DeSoto Magazine September 2015

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se ptember CONTENTS 2015 • VOLUME 12 • NO. 9

features 50 Game Day Social Plays Finding the social heartbeat in football towns

64 Scenes to See Peak fall drives in the scenic Southeast

58 Tallahatchie River Festival Rockin’ and rollin’ in New Albany

departments 14 Living Well A lifetime of women’s health

42 A Day Away Somerville, Tennessee

18 Notables Mississippi’s own Brett Favre

48 Greaters Goods

22 Exploring Art To Italy and back with painter Curtis Jaunsen 26 Exploring Books South of Everything

72 Southern Harmony Memphis Music and Heritage Festival 74 Table Talk The Thai Hut of Como, Mississippi

30 Into the Wild Explore Mississippi’s petrified forest

76 In Good Spirits Bloody Mary

34 Exploring Cuisine Pure fall foods start in the garden 38 Exploring Destinations The old world of Natchitoches, Louisiana

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70 Homegrown Katie Kalsi bags reflect personalities

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78 Exploring Events 80 Reflections To the Teachers

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editor’s note }

september

Learning Moments

I am reminded with each passing season, how time itself is our great teacher.

This month, when I had the honor of speaking at the Sparkplug Summit at Emory & Henry in Virginia, I was reminded by all the entrepreneurial spirits there how collective minds can inspire.

While the kids return to school, maybe it’s time to take a moment to spark your own interest in learning. We have a few ideas on this month’s pages to help you get started.

What better time of year to get in the car...and just drive. Chere can help point you to scenic and interesting spots on page 64.

Nature can be our collective teacher and I learned a ton reading Corey’s piece about Mississippi’s own petrified forest where Bob Dellar and his staff warmly welcome visitors from all over. This is truly a fascinating place--and you can camp, too!

Judy’s interview with our own Brett Favre on page 18 will promise not only to get you in the football mood, but will teach us all about a measure of humility. Even with his records and fame, the laid back Mississippi icon still mostly enjoys time with family--and on his land.

September 2015 • Vol. 12 No.9

PUBLISHER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Adam Mitchell

PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Paula Mitchell

EDITOR Karen Ott Mayer

CONTRIBUTORS

While we lay our summer gardens to sleep or nurse our stricken tomato plants through to frost, this shoulder season offers an ideal time to begin thinking about a harvest in the cooler season. Chatting with gardening chefs, Andrea connects the fall garden to the kitchen. It’s not too late to learn about what to plant.

As always, we greatly appreciate your time and continued support of DeSoto. We realize life is busy, there’s homework to do, and work calls.

Until next month!

Karen on the cover

Devil’s Courthouse is one of the more popular overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway. From this spot on a clear day, you can see four states: North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Photography courtesy of Jeff Wischkaemper.

See more of his awesome panoramic prints at images.wisch.org/panoramic-prints

Chere Coen Eric Eckard Robin Gallaher Branch Dr. Charles Ryan Judy Smith Charlene Oldham Jill Gleeson Corey Latta Andrea Ross Blair Jackson Devin Greaney Bobby Hickman

PUBLISHED BY DeSoto Media Co.

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by DeSoto Media Co. Parties interested in advertising should email paula@desotomag.com or call 662.429.4617. Visit us online at desotomagazine.com.

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living well }

women’s health

Women’s Health: A Lifetime of Caring

By Dr. Charles Ryan, M.D. Photography courtesy of www.myhealthunit.ca

Women, the caretaking forces in our lives, ironically may brush off their own healthcare needs due to resources, time or just energy. Especially these days with all the changes in guidelines, women may be understandably confused as to the best practice of care. As a gynecologist for over 20 years, I have cared for women in all stages of life and circumstance, from their birthing years to retirement, and hope to share recommendations as to the best practices for a woman’s health over a lifetime.

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First, in March 2012 new clinical guidelines and recommendations were released by the American Cancer Society and produced through evidence-based research. What does this mean? Depending on a woman’s age, some of these guidelines may feel counterintuitive based on the information that guided their care decisions, especially when talking about an annual exam or pap smear.

Looking at the teenage years of a woman’s life, the recommendation is that an annual exam be scheduled after age 21, unless a young woman has been sexually active for three years or more before that age. From age 21 to 29, we recommend young women see a gynecologist every year for an annual exam. After age 30, the guidelines change. If a young woman has received three consecutive negative pap smears, she can then plan for a pap smear every three years--instead of annually, although the annual exam is still recommended. This guideline change is new for many older women who have seen their gynecologist every year--and may be confused. I assure my patients the new information is science-based and takes into account whether the benefit outweighs the cost of care.

Meaning, we can detect and treat just as many people who may need treatment using these guidelines while being judicious with the healthcare dollar.

From age 30 to 65, the general recommendation for pap smear stays the same, with patients scheduling paps every three years or five years if HPV is negative, but annual wellness exams are still recommended. For a woman over 65 who has received three normal results within a 10-year period, she can stop the pap smears altogether. This includes patients who have had a hysterectomy, unless the hysterectomy was performed due to an abnormal test result or cancer.

Many mothers know the healthcare landscape has been full of talk in recent years about young girls and the Human Papillomavirus, or widely known as HPV. Why is this a concern? HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer; however, just because a woman may test positive for HPV does not necessarily mean she will get cancer. A couple hundred different types of HPV exist, including high and low risk kinds.

We know the body’s immune system does fight certain types and that HPV can actually appear or disappear over a woman’s life.

While the persistence of HPV may be a gray area, the recommendation for a vaccine is not. Our guidelines as set

by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) still recommend that adolescent girls can be vaccinated starting at age 9. The guidelines also recommend the vaccine up to age 26. While it may be unclear as to the full risk of a positive HPV diagnosis over a woman’s lifetime, it is clear that we can protect young women by vaccination before they are exposed to the virus.

While we can examine women for cervical cancer, the ability to detect ovarian cancer doesn’t happen just with an exam. Still called the silent killer, ovarian cancer can be detected through ultrasound and ultimately diagnosed through a biopsy of the ovary. While it is hard to detect, it is rare. Incidence generally increases with age beginning in women over age 50. I advise my patients if something isn’t feeling right, like excessive bloating or swelling, it’s time to see a physician.

All the recommendations from the ACOG apply for women whether or not they have been pregnant or not. One trend we see is that women who deliver a baby via Cesarean Section will most likely deliver other babies by the same method.

While the risk is low (one woman per 1,000) that an incision could rupture during a vaginal birth, there is a 50 percent chance the baby could die during the delivery if it occurs. With a C-section, this risk is eliminated.

When talking about birth control, we have observed a correlation between cancer and the use of birth control pills.

Evidence finds that if a woman uses birth control pills, even for as short as a six-month period during her lifetime, it reduces her lifetime risk of cancer.

Gynecologists like myself do help patients with infertility but in a limited way through initial testing or medicine to help with ovulation.

Another change that can occur a lot over the years is a woman’s libido or sex drive, depending largely on age, or more frequently, just life circumstance. With families and kids comes stress. Child rearing can have psycho-socio effects on anyone, but women in particular may not recognize it.

Seeing a gynecologist on a yearly basis is a good idea if a woman detects anything different with her body. Our mothers, sisters, wives and daughters surround us daily, caring for our needs. In turn, we can keep them healthy.

A native of Memphis, Dr. Charles Ryan, a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist, completed his medical training at the University of Tennessee in Memphis, followed by a residency in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

In private practice for over 20 years in Olive Branch, Mississippi, he specializes in general obstetrics and gynecology.

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notables }

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brett favre

Our Favored

Favre

Story by Judy Smith. Photography courtesy of Raymond T. Rivard and Judy Smith

With the swagger of a Wild West gunslinger and the steely nerve of a riverboat gambler, Brett Favre has overcome life’s greatest challenges, achieving more than he ever imagined.

Favre, the son of high school teachers, the late Irvin Favre and Bonita Favre, is modest about his many accomplishments, including being a three-time National Football League Most Valuable Player, Super Bowl Champion, and recent inductions into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

For Favre, all he ever dreamed of doing was playing professional. Getting the chance to play was always his main goal-not the many achievements that have marked his stellar career.

“It’s quite an honor,” Favre said. “When I first started playing, I never thought about these kinds of things. I just wanted to play college football and play in the NFL. The recognition and honors are nice, but my main intention back then was to just play football. Football is a team sport, and we won and lost as a team. I really have all my teammates and coaches to thank for any honor that I receive.”

In the Favre family, sports was ingrained into each of their four children, including Scott, Brett, Jeff, and Brandy. The Favre patriarch coached the high school football team, and sports was the main topic of conversation for the family.

“It was football at the breakfast table, at practice, in the car ride home, and later at dinner,” said Favre.

Growing up in South Mississippi, the Kiln native’s heroes were Archie Manning and Roger Staubach, and he dreamed of one day playing on the same fields as his idols.

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“I’ve always been kind of an historian in the fact that I loved the rich history that sports has in our state and watching my heroes play, taking notes on how they did certain things, and trying to be like them,” Favre said.

Never did he dream that he would leave the legacy of the hard-nosed quarterback who played through a myriad of injuries and broke virtually every record in the NFL. He is most proud of his streak, playing 321 consecutive games during his almost 20-year career, an accomplishment that just might never be broken.

“Yeah, I can feel every one of those stats some days,” Favre said with a laugh.

Without a doubt, Favre is the most prolific quarterback to ever grace the annals of NFL history, and it’s ironic that he almost didn’t get the chance to play college ball. On college signing day, Favre was somewhat disregarded, but Mark McHale, offensive line coach at the University of Southern Mississippi, saw something in Favre. When the Golden Eagles lost a quarterback to the University of Alabama, they turned the scholarship over to Favre and the history of Southern Miss football was forever changed.

“He was always a joy to coach because he loved the game so much,” former Southern Miss head coach Jeff Bower said. “He approached every game with such intensity and passion. You never knew what he might do on the field, but you knew he was going to leave his heart and soul out there every time he stepped on the field.”

After being drafted in the second round by the Atlanta Falcons, Favre didn’t see much action on the gridiron, and it was a blessing in disguise when Green Bay General Manager Ron Wolf decided to take a chance on the quarterback, trading for Favre to play for the Packers.

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for both Green Bay and Mississippi.

