Bluffs & Bayous November / December 2020

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F RO M T H E P U B L I S H E R Photograph by T. G. McCary

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s we enter the Holiday Season with this pandemic new-normal, celebrating seasonal events has challenged us to become creative in trying to capture as much “normal� as possible amidst no-longer-normal conditions.

In my hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, the 35th Annual Natchez Balloon Festival took place this past October under this new-normal. While the balloons still took to the air, and balloon JORZV DQG ÀUHZRUNV VWLOO KDSSHQHG WKH festival site with it myriad of exciting and enticing activities on the grounds of historic Rosalie did not.

Instead, stationed all around downtown with social distancing attempted, were individually orchestrated pop-up celebrations or group-sponsored music performances, games and family activities, opened restaurants, and food stations that embraced locals and visitors alike with festivities well into the evening. Embellishing all this merriment, forty or more hot-air balloons excited hundreds with their Balloon Glow and a number of lift-offs that created breath-taking, colorful kaleidoscopes in the weekend’s panoramic blue skies.

Moreover, the Historic Natchez Foundation, host for the annual Natchez Balloon Festival, still sold its new poster designs, t-shirts, and other hot-air balloon festival merchandise. (If you missed

getting one of these must-have keepsakes, you can order online at natchezballoonfestival.com.) All these planned, revised, and spontaneous HYHQWV DIĂ€UP WKDW ZH VWLOO FDQ REserve our seasonal celebrations, sensibly and thoughtfully following mandates and guidelines to remain healthy, as we enjoy our limited gatherings with family members and friends. Who knows? Some of the adjustments made for the 2020 holidays may themselves become treasured traditions!

This month’s Bluffs & Bayous offers a sneak peek into two Christmas celebrations along with details of holiday tours and special holiday-tour events. Tantalizing recipes as well enhance this edition, tempting you to include them in your holiday preparations. As the temperatures begin to GURS HQMR\ WKH Ă€QH FKLOLHV DQG VRXSV made from recipes in “From our Readers’ Kitchens.â€? Additionally, Majorie Feltus Hawkins offers historic Linden’s famous Milk Punch recipe, and Colleen Wilkins imparts the recipes for two of her favorite holiday desserts.

Also, we are thrilled to feature the Mississippi Museum of Art’s reopening with the stellar exhibition “Van Gogh, Monet, Degas and Their Timesâ€? through January 2021—an amazing opportunity for our readers to experience the iconic works of these amazing nineteenth- and twentieth-century masters. Furthermore, author and blogger Peggy Sweeney-McDonald shares her newest project, the podcast series Life in the A-Zone, drawing from her caregiving journey with her mother, who in 2016 was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I ORYH $OPD :RPDFN¡V DUWLFOH RQ KHU UHĂ HFtions of her childhood holidays—a pure, refreshing, and memorable read.

All of us who work excitedly and diligently to produce your Bluffs & Bayous send our very best wishes for warmth, happiness, and love in your November and December 2020 celebrations. We strive to bring moving and enriching stories and events into your home. Remember we offer our magazine online 24-7 for your convenience, and it is mobile friendly.

For twenty years we have documented all sorts of people, events, and

communities. As we embrace and celebrate our professional new-normal (bi-monthly publications), we encourage you to send us your story ideas, events, and celebrations for inclusion during our twenty-year anniversary while we continue to share our area’s life along and beyond the Mississippi.

Happy Holidays, Happy Thanksgiving, and Merry Christmas to All!

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F E AT U R E S

From Our Readers’ Kitchens pages 16-19 A Holiday Tour and Tea at Sunnyside pages 26-29 A Collector’s Love for Santa: Christmas at Linden pages 30-34 Mississippi Museum of Art Reopens with Major Art Exhibition: Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, and Their Times pages 36-37 Life in the A-Zone Podcast Series page 38-39

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NovEMBER / DecemBER 2020

From Our Readers’ Kitchens pages 16 - 19

F AV O R I T E S In the Garden Classes to Create Seasonal Floral Motifs.............................................................................. 11

Legal Notes Militias: Looking for a Few Good Men ......................................................................................23

Southern Sampler Holidays Past and Hopes for the Present ........................................................................50

The Social Scene Krewe Mystique’s Mother-Daughter Luncheon ................................................................9 Dinner and Presentation at Sunnyside B&B.................................................................................20-21 Reception for Investors....................................................................................................................24-25

A Collector’s Love for Santa: Christmas at Linden pages 30 - 34

Stedman Named to Mississippi Real Estate Commission.................................................................. 25

Up & Coming Louisiana Up & Coming ................................................................................. 40-44 Mississippi Up & Coming ................................................................................ 45-48

ON THE COVER Pictured on the front of our Holiday Issue is the delectable display of sweets set for a Holiday Tea at Sunnyside B&B. See story on pages 26-29.

Photography by T. G. McCary

Mississippi Museum of Art Reopens with Major Art Exhibition: Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, and Their Times pages 36 - 37 Page 6 { November / December 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

PUBLISHER Cheryl Foggo Rinehart COPY EDITOR Jean Nosser Biglane GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jan Ratcliff S TA F F P H O T O G R A P H E R S Tim McCary Cheryl Rinehart Bill Perkins Lisa Adams Whittington SALES STAFF Cheryl Rinehart Kari L. Blaney CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Gregory Lucien C. “Sam” Gwin III Alma Womack

Cheryl Rinehart

Jan Ratcliff

Jean Biglane

Tim McCary

Bill Perkins

Lisa Adams Whittington

Nathan Gregory

Lucien C. “Sam” Gwin III

Alma Womack

Kari L. Blaney

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 insure the accuracy of our magazine’s contents. However, should inaccuracies or omissions occur, we do not assume responsibility.

OFFICE 225 John R. Junkin Drive | Natchez, MS 39120 601-442-6847 bluffsmag@gmail.com | bbupandcoming@gmail.com www.bluffsbayous.com

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BROOKHAVEN & MCCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

Visit Brookhaven, MS this Christmas Season!

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 7 • 9AM-5PM

25 local boutiques partiCIPATING

30’ CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING BROOKHAVEN CHRISTMAS CABIN RUN RUN RUDOLPH 5K & 10K December 3 at 6:30 | Downtown Brookhaven

Open for photos beginning December 3 at 6:30 | Downtown Brookhaven

December 5 | Downtown Brookhaven

For more info regarding any of these events visitbrookhavenms.com, brookhavenchamber.org, or call 601.833.1411

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THE social SCENE BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Krewe Mystique’s Mother-Daughter Luncheon n August 16, 2020, Krewe Mystique de la Capitale hosted a Royalty Luncheon at Mike Anderson’s restaurant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for the 2021 Queen and Debutantes, the reigning 2020 Queen, and their mothers. As the royalty introduced themselves, they discovered they represent various high schools and colleges, talents, interests, and even states.

Patti Cameron, Royalty Chairperson, led the event as she presented a slide show of past events and a discussion of requirements for the royalty. President Henry Peré addressed concerns about potential COVID-19 restrictions; and as the father of former debutantes, he offered his encouragement. The reigning 2020 Queen, Madison Bennett, presented each debutante with a Krewe Mystique medallion; and the 2021 Queen, Emma Vaughan, pinned each with a rhinestone crown. Assisting Cameron with the event were Royalty Committee members Claire Gahagan and Myra Lasavia. All 2021 Krewe Mystique Royalty were formally presented and crowned at the Coronation Ceremony on October 25, 2020.

