Lily Magazine Summer 2017

Lilly A LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR THE WOMEN OF TUPELO/LEE COUNTY

SUMMER 2017

WOMEN OF TUPELO CVB Selling the King!

BOUTIQUE BLISS Boutiques a Plenty in Tupelo

WOMEN’S HEALTH

Health Care Planning Tips

HOME DECOR

Barrow Home Tells Family Story

WOMEN IN BUSINESS LOCAL WEDDINGS

New Look ... New Location ...

... Same Great Quality and Style!

Coming Soon to: 106 S. Industrial Road, Tupelo l (662) 840-6145 l keepitcasual.com Keep It Casual 1/2 page horizontal.indd 2

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Lilly

from the publisher

SUMMER 2017

PUBLISHED BY Legend Publishing Company PUBLISHER Wesley Wells

Welcome to Lilly Magazine.

PHOTOGRAPHY Wesley Wells | Tuesday Ethridge

Before I get to talking about the magazine itself, let me say a special thanks to a special group of young ladies. We recently held our annual ourMississippi Honors Gala here in Tupelo and were blessed with the services of local pageant talent. We were delighted to have Miss Tupelo (Dana Wesley), Miss All-American City (Asya Branch), Miss Lee County (Emily Cockrell), and Miss Tupelo Outstanding Teen (Kaylin Costella) join us as hostesses for the evening.

They did an outstanding job and helped make a wonderful evening even more successful. We thank them for what they did for us and for what they do for the City of Tupelo.

They represent themselves very well.

Excited to produce another edition of Lilly Magazine.

We started the magazine late last year and it has been greeted with great enthusiasm. He hope to improve with each edition and look forward to a bright future.

In this edition, we cover a variety of subjects. Our cover story deals with the women of the Tupelo Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Having served on that board of directors for 10 years, I can really appreciate the work and effort that these ladies put in to make Tupelo what it is. They work tirelessly to bring revenue into the city. Not just that, they spend a lot of time making Tupelo a much better place to live by way of different events and entertainment. A special thanks to this group for all they do.

I hope you enjoy the magazine content, whether is about a 90 plus-year-old painter or one of our health articles.

Thanks to each and every one of you that picked up the magazine and here’s to a great summer.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Fran Sherman ADVERTISING SALES Wesley Wells | Jala Caldwell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Judy Smith | Genie Alice Bruce | Amanda Jewel Wadley | Jessica Starks CONSULTANT Samir Husni ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Dave Clark

ON THE COVER

Women of the Tupelo Convention and Visotor’s Bureau.

Lilly Magazine is published quarterly by Legend Publishing Company, Copyright 2016, Legend Publishing Company.

Reproduction without written consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Lilly is not responsible for unsolicited materials. We welcome your comments. Letters to the editor should be mailed to: Lilly 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.lillymag.net

God Bless, Wesley Wells

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Summer 2017

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inside

tourism

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Women of the Tupelo CVB Selling the King, Among Other Things

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profile

26 34

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Local Limelight Kim Dill and Jennifer Noel

12 14 16 18

Local Spotlight Erica Griffin and Traci Watson

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health

NMMC Hospice Honors Caregiver of the Year

Melony Armstrong Overcoming Challenges to Making a Difference

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Sleepless Nights due to numbness and tingling hands?

Tabitha Lyons-McRunnels Home, Health, and Happiness

wedding

Marla Tigner Managing Midtown Pointe and Motherhood Amy Pietrowski A Champion for the Voiceless

Localism Local folks doing amazing things

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food

Haven Studios Offering Wide Range of Fitness Activity Blairhaus Lewis and staff offer several designing components Bountiful Boutiques in Tupelo’s Shopping Districts

Sandra Shaw Pool Girl Extraordinaire Ready to Save the Day

relationships

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Barrow Home Tells Their Life Story

41 42 46

business

23 26 28 38

home

Cracking the Personality Code: Do opposites attract or attack?

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56 60 62

Female Cancers: A Primer Women’s Eye Health is Worth Looking Into

Sara Berry Two Daughters, Two Weddings, Countless Blessings

Farmers Market Brings diverse group, foods downtown Cooking Healthy in a Hurry Local Flavor Works for Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen

scene

50 65 66

4th Annual ourMississippi Honors Gala Kentucky Derby Party Upcoming Events

tourism

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Summer 2017

PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: CHRISTI RICHARDSON, STEPHANIE COOMER, JAN PANNELL, KYLIE BORING, JENNIE BRADFORD CURLEE, ELIZABETH RUSSELL AND VALERIE BRADLEY

WOMEN OF THE TUPELO CVB

Selling the King, Among Other Things

BY JUDY SMITH | PHOTOS BY TUESDAY ETHRIDGE

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the many features that Tupelo has to offer. Although Tupelo is most known for being the birthplace of the king of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, the city has much more to offer, and the Tupelo CVB is determined to inform and assist visitors as they explore the charm and elegance of this quintessential Southern town.

“The Tupelo CVB is the marketing arm of the City of Tupelo,” McCoy said. “It is our job to influence a desire to come visit Tupelo through advertising and sales.”

And McCoy is quick to add that none of that work would be possible without the diligent and charming ladies on staff at the Tupelo CVB. “Traditionally, there have been more females than males working at the CVB, and without question, they are some of the best thought leaders in the office,” McCoy said. “Typically, family travel decisions are made by a female so what better way to advertise than to have females be the public relations and marketing leaders in our organization?”

The Tupelo CVB has 10 full-time workers and two part-time workers on staff, and McCoy can’t say enough good things about them. “The Tupelo CVB has a tradition of having smart, passionate women like Pat Rasberry and Sharon McKissick that helped lead us into the 21st century, and now our current staff is incredibly talented and smart,” McCoy said.

For eight years, Stephanie Coomer has served as the Deputy Director for the CVB, working in partnerships with the Natchez Trace Compact, Elvis Presley’s Graceland, the Americana Music Triangle, among others, and performs many various duties for the CVB. Even 40 years after his death, Presley is still considered “a world-wide icon,” and Coomer feels that to truly understand his impact on the world, visitors need to see where it all began. She believes that is the only way to truly gain a proper perspective on his importance to music and the world.

“It is very important that we tell the world about Tupelo’s Elvis and about Elvis’ Tupelo,” Coomer said. “It is unique for a town to have a connection to such a fascinating part of the American experience, and I think Tupelo embraces it and is proud to be recognized as an integral part of who Elvis was

here’s an unmistakable reason why Mississippi is known as the “Hospitality State.” Mississippi is filled with warm, loving people that welcome friends and visitors with hugs and handshakes, always going out of their way to help their fellow man. That is exactly hospitality in its truest form.

Neal McCoy, Executive Director of the Tupelo Convention and Visitors’ Bureau (CVB), and his team of hardworking and lovely, hospitable ladies well understand the importance of spreading that Mississippi charm and hospitality to the country and visitors to our fine state while touting all

“It is unique for a town to have a connection to such a fascinating part of the American experience, and I think Tupelo embraces it and is proud to be recognized as an integral part of who Elvis was and his legacy today.” ourMississippi

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“Elvis Presley put us on the map, but we have so much more here to share in Tupelo.”

and his legacy today. And, the same spirit that influenced Elvis has had its own effect on the town in other ways, resulting in great attractions like the Tupelo Automobile Museum, the Natchez Trace Parkway, the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo, and Healthworks! Kids Museum.”

Jennie Bradford Curlee has served as the CVB Public Relations and International Sales Director for four and a half years, and her main responsibility is to inspire visitation to the city through a variety of media opportunities, such as pitching unique story ideas about the city to various media outlets even around the globe. While Curlee emphasizes that a major priority of the CVB is to educate Presley’s and Tupelo’s role in the music world, she also helps to promote business throughout the city. “As the birthplace of Elvis Presley, visitors come to Tupelo every day to see his humble beginnings, but it is our job to make sure they know about all of the other amazing attractions, delicious restaurants, and accommodating hotels in town so that they can extend their stay in our city,” Curlee said.

As Director of Marketing, Kyling Boring is responsible for media partnerships and purchases, pro-

moting the fair city of Tupelo through social media, just to name a few of her tasks. It is Boring’s job to promote the city throughout the world as “an attractive tourism destination for weekend leisure travel, meetings and conventions, group tour and sports, and then inspire and encourage visitors to share their Tupelo experience.”

In her role as office manager, Valerie Bradley serves as the liaison to city committees and deals with the CVB’s accounts and budgets, and she understands the importance of promoting the city to the world. “It is very important for us to share with the world what is happening here in Tupelo,” Bradley said.

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“No one would have guessed that we have won the All-America City Award five times. Our attractions and restaurants have so much to offer visitors. Elvis Presley put us on the map, but we have so much more here to share in Tupelo.”

Tupelo has a great support system that is determined to educate the world on all the city has to offer, and McCoy greatly appreciates the work and long hours the staff puts in to make all that possible. The Tupelo CVB works hard to make sure that it offers only the best information and treatment for visitors, and it is that incentive that inspires McCoy every day.

“I love coming to work every day and am challenged to be better because our team does not want to be mediocre,” McCoy said. “We have so much to be proud of in this community, and we take great pride in our responsibility to tell the world how wonderful of a place Tupelo is, not only to live, but to also visit.”L

Summer 2017

profile

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

KimDill

JenniferNoel Lilly: What is your job description?

Jennifer: Senior TV & Digital Advertising Consultant with WLOV in Tupelo, providing advertising solutions to local businesses in Northeast Mississippi.

Lilly: What is your current employment?

Kim: Telesouth Communications, Inc. Lilly: How long have you lived in the Tupelo area and how do you like it?

Kim: I have been back in the Tupelo area from Houston, TX since November 2016 and very thankful to be back in this community.

Lilly: What’s the best thing that has happened to you this year?

Jennifer: Moving back to Tupelo after being away for over 4 years.

Lilly: What is your favorite thing to do when you’re off the clock?

Kim: Spend time with my son, attend MSU sporting events, and give back to the community.

Lilly: Favorite vacation spot?

Jennifer: The Beach

Lilly: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Kim: Italy

Lilly: Favorite kind of food is?

Jennifer: Untouchables (What are you prepared to do!!!)

Lilly: What is your favorite kind of music and who is your favorite musical artist?

Kim: That’s a tough one. I listen to all types of music and really don’t have a favorite artist.

Lilly: What movie have you watched more than any other?

Jennifer: I truly enjoy being with family and friends and I love to dance.

Lilly: When you’re not at work, what do you do for fun?

Jennifer: I truly enjoy being with family and friends and I love to dance.

Lilly: What is your favorite food?

Kim: seafood

Lilly: Tell us one secret that most people don’t about you.

Jennifer: I love being outside in my yard enjoying my flowers, birds and hummingbirds... the beauty of nature gives me a lot of peace and contentment.

Lilly: If you could relive and decade, which would it be and why?

Kim: A big part of me wishes that I lived to experience the 1970’s and 1980’s. I was born in 1983, so I never really experienced the eighties at all.

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profile

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

PHOTO BY TUESDAY ETHRIDGE

Erica Griffin

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rica Griffin has been owner and stylist at Belle Ame Salon in Tupelo since 2004. The full hair salon also offers services such as massages, facials, spray tan, full body waxing, and nail service.

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Summer 2017

profile

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

TRACI WATSON, RIGHT, PICTURED WITH DAUGHTER. PHOTO BY TUESDAY ETHRIDGE

Traci Watson

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raci Watson is co-owner of Creative Touch Spa and Salon in Tupelo. She has owned the business for three years. Her Salon offers many services, including massage therapy, nails, facials, full body waxing and consultations for hair weaving.

