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CONT

ENTS

10SIGNATURE MEMPHIS

Sam Samudio

18 STREETSEENJoe Royer

12STETSONS & STARSAl and Kathy Wiggins

22 OSCAR NIGHT® AMERICADaryl and Tamara Hodges

45GERMANTOWN HORSE SHOW ROYAL BALL

Cody Nelson and Selina Ribnick

40MADONNA CIRCLE PREVIEW GALAEmily Landrum and Wanda Barnes

Cover PhotoBrian Yoakum and Jennifer Yoakum

at Grand Krewe of Sphinx Coronation

Photo by Roy Haithcock

ContentsApril 2009

From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Sam SamudioBest known as Sam the Sham, this singer lent his signature voice to hits like“Wooly Bully’” and “Lil’ Red Riding Hood” and even won a Grammy, but says he’sstill looking for his greatest achievement.

Stetsons & Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Partygoers “Cowboyed Up” for the Alzheimer’s Association fund-raiser atMinglewood Hall.

StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 & 20While training in the Mississippi for a kayak race, he got the idea to start a race ofhis own. The Tennessee Genealogical Society (TNGS) can put you in touch withyour roots with the aid of helpful volunteers like the TNGS president. StreetSeensspotlight Joe Royer and Jim Bobo.

Oscar Night® America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Memphians watched a live telecast of the Oscars® in style during the annual RonaldMcDonald House® benefit at the Tower Room.

RSVPeople . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28A trek across the city’s party landscape.

Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34, 35 & 44Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.

Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36Q&A with opera diva and St. Jude philanthropist Marguerite Piazza.

Madonna Circle Preview Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40The Madonna Circle debuted the Memphis Antiques, Garden & Gourmet Show witha preview party at Agricenter International.

Germantown Horse Show Royal Ball . . . . . . . . . . .45The Germantown Horse Show Association introduced its 2009 royalty with a black-tie affair at Woodland Hills.

RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48300 Things That Annoy MeRSVP funnyman Dennis Phillippi pulls an all-nighter to concoct his list of 300 non-sensical people, places, novelties and sports teams, and throws in some randomgarbage to boot.

�ew Listing!1655 Harbert $349,500Joel Hobson 312-2929

206 N. Highland $359,900Meredith McDonald 312-2940Paul McDonald 312-2957

27 Grove Run $374,900Meredith McDonald 312-2940Paul McDonald 312-2957

2 West Condominiums$219,000 and Up Open Sun 1-4Barbara Cowles 312-2979

Has a pool!5331 Pecan Grove $339,000Betsy Kelly 312-2969

5247 Hedgewyck $359,500Robert Tayloe 312-2988Nina Tayloe 312-2978

�ew Listing!4926 Briarcliff $349,000Patrick M. Crump 312-2932

2277 Massey $339,000Meredith McDonald 312-2940Paul McDonald 312-2957

First Ad!1774 Central $459,000Charlotte Lyles 312-2938

6984 Cannondale Cv. $139,900Deborah Mays 312-2939

576 Country Club Ln. $195,000Lila Saunders 312-2986

2123 Saintsbury $439,900Mary Jane Fuller 312-2937

1845 York $197,500Deborah Mays 312-2939

Lila Saunders Charlotte Lyles

Bob Rowe

TonyaMcDowell

Robbie AnnPahlow

Deborah Mays

Dare Pugh

Barbie Dan

Edith Barlow

Paul&MeredithMcDonald

Dave Weisbeck

Lynda Biggs

Ellie TayloeBennett

Ela Witmer

Katie HillLaurie Stark

BarbaraCowles

Allen Hamblin

Ruth Morris

Mary FrancesVookles Pitts

Michele Crump

Teresa Wherry

Betsy Kelly

Richard Howle

Patrick M.Crump

CamilleLeMaster

LaurieMcBride

Butch Rice

Mary JaneFuller

StephanieEvans Taylor

530 Peabody Green $310,000Barbara Cowles 312-2979

4074 Barone Way $299,500Lila Saunders 312-2986

4053 N. Rose Rd. $268,500Deborah Mays 312-2939

CarolinaCapote

Mary Ruleman Virginia Sharp

Faith GaryKaye

Gordon Stark

Janis CanaleHasen

Amy Moss

456 Kingsgate $350,000Lila Saunders 312-2986

Joel Hobson III

59 Lombardy $429,000Meredith McDonald 312-2940Paul McDonald 312-2957

Hobson Realtors * 5384 Poplar Avenue, Suite 250 * Memphis, TN 38119

367 Tara Lane. $1,295,000Lila Saunders 312-2986

5581 Hackberry Cv. $499,000Michele Crump 312-2955

7294 Abercrombie $174,500Deborah Mays 312-2939

280 E. Cherry $699,000Lila Saunders 312-2986

JeaneneLawhead

Robert & NinaTayloe

570 Club Walk $335,000Lila Saunders 312-2986Meredith McDonald 312-2940

Fairway Towers475 N. Highland #4G $155,000Lila Saunders 312-2986

HobsonRealtors.com 901-761-1622

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2009

Volume XIV Number VII

April 2009

P U B L I S H E R

Roy Haithcock

E D I T O R

Leah Fitzpatrick

C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S

Ruth CassinJonathan DevinDennis Phillippi Lesley Young

A R T D I R E C T O R

Patrick Akers

P H O T O G R A P H E R S

Roy HaithcockJohn HammerDon Perry

Steve Roberts

S E N I O R A C C O U N T E X E C U T I V E

Toni Anderson

A C C O U N T E X E C U T I V E

Libby Huff

A C C O U N T I N G

Ruth Cassin

RSVP Memphis is published monthly byHaithcock Communications, Inc. First class

subscriptions are available for $75.00 per year.Send name and address with a check to:

Haithcock Communications, Inc.2282 Central AvenueMemphis, TN 38104

For advertising information contactRoy Haithcock

Phone (901) 276-7787, ext. 101Fax (901) 276-7785

e-mail [email protected]

W E B

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 [email protected]

Copyright 2009 Haithcock Communications, Inc.

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VÄtáá|vtÄ `âá|vMARTHA ANN PHELPS - HARP, PIANO & ORGAN

NATHAN PHELPS - TRUMPET & CLASSICAL GUITAR

Weddings, Receptions, Dinner Parties,Liturgical Music, Corporate [email protected]

(901) 756-1399 • (901) 487-8055

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2009

Moonlight Madness SaleThursday, April 16

It’s the biggest sale of the season, where you’ll find

clearance prices at premier retailers with a reputation for style. Plus savings are so big;

the shops are open until 10 pm!

Poplar and West Farmington4 miles east of I-240, Germantown, TN

www.shopsofsaddlecreek.com

LOOK NO FURTHERFOR MOONLIGHT SALE SAVINGS.

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2009

Times are a changing, andwith the change comes aredistribution of priori-

ties. For some people, thatmeans cutting out anyunnecessary spending anddownsizing, but othersapproach the situation froma non-monetary standpoint(i.e. refocusing free time onfriends and family). Thenthere is a group who be-lieves if it ignores a crisis alltogether, hard times will justdisappear. While any onesolution isn’t better thananother, one truth remainsthe same: you have to tailora plan that you will put into action.

Some things, like the number of benevolent individualsin this city, seem to be weathering the storm, so to speak. Atany given event, I seem to meet new people who have recentlyinitiated an interest in charity work and in being productivecitizens. One young lady in town has taken matters into herown hands by putting on the Autism Festival of Memphis, tobe held April 4 at Riverdale School, to help provide a soothingenvironment for children with autism. Many more charitableevents are also coming up this month, so you will have aplethora of chances to dive into worthy causes.

Hopefully, those of you who are Memphis Tigers fanshave recovered from March Madness by now and have freed upyour social calendar for several of the following events: theMemphis Zoo’s Wild World of Wine and Beer on April 3, theGermantown Performing Arts Center’s Ports of Call Gala onApril 4, Brooks Uncorked on April 10, the Shelby Farms ParkConservancy’s Green Shoe Gala on April 17, the MargueritePiazza St. Jude Gala on April 18, the National KidneyFoundation’s Gift of Life Gala on April 24 and the JuvenileDiabetes Research Foundation’s Masquerade Ball on April 25.For a more inclusive list, please visit our events blog,www.rsvpswhatsgoingon.blogspot.com.

Seize the day and this warm weather. While you’re atit, check out our StreetSeen features on pages 18 and 20 forinspiration to paddle the Mississippi or find your family tree.Don’t fight the urge to discover the unknown!

Leah [email protected]

From the Editor

Photo by Steve Roberts

BARBARA & BILLY

BAXTERVICKI BLACKWELL CARMEN BROWN ROBERT GORMAN

Landis FoyManaging Broker

[email protected]

Our Regional Headquarters’ Sales Professionals closed 1,581 home sales

for $248 MILLION in 2008!Congratulations to these

Quail Hollow Sales Leaders:

CAROLE HINELY CAROL IVERSON LOUISE JORDAN BARRY LESS

ANN MCKEE JUDY MCLELLAN LILA MEHDIAN STANLEY MILLS

JIMMIE & BOB TAPLEY DAVID TRUONG JUDY & CHET

WHITSITT

LISA DAVIS WILLS

noigeRruOProfessionals closed 1,581 home sales

for $248 MICongratulations to these


sretrauqdaeHlanProfessionals closed 1,581 home sales

NOILL$248 MI in 2008!Congratulations to these


s elaS’sProfessionals closed 1,581 home sales

in 2008!Congratulations to these


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PPeerrssoonnaall hheerroo:: My father..YYoouurr mmaannttrraa:: Just a Man.OOnnee tthhiinngg yyoouu ccaann’’tt lliivvee wwiitthhoouutt:: Air.GGuuiillttyy pplleeaassuurree:: Taking time for myself.HHoobbbbyy:: Photography, because I love faces.WWoorrddss oorr pphhrraasseess yyoouu oovveerruussee:: “I” and “me.”FFiirrsstt ccoonncceerrtt:: My momma singing “Red Wing.”FFiirrsstt jjoobb:: Bus boy for a $1 a day when I was 14.LLaasstt bbooookk yyoouu’’vvee rreeaadd:: The Book of Proverbs by Solomon.HHiissttoorriiccaall ffiigguurree yyoouu mmoosstt iiddeennttiiffyy wwiitthh:: Peter the fish-erman, for his boldness.FFaavvoorriittee MMeemmpphhiiss mmuussiicciiaann:: Depends on the session I’m cut-ting, but they’re all great; that’s why they have a reputation the worldover.IIddeeaall vvaaccaattiioonn ssppoott:: Ziwataneo, Mexico, but I would have fun ina 40-foot pit.WWhheerree yyoouu ttaakkee oouutt--ooff--ttoowwnn gguueessttss:: Graceland, Rock ‘n’ SoulMuseum, the river, to go eat barbecue and then back to my favorite spot, theback porch at sunset.CChhiillddhhoooodd aammbbiittiioonn:: To be somebody until I found out I couldn’t be somebody, so I became myself.

