MARCH 2017
MARCH 2017
26
26 ON THE COVER
FEATURES
EVENTS
26 Blue Suede Cruise
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Red Cross Evening of Jazz
Antique and classic cars cruise into town May 4-7 for the annual car show and festival.
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Sweet Expectations
16
Father-Daughter Ball
32 Queen of the Course
18
Premier Bridal Show
IN EVERY ISSUE
West Point’s Emerson Blair is one of northeast Mississippi’s top junior golfers.
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Girl Scouts Dessert First
4
Letter From the Publisher
36 Spring on the Farm
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Parkgate Banquet
6
What’s Happening
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NE Mississippi Rodeo
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Community Corner: Camp Bluebird
From baby sheep and fluffy bunnies to Easter-egg-laying chickens, animals remind us that spring has arrived.
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Joyner Fairy Tale Ball
50
Dierks Bentley Concert
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In Season: Fresh Eggs
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Krewe of Barkus
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Out and About
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Delta Waterfowl Banquet
64
Tupelo Spirit: Alayjah Sherer
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Charity Ball
Newborn bunnies from a nearby family farm symbolize the start of spring. photographed by Joe Worthem
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INVITATION TUPELO | March 2017
44 A Meaningful Path The Underground Railroad Bicycle Route commemorates the clandestine journey taken by those seeking freedom in the Civil War era.
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44 March 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
THE PUBLISHER
F
or many years, two tiny chicks or two baby ducks would arrive from the Easter Bunny at my grandparents’ farm. It is one of my favorite childhood memories. Tom and Jerry, Bert and Ernie, and Scooby and Doo: They lived the longest. Tom and Jerry were ducks, and they quacked around the farm for almost 10 years. When we found the bunnies pictured on the cover of this month’s magazine, my mind raced back to my grandparents’ farm and the sweet smiles on their faces each Easter morning as I discovered my new animal friends. The spring season is full of excitement, anticipation and (on many farms in north Mississippi) sweet baby animals like the bunnies on our cover. Turn to page 36 to read about them and the menagerie of other animals with whom they share their barnyard, along with a farm that is practically overrun by fluffy baby sheep and a henhouse full of chickens named for famous American women. In this issue, we’re also celebrating a couple of young superstar athletes from our area. On page 32, meet 10-year-old golfer Emerson Blair, who’s making a name for herself with championship-winning skills on courses from West Point, Mississippi, to (incredibly) Augus-
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INVITATION TUPELO | March 2017
Invitation Magazines’ photographer Joe Worthem had fun photographing the curious animals at the Garrett family farm in Saltillo, where baby goats and bunnies make up just some of the menagerie. See all of his pictures on page 36.
ta, Georgia. Equally impressive is Tupelo High School basketball star Alayjah Sherer, who will play at East Tennessee State University in the fall. Read her interview on page 64. March also means it’s time to head outside. To experience a bit of history with your bike ride or run, visit the Underground Railroad bike trail, developed to commemorate the historic route to freedom for which it is named. There is a trailhead right nearby in Fulton, but the entire trail runs all the way from Mobile, Alabama, to Owen Sound in Ontario, Canada.
Read more on page 44. If you prefer to cruise around on four wheels, mark your calendar for the Blue Suede Cruise car show, taking place May 4-7. Flip to page 26 to check out the colorful pictures our staff photographer Joe Worthem captured at last year’s event. Happy spring,
RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER
publishers
Phil and Rachel West
editorial
EDITOR IN CHIEF Emily Welly CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Lena Anderson EVENTS EDITOR Mary Moreton STAFF WRITER Melanie Crownover EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Katherine Henson COPY EDITOR Kate Johnson
advertising
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Alise M. Emerson Leigh Lowery Lynn McElreath Stacey Raper Moni Simpson Whitney Worsham ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Zach Fields Becca Pepper Holly Vollor
art
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Hallie Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Lisa Roberts Joe Worthem CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Whitney Worsham
production
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Emily Suber
office
BUSINESS MANAGER Hollie Hilliard DISTRIBUTION Donald Courtney Brian Hilliard MAIN OFFICE (662) 234-4008 ADVERTISING INFORMATION ads@invitationtupelo.com
To subscribe to one year (10 issues) of Invitation Tupelo or to buy an announcement, visit invitationtupelo.com. To request a photographer at your event, email Mary at mary.invitation@gmail.com. Invitation Tupelo respects the many diverse individuals and organizations who make up north Mississippi and strives to be an inclusive representation of all members of our community.
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE
March 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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MARCH 15 - APRIL 15
3/31
In Water Easter Egg Hunt Children ages 5-12 are invited to hunt for eggs in the Tupelo Aquatic Center pool. Admission is $10. 6-7:30 p.m., Tupelo Aquatic Center. Register by March 24 by calling 662-840-3768.
4/1-2
Tupelo Comic Con The second annual Tupelo Comic Con features special guests from the industry, gaming tournaments and more. Building 5, Tupelo Furniture Market. For details and tickets ($15$30), visit tupelocomiccon.org.
4/1
Corinth Green Market
Through 3/26 Salute to Farming
Antique tractors and farm equipment have been restored to their original glory for this annual exhibit. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tupelo Automobile Museum tupeloautomuseum.com
Celebrate Women’s History Month
Through 3/28
Inspiring the Next Generation: Exceptional Mississippi Women Oren Dunn Museum hosts a traveling exhibit from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History about influential women from the state. Oren Dunn is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Adult admission is $4; discounts are offered for seniors, children and military. For more information, call 662-841-6438.
Through 3/31
Natchez Trace Parkway Photo Exhibit Celebrate the contributions and lives of women with connections to both the Old Trace and today’s Natchez Trace Parkway with a photo exhibit featuring them and their achievements. Admission is free. Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center, located at milepost 266. For more information, call 800-305-7417.