Favre has always loved the simple life and enjoys living in the Oak Grove community, near Hattiesburg, Miss.

“I love following my daughters around, and I love to watch my youngest daughter, Breleigh, play volleyball for the high school team,” Favre said. “She is a great player.”

Favre has even served as a volunteer coach for the Oak Grove High School football team and helped the Warriors win a 6A State Championship title in 2013.

“I think my dad would have gotten a kick out of that,” Favre said with a shy grin.

Favre said one of his most memorable moments on the field was playing the Oakland Raiders on the Monday night after his father unexpectedly passed away the day before from a heart attack.

“I know my dad would have wanted me to play, but I felt so much pressure to do well, knowing in the back of my mind that I had to come back home to bury my father. My teammates were so supportive and really were the ones that deserved the credit for that win.”

Favre and his wife, Deanna, are active in the community as well as with their foundation, Forward Foundation founded in 1997.

As for the future, Favre isn’t quite sure what it might hold for him. He has considered broadcasting.

Although he looks like he could step back onto the gridiron, he said the alumni game held the day after the Green Bay Hall of Fame induction proved that it’s a good idea that he hung up his cleats.

“It was so much fun playing with my former teammates,” Favre said. “But, gosh, my feet were killing me. I was a little sore all over. I knew then that my playing days were over.”

Favre has endeared himself to the Land of the Frozen Tundra and the University of Southern Mississippi, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in a career filled with the excitement and joy of a boy who lived out his dream.

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exploring art }

Curtis Jaunsen

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curtis jaunsen

Sunset, Mississippi Coast, 22x28

In Pursuit of Painting

By Charlene Oldham. Photography coutesy of Curtis Jaunsen

Curtis Jaunsen catered to clients as an architect for 20 years, first in Atlanta, then in Ocean Springs, Miss., before a remarkable turn of events allowed him to make the transition from architect to fine artist, finally pursuing a life-long interest in painting as a profession.

Jaunsen and his family had recently moved to Ocean Springs when his wife won a significant sum of money on the game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” and they decided to do “something somewhat ridiculous and romantic” with the unexpected windfall. The couple and their two young children moved from the Mississippi Gulf Coast to Italy in 2002, where

Jaunsen studied at the Florence Academy of Art, a modern version of a nineteenth century art school where students spend a lot of time on fundamentals like drawing, learning to see and render nature accurately, and interpreting light with precision.

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Japanese teapot, cherries, 11x14

concerned with painting well. After a few years of working on improving my observation and painting skills, I started to enjoy letting a little of the abstract painting back in. My goal now is to paint in a way that shows evidence of nature that has been observed and also for the paint to have a physicality to it that brings the observer back into the present.”

Jaunsen, who currently has some works on display at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, spends his days working in his home studio on still lifes, figure drawings or perhaps en plein air, working outdoors on a landscape painting. No matter what the genre, he strives to convey a sense of intense observation. Even the abstract elements of his work are meant to exude a sense of attentiveness to each moment in daily life.

“The best realist painters are able to not just paint convincingly, but also to literally see more than we normally do, certainly more than we do naturally or regularly.”

The artist works mostly from real life rather than photographs and initially spends a lot of time simply studying the subject of his next work or driving up and down the Gulf Coast in search of a landscape that inspires him. These plein air efforts aren’t always meant to produce salable works, but rather serve as a way for Jaunsen to sharpen his observational skills and practice creating a sense of space and atmosphere on the canvas.

“I paint what I enjoy looking at, so my paintings will be of something that resonates with me somehow. I really enjoy when the still water of a boat harbor reflects the sky and its surroundings, so I will wander about places like that at certain times of the day. The most enjoyable way to spend time painting is at some remote shore with nothing to listen to other than the wind and nature, whether it results in a successful painting or not.”

For Jaunsen, landscapes often begin with a few thumbnail sketches to work out the composition. After spending a few hours outdoors painting the scene and light values as accurately as possible, he will then use those plein air paintings and photographs to help create larger studio paintings that sometimes take months of on-and-off work. By the end of the painting process, he’s spent hours and days refining colors and may have scraped away thickly layered paint to make the painting lose some of the form before later reasserting that form to give the work added depth and interest.

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with all the light and atmosphere in the scene and a real understanding of the forms and spaces in between is when I’ll consider it finished.”

Jaunsen hopes to do more plein air canvases soon, perhaps starting work on larger landscape paintings once the weather cools.

Recently, his son – home from college for the summer -- has also served as a model for him, rekindling the artist’s interest in figure and portrait painting.

He’s done a few portrait commissions over the years and would like to make that a bigger part of his business.

Jaunsen, who has work on display at the Pink Rooster Art Gallery in Ocean Springs and the Carol Robinson Gallery in New Orleans, has also expanded self-marketing efforts through his website, Facebook page and a relatively new email newsletter.

“I just don’t want to completely rely on the two galleries I’m in to do all the work of letting people know about my paintings. I just started it a few months ago and my plan is to write one about every two weeks or so. It seems to focus me a bit, forcing me to summarize what I’ve been doing during those two weeks.”

So the newsletter, website and Facebook page have become a way to connect with a larger community of artists and art lovers while establishing a sense of accountability for Jaunsen.

Although he traded drafting tables and construction sites for shorelines and a home studio, he has no desire to be the stereotypically starving artist.

“At some point, art is still a business, at least in that work has to get done, paintings need to be finished and made available for sale. So I try to stay disciplined and put in regular time at the ‘office,’ so to speak.” curtisjaunsenart.com Follow Curtis Jaunsen on Facebook

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exploring books} south of everything

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Bozo’s Bar-B-Q in Mason, TN

Southof Everything

By Jill Gleeson. Photography courtesy of Julia Drake

Audrey Taylor Gonzalez is one of those fortunate people whose entire life seems to have been lifted from the plot of a grand adventure novel. Since her 1939 birth in Memphis, she’s been a racehorse breeder; a television and radio host; a journalist who’s interviewed the likes of Elvis Presley, Roselyn Carter and Calvin Klein; and an art gallery proprietor. She’s lived in Africa and Uruguay and trekked to far-flung exotic locales like Nepal, Antarctica, the Galapagos and Easter Island. Gonzalez has even volunteered in Calcutta, India at the hospital founded by Mother Theresa – just a small drop in the big bucket of ministering to the poor and forgotten she’s done for decades.

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Who better, then, to write a novel inspired by her childhood, a childhood, it seems, just as magical as the rest of her life?

Just don’t expect “South of Everything,” due out September 15th from She Writes Press, to be a shallow peek into the glamorous youth of a girl born to privilege.

Gonzalez, who said her book “came from somewhere else – I’m just the vessel,” has bigger fish to fry. Specifically, she’s looking to send a bright blast of hope to her readers.

“No matter who we are, what race or faith,” Gonzalez explained, “we can all give each other a chance, a hug, a friendship that dissolves all prejudice and hate so that together we can make this world a better place.”

It’s a heady goal, but then “South of Everything” is a heady book. The tale of Missy Sara, like Gonzalez raised on a plantation outside of Memphis, it’s an unflinching look at southern race relations in the 1940s and 1950s shot through with an enchanting dose of magical realism in the vein of Alice Hoffman and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The language, rich and poetic, is one of the novel’s strengths. So too is Missy, a rebellious, whip-smart girl who refuses to practice the intolerance and bigotry she sees around her every day. Among the book’s most memorable characters are Reddaddy, Missy’s genial and gentle grandfather, and his best friend Old Thomas, a mysterious and wise servant who Missy adores like kin.

Both are based on Gonzalez’s own loved ones.

“I was really raised by the great African-American people who worked for my parents,” noted Gonzalez. “And they taught me my faith, how to be a woman, they taught me so much because they really took care of us, my brother and I. I wanted to do something that was a tribute to that, because we have so much hatred and bitterness in our country right now. I believe children are the ones who are going to save us. If they have the opportunity to know people of different races when they’re young than they don’t have the prejudices that other people have. We’ve got to pay attention to children, who arrive filled with God’s unabashed love.”

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brought the faith strengthened in Uruguay with her, becoming deacon of the Calvary Episcopal Church and chaplain for the South Main Precinct of the Memphis Police Department.

She’s also continued the volunteer work she started in Uruguay, donating her time and considerable energy as a probation officer, court appointed advocate for abused children, juvenile court ambassador and chaplain to imprisoned teen girls. For her efforts she’s received numerous recognitions including the prestigious Jefferson Award. (Gonzalez, already a regular contributor to worthy causes, is donating nearly all the proceeds from “South of Everything” to organizations like Memphis’s Stax Music Academy.)

Mother to three, grandmother to seven, Gonzalez lost her husband, former South American boxing champion Sergio Gonzalez, three years ago. When not traveling the world or helping those in need, she spends her time in her downtown home on the Mississippi River, “watching the city roll by” and mulling a possible sequel to “South of Everything.” In the meantime, Gonzalez plans to keep trying to heal the world, one reader at a time.

“As long as God gives me to stay on this earth,” she explained, “I want to help people learn to love each other. We’re never going to get anywhere in this world if we’re always looking for the negative, if we’re going to be prejudiced, if we can’t just take people for being people. We’ve got to get together and love each other or this whole world is going to be a complete failure. It doesn’t matter where you come from, or what you’ve done, somewhere in there is the light of God.”

For more information about “South of Everything” or to order a copy, visit audreytaylorgonzalez.com.

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into the wild } mississippi’s petrified forest

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Mississippi’s Past

By Corey Latta. Photography courtesy of mspetrifiedforest.com

Tucked away in Flora, Mississippi, near Jackson, lies one of the Magnolia State’s most unique treasures. Though discovered in the mid-1800s, the Mississippi Petrified Forest has only been open to the public for the past 52 years. The Forest was designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1965 and today, it is one of the Southeast’s most important and popular geological sites.

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“This is a wonderful place for people to come, either to spend a few hours or camp for a few days,” said Bob Dellar, whose role includes overseeing media and special projects at the Petrified forest.

Every year tourists in excess of ten thousand from all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, and anywhere from 30 to 50 countries visit the forest. In large part, the attraction is due to the wonder of the forest’s prehistoric origins.

The trees that comprise the stone forest are as old as 36 million years and exist in their state due to an incredibly powerful river that ran southward in ancient time.

The river would have torn the trees apart, causing them to sink into the mire where they would have been buried more deeply with the countless floods to follow.

