Invitation Magazine December 2021/January 2022

D ECEM B E R 2021/JA N UA RY 2022

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H O L I D AY S H O L I D AY S A T HISTORIC ISOM PL ACE

S TE P U P YO U R CO O K I E P L AT T E R WITH NEW RECIPES

INSIDE A STUNNING HACIENDA-ST YLE HOME IN MISSISSIPPI

O U R 1 3 F AV O R I T E L O C A L LY S O U R C E D GIFT IDEAS

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DEPA RTMENT S

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Letter From the Publisher

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Staff Spotlight: Leslie Criss

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Digital Details

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Calendar

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Shoutouts

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Restaurant Guide

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Recipes: Winter Drinks

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Out & About: Northeast

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Out & About: Oxford

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Good Neighbor: Ray Lindsey

ON THE COVER

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EVENTS:

NORTHEAST

EVENTS:

OXFORD

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Chili Fest

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Ole Miss vs. LSU Weekend

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Corinth Homecoming

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CASA Superhero Run

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Celebration Village

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Bruce Hornsby Concert

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Sock Hop

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Tailgate for Palmer

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Tupelo Holiday Open House

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Harvest Supper

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’Tis the season! The holidays have arrived, and winter weather is just around the corner. The Isom Place is ready for both!

Read more about the historic home and its new seasonal decor on page 44.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

F E AT U R E S

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FE ATURES 37 The Perfect Present

In search of the perfect present? Consider our Mississippi-made gift list, curated by a local gift-giver extraordinaire.

44 An Isom Place Holiday

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A historic Oxford home comes to life for the Christmas season.

50 Cookie Exchange

From classic iced sugar cookies to interesting pistachio-infused treats, these recipes are sure to freshen up your traditional Christmas baking routine.

54 Double 00 Ranch

A custom-built home in the country transports its owners and their guests to the Southwest.

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L E T T E R from the P U B L I S H E R We have a lot to celebrate as we come to the end of 2021. In this issue, we’ve found some great ways to share the beauty of the holiday season, ideas for locally made gifts with a personal touch and some original Christmas cookie creations. We are also marking our company’s 15th year in business. As I said, we have a lot to celebrate.

This holiday issue has special meaning for me for many reasons. On page 44, you’ll read about the Isom Place revival and how the holiday decorating-palooza began with Sally Malone and Chris Williams’ vision back in May, which became a reality in late October. The home is decorated from top to bottom, complete with miniature handmade telephone booths that line the front walkway. Contractor and woodworker Patti

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Baker of Holly Springs made the phone booths, which were a very special part of Sally and Chris’ plan to bring a local twist to the home’s holiday decorations. This story has a very personal connection for me as Sally Malone is my mom, and Chris Williams is like my brother of over 40 years.

Additionally, Isom Place is the new home of the Invitation Magazines office. While it is rare that I tell stories related to myself in these pages, we decided this was one that deserved to be highlighted. You’re invited to stop in and see the decor yourself during the holidays. Visit isomplaceoxford.com for details.

In this magazine you’ll also meet Oxford’s Mary Kate Whelan, who has a knack for gift giving. She’s got 13 great

@INVITATIONOXFORD @INVITATIONM AGA ZINE

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made-in-Mississippi ideas for anyone on your list. Don’t miss this feature on page 37.

Finally, and most importantly, we must celebrate you, our readers and advertisers.

This year, we are closing our 15th year in business. That’s more than 150 magazines published and thousands of photos taken of you and the place we call home. It’s a real joy and great pleasure to serve our community in this way, month after month. Without your support, this would not be possible.

We look forward to celebrating even more in 2022. Thank you from all of us at Invitation Magazines, and Merry Christmas!

RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER

@INVOXFORD @INVMAGA ZINE

PUBLISHER Rachel West

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Emily Welly EXECUTIVE EDITOR Leslie Criss OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Mary Moreton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sarah McCullen COPY EDITOR Ashley Arthur EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Abigail Nichols

OFFICE

BUSINESS MANAGER Hollie Hilliard DISTRIBUTION Brian Hilliard MAIN OFFICE 662-234-4008

ART

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Holly Vollor STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Joe Worthem CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Lisa Roberts J.R. Wilbanks

ADVERTISING

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Alise M. Emerson Amber Lancaster Leigh Lowery Lynn McElreath Moni Simpson Whitney Worsham ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Becca Pepper ADVERTISING INFORMATION ads@invitationoxford.com

To subscribe to one year (10 issues) or to buy an announcement, visit invitationmag.com.

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

Invitation Magazines respects the many diverse individuals and organizations that make up north Mississippi and strives to be inclusive and representative of all members of our community.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

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S TA F F

S P O T L I G H T

Ye a r i n a nd Ye a r O ut , E d ito r L e sl ie C r i s s Hold s O ut Ho p e fo r S now

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or as far back as I can remember, I have loved snow. I’m unsure from where this adoration came, but it’s as real as my affinity for Crayola crayons, books, good music and dogs. I simply cannot help it.

In my childhood hometown of Grenada, it snowed quite often — and there is concrete proof. Some of the first photographs taken of me, in living black and white, are of a barely toddling Leslie, lifted high by my mama or my grandmother or my dad. We are in the huge yard beside my paternal grandparents’ wonderful old house in Grenada.

The trees and the ground are oh-so-white, covered in at least a couple of inches of powdery snow.

I’ve spent more hours wishing for snow than LESLIE I’ve spent playing in it, but some of my most wonderful childhood memories are of snow days.

Bundling up in layer upon layer of clothing, until I was barely recognizable. Building snowmen. Blasting my little sister with firmly packed snowballs until she headed for the house to tattle. Staying out in the winter wonderland until I surely wasn’t far from frostbite. Going into a warm house for hot chocolate and snow ice cream — and a quick thaw — before starting the process again.

When I was a kid, if snow was predicted, I’d sleep with my dad’s boxy, silver and black portable radio under my pillow. The local station signed off at midnight, but when I stirred well before the crack of dawn with a sore neck, the radio was still under my pillow.

And if I was lucky, there was enough juice left in its batteries to hear

what I’d longed for: “No school.”

But I knew it had snowed before it was ever announced. I knew before I ever peeked outside to see our yard awash in white. I knew because I heard it.

