N OVEMBER 2016
Moonshine Dreamgivers' Feed Vin-A-Que Ball the Soul Gala
546 N. Collierville-Arlington Road
1838 Central Ave.
$1,325,000
$464,500
Unincorporated, TN 38017
Just Reduced! Get away from it all and come home to this beautiful custom-built modern day farm house, nestled on 26 rolling acres and located only minutes outside of Collierville. The stunning 4 bedroom, 3 full and 2 half baths home has a media room and separate oversized bonus room over the 3 car garage. You’ll feel like you’re on a constant vacation enjoying the custom designed pool while gazing over the 26 acre farm. This equestrian enthusiast’s dream also boasts a separate apartment attached to the barn that includes 1 bedroom with bath, living room, kitchen and laundry room. The horse barn has 9 fully equipped stalls and opens up to the irrigated riding arena. For an exclusive view of this estate visit www.546ColliervilleArlington.com
Memphis, TN 38104
This is a stunning, classic home in Central Gardens. Offered by Patty Everitt, CRS and Coldwell Banker Collins Maury. This .88 of an acre has 3 bedrooms and 2.1 baths, with hardwoods up and down. You will love stepping back in time but with today's amenities. Beautiful moldings with marble fireplace, remodeled kitchen, breakfast room, huge den with separate dining room for those large dinner parties! Screened porch, with a basement flex room for wine/kids! Come through the electric gate, view of the large backyard, 2 car detached plus ample parking for everyone. Enjoy the trees and wonderful friends you will make in Central Gardens! Close to downtown, midtown and beyond! Call for your private showing!
Patty Everitt
Angie Ware
901.487.7709 peveritt@collins-maury.com
901.598.0447 ware@collins-maury.com
45 Norwal Rd.
9181 Forest Estates Cove
$1,245,000
$875,000
Germantown, TN 38139
Memphis, TN 38117
Stunning, classic 6800 sq. ft. home with 6 bedrooms (2 down), 7.5 baths, was extensively renovated by architect Charles Shipp. It’s situated on a beautiful 1.1 acre lot and features a wine closet, 3 fireplaces, living and dining rooms, den, sunroom, playroom, high end millwork and finishes, great floorplan, hardwood floor, irrigation system, invisible fence and back-up generator. The luxury master bath has heated floor and separate walk-in closets. Upstairs is 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms with common area, built in desks and a second laundry area. Check out the Youtube video.
Classic 5 bedroom 4.5 bath home with 4 car garage and circular drive located off Forest Hill-Irene in a quiet cove. This spacious home is perfect for entertaining with an outdoor kitchen, pool and hot tub, fire pit with built-in seating and year-round sunroom. Kitchen features include gas cook-top, granite counters, stainless steel Kitchen-Aid appliance package and built-in refrigerator. Beautiful hardwood flooring, master bedroom downstairs and upstairs and plantation shutters throughout home. Freshly painted interior and exterior – Call today for your private showing!
Bill Maury
Laura Clark
901.751.4311 maury@collins-maury.com
901.483.2117 laura@lauraclarkrealtor.com
Collins-Maury.com
5865 Ridgeway Center Pkwy Ste. 105 Memphis, TN 38120 901.259.8550
968 Civic Center Drive Ste. 103 Collierville, TN 38017 901.259.8500
A L L N EW 201 6 C T6
5433 POPLAR AVE.
|
901.761.1900
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BUDDAVISCADILLAC.COM
Contents November 2016
Features
From the Editor • 8
Signature Memphis • 10 Steve Conley Check in with Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Mirimichi Golf Course, Steve Conley for the scoop on his favorite Memphis activities.
StreetSeen • 22
StreetSeen • 26
RSVPhillippi • 61
Nugget & Liz
Adam Geary
Auto Correct
Catch up with morning show hosts Nugget and Liz, of WHBQ-FM Q107.5, to learn more about the dynamic duo.
Artist and abstract expressionist, Adam Geary reflects upon his journey and artistic inspirations through travel and destinations.
In this month’s column, Phillippi discusses the many vehicles he has owned and the impact they have had on his life.
Molly Griffin and Justin Hanson
Dorothy and Herb Wells
Events
Vern Dorhan and Doreen Ray
Steve and Emily Hutton
Vin-A-Que • 12
Moonshine Ball • 30
Nearly 400 guests celebrated Memphis’ culinary BBQ heritage through Memphis Wine + Food, while experiencing the 6th annual Vin-A-Que at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.
Pat Kerr Tigrett hosted the first ever Moonshine Ball, which spotlighted Memphis’ best qualities in food, drinks, and entertainment.
Minnathi Reddivari and Elina Salian
Memphis Moments • 24, 28, 38, 40, 42, 48, 49, 54, 55, 56, 58 & 59
Dreamgivers' Gala • 44 The 7th annual Dreamgiver’s Gala was held to benefit Forever Young Senior Veterans, who’s mission is to grant unfulfilled dreams of returning back to the places veterans have fought.
Feed the Soul • 50 The 9th annual Feed the Soul benefitted MIFA, which intends to take the year off to plan new events that will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2018.
Cover Photo Katherine and Phillip Flinn at the Moonshine Ball Photo by Don Perry The Table of Contents photo was taken from the recently renovated Harahan Bridge which allows pedestrians to cross over the river. Photo by Krista Geyer
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Volume XXI • Number XI
November 2016 Publisher Roy Haithcock Editor Ashley Dunn Contributing Writers Bill Bannister Ruth Cassin Suzanne Thompson Cozza Virginia Davis Krista Geyer Bailey Heldmar Emily Adams Keplinger Dennis Phillippi Art Director Krista Geyer Photographers 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
Wednesday, November 9
11:00 - 4:00 Herend Master Painter Marianna Steigervald Chris Pugh
Wednesday, November 16
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.
4:30 - 6:00 Book Signing, The Chubby Vegetarian Justin Fox Burks & Amy Lawrence Saturday, November 19
11:00 - 4:00 Artist Appearance Robin Morgan
The Good Earth Pottery
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!
“Helping set your table and choose the perfect gift for more than 40 years” 4626 Poplar Avenue | Memphis, Tennessee | 901.763.0700 |
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
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From the Editor
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ello November! It’s a great time of year to count your blessing and to be thankful. I am extremely thankful for my family and friends who have supported me over the last year. Without them, I would not be the strong woman I am today, and for that, I am thankful. One of my fondest memories of Thanksgiving growing up was making sweet potato casserole with my mom. To this day, I still make it just like she does, with many toasted marshmallows baked on top, proving that it is the little things in life that make us truly happy. There are also many events, and the people behind these events, to be thankful for this month and the holidays are a great reflection on the generous and hardworking organizations that come forth in Memphis. In this issue, we enjoyed attending the 7th annual Dreamgivers' Gala, where the Memphis Hilton was packed with veterans, their family members, and supporters to benefit Forever Young Senior Veterans. We also attended the finale of Feed the Soul, held at the Warehouse located near historic Main Street in downtown Memphis. Proceeds from Feed the Soul benefitted MIFA, which intends to take the year off to plan new events that will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2018. Pat Kerr Tigrett hosted the first ever Moonshine Ball, which spotlighted Memphis’ best qualities in food, drinks, and entertainment. Nearly 400 guests celebrated Memphis’ culinary BBQ heritage through the Memphis Wine + Food series, while experiencing the 6th annual Vin-A-Que at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, filled with good times, good food, and good drinks. We met up with the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Mirimichi Golf Course, Steve Conley, for the scoop on his favorite Memphis activities. Make sure to check that out on page 10. We also feature artist and abstract expressionist, Adam Geary, who reflects upon his journey and artistic inspirations. Make sure to check that out on page 26. We also stop by Flinn Broadcasting Corporation, to catch up with WHBQ-FM Q107.5 Morning Show Hosts, Nugget and Liz, to uncover the secrets of the dynamic duo on page 22. On page 61, columnist Dennis Phillippi discusses the many vehicles he has owned over the years. Finally, be sure to check out RSVPast for a look back at 1935 as the Board of Directors and Council of the Shelby County Growers Association stood in front of the Wholesale Market. Above all, take this time to spend it with family and friends, and to reflect on everything in your life that you are thankful for! Let’s reflect on the memories and special gatherings that make this time of year joyous.
