THE ISSUE HOLIDAY
OXFORD: Oxford Charger Christmas Kids celebrates 10 years. Read more on page
NORTHEAST:
Our Oxford magazine features Nina Goolsby, who became downtown Oxford's Santa Claus every holiday season for years. In our northeast magazine, meet Tupelo's own Grinch, Louis Armour. Turn to page 80 for more.
38 Christmas Collection
A Tupelo woman looks forward to displaying her festive Steinbach nutcrackers around her home every holiday season.
44 Wishes Granted
Oxford Charger Christmas Kids celebrates its 10th anniversary with gratitude for all who contribute to this holiday project.
48 A Gallery of Birds
An Oxford photographer shares his work on a particular, and often unpredictable, subject matter: birds.
56 Holiday Decorating
Local design experts share their advice on decorating your home, inside and out, for the holiday season.
LETTER from the PUBLISHER
Almost one year ago, I was in Atlanta with thousands of Ole Miss fans celebrating a win by the Rebels in the 2024 Peach Bowl. It seems like yesterday. It’s true, time marches on, but what doesn’t leave us are the memories and experiences we hang on to for many years.
In this issue, we’ve found many stories that will warm your heart about people who have shared the holiday spirit with others in big and small ways. The memories they have helped create will last forever.
Oxford Charger Christmas Kids began 10 years ago thanks to Amy King, a kind
and compassionate counselor in the district at the time, who noticed a need and found a way to help others. On page 44, read about the special work by a team of community members led by Tara Denevan to make sure thousands of local kids have a very special Christmas morning.
Also, be sure to take a look at Karen Alvarez’s wonderful collection of Steinbach nutcrackers on page 38. She has them in all shapes, sizes and colors. The collection began as a gift from her husband the first year they were married and has continued for more than 30 years.
Starting on page 48, you’ll find several pages filled with beautiful birds by awardwinning photographer Robert Jordan. We hope these stunning images of nature and colorful creatures will be a gift to you this holiday season.
We’ll see you in 2025! Happy holidays to each of you!
RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER
PUBLISHER
Rachel West
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Emily Welly
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Leslie Criss
EVENTS EDITOR
Carleigh Harbin
FOOD EDITOR
Sarah Godwin
COPY EDITOR
Ashley Arthur
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Jennie Lee
OFFICE
BUSINESS MANAGER
Hollie Hilliard
DISTRIBUTION
Allen Baker
Brian Hilliard
MAIN OFFICE
662-234-4008
ART
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Holly Vollor
SENIOR EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHER
Joe Worthem
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Liz Calvery
Rebekah Clayton
Leticia Gassaway
Robert Jordan
Jiwon Lee
Monica Namie
Sandip Rai
Lisa Roberts
ADVERTISING ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS
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ADVERTISING INFORMATION ads@invitationoxford.com
To subscribe to one year (10 issues) or to buy an announcement, visit invitationmag.com.
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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.
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COMING UP IN OUR
COMMUNITY
OXFORD
Holly Jolly Holidays
NOW-JANUARY 5
Holly Jolly Holidays, with ice-skating and a Walk of Lights, moves to a new location at mTrade Park. Hours listed online. hollyjollyoxford.holiday
Oxford Christmas Parade
DECEMBER 2
This year’s parade features Olympians Sam Kendricks and Shelby McEwen as grand marshals. 6:30 p.m., Oxford Square. visitoxfordms.com
Christmas Galleria
DECEMBER 4
Isom Place hosts a fine art show featuring more than 50 artists, live music, pictures with Santa and more. 2-8 p.m. instagram.com/oxfordchristmasgalleria
HOLIDAYS
CHRISTMAS DAY
December 25
HANUKKAH
December 25-January 2
KWANZAA December 26-January 1
NEW YEAR’S DAY January 1
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY January 20
More Than a Meal
DECEMBER 5
An evening of fundraising and festivities benefits Christmas gifts for More Than a Meal families. 5 p.m., The Old Henry. instagram.com/oxfordmtam
“A
live music, food and drinks. Free for members. 6-8:30 p.m., Southside Gallery. thackermountain.com
Holiday Village
DECEMBER 6-17
Visit the Ford Center to see gingerbread houses designed by community members and civic groups and more. Free admission; donations benefit the Pantry. fordcenter.org
Doors of Hope
DECEMBER 7
This year’s holiday home tour features six beautifully decorated homes. Tickets, $30 in advance or $35 at the door, benefit Doors of Hope Transition Ministries. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. holidayhousetouroxford.com
Live!”
