Live at the Garden
SportsBall
Sparkling Nights
195 W. Chickasaw Parkway
1908 Hazelton
2943 Tishomingo Road
Memphis, TN 38111
Germantown, TN 38138
Memphis, TN 38111
$650,000
$649,900
$950,000
REDUCED! You are going to love this incredible, updated 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath Chickasaw Gardens home! 2 bedroom, 2.5 baths down and study down, master bedroom up and down. All bedrooms have private bath. Open kitchen to keeping room. Gated for security. Check out YouTube video!
Pristine Kostka-built home in Nottoway gated community. Beautiful hardwood throughout downstairs. Formal study or music room with built-ins. Separate dining room. Chef ’s kitchen with Bosch-Wolf-Sub-zero appliances & granite, butler’s pantry. Large master bedroom down with luxury bath and huge closet, 3 bedrooms up (all ensuite baths). Big flex room up. Huge walk-in attic, cedar closet, 3-car garage….you just have to see it.
NEW PRICE! Beautiful Renovation with AMAZING GUEST HOUSE. This is Chickasaw Gardens at it's finest! Two Master suites, finishes include Thassos marble vanity, Waterworks fixtures and custom lighting. All bedrooms have new en suite luxury baths.This exceptional guest house is complete with pine floors, vintage beams and two baths. Take a stroll around the lake to meet your neighbors and enjoy the lifestyle of Chickasaw Gardens.
Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist ©
Bill Maury 901.751.4311 maury@ collins-maury.com
Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist ©
Alta Simpson 901.484.6040 alta.simpson@ collins-maury.com
5404 N. Clover Drive
100 E Parkway Ave N
Memphis, TN 38120
Memphis, TN 38104
$999,900
Highly desirable private East Memphis location! Gorgeous custom 5 Bedroom home on beautiful 1 acre lot! Fantastic floor plan with 2 bedrooms down including luxury master suite. 4 full baths, 2 half baths, Butler’s pantry, great laundry room, bonus and office! Very open living space! Upscale kitchen with huge island opens to hearth room with cathedral ceiling and stonework. Extensive built-ins and custom features throughout. Back stairs to large expandable area. New roof 2018! Gorgeous windows with views of the grounds all around! Must see! Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist ©
Sally Isom 901.219.8882 isom@ collins-maury.com
Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist ©
Milleigh Pearson 901.550.1517 Pearson@ collins-maury.com
! LD You O S nk a Th
Alie Jones 901.550.5235
Janey Outlan 901.487.3292
Mary Williams 901.283.7795
Nancy Huddleston 901.484.9494
Lexie Johnston 901.489.1604
Barbara Weir 901.412.7489
“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the Paysons and Amazon.com with another successful corporate relocation. Collaboration, clear communication and respecting my client’s time are important factors in a smooth real estate transaction. These factors, combined with my Global Luxury marketing campaigns, sold the Property. Thank you both!” Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist ©
Jason Gaia 901.338.6677 jason@ jasongaiateam.com
Collins-Maury.com 5865 Ridgeway Center Pkwy Ste. 105 Memphis, TN 38120 901.259.8550
3276 Goodman Rd. Southaven,MS 38672 662.548.2000
968 Civic Center Drive Ste. 103 Collierville, TN 38017 901.259.8500
CONTENTS September 2018
Features
Signature Memphis • 12 Carol Coletta Believes Memphis has every right to be one of America’s great cities
StreetSeen • 18 Scott Lisenby Small family urban farm 'mushrooms' in Memphis
StreetSeen • 20
RSVPhillippi • 49
Jeff Powell
Panda on the Exit Row
Longtime local musician a master in the dying art of cutting vinyl
,Federal law guarantees theright to fly with a support animal — even your pet anaconda
Events
Elisa Barassi and Louis Sanchez
Memphis Moments • 22, 24, 25, 32, 33, 40, 41, 42, 44, 46 & 47 4
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Sonja Redding and Jeremy McNutt
Live at the Garden • 14 Summer Concert Series
Lacey and Mike Acuff
SportsBall • 30 Games for Grown-ups, Futures for Kids
Rod Murphy and Janet Ross
Sparkling Nights • 34 Supporting SRVS for 20 years
Cover Photo: Maria and Dustin Starr at SportsBall. Photo by Don Perry
A boutique for the selective shopper
RSVP Staff Volume XXIIII • Number IX
September 2018 Publisher Roy Haithcock
Chris Pugh
Account Executive Chris has been exercising his talent in the advertising world since 1999. He joined the RSVP team in 2009 and brought with him a love for laughter and creativity. Originally from New Albany, Mississippi, Chris has settled in Memphis and enjoys being active in the fashion community.
Editor Emily Adams Keplinger Copy Editor/Accounting Ruth Cassin Contributing Writers Bill Bannister Virginia M. Davis Dennis Phillippi Gaye Swan Art Director Kim Coleman Photographers Don Perry Steve Roberts Account Executives Chris Pugh Carter Davis
Carter Davis
Account Executive
Trunk Show September 27
10-5
Carter is native Memphian and a veteran of the broadcast industry, and magazine publishing. He is also a freelance voiceover talent and can be heard on WKNO 91.1FM on Sundays. Carter is an avid animal lover and likes to work with aquariums as a hobby. He enjoys his East Memphis home with his wife and 2 dogs, and 6 cats.
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:
Kim Coleman Art Director
GERMANTOWN COLLECTION / 7820 POPLAR AVE #3 / GERMANTOWN TN 38138 / 901.754.0018
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Kim oversees all visual aspects of the magazine — advertising and editorial. Her career encompasses working with both print and digital media for magazines, newspapers and e-publications. Kim and her husband are raising their two children in the Cooper-Young area where their family enjoys the artistic atmosphere and entrepreneurial spirit of Midtown.
RSVP Memphis Magazine
Copyright 2018 Haithcock Communications, Inc.
From the Editor
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September
W
e’ve reached the month of September, ninth month of the year. That fact alone gives us reason to pause and reassess how our year is going so far. There’s still time to work in some of those things you’ve been wanting to do, but you don’t have to feel like you are in a frenzy to get it done all at once. September has always been one of my favorite months, partially because it showcases my favorite color — blue. Think sapphires, morning glories and forget-me-nots. There’s also another kind of blue that comes to mind — Tiger Blue. As the football season kicks-off, the fun of tailgating and reuniting with friends becomes an almost weekly ritual. And I appreciate September as a period of transition where we weave our way through the last days of Summer and feel the cooler breezes of Fall begin to settle in towards the end of the month. At this time of year outdoor festivals and fairs begin to take center stage on our calendars. Events will take place across our community with the Memphis Music & Heritage Festival on Sept. 2 & 3 and the Levitt Shell’s free music fall concert series starting on Sept. 6. Looking for something wth a distinctively local flavor? The 28th annual International Goat Day Festival will take place in Millington on Sept. 8 & 9 and the Germantown Festival, also Sept. 8 & 9, will be back with its car show and popular Weenie Dog Races. The middle of the month will see Midtown playing host to the 30th annual Cooper-Young Art Festival on September 15. This event draws quite a crowd with its eclectic mix of art, crafts and music. At the end of the month, the Bartlett Festival will take place Sept. 28 & 29 and include a barbecue contest and car show. For music lovers, Gonerfest, Sept. 27-30, will serve up several days of music from around the world with more than 30 bands. Nighttime performances will be at The Hi Tone and day shows will be held around town at Memphis Made Brewery, Murphy’s and the gazebo in Cooper-Young. And last, but certainly not least, for a full day of cultural immersion check out the Memphis Japan Festival on Sept. 30 at the Memphis Botanic Garden.
