FEBRUARY 2014
Mardi Gras TUPELO CELEBRATES
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IN THIS ISSUE FEBRUARY 2014
FEBRUARY 2014
FEATURES 35 Breakfast Blessings
Mardi Gras TUPELO CELEBRATES
COVER PHOTOGRAPH ED BY JOE WORTHEM
Saints’ Brew, a volunteer-run service at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, offers hot breakfast daily to those in need.
47 Big Easy Escape The design and decor for Diane Lawson’s cozy sitting porch was inspired by New Orleans, one of her favorite cities to visit.
54 Perfect Aim Saltillo High School’s coed archery team is preparing for its third season and hopefully its third state championship title, too.
EVENTS 18 19 20 24 38 40 41 42 44 58 59 60 62 64 70 72 74
Premier Bridal Show Black-Tie Banquet Northeast Mississippi Rodeo Duck Hunter Shoots Angel Almost New Year’s Party Rollins’ Holiday Gathering Ole Miss vs. MSU Ice Hockey Business After Hours Tupelo Christmas Parade Mac and Paul Concert Reindeer Romp 5K The Polar Express Spirit of Women North MS Dance Centre Christmas With the NMSO Tupelo High School Pep Rally New Year’s Eve Party
ANNOUNCEMENT
29 The Krewe of Houin
New Orleans natives Jeff and Christi Houin have raised their four daughters in Tupelo, but Mardi Gras has remained an important family tradition. Their celebration includes an annual trip to the Crescent City, where Jeff takes part in the Krewe of Thoth parade the weekend before Fat Tuesday.
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16 McFerrin & Phifer
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72 DEPARTMENTS 10 14 66 68 76 80
Letter From the Publisher What’s Happening In Season: Cajun Cooking Pets of the Month Out and About Tupelo Spirit: Bonfire Orchestra February 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO
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LETTER FROM
the publisher
I
have a bad habit of skipping breakfast. When I do eat breakfast, I feel better all day. My husband is the exact opposite. He rarely goes with out missing his morning meal, and he often reminds me a cup of coffee doesn’t qualify as ample morning nutrition. Breakfast really is important. In Tupelo, there are some special saints who help more than 100 people every weekday who otherwise wouldn’t have a warm meal each morning. For more than six years parishoners of All Saints’ Episcopal Church and other volunteers have provided biscuits, sausage, grits and more to those who are hungry. No questions asked, all are welcome, and the meal is free to those who need it. The next morning, if you’re hungry, you can return. These are not the only saints in Tupelo. Jeff and Christi Houin, who moved to Tupelo from New Orleans 17 years ago, brought a long-time family Mardi Gras tradition with them. The Houins’ home is decorated top to bottom with traditional Mardi Gras colors and symbols. You can read more about the Houins’ family ties to Mardi Gras and how they say for people from New Orleans, Mardi Gras is a family celebration that’s very different from what many folks imagine. We’re glad to be back with you this month. We hope you will enjoy these stories and more, including the Saltillo High School archery team who is defending its state championship title. We appreciate you picking up a copy of Invitation Tupelo. If you visit one of our advertisers, please be sure to mention how much you appreciate them choosing to support our magazine. If it wasn’t for their support, we would not exist.
RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER
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PUBLISHER Rachel Malone West EDITOR Phil West DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Cindy Semmes MANAGING EDITOR Emily Welly ASSOCIATE MANAGING EDITOR Sonia Thompson EDITORIAL DESIGN Hallie M. Thomas, Emily R. Suber STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Lisa Roberts, Joe Worthem STAFF WRITER Melanie Crownover ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Alise M. Emerson, Sheena Hagemann, Leigh Lowery, Lynn McElreath, Mary Moreton, Moni Simpson AD DESIGN Becca Bailey, Paul Gandy, Zach Fields CONTRIBUTORS Faith Riley Dawson, Arlene Beard Norton, Kristi Sizemore, Shea Summers, Mike Weeks OFFICE MANAGER Hollie Hilliard COPY EDITOR Kate Johnson DISTRIBUTION Donald Courtney ADVERTISING INFORMATION (662) 701-8070 ads@invitationtupelo.com MAIN OFFICE (662) 234-4008 To subscribe to one year (10 issues) of Invitation Tupelo, send payment of $50 to: P.O. Box 3192, Tupelo, MS 38802 or visit invitationtupelo.com to pay online. To request a photographer at your event, to obtain an event photo or to purchase an announcement, email Hallie at hallielandonmarshall@gmail.com.
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE
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WHAT’S HAPPENING February 15-March 15 A sampling of important, fun and interesting events in our area. For more events, visit facebook.com/invitationtupelo.
BENEFITS February 15
EXHIBITS AND SPECIAL EVENTS Now Through February 28
February 26
Krewe of Barkus
Black History Month at Oren Dunn
Harlem Globetrotters
A Mardi Gras dog parade supports the Tupelo-Lee Humane Society. Starts at Veterans Park and wraps up with a party at Tupelo Bark Park, 10 a.m.
To commemorate Black History Month, a Men of Tupelo exhibit is on display at Oren Dunn City Museum. Admission, $3; seniors, $2; children 4-12, $1.50; 3 and under, free. Oren Dunn City Museum; Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Harlem Globetrotters perform at BancorpSouth Arena, 7 p.m., bcsarena.com
Now through February 28
The new Tupelo Aquatic Center hosts the Mississippi Swimming Inc. Short Course State Championship. msswim.org
February 15 Silence Hides Violence 5K The Silence Hides Violence 5K race benefits S.A.F.E. Inc., an organization that assists victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Ballard Park, 9 a.m. safeshelter.net
March 14-15 Don’t Be Cruel BBQ Duel The fourth-annual Don’t Be Cruel BBQ Duel competition is a Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned competition and the Link Centre’s biggest fundraiser. Come for the barbecue and the $15,000 in cash prizes. Fairpark, tupelobbqduel.com
The Guessing Game Exhibit at Oren Dunn Fourteen artifacts from Oren Dunn’s museum collection are on exhibit, and viewers are encouraged to guess what each artifact is before looking at its accompanying description. Admission, $3; seniors, $2; children 4-12, $1.50; 3 and under, free. Oren Dunn City Museum; Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
February 20 Business After Hours Community Development Foundation’s Business After Hours, catered by Taylor Grocery Special Events Catering. Free for CDF members; $5 for others. Carlock Toyota, 5 p.m., cdfms.org/events
February 21 Kid’s Night at Healthworks! Drop your kids off for three hours of fun and dinner with friends! Call 662-377-5437 to register. Before noon Feb. 21, $15 per child or $10 per member; after noon Feb. 21, $22 per child or $17 per member. Healthworks!, 5:308:30 p.m., healthworkskidsms.org
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February 27-March 2 Swimming Championship
March 1-31 Women’s History Month Photo Exhibit Visit the Women’s History Month Photo Exhibit at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center at milepost 266. Open daily, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
March 7 Women of Distinction Awards Banquet New Expectations for Women in Mississippi will honor its Women of Distinction award winners. Tickets, $20. BancorpSouth Conference Center, 11:30 a.m.
