Invitation Oxford - September 2016 by Invitation Magazines

SEPTEMBER 2016

September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

LEGACY R EALT Y

Shelbi’s Place NEW Homes Starting at

$143,900 Act Fast and Choose Your Finishes! 3 Bedroom /2 Bath 4 Floor Plans to Choose From!

ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE:

Mark Cleary & Blake Cannon Hall of Fame Inductees

Starting in the mid $300,000’s

Diamond & Platinum Club #1 Re/Max Office in MS 2012-2015

Contact Mark Cleary (713) 303-8924

Experience the beauty and serenity of Tuscan Hills - with 2 stocked lakes - just 5 minutes from Downtown!

Starting in the mid $200,000’s

Mid - Late September

Measuring in at just under 1 mile from campus, 800 Park includes luxury features like gas fireplaces, 10 foot ceilings and heart pine floors. Professionally designed, each of the 4 floor plans are one level and have private screened in porches overlooking Pat Lamar Park and Davidson Creek. There is also a pet park that will be exclusive to the 800 Park owners. The 800 Park development has plans to include some specialty retail shops, as well.

The Belmont

at 1769 East Jackson

$499,000

On the corner of East Jackson Avenue and Bramlett Blvd, you are a zip to campus and a short distance to the square! Enjoy every bit of this condominium with a screened in porch, outside balcony, two car garage, top-notch finishes and large open living area!

1413 South Lamar

Historic Downtown Oxford Restoration. 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms, a formal living and dining room, superb office, 2 real wood burning fireplaces, 3 porches, potential guest house, a gorgeous screened in porch on approximately an acre corner lot on South Lamar.

$1,910,000

The Hamlet

A charming Old-English style development located in the heart of the medical community and just minutes from Oxford’s downtown square !

Starting in the mid-$300,000’s Features include: Wet Bar Private Courtyards Gas Range 10’ Ceilings Garages available

Complimentary interior design service to help customize finishes on new builds.

LEGACY R EALT Y

#1 Team in MS in 2014 & 2015 Mark C. Cleary (713) 303-8924

Markccleary@gmail.com

Blake Cannon (662) 380-7144 blake@oxfordvip.com

Alison Alger (662) 832-1697

244 CR 303 •Almost 16 acres • 4 BR/3 Bath, 3150sf • gunite pool

621 Park Drive

(Old Taylor Rd) • Beautifully manicured • Huge custom shop • close to town

• Completely Custom Built

• Heated Master Bath Floor

• 1.5 Acre Lot in Downtown Oxford

• Huge Walk-In His/Her Closets

$949,000

alisonmalger@gmail.com

$799,000

Lee Pittman (662) 645-3695

lee.pittman1@gmail.com

208 Colonial Rd.

129 Sivley 7005 Bluff Lane

1583 Buchanan

• 4 Bed 4 Bath

• Easy walk to square

• Marvin doors/windows

• Wrought iron

show home

• • • • •

Walking distance to Pat Lamar Park 2-Wood Burning Fireplaces Antique brick & real wood floors Circle drive & plenty of guest parking Large open kitchen with Viking appliances

courtyard w/ gate

$749,000

$1,395,000

$649,000

7003 Macdui

1300 Beanland

• Custom-built home

• Located in the Heart of downtown Oxford

• Oxford City Schools

• Completely updated

• Main-level master

• Top of the line finishes

• Access to Highlands 80 acre private lake

$699,000

• 3 Bed 3.5 Bath • End unit condo in Oxford Station

71 CR 141

600 Centerpointe Cv.

Oak Terrace Unit #103

• 5 Bed 4 1/2 Bath

• 4 Bed 3.5 Bath

• Open & Inviting Living/

• Saltwater Pool

• Large Living Room

• 6.3 Acres

• Beautiful Sparkling Pool

• Large Shop and RV Parking

• Large Fenced-In Yard

$649,000

$525,000

102 Esplanade Ridge 702 Fleur de Lis

2611 Little Street

$399,000

• 3900sf , 5 BR/4 Bath

• Access to Goose Creek Tennis Club

$750,000

• Large open patio

• Wolf Subzero show home

• 3 Covered Porches

• 4 BR/4.5 bath

• Heart of pine floors

• Walk to the Square!

• 3 Bed 2.5 Bath

• 3 Bed 3.5 Bath

• Pristine Condition

• Less than 1mi. from UM

• Wood Floors downstairs

• Hardwood Floors

• Stainless Appliances

• Large Master

• Washer/Dryer Included

• Private Fenced in Patio

$205,000

$247,500

LEGACY R EALT Y

4435 Sardis Lake Dr.

• 4 Bed 3 Bath

• Beautiful Lake View • 107 Acres, Large Lake

• Two - Way Fireplace • ccess to Highlands Lake

$399,999

• New Trane HVAC

$540,000

$367,000

416 Andalusia • City Schools

Kitchen Area/Dining Area

• Main Floor Master Suite

$450,000

126 Oxford Creek Dr • 3 Bed 2.5 Bath • Brand New Construction • Community Pool • Brick Feature Wall in Dining Room

$310,000

Search the entire Oxford Market at www.MarkClearyOxford.com and www.OxfordVip.com 662.234.5621 1923 University Ave Oxford, MS 38655 • Each office independently owned and operated. All information deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and subject to change without notice.

September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

SEPTEMBER 2016

116

SPORTING LIFE 97 Rising Rebels The Ole Miss football team has its sights set high for the 2016 season.

102 Part of the Family Quarterback Chad Kelly is building his own legacy as an Ole Miss Rebel.

105 Sweet Memories It was a great New Year’s Day in New Orleans when Ole Miss won the 2016 Sugar Bowl.

112 The Next Inning Former Rebels pitcher Brady Bramlett is enjoying the other side of sports.

116 Archie + Olivia With nearly 3,000 Instagram followers, these four-legged Ole Miss fans are local celebrities.

ON THE COVER

ENTERTAINING

It was a sweet victory for the Ole Miss Rebels, who won the 2016 Allstate Sugar Bowl.

44 Mr. Mixology

photographed by Josh McCoy with Ole Miss Athletics

DEPARTMENTS

Keep Grove guests happy with Invitationexclusive cocktails by Seth Weinberg.

48 Tuk and Roll

121 Student Section Strategy Renovations to Vaught-Hemingway’s north end zone put student fans front and center.

124 Backyard Brawl The OHS Chargers played on home turf for the 2015 state football championship game.

132 Rebel Professionals

Letter From the Publisher

For passengers on Flying Tuk, Oxford’s newest mode of transportation, it’s about not only the destination but also the fun of the ride.

What’s Happening

51 Game Day Getaways

143 Go, Fight, Win

Community Corner

Healthy Living

Fall is an ideal time of year to take a short road trip or explore some favorite local spots.

