Invitation Magazine - February 2019

FEBRUARY 2019

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CO U N T I E S

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M I S S I S S I P P I

MEET

Fluf f OUR COVER WINNER

INSIDE AN

ANIMAL SANC TUARY

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

HE AT S U P A CORINTH

RIDING CHAMPION

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Letter From the Publisher

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Calendar

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Shoutouts

North Mississippi’s high school basketball teams are on fire. Meet a few impressive student athletes from standout teams in the area as they prepare for the upcoming state championship tournament.

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Meet the Pet: Fluff

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In Season: Chili

26 Peaceable Kingdom

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Out & About

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Recipes: Homemade Dog Treats

A family tradition of showing horses continues with Alcorn Central High School student Lilly Beth Harville.

20 Courting Fame

Wild and domestic animals in need of care find safety and shelter at the private nonprofit Cedarhill Animal Sanctuary.

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ON THE COVER

The winner of Invitation’s first Pet Cover Contest is Fluff, a playful Ragdoll kitten owned by the McDaniel family. Thank you to all who participated in the contest! Read more about Fluff on page 14.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

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Cirque du Soleil “Crystal”

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Tupelo Christmas Parade

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Multi-Purpose Center

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Celebrate Corinth

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Almost New Year’s Eve

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Holiday Tablescapes

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Saltillo Sippin’ Cider

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Tupelo Ballet

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L E T T E R from the P U B L I S H E R I had a kind and gentle dog growing up. She was a collie mix that my family and I rescued when I was 7. Her name was Snooky, the same nickname my grandmother was called affectionately by family and close friends. Snooky was a good companion for me and my parents. She lived a long life, and we enjoyed her company, but that was really the extent of my relationship with animals.

Fast forward 30 years, and meet my daughter, Mary Katherine, who is 7. She has never met a snake, rat, cat, horse, dog or bird she didn’t love. From the time she could talk she has always loved animals. She told me when she was 3 she wanted a dog. We’d go visit the park just to encounter people walking their dogs. M.K.’s love and affection for all animals comes from something deep inside her that I’m learning to understand and appreciate. We got her a dog when she turned 5, and she cried with joy. Soon she

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asked if she could take horseback riding lessons, mainly because she wanted to be around the horses. She would go every day if we would allow her.

Last summer, while visiting some longtime family friends in Dallas, she was bitten by their dog. She cried a little, but said she’d learned a lesson. I knew right then that this love she has for all animals is unwavering.

In this issue, we celebrate pets. Through the eyes of my child, I’ve been taught how much a part of our lives animals can be, and how much comfort they can bring.

It’s evident to those of us here at Invitation that our readers and social media followers sure love their pets too. In early January we held our first pet cover contest, and almost 450 people submitted photos of their dogs, cats, birds and other creatures to compete in it.

Fluff, the cover winner, visited our

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photography studio last month and as you see on the cover, she is one fun-loving little cat. We know you’ll want to read more about her on page 14.

This month we’ve also highlighted people with other loves besides animals. Be sure and check out the profiles of several standout basketball teams and players from schools in north Mississippi. These impressive student athletes are preparing for the upcoming state championship tournament.

We hope you’ll enjoy this issue. Whether you’re looking for ways to lavish love on a furry friend or spend an evening out supporting teams in your community, we are glad you are spending time with Invitation.

RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER

@INVMAGA ZINE

PUBLISHERS

Phil and Rachel West

EDITORIAL

EXECUTIVE EDITORS Allison Estes Emily Welly EXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITOR Mary Moreton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rachel Burchfield Jennifer Collins Kimme Hargrove Anne Lampkin Kramer Sarah McCullen SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Sarah McCullen COPY EDITOR Kate Johnson

OFFICE

BUSINESS MANAGER Hollie Hilliard DISTRIBUTION Donald Courtney Brian Hilliard MAIN OFFICE 662-234-4008

ART

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Holly Vollor STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Joe Worthem CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Paul Gandy Lisa Roberts Whitney Worsham

ADVERTISING

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Timeka Davis Alise M. Emerson Leigh Lowery Lynn McElreath Stacey Raper Moni Simpson Whitney Worsham Anna Zemek ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Paul Gandy Becca Pepper Hallie Thomas ADVERTISING INFORMATION invitationmag.com

Serving Alcorn, Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo and Union counties.

To subscribe to one year (10 issues) of Invitation or to buy an announcement, visit invitationmag.com.

To request a photographer at your event, email Mary at mary.invitation@gmail.com.

Invitation respects the many diverse individuals and organizations that make up north Mississippi and strives to be inclusive and representative of all members of our community.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

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C O M M U N I T Y FEBRUARY 2019

Boat Show

Presidents Day

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Hosted by Midway Marine in Fulton.