March 14 Gala of the Royal Horses The revered royal horses of Europe demonstrate tradition, athleticism and grace in this anticipated performance. Tickets, $27-$57. BancorpSouth Arena, 7:30 p.m. bcsarena.com
MUSIC, THEATER AND FILM February 18
TCA Presents Jesse Lynch Jazz 101 The Tupelo Concert Association presents Jesse Lynch Jazz 101 at Tupelo Civic Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
February 21-23 Pied Piper Players Present Macbeth
February 22 North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra presents Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 25, featuring pianist Sara Davis Buechner. Link Centre, 7:30 p.m., nmsymphony.com
February 22 Winter Jam Spectacular Winter Jam Spectacular features some of the top names in Christian music. Tickets, $10 at the door. BancorpSouth Arena, 7 p.m., jamtour.com
March 7 Finding Hillywood
Be Envied !
The Pied Piper Players present Macbeth at Milam Auditorium, Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.
Southern Circuit Independent Film Series presents a showing of Finding Hillywood, a documentary about the beginning of Rwanda’s film industry, followed by a discussion with the filmmakers. Link Centre, 7 p.m. findinghillywood.com
662-844-2477 431 North Gloster St. Tupelo, MS www.shearenvytupelo.com February 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO
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& CHRISTOPHER GRANT PHIFER
PHOTOGRAPHED BY FAITH RILEY
ANNA GRACE MCFERRIN
nna Grace McFerrin of Tupelo, Miss., and Christopher Grant Phifer of Iuka, Miss., were united in marriage on Sept. 28, 2013, at First Baptist Church in Tupelo. The Rev. Dr. Randall L. Von Kanel officiated. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack McFerrin of Tupelo. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Webb of Tupelo and Mrs. Arthur Kermit McFerrin and the late Mr. McFerrin of Mantachie, Miss. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Phifer of Iuka. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Paden of Iuka, the late Mrs. Sue Phifer and the late Mr. Harold Phifer, both of Burnsville, Miss. The bride, given in marriage by her father, wore a formal AlenÇon lace gown featuring a
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sweetheart neckline, a trumpet skirt and a deep low back that complemented the mermaid silhouette. She wore a chapel-length veil that was worn by her mother. The maid of honor was Maggie McFerrin, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Lindsey Casabella, Rebecca Chism, Keeley Hardin, Emily Kennedy, Violet Muffi, Anna Merritt Roberts, Brittany Weatherford and Summer Wikle. Junior bridesmaids were Emma Casabella and Madison Martin. Flower girls were Ava Casabella, Caleigh Martin and Jordan Martin. Best man was Kenny Phifer, father of the groom. Groomsmen were Ryan Casabella, Preston Clark, Tyler Gillis, Dan Harber, Philip New-
berry, Josh Marlar, Tyler Segars and Jonathan Phifer. Ushers were Dustin Dick and Jeremy Osborn, and ring bearer was Carter Casabella. Classical renditions were orchestrated by the Rev. Randy Wood, assisted by Sandy Coutoumanos, Grace Bridges, Summer Young and Luke West. The wedding director was Shelley Jones. The couple arrived at the reception site, the historic J.J. Rogers Building in downtown Tupelo, in a 1939 peach Ford sedan deluxe. Guests enjoyed different venues for dining and dancing, all decorated with the authentic feel of the former cotton mill. Photographs of the couple’s childhood through engagement, as well as family heirlooms, completed the setting. After a honeymoon to Oahu, Hawaii, the couple resides in Hattiesburg, Miss.
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photographed by Lisa Roberts
events Premier Bridal Show View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.
Wedding professionals and brides-to-be attended the Premier Bridal Show Jan. 19 at BancorpSouth Conference Center. The event is a one-stop shop for brides planning their weddings and included door prizes and a runway fashion show.
Amelia Morgan and Jenna Rose Koon
Sam Thomas and Andrea Gibson with Judy and Amy Bowling
Anthony Knight, Becky Adkins and Hayden Graham
Tracy Denham and Holly Giles
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Tara Smith, Carra Cockrell and Billie Robison
Kevin Hinton and Nancy Bowen
Vicki Hester and Zach Pitts
Alicia Swartz, Wanda Johnson and Donna Blythe
Michael Bounds and Mollie Speights
John Hickey and Emilee Bennett
photographed by Lisa Roberts
events Black-Tie Banquet View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.
The 14th-annual Martin Luther King Jr. Black-Tie Banquet was held Jan. 18 at St. Paul Christian Life Center. Local principals LaKimberly Hobson and Jason Harris spoke, and Janette Kirk, owner of Kiddie Kastle Preschool, received a community service award.
Canzella Smith and Mary Conoway
Kertese Richard, Juwan Page, Dr. LaKimberly Hobson and Charles Penson
Jimmy Hill III, Jimmy Hill II, Preston James Hill, Janice and Will Rogers, Keelon Solomon and Markell Dixon
Harvey and Arnita Moore
Loretta Mack, Ginger Seals, Linda Marbry, Louise Middlebrook, Curmie Arnold and Avis Wren
Shirley Agnew, Kenneth Mayfield and Zell Long
Lavada Shannon, Barbara Armstrong, Ruth Lipsey, Laura Jenigan and Ella Huddleston
Earnstine Hall with Alma and Thomas Brown and Temeka and Craig Shannon
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photographed by Shea Summers
events Northeast Mississippi Championship Rodeo
CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.
The Northeast Mississippi Championship Rodeo celebrated its 20th year Jan. 24-25 at BancorpSouth Arena. The rodeo is known as The Most Amazing Show on Dirt, and a portion of ticket proceeds benefited Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
Karen Coker with Tres, Autumn, Hagen, Alex and Layne McDonald
Abigail Tucker with Anna Belle, Brandi and Nate Bryan
Zane and Shelia Moody
Stephon Wilson and Garrett Hurst
Randy Kingsley and Jeremy Swinder
Eli and Ann Hall
Nina Luker and Noah Nash
John Everett and Robin Carruth
Brittany Parker, Camryn Young and Angel Beasley
Carly and Mindy Gransinger
Karson and Jackson Dawkins
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photographed by Shea Summers
events Northeast Mississippi Championship Rodeo
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20
View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.
Antyous Stovall, Arthur Cooperwood and Aziyah Stovall
Anna Kate and Virginia Womack with Walker Kantrell
Chelsey Ray and Brandon McCool
Ty, Mike and Gina Davis
Andrew Pickett and Colton Snyder
Tabitha and Jaylen Franks
Zach, Brian and Austin McDivitt
Heather and Cade Maxey
Jodasia Ferguson, Jeremy Montgomery and Peyton Farris
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photographed by Lisa Roberts
events Duck Hunter Shoots Angel Preview Party View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.