The LMS cheer squad and Coach Tracie Riddle gear up for another winning season.

In Season: Okra

60 The Breakfast Club

146 Heads Up

Meet the Writer: Ben Garrett

Meet the Writer: Toni Overby

Friends gather at the Brown-Davids’ brunch club for delicious food and great company.

The Mind Matters Foundation is dedicated to head-injury prevention for student athletes.

Meet the Writer: Sunny Baker

65 Decked-Out Dorms

150 Saturday Spirit

Capture the Love Contest

178

Out and About

Dorm room interiors are being transformed into elaborate and comfortable living spaces.

University of Mississippi fans spend their weekends in the fall cheering on the Rebels.

200

I Am Oxford

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

These former Ole Miss athletes are dedicated to the university through their jobs.

FASHION 184 Best Foot Forward Nisolo creates high-quality shoes and a better livelihood for the people who make them.

190 A Dream Come True A fairy tale became reality for Madi Blocker, who was a performer at Disney World.

192 Fashion at Your Fingertips These mobile fashion apps help boost a wardrobe without breaking the bank.

196 Gameday What to Wear

EVENTS 70

Movies and Music in the Park

Square Alliance Summer Fest

Ladies Football Forum

PokĂŠmon Go Pub Crawl

Mid-Summer Tomato Dinner

Quarterback Club Kickoff Party

21 United Family Camp

SPORK Kickoff

Meet the Rebels

Literacy Council Friend Raiser

Bowling for Bravery

Zeta Tau Alpha Meeting

158

Watermelon Carnival

160

Theatre Oxford Party

162

Regents School Social

164

Iron Bartender Competition

166

Boosters & Blues

168

Harry Potter Book Release

170

Hawgs & Homebrews

172

OUS Meet the Teacher Night

174

Sam Kendricks Watch Party September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

THE PUBLISHER

INVITATION Oxford publishers

Phil and Rachel West

editorial

EDITOR IN CHIEF Lena Anderson CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Emily Welly EVENTS EDITOR Mary Moreton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Caitlin Adams Lanie Anderson Sunny Young Baker Meaghin Burke Lee Catherine Collins Melanie Crownover Ben Garrett Ginny McCarley Toni Overby

t’s hard to believe 20 years ago this month, I stepped onto the University of Mississippi campus as a freshman. I thought I knew quite a bit then, but it turns out I had a lot of growing up to do. I learned more in my four years at Ole Miss than I ever imagined I would. Last fall, my Ole Miss experience came full circle. I was asked to teach as an adjunct instructor at the Meek School of Journalism. When I walked into my classroom, my first thought was, “Wow, these kids are young.” Then I learned many of them were born in 1996, the year I had arrived at Ole Miss. I am a huge sports fan, especially football, and have been known to be “that loud fan” in the stands. I admit that sometimes my yelling and screaming isn’t always positive. But my time teaching at Ole Miss has changed me as I’ve listened to my students talk about the struggles and pressure they feel in the classroom and beyond. These students taught me the biggest lesson of all: that no matter what happens on the football field, baseball field or basketball court, the most important thing is to support your team.

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

This issue is about celebrating athletes like Brady Bramlett, whom I met in the most unlikely place – my church choir. Bramlett was the starting pitcher for the Ole Miss Rebels last spring. He was drafted into the major leagues but decided to forgo that opportunity and pursue another dream. You can read more about him on page 112. And then there are the rising stars on the Ole Miss football roster who are sure to be important contributors this season. You’ll meet several of them on page 97, including Deontay Anderson, who fell from the sky, literally, to make the big announcement that he would join the Rebels in 2016. This season, let’s remember what’s important. We are lucky to have such great athletes representing Ole Miss. Let’s cheer them on with the pride they deserve. Go Rebels!

RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Katherine Henson COPY EDITOR Kate Johnson

advertising

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Jennifer Bolton Alise M. Emerson Leigh Lowery Lynn McElreath Stacey Raper Moni Simpson Whitney Worsham

art

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Hallie Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Joe Worthem ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Becca Bailey Zach Fields Holly Vollor CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Joey Brent Michaela Cooper Danny Klimetz Josh McCoy Erin Olive

production

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Emily Suber

office

BUSINESS MANAGER Hollie Hilliard COMPTROLLER Julie Clark DISTRIBUTION Donald Courtney Brian Hilliard MAIN OFFICE (662) 234-4008 ADVERTISING INFORMATION ads@invitationoxford.com

To subscribe to one year (10 issues) of Invitation Oxford or to buy an announcement, visit invitationoxford.com. To request a photographer at your event, email Mary at mary.invitation@gmail.com. Invitation Oxford respects the many diverse individuals and organizations who make up north Mississippi and strives to be an inclusive representation of all members of our community.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2016

9/8

The Vegabonds

PHOTOGRAPHED BY NATHAN LATIL

PHOTOGRAPHED BY BILL STRIPLING, COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY

The Southern rock band plays hits from its newly released album, What We’re Made Of. 9 p.m, Proud Larry’s $5 in advance, $10 at the door; proudlarrys.com

9/22 Harvest Supper Friends of the University Museum hosts the annual Harvest Supper on the grounds of Rowan Oak with dinner, drinks, live music and an art auction. Proceeds benefit the University Museum and Historic Houses. 7 p.m., Rowan Oak, $150, museum.olemiss.edu

9/13 9/9-11

Hummingbird Migration and Nature Celebration The 17th annual event is one of the Southeast’s largest nature festivals and includes guest speakers, animal shows, arts and crafts, children’s activities, wagon rides and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Strawberry Plains, 285 Plains Road, Holly Springs Free-$15, strawberryplains.audubon.org

9/11

Big Bad Breakfast Cookbook Release Event Chef John Currence unveils his second cookbook, Big Bad Breakfast: The Most Important Book of the Day, which includes the joys and rituals of Southern breakfast and 75 recipes inspired by dishes from his restaurant. Drive through the Square for coffee and biscuits. 7-10 a.m., The Square

9/22

Day of Remembrance

The Great American Songbook Concert Fundraiser

On the 15th anniversary, the LOU Community holds its annual 9/11 Day of Remembrance, which includes a lineup of speakers, a banner presentation to the community’s first responders, a touch-a-truck event and a service fair with local nonprofit organizations. 2-4:30 p.m., OPC Activity Center

Northeast Mississippi band Moonstone and Friends performs a fundraiser concert to benefit the Patrons of Music organization, which raises scholarship funds for University of Mississippi music students. Reception to follow. 7:30 p.m., Nutt Auditorium $25, music@olemiss.edu

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

9/25-30 SarahFest

The Sarah Isom Center for Women and Gender Studies’ annual festival celebrates diverse arts and cultures with live music, discussion panels and more. Partners include Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, Oxford Film Festival and Thacker Mountain Radio. In conjunction with the festival, the exhibit The Art of Making the Invisible Visible: A Retrospective by Claudia DeMonte will be on display at the Powerhouse. sarahfest.rocks

9/29

Fame, the Musical The national tour of Fame, the Musical comes to Oxford. Adapted from the Academy Awardwinning film, Fame is a journey capturing the struggles, fears and successes of young artists in the world of dance. 7:30 p.m., the Ford Center $57-$69, fordcenter.org

The transportation service is now available in Oxford. Download the app, tap and ride.

