November 2011
Zoo Rendezvous Taste of the Town Connections: Food UTHSC Centennial Gala Paw Prints Auction Gala Q&A with Teresa Schwartz
CONTENTS
Contents November 201 1
From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Cameron Kitchin invites RSVP to the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.
RSVP Watch List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Length is in when it comes to this season’s coats.
10 SIGNATURE MEMPHIS Cameron Kitchin
Zoo Rendezvous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 The Memphis Zoo’s largest annual benefit adopted a well-received “Shake, Rattle and Roar” theme.
StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 & 24
42 TASTE OF THE TOWN Pat Register and Jennifer Piacenti
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He’s expanding his design know-how to the world of gingerbread. Over at the Memphis Botanic Garden, this horticulturist is getting dirty for the kick-off of a new garden. StreetSeens spotlight John Pruett and Chris Cosby.
Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26, 34, 40 & 55 Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.
Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
4 RSVP
Q&A with the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf’s principal and executive director, Teresa Schwartz.
14 ZOO RENDEZVOUS Larry and Tina Hedrick
UTHSC Centennial Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 The University of Tennessee Health Science Center kicked off its 100th anniversary with an elegant affair in the center’s courtyard.
46 CONNECTIONS: FOOD Cardell and Nefertiti Orrin
Taste of the Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Thanks to the Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce’s foodie fund-raiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, tasting for charity has never been so much fun.
Connections: Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Ballet Memphis designed an event for all the senses at Bridges.
Paw Prints Auction Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Pets waiting for adoption were given hope by guests of the local Humane Society’s fund-raiser at the Memphis Botanic Garden.
36 UTHSC CENTENNIAL GALA David and Adele Willman
RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 They Still Make You? Dennis Phillippi finds humor this month in the types of people he can’t fathom still exist.
Cover Photo Elaine and Dr. Marc Stegman at UTHSC Centennial Gala Photo by Nathan Berry
50 PAW PRINTS AUCTION GALA Shea and Travis Oliver
Volume XVII
Number II
November 201 1 PUBLISHER
Roy Haithcock EDITOR
Leah Fitzpatrick CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ruth Cassin Kelly Cox Jonathan Devin Jeannie Mandelker Dennis Phillippi Suzanne Thompson ART DIRECTOR
Patrick Aker s
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PHOTOGRAPHERS
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Nathan Berry Baxter Buck Roy Haithcock Don Perry Steve Roberts SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Libby Huff ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Chris Pugh ACCOUNTING
Ruth Cassin RSVP Memphis is published monthly by Haithcock Communications, Inc. First class subscriptions are available for $55.00 per year. Send name and address with a check to: Haithcock Communications, Inc. 2282 Central Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 For advertising information contact Roy Haithcock Phone (901) 276-7787, ext. 101 Fax (901) 276-7785 e-mail publisher@rsvpmagazine.com WEB
www.rsvpmagazine.com For editorial information or to request coverage of an event, please contact RSVP Magazine one month prior to the event. Call 901-276-7787, ext. 105 or fax to 901-276-7785. e-mail editor@rsvpmagazine.com Follow us on & RSVP Memphis Magazine Copyright 2011 Haithcock Communications, Inc.
From the Editor
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Photo by Steve Roberts
y now, most of you have probably been a guest at a wedding where the bride and groom personalize their reception tables by theming them around their favorite travel locales, hobbies, foods, etc. Well, I attended a friend’s reception this summer that had tables themed around the couple’s preferred TV shows, and my table had “Mad Men” as the chosen theme. While I knew the show had been on for several seasons and was immensely popular (Banana Republic even sells clothes inspired by the show’s characters from the 1960s.), I had no idea about anything else regarding the show and felt quite out of the loop. Then, there were the other guests at the table going, “Oh, you haven’t seen it? You have to watch it!” Of course, my Netflix queue was filled with discs from season one the very next day. Delighted to receive my very first “Mad Men” DVD in the mail, I popped it into the DVD player after work and found the show to be quite slow at first. However, my patience must have been at an all-time high that evening because I watched all three episodes on the disc in order to give a fair assessment. Let’s just say that I became enamored with the intriguing characters, retro sets and the storylines that dare to explore some of the unsettling realities of the 1960s. Plus, the characters always leave you wanting to know more about their lives, especially outside of the New York City advertising world where most of the show is set. This thought process led to the realization that I always want to know more when it comes to just about everything: movie-making, different cultures, ancient traditions, artists’ lives and precisely how Venice was built. The list could go on forever, but what I truly desire to learn the most about are people, which is why this job suits me. Nearly every day at work, an opportunity presents itself for me to engage in conversation with someone new. For instance, this month I met a museum director (page 10), an architect (page 22), a horticulturist (page 24) and a principal/director at a school for deaf children (page 28), and these individuals are only the tip of the iceberg. Scan through some of the party spreads, and I probably ran across some of those folks, too. In closing, I want to say that this curious cat feels truly blessed to have met all of you...and to have some free time this Thanksgiving to catch up on “Mad Men.”
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Leah Fitzpatrick editor@rsvpmagazine.com
Director of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Last book you’ve read: The Art Thief by Noah Charney. Your greatest achievement: The three children my wife, Katie, and I are blessed to have been given. Favorite album: The playlist comes back again and again to “The Joshua Tree” (U2). I can also never get enough of Martin Sexton’s “Live Wide Open.” Guilty pleasures: Wally Joe and Andrew Adams’ duck pastrami, Kelly English’s lobster knuckle sandwich, Jose and Jonathan Magallanes’ elote (Mexican corn on the cob) and Parkway Grill’s (Kwik Shop) chicken pita. Favorite Memphis musician: Can I say Elvis and still be called a local? Amy LaVere and Jason D. Williams are amazing live acts. Personal heroes: Willem de Kooning for his vision and the entire Brooks Museum staff for their incredible and transformative work every day. Childhood ambition: Honestly, my childhood ambitions have come true. I live and work with magnificent art, brilliant people and the chance to make a difference in our great city every day. First concert: Men at Work (Scope Arena, Norfolk, Virginia). But more importantly, I was at Michael Jackson’s 1984 “Victory Tour” show at Giants Stadium. I was in the upper deck of a football stadium, but I was there. Where you take out-of-town guests: The Brooks, Dixon, Levitt Shell, Stax, Civil Rights Museum, Metal Museum, Germantown Commissary, Rendezvous and Central BBQ. One thing most people don’t know about you: I attend nearly every Memphis Grizzlies game and stubbornly still hold my Washington Redskins season tickets. Favorite quote: Fat Albert once made the following observation: "People in glass houses shouldn't run around in their underwear." I agree. Your mantra: Nothing is impossible. When told this, my 7-year-old son replied, “Yes it is. Try jumping up and staying in the air for an hour.”
Photo by Steve Roberts
SIGNATURE MEMPHIS N O V E M B E R 2 0 11 RSVP
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Cameron Kitchin
WHETHER BELTED OR BUTTONED, THIS SEASON’S MOST FASHIONABLE WINTER COATS ALL FALL BELOW THE KNEE.
