Invitation Magazine - February 2020 by Invitation Magazines

FEBRUARY 2020

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Congrats W I N N E R TO OUR PET COVER CONTEST

PETS FOR WAR VETS

TA S T Y " PUP "- C AKES

PURPOSEFUL POTTERY

A CASTLE IN CORINTH

+ PONTOTOC'S SECOND CHANCES TO THE RESCUE

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INVITATION | FEBRUARY 2020

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FE ATURES

DEPA RTMENT S

20 Congratulations CHS!

Letter From the Editor

Pet Rescue Resources

Digital Details

Restaurant News

Calendar

Recipes: Classic Pancakes

German shepherds are retrained to serve as comfort animals for war veterans with PTSD at a K-9 training center in Tupelo.

Shoutouts

Out & About

Small Talk

Northeast Neighbors

26 Pottery for a Purpose

EVENTS

The Corinth Warriors became football state champs for the first time when they won the 2019 Class 4A state championship.

22 K-9s for Veterans

A South African native finds ways to share her art with her Mississippi community.

28 For the Love of Lulu

Tupelo Christmas Parade

Marion Street Market

A Tupelo woman parlays her love of baking into a homemade dog treat business.

Christmas Open House

32 Corinth Cat Castle

Saltillo Sippin’ Cider

Disney on Ice

The B.F. Liddon House in Corinth — aka “the castle” and “the cat house” — has a rich family history and a promising future.

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American Legion Baseball

Celebrate Corinth

“A Christmas Story”

ON THE COVER

This adorable puppy, Rocky Ricks, is the winner of our annual Pet Cover Contest, which had more than 900 submissions. Read more about Rocky, his family and some of his favorite things on page 9. PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

FEBRUARY 2020 | INVITATION

PUBLISHERS

Phil and Rachel West

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Emily Welly EXECUTIVE EDITOR Leslie Criss CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Allison Estes OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Mary Moreton

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Eileen Bailey Sarah Hooper

COPY EDITOR Ashley Arthur

L E T T E R from the E D I T O R

INTERN Abbey Edmonson

OFFICE

As I write my first letter as editor of Invitation, I must confess to being “all up in my feelings” for this amazing opportunity. The fact that this is our pet-themed issue is a plentiful portion of icing on an already sweet cake. My east Tupelo home is populated by a pair of humans and four beloved dogs. Yes, we humans are outnumbered, but I’m not complaining. What would we do without pets in our lives? They make us laugh; they give us unconditional love and affection; they are always happy to see us, whether we’ve been gone a few minutes or several days. All they ask in return is that we feed, shelter and love them. They give us much more than we give them. And their only fault, as I see it? They just don’t stay long enough in our lives.

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Most of us would likely admit our pets inspire us in some way. My Jack Russell mix, George Bailey Criss, is 13 years old and has lost his hearing. I’ve watched my browneyed boy take on this new way of being like a trooper. I’m not sure I would face such a devastating life change as bravely as he has. Scientific studies abound that tell us having pets makes us happier and healthier, both mentally and physically. Anyone who has ever cuddled a dog or cat (or a bunny, hedgehog, goat, etc.), should have no doubts. In this issue, you’ll learn more about Rocky Ricks, the winner of our Pet Cover Contest, which garnered more than 900 submissions. Meet Rocky on page 9, and see a few of our other favorite submissions on page 8. On page 22, find out how a German

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shepherd named Buddy inspired a Tupelo couple to train other shepherds to comfort veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. A pit bull puppy helped erase Tiffany Wheeler’s fear of dogs, and now she bakes homemade, healthy treats for Lulu and others. Read more about it on page 28. And if you’ve a hankering for some history, the B.F. Liddon House in Corinth has it all. Learn more about the storied home often called “the castle” on page 32. And there’s lots more, too. So, curl up with your pets and a cup of hot tea, and enjoy this special pet-themed edition.

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 Melissa Butler Paul Gandy Lisa Roberts Whitney Worsham

ADVERTISING

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Alise M. Emerson Leigh Lowery Lynn McElreath Moni Simpson Whitney Worsham Anna Zemek ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Paul Gandy Becca Pepper Hallie Thomas ADVERTISING INFORMATION ads@invitationoxford.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.

LESLIE CRISS, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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.

@INVMAGA ZINE FEBRUARY 2020 | INVITATION

D I G I T A L details

M E E T the P E T

E XC LU S I V E LY O N L I N E AT I N V I TAT I O N M AG .C O M

B e t we e n t he L i ne s

Pe t C ove r C o nt e s t

Jake, Dalmatian Semifinalist

Olaf, Silkie chicken Semifinalist

Mia, husky-boxer rescue Semifinalist

THE WINNER OF THIS YEAR’S PET COVER CONTEST IS AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD PUPPY ROCKY RICKS.

Rocky Ricks, Australian shepherd Winner

Thank you all for participating in this year’s Pet Cover Contest! The contest reached more than 50,000 people on Facebook, and more than 900 of you submitted photos of your furry (and not-so-furry) friends! The winner, puppy Rocky Ricks, is featured on the cover and at right. Here are a few more of our favorite submissions. We are excited to announce that our executive editor, Leslie Criss, will be writing a regular online column for Invitation Magazines. Keep an eye on our social media sites and invitationmag.com for her Between the Lines column, and also look for her Letter From the Editor in the magazine each month.

Fr id ay Fo o d Blo g Ollie, orange tabby

Doc, rough-coated collie

Big Boy, 11-year-old sulcata tortoise

Bones, golden retriever

Chuck, hedgehog

Mabel, basset hound

Rocky, blue-and-gold macaw

Piper, Bernese mountain dog

Vivian, Australian shepherd mix

Chloe, Great Dane

Moose, blue dapple miniature dachshund

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss our Friday food blog posts. From holiday feasts to weeknight suppers to after-school snacks, we’ve got ideas from regular contributors and local celebrity chefs that are sure to spice up your recipe rotation.

Dobby, sphynx kitten

CALENDAR AND EVENTS

Have an exciting event coming up? Visit our website and share the details on our online community calendar. Photos from your event might be featured in an upcoming magazine!