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INVITATION TUPELO | March 2017
3/17-19
Tupelo BBQ Duel Named the No. 4 barbecue festival in the country by USA Today’s 10best.com travel website, the seventh annual double Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned competition includes live music, food, a parade, activities for children and more. Proceeds benefit the Link Centre. Fairpark. tupelobbqduel.com
Monthly market opens for the season. Vendors include local farmers, gardeners, artisans and craftsmen. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 221 N. Fillmore St. corinthgreenmarket.net
4/2
Spring Open House Visit downtown Tupelo retailers as they welcome spring with sales and specials. Noon-4 p.m. tupelomainstreet.com
3/25
Sounds of Spring Sanctuary Hospice House presents its first Sounds of Spring benefit event. Tickets, $100, include dinner and a concert featuring Sara Plunkett, Ben Forrest, Kellee Fuller, Suzanne Oakley, Victor McMillan and Debra Robison. All proceeds benefit Sanctuary Hospice House. 6 p.m., Elvis Presley Event Center. For tickets, call 662-844-2111.
3/24-26
Dancing with the King A weekendlong celebration of Elvis Presley’s legacy includes a sock hop, local tours, amateur and professional show dance competitions and a dinner dance gala. Register to attend at dancingwiththeking.com.
4/7
Bud & Burgers Competition Mitchell Distributing hosts a burger-grilling competition. Grilling teams (restaurants or backyard grillers) must register. $25 before March 24; $50 after March 24, if space available. Admission for the general public is $10 and includes burger samples from participating teams and live music. Beverages will be available for purchase. 6-10 p.m., on Broadway between Main and Troy. To register or learn more, find Mitchell Distributing on Facebook.
4/8
Autism Run and Walk Promote autism awareness and raise funds for the Autism Center of North Mississippi with a 5K run/walk event. 8 a.m., Ballard Park. tupelorunningclub.net
4/8
Children’s Fishing Rodeo Tupelo’s Department of Parks and Recreation invites children ages 3-12 to participate in this free event. Bring lawn chairs, bait and tackle. 9 a.m.-noon, Veterans Park.
4/9
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill Concert The famous country music couple perform on their Soul 2 Soul world tour with special guests Brothers Osborne at BancorpSouth Arena. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $70-$120. bcsarena.com
THE COTTON BOLT Drapery, Upholstery & Outdoor Fabrics
Custom Drapery Hardware • Trims & Tassels • Feather Pillow Inserts • Vast Selection of Rugs
WHOLESALE PRICES AND BELOW. EVERYDAY! 1727 McCullough Blvd. Tupelo, MS 662-841-2621 March 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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CAMP BLUEBIRD written by Melanie Crownover
Camp Bluebird has provided support to area cancer patients and survivors since 1990. Organized by North Mississippi Medical Center and the state chapter of the AT&T Pioneers volunteer network, the retreat occurs every spring at Tishomingo State Park. “It provides a respite from the trauma a cancer diagnosis brings, and one of the biggest things they get is the connection with other survivors,” camp director Cheri Nipp said. “We have people who were just diagnosed and 30year survivors become longtime friends here.” Up to 50 campers, ages 18 and up, gather annually to learn survivorship skills during a themed weekend of activities. There are devotionals for spiritual health, exercises like yoga for physical strength training and educational sessions for mental wellness, including sessions on symptoms and medicinal side effects. Organizers also include fun activities, from karaoke and dance parties to a Hollywood game night. Kindle Sample first attended Bluebird as a 23-year-old fighting cervical cancer. She went regularly for 16 years after remission. She is now 45 and fighting ovarian cancer. “I missed the last few years because of chemo. It’s the hugs and the laughter and the family you make there that you can’t beat,” she said. “They understand you better than anyone else ever could, and that gives you the strength to fight on and share that hope with others.” This year’s superhero-themed camp takes place April 28, 29 and 30. Registration ends April 7. The $55 fee includes food, lodging and activities; need-based scholarships are available. Register at nmhs.net/camp_bluebird.php, or call Jamie Grissom at 662-377-4631 for more information.
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FRESH EGGS
written by Melanie Crownover
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E
ggs play a starring role in quiche, a savory, protein-packed dish that is versatile enough to grace the table for a simple weeknight dinner or a special holiday brunch. Try making a quiche that’s even more flavorful and wholesome by using freshly laid eggs purchased from a local farmers market or nearby farm. “I’m not a health nut by any means, but they are supposed to be much healthier for you,” said Amy Forrest, who raises chickens at her Tupelo home. “Now that we’ve had our hens for a while, I can tell a difference in the taste when I have store-bought eggs anywhere else. [Fresh eggs] just taste better to me.” Farm-fresh eggs are also easier to keep, according to Forrest. “You can store them on the counter or in the refrigerator,” she said. “They last a lot longer than the ones you get in the dairy aisle.” Read more about Forrest and her chickens on page 36. This basic quiche recipe from Invitation Magazines’ food blogger, Kimme Hargrove – which can be made with eggs either from the farm or from the dairy aisle – includes suggestions for meat-and-cheese combinations as well as vegetarian options.
Quiche
recipe by Kimme Hargrove
1 deep-dish refrigerated piecrust 1 small onion, chopped 1 cup cheese, shredded (see suggestions below) ¾ to 1 cup precooked chopped meat, if desired (see suggestions below) ¼ to ½ cup additional chopped vegetables, if desired (see suggestions below) 4 eggs 2½ cups milk ¼ cup sour cream Salt and pepper, to taste Heat oven to 350°F. Place piecrust in a pie dish, and crimp the edges. Sprinkle onion and (if desired) meat or vegetable combinations on unbaked piecrust. Sprinkle cheese on top. In a separate bowl, beat eggs with a fork; beat in milk and sour cream until combined (will be lumpy). Season with salt and pepper. Pour egg mixture gently over ingredients in the piecrust. Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour or until browned on top.
