Invitation Tupelo - August 2015

AUGUST 2015

BACK TO

SCHOOL

deciphering

dyslexia

ivy league exper ienc an e

Great performances start with great teams.

Recognized in Cardiac Care, Knee & Hip Replacement and Spine Surgery It takes teamwork and skill to be one of the best every day. That’s why North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo is proud to be named a Blue Distinction + Center of Excellence for Spine Surgery, Cardiac Care and Knee & Hip Replacement by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi members now have 24/7 access to our high level of care with out-of-pocket savings compared to other hospitals and health systems in the region. It’s a win-win for you and your health.

For more information on these distinctions, visit nmhs.net/blue_distinctions.php.

To learn more about Blue Distinction Centers for Specialty Care®, please visit www.bcbsms.com.

Jason Warren, Broker/Owner Robin Walton, Broker/Associate Neel Dean, Broker/Associate

MLS# 15-252 $139,900

MLS# 15-2208 $465,000

MLS# 15-1618 $254,900

MLS# 15-146 $284,900

MLS# 15-2093 $126,900

MLS# 15-650 $199,900

1737 CEDARWOOD DR. BELDEN 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

4810 BROADMOOR LN. BELDEN 4 Bedrooms; 4 Bathrooms

829 HIGHLAND PARK DR. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms

4710 LAKEWAY DR. BELDEN 3 Bedrooms; 2,5 Bathrooms

3604 COTTONBOWL LN. BELDEN 2 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

616 NORTH MADISON ST. TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

MLS# 14-3223 $309,999

MLS# 15-1084 $235,000

MLS# 14-3332 $439,500

MLS# 15-2195 $119,900

MLS# 15-2214 $120,000

MLS# 15-1255 $135,000

4746 MEADOW LN. BELDEN 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms

4595 PINE CONE LN. BELDEN 5 Bedrooms; 3.5 Bathrooms

2962 OLD BELDEN CR. BELDEN 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

2032 SPRINGFIELD DR. BELDEN 2 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

MLS# 15-672 $99,900

MLS# 15-1202 $95,000

MLS# 15-293 $235,000

1116 BIENVILLE ST. TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

2342 BARNES CROSSING RD. SALTILLO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms

4526 RIDGEMOOR BELDEN 4 Bedrooms; 3.5 Bathrooms

MLS# 15-828 $449,900

MLS# 15-2234 $279,900

151 PATTON LN. GUNTOWN 5 Bedrooms; 4 Bathrooms

4515 VILLAGE CV. BELDEN 4 Bedrooms; 2.5 Bathrooms

MLS# 15-1396 $480,000

MLS# 15-1914 $79,900

177 COUNTY ROAD 1200 TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

150 LONG ST. GUNTOWN 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

1233 WINDWOOD CV. TUPELO 2 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

MLS# 15-814 $795,000 1536 COLUMBINE DR. TUPELO 5 Bedrooms; 8 Bathrooms

MLS# 15-489 $100,000

MLS# 15-1471 $65,000

103 WILLOW CREEK DR. SALTILLO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

804 HILL N DALE DR. TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 1 Bathrooms

The sign you want, the team you need. | 2 INVITATION TUPELO

August 2015

2601 BAY CIRCLE TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

MLS# 15-1595 $275,000 7 CLIFF CV. WATERWAY IN FULTON 3 Bedrooms; 4 Bathrooms

MLS# 15-2288 $172,000 147 BENTGRASS CR. SALTILLO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

307 WEST MAIN STREET TUPELO | MS | 38804

MLS# 14-3153 $105,000

MLS# 15-2307

$349,900

MLS# 14-3288 $299,900

MLS# 15-2177 $335,000

MLS# 14-3287 $619,500

1952 BORDEAUX LN. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3.5 Bathrooms

120 EDGEWATER DR. SALTILLO 4 Bedrooms; 4 Bathrooms

5362 CHESTERVILLE RD. TUPELO 6 Bedrooms; 4.5 Bathrooms

MLS# 15-974 $305,000

908 BEECHNUT TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

109 DESSERT CV. SALTILLO 10,560 Sq. Ft.

MLS# 15-1988 $125,000

MLS# 15-2273 $109,900

MLS# 15-2029 $850,000

MLS# 14-3314 $199,900

MLS# 15-2107 $319,000

MLS# 15-338 $1,125,000

1109 ARMSTRONG LN. TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

908 BIRCH TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

1930 FORREST PARK TUPELO 5 Bedrooms; 5 Bathrooms

1956 INTERNATIONAL DR. TUPELO 2,400 Sq. Ft.

717 JONES DR. TUPELO 5 Bedrooms; 3.5 Bathrooms

972 DEBEAU ST. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 4 Bathrooms

MLS# 15-1964 $65,000 1514 LEIGHTON DR. TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

MLS# 15-2151

$162,900

525 N. MADISON ST. TUPELO 2 Bedrooms; 1 Bathroom

120 HIGH POINT DR. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 4 Bathrooms

MLS# 15-695 $159,900

MLS# 15-688 $175,000

818 SUNNYSIDE TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms

410 MAGAZINE ST. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

508 WESSON PARK RD. SALTILLO 3 Bedroom; 2 Bathrooms

2002 HUMMINGBIRD LN. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

MLS# 15-1481 $389,500

MLS# 15-978 $125,000

MLS# 14-3136 $450,000

MLS# 15-610 $124,900

MLS# 15-589 $195,000

MLS# 15-1814 $65,000

1207 MOCKINGBIRD TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

4214 RIDGEMONT DRIVE BELDEN 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms

1546 LARKSPUR TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 4 Bathrooms

407 MAGNOLIA DR. TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

1813 SUMMERLAKE DR. TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

804 & 806 POST ST. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

MLS# 15-1723 $189,000

MLS# 14-3214 $389,900

MLS# 14-3134 $189,900

MLS# 15-823 $369,900

MLS# 15-1075 $380,000

MLS# 14-3585 $989,000

611 RACOVE DR. TUPELO 6 Bedrooms; 4 Bathrooms

611 NORTH THOMAS ST. TUPELO 5 Bedrooms; 4.5 Bathrooms

518 MAGNOLIA TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms

129 PIEDMONT TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms

2566 PRIMROSE TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms

3070 ORCHID CR. TUPELO 5 Bedrooms; 4.5 Bathrooms

MLS# 15-2210 $189,900

MLS# 15-2105 $169,900

MLS# 15-1458 $205,000

MLS# 15-1203 $109,500

MLS# 15-523 $139,900

MLS #15-2418 $300,000

1502 ROGERS DR. TUPELO 5 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms

5984 WESTWIND DR. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

644 PALMETTO RD. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms

1900 SWALLOW LN. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 2.5 Bathrooms

4039 MEADOW CR. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms

MLS# 15-2078 $143,500

MLS# 15-1199 $259,900

662.842.2710

2620 PEMBERTON TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

JasonWarrenTupelo.com

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

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IN THIS ISSUE

AUGUST 2015

BACK TO

SCHOOL

deciphering

dyslexia

ivy league exper ienc an e

AUGUST 2015

EVENTS

38 Sixth-Grade Symphony

Students develop a love for music in Milam Elementary School’s string orchestra, and as they progress through the year, they also learn that with hard work they can achieve their goals.

18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66

Delta Sigma Theta Reception Mulan Jr. Special Olympics Unified Relay Southern Motion Tournament Butler Memorial Tournament Freedom Ride Disney Live!

Dick’s Football Camp Tupelo Elvis Festival Music, Monet and Margaritas Honeybee Classic Tournament Father-Daughter Gumtree Ball Down on Main Concert Laughs for Lungs Slugburger Festival Corinth Green Market Ladies Football Clinic

ANNOUNCEMENTS 41 Deciphering Dyslexia

16 Bouldin & Coleman

One mother’s mission to help her son has resulted in meaningful changes that will benefit Mississippi students for years to come.

DEPARTMENTS

44 Songwriters Amp Up Singer-songwriters gather weekly at local establishments to perform original music.

49 Amish Made, Authentically Sold Goods from the state’s only Amish settlement are sold through a unique partnership.

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

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8 10 12 14 69 72

Letter From the Publisher What’s Happening Community Corner: TCM In Season: Eggplant Out and About Tupelo Spirit: Caitlin Gardner

Hello,

Tupelo!

Children’s of Mississippi, part of UMMC, now has a Tupelo clinic treating children with heart problems, diabetes and hormone disorders.

Clinic location:

1150 South Green Street Building #2, Suite D Journal Business Park

To schedule an appointment call 888.815.2005.

We also offer inpatient care to kids at North Mississippi Medical Center.

Salwa Gendi, MD, Pediatric Cardiology Jessica Sparks Lilley, MD, Pediatric Endocrinology Jana Sperka, MD, Pediatric Hospital Medicine

ummchealth.com/tupelo

Š UMMC 2015. All rights reserved.

com_INVTUPELO_3.875x9.875.indd 1

August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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7/16/15 9:09 AM

the publisher

LETTER FROM

I

n the fall of 1985, I began the third grade. I’d had difficulty in second grade, but my marks were just barely good enough to advance. It was evident to my parents and teachers early into the school year that I was struggling even more in third grade. After many tests, we found out why: I’m dyslexic. My parents were given two options. I could be placed into special education classes for the rest of my school career, or I could return to second grade. Neither decision was easy, but my mom and dad opted for the latter. It was hard on me as an 8-year-old, but with my kind teachers, friends (who to this day are like sisters) and the constant love and support of my parents, I pulled through. It was difficult, but I believe repeating second grade helped me become who I am today.

