at the Memphis Hunt & Polo Club for the 2015 Princess Ball of Carnival Memphis. The upbeat tunes of Mark Anderson’s Party Train provided musical background while guests circulated among the clubrooms awaiting the formal presentation of the 2015 princesses. Wait staff passed trays of fried oysters, catfish nuggets and artichoke cheese puffs, while platters of sugared bacon were stationed around the rooms. Attendees also dined on a buffet of hamburger sliders, chicken nuggets, twice-baked stuffed potatoes, fresh fruit and cheeses. This year’s royal court consisted of 27 young women, mostly rising college sophomores, from across Memphis and the Mid-South. Throughout Carnival Week, the princesses attended events and participated in community service work on behalf of Carnival Memphis. The Princess Ball took place on the second night of Carnival Week. For the occasion, the princesses wore custom-made gowns in colors of turquoise or fuchsia that featured a contrasting reverse front pleat in a metallic fabric with a matching empire sash with a bow. The “special princesses,” those serving at the request of Carnival’s king, queen, president and chairman, wore gowns of the same styling that were fashioned in deep, jewel-tone purple. Resplendent in their traditional royal finery, John Allen Bobango and Lockie Monette Dearman reigned as this year’s king and queen of Carnival Memphis. A Mid-South tradition since 1931, the mission of Carnival Memphis continues to recognize and promote an industry that has a major economic impact on the Mid-South community. A rising junior at The University of Mississippi, Queen Lockie was the second generation of her family to serve as a Carnival monarch. Also on the royal court were five college men who served in the Loyal Order of Scarabs as guards for the king and queen. Additionally, 13 children served as royal pages to Bobango and Dearman. With the crowd witnessing their procession, the princesses entered the club’s ballroom and were presented to the royal court. Serving as Carnival president, Rob Johnston read the list of recipients’ names as medallions were bestowed. Will Yandell was this year’s chairman of the board. In their inimitable style, The Boll Weevils upheld their reputation as the mischief-makers of Carnival. The celebration maintained the organization’s theme of “The Party with a Purpose” as it tied together Carnival Memphis’ commitment to the people and commerce of the Mid-South.

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EVENT

Memphis in May International Gala

MEMPHIS IN MAY INTERNATIONAL GALA

n Memphis, the month of May means Memphis in May (MIM) festivities as the nonprofit organization honors a new country each year, celebrating that country’s culture and people. This celebration includes the MIM International Education Program that uses curriculum guides, student competitions and international exchanges to help Memphis schoolchildren engage in and learn about a new culture. This year’s MIM selected country of Poland continued this legacy of education and fun with such events as the Memphis in May International Gala, one of the many MIM events that benefit the organization’s International Education Program. Held in the illustrious Peabody Hotel Skyway Room, this glitzy affair brought some big Polish flavor to Memphis with authentic Polish food and décor touches that referenced the beauty and creativity of the eastern European nation. Leigh Shockey of Drexel Chemical Company was the 2015 Gala chair. Ornate ice-sculptures of traditional Polish houses were the unique centerpieces of the room’s innermost tables, and bartenders offered a specialty cocktailed called a “Polish Mule” made with the Polish Zubrówka vodka. A large silent auction was the main attraction of the cocktail hour with items such as a MIM 2015 Poland fine arts poster; Gibson guitars signed by Bootsy Collins and Jerry Lee Lewis; and original artwork by artists Lurlynn Franklin, Stephen Hudson and Jeannie Reynolds. There was also a $500 gift certificate for Southern Airways Express, an autographed portfolio and photo by Memphis Grizzlies Vince Carter and a lavish Peabody Hotel package. Dinner reflected traditional Polish fare with an appetizer of roasted fingerling potato and kielbasa sausage, a “zrazy” of a rolled beef New York strip stuffed with mushrooms and marjoram, and a classic “sernik,” a sweet-crusted Farmers Cheesecake. The Gala was given in honor of H.E. Ambassador Ryszard Schnepf, the ambassador of Poland to the U.S. Ambassador Schnepf gave a glowing speech about Memphis, noting the city’s wonderful Southern hospitality. Wei Chen, 2015 chair of the MIM board of directors, awarded Schnepf with a placard of appreciation. James Holt, MIM president and CEO, applauded the success of this year’s MIM festival saying, “Memphis in May brings the world to Memphis and Memphis to the world.” The night was brought to a sweet end with the soulful tunes of the Russell Thompkins Jr. and the New Stylistics.

