A CHARMING HOME IN THE
Mississippi Delta
SPECIAL SECTION: HEALTH
CONTENTS OCTOBER 2015
34 18 SPECIAL
SECTION HEALTH
Expert advice on health topics
34 HOME THE BUCOLIC LIFE Goldie and George Hirsberg enjoy life in their Clarksdale home in the Mississippi Delta
44 DESIGN MASTER BEDROOMS A look at trends and design ideas for the master bedroom
ON THE COVER - HOME FEATURE | p.34 The magnificent staircase in the Hirsbergs' Mississippi home. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! 6 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2015
CONTENTS OCTOBER 2015
F O R YO U 19 healthy you Sleep Well, Breathe Well 20 wellness Breast Cancer Awareness Month 30 beauty Behind the Brush: Matt Gossett 98 on a good note Tunica Humane Society
HOME & DESIGN 32 at home with Michael Waters 50 style marketplace Master Bedroom Decor 54 home trends New Construction Using Recycled Materials
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T R AV E L & C U L T U R E 56 visit this Paris, Tennessee 60 getaway South Walton, Florida 62 travel The Grand Tour of Italy 70 social pages 74 experience this Festivals Around the Mid South 80 arts The Orpheum Theatre
FOOD & DRINK 82 entertaining 50th Birthday Celebration 90 in the kitchen Game-Day Recipes 92 dining out The Hollywood Café 94 happy hour Thyme for the Blues Cocktail
IN EVERY ISSUE 12 | PUBLISHER’S NOTE
82 8 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2015
14 | CONTRIBUTORS 97 | SOURCES
OCTOBER 2015 • VOL. 14 NO. 7 PUBLISHER/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com
EDITOR LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT | lcolvett@athomemms.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR LAURIE A. SUMMERS | lsummers@athomemms.com
PHOTOGRAPHY & PRODUCTION ASSISTANT SUZIE HANSEN | shansen@athomemms.com
COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER
IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com
ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@comcast.net
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES MEGAN EIDT | meidt@gmail.com JEANNETTE MYERS | jmyers@athomemms.com MELINDA SANDERS | msanders@athomemms.com
BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com
MARKETING AND CIRCULATION HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com
CONTRIBUTORS CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS SUZIE HANSEN, STEVE ROBERTS AND RALPH CRAFTON
INTERNS TAYLOR GRACE AND RUTHIE HALL
HOW TO REACH US 320 South Walnut Bend Suite 11 | Cordova, TN 38018 TOLL FREE 877.684.4155 | FAX 866.354.4886 WEBSITE: athomemms.com
At Home Memphis & Mid South doesn't accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to—Editor, At Home Memphis & Mid South: 320 South Walnut Bend Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 877.684.4155 or subscribe at athomemms. com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Memphis & Mid South is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018 or to tmonger@athomemms.com. 10 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2015
publisher’s note
Changing
Seasons
W
ith every season come changes, and this season is no different. As I have enjoyed greeting y’all and sharing my monthly life updates for the past 10 years, the time has come to turn it over to my editor, Lesley Harris Colvett. I’ve enjoyed sharing my children’s stories, and I feel like I have raised my kids with you. We have survived floods, celebrated a high school football state championship with my son, and marked my daughter’s marriage to our son-in-law whom we couldn’t love more. You have read about births in the family and the loss of two very special men to me. In the past decade I have written and lived many chapters and I was blessed to share them with our great readers. With this new season, it is time for me to introduce you to Lesley, her husband Frank, and their children Harmon and Ella (aka Callie and Duncan). I say this laughing because Harmon is the same age as Duncan was ten years ago when Lesley started with us. This decade flew by – I look forward to reading Lesley’s letters over the next one and seeing what the future has in store for Harmon and Ella. Happy fall, y’all!!!
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contributors Matt Gossett • Beauty is a professional makeup artist located on Memphis, Tennessee. Sought out for his soft but glamorous bridal looks Matt has made a name for himself throughout the midsouth. With eight years in the Memphis beauty scene. Matt has always made it his number one priority to make sure the women of the Midsouth have their "own" kind of beauty.
ANGELA MAZANTI • Entertaining is the proprietor of Angela Mazanti Design. She specializes in interior, floral and event design, and her work has been locally and nationally recognized as outstanding in the field.
Barbara May • Travel is the owner of Travel Leaders, which has proudly served Memphis and the surrounding areas for the past 29 years. Her staff of travel professionals handles all aspects of the industry and is certified in areas that include cruises, all-inclusive Sandals properties, Disney, destination weddings and honeymoons. Barbara's agencies have been recognized as Top Retail Agencies by Travel Leaders.
Jordana White • Home is a lifestyle writer and editor. In addition to contributing to At Home Memphis & Mid South magazine, she writes for nationally distributed Life & Style magazine and several online outlets. Once a resident of Nashville, she now lives in New York with her husband Ian and two young sons, Brayden and Cooper.
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Corinth
Health 2015 Special Advertising Section
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healthy you
sleep well, breathe well IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE TEXT BY DAVID STEELE, VP – HMP, INC PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH JOHNSON
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he ability to get a sufficient amount of sleep each night, breathe properly and maintain overall health is essential to a good quality of life. Maintaining appropriate sleep habits and correcting sleep disorders (such as sleep apnea) can greatly improve wellness.
pari-nebulizers provide patients the best respiratory care possible while in the home. Some companies even offer 24-hour services (such as on-call respiratory therapists) to answer patients’ questions and concerns or help walk them through problems.
DAVID STEELE, VP – HMP, INC
Nearly a quarter of Americans report health problems associated with poor sleep and a lack of rest. On the flip side, adequate sleep has been linked to an increased ability to ward off illnesses such as diabetes and improvement in everyday work performance. Proper sleep is also critical to neurological functions related to good health. Chronic sleep problems, however, can eventually lead to conditions including heart disease and obesity. In older adults, improper sleep and/or lack of respiratory functions can be detrimental to those who suffer from disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and arthritis. A number of products exist in the market today that help to correct improper sleep and breathing. Help with sleeping well is especially important later in life, when good health can become challenging. Whether it’s respiratory equipment, more comfortable beds, sleeping aids or mobility assistance, in-home products can offer a wide variety of options for patient needs, and can greatly improve wellness.
The use of specialty beds and/or sleep aids to ensure proper rest and comfort can play a major role when it comes to improving overall health. Some examples of in-home equipment for this purpose include CPAPs, BiPAPs and hospital beds. CPAPs blow air at a pressure high enough to keep the airway open during sleep. Some can even provide therapy tracking software, off-grid power options and heated humidification. Other adjustable machine types include APAPs and BiPAPs. Mobility equipment like canes, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters and power wheelchairs can improve a patient’s quality of life and rest through conserving energy. Whether you are using these products for yourself or securing them for a loved one, make sure the company that provides them also offers full service along with access to a certified mobility specialist. Maintaining a high quality of sleep and the ability to breathe well will greatly improve your overall well-being and also help prevent problems later in life. David Steele is the Vice President of Home Medical Products, Inc., based in Jackson, TN.
Products such as concentrators, conserving devices, noninvasive ventilation, oxygen, travel oxygen, nebulizers and October 2015 • athomemms.com | 19
wellness
B r east Ca n c e r Awarenes s m on t h Text by Elaine Hare, Executive Director, Susan G. Komen Memphis-MidSouth
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here are more than 1 million women in the MidSouth and one in eight will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. That is a staggering number. The good news is that because of research, if breast cancer is detected early, there is a 99 percent five-year survival rate. But notice the caveat: IF detected early. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and the second most common cancer overall. In 2015, an estimated 231,840 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. alone. So no matter who you are or where you live, understanding breast cancer is important. But the most important thing to know is this: a diagnosis is not a death sentence. Breast cancer can be treated. There are lots of risk factors linked to breast cancer. The two most common, being a woman and getting older, are beyond your control. But some things, like exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting your alcohol intake, are within your power. Over the past 30 years, researchers have identified many factors that increase breast cancer risk and a few factors that lower it. Some factors affect risk a great deal and others by only a small amount. Scientists have learned a lot but still don’t understand what causes breast cancer to develop at a certain time in a certain person. It’s likely a combination of factors, and although there are things you can do to manage your risk, no one has control over whether he or she gets breast cancer. Breast cancer disparities for African-American women are startling. In 2014, breast cancer mortality was 44 percent higher for African-American women in the U.S. than
20 || At At Home Home Memphis Memphis & & Mid Mid South South •• January October2015 2015 20
Caucasian women. In the local community the disparity is even greater—more than two to one. Susan G. Komen® and its local affiliate Susan G. Komen Memphis-MidSouth® are working to change these outcomes. Self body awareness, screenings, mammograms and diagnostics are instrumental for early diagnosis. Komen Memphis-MidSouth strives daily to address the pressing needs of our community through education and support and with financial grants the organization issues annually to local health care providers. The grants from Komen Memphis-MidSouth provide the funds for screenings, mammograms and diagnostics. Since 1993 Susan G. Komen Memphis-MidSouth has provided over $9.4 million in direct grants to health care service providers in the local area and over $2.4 million to breast cancer research. For every dollar that Komen Memphis-MidSouth raises, 75 percent stays here in the Memphis community for local breast health care programs. The remaining 25 percent goes to breast cancer research. Susan G. Komen is second only to the U.S. government in funding breast cancer research. The 23rd Race for the Cure is moving to AutoZone Park in Downtown Memphis on October 31. Race organizers decided on the new venue to provide the event room to grow to better meet the ever-increasing local need for health care funding. To learn more about breast cancer in the Memphis area and Race for the Cure visit www.komenmemphis.org and to learn more about breast cancer facts and research visit Susan G. Komen at www.komen.org.
