Invitation Tupelo - February 2017

FEBRUARY 2017

February 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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FEBRUARY 2017

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ON THE COVER Local potter Harry McBride’s functional, oneof-a-kind soup bowl includes a built-in side dish for bread or crackers. photographed by Joe Worthem

IN EVERY ISSUE 6

Letter From the Publisher

10

What’s Happening

12

Community Corner: SAWA

14

In Season: Soup

58

Out and About

60

Holiday Happenings

64

Tupelo Spirit: Jeff Jones

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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2017

FEATURES

EVENTS

32 Empty Bowls, Full Hearts

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THS Band Inaugural Send-off

The Salvation Army’s Empty Bowls fundraiser brings together Tupelo potters who create unique bowls for the special annual event.

20

Ole Miss vs. MSU Ice Hockey

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THS Madrigals Singe Feaste

24

THS Transition Skills Class Party

26

Tupelo Furniture Market

28

Almost New Year’s Party

30

Disney on Ice Dream Big

46 No Pain, No Gain

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Sremmfest

A local professional MMA fighter is making a name for himself in the ring and at the gym.

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Harlem Globetrotters

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Tupelo Area Pageants

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Corinth Charity Ball

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Saltillo Sip and Cider

40 Canyon Land Northwest Alabama’s Dismals Canyon is a pristine natural landmark tucked into the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

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THE PUBLISHER

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often make soup for my family on cold winter nights. With it, my husband always prefers crackers, but they look odd served alone on a plate, and so the red box of Ritz crackers just sits on the table. When the soup bowl featured on the cover of this month’s issue showed up at my office, I was floored by the genius of it. Made by local artist Harry McBride – affectionately known as “Harry the Potter”– it’s designed to hold bread or crackers right beside the soup, Turns out, McBride’s unique bowls are sought after at Tupelo’s Empty Bowls annual charity event, taking place on March 1. Empty Bowls events happen all around the country, from small towns to big cities, to raise money for food banks and soup kitchens. In Tupelo, Empty Bowls benefits the Salvation Army, which feeds 112,000 people in need each year. Last year’s luncheon raised an impressive $47,000 for the organization.

The spirit of community reflected in this fundraiser warms the soul, from the volunteers organizing the event to the restaurants and groups making and serving soup to the artists crafting the bowls and the attendees supporting the cause. Read more about the partnerships and people like McBride that make this event successful in our story on page 32.

We hope you enjoy this first issue of 2017, and we look forward to sharing more stories that reflect the Tupelo spirit throughout the year.

RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER

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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2017

publishers

Phil and Rachel West

editorial

EDITOR IN CHIEF Emily Welly CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Lena Anderson EVENTS EDITOR Mary Moreton STAFF WRITER Melanie Crownover EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Katherine Henson COPY EDITOR Kate Johnson

advertising

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Alise M. Emerson Leigh Lowery Lynn McElreath Stacey Raper Moni Simpson Whitney Worsham ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Zach Fields Becca Pepper Holly Vollor

art

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Hallie Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Lisa Roberts Joe Worthem CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Ronnie Harris Whitney Worsham

production

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Emily Suber

office

BUSINESS MANAGER Hollie Hilliard DISTRIBUTION Donald Courtney Brian Hilliard MAIN OFFICE (662) 234-4008 ADVERTISING INFORMATION ads@invitationtupelo.com

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

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

Invitation Tupelo respects the many diverse individuals and organizations who make up north Mississippi and strives to be an inclusive representation of all members of our community.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

February 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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February 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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FEB. 15 - MARCH 15

2/16-17

The Ninth Gate The Tupelo High School Theatre Department stages The Ninth Gate. Admission is $6 at the door. 7:30 p.m., Tupelo High School Small Auditorium.

2/16-17

Love Letters TCT Off Broadway presents A.R. Gurney’s play, which tells the story of two friends through letters they exchanged throughout their lives. Tickets, $20, include first drink.

7:30 p.m., 213 E. Franklin St. tct.ms

2/24 Dierks Bentley Concert 2/17-18 Rodeo

Country music star Dierks Bentley brings his What the Hell world tour to Tupelo with special guest Cole Swindell. Tickets $37.75-$57.75. 7:30 p.m., BancorpSouth Arena. bcsarena.com

The Northeast Mississippi Championship Rodeo takes place at BancorpSouth Arena.

Tickets $14-$30. 7:30 p.m. bcsarena.com

3/1-5

TCT Competes Tupelo Community Theatre cast and crew travel to Lexington, Kentucky, to perform its award-winning play Cicada at the Southeastern Theatre Conference festival. tct.ms

2/21

Parkgate Fundraising Banquet Parkgate Pregnancy Clinic’s annual fundraiser banquet features guests Jason and David Benham, entrepreneurial twin brothers and house-flipping experts who will discuss their faith and values. The banquet and guests help kick off Parkgate’s Mess to Masterpiece fundraiser, the renovation and sale of a house on West Jackson Street to benefit the organization.

