June 2016
Memphis in May International Gala Germantown Charity Horse Show Royal Ball Memphis Fashion Week Brooks Uncorked Le Bon Appetit
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Contents
Features
June 2016
From the Editor • 8 Signature Memphis • 10
RSVP columnist and comedian, Dennis Phillippi, shares some of his favorite things, offers advice, and brings his usual sense of humor to our interview.
StreetSeen • 18 Star & Micey
Members of a favorite local band share their musical journey.
StreetSeen • 20 Shane McDermott
Local artist embraces the title cartoonist.
Events
RSVPhillippi • 53
Addicted to Love
As he approaches his 30th wedding anniversary, Dennis Phillippi gives his best tips for a happy marriage.
Laurie Stark and Congressman Steve Cohen
Memphis in May International Gala • 12
Memphians kicked off a month of festivities with a party celebrating this year’s honored country, Canada.
Dr. Ashley Phelps and Jason Dunn
Germantown Charity Horse Show Royal Ball • 16
Guests entered the magical land of Brigadoon for the coronation of Queen Ali Slott.
Cover Photo Lee Alexander and Margaret Elliott at Germantown Charity Horse Show Royal Ball Photo by Don Perry
Brooke Blankenship, Abbey Glass and Elle Wurzburg
Memphis Fashion Week • 22
In its fifth year, Memphis Fashion Week has become the highlight of the year for local designers.
Brittany Spence and Dorothy Cooper
Memphis Moments • 26,
27, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48 & 50
Cindy and Ryan Ward
Brooks Uncorked • 30
Art lovers and oenophiles kicked off the 24th annual Memphis Wine + Food Series of the Brooks Museum of Art.
Thomas and Marina Carrier
Le Bon Appetit • 36
More than 30 chefs came together to provide guests with “Great Food for a Great Cause” at this fundraiser benefitting Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
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Volume XXI • Number VI June 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
Lynn Green 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
Copyright 2016 Haithcock Communications, Inc. 6 •
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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!
We’ll make your golden years shine
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.
Gated Community Located in Midtown Memphis in the Historic Evergreen District with Spacious 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments
Grand Living in Midtown Kara Holston
Executive Director
1550 North Parkway | Memphis, TN 38112 | 901.726.4881 | theglenmary.com June 2016
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From the Editor I
will begin by thanking the RSVP staff for giving me such a warm welcome in my first month as editor. Rachel has done a fantastic job as editor over the past few years, and I know that I will have large shoes to fill. Memphis has been home since I moved here from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to attend Rhodes College five years ago. I always tell people from out of town that the best thing about Memphis is the people. Memphians are so proud of their city and will go above and beyond to make it a better place. In my short time at RSVP, I am already amazed at the number of events that are going on around this city to raise awareness for various charities, causes, and local nonprofits. Memphis is filled with unfailingly generous people, and I look forward to being a small part of the work that y’all do. As we head into summer, our calendar is full of exciting events. It would be impossible to fit all of the amazing events happening around the city in the magazine, but I think that’s a good problem to have! How lucky are we that there are simply too many fundraisers happening around the Bluff City? This month’s StreetSeen profiles are a reminder that Memphis is also home to a thriving arts community. Star & Micey share the story of how they went from elementary school friends to luminaries of the Memphis music scene, and local artist Shane McDermott recounts his journey to embracing the title “cartoonist.” Everyone’s favorite RSVP humorist, Dennis Phillippi, brings his trademark wit to our Q&A. They are all such wonderful ambassadors for Memphis, and I am thrilled that we are featuring them.
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Bailey Heldmar editor@rsvpmagazine.com
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Dennis Phillippi
I am self-employed, and there are no groups that will have me.
Your Favorite Memphis “Thang”: Vince Carter. Hometown: Charlotte, NC, but I am a Memphian. Favorite Southern Idiom: “That is fixin’ to tump over.” Your Lucky Charm: Breath Spray…trust me on this one. Best Memphis Hangout: Next Door…the bar to the stars. Your Most Annoying Habit: I am an unbearable know-it-all. Place You Go to Think: Rolled in a ball under my coffee table. Favorite Place to Travel: New York City, New Orleans, New Albany. The Highlight of Your Day: Not to be maudlin, but it really is seeing my wife.
One Goal You’d Still Like to Accomplish: Returning to reclaim my Iditarod title.
Favorite Song: “Can't Fight This Feeling” by REO Speedwagon. It was playing when I met my wife.
First Car You Owned: 1976 Chevy Malibu Classic. I miss that car more than my high school waistline.
Who Would Play You in a Movie: Bob Saget. No wait… David A Nonliving Celebrity/Role Model You Would Invite to Dinner: Eva Wittginstein, discoverer of artificial tanning.
Proudest Moment of Your Life: Having my picture taken with Chubby Checker at Carowinds Amusement Park in the 6th grade.
Best Advice You Ever Received: Honestly, on my wedding day when my oldest brother told me, “This is not about you. Don’t be a clown up there. This is about her.” 10 •
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Photo by Steve Roberts
Schwimmer. Hmmm… pretty much anyone chinless.
