Invitation Tupelo - December 2016

DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017

Cozy, Handmade Quilts Destination: Nashville

Meet a Trivia Master

DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017

30

ON THE COVER These colorful and cozy quilts were made by members of Tupelo’s Gumtree Quilters Guild. photographed by Joe Worthem

IN EVERY ISSUE

FEATURES

EVENTS

30 Tennessee for Two

16

Hope for the Holidays

A weekend away in Nashville could be the perfect getaway for you and your significant other.

18

Downtown Open House

20

Holiday Tree Festival

22

MSU Visits Tupelo High School

24

Extra Table Benefit

26

Chickasaw Celebration

28

Salvation Army Thanksgiving

41 Trivia Night

56

Family Resource Open House

58

Willie Nelson Concert

60

Cause for the Paws

62

Tupelo Arts Showcase

64

Taste of Tupelo

66

Celebrate Corinth

37 Small Miracle A Tupelo family shows thanks for a healthy son by sharing their story and supporting March of Dimes.

6

Letter From the Publisher

8

What’s Happening

10

Community Corner: El Centro

12

In Season: Pork

70

Out and About

Trivia night is serious business in Tupelo establishments, from bars and restaurants to churches and community organizations.

72

Tupelo Spirit: Debby Gibbs

44 Pieced Together Members of the Gumtree Quilters Guild gather to learn from each other and share their creativity with the community.

50 Oh What Fun If colder temperatures force the kids indoors this winter break, keep them occupied and happy with these fun activities.

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44 50

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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THE PUBLISHER

A

s we sat down to sketch out the con­ tent for this issue, which is on newsstands leading up to Valentine’s Day, we thought that a travel piece on a couples week­ end getaway would fit in nicely.

Nashville was a logical choice that offered exactly what we were looking to showcase. It’s one of the fastestgrowing cities in the country, and with that growth comes more options of places to visit and fun things to do. We’ve highlighted many of those on page 30, and we’re sure you will want to experience some of them yourself.

Soon after we decided to feature Nashville, I learned for about $50, you can catch a onehour flight out of Tupelo Regional Airport to Nashville International Airport. The conve­ nience of the Contour Airlines flight – offered three times a day – makes Music City an even more perfect destination for north Mississip­ pians, even for just one night away. Just hop on the plane, catch a cab ride to your desired location, and experience all the city has to offer.

We hope you enjoy this issue, which also includes stories on a March of Dimes ambassador family, local quilters and their handiwork, and one of Tupelo’s top trivia mas­ ters. As always, we will be taking a short break to celebrate the holidays, and we’ll be back Feb. 15 with another issue of Invitation Tupelo.

Happy New Year,

RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER

Hop on a Contour Airlines plane (top) at the Tupelo airport for a quick flight to Nashville to visit famous Broadway Street (above left), see the stars on the Music City Walk of Fame and so much more. Read all about it on page 30.

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

publishers

Phil and Rachel West

editorial

EDITOR IN CHIEF Emily Welly CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Lena Anderson EVENTS EDITOR Mary Moreton STAFF WRITER Melanie Crownover CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Toni Overby Laurie Triplette 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 Becca Bailey Zach Fields Holly Vollor

art

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Hallie Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Lisa Roberts Joe Worthem CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kim Westhouse Whitney Worsham CONTRIBUTING ARTIST Bryan Nigh

production

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Emily Suber

office

BUSINESS MANAGER Hollie Hilliard COMPTROLLER Julie Clark 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

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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DEC. 15 - FEB. 15

12/17

Wreaths Across America Volunteers lay wreaths on graves at Corinth National Cemetery as part of a nationwide effort to recognize veterans at the holidays. Wreaths will be laid beginning at 10 a.m.; ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. wreathsacrossamerica.org facebook.com/corinthhonorsveterans

12/19 AND 12/26 Let’s Dance

Join Tupelo Ballroom Dance Club members for two free dance classes. Learn the cha-cha Monday, Dec. 19, and learn the nightclub two-step Monday, Dec. 26. Both classes take place at 7:30 p.m. at 108 N. Spring St. tupeloballroomdance.blogs.com

NOW THROUGH

Ice-Skating

1/29

Hit the ice at BancorpSouth Arena. $10 per skater, including skate rental. The ice is open to the public 1-6 p.m. on Dec. 18-20, Dec. 27-31, Jan. 2-8, Jan. 21-22 and Jan. 28-29. bcsarena.com

1/8

1/28

Celebrate the King’s 82nd birthday at the Elvis Presley Birthplace with a party and cake cutting at 2 p.m. and discounted museum tickets. 306 Elvis Presley Drive. elvispresleybirthplace.com

The American Red Cross of North Missis­ sippi hosts its 10th annual Evening of Jazz.

Tickets, $50, include food, music, dancing and a silent auction. The 2017 Humanitarian of the Year will be honored. 7 p.m., BancorpSouth Conference Center. For more information, call 662-842-6101, or email patty.tucker@ redcross.org or michael.upton@redcross.org.

Happy Birthday, Elvis

1/21

North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Bass-baritone Ted Christopher performs selec­ tions from Carlisle Floyd’s Pilgrimage and Kurt Weill’s Walt Whitman Songs. The NMSO plays Ferde Grofé’s Grand Canyon Suite. 7:30 p.m., Link Centre. nmsymphony.com

12/23

SREMM Fest Tupelo natives Rae Sremmurd perform with Diplo, Young Dolph, Big K.R.I.T. and more.

7 p.m., BancorpSouth Arena. Tickets $25-$55. bcsarena.com

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

1/26-28 Cicada

Tupelo Community Theatre performs Amory native Jerre Dye’s coming-of-age ghost story set in rural Mississippi. 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. tct.ms

Evening of Jazz

2/10

Charity Ball The annual ball, now in its 54th year, is the Junior Auxiliary of Tupelo’s only fundraiser and benefits the club’s many projects designed to help children in Tupelo and Lee County.

This year’s theme is “Be the Change You Want to See in the World.” Features music by Mem­ phis Soul Revue, dinner by Park Heights and Bar B Que by Jim, and more. 7 p.m.-midnight, BancorpSouth Arena. For tickets, $50, call 662-213-5509.

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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EL CENTRO INC. written by Melanie Crownover

El Centro Inc.’s mission is to translate local life for the growing immigrant popula­ tion. It’s a cause dear to board chair Leticia Castaneda Gassaway, who is a first-generation Mexican-American.

“Many people move to the area and don’t know what resources are available. About 95 percent of the kids that come to our programs speak English fluently, but their parents struggle to adapt. They feel isolated,” she said.