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RSVP WATCH LIST
THE LONG OF IT
Top Row (from left to right): Gray Jewel Coat by Jade-$235 at Lavish (901-850-7675); Red Side Pocket Coat by Katherine Barclay-$275 at Seriously FUN! Apparel (901-754-0018); Leopard Print Trench Coat by Sao Paulo-$170 at Southern Couture (901-682-1128); Bottom Row (from left to right): Camel Hooded Fur Wrap Coat by Fleurette-$1,145 at James Davis (901-767-4640); Black Kelli Coat by Lilly Pulitzer-$268 at The Pink Door (901-682-2107); Olive Multi-Color Kiotto Coat by Desigual-$410 at Muse (901-526-8738)
Photo by Nathan Berr y
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EVENT
Zoo Rendezvous
ZOO RENDEZVOUS
“Shake, R attle and Roar”
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Jennifer and Joel Hobson
Ginger and Tim Thompson
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t is hard to believe that it has been 28 years since the first Zoo Rendezvous took place with a few hundred enthusiastic zoo supporters and little more than Rendezvous’ signature ribs…and a lot of beer to wash them down. Yet that first great event has evolved to become the spectacular annual party that no one wants to miss. With perfect late summer weather and our world-class zoo as the backdrop, this year’s version did not disappoint. Upon arrival, guests strolled down the “blue carpet,” laid along the Avenue of the Animals (with the animal statues clad in their party best!), to Bill Haley and His Comets’ version of the classic tune “Shake, Rattle and Roll.” Zoo CAO Jimmy Jalenak and his wife, Natalie, greeted partygoers and handed out maps detailing the locations of all food and beverage booths, as well as the entertainment stages. Just inside the entrance, attendees quickly got into the festive mood with the MATV: Video DJ Super Show—only one of many entertainers, including regional favorites Brian “Breeze” Cayolle, John Paul Keith & The One Four Fives, The Plaintiffs, Party Planet and DJ Bobby Smith. Nearly 70 restaurants and caterers generously gave their time, energy and fantastic fare. Some definite crowd pleasers included La Baguette’s assorted pastries from its signature petit fours to a chocolate and a vanilla wedding cake; Bonefish Grill’s Bang Bang Shrimp; Bluefin’s grilled beef skewers, which were cooked on site; Muddy’s Bake Shop’s chocolate cookies with sea salt; Lancer Catering’s stuffed mushrooms with sausage; and Memphis Pizza Café’s assorted slices. Ten full service bars were spread throughout the grounds to provide libations to quench any thirst, and several specialty bars featured were Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Chateau Ste. Michelle wines, Le Chardonnay, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Bosco’s Squared and Kooky Canuck’s ice luge. For their outstanding efforts, Best in Show honors went to Humdingers (restaurant) and Huey’s (bar). First and second place restaurants by the zones in which they were located consisted of the following: Courtyard-Blue Fin (first place) and Horseshoe-Jack Binion’s Steakhouse (second place); China RoadKooky Canuck (first place) and Boscos (second place); Primate Pavilion/Canyon-Wade and Company (first place) and Lynchburg Legends Bar and Grill (second place). Organizers and sponsors, including Platinum Partner IberiaBank, were more than pleased with the benefit, which grossed about $360,000. “Zoo Rendezvous continues to be a phenomenal event for both the zoo and the City of Memphis,” said Tim Dalfiume, the Memphis Zoo’s director of events. “We are fortunate to have an outpouring of support each year from Memphis’ finest restaurants and bars, as well as from our partners who join with us to make this event a success.”
Andy and Chase Wise
Lou and Adrienne Arrindell
Story by Ruth Cassin Photos by Roy Haithcock and Don Perry See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP Lori Heath and Lindsay Overbey
Will and Angie Deupree
Jana Clark and Stephany Goodnight
Mary and Sam Cornprost with Kris and Nick Nicholas
Lindsey Mackie and Trent Henry
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Penni and Don Walker
Anna and Kevin Ritz
Clay and Casey Tidwell
Mike and Elizabeth Rodriguez
Marisa White and Jeff Mathews
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Jessica Little and Nick Dickerson
Mickell and Chonisa Lowery
Alyson Bradley and Emily McCrory
Steve and Paula Beussink
Bill and Krista Freeman
Karen Scott and Bonnie Overland
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China and Ryan Jenkins with Tiffany Brimhall
Christine DiStadio and Cindy Bailey
Lita and Patrick Curlee
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Sandy Munn, Teresa Starnes and Valerie Morris
Bill and Regina Boyd
Jen and Jim German
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STREETSEEN
John Pruett Seasonal Design
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hen preparing a design, architect John Pruett envisions the structure’s permanency, however with his latest project, Camp Good Grief’s Gingerbread Dream, the term “long-lasting” doesn’t exactly come to mind since most of the building components are edible. On display free to the public from November 15-January 7 in Playhouse on the Square’s lobby, Gingerbread Dream might have a short shelf life, but the project has left an indelible impression on its planner. “I did the first Gingerbread Dream last year and found that the project freed my mind to think about design in a different context since you’re designing around unusual materials,” says Pruett. “The other benefit that I hadn’t even anticipated was the reaction of people when they saw it—incredible.” Interested in giving back to another cause, Pruett signed on for Gingerbread Dream after Greg Belz approached him about doing plans for a gingerbread village as a fund-raiser for Baptist Memorial Health Care’s Camp Good Grief, an annual bereavement camp for children ages 7-12. Funds were raised by figuratively leasing the gingerbread buildings to corporate sponsors, and this year, an added fund-raising element entails offering gingerbread orphans for adoption to the public at $20 a piece. In the project’s second installment, visitors will also notice a fresh concept, one that’s a far departure from the Gaudi-inspired village created last holiday season at the Memphis Botanic Garden. Pruett explains, “I knew we had to top ourselves, and then the whole Art Deco theme popped in my mind, maybe because of the renovation I’m working on at Fairview [Junior High School].” Ultimately, Pruett arrived at a theme of New York City in the 1930s, a prominent decade of the Art Deco style. Pruett then worked on sketches depicting full cityscapes, featuring Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree and ice-skating rink, taxis, buses and snowmen. He also collected inspirational images, likes photographs of Times Square and Marc Chagall paintings, to show participating artists, including Greely Myatt, Mary Norman, Sam Griffin, Emma Self and a Memphis College of Art group, led by Bill Andrews, who is also doing an elaborate stage set type backdrop with items donated by Pam Weakley of Solar Tech. Lady Bugg Bakery will be contributing gingerbread people, sure to impress with their furs, top hats and accompanying pets. Currently, the artists are busily preparing armatures for Pruett to test the scale, and once those are completed, it will take roughly three weeks to assemble the buildings. After the buildings arrive at Playhouse, “The City” will come to life in two or three days. Due to the project’s delicate nature, there will be a no-touch policy, which Pruett jokes will be hard to enforce since everything looks irresistible. “We kind of feel like we hit the jackpot this year because hundreds of kids will be coming through Playhouse to see “Annie,” but if you’re headed west on Union and see a glow in the lobby, you’ll know what it is,” he smiles. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
K I T T I E
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Meet the Designer
Thursday, Nov 10 • 4p - 7p Chickasaw Oaks Open House
Friday, Nov 11th • 10a - 5p chickasaw oaks village 3092 poplar ave.
