Bluffs & Bayous Nov/Dec 2022

Building a New Standard of Healthcare

As members of the Executive Team, it is our mission to provide healthcare excellence across the spectrum of service and care, and to continuously be working to improve healthcare standards in the communities we serve. That’s why we’re proud to support the amazing changes that have been happening in our health system. In the last year alone we’ve added a variety of new services including urology, Shockwave lithotripsy, breast MRIs and biopsies, psychiatric outpatient therapy and more, as well as having acquired the latest in technology and advanced equipment such as our new Phillips Ingenuity 128-Slice CT Scanner for high-resolution imaging. We’ve also grown our dedicated team of specialists with the addition of new providers in family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, surgical services and internal medicine.

With every advancement, from the growth of services, technology and provider expertise, to improvements in the overall quality of patient care, we are proud to provide the standard of healthcare our patients and their families deserve - right here, close to home!

Executive Team (Pictured L-R): Aaron Price, Chief Ambulatory Officer; LaVoyce Boggs, RN, Chief Nursing Officer; Charla Rowley, Chief Executive Officer; Mallory Ginn, Chief Financial Officer; Robert Weathersby, RN, Chief Operating Officer

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INSIDE

features

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Angels on the Bluff

A Natchez tradition, this live reenactment tour is the perfect prelude to your holiday season.

Deck the Halls

A decorating duo helps clients show their holiday spirit through custom interior design.

Cook Club

The Cook Club invites us to a Sunday afternoon gathering and shares treasured recipes.

cover

Elegant Christmas décor decks the halls for the holidays.

PHOTO: Rebecca Jex Photography

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Natchez, MS

Cathedral High School Class of 1972 celebrates 50th Reunion

Natchez, MS Co-Lin Natchez 50th Anniversary Luncheon

Natchez, MS A Celebration for Anna Kate Craig and Nolan Vaughan

Vidalia, LA 90 and Fabulous Birthday Lunch for Corrine Randazzo

Ferriday, LA Vidalia High School Class of 1972 Celebrates 50th Reunion

Brookhaven, MS Annual Brookhaven Halloween Tennis Party

Wesson, MS Wesson Garden Club Honor Awards

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From the Stacks

Michelle Boyd reviews the books The Seamstress of New Orleans and The Abolitionist’s Daughter.

In the Garden

Creating a holiday mood with colorful poinsettias

Legal Notes

Bad Dogs and you—what the law has to say

Up & Coming

See what events are coming soon in the Miss-Lou.

Southern Sampler

ANNIVERSARY 22 22nd

our team

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

With our sixth and final issue of 2022, Bluffs & Bayous celebrates twenty-two years of providing for our enthusiastic and supportive readers a consortium of stories about people, civic and social events, travel, exhibits, cuisine, spirits, engagements, and weddings. As we reflect on and celebrate these twenty-two years of the magazine’s experiences, expansion, and change, we are excited to announce a new member of our team, Erin Norwood of EN8 Design. She comes to us with a plethora of experience, creativity, and forward thinking. Serving as Design Director for Bluffs & Bayous, Erin has jumped in head first for this November-December issue, using her unique talents to showcase a new look for our bi-monthly magazine; and we eagerly anticipate even more entertaining and intriguing issues in 2023 with Erin on our team.

Following October and all of its pumpkin passion and leafturning, November takes us into increasingly cooler temps and Jack Frost mornings that evoke those home-for-the-holidays feelings of gathering family and friends closer. In celebration of such feelings, we feature The Cook Club, a delightful story about friends with shared ties from childhood to their home town, their homes, and their school, and with a shared love of cooking as for years they have gathered each month on a Sunday afternoon to celebrate a season or special event. They have trusted us with some of their favorite recipes that are perfect for the holidays.

Also to celebrate this friends-and-family-gathering time of year, the holiday-decorating team of Julie Johnson and Jennifer Oberschmidt kick it up a bit in sharing the details of some amazing homes they have decorated. This duo became fast friends a couple of years ago and now are running a business that during this Christmas season reveals their unique design skills, collective keen eye, and gifted twist for making magic.

The focus of our third feature is Angels on the Bluff, a signature annual event in Natchez, Mississippi, a multi-evening and now a multi-weekend event attended by thousands from near and far. Its upcoming 22nd annual presentation marks the year’s final project commemorating the Natchez Cemetery’s 200th Anniversary. The cemetery’s one-hundred-acre-plus grounds provide a historic, hallowed, and treasured setting for beyond 50,000 multi-cultural, multi-religious, and multi-national dwellers.

As always, we offer party pics from a variety of notable occasions and complement these with our Up & Coming calendar of area events, putting you in touch with all the holiday happenings.

Celebrating social events, gathering with friends and family, decorating for the season, and honoring traditions and memorable affairs—all these invoke the spirit of the holidays now upon us as this issue of Bluffs & Bayous offers a bit of everything holiday in our life along and beyond the Mississippi.

JEAN NOSSER BIGLANE Copy Editor

ERIN NORWOOD Design Director

CHERYL FOGGO RINEHART Publisher/Editor/Sales

BILL PERKINS

Photographer

ALMA WOMACK Contributor

KARI L. BLANEY Sales

LISA WHITTINGTON Photographer

SAM GWIN Contributor

MICHELLE BOYD Contributor

socialSCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Cathedral High School Class of 1972 50th Reunion

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Welcome Class of 1972!

Stephen Guido, Curtis Wilson, Julie Snyder, Sam Middleton, Mary Keyer, Peggy Wilson, Elodie Maier, Helene Buttross, Paul Shaidnagle, Connie Schultz, Mary Jane Morgan, Patricia Lane, Cheryl Rinehart, Judy Burkley, and Pat Biglane Annie Edwards with Jeanne and Gary Edwards

Front Elodie Maier, Mary Keyer, Julie Snyder, and Cheryl Rinehart / Back Gary Edwards, Judy Burkley, Peggy Wilson, Katherine Calhoun, and Pat Biglane Karen and Grace Biglane

Pat Biglane, Father Aaron Williams, and Paul Shaidnagle Pat Biglane and Sam Middleton Curtis Wilson and Paul Shaidnagle Stephen Guido, Elodie Maier, and Pat Biglane Mary Jane and Bo Morgan with Pat and Karen Biglane Peggy Wilson, Connie Schultz, and Elodie Maier

Katherine Calhoun, Patricia Lane, Judy Burkley, and Mary Keyer Stephen and Vicki Guido with Richard and Suzanne Phillips

Katherine Calhoun, Tim Williams, Connie Justice, and Julie Snyder

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THE socialSCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Co-Lin Natchez 50th Anniversary Luncheon

Copiah-Lincoln Community College Natchez Campus is celebrating 50 years of serving Natchez and the Miss-Lou area! In August 2022, the college hosted a beautiful 50th Anniversary Luncheon on the Natchez Campus in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Redd Watkins Career-Technical Center.

Many Natchez city leaders, former Co-Lin presidents and Natchez Campus leaders, educational partners, and many special friends attended the event.

Dr. Ronnie Nettles, Teresa Busby, and Dr. Dewayne Middleton

Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson, Richard Baker, Melton King, and Wes Middleton

Richard Baker, Dr. Sandra Barnes, Dr. Jane Hulon Sims, Jackie Martin, and Dr. Dewayne Middleton

Kathleen Bond and Tuwanna Williams

Denise Thibodeaux and Beth Richard Emily Williams and Jerika Browning

Martha Morris Thames, Candace Garner, and Rosie Nettles

Wes Middleton and Dante Weir

Angela Furr and Andrew Calvit

Tiffany Perryman and Warren Gaines

Dr. Howell Garner, Dr. Ronnie Nettles, Dr. Billy Thames, and Dr. Jane Hulon Sims

Lynwood Easterling, Susie Bates, and Dr. Dewayne Middleton

Dr. Stephanie Duguid, Dr. Jane Hulon Sims, and Brent Duguid

Countess Thompson and Dr. Anika Floyd Rosie Nettles, Randall Lofton, and Patricia Lofton

Countess Thompson, Beth Richard, Michelle Boyd, Shyviqua Brooks, Denise Thibodeaux, Vonnie White, Shounda Ferguson, Sharon Turner, and Jerika Browning

Dr. Tracy Cook and Dr. LaShundia Carson

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SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

A Celebration for Anna Kate Craig and Nolan Vaughan

An engagement party honoring Anna Kate Craig and Nolan Vaughan was held September 23, 2022, on the grounds of Dunleith Inn at The Pub of The Castle Restaurant. The party was hosted by friends of the groom-to-be and by his mother.

