March
2009
Memphis Heart Gala Opera Memphis Wild Game Dinner Memphi Mid-Winter Ball Cirque du CMOM Q&A with Lisa Bobal
fashion
accessories
style
Jewelry Trunk Show and Appearance Friday . March 27
S K I F I N T E R N AT I O N A L Trunk Show March 19 . 20 . 21 Thursday Friday Saturday
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CONTENTS
Contents March 2009
From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Jack Eaton The king of the sports poets recently released his first book of poems, Great Scott! I Rhyme a Lot.
Memphis Heart Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 American Heart Association supporters immersed themselves in Parisian nightlife at The Peabody hotel.
10 SIGNATURE MEMPHIS Jack Eaton
Opera Memphis Wild Game Dinner . . . . . . . . . . .18 The theme of the night was “Bucks and Baritones” for Opera Memphis’ largest annual fund-raiser.
22 STREETSEEN Tamara Walker
StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 & 22 MARCH 2009
Wearing his signature oversized overalls, checked shirt and red suspenders, this bullfighter knows a thing or two about entertaining an audience in the face of danger. She’s shining the spotlight on Cooper Young’s entertainment offerings. StreetSeens spotlight Lecile Harris and Tamara Walker.
Memphi Mid-Winter Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
5
12 MEMPHIS HEART GALA MaryKate, Caroline, Amy and Jon Bell
Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30, 42, 44 & 46 Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.
RSVPeople . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
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The Mystic Society of the Memphi introduced its royalty during an Orient-inspired affair at the Memphis Country Club.
24 MEMPHI MID-WINTER BALL Amy and Shea Flinn
A trek across the city’s party landscape.
Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Q&A with Lisa Bobal, the president and executive director of On Location: Memphis.
Cirque du CMOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 The Children’s Museum of Memphis opened its doors to adults for an evening of whimsical fun and philanthropy.
RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
18 OPERA MEMPHIS WILD GAME DINNER Bobbie Hullermann and Nick Dahl
Reinstate the Draught As Dennis Phillippi gears up for St. Patrick’s Day, he reminisces about his fondest memories of the Irish pub-crawling holiday.
38 CIRQUE DU CMOM Laura Stafford and Meg Patton
Cover Photo Michael Valluzzo and Jessica Sappenfield at Memphis Heart Gala Photo by Don Perry
Volume XIV
Number VI
March 2009 PUBLISHER
Roy Haithcock EDITOR
Leah Fitzpatrick CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ruth Cassin Kelly Cox Dennis Phillippi Suzanne Thompson Lesley Young ART DIRECTOR
Patrick Aker s PHOTOGRAPHERS
MARCH 2009
Roy Haithcock John Hammer Don Perry Steve Roberts SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Toni Ander son
6 RSVP
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Libby Huff 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
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MARTHA ANN PHELPS - HARP, PIANO & ORGAN NATHAN PHELPS - TRUMPET & CLASSICAL GUITAR Weddings, Receptions, Dinner Parties, Liturgical Music, Corporate Events marthaaphelps@comcast.net
(901) 756-1399 • (901) 487-8055
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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.
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MARCH 2009
From the Editor
I
MARCH 2009
Photo by Steve Roberts
’m a sucker for trivia, and lucky for my bank of random knowledge, trivia nights have popped up in numerous restaurants, bars and parties across town. Every Wednesday possible, I join some friends at a local spot in hopes of reclaiming our team’s first place title, but as much as I try, I only ever seem to contribute correct answers to categories involving geography and pop culture. One category where I would hold the upper hand, if it ever appeared, is local nonprofits. Charitable organizations reign big in the Bluff City, and just learning what each nonprofit’s mission and acronym are can be exhausting, but researching these tidbits has become a part of my weekly routine. Do you know what SRVS, MIFA or YALL stand for (Answers are located at the bottom of this page.)? For those who don’t know the answers, no worries, but for those who do, you deserve a big congrats because that hopefully means you’re either contributing to or volunteering for one of these organizations, or have been informed about what these organizations do by reading RSVP. What impresses me most about area nonprofits is each’s amazing ability to attract and retain volunteers. Take Lisa Bobal, who is this month’s Vox Popular feature, for example. Bobal works at the Alzheimer’s Association by day, but she volunteers her free time to On Location: Memphis, and has done so for 10 years. Though she isn’t featured in the magazine, another shining example in the community is Nancy Ingram, who remains MIFA’s longest-standing volunteer at 40-plus years. Commitments like the ones these women have to causes they believe in are simply awe-inspiring! For those of you who don’t have the time to volunteer, try offering your generosity to those around you. Maybe helping with homework or washing an elderly person’s car could turn someone’s day into one he or she will never forget.
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Leah Fitzpatrick editor@rsvpmagazine.com
*SRVS is Shelby Residential and Vocational Services; MIFA is the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association; and YALL is Young Adult Le Bonheur Leaders.
Poet/Former “Voice of the Memphis Tigers”/Retired Sportscaster
MARCH 2009
SIGNATURE MEMPHIS
Jack Eaton
Favorite Author: Norman Brewer. Personal Hero: General Curtis LeMay. Words or Phrases You Overuse: Great Scott! Favorite Album: Frank Sinatra’s Greatest Hits. Your Greatest Achievement: 35 years at WMC-TV. Biggest Obstacle You’ve Overcome: Stan Torgerson. Favorite Memphis Musician: David Skypeck of FreeWorld. Historical Figure You Most Identify With: Stonewall Jackson. Childhood Ambition: Major League baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Last Book You’ve Read: The True Story of the Bilderberg Group by Daniel Estulin. Movie You Could Watch Over and Over Again: The Adventures of Robin Hood, with Errol Flynn as Robin. One Thing Most People Don’t Know About You: I once scored 30 points in a high school basketball game. photo by Steve Roberts
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EVENT
Memphis Heart Gala “An Evening in Paris”
MEMPHIS HEART GALA
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MARCH 2009
Valerie and Jeff Morris
Dr. Jim Meeker and Leigh Shockey
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early 450 American Heart Association supporters “stamped their passports” by visiting Paris, or rather a recreated version of France’s capital, at The Peabody hotel. The 33rd annual Memphis Heart Gala was the occasion for the celebration of the “City of Love” and, more importantly, heart health. Sherry Aaholm chaired the black-tie affair presented by FedEx. With the assistance of many gracious volunteers, Aaholm pulled off an evening filled with Parisian glamour and generous attendees, who helped contribute nearly $300,000 to the Memphis Heart Association. From a mime to a strolling accordion player to Eiffel Tower trellises adorned with calla lilies, red roses and white hydrangeas, no detail was left unnoticed. A French storefront façade, flanked by street lamps and benches, added a romantic touch to the cocktail hour, as did easy-on-the-ears tunes courtesy of the Memphis Dance Orchestra. Special guests Susan Marshall, Tom Prestigiacomo and Joyce Cobb accompanied the set. The dinner hour made an even bigger visual impression with a beautifully draped curtain of lights hanging from the ballroom ceiling. Dining in luxury was the order of the night, and many live auction items, auctioned by Jeff Morris, complemented the haute couture crowd’s tastes. Jewelry from Mednikow and a trip to Vegas and the Paris Casino brought top bids, but a Thomas & Betts heart quilt featuring artwork by Le Bonheur patients affected by heart disease boasted the most sentimental value. Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster Band ended the festivities on a high note. Founded in 1924, the American Heart Association continues to be an advocate for the prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke, which are the nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers of men and women. To drive home this shocking reality, a Le Bonheur Healthcare Heart Heroes Gallery was positioned among the silent auction for guests to put faces with survivors and those who work tirelessly to promote the cause. The association also recognized Mark George as the 2009 Big Heart Award recipient for the efforts he’s made in the fight against cardiovascular disease.