HOME FOOTBALL

9/9

Crosstown Classic Lafayette High School vs. Oxford High School 7 p.m., OHS Stadium

9/10

Wofford College vs. Ole Miss 3 p.m., Vaught-Hemingway Stadium

9/17

University of Alabama vs. Ole Miss 2:30 p.m., Vaught-Hemingway Stadium

9/24

University of Georgia vs. Ole Miss TBD, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

PHOTOGRAPHED BY TAYLOR WILSON

THE GREAT 38 written by Melanie Crownover

OLE MISS ATHLETICS WILL SPONSOR THE inaugural Great 38 race on Oct. 8 out of respect for one of its own. “The legacy of Chucky Mullins is something we have to keep going – whether it’s by rubbing his [statue’s] head on the way into the stadium, having a player wear number 38 on the field, naming a street after him on campus or running for him at this race,” said Ole Miss Athletics Director Ross Bjork. “We have to keep honoring what he stood for.” The event is part of the four-race Inn at Ole Miss Grand Prix, headed by Run Oxford. It’s the last leg of the series, which included the Rebel Well Mighty Half (February), the Double Decker Spring Run (April) and the Lee Family Dentistry’s Splash ’n’ Dash 5K (June). The finish line is the 38 yard line of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, further referencing the uniform number of the legendary Ole Miss nickel defensive back, who was paralyzed by an injury in the homecoming game against Vanderbilt in 1989. He died in 1991. Half of the money collected from registration fees will benefit the Chuck Mullins Memorial Scholarship Fund. The run will be followed by Run Oxford’s Southern Soiree, a ticketed dinner open to the public in the stadium’s field level club to raise money for the Palmer Home for Children, which provides a family and community to children in need. “Their choir will sing the national anthem for us at our Southern Soiree, so it’s going to be quite a night,” Jill Knight, Run Oxford’s vice president, said. “Chucky was an orphan, too,

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

The Great 38 race, taking place on Oct. 8, will be the last event of Run Oxford’s four-race Inn at Ole Miss Grand Prix series, which included the Rebel Well Mighty Half & 5K in February (pictured).

and we wanted to do something to support them and give them a glimpse into how his ‘never quit’ spirit still inspires us all.” The cause is reason enough to run, but the scenic route of the race is another benefit. The course takes participants on a tour of some of the most defining athletic sites on campus, winding past the new basketball arena on Chucky Mullins Drive, the tennis court, Swayze Field, the new track complex, the Manning Center and, finally, down a cheerleader-

lined Walk of Champions into VaughtHemingway Stadium. There, runners will look up to see themselves crossing the finish line on the new Jumbotrons. In the future, organizers plan to take the race into the baseball field and around the new track after renovations conclude. To register for the 3- or 8-mile run or to purchase tickets to the Southern Soiree, go to great38.racesonline.com. Registration will also be available the day of the race.

September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

FITMATE SOCIAL APP written by Katherine Henson

Luke McKey of Oxford was inspired to create the FitMate Social app while traveling solo through the Pacific Northwest. The nature lover and fitness instructor spent his trip hiking, playing golf and jogging but often wished he had a workout buddy to join him. McKey believes workouts are much more enjoyable and beneficial with the motivation and accountability of a partner. The trick is establishing that connection. He modeled FitMate after popular dating apps like Match and Tinder. Users simply fill out a profile with their activities of interest and is connected with other users in their location. The user can decide who to send a message to, and then the pair irons out the specifics of their meeting. The app is not only beneficial for travelers but also for anyone who has recently relocated

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

to a new city, is training for a competition or has taken up a new sport. “I’m a beginner at tennis, so to be able to reach out to other beginners is not as easy as you think,” McKey said. “This app allows you to organize a time to meet with others who are on the same pace as you and in your location.” FitMate Social also provides a list of microblogs from personal trainers, fitness and nutrition experts, and sports professionals. McKey has brought on some nationally acclaimed trainers, including Matt Hayes, an Orange Theory instructor who created a Crossfit/military-inspired workout plan called Death by Miles for the app. Users can subscribe to these blogs to access messages, fitness tips and workout programs. “FitMate does it all: Follow who you want and learn their workouts; then find fitness

partners locally to do the workout with, no matter where you are,” Brittney Leeb, fitness model and trainer, said on fitmatesocial.com. “It’s win-win.” Since FitMate’s launch last January, the app already has 10,000 downloads and counting. The company is headquartered at Insight Park on the University of Mississippi campus and has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes and The Wall Street Journal. McKey and his team are focused on perfecting the app. They interact with users daily for feedback and to see how they can improve its functionality. “There are post-pregnancy workouts, workouts from Crossfit, you name it,” McKey said. “There is a slice for everyone that we’re bringing into the app.” Download it from the iOS App Store or Google Play, or go to fitmatesocial.com.

OKRA

written by Sunny Young Baker

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

ndrew Tackett knew he wasn’t cut out for a typical 9-to-5 job that would have him stuck behind a desk all day. “I wanted to create the lifestyle I was looking for and to be the change I wanted to see in this world,” he said. That drive is what led him to open Goose Valley Organic Farm last year. He sells the bounty from his fruit and vegetable crops straight from the farm, which is located just west of Oxford, and has a stand at the Oxford City Market on Tuesdays and the Oxford Community Market on Saturdays. “Organic is important to me, and I like talking with my customers at the farmers market about why,” he said. Tackett’s dream is to one day host events and private parties at his farm, but for now he urges people to come by for a tour of the land. “There’s a lot of great Oxford history out on this property,” Tackett said. “And it’s a place for the community to see what local, sustainable agriculture looks like.” Tackett grows a large variety of crops, from corn and tomatoes in the summer to squash and greens in the winter. But he particularly enjoys cultivating the Southern favorite okra because of its long season and hardiness. “Okra is easy to harvest and doesn’t have a lot of needs. No real bug problems, no need for lots of plant food – it’s simple and it tastes good,” he said.

In Mississippi, okra is planted in mid- to late May for harvest throughout the summer and fall. The crispy pods are best picked at around 3 inches tall. Because it is abundant during football season, it makes for a great addition to a tailgating spread and can be a healthy alternative to chips or crackers for popular dips like pimento cheese. Or you can opt to enjoy it in a purer form like Tackett, who eats his okra with just a little salt and pepper so he can really appreciate the vegetable’s natural flavor. “I’ve found I like it roasted best; it keeps it from getting soggy or slimy and gives it a sweeter, crunchy texture,” he said.

