RSVP Magazine July 2016

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Crown and GPAC Gift of Promise Wild World of Wine and Beer Sceptre Ball Gala Life Gala Ball


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Contents July 2016

Features

From the Editor • 8 Signature Memphis • 10 Frederic Koeppel Freelance art critic and wine blogger Fredric Koeppel chats with RSVP about his favorite Memphis hangout, his proudest moment, and more.

Events

StreetSeen • 16 Zoe Vu From skateboard design to fashion design, this U of M grad is making her mark on the Memphis creative scene.

StreetSeen • 18 Dr. Jim Bailey The respected local doctor can add award-winning novelist to his resume.

RSVPhillippi • 49 I'm Dying To... Dennis Phillipi shares his brutally honest opinion of “Bucket Lists” and why you won’t find him skydiving anytime soon.

Jeff Box and Barbara Patronis

Crown and Sceptre • 12 Carnival Memphis celebrated its 85th anniversary with an elaborate white tie coronation ceremony.

Rochelle and Jeff Fenton

GPAC Gala • 20 Guests hopped aboard the Orient Express for an elegant evening benefiting the Germantown Performing Arts Center.

Leigh Brown and Christie McCormack

Memphis Moments • 24, 25, 32, 38, 39, 42 & 46

Leland and Erica Burres

Gift of Life Gala • 28 The National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee honored doctors and donors alike at the Peabody Hotel.

Cover Photo Jay Keras and Sarah Williamson at Crown and Sceptre Ball Photo by Don Perry

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Hallie Goodwin and Cheyanne Hall

Promise Ball • 34 The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation threw a party worthy of the Mad Hatter to recognize its supporters and the advancements in T1D research.

Teresa Ostuni and Valerie Burton

Wild World of Wine and Beer • 40 It was a roaring good time at the Memphis Zoo as partygoers raised funds and awareness for animal conservation.


SheetRock ‘n’ Roll AN EVENING BENEFITING

JIMMY & ROSALYNN CARTER GARTH BROOKS & TRISHA YEARWOOD

Featuring Nationally Renowned Chefs Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman, Hog & Hominy, memphis Kelly English, Restaurant Iris, Memphis John Currence, City Grocery, Oxford Ryan Prewitt, Pêche, New Orleans Chris Shepherd, Underbelly, Houston Stephen StryjewSki, Cochon, New Orleans PHILLIP ASHLEY CHOCOLATES

Entertainment by

North Mississippi Allstars William Bell featuring the Hi Rhythm Section Gedeon Luke & Evvie McKinney

AUGUST 25, 6 TO 10 PM MINGLEWOOD HALL For tickets & more information

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Volume XXI • Number VII

July 2016 Publisher Roy Haithcock Editor Bailey Heldmar Contributing Writers Bill Bannister Suzanne Thompson Cozza Virginia Davis­­­ Emily Adams Keplinger Dennis Phillippi Rachel Warren 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 Visit us online at:

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

Copyright 2016 Haithcock Communications, Inc.

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RSVP Staff

Christmas in July!

July 21-23, 2016

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.

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Account Executive

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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!

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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.

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July 2016

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From the Editor

July

J

uly is one of my favorite months. Yes, the temperature and the mosquitoes can be unbearable, but it’s also a time for celebration. School is out, the pools are open, and the heat gives you an excuse to eat ice cream everyday. My younger sister’s birthday happens to be on July 4th, so the holiday has always been a special celebration our house. We road tripped to the lake, my mom made fried chicken, and we ate our weight in watermelon. For years, my sister was convinced that all those fireworks were for her. These days, she resents sharing her birthday with the country because it means that she never gets to have a party on her actual birthday. Friends and family make other plans for the long weekend, and she inevitably ends up having her party a week or two after the 4th when the novelty of being a year older has worn off. Still, I remind her, it’s pretty cool to have fireworks on your birthday. Based on this issue, Memphians have plenty to celebrate this summer too. The Brooks Museum marked its 100th birthday with the Party for the Century. Being the oldest and largest museum in the state is definitely a reason to party. A few weeks later, Carnival Memphis celebrated its 85th year of partying with a purpose. Carnival was once again a resounding success, with the Krewes raising a record $126,000 for Best Buddies, The Exchange Club Family Center, and Stax Music Academy. The Gift of Life Gala and the Promise Ball celebrated the strides made in organ donation and juvenile diabetes research, respectively. The subjects of our two StreetSeen features are both celebrating their recent successes. Both Dr. Jim Bailey and Zoe Vu have busy day jobs on top of their creative endeavors. Bailey has received well-deserved recognition for his first foray into novel writing. After winning the singles competition in her first appearance at Memphis Fashion Week, Vu is contemplating her plans for the future. I am in awe that they make the time in their hectic schedules to pursue their passions. I hope you find their energy and dedication to their work as inspiring as I do. As we head into July, the calendar is full of exciting events around town. Whether you’re looking forward to Levitt Shell concerts and free outdoor movies or Live at the Garden and Vine to Wine tastings at the Botanic Gardens, Memphis has a little something for everyone this summer. And of course, the Bluff City has plenty of great places to watch the firework shows on July 4th. Whatever and wherever you’re celebrating this July, I hope you make the most of all that our great city has to offer!

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Bailey Heldmar editor@rsvpmagazine.com


summer SALE now in progress! SAVE THE DATES Carol Peretz Trunk Show August 18-20 Sympli Trunk Show August 25-27


Signature Memphis

July

Frederic Koeppel Freelance art critic for The Commercial Appeal, publisher and writer of the wine review blog biggerthanyourhead.net. Hometown: Rochester, N.Y. Your Lucky Charm: I need one. Favorite Song: “Daydream Believer.” Your Best Quality: Childlike innocence. Best Memphis Hangout: The bar at Bari. First Car You Owned: 1954 Hudson Hornet. Place You Go

to

Think: The screened porch out back.

Favorite Southern Idiom: Happy as a dead pig in the sunshine. Your Favorite Memphis “Thang”: The sliced sandwich at Payne’s BBQ. Favorite Place

to

Travel: New York City, well, O.K., Paris, or anywhere in Italy.

Your Most Annoying Habit: I am totally, completely, relentlessly disorganized. The Highlight

of

Your Day: That quiet hour between 10:30 and 11:30 when I read.

A Nonliving Celebrity/Role Model You Would Invite Proudest Moment

of

to

Dinner: John Keats.

Your Life: When I received a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship to

graduate school.

Best Advice You Ever Received: Never play three card monte in Times Square. (Too bad I ignored this advice.)

Who Would Play You

in a

Movie: Wow, that’s tough. Alain Delon? George Clooney? One

of those Affleck boys?