I’d lie there listening for the sound of snow. There’s a muffled silence when it’s snowy outside — and only the infrequent rumble of a motor when the occasional vehicle ventures slowly down the street.

I stopped believing in weather prognostications long ago, after snow was predicted in Vicksburg. So hopeful was I that I went out and bought six or seven boxes of rock salt for my sidewalk and steps.

All for naught.

When I left Vicksburg after seven years and CRISS moved to Tupelo, guess what it did in Vicksburg?

Yes, indeed. It snowed deeply and beautifully.

I learned a long time ago not to trust any meteorologist’s predictions, because I had my own weather prognosticator close by. When my father said the predicted snow was not actually coming, it didn’t. But when he said, “Leslie, I believe we are going to get some snow,” we did.

He also told me if it snowed anywhere in the state, it would always snow in Oxford. Yet, for the nearly two years I spent in graduate school at Ole Miss, not a single flake fell.

Each year as winter approaches, I try to convince myself I don’t care anymore whether it snows or not. Honestly, at my age, my bones and joints would be much happier if the temperature stayed well

“ Where I am, snow isn’t. ”

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Leslie Criss and her dad play in the snow in Grenada in the winter of 1958.

above 65 degrees all year long.

But in my heart, I’m a snow lover. I can’t help it. It’s simply who I am.

Several years ago, I awoke to my first white Christmas, and it was one of the best days ever. We’ve had a few snowfalls in the past few years, including the beautiful dusting we received last winter, which Invitation Magazines’ fabulous photographer Joe Worthem captured so well.

Still, those annual snowfalls on which I could count are no more. And while I won’t go into global warming in this space, something has surely happened to winnow down our wintry flakes, at least here in northeast Mississippi.

So, when there’s any talk of a possible flake or flurry falling, folks like me take heart. We get excited. We let ourselves hope.

And if the snow that’s been predicted falls north, south, east and west of where I am here in Tupelo, I will weather that disappointment.

Because I love snow.

— Leslie Criss

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DIGITAL DETAIL S

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D I G I T A L details E XC LU S I V E LY O N L I N E AT I N V I TAT I O N M AG .C O M

Pe t C ove r C o nt e s t!

social S N A P S

C o ok ie E xc h a n ge

We love being tagged in your photos!

It’s almost time for our annual Pet Cover Contest!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to enter your furry friend. The contest will start in January and the winner will be featured on the cover of our March issue!

Turn to page 50 for holiday cookie creations that are perfect for making with family and sharing with friends. Find even more cookie recipes on our website, invitationmag.com.

S out he r n S now

W i nt e r Wa r m Up

Great spot for your wedding date!

L O C A T I O N : Dodson Farms, Starkville U S E R N A M E : @finchcollective

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

L O C A T I O N : Brooks Grocery - Tupelo U S E R N A M E : @brooksgrocery_tupelo

Mulled Red Wine

Snow is hit or miss in the South, but we are hoping for flakes to fall again soon! Turn to page 16 for an ode to snow by our editor, Leslie Criss, and be sure to tag us in your snowy photos this winter!

Follow our food blog on Facebook and Instagram this month for seasonal recipes sure to keep you warm this winter. And turn to page 30 for recipes for Mulled Red Wine and Coconut Hot Chocolate.

CALENDAR AND EVENTS

Maybe if we pretend it’s not almost 80 degrees, it’ll feel more like fall.

L O C A T I O N : Oxford U S E R N A M E : @marlenemiddletonphotographyllc

Have an exciting event coming up? Visit our website and share the details on our online community calendar. There’s a chance photos from your event will be featured in an upcoming magazine!

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@INVOXFORD @INVMAGA ZINE

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CALENDAR

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C O M M U N I T Y DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022

OXFORD

VinItaly Tasting DECEMBER 1

Kick off holiday festivities with a taste of Italy! Tickets $30; available online.

5:30-7 p.m., The Sipp on South Lamar. thesippms.com

Pecos & The Rooftops DECEMBER 9

Known for their most famous tune, “This Damn Song,” these five guys from northeastern Texas are coming to sing it live. Tickets are $17 online, $20 at the door and an extra $5 if underage. Cash only.

Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is required. Must be 18 years of age to attend, unless accompanied by a guardian. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m., The Lyric. thelyricoxford.com

Cookies with Santa at R&R Cookies DECEMB ER 11

R&R Cookies invites you and your family to stop in and taste some delicious Christmas cookies and take a picture with Santa. 10 a.m.-noon, R&R Cookies, 2686 West Oxford Loop, Suite 120. randrcookies.com

Winter Wonderland

Holiday Break Art Camp

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Join the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council for the Winter Wonderland. Events include: Dec. 6-11 & 13, 5-8 p.m., Opening night sponsored by Community Church Oxford; Dec. 12, 8-10 a.m., Chick-fil-A’s Breakfast with Santa, $5 per person; and Dec. 12, 5-8 p.m., a Winter Cocktail Walk benefits the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council.

Kids ages 3-12 are invited to spend a day of winter break working on holiday-themed art projects. Campers can join for either a half day or a full day. Movies and games will round out the full-day option. $30 for half day (8 a.m.-noon); $45 for full day (8 a.m.-5 p.m.), the Powerhouse. oxfordarts.com

oxfordarts.com

Fiber Arts Festival

Oxford Community Market

Ornament Auction

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Shop locally this Christmas at the Holly Jolly Market. Find your favorite jellies, fudge, fresh bread, festive desserts and homemade ornaments.

3-6:30 p.m., Old Armory Pavilion.

View ornaments and items during the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council’s annual ornament auction and holiday party.

Ice-skating and cocktails will be available during the event.

7 to 9 p.m., Old Armory Pavilion.

Join the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council for the 12th Annual Oxford Fiber Arts Festival.

The festival celebrates contemporary and traditional fiber arts with a multiday event that includes lectures, demonstrations, classes by experienced teachers and children’s activities.

The Powerhouse.

oxfordcommunitymarket.com

oxfordarts.com/events/ornaments

oxfordarts.com

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Mac McAnally Concert

NORTHEAST

DECEMBER 16

Mac McAnally puts on a benefit concert for the Hunger Coalition of Northeast Mississippi. Tickets start at $30.