Charlie Brown Christmas,
DECEMBER 5
The Peanuts gang comes to life on stage in this heartwarming Broadway-style holiday production. 6 p.m., the Ford Center. fordcenter.org
Thacker Mountain Radio
DECEMBER 6
A holiday membership party with raffles,
YAC Ornament Auction
DECEMBER 13
Bid on unique ornaments created by local artists. Proceeds benefit the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council. 7-9 p.m., the Powerhouse. oxfordarts.com
A Night with No Ceilings
DECEMBER 13
The #NoCeilings With Coach Yo Foundation hosts its annual gala to support women and youth through education and sports. Tickets, $75-$125. 7 p.m., The Inn at Ole Miss. coach-yo.com/anwnc
Shimmer Into the New Year Party
DECEMBER 31
Oxford Juneteenth hosts a party to ring in 2025. Tickets, $50, include music, dancing, a champagne toast and appetizers. Cash bar. 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m., the Powerhouse. oxfordjuneteenth.org
Sipp for a Cause
JANUARY 9
A food-and-wine-tasting event benefits Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Tickets, $125. 6-10 p.m., The Sipp on South Lamar. thesippms.com
Fiber Arts Festival
JANUARY 24-25
Featuring online and in-person events, work by local fiber artists, workshops, demonstrations and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the Powerhouse. oxfordfiberfestival.com
The Catalyst Quartet
JANUARY 30
A Grammy Award-winning string ensemble performs in Oxford. Tickets, $20-$30. 7:30 p.m., Ford Center. fordcenter.org
Ice-Skating
NOW-JANUARY 12
Hit the rink at Cadence Bank Arena. $15 per skater, including skate rental. Schedule of public skate times is available online. cb-arena.com
Reed’s Christmas Parade
DECEMBER 6
The 76th Reed’s Tupelo Christmas Parade, themed “Christmas Dreams Do Come True.” Read more on page 26. 6 p.m. tupelomainstreet.com
Gingerbread Market
DECEMBER 6-7
A holiday market includes ladies night Dec. 6 from 6-9 p.m., and shopping Dec. 7 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Hillendale Country Club, Corinth. facebook.com
Link Centre Holiday Market
DECEMBER 7
A holiday market features food, drink and opportunities to support local artisans. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Link Centre. facebook.com/linkcentretup
“The Nutcracker”
DECEMBER 7-8
Tupelo Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” with live music by North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tupelo High School Performing Arts Center. tupeloballet.com
Corinth ChristmasSymphony Concert
DECEMBER 8
A holiday concert featuring musical guests. Tickets, $25 adults; $15 ages 12 and under. 2 p.m., Corinth Coliseum. corinthsymphony.com
“Winter Wonderettes”
DECEMBER 12-14
Tupelo Community Theatre performs a seasonal musical celebration that takes place in the 1960s. Tickets, $25. 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, The Lyric, Tupelo. tctlyric.com
Harlem Globetrotters
DECEMBER 13-14
The Harlem Globetrotters World Tour comes to north Mississippi. See them at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at Cadence Bank Arena in Tupelo; or 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at Crossroads Arena in Corinth. Get tickets online.
cb-arena.com | crossroadsarena.com
Merry Makers Market
DECEMBER 14
60 vendors offer ornaments, jewelry, artwork, home decor and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., The Yard, 107 Cedar St., Saltillo. facebook.com/saltillomainstreet
College Basketball
DECEMBER 14
Mississippi State women’s basketball team takes on Belmont at 2 p.m. and men’s team plays McNeese State at 5 p.m. at Cadence Bank Arena in Tupelo. Tickets from $10. cb-arena.com
Christmas with NMSO
DECEMBER 14
Featuring choruses from Itawamba Community College and Northeast Mississippi Community College, and the NMSO Children’s Chorus. Tickets $35. 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Tupelo High School Performing Arts Center. nmsymphony.com
Tupelo New Year’s Eve
DECEMBER 31
Ring in the new year with live music on two stages, fireworks and a countdown to midnight. 6 p.m., downtown Tupelo. tupelo.net
Forty Below
JANUARY 17
Tupelo Young Professionals hosts a Mardi Gras-themed networking event with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Shine Foundation. 7-11 p.m., Tupelo Cotton Mill. tupeloyp.com
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend Events
JANUARY 17-20
Tupelo’s Committee for King honors Martin Luther King Jr. with a talent show, awards banquet, motorcade and more. Info online. committeeforking.org
SHOUTOUTS
Dreams Do Come True
When 15-year-old Hopson Daughdrill, a sophomore at Tupelo High School spoke at this year’s Red Rasberry Humanitarian Award Dinner, he shared a dream with attendees. His wish — to lead Reed’s Tupelo Christmas parade.
