RSVP Magazine October 2012 by RSVP Magazine

October 2012

Zoo Brew Spirit of SRVS Paw Prints Party Brooks Avant Garde Party Phoenix Club Party at the Club Mixologists Rooftop Soiree & Taste of Memphis Q&A with Cynthia Ham

CONTENTS

Contents October 201 2

From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

RSVP visits Duncan-Williams, Inc. to meet the company’s president.

Zoo Brew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Animal fanatics sipped suds for a good cause at the Memphis Zoo.

12 ZOO BREW Alice White

StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18, 20 & 22 She’s helping keep the history of West Tennessee alive. This piper has been preserving the Scottish sound for 20 years. The conductor of a local improv company shows how to use theater for a greater cause. StreetSeens highlight Carol Perel, Rick Clausi and Virginia Murphy.

Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Q&A with the president of BRIDGES, Cynthia Ham.

52 MIXOLOGISTS ROOFTOP SOIREE & TASTE OF MEMPHIS Shari and Tom Craig

O C T O B E R 2 012

Brooks Avant Garde Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art threw a soul-shakin’ benefit to celebrate its “The Soul of a City: Memphis Collects African Art” exhibit.

Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38, 40, 42 & 66 Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.

4 RSVP

RSVP Room View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Tim Disalvo & Company help transform a great room in a Fayette County home into a space reminiscent of one in a Tuscan villa.

28 BROOKS AVANT GARDE PARTY Tyria and David Biggers

Phoenix Club Party at the Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Phoenix Club members headed poolside at the University Club to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis.

58 SPIRIT OF SRVS Kris and Chris Amen

Mixologists Rooftop Soiree & Taste of Memphis . . . . . . .52 Cochon 555’s swine-filled weekend to promote heritage pig breeds kicked off at The Peabody rooftop.

Spirit of SRVS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Shelby Residential and Vocational Services hosted yet another top-notch wine tasting and auction benefit at Hilton Memphis.

Paw Prints Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County gave their furry friends something to wag their tails about by raising funds at the Clark Opera Memphis Center.

RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Something to Drink About Dennis Phillippi knows the best way to make friends.

PHOENIX CLUB PARTY AT THE CLUB Jessica Foster and Angela Copeland

62 PAW PRINTS PARTY Amanda Ivy and Barry Densford

Cover Photo Sarah Akins and Rebekah Hill at Phoenix Club Party at the Club Photo by Baxter Buck

R SV P S TA F F Volume XVIII

Number I

October 2012 PUBLISHER

Roy Haithcock EDITOR

Leah Fitzpatrick CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kelly Cox Jonathan Devin Elizabeth Link Jeannie Mandelker Dennis Phillippi Lesley Young ART DIRECTOR

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

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

Patrick Aker s PHOTOGRAPHERS

O C T O B E R 2 012

Baxter Buck James Eaton Elizabeth Link Don Perry Steve Roberts

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Chris Pugh Kristen Miller

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

Ruth Cassin EDITORIAL INTERN

R achel Warren RSVP

KRISTEN MILLER,

ACCOUNTING

RSVP Memphis is published monthly by Haithcock Communications, Inc. First class subscriptions are available for $55.00 per year. Send name and address with a check to: Haithcock Communications, Inc. 2282 Central Avenue Memphis, TN 38104

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

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

www.rsvpmagazine.com For editorial information or to request coverage of an event, please contact RSVP Magazine one month prior to the event. Call 901-276-7787, ext. 105 or fax to 901-276-7785. e-mail editor@rsvpmagazine.com Follow us on & RSVP Memphis Magazine

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

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

From the Editor

O C T O B E R 2 012

RSVP

n unusually large amount of milestone anniversaries for organizations and/or charity events are highlighted in our October issue, which only seems fitting since this month also marks the 17th anniversary of RSVP. Throughout all the fund-raiser coverage and features, I count five noteworthy anniversaries alone: the Komen Memphis-MidSouth Race for the Cure’s 20th anniversary (this page); Wolf River Pipes and Drums’ 20th anniversary (page 20); BRIDGES’ 90th anniversary (page 24); Baptist’s centennial celebration (page 40); and the Cooper-Young Festival’s 25th anniversary (page 66). Maybe October is just a popular month for starting things with the weather beginning to be more agreeable and parents already back into the swing of their kids’ school routines. With any anniversary, a time of celebration usually follows, and that’s the enjoyable part, of course, albeit the only part that most people witness. Nevermind all the work that it takes to successfully pull off a single anniversary, much less multiple ones. So, to all those organizations, nonprofits and people behind those events I previously mentioned, and I’m sure there are some I overlooked, you deserve a big congratulations for investing your time, energy and passion into achieving your respective anniversaries—they’re no small feat! And, if Dale Carnegie’s saying “People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing” is indeed true, then some type of enjoyment was probably had along the way to get to those anniversaries. Dear readers, for those of you who have an old picture from any type of anniversary past that might be appropriate for our RSVPast section, which we feature on the last page of each issue, feel free to e-mail me a high resolution image or mail me a copy of the pic, along with a brief description. See page 70 for instructions, and get to searching through your photo archives. You just might stumble upon a milestone moment in your life that you almost forgot about.

Leah Fitzpatrick editor@rsvpmagazine.com

Meet the Designer

TRUNK SHOW Thursday October 18th chickasaw oaks village 3092 poplar ave. 901.452.2323

Look for us on facebook

President, Duncan-Williams, Inc./Leadership Academy Board/Memphis Economic Club Member/Presbyterian Day School Board/SunTrust Bank Advisory Board

Your mantra: Do well! Personal hero: My mom. Favorite author: James Patterson. Guilty pleasure: The Sonic on Highway 61. Your greatest achievement: Fatherhood. Words or phrases you overuse: “It is what it is!” Stress outlet: Our family farm in Clarksdale, Mississippi. First job: A landscape architect…really I just watered yards. One thing you can’t live without: The remote control. Favorite Memphis musicians: Roger Fakes and Kevin Cox. Last book you’ve read: The Coming Jobs War by Jim Clifton. Hobbies: Golf, hunting, fishing and, of course, Alabama football. One thing most people don’t know about you: I hate flying. Ideal vacation spots: Telluride, Colorado or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Where you take out-of-town guests: Felicia Suzanne’s restaurant. Movies you could watch over and over again: Braveheart and Patton. Childhood ambition: To be a basketball player or a businessman like my dad. First concert: Barry Manilow—my mom made me go. Cheap Trick was the first concert I went to that I wanted to see. Favorite albums: “Let It Bleed” by the Rolling Stones and “Hemingway’s Whiskey” by Kenny Chesney.

Photo by Steve Roberts

SIGNATURE MEMPHIS O C T O B E R 2 012 RSVP

Duncan Williams

EVENT

Zoo Brew

ZOO BREW

L abor Day Weekend Suds

O C T O B E R 2 012

John Pitts and Amanda Peterson

Rachel and Tim Landsdown

RSVP

he Memphis Zoo is home to hundreds of rare species like the ring-tailed lemur, the scimitar oryx and the Chinese giant pandas, but for one evening each summer, it’s also home to the Copperhead Red, the Golden Monkey, the Andygator, the Turbodog and the Red Seal—that is, North Coast Brewing’s Red Seal Ale. The annual Macy’s Zoo Brew, held August 31, attracted wild things and party animals from across Memphis to stroll under the stars and sip an international array of beers while the zoo’s furry and finned residents took the evening off. Nearly 50 brews were represented in what is one of Memphis’ largest beer tastings. The menu included local favorites like Ghost River Brewing’s Golden Ale, Glacial Pale Ale, Copperhead Red and Witbier. Yazoo Brewing Company was also on tap with half a dozen selections ranging from its Hefeweizen to its Sly Rye Porter. But, Germany, England, Belgium and several Asian countries were well represented with offerings like Corsendonk Monk’s Brown Ale, Kronenbourg 1664, St. Peter’s IPA and Belhaven Scottish Ale. Partygoers were given a map and a plastic souvenir shot glass upon entering. From there, the entertainment was free-flowing. Salsa diva Marcela Pinilla played the Primate Pavilion much to the amusement of a flock of flamingos across the way in the World of Waterfowl exhibit. Meanwhile, party bands Soul and Dingo Entertainment kept the Cat House Café and the China Exhibit rocking. For the inexperienced, a beer dictionary was offered to help tasters distinguish between the Taj Mahal Lager, the Old School Pilsner and the Raspberry Wheat Cider. Most seemed happy just to have a drink in hand while knowing that the proceeds would go to support the Memphis Zoo’s many programs and exhibits. There was one uninvited guest, however. The remnants of Hurricane Isaac crashed the party late in the evening, sending some guests running before final call. Meanwhile, others crammed under pavilions and into buildings to have another round. Since the options were to get soaked or have another beer, for many the choice was clear.

