Bluffs & Bayous July/August 2023

FARMHOUSE forlovetheof a

social scenes

Brookhaven, MS Sarah Bridge’s 40th Birthday Celebration

Fernwood, MS JA of McComb Spring Luncheon

Magnolia, MS Vietnam Veterans 50th Anniversary Day

McComb, MS Annual Festival of Flowers Show

Natchez, MS DAR National Defense Luncheon

Natchez, MS Annual Natchez Ladies and Newcomers Club Spring Fling Cocktail Party

Natchez, MS UMB Celebrates 50th

Natchez, MS White Linen

Jeannette and Jay Nauta pause on the lawn of their newly remodeled farmhouse. See article on pages 18-22.

Photo by Cheryl Rinehart

our team

225 John R. Junkin Drive Natchez, MS 39120 601.442.6847

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Bluffs & Bayous is published monthly to promote the greater Southern area of Louisiana and Mississippi in an informative and positive manner. We welcome contributions of articles and photos; however, they will be subject to editing and availability of space and subject matter. Photographs, comments, questions, subscription requests and ad placement inquiries are invited! Return envelopes and postage must accompany all materials submitted if a return is requested. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Bluffs & Bayous are those of the authors or columnists and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement. Bluffs & Bayous strives to ensure the accuracy of our magazine’s contents. However, should inaccuracies or omissions occur, we do not assume responsibility.

from the PUBLISHER

Local artists, restorers, easy appetizers, and shade-loving ferns are the focus of our summer issue. July and August are the slower months to savor summer’s living in the moment, a sensory experience we share in our Features and Favorites. Herein, you will discover and applaud the efforts of Jeannette and Jay Nauta during their four-year restoration of an 1893 farmhouse along Highway 98 in Amite County, Mississippi. Their inspiring story is a delightful read.

Rediscovering the many local artists who show their works at ARTSNATCHEZ also will intrigue your interest, surely giving you ideas about adding to your own collections. The gallery in downtown Natchez, Mississippi, offers over 500 original pieces of art. Enjoying the ambience of this gallery of eclectic selections is educational as well as entertaining. Moreover, our Southern summer months provide the perfect time and temps to peruse the talents of these local artists in the cool and inviting gallery experience of ARTSNATCHEZ.

For our palettes this season, we have collected some easy-peasy recipes for appetizers using fresh and locally grown ingredients for summer treats. Our collaborative efforts for this month’s Something Scrumptious yielded delicious results from

a local cook and taste team—Blair Smith with Cate and Lillie Drane. These college students spent an evening preparing and staging for the magazine the Antipasto Skewers and the Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls. This was a fun project to engage the youthful energy, enthusiasm, and talents of these rising connoisseurs of cuisine.

In her Southern Sampler, Alma Womack, forever a favorite columnist, shares her summertime search for berries, the changing and challenging conditions of this search, and one particular saga of her efforts to ferret out these juicy treasures. I remember in my own childhood scrambling up the hill in the wooded parts of my neighborhood, discovering the berries, picking and putting them in a bucket, and bringing them home as my praise-worthy feat in finding something delicious and free. The harvest of local bounty is better than store-bought any day.

In this issue, you’ll also savor your read of Dr. Eddie Smith’s In the Garden article, “Adding Beauty with Ferns.” Summertime in the South always and forever is about embracing all the area’s lush greenery and surrounding your spaces with all things cool and green with, of course, colorful accents.

We trust that this issue of Bluffs & Bayous will be an enticing part of your experience as you enjoy the lingering, slow-paced lifestyle of summer along and beyond the Mississippi

JEAN NOSSER BIGLANE Copy Editor

ERIN NORWOOD Design Director

CHERYL FOGGO RINEHART Publisher/Editor/Sales

BILL PERKINS Photographer

SAM GWIN Contributor

KARI L. BLANEY Sales

DR. EDDIE SMITH Contributor

ALMA WOMACK Contributor

LISA WHITTINGTON Photographer

Engagement Party for Phillips and Baylot

Celebrating the engagement of Flynn Phillips of Brookhaven, Mississippi, and Kale Baylot of Brandon, Mississippi, friends and family enjoyed an evening cocktail party in January 2023. The couple was married in New Orleans, Louisiana, early in June 2023. Photos by Bill Perkins

Flynn Phillips and Kale Baylot

Gary Soignier, Ellie Henderson Phillips, and Ray and Julie Montalvo

Denise Thompson, Becky Green, and Nancy Fisher

Brooks Warren, Charles Dixon, Betty Dixon, and Dr. David Braden

Sydney James, Sophia Barnett, and Hannah Pounds Nations

Ellie Henderson Phillips, Tara Warren, and Robert Warren

Carol Smith, Andrea Beeson Waldrop, Daniel Beeson, Regina Beeson, and Paul Phillips

Doug Boykin and Dave Pace

Robert Becton, Holleman St. John, and Landyn Blakely

Andrew Culver, Keaton Halbert, and Penn Wilson

John Chrestia, Rick Taylor, and Barbara Davis

Paul Phillips and Sloane Smith

John Bryant Stewart and Maggie Rankin

Tripp and Kim Arnold

David Culpepper with Mark and Dorothy LeBlanc

Blake Paben, Matthew Tucker, and Tyler Kirby

Stephanie Smith, Ellie Phillips, and Betty Dixon

Engagement Party for Phillips and Baylot (continued)

Sarah Rice Halbert, Audrey Montalvo, Laurel Struss, Katie Grace Wycoff, and Cheyenne Smith

Clint and Katie Grace Wycoff

Charles and Betty Dixon, John Chrestia, and Rick Taylor

Linda Moak, John Chrestia, Rick Taylor, and Vicky Driskell

Holleman St. John, Sophia Barnett, and Landyn Blakely

Carlisle Henderson, Courtney Link, and Drew Link

Kevin Baylot, Kale Baylot, Flynn

Phillips, and Tera Baylot

Flynn Phillips and Paul Phillips

Gary Soignier, Francis Brady, and Ellie Phillips

Stephanie Smith, Kay Boykin, and Jennifer Hudson

Mark Smith and Betty Ann Perkins

Dixie Fouche and Trey Fouche

Sarah Rice Halbert, Holleman St. John, Landyn Blakely, and Tiffany Shannon

Maggie Cupit-Link and Drew Link

Ellie Phillips, Gary Soignier, and Anne Atkinson Henderson

THE

social

SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

Engagement Party for Phillips and Baylot (continued)

Laurel Struss, Sarah Rice Warren, Katie Grace Wycoff, Paul Phillips, Flynn Phillips, Audrey Montalvo, and Cheyenne Smith

Anne Houston Craig, Flynn Phillips, and Maggie Cupit-Link

Anne Atkinson Henderson, Maggie Cupit Link, Courtney Link, and Paul Phillips

Sophia Barnett, Courtney Franck, Flynn Phillips, Holleman St. John, and Landyn Blakely

Denise Thompson and Stephanie Wilson Flynn Phillips, Kale Baylot, and Maggie and Drew Link

Vicky

and

Driskell, Danita Hobbs,

Mike Hudson

scrumptious

Summertime When the Living

is Easy-peasy

Served at small gatherings, shared before main courses, or offered smallplates style as main meals, easy-peasy appetizers are perfect for summertime living! We love recipes touting summer’s fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables rounded out with a selection of our favorite meats like salami, bacon, and sausage. Some of these may become your favorites!