INVITATION | FEBRUARY 2020

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@INVMAGA ZINE

hen he was born Nov. 10 to Bosco and Piper of Kirkseys Aussies in Mantachie, Rocky Ricks had no idea he would become famous. The Australian shepherd was a birthday gift for 4-year-old Emmy Spencer, though the pup is also claimed by Bo Ricks and his fiancee, Meghan Kellum, Emmy’s mom. It was Meghan who submitted the cute puppy’s photo to Invitation’s cover contest. “We’d just brought him home to Booneville,” she said. “I heard about the contest, took a photo and posted it.” Rocky is a blue merle Aussie with greenish-brown eyes, one of which also has a speck of blue. Like most puppies, Rocky has an affinity for chewing on anything within his reach. He loves to run, inside and out — and he’s fast. He loves playing soccer with Emmy and doesn’t seem to mind that the soccer ball is bigger than he is. He’s just under 10 pounds, but he could easily get up to 50 or 60 as he grows. Emmy told her mom she’d be happy and proud even if Rocky didn’t win the contest, which had more than 900 submissions. But win he did. Despite being thrust into the limelight as a cover boy, little Rocky Ricks remains a portrait of humility. FEBRUARY 2020 | INVITATION

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C O M M U N I T Y FEBRUARY 15-M ARCH 15, 2020

NEWMS Masquerade Ball

Kossuth High School Band Mattress Fundraiser

Tupelo Con Celebrity Ghost Hunt Fundraiser

FEBRUARY 15

FEBRUARY 22

FEBRUARY 29

New Expectations for Women in Mississippi hosts their inaugural masquerade ball benefiting The Fairy Godmother Project, a philanthropic group dedicated to helping people working on improving their living situations within the community. Tickets $50. 6-10:30 p.m., Tupelo Cotton Mill.

Custom Fundraising Solutions Memphis hosts this one-day fundraiser benefiting the Kossuth High School Band. All mattresses are brand-new, name-brand products with factory warranties, and they vary in styles from pillow top to gel memory foam. Free admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Kossuth High School, Corinth. For more information, search “Kossuth High School Band Mattress Fundraiser” on Facebook.

Benefiting Autism Resources of the MidSouth, Tennessee Wraith Chasers members Mike Goncalves, Chris Smith and Brannon Smith host a meet-and-greet followed by an investigation of the Crossroads Museum and railroad tracks. Tickets $130. Check in at 6:30 p.m., ghost hunt 9 p.m.-midnight, Crossroads Museum, Corinth.

newms.info

autismresourcesmidsouth.org

“Moon Over Buffalo” M A R C H 5 -7

Meg Williams Show FEBRUARY 21

Nashville-based singer-songwriter and recipient of multiple blues music awards, Meg Williams, performs on the Blue Canoe stage. 9:30 p.m., Blue Canoe, Tupelo. megwilliamsmusic.com

Concerto for Hope FEBRUARY 22

Principal trumpet of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Ryan Anthony and principal trumpet of the North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra John Schuesselin perform a concerto written to chronicle Anthony’s experience with multiple myeloma. See website for ticket pricing. 7:30-9:30 p.m., Link Centre, Tupelo. nmsymphony.com

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Sugaree’s Cooking Class

tupelocon.org

International Women’s Day MARCH 8

This year’s theme is #EachForEqual. Look for ways to celebrate the women in your life and work for a gender-equal world.

tct.ms BANCORPSOUTH ARENA

KRISTIN JAGGERS

Tupelo Community Theatre presents Ken Ludwig’s comical play set in Buffalo, New York. Charlotte and George Hay get one last chance at stardom when they receive word that a famous film director is coming to see their show. Tickets $20, students $10. See website for times, Tupelo Community Theatre.

M A R C H 7-8

This all-ages sci-fi convention features special guests Austin St. John of “Power Rangers Zeo,” Femi Taylor of the original “Star Wars” trilogy and original Captain America Reb Brown, among others. See website for ticket pricing. Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday noon-6 p.m., Tupelo Furniture Market.

FEBRUARY 23

Sugaree’s Bakery hosts a cooking class about the basics of baking bread, biscuits and cornbread. Participants go home with the recipes, and wine and cheese are available during the class. Tickets $50 plus a service fee. 4-6 p.m., Sugaree’s Bakery, New Albany. sugarees.com

Mardi Gras FEBRUARY 25

Put on your beads and laissez les bons temps rouler. Visit our food blog at invitationmag.com for a king cake recipe to try at home this month.

Mega Monster Mania M A R C H 6 -7

This annual monster truck show returns to Crossroads Arena in Corinth with a lineup of tough trucks and UTV racing. Tickets $14 plus fees, children $9 plus fees. 7:30 p.m. For more information, search “Mega Monster Mania” on Facebook.

“Jersey Boys” MARCH 9

This Tony Award-winning true-life musical brings the streets of New Jersey to Mississippi with the story of four ordinary guys who rise to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. See website for ticket pricing. 7:30 p.m., BancorpSouth Arena, Tupelo. bcsarena.com FEBRUARY 2020 | INVITATION

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small T A L K

S H O U T O U T S E m p t y B owl s Lu nc he o n The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary hosts its 22nd Empty Bowls Luncheon benefiting the hungry March 4 in Building V of the Tupelo Furniture Market. Following the success of its holiday Angel Tree drive, the women’s auxiliary invites all to participate in this annual fundraiser that includes a bowl of soup, several vendor booths and a raffle. All soups are donated by a variety of local restaurants, churches and clubs, and the bowls are provided by donors as well. “If a picky person wants to come in, they’re going to find a soup they love,” ex officio member Katrina Patty said. Ticket holders can eat in, take out or drive through the pickup line. There will also be a canteen set up in downtown Tupelo where soup can be picked up.

“You can call ahead one order, or you can call ahead (for) 20 people in your office, and never even have to get out of your car,” Patty said. The doors will open at 10:30 a.m., allowing people to browse around the potters’ booths, sales table and bake sale before receiving their bowl of soup. The event ends at 1 p.m. Tickets, $15, can be purchased at the door the day of the event. Or, buy tickets in advance at various locations around Tupelo or online at brownpapertickets.com. Sponsorship packages are also available. For more information, search for “Tupelo Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary” on Facebook or email thepattys@comcast.net.

The North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra welcomes trumpeter Ryan Anthony as its special guest Feb. 22. Anthony is the principal trumpet of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and former first trumpet of Canadian Brass. Inspired by his own continuing battle with multiple myeloma, Anthony has founded two organizations that raise awareness and funds for cancer research: the Ryan Anthony Foundation and CancerBlows. The NMSO concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Link Centre Concert Hall. The performance will feature Jim Stephenson’s “Concerto for Hope,” written to chronicle Anthony’s journey. NMSO’s principal trumpet John Schuesselin will perform a Vivaldi concerto with Anthony, and the orchestra will play Dvorak’s “Symphony No. 8.” For tickets, $10-$30, visit nmsymphony.com.