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901.452.2323
Look for us on facebook
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Thursday, November 17 November 18 Friday, Saturday, November 19
4626 Poplar Avenue t Memphis, TN t 901.763.0700
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STREETSEEN
Chris Cosby One with the Earth
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he Memphis Botanic Garden’s greenhouse manager and curator of My Big Backyard has extended his green thumb to the nonprofit’s most recent horticulture offering, the Herb Garden, officially opening on October 27. No ordinary garden with just culinary herbs like rosemary and bay leaves, though both are included, the Herb Garden has almost 500 species of plants and will eventually boast 750 species from cultures around the world. For Cosby, who transplanted his first wild herb, yellow dock, at age 5, the work for the Herb Garden commenced 18 months ago. He specifies, “I began starting the seeds this past winter because some will take two years to germinate, and probably 15 percent that I started won’t germinate till next spring.” Other seeds might take a while to acquire due to their scarcity. One such example is Asian ginseng, which Cosby has been scouting for a number of years and says has been over-collected to extinction in China and Japan. Those seeds the Botanic Garden has used came from its own property and from Cosby’s personal garden, and if necessary, Cosby will request hard-to-source seeds from other botanic gardens. A diverse mixture of plants from calendula (an annual or perennial herb in the daisy family) to tule (grass-like perennial herbs) and Muhlenberg’s cacalia, which Cosby is pictured with in the photo at right, have since sprouted in the nearly one-acre parcel that comprises the Herb Garden. Cosby assures that most visitors won’t be familiar with about three-fifths of the plantings, and one in particular that he points out is tulsi, commonly called holy basil. “I’m really into tulsi—there’s been more than 3,000 years of use of this plant in Hindu tradition and it’s like an adaptogen [an herbal product thought to reduce anxiety, fatigue, stress and trauma],” he says. “I guess I have a penchant for those type of plants because they’re kind of magical, but tulsi is also really easy to grow and flowers all year.” Viewed by Cosby as a public service for those looking to grow herbs, the Herb Garden has customized soil mixes in each of its three areas. The woodland section features plants used by North American groups, some from Asia (specifically China, Korea and Japan) and some from the Euro-Asian woodlands (all the countries between the two continents). Plants too robust to fit in the smaller gardens are modeled into a natural environment in the meadow section, and the formal herb garden has nine different sections, with two being seasonal and another that will change according to the honored Memphis in May country. Proud of having a hand in the Herb Garden, which was created by Tom Pellett with the Memphis Herb Society’s support, Cosby muses, “Part of the plan was to approach the garden as a living museum and to educate the public about the enormous scope of the word ‘herb,’ which has a different meaning all around the world.” Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
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Baddour Center Fashion Show and Auction Josephine Circle Fashion Show Cooper Young Art Invitational Les Passees Stock Exchange Preview Party Lovett’s there, one knows that fashion will IthefplayBabbie a large part in the program, which was definitely case at the 32nd annual Baddour Center Fashion
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Steve and Lura Turner at Les Passees Stock Exchange Preview Party
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Libbee Clifford and Denise Ware at Les Passees Stock Exchange Preview Party
Show and Auction held at Hilton Memphis. Lovett actually emceed the benefit that attracted 500 guests, who helped raise more than $80,000 for the community for adults with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities. Runway trends came courtesy of Special Daze in Senatobia, as well as from Seriously FUN! Apparel and Gloria’s Mother of the Bride, both out of Memphis. A record number of 120 silent auction items were also donated this year, and four live auction items, including suite access for a Redbirds game, were up for grabs. The Josephine Circle Fashion Show took place in the lovely surroundings of the Chickasaw Country Club this fall. For the occasion, Seriously FUN! Apparel contributed its fashions, all modeled by the organization’s new members. The event doubled as a luncheon for Josephine’s past presidents, nine of whom were in attendance: Ann Lansden, Norma McCrory, Snookie Newman, Judy Adkins, Billie Jean Tobias, Pat McCaleb, Betty Cruzen, Jean Taylor and Pat Young. These women, in addition to the membership they presided over, have helped raise funds through the years for Josephine’s interest-free loan and scholarship programs for those pursuing higher education. The David Perry Smith Gallery opened its space for the Cooper Young Art Invitational to help kick off the Cooper Young Festival scheduled for that Saturday. Free of charge to the public, the event showcases works by artists living and working in the Cooper Young Historic District and honors the winner of the annual Cooper Young Festival Poster Artist Contest, won this year by Nick Canterucci. Local singer William Charles entertained throughout the night while guests enjoyed complimentary wine, beer and appetizers. All art sale proceeds went directly to the artists. Dubbed the upscale consignment shop, the Les Passees Stock Exchange continues to grow in popularity each year. With a return showing at the former Circuit City building (10217 E. Shelby Drive), the Stock Exchange attracted many a buyer on Preview Party night, which is always filled with excitement by those looking for the best deal. From globes and sconces to vintage jewelry and garden items, the makeshift shop has anything and everything, and the best part is knowing that the store stays open for more than a month (until October 29). Consignors receive 70 percent of the sale price, and the other 30 percent supports Les Passees Kids on the Block and the Les Passees Harwood Center.
Judy Akins and Brenda West at Josephine Circle Fashion Show
Trudy Steffon, Kate Hearon and Pat Massengill at Josephine Circle Fashion Show
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick and Chris Pugh Judy Daniels and Laura Clark at Les Passees Stock Exchange Preview Party
Babbie Lovett, Alla Olswanger, Laura O’Mell and Betty Hays at Baddour Center Fashion Show and Auction
Nick Canterucci with Tamara and Bobby Cook at Cooper Young Art Invitational
Jenny Schultz, Anne Turner Kirkland, Parke Pepper and Cassie Smith at Baddour Center Fashion Show and Auction
Olivia Flasdick, Joan Foley, Doris Porter and Vincent Miller at Cooper Young Art Invitational
VOX POPULAR
Vox Popular Q&A with Teresa Schwartz
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RSVP: What was your first job working with the deaf community?
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Schwartz: I actually started volunteering at the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf. I did it right after high school and some in college, and when my kids were little, I joined Subsidium, Inc. [an organization that supports MOSD] so that I could have the volunteer job at the school and help raise money for the school. Then, I applied for a teaching job at MOSD and got it. I really haven’t veered far off the path, but I’ve worked with other kids with special needs, including some with Down syndrome and some with autism. RSVP: How did the transition go from the teaching side to the administrative side? Schwartz: It is hard because my heart is still in the classroom, but I have a broader responsibility now, and because of that, I can help do more things for the children, like bringing in money that can provide a new program or a couple of iPads to use in therapy. I really do miss being in the classroom though, and that’s why I like to give people tours. For 10 years, I was a teacher, then I left and worked at Baptist Hospital a while in the pediatric audiology department. I came back to MOSD to be the principal, which I was for four years, and since 2007, I’ve been the principal and the executive director. RSVP: What is the average age that most students come to MOSD? Schwartz: They begin as soon as they’re identified, and their parents will work with one of our parent training people who is an audiologist, Dr. Natalie Johnson. Natalie will have these weekly sessions with the parents and help them to learn how to make their child aware of sounds in the home, how to talk to their baby while changing their diaper, how they can talk to children while they’re dressing and undressing them and those kinds of things that make parents
Photos by Don Perry
s principal and executive director of the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf, Teresa Schwartz says that the ultimate goal for students, ages birth up to 6 years, is to seamlessly transition into mainstream schools upon completion of MOSD’s programs. Once the students are enrolled in a mainstream school, Schwartz notes that the only service often required is speech therapy, and typically by third grade, they don’t need it anymore. The point is that MOSD works! Residing in Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee, students come from all over to engage in a curriculum with heavy emphasis placed on learning to listen and talk instead of sign language. RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrick went on a tour of the school with Schwartz, who proudly said, “Every child that comes is just loaded with potential, and given the opportunity to learn, listen and talk, these students can be on par with their hearing peers and level the playing field.” And that they are, as former MOSD students have gone on to attend UT Medical School and the St. Louis College of Pharmacy and also gained employment at FedEx, the IRS and Lausanne Collegiate School, to name a few accomplishments. confident in their ability to talk with their child. Then, when their child is 2, they can start day school here. RSVP: How many students does MOSD currently have enrolled?
Schwartz: We have 27 enrolled now, and we have seven babies in our Sound Beginnings program. I would love to see it increase, but the only thing is we didn’t build our building big enough. We have a limited amount of space that we can increase into. I think that at capacity we maybe could have 40-45 students. RSVP: Why isn’t sign language used at MOSD? Schwartz: When students come to us and are just learning language, they’re going to grab onto the first thing they see, or the easiest thing. It’s far easier to sign than to speak, so if you offer signing as an option along with speech, students will just learn to sign. RSVP: How does the no-sign language policy compare to the curriculum being offered for deaf students at other schools? Schwartz: Most of the state schools teach sign language, and then, when a child leaves there, they have a pretty limited community that they can be a part of. We’re a part of the OPTION Schools Network, which there are 50 of us around the world, and we all do oral deaf education. We all kind of adhere to that whole philosophy of not introducing signs ever. Now, when a child leaves here, and they get into high school and the vocabulary is so hard that they need to pick up some signs to keep up with things, they won’t lose their oral skills because they’ve been using them. So, it’s not detrimental later in life…signing is just the easy way out when someone’s little. RSVP: What are some current challenges you face at MOSD?