Emily Adams Keplinger editor@rsvpmagazine.com
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t ac ntr o rc de n U
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
66 Monroe Ave RG 6 &7
717 Riverside Drive #1103
2 BR/3.2 BA in historic Shrine Building
2BR/2BA + Flex Room in the Artesian
$524,900
$399,900
r de Un
ct tra n co
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
3599 Golf Walk Circle E.
602 Tennessee St. #204
5 BR/5.1 BA in Southwind
3BR/2.5BA in City Commons
$839,900
$274,900
SOLD ys da 3 in ld So
717 Riverside Drive #1106 in the Artesian
ys da 9 in ld So
1611 Vinton Ave. in Central Gardens
50 Gayoso Ave. #406 in Barton Flats
Mike Parker, ABR, GRI
Affiliate Broker, Multi-Million Dollar Lifetime Member
c. 901-277-7275 o. 901.682.1868 mikeparker-realtor.com mparker@m-brealtors.com Since 1868
1 in d l So
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Signature Memphis
September
Carol Coletta President, Memphis River Parks Partnership (and Senior Fellow, The Kresge Foundation) Hometown: Memphis Favorite Song: “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green Your Best Quality: I am endlessly optimistic and have my dad’s work ethic A Nonliving Celebrity/Role Model You Would Invite Jane Jacobs, the great urbanist
to
Dinner:
Your Favorite Memphis “Thang”: Memphis basketball Best
kept secret in
Memphis: The sunflower field I can see across the river from
my office window. To walk through that field is magical.
Favorite Place
to
Travel: Chicago. I never get tired of it and consider myself
lucky to have lived there.
Best Memphis Hangout: FedEx Forum when a basketball game is underway First Car You Owned: I’m not sure I’ve ever owned a car. My favorite lease was my black Jaguar. I haven’t had a car since because no car was ever as beautiful.
Most Underrated Asset
in Memphis: MLK Park in South Memphis. It has a beautiful old forest 10 minutes from downtown on a slow bike. Most Memphians don’t even know it exists.
Place You Go
to
Think: Any walk through any city – including this one – sparks
my thinking. A blank notebook also helps.
Best Advice You Ever Got: People don’t want to hear your story. They want to hear their story.
Your Most Annoying Habit: I just can’t seem to resist picking up trash in parks and on sidewalks. Maybe I missed my calling. more beautiful.
of
Your Day: Sunsets on our riverfront. It’s hard to find anything
Proudest Moment
of
Your Life: I have lots of satisfying, happy, even thrilling
moments. I don’t think in terms of “proud” moments.
One Goal You’d Still Like
to
Accomplish: Memphis has every opportunity
and every right to be one of America’s great cities. Making a riverfront and a downtown that together telegraph our ambitions as a city is an essential step toward that goal.
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Photo by Steve Roberts
The Highlight
interior design • linens • gifts • wedding registry
The Shops of Chickasaw Oaks • 3080 Poplar Avenue 901.452.5575 • lisamallorydesign.com
Live at the Garden
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September
Live at the Garden
I Carol Ann and Steve Entwisle
Leslie Vescovo and Cheryl Bader
Summer Concert Series
t was a night of retro reverie as hundreds of people flocked to the Memphis Botanic Garden to enjoy an evening under the stars with not one, but two, iconic new wave bands — Boy George & Culture Club and The B-52s. The concert was part of this summer’s Live at the Garden lineup. “It is always our intent to offer different genres of music among the 5-show series, and this year’s lineup is a great representation of that goal. It’s awesome to see Memphians get excited about the concerts. With Boy George & Culture Club and The B-52s, this was our third sold out show of the season,” said Sherry May, co-director of Live at the Garden - Memphis. Some concert-goers came with tables and chairs, others brought blankets and quilts, but all of them set up on the garden’s lawn for an evening of entertainment. There were also reserved tables in front of the stage that offered VIP seating. Along with a choice spot on the lawn, guests in that area were also treated to a light supper provided by Agave Maria. The buffet included ceviche, elote, charro beans, Southwestern egg rolls, and tacos with shredded brisket and shredded chicken.
Setting the tone for a fun and funky flashback, The B-52s took the stage and wowed the crowd with their signature new wave sound, often described as a combination of dance and surf music. It seemed everyone was singing along to hits like “Rock Lobster,” “Planet Claire,” “Hot Lava,” and “Mesopotamia.” People got to their feet to groove as the band closed their set with “Love Shack.” George Alan O’Dowd (aka Boy George) warmly greeted the sea of people, thanking them for coming out on such a hot night to hear “a Funk, Punk and Reggae combo band from the UK.” Boy George & Culture Club, considered by many to be one of the most influential groups of the 1980s, took the crowd on a nostalgic trip with tunes “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me,” “I’ll Tumble For YouTime,” “Karma Chameleon,” and “It’s a Miracle.” “Now in its 18th year, our Live at the Garden concert series is a musiclover’s dream come true,” said May. “This summer the last show will be on September 7. All proceeds from the Live at the Garden concert series benefit the mission of the Memphis Botanic Garden.”
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Story by Emily Adams Keplinger Photos by Don Perry
Kim Harrison and Rhonda Bagwell
Dennis Rainey and Angela Brower
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Rod and Jessica Barron
Diane Jalfon and Daniel Weickenand
Matt Gossett and Kim Clark
Josh Stephany and Lauren Graf
Rachael O’Dea and Laura Doyle
Sunny Meadows Safe Haven for Pets is the largest no-kill rescue in the Mid-South. We are lucky enough to have a large facility where we house most of our animals until they find a new forever home.
Glo
Otis
Jackie
Vinnie
Harlem
Meesha
Please help us find our forever home
Oliver
Henry & Melvyn
Bandit
4066 New Getwell Rd. Memphis, TN 38118 tnsafehavenforpets@yahoo.com ° sunnymeadows.org
Louise
Ladybug
Willow
Punkin
Casey
Sassy
Greta
just trying to help all the animals we can. We take pride in knowing all we can know about our current furry residents so we can help match them with the ideal family and make that transition as smooth as possible.