One Goal You’d Still Like

to

Accomplish: One of those Nobel Prizes would be nice. Any

category, I’m not fussy.

Something You’ll Never Live Down: Getting kicked out of the National Honor Society at

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Photo by Steve Roberts

Frayser High School. And I was president.


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Crown and Sceptre Ball

July

Crown and Sceptre Ball

O

Alison Smith and McClain Gordon

Toof Brown and Ed Galfsky

“Party With a Purpose”

n June 3, Carnival Memphis held its annual Crown & Sceptre Ball at the Hilton Memphis. The white tie ball kicked off Carnival Week with its grand traditions of pomp and pageantry. This year’s elaborate presentation of the King and Queen of Carnival with the Royal Court and the Grand Krewes marked Carnival Memphis’ 85th anniversary. The ball included coronation ceremonies as well as cocktails, dinner and dancing for hundreds of revelers gathered for fun and frivolity. The upbeat tunes of The Jimmy Church Band provided the musical background while guests awaited the formal presentation of the 2016 princesses. This year’s royal court consisted of 28 young women, mostly rising college sophomores, from across Memphis and the Mid-South. Throughout Carnival Week, the Princesses attended events and participated in community service work on behalf of Carnival Memphis. The celebration fostered the organization’s motto of “The Party with a Purpose” and emphasized Carnival Memphis’ commitment to Commerce, Community, and Celebration. Resplendent in their traditional royal finery, James Joseph “Jay” Keras III and Sarah Brodnax Williamson, reigned

as this year’s King and Queen of Carnival. A rising junior at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, Sarah continued her family’s tradition of participating in and supporting Carnival Memphis. Also on the Royal Court were four college men who served in the Loyal Order of Scarabs as guards for the King and Queen and 25 children who participated as Royal Pages. The Princesses entered on their fathers’ arms, followed by their escorts, and were presented to the Royal Court. Carnival President Jim Taylor read the list of recipients’ names as medallions were bestowed. Rob Johnston was this year’s Chairman of the Board. Following the presentation of this year’s Royal Court of Carnival, there was also a presentation of the royalty of the Grand Krewes: Ennead, Luxor, Memphi, Osiris, Phoenix, Ptah, Ptolemy, RaMet, Sphinx, and The Royal Society of the Queen Bees. The Secret Order of Boll Weevils, also known as Carnival’s Mischievous Mutants of Mirth, joined the party as the crowd helped them celebrate their 50th anniversary of mischief-making. 1969 Carnival President, Toof Brown, was presented as the #1 Supporter of Carnival, having attended every year since the inaugural Carnival in 1931.

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

Story by Emily Adams Keplinger Photos by Don Perry

Nick Rolfe and Chandler-Grace Michael

Ben Buffington and Pam Guinn

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John Goggans and Gloria Dodds

McLean and Tempe Thompson

Rachel Simmons and Stephen Cruzen

Dabney, Ginger, Stuart and Claiborne Collier

Mimi and Jim Taylor



Crown and Sceptre Ball

July

Hugh Mallory, Ali Boone and a Boll Weevil

Elizabeth Demere, Ruth Ann Demere and Anne Catherine Demere

Keith and Donna Renard

Lillie Burrow and Clayton Crenshaw

Loghan Smith, Molly Goggans and Keri Taylor

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Whitney Robbins

Emory Wills and Myles Joyce

Richard and Christina Roberts

Campbell Vise, Pearce Trenary, Evan Michael and Jones Hussey



Nomadic Vibe Renaissance woman Zoe Vu shines at Memphis Fashion Week Story by Bailey Heldmar Photo by Steve Roberts


July

StreetSeen

Photos by Jordan Whitten • Original Sketches by Zoe Vu

A

fter graduating from the University of Memphis in 2015 and quickly snagging a job as a graphic designer at her alma mater, Zoe Vu signed up for a Memphis College of Art fashion design course. It came as no surprise to Vu’s family and friends when, only 7 months later, she won the singles competition at Memphis Fashion Week. RSVP caught up with her to chat about her recent success, her flair for the arts, and her next steps. Zoe Vu’s interest in art started at an early age. She explains, “When I was a kid my dad let me paint and draw all over my bedroom walls to spark my creativity (and learn my ABCs).” Born in Hawaii, Vu moved all over the country and went to 9 different schools before attending high school in Covington. She went on to the University of Memphis where she spent two years on the pre-med track before changing her major to graphic design. Today, she’s a graphic designer for the University of Memphis, creating content for their website, brochures and various marketing material. After work, you can find her painting, designing skateboards for Mad Air, directing photo shoots, learning guitar, or working on her latest fashion collection. It was only last September that Vu decided to try her hand at fashion design. Although she had sewn off and on over the years, it had never really stuck. Vu recalled getting her first sewing machine when she was 8 years old. “I made one lumpy pillow and my bobbin ran out,” she said. “I thought that my machine was broken because I didn’t realize you had to refill the bobbin, and I threw that machine away. My mom was really mad.” Vu continued, “Since I graduated and had a steady job, I decided to try fashion, so I enrolled in beginning fashion design at Memphis

College of Art and got really close to the teacher, Becca Klepko. She took me under her wing, and I applied to Memphis Fashion Week and got in.” Throughout the winter and spring, Vu assisted Klepko with a couple of her classes at MCA and a production of the Merry Wives of Windsor at U of M, honing her sewing skills as she worked on her 3 pieces for MFW. Her months of hard work and dedication paid off when she won the Emerging Memphis Designer Project’s singles competition. Vu remembers being in tears the night before the show and feeling like the underdog. “I wasn’t expecting support from the community like I got,” she remarked. “It was really shocking because I’d been bullied for most of my life, and I hate putting myself out there, so it was awesome to see how many people in Memphis are backing me.” She describes her personal style as modest, but edgy. She added, “I like there to be a hint of sexy. I don’t like to dress myself or my girls with revealing things.” She loves anything patterned and makes custom patterns for all of her art, not just her clothes. Knit is her favorite material to work with because of its stretch and easy fit, but she likes to elevate it with leather and other more luxurious materials. She explained, “All the clothing I make is really comfortable. If you want to

stay stylish 24/7, you have to be comfortable.” Vu isn’t completely sure what the future holds. “I’m still trying to decide if I want to be a graphic designer or a fashion designer, but I thought I’d give this another year or two to see how it pans out,” she said. In the meantime, she is already working on her Spring collection for MFW. “I’m doing 5 looks inspired by what I would wear if I were on stage with David Bowie,” said Vu. The pieces will be eclectic, colorful, and bold festival styles. She is also looking forward to her Fall collection, which she hopes to present at her own fashion show. She describes it as “a really interesting collection that’s based on roly polies and oil spills. It was raining one day and I found this little roly poly, and it inspired me. I’m doing all this pleated leather, kind of like armor.” Vu calls her clothing line “Nomadic Vibe,” which she says exemplifies her personality. The label perfectly sums up both her itinerant childhood and how she thrives on a schedule that would leave most people overwhelmed. She shrugged when I commented on her seemingly hectic lifestyle and explained, “I have a lot going on, but if I don’t have a lot going on, then I’m not happy. If I’m not always creating and collaborating, I don’t feel like myself.”