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Ashley Dunn editor@rsvpmagazine.com
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Signature Memphis
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Steve Conley VP of Sales & Marketing at Mirimichi Golf Course and Afternoon Radio Host for GUESS FM 99.3 Something You’ll Never Live Down: 1988 - Appearing in an FM100 advertisement with Ron Olson and four other jocks in Speedos. It was displayed in restaurant and bar bathrooms.
One Goal You’d Still Like Place You Go
to
to
Accomplish: Establish world peace and then retire
Think: I take a golf cart out on Mirmichi when the course is empty
Proudest Moment
of
Your Life: You guessed it, the day my daughter was born
Favorite Southern Idiom: Tie - “Bless your heart” and “catywonkered” Your Most Annoying Habit: Buying everybody’s drinks at the bar Your Favorite Memphis “Thang”: Its people and its music heritage Best Memphis Hangout: Andrew-Michael (how we’ve grown up) The Highlight
of
Your Day: A glass of wine on the patio
Best Advice You Ever Got: Take the VP gig at Mirimichi Who Would Play You
in a
Movie: Tom Hanks
Your Lucky Charm: My wedding ring (awwwww) Favorite Song: “A Song For You” by Leon Russell Hometown: Wauwatosa (Milwaukee), Wisconsin First Car You Owned: ’67 Pontiac Barracuda Dream Dinner Party Guest: Johnny Carson
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Photo by Steve Roberts
Favorite Place to Travel: Italy
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Vin-A-Que
The Art of Wine and Swine
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Nick and Mary Griffin
Sophie and Ford Canale
Judge Mark Ward and Kristina Woo
Dawn and Harold Graeter
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early 400 guests celebrated Memphis’ culinary BBQ heritage, while experiencing the 6th annual Vin-A-Que at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. As hosts of the Memphis Wine + Food series for the past 25 years, the Brooks Museum takes pride in its newest, and most casual event, Vin-A-Que. This year’s theme featured a unique bohemian picnic on the Brooks plaza and guests were recommended to channel their inner Stevie Nicks through their attire. Guests were also able to design their own flower crowns with Holliday Flowers and Events to add to their outfits. Mark Edgar Stuart provided the entertainment throughout the night. The plaza continued the theme as Edison light bulbs streamed from all ends of the yard and were attached to self-made tents made out of large tree branches and large pieces of rustic cloth. Ground level tables were spread out throughout the yard for guests to eat at and relax. Food venues were set up in a circle around the plaza. With nearly 20 Memphis eateries at Vin-A-Que, guests experienced the art of good tastes through wine and swine. Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen featured pork chili topped with salsa verde while Bounty on Broad featured New Orleans style BBQ shrimp. Charlie Vergos Rendezvous served up their signature cheese and sausage platter while Central BBQ served Mississippi cheddar cheese grits with smoked pork and southern chowchow topped with a peach glaze. Frost Bake Shop catered to the guests’ sweet tooth with pumpkin, strawberry, chocolate cupcakes and Garibaldi’s Pizza served a variety of pizzas. Interim Restaurant & Bar featured pork belly stuffed boudin and Jim ‘N Nick’s
BBQ served up bacon jam with pimento cheese on crackers. Memphis Pizza Café Overton Square changed it up by serving a variety of pizzas while MemPops held the pig theme with creamy maple bacon bourbon pops. Mosa Asian Bistro featured Asian pork sliders with slaw in a sriracha aioli sauce. One & Only BBQ served smoked chicken drumies while Payne’s BarB-Que featured pulled pork sandwiches with their signature mustard. The Peabody Memphis presented pork three ways: marinated pork belly with Grand Marnier chili gastrique, dehydrated tangerine, green onion, and toasted sesame seed, pulled pork with fennel, cabbage, granny smith apple slaw with Jack Daniel’s BBQ sauce, and last but not least, apple galette with popcorn bacon ice cream. Sweet Grass featured their signature full hog and was pulling pork for guests as they walked by. Featured wines and speciality drinks accompanied every restaurant. Hudson Whiskey served Old Fashions, Hendrick’s Gin served Duffton Ponies, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum served Iron Sides, Reyka Vodka served Moscow Mules, Ghost River Brewing Co. served their Golden Ale and 1887 IPA brews, Copper Cane Wines and Provisions served Elouan Rose, Carne Humana White, Elouan Pinot Noir, Beran Zinfandel. An auction featuring jewelry, art, wine, and gift certifcates, concluded the night. Proceeds from the auction benefited the Brooks Museum education programs, which serve 25,000 people annually, from Pre-K to senior citizens. This program is the museum’s way of executing the vision of transforming lives through the power of art.
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Story by Ashley Dunn Photos by Don Perry
Gwendolyn Hauber, Kim Kitterman, Pamela Hauber and Bonnie Thornton
November 2016
George and Marene Roberts
Michael and Amy Tincher
Terry Pera and Steve Brunson
Anna Condon and Jefferds Dixon
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Art and Suzi Richey
William and Mary Maddox
Rebecca and Steve Whatley
Anthony Hawkins and Nya Sanders
Alayne and Paul Arbogast
Jerry and Michelle James
Lashaunda and Derek Richardson
Brian Potter and Clarissa Garcia with Christy and Marcus Gilmour
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Kate Cook and Evan Lebaroff
Samantha Tweddell and Pierce Sullivan
Wolf Von Essen, Stanton Thomas and Michael Donahue
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Gild the Lily Elegantly crafted and unexpected gifts for over 20 years.
Jim Petrea and Jutta Siebert
Brooke and Jep Stokes
5101 Sanderlin Suite 112 Memphis, TN 38117 901.682.8277 Since 1993 Abby and Craig Conley with Mary Anne Young
Eternal Collection by Las Savell
John and Natalie Rauscher
Rachel and Alex Woods
Happy Holidays from our family to yours!
J E W E L RY
61 South McLean • 901-725-4200
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Colleen Raddish, Cecilia Walker and Jill Margolin
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Sophie Deviney, Marisa Simonetti, Rachael Bakowicz and Zach Johnson
Trip Wills and Kate Bass
Rita Pfeiffer and Cathy Thompson
Mike and Barre Simpson with Joe Simon
David Johnson and Craig Blondis
Christina Vranich and Jessica Toliuszis
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Vin-A-Que
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David and Cheryl Beene
Dapo Odusanya and Yolanda Ross
Shane Sommers and Thu Huynh
Miriam and Chase Pittman
Lisa Harsch and Jeremy Miller
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Alice Higdon and Daniel Reid
Kim Allen and Mark Hatgas
Spencer and Madeline Johnson
Nicky and Chris Hitching
Brooke and Alan Balducci
Demetrius Brown and Jessica Walker
Fall in love with‌.. LASIK
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Board Certified Ophthalmologist
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
Specializing in LASIK
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Nugget & Liz Waking up with WHBQ-FM Q107.5 Morning Show Hosts Story by Ashley Dunn Photos by Steve Roberts
November
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reating a connection is typically something that happens organically and over time. However for Nugget and Liz, it happened instantaneously, and for thousands of listeners.