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1 Front—Madison Bennett, reigning 2020 Queen, and Emma Vaughan, 2021 Queen / Back—Camille Smith, Addison Dunbar, Ava Dunn, Molly Brewer, Emma Lauret, Camille Domangue, Carolyn Herman, Claire Lazaroe, Grace Granger, and Burgin Rome 2 Amy and Burgin Rome with Lieutenants 3 Alisha Bennett, Queen Madison Bennett, and Sheila Porch 4 Debutantes with Lieutenants: Camille Smith, Addison Dunbar, Ava Dunn, Molly Brewer, Emma Lauret, Camille Domangue, Carolyn Herman, Claire Lazaroe, Grace Granger, and Burgin Rome 5 Addison Dunbar, Molly Brewer, Ivy Brewer, Anita Lazaroe, Claire Lazaroe, Grace Granger, and Stephanie Granger 6 Camille Domangue and Emma Vaughan 7 Queens with Lieutenants: Madison Bennett, reigning 2020 Queen, and Emma Vaughan, 2021 Queen 8 Carolyn Herman, Ava Dunn, Camille Smith, and Emma Lauret 9 Patti Cameron, Royalty Chairperson

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IN THE GARDEN

BY

Nathan Gregory

Jim DelPrince

Classes to Create Seasonal Floral Motifs

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wo online workshops this fall will KHOS Ă RUDO HQWKXVLDVWV FUHDWH VHDsonal designs for their homes.

Jim DelPrince, horticulture specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, will present the “Fresh Fall Floral Designâ€? workshop on November 19, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to noon and the “Deck the Halls! Swag, Centerpiece, and Garlandâ€? workshop on December 4, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ,Q WKH IDOO Ă RUDO GHVLJQ ZHELQDU KH will demonstrate how to design a buffet

table arrangement and provide time for students to recreate their versions while receiving critiques to help improve their skills as they complete their projects.

The registration deadline for this workshop is November 5, 2020; and the $175 fee covers all course materials including Ă RZHUV WKDW ZLOO EH VKLSSHG RQH WR WZR days in advance.

Participants in the day-long Christmas Ă RUDO ZRUNVKRS ZLOO FUHDWH WKUHH GHVLJQV using fresh evergreens to decorate their homes for the season including a door

VZDJ LQ D Ă RUDO IRDP FDJH D IUDJUDQW HYergreen table centerpiece, and a garland.

The deadline to register for this workshop is November 20, 2020; and the $250 fee covers the greenery and supplies that will be shipped before the workshop.

The workshops are being held to make participants aware of MSU Extension’s Master Floral Designer program.

Registration is also open for the spring semester Phase I portion of Master Floral Designer online.

Register for these courses through the Extension’s online registration portal at https://register.extension.msstate.edu/online-courses. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity institution. For disability accommodation, contact DelPrince at 228546-1011 or j.delprince@msstate.edu.

Nathan Gregory is a news writer for the Agricultural Communications Department of the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

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HOHs FOR THE HOLIDAYS During the holiday season, some hearty staples to Have on Hand in the freezer are essential for cool days and quick-and-easy suppers. The following dishes are delicious and easy to make ahead of time to serve or freeze. HOHs can save the day!

From the Kitchen of . . .

Gerald Cornwell, Natchez, Mississippi

GERALD’S CHILI [LHZWVVU KYPLK VYLNHUV 2 pounds lean ground beef [LHZWVVU NYV\UK ISHJR WLWWLY Å\PK V\UJLZ JHU [VTH[V Q\PJL [LHZWVVU ZHS[ V\UJLZ JHU [VTH[V ZH\JL [LHZWVVUZ NYV\UK J\TPU V\UJLZ JHU RPKUL` ILHUZ KYHPULK J\W JOPSP WV^KLY HUK YPUZLK V\UJLZ JHU WPU[V ILHUZ KYHPULK HUK YPUZLK J\WZ JOVWWLK VUPVU J\W JOVWWLK NYLLU ILSS WLWWLY [LHZWVVU NYV\UK JH`LUUL WLWWLY [LHZWVVU ^OP[L Z\NHY 7SHJL NYV\UK ILLM PU H SHYNL KLLW ZRPSSL[ *VVR V]LY TLKP\T OPNO OLH[ \U[PS L]LUS` IYV^U +YHPU HUK JY\TISL 0U H SHYNL WV[ V]LY OPNO OLH[ JVTIPUL [OL NYV\UK ILLM ^P[O HSS YLTHPUPUN PUNYLKPLU[Z )YPUN [V H IVPS" [OLU YLK\JL OLH[ [V SV^ :PTTLY MVY OV\YZ 5V[L! 8\PJR HUK LHZ` HUK ZV NVVK [OPZ JOPSP JHU IL THKL VU [OL Z[V]L VY PU H ZSV^ JVVRLY 0M \ZPUN H ZSV^ JVVRLY ZL[ VU SV^ HKK PUNYLKPLU[Z HUK JVVR MVY [V OV\YZ

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Butternut squash is a fall staple.

It is delicious roasted, stuffed, and blended for all different types of side dishes and soups. This recipe is easy and makes a nice course-dish to serve with Thanksgiving dinner or on a cold, rainy night.

From the Kitchen of . . .

Cheryl Rinehart, Natchez, Mississippi

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP WITH BACON SHYNL )\[[LYU\[ ZX\HZO [HISLZWVVUZ L_[YH ]PYNPU VSP]L VPS 2VZOLY ZHS[ -YLZOS` NYV\UK ISHJR WLWWLY VUPVU JOVWWLK Z[HSRZ JLSLY` [OPUS` ZSPJLK TLKP\T JHYYV[Z JOVWWLK ZSPJLZ [OPJR IHJVU JOVWWLK [HISLZWVVU ZHNL VY HU` ZLHZVUPUN `V\ SPRL [HISLZWVVU [O`TL V\UJLZ JOPJRLU IYV[O )VPS ZX\HZO [V ZVM[LU" JVVS HUK [OLU J\[ PU OHSM" WLLS ZRPU VɈ *\[ PU J\ILZ HUK ZWYLHK VU VPSLK MVPS JV]LYLK IHRPUN WHU (KK ZLHZVUPUNZ HUK JOVWWLK IHJVU [OYV\NOV\[ [OL ZX\HZO )HRL H[ KLNYLLZ \U[PS YVHZ[LK TPU \[LZ 0U H WHU HKK VPS VUPVU JHYYV[Z HUK JLSLY`" HUK ZH\[t \U[PS ZVM[ (M[LY ZX\HZO PZ YVHZ[LK WSHJL ZX\HZO HUK ]LNL[HISLZ PU H ISLUKLY HUK ISLUK (KK H SP[[SL JOPJRLU IYV[O MVY SPX\PK 7V\Y PU[V H SHYNL WV[ HUK HKK [OL JOPJRLU IYV[O" SL[ ZPTTLY [V TLYNL HSS [OL ÅH]VYZ ;VW ^P[O MYLZO [O`TL HUK ZLY]L PU J\WZ VY IV^SZ ;OPZ PZ NYLH[ HZ HU HWWL[PaLY VY ZLY]LK HZ H THPU TLHS ^P[O ZHSHK HUK [VHZ[ WVPU[Z

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A delicious twist for Black Bean Soup is the sausage. The sausage and Rotel tomatoes pack a hardy, spicy punch for this favorite soup. Because my children love black beans, I created this soup for them; and it is a favorite in our household.

From the Kitchen of . . .

