Memphis Food Boo! Art on Orpheum & Wine Festival Ball Fire Auction Gala
7807 Radford Ridge Road
1838 Central Ave.
$1,875,000
$464,500
Memphis, TN 38104
Germantown, TN 38138
Distinctive custom estate nestled in Germantown's gated, Radford. Savor a luxurious and private lifestyle featuring 5 bedrooms, 6.2 baths, state-of-the-art kitchen, dedicated theater room, exercise/bonus room, library area, bar/butler's prep area, 2,000 bottle refrigerated wine room, 5 fireplaces. A backdrop of lush landscape frames an outstanding outdoor entertaining area boasting of screened porch, covered patio, grilling porch, 64-jet hot tub, sensational swimming pool and guest/pool house! The epitome of excellence in a class by itself!
Cathy Banks
This is a stunning, classic home in Central Gardens. Offered by Patty Everitt, CRS and Coldwell Banker Collins Maury. This .88 of an acre has 3 bedrooms and 2.1 baths, with hardwoods up and down. You will love stepping back in time but with today's amenities. Beautiful moldings with marble fireplace, remodeled kitchen, breakfast room, huge den with separate dining room for those large dinner parties! Screened porch, with a basement flex room for wine/kids! Come through the electric gate, view of the large backyard, 2 car detached plus ample parking for everyone. Enjoy the trees and wonderful friends you will make in Central Gardens! Close to downtown, midtown and beyond! Call for your private showing!
Patty Everitt
Kathy Counts
901.606.2374 banks@collins-maury.com
901.487.7709 peveritt@collins-maury.com
901.493.3701 counts@collins-maury.com
45 Norwal Rd.
Memphis, TN 38117
$1,245,000
Cathy Banks 901.606.2374
Stunning, classic 6800 sq. ft. home with 6 bedrooms (2 down), 7.5 baths, was extensively renovated by architect Charles Shipp. It’s situated on a beautiful 1.1 acre lot and features a wine closet, 3 fireplaces, living and dining rooms, den, sunroom, playroom, high end millwork and finishes, great floorplan, hardwood floor, irrigation system, invisible fence and back-up generator. The luxury master bath has heated floor and separate walk-in closets. Upstairs is 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms with common area, built in desks and a second laundry area. Check out the Youtube video.
Nancy Huddleston Lauren Moore 901.240.1029 901.484.9494
Ginger Coggins 901.496.1477
Sally Isom 901.219.8882
Diane Stribling 901.831.1755
Janey Outlan 901.487.3292
Sissy Vaughan 901.870.6227
Caitlin Soma 980.329.7700
Barbara Weir 901.412.7489
Bill Maury
901.751.4311 maury@collins-maury.com
Nannette DeShazo Lexie Johnston 901.870.3685 901.489.1604
Collins-Maury.com
5865 Ridgeway Center Pkwy Ste. 105 3276 Goodman Rd. 968 Civic Center Drive Ste. 103 Memphis, TN 38120 Collierville, TN 38017 Southaven,MS 38672 901.259.8550 901.259.8500 662.548.2000
A L L N EW 201 6 C T6
5433 POPLAR AVE.
|
901.761.1900
|
BUDDAVISCADILLAC.COM
Features From the Editor • 8
Events
Contents December 2016 Memphis Food & Wine Festival • 12
Signature Memphis • 10
The Memphis Food & Wine Festival, held at the Botanic Garden, benefited the FedExFamilyHouse and showcased local and national chefs and vineyards. Blair Owen and Chip Ellers
Jimmy Ogle
Meet the newest Peabody Hotel Duckmaster and find out what his favorite Memphis "thangs" are.
StreetSeen • 22
Memphis Moments • 24, 36, 40, 42, 44, 52, 54, 58, 60, 61, 64, 66, 69, 70 & 71 Phillip Ashley and Courtney Allen
Chef Logan Guleff
Cook in the kitchen with the 2014 MasterChef Junior winner while he discusses his bright future.
StreetSeen • 26
Boo! Ball • 28
Head to the Pink Palace for their annual fundraiser to see the spooky Boo! Ball event complete with spider webs, ghosts, and pumpkins. Katherine Rote and Martha Roberts
Elizabeth Alley
Learn about this painter, sketcher, promoter, teacher, travel addict, technical writer and all around very busy woman.
RSVPhillippi • 73
All Spruced Up
In this month’s column, Phillippi discusses his opinion and personal memories of the Christmas tree.
Cover Photo David and Sarah Thompson at Memphis Food & Wine Festival Photo by Don Perry
Art on Fire • 46
Heat things up at Art on Fire, benefiting the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, featuring fire dancers, a bonfire, and the Memphis Grizzlies. Amanda and Trey Cummings
Orpheum Auction Gala • 56 The “Glitter & Gold” Auction Gala was held at the historic Orpheum Theatre to benefit the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts.
The Table of Contents photo was taken at the Enchanted Forest: Festival of Trees, held at the Pink Palace Family of Museums. The exhibit is open from now until Christmas. Photo by Krista Geyer
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December 2016
Larry and Joy Rice
Volume XXI • Number XII
December 2016 Publisher Roy Haithcock Editor Ashley Dunn Contributing Writers Bill Bannister Suzanne Thompson Cozza Virginia Davis Emily Adams Keplinger Dennis Phillippi Art Director Krista Geyer Photographers Blake Billings Don Perry Steve Roberts Account Executive Chris Pugh Accounting Ruth Cassin RSVP Memphis is published monthly by Haithcock Communications, Inc. First class subscriptions are available for $55.00 per year. Send name and address with a check to:
Haithcock Communications, Inc. 2282 Central Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 For advertising information contact:
Roy Haithcock Phone: (901) 276-7787, ext. 101 Fax: (901) 276-7785 publisher@rsvpmagazine.com Visit us online at:
www.rsvpmagazine.com For editorial information or to request coverage of an event, please contact RSVP Magazine one month prior to the event:
Call: 901-276-7787, ext. 105 Fax: 901-276-7785 editor@rsvpmagazine.com Follow us on:
RSVP Memphis Magazine
Copyright 2016 Haithcock Communications, Inc.
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December 2016
RSVP Staff
Chris Pugh
Account Executive Chris has been exercising his talent in the advertising world since 1999. He joined the RSVP team in 2009 and brought with him a love for laughter and creativity. Originally from New Albany, Mississippi, Chris has settled in Memphis and enjoys being active in the fashion community.
Krista Geyer Art Director
Krista has spent most her entire life in the Mid-South area. She moved home after earning her Bachelor’s Degree from Auburn University and is thrilled to be able to work on something as “Memphis” as RSVP Magazine. When not working you can probably find Krista at Shelby Farms with her husband and her dogs or riding her horses.
We’ll make your golden years shine
Gated Community Located in Midtown Memphis in the Historic Evergreen District with Spacious 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments
Grand Living in Midtown Angie Hall, Executive Director-Independent Living Sandra Edwards, Executive Director-Assisted Living
1550 North Parkway | Memphis, TN 38112 | 901.726.4881 | theglenmary.com
December 2016
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From the Editor
December
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t’s the most wonderful time of the year— cue the Christmas music on repeat! The holiday season is my favorite time of year and I am happy to be spending it here in the Bluff City with you. This season, make sure to spend a little extra time with your loved ones and reflect on the best moments of 2016—this year has truly flown by! My favorite part of the holiday season is seeing the passion Memphians bring forward. Y’all are so giving and accommodating year round, but bring a little extra special cheer to those who need it the most this time of year. From all of us at RSVP, thank you for your hard work and please keep it up! In this issue, we enjoyed attending Art on Fire, benefiting the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. This event was sponsored by Evolve Bank & Trust, Land Rover, and Raymond James. We also attended Boo! Ball, held at the Pink Palace. This spooky evening was decked out in spider webs, skulls, and pumpkins while guests boogied down to the soulful sounds of Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster. For guests looking for a national culinary experience, we headed to the Memphis Food & Wine Festival held at the Botanic Garden, benefiting the FedExFamilyHouse. Local and national chefs dazzled the guests with their tasty creations, while national vineyards paired perfected with the culinary delights served. Last but not least, guests sparkled in glitter and gold at the 38th Orpheum Auction Gala benefiting the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education. It was truly a breathtaking night filled with over 400 items to bid on and a great experience, while supporting the arts. In this issue, we met up with the Duckmaster at the Peabody Hotel and Vice President of Shelby County West Tennessee Historical Society, Jimmy Ogle, for his favorite Memphis “thangs,” all of which he knows a lot about through his life long involvement and service to the Memphis community. Make sure to check that out on page 10. We also featured artist, Elizabeth Alley, who defines the differences between sketching and painting. Make sure to check that out on page 26. We heated up the kitchen with Chef Logan Guleff, winner of MasterChef Junior, as he prepared a surf and turf with a crab-stuffed lobster tail and a pan-seared filet with a side of asparagus (boy was it good, might I add!). Find out what his future plans are on page 22. Last but not least, columnist Dennis Phillippi discusses his opinions on Christmas trees on page 73. Take this time to give and be joyful! Sometimes the smallest gestures go the longest way. And to quote my favorite Christmas movie, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear” —Buddy the Elf, from Warner Brothers', “Elf.”
Ashley Dunn editor@rsvpmagazine.com
Corrections: In our November issue, we misspelled the name of Michel Allen, The Bodine School's dynamic new Director of Development. BreakFest, the Urban Bicycle Ministries' fundraiser was incorrectly spelled. We apologize for any confusion these errors may have caused.