And, holding true to the theme of this year’s parade, “Christmas Dreams Do Come True,” Hopson will represent Regional Rehab Center as the parade’s grand marshal.
Years ago, as a second grader, Hopson began working with a dyslexia therapist at Regional Rehab, and it has made all the difference.
“Every year, we try to lift up an organization or individual in the community who is making a positive difference to the quality of life in Tupelo and the region,” said Jack Reed Jr., president of Reed’s. “I can’t think of any better organization than Regional Rehab. Our theme this year is certainly a wonderful nod to the dreams that do come
true for the parents and young people who benefit from Regional Rehab.”
Regional Rehab Center provides outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, dyslexia treatment, audiology services and early childhood intervention to the communities of north Mississippi. As a privately funded nonprofit, RRC does not charge clients or their insurance companies. Families have been helped by RRC since the mid-1950s.
Robby Parman, executive director of RRC, was overjoyed at Regional Rehab’s invitation to serve as grand marshal.
“We were blown away, overwhelmed,” he said. “The Reed’s Christmas parade is such a big deal to all the people of this community and to have this opportunity — we are just beyond excited and so grateful to share our story with others.”
The 76th Reed’s Tupelo Christmas Parade will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 in downtown Tupelo.
Holly Jolly Holidays Open in New Location
This year, Oxford’s Holly Jolly Holidays welcomes family and friends looking for Christmastime fun to a new location.
The fifth annual fun-filled event, presented by Nicholas Air, has moved to mTrade Park. The event will offer iceskating, a Walk of Lights and much more through Jan. 5, 2025.
There’s a brand-new pavilion for iceskating. It’s quite an undertaking in the often-balmy-in-December Mississippi to provide ice.
“The first year we had artificial ice,” said Nadia Thornton, director of sales and marketing for Visit Oxford. “After that, we realized we needed real ice, which we’ve had since.”
New this year will be a Walk of Lights.
“This is a custom-designed walkthrough light display, including a Double Decker Bus and other Oxford-specific displays,” Thornton said.
Concessions are on tap at Oxford Peppermint Trail, and, on specific days, Santa is on hand for visits and photographs. Thornton has been involved with Holly Jolly Holidays since its inception. Though it’s a lot of work, it’s also a lot of fun.
“It’s always fun to see kids and families each year making memories,” she said. “We see a lot of the same people return year after year. Holly Jolly Holidays gives people a reason to come to Oxford during the holidays.”
For times and dates of Holly Jolly Holidays, visit hollyjollyoxford.holiday.
SHOUTOUTS
Annual Bowling Tournament Raises Money for Love Packs
Back in the early 1960s, some local television stations began producing a game show called “Bowling for Dollars.” The premise was pretty simple. Contestants bowled for cash.
In Oxford, North Central Mississippi REALTORS, along with Blackburn Homes and Oxford Commons, host an annual bowling tournament with a similar premise. But this one is to raise cash for charity.
In late September, the tournament raised $35,500. The money was earmarked for Love Packs, a nonprofit that feeds atrisk students who attend Lafayette County and Oxford schools. More than 275 local students receive supplemental food from Love Packs when school is not in session, including weekends and holidays.
Premier Lanes Bowling Alley was the setting for the team bowling competition that included a diverse cross-section of businesses as participants.
This was the fifth year for the bowling tournament.
“We are all encouraged to be involved in our community and philanthropic,” said Amy Collins, an incoming executive officer of North Central Mississippi REALTORS. “The money raised by the bowling tournament focuses on the youth in our community. We’re glad to be able to help.”
Italian WEDDING Soup
A PERFECT MARRIAGE OF INGREDIENTS COMES TOGETHER IN THIS COMFORTING SOUP.
RECIPE BY SARAH GODWIN | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
Winter is on the way. Warm up inside with this original soup recipe. Start by preparing the tiny meatballs that are the signature ingredient in any Italian Wedding Soup, and then marry it with vegetables, broth and pasta for a satisfying and hearty supper. Serve it to visiting family or share it with a neighbor in need.
Italian WEDDING Soup
THE MEATBALLS
½ pound ground pork
½ pound ground beef
1 egg
½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon butter
Combine ground pork, ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning, and stir well. In a large soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, roll meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs, and brown, working in batches, until all are browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs, and set aside.