Juan Cervantes and Jelena Henson

Tara Marcum and Ashley Hunt

Story by Jonathan Devin Photos by Baxter Buck See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP Becca Coster and Mike Sandler

Lesley Entrekin and JR Williss

Patricia and Richard Webb

Carolyn Carter, Ronnie Russell and Lori Denton

Michael and Corrie Martin

EVENT ZOO BREW O C T O B E R 2 012

Christian and Becca Ayers

Ford and Marcia Bolton with Don Parrish

Susye Clark and Rachael Thompson

Barbara and Ricky Parham

Emily Elderbrock and Shane Hanlon

RSVP

Jamie and Tamira Morris

Greg Griffin and Katie Siegal

Rob Tragarz and Robin Gibson

Sharon Lee, Melissa Zarn and Karen Kehbein

Julie Gilmore and Maureen Collins

Nicolette Overton and Nayha Patel

EVENT ZOO BREW O C T O B E R 2 012

Jay and Gina Fite with Retha Moore and Mark Pender

Lindsey Donovan, Maria Gutierrez, Machala and Patrick Gilbert, Leah Fors and Marissa Adams

Britton Elam and Taylor Moore

Evelyn and Chad Kellett

RSVP

Andrea Landrum and Ryne Bridges

Daniel and Kate Snyder with Anna and Blair Hawkins

Brenda and Robert Brown

Christophe and Heleen Maes

Carol Melton, Jackie Kish and Zena Bailey

Mike Hansom and Gail Karr

Luke Cravens and Chelsea Watson

Bob and Christy McCraw

O C T O B E R 2 012

ZOO BREW E V E N T Adam and Jennah Gill

RSVP

David and Sarah Murphy with Candyce and Travis White

Brittany Luckett and S. Julian Jenkins

Jutta Siebert and Jim Petrea

STREETSEEN

Carol Perel West Tennessee’s History Connector

O C T O B E R 2 012

RSVP

or Carol Perel, the West Tennessee Historical Society’s newest executive director, the connection to history begins right at home, a place that once was a grocery store. As she does for many historical buildings, people and events in the West Tennessee area, Perel gives a backstory for her living quarters, even qualifying the structure’s former commercial use. She shares, “Where I live was the first grocery store of the Stephersons, and if you go to the left-hand side of the produce section of Stepherson’s Superlo Foods on Spottswood, you’ll see a watercolor of my building.” Fittingly, the historical marker Perel stands in front of in the picture at right is one the WTHS sanctioned for the Pink Palace, erected by the late great grocer Clarence Saunders. Within Shelby County, the WTHS has also sanctioned historical markers in front of the 1862 Post Office at Adams and Third, the site of the first Memphis telephone at GE Patterson and Front, Germantown Baptist Church, Hutchison School, Memphis University School and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. North of Shelby County, the WTHS has sanctioned a marker for Randolph, Tennessee, which Perel explains had a thriving cotton industry at one time because of its prime shipping location on the second Chickasaw Bluff. She adds, “It’s not a popularity contest when a group comes to us to have a marker sanctioned. They have to report a verifiable history, and we have to determine if the fact they’re reporting lends itself to be on a historical marker. If we give the okay, the state will do it, but the group has to pay for the marker.” The WTHS itself dates back to the 1857 formation of the Old Folks of Shelby County, a body that required its members, such as Eugene Magevney, to have lived in Memphis for 20 years. “Memphis was only begun in 1819, so many of these founding members are people who were a part of the city’s early stages,” says Perel. Early focuses included historical genealogy and sharing recipes, birth announcements and death notices through the group’s publication. The Old Folks later went through several name changes and reorganizations, with the membership extending its interests to all of West Tennessee in 1935. Perel vouches, “We’re the granddaddy of historical societies in other West Tennessee counties, and while many of them have their own historical societies now, we’re it for Shelby County.” Currently, the WTHS has a membership of some 300 individuals and 90 institutions throughout 21 counties. Meetings occur almost monthly in different West Tennessee cities, and members have access to the nonprofit’s community of archives, advocate on behalf of historical preservation and receive a copy of the annual WTHS Papers, a prestigious collection of formal historical papers that have been published since 1947. Wanting to be a stronger force among other Tennessee counties, the society presently plans to do a “Today for Tomorrow” project that will involve West Tennessee high school students photographing their communities so that there are visual records 50-100 years from now. “Everything we do is for the public, who can look at our records for free and are welcome to attend our meetings [see wths-tn.org for info],” Perel says. “My horizons have already been expanded in West Tennessee, which is vastly different from Memphis because it’s not part of the Delta, but shares a lot of things with us, like voting [districts].” Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts

STREETSEEN

Rick Clausi Carrying on the Scottish Sound

O C T O B E R 2 012

RSVP

aving served in Europe with the U.S. Army and seen the Scottish Highland regiments there with pipers in their midst, Rick Clausi realized that the pipes were a weapon he’d never tried before. Once considered weapons of war for their psychological impact on opposing forces, pipes aren’t any ordinary instrument and require lots of maintenance, but Clausi readily took on the challenge of learning them when he joined Wolf River Pipes and Drums 20 years ago…of course, playing on peaceful terms. Three or four years passed before he felt comfortable with playing, however after two decades, Clausi remains a passionate member, serving as Wolf River Pipes and Drums’ business manager. Clausi says, “As one of our original pipers, I’ve watched this band go through its ups and downs and witnessed it grow, and I can tell you that right now we’re at our peak. We’ve also been successful in bringing in younger pipers so the band will continue on.” Classified as a Grade 5 pipe band, Wolf River Pipes and Drums consists of 18 members, five of whom are female, and the youngest piper is only 13 years old. Members attend rehearsals every Thursday for a few hours at Saint Luke’s Lutheran Church in Cordova beginning at 7 p.m. and mostly come from all throughout the county, with one driving from as far as Hernando, Mississippi. During the first part of rehearsals, members teach the seven new piping and drumming students how to play, and Clausi adds that anyone can come to a rehearsal to learn, but that a newcomer’s first time should be spent observing. After the teaching period, the pipe major, or band leader, works with the regular pipers at the chanter (the part of the pipes where the player creates the melody) table to refine embellishments so that everyone’s timing is together, and finally everyone plays tunes worked on at the chanter table. As for his favorite piece, Clausi says, “I like ‘The Atholl Highlanders’—a bright, happy tune. My favorite performances include being the band for the Memphis opening of Braveheart, being the warm-up band for a Rod Stewart concert, playing on the bill with Lee Greenwood for a 9/11 ceremony and being the pipe band who greeted Prince Edward of England at Ole Miss.” Before competitions, intense preparations take place, especially since Wolf River Pipes and Drums is trying for a Grade 4 classification, with Grade 1 being the best. Several weeks ago, a pipe major and drummer from a Grade 1 band in Chicago even came and critiqued the band to let members know where they needed improvement. The band has also been holding extra practices lately since the next competition will be on October 20 at the Stone Mountain Highland Games and Scottish Festival in Georgia. No matter the outcome though, Clausi knows the band will definitely be playing “music that raises your soul.” “After practices alone, I feel like a million dollars, so I can only imagine what pipe playing did for the Highlanders going against government troops,” he tells. Memphians will have to wait to hear Wolf River Pipes and Drums on January 26, 2013 at the Burns Nicht dinner at Woodland Hills or on February 6 at GPAC, where the band will perform and sound off on the history of their uniforms, the pipes and the drums. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts

STREETSEEN

Virginia Murphy Improv with Meaning

O C T O B E R 2 012

RSVP

hen Virginia Murphy, a creative art therapist, and her husband, Joe, relocated from New York City to Memphis several years ago, they took a part of the city’s theater scene with them when they decided to start Playback Memphis. Having been actors with Big Apple Playback Theatre, an improv theater company that brings audiences’ stories to life on stage, the couple were so moved by their experiences with the company that Murphy knew it was paramount they continue it in Memphis. “Playback was an integral part of our lives and made us richer, and we just thought that it would be perfect in Memphis because there is so much misunderstanding here and stories that need to be communicated,” she expresses. According to Murphy, many of the values of Playback’s more than 75 theater companies nationwide are aligned with Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision of building the beloved community, which is rooted in the idea of a place where people deeply listened to one another and honored the dignity of everyone. For three years now, Playback Memphis has been actively contributing to such a vision through its private workshops and public Memphis Matters shows, during which attendees are free from criticism to voice personal stories of all kinds, from humorous ones to tragedies and triumphs. After someone shares a story, the actors convey its heart or essence through a type of improv called short form, where you don’t re-enact the entire scene. The ultimate goal is to open the lines of communication for those in the audience and help them reflect on whatever issue or situation is being played out on stage. This spring, Playback Memphis found another platform to share its craft with when it launched the Be the Peace! Program. Through this program, actors train a group of students in techniques of Playback and incorporate an anti-bullying educational component as well. The training culminates with students and the professional actors teaming up in a performance in front of the students’ peers to share what they’ve learned about the issue of bullying. “Playback can be a wonderful healing tool,” Murphy adds, “and our strength is our diversity—we have people who look like all of Memphis.” Within the company, there are 10 professional actors, some of whom are professional dancers, who range in age from 22 to 72. The company also has Ekpe Abioto (pictured in the background at right) serving as its musician and Murphy in the role of conductor—a job that entails giving direction to the types of stories audience members, or tellers, share at a performance, the next of which will take place on November 2 and 3 at TheatreSouth at 8 p.m. However, Playback Memphis will also be expanding its reach outside of Memphis when it heads to Washington, D.C. to perform at the North American Playback Theatre Festival on October 5-7. Only one of six Playback companies invited to perform at the festival, the Playback Memphis family considers it an honor to be included in the line-up. “Our actors have never seen other Playback actors, so they’re excited,” Murphy smiles. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts

VOX POPULAR

Vox Popular Q&A with Cynthia Ham

O C T O B E R 2 012

RSVP: How did you first come into contact with the BRIDGES organization? Ham: I was aware of BRIDGES and the great work that was going on here—not as deeply aware as I would have been if I had a child in the program—but I knew Jim Boyd, my predecessor, and knew what a great organization he was building. When this job came up, I was kind of at a place—I’d been at Archer/Malmo for 15 years—where I was looking for something more meaningful. It was just kind of one of those wonderful coincidences and maybe even fate that this job came up at the time I was going through that. I just thought that the mission was so amazing and that all my experiences came together in this position—some 30-plus years of working in Memphis, being engaged in civic affairs and various organizations, serving on nonprofit boards, raising money and even working at a nonprofit at one point when I was at Memphis in May.

