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CONTENTS
Contents September 2009
From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Dr. Mary C. McDonald As the secretary of education and superintendent of schools for the Catholic Diocese of Memphis, this amazing leader has witnessed the area’s Catholic schools grow from 16 to 30 institutions.
Live at the Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
10 SIGNATURE MEMPHIS Dr. Mary C. McDonald
26
The Memphis Botanic Garden offered concertgoers a trip down memory lane with a special performance by Joe Cocker.
StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20, 22 & 24
BLUES ON THE BLUFF Steve Brewer and Lori Cohoon
This musician knows a thing or two about the dulcimer, but welcomes all acoustic SEPTEMBER 2009
players to the Memphis Dulcimer Gathering and Folk Festival. She’s not afraid to get a little dirt on her hands for the sake of urban neighborhood gardens. He’s ready to break out a kilt for Clanjamfry: A Scottish Festival. StreetSeens spotlight
Lee Cagle, Josephine Williams and Lee Hutchison.
Blues on the Bluff ® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
4 RSVP
WEVL supporters celebrated summer while listening to local musical favorites on the grounds of the National Ornamental Metal Museum.
12 LIVE AT THE GARDEN Elizabeth and Ron Hickman
Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
34
Q&A with quintessential entertainer Red West.
RSVPeople . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
VOX POPULAR Red West
A trek across the city’s party landscape.
Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40, 48 & 49 Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.
Bluesville Bash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Mike Miller and friends headed to the Horseshoe Casino for a weekend devoted to raising funds for the Mike Miller Foundation beneficiaries.
RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Once Again, Let Me Help You Raise Your Kids
24
RSVP’s dear humor columnist, Dennis Phillippi, realizes that the games of yesteryear are a far cry from the ones kids play in 2009.
STREETSEEN Lee Hutchison Cover Photo Sarah and David Thompson at Summer in the City Fiesta Photo by Leah Fitzpatrick
42 BLUESVILLE BASH Dipti Desai, Jeff Cameron and Amanda True
Volume XIV
Number XII
September 2009 PUBLISHER
Roy Haithcock EDITOR
Leah Fitzpatrick CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ruth Cassin Kelly Cox Jonathan Devin Dennis Phillippi Suzanne Thompson Lesley Young EDITORIAL INTERN
SEPTEMBER 2009
Maggie Squires ART DIRECTOR
Patrick Aker s PHOTOGRAPHERS
Nathan Berry Roy Haithcock Don Perry Steve Roberts
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6 SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Libby Huff ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Chris Pugh ACCOUNTING
Ruth Cassin RSVP Memphis is published monthly by Haithcock Communications, Inc. First class subscriptions are available for $75.00 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 e-mail publisher@rsvpmagazine.com WEB
www.rsvpmagazine.com For editorial information or to request coverage of an event, please contact RSVP Magazine one month prior to the event. Call 901-276-7787, ext. 105 or fax to 901-276-7785. e-mail editor@rsvpmagazine.com Copyright 2009 Haithcock Communications, Inc.
From the Editor
D
o you remember what you wanted to be when you grew up? And I’m
not talking about a fantasy job you envisioned at age four, like being a rock star or a Major League pitcher. Though highly intriguing, Photo by Steve Roberts
an early career choice doesn’t register high on the reality scale because you formulated it before having any real knowledge or experience relevant to the field. While first wanting to be a ballerina myself, I didn’t I recently ventured home for a high school reunion. As it turns out, a time capsule packet filled out during my senior
year revealed that I did indeed have hopes of becoming a magazine editor. The shock that set in after learning that one of my many dreams became true was priceless. I also couldn’t
8
believe that I unknowingly stuck to a plan for my future, the
RSVP
SEPTEMBER 2009
recall what career I really wanted to pursue, at least not until
future now being the present. Then, I thought, “What’s next?” The next for me is really more about enjoying the journey and setting smaller tangible goals, or projects as I call them, that can be accomplished in a relatively short amount of time. One of these particular projects happens to be scouring the city and consulting my invaluable contacts for fascinating people to feature in the pages of RSVP. Just turn to the StreetSeens on pages 20, 22 and 24, and you’ll find a wellrounded group of individuals who are injecting cultural significance into the Bluff City through music, community gardens and ancestral traditions. The Vox Popular, on page 34, won’t disappoint either, as you’ll read about a man who’s tackled several facets of the entertainment business. Things are heating back up in September on the party scene, so see you soon.
Leah Fitzpatrick editor@rsvpmagazine.com
ANTONIO MELANI “Chelsi” belted dress and “Mystery” peep-toe pump.
your style. your life.
Secretary of Education/Superintendent of Schools for the Catholic Diocese of Memphis
Your mantra: “I am never alone.” Guilty pleasure: K-Pie at Paulette’s. Ideal vacation spot: The beach, any beach! Favorite album: Aaron Neville, Gospel Roots. Words or phrases you overuse: “It is what it is.” One thing you can’t live without: My faith in God. Last book you’ve read: Execution by Larry Bossidy. Historical figure you most identify with: Most days it’s Joan of Arc. First concert: The Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Ormandy. I was 9 years old. Favorite Memphis musician: Rufus Thomas, I even got to dance the “Funky Chicken” with him at a New Year’s Eve party not long before he died. Personal hero: Jesus. A recent addition is Dr. Jerry Gooch, who saved my life. One thing most people don’t know about you: I had a near-death experience, and I met the president and the pope at two separate events during the same week in April 2008 in Washington, D.C. Your greatest achievement: My work in the field of education as a teacher, principal and especially as superintendent. During the past 11 years as superintendent, I have led the Catholic schools through a period of systemic change and rapid growth. I am also the architect for the re-opening of eight long-closed Catholic schools in the inner city of Memphis called The Jubilee Schools.
photo by Steve Roberts
SIGNATURE MEMPHIS SEPTEMBER 2009 RSVP
10
Dr. Mary C. McDonald
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EVENT
Live at the Garden
LIVE AT THE GARDEN
With Joe Cocker
A
SEPTEMBER 2009
Margaret and Gary Faulkner
Jennifer and Brad Sims
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lmost 40 years ago to the day, Joe Cocker electrified hundreds of thousands of young people at the Woodstock Festival with his rendition of the Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends,” accented by his unique contortions and quivering and gravelly voice. At age 65, he’s still dazzling his audiences, albeit with less facial hair and sans the tie-dye, as was proved at the third concert of the Memphis Botanic Garden’s Live at the Garden series. He didn’t miss a beat, running through hits such as “You Are So Beautiful,” “You Can Leave Your Hat On” and “Feelin’ Alright,” a song apropos for an evening of crystal clear skies and temperatures hovering in the 70s. “Whoever ordered this up, I’d like to send them a thank-you note,” said event coordinator Sherry Misner. Though the lawn seats had their own appeal, the place for many to be was with the VIPs in the Encore section tent to the side of the stage. Catered? Yes. Open bar? Yes. Not to mention, guests were treated to air conditioning. Hog Wild/A Moveable Feast Catering Company provided a buffet of sausage and cheese, boneless hot wings, pork tenderloin and dessert for the crowd, while Classic Party Rentals set the scene with the air-conditioned tent made to look like an old juke house, with old signage and beat-up sofas. “We tried to make it Memphis-y,” said the company’s general manager, Stan White. VIPs also get the best seats in the house, with cloth-covered tables and chairs directly in front of the stage. Misner says she almost sells out this section every year in advance. “They usually sign up before they even know the line-up, they enjoy it so much,” she said. Some tables set the standard high, with fine crystal and catered meals, while for others, a simple cooler of beverages and some dip sufficed. Either way, the option to move out of their seats and up to the front of the stage to dance to Cocker’s growling voice was perhaps the biggest draw. “I love Joe Cocker; I’m excited about everything,” said John Murphy. “He played all of his songs for the kids on the computer all day today,” said Murphy’s wife, Melanie. And though it wasn’t three days of peace and music like in 1969, one night of it in Memphis was enough to make new friends. “Everyone is so friendly,” Melanie said, while sitting at a table with Lynn Denton, whom she just met, and Mary Ann Hodges, another new friend, none of whom knew each other prior to the concert.