This month you’ll find a story on page 41 that hit close to home. Local mother Katie McCustion has worked tirelessly to bring attention to students with dyslexia. Her efforts, inspired by her son, Ian, are changing the future for thousands of students with learning differences.

Like Ian, I was fortunate to have parents who were fully invested and believed in me.

Following my experience in second grade, my parents thought it was important to help me find a hobby. At age 9, I began studying voice with a professor from a nearby college who directed a regional children’s choir. It was the first time in my life I can remember excelling. Even

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

Publisher Rachel West in 1985 at Alma Spikes Elementary School in Pocahontas, Ark.

today, that feeling of confidence stays with me.

That’s why this month we’re also highlighting Milam Elementary School’s symphony orchestra class (page 38), a great example of how learning happens outside the traditional classroom, too. As school resumes this month, let’s remember that while learning isn’t always easy for everyone, it can be fun and inspire confidence, no matter where it takes place.

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Alise M. Emerson, Leigh Lowery, Lynn McElreath, Moni Simpson, Whitney Worsham DESIGNERS Becca Bailey, Zach Fields, Courtney Sims CONTRIBUTING WRITER Sonia Thompson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Chasity Dees, Andrew Stanford OFFICE MANAGER Hollie Hilliard COPY EDITOR Kate Johnson DISTRIBUTION Donald Courtney ADVERTISING INFORMATION (662) 701-8070 ads@invitationtupelo.com

RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER

MAIN OFFICE (662) 234-4008 To subscribe to one year (10 issues) of Invitation Tupelo, send payment of $50 to: P.O. Box 3192, Tupelo, MS 38802 or visit invitationtupelo.com to pay online.

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

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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

FOOTBALL HOME OPENERS August 21

CONCERTS, BENEFITS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS August 15

August 29

Mooreville High School

Junior Ranger Program

Boots, Bluegrass and BBQ

Mooreville Troopers vs. Baldwyn. 7 p.m.

In this Mammal Masquerade junior ranger program, children learn about mammals that live near the Natchez Trace Parkway and make animal masks to take home.

10-11 a.m. Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center.

662-680-4027

Sanctuary Hospice Junior Auxiliary presents an event to benefit Sanctuary Hospice House. Includes a barbecuetasting dinner, door prizes and live music by The Great American Holy Ghost Electric Show. Tickets $30 (includes admission and dinner); $20 for a chance at the jewelry giveaway. 6 p.m., The Antler.

662-407-2400

August 21 Saltillo High School Saltillo Tigers vs. North Pontotoc. 7 p.m.

August 21 Shannon High School Shannon Red Raiders vs. Caledonia. 7 p.m.

August 27 Itawamba Community College ICC Indians vs. Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

7 p.m.

August 28 Corinth High School Corinth Warriors vs. Tupelo. 7 p.m.

August 28 Amory High School Amory Panthers vs. Saltillo. 7 p.m.

September 4 Tupelo High School Tupelo Golden Waves vs. Shannon. 7 p.m.

September 5 University of Mississippi Ole Miss Rebels vs. University of Tennessee Martin.

11 a.m. (and televised on SEC Network)

September 12 Mississippi State University Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Louisiana State University.

8:15 p.m. (and televised on ESPN)

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

August 20 Caron Gallery Five Year Anniversary Caron Gallery celebrates its fifth anniversary with live music, door prizes and refreshments.

5-7 p.m., 128 W. Main St. thecarongallery.com

August 22 Pioneer Day The Tombigbee Pioneer Group performs living history demonstrations while families make pioneer-era crafts.

Free event takes place the fourth Saturday of every month.

10 a.m.-3 p.m., Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center.

662-680-4027

August 22 Summer Movie Series: Big Hero 6 Family-friendly movie Big Hero 6 will be shown on a big screen in Ballard Park, behind the soccer concession stand. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Free. 8:30 p.m.

August 22 Dance Like the Stars 10th Anniversary Local celebrities partner with professional instructors from The Dance Studio for a friendly dance competition that benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi.

Celebrities also raise sponsorship money, and the person who raises the most is named Grand Champion. The gala includes open dancing and music by The Edd Jones Orchestra. 6:30 p.m., BancorpSouth Arena. bgcnms.org

September 10 Down on Main Concert The final show in the free summer concert series features singer-songwriter James McMurtry and opening act Tim Easton. 6:30 p.m., Fairpark. tupelodownonmain.com

September 12 Touch-A-Truck Children touch, climb and explore trucks and heavy machinery and learn from the vehicle operators what purposes they serve in the community. Free event.

10 a.m.-1 p.m., Ballard Park.

September 13 WWE! Live Features wrestlers Randy Orton, Mr. Money in the Bank Sheamus, Big Show, Intercontinental Champion Ryback and Neville. Tickets $18-$103.

5 p.m., BancorpSouth Arena. bcsarena.com

HOME AND GARDEN Ongoing

Tupelo Farmers’ Depot Open 6 a.m.-noon Thursdays and Saturdays, and 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays. 415 S. Spring St. tupelomainstreet.com, 662-841-6598

August 20-23 Furniture, Gift and Home Accessories Show This retail event, open to the public, runs concurrently with Tupelo Furniture Market. Browse and buy boutique clothing, home furnishings, collectibles, electronics, art and picture frames, antiques, appliances, jewelry and more.

Open 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. Thursday, Saturday and Sunday; 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday. Tupelo Furniture Market. tfmhomeshow.com

September 5 Corinth Green Market The seventh annual season of Corinth’s monthly Green Market continues. The market is open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the historic Corinth Depot. corinthgreenmarket.net

September 8 Lee County Master Gardeners Class Learn from master gardener and instructor Dale Smith to create a backyard habitat. 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Lee County Extension Office. Free, but preregistration is required by calling 662-841-9000. leecountymastergardeners.com

September 11-13 Tupelo Flea Market Thousands attend Tupelo Flea Market, held the second weekend of each month at Tupelo Furniture Market Buildings I and III. Admission $1, kids under age 6 free. tupelofleamarket.net

August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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Corner

COMMUNITY Tupelo Children’s Mansion (TCM) has offered help and hope to orphaned and disadvantaged children since 1953 at its 40-acre campus, which includes a school and residential programs. Support from the community helps TCM provide for the physical, spiritual, emotional, social and educational needs of its residents.

DONATE TCM accepts monetary donations, clothing, food, personal care items, school supplies, over-the-counter medications, cleaning supplies and more. For a list of specific needs, visit mansionkids.org.

SPONSOR A CHILD Children living at TCM also receive support through sponsorships. “Sponsors are the lifeblood of Tupelo Children’s Mansion,” said Director of Sponsor Relations Annette Tomlinson. Sponsors support individual children by helping provide clothing, food, shelter, special educational needs, medical needs, parental support (through house parents) and personal care. In return, sponsors receive quarterly letters and pictures to update them on their child’s progress. Sponsorships start at 50 cents a day.

MORE INFORMATION To make a donation, sponsor a child or learn more, visit the TCM offices at 1801 E. Main St. from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, contact Tomlinson at 662-791-7726, or visit mansionkids.org.

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

Jason Warren, Broker/Owner Robin Walton, Broker/Associate Neel Dean, Broker/Associate

67

106

MLS# 15-745 $410,000 4611 PINE CONE LN. BELDEN 4 Bedrooms; 5 Bathrooms

MLS# 15-536 $205,000 1687 TREELINE DR. BELDEN 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

$185,000

1795 WOODSIDE CR. TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

$147,500

2012 SPRINGFIELD DR. BELDEN 3 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms

259 CROSSRIDGE CR. MOOREVILLE 4 Bedrooms; 5 Bathrooms

50

4

MLS# 15-1253 $145,000

MLS# 15-1803 $90,000

MLS# 15-582 $188,000

125 AZEALA TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms

710 CHESTER AVE. TUPELO 2 Bedrooms; 1 Bathrooms

1671 THICKET CV. BELDEN 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

57

5

79

MLS# 15-1560 $179,900

MLS# 15-1213 $239,900

MLS# 15-994 $210,000

MLS# 15-1616 $232,500

2956 OLD BELDEN CR. BELDEN 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

104 COBBS COVE SALTILLO 4 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

87 VALLEY VISTA DR. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrroms

2402 COUNTRY CLUB RD. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms

57 VALLEY VISTA DR. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms

20 MLS# 15-1585 $180,000

1200 SPRINGDALE DR. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms

6022 WESTWIND DR. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms

MLS# 15-668 $299,900 197 COUNTY ROAD 1389 SALTILLO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

The sign you want, the team you need.