Mary Catherine Moffett, New Orleans, Louisiana

BLACK BEAN SOUP WITH SAUSAGE IHN ISHJR ILHUZ SHYNL `LSSV^ VUPVU JOVWWLK ILSS WLWWLY NYLLU JOVWWLK Z[HSRZ JLSLY` JOVWWLK JHYYV[Z JOVWWLK [LHZWVVU VSP]L VPS ZH\ZHNL SPURZ JHU 9V[LS [VTH[VLZ V\UJL JHUZ JOPJRLU IYV[O [HISLZWVVU VM 2PUKLY»Z ZLHZVUPUNZ H ZHS[ WLW WLY NHYSPJ ISLUK VY ZPTPSHY ZLHZVUPUN [LHZWVVUZ VYLNHUV [LHZWVVU ZTVRLK WHWYPRH

:VHR ILHUZ V]LYUPNO[ VY `V\ JHU IVPS ILHUZ PU IVPSPUN ^H[LY MVY H TPU \[L HUK SL[ ZP[ JV]LYLK MVY H JV\WSL VM OV\YZ 0U H SHYNL +\[JO V]LU IYV^U [OL ]LNL[HISLZ ^P[O H SP[[SL VSP]L VPS \U[PS KVUL *OVW ZH\ZHNL SPURZ PU[V ZPaL IP[LZ *VTIPUL ILHUZ 9V[LS [VTH[VLZ

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^P[O SPX\PK ZLHZVUPUNZ HUK ZH\ZHNL" HUK HKK [V [OL ]LNL[HISL TP_[\YL (KK [OL JOPJRLU IYV[O HUK IYPUN [V H IVPS HUK [OLU ZPTTLY VU SV^ MVY HIV\[ HU OV\Y \U[PS ILHUZ OH]L ZVM[LULK HUK Ã…H]VYZ OH]L ISLUKLK

If you love okra, you’ll love this soup. I GLVFRYHUHG WKLV EDFN LQ 0DUFK ZKHQ ZH ÀUVW became quarantined and I was cooking like a madwoman! I love okra any way it can be cooked, but this soup is delicious. The recipe is reprinted from The Lee Bros. Charleston Kitchen by Matt Lee and Ted Lee and published in 2013 by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. – Cheryl Rinehart From the Kitchen of . . .

Matt Lee and Ted Lee, Charleston, South Carolina

CHARLESTON OKRA SOUP WV\UKZ ILLM ZOHUR J\[ PU[V PUJO J\ILZ THYYV^IVUL YLZLY]LK 2VZOLY ZHS[ -YLZOS` NYV\UK ISHJR WLWWLY [HISLZWVVU JHUVSH VPS WS\Z TVYL PM ULLKLK J\WZ JOVWWLK `LSSV^ VUPVU HIV\[ TL KP\T IH` SLH]LZ [LHZWVVU YLK WLWWLY Ã…HRLZ [LHZWVVU ZTVRLK WHWYPRH X\HY[ ^H[LY V\UJL JHU JY\ZOLK [VTH[VLZ WV\UK VRYH [YPTTLK J\[ VU [OL IPHZ PU[V PUJO [OPJR V]HSZ -YLZO WHYZSL` MVY NHYUPZO VW[PVUHS :LHZVU [OL ILLM HUK THYYV^IVUL ^P[O [LHZWVVU ZHS[ HUK OHSM H [LHZWVVU ISHJR WLWWLY 7\[ PU H ZOHSSV^ KPZO JV]LYLK HUK IYPUN [V YVVT [LTWLYH[\YL HIV\[ VUL OV\Y 7H[ [OL WPLJLZ KY` ^P[O H WHWLY [V^LS 7V\Y VPS PU[V H SHYNL +\[JO V]LU VY OLH]` IV[[VTLK WV[ V]LY TLKP\T OPNO OLH[" HUK ^OLU [OL VPS ZOPTTLYZ IYV^U [OL TLH[ HUK THY YV^IVUL PU IH[JOLZ PM ULJLZZHY` [HRPUN JHYL UV[ [V JYV^K [OL WHU HUK HKK PU VPS I` [LHZWVVUM\SZ PM [OL WHU ILJVTLZ [VV KY` >P[O H ZSV[[LK ZWVVU [YHUZMLY [OL IYV^ULK ILLM HUK IVUL [V H IV^S HUK [\YU [OL OLH[ [V TLKP\T (KK [OL VUPVU IH` SLH]LZ YLK WLWWLY Ã…HRLZ WHWYPRH HUK [LHZWVVUZ ZHS[ *VVR ZJYHWPUN \W HU` IYV^ULK IP[Z VU [OL IV[[VT VM [OL WHU HUK HKKPUN H [LHZWVVU VM ^H[LY VY VPS PM [OL WHU ILJVTLZ KY` \U[PS [OL VUPVU ZVM[LUZ HIV\[ ZP_ TPU\[LZ @V\ KV UV[ ^HU[ [OL VUPVU [V JOHY (KK [OL ^H[LY HUK [VTH[VLZ YL[\YU [OL ILLM HUK THYYV^IVUL [V [OL WHU HUK JV]LY >OLU [OL ZV\W ZPTTLYZ NLU[S` \UJV]LY HUK YL K\JL [OL OLH[ [V SV^ 3L[ JVVR Z[PYYPUN VJJHZPVUHSS` \U[PS [OL TLH[ PZ Q\Z[ [LUKLY HIV\[ VUL OV\Y (KK [OL VRYH HUK JVU[PU\L JVVRPUN \U[PS [OL VRYH PZ Q\Z[ [LUKLY HIV\[ TPU\[LZ +PZJHYK [OL IH` SLH]LZ HUK ZLHZVU [V [HZ[L ^P[O ZHS[ HUK ISHJR WLWWLY

Bluffs & Bayous { November / December 2020 { Page 19

THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Dinner and Presentation at Sunnyside B&B n Friday, September 25, 2020, Brenda and Binky Vines hosted a dinner for oil-and-gas investors and local friends at Sunnyside Bed & Breakfast in Natchez, Mississippi.

Others in attendance were Todd Bertolet, John Cox, Dr. Reed Hogan, Dr. Reed Hogan, Jr., and Brett Matis from Madison, Mississippi. During the evening, Davis Martin was acknowledged by Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann and Senator Melanie Sojourner, District 37, for significant oil-and gas-investments in Mississippi, including Adams, Walthall, and Wilkinson Counties.

David Mandiya of London, England, was presented the Key to the City of Natchez by Mayor Dan Gibson.

Together, Mandiya and Martin have made notable contributions to the economies of Natchez and its surrounding areas. Photography by Lisa Whittington

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Paul Hargrave and Thomas Collins Sergio and Maurie Capello Amy and James Brown Dan Gibson and Ron Matis Alvin Shelby Larry Harvey and Lane Murray Brett Matthews, John Cox, and Todd Bertolet Sandy Nelson and Alvin Shelby Melanie Sojourner and Davis Martin Mike Pylfer, Jonathan Berry, and Bruce Randall Reed Hogan III, Marilyn Coate, and Davis Martin Don and Sandy Nelson Melanie Sojourner, Davis Martin, Marilyn Coate, and Margie and Sean Richardson

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THE social SCENE

NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

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14 Margie and Sean Richardson with Brenda Bucklen 15 Jonathan Berry, Melanie Sojourner, and Ron Matis 16 Marla Toman and Tim Burroughs 17 Dan Gibson, David Mandiya, and Davis Martin 18 Davis Martin, Marilyn Coate, Binky and Brenda Vines, Rose Montemayor, and Paul Hudson 19 Brenda Bucklen and Mayor Dan Gibson

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LEGAL NOTES

BY

Lucien C. Gwin III

Militias: Looking for a Few Good Men

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read with much interest, The Natchez Democrat article about a local citizen who met with the Board of Supervisors to inform them that he was interested in forming a “minute man group.� I also noticed that he was careful to say that he was “not forming a militia.� From there, he didn’t really say what formation the group would take, but simply that there are current safety concerns from residents.