Tickets $40. 6 p.m., The Orchard parkgateclinic.com

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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2017

3/1

Empty Bowls The Salvation Army’s annual fundraiser features homemade soups and handcrafted bowls for all attendees. Tickets $15. 11 a.m., Tupelo Furniture Market Building 5. Read more on page 32.

3/2

Southern Soirée Palmer Home for Children benefit includes food, live music, a raffle and an auction.

Tickets $75.

6:30-10 p.m., Old Waverly Golf Club, West Point. palmerhome.org/events

3/3

Blue Tie Affair Benefit event for the NMMC Cancer Care Patient Assistance Fund features music by Bonfire Orchestra, guest speaker Mary Pat Hancock, a silent auction, food and drinks. Tickets $75.

7 p.m., BancorpSouth Conference Center.

3/4

Run for Your Buns A 5K race for colon cancer awareness takes place in Fairpark to benefit the NMMC Cancer Care Patient Assistance Fund. 8 a.m. racesonline.com

3/4

Corinth Symphony Orchestra The Corinth Arts Council hosts Laura Gayle Stephenson and the Corinth Symphony Orchestra for a Broadway revue and tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber. Stephenson, an Ole Miss graduate, played the lead in Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. Tickets $24-$30.

7 p.m., Coliseum Civic Center, 662-287-5269. visitcorinth.com

3/11

Read with a Ranger Children ages 6 and under are invited to a “Noisy Bird Sing-Along� themed story time, a fun activity and an optional quarter-mile hike.

Offered the second Saturday of the month. 10 a.m., Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center. nps.gov/natr, 662-680-4027 February 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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SALVATION ARMY WOMEN’S AUXILIARY written by Melanie Crownover

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary has been an essential part of the local Salvation Army chapter since 1979.

The group’s 58 dues-paying members spearhead public relations, fundraising, volunteer coordination and more for the nonprofit’s many community events.

“We’re kind of the backup reinforcements and support. Whenever the Salvation Army needs us, we’re there to help,” current president Katrina Patty said.

Last year was no exception. In 2016, SAWA members helped raise around $47,000 at Empty Bowls. (Read more about that annual event on page 32.) They also provided and helped serve 50 pans of dressing at the Thanksgiving luncheon, delivered lunch to Meals on Wheels recipients five days a week and accepted applications for more than 300 Angel Tree beneficiaries whom they helped get adopted.

“We don’t expect everyone at every meeting or on every project,” Patty said. “Our main goal right now is increasing our membership so that as our members get older, we’re still able to expand all the programs we help bring to the community. All you need to join is just wanting to help.”

Meetings are the third Wednesday of every month, and annual membership fees are $15.

For more information, find Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, Tupelo, MS on Facebook, or email thepattys@comcast.net.

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SOUP

written by Melanie Crownover

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n addition to many local restaurants that participate in the Salvation Army’s Empty Bowls luncheon, a handful of churches also answer the call to donate soup. It is an annual day of service with a little dash of rivalry.

“There’s some friendly competition amongst the churches each year to see who’s going to sell out first,” First United Methodist Church chef Cletus Brekke said. “I tell Harrisburg [Baptist Church] they always run out of soup because they didn’t make enough. We joke, but coming together to serve that day is something we all look forward to.”

And though the volunteers’ antics make for good entertainment for patrons waiting in line, their soups are never upstaged. Some volunteer cooks try out new recipes on the crowd each year, while others stick with tried-and-true favorites. Harrisburg’s kitchen manager, Angie McCain, has brought the same recipe since she started volunteering for the event five years ago.

Vegetable-Beef Soup with Cornbread

recipes from Angie McCain, Harrisburg Baptist Church

5 pounds sirloin tips ½ cup Dale’s Seasoning ½ cup Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon seasoned salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil Salt and black pepper to taste 2 cans mixed vegetables 1 can black-eyed peas 1 can diced tomatoes 1 bag frozen okra Fill a 5-gallon stockpot halfway with water, and place over high heat on the stovetop.

Bring water to a boil, and add beef tips, Dale’s Seasoning and Worcestershire. Turn heat down to medium, and allow to cook at a slow boil for 4 hours or until meat is tender. Add seasoning and vegetables to the pot. Cook for 2 more hours, and serve with cornbread. Serves 75-100.

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Cornbread 5 pounds cornmeal ½ gallon buttermilk 1 cup whole milk (or 16-ounce jar jalapeños, undrained and chopped, for jalapeño cornbread)

Heat oven to 350°F. Mix cornmeal and buttermilk in a bowl. Add whole milk to thin the mixture (or replace the whole milk with jalapeños for jalapeño cornbread). Pour into a greased 18-by-26-inch baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until baked through. This recipe will feed a crowd; it makes about 80 servings.

