rsvp magazine july 2009
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CONT
ENTS
12CROWN & SCEPTRECORONATION BALL
Henry Barnhardt and Eve Gammon
32 BROOKS GRAND AUCTION
Mary Lynn Cassidy and Cheryl Schlitt
18STREETSEENRafael Ferreras
34 ZERO TO 60
Shannon and Dr. Keith Williams
46KENTUCKY DERBY WATCH PARTY
Amy and Jim Whittington
38ZOO BREW
Jane Scott and Paul Zoccola
Cover PhotoQueen Paige Phillips and King Keith Barton
atCrown and Sceptre Coronation Ball
Photo by Don Perry
ContentsJuly 2009
From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Coach Josh PastnerAt only 31 years old, the former assistant coach for the University of MemphisMen’s Basketball Team has scored big as the beloved team’s new head leader.
Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball . . . . . . . . . . .12Revelry remained ever-present during Carnival Memphis’ annual ball at HiltonMemphis, where the city’s royalty gathered for a first-class affair.
StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 & 20He is working just as much on stage as off at Ballet Memphis. She graduated fromMemphis College of Art with a BFA in sculpture, but has found that her favoritemedium is glass. StreetSeens spotlight Rafael Ferreras and Cindy Sharpe.
RSVPeople . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22A trek across the city’s party landscape.
Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30, 42 & 44Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.
Brooks Grand Auction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32The finale to the Art of Good Taste series delivered in vino and style at theMemphis Brooks Museum of Art.
Zero to 60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Morgan Freeman showed his gratitude to The MED Foundation by hosting a fund-raiser at the Hard Rock Café.
Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36Q&A with “American Idol” finalist Alexis Grace.
Zoo Brew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38This beer-tasting extravaganza was so popular the Memphis Zoo brought it backduring the spring.
Kentucky Derby Watch Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46Animal lovers united at the home of Buddy and Catherine Simmons to raise moneyfor the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County and bet on their favoriteKentucky Derby contender.
RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48At Least Stephen Baldwin is Employed.Dennis Phillippi hates reality TV, but ironically seems to know every minute detailabout any reality-based show.
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Volume XIV Number X
July 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 CassinDennis Phillippi Lesley Young
E D I T O R I A L I N T E R N
Maggie Squires
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 HaithcockDon 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
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Copyright 2009 Haithcock Communications, Inc.
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If you’re supposed to startplanting your garden inspring, I sure have gotten a
late start. It’s mid-June as I writethis column, and I’ve just begunto dig out my gardening glovesand my ever-necessary insectrepellant. My, oh my, how sum-mer just creeps up on ya, like ourfavorite Memphis friend, themosquito!
On the bright side, thoseprojects I’ve put off far too longare coming to life. I have a newfountain, a refurbished deck anda freshly painted kitchen. And why should I stop there with improve-ments? I should do a little self-improvement by using my tennis racquetthat’s been hiding in its case for the past few years or find time to finishhalf-read books. However, summer is the season for fun, and that I’ve def-initely been getting lots of between going to barbecues, taking long walkswith my two dogs and planning for the ultimate of celebrations, theFourth of July.
As I glance back through this issue, I can’t help but think thateach of the individuals I interviewed is actually embracing opportunityfor self-improvement. From Alexis Grace’s third, and successful, auditionfor “American Idol” to the long hours Coach Josh Pastner has been log-ging in preparation for the upcoming college basketball season,Memphians are setting a precedent with their drive to achieve greatness.However, Brigadier Gertrude Purdue of the Salvation Army might put usall to shame, as she’s still going strong at 100, volunteering for theMemphis VA Medical Center and holding her own on stage with WillardScott at her recent birthday celebration; flip to the RSVPeople section tofind out more about her inspiring story.
I guess I’m wrong in thinking that fun and self-improvementcan’t co-exist because it sure seems like a lot of you are balancing the twonicely! Maybe procrastination is the real culprit in my case, and the 90-degree days without power thanks to “Elvis 2.”
Leah [email protected]
From the Editor
Photo by Steve Roberts
It seems that almost everyone has a Le Bonheur story – and we want to hear yours.
The new hospital we’re building will allow us to continue providing Mid-South children with the exceptional care they deserve. As we begin this new chapter of the Le Bonheur Children’s story, we want to be sure that your story is included.
Please visit lebonheur.org/mystory and tell us about your Le Bonheur experience.
lebonheur.org/mystory
A Common Thread of Exceptional Care
Not-For-Profi t Organization
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Josh PastnerHHeeaadd CCooaacchh ffoorr tthhee UUnniivveerrssiittyy ooff MMeemmpphhiiss MMeenn’’ss BBaasskkeettbbaallll TTeeaamm
SSttrreessss oouuttlleett:: Exercising.PPeerrssoonnaall hheerroo:: Pat Tillman.
YYoouurr ggrreeaatteesstt aacchhiieevveemmeenntt:: Being alive every day.MMoovviiee yyoouu ccoouulldd wwaattcchh oovveerr aanndd oovveerr aaggaaiinn::
We Were Soldiers.
OOnnee tthhiinngg yyoouu ccaann’’tt lliivvee wwiitthhoouutt:: Cell phone/Blackberry.CChhiillddhhoooodd aammbbiittiioonn:: To become a basketball head coach.
LLaasstt bbooookk yyoouu’’vvee rreeaadd:: As A Man Thinketh by James Allen.
FFiirrsstt ccoonncceerrtt:: Billy Joel and Elton John on the Face 2 Face Tour.WWoorrddss oorr pphhrraasseess yyoouu oovveerruussee:: “Off the chain” and “Ready
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YYoouurr mmaannttrraa:: What is right is not always popular, and what is
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CROW
N & SCE
PTRE
E V E N
T Crown & Sceptre Coronation BallCarnival Memphis 2009
Bruce, Janie and Cooper Hopkins
Johnny and Kim Pitts
Barbara Williamson and Suzanne Mallory
Randy Jefferson and Amy Carter
Cindy and Russ Mire
Henley Carruthers and Christie Long
Courtney Munson and Nick Cataldi
Lissa and Randy Noel
Rachel Austin and Pierce Sullivan
The Carnival Memphis Association celebrated 78 years of promot-ing Mid-South commerce during its annual Crown & SceptreCoronation Ball at the Hilton Memphis. This “Party with a
Purpose” also ushered in a new generation of royalty with the crown-ing of King Keith Barton and Queen Paige Phillips and highlightedthe group’s charitable efforts for children.
As is tradition, the occasion called for a regal setting full ofpageantry. Beginning with the cocktail hour, the décor exuded a fes-tive feel thanks to the Grand Krewe members’ display of silver chal-ices and pillars decorated with pink crowns, pink and purple feath-ers and star fabric. Inside the Tennessee Grand Ballroom, clearflower lanterns and tea lights adorned place settings, which atten-dees hurriedly found before the trumpet sounded signaling thearrival of the 2009 Carnival Memphis King and Queen, the LoyalOrder of Scarabs and the adorable Royal Pages. The announcementof the King’s, Queen’s and President’s Princess, Lady of the Realmand Festival, Regency, Grand Krewe and Crown Princesses followed.The royal court from each of Carnival’s 10 Grand Krewes and theSecret Order of the Boll Weevils also promenaded the length of theballroom.
Once all the Carnival Memphis revelers assumed their posi-tions on stage next to the king and queen’s thrones, their royalmajesties received special medallions and toasts from a room ofmore than 530 witnesses. However, the “Hip, Hip, Hoorays!” hadonly just begun for the evening, as the Pat Patrick Band soon hadCarnival supporters out of their seats and dancing.
All fun aside, Carnival members worked hard to reach the $1million mark for the Children’s Charity Initiative, which was estab-lished in 1999. In order to make this goal a reality, members raised$125,000 this year alone for the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf,Streets Ministries and Youth Villages.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Don Perry
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.comPassword: RSVP
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CROW
N & SCE
PTRE
E V E N
T
Lizzie Folk and Bailey Phillips
Malcolm Wood and Cary Cowart
Emily Oppenheimer and Louis Traina
Kate Smith and Neely Mallory
Maggie Fessmire and Jennings Pitts
Will Aldridge and C risten Garrett
Vicki McCullough and Bob Black
Jim and Mimi Taylor
Jess and Mary Lou Wesberry
Jim Driscoll and McKay Clark
Jennifer Ruth Guyton and Nick Coman
Lloyd Walthal and Laurie Walthal
George Coors and Hillary Dunavant
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George Merrifield
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Jim Pascover
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LynnWalker
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CROW
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Bill and Chey Widdop
Donna Mikeal and Tom Bucciarelli
Mary Elizabeth Hearn and Mary Carson Pitts
Ken and Lisa RobertsKat Suprenant and Jana Lamanna
Pat and Donna Hoffman
Michelle and Corey Epps
Judy Jones and Russ McDaniel
Christopher Williamson, Peyton Woodson and John Scarbrough
Lanetta and Buddy Lanier
Rob Pitts and Daniel Brown
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E V E N
TCR
OWN & SCE
PTRE
Ann Newell and Bill Raiford
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Bob, Edie and Mona Miller
Gloria Kirk and Debbie Bryant
Pam Cain and Libby Zoghby
Carl and Trish Ring
Jeff, Elizabeth and Floy Cole
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2009
Rafael FerrerasOpening the Stage for Male Dancers
Rafael Ferreras has been known to defygravity with moves like a Russian splitjump, but he’s also gaining recognition for
upstarting Ballet Memphis School’s firstmen’s class. The idea came after witnessingcountless young men develop stigmas frombeing the minority in ballet class.
“A lot of guys get discouraged by theplethora of women dancing in the South, so Ibegan an advanced all male class last summer,and they all want to continue,” says Ferreras.
A native of the Dominican Republic,Ferreras explains that social dancing was thenorm from an early age and taken seriously byhis peers. His favorites include salsa andmeringue, which allowed him to develop graceand power and provided ample interactionwith female counterparts. When given theopportunity, he still enjoys Latin-inspireddances and clubs, and advises others toengage in social dancing because the experi-
ence might lead to stricter training or providean outlet for relaxation.