“We want to guide them and make them feel at home, no matter where they come from.”

Gassaway has been with El Centro since it was founded in 2006 with a grant from CREATE Foundation, which manages funds for community programs and initiatives. Two years later, it lost most of its funding during the economic downturn, but donations from local businesses kept it going. An annual United Way sponsorship starting in 2009 and a onetime gift from Toyota in 2014 helped it grow.

Last year, El Centro served 241 people from northeast Mississippi through free offer­ ings like bilingual financial-literacy instruction, citizenship classes and English as a Second Language courses. El Centro’s signature service is an after-school program led by local certi­ fied teachers. A children’s summer program includes arts and crafts, computer literacy, reading, writing, photography and more.

Tutoring sessions take place Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Link Centre (4:30-6 p.m. for grade K-5 students; 5:30-7 p.m. for grade 6-12 students). Other class times are an­ nounced on the organization’s Facebook page.

Email gassawayi@aol.com or elcentro tupelo@gmail.com, or call 662-680-6655 to volunteer, donate or participate.

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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PORK

written by Laurie Triplette photographed by Joe Worthem

H

oliday hams are big business. Sales of fresh, cured, cured-and-smoked and ready-to-eat hams soar every Decem­ ber, especially in the South, where pork is king.

Deep in the heart of Chickasaw County, Oxford resident Johnny Kirk is pursuing a vision to bring Mississippians better pork at his farm, Third Plate Pastures. His goal: Produce hams that rival the best in the world.

Kirk’s passion arose from years as a chef unable to obtain meats that met his high stan­ dards. The University of Mississippi graduate had honed his cooking skills at the French Culinary Institute and Johnson and Wales University, worked in a number of fine-dining kitchens and taught at L’Ecole Culinaire in Memphis, refining his culinary tastes at Stella, his popular, now-closed Memphis restaurant.

Those efforts garnered him a 2005 James Beard Foundation nomination as a rising star in American cuisine. (See page 14 for his recipes for a holiday meal for four.)

“I want to produce hams that taste better than jamón Ibérico from southern Spain,” said the Greenville native. “Iberian pigs are happy pigs. They live totally off the land, and you can taste it in the meat.”

To accomplish his goal, Kirk is stewarding a 200-acre property along County Road 118 between Davis Lake, the Owl Creek Mounds and the Natchez Trace, just outside Okolona.

When he established the farm in 2014, he named it Third Plate Pastures after Dan Bar­ ber’s The Third Plate, the seminal book on the future of food. More than 60 percent of the property is covered with 100-year-old white, red and pin oaks interspersed among a pecan grove and black walnut trees. Muscadines and persimmons also dot the landscape.

Kirk says the land provides the perfect all-natural feeding menu and schedule for the pigs. The acorns and nuts ripen at different times, from September through March. The fruit comes in from July through November, and the grass is available all summer.

Kirk began populating the farm in 2015

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

with the offspring of three heritage breeds – two Berkshire sows, a breed dating back to Cromwellian England; one Tamworth sow, an Anglo-Irish breed known as the “bacon pig”; and one Red Wattle boar, a 20th-century cross­ bred east Texas pig. All three are known for their foraging proclivity, hardiness, adaptability and rapid growth rate. Their meat is flavorful, well marbled and tender.

Kirk collaborates with a Mississippi USDA-approved meat packer, and Third Plate has processed four pigs to date, priced at about $4 per pound. They weighed between 190 and

260 pounds, which is the average processing weight for commercially bred pigs.

The results met with resounding customer approval, and the chef-turned-livestock entre­ preneur is excited to continue the process of perfecting his product and hopes to get his pigs up to 350-365 pounds. He’s already added yard chickens and Dorper sheep to his Third Plate menagerie and will continue to promote healthier eating among Mississippians.

“We have to steer people back to knowing where their food comes from and how much better naturally raised, local food tastes,” he said.

Chef Johnny Kirk owns and operates Third Plate Pastures, a small farm located just outside Okolona in Chickasaw County. Kirk raises heritage pigs and Dorper sheep, which naturally feed off the 200 acres of land and its black walnuts, acorns, pecans, muscadines and persimmons. For more information, find Third Plate Pastures on Facebook.

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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Johnny Kirk’s Holiday Meal for Four Panko-Crusted Pork Tenderloin

1 cup panko breadcrumbs 1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, plus more for garnish 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1 Tablespoon fresh cracked black pepper 2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed Salt and cracked black pepper to taste 1½ teaspoons peanut oil, plus more for pan-frying 1 Tablespoon cold unsalted butter ½ cup Dijon mustard, plus 2 Tablespoons as needed Heat oven to 250°F. Use a whisk to com­ bine first 5 ingredients in a large shallow dish.

Set aside.

Pat the pork dry with a paper towel. Sea­ son with salt and cracked black pepper. Heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 1½ teaspoons peanut oil and butter, swirling pan to coat bottom evenly. Add pork. (Tip: Lay meat down gently, starting with end closest to you, placing it pointing outward to prevent hot oil spatter.) Allow the pork to stick upon hit­ ting the heated pan. Once seared, from 30 to 90 seconds, it will release from the pan bottom.

Flip and repeat.

After browning on all sides, place pork on a wire rack over a drip pan to cool about 15 minutes at room temperature. Wipe but do not wash the sauté pan.

Using a pastry brush, coat pork on all sides with Dijon mustard. Roll coated meat in herbed panko, gently pressing down to coat evenly and completely cover the mustard.

In sauté pan, add enough peanut oil to cover one-third up sides of pork. Heat oil over medium-high to 350˚F. Add pork to oil, gently laying it down to avoid shaking off panko.

Sear coated pork again on all sides until panko coating is browned, and place onto wire rack positioned over drip pan. Bake about 25-35 minutes on middle oven rack at 250˚F until thermometer inserted into center of meat reg­ isters 155˚F. Allow pork to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

Sweet Tomato Demi-Glace Homemade demiglace requires a day for rendering stock concentrate from pounds of veal bones, but it can also be purchased ready-made. Try DemiGlace Gold by More Than Gourmet, available online. Or substitute 2 Tablespoons roasted beef base dissolved in 3½ ounces red wine.

2 teaspoons white granulated sugar 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 (28-ounce) can DeLallo San Marzano whole tomatoes, drained 4 ounces demiglace Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste 1 Tablespoon cold unsalted butter 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme Sprinkle sugar in an even layer to coat bot­ tom of a heavy medium saucepan. Heat on low, without stirring, until sugar melts and turns amber colored, gently swirling pan so that sugar does not burn (start over if sugar burns).