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Special Advertising Section
Kirby Pines Estates & The Farms at Bailey Station
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ousing trends among baby boomers suggest there is a sustained increase in the demand for worryfree retirement living. If luxury, beauty, comfort, security and a sense of community are high on your list, you’ll find Kirby Pines Estates and The Farms at Bailey Station are your best choices. Both are among western Tennessee’s most highly-regarded communities and managed by Retirement Communities of America (RCA), a faith-based, mission-driven organization with a legacy of caring for residents in their golden years. The needs and desires of residents guide all decisions, with a focus on providing a carefree lifestyle for the happiness, independence and longevity of each resident. Kirby Pines, located in East Memphis, has been serving seniors for over 30 years and The Farms at Bailey Station, nestled at the border of Germantown and Collierville, is currently in pre-construction and taking reservations for garden homes and luxury apartments. Both offer amenity-rich indoor and outdoor environments, as well as a small-town feel with the safety and security that go along with it. If you’re an empty nester, you’re likely ready to downsize and enjoy more of what life has to offer besides yard work and house maintenance. Keep it simple; sell your house and make Kirby
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Pines or The Farms your new home. Both offer elegant ways to retire and stay active. At Kirby Pines, you’ll be in heaven on their 60-acre, gated wonderland of mature pine trees, a stocked lake for fishing and quiet trails for walking, running and riding your bike. You can also enjoy gardening year round in their lush, newly renovated greenhouse. Inside, you can dance, attend social gatherings, swim, lift weights, and afterwards, get pampered in their spa and beauty shop! The activities list is long and includes woodworking, games, music, dancing and shows in the 350-seat Performing Arts Center, complete with a flex stage designed for ballet and symphony performances. At Kirby Pines, you’ll discover many healthy food choices in their five dining venues, from a casual café with a grill to a gourmet buffet to a formal dining room with table service. With all of this and more, you truly won’t ever have to leave! Both communities offer Life Care coverage which helps preserve your assets and give you peace of mind. It means you will be taken care of for the rest of your life on one campus offering skilled nursing, inpatient and outpatient rehab, assisted living and memory care. To learn more about either community visit kirbypines.com or thefarmsatbaileystation.com.
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special
Charm Bracelet Elaine Turner, $78
Think PINK
Pink with a Purpose Cheek Pop & Bag Clinique, $22
FABULOUS ITEMS IN HONOR OF BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Peony Set
Bobbi Brown, $50
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Breathe In Choose Hope Tumbler ChooseHope.com, $6
Cheetah Printed Scarf Elaine Turner, $98
Evelyn Lauder Dream Pin Estée Lauder, $12.50
Pink Choose Hope Watch ChooseHope.com, $24
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Special Advertising Section
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Parkinson’s Disease TEXT BY BRANDON BAUGHMAN, PHD NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
M
ost people who’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and their families are well aware of the physical limitations and motor symptoms that characterize the disease. Symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, slowed movements and abnormal uncontrolled movements are usually the focus of treatments including medication and surgical interventions, while the non-motor symptoms that accompany the disease are often overlooked. As a clinical neuropsychologist, I interact regularly with individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This interaction may come from a referral by a treating neurologist for a general assessment of the person’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses or from a neurosurgeon as part of a routine evaluation in order to assess a patient’s candidacy for deep brain stimulation. In either case, I often come to learn that those affected by Parkinson’s often lack understanding of the cognitive and emotional factors associated with the disease. It is estimated that between 30 and 50 percent of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s experience some form of cognitive impairment. These deficits can range in severity from very subtle and mild to severe and debilitating. For some individuals, Parkinson’s disease progression culminates in a specific type of dementia that may include slowed thinking, poor attention and concentration, trouble with multitasking, word finding problems (“tip of the tongue” phenomena), trouble understanding one’s surrounding, misjudging distances, not recognizing shapes and memory loss. However, people with Parkinson’s have a different type of forgetting problem than those with Alzheimer’s. In Parkinson’s, patients are able to learn
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BRANDON BAUGHMAN, PHD NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
and recognize information they have heard or seen in the past. Instead, they may have difficulty spontaneously remembering (“retrieving”) that information when asked. It is important to have a thorough examination, as individuals with Parkinson’s who do show mild cognitive impairment are at an increased risk of developing dementia. Emotional or psychological difficulties are often common in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Depression, anxiety, impulse control problems including gambling and risk taking, and even psychosis can occur. Depression estimates are upwards of 50 percent. These problems may be related to simply living with a chronic brain disorder or, in some cases, caused by medications used to treat Parkinson’s. No matter the source, these are important factors to pay attention to and manage appropriately, as they can have a significant impact on quality of life. When I meet with Parkinson’s patients and families we speak in depth about cognitive functions (and deficits, if present) as well as emotional factors. Should problems in these areas be identified, I provide information regarding medical treatment to the patient’s neurologist or other physician. We discuss strategies to manage cognitive problems at home, how to use a pillbox effectively, for example. An exciting area of research currently is the development of cognitive training or rehabilitation programs that would allow individuals with even the subtle cognitive issues that are often seen even prior to the development of significant motor symptoms to be able to remediate or adapt to these deficits before they begin to affect quality of life and functional activities of daily living.
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beauty
Behind the Brush An Interview with Matt Gossett Photography by Walter White | Model: Chelsea Chandler Hair by Buddy Hart, High Maintenance Salon
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t Home Memphis & Mid South magazine is pleased to welcome professional makeup artist Matt Gossett as our monthly beauty feature contributor. Gossett, who resides in Collierville, Tennessee, brings seven years of makeup experience, and his work has been featured in At Home Memphis & Mid South magazine, RSVP magazine, Memphis magazine, and Click magazine. We chatted with Gossett to get to know the man behind the brush. At Home Memphis & Mid South: When did you know a career in beauty was for you? Matt Gossett: It was actually when I started to think about working in Sephora, and I started thinking how I could get my foot in the door in the beauty world. AHMMS: Who or what inspired you to become a makeup artist? MG: I became a makeup artist because of my love for making things beautiful and for art. I find that doing makeup is like creating a piece of art and the face is the canvas.
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AHMMS: What do you love most about your job? MG: Makeup is such a wonderful accessory. The VOILA moment you get when someone sees their makeup is amazing. Knowing they look fabulous, watching it elevate their mood, that’s what I live for. After I’m done and send a lady off for the night or a bride down the aisle, I like giving her the reassurance that she is the belle of the ball.
Matt Gossett
AHMMS: Is there ever such a thing as “age appropriate” makeup for women as they mature? MG: I don’t think there is because taste is universal. Over time, you discover who you are and find a look. I think there is nothing sexier than confidence. The key is to stay modern, break out of your comfort zone and wear a great red lip every once in a while.