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Schwartz: It’s the money piece that’s so overwhelming. We can say, “Oh, we’re good this year,� but we already have to start worrying about next year. Also, I don’t know what the school merger is going to do. We have some contracts with Shelby County right now for their children, but Memphis City Schools has a program for deaf children. We don’t know what the schools will do when they’re combined, but we’ve made so many good friends in the community that I think we’ll always have some support we can count on. For instance, Hyde Family Foundations recently gave us a $75,000 grant to be spread out in three installments of $25,000 over the next three years. That is going to be such a huge help to us because Subsidium is no longer doing their Carrousel of Shoppes. That left a huge hole in our budget that we’ve been trying to fill, so the Hyde Foundation and FedEx have both stepped up to give us some lead time to create new events and find other resources to help. We have a new event called the SpeakEasy Gala and Silent Auction that will be held on April 14, 2012 at Lexus of Memphis. We will have many fabulous silent and live auction items, great food from the Memphis area’s best restaurants and jazz music inspired by the 1920s—all benefiting the children at MOSD. RSVP: What are some unique features that went into the construction of MOSD on the Kingsway Christian Church campus back in 2007? Schwartz: We designed everything from little potties and sinks close to the ground to the acoustic tile, which is rated at a different rate so that we have the best auditory environment you can have. We have our own sound booth so that we can test children immediately if we notice any drop in their hearing. One of the other things that was a struggle at every meeting was how many sinks we would have because you’re touching kids’ mouths,
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wiping their noses, etc., and we wanted to have them in all of the therapy rooms. We ended up with 17 sinks. We also have a special playground because children with cochlear implants can’t go down a plastic slide since it creates static electricity and ruins the signal somehow. Here, we built an all steel playground and put this special surface on it, so if kids fall down, they won’t get hurt.
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RSVP: What are payment options for students to attend MOSD?
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Schwartz: We offer a sliding fee scale based on someone’s income, so they submit confidential financial records to a committee that meets to discuss what their tuition will be. So far, it’s been good, and I think it’s good they have to pay something because it means they’re invested in it. We did a survey that showed that 33 percent of our kids had parents with an income of under $25,000, and another 25 percent reported an income of under $50,000. That’s over half of our population, and most have siblings. RSVP: What are the different programs offered to MOSD students? Schwartz: The Sound Beginnings program is kind of the first touch with the parents. As soon as the child is diagnosed, we start working with the parent and the baby to make sure they have the right hearing device. All the babies start out with hearing aids, which are required before they can even get a cochlear implant, because you don’t want to do something invasive if a hearing aid will help. When they’re a year old, they can come to speech and language therapy, and then when they turn 2, they can attend day school and do listening therapy, which is called aural habilitation—it’s not rehab because they didn’t have hearing then lose it. Then, we offer special instruction in the classroom. It’s typical preschool kinds of things, but it’s intensive language and a little
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more structured than just turning the kids loose to play for an hour. There are lots of ways to deliver the language, whether through art or music, but it’s mostly structured around certain goals. The children are tested with speech and language tests when they begin, and then we write the goals for the children and retest them at the end of the year to see if the goals have been met. The semester starts in July and ends in May. We have the whole month of June off, but we have several weeks off during the holidays. We still keep 180 school days, but we just redistribute them around the calendar so students don’t lose their skills in the summer. RSVP: Are there any new programs being implemented?
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Schwartz: We just started offering speech therapy to outside clients, so that’s new. We’re kind of trying to promote that to different schools in the area. Sometimes our therapists will go out to different places in the community for that. I know we do it at Harding Academy, over here at Kingsway and at the Goddard School. We don’t do it just for one child, but if there are four or five students that need therapy, we’ll go to those campuses and serve them. Otherwise, parents can just bring their kids here. We also offer hearing screenings to the community four times a year.
RSVP: Have there been any technological advances in the type of hearing tools available to kids that better equip them for the classroom? 33 Schwartz: I don’t understand completely the difference between analog and digital hearing aids, but digital hearing aids have been a big, big boom. The cochlear implant has just revolutionized the way children can hear and talk. It gives them access to sound, access to speech sounds and they can match pitch. When I first started teaching, kids had to feel the vibrations on your throat and try to match lip shape and tongue placement, and it was just a labor. Now, it’s almost natural. They follow the same course of development that a hearing child does; it just begins whenever they get the appropriate device. If a hearing aid meets their needs and they get it when they’re 18 months old, they’re just going to have an 18-month delay. Our job is going to be to close the gap. The FDA has only approved the implant for children over a year of age. There’s also a device called the LENA, and it stands for language environment analysis. A child wears it in a little vest, and it can record up to 16 hours of vocal input. We bring it in and plug it in the computer, and it analyzes the data, which can tell you how many turns taken between the child and whoever they speak to, as well as male voices versus female voices, and it prints a report to tell you how many words were said. You need to speak a certain amount of words every day to get your child to where they need to be, so if the goal is 3,500 words a day and you’ve only done 1,800 by the end of the day, then sing some songs or read some nursery rhymes. It encourages parents and gives them a visual representation of what’s going on. The audio environment in the background is recorded on there too, so you can say, “Look, we can see that you’re doing a lot of talking between 5 and 6. Is the TV on in the background? If it is, that’s a conflict of signal for your child. If you just turn off the TV while you engage in conversation, that’s really going to help the child.� The parents then go, “Okay, I didn’t know that.�
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Art on Tap Stomp in the Swamp Dinner on the Greenway Little Black Dress Affair
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John and Louise Bagby with Carolyn and Nick Buoni at Dinner on the Greenway
Tom and Diane Long and Lisa Crenshaw at Dinner on the Greenway
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Dante and Samatha Wray at Art on Tap
Ryan Baker, Mike Christoff and Bob Burditt at Art on Tap