Live at the Garden
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September
Steve West and Pamela Hauber
Peter and Judy Felsenthal with Tina and Neal McConnico
Dr. Kristen and Dennis Ring
Alice Higdon and Daniel Reid
Judy Gauthier and Bobby and Janette Krauch
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Kip and Shannon Barnett
Lisa and Hugh Mallory
Al and Jan Lyons
Marcia and Ford Bolton
Mary Beth Sclater, Cyndi Sinclair, Maggie Garcia, Katrina Perdue and Rita Jorgensen
September
Terri Baker with Dr. Dale and Dawn Criner
Live at the Garden
Jim Moton, Anne Wesberry, Robert Douglass and Christian Smith
Philip Rencher and Janice Jones
Catherine Arick and Dana Guzzo
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Kevin Bernstein and Dana Terle
Rhonda Garvey and Kathy McFall
Bethany McRae, Thomas Holmes, Amy Strickland and Caitlin Lockerbie
Ed Autry and Hannah Blevins
Dave and Kim Fleming with Angie and Eddie Conner
September 2018
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SCOTT LISENBY Bluff City Fungi Story by Emily Adams Keplinger | Photos by Steve Roberts
September
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A
small urban family farm is literally “mushrooming” in the University of Memphis area. Scott Lisenby has taken a hobby interest and grown it into a business that now boasts the largest variety of produce of its kind in the Mid-South — fungi, better known as mushrooms.
Lisenby grew up in Memphis and says he always liked gardening. However, his keen interest in horticulture only started about six or seven years ago. “I wanted to grow my own food,” said Lisenby. “So a partner (Sarah Link) and I hooked up with the folks running the Roots Memphis Farm Academy, a farm incubator. They taught the business basics, then gave us a plot of land where we could work out our business plan.” Lisenby and Link started Mycofloral, a produce and flower farm. But after about two years, they felt they had outgrown the program and dissolved their farm. “We both hung up our farmer’s hats and took up regular day jobs again,” recalled Lisenby. “I enjoyed working in food service and catering, but I still wanted to work for myself. I set aside part of my paychecks to buy the supplies I needed to build a mushroom farm. I was renting a house in the Berclair area and the landlord let me set up a greenhouse in the backyard.” Lisenby continued, “At the time I was a server at The Kitchen at Shelby Farms Park. The chef was Dennis Phelps, who turned out to be a mushroom fanatic. He allowed me to bring some in for him to try in the restaurant. That led to weekly deliveries and to The Kitchen becoming my first customer.” From that connection in the Fall of 2016, Lisenby said he realized that he was offering something unique. For one thing, Oyster Mushrooms, the variety
that has served as the base upon which Lisenby has built his farm, don’t ship well. Translation — growing them locally gave Lisenby an edge over other commercial growers. That first account gave Lisenby the encouragement he needed to pursue his dream and to have faith that he could make a reasonable income. “From there I started experimenting with varieties that are a little harder to cultivate; Shiitake, King Trumpet, Lion’s Mane and Chestnut Mushrooms,” said Lisenby. “I started selling to The Curb Market, Miss Cordelia’s, The Farmer and even Super-Lo. And to sell directly to the public, I participated in the Cooper-Young Farmers Market and the Memphis Farmers Market.” It was at the markets that Lisenby was able to foster his mission of educating others about the value of mushrooms, with a goal of making them household staples rather than specialty items. “Mushrooms are an excellent exchange for meat,” explained Lisenby. “They are very high in protein and low in fat, and they provide trace minerals that are important in a healthy diet. Some varieties have medicinal properties as well. There
are endless options for incorporating mushrooms into meals, including spaghetti sauces, soups and stews, even vegan-friendly crab cakes.” For now, Bluff City Fungi has taken up residence in the backyard of family owned house where the mushrooms are grown in greenhouses using vertical farming techniques. Lisenby oversees daily operations and works to cultivate relationships with area chefs, while his mother, Patti Young, manages deliveries and the farmers market business. “We’ve been in operation for about two years, and we’re just emerging from the pilot phase, hoping to take business to the next level,” said Lisenby. “My dream is to move into a dedicated warehouse space that offers more room for expansion. I want us to be ‘The Mushroom People’ of Memphis and the Mid-South.”
“There are endless options for incorporating mushrooms into meals, including spaghetti sauces, soups and stews, even veganfriendly crab cakes.”
For more information about Scott Lisenby and his mushroom farm, check out https://www.facebook. com/bluffcityfungi/ or bluffcityfungi on Instagram. Or contact Lisenby at bluffcityfungi@outlook.com.
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JEFF POWELL Story by Emily Adams Keplinger Photos by Steve Roberts
Steeped in the Dying Art of Mastering Vinyl
September
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StreetSeen
J
eff Powell has been a part of the Memphis music scene for over 30 years. He moved to Memphis in 1987 to attend Memphis State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in recording technology. While going to school, he started working at Kiva Studio, a business owned by Gary Belz that became known as House of Blues. Starting as an intern, over the course of two years, Powell worked his way up to becoming an assistant engineer. Then in 1989, Powell was hired by Ardent as a staff engineer/mixer and ultimately became a staff producer. “Most of my time at Ardent was spent working as a staff engineer and producer,” recalled Powell. “It was there that I also learned a new skill that changed my career forever — I learned how to cut vinyl. In 2008, I started my own business, Take Out Vinyl, but Ardent was still my home base for recording and producing.” Powell’s career highlights have included recording records for The Allman Brothers Band, B.B. King and Bob Dylan, just to name a few. Powell continued, “It was a case of being in the right place at the right time. Ardent had the equipment, a lathe. Not just any lathe — it happened to be the original STAX lathe. And they also had famed Stax/Ardent mastering engineer Larry Nix. I was lucky to apprentice under Larry because there’s not a book you can read to learn how to cut vinyl, it just takes a lots of practice.” In 2015, Powell bought his own equipment, a classic Neumann VMS 70 lathe, and subsequently moved into the iconic Sam Phillips Studio. “The place was largely unchanged since 1959, but they let me redesign the old Studio B control room, which I built it into my lathe room,” said Powell. “The first record I cut was on the Shangrila label, a soundtrack of a Memphis wrestling movie. Since then I’ve cut over 1,000 records, including Elvis Presley’s reissued records, like ‘The Wonder of You’ which just went platinum, and Al Green’s Greatest Hits (I’ve done that one twice).” Powell explained that cutting vinyl is quite involved, and the required skill set is a dying art. The entire process, from getting the master digital files from an artist or a producer to having the final cuts stamped out as vinyl records, takes three to four months.