½ yellow onion, chopped
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
8 cups chicken broth
1 cup ditalini or other small pasta
Juice of 1 lemon
2-3 cups chopped fresh kale
Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
To the same soup pot the meatballs were cooked in, add onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Saute over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, and saute until tender, 1-2 minutes. Add chicken broth, pasta and lemon juice, and stir. Add meatballs to broth mixture, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer until pasta is cooked, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, add chopped kale, and let stand for kale to wilt, about 10 minutes. Top with Parmesan cheese. Serve with bread or crackers.
Visit invitationmag.com/recipes for original recipes for Rosemary Focaccia bread — a perfect accompaniment to any wintertime soup — and Red Noodle Soup, both pictured above.
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
A TUPELO WOMAN LOOKS FORWARD TO DISPLAYING HER FESTIVE STEINBACH NUTCRACKERS AROUND HER HOME EVERY HOLIDAY SEASON.
WRITTEN BY LESLIE CRISS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
Karen Alvarez is not ashamed to admit she’s a collector. In fact, with great joy, she proudly proclaims her proclivity to own multiples of certain things she appreciates: oyster plates, matchbox covers, antiques, McCarty pottery and all manner of art.
“And I’ve never met a pretty set of China that I could pass up,” Alvarez said, laughing.
And then there is her most extensive collection of all — her Steinbach nutcrackers. Truth be told, the collection that comes out every Christmas season must be credited to Richie Alvarez, her husband of 33 years.
“It was our first year married and Christmas was coming,” Alvarez said. “Richie and I went to Village Green to look for a Christmas tree. While we were there, he bought a nutcracker for our first Christmas. The first one was a soldier.”
That began a tradition that has continued for more than three decades.
“He loves to find nutcrackers unique to our life,” she said. “My mom likes to knit; our kids love all things ‘Star Wars.’ But we also have the traditional nutcrackers of the Three Wise Men. Through the years, we’ve gone from one extreme to the other.”
Nutcrackers were first designed in the shape of people, birds and other animals. Their purpose was simple: to crack nuts at dessert time. Later, in the 1700s, nutcrackers began to be made to depict soldiers and were used to protect homes from bad energy and spirits. They were thought to bring good
luck to the families who owned them.
Nutcrackers became associated with Christmas in 1892 with the release of the Tchaikovsky ballet, “The Nutcracker,” productions of which families would see during the Christmas season. And later, with the growing popularity of the ballet, the nutcracker became a part of other Christmas decorations.
Though Alvarez has never taken the time to count the nutcrackers, there are at least 100 of them. When they are not adding holiday festivity to her Tupelo home, the nutcrackers are carefully stored inside, under beds and in closets in their original boxes. For the Christmas curious, Alvarez’s nonnutcracker decorations occupy 47 boxes in a storage unit. She also likes to collect Nativity scenes and Radko ornaments.
The Alvarez collection is not made up of just any nutcrackers: They are Steinbachs.
Steinbach is a family-owned German company that has been creating nutcrackers and other wooden figures for the past 200 years. The nutcrackers became popular in Russia, Poland and Norway, and in the 1950s, American soldiers stationed in Germany began bringing Steinbach nutcrackers home to the United States.
They are hand-carved and handpainted in Germany, usually from beech or maple, and have been lauded for their detail, durability and whimsey. While wonderful decorations, they are also fully functional. Today, Steinbach creations have been inspired by popular culture, celebrities, sports figures, fictional characters and more.
All those years ago in Village Green, Karen Alvarez did not consciously choose Steinbach, but she liked them — they have a look that is recognizable. And the annual nutcracker giving and receiving tradition became a family affair.
“Richie grew up Catholic, and one year I got the Pope nutcracker,” she said. “And our kids, now grown, still participate in the opening of the nutcrackers each Christmas.”
Daughter Bridges, 28, has the “Wizard of Oz” nutcrackers, while son Fuller, 23, has the Steinbach “Star Wars” collection.
And there’s the more traditional 12 Days of Christmas series.
While there is affection for the entire collection, there are, of course, favorites.
“I love the Russian Santa with its beautiful velvet clothes, and it is so ornate,” she said. “And I especially love the Three Wise Men. And I can’t leave out the soldier — my very first one.”
Alvarez looks forward each year to reintroducing herself to her nutcrackers as she decorates the family home. It’s a timeconsuming task, but one she takes on with gusto.
“I have to put lots of stuff up to make space for the nutcrackers,” she said. “And they have their own place every year — the same special place.”
On Christmas mornings, Alvarez walks around her house to find just the right spot for the new nutcrackers so the next Christmas she will know right where they will go.