10

84

MLS# 15-668 $299,900

37

34

MLS# 15-430 $330,000

6

MLS# 15-1553 $129,900

96

79

MLS# 15-1681

109 BENTGRASS CR. SALTILLO 4 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

21

14

MLS# 15-1404

MLS# 15-288 $239,900

22

100

36

MLS# 15-1271

$99,900

1154 THOMAS ST. TUPELO 2 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

136 MEGS LN. SALTILLO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

MLS# 15-571

$225,000

132 LITTLE TURKEY TRAIL TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

19

76

MLS# 15-1829 $143,500

MLS# 15-1439

25

$589,000

536 W. JEFFERSON ST. TUPELO

307 WEST MAIN STREET TUPELO | MS | 38804

662.842.2710

MLS# 15-2171

MLS# 15-1888

$239,500

4122 LONGVIEW RD. BELDEN 4 Bedrooms; 2.5 Bathrooms

12 $129,900

2109 FAWN GROVE RD. MANTACHIE 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms

MLS# 15-1424

$94,000

122 LOGHAN SALTILLO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

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August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO 13 JasonWarrenTupelo.com

IN SEASON

Eggplant WRITTEN BY Melanie Crownover PHOTOGRAPHED BY Joe Worthem

E

Ask us about Olapex!

Beautiful, Soft, & Natural Results!!!

662-205-4683

Holli Duffie, Megan Gale, Lindsay Henry, Candice Parker, Dawn Dyson, Ginger Carson, Shana Tatum,

1004 Commonwealth Blvd. Tupelo, MS 38804

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

ggplant was an annual crop in master gardener Kay Martin’s large garden on Camellia Cove in Tupelo. When she recently moved into the Spring Lake subdivision, she opted to grow it in five newly built raised beds instead.

A no-till method and modestly sized beds meant better drainage, the ability to plant earlier due to warmer soil and easier weeding thanks to paths between the beds. It also encouraged Martin and her husband to sow six instead of their usual four starter plants.

“Eggplant is such an easy plant to grow – I even grow some for my mother in containers – but this made it even easier for us,” she said.

“I can’t wait to see what we get this year. There will be plenty to share.”

Like tomatoes, eggplants are temperature sensitive and should be planted after the last frost. After that, they only require a little fertilizer and plenty of water, according to Martin.

She advises protecting the stems by using a knife at harvest and picking the fruits when they’re young, measuring 6-8 inches long.

“Our favorite kind is the Japanese Ichiban eggplant because they’re so mild,” Martin said.

“They’re long and skinny instead of fat and round like the American version, and you don’t have to soak them in salt before you prepare them, like the others.”

Both varieties produce most in the heat of the summer and can be harvested up to the first frost. Their hardy nature and pleasing flavor have made them a staple at the Martin house.

“We really have two favorite ways to eat them,” Martin said. “They’re wonderful fried or thrown in with a good penne pasta. We use our eggplant as a meat substitute a lot of times, and it’s so good you don’t even remember what’s missing.”

Dare 2 B Different Boutique

Fried Eggplant Egglant (Ichiban recommended, but any variety will do) Salt Pepper Buttermilk Flour Peanut oil Peel eggplant, and slice into long, ¼-inchthick slices. Sprinkle slices with salt and pepper.

Dredge in buttermilk, and then coat with flour.

Meanwhile, heat oil in large cast-iron skillet.

Carefully put eggplant slices in hot oil, and fry until brown on both sides, turning when needed. Drain on paper towels, and serve.

410A S. GLOSTER ST. TUPELO | MS 662.842.9010 TUESDAY - SATURDAY 11AM - 6PM

LIKE US!

Penne Pasta with Eggplant 6 ounces dried penne pasta 2 Tablespoons olive oil 1 pound eggplant, peeled and sliced into small pieces 2 Tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper ¼ teaspoon salt Minced garlic, to taste (optional) ⅓ cup apple juice or white wine 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped 2 Tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled Cook pasta according to package directions, and drain. Heat olive oil in large skillet.

Add eggplant, tomatoes and pepper. Cook and stir until eggplant is lightly browned. Add salt and garlic (if desired), and cook until eggplant is almost cooked through. Add juice or wine and basil. Simmer about 10 minutes. Add pasta to eggplant mixture, and cook 2 minutes. Top with feta cheese.

August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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CARMEN BOULDIN armen Bouldin and Dee Coleman were united in marriage at three o’clock in the afternoon May 16, 2015, at Manning Gardens in Guntown, Miss.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. Charles and Mrs. Karen Bouldin of Tupelo, Miss.

The groom is the son of Ms. Helen Coleman of Tupelo and Mr. Jimmy Garmon of Verona, Miss.

The Rev. Willie Bogan of Red Hill Missionary Baptist Church officiated the ceremony. Ceremonial music was provided by Charles “Trey” Bouldin III, guitarist and vocalist.

The bride, given in marriage by her parents, was escorted halfway by her two brothers, Charles and Chris, and then walked to meet her groom with her father. The bride walked down the aisle to The Only Reason by J.P. Cooper.

She wore a strapless gown with a trumpet bodice featuring allover sequined fabric with unique and opulent metallic gold lace appliqués.

Bridesmaids wore clover green satin dresses they chose based on their personal tastes and body types. Bethany Bonner served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Jaynita Myles, Rhaegan Garmon, Taylor Williams, Charity Foster and Porsha Shields. Rhyan Cameron was the glitter girl.

The groom wore navy seersucker pants, a navy blazer and a clover green and navy bowtie. He was accompanied by his closest friends, with Austin Davis serving as best man. Groomsmen were Macolm Hilbert, Pregon Staples, Jake Logan, Keymo Coleman, Raybric Mims and Michael Ledbetter. The ring security was Hunter Coleman III, nephew of the groom. The groomsmen wore navy slacks, white button-down shirts, suspenders and navy bow ties.

The couple exchanged vows surrounded by close family and friends. They participated in a cord tying of their unity knot, a reference to “A cord of three strands is not easily broken,” from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.

After they were announced as husband and wife, the groom rang his Mississippi State University cowbell as he kissed his bride, a University of Mississippi graduate. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Manning Gardens’ lakehouse. The bride and groom shared their first dance to John Legend’s You and I followed by the Bunny Hop by the Entourage. The bride and her father danced to My Girl by the Temptations. The groom and his mother shared a dance to James Taylor’s How Sweet It Is to Be Loved

by You. The couple honeymooned in Freeport, Bahamas, at a golf and spa resort. They have made their home in Saltillo, Miss.

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

& DEE COLEMAN

August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY ALLEGRA MEEKS AND FRED MIDDLEBROOKS

photographed by Chasity Dees

events Delta Sigma Theta Scholarship Reception View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.

The Tupelo alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta held a reception June 6 at People’s Baptist Church to honor the 17 recipients of its Jessie Nave-Carpenter Scholarship, awarded annually to graduating high school seniors from northeast Mississippi.

Geoffrey Pratt and Ja’Mia Woods

Santianna Rogers-McMillian, Mercedes Hannah and Kayla Pulphus

Gabrielle Fitzpatrick, Robert Herron and Tracey Young

Marcy Jamison, Natasha Richey and Twyla Crayton

Peggy Woods, Daphyne Bradley, Teri Price and Shirley Wood Tyreshia Young, Brandy Carouthers and Raven Foster

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

Jaymere Richey and Devin Hadley

Keontra Tyes, Napoleon Boyd and Sabrina Brandon

Sha Triplett and Janice Cosey

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Visit one of the Mid-South’s Premier Lighting Showrooms www.magnolialighting.com

photo credit Daily Journal

Back to School...

Back to Reed’s

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

Historic Downtown Tupelo

August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Chasity Dees

events Mulan Jr.

View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.

Tupelo Community Theatre’s summer youth theatre production of Mulan Jr. was staged June 18-20 at the Lyric Theatre. In addition to the annual summer production, TCT offers a weeklong summer camp for students in grades 1-8. For more information, visit tct.ms.

Mallory Davidson and Grace DeGuzman

Emma Yant with Sarah and Renee McGill

Sara Frances and Heather Wolfe

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

Megan Roland, Olivia Morris and Ashton Collins

Addison Clements, Betty Tudor and Pat Hogue

David Neely and Jacob Roland

Mae Barnes and Neely Rial

Mary Preston Evers and Myleea Lollar

Christian Mann and John Michael Phillips

Scarlett Williams and Kate Burleson

Prentiss Street Baldwyn, MS 662.365.8087

Prentiss Street Bal dwyn, MS 662.365.9876

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Kevin Knight

662-401-2913 662-842-3844 Kevin@tmhomes.com

878 Highland Park, Tupelo MLS#15-1930 Well maintained one owner home in Highland Park - 4 BR/2 BA - Sunroom Hardwood floors, new windows, doors, roof, HVAC - Inground pool. $249,000

210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford

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139 Creekwood Cr, Saltillo MLS#15-1231 Convenience and Beauty with room for everyone - large 3 BR/2.5 BA plus optional 4th BR/Bonus room - Custom upgrades - great curb appeal move in ready!

119 Cane Creek, Saltillo MLS#15-993 Beautiful custom built home in Sweet Water Subdivision, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, Pierce cabinets, hardwood throughout, custom lighting, open floor plan.

