RSVP Magazine November 2014

November 2014

Blues Ball Vin-A-Que Zoo Brew Feed the Soul Greenway Soirée RSVProfile with Ashley Cash

CONTENTS

Contents November 201 4

From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Director of the Pink Palace Family of Museums, Stephen Pike, reveals the Pink Palace’s new Master Plan and shares insight on his home improvement skills.

Blues Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 The Reverend Al Green headlined an event that celebrated 60 years of Rock ‘n’ Roll at the Gibson Guitar Factory.

StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 & 28

64 FEED THE SOUL Nga Huynh and Stephanie Ball

These entrepreneurial brothers are putting a Memphis stamp on vodka. He creates fine art with a medium steeped in the tradition of “tramp art.” StreetSeesn highlight Alexander and Winston Folk and Brantley Ellzey.

Ambassador Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

60 ZOO BREW John and Wendy Arth

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The Power of On(E)geleigh Bringing adventure and smarts to the clothing industry is Onegeleigh Underwood, founder and owner of an environmentally responsible design and fashion firm.

Eugene Pidgeon’s pen captures what started it all for this born and bred Memphian, including her newest campaign called “The Power of One.”

RSVProfile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Big things are happening in Soulsville USA by way of the Memphis Music Magnet project. Ashley Cash, Memphis Music Magnet project manager and director of community at Community LIFT, explains the return of community soul in Soulsville.

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Vin-A-Que . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 The Brooks Museum of Art was the site for the Memphis Wine + Food Series finale benefiting the museum.

36 VIN-A-QUE Margaret and Lou Savarin

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Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48, 50, 52, 68 & 69 Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.

Greenway Soirée . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

BLUES BALL Grace Askew

An outdoor affair at the Wolf River Greenway benefited the Wolf River Conservancy and was hosted by the Memphis Orthopedic Group.

Zoo Brew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 The Memphis Zoo reminded patrons why it is one of the top zoos in the country at the last Zoo Brew of the year.

Feed the Soul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Guests fed their souls while they contributed to the greater good at MIFA’s annual fundraiser held at The Warehouse.

RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

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Make it a Snow Day Snow days, in Dennis Phillippi’s book, have very little to do with snow. Phillippi explains the adult version of snow day. Now we know why a Phillippi snow day seems to correlate with a ball game.

GREENWAY SOIRÉE Mariette and Fletcher Haagal

32 RSVPROFILE Ashley Cash

Cover Photo Lauren Russell and Matt Pare at Blues Ball Photo by Don Perry

R SV P S TA F F Volume XX

Number II

November 201 4 PUBLISHER

Roy Haithcock EDITOR

R achel Warren CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emily Ander son Emily Adams Keplinger Dennis Phillippi Eugene Pidgeon Suzanne Thompson Lesley Young ART DIRECTOR

CHRIS PUGH, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE 901.276.7787, EXT. 103 chris@rsvpmagazine.com

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.

Patrick Aker s PHOTOGRAPHERS

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Patrick L antrip Don Perry Steve Roberts ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Chris Pugh Robin Morgan ACCOUNTING

ROBIN MORGAN ,

Ruth Cassin

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE 901.276.7787, EXT. 104 robin@rsvpmagazine.com

EDITORIAL INTERN

Patrick L antrip

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6 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

Having worked in advertising for 13 years, Robin is most passionate about magazine print. Her energy is contagious and she counts as her hobbies running, shopping and spending time with her girl friends.

Robin's "bright spot" is her daughter Emily Anne. Robin loves living in downtown Memphis, which affords her the opportunity to run down Riverside Drive anytime!

For advertising information contact Roy Haithcock Phone (901) 276-7787, ext. 101 Fax (901) 276-7785 e-mail publisher@rsvpmagazine.com WEB

www.rsvpmagazine.com For editorial information or to request coverage of an event, please contact RSVP Magazine one month prior to the event.

Call 901-276-7787, ext. 105 or fax to 901-276-7785. e-mail editor@rsvpmagazine.com Follow us on

RSVP Memphis Magazine

Copyright 2014 Haithcock Communications, Inc.

PATRICK LANTRIP, EDITORIAL INTERN 901.276.7787, EXT. 107 patrickl@rsvpmagazine.com

Patrick Lantrip is currently seeking his journalism degree at the University of Memphis, where he also serves as the managing editor of The Daily Helmsman. A native of Midtown Memphis, Patrick is an avid outdoors enthusiast who enjoys mountain biking, hiking, camping and wildlife photography. He enjoys spending his downtime with his daughter, Anna and their cat, Bella.

From the Editor

W

elcome to November!

Leaves are falling and there is an actual dis-

cernable nip in the air.

November means Thanksgiving, despite what the commercial retailers are telling you, which is usually something like buy, buy, buy for Christmas! Christmas aside, though, November is the month where we give thanks and reflect on friends

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and family.

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As always, I am thankful for my dear friends and family. Without them I would not be the strong person I am today.

It is the supportive friends, family, co-workers and furry counterparts that that I am endlessly thankful for. Thank you all!

They help me get through the rough times, and I hope that I can return the favor to them as well. These are the things that make November matter. Take a moment out of this month and think about the people that have helped you make it where you are today or, simply, those that helped you make it through that hard day. Give those special people some thanks, a hug or a simple hello. Reach out to some you aren’t especially close to. Let’s feast on pie and turkey, well vegetarian casserole for me, and forget about the cold for a moment and take refuge in the people that hold us up. This month, RSVP’s funnyman Dennis Phillippi discusses the adult version of the snow day (page 73), and lifting our spirits are the owners of new micro-distillery Pyramid Vodka, Winston and Alexander Folk (page 26). Brantley Ellzey, local artist, can lift your winter blues with one of his intricate and remarkable pieces of art made from rolled paper (page 28). Happy feasting everyone!

Rachel Warren editor@rsvpmagazine.com

SIGNATURE MEMPHIS

Stephen Pike Director, Pink Palace Family of Museums

Hometown: Evansville, Indiana.

Your Best Quality: I try to listen.

First Car You Drove: 1964 VW Beetle.

Best Memphis Hangout: The Grove Grill.

Best Dish You Cook: Sautéed mushrooms.

Who Inspires You: My wife Orli. She is WYSIWYG. Favorite Song: “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty.

Place You Go to Think: Any place I can read a book.

Best Advice You Ever Got: It’s all about love and trust.

Favorite Place to Travel: Israel. It’s like NYC on steroids.

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dren were born.

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Coolest Thing About Memphis: We have have people who care

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The Highlight of Your Day: Seeing my two sons when I get home.

and want to make it better. We’ve got guts.

Proudest Moment of Your Life: Two moments – when my chilBest Gift You Ever Received: From my parents: the gift of believing the world is a good place.

Favorite Southern Idiom: One of my Dad’s: If his brains were dynamite, he couldn’t blow his nose.

Who Would Play You in a Movie: Harrison Ford. His characters show their fear, so their courage means something.

Something You’ll Never Live Down: Around the house, I am rightly known for zero mechanical aptitude. Righty-tighty is as far as I go. I can’t even remember what comes after that.

One Goal You’d Still Like to Accomplish: I want to complete the Pink Palace Museum’s Master Plan. It is a great vision, and it has the

Photo by Steve Roberts

power to do incredible things to educate our kids.

EVENT

Blues Ball

BLUES BALL

“Taking it From the Streets to the Rooftops”

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Karen and Ned Canty

Ronald and Carolyn Kent

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n Memphis, Rock ‘n’ Roll is the name of the game and every year the Memphis Charitable Foundation, founded and chaired by Pat Kerr Tigerett, throws a party to honor the music that was born in the heart of this city. Now in its 21st year, Blues Ball, sponsored by Gibson Guitar, is an annual tradition in Memphis that celebrates the music that changed the world and awards musicians and Memphis leaders for their work in the city. This year, the Blues Ball celebrated 60 years of Rock and Roll, 50 years of the Bar-Kays and 50 years of the Beatles.

Tigerett brought together some of the biggest names in music at the Gibson Guitar Factory for a party that truly rocked! The starstudded musical line-up included appearances from The Reverend Al Green, Miss Jackie Wilson, the Bar-Kays, The North Mississippi Allstars, Local Saints, Preston Shannon, Susan Marshall, Ruby Wilson, Will Tucker and Al Kapone. The event raised funds for various charities as well as brings attention to musicians that put Memphis on the map.

As guests entered the Gibson Guitar Factory, they were welcomed with cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres in the lobby that was decorated with blue and white streamers, balloons and string lights.

Early arrivals took in the silent auction, which offered an array of items that included travel packages, music tickets and custom-painted Rock and Roll themed Gibson Guitars. Guests tried to outbid each other for the opportunity to take home a Gibson guitar with the images of BB King, the Blues Brothers, Johnny Cash, Otis Redding or Elvis Presley. Other hot items included packages to Destin, Florida, Dana Hotel Spa in Chicago and the Acme Hotel in Chicago.

Awards were presented to those who have continued the legacy of Memphis music including Halley Phillips, granddaughter of Sam Phillips, who produced one of the evening’s performing bands, Local Saints. Phillips and Priscilla Presley accepted the Blues Ball Legacy Award Honoring Sam Phillips and Elvis Presley. With much thanks, Presley and Phillips acknowledged the leading influence of Memphis music. “Memphis music is like nothing else in the world. It changed the world,” said Phillips. Other honorees included: the Bar-Kays, Alan Aldridge and Robert Johnson, The North Mississippi Allstars, Joyce Cobb, Nikki Schroeder, Miss Jackie Wilson and The Reverend Al Green. Maters of Ceremonies for the evening were George Klein, Steve Conley and Ron Olson.

Post-awards, guests took the party to the streets where tables and food stations were set up on Lieutenant George West Lee Avenue.

The crowd dined on a variety of food from local eateries around the Mid-South including Erling Jensen’s Restaurant, Blind Bear Speakeasy, the Capital Grille, Westy’s, Ultimate Foods, Flying Fish and the Cupboard Restaurant, to name only a few of the great food options available to partygoers. Musical acts accompanied dinner, but with all the great music happening it was hard to focus on food. In between bites, the crowd danced to The Reverend Al Green as he sang hits like “Love and Happiness” and blessed the city of Memphis as fireworks burst overhead. Miss Jackie Wilson and the Blues Ball presented its anti-violence and anti-abuse campaign called “Break the Chain” with Wilson’s performance of “Break the Chain” written by songwriter Tena Clark. Nothing rocks as hard as the Blues Ball!