Peruse pontoon and fishing boats, enjoy free refreshments and enter for a chance to win door prizes. Free. Open 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

School’s out and federal buildings are closed on this holiday honoring our nation’s first president, George Washington, who was actually born Feb. 22, 1732.

midwaymarine.com

James Taylor FEBRUARY 16

Taylor’s long list of accolades includes recently receiving the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. He performs in Tupelo with his All-Star Band and special guest Bonnie Raitt. Tickets $69-$103. 7:30 p.m., BancorpSouth Arena. bcsarena.com

35th Annual Masquerade Gala FEBRUARY 23

Supermoon FEBRUARY 19

Known by some Native American tribes as the Full Snow Moon, this month’s full moon occurs near perigee (the closest point to Earth in the moon’s orbit), making it appear especially large and bright.

Mega Monster Mania

The Columbus Arts Council honors Larry Feeney, a local artist and a professor at Mississippi University for Women. Event includes a buffet with an open bar, a dessert bar, a silent auction, raffles, a wine pull and live music. Tickets $60; table sponsorships also available. 5:30 p.m., Trotter Convention Center, Columbus. columbus-arts.org

Eric Knight Celebration FEBRUARY 23

Featuring eight monster trucks and a Tuff Truck Competition. Tickets $8-$18. Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Crossroads Arena, Corinth.

North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra celebrates the work of its former music director Eric Knight with a sampling of his arrangements. Tickets $10-$30.

7:30-9:30 p.m., 1800 W. Main St., Tupelo.

crossroadsarena.com

nmsymphony.com

National Random Acts of Kindness Day

“Cinderella”

Barnyard Mud Bash

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Presented by the National Russian Ballet, the classic fairy tale is paired with a musical score written by composer Sergei Prokofiev.

Tickets $12-$30. 7 p.m., Bettersworth Auditorium, Starkville.

Bring your ATVs and trucks to BMB Off-Road in Fulton for a family-friendly weekend of camping, live music and mudding on Saturday. Full weekend admission, $40; Saturday only, $30.

union.msstate.edu

bmboffroad.com

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Mark Twain said, “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Look for opportunities to be kind today, and share your moment using #RandomActsofKindnessDay.

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“A Time to Kill” M A R C H 7- 9

Tupelo Community Theatre presents John Grisham’s gripping tale about race, crime and family in small town Mississippi.

Tickets $10-$20. Showtimes vary.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BANCORPSOUTH ARENA

tct.ms

Luke Combs MARCH 8

After winning 2018 CMA awards for Male Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year, Luke Combs brings his “Beer Never Broke My Heart Tour” to Tupelo. Tickets start at $175. 7 p.m., BancorpSouth Arena. bcsarena.com

National K9 Veterans Day M ARCH 13

On this day in 1942, 200 canines received official recognition as war dogs by the U.S. armed forces. National K9 Veterans Day celebrates canines’ military roles as sentry dogs, patrol dogs, messengers, mine detection dogs and more.

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S H O U T O U T S

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GRASSROOTS ANIMAL RESCUE

G ra s s ro ot s A n i m a l Re s c ue Based in Starkville, this nonprofit private rescue program places dogs in loving foster homes until they are adopted or can be transported to less-populated animal shelters like Oktibbeha County Humane Society in Starkville. OCHS receives a number of dogs from Grassroots, many of which are adopted within days.

“We have been so lucky to have a great network of shelter and rescue friends here in Mississippi,” said Jessica Thompson, one of Grassroots’ directors. “We all work together to help each other out when we can.”

Since 2011, Grassroots has placed nearly 1,800 dogs into homes all over the U.S. and Canada. The organization does not have a physical location and relies on its network of foster homes.

“Starkville is a college town, so many of our foster parents are college students,” Thompson said. “That means we may have lots of foster homes during some times of the year, and other times, especially around the holidays when most students go home or travel, we may have very few foster homes. We can never have enough foster homes.

More foster homes equals more safe places for pups in need.”

Grassroots Animal Rescue is always in need of foster homes for dogs. To apply, donate or view adoptable pets, visit grassrootsanimalrescue.com.

L it t le Fre e L i b ra r y

K n it t i n g G ra c e

Instead of just sticking a recently read book on a shelf in your house, give someone else the opportunity to read it by donating it to a nearby Little Free Library.

There are over 75,000 of these free book exchange sites all over the globe, and 28 are scattered across northeast Mississippi, with locations in Tupelo, Corinth, Booneville, New Albany, Fulton, Starkville and more. With its “take a book, share a book” motto, the worldwide organization promotes literacy by making an ever-diverse selection of books accessible to readers of any age or background.

Anyone can start or contribute to a Little Free Library, so each one is unique. For more information about starting a Little Free Library, or to find one near you, visit littlefreelibrary.org.