With each passing flood over spans of millenia the petrification process, turning once living trees into stone logs, began. By the time glaciers moved through the flood plains a massive melting began. The melted glacier water carried ground glacier dust along until it settled all along the region.

Since the dust had no vegetation to which it could cling, it was swept away by the wind, eventually forming gigantic dust clouds and tremendous dust storms. The wind carried tons of this dust to the area where the stone logs lay buried beneath the earth. Once the winds settled, the dust fell to the earth, covering the soil that covered the fallen trees. These ancient logs remained buried for thousands upon thousands of years, while grass, weeds, bushes, and trees grew in the soil above.

Over long periods of time, wind and rain began to erode the area. With each storm, more and more soil washed away, until gullies formed. The gullies became ravines. The wind-blown soil underwent continual erosion until the process of geological deterioration made its way into the foot of the ravines, where the lower layers of earth began to fall away.

These forces began eating away at the lower layer, the red sand of the Forest Hill formation. The prehistoric trees entombed within would have already turned to stone.

Over more time and rain, the red sand fell away until some of the stone logs became visible. Many would have been splintered and broken to some degree or another by the weight of time and heavy earth, while others remained more intact.

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The result is the fascinating “petrified forest,” adorned with massive stone logs likely from trees once towering over one hundred feet tall, and perhaps, nearing a thousand years old, that tourists now see.

Visitors to the Petrified Forest have conservationists R.J. “Bob” and Shirl Schabilion to thank. A more recent part of the forest’s history, much more recent than ancient rivers and primordial flood plains, is the Schabilion’s acquisition of the “Petrified Forest” in August of 1962. As an example to their family and others, the Schabilions sought to teach the values and practicalities of conservation.

Preserving and conserving our natural resources, the Schabilions believed, was vitally important for the health of a land and its people. Because of the Schabilion’s conviction of conservation, the Petrified Forest exists as it does today, allowing visitors a glimpse into Mississippi’s prehistoric natural past.

With the park’s historic wonder comes some familiar favorites to frequenters. The “Caveman’s Bench,” the forest’s most photographed log which lies right on the Forest Trail just where the eroding sands had placed it, is a tourist favorite. The forest also contains a shaded and paved six-block trail that winds through and around its ancient trees. Beyond the great stone wood, visitors to the forest can enjoy the “world-class” mineral, fossil, and petrified wood collection at the Earth Science Museum.

“The forest hosts school field trips, provides educational events, and an interesting gift shop,” said Dellar.

Visitors are also encouraged to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the beautiful park and to try one of its more interesting offerings, “Gem Fluming,” where they can search for and collect stones to keep.

The Mississippi Petrified Forest is open seven days a week throughout the year and is closed only on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

For additional information call 601-879-8189 or visit the website at www.mspetrifiedforest.com.

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exploring cuisine } fall flavorings

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A dish from Local Roots Restaurant

Fall Foods

fall into

By Andrea Brown Ross. Photography courtesy of Sandy Ridge Farm

As the season begins to transition from summer to fall, foodies begin to think about what fresh, healthy, and tasty options are available in the off seasons. Matt Lintz, executive chef at Local Roots, a Farm-to-Table Restaurant, located in Roanoke Virginia, offered the following advice.

“What grows together, goes together. It seems rather simple, but it’s a sound philosophy to go by, for example, pairing root vegetables together,“ he said. He points out that shoulder seasons can be just as bountiful.

“Actually, my favorite time to cook is early fall. With the meeting of the seasons, there’s more options to choose from. For example, I like to cook with butternut squash, apples, and wild mushrooms,” commented Lintz.

Dishes can also be versatile and served for different meals.

“A great versatile fall dish would be celery root, kohlrabi, butternut squash, and parsnips. After cutting them up, toss them in olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss in herbs like rosemary and thyme. Chestnuts would make a great addition to that recipe. You could add greens to that dish as well, or a fried egg for breakfast, or even chicken for dinner. A white wine, such as Viognier, would make a nice pairing with that dish,” said Lintz.

He also suggested adjusting the method of preparing and/or cooking the food.

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“At Local Roots, as the seasons change, we also begin changing our cooking techniques. For instance, we begin braising our meats and using a wood fire oven. I think just the smoky, nostalgic smell begins to set the mood for fall.”

“We also use the confit technique for cooking turkey.

We use bacon fat seasoned with garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and chili for the dark meat, like the legs and thighs. We use our turkey in a variety of dishes from soup to sandwiches to hash. I would recommend Beaujolais as a wine pairing. It’s a versatile red wine that works well in the fall, especially with a Thanksgiving meal,” Lintz elaborated.

His food and ingredient list is driven by the availability of ingredients from local farmers. “Whether it’s the variety of fresh vegetables or how they are prepared, we like to put our own spin on dishes. Our menu is a constant evolution,” said Lintz.

Not only a healthy option but versatile and tasty as well, the sweet potato, ranks high as another fall favorite.

Family owned, Sandy Ridge Farm, in Senatobia, Mississippi, produces between seven and seven and half million pounds of sweet potatoes annually. Second generation farmers, Anna Murphree Rhinewalt, her husband, Dustin Rhinewalt, and brothers Calvert and Michael Murphree, continue to farm what their father started 30 years ago.

With distribution throughout the Southeast United States, from Louisiana to the Florida panhandle, the Murphree family is happy to share the benefits of sweet potatoes.

“Sweet potatoes offer a range of vitamins. A medium sized sweet potato can offer 8,100 milligrams of Vitamin A and only has 114 calories,” said Anna.

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Offering a lower glycemic level than Irish potatoes, once washed, if kept cool in a dark place with low humidity, they can be stored for up to three months.

“We grow three varieties of sweet potatoes: Beauregard, Orleans, and Bonita. The Beauregard and Orleans are orange sweet potatoes, typically found in the grocery store.

They have a similar taste and creamy texture. The Bonita is actually a white sweet potato. It is more dense, and takes longer to cook. Once it is cooked, it is fluffy and cake like,” explained Anna.

Demand dictated the variety choice.

“We began growing Bonitas due to a regional demand in Louisiana. We soon found our older customers here liked them, because they remind them of a yellow heirloom variety of sweet potato. Some of our customers purchase a combination of our varieties. They like the texture of the Bonita with the flavor of the Beauregard, “she elaborated.

In addition to being a holiday tradition, the Murphrees attribute the sweet potato’s popularity to its versatility.

“Sweet potatoes can be baked, used in casseroles, pies, and candied. As a puree, they can be added to ice cream, bread, and even sausage balls. Yes, the sausage balls still taste like sausage balls, but the sweet potato puree helps keep them moist,” added Anna.

Sandy Ridge Farm is open to the public. Forty pound cases of sweet potatoes are available for purchase. They are located at 615 Sides Bottom Road, Senatobia, Miss. To contact them, call 662-562-6316.

To learn more about Local Roots Restaurant and view their fall menu, please visit www.localrootsrestaurant.com.

Recipes from the Murphree family:

Candied Yams

6 medium sweet potatoes 1 cup light corn syrup ½ cup sugar ½ teaspoon salt 4 Tablespoons butter Peel sweet potatoes and cut into ½ inch slices. Partially cook in boiling water. Make syrup by boiling remaining ingredients until fairly thick. Drain sweet potatoes and arrange in shallow dish. Pour syrup over sweet potatoes. Bake slowly in oven at 300 degrees for 1 to 1 and 1/2 hours, basting frequently with syrup.

Sweet Potato Pie

2 cups cooked sweet potatoes 1 stick butter 2 cups sugar 3 eggs 1 small can evaporated milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 unbaked pie crusts Blend sweet potatoes, sugar and butter until creamy. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.

Pour into pie crusts. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees. Makes 2 pies.

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exploring destinations } natchitoches, louisiana

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Natchitoches, Now and Then Story and Photography by Cheré Coen

History abounds in the small town of Natchitoches, Louisiana, the oldest town in the state and by respect the Louisiana colony. Established in 1714 by the French as a colonial poste, the town’s unique Creole heritage is evident in its architecture, culture and food, whether throughout the town’s Landmark Historic District or along the nearby Cane River National Heritage Area, a stretch of iconic beauty that includes Creole plantations, pecan groves, museums and historic churches

Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tish) is also known for its world famous meat pies, an extensive Christmas celebration that’s close to a century old and the “Steel Magnolias” trail, the latter due to Natchitoches being playwright Robert Harling’s home town and the location for the 1989 film. There are also

several museums, including the newly opened Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, which has received numerous accolades for its innovative architecture. The building contains 900 tons of individually cast stone that follows curved walls up to a skylight and spotlights the achievements of more than 300 legendary DeSoto 41

Louisiana athletes, coaches and other sports figures.

Accommodations vary from major hotel chains near Interstate 49 to dozens of quaint bed and breakfasts.

“We have over 25 bed and breakfasts,” said Madeline DeBlieux, Natchitoches Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau communications director. “So many are located within our Historic District and many are down along the Cane River.”

Which is why Natchitoches was named the Best Southern Small Town

by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice awards.

If you choose to stay within town, most of the attractions, shops and restaurants, including the Steel Magnolias walking tour of movie sites, are within walking distance throughout the 33-block Historic District fronting Cane River Lake, once part of Cane River. Shops range from Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store, the oldest general store in Louisiana and filled with nostalgic delights, to Cane River Kitchenware, which offers cooking classes in the back.

Be sure to stop at Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant for breakfast or lunch and sample their famous meat pies. James Lasyone started creating these Creole pies in the 1950s, opening up the lower portion of the town’s Masonic Lodge in 1967 to sell to the public. Over the years, Lasyone has served his meat pies to a score of celebrities and been featured in national media. His family carries on the tradition, although the pie menu now includes crawfish pie and delectable dessert pies.

A few miles outside of Natchitoches lies a stretch of plantation life along the Cane River where a unique blending of cultures occurred. Natchitoches had long been a trading post between France, Spain and Native Americans and some plantation owners had children with African American slaves, who later owned plantations after they were freed. Claude Thomas Pierre Metoyer, who had 10 children with enslaved Marie Therese Coin-Coin, for instance, owned Melrose Plantation, and their Creole legacy became the area’s Isle Brevelle Creole Community. During their time at Melrose, the Yucca House and the African House were built, the latter becoming the studio and residence of renowned primitive artist Clementine Hunter.