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Memphis i“Cn May Internati o nal Gala C ” O elebrating
Lyman and Sally Aldrich
Larry and Judy Moss
anada
n May 6, the Grand Ballroom at the Peabody Hotel took on an international flavor as Memphis in May (MIM) hosted its annual gala. This year marks the 40th celebration of the Memphis in May International Festival. Libations and food were Canadian-themed as a tribute to this year’s honored country. Straws decorated with a Canadian Maple leaf adorned single-serve bottles of champagne. Guests dined on a meal crafted to showcase Canadian cuisine, starting with lobster and lentils. An entree of beef sirloin and Canadian bacon was served with purple garlic, mashed potatoes, asparagus, oven-baked tomatoes, and carrots with a maple whiskey sauce. Dessert was a Nanaimo Bar, a traditional dessert made with Canadian maple caramel and coconut cream. Emcee Brandon Artiles, of Local 24, introduced Canadian Mountie Camille Habel who announced the formal start of the evening’s program. Jim Holt, MIM president and CEO, welcomed the crowd and introduced Doug Browne, 2016 Chairman of the MIM Board of Directors. Browne thanked 2016 International Gala chairwoman Leigh Shockey for organizing the gala and introduced honored guest Louise Blais, Consul General of Canada. “It was a wonderful honor to be chairman of this year’s Memphis in May International Festival and its activities, the gala being one of the highlights of the month. We had the most incredible lineup of musical artists. It was a fabulous night,” said Browne. Browne presented Blais with a limited edition Memphis in May commemorative plaque crafted by local artist Stephen Hudson. The handpainted piece featured symbols that celebrated the City of Memphis and the Memphis in May International Festival, including music, barbecue, the Tom Lee memorial, the Pyramid arena, the Mississippi River and an image of the what is often referred to as our official Delta seafood—catfish. Musical entertainment was provided by Artists Inspired by Memphis Music, featuring Kim Weston, G.C. Cameron, Candi Staton, Gregory Abbott, Anita Ward, Ace Cannon, Melba Moore, Regina Belle and Peabo Bryson. Russell Thompkins, Jr. & the New Stylistics also took the stage, as well as Deniece Williams. The Temptations Review with Dennis Edwards had the crowd on their feet, warming them up for headliner Petula Clark. A silent auction served as a fundraiser for MIM, which is a nonprofit organization. The colorful culture of Canada continued to be on display at area art galleries and museums throughout the month of May. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
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Karen and Gary Clanty
Story by Emily Adams Keplinger Photos by Don Perry
Sisco Larson and Kirkland Bible
Pierce Sullivan and Samantha Tweddell
Rudi and Honey Scheidt
Steve and Branda Basar
Doug Brown, Consul General Louise Blais, Mayor Mark Luttrell, Corporal Camille Habel and Jim Holt
Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell and Kevin Kane
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Alicia Dean, Sean Gould and Samantha Gould
Brad Champlin with Penny and Pete Aviotti and Dianne Champlin
Dan Kim and Hyunsook Lee
Cynthia and Jared Small
Cheryl and J.O. Patterson with Thomas and Dee Dyer
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Robert and Natalia Yarger
China and Ryan Jenkins
José Echeverria and Greg Milligan
Brooke Tweddell, Nelia Dempsey, Ron Coleman, Pat Kerr Tigrett and Leigh Shockey
Christian Norton and Nikki Paine
Georgia May and Sam Puryear
Terry and Christi Roland
Kevin and Betty Grothe
Maude Gilbert and Guillaume Cantin
Jerry and Bobbi Gillis with Rosie Whalum and Gary Dupree
Brenda and Brad Cobb
Alexandra Lyons and Eddie Brasher
Scott and Mary Pat Davis
Samantha Wilson and Anthony Black
Austin and Page Baker with Isabel and Wei Chen
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Germantown Chari“Bty Horse” Show Royal Ball T rigadoon
Elizabeth Evans and John Barton
Hannah Cooper and John Chris Byers
he entrance to the Woodland Hills Grand Ballroom was shrouded in a mysterious mist as the Germantown Charity Horse Show Royal Ball welcomed guests into the mystical world of “Brigadoon,” the mythical Scottish land that only appears every one hundred years. Once inside, the 450 attendees were magically transported to another land. The staircases of the Grand Ballroom were festooned with Tartan, grapevine and Heather, and piper Stephen Sanders stood in his kilt at the foot of the stairs for a bagpipe serenade to mark the opening of this legendary ball. The walls on either side of the stage bore the Scottish national and royal flags. Guests enjoyed scrumptious hors d’oeuvres prepared by Woodland Hills chefs including a variety of cheese, bruschetta, and hummus. The 2016 Royal Ball featured the presentation of Queen Ali Slott and her 20 princesses, as well as the coronation of the queen and a delicious dinner. There were special performances by a quartet from the Germantown Symphony Orchestra as guests dined on chicken with pesto sauce, a vegetarian shepherd’s pie, and warm potato salad. Featured desserts included chocolate stout cake, honey whiskey cake, and a parfait layered in pound cake, strawberry puree, vanilla pudding, whipped cream and topped with fresh blueberries. Mascot Charity the Horse was on hand too, decked out in his special kilt for an evening in Brigadoon. Community dignitaries present included Dave Klevan, Mary Ann Gibson, Forrest Owens, Mayor Mike Palazola, and State Representative Steve McManus. Alex Livesay served as master of ceremonies, and Elaine Dudley, Lillie Kay Mitchell, Joy Nichols, Mary Aubrey Stafford, and Elizabeth Stagich gave the presentation. Melissa Beall, Leslie Darr, Maxine Oliver, Robyn Rudisill, and Dot Stagich made up the 2016 Royal Ball committee and also designed and created the festive table centerpieces. Three fully stocked bars kept the libations flowing as guests danced to BB King’s Blues Club house band, The King Beez. Special thanks for the evening’s festivities went to The Germantown Board of Mayor and Alderman, Alex Ginsburg Photographics, Sign Designs Atlanta, Men’s Wearhouse, and Black Dog Tree Services. King Furs & Fine Jewelry contributed Queen Ali’s medallion, and DeAngelis Jewelers contributed her tiara. Major show sponsors included Conway Services Heating and Cooling, Outback Steakhouse, Sunrise Pontiac Buick GMC Truck, and FedEx. The benefiting charity for 2016 was The Exchange Club Family Center. The 68th Anniversary Germantown Charity Horse Show is June 7th through June 11th 2016. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
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Angela Hammond and Mike Sipes
Story by Bill Bannister Photos by Don Perry
Jake Bihm and Taylor Morgan
Suzanne and Mike Landrum
Bob and Robyn Rudisill
Kayla Benson and Mary Carter Mullins
Duncan Daniel, Zarina Umarov and Peyton Jones
Kelli Zimmerman and Mayor Mike Palazzolo
Jake Bousson and Abigail Fowler
Rachael Burton and Cameron Roach
Mary Catherine Wade and Ben Brown
Patrick and Rachel Parker
A.D. Davis and Kristen Paessler
J.J. Wheat, Abby Baskind, Lexi Rook and Sam King
Lucy Landrum and Philip Hale
Mary Livesay and Stephen Sanders
Ali Slott and David Slott
Laura Shifflette and Phillip Lawson
Heather Almand, Lily Crigler, Jenna Bagomolny and Allie Rudisill
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“Lighting
Star & Mi c ey U M M p the
emphis
usic
Scene”
Geoff Smith, Josh Cosby, Jeremy Stanfill and Nick Redmond
T
he band Star & Micey has its roots in the school days of the band’s two founding members. Geoff Smith and Josh Cosby grew up together as classmates at Keystone Elementary and became best friends by the time they enrolled at Craigmont Middle School. Their interest in music was spurred by Josh’s older brother, Danny, who was in the band “Cloud Nine.” Inspired by him, the boys took up guitar. Ultimately Geoff switched to bass, and Josh became the lead singer. They went to different high schools, but stayed in touch. “We messed around playing music in high school,” recalled Geoff. “After graduation, neither of us went to college. Josh was really coming into his own as a songwriter—that’s when we started collaborating in a serious way. We didn’t have a name for our duo. We were just two guys in a double wide trailer playing pop rock and soul.” Their band formed in 2005 when they added drummer Jerry Meadows to the mix. Jerry had been the drummer for Cloud Nine. Their first performance was at the Hi-Tone on Poplar Avenue as the opening set for friends in a band called “Eldorado and the Ruckus.” At the time, Josh was living in an apartment on Madison Avenue. As he was going home one night, guitar slung across his back, a homeless man called out to him. Josh braced for a confrontation, but he quickly learned the man was hoping Josh could play him a song to make him feel better. “I pulled out my guitar and played a heartbreak kind of song,” recalled Josh. “Afterwards, the man said he knew how that felt and told me I had changed his whole night. Then he sang me a song about his 18 •
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ex-girlfriend, Micey. He told me that on the streets all of the homeless have nicknames and that his nickname was Star. I asked if we could use their names for the band, he said, ‘Yes,’ and we went our separate ways.” The band had its name and, to this day, that man tells everyone that he is the “Star” of Star & Micey. “Our band lasted for about a year and a half,” said Josh. “Then Jerry and Geoff went off to play in other bands, and I went heavily into song writing.” When asked what changed their pattern, Geoff said, “There was a Songwriter in the Round event at Neil’s on Madison. Josh was there, and Nick Redmond was one of the songwriters. The two were introduced, and Josh gave Nick the solo CD of his basement songs.” “It had to look sketchy,” said Josh. “I just had my name scribbled on it. But Nick took it home and played it and said he listened to it every day for the next three weeks while trying to contact me. When we finally connected, he said that he hadn’t heard songs like that come out of Memphis in a long time. We started hanging out on his front porch, jamming together, and one day he challenged me about what I was going to do with all my songs.” Josh was adamant that he didn’t want to let someone else sing his songs or record them. As fortune would have it, Nick was working at Ardent Studios at the time. He helped Josh book some time with recording engineer Curry Weber. Weber and Nick ended up recording some songs for Josh, Geoff and Jerry. They took it to the head of Ardent and got a mini deal to start recording their first album, which they finished in October 2009.