Mitch and Kelly Jo Graves
Lynn and Phil Schoettle
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Don Perry See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP Steve and Sherry Aaholm
Tyler Cannon and Lauren Spiotta
Drs. Purvisha and Dharmesh Patel
Brad and Charlotte Richardson with Brittany and Brenton Montgomery
Oakley Jordan and Carol Ann Jordan
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EVENT MEMPHIS HEART GALA MARCH 2009
Cindy and Jim Beck
Scott and Pam Tupman
Karin and Steven Gubin
Ron and Vicki Olson
Brad and Maria Lensing
Winston and Janice Gipson
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Doyle and Eddie Jean Childress
Jamie Patterson and Bob Bell
Annie Crain, Katy Lester, Jane Finneran and Maira Mousourakis
Jeff and Karin Rubnitz
Jimmy and Karen Klemis
Tina and Bruce Bancroft
Candice and Dr. David Boatright
EVENT MEMPHIS HEART GALA Barry Yoakum and April Norris
Galey Peterson and Adrian Flint
Kevin and Beth Clawson
Dr. Michael and Rebecca Ugwueke
Jim and Renee McKeighan
MARCH 2009
Allison and Jason Little
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Winston Wolfe and Marie Pizano-Firtik
Jan and Dr. Lee Stein
Kathy and Michael Kastan
Lindy and Lydia Bors-Koefoed
Elizabeth Riseling and Luke Leatherwood
Emily and Craig Conley
Derek and Earlean Sykes
Everyday. AUTO • BUSINESS • HEALTH • LIFE
EVENT
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MEMPHIS HEART GALA
CLAY & LAND • CLAY & HOLLEY CLAY & WRIGHT • DONNAUD-CLAY GREAT SOUTH CONSTRUCTION AND BONDS
MARCH 2009
Sonya Burton, Bonnie Richardson and Becky Black
Todd Dyson
Jo Farris
Michael Henry
Al Hollingsworth
Bobby Meeks
Paul “Skip” Portis
John Curry
Danny Bozof
Lisa Meeks
Trey Clay
Mark A. Pinkston
Jim Allen
Barbara Jackson
Marv Donnaud
Lynn Alford
Herbert Montgomery
Darlene Drogmiller
Lynda Savage
Ginger Coleman and Tim Robertson
Jane and Bob Adams
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Charles Ricketts
Pat Bleimeyer
Fred Headley
Jan Bounds
Marsha Silverstein
Joe Smith
Jeff Michael
James McDonnell
David Bradford
Matt Lawrence
Shelia Brawner
Louis Clay
Debbie McNeal
Amie Vowell
Donna Schmidt
Grant Simpson
George Edmiston
Kevin Spiegel, Chris Jenkins, Rob Brooks and Dr. Wesley Angel
Clay & Land • Clay & Holley • Donnaud-Clay Great South Construction and Bonds 866 Ridgeway Loop, Suite 200 Memphis, TN 38120 Phone (901) 767-3600 • Toll-Free (800) 489-7668 Life & Health Fax (901) 767-3655 General Fax (901) 763-2613 www.clayandland.com
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MEMPHIS HEART GALA
EVENT
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Dr. Mike and Janet Mitchell
Tiffany Brimhall and David Adler
Kelly Boden and David Szczecina with Marge and Scott Trott
MARCH 2009
OPERA MEMPHIS WILD GAME DINNER
EVENT
Opera Memphis Wild Game Dinner “Bucks and Baritones”
W Amy and Jim Howell
Michelle and Chris Clothier
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ith the goal of providing funds to support musical education for Mid-South children, Opera Memphis hosted its 17th annual Wild Game Dinner, “Bucks and Baritones,” at the U of M Holiday Inn. More than 200 casually attired opera enthusiasts, hunters and foodies delighted in Chef Edward Nowakowski’s ingenious preparation of an abundant assortment of fish, fowl and other exotic meats. The appetizer table, which held such delectables as venison summer sausage, truffled venison pâté and Alaskan king salmon, featured an impressive ice sculpture of an eight point buck. Dinner tables boasted clever centerpieces of ostrich and peacock plumes and leopard print candles, while figures of zebras, lions and tigers were scattered throughout the ballroom for the finishing touch. A seemingly endless entrée spread included such delicacies as Bourbon Dijon Antelope Stew, Venison Loin à la Cassis, Chicken Breast Apulia, trout with almonds and Quail à la Financière. Honorary chair Mayor A C Wharton and his wife, Ruby, attended with grandson Andrew Wharton, who seemed more than eager to sample the gourmet goodies. Special guest Lieutenant Governor of Tennessee Ron Ramsey served as auctioneer for the live auction that was comprised of items like antique Wedgewood china, Memphis Symphony Orchestra tickets, a Children’s Museum of Memphis membership, Playhouse on the Square subscriptions and a necklace from the Kittie Kyle Collection. Elmo and the Shades, a favorite among Memphis partygoers, performed crowd-pleasing blues and soul music throughout the event. Season sponsors ArtsMemphis, FedEx, the Tennessee Arts Commission and The Adams Foundation contributed to the great success of Opera Memphis’ largest fund-raiser of the year.
Susan Gaugh and Elizabeth Rouse
Margaret and Tripp Monger
Story by Ruth Cassin Photos by Roy Haithcock See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP Kallen Esperian and Dr. Jan Petri
Andrew and Ruby Wharton
Matthew Fremstad and Nikki Gast
Bill and Julia Gibbons with Mayor A C Wharton
Blackie Blackburn and Suzanne Gibbard
Joyce Lower with Nina and John Vaughn
OPERA MEMPHIS WILD GAME DINNER
EVENT Linda Gail Douglas and John David
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Anthony Lopes and Cathy Riggs
Carla Riggs and Paul Gagliano
MARCH 2009
Catherine and Steve Berger
Lois and Clifford Stockton with Emma Jean Pierotti
STREETSEEN
Lecile Harris Ringside Funnyman
MARCH 2009
O
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ne of ProRodeo’s most celebrated clowns, Lecile Harris has endured lots of injuries, but at age 72, he brushes off any speculation about retirement. Fans can see that being fearlessly funny remains Harris’ best trademark. “Last June, a bull hit me and broke my C-3 vertebrae, crushed my shoulder blade and bruised my kidney, liver, spleen and heart,” Harris recalls. “The doctor told me it would be eight weeks before I could do anything, but I was back working in three.” A ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductee and four-time ProRodeo Clown of the Year (he has been nominated 20 times), Harris remains at the height of his career, performing at more than 100 rodeos annually. He was the first clown east of the Mississippi to win ProRodeo’s Clown of the Year honor, but says he’s completely satisfied being in the top five for the past 25 years knowing the number of rodeo clowns out there. “To be voted number one in the world is an awesome feeling, but I always keep building new acts because everyone’s after you to stay at the top,” Harris admits. His rodeo days came about unexpectedly one eventful summer afternoon spent girl watching at a rodeo in Arlington, Tennessee. Harris ended up riding a bull almost to the whistle at that rodeo and laughs as he remembers thinking he’d be a champion in a month. Unfortunately, the next bull he tried put up more of a fight, resulting in his clothes being torn to shreds. Harris soon found his calling as a rodeo clown when he filled in for a noshow, and later turned his comedic act into a steady job on summer breaks during college. To develop his character, he adopted Emmett Kelly’s look, took the “smart mouth part” from W.C. Fields, imitated moves from the Pink Panther cartoons and studied Laurel and Hardy’s antics. He reasons that bullfighting and comedy are similar in that both are about timing, but the later has proven more of a challenge. “I learned to fight bulls well enough in three years to go to the circuit finals, but after more than 50 years working on comedy, I’m still learning,” he says. “You also have to learn to sell mistakes!” Harris achieved fame outside the ring when he took his alter ego to “Hee Haw” for five seasons in the early ‘70s. In the ‘50s and ‘60s, he even had a music career as a session drummer for Sun Studio and Hi Studio, and played in the Echoes and Capris. The list goes on, but most recently, he and his wife started a home-based business, Team National, because he knows that one injury could leave him paralyzed. He warns, “I urge future bullfighters to study the craft, but to get an education first.” Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
STREETSEEN
Tamara Walker Facilatating Neighborhood Unity
MARCH 2009
S
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urrounded by framed posters featuring Cooper Young Festivals of years past, Tamara Walker is constantly reminded that she has a community legacy to uphold and big shoes to fill…her own. Since signing back on as the Cooper Young Business Association (CYBA) director in November 2007, Walker, who was the group’s first director in 2000, has made it her mission to transform Memphis’ largest historic district into the city’s year-round entertainment mecca. She began by pounding the pavement of the four-block square known as Cooper Young, urging the 184 businesses in the area to join and/or renew their CYBA memberships. Last year, her efforts paid off, with the membership peaking at 73 members—the most in the CYBA’s 22-year history. The membership stands at 58 so far in 2009, but Walker says that’s normal for the first few months of a new year. “The whole point is to try to build a sense of community among the businesses,” she explains. The “get to know your neighbor” strategy worked, and Walker witnessed the neighborhood’s businesses unite for the first time last April to get the Cooper Young Night Out, an idea that had been shelved years ago, off the ground. Business owners who committed to the monthly event pooled their money together for a billboard, designed a logo and brainstormed about event selling points. Merchant discounts, extended hours, $5 babysitting services, karaoke, sidewalk sales, mixology classes and a drum circle were just a few of the incentives that came to fruition, thanks to the 16 restaurants and 20 retail/other stores on board. How did locals respond? “The community loved it!” Walker gushes. “Between 300 and 400 people came to the first Cooper Young Night Out, and the best part of all was you saw everyone from businessmen in suits to people in flip-flops with dogs mingling.” Due to its initial success, the Cooper Young Night Out, which occurs the first Thursday of every month, has continued, and April will mark the event’s one-year anniversary. A scavenger hunt is in the works for a celebration that Walker says will offer almost every genre of music and food imaginable. “I want everyone to think this is the cool part of town,” she says. With four new businesses recently opening their doors in Cooper Young, the word must be spreading. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
A Celebration of Beauty February 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; JULY 5, 2009
1-866-VIEW ART msmuseumart.org 380 South Lamar Street, Jackson, MS 39201
MARCH 2009
THE ANNIE LAURIE SWAIM HEARIN MEMORIAL EXHIBITION SERIES The exhibition has been organized by the Humanities Exchange, Montreal, Canada, and the exhibition tour is managed by Landau Traveling Exhibitions, Los Angeles, California. Additional support provided by Trustmark Bank and the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau.
