Invitation Tupelo: November 2014

NOVEMBER 2014

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VISIT AMORY, MISSISSIPPI

The Amory Regional Museum is dedicated to preserve, curate and archive historical significant regional history, genealogical interest, and provide innovative, educational programming that celebrates the culture and community of Amory, Mississippi and the surrounding area.

HOURS: Tuesday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Sunday 1 p.m.–5 p.m.

Closed Mondays and Major Holidays

FREE ADMISSION! For more information, please call

662-256-2761

Email: bomiller@cityofamoryms.com suebrown@cityofamoryms.com 801 3rd Street South, Amory, MS 38821

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INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

IN THIS ISSUE NOVEMBER 2014

NOVEMBER 2014

FEATURES 32 Live, Laugh, Llama Nathan and Sandy Shaddinger teach others about the special breed of animals they’ve come to know and love.

COVER ARTWORK

BY MORRIS MCCAIN

38 Downtown through the Decades Photographs capture how downtown Tupelo has evolved during the past 100 years.

55 Getting Tupelo Fit Tupelo residents of all abilities are invited to take part in free fitness programs led by volunteer instructors at a variety of venues around town.

58 It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas As the holiday season approaches, this Tupelo family’s home reflects the joy of the season.

EVENTS

64 Painting the Town

Artist Morris McCain has been painting murals in the Tupelo area for more than four decades.

From Mississippi literary icons (pictured above) to local historic landmarks (pictured on the cover) to the cosmos, McCain’s artwork is omnipresent and all-encompassing.

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Lyrics for Le Bonheur Pigskins in the Park BNI Tupelo Social Mixer Okeelala Festival Stand Up and Shout Out Tupelo Chili Festival Halloween Horror Film Festival Dogtrot Rockabilly Festival Bukka White Blues Festival Zombie Fun Run Celebration Village Harden House Benefit Gala Race for the Cure Fall FUNdraiser in Frisco Park Oktoberfest Trunk-or-Treat

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74 DEPARTMENTS 12 14 70 72 82 88

Letter From the Publisher What’s Happening Pets of the Month In Season: Holiday Classics Out and About Tupelo Spirit: Larry Ferguson

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the publisher

LETTER FROM 1

PUBLISHER Rachel Malone West

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EDITOR Phil West DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Cindy Semmes MANAGING EDITOR Emily Welly ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lena Anderson ART DIRECTOR Hallie M. Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Lisa Roberts, Joe Worthem STAFF WRITER Melanie Crownover

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ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Alise M. Emerson, Sheena Hagemann, Leigh Lowery, Lynn McElreath, Mary Moreton, Moni Simpson AD DESIGN Becca Bailey, Paul Gandy, Zach Fields CONTRIBUTORS Chasity Dees, Emily Suber, Sonia Thompson OFFICE MANAGER Hollie Hilliard COPY EDITOR Kate Johnson DISTRIBUTION Donald Courtney ADVERTISING INFORMATION (662) 701-8070 ads@invitationtupelo.com MAIN OFFICE (662) 234-4008

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his page might look a little different to you this month. We’ve decided to use this space to share with you some of our favorite behind-the-scenes views from three of our feature stories. These are a few of the outtakes that we didn’t fit into the feature but were too good not to let you see.

In this issue, we’ve highlighted several exciting things going on in and around Tupelo.

Morris McCain’s murals, pictured on the cover and above (1) are familiar sites all around northeast Mississippi. Meanwhile, the Tupelo Fit program (2) is new to the city. Through it residents of all ages and abilities are taking

part in free weekly exercise classes. And one of our all-time favorite stories is about Sandy and Nathan Shaddinger who raise llamas (3) just down the road on their farm in New Albany, Miss. Their love for these quirky animals – and their desire to share that love with others – is interesting and delightful.

We hope you’ll enjoy this fun and creative issue of Invitation Tupelo.

Happy Thanksgiving.

INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

To request a photographer at your event, to obtain an event photo or to purchase an announcement, email Hallie at hallielandonmarshall@gmail.com.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER

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To subscribe to one year (10 issues) of Invitation Tupelo, send payment of $50 to: P.O. Box 3192, Tupelo, MS 38802 or visit invitationtupelo.com to pay online.

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what’s happening November 15-December 15 A sampling of important, fun and interesting events in our area. For more events, visit facebook.com/invitationtupelo.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2014

CHRISTMAS PARADE, DEC. 8

TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER MATINEE 2:00 P.M. EVENING 7:30 P.M. LIVE MUSIC BY THE TUPELO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SCHOOL SHOW FOR AREA STUDENTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 AT 9:30 A.M.

BENEFITS November 15

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS November 17

December 6

Healthworks! Thanksgiving: T Is for Turkey

The Nutcracker

Join the Saltillo Junior Women’s Club for their annual paint party. Proceeds benefit families and children in need.

Instructor Kim Nicholson will lead two painting sessions, and lunch with a silent auction will be offered between sessions. Tickets $35 per session or $60 for both. Lunch $10. For more information, call 662-610-9930.

Hip Hoppers story time for preschoolers and their parents focuses on turkey and thankfulness. Admission $5; free for members. 10 a.m. healthworkskidsms.org

Tupelo Ballet performs The Nutcracker while accompanied

by Tupelo Symphony Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s score. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Tupelo High School Performing Arts Center.

November 20

Corinth’s regular Green Market with a holiday twist.

Crossroads Museum at the historic Corinth Depot in Corinth, Miss., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Saltillo Junior Women’s Club Paint Party

Holiday Tree Festival Tupelo Women’s Club’s annual Holiday Tree Festival features a holiday silent auction and raffle, live music and hors d’oeuvres. All money raised goes to Tree of Life Clinic, Helping Hands Food Bank and S.A.F.E. Inc. Tickets, $25. 7 p.m., Tupelo Country Club. For tickets, call 662-231-6084.

November 23 Cooking Like the Stars Tupelo’s Dianne Craig, Louis Britton, Jackie Deaton and Jim Goodwin take part in a fundraiser to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi. 6-9 p.m., Park Heights.

For information, call 662-841-6504.

November 22 Red Green Market

November 23 Downtown Holiday Open House Get a head start on holiday shopping with downtown Tupelo businesses. Noon-5 p.m.

November 28-30 Tupelo Flea Market’s Christmas Show The area’s largest flea market hosts a special holiday sale.

9 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.5 p.m. Sunday. Tupelo Furniture Market.

December 1 Lighting of the Oren Dunn City Museum and Holiday Open House Start the holiday season with music by Parkway Elementary School choirs, a free museum tour, an open house at Tupelo Parks and Recreation, pictures with the Grinch and free train rides. 6 p.m., Oren Dunn City Museum.

December 4-6 ’Twas the Night Before Christmas Tupelo Community Theatre performs the holiday comedy ’Twas the Night Before Christmas by Ken Ludwig at the Lyric Theatre. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, and 2 p.m.

Sunday. Tickets $18; $6 students and younger. School performances will be offered Dec. 3 for $4. For more information, visit tct.ms or call 662-844-1935.

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INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

December 6 An Ultimate Christmas The Tupelo Elvis Presley Fan Club sponsors An Ultimate Christmas, a concert featuring 2011 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Cody Ray Slaughter, 2014 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Jay Dupuis, EAS Band, Tom Brown and Jeff Lewis.

7 p.m., Link Centre. Tickets $50 VIP; $30 general admission; $35 at the door. Visit hrhpromotions.com, or call 662-871-6832 or 662-231-0911.