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Bill and Julie England
Story by Lesley Young Photos by Nathan Berry Brooke Tillie and Erika Smith
Jan and Al Lyons
Kristen Hensley and Nathan Russel
Amy Allen and Lee Wright
Erin Pilcher, Catie Miller and Emily Larson
Jan and Geoff Falk
EVENT LIVE AT THE GARDEN SEPTEMBER 2009
Jennifer Chandler with Bill and Susan Andrews
John and Marsha Stemmler with Kem Wilson Jr. and Norma Wilson
Tom and Deborah Harrison
Jennifer Kettler and David Pool
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Johnny and Cindy Walker
Nadine and Steve Sims with Pam Miller
Jennifer and Lawrence Dow
Don and Rita DeWeese
Tasha and George Kawell with Curtis and Alice Finn
EVENT LIVE AT THE GARDEN SEPTEMBER 2009
Maggie Cannon and Karen Isaacman with Tom and Robin Watson
John and Marcia Wagner
Paula Pilgrim and Cathy Simpson
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16 Javier is a regular teenager. He plays soccer and basketball and even helps his mom in the kitchen occasionally. But it wasn’t long ago that Javier was so sick that he needed a liver transplant to save his life. Thankfully, Le Bonheur Children’s was there. He got the transplant and continues to receive the follow-up care he still needs. As the number of children we care for grows, Le Bonheur must grow, too. That’s why we’re building a new hospital – one designed for children like Javier whose lives truly depend on it. With your support, we can continue to provide the exceptional care they deserve and build a brighter future
Andrew Bettis with Elaine and Gregg Gumbert
for the children of the Mid-South and beyond.
A Common Thread of Exceptional Care lebonheur.org
Not-For-Profit Organization
Sandra and Steve Dawson
Carrie Turner and Dreama Everett
EVENT LIVE AT THE GARDEN John Crowe and John Barzizza
A FINER TOUCH IN REAL ESTATE.
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Prestigious Grove Park! Stunning 5 bedroom 3.5 bath home located at 1880 Grovecrest is one your family and friends will adore. New granite countertops, fresh interior, master suite with private den, luxurious master bath, separate study, bonus/play room w/ wet bar, hearth room, gleaming hardwood floors and 3 fireplaces. Walking distance to neighborhood schools. Get complete text description and photos delivered to your phone, text 34067 to 79564. Take a virtual tour at www.JasonGaiaTeam.com.
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JAMES DAVIS Fine Jewelry Boutique 400 Grove Park Memphis, TN 38117 901.767.4640 Marge Snipes and Tammy Earwood
EVENT LIVE AT THE GARDEN Beth and Rusty Graber
Natalie and Patrick Swanson
SEPTEMBER 2009
Hall Crawford, Ashley Crawford and Hunter Williams
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Gideon Scoggin with Philip and Kersten Fons
Chey and Bill Widdop
Howie and Charlene Lincoln
STREETSEEN
Lee Cagle Diggin’ the Dulcimer
SEPTEMBER 2009
E
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very song has an underlying story, and so does an instrument…at least Lee Cagle’s does. The Blue Lion mountain dulcimer she plucks with passion provides a glimpse of her most beloved childhood experiences through symbolic flowers. Sugar maple leaves, pink and white dogwoods, daffodils, roses, purple violets, gladiolus, irises, tulip poplars, rhododendron, mountain laurel and morning glory, as well as blueberries, muscadines, a blue butterfly and a stream, all appear in the fretboard inlaid with mother of pearl and abalone. However, the design is only half of the dulcimer’s appeal. “The dulcimer is special in that there were only three instruments—the banjo, mountain dulcimer and autoharp—that were invented in the U.S.,” Cagle says. Uniquely American and uniquely American folk, the dulcimer seems a fitting choice for the girl who grew up near the Smoky Mountains. Though, Memphis is where she first laid her hands on the instrument she’s since made a career out of teaching lessons on and playing in concerts, which often includes performing with Betty Dawson in the duo Butterfly Gap. Cagle doesn’t recall what particularly hooked her into this outlet of musical expression, but she swears that any beginning musician can easily learn the dulcimer. She elaborates, “The nice thing about the mountain dulcimer is it has open tuning, meaning that all strings are in harmony with each other, so you only have to have one finger on it to get great sound.” Having taught a lady well into her 80s how to play, Cagle stands by her pitch and is gearing up to spread the traditional sound to others at the Memphis Dulcimer Gathering and Folk Festival. Now in its fifth year, the two-day affair that Cagle founded has become a haven for musicians of varying acoustic instruments, ranging from mandolins to guitars. Cagle expects around 75 people to attend the workshops and demonstrations held throughout the festival, scheduled for September 25 and 26 at Second Baptist Church, but she knows others will join Friday night’s acoustic jam session, where everyone gets to pick a song. The Saturday evening concert, which offers dynamic performances by festival instructors, is also open to the community. “Some of the best times of my life have been at festivals, so I just want others to have that same experience,” she says. With a motto like “You won’t get any better until you get started,” Cagle’s ready to inspire fresh talent, not that meeting new faces has ever posed a problem for the dulcimer enthusiast who likes to kick off a set with “Black Mountain Rag” and “Whiskey Before Breakfast.” Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
STREETSEEN
Josephine Williams Transforming the Concrete Jungle
SEPTEMBER 2009
A
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ccording to GrowMemphis coordinator Josephine Williams, planting a seed makes you vulnerable because one never knows if the seed will mature. Hence, the planter learns a valuable lesson about patience, something Williams thinks a culture accustomed to instant gratification should take notice of more. With GrowMemphis’ focus on urban community gardens, this lesson is receiving due attention in 11 neighborhoods throughout the city, and there are talks for several other gardens. “There’s always a need for more community gardens, but they’re not successful without neighborhood buy-in,” Williams says. A joint effort between the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center and typically low-income areas, GrowMemphis evolved out of a concept Alcine Arnette had in 2001 when she upstarted a garden in Orange Mound. Concerned about the way youth and elders interacted in the neighborhood, Arnette envisioned the project as an opportunity to bridge generational gaps. The plan centered on children tending to the flowers and produce, and later presenting their elders with the harvest. Williams says this endeavor promoted trust between residents, instilled less neighborhood fear and made nutritional food choices accessible to an area dominated by convenience markets. GrowMemphis planted its roots in 2007 and has since spread into communities like Frayser and Uptown, with Midtown North serving as the biggest and most elaborate operation. These gardens traditionally arise out of vacant lots that are donated or leased and are led by one to three garden leaders. While operations feature various setups, from row gardens to resource gardens that provide compost, fertilizer and seedlings, each operates on a volunteer basis and employs organic gardening practices. All ages of volunteers, who can opt for individual or communal plots depending on availability, are welcome to participate. “The biggest benefit is working collaboratively, so we invite anyone who wants to be a part of this to join,” Williams says. Make no mistake, each volunteer is responsible for pulling his or her own weight, and produce is only available to those willing to help. For those new to gardening, tips and resources are shared during monthly garden leader meetings, and workshops on topics like rainwater collection and seed saving are held periodically. Youth volunteers also gather each Wednesday to sell various produce from the GrowMemphis booth at the Memphis Botanic Garden’s Farmers Market. Williams points out, “I think that we’re not just starting gardens, but we’re really trying to use the gardens as a way to build local food systems, where we’re keeping food and dollars recirculating in the community.” Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
Our East Memphis family VM°9LHS[VYZ°^PSS°JVTWSL[L [OL°WPJ[\YL ° )\`PUN°VY°:LSSPUN 7LYRPUZ°H[° (\K\IVU°7HYR OfMPJL! °
Tom Kimbrough Helen Broker Akin
Steve Bearman
Beth Blumenfeld
Phoebe Burks
Bill Butler
Sheryl Cassibry
Sandra Charlton
Robin Fauser
Gwen Flaniken
Jimmie Harder Fowler
Jan Gordon
Lynn Hammond
Lauren Harkins
Walker Hays
Carolyn Hooker
Tom Iverson
Sylvia Joure
Joy Kimbrough
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George Merrifield
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Amy Woods
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STREETSEEN
Lee Hutchison Getting a Scottish Fix
SEPTEMBER 2009
K
