Invitation Tupelo - October 2016

OCTOBER 2016

October 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO

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OCTOBER 2016

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ON THE COVER Hand-dipped caramel apples from Tupelo’s decades-old, family-owned Caramelcorn Shop are the quintessential fall treat. photographed by Joe Worthem

IN EVERY ISSUE 6

Letter From the Publisher

8

What’s Happening

10

Community Corner: Sanctuary

12

In Season: Caramel Apples

68

Out and About

72

Tupelo Spirit: Lt. Col. Rex Moody

FEATURES

EVENTS

31 Music Made in MS

16

ICC Pregame Tailgate

Northeast Mississippi natives John Milstead and duo HanaLena are finding success in Nashville, Music City U.S.A.

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Travis Tritt Concert

20

Guntown Pep Rally

22

Teacher of Distinction Awards

24

Tupelo Sportsman’s Bonanza

25

Pied Piper Players Anniversary

26

THS Community Tailgate

28

Tupelo Marathon

52

Ole Miss vs. Georgia Football

54

Pontotoc Bodock Festival

40 Escape Act

56

Wine, Women -n- Art

An interactive game combines elaborate set design with technology to challenge patrons.

58

Hushpuppy Rd. Pigeon Slinging

60

Alpha Kappa Alpha Unity Ball

44 Dressing the Part

62

Corinth School District Benefit

66

Everyday Hero Award Dinner

34 Old School Sound Rick Moreland’s handmade amps enhance the quality of sound produced by local musicians.

38 On Location Meet Devon Moore, a talented dancer and choreographer who recently headed west to make it big in Hollywood.

Members of the Ministry of Silly Suits craft costumes and play dress-up year-round, not just at Halloween.

48 Built to Last A local company salvages wood and handcrafts it into vintage furniture and custom floors.

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October 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO

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THE PUBLISHER

O

RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER

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INVITATION TUPELO | October 2016

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

ctober makes me think of crisp, ripe apples and Halloween candy. Growing up, Halloween night included going door to door in my quiet little neighborhood. The last stop of the evening was the Cox home, where Mr. Glenn would greet children and parents with a warm smile and a delicious, bright-red apple. My parents always made me eat it first, followed by a few pieces of candy. I will always remember those cool fall evenings and the taste of that simple snack.

This month, we decided to highlight a treat that combines those memorable sweet and tart flavors of Halloween: caramel apples. And who better to showcase than the Harris family, who have been making them right here in Tupelo since 1972? Drop by their store for a taste of nostalgia with their trademark caramel corn or a hand-dipped caramel apple. Or try your hand at making your own not-so-traditional caramel apples with the Invitation Tupelo-exclusive recipe on page 14.

In this issue, we also feature others who have discovered and pursued their passions right here in northeast Mississippi. They are musicians, craftsmakers, dancers and business owners. Some, like the Harris family, have kept their crafts here in Tupelo. Others have moved to bigger cities like Nashville and Los Angeles chasing their dreams.

We celebrate them all, and we are honored to share their stories, which are full of ingenuity, dedication and drive.

Thank you for taking the time to read Invitation Tupelo. We wish you a wonderful and exciting month.

This month’s cover and In Season column feature the Caramelcorn Shop, a local institution for more than 40 years.

Their caramel corn and caramel apples are pictured above, along with the shop. Read more about them on page 12.

publishers

Phil and Rachel West

editorial

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

advertising

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

art

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Hallie Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Lisa Roberts Joe Worthem CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Michaela Cooper Whitney Worsham

production

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Emily Suber

office

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

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

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

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

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

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OCT. 15-NOV. 15

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Haunted Theatre Tupelo Community Theatre presents its annual Haunted Theatre at the Lyric Theatre. Takes place 7-11 p.m. on Oct. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29. tct.ms

10/15 BarktoberFest Families and their pets are invited to Tupelo Bark Park for playtime, music, food and vendors offering pet information and products.

662-841-6440

10/15 Zombie Fun Run Run with the zombies at the Tupelo Cross Country Trail at Ballard Park. Race-day registration, $25. Register from 5:30-6:30 p.m., race begins at 7:15 p.m. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

662-841-6440

10/20 Oktoberfest Tupelo’s third annual festival takes place in Fairpark with live music and Bavarian-style food and beer. 6-10 p.m. tupelomainstreet.com

10/19-22

Celebration Village Sanctuary Hospice House presents its 15th annual holiday market fundraiser. Preview party takes place 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 19.

General admission shopping, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Oct. 20 and 21, and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 22.

Daily tickets, $7 at the door. All-inclusive tickets also available. For more information, call 662-610-5482 or visit sanctuaryhospice.org.

10/20

Art Demonstration Mississippi painter Ellen Langford demon­ strates her craft at Caron Gallery. 11 a.m.3 p.m. thecarongallery.com

10/22

Race for the Cure

10/22

10/22

The Susan G. Komen North Mississippi Race for the Cure 5K raises awareness and money for breast cancer research and prevention, with 75 percent of funds raised staying local for education, screenings and diagnostics.

8-10:30 a.m., Fairpark. komennorthms.org

C Spire sponsors a free, annual communitywide tailgate to watch Ole Miss take on LSU, and Mississippi State play Kentucky on a Jumbotron screen. Game times TBD, Fairpark. tupelomainstreet.com

The Itawamba Community College Indians take on the Mississippi Delta Community College Trojan Warriors in their 2016 homecoming football game. 3:30 p.m. letsgoicc.com

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INVITATION TUPELO | October 2016

Pigskins in the Park

ICC Homecoming Game

10/27 Halloween Egg Hunt Bring your costumes and your flashlights to the Tupelo Cross Country Trail for a Halloween Egg Hunt and Trunk or Treat. The event is for children ages 12 and under and their families. Admission is one bag of candy per family. 6 p.m. 662-841-6440

10/28

Chickasaw Celebration The Tupelo-based Chickasaw Inkana Foundation hosts its first Chickasaw Celebration.

Experience traditional crafts, language, music, dancing, storytelling, cooking and stickball, and participate in scholarly discussions on history and culture. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Fairpark. chickasawcelebration.com

11/1

First Tuesdays at Lee County Library A free speaker series features Malcolm White on How Tamales Came to Mississippi. The monthly event is put on in partnership with the Mississippi Humanities Council. 6 p.m., Lee County Library

11/11

Veterans Day Service The public is invited to an annual ceremony in Veterans Park to honor service members past and present. 9 a.m., Veterans Park October 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO

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SANCTUARY HOSPICE

Sanctuary Hospice House has been a vital part of the local healthcare community since 2005. Offering service to the terminally ill and their families, the facility has served more than 3,000 on-site patients since its founding and another 1,200 home hospice patients since the mobile program began in 2010.