One has to be a complete hermit not to know and understand that violence, mob rule, and riots have taken over parts of our country; and crime seems rampant everywhere. I have talked with a lot of people in the last few months; and I have never heard so much discussion about public safety, personal protection, and the “G� word (GUNS).

The violence as of late and people’s overall concern for their safety made me wonder whether local residents have a right to form a local militia. First, one must GHĂ€QH WKH WHUP militia. 7KH GHĂ€QLWLRQ RI D militia in its purest form is the following— “a military force that is raised from the civil population to supplement a regular army in an emergency.â€?

7KLV GHÀQLWLRQ FRQMXUHV up ideas of men between the DJHV RI HLJKWHHQ DQG IRUW\ ÀYH armed and bonding together to ÀJKW VRPH RSSRVLQJ IRUFH EHQW on civil destruction.

Now, the real question is this: Is it legal for private citizens in Mississippi to band together with weapons to be UHDG\ WR JR DQG ÀJKW VRPH LQvading force bent on civil unrest and destruction? The answer to this question is contained in the Mississippi Code.

6SHFLĂ€FDOO\ 0LVVLVVLSSL &RGH Annotated § 33-1-31, states the following: “It shall be unlawful for any body of men whatsoever, other than the regularly organized, armed military in this state, the Armed Forces of the United 6WDWHV RU FHUHPRQLDO Ă€ULQJ squads of veterans chartered

by Acts of Congress, to associate themselves together as a military organization for drill in public with ÀUHDUPV in this State, without special license from the Governor for such occasion.�

So, a militia, under state law (in fact, XQGHU PRVW VWDWH ODZV LV GHĂ€QHG DV WKH National Guard.

There is great debate today over whether the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution trumps state laws prohibiting local militias. We all know that Federal Law overrides State law. The State of Texas, however. is one of the only states legalizing militias. , ZLOO QRW JR LQWR JUHDW GHÀQLWLRQ RI WKH Second Amendment; but in 2008, Justice Antonin Scalia (my legal hero), in essence said that the Second Amendment means that United States citizens and NOT the government militias have the individual right to own and use their guns for personal safety. Many people of liberal persuasion believe that only the United States *RYHUQPHQW FDQ DQG VKRXOG SRVVHVV ÀUHarms and that the Second Amendment applies only to the United State Government.

However (and thankfully), Justice Scalia’s decision is the law of the land.

Mississippi also has an article in its constitution, Section 12, which states the following: “The right of every citizen to keep and bear arms in defense of his home, person or property, or in aid of the civil power when thereto legally summoned [by the Governor, I suppose] shall not be called in question, but the legislature may regulate or forbid carrying concealed weapons.�

Mississippi’s Castle law allows a person to use deadly force in protecting his or her home, occupied vehicle, or business. Today in Mississippi and in most southern states, I can own a souped-up AR-30, round baQDQD FOLS DXWRPDWLF UDSLG ÀUH ULà H , DFWXally own two.) and defend my home, business, family, property, or car; but I cannot, however, get together with my buddies and do the same thing.

Now, there is a big difference in going to a neighbor’s aid in a life-threatening assault or crime versus forming an unorganized militia.

Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution allows only Congress to provide for the calling forth of militias to suppress a national attack; and said article reserves for the states the right to form and regulate militias, which today are almost DOZD\V GHÀQHG DV WKH 1DWLRQDO *XDUG My Thoughts: A great debate still rages about the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. I read Justice Scalia’s case to say that the government can’t take away an individual’s right to defend himself or herself with guns of all types and kinds; but under certain circumstances, guns can be regulated (i.e. people under twenty-one years old cannot purchase guns, felons can’t own guns, etc.).

That being said, in most states, Mississippi included, citizens of the United States of America do not have a constitutional right to form a local, organized militia or even a police force without further governmental authority from either their states or from the federal government.

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.

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Reception for Investors cocktail reception was held at the home of Brenda and Binky Vines on September 24, 2020, honoring a group of investors arriving from Dallas, Texas, to London, England. Chef Moo (Matthew Vines), the Vineses’ son, prepared the hors d’oeuvres for the event. Photography by Lisa Whittington

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1 Brett Matthews and Binky Vines 2 Matthew Vines and Brenda Bucklen 3 Paul Hargrave and Lane Murray 4 Stanley Cooper and Steven Gohlke 5 Matthew and Binky Vines 6 Paul Hudson and Rose Montemayor 7 Mike Loggins, Paul Hudson, and Bruce Randall 8 Ron Matis, Jonathan Berry, and Thomas Collins

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THE social SCENE

NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

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9 Joe Fix, Brett Matthews, and David Mandiya 10 Rose Montemayor, Hank Diesel, and Brenda Bucklen 11 Binky Vines, Davis Martin, and James and Amy Brown

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Stedman Named to Mississippi Real Estate Commission oe W. Stedman, ALC, has been appointed by Governor Tate Reeves and confirmed by the Mississippi Senate to a four-year term on the Mississippi Real Estate Commission. His service on this commission began July 1, 2020. “I am honored by Governor Reeves to have been asked to serve in this position, and I look forward to working with the Commission,” said Stedman. Reeves is the third governor to appoint Stedman to this position.

Stedman has a long and outstanding career in real estate. First licensed in 1973, he has served in many capacities for the Mississippi Association of Realtors, as President and Board Member of the Natchez Board of Realtors, and as President of the Mississippi Chapter of the Realtors Land Institute. From the National Association of Realtors, he holds the designations of Certified Residential Broker and Accredited Land Consultant; and he has received Realtor of the Year Awards from the Natchez Board of Realtors and the Mississippi Realtors Land Institute. Having been previously inducted into the Mississippi REALTOR® Hall of Fame, he was elevated to Realtor Emeritus status in 2015.

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Bluffs & Bayous { November / December 2020 { Page 25

Colleen Wilkins shows off her famous Strawberry Cake during one of her holiday teas.

Page 26 { November / December 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

A Holiday Tour and Tea at Sunnyside

M

eet Colleen Wilkins, owner of the 1850s Greek Revival cottage Sunnyside, which dwells among ten acres near downtown Natchez, Mississippi.

Sunnyside is an event site and Bed and Breakfast inn, offering tours of both this intriguing home and its gardens.

In this picturesque setting, Wilkins hosts an array of events throughout the year along with private parties, luncheons, and teas. One unique event is her Holiday Tea and Tour, a treat that can be privately booked for four or more people or for a large group. Delicious homemade sweets, sandwiches, and fresh fruit are as enticing to view as they are to taste. Delightfully decorated for the season, the charming home tour with tea is a special treat for the holiday season.

Hospitality is Colleen Wilkins’s middle QDPH 7KLV 0DVWHU *DUGHQHU FROOHFWRU RI ÀQH antiques and art, decorator, chef, and confectioner exudes creativity, fashioning scrumptious luncheons, dinners, and teas year round. She

has a dedicated staff who assist her during large events, but her talent and deft touch emanate from everything she crafts. A compendium of knowledge regarding Sunnyside, she loves entertaining all of her guests.