“I feel that dance is a removal ofeveryday stresses, like putting on pajamasafter a hard day,” he adds.
As much as dance was a part of hischildhood, Ferreras had no plans of pursingthe discipline, yet alone ballet, as a career.When he decided to come stateside at age 14,he enrolled in the LaGuardia Performing ArtsHigh School in New York to study painting,but by 15, he’d switched to dance after beingtotally mesmerized during his girlfriend’srecital. A four-year span of formal training fol-lowed, first at the Dance Theatre of Harlemand then with the Joffrey Ballet School.
“I was very, very lucky to be able totrain with some of the best teachers in theworld,” Ferreras muses. “I don’t think Iwould have progressed as fast as I did withoutthem.”
He landed his first gig with theHartford Ballet at age 20 and eventuallyjoined Ballet Memphis in 2001, though he’sleft and returned to the company twice sincethat time. As Ballet Memphis embarks on its23rd season, Ferreras says for audiences toexpect the unexpected from the company of17 dancers, since its small size allows for lotsof creative input. While you can plan on see-ing Ferreras’ sharp classical technique andtricks and turns, which he refers to as his“bread and butter,” in upcoming performanc-es, don’t forget that he plays a whole otherrole off-stage.
“I don’t think there’s enough maleteachers, so I’m ready to continue inspiringothers to become artists,” says Ferreras.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts
STRE
ETSE
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2009
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2009
Cindy SharpeLiving in a Glass World
Surrounded by sheets of glass in various sizes andhues, artist Cindy Sharpe embraces the creative possi-bilities. Maybe she’ll design a candle holder, a wind
chime or a church window, but whatever project she pur-sues will definitely showcase her penchant for detail.
Specializing in beveled, etched and stained glass formore than 20 years, Sharpe has weathered the ebbs andflows of the business, from her invaluable experiencedoing research and developing for Binswanger Glass andworking on the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington,D.C. to the days when she took on odd jobs, includinglandscaping, housecleaning and refinishing furniture, tokeep her home studio afloat. Through it all, she managedto build a devoted clientele, who prompted the decisionto relocate her business, Carved Designs, from a one-cargarage into a space in Cooper Young. Ten years sincethat fateful move, Sharpe still shrugs off any notion ofsuccess, but doesn’t dismiss her contribution to educat-ing clients and passersby about her work process.
“You’d be amazed how much people don’t knowabout stained glass; some think it’s one piece of glassyou add color to,” Sharpe says. “So, I’ll often bring peo-ple back in my studio because I want them to be able tosee how a piece is made.”
Sharpe has a knack for mentoring those interested inpursuing a career in her field, and has been showingLorelei Berglund the ropes for the past year. With twodoves cooing in the background and black and white linedrawings taped to every inch of available wall space, thetwo work with clients to create projects of various scalesin a 1,500-square-foot studio Sharpe describes as “color-ful, messy and cozy.” Sharpe proudly adds that Berglundbuilds most pieces and recently helped construct 148stained-glass windows for a St. Louis casino in a recordfive weeks. Inspired by her former job as a mechanic,Berglund has also been recycling old Volkswagen carparts by incorporating them into wind chimes.
“I like having new blood in the shop,” Sharpesmiles.
Having fresh faces around seems to keep Sharpeinspired, so much that she’s thinking of opening up herstudio for art classes, though she hasn’t set a date yet.Another goal she has is far more telling of her inabilityto sit still.
“I’ve always wanted to work on an airport…peopleare moving all the time, and there’s lots of glass andhalls of light,” she says.
Asked where she foresees this project happening, shethinks Milan might be nice, but her hometown would begreat. Oh, can you see the light?
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts
STRE
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EOPL
E
Arthritis Foundation Tribute Dinner Gala
Arthritis is one of the leading caus-es of disability in the U.S., with approxi-mately 1.5 million adults in Tennesseealone having some form of the disease. Inorder to combat the disease through aware-ness and research, the TTeennnneesssseeee CChhaapptteerrooff tthhee AArrtthhrriittiiss FFoouunnddaattiioonn has stepped tothe plate by hosting programs and fund-raisers throughout the year, including the
annual TTrriibbuuttee DDiinnnneerr GGaallaa, held at TThheePPeeaabbooddyy.
Adorned in suits and ties and thelatest in cocktail dresses, doctors, patients,friends and family sipped on cocktails withélan while perusing a roomful of silent auc-tion items, including numerous tables linedwith bottles of first-class wines. A medley ofdining opportunities like the Dine AroundTown package, with gift certificates toIInntteerriimm RReessttaauurraanntt, RRiivveerr OOaakkss RReessttaauurraanntt,EErrlliinngg JJeennsseenn’’ss RReessttaauurraanntt, RRuutthh’’ss CChhrriiss
SStteeaakk HHoouussee, FFoollkkss FFoollllyy PPrriimmee SStteeaakkHHoouussee and NNaappaa CCaafféé, were also available.Bidding was made that much more pleasur-able with the delightful jazz harmonies ofthe PPaauull MMccKKiinnnneeyy JJaazzzz TTrriioo.
The theme of wine appreciationcontinued as guests were seated for dinnerin the Grand Ballroom, where they found acomplimentary wine and food guide as partof their table setting. Rather than the tin-kling sound of cutlery on dinnerware, thebig band sounds of the MMeemmpphhiiss KKnniigghhttssprovided just the right ambiance for dining
on blackened tilapia fillet and roast chickenbreast, as well as dancing off the heavinessof the Dark Chocolate Dome dessert.
The gala offered more than just anopportunity for gaiety, as attendees expand-ed their knowledge of the affliction ofarthritis with a special presentation.AAnnggeelliiqquuee SSkkaaggggss delivered a speech thank-ing guests for their contributions and
informing them of the affects of the diseaseon children; Skaggs is 17 and has sufferedfrom arthritis most of her life. However, theevening’s main event was a tribute to bothWWrriigghhtt MMeeddiiccaall TTeecchhnnoollooggyy,, IInncc.. and RRooccccooAA.. CCaallaannddrruucccciioo,, MM..DD.. for their years ofsupport to the Arthritis Foundation, as wellas SSuussaann SSttrraallkkaa for her long-time dedica-tion as a volunteer.
Other attendees included DDrr.. RRoobbeerrttTToooommss, FFrraannkk and SSaallllyy NNaavvaarrrraa, LLaarrrryy and
DDiiaannnnee PPaappaassaann, FFrraannkk BBoonnoo, DDeeee DDeeeeCCrroowweellll, CCaarryy and JJuulliiee HHaaggaann, AAsshhlleeyyMMccCCuurrrraacchh, DDrr.. LLeenn and AAmmyy SSmmiitthh, DDaavviiddSSzzcczzeecciinnaa, KKeellllyy BBooddeenn, MMaatttt and AAmmaannddaaCCooxx, PPeetteerr CCaallaannddrruucccciioo, BBeettttyyCCaallaannddrruucccciioo, JJiimm and CCaatthhyy GGaarrnneerr, LLaarrrryyand MMeelliinnddaa SSkkaaggggss, DDiicckk and JJooaann TTaarrrr,DDiiaannnnee MMiillnneerr, GGaayy YYoouunngg, MMaarryy MMaatthheewwss,DDrr.. SSuuddhhaa GGaanngguullii, WWaarrwwiicckk GGaarrnneerr, DDeerriicckkGGaarrnneerr, PPeeggggyy WWhhiittee, DDaavvee and AArrlleeeennKKlleevvaann, EErriinn WWeehhrrllyy and MMeeggaann KKlleeiinn
Story and photos by Lesley Young
Leading Ladies of Memphis GalaBenefit Performance for Germantown
Community Theatre
A leading lady can make men swoonand make every woman green with envy.Put a group of these actresses together, andyou’ve got an unstoppable cast for theLLeeaaddiinngg LLaaddiieess ooff MMeemmpphhiiss GGaallaa, a bbeenneeffiittppeerrffoorrmmaannccee for the GGeerrmmaannttoowwnnCCoommmmuunniittyy TThheeaattrree (GCT).
AAnnnn MMaarriiee HHaallll and MMaarrkk CChhaammbbeerrsshosted the evening at the CCllaarrkk OOppeerraa
A Trek Across the City’s Party Landscape
Dr. Robert Tooms and Dr. Susan W. Stralka
Frank Bono and Dee Dee Crowell with Cary and Julie Hagan
Larry, Angelique and Melinda Skaggs
Peter Calandruccio and Betty Calandruccio with Cathy and Jim Garner
Kell Christie, Bo List and Gail Mathewson
Matt and Amanda Cox
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23
JULY
2009
Lila Saunders Charlotte Lyles
Paul&MeredithMcDonald
Barbara Cowles
Betsy Kelly
Robert & NinaTayloe
Carolina Capote3 years
Faith GaryKaye
Janis CanaleHasen
JeaneneLawhead
Joel Hobson III
Bob Rowe
Deborah Mays
Lynda Biggs2 years
Ela Witmer1 year
Ruth Morris Michele CrumpMary Ruleman
Virginia Sharp
Gordon Stark2 years
Les Frazier4 years
Edith Barlow
CamilleLeMaster
Butch Rice2 years
Robbie AnnPahlow
Dare Pugh
Ellie TayloeBennett
Allen Hamblin1 year
Richard Howle
Barbie Dan Laurie Stark
Teresa Wherry2 years
Patrick M.Crump
Hobson congratulates theirMAAR Multi-Million Dollar
Club Members!
Mary Jane Fuller1 year
Life Members
MMeemmpphhiiss CCeenntteerr, where GGCCTTCCrreeaattiivvee PPaarrttnneerrss were firsttreated to a sneak preview ofsongs from upcomingMemphis-area musicals duringa special VIP reception.Beginning at 7, other guestsarrived for a cocktail hour,complete with cheese, fruit, aveggie spread with Hollandaisesauce and shrimp gumboserved in phyllo cups from JJuussttCCaatteerriinngg. Sparkling wine,chocolate-dipped strawberriesand lemon parfait were servedduring intermission.