No-Canning Pickled Okra recipes by Kimme Hargrove

2 pounds fresh okra 2 cups white vinegar 2 cups water  4 Tablespoons sugar 2 Tablespoons salt 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns 1 teaspoon coriander seeds  1 teaspoon dill seeds  4 sprigs fresh dill 2 jalapeño peppers, halved (optional) To help prevent the okra from becoming slimy, place the fresh okra in a colander with salt (2 teaspoons per pound), and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse and set aside.

Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, coriander seeds and dill seeds in a large saucepan, and bring to a low boil, stirring until sugar and salt have dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in fresh dill, jalapeños and whole okra. Cool to room temperature. When cooled, pour all contents into an airtight container (Mason jar recommended). Will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator.

Roasted Red Pepper “Pimento” Cheese-Stuffed Okra 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 1 Tablespoon horseradish  1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon dry mustard ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper  ⅓ cup mayonnaise  ¼ cup roasted red bell peppers, chopped 1-2 pounds No-Canning Pickled Okra (recipe at left) Stir together all ingredients except bell peppers and okra (mixture will be thick and a bit hard to stir). Put half of mixture into a food processor or blender, and mix until mostly smooth. Add pureed mixture back to bowl with original mixture, and stir by hand. Add bell peppers, and mix together. Slice okra in half (vertically), and gently remove majority of ribs and seeds. Carefully fill each half with cheese mixture. Refrigerate before serving.

“Okra is easy to harvest and doesn’t have a lot of needs. No real bug problems, no need for lots of plant food – it’s simple and it tastes good.” -Andrew Tackett, Goose Valley Organic Farm

September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

BEN GARRETT Ben Garrett is the editor of the Ole Miss Spirit (omspirit.com), an affiliate of Scout.com. He graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in broadcast journalism. His feature stories and columns have been published by the Associated Press, USA Today, ESPN.com, the Clarion Ledger, the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal and FoxSports.com. For this issue, he took an in-depth look at the Ole Miss football team, which has its sights set high for the 2016 season.

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

TONI FOWLER OVERBY Toni Fowler Overby is a freelance writer, the author of novel Myles of Mississippi and a regular contributor to Invitation Oxford. She was raised in Clinton and graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She currently lives in Oxford, where she chronicles the trials of marriage and parenting on her blog, tonifoverby.wordpress.com. For this issue, Overby interviewed former Ole Miss pitcher Brady Bramlett, spent time with the Lafayette Middle School cheer squad and spotlighted the work of the Mind Matters Foundation.

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

SUNNY YOUNG BAKER Sunny Young Baker serves as the co-lead of the Mississippi Farm to School Network, helping to connect local farms and school districts across the state. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, she graduated from Hendrix College with a Bachelor of Arts in Africana studies. In 2014, she gave a TedXManhattan speech, “Good Food Can Change Everything,” on the Good Food for Oxford Schools program she helped create. Along with writing Invitation’s In Season column, this month she gives an inside look at Adrienne Brown-David and Taariq David’s monthly brunch club.

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SUSAN MARGARET BARRETT PHOTOGRAPHY

#InvitationNewlyweds Congratulations to Invitation’s Capture the Love contest winner, Lauren Jones. Along with a $200 Southwest Airlines gift card, Jones received two tickets to the Ole Miss vs. Florida State football game on Sept. 5 in Orlando, Florida. “My husband, Henry, and I are huge Ole Miss fans; we are so thrilled about winning [the contest],” Jones said. “I’ve never won anything in my life.” Jones was selected by a random drawing of participants who included #Invitation Newlyweds on their Instagram wedding posts from June 1 to July 31. The contest was featured in Invitation’s 2016 June/July Bridal issue. “We can’t wait for FSU versus the Rebs,” Jones said. “We are especially hoping to kick off the season with a top 10 win.” Thank you to all who participated. Follow @InvitationOxford on Instagram for more contests and giveaways.

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

interviewed by Lena Anderson photographed by Erin Olive

Seth Weinberg spends his days (and nights) slinging drinks and creating signature cocktails as lead bartender for the illustrious Fontainebleau resort. Here he talks with Invitation Oxford about life in Miami Beach, his love of Oxford and how to keep your Grove guests happy with some Invitation-exclusive cocktails.

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

Invitation Oxford: What’s a typical day for you?

I work as the lead bartender at the Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach. It is an iconic resort that opened in 1954. We have 10 pools, 12 restaurants, more than 1,500 hotel rooms and a large nightclub. I never have a boring day at work. I spend most of my time bartending, but I am also responsible for creating new cocktails and menus for restaurants and special events. I also work as a brand representative for an amazing whiskey company out of New York called Widow Jane.

Seth Weinberg:

Io : Have

you spent a lot of time in Oxford?

Sw: My first visit to Oxford was almost 10 years

ago. I went to visit my sister and brother-in-law and attended an Ole Miss football game. Little did I know I would wind up moving there in 2014 and had a great opportunity working at City Grocery. Although I only stayed for a year, I had an amazing time and will always consider Oxford one of my homes and a place to visit often.

Io : Which is a busier night of bartending: a regular Friday night in Miami or an Alabama weekend in Oxford? Sw: The similarities are greater than the differences. Everyone is gathered at the bar to eat, drink and most likely celebrate something. From the bartender side, you know it is going to be busy, and you will not be sleeping much until the weekend is over. The main difference is in Miami there is a wider variation in what people are drinking – and the drinks cost three to four times as much. Io : What’s your favorite part about the Grove and Ole Miss football games? Sw: The people are just incredibly warm and welcoming. My first trip I was supporting a now-opposing SEC school [Mizzou]. Despite being decked out in black and gold, strangers were offering me food and drinks right and left. That’s the best part about the Grove – it’s more about hospitality than rivalry.

Io : What’s

your best entertaining tip? Think about all the people that will be attending your party. Don’t just go shopping for yourself and your close friends and family. Make everyone at your party feel welcome. Have them walk in and see their favorite bourbon or favorite wine on the counter. I rarely make a drink or snack at a party for just my own taste buds.

Sw:

Io : What is your process for coming up with new cocktails? Sw: My favorite part is the creativity – working with new or unique ingredients, making an artistic garnish or just coming up with a fun name. Inventing cocktails is similar to the way a chef makes a dish. You are trying to balance flavors. The drinks I created for Invitation were a lot of fun. They are crowd-pleasing drinks, meant to gather everyone around a punch bowl, fitting for an event as grand as an Ole Miss Grove tailgate.