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profile

“If any tenants have any issues, they call me. It could be AC, could be light bulbs. Anything they need. And then I contact who we need to make sure the issue is handled and they are taken care of.�

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Summer 2017

MARLA TIGNER

Talks About Managing Midtown Pointe and Motherhood

BY AMANDA JEWEL WARREN

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arla Tigner has seen many changes to Midtown Pointe, the building she has come to love. Years ago, before Tigner took on her position as mall manager, the Tupelo Mall was located within these walls. It housed mainly retail clothing stores, a speckle of food establishments and a few other outlets until the Mall at Barnes Crossing was built in 1990. In 1994, this property was bought by six local businessmen aiming to revitalize it as Gloster Creek Village. The entire building received a makeover, including the addition of a food court, the converting of unused areas into office space and the purchasing of the old Sears store property by North Mississippi Health Services.

In 2012, Gloster Creek Village was sold and the new owners decided to focus more on making this building a medical and professional complex. Most recently the name was changed to Midtown Pointe and was given a facelift to give it a more uniform look. During that time, Tigner was moved from office manager to mall manager in order to provide the best service possible for the tenants.

“If any tenants have any issues, they call me. It could be AC, could be light bulbs. Anything they need. And then I contact who we need to make sure the issue is handled and they are taken care of.” said Tigner.

Currently Midtown Pointe is nearing complete capacity of its 286,000 square foot building. “We have two spaces available for rent. Combined they are right at 4,500 square feet total. My boss did an

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Lilly Magazine

awesome job when he bought this place. I’m not dogging the old owners in any way. I love them too. But when Chris Mills bought this mall, he had a vision as co-owner, and he ran with it.” Tigner said.

Being a mom to one daughter, a step-daughter and a step-son, Tigner admits she is blessed to have such a great job that allows her time with her children when needed. “I truly have a great boss.

My oldest has medical issues, so I have to miss work monthly with her. My job allows me the opportunity to go and take care of her. I know not everybody has that. But I am also here 40 hours a week, many days early.”

Tigner respects mothers who stay at home to raise their kids, as well as those who work full-time and cram in extra-curricular activities and homework. She knows first-hand, working full-time and parenting is a balancing act. But as a mother of teenage girls and a pre-teen boy, sometimes she finds she second guesses herself.

“I feel like they don’t need me right now. You know? Unless it’s five o’clock and they’re hungry.”

She laughs and adds, “But then, well, my birthday was last week and my daughter wrote me this two page letter. And I squalled in the first two sentences. So it’s like, oh my gosh! I’m doing something right.”

Just like being a mom, Tigner incorporates her job into a part of who she is. “My hope for Midtown Pointe is that it continues to thrive. I know it’s not mine. But I want everybody to be happy. I spoke with a maintenance man about painting a door the other day. He asked me if I wanted it stained or painted. I told him that I wanted it painted, because I want my mall to match. He said, ‘It ain’t your mall, Marla.’ Which no, it’s not, but it is. It’s my baby. I’m here more than I am my own home. You have to love what you do.

And that is something I can say absolutely. I love my job.” L

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AMY PIETROWSKI A Champion for the Voiceless

BY JESSICA STARKS

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in the divorce and was forced to completely start her life over. This personal tragedy led her to step into her next calling, which was law.

“After being a schoolteacher, I just wanted to really be a voice for those who couldn’t articulate their voice or who couldn’t afford an attorney,” Pietrowski said. “Just to be one of the few attorneys who have compassion. With my background, it provides me with a lot of life experience. I can empathize with my clients and understand that everyone makes mistakes. It makes me a better lawyer.”

So at the age of 40, Pietrowski went back to school for law and graduated in 2013 at the age of 43.

Pietrowski specializes in family law, which includes divorce proceedings, child custody/support, and criminal law – tickets, DUIs, and misdemeanors. She also does a lot of public defense in youth court, which gives her more opportunities to inspire young people.

“I can talk to children and say, ‘I used to be where you are, but I came out and rose above.’ I tell them where I came from and what challenges I faced,” Pietrowski says. “I could have just given up, but I didn’t. I wanted to make a difference and be able to help people. I wanted to teach people to rise above that and follow their dreams.” She adds.

Pietrowski, who already has degrees in psychology, education, and law, would not rule out adding more degrees to her belt: “I love going back to school and getting more education. I’ll probably go back to school for some other degree just because I have a thirst for knowledge.”

But what advice does she have for other ladies who wish to seek a career in the male-dominated field of law? “Never, ever give up. Nothing worth obtaining comes easy. There will be obstacles trying to get in your way, but eventually, you will come out on the other side.” L

upelo Attorney Amy Pietrowski rose above some of the hardest situations in life to help others find a way out of similar situations.

“Your future isn’t dictated by your past. You can rise above and make something positive out of the negative things that happen in your life.” Pietrowski says.

Coming from humble beginnings.

The Detroit, Michigan native grew up in the foster care system and was adopted at the age of six. Despite her finding a family and a way out of the system, she never forgets where she came from.

At the age of eighteen, Pietrowski found herself joining the United States Marine Corps as a Communication Adviser, where she stayed for twenty years, even participating in the first Gulf War. After leaving the military, the mother of two wanted to give back and reach out to young people. As a result, she decided to go back to school and become a social worker, where she worked with an intervention group that worked with at-risk kids. This work eventually led her to her third career as a teacher, where she felt she would be able to better reach these children and lead by example.

In 2005, she found herself facing another obstacle: divorce. Pietrowski, who struggled to find proper and affordable legal representation, lost everything

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Summer 2017

Classic Finishes

Pietrowski Law Practice, PLLC Amy K. Pietrowski

Flooring – Wall Covering – Blinds “We Sell the Best”

United State Marine Corps Veteran

• Divorce • Child Custody & Support • DUI & Criminal Offenses

Offices in Tupelo and Oxford 113 Robins Street, Tupelo, MS 1415 University Avenue, Oxford, MS (662) 841-2692 www.pietrowskilawpractice.org

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1181A West Main Shopping Center Tupelo, MS 38801 Phone (662) 842-0366

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profile

MELONY ARMSTRONG Overcoming Challenges to Making a Difference

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Summer 2017

BY GENIE ALICE BRUCE

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elony Armstrong of Tupelo faced more challenges than most when opening her hair-braiding salon, Naturally Speaking.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she moved to Tupelo in 1993 to be with her husband, whom she met in college. She knew she wanted to start her own braiding business.

She, like many African-American women, grew up having her hair braided and learning how to braid.

But to open her own business, she knew she would need a higher skill level. She traveled to Atlanta and took classes in professional braining, and took six months of practice until she was confident in her skills. She went to get her business license, and then was told she could not braid professionally without a cosmetology license.

However, braiding is not even in the cosmetology curriculum,” Armstrong says. “I’m not doing cosmetology. Hair braiding has been passed down for thousands of years.”

She eventually was told that if she got an obsolete license known as “wigologist” she could legally open her business and start the application of synthetic and human hair. The Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology told her she could go to any cosmetology school and get this license.

However, Armstrong couldn’t find a school that offered classes in wigology.

“It took me two years to find a school who would do it,” she says. “They didn’t have a teacher of it, but they let me come every day for four months, gave me a text book from the 1920s on wigs and let me teach myself.”

In 1999, she accomplished her dream and opened her business – and it soared.

“I quickly realized this was not a oneman business if I wanted it to grow,” she says. “Some styles take eight hours – I needed other people to share in this with me. However, I couldn’t teach or instruct

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others in braiding. I started seeking what to do.”

Soon after, she was introduced to the Institute for Justice – a law firm that handles cases where economic liberty is being violated and making it impossible to make a living because of erroneous laws.”

The laws at the time didn’t clearly define braiding as illegal, but it would have been interpreted as such. The Mississippi Board of Cosmetology quickly introduced a bill to make it clear that it was illegal.

“We registered as lobbyists and introduced our own bill that said braiding should not be regulated and it should be taken out of cosmetology,” she says. “We succeeded. It wasn’t easy – there was pain, turmoil and being away from my family. I was blessed that my husband was supportive and took care of everything at home.”

She has four sons – at the time they were ages 1, 7 and two 17-year-olds.

Armstrong’s legislation passed, meaning anyone who wants to open a braiding business can register with the Mississippi State Board of Health for $25 and follow the basic health and sanitation guidelines. The day the legislation passed, more than 300 people registered.

“This used to be an underground business that is now legitimate,” Armstrong says. “Today there are more than 3,000 registered. Some of these are first-time business owners. Women who were on government assistance and can now provide for themselves. Children seeing their mothers be productive and constructive – not taking handouts. It’s enabling independence.

Everyone has something in them that causes them to be proud of contributing to our own well-being.”

The result is that Armstrong has trained hundreds of others and employed more than 25 women – many of whom the money they earned in her business represented the first steady paycheck they had ever had.

Now, Armstrong works with the IFJ to get braiding de-regulated in other states. There are currently 18 states that do not regulate braiding. She is on a speaking circuit that takes her nationwide. “It’s important that erroneous government licensing laws don’t prevent people from using a skill to make a living.”

Armstrong attributes her success to persistence and courage.

“It crossed my mind to stop this fight,” she says. “I was licensed – I could have been selfish and kept my business going, but that’s not how I wanted to operate. I didn’t seek to sue anyone or fight the government. I just wanted to make a living.”

Armstrong is also launching a new business – Armstrong Academy – that will teach hair braiding, as well as health and wellness classes. L

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TABITHA LYONS-MCRUNNELS

COURTESY PHOTOS

Home, Health, and Happiness

BY AMANDA JEWEL WARREN

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abitha Lyons-McRunnels has been a strong, independent woman for a long-time. While expecting her second daughter, Morgan, her husband suddenly died from a brain aneurysm at the age of 24. For Lyons-McRunnels, who was then only 21, this was one of the scariest times she can remember. She will be the first to admit being blessed to have help from both her family and the family of her late husband.

“They were really good about being there for me,” McRunnels said. “Because at that time, it was just Laken and me. They took up with us.”

After nine years of raising her girls by herself, Lyons-McRunnels remar-

ried. The transition from being a single mom to having two adults in the home was not an easy one.

She credits lots of prayer and good advice as the catalyst to begin accepting Joseph as a member of their now blended family.

“I just didn’t know if I could trust that or if I could trust somebody else with them. But I remember my grandmama saying, ‘He is the man of that household and you have got to let him lead this family.’ You know, that’s still a struggle. Because they are my babies.” McRunnels said.

Later on, they decided to bring Lyons-McRunnels’ nephew into their home. “He was about four and his mom was moving around a lot and just wasn’t in a good place to keep him

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Summer 2017

so that he could just be stable. And Joseph looked at me one day and said ‘We’ve got to get him.’ And I was like, ‘No!’ But we did and he has not left. His mom is in a better position, but he’s comfortable.”

After many years of taking care of her family, one day Lyons-McRunnels recognized it was also time for her to take care of herself.

“My wake-up call was not being able to walk the mall. You know, the struggle just to get out and go into Walmart or just do basic things like grocery shopping without getting winded,” Lyons-McRunnels said.

At that time, she weighed 381 pounds. She knew she had to do something, not only for herself, but to set a good example for her family.

She began her journey by making one change at a time. The very first thing she did was make the decision to incorporate walking into her day. “I went to this little track right beside our office and just started walking. I didn’t try to walk fast.

I just got up and started moving.”

Then Lyons-McRunnels added an increased amount of water intake to her daily routine. The weight began to come off.

