Greater Tupelo

tupelo Greater

november/december 2011

a lifestyle magazine for northeast mississippi

magazine

SANCTUARY HOSPICE HOUSE A Place of Love, Light, and Life

Think you know Tupelo Win a Walmart Gift Certificate free

2011 Race for the Cure Celebration Village Preview Party

Holiday Recipes

From Chef David Leathers

AND CENTER FOR

FACIAL COSMETIC SURGERY Welcomes John E Griffin Jr. D.M.D.,

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contents cover:

decmber 2011

09

Sanctuary Hospice House inside this issue: 09 22nd Annual Toy Run & Motorcycle Parade: :... 14 Oren Dunn City Museum: :...................................... 15 Delightful New Recipes for the Holidays.......... 20 calendar of events............................................... 26 ths homecoming..................................................... 28 spirit of women girls night out.......................... 29 holiday pampering.................................................. 33 the dance studio.................................................... 37 Think you know Tupelo?........................................ 39 Sanctuary Hospice House:.....................................

Sanctuary Hospice House Celebration Village preview party......................

42 12th Annual Chili Fest........................................... 45 RACE FOR THE CURE.................................................. 48

33 37 Greater Tupelo Magazine

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December 2011

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editor

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas….One of my favorite songs and my favorite time of the year. The holiday season is here. Since this is our final edition of the year, I’d like to take time and wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Thank you for picking up our magazine. In this edition, we talk about something that is a very important part of our community, the Sanctuary Hospice House. They do a wonderful job helping families that are facing tough end of life challenges. We are so blessed to have them here. We also take a look at what’s happening at the Oren Dunn Museum and we have some community event photos to share with you.

As we close out the year, I want to say a special thank you to our advertisers. Please tell them you saw their ad in Greater Tupelo Magazine and patronize them whenever possible. They’re the reason we are able to provide this magazine free of charge to the general public.

Again, thank you and may God continue to bless you all.

Wesley Wells

Greater Tupelo Magazine: “Created by Tupelo people for Tupelo people!”

tupelo Greater

december 2011

Published By Legend Publishing Company

magazine

Publisher Wesley Wells Photography Amanda Wadley | Wesley Wells | Katie Hendricks Graphic Design Fran Sherman Advertising Sales Meghan Ray | Wesley Wells Contributing Writers Cristal Cody | Michael Harrelson | Patricia Neely-Dorsey | Amanda Wadley

on the cover

Belle Whitfield, the pug of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Whitfield.

Photo by Stephanie Rhea Greater Tupelo Magazine is published bi-monthly by Legend Publishing Company, Copyright 2011, Legend Publishing Company. Reproduction without written consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited. GTM is not responsible for unsolicited materials. We welcome your comments. Letters to the editor should be mailed to: Greater Tupelo Magazine P.O. Box 1388 | Tupelo, MS 38802 Those interested in advertising can email us at: legendpublishing@comcast.net or call (662) 844-2602. www.tupelomag.com

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Sanct uary hospice house a place of love, light, and life

W

alking into

By Amanda Jewel Wadley

Sanctuary Hospice House brings about an immediate sense of peace, compassion, and love. Colorful stained

glass windows softly glow throughout the main area of the front building including one of an exquisite butterfly, the international symbol for hospice. Smiles abound from the nurses, staff, and office personnel. Stepping into Sanctuary Hospice House feels like walking on hallowed ground.

Sanctuary Hospice House opened November 28, 2005 through a collective effort of several people. The project itself began in 2000 when a missionary group from Northeast Mississippi went on a trip to Mexico City. Linda Gholston, the executive director for Sanctuary Hospice House, shared the story: “On that trip were doctors Joe Bailey and John Elliot, and nurses Nancy Collins and Louise Harris. The four of them got an opportunity to see an inpatient hospice facility in one of the more desolate areas of Mexico City. Their first thought was how horrible and crude. But as they got on their van, they said it was like God struck their collective minds in saying, ‘But at least they have a place to go.’” Once home, the four of them worked together to involve their friends, neighbors, and colleagues in building an inpatient hospice facility in Northeast Mississippi.

Gholston continued: “They formed a board. They began to raise money. And then, they found, when they visited the

Mississippi State Department of Health, that there’s something that governs hospice called the 80/20 rule. Eighty percent of your patients have to be residential or routine home patients. Twenty percent can be in an inpatient setting.

And they said, ‘Well, there are lots of hospices giving home hospice. We would like to be there for all of them and anyone who needs an inpatient facility.’ So, through the work primarily of then Representative Roger Wicker (now Senator Roger Wicker) and his staff, supported by a lot of other legislators throughout Mississippi, they were able to get in the Medicare Modernization Act…a five year study, to build this facility and to see if number one: rural America needed inpatient hospice; number two would people in a rural area use an inpatient hospice?; and number three the effects on Medicaid. So that five year study is now complete and obviously showed overwhelmingly that yes, there is a desperate need for inpatient hospice in rural America….”

Once the need for inpatient hospice was established,

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things came together through the generosity and assistance of many people. “The Hancock family gave the land, which was a great boost. They gave five acres here. And then the group began to raise money—going out to civic groups, churches, and writing some grants. They raised 1.7 million.

Then we were fortunate enough to get a lot of in-kind gifts.

So the original facility was built from that 1.7 plus a lot of in-kind….”

Due to there being such a vast need in Northeast Mississippi, Sanctuary Hospice House has been well received and is looking to expand. “We have cared for well over 1,500 patients here at Sanctuary Hospice House now. We stay full; all of our beds are full right now. We keep a waiting list most of the time. So, our board took a really courageous step a few months ago and decided to raise the funds to add eight more beds. We will have groundbreaking for that sometime

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December 2011

in November.” Once the eight rooms are added, there will be twenty-four beds at Sanctuary. Each room also has its own bath in order to give the patient as much privacy as possible.

The add-ons should be completed in about a year.

The cost for the additions will be between 1 million and 1.2 million dollars. “That includes the parking lot—we’re expanding it—we have to have more parking spaces. And then our kitchen is woefully small and it’s really the heart of Sanctuary…we’re expanding our kitchen and adding new kitchen equipment,” Gholston said.

Sanctuary Hospice House is a not-for-profit organization.

They raise money through fundraisers, donations, and gifts.

“We, of course, accept Medicare, Medicaid and insurances, but that only pays about half of what it takes to operate the house. Our major fundraisers are donations, memorials, and gifts. People in Northeast Mississippi are so philanthropi-

“We are here for people who are at the end of life, when curative measures no longer work and the patient, along with the family and the physician, have made the decision that they want hospice care.”

cally good to Sanctuary.

It’s amazing how many people give to us monthly and others send memorials and gifts. And then our major fundraiser of course is Celebration Village. It generally nets for us around $300,000 a year. Then we have our thrift store downtown, Sanctuary Village Shoppe…on South Gloster….This store is set up where when people are cleaning out attics, closets, and garages, they bring us the things they no longer need. And other people are coming in the front door to buy those things. Then we have taken care of several family members here where we’ve taken care of the last parent and the kids keep what they want for sentimental value and they give us the rest of the house furnishings.”

Golf tournaments have become a great way to raise money for Sanctuary Hospice House. “Each year we have the Jack Riley Memorial Golf Tournament. This is done by Mrs. Joyce Riley and his children. That makes a substantial amount of money. And this year Amanda and Debbie Soward who have Big Oaks…we took care of Mr. John here at Sanctuary…so, they also did a golf tournament and gave us all the proceeds. We took care of a great guy here, Lyle Megginson, and his friends did a golf tournament and gave us the proceeds.” October 2011 was the tenth anniversary of the Jack Riley Memorial Golf Tournament.