“It’s fun, it’s challenging and it’s definitely high stress, but so worth it when it comes back right,” said Powell. “When I started playing vinyl again, I realized how much I enjoyed it. It is an all together different listening experience. Now the younger kids are keeping vinyl vibrant. I’ve heard predictions that downloading music will be a thing of the past soon. Most people will purchase their music through streaming services; however, vinyl, which crossed the $1 billion mark last year, will be the main physical medium.” As the only person cutting vinyl in this area, it is easy to understand how this endeavor has become the mainstay of Powell’s career. “I still produce and engineer records now and then, but mostly I
“When I started playing vinyl again, I realized how much I enjoyed it. It is an all together different listening experience. Now the younger kids are keeping vinyl vibrant.”
stay busy with cutting vinyl,” said Powell. “I’ve been thrilled to work on multiple gold and platinum records, as well as six Grammywinning projects. I have chaired the Producer and Engineering wing for the Memphis Chapter of NARAS and currently serve on their Board of Governors.” When asked what’s next on his horizon, Powell said, “In October, I’m going to be a panelist at an annual vinyl convention hosted by Jack White in Detroit. And I have just cut a boxed set of all of Al Green’s singles (52 songs) on 7-inch 45’s scheduled to come out on Black Friday in November, just in time for the holidays. That is a day that record shops all across the country, including Goner Records and Shangri-La, have special releases.”
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Memphis Moment
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September
Literatini 2018 A Novel Approach to Fundraising
W
hat better place to stage a fundraiser for literacy than in a bookstore? And that’s just what Literacy Mid-South did for the Literatini event held at Novel. The evening was presented by Marx-Bensdorf Realtors Ashley Bonds and David Tester. In addition to proceeds from ticket sales, funds were raised through a silent auction. “All proceeds from this event go directly to supporting our Adult Learning Program,” explained Knox Shelton, Executive Director of Literacy Mid-South. Attendees enjoyed sampling cocktails from Libro, as well as Kooky Canuk, Loflin Yard, Memphis Bar Ties, Pontotoc Lounge, RP Tracks, Silly Goose, Slider Inn and Literacy Mid-South. Using tickets as votes, the crowd let their preferences be known, choosing “The Book Worm,” a gin-based concoction served by Cady Smith of Pontotoc Lounge, as this year’s People’s Choice Literatini Champion, and vodka-based “This is What’s Good” served by Mary Oglesby of Loflin Yard as the favorite of the judges. Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger Luke Robbins and Joanne Van Zandt
Amelia Crowley, Patrick Crowley and Shali Ledbetter Atkinson
Raina Burditt, Laura Burditt and Cynthia Saatkamp
Adam Johnson and Kelly Wallace
Knox Shelton, David Tester and Ashley Bonds
Mary Oglesby and Cady Smith
Tara Bolton and Jesse Keenan
Andrew and Meredith Sprecher
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Elisa Barassi and Louis Sanchez
September 2018
Darcy Raches and Matthew John
Emily Draffen and Nicole Yasinsky
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September 2018
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Memphis Moment
•
September
Memphis Italian Fest 2018 A Taste of Italy in the South
F
or three fun-filled days, guests to Marquette Park had the chance to have a taste of Italy without traveling farther than East Memphis. It was the 29th year for this Memphis festival, which celebrates ItalianAmerican heritage. “The Memphis Italian Festival demonstrates the values of family, faith and fellowship in the Italian-American tradition,” said Kristyn Jones, who chaired the event’s VIP area. “The Memphis Italian Festival presents family-oriented fun in music, food, events, games, and more for the benefit of the children of Holy Rosary Parish School.” Activities included local and national musical acts, arts & crafts, Italian cooking contests, chef demonstrations, games and Midway rides for kids, grape stomping, a volleyball tournament, and both a competitive and a recreational bocce tournament. Pizza tossing with Mike Garibaldi, along with Luigi’s Cafe and Wine Garden, and Italian and American food concessions offered the flavor of Italy for everyone to enjoy. Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger Janet Ault and Melinda Waddell
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Katie Gronostaj, Michael Rochelle and Jamie Glenn
Lucy Brennan and Christian Igleheart
Chuck Fisher and Grace Uhlhorn
Borja and Nathalia Garcia
Madalyn Durgin and Abby Shaffo
Amanda Villani and Sarah Lichterman
Lauren Boone and Kelsey Lantrip
Brittany Noggle and David Hooper
Amber Isom-Thompson and Clara Thompson
Kali Haire and Caroline Yobak
Mary Breen and Dave Smith
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LAUREN HARKINS WIUFF
2018 MAAR President
EILEEN CHERNY
Benny Carter
Fontaine Brown
Jeanne Arthur
Steve Bearman
EAST ME
Managing Broker
crye-leike.com
Tommie Criswell
Didi Dwyer
Loura Edmondson
75 Brighton Cove $775,000 Candy Uhlhorn 901-786-8356
3030 Gardens Way $469,900 Blake Sternberger 901-827-5237
191 South Per $600, Jeanne Arthur
Janie Hopkins
SOLD Barb Frazer
Nick French
SOLD 318 Anglewood Circle West $769,000 Trey Hogue 901-652-3644
5741 Barfield Circle #22 $140,000 Jan Gordon 901-335-5264
Jan Gordon
Walker Hays
Trey Hogue
Sylvia Joure
1938 Laur $435,0 Clara Yerger 9
585 South Perk
EMPHIS
m | 901.766.9004
Camille Zanone
Clara Yerger
Michael Varner
Candy Uhlhorn
Carol K. Stout
Blake Sternberger
SOLD
rkins Road ,000 901-634-2800
214 Lemaster Street $310,000 Barb Frazer 901-409-2528
638 Azalea Terrace Circle $340,000 Jan Gordon 901-335-5264
Martha Robertson
Suzanne Plyler
SOLD
rel Lane 000 901-834-0099
SOLD 9045 Winston Woods Circle North $975,000 Candy Uhlhorn 901-786-8356
kins, Memphis, TN 38117
Joy Kimbrough
SOLD 1747 North Parkway Avenue $225,000 Trey Hogue 901-652-3644
Nan Lee
Toni Martello
Jim Pascover
Jeanne Nixon
SportsBall
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September
SportsBall 2018
I Jason and Erin Munz
Allison and Isaac Erickson
Games for Grown-ups, Futures for Kids
n Memphis as many as 45,000 kids between the ages of 16 and 24 fall into the category of youth who are not in school and not working. It is those “opportunity youth” who are served by the many programs implemented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mid-South (BBBS). The SportsBall is the biggest annual fundraiser for BBBS and this year’s event was held at the Memphis headquarters of Nike. 2018 SportsBall hosts were local sports writer/reporter Geoff Calkins and his producer Jeffrey Wright. The event brought together more than 500 supporters who walked the red carpet of the Oscar -themed venue in black tie and sneakers to kick up their heels and raise money for the important work of providing resources that enhance the quality of life for so many area young people living on the margins of our society. Each guest was greeted at the entrance to the festively decorated Nike Gymnasium with a coupon redeemable for $50,000 in play money that could be used at the various gaming tables set up and staffed by employee volunteer dealers from Caesars Entertainment. Partygoers then made their way to bars that lined the room for a favorite libation before browsing the hundreds of treasures on the silent auction
tables. Goodies up for bids included an autographed lithograph of movie star Butterfly McQueen, an authentic Carl Perkins Sun Records display, classic concert posters featuring Bob Dylan and Ike and Tina Turner, round-trip tickets from Southwest Airlines and a digital electric meat smoker. Along with blackjack tables and other grown-up games, there were arcade favorites like Super Cars and Sno Cross, along with basketball and photo booths where guests could choose whimsical hats and other accessories for a memorable picture souvenir of the party. Culinary delights included mouth-watering shrimp po-boys with fresh remoulade sauce, chopped smoked brisket on Hawaiian rolls, seafood gumbo on a bed of fluffy rice, couscous-stuffed mushrooms with marinara sauce, smoked sausage with au gratin potatoes, a delicious pork Brunswick stew with southern cornbread and a smoked turkey carving station. Desserts included fruit cocktail and Black Forest shooters, Grand Marnier parfaits, Key lime pie, and a tempting assortment of cheesecakes. All the delicious food was courtesy of Horseshoe Casino master chef Bala Tounkara who said, “We inspire grownups to play so that kids can have brighter futures.”