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photo by Steve Rob

erts

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2009

STET

SONS

& STA

RSE V E N T Stetsons & Stars

“Cowboy Up for Alzheimer’s

Brian Hansford, Lauren Bobal and Bobby Marino

Janet Piacenti and Mike Maness

Sam Russell and Nikki Gast

Becky and Neal Davis

Cathy Weaver and Terry Lynch

Lindsey Baker and Mae Chandler

Steve and Lisa Doss

Jane Hodges and Mac Gulley

Daniel Walker and Leah Massee

The return of Stetsons & Stars sat well with Alzheimer’sAssociation supporters, who were more than happy to dust offtheir cowboy hats, boots and spurs for another Western-themed

night. This year, the party moved to Minglewood Hall, where theaction didn’t stop until the bulls, or the bull riders, came home.

The Cowboy Up Committee, headed by Jeff and ValerieMorris, wrangled up hearty doses of music, food and activities forthe “herd.” The Ranch Hand Dinner Buffet was the first spot tovisit on the trail, and it certainly hit the spot by offering generousservings of steak, chicken, corn on the cob, cornbread, red beansand rice, pasta, apple churros, chocolate cupcakes and bread pud-ding. Pitchers of sweet tea helped wash down the eats, as did variousshooters. Silent auction goodies, like a B.B. King blues print, a skat-ing party and an Eric Church concert and dinner package atMinglewood, tempted partygoers as they stood in line for the feast.A live auction, manned by Mr. Morris, also featured choice items,including a David Yurman necklace, a Viva Las Vegas trip and aLake Tahoe vacation.

DJ Mark Anderson kept the country hits spinning duringdinner, but the headlining act came afterward, when KingBilly, acountry/rock/bluegrass band from Nashville, took the stage. TheDaisy Duke Girls also injected some energy with their dance number.Other action took place in the bar area, where a toy pistol shoot-outand a mechanical bull-riding competition took place.

Brian Elder and Jay Young of KIX-106 and Cameron Harperof ABC-24 Eyewitness News emceed the affair that had guests’ show-ing off their flashiest country gear for charity. Attendee ShawnDanko, dressed in a black long-sleeve Western shirt with stitchedflowers said, “I bought this shirt just for tonight.” Dressing up forthe cause was just half the fun, but the other half was knowing thatmoney raised went to help more than 90,000 people affected byAlzheimer’s in the Mid-South. In this spirit, the event chairs pre-sented Lisa Bobal, the West Tennessee regional development directorof the Alzheimer’s Association, with a check for $95,000, a sumraised thanks to attendees’ lovin’ hearts.

Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Don Perry

See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.comPassword: RSVP

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2009

STET

SONS

& STA

RSE V E N T

Ernie and Ethele Hilliard

Wayne and Beth Segars

Randy and Ami Austin

Jay Mehan and Terry SmithsonSean and Beth McCarty

Leigh Shockey, David Poole and Jennifer Kettler

Jared Franks and Kelly Corum

Ericka and John Milford

Noel Parsons, Candace Griffin and Rachel Haughton

Marcia Massengille, Lisa Bobal and Amy Jenkins Pirtle

Trudy Pfisterer and Joi Taylor

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2009

(large manufacturer of children's clothing)

Please visit www.littleenglish.com for location

ALL ITEMS $45.00 OR LESS Tuesday, April 28th • 9AM-7PM

Wednesday, April 29th • 9AM-3PM

Spring & Fall hand smocked clothing, separates, sweaters, bibs,blankets, garment bags, totes & pillows.

E V E N T

STET

SONS

& STA

RS

Clayton and Jean Andrus with Parker Pickle and Alice Higdon

Shawn Danko, Nikki Jimenez, Rachel Cangelosi and Lana Danko

Patrick and Jill CollinsPam and Ted Mackey

Bill and Mary PenningtonJerry and Michelle James

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2009

E V E N T

STET

SONS

& STA

RS

Charlie Worsham, Donny Fallgater and Kevin Weaver

Nikki Schroeder, Renee Trammell, Michelle Trammell and John Vincent

Sarah Morris and Cheryl HerndonTom and Sheila Moore

Peter Atkeison and Jennifer BurkeenJoey and Amy Dudek

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APRIL

2009

Joe RoyerRiver Racer

Once a competitive kayaker and U.S. Olympicteam hopeful, Joe Royer knows which titles areworth the paddle to the finish line. Fittingly

enough, after Royer retired from competition, hegave fellow kayakers an opportunity to seize aprestigious title right here in Memphis when hefounded the Outdoors Inc. Canoe and Kayak Race.

Now in its 28th year, the event’s success islargely due to Royer’s vision of hosting an all-inclusive race, or one embraced by amateurs andprofessionals. “The racing element and the partic-ipation element are equally important and com-plement each other,” he says. Also rewarding isthe number of entrants who keep coming back formore. Olympic gold medalist Greg Barton, whoholds the fastest Outdoors Inc. Race course timeat 15 minutes, 39 seconds, has competed seventimes, while one father/daughter team has beeninvolved since day one. Royer knows of many oth-ers who have participated 20 times.

He laughs, “When I look at the crowdnow, I see quite a few people that weren’t bornwhen I started the race.”

Having both categories of participants raceon the same route of the Mississippi River hasworked in the event’s favor thanks to Royer’s highemphasis on safety. He enlists expert kayakers topaddle alongside some 300 competitors to wardoff potential accidents during the 5,000-metercompetition, and has the Harbor Patrol,Tennessee State Wildlife Resources Agency andthe Memphis Police in on the action as well. Thelocal leg of the Coast Guard actually shuts downbarge traffic during this time, and Royer also pro-hibits any alcoholic beverages at the top end ofthe race.

“This [the Mississippi] is a serious river,so you need to have some basic kayak or canoeexperience,” he cautions. “After all, this race isthe fastest 5,000-meter race in the world becauseof the current of the Mississippi.”

Royer’s intention, however, is not to scareoff those eager to make their race debut. In fact,overcoming the mystique of how dangerous theMississippi is was a challenge for Royer when hefirst began marketing his idea. He says racerseventually became comfortable enough to bravethe U.S.’s longest body of water, much like peoplehave overcome fears of paddling in San FranciscoBay. Even Royer’s wife has joined the ranks.

“My wife, who is a financial advisor, hasto have a rhyme and reason for what she does, butI got her to come with me in a kayak on the river,and she loves it,” he shares.

If anything else, Royer hopes he’s inspiredMemphians to look at the river in a new light andengage in “human-powered recreation,” which heconsiders high-quality living. Maybe you shouldjump on the boat May 2—race day.

Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts

STRE

ETSE

EN

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2009

Jim BoboAncestral Hobbyist

Searching for one’s family roots was onceregarded as an elitist endeavor, however theTennessee Genealogical Society (TNGS), locat-

ed in Germantown, proves just the opposite withits open door policy. People of all ages and back-grounds can utilize the society’s extensive 50-year-old library collection and access online sub-scription databases at no charge. Jim Bobo, thesociety’s president, adds that genealogy researchhas become a popular pastime.

“We’ve seen an explosion in the numberof people interested in genealogy in the past 10years because of the Internet,” he says.

In the beginning stages of research, somepeople harbor fantasies of discovering a famousrelative, but Bobo admits that most people arerealistic about the demographics of their ances-tors. He does confirm that TNGS visitors havereconnected with long-lost relatives after pouringthrough data or reading a family member’s namein the society’s quarterly magazine, Ansearchin’News, which was digitized into a searchable for-mat last year.

As for setbacks, researchers sometimeshit a roadblock when trying to retrieve informa-tion about family members before the 1850s, aperiod when reliable census records weren’t thenorm. Also, different generations often changedthe family surname (Bobo says Gillespie has 32spellings alone), and ancestors’ education levelsstand in sharp contrast to today’s standards,making accurate data hit and miss. The TNGSpresident’s best advice is to be flexible in yoursearch parameters and to acquire knowledge ofregional history, specifically migration patterns,natural disasters or health epidemics. Countyrecords, including birth, marriage and death cer-tificates, further aid the discovery process, andBobo says Memphians are at an advantagebecause Shelby County has an electronically-recorded system for important records.

He mentions, “What I really hope for vis-itors is that on their first visit they recognize thedepth and variety of resources available and areable to identify at least two generations on oneside of their family.”

Founded by Virginia Brooks in 1952 andchartered by the state in 1954, TNGS hostsnumerous in-house and offsite programming,with a seminar featuring a nationally knowngenealogist coming up May 16 at the adjacentPickering Center. More obscure highlightsinclude a new Native American collection andmembers who possess talents in everything fromphoto restoration to penning family legends.

“The Tennessee Genealogical Society ismade up of all volunteers, which is great becauseit takes a village to get info out,” Bobo shares.

Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts

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2009

Spring has Sprung!

5 FREE Units of BOTOX® Cosmetic!With purchase of any BOTOX® treatment area. $50 Value

BIG Savings on our New XC Laser Peel! ProFractional XC DayPeels just $250 each. $50 Savings

Easy Rebates on Restylane® & Perlane®Up to $150 off by mail-in rebate. $100-$150 Value

Dermatology Realm901-362-7170www.dermatologyrealm.com2120 Merchants Row, Suite 2Germantown, TN 38138

Cosmetic Consultations are always free.