Gholston continued to share more information pertaining to the creation of Sanctuary Hospice House: “At the same time that the four…were in Mexico, Joyce was taking Jack (Jack was one of those guys—health nut, never smoked, ate right, jogged—got lung cancer)… to chemotherapy. She was so struck by the people she saw there that had no caregiver. Jack died. Her boys came home—they had three boys. They came into her bedroom the next morning and said, ‘Mom, people are calling. We’ve got to decide about a memorial.’ She said, ‘Tell them to go to such-and-such bank. We’re going to build a hospice house.’ She had no idea about the other group. Nancy Collins talked to Father Henry Shelton and Father Henry said, ‘Joyce Riley has a burning desire for this. Call her.’”

“Then we had Ms. Frances Williams.

She had been to Tuscan, I believe, or

Phoenix with a sister in a hospice house. And two weeks from the day they came back from Mexico she saw Nancy and Louise at a wedding reception and walked up and said, “Girls, would you all help me build a hospice house?” It’s like God just started pulling people together and giving them the vision.”

Sanctuary Hospice House offers many services to those in failing health, as well as support to their families. “We are here for people who are at the end of life, when curative measures no longer work and the patient, along with the family and the physician, have made the decision that they want hospice care. We have nursing staff here 24/7, comprised of RN’s, LPN’s and nurse aids. We have a full kitchen staff; we serve three meals a day plus snack. We have a maintenance staff.

We have social workers [and] chaplains. And then we have many people who volunteer. Some people come and do music therapy. We have a lady who brings her guitar every week and goes throughout the facility

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playing hymns or whatever the patient requests. We have Comfort Creatures come out and bring the animals and that’s always a lot of fun. We try as best we can…we know this is not home…but we try for it to be as much like home and let the patient and family have things the way they want. Just as all of us don’t choose to live the same way, all of us don’t choose to die the same way. So we try to be very respectful of that patient and their family. We love and care for the family just as much as we do for the patient. They’re hurting and going through a very traumatic time also.”

Those who work at Sanctuary are devoted to the patients, patients’ families, and to each other. Gholston expressed her delight at having

“We really have an advantage in being small, that we can create a real familylike atmosphere.”

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December 2011

such a caring staff. “We really have an advantage in being small, that we can create a real family-like atmosphere.

There is not a person at Sanctuary that couldn’t work somewhere else and make more money. I can safely say that the great majority of our staff feel called to this work.

The study lasted five years so it was over in 2010 and they gave us a grace period. We’ve now got our home hospice up and going. It is doing real well. We’re averaging about forty-five patients a day. So that’s brought a whole new element of staff in. We all wear several hats. We try to hire enthusiastic people who are called to the ministry of hospice and support one another. It’s a very good work environment. When I meet people in the grocery

store…they see my nametag and they say, ‘Oh, how do you stand to work there?’ I know it’s someone who hasn’t been here, because this is not a place of doom and gloom; but it’s a place of love and light and life. We believe in helping each individual to live life fully until they cross over.”

A physician must refer patients who are looking for inpatient hospice care. Many patients of Sanctuary Hospice House come directly from area hospitals. Sanctuary sends an assessment nurse to make sure the patient is ready and to aid in the transition from hospital to hospice. “We get all the paperwork we need from the physician and the hospital and then they make plans to transfer the patient here. We try to make it as easy for the family as possible.”

Sanctuary Hospice House homecare serves the need of many people. “Our home hospice serves eighteen counties in Northeast Mississippi. We serve all the way from Alcorn down to Lowndes County over to Lafayette up to Tippah…This is the ideal setting. If the patient and the family can stay at home, that’s the optimal place where most people prefer. Our home hospice is setting the new standard. We limit absolutely nothing as far as supplies, nutritional supplements, or nurse visits… we have an excellent, excellent home staff just as we do here—who give the very best of home hospice care.”

While homecare seems like the ideal choice, inpatient care sometimes becomes the only option—whether patient, family member, or physician makes the decision.

“Often times you will have someone who realizes death is near and they don’t want to die in the home because of children or grandchildren. Secondly, often times the caretaker may not be able to render the care that is needed 24/7. A third reason is that the pain has become so severe and the physician is not comfortable ordering the pain medication that it takes to control the pain and often times the physician will write an order to transfer to The House.”

Gholston and the staff of Sanctuary appreciate the opportunity to be of service to patients and their families.

“The joyfulness is that we’ve had so many patients who’ve had that time with their families to say things, and to right wrongs, or clear up any misunderstandings. It’s always a joyous time for us as a staff when we see those families come together and talk about how meaningful that was. When families have stood by and they know there are no curative measures, and we can keep them comfortable and treat them with dignity, concern, and care that actual process of death is such a relief.”

For those who want to do something special in remembrance of a family member while contributing to Sanctuary, there are many ways to do so. “If families want to memorialize a loved-one we do the hardwood trees, birdhouses, bricks—we have the memorial Wall of Remembrance out front—so there’s several ways of memorializing here and helping Sanctuary at the same time.” The memorial plaques for the Wall of Remembrance are produced by Terry Jackson and are guaranteed for ninety-nine years not to fade, chip, crack, or break; if they do, he will replace them.

“We just have a community that is so good to Sanctuary. We have our Auxiliary Group of ladies that work so hard each year and do Celebration Village each year.

They make special blankets so that each patient gets his/her own special blanket. It’s just amazing to me what that does for families.”

Family members and/or friends of patients at Sanctuary Hospice House have often been quoted as saying, “Sanctuary is such a peaceful place” or “Sanctuary has such an air of peace” about the property. Gholston does not take credit for producing this ambiance. “I think this was a God ordained project from day one—when He gave people the vision. Almost every family that enters the doors talks about the peace they feel—the presence of God. Often times we will have patients who are nearing the end talk to us about seeing the angels. I find that very humbling in that we work and walk on holy ground here where angels trod. I think the founders did a beautiful job of the layout and the stained glass that you see when you enter—it’s such a comfort. I think overarching everything is truly the presence of God.” For more information about Sanctuary Hospice House, memorials, fundraisers, and more go to www.sanctuaryhospicehouse.com or find them on facebook. GT

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tupeloentertainment

Mingo Mid-South Riders Association’s 22nd Annual

toy run & motorcycle parade: spreading joy to local children

By Amanda Jewel Wadley

D

uring the holiday season, many people look for a way to give back to the community and help those in need. Mingo Mid-south Riders Association contributes with their annual Toy Run and Motorcycle Parade. This is their 22nd year to make Christmas a little brighter for children.

Mingo Mid-south Riders Association got its start in 1985.

“The Gold Wing Road Riders Association was here and they stemmed from that…The Gold Wing Road Riders is almost exclusively for Gold Wing motorcycles,” said Lori Jones, coordinator for the Toy Run and Motorcycle Parade. “There was a need [to include] other brands so they got together and formed the Mingo Riders Association. Mingo comes from the Choctaw word meaning ‘leader’.”

“We have no dues, no fees. Just show up at any meeting and ride a motorcycle. It doesn’t matter what kind you ride,” said Jones. Meetings are every second Sunday of the month at 2 p.m. and are held at different restaurants throughout North Mississippi, Southern Tennessee, and Northwest Alabama.