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During Hunter’s days, Melrose was owned by Cammie Garrett Henry who made the plantation a haven for artists and writers. Now a National Historic Landmark, Melrose Plantation contains nine historic buildings including the African House where a collection of Hunter’s paintings, plus her famous African House Murals, are on display.

The Cane River Creole National Historic Park offers several properties to tour, including the raised Creole-style Oakland Plantation with its numerous outbuildings and massive pecan and oak trees; the Church of St. Anne, a rare example of the Gothic Revival style; the Magnolia Plantation complex and the Kate Chopin House, where the controversial author of “The Awakening” once lived.

Upcoming events for Natchitoches include the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival Sept. 18-19, the Fall Tour of Homes Oct. 9-11 and “Characters and Customs from the Crypt Tour” Oct. 10 in the American Cemetery, featuring individuals in period costumes portraying historic characters such as Louis Antoine Juchereau de St. Denis, the founder of Natchitoches. “Steel Magnolia” fans might remember the American Cemetery from a sad scene later in the film.

The year concludes with the annual Christmas Festival of Lights, a holiday extravaganza that stretches for more than a month and includes a variety of events in addition to the lights throughout downtown and along Cane River Lake. The fun begins Nov. 21 when the town flips the switch to the thousands of holiday lights amid music and revelry. Other Christmas events include the Christmas Gala at Northwestern State University Dec. 3-5, a holiday spectacular that rivals professional companies; the 89th annual Christmas Festival and Parade Dec. 5 and the Holiday Tour of Homes throughout December, an opportune time to peek inside those historic buildings.

www.natchitoches.com

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a day away } somerville, tennessee

Somerville, Tennessee

1952, the friend ly 9:00 Breakfast at The Hut on Highway 64. A Somervil le favorite since and grav y, staf f and delicious sout hern food keep s visit ors comi ng back. Great biscuits omelets and coffee to star t the day. , home furni shings 10:00 Shop the square. Cute, local shop s offer clothing, jewe lry, gifts t star ted out as a and fresh f lowers. You could spend hours alone in Farmer’s Hardware. Wha d space as hardware store in an historic build ing has grown over the years. They have adde well as furniture, home accessories, gifts, jewe lry and clothing. lunch specials, 12:00 Lunch on the square at Mai n Street Eatery. Enjoy one of the daily to satisfy the a chef salad or chicken salad on croissant. Homemade desserts are avail able sweet toot h. s and churches. As 1:00 Take a drivi ng tour of Somervil le to explore the many historic home s dati ng as far the count y seat of Fayette, Somervil le is home to beautiful antebellum home back as the mid 1800’s. in 1973 artist 2:00 Visit the headquar ters of Tennessee Pewter C ompany. Startedside father, Kathleen Kathleen Armour Walker bought the company in 2008. Working along Highher 64 for the handcrafts beautiful pewter pieces. Shop the retai l store located on way perfect gift or addition to your collection. and jewe lry at In 3:00 Drive over to Rossville on TN-76. Enjoy brow sing cand les, gifts ce located on Mai n High C otton on Front Street. Head to Papi Joe’s Tennessee Pepper Sau les the product by Street. The company is fami ly-owned and operated. Joe Paul not only bott hot sauce hand but also grow s some of his own ingredients. Besides the award-wi nning Papi Joe’s also offers bloody mary mix with a kick!

The fried catf ish 5:00 Dinner at Wolf River Cafe. A smal l cafe serving up country cooki ng. en and dumplings, is the most popular dish. Other items on the menu include burgers, chick erts. fried pork chop s and meat loaf. Save room for one of their homemade dess pudd ing.

Local favorites include banana or caramel cake, blackberry cobbler and banana

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Fayette County Courthouse

St Thomas Episcopal Church

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Fair Theater

Farmer’s Hardware

The Hut

For more information: fayettecountychamber.net somervilletn.org tnpewter.com papijoes.com

Upcoming Events: Fayette County Cotton Festival Saturday, September 12 Historic Somerville Square The Fayette County Chamber hosts the 16th Annual Cotton Festival to honor their agricultural heritage. Bring the whole family to enjoy the dozens of arts and crafts vendors lining the streets. Listen to musicians and bands performing bluegrass, country and southern rock. Food vendors will be on hand serving up all your favorite festival foods. The Cotton Festival Car & Truck Show will showcase both new and classic antique cars lining the highway. And find out who will be awarded the blue ribbon in the canning and cooking contest.

For more information call 901-465-8690 or visit www.cottonfestivaltn.com.

The Fair Theater presents To Kill A Mockingbird October 2015 The Fair Theater was originally built as a movie theater in 1935. Bought by the town of Somerville in 1999 it is now used by locals to put on live plays like “Shrek The Musical” and “Peter Pan”.

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greater goods } football frenzy

football frenzy Freakers Coozies $12-$14 Cynthia’s Boutique 2529 Caffey Street Hernando, MS 662-469-9026

Gameday bling tees $42 The Bunker Boutiue 2631 McIngvale Suite #106 Hernando, MS 662-470-4843

Football plate pottery $54 Paisley Pineapple 6542 Goodman Rd #115, Olive Branch, MS 662-895-2111

Vols Tailgate Sign Glory Haus $35 Hometowne Flowers 114 East Court Square Somerville, TN 901-813-8263

Razorback burlap pillow $35 Merry Magnolia 194 E Military Rd. Marion, AR 870-739-5579 Roll Tide! Houndstooth Beverage Tub Occasionally Made $28.50 Farmer’s Home Furnishings 104 West Market Street Somerville, TN 901-465-3871 50 DeSoto

football frenzy Collegiate Picture Frames Handmade by Jonathon Purdy $37 Farmer’s Home Furnishings 104 West Market Street Somerville, TN 901-465-3871

Ole Miss Daily Devotions $16 Paisley Pineapple 6542 Goodman Rd #115, Olive Branch, MS 662-895-2111

Gameday straws set of 20 $12 Merry Magnolia 194 E Military Rd. Marion, AR 870-739-5579

Southern Tide college logo shirts - $80 SoCo 2521 Caffey Street Hernando, MS 662-98-3493

Scarves $28 Bon Von 214 W Center Street Hernando, MS 662-429-5266

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Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Oxford, MS

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GAME DAY Running Your Social Plays

By J. Eric Eckard. Photography courtesy of olemisssports.com, missflbelle.blogspot.com and hardsmarttough.com

Fall in the South brings cooler temperatures, and for many, the sights, sounds and even smells of college football. From the aroma of meats sizzling on grills to the clangs of thousands of cowbells and other noisemakers, fans who flock to football games mark a tradition like no other. For seasoned fans, knowing the social scene comes easy. But for newcomers? Figuring out “the place to be� or the social heartbeat during football weekend can be daunting.

Here, we walk you through the need-to-know social plays just as important as those plays on the field.

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Mississippi State Starkville, Miss.

Before the game:

Just outside Davis Wade Stadium, the Junction opens at 5 p.m.

Friday. By Saturday, thousands of Mississippi State fans have set up tents and grills for a little camaraderie and partying before the game. The team has its “Dawg Walk” through the Junction to amp up the crowd before kickoff. A weekend downtown block party kicks off the Bulldogs’ football season, featuring live music and a tailgate fashion show.

the beer trough on Saturdays and $5 mimosas on Sunday if you spend the weekend.

Cowbells Sports Grill is just outside the city limits, and it features a TV in just about every corner of the joint – even the bathrooms. Add that to regular live music, dance floor and pool tables, and it’s party time in Starkville.

Where to eat:

In Starkville, they have a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell. The Bulldogs’ longstanding tradition of loudly and proudly ringing cowbells during Mississippi State home games returned in 2010 after a 36-year hiatus. The SEC reversed its 1974 ban on artificial noisemakers, with restrictions - the bells must remain quiet during plays.

Mugshots – known for tasty burgers; eat the entire Mugshot burger platter in 12 minutes, and it’s free.

Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern – oldest independent pizzeria in Starkville, with both Chicago and New York style pizzas on the menu.

The Veranda – choose between Southern soul food and progressive dishes like Hawaiian tuna or Alaskan Copper River salmon.

Where to drink:

Cotton District - Enjoy a Mississippi craft brew on tap or a frozen Moscow Mule at Bin 612.

Old Main/Downtown - The Dawg House Sports Grill is located in the historic State Theater, and it offers $1 drafts at 54 DeSoto

Did you know?

Don’t miss

A 30-minute drive south, and you’ll find yourself at the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge, a 48,000-acre sanctuary that’s home to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.

University of Mississippi Oxford, Miss.

Before the game:

In the middle of the Ole Miss campus sits the Grove, a 10-acre tree-enclosed park that transforms during football weekends into one of the more unique and famous tailgating stages in the country. You won’t see any open flames in the main part of the Grove, but there will be a sea of red plastic cups thanks to Oxford’s liquor laws.

Business casual attire is typical, but you also might spot a few Ole Miss blazers and ties to go along with the fine china and lace doilies.

The team has its “Walk of Champions” through the Grove.

Where to eat:

Big Bad Breakfast – Chef John Currence’s world-famous diner features such items as Tabasco/sugar-cured bacon, the Cathead biscuit and stone cut oatmeal.

Ajax Diner – Home-cooked Southern comfort food with what some say are the best burgers in town.

City Grocery – Another eatery in Currence’s restaurant group and an Oxford institution, featuring French-inspired Southern cuisine.

Where to drink:

The Library Sports Bar – Three bars in one, with a live music venue, a patio lounge and a sports bar with huge HD TVs. Funky’s – A New Orleans style pizzeria and frozen drink bar located on Oxford Square.

The Levee – A typical college sports bar with affordable prices and plenty of specials.

Did you know?

Just before kickoff inside VaughtHemingway Stadium, fans locks arms with fans beside them and rock back and forth as the team enters the field. The tradition, called “Lock the Vaught,” is a new one. But the Hotty Toddy chant is an Ole Miss cheer that’s still the go-to tradition.

Don’t miss

Take a tour of William Faulkner’s home, Rowan Oak, and his gravesite, where visitors typically take a swig of bourbon and leave the bottle as a gift.

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Setting up at Tiger Lane. Memphis, Tn

University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Ark.