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ilts originated in the Scottish Highlands during the 16th century, but their fanbase has spread across the pond thanks to cultural get-togethers like Clanjamfry: A Scottish Festival and, of course, brave men of fashion. Memphian Lee Hutchison, a festival steering committee member for the past seven years, happens to be a friend of plaid and can even share with you the history of his ancestors’ tartan pattern. Just don’t expect him to wear the fashionable ensemble pictured at right again, at least until the festival kicks off the weekend of September 25. Sponsored and presented by Evergreen Presbyterian Church, Clanjamfry has grown in popularity and participants throughout its 10year existence. Still a relatively small festival that attracts a few thousand visitors, Clanjamfry is one of the better Scottish festivals Hutchison says he’s seen and boasts one of the area’s best pipe bands, Wolf River Pipes and Drums. Keeping the event fresh remains a challenge, but the committee has incorporated activities such as a Highland dance competition and youth piping and drumming in recent years. Organizers also accommodate attendees’ preference for rock ‘n’ roll Celtic music during the day and traditional Celtic at night. Hutchison adds, “I think it took a couple of years before Clanjamfry registered in the public’s consciousness, but now we need more volunteers than there are people in the church.” Special highlights include a ceilidh (a Scottish talent show), sheep herding demos, lots of traditional food (think meat pies, haggis, bangers and shortbread) and the grand finale, the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans. This last event takes place on Sunday morning at 11 inside the church and features a procession of the choir, 14 clans, three Scottish societies, a few families who show off their ancestral tartans and a beadle. The service that follows has become spiritually moving for lots of attendees and incorporates the blessing of the tartans. “The nice thing about this is there have been elderly people who have never been in touch with their Scottish roots who attend the festival,” Hutchison says. “People will come up to me after the weekend with tears in their eyes saying how much it’s meant to them.” Hutchison definitely harbors an appreciation for the festival’s historical and genealogical aspect. One of his friends even jokes that he can identify different tartans from a hundred yards away. And though his personal kilt comes from Scotland, he won’t discriminate if yours isn’t. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
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Blues on the Bluff
EVENT
®
BLUES ON THE BLUFF
WEVL’S PARTY
RIVER
F Bob and Deb Cameron
SEPTEMBER 2009
ON THE
Mary Tolley and Kevin Martin
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or the past 20 years, WEVL FM 89.9, the area’s only radio station entirely funded from private donations, has packed in its supporters for Blues on the Bluff®, and this year didn’t disappoint. With nearly 1,000 concertgoers toting chairs, blankets and insect spray high atop the South Bluffs on the National Ornamental Metal Museum grounds, the crowd made it known that the music of the Delta remains loved. Although rain had threatened earlier in the day, the sky cleared for the 21st annual party that was dedicated to the memory of “Cap’n Pete” Henderson. As guests enjoyed a stunning sunset on the Mississippi with mild temperatures and a delightful river breeze, Kenny Brown took the Riverbluff Pavilion stage first. A native of Nesbit, Mississippi, Brown is renowned for his North Mississippi Hill Country style of blues and energized the audience with his slide guitar. Next up were the Bo-Keys, who got appreciative listeners on their feet with the group’s “Memphis Sound” soul tunes out of the 1960s. For the finale, Beale Street favorite Blind Mississippi Morris, respected worldwide for his harmonica skills, and his band, The Pocket Rockets, left everyone wishing for more. WEVL also held a raffle for CDs and sold promotional posters, past and present, of the event as well as station tee shirts and caps. Hungry fans feasted on smoked turkey legs, pork shoulder and barbequed Portobello mushroom sandwiches provided by Central BBQ, who donated all food sale proceeds to WEVL. Judy Dorsey, station manager of WEVL, was pleased with the great turnout. She enthused, “We raised over $23,000 for WEVL. The weather was perfect, the music fantastic and everyone had a great time.”
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Laura Edwards and Barney Dubois
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EVENT BLUES ON THE BLUFF
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SEPTEMBER 2009
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Rhonda Axt and Terry Donavon
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Jack and Jennifer Sammons with Jack Sammons Jr.
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EVENT BLUES ON THE BLUFF Connie Powell and Jerry Burcham
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VOX POPULAR
Vox Popular Q&A with Red West
R
SEPTEMBER 2009 RSVP
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Photos by Don Perry
obert West, better known as “Red,” has long exceeded the average entertainer’s 15 minutes of fame, with a resume that boasts acting, stuntwork, songwriting, and even a gig as Elvis’ bodyguard. However, his most recent role in the movie Goodbye Solo has taken his star power to new heights at the ripe old age of 73. West says the director, Ramin Bahrani, definitely got the best performance of his career, one that has been filled with memorable characters like Sergeant Andy Micklin in “Black Sheep Squadron” and Red Webster in Road House. RSVP editor met with West and his wife, Pat, inside a local theatre for an hour of pure entertainment from an actor truly devoted to his art. As West puts it, “I like characters that are a little different than I am, to see what I can do with them.” RSVP: You’ve had a wide range of jobs in the entertainment business, so just wondering what your original career plans were?
RSVP: Did Elvis ever give you any acting tips?
West: I don’t know, I just remember going every Saturday to the movies and seeing Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, and saying, “Oh boy, I want to do that.” I never dreamed I would make movies, but fortunately I grew up with Elvis here in Memphis. He opened up the first door for me out there with Nick Adams, who starred in “The Rebel” TV series, and many other things. Nick helped me go further, then Robert Conrad didn’t just open the door, he kicked it open for me in “Black Sheep Squadron.” That show opened up bigger parts that have been coming ever since, so I owe a lot of people a lot.
West: No, I learned a lot by being on sets and watching people like Walter Matthau, Dean Jagger and Carolyn Jones. That was an education in itself. I just worked my way up gradually. I actually started out as a stuntman and still suffer from that.
RSVP: What is one of your fondest memories during your time with Elvis? West: We had a lot of fun! We’d go down to the Gulf Coast and go fishing. We almost burned the golf course down there one night. He loved to buy fireworks, and his cousin had a few too many and was smoking over this big box of fireworks and dropped a cigarette in it. We were all behind trees and in sand traps while all these rockets were going off. Those were the fun days, but later on, it ceased to be fun when Elvis wasn’t able to go out as much and do things. RSVP: Didn’t you meet your wife, Pat, through Elvis? West: Yes, Pat was a secretary out there, and Elvis’ dad was her boss. I came home—I was in California at that time—and we were going to do Follow That Dream down in Florida. I came to Memphis to prepare for that role and met Pat, and we got married two weeks later, then we went on our honeymoon during that movie. Gordon Douglas, the director, knew I was on my honeymoon, and I think I ended up playing seven different parts, plus doubled Elvis in that movie. Gordon would throw things in just for me to do. I remember having one line, where you didn’t even see me.
RSVP: So, you incurred a few injuries doing stuntwork? West: Well, when I met Robert Conrad, I was a stuntman on “The Wild Wild West,” and I joked that I was the only guy in Hollywood who had his own parking space for an ambulance. My wife definitely showed up at the hospital a few times. One time she rushed out to the hospital and walked in the waiting room, and there was Lee Majors—he was a friend of mine. He was working on “Big Valley” when I was working on “The Wild Wild West,” so he saw the ambulance and saw me. Then, he left his set to see if I was ok. RSVP: Your most recently released film, Goodbye Solo, was an independent movie, so just wondering if you prefer acting in smaller, low budget films or in bigger movie and television productions? West: Well, independent movies have been very good to me, but I just got done filming a major big budget movie with Kevin Spacey. It really just depends on who you’re working with, plus the director of this new one, Trent Cooper, who was born here in Memphis, was a real pleasure to work with. And, I found out that I met Kevin Spacey when he was a kid and came out on the “Black Sheep Squadron” set. He was a big fan of that show, Robert Conrad and me. Of course, he goes on to win two Academy Awards. I did enjoy working with Ramin Bahrani, the writer and director of Goodbye Solo. He’s a very talented young man, and so is the young African actor [Souleymane Sy Savan] who played Solo.