Newsletters are displayed at Honda of Tupelo.

The Toy Run and Motorcycle Parade began by giving to the Tupelo Children’s Mansion. They brought gifts to the children but no one adopted a child for the holidays as they do now. “It evolved into what it is today. [Now] we have several homes. We have Alpha House, Faith Haven, Gardner Simmons Home for Girls, and Tupelo Children’s Mansion. All the other [kids from] the homes come over to Tupelo Children’s Mansion the day of the ride.”

Jones points out that while all organizations that help children are greatly appreciated, theirs is a little different in that the recipient and sponsor get to meet face to face. “At the Toy Run, you get to meet the child and watch them open their gift if you want…or if you want to remain anonymous, that’s entirely up to you…The child usually asks, ‘Who is

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December 2011

my sponsor?’ They want to know who it is so they can thank them.”

The ride begins at Ballard Park at 11 a.m. and ends at the Tupelo Children’s Mansion. “I have a list of children you can adopt or if you just want to show up with a new toy or game, unwrapped, you can put it on the truck out there and ride in the parade. The Tupelo Children’s Mansion provides the truck.”

Anyone who wants to give is welcome. “We encourage all the motorcycle clubs to participate and anyone who has a motorcycle and wants to ride. Actually, you don’t even have to ride. If you have a Sunday school group that wants to take a name…Anybody can bring a toy,” said Jones.

“If you would like to adopt a child, we spend $75 to $100 for wants and needs for that child. I know times are hard and a lot of people can’t afford to take on another child, but if you want to get four couples together and spend $25 apiece or something like that, then that’s just one idea. Or we have Sunday school groups that do it. Or a church will take a child.” Any help for the children of these organizations is appreciated.

The 22nd Annual Toy Run and Motorcycle Parade is on Saturday, December 10. Riders pull out of Ballard Park at 11:00 a.m. and will ride to the Tupelo Children’s Mansion. To adopt a child from the list or find out more information about the Toy Run contact Lori Jones at 662-489-8385 or email her ldj@ indfurnsup.com. For more information about Mingo Mid-South Riders Association, call Richie Jones at 662-489-8385. GT

Oren Dunnexhibits, City Museum: events, and

entertainment for the family

By Amanda Jewel Wadley

O

ren

Dunn City Museum may contain historical artifacts and information pertaining to Tupelo and surrounding areas, but

there is so much more to it than that. Between exhibits, events, and the people who run this museum, along with the Tupelo

Veterans Museum, there is never a dull moment.

The founder of the city museum was Oren Dunn, who twenty-six years ago, asked the City of Tupelo for a place to display his collection. The city donated two dairy barns, which came from the Forest Lake Farms, originally owned by Rex and Nelle Reed. These barns were used as birthing barns for the Jersey cattle breed. “[Reed] kept that breed so pure. He got his start [with cattle] from the Isle of Jersey over in Europe. Hitler went

through, during World War II, and slaughtered the herds for food. [Reed] kept it so pure that after the war he sent cows over there to restock their herds,” says Jerry Duckett, facility manager.

“So, Mr. Dunn proposed that Tupelo needed a museum to preserve history and heritage. So they gave him these old barns…,” says Boyd Yarbrough, President of Friends of Oren Dunn. “Mr. Dunn scoured the countryside looking for unique

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and odd historical items...and then developed the outside village…and it’s still in development.”

The theme inside the museum is Tupelo from pre-historic times to near present day. Yarbrough continues: “This includes dinosaur relics, Chickasaw Indians, and the early development of Tupelo and some of the historical events… primarily the tornado. But there is also a gallery for contemporary events.”

November 17 begins the showcase of the Rich Toy Collection and other Collections, which will run through December 23. “It’s old toys by private collectors and some of the museum’s collection from Rich Toys,” Yarbrough says.

“If anyone would like to loan us their toy collection or other collections to display during that time, we would appreciate that,” says Janice Anthony, museum curator.

Oren Dunn Museum is consistently bringing in new relics. “We have a lot more in storage than we have room to display. Our goal is to change out items in the future to keep it fresh so people can come back and see new things,” says Yarbrough.

“Not only just in the event gallery, but throughout the whole museum,” Duckett offers.

The outdoor Village contains an array of historical pieces including the Lee County Book Mobile used in Northeast Mississippi from 1939-1965. Next to that is a fire station with an antique fire truck. A blacksmith shop resides next door with Yarbrough as the blacksmith. Visitors may also tour the 19th century Spark’s school and church, a Dogtrot house from the 1870’s, a saw mill, a sorghum mill, and a replica train station with a red caboose. Dudie’s Diner, an early 20th century Memphis streetcar brought to Tupelo in 1947 and converted into a diner, completes the self-guided outside tour.

“We also have a garden every year. And we had some fall stuff this year until the ducks at it up,” Duckett says grinning. “We’ve got three cats and two ducks. The ducks we hatched…we had eight eggs, but only two of them hatched out. We named them Huey and Dewey.” [Side note: Huey and Dewey have now been renamed Daisy and Minnie because they laid eggs, which pointed out the fact that they are indeed females.]

“Squeaky, the tomcat, white with black spots, came here when he was a kitten.

There were three of them. He stayed; the other two left…

Henrietta, the female, came here when she was pregnant and had three kittens…

What happened to one of them I don’t know. But the

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December 2011

other two, she raised. Both of those were tomcats. So we got Squeaky, Henrietta, C.B. (because he’s a crybaby), and the other one was M.B. (because he was a mama’s boy), but he left. And that’s all the animals we’ve got,” Duckett concludes with a laugh.

“We were thinking about having more animals in the future out here for the kids to learn about…,” says Yarbrough.

Oren Dunn City Museum has many events that are geared toward the family. Teachers took students on a fieldtrip to Living History Day on October 21 and 28 where children learned about life in the 1800’s in Northeast Mississippi. October 29 was Oren Dunn’s Fall Festival where families could explore the village as well as play games, learn about crafts, and buy from participating vendors. October 30 marked the museum’s First Annual Dogtrot Bluegrass Festival, which was filled with live music, food, and fun.

Upcoming events include Our Treasures featuring the Rich Toy collection mentioned above, as well as Holiday Open House, which is in conjunction with the Lighting of Ballard Park. During the Lighting of Ballard Park, the museum will light the luminaries sold as part of their Luminary Project.

These luminaries are in honor or memory of a loved one.

Lizabeth A. Gifford of Tori Station Pottery and Gifts donated ornaments to give away with the purchase of a luminary.

In addition, all visiting the museum at this time will enjoy Christmas carols and hot chocolate. This event is on December 1, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“We also work with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. We have displays for each of their months—February and March.

And we have summer camp in June,” says Anthony.

A trip to Oren Dunn is not complete without visiting the Tupelo Veterans Museum. This museum is used to display one-third of the personal collection of curator/collector, Tony Lute. His collection contains pieces ranging from the Civil War all the way up to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yarbrough states: “If you want to see [Lute’s] museum, you plan on spending hours. You won’t see it all in one visit.” Lute’s collection contains around 1,500 items on display at the Veterans Museum; he rotates around seventy-five pieces each month.

A new piece that has been donated and is on display is a unique patriotic picture. “In 1904-05 the fourth grade class of Tupelo School had a patriotic program where the front cover is ‘My Country Tis of Thee” with a flag on it. The next page is a picture of the fourth grade class of Tupelo School and a write up about it. And the next page is everybody’s name that was in that class,” Lute says.