Join in the fun with these specials during April.

(901) 309-2200

Mother’s Dayis May 10th

7990 Trinity RoadMemphis, TN 38018

AGRICENTER INTERNATIONAL

Come Join Us atthe Spring Market!

The whole gang will be there! We’ll be offering fantastic specials on our most popular procedures and products, giving FREE Hand Treatments to all, and holding drawings for FREE BOTOX®! Dr. Baker and Staff will be on hand to answer questions and there will be plenty of pictures and information. It’s much like our popular Open House, only better! You won’t want to miss it.

LIVE FREE $25 Gift Cards (while supplies last)FREE FREE Obagi

A194

wn, TN 38138oGermant, Suitww, Suitchants Ro2120 Meralm.ceyrologt.derma

0172-7almy ReologtDerma

wn, TN 38138e 2, Suitomalm.c

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Up t

s frayays fre alwarosmetic CC

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APRIL

2009

OSCA

R NI

GHT®

AMER

ICA

E V E N T Oscar Night America

Live Telecast Party

Jill Barnum, Mark Walden and Cindy Teigland

Matt Peace and Rae Lyn Hartley

Gary Jones and Teresa Starnes

Kelly and Steve Pairolero

Julie Hopkins and Parker Patterson

Greg and Allison Gilbert

Jim and Camille Dixon

Ashley Tankersley and Alan Faircloth

Chrissie and David Tashie

Red carpets aren’t reserved just for Hollywood anymore, as evidencedat Memphis’ own Oscar Night® America party. Bedecked in fashion-able ensembles, 450 movie gurus traveled 35 stories high to the

Tower Room for a beautiful view of the city lights and today’s hotteststars, or rather their look-alikes.

Sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts andSciences, the party provided a front row seat to the Oscars® and helpedraise more than $65,000 for the Ronald McDonald House® Charities ofMemphis. The event continues to grow in popularity each year, with2009 marking Oscar Night America’s eighth anniversary. And it’s nowonder, as each guest is shown a true red carpet experience, completewith adoring fans, paparazzi and a pre-show reporter asking, “Who areyou wearing?”

Upon arrival, attendees also scored champagne, complementedby innovative cuisine from 10 participating restaurants: Pearl’s OysterHouse, Itta Beena, Just for Lunch, Magnolia Grill at The Horseshoe,Kooky Canuck, Tower Room, The Melting Pot, Ciao Bella, CaféToscana and Paula Deen Buffet. Each vendor offered its finest appetiz-ers and/or desserts in hopes of winning a coveted Food Star Award.Savory selections like Jack Daniel’s chocolate bellinis, she-crab soupand mini turkey and tomato sandwiches with pesto mayonnaise madethe judges’ decision tough, but nonetheless awards went to KookyCanuck (Best Dessert), Ciao Bella (Star Chef) and Paula Deen Buffet(Best Cuisine). Magnolia Grill also earned the Best Movie ThemedBooth for its tribute to Johnny Cash in Walk the Line.

Throughout the evening, a silent and live auction offeredguests many luxuries. From an Oscar package to a Jaffe Studio blackand white portrait package to a spa day at Pavo Salon, there was anendless array of tempting goodies. The Share-A-Night live auction itemdrew the most attention to the cause, since its bidder helped raisemoney for families to continue to stay free of charge at the RonaldMcDonald House of Memphis. Guests could also throw in a donationof their choice for a chance to have a picture taken in front of anOscar backdrop.

As the best actor and actress winners were announced in theAcademy Awards Viewing Room, good times abounded in the ballroom,where partygoers danced to favorite ‘80s covers by Dr. Zarr’s AmazingFunk Monster. Presenting sponsor Century Management LLC/McDonald’s, gold sponsor Harrah’s Entertainment and several in-kinddonors helped make this high energy evening possible, all to supportMemphis’ “home-away-from-home” for families staying in Memphisduring their child’s medical treatment.

Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Don Perry

See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.comPassword: RSVP

®

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APRIL

2009

E V E N T

OSCA

R NI

GHT®

AMER

ICA

Madelyn Gray and Sherry BrooksMargaret and Don Smith

Steve and Lisa DossTom and Laura Withers

Suzie Wade and Anner EcholsChris Thomas and Melinda Aldison

Keith Davis and Traci PigueJeff and Valerie Morris

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APRIL

2009

OSCA

R NI

GHT®

AMER

ICA

E V E N T

Warren Pan and Andrea Dunger

Bo and Laura Adams

John Jenkins and Gayl Baker

Eva Lynn Bishop and Ally LucianoTom Prestigiacomo and Codi Robbins

Shelly Baker and Tiffany Deal

Jenny Larkin and John Campbell

Steven Hunter and Rashedah Young

Steve and Marcie Lykins

J.D. and Michele Spears

Hope Dooner and David Gingold

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APRIL

2009

to purchase tickets, visit www.theartofgoodtaste.org or call 544.6209

Sponsors: Acura of Memphis · Pinnacle Airlines Corp. · Stanford Private Wealth Management · The Parker Family, in memory of Tony M. Parker, Sr. · Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar · Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs · David Lusk Gallery · Buster’s Liquors & Wines · Hart Davis Hart Wine Co. · Oak Hall · Memphis Magazine · Paulsen Printing · RAM Entertainment · Thomas Chu, M.D. · Athens Distributing Co. of Tennessee · Delta Wholesale Liquors · Southwestern Beverage Distributing · Star Distributors · United Liquors · The Victor L. Robilio Company · VIP Memphis Magazine · DCI Gallery · Michael Carpenter & Switch Creative · Graphic Systems, Inc.

sat may 9 5 pm $150 per person

spring has sprung

grand auction

The auction event not to be missed! This casual evening features tapas, open bar, the winemakers of Spring Mountain and 55 live & 60+ silent auction items including these highlights:

· Unforgettable trip to Spring Mountain with airfare, limousine, fine dining, and private tours

· Charleston beach house

· 12 pieces of original art

· Mega bottle of 2004 Aragone with original artwork by Michael Stipe of REM

· Exclusive wine dinners, tastings, and cellar tours

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28

APRIL

2009

RSVP

EOPL

E

MCA Works of Heart Auction and Exhibit

benefiting the Memphis Child Advocacy Center

A week before Valentine’s Day, love

was already in the air, not to mention all

over the walls and several tables, at the

MMeemmpphhiiss CChhiilldd AAddvvooccaaccyy CCeenntteerr’s (MCAC)

17th annual MMCCAA WWoorrkkss ooff HHeeaarrtt AAuuccttiioonn

aanndd EExxhhiibbiitt.

Once again, an A-list crowd of

Memphis artists was given 12-inch wooden

hearts to use for many diverse creations, all

of which were auctioned off for the benefit

of the programs and services of MCAC.

This year more than 100 artists participat-

ed, including headliners DDoollpphh SSmmiitthh, JJoohhnn

MMccIInnttiirree, GGeeoorrggee HHuunntt, VVaalleerriiee BBeerrlliinn,

DDaavviidd MMaahh, JJoohhnn RRoobbiinneettttee, MMaayysseeyy

CCrraaddddoocckk, MMiimmii SSeemmmmeess DDaannnn, TTeedd RRuusstt,

AAggnneess GGoorrddoonn SSttaarrkk and NNiilleess WWaallllaaccee.

The event took place on the spa-

cious concourse of the MMeemmpphhiiss CCoolllleeggee ooff

AArrtt, where complimentary beer and wine

were served. On the ground level, FFrraatteellllii’’ss

FFiinnee CCaatteerriinngg provided scrumptious trays

laden with spicy chicken satay, panini sand-

wich bites, mini crab cakes with remoulade,

cheeses and chocolate-dipped strawberries—

perfect for one of the first nights this year

that hinted of springtime weather.

The auction did not begin until 7

p.m., but 15 minutes prior, the auction was

already packed with art-hungry guests,

including CCoonnggrreessssmmaann SStteevvee CCoohheenn, MMaarryy

AAnnnn and BBoobb PPaatttteerrssoonn,, RRoobbeerrtt BBrraaccee, GGeennee

LLaauurreennzzii, KKeellsseeyy and WWeess MMeellttoonn, LLoouuiissee

and CClliiffff HHuunntt, JJuulliiee and SStteevvee HHooyymmaann,

MMaarriittzzaa DDaavviillaa, KKrriissttii and JJiimm DDuucckkwwoorrtthh,

BBeetthh and SStteepphheenn CCrruummpp, JJeessssiiee SSmmiitthh,

JJeeaann and SSaamm MMoossss, BBeecckkyy and JJeerreemmyy

MMccEElldduuffff, MMeerreeddiitthh JJooyynneerr, LLeeaahh JJooyynneerr

and MMaarrtthhaa LLaanniieerr. These attendees arrived

in an array of chic finery, with volunteers

donning blazing red feather boas.

MCAC director NNaannccyy WWiilllliiaammss and

staffers VViirrggiinniiaa SSttaallllwwoorrtthh and BBeerryyll WWiigghhtt

were on hand to welcome guests as celebrity

emcee KKyymm CCllaarrkk of WMC-TV 5 got the

auction underway. Of the art, Dolph

Smith’s “Haven” sparked quite a bit of

interest with its 4-foot-tall wooden ladder

reaching into the center of a simple, red

heart where an open window revealed a

homelike setting. Perhaps the most off-the-

wall creation was a heart-themed music

video created by JJoonn SSppaarrkkss. Certainly the

most of-the-moment creation was BBrraannttlleeyy

EEllzzeeyy’s Obama-themed heart.

Proud event sponsors included

GGoooodd AAddvveerrttiissiinngg, JJaaccoo--BBrryyaanntt PPrriinntteerrss,

MMoorrrriiss && AAssssoocciiaatteess and RRooaaddsshhooww BBMMWW

MMiinnii, which provided two fire engine red

Mini Coopers that greeted guests at the

door.