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French Onion Soup with Croutons

recipes from Chef Cletus Brekke, First United Methodist Church

½ stick butter 2 large yellow onions, chopped 2 red onions, chopped 2 bunches green onions, chopped 2 quarts chicken stock ¼ teaspoon dried parsley ¼ teaspoon dried oregano ¼ teaspoon dried basil ¼ teaspoon dried thyme Black pepper, to taste Provolone cheese slices (optional) Melt butter in large pan over high heat, and add onions. Cook the mixture about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Lower heat to medium-low, and add stock, parsley, oregano, basil and thyme to pan. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Once it’s bubbly, add pepper and ladle into in bowls. Serve with homemade croutons.

If desired, melt a slice of cheese on top.

Croutons ½ loaf French bread, sliced and cubed ½ stick butter, melted ½ teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon dried parsley ½ teaspoon dried basil ½ teaspoon dried oregano Heat oven to 350°F. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until the bread is coated. Lay out flat on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool and become crisp before serving. Makes 4-6 servings.

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

THS BAND INAUGURAL SEND-OFF CELEBRATION A celebration was held for the Tupelo High School band Jan. 18. Students enjoyed breakfast and a send-off for their participation in Inauguration Day in Washington, D.C. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Michaela and Olivia Morris

Brandy Statum and Mackenzie Pittman with Victoria and Misty Cross

Analiese and Angela Kent

Sedrick and Alexis Knowles

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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2017

Khanija Bradley and Katrina James

Stacy, Claudia, Hope and Alex Wilson with Chris Jenkins

Jonah Carpenter and Mark Bates

Sandi, Kaitlyn and Doug Haire

Lydia and Steven Billips

D’Ann Williams and Latarres Blanchard

Bailey and Aundra Kohlheim with Kaitlyn Dixon

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

OLE MISS VS. MS STATE FROZEN EGG BOWL The Ole Miss Rebels played the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the annual Frozen Egg Bowl Jan. 14 at BancorpSouth Arena. The Ole Miss ice hockey team defeated the Bulldogs 19-0. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Michelle, Kyle, Jason and Will Laney

Brady, Brittany and Betsy Brock with Lindzey, Lilian and Trae Belk

Jennifer and Hannah Michael

Meg Costilow, Lindsey Vaughn and Molly May

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Carol, Gage and Michael Upton with Brody and Sarah Sanders

Tanner, Andrew, Carter and Amber Megginson

Jack Sandlin and Levin Darsey

Emily and Robert Gatlin

Mary Dillard Winders, Katie Belle Ivy and Mary Campbell Davis

Taylor Consterdine, Madison Greer and Anna Hunt

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

THS MADRIGALS SINGE FEASTE The Tupelo High School Madrigals theater group presented the 42nd annual Singe Feaste Dec. 6, 8 and 9 at St. James Catholic Church. A matinee was held Dec. 7 at the Tupelo Country Club. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Victoria Waller, Will Edwards and Eleanor Perkins

Sadie Jasper and Abby Spires

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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2017

Jasmine Bean and Claire Burroughs

Sydni Davis and Anna Katherine Williams

Avery Burks, Rees Meredith, Lauren Davis and Abigail Grant

Chloe Ingram, Trippe Howell and Maggie Cayson

Cole Herrington, Trey Kelly, Anna Walker Davis and Austin Clay

Bailey Fitts, Sam Williams and Patrick Beasley

Kate Burleson and Zander Foster

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

THS TRANSITION SKILLS CLASS HOLIDAY PARTY The transition skills class (TSC) at Tupelo High School held a holiday party to celebrate its special needs class mentorship program. During school, the TSC assists with academics, art and social skills. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Jessica Ware and Jacobey Brown

Charleston Bean and Sarah Grace Poole

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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2017

Heaven Walker and Kevin Le

Maggie Grandin and Kim Boyer

Will Hazel, Keyshawn Tucker, Dillon Ivey and Dee Crowe

Andrew Vinson and Valerie Olson

Alexus Beene, Roberto Owens, Ty Danie and Kiera Jones

Loren Games, Erica Gassaway and Sterling Gipson

Ladrea Standifer and Janea Traylor

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

TUPELO FURNITURE MARKET WINTER SHOW Tupelo Furniture Market’s Furniture, Gift and Home Accessories Show was held Jan. 5-8 concurrently with the winter market. Vendors sold home decor, accessories and more to the general public. photographed by Lisa Roberts

George and Ben Hubbard

Sarah Dancer, Dereeser Armstrong, Debra Carouthers and Mildred Gill

Patty Roper and Jamie Jones

Jeff Perrigo and Melissa Kelly

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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2017

Adeline Rios and Gail Miller

Katelyn and Lesley Ross with Lisa and Jacquelyn Lane

Ryan Allen and Matthew Huffman

John and Vearnail Herzog

Kathy and Ginny Wright with Max Arnett

Analisa James and Betty Cook

Dianna Seddon and Karen Ganovsky

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

REGIONAL REHAB ALMOST NEW YEAR’S PARTY The Almost New Year’s Party to benefit Regional Rehab Center was held Dec. 30 at the Tupelo Cotton Mill. The event included catering by Park Heights and music by 2 Drink Minimum. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Annette Reed with Pete and Belva Poland