Patti Swan has painted all 53 years of her life, but her primary focus on painting portraits of people’s pets came about only a few years ago. And it’s become a huge hit. “I get more orders for pets than I do for kids and family,” Swan said. “People love their pets.” Swan’s commissioned work begins when a client sends her a photo of a beloved pet. From beginning to end, Swan said a pet portrait usually takes a day to finish. Acrylic is her medium of choice for the portraits. Much of Swan’s art is committed to canvas, but she also enjoys working on larger spaces. She’s completed a mural at the Memphis Zoo, and another in the halls of Fairview Baptist Church in Columbus depicting every animal that might have boarded Noah’s ark. See Swan’s pet portraits on Instagram @pattiswan_artist or by searching “Patti Norton Swan” on Facebook. To speak with Swan about her art, call or text her at 662-825-1506.

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6 YEARS OLD

What's your favorite thing to do with your pet? Snu ggl e o n hi m .

MARIANA MEZA TUPELO

12 YEARS OLD

If you could have any pet in the world, what would it be? A l l am a be c au se t he y’ re so ft .

KYRAN ROBERTSON TUPELO

11/2 YEARS OLD

Do you have any pets? Bu bbi e (st u ffe d ani m al ).

L I LY B U R R I L L TUPELO

5 YEARS OLD

Do you have any pets? Ye s, I hav e fo u r. Co c o , Fat Cat , Ma ya and Hank ; t w o do gs and t w o c at s.

COURTESY OF PATTI SWAN

Pe t Po r t ra it s

SYLVIA ELZAFONI

C o nc e r to fo r Ho p e

MADDY REEVES TUPELO

ANDREA CASTILLO SHANNON

10 YEARS OLD

Do you have any pets? We hav e f i v e . We hav e t o o m u c h. We hav e a p o ny, t o o .

WILLIAM TRIMBLE TUPELO

5 YEARS OLD

Can you describe your pet? Neptune. He looks big and brown.

K ATE BULLOCK RIPLEY

8 YEARS OLD

If you could have any pet in the world, what would it be? A b u n n y.

TRISTAN SANDERSON SALTILLO

11 YEARS OLD

What's your favorite thing to do with your pet? Pla y tu g - of - w a r w ith h im . He’s v e r y pla yf u l.

LANDON DEAN TUPELO

4 YEARS OLD

If you could have any pet in the world, what would it be? A b ig d og n a m e d Lu lu . We’d pla y.

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R E S C U E resources

olunteer staff members at several organizations based in northeast Mississippi work long hours to save the lives of abandoned, abused and stray animals. Many also work to educate humans on the absolute necessity of spaying and neutering pets. Most of these groups rely on donations of time, money, pet food and other needed items for their very existence. Here are a few such organizations and where you can find them:

Amory Humane Society A M O R Y | 1 3 17 O L D H W Y. 6

662-256-7566 amoryshelter@yahoo.com

Corinth-Alcorn Animal Shelter C O R I N T H | 3 82 5 P R O P E R S T.

Chickasaw Houston Animal Shelter and Education (C.H.A.S.E.)

662-284-5800

H O U S T O N | P. O . B O X 4 51 , 3 8 8 51

Booneville 2nd Chance Animal Sanctuary

For the Love of Paws

662-542-7420 chase38851@gmail.com

B O O N E V I L L E | P. O . B O X 12 5 8 , 3 8 8 2 9

booneville2ndchance@gmail.com

662-523-3332 fortheloveofpawscorp@gmail.com

Second Chances Animal Rescue

Union County Humane Society

Tupelo-Lee Humane Society

secondchancespontotoc@gmail.com facebook.com/secondchancespontotoc

M A N TA C H I E

N E W A L B A N Y | P. O . B O X 1 1 6 , 3 8 6 52

T U P E L O | 2 7 9 5 C L I F F G O O K I N B LV D .

uchsofms@gmail.com

662-205-4221

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P O N T O T O C | P. O . B O X 1 6 5 , 3 8 8 6 3

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Rock ’n’ Roll Sushi

Yummy Box Taco

NEW | TUPELO

3 9 9 9 - B N . G L O S T E R S T.

1001 BA RNES CROSSING ROA D

This national franchise featuring an array of sushi rolls opened its doors Dec. 10 in the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll.

Located in The Mall at Barnes Crossing food court, this restaurant serves an array of Mexican food in addition to wings.

662-346-4266

Downunder

Rock ‘n’ Roll Sushi

662-844-6255

The Tin Nickel

NEW | TUPELO

NE W | P ONTOTOC

2 1 6 -A W. M A I N S T.

3 4 8 S P U R S T.

This downstairs bar and grill serving international cuisine such as Australian meat pies, sausage rolls and tapas opened Jan. 3 in downtown Tupelo.

The Tin Nickel serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday. 662-200-2757

662-871-6881 | downundertupelo@gmail.com

Chocolate Moonshine of Mississippi

Downunder

1001 BA RNES CROSSING ROA D

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MOVED | TUPELO 12 8- B W. M A I N S T.

NEW | TUPELO

Gourmet fudge and chocolates are available at this family-owned pop-up shop in The Mall at Barnes Crossing. 662-816-6789 | jmshiners@outlook.com

Amsterdam Deli

Formerly located on McCullough Boulevard in Belden, this cafe known for Mediterranean food with an Italian twist along with imported, specialty and domestic beer, reopened Nov. 21 in downtown Tupelo. 662-260-4423

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PANC AKES

PA N C A K E S U P P E R S H AV E A S TO R I E D PA S T, I N C LU D I N G D U R I N G T H E L E N T E N S E A S O N. RECIPE CONTRIBUTED BY LESLIE CRISS

rom a short stack of three to a plateful of silver dollars, who doesn’t love the occasional breakfast — or supper — of pancakes? The delicious flat cakes, served up with a bit of butter and the sweet stickiness of syrup, honey or a fruit compote, have been around for thousands of years. First called pancakes in the 15th century, they have also been known as johnnycakes, journey cakes, buckwheat cakes, griddle cakes and flapjacks. British Christians in the 16th century began the custom of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. In the Christian liturgical calendar, Lent is a six-week period of prayer, preparation and fasting that ends the Saturday before Easter Sunday. Those who observe Lent work to imitate Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, when he fasted and prepared for his public ministry.

As history has it, since observers of Lent were not allowed to eat any food products that came from animals, some people may have overindulged on Shrove Tuesday to keep those foods from being wasted. They’d stir up a bowl of batter and cook up a batch of pancakes. The tradition became so popular that Shrove Tuesday also became known as Pancake Day in some western European countries. Many churches still celebrate Shrove Tuesday with a pancake supper. For years, the youth of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Tupelo — with a little help from the adults — have hosted a pancake supper to

classic

PANC AKES

1½ cups all-purpose flour 3½ teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1¼ cups milk 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 tablespoons butter, melted

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center, and pour in the milk, egg, vanilla and melted butter. Mix until smooth.