Hwy 145 N, Saltillo MLS#15-2309 Great Commercial Land on 145 South Saltillo. Utilities available, 3 acres, cleared great visibility. Water/sewer available. $275,000

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TUPELO | OXFORD

2705 Joe Wheeler Brown, Fulton MLS#15-2044 Beautiful - Breathtaking 60 acre estate on Tenn-Tom waterway. Approximately 6,900 sq ft, 6 BR/4.5 BA, pool & pool house - Pier - Boathouse with kitchen! $899,900

530 Reese Rd, Fulton MLS#15-1490 Rustic Retreat on the TN Tom Waterway - decks, patio, boat dock, pier, all appliances including washer and dryer. $ 239,900

August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Lisa Roberts

events Special Olympics Unified Relay View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.

The first Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America visited Tupelo June 9 as it made its way to Los Angeles for the world games with the torch. Taylor and Bill Rosenthal of Shannon, Miss., won the silver medal in golf in the games, which were held July 26-Aug. 2.

Jim Johnson and Taylor Rosenthal

Sarah Grace Poole and Victor Rogers

Joel & Lauren Vann

662.397.1545 • 662.397.1547 vann@tmhomes.com 210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

Tatum and Bill Rosenthal

Brad Freis, Keisha Herron, Sam Van Horn and Gemma Gibson

Matt, Penny and Emily Laubhan

Regina, Brandy and Steve Ashe

Jillean, Betty and Wayne Myles

Thomas Ford, Charlotte Cushing and Matt Geslin

Nash Bennett, Mayor Jason Shelton and J.J. Reed

Taylor Rosenthal and Jim Johnson

1592 Morning Glory Cr, Tupelo MLS# 15-1761 Welcome to Springlake! Spaciously designed 4BD/4BA. Gorgeous private pool & Jacuzzi complete w/pool house that includes a porch, wet bar, 1/2 BA & storage. Inside boasts of lg open kitchen w/eat-at-bar & breakfast area, formal dining, living area w/3 sided gas fireplace, large master w/gas FP & stunning Master BA, private office, 3-car garage, sunroom w/exposed brick overlooking backyard oasis w/professional landscaping & fully fenced private bckyrd. $363,500

237 CR 413, Houlka MLS#15-1420 If farm living is the life for you, look no further!

Beautiful 4BR/4BA country home (1850sf) w/ wd floors & screened sunroom. 8 yr old, 2BR/2BA gues or mother-in-law home (1629 sf). 4 stall barn w/ studio apartment above (746 sf). Heated & cooled tree house/ office (153sf). 40x40 shop w/metal bay. All on 67.4 ac w/fencing, ponds, and more! $369,000

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TUPELO | OXFORD

August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Lisa Roberts

events Southern Motion Tournament View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.

Southern Motion, a reclining-furniture manufacturer based in Pontotoc, Miss., hosted its annual golf tournament to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event on June 5 at Natchez Trace Golf Course.

Dick Daugherty, Ken Vaughn, David Vaughn, Richard Megginson and Charles Bumpas

Rick Lake and Paul Saval

Kim Easterling and Steve Berryhill with Jerry and Denver Russell

Kermit, Bill and Kermit Davis Sr. with Danny Wallace

t es USA w Lo s in ce Pri

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

Allison Tyler, Kelly Doss, Joe Vance and Drew Lipscomb

Mike White with Brooks and Todd Wing and Jay Ward

Steve Lake and John Gory

Buddy Fairley with Cindy and Boyce Googe and Mark Monts

1564 Columbine Dr, Tupelo $749,900 MLS#15-979

1648 Sunflower Cr, Tupelo $649,900 MLS#15-1997

Jenny Decker

662.871.7653 662-842-3844 jennyd@tmhomes.com tmhomes.com

1507 Morning Glory Cr, Tupelo $320,000 MLS#15-1006

114 CR 1950, Saltillo $445,000 MLS#15-2243

TUPELO | OXFORD 210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford

123 Longhorn Dr, Tupelo $264,000 MLS#15-1854

1433 Lakeshire Dr., Tupelo $299,000 MLS#15-2271 August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Lisa Roberts

events Butler Memorial Golf Tournament View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.

The annual Nita and Bob Butler Memorial Golf Tournament was held July 20 at Tupelo Country Club to benefit Regional Rehabilitation Center. The tournament is named for Regional Rehab’s cofounders, who started the center in 1961.

Brandon Edwards, Keith Peel, Rusty Lanphere and Booty Sloan

Jonathan Ball, Matt Laubhan, Andy Lee and Ben Wait

Dee Coleman, Doug Adams and Jim Goodwin

Jamie Osbirn, Jon Paul Rhea and Mark Hinton

Peggy Lindsey, Penny Barber and Hannah Long

Jimmy Richey and Thomas Wells

Ashley Pulse and Marina Orozco

Tom Lynch and Richard Megginson

and HavingHaving grown grown up in up Tupelo and attending Having grown upin inTupelo Tupelo and attending attending Ole ininOxford, family ties, Ole Miss inMiss Oxford, where where Iwhere haveII have strong family ties,ties, Ole Miss Oxford, have strong strong family the in areas.

I have IaIhave firm on theon market in both areas. haveagrasp afirm firmgrasp grasp on the market market in both both areas.

Whether are or selling, Whether youbuying are buying buying Whether you you are or selling, IIwould be call! would love tothe be the the one one I would love love to beto one youyou call!

Sadie Smith Sadie Smith

662.678.3033 • 662.842.3844 Sadie Smith 662.678.3033 • 662.842.3844

sadie@tmhomes.com sadie@tmhomes.com 8.3033 • 662.842.3844 210 East Main Tupelo • 2092• 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford 210 East Main St., Tupelo Old Taylor Rd., Oxford e@tmhomes.comSt.,

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, Tupelo • 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford TUPELO | OXFORD

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

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TUPELO | OXFORD

August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Lisa Roberts

events Freedom Ride View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.

Women’s motorcycle club Throttle and Lace hosted its first Stop the Cycle Freedom Ride July 25 in an effort to raise awareness about domestic violence. The 60-mile, all-female ride started at the Mall at Barnes Crossing and ended in downtown Tupelo.

Patti Cure and Marsha Jensen

Sonya Persbacker, Mary Morrison, Gail Austin and Becca Smith

Ricki Carpenter and Tracy Kelly

Patrice Gamblin, Mary Jo Hester and Cary Clemmer

Penny and Andy Moran with Ginny Wilburn

Jenny Decker

662.871.7653 • 662.842.3844 jennyd@tmhomes.com tmhomes.com

210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

700 W George E Allen Dr, Booneville MLS#15-2068

Luxury gated estate located on 40 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds with 2 lakes.

Attention to every detail makes this 5 Bedrooms, 6 Full and 1 half Bath home magnificent with sweeping marble staircase, grand hall, living room with 20 ft ceiling, handmade crystal chandelier, media room with mahogany walls/ceiling, master suite with fireplace, kitchen with custom made bricks, lye maple and teak cabinetry and all upper end appliances. $2,850,000.

TUPELO | OXFORD

August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Chasity Dees

events Disney Live!

View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.

Three classic fairy tales came to life in Disney Live!, presented July 25 at BancorpSouth Arena. BancorpSouth regularly features Disney shows. The next is Disney on Ice, planned for Nov. 5-8. Tickets, $12-52, are on sale now. Visit bcsarena.com for more information.

Matt, Ellie and Sarah Ortner

Forrest, Sarah, Christy and Ben Irby

Allison and Mary Bryan Johnson

Meri Alan and Sara Frances Wolfe

Sheneeka and Brooklyn Johnson with Anseli Leonard, Anna Kate Skinner, Amber Mariah Ivy, Briona Johnson and Tykirah Ivy Leonard and Julie Skinner

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

Jane Catherine Louis, Sabella Zabarovska, Alra Bennett and Albine Bennett

Sheri Hall with Marquita and Makinley Richey

August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Lisa Roberts

events Dick’s Sporting Goods Football Camp View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.

Dick’s Sporting Goods held a free football camp July 17 at Tupelo High School for children ages 7-14. The special guest coach was Malcolm Johnson, a former Mississippi State University team captain and current Cleveland Browns football player.

Dallas Davis, Tyler Dabbs and Cullen Ard with Kade and Rodney Starlings

Jeremy Pryor, Gene Robinson, Garrick Jones, Malcolm Johnson, Amber Rish, Leroy Banks, Darion Morton, Jeremy Johnson and Bryan Bell

K.J. Hurd, Malcolm Johnson and Kenyatta Hurd

Parker, Tara, Mia Catherine and Caroline Harris

Jeff and Jared Ware with Ben, Bo and Jack Sandlin

MeKyler and Caressa Jackson; Brylan, Brittany and Drelin Watson; Alarrian Doss; MarKezzy and E.J. Fisk; and Tracye and Jake Prather

Send’ em down to Jennifer Brown

Jennifer Brown

662.509.2704 • 662.842.3844 jenniferbrown@tmhomes.com 210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

187 CR 1438, Tupelo MLS#15-1821 Mooreville Schools and tons of space! This wonderful 3B/3BA home has been completely updated & redone from the studs up. It has a wonderful kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances, formal dining room, large master bedroom w/ walk-in closets, tiled shower & jetted tub. 4500 sq ft barn with partial concrete floor, 4000 sq ft shop with concrete floor, 390 sq st efficiency apartment, single carport with an inground storm cellar. $194,500

Pine Grove Church Rd, Shannon MLS#15-1111 Wonderful 10.733 Corner of Pine Grove Rd & Hwy 45 Alt. Easy access to the highway with many commercial possibilities. An additional 30.12 Acres adjoining tract may be available to purchase separately. $91,230

TUPELO | OXFORD

August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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events Tupelo Elvis Festival View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.