A preview party to kick off Tupelo Community Theatre’s performances of Duck Hunter Shoots Angel was held Jan. 28 at the Lyric Theatre. The preview party was sponsored by Mitchell Distributing. TCT put on four performances of the play, Jan. 30-Feb. 1.
Madison Foster and Madi Bazzill
Josh Wise, Loralei McGee, Beverly Williams and Tommy Taylor
Bobby Geno, Christi Houin and Jonathon Martin
Donna Stevens, Jessica Harris and Nancy Taylor
Allana Austin, Katelyn Stieg and Erin Beall
Josh Sullivan and Fred Cannon
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Sarah Mitchell and Travis Huntley
Jason West, Jeff Houin and Richmond Smith
Sylvia Kingsley and Janice Summers
Kevan and Maribeth Kirkpatrick
John McCustion and Craig Helmuth
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Reed’s has been dressing Mississippi’s best dressed young men since 1905…. and still doing it Spring 2014!
The North Face and Patagonia outerwear— perfect for chilly days & Spring Break ski trips.
Historic Downtown Tupelo 662.842.6453 Mall at Barnes Crossing 662.842.5287
reedsms.com
Creating Beautiful
Smiles
PARK PLACE
D E N TA L Ken Goodwin DMD Christine Rayburn DMD Amy Scopel DMD Family dentistry • Implants Cosmetic dentistry • Conscious sedation Crown and veneers in a day with CEREC Open Monday - Friday 8-5 403 North 3rd St. Booneville, MS 38829 662-728-8171 www.parkplacedentist.com
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Introducing the latest in dental imaging technology, the i-Cat, a Cone Beam 3-D Dental imaging system. With a quick scan, we can now view patient anatomy in 3D to accomplish more precise diagnostics for the patient. Park Place Dental has chosen this technology to enhance treatment for patients in the greater North Mississippi area.
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499 GLOSTER CREEK VILLAGE • SUITE F3 • TUPELO
20/20 VISION CENTER 662.350.3676 HOURS:
Mon-Wed 9:00-5:00 Thursday 10:00-6:00 Friday 9:00-4:00 Saturday 9:00-2:00
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2014
THE Krewe
OF HOUIN Mardi Gras is an annual tradition for this Tupelo family with New Orleans roots. by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem
ardi Gras is almost as big as Christmas at Jeff and Christi Houin’s house. Their holiday décor came down just before New Year’s Day and was replaced with vibrant gold, green and purple decorations. A wreath hangs on the front door to match the bedecked walls in their entryway, living room and kitchen. There’s a Mardi Gras tree and a New Orleans Saints tree, the mantel is dressed in fleurs-de-lis and masks, stars hang from the kitchen light, and jeweled kings’ crowns are scattered throughout the first floor. Keeping the holiday part of their family traditions was a given when Jeff, a retired dermatologist and Christi, a retired nurse moved from their native New Orleans to Tupelo more than 17 years ago. “I didn’t realize it wasn’t a national holiday until high school because my family has always been Mardi Gras crazy,” Jeff said. “I
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Jeff Houin has been traveling to New Orleans for Mardi Gras with his wife, Christi, and their four daughters (pictured at top left) since they were babies. Jeff participates in the Krewe of Thoth parade, which his father took part in starting in the 1970s. The Houins, both New Orleans natives, also decorate their Tupelo home (opposite page) for the holiday.
can remember my dad coming in from work on weekdays as a kid and Mom already having us six kids fed and ready to go to parade every day during the 12-day Mardi Gras season. We would leave as soon as he changed clothes, and then the whole family would pile into the van on Saturday with a cooler and food to watch probably 12 parades before midnight.” And although Christi’s early memories of Mardi Gras festivities are mainly of trips to one particular parade each year with her maternal
grandmother’s side of the family, her husband’s enthusiasm has worn off on her during their 24 years of marriage. The fact that the event is also a religious holiday that encourages one last hurrah before the sacrifices of Lent begin is also an important aspect to the Catholic high school sweethearts. The Houins and their four daughters have traveled back to the Crescent City for Mardi Gras every year since their move to Mississippi. They began taking each of their daughters
when they were babies, with one riding along as early as two months old. After almost two decades of the custom, the couple says their now-grown girls would probably riot if they broke with tradition. The pair have brought a taste of Mardi Gras to Tupelo by bringing king cakes and beads to their Sunday school classes and to Jeff’s office, although his efforts to introduce Zydeco music to the workplace didn’t work out as well. “For people from New Orleans, Mardi February 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO
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As soon as the Christmas decorations come down at Jeff and Christi Houin’s Tupelo home, the Mardi Gras decorations go up. Jeff and Christi grew up in New Orleans where many Mardi Gras festivities are family traditions.
Gras is primarily a family function,” Christi said. “All those things you see on the news with people getting crazy on Bourbon Street are tourists. We don’t even go down there when we go. It’s straight uptown to St. Charles Avenue for us to see the parades. Our friends who have gone with us have been shocked by how family friendly it can be.”
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The Houin family still takes in as many of the parades as possible the weekend before Fat Tuesday, especially the one Jeff rides in after Mass on Sunday with the nearly 1,400-member Krewe of Thoth. His annual membership fee to the social club means his costume and the boat-shaped float will be waiting for him to take on personas
from pirates to Vikings to fit that year’s Mardi Gras theme when he arrives. Jeff’s krewe originally came together for a serious reason: Its route was designed to bring Mardi Gras to an area farther uptown where there is a children’s hospital and several senior communities that didn’t get to participate in festivities until Thoth’s founding 60 years ago.
IN & TANN
“I’d dreamed of riding in the parade since I was a young boy,” he said. “My father got in the krewe in the ’70s, and I was invited in after I finished med school. He rode religiously until he passed away 10 years ago, and now I carry on the tradition with my wife and kids at my side. I can’t ever see a time when Mardi Gras won’t be a major part of this family’s life.”
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• Free local delivery • Fresh cut flowers for all occasions • 5 exclusive pottery lines • Bridal registry • Ronaldo jewelry
408 Washington Street, Booneville, MS 38829
662.728.4788
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M-F 9-6 • Sat 9-2
INVITATION TUPELO | February 2014
BREAKFAST BLESSINGS Saints’ Brew serves the community by offering food and fellowship to those in need. by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem
Saints’ Brew, a volunteer service of All Saints’ Episcopal Church since 2007, provides free breakfasts to around 100 people in need every weekday morning.
T
he smell of biscuits, sausage and coffee fills the dining room of All Saints’ Episcopal Church as the morning crowd files through the door in a flurry of conversation. Kirby Young, 50, works his way to the coffee after grabbing a plate. Then he refills the sugar out of habit before sitting down to eat. Lending a hand around here is commonplace,
even for the customers. “I’ve been coming here since they opened [in 2007] after a friend told me about this place,” said Young, a Tupelo native. “Now I can’t count how many friends I have here. It makes my day.” Young is one of around 100 people fed a “no questions asked” free breakfast by the
church’s Saints’ Brew program every weekday morning. For this group, the offering isn’t just a handout. This place is a safe haven. Diners include the homeless, seniors scraping by on pensions, and low-wage workers trying to make ends meet, such as Young, who rides his bicycle around town to do yard work, painting and odd jobs.