“Poland Under the Stars”

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Jim Holt and Brooke Tweddell with Ambassador Ryszard Schnepf and Isabel and Wei Chen

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MEMPHIS IN MAY INTERNATIONAL GALA

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MEMPHIS IN MAY INTERNATIONAL GALA

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EVENT

Promise Ball

PROMISE BALL

“A Roarin’ Good Time for The Cure”

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id-Southerners thought they had inadvertently traveled back to the 1920s upon descending the escalators at the Hilton-Memphis. Homespun signs arguing for and against Prohibition lined the passageway leading to a flapper girl and a young gangster who greeted guests and requested the password. Upon passage through curtains, the whiskey pull and passed cocktails were a sure indication that “A Roarin’ Good Time” was taking place. For a good cause, of course. It was the 15th annual JDRF West Tennessee Chapter Promise Ball, a fund-raiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. This year, the event chairs set out to eclipse the previous event’s numbers, and the 2015 goal was to raise just under $400,000, up from the $355,000 brought in at last year’s ball. “A Roarin’ Good Time for The Cure” was the theme this year, and gangsters and flappers abounded. The theme celebrated the discovery of insulin in the 1920s. Many local JDRF youth ambassadors were on hand in beaded dresses and feather hairpieces, panama hats and jazz suits, handing out accessories and riding shotgun. Several hundred items were up for bidding during the silent auction held in the Southeast Ballroom, while passed hors d’oeuvres whetted the appetite. A seated dinner in the Tennessee Ballroom followed and featured an artisan lettuce bouquet, rack of lamb and fingerling potatoes and ended with a dessert trio of a mini chocolate cupcake, a chocolate tulip cup and crème anglaise tartlet. WHBQ Fox 13’s Darrell Greene served as the master of ceremonies, and Ron Kirby acted as the live auctioneer, tantalizing the audience with lively opportunities including a Batmobile ride with Jerry “The King” Lawler, a Krewe of Orpheus Mardi Gras float ride for two, a two-day duck hunt for two, and a British Labrador retriever puppy, among others. After the live auction, attendees were provided the opportunity to “Fund a Cure,” or donate directly to research and science for finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes. 80 percent of the evening’s other activities funded the JDRF cause. Entertainment kept the party rolling into the night with performances from the Houston High school “A” Jazz Band, Pat Register, Breyannah Tillman and Casey Childs. Drew and Amy Murrah served as event chairs, president and CEO of Pickler Companies David Pickler served as honorary chair, and International Paper was recognized for the JDRF Living and Giving Award. JDRF is the leading global organization funding Type 1 diabetes research. The organization has awarded more than $1.7 billion to diabetes research since its founding in 1970, and is working to make Type 1 diabetes into type none. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

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FLAVORS OF MEMPHIS CULINARY GALA

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Flavors of Memphis Culinary Gala

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ome of Memphis’ best chefs gathered together to show their support for The American Liver Foundation (ALF) Mid-South Division at the organization’s annual fund-raiser, Flavors of Memphis Culinary Gala. And it wasn’t your typical catered event either. Each chef prepared a special table for guests where they created a culinary experience that included a unique five-course meal crafted tableside. Heightening the excitement, guests were not told at which chef’s table they had been placed or the menu they would be served until the very final moments before the doors of the dining room were opened. Exquisite food, tableside service, a great cause and a secret personal chef, what could be more intriguing? 150 guests agreed with that sentiment as they arrived at the Hilton-Memphis’ Tennessee Ballroom, trying to guess which chef they would be tabled with and show their support for an organization that helps improve the lives of 30 million people in the United States with liver disease. After indulging on some sumptuous hors d’oeuvres created by the participating chefs like Simply Delicious Catering’s goat cheese, smoked Georgia peach and Parmesan walnut crisp with lavender honey caviar, master and mistress of ceremonies, Ron Childers and Joyce Peterson, announced which chef’s table groups of guests were paired with. With that, the dining room doors were flung open and attendees rushed to see what delicious menu they would be treated to. The night’s exclusive chefs included Executive Chef Ericson Aladenika of Simply Delicious Catering; Chef Max Hussey of eighty3 food & drink; Executive Chef Mario Torres of Hilton-Memphis; Executive Chef Kenneth Thompson of the Memphis Country Club; Chef Catrina McKee of Alchemy Memphis; Chef Anthony Ciepliniski of GoldStrike Casino Resort Chicago Steakhouse; Executive Chef Lance Morton of Owen Brennan’s; Executive Sous Chef Douglas Manson of Horseshoe Tunica Casino Jack Binion’s Steakhouse; Chef and Owner Brian Michael Patrick of Rizzo’s Diner; and Chef and Owner Stan Gibson of Stan Gibson Culinary Events. Guest enjoyed creative and decedent dishes like the pan-seared quail with blueberry gastrique by Alchemy Memphis, oven roasted herb-encrusted lamb by Owen Brennan’s and the aptly named “Pulverize Portland Playoff” blueberry and lemon seed gelato by Rizzo’s Diner. A paired wine accompanied each course. Alchemy Memphis stood true to their reputation for fine cocktails and swapped the dessert wine for a cherry espresso martini. Chefs were awarded prizes for the efforts in varying categories. Awarded were Chef Torres in Best Menu, Chef Aladenika in Most Elegant Table Display, Chef Cieplinski in Best Something Out of Nothing, and Chef Manson in Most Entertaining Chef. Chef Torres was also awarded the honor of Grand Chef. The 2015 American Liver Foundation Corporate Award was presented to FedEx. Winn Stephenson, who retired in June 2004 after 25 years as the Senior Vice President of Technology Systems for FedEx Services, accepted the award on behalf of FedEx. Stephenson was also the founder of the ALF Mid-South Division. Deri Whittaker, executive director AFL Mid-South Division, reports that approximately $47,000 was raised for the ALF Mid-South Division, benefiting the organization’s lifesaving programs and services.