Founded by Emily Hutton in July 2018, Knitting Grace provides handmade beanies and blankets to premature infants at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Nearly 14 percent of all babies born in Mississippi are born prematurely, and after seeing so many preemie babies while on a tour of Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson, Hutton wanted to help.

“No one expects to have a premature baby,” Hutton said. “A lot of the mothers were so young and unprepared and didn’t have a blanket or anything. To have a little something when you have nothing speaks volumes. It gives hope.”

Knitting Grace accepts only knitted and crocheted caps and blankets, due to hospital restrictions. Yarn and supplies to make the items are also accepted and can be dropped off at Hutton Insurance Solutions, Reed’s or Farmhouse Tupelo. For more information, visit knittinggrace.net, or send a direct message on Facebook or Instagram @knittinggrace.

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M E E T the P E T F lu f f The winner of Invitation’s first Pet Cover Contest, with almost 200 votes on Facebook, is Fluff. Known affectionately as Fluffers by owners Emmie McDaniel and her 9-year-old daughter Jac, Fluff is a 6-month-old Ragdoll kitten.

“My pets have always had meaningful names, but there’s really no special story to hers,” McDaniel said.

“She just has the softest coat and is a ball of fluff, and the name just stuck.”

When she’s not playing with her 14-year-old “brother” Gilmore, a black-and-white rescue cat, Fluff scales her climbing tower or plays with her favorite yellow toy, Bird.

Her favorite treat is Meow Mix Pate Toppers, and she’s currently learning how to play fetch.

“I wanted a Ragdoll because of their temperament,” McDaniel said. “Fluff is so friendly and active, but she loves to snuggle, especially with Gilmore, who licks her head until they fall asleep.”

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C H I L I RECIPES BY KIMME HARGROVE

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hen you’re longing for the end of winter, why not knock off the chill with a hearty bowl of chili? On a cold day, Invitation Magazines food blogger Kimme Hargrove’s chili recipes will not disappoint. Her classic red chili can be made with either beef or venison. For a different and delicious twist, try Kimme’s white chili, made with chicken and green chilies. Top either version with shredded cheese, sliced jalapenos, sour cream or tortilla chips.

KIMME'S CLASSIC CHILI 4 strips bacon 2 pounds ground beef or venison 2 onions, chopped 2 green bell peppers, chopped 5 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup red wine 6-ounce can tomato paste 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon whole cumin seeds, crushed (may substitute ground cumin) 1 tablespoon oregano 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (season to taste) 28-ounce can diced tomatoes 2 cups beef stock 2 cans dark kidney beans, drained and rinsed Salt and pepper to taste Toppings: shredded Colby-Jack cheese, chopped scallions, sour cream, sliced jalapenos, tortilla chips In a large stockpot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Add the ground meat to the bacon grease in the pot, and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crumbled. Drain the meat by pouring it into a metal strainer.

Add onions, bell peppers and garlic to the pot, and cook over medium-low heat until softened (about 8 minutes). Stir in wine and tomato paste.

Bring mixture to a low boil. Stir in all spices, tomatoes and beef stock. Simmer uncovered over low heat for 30-45 minutes, until slightly thickened. Crumble the bacon into the pot, then add cooked ground meat. Return to a low boil and add beans. Cook about 10 minutes to heat completely through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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KIMME'S WHITE CHILI 1 onion, chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 cups chicken broth 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded (may use a precooked rotisserie chicken) 4-ounce can green chilies 2 teaspoons cumin 2 teaspoons oregano 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste) Three 14.5-ounce cans northern beans, drained and rinsed Salt and pepper to taste Toppings: shredded Monterey Jack cheese, cilantro, sliced jalapenos, sour cream, tortilla chips In a large stockpot, saute onion in olive oil over medium heat until softened (about 8 minutes). Add garlic, and saute for 1 minute more.

Stir in chicken broth, chicken, chilies, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a low boil.

In a bowl, using a potato masher or fork, mash 1 can of northern beans into a paste. Add to stockpot. Add remaining beans. Simmer on low for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with toppings of choice.

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A FA M I LY T R A D I T I O N O F S H OW I N G HORSES CONTINUES WITH ALCORN CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL S T U D E N T L I L LY B E T H H A R V I L L E .

WRITTEN BY ANNE L AMPKIN KRAMER

For Lilly Beth Harville, horses are a family affair, and the 17-year-old Alcorn Central High School student has proven to be quite the natural at showing them.

She recalls first becoming interested in horses after watching her grandfather and her mother ride.

“When I was 10, I had a brown horse named Booger, and he was the sweetest baby,” Lilly Beth said.

The bond Lilly Beth formed with her first horse was just the beginning of the awe and respect she has for these incredible animals. Since then, she has begun showing horses and has won numerous awards with

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her 8-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse named The American Patriot.