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Saints’ Brew relies on volunteers and community and church donations to operate. Typically, four to seven volunteers make up the cooking and serving crews.
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“It started out with one or two people to feed, and members of the congregation would bring us food every day to serve. Now we get here at 6:15 to be ready at 9 to let the people who’ve slept outside on the porches and everyone else in,” said Karen Asbury, who has volunteered with her husband, Gene, since the service started. The nutritionist-approved menu varies daily, as do the volunteers who cook and serve. The church provides the utilities, cleaning and facilities – including an industrial kitchen with three refrigerators, a few microwaves, two convection ovens and a walk-in freezer. Community and church donations cover costs, which average $2,000 a month. Ninety percent of volunteers are church members; the rest are from other area churches. “I call our guests our brothers and sisters because I consider them an extended part of our church family,” said Gene Asbury, a former priest and member of All Saints’. “I try to spend time at the tables getting to know them without any talk of religion to see if they have any other needs to be met. If they need help with bills or medical issues, I direct them to the office to see what we can do.” As the volunteers reach out to individuals in the dining room, the breakfast tables steadily fill up. The crews offer a hot morning meal Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-noon to all those in need, with no paperwork or strings attached. The number of patrons served annually has risen from more than 13,000 in 2010 to more than 21,000 last year. For regulars like Young, a little bit of help getting breakfast makes getting through the day a lot easier. “This program is a stopgap for a lot of people who might not make it through the month financially otherwise,” said program co-director Mona Warlick. “In this economy of part-time and low-wage jobs, unemployment and social security survival, this is the place for people to find a little peace and stay afloat.” To volunteer or donate food or funds to Saints’ Brew, call the church office at 662-8424386. Regular needs include cereal, coffee, sugar, creamer, canned fruit, oatmeal and grits.
Animal Ca of Tupelo
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Animal Care Center “your other family doctor” of Tupelo
(662) 842-8707 5362 Cliff Gookin Blvd. Tupelo, MS 38801 www.animalcarecenteroftupelo.net
New Location!
313 A South Gloster •Tupelo, MS 662- 840-2414
THE SHOE & BOOT OUTLET 1ST QUALITY NAME BRAND SHOES & BOOTS Denton Plaza 357-B S. Gloster Tupelo, Ms 38801 662-842-4152 February 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO
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events Almost New Year’s Party View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.
The Almost New Year’s Party was held Dec. 27 at Tupelo Regional Airport as a benefit for GumTree Museum of Art. Tupelo’s 2 Drink Minimum band hosted the event and performed, and food was provided by Park Heights.
Lisa and Jack Reed Jr.
Mason Walker, Laura Adams, Melissa Nolan, Hollie and John Bowlin, Leslie Adams and Joseph Mahaffey
Judy and Don Hershfelt
Jerry Bass and Theresa Spears
Hugh and Jan Harris
Cindy Bean and Robin Martin
Ashley and Mark Prince with Chris and Melanie Bray
Janna and Buddy Fairley
Shannon Carroll and Paul Saylors
Parrish and Rachael Potts with Ava and Craig Reed
Harrison McGruder, Chuck McArthur, Craig Hunt, Moe Livingston, Lynn Darling, Scott Reed, Charles Watson and Dennis Nolan
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photographed by Lisa Roberts
Monnie Vail, Rick Maynard and Robert Reed
Lacee and Chris Hall
Dakin, Annette and Lilla Reed
Lauren Wood, Liz McIntosh and Mallory Rutledge February 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO
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photographed by Lisa Roberts
events Dan and Becky Rollins’ Holiday Gathering View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.
BancorpSouth chief executive officer Dan Rollins and his wife, Becky, hosted a holiday gathering for friends and family on the evening of Dec. 19 at their north Tupelo home.
Rick and Linda Caldwell
Dianne Guyton, Shawn Brevard, Barney Guyton and James Threadgill
Becky and Dan Rollins
Kim Reed with Jean and Tom Elmore
Randy Burchfield, Jane Riley, Camille Sloan and Catherine Mize
Sharon Long, Mary Pace and Belvia Poland
Pat and Jennifer Caldwell with Paul Mize
Rich Heyer and Joey Hutto
Linda Beasley, Dona Porter and Sylvia McCurdy
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photographed by Lisa Roberts
events Ole Miss vs. MSU Ice Hockey View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.
The University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University ice hockey teams played Jan. 17 at BancorpSouth Arena. Ole Miss defeated MSU 16-0. Both are club teams that compete in Division 3 of the American Collegiate Hockey Association.
Brandi Rafalko, Becky Pugliese and Heather Forbes with Sally and Hannah Crutcher
Eric Bickford, Mary Wilson, Genny and Michael Bigbie
Tyler, Peyton, Brandie and Paxton Humble
Zowie, April and Darrell Morris
Heather Sepulveda and Tiffany Case with Jenny, Anna Claire and Brent Harris
Hunter Guin, Joseph Coggin and Taylor Harris
Dustin Kirk and Paige Wood
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events Business After Hours View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.
The Community Development Foundation’s Dec. 12 Business After Hours event at the Mitchell Distributing warehouse featured an appearance by the Budweiser Clydesdales. During their visit, the horses also took part in the Tupelo and Columbus Christmas parades.
Kevin and Jayme Griffin
Budweiser Clydesdales
Teresa Cash and Lynn Maners
Lawrence Buse and Manny Mitchell
Prent and Elizabeth Gable
Josh and Connie Wood
Allie Smith and Angie Guy
Caleb Palmer, Drew Patrick and Joel Kamarainen
Marla Neri-Salzman with Stephanie and Nathan Hellriegel
Corey Nelson, Lisa Cowart and Michael Tart
Jason Martin, David Hurley and Ted Williams
April Miller with Jim and Vicky Henry
Jordan, Stephanie, BoAnn and Bo Baxter
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photographed by Shea Summers
Jon Jon Hancock, Bryan Fikes and Taylor Kitchens
Katherine Jackson and Molly Scott
Ashlynn and Brooke Beam with Jordan Clemons
Abby, Kathy and Presly Wallace February 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO
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photographed by Lisa Roberts
events Tupelo Christmas Parade View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.
The 65th-annual Reed’s Tupelo Christmas Parade was held Dec. 10. The famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses made a muchanticipated appearance in the parade, and community floats were decorated for the ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas theme.