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VOX POPULAR
RSVP: Tell me about your character, William, in Goodbye Solo.
RSVP: How would you define your style of acting?
West: William’s purpose is to end it all. His life has been lived, and things are starting to come apart. He decides he isn’t going to end up in a nursing home, so he hires a cab driver named Solo to take him to this place called Blowing Rock, which is a real place outside of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Solo can’t understand why William is hiring him to take him that far for a one way trip, so the whole story is about the driver trying to find out why I’m going. Then, it kind of dawns on Solo what I am doing because he finds out I’m selling my apartment and giving away everything I own. Solo is trying to convince me not to do this. I try to keep my distance from Solo and everybody else in the movie, but he is always there. I wind up spending the night at Solo’s house and meeting his family and his little girl, and his daughter becomes another added distraction for me. I will have to let everyone see the ending to learn the rest, and it is coming out on DVD on September 25.
West: Down-home [laughs]. Mostly my parts are playing Southerners, but I try to add something extra to my parts. Even with this new comedy with Kevin Spacey, the last scene wasn’t written that way, but it became an emotional scene. I do a lot of things where I don’t say anything, like in The Rainmaker. I never said a word throughout that movie. It was all in the tears.
SEPTEMBER 2009
RSVP: Were you overwhelmed with the critics’ rave reviews of Goodbye Solo? West: I knew we had something good, but for a little independent film like that, you don’t expect fine accolades, especially from Roger Ebert and Jeffrey Lyons. Then, to be called onto “The Charlie Rose Show” in New York was amazing.
RSVP
RSVP: I really liked when Roger Ebert wrote in his Goodbye Solo review “Wherever you live, 36 when this film opens, it will be the best film in town.” West: [Laughs] Yeah, well it’s unbelievable what it’s done with this limited release. Like in Memphis, it only played at the Malco Ridgeway. It also opened in California, New York and Chicago in just two or three theatres, and before the weekend ended, it had expanded to eight theatres in New York, and I don’t know how many in Chicago and California. It was far beyond anyone’s expectations. Goodbye Solo was also shown at the Toronto International Film Festival and at the Venice Film Festival, where it won the FIPRESCI Award, which is the International Film Critics Award. RSVP: Can you share the storyline of your new movie that just finished filming? West: The storyline is about Kevin Spacey’s character, who is the father of invention—that’s the working title of the movie, but it might be changed. He gets ideas, then brings them to me because I’m an engineer and can put these things together. He comes up with the idea for the Clincher, this ab exercise thing, and becomes a billionaire off of it. But, this one invention has a very bad flaw in it— this is a comedy—because if you push to release it and don’t move your thumb, then you won’t have a thumb left. So, there are a bunch of people walking around without a thumb, and Kevin Spacey’s character goes to prison for eight years. Once he gets out, the first person he comes to is me, and all of this stuff has put me in the “home.” I still have a bunch of electronics in the room though, and he has more ideas he wants me to develop.
RSVP: Was it intimidating working under Francis Ford Coppola’s direction in The Rainmaker? West: Well, yeah. That first day something wasn’t going right with somebody, and he picked that monitor up, threw it across the floor and said a few choice words. After he got the take, he walked over to this actor that he did that for, gave him a hug and said, “That’s what I wanted.” I couldn’t take my eyes off of him when he was there because of his direction. Talk about method acting. To get Virginia Madsen in the right frame of mind, he had this big courtroom built in Oakland, California at an Air Force base, so before she came out to do her scene, he had all these bad attorneys, who she’d been working for and was now testifying against, get in the judge’s chambers and call her everything in the book. She came out with tears in her eyes, and he said, “Roll ‘em.” However he could get you into the character, he would do it. RSVP: For which piece of work are you most recognized? West: I’m still recognized from Road House, and even going back to “Black Sheep Squadron,” everyone asks, “Where’s your cigar?” RSVP: Of all the jobs you’ve had through the years, which has been the most fulfilling? West: I’ve got to say that working on Goodbye Solo has gotten the most attention of anything. This for me was the big one, but it’s hard to pick something because the song I wrote called “If Everyday Was Like Christmas”—I don’t know how many times it’s gone platinum now—sells every year at Christmas. I get checks twice a year from that song, so Elvis is still taking care of business. RSVP: What do you think the secret to longevity is in the acting world because a lot of stars come and go? West: Yes, they do. I think about that every day. The only young actor I know when I was starting out that’s stayed around is Jack Nicholson. I flew to California for an interview two or three years ago, and I saw a lot of the young actors who were doing pretty good that were on this interview, and they all had this empty look in their eyes. They’re not making a living. They might get a big part once a year, and that’s tough to see, people relying on this. I don’t know how they survive the unemployment line. That’s one of the things I hated, the unemployment line. It made me sick, so I got out of it and came back and got back into music. I didn’t devote my life to only acting. I had a lot of other things going on, so I remained sane.
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RSV PEOPLE
A Trek Across the City’s Party L andscape Bunco-Rita-Ville “Let the Good Times Roll” Shouts of “Bunco” rang through
$20 a piece. The tropical fare, provided by
dren with a fun-filled evening while their
another event sponsor, Measures of Joy
parents enjoy a night out of their own. RRI
Catering, owned by Barbara Mayo, included
is now raising funds to build Ryan’s Ranch,
cheeseburger in paradise dip, peach mango
the first universally accessible health and
salsa and Jamaican jerk chicken bites with
wellness resort for families of children with
the air at the fifth annual Bunco-Rita-Ville
disabilities. The Abston family has donated
fund-raiser benefiting Ryan’s Ranch
a site for the ranch.
International (RRI). Men dressed in
Lifetime Fitness joined Measures of
Hawaiian shirts served as waiters at the
SEPTEMBER 2009
function where palm trees and tropical
Kerri Evans and Lori Skelton
cilantro remoulade. Palm trees adorned Keith Walker, Corinne Derenburger and Ryan Wilder
38 RSVP
Tasha Sarwar and Lori Burton
with fruit were at the center of the buffet table, where other delectables like mango
Joy and the Junior Auxiliary of Collierville
cream dip and homemade yeast rolls paved
in sponsoring Bunco-Rita-Ville, along with
treats ruled the day. The waiters were
the way for the dessert, a huge strawberry
Hope and Dream Magazine, Aaron’s and
spouses of the members of the Junior
cake.
The Association of Junior Leagues
Auxiliary of Collierville, which is part of the
RRI began as a support group
International, Inc. Others supporting the
National Association of Junior Auxiliaries,
founded by Corinne Derenburger, mother of
cause were RRI board member Peter Heist,
one of the event sponsors.
a special needs child, who wanted to reach
Teresa Donahue, Tommy Ewing, Tom and
“We are just the power behind this
out to other special needs families. Ryan’s
Kathy Marotta and Maureen Bridges, who
tournament,” said Mary Shilling, a Junior
Place, which originally operated under the
provided decorations, including 40 pink
Auxiliary member.
flamingos, for the event.