Sunnyside will be open for its Holiday Tea and Tour events beginning the day afWHU 7KDQNVJLYLQJ VSHFLÀFDOO\ 1RYHPEHU through 30, December 1 through 4, 6 through 24, and 26 through 31. Tours are at 2:00 p.m. with a 5:00 p.m. Candle Light Tour every day but Wednesday. Included in Wilkins’s many tours and parties is an especially unique event: She will host an Elvis Tribute by Nick Perkins on December 5.

For more information, contact Colleen Wilkins via sunnysidenatchez.com, her FB page Sunnyside B&B, or 601.807.1148.

In the meantime, enjoy the season with the following couple of recipes this master gardener, chef, and confectioner shares with you for your personal Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Bluffs & Bayous { November / December 2020 { Page 27

Page 28 { November / December 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

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Bluffs & Bayous { November / December 2020 { Page 29

Majorie and David Hawkins of Nashville, Tennessee. David represents The Santa Clause Committee as Santa in this year’s efforts to bring cheer to the children of the community.

Photograph by T. G. McCary

Page 30 { November / December 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

A Collector’s Love for Santa

Christmas at Linden A

mong historic cedar trees, azaleas, and camellias on seven acres in a park-like setting near downtown Natchez, Mississippi, stands stately historic Linden Bed & Breakfast, home of Jeanette Feltus, a sixth-generation member of the Conner family.

7KH KRPH LV ÀOOHG ZLWK DSSURSULDWH SHriod pieces Jeanette and her late husband Richard collected for many years.

However, during Christmas Linden is plush with Christmas-magic dĂŠcor and seasonal trimmings for guests and famLO\ 1RWDEO\ WKH PDJQLĂ€FHQW 6DQWD Collection of their daughter Marjorie Feltus Hawkins graces the many rooms throughout this holiday home.

Linden was originally built as a twostory, four-room mansion constructed in 1785. In 1818, a new owner purchased it and added the stunning frontispiece to the

doorway as well as the existing east wing.

The year 1829 found the home with a new owner who added the living room and the front gallery, completing the appearance of the home as it stands today. In 1849, upon the death of her husband, Jane E. Conner purchased Linden for herself and her nine children. In front of Linden, she planted seven Cedars of Lebanon, which still stand today.

The Christmas spirit at Linden this year showcases Majorie Feltus Hawkins’s creative touch. Marjorie and her sister, Celice, represent the sixth generation of Conner Family members to grow up at Linden since 1849. Marjorie and husband David of Nashville, Tennessee, own an interior DUFKLWHFWXUDO GHVLJQ Ă€UP WKHUH ZLWK D IRcus on the hospitality industry. Her passion is “theme’ decorating wherein each theme tells a story.

HOLIDAY MILK PUNCH J\W Z\NHY J\W KHYR Y\T J\W IYHUK` [HISLZWVVU ]HUPSSH L_[YHJ[ NHSSVU J\WZ ^OVSL TPSR 5\[TLN MVY NYH[PUN 0U H SHYNL WP[JOLY KPZZVS]L Z\NHY PU Y\T IYHUK` HUK ]HUPSSH L_[YHJ[ (KK TPSR" MYLLaL \U[PS ]LY` JVSK VY L]LU ZS\ZO` HIV\[ [V OV\YZ ;OPZ JHU IL MYVaLU MVY H TVU[O 7V\Y PU[V NSHZZLZ" NYH[L U\[TLN V]LY LHJO ZLY]PUN Original recipe from Jane E. Connor

Story and home photos by Cheryl Rinehart Bluffs & Bayous { November / December 2020 { Page 31

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Santa shares the Christmas spirit with his Linden helpers Majorie Feltus Hawkins (L) and Jeanette Feltus (R).

Photograph by T. G. McCary

Opposite page— 1. The Mark Roberts Nutcrackers stand at attention in the front door entry hallway.

2. Am old-world nativity scene atop the nineteenthcentury piano nestles within a vintage tapestry tablecloth.

3. The Christmas tree captures the holiday spirit with its small, old and new Santas, beaded ornaments, fruit, and strands of traditional ribbon. Custom-designed, gift-wrapped presents hold promises of Christmas morning surprises.

4. Staged on a Sheraton table, fanciful Santas surrounded by sterling silver serving pieces and beaded fruit provide a whimsical contrast to the traditional Santas in the dining room.

5. Three-to-six-feet eloquently detailed, matching and complementary Santas command attention in their strategic stances under the punka in the dining room. They are accented by the elegance of beaded fruit in three-tier Old Paris dessert stands.

6. This Santa takes center-stage among original $OH[DQGHU :LOVRQ ELUG SDLQWLQJV $PHULFD·V ÀUVW RUnithologist, Wilson completed these works during his stay in Natchez in 1810.

7. The Federal-period Girandole or chaperone mirURU LV HPEHOOLVKHG ZLWK D OLJKWHG JDUODQG DQG ÁDQNHG on either side with another pair of Mark Roberts Nutcrackers.

8. Beaded fruit topiaries, a garland of greenery, and fresh white poinsettias grace the stunning mantle.

9. A sneak-peak view from the staircase landing shows the foyer and front door. The banister boasts a garland embellished with cotton.

Years ago, Marjorie started collecting an assortment of Santas and Nutcrackers, each with a spark of personality. She has attended numerous hospitality trade shows and continues to shop at the Atlanta, Dallas, and New York gift markets, purchasing inviting and mesmerizing pieces to add to her obsession with all things Christmas. The Hawkins’s Nashville home has been the backdrop for her holiday collections; one large room, in fact, is named the Christmas Room.

In 2019, David and Marjorie rented a U-Haul trailer and brought to her family’s home a profusion of Santas and Nutcrackers to shower Linden for the holidays. The Santas, old and new, have been deftly placed throughout Linden imparting additional sparkle and elegance to its historically appointed rooms. The Santa motif there this year will include an additional touch—a live Santa with David serving as Santa 2020 for the local Santa Claus Committee.

The Santa Claus Committee got its start in Natchez in 1928 when a group of businessmen combined their efforts to ensure the community’s less-fortunate children would have a Merry Christmas. Today, the Children’s Christmas Tree Fund works in conjunction with the Santa Claus Committee collecting donations to purchase gifts for children of families in need. The committee exists only for charitable purposes, and members pay yearly dues to participate in the committee’s annual Christmas Eve parade. Traditionally, this parade of the members in their cars and trucks, led by siren-sounding police cars and concluding with Santa in his “sleigh” convertible, cruises all around the local community bringing cheer and tossing candy to excited children waiting along the advertised route to collect the sweets.

Bluffs & Bayous { November / December 2020 { Page 33

The Santa Claus Committee then arrives at Braden auditorium to oversee their annual distribution of gifts for the children. This 2020 Covid-19 Christmas may not offer an entire day of socializing and parading throughout the neighborhoods on Christmas Eve, but there will be the distribution of gifts to the children, and Santa David will take on the spotlight to spread Christmas cheer to all. Donations may be sent to the Christmas Tree Fund, P.O. Box 1082, Natchez, MS, 39120.

In celebrating Christmas, each Friday and Saturday during December, Linden hosts its signature Holiday Tour with Milk Punch. The tour begins at 11:00 a.m.—$20 per adult, $10 per child, and $15 per person for a group of 20 or more. Linden’s famous Milk Punch—Jane G. Connor’s original recipe—is quite the treat for tour-goers!

