THE WEDDING ISSUE
January 2016
Bell Tower Gala Sip Around the World Orpheum Auction Gala Q&A with Steve Denegri and Robert Montague
Celebrating 40 Years!
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Contents
Features
January 2016
From the Editor • 8 Signature Memphis • 10
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland took a moment to tell RSVP his favorite aspect of being the city’s new mayor, as well as his favorite Memphis “thang.”
Vox Popular • 46
Q&A with Steve Denegri and Robert Montague, founders of new nonprofit Tech901
StreetSeen • 50 Jeremy Harris
His micro-roastery, Reverb Coffee, has wheels and is coming to a destination near you.
Events
RSVP Bridal Fashion • 19
Wild at Heart
We feature this year’s hottest bridal fashions against the wild backdrop of the Memphis Zoo.
Real Memphians share their big day with us.
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Edward Bogard
He is designing shoes that give back 100 percent to the local community.
RSVPhillippi • 73
Enough with the Kale
Don’t try to feed Dennis Phillippi anything extra or “weird.” And don’t even get him started on acceptable pizza toppings. Hold the flavor and the kale; Phillippi is just looking for a good drink.
Cindy Jones and Laurie Brown
Orpheum Auction Gala • 12
It was a fierce bidding war at The Orpheum Theatre’s annual Auction Gala, as items such as a 2007 Porsche 911 4S Coupe were hotly contested over.
Erika Ewen and Rea Clift
Memphis Moments • 56,
57, 58, 64, 66, 68, 69, & 71
Cover Photo
RSVP Featured Weddings • 28
StreetSeen • 52
Hyatt and Olivier Brunetti at Idlewild Presbyterian Church Photo by Dennis Zanone of Zanone Studio
Melvin and Catrina White
Sip Around the World • 54
Local oenophiles flocked to the National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee’s 21st annual wine tasting with wines from all over the globe.
Kayla Walker and Todd Seabrook
Bell Tower Gala • 60
Christian Brothers University paid tribute to Lasallian leaders and education at Hilton Memphis.
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Volume XX• Number XVI January 2016 publisher
Roy Haithcock Editor
Rachel Warren contributing writers
Bill Bannister Emily Adams Keplinger Dennis Phillippi Suzanne Thompson art director
Krista Geyer photographers
Patrick Lantrip Don Perry Steve Roberts account executives
Chris Pugh Robin Morgan 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 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 Fax: 901-276-7785 editor@rsvpmagazine.com Follow us on:
RSVP Memphis Magazine
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RSVP Staff
Chris Pugh Account Executive Chris has been exercising his talent in the advertising world since 1999. He joined the RSVP team in 2009 and brought with him a love for laughter and creativity. Originally from New Albany, Mississippi, Chris has settled in Memphis and enjoys being active in the fashion community.
Robin Morgan Account Executive Having worked in advertising for 13 years, Robin is most passionate about magazine print. Her energy is contagious, and she counts as her hobbies running, shopping and spending time with her girlfriends. Robin’s “bright spot” is her daughter Emily Anne. Robin loves living in downtown Memphis, which affords her the opportunity to run down Riverside Drive anytime!
Krista Geyer Art Director Krista has spent most her entire life in the Mid-South area. She moved home after earning her Bachelor’s Degree from Auburn University and is thrilled to be able to work on something as “Memphis” as RSVP Magazine. When not working you can probably find Krista at Shelby Farms with her husband and her dogs or riding her horses.
We know family matters. 901.410.5500 | www.hackettlawfirm.com |
Hackett Law Firm |
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From the Editor H
ello 2016, and happy New Year everyone! Here we are, another year behind us, and a new one ahead of us. Every year, we at RSVP like to ring in the New Year with lots of sparkles, tulle and lace. Yes, readers, it is time again for our Wedding Issue, and we are SO happy to present our 2016 bridal fashion shoot and real Memphians’ weddings. We want to give our utmost thanks to the Memphis Zoo for letting us get a little wild in the Zoo for our “Wild at Heart” fashion spread. We could not think of a better location that really speaks to the nature of Memphis – fun, colorful and bold. Thank you, Memphis Zoo and especially Tim Dalfiume, Memphis Zoo director of operations, for accommodating us and letting our team infiltrate the Zoo with equipment, crew and many, many dresses. Special thanks goes out to models Jesse Robinson and Corinne Vance Fikes, who worked our looks effortlessly in a public venue. Mrs. Fikes, especially, gets huge props for her supernatural ability to effortlessly walk the entire length of the Zoo in stilettos and heavy dresses bedecked in sheets of beads and bling, all the while maintaining her cheery attitude and classic elegance. The rest of us were perspiring like, well, some of the snouted animals in the Zoo. We could not have done anything without the immense contributions of talented photographers Steve Roberts and Ralph Crafton. Hair wonder, Janean Roberts of Vanity Salon, made the hair of our dreams a reality. Makeup maven Matt Gosset awed us with every one of his looks. Once again, Ashley McCormick donated the freshest and trendiest bridal flower arrangements and headpieces, which was just the best cherry on top. Lastly, I want to thank the fantastic newlyweds of Memphis, who shared their beautiful big days with us. They didn’t have to, but they did, and we are so proud to be the ones entrusted with presenting the city with these special moments of love and trust. Thank you, we are so happy to be a part of that. On our cover, we have featured a real Memphis couple, Hyatt and Olivier Brunetti, whose fabulous story of transcontinental romance and love just moved us to pieces. Olivier, a pilot for the French Navy, fell for Memphis gal, Hyatt, while in the states. It was love at first sight for the two, concluding with a fairytale wedding that brought France and Memphis together to celebrate a love that stretched across the Atlantic. After the terror that France and the U.S. have experienced this year, we are proud to feature a love story that is a bright light in the face of darkness, one that begins 2016 with happiness and hope.
Rachel Warren editor@rsvpmagazine.com
*Editor’s Correction: In the December 2015 issue, we incorrectly credited Steve Roberts for the Vox Popular photos of Kerry Hayes. In fact, photographer Don Perry took those pictures. We deeply apologize to Mr. Perry for this dreadful error.
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JiMm StricMkland emphis
ayo r
Your Best Quality: Wife. Favorite Southern Idiom: “Y’all.” Favorite Memphis “Thang”: Barbeque. Favorite Place to Travel: Chicago and New York. Favorite Song: “I Believe in You” by Don Williams. One Goal You’d Still Like to Accomplish: Re-election. Hometown: Memphis, born near South Bend, Indiana. First Car You Drove: 1976 Chevy Impala, A.K.A “The Banana Shaker.” Best Advice You Ever Got: Go to the University of Memphis Law School.
A Nonliving Celebrity/Role Model You Would Invite to Dinner: Harry Truman. Most Exciting Aspect of Being Mayor : The opportunity to make Memphis better. Something You’ll Never Live Down: Missing 9 out of 10 free throws in a basketball game.
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Photo by Steve Roberts
Best Memphis Hangout: Bob’s Barksdale Restaurant on Saturday morning.