Yarbrough offers: “There are people coming in all the time with

stuff to show to [Lute] or donate it to the museum.

And if you’ve got questions about war, he and his gang will research it. The items he has, [they are] things that a soldier would’ve carried…”

Lute chimes in: “That’s what makes it so special… things they might have carried in their pocket of their girlfriends or mothers…I have bracelets down there with pictures in it of either a mother or girlfriend or…”

Yarbrough continues, “There’s a lot of tools and some weapons…some equipment…”

“We’ve got the…World War II thirty-seven millimeter cannon. We’ve got the engine of a B-29 Bomber—eighteen cylinder, 3,200 horsepower,” says Lute.

That is just a glance at what the Veterans Museum holds. Displayed throughout the facility is an enormous collection of model airplanes hanging from the ceiling, including dioramas of midair battles. There are actual uniforms, photographs of local soldiers in uniform, as well as flags and items from all over the world.

“There are people coming in all the time with stuff to show to [Lute] or donate it to the museum. And if you’ve got questions about war, he and his gang will research it. The items he has, [they are] things that a soldier would’ve carried…”

“I have stuff from every country that fought in World War I until today,” Lute concludes.

The Veterans Museum also hosts meetings and events. For instance, General Chestnut (whose Pentagon office was destroyed in the 9/11 attacks), will be conducting a presentation for the Historical Society in January.

Lute has been the curator of the Tupelo Veterans Museum for nine years as an unpaid employee. The funds for the museum come from visitor donations. A gift shop is available and carries military based toys for children.

There is so much to see and do at the Oren Dunn

City Museum and Tupelo Veterans Museum. Visitors are always welcome. The normal hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Those wishing to volunteer are also encouraged to join Friends of the Oren Dunn City Museum. Interested parties looking to display or donate any collections from Tupelo or surrounding areas may contact the Oren Dunn City Museum at (662) 841-6438 or fill out the contact form at www.orendunnmuseum. org. Events and exhibits are also listed on the website. GT

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WINE & SPIRITS Tupelo • 269-2483

Greater Tupelo Dining

A special dining section for Greater Tupelo

Wedding Receptions • Rehearsal Dinners Bridal Luncheons • Catering With Wonderful Rooftop Location

working lunch? we deliver!

Fairpark District 335 East Main St. • Tupelo 662.842.5665

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SANDWICHES PANINIS | DESSERTS SALADS | BREADS Breakfast Also Served!

CATERING 312 South Gloster Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 844-8353

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PIZZA • PASTA SANDWICHES SALADS DESSERTS The Lost Pizza Co. 1203 North Gloster Street, Suite J Tupelo, MS 38804 662-841-7887 Open: Monday-Sunday 11 am - 9 pm Friday and Saturday 11 am - 9 pm

8/22/11 5:39:59 PM

tupelodining

DelightfulNewRecipes for the holidays

By Amanda Jewel Wadley (featured recipes by David Leathers)

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Northeast Mississippians, the holidays are a time of celebration and family togetherness. Homes become full of laughter, reminiscing, and a significant amount of delicious food. The traditional turkey and dressing are usually the primary focus of any Thanksgiving dinner, while ham and sweet potatoes make for a marvelous meal for Christmas. or many

However, not everyone has a large family and many times food is wasted. Other times, there are families who simply prefer the white meat of turkey breast to the mixture of light and dark meat found on a whole turkey. Then there are the family members who all live within close proximity to each other, and the months of November and December are filled with dinners,

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entertainment, and the need to try something new and different.

The recipes found herein are tantalizing and unique.

From the kitchen of Chef David Leathers come ideas and hints on how to make special and luscious dinner meals for the holidays. Wine and beer connoisseurs will adore the pairings mentioned to enhance each dish.

Cornmeal rub 2 Tbsp yellow cornmeal 1 Tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp granulated or powder garlic 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Cornmeal crusted pork loin, mashed sweet potatoes with banana

Mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container.

Cornmeal crusted pork loin Serves 4-6 1Tbsp olive oil 1 2 lb. boneless pork loin Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Season the pork evenly with the cornmeal rub. Sear well on all sides until golden brown. Place pan in the oven and continue cooking the pork until a thermometer inserted in the center reads 145 degrees, about 30-35 minutes. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, then sear the pork in whatever type you may have and transfer it to a roasting pan.

USDA has lowered its safe cooking temperature of pork to 145 degrees, from the longtime standard of 160.

Using a meat thermometer is a great way to project the doneness of the meat instead of time with recipes. In some circumstances oven temperatures could vary and not be calibrated correctly.

Mashed sweet potatoes with banana Serves 4-6 3 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed 2 bananas, unpeeled 4 Tbsp unsalted butter 2 Tbsp honey To taste salt Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork, place them on a pan to roast for 30 minutes. Add the bananas to the pan and continue roasting for 10 to 15 minutes or until both the bananas and potatoes are very soft. Remove the pan from the oven.

When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl. Peel the bananas and add them to the bowl along with the butter and honey. Season with salt and whip with a hand mixer until combined and fluffy.

The potatoes can be prepared 1 day ahead. Transfer them to an ovenproof prepared dish, cover and refrigerate. Bake at 350 degrees uncovered until heated thoroughly, about 25 minutes.

Wine Pairing: Hob Nob Pinot Nior - Medium bodied wine with hints of cherry and spice giving a nice finish (retail price) $11.63 A to Z Pinot Nior - With aromas of spice and fruit the wine produces rich flavors mirroring the aromatics (retail price) $19.99 Beer Pairing: Sam Adams Winter Lager - Pouring deep ruby in color the cinnamon, ginger, and hint of citrus blends well with the roasty sweetness of the malts delivering a warm, spicy flavor

Wondering why the juices ran from your meat after cutting it directly from the oven? And what do people mean by this letting my meat rest?

As meat rests the moisture is driven toward the center of the meat is redistributed as the protein molecules relax and reabsorb this moisture.

As a result, less juices run out of the meat when cutting into it.

Sweet tea brined turkey breast, cornbread stuffing with bacon and greens

Sweet tea brine 3 large (family-size) tea bags 3/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed 6 Tbsp kosher salt 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced 3 garlic cloves, halved 1 lemon, thinly sliced 3 sprigs fresh thyme 1 Tbsp freshly cracked black pepper 3 cup ice cubes 1 3 lb. boneless turkey breast In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the tea bags and remove the saucepan from the heat.

Cover and steep for 10 minutes.

Discard tea bags and stir in the sugar. Once the sugar is fully dissolved, add in the salt, onion, garlic, lemon, thyme and pepper. When the tea mixture is completely cool, add in the ice. (Mixture should be cold before adding the turkey) Place tea mixture & turkey in a container were the turkey is submerged, cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove turkey from mixture and discard. Dry the turkey with paper towels and allow to stand at room temperature for 1 hour before roasting.

Sweet tea brined turkey breast Serves 6 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 3 lb. brined turkey breast In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Season the turkey evenly with salt and pepper and sear well on all sides until golden brown. Place pan in the oven and continue cooking the turkey until a thermometer inserted in the center reads 160 degrees, about 35-40 minutes. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and allow the meat to rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

Cornbread, bacon and green stuffing Serves 6 1 cup pecans 8 cups cornbread, coarsely broken into 2-inch pieces 4 slices smoked bacon, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces 2 stalks celery, chopped into 1/4� pieces 6 cups fresh collard greens, mid rib and stem removed, coarsely torn, blanched 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme 1 1/2 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock 2 large eggs, lightly beaten to taste salt and pepper Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spread pecans on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast in oven for 7 minutes. Let cool slightly and coarsely chop.