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The End of Healing Physician turned writer Dr. Jim Bailey discusses his debut novel Story by Emily Adams Keplinger Photo by Steve Roberts


July

StreetSeen

The pager started screeching again but he couldn’t reach under his gown to turn it off. A voice in his head whispered the oath he had taken at the beginning and again at the end of medical school: and at least I will do no harm. Bullshit! Harm is my business. How could any good ever come out of what I’m doing here to Sibyl Bellamy?

help people understand how to find the health care services and resources they need to stay well and to avoid dangerous and unnecessary care, and can help doctors and nurses avoid doing more harm than good in terms of medical care.” “Health care industries are businesses, which have a goal of making money and returning a profit to shareholders,” said Bailey. “And just as people have regained control of their other investments, they need to take charge of their healthcare money.” Overall, Bailey says that he advocates for healthcare that provides a better patient experience and better patient outcomes at lower cost. He professions, told through the eyes of an insider in hopes his book will help people understand where o begins Dr. Jim Bailey’s the field of medicine. It delves specifically into the their health care dollars go, who gets it and for novel, The End of Healing, when dirty secrets of the insurance, pharmaceutical, hos- what, and then give individuals the means to the protagonist Dr. Don Newman pital, and testing industries—giant industries that make better health care decisions for themselves discovers he has wandered into a very hoard huge sums of money that we must reallo- and their families. “The dark side of medicine is eventually dark place. After realizing that more cate to true health care. The story carries readers than a 747 planeload of people are through America’s halls of healing from Washing- discovered by those in the field, but the public ton DC to Wall Street and spotlights the big com- remains largely unaware,” said Bailey. “For killed in American hospitals every panies that dominate health care and governmen- example, hospitals—where people put their greatest day by medical mistakes, Newman tal agencies, which often trade Americans’ health hope for healing—are among the most dangerous places for humans to go. Over 250,000 people are begins a journey that opens his eyes to for profit.” Bailey’s perspective is clearly aligned with killed each year by mistakes in hospitals, making the conspiracies and corruption plaguthe national movement afoot to steer medicine medical mistakes the third leading cause of death. ing the medical industry. towards more patient-centered care. The positive news is we can fix the system if we Dr. Jim Bailey is filled with a passion to help “Our old ideas about where healing lies are truly devote ourselves to making care better.” people know how to demand better care. He came outmoded,” said Bailey. “We must remember the Bailey is preaching the message of the “right to Memphis for a faculty job that allowed him to true purposes of the healing professions and invest care” movement. With a pledge for better care, the take care of the sick, to teach medical residents and in health care that heals.” movement has a strong emphasis on wellness, preto pursue health care improvement vention, and outpatient treatment research. As a professor of medicine for chronic diseases, rather than hosand preventive medicine, and direcpital-based, last-minute rescue care. tor of the Center for Health System Bailey acknowledges that the Improvement at the University of easiest place to get anytime care is Tennessee Health Science Center the emergency room, but that is an (UTHSC), he has been well known expensive alternative where patients in the Memphis medical community are frequently encouraged by health for 21 years. care providers who don’t know them Now Bailey is making a or their medical history to get unnecname for himself in the medical comessary, even dangerous, tests. munity and beyond as a novelist. “Successful change in our health Bailey’s first published care system will come about if we novel, The End of Healing, recently build strong outpatient systems for received a 2016 Benjamin Frankboth primary and preventive care lin Award for Popular Fiction. And in every neighborhood,” explained although it is categorized as fiction, Bailey. “Offering health care in every his novel is already serving as a core neighborhood that’s easily accessible text for medical ethics and health and that provides after-hours care as policy courses by undergraduate and well as home visits—these are things graduate health professions students that can keep people out of the emerPhoto by Claire E. Bailey • Cover design by Bill Oates of Oates Design at several colleges, universities, and gency room and provide effective, medical schools. The book is being placed into cir- Bailey said his years of research have safer health care at far lower costs. That’s one of culation through bookstores and libraries across the proven to him that people have many illusions the simple things that can be done to improve our country. about what good health care really is, what it current health care system.” “The End of Healing is a work of medical looks like, and how to find it. His reason for writing Bailey hopes that through both his research fiction, but it is based on facts,” explained Bailey. The End of Healing was to help readers gain per- and his book he will be able to share a message “It’s partly my story, but it is really the univer- spective and learn how to recognize and seek true, to help people and communities work together to sal story of every young person in the healing healing health care. Bailey says that his novel “can seek and find true health care that heals.

S

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GPAC Gala

July

GPAC Gala

G Kathryn and Jim Pascover

Charles Barnes and Linda Busby

“All Aboard the GPAC Orient Express!”

ermantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC) re-created an elegant journey aboard an Istanbul-bound train during its 2016 fundraising gala. Luxurious surroundings, fine food and impeccable service defined a passenger’s experience aboard the fabled Orient Express, the Paris-based rail service that carried travelers from one edge of the continent to the other beginning in 1883, reaching its heyday during the 1930s. After boarding at the “Gare de l’Est,” guests traversed GPAC spaces decorated to resemble a train’s interior, including the cozy Mednikow “Grand Salon Bar Car” and a dressing-room hallway that doubled as an art auction car. Located in the center’s Grand Lobby, the “Istanbul Grand Bazaar” boasted an array of donated items for a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres by Jim’s Place Grille, piano music and a bar. GPAC’s Orient Express stopped in Venice for an extraordinary supper served on the Duncan-Williams Performance Hall’s Main Stage. Amerigo Italian Restaurant prepared the meal of insalata nona, smoked chicken ravioli with grilled shrimp, tiramisu and Limoncello gelato. Delighting passengers throughout the journey were performances by the VaziriStratton Trio, Jon Felix, Marie-Stéphane Bernard and the Bria Skonberg

Quintet. GPAC presented its 2016 Chairman’s Award to Mary Miesse, a past president of GPAC Guild, and its 2016 Patron of the Arts Award to Gary Lendermon, who serves on GPAC’s board of directors and its director advisory council. A live auction was the highlight of the event and included contributions from Darling Flowers, directFX Solutions, Great Wines and Spirits of Memphis, Jean Mathews, Level Nine Services, Marco’s Pizza, Morris Auction Group, White Door Events and Yasmine Omari. Presenting sponsors included Art Works, City of Germantown, Comcast, Duncan-Williams Inc., First Tennessee, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Germantown Hospital, Milton Schaeffer, National Endowment for the Arts, Nolan Audio Visual, Scheidt Family Foundation, South Arts, Tennessee Arts Commission, WKNO-FM and WMC-TV 5. Dr. Anca Pop, Ferenc Paller and Shiela Vinczeller served as chairs for the gala. Gala Committee members included Paul Chandler, Deni Hirsh, Jean Mathews and Mary Miesse. Proceeds will benefit GPAC’s numerous offerings, which include presentations by international touring artists, educational programs and community performances.