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Benefiting the
Orpheum Aucti o n Gala H C P A alloran
entre for erforming
rts
& Education
H
Anissa and Steve Liberto
Spencer Miller and Morgan Webb
Amy Reeves and Charley Burch
Anderson and Janet Humphreys
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undreds of guests turned out to support The Orpheum Theatre at its annual Auction Gala. Now in its 37th year, this event is the Orpheum’s largest annual fund-raiser. This year’s event also marked the 35th anniversary of Orpheum President and CEO Pat Halloran, who retired at the end of 2015. “I was hired to lead the Orpheum in November of 1980, and, over the past three decades, the Auction Gala is one of the few things that has remained a timehonored tradition,” Halloran said. “It’s exciting and fitting that my last auction as president was also one of our biggest and best events yet!” Guests enjoyed a heavy hors d’oeuvres buffet that included Philly cheese steak and chicken cheese steak from Lenny’s Sub Shop, “Twisted Mac and Cheese” and “The Wok of Rock” (a medley of vegetables) from Hard Rock Café, spinach quiche and black eyed pea salad, baked brie topped with caramelized walnuts, and pimento cheese tartlets topped with blackberry preserves from A Moveable Feast. Southland Park Gaming and Racing presented braised boneless short ribs with a Burgundy demi-glace with garlic mashed potatoes as well as ginger spiced mousse served in a chocolate waffle cup with whipped cream and berries. Frost Bake Shop served up perennial favorites of pumpkin cake and strawberry cake. In addition to an open bar, there was a specialty cocktail called a “Tiger’s Paw.” This year’s auction actually began in October with an online auction. Bidders competed for barbecue parties, portrait sessions with local photographers, tickets and luxury suite seating for performances at The Orpheum, ballroom dance lessons, shopping excursions and more. Over 400 items were up for bid at the silent and live auction in categories of art and photography, children’s items, clothing and accessories, celebrity and collectibles, dining and entertainment, furniture, gifts, home accents, jewelry, spa and wellness, sports zone, vacation and travel and wine and spirits. Additionally, three chairs of original design were up for bid. Jeff Morris served as the auctioneer for the live auction, with items that included a trip to Las Vegas, entertainment packages, a NASCAR package to Charlotte Motor Speedway and a 2015 gunmetal gray Nissan Rogue SV. Additionally, The Orpheum hosted a live drawing at the event for its Annual Raffle with the top prize being a 2007 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe. Mary Wooten of Germantown was the winner of this silver marvel of the road. Second place, two Orpheum Broadway Season Suite tickets, went to Chrissy Chandler. Third prize, four luxury suite tickets to a show of the winner’s choice, went home with Joy Terral. Melinda Kincade took fourth prize, a movie party for 20 during the 2016 Orpheum Movie Series. The Orpheum’s 37th Annual Auction was made possible by Premiere Sponsor Greenway Home Services and Presenting Sponsors Kroger Delta Division, Sedgwick and Southland Park Gaming & Racing. The Online Auction Presenting Sponsor was FedEx. Proceeds from the gala benefited the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Story by Emily Adams Keplinger Photos by Don Perry
Pat and Anne Halloran with Debby and Rick Thompson
Barbara and Stefan Smith
Yolanda and Chris Archie
Allen Chapman and Jaida Vaught
Ben and Aimee Whitmer
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Mickey and Cindy Hollis
Shannon and Gene Carter
Jessica and Mike Simpson
Robert Belanger and Mary Burns
Valerie and Jeff Morris
Jim and Tammy Umlauf with Jan and David Gould
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Lelia and Al Green
Mike Wilson and Lori Turner Wilson
Kyle Kelley and Adam McClain
Sheila Noone and Ted Davis
Kathy Boccia with Joy and Larry Rice
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Melanie and David Martin
Ramona and Justin Parashis
David and Mandy Lynch
Steve Cossitt and Robert Phillips
Heather and Jim Bruce
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Jody and Dr. Gerald Lieberman
Larry and Judi Davis
Melissa and Sam Berry
Jason and Kristin Guidry
Pam Kimery and Fred Kappel
Gina Von Dee and Jerome Fulton
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Photos by Kathy Daniel Patterson Portrait Design www.kathypatterson.net
Anderson + Eby 10-10-15
T
he wedding of Rebecca Anderson, daughter of Andrea and Ben Anderson, and Alaric Eby, son of Judy and Barry Eby, took place October 10, 2015 at six in the evening. Rebecca, a hometown girl, planned to give her many East Coast guests a taste of Memphis’ best. The festivities began Thursday night at the East Memphis home of the bride’s parents. The out-of-town guests enjoyed a Southern feast of fried chicken, Gouda cheese grits, and brown sugar baked beans. Additionally, guests were sent home with individual bags of Gibson’s Donuts. Friday saw the bride and her special ladies enjoying mimosas, brunch and the backdrop of the Mississippi River on the Terrace at the River Inn. The rehearsal dinner was held at the Robinson Gallery on South Main and featured a sumptuous dinner prepared by renowned Chef Kelly English. On Saturday, the bride and groom were married at Calvary Episcopal Church. The bride wore a Maggie Sottero organza gown accented with Swarovski crystals. Rebecca’s bridesmaids wore long ocean blue gowns. A fabulous reception followed at The Peabody Hotel. Guests dined on fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and BBQ sundaes. The Venetian and Forest Ballrooms, decorated by the Garden District, were stunning with tall arrangements of golden branches, white roses, callas and hydrangeas. Guests partied into the night to the sounds of The Soul Shockers. The couple honeymooned in Maui and now resides in Manhattan.
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Photos by Lindsey Lissau www.lindseylissau.com
Casey + Campbell 9-12-15
C
amille Casey and Matthew Campbell’s wedding night began at Independent Presbyterian Church. Wedding planner Mona Dunlap arranged every detail of the evening perfectly. Surrounded by the romantic glow of candlelight and sophisticated white flowers, arranged by Deedra Stone Bergeron, the young couple exchanged their vows. The ceremony was beautiful and the reception was soon to be the talk of the town. Upon arrival at The Columns at One Commerce Square in downtown Memphis, guests were greeted with champagne and hors d’oeuvres. The room was the definition of elegance. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceilings. Candelabras adorned with floral arrangements marked every table. Cozy antique sofas, surrounded by candlelight, were arranged for guests to relax and visit. An array of food prepared by Elizabeth Heiskell tempted guests, and the five-tier cake created by The Flour Garden drew every eye in the room. Once the music started, it never stopped. Bride and groom rarely left the dance floor, and, if they did, it was only to go adorn themselves with glowing accessories or to snap a photo in the photo booth with friends. Confetti bombs and late night snacks are just a few of the many surprises the couple had in store. When the evening came to a close, Camille and Matthew exited in grand style, leaving The Columns amidst a shower of confetti and pulling away into the night inside a vintage Rolls Royce.
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Photos by Allison Rodgers www.allisonrodgers.com
Cobb + Warren 7-25-15
A
manda Cobb, daughter of Mrs. Marsha Cobb Cayce and the late Mr. Scott Cobb, wed Mitch Warren, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Warren, on the evening of July 25th in the lovely gardens of Annesdale Mansion. The Rev. Waring Porter of All Saints Presbyterian Church performed the marriage, where the couple was surrounded by friends and family. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr. Scott Cobb Jr. The bridal party consisted of eight bridesmaids and Amanda’s sister as matron of honor, as well as seven groomsmen and Mitch’s closest friend as best man. Completing the wedding party was the groom’s two children, the bride’s six nieces and her two adorable dogs. The flowers, arranged by Kevin Coble of Le Fleur, added the perfect touch for a warm feel inside the historic mansion. Guests enjoyed dinner provided by Wade & Company Catering, followed by music by John Williams and the A440 Band, who had even the reluctant dancer out on the floor. The couple now resides in Oxford, MS.
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Photos by Brandon Kidd www.brandonkidd.net
Denbow + Dowdy 6-20-15
A
fter they became engaged in Positano, Italy, Ashley Denbow and James Dowdy decided that a destination wedding suited them best. Throughout their 12-year courtship, the two developed special friendships with people all throughout the U.S. No matter where they decided to get married, most of their friends and family would need plane tickets to get there. Ashley and James were always drawn to the beauty of the California coast, and the breathtaking Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes, California sealed the deal for them. They were able to marry in a chapel, but still felt like it was outdoors with the sun sparkling through the glass architecture. Following the ceremony, guests gathered on the Rocky Point Lawn at the Terranea Resort for cocktail hour overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Relaxed glamour was the goal. Vodka Sodas, the couple’s favorite drink, were passed to guests on arrival. There was a seated dinner followed by blueberry peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream for dessert. The gorgeous California weather allowed the wedding party to enjoy dinner and toasts outdoors with an ocean view before heading indoors and dancing the night away.
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Photos by Steve Jones Photography www.stevejonesweddings.com
Edge + Adams 7-25-15
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he wedding of Ashley Edge, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Edge, and Scott Adams, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Adams, was held on July 25th, 2015 at 7 p.m. The ceremony took place at Independent Presbyterian Church, with a reception following at the Memphis Country Club. The rehearsal dinner was held in the Skyway Room at The Peabody Hotel with an after-party at Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous. The bride’s gown, designed by Rivini designer, Rita Vinieris, came from Nashville bridal boutique, b. Hughes Bridal Formal. Bridesmaids wore ice blue Amsale dresses from Bella Bridesmaids. The wedding cake was created by Cakes by Mom & Me. Wedding planner Mona Dunlap orchestrated a garden-themed reception with whimsical, summer flowers, garden gates, water fountains, and a trellis that spanned the ballroom ceiling, all of which was designed and created by Greg Campbell and his team at the Garden District. The wedding party and guests celebrated with Al Paris and The Heartbreakers as they danced with Memphis Grizzlies themed accessories and props to highlight the bride and groom’s love for their hometown.