December 8 Tupelo Christmas Parade The 66th-annual Reed’s Tupelo Christmas Parade rolls with a “Season of Hope” theme. Matt Laubhan and Emily Leonard will serve as grand marshals. 6:30 p.m., downtown Tupelo.

December 13 North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Christmas with the NMSO features Antonio Vivaldi’s Winter concerto from The Four Seasons and Howard Blake’s animated video The Snowman. 7:30 p.m., Link Centre. nmsymphony.com

MAC IS BACK, DEC. 12

SPECIAL EVENTS November 15

Tupelo Arts Showcase Civic Ballet presents Tupelo Arts Showcase, an evening with performing artists such as blues legend Bill “Howl N Madd” Perry with Wendy Garrison, and artwork from regional artists. Meet the artists following the performance.

6:30 p.m., Link Centre. Free admission. civicballet.org/tas

December 4-7 Disney on Ice Disney on Ice Treasure Trove brings Disney characters to life on the ice at BancorpSouth Arena. Visit bcsarena.com for times and ticket information.

December 5 Kosciusko Candlelight Tour of Homes The Attala Historical Society will host a Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes and Structures in Kosciusko, Miss. Includes three homes and the historic Presidents’ Inn, plus caroling and refreshments at the Mary Ricks Thornton Cultural Center. 5-8 p.m. Tickets $12 in advance; $15 that day.

For tickets or information, call 601-209-8791.

December 6 Dulcimer Day The North Mississippi Dulcimer Association shares the history, tradition, craftsmanship and music of the Appalachian mountain dulcimer, an instrument that dates to the early 1800s. 10 a.m.- 1p.m., Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center at milepost 266.

December 12 Mac Is Back Country Music Award winner and north Mississippi native Mac MacAnally performs at the Lyric Theatre with members of the Coral Reefer Band and Amazing Rhythm Aces.

7:30 p.m. For information, call 662-844-1935.

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Seeing is Believing Miss nothing this fall! Focusing on your target is easier with high quality shades that protect your eyes. Costa sunglasses come in a variety of lens and frame colors. Seeing results at Wesson & Mothershed Danny Cash is wearing Costa Del Mar sunglasses Style – Double Haul, Color – Camo green

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Kathryn Leigh Photography

Matthew B. Wesson, M.D. Fred H. Mothershed, O.D. Dax M. Eckard, O.D. Beth W. Eckard, O.D. Sonya M. Miles, M.D.

Historic Downtown Tupelo 662.842.6453 • Mall at Barnes Crossing 662.842.5287 • reedsms.com

Historic Downtown Tupelo

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events Lyrics for Le Bonheur View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.

Singer-songwriters including John Milstead, Jamie Davis and Tyler Reeve participated in Lyrics for Le Bonheur Oct. 9 at The Antler.

The event featured food by Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen and a cash bar. Proceeds benefited Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.

Mimi and Phil Blanchard

Kyle Weaver, Casey Beathard, Shane Minor, Phil O’Donnell, Kelly Scott and Angie Hutchins Bob and Betty Baxter

Amy Blossom with Leslie and Greg Burks, Matt Molzan, and Kevan and Maribeth Kirkpatrick

Nathan and Alisa Miller

Ricky Witcher and Jacque Swain

Russell and Kit Stafford with Jennifer Shelton

Ethan Wallace, Kelly Scott and Ben Kingsley

Brian and Dianna Duffy with Anna Lisa Nicholas and Taylor Roberts

Kristi Paxton, Taylor Neal and Adam Morris

Katrina Shannon, Ginger Beghtol, Jennifer Blankenship and Brandi Young

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photographed by Lisa Roberts

Dean and Christy Webb

Dennis and Jackie Osborne

Cora Polson and Amy Forrest November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Lisa Roberts

events Pigskins in the Park View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.

University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University football fans gathered Oct. 25 in Fairpark for CSpire’s Pigskins in the Park communitywide tailgate. After the tailgate party, both teams’ games were broadcast live on a Jumbotron in front of City Hall.

Stephanie Jetson and Mike Smith

Jamie Palmer with Montana and Rose Connally, Suzan Martin, Monica Cooper, Renee Smith, Vicki Browning and Mya Thompson

Stephanie Turner, Emily Hopkins and Gene Patterson

Vanessa Robbin with Charlie, Dawn and Harrison Bean, and Fred Cannon

Moe Livingston and Margaret Parker

Gibson and Jacob Thomas with Molly Lovorn, Amy Goff and Joe Nobles

Nat Grubbs with Kayden and Benjie Rigby; Michele Orr; Caden Riley; Mike Eldridge; Jennifer, Alli and Will Porter with Heather, Braden, Shane and Devin Bowen Brother Grubbs; Dana Robinson; Ben Sharpe; and Bentley, Brian, Briggs and Misty Rigby

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INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

Creating Beautiful Smiles

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D E N TA L

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Introducing the latest in dental imaging technology, the i-Cat, a Cone Beam 3-D Dental imaging system.

With a quick scan, we can now view patient anatomy in 3D to accomplish more precise diagnostics for the patient.

Park Place Dental has chosen this technology to enhance treatment for patients in the greater North Mississippi area.

Open Monday - Friday 8-5 • 662-728-8171 403 North 3rd St. Booneville, MS 38829 • www.parkplacedentist.com

Ken Goodwin DMD Christine Rayburn DMD Amy Scopel DMD November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Lisa Roberts

events BNI Tupelo Social Mixer View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.

Business networking group BNI Tupelo, a chapter of BNI Mid-South, held a social mixer Oct. 9 at Goodlett Manor. BNI helps members further their businesses through word-of-mouth marketing. For more on BNI Tupelo, visit facebook.com/bnitupelo.

Anthony and Shirley Dean

Blakley Young, Stacy Bane, Chris Maynard and Daniel Hartley

Mike Maynard, Bobby Finley and Stephen Thompson

Perry Whitaker with Aaron and Becky Adams

Amanda Angle, Becky Kellum and Rachael Mike Timmons, Angela Hogue and Brooke Potts Ellis

Catherine Clements and Alee Nichols

William and Donna Mills with Denise Kennedy Brown

Scott Angle with Derek and Shelley Key Russell

Kim Graham and Rhonda Chrestman

Diamond Brokers TUPELO

Diamonds • Jewelry • Gifts

Come see us. She’ll be glad you did.

“Big girls need big diamonds.”

- Elizabeth Taylor

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662.844.6955 106 S. Industrial Road, Tupelo, MS 38801 Hours: M-F 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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662.610.3705

Christmas Open House November 29th 10am - 2pm 111 East Troy Street Suite B Tupelo, MS 38804

Thursday - Friday 10-6 Saturday 10-4 November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Lisa Roberts

events Okeelala Festival View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.

The annual Okeelala Festival, a daylong event that shares its name with a nearby creek, took place Oct. 4 at Latimer Park in Baldwyn.

The festival, in its 35th year, includes entertainment, food, arts and crafts vendors and a classic car show.