For blueberry pancakes, fold ¾ cup fresh blueberries into the batter before cooking.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium-high heat. Pour or spoon batter onto the griddle, using approximately ¼ cup for each pancake. Flip when the tops begin to bubble. Brown on both sides, and serve hot with butter and choice of toppings.

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raise funds for projects and to kick off the season of Lent with a gathering where folks fellowship while enjoying pancakes. Try this classic pancake recipe for a fun meal for breakfast, brunch or dinner. Eat them in the traditional way, with butter and sweet toppings, or tweak the ingredients to make specialty pancakes to please every appetite in the family.

For chocolate chip pancakes, fold ½ cup chocolate chips into the batter before cooking. For pecan pancakes, fold ¾ cup finely chopped pecans into the batter before cooking. The pecans may be toasted first, if desired.

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“For me, it was a very humbling experience. I don’t know how many hundreds of people came to Hattiesburg from Corinth to watch the game, but to see the support and excitement on so many faces was amazing. But the most important thing was the kids. I wanted this for them more than anything in the world. That’s why we do what we do. I’m so happy for all of them.” — Coach Todd Lowery Corinth’s head coach since 2016

“Winning the state title was incredible. It’s something we’ve talked about and hoped for since junior high. We had to get it done. There were so many people behind us, supporting us. We wanted to do it for them.” — Running Back Tameron Patterson #12 Tameron plans to play college football next year but is not yet committed to a school.

Congratulations waRRioRs! WARRIORS! THE CORINTH WARRIORS BEAT POPL ARVILLE 55-21 TO BECOME THE STATE’S 2019 CL ASS 4A CHAMPIONS IN DECEMBER. I T I S C O R I N T H ’ S F I R S T F O O T B A L L S TAT E C H A M P I O N S H I P. HERE’S HOW IT FELT IN THEIR OWN WORDS.

“It was the culmination of everything we’ve done since freshman year. I’m still excited, though it hasn’t really hit me yet.” — Linebacker Carter Bonds #30 4A division defensive player of the year and scholar athlete for the game. Carter will play for Itawamba Community College in the fall.

“It was really unbelievable that we won. It’s a great way to end my senior year.” — Quarterback D.T. Sheffield #3 4A division offensive player of the year and MVP of the game. D.T. will attend and play football for Northwest Community College next year.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY MELISSA BUTLER

“Growing up, you always see these games being played, and in the backyard those moments you dream that you’re in. I can’t express the feeling of working for four years to get to that moment and then dominating the whole way. Walking away with the gold ball is the perfect ending for me and my brothers.” — Lineman Cooper Frazier #52

“We have four children — three boys and one girl. All are athletes, and all have played multiple sports as Corinth Warriors. We have gone to state in softball and baseball, but never football during my time as a Warrior parent. As the Booster Club president, I’ve been on the inside and have gotten to witness the hard work and preparation it takes to get to that point, let alone win! My hat’s off to these coaches for keeping the boys focused and driven for a 15-week season. For me, to finally capture the elusive gold ball felt like nothing I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing so far in sports. Pure joy!”

Cooper will be attending Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, in the fall and playing football on scholarship.

— Tammi Frazier, Warriors Booster Club president and mother of Cooper

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K-9s for Veterans

GERMAN SHEPHERDS ARE RETRAINED TO SERVE AS COMFORT ANIMALS FOR WAR VETERANS WITH PTSD AT A K-9 TRAINING CENTER IN TUPELO. WRITTEN BY SARAH HOOPER

here is something undeniably special about our relationship with dogs. Studies have shown they lower our blood pressure, make us happier by reducing anxiety and depression, and even make us safer. Mary Ann Shaffer said she had always liked dogs but was never really a dog person until Buddy, her first German shepherd. “Before I got Buddy, I never had a dog in the house,” Mary Ann said, laughing. “I just lost my mind. He was so easy to love.” When Mary Ann and her husband, Steve Shaffer, got Buddy in 2012, they couldn’t have possibly known the path down which he would lead them. Eventually, one dog turned into six German shepherds, and the Shaffers developed a deep love for the breed. Mary Ann, a 24-hour flight nurse, and Steve, a firefighter, are real-life heroes, first responders on the front lines. So, it comes as no surprise that when you take these two amazing people and add some

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

pretty incredible animals, the result is, well … it’s changing lives. As a captain with the Tupelo Fire Department, Steve was already involved with law enforcement and well-acquainted with the K-9 unit. Because of Buddy, his interest in the K-9 unit grew. So he got involved and started asking more questions of colleagues. “A lot of people think it’s the easiest job in the department, but this is the hardest job in the department,” Steve said. “If that department only has one dog, they are gonna call them 24/7.” In 2017, an opportunity arose, and Steve and Mary Ann turned their love for the breed into a full-time second career when they purchased the K-9 Training Center in Tupelo from its original owner. Gary Dodds founded the K-9 academy and has worked with law enforcement agencies in the area for years providing dogs and training. He trained Steve and Steve’s first police dog, Ricco. With Dodds’ help, Steve became certified as a handler and then FEBRUARY 2020 | INVITATION

is better able to manage his PTSD. He said it is particularly helpful in situations that used to be especially problematic, like in crowds or even in restaurants. Quincy adds a different level of security. “I know he’s got my back,” Gregg said. “I’m at peace. I’m looking one way, and he’s looking the other. It’s magical.”