Nolan Vaughan and Anna Kate Craig

Linda Stubblefield, Melissa Vaughan, Marlin John Stubblefield, and Nolan Vaughan

Caroline Matheny and Anna Kate Craig Kaylee and Daniel Huffines, Nolan Vaughan, and Anna Kate Craig

Kaylee and Daniel Huffines, Sam Fury, Blake Martin, Nolan Vaughan, and Anna Kate Craig

Jodi Kelly, Sarah Smith, Skeeter Hutchins, and Monica Mayo

Melissa Vaughan, Gwen Massey, Dayna Webb, Caroline Matheny, and Sharon Freeman

Don Friddle, Anna Kate Craig, Nolan Vaughan, and Tracy Friddle

Anna Kate Craig, Nolan Vaughan, and Mildred Dauphin

Caleb Walker, Mallory Walker, and Kaylee and Daniel Huffines

Patricia and Danny Huffines

Noelle Stewart, Gwen Massey, Dayna Webb, Caroline Matheny, and Sharon Freeman

Monica Mayo, Gary Farmer, and Ronnie Calhoun

Melissa Vaughan and Nolan Vaughan Colton Webb, Melissa Vaughan, Nolan Vaughan, Dale Matheny, and Blake Martin

April Hand and Nolan Vaughan April Hand, Jodi Kelly, Melissa Vaughan, Gwen Massey, Sharon Freeman, Anna Kate Craig, Tracy Friddle, and Jennifer Mire

Melissa Vaughan, Dan Thibodeaux, Nolan Vaughan, Shane Kennedy, Ansleigh Thibodeaux, Denise Thibodeaux, and Emma Thibodeaux

Lauren Agostinell, Colton Webb, Nolan Vaughan, Anna Kate Craig, and Dale and Caroline Matheny

Anna Kate Craig and Tracy Friddle

Don and Tracy Friddle

The prelude to your holiday planS

’Tis the Season! . . . the Holiday Season, the Holy-Day Season, and their prelude, Angels on the Bluff! This live reenactment tour heralding notable denizens of the historic Natchez City Cemetery attracts thousands of attendees and repeat attendees each year from throughout the state and adjoining states, from across the nation, and beyond.

the Natchez Cemetery Association, founding sponsor for the tour that is now in its twentysecond year, is expanding ANGELS from its single three-day weekend of tours to two weekends of tours, November 3, 4, and 5 and November 10, 11, and 12, providing opportunities for more visitors to participate in this traditionally sold-out event.

Co-chairs for Angels on the Bluff 2022 are Pokey O’Beirne and Catherine Ratcliffe. About the event, Ratcliffe explained, “Aside from ANGELS being our major fundraiser and bringing in people from out of town to attend the event and in turn boost our economy, ANGELS is a magical experience—the cemetery at night with candle-lit lanes, occasional musical venues, and stories of lives from long ago is totally amazing! Once people attend, they are hooked and come back year after year to meet residents of the cemetery they otherwise never would have known!”

THIS PAGE: 1 ) For the 2019 Angels on the Bluff, Jamel McCullen portrayed Dr. Henry Joseph Dumas, a native of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. Dumas graduated from Meharry Medical College School of Pharmacy in 1901 and in 1906 opened his own business, the Dumas Drug Store, on Franklin Street in Natchez.

2 ) Captain Richard Holmes, portrayed by Sam Jones during the 2019 Angels on the Bluff, was a native of Massachusetts and arrived in Natchez in the 1840s. A steamboat captain, he was a familiar figure on the Mississippi River in the 1850s.

3 ) Sam Jones portrayed Rufus F. Learned during the 2016 Angels on the Bluff. Learned was a pioneer in the lumber business.

4 ) Mike Roboski portrayed Bishop Thomas Heslin during the 2016 Angels on the Bluff. Bishop Heslin was the first native Irish Bishop of Natchez, serving from 1889 until his death in 1911.

5 ) During the first decade of Angels on the Bluff, Doris Ann Benoist performed as Louise the Unfortunate, the focus of several unsubstantiated tales about her ill-fated circumstances.

6 ) Rusty Jenkins portrayed William St. John Elliot during the 2016 Angels on the Bluff. Elliot was the builder of D’Evereux, one of the Greek Revival mansions in Natchez.

This year, in the final event to commemorate the Natchez city Cemetery’s 200th Anniversary,

From such a rich texture of souls, so many intriguing, entertaining, and often mysterious tales await to be told. This year along the tour, those whose tales will be recounted and the actors in period clothing who will portray them are the following:

• Rosalie Beekman, a young child killed in Natchez during the Civil War, portrayed by Grace Biglane and Adele Middleton

• Mary Postlethwaite, a brilliant Natchez historian who shared her knowledge with many, portrayed by Judy Wiggins and Nicole Harris

• Reverend Henry P. “H. P.” Jacobs, a member of the Mississippi State Legislature after the Civil War, portrayed by Derrick Burt and Terrance Robinson

• Benjamin “Ben” Dixon, a noted mid-nineteenth-century gunsmith, portrayed by Jamal McCallum and Leon Hollis

• Reverend Dr. Henry Tooley, a doctor, minister, meteorologist, and true Renaissance man of the early 1800s, portrayed by Sam Jones and Doug Broome

• Edward Lewis, a Frenchman who became a successful auctioneer and salesman in Natchez, portrayed by Rusty Jenkins and Devin Arnold

• Clarence Eyrich, Sr., a twentieth-century Natchez hotelier beloved by many, portrayed by Mike Roboski and Eyrich’s grandson, Marcus Mason

The cemetery’s over 100-acre grounds provide a historic, hallowed, and treasured setting for beyond 50,000 multi-cultural, multi-religious, and multi-national dwellers.

Also, along the route will be musical interludes featuring such vocalists as LLJuna Grennell Weir and Carlee Reed and such instrumentalists as Darrin Parkhill playing the bagpipes, the cadence of their strains creating echoes of the emotions and refrains of the stories being shared.

About the history of ANGELS, former Cemetery Board member Paula Estes explained that just before she joined the board in 1999, her brother-in-law Donald Estes had been hired to help restore the cemetery and secure funds for its operations. His salary was $36,000 a year with only $33,000 allotted from the city. She added the following recollections:

“One day, Don and Bee Byrnes were in the cemetery for a special tour, and Bee suggested that the cemetery produce a night tour to earn needed operational funds. Don invited Bee to come to our next board meeting, and she did and gave us her ideas. Members and volunteers all came together in the spring of 2000 to begin planning for our event to be held in October of 2000. Bee Byrnes was also responsible for naming our event Angels on the Bluff while gazing from her Jewish Hill vantage point across Zurhellen section where three large angel monuments were erected. Who could have predicted what a success Angels on the Bluff would become?

“Don picked out most of the characters to be portrayed and gathered musicians; he had been collecting newspaper clippings about potential characters for many years prior to this. Bee also chose characters to be portrayed, researched history, and wrote most of the scripts that were used. These two people, event co-chairs for a number of years, were INVALUABLE in the origin and success of Angels on the Bluff.”

Throughout his years as Cemetery Director, Donald Estes continued to provide vital research for the tours’ characters. Thereafter, others have afforded this essential research, among them Mimi Miller, a forty-year affiliate of the Historic Natchez Foundation and currently its Executive Director Emerita, and Teri Tillman, who notably since 2017 has provided detailed research reports, annotated timelines, and publicity for the event. Even the actors themselves have occasionally researched information for their monologues.

Paula Estes and Annette Holder orchestrated the events of ANGELS for four years beginning in 2008. About Holder, Estes commented, “Annette was instrumental in adding elaborate sets for each venue. She wanted the tourists to envision the character portrayals in their historical setting. Annette’s bubbly personality encouraged cemetery members to come up with their own ideas for the venues they were charged with decorating.”

Estes mentioned that some of the most memorable props from past ANGELS were Margaret Martin’s car, a buggy used in the Margaret Stewart venue, a live goat, a replica of a stained glass window from Trinity Episcopal Church, and horses ridden by several actors. She then added, “I can’t call them props, but Sam Jones and Rusty Jenkins have been favorite actors almost every year!”