Wayne and Jody Bailey

Tammy Roberts with Haley, Lorraine, Diane and Matthew Sandlin; Bro. Earl Barron; and Hannah Sandlin

Ursula Cummings, Ida Kohlhiem, Phyllis Shelley and Taylor Gail Grice with Brandon and Eurieka Shumpert Shinault

Pearlie Beene with Shane and Sherry McGee; Bryan Beene; and Alex Eckford

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Jenna Newby Childs and Sheila James

Jeni Kate Scott, Corley Hogue, Lexi Barnett and Hannah Durham

Romaro Crump, Noah Hancock, Raymond Craven, Grover Allie Leslie, Jadale Rucker, Myles Eckford, Gracie Hines Ratliff and Chet Barber and Marcus Eckford

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photographed by Lisa Roberts

events Stand Up and Shout Out North Mississippi View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.

National, state and local politicians took part in an old-fashioned political speaking event sponsored by BancorpSouth, Three Rivers, CDF and Robinson and Associates on Oct. 6. Proceeds will help the Tupelo American Legion post rebuild from the April tornado.

Alta Faye Lawrence and Angela Goode

Beverly Williams, Mary Alice McLaurin, Bill Buchanan and Tom Murry

Tommy Carr, Mike Clayborne and Lewis Whitfield

Minnie Croft, Georginna Goode and Willistein Williams

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Juanita Gambrell Floyd, Jennie Hannah and Charlie Greer Alley Daily, Wesley Bell, Paula Coleman and Susan Easterling

David Neilsen, Lemor Taylor and Bill Allen

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Carolyn and Ronald Bennett

Peggy and Harry Armstrong

DarLene Mills and Richard Lawrence

We make o H l i d a ys r u o y

Merry & Bright!

Mid South Nurs

339 Coley Road, Tupelo Mississippi • M i d S o u tM h i dN Suorustehr yN u r s e r y

662.

M d Road, S o Tupelo u t hMississippi NColeyu Road, r• s6 6eTupelo 339 iColey 2 .r 8 4y 2Mississippi .4194 • 662.842.4194 339 339 Coley Road, Tupelo Mississippi • 6 6 2 . 8 4 2 . 4 1 9 4

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events Tupelo Chili Festival View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.

Twenty-seven teams cooked their best chili recipes and wore creative costumes for Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association’s 15thannual Tupelo Chili Festival. Judges awarded Supertalk first place, and Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen/Neon Pig was the crowd favorite.

Donnie Kisner, Devani Adams, Ashley Lindley, Karen Dickey and Mark Hinton

Donna Whitten, Tracy Carlock, Becky Ellis and Gary Lauderdale

Jake Jones, Melissa Duke, Raina Dupree, Seth Copeland, Javanté Ingram, Mitch McCamey and Brian Baldwyn

Bill Rager with Michael and Carol Upton; Shelley and Derek Russell; and Justin Wilson

Leigh Ann Mattox, Jerry Duckett, Shanta Eiland, Amy Kennedy, Alex Farned, Deana Carlock, Denny Waite, Laura Kramer and Neely Turner

Jeff Tomlinson, Julianna Goodwin, Kathy McMurry, Ron Ashby, Jesse Bandre, Fhonda Goss and Karen Geddie

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photographed by Lisa Roberts

Ellie Turner, Missha Rogers and Dennis Seid

Brandon Johnson, Brittany Frazier and Jamaal L. Mack

BeEnvied !

Monica Lindsey, Dani Maddox and Britni Beasley

voted daily journal

best hair and nail salon!

Patrice Gamblin, Christy Stewart and Sherri McClain

662-844-2477 431 North Gloster St. • Tupelo, MS www.shearenvytupelo.com November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Chasity Dees

events Tupelo Halloween Horror Film Festival View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.

Films by 13 regional filmmakers were shown at a horror film festival Oct. 17 at Link Centre. Best film as judged by the filmmakers was The Embalming by Matthew Graves, and the Casey Spradling audience choice award went to A Horror Movie by Casey Dillard.

Carlton Wall, Glenn Payne and Kenny Cook

Kacy Wilburn, Melissa Buck and Courtney Cheek

Allison Griswold and Michael Fernambucq

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Angela Ford and Judy Barnett

Johnny and Alana Mitias

INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

John, Ian and Katie McCustion

Misty Mills and Ashley Hutchison

Todd Barnett and Suzanne Oakley

KC’s School of Hair Design

The career of your dreams begins here. Choose our nail technician program or our cosmetology program • We offer continuous enrollment • Now accepting federal aid for those who qualify 7 LAFAYETTE STREET PONTOTOC, MS 38863 CALL US AT

662.489.8176 FOR MORE INFORMATION

kcsschoolofhair.com November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

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Nathan and Sandy Shaddinger, owners of a north Mississippi llama farm, teach others about the special animals they’ve come to know and love.

by Melanie Crownover

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photographed by Joe Worthem

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LITTLE-KNOWN LLAMA FACTS •Llamas have three stomachs, like cows.

•Baby llamas are able to stand within minutes of birth and can run with the herd within hours.

•When a baby llama is born, the females in the herd gather around the newborn like a welcoming committee after the birth.

•Llama fibers are water resistant and are exceptionally light because the fur has no natural oils.

•Llamas have been work animals in the Andes Mountains since before the Inca civilization populated that part of South America. One pack llama can carry up to 75 pounds.

•Llamas can grow to be up to 6 feet tall and weigh up to 450 pounds, some living until age 25.

Nathan and Sandy Shaddinger, pictured on previous page, operate a 22-acre farm in New Albany, Miss., that is home to 19 llamas. The animals tend the grounds by trimming the grass and providing fertilizer for the garden, and the Shaddingers share the herd with the public by visiting local schools and community festivals to educate people on the breed.

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lamas aren’t usually the first animals that come to mind when thinking about lovable family pets, but Nathan and Sandy Shaddinger are trying to change that.

The Shaddingers are the owners of Magnolia Knoll Llama Farm in New Albany, Miss., where their 19 gentle giants are as much a part of their family as a dog or cat might be.

The couple opened Magnolia Knoll seven years ago when they moved their herd from Washington state to be near family. Their love for llamas began in 1990 on 10 acres of land.

It was Sandy who was first drawn to the animal. It took her a year to convince her husband to agree to buy their first two llamas.

“There was a llama farm near our house [in Washington] that she used to get me to slow down every time we drove past so she could look at them,” Nathan said. “One day, I stopped. I think we both fell in love again that day.”

The pair spent much of the next decade acquiring new llamas to breed and show, helping make the South American species more plentiful and revered along the West Coast.

The new livestock owners admired the breed’s unexpected and catlike qualities: curious, aloof and full of individual quirks that give each animal personality.

Sandy took great care with their coats, using the same creme-rinse on the llamas that she uses on her own hair, and coiffing them into prize winners. Her animals became regulars at competitions (similar to horse shows) and on parade routes. Nathan discovered the animals’ functional abilities for carrying large amounts of gear while hiking on Mount Rainier and Mount Saint Helens with his pack llama, Soldier.

At the first community fair they attended in Mississippi, Nathan was surprised no one would come close to his llamas for fear of being spit on. Knowing llamas only spit when they feel threatened, he aimed to disprove the misconception by offering $100 to anyone who actually got spit on.

It also bothered Sandy that people were afraid of her beloved llamas.

86 S. Thomas St. 662.620.1120

3425 W. Main St. Opening May 2014

901 S. Gloster St. Opening Soon

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MEET C.M. Therapy llamas visit people in schools, nursing homes, rehab centers and other facilities to encourage well-being through their calming presence.

C.M. (short for Critical Mass, pictured right), the Shaddingers’ 13-year-old appaloosa, has been an unofficial therapy llama since he was 2. The couple hopes to have him certified as an assisted therapy pet through the national organization Pet Partners.