“Throughout the album, it had all these parts missing,” said Josh. “Nick started playing electric guitar on the record and, all of the sudden, it came together.” Jerry quit the band after they completed the first album, so the group was without a drummer. “We started playing drums with our feet, just to keep time, sort of like having a rhythm section behind what we were doing,” said Geoff. “It was a threepiece, foot percussion thing—and it worked.” “We started touring in 2009,” continued Geoff. “We came into town and ran into Jeremy Stanfill, a Memphis musician who had also been on stage at Neil’s with Nick. Jeremy’s band had just broken up, so we asked him to hop in our van to play a few shows in St. Louis.” Jeremy went along for the ride, and Geoff recalls, “One day Jeremy started playing drums—and he was incredible! He became the band’s drummer, and we all toured the US and Canada for five years. We changed record labels to Thirty Tigers as we recorded ‘Get ‘Em Next Time.’ It was our first full-length release in six years and went into distribution to the public on March 11.” When asked what the future holds, Geoff said, “We’ll be writing and recording and looking for new opportunities as we present ourselves. We’ll go wherever our music takes us. We’re a pretty adaptable band.” Story by Emily Adams Keplinger Photo by Steve Roberts
AS SEEN IN
THE SCOUT GUIDE M E M P H I S, T N
thescoutguide.com
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Shane McDermott “C R ” omic
elief
S
hane McDermott is one-of-a-kind guy, and now he has a degree that is as unique as he is—a Master of Fine Arts in Comics. Formerly, McDermott called himself an illustrator who made comic books, but now he says he is embracing the term “cartoonist.” He explains that the difference between an illustration and a cartoon is that an illustration is a single visual representation, while a cartoon involves sequential storytelling that is often serialized. “I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember,” said McDermott. “I actually have my very first drawing because my mother took a picture of it. The image was a face, and she said that she knew from that moment that I would be an artist. I believe that my parents’ encouragement played a huge role in developing my artistic skills.” Drawing came naturally to McDermott, and after purchasing his first comic book in ninth grade (Spider-Man), he realized that he wanted to draw comics. “I took private art lessons during elementary school, but didn’t like it. It was all about the fine arts side, still life pictures and such, and I wanted to draw cool stuff—Transformers and other fantasy world creatures, using my imagination to tell a story,” recalled McDermott. “I returned to art class my junior year of high school and this time it took. My teacher, Martha Cummins, helped me work on my skill-set and required a certain number of fine art projects, but also made sure to let me work on personal projects that held my interests.” After graduating from high school, McDermott enrolled at Northwest Mississippi Community College in its fine arts program. He also began working and didn’t return to academia until 2002, enrolling at the Memphis College of Art (MCA) to work on his bachelor’s degree. In 2004, while he was still a student, he began freelancing as an editorial illustrator for The Commercial Appeal and transitioned into a full-time position upon graduation in 2005. “While at The CA, I had the opportunity to develop the annual Advent calendar as a comic that featured woodland creatures,” said McDermott. “One year I charted a different course and drew a calendar that featured a child and a ‘Newsbot’—a CA news bin that transformed into a robot.” After leaving The Commercial Appeal, McDermott started his graduate studies and continued teaching on a part-time basis at MCA in the Comics and Illustration program. His work experience and his teaching cemented his goal to become a cartoonist. He learned of a degree program at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco, which was the first degree program of its kind to call itself “comics.” The “low-residency program” allowed McDermott to take long-distance learning classes during the fall and spring terms while he continued teaching at MCA. During the summers, he attended classes in San Francisco. McDermott said, “I chose an MFA in Comics because I love teaching comics. For the last two years, I’ve been teaching at MCA on a temporary, but full-time, contract. My focus has been to help students refine their art and get their work published. I’ve been teaching them the craft, as well as the business side of their art, trying to offer students a ‘start-to-finish’ education.” When asked how marketable cartooning is, McDermott replied that comics and illustration go hand-in-hand because they enable artists to create and sell their own content. He noted that some cartoonists find their niche in drawing educational or instructional comics for children’s workbooks for math, social studies, Spanish, etc., while others are using crowdfunding platforms, like Kickstarter and Patreon, to support themselves and their projects. “But, there’s a broader application, too,” explained McDermott. “Anything you see has been designed by an artist, from chairs to faucets to cars. Someone had to render the image of each object—everything is designed. And THIS is a fantastic time for creator-owned content.” McDermott continued, “Comics entered their original ‘Golden Age’ in the late 1930s through the early 1950s. They offered a fantasy escape that was affordable following the Depression. Now, because of the Internet, comics are entering their second Golden Age. That instant and global access makes it easier for a cartoonist to find an audience. And with a developed following, it is easier to find funding.” “Comics as a story-telling medium are incredibly powerful,” said McDermott. “The cartoonist gets to be the script writer, the director, and act through the characters they draw. There’s no longer a need for a collaborative team. One person has complete control over their story. And cartoonists are also their own casting director, so they are able to be more inclusive of previously unrepresented diverse communities.” So while McDermott expects to continue teaching comics, he is moving away from illustrations to work more on his own personal projects and plans to get his comics published in the near future. Story by Emily Adams Keplinger Photo by Steve Roberts 20 •
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Celebrating 45 Years! June 2016
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Looking back over the past five years, Memphis Fashion Week can’t help but feel honored by the support the local community has shown for the event, the emerging designers and the stores that continue to bring in exceptional designers. When Memphis Fashion Week first started, they had no idea where it would lead. After 5 years, they have successfully established the Memphis Fashion Fund (MFF) held at the community foundation, community education classes at Memphis College of Art and a mentoring program for fashion design entrepreneurs. MFW set out to educate and cultivate local designers and the workforce that supports their development through the annual Fashion Week. The week of events over the past 5 years have generated more than $50,000 for the Memphis Fashion Fund to invest in on-going local fashion industry efforts. The Memphis Fashion Fund is responsible for establishing the Emerging Designer Project (EMDP), a program to assist selected up-and-coming designers with funds, mentoring and resources to develop mini collections for the annual Fashion Week events. This year MFW provided professional hair, makeup and models to 16 EMDP designers to showcase their collections. These 16 designers got to know the ins and outs of producing a clothing line and showing it to the public. This is like no other experience available in Memphis or the Mid South. Abby Phillips, director of Memphis Fashion Week said of the EMDP, “We had no idea the shows would bring so much talent and creativity in the local market. The designers are so unique and it’s amazing to watch their progress over the 8 months we work together to put on the EMDP runway shows.” The Memphis Fashion Fund also supports the fashion design classes at the Memphis College of Art. These first steps have given Memphis Fashion Week the chance to move toward its larger vision of establishing an incubator that will facilitate the growth of local fashion entrepreneurs by equipping them with machines, space, business consulting and industry education. Memphis Fashion Week recently opened the Made by Memphis pop up shop located Downtown on Main St. The pop up shop sells all locally made apparel, jewelry and art and also houses the first designers participating in the fashion incubator. EMDP designer Andrea Fenise says, “Having a dedicated space to design and create garments has given me the opportunity to create a sustainable business doing what I absolutely love. I can merge both worlds of fashion, both the business and creativity, all in one place. It’s super cool to literally create garments, walk upstairs to the sales floor, allow customers to buy your garments and meet them one on one. We get personal experiences with our clients and that is what it’s all about for me.” Memphis Fashion Week’s vision is going beyond the runway; its efforts will help shape the future of the Memphis Fashion Industry. For more info visit www.memphisfashionweek.org.