Story and photos by Jonathan Devin

Symphony League

“Unforgettable Valentine Luncheon”

Roses were red, but hearts were not

blue at the SSyymmpphhoonnyy LLeeaagguuee’s

“UUnnffoorrggeettttaabbllee VVaalleennttiinnee LLuunncchheeoonn.” This

A Trek Across the City’s Party Landscape

Robert Brace and Gene Laurenzi

Stephen and Beth Crump

Louise and Cliff Hunt

Meredith Joyner, Leah Joyner and Martha Lanier

Kelsey and Wes Melton

RSVP

29

APRIL

2009

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pre-Valentine’s party, held at the MMeemmpphhiiss

HHuunntt aanndd PPoolloo CClluubb, warmed everyone’s spir-

its by offering a dose of romantic tunes

before Cupid came to visit.

The lunch hour began with FFlloorreennccee

LLeefffflleerr, the Symphony League president, say-

ing, “It is so encouraging to know we have

so many people who support us.”

Indeed, guests filled the dining room,

which had been decorated with balloons,

hearts, music notes, mini-keyboards and

Valentine monkeys. As lunch was served,

AAmmyy MMeeaaddoowwss, chair of the nominating com-

mittee, announced the slate of officers for

the 2009/2010 season. RRyyaann FFlleeuurr, president

and CEO of the Memphis Symphony, took

the podium next and spoke about the sym-

phony’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. tribute

concert, a free event which occurred the fol-

lowing Sunday at the Cannon Center and fea-

tured the Central High School Choir. He

offered attendees a 10 percent discount on

tickets and encouraged members to buy their

tickets quickly since 8,000 people had

already requested seats.

Guest conductor RRuuddii SScchhlleeggeell was

also in attendance to get luncheon-goers

geared up for the symphony’s Saturday-night

Valentine’s concert. Schlegel said he put

together a buffet of Pops favorites for the

program and knew it was going to be fun

because it featured jazz vocalist and guitarist

JJoohhnn PPiizzzzaarreellllii. The main course entailed a

tribute to the great Nat King Cole.

“So much of Nat King Cole’s music

is beautiful ballads, so I think it’s a good

pairing with Valentine’s Day,” Schlegel said.

Local singer JJooyyccee CCoobbbb rounded out

the agenda with her rendition of

“Unforgettable” and many other hits, like

“Walking in Memphis.” JJoohhnn TThhoommaass PPaaggee

accompanied her on the piano. A dessert of

peppermint ice cream with chocolate sauce

and heart-shaped sugar cookies complement-

ed the sweet sound nicely.

Those enjoying the festivities that

brought awareness to the arts were CChhaarrlloottttee

NNeeaall, SSccoottttiiee CCoobbbb, GGlloorriiaa NNoobblleess, CCaarroolliinnee

BBrroowwnn, SShheellbbyy TTeerrrryy, BBeettttyy CCrruuzzeenn, BBoobbbbii

FFeerrrraarroo, BBeettttyy CCrroowwee, SSuussaann BBuurrrrooww, MMiimmii

RRooyy, GGeerrii CCuuoogghhii, RRoossee MMaarryy PPaaccee, CCaarroollyynn

CCaarrnneessaallee, FFooyy CCoooolliiddggee, CCrriissttiinnaa WWaarrdd,

NNaannccyy LLoouu JJoonneess, BBeejjaayy GGrroonnaauueerr and RReennaayy

JJoonneess. BBiilllliiee JJeeaann GGrraahhaamm chaired the event,

and SSiissssyy LLoonngg was the club hostess.

Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

Amy Meadows, Scottie Cobb, Gloria Nobles and Caroline Brown

Florence Leffler and Charlotte Neal

Shelby Terry and Billie Jean Graham

Betty Cruzen, Bobbi Ferraro and Betty Crowe

Nancy Lou Jones, Bejay Gronauer and Renay Jones

RSVP

30

APRIL

2009

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Youth Villages

20th Anniversary of Soup Sunday

It was a frigid winter morning in Downtown Memphis as

people bundled in coats and hats waited in long lines for a piping

hot cup of soup…but this

was no ordinary soup

kitchen. YYoouutthh VViillllaaggeess

presented the 20th annu-

al SSoouupp SSuunnddaayy at the

FFeeddEExxFFoorruumm, with almost

50 restaurants participat-

ing in what has clearly

become a staple of the

Memphis social calendar.

Booths represent-

ing restaurants, including

HHoouussttoonn’’ss, CChhaarrlleess

VVeerrggoo’’ss RReennddeezzvvoouuss,

AAuuttoommaattiicc SSlliimm’’ss, TThhee

MMeellttiinngg PPoott and RRuutthh’’ss

CChhrriiss SStteeaakk HHoouussee, lined

the circular concourse of

the forum to the delight of hundreds of eager soup tasters like JJeessssiiee

CCoosstteelllloo, EEeenniissee FFaarrrriiss, JJiimm EElllliiootttt, IIssaa and JJeess CCrroowwnnoovveerr, GGaayyllee

and MMiicchhaaeell HHaappnneerr, CChheerryyll and BBrriiaann BBoocckkhhoolldd, CCrryyssttaall and RRiicckk

MMccDDoonnaalldd and MMeelliissssaa, BBiillll and MMaatttthheeww CCrroossnnoo. Adding to the

merriment were the MMeemmpphhiiss GGrriizzzzlliieess DDaannccee TTeeaamm and the

MMeemmpphhiiss DDooccttoorrss DDaannccee BBaanndd, who performed jazz standards for

the 13th year. A children’s area complete with an inflatable castle

and Oreo-stacking contest lit the faces of the event’s smaller partici-

pants.

Some of the soup offerings included a beer cheese soup from

the FFllyyiinngg SSaauucceerr, an

exquisite roasted red pep-

per soup from JJuusstt ffoorr

LLuunncchh, the DDiixxiiee CCaafféé’s

to-die-for chicken noodle

soup and blackberry cob-

bler and LLeevvyy

RReessttaauurraanntt’s extraordinari-

ly flavorful butternut

squash and chorizo soup.

Guests, including LLiinnddaa

SStteewwaarrtt, PPaattrriicckk

HHaammppttoonn, LLoouuvveenniiaa

HHaammppttoonn, RRiicckk BBrriiddggeess,

RRiicchhaarrdd BBrriiddggeess, PPaattrriicckk

FFrreenncchh, KKiittttyy BBrriiddggeess,

BBeessssiiee GGoorrddoonn, GGwweenn and

Jessie Costello and Eenise Farris

Gayle and Michael Hapner

RSVP

31

APRIL

2009

BeSeen!

Attract an Affluent

clientele toyour

business!

Advertise in RSVPMagazine

For informationcall 276-7787

AAnntthhoonnyy WWaattkkiinnss, SShheerrrrii and TTaattuumm

BBuuttlleerr and EEmmmmaa, TTrriissttaann, MMeelliissssaa

and AAuusstteenn OOnneekk, were given a card-

board cupholder at the door and

often broke smiles as they balanced

multiple cups of soup while working

their way around the premise.

Attire for the event was

clearly casual with most arriving in

blue jeans and tee shirts under their

warm winter wrappings. Volunteers

for the event, however, donned red

1950s skirts, acid green feather

boas, sunglasses and tiaras to add a

touch of rock ‘n’ roll to the atmos-

phere.

Esteemed sponsors for the

event were CCoommttrraakk LLooggiissttiiccss,

EEdduuccaattiioonn RReeaallttyy TTrruusstt, WWaattkkiinnss

UUiibbeerraallll, SSoouutthheerrnn SSeeccuurriittyy and

FFeeddeerraall CCrreeddiitt UUnniioonn. All proceeds

from the event will serve the pro-

grams of Youth Villages, a residen-

tial center for youth, which develops

the life potential of more than

Rick and Crystal McDonald with Cheryl and Brian Bockhold

Emma, Tristan, Melissa and Austen Onek

RSVP

32

APRIL

2009

12,000 emotionally and behaviorally troubled

children.

Story and photos by Jonathan Devin

Phoenix Club

Mardi Gras Party

Why drive five hours (depending on

your ethics on speeding) to experience

Mardi Gras in New Orleans, when you can

head downtown and throw down at the CCaaddrree

BBuuiillddiinngg? At least that was the mindset of

close to 1,400 revelers at this year’s PPhhooeenniixx

CClluubb MMaarrddii GGrraass PPaarrttyy.

One of several fund-raisers held

throughout the year by the club to sponsor

the BBooyyss && GGiirrllss CClluubbss ooff GGrreeaatteerr MMeemmpphhiiss,

the event drew a record attendance, and

funds raised were in excess of $25,000.

“This was something we could never

have imagined. We nearly tripled our profit

from last year, and all of that money goes to

a very important, local cause—the Boys and

Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis,” said event

planner and Phoenix Club member GGaaiinneess

CCoonnaawwaayy.

Gaming tables were all but aban-

doned as LLoorrdd TT.. aanndd EEllooiissee fans crowded

the stage to hear a special performance by

the nationally celebrated local “aristocrunk”

rappers. And in good Fat Tuesday form,

drinks were a-flowin’ amidst cocktail dresses,

dress suits and jeans and tee shirts.

Nine college-age men, who had the

intention of performing community service

by helping juvenile delinquents, started the

Phoenix Club in 1955. Through the past 10

years, the annual cash contributions by the

Phoenix Club to the Boys & Girls Clubs of

Greater Memphis have ranged from

$146,000 to $175,000 from the Mardi Gras

Party, the annual Greeting Card Campaign,

the Send a Kid to Camp project and other

fund-raising efforts.

“What it all comes down to is raising

money for the Boys and Girls Clubs of

Greater Memphis. We just like to have a

good time doing it,” Conaway said.