Stir vinegar into melted sugar, and cook until reduced by 90 percent. Mash in tomatoes, squeezing them over the pan to break them up.

Simmer 20-30 minutes on medium-low, stir­ ring occasionally until mixture thickens, with little liquid remaining.

Whisk in demiglace, and stir to incorpo­ rate. Bring mixture back to a simmer, adding salt and pepper to taste.

Turn off heat, and whisk in cold butter until fully incorporated. Force mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into top of a double boiler.

Stir in fresh thyme. Keep warm in double boiler over medium-low heat until ready to plate.

Roasted-Garlic Mashed Potatoes 1 small bulb garlic 1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt and white pepper to taste 2 pounds russet potatoes 2 ounces whole milk, to taste 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter Heat oven to 350°F. Slice top end off of garlic bulb. Sprinkle with olive oil, salt and white pepper. Wrap in foil, and bake 45

minutes. Remove from oven, and cool. Once cooled, hold bulb by the root end, and squeeze out the roasted garlic. Mash with a fork.

Peel potatoes, and boil in salted water until tender. Warm milk in a small saucepan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes (remove as

soon as bubbles start to form at edges, and do not boil). Drain potatoes, and combine while hot with mashed garlic, salt and white pepper in a mixing bowl. Whip at medium speed until smooth. Add warm milk to desired consistency.

Stir in cold butter, and serve.

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS North Mississippi Dance Centre held its fourth annual Hope for the Holidays benefit performance for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Nov. 20 at Tupelo High School Performing Arts Center. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Maddox Harris and Janiyah Johnson

Jennifer, Caroline and Jeff Buse

Hannah Baggett and Beth Richardson

Eva, Stephanie and Sophie Lindsey

Josh, Bella and Vickie Cochran

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

Josh and Madison Reinert

Yolanda and Elton Edwards with Jordyn Wade

Anna Lauren Stewart and Liza Sullivan

Grayson, Jamie, Ella Grace and Brian Ramels

Lisa and Faith Williams

Hailie Sonwincski and Emma Reid

View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

TUPELO DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Tupelo Main Street Association held its annual Downtown Holiday Open House Nov. 20.

Shoppers were treated to trunk shows, food and gift specials at various businesses. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Lisa Johnson, Camille Gaines, Helen Boerner and Grace Harrington

Katy Irwin, Hunter Harrington, Ronaldo Needham and Brandi Thornton

Charlotte and Robert Bass with Kim Haynes and Kathy Hatcher

Meredith Tollison, Jona Nicholson, Shelly Daniel, Kim Leathers and Kim Root

Elizabeth Wright and Allyssa Ferguson

Anna Jones and Emerson Love

Elizabeth Behm and Paige Whitfield

Mildred Smith and Joyce Prowell

Connie Rawson and Hilary Rawson Vosen

Kristi and Ricky Lake

David East and Eric Simmons

Joe Yarber and Jimmy Long

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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HOLIDAY TREE FESTIVAL Tupelo Women’s Club held its annual Holiday Tree Festival fundraiser Nov. 15 at Tupelo Country Club.

The event will benefit several local charities. photographed by Kim Westhouse

Tori Daniel and Jennifer Matthews

Kristen Tucker and Molly Lovorn

Lacey Short and Tempest Brock

Chris and Andi Dunn

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

Morgan Abraham, Lane McClellan and Lauren Darsey

Joscelyn Michelic and Courtney Lambert

Rochelle Sanders, Jessie Kilpatrick and Randi Warmath

Emily Cayson and Brittany Orr

Amanda Caldwell and Brooke Harden

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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MISSISSIPPI STATE VISITS TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL Tupelo High School hosted Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum for a special presentation on Oct. 27. After the event, students took pictures with Bully, the Bulldogs’ mascot. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Justyce Bradley and Shawn Wilson

Sarah Grace Poole and Julia Parlow

Shelby White, Emery Anthony and Ben Stanzell

Dacia Buchanan and Jasper Gardner

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

Loren Games, Janea Traylor and Alexus Beene

Ross Weeden with Jessica and Alyssa Ware

Tupelo High School students

Minh Nguyen, Kyle Underwood and Katelyn McCarty

Teresa Ware and Kama Alford

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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EXTRA TABLE BENEFIT A concert featuring Mac McAnally, the Coral Reefers and the North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra was held Nov. 11 at The Orchard.

The event benefited Extra Table, an organization dedicated to ending hunger in Mississippi. photographed by Kim Westhouse

Debra and Rud Robison

Henry and Martha Dodge

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Stacy Ahua, Jessica Gray and Michael Dixon

Monnie Vail and Catherine Mize

Michael and Emily Addison with Greg and Leslie Burks

Bill and Linda Lee Brawner

Mike Stroup, Judy McNeese and Jack Pearson with Sherrye and Mike Gregory

INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

Alice Bailey with Sharon and Jack Martin

Corie Robinson and Mac McAnally

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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CHICKASAW CELEBRATION The Chickasaw Inkana Foundation hosted its first Chickasaw Celebration Oct. 28 at Fairpark. The festival featured cultural demonstrations of crafts, language, music, dancing and storytelling. Plans for a Chickasaw Heritage Center were announced. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Brandon White Eagle and Susan Ledford

Kent Smith and Valorie Walters

Marissa Moore and Cameron Mitchell

Lorie Carmichael

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

The band Injunuity

Audrea Dickerson and Ashton Russell

Eddie Postoak, Tyler Tupedo, Felix Shico and Julie Underwood

Phyllis Harris and Buddy Parchcorn

Wakeah Vigil

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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SALVATION ARMY THANKSGIVING Volunteers prepared food for the annual Salvation Army Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 24-25.

The Tupelo chapter made more than 3,000 meals to serve on Thanksgiving Day. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Robert, Jamie and Victoria Lee

Ryan and Matthew Curry with Sonja Caldwell and Dale Simmons

Devin McGaugh and Marianna Barrett

Lindsay Hopkins and Lily Roper

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Jesse Lesley with Suanne and Stephanie Messer

Anita Ambross with Jordan and Jade Wayne and Mason Ambross

Carrie Barrett and Paris Donegan

Debra McFarland with Gracie Ann, Cindy and Jessie Corley

INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

Devin Parker and Heidi Chapman

Mindy, Carla and Nicholas Gransinger

Tonya Jackson, Susan Gilbert and Jamie Lenoir

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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With all it has to offer, a weekend away in

Nashville

could be the perfect getaway for you and your significant other. written by Melanie Crownover

As a destination known for both its lively nightlife and its family-friendly attractions,

Nashville, Tennessee, could please almost any crowd. But Music City, USA, is an espe­ cially ideal setting for a winter escape made just for two.