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Fall in Love with Binghampton Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
A
Laura Whitsitt, Bob Whitsitt, Noah Gray and Emily Gray
Frank Gattuso and Danny Valle
Lauren Squires and Scott Ready
Will Sharpe, Virginia Sharpe and Sandra Charlton
Kenneth Alexander II and Lawrence Matthews III
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special fundraiser held April 1st kicked off a weekend of support for the Carpenter Art Garden. The “Fall in Love with Binghampton” event, held at West Memorials on Broad Avenue, brought together students from the Binghampton area, the local artists who teach them, and friends and supporters from the public for a one-night art show and sale. Participating artists included Kenneth Alexander, Shelley Bolton, Melissa Dun, Kenny Hays, Lawrence Matthews, Andrea Morales and Danny Shivers. The Rendezvous, Chick-fil-A and Muddy’s Carla Carter and Tammy Porter Bake Shop provided the appetizer buffet, while Wiseacre Brewing Company brought the liquid refreshments. “The kids and visiting artists put a lot of time and energy into their work,” said Megan Banaszek, Director of Programs for the Carpenter Art Garden. “It was a great evening celebrating the community and the artists at the Carpenter Art Garden, and we appreciate everyone who came out to support our cause.”
Clark Butcher and Lori Tucker
Emily and Andy Bell
Tarlisa Clark, Erin Harris and Megan Banaszek
MK Hill with JJ Banks
Kathie Smith, Suzy Manley and Lauranne Wyatt
Brianna Lee and Paige Spain
Memphis Symphony League Luncheon Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson Cozza
M
Honey Cannon, Penny McDowell, JoAnn Hardeman and Florence Leffler
Gayle Rose and Ned Laird
Mei-Ann Chen, Kevin Kane and Billie Jean Graham
Elinor Reed and Barbara McConville
emphis Symphony League (MSL) held a very special luncheon at the Memphis Hunt & Polo Club. Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Long hosted “Note of Thanks” in honor of Mei-Ann Chen, who led the Memphis Symphony Orchestra (MSO) from September 2010 until earlier this spring. Kevin Kane emceed the event, and Memphis music icon Joyce Cobb sang the Lord’s Prayer accompanied by Hank Sable. Randal Rushing, professor of voice at the University of Memphis, performed “An Orphan Since My Early Days” Babbie Lovett and Anne Keesee accompanied by Cathal Breslin. Jean De Frank, widow of former MSO Conductor Vincent De Frank, presented Chen with a special baton that belonged to the Maestro. Chen then gave closing remarks, inviting anyone in the audience to visit her in Chicago where she is now director of the Chicago Sinfonietta.
Kathy King and Lura Turner
Scottie Cobb, Isabelle Welch and Lisa Guyton
Peaches Roan, Barbara Perkins, Jean Fuentes and Sissy Long
Eva Beckemeyer and Kaitlyn Patterson
Lisa Guyton, Jane Mims and Martha Boyd
Joyce Cobb and Hank Sable June 2016
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Brooks Uncorked “S &S ” haken
tirred
T Josh and Lindsey Hammond
Diane Jalfon and Daniel Weickenand
Kristina Woo and Judge Mark Ward
Mark and Rebecca Askew
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he 24th annual Memphis Wine + Food Series of the Brooks Museum of Art kicked off with Brooks Uncorked, an event that allowed art lovers and oenophiles alike to come together and raise a glass to a museum that consistently fills the Memphis community with culture and fun. This year’s series promises exciting events that combine local food, great wine, renowned artists and celebrated vintners. Throughout the series, special guests will be presented, such as Carissa Chappellet, artist, author, photographer, vintner, attorney and ambassador at Chappellet Winery; Shauna Rosenblum, winemaker at Rock Wall Wine Company; and Chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman of Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen, Hog & Hominy and Porcellino’s Craft Butcher. Going beyond a good time, Brooks Uncorked and all Memphis Wine + Food Series events help raise funds for the museum’s many operations and outreach programs. As guests entered the museum, they were greeted with a glass of champagne. Buster’s Liquors & Wines offered sips of a plethora of various wines. Nibbles and noshes from 14 different local eateries also beckoned attendees. Additionally, wines from the Bespoke Collection, a curated selection of boutique wines, were sampled. Signature cosmos and martinis from Pyramid Vodka were part of the imbibing and harkened to the event’s theme of “Shaken & Stirred.” A silent auction had guests generously parting with their cash for rare finds such as two suite tickets to “Wizard of Oz” at The Orpheum Theatre, tickets to the Indie Memphis film series, Kendra Scott jewelry, and a Caribbean vacation package to St. James Club & Villas in Antigua. Of course, the silent auction also offered wine packages, including a magnum of 2012 Blackbird Vineyards Illustration from the Bespoke Collection. Food was plentiful, and guests mingled amongst the food tables set up throughout the museum, trying Boscos Squared Ahi tuna and Interim Restaurant & Bar’s scallop and pork belly skewers. Attendees also enjoyed bites from Café 1912, Memphis Pizza Café, Tart, Itta Bena Restaurant, and The Peabody Hotel’s Chez Philippe. Frost Bake Shop didn’t hold back with the dessert, handing out their popular “Gooey Butter” cookies along with their “Crackly Ginger” and “Chocolate Chip Pecan” cookies. VIP guests enjoyed an enhanced selection of wines, spirits and fare in the comfort of two private lounges as well as early admittance and expedited check-in. Outside the museum, live music by Ms. Nikki and the house band from Wild Bill’s had guests dancing into the night. The Memphis Wine + Food series will continue with The Grand Weekend: Celebrating the Centennial, which includes The Grand Artisans’ Dinner May 20th and The Grand Auction May 21st. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Story by Rachel Warren Photos by Don Perry
Craig Conley with Jeany and Anthony Dionne
Monique and Charles Jalenak
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Emily Neff and Neville Williams
Dana and Kent Farmer
Amanda Lott and Kyle Maness
Stella Woehst and Lucia Outlan
Alan and Brooke Balducci
James Nabors, Shawn Hayden and Bradley Rice
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Tyler White and Nadia Fares