A way to say thanks

as a trainer. To date, eight dogs the Shaffers have trained or helped train are working in law enforcement. One of their dogs, Gunner, works with Officer B.J. Gladney in Okolona. The two recently came in second place in the state law enforcement association competition. It’s not only these accomplishments that are drawing the attention of people in the area. A little over a year ago, a friend told Mary Ann and Steve about an organization called 2 Vets On a Mission. One of the co-founders of 2VetsOAM is Paul Gregg, a Gulf War veteran who has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. He is literally on a mission to save lives by reaching out to other veterans who struggle with PTSD, depression and other chronic conditions. Once the Shaffers heard Gregg’s story and realized he would be a good candidate for a comfort dog, they started putting the word out, and in short order, Quincy, a 1-year-old German shepherd was donated by a family that believed Quincy had outgrown their home. The Shaffers were happy to take him. Gregg came to Tupelo for a week, working with the staff at K-9 and bonding with Quincy. “You could not have factory-made a better fit,” Steve said. Steve said Quincy sensed an arising anxiety attack the second night Gregg was in Tupelo and was able to help provide relief before it even began. Gregg recalled the day he got a phone call from the Shaffers. “I’ll never forget,” Gregg said. “We were on a semiworking family vacation when Steve called, and it brought me to tears.” Gregg and Quincy just celebrated their first year together in August. “He is always two steps ahead of me, waiting on me in the truck,” Gregg said. He said with Quincy, he

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In just over a year, Steve and Mary Ann have donated five comfort dogs, all German shepherds, to veterans suffering from PTSD, and there was no cost to any of the recipients. Ranger was adopted from an elderly couple unable to continue caring for him. Steve said he was in tough, muddy conditions when they picked him up. He went to Rob, a former fighter pilot for the Navy. Max went to Octavia, a marine. Daisy and Smokey are also with brave veterans. In their own lives, with the stress of their vocations, the Shaffers know firsthand the healing power a dog can have. “If she’s had a bad night flying and can go home and get in the bed with her dogs, she can sleep like a little girl,” Steve said. For someone who has PTSD, a service or comfort dog can be life-changing. “Neither one of us was in the military,” Steve said. “This was our little way of saying thanks.” Gregg said the Shaffers embody a spirit of compassion and gratitude. He said acts of kindness like theirs are what keep him going, focused on a mission to save lives. “It’s just beyond words what those two are doing,” Gregg said. “Unbelievable. Amazing.” And the Shaffers show no signs of slowing down. They continue to work with Gregg and 2VetsOAM to help identify those who might benefit most from this gift. The Shaffers plan to announce another recipient next month with Gregg and 2VetsOAM. And Buddy, that first German shepherd, was the inspiration for all of this. “He’s the reason why we do this,” Mary Ann said. Sadly, the Shaffers said goodbye to Buddy after their beloved pet’s sudden illness last summer. Though heartbreaking for the Shaffers, Buddy’s memory will live on in what they do and the lives they touch. The night Buddy died, one of the Shaffers’ dogs gave birth to a litter of Belgian Malinois puppies — bittersweet timing and a reminder there is always the opportunity for good. FEBRUARY 2020 | INVITATION

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Pottery

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KOOS BADENHORST

FOR A

A S O U T H A F R I C A N N AT I V E F I N D S WAY S T O S H A R E HER ART WITH HER MISSISSIPPI COMMUNIT Y. WRITTEN BY EILEEN BAILEY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

iving with insecurity is never easy. It can be stoked when one moves to a new country where the language is unfamiliar and everyone is a stranger. It can also come when someone stares into an empty bowl at mealtime. Antoinette Badenhorst, a native of South Africa, knows firsthand about feeling insecure and struggling to relearn everything. That insecurity came on the heels of her move to the United States. There were moments of unease as she struggled to learn about the culture, language and simple day-to-day interactions in the community. “It was a blur in the beginning,” Badenhorst said. “We were learning how American stores work and how everything works.” Badenhorst, who grew up in Namibia, moved with her husband, Koos, to Mississippi in 1999, when he relocated for his job. The family, which included three daughters, settled in Saltillo. Badenhorst said she realized, shortly after the move, she needed a studio for her

INVITATION | FEBRUARY 2020

Koos and Antoinette Badenhorst left their native South Africa in 1999 and moved to the United States, settling in Saltillo, where Antoinette makes porcelain pottery in her studio. Her husband, Koos, is an art photographer.

pottery so she could keep busy during the day while her children were at school and her husband was at work. Her love for pottery began at a young age in South Africa, but in 1981, Badenhorst’s hobby morphed into a career. And when she moved to the United States, her passion for pottery sustained her. As she started to feel more at home in her new surroundings, Badenhorst began to spread her wings as an artist and work with other potters in the area. She opened her own studio in 2002. In the early years of the Salvation Army’s Empty Bowls luncheon, Badenhorst was asked by founding member Julia Blakey to help make bowls for the event. The luncheon, which brings together the culinary and artistic talents of residents in Lee County and northeast Mississippi, is an annual fundraiser for the Salvation Army and its efforts to help people facing food insecurities. Those who attend the luncheon are served a meal that includes of a bowl of soup, a bit of bread and a bottle of water. A pottery bowl, made by both amateur and professional potters alike, is an extra gift people may take home. There were many different occasions in the early years where people would get together to make the bowls. Badenhorst has, through the years, hosted various events at her studio where people could make a bowl for themselves and one for the Salvation Army. She also has had groups who have come in and wanted to make the bowls for the luncheon. The number of bowls varies depending on the number of volunteers who can come and make the bowls and Badenhorst’s schedule. “It is important to be a part of a community,” Badenhorst said. Not only does Badenhorst produce stunning porcelain pottery, she also teaches how to make pottery and conducts an international porcelain online course. She has taught various classes in Europe, Canada and the United States, and her work has been shown around the world, including in Portugal and Japan. Badenhorst is a member artist in the Mississippi Whole Schools Initiative. Her intricate porcelain pieces, each made through a special process that combines traditional wheel-throwing, hand carving and molding, fill her Saltillo showroom. Her pieces may look delicate, but they are sturdy, durable and perfect for a host of uses. Badenhorst’s latest work has sleek modern lines and blends white with pops of color. Much of her porcelain has smooth curves and delicately cut-out designs along the edges. In just the right light, her pieces appear to have a translucent quality, and upon close examination, they seem to have a movement to them. Because of that movement, some people have compared Badenhorst’s pieces to American artist Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings. Still, her work is uniquely her own. “There is energy all around us every second of our day, every moment of our lives,” Badenhorst said. “An energy that keeps things in motion, that makes things grow, that touches our senses and influences our lives in ways that we are often unaware of.”

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For the

Love of Lulu A T U P E L O W O M A N PA R L AY S H E R L O V E O F B A K I N G INTO A HOMEMADE DOG TREAT BUSINESS.