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Betty Hays proud ly salutes the Liberty Bowl December 2016
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Signature Memphis
December
Jimmy Ogle Duckmaster at the Peabody Hotel and Vice President of Shelby County West Tennessee Historical Society Hometown: Memphis My Best Quality: Memory Favorite Place
to
Travel: Key West
My Most Annoying Habit: I am too literal My Dream Dinner Guest: James Earl Jones Who Would Play Me
Movie: Robert Duvall
in a
Favorite Southern Idiom: The plural of y’all is “all y’all” One Goal I’d Still Like Place I Go
to
Accomplish: Hit a hole-in-one
Think: Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
to
Favorite Book: “Pictures Tell The Story” by Ernest Withers My First Car: 1968 Cutlass Supreme (No AC, No FM radio) Best Memphis Hangout: Westy’s, 346 North Main at Jackson Favorite Song: “Jimmy Mack” by Martha Reeves & the Vandellas Favorite Restaurant My Favorite Thing
in
to
Memphis: (Old) Coletta’s on South Parkway
Eat
in
Memphis: Filet at Mortimer’s Restaurant
Favorite Spot
in
Memphis: My green chair in my sitting room at home
The Highlight
of
My Day: Waking up and being able to start a new day fresh
The Best Part
of
My Job: Greeting people from all over the world in the Lobby
of The Peabody Memphis
Proudest Moment
of
My Life: (Tie) – The day that my son got married, and
the births of my two grandchildren
Advice I’d Give My 20-year-old Self: Buy as early as possible and stay in the
Photo by Steve Roberts
same house as long as possible
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December 2016
Memphis Food & Wine Festival
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Memphis Food & Wine Festival Food, Wine, and Music to Excite Your Soul
T Anise and Ron Belz
Cole and Kaitlin McDaniel
Ken and Becky Hamric
Justin Winn and Allie Parker
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he Memphis Food & Wine Festival was held at the Memphis Botanic Garden as part of the Live at the Garden series. The presenting sponsor was FedEx benefiting the FedExFamilyHouse, whose mission is to create a home away from home for families with children receiving treatment from Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. The festival was designed to showcase great food and wine found locally here in Memphis, while also spotlighting nationally recognized chefs and wineries. Guests raised their glasses to the culinary arts and tasteful treats the night offered. Local chefs included Master Chef José Gutierrez, Chairman of River Oaks who served caramelized salmon with cauliflower risotto. Wally Joe and Andrew Adams of Acre and Park & Cherry served coconut-braised shrimp and shiitake mushroom dumplings with chilies and red curry broth. Erling Jensen offered duck confit with apple braised red cavvage. The Peabody Hotel Executive Chef Andrew Kisler, prepared truffle cured wagyu strip loin, Mississippi blueberry gastic, caraway gougeres, kohlrabi, with chayote and pear slaw while Peabody Pastry Chef Konrad Spitzbart, served campfire mud pie with smoked walnut brownie, salted milk chocolate cremeux, crème cheese fluff, and toasted marshmallow. Patrick Reilly of Majestic Grille offered pork and duck cassoulet, Memphis style. Phillip Ashley Rix of Phillip Ashley Chocolates served salted caramel single origin chocolate mousse. Ben Smith of Tsunami prepared rice vermicelli with shrimp in spicy coconut broth. Ryan Trimm of Sweet Grass offered porchetta of Newman, Farms with Berkshire pork and hoppin John. Bill and Kristi Kloos of Frost Bake Shop delighted guests with sweet potato truffle with maple custard, Gran Marnier, and spiced pecans. Guest chefs from all over the United States came to serve up the best tastes such as Miles James of James at the Mill in Springdale, AR who served Arkansas rabbit leg and loin with Arkansas bacon on Delta truffled risotto.
Shelley Cooper of Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro in Townsend, TN prepared rabbit potpie with pork belly, potatoes, soybean succotash, preserved with lemon gravy. Michael Kramer of Jianna in Greenville, SC offered Tuna Curdo with picked beets, meyer lemon, and crushed almonds. These great flavors were paired with wines from around the world. Wine participants were presented by Star Distributors and wineries present were Alexander Valley Vineyards, Banfi, Bernardus, Cornerstone Cellars, Dr. Loosen Wines, Frank Family, Gloria Gerrer, Hahn, Josh Cellars, Marietta Cellars, Robert Turner, Rombauer Vineyards, Wilson Daniels, and Schramsberg Vineyards. Casa Zonin poured Rocca di Montemassi Le Focaie, Castello, d’Albola Chianti Classico, Altemura Primitivo, Castello del Poggio Moscato d’ Asti. Copper Cane of California served Wines by Joe Wagner while the Crimson Wine Group poured Pine Ridge and Seghesio, both from California. Ferrari- Carano feature Fetzer, Bonterra, Jekel, and 1000 Stories. Jackson Family Wines featured La Crema and Siduri Wines. Rudi Wiest Selections of Germany served Becker, Gunderloch, Monchof, Von Buhl, and Weins Prum. Silver Oak poured Twomey Cellars. Treasury Wine Estates poured Beringer from California, Sterling from California, Stags’ Leap from California, and Chateau Minuty from France. Vine Connection featured Tikal and La Posta from Argentina. Wagner Family of Wine poured Mer Soleil, Conundrum, and Caymus from California. Throughout the night there were cookbook signings with Ronni Lundy with Chef Shelly Cooper, Dominic Orsini, Vivian Howard, Justin Fox Burks, Anthony Lamas, Miles James, and Ben Smith. As the night came to an end, items such as Grizzlies front row seats, Memphis Food and Wine Festival art poster signed by the guest chefs, a festival chef coat signed by Magic Johnson, and much more were auctioned off. All proceeds went to the FedExFamilyHouse.
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Story by Ashley Dunn Photos by Don Perry
December 2016
Mayor Mark and Pat Luttrell
Andrew and Lindsey Kozak
Leslie Dunavant and Jeff Drinan
Rachel Belz and Steven Gubin
Memphis Food & Wine Festival
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Wilson and Corky Parma with Glen and Karen Coleman
Susan and Jeff Bing with Michelle Bing and Mike Pulido
Brent and Beth Wilson
Ty Bushart and Jason Foley
David and Kelly Laundre with Ashley Ganus and Greg Allen
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December 2016
Debbie and Steve Pacheco
Matt and Kalli Harrell
Kathy and Michael Wexler
Chantal Johnson, Carmen Bond and Allie Varner
Tis the Season! Give the gift of LASIK this holiday season To schedule your complimentary consultation Call 901-443-3600 1458 West Poplar Avenue, Suite 101 Collierville, TN 38017 eyespecialtygroup.com
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Board Certified Ophthalmologist
Memphis Food & Wine Festival
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John and Brandy Parker
Courtney Taylor and C.J. Hurt
John and Debbie Merino
Troy Parkes and Caroline Harris
Shawn and Gretta Flynn
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Rosie Johnson and A.D. Lanier
Carol and Mike Duffy
David and Shanea McKinney
Candi Gholson and Shakira Hamlet
Jaquila and Erling Jensen
Elvira Ormseth and Pamela Hauber
9387 P OPLAR A VENUE • G ERMANTOWN , TN 38138 901.758.8605 •
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A+
Memphis Food & Wine Series
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Michael and Dr. Shelly Thannum with Jennifer and Paul Brezina
Tiffany Brimhall and Vicki Jones with Angela and Charlie Russell
Vanessa and Onofrio Armenise
Sally Walker and Malise Culpepper
Dale and Sherry Jones
Emily Coltharp with Blake and Kayla Hazlerig
Brooke Fusco, Madison Gallagher, Katherine Gaudino and Nancy Kline
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Jill and Patrick Collins
Sheetal Patel, Ashlye McCormick, Emily Syonzek and Andreah Churchill
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In the Kitchen with Chef Logan Looking at one bright future for the MasterChef Junior Champion Story by Ashley Dunn Photos by Steve Roberts
December
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StreetSeen
hile igniting the gas stove with a lighter to cook a filet and simultaneously returning back to mixing together his crab stuffing, Memphis native Chef Logan Guleff continues to impress us with his impeccable tastes and flavors that won his title of MasterChef Junior in 2014.
With big shoes to fill as the 2014 MasterChef Junior winner, Chef Logan has continued his whirlwind of success. Now at the age of 14, he is in the process of marketing his 13 signature spices, “Logan’s Rub,” along with his cookbook, “Logan’s Chef Notes and Half-Baked Tails,” scheduled to be released December 20th. Guleff’s cookbook is a graphic novel and “cookbook adventure,” and similar to Guleff himself, in that it is creative and completely different than something most have ever seen before. He has written the stories and recipes found in the book, while a fan from Indonesia has sketched out all the graphics. “I could never really do a traditional cookbook because I’m not a traditional chef and that’s kind of what it comes down to,” Guleff said. “I have to do something really new and inventive.” And inventive he is. Chef Logan has quickly become a household name and brand. He was recently named one of Time Magazine’s 30 Most Influential Teens of 2016 as well as Southern Living’s Best New Southern Cook. He holds sponsorships with Uncle Ben’s, Carnation Breakfast Essentials, and Johnsonville Sausage. “When you look at most kid chefs, they’re not like me. I create all of my own recipes. I work a lot,” he said. And his work ethic is apparent. Guleff is the youngest person to cook at the famous James Beard House, where he prepared his winning burger of
half mushrooms and half beef, for the Blended Burger Project Contest. He is also the winner of the JIF’s Most Creative Sandwich Contest, which landed him on the Today Show. Additionally, Chef Logan is the youngest certified judge in the Memphis World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest. In 2012, he cooked for First Lady Michelle Obama as the champion of the Healthy Lunch Challenge. And to top it all off, he has over 120,000 followers on his YouTube channel and blog, “Order Up! with Logan.” So what’s next for this young and successful teen? He continues to become a rising star in the culinary world and hopes to inspire chefs around the world to keep pursuing their passions. “Don’t stop working and always be creative and make it your own. Cooking isn’t the only route,” he said. “There are all the arts, which are very similar to cooking. And of course, all science and maths, which ironically are also very similar to cooking. Just don’t settle on it too early. You can be anything.” Chef Logan prepared a surf and turf with a crab-stuffed lobster tail and a pan-seared filet with a side of asparagus, which is featured in the photos within this article. All of the foods prepared were from his original recipes. Please follow Chef Logan on social media and on his YouTube channel at Logan Jr Chef and on his blog, “Order Up! with Logan.”