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

Finding something memorable to do here with your sweetheart is easy. The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is an essential stop. Though the extravagant Country Christmas lights, decorations and holiday entertainment end Jan. 1, Delta flatboat rides

through the resort’s 4.5 acres of waterfall-laden tropical gardens bring Opryland’s atrium to life all year. The European-inspired Relâche Spa & Salon provides a relaxing retreat from the busy city, and shows at the Grand Ole Opry are right next door.

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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Top, Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland resort is decorated with more than 2 million lights for its Country Christmas extravaganza. Above, the famous Grand Ole Opry stage has hosted country music legends since 1925.

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

Take in a movie together at the Belcourt Theatre, a viewing experience housed in a circa 1925 silent-film house updated with modern technology and a full lobby bar featuring local beers. Bring a thermos of hot cocoa to Centen­ nial Park to ride on the century-old carousel and admire the monumental statue of Athena inside the Parthenon replica built for the Tennessee 1897 Centennial Convention. Park the car to enjoy the view at Love Circle, better known as Music City’s Lovers Lane, a hideaway nestled between West End and Hillsboro Village overlooking a panorama of the skyline.

If you work up an appetite while taking on the town, rest easy knowing that Nashville is almost as applauded for its cuisine as for its music. Various ethnic cuisines are available around town, ranging in ambience and price to accommodate your mood and budget.

Bundle up and try the Taste of Nashville Culinary Walking Tour, a 2.5-hour excursion where you can sample an ever-changing menu of eateries downtown. Share a milk shake

Options for Nashville date nights are endless. Listen to country music at a honky-tonk bar; sample decadent chocolates paired with whiskey or wine; or head out of the city for a tasting at a brewery, winery or distillery.

by the jukebox at the historic Elliston Place Soda Shop, a nostalgic landmark serving the area since 1939. Or indulge in an assort­ ment of cheese and wine, charcuterie, baked goods and homemade truffles at Tempered Café and Chocolates.

It’s not likely you’ll go thirsty, either. Make a tasting tour date with local mainstays such as Yazoo Brewing Company, Arrington Vineyards and Corsair Distillery. Grab a Honky Tonk Bar Pass, and experience an evening out at Doc Holliday’s Saloon, Bootlegger’s Inn, Hard Rock Café Nashville or B.B. King’s. If you’re not averse to the chill this time of year, take a ride on the Nashville Pedal Tavern – a BYOB mobile bar that transports you throughout the city to local hot spots. Or try a craft cocktail at the modern speakeasy known as The Patterson House instead.

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

33

Getting There

Lodging options range from historic buildings like the Union Station Hotel, a restored 19th-century railroad station, above, to the Inn at Fontanel, a new boutique hotel with a bed-and-breakfast feel just outside the city.

When the night ends, get a cab and head back to the hotel. Nashville has a host of note­ worthy places to stay, including the Hermitage Hotel, a 1908 Beaux Arts construction that is the state’s only Forbes-rated 5-Star and AAA Five-Diamond stay. The historic Union Station Hotel is another standout with its Romanesque architecture from its days as a 19th-century train

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

station. For a country vibe, check into the Inn at Fontanel. This former 2013 Southern Living Idea House-turned-boutique hotel brings the rural landscape back into your weekend with its picturesque pond and courtyard gardens. Be sure to ask about the romance package when you book your room for a visit you and your loved one won’t soon forget.

Travel to Nashville has gotten a lot easier since Contour Airlines came to Tupelo Regional Airport in April, reducing a five-hour car ride to a flight that lasts around 45 minutes.

After 34 years in business just outside Music City, the airline opened here as part of the Essential Air Service (EAS) program.

This federal plan rewards providers like Contour with subsidies for bringing flights to smaller towns distanced from a major airport.

That financial assistance help keep fares low for customers. One-way flights to Nashville from Tupelo, or vice versa, start at just $29.

Each trip comes courtesy of a Jetstream 31 airplane modified to hold a maximum of nine passengers, with every seat offering 5 feet of leg room.

Local flyers are excited about the flights, according to CEO Matthew Chaifetz.

“Response here has been tremendous, bet­ ter than I ever could have imagined,” Chaifetz said. “We sold 4,000 seats in the first 30 days, and our daily flights average 65 percent full – which is uncommon for EAS cities. That response has prompted us to look at new oppor­ tunities with other towns in the program.”

Contour currently flies 30 round-trips per week: five on Monday, Thursday and Friday; four on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday; and three on Saturday. For more information on tickets, go to contourairlines.com.

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

PHOTOGRAPHED BY RYAN COON

A Tupelo family shows thanks for a healthy son by sharing their story and supporting March of Dimes.. written by Melanie Crownover

Toddler Sully Allgood is finally

getting to what his parents call a healthy “Stage Zero,” but his joy is infectious.

Every week when he attends physical, oc­ cupational and speech therapy to encourage his development, they watch in wonder as he passes each milestone with a perpetual grin. They’re no less amazed at home when he’s babbling contentedly at big brother Mills while watching cartoons, playing backyard football every after­ noon with the family or chasing the cat around the dining room with a contagious giggle.

Dallas and Holly Allgood don’t take any of those everyday moments for granted, even when things get chaotic. They know all too well how fragile and unpredictable life can be: A year and a half ago, they almost lost Sully before they really got the chance to know him.

“My water broke when I was 20 weeks along,” Holly said. “I’d had a healthy pregnancy with his big brother, but here we were with the doctors saying that there would probably not be a baby because he would come too early.

They wanted to prepare us for the worst.”

Sully was born via emergency cesarean sec­ tion at 25 weeks on May 1, 2015, after Holly spent five weeks on bed rest at home and in the hospital. At birth, Sully weighed 2 pounds, 2 ounces and was a little longer than a dollar bill.

He was immediately admitted to the neo­ natal intensive care unit (NICU) at North Mis­ sissippi Medical Center, where his battle began.

Dallas and Holly Allgood of Tupelo are thankful for their healthy children, Mills, 3, and Sully, 1, who was born 15 weeks premature.

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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To give back to the organization that helped their son Sully, Dallas and Holly Allgood became March of Dimes ambassadors, advocating for its Mississippi chapter and taking part in its annual Signature Chefs Auction in Jackson.

“We want all of north Mississippi to be a part of this because people all over this area are touched by the work of this organization every day. They help miracles happen here. Our family is living proof.” -Holly Allgood 38

INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

Sully’s lungs collapsed shortly after birth, requiring tubes to be put in when he was just two days old. One week after he was born, the Allgoods found out he had both Grade 3 and Grade 4 brain bleeds, keeping his brain fluid from draining like it should. After doctors un­ successfully tried to remedy the situation with spinal taps, the family traveled to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital June 28 to have a shunt put in his brain and relieve the blockage.