Antipasto Skewers

These eclectic appetizers can be as creative as your selected ingredients. We'll suggest a few, but use what you can find. The skewers can be long or cut in half for compact short-bites presentations. These also can be served as salads with grilled meats for a light summer supper.

12 fresh cherry tomatoes

12 mozzarella or bocconcini balls (marinated overnight in Italian dressing)

12 pieces marinated roasted red peppers (from jar or marinated and grilled)

12 pieces marinated artichokes

24 slices salami, or other Italian flavored meats

12 marinated olives, stuffed with blue cheese, garlic, or pimento, Kalamara olives, or black olives

24 fresh basil leaves or pieces

Balsamic Reduction Sauce (See recipe below.)

Italian herbs

12 wooden skewers

Marinated or roasted asparagus pieces, optional

Layer the skewers with the above ingredients, place the skewers on a platter, sprinkle them with Italian herbs, and lightly drizzle with the Balsamic Reduction Sauce.

Balsamic Reduction Sauce

Add 1 cup of balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until it thickens, stirring often so the vinegar does not burn. As the vinegar cools, it will also thicken. Once the sauce has cooled, drizzle it over the skewers.

Bacon Wrapped, Smoked-SalmonStuffed Sweet Peppers

This fabulous appetizer is inspired by the Paleo diet. Salmon is a popular menu item, and popping pieces of salmon into small sweet peppers wrapped in bacon offers a surprise to your palate and a dash of color on your table. Easy and delicious, these soon disappear!

10 strips bacon

20 sweet peppers (2 packages)

1-2 packages smoked salmon (either regular or smoked)

Paprika

Preheat oven to 350˚. Cut bacon in half lengthwise and widthwise so you have 3 pieces of bacon per each strip. Cut peppers in half lengthwise; remove the excess seeds. How much salmon you use depends on how big or small the peppers are. For each pepper, take a small piece of smoked salmon, roll the salmon up, push it into the pepper, and then wrap a small piece of bacon around the sweet pepper. Tuck the sides of the bacon under each pepper to keep it in place as it bakes. Place all baconwrapped peppers on a parchmentpaper-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until bacon is crispy. Be careful not to let it burn. A baking rack can be placed on top of the parchment paper to keep the drippings away from the cooking bacon. Let cool slightly before serving.

Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

This popular appetizer offers a bite-size, hardy, meat-andbread option. To this easy appetizer, we like to add a touch of seasoning (your choice) to the sausage and cheese mixture to give it a nice “bite.”

8 ounces Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dough sheet

1/2 pound pork sausage (mild or spicy per your taste)

1/2 cup jalapeño cream cheese spread

Heat oven to 375˚. Cook sausage in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes until brown. Drain. Unroll dough and press into a 12 x 9-inch rectangle, firmly pressing any perforations to seal. Slice into 6 rows of 4 to make 24 squares. Place 1 pounded teaspoon of sausage in the center of each dough square. Top with 1 teaspoon of cream cheese. Bring together the 4 corners of each dough square, overlapping slightly in center at the top of each bundle. Twist and pinch to seal, leaving small gaps between seams. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet, and bake at 375˚ for 10-14 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool and dig in.

Onion Soufflé Dip

A staple among our recipes for appetizers, this dip is a hit when served. Watch your family members or guests devour this familiar, tried-and- true dip. All you need are four simple ingredients plus a pretty, ovenproof dish plus Fritos (dip size) or your favorite crackers. Yummy!

3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese

2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese

1 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s preferred)

1 (10-ounce) package frozen diced onions, thawed

Soften cream cheese. Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Place mixture in a greased baking dish. Bake at 350˚until lightly browned on top, about 45-50 minutes. Serve hot with Fritos or crackers of your choice.

THE socialSCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

Sarah Bridge’s 40th Birthday Celebration

A 40th birthday celebration was held for Sarah Bridge at Bett’s Eat Shop in downtown Brookhaven, Mississippi, on February 17, 2023. Friends and family gathered to celebrate her milestone birthday. Photos by Bill Perkins

Sarah Bridge and Nick Bridge

Kaylin Rushing, Sarah Bridge, and Liana Bass

Kim Bridge, Cathy Bridge, Doug Boykins, and Tyler Bridge

Sally Ogden, Sarah Bridge, and John Ogden

Ron Donegan, Josh Iles, and Sharyl Donegan

Sarah Bridge, Sally Ogden, Charlie Bridge, and Nick Bridge

Sally Ogden and Adam Ogden

Jimbo and Mary Williams

Darrin and Suzanne Hirsh

Christy Lee, Kristi Bridge, and Lillie Bridge

Mary Williams,Tonya Bairfield, Suzanne Hirsch, and Carrie Garrett

Christy Lee, Sarah Bridge, and Paxton Lee

Reeves and Carrie Fernald

Sharyl Donegan, Tonya Bairfield, and Nick Bridge

Sarah Bridge, Bill Perkins, and Shelia McFadden

Adding Beauty with Ferns

ARTICLE | Dr. Eddie Smith PHOTOS | MSU Extension Service

One of the best ways to highlight ferns is to plant them in hanging baskets or pots. Many varieties of ferns grow as a bush of green foliage, so lush that the fronds spill over the sides of the container. Raising this display up to eye level where it can be properly admired is one of the best ways to showcase its beauty.

Fern hanging baskets thrive in our Mississippi heat and humidity if they are kept in partial to full shade. They do best in filtered light although a little morning sun is permissible.

If ferns sound like something your house or yard needs, there are many different varieties to choose from. A really popular but classic fern is the Boston fern. Its gracefully arching, rich green branches are lush. You see these used all over the South in hanging baskets on front porches.

The Kimberly Queen fern, also known as the Sword fern for its lush, sword-shaped fronds, is gorgeous with both upright and sprawling growth habits. The leathery and toothed dark green foliage provides great texture. It also is a good choice for our hot and humid summers. The Kimberly Queen tolerates sun better than the Boston, and it can grow an enormous amount in a year. It also handles indoor conditions well for those who want to overwinter them.

Many gardeners don’t realize that, if it is planted in the ground, a Kimberly Queen has quite a bit of cold tolerance, frequently enabling it to return from ground level in the spring. Mulching, of course, is mandatory.

Living up to its name, the Macho fern is a big, brawny fern that sports bright green fronds with bold, broad leaves. Before the name Macho became attached to this fern, it was most commonly called the broad sword fern. Growing up to three feet tall and wide, this plant makes a statement hanging on the porch. Despite their size potential, Macho ferns are commonly sold as large baskets that look great.

Feed ferns every month during spring and summer using a water-soluble fertilizer, and they will look great all season long. Indoors, ferns require very little fertilizer until you get ready to bring them outdoors in the spring.

Ferns do require frequent watering during the spring and summer. Give your ferns a good, deep soaking and then let them dry lightly before the next watering. Be careful not to overwater your ferns. More ferns are harmed from overwatering than underwatering.