An elementary school teacher for 28 years, Alvarez now does some consulting in schools around the state. In early November, she was already getting excited about unboxing her Christmas decorations, especially her nutcrackers. She said she feels like she became a collector of them by accident, but it has been a happy accident.
“I so appreciate the craftsmanship of them, the material and fabrics used,” she said. “They stay pretty. The first one is still as pretty as the newest one I have. They truly stand the test of time.”
Wishes Granted
OXFORD CHARGERS CHRISTMAS KIDS CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GRATITUDE FOR ALL WHO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS HOLIDAY PROJECT.
WRITTEN BY LESLIE
CRISS
ILLUSTRATED
BY
MARTHA WHITAKER
A decade ago, when Tara Denevan’s firstborn son Brody was in first grade, he composed his Christmas wish list and sent it to the Oxford Eagle to be printed in the newspaper. As most of us did as children at Christmastime, he included the desires of his little heart, assured Santa had a limitless bank account.
When Brody’s mom read her boy’s list, she saw an opportunity for a teachable moment.
“I just felt like he had no sense of the situations of some of the kids sitting next to him in class,” she said. “I wanted him to know there were kids whose lists included a few simple necessities like coats or clothing.”
Denevan and Amy King, then a counselor at Oxford Elementary School, were acquainted through Love Packs, a local nonprofit that helps to feed hungry children in the Oxford/ Lafayette community.
“Amy called me a few days before Christmas break,” Denevan said. “She said she had 11 students from Oxford City Schools who would likely have little or no Christmas. She asked if I could help.”
Immediately, Denevan offered a resounding yes and texted her “amazing network of friends,” who
also said yes to helping. Gifts on 11 lists were purchased, dropped off at the Denevan home and later delivered to the kids.
The next year there were 25 students, and once again, the endeavor, which became known as Oxford Charger Christmas Kids, operated totally out of the Denevan house.
By the third year, a building was secured for the dropping off of gifts by volunteers and the picking up of gifts by the parents of the students.
Now in its 10th year, Oxford Charger Christmas Kids will provide gifts for 423 kids from 152 families.
If Denevan and her team members were ever overwhelmed, it might have been the second year when 11 students more than doubled to 25.
“I thought, ‘Oh, my gosh — 25. I can’t do more than that,’” she said.
But year after year, the number of students and families in need of Christmas continued to grow, and Denevan and helpful community members continued to step up.
For the Denevans, it’s a family affair. Brody, now 16, and his sister Lila help.
“I wanted to do something the kids
would want to be a part of so they would know what others might be going through,” their mom said. “My kids and their friends have been a part of it every year.”
Here’s how Oxford Charger Christmas Kids works. Students’ wish lists come from city school counselors or administrators and are paired with a donor family.
The family shops for not just one or two things on the wish lists, but everything on the lists, things like clothes, undergarments, shoes, toys. It’s all anonymous to the kids. When the shopping has been done and the gifts have been delivered to a specific place and bagged, the parents of the kids are contacted, and they pick up the gifts.
“The parents may choose for the gifts to be from them, from Santa,” Denevan said.
“We never want these parents to feel they are less than great parents. Sometimes we fall on difficult times.”
Donors who contribute are families, businesses, Ole Miss organizations. They all come together these six weeks every year and give their all to help others.
“Oxford families commit to the entire wish list,” Denevan said.
“Some donors might have a single child’s wish list; others may take multiple kids’ lists or even shop for a family’s request.”
On the 10-year anniversary of this labor of love Denevan started, she wants to offer abundant gratitude to the many people who have helped the past decade — the donors and the community.
“I want them to know that what they’ve done has made such an impact on our community,” she said. “It is a great way to give back to kids in your kids’ classes. Chargers helping Chargers. People take care of their own in our city schools.
“The best part of the whole thing is its anonymity. The kids just know it’s there on Christmas morning. No one knows the many team members make the magic happen, and it could not be done every year without them.”
A Gallery of Birds
AN OXFORD PHOTOGRAPHER
SHARES HIS WORK ON A PARTICULAR, AND OFTEN UNPREDICTABLE, SUBJECT MATTER: BIRDS.
WRITTEN BY LESLIE
CRISS
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ROBERT JORDAN
Life changed for Robert Jordan the first time he picked up a camera. He developed a passion for photography he’d not had before.
“I have no musical talent,” he said. “None. I am not artistic as far as drawing or painting. Honestly, I had no way to express myself until I picked up a camera.”
A native of Ocean Springs and longtime resident of Oxford, Jordan attended the University of South Alabama and studied banking and finance.