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EAST ME
Steve Bearman
Jeanne Arthur
Paige Arnold
Helen Akin
crye-leike.com
Tom Kimbrough
585 South Perkins • M
MANAGING BROKER
Fontaine Brown 3278 Kenney Drive Jim Pascover Robin Fauser
$575,000 901-484-0062 901-494-0355
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0 Greenway Rd. Megan Stout Carol K. Stout
$449,900 901-461-7464 901-652-4517
77 Grove Park Circle Janie Hopkins
Barb Frazer
Jan Gordon 38 •
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433 Goodland Circle Jeanne Arthur
$729,000 901-857-5399
475 N. Highland St. #2G Joy Kimbrough
Walker Hays
Janie Hopkins
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Joy Kimbrough
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$199,500 901-355-5773
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EMPHIS
901-766-9004
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Memphis, TN 38117
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ASSISTANT BROKER
Vivian Watson
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Fontaine Taylor $1,275,000 901-652-4517 901-974-2960
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4055 Dumaine Way Michael Varner
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4739 Colonial Green Place $495,000 Jeanne Arthur 901-634-2800
Carol O. Stout
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$235,000 901-262-2202
Leslie O’Leary
Jim Pascover
Suzanne Plyler
Martha Robertson
Sarah Scoggin
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Photos by Dennis Zanone www.zanone.com
Epley + Brunetti 8-8-15
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here does a Hutchison girl from Memphis meet a graduate of the French Naval Academy? France sends many of its best pilots to NAS Meridian for specialized training. From there, on a weekend excursion, Olivier Brunetti came to Memphis one weekend with some of his friends and met Hyatt Epley at Mollie Fontaine Lounge. A long-distance romance followed, with trips between France and Memphis until finally, in December 2013, Olivier proposed in picturesque Saint Paul de Vence. Planning ensued, including the daunting logistics of a transcontinental wedding, but August arrived quickly, and the couple soon greeted 50 guests from France in the beautiful lobby of The Peabody Hotel. The wedding weekend was a whirlwind of activity, with an emphasis on showcasing the city of Memphis. On Thursday night, a “Meet the French” party was held at the Beauty Shop in Cooper-Young, and Friday night the rehearsal dinner took place at Itta Bena on Beale St. Saturday, 250 guests gathered at historic Idlewild Presbyterian Church for the wedding service, offered in both English and French. The ceremonies culminated that evening with a reception in The Peabody’s Venetian Room, with a memorable after-party at Paula Raiford’s Disco. Hyatt and Olivier’s future will most likely be like their wedding weekend – unique and full of adventure. As the French say, “la vie est belle.” Indeed, it is.
The River Inn at Dusk Terrace Bridesmaid Luncheon
River Hall Banquet
'
Rehearsal Dinner in Paulette s
Wedding Day on the Mississippi
Wedding Tent with Spectacular View
Ranked the No.12 Hotel in America – Conde'-Nast Traveler Vo t e d " N O . 1 H O T E L I N M E M P H I S " b y U . S . N e w s & Wo r l d R e p o r t a n d Tr i p A d v i s o r riverinnmemphis.com
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5 0 H a r b o r To w n S q u a r e
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901-260-3333
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Photos by Russell Hays Photography www.rhbrides.com
Gaia + McDonald 2-28-15
E
lizabeth Lee Gaia, daughter of Anna Lee and Andy Gaia, and Jay Martin McDonald, son of Ricka and Don McDonald, were married on Saturday, February 28, 2015. The beautiful winter wedding, coordinated by Mona Dunlap, took place at St. Peter Catholic Church, with a reception following at The Columns at One Commerce Square. The bride and groom honored their hometown by incorporating Memphis into the wedding details. Kicking off the weekend, guests were treated to welcome packages containing Memphis-made snacks and assortments followed by the rehearsal dinner at Café Keough. The bride wore a custom ivory lace gown by Modern Trousseau, complete with blue suede shoes as a nod to her hometown. The Garden District’s gorgeous ivory flower arrangements complimented the bridesmaids’ navy gowns and reception décor. RSVP Stationers provided invitations, programs, and drinkware. Cakes were created by Cakes by Mom & Me. After a photo session on Beale Street with photographer Russell Hays, celebrations continued with live music by Party Planet that kept the dance floor packed late into the evening. As a surprise, the father of the bride took the stage and sang a beautiful rendition of “Walking in Memphis” that moved everyone to tears. After their honeymoon in Kauai, HI, the couple now resides in Memphis.
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Photos by Annabella Charles Photography www.annabellacharles.com
Hester + McGhee 4-18-15
T
he April 18th wedding of Virginia Hester and Trewhitt McGhee was an unforgettably joyful day. Surrounded by friends and family, the couple was married at 6:30 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church with beautiful bay garlands and bright spring flowers adorning the sanctuary. The bride wore a gorgeous wedding dress designed by Augusta Jones. The reception was at Memphis Country Club, and, because of rain, it was moved indoors. Greg Campbell at the Garden District created a magical space with a stunning boxwood wall, strung cafĂŠ lights and beautiful grapevine arbors twinkling with candles and more flowers. The food was phenomenal, with Virginia and Trewhitt happy to share their favorite foods with loved ones, including a raw bar and lamb chops grilled fresh on the porch. The band Bobby & the Aristocats had everyone dancing though the night. The bride and groom incorporated whimsical touches of Washington D.C. into the later portion of the reception with late night specialty food and patriotic garb, an homage to the city where the two met. The entire night was filled with love and pure happiness. Wedding planner Audrey Hurst made the day relaxing and everything the couple had dreamed it would be.
Photos by Kristyn Hogan www.kristynhogan.com
Mueller + Salmon 8-1-15
C
amille Bailey Mueller of Memphis, and Bryant Alexander Salmon of Jackson, MS, were married at Independent Presbyterian Church on August 1, 2015. The bride’s gown, created by Australian designer Johanna Johnson, was made of silk crêpe, satin silk and silk tulle, and included a small blue Swarovski crystal as a gift from the designer to the bride for her “something blue.” Bailey carried a hand-tied garden bouquet of white freesia, sweet peas, tuberoses, and garden roses. After the ceremony, family and friends joined the couple at the Memphis Country Club for a magical evening of dining and dancing, created by Russell and Ruthie Events, the Garden District, and the club’s incredible staff. The guests were entertained by the high energy Atlanta dance and show band Az-IzZ, as well as by dueling pianists Schuster & Whitman of Memphis. As the evening drew to a close, confetti cannons created an explosion of white and the guests were led out of the ballroom, allowing time for the bride and groom to have one last dance alone before leaving. After honeymooning in Saint Lucia, the couple moved to Jackson, MS, where Bryant attends dental school and Bailey is in public relations with C Spire.
Q&A
with
Steve
Vox Popular D R enegri and
o b e rt
M o n tag u e
S
teve Denegri and Robert Montague want to see Memphis be the next technology boom city. The two men have set out on the goal of increasing the city’s information technology sector through job training and placement and company job growth through their nonprofit Tech901. Using their many years of experience in the tech and the nonprofit worlds, Montague and Denegri have founded an organization that will offer Memphians the opportunity to gain sustainable and profitable employment, as well as provide Memphis employers with a large pool of well-trained individuals. Editor Rachel Warren chatted with the two about the mission of Tech901 and what is on the horizon in the new year for the nonprofit.
Denegri: Tech901 is a new nonprofit focused on building the base of high-tech jobs in Memphis and the Mid-South. Tech901 concentrates both on talent training and on economic development. We want to help raise the level of understanding and training technical skills in the city, but we also want to build up the technology businesses that are in place already. We want to partner with entities that already exist, especially those that are already good at training. Where the training doesn’t exist, we want to help provide resources.
and has a computer science degree, and she is leading that class. The class will be held at the Technical Training Center on Walker Ave. We have been operating as a nonprofit since July 1, 2015. So, we are jumping right in. From the class and through word of mouth and social media, we have had three or four employers already reach out to us, who want to take the students
RSVP: Are you picturing a certain age bracket for your tech training? Montague: One of the things we think the city needs is a broad base of opportunities. So we tend to think of it in jobs that match high school educated workers who can be technicians, work on a help desk, configure computers, trouble shoot, maybe some contract manufacturing and installation, but, also, we have Steve Denegri and Robert Montague at their downtown been working on the college location in the Emerge Memphis Building. level. There is some overlap in terms of what we are training, who graduate and put them to work, which is it could be some of the computer architecture, exactly what we are trying to do – be that interbut also could be helping people connect on face between business and students. We also training for coding and high end development have interests from others like the Goodwill and test jobs. Excel Center. They are interested in perhaps offering A+ Certification or any technology RSVP: What services will Tech901 provide? training for graduates to help them be job ready. We have had the University of Memphis interDenegri: Training services is a big element, but ested in offering some classes like that. We are one of our first programs is a program through in conversation with a lot of different entities the Boys & Girls Club Greater Memphis. We are now that we have started this pilot and have offering certification training for a recognized gotten the word out. It could go in a lot of difcomputer certificate, called A+ Certification. A+ ferent directions. When it comes to computer is offered through an organization called CompTIA, a nationally recognized gold standard support and training, it is all about certification. If you start with your base, A+ Certification, for help desk, bench marking and computer support. We had 115 applicants for our pilot class there are a lot of different things you can layer on top that to enhance your attractiveness for an and we accepted 31 students. We hired a trainer, employer. Briahna Chambers, who is our initial instructor 46 •
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RSVP: Why is this kind of technical training so needed in Memphis? Denegri: Going off the Federal Reserve’s data, in 2000, we had about 10,000 people employed in the information technology field in the city. We have since dropped to about 6,000 jobs. We really want to help rebuild that. In fact, our mission is to get back to that 10,000 number for tech and information jobs in the city within 10 years. So we want to get a net increase of jobs by 4,000. Montague: Yes, that 4,000 increase would bring about 300 million dollars in salary, which an economist would say is over a billion dollars in economic impact. Almost in all cases, we are a recruiter of students for different programs. For Boys & Girls Club, we are providing the instructor, but another example of this kind of broad pyramid would be the Independent Electrical Contractors; they run an installer apprenticeship program, that is Department of Labor certified. They just started a class with 75 new recruits. It is a very robust program. We just want to help, again, high school educated folks understand that is available. So if going straight to the work force is for you, that program is a great program. We think of ourselves of working in what some people call “economic gardening,” where you are working with existing businesses that have critical mass to get to the next tier of their growth. A good example of that is really in the developer’s space, we are working with Cook System’s International. They run an internal code school to develop their talent because talent is hard to find. Then they offer help desk coaching to help develop somebody into an enterprise class software developer. In fact, around January, they will have about 50 training slots open. About half of those jobs will stay in Memphis, and so we will be pushing hard to get Memphians to Photos by Don Perry
RSVP: What is Tech901?