During the winter, you can bring your ferns in hanging baskets and pots inside. When growing ferns indoors, choose a spacious area that will allow their fronds plenty of room to shoot out in all directions.

Visit your local garden centers to see what ferns they offer to add some beauty to your landscape or home. Dr. Eddie Smith is a gardening specialist and Pearl River County coordinator with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. He also hosts the popular Southern Gardening television programs.

I believe one of the easiest ways to add curb appeal to your home is to add beautiful ferns to the landscape. Ferns can also be brought inside to add greenery to indoor spaces.

2 Kimberly | The Kimberly fern is a lush selection that tolerates more sun than the Boston fern.

3 Macho | The Macho fern grows up to three feet tall and wide with bold, broad leaves.

1 Boston | The arching branches of the Boston fern have made it a popular hanging basket.

James B. Hall, MD

Our clinic focuses on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and chronic kidney disease prevention. As a hypertension specialty clinic, we also focus on difficult-to-control blood pressure, secondary hypertension, and reno-vascular hypertension. Our full-time and covering physicians are nephrology-fellowship trained and board certified in nephrology. Dr. Hall is also trained and certified as a Hypertension Specialist. Our clinic fosters a compassionate and friendly atmosphere, and our main objective is to delay the progression of kidney disease through community outreach, peer education, kidney screening seminars, and health promotional classes. Remember, “Your health is the most important thin you own, second to your soul.”

THE socialSCENE FERNWOOD, MS

JA of McComb Spring Luncheon

The Junior Auxiliary of McComb, Mississippi, held its spring luncheon on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Fernwood Country Club in Fernwood, Mississippi. During this event, new officers were installed and provisional members were presented.

Provisional Class 2022-2023: Front— India Warshauer, Parliamentarian Mallory Robinson, and Heidi Brent / Middle—Amber Magee and Kristen McBeth / Back—Simmons Copeland, Becky Simmons, Brittany Raybon, and Darion Fortenberry

JA of McComb Executive Board

2023-2024: Row 1—Kandace Hart, Rachel Marrs, Ashley Stovall, and Michelle Cooksey / Row 2—Robin Bonds, Kaitlyn Cooksey, Melanie Wentworth, and Candi Reid / Row 3— Laci Godbold, Jenny Richmond, and Courtney Richard / Row 4—Valerie Turner and India Warshauer Carla Stringer (Life Member), Parliamentarian Mallory Robinson, President Rachel Marrs, and Lynn McInnis (Life Member)

Vietnam Veterans 50th Anniversary Day

On Wednesday, March 29, 2023, on the grounds of the Pike County Courthouse, a commemoration program was held in observance of the Vietnam Veterans 50th Anniversary Day, hosted by Judith Robinson Chapter, NSDAR, and the Pike County Courthouse. More than 50 Vietnam Veterans were recognized for their honorable service with a lapel pin presented by Judith Robinson Chapter, NSDAR. The program began with the presentation of the colors by McComb High School ROTC, and the pledge of Allegiance was led by the McComb BSA Troop 124. Max Fenn was the Master of Ceremonies, and Curtis Brewer provided special patriotic music. Tammy Strickland, Regent of the Judith Robinson Chapter, NSDAR, read a signed proclamation from Governor Tate Reeves in observance of the program. Major Rachel Wilson, program speaker, was introduced by Max Fenn. Major Wilson is the Assistant Judge Advocate assigned to the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, 172d Airlift Wing, Thompson Field, Jackson. The program concluded with DAR members from Judith Robinson Chapter, NSDAR, MSSDAR Coastal Director Margaret Fish, and members from the Copiah DAR Chapter forming a receiving line to greet the Vietnam Veterans present with a handshake of thanks for their service.

Judith Robinson Chapter, NSDAR members

Judith Robinson Chapter member

Shondra Robertson and Regent Tammy

Strickland with McComb BSA Troop 124

Judith Robinson Chapter member Lynn Williams with Ruth Ann Tabor and Diane Harrell

Regent Tammy Strickland and Missy Bates displaying a picture of her deceased brother-in-law who was a Vietnam Veteran

Jim O’Rourke and Past Regent

Linda Young

Max Fenn, Major Rachel Wilson, Regent Tammy Strickland

Past Regent/Chaplain Linda Young, Vice Regent Lynn McInnis, Flag Chairman Sylvia Johnson, Past Regent/ Commemorative Chair Ava Madison, and member Jane Lawrence

Pike County Circuit Clerk Roger Graves and Regent Tammy Strickland

Gov Tate Reeves signs a Proclamation honoring Vietnam Veterans in Recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War as part of The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration

THE socialSCENE MCCOMB, MS

Annual Festival of Flowers Show

“Art in Bloom” was the Flower Lovers Club’s theme for this year’s Festival of Flowers held in the Pike National Bank Community Room on March 23, 2023, in McComb, Mississippi. The event was free and open to the public. Photos by Bill Perkins

Art in Bloom

Flower Lovers President Beth Wild and Betty Ann Perkins

Kelly Hart

Sherry Price, Fran Holloway, and Kathy Assaf

Sherry Slusher, Nancy Hewitt, and Nancy Smith

Sue Reeves and Virginia Goza with Patsy

Giles and Jane Beachman

Natalie Moore and Nancy Smith

Christopher Hart and Nancy Smith

Natalie Moore, Christina Mitchell, Betty Ann Perkins, and Nancy Smith

Hannah Hart Wells, Sara Doman, and Marigold Doman

Tina Brumfield, Bill Perkins, and Gay Austin

Hilary Freeman and Betty Ann Perkins

for lovethe of a

FARMHOUSE

LEFT | Original owners, William Lee and Lula Turner

RIGHT | Exterior of restored farmhouse

One afternoon, when Jay was driving down Highway 98 towards Summit, Mississippi, to look at a home for sale, he spotted an abandoned old farmhouse in need of attention. He turned his car around, entered the driveway to the farmhouse, and spoke with the neighbor next door who gave him the owner’s name and contact information.

Not wasting any time, Jay made arrangements; and the owner showed him the farmhouse that had been in her family for three generations since 1893. William Lee and Lula Roberts Turner, the original owners, had passed the home to their daughter, the owner’s grandmother, who had left the house and acreage to her. This grandchild acquired the homestead with four acres. Although she was reluctant to let the house pass outside the family, the Nautas asked what she would consider as the price for the house. After much thought and consideration, she gave her asking price; the Nautas accepted, and the start of a four-year restoration began.

Not knowing the depth of restoration needed, Jay and Jeannette jumped in feet first and began the tedious process of demolition themselves, salvaging everything original. Years of coal-burning fireplaces’ heating the house, along with its age, had turned the ceilings and walls almost black. The couple hired a contractor to do the work, but Jay and Jeannette designed the plans with the help of their cousin. The couple painstakingly worked to use materials period to the house.

The interior walls, ceilings, and floors were all heart pine; the ceiling and walls were originally tongue and groove. Each piece that was removed was numbered and then placed back in its original position, and then each piece was manually sanded and stripped from the many layers of age. Their priority was to make the house sound by repairing or replacing any damaged support beams, by weatherizing with insulation, by installing new plumbing, a new HAVAC system, new insulated windows, and new doors (that were period to the house) where needed. The couple delighted in designing with a Baton Rouge, Louisiana, artisan the stain-glass transom windows placed throughout the house.