See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Robin and Joe Birch

Story by Rachel Warren Photos by Don Perry

Sara Hall and Ken McCown

Mike Templeton and Ceil Walker

The Reverend Al Green and Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell

Kris Kourdouvelis and Sharon Grey

Nikki Schroeder, Sandra Trammell and Renee Trammell

Suzie and Mike Bowen

EVENT BLUES BALL

Sheryl and Mike Curtis

Shanice Clayton and Mike Rallings

April Andress and C.C. Myers-Brewer

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George Mironovich and Benita Ochoa

Bob Loeb and Nanette Farris

Kristie Murry and Paul Jewel

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Novella and Michael Cromer

Larry, Amy and Joy Rice

Jeff and Ursula Jones

Cindy DeBardelaben and Steve Cropper

Al Kapone with Jeanine and Gary Morrison

EVENT BLUES BALL

Patricia Barnett and Pamela Smith

Rachel and David Harvey

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Barbara Benstein and Mike McNeer

Pete and Angie Hines

Sharlene and Mack Arthur Williams

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Leigh and Andy Ellis

Jeni and Steve McBride

Patty Jenkins and Mary Ann Grisham

Elliot and Amy Huges

Beverly and Spencer Bradshaw

Lori Dooley and Eddie Llambias

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Barbara Gaston and Kim Robinson

Barbara Sax and Don Chenault

Keith Rice, Collette Reid-Rice and Quitman Deloach

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Jessica Price and Haley Rust

Christopher Blank, Courtney Oliver and James Dowd

Zachary and Allyse Holcomb with Anna and Garrett Brewer

EVENT BLUES BALL Jennifer Lee and Jenifer Sutphin

David and Penney Williams

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Maxine Graham, Henry Dickson and Frances Hudson

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Tim Tanner, Mary Jo Pritchett and Michael Perry

Phillip Carter and Raychel Winters

Karla and Terence Davis

EVENT BLUES BALL

Tim Armour and Shamela Limbaugh

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Brit Buchanan and Sean McQueen

Patrick Lantrip, Holly Cassin, Christina Anderson, Jeff Palazolo and Jaquie Pope

Suzanne Jackson, Eric Hasseline and Chelsea Chandler

Cordell and Tawanda Pirtle

Gilbert and Daphne Battle

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Jami Hooper

Amber Trenthem and Elise Lasko

Glynn and Terry Weakes with Chelsea Harper and Josh Dunn

Caren McCoy, Karin Frost and Erin Fristick

Valerie Wilson and Ben Sturtevant

Amy Doyle and Susan Fuller

EVENT BLUES BALL

Dorothy and Herb Wells

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Debra and Jim McCarter

Chuck and Laura Wynn with Helen and Richard Phillips RSVP

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Carter Beard, Denice Gore and Terry Reeves

Reshamar Short, Kelly Regan and Wes Pitt

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EVENT BLUES BALL

John and Michelle Mehr

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Ted and Leslie Townsend

Jeff Flatten with Dawn and Neal Pope and Ernie Montiel RSVP

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Rhonda and Matthew Goodfellow

James and Evelyn Alexander

Apryl and Jason Potter with Traci and Colin McDoniel

STREETSEEN

Alexander and Winston Folk Pyramid Vodka: Spirit of Memphis

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t seems like in the last couple of years, Memphians have been swept up in wave of local pride for the city and our communities, and, moreover, for the authentic and locally made products created in Memphis and the Mid-South. From cheese to farm-raised produce and even beer, locally produced items have aroused a keen awareness of our city’s ingenuity and plethora of natural resources.

Two young men in Memphis are taking advantage of the natural resources produced in and around Memphis and bottling them up for a tall drink of Memphis. Alexander and Winston Folk are co-founders of new micro-distillery Pyramid Vodka of Big River Distilling Company, and they promise their premium corn vodka will be smooth and strong with a big Memphis flavor.

“We are really trying to highlight the natural resources that we have access to. We source our corn from Mississippi River delta farmers and use Memphis water, one of the greatest water sources in the world. Our vodka promotes Memphis,” states Alexander.

Memphians never tire of bragging about their drinking water, one might even call it a local past time, and the Folk brothers have taken this local bragging right to the next level and developed it into something that magnifies those natural resources and, at the same time, have crafted a product that speaks to Memphis’ heritage and the agricultural backbone of the surrounding areas.

Uniquely, the Folk brothers will be doing all production inhouse in what the brothers calls a “grain-to-glass” approach. “That really is one of our main differentiators is being able to bring it all the way to the field to the glass,” explains Winston. The Memphis water used in the liquor, says Alexander, will give Pyramid Vodka a smoother, sweeter taste than its counterparts on the shelf.

The Pyramid Vodka distillery is located in the industrial area of North Memphis on Royal Avenue. Presently, the area is eerily quiet, having never fully recovered from the closings of its two largest plants, Firestone and International Harvester. In addition to bringing the Memphis flavor to vodka, the Folk brothers hope that the business of Pyramid Vodka will not only intrigue spirit lovers, but, also, they hope it will stimulate some local economic growth.

“We hope Pyramid Vodka will help to create jobs in Memphis, specifically in this particular area where our factory is located in North Memphis. We really wanted to be in this location.

We want to help start a revival in this area and bring businesses back to this historical industrial district,” Alexander states.

The beverage and food business has always been in their blood. The two are the grandsons of the late Humphrey Folk Jr., founder of Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House, and while they may have grown-up on the hospitality side of the business, Alexander says that the production side of the beverage industry interested him more. Having discovered a passion for distilling in college, Alexander says the idea of Pyramid Vodka came about when Winston was stationed in Memphis after serving in the Coast Guard. Both vodka drinkers, the brothers’ idea to produce vodka in Memphis made sense especially with Alexander’s knowledge of spirits and Winston’s experience of machinery and systems management. From there, the concept for Pyramid Vodka took off.

As far as the company’s larger mission in Memphis, Winston states that with Pyramid Vodka they would like to occupy a very small environmental footprint in their business. At the moment, the two are in talks with a small community supported agricultural farm about how Pyramid Vodka can provide the farmer with their distilling by-products to use as feed for their hogs.

Future plans include scaling up the distillery and becoming a national and global brand, yet, the brothers say, they plan on keeping everything based and produced in Memphis.

“We want to create something fun, new and interesting in Memphis because we see people our age who go off to college in Atlanta, Dallas and Nashville. They don’t come back. We want to be the catalyst to bring a lot of that young local talent who leave back to the area,” Winston asserts.

Winston and Alexander say that Pyramid Vodka will be available in November in select local liquor stores and restaurants.

So look out for the name and enjoy a sip of the bounty of Memphis!

Story by Rachel Warren Photo by Steve Roberts

DIVORCE THE RICES WROTE THE BOOK. They really did.

Larry Rice and Nick Rice are co-authors of The Complete Guide to Divorce Practice. Published by the American Bar Association, the book is recognized as the standard reference for divorce lawyers across the nation. The 25th anniversary edition documents over 900 pages of their insight, experience and techniques.

The National Academy of Family Law Attorneys recognized Larry as a Nationally Ranked Top 10 Attorney and Nick as a Nationally Ranked Top 10 Under 40 Attorney. They were both recognized as The Face of Divorce Law in the Mid-South by Memphis Magazine.

Lawyers seek out Larry’s expertise. He has given over 200 lectures on divorce practice to lawyers nationally and internationally. As the only Super Lawyer in Memphis certified as a Family Law Specialist, Larry spends most of his time practicing law with the Rice Divorce Team.

A third generation lawyer, Nick Rice grew up with the law. After graduating from CBHS and UT-Knoxville, Nick clerked in the family firm while attending The University of Memphis Law School. Nick has lectured on several occasions and was recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star.

The Rice Divorce Team is a practice group within Rice, Amundsen & Caperton, PLLC. The team is exclusively committed to family law – from prenuptial agreements to final decrees, from parenting time to property division and everything in-between. The team includes: Larry Rice, Nick Rice, Jennifer Bellott, Erin O’Dea, Jessica Farmer, Tracy Eaton, Andrea Schultz CP, Carla Baker, Susan New ACP, Stacy Pipkin, Cyndy McCrory, Jennifer Bicknell, Ken Schultz, and Sharon Beard.

The team applies generations of experience, nationally recognized expertise, and up-to-date technology to lead their clients through negotiations, mediation, arbitration or litigation. Hundreds of lawyers reviewed, contributed to and helped refine the system used by the Rice Divorce Team. The depth of The Rice Divorce Team’s personnel provides the ability to tailor representation to each client’s individual needs and goals. While the team is proud of courtroom success, their greatest satisfaction often comes from obtaining a quiet settlement favorable to their client.

Divorce is difficult. Divorce is made worse by misinformation. The Rices’ guide to divorce is available to you at www.aboutdivorce.com.

275 Jefferson Avenue Memphis, Tennessee 38103 901.526.6701 larry@ricelaw.com • aboutdivorce.com

STREETSEEN

Brantley Ellzey Rolling in Memphis

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lossy pages of magazines, blueprints, yellowed book pages, annual reports. These might not strike you as fine art materials, but in the hands of local artist Brantley Ellzey they can be can be crafted into art that invokes life and profundity. With an architect’s eye and careful precision, Ellzey is taking these paper mediums, rolling them up and creating impressively grand and colorful works with depth and complexity.

Take a visit to Ellzey’s large studio at 408 North Cleveland, and you will be surrounded by tables full of paper rolled into tubes and organized by color and numbers. The paper mediums used by Ellzey to construct his pieces, some towering up to ten feet tall, are carefully chosen to reflect the person or company they are commissioned for or a subject he has decided to examine through an artistic lens.

“I think the bigger thing that am doing is this: in each piece the material informs the subject of the artwork. In the process of rolling up all these pages, I am encasing this information. The pieces are operating on two levels. The first is at a strictly visual operational level and the other is contained within with an underlying meaning,” says Brantley, offering the example of a recent piece he just finished that was commissioned for a woman as an anniversary gift for her husband.