MOST TRU Memphis’ MOST TRUSTEDMemphis’ since1868... RYAN ANDERSON
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isting or looking call (901) 682-1868 and visit: MandBrealtors.com
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consider taking an assessment tool, seeing if they are a fit for high-end development and get in those classes. It is a wonderful career path. There are a lot of upsides to it. We will be recruiting into that and working with them on some business initiatives that help grow the amount of work they actually do in Memphis. So that is a key high-end. We will be using their assessment tools to also help college and high school students evaluate their match for software development. Actually, we want to pick up the mantel and really promote schools offering AP Computer Science courses to help us prime the pump in the longterm view of having people come out that are prepped to move into these careers. RSVP: How was the idea for Tech901 developed? Montague: For 11 years, I was the executive director of the Binghamptom Development Corporation, and we had a relationship with Collegiate School of Memphis, and we were running a middle school technology jobtraining club. One of the teachers there, Blair Perry, ran the club and together we came up with experiential projects for them to do: network installations around Binghampton to give people free Wi-Fi access at the Water Tower Pavilion, Lester Elementary School or the Carpenter Art Garden at the Purple House. The kids just ate it up. They love technology, they love configuring, they love installing and it was so clear that these jobs are so critical to our future. If you want to fight blight, give people incomes to buy and fix up houses, reduce crime, give people jobs where they have meaningful purpose and the ability to care for their families. Jobs are just absolutely essential to this whole equation. I started working with some foundations and started talking about what a future could look like to do this on a more broad scale. Bottom line, here we are. Denegri: Robert and I were partners. In a former life, we were financial analysts at Morgan Keegan and RBC Capital Markets. So we have a prior background in high-tech, and, together, we took 48 •
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a number of companies public. We had a fun ride with that. So, as native Memphians, we wanted to team up again and give back to the city. RSVP: From your business backgrounds, did you see a need for more technology training in the city? Denegri: We really saw was the excitement that a technology culture can bring to a city. Robert experienced it, having lived in Austin, TX. Montague: Yes, I was working in a high-tech firm in Austin when Apple moved their computer service there. Austin had already been a technology city around the semiconductor trend. When Apple moved there and made it a key site for their costumer service organization, it just changed the whole tone and tenor of the city. We hope that is something that this work can bring to Memphis as well. It would give us something to feel good about, and it would give Memphians a way to participate broadly in a new economy that is going to be pervasive in every aspect of our life. It is true today and it will be even truer tomorrow. We are excited to be working on it. I am excited about the opportunity to add that energy to all the great stuff going on in Memphis. Memphis is great city for a technology boom. Memphis’ cost of living
is the lowest of any big city. We have the most diverse STEM workforce in the country. That gives us a great launch pad to address supply issues and technology broadly and the cost of living in places that are traditionally technology centers. We can offer some alternatives and with a steady supply of new workers prepared for the corporate environment, we think that will help attract jobs. RSVP: What is on the horizon for Tech901 in 2016? Montague: There is a new company coming to town. It is called ER2 (Electronic Responsible Recyclers). They take used electronic gear, particularly computers, and either re-purpose them or clear the data on them, depending on what can be done with the machine. They are a certified organization. They can clear the data and get the computer set to resell in the secondary market or, if the computer is not able to be re-purposed, they break it down to the very basic components for recycling. Over 90 percent of what they bring into the front door, goes back out in a productive way. Only a very small percentage goes to a landfill. It is a great model to bring to the city. Companies have issues with used computers. We all have used computers in our closets that leave may of us wondering how the data will be protected. It is a great opportunity. Plus, the company can be a wonderful
employer for these technician level classes we are working on. So in 2016, they are expecting to open business downtown in February. We would love to work with them and to help them find staff. We hope to give them technicians that can do the re-purposing and recycling. Denegri: We have not announced which entity, but we have a nationleading academy in coding schooling that we want to bring to the city for just a taste of what a worldclass coding school looks like and give the city the opportunity to participate in that class. We also will be promoting the first coding school in Memphis, alled Capital C. In addition to that, based on the success of the pilot class at the Boys & Girls Club, we hope we are going to offer more classes in more places. We hope to expand it. We would like to see more instructors and, if the employers are there, and it looks like there are, more students. Montague: We are talking with a lot of colleges now about providing some practical skills or maybe a certificate program to augment what they teach, sort of, the academics of information technology and marry some of those skills for their students, which makes, really, a whole package to offer employers.
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See what Tech901 can do for you at www.tech901.org or www.facebookcom/Tech901Memphis.
Beautiful and lasting memories are as simple as
www.rsvpmagazine.com More pictures than would ever fit in a magazine are online and available on our website. If you’re looking for a photo that one of our photographers took at a major social event and is featured in our magazine, that photo may be readily available through our web address. Just go to our site, click on the event, and remember the password: rsvp. Denegri and Montague enjoy the Emerge Memphis building’s rooftop view. Ja n ua ry 2 0 1 6
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“G r e at
Jeremy Harri s C G o ff e e f o r a
r e at e r
Good”
E
ver wish your morning coffee would sprout wheels and find its way to you? Jeremy Harris, founder of micro-roastery Reverb Coffee, will being offering something very close to that fantasy: the city’s first mobile coffee truck. Harris and the Reverb Coffee team have been roasting specialty coffee since April of 2013 after Harris noticed a gap in transparent, quality coffee in the area. He was on a mission to bring the city of Memphis a better coffee experience as well as give back to the city that has helped his dream become reality. With the motto of “great coffee for a greater good,” Reverb Coffee is dedicated to being a part of the moments that make Memphis great, as well as participating in events that make a positive impact on the city. Harris says that being mobile will allow for the Reverb team to partner with events and organizations that operate with that same philosophy. “My big passions are education, which lead to meaningful employment, and helping to fund international mission trips. If we could help someone go on their first mission trip, that would be awesome,” Harris says. The mobile truck will offer worldclass teas from Rishi Tea, gourmet hot chocolate, baked goods from Avenue Coffee, and, of course, a full service espresso bar that touts quality machinery like a La Marzocco espresso machine and a Mahlkonig Ekk 43 grinder. Harris is a self-proclaimed “coffee snob,” who is committed to roasting coffee on a micro-scale. Pointing to his roasting machine, he says it is a ten-kilo machine, which allows him to have detailed control over all the variables that goes into the process. “Pretty much anything I need to be in control of, I am. If the machine were any bigger, I wouldn’t have that control,” Harris notes, adding that Reverb Coffee only roasts single origin coffees, meaning he does not blend. Every bag of coffee from Reverb is marked with not only the specific country of origin but also the specific farm where the coffee crop was grown. Harris says, “It makes it so Reverb can’t hide behind anything. It is also a way for people to get some coffee education, too. A lot of people will comment that they didn’t know that a particular country even produces coffee. Then I can talk to them about specific origin tastes, such as if an Ethiopian coffee has a certain flavor vs. Guatemalan vs. Brazilian.” While Harris now speaks of specialty roasts, the perfect grind and origin flavors, he wasn’t always the coffee head he is today. He says that most of his life, he never really had a taste for coffee of any sort, that is until after he graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in economics and did overseas mission work for two years. He explains that one day in the Dominican Republic, his mission group shared dinner with a local woman, who offered them tiny glasses of coffee. “My pastor insisted that this coffee would be different. The coffee was great. It was probably grown less than five miles from where we were and roasted within a month of us drinking it. After that, I was hooked. I was a coffee snob all along, and I didn’t even know it,” Harris laughs. Additionally, Harris helped establish a coffee shop for a nonprofit in Malaysia. When he returned to the states, Harris felt a pull to come back to his hometown, and it was here that he decided to begin roasting his own coffee. He says that, to him, the joy of micro-roasting is being the magical link between the farmer, the importer, the barista and the user. “A farmer might spend his whole life developing this product. It takes 10-15 years for a farm to really have the investment to make a good product. If they ship it to the U.S., and then I put a horrible roast on it, nobody is going to appreciate the farmer and likewise for the barista if it tastes like junk. So when we put a really beautiful roast on it, then that whole chain is completed. That is the fun part, being that link and really appreciating the process. I touch the coffee, but also, probably, five people have touched it before me. Two or three will touch it after me,” Harris says. Harris notes that part of Reverb’s intent is to give back locally as well, in terms of community giving, but also in terms of maintaining the local chain of business. “I like to stay local. I will turn around with your money and spend it locally. I want to sustain and strengthen that local chain,” he says. Look out for the Reverb Coffee truck around town. It might roll up to a destination near you. Keep up with Reverb at www.myreverbcoffee.com and see where the truck will be parked next at www.facebook.com/ReverbCoffee. Story by Rachel Warren Photo by Steve Roberts