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MARCH 2009
MEMPHI MID-WINTER BALL
EVENT
Memphi Mid-Winter Ball “Up, Up and Away”
T Bigelow and Caroline Robinson
Drs. Martin and Johnetta Blakely
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he Mystic Society of the Memphi kicked off the beginning of Carnival season with the unveiling of six royal duchesses at the Memphi Mid-Winter Ball. Holding fast to its tradition of creating old world settings, the Grand Krewe paid homage to the Orient during its lavish affair held inside the Memphis Country Club. Nearly 300 guests embraced the Krewe’s 2009 theme, “Up, Up and Away, Memphi’s Grand Escapes,” which was conceived by Bob Black, the Memphi general chairman, and his wife, Sarah. Each of Memphi’s parties throughout the season will highlight a different vacation destination based on this theme. With the help of Kris Monroe of Signet, Mr. and Mrs. Black also carried out the theme in this year’s Memphi signature cufflinks and brooch, both available for order at the ball. The cufflink design dates back to an 1873 invitation for the Memphi Ball, and the brooch resembles a hot air balloon. The décor further transported guests to a land far away, specifically one resplendent with bright colors, exotic silk and lush greenery. Cocktails in hand, formally attired partygoers mingled amidst over-sized paper lanterns, koi swimming in hurricane vases and an artful display of bamboo dotted by antherum and origami cranes. And that was just the beginning. “Wait until you see the dining room…it’s amazing,” said member Cindy Gambrell. As predicted, the dinner hour delivered in style, entertainment and pageantry. The royal court, consisting of Duchess Sue Matthews and Duke Paul Matthews, Duchess Lisa Roberts and Duke Ken Roberts, Duchess Chey Widdop and Duke Bill Widdop, Duchess Trish Ring and Duke Carl Ring, Duchess Chantal Johnson and Duke Jeff Johnson and Duchess Ginger Collier and Duke Dabney Collier, occupied the head table, flanked by impressive red torii gates. Silk linens adorned each table, as did arrangements of yellow cherry blossoms, green spider mums, moss and butterfly and fish kites. Local favorite, the Pat Patrick Orchestra supplied the dance tunes that had guests reveling in the celebration. Party chairs Fini and Dennis Koerner, Susan and Jon Thompson and Melinda and Stuart Rothenberg contributed their creativity to the occasion, one of many to be held this season by Carnival’s oldest Krewe.
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Jeff and Floy Cole
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Don Perry
Michelle and John Snowden
Walker and Jennie Robinson
Dr. James and Misty Stamper
Marilyn and Philip Seaton
Duchesses Sue Matthews, Lisa Roberts, Chey Widdop, Trish Ring, Ginger Collier and Chantal Johnson
Paul and Holly Craft
EVENT Tom and Patty Schoelkopf
Sue and Dudley Deaton
MEMPHI MID-WINTER BALL
Darrison and Carole Wharton
MARCH 2009
Cindy and David Gambrell
Holly and Patrick Crump
James and Melissa Liles RSVP
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Bill and Sandy Gates
Julie and George Ellis
Mary Lou and Jess Wesberry
Donna and Mike McManus
Kim and Johnny Pitts
Pam and Chris Patteson
Jeanne Arthur
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5714 Shady Glen Road $ 318,000 Jeannie Bruce
3626 Shirlwood Avenue $ 154,000
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Clay Templeton & Amanda LaMountain
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2996 Iroquois Road
642 S. Willett Street
Charming house in Chickasaw Gardens. Large rooms, pretty hardwoods & millwork. Pool & field stone Patio in big backyard!
The hallmark of Memphis Estates! English inspired with magnificent finishes, grand rooms, & updated Kitchen & Baths
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$ 975,000 Debbie Rodda
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438 Stonewall Street $ 299,900 Jenny Grehan
4330 Tuckahoe Road $ 549,900 Ward Walthal
1531 Vinton Avenue $ 569,000 Fontaine Brown & Fontaine Taylor
4871 Walnut Grove Road !EW PRICE! $ 375,000 Jenny Grehan (adj. lot also available)
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EVENT MEMPHI MID-WINTER BALL
Anne and Kemp Conrad
Chris and Jan Cornaghie
Chris and La Brubaker
MARCH 2009
Mary and Bo Carr
Chessie and Ken Peavy
Emily and Jeff McEvoy
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Patty and Dennis Calvert
Stuart and Melinda Rothenberg
Elizabeth and Sarah Matthews
Mimi and Jim Taylor
Brad and Dianne Champlin
Metcalf and Madeleine Crump
Richard and Christina Roberts
MARCH 2009
Voted one of RSVP Magazine’s “Top 10 Parties of the Year!
· wine tasting of over 50 wines
catch spring fever at
brooks uncorked friday, april 10 7 pm
· silent auction
$150 per person
· live music · open bar · exotic dinner buffet by chefs Wally Joe and Andrew Adams
sponsored by
Sponsors: Acura of Memphis · Pinnacle Airlines Corp. · Stanford Private Wealth Management · The Parker Family, in memory of Tony M. Parker, Sr. · Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar · Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs · David Lusk Gallery · Buster’s Liquors & Wines · Hart Davis Hart Wine Co. · Oak Hall · Memphis Magazine · Paulsen Printing · RAM Entertainment · Thomas Chu, M.D. · Athens Distributing Co. of Tennessee · Delta Wholesale Liquors · Southwestern Beverage Distributing · Star Distributors · United Liquors · The Victor L. Robilio Company · VIP Memphis Magazine · DCI Gallery · Michael Carpenter & Switch Creative · Graphic Systems, Inc.