Although the excitement of the competitions is memorable, especially the rush from winning the roses in the Big Oval and hearing the crowd cheer, nothing trumps the bond she has created with her horse.

“Whenever I first saw him, I knew that we were going to be a good match together,” Lilly Beth said. “He would nudge me or put his head on me, and the first show I did with him, we won.”

Like most high school students, Lilly Beth splits her days between school and an after-school job, but she spends her weekends

PHOTOGRAPHED BY BARR STUDIOS

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training at Leatherwood Farm in Tennessee, where The American Patriot is stabled.

After many weekends and countless hours training and preparing for competition, Lilly Beth chooses a new vest color and design for herself, and a new brow band for her horse, and heads out to pursue another round of championships.

For riders, a typical Tennessee Walking Horse show day includes time spent in the training ring, mounting the horse and riding for the judges. The judges’ scores are based on the horse’s high step in the front and low squat in the back, and the rider’s presentation and poise.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE SHIFLET PHOTOGRAPHY

Lilly Beth Harville and The American Patriot won the top award in their class at the 2018 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville, Tennessee. The 11-day event, now in its 81st year, takes place in late summer every year to mark the end of the show season.

“I’m excited when I enter the ring,” Lilly Beth said. “It’s like this rush of energy comes over me, and any bit of nervousness that I had in me disappears and it’s just me and my horse. It’s a good feeling, especially when you win and everyone knows your name.”

Lilly Beth has competed in close to 50 shows, but she thinks the most exciting is the World Grand Championship in Shelbyville, Tennessee, “the Walking Horse Capital of the World.”

“My most memorable show was my first World Grand Championship because it’s the first time I won roses in the big oval with my new horse,” Lilly Beth said.

The World Grand Championship takes place during the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, now in its 81st year. The event marks the culmination of the show season, which runs from spring through the end of summer. The Celebration is 11 days long, with show days lasting from early morning to midnight.

Two years in a row, Lilly Beth and The American Patriot have taken home both the preliminary World Championship and the top award of World Grand Championship in their class (riders 15-17 on mares or geldings).

Fortunately for Lilly Beth, most of her

competition days end with a victory lap, and she hopes to continue that tradition this year at the Grand and World Grand competitions.

“The most I’m looking forward to is if I win the big championship this year,” Lilly Beth said. “That will be my third World Grand Championship.”

This year’s Celebration takes place Aug. 21-31 in Shelbyville. And although she’s a repeat champion already, Lilly Beth said her show career is just beginning.

“I plan to continue showing until hopefully I get a family of my own to carry the tradition on,” she said.

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NORTH MISSISSIPPI’S HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAMS ARE ON FIRE. WRITTEN BY RACHEL BURCHFIELD

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

In the South, football is king. But in north Mississippi lately, another sport has taken center stage, or, rather, center court: basketball. North Mississippi high school basketball is booming, thanks to a recent spate of state championship appearances by a number of teams, both girls and boys, and the national recognition recently received by Arteria Clifton, coach of Okolona High School’s boys team. This year, with the 2019 championship tournament about to begin, many local teams are vying for first in their divisions. Take a look at a few standout teams’ recent successes, and meet some of the student-athletes who put forth extraordinary effort on the court.

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COACH ARTERIA CLIFTON Okolona High School

Class 1A Okolona won the 2018 boys basketball state championship tournament. At press time, the Chieftains were ranked No. 27 in the state, and their record for the 2019 season was 21-2.

Okolona was arguably the best boys basketball team in the state last season and the winner of the 1A state championship.

For coach Arteria Clifton, who also teaches eighth-grade science and biology, the win was personal. Clifton is a product of the small town and has “nothing but love” for it, he said. And he’s good at what he does — so much so that USA Today took notice, naming him the state’s basketball coach of the year.

“It’s just a blessing,” Clifton said. “There was a lot of hard work involved in that.”

Clifton started coaching in 2002 at the junior high level before moving up to coach the high school girls and then the boys. He said his players would describe his coaching style as passionate, demanding, fair and consistent.

“I preach discipline and hard work,” Clifton said. “I want to see kids thrive and hopefully play at the next level.”

JAMAL MOORE & JACORRIUS STANFIELD Okolona High School Jamal Moore, 17, and Jacorrius Stanfield, 19 — both seniors at Okolona — were part of last year’s state championship winning team. Winning was an exciting moment, Jacorrius said, and Jamal agreed. “It made me feel proud,” Jamal said. “Not everyone has that chance.” Jamal, a guard, said he fell in love with basketball in the first grade, and Jacorrius, also a guard, said basketball has been a part of his life since age 10, when his cousin introduced him to the game.

“I just love playing,” Jacorrius said.

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Tupelo played in the first round of the 2018 class 6A boys basketball state championship tournament. At press time, the Golden Waves were averaging 9.1 steals per game, and their record for the 2019 season was 15-9.