Your 4 a.m. alarm goes off as you press the snooze button to go back to sleep. Before you know it, your 4:30 a.m. alarm is going of and it’s really time to get up, that is, if you are Nugget and Liz from the Q 107.5 Morning Show—for this dynamic duo’s day starts at 5 a.m. sharp, on the radio. “We get to the station about an hour before the show starts and we catch up on everything that happened the night before and then the show starts.” Nugget said. “We talk about whatever we have planned and then after the show, we spend the day figuring out what we’re going to talk about the next day. So you’re constantly working, all day, and it’s always in the back of your head.” It’s not their unique sleeping patterns that make this duo stand out, but the bond and connection that theses two have created in such a short time. Nugget, who originated from Detroit, came to Memphis less than a year ago to join Liz as her co-host for the morning show. “I’ve moved six times in the last eight years so I have gotten so good at it (transitioning from show to show) and it gets easier and easier every time,” he said. “Especially moving to Memphis, it’s just an easy city to mold your life to.” Much to their surprise, the co-host
transition went flawlessly. “Liz is very easy to work with. She helps where help is needed and gives me the freedom to shape the show but still gives her input in a non-restrictive way,” Nugget said. “Liz is the most positive person.” In addition to their smooth transition, they both agree that their humor feeds off one another and makes their show strong. “Nugget is fabulous, I love working with Nugget. He’s seriously an absolute blast and he’s the easiest person to work with. We have a very similar sense of humor, but it’s different enough that it’s really funny,” said Liz. “He’s funny in a subtle way and has a trait that I don’t have. I’m really loud and in your face funny, while Nugget is just able to be funny through silence but it’s funnier because it is silent.” Nugget and Liz come from different backgrounds, yet that doesn’t stop the duo. For Liz, her radio name came naturally, and from her parents, but for Nugget, he earned his radio name by winning a chicken nugget eating contest and the name has stuck. Nugget also started his radio career through an internship. “I liked that there were people that felt so connected to me, that if they didn’t hear from me on their way to work for a day, then they just felt lost. And I just felt like I wanted to have a connection with people on a one on one basis.” Liz went to Western Carolina University for broadcasting. “I really like to make people laugh. I always wanted to do it and then I just worked and worked until I got my way in and now they pay me to goof off basically. It’s the only way that I can be funny and have a full time job.” To keep the content of their show fresh,
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and to keep the laughs coming, they rotate through segments while engaging with their audience. Their favorite segment is “Rate Your Redneck.” “The way the contest works is if you call in and can be more redneck than Liz or I, then you get tickets to whatever we’re giving away. One day we were doing this and this lady calls in and her story is “my ex-husband stays in my shed” and she went on to tell us that they broke up and had no where to go so he just lives in the shed.” The caller won the tickets. Engaging with their audience is a huge part of why they love their jobs so much. “We have a lot of awesome little perks that people don’t think about. For me, I really like when we get tickets to little things that you wouldn’t think would be a big deal, but people will really love them. They think it’s the coolest thing ever and I really like having little things like that that I can give away to people,” Nugget said. For Liz, her favorite part about her job is sharing her milestones with her listeners and having it all recorded. “Your milestones in life have a recording. Like the day I got engaged and I was on-air the day I got married. I get to talk about my pregnancy on-air and that’s huge that there are so many people that are involved in my life. When I go out and about and people run into me, they ask how the baby’s doing or how BooBear (Liz’s husband) is and they get so excited when they meet my husband and stuff like that is the best part (of this job). So many people are invested in your life.” You can listen to Nugget and Liz on Q107.5 Monday-Friday from 5:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
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Memphis Moment
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Arc Mid-South International Tea The 2nd Annual Tea and Fashion Show Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson Cozza
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he Arc Mid-South held its International Tea and Fashion Show at the Crowne Plaza East. This event, in its 2nd year, gave guests the opportunity to get a glimpse of cultures from around the world. Food from different countries, such as Japan, Africa, India, Thailand and Mexico were served on the buffet. Darshini Natyalaya, an Indian Dance Troupe, and Angela Gardner and Janice Twillie the Althenian Dance Troupe of the Annunciation Church provided lively entertainment, and songbird Sasha Udupi wooed the crowd with a solo. The Arc employees split up into seven groups and each created a display for a different country. The booth representing the U.S. won hands down, said Kathy Brooks, communications director for Arc Mid-South. The Arc is an organization that helps individuals, with intellectual and developmental disabilities, reach their full potential. Brittany Carter, who has Cerebral Palsy, serves as the consumer outreach and advocacy associate for the group, and works to grow its membership. “I live the life and I’m working in it also,” she said.
Mildred Shores, Anielle Madison and Anne Parrish
Angela Hudson, Janice Walker and Linda Lee
Shirani Menon, Sharika Sirakumar, Arya Rajesh and Tayna Prahalathan
Kathryn Smith, Kathy Brooks and Barbara Patronis
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Brittany Carter, LaRosa Parks and Carl Williams
Lashara Quinn and Mistye Quinn
Bharathi Udupi and Rachel Williams
Brittney Reed and Tavaria Campbell
Chandrika Prahalathan and Sachin Prahalathan
Shanita Harvey and Shirley Harvey
Shirley Cobbins, Carlene Leaper and Merle Smith
Abstract Expressionist Reflecting on Artist Adam Geary’s Journey Story by Ashley Dunn Photos by Steve Roberts
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rtist Adam Geary has been on a long journey. He has traveled, and moved, to many places, such as Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, Washington, D.C., and London. Such places have inspired his work as an abstract expressionist on the variety of places he has lived and reflected on as an artist. Memphis native Geary has always been passionate about the arts. After studying under Bill Hicks at Central High School, he found himself at Loyola University in New Orleans with the intention of completing a Liberal Arts degree, yet yearning for art school. Geary transferred to the Art Institute of Boston to study foundations from a recommended teacher. “About half way through the year, I started getting restless and I decided to move out to San Francisco. I studied and got my Bachelor’s there in painting,” he said. But Geary’s travels did not end there. While at the San Francisco Art Institute, Geary spent a semester abroad at the Chelsea College of Arts in London. “I worked on canvas through most of college but when I went to London, I started working on large rag paper because I had to get everything I made in London back from London. I got attached to rag paper because there was no attachment to the cost (because it was significantly cheaper than canvas). I felt freer to make mistakes and start over,” Geary said. After graduating from the San Francisco Art Institute, Geary spent time in Washington, D.C. where he did collaborative paintings with a fellow classmate. To make ends meet, he also worked in the restaurant industry. Once that work was complete, it was time for Geary to return home to his family. Geary’s father, who owned a refrigeration company in Memphis, was getting older and needed Geary’s help. “I apprenticed under him for a couple years and learned the trade. I didn’t make much money at it, but I was able to get some more painting done,” Geary said. Oddly enough, both refrigeration and art
compared and worked together in Geary’s life. “I enjoy problem solving and the majority of what I do is service calls and that is problem solving. You’re trying to figure out what’s going on , and working on paintings is the same. You’re confronted with a set of visual issues and you’re trying to problem solve the most interesting way to solve those problems visually,” he said. “Sometimes people are making art to make a grand social message, but sometimes people are making art to make something beautiful, and in that case, you are trying to figure out how to make that happen. That’s a lot of problem solving and is what drew me to it.” Because Geary spends a majority of his time on refrigeration calls, his work is nearly all commission, however, that does not limit his inspiration. “What inspires my artwork is a point of separation mentally where you go from painting to creating,
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where you separate yourself from the image you think you’re painting and you start to find new and unique things. It’s almost meditative. And the more of those moments that I can capture, the more important the artwork is to me. It’s great that people like to recognize figures and people like to recognize places that they know and that’s the stuff that people latch onto and what really resonates with them when you’re making something new. That’s the inspiration.” Geary connects with the San Francisco figurative arts movement through his personal work and finds that most of his commissioned work is more representational. Memphians can find Geary’s commissioned work at Hog & Hominy, Porcellino’s Craft Butcher and McEwen’s in Oxford, MS. When asked what his artistic goals are moving forward, Geary explained, “It’s just been a long journey with a lot of places, a lot of moving, a lot of ups and downs but I’ve experienced a lot and enjoyed most of it. I would like to consider getting back into the gallery scene but it’s got to be the right gallery. I’ve always hoped if someone sees my work, that it speaks for itself and that it would motivate them.”
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November
SPAYtacular Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services hosts 10th Annual Gala for affordable spay and neuter surgeries Story and Photos by Virginia Davis
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id-South Spay & Neuter Services (MSSN) has 37,000 reasons to call its 10th annual gala a Dr. Syron Oleson and “SPAYtacular” event. The number represents Katie Pemberton the non-profit clinic’s success in helping reduce pet overpopulation and high euthanasia rates. Since 2005, MSSN has offered affordable spay and neuter surgeries to the public via a funded budget by donations, grants, fees and sponsored programs. “Look into your hearts, dig into your wallets and donate generously,” MSNN Board President Cathy Simmons implored the gathering. ANF Architects hosted the gala at its Midtown offices. Emcee Joe Birch’s remarks included a plea to help end the “roaming and misery.” Musician John Michael Clowers and caricaturist Kevin Reuter entertained guests, who enjoyed foods and beverages donated by Athens Distributing Co., Corky’s BBQ, MLG&W, One and Only Barbecue, On the Border, Pancho’s Cheese Dip, Panera Bread, Southern Glazers of TN, SuperLo Foods, Tom’s Tiny Kitchen and Yazoo Brewing Co. Presenting sponsor was SuperLo Foods. A silent auction of 135 donated items and a wine pull helped boost gala proceeds.