Fred and Carol Pitts with Donna and Terrell Davis

Bruce and Liz Coleman

Susan Killens and David Lee

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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2017

Brenda and Dick Daugherty

Kim Evans, Cindy Googe, Missy Ford and Laura Wright

Bud and Amy Forrest

Tommy and Rita Chamblee

Tim Weaver, Richie Sansone and Clay Stewart

Ty Hill and Anna Marie Logan

Cora Polson and Kim Wade

Noel Russell with Cindy and Lyle Harris

Robby Parman, Steve Holland and Jack Reed

Paul and Shannon Saylors with Parrish and Rachael Potts

Dan and Kay Mathews

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

DISNEY ON ICE DREAM BIG BancorpSouth Arena presented the Disney on Ice show Dream Big Dec. 8-11. The iceskating musical dance show featured the stories of four Disney princesses. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Chase, Swayze and Abby Hill

Canden, Rhylan and Brittany Dallas

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Riley Seals and Anna Riggs

Sadie, Robert and Emily Bass

Westin, Carlee and Ashley Duke with Chystie Davis

Whitney and Willow Hodge

Tootie Scott, Chloe Ives, Theresa Spann, Emma Netheny and Natalie Lucas

Crystal Brooks and Rory Alexander

Coralis Collins and Armoni Boutte

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empty bowls

FULL HEARTS The Salvation Army’s Empty Bowls fundraiser brings together Tupelo potters who create unique bowls for the special annual event. written by Melanie Crownover

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THE MUD LADIES Of the almost 3,000 bowls patrons take home from the Empty Bowls luncheon every year, around 2,500 are made by a group of Salvation Army volunteers called the Mud Ladies.

The 25 members meet all year to pull off the feat.

“There’s no mathematical formula to make it happen. We just show up and do,” Mud Ladies member Lucille Stone said. “Our ladies are very faithful because they all know what we’re doing and why.”

Items are made from clay bought at cost by the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. The Salvation Army provides their glazes, electricity and meeting space.

The ladies meet to fire up their pair of kilns two mornings a week in a converted warehouse next to the Salvation Army Thrift Store. All bowls are hand-built using molds and commercial glazes.

A couple of the members with professional art training, and those who have been with the group for a while, assist new volunteers with bowl making. Some local artists who donate to Empty Bowls each year also hold special classes for the ladies to hone their skills.

“What’s great is that few of us had even touched clay before we came here,” Sarah Bell, another member of Mud Ladies, said. “People are intimidated when they first get here, but we all made mud pies as kids. When you get that clay in your fingers, you subconsciously remember what you did back then with play dough. We gather around the kilns like it’s Christmas morning every time.”

The women make other items now to sell along with extra bowls during the luncheon.

This year they have new Mississippi-shaped platters, serving trays, ladles and sculpted figurines for sale. One-hundred percent of the money made from the Mud Ladies’ wares goes to the program for feeding those in need at the Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army’s volunteer Mud Ladies work throughout the year to make 2,500 of the 3,000 bowls patrons take home from the Empty Bowls luncheon.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS AND JOE WORTHEM

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mpty Bowls is more than just an annual luncheon fundraiser that helps the local Salvation Army feed people in need; it’s also a community builder for the artists who help provide bowls for the event.

The Salvation Army has enlisted professional and amateur potters who want to use their art to serve those around them. It also has its own volunteer army of creative women who have learned to craft ceramic bowls for the event. Together, they create thousands of bowls to distribute to patrons along with soup made and served by local restaurants and organizations. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Salvation Army.

For all of the potters, it’s a worthy cause that brings them together as they prepare for and execute the event, which is scheduled to take place March 1.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

“the bowls make an impression there because of the meaninG, and the event makes an impression on all of us.” -harry mcbride

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HARRY MCBRIDE Known to most as “Harry the Potter,” Harry McBride is notorious for his ingenious and functional creations. Examples of his nontraditional work include his hand-built bacon cookers, makeup caddies, popular combination soup bowl/cracker plates and decorative “floppy bowls” that are both wheel-thrown and molded.

McBride opened his home studio on Birmingham Ridge Road almost seven years ago after 25 years in the tire-recycling business.

“I went to Southern Miss for art a long time ago after my time in the navy, so I took a refresher course at Bean’s Pottery first,” he said. “I’m still not full time because I work two part-time jobs.”

McBride got involved with Empty Bowls in 2013 after hearing how local potters could help. In addition to regularly participating here, he helped with a 2016 Empty Bowls event in Florence, Alabama.

In Tupelo, artists who donate the requested number of bowls to the event can also open a sale table during the luncheon. Twenty percent of their proceeds goes back to the organization to help feed the hungry.

“I don’t think I realized how big this event is for the Salvation Army before. That first year, I couldn’t believe the number of people there in support,” he said. “It’s a madhouse for two and a half hours. Now my wife takes off work at least part of the day to help me during serving time.”