Mix together pecans and cornbread in a large bowl.

In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until almost crisp. Reduce heat to medium and add celery and collards. Cook until tender, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Stir in thyme and season with salt and pepper, transfer to the bowl.

Return skillet to medium-high heat, adding the stock and bringing to a simmer. With a wooden spoon, scraping up brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the stock and eggs to the bowl and gently mix the cornbread mixture. (Do not over mix.) Transfer the mixture to 9X9’ prepared baking dish and bake until golden brown, about 35 minutes Blanching collard greens quickly in simmering water prior to cooking in a recipe will help tone down any bitterness.

The stuffing can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover the baking dish and refrigerate. Bake at 350 degrees uncovered until heated thoroughly and golden brown, about 45 minutes.

Wine Pairing: Line 39 Chardonnay - Rich, medium-bodied wine with hints of oak and lush tropical fruit flavors (retail price) $9.99 Director’s Cut Chardonnay - Aged in French oak barrels producing a full bodied wine with ripe fruit flavor and spice (retail price) $19.09 Beer Pairing Sierra Nevada Pale Ale - Pouring deep amber in color the malt ness gives a fragrant aroma with a spicy flavor

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Red wine braised beef brisket Serves 6-8 1 4 lb. beef brisket 1/4 cup olive oil 4 large carrots, cut in 3-inch chunks 4 celery stalks, cut in 3-inch chunks 4 small red onions, quartered 4 garlic cloves, chopped 1 can whole tomatoes (16 oz.) hand-crushed 2 cups red wine 3 bay leaves 4 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped 1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

Red wine braised beef brisket, olive oil roasted garlic mashed potatoes

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Season both sides of the brisket evenly with salt and pepper. In a large roasting pan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Put the brisket in the roasting pan and sear to form a nice brown crust on both sides. Remove the brisket from pan and add in the carrots, onion and celery. Brown vegetables, then add the garlic, tomatoes, red wine, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary and parsley. Add the brisket back to the pan and cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Transfer to the oven and bake for about 3 to 4 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices, until the beef is fork tender.

Remove the brisket to a cutting board and let it rest for 15 minutes. Scoop the vegetables out of the roasting pan and onto a platter. Spoon off the excess fat from the pan juices, and put the roasting pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Boil and stir for 5 minutes until the sauce is reduced by 1/2. (If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 Tbsp of flour with 2 Tbsp of wine or water and blend into the gravy).

Slice the brisket across the grain (the muscle lines) at a slight diagonal.

The brisket can be prepared 1 day ahead. Prep the recipe up to the cooking time, cover the roasting pan and refrigerate. Pull the pan and allow to stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour. Cook the brisket at the same temperature and time as the recipe called for.

Roasted garlic 1 medium head of garlic 1 Tbsp olive oil Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Using a knife, cut 1/4 - 1/2� off the top of cloves, exposing each individual clove. Drizzle garlic with olive oil, then wrap in aluminum foil. Place the garlic on a baking pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cloves feel soft when pressed.

Allow the garlic to cool enough so you can touch without burning yourself. With your fingers, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins. Eat as is or mash with a fork and use for cooking.

Olive oil and roasted garlic mashed potatoes Serves 6-8 2 lbs.

Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1� chunks 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 cup 1/2 & 1/2 1 medium head of roasted garlic, mashed to taste salt and pepper In a pot, place the potatoes, cover with cold water by 2 inches and add 1 Tbsp salt. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until potatoes are very tender and easily pierced with a fork, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain the potatoes and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher or hand held mixer, blend the potatoes with olive oil, 1/2 & 1/2 and garlic until desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with more olive oil before serving, if desired.

Wine Pairing: Cellar No 8 Cabernet Sauvignon - Dense with layers of black fruit, spice and toasty oak flavors that linger throughout the velvety finish (retail price) $9.03 Director’s Cut Cabernet Sauvignon - Aged in French oak barrels producing a complex and decadent wine with notes of clove and cedar (retail price) $24.50 Beer Pairing: Rogue Chocolate Stout - Ebony in color the mellow flavor of oats, chocolate malts and real chocolate balance perfectly with the hops giving a bitter-sweet finish

Have you ever noticed that the internal temperature of meat continues to rise after removing it from the cooker, grill or oven? This is called carry-over cooking and is caused by residual heat transferring from the hotter exterior of the meat to the cooler center. Meaning the meat needs to be removed from the heat at an internal temperature lower than your desired internal temperature, allowing the residual heat to finish the cooking.

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december 7 2011 calendar

Holiday Open House 5-7 P.M. Oren Dunn City Museum In conjunction with the Lighting of Ballard Park

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Dec 2 - 4 Fri: 5pm-9pm; Sat: 9am-6pm; Sun: 10am-4pm Tupelo Furniture Market Building 5

A Christmas Story Dec 8 - 10, 2011 Lyric Theatre Phone: 662-844-1935 Web: www.tct.ms

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christmas day

Merry Christmas December | December 20112011

Tri-State Gun & Knife Show

Phone: 662-842-4442

Price: Free admission/ Free hot chocolate Phone: 662-841-6438

of events

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Nutcracker 2pm & 7:30pm Tupelo High School Performing Arts Center

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Price: Call for tickets Phone: 662-844-1928 Web: www.tupeloballet.com Reed’s Tupelo Christmas Parade 10am • Downtown Tupelo

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Tupelo Flea Market & Crafts Show Dec 9 - 11 Friday 5pm-9pm; Saturday 9am-7pm; Sunday 10am-5pm Tupelo Furniture Market Building

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10:00 a.m.

Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center located at milepost 266 near Tupelo, Mississippi Price: This event is free of charge Phone: 1-800-305-7417 Web: www.nps.gov/natr

Price: $1 Phone: 662-842-4442

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Natchez Trace Toy Box

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Pre-Symphony Dinner Series Dec 11, 2010-April 16, 2012 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Link Centre

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Price: $35 per person Phone: 662-690-4011 Web: www.link-centre.org Email: link@link-centre.org

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Disney On Ice 100 years of Magic Dec 15 - 18, 2011 12/15 7:00 PM ; 12/16 7:00 PM 12/17 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM 12/18 2:00 PM BancorpSouth Arena Price: $40, $30, $20 and $12 + fees Phone: 662-841-6528

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tupeloscene

THS

homecoming

Freshmen: Neely Brown, Alexis Knowles, Sarah Ewing, Amber Orr, Meri Hollis West

Seniors: Aaliyah Ivy, Sadler Sanders, Taja Traylor, Lacey Russell, Geena Marshall, Lateeshia Foote

Juniors: Nikki Causey, Tiarra Bolden, Skylar Talley, Aubria Clanton, Anna Fradenburg

Sophomores: Mackenzie Smith, Taylor Bradley, Caitlyn Bailey, Taylor Rogers, Diamond Foster

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December 2011 Queen: Taja Traylor , escort Dajon Reno.

spirit of women girl’s night out

barbara marsh

barbara & edna

debbie hall

patricia ellis

shelia logan

chrissy lovern

vickie arnold

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Make Your Christmas Wishes Come True.

339 Coley Road Tupelo, MS 662-842-4194

You won’t be seen in our waiting room because we see you on time! Our physicians practice gynecology only, and that means less time in the waiting room and more time for doing your own thing.