Page 34 { November / December 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

Above left and above—Capricious and traditional Santas enjoy themselves on Linden’s veranda, ready to entertain when Mrs. Jeanette’s signature Milk Punch is served.

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Bluffs & Bayous { November / December 2020 10/2/20 { Page 35 9:58 AM

Tropical Landscape by Henri Rousseau, 1910

The Little Dancer byEdgar Degas, 1880

Mississippi Museum of Art Reopens with Major Art Exhibition:

Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, and Their Times

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n view through January 10, 2021, Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, and Their Times: The Mellon Collection of French Art from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts showcases major schools of French art including Romanticism, Impressionism, and Cubism spanning 150 years.

The special exhibition features 74 masterworks by famous French artists of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries including Edgar Degas, Eugène Delacroix, Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, Pablo Picasso, Henri Rousseau, and Vincent van Gogh.

With the ongoing COVID-19 concern, the health of museum visitors will remain a top priority. Betsy Bradley, Director of the Mississippi Museum of Art (MMA), adds, “As we open to the general public to view this rare and beautiful art work, we have applied protocols for cleanliness, sanitization, and safety. MMA will

Field of Poppies Giverny by Claude Monet

Page 36 { November / December 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

require advance timed-ticketing, social distancing, and masks so our visitors can enjoy the exhibit worry-free.”

An exceptional selection of work by modern French masters— some of the most celebrated and recognized of the Western canon, the exhibition also reveals the connoisseurship of Paul and Rachel “Bunny” Lambert Mellon, among the most philanthropic art collecting couples of the last century. The Mellons’ personal interests, commitment to modernism, and prescient collecting strategies are evident in the grouping.

7KLV LV WKH ÀUVW WUDYHOLQJ H[KLELWLRQ RI WKH 0HOORQ &ROOHFWLRQ since Mrs. Mellon’s bequest to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in 2014,” said Bradley. “Included are works by all the best-known artists, both French and Dutch, of the late nineteenth century ZKR DEDQGRQHG WKH RIÀFLDO PHWKRGV RI WKH )UHQFK $FDGHP\ DQG forged a new way of painting that came to be called Impressionism. We are thrilled by the opportunity to share these masterpieces with Jackson and our visitors from around the world.”

Organized thematically, the exhibition opens with equestrian paintings by Degas, Eugene Delacroix, and 7KpRGRUH *pULFDXOW IROORZHG E\ KXPDQ ÀJXUHV DQG portraits, depicted in informal settings, by Gustave Courbet, Morisot, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and others depicted in informal settings.

The next section features views of Paris (a frequent destination for the Mellons and members of their social milieu) and Impressionist and Post-Impressionist urban cityscapes by Pierre Bonnard, Maurice Utrillo, and Van Gogh. A grouping of paintings featuring water demonstrates some ,PSUHVVLRQLVWV· VNLOO DW LPLWDWLQJ D YDULHW\ RI ÁXLG surfaces. A selection of paintings of the French countryside features Monet’s vibrant Field of Poppies as well as Giverny and smaller canvases by Georges Seurat and Van Gogh among others.

7KH ÀQDO VHFWLRQ FRQWDLQV ODUJH LFRQLF SDLQWLQJV WKDW VWDQG DSDUW from the more intimate sensibility found in other works of the collection. Among the masterpieces on view are Rousseau’s tour de force Tropical Landscape (1910), Bonnard’s Post-Impressionist The Dining Room (ca. 1940-47), and Picasso’s Cubist still-life The Chinese Chest of Drawers (1953), the latest work in the exhibition.

7KH 00$ LV WKH ÀQDO YHQXH IRU WKLV WUDYHOLQJ H[KLELWLRQ RUganized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, before the collection is reinstalled in Virginia in January 2021. Its presentation in Jackson, Mississippi is sponsored by the Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation. To accompany the traveling exhibition, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts published a catalogue which will be available for sale in the Museum’s store.

Admission While entrance to the Museum is free, there will be an admission charge for Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, and Their Times: $15 per person; $13 for seniors and groups of ten or more; $10 for college VWXGHQWV ZLWK VFKRRO LGHQWLÀFDWLRQ $GPLVVLRQ LV IUHH IRU 0XVHXP PHPEHUV FKLOGUHQ ÀYH DQG XQGHU DQG . VWXGHQWV RQ 7XHVGD\V and Thursdays thanks to Feild Co-Operative Association, Inc., of Jackson, Mississippi, and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi.

Pensive La Songeuse by Pierre Auguste Renoir, 1875

Opening hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Friday-Sunday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Special senior hours (for visitors over the age of 65): Tuesdays-Thursdays: 10 a.m.-11 a.m. msmuseumart.org

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Bluffs & Bayous { November / December 2020 { Page 37

Life in the A-Zone Podcast Series

Photography by Troy Kleinpeter

P

eggy Sweeney-McDonald, actress, author, host, speaker, and creative storyteller, has recently launched a storytelling podcast series in honor of her experiences with Alzheimer’s. In 2016, Peggy’s mother, Sherry Sweeny, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. At that time, Peggy and her husband, Jimmy, sold their home in Los Angeles, California, where they had lived for thirty-six years, and drove across the country to move in with her parents and serve as caregivers for her mother. Sherry Sweeny passed away in July 2019.

This family’s experience recalls the struggle of so many as these autumn months focus attention on those affected by Alzheimer’s. This past September was World Alzheimer’s Awareness month, and November is Alzheimer’s Awareness month in the United States.

Peggy recalls, “After my mother passed away in July 2019, I began writing a memoir of my journey as her caregiver.

Searching for podcasts on Alzheimer’s, I recognized a void in addressing the honest and heartbreaking struggle of the caregiver.

With the lingering pandemic as a motivator, I decided to podcast Page 38 { November / December 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

my stories as I felt they needed to be told now. I launched the podcast in July 2020 for the one-year anniversary of her death.�

The bittersweet journey of love, laughter, life, and loss is the focus of this fast-growing Life in the A-Zone podcast, now with weekly episodes that have touched people across the world. Peggy’s podcast is devoted to helping caregivers, friends, and family recuperate and heal from the Alzheimer’s experience or the “A-Zone� as she named it.

Her vulnerable stories and trueto-life candor shine a light on the entire “family journeyâ€? through the disease of Alzheimer’s. In using her own life experiences as anecdotes, she has found that writing the A-Zone has helped her to grieve and heal; and she is honored to share these experiences with everyone. Her hope is that WKRVH FRQWHQGLQJ ZLWK $O]KHLPHU¡V ZLOO Ă€QG FRXUDJH VWUHQJWK DQG grace as they navigate their own caretaking journey with a parent, spouse, or family member.

Peggy is also the creator of Meanwhile, Back at CafĂŠ Du Monde, the festive, hit food-monologue show produced across the country; and she is the author of the bestselling Pelican

Publishing book Meanwhile, Back at CafÊ du Monde‌.Life Stories About Food. She has been a presenter at the Louisiana Book Festival, The Faulkner Society Words & Music Conference, The California Culinary Historians, The Louisiana Restaurant $VVRFLDWLRQ :RPHQ RI ,QÀQLWH Possibilities, Passions of the Palate, and the Chili Pepper Extravaganza.

Since being back in Baton Rouge, she has created events for the Louisiana Marathon, Southern Food and Beverage Museum, the East Baton Rouge Library, Preserve Louisiana, and the Louisiana International Film Festival. She recently produced and starred in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Love Letters at the Old Governor’s Mansion. In 2019, she was honored at the Celebration of Women. She is married to James McDonald.