Shelly Harsin and Kim Wade
Neal McCoy and Sandra Estes with Amy and Rose McCoy
Patsy Thompson with Valerie and Marla Voyles
Madison Beard, Kai Brieck and Regina Harrison
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Samantha Strickland and Anthony Mitchell
Wendy, Marla and Molly Williams with Judy Rhyne
Hank, Will, Bess and Nat Leathers
Makenzie Gray, Melanie Ipock, Emily Short and Beth Lindsey
Nikki-Lynn Hill and Cora Polson
Michael, Milly and Emily Addison
Brittany King, Olivia Lesley, Melissa Sprayberry and Sabrina Barnett
Prentiss Street Baldwyn, MS 662.365.8087
Prentiss Street Baldwyn, MS 662.365.9876
February 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO
45
Specializing in Laser Procedures for:
Hair Removal $39.00 - $149.00
Skin Tightening $149.00
Spider Vein Removal $75.00 - $149.00
Call Brooke and inquire about our special party pricing!
Men & Women Welcome! 900 Earl Frye Blvd Suite A Amory, Mississippi 38821 Phone: (662) 256-9331 ext. 207 Fax: (662) 256-9335 Hours: Mon - Fri, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Look for us on Facebook
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2014
Escape BIG EASY A special New Orleans-inspired porch creates a quiet space. by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem
Diane Lawson renovated a sitting porch off of her master bedroom with a New Orleans theme by including details like Bahama shutters on the windows, fleurs-di-lis and vintage signs to decorate the walls and furniture pieces she purchased in the city. The cozy daybed pictured above was custom built for her space.
February 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO
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Lawson’s New Orleans-styled porch mixes the fun and whimsy of Mardi Gras with the slowpaced and relaxed vibe of the coast. It not only reminds her of her favorite city but also offers her a quiet and solitary place to unwind.
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2014
iane Lawson’s love affair with New Orleans began five years ago, when her best friend moved from Tupelo to the Crescent City. “So many people have a negative opinion about New Orleans because they associate it with Bourbon Street, but there’s so much more to it than that,” Lawson said. “Every time I went back, I fell a little more in love with the architecture, the food, the art and music scene and that old-timey feel.” After a couple of years of four to five visits annually to the city, including for events such as Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, the hairdresser unexpectedly found a way to bring New Orleans back home. The three-year project started with a dilapidated deck and one special find. “When we moved in here in 2004, there was an uncovered 1970s wooden deck off my bedroom that was falling apart,” Lawson said. “I started rebuilding it in 2009, but the project changed when I found a Katrina cooler at the Palmer Park Artists’ Market in New Orleans. It became my inspiration.” The galvanized metal cooler, which is covered in hurricane-battered wood remnants and
February 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO
49
“EVERY TIME I WENT BACK [TO NEW ORLEANS], I FELL A LITTLE MORE IN LOVE WITH THE ARCHITECTURE, THE FOOD, THE ART AND MUSIC SCENE AND THAT OLD-TIMEY FEEL.” -DIANE LAWSON
A pile of Mardi Gras beads on the coffee table in Diane Lawson’s New Orleans-inspired porch adds a pop of color and reminds her of her favorite city.
embellished with a fleurs-de-lis, now occupies a corner of Lawson’s enclosed Big Easy porch. Two glass-paned doors open from Lawson’s bedroom into the space. Stained beams draped in Mardi Gras beads and multicolored lights frame an aqua-and-white beadboard ceiling complete with a fan that allows the room to be used all summer. Additionally, a Victorianstyle screened door and two walls of Bahama shutters complement the screened windows to create a bright, open-air retreat.
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2014
Authentic stripped wooden corbels from a New Orleans salvage store draw the eye down to natural wood walls that are decked in more fleurs-de-lis and vintage signs. A table-andchair combo purchased in New Orleans sits on a jute rug, along with a turquoise daybed built by Lawson’s boyfriend. “He took a picture of this $3,000 daybed in Alabama that I loved, and then this showed up as a Christmas present last year,” she said. “It’s the most relaxing seat in the house.”
Although she originally intended to use the space for entertaining, the porch has become a solitary spot for Lawson to unwind. “My two teenage boys don’t even use it. I’ve seen them come into my room looking for me while I’m on the daybed and look around for a minute and walk out of my room still searching,” Lawson said, smiling. “It’s like you’re actually somewhere else when you’re down there. Every mom needs a place like that.”
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Specializing in Corrective Haircolor 144 South Thomas Spanish Village Court Suite 101-6 Tupelo, MS 38801
662-680-4506 February 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO
51
Northeast Mississippi
Real Estate Guide
2414 Greenwich Park Circle
732 North Madison
662-842-8283
www.trirealestate.net
ELLEN SHORT 662-231-5520 ellen@trirealestate.net
600 W Main, Tupelo, MS
MLS# 13-3507 • $328,500.00 • 4 Bedroom/3 Bath
BEA LUCKETT 662-231-1402
RESIDENTIAL
MARK PRINCE 662-871-1971
MLS #13-3358 • 3 Bedroom/2.5 Bath
bealuckett@trirealestate.net
COMMERCIAL
111 ASHMONT COURT Timberlane Estates – Custom, 4 or 5 bedrooms, in-ground pool, bonus/playroom and home office or 5th bedroom. Great family home!
119 EXECUTIVE DRIVE, SALTILLO MLS# 13-1875 3,000 sq. ft. Showroom, 4,000 sq. ft. Warehouse 350 sq. ft. Office space
845 COLEY RD, MLS# 13-2554 Showroom/warehouse & office space, fully heated & cooled. 31,100 sq. ft. w/kitchen, truck-height dock door for easy loading.
1849 MCCULLOUGH BLVD. MLS# 12-1313 Ideal prime commercial property with 150 ft of frontage. High traffic and visibility. Great buy!
For more information on these or ANY commercial or residential property, please contact Mark Prince. 662-871-1971 mobile • 662-842-3844 office • mark@tmhomes.com • 210 E. Main St., Downtown Tupelo
119 Sturbridge Cove
New Construction in Ridgeland Subdivision - Mooreville Schools. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, bonus room with bath, plus 950 sq. ft. unfinished space upstairs. 2.5 acres. MLS# 13-3079.
KEVIN KNIGHT
$274,900
662-401-2913 mobile | 662-842-3844 office kevin@tmhomes.com | 210 E. Main St., Downtown Tupelo
638 Highland Circle
A great 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home in Highland Circle. Beautiful hardwood floors, open kitchen, large family room, study/library, sunroom, and a beautiful park-like backyard.
$279,900. MLS# 13-1356. Call Brenda Spencer today for your private viewing. 662-231-8909 mobile • 662-842-3844 office spencer@tmhomes.com • 210 E. Main St., Downtown Tupelo
1625 Northlake Dr. MLS# 13-3405.
CHANDA COSSITT
Amazing custom built North Tupelo home on a gorgeous lakefront lot in a quiet cul-de-sac. This home features heart pine floors, granite, high ceilings, Gunite pool, beautiful office, custom closets. Must see to appreciate. Call Chanda Cossit for your private tour.