rt on Tap attracted an eye-catching crowd to the Dixon Gallery and Gardens for eating, drinking and mingling beneath the trees. It was just the sort of social scene that might have been captured by Impressionist painter Jean-Louis Forain, whose works were on display in the gallery. With more than 60 varieties of beer available, tasters had ample opportunity to enjoy their favorites or try something new, perhaps Sir Perry Cider, Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan, Rosemary Pale Ale, “Shelby County” Cask Bitter or Isle of Skye Scottish Ale. Budweiser Memphis, A.S. Barboro, Bluff City Brewers and Connoisseurs, Ghost River Brewing and Boscos provided the suds. Beer-friendly food, like buffalo chicken and sausage sandwiches, were provided by Cotton Boll Catering, L’Ecole Culinaire, Boscos Squared and Las Delicias. Almost Famous supplied the music, and, as always, Art on Tap was free for Young At Art members. Attendees at the Lichterman Nature Center’s annual Stomp in the Swamp, sponsored by the Friends of the Pink Palace, sauntered grounds interspersed with colorful, creatively designed scarecrows made by local garden clubs, schools and churches. Music by John Threlkeld entertained guests as they sipped wine and perused the craft fair inside the building. Dinner tickets were available for a barbecue buffet catered by Germantown Commissary. Spirited bidding at the live auction finished off the night. To celebrate its 25-year anniversary, the Wolf River Conservancy held its Dinner on the Greenway to a sold-out crowd. After picking up a blanket and glass of wine or a beer on the way in, guests chose their picnic spots and settled in while servers moved throughout the crowd offering hors d’oeuvres. Gourmet picnic baskets were then delivered to each group, along with a growler of Ghost River beer. Heart and Soul Catering provided the fare, which people ate at the riverside as they listened to the music of Grassfire. Each group was sent off with a picnic basket and blanket at the end of the evening. Dress for Success, an organization that assists disadvantaged women entering the workplace, held its second annual Little Black Dress Affair fund-raiser at Lexus of Memphis. The event featured a wine tasting, a light buffet, entertainment, a silent auction and, of course, black cocktail dresses galore. The Little Black Dress Affair is one of three events in a campaign called Cause, Cocktails and Couture, which is aimed at raising awareness for the organization. Story and photos by Kelly Cox and Suzanne Thompson
Lauren Wong, Ada Askew, Melissa Yacoubian, Tamara Dupwe and Kelly Kimzey at Art on Tap
Lori Spicer, Candice Morgan and Susan Kyles at Little Black Dress Affair
Will Farrell and Anna Mullins at Little Black Dress Affair
Cindy Metcalf, Ronda Cloud and Ann Jack at Stomp in the Swamp
Carol Holley, Lana Malone and Pat Ricketts at Stomp in the Swamp
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EVENT
UTHSC Centennial Gala
UTHSC CENTENNIAL GALA
Celebrating a Medical Institution
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Valerie and Richard Nollan
Dr. Karen Hasty and Joanna Crangle
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n a picture perfect mid-September evening, more than 500 friends, alumni, staff and supporters of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) gathered in the campus’s historic quadrangle to celebrate 100 hundred years of quality medical education and practice in the Bluff City. Ladies and gentlemen in formal attire were greeted by uniformed valets and had only steps to go from Union Avenue to make their way into the beautifully decorated quad to begin a memorable night. Festivities commenced with cocktails and palate-pleasing hors d’oeuvres, followed by a welcome address and centennial toast delivered by Dr. Steve Schwab, Chancellor of UTHSC. After guests were seated at tables featuring attractive centerpieces in UT orange for an elegant dinner service beneath the stars, Kim Cross, president of the University Alumni Association, led the invocation. The after-dinner program kicked off with the introduction of Mayors Mark Luttrell of Shelby County and A C Wharton of Memphis, both of whom expressed their appreciation of UTHSC’s prodigious presence in our community. Dr. Hershel “Pat” Wall, who has had a long and distinguished career at the university as a student, pediatrics professor, chancellor and now special assistant to UT President Dr. Joe DiPietro, gave a stirring address in which he recounted highlights of his more than 50-year association with the institution. Dr. Margaret Rhea Seddon, a 1973 UTHSC graduate and former NASA astronaut who has logged more than 700 hours in space, served as the special guest speaker. In its illustrious history, UTHSC has graduated more than 53,000 health care professionals and currently consists of six colleges. Other celebrations of the 100th anniversary have included the release of the book The Legacy The Future: A Centennial Portrait of The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, a 5K run and a community picnic. “Our Centennial Gala was an outstanding event,” said Chancellor Schwab. “We are grateful to all our sponsors, alumni and friends for their generous support.” A portion of substantial proceeds from the gala benefits the Transplant Institute at Methodist University Hospital.
Mary and Paul Morris
Madge and Steve Bares
Story by Ruth Cassin Photos by Nathan Berry See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Deborah and Dr. Bill Hickerson
Dr. Lawrence and Yvonne Madlock
Dena L. Owens and Sheila Champlin
Dr. Hershel “Pat” Wall, Dr. Rhea Seddon, Dr. Joe DiPietro and Dr. Steve Schwab
Josh Spotts and Caley Edmonston
EVENT
the Shops of Saddle Creek We need your help to light the Make-A-Wish® tree at The Shops of Saddle Creek! As wish stars are sold, lights on the tree will be lit! Our goal is to sell every star and light the entire tree then 100 wishes will be granted!
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UTHSC CENTENNIAL GALA
December 5th - 8th at
Drs. John and Lily Van Dyck
Sharon and Dr. Jim Bailey
Purchase your wish star by: visiting the Make-A-Wish tent at the Shops of Saddle Creek
calling (901) 680-WISH
visiting www.midsouth.wish.org
“I wish to go to the Walt Disney World® Resort!” Wish kid Daija, age 9 Severe Aplastic Anemia
Drs. Thomas and Valerie Arnold with Joey and Dr. Neal Beckford
Marla and Page Inman
Stephen White and Miguela Caniza
Media Partners: Fox 13, KIX 106 and 98.9 Newstalk FM The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
Kaitlyn Green, Wade Hartsfield and Clark Allen
EVENT UTHSC CENTENNIAL GALA
Holiday Open House
Brian and Abbie Fowler
Kris and Tammy Phillips
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NonSurgical FaceLift
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Barbara Patton, Victor Johnson and Lynne Moore
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Amanda Dean, Dr. James Eason and Laura Harris
Slimmer Arms
Dr. Lacey and Kathy Smith with Anne and Dr. Daryl Quarters
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Garage Band Reunion MWTC Port Night PartnershipInAction Dinner
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Zameer Merchant and Salina Hudani at PartnershipInAction Dinner
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40 Mayor A C and Ruby Wharton with Nasreen and Anwar Aman at PartnershipInAction Dinner
Samino Vivani and Karin Nelson at PartnershipInAction Dinner
Mark Skinner, Lisa Huddleston Skinner, Jack Totty and Melissa Huddleston Totty at Garage Band Reunion
artygoers danced and rocked at The Warehouse to the music of Eddie Harrison & the Shortkuts, Larry Raspberry, The Reflections, Interstate 55 and TriplThret at the eighth annual Memphis Garage Band Reunion. The party honored author Ron Hall, whose book on the city’s garage band scene inspired Alzheimer’s Day Services of Memphis to create this event. George Klein also was on hand at the 1970sthemed affair, which was co-chaired by Melissa Huddleston Totty and Frank Navarra. Proceeds benefit the Ricky Huddleston Memorial Scholarship Fund at ADS. Mae West once said, “Too much of a good thing…is a good thing.” Looks like the Memphis World Trade Club agrees. This year, the 64th annual Port Night, co-sponsored by the MWTC and the Port of New Orleans, capped an all-day Southeast Freight Conference at The Peabody hotel. A who’s who of leading cargo-shipping executives filled the Grand Ballroom at dinner and listened to the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, led by Scott Moore, play band music from the glory days of radio. After-dinner dancing with the Soul Shockers kept revelers at The Peabody until late in the night. Ending global poverty has to start somewhere, and for one night in Memphis, that mission was recognized at the PartnershipInAction Dinner at The Peabody. Part of an initiative of the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A., the gathering helped raise awareness and funds to lower poverty, hunger, illiteracy and poor health in Africa and Asia. Mayor A C Wharton threw his support to the cause by delivering a heart-felt welcome to attendees, and Richard Smith, FedEx’s director of life sciences and specialty services, served as the keynote speaker. Opera star Kallen Esperian also delighted the mostly black-tie crowd with her performance.