Once guests took theirseats at tables decorated with
tiny candles, star wands and purple netting, the show began. Theensemble cast actually included a mix of women and their support-ing gentlemen from several local theatre companies, including GCT,TThheeaattrree MMeemmpphhiiss and PPllaayyhhoouussee oonn tthhee SSqquuaarree, as well as individu-als who had flown in from other parts of the country to participate.But, the focus definitelyremained on the leadingladies, who took turnsperforming solos andgroup songs from popu-lar shows like Cabaret,Chicago, Rent, TheKing and I andThoroughly ModernMillie, to name a few.
Comprised ofKKiimmbbeerrllyy BBaakkeerr,KKeeaarrssttiinn PPiippeerr BBrroowwnn,KKeellll CChhrriissttiiee, AAnnnneeFFrreerreess, CCrryyssttiinn GGiillmmoorree,AAnnnniiee GGrraayy, Ann MarieHall, JJeeaannnnaa JJuulleessoonn,JJuuddee KKnniigghhtt, DDeebbbbiieeLLiittcchh, JJuulliiee RReeiinnbboolldd,AAnnnn SShhaarrpp, EErriinn SShheellttoonn, CCaarroollyynn SSpprraattlleeyy and CChhrriissttiinnaa WWeellllffoorrddSSccootttt, these knockout actresses gave a crowd of more than 100 spec-tators not one, but two acts. Not to be forgotten, the supporting gen-tlemen were BBeennjjaammiinn BBuunnssoolldd, JJoonnaatthhaann CChhrriissttiiaann, BBaarrrryy FFuulllleerr,CCaammppbbeellll VVeerrtteessii, SStteepphheenn CCaarreeyy, RRaannddaall CCooooppeerr, KKeenntt FFlleesshhmmaann,DDeennnniiss WWhhiitteehheeaadd, Mark Chambers,, BBrreenntt DDaavviiss and CCaarryy VVaauugghhnn.
And, no performance would be a success without a director, arole well served by MMiicchhaaeellDDuuggggaann. JJeeffff BBrreewweerr, the direc-tor of choirs at Ridgeway HighSchool, lent his talent as theshow’s music director andpianist, while KKeenn MMccGGllyynnnn,BBrraadd TTuurrnneerr and StephenCarey supplied the show tunes.
Event proceeds benefit-ed the GermantownCommunity Theatre, and theorganizers hope to make thisan annual musical extravagan-za. Others in vote of an encoreinclude BBoonnnniiee RRoobbiinnssoonn, BBooLLiisstt, GGaaiill MMaatthheewwssoonn, JJeerrrryyCChhiippmmaann, BBoobb SShhoorrtt, JJeeffffBBrreewweerr, BBaarrbbaarraa FFrreeddeerriicckk,
Jerry Chipman and Ann Sharp
Bonnie Robinson, Michael Duggan and Rick Bartl
Andy and Shirley Pouncey
RRiicckk BBaarrttll, FFrraannkk and KKaatthhyy AAddaammss,JJuuddyy LLeesslleeyy, DDeenniissee BBaarrttoonn, SSuueeFFrraazziieerr, KKeerrrryy SSttrraahhmm, HHuugghh andBBeettttyy DDiilllleeyy, MMiicchhaaeell and MMaarryyMMaarrggaarreett WWaallkkeerr, BBeennnneetttt WWoooodd andAAnnddyy and SShhiirrlleeyy PPoouunncceeyy.
Story and photos byLeah Fitzpatrick
Brigadier Gertrude PurdueBirthday Dinner
benefiting the Purdue Center of Hope
It’s not every day that some-one celebrates a 100th birthday,especially if that someone isBBrriiggaaddiieerr GGeerrttrruuddee PPuurrdduuee. A truehumanitarian, Purdue has spent her
life helping those less fortunatethrough her tireless work with theSSaallvvaattiioonn AArrmmyy. In honor ofPurdue’s milestone birthday, thelocal chapter of the Salvation Armythrew a party for the centenarian atthe UU ooff MM HHoolliiddaayy IInnnn.
DDoonn HHuuttssoonn chaired theaffair that drew more than 550 well-
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JULY
2009
Michael and Mary Margaret Walker with Bennett Wood
Major Phil Murphy andBrigadier Gertrude Purdue
CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY
MEMPHIS PHOTOGRAPHY
All OriginalPrints • Framed • Canvas • Gifts
available from...
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2009
wishers, including the likes of manyof Purdue’s family members,Salvation Army staff and volunteersand special guest speaker WWiillllaarrddSSccootttt of “The TODAY Show” fame.A long-time Salvation Army support-er, Scott said he loved the organiza-tion since he was a kid and remem-bers putting money in the SalvationArmy pot at the dime store.
“The Salvation Army doesmore good than any other organiza-tion I know,” Scott said during aspecial VIP hour held in theKemmons Wilson Gallery.
Once guests mingled and
snapped pics with Scott and Purdue,they made their way to the ballroomon the third floor for the specialbirthday dinner. Hutson opened bysaying that having Willard Scott inattendance was the best birthdaypresent of all, however SenatorsLamar Alexander and Bob Corker,Reverend James Dobson and formerPresident George Bush also sentbirthday letters as well. FollowingHutson’s welcome, the NNaavvyyPPeerrssoonnnneell CCoommmmaanndd CCoolloorr GGuuaarrdddid a presentation of colors, withKKaayyee BBllaacckkwwoooodd DDeeWWiitttt singing“God Bless America.” SSccootttt CCrroossbbyy,chairman of the advisory board,gave the invocation.
Kemmons Wilson Jr., Willard Scott and Norma Wilson
Terri Murphy, Don Hutson and Billie Jean Graham
JeanneArthur
Fontaine TaylorBROKER
CamillaBrinner
CarrieBrody
CissyBrown
FontaineBrown
JeannieBruce
RitaBurgess
Elaine B.Creson
MarkDuke
MaryAnnGano
DebbieGould
JennyGrehan
KathyHays
JanieHopkins
AgentName
AgentName
AmandaLaMountain
!atalieLatham
MaryMcFerrin
Jeanne!ixon
PamPierce
SuzannePlyler
LisaPutman
DebbieRodda
ElizabethC. Scott
ClayTempleton
MarkThomas
DeniseWare
PeggyWilkinson
CissyWillis
989 River Landing Drive$ 699,000
Fontaine Brown & Fontaine TaylorImpeccably maintained 5BR/5 BA on large lot with
Screened Porch, large Patio, Play Yard and 3-Car Garage.
395 Goodwyn Street$ 1,197,000Jenny Grehan
Charming architectural treasure! Large fenced lot withPool, Garage, & Guest House. 5 Bedrooms + Playroom.
2709 Lombardy Avenue$ 849,000
Denise Ware & Pam Pierce!ew Orleans inspired, soaring 11ft ceilings, gorgeous hardwoods,Billiard Room, brick Courtyard, & amazing outdoor area!
OPENING DOORS SINCE 1951651 Oakleaf Office Lane Memphis, TN 38117 (Phone) 901-767-4100 (Fax) 901-680-7793
1592 Central Avenue$ 589,000
Jeanne Arthur
7883 !ikerton Drive$ 349,000Lisa Putman
958 Island Drive$ 599,000
Jenny Grehan
4261 Heatherwood Lane$ 429,000Cissy Brown
6383 S. Massey Hill Drive$ 549,900
Debbie Rodda
2996 Iroquois Road$ 649,000
Jenny Grehan & Fontaine BrownCharming house in Chickasaw Gardens. Large rooms, pretty
hardwoods & millwork. Pool & field stone Patio in big backyard!
270 W. Cherry Circle$ 1,545,000Jeanne Arthur
145 Perkins Extended$ 295,000
Clay Templeton & Amanada LaMountain
3549 Waynoka Avenue$ 249,000
Clay Templeton & Amanda LaMountain
175 Waring Road$ 899,000
!atalie Latham & Jeanne Arthur
368 Tara Lane$ 785,000
Jenny Grehan & Jeanne Arthur
Waverly Plantation HomeplaceProctor, AR
$645,000 Jeanne Arthur
1931 Snowden Avenue$ 264,900
Elaine B. Creson
www.cef-realtors.com
JeanneArthur
Fontaine TaylorBROKER
CamillaBrinner
CarrieBrody
CissyBrown
FontaineBrown
JeannieBruce
RitaBurgess
Elaine B.Creson
MarkDuke
MaryAnnGano
DebbieGould
JennyGrehan
KathyHays
JanieHopkins
AgentName
AgentName
AmandaLaMountain
!atalieLatham
MaryMcFerrin
Jeanne!ixon
PamPierce
SuzannePlyler
LisaPutman
DebbieRodda
ElizabethC. Scott
ClayTempleton
MarkThomas
DeniseWare
PeggyWilkinson
CissyWillis
989 River Landing Drive$ 699,000
Fontaine Brown & Fontaine TaylorImpeccably maintained 5BR/5 BA on large lot with
Screened Porch, large Patio, Play Yard and 3-Car Garage.
395 Goodwyn Street$ 1,197,000Jenny Grehan
Charming architectural treasure! Large fenced lot withPool, Garage, & Guest House. 5 Bedrooms + Playroom.
2709 Lombardy Avenue$ 849,000
Denise Ware & Pam Pierce!ew Orleans inspired, soaring 11ft ceilings, gorgeous hardwoods,Billiard Room, brick Courtyard, & amazing outdoor area!
OPENING DOORS SINCE 1951651 Oakleaf Office Lane Memphis, TN 38117 (Phone) 901-767-4100 (Fax) 901-680-7793
1592 Central Avenue$ 589,000
Jeanne Arthur
7883 !ikerton Drive$ 349,000Lisa Putman
958 Island Drive$ 599,000
Jenny Grehan
4261 Heatherwood Lane$ 429,000Cissy Brown
6383 S. Massey Hill Drive$ 549,900
Debbie Rodda
2996 Iroquois Road$ 649,000
Jenny Grehan & Fontaine BrownCharming house in Chickasaw Gardens. Large rooms, pretty
hardwoods & millwork. Pool & field stone Patio in big backyard!