Others in attendance included SSaarraahh

SSttrraammeell, KKaattee CClliinnttoonn, PPhhiill GGooffoorrtthh, BBiillll

JJuussttiiccee, PPaattrriicckk JJoorrddaann, DDaavvee SSmmiitthh,

CChhrriissttiinnaa RRaammsseeyy, MMeerreeddiitthh MMaarrrr, MMaarrccuuss

GGrraannddbbeerrrryy, DDaarrrriinn HHiinneess, DDiieeggoo QQuuiinnoonneezz,

JJuulliioo AAllvvaarraaddoo, JJoohhnn JJeennkkiinnss, GGaayyll BBaakkeerr,

NNaatthhaann HHiillll, AAaarroonn BBrroowwnnwwaarrdd, MMeeggaann HHiillll,

CCoouurrttnneeyy MMccGGiinnnniiss, JJoocceellyynn and OOssccaarr

AAttkkiinnssoonn, FFrraannkk LLaannggssttoonn, DDaavviidd RRaattttoonn,

JJoonnaatthhaann KKeellllyy, PPaatt KKeeaatthhlleeyy, JJaakkee MMccRRaaee,

MMiicchhaaeell MMccLLaauugghhlliinn, JJeessssiiccaa SSaarrnnoo, KKeellii

RRaabboonn, KKaatt GGoorrddoonn, JJoonnaatthhaann LLaarrggee, AAddaamm

EEmmeerrssoonn, GGiinnggeerr and DDaavviidd SSllooccuumm and

CChhrriiss SSoovvcczzhhaa.

Story and photos by Lesley Young

Orpheum Theatre’s

Dinner on Stage

Theatre lovers got behind-the-scenes

access to the OOrrpphheeuumm TThheeaattrree at the

OOrrpphheeuumm’s DDiinnnneerr oonn SSttaaggee event. The inti-

mate affair was limited to 90 people, who

helped support the MMeemmpphhiiss DDeevveellooppmmeenntt

Michael McLaughlin, Jessica Sarno and Keli Rabon

Jonathan Kelly and Meredith Marr

Megan Hill and Courtney McGinnis

Gaines Conaway, Nathan Hill and Aaron Brownward

Bill, Matthew and Melissa Crosno

Adam Emerson, Ginger and David Slocum and Chris Sovczha

RSVP

33

APRIL

2009

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COMMUNITY AMENITIES

Arbors of River Oaks225 Arbor Common Circle

Memphis, TN 38120

901.747.2011www.ArborsRiverOaks.com

[email protected]

Life Made Simple©

FFoouunnddaattiioonn, which is a nonprofit that runs the

Orpheum.

PPaatt HHaalllloorraann, the Orpheum president,

opened the evening by greeting attendees in the

lobby for a champagne toast. Halloran then cap-

tured everyone’s attention by sharing historical tid-

bits of the theatre’s heyday and explaining how the

foundation was developed. Guests also got a sense

of the facility’s finery, including the elaborate chan-

deliers boasting Czech crystals that hang in the

foyer; each of these chandeliers would cost $2.5

million to replace, according to Halloran.

The tour moved to the auditorium, where

the action picked back up with a performance by

HHeeaatthheerr HHoolllliiddaayy, who was last year’s Orpheum

Star Search runner-up. Halloran said that this com-

petition is one of the Orpheum’s programs of

which he is most proud, as it gives young vocalists

a chance to win $15,000 in scholarships and a

recording contract. The Orpheum Theatre: The

First 75 Years aired next, and was followed by a

backstage tour, where guests could walk the halls,

which were lined with actors’ signatures from

Broadway performances, and visit dressing rooms

once used by stars like Robert Goulet and Yul

Brynner.

The evening’s finale was the hit of the

night! For this occasion, Halloran debuted a fiber-

optic backdrop of twinkling lights, which made it

appear as if guests were dining underneath the

stars. Adding to the elegance was a delicious buffet

of broccoli salad, caprese tartlets, sesame sautéed

asparagus, herb encrusted pork tenderloin, Low

Country shrimp and grits, Death by Chocolate and

bread pudding prepared by AA MMoovveeaabbllee FFeeaasstt.

Beautiful arrangements of calla lilies mixed with

red roses arranged by HHoolllliiddaayy FFlloowweerrss were the fin-

ishing touch to the tables, which were positioned

across the Orpheum stage, giving guests the per-

spective stage actors would have during a perform-

ance.

A Broadway trivia contest also took place

during the feast. Tables competed against each

other by answering a list of questions, like who the

male leads were in Damn Yankees and the most

consecutively well-attended show at the Orpheum.

The winning team, which consisted of JJuuddyy and

MMaarrkk LLoonngg, CCaasseeyy GGrreeeerr, AAllaann GGrreeeerr and JJaassoonn

BBoowwlleess, took home Orpheum scarves and a copies

of the movie shown earlier that night.

Others who enjoyed the festivities were

AAnntthhoonnyy TTrrooxxeell, MMiicchheellllee FFrreeiirree, LLeeaannnnee

MMccQQuuoowwnn, KKaattee HHaacckkeetttt, AAnnnnee HHaalllloorraann, JJeennnniiffeerr

SSttaannggee and JJoohhnn HHiillll.


Michelle Freire and Anthony Troxel

Mark and Judy Long, Casey Greer and Alan Greer

Leanne McQuown, Kate Hackett and Anne Halloran

Jennifer Stange and John Hill

RSVP

34

APRIL

2009

Jamesa and Perry Sponseller at Youth Villages Soup Sunday Kickoff

Ron Wong with Hallie and Noel Crook at Polar Bear Plunge

ONSITE Onsite

Sloane Taylor, Patrick Healy and Lisa Taylorat Polar Bear Plunge

Bonny Kinney, Sherri Maxey and Jim Byrdat Celebrity Waiters’ Night

Ken and Brenda Glass with Ron and Patti Callan at River Oaks Garden Club Valentine’s Dinner

John Kimbrough with Sara and Bryce Whitakerat Celebrity Waiters’ Night

Youth Villages Soup Sunday Kickoff River Oaks Garden Club Valentine’s DinnerPolar Bear Plunge Celebrity Waiters’ Night

Yoouutthh VViillllaaggeess celebrated the 20th anniversary of itsSSoouupp SSuunnddaayy fund-raiser with a kickoff party at theMMeemmpphhiiss BBoottaanniicc GGaarrddeenn. Sponsors, restaurants, volun-teers and founders united for the occasion to samplehors d’oeuvres and see the unveiling of the main eventposters. DDaannnnyy SSuummrraallll and MMiikkee WWaarrrr were also hon-ored as the Restaurant Association Humanitarians ofthe Year.

The 65 women who are members of the RRiivveerrOOaakkss GGaarrddeenn CClluubb celebrated their accomplishments forthe past year at the group’s fifth annual VVaalleennttiinnee’’ssDDiinnnneerr. The special occasion was held for the first timethis year outside of one of the members’ homes at theMMeemmpphhiiss HHuunntt aanndd PPoolloo CClluubb. The evening began withwine and appetizers to the soothing tunes of the LLiivviinnggDDaayylliigghhttss JJaazzzz TTrriioo, then progressed to dinner, com-plete with the club’s signature dessert—hot fudgebrownies—and finished with dancing to hot sounds byDDJJ HHuuffff.

Though temperatures hung in the ‘60s, theMississippi River remained cold enough to call theninth annual PPoollaarr BBeeaarr PPlluunnggee by its rightful name.The fund-raiser attracted fraternities, church groupsand supporters of the SSppeecciiaall OOllyymmppiiccss ooff GGrreeaatteerrMMeemmpphhiiss to WWoollff RRiivveerr HHaarrbboorr on MMuudd IIssllaanndd RRiivveerrPPaarrkk to taste test some chili and raise dollars by garner-ing sponsorships to take the plunge into the MightyMississippi. Close to 100 people braved the numbingwaters, some in costumes, while onlookers enjoyed anunusually warm day.

Local media personalities tried their hands atwaiting tables to kick off the 18th annual RROOCCKK 110033RRoonnaalldd MMccDDoonnaalldd HHoouussee RRaaddiiootthhoonn. BBoossccooss SSqquuaarreeddhosted the CCeelleebbrriittyy WWaaiitteerrss’’ NNiigghhtt event, which waswell represented by Celebrity Waiter alums CCaammeerroonnHHaarrppeerr, TTiimm SSppeenncceerr, JJoohhnn ““BBaadd DDoogg”” MMccCCoorrmmaacckk,RRiicc CChheetttteerr and TToomm DDeeeess. Rookie waiters includedMMaarrkkoovvaa RReeeedd, BBoonnnnyy KKiinnnneeyy, DDeevviinn SStteeeellee and LLeeeeWWaarrrreenn. A portion of proceeds from Boscos’ special“Radiothon Brew” and “Cheeseburger Pizza” and all ofthe Celebrity Waiters’ tips benefited the RRoonnaallddMMccDDoonnaalldd HHoouussee CChhaarriittiieess® ooff MMeemmpphhiiss.

Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrickand Lesley Young

Kay and Jim Lilesat River Oaks Garden Club Valentine’s Dinner

Brad and Joanna Brown with Melissa Taylor and Jeff Goggans at Polar Bear Plunge

Marilyn Kain, Paul Coombs and Sandi Tuckerat Youth Villages Soup Sunday Kickoff

RSVP

35

APRIL

2009

Buddy and Queen Lanetta Lanier at Grand Krewe of Luxor Coronation

Bill and Sherri Lunn with Wanda Barzizzaat Grand Krewe of Luxor Coronation

ONSITEOnsite

Matt Wilson with Gary and Judith Edge at American Cancer Society Cocktail Reception

Valerie Morris, Leighanne Hart and Ellen Grisanti at American Cancer Society Cocktail Reception

Kate Pera and Russell McDanielat Grand Krewe of Sphinx Coronation

Dr. Irvin Fleming, Lisa Roth and Peter Pettit at American Cancer Society Cocktail Reception

Grand Krewe of Luxor Coronation Grand Krewe of Sphinx Coronation American Cancer Society Cocktail Reception

The bugle sounded, and the ceremonies began toannounce this year’s royal court of the GGrraanndd KKrreewweeooff LLuuxxoorr. On a night themed “AA CCaallll ttoo PPoosstt——AA DDaayy aatttthhee RRaacceess,” King DDoonn LLaasssseetteerr and Queen LLaanneettttaaLLaanniieerr, along with their guards and duchesses, walkedthe royal procession to kick off the evening. TThheeEEssppllaannaaddee in Cordova was transformed into a race forroyalty during the special occasion, while the KKiinngg BBeeeezzdelighted the ears of diners and drinkers. Joining thecortege were representatives from the 2009 CarnivalMemphis children’s charities, including the MMeemmpphhiissOOrraall SScchhooooll ffoorr tthhee DDeeaaff, SSttrreeeettss MMiinniissttrriieess and YYoouutthhVViillllaaggeess.