The staff attributes its ability to continue nurturing patients to the support of people in the surrounding area.

“I am privileged to now be a part of this annual holiday tradition,” incoming Executive Director Harold Plunkett said. “If it wasn’t for donations, fundraising and volunteerism, we couldn’t keep our doors open. We have to come up with about $1.5 million every year just to offset our operating costs.”

Much of that amount is raised at the annual Celebration Village holiday market in October, a shopping event benefiting the organization. Finding volunteers to fill positions for everyday needs isn’t as simple.

“We have to demonstrate to the state every year that five percent of our facility workload is done by volunteers, so we’re always looking for more people to join us,” volunteer coordinator Susan Ervin said. “Even if you can only come out once or just work one hour a week, it all makes a difference to the people we serve.”

Volunteers can serve at the hospice center or with the home hospice program, doing tasks from interacting with patients to assisting kitchen staff. Volunteer orientation is required.

The Sanctuary Village Shoppe also relies on volunteers to help price and sort merchandise, assist with displays and run the cash register.

The 15th annual Celebration Village takes place Oct. 19-22 at Tupelo Furniture Market.

For details, visit Sanctuary’s Facebook page. To become a volunteer or make a donation, call 662-844-2111 or visit sanctuaryhospice.org.

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CARAMEL APPLES written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem

T

he Harris family of Tupelo has perfected the art of making caramel. Locals who remember the Downtown Mall will also recall the sweet smell that came from the Harrises’ Karamelkorn Shoppe for nearly 20 years. The sticky confection is one of the reasons the business survived the transition when the mall closed.

“We’d been there since 1972, and we moved to our new location at the Tupelo Mall in 1990,” second-generation proprietor Rusty Harris said. “The two anchor stores had already moved out of here by then. Stores came and went after that. We hung on.”

The name of the business changed to Caramelcorn Shop after the Tupelo Mall site became Gloster Creek Village medical park, but the Harrises still tempt food court cus­ tomers in a storefront that looks identical to the original. Popcorn in their three signature flavors – butter, cheese and, of course, caramel – and their hand-dipped caramel apples are their biggest sellers.

“The caramel we use for the popcorn was a franchise recipe from back when we were one,” Harris said. “My mom, Barbara, came up with the recipe for our caramel apples at home. She ran this store from the time it opened until she retired about five years ago.”

The caramel apples are made fresh daily, much like the rest of the treats. Titus Harris, the family patriarch, has been the primary apple dipper since he retired from UPS. “We can’t give you the family recipe because that’s our secret here, but I can give you some tips to get your apples right,” Harris said.

“Making good caramel apples can be a trick when you start. It took us a while to get it to where we like them every time.”

Harris Family Tips for Perfect Caramel Apples • Use the right apples. Don’t go for mealy or sweet. The best pick for caramelization is Granny Smith. The bright green skin covers the crunchy fruit, and the tartness of the apple

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INVITATION TUPELO | October 2016

pairs well with the sweetness of the caramel.

• Watch the temperature. If using caramel candies, only melt them in the microwave for 2½-3 minutes. Any more, and the caramel will be too hot and melted to coat the fruit. Any less, and the caramel will be too hard.

• Use the right tools. Don’t try the pourover method. Insert a stick into an apple, and then dip it into a bowl of melted caramel. Be sure to melt enough candy so there’s no need to

spin the fruit to coat. When you pull the apple out, let the caramel drip a moment, and then cut off the flow with a knife before placing the fruit on a shallow, parchment-lined dish. The paper keeps it from sticking to the plate.

• Chill out. Always store the finished product in the refrigerator to make it last longer. When you’re ready to eat the apples, take them out about 15 minutes ahead of time to let the caramel soften.

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CARAMEL-APPLE BAR Try this exclusive Invitation Tupelo twist on caramel apples. recipes and photos by Kimme Hargrove

Caramel apples are a fun fall treat for children and adults alike. Get creative with this family-friendly, do-it-yourself caramel-apple bar that allows everyone to make personalized versions of the sweet treat.

Simply slice green and red apples, and insert a long lollipop stick into each slice. Place dips such as white chocolate, milk chocolate and Caramel-Apple Caramel (see recipe below) in dishes. Offer toppings such as sprinkles, crumbled graham crackers, miniature chocolate chips, toffee bits, marshmallows, shredded coconut and chopped peanuts. Dip apple slices in the chocolate or caramel, followed by your choice of toppings. Finally, for extra sweetness, drizzle with homemade Caramel Sauce (see recipe below).

Caramel-Apple Caramel 1 cup whipping cream, divided ¾ cup light corn syrup ½ cup butter 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla (preferably paste, but extract will do) Using a large 3- to 4-quart saucepan with a candy thermometer attached, heat ¾ cup cream, corn syrup, butter and sugar to 245°F. The syrup mixture will become a thick, firm ball. Remove from heat, and slowly swirl in the remaining ¼ cup cream and the vanilla. The mixture will steam and bubble vigorously. Pour into a bowl, dip apple slices, let cool slightly, and eat.

Caramel Sauce 1½ cups sugar 1/3 cup water 1¼ cups whipping cream 1 teaspoon vanilla (preferably paste, but extract will do) Using a 3- to 4-quart saucepan with a candy thermometer attached, level sugar at the bot-

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INVITATION TUPELO | October 2016

tom, and pour water over top. Swirl the pan to mix. Cook over low heat 7-10 minutes, until the sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium, and boil until candy thermometer reads 350°F (about 5 to 7 minutes), swirling the pan rather than stirring. Turn the heat off, and slowly add

the cream and vanilla. The mixture will steam and bubble vigorously. The caramel will turn almost completely solid, but continue to simmer over low heat, stirring with a whisk, until caramel dissolves and becomes a smooth sauce.

Once cool, drizzle over apple slices.