September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

recipes by Seth Weinberg

10-acre toddy

seersucker punch

Serves 12-15 1 (750-milliliter) bottle cognac 3 cups apple cider ½ cup orange curaçao ½ cup ginger liqueur 1 cup honey syrup* 1 cup lemon juice 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

Serves 15-20 1 (750-milliliter) bottle bourbon or rye whiskey 1½ cups peach schnapps 1½ cups orange juice ¾ cup Cointreau ¾ cup simple syrup* ¾ cup lemon juice 3 cups Champagne or sparkling white wine 3 cups ginger ale

Serve over ice or as a warm cider. Optional: Garnish with cinnamon sticks, lemon slices and/or apple slices. *For honey syrup: Mix 1 cup honey with 1 cup boiling water, and stir until honey is fully dissolved. Cool.

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

Serve over ice cubes or crushed ice. Optional: Garnish with orange slices, peach slices and/or mint leaves. *For simple syrup: Mix 1 cup white table sugar with 1 cup boiling water, and stir until sugar is fully dissolved. Cool.

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

For passengers on

Flying Tuk,

Oxford’s newest mode of transportation, it’s about not only the destination but also the fun of the ride. written by Katherine Henson photographed by Danny K Photography

From tailgates in the Grove to restaurants on the Square, there’s a new way to get around town. Take a tuk tuk. The rickshaw-like ride is a three-wheeled, eco-friendly electric driving cart popular in urban areas around the world. Local wedding photographer Danny Klimetz first encountered a tuk tuk while attending a wedding in England. Then earlier this year Klimetz and Ferriday McClatchy, an Oxford event planner, took a group trip with their spouses and friends to Cuba, where they rode in a cab similar to a tuk tuk. The experience prompted them to investigate bringing the car service to Oxford. They got help from University of Mississippi business professor Owens Evans, who put together a team of students for six weeks of market research to determine whether the vehicle could be used successfully for a taxi service in Oxford. “The students have been fantastic, and we had a wonderful experience working with them as our potential clientele,” McClatchy said. Realizing the potential for success, McClatchy and Klimetz purchased a vehicle from a U.S. distributor (Denver-based eTuk USA), worked with the City of Oxford to secure permits and launched their Flying Tuk taxi service June 1. Two weeks later, they ordered three more tuk tuks to help keep up with demand. “You see the look on people’s faces when

driving past in the Tuk, and they seem either very excited or have a ‘What in the world is that?’ face,” Klimetz said. “Once they get in it, they are giggly because the entertainment factor that the tuk tuk provides adds to the enjoyment of the ride.” The Flying Tuk isn’t just a vehicle; it’s an open-air party on wheels with colorful lights and music that plays via Bluetooth or auxiliary cord. Passengers are encouraged to take over as disc jockeys to personalize their experiences. The golf cart-like vehicle holds up to six passengers and a driver, hired by McClatchy and Klimetz. Fully charged, it can run for 70 miles at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. It is permitted to travel on roads with 35-milesper-hour (or less) speed limits and is allowed to cross over streets with higher speed limits. It plugs into an outlet to be recharged. “It’s as easy as charging an iPhone,” McClatchy said. Passengers pay $5 each with cash, credit card or Venmo. Oxford businesses will soon be backing the Flying Tuk as well, as McClatchy and Klimetz implement plans to offer advertising space on the car via billboards and wraps. The eco-friendly car isn’t just for adults, though. Oxford resident Brynnen Quick climbed in one summer evening for a ride to dinner on the Square. After her experience, she decided a ride in the Flying Tuk would be

a perfect birthday surprise for her daughter. The next week little Baker Quick, age 4, got a birthday ride around the Square with her siblings. “The kids loved it and were thrilled,” Brynnen said. “We love the Flying Tuk service. It is a fun and exciting way to get around Oxford with the nicest drivers.” “The Quicks were our first birthday experience,” McClatchy said. “From then on, it kind of became a phenomenon.” They now offer birthday rides that last 30 minutes and travel mostly around the Square and surrounding streets, or over to Sisk Ave nue, where they often drop birthday groups off at the bowling alley to continue the party. College and high school students have requested rides to and from class this fall, and McClatchy and Klimetz are gearing up for a busy football season. To accommodate football fans and Grove-goers, the Flying Tuk can carry tents and coolers and has rain flaps and heated seats for cooler weather. “We didn’t realize the demand for Flying Tuk, and we are thrilled with the turnout,” Klimetz said. To reserve a ride, text 662-205-6312 with passenger name, location, destination and number of people in the party. To learn more, visit flyingtuk.com or email tukyeah@ flyingtuk.com. September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

written by Ginny McCarley illustrated by Maddie Beck

Fall may mean football in Oxford, but if you need a break from the crowds, it’s also an ideal time of year to take a short road trip or explore some favorite local spots.

Get Out of Town

Maybe you’ve rented out your place for the weekend or you’re ready for a break from the traffic and crowds. There are plenty of great road trips just hours (or minutes) from Oxford. For a quick Friday evening getaway, drive 15 minutes to Taylor for a plate of deep-fried catfish or a juicy filet. Be sure to bring drinks

to enjoy while you wait; Taylor Grocery doesn’t sell alcohol, so many customers tailgate in the parking lot while waiting for a table. Just down the street in the Plein Air neighborhood is the newly opened Grit, an upscale Southern restaurant with a menu that changes seasonally. Eat on the patio if the weather is

nice, or try one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails at the bar. Water Valley is another nearby town to explore on a free Friday night. Grab a pound of shrimp, spicy tamales and freshly caught Gulf oysters at the Crawdad Hole. The picnic tables outside provide a perfect spot to relax September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

and watch the activity on Main Street. After dinner, walk half a block to

Yalobusha Brewing Company. Every Friday night, the brewery opens its doors to patrons of all ages for free live music and dancing. Take a tour and try one of the brewery’s five year-round beers, or sample from the seasonal selection. To get a little farther out of town, drive north to Memphis. Get a room at the historic Peabody Hotel, just a short walk from the Orpheum Theatre. While Ole Miss takes on Alabama the weekend of Sept. 17, the Broadway show Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage is playing.

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

Shelby Farms Park is a massive community conservancy with 4,500 acres of green space and 6.5 miles of urban trail. Take a trail ride, or check out the Woodland Discovery Playground, a unique and innovative space lined with a flowering vines and willow trees. The playground, which was designed with input from local kids, features giant slides and a tree house and appeals to kids of any age. While you’re in the area, pick up discs, score sheets and a map at the nearby Boathouse to play a round on the park’s 18-hole disc golf course. William Faulkner isn’t the only literary great to hail from Mississippi. Acclaimed

author Eudora Welty spent her life in Jackson, and the eudora welty house is one of the most intact literary houses in the country. While in Jackson, head to the Mississippi Museum of Art. The museum’s permanent collection is always on view free of charge, but the museum also hosts traveling exhibits. The current exhibit, When Modern Was Contemporary: Selections from the Roy R. Neuberger Collection, features works by more than 50 artists, including Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning and Georgia O’Keeffe. “It’s the first time all these big names have been together in the state,” said Julian Rankin, marketing director for the museum.