The Church of the Incarnation in Collierville provided the backdrop for the
Story and photos by Suzanne Thompson
party filled with blue and red lights twinkling from the stems of “bottomless” margarita and wine glasses that were sold for
Women Against MS Luncheon “A Movement Toward a World Free of MS” Finding a cure for multiple sclerosis Lizz Mayo, Ann Elizabeth Miller and Barbara Mayo
ranks high on Cynthia Tobin’s and Judy Gauthier’s priority list, as Tobin has MS
Jean Roberts, Stephanie Hube and Maureen Martin
name Ryan’s Hope, spearheaded the open-
and Gauthier has a daughter with the dis-
ing of a universally accessible playground in
ease. So, it came as no surprise that both
W C Johnson Park in Collierville in 2003.
these women reprised their roles as hon-
RRI also started Ryan’s Haven, a respite
orary chairs for the third annual Women
program that provides special needs chil-
Against MS Luncheon at the U of M
The Name Friends Recommend many, and continuously raises money to find
Wendy Nations welcomed all to the afternoon filled with inspiration and lots of
funds scholarship programs for children with
artfully decorated cakes donated by local bak-
MS or children with parents who have MS
eries and on display at each table. Father
and provides emergency financial assistance,
Paul Christy of the Annunciation Greek
such as food, medical and utility costs. As
Orthodox Church gave the invocation before
Jim Ward, the Mid-South chapter president
lunch, but not without first saying, “When-
said, “We help people not have to make a
ever women unite themselves against any-
by audience members, who united for a
SEPTEMBER 2009
a cure for MS. The Mid-South chapter also
group smile, one of many to be had this day
39
thing, they’re going to win, so I’ve learned that I don’t want to be the thing they’re unitAnita and Dr. Santiago Vera
ing against.” This comment was well received
Holiday Inn. Tobin said, “MS affects women two
thanks to guest speaker Carrie Smith.
to three times more than men, but I want you to know that MS is not a death sentence. And, there are some benefits, like front row parking, great seats at sporting events, quick lines through airports and customs and you Cynthia Tobin and Ray Bellgrau
get to meet a whole new group of people.” For Tobin, this “new group of people” includes those involved with the Mid-
decision between food and medicine.” In that
South Chapter of the National Multiple
vein, hundreds of attendees contributed
Sclerosis Society, which currently represents
$35,00 to the cause, by attending the lunch-
7,400 people. The local chapter provides a
eon and purchasing items from the Artist
great wealth of resources and support to
Alley onsite.
Elizabeth Finch and Jim Ward
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Onsite
COMEC Treasure Hunt Groovin’ in the Garden Celebrity Putt Putt Tournament WUMR Jazz in June Kick-off
A
SEPTEMBER 2009
Terrance Bates, Bonny Kinney and Henry Rothenberg at Celebrity Putt Putt Tournament
Caleb, Jeff, Matt and Josh McCalla at Celebrity Putt Putt Tournament
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40
Taylor and Wanda Christian at COMEC Treasure Hunt
Chloe, Bryson and Terry Emehel and Jackson Smith at COMEC Treasure Hunt
lmost 400 adults and children plundered the Pink Palace at the third annual Commission on Missing and Exploited Children (COMEC) Treasure Hunt. Kindermusic Fun with Ms. Annette and Friends, Studio B and Collierville Arts Academy provided a high-energy spectacle for the younger set, who also had the opportunity to take photographs with look-a-like characters Backyard Friends” from In Character Productions and “B Shelby County firefighter Brent Perkins. Other activities included Chinese calligraphy by Da Adam Zhao and face painting by Party with Pickles. A big thanks goes to the Brunner Printing, Kiwanis Club, Memphis Auto Auction, Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart for sponsoring this treasure-filled fund-raiser. The River City Chapter of the Links, Incorporated hosted Groovin’ in the Garden to highlight the community’s artistic and musical talents, including student musicians of the Stax Music Academy. The Memphis Botanic Garden provided the theme-appropriate backdrop, while members showed appreciation for honoree Ashley Keith Davis, the Stax Music Academy’s artistic director, by presenting him with a $1,000 donation for the academy. Event proceeds benefit the River City Links community programs. More than 150 amateur putters made a stop at Golf and Games Family Park for the fifth annual Eyewitness News Celebrity Putt Putt Tournament. Cameron Harper hosted the afternoon affair that raised nearly $20,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Memphis. Other media personalities from the ABC-24 Eyewitness News team in attendance were Terrance Bates, Ari Bergeron, Jeni DiPrizio, Rae Lyn Hartley, Bonny Kinney and Henry Rothenberg. Local jazz station WUMR kicked off its Jazz in June Radiothon with an Evening of Jazz with Russell Wilson and Friends. The Ground Zero Blues Club hosted the musical affair headlined by Wilson, a U of M alumnus and jazz and classical pianist. Special guest artists included Joyce Cobb, Kelley Hurt, Chris Parker and Lenny McMillan. Event proceeds will go toward the Bob McDowell (a long-time WUMR station manager) Fund. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick and Maggie Squires Photos Submitted and by Tyrone Easley, Susan Prater and Alistair Windsor
Emma Jean Stotts, Miska Bibbs, Mae Martin, Jewel Wilburn and Stephanie Thornton at Groovin’ in the Garden
Staci Thomasson and LaShunda “Lady Jazz” Martin at WUMR Jazz in June Kick-off
Kelley Hurt and Chris Parker at WUMR Jazz in June Kick-off
“Babalu” Clay Yaeger, Russell Wilson and Lenny McMillan at WUMR Jazz in June Kick-off
Loyce Ryan, Cynthia Davis and Deborah Harris at Groovin’ in the Garden
Attendees J.R. and Stacy Deal, Pete and
A country music singer,
Rita Fischbach, Jeanne Peneguy, Karen Harder,
made the trip
Linda Hill, Cheryl Yates, Mike and Sherri Swindle
from Nashville to
and Joe and Melanie Andrews arrived in a mix of
Memphis to share
business suits and casual summer evening finery,
her personal expe-
many choosing to attend in the galaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s color palette
rienceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the good
of red, black and white. As one of the few family-
and the badâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;with
friendly events on Memphisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; social register, the
MS. She reminded
gala again welcomed youngsters in their Sunday Judy Gauthier and Suzanne Bowlin
suits and shined-up shoes.
Phentermine, Adipex, Ambien, and Other Prescription Medications Available
30-day supply of phentermine available in clinic for only $25
Free VIT B12 Shot for new patients
Each table was individually decorated with
self with people who understand what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going
carnations and lilies, tiny wooden toys, heart-
through is important, and to never underestimate
shaped balloons
the power of a positive attitude or prayer. Smith
and chocolates.
also entertained with a song she wrote about MS
Music from the
called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life Lines.â&#x20AC;?
deejay and cock-
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maybe someday we can all get together
tails from the
and talk about that disease that used to be,â&#x20AC;? she
open bar kept the
said in closing.
atmosphere light
Those helping fight MS included Dr.
Cordova Medical Clinic
and lively as
Santiago and
guests strolled
Anita Vera, Ray
about the silent
Bellgrau, Elizabeth
auction and the
Finch, Suzanne
buffet table of hot
Bowlin, Gretchen
hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ouevres featuring roast beef and horserad-
Reaves, Sandy
ish, pork loin and honey dijon, bleu cheese pin-
Gates, Diane
wheels and grilled veggies, among others. Some of
Markee, Cecile
the featured items up for bids included the Grantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
Nowak, Beth
Gala 2009 angel painting, a stunning oil on canvas Natasha Bowen and Miranda Harbor
'U -RKQ %LOOV -U 0' Sarah Piwonka and Mike Goughnour
by Memphis artist Connie Lampen, especially com-
Natasha Bowen,
missioned for this
Miranda Harbor, Donna Noelker and Janette
yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event.
Krauch.
41
GGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s -[\ !
of the Goughnour familyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;M Mike, Holly, Andrea,
-I\
Gracie, Richard,
Grantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gala benefiting the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heart Foundation
%RQQLH /DQH (1 block east of Corky's)
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Members Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Walk-Ins Welcome No Appointment Necessary Monday-Saturday www.cordovamedical.com
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Ellie, Trent and Kandy, to name a fewâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;hosted the gala, welcoming
It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yet Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, but there
guests Dan and
Karen Ivy and Danielle Romaguera
were hearts aplenty at the third annual Grantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
Stephanie
Gala benefiting the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heart Foundation
Messinger, Bill Gomila, Chris and Charlie Toups,
(CHF). The evening took place in the swanky
Karen Ivy, Danielle Romaguera, Chris and Allison
Hudson Ballroom at Central Station downtown.