McBride works on his Empty Bowls donations 20 at a time throughout the year. He uses different hues of glaze – greens, golds and blues – on each batch to keep them colorful before firing them.

“Occasionally, I’ll run into someone who’s gotten one and wants other pieces to match because they’re signed on the bottom,” he said.

“The bowls make an impression there because of the meaning, and the event makes an impression on all of us.”

Harry McBride makes bowls throughout the year that he donates to Empty Bowls. Inspired by the Tupelo luncheon, he participated in a similar event in Alabama.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

2017 EMPTY BOWLS Date: Wednesday, March 1

Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (doors open at 10:30 a.m.)

Place: Tupelo Furniture Market Building 5 Cost: $15 per ticket Tickets can be purchased through Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary members, Salvation Army Advisory Board members, at various Tupelo retail locations or at the door.

For more information, call 662-842-9222 or find

Empty Bowls Tupelo Mississippi on Facebook.

MARTHA CHENEY Pottery time is playtime, according to Tupelo retiree Martha Cheney.

After seven years as an education lobbyist in Jackson and 30 years as an educator and principal in Oxford, Amory and Tupelo, there’s now more time for the hobby she picked up in the 1970s while working on her doctorate degree.

“I bought a kiln when I was teaching here with three children and a husband at home. I guess I didn’t really start playing with it until I came back 20 years ago,” she said. “I do very simple pottery, but it’s my therapy.”

Cheney creates slab-work glasses, big trays and plates using a clay roller and molds.

She puts oxides under layers of store-bought glazes to give the finished products a cascading waterfall look.

She gives most of her work as gifts or makes special requests for family and friends, but she never sells her pieces. Cheney instructs anyone who asks about payment to donate funds to the Association for Excellence in Education to support Tupelo Public Schools.

For the past seven years, Cheney has also helped with Empty Bowls.

The volunteer potluck she hosts at her cabin studio gives the Mud Ladies a workday getaway. The women make 50-100 bowls that day and leave them for Cheney to clean, fire and glaze. The bowls then sell at the Mud Ladies’ sale table during Empty Bowls to benefit the cause.

“It’s no big deal for me to do what I do.

I do so little compared to what some of the others give,” Cheney said. “For me, this is a hobby. When a professional potter helps, they’re donating their time, expertise and part of their livelihood. That’s a huge deal.”

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Martha Cheney may not be a professional potter, but she has experimented with the craft for years and has participated in Empty Bowls for the past seven years. In advance of the event, she hosts the Mud Ladies in her cabin studio, assisting them with creating as many as 100 bowls in one afternoon.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

MICHAEL ASHLEY Michael Ashley opened a pottery studio downtown with his wife, University of Mississippi drawing instructor Laura Ashley, when they moved to her hometown in 2014. They have been involved with Empty Bowls since.

“We went to a potluck and threw bowls within the first month we were in Tupelo,” Michael said. “We got involved because everywhere we’ve been before while I was teaching college had an Empty Bowls [event] we helped with, but I don’t think they compared. For a place this size to do so much is amazing.”

The couple went beyond donating the average 50-100 bowls per artist for the event by opening up the studio for their own special gathering. The event is part of a tradition that usually happens more than once a year: a workday potluck luncheon hosted by local artists leading up to the Empty Bowls event.

These “making parties” may not always be in the same studio, take place on the same date or even have exactly the same workers each year, but the goal of the get-togethers never wavers.

At the end of the day, there will be hundreds of Empty Bowls vessels ready to be fired and glazed after the celebratory meal. The Ashleys’ gathering last year resulted in 350 bowls made in one morning.

Additionally, Michael, who serves on the board at the Link Centre, offered a class to help teach the Mud Ladies some new skills.

“I try to do that once a year to help them with their bowls because they donate so much of their time and effort to making them throughout the year for that one event,” he said. “I want to help them grow in the art, so they can have even more joy and pride in the good they’re doing.”

Both Michael and Laura have graduate degrees in ceramics, but the pottery sold at the studio is primarily his. Michael’s terra-cotta clay works covered in homemade glazes take the shape of functional tableware, vases and teapots. His work is on exhibit in galleries such as Caron Gallery in Tupelo; Taos Clay Studio in El Prado, New Mexico; and Justice Gallery in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

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Michael Ashley, who runs Ashley Pottery in downtown Tupelo with his wife, Laura, not only donates his work to Empty Bowls but also hosts and takes part in potluck “making party” luncheons that bring local artists together for a day and result in hundreds of bowls being made for the upcoming Empty Bowls event.

“This event gives me the chance to experiment with new rims or markings or glazes to make these fun bowls that they want to use in daily life after the event,” he said. “There’s just

something natural about filling those bowls and sharing them with the community so they can take them home and be reminded to help others when they fill them again.”