“It’s a time-consuming process, but it’s a real possibility now,” Sandy Shaddinger said. “C.M. has such an effect on people, and he’s always been the one we can take anywhere and count on to be cool, calm and collected.”

The lightweight and water-resistant wool from the annual shearing at Magnolia Knoll Llama Farm is sold to area arts-and-crafts stores to be used in products such as knit bags, pictured above, and winter accessories like hats and gloves. The Shaddingers meticulously label the raw fibers sold with the name of the llama it came from.

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“It’s funny looking back, but when we got here that’s what had to be done to not have a 5-foot ring surrounding us that no one would step into,” Sandy said. “People really believed if they got near, these animals would do something to hurt them. What’s sad is these are some of the gentlest creatures I’ve seen.”

The Shaddingers don’t participate in competitive shows anymore, but that doesn’t mean their llamas aren’t earning their keep. The herd trims the grass on all 22 acres of Magnolia Knoll, to the point that Nathan has to mow only once a season. Even their 12-year-old blind llama, Lilly, takes care of weeding along the fence lines.

Sandy, a certified master gardener, fertilizes her flower beds with llama waste. She also sells the wool from the llamas’ annual shearing to nearby arts-and-crafts stores.

“My customers love getting llama fiber from them because they take such meticulous care of their animals,” said Lynne Tubb, owner of Yarns and More in West Point, Miss. “I call Sandy the Llama’s Mama. The fibers she sends me are named the same name as her animals.”

The couple’s love of llamas even extends into their social life. Every year they participate in group camping events with other llama enthusiasts.

When they’re not working in the barn, Nathan and Sandy visit area events with their woolly friends, showing the community what llamas are really like. Their educational travels take them to local schools and festivals such as the annual Fiber Arts Festival in Oxford, Miss., taking place this coming year Jan. 30-Feb. 1.

The Shaddingers and one member of their herd even ventured inside a public library for a children’s program last summer.

“We’ll go anywhere they invite us. That’s our job,” Nathan said. “Llamas are such a rarity here, and the best way for people to realize their assumptions about them might be wrong is to be around them. They won’t feel the same after they meet one.”

For more information about Magnolia Knoll Llama Farm, visit magnoliaknoll.com.

Some of the Magnolia Knoll llamas will be at the Oxford Fiber Arts Festival on Sat., Jan. 31, at the Powerhouse. Visit knit1oxford .com/events/2015-oxford-fiber-arts-festival for more information.

a n h k T s giving y p p a H

Animal Care Center

of Care Tupelo Animal Center Animal Care Center of Tupelo

“your other family doctor” of of Tupelo Tupelo

5362 Cliff Gookin Blvd. • Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 842-8707 • www.animalcarecenteroftupelo.com

November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF DICK HILL AND THE LEE COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMITTEE

Today’s vision to re-energize downtown Tupelo is based largely on the city’s vibrant past.

Photographs of downtown Tupelo in the early to mid-1900s reveal a bustling city center where people gathered for social events, shopping and more. These photographs were provided

by Dick Hill, a member of the Lee County Historical Committee, which has been collecting and cataloging historical photos of Tupelo for years and last year published a book about Tupelo’s past. The committee determined the dates indicated here by the stores and cars pictured in the backgrounds.

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“Saturday used to be the big day to come downtown if you lived anywhere near Tupelo. People would ride what they called the Doodlebug train from Shannon or Okolona that morning to shop and then go to the picture show at the Lyric or the Strand and have a chicken salad sandwich and milkshake at TKE’s before they headed home. The stores were open all day, the bank did business until noon, and they had flea markets and raffles in the town square. It was just a big gathering of people every week.” – Dick Hill, local historian

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE LEE COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMITTEE AND THE DOWNTOWN TUPELO MAIN STREET ASSOCIATION

“In the past 25 years, we have seen over $100 million in private investments downtown — and that’s only in construction permit values, not property acquisition. The historic character that was there in the ‘30s and ‘40s has returned, and the Main Street enhancement project underway now will bring the feel back to what it was over a century ago.” - Debbie Brangenberg, Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association director

Present-day downtown Tupelo, with the redeveloped Fairpark district and downtown events such as the Down on Main summer concert series and annual Chili Festival, is in many ways reminiscent of the historical downtown. Today, groups like the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association work to keep the area a vibrant place that draws residents and visitors alike.

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Dr. Trice W. Sumner, Diplomate, The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry 1555 Medical Park Circle, Tupelo, MS 38801

childrensdentalclinic.com

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photographed by Lisa Roberts

events Dogtrot Rockabilly Festival View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.

Oren Dunn Museum hosted the Dogtrot Rockabilly Festival Oct. 18. The event included live music from the front porch of the Davis Dogtrot House, a pet costume contest, Dudie burger plate lunches, art vendors, living history demonstrations, wagon rides and more.

Landon and Logan Hood with Leslie Reynolds and Ginnie Waite

Ladarian Fitzpatrick, Ronnie Miller and Kevin Ruff

Erin Maloney with Lexi and Jackie Armstrong

Alex Voyles, Lincoln Breedlove and Chloe Phillips

Robin Aurora, Lauren Revel, Kelly Aurora, Vinny Sanders, Jonah Holland and Roberts Smith

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INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

Ella, Lesa amd Mason McGillivray

Tonia and Earl McDonald

Christmas Specials

2014

Santa Baby -One Hour Hot Stone Massage, European Facial, Manhattan Spa Pedicure & Manicure, , Manhattan spa manicure, and Make-up application $278 Joy to the World -One hour massage, European facial, Manhattan spa pedicure, Manhattan spa manicure, and Make-up application $248

The Perfect Gift -One Hour Massage, European Facial, Manhattan Spa Pedicure & Manicure $221 Christmas Bliss -One hour massage OR European facial, Manhattan spa pedicure, Manhattan spa manicure $152

Peace On Earth -One hour massage OR European facial, Traditional spa pedicure, Traditional spa manicure $137 Just for Him Jingle Bells -One hour

massage OR facial, Sports pedicure, Sports manicure $127

November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

45

photographed by Lisa Roberts

events Bukka White Blues Festival View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.

Blues artists and fans of the musical genre gathered Oct. 17-18 for the Bukka White Blues Festival in Aberdeen, named for the musician who lived there for years and in 1940 recorded Aberdeen Mississippi Blues. To learn more, visit bukkawhitebluesfestival.com.

Glenda Roberson with Leigha, Skip and Lisa Oliver

Irene, Paula, Lexie and Mike Rhea

Lisa Moore, Kaitlyn Harrison and Lisa Perkins with Sugar

46

Heather Stewart Wall, Lorieal Blanchard, Dayona McGee, and Willie Hodges with Sheila and Willie Stewart

Joe, Blake and Rebecca Luker with Natoshia and Drew Winter

Rebecca and August Fischer

INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

Robert and Stephanie Thompson with Rosemary Gainey and Craig Bertelsen

Leo “Bud� Welch and Vencie Varnado

James Daigle, Lightnin Malcolm and Irene Van Riper

November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

47

photographed by Chasity Dees

events Zombie Fun Run View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.

Ghosts and goblins of all ages attended the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Zombie Fun Run, which took place Oct. 18 on the Tupelo Cross Country Trail. The event was part of an evening of Halloween fun that also included an egg hunt and trunk-or-treat.