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David and Karen Edwards

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Ron Childers and Joyce Peterson

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Deri Whittaker and Laura Edwards

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Marianne and Cory Hartquist

Steve Pepper and Matt Harmon

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Winn and Judy Stephenson with Robert and Molly Gooch

Mario Torres

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Zoo Brew

ZOO BREW

Benefiting the Memphis Zoo

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here’s not much of a better event for beer lovers in Memphis than the well known and anticipated Zoo Brew. This year’s event took place on a perfect night, offering participants a relaxed and casual evening of strolling through the Zoo and trying out a huge selection of beers. As one of the Memphis Zoo’s many annual events, Zoo Brew is one of the favorites for both locals and out-of-towners. Bringing in over 150 different beers, it’s an event for anyone who appreciates good suds and some good conversation about the many delicious choices. As the number of Memphis breweries increases every year, so do the local choices at Zoo Brew. Not only does this event support the world renowned Memphis Zoo itself, it also supports numerous breweries throughout Memphis and Tennessee. Wiseacre Brewing and Ghost River Brewing were both in attendance with their most current popular beers. Tennessee Brew Works from Nashville participated with a very creative brew – the Basil Ryeman, which prominently highlighted the flavor of Thai basil used in the brew recipe. Of course, there were plenty of nationally acclaimed breweries including Yazoo, Abita, Sweetwater, and Schlafly, to name only a few. However, Zoo Brew reached beyond the U.S. borders by offering a German tasting table as well as an Asian tasting table. No palate was left unhappy, as there was every kind of beer available from pale ales to porters to IPAs and hard ciders and everything in between. The brochure received upon entrance included both a map of the park and a list of all the beers. It also included “Beer-ology,” explaining the taste and texture of the beers that attendees would be tasting. The Memphis Zoo even catered to the beer-lover exception by providing wine and American Born Moonshine. Entertainment did not stop with just the beer! The perfect food to go along with drinking could be purchased at multiple spots. Some of these starch-heavy foods were burgers, pretzels and barbecue nachos provided by Lancer Catering. The Memphis Zoo Green Team recycled all bottles used in the tasting. Music from the Soul Shockers, The Sensation and Dingo Entertainment was there to assist in the partying. Relaxed, fun and tasty, the Zoo Brew is sure to continue being one of the most popular events in the city of Memphis.

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Ronnie Johnson and Tiffany Evans

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Victoria Pietrucha and Ashley Sprinkle

Erim Sarinoglu and Maryana Melvin

Mary Molinski and Jesse Walker

Tony and Michael Mitchell

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ZOO BREW E V E N T Melinda and Keith Duncan

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PRESENTED BY KIRBY WINES AND LIQUORS & CHEF CHAIR RYAN TRIMM OF SWEET GRASS Tower Center 5100 Poplar Avenue, 33 rd Floor Sunday t July 19, 2015 t Tickets $100

Featuring Ben Smith – Tsunami Daniel Studdard – Tower Center/Wade & Company Erling Jensen – Erling Jensen Felicia Willett – Felicia Suzanne’s Frost Bake Shop Jeremy Martin – Tuscany Steak House Jody Moyt – Lafayette’s Johnathan Magallanes – Las Tortugas Deli Mexican Keith Bambrick – McEwen’s Lance Morton – Owen Brennan’s Ryan Trimm – Sweet Grass Sue Valle Hall – Salud! Cooking School, Whole Foods Market Tim Bednarski – Elwood's Shack Music by Ed Finney & Bob Buckley For ticket information, call (901) 683-1271 or go to www.specialolympicsmem.org

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Josephine Circle Luncheon & Fashion Show

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Costumes in the acclaimed British television period drama “Downton Abbey” inspired the theme for the Josephine Circle’s annual fund-raising Luncheon & Fashion Show, held at Hilton Memphis. Guests included several Circle members bedecked in outfits that evoked early 20th century apparel. Runway fashions presented by Laurelwood Shopping Center featured some playful women’s looks, casual attire for men and clothes designed for small sprites. Master of Ceremonies Barry Fuller and former Circle President Eula Horrell opened the luncheon. The silent auction featured dozens of donated items in categories of home décor, garden ornaments, goodies and gift certificates. A string ensemble from Overton High School’s Creative and Performing Arts Optional Program performed, directed by Dr. James Weil. Josephine Millsaps Fitzhugh founded Josephine Circle, Inc., in 1914, during the earliest times depicted on “Downton Abbey.” Story and Photos by Virginia Davis

Tony Allen Karaoke Night

“Wine and Whiskers”