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

Story by Virginia Davis Photos by Patrick Lantrip

Melissa Cole and John Farris

Carla Beth and Lee McCallum

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Ron Wong and Pam Kimery

Valerie and Jeff Morris

Ben and Marilyn Barnes

Dr. Anca Pop, Ferenc Paller and Shiela Vinczeller

Richard Neel and Dr. Ana Palmieri


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GPAC Gala

July

Fred Langston and Kathy Simonetti

Ryan and Betsy McKay

Dorothy and Fred Johnson

Dan and Teresa Boyd

Sydney Franklin and Jake Lavelle

Forrest and Teresa Owens

Kelli Zimmerman and Mayor Mike Palazzolo

Drs. Brooke and Dan Dishmon with Rebecca Ugwuke

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Nancy and Gary Raileanu

Wannthani Mouser and Thyda Brister

Cal and Melba Vinson


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Memphis Moment

July

The Boll Weevil Party Celebrating 50 Years of Mischief Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson Cozza

T

he boisterous Boll Weevils, known as Carnival Memphis’ merry mischief makers, had one of their biggest annual parties yet to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. The band “Dr. Zarr and the Amazing Funk Monster” got the group rocking early in the evening. Bob and Eve Guests dug into a buffet provided by Boll Weevil Tiger Gammon Bryant, owner of Soul Fish Café, who laid out a spread that included the eatery’s most popular dishes, like catfish, macaroni and cheese, hot wings and hamburger sliders. During a brief but touching ceremony, all members of the Secret Order of the Boll Weevils, masked and unmasked alike, rose and paid tribute to the members who passed on during the year. When each member joins, he is given a special cup to use at Carnival events. This year the Boll Weevils brought back the “Cup Ceremony,” a tradition of the past in which each deceased member's cup is presented to his widow. Though they are known for their zany antics, the good natured group travels around the city visiting children who are sick, disabled and in need, spreading smiles and financial support.

Holly Crump, Penny Mallory, Jan Murphey, D.J. Gullett and Shirley Tilton

Kat Scoggin, Tiger Bryant and Caren McCoy

John and Wanda Barzizza

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Judge Christopher Morledge, Laura Alexander-Dodds and Thomas Holmes

Kelly and Claude Chafin, Ed Galfsky “Shrek” and Donna Melton

July 2016

Michelle Brown, “Shrek” and Todd Brown

Joanie and Michael Lightman

“X-Ray” and Susan Porzio

Lockie Dearman, Buddy and Laura Dearman and Christine Groves

“Heat Stroke” and Lisa Thompson

Rush O’Keefe and Margaret Steffner


July

Memphis Moment

Party for the Century Brooks Museum 100th Anniversary Story and Photos by Bailey Heldmar

“100

years never looked so good!” was a common sentiment from attendees of the Brooks Museum’s Party for the Century. The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art celebrated its 100th anniversary with live music, food trucks, birthday cake, arts and crafts, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newest Emily Neff exhibit, Inside Art. In his speech at the ceremony, Mayor Strickland noted, “The Brooks Museum makes Memphis better.” The new exhibit, which aims to promote children’s visual literacy through interactive art, is just one way that the Brooks is growing to meet the city’s needs. Outside, Joyce Cobb performed a special birthday song for the museum before guests enjoyed birthday cake truffles provided by the Cake Gallery Baketique. The party lasted throughout the afternoon with music from DJ Waht, The Bo Keys, and High Expectations. Cariflavor, Hot Mess Burritos, 4Dumplings, and Millie’s Garden were on the plaza for partygoers to purchase food and refreshments.

Nanetta and Bill Hecht

Jonah and Lucas Elijovich

Janet Lo and Melyne Strickland

Carl Person, Edmund Ford, and Nathan Bicks

Mary Sanford McClure and Ashley McClure

Rudi and Honey Scheidt

Congressman Steve Cohen, Lisa Kranc, Courtney Leon, Mayor Jim Strickland, Diane Rudner and State Senator Mark Norris

Ryan and Stephanie Joslyn

Pam Pitts and Dawn Williams

July 2016

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Jim Pascover

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Gift of Life Gala

July

Gift of Life Gala

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Gaye and John McManus

Allison and Bill Henley

National Kidney Foundation Annual Fundraiser

he opulent Skyway in the Peabody Hotel was the perfect backdrop for the National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee’s (NKFWT) 2016 Gift of Life Gala. The Gift of Life Gala is in its 44th year and honors those who have made a significant contribution to organ donation. Servers passed through the crowd with silver trays filled with coconut shrimp and spanakopita as guests perused the upscale items in the silent auction. Some of those included a Levian aquamarine and diamond pendant donated by King Furs and Fine Jewelry, restaurant gift certificates to River Oaks and The Capital Grille, as well as several pieces of original artwork by local artists. Gala chair Susan Smith introduced Dr. Joanna Hudson, chairman of the NKFWT’s board of directors, who made welcoming remarks and urged the partygoers to enjoy their dinners before the award ceremony began. Tables were swathed in golden cloths and topped with towering vases filled with white hydrangeas and roses. The meal consisted of a mixed green salad, followed by a dual entrée of sea bass and filet mignon, accompanied by wild mushroom risotto and a tomato stuffed with fresh spinach and onion. A chocolate red velvet swirl

cheesecake with brownie chips and bourbon pecans followed the dinner. The 2016 Gift of Life Award was presented to Dr. Nosratollah Nezakatgoo, affectionately known as “Dr. Nez.” In his introduction of the surgeon, Dr. James Eason took the podium and talked about the doctor’s tireless dedication to his work. “We have to pry him out of the OR,” he said. As Dr. Nez humbly accepted the award, the Iranian native spoke about his love for his profession and his admiration for all those involved in the transplant community. He said, “Whether you are a specialist, doctor, nurse or part of the housekeeping staff, you belong to a selfless community that puts the needs of others above yourself. We have one of the best teams that you can imagine.” He concluded his remarks with a quote from War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy: “Man lives consciously for himself, but serves as an unconscious instrument for the achievement of historical, universally human goals.” Robert Kirby was also honored during the ceremony. Kirby, one of 12 children whose mother died of kidney failure, donated a kidney to his sister, Virginia Kirk, in 2013. Kirby is assistant coach of the Memphis Tigers men’s basketball team.