WRITTEN BY LESLIE CRISS PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

ntil she was in the ninth grade, Tiffany Wheeler was terrified of dogs. Her childhood did not include canines in her family, and when she found herself in the presence of the occasional dog, her father had to carry his young daughter until they reached a dog-free space. “At some point, I just grew out of that fear,” said Wheeler, 32, who works at North Mississippi Medical Center Home Health. And then seven years ago, Wheeler’s attitude toward dogs changed in a big way when she looked into the eyes of Lulu. Not only was she no longer afraid but she also realized she’d fallen in love with a newborn puppy diagnosed with the potentially fatal parvovirus. The sick pit bull pup was in a litter belonging to a friend of Wheeler’s who needed to separate the contagious puppy from others. Wheeler agreed to foster the puppy until she, hopefully, recovered. By the time she was well and beginning to thrive, the puppy had been given a name — and a permanent home with Wheeler. These days, Lulu and her human are constant companions — and Lulu shows no lasting effects of the illness that nearly ended her life before it had a chance to begin. The nap-loving, 60-pound pit bull is a beauty with her blue-gray coat and soulful brown eyes. She’s as docile as can be, rarely even making a sound when visitors arrive at her home. After a sweet greeting, Lulu heads to her own bed or Wheeler’s sofa and commences to nap until she decides it’s time for some more affection. As for Lulu’s figure, no one would ever guess she’s the reason Wheeler now has a secondary job making homemade, healthy treats for dogs.

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A Sweet Start When Lulu turned 1, Wheeler celebrated her four-legged friend with a birthday party complete with a family dinner. The birthday girl did, in fact, wear a tutu and a tiara. And Wheeler, a baker from way back, made Lulu a birthday cake. “That first cake was just a regular cake,” Wheeler said. “And I learned quickly that Lulu’s not good with dairy. After that, I did research into what not to feed your dog, and I came up with a healthy recipe made with natural stuff.” That was the beginning of what would become Kreecher’s Creations. Working out of her home, Wheeler takes orders for “pupcakes” for furry friends. The name is compliments of her father, Kenneth Wheeler, a Tupelo school board member and head of security at North Mississippi Medical Center. “When I was born, I had a lot of hair. Not just on my head, but on my arms and my back,” she said. “My dad started calling me Kreecher which often gets shortened to ‘Kreech.’” It’s an endearing nickname that stuck. Wheeler said she’s loved baking since she got an Easy Bake Oven when she was a little girl. Her maternal grandmother was a baker, so there’s the possibility as well of a genetic factor. No matter the reason, Wheeler says baking is her purpose: “I’m supposed to bake.” And until Lulu came along, her baking was exclusively for humans. “I doubt I’d have ever started making the dog treats if not for Lulu,” Wheeler said. While Wheeler works each day at the hospital, Lulu spends time playing with pals at doggie day care. Recently, Wheeler baked her homemade “pupcakes” and delivered them to be shared during treat time at day care, a feat that possibly made Lulu the most popular pup in the pack for the day.

Recipe for Success When she bakes doggie treats these days, Wheeler uses the triedand-true recipe she ultimately landed upon after experimenting with different ingredients. The recipe, she said, makes a cake like a carrot cake, but without sugar and all the spices. “For the icing, I use Greek yogurt and peanut butter that’s xylitol-free,” Wheeler said. “I decorate with real dog treats like little dog bones and Beggin’ Strips. The workers at Lulu’s day care and I were curious about the cake, so we tried a bite and decided it was good. It’s not as sweet as you might expect, but the dog cakes are certainly people-friendly, if you’re inclined to have a taste.” If not, baking for humans is also part of Kreecher’s Creations. Wheeler filled quite a few orders last Thanksgiving for her cakes. She’s hoping her culinary cottage industry will continue to grow, and there’s every reason to believe it will. “The doggie treat world is definitely evolving,” Wheeler said. Wheeler credits Lulu with Kreecher’s Creations’ early success and with much more. “Loving Lulu has certainly increased my quality of life,” Wheeler said, smiling at her brown-eyed girl. “I am happy all the time. I mean, how can you not be happy around Lulu?”

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CORINTH cat CASTLE T H E H I S TO R I C B .F. L I D D O N H O U S E I N C O R I N T H — AKA “THE CASTLE” AND “THE CAT HOUSE” — H A S A R I C H FA M I LY H I S TO R Y A N D A P R O M I S I N G F U T U R E . WRITTEN BY LESLIE CRISS

SPOIL

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Myth

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

The basement boasts what appears to be a high-tech drainage system designed by B.F. Liddon.

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ays after her birthday in August 2013, Margaret Mathis received the gift of a lifetime. She became the owner of a hunk of hometown history when she purchased the B.F. Liddon House. The sprawling stone home has been a fixture on the corner of Bunch and Webster streets near downtown Corinth since it was built in 1907 by Benjamin Franklin Liddon. Though called eccentric by many, Liddon was clearly a man with a vision for the future. The businessman and architect designed and built the Citizens Savings Bank on Cruise and Franklin streets, the Coliseum Movie Theatre (which is now the Civic Center), The Gem Movie Theater, Skylark Drive-In and Liddon Lake, which provided entertainment for all ages in and around Corinth. The Liddon House, a showplace even in its earliest days, was built for about $10,000 and included massive Corinthian columns across the front portico that came from Amsterdam, New York, and cost $500 for all four. The limestone used on the house’s exterior came by train from Alabama and was hewn onsite by a single stonemason. There are two turrets, one whose interior housed what is thought to be the first elevator in a home in Mississippi. It’s quite possible those turrets are what led to one of the house’s nicknames: “The Castle.” But the Liddon House has also been called “The Cat House” for decades, and it’s this name that has led to all manner of tales — some far-fetched and a few with a tad of truth. The ambiguous stories are, of course, the ones that, through the years, have taken on lives of mythical proportion. One story claims two female family members — Liddon’s wife, Letitia Borroum Liddon, and their only daughter, Norrine Liddon McCullers — inhabited the house and allowed it to be overrun with cats. There is a hint of truth here: Those who knew the mother and daughter attest that the two had a profound fondness for animals and would never let one go hungry, which resulted in a number of stray cats that came and did not leave. Another school of thought is that when the house sat empty for years, a large number of stray cats took up residence. Alan Simmons knows best. He’s the grandson of Norrine Liddon McCullers, who he said moved into the Liddon House at some point to take care of her mother — Letitia — who suffered with rheumatoid arthritis. Continued on page 34 FEBRUARY 2020 | INVITATION

The Mathises’ granddaughter Katelyn has claimed the entire attic for her own.

Actual “cat houses” were built outside, where stray cats found shelter and food.

Continued from page 33 Simmons has grown accustomed to the feline fables batted about his hometown for most of his life. Simmons and his two brothers are the sons of Frank and Shirley McCullers Simmons. Shirley was the only child of Norrine and William McCullers, and inherited Liddon House after the death of her mother. “My mother couldn’t stand that people referred to the house as ‘the cat house,’” Simmons said. “It had a terrible connotation — that her mother kept all these cats in the house and left the house to the cats when she died. That wasn’t the case at all. The truth is, my grandmother was like a one-woman humane society.” The stray cats did not have free reign inside the house, but they did have their own shelter. Outside, in a fenced-in area just behind the carriage house, remain two rectangular, tin-roofed, wooden enclosures with concrete floors and a small, square cutout where cats could enter and exit at will. Nearby are concrete foundations where two additional structures once existed. Alana Simmons Lucas, daughter of Alan Simmons, sent a message to Mathis in 2014 that offers a bit more illumination: “The story about the cats: Norrine loved animals. Corinth was not like it is today. They didn’t have many neighbors, and there were stray animals and most were cats. She fed them, and they always came back. She only had one cat that lived inside, named Sonny.”