The 17th annual Tupelo Elvis Festival was held June 4-7. Festival highlights included live music, the annual Elvis tribute artist contest, a Sunday gospel concert, an Elvis Presley Fan Club meeting, the Running with the King 5K race, the Elvis Pet Parade and more.

Katelynn Lewis and Chelsea Lyle

Maria Geno, Lisa Hall, Craig Helmut, Debbie Brangenberg, Rachel Ethridge and Bobby Geno

Glenna, Missy and Becca Bagley

Macie and Emma Magnum with Macy

Beth Trahan, Veronica Dupre and Debbie Falgout

Janie and Eddie Brown

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

Crystal and Linda Sherman with Maverick

Melody Manning and Shirley Hodges

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Ben Thompson and April Hood

Jessika Bolen and Hunter Wright with Matilda

photographed by Lisa Roberts

Sara Nelms, Laurie Dilworth and Amy Parker

Tabitha Walton and Teletha Holcomb

Chris St. John, Dale Rushing and Rhonda Weaver

Terry and Angel Harbin with Diane Taylor, Betty Bruce and Tracie and Greg Conwill

Sadie Gardner, Israel Melendez, Carla Lane, Angie Henry and Mitzi Bolton

Kayla Tabler

662.687.2551• 662.842.3844 kayla@tmhomes.com 210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford

Jessica Cagle with Dan and Jordan Owen

Olivia and Julie Johnson

Maddie Smith and Breana Elder

Marie Tackett, Lesley Graham, Brandy Beaman, Somphone Miller and Anna Scott

1940 Lake Circle Dr, Tupelo MLS#15-1873 Gorgeous home on the water!! This beautiful 4BR/2.5BA home offers tons of amenities. Large open living area, great kitchen with granite counter-tops & breakfast area with views of the lake. Formal dining, HUGE master suite overlooking the water. Master bath has nice tub, separate tile shower with His & Her sinks and closets. The covered back porch & 2 level deck with fireplace is the perfect spot for entertaining your friends & family. This one is truly a must see!! $287,500

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TUPELO | OXFORD August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

Keith Henley 662.213.5599 662.842.3844 www.henleyproperties.com

TUPELO | OXFORD 210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford

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35 Clark Blvd., Tupelo MLS#13-2757 August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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Sixth-Grade Symphony Students develop a love for music in Milam Elementary School’s string orchestra.

WRITTEN BY Melanie Crownover PHOTOGRAPHED BY Chasity Dees and Joe Worthem

MILAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S sixth-grade orchestra class puts on three concerts a year, including a Christmas concert, (pictured far right) and performs regularly at community events under the direction of teacher Teletha Newell, (pictured bottom left). Many of the novice musicians develop a love for music and go on to play in middle school and high school, but Newell also hopes they learn life lessons about working hard to achieve goals.

The Chapman brothers (pictured) were students in Newell’s class at Milam and have taken lessons privately with her as well.

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

The Chapman brothers don’t agree on much, right down to the instruments they play. Benjamin, 11, has a cello, while 13-yearold twins Taylor and Tanner have taken up the viola and violin, respectively.

There are, however, two things that their mother, Tammy Chapman, says bring the boys together.

“Orchestra and Mrs. Newell are like a bonding agent for them,” she said. “Thanks to her, music has become a real outlet for them.

She’s helped teach them all to love music, and they love her for it.”

Teletha Newell became part of the Chapmans’ lives two years ago, when the twins took the beginner string orchestra class at Milam Elementary School. After they graduated to the Tupelo Middle School orchestra, Newell began working with them and Benjamin in private lessons. This school year, Benjamin gets his chance to work with her at Milam.

Tammy knows her young cellist is in good hands. She has seen the impact Newell and the orchestra had on his brothers.

Newell took over the beginning orchestra program six years ago, but she’s been a part of the school since she was a sixth-grade student there herself.

As one of a handful of public elementary school orchestras in the state, Newell says she feels fortunate to teach at her alma mater. She started teaching the year the district changed the orchestra from a fourth-grade class to the current program headed by Newell at Milam, a school for sixth-graders only.

“That’s where I stay, with my sixth-graders, but it’s more than enough to keep me busy,” Newell said. “It’s comprehensive viola, violin, cello and bass lessons for mostly kids who have never touched an instrument before, so it’s an adventure for us all every day.”

After learning about various instruments for a week, each student picks one to rent and play for the year. Then they spend their daily 50-min-

ute class during the first semester practicing fundamentals, from reading music and holding instruments to fingering, plucking and bowing strings.

The introductory concert performed a month into the school year features measures of several basic songs from class. At the Christmas concert, they perform a few traditional holiday pieces instead of what the students call “baby songs” from the first semester textbook. Then the spring open house consists of eight full-length songs from all genres, including a couple of popular tunes the class votes on to play.

Newell’s class also performs annually at Celebration Village and the Tupelo Children’s Symphony at the Civic Auditorium, an event that pairs area student musicians with North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra professionals.

“Watching how quickly they mature as musicians in there is mind boggling,” Tammy said. “You hear those first sketchy weeks of them practicing at home, and by the holidays you’re amazed because you recognize the tune.

Then you think, ‘Have these kids only been playing this year?’ when you hear that last concert.”

The orchestra’s reputation is bringing more students to Newell’s class each year. Her first semester, there were only 10 beginning orchestra members. Now the group includes around 50 students annually, approximately 10 percent of Milam’s student body.

According to Newell, the majority of first-year orchestra members continue to play in middle school and high school. Still, her goal is for students like the Chapman brothers to learn more from their time with her in the orchestra than just music.

“Don’t get me wrong” she said. “My first group of students will graduate high school this year, and I’ll bawl my eyes out if any of them goes on to play in college or after because I want them to learn that love of music. I just want them to also learn from their work here that they can do anything they set their minds to if they’ll work for it. I want them to realize how capable they all really are.”

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

deciphering A Tupelo mother’s mission to help her son has resulted in meaningful changes that will benefit Mississippi students for years to come.

WRITTEN BY Melanie Crownover | PHOTOGRAPHED BY Joe Worthem

When Ian McCustion

began elementary school, his mother and teachers noticed something different about his learning abilities. He preferred looking at picture books and making up his own story instead of having text read to him. Baby talk was still dominating his vocabulary. He was unable to rhyme or sound out words, his handwriting was almost indecipherable, and his retention of words and letters was low. He reversed syllables when speaking and substituted words to avoid sight-reading.

“There were so many signs, but we just didn’t know what they really meant,” his mother, Katie McCustion, said. “It’s one of those cases of ‘If I had only known then.’ Now I can see it a mile away.”

Ian (now in third grade) entered special education in January of his kindergarten year for developmental delay. It took three months to get an Individual Education Plan, a detailed action plan for teachers and administration, with classroom accommodations to keep Ian from failing because of his issues.

Katie still resisted suggestions that Ian’s problems were intellectual and pressed to

Parental Guidance

have him tested for learning disabilities. After almost a year of red tape and arguing, she had him tested at Regional Rehab on her own.

The diagnosis was dyslexia, a cognitive processing disorder affecting reading and language, about which Katie knew very little.

She went back to the school with the findings, and Ian’s status quickly switched from “developmentally delayed” to “specific learning disability.”

Katie started studying symptoms of the learning disability, therapies and how to best get assistance at school. Unfortunately, the answer was not what she anticipated.

There was no licensed dyslexia therapist, and tutoring options were limited. There were special schools specifically for dyslexic students, but most were at least three hours from home.

Katie made school involvement a priority, serving as PTO president and becoming known as a go-to mom among other parents in the special education department. But Ian was still floundering in school. His placement scores actually regressed after two years in special education.

“I guess that’s about the time that I sprouted my third head,” Katie said. “I will always be pro-public schools, but I learned that you can’t depend on them to be your child’s advocate.

That’s your job. You have to empower yourself with information and never back down.”

Katie started reading law books and attending regional seminars for educators and teachers of children with dyslexia. That’s where she met Dr. Cena Holifield, former teacher August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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and originator of both the special-purpose 3-D School for dyslexic students in Petal, Miss., and the dyslexia therapy program at William Carey College.

Soon the two women formed Mississippi Families for Children with Dyslexia (MFCD), a grassroots organization dedicated to helping affected students, their families and educators.

“These are bright children that are falling through the cracks in the current system. Most won’t qualify for special education until they fail, and then there’s little extra the teacher can do without training. I know because I saw it in my own private school classroom,” Holifield said. “It’s actually the most common learning disability. Around 80 percent of children with trouble reading have it, and our schools are doing very little about it.”

Lasting Change

The women quickly decided to use MFCD to make a lasting difference by changing legislation.

Holifield worked with her state representative to pass what she calls “Mississippi’s first dyslexia law with teeth” in 2012. House Bill 1031 mandated screening for kindergarten and first-grade students and gave parents the right to place students in a special-purpose school with tuition assistance from state money. That money would have gone to the child’s public school had services been adequate.

The funding allows state schools like the one in Petal to reach students from lowerincome families.