RSVP

24 RSVP: How was the jump from working in public relations to working for a nonprofit again? Ham: I think the most important thing for me was knowing there wouldn’t be much of a culture shift for me. Archer/Malmo is renowned for a fantastic employee culture, and I sensed that would be the case here because there are a lot of young people working here, a lot of smart people here and people who are very passionate about youth and developing youth. As for jumping from a forprofit to a nonprofit, I’m reporting to a board of directors now, whereas before I was reporting to clients. Actually, there are some similarities there because I still have to be a good steward of the organization. Of course, raising money is not too different from bringing business into the firm. It really wasn’t that much of a leap. RSVP: I know BRIDGES has several programs of its own, so can you highlight some of those and how they each cater to the needs of the Memphis community?

Photos by Don Perry

eople often pass the BRIDGES Center at 477 North Fifth St. and immediately notice the cool angular structure, which was the first “green” commercial building built in the city, however the youth and adult development programs that happen inside its doors are what passersby should really be seeing. Cynthia Ham, who came on board as the president of BRIDGES in February of this year, sat down with RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrick to share why this organization is so compelling for its estimated 15,000 annual participants, as well as its inherent value to the rest of the city in terms of building leaders, helping create job-ready citizens, opening individuals’ eyes on how to deal with diversity and ultimately creating social change for a better Memphis. Oh yeah, the organization also celebrates 90 years strong this year! Ham: Bridge Builders® is our core program that we’re so well known for. It’s an incredibly well thought out and well designed youth leadership development program. One of the exciting things for me right now is we’re in a growth stage to be able to expand and reach more young people, so now we’re actually working with grades six to 12. So, a sixth grader who is a rising seventh grader could enroll each year and stay in the program until he or she graduates—just imagine how much someone could evolve if that person stays in the program. Another piece about the Bridge Builders program is that we have expanded the curriculum to not only teach about leadership and diversity, but we’re now beginning to open the door to students on how they can apply what they’ve learned to their community so they can make social change, whether it’s in their church, school or home. It’s really all about teaching them to think critically, asking them challenging questions, opening their eyes to the needs of Memphis and the injustices in Memphis and working together collectively to make Memphis a better place. Then, our experiential learning and team-building group, Team BRIDGES, provides services to the Bridge Builders program for that experiential work, like the climbing wall and ropes course and other teambuilding exercises. Team BRIDGES also serves independent groups, corporate groups and affinity groups who are in need of doing team building. It’s not as well known of a program, but something really important in regard to how we use this building and how we do what we do. The third component is BRIDGES-Workforce Development. The funding for that is from the Tennessee Department of Human Services, and we are one of four agencies in Memphis that provides services to families in the Families First program, which is welfare reform. We provide job readiness and placement, which includes basic skills they may not have learned that can be helpful in getting a job and helping them in terms of keeping that job. We’re looking to maybe evolve that program so

VOX POPULAR

maybe we can leverage more of the Bridge Builders’ assets and apply some of the learnings we have gained through the years to that participant group. We’re even thinking about perhaps using it as a program for out-of-school youth—youth who have dropped out of school for one reason or another but still need help getting to that next level. We already do GED training.

25 RSVP

Ham: Most are executed here. Now, Bridge Builders does go into schools and does portable one-day programs throughout the whole city and county area. Then, in the summer conferences, some of the older ones, like 11th and 12th graders, actually stay in residence at CBU for a week. That’s the intensive week that kicks off year-round learning. I’ve heard so many stories from the Bridge Builders that, even after that first intensive week they go through, the participants are personally transformed, and it has just opened their eyes to so many things. That is so gratifying, and one story that stands out to me entails a young man who is a senior at CBHS that spoke for the first time in front of a crowd at an induction ceremony. His group elected him to speak, knowing that he’d never done it before, to summarize the Bridge Builders experience. A couple of hundred parents were in the room at CBU, and he got up and said, “I’ve never done this; I’ve never spoken in public before, so bear with me.” The whole room got quiet, and he went on to tell about his experience and how everyone from such different backgrounds had all bonded. He then said how he initially hated to get rid of his cell phone, his computer and all the things that we make them do when they go into this, and how he didn’t think he could do that. Eventually, he told everyone, “I’ll never be the same. We laughed and

O C T O B E R 2 012

RSVP: Are most of these programs executed at the BRIDGES Center or at other places throughout the community?

VOX POPULAR

cried together, and yes, I cried. I hadn’t cried in a long time, and I needed to. I will thank God every day of my life for this program.” I was all teary-eyed, and everyone in the room just went crazy…and that was his first experience with public speaking. You know, Bridge Builders will have been founded by Rebecca Webb Wilson for 25 years next year, which will be another milestone. When her children were initially enrolled in Briarcrest, she recognized that they didn’t have the opportunity for many experiences with other students who weren’t like them, and that was the basis for which she started Bridge Builders. RSVP: Being that most of the programs do take place at BRIDGES, how does the design of the building function to help bring everyone together?

O C T O B E R 2 012

Ham: The architect, Coleman Coker, was absolutely brilliant, and I do not have a whole lot of context other than what I see, namely how well this building functions for our purposes and how cuttingedge it is. It’s youthful, energetic and environmentally sound, and youth see this and appreciate that it’s sort of a breath of fresh air from what they’re accustomed to day in and day out. There are no absolute square walls. As you see, they are angles everywhere, and it’s meant to stimulate the brain and the senses. Even the light posts in the parking lot upstairs are slanted at angles.

RSVP

RSVP: What are some of the events BRIDGES is hosting to celebrate its 90th anniversary? Ham: We really have been celebrating it all year long. We have had several events, like the Great Gatsby event, but it’s culminating in the BRIDGES 90th Anniversary Leadership in Auction Luncheon on October 25 featuring Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, New Jersey. He is a phenomenal and inspiring speaker. The event will be from noon until 1:30 p.m. at the BRIDGES Center, and tickets, which you can get more info about at bridgesusa.org, are $75. RSVP: Do you know if BRIDGES’ purpose and mission are the same as when it was founded 90 years ago? Ham: I think that in the continuum of youth development, from what I’ve been taught, is that we were sort of here [points to the left side of desk] in leadership and diversity training, and now,

RSVP: Do you feel that the local community knows the value of BRIDGES? Ham: I don’t think the community has as deep of an understanding of the value of the programs as they should. For youth from all different socioeconomic backgrounds and barriers to be able to work together, imagine what that can do for them 10 years later. If they’re serving on the city council or serving in some kind of leadership capacity in the city, they’re going to be a lot more sensitive and understanding to people who aren’t like them and what the needs are in the city.

O C T O B E R 2 012

VOX POPULAR

27 RSVP

we’re moving in the direction of what many organizations are doing across the country, which is not stopping at teaching youth just about bringing out their inner leader and helping them understand, communicate and work with all kinds of different people, but then in turn, applying what they’ve learned to making a change in small or big ways. They don’t have to wait to grow up to do that. We’re really encouraging them to think critically about issues and then think about what ignites them to want to make change. We have a new division within Bridge Builders called “Change,” and last year was the pilot year. We had 12 students as interns, ranging from grades eight to 12, and they met year-round. They initially identified a problem that they thought was relevant to a lot of people like them and actually did research and interviews to decide what to tackle. They decided that nutrition in schools was a big issue, and they partnered with the new director of the Memphis City Schools Nutrition Services, Tony Geraci, and made a presentation of their findings to the Board of Education. It was extremely well received, and they participated in the planting of a community garden at Craigmont. This next group we have is now deciding what they want to tackle, and it’s very much led by them.

EVENT BROOKS AVANT GARDE PARTY

he Memphis Brooks Museum of Art’s Avant Garde Party traditionally is a riff played off of whatever major exhibit is gracing its galleries. Luckily for partygoers this year, “The Soul of a City: Memphis Collects African Art” exhibit inspired the museum to stage a night-long celebration of African-American culture in Memphis. The result was a very soul-satisfying “Renew Your Soul” fête of dishes, drinks and dancing. It was evident that the Brooks director, Cameron Kitchin, and the museum’s director of development, Kim Williams, share Mae West’s view that too much of a good thing…is a good thing. Guests never grew bored as a variety of entertainment captivated their attention throughout the night. To set the right tempo for the evening, rhythmic percussionists greeted guests as they arrived at the steps of the museum. Inside, a line of singing and dancing students from the Stax Music Academy weaved among the crowd. The legendary Robert Belfour picked and sang his brand of Delta blues all night in the Dunavant Rotunda. Out on the terrace, DJ Mark Anderson provided the music for a stupendous hip hop/break-dance performance by members of New Ballet Ensemble. The music continued after the performers left, and guests poured onto the dance floor and demonstrated that they knew some good moves, too. Brushmark chefs Andrew Adams and Wally Joe dug deep into the Delta for the party menu. To quench one’s thirst there were “Soul Shakin’ Cocktails” such as a Blackberry Sour (blackberry whiskey and sour mix) and Whoop Juice (pink lemonade, pineapple juice and lots of vodka). Diets were forgotten as willpower gave way to Delta tamales, cornmeal-crusted catfish, pulled pork sliders, fried okra stuffed with house-made pimento cheese, black-eyed pea and ham hock fritters and hummus made with peanuts, among other savory and spicy treats. Kitchin remarked that the event allowed the museum to offer performances and food to round out the Soul of a City’s visual tribute to Memphis’ vibrant African American cultural scene. He called Memphis “a national hotspot of African American art, not only because of its artists but because of the appreciation and art acumen of private collectors here.” Marina Pacini, who curated the exhibit, emphasized that the museum was indebted to the generosity of 30 private collectors who loaned works to the museum for the exhibit. “We’ve denuded their walls,” she exclaimed. “They gave parties this summer, and all guests got to see were where the hooks are because the artwork is here at the museum.”