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Memphis Moment
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Cocktails for a Cause Benefiting Playback Memphis
W
hat do you get when a psychologist, a police officer, two former prisoners, a news personality and a public defender’s office staffer step behind the bar to serve drinks? A rockin’ good time with the most boundary-defying mix of Memphians! Kelly and Kathy Fish hosted Cocktails for a Cause to benefit Playback Memphis. The nonprofit organization whose mission is to “bring stories to life in a safe space to unlock healing, transformation and joy,” raised over $10,000 with the help of generous tips from nearly 100 friends and supporters as well as a matching donor. Celebrity bartenders were on hand serving potent potables in addition to more accessible bar fare like wine and beer. Bartenders included Action News 5 personality Janeen Gordon, MPD Public Information officer Susie Kirkland and friends of Playback Memphis, Will Golden, Dr. Idia Thurston and Lurene Kelley. Guests were also treated musically to the sounds of Memphis favorites Joe Murphy and Ekpe, who were joined by Officer Marico Flake. All money raised was used to support core programming like Memphis Matters, Performing the Peace and the growing work of the Frayser Apprentice Ensemble. Playback Memphis also works with a host of community partners including Job Corps, OUT Memphis and Christ Community Health Center.
Kathy Fish, Stacey Greenberg and Kelly Nippers
Story Submitted | Photos by Jenny Myers
Bill Baker and Ozge Kovarik
Vinessa and DeAndre Brown
Brittney Williams and Kelsey Hoffman
Angelic Williams and Idia thurston
Mark Fleischer with Michael and Meg Synk
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Martha Villavicencio and Jane Hankins
December 2016
Virginia and Joe Murphy
Julie Kosten, Bob McIntosh and Glenda Mace
Patricia Split and Jeannie Hinson
Marilyn and Drew Koester
Joy Doss and Mario Hoyle
Nichole Brooks, Darcy Raches and Robert Loke
Painting a Story
Local artist Elizabeth Alley discusses the power and differences between sketching and painting Story by Ashley Dunn Photos by Steve Roberts
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rtist Elizabeth Alley is a very busy and dedicated woman. As a painter, sketcher, promoter, teacher, travel addict, retired derby girl and technical writer, Alley finds peace of mind in her home studio where she paints and sketches. Memphis native Elizabeth Alley has always been drawn towards to the arts. She attended Memphis College of Art her first year in undergrad and then transferred to the University of Memphis, where she graduated in 1998 with a Bachelors of Fine Art in painting. Her career led her to working in public art at the Urban Art Commission before transitioning into her current day job where she works as a technical writer. However, these changes never separated her from her studio, where she made a habit to continuously create artwork. “Having a day job gives me the freedom to make whatever I want to make; it means that I have less time for it (her art) but I feel like I make a pretty good use of the time that I have,” Alley said. When it comes to her paintings, Alley finds refuge within oil on canvas and considers her work both narrative and figurative. “Figurative because they’re real recognizable things,” she explained when discussing the differences between her artistic inspirations. But in comparison, “I feel like my work is very narrative, like I’m a writer trapped in an artist’s body. I’m really inspired by books and movies and by people’s stories. I’ve been getting into graphic novels lately because there’s that wonderful combination of text and images that creates a story.” Along with stories, Alley finds that both painting and sketching are so different, yet both skills encourage her to experiment and take risks. “Sketching and painting are actually very separate, just for me personally, because the way that I paint is very researched and layered, so there’s a lot of messing around with composition and color,” Alley said. “Sketching is very immediate: whatever is in front of me and whatever materials I have in my bag (she always has materials in her bag). I notice the more I sketch, the better I am in the studio because my hand-eye connection improves as well as the design decisions, and I’m able to work without thinking about it too much.”
When Alley is not in her studio or at her day job, she is busy teaching sketchbook drawing, beginning oil painting, and other classes at Flicker Street Studio. She can also be spotted traveling the world, as she is the President of Urban Sketchers, a global community of artists whose mission is to educate and bring on-location sketching to as many people as it can. “It’s something that everyone can do,” she said. “You don’t have to be an artist to sketch, you just have to have the will to do it, a pencil, and a sketch book.” In 2010, Alley also started the local chapter of Urban Sketchers here in Memphis. “We meet once a month and get together to sketch at different locations. It’s pretty simple, but I find it helps everybody have a particular day and time to do that. It’s one of those things people say they always mean to do and then they don’t, so it is really nice to have that scheduled few hours where that is what you’re supposed to be doing.” After two years as President of Urban Sketchers, Alley will begin a new chapter in her life as she retires from that role at the end of this month. “I’ve been joking that the next step is the ‘Era of Lazy Elizabeth’ because for the past few years, I’ve done a lot of stuff in addition to doing my artwork: full time job, making and showing my art, roller derby, non-profit organizations, organizing the sketch make-ups, teaching. I joke as if I’m not going to keep doing that stuff but I’m going to keep teaching and organizing the local sketch group. What I really want to do is devote more time to my own artwork because I’ve got itchy fingers. I’ve got a lot of ideas.” Alley also plans to focus more on the experimentation of combining sketching and painting. Alley’s artwork, such as the 2007 Memphis in May poster, can be found in the B Concourse of the Memphis International Airport. She will also be a participant in a group show at Flicker Street Studio, beginning December 2nd.
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Boo! Ball
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Boo! Ball
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Lincoln Hodges and Donna Ball
Katherine Rote and Martha Roberts
The 5th Annual Ball Benefiting the Pink Place Family of Museums
he Pink Palace was transformed into a mansion of haunted delights for the biggest, most magnificent, and spookiest party in town: the 5th annual Boo! Ball to benefit the Pink Palace Family of Museums. This year’s ball was a little different from years past in that costumes were not required but were allowed. Some of the costumes observed were brilliantly done, and included such authentically scary and fun themes as Harry Potter, Medusa, The Phantom of the Opera, Batman, Super Girl, Pirates, Catwoman, and even Santa Claus! Those guests who came to the party in their cocktail attire could choose from a wide assortment of masks including Holly Golightly, Marilyn Monroe, Henry the Eighth, Charlie Chaplin, Clint Eastwood, Carmen Miranda, and of course, Elvis masks. The Pink Palace was decked out for the festivities with spider webs, skulls, and pumpkins in the windowsills. Upon arrival, guests checked in and were invited by The Pink Palace’s Ronda Cloud to pose for photos with an enormous spider which had weaved its web along a back wall. The fireplace in the dining hall was covered in cobwebs, giant spiders and skulls. Food for this year’s Boo! Ball was provided by Michael Nabors, and was spread out on a long black shrouded table complete with cobwebs, ghosts, witches, spiders and skeletons. Partygoers lurked past the Pink Palace’s famous shrunken head, and made their way to the feast.
There were mouth-watering prime rib wraps, penne pasta with Italian sausage, yummy chicken hoagies, spinach dip, a delicious salad featuring a classic vinaigrette. There was also a huge, and delicious, assortment of cheeses, crackers, and veggies with ranch dip and hummus. Dessert was at the end of this delightful cornucopia and consisted of such sweet goodies as chocolate chip cookies, soft melt-in-your-mouth brownies, and strawberry tarts. Tables provided by The Pink Palace for this year’s spooky guests were festooned with pumpkins and Spanish moss. No ball of this magnitude would be complete without an open bar, and Boo! Ball had not one, but two, fully stocked bars featuring a choice of premium spirits, fine wines, and an assortment of beers. For those adventurous enough to try, there was also a special red potion in a clear skull shaped decanter with a silver spout. After some spooky mingling and scary conversation, it was time to hit the dance floor, and move to the soulful sounds of Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster, who played three decades of hits, including everyone’s Halloween favorites. The music played on into the night as guests got their groove on and kicked off a weekend to remember. Sponsors of this year’s Boo! Ball included First Tennessee Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Healthy Home, Gina and Chad Boyd, Paragon Bank, and Pinnacle Financial Partners.
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP Ali Jaffery and Sadaf Meghani
Wade Jones and Jackie Dandridge
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Bubba and Katie Badgett
Kim Dunning and Minor Bowens
Story by Bill Bannister Photos by Don Perry Erin Dunaway and Jeb Hart
Webb and Tate Wilson with Sarah and Gray Fiser
Natalie Manseau and John Zarshenas
Andrea Zucker Photography
Dear Santa...