It was a star-studded night as the GGrraanndd KKrreewweeooff SSpphhiinnxx celebrated the coronation of its 2009 royaltyat MMeemmpphhiiss BBoottaanniicc GGaarrddeenn. Held the evening beforethe Academy Awards, the party’s theme was “HHoooorraayyffoorr HHoollllyywwoooodd,” and the black and gold color schemefeatured decorations of stars, balloons, faux Oscar stat-uettes, filmstrips and “take” board cutouts. The royaltytables were decked with roses atop miniature pillarsand strewn with pearls. Following the presentation ofQueen JJuuddyy JJoonneess, King RRuusssseellll MMccDDaanniieell, GrandDuchess DDeebbbbiiee HHuummmmeell and Duchesses LLiibbbbyy JJoonneessZZoogghhbbyy, GGlloorriiaa KKiirrkk, DDeebbbbiiee BBrryyaanntt, VViirrggiinniiaa CCoorrtteesseeand PPaamm CCaaiinn, attendees enjoyed a sumptuous cocktailbuffet and danced the night away to the sounds ofMMoorriiaahh. BBoobb BBrryyaanntt is this year’s Sphinx chairman, andHHooooppeerr JJoonneess serves as the flagman.

RRoobbeerrtt and JJeennnniiffeerr HHaannuussoovvsskkyy hosted theAAmmeerriiccaann CCaanncceerr SSoocciieettyy CCoocckkttaaiill RReecceeppttiioonn at theirhome to bring awareness to the nonprofit’s HHooppee LLooddggeecampaign. FFrraannkk and EElllleenn GGrriissaannttii supplied the horsd’oeuvres for the event, which had a turnout of nearly100 supporters. The Hope Lodge will serve as a short-term residential facility equipped with 40 patientsuites, where any patient receiving oncology treatmentat a Memphis hospital can stay free of charge. Thefacility will be located next to Sun Studio on landdonated by the UUnniivveerrssiittyy ooff TTeennnneesssseeee.

Story by Ruth Cassin, Leah Fitzpatrick and Lesley YoungPhotos by Skipworth/Craig Collier, Leah Fitzpatrick

and Roy Haithcock

David Minto and Anna Humerickhouse at Grand Krewe of Sphinx Coronation

Witt Neloni with Lauren, Jennifer and King Don Lasseterat Grand Krewe of Luxor Coronation

Jamille Laughlin, Tom Cross and Buddy Finley at Grand Krewe of Sphinx Coronation

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APRIL

2009

Vox PopularQ&A with Marguerite PiazzaVO

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Throughout her career, Marguerite Piazza traveled extensively for stage and television engagements, but since her retirement, this operastar hasn’t settled down one bit. Instead, Piazza, a cancer survivor herself, has dedicated her efforts to raising funds for St. JudeChildren’s Research Hospital through the Marguerite Piazza St. Jude Gala. RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrick met with Piazza in her home,

which is filled with numerous mementos and photographs of Piazza’s singing days, to learn the dynamics behind the longest continuouslyrunning charity gala in Memphis. On April 18, hundreds will gather at The Peabody for the 34th anniversary of the gala in her namesake,and Piazza hopes to help raise $1 million that night to cover one day’s worth of St. Jude’s operating costs.

RRSSVVPP:: I’ve heard that the first Marguerite Piazza St. Jude Gala was arehearsal. Is that true?

PPiiaazzzzaa:: It was in a way. I was going to open in Houston at theFairmont, and I had a completely new act and needed a place to tryit out. So, the man I had here said, “I’ll tell you what. Why don’t wehave a gala, and we’ll give the money we make to a charity?” Thenhe asked who I wanted to give the money to, and I thought I’d beenthere with Danny [Thomas] at the opening of St. Jude, so why notjust give the money to St. Jude. Then, my husband and I rented thehotel [the airport Marriott Hotel] and all the orchestra, and my son,Gregory Condon, did the lights and the sound, and we were off andrunning. We sold the tickets to our friends at the Memphis CountryClub mostly, and it was great. We had about 400 people, and wemade some money and gave it to St. Jude, and, of course, it didn’tcost as much in thosedays to run St. Jude as itdoes now.

RRSSVVPP:: Which do you thinkwas scarier: your first galafor St. Jude or your debutat the MetropolitanOpera?

PPiiaazzzzaa:: [Laughs] Well, Ialmost burned down theMet, you know. I was allset to go on, and I had avast dressing room withlots of Kleenex that I usedto put on and take off mymakeup and clean up.With about 10 minutes togo before the show start-ed, I decided I wouldflush the Kleenex in thetoilet, and the toilet in thedressing room was so oldthat it had a tank aboveit, so I thought I wouldstop the toilet up if Iflushed the tissue. I thenthought I would just burn the tissue, so I got some matches that Ihad there, but what I didn’t know was that the wooden seat was soold, it was covered with celluloid, which is flammable. So, when thelit match hit the seat, this big flame came up, and I thought, “Ohmy God!” and then I hear this knock on the door, “Miss Piazza,you’re on.” The man who was doing publicity for me came and tookout his handkerchief and wet it, and I said, “You’ll never put it outwith that!” That’s the way I went on for the debut, so I didn’t havetime to think about anything.

RRSSVVPP:: What motivated you to continue the gala after the first one?

PPiiaazzzzaa:: The first one was so successful, and John Ford Canale wasone of the three men who Danny came to, to see where he could puta shrine he was going to build. Another of the three was a doctor,and he said, “Danny, instead of spending the money on a shrine,why don’t you give it to us and let us do research?” Danny thoughtthat was a good idea, so they did research, and out of that came thehospital. So, John Ford suggested we do the gala again since it wassuccessful, and we did, and that was number two. Then we did threeor four, and then I got a board of directors.

RRSSVVPP:: Why do you think people in Memphis received the event sowell?

PPiiaazzzzaa:: It was the first time Memphians had ever seen a gala of thattype in the city. At the same time when I was doing all this, I did

the first ball for the sym-phony, and that was veryimportant because theyhad never paid more than$10 to see anybody. I said,“If I’m going to do it, yougotta get $40 a head.”With fear and trembling,they went with me. Now,my friend, TeddyDonahue, gave the light-ing…you can’t imaginewhat lighting does for ashow. He sat down with awoman who was lightingmost of the shows onBroadway and her assis-tant, and they came andlooked at the club [theMemphis Country Club].They decided what theywould need and went backto New York and rentedthe equipment to senddown to Memphis. Peopledidn’t know the magicthat was created with thelighting, and I don’t think

they ever really thanked Teddy Donahue for what he did. This was along time ago, but he spent $4,000 on the lights—that was a big con-tribution.

RRSSVVPP:: What are some of the different ways you think the gala hasevolved through the years?

PPiiaazzzzaa:: Well, we’ve had all kinds of entertainment. The first 10years, I was the one who did the entertainment, but then we had allthe singers of the day. Jim Nabors came and didn’t charge us a cent.[Laughs] I have a picture over there [points] of Jim singing “Indian

Photos by Don Perry

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APRIL

2009

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APRIL

2009

VOX

POPU

LAR Love Call” with me.

RRSSVVPP:: Do you have a favorite memory from one of the galas?

PPiiaazzzzaa:: Of course, every one is unique. My daughter, Anna Becky,sings and was the star last year. Shealso wrote most of the songs she sang,so that was special.

RRSSVVPP:: How did the Healing RoseHumanitarian Award come about?

PPiiaazzzzaa:: I gave the first award to DannyThomas. I have the rose right there[points] on the shelf. We’re giving twothis year, and I’m the one who selectsthe award, which is given to someonewho has done something really greatfor St. Jude.

RRSSVVPP:: Can you tell me any special fea-tures at this year’s event?

PPiiaazzzzaa:: The entertainment is a sur-prise, but we are honoring all the hos-pitals around the world that are St.Jude hospitals, and I think there are four: one in China, Lebanon,South America and Mexico. All of the research we have here [inMemphis] goes directly to them, so that they are able to treat chil-dren.

RRSSVVPP:: Did you ever have any doubts about the gala continuing?

PPiiaazzzzaa:: No, because people love it, and it’s such a marvelous cause.St. Jude is something that only happens once in a lifetime, andthey’re so generous with everything they discover and share it withthe world for free, and no one pays to be treated there. We have achorus of young people, some from St. Jude, who perform at the

gala if they’re able to do it. BobWestbrook came up with that idea, andI thought it was great. We have severalof them who’ve sung that are curedpatients, and that’s wonderful, too.

RRSSVVPP:: Have you ever been a mentor toany of the kids at St. Jude who wereinterested in singing?

PPiiaazzzzaa:: No, most of them are too young.I will listen to somebody though, underthe proviso that I will them the truth.Other than that, I will not listen. It’s adifficult life, and make no mistakeabout it, it’s self-sacrifice constantly. Ifyou sing, the singer’s instrument is hisor her body, and if you don’t take careof the instrument, which is your bodyand your mind, forget it. I can’t tell youhow often I felt like I was cloistered in a

convent because I had to save every ounce of my strength to do twoshows a night—one at 8 and one at midnight, for an hour on thestage. It is tough. Then you must rest your body, watch what youeat, drink, everything—it’s called discipline.

RRSSVVPP:: Who taught you all this discipline?

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APRIL

2009

VOX

POPU

LARPPiiaazzzzaa:: Well, my first teacher, when I was in school at Loyola, Mr.