Meat-and-cheese combinations:
Vegetarian variations:
Bacon and Colby-Jack cheese Ham and Swiss cheese Chicken, spinach and smoked Gouda cheese Ham, bell pepper and cheddar cheese
Sun-dried tomato, spinach and goat cheese Spinach, mushroom and feta cheese Artichoke hearts, olives and feta cheese Broccoli and cheddar cheese March 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
AMERICAN RED CROSS EVENING OF JAZZ The 10th annual Evening of Jazz was held Jan. 28 at BancorpSouth Conference Center. The event was hosted by the American Red Cross and featured dinner, live music and an auction. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Deloris Fields-Jenkins and Rosaland Jackson
Minnie and Jacqueline Shumpert
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INVITATION TUPELO | March 2017
Jennifer Harris and Debra Carothers
Gracie Lee, Michelle and Taylor Cole
Deloris Kirksey and Jim W. Casey with Kathleen Smith and Ceclia Davis
Gloria Holland, Emma Zhou and Steve Holland
Rosa Roberts, Mary Jane Q’Hoffman, Mary Samuels and Patty Tucker
Frances and Henry Cobb
David and Betty Cole
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
SWEET EXPECTATIONS CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL New Expectations for Women in Mississippi held its second annual Sweet Expectations Chocolate Festival Feb. 4 at the Mall at Barnes Crossings. Proceeds will benefit the Fairy Godmother project. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Mackenzie Beaty and Margaret Raines
Miua Ware and Cindy Murphy
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Kim Sistruck and Charlotte Baldwyn
Marsha Tapscott, Rhonda Horton and Sherri Adam
INVITATION TUPELO | March 2017
Emily Shoup, Kaylee Duke, Brianna Meador and Ashton Bucha
Hannah Beth Spencer, Sophia Taylor and Lillie Faith Childs
Zell Long, Charlise Latour, Paula Ainsworth, Albine Bennett and Rhonda Weaver
Shenia Jones, Lee Oswalt and Madison McGuirt
Cameron Kethum, Morgan Beck and Gabby Bass
Welcome Dr. Ryan Russell to THE EYE CLINIC OF SALTILLO
662-869-1779 • 122 Willowbrook Drive Saltillo, MS • www.visionsource-joshbostickod.com
March 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
KIWANIS FATHERDAUGHTER BALL The sixth annual Kiwanis Father-Daughter Ball was held Feb. 11 at Crossroads Arena in Corinth. The Denim and Diamonds-themed event included food, music, dancing and a cupcake station. photographed by Whitney Worsham
Ivy Monaghan and Jenna Nelms
Sarah Kate Burns, Saili Weeden, Bennett Harwood and Allison Greene
Kathryn and Rob Jeter
Callie Pounders, An Zhen Cornelius and Mae Monaghan
Annabelle and Jason Thompson
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Molly Grace and Spence Spencer
Annie and Clayton Stanley
Chloe and B.J. Sanders
Jonathan and Micah Little
Lylah and Todd Cox
Katherine and Colby Carmichiel
John and Grace Windsor
Lily and Dernard Dorsey
Bobby and McKendry Roach
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
PREMIER BRIDAL SHOW The Premier Bridal Show was held Jan. 22 at BancorpSouth Conference Center. Various local wedding vendors displayed goods and offered information on services.
photographed by Lisa Roberts
Searcy Swain, Hardy Smith and Jessica Bullock
Tara Sanders, Nicole Stoppa, Amanda Emmons and Jamie Crihfield
Elizabeth Gable and Mark McAlister
Yannta Adams, Erin Stubbs and Carla Buford Pierce
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Shelly Kelly, Kim Jones and Karol Crowder
Leslie Vaughn, Sara Kathryn Beasley, Lindsey Dickerson and Monia Beasley
Cassandra Hodge and Pollie Floyd
Lorie and Haley Peoples
Laura Beth Wilson and Brandee Smith
Holly Pagitt and Vanessa Shinar
Stacy Armstrong, Sidda Hall and Karla Stone
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF THE SOUTH DESSERT FIRST A fundraiser benefiting Girl Scouts was held Feb. 14 at Double Barrel restaurant. Local area restaurants participated in a contest featuring Girl Scout cookie-inspired desserts. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Mary Ellen Rogers and Myra Collins
April Bass and Temeika Hoskins
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INVITATION TUPELO | March 2017
Bobby Foley with Rena and Jerry Jones
Terry and Sandy McMickin
Tim and Christy Bennett
Robert Samuelson and Brandon Hood
Dessie Woods with Danille and Clay Short
Allie Eaton, Megan Dye and Grace Lollar
Alasha, Sadie and Annslee Rhea
Jenny and David Jones with Cathy Fitzpatrick
Raleigh Walker and Loralei McGee
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
PARKGATE PREGNANCY CLINIC BANQUET Parkgate Pregnancy Clinic hosted a fundraiser banquet Feb. 21 at The Orchard. The event featured brothers Jason and David Benham as guest speakers. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Laura Hodges and Whitney Ueltschey
Dawn Vernon, Carey Snyder and Albine Bennett
Jone Coggins and Anna Wesleigh Riggs
Brandon and Amber Jamison
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Ted and Kerri Dewett
Kevin and Patsy Hitt
Connie Rieves, Kayla Baxter and Summer Smith
Carrie Haadsma and Chanda Cossitt
Stacy and Nick Armstrong
Craig and Courtney Moffett
Valerie and Albert Delgadillo
Prentiss Street Baldwyn, MS 662.365.8087
Xtreme TA N
&
GIFTS
Prentiss Street Baldwyn, MS 662.365.9876
March 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO Carlock Ram presented the Northeast Mississippi Championship Rodeo on Feb. 17-18 at BancorpSouth Arena. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Dina and Skip Johnson with Connie Haygood
Louis Lottieri, Jessie Little, Daniel Hankins and Chloe Lofton
Nicole Sumerel, Jeremy Hight and Paige Witt
Lauren Christopher with Amanda and Merci Mayo, Trey Windhorst, Glen Mayo and Patience Young
Larry and Grace Brymer
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Van Lynch, Clif Allred and Blake Boane
B.J., Caleb and Grayson Buse with Gretchen Ganas
Van and Jeannie Flaherty
Missy, Sam, Tucker and Chas Cooper
Jesse and Kingston Hankins with Rene and Phil Vandelander
Kara Best, Charli Hall and Molli Herndon
Nathan Flannigan, Dusty Meyers and Drew Headings
Lacy Credille with Kylie and Mayleigh Cummings and Megan Pace
Chelsea, Bennett and Wesley Wilemon
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Antique and classic cars cruise into town May 4-7 for the annual car show and festival. 26
INVITATION TUPELO | March 2017
photographed by Joe Worthem
The annual Blue Suede Cruise has brought visitors from around the country to Tupelo for the past 15 years to celebrate classic automobiles and rock ‘n’ roll. Named Small Festival of the Year by the Mississippi Tourism Association in 2016, the car show has grown every year since it started in 2003, according to event coordinator Allen McDaniel. In May, more than 1,000 cars are expected to converge on the city for the festival. March 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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The weekend kicks off at sundown Thursday, May 4, with a free drive-in movie in BancorpSouth Arena’s west parking lot. On Friday and Saturday, cars will be on display and open to the public in the parking lot until 9 p.m. A disc jockey will play classic hits, games and a raffle will offer chances to win cash prizes, and Ronnie McDowell of Nashville will perform from 7:30 to 9 p.m. both nights. A parade of more than 300 classic cars takes place Saturday morning.