With all cemetery board members involved and some of their husbands as well, along with the walking tour guides, gate workers, bus escorts, and the amazing actors and musicians and their entourages, approximately 200 volunteers are assisting with this year’s tours. About these volunteers and the hundreds of local patrons who annually participate in the tours, Cemetery Board President Terry Stutzman said, “Local supporters provide an immeasurable level of assistance in the production and execution of the tour. Angels on the Bluff is a marvelous example of ‘community’ at its best.”

In addition, according to O’Beirne, “The unsung heroes of ANGELS are our wonderful cemetery director, Mark Fortenbery, and his hard-working staff. Once the route is established, they make sure the route is safe for walking, trim areas where guests will pass, and clean headstones. Closer to the actual event, they work on the lighting, string lights on the cistern houses and in the trees, situate generators and fire pits, and get the luminaries ready to place along the pathways. Then on the nights of ANGELS, they place luminaries, monitor the generators, and assist however they are needed.”

Logistically, for this year’s ANGELS, tour-goers will gather at the Natchez Community Center, which affords ample parking both on the street and in nearby parking lots. At their ticketed times, they will board a bus to the Natchez City Cemetery where their walking tour commences; and at the tour’s completion, a bus will return them to the Natchez Community Center. Each night, the first tour begins at 5:30 p.m. with additional tours ensuing at fifteen-minute intervals. On Thursday nights, 12 tours are scheduled with 15 tours set for Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets at $40 each can be purchased online at thenatchezcitycemetery.com.

You’ll not want to miss ANGELS ON THE BLUFF 2022, your prelude for the holidays and holy days to follow this season!

STORY Jean Nosser Biglane PHOTOS Rebecca Jex Photography

Co-chairs for the 22nd Angels on the Bluff are Pokey O’Beirne and Catherine Ratcliffe.

In The Abolitionist’s Daughter, Diane C. McPhail presents a little-known aspect of Southern abolitionists and the struggle they had to do right. The book is set in Mississippi during the Civil War. Emily Matthews is a young girl living with her father and her two brothers. Her father, Judge Matthews, owns slaves but cares for them and promises to free them.

Throughout the book, the story is very emotional and heightened by events of the Civil War as well as by day-today events. The book displays the role of the different classes of women in the Civil War Era and how they worked together despite their differences. Emily experiences hardships and happiness as she faces personal trials dealing with family secrets and unexpected love.

The Seamstress of New Orleans is somewhat of a mystery with a wonderful history lesson and plenty of historical detail throughout the book to add to the intrigue. The book takes place as the nineteenth century turns into the twentieth century and hints at the efforts of women to make a difference for themselves. The Suffrage Movement across the country is growing, and women are overcoming barriers. In this New Orleans tale, women are making their mark in a male-dominated society by planning the second all-female Mardi Gras krewe, Les Mysterieuses.

The Illinois Central Railroad, which connected cold

Chicago and humid New Orleans, brings together Constance, a wealthy young widow of New Orleans, and Alice, a pregnant young woman from Chicago who was abandoned by her husband. Alice rides the train to New Orleans in search of her husband. The two women from different social backgrounds are drawn together by Alice’s dressmaking talent and Constance’s need of an affordable Mardi Gras ball gown. As the story unfolds, we learn the secrets that bind the two women.

Historically, New Orleans at this time was a city of danger and luxury. Storyville was the sanctioned district of prostitution and gambling where the Black Hand Mafia ruled. The “Black Hand” were vicious gangsters and greatly feared. Even the death of a debtor did not always satisfy them.

The suspicious death of her husband places Constance in financial distress. She comes to the realization that he was in debt to the Black Hand and fears the probable results.

With the help of Alice and Annalee, Constance’s servant, and Dorothea, an influential socialite, Constance is able to overcome the threats from the Black Hand.

Both books are delightful reads showcasing the behindthe-scenes roles women have played throughout history. The Seamstress of New Orleans lends itself to great discussion and includes a reading group guide at the end of the book. This book would be a great book club choice, maybe with a trip to New Orleans to add flavor.

If you enjoy historical details, both The Abolitionist’s Daughter and The Seamstress of New Orleans will delight.

BOOK

REVIEW by Michelle Boyd j

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SCENE VIDALIA, LA

90 and Fabulous Birthday Lunch

A 90th Birthday Lunch was held on September 17, 2022, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Hall in Vidalia, Louisiana, to honor Corrine Randazzo on her 90th birthday. Friends, family, and community members gathered to celebrate Corrine and present her with a framed photograph certificate by Pam Middleton on behalf of the City of Vidalia.

90th and Fabulous Birthday Cake

Dianne Kirby, Terry Guillory, and Corinne Randazzo—Terry gave Corinne $100, saying if she does not make it to 100 he wants $10 back!

Claire Sarradet, Corinne Randazzo, and Louis and Carole Gilbert

Judy Beard, Corrine Randazzo, and Mac Ware

Leslie Martin, Alyssa Martin, Sidney Martin, Corinne Randazzo, Charlette Watson, Cathy Metcalf, Margaret Hawkes, and Susan Gardner

Chelsea and Mac Ware, Dianne Kirby, and Mary Douglas

David Barrett, Corrine Randazzo, and Doretha Phillips Barrett

Chelsea Ware, Corrine Randazzo, René Ware, and Mac Ware

Nicky Myers, Melissa Powell, Corinne Randazzo, and Louis Powell

Rose Mary Simmons, Corrine Randazzo, and Judy and Buddy Beard

Corrine Randazzo, Mary Beth Lowrey, and Betty Lowrey

Corrine Randazzo with Pat Sanguinetti

Emma Harris and Corrine Randazzo

Irma Caldwell, Corrine Randazzo, and Bruce McCann Mac Ware and Lawrence Pourciau Butch David, René Ware, and Jerry David Corinne Randazzo with Pam Middleton

Front—DeNeise Barlow and Bunny Barlow

Back—Roy Barlow, Corrine Randazzo, and Malcolm Barlow

René Ware, Dianne Kirby, Mary Douglas, and Corrine Randazzo

Father Panneer, Corrine Randazzo, and Father Joseph Xavier

BankPlus was founded as a true community bank. And we’ve been serving our communities for over 100 years. To us, this means much more than banking. We’re committed to improving quality of life and making a positive difference for our customers and neighbors. BankPlus. It’s more than a name. It’s a promise. Learn more at bankplus.net.

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Vidalia High School Class of 1972 Celebrates 50th Reunion

The Class of 1972 of Vidalia High School in Vidalia, Louisiana, celebrated its 50th Reunion on September 10, 2022, at the lake home of Karen and Pat Biglane on Lake St. John in Ferriday, Louisiana. The day’s outing of forty-five classmates and spouses included relaxed conversations, grilled burgers by head chef Bill Moseley, warm views of the lake, and many occasions to reminisce.

Front—Robby Roberts, Bobby Eubanks, Jimmy Delaney, Buddy Beard, Kerry Craft, Tony Ganey, and Charles Moffett / Back— Elizabeth Strahan Grote, Amy Whitehead Heirtzler, Bill Moseley, Kathy Knapp Richerson, Suzanne O’Dell Wiggins, Gaye Fisher Stonecipher, Nelwyn Lee Bennett, Karen Thornhill Biglane, Eugene Waller, Marie Shell O’Neal, Connie Hodge Merrill, and Tommy Barr Enola Fisher, Karen Biglane, Marie Shell O’Neal, and Kathy Knapp Richerson Bill Moseley, Enola Fisher, Robbie Roberts, and Kathy Knapp Richerson Robby Roberts and Kerry Craft Robby Roberts, Eugene Waller, Kerry Craft, Jimmy Delaney, and Buddy Beard Tony and Pam Ganey, Cheryl Barr, and Alvin Wiggins

Marie O’Neal and Kathy Eubanks Gwen Huff, and Judy Beard Derinda Simmons Smith

Karen Thornhill Biglane, Karen Delaney, Belinda Brashier, Judy Beard, Connie Hodge Merrill, and Roxie Roberts

Nelwyn Lee Bennett, Karen Thornhill Biglane, Marie Shell O’Neal, Belinda Brashier, Judy Beard, Roxie Roberts, and Connie Hodge Merrill Kerry Craft, Robby Roberts, Jimmy Delaney, Eugene Waller, Buddy Beard, Bobby Eubanks, Bob Grote, Tommy Barr, Bill Moseley, and Charles Moffett

Marie Shell O’Neal, Nelwyn Lee Bennett, Karen Delaney, Kathy Knapp Thompson, Buddy Beard, Suzanne O’Dell Wiggins, and Judy Beard Pat and Karen Biglane Bill Moseley, Tony Ganey, and Jimmy Delaney Gaye Fisher Stonecipher, Suzanne O’Dell Wiggins, and Kathy Knapp Richerson Eugene Waller and Kathy Knapp Richerson with Kerry and Beth Craft Vidalia High School 50th Class Reunion Cake

Creating Holiday Mood with Colorful Poinsettias

Story

and photos

by Gary R. Bachman

Early in December 2021, Mississippi State University hosted a Poinsettia Open House at the South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville, Mississippi. There were 37 or 38 different poinsettia selections in their full, colorful glory for visitors to see.