September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

Get outside at John K. Kyle State Park. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just minutes away from Oxford, but the wooded trees, scenic views of Sardis Lake and rustic cabins provide the perfect place for a weekend getaway. Grill hot dogs over the fire or split a brick-oven pizza at the nearby tribecca

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

allie cafĂŠ. The restaurant is BYOB, so pack a bottle of wine for the trip, and be sure to sample the award-winning Magnolia Rosa pizza with warm caramel cobbler for dessert. For a more primitive experience, drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway to find one of the three campgrounds. Camping is free,

though the spots do not offer electricity, showers or dump stations (so be sure to bring trash bags). If you like to bike, there are a number of bicycle-only accessible campgrounds along the trace as well. For more information and a complete list of camping sites, visit nps.gov/natr.

hometown scene

Thousands of visitors pour into Oxford to watch the Rebels play, crowding the Square and the Grove. But there’s much more to this town than those two hot spots, and football weekends can be a great time to experience all Oxford has to offer. To beat the heat, head to Oxford Commons Cinema for a cocktail or cold draft beer at the full-service bar in addition to a movie. On certain weekends when the weather allows, the theater opens its outdoor big screen, where shows start at dusk. Or walk around the corner to Premier Lanes to bowl a few rounds or navigate the Laser Maze. Avoid the crowds at Rowan Oak by touring the house and grounds during off-peak hours, including during a game. Although the historic home gets quite a few out-of-town visitors on game weekends, Curator William Griffith suggests visiting on Saturday if the game is during the day. “If it’s a night game we’re very busy on Saturday, but if it’s a day game we’re busy on Sunday,” Griffith said. “It just depends on what time the game is.” During your visit, be sure to mention the Rebels. On home game weekends, the house runs the “Rowan Oak Bowl,” where visitors write down their hometowns and team cheers in the guest book. Whichever team has the most visitors by the end of the weekend wins. “Ole Miss never wins,” Griffith said, noting that the vast majority of visitors are from the opposing team. When visiting Rowan Oak, start at the University Museum – parking at the house is limited – and take the short, scenic Bailey’s Woods National Recreation Trail to get there. The trail, less than a mile long, traverses the woods from which William Faulkner drew great inspiration. Before heading home, stop in the UM museum to take in its many exhibits, including photographs by world-renowned, Memphisborn photographer William Eggleston, on display until Jan. 14. For a more athletic outdoor adventure, head to Avent Park, where you can play tennis on one of four recently renovated, lighted courts or take a walk through the park’s shaded

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

rolling hills. There are also benches for resting, as well as two playgrounds where kids can climb, swing, slide and experiment with builtin musical instruments. end of all music, located just a few miles from the Square, boasts one of the best music selections in the South. Find a new

release by Oxford-based Fat Possum Records, or browse three rooms full of new and used vinyl, including a large collection of 45 singles. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a record player, the store sells turntables and record accessories as well. Restaurants on the Square in Oxford are often packed during home game weekends,

with reservations filling up months in advance. However, during the games, when most of the crowd is at the Grove or in the stadium, the local restaurant scene is more accessible. Grab a table at your favorite spot 30 minutes before kickoff, and sign your check when the game clock runs out to miss the rush. September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

Friends, family and neighbors gather once a month at the Brown-Davidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; house for their brunch club: a day full of relaxation, great company and delicious food.

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

The Brown-David home in water valley is bustling.

written by Sunny Young Baker photographed by Joe Worthem

Taariq David and Adrienne Brown-David (pictured left) have been hosting a monthly brunch club at their house since January 2015. The couple, along with their four daughters, enjoy the chance to catch up with friends and unwind.

Children run and play tag in the yard, sway on the rope swing and blow bubbles with remnants of grape jelly sticky on their cheeks. Adults gather on a nearby stoop, laugh and share stories while sipping mimosas and balancing plates full of fluffy frittata and zucchini bread on their laps. The weekend has arrived, and the group is in the throes of its monthly brunch club. “The brunches started off as a way for Adrienne to use all these nice dishes we have that we couldn’t use at the kids’ [birthday] parties,” Taariq David said. “I have adult friends that I wanted to have conversations with outside of those kid parties,” Adrienne Brown-David added. The couple, along with their four daughters, Jena (15), Ashni (13), Bijou (9), and Zion (7), have been hosting brunch club since January 2015. Adrienne invites friends and family through a private event on Facebook and keeps track of how many people to expect. The number of attendees varies, but an average of 35 guests, which includes an array of local chefs, artists, writers and filmmakers, show up each month with a dish to share. “I usually make a quiche or frittata, and all the kids know how to make biscuits, but mostly the little ones help with cleaning up after,” Adrienne said. When asked who is known for bringing the best dishes, the couple declined to answer. “That’s like choosing a favorite child.” Adrienne said. “People bring all sorts of delicious things – pancakes, egg dishes, homemade cobblers, even Shipley’s doughnuts.” But this is no regular potluck. Some of the Oxford area’s best chefs and restaurateurs attend regularly, such as Marco D’Emidio, pizzaiolo of Saint Leo Restaurant; Corbin Evans of Oxford Canteen; Dwayne Ingraham of September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

Sinfully Southern Bakery; and Angie Sicurezza and Nick Reppond of Grit. “Everyone gets to show off their culinary skills,” Taariq said. But it’s not just up to the professionals. “A neighbor came by recently with a delicious zucchini bake, and the others never knew he could even cook,” he said. While food is the centerpiece of the brunches, everyone agrees the fellowship is the real draw. Stacey Sanford has been attending brunch club since the parties began almost two years ago. “I love that everyone here loves my family. I can put down my kid and actually eat with both hands,” Sanford said. There are no high chairs at brunch club – children pick off their parents’ plates but mostly play inside with the musical instruments, toys, and puppies and, if the weather is nice, run around outside. There’s a village mentality, with everyone keeping their eyes out for each others’ children. Zion, the youngest of the Brown-David family, loves to help entertain, especially the littlest of guests. But when asked what she likes best about the monthly get-together, she’s all about the tasty treats. “The cookies, pie and cheese are my favorite,” she said. As the grown-ups finish the last sip of their mimosas and the children swallow their final bites of French toast, the group helps wash dishes and starts to wrap up the festivities. Everyone is full, tired and happy. “The brunches started for all those people you see all the time but never actually get together with. Here you get to know people better, go in deeper,” Taariq said. “It’s a different crowd every month but always the same vibe – delicious food and a happy place to connect with one another.”

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

The monthly brunch club is potluck-style, with each guest responsible for bringing a dish to share with the group. From professional chefs to novice bakers, everyone contributes. Crowd favorites include fresh berry tart, blueberry muffins, vegetable frittata and homemade biscuits.

