RSVP Magazine March 2015 by RSVP Magazine

March 2015

Science of Beer Cirque du CMOM Mardi Gras Masquerade Les Passees Cabaret Ball Memphi Mid-Winter Ball Q&A with Jason and Caitlin Motte

CONTENTS

Contents March 2015

From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Katie Smythe, CEO and artistic director of New Ballet Ensemble & School, took a moment with RSVP to chat about accepting the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program award from the First Lady.

Cirque du CMOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Memphians felt the “Pop. Rock. and Roll!” at the Children’s Museum of Memphis annual fund-raiser.

12 CIRQUE DU CMOM Lauren and Jack Stimac

StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 & 22 This couple is supplying Memphis with artisan popcorn. He is part of a team brewing quality craft beer with lots of Memphis flavor. Streetseens feature Jan and Jim Owen and Ryan Staggs.

40 MEMPHI MID-WINTER BALL Danny Archer and Carrie Glenn

Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Q&A with Caitlin and Jason Motte, founders of The Jason Motte Foundation. M A R C H 2 015

Les Passees Cabaret Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 This year’s Living Ads were “Rockin’ the Kasbah” way up in the Tower Room.

Ambassador Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Sachs in the City Eugene Pidgeon takes a look into the artistic mind of Ira Sachs, former Memphian and acclaimed director/writer, and discusses Sachs’ newest feature film “Love Is Strange.”

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26 LES PASSEES CABARET BALL Jimmy and Andrea Cash

Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34, 50, 52, 53 & 54 Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.

Science of Beer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

46 MARDI GRAS MASQUERADE Roger and Melanie Suria

Adults flock to the Pink Palace Family of Museums to conduct some scientific research on quality craft brews.

Memphi Mid-Winter Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 The Mystic Society of Memphi welcomed their 2015 royal duchesses and dukes in Hollywood glamour inspired from the classic movie “An Affair to Remember.”

Mardi Gras Masquerade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 The Mid South Chapter of the National MS Society welcomed carnival season for a good cause at this Mardi Gras themed bash.

RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Spaced Out Humor columnist Dennis Phillippi ruminates on the wonders and terrors of time and space. Let’s just say Mars is not on his bucket list of desired destinations.

SCIENCE OF BEER Brian McManus and Jasmine Wilson

24 VOX POPULAR Caitlin and Jason Motte

Cover Photo Bill and Julie England at Les Passees Cabaret Ball Photo by Don Perry

R SV P S TA F F Volume XX

Number VI

Marchy 2015 PUBLISHER

Roy Haithcock EDITOR

R achel Warren CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

ART DIRECTOR

Patrick Aker s PHOTOGRAPHERS

Daniel Frederick Patrick L antrip Don Perry Steve Roberts ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Chris Pugh Robin Morgan ACCOUNTING

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.

Ruth Cassin

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Emily Ander son Emily Adams Keplinger Patrick L antrip Dennis Phillippi Eugene Pidgeon Suzanne Thompson Lesley Young

For advertising information contact Roy Haithcock Phone (901) 276-7787, ext. 101 Fax (901) 276-7785 e-mail publisher@rsvpmagazine.com

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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

ROBIN MORGAN, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE 901.276.7787, EXT. 104 robin@rsvpmagazine.com

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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

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

From the Editor

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ell folks, we are getting very close to spring weather. I say that writing my editor letter weeks before you will see it printed, watching the ice melt from Memphis Snowpocalypse 2015 that stormed through our Southern region this February. It’s shameful to complain about the ice and snow, seeing as most of our northern brothers and sisters were snowed in, as in can’t walk out the door snowed in, for a large chunk of time. Yet, the fact is, my southern bones are not equipped to handle any kind of cold, never mind a Polar Vortex. They just are not. And that is why I live in a city where cold means anything below 40 degrees, and sometimes, depending on the day, anything below 50 degrees. I think we can all agree that we are ready for more temperate weather to return to the Bluff City. At some point the nice weather will return, and we will be on our way to my favorite time of year: porch sittin’ weather! I will not speak too much about this important type of weather since as I have thoroughly discussed it in too many previous editor letters, but, in the name of porch sittin’ weather, I have two wonderful StreetSeens to present to you that will amplify your porch experience. Jim and Jan Owen (page 20), the founders of Wolf River Popcorn, have created excellent artisan popcorn mixes that work as perfect porch snacks. Ryan Staggs (page 22), brewer at High Cotton Brewing Co., will not only be able to help you select the perfect craft brew, handpicked to your taste, but will also bottle it up into one of their growlers from their taproom to take home with you. Beer and popcorn, the perfect porch companions to have with you as you watch the sun set on the city horizon with a warm spring breeze blowing through your hair. Doesn’t that sound nice? Get ready. We are almost there!

Rachel Warren editor@rsvpmagazine.com

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SIGNATURE MEMPHIS

Katie Smythe Founder, CEO and Artistic Director of New Ballet Ensemble & School

Hometown: Memphis. Favorite Place to Travel: Italy.

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Place You Go to Think: The shower.

Coolest Thing About Memphis: The way we move the world.

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Your Lucky Charm: My husband.

Best Memphis Hangout: Wild Bill’s on Vollintine and Jackson.

Favorite Southern Idiom: “All hat, no cattle.” Your Best Quality: Love and devotion to children.

Who Inspires You: The students and graduates of New Ballet Ensemble. The Highlight of Your Day: Teaching ballet followed by cooking at home. Proudest Moment of Your Life: Accepting the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award from the First Lady on behalf of our school.

Something You’ll Never Live Down: Trying to achieve the perfect brace position and gain recognition for it from the flight attendant during an emergency landing (this is the absolute truth).

One Goal You’d Still Like to Accomplish: We have one graduate who is at Columbia University. I’d like to see one of our students at each Ivy League uni-

Photo by Steve Roberts

versity at the same time.

EVENT

Cirque du CMOM

CIRQUE DU CMOM

n the true spirit of fun, costumed stilt-walker Val Russell grooved to the beat from on high as a duo from the Valeria’s Wings and Company danced their way through an inflatable cake prop to create the atmosphere of the Cirque du CMOM party. The Children’s Museum of Memphis presented the theme of “Pop. Rock. and Roll!” as they paid tribute to Memphis and its musical legacy at the organization’s annual fund-raiser. As guests made their way through the museum, they were offered a photo op by photographer Michael Thompson complete with a Grammy background and CMOM statuettes. Karaoke singer Jason Holliman provided musical entertainment in one tented area and music sensation Deering and Down performed in an area sponsored by Lafayette’s Music Room. The Record Breaker Club offered a lounge environment and a dance floor where the main musical acts John Paul Keith, with bass player Landon Moore and drummer Brian Wells, and Lord T & Eloise performed. Deejay Mark Anderson kept the room rocking between sets. A variety of vendors supported the event with their culinary delights. Aldo’s Pizza Pies, Andrew Michael’s Italian Kitchen, Café Society, Interim Restaurant & Bar, Lucchesi’s, Lafayette’s Music Room, Memphis Pizza Café, Soul Fish Café, Swanky’s Taco Shop, Schweinehaus, Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, and The Half Shell all offered signature dishes. Judy Pound Cakes, Sweet Magnolia Ice Cream Co. and Whimsy Cookie Company provided a sweet touch. Love Pop Soda Shop served up their craft sodas and Alchemy Memphis poured two signature drinks, one with a pear vodka and the other flavored with peach whiskey. And the hits kept coming. In the Silent Disco area a flashing lighted dance floor had everyone rocking. With props of blinking top hats, glow light necklaces, flashing mohawks and tube lights to add to their ensemble, guests donned headphones with three different channels: classic rock, R&B and pop. Everyone tuned in to their choice of music and danced the night away. Richard C. Hackett, chief executive officer of the Children’s Museum of Memphis, said, “This year, by far, was the best year for this annual fund-raiser. Thanks to event co-chairs Bridgette Speake and Sarah Watkins, who led a team of approximately 90 volunteers, we raised more money than in any of the previous years.” Proceeds from the event will support the educational programs and exhibits at The Children’s Museum of Memphis.

“Pop. Rock. and Roll!”