Before the game:

Tailgaters at the Razorback football games can be found throughout the Fayetteville campus, but the Gardens and the Pit are two of the more popular spots. Before kickoff, fans sing the school’s alma mater, and on the final verse, they point to Old Main, the oldest building on campus.

Where to eat:

Catfish Hole – Catfish and fixings. There’s a Razorback Room where just about all football recruits eat during campus visits.

Hugo’s – A favorite in Fayetteville since 1977, featuring burgers, beer cheese soup and grasshopper crepes, filled with mint ice cream and topped with hot fudge sauce.

Doe’s Eat Place – Widely known for its top-shelf steaks; the porterhouse is the signature cut at Doe’s.

Where to drink:

Hog Haus Brewing Co. – From a light Curly Tail Ale to the robust Hop Field Imperial IPA, Hog Haus has plenty of craft brews from which to choose.

George’s Majestic Lounge – Opened in 1927, it’s the oldest live music venue in Arkansas with a full bar and a history of wellknown acts that played there.

Grub’s Bar & Grille – Just off Dickson Street, Grub’s has plenty 56 DeSoto

of TVs. ESPN’s Rick Reilly named it America’s best college bar in 2011.

Did you know?

There’s an illustrated primer on the proper way to “Call the Hogs” on the Arkansas website. It starts out with “wooooo” with waggling your fingers above your head. Then you drop your hands down, making fists and yelling “pig.” Extend your right arm, and cry “sooie.” The chant ends after the third time with “Razorbacks.”

Don’t miss

The Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks has 12 themed gardens and a butterfly house. Or check out the Fayetteville National Cemetery and the Confederate Cemetery. Access to the confederate graves is forbidden except to family members, but it’s worth a look from the perimeter.

Old Main, the oldest building on campus..

Fayetteville, Ark.

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University of Memphis Memphis, Tenn.

Before the game:

Get yourself to Tiger Lane, the tailgating spot outside Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. You’ll find yourself awash in a sea of Memphis blue – from the blue tents and fans’ blue and gray attire to the Tiger Blue Jell-O Shots and Blue Tigeritas. Even much of the lighting along Tiger Lane is blue.

Where to eat:

Central BBQ - Try the slow-cooked ribs, award-winning hot wings or BBQ nachos at this Memphis mainstay.

Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken – The original Gus’s in Mason, Tenn., which started a string of nationwide franchises, still offers fried chicken with its 1950s-era recipe.

The Rendezvous – Another top-shelf rib joint in Memphis, the one that’s attracted presidents, Elvis and the Rolling Stones.

Where to drink:

Check out Beale Street’s best: BB King’s Blues Club, Silky O’Sullivan’s, the Band Box and Wet Willie’s.

If you venture off of Beale: Sweet Grass/Next Door – Twin bars that feature plenty of craft beers and a nice premium bourbon selection.

Ernestine and Hazel’s – Great downtown dive bar, with a world class juke box and ghost tours.

Blind Bear – A prohibition-themed speakeasy with such libations as the Flapper, Dirty Double Cross and Bootlegger’s Mule.

Did you know?

In 2010, Memphis spent about $16 million to create Tiger Lane, adding a grand entranceway, power outlets and open areas for tents and such. Memphis tailgating’s humble beginnings have grown in recent years because of the upgrade and now features live music and the team’s “Tiger Walk.”

Don’t miss

Elvis Presley’s Graceland home; Sun Studio, where the King recorded a bulk of his hits; and the National Civil Rights Museum, housed in the old Lorraine Hotel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

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Art and craft tents on New Albany’s courthouse lawn

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Taking in the

Tallahatchie Riverfest

By Robin Gallaher Branch. Photography courtesy of Ronnie Harris / VisitNewAlbany.com

The Tallahatchie Riverfest offers something for everybody. For families, it’s a wholesome outing, a good time spread over two days. For those who want to buy local crafts and art, real deals and quality work are assured. For proud Mississippians, it showcases hometown courtesy in a distinctly Southern way.

For the budget-minded, the festival is free.

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This year’s Riverfest features film, music, arts, and literature events as well as special programs for kids and enough good food to feed the expected 17,000 visitors streaming through the town on fall’s official first weekend, September 25 and 26. The Tallahatchie Riverfest began in 1996 as a way to celebrate New Albany’s famous son, Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner, recounted Sean Johnson, executive director of New Albany Marketing and Tourism. The good idea just grew and kept on growing. The Tallahatchie Riverfest slowly became what it is now: A yearly destination.

Gradually the festival expanded to outdoor attractions like the popular Arts Market on the Courthouse Lawn and the Green Market in Cooper Park, a picturesque downtown park sporting a vintage Coca-Cola mural. The Green Market specializes in farm, garden, and cottage products made by the good cooks of rural Mississippi. More recently, the festival has added Market Street.

“That’s a new market, a street market that has just about anything imaginable,” Johnson explained.

John Hickey, owner of In Bloom, a flower and gift shop on West Bankhead Street, thoroughly enjoys the annual Riverfest. “We have a good time,” he smiled. “Our day usually starts with a run. My boys run. Their daddy is too fat to run, so I cheer them from the sidelines.”

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Hickey calls the festival “a nice time for our little town” and points out that people enjoy “a laid back day.” His shop is within sight of the Tallahatchie River, and he is quick to remind visitors that Hernando DeSoto, the Spanish explorer, sailed down it during his exploration of this section of North America.

Traditionally it’s the music that draws the crowds to Riverfest. Friday night features local bands like Cadillac Funk, Allison’s Rage and the Spunk Monkees, Johnson said.

Saturday’s headliner concert showcases Paul Thorn, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, and Raelyn Nelson, the granddaughter of the famous Willie of nearby Texas fame.

According to publicity material, Willie Nelson gave Raelyn a guitar when she was a teenager—just what she needed to start writing her own folk and country songs. She confided that she’s been told by more than one person in show business that she’s stubborn, just like her grandfather. “I kind of like that,” she added.

True to its literary roots, the festival offers a one act play contest. Winning plays from the William Faulkner Literary Competition will be performed on Saturday at the Magnolia Civic Center, said Jill Smith, Director of the Union County Heritage Museum. “It’s a tradition,” she added.

The free performances feature the first and second place

winners from the 2014 play competition.

The second place winner, Cybereyes by Amy Cumo, will be performed with voices only, without sets, staging, or acting. Cumo, from Villa Rica, Georgia, won $300.

A voice reading gives a playwright “an opportunity to hear and see the characters and see them come to life,” said Evelyn Mason, Chairman of Tallahatchie River Players, the group performing the plays.

Rhubarb, a play by Deanna Graves of Seminary, Mississippi, won the $600 first place award and will be performed with a full cast and set. The play involves three characters, Old Sam Houston, young Sam Houston, and Liz. It takes place under a tree on a county fair day. Old Sam tells stories to pretty Liz while young Sam acts them out.

Extending Mississippi hospitality, Mason invites Riverfest goers to “come on in and be cool and enjoy the unique experience of seeing the first performances of original plays.”

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New Albany describes itself in several ways. One way is “In the Heart of the Mississippi Hills.” In keeping with that spirit, the festival is a destination for hikers and bikers. Pointing out that the region offers many outdoor opportunities, Johnson encourages visitors to investigate the Tanglefoot Trail, a 44-mile, rails-to-trails conversion of an old railroad line. The trail showcases north-central Mississippi. It takes bikers and hikers past Indian mounds and winds through delightful small hamlets.

“By the way, the old railroad was built by Faulkner’s great grandfather,” Johnson added.

In addition, Johnson recommends a new attraction, the William Faulkner Scenic Byway that connects New Albany to Oxford. “It makes for a good side trip,” he said.

New Albany itself is a destination antique shopping area. The quaint downtown hosts a number of independent restaurants, each Mississippi-proud, and each bragging on its cuisine.

So come with an appetite. Select from an array of Cajun, BBQ pork and brisket, smoked turkey legs, Jamaican sausage, jumbo corn dogs, smoked bologna sandwiches, Po-boys, and funnel cakes. If you’re bold, try the fried alligator! Be sure to sample New Albany’s specialty coffee.

Roaming popsicle carts will keep children of all ages hydrated. Enjoy homemade ice cream made in a churn powered by a John Deere tractor engine. That’s become a regular Riverfest attraction, too.

And while you eat, browse. The new Market Street contains booths for rhinestone shirts, honey and bee products, handmade jewelry, wooden instruments. archery bows, vintage commercial signs, repurposed art, and wall hangings. Scented products waft around the area carried by gentle winds.

Other art attractions are folk art, wood sculpture, fiber art, metal art, and pottery. Pick up those handy children finders, glow-in-the-dark products. Your children will love them as they dance around enjoying a curfew-free night under the stars with music. Free or low cost art stations for children include the following: • Multi-sensory learning with shaving cream, finger painting and sand • Rock painting • Origami • Photography scavenger hunt 64 DeSoto

• Splatter painting • Jewelry making • Cookie decorating • Petting zoo

The festival unabashedly honors everything Mississippi. “Mississippi has a deep and rich culture that is worth remembering and celebrating,” Johnson said. You might enjoy yourself so much that you head back a week later on October 2 and 3 for the Pioneer Days Living History Exhibit sponsored by the Union County Heritage Museum. View Mississippi’s past through demonstrations featuring cooking and crafts.

If you do come back, be assured of this: New Albany’s nice folks will remember you and have a welcome mat out and ready.

Hermatage

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Mountain Stream off the Blue Ridge Parkway

An old watershed off the Blue Ridge Parkway

Windshield Wanderings

By Cheré Coen. Photography by Cheré Coen

While the rest of the country feels a cool nip in the wind and rich colors of radiant yellows, oranges and red appear on leaves we, here in the Deep South still experience the sting of summer. But take heart, for fall is coming — albeit later than most — and it’s not difficult to discover romantic autumnal drives close by.

Here are a few destinations offering fall views that are within a day’s drive or slightly more.

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Hot air ballons taking off in Hot Springs, Ark.

Tennessee

Due east through Tennessee lies some of the most scenic mountain countryside in the nation, which is why the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited site within the entire national park service. The Great Smoky Mountains offer numerous hiking and driving trails, unique natural diversity, historic sites and more in its massive acreage that spans North Carolina.