John and Elisha Vego
Meredith Parker and Adam Exelbierd
Don and Sherry Williams
Katye Davis, Vaughn Avant, Jinal Patel and Tina Baggett
June 2016
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Nathan and Ashley Frazier
Dapo Odusanya and Yolanda Ross
Alex and Sam Ransone
Andrew Goldstein and Taylor Martin
Kathryn Stallins and Tony Walker
Shirley and Morris Walker
Flavia Hite and Gabriela Moreira
Corey and Ashley McCullough with Elizabeth and David Tate
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Ed and Teri Flemmons
Larrie Rodriguez and Michael Ingalsbe
Tevari Butler, Marshay James and Tymisha Williams
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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. June 2016
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“Great
LeF Bon Appeti t G C ood for a
reat
ause”
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Isabelle and Lee Welch
Tim and Cathy Dalfiume
ore than 30 chefs answered the call of noted Memphis chef Kelly English to lend their talents to Le Bon Appetit, a tasting event presented by Le Bonheur Club to benefit Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis. 2016 Le Bon Appetit co-chairs were Debra Connor, Karen Johnston, and Michelle Stubbs. The event raised more than $340,000 to help fund Le Bonheur’s new Pediatric Rehabilitation Center in East Memphis. Le Bonheur is the Mid-South region’s first and only comprehensive children’s hospital. In the homey surrounding of Memphis’ own Pipkin Building, several local favorites were joined by 17 guest chefs who traveled to Memphis from Baltimore, Houston, New Orleans, New York, St. Louis, Portland, Ore., Oxford, Miss., Walland, Tenn., and the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. Three expert mixologists prepared special drinks for guests to sip on as they sampled the assortment of food. A few menu options were pork carnitas with pineapple sauce, cilantro, and tomatillo; duck confit ice cream cone, blueberry mole, cilantro lime crème fraiche, and toasted pistachio; and fried chicken boudin with jalapeno lime marmalade and fried chicken cotton candy. Among special guests at Le Bon Appetit were young Avery Downing and her family. Avery spent five and a half weeks as the youngest patient at an adult rehabilitation center after an accident that caused injury to her vertebrae. Le Bonheur’s new rehabilitation center will make a big difference for children who have to be away from home for long periods of treatment, explained Avery’s mother, Sonia Clifton. Welcoming Avery and other guests were Meri Armour, president & CEO of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, and Karen Carlisle, Le Bonheur Club president. Honorary chairs for Le Bon Appetit were Matt and Carmen Bond. Former Memphian and Food Network personality Claire Robinson served as emcee, and the Mason Jar Fireflies provided musical entertainment. Le Bon Appetit sponsors included ARS Rescue Rooter, Central BBQ, Cigna, Conway Services, First Tennessee Foundation, Carlisle Corp., Cayson Designs, Ghost River Brewing Co., Dr. Barry and Elizabeth Gilmore, High Cotton Brewing Co., Horseshoe Tunica, Dr. Royce and Sirella Joyner, Kendra Scott, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Star Distributors Wholesale Wines and Liquors, Tunica Roadhouse Casino & Hotel, Turner, Sedgwick, Vaco Memphis and Wiseacre Brewing Co. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
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Chrissie and David Tashie
Story by Virginia Davis Photos by Lynn Green
Andy Ticer and Michelyn Kilpatrick
Debra and Doug Owings
Drs. Dana and Tom Giel
Thomas Robinson and Kat Gordon
Scott Adelman, Kelly English and Paige Collins
Danny and Marjorie Knight
Glenda Shorb, Lauren Daughtry, Judy Burkett and Barbara Hodges
Meredith Coughlin, Katherine Graham and Kristen Pellegrin
Brandon Hogue and Sadie Cox
Pamela Hauber and Robert Hanusovsky
Ryan Prewitt and Bond Phillips
Angel Price and Floyd Tyler
Kensington Wieland and Drayton Neely
Thomas and Elizabeth Yohannan
Dr. Jon McCullars, Cori Grant, Dr. John Boughter and Jennifer Valli
June 2016
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Blake and Taylor Tyler
Ron Wong and Pam Kimery
Lisa Harsch and Jeremy Miller
Stacey and Darrell Greene
Karie Ticer, Katie Hudman and Faith Roane
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Lee and Lil Rudd
Harris and Claire Todd
Kimberly Jessop and Lakesha Churn
Holly and Richard Hardin
Raakhi and Brad Phillips
Stephen and Laura Bowie with Chelsey and Jeff Savage
Jada and Dale Clark
Alison and Billy Ryan
Lauren Brigance and Rhiannon Mauck
John and Jessica Roberts
Ben and Kelley Stanley with Raven and Jon Moorehead
Robert and Erica Freeman
Aubrey and Lars Nelson
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the Grand Krewe of Ptolemy Coronation Ball Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson Cozza
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Stephen Cruzen and Rachel Simmons
Joseph Brandon and Jaime Hopkins
Kacy Maxwell, Lauren Blackstone, Natalie Davis, Kate Bass and Denise Dunn
Allie Rihner, Victoria Maher and Meagan Spangler
Chilton Simmons, Melanie Saunders, Danielle Miro, Angela Williams and Michael Zepatos
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n keeping with its tradition, the Grand Krewe of Ptolemy’s Coronation Ball was held at the University Club. Ptolemy is the newest of the 10 Carnival Memphis (CM) krewes and was created 17 years ago to draw younger people into CM, according to Felix Bishop, one of the founding members. “We realized there were a lot of Memphians Carnival was not reaching,” he says. “We wanted a young and diverse group to enlarge the footprint of Carnival.” After proclamations were read, 2016 CM King Jay Keras and J.R. Kamra and Maricela Robles-Murgulia Ptolemy Chairman J.R. Kamra made remarks before the presentation of the royalty began. King Stephen Cruzen and Queen Rachael Simmons took their thrones and addressed the crowd. Simmons extolled the virtues of CM and told the audience how important the group was to her when she first came to Memphis. “For me, to connect with the community and to volunteer is wonderful when you are new to the community,” she said. The band Front and Beale took the stage and kept dancers on their feet until midnight.