270 W. Cherry Circle$ 1,545,000Jeanne Arthur
145 Perkins Extended$ 295,000
Clay Templeton & Amanada LaMountain
3549 Waynoka Avenue$ 249,000
Clay Templeton & Amanda LaMountain
175 Waring Road$ 899,000
!atalie Latham & Jeanne Arthur
368 Tara Lane$ 785,000
Jenny Grehan & Jeanne Arthur
Waverly Plantation HomeplaceProctor, AR
$645,000 Jeanne Arthur
1931 Snowden Avenue$ 264,900
Elaine B. Creson
www.cef-realtors.com
RSVP
28
JULY
2009
As attendees dined on a three-coursemeal that featured slices of birthday cake asthe centerpiece, they could be heard chattingabout what Purdue meant to them. JJooeeBBiirrcchh, who served as the emcee, soon chimedin by sharing tidbits of Purdue and her latehusband’s involvement with the SalvationArmy, an experience that spanned 12 citiesand relocated them to Memphis in 1962.Though Purdue retired from active duty in1973, she’s spent the last 36 years minister-ing to others, and twice a month leadswomen at the MMeemmpphhiiss VVAA MMeeddiiccaall CCeenntteerrand organizes care packages for veterans.
“Gertrude’s a living legacy,” Birchsaid.
Birch introduced Scott by reading ahumorous “Ode to Willard” he’d written.The two then engaged in an even funnierquestion and answer session that ended withScott leading the room in a “HappyBirthday” sing-along. Scott added that he wasoverwhelmed with the party and that hecouldn’t wait to announce Purdue’s birthdayand put her pic on the Smucker’s jar during“The TODAY Show” the followingWednesday. All smiles, Purdue only askedScott and the other attendees one favor.
“When you celebrate your 100thbirthday, I hope you’ll invite me to yourparty,” she beamed.
Thanks to generous supporters, theevent also raised funds for the PPuurrdduuee CCeenntteerr
ooff HHooppee, a place of refuge for homelesswomen and children. Some of those contribu-tors and Gertrude Purdue fans were BBiilllliieeJJeeaann GGrraahhaamm, TTeerrrrii MMuurrpphhyy, CCoommmmiissssiioonneerrssMMaaxxwweellll and LLeennoorraa FFeeeenneerr, MMaayyoorr AA CC andRRuubbyy WWhhaarrttoonn, HHiillddaa MMuulllleenn, TToommmmiieePPaarrdduuee, PPhhiill RReeeedd, BBoobb BBeennnneetttt, KKeemmmmoonnssWWiillssoonn JJrr.. and NNoorrmmaa WWiillssoonn, JJiimm and PPaarrrriieePPeerrdduuee, FFrraanncceess DDuunnnn, MMaarryy LLeeffllaarr, MMaarrsshhaaEEvveerreetttt, FFlloorreennccee LLeefffflleerr, JJoohhnn and LLoorriiMMccDDaanniieell, DDaavvee BBrroowwnn, DDrr.. SShhiirrlleeyy RRaaiinneess,SShheerriiffff MMaarrkk and PPaatt LLuuttttrreellll, JJiimm and SSaannddyyRRoouutt, UUrrssuullaa MMaaddddeenn,, TTiimm VVaann HHoorrnn,, MMaajjoorrPPhhiill MMuurrpphhyy and MMaajjoorr JJoohhnn NNeeeeddhhaamm.
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
R.C. Johnson Roastbenefiting the Tiger Scholarship Fund
When RR..CC.. JJoohhnnssoonn, the University ofMemphis athletic director, wouldn’t consentto an appreciation night, TToonnyy BBaarrrraassssoo, theRRaaccqquueett CClluubb ooff MMeemmpphhiiss dining room man-ager and member relations director, came upwith a better idea—a roast. As soon asJohnson agreed, the first RR..CC.. JJoohhnnssoonn RRooaassttwas born, but little did the roastee expectthat 300 people would turn up for a night ofquips at his expense.
“We’re going to have fun tonightwith R.C.,” said emcee JJooee BBiirrcchh, with a slysmile.
The décor of pom poms and thearrival of the new U of M Men’s Basketballhead coach, JJoosshh PPaassttnneerr, to the party cer-tainly added to the school spirit, but it wasPPrriisscciillllaa PPrreesslleeyy who drew the most attentionby serving as one of Johnson’s 12 roasters.Other special guest roasters included MMaayyoorrWWiilllliiee HHeerreennttoonn, MMiikkee RRoouussee, AAllaann GGrraaff,
RReeggggiiee BBaarrnneess, JJaanneett JJaannuuaarryy, CCaattoo JJoohhnnssoonn,AAll LLaaRRooccccaa, JJuunnee RRaauusscchheerr, SStteevvee EEhhrrhhaarrtt,JJooee PPeeppee and BBiillll MMoorrrriiss, each of whom hadtwo minute to share their fondest and funni-est tales about Johnson. As expected, nonestayed within his or her roasting time limit,
and nearly everyone poked fun at the athleticdirector’s perfect coiff, with LaRocca goingso far as wearing a wig that resembledJohnson’s hair.
Roastmaster GGeeoorrggee LLaappiiddeess joked,“All is fair in love, war and roasting, and the
people roasting aren’t immune to beingroasted themselves.”
In addition to the Racquet Club, theUUnniivveerrssiittyy ooff MMeemmpphhiiss AAtthhlleettiiccss DDeeppaarrttmmeenntthelped present this evening as a way ofentertaining its loyal supporters while raisingfunds for the institution’s TTiiggeerr SScchhoollaarrsshhiippFFuunndd. In particular, event proceeds will bene-fit those seeking athletic scholarships to the
school. Attendees supporting the cause and
spilling forth with laughter were JJaacckk SSooddeenn,U of M Football Coach TToommmmyy WWeesstt, DDrr..GGaarryy and JJeennnnyy EEaarrhhaarrtt, JJiimm and SShheeiillaaLLoowwrreeyy, LLeesslliiee HHeerrmmaann, RRooggeerr TTaayylloorr, BBrraaddyyRRuummbbllee, RReexx BBiinnttzz, CCaarroollee BBiizzoott, SSaannddyyAAkkeerrss, DDoouugg EEddwwaarrddss, LLeellaanndd and JJuuddyyGGuuppttoonn, JJeeffff JJoohhnnssoonn, MMiicchheellllee MMaarrsshh, KKeellllyyLLuucckkeetttt, AAlllliiee PPrreessccootttt, TToomm RRaauusscchheerr, PPaauullaaGGiillcchhrriisstt, Racquet Club general managerCChhrriiss PPaarrkk, MMiikkee MMccCCoorrmmiicckk, GGaayylloonn andJJaanniiccee HHaallll, CCaarrooll MMuurrrraayy, RRoobbeerrttHHuummpphhrreeyyss, BBiillll KKooeenneemmaann, DDiiaannee EEllkkiinnss,CChhaarrlleess and JJuuddyy BBuurrkkeetttt, MMiicchhaaeell MMccLLaarreenn,
R.C. and Melba Johnson
Parrie and Jim Perdue with Tommie Pardue
Tony Barrasso, Kelly Luckett and Chris Park
Judy and Leland Gupton
Priscilla Presley, George Klein and Pat Kerr Tigrett
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29
JULY
2009
CCoouurrttnneeyy CCllootthhiieerr, EElllliioott PPooppee, BBrriiddggeett GGrraaff, AAnnnneeMMiilllleerr, CChhrriiss and AAlllliissoonn WWeebbbb, LLoorrii SShhuummppeerrtt,KKaattiiee RRaahhmmee, GGeeoorrggee KKlleeiinn, PPaatt KKeerrrr TTiiggrreetttt, KKeerrrrand MMeellaanniiee TTiiggrreetttt and MMeellbbaa JJoohhnnssoonn.
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Princess Ballat the Memphis Hunt and Polo Club
CCaarrnniivvaall MMeemmpphhiiss was established in 1931in response to the national economic crisis to pro-mote the local cotton industry in the Mid-Southand to celebrate the Bluff City. Seventy-eight yearslater, as Mid-Southerners and Americans nation-wide are facing similar circumstances, the non-profit organization’s mission to “PPaarrttyy wwiitthh aa
PPuurrppoossee” is needed more than ever, and this yearmembers didn’t cower in their quest.
During the second night of Carnival Week,following the Crown and Sceptre Coronation Ball,Carnival Memphis held the PPrriinncceessss BBaallll at theMMeemmpphhiiss HHuunntt aanndd PPoolloo CClluubb to honor theprincesses and the royal court. Arm-in-arm with
their white-suited escorts, the college-aged co-edsentered the club donning their lilac, aquamarineor royal blue gowns with parents and guests closebehind. They munched on canapés and flittedabout catching up with old friends and family tofulfill their duty to participate in “a forum forsocial interaction that fosters understanding,enjoyment and involvement in the area’s diversepopulation.”
Throughout the evening, KKiinngg KKeeiitthhJJoohhnnssoonn BBaarrttoonn’s princess, MMaarryy HHoollbbrrooookk, QQuueeeennPPaaiiggee AAnnnn PPhhiilllliippss princess, VViirrggiinniiaa GGrraayyssoonn, andPPrreessiiddeenntt JJoohhnnnnyy PPiittttss’ princess, MMeeggaann AAddaammss,as well as the RRooyyaall PPaaggeess and LLooyyaall OOrrddeerr ooffSSccaarraabbss, received medallions and entertained thecrowd with speeches and presentations. Revelerspaused briefly in the midst of their conviviality tocelebrate the entrance of the king and queen, butpicked right back up in their merrymaking todance to the music of MMaarrkk AAnnddeerrssoonn’’ss PPaarrttyyTTrraaiinn.