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

ICC PRESIDENT’S PREGAME TAILGATE Itawamba Community College held its annual President’s Pregame Tailgate Sept. 1. The Indians hosted Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and won with a final score of 23-12. photographed by Michaela Cooper

Tyler Camp, Tilda Bouchillon, Jan Reid Bunch and Cheryl Ware

Haeden Dyar, Nikki Lane, Taylor McKnight and Madison Hendricks

Phillip and Lisa Box

Stuart Coggins and Chris Lockhart

Larry and Mary Sue Boggs

Chip, Jada, Levi and Luke Mills

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INVITATION TUPELO | October 2016

Dee Stegall, Wesley Grier and Daniel Smith

Robin Lowe, Heather McCormick, Ashley Lancaster and Jolene Hoots

Beth, Hayden and Jason Campbell

Tammy Foster and Rebecca Mabus

names names Sandi South namesand names Annette names Harrison names names

Jenna Hull and Hayden Plunkett

James Neaves and Tommy Poole

Nina, David, Sidney and Liam Strother

Mike Eaton and David Cole

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

TRAVIS TRITT CONCERT Grammy and Country Music Award winner Travis Tritt performed Aug. 28 at BancorpSouth Arena. The concert was part of the singer’s national summer/fall tour. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Travis Tritt

Dakin Duncan, Kacie Adams, Laurabeth Blissard and Bradley Kilgo

Melissa and Dennis Nolan with Moe Livingston

Keith and Kim Mayhall

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INVITATION TUPELO | October 2016

Whitley Blankship and Laura Adams

Farrah Speck and Syd Beasley

Twyla Pratt and Heather Duncan

Skip Clayton with Greg and Tracie Conwill and Angela and Terry Harbin

Sheri Rinks and Angela Nowlin

Melanie Cleveland and Sabrine Prestage

Katie and Tatum Young

names namesB.J. names and names Nicole names Johnson names names

Mary Leigh Lipscomb, Ashley Berthay and Meagan Loden

Alicia and David VanLandeghem

Christina Hare, Regan Trawick and Amanda Cole

Sandra Lanphere with Dylan and Erica Hutcherson

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

GUNTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL PEP RALLY Students and teachers at Guntown Middle School participated in a pep rally Sept. 13. The Star Warsthemed event was held in conjunction with a home football game against Pontotoc Middle School. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Abby Roberts and Stephanie Phillips

Madison Dillard, Claudia Evans, Lauren Wise and Ella Frances Parker

Rachel McBride, Madison Hall and Riley Kate Fair

INVITATION TUPELO | October 2016

Elyse McKissick, Brenna Smith and Loren Beck

Lydia McKissick, Georgia McBride, Meri Parker Pigott and Carli Scruggs

Brianna Gills, Kylee Ellward, Isabel Baldwin, Allie Wilburn, Jennifer Cubillo and Wanda Lyle

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Ella Frances Parker, Bella Holiman and Kaitlin Kimbrough

Anix Fain and J.J. McAlister

Taylor Michael and Dianne Floyd

Avery Kate Priest, Ryleigh Palmer, Brianna Huckaby, Rachel Spencer and Kelsey Robbins

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

TUPELO TEACHER OF DISTINCTION AWARDS The Association for Excellence in Education (AEE) and the CREATE Foundation held the Tupelo Teacher of Distinction Awards program Sept. 16 at the Summit Center. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Carole Elliott and Daytra Riley

Juanita Smith and Patricia Jones

Mary Placensia and Amy Tate

Marrion Winders, Amy Barnett and Leona Ramey

Juanita Floyd, Albine Bennett, Gearl Loden and Kristy Luse

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INVITATION TUPELO | October 2016

Linda Grimmett, Jennifer Matthews, Nicole Enis and Mitzi Moore

Kim Britton and Kim Brumley

Denecise Salters and Ginger Enis

Chequitta Ivy, Amanda Johnson, Allison Metcalfe, Vickie McAnally and Tereif Osborne

Amy Wyatt, Memesha Rayford, Anna Beth Williams and Tabbie Easter

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

TUPELO SPORTSMAN’S BONANZA The annual Tupelo Sportsman’s Bonanza was held Sept. 9-11 at the Tupelo Furniture Market. The family-friendly event included a gun and knife show, wild-game cook-off and over 200 exhibit booths. photographed by Lisa Roberts

James Anthony and John McCord

Drew and Stephanie Homan

Tim Grace, Dennis Wilborn and Andre Barnwell

Meagan and Warren Hillhouse

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INVITATION TUPELO | October 2016

Mary and Richard Moreland with Mike Langford

Hunter Laferer, Tyler Stanley and Buford Stanfield

Frankie Fowler with Carl and Ken Goss and Roamer

Don Thorson and Mark Webb

Scott Robertson and Nick Anglin

View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

PIED PIPER PLAYERS 25TH ANNIVERSARY Pied Piper Players held a party to celebrate its 25th anniversary Sept. 15 at Midtown Pointe.

Former board members were recognized for their volunteer efforts and years of service. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Alice, Amy and Annelise Fagan

Chanda and Ali Vallarian

Victoria Waller and Trevor Hart

Lauren Norman Fox, Tom Booth and Steve Ludt

Carly Oglesby, Nailah Slatter and Emily Campbell

Glenn Payne with David and Jennifer Collins

Regan Plunkett, Ruthann Morgan, Kate Burleson and Tory Fox

Dianne Ludt, Jill Hart and Jane Miller

Kristie Shaw and Bryson Pounds

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY TAILGATE The Tupelo High School Golden Waves held a community tailgate Sept. 9 before the football team hosted Brandon High School, winning 14-13. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Leah Sevilla, Lilla McGraw and Rachael McGhie

Cameron Blanchard and Claire Bailey

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INVITATION TUPELO | October 2016

Elizabeth and Maylen Gable

Chelsea Collins, Danyoma Chandler and Nakia Pannell

Alyssa Brohawn, Aubree Alford and Abby Spires

Zeta Mooney, J’La Jones and Laniya Gilliam

Annalise Carroll, Chloe Word and Evelyn Ramirez

Gracie Hopkins and Loren Zimmerman

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

TUPELO MARATHON The 33rd annual Tupelo Marathon and 13.1miler was held Sept. 4 starting and ending at BancorpSouth Arena. The race was sponsored by the Tupelo Running Club and is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Benny and Stephanie Phifer with Joey Wilkins

Rebecca Laymon and Krystal Quetant

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INVITATION TUPELO | October 2016

Cindy DeSalvo and Amy Camp

Aaron Jennings, Brian Gohlke and Mike Lail

Angela Beyette, Cherie Aday and Denise Robertson

Emily Wade, Chasity Sexton and Becky Digangi

Wayne and Angie Tidwell

Kim Wilson and Kelli Whitlock

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INVITATION TUPELO | October 2016

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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JOHN MILSTEAD

Elvis Presley and the reigning American Idol winner aren’t the only talented musicians putting northeast Mississippi on the map. written by Melanie Crownover

Following the success of American Idol winner Trent Harmon and runner-up La’Porsha Renae, both Mississippi natives, all eyes are on these area artists as they risk it all in Nashville, Music City U.S.A., for a chance to be the next small-town talent to stand out on the stage.

John Milstead

Former Tupelo resident John Milstead’s music career began to take shape when he started playing piano by ear when he was 16.

He first sang in front of audiences while he was playing Starkville clubs in college, and he produced his first album in 2009. Sides of the Soul’s single Don’t Believe in Love piqued the ears of some Nashville publishers, and he started traveling back and forth to the city to improve his songwriting by entering contests.