662-871-7222 mobile • 662-842-3844 office • chanda@tmhomes.com • 210 E. Main St., Downtown Tupelo
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2014
Brenda Spencer
Southern Real Estate
Gena Nolan, Managing Broker Coldwell Banker Southern Real Estate
SOUTHERN REAL ESTATE
ph/ 662.620.2232 www.cbtupelo.com gnolan@cbtupelo.com
151 Timberlane Dr. MLS #13-3157
$549,900 Ora W. Baldwin Coldwell Banker Southern Real Estate
662-346-6953
Large lakeside wooded lot, stunning five bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms. Elegant space for entertaining. Gourmet kitchen ,granite counter-tops, and custom cabinetry. Master suite with private entrance to enclosed four season sun balcony.1571 heated square feet basement, Equipped with wet bar and full bath.
323 Old Payne Place, Saltillo, MS
5143 Water Ridge, Tupelo, MS.
Jennifer Harrelson jennifer@tmhomes.com www.tmhomes.com
210 East Main Street Tupelo, MS
662-842-3844
662-871-3574
284A CR 901 • Shannon, MS MLS# 13-3473
Joyce Riley jcupriley@aol.com www.tmhomes.com
662-231-9251
Desirable Brewer community is where you will find this custom built 2 yr old (Darren Stafford, builder) 3BR 2BA home sitting on 8.77 acres with stocked lake. This home features a wraparound porch, stained concrete floors, stainless steel appliances and fireplace w/gas logs. Call for your private viewing today!
Tammy Bartee 662-891-3625 Lynn Wooldridge 662-871-9215
Janet Martin 662.791.6001 MARTIN SELECT PROPERTIES, PLLC
SOUTHERN REAL ESTATE
Coldwell Banker • 3543 Tom Watson Drive Saltillo, MS • 662-620-2232
121 Caitlin Drive
415 North Madison
185 CR 520 (Brewer)
MLS # 13-2560
MLS # 13-2597
MLS # 13-1299
For more information about the Northeast Mississippi Real Estate Guide, contact Cindy Semmes, director of advertising for Invitation Magazines, at (662) 701-8070.
February 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2014
The Saltillo High School archery team aims to defend its state championship title. by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem
T
wo state championship wins. Two trips to the national top 20. And only two years existing as a school sport. It’s understandable the Saltillo High School archery team had 70 students try out for 39 available positions this school year.
“My family looked at me like I was crazy when I told them I wanted to try out. They call me their little Katniss [from The Hunger Games] now,” said senior Auburn McCormick. “I was too scared to try out the first year, but I fell in love with it after the first few practices.” February 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO
55
The two-year-old, coed Saltillo High School archery team has won two state championships in its short existence. Student archers train in the school gym, at nearby archery ranges and with improvised targets in their own backyards.
“Most teams have to build up a program like this over time before they ever get a chance at a championship, but these kids just listened and practiced and took to it quickly.” - Coach Eric Reynolds
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2014
The competition form of archery pairs the modern bow with traditional shooting. Archers use an arrow to point and aim for targets, releasing only with their fingers. None of the newfangled sights, releases, stabilizers or let-offs found on today’s compound bows are allowed. The game is all focus, practice and skill. Coach Eric Reynolds watches his young archers during fourth-period practice to gage each for ranking, although this individual sport has no team positions. Based on the average of each archer’s solitary scores the week before competition, the coach chooses the top 24 of the group to shoot for the judges. The top 12 of those archers’ scores make up the overall number for the team at the match. To make that elite cut, many students train off school grounds at nearby archery ranges or
devise other options for target practice. McCormick fires at a TV box filled with pillows and blankets in her backyard. Teammate Kent Phillips tests his skills in a more practical way. “I started with a compound bow about the same time I joined the team two years ago, and my stepfather and I bow hunt deer together. The equipment is a lot different, but it still helps my technique,” said Phillips, a junior whose top score was 286 of a possible 300 points in competition last year. Coach Reynolds says it’s not luck that his students have made it so far and so fast in what was a brand-new sport for most of them. “Most teams have to build up a program like this over time before they ever get a chance at a championship, but these kids just listened and practiced and took to it quickly. Our suc-
cess has been a direct result of what they put into it,” Reynolds said. “They would all hold their breath for 45 seconds before they shot if we told them it would make them better.” Their first year at state, the team broke the Mississippi record score; the second visit, the team members broke their own record. With more returning archers this year than ever – some of whom are now in their third year of high school competition – and the majority of freshmen members having previous bow experience on the middle school’s archery team, Reynolds said, this season should be exciting. Competition opens in March, and the six-match season culminates April 15-16 with the state championship in Jackson, Miss., and, hopefully, another shot at nationals afterwards. The Saltillo team is aiming for that target.
February 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO
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photographed by Lisa Roberts
events Mac and Paul Concert View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.
Musicians and Mississippi natives Mac McAnally and Paul Thorn performed together for the first time Dec. 20 at BancorpSouth Arena. Also this holiday season, Thorn donated proceeds from downloads of his new Christmas song to Tupelo’s Helping Hands Food Bank.
Jesse and Donna McNeece
Jeff and Shellie O’Rear with Richie and Karen Alvarez, Chanda Cossitt and Greg Burks
Cindy Evans, Jerry Crowley and Cheryl Harris
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2014
Rosalyn and Benny Campbell
Marie Benson, Melanie Philpot and Margaret Parker
Frances Johnson, Kelly Scott and Melanie Farquhar
James Hopson and Cheryl Henning
Judy and Jeff Sewell
photographed by Lisa Roberts
events Reindeer Romp 5K View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.
Tupelo Parks and Recreation’s first Reindeer Romp 5K fun run was held Dec. 14 at Ballard Park. Registered runners received T-shirts and reindeer antlers, and the finish line was at Oren Dunn Museum, where they could check out the holiday light display.
Taylor and Chase Ballard
Brian and Miller McCoy
SPRING DOLLCAKE
Taylor Johnson, Harlie Keith, Addison Littleton and Walker Cantrell
Tzer Nan and Aryelle Grace Waters
Ramsey and McKinley Montgomery with Hanna Gillean
Suzanna, Sarah and Jacob Jones
Justin Johnson and Ken Gassaway
Sonia and Sydney Alford
1008 COMMONWEALTH BLVD. TUPELO, MS
February 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO
59
events The Polar Express View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.
The Aberdeen Visitor’s Bureau hosted a free screening of The Polar Express Dec. 19 at Elkin Theatre. Guests were encouraged to wear their pajamas, and a photo booth and children’s arts-and-crafts projects were also part of the event.
Kristin and Brooke Roberts
Vincent, Aja, Karenea, Zoey and Vincent Hayes
Adrian and Andrew Carlock
Brooklyn and Curley Sims
Robert and Bobby Coghlan
Jonathan and Angela Key
Nikki and Raven Wiggington with Cobi Hamilton
John, Sawyer, Emily and Syd Allmond with Rob English
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2014
Landon and John Thomas
Lydia Jones with Myles and Emerson Clark
Whitney Wilemon and Courtney Hill
Sam Baggett, Simon Reynolds and Presley Gaskin with Santa
photographed by Shea Summers
Margaret Davenport and Kim Moss
Jessica and Shelby Bailey
Laken and Cindi Williams
Aubrey and Darby Carson February 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO
61
events Spirit of Women View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.