One week later, they came home to Tupelo to start weaning their son off oxygen. Then they found out he had Stage 4 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a condition affecting eye­ sight in which blood vessels in the eyes haven’t started growing due to premature birth. Sully went back to Le Bonheur for eye injections to stimulate vessel growth.

During all that time in the hospital, the Allgoods discovered how much March of Dimes was contributing to their son’s progress.

Many of the advances made for infant health since President Franklin Roosevelt created the national organization 78 years ago have been due to its research. The technology for Sully’s brain shunt and the injections for his eyes are just two examples.

“To me, the Allgoods really show that this kind of thing can happen to anyone,” Develop­ ment Director Karen Miller said. “They’re an ordinary family whose child was facing odds that were totally stacked against him surviving, much less having a normal life. We don’t have an office where they live, but the research we fund to help babies be healthy still helped him beat those odds.”

Although March of Dimes is known as an agency that advocates for premature babies, their work affects healthy babies, too. The or­ ganization’s aim is to stop infant mortality and prematurity so all babies can be born at term.

The Mississippi chapter is part of that mission, and the Jackson Metro Marketplace that Miller works for covers the northern half of the state.

The more the Allgoods read pamphlets, researched online and talked to hospital staff, the more they wanted to get involved with March of Dimes. This July they became an ambassador family for the organization and the face of one of the Mississippi chapter’s main

fundraisers, the Signature Chefs Auction in Jackson. Their first challenge was to learn to open up to a crowd about their experience.

“When you’re in it, you think you would never want to share that story with anyone be­ cause it’s so personal and so tough,” Dallas said.

“Not now. March of Dimes affected our lives more than anyone before or after when they helped our son. Any little bit I can do or say as a testimony to help another family through this, I’ll do.”

Signature Chefs raised approximately $130,000 for the organization in October.

The Allgood family raised around $10,000 on their own for the cause. The event marked the official end to the family’s time as ambassadors.

However, motivated not only by the dedication of March of Dimes to families like theirs but also by Sully’s fighting spirit – most recently displayed when he had emergency surgery to replace his brain shunt in November – the Allgoods are already planning new local fundraisers to support the organization.

While rallying the Tupelo community to support March of Dimes, Holly learned there isn’t a March for Babies in the Tupelo area (the annual walk in Jackson raises around $450,000). The last one held here was done with the assistance of the NICU before the Tupelo March of Dimes chapter closed about five years ago due to low funding.

She decided to organize a smaller com­ munity walk that will take place May 20 at the North Mississippi Medical Center’s track. Her friend Amanda Caldwell and Tupelo NICU social worker Christy Whitley are helping to plan the event, and the local NICU is provid­ ing guidance and connecting them with other families with similar stories.

A series of mini fundraisers at local restau­ rants began with a successful night at Buffalo Wild Wings, and coin jars have been placed at schools and businesses to encourage donations.

“We want to get the public involved early so they know that it’s not just a Tupelo-based walk,” she said. “We want all of north Mis­ sissippi to be a part of this because people all over this area are touched by the work of this organization every day. They help miracles hap­ pen here. Our family is living proof.”

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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Check out the

Fridays are tasty at INVITATIONTUPELO.COM! Visit our food blog for delicious recipes contributed by food blogger Kimme Hargrove each week.

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

Trivia night has become serious business in Tupelo establishments, from bars and restaurants to churches and community organizations. written by Melanie Crownover

It all started on a whim.

On the way home from an Oxford bar’s trivia night in 2007, Brian Baldwin told his friends that hosting such an event looked easy. That following week, one of those friends decided to test him on that. He landed Baldwin a gig emceeing trivia at a local bar known as Boon­ docks. And so began the institution of Tupelo trivia night.

“Our team was the same group of guys through it all, but most people gathered teams from work or school and switched members sometimes to round out what they knew,” longtime trivia player Will Ruff said. “You would think that being Brian’s friend would get you an edge on the competition, but no.

Winning is still hit or miss because of how detailed he is on the questions and how many people he knows.”

Baldwin, inspired in part by his lifetime love for games like Jeopardy and Trivial Pur­

photographed by Joe Worthem

suit, spent around six hours preparing for each event. To develop questions, he brainstormed about timely but random facts related to topics as varied as pop culture, holiday facts, sports and elementary math. He asked himself spe­ cific questions and then researched for answers.

His attention to detail and rapport with the growing crowd paid off. What began as 30 or so of Baldwin’s college friends gathered for a night of drinks and random knowledge-sharing for a cash prize soon became a signature event, drawing larger crowds even on weekdays. Some of the toughest competition was to win the prize for best team name, most of which are too racy to mention.

Trivia night’s peak lasted through Bald­ win’s 20s, and the events became popular at several venues, but eventually he decided the era had run its course.

“I semi-retired [from trivia] for a while when we all started settling down,” he said.

“Everyone went and got married, got real jobs, had kids, and when I came back it ended up trivia had grown up too. Somehow it went and got respectable while we were out living our lives.”

About five years ago, a call from an unlikely former player prompted a resurgence when Will Rambo, pastor at The Orchard, invited Baldwin to bring trivia to church.

“I used to go with a group of pastors when it was at Romie’s,” Rambo said. “When we started talking about doing something like that here for fellowship time, I knew I had to get in touch with Brian to see if he would bring it back. He knows how to create that laid-back, fun atmosphere for any crowd.”

Baldwin hosted trivia four of the past five years at The Orchard’s summer vacation Bible school, entertaining hundreds of parents as they waited for their children to finish class.

The event came back more polished and a December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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“If I put out a hint on Twitter the week before, people tell me they actually study on their lunch breaks.” -brian baldwin lot less rowdy, but just as competitive.

“Trivia is serious stuff – it’s enough to make most of my original players go get babysitters,” Baldwin said. “If I put out a hint on Twitter the week before, people tell me they actually study on their lunch breaks. And you wouldn’t believe how many times I have to remind people to put their phones back in their pockets, or how fast the teams will tell on each other for it.”

Last fall, Tupelo Community Theatre brought Baldwin on to host a quarterly trivia night fundraiser after organizers who had fre­ quented the originals realized he was hosting again. He got into the theme for each night with more than just his questions, dressing up as Mr. Belding from Saved by the Bell for the Back to School session and handing out ugly Christmas sweaters as prizes last holiday season.

The events have raised more than $5,000 for the theater in the past year. Those evenings have also resulted in new connections for area trivia nuts, many of whom wear team uniforms or themed costumes for the events while vying for cash prizes.