INVITATION | FEBRUARY 2020

Norrine was, in fact, no crazy cat lady with a house filled with felines. Rather, she was an early advocate of taking responsibility for animals. When stray cats appeared, she kept them fed, made sure they received veterinary care, and saw that they were spayed and neutered. “She brought Dr. Bill Hinson down to Corinth from Jackson, Tennessee, and showed him around Corinth,” Simmons said. “She built him a clinic and helped him set up his veterinary practice in town. He helped her with the spaying and neutering of the stray cats that showed up at the castle. She simply had a sympathetic heart for strays. And when my mother died, the house was left to my father, my two brothers and me — the cats didn’t get it.” Mathis, the home’s current owner and a retired teacher, is quite happy with Simmons’ facts regarding a house she’s admired for years. She says she has a memory of coming into town from the Farmington community as a little girl, passing the Liddon House and seeing a few cats around the yard. Still, her thoughts these days are more prone to practicality, and she offers her husband, Richie Mathis, as an example. “My husband is allergic to cats,” she said, laughing. “If there had been lots of cats in this house, he’d know it.” Mathis would much rather talk about the house’s mosaic tile floors and its 14-foot ceilings. She’d prefer to share the plans she

and her electrical engineer husband have for their home and talk to you about the social gatherings she’s already hosted there. Not long after the Mathises purchased the house, they threw a “Great Gatsby”themed birthday party for their then-16year-old granddaughter, Katelyn. When she recently turned 21, the Mississippi State University student was celebrated again in her grandparents’ work in progress. Mathis, whose heart is as big as the massive house she’s renovating, hosted a princess party for Alaina Gass, an 11-yearold girl with leukemia. “One of my fellow teachers put on Facebook that a wish of this little girl’s was to tour ‘the cat house,’” Mathis said. “I decided at that point to do more than just give her a tour.” Today, Gass is a student at Alcorn Central High School and is doing well. Mathis hopes to open up Liddon House for other celebrations for her family and her community. The house’s great ballroom is the perfect place for a celebration. The Liddon House is not the first home renovation the Mathises have undertaken. The couple have been taking on remodeling projects since a few years after they married 46 years ago. When asked if there’s a projected completion date for the Liddon House, Mathis laughs heartily. “I’d love to be able to say when, but I can’t,” she said. “Richie says he’s having fun because he can just pick any job he wants — there are so many things to do. My goal is to fix it up and furnish it, and that’s as far as I know for now.”

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TUPELO CHRISTMAS PARADE T U P E L O

MARION STREET MARKET

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

On Dec. 3, the 71st Reed’s Tupelo Christmas Parade took place in downtown Tupelo. There were more than 100 entries. Itawamba Community College’s float won first place in the nonprofit division, while Tupelo Buffalo Park took top honors for commercial floats.

Pontotoc residents readied for the holiday season with help from the Marion Street Market, which took place Dec. 6 in downtown Pontotoc. A complimentary snowfall was provided by the event’s hosts, and Santa made an appearance for the youngsters.

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1. Rebecca Nichols, Melissa Kelly, Jesse Kelly, Shelia Franklin, Carlos Smith, Oliver Canpeau and Seth Robertson

P O N T O T O C

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2. Gunner Price, Hayden Hunt, Sara Beth Price, Haliey Hunt and Sarah Grace Caygle

1. Bob and Valerie Peeples with Santa 2. Clif, Hannah Kathryn and Mila Hanna

3. Kynsleigh Parlow, Madelyn Wilburn and Gabrielle Westbrook 4. Jack, Ava and Ella Credille with Ella Petrie 5. Katesa and Mason Rutherford

3. Karley and Liam Zachary with Chance Kitchens (as the Grinch) 4. Jenna White, Madison Colburn and Kynlee Gilland

6. Kealeigh Malone and Hayes Roebuck 7. Donna Stevens and Anna Grace Tanner 8. Jyden Lee and Allana Burchfield 9. Wendy and Everett Harbon

5. Sherry Elder, Louise Prewett and Emily Gibbs 6. Taylor McCord and Cindy Cullums 7. Jeannie Pence, Casey Kyle, Carrie Martin and Terry Pence

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CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

OPEN HOUSE

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T U P E L O

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

Historic Downtown Tupelo Neighborhood Christmas Open House was Dec. 14 and 15. Eight historic homes were on the tour, and those who visited the homes helped to raise money to fund neighborhood improvements. 1

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1. Caty Crofford with Joshua and Kalil Delacoudray 2. Kim Richards with Jim and Vicki West 3. Martha Ann Stubbs, Ginny Belk and Pat Bobo 4. Jan Miller with Marcie and Bill Morgan 5. Betty Hale, Michelle Elmore and Kay Carlton 6. Geoffrey and Christina Mitchell 7. Becky Dobbs, Desha Cruse and Roye Langford 8. Carla and Mickey James 9. Michelle, Erica and Tom Evans 10. Crystal and Chris Grimes 11. Angie Abercrombie and Gretschen Woodard 12. Kristen and Mark McDaniel 13. Don and Susan McGukin

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SALTILLO SIPPIN’ CIDER S A LT I L L O

DISNEY ON ICE

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

The city of Saltillo hosted its annual Sippin’ Cider event Dec. 5. Saltillo residents sipped cider while they shopped and visited with family and friends.

Just in time for the holidays, children of all ages and their families had the opportunity to enjoy “Disney on Ice: Celebrate Memories.” The traveling company of Disney characters performed multiple shows Dec. 5-8 at Tupelo’s BancorpSouth Arena.