Cathy Simmons, Charles and Monique Jalenak
Kevin Reuter
Amanda Sinapiades and Marlene Risch
Catlin Kelly and Marianne Luther
Ginny Clowers and Villy Ellinger
Tiegst Ameha and Alex Jarratt
Martha Villaricencio and Mary Caples
Jacqueline Arevalo and Mary Bandy
Julie Cox and Annie Stout
Dan Malinczak, Anita Mays and James Grimes
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Nicole DeRosa, Susanna Kelley, Cathy Simmons and Kerry Guest
Brittany Pace, John Arnold and Meredith Steenerso
John and Debbie Merino
Emily Maher, Cheryl Johnson and Rio Holman
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The Inaugural Moonshine Ball
A Amanda Crenshaw and Don Atkins
Derek and Heather Miles
Debbie Long and John Dunavant
Gay and Hall Prewitt
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Pat Kerr Tigrett Throws a Party to Spotlight Memphis’ Best Qualities
s guests stepped onto the plaza surrounding the Gibson Guitar Factory to attend the inaugural Ol’ Man River Moonshine Ball, they could tell they were in for a very special evening. An array of vintage automobiles lined up curbside and served as unique props for party-goers who snapped selfies with the collectible classics. On the plaza was another rare sight, the rock band Under the Radar, comprised of tweens Ryan Halcolb, Matt Ireland and Zeke Yarbro, who wowed the crowd with their age and their musical prowess. The Gibson Guitar Factory was a perfect venue for a party dedicated to “good things happening in Memphis” — including Gibson naming Memphis as the first GuitarTown of 2017, saluting the recent filming of the Million Dollar Quartet CMT series, the “Take Me to the River” documentary, the recent efforts to save Aretha Franklin’s birthplace, and the opening of the Guest House at Graceland. “We were also honoring BB King’s birthday, and the ball was dedicated to the late Ruby Wilson, Queen of Beale Street,” said Pat Kerr Tigrett, party organizer and founder/chairman of Memphis Charitable Foundation. “Honorary chairmen included former astronaut Buzz Aldrin; ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ executive producer and Thinkfactory Media owner/CEO Leslie Greif; chief creative officer of Concord Music Group/Stax Records John Burk; Leighanne and Jack Soden, President, Elvis Presley Enterprises; Liz and Tommy Peters, Owner, B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale Street; the Willie Mitchell Family, Royal Studios; and the Sam Phillips Family, Sun Studios.” Just inside the facility’s front doors, guests were greeted by a series of colorful oversized guitar replicas and red mylar streamers hung the length of the two-story entry. As the party started, guests mingled on the first floor, circulating among tables filled with silent auction items. Jerome Jacober, a native of
Switzerland who now lives in London, was on hand for the U.S. debut of the limited edition champagne, Champagne Cuvée Roger Daltrey, created to honor the 50th anniversary of the rock band, The Who. More auction items awaited guests on the second floor, including custom-designed guitars sporting political messages, as well as one featuring an artistic button collage by Memphis artist, Paul Edelstein. Once party-goers made their way to the building’s rooftop, they were greeted by balmy breezes and a stellar sight under a Harvest Moon. A stage for the evening’s performers was set up with seating for guests. The evening’s musical entertainment line-up included the Million Dollar Quartet Band, Jason D. Williams, Eddie Floyd, Al Kapone, Billy River’s Angelic Voices of Faith, Southern Halo, and Memphis Jones. The remainder of the rooftop was ringed by a plethora of Memphis food vendors. Coletta’s offered their signature barbecue pizza and lasagna, Hard Rock Cafe served their version of peacemaker sliders, and red beans and rice. Flying Fish dished up Mahi tacos, Westy’s served hot tamales and hot fudge pie, while Blind Bear offered pepperjack mac and cheese, and bread pudding. The Cupboard featured creamed spinach and peach cobbler, as Ultimate Foods offered black bean sliders, as well as waffles with bacon and pork and an optional avocado spread. Kooky Canuck held court with a make-your-own s’mores bar. Steven Leake crafted a fitting centerpiece for Athen Distributing for the party’s namesake drink — an ice sculpture luge crafted in the shape of a Mason jar, through which Sugarland’s Shine flowed. The flavors included apple pie and root beer moonshine. Ol’ Man River Moonshine Ball was presented by Memphis Charitable Foundation and proceeds from the event benefited local Memphis musicians and selected children’s charities, among other area nonprofit organizations.
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Story by Emily Adams Keplinger Photos by Don Perry
November 2016
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Moonshine Ball
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November
Tom and Cyndi Pittman with Susan and Otis Tims
Travis Brown, Karen Wright, Steve Cropper, Cindy Bailey and Jerry Williams
Steve and Emily Hutton
Rich Snyder and Kristie Murry
Chris and Katie Devine with Lesley and Anir Patel
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November 2016
Eddie Floyd and Lannie McMillan
Carlton McGhee and Zakiya Buckley
Dean and Rita Deyo
Susan Green, Maury Ballenger and Sharon Bicks
November
Rose and Jesse Ford with Dot Washington and Sharon Meeks
Amy Jamison Poole and Lola Poole
Joe and Kerri Stephens
Terry Torrence with Shonna and Bert Burfield
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Moonshine Ball
Joe Long, George Klein and Michael Maness
Nathan and Polly Yoakum
Pierce Sullivan and Samantha Tweddell
Babbie Lovett and Elizabeth Martin
Kris Kourdouvelis, Sharon Gray and Julien Salley
November 2016
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Moonshine Ball
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November
Halley Phillips and Roxanne Phillips-Tays
Bobby and Stephanie White
Beth Flanagan and The Honorable Janice Holder
Paul Brown and Paula Raiford
David and Chrissie Tashie
Dara Garbuzinsky and Robbin Gibson
Leann and Jack Soden with Nikki Schroeder and Renee Trammell
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November 2016
November
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Moonshine Ball
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David and Theresa Cook
Darnell and Kenya Reid
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November 2016
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Memphis Moment
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November
Breakfest Celebrating all things breakfast and brunch to benefit the Urban Bicycle Food Ministry Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
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niting lovers of all things breakfast, festival co-founders Christin Yates and Andy Wells promoted breakfast foods and brunching in Memphis with their second annual BreakFest event. The one-day festival was held at the Brian Williams and Water Tower Pavilion on Broad Avenue. More than just a tasty Nichole Reed treat, the event was a benefit for the Urban Bicycle Food Ministry. Eight teams competed in the Bloody Mary contest, serving up their versions of the quintessential brunch beverage. Admission included a special wristband for a waffle bar provided by Bed Rock Eats & Sweets, and a glass, featuring the BreakFest logo, that allowed sampling from each team. The winner, declared by a People’s Choice vote, was Cafe Pontotoc. Cafe Olé took home bragging rights for Best Presentation and Best Creativity. For the food competition, judges had to name their top picks of entries from 10 cooking teams. The winners were: Best Breakfast Sweets: Team Tart, Best Breakfast Sandwich: Pirates of the Grillibbean, Bacon Lovers: Elevensies, Best Omelet: Dos Eggys, Anything Goes: Team Tart.
Vinnie Fasano and Zach Paxton
Brandy Gann, Heather Basinger and Margaret Molteni
Mark and Courtney King
Lori Atkinson and Amy Zuniga
Christin Yates and Andy Wells
Tara Bolton and Amy Speight
Kelly Pittman, John Mathewson, Jenny Crews and Kendall Robertson
Melanie Wallace and Olivia Mathis
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November 2016
Allison Gibbs, Rachel Knox and Ben Alumbaugh, Jr.
Ginger and Lucio Garza
Brittany Seiveno and Lily Picard
Larry Rice and Nick Rice are co-authors of The Complete Guide to Divorce Practice. Published by the American Bar Association, the book is recognized as the standard reference for divorce lawyers across the nation. The 25th anniversary edition documents over 900 pages of their insight, experience and techniques. The National Academy of Family Law Attorneys recognized Larry as a Nationally Ranked Top 10 Attorney and Nick as a Nationally Ranked Top 10 Under 40 Attorney. They were both recognized as The Face of Divorce Law in the MidSouth by Memphis Magazine. Lawyers seek out Larry’s expertise. He has given over 200 lectures on divorce practice to lawyers nationally and internationally. As the only Super Lawyer in Memphis certified as a Family Law Specialist, Larry spends most of his time practicing law with the Rice Divorce Team. A third generation lawyer, Nick Rice grew up with the law. After graduating from CBHS and UT-Knoxville, Nick clerked in the family firm while attending The University of Memphis Law School. Nick has lectured on several occasions and was recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star. The Rice Divorce Team is a practice group within Rice, Amundsen & Caperton, PLLC. The team is exclusively committed to family law – from prenuptial agreements to final decrees, from parenting time to property division and everything in-between. The team includes: Larry Rice, Nick Rice, Jennifer Bellott Goodin, Erin O’Dea, Jessica Farmer Ferrante, Tracy Eaton, Andrea Schultz ACP, Carla Baker, Susan Woodard ACP, Carrie Huggins, Cyndy McCrory, Ken Schultz, and Sharon Beard. The team applies generations of experience, nationally recognized expertise, and up-to-date technology to lead their clients through negotiations, mediation, arbitration or litigation. Hundreds of lawyers reviewed, contributed to and helped refine the system used by the Rice Divorce Team. The depth of The Rice Divorce Team’s personnel provides the ability to tailor representation to each client’s individual needs and goals. While the team is proud of courtroom success, their greatest satisfaction often comes from obtaining a quiet settlement favorable to their client. Divorce is difficult. Divorce is made worse by misinformation. The Rices’ guide to divorce is available to you at www.aboutdivorce.com.