O C T O B E R 2 012

Brooks Avant Garde Party A Soul Shakin’ Benefit

Steve and Sue Brunson

Stewart Smith and Susan Evans

RSVP

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

Rick Travers and Mary Jo Pritchett

Story by Jeannie Mandelker Photos by James Eaton

Michelle Heck and Derick Garner

Emily Adams and Lauren Evans

Suzanne and Erick New

Rouben and Liz Simonian

Steven and Tracy Jones with Brooke and Alan Balducci

Sonny and Diane Sonnenstein

EVENT BROOKS AVANT GARDE PARTY

Ryan and April McDaniel

Billy and Ying Malady

O C T O B E R 2 012

Rachel Touchstone and Nichole Stein

Luis Sexias and Ede Machabo Sexias

David and Sherrill French

RSVP

Maria Douglass and Gretchen McLennon

Paul and Cristina Guibao

Abby Miller and Daniel Paccione

Ee-Laine Cheong and Erin Wichtoski

Will Flannigan and Ada Askew

Denny and Jo Ann Moss

EVENT Mike and Kathleen Edelmuth, Kay Rylee and Fiona Scott

O C T O B E R 2 012

Ashley Booze and Todd Robinson

BROOKS AVANT GARDE PARTY

John and Perla Kirkpatrick

RSVP

Tyler Fuehrer and Devan Tackett with Missy and Dave Fuehrer

Angela Townsend, Mary Brownlee and Kim Wilson Bond

EVENT BROOKS AVANT GARDE PARTY

Nilva Cervigene and Diantha van de Vlekkert

Ben Perry and Mary Keith

Samantha Sugg and Judi Parisey

O C T O B E R 2 012

Caprice and Terry Morgan

JP Zdancewicz, Elizabeth Sanders, Katherine Wright and Jamey Presswell

John Huber, Justin Merrick and Amy Huber

RSVP

Dania and Robert Watson

Suzana and Michael Lightman

Katie Maxwell, Katie Walsh, Meredith Marr and Julie Clary

Hilary and Bruce Harrison with Helen Gronauer

Willie Chandler, Shelley Durfee and Tom Corona

RSVP

O C T O B E R 2 012

EVENT

BROOKS AVANT GARDE PARTY

Erin Harmon and David Pritchard

O C T O B E R 2 012

Paul Mead and Clair Kellie

Ruth Brucker, Jeannie Mandelker and Phil Ashford RSVP

Kim Williams and Gina Bailey

Gia and Danny Broadway

Tammy Holland with Jan and Ron Coleman

EVENT Andy and Cathy Perkins

O C T O B E R 2 012

Pete and Tina Sullivan

BROOKS AVANT GARDE PARTY

Bonnie Butler, Fontaine Moore and Jordan Reynolds

RSVP

Margarette Loiseau, Amy Greer, Claudette Bullard and Cecelia Sawyer

Mike and Beni Dragutsky

Matilde McLean and Adam Hohenberg

O C T O B E R 2 012

ONSITE

Onsite I Wine, Swag, Jazz & Celebrities

Summer in the City Fiesta

The Great Wine Performances

High up in the Crescent Club, an evening of Wine, Swag, Jazz, & Celebrities raised funds for Lionel Hollins Charities. To start things off, a meet-and-greet with renowned jazz singer Rachelle Ferrell included some participatory vocal instruction for the Stax Music Academy music students in attendance. Emcee Bev Johnson of WDIA later called these students to the stage, where they wowed the crowd with “Summertime,” “Soul Finger” and more, proving a fantastic opening act for Ferrell. Local artist Danny Broadway was onsite painting the performances on a canvas to be auctioned off at the end of the night. In addition to music, swag bags and a silent auction replete with music memorabilia, guests enjoyed a buffet heaped with delicious hors d’oeuvres and a wine bar compliments of Southwestern Beverage Distributing.

Volunteer Mid-South supporters sought respite from the heat by heading to Chickasaw Oaks Village for the 10th Summer in the City Fiesta. While inside, patrons delighted in placing bids on appealing silent auction selections, as admitted by Samantha Palazolo, who said she always bids (and wins!) on a gift certificate from Comcast, also one of the event sponsors. Others bid on original oil paintings, handbags and an enticing “Waterfront Wonderland” package in a Provincetown condo on Cape Cod Bay. Playing to the fiesta theme, the event included a Mexican hors d’oeuvre buffet by Just for Lunch, Stinky Gringo margaritas donated by Delta Beverage and music by Andy Tanas. Mary Muskett of Godiva Oak Court also tempted sweet tooths with assorted truffles like strawberries and cream and black velvet cake. Event proceeds help Volunteer Mid-South develop, promote and support volunteerism in the Mid-South.

A play usually entails two acts, but Playhouse on the Square’s The Great Wine Performances needed many more, and for good reason: There were 10 different wines to savor. As guests traipsed from the lobby to the second floor and to the “dungeon” for the different tasting stations, they were asked to identify characters from shows that require an Explicit Theatre Advisory. One such example is “The Full Monty,” which was represented by guest artist Irene Crist, who impersonated the show’s character Jeanette as she stood beside resident company member David Foster, who gladly poured Snoqualmie’s Naked Chardonnay. Those partygoers who guessed correct play titles and characters each won prizes, but for those who were stumped, tipping the costumed characters elicited answers. Macy’s, Jeramie Simmons and Southwestern Distributing pitched in by sponsoring the event, which closed the curtain after raking in more than $20,000 for Playhouse.

Story and Photos by Kelly Cox

Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

RSVP

Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

Germantown Arts Alliance Arts and Appraisal Fair From the box of silver spoons to the collectible saber, from the gold inlay pocket watch to the antique toys, the assortment of baubles, bibelots and bygones at St. George’s Episcopal Church on August 18 was enough to get even Fiona Bruce excited. “A lot of very interesting and different things were brought in by people from all over, not just Germantown,” said Snookie Newman, director of the Germantown Arts Alliance. The organization held its second annual Arts and Appraisal Fair to raise funds for its year-round mission to provide grants to Germantown arts organizations. With nine appraisers and 100-plus hopefuls who lined up with their objets d’art, Newman hopes to have hit last year’s goal of raising more than $2,000. She said, “It was interesting. Someone would see something another person brought, and it would remind them of something else they had, so they would run back home and grab it.” Story by Lesley Young Photos Submitted

Angie Hollins, Rachelle Ferrell and Lionel Hollins

Jerry and Sandra Palazolo with Jeremy and Samantha Palazolo

David Foster and Irene Crist

Ruby Fenton, David Yawn and Jan McGaughey

Asa Karlström and Molly Polatty

Snookie Newman, Amy Foote and Elaine Dudley

Mary Muskett and Jo Ann Petty

Suzanne Baker and Brenda Partee Morris

Renee Wills and Kelli Yarbrough

Judy Brown and Beth Boehm

Ron Wilkins and Terrell Richmond

Earle Augustus and Kristee Lane

ONSITE

Onsite II Methodist Healthcare Foundation Living Awards The Methodist Healthcare Foundation recently honored this year’s Living Awards recipients at The Peabody hotel. A reception kicked off the festivities in the Continental Ballroom and was followed by dinner in the Grand Ballroom, where those individuals or organizations who have distinguished themselves by their leadership and commitment to the healing mission of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and others whose faithbased initiatives have had a profound impact on healthcare locally, nationally and globally were recognized. The 2012 recipients were the following: Dr. Bruce Jenkins, Chaplain Jesse Moore, Drs. Munir Motiwala, Adnan Nasser and Muhammad Zaman representing the Memphis Muslim Medical Clinic and Dr. Steve Miller. Dr. Bruce Jenkins, Chaplain Jesse Moore, Dr. Munir Motiwala, Dr. Adnan Nasser, Dr. Muhammad Zaman and Dr. Steve Miller

Story Submitted and Photo by Joseph Martin

Collage dance Collective Summer Social

O C T O B E R 2 012

Peace lilies, released from their pots so their thick roots were visible in pools of water, were fitting centerpieces for the Collage dance Collective’s third annual Summer Social at BRIDGES Center. The arrangements from Rachel’s Flower Shop symbolized the evening’s theme, “Deeply Rooted”—a paean to the dance company and school’s growing influence in Memphis. More than 200 supporters, CdC students and parents were treated to petite servings of sirloin steak on mashed potatoes, chicken-stuffed peppers and salmon on dirty rice, all prepared by Melissa’s Fine Catering. Eye-catching artwork by George Hunt, Jimpsie Ayers and twins Terry and Jerry Lyman were among the alluring items on display in the silent auction. The evening turned electric as company dancers performed selections from CdC’s upcoming season, but it was the student performance that captured the audience’s hearts.