Juvenile Intervention and Faith-based Follow-up (JIFF) held the 3rd annual Tony Allen Karaoke Night at the Holiday Inn University Of Memphis. The grand ballroom was decorated with the Memphis Grizzlies team colors as over 470 attendees gathered in an effort to win the ultimate prize of singing a duet with Tony Allen. Tony was joined at the judges table by Chris Vernon, talk show host of 92.9 FM ESPN, and Brevin Knight, retired professional NBA basketball player, now commentator for the Memphis Grizzlies on Fox Sports Tennessee. This year’s winner was Rebecca Harris as she received a perfect score singing “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice. All proceeds from the event went to JIFF, who is celebrating 12 years of success by helping youth, ages 12 to 18, break the cycle of multiple trips to juvenile court, giving them a new life plan and a vision for a life free from a life of crime. Tony Allen shared his personal experience of his adolescence and even asked, “Where was JIFF when I was a kid?” The event has more than doubled in attendance since inception, as Grizz fans come out to support Allen and his desire to make a difference in the lives of youth served by JIFF.

No one knows how to throw a purrfect party like Mewtopia Cat Rescue. The nonprofit rescue threw its annual “Wine and Whiskers” silent auction that was fit for any animal lover. Held at Designers Choice Interiors on Brookhaven Circle, the event offered Memphians a large spread of local and handmade art as well as gift baskets and, of course, several feline-centric gift concepts up for bid. Guests were delighted by not only auction items such as passes to the Brooks Museum of Art and Live at the Garden packages but also items such as a “Kitty Gift Basket” by Hollywood Feed, cat scratch posts and cat-themed jewelry. Persian cat, Baxter, was a wonderful host as he welcomed attendees to the event. Story and Photos by Rachel Warren

Tara Tomlin and Ann Illsley

The Campaign for Rhodes Celebration Gala The Rhodes College Board of Trustees along with special guests gathered on the Rhodes campus for a dinner celebrating The Campaign for Rhodes. Trustees, alumni, parents, students and special guests from across the country joined area Memphians for the evening to celebrate the successful end of a monumental effort to raise $303.5 million to support student access, learning, engagement and inspiration. Rhodes successfully surpassed its goal with a remarkable $314 million raised. Guests visited with one another during a cocktail hour that featured the Rhodes Jazz Band with Tea Rose Pankey providing vocals. At the conclusion of dinner, students presented “voices” of the campaign to honor all of those who chose to leave a lasting handprint on the great college through their support of the campaign. The evening closed with personal tributes by Art Rollins, Beth Simpson, and Deborah Craddock honoring Campaign Chair and Former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Spence Wilson for his 40 plus years of service as a Rhodes Trustee. Story Submitted Photos by Justin Fox Burks

Story Submitted Photos by Sid Hamler

Jo Walt, Fitzhugh Brennan and Josephine Chrestman Scott and Meg Crosby with Deborah and Bob Craddock

Melody McGaughey, Lisa Harris, Jerry Corder, Phoebe Corder, Tony Allen, Palmer Shelley, Beverly Shelley and Emme Shelley

Russ Wigginton and Chick Hill Sofia Murtaugh with Baxter

Eula Horrell and Liz Thomas

Paula Wellington, Sue Taylor and Annette Poole

Lauren Young, Richard Graham and Shelia Medlin

Dixie Cooper and Angi Cooper

Bailey Kimmitt and Caroline Ponseti

Southern Hot Wing Festival

Hundreds of area residents and visitors spilled across the front lawns of the East Buntyn neighborhood to visit the outdoor “galleries” that were set up for this year’s ArtWalk. Local artists showcased their artwork including stained glass, watercolors, oils and acrylics, as well as woodworks, metal works, textiles, pottery and jewelry. Stefanie Born and Cindie Kelly co-chaired this year’s the ArtWalk. Lisa Jo Perdue was one of more than three dozen artists who participated in this year’s event. Her specialties include jewelry making and shadowbox collages. St. James Anglican Church served as the headquarters for the festivities. The deck in the back of the church served as a stage for local musicians such as Nora Tucker Burns, Creepy Neighbor and Tequila Mockingbird. Brayden Daugherty, 7, entertained the crowds with his “free jokes.” “This year’s festival included 39 local artists, some from right here in our neighborhood. There was a diverse range of mediums offering something for everyone. We had our largest crowd ever, probably close to 1000 people. Proceeds from the event will be used to support next year’s ArtWalk,” Kelly said.

The National Ornamental Metal Museum hosted its Forging on the River event, which included its annual blacksmithing conference and a seated dinner on the banks of the Mississippi River. Forging on the River was sponsored by nexAir, with additional support provided by Mahaffey Tent & Party Rentals and MCR Safety. The three-day conference featured internationally recognized British artist blacksmith Andrew Findlay. His presentations included a slide lecture, as well as a demonstration on how to make a Water Lily Bowl in silicon bronze. Additionally, there was an open forge time for workshop attendees to practice and exchange skills. Views of the Mighty Mississippi served as the background as nearly 100 supporters of the Metal Museum and their guests turned out for a candlelight dinner catered by Another Roadside Attraction Catering. As part of the evening event, a live auction featured some of the best fine metalwork in the country. Museum volunteer Harry Collins served as the auctioneer.