Meanwhile, Katie aided her state representative in pushing through the Special Needs Bill in 2014, legislation that allows families with special needs children $6,500 of tax money to meet educational needs outside of school.

Dyslexia therapy typically costs around $40 an hour, and comprehensive programs recommend children get at least one hour per day and no less than three hours each week.

“If I’m making the road easier for a few other parents and taking a few darts along the way, so be it,” Katie said. “By the time some of the changes we aim for come around, my son will be too old to benefit, but I will still gladly put on my armor to battle for him and every kid like him. No one should have to struggle this hard for an equal chance at an education.”

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

Since he started school, Ian McCustion has struggled with dyslexia. His mother, Katie, has taken up the battle too, forming an organization that is shaping legislation that makes it possible for children like Ian to receive the help they need.

The next move for MFCD is to encourage national lawmakers to set aside money for reading disability diagnoses and therapy in “regular” education funds. Long-term plans may one day include opening a special-purpose school in Tupelo to cater to students in this area as well.

Holifield recently trained four teachers in the Smith County public schools to start a dyslexia therapy program there when classes resume this month. She’s hopeful the program will set an example for other area schools.

“We were hoping these laws would

encourage the state’s public schools to offer dyslexia therapy, but the response isn’t coming as quickly as we would like,” Holifield said.

“If they can do it in rural Smith County with very little money, it shows any district can.

Luckily, there are lots of parents like Katie out there ready to fight for these kids and support change.”

Visit Mississippi Families for Children with Dyslexia on Facebook for more information on the organization and dyslexia resource updates.

For a list of Katie’s tips for parents of children with dyslexia, visit invitationtupelo.com.

Chanda Cossitt

662.871.7222 • 662.842.3844 chanda@tmhomes.com

TUPELO | OXFORD 210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford

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“When we decided to move to Tupelo, Close friends recommended Chanda Cossitt to be our realtor. It was the purchase of our first house. Chanda took us to many houses explaining the ins and outs of each and every one. She was so patient when we still could not decide on the one we wanted taking us again and again to see the ones we liked. When we closed on our house she took us to set up our water and electric. We were not lost because of her! We are proud homeowners now and could not have done it without her! Thanks Chanda!”

- Maria & Miquel

August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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IN AN EFFORT TO GROW AS MUSICIANS, LOCAL SONGWRITERS GATHER WEEKLY IN TUPELO TO PERFORM ORIGINAL MUSIC. WRITTEN BY Melanie Crownover PHOTOGRAPHED BY Tina Phillips and Joe Worthem Musician Matt Nolan performs on a different stage almost every night with his band the Spunk Monkees as they tour local clubs, but his Monday evenings are set aside for Tupelo Singer Songwriter Night.

It’s a running gig Nolan began

booking for himself and his peers four years ago.

Each week features a different venue and a new list of performers, but the goal is the same: to give local artists a platform to share more than just cover songs.

Clockwise from top left on opposite page, Tony Wiygul, Matt Nolan, Weston Smith and Vanessa Winter are just a few of the featured artists who have performed original music live at Tupelo Singer Songwriter Night, held each Monday night at a different local establishment.

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

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Kit Thorn (daughter of musician and Tupelo native Paul Thorn) and Caitlin Kendrick perform together at a recent Tupelo Singer Songwriter Night session at Blue Canoe. The weekly live music event allows artists to practice original material on local stages as well as network with and learn from each other.

“When this started, there just wasn’t a place for that, and there still aren’t a lot of places doing this,” Nolan said. “You may be able to throw in a song or two when you’re playing anywhere else, but this night gives us a chance to show our own work in a spot where that’s what the crowd is there for. It’s not a bar full of people wanting to hear Brown Eyed Girl when you’re playing something you wrote.”

Originally Nolan held the three-hour sessions at Vanelli’s, but when it was destroyed in the 2014 tornado, he began rotating the group through four local bars each month. Now he splits the meetings between 10 establishments.

“It’s a good setup because it exposes these clubs to new music and the musicians to new clubs,” he said. “That’s why we try to spread the love.”

No matter where the event plays that week, performers each get enough time to perform

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

four or five original songs for the crowd. Artists from all over the area petition Nolan for a set – including guests from Nashville, Memphis and Birmingham – but most are local.

“I never had a clue the amount of amazingly talented local artists we have here until I went to their first anniversary show and was blown away,” said photographer Tina Phillips, who helps promote the events. “These people are writing songs, some way beyond their years, that are like the handwritten stories of their lives. They really touch you.”

More than 300 performers have taken the stage for Singer Songwriter Night in various locations since the tradition started. Acts range from aspiring songwriters who have never been on stage to seasoned musicians looking for new fans.

For many, the experience and confidence gained from Singer Songwriter Night performances have led to opportunities to play

on bigger stages. Regulars John Milstead, Jamie Davis, Jordan Mallory and Aaron Vance all work in Nashville now. Maty Noyes took her talents to Los Angeles. Hannah Roye and Karly Clayton teamed up to create Two Broke College Girls after much success on the songwriter stage.

“It makes me proud to see all these people grow as musicians every time they perform, and what they can go on to do,” Nolan said.

“This is the hometown of a music legend, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the next Elvis on our stage. The talent is here. We just need to encourage it.”

Singer Songwriter Night is every Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. Find upcoming locations and watch past performances at tupelosongwriters.com or facebook.com/tupelosongwriternight.

Visit invitationtupelo.com for the duo Two Broke College Girls’ success story.

AMORY, MISSISSIPPI

tupelo

JOINS THE TRIANGLE This summer Tupelo became one of several landmarks on the new Americana Music Triangle, and city officials hope the status could bring a new stream of music fans to the area this fall.

“They’re branding this region between Memphis, Nashville and New Orleans as the number one music destination in the country because if you think about it, every genre of music around has roots here,” Jennie Bradford Curlee of the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau said. “They call it Gold Record Road because it’s where so much music history was made, and Elvis definitely made us a part of it.”

The triangle includes places in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas and Louisiana and provides tourists with the online resources – itineraries, music background stories, timelines and upcoming events – to explore it in person.

“It’s a wonderful tourism tool because it reaches both the local weekend traveler and the international visitor coming for several weeks. If you love music, this site fills in the blanks for all of those small towns out there like us and gives visitors the whole story,” Curlee said. “We’re honored to be a part of it.”

For more information, visit americana musictriangle.com.

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.

Closed Sunday, Monday & all 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 August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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“For The Neatest Yard Around”

www.sportsmanlawn.com

662.844.6539

New Fabrics Arriving Daily!

MONDAY - WEDNESDAY 8:30-5 THURSDAY - FRIDAY 8:30-5:30 1ST SATURDAY OF MONTH 9-3

662-407-0026 www.phifabrics.com 2020 South Gloster, Tupelo, MS

If you can dream it, we can create it, or we can even dream it for you.

B ac k to sch oo l!

Be Envied •Walk-ins Welcome •Gift Certificates Available 662-844-2477 431 North Gloster St. Tupelo, MS www.shearenvytupelo.com

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

Amish Made, Authentically Sold WRITTEN BY Melanie Crownover | PHOTOGRAPHED BY Joe Worthem

A long gravel road not far from

Adam Wortham, above right, purchases and then resells goods made in the Randolph community, an Amish settlement near Pontotoc, Miss. He primarily sells the products at Tupelo Furniture Market, Tupelo Flea Market and online.

Pontotoc, Miss., leads to a place seemingly untouched by time: the Randolph Amish community.

There’s a barn and a garden in almost every yard. There is no electricity or running water. Women wearing bonnets and long skirts scrub clothes on washboards and pin them to clotheslines, while men clad in wide-brimmed hats and suspenders work outside at trades such as saddle repair and wheel mending.

At least two or three days a week, Adam Wortham drives from his home in Pontotoc to Randolph. More often than not, his pickup truck passes at least one horse and buggy on the way. Wortham has partnered with the Amish to purvey the wares of this community through his business, Authentically Amish Furnishings.

The general public is welcome to visit the community to purchase directly from the Amish, but Wortham acts as a middleman, bringing the goods to customers in Tupelo. “I bring the merchandise to the customers because a lot of people from the city are uncomfortable coming out. They feel like they’re intruding or they don’t understand the way of life here, so it makes them uneasy,” he said.

Randolph, which currently houses 27 families, is the only Amish settlement in Mississippi. The community began in 1995 August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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“You know how people say, ‘They just don’t make things the way they used to’? Well, here they do.

They do it all the old way, so it’s quality, and it lasts.”

—Adam Wortham

with six families from Tennessee and Ohio, according to the community bishop. He asked not to be named in this article to comply with religious reasons and Amish tradition, which calls for its people to separate themselves from secular culture.

Wortham says that separation is one of the things that sets community members’ skills apart from those of other craftsmen.

“It’s like taking a step back in time,” Wortham said. “You know how people say, ‘They just don’t make things the way they used to’? Well, here they do. They do it all the old way, so it’s quality, and it lasts.”

When he takes an order for a picnic table or backyard play set, he knows it will be handcrafted and durable. The mud rugs and baskets he takes to market are sturdy and handwoven.

Each bottle of shea butter lotion is homemade from simple ingredients, and every bar of goat’s milk soap is derivative of the well-kept animals seen in their fields.