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Memphis Moment
November
Wine on the River 2nd Annial Benefit for Youth Villages Story and Photos by Ashley Dunn
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he 2nd Annual Wine on the River was presented by Gossett KIA and West Tennessee Crown and was held at the Mud Island River Park in Downtown Memphis. A portion of all ticket proceeds benefited local charity, Youth Villages. The theme was Megan McGarel and “World Tour,” which highlighted wines from various Joey Copp regions across the globe and featured hundreds of wine for sampling, such as Rosatello Moscato from the USA, Verdi Peach Sparkletini from Italy, Albert Bichot Fixin from France, Scala Dei Garnatxa from Spain, and D’Arenberg Stump Jump Red from Australia. All guests received a souvenir wine glass and a passport, which continued the theme by categorizing the wine into countries they were made in. Various restaurants present were Café East Bagel, Café Society, Central BBQ, Cordova Catfish, Honey Baked Ham, Newby’s, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pronto Pups, Runway Grille, Sidestreet Burgers. Entertainment included Young Petty Thieves, Chinese Connection Dub Embassy, and J.R. Moore.
Adrienne Buchanan, DeWonda Lucas, Yvonne Carr and Teresa Glover
Falon White and Tommy Berish Sandy and Steve Jackson
Mac and Lacy Camp
Sabrina Nelson and Gary Millender
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J.R. and Shay Wyatt
Ariel Eason and Sabrina Richardson
Tarci Thompson and Dave Clark
November 2016
Logan Hoover and Cynthia Millbern
Kara Barrett and Cameron Lindsey
Mary Ann and Justin Smith
Edwyna Bonner and Thea Adell
Dinah Sherley, Mattie Sherley and Ashley Ashby
Memphis Moment
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November
Supper at the Tigrett Penthouse Guests Watch the Sun Set the Night before the Moonshine Ball Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson Cozza
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uminaries from the Memphis music scene, and guests from around the globe, joined Pat Kerr Gray Hawn and Tigrett at the Tigrett Penthouse for a special Randa Rosenblum sunset supper the night before the “Ol’ Man River Moonshine Ball.” Tigrett, a long-time supporter of Memphis musicians and up-and-coming musical artists, organized the city’s newest black-tie ball. Jerome Jacober, CEO of London-based Eminent Wines, Ltd., flew in for the party, which marked the American launch of his company’s new line, Champagne Cuvée Roger Daltrey. The 2016 launch of the bubbly coincided with the 50th anniversary of the band, and the bottle featured its trademark target and artwork by Mike McInnerny, creator of the “Tommy” album cover. The product was three years in the making, during which time Jacober worked closely with the front man of The Who and iconic lead singer, Roger Daltrey. “We work with artists to celebrate the careers of legendary musicians,” Jacober said. “Roger was very hands-on.” Proceeds from the champagne went to Teen Cancer, a charity founded by Daltrey and The Who lead guitarist, Pete Townshend.
Arina Clavel, Ryan Coombs, Katie Gonzalez and Sam Bryant
Chef Patrick Reilly and Nina Miller
Yvonne Mitchell, Jerry Luellen and Gwendolyn Evans
Frank and Linda Smith with Mike Voltz
Pat Kerr Tigrett, Jerome Jacober and Teresa Brown
Sally Whitehorn, Greg Akers and Joanna Crangle
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November 2016
Lorn Coradelli and Laura OMell
Jean Jacques Calabrese and Conroy Kanter with Allie and Michael Varner
Dona Mitchell, Gwen Dickey, Boo Mitchell and Al Kapone
Andy Baily and Jerry Williams
Willie Hill, Jr. with Chris and State Senator Mark Norris
November 2016
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Dreamgivers' Gala
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November
Dreamgivers’ Gala
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Jim and Cindy Stavrides
Anna and J.T. Thompson
Ron and Rita Lewis
he Memphis Hilton was packed with veterans, their families, and supporters for the 7th annual Dreamgivers’ Gala, which benefits Forever Young Senior Veterans. Diane Hight founded Forever Young in 2006 to give senior veterans a chance to return to the places they fought. The organization’s mission is “to bring honor, healing, and hope to military veterans, 65 years and older, by granting their unfulfilled dreams, returning them to the places where they fought, and sharing their stories of sacrifice with others.” The majority of men who have benefited from Forever Young’s work served in World War II, but they have also worked with Korea and Vietnam War veterans. The night began with mingling and a silent auction. Guests bid on jewelry, home goods, sports memorabilia and more. As everyone sat down for dinner, World War II and Battle of the Bulge veteran, Andy Dunavant, led the room with a prayer. The delicious meal consisted of a strawberry spinach salad followed by the main course of roast, chicken, and a custard tart for dessert. Doctor and musician, Rice Drewry, entertained with a song inspired by a trip with his father, and a veteran, to the war memorials in Washington, D.C. Executive Director, Daniel Hight, welcomed partygoers and introduced his mother, founder and president Diane Hight. Cheers and comments from the audience made it clear that Diane is beloved by the elderly veterans she serves. She thanked donors for their continued support from the Forever Young Senior Veterans and presented the Jack Taylor “Volunteer of the Year” and the Junior Jack Taylor “Volunteer of the Year” awards. The award
is named for World War II veteran Jack Taylor who has raised over $100,000 for the organization. “He’ll talk to anyone anywhere!” said Diane of his success as a fundraiser. Wes Parker was recognized for the countless hours he spends with the organization. Each year, he pays his way to attend almost every wish-granting trip and to assist the elderly veterans as they realize their dream of visiting the battlefields where they fought. He encouraged veterans to tell their stories to family and friends. “If you don’t tell us, we won’t know,” he said. Junior Award winner, Wesley Miller, shared his story. He is an Eagle Scout who raised $16,000 for Forever Young Senior Veterans this year and is very proud to contribute to this organization. After a short video featuring interviews of the men who have been helped by Forever Young Senior Veterans, Darrel Greene of Fox Channel 13 took the stage as auctioneer. Auction items included sand from D-Day beaches, a diamond necklace, and a Civil War Tour for two. The organization’s upcoming trip to Pearl Harbor costs $3,297 per person, and the funds raised at the gala will go towards covering the costs for veterans to attend the trip. Previously, Forever Young Senior Veterans has organized trips to Washington D.C., New Orleans, the European Theater, Pearl Harbor, Iwo Jima and Okinawa, to visit battlefields, memorials, and museums. Concluding her speech, Hight invited all of the World War II veterans to join her onstage to introduce them to the audience, and there was a final call to Fund-A-Veteran before guests hit the dance floor and enjoyed music from the Memphis Knights Big Band.