The greenhouse was stunning! The range of colors included red, pink, white, and the nontraditional holiday colors of yellow and orange. Also mixed in were speckled, marbled, and variegated selections.

It was interesting talking to everyone and asking what their favorites were. Of course, it was a mixed bag of results. While many liked the interesting, novelty colors and forms, the majority liked the traditional red selections. This is no surprise since red poinsettias make up about 75% of sales nationwide in the U.S.

Many of our visitors asked about poinsettias being poisonous to pets. This is one of those urban legends that refuse to die. The myth of poinsettias being poisonous can be traced back to 1919 when it was reported, though never confirmed, that a small child died after chewing on a poinsettia leaf. This misinformation spread faster and has been more long-lived than anything passed along on social media.

The truth of the matter was settled back in 1971 when researchers at my alma mater, The Ohio State University, reported findings that showed no mortality and no symptoms of toxicity within their test rats. They speculated that a 50-pound child would have to consume 500 poinsettia leaves for it to be a problem. But this consumption would be selflimiting because poinsettia leaves taste awful. I have tasted a poinsettia leaf in the name of science, and I can confirm the awful taste.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ pet poison website details that poinsettias are not poisonous to our pets, but they can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. If you’re still worried, just keep your beautiful poinsettias out of the reach of the fur babies.

The latex sap from these ornamentals is more likely to cause humans some contact dermatitis, especially to those with latex allergies. So always wash your hands after handling a poinsettia.

Now for some poinsettia trivia:

• Did you know that the poinsettia’s color is not its flowers? The color actually comes from modified leaf structures called bracts. Poinsettia flowers are small, pea-shaped buds called cyathia, which are clustered in the center. For the longest decorating enjoyment, look for plants where the cyathia haven’t started to open.

• Poinsettias account for about 25% of all sales of potted flowering plants. In 2017, over 35 million poinsettias were sold. I personally think this number is too low and that more poinsettias were actually purchased.

• In their native Mexico, poinsettias are called Flores de Noche Buena, Flowers of the Holy Night.

So, if you plan to bring home some of these beauties, here are some tips to keep your poinsettias happy for the holidays:

(1) Poinsettias need at least six hours of indirect sunlight and comfortable room temperatures. If you’re comfortable, then the poinsettias will be happy in your space. Protect them from temperature changes caused by cold or warm drafts because either will cause the leaves and bracts to drop.

(2) Poinsettias are sensitive to wet feet, so don’t overwater your plants.

(3) Remove the decorative sleeve and water them in the sink, letting the pots completely drain. You can put the decorative sleeve back on after the plant has drained. Use a protective saucer to protect furniture from developing a water ring.

(4) Visit your local, independent garden center and take a couple—or a dozen—poinsettias home with you for the holidays.

j

Dr. Gary Bachman is an Extension and research professor of horticulture at the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. He is also the host of the popular Southern Gardening television and radio programs. Contact him at southerngardening@msstate.edu. Locate Southern Gardening products online at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/southerngardening.

This is one of my favorite seasons— but aren’t they all?—for enjoying my membership in the horticulture community.

1.

Red

Keep your poinsettia watered without overwatering and keep it at a comfortable temperature away from drafts to maintain its health and beauty.

2. Rows

The South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station hosted a Poinsettia Open House with dozens of different poinsettia selections in their full, colorful glory for visitors to see.

3. White Although red remains the most popular poinsettia color, these plants come in a variety of colors to make holiday decorating easy.

4. Pink Poinsettia color does not come from the plant’s flowers but rather from modified leaf structures called bracts.

Deck Halls THE

This decorating duo help their clients show holiday spirit through custom interior design.

ABOVE | The decorating duo of Jennifer Oberschmidt and Julie Johnson create chic and imaginative holiday designs for area clients.

LEFT | Elegant Christmas décor complements the home of Rebecca and Kellen Jex in Natchez, Mississippi.

in Brookhaven, Mississippi,

Oberschmidt from Wesson, Mississippi,

Natchez,

Upon meeting each other, the duo realized they had many interests in common including the sport of tennis as well as interior design; and prior to the Covid-19 shutdown, the two saw each other every week at their girls’ gymnastics sessions.

Once Covid prevented the two from getting together this way, they began to talk every day on the phone. Jennifer and her husband, Aaron, were building a house; and she wanted to create a fresh and different look for her Christmas décor. She knew Julie was an imaginative decorator with a classic style and taste, so Jennifer engaged Julie to help her with her new home. The two decorators had so much fun together on this project, and the result was exactly what Jennifer and her husband envisioned. In fact, so impressed was Aaron, President for Trustmark Bank in Hazlehurst, that he engaged the JenniferJulie combo that year to decorate the bank for Christmas.

Christmas 2021 found the team decorating five businesses and homes with their trademark sophisticated look. Then as now, once Jennifer and Julie determine the time involved to decorate for each locale, they meet with the client to customize their services to what that client wants. The two look for inspiration within the home, among the client’s existing decorations, or even with something totally fresh and new.

Of course, many elements must be considered in the planning such as creating a budget, choosing traditional or contemporary colors, considering traditional versus eclectic décor, and developing a theme throughout the home or not. Thereafter, shopping for just the right décor requires an artistic and resourceful eye as the duo spend several days gathering the many elements that complete each client’s vision.

THIS PAGE | Festive Exterior Designs

Top: Rebecca and Kellen Jex home

Middle: Courtney and Charles Feltus home

Bottom: Julie and Forrest Johnson home and office

OPPOSITE | This Christmas mantle magic was fashioned by Jennifer and Julie for the Jex family.

From a chance meeting several years ago during their daughters’ gymnastics lesson

Jennifer

and Julie Johnson from

Mississippi, have forged a “best friend” friendship and have created a holiday decorating service offering a variety of options for their clients.

Holiday Home

For their Christmas Season bookings, the team schedule consultations in October and begin decorating the week before Thanksgiving. Some clients may not know exactly what they want; and during the consultation, the team can offer various options, one of the many perks that evolve during the planning. Moreover, sometimes families are so busy with holiday shopping, traveling, and school or professional activities that trimming the tree and the home can become a stressful activity. To relieve such holiday stress, this creative duo offers their busy clients the assurance of an exquisitely decorated holiday home without the effort that often exhausts.

What started as a casual mothers’ visit between Julie and Jennifer during their daughters’ gymnastics lesson has evolved into a thriving business, family gatherings for shopping trips, fun lunches, and a lasting friendship. Their talent for and love of decorating for the Christmas holidays have turned into a business that is fun for them and a saving, satisfying, and exciting grace for their clients. What brighter joy than to engage people who love what they do and enjoy doing what they love for others!

THIS PAGE | Christmas dinner in such eclectic elegance will be a holiday highlight!

OPPOSITE | This collage of Christmas cheer reflects Julie and Jennifer’s deft, creative touch.

If you have a special event to plan, want to make your holiday less stressful, or would just love to have your home or business decorated by someone other than yourself, now’s your chance! Contact Julie Johnson at (601) 870-2059 to schedule your consultation for next year; and, yes, Julie and Jennifer do travel for a small fee.