He became consumed with photography while working with the student newspaper and eventually transferred to Ole Miss when he was offered a job working 20 hours a week as a photographer in public relations. He received a degree in journalism at Ole Miss in 1983. After four months at
Opposite page: indigo bunting. This page: top left, pine warbler; middle left, eastern towhee; bottom left, northern cardinal; top right: hummingbird.
the Delta Democrat Times, Jordan returned to Ole Miss, where he spent 33 years as a photographer for the university.
Now retired, he continues to be passionate about photography, but he shoots for fun rather than for income.
His interest in bird photography was stirred after he purchased a 200-400 ml lens from friend and photographer Tom Davis.
“I got the lens home and wondered what I was going to do with it,” he said. “I was sitting, watching the bird feeder. I like doing something I’ve never done before. I become obsessed until I achieve a certain ability and then I move on.
Continued on page 52
Clockwise from left: white heron; American robin; northern cardinal.
Continued from page 50
“That’s how it was with the bird photography. I’ve taken a break, but I am getting ready to start heading to the Delta or Sardis and do more bird photographs.”
While Jordan’s photography skills are stellar, he is still learning about birds.
“One morning, I wanted to find and shoot a kingfisher or osprey,” he said. “I loaded up my equipment, drove to Sardis and waited three to four hours and saw nothing. I got home, walked into the house and a foot from the steps going inside, there was a hawk on the ground with its back to
Clockwise from top left: tufted titmouse; ruby-throated hummingbirds; northern cardinal; bald eagle.
the house.”
He got his big lens, walked outside and into the woods, crept up the hillside slowly and saw the hawk had in its talons a male cardinal.
“I got two photos in a fraction of a second before the hawk flew away,” he said. “I spent hours waiting for a shot and ended up finding one just feet from my house. Very unpredictable.”
In retirement, Jordan also enjoys helping others in their photography journey. Several times a year, through Communiversity at Ole Miss, he teaches a photography class.
“I have always loved working with photographers to teach them more about photography,” he said. “This is a great opportunity through continuing education at Ole Miss.”
Clockwise from left: barred owl; chickadee; white-breasted nuthatch.
Holiday Decorating
LOCAL DESIGN EXPERTS SHARE THEIR ADVICE ON DECORATING YOUR HOME, INSIDE AND OUT, FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON.
WRITTEN BY EMILY WELLY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
Decorating for the holidays can be an infinitely daunting task, but it is made easier with some expert advice on how to incorporate a festive look throughout your home. We spoke with Kalyn Bean of Staggs Interiors about achieving elegant and interesting yet practical holiday decor. Turn to page 62 for advice from Phyllis Smith of Something Southern on creating an ornate and welcoming seasonal entryway. Special thanks to both of these local retailers for their assistance with this article.
INVITATION: Greenery is incorporated almost everywhere in this home. Do you recommend using real or faux greenery, and what does it achieve?
STAGGS: When you start holiday decorating in November it can be hard to find real greenery to use in your decorating. While decorating this home we used faux greenery — you can always add some touches of real greenery later. I love to go
into my yard and cut things like pine and magnolia leaves to add to my displays closer to Christmas. I think greenery helps to achieve the classic Christmas look. Greenery is a staple in Christmas decor, and it helps evoke memories of holidays past.
INVITATION: There are several shiny objects used in your holiday decor to add sparkle. Can you reflect on how to best incorporate that look?
STAGGS: Sparkle can add the wow to any look. A touch here or there can really elevate your home’s holiday decor. Don't be afraid to mix silver and gold — it can create an elevated and curated look.
INVITATION: What items can add texture to holiday decorations, and what are some things that pair well together?
STAGGS: An easy way to add texture is with greenery and ribbons. Another great
way to add texture in any space is by creating arrangements in vases, bowls and planters. You can use a mix of real and faux greenery. Then, add things like decorative floral picks, ribbon and ornaments to create your own arrangement.
INVITATION: Can you talk about how layering ribbons is important in decorating?
STAGGS: Layering your ribbons can help incorporate colors, textures and finishes that already exist in your home. A good rule of thumb is to find a solid ribbon, a patterned ribbon and a textured ribbon — try to incorporate tones that already exist in your home to create tailored look.
INVITATION: Many of the decorations pictured are in very accessible places throughout this home, but it doesn’t look cluttered. How does a homeowner achieve that with their own decor?