to purchase tickets, visit www.theartofgoodtaste.org or call 544.6209
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ONSITE
Onsite
Leadership Memphis Holiday Party Canine Christmas Fair Jingle Bell Ball Duration Club/Dur-Arts Christmas Luncheon Memphis Bar Association Christmas Party 21 Horse Salute
M
MARCH 2009
Beverly and Charlie McCraw with Tempe Chancellor at 21 Horse Salute
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Taylor Tanner (as Santa) and Lilly at Canine Christmas Fair
Ann Gallina and Judge Kay Robilio at Duration Club/Dur-Arts Christmas Luncheon
an’s best friend got into the holiday spirit at the Canine Christmas Fair in the Cooper-Young area. Santa held court to the accompaniment of live Christmas music while posing for pictures with people’s pups, and accepting donations to help bring some Christmas cheer to less fortunate brethren at Good Dog Rescue. In addition to raising funds for Good Dog Rescue, the event also raised hopes for orphaned dogs in the rescue’s charge. Some 3,000 youngsters dressed in their holiday best crowded The Peabody for the 20th annual Jingle Bell Ball. Pat Kerr Tigrett spearheaded the good oldfashioned party for Mid-South youth to help raise contributions for organizations focusing on special needs children, like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Madonna Learning Center and the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, to name a few. Chickasaw Country Club glistened with golden decorations and twinkling lights for the Duration Club/Dur-Arts Christmas Luncheon. The Baddour Center is the signature charity of the club’s fundraising effort, and Gladys Hamilton, Duration Club president, opened with a story provided by one of the center’s residents. Cathy Hurdle also entertained the group by singing a variety of holiday tunes. The affair’s success was due to the obvious hard work of Duration Club member and event chair Becky Treace-Entrekin. Legal eagles enjoyed festivities during the Auxiliary to the Memphis Bar Association’s Christmas Wine Tasting and Luncheon at Frank Grisanti’s Restaurant in Embassy Suites. Arthur Quinn, Memphis Bar Association president, and Victor L. Robilio Jr., Auxiliary president, presided over the event and introduced members and guests to holiday wines. As the Auxiliary’s first male president, Robilio will focus his attention on awarding law school scholarships to those with financial constraints. More than 700 Leadership Memphis alumni and guests came out to celebrate the holidays during the annual Leadership Memphis Holiday Party at the Memphis College of Art. A Party Waitin to Happen catered the party with delectable treats, which were featured among weather-appropriate ice sculptures. Leadership Memphis has more than 2,000 alumni who have graduated from its programs, which are geared toward fostering community leaders. The grand finale of the 60th anniversary Germantown Charity Horse Show (GCHS) was held at the Shops of Saddle Creek, where 21 life-sized “Painted Ponies,” commissioned by the GCHS, were auctioned off during the 21 Horse Salute. Artists were on hand to talk about their designs, and Tom Prestigiacomo of Kim 98.9 FM was the guest auctioneer. Forty-five percent of auction proceeds went to each high-bidder’s charity of choice, with the other 45 percent going to the GCHS and 10 percent benefiting the artist.
Laurie Christensen, Arthur Quinn, Michele Howard-Flynn and Bob Flynn at Memphis Bar Association Christmas Luncheon
Michele Lynn and Emett Bell at Leadership Memphis Holiday Party
Myra and Darryl Tukufu at Leadership Memphis Holiday Party
Story and Photos Submitted and by Leah Fitzpatrick, Suzanne Thompson and Lesley Young Autumn and Baylon Harris at Jingle Bell Ball
April Jackson with Lauren and Dana Felkner at Jingle Bell Ball
Josephine Circle, Inc. Christmas Luncheon Members of Josephine Circle, Inc. rang in the holiday season with the philanthropy’s annual Christmas luncheon at Windyke Country Club. Program chairs Barbara Bingham and Jane Craddock organ-
Orleans jester doll. The victorious team consisted of Tommy Sanders, Mary Mitchell, Janet Burkett and Jayne Whittington. The day’s highlight came when Betty Cruzen and Margie Sanders were recognized for their steadfast commitment to the King’s Daughters and Sons Home. To
ized the get-together that prompted attendees to bring out their creativity and benevolent hearts. The fun began as soon as guests formed groups to compete in a table setting
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A Trek Across the City’s Party L andscape toward funding interest-free loans and scholarships for area students. Others who delighted in the activities included Josephine Circle president Billie Jean Tobias, Tommie Pardue, Betty Cotton, Donna McManus, Nancy Harvey, Mary Carver, Jean McDonald, Pat Young and Eva Lynn Bishop. Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Le Bonheur Club, Inc.
Billie Jean Tobias, Barbara Bingham and Jane Craddock
contest. The catch? Members had to decorate tables from an assortment of objects supplied at the luncheon, and then come up with a theme for their concepts. After much deliberation, the judges announced that the winning creation was the “Mardi Gras: Let’s Party” table, which featured gold beads, ribbons and red candlesticks placed ever so strategically around a New
Cruzen’s and Sanders’ surprise, members brought canned goods to the luncheon to be donated to the King’s Daughters and Sons in their honor. However, the real honor was learning that Cruzen has volunteered for the King’s Daughters and Sons for 50 years, and Sanders has devoted 27 years to the organization.
100 guests partook in the occasion to show support for the Le Bonheur Club Parent and Family Resource Center scheduled to open in 2010. This affair marked a special moment for past Gold Tag chairs, who
Donna Davis, Theresa Adams, Peggy Lovell and Meri Armour Nancy Harvey, Betty Cruzen, Margie Sanders and Mary Carver
Tommie Pardue and Betty Cotton
Sherry Hulen was also on hand promoting the Just Cooking with the Josephine Circle. This cookbook, filled with Josephine members and friends’ favorite recipes like “Hot Spinach Dip” and “Prize Winning Pound Cake,” has been only offered inhouse until recently. All book proceeds go
arrived early to have a group shot taken before lunch, as well as the 2009 event chairs, Theresa Adams and Peggy Lovell. The celebration of the Gold Tag Drive actually dates back to 1953 and usually lasts from January until the end of March. During this period, Le Bonheur Club members mail letters to friends, family and business associates asking for financial dona-
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Mary Mitchell, Tommye Sanders, Jayne Whittington and Janet Burkett
The Le Bonheur Club, Inc. kicked off the group’s largest annual fund-raiser, the Gold Tag Fund Drive, during a luncheon held at the University Club. More than
MARCH 2009
Gold Tag Luncheon
spoke about what Le Bonheur means to her. A mother herself, Davis said she always fears something could harm her child, but she felt good knowing that Le Bonheur is nearby should her child ever require its services. Afterward, Drs. Johnetta and Martin Blakely, whose family has been personally
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tions and place Gold Tag static seals on their cars to promote the drive in the community. Since the club has already raised enough money to create the Le Bonheur Club Parent and Family Resource Center in the new hospital, the goal this year is to raise money for resources that Lauren Barnett, Kim Metts and Melissa Smithmier
treatment. Johnetta said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We went to Boston to seek another opinion about our daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brain tumor, but the doctors there asked us why we were in Boston if we had the best doctors here in Memphis. So, we came back home and are now very thankful that we did because our daughter is doing well.â&#x20AC;? Special guests who addressed the crowd
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32 Sharon Young Mycra Pac Sandy Starkman Nick and Zoe 600 West Brighton Onex Shoes Vanilia Jeans And Tribal!
Kim Pitts, Drs. Johnetta and Martin Blakely and Cindy Gambrell
will help make the facility a comfortable environment for those seeking medical, psychological and spiritual assistance. Posters were positioned around the room to show where the center will be located in the hospital, while tables decorated with everything gold, from chocolate coins to balloons, further highlighted the cause. During lunch, honorary chair Donna Davis Kavanaugh Casey and Denise Henning
were Methodist Healthcare president and CEO Gary Shorb, Le Bonheur Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Center president and CEO Meri Armour, Elise Addington (Representative for Steve Cohen) and Josh Thomas
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Nancy Barnett, Glenda Shorb, Debbi Freeburg and Judy Burkett
(Representative for Lamar Alexander). Additional luncheon attendees included Le Bonheur Club president Mary â&#x20AC;&#x153;Macâ&#x20AC;? Carrier, Mary Ann Ford, Christy Watridge, Missy Fuehrer, Gina Scott, Jill Crocker, Kim Pitts, Cindy Gambrell, Nancy Barnett, Glenda Shorb, Debbi Freeburg, Judy Burkett, Kavanaugh Casey, Denise Henning, Jennilyn Utkov, Carol
Ross-Spang, Lauren Barnett, Kim Metts and Melissa Smithmier. Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
The Links, Incorporated Holiday Cotillion
Andrea Cox, Remy Ford and Kalynn Parks
high academics and achievements. Each young woman was assisted by a Lady in Waiting and was escorted by a young man. Throughout the year, the ladies participated in an educational and enrichment retreat, a father-daughter golfing outing, a financial planning session and many other activities.