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“I look forward to it every year because it brings so many people together with their cars and good old music we all grew up with.” -ALLEN MCDANIEL, BLUE SUEDE CRUISE COORDINATOR
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The weekend concludes Sunday morning with drawings for $10,000 in cash rewards ($500 rewards will go to 20 lucky winners), an announcement of the game winners and a presentation of special awards. All events are free and open to the public. Classic car owners who bring their cars should register to attend ($35) by April 15 at bluesc.com. For more information, including a complete schedule of events, visit bluesc.com.
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West Point’s Emerson Blair is one of northeast Mississippi’s top junior golfers. written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Sandi Blair and Joe Worthem
A year ago, 10-year-old Emerson Blair accomplished something few golfers ever get to claim: a win at the Masters. The junior golf phenom from West Point didn’t get to don a green jacket, but she did gain bragging rights: She won her age group in the annual Drive, Chip and Putt Championship, which took place last April during the 2016 Masters Weekend at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. Emerson’s genuine love for the game kept her from being daunted by the legendary course. “It was a superfun experience,” she said. “It wasn’t intimidating at all.” The tournament was part of a banner year for the now-fifth grader, who also won the state Junior Amateur Golf Championship and
the final tournament of the 2016 Coca-Cola Junior Tour in Starkville. To get to Augusta, she had to advance through three competitions, including a local qualifier in Madison, a subregional in New Orleans and the regional finals in Houston, Texas. “I don’t think I realized how good she really was until a couple of years ago,” her mother, Sandi Blair, said. “It was like something just clicked. The more she played, the more she won, and the more she won, the more she wanted to play.” Emerson swung her first club at age 3, learning the basics from her dad until she started training with professional instructors V.J. Trolio and Tim Yelverton in Old Waverly Golf Club’s junior program. Because she’s the
Being one of the top young golfers in northeast Mississippi hasn’t kept Emerson Blair (pictured above at Old Waverly) from other accomplishments. She’s also a straight-A student who cheers competitively, excels in drawing and likes to hunt.
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only girl in the program, her teachers began to call her “Queen.” The nickname stuck as she learned to rule the course. “Her strength is her grit and love of the game,” Trolio said. “A lot of kids, if they’re good, will think they have this, this and this right so they can coast by. She’s more introspective, always looking for what she can improve.” The program provided Emerson with her first opportunities to compete. First she took part in events statewide with the Coca-Cola Junior Tour, and she began traveling the country with U.S. Kids Golf tours in 2015. Her success in those experiences has led her to dream big. “I want to play on the LPGA [Ladies Professional Golf Association] tour someday,” she said. “I want to play in Scotland and other
countries. I love the competition and the traveling. I love playing. I love winning. I just love the game, and I want to play forever.” That attitude eased her parents’ concerns about her pursuing the game competitively. “We were cautious of her doing something so intensely competitive at first because we didn’t want to drive her into it,” Sandi said. Rather, Emerson’s personal drive has paved the way, resulting in her family’s making some big decisions to support her. Sandi recently began homeschooling her to make her travel schedule more manageable. And the house they built near the 18th hole at Old Waverly gives her easy access to the course. Meeting golf heroines, including LPGA players Michelle Wie and Lexi Thompson, at
Augusta after her win (not to mention celebrity spectators such as Justin Timberlake and Condoleeza Rice) only solidified Emerson’s golf goals. She played against 120 young international golfers at the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina, in August 2016 – finishing 29th after an impressive 10th-place standing on the first day. She made it to the third and final stage of qualifying for Augusta again but didn’t make the cut. She wasn’t deterred; she immediately signed up for the local first-stage qualifier for next year’s tournament. Emerson has also had opportunities to compete overseas because of her standing with U.S. Kids Golf, but her family is first giving
Clockwise from top left, Emerson poses with her trophy at Augusta National Golf Club; is awarded her trophy by former Masters champion Ben Crenshaw; wins her age group at the 2016 Mississippi Junior Amateur; speaks with media at the 2016 Women’s PGA Championship at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington; and lines up a putt at Augusta.