Ellzey explains that the piece that was gifted to the husband incorporated materials that reflected his interests and hobbies such as wine labels, wine magazines and papers from his business. The rolled paper becomes vintage cars, mountain peaks, golf balls and other varied symbols of the couple’s life they have built together and the interests they pursue in it. On the surface you see the couple’s life together and the husband’s achievements, but, if you were to take the piece apart and unroll each bit of paper, you would find articles written about the husband and blueprints for the couple’s home in Arizona among other subjects. “My art,” says Ellzey, “has a time capsule quality to it.”

Finding inspiration from a folk art that he witnessed as a young boy, Ellzey discloses, was the beginning of his paper odyssey in fine arts.

Ellzey is an established architect, and he holds a Masters Degree in Architecture and a Bachelor in Theatre Design from Tulane University.

He has lent his skills to the renovation of the First Congregational Church and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, among many others in Memphis. Revealing that he has always been interested in other aspects of design, Ellzey relates that designing furniture for an art show brought on an idea to use the craft art of rolled paper.

“When I was a little boy, there was a woman in Osceola, Arkansas where I grew up, who rolled paper. Rolling paper is an old sort of craft.

It is kind of a tramp art, like making a purse made out of cigar boxes. As a kid, I remembered she would make trashcans out of milk jugs and wrap them with rolled paper,” Ellzey recalls.

He toyed around with the idea of incorporating the rolled paper into his furniture design. While this never came into fruition as furniture, Ellzey did not forget about the rolled paper and soon began making entire art pieces from tubes of rolled paper. Of course, his architectural skill came in handy as each work requires meticulous planning, finding endless paper sources, mathematical deductions and patience.

While Ellzey’s artwork may be reminiscent of a folk craft, his art has taken that to a level of fine art with its intricate and elaborate style, not to mention the immense amount of prep work that is involved in each piece. To view public examples of Ellzey’s work you can walk into the Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital central lobby and see his piece titled “Le Bonheur Landscape.” Made out of a total of 5,000 rolled pages from hospital materials, the piece portrays a delta landscape with a giant floating heart above it, which was crafted out of construction documents of the new building. One of his most recent public works is titled “A Joyful Heart is Good Medicine” and hangs in the lobby of the Methodist Olive Branch Hospital. It celebrates the new construction of the hospital and portrays a rural view of North Mississippi and an ascending dove, which is composed of actual blueprints for the new hospital building. Fine art at its finest heals, and Ellzey’s artwork is certainly an example of this.

“I loved working on that,” Ellzey states, speaking about the Le Bonheur piece, “I love their whole philosophy of art as healing. I think it is a very noble and worthwhile thing they have done.”

To learn more about Ellzey’s art take a look at his Facebook page called Brantley Ellzey: My Work, or shoot him an email at brantleyellzey@gmail.com.

Story by Rachel Warren Photo by Steve Roberts

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By Eugene Pidgeon

THE POWER OF ON(E)GELEIGH!

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ngeleigh! What a unique name. It is rare that such a symbiosis of vowels and consonants will yield so delightful a resonance or spark so attentive a curiosity.

Surprisingly, the name Ongeleigh, as in the case of native Memphian and ecotrepeneur, Ongeleigh Underwood, was not culled from the root of a family tree or the quasi Tolkien-esque-mystique of a Led Zeppelin lyric. “When I was born, my parents toyed with the idea of naming me Leigh, but then I think they were inspired by the name of a character in the movie ‘Yentl,’” recalls Underwood.

Barbra Streisand not withstanding, Ongeleigh Underwood has come a long way from the plaid and pleat demeanor of St. Agnes Academy in Memphis to the proprietary expanses of Temperate, the ecologically and environmentally responsible fashion and design firm she owns and operates in Chattanooga. More important, is how she did it independently.

Temperate was first created with no outside influence. Bravely, as if she knows fully well what is at stake, Underwood explains, “I have put all of my life savings into building Temperate. I have no plans to take it public. If someday I were to take on an investor to help me jump to another level, this would be the ground rule.

Patagonia is the best large scale apparel manufacturer out there, and it is mostly due to the fact that they are private and can continue to do the right thing because they don’t have to answer to shareholders.”

According to Underwood, “Temperate was conceived to expand the premise of the locavore movement to clothing by connecting the wearer with the maker. Temperate makes stylish basics and limited edition collections with American grown organic cotton and plant-based dye techniques.” The locavore paradigm, on which Underwood has modeled her business plan for Temperate, is a reference to people who prefer locally produced products as opposed to products that must travel great distances to get to them. The locavore movement in the United States and elsewhere was spawned as a result of interest in sustainability and eco-consciousness becoming more prevalent.

One eco-sound garment at a time, Temperate is changing the design, the dynamic and the psychology of women’s couture fashion. Underwood’s journey thus

far has been tempered with grit, risk and an almost inexhaustible resource of determination and critical self-discovery.

“After St. Agnes, I attended the University of Arizona in Tucson,” says Underwood. “I had some inkling of wanting to study environmental science, but I changed my major about six times. I just couldn’t quite come to terms with what I wanted to do with my life.”

What Underwood did for the next chapter of her life was spontaneous and

Photo by Laura Partain

THE AMBASSADOR SERIES

The Ambassador Series

quite intrepid. “I bought a ticket to South America.” Without any plan or preparation, she hopped a flight to Peru.

Confidently, Underwood remembers, “I spent $400.00 on an open ended ticket to Lima and wound up spending a whole year in South America.” Her parents were slow to see the wisdom of this decision.

Underwood laughs, “Yeah, they hated me dropping out of school and doing that.”

Interestingly, there was nothing manifest attached to her decision to go to Peru. Underwood was not following her Muse or seeking spiritual enlightenment in the shadowed antiquity of the Incan Trail or in the heavenly spires and winding corridors of the fabled Machu Picchu. “I had no real interest in Peru. It was just one of those days where you walk by the sign in the window, buy the ticket and just go,” says Underwood. Although, Temperate was most certainly not the bi-product of whimsy, Underwood has incorporated the same elements of her natural spontaneity and sense of brave adventure into the blueprint of her business development. Almost as if a mandate, she trusts and lives by her own

instincts and intuition.

Underwood ultimately wound up in Brazil. “I took Spanish in high school, but, while I was in San Paolo, I took an intensive course in Portuguese. I just fell in love with the culture and history of Brazil,” she says.

One of the harsher images of Brazil Underwood had to reconcile was how quickly and irrevocably the ancient forests and rich bio-diverse jungle lands of the Amazon were being dismantled by a ravenous expansion of grazing territory for cattle. However, she astutely balances her criticism of this troubling, environmental inevitability with a realistic grasp of the growing economic hardships faced by the common citizens of Brazil.

“It is outrageous how much of the Amazon is being destroyed by man, but you also have to draw a line. One of the things I have had to figure out when trying to sell an environmentally friendly product is that you have to restrain yourself when finger wagging. It is really easy to say that in the Amazon you have one of the most amazing resources and one of the few remaining natural resources left in the entire world and that we have a responsibility to Brazil to save it,” explains Underwood. “But, Brazilians need to feed their families just as much as anyone else.

So they raise cattle. This is what the population has to do to survive.”

During the first week of fall, and coinciding with Temperate’s first anniversary, Underwood announced, “The Power of One Campaign.” Every Monday for five weeks, Underwood will post a Q&A on her website http://www.temperate.co/ with a southern woman who is making important strides in the areas of community-building or for sustainable development. All of the women will be featured wearing Underwood’s original designs. The First Lady of Nashville and lead attorney for the Southeastern Environmental Law Center Anne Davis and Memphian Margot McNeely the founder of “Project Green Fork” are two of the women Underwood has profiled. “My mission is to change the way we think about clothes!” exclaims Underwood. Perhaps, in the end, the name Ongeleigh is such a unique name simply because it belongs to her. Ongeleigh Underwood, indeed the Power of One!

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RSVProfile Memphis Music Magnet: Revitalizing Soulsville USA hen you see me worryin’ baby, yeah it’s you I hate to lose/Whoa nobody loves me, nobody seems to care,” sang Memphis Slim (John “Peter” Chatman) in his hit “Everyday I Have the Blues.” While the legendary bluesman may have been lamenting the loss of a woman he loves, a few years ago the same lyrics could apply to Slim’s historic home in South Memphis.

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Located at 1130 College St. in the Soulsville USA neighborhood of South Memphis, Slim’s former home sat crumbling and dilapidated, slowly becoming part of the foliage as roots and weeds began taking over the house. Right next door to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Slim’s house was waiting to join its brother Stax in recognition and to be made whole again. The house, built in 1912 and owned by Chatman’s father, hosted the likes of music icons like Rufus Thomas and Isaac Hayes. Seemingly forgotten, it truly did appear that nobody loved the house anymore and that the city was at risk of losing a legendary piece of Blues music history without so much as a whisper to the site’s rich past.

Fortunately, in the end the historic site was not forgotten, and, with the help of several organizations beginning in 2011, the Slim house was saved from its slow death and reborn into the Memphis Slim Collaboratory (MSC). MSC is the result of the hard work of many organizations like the Soulsville Foundation, Stax Music Academy, Soulsville Neighborhood Association, Visible Music College, Community LIFT, LeMoyen-Owen College and Community Development Corporation, the Community Foundation, Mike Curb Institute for Music at Rhodes College, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Memphis (Graduate Program & Regional Planning/Music Industry Division/Department of Architecture). The MSC was not one person’s dream or one’s person’s efforts, but the hard work of many organizations across the

nation to see the Soulsville USA community revitalized with the means to tell their story through music and art.

Part of the Memphis Music Magnet (MMM) @ Soulsville, USA project, the MSC was developed to channel the musical history of the Soulsville USA neighborhood and restore the community into a creative hub once again for local musicians. In time, MMM hopes that by creating this musical community with amenities for artists, it will set in motion the resurgance of the Soulsville neighborhood.

The reconstruction of the house is part of a grand mission to memorialize the Blues legacy Memphis Slim left to the world as well as to inspire other local musicians to pick up their instruments and voices and join the rich musical history of Memphis. Grants provided by the Hyde Foundation, ArtsPlace America, the Kresge Foundation and the Assisi Foundation helped make the house’s reconstruction a reality.