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Suzanne Abedi and Liz Royer

Dianne Poulos and Mary Wood

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

Christine and Paul Covington

Story by Emily Adams Keplinger Photos by Patrick Lantrip

Julie Burch and Charlie Ryan

Tan Yancy and Eric Callan

Erica Callan and Luke Yancy

Chris Cummins and Jacquelyn Sappenfield

Kathy and Dick Hackett with Greg and Elizabeth Smithers

Ben and Justin Katz

EVENT CIRQUE DU CMOM

James Williams and Lisa Lynch

Bob Hatmaker and Lori James

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Christina Block and Lynn Issacs

Wes Fowler and Mary Thompson

Rebecca and Rob Jolly

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Bob Loeb and Nanette Farris

Richard and Karen Wolff

Marrianne Morgan and Alison Ryan

Anne and Kirk Caraway

Drs. Dharmesh and Purvisha Patel

Catelin Powell and Dan Springer

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EVENT CIRQUE DU CMOM

Chad and Hattie Rounder with Allyse and Zack Holcomb

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Jessica Thompson, Bethany Hesser and Andrea Blaylock

Gay and Hall Prewitt

Kathy Simonetti and Fred Langston

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Melissa and John Alexander

Ryan and Jennings Barnes with Kim and Johnny Pitts

William Hackett and Hannah Heninger

David and Suzanne Spann

Cindy Dobbs, Sarah Watkins, Carrie Roberts, Bridgette Speake and Janie Lowery

EVENT CIRQUE DU CMOM Jeannie and Steve Combs

Pamela Lax, Gloria Key and Jim Hyde

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Lauren and Scott Baird

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Mallari Hensley and Jacob Heirtzler

Phillip Werner and Jessica Stevens

Keating Lowery and Neely Carter

Teresa and Frederick Davis

EVENT CIRQUE DU CMOM

Jessica Robbins and Micah Fleming

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Beth Aversa and Betty Radford

Madelyn Gray, Angela Watson and Karen Tronsor

Maryl and Joe Smith

Terry Lynch and Cathy Weaver

Valerie and Terran Arwood

Beth and John Bryson

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Robin Marston and Haynes Vaughn

Jonathan Lee and Danielle Smith

Katelynn Marcy and Amanda Wester

Teresa and Demone Dickerson

Ellen Fortas, Kelli Dewitt and Anne Gamble

Melanie and Chris Sobczak

Brandon and Christy Cooper

EVENT CIRQUE DU CMOM Cru and Philipp Von Holtzen-Dorff with Meredith Abraham and Bess Lewis

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Chase and Elizabeth Carlisle with Collins and Alexandra Roll

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Dr. James and Misty Stamper with Will and Angie Dupree

Carol Stamp, Megan Staup and Jordan Brown

STREETSEEN

Jan and Jim Owen Poppin’ Something Good

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hen is comes to snacks, Memphians have become accustomed to reaching for a salty or sweet snack made by a large corporation in a huge factory somewhere far, far away from the Bluff City. Thankfully, Jan and Jim Owen, co-founders of Wolf River Popcorn, have helped remedy this with their delicious popcorn mixes that offer quality ingredients with a Memphis kick. With a delightful packaging that showcases a wolf howling at a popcorn moon, the Owens have created “howlin’ good popcorn!” In 2000, the couple relocated from Dallas to Memphis. Both had spent 20 years in Dallas cultivating successful careers in marketing and graphic design, Jim was in marketing research at JCPenny and Jan co-ran a design studio called Owen/Garritson, Inc. They arrived in Memphis with Jim’s family caramel popcorn recipe in their pockets and a desire to create something new and fun for the Memphis market. Wolf River Popcorn is not your average stale tin popcorn. Using all-natural, quality ingredients and non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) corn seed popped in coconut oil, the Owens have created artisan popcorn that is fresh and flavorful. Currently, there are three scrumptious flavors to choose from: Caramel Corn, the Memphis Mix™ and the Double Cheese. Jim and Jan relate that they first got poppin’ by setting up tasting booths in various venues around town to showcase the Caramel Corn. With rave reviews from consumers, the Owens decided to take their product to market. “We got into the downtown Memphis Famers Market. At that point, we knew we needed something else. Jim said, ‘We are in Memphis; we have to have barbecue,’” Jan states, explaining how the couple came to develop their barbecue popcorn recipe. This being the barbecue capital of the world, picking the right barbecue rub and flavor was a critical matter. After some major barbecue soul searching, Jan and Jim met John Moberly of John’s Pantry, who introduced them to his large selection of fresh imported spices. Jim explains how the barbecue magic happened, describing, “It took us over three months of back and forth between us and Moberly. Finally, we settled on something. There are nine secret spices in there.” With the barbecue spice mix in hand, Jim and Jan felt that there was still something missing. Jan says that they wondered what would happen if the Caramel Corn was mixed with the spiced popcorn, adding, “When we took our first bite, we knew this was going to work.” One half sweet Caramel Corn and one half barbecue spiced popcorn, the Memphis Mix™ is a natural snack pleaser in town. Cheese popcorn was the next step for the Wolf River team, and Jan and Jim found their answer at a diary farm in Kentucky, who makes their own cheese powders. “There are a lot of popcorn companies that sell flavor packets. It always tastes a little artificial. That is unacceptable to us. We really want to make artisan cheese popcorn and this dairy helped us do that,” Jan explains. After trying to decide between two equality tasty cheddars, Jan and Jim declared, “Why not use them both?” Hence the Double Cheddar, a mix of white and yellow cheddar popcorn. Jan designed the company’s characteristic graphic wolf as the company logo and explains that they were inspired by the city of Memphis itself: the blue wolf reflects the river and the company’s name channels an essential part of the city’s geographical heritage. Recently, the Owens have revamped their packaging, picking a multi-layer, foil stand-up bag that is completely moisture proof and can keep popcorn fresh for up to two months on the shelf. The Owens note that they will be inventing more fun popcorn mixes in the future. Catch the Owens at any of the Memphis famers markets, where Jim will insist you “shoot” an assortment of popcorn mixes to the delight of your taste buds. Grab a bag at Miss Cordelia’s Grocery and LaMaison Antiques & Collectibles. You can also buy online at squareup.com/market/wolfriverpopcorn and take a look at their website at http://wolfriverpopcorn.com for more Memphis stores that stock Wolf River Popcorn. Story by Rachel Warren Photo by Steve Roberts

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STREETSEEN

Ryan Staggs The Craft of Southern Hospitality

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igh Cotton Brewing Co. has been brewing their popular craft beers in Memphis out of its 598 Monroe location since 2012. With the popularity of its specialty craft beer growing, the High Cotton team added a taproom to the site in 2014. Started by four Memphians with a passion for brewing notable and bold craft brews, High Cotton has quickly found a place on the menu at many local hangouts and its growlers have made their way into just as many Memphian fridges. Ryan Staggs, one of the High Cotton founders and brewers, has been an essential part of the High Cotton mission to infiltrate the city of Memphis with southern hospitality and quality craft beers, one person at a time. “If I can get to you and give you the opportunity to drink several different beers of ours and ask you about what you like and what you don’t like, then I can find a craft beer of ours that you will enjoy,” Staggs enthusiastically states, describing how he wins over even the most hesitant craft beer consumers. This is how High Cotton operates, with a deep knowledge of brew styles, flavors and pairings as well as a flair for making lasting connections with their consumers whether they are experienced home brewers or don’t know their ales from their IPAs. Staggs, a civil engineer, partnered up with Ross Avery, Brice Timmons and Mike Lee, all from very different walks of life, whose passion and, perhaps, obsession with home brewing brought them all together. Particularly, Lee’s home brewing supply shop, Mid-South Malts, and local brewing clubs connected Timmons, Lee and Staggs, who began collaborating on various brews and recipes. After collaborating with each other, their Scottish Ale very soon attracted big attention from professional brewers. “At one beer tasting festival, Lee and Timmons and I were all there representing Mid-South Malts. One of the professional brewers from Yazoo Brewing Company came by our booth and tried the Scottish Ale. He told us that it was a commercially buyable product. To have someone of that level of brewing tell you that your product is good and marketable, that is a real compliment,” Staggs remarks. Things for High Cotton really got underway when Lee introduced Timmons and Staggs to Avery, a commercial airline pilot and devoted home brewer. Avery had plans for a local brewery, and, in fact, had already purchased brewing equipment. All Avery needed was a location and brewers to represent the brewery during his flying time. It was this natural grouping of interests that formed High Cotton Brewing Co. The four were untied in their passion for brewing and a mission to positively impact the community through quality craft beer. Staggs comments that the High Cotton team had plans for a taproom from the get go. Unfortunately, there were legal restrictions on businesses selling alcohol without also offering food for purchase. Timmons, a lawyer, took matters into his own hands and succeeded in changing city code to allow taprooms to operate during certain hours without having to sell food. With popular standards like the ESB and Scottish Ale and limited small batch offerings like Raspberry Wheat and Rye Cascade IPA served, the taproom has become very popular with locals. Staggs comments that High Cotton will be making their traditional Saison and Hefeweizen as the spring and summer months arrive. Speaking about the meaning of the name High Cotton, Staggs expresses that the name “has a connection of historical value to our city. It was the cotton capital of the world at one point. The name plays on the ‘southernism’ that is high cotton, something that means life is good and things are prosperous. I think we have a connection to the roots of this city, and I think that is part of our mission. In this way, we show that craft beer is beer that anyone can enjoy.” Try out the High Cotton lifestyle for yourself. Taproom hours are Thursdays 4-9 p.m., Fridays 4-9 p.m., and Saturdays 2-10 p.m. The beer is always cold and the smiles are warm. Story by Rachel Warren Photo by Steve Roberts

VOX POPULAR

Vox Popular Q&A with Caitlin and Jason Motte

RSVP: What is the mission of The Jason Motte Foundation?

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Caitlin: We want to provide comfort and care wherever there is a need by those affected directly or indirectly by cancer of all kinds. We work with all forms of cancer whether it is pediatric, breast cancer or lung cancer. We have worked with the Susan G. Komen® organization. We were co-chairs last year during for their Race for the Cure in St. Louis. We have been working with Dr. Kurt Tauer at The West Clinic who is developing a lung cancer screening campaign for more prevention. We do work with all types of cancer patients, and we do a lot of our work with those affected by pediatric cancer.