STORY Cheryl Rinehart

PHOTOS Rebecca Jex Photography and Submitted

To relieve holiday stress, this creative duo offers busy clients an exquisitely decorated

THE

social

SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

Annual Brookhaven Halloween Tennis Party

The Annual Brookhaven Halloween Tennis Party was held at the home of Lavelle and Paige Sullivan on October 8, 2022, to celebrate three Brookhaven tennis teams headed to compete in the Tri-Level Sectionals Tournament held in Louisville, Kentucky, October 14-16, 2022. At the tournament, the 40+ 3.0-4.0 women and the 18+ 2.5-3.5 women won their divisions, and the 18+ 3.0-4.0 men came in second place.

Malcolm Cupit, Ted Rounsaville, Chuck Owens, and Nathan Berry

Heather Britt and Staci Anding

Ernie Triplett, Brennan Miller, Meredith Miller, Stephanie Triplett, Marlene Cupit, and Heather Britt

Marlene Cupit, Malcolm Cupit, and Marty Stephens

Mitch Rayborn, Carolyn Rounsaville, Ted Rounsaville, Marlene Cupit, and Rhonda Rayborn

Rhonda Rayborn and Paige Sullivan

Cortney Hodges, Courtney Owens, Trace Owens, Staci Anding, Taylor Berry, Chuck Owens, and Nathan Berry Courtney Owens, Marlene Cupit, and Rhonda Rayborn

Katie Sullivan and Olivia Sullivan Carolyn and Marty Stephens Stephanie and Ernie Triplett

THE socialSCENE WESSON, MS

Wesson Garden Club Honor Awards

At their district meeting in Raymond, Mississippi, the Wesson Garden Club received the Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc., Natchez Trace District 2021-2022 Club of the Year. Carla Stringer, Natchez Trace District Director, also presented the club with a Certificate of Achievement Honor Roll Club, Certificate of Merit for their Scarecrow Challenge, and Non-Competitive Recognition for their contributions to Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc. The Wesson Garden Club also received the Youth Gardener Award and Youth Day Camp Award for their Butterbeans Youth Gardeners.

Pictured at the district meeting are Debbie Hoaglin; Denise Jackson; Debbie Smith; Natchez Trace District Director Carla Stringer; Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc., President Pat Young; Dixie Thornton; Pam Owens; Jean Ricks; and Jennifer Peets.

than

We’re here to care for you when you need us, and we also contribute to the quality of life in the Miss-Lou Region by providing good jobs, paying taxes and through our community service.

Learn more about the benefits we bring to our community in our 2021 Community Benefit Report.

Don’t guess, know for sure!

cook club The

THIS PAGE | Left: At the MuMus and Mimosas gathering are Mary Lees Wilson, Ruth Powers, and Helene Buttross.

Right: Ruth Powers, Helene Buttross, and Mary Lees Wilson pose for their traditional signature toast.

COOK CLUB’s Unique Sunday

Afternoon Gatherings

After seeing a Facebook post of exquisite Lebanese food prepared by Helene Buttross, four ladies who wanted to learn how to cook these Lebanese delights responded to Helene’s post; and she took them up on their inquiry. In February 2019, the official group of five gathered for their first lesson— five friends who have so much in common: all are graduates of Cathedral High School; all have been friends for years; all have mothers who were wonderful cooks and close friends as well; and, of course, all have a love of good food.

Cook Club friends Mary Lees Wilson and Helene Buttross are retired from thriving businesses while Patricia Lane, Ruth Powers, and Gigi Johnson are actively engaged in their careers. Mary Lees and Gigi are sisters; Patricia and Ruth are cousins, and the five members hail from both sides of the Mississippi River in Natchez, Mississippi, and Vidalia, Louisiana. All are empty nesters who have created a “club” pact to enjoy this venture into intriguing cuisine, a trek they term as “fun.”

For this first lesson, all met at Mary Lees’s home where Helene had precooked a few items to save time. Then, having learned from Helene the particulars of Lebanese Cuisine, the group prepared Kibby (the Buttross Family’s spelling of the dish; several spellings exist.), Tabbouleh, Rolled Grape Leaves, and Baba Ganoush. A few months after this educational and entertaining lesson, the group had a Cook Club for their parish priest at Mary Lees’s home.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the group laid low but resumed in 2021 with a variety of themes; one, for example, was an Italian Feast. During this gathering, Ruth welcomed the Cook Club members to her kitchen where a hand-cranked pasta machine awaited along with her prized possession of Miss Congetta Cerneglia’s spaghetti sauce recipe, handed down from her mother. The objective for this gathering was for the five to prepare homemade pasta and spaghetti sauce from scratch, honing their creativity of cooking as a group.

Additional Cook Club gatherings, always on a Sunday afternoon, ensued and included such themes as High Tea (with gloves, no doubt), Mexican Celebration, Chili (during December), Dessert and Salad (with dessert first!), and MuMus and Mimosas.

All of their meetings feature a creative menu complementing the researched background of the themed occasion. The group enjoys the many facets of each themed event by all being involved in finding and sharing information about the selected theme and occasion as well as historical details and current events that may enhance the theme.

They begin their artistically laid out, over-the-top spread with a blessing followed by their traditional toast of fellowship; and then they settle in to enjoy a fabulous meal. Their conversations during dinner are a mingling of culinary dialogue, laughter, and personal anecdotes that render a relaxed ambiance for all. Before departing, they always begin to brainstorm about the next month’s theme.

During my visit with three of the members, Helene, Ruth, and Mary Lees, I was immersed in the group’s congeniality, treated to a taste of Spanish wine Helene had been saving for a year to share, and delighted with Helene’s delicious hors d‘oeuvres enticingly served on a charcuterie board—all expressions of their love of entertaining, fine food, and warm friendship.

The group has been exploring the creation of a blog featuring their menus and recipes, the history behind each Cook Club event, and other interesting facts that enrich each themed event. For example, when planning last month’s theme, Mary Lees announced, “Our October theme will be around Halloween: We are going to have a BOOffet at my house.” Ruth chimed in, “I’m going to make GHOULash”; and “I’m making POISON Punch,” said Helene. Mary Lees concluded the playful commentary with “Don’t forget FINGER sandwiches!” The excitement was contagious as we all laughed at the string of clever quips. Of course, all of us know that Mary Lees’s favorite decorating holiday is Halloween Her home boasts decades of collected Halloween décor to entertain and fascinate treatseekers and tricksters alike.

Each month, Helene posts the Cook Club’s themed Sunday spread on social media with tantalizing food shots as well as the gathering members’ event-beginning toast. At one point, a response to the group’s social media posting inquired if these five were a Book Club? The group just laughed and replied, “No, we are a Cook Club. We don’t read; we eat!”

The club members’ passion for creating each month’s theme and décor follows the seasons. In September of this year, the group orchestrated an Irish Festival reflective of the English/Celtic Harvest Home Festival that celebrates the end of the harvest season. They adjusted the menu somewhat to accommodate their tastes and the availability of recipe items; so instead of the traditional goose being served, they opted for Cornish Hens. The beverages served that month included English ales and Irish Mist Liqueur, one of the first liqueurs made in Ireland. Mary Lees had sampled this during her trip to Ireland a few years ago during a group tour with Father David O’Connor, former pastor of The Basilica of St. Mary in Natchez. Reflecting on their Cook Club, Mary Lees remarked, “It’s such a fun time, and isn’t that what life is all about? Being thankful for all our blessings, good times, laughter with good friends and delicious food.”

STORY Cheryl Rinehart PHOTOS Submitted

a sampling of The cook club’s favorite holiday recipes

To inspire our readers’ holiday-season cooking for friends and family, Cook Club members carefully selected the following recipes, ones they have prepared and served during their past years’ Sunday gatherings.

WHITE BEAN CHICKEN CHILI

One of three chilies served during the Cook Club’s themed Chili and Beer Tasting event, this yummy recipe is an easy go-to on a cool winter night.

1 box (32 ounces) chicken stock

4 (14.5 ounces) cans white beans, undrained (Great Northern or Cannellini work great.)

5 cups cooked chicken (Rotisserie is easy.)

1 jar (16 ounces) salsa, medium

1 block (8 ounces) Pepper Jack cheese, grated

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 onion, minced Pepper to taste

1/2 cup finely crushed corn chips (Fritos), optional for thickening chili

Place all ingredients except corn chips in a pan over medium heat until cheese is well incorporated. When chili is ready, add crushed corn chips (Fritos); and let simmer for 10 minutes to thicken. Cover top with cheese, chips, or sour cream!