Griffith, Chad Abbott, Tracey Clapp, Rob Burger
5WVLIa[ Â&#x2030; 0W\ ?QVO[
The CHF holds the event each year to raise money
and Sarah Piwonka.
""!& 9`fde`_ =VgVV DeV """ 4`cU`gR E? *!" (&) !!#* HR]\ :_d R_U E` 8` @cUVcd HV]T`^V
for research into the cause and cure of congenital
â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are excited to have the opportunity to
heart defects, such as the one that took the life of
assist in the funding of congenital heart defect
a newborn named Grant Goughnour.
research,â&#x20AC;? said Mike Goughnour. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We truly believe RSVPeople continued on page 50
SEPTEMBER 2009
surrounding your-
Marczynski,
Fastest Weight Loss Clinic In Town!
š<ISQVO 0W\ ?QVO[ \W I 0QOPMZ 4M^MTº
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EVENT
Bluesville Bash
BLUESVILLE BASH
Mike Miller Celebrity Charity Weekend
T
SEPTEMBER 2009
Jason Huhl and Amanda Kirk
Darcy Harlander and Dawn Renner
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42
hough NBA star Mike Miller, formerly with the Memphis Grizzlies, currently plays for the Washington Wizards, he still harbors a love for the Delta. Instead of moving his Mike Miller Celebrity Charity Weekend elsewhere, Miller returned to the Horseshoe Hotel and Casino in Tunica to continue this philanthropic tradition for a fifth year. One of five events scheduled for a weekend that typically includes a golf brunch and outing, a meet and greet reception, a celebrity brunch and a poker tournament, the Bluesville Bash remains the most formal of the festivities. For this year’s bash, Miller invited several UFC Fighter friends to attend and also brought along his personal service dog, a German shepherd named Apollo. Apollo, who has been with the Miller family for two years, more than got along with guests and another service dog, Ax, a 7-month-old German shepherd puppy up for auction. Service dog trainer Richard Clark even attended the occasion to answer any inquiring bidders’ questions. Hundreds of other guests attended the affair to raise funds for the Mike Miller Foundation beneficiaries. Since the foundation’s inception, nearly $2 million has been donated to various organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Make-A-Wish® Foundation, Porter-Leath Children’s Center, Sanford Children’s Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, to name a few. For this occasion, Miller showed his commitment to helping children with medical illnesses by sending a limo to Memphis’ Ronald McDonald House for special guest Carson Leslie, a 16-year-old boy diagnosed with cancer in 2006, and his mother. At the bash, Leslie took the stage to discuss his amazing battle with cancer and the recent news that three new tumors had appeared on his brain. Leslie added, “I’m telling you about the importance of donating money to cancer research tonight.” After Leslie’s candid talk, the Horseshoe Casino presented Miller with a $25,000 donation for his foundation, giving guests an added incentive to bid high in the live and silent auctions, which featured autographed sports memorabilia from Larry Bird’s Boston Celtics jersey to Brett Favre’s Green Bay Packers helmet. While the bids came in, the Nick Rallis Band entertained the crowd ready to celebrate. Miller said, “The reason we do this is to help the kids.” See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Paula Pickel and Ernie Barrasso
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Don Perry
Christi Hufford and Melissa Lucy
David Garland and Jeanette Hollowell
Beth and Joe Hill
Terry Smithson and Deana Sanford
C.B. Dollaway, Dave Martin and Ryan Bader
Mike and Jennifer Miller
pink palace museum
GLOBAL TALENT. LOCAL ESCAPE. OPERAMEMPHIS.org â&#x20AC;¢ 901.257.3100 COSI FAN TUTTE Germantown Performing Arts Centre October 31 & November 3, 2009
MADAME BUTTERFLY Orpheum Theatre April 17 & 20, 2010 Opera Memphis thanks our season sponsors:
photo by Sean Davis
i t â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s j a zz!
CREW TRAINING INTERNATIONAL
PINK PALACE MUSEUM 901.320.6320 At the
FHQWUDO $YHQXH Â&#x2021; 0(03+,6 71
::: 0(03+,6086(806 25*
cl a ssy
For underwriting information, call 901-678-2560 For 901-678-2560 Visit V isit us online at wumr wumr.memphis.edu .memphis.edu
Adams Foundation
43 RSVP
NOW PLAYING
SEPTEMBER 2009
ORPHEUS Clark Opera Memphis Center January 22-24 & 29-31, 2010
EVENT BLUESVILLE BASH
Kirby Houston with Beth and Mark Landers
SEPTEMBER 2009
Cindy Hoskins, Anita Trippett and Debra Beard
Dan and Katie Myers
Debi McCaffrey, Trish Tridente and DeeDee
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44
Larry and Penny Lewis
Sunny Billingsley, Darby Dowdell and Lauren Gardella
Will and Laura Gurner
Sandra King and Tamara Brown
Terri and Ray Winters with Petra and Mike Sneed
EVENT
All About
BLUESVILLE BASH
Me!
Women’s Women’ omen’ss App Ap Apparel Appar parel • Accesso Accessories ccessories ies • Jewelry Jeewelr Jewelr welry • Gifts G
LUNC LUNCH
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Shannon McGee 2465 Whitten Rd. Suite 108 Memphis, TN 38133
901.383.4610 newyousalon@bellsouth.net David and Sandy Gross
SPECIAL! L!
30% o off ff all Spanx products ducts and a Not Your Daughterss Jeans from 11:00a.m. - 1:3 1:30p.m. :30p.m. Poplar at Kirby next next to Swanky’s in Carrefour Carrefo rrefour 901-754-2642 Virginia Cifaldi ifaldi - Owner Own
Nancy Williams and Mike Beck
SEPTEMBER 2009
Mark Smith, Christopher Lee and Dexter Reed
Connections: Food BRIDGES, Inc. October 3, 7pm
Ron and Betty Marshak with David and Debbie Perry
Surprises for every palate with four original short dance works, each served with culinary creations from Memphis' top chefs. For information and tickets call 901-737-7322.
balletmemphis.org Gail and Mike Huey
Amy and Scott Nuccio
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45
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EVENT BLUESVILLE BASH Bonnie and Larry Reddmann
Shenea Mathews and Gary Rosenberg
THERE’S A NEW NEIGHBOR in your neighborhood. SEPTEMBER 2009
Now that I’m right here in your area, there’s no one better than a State Farm agent to serve your insurance needs. Call me today.