After winning the Nashville Songwriters Association International contest, presented by Country Music Television, in 2009 and 2010, the radiation therapist decided to move to Tennessee to pursue music full time in 2012.

Milstead signed on as a staff writer with the publishing side of Reba McEntire’s company, Starlight, two years later. The experience of working with a small team of writers in a place that manages big names such as McEntire, Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson introduced the budding songwriter to possibilities he never fathomed back home.

So far, he’s worked as a writer with 1980s sensation Tiffany on the album she debuted in May and has had several songs put on hold by

Singer-songwriter John Milstead, pictured, took his talents to Nashville four years ago to focus on music full time. He’s worked with some big names, played popular venues in the city and is preparing to release a self-produced album.

both McEntire and Ronnie Dunn.

“You have the access and inside track to these artists if they’re shopping for songs, though it’s still a long shot,” he said. “I record the few songs I start a month on my phone, send one to the publisher and if they like it, they’ll throw money behind it to produce and pitch it – but it can still take a couple of years to get a song picked up. I’ve probably written 500 songs since I moved here four years ago, and I write way less than the average because I’m still performing so much.”

When he’s not writing, Milstead frequents popular Nashville stages, including the Bluebird Cafe and The Listening Room Cafe, playing the tunes he’s kept for himself.

He plans to release a self-produced album

he’s been working on for the past four years this month. The Red Door Sessions came together in studios all around Nashville.

“This whole thing is elevated because I really didn’t know what I was doing the first time around,” he said. “There’s something about being among so many creative people that makes you better. I collaborated with some of the best lyricists in the world on this, and Jay DeMarcus from Rascal Flatts plays bass on some of the songs.”

Milstead intends to hold a CD release party in Tupelo sometime before he releases the songs on iTunes and Amazon at the end of the year. Look for details on the celebration, upcoming gigs and his latest music on Facebook or at johnmilstead.com.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY FAIRLIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY (TOP), ISAAC WHITE (LEFT) AND CATHY WAUGH (RIGHT)

Sisters Hannah and Caroline Melby, pictured above, have been playing music together since they were children when Caroline (at left in the photos) joined her older sister in a bluegrass band. The Starkville natives now reside in Nashville, where they record and tour together as HanaLena. Last year they released the cookbook Recipes and Road Stories.

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hanalena

Spring 2017 should be a monumental season for Starkville’s sister duo HanaLena, not only because they’ll headline Walt Disney World’s March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration but also because they plan to release their first new music in two years.

The Melby sisters have been making music together since Caroline picked up a mandolin at age 11 to join her fiddle-playing sister, Hannah, in a bluegrass band. The two were part of the band Nash Street until four years ago, when the group’s members went separate ways after moving to Nashville together.

During their time with Nash Street, the sisters shared the stage with big-name acts including Little Big Town, Martina McBride and Tim McGraw. They also won the 2008 Colgate Country Showdown.

The pair changed their stage name to HanaLena (a combination of Hannah’s name and Caroline’s nickname) and made a selftitled, six-song EP in 2014 with the help of a producer who had previously worked with Alison Krauss. The music was some of the most commercial country they’d ever performed.

“We’ve lived and traveled and written what seems like a lifetime since then,” Caroline said.

“We’ve dug a lot further into our roots with the bluegrass and blues to embrace the kind of grassroots version of Americana we always were underneath. Our music has changed as much as we have since we moved here.”

The sisters took on a novel venture last year when they put out a cookbook titled Recipes and Road Stories. They spent weekends touring the South, making appearances at venues as hallowed as Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

While they’re keeping quiet about specifics of their new music project, both say it bridges the gap between the music they grew up on and the sound their Nashville fans expect.

“It’s a tough thing to find your defining sound when you’re immersed in so many genres,” Hannah said. “It’s like we’re on a seesaw between the kinds of music we love to play and trying to find our perfect balance. We’ve danced around it for a while, but I think we’re really getting there.”

Get HanaLena tour and music updates at hanalena.com or on their Facebook page.

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INVITATION TUPELO | October 2016

Rick Moreland’s handmade custom amps enhance the quality of sound produced by local musicians. written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem

A select few local guitarists and harpists have the honor of owning amps that bear the Moreland Amplification logo. Rick Moreland of Nettleton says he likes to keep his client base close to home so that he can easily assist with an equipment upgrade or an extra jam session.

Moreland got his start doing sound and fixing amps for Rock Zone, a band he played with in the 1980s. He learned to build his first amp in 1989 by watching his Memphis mentor Rob Hull, also known as “The Amp Man.” He opened shop officially two years later.

After working on B-52 aircraft in the U.S. Air Force and spending 40 years building auto transmissions, this hobby guitarist found a second pastime that’s also profitable.

“The amp I have, he really made for himself, so I got double lucky,” musician Kevin Waide said. “It’s never left me stranded onstage or let me down. You wouldn’t believe the sound.”

Moreland’s amps aren’t like those for sale at average music stores; they’re old-fashioned tube amps capable of broadcasting a rich tone and smooth sustain, or prolonged resonance.

Each one is hand constructed in his home shop, built to meet the specific needs of buyers who have tested Moreland’s sample amps and spoken with him about their favorite music, as well as power and component requirements.

“Your main tone comes from you and your playing. I just want to broadcast that for you and amplify what you already have,” Moreland said. “I don’t even put tone knobs on some of my models because it’s so easy to mess up your sound with them if you don’t know what you’re doing.”

The interiors of the amps are also unconventional. While the number of tubes transmitting sound differs according to the size

Rick Moreland of Nettleton, pictured opposite, builds and sells guitar and harp amplifiers. The vintage-looking amps, pictured above, are all one-of-a-kind, personalized for the buyer and always marked with Moreland’s logo.

of the amp, most have no circuit board inside.

Rather, Moreland typically uses a built-in protection circuit with a tag board, featuring sticklike connectors for the wires, or opts for a point-to-point metal box that holds the wires with connections straight to the tube sockets.

“Young guys see that setup and are too intimidated to mess with it, and I kind of like that because there are no clones of what I make,” he said. “When I’m done, you’ll have an amp that will last about forever if you take care of it with the help of a professional. It may look sloppy inside to some, but I’ll compare tones with you any day.”

Moreland also takes some artistic license

on the exteriors of his amps. The cabinets are rarely basic black, unless it’s by special request.

His alternative exteriors range from turquoise leather to wood with checkered, inlaid tops or saddle-brown tweed with brass cursive initials over the speakers.

The framework of the cabinets can be made from scratch or created from a recycled model, whether it’s an old Peavey or a former public-announcement speaker from a school.

“Each one of my amps is different, inside and out,” he said. “There is no basic here, but why would you want that?”

Search for Moreland Amplification on Facebook to see the latest models up for sale.