Ashley Cash, MMM project manager and director of community development at Community LIFT (Leveraging Investments for Transformation), explains the overarching goal of MMM project, saying, “The main goal of the Memphis Music Magnet is to revitalize the Soulsville neighborhood using music as the driver. This includes having amenities for artists and having a place where the community has some kind of cultural activities. We want to make it a one stop shop for Blues, Jazz, Hip Hop, R&B and many other kinds of music here in the Soulsville area, all of it, of course, being anchored by the Stax Museum.” The MSC is the first tangible outgrowth of the MMM plan, but Cash states that it will not be the last.

Cash, who is deeply involved with the day-to-day operations of the MSC and the MMM project, explains that Community LIFT is what she calls the “backbone” of the MMM project. LIFT is one of many partners that helped to bring this MSC to fruition by applying and allocating grants into the Memphis Slim house reconstruction as well as bringing a creative eye to the vision of the Soulsville redevelopment. Working primarily in the Frayser, Binghampton the Heights and the Soulsville neighborhoods, LIFT helps to revitalize neighborhoods through strategic investments in various neighbor-

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hoods areas to encourage thriving communities.

“Eric Roberson is the President of LIFT and this has been his vision. He is the one with the philosophy that if everybody in their separate groups are interested in revitalizing the Soulsville neighborhood, it will move faster than if there is only one person or one group moving the project along. We want to collaborate with groups that can help us attain our goals of the Memphis Music Magnet plan,” says Cash. She also largely credits Charlie Santo, associate professor of City & Regional planning at the University of Memphis. Santo’s work with students helped conceive the MMM plan and the MSC, created a realistic blueprint for the plan and attracted stakeholders and community leaders to set the vision in motion.

A place where business, creativity and community fostering will exist under one roof, the MSC will allow aspiring musicians and musical groups to purchase memberships that include access to a soundproof rehearsal space, a training studio for demos, a lounge for artistic collaboration and a small performance venue. The house is also wired for high-resolution audio and video used for live video streaming. Memberships run $75 for a year, which includes 8 hours of rehearsal time, 10 hours for demo recording, free and/or heavily discounted admission to workshops, onetime discounted rental of the MSC, free access to the computer lab and resource center materials, access to the MSC for intimate performances and access to private membership database of musicians. Cash explains that the space will be the ultimate “rehearsal space for musicians, singers, songwriters and producers to collaborate and cultivate their artistry.”

Moreover, LIFT and involved partners want to bring cultural activities to the Soulsville neighborhood and provide a structured space for the community to continue telling its story through the arts as well as provide a tool for community engagement and empowerment. Cash is happy to report that with the help of Leni Stoeva, also of Community LIFT and the creative placemaker at MSC, they have been making major headway in bringing cultural experiences to Soulsville. Some of the events the MSC has hosted in

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the past include 30 Days of Opera in September with Opera Memphis, DJ David Parks, monthly workshops with Tony Dickerson, Stax Music Academy workshops and an oral history performance by the Nightingales and the Soulsville Foundation.

Recently, the MSC hosted the Greater Memphis Songwriter’s Guild’s NEOSOULSVILLE event.

Cash states that these activities and shows are not only a way for the neighborhood to express themselves but also a way of inviting people in, saying, “We want to show people through these cultural activities that the Soulsville neighborhood is exciting and fun. We developed them for community members that are living here, but they are also for people that don’t live in the neighborhood. We want to show all of Memphis that this is a safe place to bring your family. We want people to put the Soulsville neighborhood and the Collabatory on their Memphis radar.”

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LIFT also wants to make sure that the Soulsville community is closely involved in the MMM revitalization plan for the Soulsville area. Utilizing the expertise and the knowledge of the Soulsville Neighborhood Association, LIFT is working with Soulsville residents to understand the story the neighborhood wants told and the direction they want to take the revitalization. “We are getting a collaborative idea about what to do with the funding we received. Everything we do is partnership driven. We strive to include everyone at the table including residents. We are always asking, ‘What are the next immediate needs?’ We are trying to fill those,” Cash remarks.

In the future, LIFT hopes to work together with their partners and create affordable housing for artists and creative individuals and their families. Some ideas to do this include installing soundproofing insulation in the space, explains Cash.

Along with these music bonuses in the houses, Cash says that LIFT would also like to see the houses be leased from month-tomonth to accommodate traveling artists who may only be in

Story by Rachel Warren Photos by Don Perry (Before Photo by Community LIFT)

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town for a short period of time.

These ideas are still in the incubation period, claims Cash, but it something LIFT wants to pursue eventually.

Along with any community revitalization or redevelopment comes a story that has been waiting to be told. In the hands of the right people, this revitalization and the story that the community wishes to express is done in a thoughtful, respectful and empowering manner. This is exactly what LIFT is striving for according to Cash. “This is very important because if you create something that has nothing to do with the people in the neighborhood then it will be apparent that it did not come from a place this neighborhood created or will support,” she says. While Cash shies away from being the spokesperson for the entire Soulsville community’s story, she states that the story she wants to tell through her work is that the Soulsville area is still a space for colorful artistic expression.

“As Ashley Cash, I think the story that is being told is that creativity is not dead in Memphis and in South Memphis Soulsville. Musicians are here. This is a place where musicians were able to come and that still stands. It shows that someone cares about this industry. We just need more people to be apart of it. That is how I see the story, in the simplest terms, for the Memphis Music Magnet project,” Cash answers.

The story of the Soulsville neighborhood and the Slim house is one that is multi-faceted. No one answer would be correct because it is a community and neighborhood that has many inspirations and that has inspired millions all over the world. Whether it is one that tells the story of Memphis music or art or one that tells the story of family values and community strength, the story of Soulsville will always be one of courage that drove men like Chapman to take on the world with a big sound and a bold spirit. If there is one thing you can definitely expect to hear from the Soulsville story and the MMM plan for neighborhood revitalization is one of grit. It’s a word you hear a lot in Memphis, but no one exemplifies it better than Soulsville USA.

EVENT

Vin-A-Que

VIN-A-QUE

Benefiting the Brooks Museum of Art

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Fiona and Lance Binder

Erma Elzy and Stephanie Bowman

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pon entering the neoclassical Beaux-Arts style façade of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art for the Memphis Wine + Food Series finale Vin-A-Que, patrons were reminded why the gallery has been able to remain Tennessee’s oldest and largest art museum for nearly a century.

Guests were greeted with an autumnal cocktail consisting of apple whiskey, cinnamon schnapps and Gosling’s Ginger Beer served in a rustic mason jar. However, that was only the preamble, because Vin-A-Que was home to over a dozen booths serving wine and specialty cocktails, assorted confections and a cornucopia of both traditional and non-traditional barbecue from multiple Memphis-style masters, including Ryan Trimm, Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman.

Inside the foyer, Simply Delicious Catering whipped up bitesized pulled pork tacos, Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous served samples of their signature sausage and cheese plate, Caesars Entertainment chefs prepared smoked boneless short ribs with Napa Valley cabbage and radishino slaw, Whole Foods offered smoked trout and Mosa presented Asian barbecue basil spring rolls. For desert, Caesars dispensed fresh watermelon bars with a pecan crust and candied rind while Phillip Ashley Chocolates prepared samples of some of his signature confections such as Memphis BBQ, Bark and Bacon, Sweet Lucy, Whiskey Sour and Woodshed. Prichard’s Distillery, of Kelso, Tenn., handed out samples of their whiskeys and served a whiskey-based apple cider cocktail.

In the next room, One & Only BBQ prepared smoked chicken drumsticks and Central BBQ offered barbecue pork ribs and chips.

Buster’s Liquors & Wines was responsible for putting the “vin” in Vin-A-Que, in addition to crafting a signature cocktail consisting of Clyde May’s Alabama Whiskey, Gosling’s and cranberry bitters.

Meanwhile, Frost Bake Shop served slices of chocolate and pumpkin cakes.

Outside the party continued as patrons danced to the music of Papa Top’s West Coast Turnaround. Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman of Andrew and Michael’s Italian Kitchen and Hog and Hominy served roasted porchetta and Brussels sprouts and Ryan Trimm of Sweet Grass and Southward Fare & Libations offered roasted pork with mustard green slaw sandwiches. Budweiser of Memphis brought several beers including Ghost River Riverbank Red, and two Oktoberfest-inspired brews by Wiseacre Brewing and Beck’s.

Wrapping up its 22nd season, the Memphis Wine + Food Series also includes the Brooks Charity Wine Dinner, Brooks Uncorked, Fleming’s Wine Dinner, Private Winemaker Dinner, and Grand Auction. Since its inception, the Wine + Food series has added over $4 million in net revenue to the museum.

See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Diana Clair Britton and Brian Hey

Story and Photos by Patrick Lantrip

William Franklin and Kendall Jones

Cooper and Kim Turner

Clark Schifani and Brittany Russell

Kelvin and Tara Lee

Allison and Steven King with Jill Steinberg

Joy and DeJuan Bowen

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EAST ME

Fontaine Brown

Steve Bearman

Jeanne Arthur

Helen Akin

Fontaine Taylor

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Terry Gallagher and Anna Rich

Sarah Cate and Betsy Brasher

Allison Brigance and Jessica Rifanburg

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Kathy and Roger Sapp

Brigid and Chris Carpenter

Don and Anita McLean

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Don and Denise Carpenter

Kelley and David Jones with Amy and Dave Robertson

Stephen Rodda and Shibahn Singh

Charles Mullighan and Kathryn Roberts

Leila Marten, Cecilia Walker and Ryan Carter

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Sarah Leonard, Jennifer Casey, Jessica Toliuszis and Christina Vranich

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Carolyn Wise with Ashley and Clay Presley

Jackie Sparks and Darla Still

Micah and Dawn Rapoport

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Amy Beard and Elly Deyhle

Shawn Hayden with Lauran and Jack Stimac

Jim McCoy and Jeannine Scherzer

Katie and Tom Midgley

Kembree Darakshani and Tony Brown with Debbie and John Merino

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VIN-A-QUE

Tommy and Carolyn Jones

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Phillip Lawson and Kim Michaelson

Cy Washer, Devinn Schwarzman and Karen Henson RSVP

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Joe and Billie Pierce

Neville Williams and Mark Hatgas

Lane Moten, Jane Atkins and Nancy Willis

EVENT VIN-A-QUE Lynn and Gregg Landau

Alana Hu and Luka Perkovic

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Lucas Elijovich, Lea Rackier, Lauren Fontenot and Janet Lo

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Richard, Lacey, Libby and David Hudman

Bri Rogers and Chase Rumble

Yale Miller and Hillary Spruytenburg

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Stuart and Stephanie Cohen

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Ken Neill and Chris Davis

Mark Parker and Jill Turner

Jill and Patrick Collins with John Evans

EVENT VIN-A-QUE Drew Davis and Emma Redden

Suzana Lightman and Lindsey Hedgepeth

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Lynn and Gregg Landau with Peter and Jill Margolin

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Bryan Hartley, JoAnn Moss and Trey Lawson

Sonya Goyal and Geetika Bansal

Latisha Hooker and Valiea Goodman

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The Art of Caring

Cooking for a Cure

Curb Couture Tashion Show

The Orpheum Theatre Art Sale

Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation hosted its annual Art of Caring at the Memphis Botanic Garden. Approximately 350 guests gathered for a reception and art auction that featured original works specially created for this year’s event. A Moveable Feast Catering provided guests with shrimp with barbecue remoulade sauce, loaded cheese grits, bacon-wrapped dates, spinach dip, fruit and cheese torte. Desserts included lemon squares, miniature cheesecakes, brownies and chilled fruit tarts.