Dunkley, was an Englishman, and he was not a singer, but he hadan analytical mind, and he could tell you things that brought it intofocus immediately. He saw in me something that made him knowthat I had the time and makeup to do it. So, he said to me one day,“You see this piano? It’s got allkinds of books all over it. It’s amess. If you put a speck of dirton it, it wouldn’t matter, but ifit was all cleaned up and youput a dab of dirt on it, thatwould be terrible. That’s theway you must be. You go forperfection, and when you haveperfection, no dirt is allowed,so you try your best never tohave a blemish.” I learned. AndI had a show in New Orleanswith a band. We sang pop stuff,and Jack Simpson was the pro-ducer of the show. We had asponsor, and the show wascalled, “Enjoy Life Down Southwith Jack’s Beer.” When I wentto New York and was workingas a student really, JackSimpson tried to find me. There was a girl who lived at the ThreeArts Club, and I didn’t know her, but she used to hear me practicesinging. And Simpson put out a call for girl singers from NewOrleans, and I had no way of knowing that because I didn’t knowthey did things like that, but the girl from the club worked at NBCand went to him and said, “Mr. Simpson, I know you’re looking for

a girl from New Orleans, and there’s one at the Three Arts Club. Idon’t know her name, but she sings very well.” He ended up callingme on the phone that was in our hall and said, “You’ll never guesshow I found you,” and I went right in to being the leading lady athis show for 13 weeks, with Robert Merrill as the boy and Rudolf

Friml as the conductor.

RRSSVVPP:: Do you have a show or perform-ance that you regret not doing?

PPiiaazzzzaa:: I did pretty much what I wantedto do and did a lot of it, but when I camehome to Memphis and had children, Itook my personality like my coat and leftit at the door. I didn’t ever talk about mycareer in Memphis or anything like that,and my children didn’t really know thatmuch about what was going on.

RRSSVVPP:: Why did you turn down singing inmovies?

PPiiaazzzzaa:: Because I was a star on television.I went out and I did the interviews and allthat stuff, and I had the contract for aMario Lanza film, but I put in the con-

tract a little clause that would get me out. I thought about it andthought about it, and I said, “If I do this, I might just end up a kidon the lot, and I won’t be a star. I’m a star on television.” They did-n’t know at that time who would win out: television or movies. Itturned out to be the only flop Lanza had in his whole career. I waslucky.

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APRIL

2009

Madonna Circle Preview GalaMemphis Antiques, Garden & Gourmet ShowE

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Michael Herr and Ashley Elliott Dave and Donna Nelson

Regina Scruggs and Betty Radford Jennifer and Kreg Treece

Donna and Robert Staub Catherine Dismuke and Cathy Simpson

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Rebecca McRae, Leesa and Pat Gavin and Tricia MarshallBill and Nanetta Hecht Terry and Lauren Stidham

See all the party photos atrsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Antique lovers, dedicated gardeners and foodies packed AgricenterInternational for a preview of the 33rd annual Madonna CircleMemphis Antiques, Garden & Gourmet Show. With the theme “A

Little Romance in Tuscany,” Madonna Circle members once againpresented an outstanding party and show to benefit this year’s chosencharities: The Exchange Club Family Center and the Ave Maria HomeGreen House Project, each of which will receive half of all event pro-ceeds.

Nearly 40 exhibitors from the U.S. and cities as far away asLondon and Toronto, showed their stunning wares, which includedantique furnishings, original art, estate silver and vintage jewelry. Thetheme display garden, inspired by the hill gardens in the Chiantiregion of Italy and designed and constructed by Carr and Associatesand Green Group of Tennessee, featured beautiful fountains, plants,antiques and a gazebo. Sumptuous offerings generously donated fromlocal eateries, such as Lisa’s Lunch Box, The Rendezvous, Jim’s PlaceEast, Fratelli’s in the Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Huey’s and ThePeabody, were scattered throughout the displays.

And if guests couldn’t locate goodies to their liking from thevendors, local businesses contributed silent auction items in the formof gift certificates from Circa by John Bragg, Viking Cooking Schoolclasses and a Chessie’s Girls’ Night Out wine and cheese party, toname a few. More unique finds like a vintage christening lace gown,an original oil painting from Ahn’s Asian Antiques and jewelry donat-ed by Clara Hill offered even more choices.

The show, deemed a great success by co-chairs Linda Armstrongand Heather Scheibelhut, lasted throughout the weekend and had aTea Room catered by The Woman’s Exchange of Memphis, a snackbar provided by Youth Villages and a Sunday Champagne Brunch byFoozie with an informal fashion show presented by Stein Mart. Theshow also featured a lecture series with local interior designers MaryHill Shroyer and Joe Tice and prominent Mid-South florist KevinCoble, and a presentation by Sally Shy, Stan Gibson and LibbyMurphy on “Tennessee Dining.” Verbal appraisals by “AntiquesRoadshow” appraiser J. Michael Flanigan were added highlights, aswas the gallery tour with Frank Langford.

Madonna Circle was formed in 1938 and presently has a mem-bership of 575 women who strive to raise funds for different charities.Since the inception of the Antiques, Garden & Gourmet Show, thisorganization has raised more than $2 million dollars for selected bene-ficiaries.

Story by Ruth CassinPhotos by Don Perry

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APRIL

2009

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Sharon and Dr. Jim Brawner

Darrell and Carol Douglas with Sherry and Kent Clothier

Kent and Lori Hansom

Phil and Terry Woodard Deb Dunlap and Mary Anna Williamson

Eric and Dawn Nielsen Carrie and Robert McIvor

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APRIL

2009

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Barbara and Bob King

Mike and Barbara McCloskey

Don West and Andrea Dahlman

Victoria and Bill Saig

Leslie Donati and Bess Farris

Michael Herr, Gina Warr, Ronnie Grisanti and Jose Rodriguez Emma Jean Pierotti with Dave and Bobbie Ferraro

Drs. Manju and Ramesh Gupta James and Linda Gattas Raquel and Tommy Carls Damon Waxler and Danica Waxler

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APRIL

2009

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AE V E N T

Yeon Mi Kim, Kathy Konstantynov and Josie Howser

Leslie Ford, Elaina Josephson and Matt Nason

Nora Capwell and Mary Trotz

Felicia Bursi and Geno Pacini

Dr. Mary McDonald, Bishop Terry Steib and Betty and David Llewellyn

Jere Gerard and Nicole Yoakum

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APRIL

2009

Zach Brimhall and Brandy Ross at Staxtacular

Whitman Able, Shirley Porter and Lilly Gilkey at Staxtacular

ONSITE Onsite

Ashley McCandless, Ruthie Hagan and Amy Worrell at Le Bonheur’s Wine, Women & Shoes

Donna Henry and Belinda Henry at Le Bonheur’s Wine, Women & Shoes

Kimberly and Stephen Hale at U of M Distinguished Alumni Awards

Donna Derden and Jean Lewis at Le Bonheur’s Wine, Women & Shoes

Le Bonheur’s Wine, Women & Shoes StaxtacularU of M Distinguished Alumni Awards

Nearly 250 soul-shakin’ guests threw down at the SSttaaxxMMuusseeuumm ooff AAmmeerriiccaann SSoouull MMuussiicc for the annual

SSttaaxxttaaccuullaarr party. Dancing to tunes by DDJJ BBuucckk WWiillddeerr,

shopping for silent auction goodies donated by the

NBA, Memphis celebrities and soul legends and sam-

pling appetizers by AA MMoovveeaabbllee FFeeaasstt rounded out the

agenda. The event, hosted by Memphis Grizzlies players

MMiikkee CCoonnlleeyy, RRuuddyy GGaayy and OOJJ MMaayyoo and presented by

SSuunnTTrruusstt, raked in $72,000 for the SSttaaxx MMuussiicc

AAccaaddeemmyy.

LLee BBoonnhheeuurr’’ss WWiinnee,, WWoommeenn && SShhooeess packed a

punch with the local female population, who couldn’t

resist the chance to celebrate a girls’ night. The

evening included a VIP fashion show, shoes from

JJoosseepphh, TTyyiieessee SSccaarrppaa, AAnnggeelliioo IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall DDeessiiggnnss,

OOaakk HHaallll WWoommeenn, LLoollaa’’ss BBoouuttiiqquuee, PPeerriiaa, IInnddiiggoo and

CCrraazzyy BBeeaauuttiiffuull and various wines poured up at booths

throughout MMeemmpphhiiss BBoottaanniicc GGaarrddeenn. Event proceeds,

totaling $94,000, benefited LLee BBoonnhheeuurr CChhiillddrreenn’’ss

MMeeddiiccaall CCeenntteerr.

The UUnniivveerrssiittyy ooff MMeemmpphhiiss AAlluummnnii AAssssoocciiaattiioonn

honored accomplished graduates and university friends

with the DDiissttiinngguuiisshheedd AAlluummnnii AAwwaarrddss. Attendees took

the “M Train” to CCeennttrraall SSttaattiioonn for the black-tie gala,

where MMaarrttiinn ZZuummmmaacchh, the Alumni Association presi-

dent, welcomed the crowd and RR.. BBrraadd MMaarrttiinn served as

celebrity emcee. Awards went to the following: HHeennrryy

TTuurrlleeyy (Distinguished University Friend), the late

TThhoommaass BBooggggss (Distinguished Alumni), WWaalltteerr LLeeaavvyy

(Distinguished Alumni), LLyynnnn NNoorrmmeenntt (Distinguished

Alumni) and BBiillll RRhhooddeess (Distinguished Alumni).


Carol Crown Ranta, Michael Hagge and Sherry Bryan at U of M Distinguished Alumni Awards

Kerry Hayes, Jenny Koltnow, Elza Krocco and Mike McKenna at Staxtacular

Jim Morse and Henry Kurtz at U of M Distinguished Alumni Awards

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APRIL

2009

Germantown Horse Show Royal Ball“A Royal Evening” E

V E N T

John and Sandy Maness Tammy and Ric Folk

Luke and Sloan Germann Kyndal Hayes and Trey Norcross

Perrin and Grant Hunter George Dunklin Jr. and Deborah Dunklin Tipton

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Lynda Smith, Queen Bailey Fedler and Jan Smith FedlerOuida and Richard Hayes Barbara and Bob King

See all the party photos atrsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

The onslaught of warmer temps calls for outdoor activities, which,for Mid-South horse lovers, traditionally includes the GermantownCharity Horse Show. As a way to kick off this event and announce

the show’s queen and princesses, the Germantown Charity HorseShow (GCHS) Association hosted its annual Royal Ball at WoodlandHills.