“I met my fiancée at trivia night years ago when we were on separate teams. We haven’t missed an opportunity to play together since it’s come back,” Ruff said. “Brian’s going to be a groomsman in our wedding in April. We’d talked about having trivia at the rehearsal din­ ner, but I think we’re giving him the night off just this once.”

TCT’s next trivia night will be a late-night event with a midnight toast on New Year’s Eve. For more information, call the box office at 662-844-1935.

Brian Baldwin has become well known among local trivia lovers. Years ago, he hosted trivia night at various Tupelo bars, and now he leads trivia events during The Orchard church’s summer vacation Bible school and for Tupelo Community Theatre fundraisers.

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

test your trivia skills IN WHICH COUNTRY WOULD ONE FIND 8 OF THE WORLD’S 10 HIGHEST MOUNTAINS?

WHICH COMMON WORD CHANGES ITS PRONUNCIATION WHEN THE FIRST LETTER IS CAPITALIZED?

WHICH ARTIST PAINTED A MUSTACHE AND GOATEE ON THE MONA LISA?

Answers, from top to bottom: Nepal; Polish; Marcel Duchamp. Brian Baldwin spends hours preparing questions like these for local trivia night events.

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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Members of the Gumtree Quilters Guild gather to learn from each other and share their creativity with the community. written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

Although they’re sometimes cut from the same pattern, the blankets

made by the Gumtree Quilters Guild couldn’t look more different. Each quilter’s personality shows through in her design – from vivid prints machine-pieced into asymmetrical patterns to more earth-toned solids to florals decorated with elaborate, hand-quilted stitching.

The stories that brought these quilters to­ gether are similarly structured. Despite coming from different backgrounds, generations and skill levels, their commonalities bind them as much as their love for sewing.

“You wouldn’t believe how many of us would tell you that we started quilting at a tough time in life or came from families where quilting skipped a generation,” said Cristen Bland, who was recently elected president of the guild. “So many of us came here because we inherited unfinished quilt pieces of our grandmothers’ that we wanted to find out what to do with. The great thing is, everyone here is eager to pass along what they know to keep the tradition alive.”

The guild began assembling at Heirlooms Forever sewing shop in the 1980s as the Sew Peaceful Quilters, later changing their name and relocating to All Saints’ Episcopal Church, where they currently meet the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m.

The guild’s 25 members come not only from Tupelo but also from Oxford, Starkville, Fulton, Pontotoc and Columbus for the meet­ ings. Most belong to more than one guild.

“That’s a good way to explore the craft because you’re exposed to more methods and styles,” 25-year veteran quilter Lynn Blaylock said. “You can hand- or machine-piece and quilt, go traditional or modern with fabrics and design, add appliqué – it’s a world of its own.

Once you’re in, you’ll have several projects going in different stages at once.”

Lynn Blaylock, a member of the local Gumtree Quilters Guild, has entered her quilts in competitions around the state.

She spends years on some of her projects, such as the prize-winning quilt she is pictured with above.

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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Quilting groups such as the Gumtree Quilters Guild help beginners learn the craft and expose even expert quilters to more methods and styles. Many members of the local club began quilting during challenging times in their lives and now rely on other guild members not only for tips on quilting technique but also for their friendship.

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

The women come together for sit-andsews before meetings, to share tips and tricks, to learn from experienced teachers about spe­ cific techniques and to display their creations through show-and-tell sessions.

Mentors are not assigned, but they’re com­ monly found. For Bland, the youngest member at 33, the connection was instant.

“My aunt taught me to piece while my mom was going through chemo five years ago so I had something to do during treatment.

When [my aunt] died, I lost my teacher and had no idea what to do with all these blocks I’d sewed,” she said. “I saw an ad for this meeting, and I didn’t get one mentor when I came. I found 20-plus extra mamas who gladly took over where she left off.”

When they aren’t meeting at the church, some members road trip around Mississippi together to visit quilt shops or to take their work to educational workshops, retreats or shows to compete.

Many members, like Blaylock, are blueribbon stitchers. Her most recent win, at the Pine Belt Quilters Guild’s biannual show in Hattiesburg in October, was for a 6,700-piece quilt she took two years to hand-sew on lunch breaks and during television time at home.

“It’s a humbling experience to hang your quilt out there to be judged right beside other people’s who you know have put a lot of heart and time into them,” Blaylock said. “One thing December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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You can give all kinds of gifts, but a quilt is special to be cherished and passed down. Anyone who’s ever sewn a button on knows how much effort goes in. It’s like putting a little piece of yourself into every inch of what you’re making because each stitch is sewn with love. I’m just glad I found these ladies to show me how.

-Cristen Bland

I learned here that made it easier the first time I competed in 2010 is that quilters accept you as you are no matter what you’re going through, and they’re just as appreciative of each other’s work.”

Every other year the guild holds an oldfashioned bed-turning show in which quilts are layered on beds for display. In 2015, they

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

auctioned off a quilt made by the collective membership to raise money for renting their meeting space and paying for instructors.

This year, they quilted holiday place mats to donate to Meals on Wheels. The charitable project was a way for the quilters to further share their work with the community, which Bland hopes will become a regular activity.

“You can give all kinds of gifts, but a quilt is special, to be cherished and passed down,” she said. “Anyone who’s ever sewn a button on knows how much effort goes in. It’s like put­ ting a little piece of yourself into every inch of what you’re making because each stitch is sewn with love. I’m just glad I found these ladies to show me how.”

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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When the weather outside is frightful, keep children entertained with these fun indoor activities. written by Toni Overby illust rated by Bryan Nigh

Tupelo may be nestled in the South, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe from winter weather.

If colder temperatures keep the kids indoors this winter break, here are a few ways to keep them occupied and happy.

Play Pretend

All it takes is a little imagination and a few props to transform the rooms of your house into the best show on earth. Grab some stuffed animals and create a carnival. Kids can dress up like ringmasters and direct the stuffed animals

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

to perform. Find some carnival music to play on a smartphone, hang a string of Christmas lights like tiny spotlights, and make some popcorn for the big show.

Or create a zoo for those animals instead.

Make each animal its own habitat by using pillows as rocks and blankets as water, and cut leaves and trees out of construction paper.

Older children can research sites such as animal factguide.com or kidsnationalgeographic.com and then lead their families and friends on tours through the zoo, teaching them all the

fun facts they’ve learned about the animals.

If animals, even pretend ones, aren’t your child’s thing, there are countless other ways to create imaginary settings in your home. Set up a school, hospital or restaurant, and have your children play the parts. For a restaurant, teach them how to make a classic dish like spaghetti.