Makhia, Ka’Tashia, Cartavious, Tristen, Latasha, Rochelle, Jayvionne and Jean Bogan

Heaven and Layten Day

Crystal, Alexis, Patera (Jr.) and Patera (Sr.) McGee

Neely and Chris Rial with Milton Clay, Britian Burleson, Alex Rial and Parker Burleson

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INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

David and Charlotte Welch with Tanner and Jack Brannigan

Noah Burton and Ethan Alvarez

Rainy and Abby Beach

Emily Reese, Brooke Turner, Carly Talbott, Lexi Dickey and Addi Turner

November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

49

photographed by Lisa Roberts

events Celebration Village View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.

Sanctuary Hospice House’s annual Celebration Village event took place Oct. 22-25 at Tupelo Furniture Market. The holiday market included a preview party Wednesday night and public shopping Thursday-Saturday. To learn more, visit sanctuaryhospicehouse.com.

Amber Mooneyham, Shelly Panell, Lynette Sandlin, Crystal Washington and Danielle Palmer

Beverly Lesley with Kimberly and Sylvia Pegues

Mallory Haynes and Savannah Perry

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INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

Dick and Brenda Daugherty with Kevin Seddon and V.M. and Melanie Cleveland

Hayley Gholston, Brooke Smith and Carla Stone

Janis Howell, Sandra Field and Barbara Smith

Mandy Hall, Elise Garner and Laura McCreary

Paula Dickey and Mandy Reed

Pam Fair, Jamie White, Paula Malone and Tina Franks

Shelby Pulliam and Marisa Crofford

Prentiss Street Baldwyn, MS 662.365.8087

Prentiss Street Baldwyn, MS 662.365.9876

November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

51

photographed by Lisa Roberts

events Harden House for Girls Benefit Gala View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.

The annual Harden House for Girls Benefit Gala, held Oct. 24 at Fulton Country Club, had a masquerade theme and included a live auction and prizes for best costumes. The therapeutic group home serves girls ages 9-21 who have been abused or neglected.

Dixie and Jason Wallace

Jaxon, Kevin and Selina Nolan with Suni, Jenny and Chip Crane

Rich Wigginton, Jackie Blaylock and Jackie Jan Dozier and Natalie Kline Phillips

Chloe and Ty Crane

Martin and Leah Richardson

Bessie Lynn and Johnny Crane

Tina Gustavis, Judy Arnett, Michelle King and Alex Watson Russ, Rita and Fred Nabors

Kim and Brian Rushing with Lacey Hall

Susanne and Jason Digby

Lynette and Ted Weatherford

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INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

Danny and Kathy Digby

Catering Good Eats

Joshua E. Bostick, O.D. 662.869.1779 107 Town Creek Drive • Saltillo, MS 38866 • visionsource-joshbostickod.com

Small and large events across North Mississippi Weddings • Rehearsal Dinners 662-534-3250 New Albany, MS

November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

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54

INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

by Melanie Crownover

In a citywide effort to improve health and wellness, Tupelo residents of all abilities are invited to take part in free fitness programs led by volunteer instructors at a variety of venues around town.

T

oni Gough doesn’t participate in Tupelo Fit to shed pounds or gain bodybuilder muscle mass. She said she just wants to maintain her 27-year-old “single and fabulous” figure.

“I work out regularly, but with the travel for my job as a pharmaceutical rep, it isn’t very easy to find time to search for new classes to keep me coming back without it getting dull,” she said. “This program kind of gives you a free trial on a lot of classes I didn’t even realize were offered here.”

Tupelo Fit started about a year ago as part of a citywide fitness initiative instituted by Mayor Jason Shelton.

Many program followers, like Gough, cite

photographed by Joe Worthem

the variety of classes offered as a key to their loyalty. The fact that anyone can participate for free doesn’t hurt, either.

Participants range in age from rambunctious toddlers mimicking their mothers from the sidelines to senior citizens, and more than 20 volunteer instructors modify workouts to inspire both newly reformed couch potatoes and seasoned athletes.

“I started teaching with the program from the beginning as a way to give back to the community. There are so many people who are too intimidated to come into a studio or gym as a solo beginner,” yoga instructor Taylor Neal said. “This program takes the pressure off November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

55

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A new push for fitness in Tupelo offers residents a variety of free exercise classes taught by volunteer instructors.

Tupelo Fit workouts range from yoga under the stars to boot camp classes that incorporate multiple physical challenges. Organizer Alison Dossett, pictured opposite, says the constantly changing schedule of classes keeps participants interested and motivated.

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INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

“YOU CAN’T GET BORED WITH A WORKOUT PLAN WHEN IT’S ALWAYS CHANGING. THEN IT BECOMES A LIFESTYLE CHANGE.” -ALISON DOSSETT, COORDINATOR

because there are so many people there who are in the same boat, and I’ve seen several get so excited that they started coming to my regular studio classes outside of Tupelo Fit.” Offerings such as Neal’s hourlong monthly Lunar Yoga class under the stars at Ballard Park bring an average of 20 to 40 students to Tupelo Fit every week. The open-door policy means no red tape or sign-ins for participants to join.

Activities are held in public parks, exercise studios or gyms, and there are no class cancellations. When inclement weather threatens, outdoor classes just move indoors.

Coordinator Alison Dossett plans class selection on user feedback.

Keeping the options varied is important.

“I try to cover all the bases when we’re scheduling because it keeps people motivated,” she said. “We’ve done everything from Aqua Zumba classes to Piloxing and boot camp workouts, and everyone I talk to just wants more opportunities to get out there and try something new. You can’t get bored with a workout plan when it’s always changing. Then it becomes a lifestyle change.”

The program has given Gough a renewed vigor for fitness. Tupelo Fit introduced her to Piyoga, a high-energy mix of Pilates and yoga that has become her twice-weekly obsession. She also met a new workout buddy who keeps her on her toes through the program.

And although she runs religiously and does yoga on the side, Tupelo Fit is still a weekly reminder to keep the routine fresh.

“If there’s nothing work-related on the schedule I’m usually there,” Gough said. “And I always feel better after I go. You can’t beat that.”

For information on upcoming Tupelo Fit workouts, visit facebook.com/ tupelofit.

November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

57

Christmas...

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE

As the holiday season approaches, this Tupelo family’s home reflects the joy of the season.

by Emily Welly photographed by Joe Worthem

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INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

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60

INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders Institute, PLLC PLLC Jayant Dey, M.D., M.B.B.S. Nancy Hooks, C.N.P.

Dr. Dey & his staff would like to wish everyone a happy holiday!

...EVERYWHERE YOU GO Christmas arrives early in the home of Mary Margaret and Ryan Simmons. Their house is decorated from top to bottom the week before Thanksgiving. Mary Margaret’s vision guides the decor, but her friend Bill Collins of Meridian, Miss., is the one who does the heavy lifting. He uses some of the family’s items but also provides many of the decorations, including two or three bedecked trees and a nativity set that reflects their beliefs.

Just as important as traditional items are holiday decorations made by the Simmonses’ children, Causey, 11, and Bounds, 8.

“The things my kids make are my favorite things. Those have the most memories,” Mary Margaret said.

The Simmonses entertain at the holidays – hosting a pancake breakfast for their son and a brunch for Mary Margaret’s friends, and participating in a holiday home tour last year – but Mary Margaret said she does not decorate just to please visitors.

“I just love it. I don’t do it for anyone else to see but myself,” she said.