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Jason: We do a lot of our work at children’s hospitals. We really want people who are going through this fight to know that they are not alone and that people do care. We want to serve them in any way we can. Caitlin: We did KCancer(Strike Out Cancer) nights in September in St. Louis. We have had nurses, doctors and patients come out to the games to give them a break from the hospital, a break from hospital walls and let them know that there are people that support them. We have done things like thrown a birthday party for a child whose family was going through a pretty rough time with his diagnosis. RSVP: How did the idea for the Foundation come about? Jason: Caitlin’s grandfather was diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer a month before our wedding. He was receiving treatment from The West Clinic here in Memphis. We just saw how the people around us offered our family the support we needed during that time. We started to think, “How can we give back? How can we help you guys?” They just helped us out so much. That is how is started, with those simple questions. We would go sit with her grandfather while he was doing his chemotherapy. There were amazing volunteers who sat with patients, got them a snack or just read to them from a book. They were just there to provide comfort. That was exactly the support that we wanted to give. That is when we decided to do some-

Photos by Don Perry

ason Motte, relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, and his wife Caitlin hold their annual Strike Out Cancer Gala every year in Memphis no matter how busy their cross-country schedules get. Committed to giving hands-on support to cancer patients and their families as well as to cancer treatments and research, this couple created The Jason Motte Foundation to do just that. With tenacity and heart, the Mottes are determined to Strike Out Cancer for good. RSVP Editor Rachel Warren steps up to the plate to hear what The Jason Motte Foundation has in store for 2015.

thing that eventually turned into The Jason Motte Foundation. We wanted to create something that would really make an impact and truly offer that support to cancer patients. It was still very early on but we knew we wanted to do something that would have made Caitlin’s grandfather proud. Caitlin: In December of 2011, my grandfather passed away. In 2012, we wanted to really get some kind of benefit going. That is how the first fund-raiser began. With our Strike Out Cancer Gala, 95 percent of the proceeds raised that night are split 50-50 between The West Clinic and the Wings Cancer Foundation. We throw that fund-raiser in memory of my grandfather. We do that every November, and this year’s gala will be November 14 at the Great Hall & Conference Center in Germantown. Jason: We are tying to have an impact on several different types of clinics and organizations in their missions to find cures for cancer and provide support for cancer patients. Hopefully, since being signed with the Chicago Cubs, we can continue to bring this awareness and effort to Chicago. In the past, in St. Louis, we have thrown The Jason Motte Cornhole Challenge fund-raiser. We had about 450 people attend with 110 teams participating. We would like to bring that event to Chicago this year as well. We also have our KCancer tshirts, which we started selling in 2013. 108 Stitches, a company based in St. Louis, makes the t-shirts. I have enlisted the help of other baseball players from all 30 Major League Baseball teams to participate in the KCancer tshirt campaign. Each player involved has prior involvement with a cancer organization, whether it is Susan G. Komen®, The Jessie Rees Foundation, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, or Friends of Kids with Cancer, or other support groups. When a KCancer shirt is sold, $10 goes to cancer research and patients. All you have to do is pick your player, pick your size, and you are helping cancer patients and their families. When you purchase a KCancer t-shirt, five dollars goes to The Jason Motte Foundation and another five dollars will go to the baseball player’s charity of choice. Each t-shirt reflects the player’s team colors. To

Jason: We wanted to do more. The sports side of it gives us a very big platform to promote and get more awareness out there. Caitlin: I think we were very much inspired by our own experience. We really wanted to help. From that and our own experience it really blossomed from there. Jason: This is personal to us. We want to be very hands on. There is a quote by Roberto Clemente that is on the inside our shirts that says, “Any time you had an opportunity to make a difference in this world, and you didn’t, then you are wasting your time on Earth.” We live by this philosophy. If something is important enough to you, you make time for it. This is something that is important to us, and we make sure to make time for it. Caitlin: This idea of carving out time to help others is a very real commitment as far as Jason is concerned. He starts training for baseball February 20th. The season begins in April. Including spring training days off, he will probably get maybe 23 days off in nine months. Most of those days are travel days. I think that when Jason says you make time for what you want, he really does take that to heart. There are several instances that I know of when he would take time to visit a hospital on the way down to the field in St. Louis. The nurses and doctors in St. Louis have his phone number, and they would ask him to visit certain children or patients. Jason is truly carving out the little free time he has and using it to visit patients and families. If we can come in and give that family a break for ten minutes, that is ten minutes that they don’t have worry about things. Those ten minutes can mean a lot. Jason: Just scheduling a visit with patients, especially children, can really provide a comfort to them. The knowledge that a baseball player is coming to see you on Tuesday can help them get through that Monday. It gets them excited and happy and can help those child patients get through the next couple of days. RSVP: Is there anything you want Memphians to know about the

RSVP: Does the Foundation have any new goals on its agenda for 2015? Caitlin: We are spreading our mission into Chicago. We are working with St. Jude Children’s Hospital on a couple of exciting projects. The West Clinic is getting a brand new building on Wolf River Parkway. With The West Clinic, I feel like you don’t know about it until you have to know about it. We certainly didn’t. I think the different things they are doing and with the event we are doing, we can really reach a larger demographic. The things that The West Clinic is working on are amazing. The research that is happening there is out of this world. I think we have a lot of cutting-edge organizations in our backyard in Memphis, like The West Clinic. We have been joking around about rivalry with different teams, especially now since Jason went from the Cardinals to the Cubs, there is an old rivalry there, but when it comes to cancer there are no teams. There are no boundaries. Cancer doesn’t discriminate. Jason: Cancer doesn’t care if you are an athlete or a movie star. That is why we are doing what we are doing, and we are going to do as much as we can. RSVP: How can Memphians volunteer with the Foundation? Caitlin: They can email us at TheJasonMotteFoundation@gmail.com. We are always looking for people to help. You can also purchase our KCancer t-shirts and merchandise as well as learn about our upcoming events at our website www.jasonmottefoundation.org. We are also on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @MotteFoundation.

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Caitlin: We are from Memphis. We have had tons of requests to move Our Strike Out Cancer Gala to a location outside of Memphis, specifically St. Louis. At the fund-raiser, we have lots of rare sports memorabilia available at the auction. In St. Louis, the market for these kinds of sports memorabilia is in extreme demand. Despite this, we want to stay in Memphis. It is our home, very literally my home, and it has become home for Jason too. We were thrown into the world of medicine here in Memphis and saw first hand the relentless work the doctors, nurses, and researchers at The West Clinic. When we go back that question that started The Jason Motte Foundation of “how can we help?” that was directed to The West Clinic and the Wings Cancer Foundation as a thank you for all that they did for our family. So whenever we get the request to move the Strike Out Cancer Gala the answer is always “no.” The Strike Out Cancer Gala will always be in Memphis because Memphis is where our roots are. Opening day is April 5th. It will be the Cubs vs. the Cardinals. That day The Jason Motte Foundation will announce all of our upcoming 2015 events. That schedule will include our Strike Out Cancer Gala, our Cornhole Challenges and KCancer nights.

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RSVP: It seems that, in Memphis, sports and philanthropic work go hand-in-hand. Did this in anyway encourage you in your efforts?

Foundation that they may not know?

25 RSVP

date, we have sold close to 15,000 of them. Our entire mission is to help everyone that we can. The more shirts we get out there and the more help we can get makes that mission possible. At the end of the day, that is what it is all about. Baseball is great, but helping people, especially the people and families that are going through what we went through, is a really important aspect in our lives. We thought that having a guy on every team is a great way of getting the message out that baseball cares.

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LES PASSEES CABARET BALL

EVENT

Les Passees Cabaret Ball “Rockin’ the Kasbah”

Suzanne Raines and Tom Bergeron

Rick and Susan Clifford

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Ralph and Sue Berry

Craig and Karyn Whittington

Les Passees, Inc. welcomed guests to the Tower Room at Clark Tower for their 2015 Cabaret Ball. The event’s theme of “Rockin’ the Kasbah” was carried out with fabric tenting the hallway and the Main Ballroom to give the effect of entering an oasis filled with rich fabrics and warm, subtle lighting. Kathy Coleman Sapp, 2015 Cabaret chairman, said, “Every year members of Les Passees look forward to reconnecting with old friends and new friends alike at our Cabaret Ball. For this event, guests were invited to join us on a magic carpet ride through the mystical lands where the marketplace or ‘Kasbah’ was vibrant, colorful and full of anticipation for what is to come.” The evening began with a cocktail reception and a silent auction co-chaired by Wendy Beard and Sue Berry in the Skylight Ballroom. Sparkling jewelry from James Middleton Jewelers garnered a great deal of activity from bidders, as did passes to Disney World, a dinner for eight at Delta Blues Winery in Lakeland, and themed gift baskets that played to a variety of interests. After a welcome from Masters of Ceremonies Ron Childers and Joyce Peterson, Les Passees President Suzanne Shelton and 2015 Cabaret Chairman Kathy Coleman Sapp were recognized for their roles, and in turn, they recognized the efforts of all the Les Passees volunteers. Childers and Peterson announced the presentation of the Living Ads, daughters and granddaughters of Les Passees members, as the young women and their escorts took center stage to represent this year’s sponsors. Ann Hobson Dickinson, who represented BankTennessee, is the daughter of Courtney and Louis Hobson Dickinson III. Representing FedEx was Mary Elise Fioranelli Fortney, daughter of Jeanne and Lawrence Doyle Fortney. Lauren Elizabeth Barker, daughter of Dena and Kevin Robert Barker, represented Bryce Corporation and Burton B. Weil. James Middleton Jewelers was represented by Chandler-Grace Lynn Michael, daughter of Pam and Jacky Lynn Michael. Representing MassMutal Financial Group and the MidSouth Financial Group was Mary Margaret Moore, daughter of Beth and Bruce Moore. Mary Alexander Hooker represented MidSouth Pulmonary Specialists. She is the daughter of Stephanie and Nathan Berry Hooker. Meredith Clunan Matthews, daughter of Deborah and Mark Steadman Matthews, represented Travelennium. After the formal presentation, strains of fine music filled the ballroom and a troupe of belly dancers punctuated the ambience of the evening with an elaborate performance. Dinner and dancing followed with the King Beez providing musical entertainment. Guests dined on Central BBQ Sundaes garnished with cheddar cheese, pepperocini and sausage. Harissa-spiced wings with yogurt mint sauce, arugula salad with vinaigrette, grilled beef with wonton crisps, Boursin mashed potatoes, asparagus and tomatoes rounded out the meal. Dessert was Bananas Foster served over a choice of cheesecake, ice cream or bread pudding. Proceeds from the event will be used to further Les Passees’ mission of providing advocacy and support to enhance the quality of life for children and their families in our community. Grant recipients for this year are Les Passees Kids on the Block and The Harwood Center. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Story by Emily Adams Keplinger Photos by Don Perry