Dr. Kennedy and Dr. Crecelius have a combined 40 years of experience in women’s health. Let the staff at The Woman’s Clinic take care of you!

www.womansclinicoftupelo.com

1512 Medical Park Circle Tupelo, Mississippi 38804 844-0867 Office Gynecology n Gynecologic Surgery Periodic/Annual Exams n GYN Problem Visits Contraception n Outpatient Surgery Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Robert A. Kennedy, M.D., FACOG; Laura J. Crecelius, M.D., FACOG 1168 WC Greater Tupelo.indd 1

4/18/11 3:06:14 PM

책책

Happy Holidays

Give the gift of Relaxation and Beauty!

Let us pamper everyone on your Christmas list!

Call for a list of our Christmas Spa Packages.

Gift Certificates Available

Call Ahead and we will have your gift certificate wrapped and ready for pick up!

Great Stocking Stuffers and Dirty Santa Gifts Homegrown Frames & Crosses Stephen’s Candles in Festive Scents

3265 McCullough Blvd. Tupelo, MS (4 doors down from Ole Venice) 662-840-5555 • Belleamesalonandspa.com

Christmas Wish List 2011 “Peace on Earth” (for her) “The Experience” Intaglio Facial, Spa Manicure & Pedicure $412 Nutcracker Suite (for him) 90-minute Hot Stone Massage, Aroma Therapy Bath, Aveda Facial, Men’s Manicure, Men’s Haircut

$250 “Baby It’s Cold Outside” 60-minute Deep Tissue Massage, Aveda facial, Manicure& Pedicure $222 “Jingle Bell Rock” 60-minute Swedish Massage, Aveda Facial, Spa Pedicure

Call ahead and we will have your gift certificate wrapped and ready!

The Creative Touch Day Spa & Salon

2613 Traceland Drive Tupelo, MS 662.844.3734

tupelosplurge

holiday pampering: the gift of beauty

and relaxation

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By Amanda Jewel Wadley

he holiday season is hectic and chaotic for many people. Between cooking, shopping, planning holiday festivities, not to mention the every day hustle and bustle of work, school functions, and stocking up the kitchen for visiting family, most people neglect to take care of themselves.

Then there are those who are having trouble coming up with a unique gift idea for their special someone. Maybe that person has everything they need and have been unable to give examples of something they might like.

This time of year parties, merrymakings, and social-gatherings are inevitable. No one wants to look rundown and tired during a celebration abounding with blinking lights and celebratory music.

The answer to all the above dilemmas is right around the corner at any favorite Tupelo salon and spa. Each one featured offers beauty, relaxation and pampering with an individual flair.

Head Over Heels Salon and Spa was opened by Shelley Rial Harsin, Donna Speck, and Nikki Gore originally on Gloster Street almost eight years ago, but then moved over to Franklin Street in 2005. This group of ladies, along with Monica Gilliam, Kelli Collins, and Shawna Turner Baker are close and it shows.

Speck and Harsin met when Speck decided to go back to school. Harsin was involved with the Hair Fashion Committee. “And they had meetings once a month, so when I was in

school, I started doing that, and that’s when I met Shelley,” Speck said. Their board inspector advised Speck that getting to know and working with Harsin was a good idea. Gore was from the same town as Speck and they both attended the same school. Once Harsin, Speck, and Gore became friends, they knew they could never part.

“The thing is we all worked together. We all knew we wanted to do something different but we didn’t want to be without each other. And that’s why we formed our own business. It’s not like we were dead set in being in business on our own. That was really not my goal, but I didn’t want to work without them,” Speck said.

“And vice versa,” Gore said.

“And well you duplicate…you know each other’s right and left hand…you know what their goals are and you discuss all that. You help each other achieve those goals together,” said Harsin.

“And we all have different qualities that we’re good at…

We’ve all got different jobs that we do, but we’re all crosstrained. So we can help each other,” said Speck.

The ladies at Head Over Heels are the embodiment of fam-

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ily. They laugh, talk, and enjoy each other with mutual respect and love. Every one of them looks forward to coming to work each day because they get to spend it with each other.

“The main thing that makes us work so good together is teamwork,” said Gilliam.

“And people notice that when they come in here,” Collins said.

They share clients and help one another in any way possible. If one cosmetologist is booked, they will refer their client to a coworker. For them it’s not a competition; they do everything possible to make the client happy, and each other.

Head Over Heels offers haircuts, perms, extensions, facials, manicures, pedicures, Shellac, eyelash extensions, waxing (eyes, lips, underarm, bikini, and Brazilian), ear candling, massage, and spray tanning. Their massage therapist works Friday and Saturday and offers a variety of massage including hot stone, prenatal, Myofascial release and others.

The most popular hair trend at Head Over Heels includes the choppy bob and red colors such as copper and mahogany.

Also big hair is making a comeback. They have noticed that Shellac in fall colors along with glitter and silver is in for nails.

They do not normally offer packages; however, if the need arises, Head Over Heels will put one together for the holidays. “We keep our prices in range of the working class people just like ourselves…but we will put things together, like a pedicure and a certain massage…things like that,” said Gilliam.

“We have a diversified client base,” said Harsin. “We do a lot of volume.” The amount of clients they service allows them to keep their costs low.

Speck said, “We love our clients. They are so good to us.

We really appreciate them.”

Collins agreed, “You get really entangled in their lives. You get to know them well.”

Head Over Heels is located downtown at 219 East Franklin Street. For more information call 662-840-0900 or find them on facebook. Harsin was appointed to the Mississippi Board of Cosmetology by the governor, and she will be serving for four years, while continuing to work at the salon. All of the ladies of Head Over Heels thank their families for being supportive and contributing to their goals and dreams.

On the other side of town is Creative Touch Day Spa and Salon. Sarah McDonald, owner, took over the spa ten years ago. “It started out with just being a spa area and they added the salon…It has since been expanded with the children’s area and now it is full service.”

The children’s area was developed based upon a need. “When I came to town we found there were a lot of times where there would be a lot of services booked across the board, and the mother’s babysitter wouldn’t show

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up…So I provided an area for the children to come and there is someone to watch them…And it’s also a children’s salon.

Up to about eight [years old] we cut there hair over there…”

The children’s area provides an airplane or fire truck seat and a television so a child can get his/her haircut comfortably.

Creative Touch is a full-service salon and spa with a variety of services. These include massages, facials, aromatherapy, haircuts, color specialists, nail services, and more. “We have a nail area that we can accommodate four pedicures and four manicures so we can rotate people through. And so a lot of people come and bring food…” This area is perfect for Bridal Showers or just taking a day to reconnect with girlfriends.

Coming to Creative Touch everyday is a joy for McDonald, because of the people that work for/with her. “Everyone stands on their own. It’s the unique people that come together and then the bond that they even form among themselves.

When you watch it’s like a dance…The talent that you see develop over time is inspiring for me. Even though I’ve been in it thirty-one years…sometime just their natural touch teaches you something either you’ve forgotten or inspires you to go, ‘Oh, well maybe I just don’t need to be so rigid. Lighten up a little bit.’ Each personality is what inspires me…and I’ve really never experienced anyone that really wanted to be here that wasn’t welcome by our family.”

This season Creative Touch is seeing various hairstyles.