MARCH 2009
During an already magical time of year, it was especially enchanted for a particular group of Memphis young women. Just a few days before Christmas, 22 young ladies donned white gowns and gloves to be presented to friends and family at the 20th annual Memphis Chapter of The Links,
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Barbara E. Jones, Joyce Blackman and Evie Horton
Incorporated’s Holiday Cotillion. Close to 200 guests attended the fund-raiser held in the Grand Ballroom of The Peabody hotel, where they were treated to a dinner, music by pianist Yvonne Cleveland-Holmes and a waltz in three parts, including the Father-Daughter Waltz, the Dance of the Debutantes and the EscortDebutante Waltz to Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz of the
Kaadia Montgomery and Cherish Nance
The Memphis Chapter of The Links, Incorporated was established in 1952. Through the years, it has sponsored numerous community service projects, special events, service agencies and financial institutions. Some beneficiaries include the Memphis City Schools, Dress for Success,
Kenyatta Forrester and Shelly Brown
Flowers” from “The Nutcracker.” ABC 24 news anchor Dee Griffin, a member of The Links, Incorporated, acted as the master of ceremonies. Criteria for the chosen honorees included
Gino Gordon and Jasmine Bolton
NAACP, Girls Inc., Africare, as well as several others, and an endowed scholarship fund at Lemoyne-Owen College in the amount of $100,000. Those who attended the gala included Jozelle Luster Booker, Kenyatta Forrester, Shelly Brown, Andrea Cox, Remy Ford, Kalynn Parks, Barbara E. Jones, Joyce Blackman, Evie Horton, Patrice Robinson, Lois H. Stockton, Jayna Kelly, Melanie Burroughs, Kaadia Montgomery, Cherish Nance, Vernestine and Jim Dockery Sr., Terri Wright, Vicki Fanion-Hall, Gino Gordon, Jasmine Bolton, Zamyra Lambert and Lois DeBerry. Story and photos by Lesley Young
The 3 Course Feast
CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY
benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of the Mid-South
MEMPHIS PHOTOGRAPHY
United Cerebral Palsy of the Mid-South (UCP) brought a night of culinary delight to MARCH 2009
Memphis foodies with The 3 Course Feast held at the U of M
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and more elegant iter-
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Holiday Inn. A new ation of UCP’s The Great Chefs’ Tasting, this event drew 500
© Giselle Rouson and Brandon Leach
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guests and sold out in advance. And it was no
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the ballroom as tasters roamed from one exquisite presentation to another. As in years past, guests sampled an array of appetizers, entrees and desserts created by celebrated local chefs while getting
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the chance to bid on silent auction items. Seared tuna on crispy wontons with micro greens and ginger drizzle, does that sound good? How about a saffron and seafood risotto, or BBQ duck confit sliders? Perhaps, a little lemon zabaglione mascarpone torte? Essentially the
Cheryl Anderson and Richard Smith
the event also included live Food Network-style instructional cooking demonstrations by several participating chefs at a center stage and in smaller, more intimate groups around the room.
Sheetal Patel and Julie Hay
Felicia Willet of Felicia Suzanne and Reinaldo Alfonso of Chez Philippe. When the ballots were counted, David Krog’s lobster lollipops with soy mustard sauce took home the audience-choice Silver Spatula Award for Best Appetizer, while Giacomo Ciabittini swept Best Entree and Best Dessert honors with a stuffed pork tenderloin and Jim and Jennifer Himes
In addition to John Bragg of Circa, who partnered with UCP to host the evening, participating
a spumone semifreddo. As a community-based advocate for people of all ages with cerebral palsy and other disabilities,
chefs were Erling Jensen of Erling Jensen, Kelly English of Restaurant Iris, Patrick Reilly of The Majestic Grille, Karen Carrier of The Beauty Shop, DO and Mollie Fontaine’s Lounge, Nick Scott of Bluefin, David Krog of The Tennessean, Craig Neal
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of Café 61, Clint Boutwell of Orleans on Front,
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Chris Windsor of Grill 83, Giacomo Ciabattini of
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Teresa Williams and Daniel Coallini
UCP strives to advance disabled individuals’ independence, productivity and full citizenship. Those savoring the evening and supporting the UCP of the Mid-South were Peggy Fryer, Bill Foster, Andrew Israel, Jordyn Matthews, Meghan Washburn, Jeff Frisby, Sheetal Patel, Julie Hay, Eugene McCann, Andy Follette, Angela English,
Bill Foster and Peggy Fryer
Giselle Rouson, Brandon Leach, Kelly Emerton,
Arbors of River Oaks
Greg Rommel, Cheryl Anderson, Richard Smith,
225 Arbor Common Circle
Teresa Williams, Daniel Gallini, Stephanie Alvarado, John Davidson, Cheryl Walton, Phyllis
Café Toscana, Rick Farmer of Jarretts, Andrew
Anderson and Jim and Jennifer Himes.
Ticer and Micheal Hudman of AM Italian Kitchen, Jason Severs of Bari, David Johnson of McEwens,
Memphis, TN 38120
901.747.2011 www.ArborsRiverOaks.com riveroaks@fogelman-properties.com
Story and photos by Kelly Cox
MARCH 2009
gourmands: a full palette for the palate. Uniquely,
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plates added up to a heaping helping of heaven for
Arbors of River Oaks
restaurants in a single evening, and these small
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experience was like visiting 20 of Memphis’ finest
VOX POPULAR
Vox Popular Q&A with Lisa Bobal
M
emphis has become a hotspot for moviemaking thanks to organizations like On Location: Memphis (OL: M), which will celebrate its 10th film festival April 23-26. Lisa Bobal, OL: M’s president and executive director, couldn’t be more excited about the nonprofit’s longevity, its 100 percent volunteer base and its commitment to making the OL: M Film Festival the ultimate destination festival. RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrick met Bobal to discuss a special technological upgrade that will set this festival apart from the pack and to learn what motivates the OL: M head to spend free time promoting the local film scene when not fulfilling her duties as the West Tennessee regional development director for the Alzheimer’s Association.
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Bobal: I think that what we’ve provided is a screening venue, so they have an audience for their films, and also, one of the things we strive to do is provide a networking opportunity for them. You know, bringing in people in the industry that typically would never come to Memphis. We have three producers coming this year so far to the festival. One is a woman who produced Real Women Have Curves. Another works for a distributing company, and her area is independent films, so she is specifically looking for low-budget independent films for her company to pick up for distribution. Then we like to provide educational opportunities. Our workshops last year were standing room only, and we had one that was all about technical special effects, and the guy that came in from L.A. was originally from Memphis. The workshops are also free. RSVP: What are some noticeable differences between OL: M’s first festival compared with the one this year? Bobal: Our first festival, we probably invited more films than were submitted. We actually had to go out and find the films, and now, we’re partnered with an online company called Withoutabox®, who does the marketing for us. It is the place for filmmakers to go to find any film festival pretty much in the world that’s registered in there. With the digital film age, making movies is also much more accessible, and I think the increase in documentaries is related to Michael Moore, who made documentaries a cool thing to see. I think before that, I don’t really remember people talking about documentaries outside of the filmmaking world. Definitely, the film entries have increased, which kind of makes the screening process difficult because a lot of these people aren’t trained filmmakers. RSVP: Are there any new features in store for attendees, being that it’s the festival’s 10th anniversary? Bobal: We are screening all of our films on Blu-ray this year, which as far as we know, no other festival has done that. Being on Blu-ray gives much higher definition, and the films actually look the way they were filmed. Ghost Busters is also being introduced on Blu-Ray for the first time, and then there’s a Ghost Busters video game coming out, so we’re trying to team up with all of those people to have this one event happen during the festival. RSVP: Is there a particular audience the OL: M Film Festival targets?