STAGGS: Don’t overcomplicate decorating your home for the holidays! Start by mapping out key areas in your home you see every day — your kitchen island, an entry way table, your powder room counter, etc. Place decorative items in those spaces. It is OK to store your nonseasonal decor to make way for your holiday decor. This can help make your spaces feel less cluttered.
Continued on page 62
An Elegant Holiday ENTRYWAY
One way to make a statement this holiday season is to decorate your front entryway, like this elegant design by decorators from Something Southern.
There are a couple of things to consider when decorating your exterior, according to Phyllis Smith, manager and design consultant at Something Southern.
Your personal taste and the existing exterior colors and style of your home are of equal importance. A neutral exterior may mean you have more options. For the front door pictured, “we were going for an elegant Christmas look,” Smith said. “Because of the colors of the house, the silver and gold stand out better.”
Once you’ve decided on style, pick a focal point to work from. In this case, the front doors centered between the large columns were the focus, which helps to keep the entryway decor from looking cluttered or overpowering.
When choosing greenery, a decision
must be made between real or faux boughs.
“If you’re putting your holiday decor up early, of course, faux is going to last longer,” Smith said. “I love to use real greenery, but it’s going to have a short lifespan.”
She also noted that investing in good quality faux greenery often makes a lot of sense: It lasts a long time and can be used year after year.
That said, if you are decorating shortly before an event (inside or outside), real greenery can be a lovely addition, Smith said. She suggests cuttings of cedar, pine or magnolia, or gathering pine cones.
In the door pictured, accent pieces — ribbon, snow-covered garland, painted limbs, ornaments — are layered into the greenery to help create texture and a wow factor. Additionally, lights are woven into the garland to give an elegant look and make the front porch stand out at night. While prelit garland is available, by stringing your own lights, you can add as much or as little
A DECORATED FRONT DOOR SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER TO VISITORS AND PASSERSBY.
WRITTEN BY EMILY WELLY PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
as you want, Smith said.
Armed with a plan and the right materials, the only question left is when to start decorating.
“I personally like to decorate early,” Smith said. “You can enjoy the holiday season longer. It makes you feel good to see those decorations up. It makes you happy.”
PATRICK WILLIS CELEBRATION
Acelebration for former Ole Miss football player Patrick Willis took place Oct. 24 at Back Nine Oxford. He spoke on life after football, the Patrick Willis Community Fund and his partnership with HLX.
3.
5.
PHOTOS BY SANDIP RAI
1. Diane, Jeb and Ava Tashie
2. Eli Ridgeway, Louise Hooker and Owen Ridgeway
Robert, Lisa and Jane Rob Pannell
4. Carter Edmondson and Judd Tashie
Jacks, Brickell and Maury Breazeale with Stacy Stovall 6. Mensi Stiff and Samara McConnell
OLE MISS DEFEATS GEORGIA
The Ole Miss Rebels played the Georgia Bulldogs Nov. 9 at VaughtHemingway Stadium. The Rebels won 28-10. Fans rushed the field after defeating the No. 3 team in the country.
PHOTOS BY CARLEIGH HARBIN
WITCHES RIDE
The second annual Witches Ride took place Oct. 21 in downtown Oxford. Attendees were encouraged to dress up as a witches or villains. The event benefited The Pantry.
1. Lisa Burr, Susan Martin, Diana Richardson, Corrine Jackson, Audrey Floyd, Christina Cafiero, Kelly Jeffus and Sage Nichols
2. Brooke Worthy, Danica Boyd and Margaret Neely
3. Stephanie Swogger, Natalie Ryan, Samantha Stockett and Jennifer Nowlin
4. Lisa Chandler and Teeny Costley
5. Caroll Huebner, Lauren Ellis and Whitney Turner
6. Rae Allen, Danica Boyd, Amy Cole and Haley Messersmith
PHOTOS BY REBEKAH CLAYTON
HARVEST SUPPER
The annual Harvest Supper hosted by the Friends of the Museum, took place Oct. 24 at Rowan Oak. The event benefits the University of Mississippi Museum and celebrates art, food, music and community.
BY
SANDIP RAI
1. Noel and Suzanne Wilkin
2. Millie and Chris McAlilly
3. Sherry and Luke Jenkins
4. Ygondine Enlow, Frances Zook and Alyce Krouse
5. Courtney, Rick and Kay Carlton with Betty Hale
6. Mary Beth and Matt Austin with Blair and Drew Hull
7. Brett and Meg Barefoot with Susanna and Mark Levy
8. Paul Varner and Ralph Neely
9. Dorothy Laurenzo, Kent Magee, Jack Garner and Julia Thornton
10. Matt Austin, Michael and Sarah Mekaurin, Mary Beth Austin, Leigh Lowery, Emily Brown, Dan Lowery and Brooks Brown
PHOTOS
VETERANS DAY CONCERT
AVeterans Day Concert was held Nov. 11 at the Ford Center. The University of Mississippi Chorus and Orchestra and members of the Oxford Civic Chorus joined together for a salute to all veterans.