In fact, her foremost piece of decorating advice is to be true to yourself rather than copy the latest trends.

“You need to do what you love. What you yourself actually love,” she said.

910 Mary Vance Drive, Tupelo, Mississippi 38801 • Phone:

662.377.6275 • Fax: 662.377.6299

November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

61

Dr. Phillip Graham, Optometrist

SHANNON & GRAHAM EYE CLINIC

Bill Seawright, Optician Melanie Sellers, Tech

662.489.4741 14 East Marion Street Pontotoc, MS 38863

214 W. Market St. Booneville, MS 662-416-1534 Wed-Fri 10-5 and Sat 10-2

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INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

807 Suite A Varsity Dr.•Tupelo, MS Located inside Thrifty Sisters 662-350-3845

The Creative Touch Day Spa & Salon

Christmas Packages 2014 Snow Angel for her

Hot Stone Therapy Massage • Aveda Facial Manicure • Pedicure - $231.00

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Hot Stone Therapy Massage • Hydrating Facial Men’s Pedicure • Men’s Cut - $205.00

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60 minute Swedish Massage Manicure • Pedicure - $128.00

Santa’s Little Helper

Child’s Manicure • Child’s Pedicure • Child’s Cut - $44.00 Call ahead and we will have your Gift Certificate wrapped and ready

www.creativetouchtupelo.com • 2613-A Tracewood Dr., Tupelo, MS 38801 • 662.844.3734

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 662-534-3438 VISIT WWW.NEWALBANYMAINSTREET.COM

821 S Gloster St Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 842-7260

Mon - Sat 6 am – 8:30 pm Sun 7 am – 2 pm

Connie’s Chicken

Family owned & operated.

In business for over 37 years & voted Tupelo’s Best Fried Chicken.

November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

63

Painting the 64

INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

Town

Artist Morris McCain has made a lasting impression on the Tupelo area with the murals he’s been painting for more than four decades.

by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem

November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

65

When the time comes, we have the perfect place for your loved one

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INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

www.ComfortKeepers.com An international network of independently owned and operated offices © 2009 CK Franchising, Inc.

Morris McCain’s artwork

is perhaps the most well known in Tupelo.

People might not recognize the artist’s name, but they do know his work.

The four phases of Elvis mural at the Ice House on Spring Street, the Tupelo historical landmark mural at Romie’s Grocery, and the giant book stack mural on Reed’s department store downtown are just a few of his most easily recognized pieces.

McCain’s kind of graffiti creates landmarks that attract tour buses and business. It’s an art form that Tupelo Convention and Visitors

Bureau Executive Director Neal McCoy says “showcase[s] why Tupelo is an upbeat, happy city where anything can happen.”

“Folks don’t have any clue when they meet me at work,” McCain said. “They walk into Reed’s and ask who painted the book mural or one of those inside, and they just say, ‘Oh, that’s Morris. He’s back there in the shoe department.’”

McCain has been employed at Reed’s since 1967, just a few years before he painted his first commissioned mural in the area at a Verona, Miss., church for $60. The Amory, Miss.,

native taught himself to paint as a young U.S. Air Force airman stationed in Minnesota.

He began painting murals for church baptisteries when he moved to Tupelo after his enlistment ended.

Morris, 71, spent much of his time off work during the past several decades making his mark on city buildings, both inside and out. The more he painted, the more his own style emerged.

He calls it the “Trial-and-Error School of Art.” There are no art school tuitions or gallery walls involved, and he makes up his own rules.

Morris McCain’s murals were recognized as the state’s best public art in 1997 by the Mississippi Downtown Development Association (now known as the Mississippi Main Street Association), and he has painted more since then. Previous page, his historical landmark mural at Romie’s Grocery. Above, the book mural outside Reed’s has a 3-D effect. At left, an abstract mural of the cosmos lines a hallway at Tupelo Middle School.

November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

67

The mural pictured above is located in the “Transplorium” at Tupelo Middle School, a room decorated with artwork depicting the history of transportation in the region. The painting shows the old Tupelo railroad depot that was located on South Spring Street, and it includes the cotton compress that once anchored the growing city’s economy.

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INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

“I never started out painting little things and then moved up. I’ve never been able to paint just one thing on a wall and be done. I want the whole wall in detail, and it can’t look like a cartoon,” he said. “It isn’t what I would call up to academic standards; it’s just me.”

It all starts with a paper sketch McCain scales up to fit the wall he’s painting.

Many of his works, including the mural outside Reed’s and his billboard depicting the life of Christ on the city outskirts in Verona, look three-dimensional. McCain achieves the 3-D effect through a homemade process that uses Dryvit wall coating and construction foam usually used for faux brick finishes.

After cutting images such as the individual books for the store mural from large slabs of the foam, he secures one cutout on top of another with a Dryvit paste. Then he covers the whole thing with waterproof sealant before painting the details with fade-resistant concrete paint.

If a project is too large to construct

on-site, McCain splits the work into manageably sized panels he can create elsewhere, transport and piece together afterward. It takes anywhere from a month to a year to complete the artwork, with installation taking up to six months.

McCain used much the same process inside when he painted a riverboat mural on the fourth-floor rehab unit of Northeast Mississippi Medical Center and a history of transportation mural at Tupelo Middle School.

He’s considered taking up painting portraits or smaller works now that his age makes working on scaffolding more precarious, but he says his days of creating murals aren’t over yet.

“There are times when I pass by my art on the street and think, ‘Wow. Did I really do that?’ At my age, I’m more hesitant about those kinds of heights, but I don’t think I’ve ever turned down a good wall,” he said. “I like my art out in the open where the public can enjoy it.”

Periodontics and Dental Implants Dr. Michael M. Perry • Dr. Brenda L. Fowler Oxford • Bartlett • Collierville • Southaven • Memphis

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PY TO SCHEDULE YOU FOR A T IMPLANT CONSULT.

To schedule your implant evaluation appt. please call today 866.667.4867

Dr. Perry, Dr. Fowler, and their staff are happy to schedule you for a periodontal evaluation and/or a no cost implant consult.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2014

TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER MATINEE 2:00 P.M. EVENING 7:30 P.M. LIVE MUSIC BY THE TUPELO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SCHOOL SHOW FOR AREA STUDENTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 AT 9:30 A.M.

November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

69

PETS

of the Month

ALICE

FLASH 70

INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

Adoption is the best way to help stray animals. Stop by the Tupelo-Lee Humane Society at 2400 S. Gloster St., or visit tupeloleehumane.org to make a donation.

RASCAL

SPICE

TABITHA November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

71

IN SEASON Holiday Classics

by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem

F

or the past 27 years, Christians On the Move to Evangelize (C.O.M.E.) has fed hundreds of local people free Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Glenda Payne has been cooking for them almost all of those years.

The organization delivers complete meals, from turkey and dressing to sides and desserts, to anyone in need – homebound individuals, single families, and even inmates at the Lee County Jail.

As part of the multichurch, multi­ denominational movement, Payne and her fellow volunteers reach out to residents from Lee, Itawamba, Union, Prentiss, Pontotoc and Monroe counties. C.O.M.E. delivered around 700 meals to people last Thanksgiving alone.

“Serving them is always a blessing, and it seems like we have more volunteers and more deliveries every year,” Payne said. “The dressing we serve is a mishmash recipe of my mother and mother-in-law’s. I never could choose between the two, so I just mixed them together.