The most popular trail, offering both history and autumnal beauty, is Cade’s Cove, an 11-mile one-way driving loop. Traffic backs up in fall so to escape the crowds, try biking or hiking through the loop before 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Wednesday through late September when cars are prohibited.

Gatlinburg sits just outside the gates and offers a trail of its own, the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, an eightmile loop of 120 artist studios including G. Webb Galleries where watercolorist G. Webb creates before your eyes, Jim Gray Galleries in an historic church and the Cliff Dwellers, a collective of women producing textiles and other arts and crafts.

For a mix of urban and nature, Knoxville offers 1,000 acres of parks, including 40 miles of recreational trails, and four Civil War forts on the Battlefield Loop, one reason why Outdoor Magazine named Knoxville one of the Top 10 Outdoor Adventures. Be sure to stop in for the Blue Plate Special at the Knoxville Visitor’s Center, a series of free noontime performances broadcast live on WDVX radio.

For those wanting to leave urban life behind, head 68 DeSoto

north to the Cumberland Mountains and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area where vast skies of stars are seen at night and visitors can hike past two natural bridges to the Charit Creek Lodge with its rustic cabins or lodge rooms beside a bubbling creek.

Arkansas

The Ouachita Mountains hail due west, rolling and scenic drives through forests bursting with color. You can follow interstates into Little Rock, but then grab the back roads to experience quaint towns, national forests and some great eating spots.

We recommend using Hot Springs as a base, a town famous for great accommodations, restaurants and of course those delicious, mineral springs emerging underground for centures. Check in at the historic Arlington Hotel downtown and walk through the Hot Spring National Park and its Bathhouse Row, a line of buildings harking back to the “golden age of bathing,” or relax at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn a few miles out of town, with its luxurious suites overlooking Lake Hamilton.

In late September visitors to Hot Springs look to the skies. The Hot Springs Balloon Festival — this year Sept. 2728 — features top name entertainment, a carnival atmosphere and, of course, balloon events at Memorial Field. The highlight remains the Balloon Glow, where participating balloons light up behind the music stage.

Toledo Bend, La. EaglesPoint

Heading west from Hot Springs, visitors enter lush forests with streams and parks with boating at Lake Ouachita. At Mt. Ida, you can dig for crystals and listen to live music on weekends at The Frontporch Stage. Head north from Hot Springs along the state’s first state-designated scenic byway, Scenic Route 7, and you’ll find much of the same. Be sure to pause at Iron Springs Recreation Area near Jessieville with its crystal cold waters and great rock hunting, then stay at Petit Jean State Park high atop the mountain of the same name. Petit Jean offers numerous hiking opportunities, including a trek to the magnificent 95foot Cedar Falls and fascinating rocks that resemble turtles, plus accommodations in the Mather Lodge built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Louisiana

El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail means “Royal Road” in Spanish and is the oldest road in Texas, but it actually cuts through Louisiana, beginning in Natchitoches. Folks who have used this trail include the Native American, DeSoto 69

Petit Jean, Ark. TurtleRocks

famous Americans such as Jim Bowie and Davy Crocket and military men over the years who serviced the area’s three forts.

Starting at Natchitoches, visitors head toward Texas via Highway 6, passing Fort Jessup State Historical Site near Many where Lt. Col. Zachary Taylor established and commanded the garrison to help rule the area’s “Neutral Ground” that was once a disputed territory between the United States and Spain’s Texas.

About 14 miles south of Many Hodges Gardens State Park offers thousands of acres of trees, roses and native azaleas, among many other plants, which offer rare autumnal color for Louisiana. The elegant gardens also include one of the oldest ginkgo trees on earth, a large collection of petrified wood and on a good day at the overlook, a view of Texas. Visitors may also rent cabins along the shores of its 225-acre lake.

At the conclusion of Highway 6 lies Toledo Bend, the largest manmade body of water in the South that’s known for great bass fishing. Rest at the Cypress Bend Golf Resort and take in a round on its championship golf course or Wildwood Resort with its lodges and cabins. Be sure to look out for the lake’s magnificent bald eagles, easily seen at Eagle’s Peak at Cypress Bend Resort and at South Toledo Bend State Park, located at the dam site of the lake.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Virginia’s wine country has turned into a vast industry and a great spot to pause and sip wine while enjoying fall scenery is Chateau Morrisette vineyards, located outside of Roanoke in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Every bottle of wine created here has a dog on the label and dogs are allowed just 70 DeSoto

about everywhere on the property. And if you hit it just right, there’s usually live music on the lawn.

You may have to fight some crowds at nearby Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed sites on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but the restored gristmill, sawmill and blacksmith shop is worth the struggle for the breathtaking view.

If you want to call it a night this far north, check into the historic Hotel Roanoke, a charming example of oldstyle hospitality with walking trails and easy access to historic downtown streets. Make sure to sample their famous peanut soup and spoon bread served in the hotel’s restaurants.

Natchez Trace

Closer to home is the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile drive through North American history that stretches from our border with South Louisiana through Alabama and into Tennessee. This ancient highway was first used by Native Americans, then “Kaintucks” traveling down to New Orleans to sell their wares and so many others. Established as a unit of the National Park Service in 1938, the Trace varies in elevation from 70 feet to 1,100 feet and offers more than 100 species of trees, many of which explode in color this time of year.

Most visitors drive the Trace but it’s also popular with bicyclists, hikers and horseback riders. Because the route takes you through numerous historic towns, there are plenty of sites to take in historic B&Bs for an elegant night’s stay, in addition to a variety of camping options.

For more information on the Natchez Trace, visit www.nps.gov.

Dueling musicians at the Blue Plate. Knoxville, Tn

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homegrown } katie kalsi

Katie Kalsi: 10 Years of Wearable Art

By Blair Jackson. Photography courtesy of Katie Kalsi

For Katie Kalsi, its always been about authenticity. From her bags’ top quality leather and hand painted straps to her attitude, personal life and love for family, Katie has consistently proven she values quality.

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Visit www.katiekalsi.com to shop and view a map of retail locations.

Follow Katie on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for free monthly giveaways!

Also be on the lookout for Barn Sales announced on social media!

Katie has a realness about her, an honesty that perfectly links with her product. She is an artist, an entrepreneur and a single mother of two.

“My girls are my life,” she said of daughters Sophie and Sadie.

Her handbag company, Katie Kalsi, LLC, launched into the fashion world in 2005. As her company celebrates ten years in business, Katie has learned to balance her business, aspirations and family, all with a healthy dose of humor to keep her sane during even the crazy busy days.

“I never thought it would turn into a business,” Katie admited with a laugh as she reflects back on what began as a childhood passion. She grew up in Memphis, Tenn. with two younger sisters. She loved to paint and craft, even at a young age. In 1997, she attended The University of Mississippi as a pre-pharmacy major but quickly realized that she didn’t fit with that field. Her art was her joy, and therefore became her career path.

“I wanted to figure out a way for every woman to enjoy art,” said Katie simply. “My concept was wearable art, so I took my art from the canvas and put it into the strap of a bag.”

She first created 24 bags which were divvied up between family and friends. They were an instant hit, and with that, the Katie Kalsi brand was born. She took up headquarters in her parent’s old barn and started cranking out hand-painted leather purses.

Word spread like water through Memphis and the Mid-South.

Exclusive, rare and original, Katie’s product hit the jackpot with women of all ages. The unique bags even caught the attention of celebrities such as Faith Hill, Jennette McCurdy and Lisa Marie Presley.

All bags are named after Katie’s family members; the Sophie and Sadie are part of the Signature Collection.

Originally made with leather from Tandy Leather in Memphis, the bags are now produced in a FRYE owned warehouse in León, Mexico which Katie specifically selected because of the regions “unbelievable leather quality.”

As the artistic supplement to the quality leather bags, the hand-painted straps come in a range of designs that represent everything from football teams to breast cancer awareness.

“Your strap can show what you are representing,” Katie said of the straps. “It is an unspoken way of self expression and strength. And it’s neat because what you pick kinda fits your style, like, I’m more rustic, so I wear the Badlands.”

The designs and meanings have gone as far as to become part of game day ritual. “I wear the Rebels strap for away games and the Grove strap for home games,” explained Jill Freeze, wife of Ole Miss head football coach, Hugh Freeze.

“I just have to wear them!”

The journey, though seemingly a constant success, has been far from easy. In 2008, after just a year a half of business, Katie was overwhelmed and overworked. She had just had her second daughter, Sadie, and called it quits.

“I don’t think people always realize how much work goes into this,” said Katie. “Everything was just so expensive.”

At just one year out, Katie felt empty without the art which inspired her and so many women. She jumped right back into the business, and the wheels haven’t stopped turning since.

She now works out of her house in an upstairs bedroom converted into an office space complete with a computer, long metal shelves, stacked Tupperware containers and a pink lava lamp. Filled with the unmistakable smell of earthy leather, this workspace is a powerhouse for sales. Katie Kalsi handbags are sold in over 50 boutiques across the MidSouth and the KatieKalsi.com online store processes around 20 orders a week.

“I love what I do,” Katie said with an honest smile, “and I have learned it all myself. That is key.”

The next five years could bring more items for the Katie Kalsi brand with talks of shoes, bedding and sheets.

Good things are ahead for those who love Katie Kalsi products, and not only because vibrant, genuine, one-of-a-kind art is valuable, but because the artist herself reflects those same traits.

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southern harmony } memphis music and heritage festival

Artwork at the Center for Southern Folklore

Movin’ & Groovin’ with the Memphis Music & Heritage Festival

By Devin Greaney. Photography courtesy of Memphis Music and Heritage Festival

In August 1982, Memphians headed out to Mud Island to join an interesting combination of folks. There, a collection of storytellers, Laotians, Choctaw and Israeli dancers, folk artists, basket weavers and, river men gathered for the first ever Mid-South Folklife Festival. Filled also with music--country, blues, rockabilly, zydeco and gospel among others---The Mid-South Folklife Festival brought awareness to the 11 year-old Center for Southern Folklore, a group dedicated to the preservation of past and present Southern culture and history.

In that year, a tradition was born. Well, almost.

The next few years the Center moved away from the Mid-South Folklife Festival and sponsored live music at its then home, the New Daisy on Beale Street. The festival that we know today became a regular in 1988 as the Mid-south Music Heritage Festival, then in 1992 changed its name to the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival which is not to be confused with the Memphis Music Heritage Festival (no “and” in the name) which lasted from 1976 to 1983. In the 1980s and 1990s the festival was usually held in mid-July, sometimes in 74 DeSoto

September, but starting in 2001 it’s been held on Labor Day weekend.