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Leslie Jones has spent the past year reviving an almost lost musical platform: the local record store. His east Tupelo business, Rockstar Records, has given new life to vinyl records and CDs. “This was something I felt like Tupelo was missing when I moved here two years ago,” Jones, an Ackerman native, said. “Records started going away in the ’90s, but in the last five years, [they’ve] popped back up again. Now they outsell CDs three to one. I have plenty of those here, too.”

Inside the 1,600-square-foot space, vivid band T-shirts and posters hang around the ceiling’s perimeter. New vinyl from artists as current as Taylor Swift and DNCE dominates an entire 80-foot-long wall on one side of the store, while the opposing wall contains just as many CDs from every genre and era. Tables topped with boxes of alphabetized albums take center stage on the sales floor.

“It’s getting harder to find the older ones, but since people come in to trade or buy the used vinyl all the time, our selection is constantly changing. We have some rare jewels hanging around if you look,” he said.

Jones gets a shipment of new music every week and can special order almost any request on CD or vinyl, including new releases. He’s also more than ready to share his expertise with novice customers looking for a first record player.

“Forget MP3s. Turntables and vinyl are trending with all ages because it has a better sound than a digital file. That’s why even current artists are putting it out again,” he said.

“It’s richer, truer to the original tones – plus, there’s the artwork of the album. You can’t get that same detail from a download.”

Learn more at Rockstar Records Tupelo on Facebook or at rockstarrecordstupelo.com.

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Leslie Jones, pictured above, is attempting to give new life to an old music staple: vinyl records. His new Tupelo business, Rockstar Records, specializes in vinyl and also carries CDs and record players. According to Jones, customers are seeking out music new and old on records and CDs for the superior sound quality and album artwork.

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on location

Local dancer and choreographer

Devon Moore recently headed west to make it big in Hollywood. written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem

Dancer and choreographer Devon Moore is beginning to feel at home in Hollywood.

After three months in his new surroundings, the 20-year-old Tupelo native is settling into his apartment and staying busy preparing for auditions by taking classes in tap, contemporary dance, hip-hop and street jazz at Millennium Dance Complex, Movement Lifestyle Studio and Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio.

“I did my first audition for Universal Studios Japan; out of 35 dancers, I was one of four called back and asked to sing,” he said. “I got cut then, but that’s pretty good for a first try.”

Moore didn’t start his dance career in a studio. He learned his first moves from movies like Step Up and by watching Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears on MTV. It wasn’t until he entered a talent contest at Saltillo High School when he was 16 that friends convinced him to go to the North Mississippi Dance Center (NMDC). He enrolled as a student in the school’s hip-hop class and was helping to teach and choreograph by the next year.

“He was never typical from the beginning.

You can’t help but watch him move because there’s so much emotion in it,” former NMDC hip-hop instructor Corrie Cockrell said. “I’m always in awe and inspired by him, but nothing he does has ever surprised me because I think he can probably do anything.”

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As Moore’s dedication grew, NMDC staff encouraged him to expand his repertoire. He took classes in ballet, contemporary dance and tap to further his technical knowledge.

“The studio is my place to figure out what I need to work on and what I’m capable of so I can go out and stretch those limits until I can do more,” he said. “I’ve always been pretty shy, but I feel like I can say however I’m feeling when I dance. It’s just part of daily life for me.

I tap down the aisles at Wal-Mart and practice shuffles in the kitchen.”

Moore performed locally in Tupelo Civic Ballet performances, Tupelo Community Theatre’s production of Mary Poppins and the Doniphan Dance Project, for which he was

also a choreographer. His choreography last year for the Saltillo High School Tigerettes dance team brought first-place accolades at the United Dance Alliance competition in Jackson.

Then Moore got his first professional job as one of four dancers chosen for the Miss Mississippi Pageant television production in June.

His ultimate goal is to inspire others to move, but Moore says a tour gig with a superstar such as Usher, Ariana Grande or Justin Bieber would be a great start.

“We would all love to take some credit for Devon, but he has a natural ability for movement all his own that just seems like it’s part of his soul. That’s something you can’t teach,” Roxie Clayton, Doniphan Dance Project

founder, said. “He’s exactly where he needs to be, doing exactly what he needs to be doing.”

Moore took a break from his training and returned to Tupelo for the project’s second annual concert in August after learning most of the dances by video in California. The dancers had the tap routine he’d choreographed ready to go by the time he arrived. After two shows for a crowd of more than 500, he headed back to California.

“No matter where he goes, Devon will always be a part of this dance community. We’ll be back here rooting for him and ready to see him take on every stage he encounters,” Clayton said. “And that invitation to come back home and dance with us will always be open.”

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Patrons of all ages are challenged to escape the illusions created in an interactive game that combines elaborate set design and technology. written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem

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Paradox Games and Escape Rooms owner Mark Stevens (seated at left) and set designer Todd Knowlton (standing) have transformed an empty retail space into a series of interactive game rooms where participants work together to problem-solve their way out of precarious situations. The illusions begin at the realistic-looking entrances to the rooms, pictured above.

W

hen New Jersey native Nate Farmer goes to work at Tupelo’s Paradox Games and Escape Rooms, he’s no longer a University of Mississippi senior. Instead he takes on the identity of Harry Houdini’s British butler or a secretive CIA agent known only by a code name.

Farmer is part of the illusion of the escape room. His job is to help patrons get into the backstory and outsmart the one-hour timed game in which a group of six to 10 players are trapped in a closed room with clues and puzzles to find objects to help them get out.

“The main job for me and the other four ‘game masters’ is to make sure they have fun and stay immersed in the experience,” he said.

“We try to monitor from afar as much as possible and give nudges in the right direction when they need it, but we’re not breaking character unless it’s an emergency.”

Paradox is one of only a handful of such venues in the state – including Deadbolt Escape Rooms, which is also in Tupelo – to bring the trend to a small-town audience. The movement started in 2008, when a live-action version of the popular Escape the Room video game opened in Japan. The game gained popularity in the U.S. about three years ago, and there are now more than 1,000 escape rooms across the country, predominantly in bigger cities.

“What’s exciting about this is it’s something people can do together that’s interactive,”

owner and retired engineer Mark Stevens said.

“If you go to a movie, you may talk about it after, but with this they have to think, cooperate and communicate to solve a series of puzzles from the clues and be able to escape. We have people who are ready to redo a room as soon as they come out.”

Stevens and his wife, Kristie, visited an escape room with their five kids, ages 4 to 21, while on vacation in Dallas last year. They were sold on opening the new business after seeing their family work together. They began remodeling the old George Ruff building on North Gloster Street for the game in February.