The 13th annual Southern Hot Wing Festival was really something to crow about. This year’s festival saw its largest crowd to date, with an estimated 10,000 people in attendance and 65 cooking teams competing to show off their culinary talents. The judging was sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. “Top bragging rights went to New Wing Order; Wilkes Wings took second place; and Fire Trouble came in third. Also, We Wing Some, We Lose Some garnered the ‘Hottest Roost on the Row’ award for their booth,” said festival Chairman and founder Paul Gagliano. Presenting sponsor for this year’s festival was Jack Pirtle’s Chicken. Sammy Hagar’s Red Rocker Bar & Grill of Southland Park Gaming & Racing catered the food for the VIP tent. Eric Gales, of Uncle Tony’s String Band, was the headliner for the musical entertainment. This year’s festival raised over $30,000. Since the festival’s inception, it has provided over $180,000 in support for Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Memphis, an organization which provides supportive services and a “homeaway-from-home” for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital families, at no charge.

Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger

Women’s Foundation Tribute Luncheon and Symposium Over 1600 women gathered at the Cook Convention Center for the Women’s Foundation Tribute Luncheon and Symposium. This year the organization was celebrating its 20th anniversary. As guests assembled, the program began with a special presentation by New Ballet Ensemble, Collage Dance Collective and Ballet Memphis. Ruby Bright, executive director and CAO of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, greeted the crowd. TaJuan Stout Mitchell, Legends Award Committee co-chairman and board member of the Women’s Foundation, made the presentation for the 2015 Legends Award Honorees – the late Mertie Willigar Buckman and the 1995 founding board of directors. Dale and Brinn Baucum and Kiersten N. Williams were recognized as this year’s Legends Award Artists. Andrea Bienstock, corporate counsel for Belz Enterprises and chairman of the board of directors for the Women’s Foundation, had the honor of introducing this year’s keynote speaker, Debbie Allen. Allen is a nationally known philanthropist, choreographer, director and educator, and was appointed by President George W. Bush to represent the United States as a Cultural Ambassador of Dance. The program concluded with a song from surprise guest, singer and Tony-Award winning actress Jennifer Holliday. Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger

Carissa Hussong, Richard Aycock and Claudia Moise with Mary and Mike McDonald Georgann DeMille

Lisa Jo Perdue

Eric Gales and Paul Gagliano

Megan Doss, Allen Bacon and Meg Bacon

Gayle Rose and Debbie Allen Tawanda and Cordell Pirtle

Laura Edwards and Drayden Daugherty

Kyle Stuart, Lewis Meyer and Tom LaMuraglia

Marcus Agnew and Linda Taylor

Cindy Shainberg, Shirlee Clark and Sharon Wheeler

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Forging on the River

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East Buntyn ArtWalk

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Art and Antiques Market “Sneak Peek” Party

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Over the past eight decades, the Brooks Museum League has executed such generous acts as donating a $175,000 GrecoRoman sculpture along with 180 other acquisitions to the Brooks Museum of Art. The League, which organized in 1934, operates as a nonprofit to support the museum and its programs, and it works to promote arts education in the Mid-South. Throughout the years, the League has relied on the generous support of the community to continue its work of promoting the Mid-South as a progressive arts region through various fund-raising opportunities, including its most recent inaugural Art and Antiques Market. The three-day event was held at the Great Hall & Conference Center, kicking off with “Sneak Peek” Party. Eager shopaholics perused the treasures offered by the more than 20 regional vendors while sipping on cocktails and wine. Just for Lunch provided a spread of shrimp salad, ravioli in cream sauce and cheese torte, among many other savory snacks. “We’re excited about this new event and look forward to continuing to support this great treasure in our community,” Brooks League president Maureen Conley said.

Crafted

Dishes for Wishes

Society of Entrepreneurs Awards Presentation and Dinner

What else goes with a respectable glass of wine and befitting dish? The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, of course. The museum paired its Memphis Food + Wine Series with Memphis Beer Week for an event they called Crafted: HandCrafted Beers & Locally-Crafted Food. Held inside the foyer in the museum’s Brushmark Restaurant and on the terrace, thirty local, regional, and national craft brews were offered for the tasting at the event. Dishes prepared by several local restaurants, including large salted pretzels, a beer pairing favorite, were stationed throughout the site. The Memphis Wine + Food Series is now in its 23rd year and started with a wine auction. It is now considered one of the Mid-South’s top wine and food events, and features silent and live auctions, winemaker dinners and tasting and dinners throughout the year. “This is the culmination of several events, and we’re excited they have found a home at the Brooks. We look forward to continuing this partnership,” Brooks fund-raising events manager Lindsey Hedgepeth said.