Mary, Judge Ellis and Mollie Darvey
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47
Parker Rhett, Agent 4515 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 38117 Bus: 901-680-7400 parker.rhett.rd95@statefarm.com
State Farm Insurance Companies Home Offices: Bloomington, IL statefarm.com®
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Brian Gossett and Brandee Loving
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Featuring Eyelash/Hair Extensions • Color Specialist Manicure/Pedicure • Lace Front Wigs Make Up Artist • Bridal Parties Full Makeovers Dianna Willis with Frank and Ellen Grisanti
1789 Kirby Parkway, Suite 10 • Germantown, TN 38138 901.624.8808
ONSITE
Onsite
Jones Clinic Art Exhibit Make-A-Wish Golf Classic Pairings Party Bastille Day Party
D
SEPTEMBER 2009
Lessie Rainey and Joe Barton at Bastille Day Party
RSVP
48 Brice Timmons and Jenifer Alvarez at Bastille Day Party
r. C. Michael Jones and the Jones Clinic hosted the Oncology on Canvas: biennial competition “O Expressions of a Cancer Journey.” For the national art exhibit’s stop in Memphis, the clinic held an opening reception, which was attended by local supporters, physicians and patients. Lilly USA partnered with The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, the oldest survivor led cancer advocacy group in the country, to present this special competition. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Mid-South and Rendezvous hosted a Pairings Party in advance of the 2009 Shaun Micheel Make-A-Wish Golf Classic. In addition to feasting on succulent smoked sausage and those famous ribs with all the sides, guests bid on auction items that included a NASCAR experience in Talladega, tickets and backstage passes to a performance by KISS and an at-home dinner party hosted by Nick and Jenny Vergos and Chef Stan Gibson. Gerry Finney and Doug Petty provided live music with the help of Micheel on guitar, and activities included Birdieball inflatable golf played in the alleyway outside the restaurant. Together, the tournament and Pairings Party raised more than $200,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Larry and Joy Rice opened their home to guests at the couple’s annual Bastille Day Party, a tradition that dates back to Larry’s days in law school. “Bastille Day was the closest holiday to the end of exams, and we needed an excuse to party,” he explains. Several years ago, however, the yearly soiree became an opportunity for charitable giving. This year, partygoers were again invited to contribute to the Memphis-based International Children’s Heart Foundation (ICHF), which provides life-saving cardiac surgeries to children around the globe. With catering by Neely’s Bar-B-Que, and ICHF President Bret Rodriguez helping out at the Bacardi bar, there was beaucoup joie de vive. So what if the evening had little to do with the fall of the Bastille? At least the wine was French! And in under an hour, guests’ contributions had already saved the life of a child.
Joel Kimbrough with Stephanie and Shaun Micheel at Make-A-Wish Golf Classic Pairings Party
Shirley, Sarah and Dan Mullally at Make-A-Wish Golf Classic Pairings Party
Story by Kelly Cox and Maggie Squires Photos Submitted and by Kelly Cox and Mangiante Photography Kristen Williams and Linda Mannerino at Make-A-Wish Golf Classic Pairings Party
Julia Wilson and Phillip Parker at Bastille Day Party
Judy Lutes, Claire Harrison, Brian Elder and Dr. C. Michael Jones at Jones Clinic Art Exhibit
Sandra Beatus, Tina Dickinson and Dr. Ben Beatus at Jones Clinic Art Exhibit
Anne and John Hambrick at Jones Clinic Art Exhibit
ONSITE
Onsite
Girls Inc. Celebration Luncheon RiverArtsFest Wine Tasting Summer in the City Fiesta
T
Barbara Clements and Bonnie Keene at RiverArtsFest Wine Tasting
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SEPTEMBER 2009
Jenny Wooten and Ada Askew at RiverArtsFest Wine Tasting
he “Strong, Smart, and Bold” Girls Incorporated (Girls Inc.) of Memphis held its annual Celebration Luncheon at Minglewood Hall. A total of 350 guests enjoyed the buffet that offered a tasty variety of food donated by A & R Barbecue, Westy’s, Catering for U, Wade and Company, Robert Hayes Catering, The Blue Monkey, Paula Deen Buffet and Big Ono Bake Shop. Stacie Waddell welcomed attendees to the occasion that Brittany Myers, Kristen Myers, Blake Waddell and Cami Harris highlighted Strong Award winner Dr. Shirley Hills, at Summer in the City Fiesta Smart Award winner Susan Stephenson and Bold Award winner Ruby Bright. The Corporate Camp for Entrepreneurs recipients were also announced, with Scholarship Award, awards going to Alexis Williams-S Lynn Thornton-C Challenger Award, Dennisha WilliamsShe’s on the Right Track Award and Tensia Leakes-G Girl of the Year Award. The event raised $56,000, which will support Girls Inc. programs. The RiverArtsFest Wine Tasting marked the debut of the first ever RiverArtsFest wine label. Created by artist John Robinette, the label appears on Healdsburg Wine Cellars’ chardonnay, cabernet and merlot wines, all on hand at the tasting in the South Main Historic District and available for purchase at area wine shops. Some 125 ARTitude members and their guests indulged in the affair that helped raise awareness and Leah Bray Nichols and Laura Allen $1,000 for the festival and the local arts community. at Summer in the City Fiesta 49 Nonprofit supporters turned up the heat during the 10th annual Summer in the City Fiesta held at Chickasaw Oaks Village. Volunteer Mid-South, an organization that matches volunteers with community service opportunities, hosted the Mexican-themed party that offered lots of muy caliente hors d’oeuvres from Just for Lunch, Stinky Gringo margaritas, salsa dancing by Godwin and Gitana and free massages courtesy of Calming Influence. Silent auction items also made a large appearance, with more than 100 items tempting guests to bid high for Volunteer Mid-South. Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick and Maggie Squires
Susie Bjorklund and Josh Woods at RiverArtsFest Wine Tasting
Bonnie Hollabaugh and Cathy Armstrong at Girls Inc. Celebration Luncheon
Mark Dean and Sherry Henson at Summer in the City Fiesta
Lilyan Taylor, Sabrina Washington, Margaret Walker and Champaign Freeman Deborah Hester Harrison, Victor Anderson and Lynn Beegle at Girls Inc. Celebration Luncheon at Girls Inc. Celebration Luncheon
continued from page 41
Memphis-MidSouth Affiliate of Susan G.
assuring the ladies, “We believe there will be
Komen for the Cure in Jones’ honor, the
a cure.” Between the gift-giving and uplift-
annual luncheon is held to celebrate survivors of breast cancer, to create awareness of the disease and to remember Jones, who survived breast cancer for 22 years until she lost her battle with Alzheimer’s in 2003. “It makes you feel important,” said 20-year breast cancer survivor Regina Allen, who has attended the event from its incepJeanne Peneguy and Karen Harder
it is the key to saving the lives of children Charlotte Tuggle and Sharon Henderson
born with this devastating disease.” Sponsors for the event were St. Jude
ing oratories, Memphis Oasis Band, which
Children’s Research Hospital, Mednikow
included Schwartzberg, completed the scene
Jewelers, William and Susan Gomila, Sylvan
with soft rock hits. And, attendees had the opportunity to participate in their own number, with a closing sing-along of “Happy
SEPTEMBER 2009
Trails.” Leigh Bynum and Anna Pechak
“This is just a feel-good luncheon, and it’s just so well done,” said Allen. Other attendees included Kara,
tion.
Sharon and Alison Schwartzberg, Bridgette
to a lunch of salad, chicken and pasta, green
Anderson, Dianna Davis, Joann Garner,
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beans and ice cream, while eagerly awaiting
Thelma Sharp, Charlotte Tuggle, Sharon
RSVP
The pink-clad cowpokes were treated
for the numbers on their pink tickets to be called by mistress of ceremonies Karen Andrea and Gracie Goughnour
Perrin. An array of door prizes in the form of spa treatments, artwork, clothing and
Learning Center, Don and Sharon Puryear
other accoutrement was dispersed among
and the Goughnour family. Story and photos by Jonathan Devin
Dottie N. Jones Survivor Luncheon “Blaze a Trail for the Cure”
Patty Wible and Patsy Barrow
Henderson, Patty Wible, Patsy Barrow, Thelma Mott, Dorothy Cantrell, Evelyn
“Yee-haw” was the word of the day for a particular group of Mid-South women
Simkin, Bobbie Wilons, Mural Dreaden, Kara, Sharon and Alison Schwartzberg
at the Dottie N. Jones Survivor Luncheon, held at the U of M Holiday Inn. Bedecked in all things pink, from handkerchiefs to cow-
Mary Rigney, Eddi Acor, Pansy Tomlinson, Leigh Bynum, Anna Pechak, Carolyn
the crowd. Further “yee-haws” were yelped
boy boots and hats that lit up, these women
between inspiring words spoken by Dr.
got in touch with their deepest buckaroo
Michael P. Berry, who told the ladies to “eat
Blaze a Trail for the side in order to help “B
dessert first,” and Dr. Lee S. Schwartzberg.