AHMMS: So many working mothers and young professionals with busy schedules are searching for quick, accessible and achievable ways to look their best no matter where they are. How can a woman quickly transition from office to cocktail?
at home with
MG: A little black, navy or plum liner in the water line gives you sultry in minutes. Add some extra mascara, lipstick and a high-shine gloss and you are ready for cocktails! AHMMS: While we’re on the topic of quick, accessible and achievable, what is one tip you would give a woman that would change her look for the better with makeup? MG: I think the biggest mistake is wearing the wrong shade of foundation. Make sure that you are wearing a foundation shade that matches your skin tone perfectly. Don’t forget to change according to season. AHMMS: How should a woman choose a lipstick? MG: Don’t overthink a choice. If you like the color and it draws you in, it’s usually the color for you. AHMMS: What sets you apart? Why are women drawn to your expertise and your talent? In essence, do you have a signature style or technique that keeps women coming back for more? MG: I adore the soft glamour aesthetic. I’m known for my soft glamour, smoky eye, glowing skin and high-shine glossy nude lip. AHMMS: What is your personal routine in the morning? MG: I love to get up and immediately start jamming out to some Pandora. I love music and since I don’t drink coffee it is my morning boost! AHMMS: What are your personal beauty must-haves? MG: I love Dior Iconic mascara, Hourglass bronzer, Urban Decay Naked Skin foundation, Bobbi Brown tinted eye brightener and Anastasia Beverly Hills brow products!
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at home with
Michael Waters Interview by Morgan Pruitt Photography by John Terry, Forest hill photography
At Home Memphis & Mid South recently spoke with Michael Waters about his business, Stately Cotton, and why he’s passionate about his “homegrown & homesewn” products. At Home Memphis & Mid South: Give us a little bit of background about yourself. Michael Waters: I was born and raised in Memphis and I graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2010. I currently live in Memphis. AHMMS: How did you go about starting Stately Cotton? MW: Growing up in Memphis (the cotton capital of the world) and coming from generations of farmers in the Mississippi and Arkansas delta, agriculture, cotton and the delta have always been in my blood. It’s something I have a lot of love and passion 32 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2015
for. I started to see all these Southern brands popping up. I thought that was pretty cool and I wanted to buy some, but when I started looking at all the tags and labels, I saw that the garments were made in China or India. I then started to realize that none of these companies had anything to do with Southern. There wasn’t actually one product that I could find that was a true Southern brand other than its name. I wanted a product that supported local farmers and the American textile industry. I bought some bales of cotton from a good friend of mine who farms cotton in Lee County, AR, loaded them up in a U-Haul and drove to North Carolina. When I got to the textile mill,
everybody there laughed at me, saying they’d never seen anyone pull up in a U-Haul full of cotton. Four months later, I had a finished product that was ready to go on the shelves. I sold my first shirt in September of 2013. I had never been in the apparel business nor did I know anything about it, but I knew I had a story and a high-quality shirt. People told me it couldn’t be done. That’s probably one of the main reasons it did get done.
AHMMS: What do you love most about your job?
AHMMS: What makes your business unique?
AHMMS: What are your goals for the future?
MW: My business is unique because to my knowledge, there is nothing else out there like it. I’m 100% made in America— which weeds out 99.9% of everybody else. I can tell you the name of the farmer who grew the cotton. I know the name of the guy who spins the cotton into yarn and that his textile mill has been in his family for three generations. I know Johnny is going to cut and sew the shirt for me and that he has a daughter whom he’s trying to support at North Carolina State. I get to use FedEx that’s based out of my hometown. There are a lot of friendships and pride in what I do, and I try to keep everything as local as possible. People really support that.
MW: GROW! I want to have a full line of clothes and have bought cotton from every cotton growing state. I also want to help others start businesses.
MW: Probably seeing someone I don’t know wearing one of my shirts or having them tell me it’s their favorite shirt. There are a million other shirts out there and companies that have been doing it a whole lot longer than mine, and they chose my shirt, so that means a lot.
AHMMS: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing? MW: I love spending time in the delta, hunting or fishing with friends and family. I’m a huge fan of music, so you can find me in a local juke joint every now and then. I also enjoy SEC football, playing golf and thinking of new businesses to start.
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HOMEfeature
The Bucolic Life
GOLDIE AND GEORGE HIRSBERG RETIRE TO THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA TEXT BY JORDANA WHITE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE ROBERTS & RALPH CRAFTON
A
bout 10 years ago, George Hirsberg was retiring from the accounting firm at which his father had been a founding member, almost 90 years previously. For quite
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some time, George and his wife Goldie had admired the sprawling home of one of George’s clients, a 5,500-squarefoot structure built in 1969 “as a showplace” for the large plot of Clarksdale, MS, farmland on which it was situated.
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Over the years, as the relationship with these clients grew, the owners persistently joked that one day the home would belong to the Hirsbergs. Content in their nearby ranch house, both George and Goldie laughed off the suggestion, never putting much thought into the matter. Then, as George was setting up final meetings in advance of his departure from the firm, the homeowners’ children approached him to reveal they were ready to sell their family property: in fact, their mother was already telling interested buyers it had been sold—to the Hirsbergs! Recognizing the delicate nature of the situation, both Goldie and George quickly went to tour the house—they’d never actually been inside—and within days they’d taken possession of the home surrounded by cotton fields. At first Goldie was overwhelmed—with her three children grown and out of the house, the five bedrooms, three full baths, two half baths and two sitting rooms seemed like more house than they really needed. Eventually she recognized the need to accommodate their growing brood of grandchildren and came to view the additional space as necessary. With just “a few renovations to make the house more livable”—opening up the kitchen to the breakfast room and removing several doors for a more open feel—the Hirsbergs were ready to put their personal touches on the place.
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Striving to create a “warm, welcoming and comfortable atmosphere,” Goldie balanced livable decor with elements that could accent the dramatic beauty of features such as the sweeping entryway staircase and the exposed beams on several ceilings in the house. Working in earthy, neutral tones that complemented the natural setting, Goldie painted the ceilings in Minced Onion, selecting colors ranging from Fernwood Green to Monroe Bisque for the painted walls throughout the house. To add a touch of drama, she wallpapered the dining room and accented the master bedroom, kitchen and breakfast room with stunning faux finishes.
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HOMEfeature
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In the den, where warm wood paneling belies the need for fussy wall appointments, the Hirsbergs gave prominent placement to a unique piece of furniture: a monk’s monastery table which came from Paris but was snatched up by the couple at an auction following the closure of a local bed and breakfast.
stumbled upon a dog that had clearly been abandoned in the area. After a visit to the vet’s office, where the doctor dubbed the pooch Lucky because he’d “found the home of a lifetime,” the canine became a staple in the Hirsberg house. “All my life we have picked our dogs,” Goldie says, “but this one chose us.”
While the table might have been the find of a lifetime for the family, the beloved breakfast room chandelier was the save of the century. The delicate fixture, which features three torch-bearing figures, was a holdover from the Hirsbergs’ previous residence. When it was being moved, Goldie reveals, “It fell out of the electrician’s truck and he thought surely it was destroyed. However, when we took it back to the antique shop where it was originally purchased, they were able to restore it to its original condition!”
In a way, the arrival of the dog is indicative of the new way of life Goldie and George adopted upon their transition into retirement. Having raised their three “Southern gentlemen” to go out into the world and excel in their professions, the senior Hirsbergs are now content with enjoying all that life in the Delta has to offer. These days, with boardrooms replaced by rolling fields, George spends his time “hunting, fishing, dabbling in the yard and working on his ‘honey-dos,’” while Goldie enjoys the gathering of friends and family during her frequent entertaining ventures. A golden life for the golden years, no doubt.
Saving a favorite light fixture hasn’t been the only stroke of luck the couple has enjoyed in their new abode. Shortly following their move into the new place, the Hirsbergs
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design
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MASTER BEDROOMS TEXT BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT
Designer: Christian Nelius, Photography: Suzie Hansen 44 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2015
design
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he master bedroom is a welcoming retreat after a busy day, a place where personal style can shine. While soothing neutrals and soft tones are a natural choice for the master bedroom, there’s always room to add a bold pattern or a fun piece of art to liven up the space! At Home Memphis & Mid South spoke with three designers about current ideas, colors and trends.
Christian Nelius
Interior Designer, ANNO DOMINI (art & design) At Home Memphis & Mid South: How would you describe the look/feel of this bedroom you decorated? Christian Neluis: This space is laid back and eclectic. The homeowners have curated a very artful and cultured home; I wanted the bedroom to have the same cool factor that this family has! AHMMS: What colors do you like to see/decorate with in a master bedroom? CN: Everyone thinks the bedroom needs to be decorated in “soothing” colors like pale blue and neutrals. But you sleep with the lights out and your eyes closed, so it’s not like a fun wallpaper would wake you up at night! It should be the place where you as an individual or as a couple get exactly what you want. It is a private space where you are not made to entertain guests or rustle up kids—the place where you should feel most free to express your personal style. AHMMS: Any design tips for readers wanting to freshen up/repaint their master bedroom? CN: Get a cool headboard. You could keep your bed unmade all the days of your life but that headboard will never need fluffing! AHMMS: What are your favorite new trends for master bedrooms? CN: I love using bedside tables that are not necessarily “bedside tables.” Almost anything that is the right scale and the right height can serve as a night stand. I also love to see a “his” and “hers” combo...so cute and fun!