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Story by Bailey Heldmar Photos by Don Perry
Dawn and Brent Bush
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Feeling the Freedom
November 2016
Charlie and Mary Pounds with Sue and Steve Redden
Danielle and Ken Patrick
Stacey and Darrell Greene
Nancy Mattern and Jimmy Lovitt
Ann Barnett and Earl Griffin
November 2016
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Dreamgivers' Gala
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November
Flo Hogue and James Rushing
Betty Lyon and Lindy Ward
Camilla Wilson and Jim Frommell
Jason Hovendick and Elaine Gardner
Miranda and Matt Rhoads
Olin Pickens, Vince Rowell, Danny Garrett and Bob Arata
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November 2016
Cara Donaldson and Joe Willcox
Katherine Rawks and Mark Gray
Bonnie and Kip Wilkerson
Lauren Drewry and Theresa Drewry
Evelyn and Jack Claiborne
November 2016
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Memphis Moments
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November
Pints for Pits Benefiting Memphis Pets Alive! and Pit Bull Awareness Story and Photos by Krista Geyer
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og and beer lovers alike flocked to High Cotton Brewing for the second annual Memphis Pets Alive! (MPA) Pints for Pits to celebrate National Pit Bull Awareness Day. Upon arrival, two legged guests received a t-shirt and MPA pint glass koozie while their canine counterparts were given goodie bags and tennis balls from Hollywood Feed. The Gourmade food truck Walt Granecki and was on site to provide tasty food such as their signature Gourmade burger and Kayleigh Smith grilled mac & cheese to pair with the tap room’s discounted pints. Shufflegrit entertained with live music while attendees perused the silent auction, visited the pit bull awareness table hosted by Pinups for Pitbulls and posed in the photo booth. The event was made possible through sponsorships by Bluescope/Varco Pruden Buildings, Superlo Foods, Hollywood Feed, LLC, High Cotton Brewing Co., and Camp Bow Wow Balmoral. The night raised over $10,000 to aid in MPA’s mission to provide programs, resources and education aimed at lowering the euthanasia rates in local shelters.
George and Vickie Rutherford with Dani Rutherford
Marianne Spengler and Rhino
Brenna Dunlavy, Brittny Legens and Amber Rudd
Steven Geyer and Klaus
Alex Smythe and Bryan Shipman
D’elle Memphis and Comanche Rose
Shufflegrit
Baddour Center Fashion Show 37th Annual Luncheon Benefiting Baddour Memorial Center Story By Ruth Cassin | Photos By Chris Pugh
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Elizabeth Scott, Cindy Gambrell and Meg McCord
he 37th Annual Baddour Center Fashion Show was held in front of a capacity crowd at the Hilton Memphis. A silent auction, which included generous donations by local merchants of jewelry, original artwork, designer apparel and home décor, opened the show. A savory luncheon, that featured a sumptuous grilled chicken salad, as well as assorted Sharon Perry and beverages and desserts, was served, as models took to the runway. Memphis Parke Pepper fashion maven Babbie Lovett served as emcee. Guests were dazzled by an array of designer eveningwear by Kittie Kyle of Chickasaw Oaks and the latest in autumn fashions by Betty Hays Boutique of Germantown. Special Daze of Senatobia, MS furnished adorable children’s fall and holiday apparel, displayed by pint-sized and “tween” models. Baddour Center’s resident musical groups, The Miracles and Hearts in Motion, provided entertainment. The Baddour Memorial Center of Senatobia was founded in 1978 as a residential facility where adults with intellectual disabilities can reach their full potential while leading lives of dignity and hope.
Grace Jones, Lorrie Cordelli and Jane Ezell
Allie Varner and Jennie Neblett
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November 2016
Anne McCarroll and Betty Hays
Babbie Lovett and Carly Martin
Katherine Flinn and Sheila Whalem
November
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Memphis Moment
Arc Mid-South Gala 21st Annual Awards Presentation and Benefit Story and Photos by Bill Bannister
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Jaye J. and Chuck Doan
Shannon Brown and Carlene Leaper
Joyce Peterson and Ron Childers
Maria Haywood and Terry Hardaway
Christine and Dale Sirrine
Peter Berns and Judge Kathy Gomes
Andrea and Reginald Green
he Arc Mid-South held their 21st annual awards presentation and benefit gala in the grand ballroom of the Memphis Hilton. More than one hundred guests and honorees began the festivities with a delicious lunch and a Carolyn Cowans silent auction with items donated by Ballet and Kathy Brooks Memphis, Caesars Entertainment, Fleming’s Steak House, Huey’s, the Memphis Zoo, the Cheesecake Factory, and many more local businesses and museums. A live auction was held as well, with items up for bid from Mednikow Jewelers, Southwest Airlines, Bluff City Balloons, Walt Disney World, Sam’s Club, and Gibson Guitars. The Sheffield High School Color Guards presented the colors, and Pastor Rick Shepherd of Bellevue Baptist Church led the invocation. Attendees enjoyed music from the William “Bill” Hurd Trio as they mingled and dined. WMC Action News 5 Chief Meteorologist Ron Childers was the moderator for this year’s awards show and benefit. Keynote speaker was the Arc Mid-South CEO Peter V. Berns.
James Painter and Jacqueline Graves
Ken and Tracy Palm
Jakeena Boyce and Carl Wiggins
Vicki Clark and Richard Williams
November 2016
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Feed the Soul
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November
MIFA’s Feed the Soul
T Misty O’Neal and Brandon Still
Karen Morley and Madelyn Gray
The Finale
he Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) threw its ninth annual Feed the Soul benefit, however, founders announced that it would be the finale. After nine great years of Feed the Soul, MIFA plans to take the year off to plan new events that will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2018. Feed the Soul was held at the Warehouse, located off of the historic Main Street in downtown Memphis. Guests arrived and walked down the green carpet as “paparazzi” took photos of the guests who were striking poses. Guests were also able to pose for a photo booth, accompanied by props, accessories, pillows, and costumes. After stopping at the photo booth, guests entered to win a raffle for a chance to win prizes from Amro Music, Baskin-Robbins, Envision Memphis, Malco Theatres, Inc., the Memphis Grizzlies, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Playhouse on the Square, Kendra Scoot, and The Stovall Collection. Guests looking for a unique experience were able to sit at the Basic Elements oxygen bar that served oxygen flavors such as lime, lavender, and eucalyptus. Entertainment was abundant as Stan “The Bellringer” Bell of V101 and Latasha Peeples, winner of the 2016 Lip Sync Plus-1 contest filled the
stage of the ServiceMaster Pavilion. On the Soul Stage, Scott Southworth and Tameka “Big Baby” Goodman and The Soul Therapy Band entertained the guests, who were encouraged to get up and dance. There were copious amounts of food and drinks as guests helped themselves to Corky’s BBQ, who served fresh pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, and coleslaw while Davis Catering and Symbolic Manna Catering, Inc. provided vegetarian soul food and desserts for those who were looking for a healthier option. The Strawberry Connection served up gourmet chocolate covered strawberries and strawberry cheesecake bits. For the 21 and over crowd, tastings by Bacardi and Four Roses Bourbon were available as well as cigars from the Havana Mix Cigar Emporium. All proceeds from this event benefited MIFA, one of Memphis’ leading nonprofit social service agencies. Each year, MIFA serves over 50,000 people who are in crisis. Proceeds from Feed the Soul help MIFA meet the needs of the disadvantaged and elderly by providing the funds to deliver hot lunches daily. Supporters and members of MIFA are looking forward to the 50th anniversary celebration that will take place in 2018.
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Story by Ashley Dunn Photos by Don Perry
Judge Betty and Alvin Moore
Lester Brown and Mary Brignole
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November 2016
Kristina Woo and Judge Mark Ward
Peggy and Bill Veeser
Whitney Harmon and Ashley Bonds
Ronald Kent, Oona Mitchell and Al Kapone
Walker Price and Jessica Dougan
TheRedBoaBall Presented by Sedgwick Claims Management Benefiting the American Red Cross of the Mid-South
Saturday, November 19, 2016 6:30 -11:00 p.m. Memphis Botanic Garden Individual Tickets: $150 Tables: $1,250 Call 901.672.6350 or visit redcross.org/memphis Cocktail Reception, Silent Auction: 6:30p.m. Dinner: 7:30p.m. Jimmy Church Band: until 11:00p.m.
Feed the Soul
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November
Andrew Taylor, Brittany Holiman, Aleia Segars and Clay Chapman
Sally Heinz, Dan Gardner and Charlie Nelson
Lauren McGeorge and Courtenay Adams
Stacey Winston and Kinga Richardson
Michelle Braxton and Shakinah Stansberry
Rosie Richmond and Lind Carter
Christina Dandridge and Ruby Dandridge with Sharlet and Rod Huff
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November 2016
Amber Holliday and Danny Kessinger
Courtney Murray, Ashley Brashier, Brandy Hardy and Lauren Reed
Beautiful and lasting memories are as simple as
www.rsvpmagazine.com More pictures than would ever fit in a magazine are online and available on our website. If you’re looking for a photo that one of our photographers took at a major social event and is featured in our magazine, that photo may be readily available through our web address. Just go to our site, click on the event, and remember the password: rsvp.