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Story by Suzanne Thompson Cozza Photos by Don Perry

Eric and Nikki Gardner

Wendy and Matt Van Cleve

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July 2016

Martin and Dr. Tracie Moore

Dr. Steve and Paula Zambrano

Laura and Dr. James Eason

Mir Zare, Cyrus Nezakatgoo, Dr. Nosratollah Nezakatgoo, Dr. Vida Zare, Sina Nezakatgoo and Dr. Saeed Behbahani

Coach Robert and Valerie Kirby



Gift of Life Gala

July

Drs. Willis and LaKisha Davis

Neil and Pat Sherman

Drs. Sam and Lama Ballouk

Stefani Aglikin and Chris Jenkins

Dr. Luis and Corinna Campos

Casey and Alex Shockey with Karen and Adam Hamburger

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Pat and Tara O’Brien

Dr. Jason and Erika Vanatta

Robin Kirby and Felix Davila

Dr. Sayed Taghavi and Dr. Mehdi Sadeghi

Susan Smith, Nawar Mansour and Mable Barringer


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Memphis Moment

July

M-Town Throwdown

The Phoenix Club’s fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Memphis Story and Photos by Bill Bannister

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Doug Easley and Lahna Deering

Samantha Clayborne and Lambert Thompson

Chelsey and Jeff Savage

Joey Friend, Sophie Jones and Chad Cunningham

Mauro and Carolina Schenone

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July 2016

he Pink Palace came to life with all things Memphis for the Phoenix Club’s M-Town Throwdown, a fundraiser benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Memphis. Guests came dressed as their favorite Memphis celebrity, food, place or thing Alan and Susan Wells and celebrated with drinks from Newby’s, including specialties made with local spirits like Pyramid vodka; Wiseacre Brewery provided the beer, including Tiny Bomb, Ananda, and Neon Brown. There was plenty of food on hand too, with food trucks by Chef Trice’s Sandwiches N More and Francis Reyes’ Island Grill, which served the unique and delicious cuisine of Guam—fried egg rolls, beef short ribs, and Chicken Kelaquen. Guests danced the night away to the sounds of Deering and Down and mingled on the vast Pink Palace lawn for a Memphis party that won’t soon be forgotten. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Memphis provides valuable services to Mid-South children.

Dorothy and John Collier with Jack Steffner

Sloane Hankins and Marianne Garner

Hannah Womack, Cody Uzcategui and Weezie Steffner

Blake Hankins and Derick Garner

John Santos and Francis Reyes

George Coors and Rev. Neil Down


July 2016

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Promise Ball

July

Promise Ball

O Candace Teerman and Jeremiah Mooney

Lisa Geater and Jim Roebuck

Michelle and Jason Crews

n May 7, guests found themselves tumbling down a rabbit hole as they arrived at the Hilton Memphis for the 16th annual Promise Ball benefitting the West Tennessee chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The theme for the gala was “Looking for a Cure in ONEderland.” The festive atmosphere was brought to life by JDRF Youth Ambassadors, a group of young people living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), who greeted guests dressed as characters from Alice in Wonderland. Katie Pickler, Senior Development Coordinator for the West Tennessee chapter of JDRF, explained this year’s theme: “Like Wonderland, we are living the unimaginable and believing in things that seem impossible, like finding a cure for Type I Diabetes in our lifetime. The medical advancements that have been made, and what JDRF has done to fund the necessary research, are phenomenal.” The evening began with a cocktail reception that included a silent auction and a Kendra Scott jewelry pull. The Houston High School Jazz Band provided musical entertainment. The menu consisted of a “Wonder Salad,” baby iceberg with cucumbertomato relish and pomegranate-mango vinaigrette, the “We’re All Mad Here” entrée, porcini-dusted beef tenderloin and sofrito ancho crusted scallop, and a “Rabbit Hole” dessert, Tres Leches chocolate cake topped with edible butterflies and coconut shavings. Welcoming remarks were

made by WHBQ-TV, Fox 13 news anchor Darrell Greene, who served as the evening’s master of ceremonies. Mark Whitehead, President of the JDRF Board of Directors, and Charles Salvaggio, President Elect for the West Tennessee Board and this year’s corporate chairman, presented the “Living and Giving Award” to the Oscar “Bo” Clark Carr III family and the David Halle family. The award recognizes those who have taken a leadership role in supporting JDRF. The evening’s Fund A Cure appeal was presented by Dr. Julie Kate Webster of Mid-South Foot and Ankle Specialists and Dr. Kashif Latif, the lead doctor of AM Diabetes & Endocrinology Center. Auctioneer John Roebuck presided over the live auction, with guests bidding on travel packages, dining experiences, jewelry from Mednikow, a sports outing to cheer for the Dallas Cowboys, an opportunity to participate in New Orleans’ Mardi Gras as a rider on the Krewe of Orpheus float, and the chance to take home a fully trained 16-week old British Labrador puppy. When the bidding wars were over, it was announced that the gala had garnered over $390,000 for the organization. JDRF is the largest charitable supporter of T1D research, and 85 percent of the proceeds from the 2016 Promise Ball will be used to fund T1D research and research-related education. The night wrapped up with guests dancing the night away to the band, The Super 5.

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Story by Emily Adams Keplinger Photos by Don Perry

Claire and Marty Kiser

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“Down the Rabbit Hole”

July 2016

David Pickler with Rachel and Rob Lackey

Antonio and Kendra Pickens

Patrick and Suzanne Kutas

Haley and Hayden Murrah

Ken and Susan Pasley


Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center Announces its 2016-2017 Season New Subscriptions On Sale Now Individual Show Tickets On Sale August 2, 2016 For More Information Call The Box Office: 901-385-6440 3663 Appling Rd., Bartlett, TN 38133

www.bpacc.org July 2016

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Promise Ball

July

Scott and Meredith Poore

Randy and Sherri Gallick

Christine and Mike Deflippo

Peyton and David Halle

Beautiful and lasting memories are as simple as

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 featured in our magazine, that photo may be readily available online. Just go to our site, click on the event and remember the password: rsvp. Grace Morrison and Aly Johns

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Ramin Alemzadeh and Jennifer Bell

July 2016

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July

Promise Ball

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Memphis Moment

July

A Taste of Country Ave Maria Silent Auction and Concert Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson Cozza he 15th Annual Ave Maria Silent Auction and Concert was themed “A Taste of Country,” and while it wasn’t exactly a hoedown, many people dressed for such an occasion. Country music singer Lee Greenwood performed and donated a signed guitar to the silent auction. Greenwood, a Grammy Award-winning musician, is perhaps best known C.A. and for “God Bless the USA.” One long-time fan of the country legend came carCharlotte Cupp rying a pair of pants Greenwood had signed at a concert many years ago and proudly showed off his signature, which was emblazoned on the backside of her slacks. A $100 gift certificate to Hewlett and Dunn Jean and Boot Barn in Collierville was awarded to the attendee with the best country outfit. The Ave Maria Home provides long-term, residential assisted living, skill rehabilitation, adult day care and limited home care for senior citizens.