Ripley made it to the third round of the 2018 class 4A girls basketball state championship tournament.

At press time, the Tigers were undefeated in conference play, and their overall record for the 2019 season was 19-4.

SIARRA JACKSON

ANTHONY NICHOLS

Ripley High School

Tupelo High School

Basketball is all in the family for Siarra Jackson, 16, a junior forward for Ripley High School. Her grandmother played in high school, and Siarra started playing when she was little. By the time she was a teenager, she had made the team. She averages an impressive 11 rebounds per game and was selected to play in the North/South All Star game in March. The best part of the season? “Scoring,” she said.

Tupelo High School senior Anthony Nichols, 17, has the versatility to play guard and forward. He’s been playing since he was 5, first for junior recreational teams. In middle school, he didn’t make the team.

He got the last laugh, though — he’s a standout now, averaging 10 points and seven rebounds per game. “Basketball relieves all stress,” Anthony said. “Being on the court makes me happy.”

In class 2A, the Ingomar girls team swept the 2018 tournament and took home a state championship victory. At press time, the Falcons were averaging 61.4 points per game, and their record for the 2019 season was 26-3.

GARA BETH SELF Ingomar Attendance Center For Gara Beth Self, 18, a senior front guard for Ingomar, basketball is in her blood. Her mom was a basketball player and instilled it in her daughter ever since she could walk. Now, Gara Beth is carrying the game on to a new generation. “I like having little kids look up to me,” she said.

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The Saltillo boys team made it to the third round of the 2018 class 5A state championship tournament. The Tigers roster is stacked with nine seniors out of 16 total players. At press time, their record for the 2019 season was 18-7.

T. J. HANNAH Saltillo High School As soon as he laid his hands on a basketball for the first time as a fifth-grade student, T.J. Hannah fell in love with the sport. The 16-year-old junior is a forward for Saltillo High School, and his rebound record is in the double digits, a statistic he is proud of. “I just love the game,” T.J. said.

The Tupelo girls team also had a run at the 2018 state championship, making it to the third round of the class 6A tournament. At press time, the Golden Waves were averaging 20.6 rebounds per game, and their record for the 2019 season was 16-8.

CHE ’MYA C AROUTHERS Tupelo High School Every time she steps onto the court, Che’mya Carouthers, 18, a junior power forward for Tupelo, is working to improve. “I have a drive to want to be better every game,” she said. But it’s not just about personal goals; also important to her are her teammates, being a team player and “just being out there.”

This is but a small sampling of the many exciting basketball teams that call north Mississippi home. We regret we couldn’t include even more star players on these pages.

Catch some action live on the court at any high school near you. For current standings and upcoming tournament information, visit misshsaa.com/basketball.

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WILD AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS IN NEED OF CARE FIND SAFET Y AND SHELTER AT CEDARHILL ANIMAL SANCTUARY. WRITTEN BY JENNIFER COLLINS

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t’s been more than 20 years now since Kay McElroy spied an ad in the local paper selling a cougar cub. She couldn’t afford the $1,000 price tag, but she traded an old tractor for the animal. The 6-month-old cub was thin and suffering from infected paws, the result of a bad declaw job. McElroy was determined to save him, but finding a safe place to relocate him

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proved impossible. Zack the cougar cub needed a forever home — and that’s how the nonprofit Cedarhill Animal Sanctuary in Caledonia was started.

These days Cedarhill is home to a menagerie of big cats, including tigers, lions and bobcats, as well as pigs, horses, dogs and domestic cats. But Cedarhill isn’t a zoo or a temporary shelter.

There are no couples strolling by throwing treats, and no children running and squealing at the sight of them. The only sounds come from the caretakers’ quiet conversations, punctuated by the chuffing of the tigers, the barking of the dogs and the occasional lion roar.

This is truly a sanctuary — a safe, forever home where abandoned or abused animals can live out their lives in peace.

“If I were an animal, I would want to be at Cedarhill,” said Nancy Gschwendtner, executive director of the sanctuary.

Each of these animals has a story. A few were loved, but the owners grew too old to handle them properly or could no longer afford to keep them. Most lived in solitude, in cramped cages. Some were blinded by their former owners and some live with broken bones that healed improperly. Many were owned by roadside zoos, and others were kept for breeding purposes. Several of the big cats were owned in private homes, and when they could no longer be easily handled, they were relegated to small cages and fed scraps and roadkill. But all can now rest easy

without noisy crowds and away from prying eyes; in enclosures that are roomy and comfortable; and for those that need it, with medical care to ease their pain.

Some of the former pets at Cedarhill are victims of novelty-pet trends. People breed domestic cats with bobcats and other wild cat species in order to produce exotic-looking felines. But these animals retain their wild nature and prove difficult to house-train. When they can’t stop marking their territory, they are often surrendered to shelters.