“They were only supposed to play from 7to 11, and at 11:20 I went to Mark, and I said,‘You’re still playing.’ He told me, ‘Everybody ishaving such a good time, we’re just going to keepon playing’,” said Carnival Memphis executivedirector EEdd GGaallffsskkyy.
No Carnival event is complete without theCarnival’s Men of Mischief, the SSeeccrreett OOrrddeerr oofftthhee BBoollll WWeeeevviillss, who set up their party-crashingshop atop the Boll Weevil mobile at the entranceand quite conspicuously “snuck in” to the privateparty to pull some of their notorious hi-jinks.
“Our youngest page, FFrreedd SScchhaaeeffffeerr IIIIII,who’s about 6, a little bitty guy, he was dancingon the shoulders of (Boll Weevil) Petty all night,”Galfsky said. “We had a ball.”
This year Carnival Memphis honored thecommunity service and nonprofit industry, andraised funds for MMeemmpphhiiss OOrraall SScchhooooll ffoorr tthheeDDeeaaff, SSttrreeeettss MMiinniissttrriieess and YYoouutthh VViillllaaggeessthrough its CChhiillddrreenn’’ss CChhaarriittyy IInniittiiaattiivvee.
Story and photos by Lesley Young
Barry and Barbara Barnett
Emily Oppenheimer and Jacquelyn Sappenfield
Taylor Smith, Tracy Galfsky and Bill Ross
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COMMUNITY AMENITIES
Arbors of River Oaks225 Arbor Common Circle
Memphis, TN 38120
901.747.2011www.ArborsRiverOaks.com
Life Made Simple©
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30
JULY
2009
Eva Lynn Bishop and Bret Rodrigues at Taste of Caribe
Fernanda Pinheiro and Jakie Vaz at Taste of Caribe
ONSITE Onsite
José Goñi with Judy and Carlos Tolosa at Memphis in May International Gala
Susan Arney, Beth Flanagan and Loreto Leyton at Memphis in May International Gala
Kate Crowder and Pat Mitchell Worley at Memphis Music Royalty Party
Tim Quinn and Kaleen Bennettat Memphis in May International Gala
Taste of Caribe Memphis in May International GalaMemphis Music Royalty Party
Partygoers enjoyed the smell of PPrroocciiggaarr Dominicancigars, the taste of BBaaccaarrddii rum and the sounds ofLLooss CCaannttaaddoorreess on AAsskkeeww NNiixxoonn FFeerrgguussoonn AArrcchhiitteeccttss’patio during the fifth annual TTaassttee ooff CCaarriibbee, a benefitfor the IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall CChhiillddrreenn’’ss HHeeaarrtt FFoouunnddaattiioonn(ICHF). AAllyyssssaa tthhee RReedd HHeeaaddeedd CChheeff catered theCaribbean-themed event serving up salsa, shrimp andrice and kabobs. JJaakkiiee VVaazz, the 2008 winner of the FFaacceeooff tthhee WWoorrlldd UUSSAA PPaaggeeaanntt, which sponsors the organi-zation, also made an appearance. MMiicchhaaeell HHeerrkklloottss ofProcigar and LLaakksshhmmii GGaarrcciiaa with Bacardi Dominicanaeach presented a $40,000 check to ICHF, helpinground out this year’s total funds to $100,000.
“Carrete” means “party” in Chilean, andwhether in heels or corraleras, merrymakers carried outits definition at the MMeemmpphhiiss iinn MMaayy IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaallGGaallaa’’ss CCaarrrreettee, sponsored by HHaarrrraahh’’ss EEnntteerrttaaiinnmmeennttand held at the HHiillttoonn MMeemmpphhiiss. Chilean Ambassadorto the U.S. JJoosséé GGooññii and his companion, LLoorreettooLLeeyyttoonn, were honored with speeches and presentationsby Memphis in May president and CEO JJaammeess HHoolltt,Harrah’s Entertainment’s SSccootttt BBaarrbbeerr and CCaarrlloossTToolloossaa and Memphis in May chairman of the board AAllLLyyoonnss. The ambassador responded by recognizingMMaayyoorr AA CC WWhhaarrttoonn as the recipient of the Orden deBernardo O’Higgins, Grado Comendador, award. Afterenjoying a special meal created by Chilean CChheeff PPiillaarrRRooddrriigguueezz, guests danced the rest of the evening to themelodies of the MMeemmpphhiiss IIcceebbrreeaakkeerrss.
MMeemmpphhiiss MMuussiicc FFoouunnddaattiioonn supportersdescended upon the home of KKeennnnyy and TTeerrrrii KKiinngg forthe MMeemmpphhiiss MMuussiicc RRooyyaallttyy PPaarrttyy, which drew the likesof musical talents KKaalllleenn EEssppeerriiaann, MMuucckk SSttiicckkyy, JJiimmiiJJaammiissoonn, KKeeiitthh SSyykkeess, AAlleexxiiss GGrraaccee, TThhee SSuummmmeerrss, TThheeRRiivveerr CCiittyy TTaann LLiinneess and JJaammeess AAlleexxaannddeerr. During apresentation by Music Foundation president DDeeaann DDeeyyooand incoming board chair AAll BBeellll, $5 Cover star KKaatteeCCrroowwddeerr of Two Way Radio discussed her involvementwith the foundation, and Memphis Tomorrow headBBllaaiirr TTaayylloorr asked the business community for its sup-port. TThhee CCiittyy CChhaammppss, SSuussaann MMaarrsshhaallll and DDJJ WWiittnneessssalso performed throughout the night, while guestsmade generous contributions in the way of entering a$1,000 drawing for a St. Blues guitar or a $5,000 ormore drawing for a free performance by a Memphisband.
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick and Lesley Young
Jimi Jamison, Muck Sticky and Momma Sticky at Memphis Music Royalty Party
Russ Lewis, Sandy McMahan and Larry Rice at Taste of Caribe
Joe Williams, Kallen Esperian and Todd Stricklin at Memphis Music Royalty Party
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Brooks Grand AuctionThe FinaleE
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Mike and Donna McManus Gay and Mike Williams
Justin Grinder and Meg Parker Dan and Julie Umansky
Jay and Dana Simpson Morgan and Kristi Hammond
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Anne McCarroll, Jennifer Carizza, Pam Tupman and Rachael CampbellAnne and Thayne Muller Mary and Corey Trotz
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Locals supported world-class art by coming out for the Art of GoodTaste finale, the Brooks Grand Auction. The cultural affair, held atthe Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, also drew attention to
California’s Spring Mountain vintners and their wines, which wereavailable for tasting and up for bidding throughout the Art of GoodTaste season.
As the rain trickled outside, 300 attendees took cover in therotunda for refreshing pours of wine, scrumptious hors d’oeuvresfrom the museum’s Brushmark Restaurant and music by CharlieWood. When favorites were chosen, guests eagerly jotted down toppicks in the back of auction books that had been handed out alongwith complimentary wine glasses. Blue and pink lights lit up therotunda walls, lending a calming vibe to the makeshift tasting roomthat also featured an elaborate silent auction. Several notable itemsincluded a $250 Curtain Exchange gift certificate, a “Dinner and aMovie” package with a $100 Bosco’s gift certificate and 10 Malcomovie passes, a welded wine rack that held 80 bottles and a polo pack-age courtesy of the Memphis Polo Club.
After a two-hour cocktail party, the party moved to a tent onthe museum plaza. Decorated for the Brooks Patrons Dinner the previ-ous night, the tent boasted an array of purple-hued décor, from tablelinens to overhead lighting. Befitting of the weather, giant umbrellashung from the tent ceiling, giving the space an otherworldly effect. Assponsors, donors and vintners took their seats at tables decoratedwith tall hurricane vases, the time for big bidding had arrived.
The live auction commenced when guest auctioneers, BenFerdinand and Michael Davis of Hart Davis Hart Wine Co., took thefloor. Twenty-five lots were auctioned off this year, and no item lackedin appeal. If jewelry was your thing, an 18-karat gold necklace withfive pearls and diamond drops could be bought. For the ultimate vinoconnoisseur, items like a “Wine Spectator’s Wines of the Year” tast-ing, a customized Napa Valley wine trip itinerary and a “CruisingAlong the Oregon Trail” package fit the bill. Fabulous catered dinnersand beautiful original paintings also tempted buyers.
This auction, in conjunction with other Art of Good Tasteevents, helped raise more than $500,000 for the Brooks’ educationalprogramming and outreach efforts. The series’ success is in a largepart due to SunTrust’s role as the presenting sponsor and the dedica-tion of Mark Parker and Frank Muscari as event co-chairs.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Don Perry
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Jeanne Gray Carr and Ray Brown
Brad and Ginger Wilkerson Shawn Guilliams and Michelle Allen Don and Barbara Coleman
Jennifer and Jonathan Bennett Larry Hardy and Linda Farmer Craig and Sharon Dickey
Steve West and Pamela Hauber
Jason and Mandy Johns
Emily Pera and Alison Simmons
Emily Greenberg and Lindsey Sadd
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“Zero to 60”Benefiting The MED FoundationE
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Tammie Ritchey and Tom Eubank David Gingold, Henry Nelson and Hope Dooner
Charmayne Johnson and Debbie Usher Sophie Anthony and Kim Bowles
Clay and Beth Auttonberry Reverend Samuel Billy and Aurelia Kyles
“ZER
O TO
60”
Morgan Freeman with Francine and Bill LuckettMagesh and Christina Ramsey Dr. Jimmy and Lisa Guyton
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Oscar winner Morgan Freeman made good on his celebrity statuswhen he hosted the “Zero to 60” fund-raising event for The MEDFoundation. Freeman, a Mid-South native, has experienced first-
hand the trauma care of the Regional Medical Center at Memphis(The MED), an acute-care teaching hospital serving a six-state region.