Evan, Pam, Chandler-Grace and Jack Michael

Wendy and Matt Van Cleve

Elizabeth and Mike Rodriguez

Joyce Peterson and Ron Childers

Tyler Barker and Lauren Barker

EVENT Maxine and Noel Oliver

LES PASSEES CABARET BALL

Dan Johnson and Sinclaire Montgomery

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Makenzie and Taylor Fortney

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Buddy and Judy Finley

Emily Booth and Laschelle Jones

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Autumn and Glenn Goerke

Kimberly and Dr. Geza Remak

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Louie Dickinson and Ann Hobson Dickinson

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THE AMBASSADOR SERIES

The Ambassador Series By Eugene Pidgeon

SACHS IN THE CITY

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rewarded for taking risks...you must keep reminding yourself that risk is always a good choice to make.” By his own fond admission, Sachs had a colorful childhood and adolescence in Memphis. He refers to his father, whom he describes as a larger than life character and a man who took great risks. “Memphis was my father...and I got a lot of my risk taking incentive from watching and learning from him,” declares Sachs. “My father was extremely inventive and lived successfully without rules. We lived in a big house on Adams and there were always lots of people, lots of parties,”

gay person emerged from that period without the impact of shame, repression and self-doubt and some amount of pain.” When Sachs returned to Memphis after graduating from Yale University to begin work on his first feature length film, “The Delta,” released in 1997, he recalls having had some internal misgivings about the possible reception he would get from Memphis when making the movie here. “But the reality is, I was completely embraced. It was as if I had been given keys to the whole the city itself,” laughs Sachs earnestly. “I am especially grateful to Linn Sitler from the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission. The gifts she gave me of acceptance and encouragement are gifts I will never be able to repay.” “The Delta” is the poignant tale of Lincoln Bloom, a teenager whose journey into his own sexual awareness is a bright and candid southern story, which rings well above and beyond any sexual dynamic or parameter. The Academy Awards may not have bestowed a little gold statue on “Love Is Strange,” but the film most certainly did not go unnoticed universally. In the category of Best Male Images in Movies, it won the award from the Women Film Critics Circle. Currently, there are nominations pending for the film, the cast, and for Sachs from the Independent Spirit Awards, The Gotham Awards and the Satellite Awards, where “Love Is Strange” is up for Best Picture and Sachs and his co-writer Mauricio Zacharias are poised to win the award for Best Original Screenplay. Ira Sachs officiates a well-oiled machine. By writing and directing independent films, he is able to maintain critical and artistic control of his work. As he grows as a filmmaker and as an artist, he enlarges a cultural palate that draws from every walk of life. He is a true auteur. What’s next promises to be extraordinary. “My writing partner Mauricio Zacharias and I are working on a story about Montgomery Clift for HBO!” Who will play the lead? We’ll have to wait and see. Oh, so it is a Clift hanger? Bravo! Photo by Jeong Park

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he Academy Awards have come and gone. One picture, that did not, however, receive its proper due was a wonderful, independent outing called “Love Is Strange,” directed and co-written by Ira Sachs. This film is a warm and sometimes cozy work of art, bound by an awkwardly comfortable and comically atmospheric thread of serious whimsy that remains charming without ever seeming predictable or inorganic. In the dual leads are Alfred Molina as George and John Lithgow as Ben, a same-sex couple, living in Manhattan, and who, after 39 years together, finally decide to get married. George, a Catholic school music teacher, is fired from his job when news of the marriage reaches the archdiocese. Now, with no second salary to rely on, the couple must surrender their apartment and are separated for the first time. Ben must move to Brooklyn to stay with his nephew. George takes up residence with his former neighbors, party-loving NYPD officers. Let the mayhem begin. All mayhem not withstanding, and with great regard for the mighty acting chops of both Lithgow and Molina, the real secret to the enduring aesthetic of this big little emotion picture is Sachs. A proud native Memphian, Sachs today resides in New York City. “All of my films are very personal. They are not strictly autobiographical and they are fictional. But the feelings are mine,” Sachs asserts. “It is about the risk and the intimacy, that intimacy, which a filmmaker shares with an audience. I love that this intimacy can sometimes almost feel obscene, that it is too close for comfort.” Still, it is almost as if Sachs draws the bounty of his inspiration from the very same menu of pathos as did Charlie Chaplin (“The Gold Rush”) and the great Billy Wilder (“The Apartment”). His is a rare combination of visual and conversational instinct and risk. “Risk, it is very nice to hear that word,” Sachs effuses from his office in New York. “Even at times when you are

he chuckles. “There were just lots and lots of really interesting people always coming in and out of that house.” Sachs was born in Memphis in 1965. It is interesting to understand how his personal and professional trajectory was fueled, launched and supported during his upbringing in the South. Sachs is openly gay and this informs much of his film work. By weaving his own personal experience and insight into the fabric of the plot line, his unique mixture of reflection and honesty makes for compelling copy and marvelous story telling. “My sexuality did put me outside of the mainstream in some ways. And I have been both nurtured and scarred by that experience,” Sachs states.“ But I think just as any kid would who grew up in America during the 1960s and 1970s, not just as a kid growing up in Memphis or the South. I don’t think anyone who was a

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Junior Achievement Bowl-A-Thon Kick-Off Luncheon Ave Maria Wine Tasting and Art Show

The Keeping the Blues Alive Awards

Grand Krewe of Ptah Coronation

Junior Achievement of Memphis & the Mid-South, Inc. held its annual Bowl-A-Thon Kick-Off Luncheon at the organization’s headquarters at 307 Madison. Junior Achievement (JA) has been preparing for its 30th Bowl-AThon, which will take place during the last two weeks of February 2015. JA President and CEO Larry Colbert welcomed the crowd and introduced Dr. Donald Ester, senior pastor of New Bethel Church who gave the invocation. Priscilla Williams, director of marketing and special events for JA, who coordinated the efforts of staff and volunteers, led the event. Guests dined on a catered lunch by Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q Restaurant. The organization’s board chairman, Morgan Bohannon, recognized the board members in attendance with a special acknowledgement of Kim Cherry, past board chairman. Rory Rucker, a fifth-grader at Downtown Elementary School gave the introduction for the keynote speaker Councilman Harold Collins. Among those attending the luncheon was Marilyn Sartain, who has volunteered for the event every year since its inception 29 years ago. In that first year, the event raised $15,000. Last year, with 3,000 bowlers participating, the fundraiser brought in over $300,000. The goal for the 30th (XXX) BowlA-Thon is to ask each participant to raise at least $30 more than they did the previous year. All proceeds will be used to support JA’s in-school economic education programs and JA’s Biz Town.

The Blues Foundation honored 15 individuals and organizations at its 2015 The Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) Awards during a recognition luncheon held at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Memphis. The event was part of the 31st International Blues Challenge, an event also known as “Five Days of Blues and Schmooze.” The Blues Foundation is Memphis-based, but is known around the world as the premier organization dedicated to preserving blues music history. Each year, The Blues Foundation presents the KBA Awards to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to blues music. Jay Sieleman, Blues Foundation president and CEO, welcomed the crowd of approximately 160 attendees. Among the guests were blues and gospel historian Guido van Rijn of the Netherlands; Richard MacLaury, a ICB coordinator for Oakland, California; KBA award recipients and brothers Fernando and Carlos Malles of the Associacion Musical Blues Hondarribia of Spain; and Dr. David Evans, one of the foremost scholars of blues music in the world, who directs the Ethnomusicology/Regional Studies doctoral program of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis. “This year’s luncheon was again populated by very moving stories and acceptances speeches from people who have been promoting blues music for years and years. The Keeping the Blues Alive Awards shows that, what started here in the Delta, has now spread throughout the world,” said Sieleman.

The Grand Krewe of Ptah held its 45th Coronation at The Great Hall & Conference Center in Germantown. Table centerpieces of silk cherry blossoms with rice lights carried out the evening’s theme of “The Japanese Festival of the Cherry Blossoms.” Me & My Tea Room Catering provided refreshments, and local dance party band, The Dantones, got the crowd moving. Master of Ceremonies Chuck Stewart welcomed the crowd and Chairman Sarah Trouy introduced members of Ptah’s past royalty. Visiting Krewe royalty were also recognized, including this year’s King of Carnival, John Bobango and his wife Lisa, Carnival President Ron Johnston and his wife Jean, and Carnival executive director, Ed Galfsky. The royal scepter was transferred from the 2014 Ptah King Chip Trouy and Queen Mary Stewart to this year’s reigning sovereigns, King Wayne Fewell and Queen Anita Howald. The 2015 Ptah Princesses Julie Eaves, Sharon Fewell, Cindy Shaw and Selina Smith took their places on the royal court against a spectacular background depicting a pagoda surrounded by cherry trees. Proclamations from Mayor A C Wharton, Mayor Mark Luttrell, Mayor Keith McDonald and Shelby County Sheriff Bill Oldham were presented. Madonna Learning Center, Peer Power Foundation and Red Zone Ministries were announced as this year’s Carnival Memphis Charities.