North Mississippi Medical Center’s Spirit of Women Spirit Pure and Simple event was held Jan. 23 at Summit Center. The dinner event featured guest Patricia “Sister” Schubert Barnes, founder of Sister Schubert’s Homemade Rolls.
Traci Tanner, Deb Fooshee, Rose Brooks, Leslie Geoghegan, Ally Carter and Amanda Gibson
Lynn Replogle, Leslie Tackitt, Debbie Anthony and Bettye Sheffield
Tabatha and Brandy Sheffield
Richard and Faye Bullock
Lori Mize, Linda Shack and Connie Stuart
Mollye Walsh, Kathy Peters, Lisa Gentry, Pam Russell and Janice Meguire
Annie and Julianne Goodwin with Marsha Tapscott and Julie Sherry Johnson, Virginia Hodges, Arnelda Armstrong and Battaile Beverly Lesley
62
INVITATION TUPELO | February 2014
Hannah Bascomb and Blair Curtis
photographed by Lisa Roberts
Amanda Layton, Sister Schubert Barnes and Paula Turner
Liz Dawson and Stephanie Skipwith
Aaron Craig and Tammy McDowell February 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO
63
photographed by Lisa Roberts
events North Mississippi Dance Centre Holiday Fundraiser View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.
North Mississippi Dance Centre held a holiday performance Dec. 15 at the Lyric Theatre to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. More than $13,000 was raised for the hospital through donations taken at the door and fundraising efforts prior to the show.
Elizabeth McLellan and Cara Beth Holladay
Hannah Tybor, Mary Kath Vinzant, Anna Avery Edwards, Adrienne Hildenbrand, Betsy Crosswhite and Peyton Curtis
Jordan Cockrell, Skylar Payne and Claire Bailey
Ainsley Ryan, Emilie Chandler and Morrison Sliman
Madison Brandon, Avery-Claire Littleton, Kaylin Costello, Sarah K. Broadaway and Addy George
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2014
Kim Edwards and Annie Price
Ryan Murphy, Zoey Smith and Karla Morales
Kristen Cockrell, Julia Hardee and Maggie Phillips with Hannah and Laura Kate Park
319 1/2 South Gloster Street Tupelo, MS 38801
662-350-3355 * * * A New Kids Shoe Store * in Tupelo *
*
“Where kids are welcome and parents can tag along!”
February 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO
65
IN SEASON Cajun Cooking by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem
A
Mardi Gras party has been an annual tradition at Nautical Whimsey Bistro since owner Amanda McDivitt opened the restaurant four years ago with some New Orleans-style dishes on the menu. The free-admission, daylong celebration features a Zydeco-backed day
66
INVITATION TUPELO | February 2014
and night of crawfish boils, hurricane cocktails, costumes and bead tossing. It has become more popular each year for both the afternoon family crowd and the after-dinner party patrons. This year’s party takes place March 1 (the weekend before Fat Tuesday) 11 a.m.-midnight.
“We had over 300 people come out last year to have some shrimp and grits or a crawfish plate and enjoy the day,” McDivitt said. “Cajun food and Mardi Gras go hand in hand, and I love cooking Cajun. These two dishes are easy favorites that I fix when I’m at home.”
Amanda’s Slow-Cooker Red Beans and Rice 1 pound red kidney beans 1 large onion, chopped 1 bell pepper, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 bay leaf 1 ham bone 2 pounds smoked sausage, cut into half-inch pieces Salt to taste Black pepper to taste Red pepper or cayenne to taste Cooked rice Wash beans. Put beans, onion, bell pepper, garlic, bay leaf and ham bone into the slow cooker. Pour in enough water to cover all, and cook overnight on low. Smash some of the beans to thicken, and cook one to two more hours on high heat, adding the sausage for the last 30 minutes of cook time. Remove bay leaf, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook for 30 more minutes, and serve over rice.
Classic Muffaletta Telera rolls 4 slices smoked ham 3 slices salami Nautical Whimsey olive salad (or other brand) Mozzarella cheese Layer ham on one side of the bun and salami on the other side. Top with olive salad and mozzarella. Toast in the oven at 350°F until the cheese is melted.
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PETS of the Month
There are lots of ways to help the Tupelo-Lee Humane Society (TLHS). Monkey, Sophie, Astro and Stevie, as well as dozens of other animals, are ready to be adopted. Go see them at 2400 S. Gloster St., or visit tuploleehumane.org to make a donation.
SOPHIE
PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS
MONKEY
ASTRO
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STEVIE
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photographed by Lisa Roberts
events Christmas with the NMSO View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.
Christmas with the North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra was Dec. 14 at the Link Centre. The performance featured selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker and Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite. Visit nmsymphony.com for information on upcoming performances.
Rosalyn and Max Hutchinson
Al, Connie and Catherine Servati with Curtis Monts
Megha, Chirag and Madhav Mehta
Kara, Nadia and Tommy Sacran with Micah Jones
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Johnny and Adella Everett
Les and Lilly Hardin
Dean Lawrence and Ruth Young
Mayor Jason Shelton and Jonathan Martin
In-Home Senior Care Services
Free in-home assessments
(662) 841-8477
Julie Mitchell
Dawn Baker
www.ComfortKeepers.com An international network of independently owned and operated offices | Š 2009 CK Franchising, Inc.
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photographed by Lisa Roberts
events Tupelo High School Pep Rally View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.
A citywide pep rally for the Tupelo High School football team was held Dec. 5 at BancorpSouth Arena, the day before the team played Hattiesburg’s Oak Grove High School in the state championship game in Jackson, Miss. THS lost 14-7.
Maddy Harris and Teresa Gregory
Kyle Holliman, Matthew Miley, Hayden Buckley, Andrew White, Tay Walton, Jack Nance and Daniel Purnell
Stella Greenhill and Mattie Davis
Audra Atkins, Abby Stafford, Kylie Hobson and Sera Hall
Andy Schoggin, Mike Davis and Gearl Loden
Emma Rice, Caroline Thompson and Caroline Harris
Emily Carter, Hannah Harrison, Abbie Banko, Maddie Russell and Mary Dalton Parker
Brittane Robinson, Rachel Harbour, BoRanda English and Kai Brieck
Crystal Coleman, Mariah O’Neal, Tianna Robinson, Kerrigan Buck and Morgan Hereford
Katherine Holliman, Avery Gibens, Sarah Holliman, Ellen McGregor and Charlotte Gibens
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Conner Anderson, Sam Smallwood, Jarrett Estess, Luke Weeden, Taylor Greer, Mary Dawson Buskirk and Caroline Brown
Now ! Open 662.284.9468 Hours:
Mon-Thurs 9-6 Fri-Sat 9-8 2107 S. Harper Road Corinth, MS 38834
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders Institute, PLLC Jayant Dey, M.D., M.B.B.S. Nancy Hooks, C.N.P. 910 Mary Vance Drive Tupelo, Mississippi 38801
Phone:
662.377.6275
Fax:
662.377.6299
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photographed by Lisa Roberts
events New Year’s Eve Party View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.