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Story by Bill Bannister Photos by Don Perry
Catherine Wylie and Connor Dunning
Dr. Namon Anderson and Ashley Williams
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September 2018
Ronald and Carolyn Kent
Michael Blair and Chris Thomas
Troy and Whitney Tapp
Mark Long, Richard Glassman and Michael Bohner
Eric Hasseltine and Chelsea Chandler
September
Andrew and Andrea Drake
Jennifer and Juan Jurado
Goutham Ramdas and Lakshmi Vijayan
Chelsea and J.R. Johnson
Michelle and Brad Hill
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SportsBall
Gregory and Darlene Hardy
Rachael Castillo and Melvin Johnson
Kontji Anthony-Hendricks and Patrick Hendricks
Jordan Moses, Asia Davis, Marilyn Williams and Angie Hurlow
Dr. Korrie and Marvin White
Melissa Lovorn, Pam Holub and Lisa Crompton
September 2018
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2015 CLS550 40k miles, Dakota Brown, Silk Beige $39,575
2017 GLA 250 10k miles, Cirrus White/Black $28,500
2017 C300 Cabriolet 13k miles, Selenite Grey/Saddle Brown $47,865
2018 E300 17k miles, Canvasit Blue, Black $47,950
2015 BMW 535i 36k miles, Black/Saddle $29,850
2015 S550 31k miles, designo Diamond White/Black $51,750
2015 Chevrolet Corvette 17k miles, Blade Silver/Adrenaline Red $65,865
2017 Audi S7 9k miles, Mythos Black/Arras Red $66,580
September
Holly Whittle and John Steinert
Adrian Word and Annette Wiggins
C.J. Hurt and Courtney Taylor-Hurt
Melisa and Michael Moore
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SportsBall
Adrienne Bailey, Jeff Smith and Jennifer Roberts
Jeff and Lisa Droke
Brittney Downs and Devan Carter
September 2018
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Memphis Moment
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September
901 Fest A Celebration of All Things Memphis
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housands of people came from far and wide to gather on the banks of the mighty Mississippi for the grand finale of Memphis in May 2018. The 901 Fest celebration of all things Memphis included food, music and art. Four stages were set up throughout Tom Lee Park. Musical talent included Southern Avenue, Under the Radar, The Fast Mothers, Nick Black, Scotty B and Frayser Boy. It was a great day for a cold beer or an iced tea to wash down all the delicious food. Central BBQ was on hand, along with Pronto Pups, Sushi Jimmy, Churrasco and Millie’s, to name just a few. There were games for all ages, 14 tents featuring arts and crafts, and Mempops brought along plenty of frosty cold treats as families enjoyed a thrilling air show by the Commemorative Air Force. The evening ended as the sky lit up with a fireworks display. Story and Photos by Bill Bannister
Ben Beiswenger and Nicole Townsley
Connor Reviere and Ayla Morris
Hailey Bauer and Abby Connor
Linda and Kate Waldron
Adrian Harrold and Elisabeth Eickhoff
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Rachel Hawes and Sydney James
Quiana Brewer, Monica Kidd and Day Summers
Susan Alders and Steve Cameron
September 2018
Curtis Fitch and Sherry Smith
Bo and Carla Higgins
Alexa and Lety Branum with Alysa Todd
Heather and Anna Enger
September
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Memphis Moment
Metal Museum Shake Out Shindig
T Sarah Dorau, James Vanderpool and Noah Kirby
Laura Elizabeth Mullen and Stacey Holloway
Stacey Lawler and Roger Carlsen
he National Ornamental Metal Museum hosted a new event called “Shake Out Shindig” that brought together foundry artists participating in the Foundry Invitational and River Exhibition (F.I.R.E.) and metal art supporters for a dinner catered by Soul Fish Cafe. The evening event took place on the museum’s grounds with The Tennessee Screamers, an acoustic “backwoods stomp boogie” band, providing musical entertainment. After dinner the group crowded around for the big revelation as artists broke open their molds to see their castings. Works included cast iron, powdered coated cast iron, and cast iron with cast aluminum. In all, 2,000 pounds of iron was poured and resulted in approximately 150 pieces being shown. Proceeds from the event benefited the museum’s educational outreach and apprenticeship programs. Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
Frank McLallen, Keith Cooper and Jesse Davis
Amanda Swihart, Clayton Yohanek and Katie McMurty
Jerry Masse and James Wade
Kim Ward and Carissa Hussong
AC Tortorich and Frances Winfrey
September 2018
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Sparkling Nights
September
Sparkling Nights 2018
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Stacy and Jim Beck
Danny Sumrall and Laurie Whitney
Supporting SRVS
RVS hosted its signature fundraiser at the Memphis Hilton. The 20th annual event, “Sparkling Nights,” was a benefit for SRVS services for people with disabilities. Presenting sponsors were Sedgwick and Wanda and John Barzizza. Dr. Jerilyn Hayward served as honorary chairman of the event. Silver coin-shaped confetti and other festive décor made a sparkling entrance to hotel’s Grand Ballroom. A colorful display of wine glasses, handpainted by individuals supported by SRVS, were available for purchase. Additionally, the gala’s fundraising efforts included a new take on a wine pull. The Lucky Ducky Wine Regatta, a galvanized tub filled with water and a paddling of miniature rubber duckies, offered guests their pick of the pond. Like the similar carnival game, the prize was listed on the underside of each duck. Also adding to the festive atmosphere, Hotshot Photo Booth was set up with a variety of fun props to give party-goers a photo memento from the event. Representatives from more than 22 wineries across the United States were on hand to conduct wine tastings. The
event also included a silent auction, a live auction, and food from some of Memphis’ favorite restaurants. Tyler Hampton, SRVS Executive Director, gave the welcoming remarks and recognized Dottie Jones, SRVS Chairman of the Board. Joe Birch, Jr., WMC-TV News Anchor, was the evening’s emcee. WMC-TV Chief Meteorologist Ron Childers served as auctioneer for the live auction. The evening’s entertainment, intended to showcase the many talents of people with disabilities, was provided by the SRVS Star Singers and the SRVS Star performers. The 2018 featured artist was Chris Archer. Her painting “Just Go Home to Your Mother” was described as “a multimedia painting that captured the whimsical interaction of children and parents.” The painting was auctioned as the event’s commemorative artwork. The night concluded with a party on the dance floor with Tiger City Entertainment. Proceeds from the 20th annual Sparkling Nights Fundraiser will support SRVS’ mission of providing the best care and support for people with disabilities.