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“If you go to a movie, you may talk about it after, but with this they have to think, cooperate and communicate to solve a series of puzzles from the clues and be able to escape. We have people who are ready to redo a room as soon as they come out.” —Mark Stevens

Pictured above, a group of Anytime Fitness employees prepares to take on the escape rooms as a corporate team-building exercise. Complicated scenarios await them in the meticulously designed rooms, also pictured above, which include the formal parlor of Harry Houdini’s 1920s Harlem brownstone and a Cold War-era CIA office.

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scenes such as poorly remodeled offices with zombies, Paradox employs high-tech toys, detailed decor and more complicated scenarios to keep customers guessing.

Former Hollywood set designer Todd Knowlton’s experience helps make the surroundings credible. With his designs, he has helped transform the former car showroom into a multigame site.

“I’m building a set here where the audience gets to interact with the room, so it has to be detailed and believable,” Knowlton said.

The illusions begin at the entrances to the rooms. The Harry Houdini room’s door façade, for example, looks like the entrance to the illusionist’s Harlem brownstone. The door opens to a lifelike parlor where 1920s music plays and antiques furnish the room. A video gives players the basics of the game before the action begins.

The particulars of the Agent 22 room are no less impressive: Players find themselves inside a government office equipped with all the trappings of a Cold War-era spy movie, complete with an old world map that includes the former U.S.S.R. on the wall and a working Commodore 64 computer in the corner.

In addition to parties and sessions with walk-in groups who want to test themselves for fun, Paradox also caters to corporate clientele with escape room business packages that offer team-building exercises.

“This puts you in an environment more like the office to show your strengths and weaknesses to achieve a goal,” Stevens said. “We can give feedback to coach those communication skills after one try and then send the group into one of the other games to see if they do better.”

Paradox opened two rooms to the public in July, and a third featuring an abandoned mine is scheduled to open in time for Halloween.

The first room for two to four players, called The Vault, should premier in November. The following month, a large Arctic expeditionthemed room should open for the winter.

Stevens plans to change the themes of the four larger rooms every six to eight months to keep the games fresh and is considering adding more small escape rooms to the space.

For pricing and scheduling, call 662-2694560 or visit paradoxrooms.com/tupelo.

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dressing

THE PART A local club’s members craft costumes and play dress-up year-round, not just at Halloween. written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem

Meet Emi and Rynil, the expertly costumed alter egos of Emily Weathers and Lauryn Krzyzkowski (pictured opposite, with Emi, on the left, dressed as Boba Fett and Rynil as Super Sailor Pluto).

The former Tupelo High School classmates are part of the Ministry of Silly Suits, an eightperson cosplay club that started in 2008. The Suits, who all go by aliases when dressed up, make their own costumes to dress as characters from their favorite anime, comic books, video games and other pop culture sources. They also attend conventions (or “cons”) for enthusiasts, where they’ve received accolades for their teamwork and costume creations.

“I had no idea this could be a hobby when I was sewing in high school,” Weathers said.

“The first time I went to a con, I remember looking around at all these people dressed up and thinking, ‘I finally don’t have to wait until Halloween. You can walk around in an Iron Man costume here in broad daylight, and it’s

cosplay (cos·play) a social activity in which fans dress up like characters from manga, anime, video games, etc.

— Webster’s New World College Dictionary

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not just OK; it’s expected.’ It was like I found my Disney World.”

After the Suits formed, cons became a group event for the members. Anime Week and Dragon Con in Atlanta, Anime Blues Convention (ABC) in Memphis and the former multicity Sukoshi Con are just a few of the gatherings they’ve attended.

Most of the events feature celebrity guests from popular franchises and YouTube, discussion panels on crafting costumes and other topics, as well as an area to buy merchandise.

Each member of the Suits has his or her own expertise to share with the group. Weathers is the resident seamstress, while Krzyzkowski is the group’s wig and wings expert. Other members specialize in props, puppetry and makeup.

Individual members have won accolades for their cosplay for years, but the Suits received their first award for best group at Atlanta’s Persacon in 2010 for their depiction of characters from the Street Fighter video game. Their collective Sailor Moon costuming brought them their first master-division win for best group at ABC in 2014.

“We have to really try to outdo ourselves as a group now that we’ve won as masters, because that’s our category,” Krzyzkowski said.

“Simple is not an option anymore.”

There are no set meeting days for the Suits, just informal gatherings of friends to work out kinks in costume patterns or talk props and wigs while stitching. Those gettogethers are more frequent when there’s a convention coming up.

“It was easier when we were younger and didn’t have adult responsibilities to juggle to get

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everyone to a con,” Krzyzkowski said. “Now we work around budgets and getting days off from work to get one or two of us away for the weekend, but we always go to ABC together in the summer. We call that our home con now.

It’s our official time to catch up.”

This year, the Suits are helping to staff an inaugural local con called the Tupelo Anime Getaway, taking place in November.

The event, they say, is part of a larger national effort to bring cons to every state.

Some of their friends from ABC wanted to bring the movement to Mississippi with fall cons in both Tupelo and Jackson. The Suits are happy to encourage the culture.

“We try to help out with the Lee County Library’s Cosplay Club for teens from time to time because we had no mentors when we were getting into this, and we want to be that for them,” Weathers said. “This con is another way for us to help bring that magic closer to home for everyone. It’s a creative adventure that can open doors for a lot of people.”

Tupelo Anime Getaway is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Summit Center. The family-friendly con will feature special guest Michele Knotz, voice of Mae, Jessie and Nurse Joy on the Pokémon TV series. There will also be a trading card tournament, video game room, cosplay competition judged by Krzyzkowski and Weathers, and dealers’ room to buy anime-related products.

Entry is $10 per person. For more information, visit tupelo.animegetaway.com, or look up Anime Getaway on Facebook.

Learn more about the Suits on Facebook, or check out their costume tutorials on Tumblr.

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A local company salvages wood from old buildings and barns and handcrafts it into vintage farmhouse furniture and custom wood floors. written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Lisa Roberts and Joe Worthem

When Shonda Darsey started building a new house

in Saltillo almost two years ago, she knew she wanted floors like the ones she had put in the West Point farmhouse she had revived more than a decade before. The century-old, 10-inch reclaimed plank hardwood, taken from the old cotton mill in downtown Tupelo, had become a defining part of her home, along with a farmhouse table, hutch and butcher block island built by the same company.

“I knew those floors, with all their character, were a reason the old house sold in three months because [the new owners] loved them as much as I do,” Darsey said. “I just couldn’t believe it when Butch Cook called me and said he’d found a stash of that wood for this house. It made it feel like home before we ever moved in.”

Cook, owner of Vintage Flooring and Furniture, spent years harvesting materials from dilapidated barns, abandoned factories and forgotten homes to build up enough stock for customers like Darsey. He opened the business in 1999 to sell his finds from the eastern United States to designers in cities such as Phoenix, where there was demand for old, reclaimed wood before the nationwide farmhouse revival began.