J.P. Gillean hosted a Great Gatsby-themed New Year’s Eve Party Dec. 31 at the JJ Rogers Building in downtown Tupelo. Guests wore 1920s-style costumes, and the space was decorated in white and silver. A portion of proceeds went to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
Lauron Mills and J.P. Gillean
Tommy and Patience Davis with Tommy and Heather Peeples and Denise and Jason Brown
Lisa Gann and Dwayne Garner
Stacy and Brad Ashcraft
Stephanie Kitchens, Shannon Carroll and Layla Darden
Teresa Williams and Andy Nash
Stephanie and Juan Carlos Barcia
Donna and Mark Gillean
Chelsea Sudduth and Chase Stanford
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out and about
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1. Laura Adams, Leslie Burks, Susan Presley, Melissa Nolan, Rhonda Richardson and Barbara Thornton at the Dec. 3 Direct Care Family Medical Clinic open house in Saltillo, Miss. 2. Scott Brazile, Beth Blaha, Penny M. Vaughan, Misty McFarling and John Adams at the Direct Care open house. 3. Amy Kennedy and Alex Farned at the Dec. 14 grand opening of Tupelo Aquatic Center. 4. Johnny Davis and Helen Boerner at the Tupelo Aquatic Center grand opening. 5. Matt Davison, Brittany Cuevas, Haley McGraw and Amber Orman at the fifth-annual Autism Gala, held Dec. 13 at Elkin Place. The event benefited the Autism Center of North Mississippi. 6. John and Mary K. Oglesby with Tricia and Will Edmonson at the Autism Gala. 7. Betty Pitts, Evie Boyd, Lauren Pitts and Mattie Mabry at the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi Holiday Burger Bash, held Dec. 12. 8. Julia Cobb, Tony Kelsie and Mike Mitchell at the Holiday Burger Bash. 9. Nancy Diffee, Doyce Deas and Paige Kelly at the Dec. 17 Chi Omega alumnae Christmas party at Deas’ home. 10. Frances Johnson, Lori Clayton and Terry Ruthledge at the Chi Omega alumnae Christmas party.11. McKinsey, Andrea and Isabella Coleman at Disney Live: Three Classic Fairy Tales, performed Dec. 22 at BancorpSouth Arena.12. Annelise Davis, Alaina Hill and Miranda Berry at Disney Live: Three Classic Fairy Tales. 13. Blake Hill with Myra and Dick Guyton at Elvis Presley’s
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15 79th birthday celebration at the Elvis Presley Birthplace.14. Neal McCoy, Tom Robinson and Donna Kay Randle at Presley’s birthday celebration.15. Artist Brent Farrar, Mayor Jason Shelton and Debbie Brangenburg at the unveiling of the 2014 Elvis Festival image at the Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau. It was also announced that the June 5-8 festival will move to BancorpSouth Arena.
AvonLea Assisted Living 2429 Lawndale Drive Tupelo, MS 38801 662-840-6163 Fax: 662-842-4742 www.AvonLea-Community.com
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16. Kaye Ladd, Sue Golmon, Shirley Curry, Cindy Black, Keith Henley, Tim Putt and Bea Luckett at the swearing in of the Northeast Mississippi Board of Realtors’ 2014 board officers Jan. 9 at Tupelo Country Club.17. India Byrd, Jasmine Chillis and Kristen Furr at the Miss Tupelo and Miss Tupelo’s Outstanding Teen Pageant, held Jan. 25 at Tupelo Civic Auditorium. 18. Emily Hall and Emma Johnson at the Miss Tupelo and Miss Tupelo’s Outstanding Teen Pageant. 19. Alivia and Teresa Roberts at the Miss Tupelo and Miss Tupelo’s Outstanding Teen Pageant. 20. Ihle Gann and MaKayla Humphres at the Jan. 18 Project Hope Winter Wonderland Pageant at Summit Center. 21. Katie Beth Corbin with Baillie and Bonnie Lancaster at the Project Hope Winter Wonderland Pageant. 22. Haley Jones, Laken Stidham and Chelsea Rick at the Project Hope Winter Wonderland Pageant. 23. Eldridge E. Fleming, Kirk Biddle and Ann Kay at the Shepherd’s Center Live and Learn monthly meeting, held Dec. 19 at All Saints’ Episcopal Church. Shepherd’s Center volunteers provide transportation to the elderly, and the meetings offer a chance to socialize. 24. Karen Wolfe and Daisy Aycock at the Shepherd‘s Center meeting. 25. Bettie Murphy, Montine Posey and Martha Fleming at the Shepherd’s Center meeting. 26. Elia Wright, Danielle Johnson, Elana Dearing, Blake Cagle and Allie Grace Winter at the Jan. 6 Back to School Winter Olympics event at Healthworks!. 27. Gov. Phil Bryant, Scott Forney, Linden Blue, Darrell Rankin and Chauncey Godwin at the Jan. 27 opening ceremony for an $11 million expansion of General Atomics that will create 80
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29 new jobs at its Tupelo-Lee Industrial Park campus in Shannon, Miss. 28. Mississippi author Whitney White reads from Who Left Jesus in the Box? at a “Happy Birthday Jesus Party” on Dec. 12 at Snooty Owl. White’s children’s Christmas books (her first is Don't Swallow the Baby Jesus) center on a nativity set. 29. Shelly Powell and Amber McHenry at the Dec. 12 Christmas open house at AJ’s Salon in Saltillo, Miss.
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TUPELO SPIRIT Bonfire Orchestra Bonfire Orchestra has been a growing presence on the Tupelo music scene for the past few years, playing about 200 shows annually. Invitation Tupelo talked to lead singer and guitarist Michael Thomas to shed some light on the quartet.
Q: Where did you get the name? A: I loved the idea of an orchestra as a collection of instruments coming together with the intimacy of a backyard bonfire. It reminds us to keep that intimacy in our music as we reach a larger crowd. It also makes people curious.
Q: How would you describe your sound? A: Most people call it folk rock, but we really have no bounds. We’re an original band that makes the money to tour with our own music by playing covers.
Q: What’s your favorite cover tune? A: We tend to close with My Girl by the Temptations with a break in the middle filled by R. Kelly’s Admission. I think that song sums up our success. Lots of artists box themselves into a genre, but our crowds can be black, white, old or young because we play anything from the last 140 years. It brings people together who might think they had nothing in common.
Q: What’s scheduled for 2014? A: The Mississippi Music Foundation gave us a grant to record our second album, and we start[ed] recording in the new year. Steady Boat should be out in the early spring. I’ve had it written for a while, and we’ve used the material on the road to see people’s reaction. Download the band’s first album, The Well and the Water, on iTunes or amazon.com, and watch them perform on Oxford Sessions on YouTube. interviewed by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem
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