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design
Designer: Leigh Montgomery, Photography: Madeline Cox 46 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2015
Leigh Montgomery Interior Designer, blu d’or Interiors At Home Memphis & Mid South: What design elements might a perfect master bedroom include? Leigh Montgomery: A master bedroom should always be a welcoming escape from a busy day. I think a neutral color palette works best—luxurious, washable linens like Bella Notte, a comfortable sitting/ reading area and soft lighting to add to the ambiance of the room. I especially love using sconces just above the bed with table lamps because they can be both useful and beautiful. AHMMS: What colors do you like to decorate with in a master bedroom? LM: I personally think that neutrals like creams, taupes, grays, soft greens and blues are always a good choice— subtle and subdued. This neutral base allows you to add a pop of color in your artwork and accessories. AHMMS: Any design tips for readers who want to freshen up/repaint their master bedroom? LM: Regardless of the color, it’s a good idea to try samples of the wall color and look at them at different times of the day; paint hues can change with natural lighting throughout the day. In addition, a quick way to give the bedroom a fresh look would include adding a new duvet, accent pillows, perhaps a bench at the foot of the bed and fresh flowers… always! AHMMS: What are your favorite new trends for master bedrooms? LM: I’m seeing additional living spaces incorporated into the master suite. For example, when space allows, adding a small sofa, a love seat or cozy chairs makes for a nice area away from the busy part of the home. Then a master bedroom becomes a true retreat.
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design
Designer: Ashley Toney, Photography: Lindsey Lissau 48 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2015
Designer: Ashley Toney, Photography: Terry Sweeney
Ashley Toney Owner/Designer, First Fruit Collection At Home Memphis & Mid South: What design elements might a perfect master bedroom include? Ashley Toney: Calming colors and lush textures are some of the most important design elements in a master bedroom. AHMMS: What colors do you like to decorate with in a master bedroom? AT: I love to decorate with calming neutral colors with pops of blues and greens. AHMMS: Any design tips for readers who want to freshen up/repaint their master bedroom? AT: Choose a light and airy paint color that brightens your room. Light cream, gray or even a soft blue helps give the room a calming element. Using white bedding with just a hint of color in throw pillows and accents gives your room a clean and spa-like feeling. AHMMS: What are your favorite new trends for master bedrooms? AT: Layering is a big trend in bedding right now. Layering fabrics, textures and colors gives a cozy feeling to any room, and a master bedroom is no exception to that rule. See Sources (p.97) for more information. November October 2015 2014 • athomemms.com | 49
styleMARKETPLACE
Howard Miller St. Clair Gallery Wall Clock $244.99, Bed, Bath & Beyond Script Monogram Pillow $34.95, Pier 1 Imports
MASTER BEDROOM
DECOR SOFT COLORS CREATE A COZY, CALMING EFFECT IN THE MASTER BEDROOM
Lucian Chair $1,589, Ethan Allen 50 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2015
Greek Key Table Lamp $369, Ethan Allen
Caitlyn Chenille Throw Blanket Signature Design, $52.99, Wayfair.com
Mini Gold Starburst Mirror $259, Ethan Allen October 2015 • athomemms.com | 51
Covington, tn
52 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2015
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home trends
RECYCLING PROVES TO BE A BEAUTIFUL
WAY TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT TEXT BY ROBIN TERRY, WEST TENNESSEE HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION PHOTOS COURTESY OF WEST TN HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
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orman Brown, owner of EPlex/EBox on Shelton Road in Collierville, knows a bit about recycling. So when it came time to build a new office building for his business, Brown wanted not only a comfortable facility for his office staff, but also a demonstration site for using recycled materials in new construction. Fortunately, he was able to turn to his wife, Gina, also a builder and a designer, to help him make that vision a reality. The result is a beautiful, two-story structure with a wood and stone façade that clearly speaks to its natural design aesthetic. But it’s the interior of the structure that really shines, with an abundance of design features carefully chosen to use repurposed or recycled materials. Gina’s design influence is evident everywhere. Immediately noticeable when you enter is the unusual mosaic flooring, constructed from bits and pieces of granite. Norman says it took more than six years to gather enough granite pieces to complete the main office building floor, the downstairs and upstairs bathroom floors, and the adjacent break room/
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conference room floor. Gina chose darker patterns of granite to cover the expansive office and break room floors, and lighter tones for the smaller bathroom floors. Pieces of thick wavy glass, salvaged from the downtown Memphis Lowenstein building, were chosen by Gina to accent the bathroom doors. “I just laid out the design and Kerns-Wilcheck, a Memphis design and manufacturing company (of custom furnishings) built the doors for us,” Gina explains. The darker tones of the doors complement the wood insets in the main office’s walls, so there’s a variety of wood tones throughout. Norman explains that the darker wood comes from planks that were the outer, or first cut of beams salvaged from an old gin in North Carolina. Planks cut from the inner part of the beams are lighter because they’ve not been exposed to the elements. Gina chose recycled materials to use whenever possible. Her research found a company that specializes in lighting made from recycled and repurposed components, and the striking chandelier in the stairwell is an example of their work, built of aluminum turnings from the fabrication of
automobile parts and airline cables. Metal railings in sections of the stairwell are actually pieces of rebar from EPlex that Norman saved and had powder coated at another local company, Rick’s Powder Coating & Customs. Wood on the stair risers and treads came from pine trees that were removed when Houston Levee Road was widened near Almadale. Fossilized wood found on the EPlex site is displayed in the office; Norman says an expert from the University of Memphis estimated the age of the wood at 45 million years. As a builder, Norman understands the amount of waste generated on a construction site. When he started the recycling landfill in the mid 1980s, he began learning a great deal about ways to recycle everything from tree limbs and trunks to concrete, framing lumber and asphalt shingles. Today, the facility has grown to employ 80 workers. The site only accepts construction waste—it’s not for residential waste collection—and the refuse is sorted and processed by machine, or sometimes by hand, to pull out materials that can be recycled for further use. Norman says that since the business opened, hundreds of tons of debris have been kept from burial in local landfills. The EPlex facility has another interesting purpose: it’s a national training site for search and rescue dogs. The Tennessee Task Force #1 Canine Rescue & Recovery Squad based in Memphis uses an area of the EPlex site as their home training center, and the Task Force serves as the host group for other rescue teams from all over the United States. Norman, an avid hunter and dog lover himself, says watching the groups train with their dogs is really something to see. Not just partners in marriage, Gina and Norman are also partners in the Brown Companies, building several new homes in a section of The Stables Subdivision on Bray’s Station Road. Norman says he’s proud to operate EPlex/Ebox as a flourishing business in Collierville, and credits much of his success to other members of the West Tennessee Home Builders Association and the local construction industry for their commitment to reducing the amount of waste that enters landfills.
October 2015 • athomemms.com | 55
visit this
Paris, Tennessee
TexT By Jayne Cannon | PhoTos CourTesy of The Paris-henry CounTy ChamBer of CommerCe
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D
reaming of a weekend escape to Paris? A chance to stroll the boulevard, shop a little, take a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower? It might be easier than you think. Forget the international flight. Hop in the car and in less than three hours, you’ve landed in Paris, TN, where you can browse shops as you walk around the charming town square. And just a few blocks away, you can pose in front of the Tennessee version of that iconic French tower. Paris was the first incorporated town in West Tennessee; locals claim the red brick courthouse at the center of the square is the oldest continuously operating judicial building in the area. The current edifice, dedicated in 1896, is the third one in the same spot. The square is steeped in history; Andrew Jackson and Davy Crockett made political speeches, Confederate soldiers rallied, and a number of notorious criminals were hanged on the pin oak-lined grounds. The town, one of 15 American Paris namesakes, was named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette, who once visited Tennessee. According to Jennifer Wheatley of the local Chamber of Commerce, “Lafayette was actually the preferred name, but they were afraid nobody could spell it so they decided on Paris.” Historians deny the story, Wheatley says, but the legend persists. Around the square you’ll find a variety of shops—a music store, a coffee shop, even an old-time drugstore. Gerry Scholes owns Maggie’s, a clothing and gift shop on the square where you can also pick up Eiffel Tower notepads and coasters, just to prove you went to Paris. Scholes grew up in Paris, moved to Dallas and escaped the Texas heat by returning to town 10 years ago. On another side of the square, Suzy Herron runs Herron & Wills Co., offering artisan-made clothing, pottery, glass and more. Like Scholes, Herron grew up in Paris, moved away and came back to open her shop. Herron notes that it was her hometown’s charm that brought her back. She says, “It’s a place where time has stopped. It’s quaint, but I think people are surprised at the sophistication they see here.” October 2015 • athomemms.com | 57
visit visit this this
”
Paris is just a great place to take a slow, leisurely walk”
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Just off the square, Bailey McSwaim runs Home Sweet Home, a 4,000-square-foot bed and breakfast with high ceilings, original moldings and hardwood floors and a screened porch “where you can sit and watch the world go by.” His guests often do just that, McSwaim says, and they also walk. “Paris is just a great place to take a slow, leisurely walk,” he adds.