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“
Her strength is her grit and love of the game. -V.J. Trolio
their budding golfer a chance to mature and adjust to a heavier competition schedule. Because most of Trolio’s junior golfers don’t enter worldwide competitions until age 15 or 16, he approves of taking it slower. He’s encouraging Emerson to improve day by day, develop her game strategy and grow as a golfer in the meantime. “The exciting thing about her success isn’t
”
just how she’s handling it. It’s how it’s affected other kids around here,” Trolio said. “The day she won at Augusta, I came in to a full course at Old Waverly after church. There were kids everywhere putting with their moms and dads because they’d watched her on TV that morning. Wins like that open kids’ eyes to what’s possible and make them want to get out there and try.”
Emerson stays busy with golf tournaments and practice. Her coaches, Tim Yelverton (pictured at left, on Emerson’s left) and V.J. Trolio (on her right), are instructors at Old Waverly Golf Club, where Emerson is part of the junior program.
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From baby sheep and fluffy bunnies to Easter-egg-laying chickens, animals remind us that spring has arrived. written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Lisa Roberts and Joe Worthem
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Harry Patterson, pictured above, raises Katahdin sheep at his Dixie Rest farm near Pontotoc. In the spring, the pastures are filled with fluffy newborn lambs and their mothers.
It’s an exciting time of year in the farmyards of northeast Mississippi. All around the countryside, furry and feathered friends are welcoming the season. Dixie Rest, a farm just west of Pontotoc, becomes a nursery for fluffy newborn lambs by the middle of March. Visitors from miles around travel to witness the pastures full of prancing babies, some born only hours before. “If you come out here early in the year, you’ll see a field full of 54 pregnant ewes,” owner Harry Patterson said. “We’ll have 75 to 90 lambs born in about a six-week period that takes our total head of sheep up to about 140. There’s never a dull moment with that
many babies around.” Patterson’s sheep are Katahdin, a breed named for the highest mountain peak in their homeland of Maine. They’re a mix of five world “meat breeds” that shed their own wool, and they have a high resistance to intestinal parasites and foot disease. The spring births are the result of allowing two rams into the fold at just the right time. About 150 days later, the mother and her newborns are set apart from the flock after birth. Within 30 minutes, the lamb is toddling. Most mothers give birth to twins, although triplets and singles do happen. Patterson is careful to not touch a new
babe unless necessary that first day to avoid contaminating its scent; otherwise, the mother may reject her lamb. Around 36 hours alone in an isolation pen gives the new family a chance to bond and learn each others’ smells and sounds before they blend back in with their neighbors. “It all sounds the same to us at feeding time, but she knows her babies out of all of the chaos,” he said. “And what they say in the Bible about the lambs and their shepherd is true. They know my voice, too, and they’ll follow me right along just about anywhere.” The babies are weaned after a couple of months, and the mothers can be ready to breed March 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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“When they told me they were Easter-egg chickens, I really thought it was a joke until I saw the eggs. They come out baby blue, pink and light green just like you dyed them. It’s not magic, but it is amazing.” -Bud Forrest
Amy Forrest, pictured above, has a henhouse full of chickens in her Tupelo yard, including Rhode Island Reds and more unusual Araucanas, or Easter-egg chickens, that lay pastel-colored eggs. The chickens (many of whom are named for famous American women) roost together in their White House chicken coop, also pictured.
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again come fall. By then, this spring crop of lambs will also be ready for mating. Since he sells the majority of the lambs, Patterson marks the new members of his fold with colored tags representing the year of birth and a number. It’s the closest most of them will get to a name, with a few exceptions. “We have two that are like big old pets – one even has a nice dog collar around her neck,” he said. “Those ewes aren’t going anywhere until their dying day. Believe me, they know it. All I have to do is call and they’ll line the others up like kindergartners in the lunchroom.” Meanwhile, in the yard at Amy and Bud Forrest’s Tupelo home, a group of hens is being pampered like American royalty, from their names – Jackie Kennedy, Dolly Madison, Martha Washington, Lady Bird Johnson and Betsy Ross – to their aptly named White House henhouse. “They definitely rule their roost like they’re the ones in charge. My grown daughter decided they should be named after the first ladies because of their house and their attitudes,” Amy said. “That’s all except Betsy Ross, but she earned her place in history and the henhouse.” “They teamed up on me,” her husband, Bud, added. “I thought they’d both lost their minds when they wanted chickens because we already had so many animals. I knew it when they asked me to build the White House for a bunch of birds.” The henhouse doesn’t look exactly like its namesake, but it is an accommodatingly large white house. The 4-by-6-foot structure sits on a plot twice as big for roaming. A tin roof and screened windows contain the roosting pole inside, which features linoleum floors and double doors for easy cleanup. Four nesting boxes flank the outside. The space is big enough for more than twice the five hens it houses, but a couple of the Forrests’ birds are special and require a little more room. “When they told me they were Easter egg chickens, I really thought it was a joke until I saw the eggs,” Bud said. “They come out baby blue, pink and light green just like you dyed them. It’s not magic, but it is amazing.” The genetic trait is common only to this particular breed of chicken, the Araucana, which are fairly difficult to find until just before the holiday. Then, local feed-supply stores March 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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With help from his mother, 17-year-old Hunter Garrett, pictured above, has created his own “Hunter’s Hooligans” petting zoo in his backyard. He cares for a goat, rabbits, sheep, miniature horses, cows and chickens. He uses proceeds from the bunnies he sells – especially in demand at Easter time – on food and upkeep of the other animals.