Vickie Cruzen and Felix Bishop
Ronnie Powell, Ashley Smith, Jeff Eaglehouse, Joe Gordon and Christine Groves
Robin Poston and Jeff Flaherty
Matt Sanders, Chuck and Mary Stewart and Will Whiting
Will Taylor and Logan Smith with Molly and John Goggans
Kat Scoggin, John and Morgan Tonahill, Emma and Austin Moylan
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Salvation Army Women s Auxiliary Founders Day Luncheon Story Submitted | Photos by Jason McCullough, Christina Roberts, and Holly Sealy
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he annual Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Founders’ Day Luncheon was held on Wednesday, April 20th at The Salvation Army Kroc Center. Founded in 1986, the purpose of the Auxiliary is to raise public awareness of The Salvation Army, to facilitate services to the needy, and to strengthen the financial base of the local Salvation Army. Mayor Luttrell was on hand to show support for the organization. Major Bobby and Captain Anne Westmoreland, who have spent over a decade serving the Salvation Army overseas, gave a speech called “Hope for Others: ‘Around the Corner and Around the World.’” Mary Ellen Chase received the 2016 SALLIE Award, which is presented each year to an Mayor Mark Luttrell outstanding auxiliary member. Just For Lunch catered the event. Money raised will go to providing food and lodging for families in need.
Captain Zach Bell with Captain Anne and Major Bobby Westmoreland
Carol Wolf and Rosemary Ballinger
Captain Shelley Bell and Mary Ellen Chase
Susan Madden and Cleo Griffin
June 2016
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Cookies on Tap Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson Cozza
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hile Girl Scout cookies and beer may seem an unlikely combination, High Cotton Brewery and Troop 901 teamed up to show how nicely the sweets complement their brews. For the second year, “Cookies on Tap” was held at the High Cotton Brewery, and the money raised will fund college scholarships that will be awarded by Girl Scouts Heart of the South. Each attendee was given a pouch containing Mel Durrett and Raquel Baker four different varieties of the beloved cookies, each of which was paired with a different beer. The brew masters even used some of the popular Thin Mint cookies to infuse flavor in their “Milk Stout” beer. Troop 901 is made up of young professional women who want to support the Girl Scouts Heart of the South. While some members are Girl Scout alumna, Troop 901 also welcomes fresh faces with no prior experience in the organization. For more information, visit http://www.girlscoutshs.org/troop901.
Kristen Russell, Blair Duke and Joan Carr
Daniel Vandergrift, Kristen Crone and Michael Zepatos
Elizabeth Stewart, Molly Harris, Courtney Mitchell and Megan Heinrich
Reginald Riser, Robbin Hall-Baggett, Lauren Sekerke, Kenneth J. Kanzaki and Derrick Passero
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Hunter Williams and Megan Benson
Madison Roberts and Maggie Green
Anna Anderson, Andrew Bottom and Emily Bottom
Kristina Vitsenko, Sloane Fuller and Ariana Geneva
Logan Smith and John Dolan
Jenice Davis, Betsy Mays, Rebecca Day and Cosette Hawkinson
Stephen Jeanes, Ryan Groves, Evan Wilson, Olivia Mathis and Melanie Wallace
Society of Entrepreneurs Awards Dinner Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson Cozza
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he guest list at the Society of Entrepreneurs Awards Dinner was a “Who’s Who” of leaders of prominent Memphis businesses, including Linkous Construction, Wunderlich Securities and Independent Bank. New York Times bestselling author and motivational speaker Don Hutson emceed the event. Retired superintendent of Catholic Schools Mary McDonald gave the invocation, and R.E. Linkous Marino and Carolyn Hardy made welcoming remarks before the introduction of the three new SOE inductees: Barbara Hardy, chief executive officer of Chism Hardy Investments and former owner of City Brewing, Ned Landau, president of family owned business Landau Uniforms, and Bob Loeb, president of Loeb Properties, the company that spearheaded the revitalization of Overton Square. Loeb explained that the key elements of becoming a successful entrepreneur are risk taking, hard work and determination. “Follow your instincts and have fun,” he said. The Master of Entrepreneur award was presented to long-time head of Youth Villages, Pat Lawler.
Pat Lawler, Ellen Westbrook and Brad Lawler
Mike Lawler, Marge Lawler and Barbara Spencer
Beth and Harry Smith with Meg and Charles Gerber
Jamie and Jeni Linkous
Greg and Leslie Smith with Sean Henneberger
Richard Copley with Diane and Kevitt Adler
Sharon Donovan, Paula Wagner, Lisa Dick and Lesley Harper
Rudi and Honey Scheidt
Don and Terri Hutson
Doug Marchant, Pierson Crutcher and Jeff Webb
Heather and Mike Hodges with Alex Herrera and Summer Lyons June 2016
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Alzheimer s Day Services Trivia Night Story and Photos by Bill Bannister
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Lauren Potter, Joy Williams and Vicky Love
Vince and Barb Palazola
Angie Palazola and Makenzie Morse
Jim Walker and Joy Graddy
Callisha Williamson, Audrey Goins and Jennifer Kap
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emmes Murphey presented the 11th annual trivia night to benefit Alzheimer’s Day Services of Memphis Inc. at Temple Israel. The theme of the evening’s festivities was “Remembering When… From Green Stamps to Hot Pants.” There was a silent auction with 70 fantastic items up for bidding provided by local donors like Folks Folly Steakhouse, Resorts Casino Tunica, The Memphis Redbirds, Gild The Lily, Theatre Memphis, and Mirimichi. Contestants and their guests enjoyed fine Italian cuisine from Coletta’s and participated in a wine pull to benefit ADS’ techVicki Deweese and Kathy Graves nology upgrades. There was also a costume contest with people dressed as everything from characters from The Godfather to Elvis. Table sponsors included Baptist Trinity Home Care and Hospice, Patton Taylor Enterprises, Floied, and Poplar Financial. Trivia categories ranged from Memphis Music, Memphis Sports, and Memphis Faces to Memphis Streets and Memphis Eateries. Brother Ignatius served as Quizmaster and WKNO’s Rob Grayson was Emcee.