7:30 p.m., BancorpSouth Arena.

Tupelo Christmas Parade DECEMBER 1

Reed’s annual Tupelo Christmas Parade is back to celebrate its 73rd anniversary. The parade truly is a one-of-a-kind experience, offering family fun for all ages.

6-8 p.m., Downtown Tupelo. tupelomainstreet.com

bcsarena.com

Disney on Ice D E C E M B E R 2-5

Just in time for the holidays, BancorpSouth Arena hosts Mickey and friends for an experience all ages can enjoy. Tickets start at $20, BancorpSouth Arena.

Ladies Book Club at the Lee County Library D E C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 02 1 & J A N U A R Y 1 5 , 202 2

Discover new books and authors by joining the Lee County Library’s Ladies Book Club any time of the year.

10-11 a.m., Lee County Library. li.lib.ms.us

bcsarena.com

“It’s a Wonderful Life” DECEMBER 3 & 4

BANCORP SOUTH

This Christmas season, the Claude Gentry Theatre presents “It’s A Wonderful Life, a Live Reading.” Purchase tickets online for $15. 7-8:30 p.m., Claude Gentry Theatre. allevents.in

Tupelo Holiday Gift Market

“White Christmas”

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Start off your holiday season with the best gift vendors in the Tupelo area. Come eat, shop and enjoy some family fun. Tickets $7; free for children 5 and under. 1879 Coley Road, Building 5.

Tupelo Community Theatre performs a musical adaptation of the beloved film in a stage show that features 17 Irving Berlin songs. Tickets $25 adults, $10 students.

7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Lyric Theatre, Tupelo.

Michael W. Smith and “America’s Got Talent” winner Darci Lynne put on a religious concert this holiday season.

Purchase tickets online.

6-10 p.m., Bancorp South Arena.

tupelogiftmarket.com

tct.ms

bcsarena.com

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A Very Special Christmas DECEMBER 19

Tupelo New Year’s Eve Party DECEMBER 31

Experience Downtown Tupelo with live music, a ball drop, activities for all ages, a photo booth, food, drinks and more from 6 p.m.-midnight. Free admission. 108 S. Broadway Street. Read more on page 27. tupelo.net/newyear

Storyplay JANUARY 13

Visit Lee County Library for a new story time program for the community’s youngest patrons. Enjoy songs, rhymes, activities, and books suited for the babies and toddlers. 9:30-10 a.m., Lee County Library. li.lib.ms.us

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S H O U T O U T S T he P ie c e m a ke r s Q u i lt i n g G u i ld G ive s a S p e c i a l G i f t The Piecemakers Quilting Guild, an organization that will be 30 years old in 2022, has always brought the community together through its members’ beautiful tapestries. During the pandemic, one phone call brought the Piecemakers together with Oxford’s Dorris Cathey.

Cathey’s daughter, who now lives in Oxford with Cathey, got in touch with the guild one afternoon because she wanted to make a donation to the group. Her mother had yards upon yards of beautiful fabrics that she couldn’t use any longer due to her progressing arthritis.

When members of the Piecemakers went to pick up six-plus bags of fabric, Cathey met the members with a bright smile and small request. She had two large medallions she wanted transformed into two quilt tops.

After members gave Cathey’s request some thought, one of the Piecemakers, Charlene Kevin, was able to turn Cathey’s dream into a reality.

One of the two long-stitched quilts will be a special gift to Cathey’s new great-granddaughter, assuring the love and countless hours of stitching will be remembered for years to come.

The 30-year-old Piecemakers Quilting

Guild was created to foster love and skills of quilting, but also serves as a tie to the minority communities and the international community within The University of Mississippi. To learn more about the guild, call 662-234-2907.

O x fo rd ’s Hol ly Jol ly Hol id ay s The holiday season has arrived and with it a 12-day event the entire family is sure to love. Join Visit Oxford’s second annual Holly Jolly Holidays event, taking place Dec. 1-12, with a holiday art market, carriage rides, Santa visits, ice-skating and more.

Starting Dec. 1, skate into a winter wonderland at the Old Armory Pavilion. The cost is $12 per skater with skates included. Decker the Dolphin skate aid is available as well. College Night is Dec. 1; students skate for $8 with student ID. Skate weekdays 3-9 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sundays 1-9 p.m.

On Saturday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 11, enjoy a holiday art market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., carriage rides around Oxford’s Square from 3 to 7 p.m. and visit with Santa at Visit Oxford, 1013 Jackson Ave. East (1:303:30 p.m. Dec 4; 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec 11). Live ice carving takes place Sunday, Dec. 5, from 3 to 4 p.m.

Learn more at visitoxfordms.com/hollyjolly.

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SHOUTOUTS

continued

Ne w Ye a r ’s Eve Pa r t y Re t u r n s to D ow ntow n Tup e lo

Tupelo’s New Year’s Eve celebration is returning with a diverse lineup of bands, a fun space for kids and fireworks aplenty to ring in 2022 in a big way.

Lucia Randle, director of Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association said she believes this year’s party will bring a huge crowd downtown.

“It is going to be an amazing night in downtown Tupelo,” she said.

The annual event is sponsored by Century Construction and produced by the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association and Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The party will begin at 6 p.m. in downtown Tupelo and this year will include a KidsFest.

Live entertainment, with tunes to keep revelers dancing until midnight, will be on two different stages. DJ Keith de Soul Explosion will start the party on the Broadway Street Stage at 8:15 p.m., while City Mix brings contemporary pop and hiphop R&B favorites to the Fairpark Stage at 9 p.m. Then, dance to ’90s and 2000s pop rock hits with Get Sideways at 10:15 p.m. on the Broadway Street Stage. 8South will round out the night on the Fairpark Stage.

The New Year’s Eve party will culminate with a countdown to midnight from the Fairpark Stage and will include a ball drop and fireworks.

For more info, visit tupelo.net/newyear.