tend to bring them in for nearby farmers and animal lovers. However, there’s no way to guess what hue of eggs the chickens will lay until they mature. The colorful eggs are just as edible as any other laid by a chicken, but they are much smaller than those laid by the Rhode Island Reds with which they share a roost at the Forrests’. The Easter-egg hens, on the other hand, tend to be almost double the size of other hens. Each also has her own unique shading and markings – unlike many other breeds – and they have their own personality quirks and daily rhythms for when to lay their special eggs. Each hen on the Forrests’ 17-acre property lays around one egg a day for its owners, just enough for them to eat and share with family and friends. Every Easter-egg chicken lays one particular color of egg, a variety that keeps things festive around the season. “Everyone always asks where we got the eggs or why we colored them the first time we share,” Amy said. “They’re distinct, just like the
chickens that lay them.” While naturally colored eggs mark Easter at the Forrest home, a cage full of bunnies at the Garrett house in Saltillo draws visitors in the spring. Wriggling and hopping about their mother with twitching noses, the cute, longeared babies are irresistible to admirers. “It’s not that there aren’t rabbit babies all year, but people pay them much more attention when Easter comes around,” Jan Garrett said. “This is all my son’s show. When a bunny sells, the money goes straight to his petting zoo.” Seventeen-year-old Hunter Garrett is still refining his third-generation animal rearing skills. Growing up across the backyard from his grandparents’ farm and learning firsthand from a mom and older brother who showed cattle competitively hasn’t hurt his progress. The seven babies and one mother rabbit in his care right now have their share of competition for attention. One goat, two sheep, 15 horses, 10 miniature horses, eight cows and 45 chickens vie for Hunter’s eye at any moment. And they’re all his.
The best of the group venture out to birthday parties and festivals as “Hunter’s Hooligans” when he’s not in class at Saltillo High School, fulfilling duties as the state 4-H vice president, or showing the livestock competitively at events such as the Dixie National Livestock Show in Jackson. “Between school and the barn, I’ve got a job to do about every time I turn around,” he said. “These animals keep me busy from that 5:30 feeding before I go to school to the minute I get in from my job (training horses in Sherman) in the afternoon.” Not only does the sale of some of the rabbits keep their potentially unmanageable population down (his rabbits typically have litters of up to eight babies two times per year), but all money raised goes to the upkeep of Hunter’s entire menagerie as well. “This is strictly his thing because he enjoys doing it so much. It’s his version of sports,” Jan said. “He loves taking care of his animals and sharing them with the world. I guess he comes by it naturally.” March 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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We are excited to announce our new monthly email newsletter. Subscribe for free at invitationtupelo.com.
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INVITATION TUPELO | March 2017
for Easter and Spring…
Reed’s Children’s Shop
Historic Downtown Tupelo 662.842.6453 reedsms.com
Monday-Saturday 9:30am-6:00pm 662-260-5266 • 1697 North Coley Rd. Tupelo, MS @corecycleandoutdoor • corecycleandoutdoor.com March 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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The Underground Railroad Bicycle Route commemorates the clandestine journey taken by those seeking freedom before and during the Civil War. written by Melanie Crownover
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INVITATION TUPELO | March 2017
Harriet Tubman is famous for leading hundreds of slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad, a secret network of safe houses organized for that purpose.
At the end of the Itawamba Community College walking and biking path in Fulton is a sign that offers a history lesson to passersby. It’s built from railroad ties and flanked by rustic lanterns, and the text tells the story of Harriet Tubman’s work along the historic Underground Railroad. Locals have been walking in her footsteps for years, although most did not realize it until September 2016, when the trail marker was installed to identify the Fulton trailhead on the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route. The Adventure Cycling Association, a Montana-based nonprofit dedicated to traveling by bicycle, opened the 2,006-mile-long bike trail in 2007 after extensive historical research. Locally, the path remained a relative secret to noncyclists until the new trail marker was unveiled last year. “I found out about it a year and a half ago, when Bob Franks, who worked here with me at ICDC, made me aware of it,” Vaunita Martin, executive director of the Itawamba County Development Council, said. “I knew if I hadn’t heard of it that we really needed to do something to get the word out around here.” The trail incorporates modern highways and paths, including the one at ICC, to memorialMarch 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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The Underground Railroad Bicycle Route is more than 2,000 miles long, stretching from Mobile, Alabama, to Owen Sound in Ontario, Canada. As designed by the nonprofit Adventure Cycling Association, one of the official trailheads of the route is in Fulton. A new trail marker was unveiled there last fall to bring attention to the site.
ize the journey slaves took to escape to the free North before and during the Civil War. Before entering Tennessee from Mississippi, the trail meanders through Lowndes, Monroe, Hinds, Prentiss and Tishomingo counties. Altogether, it runs from Mobile, Alabama, to Owen Sound in Ontario, Canada. Cyclists come from around the globe to ride it, and the Adventure Cycling Association provides tours. “Believe it or not, there are cyclists traveling here from as far away as Germany and Sweden to ride the entire route,” Martin said. “It takes them about six weeks to follow the trail the slaves once took to freedom, and that’s by bike. It really makes you think about how hard it must have been taking it by foot under cover of night.” As designed by the Adventure Cycling
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Association, the trailhead in Fulton marks the end of the first leg of the journey, as well as the beginning of the second section of the trip. A former Itawamba County organization known as The Potter’s Wheel donated money for the marker in 2015, the development council aided in construction, and the county historical society helped design the sign. ICDC has applied for grants and is currently creating a multicounty alliance to help publicize the Mississippi leg of the route. The group would also work to get a safety shoulder or dedicated lane added to the highway portion of the path bicyclists follow, according to Martin. Fulton is in the process of adding an alternate route to the path that will take riders through town via Main Street, giving visitors a chance to take a break and explore the historic
sites and museums. Cyclists who register at the hotels already receive a welcome bag with coupons for area businesses when they come into town to dine or stay overnight. While welcoming out-of-towners, organizers are also working to make locals aware of the historically significant site. This spring, a group of high school students in the Itawamba Junior Leadership Program will add a picnic table and flower beds made from railroad ties to the site as a community project. “This whole site gives us a deeper connection to our history,” said Bob Franks, now the Itawamba County Historical Society’s librarian. “We have so many locals come out to just see the marker that have learned a little more about our home, and they’re taking a lot of pride in it. It’s history that they might not have known was right here.”