The Hard Rock Café on Beale Street opend up its doors for thespecial evening that attracted more than 300 attendees, who raised$60,000 to support The MED’s Elvis Presley Memorial TraumaCenter. The trauma center, which celebrates its 25th anniversary thisyear, is the only one of its kind for 150 miles, making it one of thethree busiest trauma centers in the nation. Facility staff treat 4,000patients yearly with a 98 percent survival rate after the first 24 hours.
The event included live music by the Bill Hurd Quartet and asilent auction of movie and music memorabilia. Some auction itemsof note included three autographed movie posters by MorganFreeman, 20 passes to a press level suite at AutoZone Stadium for aRed Birds game, including transportation to and from the game, andan Epiphone guitar autographed by Everclear’s lead singer, ArtAlexakis. Freeman also posed alongside guests for photos, with a por-tion of pic proceeds going to The MED Foundation.
Tammie Ritchey, executive director of The MED Foundation,was satisfied with the outcome saying, “We were delighted with theturnout for this event, and Mr. Freeman’s involvement.”
News Channel 3 WREG and Crothall Services Group co-spon-sored the affair that met event organizers’ fund-raising goal—from zeroto $60,000—for The MED.
Story by Maggie SquiresPhotos by Libby Huff
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2009
Vox PopularQ&A with Alexis GraceVO
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RRSSVVPP:: When did you first develop a love of singing?
GGrraaccee:: Ever since I can remember really…about 2 or 3 years old. Iwas always singing when we went to church growin’ up, and I wasthe loudest one in the entire congregation. As a matter of fact, Iremember singing a Christmas song, and the only part I knew was“Gloria in excelsis Deo.” I was the loudest person, and everyonewas like, “Who is that?” It was a small little church, so you couldhear one person over the other. There was a choir up there singingthat we were listening to when I chimed in during that one part.That’s why it was so funny, because we were listening to the choir.
RRSSVVPP:: Did you have a voice coach?
GGrraaccee:: As a small child, I just practiced myself and sang all daylong. I’m sure I drove my family nuts growing up; I sang a little toomuch and really loud. But when I got into high school, I startedtaking lessons and went to a performing arts high school [OvertonHigh School]. I studiedmusic all day long and tookvoice lessons, learned how toread music, learned how toperform, and that eventuallygot me a voice scholarship toU of M. So, I’ve had someyears of professional trainingand classical training. Then,I started singing in bars andclubs, and that led me to“American Idol.”
RRSSVVPP:: Do you remember thefirst time you were hired tosing in front of a group ofpeople?
GGrraaccee:: The first time I canremember when I was hiredto sing was at a local bar. Iwas with my dad, and it wasat this hole-in-the wall placewith maybe five people. Mydad was the one who pushedme on stage and encouraged me to sing with the band because itwas actually his girlfriend who said, “Well, I heard they’re lookingfor a singer…why don’t you get your daughter to sing?” So, onething led to another, and I started singing with him. It really helpedme out because I’d never sung with a live band before. So, it wasreally a lot of fun for me, and I’m sure it made my dad really happyto be able to do something like that with his daughter. It really pre-pared me for the show, being able to learn how to use my perform-ance skills, so it really paid off in the end playing in those hole-in-the-wall bars where nobody’s listening to you…you learn a lot of
tricks.
RRSSVVPP:: Who are some of the musicalinfluences that inspired you the mostgrowing up?
GGrraaccee:: Definitely Aretha Franklin was one of them, she’s a big onefor me. She’s who my mom always had playing in the kitchen, andwhen you grow up listening to that kind of music, it just becomessomething that you really enjoy. But honestly, I grew up in a musi-cal family, so I listened to everything growing up. But, a big influ-ence in the South and Memphis is soul music, so I’d definitely saya lot of my vocal style comes from soul. I’m a huge fan of Stax.
RRSSVVPP:: Who or what motivated you to start thinking about tryingout for “American Idol?”
GGrraaccee:: Well, it’s funny you should ask that question because I audi-tioned twice before. I was 16the first time, and the secondtime I was 19 and that’s whenthey came to Memphis. So, I’dgotten a “no” twice, and itjust so happened I lookedonline and auditions for thisseason were in two days. So,my aunt, who’s a huge fan ofthe show, a huge fan of mine,a big supporter, wants me tobe a singer, and I tell her theauditions are coming in twodays. We all hopped in a car,drove to Louisville and we onlyget like an hour of sleep.Then, we go wait in line, and Iknow the drill. And, I’m hear-ing the conversations aroundme like, “When I make itthrough…” and I’m like,“Yeah, if you make itthrough!” I’m like “MissCynical” over here who’s beenthrough it, and I know it’s
super hard. I knew I couldn’t play around and to just be myself andsing my heart out. I sang Aretha Franklin, and it got me through.
RRSSVVPP:: Do you feel the songs that you sang while you were on theseason fully showcased your talent?
GGrraaccee:: Obviously there are a lot of songs in each genre I would loveto sing, and the songs I chose were ones I loved. Everyone’s alwayssaying, “Would you have changed your last song you got eliminatedon?” and I don’t know if I would have changed it, but there are
When Alexis Grace heard she was going to Hollywood for the eighth season of “American Idol,” her wholeworld changed. A virtual unknown, even in her hometown, the tiny singer with booming vocals madeMemphis proud by becoming one of the show’s top 13 contestants. Of the experience, she says, “I just
wanted to put Memphis on the map and show that there’s a lot of creativity and love for music and art here.We’re a very passionate city.” RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrick couldn’t agree more with Grace’s sentiments aboutour fair city and was delighted to share a chat with the songstress amidst the musical mementos at theMemphis Music Foundation.
Photos by Don Perry
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VOX
POPU
LARprobably other songs in that genre [Grand Ole Opry] that would
have showcased my voice a little more but I just love that song[“Jolene” by Dolly Parton].
RRSSVVPP:: Did you have any ritual you would do to prepare yourselfbefore an “American Idol” show began?
GGrraaccee:: Before I go on to sing, I always like to run back and forthbecause it gets the lungs going, and I know I’ll be able to hit notesbetter. Maybe screaming a little bit in the bathroom, just to get thenerves out. Other than that, I just relaxed and had a good time. Imean, “When do you get to sing in front of millions of people onnational TV?” Just enjoy it while it lasts!
RRSSVVPP:: Were there any “American Idol” judges who you thoughtwere harsher on you than others?
GGrraaccee:: I feel like all the judges werefair. I feel like Kara [DioGuardi]pushed me more, but in a good way. Ifelt like she got me and wanted me tosucceed, so she was really helping me. Inever felt like the judges didn’t like me.I felt like they were always learningmore about me, and wanting to learnmore about me. So, it was a very goodexperience that I enjoyed.
RRSSVVPP:: How did you feel when you cameback to sing during the show’s seasonfinale?
GGrraaccee:: We were all having the besttime; that’s the thing about this group,we all love to have fun, and music isfun for us. And, I think that reallycame across the TV and that we allwere really close, too. I mean if youwould have asked me eight months ago,“Hey, did you know you’re gonna singwith Jason Mraz?” I would’ve been like,“No, you’re lying.” “Did you knowCarlos Santana is gonna be playingwith you?” Hopefully, there’s more tocome with that. My ultimate goal is tokeep this going, as long as I can.
RRSSVVPP:: How much has your day-to-day life changed in Memphis sincebeing on “American Idol?”
GGrraaccee:: It’s never gonna be the same for a long time, I don’t think.Everywhere I go, I get noticed, and people come up to me and arelike, “Alexis Grace! Oh my God, I love you! Come and take a pic-ture, we voted for you!” Then they talk about the show, ask aboutthe judges and ask about my daughter. I get more jobs offered toobecause of the show.
RRSSVVPP:: How does your daughter react to your fame?
GGrraaccee:: She’s not aware of the fame part, but she is aware of mebeing on TV. Although, now I’m on Q107.5 doing the morning showwith Manny and Riley, so the other day, she was riding in the carwith my mom and they heard me on the radio. When she heard myvoice, she was like “That’s Mommy!” So, it’s really cute. I love thoseguys. That’s my job now working for a radio station. Straight off“American Idol,” they asked me to come do an interview, and fromthere things just kind of flowed together. We all get along really well
and just have a great time.
RRSSVVPP:: What’s the best piece of advice you could give someone want-ing to be a professional singer?
GGrraaccee:: There’s not just one big piece of advice I could tell someoneif they wanted to start a career in music or pursue their dream. Youneed to know who you are, you need to believe in yourself andyou’ve gotta be able to work hard for what you want because it does-n’t just come to you. And, you also have to have a little bit of talenttoo if you wanna do music, that’s important. You’ve gotta have alove and passion for it, something you can put your life into. Ifyou’re not gonna do that, then you probably won’t be really success-ful.
RRSSVVPP:: How much time do you devote daily to music?
GGrraaccee:: Definitely more than an hour aday. When I come home from work,my daughter and I go out on the backporch, and she’s playing while I’m onthe guitar. I love it because that’s howI grew up. My dad was a musician, soit was always around me and was areally important part of my life. I’mreally glad my daughter gets to growup around that because it’s reallygonna be good for her.
RRSSVVPP:: If you were to come out with analbum, what kind of style would ithave?
GGrraaccee:: I definitely think it would havea soulness to it. Kind of Maroon 5,John Mayer and Joss Stone…put allthose people together with maybesome Jason Mraz. I write all my music,and it all sounds like that a little bit,very down to earth with a groove.That’s my soul.
RRSSVVPP:: Can we expect to see an albumof yours any time soon?
GGrraaccee:: Hopefully! Not in the next couple months, but I would loveto spend the next year putting an album out and have it played onthe radio. As long as I can keep on playing music and being success-ful, I think that’s what’s most important to me. I’m doing what Iwanna do…not everyone gets to do what they want for a living.
RRSSVVPP:: Are there any favorite venues in town where you’d like tosing?
GGrraaccee:: I would love to play at Young Avenue Deli because I grew upin Midtown, and that’s just kind of where I grew up hanging out andlistening to bands. I would love to play at the Levitt Shell, that’sanother landmark in my childhood. The Orpheum is definitely aplace I’m working up to one day.