Every year for the past nine years Chef Felicia Willett has rallied local celebrated chefs to join in the giving spirit and help support Make-A-Wish® Mid-South’s annual Dishes for Wishes event by creating special dishes for Mid-Southerners to taste as they support a great cause at her downtown restaurant. This year’s all-star lineup included chefs from all over town and, of course, Felicia Suzanne’s restaurant. Other highlights of the event included a live auction assisted by radio personalities Steve Conley and Karen Perrin and testimonies from Wish families. Wish recipients this year were Abby Glover, who wished to go to Walt Disney World Resort, and Natiya Wilson, whose wish was to go to Japan. So far Willett has helped to raise $1.2 million for the organization. Many Wish Kids were on hand to help get the specialty concoctions from the kitchen into the patrons’ hands. “This is a special event that’s well-attended every year. We usually sell out,” Miranda Harbor, Make-A-Wish® Mid-South’s director of community outreach, said.

While most minds immediately settle on Clarence Saunders and Kemmons Wilson when asked about entrepreneurship in Memphis, quite a few other names can be substituted as easily. In a city where self-serve grocery stores and affordable lodging were created, Memphis is rife with industries whose services and employment reach around the globe. Each year the Society of Entrepreneurs (SOE) does its part to make sure these movers and shakers don’t go unrecognized at the annual Society of Entrepreneurs Awards Presentation and Dinner. This year the Society held its celebration at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis. SOE inducted its newest members: Robert G. Adams, Kevitt Adler, Gary W. Dodson, Tommy Earl, James F. Keegan and Z. Christopher Mercer. Hillard Crews was honored as the recipient of the 2015 Master Entrepreneur Award. The organization exists to promote public good for the community and further education in Tennessee.

Story and Photos by Lesley Young

Bruce Meisterman and Richard Alley Miranda Harbor and Casey Tansey Josh Hammond and Lindsey Hedgepeth Judith Barrie, Norman Soskel and Pam Diggons

Barry Cohen and Suzanne Williamson

Lori and Reuben Brunson

David and Bonnie Thorntown with Cathy and Chris Jameson

Hilliard Crews and Jasbir Dhaliwal

Robin Leffler and Penny Belbin Popow Sasha and Brad Scott

Connie Kapner and Mary Lou Gaerig

Erika Karlstedt and Bryan Brasher with Jeff and Vickie Brasher

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National Football Scholarship Foundation & College Hall of Fame Dinner

It was the Roaring 20s again at the Great Hall & Conference Center in Germantown during the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf (MOSD) SpeakEasy, presented by Subsidium, Inc. As at any speakeasy, libations flowed, and guests were offered a beverage as they left the check-in table. Panels covered with “Wanted” posters, each featuring an MOSD student decked out in the style of the era, lined the walls leading into the main room. Restaurants from some of the city’s most popular restaurants, including Jim’s Place Grille, Salsa Cocina Mexicana, Aldo’s Pizza Pies, PF Chang’s and Nothin’ Bundt Cakes had stations surrounding the room. Bret Rodriguez, executive director of the Bacardi Family Foundation, was on-hand, pouring specialty cocktails. Many women dressed as flappers wearing headbands adorned with feathers, and some gents sported hats and suspenders. At checkin, guests were given $1,000 in play money so they could enjoy playing poker, blackjack or shooting craps. Behind a curtained portion of the room, “Bootlegger Mule” drinks were being served and the hidden room was host to a gaming area, staffed by volunteers from Horseshoe Casino Tunica. WMC-TV personality Andrew Douglas emceed the event, and doubled as the auctioneer. MOSD provides speech therapy to hearing-impaired children from age one until they are ready for kindergarten and also helps them with cochlear implants.

Some of Memphis’s best and brightest high school and college football players gathered with their friends, families and coaches at Rhodes College for the National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame’s 43rd annual Black Tie Dinner. The purpose was to celebrate 13 students from schools in five counties in West Tennessee and North Mississippi. The 2015 class of scholar-athletes were chosen from 11 high schools and two colleges, and awards were given based on academic excellence and outstanding performance both on and off the field. “These young men haven’t reached this point without the support of their parents, teachers and coaches,” says Harold Graeter, associate executive director of AutoZone Liberty Bowl, who emceed the event. After the award recipients were recognized, John Barzizza, executive director of the Memphis chapter of NFF, presented The Rex Award to Duron Sutton, head coach at Ridgeway High School. The Bill McElroy Award was given to NFF board member Jim Duncan, former executive director of Memphis Botanic Garden. Justin Toliver, who received one of the two college awards, graduates in the 2015 class of Rhodes College and made remarks on behalf of all the award recipients. “NFF is about young men who know that football is a means to becoming a better man,” he said. Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson

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Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson

Joel Josey, Jack Christenbury, Zach Baddour and Hunter Clay

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Julie and Patrick Ariemma with Abby Meismer and Rick Meister

David Boston and Patti Shannon Lindsey Donovan, Mitzi Ware and Machala Gilbert Chuck and Barbara Strong with Monsignor John McArthur, Joshua McMillon and Duron Sutton

John Barzizza, Jim Duncan, Mike Clary, Tom Bowen and Mike Longo Daniel and Kathy Moore