The halls of the Ave Maria Home in Bartlett were bursting with colorful conversation and canvases as more than 180 people gathered for the sixth annual Wine Tasting and Art Show. The event was chaired by Ave Maria staff members: Lisa Bell, director of advancement; Linda Gattas, director of special events and volunteer coordinator; and the late Kathryn Werkhoven, development associate. Delta Wholesale Liquors donated the wine for the evening and the St. Francis of Assisi Knights of Columbus provided heavy hors d’oeuvres. Original works from 31 local artists such as Nikki Walker, Cleve Stevens, Rollin Kocsis, Gregory Bowden, Mary Pera, Ernie Patton, Rena Chiozza, to only name a few, offered guests a wide variety of mediums from which to choose. Participating artists garnered 70 percent of the sale with the remaining 30 percent directed to the Ave Maria Home. Proceeds from the fund-raiser are used to provide scholarship assistance to Ave Maria residents and fund residential programs. “We appreciate everyone coming out to support our event. The event has grown in attendance every year and enables us to provide care for our elders,” said Frank Gattuso, Ave Maria executive director. Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger

Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger

Ricky Bursi, Bernadette Pian and Cleve Stevens

Lane Cook, Marilyn Sartain and Ceciel Hapern

Ron and Jean Johnston with Lisa and John Bobango Priscilla Hernandez and Jay Sieleman Lisa Bell, Debbie Marshall and Gregory Bowden

Larry Colbert and Harold Collins

Kathleen and Mike Edelmuth

Larkin Bryant and Andy Cohen

John and Molly Goggins with Keri and James Taylor and Loghan Smith and Will Taylor

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Science of Beer A Stout Education

SCIENCE OF BEER

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Amanda Jones and Stephen Whitney

Zac and Cassie Cox

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he Pink Palace Family of Museums stepped away from its usual programming and offered a night of adult-only education. The annual Science of Beer event was yet again a hit with over 15 beer vendors and a whole array of activities to participate in and to watch. Each vendor, including all of the local Memphis breweries plus more from surrounding areas, set up shop on the second floor of the Pink Palace. Each table offered a sample of anywhere from two to six types of beer per station. Attendees were given a tasting cup and invited to try the plethora of brews. All together, there were at least 50 beers to choose from, ranging from Lagers to Porters from IPAs to Malts. Local breweries represented their hometown well with High Cotton Brewing Company, Boscos Brewing Company, Memphis Made Brewing, Memphis Brewers Association, Wiseacre Brewing and Ghost River Brewing proudly displaying their hard work and accomplished efforts. The popularity of craft brewing in Memphis began in the 1990s, and it has taken root in the city in last several of years. All vendors gladly and thoroughly explained any questions asked about their beer. One Ghost River vendor explained why Memphis is a great place to brew, noting the city’s delicate tap water, which needs no extra filtration, allowing brewers to skip the step of depreciating the quality of water with additives and chemicals. The Memphis’ unique water makes for a more pure, delicious beer. While the beer tasting was definitely the draw for many of the guests, there were also many other opportunities for fun. Kroger provided a station for making mini-pretzel necklaces in order to clean the palate between libations, and the museum offered a “make your own koozie” station, where beer lovers could personalize their very own drink koozie with markers. Of course, this large brew demonstration was all in the name of science and education. One way in which the event brought beer and science into the picture was with the help of the Rhodes College Physics Department. Rhodes students helped explain the physics of beer with an interesting demonstration that highlighted the density of beer as well as the process of “supercooling” beer. Memphis College of Art also brought science into the picture with their display of paper made from spit grain, the leftover “waste” created from brewing. Four mini-lectures available to beer lovers consisted of basic “crash courses” on yeast, microbes, cell count, pitching rate, and homebrew basics. Some other popular breweries that made an appearance were Abita Brewing Company, Schlafly Beer, and Yazoo Brewing Company, to only name a few of the breweries represented. The Pink Palace proved there is never a need for adults to quit learning, especially when it comes to craft beer!

Pamela Hauber and Steve West

Sarah Burch and Sam Lynd

Story by Emily Anderson Photos by Patrick Lantrip See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP Valerie Huery and Trey Koury

Heather and Mathew Nordtvedt

Vanessa Sandoval and Allison Weston

Brittany and Eric Baker with Dan Epstein

Ai Doan and Brett Gaither

EVENT SCIENCE OF BEER David and Candy Staggs

William and Mallory Goudrich

Maria and Rob Ferguson

Nicole Brooks and Jen Larkin

Jenny and David Stenberg

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Steve and Missy McClendon

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Zach and Denise Diffee

Ryan Mockley, Clare Anderson and Alex Nash

Dan and Lindsey Hammer

Jason Prater and Holly Whitfield

Larry Rice, Ashley Crawford and Nick Rice

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Bill, Ginger and Grace Haynes

Traci and Tim Brown

Mary and Eric Crites

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Megan Haynes, Beth Veleke and Sonia Betts

Andrew and Courtney Ratts

Cassie Douglas and Tory Strickland

EVENT SCIENCE OF BEER Molly Foreman and Evan Campbell

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Ashley Evans and Vince Lehman

Brittany Jones, Kim Gerlach, Elizabeth Farris and Watt Ferris RSVP

Tyler and Donna Nelson

Zach and Rachel Liberto

Dee Dallas, Dustin James, Jinxie Lawler and Daniel David Lawler III

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Memphi Mid-Winter Ball “An Affair to Remember”

L Nayla Nassar and Betha Gill

Sarah and Bob Black

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ights, camera, action! It is carnival time again here in Memphis, and the oldest of the Bluff City’s Grand Krewes, the Mystic Society of the Memphi threw their annual Mid-Winter Ball. “Memphi Celebrates the Silver Screen,” is the Society’s 2015 carnival theme, and, this year, a different classic film from the golden age of Hollywood inspires each party. Their preeminent celebration, the MidWinter Ball, chose the 1957 film “An Affair to Remember,” which stars Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr, and was ranked number five on the American Film Institute’s list of greatest American love stories. The Mid-Winter Ball also serves as a coronation and presentation ceremony for the 2015 duchesses and dukes of the royal court. This year Memphi welcomed its newest duchesses and dukes: Laura and Kenny Charbonnet, Karen and Kirk Johnston, Denise and Bobby Pugh, Ashley and Andrew Shipman, Pam and George Sousoulas and Bridgette and Tracy Speake. The 2015 general chairman is Joey Dudek, who attended with his wife Amy. Traditionally, the names of the King and Queen of Memphi are kept secret until closer to Carnival time. Guests arrived at Memphis Country Club prior to the coronation to mingle with old friends. With much excitement, the duchesses and dukes were revealed, much to the delight of their follow Society members. After a “Hip Hip Hooray!” for each, guests found their way to their seats to enjoy a fabulous three-course dinner featuring a modern take on a classic New York steakhouse menu. The first course was a steakhouse salad with applewood bacon, red onions, beefsteak tomatoes, croutons and blue cheese dressing. This was followed by a grilled fillet of beef tenderloin with whiskey peppercorn sauce, creamed spinach and horseradish gratin potatoes and finished with a selection of cheesecake and cannoli that was served on the observation deck of a miniature replica of the Empire State Building – the location where Grant’s and Kerr’s characters were supposed to meet in the movie. The Mystic Society of the Memphi was originally founded in 1872, and sponsored the original Mardi Gras celebrations of the 1800s. In 1933, Memphi was re-established as the first support group of the Memphis Cotton Carnival. Although Memphis Cotton Carnival was renamed Carnival Memphis in the 1980s, and now encompasses nine other Grand Krewes, Memphi remaines a leader in support of the Carnival’s Chairity Iniative.