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JOYNER FAIRY TALE BALL AND ART SHOW Joyner Elementary School held its annual Fairy Tale Ball and Art Show Feb. 7. Students, teachers and staff dressed in costume and participated in a fairy tale-themed dance and student art show. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Haylan Drinkwater and Andrea Medina
Matthew Braham, Ben Meza, Takeyda Scruggs, Cedric Johnson, Addie Grace Witt and Sarah Stanfill
Allison Turner and Aleagh Edgeston
Michael and Micaila Wilson
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Prent, David, Maylen and Elizabeth Gable
Paradise Johnson, Emma Kate Anderson, Lexie Wildmon, Aubrey Street, Terrence Brantley and Addyson Hampton
Reid Browning, Kaitlyn Alfreds, Christian McRaney, Chloe McElhenney and Dailey Johnson
Braylon Osborne, Kendarrius Carter, Weston Coward, Elizabeth Lair, Sarah Kate Shelburne, Shontiana Jackson and Melany Carillo
Crystal and Ethan Yielding
Matt and Caroline Westcott
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• Dinner at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Restaurant
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141 W. Bankhead St. New Albany, MS 38652 • (662) 534-5203 • (662) 524-6581 March 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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DIERKS BENTLEY CONCERT Country Music Association award-winning singersongwriter Dierks Bentley performed a live concert Feb. 24 at BancorpSouth Arena. The show also featured country singer Cole Swindell. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Elleigh Hall, Addison Carter, Carli Bullard and Isaac Sparks
Kaitlyn King, Allison Clingan, Haylee Collums, Jennifer Mansfield, Pakita King and Kimmy Nicholson
Madison McAnally and Montana Ware
Tiffany Fisher, Camae Vail and Leigh Ann McCord
Greg and Allison Spain
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INVITATION TUPELO | March 2017
April and Greg Padgett with Greg and Alicia McKissisk
Winky and Roxie Weathers with Pam and Jason Turner
Steven and Toni Floyd
Jennifer Ham and Kenzie Pennington
Nan and Eric Nanney
Meredith Lee and Molly Bramlett
Breanna Pennington, Carey Beth Doyle and Hayley Baggett
Chris and Anna Thomas
Peyton Emerson and Makenzie Day
Regina Rogers, Brooke Shirley, Emily Goin and Rebecca Ivy
March 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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KREWE OF BARKUS Tupelo Parks and Recreation hosted the annual Krewe of Barkus pet event Feb. 18 at the Tupelo Bark Park. The Mardi Gras-themed, family-friendly event included games, food and pet activities. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Rick Hamel and Mr. Kane
Ashley Barron and Miles
Valerie and Marla Voyles with Shelly and Caddy
Bud and Amy Forrest with Sophie and Harris
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INVITATION TUPELO | March 2017
Summer Knight and Jason Shelton
Judy Dunehew and Joe
Callie Rose York and Kim Wade with Jap
Olivia Crowne and Jason Jackson with Polo and Izzy
Duane Jones and Delta
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BEATABLE! Colorectal Cancer is the third leading cancer found in men and women, yet thousands every year fail to get screened for it. Fortunately, it is both highly preventable and curable when detected 589 GARFIELD STREET • TUPELO, MS • (662) 680-5565 early. Men & women age 300 HOSPITAL ROAD • STARKVILLE, MS 50 • (662) 324-7484 and older should be screened. COLON CANCER IS PREVENTABLE! TREATABLE!
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Call our office to schedule your colonoscopy performed byperformed our Call our office to schedule your colonoscopy by experienced, board certified physicians. experienced, board certified physicians.
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Garret Ogg, M.D. Amann, M.D. StephenStephen T. Amann,T.M.D. Roger L. Huey,W. M.D. John O. Phillips, M.D. John B. Averette, M.D. John B. Averette, M.D. Noel K. Hunt,John M.D. O. Phillips, M.D. Robert B. Smith, M.D. Robert Christopher Decker,C.M.D. Christopher H. Decker,H.M.D. Allen Justice, M.D. B. Smith, M.D. Ashley L. Vaughn, CFNP Barney J.Bamey Guyton, W. Garret Ogg, M.D. L. Vaughn, CFNP Ashley J. M.D. Guyton, M.D. Mitchell, CFNP Roger L. Huey, M.D.C. Pace, Mary Samuel M.D. Ellen Emeritus J. Guyton, M.D. Emeritus Noel K.W. Hunt, M.D. Carl Kellum, Bamey Jr., M.D. 1952-2006 Samuel C. Pace, M.D. Emeritus C. Allen Justice, M.D.
DHSGI.NET W. Carl Kellum, Jr., M.D. 1952-2006
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TUPELO
589 GARFIELD ST. (662)680-5565
STARKVILLE
300 HOSPITAL RD. (662)324-7484 March 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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ALCORN COUNTY DELTA WATERFOWL BANQUET The 2017 Alcorn County Delta Waterfowl Banquet was held Feb. 3 at Crossroads Arena in Corinth. The event included door prizes, silent and live auctions and dinner. photographed by Whitney Worsham
Jim Jackson and Mai Fair
LeeAnne and Bryce Beaty
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INVITATION TUPELO | March 2017
Trey and Mimi Williams
Bryan and Andy Clausel
Shaye Anderson with Drew and Brooke Hearnsberger
David Jackson and Mark Austin
Buddy Ayers with Carol and Randy Humphreys
Jesse Curtis and Melissa Self
Riley Roach and Jenna Strachan
2017 ANNOUNCEMENTS
engagement
Third page ($50) Includes one photo and up to 150 words
wedding
Half page ($90) Includes one photo and up to 200 words
Full page ($150) Includes three photos and up to 300 words Two pages ($275) Includes five photos and up to 500 words
Please email all high resolution photos and text to Hallie Thomas at hallielandonmarshall@gmail.com Please make checks payable to Invitation Tupelo (note ANNOUNCEMENT on memo line) and mail to: P.O. Box 776, Oxford, MS 38655 or visit invitationtupelo.com to pay online. March 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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JUNIOR AUXILIARY CHARITY BALL Junior Auxiliary of Tupelo held its 54th annual Charity Ball Feb. 10 at BancorpSouth Arena. The “Be the Change”-themed event featured music, Indian food, dancing and presentation of living ads.