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Memphis Moment
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November
Cirque du CMOM Kick-off Party Benefiting the Children’s Museum of Memphis Story and Photos by Ashley Dunn
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early 50 guests were greeted at the lawn with a mason jar glass, featuring a specialty cocktail, before entering the home of hosts Jenna and Ed Wallis Jenna and Ed Wallis for the Cirque du CMOM Kick-off Party benefiting the Children’s Museum of Memphis. The theme was “Saddle Up! Deep in the Heart of Memphis,” and guests portrayed that through their attire; cowboy boots were highly recommended. Hor d’oeuvres were presented and featured spiced pecans, cowboy caviar, the Big Ranch salad with prosciutto crumbly, a BBQ tini station, King Ranch chicken, a s’mores station, mini apple pies, and much more. Guests mingled throughout the home before moving to the back porch where there was a DJ and an open bar that opened up into a beautifully lit and groomed backyard with a patio for guests to continue mingling and dancing. Before finishing the event, there was an auction on various items. All proceeds went to the Children’s Museum of Memphis.
Amanda Joy, Turner Aycock, Jenny Savage and Mary Helen Holman
Caroline and Greg Sones
Missy Nelson, Cathy Bascom and Kathy Hackett
May Walker, Abbay Curtis and Missy Perkins
Landi and Michael Bohner with Beth and Stan White
Kelsey Taylor, Jessica Taveau and Alison Henneberger
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November 2016
Becky Wilson and Alaina Ward
Amy and James Robinson with Lauren and Clifton Stone
Sean Henneberger, Maggie Cooper and Erin Phillips
Emmel, Billy and Amy Golden
Betsy McKay, Emily Banks and Brittany McDonald
November
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Memphis Moments
Bodine School Community Leader Breakfast Story and Photos by Ashley Dunn
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Dr. Rene Friemoth Lee, John Murphy, and Peggy Bodine
he Bodine School hosted its annual Community Leader Breakfast at the Bodine School. It was a chance for community leaders to see the students in action. The breakfast began with a welcoming introduction given by the Head of School, John Murphy, who recognized the previous Head of School’s presence at the breakfast. Following the breakfast, each guest was assigned to a student, who gave an individual tour around the Jaclyn Gillespie and Dr. Lyle Davis school and shared the unique and valuable programs offered at Bodine School. Its mission is to allow families in the Mid-South to send their children with dyslexia to a school with exclusive interest, involvement and work that establishes each child’s success in school. Today, Bodine School is the only school in the state of Tennessee that is solely committed to children with dyslexia and other reading-related learning differences. The Community Leader Breakfast continues each year to raise awareness in the Mid-South community of the Bodine School and its causes.
Greg Duckett, Jennifer Karr, and Brenda Pendleton
Scott May, Jr., Liz Gilliland, and Marko Pavlovic
Michele Allen and Jill Giles
Betsy Pillow and Stephanie Hathcock
Christine Hingle and Sarah Huffman
Sequoya Trimble and Connie Whitfield
Jefferson Avenue Home Tour VIP Wine Tasting in Victorian Village Story by Bailey Heldmar | Photos by Krista Geyer
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emphians had the unique chance to tour seven Victorian Village homes on Jefferson Avenue. Featured homes constructed as long ago as 1863 and as recently as 2016, the VIP tour gave guests the opportunity to peruse each house as they sipped wine and tasted various hors d’oeuvres. Homeowners were on hand to answer questions. As lots Myron and Diane Mall become available to purchase in the area, current Victorian Village residents wanted to show off the perks of living in one of the Bluff City’s most unique neighborhoods. The event was made possible by contributions from the Memphis Medical District Collaborative Event Grant and the Downtown Memphis Commission. Philip Murphy and Steven Geyer
John Smith and John Smith Jr
Fran Seward and Cary Woods
Tara Skelley and Chris Milam
Scott Blake, Mark Edmiaston and Gabriel Dixon
November 2016
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Memphis Moment
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November
Women’s Auxiliary Luncheon with Jennifer Chandler Benefiting the Salvation Army Christmas Angel Tree Program Story and Photos by Ashley Dunn
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early 200 guests attended the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary luncheon with Jennifer Chandler, Jeanette Cooley and who directed the program “Homemade Meals Made Penny McDowell Simply.” The lunch menu featured recipes from Chandler’s cookbook and it was prepared and served by Heart & Soul Catering, featuring strawberry fields salad, jelly jar salad dressing, king ranch chicken, rustic blueberrylemon tart with crème friache, and pimento cheese biscuits. The luncheon, held at The Kroc Center, began with welcoming remarks made by Auxiliary President, Susan Madden, followed by opening remarks made by Captain Zach Bell, who introduced the new Salvation Army Christmas Angel Tree Program logo and honored Blanche Tosh, the designer of the previous design. Brady Bramlett sang, “The Lord’s Prayer,” before lunch was served. During lunch, guests Nancy Bramlett, wives of the University of Memphis football staff, and speaker Chandler, were introduced. Closing remarks were made by Captain Shelley Bell. All proceeds benefited the Salvation Army Christmas Angel Tree Program.
Eula Horrell, Suzanne Hammons and Syrena Beall
Mary Saxton and Mamel McCain
Barbara Simmons and Jan Morrell
Nan Rendall and Phyllis Taylor
Jennifer Chandler and Barbara Hanemann
Kari Long, Lindsay Kupper, Maria Norvell, Mia Randolph, and Becky Lorig
Eileen Adams, Gwynne Barton and Laurie Hudson
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November 2016
Denise Hinson, Kathy Hallmann and Conley Barclay
Nancy and Brady Bramlett with Billie Jean Graham
Pat VanHoozer, Blanche Tosh and Marilyn Powell
Captain Shelley Bell, Peggy Duke and Captain Zach Bell
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Memphis Moments
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Wine & Dine The 6th Annual Wine & Dine Benefiting the Special Olympics Story and Photos by Ashley Dunn
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uests socialized between tasting tables prepared by Memphis’ top chefs and enjoyed fine wines selected to complement the cuisine at the 6th Annual Wine & Dine benefiting the Special Olympics. This years’ Wine & Dine was presented by Kirby Wines and Liquors & Chef Chair Ryan Trimm of Sweet Grass at the Tower Center, overlooking Memphis. Keith Clinton, of the Tower Center/ John and Shamikia Adkins Wade & Company, featured watermelon margaritas. Andrew Adams of Acre featured smoky beef salad with a ginger vinaigrette. Keith Bambrick of McEwen’s featured duck confit bruschetta with jalapeno slaw. Nick Rice of Restaurant South featured tuna tartare on Asian Maque Choux. Frost Bake Shop feature gooey butter cookies, and strawberry, Memphis Cream, and chocolate cupcakes. Wine & Dine was a night of fun and purpose, as there was a silent auction as well as a raffle. Each ticket and auction item purchased raised money for the Special Olympics of Greater Memphis, which provides year round training and athletic competition for adults with intellectual disabilities. Because of fundraisers, such as Wine & Dine, nearly 2,000 people in the Memphis area can participate in these activities at no cost.
Debra and Mike Adamson
Kim and Asia Davis
Harold and Felicitas Sloves
Natalie Coss and Robert Hsu
Michael Hurt, Devonte Jones and Lonnie Hurt
Michelle Anderson, Joel Johnson and Linda Kennard
19th Annual Film Festival Hosted by Indie Memphis Story and Photos Submitted by Indie Memphis
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ndie Memphis kicked-off their 19th annual Film Festival presented by Duncan Williams, Inc. with a VIP Party for sponsors and supporters at Askew, Nixon, Ferguson Architects. Guests enjoyed catering from Iris, Etc. and beverages from Kirby Wines & Liquor. Billie Worley and Mark Jones Festival organizers announced details of the upcoming festival that featured over 160 films in seven venues across Downtown, Midtown, East Memphis and Collierville. It was truly a night to remember.