Celeste Bryant and Brea Simmons
Fred and Beth Mormino with Joann and Fred Palazola
Diane Hampton, Lynn Doyle and Eric Thomas
Jim and Tanya Howell
Angie Richardson and Toni Morris
John Tillery with Donna and Bart English
Memphis Fashion Week VIP Preview Party Story and Photos by Rachel Warren
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emphis Fashion Week VIP holders, designers, sponsors, models and backstage crew kicked off one of Memphis’ most creative and chic events, Memphis Fashion Week (MFW), with a VIP Preview Party. This industry event showcased Emerging Memphis Designer Project (EMDP) designers and gave Memphians a chance to show off their eclectic styles as they supported a program that cultivates regional and local fashion through designers, photographers, models and boutiques. Preview Party guests enjoyed libations provided by the venue, Lafayette’s Music Room. Drinks included wine and local beer from Ghost River, Wiseacre Brewing, Goldcrest 51, High Cotton and Memphis Made. A specialty cocktail called “Blueberry Fields,” made with Stoli Blueberry Vodka, sweet and sour, soda water and blueberries, was a popular drink of choice. Guests also snacked on LafayDr. Jennifer Sullivan and Dr. Anne Rowland ette’s signature pizza, sliders and deviled eggs. Freeze models wore the original designs of EMDP designers and accessorized those looks with cool eyewear from Eclectic Eye. Guests mingled and excitedly chatted with Abby Phillips, MFW director, to try and glean some insight into what to expect from the upcoming runway shows that weekend. MFW ticketholders got their fix as they took in all the exciting fashion glory at the Featured Designers Show at The Cadre Building downtown and the EMPD runway show at Memphis College of Art.
Paul Thomas and Avianne Robinson
Lindsey Widick and Sallie Siebers
Emily Bennett and Kristin Bennett
Mary Ambrose and Kimberly Taylor
Zoe Va and Brooke Dial
Caroline Cremelius and Haley Cremelius
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Southern Junkers Vintage Market Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
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Michelle Brown
Mindy Woodall
Shelly Gowan and Jessica Bigham
Brenda and Donald Hawkins
Ruth Barnes, Daphne Reeves, Jennifer Barnes and Suzanne Maley
Carlie Anthony and Jessica Golden
Ashley Calabretta, Shelby Bienz and Nancy Clark
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t was a different kind of rodeo that took place at the Agricenter International on April 8 & 9 as Ruth Barnes took her Southern Junkers Vintage Market to a new indoor location. The juried market hosted 65 vendors from 10 states, all selling their vintage and antique collectibles, art, jewelry and accessories. Barnes jokingly advised customers to “wear their boots and bring their ropes, so they could lasso awesome vintage finds.” The market showLisa Kelly and Cat Swenson cased a wide range of items, with every booth staged for vintage appeal. Old suitcases served as display pieces for restyled jewelry, books and Carnival Glass dishware. Unlike most other vintage markets, the majority of items for sale at Southern Junkers had been repurposed from their original use. “Vendors and shoppers helped preserve the untold stories of the past from the found treasures presented at our Southern Junkers Vintage Market,” concluded Barnes.
Lynn Lane and Will Douglass
Jeanne Norman
Lisa Mathis and Patti Yancey
Becky Emmons, Melody Melloy and Bobbie Hayes
Spring for Forrest Cocktail Party and Auction Story and Photos by Virginia Davis
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David and Betsy Brown with Sophie and Price Edwards
Beth Winterburn, Linda Miller and Jennie Brooks
Diane and Ron Spence
t can happen in the moments that make up an ordinary day or during moments of incomparable joy. As a youngster splashes in her bubble bath or a baby is born, a sudden shocking crisis of a child’s health renders a family unprepared for its outcomes and struggling to stay together. The Forrest Spence Fund offers empathy, understanding, and hope to families of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital patients. It supports them during times when everything familiar Brittany Spence and Dorothy Cooper seems fractured and when myriad daily needs— physical, spiritual, emotional and financial—go unattended. “They are not alone. We walk this journey with them,” Brittany Spence told guests at the Spring for Forrest Cocktail Party and Auction at Memphis Botanic Garden. Proceeds benefit the Forrest Spence Fund, founded by Brittany and David Spence in 2007 as a way to honor the memory and brief life of their newborn son Robert Forrest Spence.
Ryan and Grace Skertich
Michael Butler, Nicole Petty and Wendy McCrory
Laura Dew and Anne Elizabeth Garrard
Paige Ostrow and Becky Haberberger with Jessica and Jason Pressgrove
James and Rubye Knight
Jonathan Jussely and Jason Cousar
Steve and Donna Nash with Katherine Whitfield and Thomas Whitehead
Terri Walker and Madeleine Dormois June 2016
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HoeDown for Hope Story and Photos by Bill Bannister
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Lauren Pesce and Ben Borodkin
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he big red barn at the Agricenter was decked out in western splendor as 200 guests donned cowboy hats and boots for the Hoedown For Hope fundraiser to benefit Hope House. J.R. Ewing would have been proud of the spread laid out by BBQ champion John Dawson, including whole hog and barbecued chicken, cole slaw, BBQ beans, homemade mac and cheese, two kinds of BBQ sauce (sweet or sassy) and dessert. After dinner, the dance floor filled up quickly and Sherry and Walter Roberts some intrepid partygoers took their turn on the mechanical bull. Guests could bid on items at the silent auction, pose with Western themed props at the Just My Memphis photo booth sponsored by Duncan Williams, and grab a drink from the full bar or from the buckets of longneck bottled beer set up on the VIP tables. All money raised went to Hope House, a Memphis charity serving adults and children affected by HIV.
Greg and Dixie Bell
Julia and Frank Davis
Andrea and Richard Goughnour
Dave and Vee Kaiser
Ellie, Grace, and Mike Goughnour
Kay and Michael Dragges
Andy Sorkin and Alison Williams
Andy Pesce with Lori and Tim Tooker
David and Nyla Crosby
• June 2016
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Forging on the River Story and Photos by Bill Bannister
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t was a beautiful sunny, springtime afternoon at the peaceful, riverfront grounds of the National Ornamental Metal Museum. More than 95 members and friends gathered for the 23rd annual Forging on The River fundraiser, conference and dinner. There was a silent auction where guests could bid on unique works of metal art and accessories such as jewelry, belt buckles, necklaces and earrings, as well as one of a kind items like copper booties and a cross peen hammer rest, Houston Cofield and Bob Rogers complete with hammer and a metal skull. Live auction items included a brass anvil, a bumblebee ring and an ornate metal door knocker. Dinner was provided by Draper’s and included beef strip loin, feta mashed potatoes and green bean almondine. Dessert was delicious fruit and chocolate trifles. The museum donated a variety of wines, and Ghost River Brewery provided the beer. It was a truly fantastic evening.