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Will Bullock and Kelsey Hamilton

Libby Buring and Frank Gattuso, Jr.

Lynn and ‘Deacon Bill’ Lifsey

Polly and Steve Havard

Mary Ann Chism with Phil and Mary Webb

Wanda Anderson, Carol Thornton and Genie Ashworth

50 Shades of Purple Benefiting The Family Safety Center Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson Cozza

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he Family Safety Center (FSC) held its fundraiser, “50 Shades of Purple, Unmasking Domestic Violence,” at the Pink Palace Museum. TV Personality April Thompson emceed the event, which was catered by Donelson Catering. A belly dancing troupe, “Shimmy Mob,” performed following the buffet-style dinner, which included shrimp and grits, barbecued meatShannon Lenoir balls, chicken skewers and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Eco-Art by Tim and Theresa Hill provided purple, ribbon-shaped awards to honor supporters and friends of the organization. Nikki Masters, a lieutenant in the Memphis Police Dept., received the MVP award. The band Grand Theft Audio provided entertainment for the event. To encourage the crowd to continue supporting the FSC with time and money, Chip Dudley, co-founder of Independence Bank and chairman of the FSC board, rallied the crowd in a chant of “F-S-C, F-S-C, F-S-C, I’m In!” Susan Stephenson, Scott Evans and Susan Springfield

Lawrence and Tori Denton

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Tori Hill and Bailey Cooper

July 2016

Jessica Chandler and Aisha Battle

Peggy and Hugh Stephens

Katie Midgley and Mayor Jim Stickland


July

Memphis Moment

Black Tie and Tennis Shoes The Grand Krewe of Ptah’s Annual Party Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson Cozza

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nce again, the Grand Krewe of Ptah held its annual Black Tie and Tennis Shoes event at the Shriners Temple. The event, which features a competition of skits performed by most of the krewes, is always a favorite of Carnival members. First prize went to Luxor, whose performance involved an intricate Star Wars plot complete with authentic costumes. RaMet took second prize with a skit about Don Davis and Marty Alberg the Wizard of Oz, the krewe’s theme this year. Memphi came in third, but also snagged the People’s Choice Award with a skit depicting a water ballet. The contest was judged by Robert Hanford, who emcee Chuck Stewart described as a theater “triple threat,” meaning he can act, sing, and dance. “He has all of that, and he’s good looking,” said Stewart. Hanford’s wife Amy and former “American Idol” contestant Alexis Grace were the other two judges. Lucy Ridley and Paola High

Mo Smithers, Rhonda Epps and Mace Gearhardt

Sarah Williamson, Jay and J.J. Keras, Russell Williamson and Elizabeth Williamson

Sharon Fewell, Barbara Benstein, Barb Parham and Mary Stewart

Alberto Cozza, Anita Howald and Ed Galfsky

Loghan Smith with John and Molly Goggans

Gaynette Price, Robert Gray, Paula Destefanis and Bernie Crock

Alexis Grace with Amy and Robert Hanford

Thomas Holmes with Lelia and Alberto Green

Katia Turner, Dr. Nancy Chase and Ellen Abisch

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Wild World of Wine and Beer

July

Wild World of Wine and Beer

M Christie Griffin and Greg Nemeth

Erick Smith and Hannah Day

Going Wild for Animal Conservation

emphians tapped into their wild side for the Memphis Zoo’s annual Wild World of Wine and Beer. Sporting animal prints and colorful spring colors, guests lined up for a party in the name of animal conservation. Offering Zoo supporters over 40 varieties of wines and select local craft beer, this annual fundraiser for the Memphis Zoo’s Conservation Action Network (CAN) supports endangered species and their habitats. The Kathryn Stallins Band got the party started with some classic dance tunes as attendees received their tasting glasses and were sent off into an evening of exotic wines and animals. Volunteers poured from bottles such as St. Jean Robert Young Chardonnay, Pepperjack Barossa Red, Oyster Bay Pinot Noir, Chloe Prosecco, Insurrection and 13 Celsius Sauvignon Blanc. The beer selection included brews from Wiseacre Brewing and High Cotton Brewing. A silent auction also had folks bidding for items only found at the Memphis Zoo. In particular, they clamored at the chance to take home

one of the original animal art pieces such as a Black Footed Penguin Footprint painting and Polar Bear Footprint painting by Payton or an Elephant Footprint painting by Gina. The silent auction also offered rare behind-the-scenes tours of the Hospital and Nutrition Center, the Okapi area of the new Zambezi River, Animals of the Night, the new hippo area at the Zambezi River, and the Aquarium. Other goodies included a Penguin Painting Session, restaurant gift certificates, wine baskets, original art, and historical Memphis Zoo photography by Civil Rights photographer Ernest Withers. As the night began to wind down, partygoers showed off their best moves on the dance floor and munched on heavy hors d’oeuvres by Fascinating Catering. The presenting sponsor was Dorothy Orgill Kirsch. Event Sponsors included Bass Pro Shops, Chuck and Susan Brady, and Natalie and Jimmy Jalenak. In-kind sponsors were 1910 Frameworks, DeJaVu Restaurant, Ernest Withers Museum, King Cotton Meats and The Peabody Hotel. All proceeds benefited the mission of CAN.