About six years ago, Jay and Jeannette Nauta were on the hunt for a home in southwest Mississippi.

FROM TOP LEFT | Before and after of attic space carved out to accommodate additional bedrooms, bonus room, and bathroom with added dumb-waiter system

TThe massive attic space allowed them to carve out three additional bedrooms, an office/craft room, and a bathroom for their upstairs. To these, they added a staircase and a pulley-system dumbwaiter. The upstairs replicated the wood walls and ceilings of downstairs with new hardwood pine floors and walls. Not a piece of sheetrock was installed in the house. Every inch of the attic space was transformed into living areas and storage areas including builtin drawers. The couple acquired period decorative molding and trims for use throughout the home, adding detail to the windows, doors, and ceilings; and they added all-new, periodtype hardware for the windows and doors. During the renovation of the main floor, several doors were moved and walls opened up to allow space for traffic flow connecting the entrance hallway to the kitchen, dining room, and living space.

The kitchen area was enlarged with generous counter space, double ovens, and all-new appliances. New custom cabinets were made for the kitchen with Jeannette applying the glaze. However, layers upon layers of flooring, including nailed-down cardboard, which covered the original heart-pine floor, posed a significant challenge. The daunting task of removing these layers left stains of dark rings and markings that, once the floor was refinished, bear witness to its history. The overall kitchen design was carefully calculated to accommodate the Nautas’ relaxed living space and allow ample area when their children and grandchildren come to visit.

TOP LEFT | Before and after of the demo process involved peeling many layers of flooring to find the original heart-pine flooring in the kitchen.

BOTTOM RIGHT | Added staircase customized a nook for Vito’s bed.

AA separate laundry room extends off the kitchen, and a staircase from the carport-door entrance was built to house a sizable hidden drawer for shoes and gloves and the many extras that accompany their grandchildren’s visits. The first floor of the home also offers a spacious, cozy master bedroom, bathroom, and custom closet. For this area, the couple chose newly designed fixtures with a vintage look and custom window shades in variations of blue, one of the couple’s favorite colors used throughout the home.

Jeannette and Jay Nauta’s labor of love for this latenineteenth-century farmhouse has brought renewed life to this site, making it once more a bountiful and happy homestead. It now sits on four acres of landscaped grounds that enhance the welcoming atmosphere of this property; and their suburban family members treasure their visits there, enjoying as they come three generations of memorable times all at once.

Reflecting on their in-depth and long-term revitalization of this country home, the Nautas agreed in commenting, “All the trials and tribulations of taking on such a total restoration of this magnitude make it so worth it when we both see the expressions and hear comments from visitors, especially those who have history with the home.” This new era of generations, welcoming family and friends, once again brings life, love, and care to this charming farmhouse.

ARTICLE | Cheryl Rinehart

PHOTOS | Cheryl Rinehart and Jay and Jeannette Nauta

TOP LEFT | Downstairs master bedroom INSET | Antique styled hardware replaced original throughout the home.

Bless Their Arts

The Mississippi Delta is one of the nation’s hotbeds for the arts, and Greenwood is at the heart of that scene. At the Museum of the Delta, art, history and natural history converge. Work from Deep South artists hangs near Native American artifacts and more. But the great thing about Greenwood is that it’s truly at the heart of the Delta, so you can stay here and stray out in every direction to enjoy the whole Delta arts scene. Just follow your heart and “Find Your Beat” from Greenwood, the Heart of the Delta.

ELLICOTT POOL SUMMER FUN

THE

Choctaw Hall Hosts Reception

Honoring State and International Officials

David P. Garner and Lee Glover, owners of historic Choctaw Hall, hosted a reception, May 13, honoring Xavier Salmon, director of the Department of Prints and Drawings at the Louvre Museum and Jack Kyle, Chairman and Executive Director of the Mississippi Commission for International Cultural Exchange, Inc. Guests included P. Allen Smith and James Sumpter along with John and Kari Elian all from Arkansas. Local guest enjoyed cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and musical performances by Franco Gurman and Kari Elian.

Xavier Salmon, P. Allen Smith and James Sumpter

Marla and Mayor Dan Gibson, David P. Garner and P. Allen Smith

Lee Glover, Zaiver Salmon, P. Allen Smith, David P. Garner, Jack Kyle and Kari Eli

Rhonda Gentry Binns and George Ivory

Michael Boykin, Coleen Wilkins and Yvonne Murray

Sharon Blatner, John Bergeron, Seth and Mike Blatner

Lee Glover, Xavier Salmon, Kari Eli, Ginger Hyland, Jack Klye and David P. Garner

Victoria Bankerand and Michael Boykin

Debbie Wilson and Ritchie

Montgomery, Esther Carpenter and Mark Lowrey with David P. Garner

Devin and Janice Heath, Valerie Bergeron and Terrel Williams

Franco Gurman and Kari Eli

(The Arkansas Gang) James Sumpter, P. Allen Smith, Kari Eli, David P. Garner and Lee Glover

Ritchie Montgomery, Debbie Wilson and Mayor Dan Gibson

Natchez Garden Club Homeowners

Michael Boykin, Lee Glover, Ginger Hyland, Sharon, Seth and Mike Blatner, Colleen Wilkins and David P. Garner

Terrel Williams, Beau Des Hotel, Jeff Mansell, Al Walker and Devin Heath

Ronnie Boutwell, Jack Kyle and Kathy Boutwell

When Should I Give Powers of Attorney?

ARTICLE | Lucien C. Gwin III

A power of Attorney (POA) is a muchused document that most people one day will need either to give someone else to act on their behalf or will receive to act for that person. When you give a POA, you are called “the principal” and the person you give it to is an attorney-in-fact.

What is a POA and what is the purpose? A POA allows a third party to act on your behalf on financial matters, contacts, real estate matters, or any other conceivable transactions. If you give someone a general POA, then that third party on your behalf can sign deeds, deeds of trust, or mortgages; can transact all of your banking business and buy, sell, or trade your stocks and bonds; and can operate your business, negotiate any contract for you, act in your stead regarding government benefits, file your taxes, and handle any personal matter that you may not be in a position to handle.

If you give a limited POA, then you give some third party the right to handle only the matters that you authorize, for example, selling your house.

Who can act as your POA? Anyone who is an adult and in whom you have a great deal of trust and confidence can act as your POA. Once you give a third party such power, then that person has a fiduciary duty toward you, meaning that under the law the third party owes you the utmost good faith in handling your business or transactions and is required to act for your benefit and welfare.

A person with your POA should never do anything with your assets that benefits themselves unless you authorize such. I have seen attorneys-in-fact abuse their POA status by loaning themselves money from the principals’ funds without authorization and place real estate property belonging to the principals into the attorneys-in-fact’s names, as well as deplete hundreds of thousands of dollars of principals’ estates for personal use.

When should you give someone else your POA? Many times, I have advised clients who are getting older that having one or more of their adult children act as a POA is usually a good idea, as such a person with advanced age begins to slip mentally. I have seen this multiple times. Spouses often give each other general POA, especially if one spouse is out of town a lot. I have prepared dozens of limited POA’s between spouses for the purpose of selling a house or property when one spouse cannot be available for a closing.