Once these became new practices, she started bringing her lunch to work instead of eating out. She knew changing daily habits would add up to an overall different lifestyle. Now Lyons-McRunnels is down to 231 pounds and feels better than she ever has before. “Even if I don’t lose another pound, I’m okay. It’s all about feeling good.”

Commit to Be Fit is the name Lyons-McRunnels gave the class that is part of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program

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Participants will learn about changing habits, shopping smart, planning meals, following nutrition guidelines, and making wise choices for a healthier lifestyle. through Mississippi State University Extension Campus in Tupelo.

The classes are held twice a year at the MSU Extension Campus, but Lyons-McRunnels will gladly go anywhere a group of people want to gather for her to teach them. The most recent class began on Tuesday, May 16th from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at an endocrinologist’s office in Tupelo and will meet every Tuesday for six weeks. Participants will learn about changing habits, shopping smart, planning meals, following nutrition guidelines, and making wise choices for a healthier lifestyle. There is no charge for the class. Anyone interested in the Commit to Fit class can send an email to tabith.mcrunnels@msstate. edu for more information.

Admitting all she has wrestled with in her life physically, financially, and spiritually reveal LyonsMcRunnels’ testimony.

“When Derek died I really struggled with, “Okay God, what are you doing?” You know, I felt like I did it the right way. I felt like that was my soulmate. We got married and had kids and now I’m 21 years old and I’ve got to figure out what to do now, how to raise them, and I really struggled. I kept going to

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church, but I was really, really struggling with my faith and with staying focused. I’m very sure my family was praying for me.” McRunnels stated.

Caring for her girls motivated her to keep going. “Even now I say to them, ‘Hey, we made it!’ And they aren’t what statistics say they should be. They really are good kids. They’re smart girls. They do what they’re supposed to do. And we made it.”

Above all else Lyons-McRunnels’ says her greatest accomplishments are that her girls graduated high school and that they love Jesus.

“Cause you know what I tell them?

‘When I die, I don’t have anything to leave you, but I know I will leave you Jesus.’ They know who He is. They know what He can do. I’ve just been diligent about making sure that I’ve instilled that in them.”

At the end of the day, it all comes down to one thing for Lyons-McRunnels—motherhood. “Joseph and I were talking one day and he said, ‘What is your goal? What is the one thing you’ve always wanted to do?’

And it was to be a good mother. Even when I was a little kid, that’s what I always said, ‘I just want to be a good mom.’ I’m living my dream.”L

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business

HAVEN STUDIOS

COURTESY PHOTOS

Offering Wide Range of Fitness Activity

BY JUDY SMITH

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niche of what some people might need or be searching for.”

Originally from Tupelo, Sliman was always into fitness. From tennis to aerobics to running, working out and fitness have always been major components in Sliman’s life. But for Sliman, like so many people, working out means more to her than just staying in shape.

It allows her a chance to center herself and get ready for any challenges that might meet her during the day.

“I have always enjoyed working out, and I have found so many benefits from it,” Sliman said. “It definitely is a way for me to release stress and relax and get recharged. I like to think that it’s my ‘reset button’ for the day or week.”

Through the years, Sliman has been involved in almost all aspects of the fitness arena, ranging from the Jane Fonda aerobics craze of the 1980s to training for marathons and triathlons, but all those years of major trail running took a toll on

veryone is always looking for that safe place that they can turn to when times get rough, when they’ve been battered or bruised, or the world gets a little too cold—a haven of comfort and peace, and that is exactly what Marci Sliman seeks to provide for the good people of Tupelo and surrounding areas. Haven Studio officially opened on May 1, 2017, offering unique instructions in Pilates, Yoga, and Barre with certified trainers and instructors that can help you recover after an injury, work on getting that bikini body, building strength, or whatever your fitness need might be.

Sliman wants to bring that haven to the community.

“The community has been so supportive, and we even have people that come to our studio at various times of the day from counties all around,” Sliman said. “We have a great fitness community and so many offerings in the area, and I hope to just fill in that

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health

LAUREN REDDOT

her knees. That led her to seek low-impact classes to help her maintain strength and flexibility without the major stress on her joints. Essentially, that is what led her to these types of training, and she hopes that others receive the same positive effects that she has received.

“It is my hope that others will find the same benefits through yoga, barre, and Pilates classes that I have discovered,” Sliman said. “Hopefully, we can be that haven for those in need of our help, and we can guide them with proper instruction and training.”

Sliman seeks to provide that sort of “reset button” for visitors to Haven Studio so that they can feel rejuvenated for whatever the world throws their way. Sliman admits that owning her own workout studio was not always a dream of hers, but she realized that there were some fitness routines that she missed and considered that others might be missing them too, such as yoga, Pilates, and Barre programs that help to

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strengthen both the body, mind, and soul.

“I guess you could say the stars aligned, and this space came open,” Sliman said. “Seeing that as a sign, I thought I would take a chance and bring this service to the community, and we have received so much support and encouragement that it has been so overwhelming. I really can say how much we appreciate that. It is so much fun coming in here because you feel such a great energy and excitement from everyone. That has truly been a joy for me to experience.”

But anything that Sliman does is never done halfway. This Ole Miss alum and Harvard grad studied and trained to become a certified Pilates instructor. She said that her training opened a whole new world for her, and she is showing that same devotion to her customers by providing professional instructors that are certified and trained in these particular forms of fitness to provide the appropriate workouts or training to meet each individual’s needs.

Summer 2017

Tupelo native, Lauren Reddot is excited to help bring these services to Haven Studio. Growing up, Reddot was always active in dance, gymnastics and cheerleading, and has future plans of owning her own retail store one day. But for now, she is happy to offer her assistance to Haven Studio.

“I am excited to combine my two passions while working at Haven Boutique,” Reddot said. Besides teaching Barre classes at the studio, she will also work in boutique which sells workout materials, clothing, and environment-friendly water bottles in the beautiful, calming atmosphere of Haven Studio.

It is important to Sliman to provide only top-notch training for her customers. “We want to provide the

“It is my hope that others will find the same benefits through yoga, barre, and Pilates classes that I have discovered.” best strength and cardio training that is best for each person and fits their needs and into their schedules,” Sliman said. “Each person is different, and their physical training or goals are different, and we hope to provide the program and training that is best for them. We just want to offer our own little niche in the fitness world in Tupelo to go along with all the great fitness programs and facilities that we have in this area.”

MARCI SLIMAN

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It seems that Sliman has been successful at her goal so far. Even after being open for only a few weeks, Sliman has been overwhelmed at the success of the studio and hopes to keep offering only the best and highest quality training and facilities for the community.

“We just want to be a positive outlet for the people of Tupelo and surrounding areas,” Sliman said.

“It is our hope to brighten the lives of others.” L

business

BLAIRHAUS

Lewis and staff offer several designing components

BY JUDY SMITH | PHOTOS BY JALA CALDWELL

I

f you are looking for a little bit of change in your home or dorm décor, maybe a new pillow or throw blanket, or a total renovation of your living or working space, Blairhaus is definitely the place to go. With a staff of trained design professionals, Traci Lewis and company are devoted to bringing exactly what clients want in their little corner of the world.

Although Lewis began her career as a registered nurse in pediatrics, she made the move from the medical world to the design arena, and the change has been a great learning experience for her whole family. It is very dear to Lewis’ heart

that her daughters Peyton, 24, and Sydney 19, and son Jamie, 16, get the chance to be closely involved in her work.

“It has definitely been a learning opportunity for my children because they have been involved in every part of the business,” Lewis said. “I wouldn’t want to have it any other way. Besides giving them a lesson on entrepreneurship, it lets them see that it’s never too late to learn a new skill or go down a different path, and it has helped to develop a great work ethic in them.”

At Blairhaus, Lewis and staff work hard to meet the needs of their customers by offering several different components. They can do full-service interior design for business or residential

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Summer 2017

projects, working with the architects and contractors to help design the space of your dreams. “The sooner we get involved in the project, the better,” Lewis said. “Many of our projects start with blueprints and progress through completion. We assist the homeowner or business owner in every step of the construction process, whether it is a new home or a renovation project. We want to help in the decision of the design from lighting to windows to paint colors and just about everything in between.”

To be effective and create exactly what the client wants, Lewis incorporates the expert skills of her designers on staff, Melissa Burt and Stephanie Calcote, who both have degrees in interior design, and bring their own special skills and abilities to the table. Calcote has an extensive background in commercial design, and Burt has exceptional expertise in residential design.

“Every project is definitely a team effort as we learn more about the clients and what they like or need for their project,” Lewis said. “Stephanie and Melissa are really great about getting to know how the family lives and works or what the business might need so that we can help create a design that suits them perfectly.”

Blairhaus is an exceptional place to stop at before you begin that renovation project or make plans for a new home or business. They help defer costs by eliminating changes in orders and can decrease time delays in construction. By guiding clients through the projects, Blairhaus can help create that beautiful living or work space without making a major dent in the pocketbook.

“We have the ability to turn their blueprints into a finished product on the computer so that they can see their space before the building or renovation starts,” Lewis said. “That makes it so much easier for us to change tile patterns, wall colors or even wall placement in our computer program.

That helps to benefit the client by decreasing costly changes on the job site. What I really love is that we have the ability to walk our clients through their finished home or business before the foundation is even poured!”

But if you’re just seeking a little change to brighten up your home or surroundings instead of a major renovation or construction, Blairhaus can still meet your needs. As a retail store, Blairhaus has linens, art work, rugs, pillows, and so much more to liven up your atmosphere or they have a variety of samples for the customers to look over and put in their own custom

order to meet their individual needs. This year, Blairhaus began offering a new service in dorm room design to make the student’s home away from home a little more personalized and cozy without breaking the bank.

“We understand that most students don’t want to spend a ton of money on their dorm as they will probably only be there for a year or two,” Lewis said. “We suggest designing dorm rooms in such a way that all products can be reused in their future apartment, condo, or home.”

At Blairhaus, Lewis has one policy that she always sticks to no matter what—making sure that their clients receive exactly what they want. Customer satisfaction is a major priority at Blairhaus. “At the end of the day, we design the space that the client requests,” Lewis said. “I feel that if we can achieve that goal, then we have accomplished what we have set out to do. We want to make sure that our clients get exactly the design or change that they are seeking.”

Although interior design was not always in the plans for Lewis, she can’t imagine herself doing anything else, and there’s no doubt about it--Lewis adores her work.

“I love the construction process,” Lewis said. “I love building something from nothing or reimagining a space to function for the client and be beautiful.” L

business

BOUNTIFUL BOUTIQUES in Tupelo’s Shopping Districts

FARMHOUSE IN DOWNTOWN TUPELO COURTESY PHOTO

New boutiques are popping up throughout the All-America City

BY JENNIE BRADFORD CURLEE

T

here is a reason Tupelo is known as a regional shopping hub for North Mississippi, West Alabama, and South Tennessee. From major national retailers to small local shops, Tupelo has what shoppers want. Lately, the city has seen a surge in new ladies’ clothing boutiques opening in the city, giving shoppers just one more reason to make a trip to Tupelo.

DOWNTOWN TUPELO Downtown Tupelo is home to many of the city’s unique, local shopping venues, but several new boutiques have popped up in this bustling district. Bailey Diane is located next door to Fruitalicious on Spring Street and is a fashionable women’s clothing store. Just around the

corner on Main Street, brides-tobe have a new option for wedding gowns in Tupelo. Willow Bride is a wedding dress boutique with “southern charm and urban flair.”

They work by appointment, making each visit unique to every bride that walks through their doors.