visit this
The town hosts a number of holiday events including a Festival of Trees and various bazaars, but Santa’s Gingerbread House, open Nov. 27-Dec. 20, is perhaps the most popular local tradition. In late April, Paris is home to the weeklong World’s Largest Fish Fry, which includes a 5K Hushpuppy Dash, a street dance, arts and crafts shows, a parade, a carnival and five tons of fried catfish. For most visitors, a stop by Eiffel Tower Park is a must. Just a few blocks off the square, the centerpiece of the park is the recognizable replica, which was built at Christian Brothers University in Memphis and donated to the city in 1992. Constructed of 500 pieces of Douglas fir and 6,000 steel rods, the tower is a selfie magnet. About seven miles south of town is Paris Winery, where locals and visitors gather for wine tastings, al fresco dining and concerts. Lisa and Roger Ciarrocchi were flying over Tennessee when from their plane they spotted rolling hills that reminded them of the landscape in Tuscany. Intrigued, they landed, fell in love with the area and bought acreage. They started with a few vines 10 years ago. By 2008, the couple opened the winery and a rambling Venetian-style building on a hillside with a tasting bar and Italian restaurant. They produce a variety of wines, including one in an Eiffel Tower-shaped bottle. Paris Landing State Park, an 841acre site on Kentucky Lake, is 12 miles from Paris. Fishing, boating, golf, hiking and camping draw visitors year round. Each room at the Inn at Paris Landing State Park has a view of the lake.
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getaway
FALL’S A PERFECT TIME FOR A
South Walton VAC AT I O N
TEXT BY TRACY LOUTHAIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VISIT SOUTH WALTON
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eaching the top of the boardwalk, the view becomes clear. The sugar-white sand looks like powder below and gentle waves lap the shore, bringing a soothing calmness to the beach. Cool coastal breezes softly blow against the dunes and the sea oats dance in the wind. Dragonflies buzz at a frenzied pace atop the dunes and the sun slowly drops to the sea. As the sky transforms into brilliant swaths of orange, pink and purple like an artist’s canvas, it is clear that an autumn sunset along South Walton’s beaches is indeed magical. SoWal locals know that fall is the best time of year for a beach escape. But for those who need an excuse to schedule a beach getaway, here are five, in addition to the spectacular sunsets. Can’t-miss fall events. The fall calendar is brimming with special events and festivals that appeal to a variety of
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interests. From the 30A Charity Golf Classic (Oct. 10) to South Walton Fashion Week (Oct. 7-10) to the Seeing Red Wine Festival (Nov. 5-8), one-of-a-kind events throughout the fall months are worth the trip. Start holiday shopping. From Silver Sands Premium Outlets, where shoppers find designer brands at great savings, to galleries and boutiques filled with unique gifts, shopping at the beach allows travelers to accomplish multiple goals. New South Walton hot spots. It’s fun to be among the first to find new places. In Inlet Beach, 30Avenue is garnering buzz for its mix of shopping and dining experiences. Famed Chef Tim Creehan has opened Cuvee 30A, which is garnering rave reviews for its fresh coastal menu. In Seagrove Beach, The Hub is South Walton’s newest gathering spot. Hosting live music and events
as well as featuring sports on the jumbotron, the Hub’s outdoor amphitheater is an enjoyable place to hang out. In Miramar Beach, the renovated Market Shops at Sandestin are welcoming new eateries including Bijoux, DIG and Formula Fresh, as well as boutique shops. Health and fitness benefits. There are dozens of spas, yoga studios, classes and nature tours to help clear the mind and rejuvenate the body. From the stand up paddle board lessons at the WaterColor Marina to yoga on the beach, a trip to the coast can be good for your health. Discounted lodging rates. It is the season to save in South Walton. From vacation rentals to traditional hotels, lodging rates are discounted during the fall season. Vacation rentals from an established company such as Newman-Dailey Resort Properties as well as hotels like the Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort & Spa offer budget-friendly rates, often with added
perks in the fall. For example, Newman-Dailey has introduced a shopping package which includes a $30 gift card toward Silver Sands Premium Outlets and the Hilton Sandestin is featuring a Fall Sunday (Free) Funday package. Whether relaxing on the beach or setting out to enjoy one of the area’s distinctive experiences, autumn tides bring ample justification to make time for a beach escape. RESOURCES: Visit South Walton: www.visitsouthwalton.com Newman-Dailey Resort Properties: www.southwaltonvacation.com Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort & Spa: www. hiltonsandestinbeach.com
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travel
THE G RA N D TO U R OF
It aly
TEXT BY BARBARA MAY, OWNER OF TRAVEL LEADERS | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TRAVEL LEADERS
St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican
I
taly may not take up much geographical space on the globe, but it consistently ranks among the top vacation destinations on the planet. Tourism is one of the biggest contributors to the Italian economy. More than 40 million tourists a year visit the country—mainly for its art, cuisine, history, fashion and culture. Italy has been the home of many European cultures and its capital, Rome, has been the hub of Western civilization. Vatican City, located in Rome, is the center of the Catholic Church. Italy is located on the Italian Peninsula in southern Europe, and includes the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily and Sardinia. Italy shares its northern Alpine boundary with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The independent states of San Marino and Vatican City are enclaves within the Italian Peninsula, while Campione d’Italia is an Italian exclave in Switzerland. 62 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2015
Visitors flock to Italy’s beautiful coastline and beaches, fruitful countrysides, mountains and priceless ancient monuments. There are 24 national parks in Italy and more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than in any other country. ITALIAN HIGHLIGHTS Few cities evoke the sheer wonder and amazement of Rome. Ancient history, outstanding art and religious icons are around every corner, but if all those treasures become overwhelming you can just join the locals in sipping espresso in one of the city’s many squares. With so much to see and do, the real test will be trying to fit it all in! The Colosseum (Colosseo) is the most thrilling of Rome’s ancient sights. It’s not just the amazing completeness of the place or its size, but the sense of violent history that resonates. It was
travel
The Colosseum in Rome
Florence
here that gladiators met in mortal combat and condemned prisoners fought off wild beasts in front of baying, bloodthirsty crowds. Two thousand years later it’s Italy’s top tourist attraction, pulling in between 16,000 and 19,000 people on an average day. Along with the Colosseum, the Pantheon is a striking 2,000-year-old temple. Now a church which preserves many of Rome’s ancient monuments, it is one of the most influential buildings in the Western world. The real fascination of the Pantheon lies in its massive dimensions and awe-inspiring dome. Considered the ancient Romans’ greatest architectural achievement, it was the largest cupola in the world until the 15th century and is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in existence. During the Renaissance, the building was vastly studied and one of the period’s foremost architects, Brunelleschi, used it as
The Pantheon in Rome
inspiration for his cupola in Florence. It later became an important burial chamber with its cavernous marble-clad interior; you’ll find the tomb of the artist Raphael alongside those of kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I. Palatine Hill is sandwiched between the Roman Forum and the Circo Massimo. The Palatino (Palatine Hill) is an atmospheric area of towering pine trees, majestic ruins and memorable views. According to legend, this is where Romulus killed his twin and founded Rome in 753 BC. Archaeological evidence cannot prove the legend, but it has dated human habitation here to the eighth century BC. Piazza di Spagna & the Spanish Steps (Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti) has been a magnet for visitors since the 18th century! The Spanish Steps provide a perfect peoplewatching perch and you’ll almost certainly find yourself
October 2015 • athomemms.com | 63
travel
Yacht Haven Grande
St. Peter's Square
spending time here at some point. The Piazza di Spagna was named after the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See, and consequently the steps were so named, although they were designed by the Italian Francesco de Sanctis and built in 1725 with a legacy from the French. Did you know that Vatican City is the smallest state in the world, and is within the city of Rome? It is one of the most sacred places in Christendom and consists of a walled enclave covering an area of 110 acres. It is the official residence of the Pope and home to the Holy See, the center of the Roman Catholic Church. The colorful Swiss Guards, a well-known sight in Vatican City posted at all the entrances, provide security and protect the Pope. The design of their uniforms is attributed to Michelangelo or Raphael. They are the smallest and oldest
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St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican
standing army in the world, having been founded in 1506 by the warrior pope, Julius II. Inside Vatican City are 11 museums including the restored Sistine Chapel and Vatican Gardens. Dating back to medieval times when vineyards and orchards extended to the north of the Apostolic Palace, the picturesque gardens are now home to fountains, fish pools and enclosures for rabbits. Some of the world’s most famous architecture and art can be found within Vatican City. St Peter’s Basilica has a dome designed by Michelangelo that is so large that the Statue of Liberty would fit inside it with room to spare! This awe-inspiring interior also houses some beautiful works of art, including Michelangelo’s “La Pieta.”