...Please bring me gifts from Lisa Mallory for Christmas!
interior design • linens • gifts • wedding registry
Stones & Pearls Jewelry SIP AND SHOP Saturday December 10
Open Sundays in December 11am - 4pm 3080 Poplar Avenue • 901.452.5575 • lisamallorydesign.com
THE SHOPS OF CHICKASAW OAKS December 2016
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Boo! Ball
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December
Jay and Katye Davis with Elise and Doug Schneider
John Woods and Sydney Eason with Elyse and Zach Jaworski
Bobby and Ashley Preskenis
Anthony and Sarah Copeland
Brittany Robinson, Katrina Houston and Nylyana Taylor
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December 2016
Jeff and Amy Wilegus
Robert and Mallory Binkley
Sherry Williams and Susan Fetz
Michael and Mary Saia with Leigh Ann and Jeff Wills
Boo! Ball
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Ashley Gevers and JoAnna Kelly
Jessica Solomon and Ericka Young
Bailey and Hunter Ligon
Joy and DeJuan Bowen
Christina Berry, Christi Poe and Erin Blythe
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December 2016
Ann Dandridge and Lester Brown
Amy and Kevin Schultz
Marsha and Timothy Houston
Victoria and Darren Ragland
Marian Joyce, Sheronda Nelson and Linda Johnson
Gild the Lily
5101 Sanderlin, Suite 112 Memphis, TN 38117 901.682.8277 Since 1993
December 2016
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Boo! Ball
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December
Victoria Howard, Jenna Cox and Natalie Hooper
Bruce and Diane Binkley
Jeff Smith and Meg Zachry
Robert, Vickie and Martha Shaw
Kathy and Robert Stojanovich
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December 2016
Kim Harrison and Mike Newquist
December
Brett and Sarah Hutcherson
Matthew Hill and Leslie Jones
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Boo! Ball
All Inclusive Salon & Medical Spa Hair Color • Balayage • Hair Extensions Nails • Formal Hair Styles • Spa Parties Custom Spray Tan • On Site Hair & Makeup
Brian Hey, Diana Clair Britton and Kevin Fienup
Photo by Steve Roberts
Obagi Image Peels • Signature Facials Botox • Massage Therapy • Dermal Fillers Lash Extensions • Laser Treatments Shelby and Preston Ramsey
Shelley Brown and Angela Horton
Thank you and Happy Holidays to our loyal customers for a great 2016!
5131 Wheelis Drive Memphis, TN 38117 901.685.8266 • studiolaruesalon.com Michael and Stacy McVay with Trey Alberson and Andy and Myriah Alberson
December 2016
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Memphis Moments
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December
RiverArtsFest Artists gathered to exhibit and sell their artwork
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iverArtsFest returned to downtown Memphis for the 10th year and a three-day event that brought together over 187 artists. Seasonally cool temperatures brought throngs of people to the historic South Main Arts District to combine fine arts and fun. Festival directors estimated that approximately 40,000 people attended this year’s festival, making it the largest fine arts festival in the Mid-South. The opening night’s VIP reception included catering from Rizzo’s Diner and Felicia Suzanne’s, with musical entertainment coordinated by REG Entertainment that included a wide array of acts by known regional artists whose genres ranged from R&B to a ukelele band. Festival-goers had an opportunity to visit with artists throughout the event and discuss the variety of mediums utilized by juried artists in their creations. Mixed media artist Marian Baker of Birmingham, AL took home top bragging rights as her work won the title of “Best of Show.” Sculptor Lester Jones garnered the title of “Best of Memphis.” “As a juried artist market, artists have to apply to participate,” explained Bonnie Thornton, chairwoman of the Artist Market and one of the festival’s directors. “Only the very best of each category is invited, so the quality is outstanding.”
Rollin, Sandy and Webster Riggs
Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger Brenna Owen, Lee Askew and Jeremiah Johnson
Nancy and Miguel Gomez
Tony and Lisa Siano
David and Bonnie Thornton with Kelly Hill
Gil and Kathy Gale Uhlhorn
GMADA Goes Pink Benefiting Susan G. Komen Memphis MidSouth
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he Greater Memphis Auto Dealers Association (GMADA) kicked off the Memphis International Auto Show with a preview party at the Cook Convention Center. The party attendees viewed a sneak peek at all of the show’s cars, while enjoying food, drinks and entertainment and celebrating the organization’s 100th anniversary. The evening’s theme, “GMADA Goes Pink,” paid tribute to breast cancer awareness month and a portion of the ticket sales were donated to Susan G. Komen Memphis MidSouth. Funds raised by Susan G. Komen Memphis MidSouth were dedicated to providing local breast cancer screenings, education, support and treatment programs for area women and men who were either uninsured or underserved. GMADA, founded in 1916, is comprised of more than 50 new car dealerships in the greater Memphis area and has a rich history of economic growth and community partnership. This year, it held Memphis’ only international auto show. Story and Photos Submitted by the Greater Memphis Auto Dealers Association
Henry Hutton and Chuck Palmore
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Brandon Johnson, Michelle Norcross, Trey Norcross, Kacie Norcross, Mike Wohlgemuth, Whitney Wohlgemuth, Toni Norcross and Ernie Norcross
December 2016
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Kent Ritchey
Al Gossett, April Thompson, Elaine Hare and Dana Mann
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December 2016
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Memphis Moment
December
Muttster Mash The 2nd Annual Mash benefiting Real Good Dog Rescue
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very mutt was welcomed, in a variety of caricature forms, at the 2nd Annual Muttster Mash, benefiting Real Good Dog Rescue. Lisa Trenthem, Executive Director of Real Good Dog Rescue and her faithful pack of costumed dog owners, volunteers, and guests enjoyed a night out on the town amongst the ghouls of Halloween. Since 2004, Trenthem has rescued dogs from off the street, Memphis Animals Services, and other public shelters, finding them all loving homes. The fundraiser celebrated her efforts and futured pup adoptions with live music from Good Company Trio and impressive food offerings from Wade & Company, while also enjoying a view of the city from the 33rd floor at the Tower Center. Real Good Dog Rescue has homed over 3,000 dogs and continues to be a successful non-profit dog rescue organization in the community. For more information and to lend a helping-hand, please visit www.realgooddogrescue.com Lisa Barr, Brittany Bristow and Marion Jones
Story Submitted | Photos Courtesy of Real Good Dog Rescue
Thomas Miles and Amy Silverberg Donna Watson and Mary Burrows
Lauren Ferrera and Julie Clark
Angi Cooper and Dixie Cooper
Aubin Oliver and Katie Crain
Adam and Jessica Rando with Ashley and Gray Bowles
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December 2016
Jimmy Thompson and Nancy Beard
Toot Fienberg-Buchner and Clark Buchner
Lisa Trenthem
Carla Pittman and Dr. Jen Clay
Lynn Simmons, Carol Elkins and Ken Hudson
Memphis Moment
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December
Vine to Wine Spooky Spirits at Memphis Botanic Garden
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t was a spooktacular evening of fun as Memphis Botanic Garden hosted this year’s final fundraiser and wine tasting event appropriately named “Spooky Spirits.” Guests walked past a cemetery filled with skeletons and ghosts and were greeted at the entrance by artist Jamie Acor, who offered spider charms and other scary accessories. The bar inside was fully stocked with the largest and most extensive collection of wines in the Mid-South that was complimented by a cauldron of “Witches Brew” on tap. Food was provided by Fork It Over Catering, and included scrumptious goodies such as ham and swiss Hawaiian rolls, BBQ chicken sliders, onion parmesan dip, and a build-your-own mac and cheese station. Tree reader, Grayson Smith, was on hand, as well as Historical Haunts. Barbara and Sara Hasenstab brought along a pair of real tarantulas and snakes. Vine to Wine was sponsored by Iberia Bank.
Tanya Vandesteeg with Steve and Emily Gunther
Story and Photos by Bill Bannister
Stephanie and Steve Crosslin
Mark Flege and Peg Scott
Lisa McGeorge and Tammy Hill
Page McCoy and Jamison Totten
Shelby-Kay Hines, Candace Moore and Shea Taylor
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December 2016
Stacy McKeegan and Brittany Brennan
Gina Sharp and Jerry Cowell
Grayson Smith and Stacy Wiedower
Jonathan and Danielle Lee
Sydney Teigland and Hannah Halford
Michelle Campbell, Jennifer Hancock and Corey Twombly
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Memphis Moments
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December
The Society of Entrepreneurs Roundtable Luncheon Discussing Alternate Forms of Business Financing
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he Society of Entrepreneurs Roundtable Luncheon featured Wesley Grace, managing partner of SEACAP Financial, who spoke about “Alternate Forms of Business Financing.” Business leaders enjoyed networking and lunch at Napa Cafe, along with a Q&A session regarding innovative business financing solutions with Grace, who specializes in capital raising, business valuation, mergers and acquisitions, and other management advisory services. The Society of Entrepreneurs was founded in 1991 to foster the development of the entrepreneurial spirit and recognize the various contributions of area entrepreneurs. Its membership was comprised of local and regional business owners, presidents and other key executives, chosen annually by their peers. The organization holds a monthly roundtable luncheon featuring local and regional experts on topics that are integral to an entrepreneur’s success. Story Submitted | Photos Courtesy of The Society of Entrepreneurs
Dr. Ron Jones and Steve Johnson
Scott Sneed and Ben Granger
Wesley Grace
Emily Friedman, Robert Shaw and Mackie Gober
Haunted Happenings Benefiting the Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum
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s darkness descended, the Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum was illuminated with an eerie glow. An evening of mischief unfolded as spectral docents greeted guests and provided tours of the circa 1870’s home. Stories of former residents were bolstered by mannequins dressed in their finest mourning attire. Yet the house was alive with a palatable energy as guests tingled with excitement while participating in live paranormal investigations by MidSouth Paranormal Society. Memphis Second Line Jazz Band played their spirited music as guests dined on the lawn and roamed the grounds. Children vied for prizes in a costume contest and fortune tellers offered guests a glimpse into the future. The Side Street Steppers kept things lively with their brand of vintage music in the Carriage House and a howling good time was had by all! The Victorian-themed Halloween party was a fundraiser for the benefit of the Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum.