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Story by Emily Adams Keplinger Photos by Don Perry
Jenny and Sarkis Kish
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Michael Adams and Casey Condra
Dr. Prince and Tommie Hargrove
Felecia Robinson and Jeany Dionne
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Ann Dandridge and Lester Brown
September 2018
Pamela Smith with John and Wanda Barzizza
Tyler and Cindy Hampton
September
Greg Williamson and Marquiepta Odom
Missy and Steve McClendon
Joe and Natalie Birch
Jan and Fred Hamilton
Kim Bruckardt and Toni Lepeska
Edgar Brown, Lori Pickerd and Valerie Morris
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Sparkling Nights
Jonathan and Jessica Garrett
Laurie Hall and Juni Ganguli
Bill Carwell and Linda Bomprezzi
Harvey and Valerie Middleton
Susan Sutton, Kerri Turner, Susan Macchiarella and Mona Sappenfield
September 2018
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Sparkling Nights
September
Courtnet Brooks and Garrison Ball
Paige and Larry Wenzler
Mike Harless and Micky Clippard
Stephanie and John Smyth
Lisa Filisky and Shawn Taylor
Kristy Conley, Petra Gary and Chinishe Ray
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September 2018
Matt Birch and Maxine Ma
Yolanda Smith and Marnie Covington
Mary Dudley and Joe Long
Shawn and Lana Danko
Dawn Clement and Clay Combs with Elisha and John Vego
September
Melissa and Ty Stamps
Meredith and Jeremy Park
Lee and Chris Googe
Heather and Joel Sprague
Britney and Tim Hagmaier
Karen Fields-lsaacman and Ken lsaacman
Cindy And Jeff Debardelaben
Frank Sousoulas and Jay Johnson
September 2018
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Sparkling Nights
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Sparkling Nights
September
Bobby and Melissa Taylor
Janet and Jordan Scheuner
Carla Robinson, Aseri Cook and Adrian Walker
Lucy and Zoe Harrison
Sabina Ranjit and Jack Dempsey
Russ and Cindy Mire
Taylor Burchum and Karley Horton
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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September 2018
Memphis Moment
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September
Cooper Young Goes Native Third Annual Garden Walk
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or its third annual Garden Walk, Cooper Young showcased native plants in an urban setting. Walking routes ambled through the Midtown neighborhood allowing guests to tour 89 gardens during the two-day event. Cooper Young, touted as a hot bed of creativity, featured gardens ranging from a tiny side yard Zen garden to container gardens to green spaces that wrapped around houses. Garden designs included cottage style, eclectic, Asian and formal gardens. Some gardens featured edible plants, while others fostered havens for birds, bees and butterflies. Options for green (sustainable) gardening were represented by no-mow front yards, designs utilizing salvaged materials, and oyster shells used to thwart squirrels from digging up tender plantings. Master Gardeners and horticulturalists were on hand to discuss gardening topics and to give native plant demonstrations.
Kris Keith
Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
Angie Wallick with Wally
Rex Johnson and Michelle Short
Sal Cachola
Martin Jellinek and Toot Fineberg-Buchner Mike Earnest and Kim Halyak
Sharron Johnson and Katie McHaney
Amber Whitworth, Megan Mulligan and Kelley Carter
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September 2018
Vanessa Moore and Aaron James
September
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Memphis Moment
Sunset Soiree A Benefit for Porter-Leath
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ail and Karl Schledwitz opened their home to host their annual Sunset Soiree. The event was designed to help raise funds for Porter-Leath. The evening began with wine served on the patio as spectacular river views provided a stunning backdrop. To further enhance the experience, Brian “Breeze” Cayolle and his band performed their soulful jazz and rich rhythm & blues. Chef Erik Waldkirch, of Maximillian’s, and his crew catered the elegant event, serving up gourmet New Orleans-style cuisine. The fine dining experience included duck gumbo, fried oyster salad, Filet Oscar and the classic New Orleans dessert — Bananas Foster. Proceeds will support Porter-Leath’s mission and programs, helping to give hope and access to the tools necessary for Memphis’ at-risk children and their families to have the essential building blocks for healthy development. Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
Karl and Gail Schledwitz
Lucia Gilliland and Dr. Mary Relling
John and Michelle Vincent
Sophie Duffel, Sean Lee and Donna Abney
Steve and Lura Turner
Vicki and RD Singh Mary and Dr. Scott Morris
Rob Hughes and Elizabeth Souder
Mike McLaren and Diane Vescovo
Terry and Cathy Lynch
September 2018
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Memphis Moment
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September
Botanical Bars Stop and Smell the Rosé
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emphis Botanic Garden launched a four-event series that showcased spirits made from plants found in the garden. Stop and Smell the Rosé featured wines and cocktails combined with roses. Guests enjoyed a zesty grapefruit rose vodka cocktail in the Sculpture Garden. In the Rose Garden, guests chose a frozen rosé from Mama Dee or a dry rosé wine, paired with shrimp ceviche and crab phyllo cups from Donelson’s Catering. Attendees sampled chicken salad BLT bites from Char and a refreshing combination of Prosecco and a strawberry rose ice pop in the 4 Seasons Garden. A chilled pinot grigio and Frost Bake Shop’s cupcakes awaited in the Sensory Garden, where guests could purchase Florists to Field, signed by Greg Campbell and Erick New. “We are very excited about this new way to get the community engaged and show off the Garden at peak season,” said Vance Lewis, Foundation Board President. Story and Photos by Gaye Swan Morgan Gentleman and Allison Williams
Vance Lewis, Sarah Cowens and Mary Helen Butler
Christine Bertz and Grayson Smith
Erica and Dr. Tim Jancelewicz
James and Rochelle Griffin
Chuck and Michele Kantor with Christa and Mike Allen
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September 2018
Matt and Laurie Brennan
Kim Cunningham, Renee Brassfield and Michelle Alexander
Greg Campbell and Erick New
Naman Patel and Damini Patel
Cindy Niemeyer, Gwyn Fisher, Robert Chandler and Jennifer Fechter
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Memphis Moment
September
Duration Fine Arts Club Officer Installation Luncheon
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embers of the Duration Fine Arts Club gathered at the Memphis Country Club for their Officer Installation Luncheon. Gail Thompson, the group’s Chaplain, offered the blessing, then Program Chairman Hilda Mullen introduced a string quartet from Overton High School, who performed under the direction of James Weil. The installation of officers was conducted by former President Kay Price and included a historical overview of the club and its founding, as well as a presentation of gratitude to outgoing President Tommie Pardue. The new officers are Katherine Getske, President; Becky Entrekin, Vice President; Judy Belisomo, Secretary; Carol Greenwall, Treasurer; Hilda Mullen, Program Chairman; and Tommie Pardue, Advisor Ex-Officio.