Only hand-painted signs by the road let tourists who come out on Saturdays know what each household has to offer. The community doesn’t believe in profiting from their heritage by advertising through modern venues such as print media, television or Internet. However, the community has concluded that outsiders like Wortham can purchase those items to then market and sell.

To comply with Amish traditions, Wortham can’t mention craftsmen’s names or contact information or get pictures of them with their work. His website and marketing materials

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

The handcrafted goods Wortham sells include home décor, goat’s milk soap and wooden furniture. The public is welcome to visit the Amish settlement to buy directly from the families that live there. However, the Amish do not believe in advertising through modern venues such as print media, television or Internet.

are simple and driven by images of fur­niture samples to reflect his suppliers’ way of life.

“I want to be as respectful of their beliefs as possible because I respect them,” he said.

“When I had my business cards printed up, I even brought one out here for them to look at

and make sure it wasn’t cause for offense before I started handing them out. These are good people with amazing products that I think should be shared with the rest of the world, as long as they’re okay with how I do it.”

Through Authentic Amish Furnishings,

Wortham sells wholesale to corporations and individual retail shops interested in carrying Amish items. He also sells at the spring and fall Tupelo Furniture Markets and monthly at the Tupelo Flea Market in Building 3.

For information, visit authenticamish.net.

August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Chasity Dees

events Music, Monet and Margaritas View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.

The annual Music, Monet and Margaritas street fiesta, a fundraiser for Tupelo Community Theatre, was held June 13 on Broadway Street in front of the Lyric Theatre. Jeff Houin and the Jam Band entertained, and a silent auction featured work by local artists.

Farrah Roberson, Chalitha Hadley and Kawana Wade

Jennifer and Steve Carroll

Beverly Hamilton and Amber McHenry

Natasha Pierre-Louis and Amanda Lavender

Danielle Frerer, David Leathers and Jana Eakes

Danielle Adams and Ben Eakes

Sophie Houin and Emmy Bussard

1.3 Million Dollar Producers in 1 Month!

We will make that house your home!

Joyce Riley

Jennifer Harrelson

662.871.3574 • 662.842.3844 jennifer@tmhomes.com 210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

1285 Dogwood Dr., Tupelo, MS 15-1445 4BD/3BA / 2950 sq. ft. $339,000

4805 Acorn Dr., Belden, MS 15-1103 4BR/3BA / 4145 sq. ft. $355,000

5524 Lakefront Dr., Tupelo, MS 15-965 4BR/2.5BA / 2250 sq. ft. $184,900

662.231.9251 • 662.842.3844 jcupriley@aol.com

OUR WEBSITE HAS A NEW LOOK! Visit invitationtupelo.com today.

MAGAZINE ▼

WHAT’S HAPPENING

EVENT PHOTOS

BLOG ▼

STORE ▼

Laughs for Lungs

August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Lisa Roberts

events Honeybee Classic View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.

The second annual Honeybee Classic golf tournament and fundraiser for Lift Inc. was held June 11 at Big Oaks Golf Course in Saltillo, Miss. Lift is a nonprofit community-action agency that offers services to people in need in eight north Mississippi counties.

Thomas Saulsberry, Herman Taylor, John Armour and Arvester Smith

Joe Wade, Kenneth Roberts and Al Rachel

Susan Griffin

662.542.6315 662.842.3844 susan@tmhomes.com tmhomes.com 210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

Dorothy Leasy, Marilyn Davis, Ollaridria Brown, Flora Rice, Shanequa Hathorne and Brenda Toles

Richard Frederick, Mark Scales and Will Murphree

Sonny Hodges, John Armstrong and James Brim

149 Waterford Dr., Saltillo MLS#15-1733 This home is a MUST see! The over 1 acre wooded setting for this 3BR/2.5BA family home gives you complete privacy, but yet you are only minutes from town.

This is the perfect home for the growing family in the Saltillo School District. You can drink your morning coffee while watching the wildlife or you can wind down each afternoon on the spacious deck while watching the sunset. This home has just been REDUCED to $195,000 and it won’t last long!

TUPELO | OXFORD

114 N Lehmberg Road Columbus, MS | 39702 662.329.2955 • CHCCSKI

Keeping children healthy all year long

CHCC Offers The Following Speciality Clinics Pediatric Healthier You Clinic N*Focus ADHD Clinic Asthma Clinic For our information, visit us online at drskiskids.com August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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events Father-Daughter Gumtree Ball View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.

The 13th annual Gumtree Ball was held June 27 at BancorpSouth Arena. The father-daughter event was hosted by Gumtree TWIGS, a fundraising group for Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, and featured live and silent auctions, dinner, dancing and special guests.

Beau and Chloe Phillips

Kinsley Maxey with Kalyn Lake (as Ariel) and Keira and Jeremy Maxey

Maddie Hewitt, Meredith McLaurin (as Rapunzel) and Josh Hewitt

Celie Beth and Darrell Duffie

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

Liza, Bradley and Lynden Williams

Katy Mae and Cory Knight

Madison and Craig White

Kerstin Whitehead (as Anna), Jacee Harlow and Lisa Webb (as Elsa)

Anna Cash, Josh and Liza Sullivan

Cliff and Allyson Nichols

photographed by Lisa Roberts

Addie Kate and Scott Pumphrey

Alibeth and Greg May

Reese, Kirk and Lilly Donnell

Anna Caroline and Mark May

Madison, Chris and Rozi Hall

J.T. and Mia Landers

Emma Taylor and Charlie Bean

Lydia and Craig Harlow

Bella, Bill and Mollee-Pace Holiman

Shelli McClellan

662.266.2212 • 662.842.3844 sheli@tmhomes.com 210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford

Bella Rose and Will Morgan

Sheli McClellan did an awesome job selling our home. We had listed our home with other realtors, none of which showed the house to anyone. In less than 2 weeks Sheli had shown it twice with interest from both and another realtor had shown it as well. In less than a month we had an offer and were packing. Sheli worked extremely hard to get our home on the market and to get it sold. We really appreciate her hard work. I would highly recommend Sheli McClellan and Tommy Morgan Realtors to anyone interested in selling a home.

Sincerely, The Campbell Family

Elle Donegan, Logan Whitworth (as Barbie) and Mia Landers

1013 CR 367, New Albany 4BR/3.5BA, Shop, Barn & 7 Acres.

MLS#15-1986 $399,000

161 Union Belle Blvd, Saltillo 4BR/3.5BA Plus Bonus Room MLS#15-1745 $249,000

TUPELO | OXFORD August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Lisa Roberts

events Down on Main View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.

Tupelo’s free summer concert series kicked off July 9 in Fairpark with bands Sleepy Man and Blue Highway. The last concert in the series is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10. For more information, visit tupelodownonmain.com.

Melinda and Don Lewis

Sky Ray, Jennifer Martin and Jordan Stegall

Kim Westhouse and Leslie Geoghegan

Stephanie Baxter and Darla White

Abby Hunt, Mike McClain and Noah Cox

Quana Winders, Patsy Harris and Jack Goodman

Emilee Kennedy and Jordan Johnson

Camee Webel and Bonnie Sunderland

Patrick Brumley with Jenea and Louis Britton and Melissa Edwards

Amanda and Jonathan Simmons

Bill and Lyndsey Morgan

Providing professional, comprehensive eye care to the people of Northeast Mississippi 58

INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

I n -H o m e s e n I o r Care servICes “ Comfort Keepers has helped me with personal items, taken me to my appointments, as well as their companionship. Everyone has been so nice and knows exactly what they are doing. ”

Brenda Spencer 662.231.8909 662.842.3844 spencer@tmhomes.com

-Freida Smith

(662) 841-8477 w w w .C o m f o r t K e e p e r s . C o m

TUPELO | OXFORD 210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford

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

1970 Forest Park, Tupelo MLS#14-3618 $679,900

1527 Columbine, Tupelo MLS#15-2204 $597,700

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

At North Ms Periodontics

105 Lakehill Dr., Tupelo MLS#15-2034 $695,000 August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Chasity Dees

events Laughs for Lungs View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.

Laughs for Lungs was held July 16 at Blue Canoe. The event, which featured three standup comedians, guest speakers and a silent auction, benefited the North Mississippi Medical Center Cancer Patient Fund.

Jonathan Christian and Amy Estes

Jenea Britton and Taneill Barbour

Meagan Loden and Cortni Jordan

Cheryl and Ricky Byars

Melany Jones and Mary Adamopoulos

Catering Good Eats

Triana Stephens, Rhonda Brown, Genie Alice Via and Leslie Geoghegan

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

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

Stephen Hernandez and Barbara Fleishhacker

Leigh and Tony Eldridge

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders Institute, PLLC Jayant Dey, M.D., M.B.B.S. Dottie Carnathan FNP-BC

Casee Becker Linda Swinney casee@tmhomes.com linda@tmhomes.com 662.871.9056 662.401.1196

662.842.3844 • tmhomes.com

910 Mary Vance Drive Tupelo, Mississippi 38801 Phone: 662.377.6275 | Fax: 662.377.6299 endocrinetupelo.com

210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford

The Creative Touch Day Spa & Salon

Peace. Rejuvenation. Relaxation www.creativetouchtupelo.com • 2613 Traceland Dr., Tupelo, MS 38801 • 662.844.3734

LOTS FOR SALE

Beautiful wooded lots located in Mooreville school district. Natural www.creativetouchtupelo.com • 2613-A Tracewood Dr., gas already available.