BY JIWON LEE
1. The University of Mississippi Chorus and Orchestra
2. James and Robin Burdick
3. Jacon Keller with Mary Dale and Greg Mitchell
4. Luke Wilson, Blake Heater, Wesley Murphy, William Miller, Ethan Huff and Dan Frazier
5. Darrian Smother, Shealitel Henson and Bradley Jantz
6. Tim Gholson, Jamie King, Jim Gholson and Andrew Newby
PHOTOS
MONSTER’S BALL
Monster’s Ball, held at the Country Club of Oxford on Oct. 17, benefited LeBonheur Children’s Hospital. Attendees were encouraged to wear costumes and dance while giving back to a great cause.
BY REBEKAH CLAYTON
1. Monster’s Ball committee members 2. Drew and Margaret Baker
and
PHOTOS
1. Distinguished Alumni award recipients
2. Laurie Stirratt, Isabel Tay, Libby Vanderford and Juliana Gomez
3.
5. Chrissie Worth, Juice Kiffin and Matt Sullivan
6. McKinley Jackson
7. The Sipp on South Lamar staff
8.
Meet Juice Kiffin at Hollywood Feed
Amya Franklin with Sutton and Poppy Pegram
4. Juice Kiffin and Emily Hollowell
Michael Joe Cannon and Hud Clark with Jet and Pluto
9. Michael Joe Cannon and Taylor Jennings with Millie and Pluto
Oxford's NINA GOOLSBY
DRESSED AS SANTA, NINA GOOLSBY SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER ALL AROUND OXFORD FOR YEARS.
WRITTEN AND RESEARCHED BY
LESLIE CRISS | PHOTOGRAPHS
L“MOM’S SANTA WAS A WAY OF GETTING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT OUT … SHE WAS AMAZING, ALWAYS PROMOTING WHAT WAS GOOD IN OUR AREA.”
—
Rita Vasilyev
ongtime Oxonian Nina Goolsby embodied the spirit of community, volunteerism, professionalism and Christmas every single day of the year. A newspaper woman by profession, Goolsby landed her first — and only — newspaper job by accident.
“Her sister had accepted a job at the Oxford Eagle when Curtis Mullins was editor,” said Rita Vasilyev, one of Goolsby’s two daughters. “Mom walked into the office to tell him her sister had gotten sick and would not be able to take the job. He looked at Mom and said, ‘How about you?’ And she took the job on the spot.”
Goolsby was in her 20s when she went
to work at the Eagle and continued there until she was well into her 80s.
“I think she did every job at the newspaper but run the press,” Vasilyev said. “Mom had no journalism training, it was strictly on-the-job training.”
She was known for her daily column, Nina’s Notebook, and she worked as the Eagle’s editor for many years.
“Even after she retired and was in a wheelchair, she would call the paper daily or get someone to roll her to the offices to check on things and see what was going on in the community,” her daughter said.
Anyone familiar with the business side of newspapers knows Christmastime
is the biggest time of year for trying to sell advertising — the financial life blood of a newspaper. Goolsby not only called and visited every business in Oxford, she did it in style. She did it as Santa Claus.
In her bright red Santa suit, she’d grab a photographer and have him take a picture of her with business owners on whom she called to buy an ad for the paper. And she’d walk around the Square in the suit.
“When kids came up to her, she was Santa Claus,” Vasilyev said, laughing. “That suit hung in her office year-round.”
Goolsby’s Santa suit is now in the possession of Joey Vasilyev, one of her six grandchildren.
Santa was not Goolsby’s only assumed persona. At times when Oxford was in need of a spring cleaning or sprucing up, Goolsby became Filthy McBiggs, walking around with a broom and mop, selling ads for the spring cleaning issue of the paper. She encouraged folks to keep their city clean.
“Mom’s Santa was a way of getting the Christmas spirit out as well as making revenue for the newspaper,” her daughter said. “She was amazing, always promoting what was good in our area.”
Goolsby died in 2008 at the age of 88.
PROVIDED BY JOHN COFIELD
According to Oxford historian John Cofield, young Alan Greer, pictured, was with his father when they met Nina “Santa” Goolsby, and walking away Alan said, “I always thought Santa was a man.”