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Northwest Alabama’s Dismals Canyon is a pristine natural landmark tucked into the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Ronnie Harris and Joe Worthem

There are few retreats quite like Dismals Canyon. This private nature conservatory in the heart of northwest Alabama’s Appalachian foothills – a little more than an hour’s drive from Tupelo – provides 85 acres of immaculate wilderness to explore.

Follow the gurgling waters of the Dismals Branch stream down a winding 1.5-mile hiking trail through a labyrinth of greenery and monumental boulders. Take time to break at one of the many waterfalls along the path to commune with nature in its primal form.

Dismals Canyon opens for the season March 3 (weather permitting). Visitors can explore the area with daytime hikes, weekend-long camping trips or guided night tours. For admission rates, canyon policies and more information, visit dismalscanyon.com.

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Visitors to Dismals Canyon, pictured above, are dwarfed by the giant boulders that line the trails. The rugged canyon, a National Natural Landmark, is filled with many other points of interest, including cascading waterfalls, a natural swimming hole, ancient trees and unique animal species. In all, Dismals sees about 10,000 visitors per year.

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Bring your camping gear to make a night of it at one of the canyon’s several primitive campsites beginning in March, or rough it in style year-round at one of the site’s picturesque red cedar cabins. Although the cabins are highly rated as romantic getaways, they’re ideal for group accommodations as well.

Shop the Country Store for supplies, campy postcards and American Indian ware.

Picnic on the sprawling back deck to enjoy the scenery, or stop in for a milkshake and slugburger at the Soda Fountain & Grill inside.

Hiking Dismals Canyon is not just for humans.

Leashed pets, like Lucy (shown at left), are allowed on the trails as well, but not in the boathouse, swimming area, store or cabins. Go to dismalscanyon.com for more information on planning a visit.

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Starting in spring, nighttime canyon tours offer a rare look at the bioluminescent insects known as Dismalites that illuminate the evening landscape with their glow-in-the-dark bodies. These natural wonders, along with their pristinely wild habitat, are the reasons this hideaway has been a National Natural Landmark since 1975.

To reserve a campsite or cabin, call 205993-4559. More information is available at dismalscanyon.com.

Guided night tours are one of the park’s main attractions, especially in May and June, considered the best times to spot the Dismalites, or glow worms.

Book night tours a week in advance, and make tent and cabin reservations a couple of months in advance.

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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2017

A local professional MMA fighter is making a name for himself in the ring and at the gym. written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem

O

ne look at mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Issac Ware’s daily training schedule shows how committed he is to the sport.

His workout begins by 5 a.m. every day.

After breakfast, Ware teaches the first class at his gym, Inspire Fitness and MMA. He does strength training before teaching his 8:30 a.m. class, practices striking at noon, teaches another class, and then has grappling training or conditioning before instructing his last three classes of the day. It’s sometimes 11 p.m. before he heads out the door, his day finally complete.

For the 31-year-old former Tupelo High School football player, the rigors of the agenda are just part of his preparation.

“I always say it’s easier to punch a person than it is to punch a clock,” he said. “Every day is a fight, and you have to keep your head in it to have a chance at winning.”

Ware began his MMA training in April 2008 after taking up boxing at a local gym.

Two months later, he was fighting in his first amateur match. The bout ended with his submission, but because of his tenacity, several trainers in the audience offered him a business card after the bell.

In the following years, he studied several martial arts disciplines, including boxing, kickboxing, jujitsu, judo, sambo and Vale tudo, fighting as a hobby.

When he was laid off from his day job in the manufacturing industry in 2013, he decided he was ready to train full time. Ware left the amateurs with a 10-4 record to debut as a professional MMA fighter in 2014.

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Professional MMA fighter Issac Ware trains at his Tupelo gym, Inspire Fitness and MMA. Ware first took up fighting as a hobby and studied several disciplines of martial arts. Within a few years, he not only became a professional fighter but also opened his own gym to teach, train and inspire others. “I want the same for me that I do for the people I coach: to be the best version of me and express it,” Ware said. “When I do that as a fighter, that’s when I fight the best.”

“He’s an explosive fighter with unbelievable strength and grit. Everyone knows if you’re fighting Issac, you better crack down on strength training and conditioning or he’ll throw you all over the ring.” -JosÉ Gordillo

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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2017

“When I first saw him, he was just an amateur. Now he’s one of the highest-level MMA fighters in the area,” longtime training partner José Gordillo said. “He’s an explosive fighter with unbelievable strength and grit. Everyone knows if you’re fighting Issac, you better crack down on strength training and conditioning or he’ll throw you all over the ring.”

His dedication to the sport is intense.

Fighting in both the featherweight and lightweight classes with Oxford’s V3Fights and the Summit Fighting Championships in Memphis, the 5-foot-8-inch Ware has taken on matches with only an hour’s notice and has fought up to three bouts in one week. In his off time, he travels to Hattiesburg, Memphis and Birmingham to spar. His goal is to fight in the ring once a month to stay in shape for any challenger.

Ware’s titles, including a Fighter of the Year award from another Tupelo gym (Ultimate Fitness and MMA) and two gold North American Grappling Association awards, aren’t on display at Inspire or at home.