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Edward Bogard S G B h o e s t h at
ive
ac k
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fter earning his BFA in Product Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design, Edward Bogard set out to do something different from his fellow graduates who were flocking to the west coast to make their big break in the design world. Bogard returned to his hometown of Memphis with the intention of establishing his own designing business, one that gave back to the city that raised him. Bogard founded SoGiv, the world’s first nonprofit shoe company that tis dedicated to using shoes as pathways for philanthropy and volunteerism around the world. SoGiv has adopted 20 local charitable causes, each of which receives 100 percent of the proceeds generated through each pair sold. You read that right, 100 percent. Now, that is a purchase you can feel good about making. “We launched our partnership with the Mid-South food Bank a little over a year ago. One pair of SoGiv shoes, which retail at $50 and includes the food bank logo, buys 150 meals, and, for every $1, provides three meals for the Mid-South Food Bank. To date, we have provided just over 10,000 meals to families in need across the Mid-South. Additionally, with each pair sold, another pair is donated to a child in need locally as well. It is really like a three-part blessing,” Bogard says. Each pair of shoes is designed by Bogard himself to reflect a cause or nonprofit. Additionally, the designs are only sold for a limited time, creating a product that is exceedingly special and rare. Once they are gone, they are gone, Bogard reiterates. SoGiv is able to give 100 percent of its proceeds away through its unique sponsor program. The nonprofit has levels of “SoGiv-ing” wherein individuals or corporate entities can contribute at different levels of funding for a charity of their choice that is seeking sponsorship through SoGiv. Bogard notes that this system is a win-win for everyone involved, the shoes are completely paid for and sponsors can write-off the purchase on their taxes. Kroger and Hilton are the sponsors of the Mid-South Food Bank Shoe. Bogard says organizations like Girl Scouts Heart of the South and Helping Hand Asset Release Program are currently seeking sponsorship funding for their shoes. Bogard says the interesting aspect of his giving system is that each nonprofit batch of shoes will fund a different and unique need in the city. For instance, when the Girl Scouts have their sponsorship, each pair of their specially designed shoes will provide a campership for a scout. The SoGiv logo features a swoop below the name that includes the seven continents. Bogard says that this represents SoGiv’s commitment to not only give back locally, but also, to give back and help out on a global scale. “The causes SoGiv represents here are relevant throughout the entire world. SoGiv is a global initiative,” he says, adding SoGiv aspires to make its own mission trips to tackle needs globally. SoGiv operates under the slogan of “More than a Shoe,” and that is apparent in not only in the nonprofit’s charitable work but, also, in the way it is raising awareness for other little known nonprofits and causes. Bogard notes that he is interested in getting SoGiv into a retail space to enhance the brand’s visibility. Bogard says to keep an eye out for SoGiv in 2016, as they will be releasing even more nonprofit shoes featuring his cool designs. Buy yourself or a friend a pair of the shoes that give back at www.sogiv.org or www.facebook.com/EveryPairSOldWeGIVe. Check them out on Instagram, @morethanashoe and Twitter @SoGiv. Story by Rachel Warren Photo by Steve Roberts 52 •
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Benefiting the
SiNp around the World K F W ational
idney
oundation of
est Tennessee
M
Allison Prescott and Daiane Sperotto
Katie Hudman and Libby Hudman
emphians gathered for the 21st annual Sip Around the World, one of the largest wine tastings in the state of Tennessee. Benefiting the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) of West Tennessee, this event brought out all the local oenophiles and supporters of NKF, who enjoyed a night of premium wines, quality noshes and good cheer at the Memphis Botanic Garden. Approximately 1,000 guests sampled over 300 wines from over 100 wineries from a host of emerging wine regions, such as California, Oregon, Italy, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Germany and France. All wines were selected and supplied by Athens Distributing Company. Additionally, a silent auction, a wine pull, a VIP Lounge, and specialty wine cocktails made this benefit one to remember. Wine tables were set up throughout the Botanic Garden interior and exterior, with a wine and food pairing pavilion tent set up in the courtyard, along with a VIP Lounge. In Hardin Hall, there was a silent auction that offered exclusive finds, such as several packages of bundled fine wines, a Lucchesi’s Gourmet Basket, Aldo’s Midtown Madison Growler and Bottle Shop package, and a family package to the Memphis Zoo. Paradox Catering provided a beautiful spread of crudités, sandwiches and desserts. In the pairings pavilion tent, wines like Domaine du Salvard and Cline were paired with roasted beets, radish sprouts, crisp pork and Tahini sauce. Chloe and Domanie de Fonsainte were paired with braised chicken tacos, and Kendall-Jackson and Paul Hobbs were paired with chickpea cakes with coconut red curry sauce. Inside, the E Train Trio played while attendees enjoyed samples from wines like Bluebird, Gordon Estate Winery, Pink Truck, Navarro Correas, Antinori, Pahlmeyer, Atlas Peak, and many, many more. The Water Garden Room offered wine cocktails. Guests tried specialty wine concoctions such as a the “Handcrafted Pinot Punch” and the “Italian Sunset.” The NKF is the leading organization in the U.S. dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney diseases for hundreds of thousands of healthcare professionals, millions of patients and their families and tens of millions of Americans at risk. The organization participates in research that is helping to advance knowledge about chronic kidney disease, treatment and patient outcome. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
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Amy Cain and Brian Cox
Story by Rachel Warren Photos by Patrick Lantrip
Emily White and Stephen Owings
Otha and Teri Brandon
Ingrid Bolding and Buffy Langford
Erika and Dr. Jason Vanatta
Reed and Julie Long with Sarah and Brian Bowe
Monica Patrick and Sean Bloemer
Mark and Judy Long
Courtney McNeal and Teia Wallace
Gina Aaron, Nikki Aaron, Cecilia Conine, Teresa Cella and Cynthia McMullin
Cait McDonald with Grady and Jennifer Saxon
Amy Beth Hulsey,Chandler Young, Amber Fletcher and Katie Masters
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Best Buddies Memphis Gala & Casino Story and Photos by Bill Bannister
T
he splendor and elegance of the Cadre Building downtown provided the perfect backdrop for the 3rd annual Best Buddies Memphis Gala & Casino. Cargill was the presenting sponsor of this evening of delightful fun. Over 300 guests enjoyed an exquisite dinner from CFY Catering complete with complimentary drinks. Along with trying their hands at the casino tables, partygoers had the chance to bid on a wide array of fabulous items at the extenDemi Harris and Carlie Carter sive silent auction. The Best Buddies Gala & Casino was hosted by WHBQ-TV’s Earle Farrell. All funds raised at this year’s gala directly supported ongoing friendship programs of Best Buddies Memphis, that work to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Tim, Gwyn, Anne and Bob Taylor
Amanda Miles and Jeremy Wiemann
Linda Lovell and Tonya Nix
John Kliegl, Abbie Kliegl, Anneliese Barron and Jennifer Peyser
Robert and Amy Hanford
Melanie Saunders, Michael Zepatos and Angela Williams
Lisa Pendergrast and Jennifer Jones
Brooke Shannon, Lee Walker, Kaitlin Walker and Melissa Todd
Patrick Snipes, Angela Allsup and Madison Snipes
Doug and Grace Christie
Sarah Richie, Bryan Thames and Betina Gaycken
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Moss Society Dinner Story Submitted | Photos by Karen Davis
T
he Moss Dinner was held in the Schilling Gallery of the Brooks Museum of Art to honor Morrie A. Moss Society members. They enjoyed a seated dinner and entertainment from IRIS Orchestra and Ballet Memphis Junior Company. The Morrie A. Moss Society is composed of individuals who are exceptionally committed to the vision and the legacy of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Moss Society members provide vital financial support to the Richard Neff and Lisa Kranc dynamic work of the Brooks, including funding for special exhibitions, educational and outreach programs, new acquisitions, conservation, and more.