RSVP

Dr. Jessica Ruffin, Ekundayo Bandele and Audrey Davis

Rychetta Watkins and Marcellus Harper

Story and Photos by Jeannie Mandelker

Blue Moon Mixer During the past two years, membership for the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy has tripled. Membership manager Caleb Tinkle hopes to triple it again, and so for the second year in a row, he, along with a host of volunteers, donors, board members and others, hosted a summer mixer to celebrate the full moon. “In the past, we called it the Full Moon Mixer, but since there are two full moons in August and this is the second full moon, which is a blue moon, we’re calling it the Blue Moon Mixer,” Tinkle said. Held indoors at the park’s Visitor Center in anticipation of the rain storm that hit later in the evening, the mixer included live music by Jeff Hulett and Pezz, Ghost River Brewing beer, two food trucks and a rally, as well as an opportunity to meet other members, become a member and to make new friends. Tinkle added, “It’s a way to thank existing members and a way to help raise money for the park and the Greenline.” Story and Photos by Lesley Young

(Seated) Brittany Curtis and Kate Basar (Standing) Charlotte Dick and Susie Alford

Susan Ball, “Annie” and Jim Ball

Art of Caring

Ken Lecco and Barrett Bowden

Sharon Wheeler with George and Melissa Bryan

The Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation celebrated 100 years of care by showcasing 100 diverse works of art in its annual Art of Caring auction, held once again at the University Club. This year’s proceeds totaled more than $60,000 and went toward Baptist Trinity Hospice, Baptist Trinity Hospice House and the Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief. Ron Childers of WMC-TV 5 emceed the affair, stirring the crowd to bid on pieces ranging from an encaustic on panel entitled “Riverbank” by Mary Long-Postal to pottery by Mimi Dann and an “Out on a Limb” mixed media piece from Mary Lawrence Allen, a contributing artist since the event began in 1998 and a six-time cancer survivor herself. The two “featured artists” were Paul Penczner and Ken Lecco, who created “My Eyes Have Seen the Glory” after being inspired by the late Gracie Coln, who spent her final days at Baptist Trinity Hospice House. Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

ONSITE

Onsite III

O C T O B E R 2 012

Dottie N. Jones Survivor Celebration The Memphis-MidSouth Affiliate of Susan G. Komen hosted the Dottie N. Jones Survivor Celebration at The Peabody. This annual event is generously sponsored by the family of Dottie N. Jones, in her memory and in celebration of how she fought and lived her life to the fullest after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987. This year’s event was a beautiful morning brunch that was attended by breast cancer survivors both newly diagnosed and some who are celebrating more than 35 years in remission. WREG News Channel 3’s April Thompson emceed, delighting guests with her personal stories and family connections to breast cancer and giving away all the door prizes. Jodie Greear, a clinical dietician and certified specialist in oncology nutrition at Baptist Memorial Hospital, provided tips on making healthy food choices a way of life, and Kenny Lackey, a multi-talented musician, comic and impressionist, also entertained guests.

Le Bonheur Cocktail Party Benefit Princess Diana 15th Anniversary Tribute To celebrate the opening of its new location in Germantown, Theo’s Bistro hosted a Grand Opening Cocktail Party Benefit for Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center. During the affair, guests enjoyed complimentary libations, a sampling of the finest menu selections and live music performed by Charvey. Both Count Me Healthy Jewelry, Stax and Conway Services Heating, Cooling and Plumbing also donated prizes for several lucky attendees. Ticket sales from the event and silent auction proceeds will help Le Bonheur continue to offer exceptional pediatric care to 14,000 patients each year. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Chris Pugh

Story Submitted Photos by Memphis Camera Club

Pat Kerr Tigrett has innovative ways of combining parties with good causes, and she recently came up with another one when she hosted the Princess Diana 15th Anniversary Tribute at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. To help raise funds for Hope House, a nonprofit that helps with the unique needs of HIV affected children, Tigrett showcased her Private Royal Collection, some items of which date back to the 16th century. Everything from a coronation portrait plate of Queen Elizabeth II to a watercolor by Prince Charles and several of Princess Diana’s gowns were on display, as were some of Tigrett’s own lace couture creations. Felicia Suzanne’s supplied scrumptious hors d’oeuvres for guests, who more than happily toasted the collection and remembered Diana with Pimm’s Cups— signature British drinks—in hand.

Rock for Love 6 VIP BBQ Beer, barbecue and fellowship were had at the Rock for Love 6 VIP BBQ, which serves as the annual kick-off for the Rock for Love weekend of benefit concerts organized to raise funds and awareness for the Church Health Center. This year’s VIP BBQ once again took over Ardent Studios, where sponsors, event volunteers and participating musicians united to eat Bar-B-Q Shop barbecue and get pumped up about upcoming shows at the Hi-Tone Café, the Levitt Shell and Overton Square. Headliners included Al Kapone, Booker T. Jones, Larry Raspberry and the Highsteppers and the original members of the beloved garage band The Gentrys, who performed their mega-hit “Keep On Dancin’” after receiving a Beale Street Brass Note the prior day. Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

RSVP

Molly Strickland and Jeremy Baer

(Seated) Vance Stacks and Theresa Dillihunt; (Standing) Benita Early and Rita Holden

Bambi Kirk, David Thorn and Dianna Fryer Pat Kerr Tigrett Sonja Dowdy, Bernard Farber, Dawn Stein and Jimmy Silvio

Babbie Lovett, Regina Boyd and Charlotte Neal

Becky and Bob Fisher, Larry Raspberry, Bruce Bowles, Jason Bowles and Carol Raspberry

Sharon Leicham and Lynn Plummer

Jody Stephens, Mark Jordan and Ken Hall

Falander West and Dr. Barbara Davis Jennifer Jaudon and David Cupp

April Thompson

Michael Rice and Allison Jacobs

RSVP

O C T O B E R 2 012

RSVP ROOM VIEW O C T O B E R 2 012 RSVP

RSVP ROOM VIEW Interview by Kelly Cox | Photos by Steve Roberts

touch of Tuscany can be found in Fayette County, in a family

home near Eads. When the homeowners moved in seven years

ago, the interiors were very plain, defined by a restrained gold

wall color and good structure but little character. Inspired by their passion for Napa Valley and their shared Italian heritage, the couple who own this house worked closely with Tim Disalvo & Company to remake their home in the mold of an Old World villa in the heart of wine country. The great room anchors the design, as if they had stumbled upon an existing fragment of a Tuscan estate and built the Top: The homeowners wanted aged-looking brick facings for the great room, and adding still more character is the balcony of old and knotted salvaged wood. Above: An ample archway of synthetic travertine connects the great room with the kitchen and dining room and boasts a head of Neptune keystone. The large, primitive dining room table was inspired by one at Robert Mondavi's winery in Napa Valley.

house around it.

Homeowner: We had the idea from the very beginning. We would’ve loved to have done this from day one, but it’s a blessing that we didn’t. Tim Disalvo & Company came in and made all this happen. They did the transformation we wanted. I wouldn’t have attempted this without somebody who really knew how to do it. It could go very wrong. What was helpful was that Tim understood exactly what I wanted, and we worked together until we got it. It was really a team effort.

right here in the great room in a lawn chair, just feeling it come together. Now, I like to sit here in the armchair with a glass of wine and just let my imagination run.

RSVP: Can you tell me about the distressing process you used here on the walls?

RSVP: Tell me about the head of Neptune in the arched entrance there.

Homeowner: I worked very closely with Tim, and we did eight to 10 different samples before we got started. We discussed starting in August 2011, but because of the holidays, we pushed it to February. What that gave us was the time to explore all these different textures. I went downtown and took pictures of wall failure and told them this is what I want to recreate. What you see here are brick pavers. The lower weight of the pavers allowed us to do this big wall. Tim put together a sample with the brick and the veneer, all nicely done as a contractor does it, and I took a hammer to it and started crumbling. I said, “This is what I want!” and they said, “Ah, I see it!” And then it fell apart, so that technique wasn’t going to work. They wound up hand-breaking each individual brick and piecing them back together to create these failure lines. To keep it from looking too hand-made, I suggested putting a string in the cracks and letting the mortar harden over it just a little bit, then pulling the string out. It crumbled just perfectly, like it had crumbled over centuries.

Homeowner: One of our favorite restaurants in Boston is the Neptune Oyster. It’s in the North End, the Italian historical district. That Neptune was inspired by the one at the restaurant. I didn’t want just the old, traditional keystone. I wanted something a little unique. No lie, when that went in, the dog went crazy, like “Hey! Where did YOU come from?” These archways were made by European Stone Werks using a synthetic travertine that Mark Pepke created. It replicates limestone, but it’s a fraction of the weight and cost. I like it better than limestone because he controls the pitting. We can get all these effects, whereas with limestone you take what you get.

RSVP: How long did the project take from start to completion? Homeowner: Tim quoted me three months, and it was three months to the day. That was of tremendous value to us because when it comes to construction we’ve all heard the runaway stories. Through the construction, with stuff all over the floor, I would sit

RSVP: Are the murals in your house also from your favorite places? Homeowner: The murals are based on places we’ve been in Napa Valley. Our Italian family names are incorporated into the mural off the kitchen—my grandmother’s maiden name, from Genoa, and my wife’s maiden name. When we look at these murals, we have the memory of somewhere we enjoyed. It gives us another level of connection. Artist Victor Moore did all the murals in the house, all the finishes, all the glazing. He’s phenomenal. He faux-finished the speakers so they match the grain of the wood of the balcony they’re set in. That’s old, salvaged wood. You can see all the knots, the cracks. That’s what we wanted: the character.

RSVP ROOM VIEW O C T O B E R 2 012

RSVP: When did you come up with the plan for what we see today?

45 RSVP

In a team effort, architect Jeff Bramlett suggested the exposed beams in the dining room, the husband of the household had the idea for copper ceiling panels and his wife found the leather shield tapestry (pictured below) in Mississippi.