“Everyone is here to show out and everyone here on the streets dancing is part of the community. When we learn more about the community we learn more about ourselves,” said Judy Peiser, director of the Center for Southern Folklore. And this Labor Day Weekend the tradition returns as Main Street Mall turns into unceasing stimuli for the senses.

“Every year there is always something unique that happens. Something always comes out of the woodwork and

someone comes out to play with someone.”

Take the 2001 festival. Long-time fixture and local icon Rufus Thomas and his daughter Carla and son Marvell headlined the three-day festival. It would be Rufus’ last. He died three months later.

“This year we will be honoring BB King” she said. Despite his legendary status, she added, “He was always there when we needed him.”

The festival will grace Main Street between Peabody Place and Union on September 5 and 6. Joyce Cobb, Elmo and the Shades, Bobby Rush, Hope Clayburn, Domingo Montes and Los Condatores and many others will keep the streets and buildings echoing with music. Admission is free, but with loads of foods throughout the area at different spots, it’ll be hard not to leave without a lighter wallet.

“It won’t cost anything to get in, but it will cost to get out,” Peiser said.

“When kids hear music, no matter what culture they are from, they understand each other. We really deal in community. I’m as interested in someone who sings in church on Sunday as I am a gospel singer who has sold a zillion recordings on the air.”

Aside from the music, the Center will be screening the film “All Day and All Night- Musicians and Memories of Beale Street”. Shot in the late 1980s, the film features BB King, Honeymoon Garner, Fred Ford, Gatemouth Moore, Little Laura Dukes and Rufus Thomas and how these friends worked and remembered together.

“Twenty five years ago we had it on public television. We’ve got the original negative and got the color right,” Peiser said.

And the hallway of the Center’s building will be aimed at children and families teaching them about music and art of the area. There will also be a Taste of Memphis with foods from different eating places in town.

“There will be a whole lot of dance this year.

The way we program it there will be a 45 minute set and a 15 minute dance set. In Memphis we know how to move.”

Hattie and her quilt

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table talk} thai hut

Story and Photography by Andrea Brown Ross.

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Como’s True Thai Como, Mississippi’s latest addition to its Restaurant Row boasts an authentic Thai restaurant.

For those who have an appetite for both culture as well as great tasting food, the Thai Hut in Como, Miss. ranks as one of the hidden culinary gems in the area.

Born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, Sikharee “Peach” Cullinane harkens back to the flavors and textures of her native country for her culinary creations. For Peach, her knack for cooking came as somewhat of a surprise. She earned her MBA in Thailand, and even studied for a while in Cambridge, England. Peach’s sister is the chef in the family, but when plans did not work out for her to come to the United States, Peach stepped in and became the chef.

“I have found it to be very fulfilling. I make my dishes from scratch, and I feel a sense of pride and enjoyment when people tell me they enjoyed their meal,” said Peach.

Peach’s husband, Larry Cullinane, is not surprised by the customers’ appreciation for her talent.

“The first time I tried Thai food was in a strip mall in San Diego, California back in the mid-1970s. I went to a new Thai restaurant on its opening day. The owner advised me to try some of their coconut soup. It was delicious. Word quickly spread about the restaurant, and within two days, the line to get in was around the building. I hadn’t had anything like it for years, even at other Thai restaurants, until I met Peach. When she made a bowl of Tomkha, the coconut soup, it took me back to years earlier when I had first tried it.”

Moving from California, the Cullinanes initially opened a restaurant in Batesville, Miss.

“We figured everyone had to eat. So when a friend had a restaurant space available, we decided to get our feet wet in the restaurant business. We soon saw the benefits of owning a restaurant if properly managed. We found Southerners like Thai food and word spread like wildfire. Then, we had a restaurant in Hernando, Miss. where we experimented serving both Thai and American food. We soon found that the Thai food outsold the American food,” elaborated Larry.

Ultimately, the Cullinanes decided to open a restaurant in Como.

“We found Como to be a nice compromise between our previous locations. Plus, the town is known for its restaurant row,” said Larry.

Utilizing his previous skills from real estate to yacht building, Larry renovated a building on Como’s historic Main Street. With outdoor and indoor seating available, the Thai

Hut offers a family- friendly ambience.

“I was ecstatic to find a large supply of sustainable bamboo growth in the area,” commented Larry on the restaurant’s indoor décor.

Seeing steady growth in the 10 months since they have opened, Larry credits his wife as the reason behind the restaurant’s success. “Peach has an amazing attention to detail.

There are no shortcuts in the quality of the meal. While we do import some of our ingredients from Thailand and California, we also grow some our own herbs. Peach is very meticulous about quality of the ingredients. Thailand is a compilation of Asian cuisine and cultures. They love to cook and to eat. Since she is from Thailand, she knows what the meals should taste like,” he said.

While Peach does the cooking, Larry shares what he has learned about the Thai culture with customers.

“Larry makes the experience of eating here fun. For example, he tells our customers about using spoons. There are no chopsticks, and the fork is not supposed to go near the mouth. Instead, the fork is used to help keep the non-sticky rice and sauce on the spoon,” explained Peach.

“Also, Larry explains what it means to serve family style here. Customers can order a variety of entrees which can be shared with one another. In addition, because each dish is custom made, they are not all served at once. It’s perfectly acceptable to offer someone else part of your dish while they are awaiting their food,” she continued.

To keep customers engaged, the Thai Hut will rotate their menu while still serving some customer favorites. Favorites include Tomkha, drunken noodles, fried rice, Pineapple Curry, and Nam Tok Pork. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are available, as well as, customized dishes with chicken or shrimp. Thai Hut also offers a selection of 18 beers and will charge a small corking fee for customers who bring their own wine. Thai Hut is open Monday through Saturday. Take out, catering, and reservations are also available.

“We love sharing a great style of food with people in the South. If you are in a hurry, please call ahead. Monday, Friday, and Saturday are typically our busiest days. Each dish is custom made, but well worth the wait,” said Larry.

Thai Hut is located on 206 Main St, Como, Miss.

They can be found on Facebook or at 662-609-4224.

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in good spirits} the bloody mary Tip: If you are having a BBQ, grill the garnish for a while to give the drink a nice smokey flavour.

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By Bobby L. Hickman. Photography courtesy of puravida.me

What could be better while tailgating on a warm autumn weekend that an ice-cold, sassy Bloody Mary?

The Bloody Mary is almost a hundred years old, but this classic cocktail shows no signs of aging. Designer twists on the recipe have sparked a makeover in recent years. But for most of us, it’s still the basic mix of tomato juice, vodka and spices that keeps Mary in our hearts. She remains a popular accompaniment for Sunday brunch; tailgating before the big game on Saturday or Sunday; or simply as a refreshing “hair of the dog that bit you” after overindulging the night before.

The Bloody Mary was actually invented as an “eye opener” – a drink to alleviate hangovers. That’s not just an urban legend: The vodka helps calm the morning-after “jitters”, while tomato, lemon and assorted spices help sooth a queasy stomach.

Like many drinks, the Bloody Mary probably has more origin stories than the Marvel Universe. Some credit George Jessel; others give “Papa” Hemingway a role. But most trace paternity to renowned bartender Pete Petiot (even though the date and locale remain in dispute). Petiot worked at the famous Harry’s American Bar in Paris and, according to one version, invented a simple drink in 1921 that was equal parts alcohol and tomato juice. Petiot moved to the King Cole Bar at the St. Regis Hotel in New York, which also claims Bloody Mary was born there in 1927. Petiot supposedly added cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice in New York, which is close to the current basic recipe. By the 1950s, the Bloody Mary moved from a niche bar concoction to a standard cocktail after Smirnoff vodka and Tabasco sauce became popular in the United States.

Over the years, there were some modifications (such as celery salt or horseradish). However, over the past few years, gourmet chefs and celebrity bartenders have built a small industry introducing their own tweaks to the classic. Of course,

Southerners are no different. We have versions with barbeque sauce for tailgating, bacon-flavored vodka, pork jus, okra brine, and (at Atlanta’s St. Regis Bar) a pickled green tomato garnish.

The Nook, also in Atlanta, combines a special mix for its “Bloody Best” and Absolut Peppar vodka; garnishes with tater tots, steak, jalapenos, a hard-boiled egg and more; and serves it with a beef straw. In some establishments, the simple cocktail has evolved from brunch beverage to a meal of its own!

If you want to take your own shot at customizing a Bloody Mary to your own tastes, you can start with a mix like Mr. and Mrs. T’s or Zing Zang (the winner in my household).

Or try this classic recipe and let your creative juices flow!

CLASSIC BLOODY MARY RECIPE: 1 quart tomato juice 1 cup vodka 1 table Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice ½ teaspoon Tabasco (original red sauce) Garnish: celery stalks, lime slices, olives, etc.

Mix tomato juice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice and Tabasco sauce in two-quart pitcher. Stir well and serve over ice. Garnish as desired.

Makes six 6-ounce servings.

Recipe Courtesy of the Tabasco Website

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exploring events } september Live at the Garden Summer Concert Series Martina McBride September 4 Memphis Botanic Garden Memphis, TN Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Come early and get your picnic spread on the lawn or purchase your food from vendors offering tempting Garden treats. Call ahead and pre-order food from one of the caterers.

For tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 901-576-4107.

Memphis Music & Heritage Festival September 5 - 6 Center for Southern Folklore Memphis, TN Downtown Memphis comes alive as the Memphis Music & Heritage Festival returns to Downtown Memphis. In the past, 30,000+ people have enjoyed two days and five stages of the best music, art, crafts, cooks, heritage talkers and storytellers the Memphis / Mid-South region has to offer - and this year should be even better. For more information call 901-525-3655 or visit www.southernfolklore.com.

14th Annual Tennessee Williams Tribute & Tour of Victorian Homes September 6 - 13 Columbus, MS For more information call 662-328-5413 or visit www.muw.edu/tennesseewilliams.