Lee Askew, Rhea Crenshaw, Lucy Lee and Anne Stokes served as honorary curators for the event.

Building the excitement of the evening, Pat Halloran conducted a live auction of a watercolor by Starkville, Mississippi artist Brent Funderburk titled “Caught Up.” Funderburk has been awarded the John Grisham Faculty Excellence Award and the Burlington Northern Excellence in Teaching Award at Mississippi State University and was the Official Artist of the 2010 USA International Ballet Competition.

Valerie Robilio Burrow, senior public relations coordinator for Baptist, said, “The Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation is the fund-raising arm of Baptist Memorial Health Care, a not-for-profit organization. Funds raised by the Foundation help to accomplish Baptist’s charitable care objectives and provide resources for enhancing patient care, education and groundbreaking clinical research.”

After fund-raising in Maine for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the last 10 years, Nancy and Bill Noyes brought their campaign to Memphis as they presented Cooking for a Cure at the Clark Opera Memphis Center. Over 200 guests dined on a dinner buffet featuring signature dishes from area restaurants like Bonefish Grill, Folk’s Folly, Arts & Crafts Culinary and award-winning Memphis in May barbecue by Mike McBride. David Kurtz & Friends provided musical entertainment for the evening, with special guest guitarist Steve Ingle. Adam Maldonado and Traci Lavois Thiebaud furnished additional entertainment as attendees gave them with a single word and the poetic duo rapidly typed out personalized poems. The Noyeses established the Noyes Brain Tumor Foundation for their son, Matthew, who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 2002 and received treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The nonprofit organization supports brain tumor treatment and research at St. Jude. Matt lost his battle to his disease in April, but his parents continue to be passionate about supporting research and treatment that will provide better outcomes for children with brain tumors. Through these efforts, they continue to keep Matt’s spirit alive.

With a multitude of verdant shades reminiscent of The Emerald City, Memphis City Beautiful presented its 2014 Curb Couture Trashion Show in the Overton Square Parking Garage.

Going with an “industrial chic” look, the first floor of the garage was turned into a New York-style fashion runway for an evening of “trash and fashion” – better known as Trashion. Ron Childers of WMC-TV served as the event’s emcee, while Memphis’ own fashion icon, Babbie Lovett, served as the show’s commentator. Maura Black Sullivan, deputy chief administrative officer of the city of Memphis, represented Mayor A C Wharton in welcoming the crowd. The show opened with dancers from New Ballet Ensemble who wore junglethemed green outfits, followed by a trio of Curb Couture Girls sporting a mod look with dresses or skirts made from previous Trashion Show invitations and white go-go boots. Over 40 models strolled the runway wearing the latest in “green couture” with designs from Memphis’ leading trashionistas. While some designs may have seemed traditional at first glance, upon closer inspection guests could discern that these creations were not standard fashion fare, but actually clothing and accessories made from recycled items.

Over 200 guests, 40 local artists and hundreds of original paintings, photographs, and multimedia works made appearances at The Orpheum Theatre’s 20th annual Art Sale. For the first time, this event took place on the historic Orpheum stage where guests not only got to purchase beautiful works of art by Memphis artists, but they also enjoyed a delectable wine tasting

by Hidden Crush and delicious heavy hors d’oeuvres from Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar. This year’s event more than doubled its sales in comparison to 2013, and 75% of each sale went to the artist with the remaining 25% benefiting The Orpheum Centre for Performing Arts & Education, which is currently under construction.

Story Submitted Photos by Christina Torres

Anne and Pat Halloran with Lauren Steinkamp

Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger

Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger

Carla Brown, Lisa Thomas and Michelle Moore Lindsay

Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger

Jennings Barnes and Cindy Gambrell Terry and Rose Gwaltney

James Ticer, Janie Palazolo, Ginger Leeker and Valerie Robilio Burrow

Peggy and William Gann Megan McCusker Tim and Marta Michell

Jason and Allison Little with Karen and Rick McKinley

Nancy and Bill Noyes

Alexandra Rochkind

Mike Maness and Mary Connell

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Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off

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Chili Chili Bang Bang, Red Hot Chili Babies and the Blind Bear were just a few of the teams pitting their spice and beans against one another. Some teams threw in cornbread. Others went vegetarian. Cilantro, chicken, and the right amount of peppers were all strategies used in the heated competition held at the Exceptional Foundation of West Tennessee. The organization held its third annual Chili Cook-Off on the grounds of the foundation on Moriah Woods Road. The appetizing affair was presented to raise funds for the organization, which offers programs to intellectually disabled children and adults. Close to 30 teams from the Mid-South entered the contest, which was judged blindly by a five person team. “They don’t know whose chili they’re tasting,” foundation executive director Jo Anne Fusco said.

Attendees and general supporters had a chance to participate in the judging by casting a vote for the People’s Choice award. A spirit award was presented to the team with the best name and decorations. For those who couldn’t handle the spice, the foundation provided hot dogs and cookies for sale. Beer, sodas and water were also available for purchase.

Entertainment was provided by the Company d of Memphis dance group and local performer Jessica Ray. Story and Photos by Lesley Young

Germantown Performing Arts Center Guild Brunch It’s a big year for Germantown Performing Arts Center(GPAC).

Not only is it celebrating 20 years of bringing international acts to the venue, including YoYo Ma, Alison Krauss, and during its inaugural year in 1994, Ray Charles, but it also has a brand new stage on which to celebrate. Much of its success couldn’t have happened without a certain group of ladies behind the scenes hosting parties, housing performers and making everything in between. The GPAC Guild, which was formed about the same time as the center opened, focuses on raising funds for the center as well as offering whatever support is needed, from presenting flower arrangements at events to serving as ushers during performances. “We do it all,” Marilyn Barnes, special events chair and past Guild chairman, said. The GPAC Guild Brunch held for the women of the guild as well as board members and other notables. “We’re inaugurating our new stage,” guild chair Donna Cohen said. Behind the curtains, a grouping of decorated round tables were set for the ladies, GPAC Executive Director Paul Chandler, City of Germantown Mayor Sharon Goldsworthy and IRIS Orchestra Executive Director David DePeters. Heart & Soul Catering supplied the brunch items which included egg strata, tomato gazpacho aspic, biscuits and croissants.

Brian “Breeze” Cayolle performed celebrated jazz numbers on his saxophone while Bob Sunda accompanied him on the piano. And no brunch is complete without mimosas. “The ladies of this guild are super and do an awesome job. Let’s all raise our glasses and celebrate the anniversary and the guild ladies!” Cohen said.

R.I.S.E. Foundation Gala

Rock For Love

Dr. Evelyn Wynn-Dixon’s story is an unorthodox, yet inspiring one.

Wynn-Dixon was at one point homeless and a mother of four.

She was bankrupt, relied on welfare and Section 8 housing.

Today she bears the title Mayor of Riverdale, Georgia and received such honors as Clayton County Woman of the Year and has been one of Atlanta Business League’s Top 100 Women of Influence. Additionally, she was featured on The Shriver Report and NBC Nightly News. Recently, Wynn-Dixon made her first appearance in Memphis. “The People’s Mayor” served as the keynote speaker at the second annual R.I.S.E. Foundation Gala held at the Hilton Memphis.

R.I.S.E. stands for responsibility, initiative, solutions and empowerment, and the organization seeks to provide financial literacy tools and incentives to families to make better financial choices and build assets. The foundation presented the gala to raise funds to support the organization’s programs. A few hundred supporters gathered around elegantly dressed round tables for a luxurious dinner while listening to the motivating words of Wynn-Dixon.

Wynn-Dixon, now serving her second term as mayor, told the crowd, “You don’t have to be a victim of your circumstances.”

WREG-TV anchor Stephanie Scurlock emceed the event with Mayor A C Wharton. Several awards were presented to R.I.S.E. participants and supporters. First Tennessee Bank and Sedgwick presented the event.

Just as the Church Health Center (CHC) grows, so does its expenses. Topping out at a $17 million annual budget and reaching nearly 50,000 patients in the last year, the center offers discounted medical services to the working uninsured of Memphis, and any support is a welcome addition. In 2007, three local musicians, two of them now CHC employees, stepped in as a welcome addition and hosted a benefit concert to help the cause. The concert has since grown into a three-day, multiple-venue affair, and this year’s lineup was proof that the benefit has turned into an all-out Rock and Roll festival. The party kicked-off when Huey’s in Midtown donated half the proceeds from local beer sales to the center. The first day of the festival was held at various locations, including the Hi-Tone, the Church Health Center and the Amurica photo booth office and Visible Music School. Saturday the fete moved to Overton Square with an after party held at the new Hattiloo Theatre, and the grand finale was held at the Levitt Shell with Memphis favorites Mark Edgar Stuart, Impala and the Grifters closing things out. Local comedians emceed the various shows with Josh McLane hosting Friday night’s party, Brandon Sams and Richard Douglas Jones on Saturday and Katrina Coleman finishing things off at the Shell.