Now all these people get to enjoy what we had at our family table all those years.”

That recipe is printed here, along with a cranberry salad recipe, also from her mother’s kitchen. “Who needs canned sauce when you can have this?” Payne said.

To volunteer or request a meal from C.O.M.E. this holiday season, contact the Temple of Compassion and Deliverance at 662-8440843. Meals will be cooked and plated at Harrisburg Baptist Church.

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INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

Old-Fashioned Turkey Dressing Dark meat from a 10-12 pound turkey (roast breast meat separately and serve sliced on the side) 1 bunch celery, chopped 2 onions, chopped Salt to taste Pepper to taste Sage to taste Water 1 large can cream of mushroom soup 1 large can cream of chicken soup 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped 1 large pan of cornbread Preheat oven to 350°F. Wash turkey, and place in large pot with celery, onions, salt, pepper and sage. Add enough water to cover turkey. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and let cook until completely done, about 1 1/2-2 hours, and then cool. When broth is cool enough to handle, remove turkey and set aside. Remove and set aside some broth at this time so you can later adjust the thickness of the dressing. Add mushroom soup, chicken soup and eggs to remaining broth. Crumble cornbread into broth.

Taste and adjust seasonings (by adding celery, onion, salt, pepper, sage) to your liking, and add reserved broth as needed. Debone turkey and add to the dressing. Stir, move to baking dish, and bake until brown, about 30 minutes.

Cranberry Salad

1 (3-ounce package) strawberry gelatin 2 oranges, peeled and seeded 2 apples, cored 1 bag fresh cranberries ¼ cup crushed pineapple ¼ cup chopped nuts ¾ cup sugar Make strawberry gelatin according to package instructions, and set aside. Wash and chop or grind oranges, apples and cranberries.

Mix together with pineapple and nuts. Stir in sugar. Add to gelatin and let mold. Serve as cranberry sauce.

the cotton bolt

Drapery & Upholstery Fabrics • Reclaimed Wood Furniture • Custom Drapery Hardware • Trims & Tassels • Feather Pillow Inserts • Custom Upholstery Furniture • Vast Selection of Rugs WHOLESALE PRICES AND BELOW. EVERYDAY!

1727 McCullough Blvd. Tupelo, MS 662-841-2621 November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Lisa Roberts

events Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.

Thousands of runners, walkers and volunteers gathered in Fairpark Oct. 25 for the Susan G. Komen North Mississippi Race for the Cure. Proceeds from the 5K race for breast cancer awareness benefit local and national research, education and screening programs.

Chelsea Holt, Debbie Hutchens and Danielle Del Grande

Jy’Nahia Pounds, Rayshun Blanchard, Tameka Kennedy, Addie Blanchard, Jake Morris and Earlene Agnew

Shirley Bolen, Sonya Butler, Cassie Hill and Connye Baker

Cindy Edwards, Joyce Jones and Ellen Malone

Ruby Bradley and Burnice Caldwell

Destiny Phillips, Jennifer Elliott and Deanna Moody

Teresa Dye and Pat Paul

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Ashley Wilson and Amber Terry

INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

Cheryl Morris and Micki White

Cassie Harris and Danielle Garmon

662-680-4506 144 South Thomas, Spanish Village Court, Suite 101-6, Tupelo, MS 38801

MON - FRI 10:00 - 6:00 SAT 10:00 - 3:00 365-ROOF •114 WEST MAIN STREET HISTORIC DOWNTOWN BALDWYN

November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Chasity Dees

events Fall FUNdraiser in Frisco Park View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.

Amory Main Street Inc. hosted its Fall FUNdraiser Oct. 30 in Frisco Park to support downtown development. The event included live music, a chili cook-off, trunk-or-treat, games, and costume and pumpkin carving contests. facebook.com/amorymainstreetinc

Kylie Faulkner and Marietta Guthery

Kelly Martin, Scott Spencer, Stephanie Hall and Judy Baxter

Debbie Edwards, Janice Pickle and Mary Dorris

Theresa Glenn and Brenda Boozer

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Abbie Hester and Brandi Cook

Daleigh Gentry and Carson Westbrook

INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

Lorie Bryant and Anna Brooke Bryant

Misty Hutcheson and Haley Muse

Brooke Galloway, Pam Sullivan and Leah Higginbotham

Emma, Andie and Mary Long

Kerry Jo Todd and Kerigan Todd

er, and tween clothing Baby, toddl

and gifts

Christmas with the North Mississippi Symphony Featuring Vivaldi’s breathtaking Winter concerto from The Four Seasons and Howard Blake’s stunning animated video The Snowman.

December 13, 2014 7:30 pm at Link Centre Concert Hall

662-706-1128 65rosesmarketplace.gmail.com 105 E Main St. Baldwyn, MS

November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

77

photographed by Chasity Dees

events Tupelo Oktoberfest View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.

Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association held Tupelo Oktoberfest Oct. 30. The festival included polka dancing with a live German band, an all-German car show, a beer stein holding contest, authentic German food from local restaurants and a variety of beers.

Tracie Fitts and Crystal Jenkins

Courtney Culpepper and Nick Snyder

Jason Hayden and Russell Stafford

Izzie and Abe Zimmerman

Richard Douglas, Jim Bossert and Paul Morton

Thomas Parson and Bill Besancon

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INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

Adam Oaks and Justin Swinney

T.J. Dunn, Beverly Reddick and Erin Falconer

Shane and Heather Bowen

Taylor Neal and Amanda Hayden

Katie and Chad Bowen

Cindy and Norman Tarnoff

Tracy and Jason Taylor with Adriane Purvis

Nancy and Justin Enlow

Gift Cards available in all amounts.

Special hair removal packages available for the holidays.

Call Jade for more information.

Kellen, Jade & Amanda

Men & Women Welcome!

900 Earl Frye Blvd Suite A Amory, Mississippi 38821 Phone: (662) 256-9331 ext. 207 Fax: (662) 256-9335 Hours: Mon - Fri, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Look for us on Facebook

w w w. p a n d s c l i n i c . c o m November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Chasity Dees

events Trunk-or-Treat View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationtupelo.

Jefferson Street’s Oct. 31 trunk-or-treat event was sponsored by First Methodist, First Presbyterian, All Saints’ Episcopal, St Paul’s United Methodist and First Christian churches, as well as Lee County Library and Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association.

McKenzie Seals and Alyssa Dees

Emma Grey and Siera Mcgehee

Tracy Lagrone, Makayla Steele and Jayden Robinson

Kelly Coggin and Alena Komarec

Michelle and Emma Waits with Emma Lou Clingan

Margaret Bloomer and Jennifer Johnson

www.BarkleyTravel.com

A Smoky Mountain New Year’s Eve

141 West Bankhead St New Albany, MS 38652 Phone: 662-534-5203

British Landscapes

(Dec 29, 2014 – Jan 1 , 2015) • Three nights lodging in Pigeon Forge • Country Tonite Show • The Grand Majestic Theater • Applewood Farmhouse Dinner • The Wood Grill Dinner Buffet • Dinner at The Old Mill Restaurant • 3 Breakfasts • Shopping at the Outlet Malls • Guided tour of the Smoky Mountains

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Maddie Pressley and Vickie Manning

INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

(April 16 - April 25, 2015) Day 1: Overnight Flight Day 2-3: Grange Tower Bridge Hotel, London Day 4: Marriott York, York Day 5-6: King James Thistle Hotel, Edinburgh Day 7: Ruthin Castle, Ruthin Day 8-9: Falcon Hotel, Stratford-Upon-Avon

346-A West Oxford Street Pontotoc, MS 662-489-1074

T he Red Door Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday- Friday 10a.m.-5:30p.m. • Saturday 10a.m.-5:00p.m.