PROSCIUTTO WRAPPED DATES*

This appetizer, served during my interview with some of the Cook Club members, is a dish Helene Buttross declares is so easy. It is delicious and should be a staple among your quick appetizers to serve during the holidays.

12 Medjool dates

4-6 slices prosciutto

4 tablespoons goat cheese

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Slice the dates on one side to open them. From each date, remove the pit and any hard stem end.

3. Cut each slice of prosciutto into 2 or 3 long strips.

4. Fill the cavity of each date with goat cheese; then wrap around with a strip of prosciutto.

5. Place the wrapped dates on a lined baking sheet and bake for approximately 15 minutes until the prosciutto starts to crisp a bit. Let cool a minute before serving. Press back in or leave attached any cheese that may have oozed out.

*NOTE: To adjust this recipe, increase/decrease number of dates, depending on how many you need.

BAKED kibby

One of the first dishes prepared by the Cook Club and one of the reasons the Cook Club was established is Helene’s Lebanese recipe of Baked Kibby.

2 cups cracked wheat (bulgur), medium-ground (#2) 2 1/4 pounds ground lamb or beef (I use sirloin.) Have the butcher remove the fat and grind the meat two or three times.

1 large onion (or to taste)

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (or to taste)

Place wheat in large bowl. Rinse wheat several times in cold water. Allow the wheat to stand in 1” water for almost an hour. Drain thoroughly, squeeze out excess water, and leave in bowl.

Purée the onion. Put meat in another bowl; add part of the puréed onion to the meat; add 1/2 the wheat and seasonings. Knead thoroughly. Add more wheat and continue to knead. Add more puréed onion and seasonings to taste. If necessary, moisten hands in small bowl filled with ice water. Cold hands mix better. Thorough mixing or kneading of the mixture is necessary.

Kibby may be formed into patties and grilled; it may be fried, broiled, baked plain, or baked with a filling.

Filling:

4 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup pine nuts

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 pound ground beef or lamb

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Hold 1/2 stick butter for top of Kibby

Melt butter over slow heat. Add pine nuts, stir, and brown slightly. Remove pine nuts from butter. Add onion to the remaining butter and sauté. Add meat and seasonings. Cook until meat is brown. Add pine nuts to mixture and filling is ready to use.

Spread half of Kibby mixture into a 9x13 or 10x10 pan that has been greased with butter. Be sure to bring mixture all the way to the edge of the pan; you want it sealed.

Add filling, being sure to get even coverage. Top with the other half of the Kibby, again to the edge of the pan. Smooth evenly. Run a knife along the edge of the pan to help seal the layers together. Cut, no deeper than the top layer, into diamond shapes. Dot with butter, bake in 400-degree oven for 30 minutes or until brown. Place under broiler for a few minutes to brown top. Recipe serves 10-12.

Baked Kibby

BACON-WRAPPED TURKEY TENDERLOIN

Stuffed with spinach and feta cheese

2 turkey tenderloins or one turkey breast*

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried cumin

1 pinch salt and ground pepper to taste

1 cup fresh spinach, or to taste

1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

12 slices reduced sodium pork bacon (not thick cut)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Slice the turkey tenderloin (breast) down the middle— do not cut through—and lay flat. Sprinkle oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper on the inside of turkey. Arrange 1 layer of spinach leaves on one of the pieces of turkey, and top with a layer of feta cheese. Repeat layering spinach and feta cheese. Fold the other turkey breast half over the feta layer so filling is sealed. Wrap the entire turkey breast with bacon. Place the wrapped turkey in a baking dish, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Cook until no longer pink in center (165 degrees Fahrenheit) and juices run clear, approximately 30 minutes. Do not overcook: 165 degrees Fahrenheit is good.

4. Turn on broiler; broil wrapped turkey until bacon is crisp on each side, 2 minutes per side. Allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing.

*NOTE: Turkey breast works well for this dish. Cooking time may vary, depending on the size of breast you choose. I stuff 2 turkey tenderloins, and 30 minutes is sufficient.

ANNEX CHOCOLATE CHIP CAKE

This recipe came from Ellen Edwards, the mother of Mary Lees Wilson and Gigi Johnson, who along with Margaret Amacker ran the Annex Tea Room for many years in Natchez, Mississippi. Mrs. Ellen was always willing to share her favorite chocolate chip cake recipe with others once the Annex Tea Room closed. Now, Mary Lees, a second-generation keeper and treasurer of this recipe, shares it with you.

1 box yellow, butter recipe, cake mix

1 small box chocolate instant pudding

1 (8 ounces) carton sour cream

1/4 cup water

1 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs

1 cup chopped pecans

1 (6 ounces) package semi-sweet chocolate chips

Icing: 1 stick butter

2 tablespoons cocoa

5 tablespoons whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 (1 pound) box powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend together cake mix, instant pudding, sour cream, water, oil, and eggs. Stir in nuts and chocolate chips. Pour into greased and floured 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

Icing: In a saucepan, combine butter, cocoa, and milk. Bring to a rolling boil. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and powdered sugar. Beat until mixture reaches spreading consistency. Spread onto cooled cake. Cut into squares to serve.

BAKED CORNISH GAME HENS

6 Rock Cornish Hens, thawed (1.4 pounds each) *See note.

3/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature

2 teaspoons garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

1 tablespoon Kosher salt

1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper

3 tablespoons olive oil (I used blood orange infused.)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove birds from wrapping; remove gizzards; rinse and pat dry inside and out. Place a cooling rack on a baking pan. Place birds breast-side up on the cooling rack inside the pan.

In a bowl, combine the butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme to make a soft but spreadable herbed butter. Carefully separate the skin from the breast. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the butter between the skin and breast of each bird. Smooth skin back down to cover the meat. Rub the olive oil all over the birds, and sprinkle with the salt and pepper.

Roast for 20 minutes. Then reduce the heat to 350 degrees. Continue roasting about 40 more minutes or until the thickest part of the meat reaches 165 degrees. Baste occasionally with pan juices. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

*NOTE: If your hens are larger than 1.4 pounds each, you’ll want to increase the cooking time, when the temperature is reduced to 350 degrees, to about 50-60 minutes.

WILD RICE DRESSING

Serves 6-8 as a side

1 1/2 cups wild rice blend (I like Lundberg Wild Blend.)

2 1/4 cups chicken broth

1 dried bay leaf

Salt and pepper

4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (optional)

2 tablespoons butter

1 jumbo shallot or 1 small onion, chopped

8 ounces mushrooms, sliced

2 stalks celery, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

1/4 cup chopped pecans 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Add wild rice, chicken broth, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt to a 1½-to-2-quart saucepan; then bring the mixture to a boil. Place a lid on top; then turn heat down to low and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until rice is al dente. Let pan sit off the heat with the lid on for 5 minutes; then remove bay leaf, fluff rice with a fork, and set aside.

Melt butter in skillet and add shallots, mushrooms, and celery. Once mushrooms have released their liquid and begin to brown, add dried thyme; then season with salt and pepper. Sauté until mushrooms are golden brown and vegetables are tender, 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and fresh sage; then sauté until garlic is very fragrant and golden brown, 1-2 minutes.

Remove skillet from heat; then add cooked wild rice, bacon, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries to skillet; then stir well to combine. Add a splash of chicken broth if you need to loosen the stuffing up a bit. Taste, add salt and pepper if necessary, and then serve.

Bad Dogs

By Lucien C. Gwin III

I have written in a prior article about dogs and the firstbite rule which basically stands for the proposition that, if your dog exhibits vicious propensities whether it has bitten someone or not, this can put you on notice that you may be harboring a dangerous dog.

But what about just owning a particular breed of dog? Does the breed’s reputation put you on notice of the dangerous propensities of the dog such that you are liable for that first bite? The question has not been answered in Mississippi—yet.

Mississippi has a code section that addresses wild animals and prohibits ownership without some real vetting. In Mississippi, the ownership of wild animals such as wolves, bears, big cats, etc., calls for strict regulation; and, of course, zoos and circuses are the ones this code mostly affects although I have seen shelters in this state harboring such animals.

However, there is no regulation in Mississippi for ownership of certain breeds with reputations such as Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Boxers, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, etc. (I currently own a “sweet” Pit Bull and a “gentle” Doberman, both of which are behind a big fence.)