Bobal: We do a lot of target marketing based on different films. Friday is going to be a Senior Citizens’ Day, and we have special programming just for senior citizens. Saturday morning will be programmed for children, and we are partnering with an organization called Kids First!®, which is a national film organization. What they do is offer you a program of children’s films, and you can select which ones you want to screen, so we don’t have to go out and find any. These are good decent films that no parent can object to. We’re really trying to broaden the audience this year. Saturday evening is lining up to be kind of scary/horror. We have something for everybody! RSVP: Do you ever seek advice from other groups putting on film festivals? Bobal: Absolutely, we do. Once a year every December, we go to the International Film Festival Summit in Las Vegas, and I come back with a book full of ideas. We’ve gone for three years now, and three of us went this year and paid our own way because we think it’s that valuable. One of the ideas we’re implementing this year is a young film critics’ competition, and we’re partnering with The Commercial Appeal. We’ll have a competition for high school students to watch one of the films that’s going to be in the festival and write a review, and the winning review will be published in The Commercial Appeal. You also meet some extraordinary people there, like Ernie Hudson, who was in Ghost Busters. It’s the 25th anniversary of Ghost Busters, so we will be screening it here, and Ernie will be coming. RSVP: Have you seen any trends in the genres being submitted this year? Bobal: We’ve seen a lot of horror films, which is very unusual. I just watched one last night called Live Animals, which is from two guys that grew up here. It scared the heck out of me, and I kept thinking I heard something at the window. We also always get a lot of music related documentaries, which is good because we like to program those and they bring in a nice audience. Photos by Don Perry
MARCH 2009
RSVP: What kinds of opportunities do you think OL: M has provided for local filmmakers and actors?
RSVP: What is the criteria for selecting an opening night film for the festival? Bobal: It’s really based on what our board likes and what we think will be the best fit for opening night. We’ve got three films that we’re trying to decide which one will be our opening night film, but we haven’t decided yet. One we’re looking at is a documentary that was filmed down in Mississippi, but it’s not music based. One is a
Bobal: We have our board members, but we also have a committee that’s made up of the board and volunteers. Every one that is on the board or on the committee is reviewing films. This year, we actually have a volunteer who developed an online judging system for us, so all we have to do is watch the films one time and go in and rate them based on eight different categories: cinematography, acting, writing, those kind of things. We have three people review each film, and then when we start to decide which films will be screened, we’ll be looking at the ones from the top down— the ones that scored a 10, and then on down, until we can fill the roster. The deadline for submissions was December 31, and we’ve just about gotten them all reviewed. RSVP: How many workshops do you have planned for this year’s festival? Bobal: We typically have three, but this year, we are moving to the Ridgeway Four, and we have the entire theatre for the whole weekend. So, we have four screens, which we’ve never had before, so we’re thinking of expanding our workshops. We’re talking to someone now about a two-day screenwriting workshop, which I think we’ll definitely be doing. That fourth screen, we’ll use it for 35 mm films and for different workshops. When that theatre is down–when it’s dark—we’ll put some musicians in there and some snacks and things, so people can mingle in there and network more. RSVP: What prompted the festival’s move from the Paradiso to the Ridgeway Four? Bobal: We’re striving to become a destination festival, not just a festival for the local people, but one people will travel to Memphis for. The Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau has always been a supporter of ours, and that’s something that’s really important to us. We’re bringing people in, not just to see films, but to help the local economy. We thought that moving to the Ridgeway Four, we would have the entire parking lot and building, and the location of hotels is nice. Trying to be that destination festival, we want to make it easy for people to come here. RSVP: Last year OL: M awarded the first OL: M Vision Award, so just wondering how it came about? Bobal: We wanted to have something to honor people like Jimmy Tashie, who has opened the doors for so many local filmmakers who would have never been able to screen their films in a real theatre. When we go to the International Film Festival Summit and tell peo-
VOX POPULAR
RSVP: Are there any special guests attending this year’s festival? Bobal: We want to invite some people who have been here in the past, and we’ve made some invitations, but we don’t have any confirmations yet. Morgan Freeman is one. Holly Hunter. Cybill Shepherd. There’s an actor named Leslie Jordan, the Beverly Leslie character on “Will and Grace,” who was in our opening night film for our first festival, that I would love to come back. We’ve also invited Billy Bob Thornton, and we’re hoping he will come and show a new film he has. At some point, we would also like to get Missi Pyle to come. She played the Russian girl in Dodgeball and was in Soul Plane. She is an actress who is in a lot of big budget films, but people don’t know who she is. That’s why I want to bring her back here, so people will know she’s from Memphis and be proud of the things she’s doing. One of the things I love about being involved in this festival is being able to showcase the talent we have here and the talent that’s come from here. Last year, we had Brent Heyning come, and he has worked on about every big special effect type movie you can imagine, but people from Memphis don’t know that. We’re bringing in screenwriter Matthew Stevens, who I actually went to high school with and 37 had no idea he was a screenwriter, to do a screenwriting workshop. There’s so many people working in L.A. that are from here that people aren’t aware of. MARCH 2009
RSVP: Who’s in charge of reviewing the film submissions for the festival?
ple we’ve been in a real theatre since day one, they are very surprised and shocked because most film festivals start out in a bar or a warehouse. We’ve always been very blessed to have Malco and Jimmy Tashie. There are other people we will continue each year to add that have made filmmaking and seeing independent films in Memphis happen. The actual award is made out of filmstrip and is really cool. Our other film awards are models of an Airstream trailer.
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feature film that screened at Toronto, which has some local ties to it; it’s actually by Jodie Markell, who screened at our very first film festival with a short film. The third one is a British film that’s actually set in Memphis and has Faye Dunaway in it and is scary.
RSVP: What is the major goal that OL: M hopes to accomplish with the festival? Bobal: I think our goal really changed last year with the changing of our name from the Memphis Film Forum to On Location: Memphis. I didn’t really know what a destination festival was until I started going to the International Film Festival Summit. When it was explained to me that a destination festival was a festival people travel to, that really made sense with what we’ve been talking about doing. We do want to showcase local films, but we also want to bring people in from around the world that can either make a film here, which would provide jobs and put Memphis on the map even more for filmmaking. The festival itself is something that helps with the tourism industry. We probably had more than 100 people, just attached to films, that came in from out of town last year. I probably met about 25 people that came to Memphis for the film festival last year. I don’t think we’re actually there yet, but I think we’re getting there. Our ultimate goal would be to bring more people into Memphis, so they can see what’s done here locally, but also to bring more people into Memphis so that the local film community has an opportunity to network with industry people.
EVENT
Cirque du CMOM
CIRQUE DU CMOM
“Magical. Delightful. Enchanting.”
W
MARCH 2009
Dee and Jerome Franklin
Chris and Ted Ferris
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ith more than 500 tickets sold in advance and last-minute guests lining up at the door, this year’s Cirque du CMOM proved to be the Children’s Museum of Memphis’ biggest fund-raiser in more than 10 years, raising in excess of $100,000. The museum’s large lobbies played host to a “sophisticated circus,” in the words of event chair Lucia Heros, or a stylish evening of whimsy and playfulness. The cocktail hour began with a live performance by charming Memphis chanteuse Valerie June (one of the musicians starring in director Craig Brewer’s $5 Cover project), who was accompanied by Nathan McMahan on mandolin. Jugglers and mimes circulated through the crowd as guests nibbled hors d’oeuvres by Chef Cullen Kent of Cafe Society and took part in The Big Toy Auction, which offered more than 160 items for silent bids. Nearby, under a soaring tripod, acrobat Val Russell of Push Pilates added to the atmosphere with a lyra performance. Later in the evening, after a Charlie Chaplin lookalike appeared on a balcony above the crowd, DJ Mark Anderson got the dance party started in the “Malco 4 Kids” theater. This movie area had been transformed for the event into a chic nightclub, complete with white L-shaped sofas, starburst mirrors and mother of pearl chandeliers. Special appearances by hip-hop dancers from New Ballet Ensemble rounded out this frisky fund-raiser. As CMOM CEO (and former Memphis Mayor) Dick Hackett put it, “In this day and time, with the economy being what it is, it’s remarkable that we have this wonderful turnout tonight. The Children’s Museum of Memphis was started by moms, and that spirit of community involvement continues.”