Kendall Paslay with Tiffanie and Steve Fittes

Tom Watkins, Lauren Draffin and Ed Murphy

Mary Dickerson, Marsha Rainey and Teresa Schwartz

Donna and Pat Hoffman

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Hoedown for Hope

Ptah Black Tie & Tennis Shoes Ball

Central Gardens SpringFest

It was a yee-haw kind of night for Hope House when the nonprofit organization held their first annual Hoedown for Hope event. Complete with country music, a dance floor, food and a mechanical bull, fun was not lacking at this down-home event. Located at the Agricenter International’s Farmers Market Red Barn, it was the perfect spot for supporting an excellent Memphis organization. Hog Wild Real Memphis BBQ provided a perfectly delicious buffet of barbecue sandwiches, baked beans, slaw, pasta salad and brownies. King’s Liquor and Wiseacre Brewing provided libations. Last but not least, this hoedown held a creative silent auction comprised of packages such as a Romantic Nights in Memphis and gift cards to local restaurants including Jim’s Place, Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen and The Capital Grille. Doug Wright, president of Hope House, thanked all the attendees and summed up the work done by his employees and volunteers when he said, “I want to especially thank the dedicated staff who works tirelessly to make sure children and adults have a warm, safe environment in which they can fully thrive.”

Black Tie and Tennis Shoes (BTTS) Ball, an event that is a tradition of the Grand Krewe of Ptah, is a party that is unrivaled when it comes to entertainment. As soon as guests arrived, many headed to the dance floor and started partying to the music of the band Hollywood, which had dancers on their feet all night long. Ptah Queen Anita Howald chose “The Japanese Festival of the Cherry Blossom,” as this year’s theme, in honor of a part of her heritage. Tables were decorated with displays of lighted cherry blossoms. As the party began, members of the 10 krewes dashed to the dressing rooms to don costumes for the skit competition, the highlight of the festivities. Chuck Stewart emceed the event, which began with a contest for the best – meaning most wildly decorated – tennis shoes in the women’s and men’s categories. Carol Saunders, a Sphinx member, won the women’s contest and Keith Renard, King of Luxor, took the prize for the men. Renard’s krewe also took first place in the skit competition, during which he wowed the crowd dressed as the character Beetlejuice.

The Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School’s parking lot saw more traffic than it usually does, but this time it wasn’t filled with cars, it was filled with residents of Central Gardens as they held their annual SpringFest. Kay Price, who co-chaired the event with Tracy Wiswall, said, “It was a great day for the neighborhood to come out and play. And play we did. We had jump rope and games of hopscotch, foursquare and a beanbag toss. Children and adults enjoyed drawing sidewalk art with chalk and having their faces painted.” Many of the adults in the crowd preferred to take things a more sedate pace, gathering to converse in chairs stationed in the middle of the lot. Local band, the Chalkies, provided musical entertainment with a variety of blues tunes and top 40s hits. Matthew Domas, president of the Central Gardens Association, said, “We were pleased with the attendance. Approximately 350 of our neighbors got to know each other better in a fun, casual environment. Events like this promote a small-town environment right here in the middle of the city.”

The Exchange Club Family Center of Memphis 30th Anniversary Open House The Exchange Club Family Center of Memphis celebrated its 30th Anniversary with an Open House at its facility in Midtown. The event featured guest speakers Mayor A C Wharton and Mayor Mark Luttrell, who spoke about The Family Center’s life-saving programs offered by the nonprofit, as well as the staff and partners who made it all possible. The Exchange Family Center works to break the cycle of family violence and child abuse by offering programs to both children and adults to help understand different behaviors and cope with difficult family situations. Story Submitted Photos by Isabelle Blais

Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger Mayor Mark Luttrell, Barbara King, Amy Weirich and Lewis Pittman

Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson

Story and Photos by Emily Anderson

Wayne Fewell and Anita Howald

William Martin and Carlisle Martin

Jane and Steve Leatherland

Paul Gray, Merrill Domas and Matthew Domas

Mary Stewart, Ken Zimmerman and Chuck Stewart

Charles Lawing and Kay Price

Kimberly Smith, Liesl Danley and Amanda Russell

Courtney Black, Mandy Biggs and Lindsay Coplin

Tonya Golatt, Carole Clements and Angela Rusk

Carol Adams and Ruby Ellison

Sally Discenza and Debra Langston

Mia Henley and Catherine Harris

AFTER HOURS

After Hours A photo collage of the latest business happenings Doc’s Wine, Spirits & More Ribbon Cutting

Sylvia Poll, Jeanne Hamilton, Rick Bowers and Mark Page

Lee Still and Lisa May

Glenna Rogers Ward and Kyle Krebs

Jeff and Cindy Debardelaben

Emily Molinaro, Tyler House, Jake Shackleton and Brad Baird

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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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P S E O A N L

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M E T R O

E N R O L

C A O L O M M N A O D M O D G E A T H

tion. Franklin,

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Edited by Ruth Cassin

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

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A B B R F R A U C A L F T I F L A U G E D R U D A B S M A T T S N O U T F L O A L A R H A Z E A G E D