3-Ingredient Biscuits recipe by Adrienne Brown-David

Serves 16 13/4 cups self-rising flour 1 cup heavy cream 1/3 cup butter, melted Mix flour and cream until dough is formed. Knead on a lightly floured surface no more than 5 times. Pat out gently until dough is about 11/2 inches thick. Carefully cut into 2-inch squares, or use a circular cutter. Brush the tops with butter. Bake on a nonstick cookie sheet at 500°F for 7 minutes or until the edges are golden.

easy puff pastry strawberry and blueberry tart recipe by Dwayne Ingraham of Sinfully Southern Bakery

Serves 8 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed 1 egg 2 teaspoons milk 4 ounces whipped cream (fresh or Cool Whip) 3/4 cup white sugar, divided Zest of 1 lemon 4 ounces cream cheese 1 pint strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced into 3-4 slices each 1 pint blueberries, washed 1/4 cup strawberry jam Preheat oven to 400°F. On a parchmentlined baking sheet, roll out puff pastry dough to a large rectangle. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and milk. Use a knife to score a border on dough 3/4 inch from the edge. Use a fork to pierce the inside of the tart several times. Brush the border with the egg wash. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked. Set aside to cool. While the puff pastry is cooking, prepare the topping. In a large bowl, stir together whipped cream, 1/2 cup white sugar, lemon zest and cream cheese. In a separate bowl, mix together strawberry slices, blueberries, remaining 1/4 cup white sugar and strawberry jam. Once puff pastry is cooled, top with the cream mixture, and then the strawberry and blueberry mixture. Refrigerate until ready to slice and serve.

September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

Decked-Out Dorms

written by Katherine Henson

With do-it-yourself décor and assistance from professional designers, dorm room interiors are being transformed into elaborate and comfortable living spaces.

Dorm room decoration

has evolved from band posters with Scotchtaped corners and concrete floors to meticulously framed art prints and animal-print rugs. Some college dorm rooms are no longer just a place to rest one’s head but living spaces fully decked-out from floor to ceiling. Creating a space that feels like home doesn’t have to be expensive. Pick your favorite old shirt or dress, and decorate a room around that print by fashioning pillows from the fabric. Rugs, pillows and blankets add warmth to a room. For a cozy sleeping space, place a plush blanket at the end of your bed, and cover the head of the bed with a variety of throw pillows. Another popular do-it-yourself trend is to create a headboard or coffee table out of old doors or shutters. Add a fresh coat of paint and after it dries, take a piece of sandpaper and rub

various spots on the wood for a distressed, antique look. An easy way to amp up a plain space is to hang pieces of art or mirrors, which create dimension and the illusion of a bigger space. This little touch gives a room depth and much more character, and interesting art is a great conversation starter when you have new friends over for a visit. While there are many DIY tricks for dorm decoration, some opt to take it to the next level and hire professional decorators to make their dorm rooms feel like home. Dawn Thomas with After Five Designs has been hired to decorate dorm rooms since the 1990s and has seen the evolution of style. Gone are the days of neon orange and hot pink; today’s clients want a more sophisticated color palette. “The color themes girls have been choosSeptember 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF DAWN THOMAS, AFTER FIVE DESIGNS

ing are blush pink, gray and a lot of white,” Thomas said. “They choose a modern style that makes for a clean and chic look.” Savannah Brantley, a recent University of Mississippi graduate, hired Thomas to design her room in 2013. “I think it’s important to have your dorm designed elaborately because it is where you spend a lot of your time in college,” Brantley said. “You want it to be a place where you and your friends can all hang out.” “Dawn gave me a room that when you walked into it, you were immediately calm,” she continued. “It felt like a regular room and not a dorm room.” Brantley also credits Thomas with easing the transition to life with a roommate by offer ing organizational tips that made it easier to live with another person in such a tight area. “There was a place for everything,” Brantley said. “It’s good to have another set of eyes giving you tips to make a small living space more livable.”

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

A few personal touches, such as throw pillows, accent rugs, headboards and framed art, can transform a dorm room into home sweet home. The biggest challenge of dorm life is making the most of a small space. Raised, or lofted, beds allow for storage underneath, and a tidy room that’s free of clutter will the make the space feel bigger.

Space-Saving Tips

Many dorm dwellers opt to raise, or loft, their beds to create space underneath for additional furniture or storage. Using every nook and cranny is key when living in a room with such limited space.

Closets can run small. Wicker laundry baskets are good for holding shoes, and closet organizers can be installed to provide extra storage for clothes.

Leave childhood and high school memorabilia at home. You may think you want that box of trophies and stuffed animals, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just clutter that will collect dust. Make room for new memories.

While it may seem expensive at first, dorm dĂŠcor can be a good investment. Steer clear of trendier items, and purchase staple pieces for your room that you can use for the next four (or more) years.

September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

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MOVIES AND MUSIC IN THE PARK The Oxford Park Commission held a showing of Inside Out July 22 at Avent Park. The event was presented by Cannon Motors and included a live performance by local musician Damien Walsh. photographed by Joey Brent

Tracy and Darwin Dickinson

Stacey Cash and Mary Lane Thames

Bruce and Misti Myhand with Krieger and Soloman

Setonji, Somawon, Pius and Grace Fasinu

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

Casey and Jamie Adams

Raven Campos, Sam Pryor and Michael Brewer

Olivia and Candace Coleman with Alyssa Potts

Patty and Jim Self

Brittany and Gabi Olson

Josh and Melissa Culley

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OXFORD SQUARE ALLIANCE SUMMER FEST The Oxford Square Alliance hosted its Summer Fest July 30 at various locations around the Square. The family-friendly event included sidewalk sales, a bounce house, refreshments and face painting. photographed by Joey Brent

Maddox and Billy Dycus

Jennifer Homan with Heather, Abigail and Ava Grave Edwards

Rachel, Jake and Emma Farris Morgan

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

Josh, Micah and Brooke Parker

Carolyn Freeman and Taylor Dumas

names Natalie namesLee names and Lisa names Clark names

Kaitlyn and Cassie Fanton with Kaye Bryant and Sean and Kylee Fanton

Matthew, Rachel and Jackson Robinson

Emma Francis and Olivia Zellner

Lane and Kristy Wilson

James and Mark Levy

Giana and Gayle McGee

Josh, Blair and Lincoln Wagner

Luke, Cheryl and Michael Joe Cannon

Grace Alford and Sara Caroline Bridgers

Brook, Bowen, Mac and Christopher Hodges

Morgan names and names Mackenzie names names Hammons names withnames Ginger names Farris

Addison, Blair and Arabela Wagner with Hayden Parker

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OLE MISS LADIES FOOTBALL FORUM The 16th annual Ole Miss Ladies Football Forum was held July 23 on campus. Participants connected with coaches, staff and players, and learned about team recruits, practices and game preparation. photographed by Joey Brent