Carriage Crossing Movie Night Thru September The Shops at Carriage Crossing Houston Levee at 385 Collierville, TN September 11 - Wreck-It-Ralph, Rated PG September 25 - The Lego Movie, Rated PG Movies will begin at dusk in Central Park. Weather permitting, schedule is subject to change. For more information visit www.shopcarriagecrossing.com/events.

Hummingbird Migration & Nature Celebration September 11 - 13 Strawberry Plains Audubon Center Holly Springs, MS 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Fun for the whole family. Native plant sale, hummingbird banding, kids tent, guest speakers, live animal shows, wagon rides and much more. For more information call 662-252-1155 or visit strawberryplains.audubon.org.

Fayette County Cotton Festival September 12 Historic Square Somerville, TN The 16th annual Cotton Festival is fun for the entire family. Arts & Crafts, food vendors, live music, car and truck show and more. For more information visit www.cottonfestivaltn.com.

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Germantown Festival September 12 - 13 Germantown Civic Club Complex Germantown, TN One of the longest, continuously run festivals in the area, the Annual Germantown Festival will once again provide a Free Family Fun Weekend for all. The community will gather in Morgan Woods and CO Franklin Park (7745 Poplar Pike) in Germantown for the best in arts and crafts, children’s activities, rides and games, live stage entertainment, car exhibits, community displays, the Running of the Weenies Dachshund race and festival foods for all tastes. For more information call 901-757-9212 or visit www.germantownfest.com Wings Polo Classic September 13 Memphis Polo Club Gates open at 12:00 PM Big hats, stomping of the divots, cabana decorating and more! Don’t miss the party of the year benefitting Wings Cancer Foundation. For more information visit WingsCancerFoundation.org/polo or call 901-322-2984.

2nd Annual Front Porch Jubilee September 19 Clifton Cotton Gin 426 Park Street Hernando, MS 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM The festival will feature performances from an interesting mix of musical guests. The event coincides with the induction ceremony for the Mississippi Hill Country Music Hall of Fame. The inductees last year included The North Mississippi Allstars, Kenny Brown, Gus Cannon and Jerry Lee Lewis. In addition, the FPJ has partnered with the DeSoto County Arts Council and will feature an arts and crafts fair in conjunction with the Jubilee! The FPJ is a non-profit organization established for the purpose of raising money to renovate the Von Theater in Hernando. For additional information, contact Steven at swpittman@aol.com.

Bryan Adams “Reckless 30th Anniversary Tour” September 20 BankPlus Amphitheater Southaven, MS 8:00 PM Tickets are $26.50-$69.50 and can be purchased online at www. livenation.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or in person at the BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove’s box office. For more information, visit www.bankplusamphitheater.com.

Tallahatchie Riverfest September 25-26 Downtown New Albany, MS North Mississippi’s fun fall festival, Tallahatchie Riverfest, celebrates the spirit of the region’s artists, craftsmen, writers, and musicians of the region and features FREE outdoor concerts, arts exhibits, food and family fun. For more information call 662-534-1047 or visit www.tallahatchieriverfest.com.

159th Annual Mid-South Fair September 25-October 4 Landers Center Southaven, MS Tickets available at LANDERS Center Box office 662-470-2131. For a schedule of all events and additional information, visit www.midsouthfair.com or call 901-274-8800.

36th Annual Fashion Show & Silent Auction benefitting the Baddour Center September 28 Hilton Hotel Memphis, TN For more information or to reserve your tickets, contact 662-366-6930 or visit www.baddour.org/specialevents.

Bridging the Blues September 25-October 11 Various Locations in Mississippi Visitors will have an opportunity to discover the richness of the blues tradition in the Mississippi Delta region, with a series of nonstop blues festivals taking place over several consecutive weeks. A schedule of many events are available at www.bridgingtheblues.com.

A multitude of festivals and events will take place at various venues, including blues museums, juke joints, casinos and town squares.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the region on their own, tracking down gravesites of blues legends or exploring the markers of the Mississippi Blues Trail.

Hernando Water Tower Festival October 2 - 3 Courthouse Square Hernando, MS 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Bring the family for two days of fun-filled activities. This free event begins Friday as the BBQ team’s fire up their grills for the annual competition. On Friday evening, guests can enjoy music on the Square. On Saturday, enjoy a 10k Run at 8am, a farmer’s market, arts and crafts, vintage car show, kid’s games and a mix of gospel, oldies and rock music on the square all day. Saturday night enjoy a concert on stage. Visit hernandowatertower10k.racesonline.com to register for the 10K race. For more information visit www.hernandoms.org or call 662-429-9055.

Natchez Fall Pilgrimage September 25-October 12 Natchez, MS Nineteen antebellum mansions, most of them private residences, open their doors to visitors during this three-week Pilgrimage every fall. Your guides are costumed family friends and descendants of the original owners, whose stories are as real as the bricks and mortar in their hearths. Each house is unique with 18th and 19th century furnishings, porcelain, silver, clothing, tools, documents and diaries.

For more information call 601-446-6631 or visit www.natchezpilgrimage.com.

Eagle Fest September 26 Arkabutla Lake Dub Patton Area 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Eagle Run 5k starts at 8:00 AM, and Eagle Fest gates open at 10:00AM. Live animal education programs, Lyndon Alec, Native American Hoop Dancer, Lewis the Bald Eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary, interactive exhibitors booths, BBQ and other food for sale and so much more! You will not want to miss this free and fun event for ALL ages! For more information visit www.mswildliferehab.com.

Covington Annual Heritage Festival September 26 Covington, TN 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Enjoy over 130 arts & crafts vendors, live music, entertainment, children’s activities, great food and more. For more information call 901-476-9727 or visit www.covington-tiptoncochamber.com.

Delta Roadtrip: A Clarksdale-Helena Sister City Celebration October 2 - 3 Clarksdale, MS & Helena, AR Enjoy Delta arts, culture, food, music and literature. Transportation will be provided between the two Delta cities. For more information visit deltaroadtrip.com.

Carrollton Pilgrimage & Pioneer Day Festival October 2 - 3 Carrollton, MS 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Tours of historic homes and churches and places of interest.

Genealogy expo, arts & crafts, food vendors, music and children’s entertainment. For more information contact carrolltonmstours@gmail.com or visitcarrolltonms.com.

The Wrecking Ball October 3 Chalmers Institute Holly Springs, MS 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM The grounds of Chalmers will come alive with a host of artists, authors, musicians and historians who have donated their appearances for the evening. The Ball will not only highlight regional cultural treasures, but also provide dinner and beverages and a silent auction featuring regional art! For more information call the Marshall County Historical Museum at 662-252-3669 or visit preservemarshallcounty.org/wrecking-ball.

Vince Gill September 26 Gold Strike Casino Tunica Resorts, MS For tickets call 888-245-7529 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

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reflections} a toast to teachers

A Toast, To Teachers

By Karen Ott Mayer

Last week, a friend sent me an email with a true story about her niece. What I read unfolded something akin to this classroom scenario:

“So, class…if Bobby has 36 candy bars and he eats 29, what does he have then?”

“Diabetes,” replied her niece.

It appears the Common Core aim of developing all this layered thinking is clearly at work. It also stands to reason if this young lady never does actually answer a basic math problem, she can always rely on comedy as a career.

This summer, I chose to pursue more education in a teaching program, with the view to perhaps one day add teaching to my rather eclectic lifestyle. Even though my sister has been a career elementary school teacher with over 30 years experience behind her, I had little idea what she faced each morning when she walked into her classroom--until this summer. We have all read the stories of failing school districts and listened to the complete chaos of Common Core. If you are a parent like my siblings trying to navigate the high price of education, you have my complete admiration. As I finished the class this summer and queried lifelong teachers, a few things became entirely evident. When an industry or sector of society begins to experience major swings, no amount of politicking or finesse can hide one fact: The overall system is failing. Now, before anyone grabs their pen to draft an irate letter to my mailbox, let me see if I can be more specific. No doubt, we have plenty of schools that are succeeding, but anyone who observes key patterns will agree the system is breaking.

Public schools are experiencing extreme teacher shortages. Why? Because those who love education and teaching are leaving. Why? Because quite simply they can’t do their job. The universal message out there in the classroom is that the teacher is responsible for everything in this galaxy. If a kid steals a teacher’s purse, it’s the teacher’s fault for bringing it to school. Huh? If the kid is failing, it’s probably because the teacher didn’t teach all 384 pages of the curriculum. More than one highly successful teacher has told me off the record that they would not recommend the profession to anyone right now; and, these teachers make these statements with great sadness.

In the healthcare sector, the only folks racking in the millions at the moment are insurance companies. In education, 82 DeSoto

the fat cats these days are the companies involved in producing all the testing materials. Mississippi spent something short of a bazillion dollars on one testing company, only to drop it this year to hire another one. What? I’m sure the bean counters love that one. Here’s my all-time favorite as confirmed by my direct experience and my sister’s situation. Teachers who teach in support subjects that aren’t subject to state testing will be evaluated. Anyone care to ask how? Their evaluations are tied to another teacher’s evaluation---in completely different schools or even districts. Let’s all think about this for a minute.

Does anyone have a job right now where your performance is tied to some guy named Cecil on the 5th floor of a building in Manhattan? As my mother likes to say…the clowns are running the circus…

One young lady who has taught for nearly a decade and has been named top teacher in her district said she is leaving the profession as well. She holds a masters and is nationally board certified. She shook her head and laughed. “My classes usually have some of the highest scores every year. And every year, they drag me into the office to ask what I’m doing. You know what I tell them? I teach them about life.” I might add here that she also teaches very young children.

Ask any seasoned teacher who has generally been recognized as one of those “good teachers” and know what you’ll hear? “I go into my classroom, shut the door, lock it and tell my students, ‘I know what to teach you and how to teach you. If anyone asks what we do in this classroom, just give them the standard answer…ah nothing, really.” Her point? She knows her job. She knows how to teach information to get good results. She doesn’t need one more bureaucrat, administrator, or government policy telling her how to do her job.

More teachers are choosing private school settings simply because they can still maintain a certain autonomy and creativity---not that they necessarily believe in the elitist atmosphere or the heavy-handed religious doctrine. They believe in teaching kids. They love kids. They know what I saw. They are the final hope in a system that is slowly failing a generation of kids.

So, here’s to the teachers….Betty, Gay, Libby, J.T., Mitzi, my sister Kathy and millions more. You are the hope...

And here’s to you.

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