So, what if you just own several big dogs that are just curs. Do you have a potential problem? I once represented a man who, one October, was walking on his deer lease checking stands and without a gun when ten dogs belonging to his neighbor descended upon him and the pack mentality took over and they attacked and nearly killed him. He saved himself by running into a waist-deep creek. But the dogs had literally chewed his arms and legs to a bloody pulp and ripped his clothing to shreds. Yep, I carry a gun in the woods always!

We know that there have been numerous attacks around the county by Pit Bulls as well as Rottweilers, Dobermans, and German Shepherds. However, so many dog owners with these breeds swear they are not vicious, and it’s all about how they are raised.

Without the legislature addressing the issue, a dog owner has to worry about the court system’s coming up with such

rules. The Mississippi Supreme Court so far has found that a dog owner can be liable only if the animal has “previously” demonstrated a propensity for violence or viciousness. What does that mean? A barking dog can show a propensity for viciousness under current case law.

However, one of the last cases referencing this rule involved an attacking goose. Yep, a goose! The court stated the following: “Where an injury is the result of an animal’s having behaved consistently with its ‘general nature,’ it is irrelevant whether that particular animal had exhibited some unusually dangerous propensity previously, as its own inherent propensity precipitated the injury.”

What is this saying? Is it a Pit Bull’s or Rottweiler’s “nature” to be vicious? Or is it a pack of any kind of dog to naturally go out and attack people or smaller animals? It has been my experience, having been a dog owner for years and having owned a Border Collie, a Labrador, a Rottweiler, a Belgian Malinois, and a multitude of muts, that any dog can bite under the right circumstances. My Malinois, Angus, once nipped my friend who was shooting a loud gun. (I so loved that dog.)

While I cannot look into a crystal ball and tell you the legal future of dogs, I can say that there are a lot of reported instances where certain breeds seem to be guilty culprits in a majority of dog attacks and bites.

I think it is a matter of time before our Supreme Court finds that Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, etc., could be classified as vicious breeds due to their “nature.” If you are an owner of one or more of these breeds being reported as vicious, all I can say is to be on your guard when it comes to your dog being around others, especially children. For some reason, children seem to invoke an aggressive “nature” in dogs of all kinds. The problem with the breeds mentioned above is that, when they attack, there is great potential for harm.

j

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.

I recently read a very disturbing story of a family who owned two Pit Bull dogs that they allowed around their small children, and you can guess what happened. The dogs, which had never exhibited a vicious tendency, attacked both the children and the mother with horrible consequences.

LOUISIANA

louisianatravel.com A great site for everything Louisiana

ALEXANDRIA / PINEVILLE

alexandriapinevillela.com rapidessymphony.org riveroaksartscenter.com lagniappetheatre.com themuseum.org

November 20 & 27

The Nutcracker

Red River Dance Theatre Co. Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center 7 pm redriverdance.org

December 3

Annual Christmas

Porch Sale Bolton Home & Studio Annex Building 9 am-3 pm 318.473.2670 riveroaksartcenter.com

December 3

Ol’ Mel’s Christmas Fest

50 Chevallier Road, Deville, LA Sat. 8 am-4 pm Sun. 2 pm 318.794.9533

December 31

Masquerade Ball

LA History Museum

The Hotel Bentley 8 pm-1 am $75 pp / $150 couple RSVP Dec. 17 318.769.2216

BATON ROUGE

visitbatonrouge.com lsumoa.org rivercenterarena:baton-rouge. tickets-center.com batonrougeballet.org Red Stick Farmers Market Breada.com brso.org

November 10

American Classics Baton Rouge Symphony River Center Theatre 7:30 pm brso.org

November 15-16

Candlelight Concert: Rocket-Men Cary Saurage Community Arts Center 6:30 & 9:30 pm brso.org

December 3

Home for the Holidays 2022 Baton Rouge Symphony River Center Theater 2 pm brso.org

December 17-18

The Nutcracker–A Tale from the Bayou Baton Rouge River Center Performing Arts Theatre 225.766.8379 ticketmaster.com batonrougeballet.org

FERRIDAY concordialibrary.org deltamusicmuseum.com

MONROE / WEST MONROE monroe-westmonroe.org

November 5-6

Hamlet

Strauss Theatre Center 7 pm & 2 pm 318.323.6681 strausstc.com

November 11-January 1

Christmas on the River For All Events monroe-westmonroe.org/ events/christmas/

December 3 Christmas on the River Festival Weekend Parades & Fireworks monroe-westmonroe.org/ events/christmas/

NATCHITOCHES natchitoches.com

November 19-January 6

96th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival Front Street 318.357.3822 natchitocheschristmas.com/ schedule

CLINTON / JACKSON louisianasteamtrain.com

NEW ORLEANS

neworleansonline.com neworleanscvb.com ogdenmuseum.org nola.org

FB: nolajazzmuseum/live newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu nobt.org neworleansfilmsociety.org neworleanscitypark.com neworleanszombierun.com

PORT ALLEN

westbatonrouge.net

West Baton Rouge Museum

Throughout November & December

For All Events 225.300.4674 westbatonrouge.net

FB: TheWBRM

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

FB: St. Francisville Farmers Market

December 2-5

Christmas in the Country For Events stfrancisvillefestivals.com

December 7 & 9

Holiday Brass Hemingbough 7:30 pm brso.org

December 23

Vibes in the Ville Parker Park

Live Music—The Traveling Dive Bar Band 5:30 pm 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 facebook.com/ VisitBrookhavenMS visitbrookhavenms.com brookhavenrecreation.com brookhavenlittletheatre.com llf.lib.ms.us

November 12

Christmas Open House Brookhaven Chamber

Participating Shops 9 am-5 pm

November 17

Taste of the Trust Ole Towne Church 5:30-9:30 pm $40 Adv. / $45 Door

FB: TheBrookhavenTrust

December 1

Christmas Parade The Greatest Gifts Downtown 6:30 pm

December 8-18

A Christmas Story–The Musical Historic Haven Theatre 7:30 pm & 2 pm brookhavenlittletheatre.com

CANTON cantontourism.com

FB: cantontourism

November 25-27

Canton Christmas Festival Opening Weekend Open House Old Courthouse Square 5-9 pm

December 2-25

Canton Christmas Festival Old Courthouse Square Shops open nightly 5-9 pm

December 9

Canton Christmas Festival 16th Annual Sip-N-Cider Old Courthouse Square 5-9 pm

MISSISSIPPI continued

CLINTON clintonms.org

FERNWOOD fernwoodcc.com _______________________

JACKSON dulinghall.com msmuseumart.org visitjackson.com jacksonfreepress.com/ calendarmsnla.org craftsmensguildofms.org balletms.com msmetroballet.com operams.org

November 2-5

Mistletoe Marketplace MS Trade Mart mistletoemarketplace.com

November 14

Songs for My Father Opera Mississippi Duling Hall 7 pm operams.org

December 1

An Elvis Christmas Opera Mississippi Duling Hall 7 pm operams.org

December 2-4

The Nutcracker

Ballet Mississippi Thalia Mara Hall Fri. 7:30 pm Sat. & Sun. 2 pm balletms.com/nutcracker

December 3-4

The Sugarplum Fairy’s Tea Party The Westin Jackson 1:30 pm balletms.com/nutcracker

December 3-4

The Nutcracker

Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center Dec. 3: 2 pm & 7 pm Dec. 4: 2 pm & 6:30 pm tix.com/ticket-sales/ msmetroballet msmetroballet.com

December 3-4

Land of Sweets Tour Jackson Academy Activities Building 4 pm tix.com/ticket-sales/ msmetroballet msmetroballet.com

December 9-10

Snow Day MS Museum of Natural Science 6-8:30 pm mdwfp.com/museum

December 17-18

Most Incredible Christmas Thalia Mara Hall 2 pm 601.977.1001 balletmagnificat.com

December 31

New Year’s Eve Party Mississippi Museum of Natural Science 6-8 pm mdwfp.com _______________________

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

December 1-25

Letters to Santa North side of the Ridgeland Green Front of City Hall

December 1 Tree Lighting Plaza @ Old Town Crossing 6 pm

December 2 Christmas on the Green Ridgeland City Hall 5:30-8 pm

December 3 Christmas Parade Old Town / Jackson St. 1-5 pm

December 1-3

46th Chimneyville Arts Festival Waller MS Craft Center Dec. 1: Preview Party 6-9 pm / $35 Dec. 2-3: Festival Days 10 am-4 pm mscrafts.org