Kevin Brooks and Joy Morrow
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Lorena Williams, Susan Covington and Deon Smith
November 2016
Janice and Jimmy Ringel with Molly Wexler
Martha Hample, Pam Pitts and Ally Goode
Lindsey and Noah Glenn with Michael and Rebecca Phillips
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Memphis Moment
Vine to Wine September’s Sip N Shop at the Botanic Garden Story and Photos by Bill Bannister
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Edward and Dale Wall
he lush green flora and perfectly manicured grounds of Memphis Botanic Garden provided the beautiful and serene backdrop for Vine to Wine at the Garden. Sip N Shop provided guests with an opportunity to enjoy fine wines from Kendall Jackson, Francis Ford Coppola, Rich and Linn Ellis Starmont, Benziger, Girl and Dragon, and Picket Fence, among other wineries, while indulging in the time honored tradition of enjoying a little shopping therapy. It was a celebration of food, drink, and music as partygoers enjoyed treats from Stone Soup, Moe’s, and Frost Bake Shop as they mingled to the sounds of Butler, McCool and Jung, while perusing goodies from Silpada, Scentsy, and a unique collection of ammunition inspired jewelry and accessories from Elizabeth Cheston of Cheston Chic. There were Tea Towels, a huge assortment of aromatherapy items, and one-ofa-kind earrings. Sponsors included Iberia Bank, Beneva Mayweather, and The Mighty Olive.
Matthew Jung and Josie Butler
Kate France and Meghan Vaughan Carol and James Roberts
Linda Russell and Grayson Smith
Stephanie Crosslin and Eric Sims
Patrick Greene and Mary Bublitz
Michelle Harrison and Mitch Smith
Jana Clark, Randy Almand and Becky Wilbanks
Jonathan and Danielle Lee
Phil and Evelyn Mosley
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Crossword
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RSVP Crossword ACROSS 1 I want my ____ 4 Snake poison 9 Green skinned pear 14 To be in debt 15 Silly 16 Praises 17 Ready, ____, Go!
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Edited By Ruth Cassin
18 Garden tool 19 Longs (for) 20 Rain bringers 22 False god graven image 24 Baker's need 25 Ballerina's costume 27 Indecent language 31 TV Batman portayer West 32 Thicket 33 Olympic chant 34 Listens 36 Agitated 38 Knobby 40 Collect 42 Circus comedian 43 Dissuade 44 Regret 45 Steak house order 47 Addled 51 Bark 53 Slime 54 Bridge 55 Mutton 57 Anxious 59 Santa ____ 62 Earth tone (var.) 65 ____ Grande 66 Trousers 67 Minimum 68 X? 69 "The Jungle" author Sinclair 70 Tiny amounts
November 2016
71 We ____ Marshall
DOWN 1 Russian capital 2 Months in a year, to Nero 3 Votes against 4 Contended 5 Ceases 6 Pester 7 The ____ and Only 8 Deserves 9 Dog food brand 10 Hammer's partner 11 Sixth month (var.) 12 Laudatory Poem 13 Ship initials 21 Freeze maybe? 23 Deserved 25 Designer Burch 26 FedEx competitor 28 Contemplate 29 Drug doer 30 Make lace 32 Lo ____ 35 Sea eagle 36 Southwestern Indian 37 Brief expression 38 Elmer's ____ 39 Christmas carol 40 DNA component 41 Consumed
42 Weep 43 Twelve (abbr.) 45 Male cat 46 Make it yourself pizza brand 48 Ancient Greek city 49 Not as difficult 50 Any person 52 It used to be a planet 56 Organization (abbr.) 57 ____ Major (Big Dipper) 58 Brings home pay, after deductions 59 Microprocessor (abbr.) 60 Swimmer's unit 61 Colony insect 63 Corporate top dog 64 Panama, for one
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November
ccording to the interweb, the average American will own just shy of six cars in their lifetime. For someone who doesn’t particularly care about By Dennis Phillippi them, I have owned a lot of cars. If memory serves, I had owned six cars by the time I was 20 years old. Understand, I came from very modest means, so these were not good cars. In fact, one of them, a 1972 canary yellow Chrysler New Yorker was such a piece of junk I literally abandoned it by the side of the road when it ran out of gas. To this day, I have no idea what became of it. That was two hundred dollars I could’ve just put in a pile and set on fire. That’s not an exaggeration, it was a two hundred dollar car. The convertible top was permanently down and the windows were permanently up. There was a spot in the driver’s side floorboard where the braver passengers could watch the actual road beneath us pass. When I turned 16, I had no interest in driving. Driving meant responsibility. It meant using my meager coffee and cigarette money for gas, and something called insurance. It meant having to be conscious of where my keys were, and, for that matter, where my car might be. Plus, it meant not having an excuse to get girls to give me rides places, which was one of my most prized go to moves. Then, when I was 17, my family conspired with one another to force my hand and gave me a car. It wasn’t just a car; it was a silver 1976 Chevy Malibu Classic with black interior. To this day it may very well have been the coolest car I’ve ever owned. Look it up on the Google. It’s still a super bad car. It didn’t just have black interior, it had black bench seats. I understand that to many of you that phrase makes no sense. Bench seats were just that, seats that spanned the entire lateral interior of the car. Believe me, those bench seats became my number one go-to move. Even though the car was only a few years old, it suffered the same fate as almost every vehicle I have ever owned, once it got into my hands it began to age more quickly than the Portrait of Dorian Grey. While I have never truly mistreated cars, I think somehow my innate ambivalence towards them makes them lose the will to live. They instantly begin to rust, leak, rattle, and molder. After the Malibu, I briefly owned an Audi that gave up the ghost quickly and began
a second life as a planter in front of my parent’s house. Eventually, out of disgust and neighborliness, my father donated it to a local community college, where I can only assume it served as a cautionary tale about proper vehicle main-
“When I turned 16, I had no interest in driving. Driving meant responsibility. It meant using my meager coffee and cigarette money for gas, and something called insurance. It meant having to be conscious of where my keys were, and, for that matter, where my car might be. Plus, it meant not having an excuse to get girls to give me rides places, which was one of my most prized go to moves.” tenance. I’m pretty sure he also got a tax deduction out of the deal, which was only fair, as I had borrowed the money to buy it from him with no intention of ever repaying it. There was a string of cheap cars after that, each more decrepit and sad than the last.
RSVPhillippi
By this point, I was on the road doing stand-up and these cars had become so unreliable I was more likely to hitchhike to another state for a gig than drive one of them. In time I became an adult, by which I mean in time I met and married my wife and driving something that was constantly trailed by a cloud of blue smoke became unacceptable behavior. When we met I not only had no car, I had quit driving altogether. This, I admit, was strange behavior, but driving had never gotten me anything but debt and dead cars, so I went back to the tried and true: bumming rides from girls. When we met, my wife drove the dream machine that was the 1984 Toyota Corolla. This was a perfectly sound vehicle for driving around Memphis, but by the second or third time we drove to North Carolina to see my family, it could muster maybe 30 miles an hour climbing the Smokies, in second gear, with people able to slow down and enunciate their feelings about it very clearly. Seriously, we were able to hold conversations. This resulted in an impulsive decision to buy our first new car together, a very, very flashy little red convertible sports car. We were bamboozled. We were hornswoggled. This little beauty was so shiny, so fast, and so sexy we overpaid for it. The convertible top actually worked, a first for a convertible in my ownership. It was tiny and red and I loved it. I drove that car for 13 years. By the end, the paint had peeled off of it like a bad sunburn, the roof no longer went down or up but was always somewhere in between. The plastic back window was so disfigured looking out of it was like looking at a three times copied VHS of Dynasty. In the end, water got into the gas tank and when the guy I sold it to drove away I prayed it would make it to the end of the block. The last unwise car for me, I hope, was yet another red convertible. A piece of used Bavarian steel that was a dream the day I bought it, and a nightmare when I got out from under it, less than five years later. My days of sports cars are over. I’ll never understand why men my age feel compelled to get them. They don’t make us look younger, they make us look desperate. And there are few things as humiliating as the sounds a middleaged man makes getting out of a low-riding sports car. We sound like someone trying to reassemble a cat. From here on out, I’m sticking with whatever car my wife is done with owning.
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1935
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he Board of Directors and Council of the Shelby County Growers Association stood in front of the Wholesale Market. It doesn’t take much imagination to conjure up images of rows and rows of fresh vegetables, all from local area farms and all ready to be taken home and whipped into tasty treats. It was May 18 of 1935 and the local board stood proudly at the inauguration of what has become a Memphis institution. From left to right: Jack Viglietti, Tony Giacosa, Joe Hanover, Vance Gardini, Frank Garavelli and Angelo Taverna, Sr. Photo from the archives of rsvp If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Ashley Dunn at 276-7787 ext. 105 or e-mail the photo and caption to editor@rsvpmagazine.com All photos will be returned promptly.
GREAT THINGS GO ON HERE! 6075 Poplar Avenue – Ninth Floor Memphis, TN 38119 901-684-1010 Crecent-Club.com
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