“Under no circumstance does an exotic animal belong as a pet,” Gschwendtner said.

Pigs are another example of a “trendy” pet that soon proves too much to manage.

“Pigs are a highly surrendered animal,” Cedarhill staff member Karen Amundson said. “They are highly emotional and needy and require a lot out of their owners. There is no such thing as a teacup or mini-pig — this is a marketing scam. All pigs grow up to be large.”

Cedarhill takes in these outcasts on a case-by-case basis as often as it can but is presently at capacity with more than 250 animals, including a dozen tigers, two lions and three bobcats.

Tending to the needs of all these animals is a 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year job. Entering the cage of a wild predator is inherently dangerous, but strict safety procedures are followed to ensure the safety of the caregivers as well as the animals.

Besides the risks, the job is demanding in other ways. Many of the animals are elderly, some have serious health issues and several are blind. Feeding is only a small part of fulfilling their daily needs.

Monitoring their health and providing love and amusement is also an important part of every day.

Dogs and domestic cats can be cuddled and petted, but the larger animals also need attention and excitement in their lives.

Finding new games and treats for them can be a difficult task, but Amundson, who is Cedarhill’s enrichment program developer, is up to that challenge. Amundson looks for and implements ways to give the animals a chance to demonstrate “species-typical” behavior.

“[We try to] stimulate the animal and break up their daily routine,” Amundson said, “to allow them to exercise control or choice over their environment and enhance their well-being.

We can create anything from having chicken leg treats in a pumpkin for Halloween to wrapping up a box like a Christmas present for them to tear open. The more of a puzzle to open it, the better for the animal.”

A dedicated staff and volunteer caretakers keep things peaceful and comfortable for the animals. Spaying, neutering and medical care are in the capable hands of the instructors and students in the veterinary program at Mississippi State University.

Cedarhill also has a resident internship program for students in related fields of study.

Zack, the cougar cub that inspired Cedarhill, died in 2006.

Kay McElroy, who lived on the property and dedicated her life to preventing the exploitation and abuse of animals, died Jan. 3, but her cause will continue thanks to the help of Gschwendtner, Amundson and the rest of the Cedarhill staff.

Cedarhill is a 501(c)(3) supported entirely by charitable donations. Though it has always been closed to the public for the benefit of the animals, this year it opens its doors to a couple of lucky visitors who won a tour and overnight stay in Cedarhill’s recent B&B with the Big Cats raffle.

The raffle winner, Kelly Smircic, lives in Irving, Texas. She follows Cedarhill on social media and was excited to enter the raffle via Facebook.

“My husband and I are putting a trip together where we will fly into Memphis then travel to Cedarhill,” Smircic said. “We are huge animal lovers and appreciate all the hard work and devotion it takes to help and care for all their animals.”

To donate funds, meet the animals and read their stories, or to fill out an application for an internship or volunteer position, visit cedarhillanimalsanctuary.org.

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CIRQUE DU SOLEIL PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

Cirque du Soleil presented “Crystal” at BancorpSouth Arena Jan. 10-13. The show is Cirque du Soleil’s first production on ice, featuring skaters and performers challenging the laws of gravity with daring acrobatics.

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1. Isabella, Sam, Landry and Erika Allison 2. Hilton, Megan, Mike and Kim Gibson 3. Alana Swords with Toby, Cristy and Laura Beth Butler 4. Brandy, Olivia and Rob Clement 5. Jeannie, Allison Wallace, Kim and Meila McNeill with Ashleigh and Tyler Dossett 6. Michelle and Eric Barksdale 7. Elysa, Hope and Elizabeth Atkinson 8. Trinity Taylor, Twila Jefferies and Shawnetta Hill 9. James and Talisha Thompson

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TUPELO CHRISTMAS PARADE PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

The 70th annual Tupelo Christmas Parade, sponsored by Reed’s Department Store, took place Dec. 4. The theme was “A Musical Christmas,” and Margaret Anne Murphey, a longtime community leader in music, theater and art, served as the grand marshal.

View more photos at invitationmag.com.

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1. Carson and Michelle Cole, Jennifer Ellis, Beverly Wiygul, Carolyn Coleman and Chip Mabus 2. Joey Arnold, JaKobe Hokey, Kailyn Harris and Hunter Vaughn 3. Ken Harper, Jayme McIntosh, Cindy Walls, Derek Bradey and Jeannie Miller 4. Alexis and Bryson McCain with Kloye England 5. Vanessa Southward, Hayley Parker, Natasha Richey, Brookes Prince, April Cardenas, Myra Cox, Kimetra Bernard and Jayla Richey 6. Greg Adams, Doug Lesley, Richard Houston, Matthew Bennett and Joey Hargett 7. Griffen Wooten, Turner Blankenship, Caden Gore, Micah Edwards and Sean Boyd 8. Dani West, Zac Martin, Ashanti Morris, Tiara Rozell and Danielle Bankston

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MULTI-PURPOSE CENTER PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

The Lee County Multi-Purpose Center for the Elderly hosted children from Faye’s Playhouse and Learning Center daycare for holiday activities on Dec. 4. Groups frequently visit the center, which offers daytime support to seniors age 60 and up.