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W I N T E R drinks TOAST THE SEASON WITH THESE ENTICING WINTER WARMUPS. RECIPE BY SARAH MCCULLEN

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

hen the weather outside is frightful, a steaming mug of hot cocoa or tea can warm the soul. For a twist on the traditional, mix up a batch of one of these hot adult drinks to share with friends and family this winter.

mulled

RED WINE 2 oranges, plus more orange slices for garnish 1 bottle dry red wine 8 whole cloves 3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish 2 star anise 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup ¼ cup brandy or grand marnier, optional Thinly slice 1 of the oranges; juice the remaining orange. In a medium saucepan, combine sliced oranges, orange juice, wine, cloves, cinnamon stick, star anise, honey and, if desired, brandy. Heat over low until just barely simmering, about 15 minutes.

Using a fine mesh strainer, pour wine mixture into a mug, discarding fruit and spices; and garnish with an orange slice or cinnamon stick, if desired.

coconut

H O T CH O CO L ATE 2 cups milk ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips 3 tablespoons coconut vodka Whipped cream, optional Chocolate shavings, optional In a medium saucepan, heat milk and chocolate chips, whisking constantly, until chocolate is completely melted, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in coconut vodka, and serve in a mug topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired.

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ARE YOU IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT PRESENT? CONSIDER THIS MISSISSIPPI-MADE GIFT LIST, CURATED BY LOCAL GIFT-GIVER EXTRAORDINAIRE, MARY KATE WHEL AN.

WRITTEN BY LESLIE CRISS

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

s! idea

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“I’m sure sometimes my husband wishes I did not like to shop as much, f Mary Kate Whelan could have her dream job, she’d be a personal but I will say he is a great gift giver. I have trained him well.” shopper. At the moment, she’s a speech therapist Whelan credits her mom for passing on her powers of and mother of three who joyfully accepted the task of observation and appreciation of shopping. sharing a holiday gift guide with Invitation Magazines.

“She can do anything — flowers, calligraphy — and she “I love gift giving,” said the University of Mississippi notices things,” Whelan said. “And we both will search for and graduate and Oxford resident. “It’s definitely my love language. find the best price for things.”

And if I’m being honest, gift receiving, too.”

Whelan’s advice: Make it personal; give it some thought.

Whelan has always found great delight in seeking — and “It means a lot to someone to know that you thought finding — the perfect gift. She wants to give someone a gift of them before December 24,” she said. “And to the men, she knows will make them cry, move them to tears. especially, a gift does not have to be practical: Your wife doesn’t “Some people hate to shop,” she said. “I love it.

Mary Kate Whelan want a blender; she needs it. Give her something she wouldn’t Sometimes when I am going shopping, a friend will ask what buy herself and something she knows you thought of before the last minute.”

I’m looking for and this is what I tell them: ‘I’m not looking for anything; I’ll know when I see it.’

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Also shown on this page is Embellish Oxford (page 42).

ML Provisions

Mary Landrum Pyron, an Ole Miss graduate living in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, makes and designs felt hats. In fact, Pyron’s hats are the only felt ones made in the state.

“She lived out west for a while,” Whelan said. “And that’s where she got her inspiration for these hats.”

Instagram: @mlprovisions

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Turkey Calls

Direct from the Delta are custom-made turkey calls by John Eddleman of Greenville. “These would be great gifts for the hunters in your life,” Whelan said. “And a great way to support a Mississippi craftsman.”

Facebook: search “John Eddleman”

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Janie Davis Art

Working mostly in watercolor, artist Janie Davis of Jackson does paintings of people’s homes, Wolfe birds and more. “I have several of her small square paintings of Wolfe birds and everyone always asks where I got them,” Whelan said.

“Janie is very talented.” For more info on her Jackson shop, contact: janiedaviswatercolor@gmail.com

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Mississippi-made

Liquor

For someone who has everything, try a bottle of Cathead Vodka, made in Gluckstadt, or Wonderbird Gin, made in Taylor. “Put together a great gift basket with Mississippimade vodka and gin, as well as some fun mixers,” Whelan said. catheaddistillery.com wonderbirdspirits.com Continued on page 40

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Wolfe Studio

“This place is near and dear to me,” said Whelan, a native of Jackson.

“Of course, they are well known for their Wolfe birds, but they also have beautiful and very reasonably priced prints.” wolfebirds.com

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Properly Tied

Purveyors of great clothing and accessory gifts (such as the tote bag pictured) for boys, girls, men and women since Properly Tied launched in 2013 in northeast Mississippi. “My son has several Properly Tied pullovers,” Whelan said. “Very good quality clothing.” properlytied.com

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Truckn’ Trends

A relatively new business started by an Ole Miss graduate from Madison. “She has trucker hats that can be personalized and also winter beanie hats,” Whelan said.

“Good gifts for elementary school girls, teens and women. And very reasonably priced.”

Instagram: @truckn-trends

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Cross Candles

Made in Oxford by the Caudill family, these scented candles and bar soaps are reasonably priced and make perfect gifts for those who won’t buy themselves a candle.

“These candles smell delicious,” Whelan said. crosscandleoxford.com

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Eden Flora Art

Oxford artist Eden Flora creates scripturally based art, including beautiful prints, ornaments, kids’ placemats and more. “Thoughtful gifts at good prices,” Whelan said.

Instagram: @edenwflora

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Blue Delta Jeans

A great gift for women and men who like jeans that fit like a glove.

“These would definitely be a splurge item,” Whelan said. “But these jeans are totally customized for one’s body shape. Friends I know who have Blue Delta Jeans keep going back for more.” Gift cards are also available.

Instagram: @bluedelta

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Embellish Oxford

Kathryn Lance personalizes gifts such as tumblers, backpacks, bags and more. “These gifts are personalized and functional,” Whelan said. In fact, she’s ordered gifts from Embellish Oxford for her two daughters.

Instagram: @embellishoxford

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“125 Years of Ole Miss Football”

This book makes a great gift for any football lover; it’s also a good coffee table book. “I have given as a gift to my father-in-law,” Whelan said. “I love books that mean something to someone.”

Also shown on this page are Cathead vodka (page 38) and Truckn’ Trends hats (page 40).

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Rachel Walker

Rachel Walker creates designs for paper gifts including stationery, notepads and gift enclosure cards.

Reasonably priced.