“The hardware isn’t really that important to me,” he said. “My goal isn’t a belt. I want the same for me that I do for the people I coach: to be the best version of me and express it. When I do that as a fighter, that’s when I fight the best.”

He opened the gym a year and a half ago to teach fitness classes such as kickboxing and Brazilian jujitsu. Most of his students will never step into an arena; still, his drills get them fit and formidable.

“I lost 30 pounds and have run four 5Ks since I started with him a year ago,” student Lora Childers said. “He’s very intense as a trainer, but he challenges every person in the room, and we love him for it.”

Although he is now an accomplished instructor and fighter, professional wins have proven harder for Ware to tackle; but his 5-3 pro fight record is still impressive. One loss was in January to the undefeated Bryce “Thug Nasty” Mitchell, considered the man to beat in the featherweight division regionally.

Two days after the match, he was back in the gym before dawn training for another fight.

“You have to know how to get back up and use what just happened to keep progressing in this game,” he said. “I love the fight. As long as I feel like that and people want to see it, I’ll keep getting back up and going back for more.”

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SREMMFEST Sremmfest was held Dec. 23 at BancorpSouth Arena. The event featured Tupelo natives Rae Sremmurd with Diplo and special guests. Their first album, SremmLife, debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s Top 200 and No. 1 on Billboard’s Hip-Hop chart. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Synee Jordan and Max Logan

Miranda Andrews, Memory Woods, Taylor McNinch, Maggie Knight and Miranda Chapman

Austin Ruff and Jerneshia Woods

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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2017

Tikessha Lindley, Ashyun Moore, Brittany Jones and Ashley Walker

Lakoya Gordon, Lydia Smith, Kabreasha Stovall and Jamie Cook

Jakeeza Reed, Kiera Jones, Shikeim Richard, Rod Jones and Sereniti Washington

Nicholas Wright and Lindsey Bailey

February 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS The Harlem Globetrotters basketball team performed Jan. 17 at BancorpSouth Arena. The team has played more than 26,000 exhibition games in 122 countries and performs more than 450 live events worldwide each year. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Elizabeth, Lewis and Walker Russell

Molly Chunn and Bailey Whitlock

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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2017

Veronica Griffin and Noan McIntosh Hadley

Logan White and Clayton Cole

Colby Stidham, Riley Elliott and Trent Harmon

Jaelyn Weaver, Kristen Partin, Johnathan Christian and Torrie Robertson

Audrey, Rick and Chris Montgomery

Brannon, Cooper and Laken Armstrong

Amy Brown, Jacoby Chandler and Takira Fulton

View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

TUPELO AREA PAGEANTS The Miss Tupelo, Miss All American City, Miss Lee County and Tupelo’s Outstanding Teen pageants were held Jan. 7 at the Tupelo Civic Auditorium.

Local winners will be eligible to compete at the state-level pageants later this year. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Isabella Laird, Mary Miller Wright and Kirklyn Finney

Charley Ann Nix and Laine-Alden Mansour

Helen McDougald and Kaylin Costello

Kayla Baxter, Summer Ray Smith and Kelli Fowler

Rachel Canup, Laura Lee Lewis, Grace Anne Kennedy and Alivia Roberts

Ambrekka Ivy, Sydney Slocum, Allison Judge, Jennifer Gray and Darby Damon

Madalynn Minika, Emily Cockrell, Asya Branch, Georgia Kate Conner and Ashlan Criddle

Danyel Filgo and Jima Alexander

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JUNIOR AUXILIARY OF CORINTH CHARITY BALL Junior Auxiliary of Corinth presented a New Year’s Eve charity ball Dec. 31 at Shiloh Ridge. More than 400 people attended the sold-out 55th annual event that included an auction, living ads and music. photographed by Whitney Worsham

Matt, Annette and Mathis McGee

Caroline Sleeper, Hannah Sitton, Tess Campbell, Sadie Mitchell, Carlie Dodd and Leah Manus

Barbara and Wendall Trapp

Corey and Anne Marie Littrell

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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2017

Katy Stanley and Laura Kate Carmichiel

Jessica Bain, Brittanie Brown and Morgan Williams

Hollie Wood, Laura Avant, Miller Carlton and Abby Tomlinson

Archie and Amylea Warren

Tamara Tyes and Kh’ierra Taylor

Ruth Ann and Lee King

Gloria and Terry Cartwright

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SALTILLO SIP AND CIDER A sip-and-shop event was held Dec. 1 in Saltillo.