O C T O B E R 2 012

PHOENIX CLUB PARTY AT THE CLUB

EVENT

Phoenix Club Party at the Club Poolside Benefit for the Boys & Girls Clubs

Jeb Hart and Devon Dennis

Jack and Abby Phillips

RSVP

hen the Phoenix Club hosts its annual summertime benefit for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, the all-male organization makes sure that guests have fun—and lots of it. The most recent party was no exception as the membership returned to the University Club yet again, but this time, the fund-raiser took place in new territory, outside around the pool and gazebo. John Collier and Chad Cunningham co-hosted the evening, which more than 300 young men and their dates enjoyed spending under the stars to raise funds for a nonprofit that the Phoenix Club members helped start in Memphis back in 1955. Collier, a Phoenix Club member now for four years, said, “We want to throw a party and have a good time, but overall, it’s all about the Boys & Girls Clubs. It’s great that Phoenix instills a responsibility in up-and-coming people to do big things [like support the Boys & Girls Clubs].” During these festivities, Collier let loose by being the first in the pool, not to swim or hang out, but to propel himself across the water in a giant, inflatable human hamster wheel. It was a good thing Collier came dressed in swim trunks and an Elvis bathrobe! Other guests arrived more buttoned up clothing-wise, however they engaged in just as much merriment by hitting the dance floor, first for soul tunes by Reliance Band and later for popular dance songs spun by famed Memphis deejay and club owner Robert Raiford. And, with Raiford in control of the late-night action, dancers didn’t slow down until the wee hours. Luckily, there were pick-me-ups nearby in the form of food and drinks. The U Club supplied Southern fare like barbecue sandwiches and pimento cheese biscuits, while Budweiser of Memphis, Dan McGuinness, Silly Goose Lounge and Swanky’s Taco Shop all served up ice-cold beverages. While beer was a popular choice, other partygoers enjoyed trying Swanky’s signature frozen or on-the-rocks margaritas and Silly Goose’s vodka spritzers with peach and cherry flavoring. Coincidently, Swanky’s slogan of “Eat. Drink. Chill.” couldn’t have better described the surrounding vibe—one that will hopefully carry over into Phoenix’s next big fund-raiser, the annual Phoenix Club Mardi Gras Party held each spring. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Hudson Atkins and Mary Louise Carrick

Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Baxter Buck

Laura Pope and Sisco Larson

Stephanie Boshers and Marie Blount

Sam and Layna Michalik

Brittni Wrentmore and Henry Paris

Regina Simmons, Dan Schrader, Joe Vari and Megan Spangler

David and Melissa Turner

O C T O B E R 2 012 RSVP

$M BT T J D 'S F OD I * OîVF OD F #J T U S P -ONDAY 4HUR S DAY PM T I L L PM &R I DAY 3AT UR DAY PM T I L L PM 3UNDAY PM T I L L PM 3UNDAY "R UNC H AM T I L L PM

EVENT PHOENIX CLUB PARTY AT THE CLUB

John Ed Ogles Jr. and Al Stoltz III

O C T O B E R 2 012

Hussein and Abby Sakaan

Houston Brown, Samantha Gibson, Dawne Gibson and Dan Taylor

RSVP

Janie Williams and Ben Jordan

Josh and Leann Crossmo

Lindsey Sutherland, Lauren Byrd and Erin Webb

4 6 4 6 P O P L A R AV E N U E

PERKINS t 901.682.5471

- $625 SS - $475

SS - $425

O C T O B E R 2 012

Available Av a i l a b l e iin n 1 14k 4k a and nd P Platinum latinum

RSVP

EVENT PHOENIX CLUB PARTY AT THE CLUB O C T O B E R 2 012

Drew Plunk, Chloe Baker and Brokke Simpson

Lindsay Harwell, Brian Cox and Meredith Parker

Brandy Sims and Alicia Nash

Stephanie Shotwell and Mac Thompson

RSVP

Kay Morrisse and Marie Coode

Sally Goodin, Kari Gano and Lee Opie

Bryce Hendry and Kasey Kaspari

Julie Goss and Tyler Little

Natalie Chamoun, Rob Park and Josie Kitchens

EVENT

O C T O B E R 2 012

PHOENIX CLUB PARTY AT THE CLUB

Camille Casey, Katherine Veazey, Karolina Grabowicz, Chelsey Darden and Christine Fulmer

Zac McRae with Kristen and David Spratlin RSVP

Katie Hamlin, Jordan Crump and Rachel McAteer

Zack Rutland, Jesse Zellner, Jay Martin and Michael Lewis

O C T O B E R 2 012

MIXOLOGISTS ROOFTOP SOIREE & TASTE OF MEMPHIS

EVENT

Mixologists Rooftop Soiree & Taste of Memphis Cochon 555’s Swine-Filled Weekend

Brad Pitts and Sherianne Bangham

Laney Sayle and Robert Hayes

RSVP

lready a town known for its love of swine, Memphis welcomed another pork-related event with the inaugural Cochon Heritage BBQ, however it was unlike any culinary event ever experienced in the Bluff City. Held for three days during Labor Day weekend, the national Cochon 555 tour, which promotes the heritage pig breed by “increasing awareness of the sources that support a more natural, sustainable food system,” began its takeover of Memphians’ palates with the Mixologists Rooftop Soiree & Taste of Memphis. From the picturesque rooftop of The Peabody, the gathering offered hundreds of attendees a smorgasbord of tasting opportunities, beginning with samples of one whole heritage breed pig that L’Ecole Culinaire students passed amongst the crowd. Around the rooftop’s perimeter, local chefs had set up and decorated stations to show off one item each that would be featured on the “4+2 Judge’s Plate,” or in layman’s terms, four meats and two sides using a whole pig, along with bonus-round sides. The thought process behind this format is for chefs to not create unnecessary waste in their restaurants, thereby relieving small-operation famers from having a surplus of unused animal parts. Some restaurant menu items included confit of Berkshire pork and guacamole tostadas with pickled carrots and aged cow’s milk cheese from Las Tortugas; confit of pork with scarlet frill mustard by Interim Restaurant & Bar; pickled daikon (an Asian radish) with pig’s feet cooked up by Acre; and figsmoked, beer-braised pork hock courtesy of Lunchbox Eats. Epicoa Rotisserie featured ribs and pork tenderloin teasers on its menu, but also grilled pineapple, peaches and watermelon to complement all the protein offerings. In front of The Peabody Duck House, foodies gathered to sample 16 different varieties of bologna in the Cochon Bologna Contest. Area chefs like Patrick Reilly of Majestic Grille and Ryan Trimm of Sweet Grass served as judges, a panel that also incorporated the discerning taste buds of out-of-town chefs such as Jamie Bissonnette of Boston’s Toro/Coppa. Entries came from cured meat professionals at well-known eateries around the country and could be sampled with Wonder bread, Duke’s mayo and yellow mustard by guests. To help wash the edibles down, restaurant mixologists shook up craft cocktails, many which were made with bourbon since September marked National Bourbon Month. For instance, Brad Pitts of Bari Ristorante e Enoteca concocted a “Delta Bravo” with Four Roses bourbon and Fernet-Branca amaro with a maple-glazed grilled peach, while David Parks of Alchemy poured a “Gincident” with Buffalo Trace No. 3 gin, mango, vanilla and lemon juice and a “Buffalo Whiskey Smash” with Buffalo Trace bourbon, orange liqueur, fresh lemon, mint leaves and honey. Parks says he let them keep the recipes, but many more food recipes were yet to be sampled throughout the remainder of the swinetastic weekend. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Jason and Jessica Sparrow

Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Don Perry

Jenny Vergos and Ed Lee

Harold and Dianne Cox

Luke and Nancy Abrusley

Denise and Don Carpenter

Ellison Linebarier, Grayson Pruitt, Christy Siegel and Gus Ogler

Cheri Carr and Shawn Mitchell

O C T O B E R 2 012 RSVP

SINCE 1995

Advertising in RSVP Magazine places your message before an active, affluent market of Mid-Southerners who desire the best in quality and service.

More Than 120,000 Readers Average Household Income. . . . . . . . . . . .$147,000 per year. 88.6% . . . . . . . . .Purchased a Product or Visited a Store due 58.16% have HH incomes greater than . . . $75,000 per year. to Advertising in RSVP. Female Readers . . . 59.2% Male Readers . . .40.8% 42.6% . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Traveled Abroad during the past year. Marital Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62.2% married 52.% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eat out at least 3 times per week. Home Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81.3% 30,000 copies delivered monthly throughout Education: Attended/Graduated College plus . . . . . . .83.0% the Affluent Shopping Areas of Greater Memphis Have Post graduate degree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21.6% From Harbor Town to Collierville.

How to put RSVP to Work for You Call 276-7787

EVENT MIXOLOGISTS ROOFTOP SOIREE & TASTE OF MEMPHIS O C T O B E R 2 012

Allison Mussman, Cindy Swift and Kristen Melvin

Diane Jalfon, Daniel Weickenand and Terri Panitz

RSVP

Stacey Greenberg, Mary Cashiola and Aimee Lewis

Sam Nevels, Jon Autry and Brendan Rodrigues

EVENT

O C T O B E R 2 012

MIXOLOGISTS ROOFTOP SOIREE & TASTE OF MEMPHIS

Jonny Ballinger with Lee and Eddie Sellers

Ted Bilsky, Matt Heifer, Judy Bilsky and Blake Carson RSVP

Nevada Presley, Christian Mann and Jennifer Chandler

Chris, Kristin and David Newman

EVENT MIXOLOGISTS ROOFTOP SOIREE & TASTE OF MEMPHIS O C T O B E R 2 012

Stephen Douglass, Evan Potts and David Parks

Natalie Brown, Colleen Wilson and Emily Pera

Jerry Hensley and Rebecca White

John Sanders and Jessie Isbell

RSVP

Brandon and Jenna Thornburg

Ryan Trimm, Patrick Reilly and Rebecca Seligstein

Lana and Shawn Danko

Patrick Hendricks and Olivia Prince-Griffin

Brandon Scoggins, Chris Posey and Dan Saffer

EVENT Rick Bartl and Charles Frame

Alex Montesi and Mary Boaz

Keara Nevels and Rachel McAteer

John and Marina Bogan

MIXOLOGISTS ROOFTOP SOIREE & TASTE OF MEMPHIS

Bryan and Rachel Baddorf

O C T O B E R 2 012

Jennifer Jaudon, Valerie Smith and Nicole Fox

Sharon Harris, Peggy Brewer and Kim Post RSVP

Paul Chandler, Lucia Heros, Mia Henley, Ricky Heros and Billy Weiss

Ural and Yvette Vinson

Nora Boone and Brantley Ellzey

Katie Mars and Kyle Scott

Lindsay Fulks and Brian Marks

Martha Rodriguez, Kayla Owens, Emily Pillars and Dawn Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien

EVENT

Spirit of SRVS

SPIRIT OF SRVS

Helping People with Disabilities

O C T O B E R 2 012

Joan and Michael Terry

Retha Moore and Mark Pender

RSVP

here was not a space available in the vast parking lot surrounding Hilton Memphis, as oenophiles couldn’t wait to get in the door of the Tennessee Ballroom to try the 40-plus vendors showcasing their special vintages. It was the 14th annual Spirit of SRVS wine tasting and auction, held August 25 in the great downstairs hall and banquet space of the East Memphis hotel. For those who didn’t come for the wine, namely foodies, a feast of specialty fare, from Thai food to seafood to barbecue to smoothies, was available for tasting from close to a dozen restaurants. For whatever type of connoisseur, there was something for everyone, particularly in the space filled with hundreds of auction items, silent and live. “We are considered the best party in town,” Diana Fedinec, public relations manager for SRVS, said. “We started this 14 years ago and were one of the first wine tasting and auction parties in town. Now, we are considered the premier wine tasting and auction in town.” With 94.1 KQK radio personality Steve Conley serving as coemcee and auctioneer, the party had its share of celebrities, and event chairs Joan and Michael Terry didn’t need to look far for performing talent. SRVS resident Merrye Kiihnl held the room with her rendition of the band Europe’s “The Final Countdown,” and the organization’s own dance troupe Company d continued the tradition of performing at the event, which raised proceeds to support SRVS. This year’s party was particularly eventful since 2012 marks the 50th anniversary for SRVS, which stands for Shelby Residential and Vocational Services. SRVS is a nonprofit that provides services for people with disabilities and their families. Programs incorporate job training and placement, an occupational workshop, community participation, family support and residential living. For more information, visit srvs.org. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Julia Cole and Sonia Gordon

Story by Lesley Young Photos by Baxter Buck

Tracy Agostin and Janet Schwartz

Tom Simpson and Michelle Hamblen

Tom Matisko and Terry Smithson

Lita Hurston-Reed and Jeanie Gundlach

John Brown, Russ and Cindy Mire and Gwen Brown

Corey and Michelle Epps

EVENT SPIRIT OF SRVS Christy Yarbro and Amy Lindeman

Alex and Debra Saharovich, Judge George Emerson and Anne Wesberry

O C T O B E R 2 012

Lanetta and Buddy Lanier

RSVP

Judy Vandergrift, Linda Lucchesi and Rena Chiozza

Amanda Brock, Beth Thacker and Christina and Lance Clements

EVENT SPIRIT OF SRVS

Kent Redding and Ronda Axt

Jenny Payne and Lynda Dionne

O C T O B E R 2 012

David and Susan Orabone

Connie and Mark Bowlan

Debbie Candebat and Teresa Bennett

RSVP

Terry Reeves and Jan Stark

Bilo Bautista and Joyce Johns

Alex Maxted and Kate Fairless

Chelsey Holmes and Carly Pratt

Jill and Phil Meseke

Kevin and Barb Bentley

EVENT SPIRIT OF SRVS Kim Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Bar and Karyn Waxman

Bryan and Tracy Ford with Bob Winters

O C T O B E R 2 012

Debbie Callahan and Bill Albans

RSVP

Jim Petrea and Jutta Siebert

Ana Belyeu and Tyler Guthrie

Selina Chan, Amy Adams and Lisa Murdock

EVENT

Paw Prints Party

PAW PRINTS PARTY

Benefiting the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County

O C T O B E R 2 012

Lindey Ward and Betty Lyon

Abby and Duane Shannon

RSVP

ith all the glitz and glamour, it is hard to believe the evening went to the dogs at the annual Paw Prints Party, which benefited the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County. But, that’s just what happened when Evaline, Jefferson and Sage, dogs rescued by the nonprofit, strutted through the crowd, smiles blazing, at the Clark Opera Memphis Center. It was a proud moment for nearly 300 guests, many who had volunteered their time and money to help dogs such as these. Humane Society board member Steve Schwartz made sure to brag to guests about the dedicated veterinarians and volunteers that were at the fund-raiser. Festivities included a live and silent auction. As the excitement turned from the items in the silent auction to the food that was being brought out, piano music began to fill the air. Dinner included vegetarian and vegan options while videos of the shelter volunteers at work played across a screen on the back wall. Fast-talking Terri Walker of Walker Auctions, a past winner of the International Auctioneer Championship, moderated the live auction, and with her at the reins, hands shot up as partygoers bid on items such as jewelry, Memphis Grizzlies tickets and artwork from local artists such as Zoe Nadel and Mike Maness. The band Front & Beale provided the upbeat ambiance for the evening’s activities and, of course, late night dancing. Executive director Alexis Amorose spoke to the audience about the day-to-day work of the organization and its many accomplishments in 2012. These included the first ever 36-hour pet adopt-a-thon, which gave 90 animals new loving homes, and the hiring of a cruelty investigator to help stop animal abuse in Shelby County. “We are going to set the example, we are going to set the bar higher,” said Amorose. “That’s why you are here tonight, because it’s the right thing to do.” As the crowd erupted with applause, Amorose spoke about the new endeavors to take place in 2013. The fund-raiser did much to help with those goals, raising more than $61,000–one of the highest amounts raised at this long-time event. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Mary and Ken Kincaid

Story and Photos by Elizabeth Link

Debra and David Aquadro

Sarah Bur and Michael Crowley

Daniel Walker and Bill Appling

Joseph and Laura Beth Davis

Debbie Newsome, Brianna Siebert and Katie Pemberton

Chris and Sarah Lusk

EVENT PAW PRINTS PARTY Stephanie and Dave Cannon

O C T O B E R 2 012

Ellen Davidson and Emily Reck

Front & Beale

RSVP

James Dean and Laurie Earnheart

James Parker and Tanja Partee

Heidi Danzinger, Kim Godwin and Don Smith

EVENT PAW PRINTS PARTY

Joey Facello and Trent Stacy

O C T O B E R 2 012

Julie and Bob Nations

Sherry and Dale Jones with Rick and Susan Clifford

Steve and Lynn Dupuis with Kathleen and Ken Milford

Heather Wright, Steve Schwartz and John Morgret

Dorothy Kirsch, Sallie Hughes and Lenore Binswanger

Matt Van Cleve and Wendy Fuller with Anna and Ben Nicol

Vinks and Stella Blocker with Rosalee Rudner

Kristi, Chuck and Kris Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Kelly

RSVP

AFTER HOURS

After Hours A photo collage of the latest business happenings

Grand Opening of Maggie Louise Bridal Salon

Eric Farrell and Molly Lambert

Nicole Clothier and Michelle Clothier

Jeff and Allison Rodgers

O C T O B E R 2 012

Sister Schubert and Betty Sims Cooking Demo at Palladio Antiques & Art

RSVP

Sister Schubert and Betty Sims

Mindy Roberts and Nancy Morris

Carol Walker and Sherron Weaver

Carol Peretz Trunk Show at Kittie Kyle

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Makowsky Millinery

Monica Nash and Carol Peretz

(Front Row) Margretta daLomba Dobbs, Debbie Crawford, John Duncan, Dinah and Gary Makowsky, Sue Ann Lipsey, Helen Batts, Kathyrn Stallins and Kelvin Kolheim; (Back Row) Andre Dean, Dr. Jean Hayden, Dee Cannell and Kemp Conrad

ONSITE

Onsite IV

O C T O B E R 2 012

Agape Heartlight Celebration

RSVP

In an effort to raise money and community awareness for Memphis children and families in need, celebrated writer, artist and civil rights activist Dr. Maya Angelou shared her personal story to those gathered for the 14th annual Agape HeartLight Celebration, a fund-raiser for Agape Child and Family Services. Held at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, the night kicked off with Soulsville Music Academy students performing, followed by Kym Clark of WMCTV 5, Agape executive director David Jordan and Mayor A C Wharton taking a moment to praise Agape’s services and welcome the legendary speaker. Gayle Rose then introduced Dr. Angelou, who sat on a chair seemingly small, but had a strong and stirring voice that filled the room. Dr. Angelou joined in Agape’s theme of “Strengthening Love for Families” and spoke about the power of love and its positive effect on the individuals who face opposition in our community. With some 1,800 people in attendance, the event raised more than $460,000 for Agape.