Cassandra Coward, Taylor Hopkins and David Coward
Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
Ariana Davis, Christina Ewing and Shannon Ewing
AJ Northrop and Tanya Vandesteeg
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Samantha Crespo and Sara First
December 2016
Sunny Gustafson and Lee Barrett
Zach and Logan Hill
Art on Fire
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December
Art on Fire
Benefiting the Dixon Gallery and Gardens
A Mike and Martha Hess
Trip and Elaine Spear
t Art on Fire, one never knows what to expect at the entry of the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Camels? A hot air balloon? Though guests have seen both at the entrance of this popular event, this year’s event was heated up with fire dancers: a preview of things to come, which guests first espied. After continuing through a walkway covered with Corkscrew Willow, guests emerged into the silent auction tent. There, a multitude of treasures were up for grabs, including a mother of pearl shell necklace, donated by Kittie Kyle, a girls’ night out at Sissy’s Log Cabin, jewelry from Kendra Scott, and mink slippers from Bella Viaggia. One section of the auction featured treats for pets, like ten days of training from Taming the Wild, a mammoth-size dog bed filled with goodies donated by Hollywood Feed and a spa getaway for your pooch at McGehee Animal Clinic. Of course, there were plenty of luxury items for owners too, like spa packages from Heather Boutique and Spa and Gould’s. The lawn of the Dixon Gallery and Gardens was lined with serving stations from some of the best restaurants in town, including Sweet Grass, which served homemade bratwurst and sauerkraut, Café Society, which served up baconwrapped shrimp, and Cheffie’s Café, which provided generous servings of a mouthwatering Italian sausage soup. The table at the Seasons 52 section was covered with
their special miniature desserts in flavors of pecan pie, chocolate mousse, and key lime pie. A great cauldron with a roaring bonfire surrounded by seating served as a centerpiece for the party. Entertainers included Elisha Gold, Mighty Souls Brass Band, Nick Black and Fire Tribe Memphis, who danced with fiery hula hoops and performed graceful ballet movements while twirling burning batons. A metal sculptor worked in the background and sparks from his work shot high into the night sky. In the VIP area, tables were covered with rust-colored clothes, accented with lanterns surrounded by shrimp-hued roses and greenery. Lights were strung above the VIP section, creating an especially festive feel. Exclusive auction items were up for bid in the VIP section including a weekend at the Whittemore Heber Home, designer jewelry from Allie Rox, and two floor seats with a parking pass to a Grizzlies Game. Three special guests were also on hand: Memphis Grizzlies coach, David Fizdale, and star players, Mike Conley and Marc Gasol who, at 7’1”, towered over the party, and graciously posed for selfies with many guests. Art on Fire was sponsored by Evolve Bank & Trust, Bluff City Land Rover and Raymond James. Proceeds from Art on Fire went to the Dixon Gallery and Gardens.
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Story by Suzanne Thompson Cozza Photos by Don Perry
Dr. Patty Calvert and Sam Beach
Patricia Wheller and Mark Coy
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December 2016
Emily and Tom Love
Dr. Kimberly and Alex Rice
Brad Dunn and Emily Brueck
Mike Conley, Christina Roberts, Marc Gasol and Richard Roberts
Laura Russell and Elaine Spear
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Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center 3663 Appling Road Bartlett, TN 38133 | bpacc.org December 2016
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Art on Fire
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December
Alaina Adams, Tamara Canty and Amanda Bjorklund
Daniel and Anna Beth Studdard with Stephen and Chelsea Fly
Sunny and Isaac Lake
Brennan and Soleil Lum
Greg and Rachel Burana with Daniel and Alexis Keene
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December 2016
Corey and Molly Kennedy
Lindsey and Luke Coplin
Brian and Mariah Dickerson
Jon and Raven Moorehead with Michelle and Joe Fracchia
Luxury optometry office and optical gallery
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Art on Fire
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December
Retha Moore, Coach David Fizdale and Mark Pender
Christina Roberts, Vicki Nelson and Jen Weiss
Jeremy and Shelby Stafford
Kim and Tim Thompson
Sarah Lorenz, Carrie Suchman, Artee Nanji and Harsh Kumar
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December 2016
Jared Davis and Amanda Rucker
Missy and Mitchell McConnell
Lindsey Donovan and Machala Gilbert
Melinda Liles, Mary Conley, Nikki Bickerstaff, Natashe Fizdale and Cristina Blesa
December
Mandy and Mark Youngblood
Mark Hatgas and Kim Allen
Mia Atkinson and Dara Vongphrachanh
Katie and Hampton Parr
Amanda and Joshua Gutknecht
Jana and Andy Lamanna
December 2016
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Art on Fire
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Memphis Moment
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December
Día de los Muertos Fiesta Benefiting Latino Memphis
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o find more authentic decorations than those at the Día de los Muertos Fiesta, which benefited Latino Memphis, one would have to travel to Mexico and attend a lavish party there. A tall, multitiered altar stood near the doorway laden with candles of many shapes and sizes, lighted skulls, photos, vases and other items. A person on stilts, costumed in a long satin robe, wearing a skeleton mask and a top hat, waved three-foot arms, greeting guests, almost all of whom were dress in black and white. Dozens of papel picados, or colorful paper cutout flags, were hung in purple, yellow, blue, orange and green, along with strings of lights, adding to the festive decor. Players from the Cazatertro Bilingual Theater Group moved throughout the crowd in elaborate costumes. Freeze models wearing fashions from Chico’s, Sachi, Tabots, Baer’s Den, and other upscale retailers stood motionless on platforms and on the staircase at the Cadre, where the inaugural event also was held last year. In short, the party is a must-do for next year! Día de los Muertos is a celebration of the life of deceased friends and family members, when they are said to return to visit loved ones, if only for a short time.
Lydia McRae, Elizabeth Mensah, Alberto Gaspar, Erin Walter and Eileen Frazer
Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson Cozza
Abraham Arnau and Dorimar Ferrer
Jose and Benny Jacquez
Patricia Monasterio and Rosa Carabello-Smith
Yvette Baldizon and Joe W. Young, II
Erin Williams, Roland Shapley and Olaf Schulz
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December 2016
Melanie and Roger Suria
Andrea Hayes and Katy Cabanillas
Morgan Cain and April Steele
Chris Tran and Isabel Rovirosa
Christy Keith, Duane Dickerson and Kelly Carroll
Nicole Kolenic, Kayla Wilson and Amy Towles
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Memphis Moments
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December
23rd Annual PRSA Memphis VOX and PR Star Awards Through the Looking Glass
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emphis’ 23rd Annual VOX and inaugural PR Star Awards was held at the Visible Music College to recognize Public Relations practitioners and was presented by Obsidian Public Relations and Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). The event themed “VOX: Through the Looking Glass,” complemented the venue that was held inside an atrium, and highlighted the creative side of public relations. Guests went “bonkers” enjoying the whimsical decorations and an “Alice” character played by Ariana Davis. Appetizers were catered by Ferdinand’s, and a uniquely designed cake from Off the Square was the centerpiece of the evening. Local Memphis Live’s, Amy Speropoulus emceed the awards and presented the "PR Executive of the Year" award to Naomi Adams Bata (Archer Malmo), "PR Star" Alisha Tillery (KQ Communications), and "Rising Star" Cara Greenstein (DCA). Archer Malmo, DCA and Morris Marketing Group respectively won “Best in Show” for Media Tactics, Print Tactics, and Campaigns and Special Events. Visit PRSAMemphis.org to learn more about the organization and its events. Story Submitted by Diana Fedinec | Photos by Sarai Payne
Laura VanEyck and Sarah Schildmeier
Mollie Baker, Lori Brunson, Lesley Gudehus and Katie Mars
Andria Brown, Anita Wathen and Sara Studdard
Andrea Wiley, Alex Shindler and Cara Greenstein
Valerie Morris, Ben Fant, Joi Taylor, Patrick Collins and Taylor Farrell
Dinner on Stage Benefiting the historic Orpheum Theatre
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ver 100 guests gathered at the Orpheum Theatre for the biggest Dinner on Stage in the theatre’s history. This event, sponsored by Bill and Cheryl Stegbauer, afforded guests a backstage pass to the haunted Orpheum. Upon arrival to the theatre, guests were given an Orpheum ghost map and enjoyed complimentary champagne in the grand lobby. Guests were then divided into three groups and led on a tour throughout the theatre. At each stop, guests were greeted by performers who shared stories about the paranormal activity that has haunted the Orpheum since the 1920’s. Tours concluded on the stage and guests enjoyed dinner provided by A Moveable Feast. Local actors Brent Davis, Christopher Tracy, and Emily Draffen shared the origin of the story of Mary, the Orpheum’s most popular paranormal resident. Tony Thomas accompanied on the organ. The evening ended with Orpheum President & CEO Brett Batterson sharing his favorite Orpheum ghost story. Story and Photos Submitted by Orpheum Memphis
April Bell and Shelby Davis
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Brett and Veronica Batterson
December 2016
Geoff Maddox and Kevin Kimberly
Renee Brame, Brent Davis, Christopher Tracy and Emily Draffen
Mandy Laney, Monica Tillman and Julie Von Bergen
krocmemphis.org December 2016
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Orpheum Auction Gala
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December
Glitter and Gold
The 38th Orpheum Auction Gala benefiting the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education
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Chirag and Mandy Chauhan
Lindsey and Matt Durand
Lauren Riley and Katie Williams
Kathy Brooks and Barbara Patronis
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undreds of guests celebrated in glitter and gold to support the Orpheum Theatre Group at its 38th Annual Auction Gala. Held at the historic Orpheum Theatre, guests had the opportunity to bid on over $350,000 in items and merchandise, with proceeds benefiting the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education. Guests enjoyed multiple buffet stations located throughout the theatre. Heavy hors d’oevres served included cheese, sausage, and Wickle’s Pickle skewers, Caprese skewers, vegetable egg rolls with sweet and sour sauce, traditional and roasted red pepper hummus, smoked turkey sliders with cranberry chutney, butternut squash ravioli with sage and brown butter. Sauces to top off and dip these finger foods in included chipotle ranch and green goddess dressing. Corky’s provided Southern BBQ-tinis that consisted of their famous pulled pork, BBQ baked beans, creamy cole slaw, and BBQ sauce atop crumbed cornbread and ribs. With the online auction accessible and competitive for all guests, the bidding war was quickly off to a start. Over 400 items were up for grabs in categories of artwork, gift cards, photography, entertainment, vacations, travel, spirits, jewelry, spa and wellness, etc. Bidders competed for romantic getaways to New Orleans, LA, Chicago, IL, Hilton Head, SC, and Kansas City, MO. Commercial airtime on WREG News Channel 3, ad space with The Commercial Appeal, iHeart Media special event broadcast and web package were all available for those looking to further their business and advertisements. Those looking for a leisurely bid opted for a Bikram Yoga membership, Philips Sonicare Airfloss, Brooks Museum benefactor level membership, 3-month Racquet Club of Memphis membership, piano lessons, The Memphis Zoo tickets, a 90-minute theraputic massage from
Mid-Town Massage and Bodyworks, Mississippi Riverkings ticket package, and so much more. A magnitude of restaurants gift cards were up for bid from Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Café Ole, Huey’s, Central BBQ, Automatic Slims, Brother Juniper’s College Inn, Memphis Pizza Café, Boscos, and South Main Sushi. The live auction, held at the end of the night, featured multiple theatre evenings at the Orpheum, a weekend getaway to Chicago with two tickets to Hamilton, jewelry by David Yurman, a new car, and many more exciting items. Following the live auction, the Orpheum hosted a live raffle drawing, benefiting the Orpheum Theatre Group. The grand prize winner won a 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible, while the second prize winner won Broadway season luxury suite tickets to Annie, The Bodyguard, Beautiful, The Sound of Music, and Rent. The third prize winner won four luxury suite tickets to any Broadway show with an invitation to the cast party following the show, while fourth prize included a movie party for 20 to a movie in the 2017 Summer Movies Series. The Orpheum Online Auction was presented by FedEx and the 38th Annual Auction Gala was made possible by sponsors Greenway Home Services, The Mustang Fund, Sedgwick, and Southland Park Gaming & Race. Additional support was provided by Armstrong Relocation, Lipscomb & Pitts, LLC, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Crye-Leike, Inc., Deweese Howell & Associates, PC, Karen Fields Isaacman and Ken Isaacman, Realty Capital Management, Southeastern Coating, Inc., and Lura and Steve Turner. Proceeds from the gala benefited the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education, that enriches nearly 50,000 students and families in the Memphis community each year.