“This season is very diverse. Our industry has really taken a transformation… [For a period of time] everything had to be natural…and no artificial hair. Now with the hair extensions it gives somebody the opportunity to have long hair or short hair. You can go from day look to evening look…You have to customize hair now to people’s lifestyles, to their wants and needs, and also to what the best look is for them…”

The same unique trend can be seen with the current nail look. “The polishes that have come out—I mean it shocks me.

Cause now they have the Crackle…used to the only people who got manicures were adults. Well now, they bring in children and they want the sparkles, and again, you don’t know if you’re going to have the standard French manicure or if they’re going to come in and want…a design. So everything is really customized for everyone’s wants and desires.”

The three licensed massage therapists employed at Creative Touch are available to perform many different types of massage. These include salt glows, hot stone, body wraps, foot reflexology, deep tissue, and Swedish massage. They also offer “The Experience” which is a two-hour package of every certified service offered. You can also customize what you need. “Our whole goal as a team is to customize all services— hair, nails, or body services—to the customer’s needs, because no two customers are exactly alike.”

Creative Touch can help put packages together and have found that many people prefer to customize their own package. Holiday packages are also available for interested parties.

“The one thing everyone needs during this joyous yet chaotic time is a little piece of mind.”

“On Holidays we always put packages together for people for gift certificates. That seems to be a huge draw. It also helps us to advertise to people who use them as gifts…

People who are clients or guests share that with their friends as gifts,” McDonald said.

McDonald is proud of her spa and salon in that it continues to prosper and provide services for their clients. “One of the things that sets us apart is the amount of services we can handle at one time…We have 6,000 square feet here—fully staffed—and we can handle pretty much a large party…My main goal is to let people know that we have been here, and we will be here…Our history and our longevity and honorability is what sets us apart in this industry.”

“We truly care. We’re all here just trying to do what we do best for the people who want to be here…It doesn’t matter if it’s just a haircut, it should be a relaxing, wonderful experience when they come in our door.”

Creative Touch is located at 2613 Traceland Drive on the west side of town near Thomas Street. For more information call 662-844-3734 or visit their website www. creativetouch.us. They also have a page on facebook.

Belle Ame Salon and Spa is located over on McCullough Boulevard toward Belden. Owner Erica Warren followed her passion by enrolling in cosmetology school. She worked for Chastity Vanderheide when Bell Ame was Vanderheide’s Signature. In 2003, Vanderheide offered Warren the chance to buy the business and Warren accepted. She changed the name and location and in 2010, Belle Ame made McCullough Boulevard its permanent residence.

Warren shared what her full service salon and spa offers: “At Belle Ame, we offer all hair services—custom color, Sahag dry cuts, event styling, Keratin Smoothing Treatments, [and more]. We also offer a variety of spa and body treatments including massage, facials, spa manicures, spa pedicures, make-up application, body waxing, and airbrush tans. We also have spa treatments ‘Just for Him’ and children.” Massage treatments include relaxing, Swedish massage, deep tissue, hot stone, and prenatal massage.

Spa packages are available at Belle Ame every day of the year. They also have special offers for the holiday season. “We have spa packages for everybody and every price point. We do Christmas specials every year that are a little different from our everyday packages.

Our spa services are already a great deal and with our packages you receive a discount when three or more services are purchased together…”

Two of their best selling Christmas offers include Santa Baby and Christmas Bliss. “Santa Baby [incorporates] one hour hot stone massage, European facial,

Manhattan spa pedicure and manicure, and make-up application…Christmas Bliss [provides] one hour massage or facial, Manhattan spa pedicure and manicure…,” Warren said.

Belle Ame has found the Ombre to be the hair trend of the season. “It’s the look of a darker base color at your root line that slowly fades to lighter ends. If that is too risky for you, you can always get beautifully rich low lights in shades of cinnamon, butterscotch, chestnut, and caramel. The rich tones warm our fair fall skin.”

“This season nail trends are all over the place—everything from dark to light, solid to print, glossy to matte.

My personal favorite is Licorice from Essie (it is a super high-gloss black), or Shellac Black Pool (it’s a shiny black that gives you chip free nails for two weeks),” Warren shared.

Belle Ame aims to provide an inviting and relaxing atmosphere for their clients each time they come for a visit. “We are different at Belle Ame because we are always striving to make our treatments better and more pampering. For example, our Manhattan Spa Pedicure lasts an hour and fifteen minutes. We give you all the steps of a traditional pedicure but we add a foot detox fizz ball to your heated water, extra scrubbing, extra massage, … a hydrating foot mask, hot towels, and finish with a fabulous French polish. We use Level Naturals Body products, which are all vegan and natural. We want each client to feel like we really took time out for them. If you want a quick pedicure, this is not the one for you. Another example—our basic Swedish massage; we add deep tissue work at no extra charge.”

Warren invites feedback for herself and her colleagues. They love to hear how they can keep guests coming back. “…At Belle Ame we are here to please our clients. I think the openness of communication at the salon is incredible. At the end of a service, I tell first timers, “If you want anything different next time, please let me know. I won’t be offended; my goal is to please you.” And I mean that—my goal is [to] make them happy.”

Belle Ame is located at 3265 McCullough Boulevard in the Belden area. For more information about services or packages, call 662-840-5555 or go to their website: www.belleamesalonandspa.com. They also have a facebook page.

The one thing everyone needs during this joyous yet chaotic time is a little piece of mind. Whether sprucing up for holiday celebrations, buying a gift that expresses appreciation, or taking some time out for pampering, any three of the salon and spas featured will provide the priceless gift of feeling beautiful, relaxed, and completely content. GT

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December 2011

tupelorecreation

the dance studio:

self-expression and balance through ballroom dance

By Amanda Jewel Wadley

T

he

Dance Studio provides the perfect atmosphere to learn and revel in ballroom dance at its finest. Anyone who has ever

listened to music and felt the need to tap his/her toes, clap his/her hands, or move his/her body understands the joy and release dance can bring. The mission statement of The

Dance Studio is “to create an environment for our students that

encourages self-expression, creativity, socialization, growth, and mental and physical well being.”

The Tupelo Ballroom Dance Club brought into town an instructor, who opened The Dance Studio originally but under a different name. When he left, Rubye Del Harden took over ownership and made The Dance Studio what it is today.

“She was instrumental in the first owner opening the studio [by] bringing in the coaching and she would go to Vegas and get coaching…Now she is the owner,” said studio manager, Tammy Wilson.

The Dance Studio’s main focus is on ballroom dancing.

“Ballroom includes all the traditional [dances]—Waltz, Tango, Fox Trot—but it also includes Swing, Salsa, Cha-Cha and Rumba…it includes everything under the banner of ballroom dancing,” Wilson said.

They also have Zumba classes for those interested in the new Latin inspired dance-fitness program. There are two

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instructors for the classes: Liz Martin and Heather Walton.

“They each have their own style. Liz also teaches a Zumbatoning class.” Zumba classes are offered on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. and on Wednesday at 5 p.m. More information about the Zumba classes and their instructors can be found at The Dance Studio’s website.

Boot Scootin’ Ballroom gives those interested in practicing steps alone or experiencing a different kind of dance an occasion to do so. “It is a combination of line dancing with country music and pop music. It appeals to people who just want to do line dancing but it also appeals to the ballroom dancers who also want to work on their musicality or their balance, or coordination, without having to worry about a partner…

We’re working on a Mambo line dance right now.”