Ballet Memphis Costume Retrospective and Fashion Show A sold-out crowd at Ballet Memphis’ East Memphis studios celebrated the opening of the company’s new state-of-the-art costume shop with a Costume Retrospective and a performance-filled Fashion Show. Generously funded by the Plough Foundation, the new costume shop features a dye room, a laundry area and, perhaps most important, onsite storage for the company’s more than 6,000 archived costumes, some dating back to the company’s beginnings in 1987. Dancer Kendall G. Britt Jr. worked with wardrobe supervisor Bruce Bui to curate the retrospective, which featured live models from the Ballet Memphis Junior Company. Guests then took to the Federal Express Studio for a runway show of dancers and costumes worthy of New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Cooper-Young Art Invitational With the Cooper-Young Festival only two days away, the historic district’s residents were ready to celebrate, and that they did at the Cooper-Young Art Invitational. The David Perry Smith Gallery on New York Street graciously hosted the gathering to highlight five established artists who live in Cooper-Young by allowing them to exhibit five paintings each, or 25 paintings total to commemorate the festival’s 25th anniversary. Artists Karen Bottle-Caps (folk art), Nick Canterucci (folk art), Colleen Couch-Smith (wall-mounted sculptures), Tylur French (freestanding sculptures) and Jeanne Seagle (landscapes) all exhibited their works, which remained up throughout the festival, at no cost and received 100 percent of proceeds from the sale of their pieces. Miller Lite sponsored the event that also included complimentary beer, wine and appetizers, as well as music by Michael Joyner and Khari Wynn. Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

Les Passees Stock Exchange Preview Party The ladies of Les Passees pulled it off again with the 2012 opening of the Les Passees Stock Exchange, a huge “one-stop shopping hall” located at 10217 East Shelby Dr. in Collierville. To kick the fund-raiser off in style, members hosted a Preview Party the Thursday night before the event opened to the public, and as always, the party reined in those serious shoppers who purchased tickets to have first pick of the amazing antiques, art, Christmas décor, jewelry, kitchenware and other collectibles. Violinist Donna Wolf entertained the crowd while they perused the goods and enjoyed brandy slushies, among other drinks, and finger foods, including sandwiches made with Tom’s Tiny Kitchen pimento cheese. The Stock Exchange will remain open until November 4 and continue raising funds to benefit the Harwood Center and Les Passees Kids on the Block. Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

Story and Photos Submitted

Story and Photos by Rachel Warren

Astrid and Tylur French

Leslie Darr and Libby Rodriguez

Teri and David Perry Smith

Linda Dever and Carol Bowden

Pat and Carol McGarrity

Margaret Monger, Liz Gano and Aimée Christian

Rafael Ferreras Jr., Aimee McMillin, Kendall G. Britt Jr. and Kelley Morice David Jordan, Kevin Williams and Christie Williams

Reva Moody, Gayle Rose and Gwen Moody

Clarence Davis, Dorothy Gunther Pugh and Diane Rudner

48 Mary __ Moore 49 Closing

51 Give as an excuse

54 Casper is a friendly one

57 Leather worker始s tool

59 Braid

62 Fire residue 64 Swain

66 1997 Madonna movie 68 Goddess

69 Optical device

70 Helper 71 Gain

72 Dueling sword

cl a ssy

8 It may be found in a tomb

9 Something bobbed for 10 Ship initials

11 Spandex quality

12 Restaurant 13 Truant

21 Sticky black substance 23 Several feet 26 Dud

28 Body of water

30 West southwest 31 Short person

56 __ cotta (clay) 57 Apt

58 Bawl

60 Flank 61 Tier

63 Made music 65 Manipulate 67 Ornament

azz!

33 See ya!

34 Hospital (abbr.) 35 Have to

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

O C T O B E R 2 012

47 Quit

55 Trim wool

67 RSVP

46 River (Spanish)

7 Decorative needle case

53 Demon

Solution:

44 Arachnid

52 Regions

A W O L

43 Owns

40 United States of America

41 Deplores

6 Shina

50 Expression of surprise

D E L I

54 60

(abbr.)

5 Electroencephalograph

4 Enchant

47 Splashed

U S S

39 Slow

3 Philippine dish with

marinated chicken or pork

E T U I

38 Compass point

45 Eastern state

D A R D

35 Fit together

42 Roman three

A D O B O

32 German kingdom

2 Metal bolt

41 Small hat

R I V E T

29 Large group

1 Graduate (abbr.)

G R A D

27 Bread leavening

26 29

S E A

25 Sum

39 With

H O S P

24 Zero

37 Soaring aircraft

C I A O

DOWN

36 See

S K I N T I G H T

74 Lag

W D S W W A R F

73 Napped

E S P Y

M U S T

S A N G

T E R R A

22 Darkly

S H E A R

20 Charge

S L O S H E D

19 Farm building

M A U P M P M L Y Y E A R A D I L S I O I N A G H S A T A E R P T

18 Crank

S I D E

17 Avouch

15 Devour (2 wds.) 16 Alter

D E V I L

14 Travel by horse

E B E E G W I T T A L C R O S H B E D E R E R L E A T R E A S

Agriculture

U S E

10 U.S. Department of

S A I L P L A N E

5 Swelling

Edited by Ruth Cassin

W E E P

1 Take away

A B L E

ACROSS

RSVP Crossword

RSV PHILLIPPI

By Dennis Phillippi

firing off e-mails; I’m sure there are some of you reading this right now who met your soul mate on the Web. Good for you. I want you to be happy. But you, my friend, are in the minority. Want to guess where I met my wife? Go ahead and guess. Now, there’s no need for sarcasm, no, I didn’t meet her at a Dungeons & Dragons convention. I met her in a bar. Want to guess where I got to be close with my closest friends? The same. We sat, elbow to elbow, as the various sports seasons—football, basketball, the NCAA tournament, baseball and back to football—rolled by. We argued about everything under the sun, from the designated

Every time I hear someone talking about social media, I think that my type of social media is the television over a bar showing a ballgame. hitter to running quarterbacks and the Maginot Line. That’s how we became good friends. Oh, and we drank. As always, I am not advocating drinking to excess, just very, very close to excess. Alcohol is the lubrication of the civil discourse. A few beers and a ballgame is exactly what every uptight, angry, politics-obsessed blowhard I know could use. The ballgame is crucial here. A baseball game gives everyone something to discuss besides politics, even if it’s just to express your dislike of baseball. That’s more than enough to get the ball rolling. Once we get past arguing about the relative merits of various sports, we’re well on our way to becoming friends. Arguing over a few beers is how we take measure of our fellow man in this country. Sports, I have long maintained, is the universal language. Whether you are in a local watering hole, an airport bar or a cabana on a beach in Belize, everyone can

discuss some aspect of sports. Even people who think they know absolutely nothing about them have absorbed more sports through social osmosis than they realize. Maybe you’re someone who thinks you care less than zero about sports. I bet you still know who the Williams sisters are, and I bet you’ve heard about Tiger Woods’ issues. Those are conversational topics that don’t stray anywhere near politics, religion or your personal medical history, which are the three things that must never be discussed in a bar. We have to have rules folks, and those are the rules. I understand that the life Mr. Reid and I enjoy isn’t for everyone. Some of you have small children, 10 cats or religious views that prevent you from spending a happy hour at a happy hour, but in those cases, it’s probably best we keep a safe distance from one another anyway. In the interest of defending my almost indefensible position, I attempted to do some research as to the health benefits of alcohol. Mostly, I found scholarly articles that claimed that possible benefits were directly tied to drinking in moderation, and that doesn’t really help me make my point. Sometimes, drinking immoderately is precisely the ticket. There are times in life when the best course of action is the least wise. Some of the greatest leaps forward in human history, from the Apollo Program to the UFC, have been the direct result of excessive drinking, according to something I just made up. There is a caveat to this: I happen to live in a neighborhood where there are lots of bars and restaurants within walking distance. There is nothing healthy about killing a Sunday drinking and watching the Saints, and then getting behind the wheel. Seriously, cabs are not that expensive and are nowhere near as expensive as lawyers. The drinking and socializing is perfectly healthy, and you don’t have to take my word for it, take the word of Mr. Reid. Thirty thousand pints throughout 70 years is the definition of scoreboard.

Mr. Phillippi, what an inspiration you have in your nanogenarian hero Mr. Reid! Will you ever be able to compete with his drinking score, or have you already surpassed it? If you have, Mr. Reid definitely owes you a toast.

69 RSVP

have a new hero: Arthur Reid, 90, who has been going to the same pub every night for 70 years and estimates he has drunk some 30,000 pints there throughout the years. Now, that is setting the bar for the rest of us. Seventy-plus years of hanging in the same bar is my kind of prescription for making it into your 90s. Sure, you could eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and keep an otherwise responsible lifestyle, but where’s the fun in that? Mr. Reid is 90 years old. He wins. If you’ve read this column through the years or heard me on the radio, then you know this is my idea of how one should lead his or her life. Find a bar you like, and make it a habit. Every time I hear someone talking about social media, I think that my type of social media is the television over a bar showing a ballgame. It’s something anyone can talk about, and there’s cold beer handy. Bars are the easiest place to make friends. Sure, you could take a class at a gym or take up some group hobby like, say, biking or a book club. Those are all perfectly good ways to make new friends, but they lack two important things: alcohol and sports. Watch a few commercials on TV and see if you see many people laughing it up while at a cooking class or playing a word game online. You will not. You will see people doing the same thing over and over, drinking and watching, or playing, sports. That’s America my friends. There are ads running all the time for these online dating services that claim that one in five relationships start by people meeting one another on one of these sites. One in five? Seriously? I don’t know any of them, do you? I know a handful of people who have met through one of those sites, but I don’t know any of them that have lasted. Mainly because the idea that someone would have to resort to putting a profile on the Internet instead of going out and meeting actual human beings is more than a little bit, um, disquieting. Now, don’t get all worked up and

O C T O B E R 2 012

SOMETHING TO DRINK ABOUT

RSVPAST

A Tree Grows in Memphis

O C T O B E R 2 012

1956-1988

RSVP

bout 1956, Jerry O’Roark planted two pecan trees at his family’s first house on Leatherwood in East Memphis and couldn’t resist taking his first son Kevin’s picture holding on to the trunk of one of the trees. In 1988, O’Roark read that a garage sale was to take place at that address, so he took his son to the sale and explained that he wanted to take a photograph of Kevin with that same tree. The occupants enthusiastically consented. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JERRY O’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.