He first brought wares to the Tupelo Furniture Market 10 years ago, turning dated bricks and wood from demolished buildings into viable construction materials and furnishings.

“I joke that I took down my first barn in Jesus’ Name, but that really is a small town outside of Corinth,” he said. “I guess it never hurts to have someone looking over you when you’re doing a job that can kill you in the process of collecting.”

Cook’s Guntown warehouse is now full of reclaimed wood. Beams, sheets and planks of cypress, walnut, cherry, Tupelo gum and rare heart pine are stacked high in the 80,000-square-foot space. In the shop area, workers are busy cutting, chiseling, sanding and configuring the pieces into household works of art.

“I think he can walk through this warehouse and the other in Verona and tell you where each stack of wood came from and the story behind the building it used to be,” sales representative Sharon Martin said. “That Shonda Darsey’s kitchen, pictured above, came to life when she added wooden floors and a farmhouse-style island made by craftsmen from Vintage Flooring and Furniture.

Opposite, Butch Cook, owner of Vintage Flooring and Furniture, is pictured in his company’s Guntown warehouse, an 80,000-square-foot building filled with old, reclaimed wood waiting to be transformed into unique flooring or furniture pieces.

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Above and top left, the Vintage Flooring and Furniture showroom at Tupelo Furniture Market displays pieces such as coffee tables, mantels, flooring, ceilings. At top right, Darsey’s Saltillo home is filled with reclaimed wood, including this dining table and hutch.

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means a lot to our customers, and I don’t think I could sell anything else after seeing the quality that comes from that kind of dedication to the details.”

Newly reclaimed wood goes through a cleaning process that includes a double run through a metal detector to remove all nails.

Then workers either resaw and mill the finds into wide-plank flooring and rustic shiplap wall paneling, cut them into large ceiling beams or break them down further for use in their popular furniture line.

Those pieces come together through mortise-and-tenon joinery, a finicky and timeconsuming process eschewed by large factories.

The joints fit together by wedging perfectly shaped pieces inside each other and locking them into place. Larger works, such as heavy farmhouse tables, are reinforced with 10-inch antique Prairie Bolts from the 1870s taken from the same sites as the wood.

Each item is tagged with the company logo and a serial number to help future owners identify its construction date. Products then go to the finishing room for six coats of stain and three coats of sealer to strengthen the surfaces.

Each cut takes the finish a different way, soaking up the stain to bring out variants of color that highlight the texture of the wood’s natural ring structures and other markings like original nail holes and saw marks.

“The age makes a dry wood that takes color and seals better,” worker Carlos Hernandez said.

“It may take three days to finish after it gets here, but that’s because we let it cure.”

Hernandez and the other five craftsmen on staff are each trained in every step of the building process, and although there is a set list of simple designs they keep in stock, they make just as many special order items, from benches to mantels to bathroom vanities.

Their works sell at the company’s Furniture Market showroom during market days and by appointment, as well as through national merchants, including Wayfair, Amazon and Houzz.

“When you have a chair or piece of flooring made from wood with a history, you have something not every kid on the block can claim that’s solid, stable and durable,” Cook said. “I want us all to be proud knowing someone will look at that ID tag later and know that we made it here.”

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

OLE MISS VS. GEORGIA Ole Miss hosted Georgia Sept. 24 at VaughtHemingway Stadium in Oxford. The Rebels beat the Bulldogs with a final score of 45-14. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Anna Katherine Scott and Britt Sheffield

Matt Prentice, Dustin Kirk, Jordan Potts and Cayson Collins

Olivia Bonds and Lindsey Potts

Beth Anne Rushing, Darla Gurley and Steve Rushing

Debbie and Joe Banko

Ava Katherine McMullen and Lindsey Roberts

Barbara and Eddie Lindsey with Kate Ruff

Sophie Bonds and Paige Wood

Melinda and Edward Alexander with Ziggy

Bryce Drew and Laurie Elizabeth Alexander

Scott Wood and Paula Bonds

Talana McKinney and Brent Lindsey

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

ANNUAL PONTOTOC BODOCK FESTIVAL The 19th annual Bodock Festival was held Sept. 16-17 in downtown Pontotoc. Events included children’s activities, a 5K run, a petting zoo, a car show and live musical entertainment. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Kim and Jayda Hall with Claudia Elzie

Ray and Nedra Anderson with Jody Jones

Gemma and Samantha Cline

Aubrey and Lerissa Robbins

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Mae and James Souter

Jana Montgomery and Megan Garrett

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Leslie and Hattie Pearman with Natalie Garrett

Stephanie, Kaitlyn and Trina Cherry with Debra Hilliard

Harry and Merry McNamee

Myron Hereford and Marilyn Miller

Chelsea Brazil and Amber Swords

Cory and Tiffany Boone

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

WINE, WOMEN -N- ART The Farmhouse hosted an artist event to benefit Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital on Aug. 25.

The event featured a silent auction, wine and shopping with local artists. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Margaret Maxwell and Carla Stanford

Autumn Godwin and Stephanie Hall

Glenn Payne and Tara Nolan Moody

Holly, Emory and Mary Chapel Whitehead with Jennifer and Mallory Love

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Christy Stewart, Sarah Barrett and Courtney Hutchins

Brad and Tiffany Franks

Beverly Crossen and Tracy Proctor

Melinda Marsalis, Ann Gillmore, Elizabeth Behn, Donna McGaughy and Allison Windham

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

HUSHPUPPY ROAD PIGEON SLINGING The sixth annual pigeon-slinging contest was held Aug. 26 at the home of Robby Sandlin in Saltillo. The skeet-shooting event included live entertainment by local musicians and food. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Lindsay Henry and Meagan Loden

Dena and Bob Griggs

Kristin Logan, Robby Sandlin and Kenzie Pennington

Phillip and Mimi Blanchard

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Jessica Nelson, Jade Hoover and Megan Hill

Wesley Roberts, Josh Logan and Lee Wayne Neely

Charlie Tucker, Clint Berthay and Frank Bensieck

Jim Roberts and Jennifer Ham

Casey and Carrie Bruce

SAVE THE DATE 5th Annual

Saturday, November 12 at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center during the Ole Miss/Texas A&M game. Doors open 2 hours before kickoff.

SILENT AUCTION . CASH BAR. FOOD FROM LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Title Sponsors:

Opportunities available for monetary, food, and silent auction sponsorships.

Contact YPO@OXFORDMS.COM for more info.