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Story by Ashley Dunn Photos by Blake Billings
December 2016
Caroline Salmon and Lee Southard
Rick and Lisa West
Mike and Jessica Simpson
Lauren Steincamp and Walker Price
December
Anne and Pat Halloran with Jane Chapman
Cathy and Mike Walsh with Susan and Dr. Rodney Olinger
Orpheum Auction Gala
Bo Adams and Petra Knoedel with Mori and John Welborn
David and Tracy Norton
Cornelius and Rosalyn Yates
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Donna and Keith Renard
Danielle John and Sean Montesi
Cissy Greenbury and Melanie Martin
Tony and Elli Mascioli with Trent Crowley
December 2016
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Memphis Moment
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December
25th Annual Freedom Award Honoring the 2016 Honorees at the Cannon Center
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he National Civil Rights Museum celebrated its 25th annual Freedom Award, as well as the organization’s 25th anniversary, with a crowd of supporters at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. This year’s event was themed “And Justice for All” and recognized honorees Swin Cash, WNBA champion and activist; Benjamin Crump, civil rights attorney; Tawakkol Karman, Yemeni human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate; The Honorable Damon Jerome Keith, longest serving judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit Court; Soledad O’Brien, journalist and executive producer; Bryan Stevenson, attorney and social justice activist; and William F. Winter, former Mississippi governor and education advocate. The celebration also paid tribute to the “Memphis 13” — a group of individuals who, as first-grade students, were instrumental in desegregating Memphis City Schools when their families enrolled them in Bruce, Gordon, Rozelle and Springdale elementary schools in 1961. “The award is the museum’s highest honor and is presented to outstanding individuals who have contributed greatly to civil and human rights,” said Terri Lee Freeman, president of the National Civil Rights Museum. “For our 25th Freedom Award, we felt it important to highlight individuals who have dedicated their lives to ensuring ‘Justice for All’ in disenfranchised communities.” Capping off a night of local and national pride, a representative from the Smithsonian announced that the National Civil Rights Museum had been named a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate. The Freedom Award presentation was followed by the gala celebration at the Memphis Cook Convention Center. Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
Bryan Duffel with Mary and Paul Morris
Herbert and Shirley Hilliard
Joyce Bell White, Jacqueline Moore Christion, Harry Williams, Pamela Mayes Evans, Alvin Freeman, Sharon Malone, Dwania Kyles, Menelik Fombi, Sheila Malone Conway
David Bronczek with Connie Lewis and David Lensing
Sherrie and Torrance LeSure
Aude and Vincent Bennot
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Debra Jones, Princess Jones, Carla Wells and Hortensia Dean
Eleanor Winter and William Winter
December 2016
Donna and Jeff Greer
Darell Catron and Dr. Marlah Mardis
Harry Pratt and Lisa Brumleve
Memphis Moment
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December
Pink Tie Wine Affair Benefiting Susan G. Komen Memphis MidSouth
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he inaugural Pink Tie Wine Affair, presented by Doc’s Wine, Spirits & More and Classic Party Rentals, took place at the Carrefour at Kirby Woods. Additional sponsors included Cannon, Austin & Cannon, Gossett Motor Cars, Farmers Insurance, WRVR 104.5, News Channel 3, and SunTrust. In honor of breast cancer awareness, the event was a benefit for Susan G. Komen Memphis MidSouth. The night included samplings of over 150 wines, coupled with food from tenants of Carrefour at Kirby Woods, including Edible Arrangements, Petra, Swanky’s Taco Shop and Wild Beet. Chris Johnson, former contender on American Idol, provided musical entertainment on his acoustic guitar as guests mingled among 30 wine stations. Adding to the evening’s entertainment, Mike McKerlie and Sandra Korpitz, from the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, performed their smooth dance moves for the crowd. “This fundraiser supported a local cause that impacts and assists many residents of the Greater Memphis area. We appreciated all of those who joined us for this first-time event and look forward to presenting this benefit again next year,” said Elaine Hare, executive director of Susan G. Komen Memphis MidSouth.
Dan Rutkowski and Christy Hun with Lucile and John Bondurant
Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson Cozza
Nikki Huffman, Heather Marshall, Susan Ritter and Audra Borger Mike McKerlie and Sandra Korpitz
Carolyn Furlotte, Gretchen Reaves and Lisa Mischke
Dana Mann and Elaine Hare
Jamie Jordan, Jennifer Jordan and Lisa Holt
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December 2016
Jenny McCormick and Lori Skahan
Earl Brown and Brooke Isaacs
Anjane Nityanendam, Judy Webb and Shaun Golden
Bert and Lorraine Wolf
Ralph Beentjes, Ellen Cox and Sarah Beth Jasper
December
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Memphis Moment
The Enchanted Forest: Festival of Trees Benefiting Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital
G Kenneth Wurzburg and Michelle Connors
uests gathered at the preview and opening of the Enchanted Forest: Festival of Trees held at the Pink Palace Family of Museums, benefiting Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Guests enjoyed breakfast, which included spiced apples and waffles, hash brown casserole, sausage and egg casserole, and festive Raven’s nest mulled apple cider, all provided by Bella Caffe. Trees lined the halls of the Pink Palace with themes including “We Wish You a Harry Christmas,” “A Christmas Memory,” “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “For Kids, By Kids,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and many more. Awards for tree decorations went to “And His Heart Grew Three Sizes That Day” by Delta Dental for Best in Show, “Faux Fir” by Memphis Fashion Design Network for Most Creative, “Winter Wonderland Christmas” by Rovrt, Cathy, Ann, and Mary Quay Wilson for the Family Category, and “Caleb’s Christmas” by Regina Heimbach for the Adult Category. Sponsors included Phillip Ashley Chocolates, Varsity Sports, The Art Project, Orion Federal Credit Union, Brother International, and ServiceMaster. You can visit the Enchanted Forest: Festival of Trees from now until Christmas. Story by Ashley Dunn | Photos by Krista Geyer
Phillip Ashley and Courtney Allen
Katherine Brown, Ronda Cloud and Elisa Moss
Sherry Gray and Donna Linton
Terri Esther, Mark Harden and Shawn McNabb
December 2016
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December A photo
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After Hours
AFTER HOURS collage of the latest business happenings
Amy Lawrence and Justin Fox Burks' Book Signing Babcock Gifts for The Chubby Vegetarian
Happi-Stores Christmas Open House
Cathy Harding and Ashley Howell
Chris and Kim Rossie
Vicki Channell and Lauren Cunningham
Rose Mary Wilson and Belinda Gresham
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Michelle Edwards and Marilyn Allen
Amy Lawrence and Justin Fox Burks
Brooks Terry and Toni Green
Stephanie and Paul Stephens
Southern Muse Grand Opening
Carol Duffy and Matt Gossett
Norma Stickland, Kim Clarke and Kristen New
Lice Clinic Grand Opening
Jeannie Massey and Marty Brown
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Feras Hdaib and Monty Crosby
Ribbon Cutting
Cecil, Summer and Becca Godman
Dorthy Rennedy and Parker Kennedy
December 2016
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Memphis Moment
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December
2nd Annual Tamale Festival
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Benefiting Centro Cultural to provide art, dance, theater and karate classes
entro Cultural teamed up with Caritas Village to present the 2nd annual Centro Cultural Tamale Festival. It was an afternoon of food, art, dancing and music, featuring performances by great Latino bands: Tierra Mestiza, Banda La Conkistadora, Memphoenix, and Ritmo Son. The festival is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Centro Cultural, providing funding for art, dance, theater, and karate classes as well as other important functions. It was truly a family affair, with hundreds of folks of all ages gathering on and around the grounds of Caritas Village at 2509 Harvard to soak in the colors, sounds, and delicious flavors from south of the border. There was a kids’ area with bounce houses and games, exhibitions of Latino artists, and mouth watering tamales. Sponsors included Radio Ambiente, La Prensa Latina, Dixon Gallery and Gardens, La Raza, and Latino Memphis. Story and Photos by Bill Bannister
Julie and Annabel Beagle
Javier Uribe and Betty Kimmel Yo Herve and Terri Phillips
Emma Lecroy and Tyler Fritts Meredith Smith and Patrick Albano
Margarita Sandino and Onie Johns
Maria Sanchez and Tonya Weber
Erica Lopez, Nicole Davila and Christina Condori
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December 2016
John and Debra Waldorf with Mari Cavey
Anthony Allen, Alzavier Brown and Luis Arrieche
Corey, Cameron, Chloe, and Candie Seratt
Elise Wheeler with Vicky and Alicia Rodriguez
December A photo
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After Hours
AFTER HOURS collage of the latest business happenings
Palladio Open House with Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury sponsored wine bar benefiting Southern Reins, Center for Equine Therapy
Bill Maury and Christy Stokes