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RS V PHILLIPPI

By Dennis Phillippi

makes America great” and came up with all kinds of terrific things that other people had already thought of for me. The staff at Forbes Magazine came up with a hundred, which makes my job a heck of a lot easier. Those things ranged from “half-court shots” to “The World Series” to “Minnesota accents.” Watching the video really did make me feel pretty good about being an American, even though it rankles the people who live on the other nine tenths of the Americas that we insist on calling ourselves that. It’s amazing that we

Looking back on the preceding sentences, it’s clear that I am falling squarely into the Haters camp. And here’s the super thing about this country: not only is that my right, but I’m also being paid to shout about it. can boast, and boy do we, of having twerkers and invented Twitter, and cheese stuffed pizza crust, and the selfie, and so on. A very, very famous former world-class athlete recently decided to switch genders and the biggest issue has been dealing with the pronouns. Most people I know shrugged it off as less interesting than the backside of his stepdaughter. We have our conflicts among ourselves; there are those who have hipster beards and those of us who hate them. There are people who binge watch TV shows that

seem designed to bum out the viewer and those of us who hate them. There are those who insist on defying common sense by being fanatical soccer fans and those of us who hate them. Looking back on the preceding sentences, it’s clear that I am falling squarely into the Haters camp. And here’s the super thing about this country: not only is that my right, but I’m also being paid to shout about it. In doing so, I am protected by, not one, but two amendments to the Constitution. I’m not sure which ones they are, and it’s my right to be ignorant of them. We gave the world both “Star Trek” and “Star Wars,” thereby also creating the nerd wars. It was Americans who came up with the blues, rock and roll, rap, bluegrass, and country music, thereby also creating people who hate the people who produce one or more of those genres. We don’t just create brilliant things, we, at the same time, invent the people who despise that those things were created. One of the most celebrated and derided inventions of human history, the smart phone is all-American, even though they’re manufactured in other countries. I have found myself complaining about how everyone around me is looking at their phones instead of making conversation when I have put my own phone away only seconds before. All kidding aside, at 239 years old and counting, we have, by far, the most enduring and virtually unchanged government in the modern world. While we may be driven to distraction by what we perceive as petulant, disingenuous, and jaded politicians, something we didn’t invent but did perfect, those political leaders are not foisted upon us against our will. Our system may seem corrupt and unfairly tilted in favor of the rich, it’s the same system we’ve had all along, and, by and large, it is the envy of the world. De Tocqueville said in the eighteenth century that we get the government we deserve, and he was right. For every rich person who seems to buy him or herself a nomination, there are public servants who came from little or nothing and still somehow managed to get into office. OK, maybe not for everyone, but you see my point. It’s a great country; go have a beer and a hot dog, even if we’re all doing it on the wrong day.

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his month we celebrate the 239th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We’ll all be grilling out and drinking American light beer and saluting the Stars and Stripes on July 4th, despite the fact that independence was actually declared on July 2nd, a date John Adams believed would be the “most memorable epoch in the history of America.” The final text of the Declaration was approved by Congress on July 4th, and the document itself wasn’t signed until August 2nd, but, hey, let’s not quibble. We have an anniversary to celebrate. Now, lately there have been plenty of headlines about people in other parts of the world having various beefs with our country, what with our spying on other heads of state, passing laws allowing our citizens to carry firearms pretty much anywhere they want to, including churches and schools, and a recent street poll of folks from other countries opinions of Americans, that basically came down to “fat and loud,” but this isn’t a time to address those issues, this is a time to cheer for the things that make America great. Here’s one: the Iowa Supreme Court just affirmed a person’s right to be drunk on their own front porch. You would think that was already covered somewhere in the Constitution, but it took a woman with a blood alcohol content of .267 percent, several times more than the legal limit to drive a car, and frankly several times more than most people could endure without having to lie down for a while, getting into a fight with her boyfriend, calling the cops, and then being arrested for public intoxication, on her own front porch, for some right thinking people to appeal all the way to the state Supreme Court and have our inalienable right to be hammered at home confirmed as legal. This is judicial activism at its finest. If we can’t drink ourselves into a stupor at home, where can we? Because I didn’t really know where I was going when I started this, I just thought it was funny some woman in Iowa who took her drinking problem all the way to the state’s highest court. I did a search of “what

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The Christ Methodist Church Day School kindergarten class gathers for picture day in 1964, six years after the debut of the first co-ed school in the area served by the Christ Church. Pictured: Front row (L to R) Bill Threldkeld, Bobby Nepstad, Rob Guthrie, Byron Guthrie, Gini Jaynes, Edward Curry. Second row: Jerry Crook, Cary Bowling, Gail Hagenhoff, Stacy Berkley, Michael Heaberg, Robert Gardner, Mark Steiner. Back row: Paul Warren, Frank Farris, Elizabeth Clark, Wayne Johnson, Amy Goode, Marianne Chambliss, Stephen Anderson. Teacher and School Director: Mrs. Charles A. McVean. PHOTO BY ROD PHILLIPS, COURTESY OF EMILY PALMER If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Rachel Warren 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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