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Lori Gipson, Grace Stewart and Ann Klicka
Michael Dragutsky and Richard Aycock
Mike Talbot and Will Keeler
Sean and Jennifer Vandergriff
Stephanie and David Ziegler
Marlo Zarzaur and Stiles Rougeou
Donna Lillard and Hal Fogelman
Barbara and Rob Keeler
Jeannie Tomlinson Saltmarsh and Katelyn Gabbard
Margaret and Bill Craddock
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RSVP Crossword E B R C dited
ACROSS
1 Swarms 6 Opaque gem 10 Some football equipment 14 Some animal fodder 15 Singing voice 16 Pound, i.e. 17 Mediterranean spice in the parsley family
18 19 20 22 24 25 27 29
y
Round cracker brand Upon Tennis need Looked (over) Greek goddess of the dawn Guiding principles Certain civil rights group (abbr.) Combined telephone transmitter and receiver 32 Main company base (abbr.) 33 Cutting tool 34 Musical composition 37 Defunct football league 41 Stare 43 Memphis to Jackson, TN direction (abbr.) 44 Not at home 45 Chances of winning 46 Foam 48 Atmosphere 49 UTK athlete 51 Fit for consumption (var.) 54 Suggest 56 The Hunter constellation 57 Frost 58 Wet 60 Mountainous 64 Greases 66 Wine bottle 68 Slant 69 Cry 70 Superman's Ms. Lane 71 Dam
uth
assin
72 Realm 73 Engrave 74 Organic compound
DOWN
1 Old Russian ruler 2 Sicilian volcano 3 Little Mermaid's love 4 Disguised 5 Candies 6 Rowing device 7 Thickness layers 8 Lawyer (abbr.) 9 Tablet for a sore throat 10 Legume 11 Ancient native of Mexico 12 Sag 13 Drains, as energy 21 Objective case thou 23 3x the length of a Morse Code dot 26 Finned mammal 28 Greenish blue 29 Angelic ring 30 Fired 31 Require 35 One, in Madrid 36 Discourage 38 Wash with a mop 39 Flunk 40 Harp 42 The polite thing to do when asked to attend a wedding, say 46 Can be flown
47 50 52 53 54 55 56 57 59 61 62 63 65 67
What a bald man is missing Not young Dishevel someone's hair Tilts Colder Ruckus Ocular Hawkeye State Debatable Government (abbr.) Dueling sword Bambi, i.e. Place to be pampered Fire remains
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
ADDICTED TO LOVE T
hink back to the summer of 1986. It was a simpler time. If someone wanted to anonymously attack you, they had to use a pen. The Soviet Union and the West had divided the planet like a giant game of Risk, and no one dared do anything about it because two addled old guys could misinterpret it and turn the entire planet into a smoldering parking lot. MTV showed music videos. On the 22nd of June, 1986, my wife and I got married in the living room of her parents’ house. The room was, and still is, about fifteen feet square. Three-dozen people were packed in there sitting in folding chairs. It was a hot day, the AC wasn’t up to the task, and my new brother-in-law had set up real life TV lights to record the historic moment, which is why, in the video, I’m sweating like a professional bowler. The wedding, officiated by a minister we had never met and would never meet again, lasted all of about eight minutes and, just like that, we were hitched. I was twenty-two, my wife was twenty-five. Mercifully, we had both witnessed weddings where the people involved had attempted to be stylish. This, I caution, is always a mistake. Fashion changes, pictures don’t. A lot folks who tied the knot in the mid-eighties have to look at photos of their young selves wearing jackets and dresses with huge shoulder pads and festooned with splashes of colors not used in clothes since that time. The women are likely to see themselves as brides with gigantic perms and blue eye shadow. Many of the grooms sported not only perms, but matching unfortunate mustaches. Even as young as we were, we had the sense to go basic. She wore an off-the-rack white dress. I wore a black suit that was already becoming too tight, despite having been bought just a few weeks before. A side note on that suit: we had been really nervous about putting it, with the tie and shoes, on a credit card because it was well over one hundred dollars. That may have included the tie as well. It’s hard to believe we have been married for thirty years. Actually, considering the shelf life of this magazine in waiting rooms, by the time you read this, we may have been married for forty years. We have been through five
Presidents, a few recessions, several wars, the entire span of Madonna’s career, five Batmans, the Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers winning world championships, three lead singers of Van Halen, the birth of the Internet, the death of most newspapers, Friends, Seinfeld, all of the various Law & Orders, the introduction of the Apple computer, Mike Tyson’s career, and thirty-eight Stephen King novels.
Naturally, when you’ve been married for longer than Lena Dunham, Jennifer Lawrence, and Emma Stone have been alive, people will occasionally ask for advice. The question most asked is, of course, “How do you stay married for so long?” The obvious, obnoxious answer is “Don’t get divorced.” Think about it. In 1996 we had been married for a decade. In the time we’ve been together, we’ve probably seen a dozen marriages go under in less than that time. In the mid-nineties we were considered a long marriage. Ten years ago we had been married for twenty years. By any standard twenty years is a lengthy marriage, and we were just getting started. Coincidentally, last night I heard a guy say that marriage is “the only struggle you’ll ever love.” Whenever I hear someone say that
you “have to work at a relationship” or that “marriage is a challenge” I find myself feeling oddly guilty. Our marriage hasn’t been a struggle or work or a challenge. From the very first night we met, my wife and I have been a happy couple. There has never once been even the briefest discussion of taking a break or, God forbid, getting divorced. Early on we may have had jokey conversations about who would get what in a divorce, but it was mainly a way of disavowing the responsibility of being the one who had to take the cat. Now we’re more likely to have a jokey conversation about when one of us dies, which trust me, is the only way this marriage is going to end. Naturally, when you’ve been married for longer than Lena Dunham, Jennifer Lawrence, and Emma Stone have been alive, people will occasionally ask for advice. The question most asked is, of course, “How do you stay married for so long?” The obvious, obnoxious answer is “Don’t get divorced.” It’s a cheap dodge, but you have to understand my wife’s parents were married for over sixty years and mine were married for well over fifty. I am the youngest of six kids, and every one of my older siblings has stayed with their first spouse for longer than we have been together. For whatever reason, my family mates for life like geese. The best answer is all of the obvious, worn out clichés. Respect one another, don’t go for the low blow, make time to be together, and just generally don’t be a putz. When I am around a guy who is about to get married, at any age, I always tell him the same thing: “Don’t run your spouse down when she’s not around.” If you have a healthy enough relationship, which we do, where you can make fun of one another to one another’s faces, that’s great. But never, ever, sit around with other people complaining about your wife or husband. There’s nothing to be gained. The best you can hope for is that people will agree with you, and that means you have made an effort to get people to feel negative things about your partner. That is not a win. We know we got lucky. We like each other. We make each other laugh. We try to stay in shape to be attractive to one another. It’s fun to think about winning the lottery and having all that money and being able to tell everyone we don’t like to jump off a cliff, but we know we already won the lottery. And the ticket was free.
*“Addicted to Love” was the number 10 hit of 1986 June 2016
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PAST RSV “G D raduation
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ne of the first graduating eighth grade classes of Immaculate Conception Elementary School stands in front of the original academic building in the early 1920s. The Sisters of Mercy founded the school on the southwest corner of Central and Rozelle. Warren Riggs’ aunt, Jamie Norman, is standing fifth from left in the third row, wearing a plaid skirt and tie. Photo courtesy of Warren Riggs 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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• June 2016