Franchester Scott and Melvin Hart at MWTC Port Night
Andre Dean, Cannon Allen and Ernest Strickland at MWTC Port Night
Nick King, Robert Maxwell, Pamela Marshall, Randy Richardson and Scott Sigman at MWTC Port Night
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick and Jeannie Mandelker Photos by Libby Huff and by Jeannie Mandelker
Myna and Barry Hostetler, Ginny and John Webb and Pat Morgan at Garage Band Reunion
Beverly Finnell and Alex Young at Garage Band Reunion
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EVENT
Taste of the Town
TASTE OF THE TOWN
Tasting for Charity
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Stephanie and Joey Brown
Matt and Deb Kirinovic
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n lieu of watching football, nearly 600 Memphians ventured to Hilton Memphis one Sunday afternoon this fall to indulge in numerous, mouth-watering food samplings at Taste of the Town. Hosted by the Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce, the fundraiser for foodies raised enough funds to grant three wishes for Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Mid-South beneficiaries. More than 40 hospitality vendors took part in the affair chaired by Judy Gupton, who was assisted by co-chairs Janice Hamil and Renee Cook. For several years now, these women have secured a diverse mix of appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages prepared by equally unique participants. For example, at one end of the ballroom, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare’s Chef Luther served blackened chicken over grits with shrimp and corn relish and grated Parmesan cheese, while on the opposite end, the Pie Lady offered a spread of cupcakes and chocolate pie slices. Other exceptional offerings included Paula Deen Buffett’s pork sirloin accompanied by watermelon salad, sweet potatoes and Vidalia onions; Grove Grill’s sharp cheddar pimento cheese on bread with bacon marmalade; East End Grill’s spicy crawfish dip served on pita triangles; Interim’s macaroni and cheese topped with country ham; and Southern banana pudding sprinkled with edible gold flakes by Classique Epicurious. In addition to food, coffee, water, soft drinks, wine and even Fireball whiskey, which one patron likened the taste of to atomic fireball candy, were available. The agenda also included music by Pat Register and Donna Wolf, as well as silent and live auctions. Taking a break from volunteering as food judges this year, WKQK 94.1’s Steve Conley and Karen Perrin contributed to the benefit by conducting the live auction. From a children’s birthday party at the Germantown Fire Station to a San Francisco get-away for two and U of M men’s basketball season tickets, Conley and Perrin (better known as “Conley and Karen” on air) roused attendees to bid on a total of 11 tempting items. At one point during the auction, Justin Pioreck, a MakeA-Wish child, joined the auctioneers on stage to urge the crowd, “Give it up for Make-A-Wish!” All those participants eagerly awaiting the Connoisseur Award winners were relieved to hear them announced following the live auction. As the celebrity judges, Jennifer Chandler, Alyce Mantia and Leah Fitzpatrick had sampled to their hearts’ content until coming to the following results: Fine Dining Awards-Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown (appetizer/entrée and overall presentation) and Spindini (dessert); Casual Dining Awards-Jason’s Deli (appetizer/entrée and overall presentation) and CrêpeMaker (dessert). A big thanks goes to each of the food vendors and to the many attendees who have helped contribute more than $100,000 since Taste of the Town’s inception 11 years ago.
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Jessica Jefferies and Paula Casey
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Steve Roberts
Audrey and Andrew Liles
Louis and Renee Talbert
Wardell and Geralyn Seals
Samantha Eichner and Melissa King
Susan Fetz, Stacey and Phil Richards and Sherry Williams
Ken and Jennifer Scroggs
When a swanky full-service florist fills a beautiful Midtown showplace N O V E M B E R 2 0 11
with rare and unusual gifts & antiques, Memphis’ top selection of Trapp candles, Camille Beckman and other treasures, that’s…
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Save 25% on Holiday Items during our Holiday Open House November 4 · 5 · 6
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EVENT TASTE OF THE TOWN N O V E M B E R 2 0 11
Jennifer McNeil with Barron and Sonia Erby
Alissa Reed, Chris Roan and Jennifer Chandler
Zed and Lindsay Woodley
Tim and Kristin Ogburn
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Amanda Butch and Erin Fristick
Leah Fitzpatrick, Steve Conley and Karen Perrin
Dedee and Scot Berry
Jill and Earl Lake
Greg and Rachel Burana, Colleen McDaniel and Nathau Chantara
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We love The Tigers
We Have The Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greatest Clients, Why Not Join Them?
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EVENT
Connections: Food
CONNECTIONS: FOOD
An Event Designed For All Your Senses
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Marcie Daniel and Shaun Johnson
Nao and Andrew Wylie
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oasting the motto “Reach Further,” Ballet Memphis continues to offer groundbreaking performances not only at local arts venues, but also at its highly anticipated yearly benefit, Connections: Food. A clever pairing of dance and edible delicacies, the event raises the profile of both culinary and performance artists while this year also serving as a kick-off for the company’s 25th anniversary season. Ironically, the organizers behind the first Connections: Food never envisioned an encore. Ballet Memphis creative director Dorothy Pugh said, “Originally, this [Connections: Food] was intended to be a one-time only event, but Memphians love good food and wine…and hopefully good dance.” Pugh was correct in her statement because nearly 200 patrons arrived at Bridges for a seventh year ready to mingle, wine and dine, as well as to witness four dances choreographed for each of the dinner courses. As is customary, the choreographers are provided a theme, which this time centered around design. Ballet Memphis’ own Travis Bradley and Julie Niekrasz both contributed their creativity once again with pieces respectively entitled “Splinters of the Stars” and “On the Inside,” and company dancer Kendall G. Britt Jr. marked his choreography debut at Connections with “The Ten Degrees Between Happiness,” which came alive with music by Memphis singer Fille Catatonique (Marcella Simien). Matthew Neenan, artistic director of BalletX in Philadelphia, also joined the lineup by premiering “Water of the Flowery Mill,” a dance inspired by abstract artist Arshile Gorky’s painting of the same name—a successful choice considering the crowd’s standing ovation. The performances were especially meaningful for some of Ballet Memphis’ junior company members, who are invited to attend when they are graduating seniors. Asked to describe how she felt about the choreographers’ approaches, junior member Sarah McFann said, “I think Travis’ was dramatic while Julie’s was emotional, and I’m so excited that Kendall got to choreograph for the first time.” McFann and several of her peers provided a “wow” following Neenan’s piece. Another key component were the chefs, who provided delicious dishes that coincided with the dances. The menu included seared hamachi sashimi and beet stained blue fin tuna gravlax from Do Sushi, duck paillard with Swiss chard carbonara, cracklin’ and grappa macerated cherries from Bayona Restaurant in New Orleans, espresso dark chile chocolate and black pepper and roasted lamb loin by Bari Ristorante. The Beauty Shop Restaurant provided a dessert of chocolate fudge with red sea salt and white chocolate red peppercorn gelato, complemented with a sprinkling of rose sugar on the side. And food aside, one couldn’t leave without knowing that all senses had been engaged this night. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Baxter Buck See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Sarah and Dr. Frank Ognibene
Nicole and Ekundayo Bandele
Matt and Kelley Morice
Eric Gardner and Nikki Taylor
Doug and Melanie Schrank
Kristie Latham, Carly Wheaton, Kathryn Edmonds and Elizabeth Mensah
Steve and Sue Lightman
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ROCK COLLECTION. DEBBIE SEGAL GEMSTONE BRACELETS Designs of gold-Ă&#x17E;lled, hand-hammered sterling silver and natural gemstones, Debbie Segal jewelry is the perfect complement to your beautiful life. Treat yourself to a piece from our wide collection, or add a favorite to your holiday wishlist.
Phentermine, Adipex, Ambien, and Other Prescription Medications Available
30-day supply of phentermine available in clinic for only $25
Now Offering Lipotropic Shot $25 Helps with weightloss!
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Fastest Weight Loss Clinic In Town!