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Story by Rachel Warren Photos by Don Perry

Bill and Joyce Miles

Andreana and Anthony Smith

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Risa and Kelvin Jones

J.D. and Whitney Erickson

Michael and Candace Robinson

Ann Dino with Dr. Adam and Kayla Fitzhugh

Erin Mazurek and Greg Stone


July

Rick and Betty Ciesiolko

Erika Hagood and Jason Vawter

Minor Bowens and Kim Dunning

Christa and Chris Ferguson

Shaconna Smith and Hannah Kelley

Wild World of Wine and Beer

Baron Goodman and Maria Caro

Tommy and Lauren White

Kathryn Barry, Jane Sayle, Hannah Long and Rachel King

Brad Eiskamp, Kathryn Stallins and Tony Walker

Michael Fournier and Ashley Ray

Shep Bachus with Andre and Bridgette Williams

July 2016

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Memphis Moment

July

Speakeasy Silent Auction

Southern Hot Wing Festival

Benefiting the Woodruff-Fontaine House

Benefiting the Ronald McDonald House

Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger

Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger

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he Roaring 20s were back as the WoodruffFontaine House museum hosted a “Guys and Dolls” fundraiser on April 23. Guys sported their best suits and fedoras, while women were decked out in flapper dresses or other glamDana Smith and orous attire. As guests spilled across the back walkDan Giroux ways and into the carriage house to bid on silent auction items, many stopped to be photographed beside a fully restored 1932 Packard. For the dining portion of the evening, the basement club room was turned into a speakeasy parlor accessed by means of secret passwords written inside matchbooks. Christian and Vera Stanfield, of Jazz Age Jukebox, provided musical entertainment for the evening with tunes predominately from the Jazz Age. Antique Victor phonographs spun 78s made from shellac, the first disc records made in America, while guests took to the dance floor. House tours were also available before the evening ended. All proceeds benefited the Woodruff-Fontaine House, a property of the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities (APTA).

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he 14th annual Southern Hot Wing Festival brought an estimated crowd of 10,000 people down to the river on April 23. The event commanded a full city block from Memphis Park to the Mississippi River Park. Jack Cameron W. and Pirtle’s Chicken was the presenting sponsor of the Cameron K. Clinard event, which served as a benefit for the Ronald McDonald House of Memphis. Headlining this year’s festival was the iconic Southern rock band Black Oak Arkansas. Over 70 cooking teams lined Riverside Drive as they practiced their craft in hopes of being named in the top flight of this Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned competition. When the cooking was over, the Wing Nuts team was tapped for the Spirit Award, third place went to the New Wing Order team, the Helping Hands Chefs took second place, and the Hold My Beer and Watch This team earned bragging rights as the grand prize winner.

Brian and Dana Lewis Catherine Norvell and Michelle Malone

Romaro and Rhonda Miller

Andrea Moyer and Jennifer Cooper

Cordell and Tawanda Pirtle Jill Gatewood and Debi Vincent

Taylor Hopkins and Andrew Tubbs

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Audrey and KT Hiestand

Erin Lindberg and Jennifer Sanderson

New Wing Order cooking team

Madayna Rose and Jon Parie



Memphis Moment

July

Steak n’ Burger Dinner Benefiting Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis Story and Photos by Bill Bannister

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he 45th annual Steak n’ Burger dinner to benefit Boys and Girls Clubs of greater Memphis was held at Minglewood Hall. The concept of the dinner, which was established in 1972, was to bring together the kids served by the Boys Club and the people that gave Leigh Brown and their time, energy and resources to the organization. The Christie McCormack simple plan was to have the adults eat hamburgers, while the kids dined on steaks. There was plenty of delicious food to go around for this year’s big event too. Luminaries on hand for the festivities included 2016 Central Board Chair Michael Ugwueke and 2016 Steak n’ Burger Chair Mike Keeney. This year’s honored youth included Patriana Jackson, Kierra Fields, Jalesa Jasmine Wallace, Kris’Nesha Wright, Allison Rae McKinney, and Shanice White. Memphis’ own NBA star and Memphis Tiger Basketball legend Penny Hardaway was the keynote speaker. The event was a roaring success!

Lee Schaffler and Alyce Haynes

Patrick and ShayLeigh Walton

Mattie Brooks and John Hicks

Chris Harder and Amelia Nowlen

Henry and Doug Duncan

Ivan and Rachel Jackson

Tad Feeney with Drs. Sunita and Manoj Jain

Haley Akins and Scott Adams

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July 2016

LaQuita Jones and Sedaria Williams

Hannah Verret and Kaitlyn Ballard

Sarah and Jon Wright



Memphis Moment

July

Duration Fine Arts Club Spring Luncheon Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson Cozza

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he Duration Fine Arts Club held its spring luncheon at The University Club, where tables were adorned with baskets of greenery surrounded by petite vases of fresh-cut flowers. Guests enjoyed salads as Gabe Statom, this year’s musical entertainer, played “Intermezzo in A Tommie Pardue Major” by Johannes Brahms. Statom, director of music at and Gabe Statom Second Presbyterian Church, then sang a few hymns set to a jazz rhythm. “My wife calls me the lounge singer of hymns,” he joked. Following lunch, the club installed its new officers: Kay Price, president; Gail Thompson, vice president; Frances Dear, secretary; Annemarie Bobay, treasurer; Gerry Thomas, co-treasurer; and Hilda Mullen, program chair.

Annemarie Bobay, Frances Dear, Hilda Mullen, Kay Price and Gail Thompson

Norma McCrory, Gerry Thomas, Martha Ann McKee and Lil Allen

Jennifer Schneider and Judy Belisomo

Donna McManus and Patricia Meyers

Carol Greenwald, Ruth Ann Hale, Donna Godwin and Ginger Martin

Facing History and Ourselves A Night at Playhouse on the Square Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson Cozza

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upporters of Facing History And Ourselves (FHAO) gathered for a special performance of “All the Way,” a play about President Lyndon Johnson, at Playhouse on the Square. At a reception prior to the show, guests enjoyed cocktails and appetizers. Babalu provided its signature guacamole, Fork in the Road Catering supplied a variety of light appetizers and Muddy’s Bakery pitched in miniature cupcakes for those with a sweet tooth. Tickets for the show were donated to the group, which resold them to their supporters to raise funds and awareDavid Hill and Toni ness. FHAO is a non-profit educational organization that helps students examine racism, bigotry, Bourland-Hill and prejudice. The group’s slogan is “People Make Choices. Choices Make History.”

Tina Fockler, Steve Becton, Marti Tippens Murphy, Isabel Rodriguez and Michele Phillips

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Alvin Franklin and Mimi Grossman

Michael Uiberall, Rachel and Steve Shankman and Andie Uiberall


July 2016

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Crossword

July

RSVP Crossword Edited By Ruth Cassin ACROSS 1 Expired 5 _____ and Boots 9 Spices 14 Twined fibers 15 Ancient Peruvian 16 First letter in Hebrew alphabet 17 Gone without permission

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July 2016

18 Black, poetically 19 Gin _____ 20 Saying 22 Engraved 24 Whichever 25 Midwestern river 27 Rising sun locale 31 Voucher for a small debt 32 Curve 34 Auto 35 Fish breathing slits 38 Dover is its capital 40 Inane 42 Farewell, in Paris 44 Neither's partner 46 Farmland makeup 47 Sell a fief 48 Domesticated dog or cat, e.g. 50 Hurled 51 Admirer 52 Fall mo. 55 Power 57 Otherwise 59 Princess counterpart 61 Colorado hrs. in Jan. 64 Take as granted 66 Artist Andrew 68 Glower 71 What children learn 73 Decorative needle case 74 Rumormonger 75 Cook in a microwave, slangily

76 77 78 79

Pine (for) Some flying insects Try out Very reluctant (var.)