This was the eighth Rock for Love benefit, and over the years the event has raised a total of $250,000.

Story and Photos by Lesley Young

Story and Photos by Lesley Young

Story and Photos by Lesley Young

Reese Adler and Ann Adler with Lexie Chris McCoy and Laura Jean Hocking Ruth and Fred Towler

Wendell and Diane Kruse with John Krosnes

Jenny Vergos and Jo Anne Fusco

Chris Krosnes and Paula Wellington

Marlon Hill with Tom and Neta Fleps

Nancy Agee and Mary Beth Lawing

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Onsite III Josephine Circle President’s Day Luncheon

Living Awards Benefit

The Josephine Circle honored its past presidents with a President’s Day Luncheon at the Chickasaw Country Club. The luncheon also featured a fashion show showcasing custom attire by Betty Hays of Betty Hays – A Style Experience. Guests enjoyed punch and mingled as the new members were styled by Betty Hays herself. The fashion show commenced with the new members showing several fall and winter outfits, many outfitted in fur.

The ladies then enjoyed a lunch that included Astoria salad and chicken piccata. Dessert was a sumptuous pecan ball and vanilla ice cream.

Methodist Healthcare Foundation held its annual Living Awards Benefit at the luxurious Peabody Hotel. Living Awards are presented to those individuals or organizations that are committed to the faith and health mission of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.

Cocktails started things off in the Continental Ballroom. After drinks and mingling, guests entered the Grand Ballroom where the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Praise Team entertained for the crowd. Following the music, President and COO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Michael Ugwueke warmly welcomed everyone to the awards. Recipients of the Living Awards included: Henry and Jeanne Varnell; Dr. William E. Routt Jr.; Community Alliance for the Homeless and the United Methodist Committee on Relief.

Story and Photos by Rachel Warren

Memphis Fashion Week Unveiling of Emerging Designers Winners Memphis Fashion Week (MFW) announced its 2015 Emerging Memphis Designer Project (EMDP) winners at their Unveiling Party at Southward Fare & Libations. Designers, designer supporters and the fashionably trendy of Memphis excitedly waited for the announcement as they sipped on pomegranate sparkling champagne and noshed on treats like the goat cheese brochette and fried oysters crafted by the Southward team.

Abby Elzemeyer, MFW director, remarked on how much MFW and the EMDP have grown over the last four years. The Emerging winners included Maggie Dandrige, Camilla Curran, Lindsay Chastain, Cierra Wilson, Heidi Newsom, Adrian Duke, Terica Todd, Kathryn Heard, Kathy Wu, Clara Seigler, Darnell Henderson and Tiena Gwinn. The EMDP was created to help cultivate local designers in Memphis as well as continue to keep Memphis on the map as a site for fashion and art.

Story and Photos by Rachel Warren

Story and Photos by Rachel Warren

Memphians gathered for the 14th annual Taste of the Town event presented by Spectrum Lighting + Controls Inc. and hosted by the Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce with charitable partner Make-A-Wish® Mid-South.

This tasting event gave guests the chance to try an assortment of restaurants and eateries across the greater Memphis and Germantown area. Over 30 food stations were packed into the Tennessee Ballroom of the Hilton Memphis, and attendees nibbled on selections from Half Shell Restaurant, One & Only BBQ, Pinot’s Palette, Elwood’s Shack, Owen Brennan’s and Seasons 52, to name only a few. Desserts were presented by Frost Bake Shop, Nothing But Bundt and Philip Ashley Chocolates. Donna Wolf and Pat Register provided the evening’s music. Terry Reeves kept the night rolling smoothly as the event emcee, and Steve Conley, Ron Olson and Karen Perrin got the crowd amped up and ready to bid during the live auction. All proceeds benefited Make-A-Wish® Mid-South.

Story and Photos by Rachel Warren

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Taste of the Town

Snookie Newman, Pat McCaleb, Norma McCroy, Bunnie Olivere, Judi Atkins and Elaine Dudley Tanyce Davis and Joy Sharp Tate Wilson, Abby Elzemeyer and Star Hawks

Latona Batey and Wade Morgan

Josephine Crestman, Pat Ellis and Michelle Vincent Scott and Corey Morgan

Ida Richardson and Katie Kitchin Kathryn Heard and Lyndi Heard

Jo Walt and Eula Horrell

Christine Phillips and Tamara Elzie

Jonathan Underwood and Adrian Duke

Kelly Ryan and Patrick Starr

EVENT

Greenway Soirée Celebr ating Natur al Spaces

GREENWAY SOIRÉE

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Mark and Diana Billingsley

Margaret Watford and Garrott McClintock

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eld on the Wolf River Greenway with the beautiful Wolf River as a backdrop, the fourth annual Greenway Soirée offered a night of outdoor splendor. Guests began their evening with a golf cart ride along a wooded pathway. As they crossed a bridge staged with spectacular professional lighting designed to highlight the towering trees, tunes performed by The Wolf River Rednecks began to float through the woods. Adding another musical note to the evening was an acappella performance by Opera Memphis.

The festive atmosphere was enhanced by a feast of delicious seasonal food catered by Hog Wild Catering and complemented by a variety of white and red wines provided by Buster’s Liquors & Wines as well as beer from Ghost River Brewery. The fund-raising event was presented by Memphis Orthopaedic Group as a benefit for the Wolf River Conservancy (WRC) and the Wolf River Greenway.

Guests dined al fresco on a fall-themed buffet featuring Parmesan spinach-artichoke squares, Caprese skewers, fried catfish bites, chicken bow tie pasta and pork tenderloin with rolls. The VIP lounge tent, complete with an iron chandelier, upholstered parsons chairs and cocktail tables, offered Brie and pear tartlets, citrus island grilled shrimp, gazpacho shots and smoked beef brisket and grits. Desserts included an assortment of pastries. The take-home gift was a collectible pint glass featuring a custom-designed Greenway Soirée motif.

Keith Cole, executive director of WRC, explained, “The original idea for this event was to get people out to see the Greenway. We wanted to give them an opportunity to experience it in a social setting. Since the first year, attendance for this event has grown from approximately 200 people to more than 300 people.” Dr. Chris Ferguson, a sports medicine physician at Memphis Orthopaedic added, “Greenways make our communities more livable by preserving and restoring natural spaces. They also provide opportunities to encourage a healthy lifestyle through exercise, which in turn promotes improved fitness and mental health.”

When asked what they liked about the event, Sara Van Dyke said, “I like that this event is held outdoors in a part of Memphis that most people have never seen.” Barbara Kabakoff, WRC director of development added, “The atmosphere is relaxed and it is great to see people having fun right on the river – ‘the other river’ – our hometown Wolf River.”

Founded in 1985, the WRC has committed its efforts to preserve and protect the Wolf River and its watershed as a sustainable, natural resource for the citizens of the Mid-South by preserving the land and providing educational and recreational opportunities.

Proceeds from this event will be used to support efforts to provide a healthy and green Memphis.

Colleen and Chris Canale

Abi and Cratin King

Story by Emily Adams Keplinger See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Photos by Don Perry Password: RSVP Joseph and Michelle Brand

Abe and Susan Plough

Cathy and Pete Gross

Steve Basar and Brenda Solomito with Mayor Mark and Pat Luttrell

Lucy Foster and Mary Nease

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Jane and John Faquin

Darah Prosser and Cindy Burnett

Patty Thompson and Bruce Thompson

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Davant Latham with Jeanne and Bill Arthur and Natalie Latham

Mickey Hodges with Rachel and Gabe Gabrielleschi

Jon and Elaine Verhalen

Nick and Patty Scully

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Kirk and Murry McClintock

Crista and Chris Ferguson

Michael Weinberg, Robbie Johnson Weinberg, Maury Twer and Katie Cole

Colquett and Sara Van Dyke

Kim Pace and Jim Toner

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Dominique Frost, Justin Ford and Kelly Rayne

Tom and Leeanne Roehm with Michael and Melissa Peeler

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Karen O’Sullivan, Jennifer O’Sullivan and Randi Haslestad

Barbara Kabakoff and Danielle Ingram

Pete and Tina Sullivan

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Melissa and Gary Thompson with Anne and David Brand

Harley and Missy Steffens

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EVENT

Zoo Brew

ZOO BREW

Benefiting the Memphis Zoo Conservation Action Network

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Erin and Darren Lazek

Jennifer Stewart and Steve Prentiss

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n one of their premier events of the year, The Memphis Zoo showcased a few of the many reasons why it was recently named one of the top five zoos in the country. With the success of events such as Macy’s Zoo Brew, it’s no surprise it was ranked number four in a readers’ choice contest conducted by USA Today, finishing ahead of traditional zoological juggernauts such as the San Diego Zoo and narrowly edging out late night TV staple and conservationist, Jack Hanna’s own Columbus Zoo. The second installment of the Memphis Zoo’s biannual brew-fest lived up to the hype, and also served as a precursor the zoo’s largest fund-raiser of the year, Zoo Rendezvous. Upon entering the zoo’s Egyptian Revival gates, guests were given a two-ounce plastic cup and a map of the beer stations to assist them on their social safari.

“With three grand stages and a fabulous VIP area, it’s the best beer tasting in the city of Memphis,” remarked Tim Dalfiume, the zoo’s director of events, as he passed out small transparent tumblers to the early birds in the VIP section.

In total there were over 117 different types of beer from 34 different breweries for patrons to sample from, as they flocked amid the different stations. The entrance courtyard, Primate Canyon, the China exhibit and everything in between provided not only an aesthetically pleasing backdrop, but an opportunity to pair the lagers and ales with their surroundings, such as offering imported beers from Asia within the China exhibit and even a Well’s banana bread flavored beer adjacent to the gorilla enclosure.

Hometown heroes, Ghost River Brewing and Wiseacre Brewery were present and always popular, as was their Nashville neighbor, Yazoo Brewing Company. While microbrew meccas California and Colorado were represented at multiple stations, brews from the Washington Bridge to Washington State were available. Not to be limited to the Lower 48, pint powerhouses Germany and England had multiple selections, as did Belgium and India.