For more information, visit LifeintheA-Zone.com and listen to the podcast at Pegsweeneymcdonald. podbean.com.

Bluffs & Bayous { November / December 2020 { Page 39

NOV / DEC Louisiana Up & Coming! louisianatravel.com a great site for everything Louisiana ALEXANDRIA / PINEVILLE alexandriapinevillela.com rapidessymphony.org riveroaksartscenter.com Every Tuesday Alexandria Farmers Market 2727Jackson Street 3-6 pm November 5-8 The Lion King, Jr. Lagniappe Theatre Co. Coughlin-Sanders Performing Arts 318.487.8243 / lagniappetheatre.com November 7 Jingle & Junk Brick Alley 9 am / Pineville

Page 40 { November / December 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

Louisiana Up & Coming! NOV / DEC

November 12-15 Elf the Musical Lagniappe Theatre Co. Coughlin-Sanders Performing Arts 318.487.8243 / lagniappetheatre.com December 5 Ladies Christmas Extravaganza Pineville Park Baptist Church 9 am alexandriapinevillela.com BATON ROUGE visitbatonrouge.com lsumoa.org rivercenterarena:baton-rouge.ticketscenter.com , 1 & 2 5 3 2 5 $ 7 ( '

Red Stick Farmers Market Breada.com Through November 18 Midnight Magic Baton Rouge Ballet Virtual performance / $25 batonrougeballet.org/midnightmagic

November 15, 29 & December 13 The Nutcracker Sweets Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre In-home interaction via Zoom / 3-part series $125 3-part / $45 per event batonrougeballet.org/nutcracker-sweets

Bluffs & Bayous { November / December 2020 { Page 41

NOV / DEC Louisiana Up & Coming!

December 15 9th Annual Cool Winter Nights/Hot Jazz Outdoors on the River Terrace 6KDZ &HQWHU IRU WKH $UWV WK ÁRRU 7:30 pm / $50 manshiptheatre.org December 27 Home for the Holidays Outdoors on the River Terrace 6KDZ &HQWHU IRU WKH $UWV WK ÁRRU 7:30 pm manshiptheatre.org CLINTON / JACKSON eastfelicianachamber.org felicianatourism.org louisianasteamtrain.com FERRIDAY concordialibrary.org deltamusicmuseum.com

November 7 Marty Haggard: A Tribute to My Dad, Merle Haggard Delta Music Museum & Arcade Theatre 6-8 pm / $30 318.757.4297 MONROE / WEST MONROE monroe-westmonroe.org November 12-15 Tuna Does Vegas Strauss Little Theatre 318.396.4016 November 21 Christmas Market Monroe Civic Center 10 am-4 pm / $5 318.807.1735 November 28 Holiday Outdoor Movie Antique Alley 5:30 pm monroe-westmonroe.org

Page 42 { November / December 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

Louisiana Up & Coming! NOV / DEC

November 28-December 31 Open Wagon Rides through the Lights Alley Park / $5 monroe-westmonroe.org December 5 Christmas on the River 5K Antique Alley / 8:30 am monroe-westmonroe.org December 5 Christmas Fireworks Downtown Dusk monroe-westmonroe.org NATCHITOCHES

November 21-January 6 94th Festival of Lights natchitocheschristmas.com/schedule NEW ORLEANS neworleansonline.com neworleanscvb.com ogdenmuseum.org nola.org newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu nobt.org November 4-22 31st Annual New Orleans Film Festival Various Locations 504.309.6633 QHZRUOHDQVÀOPVRFLHW\ RUJ November 26-January 3 Celebration in the Oaks New Orleans City Park (Closed Dec. 24 & 31) Sun.-Thur. 6-10 pm Fri. & Sat. 5-11 pm neworleanscitypark.com/celebration-inthe-oaks

Bluffs & Bayous { November / December 2020 { Page 43

NOV / DEC Louisiana Up & Coming!

PORT ALLEN westbatonrouge.net westbatonrougemuseum.com November 15 Bracelet-Making Workshop 2 pm 225.336.2422 ST. FRANCISVILLE stfrancisville.us audubonstatehistoricsite.wordpress.com FB St. Francisville Farmers Market November 21 Fall 5K for The Bluffs The Bluffs Golf & Sports Resort getmeregistered.com December 4-5 Christmas in the Country 10 am-5 pm 225.635.3873 stfrancisvillefestivals.com VIDALIA cityofvidaliala.com concordialibrary.org Every Wednesday Farmers Market Old Court House N. Spruce St. 9 am-1pm

Page 44 { November / December 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

Mississippi Up & Coming! NOV / DEC

visitmississippi.org hikinginmississippi.com BROOKHAVEN facebook.com/VisitBrookhavenMS visitbrookhavenms.com brookhavenrecreation.com brookhavenlittletheatre.com Linclib.org/events.phy Braggarts.neebly.com Throughout November Brookhaven Farmers Market Fridays 7:30 am-Noon Railroad Depot FB Brookhaven Farmers Market

November 5 Belles & Beaus of Brookhaven %XWWHUÀHOG 0DQVLRQ $PHULFDQ &DQFHU 6RFLHW\ %HQHÀW 7 pm 601.754.4262 November 7 Christmas Open House Throughout Shops in Brookhaven 9 am-5 pm visitbrookhavenms.com December 9 Run Run Rudolph 10K, 5K, 1-Mile Kids Run Downtown Brookhaven 8 am 601.990.4403 runolebrook.com FERNWOOD fernwoodcc.com JACKSON dulinghall.com msmuseumart.org visitjackson.com jacksonfreepress.com/calendarmsnla.org craftsmensguildofms.org balletms.com

Bluffs & Bayous { November / December 2020 { Page 45

NOV / DEC Mississippi Up & Coming!

Through January 10, 2021 Van Gogh, Monet, Degas & Their Times Mississippi Museum of Art 601.960.1515 msmuseumart.org November 4-7 Mistletoe Marketplace Winter Wonderland Mississippi Trade Mart mistletoemarketplace.com

November 13 United Givers “Chicken On a Stick�

Fundraiser Pike National Bank 10 am-1 pm / $7 601.248.8295 pikeinfo.com

November 6-8 The Natchez Open Natchez Golf Club Duncan Park 7:30 am-4 pm 601.442.5955 November 20-23 Tour the Trace 7 am / $60 tourthetrace.com November 21 Junior Auxiliary Holiday Market Duncan Park Canteen 9 am

December 5-6 The Nutcracker Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center With Virtual Offerings msmetroballet.com MCCOMB pikeinfo.com mccombarts.com mcrrmuseum.com FB McComb Farmers Market

December 5 A Magical Visit with Santa McComb Depot 11 am-2 pm / Free 601.395.6456

November 5-7 Mistletoe Magic Participating Businesses Business Hours through 8 pm 601.684.2291

MEADVILLE meadvillems.com NATCHEZ Live Music Events Calendar visitnatchez.org/full-event-calendar visitnatchez.org kreweofphoenixnatchez.com natchezpilgrimage.com FB Downtown Natchez Farmers Market

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November 28-December 31 Christmas in Natchez visitnatchez.org natchezpilgrimage.com

Throughout December Jeweled Christmas @ The Towers 10 am, 1 pm & 4 pm 318.744.8445 thetowersofnatchez.com

Mississippi Up & Coming! NOV / DEC

December 4 Annual Christmas Luncheon Soup & Casserole Sale Magnolia Hall 11:30 am-1 pm 601.443.9065 natchezgardenclub.org December 4 Organ Concert First Presbyterian Church Jon Gates / Free 601.442.2581

December 4-5 Christmas Arts & Crafts Show Natchez Convention Center 601.442.5880

November 7 St. Paul & The Broken Bones Concert Renaissance @ Colony Park ardenland.net

December 4, 5, 6 & 11, 12, 13 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Natchez Little Theatre 7:30 pm / Sun. 2 pm / $20 601.442.2233 natchezlittletheatre.com

November 21 Crafty Christmas Pajama Party MS Craft Center 10 am-Noon / $40 mscrafts.org

December 6, 13, & 20 Candlelight Tour @ The Towers 7 pm / Adult $45/ Child $15 (8-12 yr.)