Instagram: @rachcreatesdesigns

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Holiday

A HISTORIC OXFORD HOME COMES TO LIFE FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON. WRITTEN BY LESLIE CRISS

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nyone driving by 1003 Jefferson Avenue in Oxford this month will likely see red. And green. And every other color one might associate with the holiday season.

No impulsive decision was made about how to decorate the historic Isom Place for Christmas. Rather, a meticulous and welllaid plan had been formulated by phone between two old friends, starting way back in early May 2021.

Sally Malone lives in Oxford and is an owner representative of Isom Place; Chris Williams lives in Austin, Texas, and is a director of training for a major company.

Although they live 700 miles apart, they have Pocahontas, Arkansas, in common.

“I moved to Pocahontas to teach before he was born,” said Malone, 70.

Williams, 53, interjected, “Sally taught

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my older sister Vanessa,” he said. “And I met her when I was in fifth grade. I knew her as a teacher and later as a friend, and now Sally seems more like a sister. Through the years, the age gap seems to have grown smaller and smaller.”

The two talk often, but their phone conversations have increased since Malone called Williams earlier in 2021 to ask a favor.

“She said she wanted Isom Place to feel inviting and warm,” Williams said. “And she asked if I might help her. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity.”

Williams and his partner of 18 years, David Watson, visited Oxford several times before the week of decorating to have a clearer vision of what would be needed to decorate the large historic home.

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the bathrooms are festive.

On weekends throughout the months leading up to the decorating, Malone and Williams would talk and do inventory to determine what they had and what was needed to turn Isom Place into a holiday house. And in August, Williams came to town and did a complete run-through, inch by inch, of how the project would go.

Williams has been decorating for 33 years, starting when he was in college dressing windows as an extra job. Later he did company displays and house stagings.

He also loves landscaping. He and Watson have decorated six Christmas trees in their Austin home. Isom Place has four large ones, along with multiple smaller trees.

Recently, Watson suggested Williams get a hobby. So, Williams started painting.

One of his first works was of the exterior of Isom Place decorated for the holidays.

“I painted it like it would look when we finished decorating,” he said.

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There is both rhyme and reason for the choices made for the home that is now a venue for events, especially weddings.

The first thing in the house to be dressed was the staircase leading up to the room where brides dress for their special day. A bridal tree adorns the small room atop the stairs, decorated in whites and golds.

Lola Moorehead and Hayden Hopper will celebrate their wedding day at Isom Place on Dec. 12. Moorehead’s wish for Christmas trees at her wedding is granted.

“We wanted to bring old and new into the decorating,” Williams said. “And a touch of Oxford.”

The shout out to the city can be seen on the front lawn, lining the sidewalk. There are six wooden replicas of the iconic British phone booth that has been a fixture outside Oxford’s City Hall since 1995. The phone booths were the brainchild of Malone.

“I had seen a fondant table decoration at the mayor’s inauguration, and I started

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thinking,” she said. “These were a special part of the project. My idea, but design and proportions were done by Mary M. Smith of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

“I built a cardboard prototype, then tried to find a person to transform it into the real deal. Finally, my friend and contractor Patti Stevens Baker rescued me, working so hard to make some thoughts come to life.

Thanks to Mary and Patti, it was the start of something big.”

The Isom Place itself is a part of the history of Oxford and of the University of Mississippi. The house, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in the early- to mid-1830s by Thomas Dudley Isom, a Lafayette County physician, as a smaller cabin with two to three bedrooms.

In 1840, the original construction was enhanced, turning it into what is seen today.

Sarah McGehee Isom, the daughter of Isom and his wife, was born in 1850 in the home and would later become the first female faculty member at the university. She lived in the family home until she died in 1905. Other families have owned the house through the years, and in the early 1990s, the Barksdale family restored the home.

At that time, Susan Barksdale Howorth operated the house as a bed-and-breakfast.

After her death, the Barksdale family gave the house to the university, and it housed the Barksdale Reading Institute for several

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years in the 2000s. The house then sat empty for several years before it was purchased in 2020 by SRM, LCC Properties based in Arkansas and opened as an events venue.

A portion of the second floor of Isom Place houses the offices of Invitation Magazines.

“Over the course of the last year, much work was done on the infrastructure of the house,” Malone said. “A chimney had to be rebuilt, and a sprinkler system had to be installed to meet code. I wanted to make certain every T was crossed and every I dotted because I am interested in safety and in the preservation of the property.”

Isom Place shut down from July 29 to Sept. 5 in order to take care of the things that needed doing. Malone cannot say enough good about her contractor, Brad Grantham.

Just a couple of months later, the holiday decor went up. As friends and community members came to help decorate, Williams encouraged all to just have fun.

Malone confessed she was already having some anxiety about taking down all the decorations after the holidays.

“Don’t worry,” Williams said. “I’ll come back and help you. This is just love; it really is. There’s no way you can walk into this lovely house and not feel at home.”

Isom Place will be open to visitors during the holidays. Visit isomplaceoxford.com for details.

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Cook ie E xch a nge FROM CL ASSIC ICED SUGAR COOKIES TO INTERESTING PISTACHIO-INFUSED TREATS, THESE RECIPES ARE SURE TO FRESHEN UP YOUR TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS BAKING ROUTINE. RECIPES BY SARAH McCULLEN

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or many, the holiday season wouldn’t be the same without the timeless tradition of the Christmas cookie. The sweet treats are shared with friends, taken to parties and left out for Santa. Often filled with nostalgia, holiday goodies can be fantastic conversation starters about years past, especially when they come from family recipes that have been passed down through generations. One thing is for certain: There is always room for more.

Pistachio-White Chip Cookies 1 cup salted butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 (3.4-ounce) pkg. pistachio instant pudding mix 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup white baking chips Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until fluffy and pale in color, about 3 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, and beat until blended, about 1 minute. Add pudding mix and baking soda, stirring until blended. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring just until blended after each addition, about 1 minute. Stir in white baking chips. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop dough onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets, spacing cookies about 3 inches apart.

Bake cookies, in batches, in preheated oven until just barely set, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove cookies from oven, and let cool on baking sheets 5 minutes for cookies to set. Transfer cookies from baking sheets to wire racks to cool completely, about 15 minutes.