Held in the Teton Trek section of the zoo, the VIP area offered guests a head start on the festivities as well as a few select options not offered to the general public. Athens Distributing Company even had a wine station set up for any out-of-place oenophiles, and, as far as comestibles were concerned, Heart & Soul Catering provided a buffet of brie and Swiss chesses, fresh fruit, grilled vegetables, corn salsa, barbecue Crostini, beef tikka, and Tuscan chicken tartlets to name a few.

Vera Grey and Chris Mize

Roglly Centeno and Justin Berthelot

Story and Photos by Patrick Lantrip

See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP Breyana Lowe and Ali Rawlins

Hayley and Chad Varner

Krista and Phil Tadlock

Mike and Tracey Cunningham with Claire Cunningham

Martha Paez and Erica Walters

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Kristen and David DeAngelo

Michael and Lori Beeler

Amber and Rob Miller

Jennifer Norwood-Anthony and Stephanie Biggs

Laughlin Tagg and Scott Pritchett

Katheryn DiNuzzo and Marc King

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Michael and Tony Mitchell

Cheryl Gillespie, Tim Dalfiume, Judy Shora and Cathy Dalfiume

Midhi Dua and Sri Aravapalli

Michelle and Joseph Brand

Craig Brewer, Ashley McCullough and Corey McCullough

EVENT

Feed the Soul

FEED THE SOUL

Benefiting the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association

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Daniel and Amanda Lewis

Marcus and Natasha Mayton

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or the seventh year, MIFA (Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association) invited the public to join in an evening of food, friends and music at the annual Feed the Soul benefit. Approximately 600 people mingled throughout the eclectic downtown building known as “The Warehouse,” spilling outdoors onto the patio and surrounding grounds.

SunTrust presented the 2014 Feed the Soul event. Honorary hosts of Feed the Soul were Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, producer and music legend David Porter and his wife Rhoda. Event sponsors were AutoZone, ServiceMaster, Brown Missionary Baptist Church, Bluff City Jaguar Land Rover, Fred’s Super Dollar, State Systems Inc., Aramark, Thomas & Betts, Baber Direct Marketing, Caring Companies, Travel Leaders Poplar and UnitedHealthcare.

Well-known songwriter Earl Randle, who penned tunes for The Reverend Al Green, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Seger, the Duggan Brothers Band, Etta James and Koko Taylor, held court on the Soul Stage, crooning “oldies but goodies” while guests dined on a down-home buffet. The menu featured barbecue, fried chicken, baked beans, cole slaw and rolls by Aramark. Also included was vegetarian jambayla over rice and bread pudding from Symbolic Caterer, and Central BBQ served chicken nachos. Belle Diner offered beef brisket. In the Southern tradition, MoonPies were offered as dessert.

Karaoke King DJ Tim Bachus provided additional live entertainment. In the AutoZone Rhythm & Blues tented pavilion, Stan “The Bellringer” Bell of V101 FM played crowd favorites and brought the crowd to the dance floor. Photos of partygoers were taken on the green carpet throughout the evening, and some guests lined up to try the multiple flavors at an oxygen bar.

Guest Molly Polatty said, “I tried the oxygen bar for the very first time, sampling a punch flavor. I was surprised at how energized I felt afterwards. It was a real pick-me-up.”

The party continued on the front porch where attendees gathered for a Four Roses Bourbon and Bacardi tasting. On the grounds of the property, a tented area sponsored by Bluff City Jaguar Land Rover served as “The MIFA Cave” with offerings from Havana Mix Cigar Emporium coupled with a vodka luge. There was also a raffle for over 20 items donated by local merchants and organizations.

Proceeds from Feed the Soul will benefit the programs of MIFA. Sally Heinz, executive director of MIFA, explained, “MIFA serves over 50,000 people annually through high-impact programs that sustain the independence of vulnerable seniors and families in crisis. The great thing about Feed the Soul is that it brings such a diverse crowd together to celebrate MIFA’s important work in the community. It’s a tangible expression of MIFA’s vision of uniting the community through service. People from every background have come together since 1968 to support MIFA, and this party offers another way for them to do that.”

See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Cheryl Heinz and Callie Ellis

Story by Emily Adams Keplinger Photos by Patrick Lantrip

Earle Augustus and Gwen Horner

Patrick and Julie Rule

Andy and Libby King

Alisa and Keith Thornton

Philip West, Matthew Neeman, Larry Kisling, and James Ady

Jessica Toliuszis and Christina Vranich

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Illysa and Michael Wertheimer

Kenneth and Sharon Mister

Kim and Tim Bachus

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Rosie Leo and Ginger Andrews

Katie and Rob Wiles

Jasmine Hudgins and Jordan Stewart

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Caley, Sophia and Josh Spotts

David Valdini and Stephanie Bennett

Cathy Sawyer, Cynthia Reeves, Rickey McAtee, Kenisha Jones and Mary Bates

Erica Franklin and Bianca Cooper

Sally Haynes, Kelly Athow and Jace Athow

EVENT FEED THE SOUL Virginia and William King

Mandy and Rick Rough

Jen Larkin and Mary L. Fryman

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Aarti and Mark Bowman

Julia McDonald and Liz McKee

Vicki and Anthony Jennings RSVP

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Pam and Brian Beall

Lasheryl Askew, Phyllis Phillips and Jean Howard

Amy Greer and Josie Graham

Kim Bailey and John Cornes

Katie Moore with Chundell and Trykeitha Alexander

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Onsite IV Cocktails for a Cause

“Journey of Hope”

Latino Memphis Leadership Luncheon

For over three years, Kathy and Kelly Fish have hosted “Cocktails for a Cause” during the warmer months at their elegant Central Gardens home. Each gathering benefits a different local nonprofit and features celebrity bartenders, entertainment and a signature libation. Recently, Creative Aging Mid-South was the beneficiary of the month.

Bartenders were John Webb (CEO of Trezevant) and Michael Escamilla (Executive Director of Kirby Pines), who served up drinks crafted by Brad Pitts of Bari Restorante and dubbed the Annesdale Americana. The Double D Band provided the tunes. Creative Aging is a nonprofit which seeks to bring the arts to seniors where they live and gather. Over $6,000 was raised for Creative Aging, and to date, the parties have garnered nearly $120,00 for 17 different groups.

Memphians showed their support of Women of Hope International (WOHI) by attending its second annual fund-raising banquet at First Evangelical Church. Guests were invited to visit a hands-on-experience station depicting a day in the life of a woman in Sierra Leone and West Africa. The gathered crowd also viewed displays featuring aspects of disability awareness, small business and Fair Trade skills, health promotion and literary education, and disease data. The program, “Journey of Hope,” featured inspirational stories from the lives of women from Sierra Leone. Following dinner, provided by A Moveable Feast Catering, Kim Kargbo, CEO of WOHI addressed the group, saying, “We are excited to see the power of hope as we continue to reach out to those who have been cast aside in society with the transformative hope of the Gospel and equipping them to become leaders and agents of change in their communities.” WOHI helps disabled women transform their lives and restore their dignity with a holistic development strategy that the organizaion has implemented in 105 countries since 2009.

¡Bienvenidos! As the escalator steadily rose higher and higher, and a bright, cheery red and yellow sign proclaiming “Welcome!” in Spanish came into view, the lively sounds of trumpets and guitars played by Mariachi Rayos del Sur waltzed their way into the ears of arriving guests. Latino Memphis held their first annual Leadership Luncheon at the University of Memphis Holiday Inn, and those attending were members, sponsors, students and anyone interested in the mission of Latino Memphis. As attendees enjoyed a three-course meal, speakers exclaimed their gratitude, assurance and hopes that Latino Memphis has offered to the numerous Latino citizens living in Memphis. Among those speaking were dignitaries associated with AutoZone, FedEx, NIKE, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee and lastly, the keynote speaker, George P. Bush. Bush spoke on the necessity of helping both children and adults achieve their dreams, declaring, “Equality for all is the main goal of Latino Memphis, and with the support of the community, the Latino citizens of Memphis are achieving their goals.”

Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson

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Story and Photos by Emily Anderson

Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Dinner and Performance A mystical forest set within a mystical forest made for a dream within a dream was the enchanting scene awaiting guests at the “Midsummer Night’s Dream” Dinner and Performance at Memphis Botanic Garden. White lights zigzagged overhead and pointed towards a grandiose stage set amidst the woods. Tree frogs croaked, and the smell of flowers wafted through the tress, setting the scene before the first scene even began. VIP guests indulged in red and white wine along with hors d’oeuvres, while other guests enjoyed their own snacks brought in coolers before taking their seats in the lawn in front of the new Jim Duncan Stage to watch “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” performed by Ballet Memphis. The crowd’s spirits, not affected by the downpour just hours before, excitedly allowed themselves to be captivated by the dreamy, romantic atmosphere of the garden and on the stage.

The performers of Ballet Memphis led the audience through Shakespeare’s light-hearted comedy about love and it’s afflictions using only dance, causing spectators to laugh at lovers’ mishaps and awe at the dancers’ superlative talents. A whimsical story performed among a lavish setting, the wonderful event truly mirrored a midsummer night’s dream.

Story and Photos by Emily Anderson

KC Warren, Dirk Brakebusch and Dr. Jeff Warren

John Gaskill, Michele Ozer and Linden Wilson Shannon Keller and Jamie Lyon

Terry Dalrymple, Kelsey Martin and Kim Kargbo Ed and Sue Neal

Dr. Henry Sullivant, Penny Aviotti and Charles Blatteis Jeanie Williams and S.J. Smith

Nancy Haug and Jan Jaudon Melissa Wolowicz, Kathy Fish and Whitney Jo

Rinnie Wood and Barbara Loevy

Tim Kargbo with Theresa and Abraham Gassama

Clarisa Mireles and Mariana Hernandez

Devon Inghram and Maya Hawkins

Early birds flocked to Wiseacre Brewing at 8 a.m. for the bikebased Tour de Coop, hosted by GrowMemphis. This annual event offered cyclists of all ages a chance to learn about the birds and the bees, although not in the way you might think. After meeting up at the Broad Avenue brewery, representatives from GrowMemphis led groups on a tour of some Midtown’s finest backyard gardens, beehives and, of course, chicken coops before returning to roost at Wiseacre Brewing. Cyclists could choose either the Mini Tour, the Short Tour and, for those who wanted to really spread their wings, the Long Tour. Whole Foods Market donated bottles of water for the cyclists and Hollywood Feed donated doggie bags with organic chicken dog treats and dog toys for the non-feathered companions at the event that Executive Director Chris Peterson said tripled in attendance since last year. Founded in 2007, GrowMemphis’ mission to promote a sustainable local food system by turning vacant lots into community gardens has grown from three to over thirty with plans for more in the future.