Stacey and Thomas Hussey
Sarah and Philip Spinosa
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Carey and Brad Snider
Rob and Amy Carson
Henry and Heather Grosvenor
Val Russell and Ben Colvin
Matthew Gallagher and Sarah Wilbourn
Introducing Electrolux. Exquisitely designed appliances found in Paris, Italy, and now Memphis.
EVENT CIRQUE DU CMOM
Richard and Beth Hussey
Stacey Haney and Nicki Haney
Andy and Carabeth Phelan
MARCH 2009
Peter and Melinda White
Dick and Jan Tillman
Steve and Lisa Doss
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Steve and Julie Connolly
Jessica and Jason Hackett
Gene and Mary Shea Delashanit
Bill Widdop and Madelyn Gray
Gail Holquin and Terry Hix
Mark and Laura Cary
EVENT CIRQUE DU CMOM Jamie and Felicia Tillman
Lance Canterbury and Nicole Sospenzi
Summer Camp Special (U (K]LY[PZPUN 6WWVY[\UP[` PU (U (K]LY[PZPUN 6WWVY[\UP[` PU 9:=7 4HNHaPUL
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Anna and Tod Holtzclaw
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Bob and Linda Cornish
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The Original Society Pages Sherri and Tom Bohlke
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Theatre Memphis Tribute HammerBangers Ball Grizzlies Foundation Breakfast Little Garden Club of Memphis Luncheon A Night in the Village
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Julien Salley Jr. and Beck at HammerBangers Ball
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42 Tracy and Stu Keyser at HammerBangers Ball
Deborah Tipton and Gwen Owen at Little Garden Club of Memphis Luncheon
Chris Giftos and Barbara Williamson at Little Garden Club of Memphis Luncheon
he Theatre Memphis Tribute to André Bruce Ward highlighted the debut of the book, André: Thirty Years of Costume Design at Theatre Memphis. Festivities included a pre-party for the book’s underwriters and a display of art and mannequins featuring Ward’s costumes. Hard Rock Café Memphis marked its 11th anniversary with the HammerBangers Ball, which raised $1,600 for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis. Smile Empty Soul, with special guests and Memphis’ own Whiskey Penny and Cornerstone, put on an incredible show to an audience of 600-plus, who had Beale Street rockin’. The Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation hosted its annual Partners Recognition Breakfast at the Hope & Healing Center. During this event, the Grizzlies announced the donation of $275,000 in new grants to 11 Memphis nonprofit organizations, contributing $25,000 to each of the following: the Memphis Leadership Foundation, the Memphis Food Bank, the Church Health Center, the Exchange Club Family Center, ArtsMemphis, the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, MIFA, STREETS Ministries, The Leadership Academy, The Works, Inc. and Youth United Way. Locals celebrated All Saints Day at A Night in the Village, an evening devoted to music and festivities in Victorian Village. Irish stew and libations satiated hungry guests, who also enjoyed Celtic tunes, performances by Wesley Emerson and the Grace-St. Luke’s Choir and a bagpipe procession to the WoodruffFontaine House for an Irish wake, where Linn Sitler of the Memphis and Shelby County Film and Television Commission served as the celebrity guest “corpse.” All party proceeds benefited Victorian Village Inc. World-renowned floral artist Chris Giftos shared his tips on creating drama through flowers at the Little Garden Club of Memphis Luncheon at the Memphis Botanic Garden. More than 300 Mid-South women attended the event to support the Little Garden Club of Memphis’ community fund, which enriches garden philanthropy projects throughout the city. Story Submitted Photos Submitted and by Brent Davis and Brett Heintz
Linn Sitler at A Night in the Village
Kim and Steve Roberts at Theatre Memphis Tribute
Elizabeth Scott, Bill and Melinda Bagley and Elizabeth Thompson at Theatre Memphis Tribute
Nellie Powell and Peggie Russell at Grizzlies Foundation Breakfast
Elliot Perry and Howard Eddings at Grizzlies Foundation Breakfast
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MARCH 2009
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Yappy Hour National Philanthropy Day Luncheon Grace Place Ministry Tea “Rev’s” Dinner
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Bryson Randolph and Bella at Yappy Hour
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44 Rudy and Brittany Thompson at Yappy Hour
June Cooper, Hank Varnell and Kay Ledbetter Varnell at National Philanthropy Day Luncheon
Lisa Bell and Holden Potter at National Philanthropy Day Luncheon
est Rock in Germantown hosted a Yappy Hour to benefit the Memphis and Shelby County Humane Society. Picnic tables near the fenced dog exercise area held snacks and “dogtinis,” while a crew of furry friends—dominated by the Black Lab demographic— delighted in an abundance of pats and rubs. About half the dogs present were adopted, and $5 donations were given to the Humane Society in honor of each canine attendee. The National Philanthropy Day Luncheon attracted the city’s finest ambassadors to the U of M Holiday Inn for the Crystal Awards Presentation. The Memphis chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals hosted this event to honor the following: Jeanne and Henry Varnell (Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year); Steve Wishnia (Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser); Freds, Inc. (Outstanding Corporation); Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation (Outstanding Foundation); University of Memphis Up Till Dawn (Outstanding Youth Organization in Philanthropy); Sydney Eason (Outstanding Youth Individual in Philanthropy); Dan Murrell (Outstanding Fundraising Executive); and Brier Turner (Outstanding Executive Leader). The Woman’s Exchange continued its 75th-anniversary celebration during the group’s annual “Rev’s” Dinner at the Exchange Tea Room. Nancy Masterson, with the help of Barbara Hanemann and Anne Piper White, chaired the fun-filled evening, which offered members and guests music, dancing and a chance to savor Chef “Rev” Bailey’s delicious cuisine. Bobbie Lovelace, the Woman’s Exchange president, selected the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as the group’s beneficiary last year. More than 75 ladies, along with Chef Richard Ernst and supporters Richard Herndon, Barry Mathis and Ed Stanley, warmed up over chamomile and apple cinnamon teas at the Grace Place Ministry Tea. The Oaks Edge Pool House, a facility provided by the Martin family, housed the event that provided a preview of the latest must-haves during a fashion show by 2 Girls & A Trunk and J. Jill. All funds raised went to Grace Place Ministry, which provides United Methodist Church services to incarcerated women at the Mark Luttrell Correctional Facility, as well as a Disciple Bible Study, Companions in Christ, a Saturday Book Club and exercise classes. Story and photos by Kelly Cox, Leah Fitzpatrick and Lesley Young
Pat Anderson, Beverly Nicholson, Loretta Rosenbush and Betty Carter at Grace Place Ministry Tea
Ginger Chapman and “Rev” Bailey at “Rev’s” Dinner
Anne Piper White, Nancy Masterson and Barbara Hanemann at “Rev’s” Dinner
Bobbie Lovelace and Lola Llewellyn at “Rev’s” Dinner
Mary Katherine Lunceford, Reverend Gail Gaddie, Candi Turner and Peggy Sharp at Grace Place Ministry Tea
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Terri Hamilton, Paula Ebling, Joelle Bradshaw and Mike Scholl at Wines for Whiskers
Ian Matthew John, Wanda Hunsucker, Susan Gaugh and Tripp Carter at Wines for Whiskers
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usic and Memories” reigned supreme as the Grand Krewe of Ennead members and their guests celebrated the coronation of Queen Sahara XIX, McKay Clark, and King Ennead XIX, Jim Driscoll, at the U of M Holiday Inn. A clever backdrop at the entrance to the ballroom featured vinyl albums and covers of music from the 50s through the 80s, and inside, huge keyTom Allen, Nina Wingfield and James Lewellen board and music note cutouts complemented the festivat Collierville Animal Services Wine Tasting ities, which featured tunes by Eddie Harrison and the Shortkuts. Ennead royalty include Duchesses Belinda Pittman, Donna Mikeal, Ellen Patrick and Shirley Wyatt and Dukes Richard Raichelson, Dan Tucker, Don Tillie and Jeff Bailey. Bill Raiford performed the flag bearer duties, while Robie Hoffman served as Ennead chairperson this year. Cindy Hawthorn, who along with Nancy Williams was publicity co-chair, attributed the success of the coronation “to so many members giving time and effort from their hearts to create a wonderful occasion for everyone.” Saying thanks always sounds better over a delicious glass of wine, and there were several to choose from at the Collierville Animal Services Wine Tasting at Dee Larue Cox, Judy Petersen, Aven Russell and Fleming’s Steakhouse. Hors d’oeuvres and a silent aucSuzanne Ware at Collierville Animal Services Wine Tasting tion rounded out the evening’s agenda, which the organization hosted to show appreciation for its supporters. The event also raised awareness for a proposed education building that will offer training and educa46 tional services and a surgery suite for spaying and neutering adopted pets from Collierville Animal Services. “We can’t accomplish any of this without our friends, contributors and city administration,” said director Nina Wingfield. Whiskers Wine & Spirits sponsored the second annual Wines for Whiskers, a wine tasting benefiting the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County. More than 140 donors attended the event held at the Humane Society facility, where many adoptable dogs and cats were on view. Simply Fabulous Catering provided the eats, and Whiskers Wine & Spirits supplied the vino, which included the aptly-titled Dog Sonya and David Smoak House wine. Proceeds totaling $5,500 benefited the at Collierville Animal Services Wine Tasting Humane Society.