A POA should be notarized because most financial institutions will not accept a POA without a notary. Your POA becomes effective immediately upon your signature to the

document. By the way, the document should be drawn up by your attorney. A general or limited POA can cost anywhere from $200.00 to $400.00, depending on how tailored you want it.

Once you sign the POA, it is usually a good idea to file it in the Chancery Clerk’s office so that you can get certified copies that are usually accepted by all business institutions including banks.

If you wish to withdraw your POA, you simply do so by signing a document called a Revocation of Power of Attorney. This document is also recorded with the Chancery Clerk’s office. This will immediately terminate the POA.

One thing that a lot of people do not realize is that a POA automatically terminates upon your death, UNLESS the attorney-in-fact acted in good faith in using the POA without knowledge of the principal’s death.

Another thing to know is that you should always have the POA state that it is a “durable” POA, so that, should the principal become completely mentally incapacitated, the POA survives this medical condition and the attorney-in-fact can continue to act as an attorney-in-fact.

I have seen multiple times where people have not executed POA’s and then they become mentally incapacitated and, therefore, unable to sign a POA. At this point, the only recourse is to open a guardianship and conservatorship, which usually involve far more expense than a POA and require a court hearing.

Another thing to remember is that your having given someone your POA DOES NOT preclude you from engaging in your day-to-day regular business and financial affairs. The POA gives your attorney-in-fact the ability to act on your behalf in your absence or as a result of your mental incapacity.

Finally, if you give another person your POA, it is important that this third party be very honest and trustworthy. You should explain to them why you are giving them the POA and what you are expecting them to do and not to do with it. You are in essence placing them in charge of your life and possessions.

Lucien C. “Sam” Gwin III was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1981 and has been practicing many aspects of the law at the firm of Gwin, Punches & Kelley in Natchez, Mississippi, ever since.

THE socialSCENE NATCHEZ, MS

DAR National Defense Luncheon

The Natchez and William Dunbar Daughters of the American Revolution Chapters enjoyed a joint luncheon on February 13, 2023, at the Carriage House in Natchez, Mississippi, to celebrate National Defense. Juliette Cassagne, State Recording Secretary, MSSDAR, and Regent of the Natchez Chapter, was Mistress of Ceremonies. She gave special recognition to Sandy Taylor, William Dunbar Chapter National Defense Committee Chair, and Nan Earl Schuchs, Natchez Chapter National Defense Committee Chair. Special guests were Natchez Mayor and Mrs. Dan Gibson; Mr. Robert Bradford, a decorated U.S. Army veteran and Director of Emergency Management in the Natchez area; and Alderwoman Sarah Carter Smith. Other recognized guests included Lieutenant Colonel Herman Curry (retired), Commanding Officer Natchez High School AFJROTC; Sergeant Major Gordon West (retired); and Regina Boyles, the Major General’s mother and member of Rebecca Cravat DAR Chapter, Jackson, Mississippi. Guest speaker for the occasion was Major General Janson D. Boyles, Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard. Photos by Tom Taylor

Lieutenant Colonel Herman Curry; Mabel Tippens, William Dunbar Chapter Regent; Lieutenant Colonel Robert Bradford; Sergeant Major Gordon West; First Lieutenant Michael Smith, Aide de Camp to General Boyles; Mayor Dan Gibson; Major General Janson D. Boyles; Natchez First Lady Marla Gibson; Alderwoman Sarah Carter Smith; Juliette L. Cassagne, Natchez Chapter Regent; and Sandy Taylor, Past William Dunbar Chapter Regent and National Defense Committee Chair Sergeant Major Gordon West; First Lieutenant Michael Smith, Aide de Camp to General Boyles; Major General Janson D. Boyles, Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard; and Lieutenant Colonel Herman Curry

THE socialSCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Annual Natchez Ladies and Newcomers Club

Spring Fling Cocktail Party

On Friday, April 28, 2023, in Natchez, Mississippi, Sandy and Tom Taylor once again orchestrated a fabulous spring fling event! This has become an annual affair at the Taylors’ home in conjunction with the performers from the Natchez Festival of Music. This year, musicians from the Die Fledermaus opera added to the festivities. Co-hosts Johanna Busby, Ann McMullen, Karen Schibler, Helene Buttross, Elaine Gemmell, Melinda de la Vergne, Randy Busick, and Ellen Depta shared their homemade specialties. Photography by Lisa Whittington

Judy Busick and Marsha Thompson

Kathleen Mackey King and Sue Boyd

Sue Ellen Barnett and Sandra Toman

Karen and Charles Schibler, Beth and Tony DeAngelis, and Pat Jonaitis

Charles and Karen Schibler with Diana Glaze

Letta Crocker, Cindy Rollins, and Elaine Gemmell

Jason Dauphin, John Burns, and Gloria James

Tjaden Cox, Jason Detwiler, Stacey

Trenteseaux, and Michele Detwiler

Pat Jonaitis and Nelley Sanguinetti

Peggy Sandel, Sue Boyd, and Barbara Persons

Jackie Smith, Tom Taylor, and Diana Glaze

Pat Smith and Randy Busick

Ann McMullen and Judy Mize

Tom and Sandy Taylor

Jesse Dunbar and John Burns

Dr. Jay Dean and Charlotte Franklin

Dorothy and Frank Drouillard

ArtsNatchez Gallery Intriguing & Vibrant

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, native Jerry Dixon moved to Natchez, Mississippi, and set up residence, followed by a few other artists who purchased property and contributed to the community such as Marby Schon and husband Andrew Tilden, Keith Karlson, and Tony Eccles. Dixon ran an art studio, Serenity, in Bay St. Louis as did Karlson with his Mississippi Gallery.

In 2008, Karlson and Dixon were instrumental in the local establishment of ArtsNatchez, a unique gallery showcasing the works of many artists with each of them alternating days of opening and running the gallery one day a week. Those involved created a governing board for their activities, and ArtsNatchez is now in its fifteenth year of operations.

ArtsNatchez Gallery is a nonprofit organization formed to promote the arts in the greater Natchez area. As part of this mission, the gallery provides a venue for local artists with the studio’s operation handled by various volunteer committees composed of patron members and participating artists who take on everything from community outreach to facilities maintenance.

ABOVE | Image of the gallery, painting by Brad Bruce, and pottery by Sherri Slusher

OPPOSITE | David Hammett surrounded by his woodwork and abstract art

Caroline Weir

Deborah McNeal

Dianne Penfield with James Ellis

Madison Kunkle

ArtsNatchez Board Members Connie Burns, Mary Ann Spell, Brad Bruce, and Elaine Gemmell

Allyn DeVries

GA lleRY’S PaRTICIPATING ArTISTS:

Elizabeth Wolf

Robin Person

T. G. (Tim) McCary

Leon Hollins

Ron Chapman

Julia Bray

Ann Faillace

David Atkins

Mary Flach

Diane Penfield

James Ellis

J. Philip Larson

Brenda Hicks

Donna Marie Geoffrion

Carolyn Terry

Hedy Boelte

Shirley Byrne

Adrienne Parr

Deborah McNeal

Polly Ireland

David Hammett

Sue Burkhalter

Jeff Bryant

Michelle Bryant

Joseph Johnson

Allyn DeVries

Robert Schuler

Karen Coffman

Sherri Slusher

Carolyn Weir

Robert Field, Jr.