Saving pit bull and pit bull mixed breed dogs in the MidSouth is the passion of Hearts of Gold Pit Rescue. The group engaged the public at their first annual dinner and auction benefit in the legendary South Main District to raise funds for the nonprofit organization. The evening’s fund-raising goals centered on one special dog named Kol who was found severely injured and thanks to the work of Hearts of Gold the puppy has made a full recovery. The group raised enough money to cover the associated medical costs of treating Kol and to help with the needs of other dogs in their care.

Story Submitted Photos by Barbara Standing

Baddour Center Fashion Show and Silent Auction

2 Million Dogs Foundation Puppy Up! Party and Walk

The Baddour Center hosted its 35th annual Fashion Show and Silent Auction. Held in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Memphis, the luncheon and show featured children’s fashion by Special Daze of Senatobia and women’s fashion by Betty Hays of Betty Hays – A Style Experience and Gloria’s Mother of the Bride of Memphis. A silent auction kicked-off the afternoon, and guests listened to the angelic voices of the Baddour choir, The Miracles, as they enjoyed lunch.

The Baddour Center is dedicated to providing a model residential community for adults with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities. Baddour residents enjoy an environment that promotes maximum growth intellectually, spiritually, physically, socially, emotionally and vocationally.

The 2 Million Dogs Foundation is committed to discovering the common links between canine and human cancers and the causes of these cancers through research. To raise funds for this mission and to raise awareness, the foundation threw a Puppy Up! Party and Walk. Guests and their furry friends enjoyed a seated dinner, live music and a silent auction at the Puppy Up! Party held at the University of Memphis Fogelman Executive Conference Center. A Puppy Up! Walk at a later date completed the fund-raising efforts. People brought their dogs to Overton Park for the Puppy Up! Walk.

The founder, Luke Robinson, whose best friend was diagnosed with cancer, decided to establish a way of promoting dog-cancer awareness by walking 2,000 miles from Austin to Boston. He believed that if he and his two dogs could walk 2,000 miles, than surely dogs and their owners can walk two miles. People joined together with their pups to acknowledge dog-cancer, learn the easily observable warning signs, walk two miles and donate over $16,000 at this walk alone! There were tents with canine clothes, healthy doggy treats, puppy artwork, lots of tail-wagging and a community of people doing something to fight cancer for their lovable pets.

Story by Rachel Warren Photos by Chris Pugh

Story and Photos by Patrick Lantrip

John and Debbie Merino

Story Submitted and by Emily Anderson Photos by Emily Anderson and Peggy Foster

Mallory Ivey, Sharon Murtaugh, Elena Murtaugh and Sofia Murtaugh Mario and Rena Chiozza Allison Doty and Kim Fife Alla Lubin and BJ Worthy

Miles Tamboli and Ivan Cook David and Sandra Phelps

Rosie Schleinig and Donna McDermott

Lisa Romera and Donna Velez

Fran Hickman and Luke Robinson with Indiana and Hudson

Jane Ezell, Betty Hays and Laura O'Mell

Nichole Cooke and Brittany Dyce

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Tour de Coop

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AFTER HOURS

After Hours A photo collage of the latest business happenings

Sissy’s Log Cabin Fine Jewelry Grand Opening

STRUT! Memphis Fashion Show: at Mercedes Benz of Memphis

Cindy Paul, Leigh Montgomery, Arden Tolleson and Jules Borne

Bill Jones, Sissy Jones, Lamar McCubbin and Michael Bohner

Sherree Hoffman, Jackson Baker and Larry Rice

Andrea Stratton and Becky Westbrook

Bill Jones and Sissy Jones

Wayne Scroggins, McKinley Singelton Jr. and Mark Kennedy

Lee Jones and Leigh Montgomery

Murphy Jones, Sissy Jones, Bill Jones, Sharri Jones, Bob Alright, Michael Bohner, Lamar McCubbin, Joe Cook and William Jones

Carol Scroggins and Susan Deloach

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Social 2nd Birthday Party

Sarah Cox and Merri Rowe

Renee Stubbs and Celine Croce

Courtney Ferrell, Jamie Sims, Carmen Bond, Emily Kay and Lane Park

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40 Smelt (2 wds.)

41 Artifact show place

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51 Automobile 52 To be

55 Adult insect

58 Pacific Ocean discoverer

60 Impersonator

63 Overwhelming military attack

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9 Ear part

10 Poem of praise 11 Small knife

15 Soaring plaything 17 Philosopher Karl 19 Pro

22 Certain computer producer 25 Chewy candies 26 Diplomacy 27 Coating

28 In place (of)

29 Italian physicist

30 Pull__ (sweaters)

46 Dalai __ 47 Pat

48 Middle East dweller 49 Bud

51 Uses as a reference 53 One and the other 54 Shiftless

56 Mongolian desert 57 Globes

59 Pen brand

61 Fifth month 62 Scamp

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46 Microscope viewer 47 Insane

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64 Moniker 65 Recede 66 Sore

31 River sediment 33 Serve a drink 35 Endured

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5 First day of wk.

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RSV PHILLIPPI

By Dennis Phillippi

because it was always possible that overnight the snow would disappear, and we were back to acting like hibernating bears when morning came.

Years ago, I got canned from a radio job and on impulse announced to my friends that it was a snow day. This was actually in late summer so we weren’t going to be building igloos. We did the adult version of a snow day. Everyone else knocked off work, and we went to a bar and drank. This was at about one in the afternoon. Somehow, and this was well before social media made everything everyone’s business, the listeners of the show

Nothing could beat being the first one to run across someone’s front yard, leaving muddy footprints, or being the first to drag a double handful of snow off of a car to craft a lethal frozen projectile. It was everything, no school, lots of stuff to mess up, and combat. found out, and we all spent the afternoon getting hammered and whining about the loss of the show. This definitely took the sting off of getting fired. It was a snow day, a day when everyone quit being productive and just had fun for an afternoon.

Since then, there have been many of snow days declared, only occasionally having anything to do with the weather. In fact, I can only remember one snow day that was declared because of actual snow.

On other occasions, it has been because the weather is spectacular. A day so beautiful that it makes no sense for any of us to be at work. No, on a day like that the only logical thing to do is shirk all of your responsibilities and spend the day drinking

inside a dark bar. Let’s ignore the huge gap in logic there. We’re talking about snow days.

There have been some declared because of a tragedy in someone’s life. It was like throwing our own little private wake for a friend who had lost something; a job, a loved one, a NFC Championship.

In a time of sorrow there is no better way to show someone how much you love them than to lie to your boss and buy the next round.

I’ve been told that there are people who don’t drink just as I’ve been told there are people who don’t watch sports.

That’s fine. You weirdos can celebrate a snow day anyway you’d like. You could, I suppose, even do so outside. You could take in an afternoon movie. You could…um…okay, that’s the only one I had that doesn’t involve bars or a ball game.

I’m kidding, there are a million things you could be doing right now besides being at work. You could be taking your kid out of school for some vague reason and taking them to the Children’s Museum. You could be conning your significant other into manufacturing a convincing cough and leaving their office in case they’re “infectious.” There doesn’t have to be a reason.

As long as you’re not doing it on a regular basis, any excuse is a good enough excuse for a snow day. If you do it on a regular basis, it’s not special; it’s just being lazy.

Today, as I write this, with my deadline hanging over my head, there is a day game in the baseball playoffs. Had I not blown off writing this until I’m getting very demanding emails from our fearless leader, I’d be watching pregame with friends of mine who have already announced, obliquely, on social media that they are taking a snow day. Right now I feel like the kid with measles on field trip to the zoo day. As we speak, my friends are getting a nice cold one and watching batting practice going on behind reporters on ESPN. So, as you can imagine, I am typing this as quickly as my two typing fingers can fly. It’s a day game. In the playoffs. Seriously, I gotta go.

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ecently I was talking with a meteorologist friend of mine, and I asked him if we could expect to get less and less snow as the years pass because of this whole Global Warming thing. He said, first, it’s Global Climate Change.

Second, yes. And, third, is this all I am to you? Someone you call about the weather for your little column? Which was followed by what I assume was a curse in Klingon. I won’t say who it was. He knows who he is.

Apparently, the days of getting a few sweet snow days each winter are going to be a thing of the past, which is a real shame. Those were the greatest non-school days ever. Waking up to see that blinding white light peeking from behind the curtains. Looking out to see a blanket of snow covering everything. Big fat snowflakes tumbling out of the sky. It all said one thing: no school today. On a normal school day, it would take my mother forever to drag all six of us out of bed, but on a snow day we would be bundled up and outside within seconds of being officially informed that school was out. We would never prematurely assume the best because then we would have demonstrated that, if we wanted to, we could get right out of the sack on any day. Once the three television channels had confirmed to our parents that the half an inch of snow made driving a school bus life threatening, we would bound outside with an entire pristine world to deface. Nothing could beat being the first one to run across someone’s front yard, leaving muddy footprints, or being the first to drag a double handful of snow off of a car to craft a lethal frozen projectile.

It was everything, no school, lots of stuff to mess up, and combat.

Where I grew up in central North Carolina, we used to get a fair amount of snow days, and we would take full measure of them. It would be well after dark before we could be coaxed back into civilization

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MAKE IT A SNOW DAY

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Lunchbox Memories

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1959

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he 1959 graduating class of Calvary Lutheran Co-operative Kindergarten, taught by Mrs. Skinner in the last row, is featured here in this photo. The classroom was located on the campus of what is now known as LeMoyne-Owen College. Students pictured here include: Cornelius Pearson, Freda Williams, Durry Morris, Ronald Clark, Eddie Bailey, Stanley McFarland, Mary Alma Branch, Carol Lumpkin, Clarice Gordon, Ronald Pearson, Keith Kyles and William Warr.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RONALD CLARK If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Rachel Warren at 276-7787 ext. 105 or e-mail the photo and caption to editor@rsvpmagazine.com All photos will be returned promptly.