Rusty and Caresse Hyneman with Maria Lapuente at Wines for Whiskers
Story and Photos Submitted and by Ruth Cassin, Roy Haithcock and Lesley Young
Dr. Susie Sargent and Jerry Michie at Grand Krewe of Ennead Coronation
Duchesses Donna Mikeal and Belinda Pittman, Queen McKay Clark, Duchesses Ellen Patrick and Shirley Wyatt at Grand Krewe of Ennead
June Olendorf and Bill Hunt at Grand Krewe of Ennead Coronation
MEDNIKOW RED CARPET RENDEZVOUS & DESIGNER JEWELRY SHOWCASE
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Bobby Latiene and Amy Howell
PAULA CREVOSHAY AND CHARLES KRYPELL TRUNK SHOW AT DORIS MCLENDON’S FINE JEWELRY
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By Dennis Phillippi
REINSTATE THE DRAUGHT
MARCH 2009
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h, March, the month of false hope. The month when we get to the end of what we Memphians consider winter, or what much of the rest of the country considers a few chilly days, and we get that first hint of spring, and we think it’s time for tee shirts and shorts, then we get the snow or ice or freezing rain. It happens every year, and every year like amnesiacs on a soap opera we forget. Every year when the trees bud early and then the cold comes back, the same numbskulls announce that all the dogwoods are going to die because they too were fooled by that warm weekend. Never mind that those same trees have been working out this system since we lived in them. We’re a hearty breed, hardened by a life of Mid-South summers with withering heat and brutal humidity; we await the end of the short, dark days with a mix of relief and dread. Because we have become so inured to the heat of summer and have adapted to our laughable excuse of a winter, we are left defenseless against cold. We watch Yankees on the news shoveling snow as high as a power forward’s clavicle with little sympathy. Those people are used to it. They have snow shovels. They have good winter coats. They have insulation in their attics. We may not equal their subzero temperatures or, as the weather people insist on calling it, their frozen precip, but see, they’re prepared for it. When we get our annual unexpected snowfall in March, we’re left totally unequipped. It’s difficult to be chipper about a sudden cold snap when your only heavy coat is a windbreaker. One thing that used to offer a quantum of solace in this deceptively bitter month was Saint Patrick’s Day. Remember when that was fun? Once upon a time this entire city reveled in the debauchery of March 17th. It didn’t matter that Memphis hadn’t had an Irish population of note since the yellow fever epidemic, on St. Patty’s Day we were all Irish. We’d just screw on a green plastic derby and start the pub crawling. To many of our younger readers, the phrase “pub crawling” is likely not only as anachronistic as “broom jumping” and “watching network television,” it’s also probably sort of repugnant. They can’t imagine the pleasure of staggering down Madison, wob-
bling into bar after bar, drinking green beer, and then sitting on the curb with your head in your hands making promises to God. It was a glorious time. Back in the day, and believe me, I’m not happy about using that hackneyed phrase, there were more bars along the Madison corridor than there are out-ofbusiness nail salons on American Way. Usually, by the grace of the old snake
I knew people who vanished on St. Patrick’s Day, only to reappear days later with a story about ending up in New Orleans with a tattoo of County Cork on their biceps. charmer, we would get a respite from the cold and rain, and St. Patrick’s Day would be a sweltering humid day, a day that seemed full of promise for a bender. As it turned out, that baking weather would be head-spinning by the time you’d drunk your weight in draught beer. It was an innocent time and the police weren’t there awaiting a DUI bonanza, they were there to keep you from wandering into the parade. It was assumed that you had worked out a way to get home, maybe by finding some sucker to be the designated driver, or possibly by sleeping it off against the dumpster in the back of Solomon and Alfred’s. Either way, the police weren’t there as a deterrent, unless you needed to be deterred from taking a swing at that linebacker from Ole Miss who said something negative about the Tigers. Honestly, for those of you who aren’t old enough to remember, this was a day when every bar in town offered a plastic cup of verdant watered-down beer as big as your laundry hamper for a nickel. It was awesome. I knew people who vanished on St. Patrick’s Day, only to reappear days later with a story about ending up in New Orleans with a tattoo of County Cork on their biceps. There is no celebration of the drinking culture in this country anymore. Once upon a time the Super Bowl wasn’t about football; it was about getting ham-
mered and feeling really, really good about winning an inflatable chair. The Kentucky Derby wasn’t a week of speculation about whether one of the nags could win the Triple Crown, it was about trying to choke down bourbon with crushed mint in it. Mayberry had Otis. “Cheers” was set in a bar, for crying out loud. And Arthur was funny because drunks are funny. Now if any show had a character who was always half in the bag every would-be nanny to the planet would be calling for the poor wretch to get some help. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve known people through the years that had a real problem with the hooch. People who couldn’t get through a work day without nipping from the bottle in their desk drawer, but we’re not talking about those people. We’re talking about the nation that is descended from the happy clowns on the Mayflower who set anchor somewhere near Plymouth Rock not because they thought it would make a swell location for an ice cream stand, but because they had run out of beer. True story. You can look it up. Our own Andrew Johnson was allegedly shnockered at his inauguration. That’s my kind of president. Granted he’s probably in the bottom five of all time, but still, you gotta love a guy who shows up for the biggest moment of his life without all of his consonants. “I shwear to fashefully essecute…” Congress just passed that whopper of a stimulus package, but they left the drunk constituency out of the bounty altogether. Come on Washington, we’re feeling the pain as much as anyone. Okay, that, by definition isn’t true, but how about some love for those of us who are holding down the barstools? I’m thinking Happy Hour all the time until this whole recession blows over. Who’s with me? More importantly, who’s got the next round?
RSVP humor columnist by day and beer glutton by night, Dennis Phillippi is in search of a St. Patty’s Day party resurgence. No matter the unpredictable temps this time of year, Phillippi will hold fast to his tradition of pub crawling in a green derby, hoping to get sprinkled with the luck of the Irish and maybe even see a leprechaun, or someone who appears to be one after a few drinks.
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Memphis Fashion Week
MARCH 2009
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he 1960s marked the era of fashion, and locals embraced the trends during Memphis Fashion Week. Barbara Kleitsch, a model for Helen of Memphis, shows off some of the outfits she wore during the festivities. Kleitsch is pictured at right wearing a faux leopard print coat in front of the Magevney House downtown. In the photo at left, she models a pantsuit at a brunch held in the former Lafayette’s Music Room at Overton Square. Standing to Kleitsch’s left in this photo are Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Wunderlich and Mrs. and Mrs. Milton Binswanger Jr. PHOTO COURTESY OF BARBARA KLEITSCH 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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