Reed’s has been a part of Tupelo for 112 years and continues to stay current. Their latest venture is “From Reed’s to Me,” a personalized shopping experience that delivers your favorite Reed’s styles direct to your door. MLM has also been part of Downtown Tupelo’s landscape for many years, but recently has delved into women’s attire. They continue to invite men to “dress better than you have to,” but through their Dylan line, women now have a unique option. Blairhaus has a great dorm-room designing area for those looking to prepare for college. Farmhouse is the home

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of beautiful hand-made Kim Gambrell Jewelry and lots of accessories for women.

IDTOWN DISTRICT Tupelo’s Midtown Shopping District, located along Varsity Drive and Industrial Road in the heart of the city, is home to several new boutiques. Black Sheep Boutique markets themselves as “boutique on a budget,” offering women’s clothing and accessories at a great price point. Just across the street, shoppers will enjoy Southern Roots Boutique, for trendy and affordable ladies’ clothing and accessories from sizes 0 to 24. Continue down Industrial Road to the West Main Shopping Center and find Lexi Lou’s Boutique, home to on trend fashions for every shape and size.

BARNES CROSSING DISTRICT While Tupelo’s Barnes Crossing District is known as the place to shop major national chains, new boutiques have popped up throughout the district offering shoppers even more options. Just behind the Malco Theatre in the Tupelo Commons, ShannAgainS Boutique & Gifts carries trendy pieces, jewelry, t-shirts, shoes, and more. Apparel Company, is also located here and specializes in both men’s and women’s apparel. Just down Commonwealth Boulevard, Deborah’s offers misses and plus size clothing, as well as monogramming. Wander inside the Mall at Barnes Crossing to explore Yellow Lovebirds, a popular ladies’ clothing boutique located near the food court.

OUT AND ABOUT Tupelo’s boutique shopping has expanded outside of the primary shopping districts. Those interested in exploring further will enjoy The Snooty Owl on Veterans Boulevard, next to Kay’s Kreations. They are made up of Mississippi vendors carrying everything from clothes and accessories to shoes.

Moving west along Main Street, Sparrow’s on Main is a new boutique that carries a great selection of ladies’ clothing at varied price points, along with shoes and accessories. Bliss Boutique on Main Street has unique clothing items for women of all ages.

McCullough Boulevard also offers shoppers a visit to two of Tupelo’s newer boutiques, Prissy Pistols and Halle Jo’s for great selections of clothing, jeans, and unique t-shirts for ladies.

While this is by no means an extensive list of all of Tupelo’s fabulous shopping destinations, it offers citizens and visitors alike a sampling of newest hot sports among the city’s abundant shopping opportunities. With so many new and expanded offerings, shoppers from all around will find boutique bliss in Tupelo. L

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DOWNTOWN DISTRICT Bailey Diane 109 N. Spring Street (662) 321-2435 Willow Bride 126 W. Main Street, Suite B (662) 321-0197 www.willowbride.com Reed’s 131 W Main Street (662) 842-6453 www.reedsms.com Farmhouse 126 W. Main Street (662) 269-2934 www.farmhousetupelo.com) Blairhaus 208 W. Main Street 662-269-2513 MIDTOWN DISTRICT Black Sheep Boutique 136 S. Industrial Road (662) 687-3383 www.blacksheepboutique.ecwid.com Elizabeth Claire’s 128 S. Industrial Road (662) 840-0600 www.elizabethclaires.net Southern Roots 121 S. Industrial Road (662) 260-4983 www.shopsouthernroots.com Lexi Lou’s 1202 Nelle Street (662) 269-2566 Find them on Facebook

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BARNES CROSSING DISTRICT ShannAgainS Boutique & Gifts 3192 Tupelo Commons Find them on Facebook Apparel Company Tupelo Commons Deborah’s 1102 Commonwealth Boulevard (662) 661-0855 www.deborahsllc.com Yellow Lovebirds Mall at Barnes Crossing (662) 842-7676 Find them on Instagram OUT AND ABOUT The Snooty Owl 1626 N. Veterans Boulevard, Suite B (662) 844-4042 Find them on Facebook Sparrows on Main 810 E. Main Street (662) 844-5200 Find them on Facebook Bliss 1205 W. Main Street (662) 844-1205 Find them on Facebook Halle Jo’s Boutique 3466 McCullough Boulevard (662) 523-9197 Find them on Facebook Prissy Pistols 2139 McCullough Boulevard (662) 397-5995 www.prissypistols.com

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Summer 2017

LOCALISM Local folks doing amazing things Jean Westmoreland Lummus Filgo

BY TUESDAY WRITTEN BY: ETHRIDGE JENNIE BRADFORD CURLEE

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rs. Jean Westmoreland Lummus Filgo was born March 22, 1921 and has lived a life full of family and adventure.

But at age 33, she thought she was failing to do something she was born to do. So she found some art supplies belonging to her sister in a drawer and that day she began to paint…and the rest is history. With no schooling or training, she began to create beautiful portraits for local and surrounding areas and even one from Canada by request.

Outliving most of her family, relatives and friends, she continues to put her time and energy in her passion - painting. Her only child, Melissa Jean Lummus Lollar, and son-in-law Terry Lollar, are a huge part of her life. They talk about her independence and strength and what a blessing she is in their lives.

Mrs. Filgo’s work has been honored with many exhibits, such as Lee County Library, Brooks Memorial Art Gallery in Memphis and Mississippi Arts Festival in Jackson to mention a few.

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She explains that she was selftaught and mostly learned through trial and error. Her morning routine is to get up and start with her coffee.

She makes her breakfast and then makes her way to her favorite place, her chair in front of her easel. Then the magic begins again.

Mrs. Filgo is the widow James Howard Lummus. They lived a long, happy life together until he passed of prostate cancer. She dedicated much of her life to other family members, which she says always came first, but painting continued with any time available.

She gained the name Filgo as Mr. Robin Filgo, who was a high school classmate, came home for a class reunion and soon started a relationship with Mrs. Jean. Tragedy soon struck as she was involved in a serious car accident and spent three months in a hospital bed. It was this time that Mrs. Jean and Mr. Filgo were married in a bed-side wedding which made the front page of the Tupelo Daily Journal. They then remodeled the old Westmoreland home and started residing there.

Mr. Filgo passed with Alzheimer’s disease several years ago, but Mrs. Jean still lives in their old home place, continuing to stay independent and painting today. L

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relationships

CRACKING THE PERSONALITY CODE: Do opposites attract or attack?

BY DR. LINDA WRITTEN BY: WILEY JENNIE BRADFORD CURLEE

I

magine what your life could look like if you mastered the science of communication, connection and building solid relationships across all groups of people.

A key component influencing the effectiveness of any relationship is personality.

We’ve all heard how opposites attract. Is that a true statement? Are you most attracted to someone like you or do those qualities that you wish you could change about yourself become a problem when you find them in your partner? In other words, do two people who are a lot alike clash and . . . “attack”?

Personality typing – you know, finding out who is like you and who is not -- has been regarded as a key method for increasing performance in the business world for quite some time. Companies use personality typing to predict the future sales success of prospective job candidates or to find the “right fit” for a position.

Well, the same principles apply when it

comes to the “performance” of your relationships with your coworkers, friends, and loved ones. Instead of going off of gut feel or intuition, what if there was a scientific methodology to help improve the quality of your relationships?

Fifteen years ago, Cheri Tree – author, speaker, founder of BANK and self-made millionaire --created a system for understanding the important people in your life giving you the ultimate gift of communication tools that you can use in the dating process, your marriage, parenting, friendships, and all other significant relationships.

The system is called BANK*. BANK was initially created as Cheri attempted to increase her sales and influence as a financial advisor.

After studying most personality models in detail, Cheri realized that while they were interesting none of the programs actually helped her make more money or close more sales. None provided a way to determine what “type” her contacts were, not to mention how their personalities affected their decision-making during the sales process. The missing link was reverse engineering the process of personality typing and using the concept of personality types to specifically categorize people according to how they buy or decide to say “yes”.

Cheri made the important discovery that this process was not about sales. It was about people – understanding people. This dis-

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covery started a revolution Cheri Tree named these four types B.A.N.K. – Blueprint, Action, Nurturing, Knowledge. Most people attempt to interact with others by using only one code based on their own personality type. By default, they fail to decipher the code of the other person.

If you don’t know their code, you will struggle with the relationship.

LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT THE METHODOLOGY CALLED BANK. The B in BANK stands for Blueprint. B types like stability, structure, rules, and tradition. When communicating with a Blueprint, be calm, but firm, with your voice, have a plan and know your schedule, and know the rules and follow them. If dating a Blueprint, know that they “don’t do” surprises. Blueprints think surprises cause unnecessary drama. Never be late and don’t date multiple people at the same time. If you are parenting a Blueprint, have a routine and follow it; that includes clear curfews, bedtimes, timelines, etc. Give your child a list of chores in writing.

The A in BANK stands for Action.

A types value flexibility, action, opportunity, competition, and image. When communicating with an Action, be enthusiastic and exited! Figure out what they are passionate about and share their passion. Skip the small talk and get straight to the bottom line. When dating an Action, plan dates that are super fun and high energy, be spontaneous and romantic, dress to impress.

And, don’t forget to compliment him/ her on everything. If you are parenting an Action, be prepared to do spontaneous, fun-filled activities with your child. Encourage them to play sports and celebrate the wins – small and large – and the “good tries”. Support their social life where you can.

The N in BANK stands for Nurturing. N types value authenticity, ethics, teamwork, personal growth, and relationships. When communicating with a Nurturing, be honest, sincere, and authentic. Genuinely listen to them and don’t get distracted with anything

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FIGURE 1

else. Show empathy and put yourself in their shoes. If dating a Nurturing, never forget important dates (e.g. birthdays, anniversaries, etc.). Indulge them in their favorite treats, and give them a lot of physical affection like flirting and holding hands. If you are the parent of a Nurturing, take time to communicate with your child in a loving way. Give lots of love, attention, and one-on-one time. Hold onto their childhood memorabilia; you know, those unrecognizable art creations.

The K in BANK stands for Knowledge. K types value intelligence, logic, universal truths, accuracy, and the big picture. When communicating with a Knowledge, speak intelligently and know your stuff. Don’t argue; they need to be right and it’s usually not worth the effort so try a different approach. Ask questions and don’t tell them things they already know. If you are dating a Knowledge, explore and learn new things together. Plan dates that are intellectually stimulating like trips to the museum, historical sites, or viewing documentaries. If you are parenting a Knowledge, celebrate their intellectual gifts and remember to acknowledge regular milestones, too. Be

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careful not to isolate them socially and help them meet like-minded friends.

Spend one-on-one time listening and discussing their thoughts and ideas.

Relationships are key to our existence and they often involve hard work.

However, they become a lot easier when you understand the personality of the people with whom you interact.

Focus on how to influence them. No, that is not code for “manipulation”.

It simply means if you want to elicit certain feelings or behaviors you need to use the right approach. Otherwise, your loved one is feeling unloved and/ or unappreciated. You have to learn to speak his/her language. If you have a relationship that is on life support or a good relationship that you would like to make great, the key to success is the same – crack their code! L Interested in learning your own BANK code? Go to www.bankcode.com/tplg and crack your code in less than 90 seconds.