Dr. George Shackelford, Honey Scheidt and Dr. Emily Ballew Neff
Junior League Bridal Show Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
A
s strains of music from Jeremy Shrader and his combo filled the Junior League’s (JLM) Community Resource Center, the Junior League’s Headquarters Committee hosted its second annual Bridal Show. “This event showcased local vendors who could help brides create a lasting impression of their wedding day,” Tealy Hewgley, JLM headquarters chairman, said. The event also gave brides-to-be an opportunity to have a first-hand Karen Poole and Natalie Poole look at the Community Resource Center as a venue option for their nuptials or wedding reception. Services included a bridal registry, floral designs, catering, event planning, makeup and hair styling, spa services, spray tans, event draping and lighting, bridal hair accessories and bejeweled sashes, and a party photo booth.
Terri Hannah and Cindy Banks
Laura Cagle, Crystal Driver and Josh Henderson
Amanda Gwartney, Monica Baker and Emily Bishop Dr. Rush Patterson and Dr. James Patterson
Kim Williams and Michelle Snowden
Melanie Cole and Holly Writt
Tom and Lucy Lee
Marcin Arendt, Seth Russell and Timothy Shiu
Shanea McKinney, Joanna D’Gerolamo-Dean, Allison Rogers and Tealy Hewgley Ja n ua ry 2 0 1 6
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,
Preview Party for The Arcade at St. George s Episcopal Church Story and Photos by Rachel Warren
S
t. George’s Episcopal Church hosted its 44th annual Arcade Preview Party. Benefiting the outreach ministries of the church, the Arcade is a local tradition that brings early holiday shoppers and antique lovers together for a unique shopping experience. This year’s beneficiaries included MIFA, Church Health Center, Emmanuel Center and Door of Hope. Shoppers enjoyed light hors d’oeuvres, catered by Off the Square Catering, and music by Jamie Baker & the VIPs as they perused rooms and rooms of antiques from a multitude of local and out-of-state vendors. Local vendors included 3 Crazy Ladies, Ellington Landscape Design, Estate of Billy Price Carroll, Catherine Harris and Thomas M. Fortner Antiques. Star Distributers/Wine Depot proand Janice Miller vided libations. A silent auction was also a part of the fun, as attendees bid on restaurant gift certificates, jewelry and art.
Missy George and Tina Posner
Kate Morrison and Lisa Morrison
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Megan Carolan with Antony and Andrea Sheehan
Forest and Melinda Artz with Bob Parrish
Betty Lewis and Patty Gibbs
Mandy Vezina, Meredith Vezina and Leah Lumm
Robin Friend and Susan Beaird
Erika Ewen and Rea Clift
Bunny Thomas and Linda Marks
Jane Rose and Tootsie Portis
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BellL TowerE Gala
Paying Tribute to
asallian
ducation in
Memphis
C
Sara Da and Nathaniel Wellikoff
Kenneth Burnett and Kristen Lurry
Brother Anwar Martinez, FSC and Brother Dylan Perry, LV
Whitney and Terez Wilson
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hristian Brothers University (CBU) held its fourth annual Bell Tower Gala at the Hilton Memphis. This evening paid tribute to the history of Lasallian education in Memphis. The evening’s presenting sponsor was FedEx and all proceeds were earmarked to support CBU’s academic programs and scholarships. A silent auction contributed to the evening’s fund-raising efforts and showcased many items unique to the university. Commemorative bricks from Kenrick Hall, as well as locker doors, windows, and salvaged exterior wall sconces, offered bidders a chance to own a piece of CBU history. Hometown band, The Flying Monkeys, provided entertainment. During the gala, two individuals were recognized with the university’s highest alumni awards. Steve Dunavant (’83) was honored with CBU’s Distinguished Alumnus award. This honor is given to a CBU graduate who is at least 35 years old and has a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Dunavant currently serves as the managing director for the Memphis office of CBIZ MHM, previously Thompson Dunavant PLC, where Dunavant was a founding member. Brother Dylan Perry (’10) was honored as the university’s Distinguished Young Alumnus. The award recognize a graduate of Christian Brothers University who has achieved a notable level of success in life, made significant contributions to his or her profession, supported the efforts of CBU and contributed to society through public service or church activities. Brother Dylan is the associate director, Lasallian Volunteers for the De La Salle Christian Brothers. He is responsible for the wellbeing and formation of nearly 50 Lasallian Volunteers each year who serve in Catholic schools and social service institutions around the country. Barbara Dausch was awarded the Maurelian Medal, which is one of the university’s highest honors. Named for the founding president of the university, Brother Maurelian Sheel, the award is given in recognition of an individual’s significant contributions through service to the good of the university or the community. Since its establishment in 1984, the Maurelian Medal has been awarded to only 18 individuals. Dausch was honored as this year’s Maurelian Medal recipient for her distinguished service to Memphis education during her tenure as president of St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School. The National Alumni Board presented Dr. Mary Ogilvie with the first-ever Teaching Excellence Award. She has taught in the biology department of CBU since 1991. CBU President Dr. John Smarrelli Jr., addressed the crowd and called on CBU alumni from the classes of 1955-1957 to be recognized. Others given recognition in the crowd included CBHS faculty members, CBU board of trustees officers and members, and Mayor A C Wharton and his wife, Ruby. “The Bell Tower Gala is truly an extraordinary evening. We raise significant dollars to support current and future students. These dollars allow us to provide merit scholarships and need-based financial aid to 96 percent of our students, making CBU accessible to young people who might not otherwise be able to receive a private university education. And, since 80 percent of CBU graduates choose to stay and work in this region, those dollars are also an investment in the future of Memphis,” Dr. Smarrelli said. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Story by Emily Adams Keplinger Photos by Don Perry
Mike and Elza McKenna with Kalli and Matt Harrell
Barbara and Michael Dausch
Dr. Mary L. Ogilvie
Joe Birch and Brother Terence McLaughlin, FSC
Eloise and Dr. John Smarrelli
NOW WE’RE TALKIN’ FACTS! J UST THE FACTS ! SCARBOROUGH READER RESEARCH
Readers
82,285
29,302
87,376
15,011
14,664
19,322
18.2%
50.0%
22.1%
23,006
3,966
24,856
28.0%
13.5%
28.4%
47,260
12,528
30,128
57.4%
42.8%
34.5%
57.5%
26.8%
53.9%
50,710
5,511
45,662
% readers
61.6%
18.8%
52.3%
College Graduates
29,413
8,551
29,259
Income Less than $35k % readers $100k+ % readers Age 25-54 % readers Married Employed Full Time
Nielson Scarborough Release #1, 2015 Memphis
Audra and Greg Eller
Alecia and John Marley
Barbara and Michael Roseborough
Debbie and David Perry
Mark and Robbie Yerger
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Cathi and Steve Dunavant
Amy Rohling and Mustafa Hmood
Steven Newman and Kenzie Bergloff
Nick and Holli Kenney
Toni and Derrick Bennett
Fadi and Rita Kiameh
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Junior League of Memphis Merry Marketplace Girls Night Out Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
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Mo Bridges, Samaya Brown and Trimica Morris
he Junior League of Memphis (JLM) Merry Marketplace kicked off with a Girls Night event, presented by Baptist Memorial Health Care. It was followed by two more days of socializing and shopping. This year’s event was held at The Racquet Club of Memphis and featured a boutique shopping experience that showcased vendors offering Susan Sneed and Debbie Sneed fashion, jewelry, art and home décor items. Door prizes were awarded to attendees, including gift certificates to local vendors and sets of tickets to the University of Memphis Women’s tigers Basketball game. Merry Marketplace is a major annual fund-raiser for the JLM. Funds raised at the event support JLM’s ongoing efforts to improve the Memphis community.