Caroline and Jeremy Plyler

Julie and George Ellis

Story and Photos by Patrick Lantrip See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Rudi and Honey Scheidt

Dr. Melissa and Timothy Adams

Lesley and Frank Colvett

Cecil and Summer Godman with Donna and Mike McManus

Joey and Amy Dudek

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Mike Roberts and Teresa Hurst

James and Melinda Liles

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Michelle and Rich Frymire

Walker and Jennie Robbins

Jerry and Annette Broadhurst

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Hunt and Beth Campbell

Mike and Joan Heflin

Dr. Rebekah Shappley and Jennifer Brezina

Chey and Bill Widdop

Jane and David Sorsby

Michael and Dr. Shelly Thannum

EVENT Richard Roberts, Christina Roberts and Collier Roberts

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Dr. James and Misty Stamper

MEMPHI MID-WINTER BALL

Martha and Mike Hess

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Susan Arney and Jack Shannon

Sharri and Bill Jones

Jenny and Nick Vergos with Elaine Hare

EVENT MEMPHI MID-WINTER BALL

Brad and Dianne Champlin

Robyn and Van Raby

Larry and Colleen Capstick

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LaUna Brubaker and Elaine Spear

Virginia and Mark Griffee

Kevin and Sherry Kimery

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Matt Gambrell and Katie Borgmeyer

Simon and Jill Wadsworth with Catherine and Ricky Harris

Kim Pitts and Pat Beech

Kay and Neel Gammill

Steve and Pam Guinn with Patty and Steve Welch

EVENT Rob and Jean Johnston

Ann and Caroll White

MEMPHI MID-WINTER BALL

Andy and Jana Lamanna

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Susan and Bobby Solberg

Ruthie and Micah Layman

J.J. Krauch and Vicki McCullough RSVP

Tyson and Karen Bridge

Gretchen Reaves, Ainslie Todd and Kay Liles

Nancy and Charles Coe

Heather Grosvenor and Marilyn Seaton

Liz Baker, Jim Moore and Julie Ellis

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Mardi Gras Masquerade Benefiting the Mid South Chapter of the National MS Society

Nancy Bustamante and Brevin Knight

Rosie and Ben Graves

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ith Cajun-inspired cuisine and costumed guests, the good times rolled as the Mid South Chapter of the National MS Society hosted its second annual Mardi Gras Masquerade. Attendees gathered at The Columns at One Commerce Square where they dined on appetizers and a buffet prepared by Kristi Bush of CFY Catering. Miniature waffle cones filled with goat cheese mousse, candied pecans and cranberries, a trio of cheese truffles, beef tenderloin profiterole, charcuterie, and MS Society-branded crispy wontons were passed as guests arrived. The dinner included miniature shrimp po’ boys, prosciutto melon crudos, potato canapés, sausage and cheese plates, veggie tostadas, Creole shrimp and grits, and a crawfish étouffée bar. Rounding out the meal was traditional King Cake for dessert. A group of friends banded together to provide the evening’s musical entertainment. The band was comprised of Ed Thomas Jr. on piano, Claire Warlick vocalist and keyboards, Alex Stevens on bass, Kirk Smothers on saxophone, Scott Thompson on trumpet, Michael Brose on pedal steel guitar, David Coleman on guitar, Josh White on acoustic guitar, Ed Thomas III on drums and vocalist Andrew Phillips. It was a two-tiered affair. The main action took place on the first floor where tables of silent auction items ringed the room offering a variety of sports-themed items, baubles and bangles, spa treatments, and vacation getaways. The VIP area, housed in the basement, offered a bourbon and whiskey tasting. Stepping inside The Vault Room, guests could preview live auction items such as a flying fishing trip, a flight simulator experience, a guitar autographed by country music duo Brooks and Dunn, and a shopping spree at Oak Hall. “The number one auction item offered a one-year membership in the Krewe of Iris and allowing them to participate in Mardi Gras in New Orleans,” MS Society Mid South Chapter President Stacy Mulder explained. “The highest bidder will join in this year’s Mardi Gras festivities and ride on the float of the oldest, all-female Krewe in the celebration.” Also playing the role of royalty were the event’s King Brevin Knight and Queen Nancy Bustamante. The king is a former Grizzlies standout who currently serves as a color commentator for the Memphis Grizzlies. The queen is a long-time MS Society supporter and her enthusiasm is well recognized as she annually encourages others to lend their support for the organization’s Walk MS. Knight lent his support by offering a golfing outing with him at the Chickasaw Country Club. Local radio personality Ron Olson served as the auctioneer for the live auction and offered a similar package to join him at the TPC Southwind course. The fun-filled evening raised approximately $45,000 to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis. Proceeds will be used to fund 38 research projects all over the country, including one right here in Memphis at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Annually, the Mid South chapter raises over $2 million, with $660,000 of those funds going to St. Jude. The fund-raising also benefits educational programs for people who live with multiple sclerosis and provides emergency assistance funds and college scholarships. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

John and Susan Jerit

Story by Emily Adams Keplinger Photos by Daniel Frederick

Andrea and Dr. Ben Anderson

Ashley Fox and Katie Hardin

Allie and Michael Varner

Marion and Cliff McLemore

Vanessa Ramirez, Sueellen Lopez and Kimberly Solano

Lauren and Andrew Patterson

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Paige and Brad McCormick

Redonna and Mike Allen

Kate Prince and Rebecca Polk

Shauna and Jeremy German

Donna and Michael Dumas

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R. D. and Vicki Singh

Jan Stein and Gail Silverstein

Lance and Jennifer Russell

Dr. Jordan and Gwen Coffey

Ginger and Chuck Leeke

Ashley Linsey and Lauren Bowden

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Allison Sutherland and Blair Cannon

MARDI GRAS MASQUERADE

Elsa Monge and Martha Bustamante

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Whitney and Russell Harris

Karen and Preston Hudson

Russ and Courtney Graham with Keith Jones

Page Robbins Winter Gala

The Mid-South Peace and Justice Center (MPJC) spread its mission of “living the legacy of nonviolence” at the annual Grassroots Gala and Banquet. The night began with music by Barbara J. Lester & The Memphis Drum Tribe, which inspired the crowd to rise from their seats and dance. The keynote speaker, Reverend Osagyefo Uhuru Sekou, spoke on the necessity of assisting our follow human beings. Just for Lunch provided dinner, and the night ended with Jazz Eclectic Folk featuring Carla Thomas & Khari Wynn with a profound spirit of hope for the future of Memphis and all people. The MPJC mission is to engage, organize and mobilize communities to realize social justice through nonviolent action. Their work focuses on economic equality, housing, criminal justice reform, homelessness, protection of civil liberties, food justice and war-torn and occupied states.

Story and Photos by Emily Anderson

“People are always asking me, ‘Where did you get those?’” Shelia Moody said. She wasn’t referring to her shoes or earrings, but a collection of handpainted wine glasses. Moody welcomes the question. “I tell them I bought them at the Page Robbins Winter Gala,” Moody said. This year was no exception for Moody and close to 400 of her fellow Page Robbins Adult Day Center supporters. The annual event, held this year at the Esplanade Memphis in Cordova, serves as the largest fund-raiser for the adult day care. Along with hundreds of high-priced auction items, the specialty wine glasses are a highlight for attendees every year. “The participants from our facility paint them. People collect them, and they entitle the bearer to a bottomless glass of wine at the event,” Page Robbins Executive Director Herbie Krisle said. This year’s gala was called “Seize the Day,” and featured a James Bond theme with posters and cutouts of the famous spy scattered throughout the event space for photo ops. Terri Walker of Walker Auctions led the heated live auction. The AIMS Gang closed out the evening with dancing. Look out for next year’s event February 6, 2016 at The Peabody Hotel.

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Grassroots Gala and Banquet

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Onsite II “Toast for Tots” Benefit More than 75 supporters attended an intimate dinner gathering and silent auction at Nape Café for the third annual “Toast for Tots” Benefit. More than $6,200 was raised for SRVS new program, SRVS Kids & Families(SKF), which assists children with disabilities and their families though early intervention services, an inclusive preschool and therapy. The night began with speeches from SRVS Executive Director Tyler Hampton, SRVS Director of Early Intervention Dinah Monteque, SRVS Chairperson Laura Tumminello and SRVS Kids & Families parent Marcus Washington. Guests were treated to a four-course dinner paired with wine tastings and tableside violin playing by Madeline Flack, a graduate of the SKF program. A silent auction delighted guests with items such as an Invicta Reserve Watch, a jogging stroller, a wine country gift basket, Swarovski custom bracelets and an AutoZone Liberty package, to only name a few of the select items up for bid. Executive Chef Ken Lumpkin featured an eclectic array of his signature dishes that included duck confit, braised ribs and miso-marinated cod. For more than 50 years, SRVS has been at the forefront of providing services for people with disabilities and bringing peace of mind to their families. The SRVS Kids & Families program provides familycentered programs and services that address the unique abilities and challenges of young children with special needs from birth to age 12.

Story Submitted Photos by Courtney Howard

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Elisabeth Silverman and Judith Rutschman

Joe Walker and K. Baker

Anna and Nate Mallett

Laura and Michael Tumminello Tim and Madeline Flack

Emilie Bowman and Shelby White

Jay and Pam Jeffries

Liz White, Meredith Nelson, Nicole Wood and Jere Gerard

Marcus, McKenzie and Ashley Washington

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Onsite III “Wish It Forward” Exhibition The writing was literally on the wall at the Memphis College of Art (MCA) for the Make-a-Wish® Foundation Mid-South’s “Wish It Forward” Exhibition. The event was the culmination of a much larger project that started in 2014 under the direction of assistant professor Hyuna Park. The hard work of the Fall 2014 Design Lab team at MCA was on display in the lobby of the arts college next to a step-bystep process describing how the Design Lab team partnered with Make-A-Wish® to design promotional products for their medical outreach program. Team members included Ana Ramsey, Rashad Worthy, Shelda Edwards, Amanda Acevedo, Ashton Tidmore, Danielle Meseika, Ruby Zielinski, Christopher Hill and Jerrica Willins. A spread of spinach and artichoke dip, finger rolls, hummus, pimento cheese dip, imported olives, meats and cheeses, and cookies by Bogie’s Delicatessen was available for guests to snack on while they sipped on a selection of wines and perused the projects. Founded in 1980 by a group of Arizona Department of Public Safety officers who wanted to grant Chris Greicius, a 7-year-old boy diagnosed with leukemia, his final wish to be a police officer, The Make A Wish® Foundation has granted over 1,400 wishes last year alone.