Want to know the code of your co-workers, friends, and loved ones and what that code means for you and your relationship? Contact licensed and certified BANK trainer, Dr. Linda Wiley at DrLinda@TurningPointLG.om or (404) 814-5259.

home

THE BEAUTIFUL DINING ROOM FEATURES A GORGEOUS CHANDELIER OVER THE TABLE ADORNED WITH PEARLS AND ELECTRIC CANDLES WITH FLICKERING LIGHTS THAT GIVE A ROMANTIC, HISTORIC FEEL TO ANY DINNER.

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Summer 2017

BARROW HOME Tells Their Life Story

WRITTEN

BY JUDY BY: SMITH | PHOTOS BY JALA CALDWELL JENNIE BRADFORD CURLEE

W

hile most people have to leave the state or country for a vacation to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the Barrow family only has to take only a few steps to feel like they’ve stepped into another world. The beautiful Barrow home is filled with souvenirs and treasures from their own getaways and lovingly adorned with antiques from both sides of their families. For them, it is a combination of the past and present and holds sweet memories that they will cherish forever. It truly is their dream home.

“We were very involved in the building and blueprints of the home, and that was our main goal—to make it feel comfortable and livable. ourMississippi

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“I like to laugh and say that it’s our lake house, beach house, winter home, and summer getaway all rolled into one,” Kathryn Barrow said.

But you truly understand her words when you get a glimpse of their gorgeous home. Walking into the home, guests are greeted with two dazzling chandelier light fixtures that have been handed down through the Barrow family for years that still sparkle and shine after all these years. Kathryn loves that they have been able to combine both of their family heritages with their own family treasures they have collected through their lives together.

“It’s really special when you can combine something that one of us has seen all our lives with our own style and reminders of our vacations and time together,” Barrow said. “I like to think of our home as a blend of the old and the new. It’s important for our family to remember our past and combine that with our present and future.”

The Barrows have excelled at that task in a very classy, exquisite fashion. They have effortlessly created a style all their own—a blend of the old and new. Although anyone would consider the Barrow home to be a luxury house or showpiece for their treasures, Kathryn admits that was never her intention in the planning stages.

“It was important to us to make our home comfortable and livable,” Kathryn said. “We were very involved in the building and blueprints of the home, and that was our main goal—to make it feel comfortable and livable. We wanted to make it feel like a

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home rather than just a house.”

The beautiful sun room, lined with windows to let in the gorgeous sunlight, contains a wraparound couch that looks comfy enough that you couldn’t help but cuddle up and get lost in a good book The Barrows home has five bedrooms and five bathrooms, and a gorgeous back patio and pool and is home to Kathryn and her husband and their two children, Eliza and Wyatt, three dogs, a cat, and a fish.

The Barrows have lived there for twelve years, and that is very special to her because she has finally been able to set down roots. While growing up, her family was constantly moving it, and she never really felt a connection to just one spot.

“Living in one home for 12 years is a record for me,” Kathryn said. “I had never lived anywhere longer than seven years growing up; opposed to my husband who lived in the same home his whole life.”

INSIDE THE HOME Kathryn’s sweet Southern hospitality and grace blends over into the home, making anyone that enters feel more welcome. The beautiful dining room features a gorgeous chandelier over the table adorned with pearls and electric candles with flickering lights that give a romantic, historic feel to any dinner.

Kathryn’s husband is a big game hunter, and they have been on a few safaris together. A tribute to those adventures are seen in photos of their trips and mounted zebra, deer, and antelope antlers that line a few of the rooms, giving a few rooms a decidedly “man’s man” feel, but Kathryn’s exquisite taste are seen throughout most of the home.

In the kitchen, granite countertops gleam and greet guests to the house wine of the South “’sweet tea.” The hardwood floors shine, adding the perfect touch to one of Kathryn’s favorite spots inside the home, but she admits that it rivals another location that she truly loves.

Stepping outside the Barrow home, you feel like you are a guest at one of the top hotels or retreats.

There are tables and comfy chairs and couches both in and out of the sun to suit your preference. Dark wood wicker chairs and couches with plush white cushions circle a homey fire pit where you can enjoy the quiet of the evening or sit and chat. But the centerpiece of the patio has to be the pool area. A brickbased waterfall that RIGHT: THE BEAUTIFUL SUN ROOM, LINED constantly cascades WITH WINDOWS TO LET IN THE GORGEOUS SUNLIGHT, CONTAINS A WRAPAROUND into the pool, creates COUCH THAT LOOKS COMFY ENOUGH a unique, beau- THAT YOU COULDN’T HELP BUT CUDDLE tiful setting.

UP AND GET LOST IN A GOOD BOOK

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Summer 2017

LEFT: A BRICK-BASED WATERFALL THAT CONSTANTLY CASCADES INTO THE POOL, CREATES A UNIQUE, BEAUTIFUL SETTING.

BELOW: A TRIBUTE TO THOSE ADVENTURES ARE SEEN IN PHOTOS OF THEIR TRIPS AND MOUNTED ZEBRA, DEER, AND ANTELOPE ANTLERS THAT LINE A FEW OF THE ROOMS, GIVING A FEW ROOMS A DECIDEDLY “MAN’S MAN” FEEL, BUT KATHRYN’S EXQUISITE TASTE ARE SEEN THROUGHOUT MOST OF THE HOME.

“I do love my pool and patio. It’s like my island retreat,” Kathryn said. “It’s our own little getaway without ever having to leave home, and when you hear that water fall, all your troubles seem to melt away. It is so peaceful and lovely out here.”

Although Kathryn Barrow said her home and garden are a work in progress, you’d never know it. It seems perfect as it is.

The patio and pool are lined with lush trees, bushes, and plants, but she said that there is some planting that she would still like to do—most certainly making this little beautiful spot even more gorgeous than it is.

“What I really love about our home is that everything has a story, from the antiques that have been handed down throughout the generations to our souvenirs and reminders of our trips around the country, Europe, and South African safaris,” Kathryn said. “I love the fact that we’ve been able to blend all that in together. That means so much to us all.”L

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business

SANDRA SHAW

Pool Girl Extraordinaire Ready to Save the Day

BY JUDY BY: SMITH WRITTEN JENNIE BRADFORD CURLEE

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ith the approach of summer and as the steamy, smoldering temperatures in Mississippi continue to rise, everyone is dreaming of cooling off in crystal clear waters of their own tropical paradise found in their very own backyard pool. Imagine your disappointment if you are ready for a dip in the pool and turn to your own personal retreat only to find out that you’ve got green water, algae, a broken pump, or a variety of other pool dilemmas when you were just so ready for a chance to sink your toes in that refreshing water. What’s a person to do when these disasters happen, and the temps just won’t let up and only continue to rise?

Never fear. Sandra Shaw, the pool girl extraordinaire, is always there to save the day. Some consider her their very own pool super hero after she has saved the

day for many a pool lover’s plan for that festive pool party or maybe just a relaxing float in the water. That’s when it’s time to call in a professional to handle the situation. Although many would think that a guy would show up at your door when you put in an emergency call about a pool disaster, this Red Bay, Alabama, native has proven her expertise in this field and her exceptional skills in this area are widely known and appreciated.

Many pool owners consider Shaw their “go to” girl for any and all pool related issues.

Although Shaw seems to be a natural in this field, she readily admits that owning her own company was never a dream that she harbored as she was growing up, but her love of the water never left her. “I have always liked swimming and just water in general,” Shaw said. “I never really thought about

owning my own business until 2016.”

Since that day, word has spread quickly about this female pool dynamo, and business has been booming as many pool owners depend on Shaw for all of their pool needs. Even though this field has been historically dominated by men, Shaw is pioneering the way for women in this industry.

Even though most people think of pool maintenance as a man’s job or world, Shaw said that she has never faced any discrimination based on her gender from clients, customers, or pool owners.

Sandra Shaw’s business, Pool Girl Maintenance, came about when Shaw, devoted pool and water lover, decided that she no longer wanted to work for someone else and started her own business in April of 2016.

Shaw’s career in this field began over two decades ago, and she has gained a wealth of knowledge concerning this area.

“I started in the pool business March 27, 1989, at Dixie pools,” Shaw said. “I went in and told the owner that I needed a job, and that I didn’t care if it paid minimum wage. She hired me, and the rest is history.”

And Shaw has never regretted a minute of her chosen career path.

Even though Shaw now owns her own business, she often takes over most all of the duties of the company herself. From pool openings to closings, to weekly maintenance and repair work to pool equipment, Shaw does it all. There’s no job too big or too small for Shaw when it comes to pool upkeep, and Shaw’s devoted following and customers continue to grow and depend on her expertise, often asking her what type of chemicals are needed for their pools, how to maintain their pool through the winter, and a variety of other pool-related issues.

Shaw loves owning her own business and the freedom it allows her, but she admits that the call of the great outdoors and contact with customers are her favorite responsibilities.

“What I definitely like most about my

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Lilly Magazine

I went in and told the owner that I needed a job, and that I didn’t care if it paid minimum wage. She hired me, and the rest is history.”

job is that I get to be outside all the time, and I love being able to talk to my customers face to face,” Shaw said.

“I love working with pools and pool equipment, but those are definitely my favorite tasks.”

Shaw’s customers have only sung their praise and appreciation for Shaw and her company. According to Misty Hopkins Welch, Pool Girl Maintenance is “the fastest, most reasonably priced pool person and company” that she has ever used in over 12 years. Welch considers Shaw one of the most efficient, reliable, and honest

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people in the pool maintenance business. “Sandra is extremely prompt and does what she says she is going to do,” Welch said. “If she says she’s going to be there a certain day, by golly she is. I can text her regarding pool stuff, and she knows what I can do immediately to fix it. If it’s beyond just routine stuff, then she takes care of it herself. Plus, her knowledge on pools is incredible! She goes way above and beyond, and I can tell without a shadow of a doubt that customer satisfaction is her main priority. Thank goodness for Sandra!” L

UNBEATABLE POOL SERVICES AND MORE!

BILL BENSON

LEE COUNTY CHANCERY CLERK For Information Concerning:

BEFORE

Passports Prior-year Property Tax Recording Deeds Recording Deeds of Trust County Financial Information

“I highly recommend the Pool Girl’s services.

We called and she was there within a day. She made our pool like brand new for a very reasonable rate!”

-Carolyn and Jeff Green

AFTER

Call us at 662-432-2100 Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8 A.M. – 5 P.M. www.poolgirlmaintenance.com

3437 Tupelo Commons, Suite 101

Joe C. Kea,Tupelo, O.D., Primary Mississippi 38804 Eye Care Spectacular Specs Optical is proud to offer

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE on all prescription eyeglasses through December 31, 2017.

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Aysa Branch, Miss All America City Summer 2017

health

NMMC HOSPICE Honors Caregiver of the Year

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how to feed him by a feeding tube.

She made so many daily sacrifices for Ralph to make sure he had the best care possible. When she said her vows, “For better or worse, in sickness and in health,” she meant them, and it showed daily in the care she selflessly provided.”

Brad Crosswhite, M.D., a physician at IMA-Tupelo, is Megan Doxey’s brother.

“I have never seen a caregiver who was more patient, loving, persistent, caring and more positive than my sister,” Dr. Crosswhite said. “She has taught me so much about how to maintain a positive attitude about the sadness of suffering and illness while maintaining the most joyous smile and nothing but positivity. She is an angel on earth and I would only hope to be able to exhibit the patience and love that she has one day.”

The award presentation and celebration were a surprise to Doxey.

Many family members, including those of her late husband, were in attendance to congratulate and honor her. L

orth Mississippi Medical Center Hospice recently honored Megan Doxey of Tupelo with the Caregiver of the Year Award.

Doxey cared for her late husband, Ralph, who was admitted to NMMC Hospice in March 2016.