DOWN 1 Serious theater work 2 Midwestern state denizen 3 Type of glue 4 Cafe 5 Kind of chart 6 Undefeated 7 Francis _____ Key 8 Sacred places 9 Tortoise and the ____ 10 Circumvent 11 Sleep stage 12 Metronome marking 13 Reserved 21 Car speed 23 Feminine possessive pronoun 26 Cap 28 Capital of Ghana 29 Considerations 30 Meeting 31 Musical notation 33 Media union, briefly 35 Blunder 36 Utopian 37 Maned animals 39 Sever (off) 41 Bank id no. 43 ET carrier?

45 Hicks 49 Twitch 53 Certain rotation rate 54 Absent, like a school kid 56 Unworn 58 Our planet 60 Suffuse with color 61 Ditto (2 wds.) 62 Hinder normal growth 63 Upper leg 65 Salty water masses 67 Shout 68 Workout place 69 August zodiac sign 70 Picnic pest 72 Primed


I’m Dying to... July

T

he other day a friend of mine said that he was going to a Widespread Panic show because it’s on his Bucket List. Once again, this is a grown man and going to a Widespread Panic show is one of the things he wants to do before he dies. I didn’t have a By Dennis Phillipi chance to ask him what else was on his Bucket List because I was busy digesting the idea that this concert was important enough to be on his list at all. That’s like having “go to the zoo” on your Bucket List. In case you’re unfamiliar with this whole Bucket List thing, it was the title of a Jack Nicolson/Morgan Freeman movie about a couple of guys who are terminally ill who decide to do all the things they should’ve done before they got old and terminally ill. In the interest of full disclosure, I have never seen this movie. Mainly because the idea of watching two dying guys go skydiving isn’t my idea of a good time. Maybe this Bucket List thing existed before the movie, but it seems to be where everybody suddenly starting thinking about this stuff. You probably have one. If not an actual list, you have something you have said is on your Bucket List and, chances are, some of you have things that I wouldn’t do while I’m not dying. The skydiving thing seems to be pretty high on everyone’s list, but I only know a handful of people who have actually done it. I’d like to do it, but when it comes down to brass tacks, it just seems like a lot of effort to put into maybe hitting the ground at six-hundred miles an hour. For one thing, the closest place to do it is over in Arkansas. That’s pain in the neck number one. By and large, if I cross that bridge, my destination isn’t Arkansas. It’s on the other side of Arkansas. Then, once you’ve made your way over there, you have to take some kind of class before you jump. I don’t need this class. What all could they possibly have to cover? “Okay, I’m going to strap myself to you, we’re going to jump out of an airplane and gravity is going to take it from there. Got it? Geronimo.” Then, of course, you have to get in a little plane, jump out of it, and not die. That’s a lot of work. The same goes for bungee jumping. It seems like a fun idea until you think about all the effort involved in a once in a lifetime activity that has something like a one in a thousand chance of you ending up kissing a rock going much too fast. Another popular thing on people’s Bucket Lists is traveling to exotic places. Here’s the thing about exotic places: they rarely have

room service. If you dream of going to Paris or Rio or Amsterdam, that’s cool and attainable, but still an awful lot of work. Transatlantic flights are not exactly adventure travel. They’re more like being trapped in a confined space with potentially infectious people for nine hours while being attended to by people who have

“Listen, I’d like to drive the Autobahn, ride a horse into the Grand Canyon, fire a grenade launcher, punch a celebrity, drink moonshine with a guy in a bear suit, and lots of other things, but the simple truth is I’m not going to because it’s all just too much work. Where am I going to find a bear suit? Which celebrity would I punch? It’s all just too complicated.” achieved tenure in the flight attendant business and apparently can’t be fired. Europe and South America are perfectly nice places if you enjoy the idea of being mugged in a foreign language. But exotic travel destinations, your Mount Kilimanjaros and your Machu Pichus and your

RSVPhillipi

African Safaris, aren’t just a matter of booking a plane ticket and trying to find a reasonably priced hotel that isn’t also a brothel. It’s a matter of having to get shots, train on how to climb mountains, and accept that all of this inconvenience may result in you being dinner for a hippopotamus. Good luck with that. According to my always lazy research, another popular item on people’s lists is to learn a new language. First off, most of us have barely got a handle on English, and English is super easy compared to most other languages, with not having to figure out the gender of verbs and the like. We all grew up with English all around us, and yet far too many of us still say “supposively.” The issue with learning a new language when you’re an adult, especially one old enough to be contemplating your mortality, is a little thing called “Neuroplasticity.” Simply put, the older we get, the more rigid our brain structure becomes and the harder it is to learn new things, especially complicated things like Croatian. Trust me on this: if you’re over forty, an hour from now you won’t even remember the word Neuroplasiticy. This affects all kinds of Bucket List things that involve learning new things, so seriously, why bother? Listen, I’d like to drive the Autobahn, ride a horse into the Grand Canyon, fire a grenade launcher, punch a celebrity, drink moonshine with a guy in a bear suit, and lots of other things, but the simple truth is I’m not going to because it’s all just too much work. Where am I going to find a bear suit? Which celebrity would I punch? It’s all just too complicated. Let’s set some more realistic goals for our Bucket Lists. Things that we might actually do. Let’s all agree that everyone should read one of those books that no one ever actually reads. You know, the ones that we say we read in school but don’t remember much about because we never read them. That’s why that Cliff guy is so rich. Thank God he kept notes. I think I’m going to take a run at one of those big fat Russian novels like Crime and Punishment or Anna Karenina. A big fat tome that will pull my shoulder out of socket when I carry it around. And believe me, I will carry it around. Just so everyone sees it and I can say, “It’s on my Bucket List.”

July 2016

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RSVPast

July

1962

A

gnes Stark works at her potters’ wheel circa 1962. She was one of the earliest members of the Memphis Potters Guild and is still actively involved with the organization. Stark has said, “It scares and excites me to think that my pieces could be around for centuries, even if they are shards. I hope my work is contemporary to the period I live in, with a respectful nod to a ceramic past.” Photo courtesy of Greg Belz If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Bailey Heldmar at 276-7787 ext. 105 or e-mail the photo and caption to editor@rsvpmagazine.com All photos will be returned promptly.

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RSVP

July 2016




Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.