Kelly Wetter and Meg Menzies
June James and Patricia Daugherty
Marina and John Bogan
Kim Jordan, Bridget Trenary and Jill Haag
Bob Richards Jewelers Customer Appreciation Party at the new Germantown Road store featuring Rolex representatives , fine wines and heavy hors d 'oeuvres
Christine and Anthony Richards
Olivia Harris and Polly Richard
Courtney and Kevin Wells
Max and Adaline Kiser
Andrea and Michael Kiser
Russell and Karin Coltharp
Kittie Kyle Trunk Show
Barbara Pera and Mary Lawrence Flinn
Elizabeth Scott and Sally Aldrich
Linda Stooksburg and Meg McCord
Priscilla Thompson and Leslie Bell
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Memphis Moment
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December
WEVL 40 Fest Celebrating 40 Years of WEVL FM 89.9
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t was the perfect combination — an unprecedented festival/concert celebration in a unique performance venue. WEVL FM 89.9, the Mid-South’s only listener-supported, independent volunteer radio station, celebrated its 40th anniversary with a party at Loflin Yard, a relative newcomer to the outdoor performance venue scene. The “no-frills” atmosphere encouraged festival-goers to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy a wide range of local musical acts. In addition to fueling a good time, the event also raised funds to support the radio station.“ In essence, WEVL 40 Fest was a huge 40th birthday party that offered a chance for the community to experience some of Memphis’ finest musicians while putting faces to the voices that they hear every day on WEVL,” said Judy Dorsey, WEVL’s station manager. Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
Hal Mabry with Andrea and Mathew Lum
Clint and Liza Alford
Nancy Apple and Aaron James
Lauren Goller and Jeremy Scott
Raquel Adams and Eric Schneider
Beth Wilkerson, Leesa Wilkinson and Kathy Lannan
Katie Campbell, Sarah Baker and Megan Peterson
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December 2016
Judy Dorsey and Jane Hankins
Sterling and Ashley Fisher
Josh Phillips, Laura Loth, Judith Haas and Gordon Bigelow
Floyd Brummett, Berzin Dev and Avneet Cheema
Virginia and Vera Pleasants with Keshia Williams
Don’t allow someone you know to go unnoticed this holiday season THERE IS HOPE AHEAD. The holiday season sparks an increase in alcohol and drug problems. Once you recognize the problem, the solution is to get professional help immediately. We provide a safe and caring place to find a new life of recovery. Addiction does not discriminate, it comes in all shapes and sizes. At Bradford, we provide a variety of treatment options to lead families on a path of recovery.
(901) 754-8111 any time of day or night. Bradford Health Services is offering a Free Ride Home during the holiday season to make it safer for everyone on the road. Staff and patrons at restaurants, bars and lounges may call for a free ride home for anyone impaired to drive.
December 23, 2016 - January 1, 2017 21+ years of age • 30 mile radius
8566 Cordes Circle, Germantown, TN 38139 | BradfordHealth.com
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2017 WEDDING ISSUE
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to market your services to the most desirable consumer the Mid-South has to offer. In addition to the print version of RSVP, your ad will also appear in the RSVP Online Digital Magazine, which is hot-linked to all client web sites and e-mail addresses.
LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE CALL 901-276-7787 ext. 101 Space Closing - December 9th
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Memphis Moment
6th Annual Spirits with the Spirits Benefiting Elmwood Cemetery
O Jane Young and Caroline Young
Emily McAnally and Laura Snider
ver 330 guests partied like there was no tomorrow at the Raymond James' Spirits with the Spirits Party at Elmwood Cemetery. The fundraiser included music by the Earnestine & Hazel’s house band, a mule-drawn wagon ride and a 1933 taxi ride through the cemetery grounds that was truly a spooky site to see. Party-goers participated in fun activities like tarot, palm readings, and a silent art auction. Guests gazed up at black and white silent movies projected onto the roof of the Victorian Gothic Carpenter Cottage. Among the silent auction items up for bid that night were a set of six wine glasses from the estate of Shelby Foote, paintings and sketches, a handmade clock and other treasures. The 6th annual Spirits with the Spirits Party supported historic Elmwood Cemetery, a nonprofit organization, now entering into its 165th year of operation. The mission of the Spirits with the Spirits Party is to help preserve the history of Memphis through the stories of the individuals who rest beneath its majestic trees. Story and Photos Submitted by Elmwood Cemetery
Steve Chism, Tammy Chism, Geri Floyd and Chris Floyd
Candace Davidson and Jody Moore
Courtney McCollum and Gwen Brown
Barbara Phillips, Gayle Beckler, and Mitzie Wright
Johnny and Cheryl Floyd
Amber Halter and Katie Hodges
Ailene and Lee Morisey
Dianne Lendennie, Carol Sproggins and Karla Boruff
Larry Tolbert and Stefanie Benson
Tom Hink and Karen Golightly
Jan and Rick Trent
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Memphis Moment
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December
Sheryl Crow Live at the Garden
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final concert concertofofthis thisseason’s season’sLive Liveatatthe theGarden Garden first song, Zeppelin’s “Rockpeople and Roll,” with her he final seriesher brought out a Led crowd of over 6,200 to hear Sheryl series brought out a crowd of over 6,200VIP people to daddy’s band. Crow at the Memphis Botanic Garden. seating, with tables for 10, dotted the lawn in front of the stage. hear Sheryl at the Memphis Botanic Garden. Dressed blackonv-neck topped Farther back,Crow people spread blankets and set up chairs to sit out under in thea stars a sultrychemise Memphis night.by a VIP seating, withoftables 10, dotted thethe lawn in front black in designs crosses large for screens brought action on stage closerjacket to thestudded crowd, with as thesequins band, “The Usual of Suspects,” A series of the stage. Farther back, people spread out blankets and and skull & cross bones, along with sequin-studded jeans opened the show playing covers by artists ranging from James Taylor to Los Lobos. The band included Sheryl Crow’s set up chairs to sitCrow, out under starsfrom on aher sultry Memphis with rolled up cuffs and black peep toed pumps, Crow father, Wendell and the hailed hometown of Kennett, Missouri. night. looked like on thetheir FirstFacebook Lady of Rock divaout of message page,and “TooRoll late—toaback The day of the event, The Usual Suspects posted this now, it isAofficial. series The of large brought thethe action everything is cool and classy. Usualscreens Suspects will take stageonat the Memphisthat Botanic Gardens “Live at the Garden” concert stage closer to for theSheryl. crowd,We as the band, The Usual Suspects, Behindbut theshe stage, in thetoMBG indoor space series to open really thought she would come to her senses, is going let this crewevent of outlaws opened the show playing coversWe byintend artists to ranging fromandknown asthe Sara’s Place, gathered for drinks and play before she takes the stage. have fun, we pray crowd doesguests as well.” James Taylor LostheLobos. The along band with included dessert.and Luscious centerpieces seasonal in autumapplause, quiteSheryl a few whoops hollers, the crowdofloved Theflowers Usual Suspects — Judgingtoby Crow’s father, Wendell Crow, her homenalsong, hues,Led made by MBG horticulturalist a Rick even more so when Crow tookand thehailed stage, from she played her first Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll,” with herPudwell, daddy’s town decorated the cocktail tables. An oversized display that band. of Kennett, Missouri. The dayinofa the event, Thechemise Usual Suspects posted a guitar serving black v-neck topped by a blackincluded jacket studded with motif sequinsanchored in designsthe of crosses andtable. skull Dressed this message theirwith Facebook page, “Too late to back Desserts featured peanut butter, chocolate, and like s’mores & cross bones, on along sequin-studded jeans with rolled up cuffs and black peep toed pumps, Crow looked the out now, it is official. The Usual Suspects will take the shooters. First Lady of Rock and Roll — a diva of everything that is cool and classy. stage atBehind the Memphis Gardens theknown Volunteers Dorothy Mayseforand Vicki the stage, Botanic in the MBG indoor“Live event at space as Sara’s Place, guests gathered drinks andDuggins dessert. Garden” concert series to open flowers for Sheryl. We really to see thisaseason come to an end. Luscious centerpieces of seasonal in autumnal hues, said madethey by were MBG sorry horticulturalist Rick Pudwell, decorated thought she tables. would An comeoversized to her senses, butthat she isincluded going toa guitar “Volunteering at serving the Livetable. at the Garden series the cocktail display motif anchored the Desserts featured let this crew of outlaws play before she takes the stage. has been a great way to experience the fabulous enterpeanut butter, chocolate, and s’mores shooters. We intend to haveDorothy fun, andMayse we pray crowd does as andthe Vicki Duggins said tainment,” they were said sorryMayse. to see this season come to an end. Volunteers well.” a great “It’sway been a great season for us,“entertainment,” added Mary to experience the fabulous “Volunteering at the Live at the Garden series has been said Mayse. Judging by the applause, along with quite a few Helen Butler, interim director at Memphis Botanic Garden. whoops andbeen hollers, the crowd Usual Suspects thisatseries allowBotanic us to carry out“The our a great seasonloved for us,“The added Mary Helen “The Butler,proceeds interim from director Memphis Garden. “It’s — even more so when Crow took the stage, she played mission through our MBG programs, all year long.” proceeds from this series allow us to carry out our mission through our MBG programs, all year long.” Story by Emily Adams Keplinger | Photos by Don Perry