318.744.8445 thetowersofnatchez.com PORT GIBSON FB: portgibson.chamber MADISON/RIDGELAND visitridgeland.com madisonthecity.com

November 21-22 Cyclocross Festival Freedom Ridge Park 9 am & 2 pm RidgelandCyclocrossFestival.com December 3 Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade December 4-5 & 11-12 Chimneyville Arts Festival Mississippi Craft Center 10 am-5 pm mscrafts.org

Downtown and All Around Our City... VICKSBURG

Bluffs & Bayous { November / December 2020 { Page 47

NOV / DEC Mississippi Up & Coming!

SUMMIT pikeinfo.com

December 12 Old Court House Museum Christmas Ball 7:30 pm / $30 per person 601.636.0741 societyhistorica@bellsouth.net

November 5-7 Mistletoe Magic Participating Businesses Business Hours through 8pm 601.684.2291 VICKSBURG southernculture.org visitvicksburg.com vicksburgartassociation.org tarawildlife.com vicksburgtheatreguild.com downtownvicksburg.org Vicksburg Farmers Market Vicksburg Main Street 601.801.3513 farmersmarket@vicksburg.org November 6 Classics in the Courtyard SCHF / Noon 601.632.2997

December 5 Reindeer Run 5K &DWÀVK 5RZ $UW SDUN 8 am msracetiming.com cmfreeny@gmail.com

WESSON FB Wesson Chamber WOODVILLE woodvillems.org FB Woodville/Wilkinson County Main Street Association

December 5 Levee Street Market Open House Pictures with Santa 10 am-4 pm 601.638.7191 December 12 Breakfast with Santa Vicksburg Convention Center 8-10 am / $10 ticketmaster.com

%H VXUH WR FRQÀUP GHWDLOV RI WKH HYHQWV should changes have occurred since events were submitted.

VAN GOGH, MONET, DEGAS,

AND THEIR TIMES:

THE MELLON COLLECTION OF FRENCH ART FROM THE VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS The 17th presentation in the Annie Laurie Swaim Hearin Memorial Exhibition Series The presentation of this exhibition in Jackson, Mississippi is sponsored by the ROBERT M. HEARIN SUPPORT FOUNDATION and

NOW ON VIEW BOOK YOUR VISIT TODAY Paul Cezanne (1839-1906), Victor Chocquet, ca. 1877. oil on canvas, 13.875 x 10.75 in. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 83.14. Image © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

MSMUSEUMART.ORG 380 SOUTH LAMAR STREET • DOWNTOWN JACKSON • @MSMUSEUMART

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SOUTHERN SAMPLER

BY

Alma M. Womack

Holidays Past and Hopes for the Present

W

e all have lived through the weirdest year in the history of the country; and I, for one, will be glad to see it end.

I do have to admit that I have hardly changed any parts of my life, for I am a rural resident with only dogs and chickens for daily companions. We do not worry about masks or six-feet spacing or any of that other nonsense that the rest of the country is obsessed with. We are lucky, and we know it.

Since the last-quarter holiday season is upon us, I am waiting to see if we can trick-or-treat, have Thanksgiving feasts, and enjoy our myriad Christmas activities. I am doubtful that this normal life will be returned in time for our celebrations. But what does it matter to my dogs and chickens? As long as they are fed, watered, and petted every day, life is normal. Too bad we can’t all look at life that way.

When Nub, Doug, and I were little children, we only got to trickor-treat at one house, our grandparents’ home next door. Mimi and Papa made Halloween special for us and had lots of goodies and hot chocolate when we knocked on the door. When our masked faces would appear in the side windows by the door, Papa would act frightened and run from his living room chair to his bedroom and make a dramatic gesture of closing the door to keep the scary creatures away. It never failed to delight us.

7KDQNVJLYLQJ PHDQW WKDW 0LPL ZRXOG NLOO RQH RI KHU WXUNH\ à RFN for an awesome meal for all of us. With dressing and vegetables and bread and desserts, we had a real Pilgrim’s feast. After the glorious meal, we were sent outside to play; and play we did. Our favorite Page 50 { November / December 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

JDPH LQ WKH JRRG IDOO ZHDWKHU ZDV WR ´NQRFN à LHV ¾ which any kid knows meant one of us hit a baseball to the other two to catch. Nub was Mickey Mantle, Doug was Al Kaline, and I was Luis Aparicio—and we were awesome.

Christmas centered around our little country church, Utility Baptist Church, on the banks of the Little River about three miles west of Jonesville, Louisiana. We had Christmas plays and parties with all of our church friends who were also our school friends. The adults in the church were so good to us kids, for they always taught us the real meaning of Christmas before we got to the fun activities.

Mama and Mimi honored an old tradition at Christmas of baking many pies and cakes; I never could understand why they baked so much then, but probably only once a week in the rest of the year. I later learned that the baking of multiple goodies was an old, honored tradition passed down from pioneer days. It was done to ensure that all visitors during the holiday season could be served something sweet with their coffee, showing them that they were special guests. It was the only time of year that we actually got tired of cake and pie.

There was one pie that Mama baked that time of year only, and that was a mincemeat pie to be cut RQ 1HZ <HDU¡V 'D\ , QHYHU OHDUQHG WKH VLJQLĂ&#x20AC;FDQFH of this tradition, but I always loved that special pie.

Papa would make a great show of loading up his gun on December 31 to go to the woods to kill some minces for our pies. If Papa said there were minces in the woods, it was so. And the ones he brought back always made the best pies.

2XU RWKHU VSHFLDO KROLGD\ WUHDW ZDV WR KDYH Ă&#x20AC;UHZRUNV RQ &KULVWPDV (YH DQG 1HZ <HDU¡V (YH 3DSD ZRXOG JR WR WRZQ DQG JHW D EDJ Ă&#x20AC;OOHG ZLWK WKH EHORYHG 5RPDQ FDQGOHV Ă&#x20AC;UHFUDFNHUV DQG VSDUNOHUV DQG ZH would stay outside until the bag was empty. Of course, on Christmas Eve, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d always manage to see Santa and his reindeer streaking across the sky so he could get to our house before morning. To us little country children, pure magic was on the loose that night.

It is my wish that this holiday season will still have a bit of magic for all people and that we all remember that Thanksgiving has a historical basis of early settlers thanking God that they had survived in the harsh conditions of the New World. As for Christmas, WKH ELUWK RI -HVXV &KULVW VKRXOG DOZD\V EH WKH FHQWHUÂłĂ&#x20AC;UVW DQG IRUHmostâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;of our celebrations in December.

It is my hope that this will be a blessed holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas for all our wonderful readers of Bluffs and Bayous and that we can look forward to a better year in 2021.

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.

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