Activities included a cider-tasting contest at 18 local businesses, and DB’s Floral Designs N’ More was voted “Cidermeister” for the second year. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Sonya Gholston and Lindy Hopkins

Tina McCollum, Mac Davis, Marie Garmon and Johnna Faulkner

Tami King and Caitlyn Harlow

Nita Dickey and Jan Patterson

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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2017

Kelly and Shanna Lyles with Jessica Wambles and Johnette Bramlett

April Jones, Heather Kuykendall, Cathy Miller, Kathy Kuykendall and Amber Gordon

Callie Ward and Adrian Stewart

Sue Herring, Sandy Simmons and Joyce Robinson

Mandi Tutor and April Weaver

Molly, Susan, Glen and Sam Pennington

Danny Brown and Peggy Christopher

For more information about advertising in Invitation Tupelo, call (662) 234-4008.

February 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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OUT AND ABOUT FULTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OPEN HOUSE

CDF ANNUAL MEETING

Jude Wilson, Joe Lowder and David Henson

BALLARD PARK CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

Teegan and Abby Horn

Will Smith, Mary Sue Boggs and Jason Wallace

Paul Phillips, Carlos Brown, Amber Miller and John O’Leary

Mark Robinson, Rowland Roberson, Taylor Mathis, Harold Plunkett and Robin McDonald

HOLIDAY UNITY CONCERT

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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2017

Gov. Phil Bryant and Chad McMahan

UNITED BLOOD SERVICES BLOOD DRIVE COMPETITION CHRISTMAS VACATION MOVIE AT THE LYRIC

SPECIALTY ORTHOPEDIC GROUP DONATION TO SANCTUARY HOSPICE HOUSE

Paula Patterson and Josh Myles

FURNITURE CERTIFIED ACADEMY LAUNCH

Connie Morgan, Melinda Lamon and Lois Sanderson

CANOPY CHILDREN’S SOLUTIONS OPEN HOUSE

Melissa Powers, Maya Williams, Jody Herring, Gina Rollins, Anna Cox and Patricia Bolden

GENESIS 5K RUN AT VETERANS PARK

Felicia Rogers Bailey and Rebecca O’Neal

Carey Synder and Albine Bennett

April Kitchens, Mendy Spears and Blair Rice

DELTA SIGMA THETA & OMEGA PSI PHI DONATION

Janice Cosey, Derrick L. Glenn, Sha Triplett and Terry Watson

LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

Alice Griggs, Connie Gusmus, Lee Bruce and Marsha Gray

TUPELO-LEE HUMANE SOCIETY GROUND BREAKING

Kim Estess, Sheryl Blackburn and Nelson Gravatt

LIVE NATIVITY AT FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Sam and Stella Parker with Carter Kulp and Julia Fair Gaines

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS REED’S ANNUAL TUPELO CHRISTMAS PARADE

Diamond Howell, Sloan Horton and Dominque Pinson

Emma Tybor, Lilly Chiles, Hailey Wampler and Cameron Chiles

Trinity Xavier, Penson Thomas and Artrilia Richey

MILL VILLAGE NEIGHBORHOOD HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES

Grayson and Bess Robins

Vicky and Jimmy West

William and Lucy Hilbun with Nell Moore

Christi and Jeff Houin

TUPELO BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER

Emme Riley, Justin Metcalf-Burton, Paul Tillman and Megan Hustel

Maddison Denton, Mia Katherine Todd and Charlotte Wise

SIDEWAYS SANTA CHARITY PUB CRAWL

Emily Thomas, Katlyn Chism and Samantha Parker with Tempest and Justin Brock

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Rob and Holly Haven

David and Mari Sykes

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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.

February 2017 | INVITATION TUPELO

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JEFF JONES

interviewed by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem

Jeff Jones considers himself more restaurant promoter than food critic. His opinions on local eateries have earned him more than 3,800 followers on his Facebook page and 55,000 page views on his blog, eatingoutwithjeffjones.com.

Q: Why did you start reviewing restaurants?

A: Like a lot of people, I would check out local places on national sites like Yelp, and there were never enough details. You can drive past a restaurant 100 times and never go in because you just don’t know. I don’t do that now. I’m the guinea pig so my readers never have to wonder and walk by.

Q: What kinds of places do you visit?

A: Local restaurants, food trucks, grocery store delis. I chronicle it all. I’m up to 150 local restaurants. I post at least one new [review] a week. So many local places shut down because people just don’t know they’re there, and I want to give them a voice.

Q: How do you choose the restaurants?

A: People send me ideas all the time online or if they see me out. Eventually, I want to get to them all.

Q: Do you worry you’ll run out?

A: No way. We have so many

great cooks around here, and good food is like music – there’s enough variety for everyone to enjoy.

Q: What do you put on your blog?

A: You eat with your eyes first, so I take plenty of photos of the surroundings and the meal.

Local means pretty much one of a kind. I want people to feel like they’re there with me. These restaurants take so much time to create and plate the food that it’s like art made just for you. I want to take equal care to present it.

Q: Do you cook yourself?

A: I make some pretty mean

Jeff Jones dines at one of Tupelo’s newest establishments, Anthony’s Pizza. Jones’ blog, eatingoutwithjeffjones.com, chronicles his experiences at area restaurants.

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popcorn, but that’s about as far as it goes. I’m more of a food enjoyer than a food maker.