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Santa’s Whiskers 1 cup salted butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon rum extract ¾ cup chopped candied cherries 2½ cups all-purpose flour 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

In a large bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until fluffy and pale in color, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add milk and vanilla and rum extracts, and beat 1 more minute. Add chopped cherries, and stir with a rubber spatula until combined. Gradually add flour, ½ cup at a time, stirring with a rubber spatula just until blended after each addition.

diameter log. Cover each log with plastic wrap, and chill at least 2 hours or overnight.

Divide dough in half, and roll each half into a 2-inch

Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove cookie dough logs from refrigerator, and roll in coconut flakes.

Cut logs into ¼-inch-thick slices, and place on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake, in batches, in preheated oven until just beginning to brown, about 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool, about 15 minutes.

Caramel-Pecan Pralines 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup packed light brown sugar ¾ cup heavy whipping cream 4 tablespoons salted butter, cut into tablespoons 1/8 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon salt 2 cups pecan pieces Place a 2-foot piece of parchment paper on a work surface. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine granulated and brown sugars, whipping cream, butter and baking soda, and cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until mixture is boiling and foaming and a candy thermometer registers 236°F, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla and salt until blended.

Add pecans, and stir until mixture cools and thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Scoop mixture by tablespoonfuls onto parchment paper, and let cool completely, about 1 hour. Candy will become firm as it cools.

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Visit invitationmag.com for recipes for the Iced Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, Chocolate-Drizzled Orange Biscotti and Reindeer Tracks pictured on page 50.

LEMON SHORTBREAD ¾ cup salted butter, softened, plus more for buttering pan Pinch of salt 2 heaping tablespoons, plus 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, plus 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh juice (from 2 to 3 lemons), divided 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, divided 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 2 to 3 tablespoons granulated sugar In a large bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer, beat butter, salt, 2 heaping tablespoons of the lemon zest, and ½ cup of the powdered sugar on medium until fluffy and pale in color, 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually fold flour into butter mixture using a rubber spatula, until fully combined.

Transfer dough to a lightly buttered springform pan, pressing mixture into bottom and toward sides of pan. (Dough should cover bottom of pan, creating a ¼-inch-thick layer). Sprinkle granulated sugar over top of dough, and press into dough.

Cover and refrigerate dough 1 to 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove dough from refrigerator, and bake until barely golden and fragrant, about 35 to 45 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool slightly in pan, 15 minutes.

Remove sides of pan, and cut into triangles, separating to create individual cookies. Gently transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely, about 15 minutes.

In a small bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons lemon juice, remaining 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and remaining 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth, stirring in remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice as needed for desired consistency. Icing should be thick enough to create a drizzly ribbon. Drizzle over cookies, and allow to set, about 15 minutes.

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DOUBL E 00 R A NCH A CUSTOM-BUILT HOME IN THE COUNTRY TRANSPORTS ITS OWNERS AND THEIR GUESTS TO THE SOUTHWEST. WRITTEN BY LESLIE CRISS

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casual drive down County Road 300, on the cusp of Lee County near Pontotoc, offers views of relatively flat, tree-rich land with an occasional hill and homeplace scattered about. A sign announces your arrival at the Double 00 Ranch (Double Aught), named after a branding iron to which the late owner, Sam Hubbert, took a shine. He bought nearly 1,000 acres between 1975 and 1979 to raise beef cattle. In times past, the cattle at the Double 00 numbered up to 2,500 head.

These days, there are about 750.

In 1970, Sam Hubbert and his father, Henry, both from Winfield, Alabama, purchased the sale barn behind Fairpark on Elizabeth Street; Stockyard Inc. operated until 2016 and was torn down in 2019.

Within view of the Double 00 sign stands a house designed so that one might momentarily forget they’re in Mississippi or the South and assume they’ve been transported west — far west. The house can be described as Southwestern haciendastyle or Spanish mission-style, similar in ways to that of TV mogul and entrepreneur, Ted Turner, whose house in New Mexico was featured in the June 2008 issue of Architectural Digest. Turner’s home offered a spark of inspiration for the home built by the Hubberts — Sam and his wife of 41 years, Cathy Hubbert. The home, however, almost did not become a reality.

Cathy Hubbert was quite content living in Carr Acres in Verona. She remembers the phone call from her husband one day summoning her out to the Double 00 Ranch.

“I drove out and pulled up at the end of the pasture,” she said. “And Sam pointed out in the field and said, ‘Can’t you just envision a log cabin right there?’ I got back in the car and left.”

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Continued from page 55 The Hubberts’ daughter Jennifer was the one who reasoned with her mom, reminding her how much Cathy Hubbert’s country-loving husband had done for her, and she relented, agreeing to discuss what a new home in the country might look like.

“Our ideas were definitely different,” Cathy said. “We looked for a time at log cabins. Sam had a condo for a time in Red River near Taos. We both loved New Mexico, but I told him I was not moving there — our children (daughter Jennifer, son Jordan and six grandchildren) are here in Mississippi.

So we brought New Mexico here.”

From the day in 2008 when dirt was actually turned to start construction to the completion of the house two years later, much collaboration went into every stage of the process. Cathy Hubbert is generous with her gratitude. Clay Bowen of Tupelo was contractor/builder; Michael Nestor of Santa Fe, New Mexico, helped with design.

“I was online looking at different things and his name popped up,” she said. “I also had lots of design help from friends at Stagg’s, and there is absolutely no way this house would have ever happened without Clay. He is amazing.”

Cathy worked at Stagg’s as a freelance interior designer for a decade, so she had her own ideas of what she hoped to incorporate into her new home.

When visitors enter the gate, the long drive to the house takes a minute. If a first glance at the stucco house does not shout “Southwestern style,” the roof certainly is a dead giveaway with its barrel roof (or Spanish) tile. The semi-cylindrical clayroofing tile is laid in an interlocking pattern.

“All of the workers who did the roof tiles were from South America,” Cathy said.

“They did it in a week; it was like watching them put together a puzzle.”

Landscaped beds and stonework walkways abound outside the house and a front porch extends around to the side and picks up again across the back of the house.

In fact, there are 2,000 square feet just in porches. The rest of the house is about 3,600 square feet, in addition to a large garage that’s nearly 1,500 square feet. Interestingly,

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half of the house is in Lee County; the other half in Pontotoc County.