Amy Beth Dudley reprised the chairman duties once againand put on “A Royal Evening” that drew a record 530 attendees. Thearoma of stargazer lilies and the glow of candlelight added to theambiance, and a lavish fruit and cheese spread awaited those ready toindulge in the cocktail hour. As the presentation of royalty neared,young ladies, dressed in white gowns, and their fathers and escortslined up on the second floor as they prepared to promenade down thegrand staircases that flanked either side of the dance floor.

The 2009 princesses include Reagan Bugg, ElizabethCompton, Grace Cowles, Sophie Dunavant, Meagan Fairchild,Elizabeth Foster, Ginny Germann, Kyndal Hayes, Kyle Hunter,Alexandra King, Mary Aubrey Landrum, Kathleen Lindsey, AlexLivesay, Morgan Maness, Sarah Martin, Caroline Motta, MadelineRardin, Selina Ribnick, Sophie Sandlin, Elizabeth Stagich, KatieSullivan, Jorja Swaney, Mary Elisabeth Tipton, Rebecca Todd andEmily Walker. Presiding over the royal court is Queen Bailey Fedley,who was a princess in 2006.

Queen Bailey gushed, “Though I’m from Wisconsin, I have asecond family here in Germantown, and I thank my aunt, LyndaSmith, the GCHS president, for introducing me to this horse show.”

Princesses and the queen celebrated by dancing to “At Last”with their fathers, while other guests dined on a three-course dinner.Once the last bite of Italian wedding cake was savored, the dancingshoes came out for all as the Kathryn Stallins Band took the stageuntil the wee hours of the night.

For the past 10 years, the GCHS has concentrated its effortson raising funds for the Exchange Club Family Center. Special guestsBarbara King, the Exchange Club executive director, and AngeloBledsoe, the Exchange Club development director, were in attendanceto represent this organization, which aims to help stop the cycle ofchild abuse and domestic violence. Proceeds from the ball and the61st annual multi-breed horse show, scheduled for June 2-6, areexpected to reach $25,000, according to Dudley, and will be given tothe Exchange Club to further its mission.

Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by John Hammer

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2009

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Bobby and Angela Bledsoe

Charlie and Kay Ross Jay Brownlow, Katie Sullivan and J.R. Sullivan Bob Compton and Elizabeth Compton

Mary Aubrey Landrum and Wyatt Lindsey Cabell Brown and Morgan Maness A.V. Palazola and Grace Cowles

Amy Beth Dudley and Madelyn Gray

Henri and Katrina Haggblom

Sarah Watkins and Matthew Bailey

Elisabeth Sandlin and Hunter Maynard

Barker Howard and Olivia Cohen

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2009

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Earnie and Toni Norcross Phillip and Brenda Hughes

John and Sandra Longworth Carol and Mike Motta

Alison Hughes and Brandon Reed Alex and Anna Tankersley

Nathan Reeder and Diane Ruff Catie Haugh and Karen Foster

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2009

By Dennis PhillippiRSVP

HILL

IPPI

300 THINGS THAT ANNOY MEGuys under 60 wearing fedoras. Or vests.Or smoking a pipe. Ringtones. Minorcelebrities dancing. Clove cigarettes.

Loud drunks. Neck tattoos. Nickelback.Healthy vacations. Healthy vacationers.Flavored water. Unleashed toddlers.Dusting. Plaid shorts on men. Math.People wearing fanny packs. Los Angeles.Terrell Owens. Huge sunglasses. Girls who“Woo.” Being neighborly. Internet person-ality tests. Aging. Pictures of strangers’children. Pictures of strangers’ pets.Pictures of strangers. Ear phones. Earhair. Matthew McConaughey’s chest.Expensive coffee. People who miss thegood old days. Dunk tanks. Novels aboutgroups of women. Board games. Cardgames. The Goodwill Games. The AtlantaFalcons. Oil changes. Sequels. Threequels.Prequels. Almost every TV show TV criticslove. Clubs for Adults. Not that kind, theother kind. Being hung upside down.People who name their cars. Collar pop-pers. The theory of relativity. ThatFinallyfast.com kid. The Oakland Raiders,then the LA Raiders, then the OaklandRaiders again. Beer snobs. Rock snobs.Car snobs. Nancy Grace. People with asmall amount of authority. Magazineinserts. Perfume ads. Perfume. Unknowncomedians talking about people morefamous than them. Not being hired to talkabout people more famous than me. Limphandshakes. Limp Bizkit. Ads for E.D.medicines. Bike shorts. Movies longer thantwo hours. Cher. Middle-aged couplesboogeying. Middle-aged couples boogeyingto Cher. Robert James Waller. Any guy onan ad for home gym equipment. Karaoke.The Stock Market. Yard work. Scented can-dles. Casual sports fans with strong opin-ions. Uncredited repeated jokes. Ed Begley.The news. Deforestation. Corporate radio.Not having a job in corporate radio.Michael Bolton. Twitter. Commercialsbefore movies. Not being in commercialsbefore movies. Hypocrisy. Morrissey.Spacek, Sissy. Turkey bacon. The line forcar inspections. Getting car inspections.People who volunteer advice on how toavoid the lines for car inspections.Consciousness-raising concerts. Awareness-raising events for things everyone knowsabout. Doo rags. Hipsters. World music.Opera. Whiny one-hit wonders. Bloggers.

Not being paid to be a blogger. Skinnygirls. Suddenly Will Ferrell. Giganticexpensive watches. Ex-patriots. ThePatriots. Most ex-Patriots. Reunions.Celine Deon. People who say they only likeold country music. Web videos. Mentionsof celebrity baby bumps. Diet anything.Guys who still road trip. Self-cheering gymguy. Most foreign films. Sanding. Priming.Painting. Non-smoking churches. Message

wristbands. Mincemeat. Vinyl recordhonks. Bumper stickers. Trends. Paris.Britney. Lindsay. My neighbors seeing myrecyclables. Dane Cook. Dane Cook’s fans.Hockey. Hockey fans. Gum popping. 20-year-olds. Gum popping 20-year-olds. Open-mouthed chewing. Open-mouthed chewing20-year-olds. Flossing. Not flossing.MySpace. Facebook. My face. Really tallgirls wearing high heels. People whoremember Punk fondly. Tuneless whistlers.Novelty ties. Serious bowlers. Trekkers.The Chicken Dance. Commemorativeplates. Air guitarists. Civil war re-enactors.Equivocators. Most moderates. The LittleLeague World Series. Camera phones.Ferret owners. People who have people.People who need people. Non-sports realityTV. Astroturf. The Designated Hitter. Thephantom tag. Tournaments Tiger isn’t in.Feng Shui. Other people texting. Selfcheck-out. Southern weather apologists.Ham radio buffs. Crazy ex-girlfriends.Tether ball. Frank Oz movies. NCAA tour-nament Cinderella references. The play“Endgame.” Final Jeopardy. Pau Gasol’sbeard. Judo. “Juno.” Bracketology. Blacklung. Pet sounds. “Pet Sounds.” Priapism.Power ballads. Gender equity. Sexism.Wafflers. Year-end top 10 lists. Any non-Letterman top 10 lists. She-Hulk. JeffGordon. Kelp. Super white teeth guy.

Patchouli. Tulips. Coin tricks. Rhythmicgymnastics. Canadian coins. Canadianfootball. Canadians. Bath mats. Change.Acquaintances’ kids’ graduation notices.Presidential libraries. Aquariums.Terrariums. Arboreums. Chris Noth.Chiclets. People who think outside thebox. Tennis socks. Joakim Noah. Truckerhats. Air drummers. People who tell youhow they are when you ask. Conjoinedtwins. Gamers. The continuing coverage ofmissing people I don’t know. Sand gar-dens. Ceramics. Take your daughter towork day. Lefties. Sore winners. Carnies.Commemorative stamps. Holocaustmovies. Leno. Emoticons. General seating.Movies with cute kids. Movies with smartaleck kids. Movies with kids. Sparklingwater. Las Vegas. Tuxedo tee shirts.Reboots of old TV shows. Sting. Not beingable to go to Cuba. Tiny hotel soaps. Airguitarist, pool cue division. Marchingbands. Children’s literature being calledliterature. Snuggie ads. The extinction ofthe hot flight attendant. The title flightattendant. Green beer. Pressure to eatsushi. Unfunny funerals. Serious co-edsoftball players. Process servers. Redialedwrong numbers. Personal slogans. Personalmottos. Personal space invaders. Feelingguilty about not having a canvas grocerybag. Pet birds. Rachael Ray. Defensivedriving school. Cilantro. Novelty meats.Cover bands. The Honus Wagner card.“Send in the Clowns.” Teen soap operas.Renaissance fairs. Netflix marathoners.Memoirists. Comebacks. Keanu Reeves.Surly drones. People who quote WillFerrell movies. Sneaker squeaks. Abstractart. Bob Huggins. “Knights in WhiteSatin.” Dallas. The last five Star Warsmovies. Pictionary. Oprah Magazine.Smooth jazz. Ice in whiskey. Middle-weightboxing. Mysteries. Procedurals. Forensics.Chipper people. Very small dogs. Budgets.Wishful thinking. Negative thinking.Thinking. Best Pictures. Graduations ofanything before the end of high school.ER. Afghanistan. Portrait tattoos. And, ofcourse, Austin Onek.

Do you really want to hear 301 annoyingthings? Didn’t think so, so we’ll leave ourresident humor columnist’s unabridgedencyclopedia of annoying things at that.

Trekkers. The ChickenDance. Commemorativeplates. Air guitarists.

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School FriendshipsRSVP

AST

1940s

After graduation school friends often lose touch, but the eighth grade class (pictured at right) of St. Thomas ElementarySchool, located at Trigg and Lauderdale, has proven otherwise. Last October, the group met at Jim’s Place East to celebrateits 60th class reunion. Many of the same students from that eighth grade class were also in the second grade first communionclass (pictured at left) at St. Thomas and still see each other regularly.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOYCE (STOVALL) JENSEN

If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Leah Fitzpatrick at 276-7787 ext. 105or e-mail the photo and caption to [email protected]

All photos will be returned promptly.

rsvp magazine april 2009

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