RRSSVVPP:: If you could sing anywhere in the world, where would it be?
GGrraaccee:: In the middle of Times Square, and Bruce Springsteen’s play-ing with me, and it’s the Fourth of July. Wouldn’t that be cool? Youcan’t get any more American than the Fourth of July with BruceSpringsteen and Times Square. That would definitely be the ultimatememory and the ultimate gig.
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ZOO BR
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Linda Anne Cartwright, Krystal Lepard and Carrie Dye
Tricia and Patsy Abbott
Angie and Jamie Spicer
Jenny Wooten and Gabe Seten
Rachel Mullen and Matt Sadler
Ken McCown and Sara Hall
Nicci Harrell and Caroline Burgess
Riley Couture and Chris Long
Justin Miskel and Megan Carter
With beer as the evening’s buzzword, it’s no wonder that 1,500Memphis Zoo supporters kicked off their Memorial Day week-end at the spring Zoo Brew. Since its inception, this popular
event, held to benefit the zoo’s general animal care and educationprograms, has been a complete sellout.
“Based on the success of last year’s event held over LaborDay Weekend, we felt the city would support another Zoo Brew—thisone to kick off the summer season,” said Sally Harper, director ofspecial events.
Directly inside the zoo gates, guests “bellied up to the bar”—that is, a multitude of tables, to sample an enormous selection ofsuds generously provided by sponsor Southwestern Beverage andDistributing. Lagers, ales, stouts and wheat and fruit beers frombreweries in Asia, Australia, Europe, Central and South America,Canada and across the United States delighted folks who eagerlytried such intriguingly named beers as “Rogue Dead Guy,” “Eye ofHawk” and “Evil Eye.” Tennessee had an impressive showing withlibations from the Naked Lion Brewing Company, Ghost RiverBrewing, the Memphis Home Brewers Association and YazooBrewing Company. Barbecue from Corky’s and south-of-the-bordertreats from Cozymel’s proved to be the perfect nibbles for hungrypartygoers as they enjoyed the eclectic sound of local favorite bandSnowglobe.
While there was no limit to the number of beers patronscould sample, guests had to be 21 and older to attend this fund-rais-er, which raised $30,000 for the zoo.
“We are very pleased with the response and feedback,” addedHarper. “Mark your calendars for the fall Zoo Brew on September 4;tickets go on sale July 1. The zoo anticipates another sellout event.”
Story by Ruth CassinPhotos by Roy Haithcock
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Savannah Koonce, Terri Shelton and Lauren Cox
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Michael and Erin Nunn
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Julie Davidzuk and Katie Conway
Patty Blount and Lauren Wadlington
Greg and Mary Marx
Dustin Dixon and Melinda Rhorer
Erica Rivera and Laura Ammer
Maggie Biedenharn and Shea Hicks
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Heard Murphy, John Sudduth and J.J. Murphy at Le Bonheur Miracle Maker Blast
Wanda Duncan and Tabitha Casey at Le Bonheur Miracle Maker Blast
ONSITE Onsite
Cindy Brown, Dr. Mark Wallace and Marie Pizano-Firtik at Green Hope Foundation Launch
Victoria and Steve Howard at Green Hope Foundation Launch
Mayor A C Wharton and Rodney Mason at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis Steak n’ Burger Dinner
Teri Morin, Sharon Nicholls and Arisa Wolf at Green Hope Foundation Launch
Le Bonheur Miracle Maker Blast Green Hope Foundation LaunchBoys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis Steak n’ Burger Dinner
Lee BBoonnhheeuurr CChhiillddrreenn’’ss MMeeddiiccaall CCeenntteerr hosted theMMiirraaccllee MMaakkeerr BBllaasstt to “CCeelleebbrraattee tthhee SSeeaassoonnss ooff LLeeBBoonnhheeuurr.” Guests of all ages flocked to the MMeemmpphhiissBBoottaanniicc GGaarrddeenn for the occasion that offered seasonalhors d’oeuvres, four activity stations and a silent auc-tion, giving attendees a chance to bid on items in sup-port of their favorite AA FFaammiillyy AAffffaaiirr candidate. JJiimmJJaaggggeerrss of WREG Channel 3 served as the master ofceremonies and gladly announced that the PPeerrrryy ffaammiillyyof Bartlesville, Oklahoma had been crowned the 22000099MMiirraaccllee MMaakkeerr FFaammiillyy ooff tthhee YYeeaarr, raising $54,000 ofthe event’s $98,000 total for Le Bonheur.
Making eco-friendly choices has gotten easierthanks to information provided by organizations likethe GGrreeeenn HHooppee FFoouunnddaattiioonn, which recently held alaunch party and benefit for SStt.. JJuuddee CChhiillddrreenn’’ssRReesseeaarrcchh HHoossppiittaall at FFeelleecciiaa SSuuzzaannnnee’’ss. Co-founded bySShhaarroonn NNiicchhoollllss, TTeerrii MMoorriinn and AArriissaa WWoollff, the non-profit dedicated to creating healthy environments forchildren welcomed MMaarrkk BBiisshhoopp, deputy director forthe Healthy Schools campaign, as the keynote speaker.Even the décor at this party was green, as it featuredcymbidium orchids and an art project that Wolf and herdaughter, Savannah, made by recycling bottles fromSavannah’s chemo treatments at St. Jude.
The 38th annual SStteeaakk nn’’ BBuurrggeerr DDiinnnneerr, held atthe RRaaccqquueett CClluubb ooff MMeemmpphhiiss, put a twist on adult din-ing. The BBooyyss && GGiirrllss CClluubbss ooff GGrreeaatteerr MMeemmpphhiiss fund-raiser had the adults eat BBaacckkyyaarrdd BBuurrggeerr hamburgers,while the children in the Boys and Girls Club enjoyedthe finer dining of PPaauulleettttee’’ss steaks. CChhrriissttiinneeBBrreennnnaann, a USA Today sports columnist, emceed theevent that included guest speakers MMiicchhaaeell OOhheerr, anNFL first round draft pick and former Ole Miss offen-sive lineman, and his adoptive parents, LLeeiigghh AAnnnnee andSSeeaann TTuuoohhyy. After 670 people had savored the last biteof food, more than $260,000 had been raised to contin-ue the organization’s programming for disadvantagedyouth.
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick and Maggie SquiresPhotos by Leah Fitzpatrick and Libby Huff
Ray Brakebill with David and Jane Sorsby at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis Steak n’ Burger
Alyssa Biggam and Haley Becker at Le Bonheur Miracle Maker Blast
Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy with Michael Oher at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis Steak n’ Burger
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Sandy Robinson and Kerry Peebles at Party in Pink
Sarah Ledbetter and Matteo Servente at Party in Pink
ONSITE Onsite
Jamila Smith-Young, Alexis Moore and Michelyn Joyner at Fashion Forecast
Holly Baker and Jessica Toliuszisat Fashion Forecast
Natalie Rogers and Megan White at The Baker’s Dozen: An Unorthodox Benefit for UrbanArt
Brent and Yendry Alvord at Fashion Forecast
The Baker’s Dozen: An Unorthodox Benefit for UrbanArtParty in Pink Fashion Forecast
Broad Avenue turned into a gallery walk for TThheeBBaakkeerr’’ss DDoozzeenn:: AAnn UUnnoorrtthhooddooxx BBeenneeffiitt ffoorr UUrrbbaannAArrtt.
For a $5 donation, attendees could venture inside
UUrrbbaannAArrtt, MMaatteerriiaall and OOddeessssaa to bid on art of various
mediums and limited edition tee shirts by 13 regional
and national artists. Four deejays also played during
the event, and appetizers from WWaaddee && CCoommppaannyy
CCaatteerriinngg, SSeekkiissuuii and TThhee CCoovvee were available for tast-
ing. The cultural evening generated several thousand
dollars for UrbanArt beneficiaries and promoted a new
image for the Broad Avenue community.
SSaarraahh LLeeddbbeetttteerr and MMaatttteeoo SSeerrvveennttee hosted
PPaarrttyy iinn PPiinnkk to help raise funds for their local feature
film, TThhee RRoommaannccee ooff LLoonneelliinneessss, now in pre-produc-
tion. The affair took place at BBlluuffff CCiittyy CCooffffeeee, where
groups DDeeeerriinngg aanndd DDoowwnn, GGrroouunnddssppeeaakk and JJeeffffrreeyy
JJaammeess aanndd tthhee HHaauull entertained the pink-clad crowd.
Hoola hoop diva ZZooeeyy PPrroovviinnoo and tarot card reader
MMaaddaammee SShhaammrroocckk also lent their talents to the cine-
matic benefit.
Eat your heart out Milan! Trendsetters traveled
to LLee PPaavviilllliioonn in East Memphis for a preview of the
season’s must-haves, showcased during the FFaasshhiioonn
FFoorreeccaasstt. CCuurrttiiss and TTaajjuuaann GGiivveennss presented this run-
way show that included designs by YYeennddrryy AAllvvoorrdd,
PPaattrriicckk HHeennrryy, DDaavviinnee PPrrooddiiggyy, SSoollee bbyy KKeellvviinn, SSnneeaakk
PPeeeekk, JJoosseepphh and WWiinnkk. After the show, attendees sam-
pled an array of sweets from a candy bar and met the
participating designers, who helped draw a crowd of
300 fashionistas and rake in $2,100 for DDrreessss ffoorr
SSuucccceessss®® MMeemmpphhiiss.
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Art, John and Cullen Weeden at The Baker’s Dozen: An Unorthodox Benefit for UrbanArt
Lesley Young, Rev Neil Down and Lahna Deering at Party in Pink
Elizabeth Alley and Nick Peña at The Baker’s Dozen: An Unorthodox Benefit for UrbanArt
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2009
AtthePINK PALACE MUSEUMPINK PALACE MUSEUM901.320.6320
pink palace museumpink palace museum
NOW PLAYING
CREW TRAINING INTERNATIONAL
i t ’ s j a z z !