“My favorite parts of the house are the porches,” Cathy said. “I love to sit outside.

And I do my own mowing and flower beds.

The guys at Philips Garden Center have helped me so much.”

Inside the house, wood beams of different dimensions and designs are plentiful. The natural beauty of the beams is made more special because all the wood came from the farm and the beams were hand-hewn and dried at a mill in Winfield, Alabama. In the two guest bedrooms and baths, the beams replicate those found in the oldest hotel in Taos.

“Of course, out there, the beams hold the ceiling up, but here it’s just halved round logs — they are just for design,” Cathy said.

Throughout the house, dark, heavy wooden doors from Mexico, some with extensive carving, were brought to Mississippi. Each room in the house is decorated with the pleasing placement of collectibles from trips the Hubberts have taken out West. An extensive and diverse art collection goes along with the theme of the house, including a painting that was part of an art collection that belonged to the late actor Joel McCrea.

“I decorated the house myself,” Cathy said. “I knew where everything was going to go before the house was finished, and it took a year after moving in for me to finish decorating.”

After Sam Hubbert died in August 2018, his wife, after a time, changed only a few things. After a trip out West, Cathy bought a large painting of a trail drive and had it shipped home. She knew where it would go.

“The bear had to go,” she said. “Up high on a living room wall, we had a huge bear head and skin from a bear Sam had killed on a hunting trip. I hated that thing.”

She also turned her husband’s closet into a small office for herself. When working there, keepsakes that belonged to her late father and Sam surround her.

“After we kind of got on the same page about what we wanted this house to be, Sam was content with that,” Cathy said. “It was a venture of love.”

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CHILI FEST PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

Downtown Tupelo’s annual Chili Fest returned Oct. 8 with a plethora of chilis prepared by various local businesses and professional groups. The festival continued into the evening with more chili and live entertainment.

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1. DeVonte Thomas, Lacy Bennett and Randy Harris 2. Maylen, Prent and Elizabeth Gable 3. Marilyn Vail and Tkashi Moore 4. Mickie Scott, Missy Sullivan, Kim George, Christy Turner and Jon Bramlett 5. Charles and Peggy Watson 6. Kelly Clark and Jessica Rushing 7. Jamita Edwards and Andrea Boatman 8. Jordan Elrod and Melissa Jolley 9. Mike Maynard and Wanda Gray

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CORINTH HOMECOMING PHOTOGRAPHED BY WHITNEY WORSHAM

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Corinth High School’s 2021 Homecoming featured a week filled with spirited fun, including themed school days, a parade and the presentation of the Homecoming Court. The culmination was the football game between the Corinth Warriors and the Houston Warriors.

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1. John Orman and Cameron Glenn 2. Jordan Biggs, Samuel Curtis and Henry Huggins 3. Rayne, Ann River and Gunner Gurley 4. Annie Stanley and Lilly Smith 5. David Palmer, Katherine Carmichiel, Penny Long and Laura Kate Carmichiel with Daisy 6. Grace and Courtney Monaghan 7. Jay Huggins, Belle Mitchell and Jack Taylor 8. An Zhen Cornelius, Baylee Anna Bain, and Sheridan Shipp 9. David Dilworth, Matt Williams, Griffin Enis, Trey Williams, Deandre McGhee and Henry Huggins 10. Katie Beth Fulghum and Blake Briggs 11. Sarah Katherine Curtis and Angie Mai 12. Bryson and James Robert Avent

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CELEBRATION VILL AGE PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

Celebration Village returned to the Tupelo Furniture Market Oct. 20-23. The holiday shopping extravaganza is a fundraiser for Sanctuary Hospice House, which provides compassionate end-of-life care to patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

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4 1. Chauncey and Chauncy Godwin 2. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus

3. Kim Huddleston, Kim Gambell and Shelly Daniel 4. Candy Baily and Tina Franks 5. Johnnie Creely, Cindy Stewart, Glenda Kelly and Cherie Harris

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SOCK HOP PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

This year’s Dancing & Singing with the King, a full weekend of musical fun to raise money for Dancing in the Schools, got off to a fun start with a Sock Hop on Oct. 29.

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1. Diana and Charles Guinn with Diana Cox 2. Sarah Sanders and Carol Farris 3. Logan and Heather Tate 4. Clayton and Hannah Murphy with Doug and Susan McClarty 5. Jake and McCoy Scott with Pam and Andy Moran 6. Carter, Rick, Elizabeth and Layla Murphy 7. Bart and Staci Bevill

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TUPELO HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association and merchants hosted Tupelo’s annual Holiday Open House all day on Nov. 5 and 6, giving early holiday shoppers an opportunity to cross items off their gift lists.

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1. Santa with Greg Oswalt and Trudy 2. Lori Jones, Morgan Stevens and Teresa Winter 3. Michelle, Ella, Chris and Emme Leslie Moore 4. Dixie Johnson, Robert Thompson and Walker Cantrell 5. Santa with Beckett and Halsey Aycock 6. Susan Wright and Parish Wadkins

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OUT & ABOUT T he O rc h a rd No r t h s id e H a l lowe e n Ac t iv it ie s

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W h i ske y Ba r re l G ol f C o m pa ny O p e n Hou s e

8 1. Billy Sloan, Emma Baker, Megan Oates and Ryan Stallcup 2. Abby, Vicki, Shelaine and Kenzie Penning with Briggs Roberts 3. Mason, Ana, Aribeth and Rocky Pickering 4. Donald Moore, Rex Moody and Pat Murphy 5. Bob Verell and David Neilson 6. Mary Conner Victoria and Tommy Green 7. Lori Jones, Lauren McElwain and Mary Beth Kirkpatrick 8. Heir by CK Designs friends and family 9. Whiskey Barrel Golf Company friends and family

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OLE MISS VS. LSU WEEKEND PHOTOGRAPHED BY J.R. WILBANKS

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The weekend of Oct. 22-23 was filled with university activities, starting with Ole Miss basketball’s Square Jam in town Friday evening. Saturday featured tailgating in the Grove before honoring Eli Manning and watching the Rebels football team best the LSU Tigers 31-17.