Sarah Rockstead

Bill Mahé

Jax Frey

Louise Cadney

Brad Bruce

with over 500 original pieces diverse artwork

TThe gallery’s diverse display of art includes photography, painting, ceramics, jewelry, mobiles, woodwork, fabric arts, and pen-and-ink drawings that comprise over 500 original pieces by thirty-six local artists. The gallery is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. but stays open later for receptions and other downtown evening events. All the gallery selections are for sale, new pieces continually refresh the kaleidoscope of displays, and new artists frequently add their wares to the gallery’s eclectic collections.

As part of its year-long active calendar of events, ArtsNatchez features an Artist of the Month during which a special section in the gallery displays the artist’s collection; and an after-hours wine-and-cheese reception from 5:00 to 7:00 on the month’s second Saturday invites the public to meet the artist and immerse themselves in the creativity of the showcased works. This past June, the gallery held a Heritage Folk Art Silent Auction with items from an estate collection of folk art donated to ArtsNatchez for use as a fundraiser. Upcoming events include a book signing and book sale, children’s art activities, lectures, and special occasion receptions.

Another ArtsNatchez activity is Tuesday Artists: Every Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 to 4:00, artists gather at Natchez Coffee on Franklin Street and work their magic. These several hours foster camaraderie and spark creativity as attendees, either individually or in groups, devote their time to paintings, drawings, or other small projects. Anyone is welcomed to bring materials for a small project and join the gathering. No cost to attend is involved, and no signup or registration is required.

Most Tuesday artists come ready to create, but many come just to enjoy the company of other creative talents. Some weeks, just a couple of people gather; other weeks, aficionados fill the room. Only one rule applies at these meetings: Don’t leave a mess— take everything with you that you brought. Of course, all are encouraged to come early and enjoy coffee or lunch before getting creative!

Be sure to check out ArtsNatchez when you are in town or when you come downtown, and enjoy the gifts and talents of this area’s local artists.

Learn more about ArtsNatchez Gallery at its 425 Main Street location, at artsnatchez.com, on FB @ArtsNatchez, or at 601.442.0043.

ARTICLE | Cheryl Rinehart

PHOTOS | T. G. McCary, Leon Hollis, and Robin Person

THE socialSCENE NATCHEZ, MS

UMB Celebrates 50th Anniversary

An anniversary celebration on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the Natchez Civic Center in Natchez, Mississippi, honored United Mississippi Bank’s 50th year of operations. The event hosted United Mississippi Bank employees and guests for an afterhours gathering. Photography by Lisa Whittington

Lauren Middleton and Sarah Carter Smith

Wes and Lauren Middleton

Denton and Jenna Biglane

Laura Bonds, Lori Myles, Deborah Green, and Jennifer Eidt

Tate Hobdy, Wes Middleton, and Kolby Kennedy

Ginnie Rogillio, Kolby Godfrey, and Lyn Jenkins

Beth and Daniel Guedon, Malaria

Honea, and Stephen Garrett

Robin and Malcolm Anders

Mike Smith and Ty Rasberry

Charlotte and Chris Maxwell

Michael Rabb and Shannon Parker

Nancy Biglane, Judy Stahlman, and James Biglane

Lauren Middleton and James Biglane

Francis Cothren and Mike Ellard

Judy Stahlman and Debbie Prout

Adrian and Lisa Sandel with Skeeter and Chris Hutchins

Brittney and Sheriff Travis Patton with Sarah Carter Smith

THE socialSCENE NATCHEZ, MS

UMB Celebrates 50th Anniversary (continued)

Mike Ellard, Adrian Sandel, Lauren Middleton, Chris Maxwell, Frank Foster, and Chris Hutchins

Charlotte Beard, Kevin Smith, and Fernanda Diaz

Denton Biglane, Nancy Biglane, Edie Christian, James Biglane, and Katherine Christian

Stephen Garrett, Frank Foster, and Jody Herring

Claudia Stephens, Cole Mosby, and Jack Stephens

Brooke and Adam Roberts with Matthew Hall and Andrew Moroney

Kathy Bell and Sherry Gill

Skeeter Hutchins and Tina Kaho

Valencia Hall and Sarah

Carter Smith

Emekia Warner and Tom Rosenblatt

Crystal Gilchrist, Britta Prater, Regina Rand, Morgan Dollar, Faye Williams, and Darleen Moon

THE socialSCENE NATCHEZ,

MS

White Linen Night on Commerce Street

The weather was hot but the strollers were cool in their white linen outfits on Saturday evening, June 3, 2023, during White Linen Night, the first open-to-the-public event of its kind in celebration of downtown Natchez, Mississippi. Crowds gathered to enjoy this intriguing and exciting evening that was spearheaded by artists Jax Frey and Mamie Henry. Shops and art galleries were open, artists were creating live paintings on the sidewalks, music from Mississippi Roux filled the air with tunes under the old Ritz Theater marquee, and the beverage station was hopping. Photos submitted by Mamie Henry

Ruth Powers and Robin Person

Two enthusiastic Natchez visitors

Mamie Henry and Carolyn Weir

Dan Hays-Clark, Bill Ennis, Trippy Shields, James Pettigrew, Thad Laiche, and Mel Zufall

Carolyn Weir creating a living painting of the event

Mamie Henry, Marla Gibson, Diane DuPont, Laura Newkirk, and Tracy McCartney

Mayor Dan Gibson with Rusty and Lyn Jenkins

Marla and Mayor Dan Gibson, Laura Newkirk, and Rusty and Lyn Jenkins

Troy Johnson and Norma West

Shannon Melton, Brad Yarborough, and Jaki Robinson

John and Kristine Herrin, Mamie Henry, and Robin Allen

Mickey Howley, Mamie Henry, Jax Frey, and Mayor Dan Gibson

Eric Shanoski, Quincey Vidrine, and John Dahl

Mamie Henry, Majorie and David Hawkins, and Robin Allen

Celeste and David Melzer with Mamie Henry

Mr. Robert and Sharon Brown

James Shaidnagle Memorializes D’Evereux Hall Orphan Asylum and the Sacred Heart Brothers

Established by the Catholic Diocese of Mississippi in 1861 and erected that year on the grounds behind what would later become the buildings of Cathedral Catholic School in Natchez, Mississippi, D’Evereux Hall Orphan Asylum until its closure in 1966 was home to over 1500 boys under the guidance of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. From 1955 until his graduation in 1962, Natchez native James Shaidnagle from a family of nine siblings lived there as did his three brothers Donald, Paul, and Billy. All four became masters-degree college graduates and successful professionals in service to their communities, the Sacred Heart Brothers having instilled in them, as James frequently confirmed, “a strong work ethic” and deep commitment to the important priorities in life.