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T U P E L O

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1. Chloe and Brooke Sandford with Janie Sanders 2. Ruth and Johnette Bramlett with Kelley Lewis

1. Parker, Presley and Paige Pounders with Laine and Kim Black 2. Ashley and Ann Marie Belue with Pamela Rollins

3. Natalie Villalobos, Frankie Holcomb, Blanca Alcaraz and Dalphne Keith 4. Frankie and Lindy Hopkins with Sonya and Robbie Witcher

3. Weston, Kelli and Olivia Bartimus 4. Greyson Hutchins and Hydee Heard

5. Susie Sutherland, Elyse Smith, Sydney Maka and Leah Justice 6. Brittany Pierce and Laura Beth Williams 7. Cade, Casey and Clayton Knight

5. Brandon, Aniston and Maegan McCullar 6. Maggie and Pat Able 7. Genevieve Hanes and Amiayah Taylor 8. Leah Grace, Hannah and Carlee Cranfield

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AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL T U P E L O

AMERICAN LEGION

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

American Legion Post 49 inducted its first baseball Hall of Fame class Dec. 17. San Francisco Giants pitcher Chris Stratton and former 49ers coach and New York Mets prospect Kirk Presley made up the inaugural Hall of Fame class. 1

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1. Mike Pettigrew, Brandon Woodruff and McKinley Holland 2. Amanda, Hayden and Rob Scarbrough 3. Lindsey and Zac Gann 4. Shawn-Dalton and Darla Weatherbee 5. Gloria Holland and Emma Zhole 6. Amy, Ramsey and John Ivy 7. Rickie, Conner and Jennifer Davis 8. Sherry, Shane and Chad Stephens 9. Amanda, Mack and Jay Scruggs 10. Jason, Bowen and Melinda Carlock 11. Leah, Davis and Mark Oswalt 11

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CELEBRATE CORINTH C O R I N T H

“A CHRISTM AS STORY ”

PHOTOGRAPHED BY WHITNEY WORSHAM

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

Celebrate Corinth, an annual Main Street Corinth event, kicked off the holiday season Nov. 21. Participants tasted food from local restaurants and took part in a silent auction.

From Dec. 12-14, Tupelo Community Theatre gifted theatergoers with a holiday production of “A Christmas Story,” the hilarious tale of 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest for a Red Ryder BB gun.

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T U P E L O

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1. Maddie Ludt, Tanner Newman, Emmanuel Adams and Carter Smith 2. Leah Collins, Annaleise Carroll, Kelby Horne and Morgan Bailey 3. Darby Gentry, Lily Watson, Thomas Roper, Brice Stone and Hilary Morgan 4. Heather, Stella and Casey Franks 5. Joy Fisher and Gwyn Pennebaker with Rosemary and Jean Dillard and Mary Tate Pannell 6. Eli Angle, Natalie Bowers, Gabryale Adams and William Strickland 7. Kaylee Heitger, Mary Chapel Whitehead and Michaela Heiger 8. Kellie and Nellie Mason with Leslie and Finley Pickle

1. Scott and Beth Bauer with Robin and Zane Elliott 2. Julia Smith with Joshua and Emily Steen 3. Suzanne Davis, Annette McGee and Nancy Palmer 4. Kay Larson and Renee Carlton 5. Lindley Brawner and Sallie Kate Williams 6. James and Pat Daniel 7. Mary Katherine and Kirk Jones 8. Beth and Jennybeth Hendrick 9. Anna and Hunter McCalla 10. Jo and Ellis Rhett

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OUT & ABOUT

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C ro s s ro a d s B ou nc y Hou s e

No r t h M i s s i s s i p p i Sy m pho ny O rc he s t ra : “A n E lv i s C h r i s t m a s”

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Tup e lo Ba l le t : “T he Nut c ra c ke r”

D ow ntow n Tup e lo’s S a nt a P u b C rawl

1. Kitty Moseley, Donna DeMedicis and Anna Wright 2. Steve, Ethan and Laurie Simons 3. Anna, Richard and Ella Stone 4. Hope Austin and Ellabess Paladino 5. Jesse Lesley, Caroline Michael and Addie Kate O’Brian 6. Kyle Cunningham, Megan Hustel, Lydia Asters and Paul Tillman 7. Amy Trapp, Danielle and Kris Delgrande, Meredith Martin and Jennifer Phillips 8. Jason Turner, Shane Little, Kathy Brashears, Valerie Voyles and Tiny Emmons 9. Cindy Essary with Rebecca and Tyson Garland and Karoline Ligon 10. Matt, Kayla and Cullen Thrasher 11. Braylen Brown, D’Kylin Lindsey and Nikinedi Brown 12. Clayton Boggs, Andy Russell, Chasity Nelson, Sarah Miller, Emily Russell and Mandi Brenner

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northeast N E I G H B O R S M E LIN DA

CL A R K

INTERVIEWED BY LESLIE CRISS

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

elinda Clark Ruth of Pontotoc is a retired teacher of sixth, seventh and eighth-graders. She taught history and science at schools in Quitman, Clarksdale and at South Pontotoc Middle School for 28 years until she retired nearly four years ago. A native of Grenada, Ruth is married to Benny Ruth and has one son, Chase Tidmore. This Northeast Neighbor is a tireless volunteer with Second Chances Animal Rescue org-anization in Pontotoc.

Q: What is Second Chances Animal Rescue? A: Second Chances is a volunteer, donation-

based, rescue for dogs and cats in — but not restricted to — Pontotoc County. It’s basically a group of women who have volunteered to try to stem the epidemic of abused, forgotten and neglected animals in our county. Because there is no shelter in Pontotoc County, we are the only hope these animals have.

Q: When did you begin working with Second Chances and why? A: The head of the organization, Alissa Barton, is a former student of mine. When I had a litter of five feral puppies show up at my house, I contacted her, and she graciously accepted the responsibility of their welfare. I kept the black Lab mix, our Sadie, and promised Alissa that when I retired, I’d help. She warned me against it. She said I’d have my heart broken. Four years and nearly 500 dogs later, she was, sadly, right. Q: What’s the largest number of rescues/ fosters you’ve had at your home at one time? A: 20, plus my four. Q: What are some of the greatest needs of

Second Chances and how can people help? A: Without figuring in vet costs, if you look

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at what it costs to feed every day, it would blow your mind. Then, add in the automatic spay/neuter surgeries, broken bones, hip displacement, heart worm treatment, hernia surgery, etc., you’d be astounded. When people volunteer us all over social media, they never understand what each dog costs us. We don’t let any of them go without being treated for their needs. So, money always helps. Second to that is the critical need for additional fosters. People don’t understand it when we say we are completely out of room. I guess that’s due to the fact that we eventually give in and squeeze them in,

somewhere. We constantly need kibble and cat food. Cat litter is a huge need, too.

Q: From where did you get this intense love of animals?

A: I’d have to say, directly from my daddy,

Charles Clark. As a conservation officer, he spent 30 years taking care of wildlife. And we always had a bird dog or squirrel dog.

Donations to Second Chances Animal Rescue may be mailed to P.O. Box 165, Pontotoc, MS 38863.