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1. Makaila Baker, Jaxon Thompson, Aspen Bradley, Kenan McCain and Sa’Renity Griffin 2. Tenna King, Eddie Collins, Annie Pearl Ruff and Nancy Wolverton 3. LV Pounds, Sonya Hamilton and Gloria Blair 4. Billie Gailland, Cecil Duke, Elisabeth Saxon and Bettie Robinson 5. Jewell Spencer and Lavada Shannon 6. Markel Washington, Kashani Eckford and Kailey Gilbert 7. Bryson Joiney, Madalynn Atkinson, Kendrick Nash and Journey Atkinson

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CELEBRATE CORINTH PHOTOGRAPHED BY WHITNEY WORSHAM

Celebrate Corinth took place Nov. 15 at Farmers and Merchants Bank in downtown Corinth. Main Street Corinth sponsored the holiday-themed event, which featured food by local restaurants and a silent auction.

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1. John Orman, Katty Albarracin and Jennifer Orman 2. Vickie Little, Lauren Butler and Phil Little 3. Cathy and Brian McCullen 4. Abby and Alan Pratt 5. Sheila Gardner, Chelsea Brown and Jean Manahan 6. Annette and Ricky James 7. Katherine Stanley and Briley Elliott 8. Frank and Amy Davis 9. Wendy and Chip Wood 10. Tonya Talley and Jessica Quinn 11. Anna Evan and Laura Albright 12. Christian and William Dodd 13. Brittany Burcham and Angela Avent

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ALMOST NEW YEAR’S EVE PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

The annual Almost New Year’s Eve Party was held Dec. 27 at Romie’s Grocery and featured live music from the band Two Drink Minimum. Proceeds from the event will benefit local nonprofit New Expectations for Women in Mississippi.

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1. Tim and Julie Weaver with Vanessa and Richie Sansone 2. Brian and Benjermin Pryor with Leah Barton and Chloe Brooks 3. Margaret Parker and Ellen Reed 4. Marie Aguirre, Elizabeth Gann and Jennifer Watson 5. Yvette and Wayne Slocum 6. Sharon and Gene Nobles 7. Cameron Moore and Peter Vance 8. Leslie and Greg Burks 9. Lisa and Tom Brown

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HOLIDAY TABLESC APES PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

Fulton Community Volunteers, with help from several local businesses, residents and Itawamba Community College, hosted the Holiday Tablescapes Tour of Homes Dec. 1-2 at various locations. The tour included more than 14 festive tablescapes.

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1. Margaret and Bob Bain with Belinda and Jay Allen 2. Molli Anne and Emma Allen with Tyler Camp and Nannette Comer 3. Ann and Francis Wallace 4. Emily Quinn and Kevin Knight 5. Kimberly and Mary Margaret Deaton 6. Rosemary Terry, Beverly Beane and Mandi Lewis 7. Anderson Martin and McKenzie Cooper 8. Chad and Lacey Case

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SALTILLO SIPPIN’ CIDER PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

Saltillo Main Street Association hosted its fourth annual Sippin’ Cider holiday shopping event the evening of Dec. 6.

Participating businesses offered door prizes and specials for shoppers.

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1. Tami King, Sara Ray, Jaycee Maynard and Ginger DeVaughn 2. Gene Brown, Mary Roberts and Clayton Clifton 3. Randy Thweatt and Dodlar Smith 4. Jason, Kayleigh and Parker Brown 5. Millie White and Brittany Pierce 6. Alice and Rex Smith 7. Elizabeth Owen and Tim Kinard 8. Danny Brown and Peggy Christopher 9. Pat Wright and Sharon Denton

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TUPELO BALLET PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

Tupelo Ballet, accompanied by the North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, presented its 36th annual performance of “The Nutcracker” Dec. 1 at Tupelo High School Performing Arts Center.

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1. Parker, Sarah Foster, Walker, Chad and Mika Brown 2. Danielle, Caroline, Mary Kate and Johnny Burk 3. Anna and Kate Baxter 4. Marc and Autumn Clegg 5. Olivia Grayson and Carlyle Blossom 6. Sarah Reid Owens and Sawyer Pinson 7. Emma and Elliotte Reeves 8. Luke and Carter Kulp 9. Morgan and Macie Leddy with Pat Evans 10. Briggs, Brian, Bentley and Misty Rigby

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IGNITE CONFERENCE PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

The Community Development Foundation held Ignite, a one-day leadership conference, on Jan. 17 at BancorpSouth Arena. Eight nationally known inspirational speakers discussed effective leadership practices for organizational and community growth.