photographed by Lisa Roberts
Cameron Pettey, Emily Floyd and Hannah Covington
Avery Ray, Susannah Eidt, Katie Rieves and Rachel Dudas
Grace Gibens, Kristen Cockrell, Maya Sachdev and Lexi Pund
Shauna McMickin, Emily Roberson and Stormy Tucker
Cally Boutin, Georgia Kate Crawford, Avery Batson, Merrie Kate Grayson and Karlee Avery
Shelby White, Samatha Presley and Georgia McGee
Caroline Hughes, Anna Kirk Presley, Lauren Hughes, Katherine Stone and Jena Bird
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844-9379 • Tupelo 842-2696 • Belden
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INVITATION TUPELO | March 2017
844-0507 • Tupelo
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680-5286 • Belden
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trees • shrubs • annuals • perennials • lawn & garden accessories • fresh & local produce 2309 Hwy. 145 Saltillo, MS 662-869-3656
March 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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OUT AND ABOUT DELTA SIGMA THETA DONATION AT LEE COUNTY LIBRARY
Bertha Nichols, Shanae Shoemaker, Gwendolyn Cook, Dana McGinister, Erica Golden and Daphyne Bradley
JUNIOR AUXILIARY LUNCHEON
Elizabeth Rose and Meg Gibens
GUMTREE MUSEUM RECEPTION FOR JOE MACGOWN
Marty Brown and Amanda Michael
MERLE TEMPLE BOOK SIGNING
TUPELO COMMUNITY THEATRE LOVE LETTERS
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INVITATION TUPELO | March 2017
Joe MacGown and John Armistead
Amy Webb and Belle Naugher
LE BONHEUR CHILDREN’S CLINIC ANNOUNCEMENT
Merle Karl Rogers, Merle Temple, Carroll Hughes and Anita Rogers
Amye Gousett and Rob Rice
Lesley Prude, Jacuana Sykes, Teri Price and Carrol Scott
Meri Armour, Angela Clegg, Monica McCarley, Robin Jack and Rush Waller
MAKE-A-WISH CELEBRITY WAIT NIGHT
Marsha Williams and Jimmy Dyer
Katrina Berry and Jude Counce
Dixie Bridges, Regina Counce and Tracie Bramlett
LEE COUNTY SPELLING BEE WINNER
Christopher Hooper
LAWHON FOURTH-GRADE MUSICAL
Israel Dilworth, Kentavius McKinney, Jordan Jones, Malachi Gilley and Trendyn Thompson
Eduardo Velazco, Sophia McIntire, Harley Blagg and Cohen Watson
CREATE FOUNDATION AWARDS CHECK TO TUPELO PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT’S TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Gearl Loden, Brittany Womack and David Copenhaver
March 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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e t a r b e l e C Spring!
LET US HELP YOU FIND YOUR HAPPY!
Nominated as Best Birthday Venue by the Daily Journal for 5 years running, we would love to help you celebrate your important events! Birthdays • Church Outings • Corporate events Bachelorette Parties • Baby Showers • Etc.
WE NOW HAVE FINISHED PIECES TO PURCHASE & TAKE HOME TODAY!
4344 Mall DriveTupelo, MS 662-269-2412
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INVITATION TUPELO | March 2017
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For that little something
different...
Children’s Specialty Shop 115 N Thomas, Suite G • Tupelo • 841-0616
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ON STANDS
JULY 2017
Celebrating Mississippi Families Invitation Magazines presents a new publication focused on trends and healthy lifestyle tips for parents and children of all ages. Areas of content include education, home, health, food and much more.
Where you can find us:
A quarterly magazine, Invitation Family will be published in July, October, January and April and distributed in 17 cities across north and central Mississippi. 15,000+ copies of each issue will be distributed four times per year in high traffic areas and in advertiser locations. The publication will be free for readers.
Follow:
@invitation_family
@invitation_fam
Invitation Family
Contact: InvFamilyMagazine@gmail.com • (662) 234-4008
March 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO
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ALAYJAH SHERER interviewed by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem
With a 4.0 grade point average and a winning record with the Lady Wave basketball team, highly recruited Tupelo High School senior Alayjah Sherer scored a spot at East Tennessee State University in the fall.
Q: How long have you been playing? A: Soccer was my sport until we moved here from North Carolina in the sixth grade. I really started [playing basketball] at Milam, but my dad taught me everything I know.
Q: Have you always played the same position? A: I started as a guard, but as I became the tallest person on my team (5 feet 11 inches), I switched to forward. It was a role I had to learn to play to help my team.
Q: Who is your favorite basketball player? A: I like [the WNBA’s] Angel McCoughtry and Maya Moore. With the guys, it’s [the NBA’s] LeBron James and Kevin Durant. I like them because I feel like I can mimic what they do to up my game.
Q: Why did you choose East Tennessee State? A: It was just a gut feeling because I’d made a connection with all the coaches. I committed without even seeing the campus. They only missed going to the NCAA tournament by three points in overtime, and now I get to be part of that.
Q: What are you looking forward to in college? A: I want to be Freshman of the Year and work my way to a starting spot. I’ll major in criminal justice and minor in pre-law and forensic studies so I can become an FBI agent.
Q: What will you miss about this THS team? A: The relationships we’ve built. Being on any team is truly like a sister- or brotherhood. You grow up with these people for four years and work with each other and encourage each other. It’s like leaving family, but I know I’ll make more family there.
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INVITATION TUPELO | March 2017