346-A West Oxford St. Pontotoc, Ms 662-489-1074

Exclusively accepting Ambetter insurance within a 60 Mile radius.

Dr. William Johnson

• Pelvic Pain • Painful Periods • Irregular Menses • Leaking Urine

All major insurances accepted including: Ambetter, Medicare, Medicaid, Magnolia, & United Healthcare MSCAN

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse • Menopausal Symptoms • Healthy You Examination

We Offer Same Day or Next Day Gynecology Appointments

Call fo

Now with 2 locations to better serve you: Booneville Office 100 Hospital Street Booneville, Mississippi 38829

www.w

New Albany Office 403 Doctors Drive New Albany, Mississippi 38652

Call for an appointment Today!

662.534.0890 www.williamjohnsongynecology.com November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

Now wit

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out and about

CONTINUED ON PAGE 84

SEW SASSY FIRST-BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

VERONA, MISS., WALK FOR BREAST CANCER

Christi and Caden White with Stefanie Bryant, Kacyn Curry, Brandi Mauney, Cayden Corbin and Fran Kelly

Felicia Spraggins, Brenda Kizer, Terika Green, Kaiyden Fields, LaPorsha Green, Connie Agnew and Anita Dukes

VERONA WALK FOR BREAST CANCER

AUTISM CENTER RIBBON CUTTING AND OPEN HOUSE

Paulette Collins and Kim Chandler

Haley Wood and Bonnie Coley

FRIENDS OF THE LEE COUNTY LIBRARY BOOK SALE

Karla Morales, Jocelin Telesforo and Hannah Baker

Debbie Jones, Kelly Tyer and David Prather

Brittany Cuevas and Katie McMillan

EXPRESS LUBE REOPENING AFTER TORNADO

TUPELO REFORESTATION CONFERENCE

HOWL-O-WEEN AT DILWORTH ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Gwin Berryhill, Randy Groover and Stephen Cantrell

Lucille Stone, Sherrie Cochran, Tina Betts and Reginald Rose

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INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

Sara Nelms, Laurie Dilworth Simons, Mel Whitfield with Henry, and Amy Parker

November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

83

out and about

CONTINUED ON PAGE 86

ABOUT THE SOUTH TAILGATE

DARRELL WALTRIP VISITS TOYOTA

Sabrina Dalton, Gina Reiss, Jessica Chambers, Amanda Hendrix, Amanda Ray and Traci Teresa Garcia, Darrell Waltrip, Holly Chism and Deanna Mayberry Gregg GUMTREE MUSEUM GUILD MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

MEET AND GREET KENN GRAY AT FARMHOUSE

Valerie Whitwell, Kathryn Barrow, Allie West, Karen Alvarez and Amy Hudson

Laura Ashley, Kristi Lake and Becky Rollins

MEET AND GREET KENN GRAY AT FARMHOUSE

CELEBRATION OF ADOPTION

Jim Murphree, Kenn Gray and Amy Murphree

Amanda Ashcraft, Kala Johnson and Renae Vallas

Sally Agnew, Beverly Crossen and Jenea Britton

Ron Matis with Jayce and Jay Carney

NORTH MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER SPIRIT OF WOMEN GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT

Tina Stevens, Shelley Hamblin and Vickie Arnold

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INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

Liz Dawson and Dr. Sheri Prentiss

Rebecca Strickland and Marietta Massey

SUNDAY 1-5, NOVEMBER 23, 2014 VISIT SHOPS IN DOWNTOWN PONTOTOC, OXFORD STREET & BY-PASS FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS NEEDS.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1ST, 6:30 P.M. CHRISTMAS PARADES “TWAS THE PARADE BEFORE CHRISTMAS” LOOK FOR PARADES IN ECRU, SHERMAN, TOCCOPOLA & THAXTON

Shop,Eat & Enjoy

theSeason!

FLOORING & INTERIORS

2715 Hwy 145 South • Saltillo, MS 869-3545

November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

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out and about

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 84

WOMEN’S SYMPOSIUM

ULTA CUT-A-THON BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FUNDRAISER

Gabrielle Cooper, Beverly Crossen, Mimi McGraw, Cathy Fitzpatrick and Raigen Miskelly

Laura Adams, Audrianna Coleman, Courtney Swinney, Laura Lann, Bethney Speck, Pamela Tate and Paige Murphy

NMMC NICU REUNION

GREAT PUMPKIN SPLASH

Carrie Hoing, Tripp and Nicole Benjamin, and Dana Hobby Madeline, Olivia and Riley Lollar with NMMC NICU staff members

Ashley and Mae Martin

GREAT STRIDES WALK

Curt Moore, Tai Bedford and Carson Spires

SOUTHWIND OPEN HOUSE

Randy Groover, Jim Homan and Greg Thames

Timothy Elkins with Marissa and Barry Edwards

SIX-MONTH ANNIVERSARY OF NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI TORNADO

NEWMS MEMBERS ANNUAL LUNCHEON

Mayor Jason Shelton, Matt Laubhan, Stephen Adams, Wesley Yarber and Lexy Wages

Zell Long and Martha Swindle

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INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

Sandi Morris and Jan Reid Bunch

Inita McMullan and Mary Stubbs

November 2014 | INVITATION TUPELO

87

TUPELO SPIRIT Larry Ferguson interviewed by Melanie Crownover

photographed by Joe Worthem

S

ometimes Tupelo Spirit expands outside the city limits. Larry Ferguson, of Pontotoc, Miss., founded Ashley’s Angels in 1996 after answering one girl’s holiday wish. This year, the group hopes to fund Christmas for more than 600 children in Tupelo and beyond.

Q: How did this start?

A: My wife was a teacher, and there was this little girl crying in her class because she didn’t think she was going to get to have Christmas.

It broke my heart. I got with some guys at work and raised $685 to help her family that year. Then I thought if we did it for them, why couldn’t we do it again and for more people?

Last year we raised $141,000, and we’re in Pennsylvania and California now, too.

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INVITATION TUPELO | November 2014

Q: What motivates you?

A: Nobody really understands what these kids

Q: How do you find the families?

A: We go through the counselors in the

are going through unless they’ve been there.

My coach in high school bought my letter jacket for me because there were 11 of us at home, and we couldn’t afford the $28. All he asked was that I would give to someone else one day.

schools. They let us know if there’s a kid who needs help.

Q: How does Ashley Furniture fit in?

A: So many people think the name is for the factory because I drive for them, but it’s really the name of the daughter of a guy who helped us that first year. A bunch of the people I work with do payroll deductions because the company matches us up to $50,000. But we fundraise all year with gospel singings, bike rides, anything to get donations to help the kids in north Mississippi.

Q: How early do you start shopping?

A: We bought for 53 kids [on a] Saturday in [mid-October] at the Pontotoc Walmart and will shop every weekend until we deliver in mid-December. We show up, hand out the lists to our volunteer shoppers and fill the buggies.

It’s clothes and toys from a family-made wish list, and everyone gets a Bible. After we’re done, we go bag it up to give to the families.

To donate or volunteer with Ashley’s Angels, contact Ferguson at 662-419-0502.