For over ten years, James Shaidnagle has striven to memorialize the religious brothers and the orphanage so vital in their positive effects on the lives and futures of so many youth. At his considerable expense, James restored and memorialized the burial sites of a number of the orphans and religious brothers at the Natchez City Cemetery. He created and donated a formal historic marker, as part of the city’s tri-centennial, that was installed and dedicated in 2016 atop D’Evereux Hill in memory of the orphanage and Brothers. This marker is now displayed in one of the school buildings. Most recently, under his instigation and guidance, he worked with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the Historic Natchez Foundation, Cathedral Catholic School, and the Catholic Diocese of Jackson to erect an official state historic plaque on D’Evereux Hill, a plaque dedicated on April 26, 2023.

Throughout his decade-plus research, he has compiled a significant and scholarly collection of the many historic documents and pictures that capture the inspirational saga of D’Evereux Hall Orphan Asylum, the devotion of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart who served there, and the character of the man—James Shaidnagle—whose life and deep devotion inspired these many tributes.

ARTICLE | Jean Nosser Biglane

PHOTOS | Cara Moody and the James Shaidnagle Archives

TOP | Former D’Evereux Hall Orphanage residents with City of Natchez officials: Pat Smith, Robert Smith, William Smith, Mayor Dan Gibson, James Shaidnagle, Billy Shaidnagle, Alderwoman Valencia Hall, and George Hude

BOTTOM | Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi, surrounded by Cathedral Catholic School students and staff, blesses the memorial plaque.

riches & relics

TOP LEFT | D’Evereux Hall Orphan Asylum boys at play

TOP RIGHT | Brothers of the Sacred Heart and clergy on the front steps of D’Evereux Hall Orphan Asylum on December 12, 1960, the Centennial Celebration of the church’s care of area orphans

BOTTOM | Front façade of D’Evereux Hall Orphan Asylum

LOUISIANA

louisianatravel.com

A great site for everything Louisiana

ALEXANDRIA / PINEVILLE alexandriapinevillela.com rapidessymphony.org riveroaksartscenter.com lagniappetheatre.com themuseum.org

July 13-16

Guys & Dolls

7:30 pm & 2:30 pm 318.487.8243

lagniappetheatre.com

BATON ROUGE visitbatonrouge.com lsumoa.org

rivercenterarena: baton-rouge. tickets-center.com batonrougeballet.org

Red Stick Farmers Market Breada.com brso.org lasm.org

Every Saturday in July & August

Red Stick Farmers Market

5th & Main Streets 8 am-Noon

July 25 & August 22

ART at Lunch

Shaw Center for the Arts Noon-1 pm 225.389.7200

CLINTON / JACKSON louisianasteamtrain.com

FERRIDAY concordialibrary.org deltamusicmuseum.com

July 1

31st Lake St. John Flotilla Lake St. John

Grand Marshals: The Steckler Family | Dedication to Rosco

Registration: Spokane Resort

10 am-Noon | Pier Decorations

Entry $15 | Flotilla rolls 2 pm

Cash Prizes | Fireworks at dusk near water tower

FB: Lake St. John Flotilla

July 1

9th Liberty Loop Lake Concordia

1 pm

Line up north end Fireworks TBA

MONROE / WEST MONROE monroe-westmonroe.org

July 1

Fireworks Celebration Downtown Riverfront 318.397.6735

July 8

Children’s Fun Day

Biedenharn Museum & Gardens

$5 child / Free adult 318.387.5281

July 28

Ouachita Live Concert Series

Kent Burnside & His Band Alley Park

7-9 pm / Free

August 25

Ouachita Live Concert Series

Shelley King & Her Band Alley Park

7-9 pm / Free

NEW ORLEANS

neworleansonline.com

neworleanscvb.com

ogdenmuseum.org

nola.org

FB: nolajazzmuseum/live newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu nobt.org

neworleansfilmsociety.org

neworleanscitypark.com neworleanszombierun.com

July 4

Go Fourth on the River Along MS River between Gov. Nichols St. Warf & Canal St. Dock

9 pm

July 4 & July 13

The Victory Belles Vignette BB's Stage Door Canteen 945 magazine St. 1-1:30 pm / $20 504.528.1944

July 6-9

Little Shop of Horrors

Tulane Summer Lyric Theatre liberalarts.tulane.edu

July 14

Bastille Day Fete 1519 Jackson Ave. 6-10 pm / $15 504.568.0770 af-neworleans.org

July 14-16

Running of the Bulls

The Sugar Mill 1021 Convention Center Blvd. 6:30 am nolabulls.com

July 22

Jackson Browne Saenger Theatre

8 pm 504.525.1052 _______________________

PORT ALLEN

westbatonrouge.net

westbatonrougemuseum.com

West Baton Rouge Museum

Throughout July & August For All Events

225.300.4674

westbatonrouge.net

FB: TheWBRM

July 4

July 4th Fest

Downtown Port Allen/riverfront

Fun begins @ 4 pm 5-10 pm Live Music

9 pm Fireworks _______________________

ST. FRANCISVILLE

audubonstatehistoricsite. wordpress.com explorewestfeliciana.com/ events.html stfrancisvillefestivals.com

FB: St. Francisville Farmers Market

Every Thursday in July & August

Farmers Market 9961 Wilcox St. “8-ish to Noonish” 225.245.1752

_______________________

VIDALIA cityofvidaliala.com concordialibrary.org

Every Wednesday

Farmers Market Old Court House N. Spruce St. 9 am-1 pm

MISSISSIPPI

visitmississippi.org hikinginmississippi.com

BROOKHAVEN

FB: VisitBrookhavenMS visitbrookhavenms.com brookhavenrecreation.com brookhavenlittletheatre.com llf.lib.ms.us

July 22

Brookstock Music Festival

Brookhaven Building

6-11 pm visitbrookhavenms.com

August 4-6

Overbook Song Writers Festival

Downtown/Various venues 8 am-5 pm visitbrookhavenms.com

FERNWOOD fernwoodcc.com _______________________

JACKSON dulinghall.com msmuseumart.org

visitjackson.com

jacksonfreepress.com/ calendarmsnla.org

craftsmensguildofms.org balletms.com

msmetroballet.com operams.org

downtown-jackson.com newstagetheatre.com

July 4

Farm Bureau

Watermelon Classic MS Sports Hall of Fame

7:30 am-10 pm

July 6, July 8 & August 3

Fondren Live Downtown Fondren 6-8 pm / Free

calendar up & coming

MCCOMB

pikeinfo.com

mccombarts.com

mcrrmuseum.com

FB: McComb Farmers Market

Every Thursday in July & August

Farmers Market

113 North Railroad Blvd.

7 am-1 pm 410.693.7701

July 8 & August 12

BTC Market

2nd Saturday

Belhaven Town Center 800 Manship

July 23-28

JXN Film Festival Jackson Convention Complex visitjackson.com

August 19

Mississippi Book Festival Mississippi State Capitol Downtown

9 am-5 pm 769.717.2648 msbookfestival.com

August 29

Broadway in Jackson & Jackson Live Thalia Mara Hall Downtown jacksonbroadway.com

MADISON/RIDGELAND visitridgeland.com madisonthecity.com ardenland.net mscrafts.org