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1. Kristi, Madelyn and Jared Bounds 2. Dean Thompson with Ike and Beverly Trotter 3. John Appelbe with Kendra and Laura Ingram 4. Jacob Holbrook with Will and John Harvey 5. Isaiah, Rachel and David Knox 6. Michael Marcello with Alex and Sadie Shields

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CASA SUPERHERO RUN PHOTOGRAPHED BY J.R. WILBANKS

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The CASA Superhero Run took place Oct. 30. The run was a fundraiser for CASA of Lafayette County, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children through courtsanctioned, community-based programs that provide trained and supervised volunteers.

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6 1. Jules Heaton, Cora Lawrence and Emma Heaton 2. Keilah Brown and Kelsey Wilborn 3. Catherine Babb with Lyndsey and Rowe Woods 4. Marion and Sarah Brooke Bishop 5. Noah, Pat and Sawyer Ward 6. Eric George, Joey Bates and Rick Rossmeissl 7. Alex, Lenzi, Millie and Gibson Crosby

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BRUCE HORNSBY CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHED BY J.R. WILBANKS

Fans of singer-songwriter Bruce Hornsby enjoyed an evening with the artist and his music on Nov. 7 when Hornsby visited the Ford Center on the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford.

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1. Steve and Ginger Roark 2. Lane Roy and Anne Susanne Gauthier 3. Jason and Mandy Sullivan 4. Betsy and Dave Johnston 5. James and Sherly Denton 6. Bryan Maddox and Bruce Longest

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TAILGATE FOR PALMER PHOTOGRAPHED BY J.R. WILBANKS

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The sixth annual Tailgate for Palmer returned to an in-person event Oct. 16 as the Ole Miss Rebels took on the Tennessee Volunteers. The tailgate event benefits the Palmer Home for Children. The football watch party was held at the Olivia and Archie Manning Athletics Performance Center.

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1. John and Nora Graeber 2. Vaneshia Gillespie and Toni Stoop with Kara and Whitney Hurd Miller 3. Austin and Faith McCarty with Brooks and Port Campany 4. Betty and Kimberly Tynes with Neah Friar 5. Brad and Ainsley Hightower 6. Debra Sage and Sage Nichols 7. Brittany and Matt Payne 8. John and Katie Cofer 9. Terri and Doug Sanford

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HARVEST SUPPER PHOTOGRAPHED BY J.R. WILBANKS

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The ninth annual Harvest Supper, hosted by the Friends of the Museum, was held Oct. 21 on the grounds of Rowan Oak, the home of William Faulkner. Artwork by regional artists was auctioned to support programming and collections at the University of Mississippi Museum and Historic Houses.

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1. Jason and Tara Ross 2. Jagruti and Chan Patel 3. Margaret Wylde and Charles Briggs 4. Olivia Jordan, Stewart McCullough, Gregory Vance and Tori Starks 5. Ed Morgan and Hollidae Morrison 6. Bill and Page Silvia with Julia Thornton, Ann Brock, Nell Wall and Summer Wall Godman 7. Medora Justus, Amy Lewis, Jo Clark, Dorothy Howorth and Carlyle Wolfe Lee

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OUT & ABOUT A nc ho r Ba p t i s t C hu rc h Tr u n k o r Tre at

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21 Un it e d of M i s s i s s i p p i Bud dy Wa l k

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E l i M a n n i n g M - C lu b H a l l of Fa me I nduc t io n

8 1. Madison and Collier Lee with Shelby Toole and Janine Lee 2. Sherry and Ron Crenshaw 3. Nina Wingo, Linda Hill and Debbie Black 4. John Wilbanks and Claire Pearson 5. Breeze Hughes and Kaitlin Rice 6. Calen Crowson and Karlie Ann Beckham 7. Lisa Mathis, Nelson Whaley and Dewayne Mathis 8. Scott, Mary and Sam Thompson 9. Eli Manning

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N E I G H B O R R AY

INTERVIEWED BY LESLIE CRISS

LINDS E Y |

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

doesn’t come from his heart, then any Santa would be an imposter and not really part of the Brotherhood of the Red Suit.

Q: Do you keep your beard year round or just grow it as Christmas nears?

A: For me, being Santa is a year-round occupation. I am recognized almost daily as the Jolly Old Elf himself. My beard has remained in place for 11 years and counting.

Q: Is there a favorite story you can share of

a child’s reaction to you?

I have many wonderful memories of encounters I have had with true believers of Santa. From wedding proposals to birth announcements to grand openings but especially from interactions with children.

One of my favorite memories was from a home visit to a 3-year-old child. His parents had been struggling to wean him off a pacifier. Prior to my visit, I had mentioned to the grandmother that in Germanic countries children give their pacifiers to Santa who attaches them to his belt to never be used again. So I arrived at the home ready to help end the child’s dependence on his “paci.”

Toward the end of my visit, I asked the boy if he could help Santa with a newborn elf at the North Pole who cried all of the time.

What he needed was a pacifier but there aren’t any to be had in the frozen North.

I asked the child if he would be willing to trade his pacifier for a special present from Santa and offered him a small box. When he opened the box there was a rubber duckie inside. He decided to make the swap and replaced the rubber duckie with his pacifier.

Santa thanked the boy for being big and so brave for helping the baby elf, then quickly closed the box, stashed it in his Santa bag and said “Merry Christmas to all” on the way out the door.

A:

R

ay Lindsey has always loved Christmas.

The Corinth resident is the father of two grown children and grandfather to one grandchild. When Lindsey, who is retired after a career in manufacturing, is not busy with his Santa work, he spends time with his two mixed-breed Chihuahuas, Bella and Lillie. He enjoys sharing the traditions of Christmas with children.

Q: How long have you been Santa Ray? A: I have portrayed the Jolly Old Elf for 11

years. The first five years could be considered amateur performances for family, friends,

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church and charity events. By then, I was thoroughly wrapped up in the character of Santa Claus and ventured into the professional ranks of holiday performers.

Q: Did you go to school for training? What

is the most important thing you've learned?

A: Yes Virginia, there really are Santa schools! I also belong to a number of professional networking organizations.

While I have learned much about the nuts and bolts of portraying Santa, the most important thing I have learned is that Santa is a calling that comes from within. If it

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