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1. Albine Bennett, Tim Roberts, Randy Leister and Gary Sparkman 2. Brandy and Luke Stanford with Valerie Donnell 3. Tor Russell, John Michael Marlin and Amanda Angle 4. Mike Robinson, Brian Sutton and Kyle Finley 5. Tarver Reeder, Tiffany Harmon and Reta Doughty 6. Tracie Conwill, Michelle McMillen and Ophebia Pegues 7. David Rumbarger and John Brown 8. Tina Alsup, Tia Wright and Rachel Ethridge 9. Zell Long, Belinda McKinnon and Lucia Randle

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OUT & ABOUT VIEW MORE PHOTOS AT INVITATIONM AG.COM

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1. Michael Upton, Emily Wilemon-Holland and John Brown 2. Daniel Arata, Kassidy Gamblin, Jesse Wims, Dan Arata, Taylor Rosenthal and Shice Morrow 3. Tony and Nina Willis with Sean Suggs 4. Jonathan, Caden and Crystal Soden 5. Ashley Stolz and Emory Sparks 6. Cindy Aune and Skye Dodge 7. Catron Wallace and Bebe Yarbrough 8. Anne Allen Ogg, Carter Kilp, Kendall Abraham, Caroline Kahlstorf, Morgan Mathis, Mary Bishop Curtis, Mae Martin and Katelynn Le 9. Lance Moore, Martha Monroe, Sbetlana Kaltchenko, Nan Lawrence and Greg Pirkle 10. Malik Small, Mari Claire Milstead and Aba Tran 11. Seth Smyly and Olibia Lobe 12. Bill Norwalk, Thomas Johnson and Matthew Reed 13. Phyllis Ewell and Linda Stephens

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TRE AT S

COT TON’S SWEET POTATO-CRANBERRY DOG TREATS RECIPE BY JANET McCART Y

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

Like so many others, Janet McCarty lost her business in the economic downturn of 2009. Since then, she has journeyed from financial and emotional devastation to starting a new and successful business that has influenced the lives of others in many positive ways. And it all came about because of a little one-pound miracle dog — Cotton.

“After losing my real estate business in the market crash, I lost all hope for my future,” McCarty said. “I fell into this depression that seemed to swallow me whole. Cotton changed that. As I focused on her survival, I realized that I could survive too.”

McCarty had rescued the tiny, malnourished pup and nursed her back to health. Cotton had so many allergies, McCarty began making her food and treats using local produce, including blueberries from Pontotoc Ridge and apples from Cherry Creek Orchards in Pontotoc, sweet potatoes from Vardaman, and squash from Bost Farm in Water Valley. She began selling the treats at farmers markets for 50 cents apiece.

Then McCarty won a $10,000 prize in the University of Mississippi’s Gillespie Business Plan Competition and $10,000 in the Advocare Challenge with the Oxford-Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. She used the money to start Cotton’s Cafe, a natural and locally sourced dog treat company. Whole Foods soon became a client.

But McCarty felt strongly that her company could be more than a vehicle for making money.

She saw it as an opportunity to give others a second chance, too, and she made it a point to hire workers with criminal backgrounds.

“They were good people who made some bad choices,” McCarty said. “They were some of the hardest workers I have ever met in my life. I watched many of them go on to bigger and better things. But I was better for it too.”

The success of the company and McCarty’s altruistic approach has led to numerous speaking

engagements, including a TED Talk and speeches at local schools, about helping yourself and others and achieving goals and dreams.

In December 2018, McCarty had the opportunity to pass the torch to another company. Selling the business will allow her to continue to reach out to others, encourage them and help them to know they are not alone.

COTTON’S

sweet potato-cranberry DOG TREATS

1 cup baked sweet potato (about two medium-sized potatoes) 4½ cups flour 2½ cups oats ¼ cup dried parsley 5 ounces peanut butter ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar ¾ cup water ¼ cup pure cranberry juice 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Heat oven to 350°F. Remove skins from baked sweet potatoes and mash, or grind along with the skins. Set aside. In a large bowl, mix together flour, oats and parsley. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of the mashed potatoes and the rest of the ingredients. (Hint: Heat peanut butter to make it easier to measure and stir.) Combine wet and dry ingredients, and mix with an electric mixer on low speed for approximately 10 minutes. Mixture is ready when it no longer sticks to the bowl.

(If it’s too sticky, just add a little more flour.) Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness, and cut into desired shapes — doggie bones and hearts are the best!

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and hard to the touch. Allow to cool, and store in your favorite cookie jar.