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Story and Photos by Patrick Lantrip

Facing History and Ourselves Benefit Dinner

Farm to Glass Party: A Toast to CSA Members

More than 600 students, educators, alumni, supporters and community leaders gathered at the 18th annual Facing History and Ourselves Memphis Benefit Dinner to celebrate the organization’s future and to honor the Memphis’ office founding director, Rachel Shankman, who retired in 2014. Current Director Marti Tippens Murphy, along with Mayor A C Wharton Jr., Advisory Board Chair Tina Fockler and others paid tribute to Shankman and her legacy. Shankman, the daughter of Holocaust survivors who was born in a displaced persons camp after World War II, started as the director of the Memphis office in 1992. In honor of her service to Facing History, Tippens Murphy announced plans to expand the reach of a semester-long Facing History elective offered in 25 area schools as well as launching the Rachel Shankman Symposium for educators and students.

Roots Memphis wanted to give their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) members a big heartfelt thank you. In appreciation of their CSA members’ continued support and loyalty, Roots threw them a very green party. Held at Just for Lunch in Chickasaw Oaks Village, the event featured cocktails made from a variety of herbs grown by Roots and light hors d’oeuvres. CSA members mixed and mingled while swapping recipes inspired by their CSA produce packages as they sipped on homemade, infused libations. The Farmer’s Daughter was one such concoction, which included a rosemary tincture(an infused high-proof alcohol), lemon juice, local honey, simple syrup and celery water. The nonprofit is committed to growing and providing Memphians with fresh and sustainable food grown with ethical farming practices as well as teaching a new generation of farmers how to follow in their footsteps through the Roots Farm Academy.

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Story Submitted Photos by Joanna Harris

Story and Photos by Rachel Warren

Haley Moon, Chauntay Harris and Kathryn Calvert Carla Beth and Lee McCallum

Marti Tippens Murphy and Tina Fockler

Claudine Nayan, Wes Riddle and Schuyler Dalton

Stephen Shankman, Rachel Shankman, Brett Shankman and Brian Shankman

Rachel Aiken and James Aiken

Mayor A C Wharton Jr., Brendan Ward, Marguerite Spicer, Congressman Steve Cohen and Brenda McAlister

Abby Miller and Sara Studdard

Bradley and Emily Rice with Scott Elliott and Beau Yarbro Laura Ball, Jessica Harmon and Lindsay Collins with Larry and Michelle Abramson

Tomyra and Carmus Batemon

Nancy and Tom Bell

Mystic Krewe of Pegasus Mardi Gras Ball XII

Literacy is Key: A Book and Author Event Luncheon

Memphis in May Fine Arts Poster Unveiling

The newest member of Tennessee’s highest court, Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Holly Kirby, was recently honored at The Association for Women Attorneys (AWA) Banquet. Her list of achievements is as impressive as it is lengthy. Just a few include becoming Burch, Porter & Johnson’s first female partner, serving as the first woman on the Tennessee Court of Appeals, and closer to home, being the first alumnus from the University of Memphis to serve on that court. Mary Morgan Whitfield, AWA’s 2014 president, made welcoming remarks and introduced Frances M. Riley, who began the program by presenting scholarships totaling $10,000 to four young woman from the University of Memphis C. Humphreys School of Law. Meagan Olivia Jones, Aurelia Veda Patterson, Rachel Cade and Ariel Anthony received the scholarships. Laura Deakins presented the Marion Griffin-Frances Loring Award to Justice Kirby. During Justice Kirby’s acceptance speech, she emphasized her belief that there simply aren’t enough women attorneys in the legislature. Whitfield introduced the 2015 AWA president, Keating Lowery. Proceeds from the silent auction benefited the Humphreys School of Law.

The Mardi Gras Ball XII of the Mystic Krewe of Pegasus, which benefited Friends For Life, was both extremely extravagant and deliciously decadent. Held at Minglewood Hall, the room was adorned with Mardi Gras décor of all manner and kinds, from masks and beads, to feathers and crowns in classic Mardi Gras colors. The program began with the presentation of the U.S. Flag by the Color Guard from of Naval Support Activity MidSouth, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. President James Cox made opening remarks before turning the podium over to Kym Clark of WMCTV, who acted as the evening’s emcee. A private area upstairs was reserved for VIPs, giving them a bird’s eye view of the party below. The outgoing royalty, James Jarvis and Pat McCooter, descended the stage from a ramp and ascended to their thrones on a dais below where a parade of former kings and queens joined them at court. The presentation the 2015 royalty, James Cox, King Pegasus XII and Imagene Azengraber, Queen Pegasus XII ended the program, and revelers moved to the Minglewood 1884 Lounge for more fun at the after party.

The Memphis Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Association presented its fifth annual Literacy is Key: A Book and Author Event at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis. The event supported the sorority’s national philanthropy of Reading is Fundamental. Summer Godman served as this year’s event chairman. The event benefited First Book Mid-South. First Book board member Hutton Easley explained, “We work through other programs, like after-school programs, that model reading behavior. Those programs pick the books for the children, work with them on reading skills and, ultimately, give the books to the children to take home as their own.” A sell-out crowd of over 500 people attended the luncheon. Kappas and their guests mingled on the hotel’s mezzanine where they had the opportunity to purchase an assortment of books. Each title contained a numbered tag corresponding to various grab bag items, gift certificates and works of art by local artist Danny Broadway. Additionally, Macon Wilson and Nicole Yasinsky, representatives from The Booksellers at Laurelwood, were stationed with copies of titles from the event’s featured authors Natalie Baszile, Michael Farris Smith and Patti Callahan Henry. The books were for sale as part of the event’s fund-raising efforts and were available for signing at the end of the program.

The unofficial kick-off for this year’s Memphis in May (MIM) celebration got underway as approximately 100 people gathered at the offices of United Capital Financial Advisors for the 2015 Fine Arts Poster Unveiling. Memphis artist Lester Merriweather was commissioned to capture the essence of this year’s honored country, the Republic of Poland. Merriweather earned a bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University and a MFA from Memphis College of Art. This year’s work commissioned for the international festival is a vibrant mixed media piece that showcases the artistry found in Poland’s deep cultural history. Merriweather described the piece, saying. “I wanted to capture some images of the really rich Polish traditions that they share with one another during their holidays.” United Capital Managing Director Michael Deutsch welcomed the crowd. Deutsch recognized Glynn Weakes, co-owner of 1910 Frameworks, the official framer for MIM, MIM Chairman Elect Doug Browne and MIM President and CEO Director Jim Holt. Holt shared his enthusiasm for this year’s honored country, saying, “Poland gave us Chopin, Marie Currie and Copernicus, all of whom have helped advance humankind. But the country’s greatest asset is it warm, friendly people. We look forward to welcoming them to Memphis as we celebrate our 39th Memphis in May International Festival.”

Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson

Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger

Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson

Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger

Laura Terry, Jim Brasher, Kim Daugherty and Blake Meador

Diana Comes, Fran Riley, Laurie Christensen and Keating Lowery

Ariel Anthony, Aurelia Veda Patterson, Meagan Olivia Jones and Rachel Cade

Goldie Davenport, Loretta Hamilton and Khloe Kenzington

Hollice Johnson, John Hofer and Tijuana Miller

Marsha Berry, Patti Callahan Henry, Michael Farris Smith, Natalie Baszile and Summer Godman

Jim Holt, Lester Merriweather, Michael Deutsch and Glynn Weakes

Hutton Easley, Lolly Easley and David Brown

Randy Blevins, Jacek Dutkiewicz and Doug Brown

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The Association for Women Attorneys Banquet

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Onsite IV

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Onsite V UTHSC Chancellor’s Appreciation Holiday Party

River Oaks Garden Club Holiday Luncheon

The Translational Science Research Building at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), the newest structure on campus, was the setting for the Chancellor’s Appreciation Holiday Party. The annual party is an opportunity to thank donors, community leaders and top-level faculty and staff for their efforts and support. The roughly 200 guests were treated to shrimp, quiche, roasted vegetables, fruit, and other hors d’oeuvres, as well as an array of sweets. Along with dining and dancing, they also got a sneak peek at the university’s state-ofthe-art research building on the corner of Union Avenue and Manassas Street, which is set to open for business early this year.

The River Oaks Garden Club kicked off the holiday season with its annual Holiday Luncheon at the Memphis Hunt & Polo Club. The St. Mary’s Chamber Ensemble provided the afternoon’s music. Stacy Glover from the Salvation Army accepted toys that club members provided for the organization’s Angle Tree program. Glover also updated the club on valuable Salvation Army programs. In keeping with tradition, Betty Green read “’Twas the Night before Christmas.” Party chairs Brenda Harris, Deborah Matthews, and Judy Van Steenberg were congratulated for a lovely and joyful event.