Cure” to breast cancer. Hosted by The
Jones’ husband, Jack Jones, also spoke,
Furlotte, Ellen Stucker, Sandra Jones, Beth Washington, Ava Jackson and Nina and Chasity Redden. Story and photos by Lesley Young
More than 200 bridge players played their cards right by heading to the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Bridge and More. The name of the game was fun, and that’s just what these ladies had as they settled in at Kingsway Christian Church in Germantown for several hours of competition. Arlene Southern and Anne West organized
Hilda Mullen and Nelda Hamer
Nancy Walker and Kitty Strub. Helen Gaines organized the fashion show, and Ashley Hutchison of Chico’s was on hand to describe the ensembles modeled on the red carpet, brought in special for the occasion. Event organizers also treated guests to favors by Gould’s and lots of door prizes. Bridge picked up after lunch, and when Arlene Southern, Carol Wolf and Anne West
the festivities that kicked off at 10 a.m., when players found their way to tables of four. The action held strong until lunchtime, as other guests joined the ranks for a meal catered by Holiday Deli
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& Ham Co. Sitting at tables adorned with gold, red
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and black balloons, guests dined on chicken salad
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on croissants, pimiento cheese sandwiches, potato
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salad and oatmeal raisin cookies. Salvation Army
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attendees finished, all left home with a prize thanks to the complimentary “Bridge is Cool” tee shirts guests snagged. Those enjoying the loot included Shirley Henry, Priscilla Hoge, Becky Dickey, Carol Wolf, Hilda Mullen, Nelda Hamer, Marilyn Powell, Jane Eveland, Betty Gray, Shirley Marshall, Sherrye Willis, Nan Landess, Betty Lu Jones and Blanche Tosh. Lieutenant Bethany Burns and Captain Melissa Irvin
Mark your calendar for the next Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary function, scheduled for noon on September 9 at the U of M Holiday Inn.
representatives like Lieutenant Bethany Burns,
This fall fund-raiser is themed “God Bless
Captain Melissa Irvin and Major Rhea Dawn
America,” and Deena Burnett Bailey, co-author of
Woodcock helped out with serving food and
Fighting Back: Living Beyond Ourselves, will be
drinks.
the guest speaker.
During the break, some perused silent auction items for the white elephant sale, while others
Arbors of River Oaks 225 Arbor Common Circle Memphis, TN 38120
901.747.2011 www.ArborsRiverOaks.com riveroaks@fogelman-properties.com
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
SEPTEMBER 2009
Dianne Champlin, Jane Hodge, Glenda Brooks,
51 RSVP
iary members Fran Jabbour, Jeannine Blackwell,
Arbors of River Oaks
checked out the season’s styles modeled by auxil-
Newly Redesigned Apartments & Townhomes
Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Bridge and More
RSV PHILLIPPI
By Dennis Phillippi
ONCE AGAIN, LET ME HELP YOU RAISE YOUR KIDS
SEPTEMBER 2009
T
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here’s an elementary school down the street from our house, and as I was trapped, waiting for a crossing guard moving so slowly I thought she might have been trapped in amber, my mind drifted back to the first few years of school. Mind you, this was a different time. I mean, a really different time. It was 1969. 1969 is as different from 2009 as your home computer is from the Rosetta Stone. It’s as different as Paris Hilton is from Stephen Hawking. It’s as different as your shiny flat screen TV is from the massive console number your parents had that someone could stand on to change a light bulb. I can clearly remember being in the first grade, Mrs. Morris’ class, and learning the alphabet. If someone in our generation sent his or her kid to the first grade without knowing the alphabet, they’d get a phone call from Child Services. We didn’t really learn much else either. For the most part, we ran around in circles, napped and then ran around in circles outside. There was no such thing as organized activities for 6 year olds when I was one. Not that I remember anyway. The closest thing we had was a good game of Red Rover, and if an adult saw a group of kids playing Red Rover now, they’d blow a fuse. They’d canvas the neighborhood to find the evil individual who informed children, children, that such a game even existed. To refresh, in case there’s someone out there who doesn’t remember this particular brutality, Red Rover involved two lines of children, each group holding hands, standing far enough apart for someone running from one to the other to reach a full sprint. One line would choose the smallest kid they could from the other, say, oh I don’t know, me. They would then chant, in the most demonic voices possible, “Red Rover, Red Rover, send Dennis right over.” At that point, I would run as fast as my scrawny legs would carry me, trying to myopically find the weakest link in their human chain, and bust through.
Inevitably I was clotheslined. Then they would pick another kid. Kids today, and I feel awful for even using that phrase, would never be allowed to play a game that involved culling the weakest anything, much less the possibility of a broken wrist. As I remember it, trying to break someone’s wrist was the point of Red Rover. There were millions of other games that have met similar cultural obliteration. There was one that involved spinning
As I remember it, trying to break someone’s wrist was the point of Red Rover. someone at arm’s length as fast as possible, then releasing him or her to careen into a pack of scattering kids. It had some kind of human bowling name as I recall. There was Dodge Ball. There were gumball fights, acorn wars and dirt clod battles. Full-on melees that earned kids stitches, scars and the most coveted of all, casts. In my era, you hadn’t had a childhood until you’d had a broken limb. The amount of signatures on your leg cast showed how popular you were. The absence of signatures was a ticket to being called first for Red Rover as soon as you could play again. This was all the process of learning the rules of engagement you would use for a lifetime. If you knew a kid who could stop just about anyone in Red Rover, you knew someone who was going to go far in life. You also knew someone you could hide behind. Knowing a big kid to hide behind is a valuable lesson. That’s how you avoided getting beaten up. Learning who to hide behind to keep from getting pounded by an outsized opponent is important in life. You still do it, you just don’t realize it. Every guy my age was beaten up at one time or another. That was the world in the 1960s. That was the world in the
1450s. That was the world in the must-killbear-with-rock 50s. It’s not something of which any of us are proud. Getting beaten up is as humiliating as it gets. Mine happened at the Dead End. It was just that, a dead end street that stopped at some woods near my house. It’s where all the older kids hung out to do whatever they did in those days. I was probably about 9. Who the other kid was is lost to my memory, erased along with the names and faces of everyone else who ever dealt my ego a body blow. What I do recall was that it was a scheduled bout. For some reason, we had decided we had to fight, and set it up for an afternoon, at the Dead End. To be honest, I was pretty excited. Having never been in a fight, I naturally assumed I would win easily. I had been watching “Kung Fu” a lot, and I had seen at least some of a Billy Jack movie. With that kind of training and research on my side, how could I fail? Quickly and embarrassingly, as it turns out. Not that the other kid was some future Gold Gloves boxer, he was just bigger than me, had been in fights before and was able to instantly induce a state of total panic in me that resulted in a duck and cover strategy that added in a nice sprinkling of mocking laughter from the onlookers as the brute made me kiss gravel. Who knows if getting my whuppin made me a better person? All I know is I don’t have any friends who are aware of their child getting one, and to be honest, their kids make me want to beat them up. It’s not appropriate for an adult to beat up children, so I don’t, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to. Learning humility from a teacher, or out of a book, is not the same thing as having a big kid sit on your head. It’s just not.
It was a hard-knock life for young Dennis Phillippi at the Dead End, but he took his hits with pride. If you ever get a chance to meet RSVP’s resident comedian, remember to laugh at his jokes, and not his jack-olantern grin. Gravel’s tough!
RSVPAST
Office Party
SEPTEMBER 2009
1960
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I
n 1960, the management of the Quaker Oats Company Chemical Plant, located on Chelsea Avenue, sponsored a luncheon for the ladies of its office staff. The three women who are seated on the inside left are Anita Spencer Collins, Norma Farris and Mary Helen Sartain. Ila Huff served as the guest speaker at the luncheon. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANITA COLLINS If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Leah Fitzpatrick at 276-7787 ext. 105 or e-mail the photo and caption to editor@rsvpmagazine.com All photos will be returned promptly.
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