Friday nights offer an opportunity to practice and have fun with a weekly Dance Party. “That is a chance for the dance community or new people to practice what they’ve learned…

We have a lesson at 6:30 and you can choose one of two options: You can choose an intermediate dance of the week (which changes each week). Or we do a Newcomer class that teaches the basics of three to four dances so you can participate in the party,” said Wilson. “At the party we have snacks, we play a wide range of music— and we might throw in one or two line dances. Some people choose to dance with only their partner but most people dance with various partners. So it’s a chance for socializing as well.” $5 for the lesson and $5 for the party equals an inexpensive fun time shared by all.

Tupelo Ballroom Dance Club sponsors a monthly dance on Saturday nights as well. “We also participate in the Oxford dance once a month. And occasionally we have special parties.”

Those interested in learning and participating in classes should simply come to The Dance Studio. “The hardest step they will take is the step in the door. There is something for everyone—newcomers, group classes, private lessons…We don’t do memberships. We don’t have contracts…It’s just pay as you go.” Group Ballroom classes range between $5 to $10 a person. Zumba classes are $5 a person.

If finding a partner is a problem, The Dance Studio can accommodate females with their Ladies Group Performance Class. “Ballroom dancing tends to attract more women than men. When it’s time to do a performance, not all of the women have partners to work on a performance with; so we’re

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doing a Ladies Performance Class so that they have that opportunity. Our Zumba instructor, Liz Martin, is a competitive ballroom dancer so she is teaching that class,” Wilson said.

Dances change frequently enough to keep anyone from getting bored and classes vary by expertise to enable everyone to learn at their own pace. “Different nights appeal to different levels of dancing…We wouldn’t want a newcomer to come to an advanced Rumba class. Not because we don’t want them there, but because it might scare them…and they would think it was too hard. You would want to go to the appropriate level class…We change our classes generally monthly… depending on what people are interested in.”

November is a showcase month for The Dance Studio. “We have around twenty showcases we will be doing—group classes—including the ladies. We have the [Boot Scootin’ Ballroom] line dancing class that is going to do a performance.

And we have instructors that will be dancing with their students and amateur couples that will be dancing. Again, something for everyone.” Performances are in conjunction with the Tupelo Ballroom Dance Club and will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on Jefferson Street in Tupelo.

Newcomers who are interested in learning ballroom dance, and would like to be acclimated into the environment of The Dance Studio should come to the free Monday night class.

“It’s a class sponsored by the Tupelo Ballroom Dance Club and taught by student instructors…It’s very similar to our Friday night class in that they concentrate on one dance a week.”

The Dance Studio is a fun way to meet people and learn an enjoyable activity. Wilson encourages those interested to pay them a visit. “I think as much as Dancing with the Stars has helped make people more aware of ballroom dancing, sometimes it intimidates them—because of the sparkle and spandex and glitter. Really it’s everyday people that get together and just learn to dance…all ages. We have a student that’s 86 and a student that’s 16. So it’s a great environment to put yourself into. It’s a great way to combine physical activity with mental stimulation because you’re learning something new and with a social atmosphere.”

The Dance Studio is located at 108 North Spring Street downtown Tupelo. For more information call 662-842-2242 or visit the website: www.thedancestudiotupelo.com. GT

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December 2011

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Greater Tupelo Magazine

tupelocelebration

Sanctuary Hospice House Celebration Village preview party held at the Tupelo furniture market

Pat Langston, Doris Ramage, Peggy Brooks, and Stephanie Baughn

Kami Ellis, Judy Ellis, and Claire Harrelson

Linda McKell and Stewart McKell

Lenton Smith, Mary Elizabeth Williams, Claudia Neelly, Ed Neelly

Sandy Pasiewicz and Laura Honeycutt

Jacky Blackburn and Lisa Hawkins

Mike Armour, Phil Bryant, and V.M. Cleveland

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Jodie and Sean Thompson

December 2011 Lynne Rogers, Teresa Cooper Wood, and Ida Miller

Carla McVay, Pat Webb, Suellen Sudduth, Ruby Henderson, June Williamson, and Kathy Hall

Matt and Emily Laubhan

Ruben and Kim Doty, and Noel Russell

Moe Bristow, Laura Dickey and Zeke Dickey

Gail Cherry and Nicole Cherry

Ben Burrell, Talmadge Ray, and Justin Martin

Justin and Jenni Chandler

itzi Cecil and Diane Butler

Janet Nicholson and Cindy Hughes

Brooke Gough and Candace Thomas

Tami Young and Jennifer Locke

Greater Tupelo Magazine

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December 2011

tupeloevents

12th Annual Chili Fest held in Downtown Tupelo

Tora Clay Harris and Kamryn Harris

Holly Rogers, Mark Akin, and Carol Franks

Alex Farned and Michael Gibson

Stephanie Watson and Ketra Richardson

Brandi Thornton and Cedric Walker Sadie Fryfogle, Hollye Abner, and Katese Rutherford

Michele Turberville, Janice Anthony, Lisa-Marie Sanders, and Sigurd Reeves

Greater Tupelo Magazine

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Chili Fest (continued)

Louis Conley, Duke Loden, Jeff Snyder

Tom and Karen Dickey

Lisa Gann, Tacy Gifford, and Lisa Roberts

Miley, Josh, and Meg Wise

Maryann Perkins and Billy Ray

Jessica Daniels and Terri Spurgeon

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December 2011

Brent and Janine Mahle, Keith Henley, and Ricardo Garcia

Gabrielle Cooper and Alexandria Wallace

Cathy Seals, Jaycee Kilgo, Kaylah Lawrence, Nancy Ingram

Hope and Jay Robertson, and Julianne Goodwince

Jason & Hayley Warren with kids Braxton, Jack, and Anne Reece

Chad Dill and Jason Kilgore

Ron Reynolds, Mike Weeks, and Mark McAlister

Dr. Latoya Brooks and Kristin Gravatt

Anthony and Sally Morgan

Jenny Tate, Alyssa Vail, Mario Hilliard, Carlton Wall, Charlotte Coghlin, and Ines Delambert

Brad Ashcraft, Savannah Rose Scruggs, Jackson Ashcraft, Marcus Clegg, and Autumn Clegg

Cathy Stephens, Lisa Stephens, SarahBeth Rakestraw, and Gaye Taylor

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tupelocauses

race for the cure Breast cancer survivors gather for a group picture before the 2011 Susan G. Komen North Mississippi Race for the Cure.

Pink is a popular color on race day. The 2011 Komen North Mississippi Race for the Cure had more than 3,900 participants.

A few of the crowd assembled at the starting line near Fairpark in Downtown Tupelo.

Participants had the option of participating in a 1-Mile Fun Run or the 5K course.

The “In Memory Of” and “In Honor Of” signs are a popular aspect of the annual event. Participants can honor breast cancer survivors and those who died from the disease by wearing the bright pink signs on race day.

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December 2011

Wearing brightly colored pink wigs is one way that some Race for the Cure teams stand out in the crowd.

Race participants fill out their “In Honor Of” and “In Memory Of” placards before the race began.

Dr. Alan and Donna Pritchard staffed one of the sponsorship booths before taking to the race course.

Race for the Cure committee volunteers Liz Dawson and Jenny Jones staff the volunteer booth on race day.

Even Wizard 106’s Road Kill Bill got in the pink of things at this year’s event.

Annie Goodwin with her grandfather, Andrew Battaile, just moments after completing the 5K run.

Scotty and Charlotte West were among the group of well wishers cheering race participants that day.

Greater Tupelo Magazine

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Happy Holidays

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December 2011

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