They were married in 2011, and in 2013 he was diagnosed with ALS. Soon after, they welcomed their daughter, Harper.

Megan is a pharmacist at NMMC, and continued to work full time during her time as a caregiver, thanks to family support.

“Through his illness Megan learned how to lift, move, change and clean Ralph,” said Leigh Ann Scroggins, RN, who nominated Doxey. “She learned

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PHOTO COURTESY NMHS

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health

FEMALE CANCERS: A Primer

BY DR. PASCHAL WILSON, M.D.

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Georgios Papanikolaou, the pathologist who developed the technique for the test in the 1920s, the Pap smear is an effective way of identifying cervical cancer or pre-cancerous changes of the cervix. This means that more cancers can be identified at an early stage, when they are more likely to be cured with treatment. Since the Pap smear became a standard of medical care within the last 50 years, there has been a 75 percent decrease in the death rate associated with cervical cancer.

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are linked to an infection known as human papilloma virus, or HPV. Testing for HPV infection can be incorporated into the Pap test. Starting in 2006, several types of HPV vaccination have become available. In the U.S., these vaccinations are known as GARDASIL® and GARDASIL 9®. The United State Advisory Committee on Immunization (ACIP) currently recommends that all girls age 11-12 undergo vaccination, and that “catch-up” vaccination be performed for women age 13-26 who did not receive vaccination when they were younger. In years to come, it is expected that routine use of HPV vaccination will further reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.

lthough many cancers affect both men and women equally, there are several types of cancer that occur only in women. Breast cancer is the most common type of women’s cancer worldwide, but men can also develop breast cancer, and breast malignancies will not be covered here. Instead, this article will provide a simple overview of the common forms of gynecologic malignancy, and a few tips for women to consider in planning their health care.

CERVICAL CANCER The cervix is the area where the vaginal canal connects to the uterus, or womb. Cancer of the cervix commonly occurs in younger women, with a peak occurring in women in their 40s. Historically, cervical cancer was one of the most common causes of cancer death in women in the United States. However, that pattern changed dramatically across the 20th century, as the Pap smear came into widespread use. Named for Dr.

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Summer 2017

OVARIAN CANCER The ovaries are the parts of the female reproductive system that produce eggs, and are also the primary location at which female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are produced. Each year in the United States, there are about 22,000 new diagnoses of cancer of the ovary each year, and about 14,000 deaths due to ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is more common in women beyond age 60. Unfortunately, this cancer causes few if any symptoms while in its early stages, meaning that the disease has often reached stage III or higher by the time it is diagnosed.

Physical examination of the area of the ovaries is routinely performed as part of the process of doing an annual pelvic examination, and this can be followed by ultrasound imaging or other radiographic studies if there is suspicion.

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Unlike cervical cancer, risk of developing ovarian cancer is not tied to any form of infection, as best we can tell. However, a woman’s risk can be affected in a small way by several factors, including her age at her first pregnancy and whether or not she received birth control medications. In recent years, we have gained a much better understanding of how the risk for ovarian cancer can run in families. Women who inherit a problem with genes called BRCA1 or BRCA2 have a significantly higher chance of developing ovarian cancer, and the risk is also increased in association with an inherited condition called Lynch Syndrome.

UTERINE (ENDOMETRIAL) CANCER Cancer of the uterus, or womb, is the most frequently-occurring gynecologic malignancy in the United States, with about 60,000 new cases

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each year. The lining of the uterus where most cancers develop is called endometrium, so the common form of cancer of the uterus is called endometrial cancer. This type of cancer is most common in women who are post-menopausal, and about 60 percent of all cases are diagnosed in women between the ages of 55 and 75. Physical examination of the uterus, done at the time of most pelvic exams, can help to detect abnormalities that might indicate cancer is developing.

Risk of endometrial cancer can be increased in women who receive certain forms of hormone replacement therapy after menopause. The risk is also higher in women who are significantly overweight, probably because obesity is associated with higher levels of estrogen in the bloodstream.

Patients with Lynch syndrome have an increased risk of uterine cancers.

Cancer of the uterus, or womb, is the most frequently-occurring gynecologic malignancy in the United States, with about 60,000 new cases each year.

SO, WHAT DOES A WOMAN NEED TO DO TO REDUCE RISK? First, get regular checkups, starting even in your 20s. Your health care provider can provide annual pelvic examinations that are the most important part of monitoring for female cancers, or can refer you to a gynecologic specialist if needed.

Because cervical cancer commonly happens in younger women, it’s important to continue annual checks without fail, even if you feel you’re doing well. It may be okay for many women to stop having regular Pap smears at age 65, but you should not do this on your own without going over your records with your doctor.

If you’re below age 27 and did not receive HPV vaccination when you were younger, ask your provider if you’re a candidate for immunization.

Most women do not need to undergo genetic workup for BRCA or Lynch

syndromes, but reviewing your family medical history with your doctor or nurse practitioner can help determine if this testing needs to be considered. Your health care provider can also make sure that mammography (screening for breast cancer) is done starting around age 40, and that screening colonoscopy is set up around age 50. Cancers can still happen in patients who have regular screening, but those cancers are more likely to be caught at an early stage and, therefore, more likely to be fully cured.

WHAT IF I’M DIAGNOSED WITH A GYNECOLOGIC CANCER? Gynecologic malignancies are treatable and often can be cured, and it’s important to remember this if you do receive a diagnosis of cancer. Most of the time, treatment involves a Gynecologic Oncology specialist. In the past, north Missis-

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sippi patients usually had to travel to Jackson, Birmingham, Nashville or Memphis for this type of surgical care. However, North Mississippi Medical Center has partnered with the specialty team from the University of Alabama at Birmingham to bring Gynecologic Oncology treatment closer to home. UAB specialists now be see patients at NMMC Cancer Care, 961 S. Gloster St. in Tupelo, and many patients who require surgery will be able to have their procedure performed at NMMC. WHERE ELSE CAN I LOOK FOR INFORMATION? Keep in mind that there’s a lot of misinformation on the internet. Patients can get trustworthy guidance from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network ( www.NCCN.org/ patients) or the American Cancer Society ( www.cancer.org/cancer.html).

If you have unanswered questions or think you may have symptoms of a cancer, schedule an appointment with your physician’s office. L

Paschal Wilson, M.D., is a hematologist/oncologist at NMMC Cancer Care in Tupelo.

Summer 2017

Why Aflac?

With Aflac supplemental insurance, you can provide an additional level of financial protection for yourself and your family in the event of a serious accident or illness.

Numbers

• Approximately 231,340 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.

• 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will get breast cancer at some point in her life.

• According to our recently released AACR Cancer Progress Report 2016, nearly 600,000 Americans will die from cancer this year.

Out of Pocket Costs

• Breast cancer patients with employer-sponsored health insurance spend $6,553 out-of-pocket annually • 1 in 5 cancer patients has used up all or most of her savings

About Aflac

For six decades, Aflac has given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. Aflac provides protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. For 9 consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere magazine as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. Aflac was founded upon its cancer policy and is committed to fighting the battle against cancer.

Sherrie Buskirk

District Sales Manager (cell) 662-213-8072 / (fax) 662-840-4903 499 Gloster Creek Village | Suite BC3 Tupelo, MS 38801 sherrie_buskirk@us.aflac.com

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Summer 2017

WOMEN’S EYE HEALTH is Worth Looking Into

BY DR. JOE C. KEA, O.D.

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if caught early enough. Cataracts are one of the more easily treatable eye conditions and also one of the most devastating to the patient’s vision.

Central vision blur and glare are the most common visual symptoms.

When identified early enough, a cataract can often be monitored, but a mature cataract most often needs to be removed by a surgeon. Cataract surgery is one of the most successful surgeries performed in all of medicine. Macular degeneration, a disease process of the retina, is usually seen in the elderly and can be more problematic. Often affecting the central vision, macular degeneration is a disease of the blood vessels feeding the macula of the eye – the extremely sensitive spot where fine vision is processed. Treatment outcomes are more unpredictable due to the nature of the process and injections into the vitreous of the eye are often needed to prevent devastating vision loss from occurring.

Dry eye is a condition in which a person doesn’t have enough quality tears to lubricate the eye. Women are more likely to develop dry eye due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives and menopause. Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and thyroid problems are also contributing factors. Dry eye can usually be controlled with artificial tears, increasing essential fatty acids in ones diet, and drinking plenty of water.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of some of these conditions is paramount to staving off potentially serious problems down the road. As in all disease states, early detection of eye disease of any kind is desirable to good treatment outcomes. Be sure to see your eye care professional regularly for a dilated eye exam. L

he majority of the more than four million visually impaired Americans over the age of forty and two thirds of the visually impaired worldwide are female. Women are at more risk of developing almost every category of eye disease than their male counterparts; especially glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

Part of the reason for this is that women live longer than men; another reason is that women are the primary care givers for the family and are more likely than men to have their eyes examined.

Most of it, however, seems to be genetic or environmental and with regular eye exams can, in most cases, be either prevented or treated.

Vision is a sense that humans, in general, take for granted. That is because the eye is a very resilient and highly evolved organ system. Women, however, might be wise to give their “baby blues” a second thought. Eighty percent of blindness worldwide is either preventable or treatable and far more women than men are at risk of becoming a victim of eye disease.

Glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and dry eye are four major conditions that tend to surface the most in women’s eye health. Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve, for a variety of reasons, tends to atrophy and die. Mostly affecting side vision, it’s a process where the peripheral vision deteriorates insidiously over a period of years without the patient’s knowledge.

It is a silent killer and entirely treatable

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Dr. Kea is the owner of Kea Eye Center with Spectacular Specs. He has been in private practice in Tupelo, MS for more than 20 years. He is a member of the Mississippi Optometric Association and a Diplomat of the American Board of Optometry.

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health

SLEEPLESS NIGHTS due to numbness and tingling hands?

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release May Be The Answer!

BY DR. ERIC LEWIS

I

Median Nerve. This nerve provides feeling to the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger.

This nerve also sends a signal to the large muscles of the thumb.

The Median Nerve enters the wrist under a structure called the Transverse Carpal Ligament. This ligament serves as the roof of the carpal tunnel and can place pressure on the nerve. This pressure can cause the numbness and tingling mentioned above. It can cause pain that radiates into the hand or up towards the elbow. It can cause weakness

s numbness and tingling in your hands keeping you awake at night? If so, Dr. Eric Lewis of North Mississippi Sports Medicine may have the answer to your sleepless nights.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common causes of numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers.

This condition is caused by pressure on a nerve in your wrist called the

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Summer 2017

There are two general surgical approaches, the traditional open carpal tunnel release or a minimally invasive approach called an Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release.

of the hand, making it difficult to handle small objects. Patients frequently complain of symptoms that wake them in the middle of night.

Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome requires a history and physical exam to determine if the Median Nerve shows signs of irritation. A test to evaluate how well the nerve functions and if the muscles are healthy may also be performed.

Treatment may consist of use of a brace, steroid injection or surgery depending on the results of these evaluations.

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Surgical treatment is designed to cut the transverse carpal ligament and decrease the pressure inside the carpal tunnel. There are two general surgical approaches, the traditional open carpal tunnel release or a minimally invasive approach called an Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release. The two procedures both achieve the result of cutting the transverse carpal ligament, however the endoscopic carpal tunnel release is typically done through a smaller incision and does not require an incision to be placed in the palm. Medical studies have shown the potential for a quicker recovery with the endoscopic carpal tunnel release as compared to the traditional open procedure.