CORINTH, MS
Vatican City
The Gallery of Maps ceiling in the Vatican
The basilica was created through the combined creative efforts of Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bernini and Maderna and was erected over the tomb of St. Peter the Apostle. It is the largest religious building in the world and one of the best-known examples of Renaissance architecture. The restored Sistine Chapel is a mustsee site with its famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo. The Vatican is the only one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites to consist of an entire state. Florence is known for its museums, palaces, churches and wineries. The
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travel
Cruz Bay of St. John
Florence
city is home to some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular and important sites in Florence include the Duomo, the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi Gallery, the Bargello and the Accademia. The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are veritable art galleries, and the library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo’s architectural genius. The Uffizi Gallery is the oldest gallery in the world and was built in 1560 as offices for the Tuscan Administration (“Uffizi” translates as “offices”). Visitors can take part in a guided tour of the museum and will see such works as “The Birth of Venus” and “Primavera” by Botticelli, Michelangelo’s “The Holy Family” and Titian’s “Venus of Urbino.” The museum displays its paintings in a series of rooms off the horseshoe-shaped main corridor.
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CHIANTI/TUSCANY Chianti is in the hills of Tuscany and is a 30-minute drive from Florence. This beautiful and famous region of Tuscany is best known for its great wineries. There are many wines produced in Chianti, each one with its own flavor: Classico, Chianti Rufina, Chianti Colli Fiorentini and more. A few oustanding Tuscan wineries are the Castello di Verrazzano Winery, the Panzanello Winery and the Panzano Winery. Guests can participate in wine tastings at all wine bars (called “enoteca” in Italian) as well as enjoy tastings organized at restaurants which combine wine with a full meal, but a visit to the winery is the ideal experience to fully appreciate local vintages. Going to the producer, tasting their wines on the spot and visiting the vineyards is a unique experience to enjoy while in Tuscany. Even those who don’t drink will love the beauty of Italy’s wine estates.
JACKSON, TN
Castello di Verrazzano Winery
Florence
Some farms or wineries require advance reservations for tastings or tours, while others are prepared for drop-in visitors. A pre-visit phone call is the best bet. Amalfi is named after a beautiful nymph, loved by Hercules. The principal town on the spectacular Amalfi Coast, it is situated on the south side of the Sorrento peninsular which forms the southern end of the Bay of Naples. The area has long been a favorite destination for tourists who come for the spectacular scenery, the dramatic views, the attractive seascape and the pretty seaside towns of Vietri sul Mare, Maiori, Minori, October 2015 • athomemms.com | 67
travel
The Amalfi Coast
Ravello and Positano. Ferries from Salerno regularly call on several of these towns before going on to Sorrento and Capri. A spectacular mountain road called the Amalfi Drive winds its way between Amalfi and Sorrento. The road is a testament to the skill of Italian engineering, and to the prowess of the local bus drivers! For visiting motorists the drive can be an extremely nerve-racking experience, but it provides stunning views for the passenger. Apart from the breathtaking scenery, Amalfi has plenty of art and
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culture to offer including the cathedral, the Shrine of Saint Andrew and the Chiostro del Paradiso. The climate in Italy is mainly mild on the coast, becoming colder inland and into the mountains. It can be extremely hot everywhere in the summer and extremely cold in the north during the winter. People planning Italian vacations may think they don’t need help deciding where to go and what to do while in Italy; however, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the vast number of options. It pays to do some research and a bit
of strategizing before a trip. It’s possible to visit Italy for several weeks and not be able to see everything. Many vacationers prefer to take an organized tour when traveling in Italy due to the language barrier. For more information on an Italian vacation contact the travel professionals at Travel Leaders, located at 2765 Wolf Creek Parkway, Ste.104, Memphis, 901.377.6600 or 901.853.6200.
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social
Amy Posey, Leigh Bynum & Melissa Reed
WINGS POLO classic 2015
STORY BY TEALY DEVEREAUX PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LARRY OHRBERG
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igh 70s and sunny—the perfect weather for a fundraiser promoted to be the party of the year. The Wings Cancer Foundation fulfilled its goal of doubling attendance for the Wings Polo Classic held Sunday, September 13, 2015. More than 1,000 tickets were sold for the second annual event at the Memphis Polo Club. The match was amped up this year with a whiskey
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Todd & Melissa Conklin pull, a live auction and champagne served from the polo field at halftime. Admission and activities during the afternoon party helped raise more than $100,000. Wings’ programs aid underserved cancer survivors across the Mid South by providing free lymphedema garments, breast prostheses and post-mastectomy supplies and screenings. For more information on Wings Cancer Foundation visit wingscancerfoundation.org.
Heather Blome, Carmen Vincent & Renee West
Tealy Devereaux & Alyssa Chase Tanner October 2015 • athomemms.com | 71
social
Sheila, Joshua & Ephraim Urevbu
Matthew Hasty & Linda Ross
Ann Frassinelli & Katie Cole
ANF ARCHITECTS host an art reception
A
lovely opening reception was held in honor of artist Matthew Hasty at ANF
Architects on Union Avenue in Memphis. The evening event featured Hasty’s beautiful works of art, which are inspired by luminous colors of nature and the beautiful landscapes of the South.
Lee & Annette Askew 72 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2015
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social
Saheedeah Morman & Gayle Fowler
Renee Samuels & Kristin New
Marcus & Christy Gilmour with Kristin & Michael New
A C BOUTIQUE grand opening
A
C Boutique,“The Abbington Collections,” opened on August 22 with extensive collections of women’s new, chic fashion, jewelry and accessories. The collections offer great and unique fashion designs from clothing and jewelry sources both here and abroad. Party-goers were impressed with the variety of petite to plus clothing and the huge jewelry collections to complement their stylish purchases. Open seven days a week, A C Boutique is a great place to update your wardrobe and find wonderful gifts for the holidays. October 2015 • athomemms.com | 73
experience this
The River Arts Festival MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE TEXT BY CLAIRE PEELER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RIVER ARTS FESTIVAL
T
he South Main Arts District in downtown Memphis will host the ninth annual RiverArtsFest this month. This popular event has evolved into an extraordinary street celebration designed to commend the visual, performing and culinary arts. Over 170 national and regional artists will showcase their traditional and contemporary art at the event, slated for Oct. 23-25. Visitors can expect to see paintings, glass, photography, ceramics, wearable art, toys, metal works and jewelry in the Artist Market.
South Main. Throughout the weekend local and regional specialists will create works of art while gathering audiences observe and ask questions. The event will also feature over 40 live musical performances, as well as a variety of concessions from local vendors, and beer and wine. RiverArtsFest will kick off Friday, Oct. 23, with a Preview Party from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, great local music and a full schedule of art happenings. South Main shops and restaurants will be open to those attending the Preview Party.
RiverArtsFest is not only a perfect opportunity to enjoy the fall weather while appreciating the arts, but it is also a learning experience for all. Attendees can explore their own artistic ability through the Hands on Art stations that allow all ages to become an artist for a day.
There is free admission to all on Friday night from 6 to 9 p.m. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday and admission is $5 on those days. Children under 10 will be admitted free.
Those who prefer to leave the art to the professionals can visit one of the festival’s Artists at Work at St. Paul and
In conjuction with RiverArtsFest, the National Civil Rights Museum will offer $3 off general admission with
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the presentation of a festival wristband. Also, the Memphis Railroad & Trolley Museum will have free admission throughout the weekend. All proceeds from the festival are used to produce the event and to fund other artistic non-profit activities. RiverArtsFest supports Art in the Schools, a community outreach initiative designed to bring art education to over 1,000 students in local public schools. For further information to plan your visit to RiverArtsFest visit riverartsmemphis.org or call 901.261.5534.