Every Tuesday in July

Except July 4 Farmers Market Main St. @ Caboose 3:30-6:30

July 3

Fireworks Show Liberty Park

Food Trucks 5pm

Live Bands 6 pm Fireworks 9 pm madisonthecity.com

July 20-23

Assassins: An American Musical Pike County Little Theatre

Thurs, Fri & Sat 7:30 pm Sun 2:30 pm $10 adv. / $12 at door pcltmccomb.org

MEADVILLE meadvillems.com

NATCHEZ visitnatchez.org/full-eventcalendar visitnatchez.org kreweofphoenixnatchez.com natchezpilgrimage.com thetowersofnatchez.com natchezgardenclub.org

natchezlittletheatre.com

FB: Downtown Natchez Farmers Market

Every Saturday in July & August

Natchez Farmers Market

Downtown 300 N. Broadway

8:30 am-Noon

July 1 & 2

The Reunion Murder Mystery Dinner Glenburnie

6:30 pm / 7 pm

$79

601.442.1002

July 4 Live @ 5 on the 4th Bluff Park @ Gazebo/ Bandstand

5 pm / Fireworks 9 pm Free

601.818.4862

July 6, 8 & 9

The Rocky Horror Show Auditions

Natchez Little Theatre

Thurs 6 pm Sat & Sun 2 pm

601.442.2233

thenatchezlittletheatre.com

July 8

Celebrate the Blooms

Farmers Market

Cruise the Crepes Tours

8:30-10 am

natchezdna.org/crepe-myrtlefestival

July 15

Christmas in July Downtown

FB: Downtown Natchez Alliance

July 27-29

Natchez Food & Wine Festival

Downtown 601.445.4611 natchezchamber.com

August 4-5

This Bard’s For You Natchez Little Theatre Fri 7:30 pm Sat 2 pm

601.442.2233

thenatchezlittletheatre.com

PORT GIBSON

FB: portgibson.chamber msculturalcrossroads.org

SUMMIT pikeinfo.com

July 1-2

160th Anniversary of the Surrender of Vicksburg

Old Court House Museum

8:30 pm 601.636.0741

July 4

Independence Day

Fireworks Celebration

Downtown Vicksburg

Washington St. between Jackson & Grove Sts. Music by the Chill

9 pm fireworks 601.630.2929

August 1

Milestone Branch Boys

Vicksburg City Auditorium

5:30 pm

704.790.9690

August 4

Vicksburg National Military Park Fee Free Day

Vicksburg National Military Park

601.636.0583

August 11

A Taste of Vicksburg

Vicksburg Convention Center

Featuring Jordan Rushing

$15 / Noon-1:30 pm

601.630.2929

August 12

2nd Saturday

Downtown FB: VicksburgSecondSaturday

WESSON

VICKSBURG southernculture.org visitvicksburg.com vicksburgartassociation.org tarawildlife.com

vicksburgtheatreguild.com downtownvicksburg.org

July 1

Movies on the Lawn Levee Street Warehouse

Tickets available

7-10 pm 601.618.0811

July 8

2nd Saturday Downtown

FB: VicksburgSecondSaturday

July 13 & 27

Movie Night by the Pool Mulberry Vicksburg

7:30 pm

601.301.2500

July 14-16

The Little Mermaid

Vicksburg Theatre Guild

Fri & Sat 7:30 pm

Sun 2 pm $10 / Tickets: showelix.com

July 20

10th Ritz on the River

Vicksburg Convention Center

6 pm dinner / 8 pm music

601.630.2929

July 28

A Taste of Vicksburg

Vicksburg Convention Center

Featuring Charles Pendleton $15 / Noon-1:30 pm

601.630.2929

FB: Wesson Chamber _______________________

WOODVILLE

woodvillems.org

woodvillemainstreet.org

FB Woodville/Wilkinson County Main Street Association ____________________

Be sure to confirm details of the events should changes have occurred since events were submitted.

The Beckonings of Berry Season

ARTICLE | Alma M. Womack

If there is one thing I love in this world, it is summer dewberries and blackberries. Pies, cobblers, dumplings, jams, and jellies— wonderful things can be made from these berries provided by nature.

When I was a little girl, there used to be berry vines all over Smithland. Mama, Nub, Doug, and I, usually accompanied by some of the women who lived here, would head to the berry vines with buckets and an honestto-goodness metal washtub to fill up with the sweet blackberries. The berries were so plentiful that we never had a problem filling up all of our containers. We would head home with purple fingers and purple tongues, briars in our fingers and arms, and burning up hot but happy with all the berries we were bringing home. Mama made so many good things from the berries, and we loved them all.

After I was grown and married, I still searched out the berries in June to fix treats for my own family. Trouble is, farming changed a goodly bit from the 1950s to the 1970s; and the changes were not kind to the berry vines. There were still some berries; but they got harder to find each year because fences were taken down, wooded areas were cleared, and what vines survived often succumbed to the chemical death of Roundup.

It got to the point that I had to look for berries elsewhere. Different friends would allow me to pick on their property, but the vines were never plentiful on their places either, so I would scrap what I could. If I was lucky, I might manage to get enough for a pie or two and enough for a gallon of juice to put in the freezer when it would be jellymaking time.

Last year, a dry May kept the berries about the size of English peas, so I didn’t pick any. This year, same story, bitty berries. There were some vines between a slough and Grassy Lake, but their berries never turned black or filled out. I just gave up and figured maybe next year.

Then I had a conversation with my neighbor Dr. Bobby Field, and he told me about all the berries he had found back in his woods and said that I was welcome to pick all I wanted. Oh, happy day for ol’ Alma, berries awaiting!

Mike Duncan, JG, and I got our buckets the next morning and headed up the road to Field’s Point where the Field family has lived for five generations. Bobby met us at the entrance to the woods, telling us he had unlocked

chains and telling us just where the berries were. We thanked him, he left, and we went into the woods.

And we went past some landmarks he had pointed out, doing fine; then I forgot where to turn next. So we went a ways, decided that was wrong, went back to a deer stand that we were to use as a guide, and I called Bobby. He patiently explained again where to turn, and turn, and turn; and I got lost again. So I called again. He decided he’d just come show us by being the lead truck going into the woods except he was in town and had to go to the bank. We had no problem waiting for him.

When he came to find us again, we got behind him and followed him more deeply into the woods where there were many berry vines. Except...they were all red and the size of English peas. By going slowly, we did find a few to pick; but we didn’t fill up our buckets.

We were able to follow his tracks back out to the highway without having to pester him again. JG suggested I go to the grocery store and buy some berries to make a pie, but I was too aggravated at myself for staying lost half of the morning, so we just came home.

We thanked Bobby for being a generous and patient neighbor, friend, and woods guide to a person who can get lost anywhere, anytime. The woods that he knows every foot of were just a maze to me, but he rescued us, and we were grateful for that kindness, too.

I hear that a person can buy jelly in the grocery store; but, honestly, where is the adventure in buying storebought jelly when there are mayhaws and muscadines and possum grapes in the woods just waiting to be picked up. And next year, maybe there’ll be some fat, ripe dewberries and blackberries to tempt me into the woods again.

Alma M. Womack lives on Smithland Plantation on Black River, south of Jonesville, Louisiana. In addition to her duties as maitresse des maison, she is the keeper of the lawn, the lane, and the pecan orchard at Smithland.

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