Visit us online at wumr.memphis.eduFor underwriting information, call 901-678-2560
or underwriting information, call 90or underwriting information, call 90isit us online at
Fisit us online at V
c l a s s y
or underwriting information, call 90
c l a s s yor underwriting information, call 90
c l a s s y.memphis.edu
c l a s s y.memphis.edu
c l a s s yisit us online at wumrwumr.memphis.eduisit us online at
c l a s s y
.memphis.edu
c l a s s y j a z z !c l a s s y j a z z !c l a s s y j a z z !c l a s s y j a z z !j a z z !j a z z !c l a s s yor underwriting information, call 90
c l a s s y1 6058-27-6
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c l a s s y.memphis.edu
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JULY
2009
Kentucky Derby Watch PartyBenefiting the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby CountyE
V E N
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Dr. Carlos J. Huerta and Scott Steven Rozic Buddy and Catherine Simmons
Bill and Laurie Benton Neely Simmons and Cidney Simmons
Margy and Anthony Demouellan Lindsey McGrew and Josh Hammond
KENT
UCKY
DER
BY W
ATCH
PAR
TY
Ed and Jan Murphy with Julianne and Paul FermiTate Taylor and Helen Stearnes Mary and Michael McFerrin
See all the party photos atrsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Clad in linen suits and sundresses, some 270 Kentucky Derby fanswitnessed the 135th “Run for the Roses” during a watch party atthe home of Wilson and Catherine Simmons. In the company of
animal lovers, the hosts asked that guests bring cans of dog or catfood upon arrival, as well as donations to the Humane Society ofMemphis and Shelby County.
Festivities literally began with a bang, as Mr. Simmonssounded a yacht club starter cannon. Guests from California, NewYork and the surrounding area gathered on the front lawn to hearthe grand start to a day filled with lots of surprises, including MineThat Bird’s upset victory. Luckily, a portion of attendees’ bets wentto the Humane Society.
In addition to the parade of exquisite women’s hats, enter-tainment included world champion banjo player Randall Martin,who played at the home’s front entrance as guests arrived. Later inthe afternoon, Martin teamed up with a bluegrass band that per-formed under a tent by the pool. And no Derby party would be com-plete without the ever-popular Derby Pie, which was part of a delec-table spread featuring Kentucky homemade chicken salad, ham andbiscuits, shrimp, asparagus, assorted cheeses and chocolate coveredstrawberries. Churchill Downs’ signature bottles of mint juleps werealso on hand.
The Simmonses, who have a farm outside Lexington,Kentucky, selected the event beneficiary at their children’s request.After their two daughters viewed a news report about abandonedpets, the girls decided they wanted to fund animal shelters. So, thefamily turned its attention from horses to hounds, raising morethan $3,500 and collecting about 1,000 pounds of pet food for thelocal Humane Society.
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick and Libby HuffPhotos by Libby Huff
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2009
E V E N
TKE
NTUC
KY DER
BY W
ATCH
PAR
TY
Cheryl and John Gorley
Betsy and Parker Coleman
Jim Cosman and Libby Huff
Lee Anne Wary and Sean Oldhan
Lisa James and Catherine Garrett
Amy Huber, John Huber and Jill Kadrie Julius Kalcevich, Ben A. Robinson and Dr. Sherman Qi
Jennifer Nelms and Thomas Chu Christy Gates and Michelle Blount Raymond and Debbie Williams Susan Gaugh and Butch Lulloff
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48
JULY
2009
By Dennis PhillippiRSVP
HILL
IPPI
AT LEAST STEPHEN BALDWIN IS EMPLOYEDFor once there’s something stupid goingon in society for which I have absolute-ly no responsibility. A phenomenon so
insidious it could very well tear apart thevery fabric of our society. A terrible stainthat shows our country in the worst possi-ble light. I refer to the hideous new trendof people with no discernable talentbecoming famous for no other reason thanthey have done something idiotic and land-ed on television. And, as I said, I have notaint of culpability on this one because Idon’t watch reality television. Or, for thatmatter, the news.
Well, I watch the news, but not if Ican avoid it. Sometimes news is on a tele-vision I can’t change, like say, above a baror in a doctor’s waiting room. That’s howI’ve occasionally been exposed to whatappears to be the nightly prime time“news” shows about missing people I’venever heard of and wouldn’t have knownexisted were it not for other people’s insa-tiable need to be frightened and appalledby things that don’t concern them in anyway. These shows all seem to be hosted bythe same brand of severe harpy who makejudgments without any due process andwithout any evidence that would be admis-sible in a court of law. Terrible things aregoing to happen to these hosts and theirproducers in the afterlife.
The breed of new celebrities thathas me the most disappointed is the groupof people who feels compelled to have fartoo many children. The magic number toget really famous seems to be eight. First,we had the perfectly dubbed Octomom.Why anyone would allow this seeminglyunemployable simpleton to burden thebiosphere with eight offspring is a mysteryto me. Honestly, I don’t think I’m quali-fied to make a single copy of myself, andthis woman manufactured one player shortof a baseball team. In a way, I suppose,she was made a celebrity grudgingly, butshe certainly warmed to the waters in ahurry.
The other ones are the two whostar, ugh, in some kind of series abouttheir brood that consists of one pair oftwins and one set of sextuplets. Throughthe years, I’ve known people who hadtwins, and they didn’t sleep for years at atime. They spent their adorable pair’syouth in a zombie daze punctuated by vis-
its to emergency rooms. These peoplewould no more have another set of twins,much less a six pack of infants, than theywould adopt a bear. The couple from theTV show is all over the covers of maga-zines I don’t read, forcing me to learnabout their inevitable marital woes whilein line to pay for my beer.
Of course they’re having maritalproblems; they have eight kids. Having
that many children would put an emotion-al strain on a neighborhood, much less ahousehold. This is the unfortunate conflu-ence of medical advances, in this case fer-tility drugs, and a vast wasteland of televi-sion that has to be filled with something.Why not make a show about a couple’s lifebeing destroyed by their own poor decisionmaking? They don’t even have to hire writ-ers.
In the interest of full disclosure,and stretching this to a thousand wordswithout doing any research, my parentshad six kids. Now, they didn’t have themthe new, easy, instant way, they had themthe old fashioned bone-headed way; one ata time over the span of less than 10 years.And we’re not even Catholic. Trust mewhen I tell you, six kids is too many. I wasthe last hatchling in the nest, and by thetime I slipped unnoticed through the dog-gie door, my folks were all but done withparenting. They had been through everyimaginable battle and had disconsolatelyraised the white flag. If I got bad grades orhad an irate girlfriend’s father after me, orended up with a broken bone from beingan imbecile, I was expected to figure it outfor myself. They had seen it before, andwere uninterested in becoming involved.
Did having six kids cause disruption in myparents’ marriage? Let’s put it this way,they stayed married for more than 50years, but lived in separate states fordecades of them.
The only reality television I watchis sports. And even that show about peopleracing around the world doesn’t qualify assports. Just from the promos, you can seethat they are average looking and dull.Why would I want to watch them try andbum rides across France? I’m sure I couldget seduced into caring which pair is goingto find the key to the hot air balloon orwhatever, but no matter how well they do,they’re never going to lead the NFC inpassing yards.
I do watch that show where civil-ians run obstacle courses and get coveredin mud, but I justify it by saying that it’ssort of like sports, and I love watchingpeople I don’t know get hit in the facewith things.
Possibly worse than the famous forno reason crew is the used to be famousfor some flimsy reason and now can’t let itgo crowd. Fame is very addictive and peo-ple who didn’t really deserve it in the firstplace get hooked like heroin addicts. Theyare willing to be subjected to humiliationafter humiliation just so some blockheadfrom Sacramento will recognize them atthe airport. They allow minor basic cablechannels to set up housekeeping in theirhome and air their dirty laundry, some-times literally, to the sad millions whodon’t have anything better to do. Oneshow has now airlifted a group of brainlessformer almost somebodies into a jungle toargue and not bathe. Again, I’ve only seenthe promos and I hate this show. Thepremise is sound though. Take all theseyahoos and gasbags desperate for attentionat any cost and drop them into remote,hostile places, only this time, don’t sendany cameras.
This month, Mr. Phillippi tells us how hereally feels about reality shows, and hisopinion isn’t as pretty as the ratings.However, our humor columnist mustremember that these shows provide greatwater cooler fodder and the perfect oppor-tunity for B-list actors to play a show host,a part Phillippi wouldn’t turn down if itcame his way.
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JULY
2009
AFTE
R HO
URS After Hours
A photo collage of the latestbusiness happenings
DEBBIE SEGAL JEWELRY TRUNK SHOW AT PAPPAGALLO
GRAND OPENING OF THE LAURELWOODSHOPPING CENTER COURTYARD
A KOOKY CANUCK 4TH BIRTHDAYRED CARPET AFFAIR
Ellen and Tom PrewittShara Lynn Goldin and Debbie Segal
Carol Furr, Rita Lara, Mindy Lam and Cindy Gambrell
Therasa Cook with Jerry and Janita Potter
Warner Gregory, Rob Joyner and Judy Gregory
CRYE-LEIKE REALTOR APPRECIATION PARTY
Landis Foy, Rob Harshbarger and Matt McDonald
MINDY LAM JEWELRY TRUNK SHOW AT KITTIE KYLE
Al Stoltz and Amanda Kirkman
Tom and Meredith Coupe
Michelle Hodges, Kim Kilpatrick, Cary Newand Sloane Davis
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JULY
2009
Yearbook SnapshotRSVP
AST
1960s
After lunch, the students of Snowden Junior High would visit before heading back to class. On this particular day, classmatesgathered outside while a photographer snapped the group’s picture from a window overlooking the school’s front entrance.This moment was forever captured in the school’s 1960/1961 yearbook.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSIE GRAVES
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.
NOW
SER
VING
LUNCH!
COM
PLI
MEN
TARY
VALE
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