CONNECTIONS: FOOD
Lose Weight
Martha and Mark Heard
Laurie McBride and Melissa Gable
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Walk-Ins Welcome No Appointment Necessary Monday-Saturday www.cordovamedical.com
Cordova Medical Clinic 'U -RKQ %LOOV -U 0' %RQQLH /DQH (1 block east of Corky's)
Jeff Engelberg, Jennifer Scher, Yves Calderone and Tara Engelberg
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Cecile and Fred Nowak
Adam and Penny Shaw
500 GIFTS under$25 (901) 433 9013 Kojo and Gretchen McLennon with Mary and Al Bright
EVENT CONNECTIONS: FOOD
s Gift ll a for
Fiona and Lance Binder
Bring this ad for 15% off any one item*
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Holidays start at the CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE Sat., Nov. 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We’ll feature personalized gifts for all, Christmas gourmet treats, serving pieces, decorations, ornaments, candles, stockings, Christmas cards, invitations, Arthur Court Designs & Department 56 villages.
Jessica and Bill Fredrick
In Carrefour, Kirby Pkwy. & Poplar, 901-758-0034 See us on Facebook *some exceptions Visit happi-stores.com or Greg and Kelly McGowan
Patrick and Holly Whitfield
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HAPPI-STORES
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Exquisite Exquisite framing framing ffor or what what you you treasure treasure
Mike and Gay Williams with Marne Anderson
custom fframing custom raming original or iginal ar artt
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2571 Broad 2571 Br oad Avenue Avenue | 901.323.ARTS 901.323.ARTS
Treasures Treasures to to make make you you feel feel exquisite exquisite Sarah McFann and Holly Larsen
Kristen Hunter and Amanda Turner hand-blown art glass by James Hayes
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PAW PRINTS AUCTION GALA
EVENT
Paw Prints Auction Gala Benefiting the Humane Society
E John and Kery Sneed
Katie Pemberton and Todd Stricklin
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very year one gala evening always goes to the dogs—and the cats too! The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County’s Paw Prints 2011 celebrated the lives of pets waiting for adoption while supporting them in the time being. It was the first chilly night of autumn, but several hundred pet lovers far and wide made their way to Hardin Hall at the Memphis Botanic Garden in late summer cocktail finery. Men arrived in sport jackets and business suits, with and without neckties, while the ladies wore light strapless gowns with stoles and wraps or little black dresses. All were greeted by the gentle strumming of acoustic guitarist Dr. Lily Afshar, who played as guests picked up cocktails and strolled along a hallway filled with silent auction items. Petthemed art was the main attraction though spirits, sports items and other gifts abounded. A showcase full of jewelry attracted partygoers’ view on the way into Hardin Hall, where Memphis soul diva Susan Marshall and her band changed the temperature from brisk to red hot with her sultry sounds. Chicken with tortellini, spinach salad and roast beef sliders made up the buffet dinner, which got the sated crowd ready for a welcome by Humane Society board members and staff, who announced the Humane Society’s Campaign for 100—a plan to build new dog runs for pups not yet ready for adoption. Soon enough, it was back to the entertainment as Kallen Esperian provided the evening’s musical climax. Jim Eikner of WKNO had the difficult job of following the noted opera star on stage when he conducted a live auction of even grander prizes consisting of large pieces of art, vacation packages and more. The only ones missing from this magnificent evening were Rover, Socks, Max, Bella, Lady, Wrinkles and Mr. Whiskers, none of whom could find a thing to wear. But thanks to supporters of the Humane Society, the party is just beginning for them.
Sharon and Dr. Edwin Thorpe
Beth Mobilian and Randy Robinson
Story by Jonathan Devin Photos by Steve Roberts See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP Anise and Ron Belz
Susan Marshall and Maria Garrett
Obie Sue Thomas and Rinnie Wood
Dale and Sherry Jones with Rick and Susan Clifford
Steve Schwartz and Susan Gaugh
cl a ssy
For underwriting information, call 901-678-2560 Visit us online at wumr wumr.memphis.edu .memphis.edu
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EVENT PAW PRINTS AUCTION GALA
Dale and Brandi Harvey
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Nina Youis and Kimberly Solano
Nathan Lubin and Alla Olswanger with Amy and Joel Barnes RSVP
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Billy and Margaret Babb
Christy and Chris Moneymaker
Paige and Chase Holmes with Anna and Ben Nicol
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3092 Poplar Ave. (next to the main public library)
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Stacy’s Hallmark La Baguette Bakery & Bistro Pelli’ Aesthetics Seize the Clay Ella Hair, Inc. Primary Care Specialists Pier 1 Imports Fountain Art Gallery JM’s Beautiful You Maternity Kelly Beers Salon Mrs. Post Stationery Just for Lunch 7th Avenue Jimmy Graham Interior Design David Johnson Designs Lisa Mallory Interior Design Kittie Kyle More T.H.E.R.A.P.Y Poppies A. Shaw Jewelry
EVENT PAW PRINTS AUCTION GALA N O V E M B E R 2 0 11
Roger Ross and Linda Tremayne
Debra and David Aquadro
Wes Pugh and Alexis Amorose
Jean Oliver and Bernie Krock
Henry Townsend and Kim Proctor
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Linda and Doron Rozen
Sam and Mary Cornpropst
Holly Crump and Kay Liles
Kathleen and Mike Edelmuth
Zoe and Alan Nadel
Callie and J.D. Caldwell
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Whacking Balls Croquet Lawn and Garden Party “Spay is the Word” Scrabble Tournament Girls Inc. Polo Picnic Spirits with the Spirits
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Ivonne Goldman, Tran Bui, Joyce Bamman and Val Mercado at Girls Inc. Polo Picnic
Story Submitted and by Tran Bui and Leah Fitzpatrick Photos Submitted and by Tran Bui and Chris Pugh Chrystal Goldman and Deborah Cobbs at “Spay is the Word” Scrabble Tournament
Deborah Camp and Tom Prestigiacomo at “Spay is the Word” ” Scrabble Tournament
Bob Wilson with Mike and Anita McCarty at Whacking Balls Croquet Lawn and Garden Party
Ragan Magness and Allison Braswell at Spirits with the Spirits
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Theresa Taylor and James Stricklin at Spirits with the Spirits
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Tom Harrison and Deborah Hester Harrison at Girls Inc. Polo Picnic
he second annual Whacking Balls Croquet Lawn and Garden Party recently took place on the lawn at Dana and Kent Farmer’s home. Overcast skies did not keep the crowd from the tournament officiated by Joey Hagan, a local architect. Star Distributors provided an array of Champagne, wine and mint juleps for the event while Hank & Nora entertained guests with live acoustic music. Fund-raiser proceeds benefit Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services’ dedicated surgery clinic. The organization’s mission is to reduce pet overpopulation in the Memphis metropolitan area by offering affordable spay/neuter services. Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services also hosted the inaugural “Spay is the Word” Scrabble Tournament for Scrabble aficionados and pet lovers, too. Deborah Camp, the board of directors vice-president spearheaded the event, enticing 26 teams to compete in the tournament. Tom Prestigiacomo was on hand as the celebrity host and awarded the first place winners, SupercalifragilisticexSpellidocious, with team members Debbi Hicks and Kirsten Hall. Some of the more creative team names, keeping spay/neuter in mind, included “4 Litter Words,” “Nutless Wonders,” “Sackless in Seattle” and “The CruSpayders.” The Parkview, Memphis Scrabble Club and Collierville Literacy Council acted as event sponsors. Girls Incorporated of Memphis held a benefit Polo Picnic at the Memphis Polo Club in Rossville, Tennessee on September 25. A group of girls from the organization’s new Hickory Hill center got to see their first polo match alongside dedicated Girls Inc. supporters, who were asked to wear either jeans and boots or Kentucky Derby style attire. Lawn chairs were all that were needed for this picnic that raised funds so that Girls Inc. can continue providing a safe, fun and educational environment for girls ages 6-18. Just in time for Halloween, Elmwood Cemetery threw a spooktastic fund-raiser called Spirits with the Spirits. Dressed in black and white clothing, guests strolled the grounds of one of the city’s most historic landmarks during a tour of some of the cemetery’s more memorable inhabitants. Ghost River Brewing provided beer for the affair, which was chock full of Halloween offerings, from batwings to a screening of Young Frankenstein and Dracula. A fortune teller was also on site, as well as a s’mores fire pit and a grits bar. About 150 guests made it home alive!