Marjorie Knight, Dana Carper and Jana Weathersby
Jaime Hopkins and Jourdan Patton
Anna Ritz and Katy Langston
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Adam and Lily Trest
Melissa Still, Sara Clark, Jennifer Baker and Susan Durham
Kimberly Britt, Hayley Davis and Amanda Whitehorn
Ron and Vicki Olson
Natalie Gilmore, Rhonda Langston and Lauren Price
Tealy Hewgley and Kathleen Armour Walker
Janet Torrey and Molly Polatty
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Creative Aging Underwater Pumpkin Carving Story Submitted | Photos by Uday Sripathi
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large crowd gathered The Dive Shop on S. Yates Rd. for Creative Aging’s Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest. The event showcased scuba divers who geared up to carve real pumpkins in the pool. All proceeds benefited Creative Aging, a Memphis nonprofit that provides senior citizens with access to the arts. Guests watched from the pool deck and through a live video feed. Ashley Bomar, manager of Three Little Pigs BBQ and winner of the corporate fundEvelyn Holden raising challenge, cheered on her team. The crowd enjoyed a cookout provided by Synergy Home Care and Riddle & Buehler BBQ. First place for the contest went to Russ and Jake Tilton. The event sponsor was Senior Care Management Solutions.
Ashley Bomar and Lily Bomar
Beth Dunn and Meryl Klein
Dia de Muertos Celebration Story Submitted | Photos by Rafael Figueroa
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he Memphis Day of the Dead Committee (MDDC) presented its 9th annual Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration at El Mercadito de Memphis. The Day of the Dead is a traditional Mexican holiday that celebrates and honors deceased friends and ancestors. The mission of the Memphis event is to preserve and communicate the cultural heritage of this Mexican tradition and to strengthen the identity of Memphis’ Latino community. Attendees got a chance to view the Javi Hunger “ofrendas,” altars decorated to honor and please the returning souls of the departed, that were designed and installed by the Latino community. The day also featured traditional Marigold flowers, which, thanks to local volunteers with the group Una Mano Amiga, are grown in the Memphis Botanic Garden.
Karen Febles and Nicole Tims
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Adriana Reyes, Maricela Rodriguez-Lou and Rosalva King
March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction ®® Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson
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he 28th Annual Signature Chefs Auction®, always a sold-out event, began in grand style at Memphis Botanic Garden. Walls in the VIP area were swathed with white silk curtains backlit with soft pink, and accented by flowers provided by Holliday’s Flowers and Events. Guests enjoyed beverages, while they looked over hundreds of silent auction items and meandered toward the outside area where tasting stations Lisa Wilcox, Matt Shirley awaited, loaded with signature dishes from some of the city’s premiere eateries. Chef Chadwick and Kia Robinson Norman from The Capital Grille, Chef Tim Antignane of Babalu Tacos & Tapas, Jeffrey Dunham from The Grove Grill and Chef Seth Krasnove from Seasons 52 were among the impressive list of chefs who participated.
Gary Williams, Anthony Cieplinski, Rondell Williams, Chadick Norman and Armando Gagliano
Tim Dalfiume, Cheryl Taddia, Cathy Dalfiume and Lydia Bors-Koefoed
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Season Launch Party of Mei-Ann s Circle of Friends Story Submitted | Photos Courtesy of Memphis Symphony Orchestra
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ei-Ann’s Circle of Friends is a women’s philanthropic circle honoring the Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s music director, Mei-Ann Chen. These diverse community investors are called to a mission to be a creative catalyst for innovation through the performing arts. Most importantly, Mei-Ann’s Circle of Friends welcomes new members as its Ruby Bright and Barbara Nixon ultimate mission is to be an instrument of inclusion through the performing arts. The Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s Mei-Ann’s Circle of Friends Season Launch Party was held in the home of Edith Kelly-Green. Circle members discussed recent successes like the Memphis Symphony Orchestra – New Ballet Ensemble collaboration on Memphis Renaissance and Harlem, a free concert held earlier this year at the Levitt Shell, as well as upcoming initiatives.
Jen Bradner, Ellen Rolfes, Edith Kelly-Green, Mei-Ann Chen and Mary McDaniel
Julie Ellis, Barbara Perkins and Mary McDaniel
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A Night of Southern Elegance for Fayette Cares Story Submitted | Photos by Joey Murchison
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ometowne Florist of Somerville creatively adorned bamboo, harvested in Fayette County, using bird-of-paradise, Anthurium and other exotic flora for a tropical entrance at A Night of Southern Elegance – A Tropical Affair benefiting Fayette Cares. More than 500 guests and volunteers joined this party with a purpose in support of efforts to end homelessness, break the cycle of domestic violence, and to provide stability for families in crisis. Rapid-fire bidding could have caused auctioneer Dwight Jones of R.J Auctions to have whiplash as bids flew across the room for vacation getaways, hunting trips and even diamonds. Additionally, contributions Jennifer and Michael Tilghman made for Fayette Cares Fund-A-Need and Shelter Naming rights were deeply heartwarming. For 2016, Memphis Contract Packaging/Softee will hold the honor of naming the Fayette Cares Supportive Housing units, while Russel and Cindy Rutledge will be able to name the emergency shelter units.
Jonathan Mah and Mary He
Gena and Mayor Chris Goodman
Sean and Pattie Krepela
Susan Wilson and John Chales
Brent and Amy Stone
Debbie Sullivan and Alexandra Wardlaw
Joe and Becky Perdue
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Rosa and Kenneth Carter
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Dr. Barton and Cristy Thrasher
Tina Glover
Paul Coombs and Marilyn Kain
Cooking for a Cure Gala Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
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ancy and Bill Noyes presented the 12th annual Cooking for a Cure Gala at the Memphis Botanic Garden as a fund-raiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Noyes established the Noyes Brain Tumor Foundation for their son, Matthew, who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 2002 and received treatment at St. Jude. Over 150 guests dined on a buffet featuring signature appeDr. Bill Noyes and Alicia Huettel tizers and small plates from over 20 local restaurants and chefs. Ursula Madden, anchor for WMC-TV, served as the event’s emcee. David Kurtz & The Lineup provided musical entertainment for the evening. A silent auction and a live auction, conducted by auctioneer Brett Strobbe, added to the proceeds that will benefit brain tumor treatment and research at St. Jude, as well as Camp Sunshine, a camp for children with cancer, in Casco, ME.
LaVerne and Peggy Lovell
Audrey Hubbard and Ursula Madden
Junior Achievement 60th Annual Meeting Story Submitted | Photos Courtesy of ABO Marketing & Communications
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unior Achievement (JA) of Memphis and Mid-South held its 60th annual meeting on in its Kemmons Wilson Entrepreneurial Training Center, where it recognized local students, teachers, volunteers and supporters for their participation and partnership in the nonprofit’s educational programs. The meeting hosted keynote speaker and Tennessee commisStuart and Alene Davidson sioner of education Dr. Candice McQueen and City Councilman Alan Crone. Mike Dote of AT&T received Junior Achievement’s Volunteer of the Year award, Kevin Kimberly of Memphis Catholic was awarded Junior Achievement’s Teacher of the Year recognition and Regions Bank was recognized as Junior Achievement’s Company of the Year. Chick-fil-A Southaven operator Stuart Davidson received Junior Achievement’s Dedicated Service Award. JA’s purpose is to educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise, business and economics to improve the quality of their lives. Larry Colbert and Alan Crone
Gift of Life Mid-South Gala Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson
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ift of Life Mid-South, a project of Rotary Club District 6800, held its awards gala at Lichterman Nature Center. The Rotary Club of Memphis sponsored the event, which was catered by Hog Wild/A Movable Feast Catering. Robbie Donno, founder of the national Gift of Life organization, was on hand for the ceremony that honored the efforts of those who have made exemplary contributions during the last year. Dr. T.K. Susheel Kumar, a physician at Le Scott Conger, Bridgette Askew and Cary E. Vaughn Bonheur Children’s Hospital, was recognized, as were Rotarians Dick Cockrell, Susan Scott and sponsor Blake Surface Solutions, owned by Wilson Blake. Kumar is one of the physicians who have performed the life-saving surgeries for individuals with congenital heart defects that Gift of Life Mid-South provides for families who cannot afford the medical procedure.
Charles Key, Dr. T.K. Susheel Kumar, Deepthi Hoskoppal and Barbara Key
Wilson Blake, Tracy Chism, Bill Pickens and Amy O’Bannon
SRVS Fall Banquet Story Submitted | Photos by Courtney Mickens and Diana Fedinec
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he SRVS Fall Banquet took place at the Crowne Plaza East. DJ Jessie Yarbrough kept the upbeat tunes going, and a sumptuous meal was catered by The Crowne Plaza, consisting of green beans, a freshly baked roll, mashed potatoes, tossed garden salad, and broiled chicken with a herb essence and mushroom demi-glace. The dessert was a New York style cheesecake with raspberry sauce. The event Patricia Warmath and LaRance Hunt is the highly anticipated gathering of individuals supported by SRVS, as well as their families, friends and staff held in a “gala” fashion including a talent show, which is the most eagerly awaited event of the evening. It is a very special event for all of those involved each year.