MCCOMB pikeinfo.com mccombarts.com mcrrmuseum.com

FB: McComb Farmers Market

November 3-5 Mistletoe & Magic 2022 Participating Shops Nov. 3: 9 am-8 pm Nov. 4-5: Normal Shopping Hours

December 8-11

Christmas in Toyland Pike County Little Theatre 7:30 pm & 2:30 pm

FB: PikeCountyLittleTheatre

MEADVILLE meadvillems.com _______________________

NATCHEZ

Live Music Events Calendar visitnatchez.org/full-eventcalendar visitnatchez.org kreweofphoenixnatchez.com natchezpilgrimage.com

FB: Downtown Natchez Farmers Market thetowersofnatchez.com natchezgardenclub.org natchezlittletheatre.com

Through November 11

Voices & Votes: Democracy in America Exhibit

Willie Mae Dunn Library

Co-Lin Natchez Campus Mon.–Thur. 7:30 am-4 pm Fri. 7:30 am-Noon 601.446.1101

November 3

FannieLou Hamer’s America Co-Lin Natchez Campus 6-7 pm / Free 601.442.9111

November 3-5 & 10-12

Angels on the Bluff Natchez City Cemetery 5:30-9 pm / $40 601.445.5051 tix.com/ticket-sales/ natchezcitycemetery

November 5

First Saturday Market MLK Triangle 5-10 pm

November 6

Hallelujah! Handel’s Messiah

Trinity Episcopal Church 3 pm / $30 601.445.8432 trinitynatchez.org

November 11 & 12

Allumer Dunleith Historic Inn 6-9 pm 601.897.6300

November 12

Natchez Rotary Chili Cook-Off Bluff Park 11 am-2 pm Tasting Kits $10

November 19-January 7

Christmas Tour of Homes & Evening Events 601.890.2388 info@littleeasytours.com FB: LittleEasyTours

November 26-December 25 Christmas in Natchez For All Events christmasinnatchez.org

November 26

Lighting of the Christmas Tree Downtown 3-6:30 pm

Every Thursday in December

Caroling in the Park Memorial Park 5:30 pm 601.445.4611

December 2

An Elvis Christmas Natchez Community Center $40

December 3

Christmas Parade A Storybook Christmas Downtown 6 pm

December 9

Annual Christmas Luncheon Annual Soup & Casserole Sale Magnolia Hall 11:30 am / $20 601.443-9065 natchezgardenclub.org

PORT GIBSON

FB: portgibson.chamber msculturalcrossroads.org _______________________

SUMMIT pikeinfo.com

November 3-5

Mistletoe & Magic 2022

Participating Shops

Nov. 3: 9 am-8 pm Nov. 4-5: Normal Hours

December 1-4

Christmas Stage Band Show

Hurst Auditorium SMCC Dec. 1-3: 7 pm Dec. 4: 2 pm 601.276.2000

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

November 3 & December 1

Coloring, Coffee & Conversation

Vicksburg Public Library 10 am 601.636.6411

November 4

Classics in the Courtyard

Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation Noon-1 pm / Lunch $12 601.631.2997 stacey@southernculture.org

November 11

Vicksburg National Military Park Fee Free Day Vicksburg National Military Park 601.636.0583

November 19

Southern Soul Classic Party Vicksburg Convention Center 7 pm / Various Prices 601.630.2929

November 26

Christmas Tree Lighting Christmas in the Park Downtown

November 26 KCS Holiday Express Christmas Train Downtown 4 pm / Free

November 26-December 25 Christmas in the Park Downtown

November 27

Old-Fashioned Christmas Open House Downtown 1:30-5 pm Santa 1:30-3:30 pm 1416 Washington St. 601.634.4527 downtownvicksburg.org

December 3

Christmas Parade Heroes Among Us Downtown 5 pm

December 3

Reindeer Run 5k Catfish Row Food, Pet Parade, Reindeer Games for Kids Raceroster.com FB@ReindeerRun5KVicksburg

December 3

14th Annual Holly Days

Arts & Crafts Show

Southern Culture Heritage Foundation 9 am-3 pm / $2 admission 601.631.2997 info@southernculture.org

December 10

Breakfast with Santa Vicksburg Convention Center 8-10 am / $7 Adv. / $10 Door 601.630.2929 ticketmaster.com or VCC Box Office _______________________

WESSON

FB: Wesson Chamber _______________________

WOODVILLE woodvillems.org

FB Woodville/Wilkinson County Main Street Association woodvillemainstreet.org

November 12

The Woodville Deer & Wildlife Festival

Historic Courthouse Square 11 am-3 pm / Free woodvillemainstreet.org

FB: woodvillemainstreet _______________________

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

Have Yourself a Merry Natchez Christmas! Linden is the ultimate gem for your getaway while visiting Natchez during the holiday season. Tailor your stay with as much Christmas cheer as you desire. Options such as guided tours throughout the city, Linden’s signature private luncheons and dinners for groups, Holiday Milk Punch tours, fun-filled Girlfriends’ Getaways, and all that Christmas in Natchez has to offer.

Please call Christy at 769-355-2127 or visit www.lindenandb.com for more information

Lindenandb

Yule and Christmas

By Alma M. Womack

Perspective is illuminating.

A while back, I was reading a book when I ran across this quote: “Some of the old pagan festivals, stripped of their once sacred qualities by the dominance of Christianity, have degenerated. Samhain (Halloween) seems to be taken over by candy manufacturers in the United States, while Yule has been transformed from one of the most holy pagan days to a time of gross commercialism. Even the later echoes of a Christian Savior’s birth are hardly audible above the electronic hum of cash registers.”

Interesting. Christians claim that Christmas has been commercialized and ruined by emphasizing the pagan, materialistic side of the holiday. Meanwhile, the pagans say that the Christians have ruined the pagans’ most holy of days by emphasizing materialism over holiness.

In the old pre-Christian days, Yule was the most sacred day of the year. It was the day the Goddess gave birth to a son whose symbol was the sun. Yule was the shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice. Fires or candles were lit to welcome the sun’s returning light. Yule was celebrated to hurry the end of winter and to hasten the bounty of spring when food would once again be plentiful.

A giant log, the Yule log, was burned in the fireplace to symbolize the end of winter; for after Yule, the days began to get longer again. The celebrations of the holiday were simple rather than lavish or ostentatious, much like early Christianity’s initial observations of the birth of Christ.

The celebration of Christmas got off to an erratic start in America because the Puritans considered it a pagan festival. In fact, they banned Christmas in 1659; and it was widely suppressed in New England into the 1800s even though it continued to be celebrated on the European continent in the rather limited style of the day.

In the last 150 years, our culture has adopted a number of other countries’ traditions to get us to the point where we are now in our celebrations of the season. Gift-giving we borrowed from the Dutch, who since the Middle Ages had given presents to children on St. Nicholas Day, December 6. Over time, this practice was transferred to the nearest Anglican holiday, December 25, and St. Nicholas has morphed into Santa Claus.

Decorating trees came from Germany, and carols and the use of holly, mistletoe, and the Yule log came from the British Isles. The British Isles had been settled in part by Germanic tribes who brought their customs with them thousands of years ago, and these customs were based on the old nature worship religions, pre-dating Christianity by millennia. When we hang green wreaths today, we are carrying on a very ancient pagan tradition even if we haven’t the slightest idea as to its original intent.

It’s bad to have to admit, but we Americans have taken what was formerly a holiday of quiet and contemplation, and with all of our improvements have turned it into something completely unrecognizable to our forefathers. We’ve taken Yule and Christmas, formerly simple, reflective holidays, and turned them into an every-minute-filled time of too much spending, too much indulgence, and too much chaos and anxiety.

True enough, it is awfully hard to say, “Stop!” to all the extravagances we’ve found to be necessary in our celebrations of Yule/Christmas. And while I would not advocate a complete reversal to a time of just lighting candles, I think our society could do an overhaul of Christmas without throwing the earth out of orbit.

It takes time to simplify, just as it takes planning for our over-indulgences. Whatever your reason for celebrating this Christmas season, lend an ear to our ancestors near and far; and save a little time to think about the true meanings of the holidays.

j

Columnist Alma 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.