Kim McCollum and Jennifer McCullough at Spirits with the Spirits
Kinzie and Betsy Bird at Whacking Balls Croquet Lawn and Garden Party
AFTER HOURS
After Hours A photo collage of the latest business happenings Carol Peretz Trunk Show at Kittie Kyle
Grand Opening of Posh
Brenda Welch and Janie Bouldin at 7th Avenue
Carol Peretz and Cindy Gambrell at Kittie Kyle
Maria Haley, Kevin Lawrence and Whitney McQuigan at Posh
Fall Beauty Event at Eden Spa & Laser
Grand Opening of Little Therapy
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Fall Trunk Show at 7th Avenue
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Tom Clifton and David Cupp at Posh
Donna Ward, Stacey Watson and Lori Moore at Eden Spa & Laser
Lynn Chandler, Christy Mueller and Mary Jo McCarver at Little Therapy
Broad Avenue Fall Art Walk at T Clifton Art
Jennifer Dean, Tonya Hughes and Shanna Concepcion at Eden Spa & Laser
Sherry Brooks and Brittany McDonald at Little Therapy
Claire and Ellen Shapiro at T Clifton Art
Rachel Cash, Parker Patterson and Annie Wesberry at Eden Spa & Laser
Jenni Harris and Katie Capwell at Little Therapy
Karen Lind and Pat Ruckh at T Clifton Art
RSV PHILLIPPI
By Dennis Phillippi
WASHING YOUR CAR FEEL FREE TO COME OVER HERE AND WASH MINE” GUY. This also, of course, includes “When you’re done cutting your grass…” guy, and “When you’re done raking your leaves…” guy. Trust me, as a humor professional I can tell you, this is never, ever, ever funny. You know it’s not funny when you’re saying it. I think secretly, on some level, these clowns are hoping that someone will
Hey girl with 17 local band stickers on your car, we understand, you’re into drummers and neck beards. keep them from having to heft their belly behind a mower and actually cut their grass when that other person is done with his. Never gonna happen champ. BUMPER STICKER PEOPLE. Okay, 26.2 guy, we get it. You ran a marathon. Right, “Eat Local” and “No War” lady, you’re a hippie. Hey girl with 17 local band stickers on your car, we understand, you’re into drummers and neck beards. You’ve made your point “Drill, baby, Drill” guy. You have a big truck. You want cheaper gas. You’re shortsighted. Got it. This category also includes the various kinds of fish denoting your faith, or disdain for faith. These are all opinions we all wish you would keep to yourself in conversation, so why do we have to be assaulted with them from the back of your car? And the window painting thing, that one really leaves me cold. Is there anything creepier than a box painted on some girl’s driver’s side window with “Honk if you thing I’m sexy! HS Graduate 2011!” scrawled on it? Who lets their teenaged daughter drive around like that? “THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID” GUY. This guy is even less funny than “When you’re done cutting your grass...” guy. “That’s what she said” had a shelf life of
maybe a month, but there are still clowns who are trying to keep it alive as desperately as they hope that CBS is really secretly trying to bring Charlie Sheen back to “Two and a Half Men.” Here’s the thing, fellas: Repeated catchphrases of your own aren’t funny, and repeated catchphrases someone else thought of are even less funny. Try harder. Yeah, yeah, I know, that’s what she said. RUMOR REPEATERS WHO STATE THEM AS FACT. Just because you read something on the Internet, or someone you know claims to have heard something on the radio, doesn’t make it true. Throughout the years, I’ve heard dozens of misreported celebrity deaths, secret government plans to do terrible things and stories about scams that you should be afraid of, even if they can’t possibly affect you, and wouldn’t make sense for someone to go to the effort to do. And by the way, for the thousandth time, the Internet cannot be turned off. Period. Stop thinking that some unknown nefarious force is planning to take away your way of avoiding doing your job all day. There’s not a big off switch somewhere in Washington that will instantly take away your right to blog about how the government is planning to shut down the Internet. MIDDLE-AGED GUY WHO SPENDS A LOT OF TIME WORKING OUT AND WANTS EVERYONE TO KNOW ABOUT IT GUY. Oh, wait. Forget I brought that one up. My point, as always, is this: If someone has ever said that a trait of yours made you come across as less than likeable, and you blew them off, that was a mistake. It takes a lot of courage to tell a blowhard that he or she is being a blowhard, so take it to heart. We like you, but we just don’t like when you do that thing. You know what your thing is, so for heaven’s sake, stop doing it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go buy some too small tee shirts and hit the gym. Gotta work up a sweat…that’s what she said.
There are no words Dennis Phillippi…no words. Your column was pure magic, so we’ll take a month off from letting you be the butt of our jokes. However, if we actually see you in too small tees, we might retract your “get out of jail free” card.
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ome types of people my friends and I can’t believe still exist. GUY WHO WON’T BUY THINGS ON THE INTERNET. You know this person. The one who says, “I don’t know. I’m just not comfortable with my credit card number being…out there.” Really? You don’t think your credit card number isn’t already out there? What did you think happened when the 17-year-old at Tons-O-Stuff swiped your card? It went out there. There’s a reason the PayPal guys can light cigars with million dollar bills. PEOPLE WHO SAY, “ONLY IN MEMPHIS.” I have news for you: We’re not that special. In the grand scheme of things, our crime isn’t that high. Try living in Detroit. Try living in Kandahar. By the same token, our drivers aren’t that bad. I’ve heard so many people through the years claim that we have some of the worst drivers in the world, and it’s just not true. Even if you ignore the third world, and believe me, once you’ve ridden in a taxi in South America, you’ll bless every day you wake up alive. We’re not even close to the worst drivers in this country. I’ve been all over, and by far, the worst drivers are in Florida. Maybe it’s the disproportionate number of retired cranks, or maybe it’s the fact that Florida produces most of our headaches, but those people are bad. We’re, at the most, average. Our racial divide may seem extreme to us, but there are a lot of places much more tense. We actually get along about as well as various ethnicities get along everywhere. Again, we’re average. If you’re going to say, “Only in Memphis…” it should be in reference to how very mediocre we are. ANYONE WHO FEELS COMPELLED TO SHOUT EVERYTHING WHEN THEY’VE BEEN DRINKING. This is a syndrome my friend Jeff calls Margarita Shriek. In men, it is the Tequila Bellow. We can hear you dude. The jokes you’re yelling just aren’t funny, and they’re certainly not funny shouted multiple times. This extends to guys who hit when they’ve been drinking, women who get their feelings hurt by the look on a complete stranger’s face, and of course, Woo Girls. You know who you are. Woo-ing wasn’t cute when you were in college, and it sure isn’t cute in your 30s. “HEY, WHEN YOU’RE DONE
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THEY STILL MAKE YOU?
RSVPAST
Boys Will Be Boys
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erry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Roark remembers that it must have been a slow day for his sons (Kevin, left, and Patrick, right) the day this photograph was taken. Why else would the two be busily engaged in inflating a bread wrapper with a bicycle pump? PHOTO COURTESY OF JERRY Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ROARK If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Leah Fitzpatrick at 276-7787 ext. 105 or e-mail the photo and caption to editor@rsvpmagazine.com All photos will be returned promptly.
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RSVP Magazine Introduces
OUR FIRST-EVER WEDDING ISSUE
Now accepting wedding submissions for the February 2012 issue of RSVP. Please visit rsvpmagazine.com for complete details. *Deadline for submissions is November 30, 2011. No exceptions. Weddings must have taken place between December 1, 2010 and deadline.