Elizabeth Thompson and Gail Thompson with Pat Dunleavy
Becky Entrekin and Judy Belisomo
Annemarie Bobay and Beverly Watson
Gerry Thomas and Donna Godwin
Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
Tommie Pardue, Joan Draper, Hilda Mullen, Betty Lu James and Katherine Getske
Kay Price and Jean Robinson
Ruthie McCallen Northcutt and Helen Stark
Lil Allen and Norma McCrory
Cocktails for a Cause Yard Party Backs Meritan Mission
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rom April through November, a Central Gardens backyard offers a poolside setting for folks to party in support of their favored causes. Cocktails for a Cause requires no fancy invitation or cover charge, but there’s a catch to getting in. Even with foreknowledge of the catch, guests flock willingly to these monthly parties hosted by Kathy and Kelly Fish. It’s a given that guests will give to the non-profit group using the Fishes’ outdoor entertainment area as a fundraising venue. Each month a different non-profit organization participates in the charitable cocktail party, raising money for its own cause. Cocktails for a Cause recently raised funds for Memphis-based Meritan. Mixing drinkables were celebrity bartenders Blake Marcum, Patrick McNicholas, Tamara Moore and Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland. Meritan provides services in the areas of foster care, home health, in-home personal care, intellectual and developmental disabilities, senior job training and coordinated response to elder abuse. Story and Photos by Virginia M. Davis
Kristen Boyden and Kyleigh Brown
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September 2018
Lang and Becca Howell
Patrick McNicholas and Tamara Moore
Tammy Pierce and Nathan Tipton
Mary Davis and Orlando Noel
Tom Link and Kristin Bihler
Tim and Debbie Wood
Jane and Tom Heineke
Memphis Moment
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September
Cocktails and Conservation Benefiting Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation
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usiness leaders, environmental activists and other supporters gathered at Old Dominick Distillery for the annual Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation (TennGreen) fundraiser. The Cocktails & Conservation event also served as a celebration of the organization’s 20 years of protecting Tennessee’s natural treasures. “Proceeds from this event will be used to support important conservation initiatives across the state,” explained Chris Ware, TennGreen’s West Tennessee Outreach Coordinator. Hosts for this year’s event included TennGreen West Tennessee board members Charles Askew, Scott May, Frank Ricks, Joe Royer, Lois Ruleman and Estie Shehan. Event sponsors were the Bank of Halls and EnSafe. Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger Suzy Chandler and Hon. Janice Holder
Kim Dafferner and Tracey Russell
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Mark and Mary Ruleman
Anne Brand and Martha Flowers
Katie Gronostaj and Amber Ramsey
Steve Law and Chris Ware
Jane Pate and Frank Ricks
Susan Mallory and Lois Ruleman
Scott May with Windy and Kirby May
Paul and Anne Stoddard
John Noel and Melinda Welton with Anne Davis and Bayard Snowden
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September 2018
September
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Memphis Moment
The Blues Come Home The 39th Annual Blues Music Awards
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he blues were born on a hot, dusty Memphis afternoon, sometime around 1910, when the first notes of this unique American music drifted down the cobblestones of Beale Street and out across the Mississippi River. Throughout the 20th century, the blues have spread across the four corners of the world, shaping music and culture in its wake. With Memphis being the epicenter of the blues universe, it is only fitting that the 39th annual Blues Music Awards were held downtown at the Cook Convention Center just blocks from where the blues were conceived. People from across the globe came together to honor the biggest names in the musical genre. David Porter, Tito Jackson, Steve Miller and Tony Joe White were among those who were there to hand out accolades to artists Keb’ Mo’, Catfish Keith, the North Mississippi Allstars and Sugaray Rayford. The Blues Music Awards were proudly presented by the Blues Foundation. Story and Photos by Bill Bannister Jim and Bill Kolter
Linda Forbess and Tommy Pollard
Carolyn Earle with Booker Blues Brown
Becky and George Scully
Bill and Lavonna Bowker
Patricia Split with Harriette Jenkins
Lawrence Lebo and Denny Croy
Guillaume Tricard and Claude Serillon
Chris and Fran Logue
Vinny Marini and Bill Harbin
Diane Thornton and Sharon Henry
Adrienne and Ronn English
September 2018
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Crossword
September
RSVP Crossword Edited By Ruth Cassin
ACROSS
1 A genie may live in one 5 Stuffs 10 Attire 14 Notion 15 Variety show 16 Opera solo 17 Snaky fish 18 Bad things 1
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www.CrosswordWeaver.com
ACROSS 1 A genie may live in one 5 Stuffs 10 Attire 14 Notion 15 Variety show 16 Opera solo 17 Snaky fish 18 Bad things 19 Meshes 20 Freeze 22 Observe constellations 24 Vertex 26 Rascal 27 Crunches work them 30 Own 32 Begin a journey 37 Real estate unit 38 Foe 40 Fake butter 41 Leg joints 43 Memphis Grizzlies org. 44 Author Poe 45 Shriek
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75 ___ Matisse, painter 19 Meshes 76 As in a lawsuit 20 Freeze 22 Observe constellations 24 Vertex DOWN 26 Rascal 27 Crunches work them 1 In __ of 30 Own 2 Gulf in the Middle East 32 Begin a journey 3 Thaw 37 Real estate unit 4 Former high ranking title in Turkey 38 Foe 5 Ship worker 40 Fake butter 11 12 13 East 2 Gulf in the Middle 6 Accelerate, as a car engine 41 Leg joints Thaw 3 7 Car rental agency 43 Memphis Grizzlies org. 8 Many title 44 Author 4PoeForner igh ranking 9 Bun topping seed 45 Shriek in Turkey 10 Mob 46 Messages a cell phone Ship worker 5 on 11 Region 48 Whiz 6 Accelerate, as a12car Round cracker brand 49 Play genres 34 35 36 13 Elemental engine 52 Take a break 53 O'Hare 7guess Car rental agency21 Hurts 23 Rotation pace (abbr.) 54 ___ Jima8 Many 25 Happening 56 Canal in the Middle East 9 Bun topping seed27 Synthetic resin 58 Secret meeting 48 28 Blunder 63 Tidier 10 Mob 53 29 Inscribed pillar 67 Capital11of Region Western 31 Fire remains Samoa 12 Round cracker brand 33 "Hot ___," as in a good figure 68 Oklahoma city Elemental 64 65 66 34 Fish tank growth 70 Small13 particle 35 Respond 21 Hurts 71 Deficiency 36 Divided Asian nation 72 Demand, as in a legal 23 Rotation pace (abbr.) 39 Vertical lines on a graph action 25 Happening 42 Stately tree 73 Part of a ladder Synthetic resin 44 Cosmetic giant Lauder 27 and 74 Turn tail run
46 Messages on a cell phone 48 Whiz 49 Play genres 52 Take a break 53 O'Hare guess 54 ___ Jima 56 Canal in the Middle East 58 Secret meeting 63 Tidier 67 Capital of Western Samoa 68 Oklahoma city 70 Small particle 71 Deficiency 72 Demand, as in a legal action 73 Part of a ladder 74 Turn tail and run 75 ___ Matisse, painter 76 DOWN 1 In __ of
September 2018