Tracey Benson-Fields, Lee Westbrook, Donika Sandifer, Raven Westbrook, Addie Wade and Michael Jackson
Glen Nichols and Frances Metheny Ja n ua ry 2 0 1 6
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Caritas Village Gala Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
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riends and fans of Caritas Village gathered in the Parish Hall at the Church of the Holy Communion for an annual fund-raiser to benefit the nonprofit organization. Founded in December 2006 by Onie Johns, Caritas Village is part coffee shop, part community meeting hall and part art gallery and performing arts theater. “Caritas Village was intended to give people in the Binghampton neighborhood a safe haven that offered nourishment for the body and the soul,” Johns explained. “For instance, we serve over 20,000 meals annually, one-third of which are served free of charge to those in need of a hot meal.” Individuals serving on the Caritas Village board of directors were recognized Joyce Cobb and Onie Johns for their support and contributions to the ongoing success of the organization. The Joyce Cobb Quintet provided musical entertainment. Emcees for the evening were WMC-TV meteorologist Ron Childers and Dara Davis. Angela Bryant Sykes, event manager for the gala and auction, said proceeds from the event will be used to support operations and programs at Caritas Village.
Staci Johnson and Victoria Loudon Hossler
Billy Vaughan and Joni Laney
Art Sutherland, Ken Hall and Janice Vanderhaar
Angela Bryant Sykes and Tom Shadyac
Lucy Waechter Webb and Maureen Sorrells
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RSVP Crossword E B R C dited
ACROSS 1 Green 'A' 6 Land Unit 10 Factor of ten 14 Compact 15 Farm call 16 Island 17 Espies
y
18 Sowing wild ____ 19 H.S. math class, briefly 20 Salamander 21 "Star Trek"'s Spok's race 23 Flightless bird 24 Mideastern ruler 26 Distant 28 Clergyman 31 Give (up) 32 Heavy freight barge 33 Beneath 36 Excuse me! 40 Manipulative sort 42 Beat 43 Thorned flower 44 Plateau 45 Tea and soup manufacturer 48 Place to get pampered 49 Proximo abbr. 51 Bright 53 Breath mint 56 Soft white cheese 57 Deaf person's means of communication (abbr.) 48 Western Native American tribe 61 Geek 65 Tattle 67 Fancy car 68 Come in 69 Den 70 Always 71 Miserable
uth
assin
72 Austin heroine 73 Beach finding 74 Makes a sweater
DOWN 1 Part of AAA (abbr.) 2 Trot 3 Harrow 4 Batter, hopefully? 5 TV spots 6 'love' (Italian) 7 Ember 8 H.S. military training organization 9 Writer 10 Dab 11 Long ____ (as a donkey or rabbit) 12 Ring 13 Harbinger 21 Bad Habit 22 Affirmative gesture 25 Least amt. 27 Close by 28 Pal 29 Misplace 30 Sight organs 31 Dollar division 34 Chocolate and caramel candy 35 Pelvic joint 37 Flexible tube 38 Cable sports network 39 Beef or pork 41 Intent 45 Scenes
46 Bread spread 47 Crazy person 50 Jogged 52 Heavy artillery weapon 53 Defer 54 Muslims' religion 55 Demand 56 Inlet, in Norway, e.g. 59 Paper towel brand 60 Prayer ending 62 Decorative needle case 63 Relax 64 Teetolaters 66 Bikini party 68 Antlered animal
i t ’ s j a zz!
i t ’ s cool
i t ’ s cl a ssy it’s smooth For underwriting information, call 901-678-2560 Visit us online at wumr.memphis.edu
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PHILLI P I RSV B D P y
ennis
hillippi
Enough with the Kale S
o, last weekend, for reasons too complicated to go into here, my wife and I drove to New Orleans on Saturday and drove back on Sunday. That’s twelve of twentytwo hours in a car to spend one evening in the Crescent City. Again, why we did this is not important. It was just something we had to do, but, as happens whenever we come back from a trip anywhere, all anyone wants to ask about is what we ate. Yes, New Orleans is a culinary destination for a lot of people, but we are not those people. My wife may have been one of those people had she not met me, but, after three decades coupled with my almost complete lack of interest in eating, she’s become acclimated to ambivalence about food. The truth is, I don’t care for interesting food. There’s probably some name for my condition. I’m certain that I am one of the very few people in the world who actually misses airplane food. To me that flavorless croissant, with its sad little lettuce leaf, indeterminate cheese and slathering of mayonnaise out of a foil packet, paired with three grapes and a cookie engineered to be instantly forgettable was a joyous dining experience. In my life, I have also enjoyed, you may want to sit down for this, other people’s hospital food. They’re laying there all miserable with, oh I don’t know, a bad heart or something and an orderly brings in a plate of roast beef and potatoes and something green that all taste essentially the same, and I can’t stand to see such a dreamily dull meal go to waste. There have been times in my life when I deemed oatmeal a little too complex for my palette. No doubt, there are plenty of you reading this who are shaking your heads thinking I’m indulging in hyperbole, but I’m not. I lie in this column all the time, but I’m being honest here. When some well-meaning chef meticulously places weird things on my steak, I am impressed by their expertise and attention to detail as I meticulously pick all of the glazed ginger or braised beets or slivered kale off of my beef. I have a good friend who is a chef, and, in recent years, he has been able to force
me, grudgingly, to expand my tastes. Thanks to him, I have eaten oysters, something I didn’t consider food before, and strange pâtés and even, honest to God, pieces of pig face. That last one has some fancy name, but what it was, was pig face. I enjoyed these things because they were perfectly prepared, and it pleased my friend to know he was improving my world. All in all, though, I’m more likely to want cheese toast. And not
When some well-meaning chef meticulously places weird things on my steak, I am impressed by their expertise and attention to detail as I meticulously pick all of the glazed ginger or braised beets or slivered kale off of my beef. fancy cheese toast either, I’m talking American processed cheese food product broiled in the toaster oven on mass-produced white bread. Where this sad affliction originated is hard to pin down. My mother was, and, still is, a fine cook. She was the first one on our block to have a wok and a fondue pot and a pressure cooker. She used these things to create unique meals that were completely
alien to the tastes of those of us in the halfbuilt humble Darby Acres subdivision. Odd stir-frys and Hungarian Goulashes. Actually, I’m starting to think it’s not that complicated to pin down. In one of those strange genetic flukes, I inherited a solid cooking gene from my mother. Despite the fact that I would be perfectly content to take a pill and have eaten, I am actually a really good cook. One of my favorite things to do in the whole world is to cook for my wife and friends. While I’m cooking, I rarely measure ingredients, and I never taste anything. Once I serve dinner, I’ll have the requisite amount and enjoy it fine, but the real pleasure comes from pleasing the people I love. And there’s the whole showing off and buying their affection with free food thing. For me, cooking is more of an engineering challenge than anything else. So, when my wife and I are in another city where they pride themselves on their local cuisine, we are almost always on the lookout for a nice dull pizza. We’ll pass by world famous restaurants and pronounce them too fancy or too unusual or just too much work and wander around until we can scare up a slice. A brief aside on the pizza topic that is at least tangentially related to my topic here, I am very particular about what does and does not belong on a pizza. What I consider appropriate toppings was locked in, and has remained unchanged, since pizza became a staple of the American diet in my teens. Allowable: pepperoni, sausage, peppers, mushrooms, onions, and the other standard ingredients. Unacceptable: shrimp, cilantro, pineapple, and, of course, kale. Don’t get me started on pizza sauce. Pizza sauce is red. If you want to have an olive oil based or a white sauce, knock yourself out; just don’t call it a pizza. A white sauce pizza is like a vodka martini; just because it’s shaped the same doesn’t make it the same thing. A martini is made with gin. A pizza has a red sauce. Some things it’s okay to be a purist about, and these are things I feel strongly about. The draw play on second and twelve is stupid. Wearing sunglasses on the back of your neck is never going to look cool. Every print of Star Wars 1-3 should be destroyed. And pizza sauce is red. If you’re really interested in our most recent trip to another city, don’t ask where we ate. Ask where we drank. Ja n ua ry 2 0 1 6
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PAST RSV W B edding
ells
1958 I
n the Autumn of 1958, Miss Sarah Dillon of Boones Mill, Virginia became the bride of Dr. Charles Pratt of Madison, North Carolina. The wedding took place at historic Hollins College in Roanoke, Virginia, Mrs. Pratt’s alma mater. This handsome couple had the distinction of being the first to wed in the newly constructed DuPont Chapel on campus. Dr. and Mrs. Pratt moved to Memphis, where he practiced pediatric oncology at St. Jude for 37 years. The Pratts raised five children, all of whom live in the Memphis/Mid-South area.
Photo courtesy of Margaret Pratt
If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Rachel Warren at 276-7787 ext. 105 or e-mail the photo and caption to editor@rsvpmagazine.com All photos will be returned promptly.
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