If you’re not up for the mess, create a cafe and make deli sandwiches and chips. Or create your own Top Chef and hold a “quick fire challenge,” giving the cooks lists of ingredients and asking them to come up with their own unique dishes.

the build up

To keep kids from climbing the walls, keep their hands busy. Buy some supplies, and have them make dioramas (models representing scenes with three-dimensional figures, either in miniature or as large-scale museum exhibits).

Did you take a family trip last summer? They can replicate their favorite places like the White House, the Grand Canyon or Disney World.

Go to wikihow.com/make-a-diorama for ideas and how-to instructions.

They could also build birdcages from craft sticks, or try constructing a classic house of cards. Lean two cards together to create an inverted “v” and see how many cards from the deck you can stack without toppling the tower.

Legos not only offer quiet entertainment but also teach creativity, critical thinking and motor development skills. They typically come with set instructions, but children can also think outside the box and create their own designs.

“I love Legos because they are awesome and cool, and afterwards I can make new things out of them,” Alex Mayo, 7, said.

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get crafty

“Arts and crafts can help children develop important cognitive and fine motor skills as well as a sense of accomplishment,” said Claire Crews, Bramlett Elementary School prekindergarten teacher. “It is important to keep children actively engaged over the holidays.”

Buy a package of plain white T-shirts, fabric dye and rubber bands to make tie-dyed shirts. By placing the rubber bands in different

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

formations on the clothing, you can create vari­ ous designs and shapes.

“Let the children help in the decisionmaking process, which will make them be more engaged in the activity,” Crews said.

Create a winter wonderland: Dump cot­ ton balls into a bin, and let little ones shovel them out with a plastic shovel. Fold up coffee filters and cut out shapes to create snowflakes; attach thread and hang them from the ceiling.

With just a few ingredients, you can also make your own play dough. Just follow these simple steps from familyeducation.com: Combine 1 cup water, 1 Tablespoon veg­ etable oil, ½ cup salt, 1 Tablespoon cream of tartar and 10 drops of liquid food coloring in a saucepan. Heat until warm.

Remove from heat, and add 1 cup flour.

Stir, and then knead until smooth.

Store dough in an airtight container.

a star is born

With the success of shows like The Voice and America’s Got Talent, many children have witnessed the thrill of performing and want an audience of their own, even if it consists only of friends and family. Hold a singing contest, but instead of judging on singing ability, get creative. Kids can judge who remembered the most lyrics of the song, who made it through an entire performance without laughing or

who put on the best show. Have kids dress up like the stars and really get into character.

Then push some furniture back and hold a dance contest. Play some upbeat music and watch children move and groove. Hold a con­ test for the best performance or silliest moves.

Go to YouTube for dance instructions, and see which little one can do the best Whip/Nae Nae or Mashed Potato.

If your family has a favorite book, acting

it out is a great way to bring the story to life.

Dress up like the characters from Charlotte’s Web; Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day; or Where the Wild Things Are, and have the children perform the story.

Or modify the classics, such as Cinderella, Three Little Pigs and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to a more present time. Snow White can call the Seven Dwarfs on her iPhone, or Cinderella can use Swiffer Dusters to clean the house.

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there’s an app for that

To take the performances up a notch, grab your phone. It holds countless ways to keep your children entertained. Have them write, direct and film their own videos. Using the camera app (typically already installed on a smartphone) or a downloaded app like iMovie, children can shoot short or documentary-style

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

videos, such as cooking shows, how-to videos or re-creations of their favorite movies.

Set up a scavenger hunt by text messag­ ing clues, using riddles and photos as a guide.

Children can text one another pictures of toys or other objects as they search for the hidden treasure somewhere inside the home.

Create a modeling shoot with apps like

Snapchat, which allows kids to layer different filters on pictures. It can instantly turn a child into a princess with a puppy face or an old man with a fedora and mustache. Other editing apps like CamWow feature fun backgrounds to change the color and style of a picture. Or set up your own runway and do a fashion show, snapping pictures like the paparazzi.

kick it old school

Kids today may prefer a PlayStation, but a lot of fun can be had with old-fashioned board games. Try the classics like Twister, Monopoly and Clue, or sit around the dining room table and piece together a large jigsaw puzzle. This is a great time to talk to your kids about your favorite childhood memories.

Young children enjoy dressing up, and a tea party is the perfect opportunity for the occasion.

Pull out some old dresses, high heels, ties and suspenders, and hold a tea party using small plates and cups. You can even invite stuffed animals to the party. The food and tea can be imaginary, or bake your own scones to serve.

The perfect place for a tea party is in a fort. Pull the furniture away from the wall, and drape sheets along the back, and use pushpins to hold them in place on the wall. Pile couch cushions, pillows and blankets inside.

(Be sure the furniture is steady and won’t fall over.) Get creative and set up a maze of forts throughout the house. Then cozy up inside, and enjoy the adventure.

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER OPEN HOUSE Family Resource Center’s Nov. 21 open house celebrated a multimillion-dollar grant that created Families First for Mississippi. The center now offers services in 46 counties in the north half of the state. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Chad and Nicky McMahan

David Cole, Kathy Fick, Jack Gadd and Steve Davenport

Charles and Joyce Johnston

Taylor Pierce and Jessie Reed

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Sandra Blanch and Helen Boerner

Lisa Kwasinski, Katlyn Chism, Emily Thomas and Erica Jones

Shelia Davis and Emily Wilemon Holland

Ambra and Diane Sherrod with Shelia Vance

INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

Deborah Bryant, Shane Aguirre and Christy Webb

Ann Hoover Hopkins and Sally Kepple

Ashley Privett with Hannah and Jade Maharrey and Cody Jordan

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

WILLIE NELSON AND FAMILY CONCERT Country music singer-songwriter Willie Nelson and his touring and recording Family band performed a live show Nov. 20 at BancorpSouth Arena. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Cindy and Boyce Googe

Justin and Lesli Flowers with Beth Richardson, Bethanie and Jared Carrubba and Brian Richardson

Jake and Becca Heyer with Hannah Claire and Wesley McCullough

Casey and Shelby White

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Kevin and Amanda Caldwell

INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

Daphne and Wellman Works

Rich and Amy Heyer with Sherry and Brad Miller and Steve and Kathy Corbin

Patrick and Lindsey Henry with April Miller and Jimmy Henry

Elbert and Lorin White with Matt and Molly Conway

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

CAUSE FOR THE PAWS 5K RUN The second annual Cause for the Paws 5K run took place Nov. 12 in Pontotoc. The event benefited Second Chances Animal Rescue, an organization dedicated to saving at-risk cats and dogs. photographed by Joey Brent