This procedure is done under local sedation, which allows for quicker recovery immediately after surgery. It typically takes less than 10 minutes. After surgery, you will have a band-aide over the small incision and will be allowed to use your hand as you see fit, provided

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there is no significant pain during the activity. Recovery is dependent on the severity of one’s carpal tunnel syndrome, but the majority of patients experience notable improvement in their symptoms by the second day after surgery.

You could be less than 10 minutes away from your best night of sleep and a return to activities you may have thought you could no longer enjoy. L

Dr. Eric Lewis is an elbow, wrist, hand & microsurgery specialist at the North Mississippi Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Clinic in Tupelo. Dr. Lewis earned his bachelor’s degree in bioengineering from Texas A&M University.

He received his medical training from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. and he completed his internship in general surgery at St. Joseph Hospital in Houston, TX. He also took part in a fellowship and orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, TX. He has completed fellowships in hand and microsurgery in Houston as well.

Prior coming to Tupelo, he worked at the Naval Hospital in Camp Lejeune, NC. He is board certified and specializes in orthopaedic surgery of the elbow, wrist and hand.

scene

4TH ANNUAL OUR MISSISSIPPI HONORS GALA

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ur Mississippi Magazine held its annual ourMississippi Honors Gala, Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the BancorpSouth Conference Center in downtown Tupelo. The statewide event celebrated corporate diversity and has been held in Tupelo since its inception in 2014.

Famed actor John Amos was the guest speaker for the evening.

PHOTOS BY SHELBY DANIEL

ASYA BRANCH, KAYLIN COSTELLA AND EMILY COCKRELL

MR. AND MRS. JOHN LONG

MR. AND MRS. SEAN SUGGS

BLUE SILK BAND ENTERTAINED THE CROWD

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Summer 2017

TEAM TOYOTA: SEAN, MIKE AND KATHRYN

MR. AND MRS. TRAVIS BEARD

DEBORAH TIERCE WAS EMCEE FOR THE GALA

MAYOR JASON SHELTON

FAMED ACTOR JOHN AMOS

SALLYE STEWART

GLORIA FORD, FLORINS NAILS, MARILYN ARMSTRONG AND JOHN ARMSTRONG

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wedding

SARA BERRY

Two Daughters, Two Weddings, Countless Blessings

AMANDA JEWEL WARREN | PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE RHEA

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ara Berry and her husband Monte have hearts brimming over with love and thankfulness for their family which continues to grow. They have seven children ranging from ages 23 down to five years old—the first five they brought into the world together and the youngest two they adopted. Then in 2016, both of the oldest daughters became engaged at the same time.

“Our two oldest children, Katie and Ellie, had both dated these boys for many years and both were graduating from college. Katie got engaged Valentine’s Day and we had a wedding June 11th. So not a long planning time. And then Ellie and Drew got engaged in July and we had a wedding in December,” said Berry. Katie

graduated in May 2016 with a double major in global comparative studies and psychology. Ellie graduated in December 2016 with a degree in organic chemistry and plans to enroll in med school. Both girls lived in Birmingham and were working extremely hard to graduate during the wedding planning process.

Berry not only has seven children, she is also an author who runs two publishing companies that she started, alongside being involved in her church and community. Planning two weddings would normally add a lot of stress to an already busy working mother, but Berry seemed to thrive under pressure.

“It was challenging, Berry said. “In fact, I feel like I have a new ministry to encourage moms who are planning weddings, because until you get in the middle of it, you don’t realize what a big deal

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it is and how difficult it can be. But I am a plate spinner by nature.”

Ellie Berry and Drew Carter were high school sweethearts while Katie Berry and Owen Thompson met their first day of college. The two girls were born 20 months apart and were only separated by one grade during school. “They are very close friends, but they are also very different personalities. We did not want a cookie cutter wedding for either of them. We wanted to really make them distinct.”

While both weddings were catered

by Louis Crum through the family business Refreshments Incorporated, and both took place in Corinth where Berry grew up, each wedding

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was held at a separate venue with its own theme.

“We have a farm right outside of Corinth. That was where Katie and Owen wanted to get married. It’s called Waukomis Lake. There’s a lake and horses and a farm called Avon Acres. That was named for my greatgrandfather. The farm has been in our family for several generations,” Berry said.

Katie’s theme was considered elegant farm wedding and was held outdoors in front of a log cabin. The Berry’s rented church pews and a tent was placed nearby for the reception. Maud Les Lancaster with Soiree Events helped plan the wedding and provided the flower arrangements.

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With Katie’s wedding being outdoors, the one thing no one had any control over was the weather. Berry prepared by talking over worst case scenarios and having a back-up plan.

“In all honesty, I just prayed that the weather would be good. It was a gorgeous day and then as the time got close for the wedding there were horrible storms all around us, but it did not rain during the ceremony,” said Berry. “Luckily by the time the rain did come, everyone was under the tent for the reception and it only lasted a moment.”

Ellie’s wedding took place at First Methodist Church in Corinth with the reception at Franklin Courtyard.

Tracy Proctor helped to plan the

wedding and provided the flower arrangements.

“The wedding was the week before Christmas. She did not want it to look like it was a Christmas party. And of course that time of year lent itself to lights and candles and elegance, and because of the time of year, it got dark early. It was a little bit more of a dressy affair.” Berry said.

Each daughter embraced family traditions by integrating special and meaningful items into their weddings. “My mother, for all of her children and grandchildren, has gotten the dates and couples engraved on the cake knife that she and my dad used at their wedding.

In that same token, there is a beautiful handkerchief that has all the initials and dates of all the family weddings, and that has been incorporated into the bouquet for the bride every time.” Said Berry Berry also began a new tradition she hopes will be carried on in the years to come.

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“When my husband and I got married 25 years ago my mother had gotten made a very long aisle runner that was monogramed with a W,” she said. “But we cut that part off, because we weren’t W’s anymore. I had it embroidered with our names and the date we got married, and then skipped a space and had Katie’s and Owen’s names and wedding date embroidered, and then for Ellie’s and Drew’s wedding we moved further up and had their names and wedding date embroidered. So that’s now our family tradition and will be something for the generations, I think.”

The main focus of both weddings was to make God the center of their lives together.

“With both weddings, we really wanted to honor the Lord,” Berry said. “We wanted to honor God, because scripturally there’s so many analogies with a wedding and Christ being the bridegroom and the church being the bride and there’s so much symbolism with that. We’re a family of believers and both couples are as well, and it was important to them that it was God honoring.” L

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food

FARMERS MARKET

Brings diverse group, foods downtown

BY GENIE ALICE BRUCE

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and backgrounds together.”

The Farmers’ Depot, located at 415 S. Spring St., is open May through October: • 3-6 p.m. Tuesday • 6 a.m.-noon Thursday and Saturday There are around 30 vendors that sell their goods at the market, and the produce varies each time.

“The fruits and vegetables will all depend on what is currently in season,” Helmuth says. “You’ll find everything from blueberries, peaches, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash zucchini and more. It truly is locally grown – so you won’t find oranges at our market

resh, locally-grown fruit, vegetables and homemade foods are staples at the Downtown Tupelo Farmers’ Depot, but every time the market is open the goods being sold are as diverse as the people who come to shop.

“The farmers’ market is one of our most diverse events,” says Craig Helmuth, program associate with the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association. “It truly brings people of all ages

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“You’ll find everything from blueberries, peaches, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash zucchini and more. It truly is locally grown – so you won’t find oranges at our market or tomatoes on the first day.” or tomatoes on the first day.”

In addition to standard farmers’ market fare, you’ll also find canned vegetables, fresh flowers, homemade bread and baked goods, jams and jellies, local honey and more.

“You can’t come once and say you’ve experienced our market,” says Helmuth. “It changes every time.”

COURTESY PHOTOS The Tupelo Farmers’ Depot is different than a produce stand. A produce stand can buy goods in bulk from anywhere and re-sell them, but a farmer’s market is truly seasonal and 100 percent locally grown.

Sarah Stewart, DTMSA program associate, says the market also offers fun programming throughout the season.

“We try to offer events to bring people to the market,” Stewart says. “We have planned kids’ activities, chef demonstrations, games and live music just to name a few. We keep our Facebook page updated with what’s going on each week at the market, so that is the best place to stay on top of what’s going on.”

The farmers are as diverse as the shoppers. Some are younger and have a garden in their backyard and participate in the market as a supplement to their income, and some are retired and focus solely on their sales at the market.

Jimmy Sheffield of Mooreville has been setting up at the market since it started in 2000. Sheffield is 83 and works six days a week.

“I grew up on a farm and we raised what we ate,” he says. “I retired and realized I couldn’t go home and sit on the couch so I started farming again. People ask me how I do it at my age and I just work every day like I always did to get it done. I can’t see retiring and sitting in front of the TV all day.”

Sheffield grows a wide variety of vegetables – tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, pole beans, beets, cabbage, okra, corn, watermelon, cantaloupe, potatoes and peas – to name a few. He occasionally hires a teenager from church to help him get everything picked. “I enjoy going to the market and seeing all the nice people,” he says.

“Farming keeps you guessing because you really never know how your crop will turn out.” he Tupelo Farmers’ Depot is a Mississippi Department of Agriculture Certified Market. This certification program ensures that the produce is grown locally.

Helmuth attends yearly training to make sure the Farmers’ Depot meets all current regulations. “This certification shows there’s some integrity behind what we do – it’s not just a pop-up,” he says. Another benefit is that most things sold at the market do not require sales tax.

The building used by the market was originally south of the current location and was used by the railroad for storage. It was moved across the tracks and used by Tupelo Public Works for storage until it was moved to its current location on Spring Street, right by the tracks, in 2000 and became the Tupelo Farmers’ Market. In spring 2015, some changes were made to the hours and new landscaping was added, along with changing the name to the Tupelo Farmers’ Depot to embrace the location of the market in the crossing of two major railroads.

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Lilly Magazine

CATERING FOR ANY OCCASION. ✓

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Summer 2017

Why Add Outdoor Lighting To Your Business?

Lamp Size 400 Watt Spot/Flood (Luminaire) 400 Watt (Luminaire) 100 Watt (Luminaire) Additional $2.75 fee if 30-foot wood pole is needed.

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Monthly Charge $20.83 $17.50 $7.11

food

COOKING HEALTHY IN A HURRY

BY LYNN PATTERSON

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he task of cooking a big meal after a full day of work might Here are some tips for healthy, seem kind of overwhelming. You might be tempted to make quick and tasty meals: Need dinner now because you a side trip through the fast food drive through or maybe are in a big hurry? Don’t go the fast order a pizza. food route; stop at the grocery store While that may be OK once a month or so, don’t make it a habit. Fast food is loaded with saturated fats, sodium, sugar and calories.

Does that mean you are doomed to spend an hour-and-a-half in the kitchen every night if you want to feed your family healthy meals? Not at all. Some tasty and healthy shortcuts can make cooking easy and delicious. All that is required is the right kitchen equipment and a little smart shopping at your grocery store to make healthy choices.

instead. Most grocery stores have deli sections with lots of dishes that are ready to heat and serve. Be sure to choose foods that are not loaded with creamy sauces or gravies and don’t buy the fried chicken and greasy potato wedges. Instead, pick up a hot fresh rotisserie chicken. These chickens are low in fat and often nicely seasoned. All you have to do is carve the bird and serve it with vegetables and a salad. he freezer section of your store has several varieties of healthy vegetables. Some brands steam right in your microwave.

Make your own salad at the grocery store’s salad bar or grab some greens and pre cut vegetables. Wash the greens and fresh vegetables, toss and serve. Serve with low fat salad dressing on the side.