August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Lisa Roberts

events Slugburger Festival View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.

Corinth’s 28th annual Slugburger Festival was held July 9-11. The festival is named for the beef-and-soybean-meal burger that historically sold for a nickel, or “a slug.” A Major League Eating contest was held, with the winner eating 33 slugburgers in 10 minutes.

Corey, Aden and Noah Smith

Jeff Sparks, Steve Bennett, Nate Biller, Alex Perez and Brent Johnson

Noel Caldwell, Seth Agranov, Michael Hirsch and Alex Agranov

Kate Bingham and Christy Caldwell

Juan Rodriguez

Taylor Coombs

Travis Thompson and Janice Fowler

Patrick Thompson, Brittany Dutil and Daniel Menard

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

Amy and Rich Heyer

Harrison Wilhite, Bradlee Bingham and Bishara Kronfel

D.J. Hammock with Braxton Tucker and Amy and Libby Hammock

Nelda and Lee Mills

Ben Tucker, Emily Davis and Mollie McKay

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

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

Monday - Friday 10 - 5 Saturday 10 - 4 • Sunday - Closed

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

The Clinic That Cares For You & About You!

X-RAY Now Available!

(662)350-3550 August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Lisa Roberts

events Corinth Green Market View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.

Farmers, gardeners, artisans and craftsman sell wares at the monthly Green Market at Corinth Depot. The July 11 market was held in conjunction with the Slugburger Festival.

Upcoming market dates are Sept. 5, Oct. 3 and Nov. 21. Visit corinthgreenmarket.net.

1122 Downs Road, Baldwyn MLS#15-2033

Stately 6 BD/4.5 BA home boast 2 stories and walk out basement complete with full kitchen & Fireplace, perfect for mother in law quarters. Features include double side Fireplace, triple attached garage, formal dining room, keeping room, 3 living areas, office, multiple decks, built-ins, chandeliers, huge closets, patio, storage room, sec. system, hardwoods. $429,900

Madison and Morgan Wiggington

Loraine Griffin, Daniel Hartwell and Johnnie Griffin

Diana and Tom Mathis with J.T. and Ruth Hill

April Haynes aprilhaynes@tmhomes.com 662.706.3248 662.842.3844

TUPELO | OXFORD 210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

Michelle and Clint Boren

Karaleen Martin with Carlissa and Zakaragan Gilmore

YOUR HOMETOWN FAN SHOP!

GRAND OPENING Saturday, August 22

115 N. Thomas St., Suite D, Tupelo, MS 38801 662-260-4284 • www.gamedayhqshop.com

The Antique Collection

When you think of jewelry, think of Stones.

TUPELO | MS

709 West Main Street • 662.844.9444

RIPLEY | MS

101 Hospital Street • 662.837.4215

August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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photographed by Lisa Roberts

events Ladies Football Clinic View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.

The Corinth High School coaching staff hosted Ladies of the Gridiron, a football clinic for women, on July 25 at the high school. The coaching staff, some of their wives and a few of the football players gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at CHS football.

William Stewart and Ashley Parvin with Jonathan and Courtney Beard and Hallie Jones

Quentin Patterson and Deonte Keith

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

Ben Cowart, Tammi Frazier and Lanny Jones

Jackie Coombs, Doug Jones and Taylor Coombs

Taylor, Jan and Carson Shock

Making your memories happen, while you're busy living them!

Lindsey Hines, Event Coordinator

662-397-2981

Saltillo, MS www.effortlesseventsms.com

August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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TOM’S

Automotive Service Center 317 Magazine St. Tupelo | MS

662.842.7931

toms-automotive.com Serving Tupelo since 1952

WE OFFER THE BEST! AUTO REPAIRS COLLISION air conditioning full collision service alignment free estimates brakes all insurance accepted engine suspension OPEN Monday-Friday timing belts 7:30am-5:30pm transmissions computer diagnosis Jeff B. Roberston Jr. | Owner Anthony Knight | Body Shop Manager

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

out and about

CONTINUED ON PAGE 70

31ST ANNUAL BUTCH LAMBERT INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT AT NATCHEZ TRACE GOLF CLUB

Winner Reed Lindsey and Lan Gooch

Thomas, Kim, Gray, Michael and James McCrory

NINTH ANNUAL 7 DAYS FOR THE TROOPS

Mayor Jason Shelton, Chelsea Rick, Scott Burns and Priscilla Barker

Guntown, Miss., cheerleaders Lydia McKissick, Sarah Evans, Denver Owens, Demi Lindsey, Avery Kate Priest and Madison Hall #HI5FRIDAY FOR ALL-AMERICA CITY AWARD

Taylor Shankle and Mary Madison Kelley

City employees celebrate Tupelo’s fifth All-America City award.

FOURTH ANNUAL BOERNER BE WILD OBSTACLE COURSE

DOGGIE DAY AT JUVA

Beverly Speed and Angie Henry

Brian and Beth Richardson

MISSISSIPPI PICNIC IN NEW YORK CITY’S CENTRAL PARK

ALL-AMERICA CITY FAMILY PICNIC IN THE PARK

Kevin, Amy and Avery Tate

Barrett, Elizabeth, Reagan and Brad Buchanan

(front) Blakely Lollar, Hannah Gunnells, Claire Robertson and Kelley Crampton; (back) Kelly Vance, Dallas Mello, Taylor Replogle and Chance Beck

Brooke and Daniel Baker; Trent Kimbrell; Heather O’Bryant; Gary and Sheila Baker; Heather and Kristen Minga; Daniel Knotts; and Konie and Phillip Minga August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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out and about

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 69

2015 NATIONAL AMERICAN MISS MISSISSIPPI

CHILD SAFETY FIRST AT FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

Yolanda Pruitt and Helen Boerner

Christy Robinson, Pam Morris, Sandra Blanch, Lindsey Beard and Shelia Davis

Hanna Stewart, daughter of Don and Beckie Stewart

LAPELS DRY CLEANING RIBBON CUTTING

25TH ANNUAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION SOCIAL HOSTED BY MAKE-A-WISH

Laura McWhirter and Natalie Kline with Vivian, Leah, Martin and Kline Richardson, and Sharion and Randy Aycock

Lindsay Collins, Miranda Harbor, Tracie Bramlett, Dixie Smith and Rebekah Sudduth

CARON GALLERY RECEPTION FOR KE FRANCIS

FREEDOM FEST IN NEW ALBANY, MISS.

Amaline Rutledge with Ke and Mary Francis Cindy Martin, Jennifer Love, Kim Caron, Paige Knapp and Amy Blackmon

Jaysen, Will, Melissa and Emily Manning

MISSISSIPPI HILL COUNTRY BLUES EXHIBIT OPENING AND RECEPTION

ITAWAMBA COUNTY MISSISSIPPI RAILWAY COOPERATIVE ANNOUNCEMENT

Kalyn and Kristi Lake

Gregory Christopher, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, Fulton Mayor Lynette Weatherford, Gov. Phil Bryant, Marvin Little, Charles Horn and Philip Gunn

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Lizzie Brevard and Marion Rice

INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

Gabrielle Cooper and Robbie Boyd

Brittany Bullock and Meagin Anderson

EVERYONE

NEEDS A HELPING HAND SOMETIMES

www.sittersllc.com www.sittersllc.com

sittersllc@bellsouth.net sittersllc@bellsouth.net

Providing caregivers Providing caregivers forfor families like yours families like yours forfor over years. over 1313 years.

August 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO

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TUPELO SPIRIT Caitlin Gardner

Caitlin Gardner is still in high school, but this summer she went to Princeton University. The Tupelo High School senior earned a spot in the LEDA Scholars Program, thanks to a 3.9 grade point average and notable school involvement.

Q: What is the LEDA Scholars Program?

A: It’s a leadership program from Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America. They recruit juniors that are in the top 10 percent of their class for summer training at Princeton University and a college scholarship.

Q: How did you get in?

A: My counselor told me about it, but I really didn’t think I would make it. You have to write two essays and a mission statement about what you think you’ll gain from the program, plus get a teacher recommendation and all your test scores and transcripts just to get through the first round. Then they check your parents’ financial information to see if you’re eligible, and the last round is a half-hour interview.

Q: Why did you doubt your chances?

A: This is the first year our school has suggested people for the program, so we didn’t really even know what the process would be. Three were recommended, and I made it.

Q: What was the reaction when you got in?

A: My mom ran around the house screaming for about five minutes. Then I think it hit her I’d be gone all summer. She really pushed me to make the most of the situation even though it was going to be so far away from home.

Q: What did you do there?

A: I was at Princeton for seven weeks learning leadership skills. They introduced me to the other Ivy League schools, too, that I maybe haven’t considered. It’s school away from school, but it prepared me for what’s ahead.

THS senior Caitlin Gardner is a lead drum major and a member of varsity choir, Madrigals and the vocal jazz team. She is a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honorary Society, Anchor Club, Key Club and Rho Kappa.

Her hard work resulted in an Ivy League opportunity this summer. For the full interview, visit invitationtupelo.com.

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INVITATION TUPELO | August 2015

interviewed by Melanie Crownover photographed by Andrew Stanford