Jennifer Glemser and Douglas Leininger
Eileen and Jim Kennedy
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Bill and Terri West with Donna and Pat Hoffman
Mack and Ann Andrews
December 2016
Leslie and Tom Wolfgang
Brett and Erin Berry
Steve Redden and Yvonne Nickerson
Javonte Lilly and Kristina Kee
Christie Griffin and Greg Nemeth
December
Garet and Brittany Gordon with Jeff and Marva Steed
• Memphis Moment
Scott and Sandy Stengel
Larry and Jennifer Jones
Becky and Mike Cross Sonya and Stacey McCormick
Geetika Bansal and Seemika Bansal Wayne and Carol Scroggins
Justin Rountree and John Rountree with James and Paula Garcia
Neely Thrasher, Cathy James and Dean Ray
Michelle and Randy Patton
Stephanie Worsham and Elga Walker
Merilyn Mangum and Robert Hanusovsky
Jeany Dionne, Kim Love and Stephanie Simpson
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Crossword
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December
RSVP Crossword Edited By Ruth Cassin
ACROSS 1 Mops, as a deck 6 "Mama Mia" group 10 Hat 13 Carry out 15 France and Belgium, anciently 16 Entire 17 Scandinavian nation
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18 Capital of Norway 19 Prominent financial inst. of Cairo (abbr.) 20 Capital of the Ukraine 22 Popular tissue brand 24 Blood carrier 26 Beers 28 Lima is its capital 29 Farm building 30 Level 31 Crimes 32 Boxer Muhammad 33 Smooth-talking 34 Keyboard command 35 Rotted 37 Boise native 41 Place to be pampered 42 Mideastern ruler 43 AC energy unit 44 Armored vehicles 47 Liability 48 Hill of Jerusalem, for one 49 Double-reed instrument 50 Prego's competition 51 Sob 52 Wednesday, i.e. 54 Zeal 56 Insert 57 Profess 59 Stacking card game 63 Ball holder 64 Adorable 65 Diversion
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66 Mismatched 67 Stove top emission 68 Gleam
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1 Bro's sib 2 Compass point 3 Boulevard (abbr.) 4 Dagger 5 Bundle of yarn 6 Gone by 7 Woven container 8 Male bovines 9 Lotion ingredient 10 Food packer, perhaps 11 "Fat" cartoon character 12 Network 14 Memphis to Nashville dir. (abbr.) 21 Genuine 23 Era 24 Glen 25 Little Mermaid's love 27 Scientist's office 29 Not good 30 Animal pest 31 Old Russian ruler (var.) 33 Cheats 34 Blue-pencil 36 Awry 37 Infuse 38 Off-Broadway award 39 Upon 40 Female member of a religious order
42 Brain scan 44 Hamburger vegetable 45 Waited 46 Gestured sign of approval 47 One of Dodge's trucks 48 Culmination 50 Theatrical parody 51 Comes out of sleep 53 Every 55 O'Leary's drug of choice (abbr) 58 Dewy 60 Luau dish 61 Hotdog holder 62 Unrefined metal
All spruced up •
December
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hen I was a kid the only people who had fake Christmas trees were weirdoes. The first fake trees I remember weren’t even green, By Dennis Phillippi they were silver or blue and the only families who had them were the same families that had fondue pots, macramé plants hangers, and avocado colored appliances. Like I said; weirdoes. Every family I knew had a real Christmas tree. It was a huge privilege when you reached the age where you were able to go with your dad to pick out the tree. The fact that you had reached a point where you had an actual input on something as gigantic as the Christmas tree was a true right of passage. Of course, what it really meant was you had gotten big enough to help carry the beast. Once the tree had been selected and paid for, my dad and I dragged the behemoth out to the country squire where he tied it to the roof with twine. This involved a good bit of cursing, another yuletide tradition. Then came the slow ride home, him making every effort to not have to get out of the station wagon in the middle of a busy street and re-secure the spruce that had escaped. Finally the dragging of the too large tree through the too small door, which elicited more curses. The tree was then placed in the red and green metal stand with four equidistant screws that were supposed to aid in setting the tree vertically, but really involved a lot of laying under the prickly pine as you were yelled at to tighten or loosen one screw or the other until, exasperation led to a tree that remained at a 10 degree angle throughout the holiday season. During the five weeks or so the tree was up, between Thanksgiving and New Years, the smallest, in this case, me, had to slide under the increasingly dry and stabby tree, being burned by thumb-sized multicolored bulbs that were an obvious fire hazard, to pour water into the base…and onto some of the presents. After Christmas the thing was hauled to the street, silver icicles and all, to await its trip to what I can only imagine was briefly a very festive landfill. Today only 21% of US households have a live tree, considerably below the 32% that don’t even bother to put one up at all. Honestly, it’s always a surprise to me when someone goes to the effort to put up a live tree when fake trees these days are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. 48%, obviously math majors, of
US households have artificial trees. We’ll ignore the irony that the vast majority of those come from China. When we were first married I insisted on having a real tree because that’s the way I grew up. The annoyances and difficulties of having one
“That’s a lot of stuff in one tree. That’s why we discourage people from going to the back of our tree. The back of our tree is the island of misfit ornaments. The ornaments we got in the eighties, the ones we cherish even though they’ve been broken, and the ones whose origin we’ve forgotten get to face the wall.” were part of what made Christmas Christmas. The scratches gotten from having to stick your hand into the tree while hanging decorations, the inevitable cat trapped after trying to scale it, and the millions of pine needles that kept appearing
RSVPhillippi
almost until the next tree was purchased were things to be endured because that was how it was done. Clearly I was an idiot. The first Christmas trees were apparently hung upside down from the ceiling, which would make for a pretty difficult time putting the presents under the tree because they would also have to have been hung from the ceiling. One tradition that I really could’ve gotten on board with was that for many centuries at the end of the season the discarded tree was set on fire. When I was a kid all you had to do to get me enthusiastic about something was to set it on fire. Many of these tree fires were probably accidental as the modern Christmas tree lights we have today weren’t invented until Ralph Morris came up with them in 1895 because he was tired of people’s houses burning down at Christmas because the trees were lit by candles. That’s genius, put a drying pine tree in your living room and then fill it with burning candles. Festively deadly. My wife and I have been married for over thirty years, which means we have three decades of ornaments on our fake tree. We’ve gotten ornaments on most of our vacations, people have given them to us, and we even have some bows that my wife made for our first tree. That’s a lot of stuff in one tree. That’s why we discourage people from going to the back of our tree. The back of our tree is the island of misfit ornaments. The ornaments we got in the eighties, the ones we cherish even though they’ve been broken, and the ones whose origin we’ve forgotten get to face the wall. All of this may give the impression that I am not a fan of Christmas trees, or Christmas in general, and nothing could be further from the truth. I am a Christmas nerd. Even though I am as tone deaf as Barney Fife I sing carols all through the season. We put a lot of effort into our Christmas card every year, going so far as to borrow someone else’s children and their dog for it for the last fifteen years. What’s a Christmas card without kids, even if they’re not our kids? We have bins of holiday decorations and we spend days putting them in the same places all over our house every year. When the holiday season rolls around there are always those people who claim that there is a war on Christmas. Well, if that’s true then someone should tell the stores that start selling Christmas stuff in October, the drunken carolers who invade my neighborhood every year, and the two of us, who probably own twenty Santa hats. If someone is waging war on Christmas, they’re losing.
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RSVPast
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December
1951
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he Yuletide Revelers hosted a lovely dance every Christmas Eve honoring members of the Girls Cotillion and Dinner Club. Here, the executive committee toasts Ellen Ramsey (Clark), president of the Girls Dinner Club, and Nancy Hill (Fulmer), president of the Girls Cotillion. The gentlemen hosts are (from left to right) Norfleet Turner, Neely Grant, Larry McSpadden, Bill Boone, Jim McGehee, Bull (Giles) Coors, John Harris, Harper Shoddard, Roland Beil, Allan Patterson, Jack Helzheim and Charles Berry. Photo from the archives of rsvp If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Ashley Dunn at 276-7787 ext. 105 or e-mail the photo and caption to editor@rsvpmagazine.com All photos will be returned promptly.
GREAT THINGS GO ON HERE! 6075 Poplar Avenue – Ninth Floor Memphis, TN 38119 901-684-1010 Crecent-Club.com
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