Story Submitted Photos by Thurman Hobson

Story Submitted Photos by Sandra Sperry

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Barbara and Dr. Jerry Treece

May Jane Hamlett and Susan Plough

Burns Nicht Supper In 1796 the beloved Scotsman Robert Burns passed away. Six years later his closest friends held a supper to honor his life and work, and the tradition stuck for more than 200 years. In 1983, a group of Memphians now known as the Memphis Scottish Society, Inc., got together to present their own version of the festivities, and 32 years later the tradition of a Burns Nicht still carries on today. This year’s Burns Nicht Supper was held at the Woodland Hills Event Center in Cordova, and no effort was spared. The dining hall was permeated in plaid, women and men alike presenting their family tartans with pride. The evening kicked off with the famous bard’s Selkirk Grace, a prayer said before “eatin’” followed by the most festive of events, The Presentation of the Haggis, led by piper Bruce Erskine and its dedication, “To a Haggis,” also written by Burns, recited by Margo Wright and Ken Baigrie. Once everyone had their fill of sheep’s pluck, they moved on to the buffet dinner, which featured several traditional Scottish dishes including Cock-aLeekie Soup and Shepherd’s Pie. The night ended on a high note as all joined in on “Auld Lang Syne,” perhaps Burns’ most well known composition. Chambless & Muse and the Wolf River Pipes and Drums provided music throughout the evening. Story and Photos by Lesley Young

Friends For Life Host Pre-Opening Night Performance of “The Rocky Horror Show” Friends For Life (FFL) and their many supporters gathered at Playhouse on the Square to host the Pre-Opening Night of the Playhouse on the Square’s Performance of “The Rocky Horror Show.” With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, Playhouse on the Square filled the theatre with touches of red and pink. Many of the FFL supporters and team sported crimson-hued sweaters or shirts, and almost all of them were pinned with a red ribbon. Allies of FFL were treated to a production of the cult musical as a benefit for their programs and facilities. A night of laughter, gasps and bombshells ensued. The venerated Jerre Dye led the cast as Dr. Frank-N-Furter with a singular style that will leave his imprint for days to come. If Dye had not stolen the show, the costumes would have with corsets, platforms and leather and most everything in pink, including Dye’s hair. The evening was presented by Dr. Thomas Ratliff, who sponsored the whole theater for the night while ticket sales went to FFL. Many fans were clad in their version of their favorite character’s garb and recited lines from the show. For 27 years, FFL has offered education, housing, food, transportation and healthy life skills training to those affected by HIV/AIDS as well as presenting programs to help with awareness, facilitate acceptance and promote prevention. Story and Photos by Lesley Young

Barbara Nash, Dr. Rex and Johnnie Amonette

Janice Atkins and Patti Callan Rock, Belle and Elizabeth Cato Dr. Michael Ugwueke, Dr. David Stern and Dr. Steve J. Schwab

Kris Phillips with Debbie and Dr. Jay Regain

Chris Randolph and Ashley Suaird

Diane Champlin and Paula Buttross

Jan and Eddy Hamilton

Virginia Stallworth, Susan Mackenzie, Bill Burtch and Peter Raccasi

AFTER HOURS

After Hours A photo collage of the latest business happenings

The Skin Clinic Grand Opening

Pattie DePriest, Carole Pruett, Heidi Shafer and Cindy Morrison

Dr. Phillip Flinn and Claudette Hawkins

Tomi Beckemeyer and Holly Colson

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Kittie Kyle Carol Peretz Trunk Show

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Diane Laster and Meg McCord

Carol Peretz

Kim Pitts and Susan Arney

Reception for Rice, Amundsen and Caperton Law Scholarship

Coble Caperton, Amy Amundsen and Larry Rice

Nick Rice and Joy Rice

course

29 Mosesʼ food

32 Movie award

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54 60

41 Bouncy

43 Korean auto maker 44 Complete (2 wds.)

57 Cutting tool

40 BB group

5 Tempo

59 Soiled

62 Was sore 64 Baker

66 Condemns

56 63

54 Secret meeting

39 Covert

3 Like Bugs, long __

4 First rounds 55

51 Very fat

38 Apt

2 Water retention

49 Jabs

35 Chumps

1 Clogs

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6 Alackʼs partner

7 Jellystoneʼs bear 8 Had

9 Utilization

10 Computer key

11 Strawberry dessert

12 South American country 13 Yinʼs partner

21 Brewed drink 23 Black

26 Unsuitable

28 Manipulate 30 Zilch

31 Book of maps

42 Fall mo. 45 Globe

47 Loonies

50 Bikini top

52 Two __ (has two faces) 53 Eat away 55 Milk __

56 Small bright fish 57 Bank no.

58 Portion (out) 60 Labor

61 Song by the Village People 63 First word of a letter 65 Kilometers per hour 67 Eye infection

i t ’ s j a zz!

Solution:

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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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cl a ssy

35 Metal fastener

Y O G I

70 Decree

34 Baseballʼs Nolan

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69 Trim

33 Related

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48 Looks at intently

68 Detest

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47 Founder of Pennsylvania

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27 Beginning of career or

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25 Good-bye

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24 Carpet

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41 Kissed

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39 Perspire

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74 Brown quickly

37 Cambrian to Permian Age

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22 Attack

46 Expert

73 Postpone

36 Capable

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72 High __

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71 Gumbo vegetable

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19 Cob vegetable

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18 __ cum laude

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

17 Simple

16 Old Metsʼ stadium

month

15 Tills

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14 Jewish calendar 6th

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P B R P E M L T I E U M A N S F B I O U T R S B E S D I D E D

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Edited by Ruth Cassin

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RSVP Crossword

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By Dennis Phillippi

Aldrin was never a big fan of the Space Shuttle program, often opining that sending people a few hundred miles into space to experiment with low and microgravity effects was redundant at best, a huge waste of resources at worst. The same can be said for the International Space Station, which is nifty and all, but doesn’t actually serve science in any meaningful way, other than to give journalists different ways to describe the differing attitudes about hygiene between our astronauts and the Russians. The Space Shuttle program was also responsible for far more fatalities than the Mercury, Gemini, and

My brothers and sisters and I were told that we had accomplished something huge by sending a rocket to the moon and having some guys play Plant the Flag, just like we did in the Ferguson’s yard. Apollo programs put together, not exactly a safety record to boast about. Aldrin’s decades long promotion of a mission to Mars is admirable, but difficult to justify. Since that morning back in 1969, like a lot of us, I have been a student and a fan of the space program, but, also like most of us, by the time Apollo 17 landed on the moon, the sight of astronauts in their Stay Puft spacesuits riding around in their dune buggy and hitting golf balls had grown a little tired. It’s understandable, Apollo 17 was in 1972, and there was a lot of other stuff to watch by then. John Lennon and Yoko Ono cohosted a week of the Mike Douglas Show. “Sanford and Son,” “Maude,” and “Kung Fu” were all on, for crying out loud. Who

could be bothered to watch moon golf when you had David Carradine walking on red-hot coals? How could they compete? One way would have been to go ahead and gear up for the trip to Mars. I mean, we already had the personnel, the big honking rockets, and shiny astronauts to make it happen. Unfortunately, we also had that pesky Vietnam War top to deal with, and the whole hippy thing, and did I mention “Kung Fu?” We just couldn’t be bothered. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that a trip to Mars isn’t just a matter of tossing a few brave men and women onto the top of a giant controlled explosion and waiting for them to send selfies of themselves with lots of red sand in the background. It turns out, that a round trip, and prolonged visit to the fourth planet would expose the travelers to more radiation than the neighbors of Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima. They would be literally on their own for no less than two years. That means just that handful of people in a relatively confined space without even the freedom to step outside for a smoke to get some peace. Forget the radiation, it’s the conversation that might end up getting someone killed. I know the people on a NASA mission would be tested like crazy, but can you think of any seven or eight people you could basically be in the same room with for two years without snapping? Now comes the news that Mars One, described as “an interplanetary travel non-profit,” is in the midst of winnowing down the thousands of applicants for a trip to Mars that has one tiny little catch – it’s a one way ticket. Let’s be clear here, this outfit has currently narrowed the list down to 700 or so folks who are willing to go to Mars to die. I’m not willing to visit my nephew in the hospital because I might get a cold. These lunatics would climb into an unproven space craft to fly for months on end through surprisingly dull scenery, without being able to tweet or snapchat or smell anything but one another, all so they could have the distinction of maybe, just maybe, changing their minds about spending the balance of their lives on a desolate rock with zero chance of being able to take it back. Happy Trails, weirdos.

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ne of my very earliest memories was the Apollo 11 landing on the moon in 1969. I was six years old, roused from sleep to stare at the grainy black and white images of what looked like robots from “Lost in Space” hopping around while my parents blubbered about what a big deal it was. My brothers and sisters and I were told that we had accomplished something huge by sending a rocket to the moon and having some guys play Plant the Flag, just like we did in the Ferguson’s yard. We were also told that it was really important that we beat the Russians to the moon, otherwise it would be Communists jumping around up there setting up missile bases instead of taking pictures of their footprints. All of this was brought to mind last month when I was reading an article about Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon and the one who seemed to have been made the craziest by the experience. Neal Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon and the pilot who managed at the last second to set down the foil wrapped Eagle, avoiding unexpected boulders, stayed pretty much mum after he returned. Despite the fact that he had prevented the most widely broadcast crash in human history, he always maintained a sort of “Aw shucks, I was just doing my job” kind of attitude. Aldrin, on the other hand, possibly because he was second out the door, came back maybe the biggest blabbermouth in space history. For over forty years, he has campaigned for a mission to Mars, all while sporting tons of weird jewelry, having repeated battles with the bottle and depression, and chasing every skirt in sight. He has also made a habit of appearing on every television show that offered, from “30 Rock” to “Dancing with the Stars,” on which he had the distinction of being the contestant who had been physically closest to the stars. I met Aldrin once when I was mistakenly invited to the Blues Ball, and I gotta say, he seemed a little, well, looney.

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Local Eats

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1950s

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his snapshot of Williams Grocery on 3114 Radford Rd. at Aubra Rd. gives a glimpse of one of the many local grocery stores on every corner in Memphis not so long ago. Taken in the early 1950s, the photo includes O.T. Williams, Ruth Williams, Vivian Townsend, Johnny Peoria, Billy Millican and Raymond Peoria. 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.