October 2015 • athomemms.com | 75
experience this
The Mississippi Delta
Tennessee Williams Festival CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI
TEXT BY PANNY MAYFIELD | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA TENNESSEE WILLIAMS FESTIVAL
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harged with drama, blues guitars and paper lanterns, the recent Grande Reception in the Clarksdale, Mississippi, mansion where Blanche and J. W. Cutrer once entertained Delta royalty evoked the same magic that once entranced America’s great playwright Tennessee Williams.
Highlights of the evening included a posh Southern buffet catered by the Dutch Oven, blues guitar music, a live performance of The Glass Menagerie and a Meet and Greet with John Lahr, senior drama critic of The New Yorker and acclaimed biographer of Tennessee Williams.
TENNESSEE WILLIAMS
As part of the Mississippi Delta Tennessee Williams Festival, guests were invited to come in masques or in costume as their favorite Williams characters to recreate the lavish Cutrer-style hospitality. Visiting the Italian Renaissance home with his grandfather, the Rev. Walter Dakin Williams, longtime rector of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Clarksdale, young “Tom” Williams was intrigued during his childhood with many local figures and their colorful lifestyles. Later he transformed them into legendary characters: Brick, Blanche, Baby Doll and Big Daddy – all real citizens of the town who became internationally famous in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire, Summer and Smoke, Orpheus Descending and many others. 76 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2015
Lahr’s Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh took seven years to complete. It received the 2014 National Book Critics Circle Award for biography and was named among the best books of the year in USA Today, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Boston Globe and The Sunday Times. The Wall Street Journal called the book “the best book ever written about America’s greatest playwright.” Actress Helen Mirren called his work, “A masterpiece about a genius. Only John Lahr with his perceptions about the theatre, about writers, about poetry, and about people could have written this book.” Lahr spoke earlier in the day at Clarksdale’s Civic Auditorium where he also autographed copies of his works.
In keeping with the party’s costume theme, Lahr arrived wearing a Cowardly Lion costume made by his grandmother decades ago for his high school role in The Wizard of Oz. Lahr’s father, actor Bert Lahr, created the role in the classic movie and among his son’s 20 books is Notes on a Cowardly Lion, a biography of the elder Lahr. The festival has been sponsored since 1993 by Coahoma Community College. It is supported by grants from the Mississippi Humanities Council, the Mississippi Arts Commission, Visit Mississippi, Visit Clarksdale and the Chamber of Commerce. In its 23-year history, the festival has been recorded in documentaries by the BBC and European Public Television.
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arts
THE ORPHEUM THEATRE
SETTING THE STAGE FOR THE SOUTH’S FINEST THEATER TEXT BY VICKI TYLER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ORPHEUM THEATRE
The cast of the national tour of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. Photo by Carol Rosegg
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elebrating more than 100 years of presenting the finest in entertainment, the Orpheum Theatre is grander than ever, bringing Broadway’s best to the Bluff City. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella will open the 2015-16 season Oct. 13-18 and Pippin arrives Nov. 17-22. Six of this season’s shows, including Matilda and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, have never been to Memphis and four are Tony Award winners. The Book of Mormon returns in March after selling out last year. This summer, the latest of several renovations, orchestra seats were re-padded and reupholstered. Theatergoers now have six inches of extra leg room thanks to the removal of two rows of seats. This comes after last year’s upgrades to the Orpheum’s sound system. More seating and restroom improvements are planned for the next two years. The theater has been renovated several times throughout its history. When the Memphis Development Foundation purchased the Orpheum in 1977, it wasn’t hard to see that 54 years had left their mark on what was once called the “South’s Finest Theatre.” It had originally opened in 1928 as a vaudeville hall.
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In December 1982, the theater closed for two years and the foundation spent $5 million to restore its original opulence. After months of painting, repairing, cleaning, installing new heating and air conditioning, expanding the backstage areas, box office and the green room, the Orpheum held a grand reopening celebration in January 1984. But as Broadway productions got bigger and more elaborate, the Orpheum had to grow, too. Its $8 million renovation in 1996 expanded the stage, added dressing rooms and enlarged the orchestra pit and backstage areas to allow huge productions like The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Beauty and the Beast and Sunset Boulevard to come to Memphis. All the walls were given new gold-leaf accents and new technical equipment improved the sound and lighting systems. Other large-scale Broadway shows like The Lion King, Wicked, Cats and Les Miserables soon graced the stage. This is a special year for the Orpheum as its leader, Pat Halloran, retires after 35 years as CEO and president of the Memphis Development Foundation, which operates the theater. More than 100 applicants from around the country applied and
Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education
The Orpheum Theatre
The Orpheum Theatre
Halloran’s replacement should be named before December. Halloran will serve as a consultant for the new Halloran Centre for Performing Arts and Education to help develop the program, faculty and advisory group for the 39,000-square-foot facility adjacent to the theater. HALLORAN CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS & EDUCATION
On September 23, the Memphis Development Foundation expanded its outreach efforts for students, teachers and local families when the Halloran Centre opened next door to the Orpheum. With more than 39,000 square feet of space, the Centre offers a 361-seat theater, a state-of-the-art stage, a large multi-use rehearsal hall and ample classroom space for a wide variety of classes and workshops. For years, the Orpheum has welcomed Broadway stars, directors and choreographers who were in the touring shows to spend extra time coaching and encouraging area students interested in fine arts. The Halloran Centre will expand those efforts with professional development workshops for educators and intensive workshops for students interested in musical theater or sound and lighting design. Pat Halloran
believes the Centre will serve more than 80,000 people year round. Last year, more than 62,000 students attended one of the Orpheum’s educational programs. Halloran sees “no limit” on how many they can handle with the new space. “We created an advisory board of performers, athletes, University of Memphis professors and others who will help the Centre provide opportunities for young people to experience the arts,” Halloran says. “So many schools have cut their arts programs, and we want to fill that gap for those who want to become performers. We also want to help students become arts supporters as they grow older.” Halloran will work on helping high school and college students choose classes to take during the school year and plan their summer activities to best use time and take advantage of opportunities that will help them pursue a theatrical career. Parents interested in more information on the Centre’s offerings can sign up for the mailing list on youth programs. The Centre’s website showcases the school-year events, as well as a large number of summer camps, field trips and master classes.
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entertaining
50TH BIRTHDAY
CELEBRATION Kirk Johnston celebrated his 50th birthday with some of his favorite things: great food, art and good friends. TEXT BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT | STYLIST ANGELA MAZANTI PHOTOS BY AMANDA WRITESMAN WITH BEL MOMENTO PHOTOGRAPHY
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entertaining
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The InspIraTIon The inspiration for this party was the honoree himself, says event designer Angela Mazanti. For Kirk Johnston’s 50th birthday his wife Karen wanted to surprise him with a memorable dinner party with their closest friends. Color Theme The venue space, Iris Etc., was the starting point for the color scheme. Smoky grays and earthy copper tones, along with dark-stained wood in the room, kept the feel masculine. seT The sCene Chef Kelly English’s newest private event space at 62 South Cooper St., Iris Etc., has a great feel to it. The breezeway outside made the perfect setting for the cocktail hour. menu “Karen knew she wanted to have Kirk’s birthday dinner party at one of Kelly’s restaurants for obvious reasons—the food!” Mazanti explains. “The Johnstons are both avid foodies and appreciate great cuisine.” The evening started outside with passed tuna tartare on wontons, pimento cheese beignets, and ceviche on cucumber slices. Once inside, the guests enjoyed a first course of arugula, goat cheese, orange, fennel and white balsamic vinaigrette salad followed by a second course of pan-seared grouper, cauliflower puree, grilled summer squash and heirloom tomato relish. Next was flat-iron steak with red wine demiglace, roasted baby potatoes and haricot verts. Dessert featured tableside Bananas Foster.
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entertaining
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DEcor Mazanti says she wanted the decor to exude a masculine feel that would represent Kirk’s personality. Natural colored linens served as a backdrop for copper charger plates that were accented with a sprig of rosemary. A painting by local artist Matthew Hasty served as the background for the invitation as well as the menu card. A folded black napkin provided the perfect contrast to the colorful menu card at each place setting. To keep the centerpieces masculine and earthy and to reflect Kirk’s passion for good food, Mazanti made custom darkstained wooden crates and filled them with lettuce, onions, carrots, cabbage, peppers, lemons and artichokes. ThE highlighT An art lover, Kirk is particularly a fan of Matthew Hasty’s work. Karen commissioned the artist to create a piece for her husband’s special birthday and surprised Kirk by presenting Matthew at the party with a big red bow around him.