28 Blunder 29 Inscribed pillar 31 Fire remains 33 "Hot ___," as in a good figure 34 Fish tank growth 35 Respond 36 Divided Asian nation 39 Vertical lines on a graph 42 Stately tree 44 Cosmetic giant Lauder 47 Giant wave 50 Be sick 51 Fabric sample 55 Small egg 57 The Republic of Congo, formerly 58 Cow's offspring 59 Opaque gem 60 Naughty or __ (what Santa checks) 61 "Let them eat ___" 62 Vivacity 64 Travel around 65 Volcano in Sicily 66 Tatters 69 Paul McCartney's title
47 Giant wave 50 Be sick 51 Fabric sample 55 Small egg 57 The Republic of Congo, formerly 58 Cow's offspring 59 Opaque gem 60 Naughty or __ (what Santa checks) 61 "Let them eat ___" 62 Vivacity 64 Travel around 65 Volcano in Sicily 66 Tatters 69 Paul McCartney's title
September
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RSVPhillippi
PANDA ON THE EXIT ROW S
ometimes when I get really busy being annoyed by various things, I end up having something sneak up and settle in before I have the chance to get hot and By Dennis Phillippi bothered about until it’s too late. Case in point, emotional support animals. I wasn’t keeping score on this one because there were scooters and man buns and Kardashians keeping my bonnet bee-filled. I haven’t been traveling that much in the last couple of years, so I haven’t run into one of these pets on planes. While I wasn’t paying attention, kooks slipped “emotional” support in with actual support animals, like say, a Seeing Eye dog. A Seeing Eye dog is a support animal — a hamster isn’t. One of the major airlines recently announced that the only animals they would be allowing are “one dog or cat, in a cage or on a leash, per passenger.” For the moment, we’re going to set aside the problems with a cat being a support animal of any kind. I’ve had cats all of my life, and none of them have ever supported anything except the proposition that they own me and not the other way around. Part of this airlines’ decision was apparently inspired by an incident in which a woman’s emotional support peacock didn’t meet an airlines’ regulatory requirements. I did not make that up. A woman’s emotional support peacock was an issue. This is a tricky area for me because, obviously, having a peacock for emotional support is nuts. But by definition, the person who has a peacock for emotional support is already tacitly admitting to being nuts. Just a brief look around the old Internet showed me how far this nonsense has gone while I was busy being angry about other things. While the airlines have been relentlessly going through our pockets for spare change to pay for everything from a blanket to overhead bin space just for the privilege to ride in their disease-laden, cattlepacked death tubes, they took their eye off the ball on this weird animals for weird people thing. Until today it was perfectly legal for some loon to literally carry a loon onto an airplane because flying makes them nervous and the only thing that can keep them calm is their emotional support bird. Flying makes me nervous, that’s what alcohol and tranquilizers are for. Flying beside some crackpot and their emotional support bird wouldn’t just make me nervous, it would make me furious. In recent years people have been spotted traveling with ducks, kangaroos, squirrels, hedgehogs, capuchin monkeys, pigs, turkeys, domestic goats,
turtles, and even miniature horses. I have to cram my laptop bag under my seat because I don’t want to pay to put it in the overhead storage, but some crazy person can bring on board their pony to keep them emotionally stable. I have news for
According to the website for USA Emotional Support Animals, federal law guarantees your right to fly with your anaconda if a licensed medical professional writes you a letter stating your emotional need for the reptile. Oh, your registration also gives you access to their in-house lawyers should said rights be violated. For one thing, this means that at some point legislation was written, presented, voted on, and passed guaranteeing your right to have your marmoset in your carry-on. you, if you need anything from a horse other than a ride you’re never going to be emotionally stable. Keep the horse in, you know, the stable. It seems like in a time when we all think the world is getting less tolerant, I know I certainly am,
we’re letting people get away with an awfully lot in the name of not calling lunatics lunatics. My wife and I have four cats. That’s a stupid, crazy number of cats for two people to own. We know it’s stupid and crazy, and our friends have been more than happy to reinforce this knowledge. “Who has four cats? That’s insane. And stupid.” But if we had, say, an emotional support giraffe then they’d be sort of honor bound to respect our needs. Well, that’s stupid and crazy. You can register your emotional support animal in three easy steps online for $80. This gets you, man this gets sillier and sillier, an Animal ID that has your animal’s photo and information, including your legal rights if needed. Believe me, if I’m on that flight, you’re going to need them. According to the website for USA Emotional Support Animals, federal law guarantees your right to fly with your anaconda if a licensed medical professional writes you a letter stating your emotional need for the reptile. Oh, your registration also gives you access to their inhouse lawyers should said rights be violated. For one thing, this means that at some point legislation was written, presented, voted on, and passed guaranteeing your right to have your marmoset in your carry-on. That’s your tax dollars at work friends. It also means that there are law school graduates who do nothing but fight for the rights of the tin foil hat brigade. Sure, they could be fighting for the environment or the poor, but according to their priorities that woman with the emotional support swordfish is more important. And by the way, I’m at the age where I have plenty of friends that are doctors or other kinds of medical professionals, and I have no doubt I could get one of them to write me a letter stating my emotional need for my bantam rooster. Don’t think I’m not considering it. Far be it from me to encourage any kind of discrimination against the mentally ill or challenged. We all have people in our lives who have been dealt a bad hand where psychological stability is concerned, but a real medical professional is not going to honestly support this emotional support animal nonsense. I have huge anxiety issues, and I am truly afraid to fly, but that doesn’t mean I should have the legal right to make everyone else on an airplane miserable by traveling with my kinkajou. I know people who are very emotionally attached to their animals. I talk to my cats a lot more than I’d like to admit. But, asking me and the rest of the animal-loving population to not bring them onto an airplane is a very reasonable request. I’m sorry I didn’t get out in front of this sooner.
September 2018
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September
RSVPast 150th Anniversary for Marx-Bensdorf
1940
M
arx-Bensdorf is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. The company was originally founded in 1868 by German immigrants Max Marx and Herman Bensdorf. This photo shows the company's headquarters when it was located at 149 Monroe in Downtown Memphis. Photo courtesy of Memphis and Shelby County Room, Memphis Public Library and Information Center..
If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Emily Adams Keplinger 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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September 2018