Kayla Christman and Dan Hughes

Megan Dye and Grace Kollar

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Bobbi and Neilly Kellum

Holly and Sawyer Morgan

Darron and Amy Michael

Hannah Maharrey, Michelle Payne, Jessica Kelly and Marley Maharrey

INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

Caleb and Tracy Stacy with Harry

Quentin Dornan and Meghan McNeill

Alissa Barton with Jack

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

TUPELO ARTS SHOWCASE The Civic Ballet presented the sixth annual Tupelo Arts Showcase Nov. 11 at the Link Centre. The event featured storytelling, painting, pottery, songwriting, singing and dance. photographed by Kim Westhouse

Rachel Williams and Hannah Baggett

Sarah Karrant and Sara Catherine Wood

Beth Gafford, Shelia Richardson and Krista Burgett

Cameron Stevens and Savannah Kirksey

Amy and Mark Hildenbrand with Smith Ann Chiles

Alison Schuchs and Sylvain Chamberlain

Jackie, Sydney and Jacob Langford with Kathy Young and Ann and Noel Grant

Ava Hildenbrand, Catherine Barkley, MacLaine Griffith and Maddie Toole

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Koji, Kanta and Jan Dijkwel with Beth Richardson

INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

Melanie Deas and Glenn Payne

Janine and Clay Hassell

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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TASTE OF TUPELO Barnes Crossing Auto Group presented Taste of Tupelo Nov. 17 at BancorpSouth Arena. The business expo featured more than 100 businesses providing demonstrations, samples and information. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Michelle Bevill, Tanya Carter and Joel Young

Roger Sheffield, Rachel Morse and Lamon Partlow

Annitra Pennington, Aminah Hilliard and Lakesha Isby

Jessi and Brad McCully

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

Allison Webber, Katie Werner, Chris Douglass and Melonie Kight

Eric Cole, Rachael Potts, Ashley Brock and Neely Turner

Carol Havelin, Laura Adams, John Nance and Tammy Chapman

Michelle and Catherine Plunk

Boyce Googe and Larissa Reese

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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CELEBRATE CORINTH Main Street Corinth held the 12th annual Celebrate Corinth event Nov. 17 at Farmer’s and Merchants Bank. Guests enjoyed sampling food from various area restaurants and bidding on silent auction items from local businesses. photographed by Whitney Worsham

Bobby and Christy Burns

Abbie Butler, Leslie Fisher, Lauren Butler and Rebecca Sawyer

Jason and Emily McGrath

Ben Shudak, Bryson Avent, Scott Sawyer and Peter Fisher

Briley Elliott, Jennifer Shipp, Taylor Coombs and Ragan Johnson

Kate Bingham, Brittany Burcham, Angela Avent and Sara Beth Green

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Laura Beth Trapp, Brittanie Brown and Tonya Talley

INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

An Luick, Kimberly Pegues and Caroline Houlditch

Linda Jackson with Morgan and Kevin Williams

Katy and Clayton Stanley

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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S i L Ly S a Nt a S a L e

IS GOING ON NOW!!

ALL Fall, Winter, & Christmas Clothing & Shoes are

30% - 40% OFF!!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook or Instagram for the latest updates on our sale.

Santa shops here and so should you!!

Children’s specialty shop 115 N Thomas, Suite G Tupelo • 841-0616

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INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

OUT AND ABOUT MOOREVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RED RIBBON WEEK WITH MISS MISSISSIPPI

Joanna Peugh, Jodie Boyd, Brittany Webb, Laura Lee Lewis, Meghan Cates, Belinda Tutor and Tyler Philley

WOMEN’S BUSINESS SYMPOSIUM

Cathy Fitzpatrick, Amy Head and Dawn Robbins

LAWHON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUPERHERO RUN FOR ST. JUDE

Sara Berry, Regina Counce and Alasha Rhea

GUMTREE MUSEUM OF ART ARTIST RECEPTION

Susie Ranager, Billie Bourgeois and Pat Abernathy

THS STUDENTS’ SENIOR PROJECT AT TUPELO POLICE DEPARTMENT

Jack Haynes, Avery Batson, Allan Gilbert, Georgia Kate Crawford and Jacob Overton

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Martin Boyd and Ethan Cates

INVITATION TUPELO | December 2016 / January 2017

Lucy Gratz and Maggie Jarrett

Israel Dilworth, Maison Dunn and Christian James

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOME DEDICATION

Tommy Galloway, Tamara Norman and Michelle Shepherd

J. BRITT LIGHTING OPEN HOUSE

Stormi Taylor and Connie Wood

Rusty Yarborough and Andi Hildenbrand

SALTILLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAREER DAY

Mary Carson Sandlin, Mia Patterson, Trent and Jackson Kelly

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB BASH FUNDRAISER

David Lee, Susan Killens, Kim Westhouse and Susan May

SMITHSONIAN TRAVELING EXHIBIT IN CORINTH

Stacy and Lee Thurner

CORINTH HARVEST GATHERING

Allie Carroll, Jennifer Shipp and Cyndi Winters

December 2016 / January 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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DEBBY GIBBS

interviewed by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem

Debby Gibbs led the Tupelo High School Theatre Department for decades and taught in the school district for 38 years. Earlier this month she returned to the Tupelo Community Theatre stage to direct The Gift of the Magi.

Q: How does it feel to be back at TCT? A: It’s like coming home. This is where

I caught the stage bug. My former teacher, Mrs. [Ruth] Liveakos, was one of TCT’s founding members, and she asked me to try out for a play she was directing there when I came back from college.

Q: Did you work together at THS? A: Yes and no. She was my predecessor.

I started as an English teacher and assisted her when her speech class did plays as part of their theater unit. The year after I took over for her in 1985, we had our first class just for theater because some students didn’t want to learn to do speeches. Little did they know they were getting the same skills hidden in the act of playing someone else.

Q: Have you directed any former students?

A: That’s happened in almost every show since I retired in 2010. This was the first time I’ve directed at TCT since 2011 because I’ve been helping the theater in Baldwyn, but I had two actors and a stage manager I used to teach in this one. I love to see what they’ve become and how life has developed them onstage.

Q: What do you hope theater students learn?

A: I’ve always told my students I may not educate them to be Broadway stars, but I’ll at least make them better audience members.

And better audience members are better at life. You learn to observe what you see on that stage and figure out the problem and how to solve it from more than one point of view. You recognize the puzzle and how the pieces fit, what motivates people and what you would do differently. [You can] assess yourself and deal with real situations.

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