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA UNITY BALL The Nu Sigma Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority hosted a Unity Ball Sept. 23 at BancorpSouth Arena. The event included food, a disc jockey and live entertainment by Crossroads. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Otis and Frankie Morris

Georgia Fields-Richardson and Minnie Shumpert

Rosie Rogers, Jason Shelton, Veronica Lipsey, Anthony Rogers and Robert Hall

Brandon and Terrell Hall with Takki Dangerfield

James and Cassie Harris

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Yvonna Meadows and Vanessa Jones

Marjorie Brown and Tommy Pannell

Bridget and Isaac Shinault

Chink and Shirley Freeman

Judy and Terry Watson

Marrion and Clarence Smith

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

CORINTH SCHOOL DISTRICT BENEFIT To welcome the new school year, the Corinth School District Foundation hosted a benefit Aug. 27 at Franklin Courtyard in Corinth. Entertainment was provided by The Bouffants. photographed by Whitney Worsham

Tony Russell and Linda Crotts

Tracey Smith and Merry Overholt

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Mindy Draper and John D. Mercier

Tammi Frazie with Jackie and Taylor Coombs

Christy and Bobby Burns with Tammy Genovese

Marilyn and Nick Dodd

Ned and Mona Lisa Grady with Janet and Nathan Hurst

Andrew and Wendy Shinault

Frank and Amy Davis

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Check out the

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

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

EVERYDAY HERO AWARD DINNER The Itawamba Historical Society hosted an awards dinner Sept. 20 at its facility in Mantachie to celebrate everyday local heros. photographed by Lisa Roberts

Danny and Vicky Gaither

Jim Roberts, Eileen Wooldridge, Christi Stephens and Alan Newcomb

Martha Stancil, Judy Reynolds and Marilyn Leary

Andrea and Joseph Felks

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Mary Ann Turner and Virginia Fikes

Jackie Evans and Connie Sheffield

Mark Roberts, Derek McMillen, Dalton Cullins and Matthew Williams

Martha Hodges with David and Diane Thompson

Vaunita and Jeremy Martin

Jeff Butler and Blake Buchanan

Ken and Pam Duncan

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

OUT AND ABOUT CONTINUED ON PAGE 70

LAW ENFORCEMENT LUNCHEON

Bart Aquirre and Bart Bramble

Sam Sisk, Kamisha McKinnon and Mike Roberts

ARC COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR

Eva, Stephanie and Sophie Lindsey

HOMETOWN HERO AWARD DINNER

Paulita Edwards-Childs and Renetta McMillan

KING CENTER TUPELO FURNITURE SHOW CHECK PRESENTATION

1st Place winner Verona Middle School - Kevin Seddon, Temeka Shannon, Neely Buchanan, Alice Griggs, Nickeda Shelton, Abe Dingler, Journey Hatchett and Melissa Kelly

MALL AT BARNES CROSSING FUN FEST

Jaida Weard and Cayla Mangrum

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Terry Sanford and Judd Wilson

Ashleigh Kelly and Teresa Baker

Roy Jaeger and Rubye Del Hardin

CARVER SCHOOL TOYOTA CHECK PRESENTATION

Mike Botkin, Liz Rose, Marty Brown, Meg Gibson, Emily Jarrett, Anthony Key and Christy Carroll

ROBINS FIELD FESTIVAL ON THE FIELD

Kimberly Buckhaulte and Courtney Grimes

Emerson, Angelia, Ruff and Anne Bailey Thomas

Chloe Phillips and Noa Little

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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.

OUT AND ABOUT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 68

DELTA WATERFOWL AND MAGNOLIA REGIONAL HEALTH CENTER LOCAL HEROES DOVE HUNT

Bubba and Noah Carpenter with Chaps

Lucas Wooten, Kaleb Nelms and Gary Walker

OH BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? AT LULA LEE’S

Patrilla Maddox and Liz Kingsley

Bill Briggs, Chris Bobo, Michael Voyles and Chuck Hinds

U.S. DISTRICT COURT NATURALIZATION CEREMONY

Julius Lee Wales and Wilda Pounds

AT&T STORE GRAND OPENING

Lucia Arnold and Shirley May Childers

Katie, Benjamin and Felipe Monfort

EVELYN ROUGHTON BOOK SIGNING

Cathy and Rick Beasley with Teresa and Danny Cash

Susan Rish, Becky Vance, Amy Blackmon and Evelyn Roughton

I LOVE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

Lanell Coln with Jeremy and Vaunita Martin

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Madison Hall and Wayne Jerrolds

Shirley Curry, Anita Dearing and Suzanne Smith

Carolyn Rutledge and Tina Wilburn

GUMTREE MUSEUM OF ART STATE OF FLUX OPENING RECEPTION

Lujan Perez and Corin Robidoux

Jennifer Hudson and Daniel Paden

Virginia Chambers, William Dexter and Belle Naugher

CARON GALLERY SIXTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Cecilia and Jack Williamson

Kim Caron and Cindy Martin

Marilynne Bank and Amy Giust

Michael Ashley and Leslie Goeghegan

T&L SPECIALTY COMPANY REMEMBER OUR HEROS LUNCHEON

Amy Cooper, Nichole Doss and Cortney Harper

TEAM LEE SPECIAL OLYMPICS RECOGNITION

Michael Weathersby, Stan Wood, Shane Jones and Thomas Walker

Steven Morphis, Emily Bates and Joey Laird

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LT. COL. REX MOODY interviewed by Melanie Crownover photographed by Lisa Roberts

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Lt. Col. Rex Moody, current president of the local and state chapters of Vietnam Veterans of America, is assisting with plans for Tupelo’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall replica.

Q: What was your experience in the war?

A: I was in [Vietnam] twice – the first time, I made the amphibious landing in Chu Lai in May 1965 and stayed until they sent me to Quantico for Officer Candidate School. I went to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, after I was commissioned and returned in April 1968.

I spent 13 months in the Northern I Corps along the DMZ. I lost some good friends there.

Q:

Have you visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.?

A: I’ve actually had the honor of helping clean it a couple of times as part of the state council of presidents when we meet in D.C. a few times a year. It’s awe-inspiring every time I see it.

Q: How close will this wall be to the original?

A: The replica will look just like the one [in D.C.], only 60 percent its size. It will be black granite with the names laser engraved and be around 280 feet long with center panels about 12 feet high. The walkway in front will have dedication markers and benches.

Q: How is it being funded?

A: We raised about $200,000 privately. Our mayor and local representatives helped us get a bond issue passed; we should get about $750,000 from that. The city donated about $100,000. We’re hoping for more donations as it starts going up. There’s no set date [for construction to start], but it should be very soon.

Q: Why is this replica special?

A: It means a great deal to have

one here, especially for the Vietnam veterans like me.

It’s a place to go to feel a connection to the men and women who served there with us and didn’t come back.

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