Choose fresh meats that are ready to cook in your oven. Go to the meat department of your grocery store and look for skinless sea-

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Be sure to choose foods that are not loaded with creamy sauces or gravies and don’t buy the fried chicken and greasy potato wedges. soned chicken breasts or healthy salmon filets. Place them in a baking dish and pop it in the oven. There is virtually no prep time and little clean up so you have plenty of time to make your side dishes.

Use a vegetable steamer/rice cooker that can prepare two healthy side dishes at once. The steamer does the work while you relax or get other chores done.

Buy a slow cooker. Make your own hearty soups with low sodium broth, chunks of lean beef or chicken, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic and celery.

When you go the freezer section of your grocery store, you will find lots of frozen meals. Some are small and low in calories, others are huge with lots of calories and fat and high in sodium. Use some of the healthy alternatives and make them even healthier by adding extra vegetables or salad and a slice of whole grain bread.

The best frozen meals are ones you make yourself. If you can devote a whole weekend in your kitchen and have the freezer space, you can try once a month cooking. As always, choose healthy recipes that are low in calories and high in nutrition. Look for recipes that use lean meats, poultry or fish and lots of vegetables.

So you see, with a little preparation and a healthy grocery list, you can enjoy healthy, delicious and easy-to-make meals at home. Healthy ingredients are whole fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and pastas.

Meats and poultry should be lean whenever possible, and low fat dairy products are better choices. Here are two quick and healthy recipes to try:

ourMississippi

Lilly Magazine

FRUIT SALAD 1/3 cantaloupe, cut into 3/4 inch cubes (about 2 cups) 1 (16 ounce) container fresh strawberries, quartered (about 3 cups) 5 medium kiwis, peeled and cut into 3/4 inch cubes (about 2 ½ cups) Dressing: 3 Tablespoons honey 3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon lime zest Place all of the fruit in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk the honey, lime juice and zest. Right before serving, pour the dressing over the fruit and toss gently to combine.

SOUTHWEST STEAK AND BEANS 1 1/2 pounds flank steak 1 onion chopped 3 cloves garlic minced 16 oz. jar chunky salsa ½ tsp. dried oregano leaves 2 tsp. chili powder ½ tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced 3 cups hot cooked rice Trim excess fat from steak. Place onions and garlic in bottom of 3 4 quart slow cooker and top with steak. Mix salsa, oregano, chili powder, salt and pepper in small bowl and pour over meat. Top with drained black beans. Cover and cook on low for 7 9 hours until meat is tender. Remove meat from slow cooker and slice into thin strips against the grain. Turn heat to high and return beef to slow cooker along with sliced peppers. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes, until peppers are tender. Serve with rice. 6 servings. L

Lynn Patterson, RD, LD, is a clinical dietitian at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

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food

Local Flavor Works for KERMIT’S OUTLAW KITCHEN

BY JUDY SMITH

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cakes before he became an international star and the “King of Rock and Roll,” and continued to send him birthday cakes to his Graceland home in Memphis after he had forever changed the world of music. It seems that Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen is famous, not only for its great food, but also because of the fond memories the place holds for so many.

“We have a lot of people that come in here and say that they remember buying homemade bread or cakes here, and they reminisce about those times,” McCamey said. “It’s really special for us to be a part of that history.”

McCamey has worked all over the country with some of the top chefs in the country, and he has taken that knowledge to bring his own special style to the Tupelo cuisine scene. But what really stands out about Kermit’s is that it is a “community restaurant.”

“We butcher our own meat from local farmers that raise cows, chickens, or pigs at our sister restaurant the Neon Pig,” McCamey

ithout a doubt, one of the hottest spots in town in Tupelo is Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen. The atmosphere is fun and lively, and the food is always delicious because it’s homegrown and always fresh. Plus, Mitchell McCamey and staff make diners and guests feel more like family and friends, making for an enjoyable experience every time.

Everything about Kermit’s is unique, even how the Tupelo restaurant got its name. The 140-year-old building is nestled in the Historic District of Downtown Tupelo. From the 1940s into the 1970s, the building was home to Kermit and Clara, who lived above their own little pastry shop, Kermit’s Bakery. They hold another place in history as they have the distinction of making Elvis Presley’s birthday

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said. “We use local vegetables, fruits, honey, butter, and just about everything here is made by locals. I think that’s what makes our food stand out is that it is created from local ingredients, and anything is always better when it’s homegrown and local.”

At the Neon Pig, local grass fed cows, pigs, and free range chickens are processed in this old school version of a butcher shop, market, and restaurant. The basis of Kermit’s meat comes from the Neon Pig. The restaurants are special parts of the community and its circle of life. Farmers feel a special bond with the restaurant because they have helped supply the fresh meats and vegetables to the table, and McCamey and crew feel that they are giving back to the community as they take those local goods and create mouth-watering dishes that just can’t be found anywhere else. McCamey’s wood-burning stove was even locally made.

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“We use local vegetables, fruits, honey, butter, and just about everything here is made by locals.”

“It’s a great way of life to eat homegrown foods, and the whole community feels like they are a part of our restaurant,” McCamey said. McCamey that a great deal of work goes into making sure that each dish and offering is of the highest quality and is totally delicious as they base their work on their close attention to detail and devotion to local farm goods.

The menu at Kermit’s changes weekly and even daily as a reflection of that week’s harvest from local farms. Sometimes, there are last minute changes to offerings because some plants might not have fared too well in the scorching Mississippi sun or a little too much

rain might not have been too good for certain crops. But diners never have to worry. They know that they will only get the best dishes sweetened with a healthy dose of Mississippi hospitality.

McCamey, also co-owner of the Neon Pig, and Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen is constantly growing. With a restaurant now open in Oxford, McCamey said that they are always working on new projects, but their main priority will always be serving the best food to their customers and treating diners like more than a number, but like family and friends.

“Probably one of my favorite aspects of my work is that we get to

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get to know so many people, get to know about their lives and families,” McCamey said. “This is truly a ‘community restaurant.’ You can come in here any day of the week, and there will be a variety ages. Some people will be dressed casually in shorts and t shirts while others will be dressed up, but they are all treated the same.

It’s just a really great place for everyone to come together and enjoy a good time.”

The unity that the restaurant helps to bring to the community has brought great joy to McCamey and staff. “We feel that our customers feel like they are a part of our restaurant because they are by either helping supply us with meat or vegetables,” McCamey said. “It’s really important to us to make Tupelo proud of us because we are so proud to be here. Tupelo is such a great place to live and we are fortunate and happy to be here.” L Summer 2017

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KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY

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he 19th Annual Kentucky Derby Party was held Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 419 Robins Street. All proceeds from the party benefit the Regional Rehab Center.

RHONDA HORTON

JUSTIN BROCK AND BRAD ASHCRAFT

SHERRI MCCLAIN AND JASON SHELTON

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FULL HOUSE ENJOYED THE EVENING’S FESTIVITIES

AMY PIETROWSKI, KIM DILL, STACY ASHCRAFT, TEMPEST BROCK, AND LACEY SHORT

STACY AND BRAD ASHCRAFT

Lilly Magazine

COURTESY PHOTOS

STACY ASHCRAFT AND TOM EVANS

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UPCOMING EVENTS JUNE 12 NITA & BOB BUTLER MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT The 13th Annual Nita & Bob Butler Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Monday, June 12, at the Tupelo Country Club. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Regional Rehabilitation Center.

JUNE 24 SUMMER MOVIE SERIES IN THE PARK Summer Movie Series in the Park Movie #1. Come see Sing! Join us for this family event watching great movies under the stars! The movies will be held behind the sportsplex concessions stand on the soccer field at approximately 8:30ish…or dark enough to show!

JUNE 1-4 TUPELO ELVIS FESTIVAL Each year thousands of fans flock to Tupelo, Miss., to honor its native son, Elvis Presley. Elvis® is an international icon that changed the world of music forever and has an ever-growing fan base. The Tupelo Elvis Festival is the only international festival honoring Elvis Presley in the Southeast next to Graceland in Memphis, Tenn.

JULY 4

JUNE 7 JOURNEY WITH ASIA BancorpSouth Arena, 7:30-10:45 p.m.

JUNE 10 JOYNER GARDEN DISTRICT HOME & GARDEN TOUR St. Luke UM Church, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Joyner neighborhood in Tupelo will host a tour on Saturday, June 10, featuring locations that were transformed after the April 2014 tornado. Call 662-397-3060 for more information.

MUSIC, MONET & MARGARITAS The Lyric Krewe will host their 14th annual street festival fundraiser, Music, Monet and Margaritas, on June 10 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. on Broadway Street in front of the Lyric Theater. This festival is a fundraiser for Tupelo Community Theater. Call 662-844-1935 for more information.

ALL-AMERICAN CITY PICNIC AND FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION Fairpark in Downtown Tupelo, 4-9:30 p.m.

JULY 13 DOWN ON MAIN FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES The Down on Main free summer concert series was created to be a community event that offers unique musical experiences for everyone to enjoy. Along with the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association, local businesses and community volunteers pitch in together with time, effort, energy and money to make this atmosphere happen in Downtown Tupelo.

6-10 p.m.

20/20 Vision Center 20/20 Vision Center PAPA ACCESS Family Health Services, Inc. Adapts Electronic Monitoring ACCESS Family Health Services, Inc. Advanced Diabetes Management Center Adapts Electronic Aflac InsuranceMonitoring Ameriprise Financial Advisors – David L. James Advanced Diabetes Management Center Ameriprise Financial Advisors – Lauren Norman Fox Aflac Insurance BancorpSouth Comcast Camellia Home Health and Hospice Cardiology Associates of North Miss. L. Ameriprise Financial Advisors – David Carmelcorn James ComfortFinancial Keepers Advisors – Lauren Ameriprise Crossroads Norman Fox Rehabilitation Exceed Technologies, Inc. BancorpSouth Gloster Creek Dental Care Comcast Gloster Creek Salon and Spa HealthHome Management Services, Inc. Camellia Health and Hospice Honey Baked Ham and Café Cardiology Associates of North Miss.

Ivancic Pediatrics Clinic Carmelcorn Lamar Advertising Comfort Keepers Legend Publishing Company Lifecore Health Crossroads Rehabilitation Mississippi Alarm Exceed Technologies, Inc. MORA Gloster Creek Dental Care

Ms. Ruth’s Express Nationwide Insurance North East Orthopaedics Clinic Russell Orthodontics Dental Solutions Tupelo, LLC Rasberry Financial Recovery & Wellness Spa Snyder & Company Surgery Clinic of Tupelo Sweet Tomato Pizza Kitchen The Orchard United Methodist Church Tupelo Plastic Surgery Clinic Twisted by Corissa Urology Associate Wells Fargo Waste Management of Miss.

Woodmen of the World Yummy L.L.C. Rent-A-Center Kool Smiles Nail Designs H & R Block OneMain Financial GameX Change

Gloster Creek Salon and Spa Health Management Services, Inc.

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF TUPELO (Just one block south of crosstown)

2018 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT “Breaking Barriers, Expanding Possibilities”

Friday, March 9, 2018, 12 – 5 p.m.

BancorpSouth Conference Center 375 East Main Street | Tupelo, MS 38804 | 662-841-6528

Great Speakers – Networking Entertainment – Personal Development Empowering Women to Build For Success

Register online at www.mshonors.com or call (662) 844-2602 for tickets Registration Fee $25 | Includes afternoon lunch

A LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR THE WOMEN OF TUPELO/LEE COUNTY

Lilly

SUMMER 2017