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in the kitchen
SOPHISTICATED & SIMPLE
GAME-DAY RECIPES TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY APRIL MCKINNEY
I
t’s football time in the South! I have to be honest, even though I grew up in Tennessee, I don’t follow any particular football team. However, since most of our friends love watching the games, we are always up for getting together on the weekends for football and, my favorite part, the yummy food! Whether you are heading out to tailgate before the game or staying home to watch your team from the comfort of your couch, these two “touchdown” recipes have you covered! You may have seen Buffalo Cauliflower on a restaurant menu or on Pinterest by now. It’s a light twist on Buffalo Wings, and I have to say I actually prefer the cauliflower version! It’s hearty and flavorful without being too filling. In my take on Buffalo Cauliflower, the florets aren’t fried; instead I toss them in a light coating and roast them at a high temperature. Then I toss the crispy cauliflower in a simple buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese and/or ranch dressings. It’s out-of-this-world delicious and sure to be a game-day hit! For a more sophisticated game-day hors d’oeuvre, try my Bacon Wrapped Dates. These sweet and savory bite-sized treats are super simple to make, and you’ll only need three ingredients. I love that they can be served hot out of the oven or at room temperature, but I assure you, they probably won’t last long enough to cool down too much! For more game-day recipes visit my website www.AprilMcKinney.com and check out my cookbook The Outdoor Table, available wherever books are sold.
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BACON WRAPPED DATES SERVES 6-8
INGREDIENTS:
• 20 dates • 10 slices bacon • 2 ounces goat cheese, at room temperature DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 375˚. 2. Cut the bacon slices in half and cook until they are chewy but still pliable. Set aside. 3. Using a small spoon or knife, stuff the dates with a little bit of the goat cheese. 4. Wrap each stuffed date in a half slice of the bacon and secure with a toothpick. 5. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the bacon is crispy.
BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER SERVES 4-5
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets • ½ cup plain bread crumbs • ½ tsp. black pepper • 2 eggs • 1⁄3 cup Buffalo Sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot Sauce) • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice • ¾ tsp. salt • ¼ tsp. onion powder • ¼ tsp. garlic powder • 2 Tbsp. butter, melted DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 425˚. 2. Beat the eggs in a large bowl and toss in the cauliflower florets until they are well coated. 3. In a separate bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Toss the cauliflower in the crumb mixture and then place on a large baking sheet. 4. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden and crisp. 5. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder and butter. 6. Once the cauliflower has finished roasting, gently toss it in the sauce. Serve immediately with celery, blue cheese and/or ranch dressings.
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dining out
The hollyWood Café TexT by KaTharine Terry
W
hen some people think of Robinsonville, Mississippi, they might think of tourist attractions, casinos and other landmarks. What may also come to mind is The Hollywood Café, “Home of the Fried Dill Pickle.” The Hollywood Café was established in 1969 and has been a part of Robinsonville ever since. Located off Old Highway 61, The Hollywood is a destination on the Mississippi Blues Trail. The charming and family-friendly atmosphere and wide variety of food ranging from burgers to fried pickles add up to the perfect blend of casual dining and Southern hospitality. The Hollywood has attracted diners from all over the world, well before the bright lights and casinos came to Tunica County. Some well-known guests include author John Grisham and Marc Cohn, who was so inspired by his visit that he included The Hollywood in his classic
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song “Walking in Memphis” and featured the cafe in its music video. A world away from the casino buffets, The Hollywood Café serves as a reminder of the way dining in the Delta used to be. It is easy to feel comfortable and at home thanks to the attentive staff and delicious food. Menu favorites like frog legs and the renowned fried pickles make this restaurant stand out from the rest in the area and keep customers coming back time after time. In addition to the great atmosphere, history and Southern charm, The Hollywood has live music on the weekends. The next time you find yourself in Robinsonville, Mississippi, a meal at The Hollywood Café should be on your list of must do’s. Make the most of your trip and pay a visit to the “Home of the Fried Dill Pickle” because coming to The Hollywood is like coming home.
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happy hour
THYME FOR THE BLUES RECIPE COURTESY OF AMERIGO ITALIAN RESTAURANT
INGREDIENTS: • 8-10 blueberries • 1-2 sprigs of thyme, depending on size • 2 ½ oz. of Cathead Honeysuckle Vodka • Splash of house-made (or quality) sour mix • Splash of sparkling wine
DIRECTIONS: 1. Muddle the blueberries and thyme together in a martini shaker. 2. Add the vodka and sour mix. 3. Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. 4. Splash with sparkling wine on top.
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sources 19 | HealtHy you Special thanks to – David Steele, VP – HMP, Inc
20 | Wellness Special thanks to – Elaine Hare, Susan G. Komen Memphis-MidSouth, komenmemphis.org
30 | Beauty Matt Gossett, About Face Artistry on Facebook, aboutface_87 on Instagram
32 | at HoMe WItH Michael Waters, Stately Cotton, statelycotton.com
34 | HoMe Special thanks to – homeowners Goldie and George Hirsberg
44 | DesIGn Ashley Toney, Owner/Designer, First Fruit Collection, firstfruitcollection.com Leigh Montgomery and Madeline Cox; linens and accessories: blu d’or Interiors Styling: blu d’or Interiors bludorinteriors.com Christian Nelius, ANNO DOMINI (art & design) annodomini.squarespace.com
54 | HoMe tRenDs Special thanks to – Robin Terry, West Tennessee Home Builders Association
60 | GetaWay Special thanks to – Tracy Louthain, APR, CPRC, Tracy Louthain Communications Visit South Walton: www.visitsouthwalton.com Newman-Dailey Resort Properties: www.southwaltonvacation.com Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort & Spa: www.hiltonsandestinbeach.com
74 | eXPeRIence tHIs Special thanks to – Panny Mayfield, director/publicist, Mississippi Delta Tennessee Williams Festival, coahomacc.edu/twilliams RiverArtsFest, riverartsmemphis.org
82 | enteRtaInInG Special thanks to – Angela Mazanti Amanda Writesman with Bel Momento Photography
92 | DInInG out The Hollywood Café, thehollywoodcafe.com
94 | HaPPy HouR Amerigo Italian Restaurant, amerigo.net
98 | on a GooD note The Tunica Humane Society, tunicahumanesociety.com
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on a good note
Rescuing: an aCt From the heart
TexT by RuThie hall | PhoTos couRTesy of The Tunica humane socieTy
C
aring for over 150 dogs and over 30 cats at their shelter and in foster homes, the Tunica Humane Society has given the stray animal population in Tunica County, Mississippi, a chance for a better life.
Formed in 2008, the Humane Society provides stray dogs hope and a safe place to be housed until they find their forever homes. Before Sandy Williams and her sister, Gail Johnson, started the organization the county pound consisted of six cages where dogs could be held for only five days. The sisters started the Humane Society with very few resources, but with an overwhelming desire to save the lives of animals in their community. Now the director of the shelter, Williams says animal rescue came easily to her—she’s loved dogs her whole life, and animals seem to know how much she cares. She says she can’t imagine doing anything else, despite the difficulties often associated with caring for homeless animals. “There are days I think my heart can’t take it anymore. We see so much abuse and suffering. There are days I think my body can’t take this anymore. At 63, my kids keep telling me I don’t need to be crawling around under houses looking for puppies. But once you look into the eyes of a dog that you have saved, that look of gratitude and love, all the personal sacrifices you have made are worth it.”
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The THS provides care for the animals seven days a week. The organization survives thanks to volunteers and monetary donations, operating solely on contributions with no funding from Tunica County. With over 250,000 Facebook followers, Williams shares the Humane Society’s story with people all over the world. One of her favorite happy endings has to do with Fluffy Dog, who had been surviving on the streets in Desoto County for several years. Williams had to earn Fluffy’s trust before she could save the street-smart pup whose health was declining. While Fluffy is still fearful of the outside world she has found happiness with the workers at the shelter. She even has a little boyfriend named Rusty. In commemoration of this special rescue, Fridays are designated “Fluffy Dog Fridays” at THS. The list of THS’s adoptable pets is available at Petfinder. com and AdoptAPet.com. Adoptions are by appointment only. For more information on the Tunica Humane Society, visit their Facebook page or www.tunicahumanesociety.com. With any questions about the shelter or volunteering contact Sandy Williams directly at 662.519.1700.