Becky Robinson and Shirley Graves

Melissa Gore and Rebecca Chism

Dan Werner and John Miller

Pam Quick, Dawn Thurley and Megan McCurdy

Jerrica Groves, Cathy Barnett and Kim Harper

Mary Sellers and Niki Tatum

Tina Ross and Anne Hernandez

Will Reid and Karen Mathis

Isabel Woods and Berene Lowery

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

Chad and Casey Kelly

Allison Crain and Jill Freeze

Betsy Sights and Elizabeth Howard

Denise Guin, Carla Carroll, Michelle Flessas and Jenny Ritter

Erica and Alanna Witcher

Judy Forester, Terri Jackson, Jodie Wright and Ashley Forester

Lee McCartney, Jessica Lynch, Rachel Horn, Toni Capomazza and Debbie Rowland

Tish Robinson, Hugh Freeze, Holly Clark and Kim Eubanks

Jana and Tiffany Spell

Pam Quick, Michelle Zelina and Dawn Thurley

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POKÉMON GO PUB CRAWL The Pokémon Go pub crawl was held July 29 at various locations on the Square. Pokémon Go is a scavenger hunt-type game that uses the GPS in players’ phones to direct them to various locations and capture virtual items. photographed by Joey Brent

Dal Williams and Barbra Gilley

Daniel Garrett and Iva Cramer

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

Max Robinson and Hattie Fisher

Kady Smith and Joseph Brummett

Jake Crews, Drew Rowell and Carson Remler

Josh Heylin and Morgan Gray

Jayson Wirth, Connor King and Christina Huff

Robby Abbott and Peyton Perry

Lindsey Waller and Nancy Campbell

September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

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MID-SUMMER TOMATO DINNER The third annual Mid-Summer Tomato Dinner was held July 15 at Woodson Ridge Farms. The event included live music from Kelley and Jesse Pinion and benefited the Jamaican Education Fund. photographed by Joey Brent

Polly Taylor and Cindy Grant

Hayden and Erin Alexander

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

Mike and Charlotte Wagner

Greg and Erin Brown

Jim and Missy Rainer

Whitney and Patrick Bolen

Nancy Ellis with Beverly and T.R. Trout and Belinda McCafferty

Kelley and Jesse Pinion

Richard Davidson and Ashley Masong

Len and Teresa King

September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

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OLE MISS QUARTERBACK CLUB KICKOFF MEETING The Ole Miss Quarterback Club held its annual kickoff meeting Aug. 5 at the Manning Center with Hugh Freeze as the keynote speaker. The event included dinner and a silent auction. photographed by Joey Brent

Tim and Wendy Traylor

Kay and Warner Alford

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

Hugh Freeze and Ross Bjork

Carol and Earl Winterstein

Bob Pulaski and Art Jumper

Jim and Linda Pitcock

Mary and Calvin Sellers

Ken and Barbara Young

Donna Russell and Juanita Skinner

Sylvia and Gerald Barron

Steve and Anne Shirley

Linda and Charles Jackson

Donna Wade and Carol Jo Barnes with Art and Becki Bressler

Vickie and Stan Paella

Ed Lee with Jane and Robert Hendrix

Bryan Doty and Margaret Nix with Eddie and Mary Cooper

Janet and Hilde Povall with Beth and Jack Yates and Kirk and Al Povall

Darcy Ross and Sally Kate Walker

Kennon Hood, Betty Parham and Eddie Gregory

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21 UNITED FAMILY CAMP A summer camp for families of children with Down syndrome was held at Camp Hopewell July 8-9. Sponsored by 21 United of Mississippi, the camp included childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities and networking, fellowship and educational opportunities. photographed by Michaela Cooper

Brandon Tzib and Lexye Devita

Lucy Thompson

Mindy and Camden Crawley

Frances and Will McCalley

Ray J. Brown with Mary and Samuel Thompson

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

Cole Payne, Alex Russell and Patrick Lane

Coleman Dixon, Cooper Crawley and Joseph Kelly

AbbeyRose King and Ali Walker

Kaitlyn Wright with James and Jenny Rayner

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The Bordeaux September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

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SPORK KICKOFF EVENT Sustainable Practices for Our Restaurant Kitchens, a restaurant sustainability program launched by Sustainable Oxford, held a kickoff party Aug. 2 at the Powerhouse. The family-friendly event included food, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities and live music. photographed by Joey Brent

Edith Green and Sophie Quinn

Phyllis Green and Alison Thompson

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

Jenae Jefferson with Karrian and Derek Brown

Laura Martin and John Green

Ann Fisher-Wirth, Anne McCauley, Michelle Robinson and Lindsey Abernathy

Alice Norman and Haley Rowell

Tony Halcin, Sheena Edwards, Marissa Wyant and Gregory Green

Marco Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Emidio and Steven Hopper

Kyle and Stevie Campbell

September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

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MEET THE REBELS Ole Miss supporters gathered Aug. 13 at the Manning Center for the Meet the Rebels event, where athletes, coaches, cheerleaders and Rebelettes signed autographs, took photos and visited with Rebels fans. photographed by Joey Brent

Jack and Anne Jernigan

Tyler Rice, Jordan Hoecherl and Jessica Jones

Haley Murphy with Angela and Mark Wiggins

Sean, Henry, Mims and Ford Pigg

Jeff and Tim Stine

Karen, Collins and David Blackburn

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

Wanda and Mary Beth Pearcy

Chrissy, Collin and Richard Chandler

Kaley Crook and Christian Robinson

Kelsea, Kyler and Karlea Roberson

Amanda, Ann Moore and Barbara McAnally

Will Whatley and Katie Criddle

Anne Threlkeld, Andres Case, Brady Bramlett and J.J. Eftink

Kara and Weston Lanteigne

Jennifer Whitney, McKenna Dycus and Jayce Whitney

Gayle Stephens, Pam Quick, Kendall Jones and Dawn Thurley

Trinity, Lucie, Suzie, Maggie and Eric Davis

Christian and Pierce Albarracin

Jim and Lawson Moffatt with Joseph and Cole Murphy

September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

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LITERACY COUNCIL FRIEND RAISER The Lafayette County Literacy Council hosted its Friend Raiser on Aug. 2 at the Barksdale-Isom House. The event included refreshments and a presentation of volunteer options. photographed by Joey Brent

Deborah Purnell and Marie Barnard

Simms Haguewood and Meagan Monroe

INVITATION OXFORD | September 2016

Shelby Shelton and Caroline Templton

Kerri Hame and Alex Sanders

Josh Underwood and Robert Decurtins

Marianna Ochs and Kristen Phillips

Blair Bravo, Hayley Cheatham and Sarah Siebert

Emily and Mary Mac Ferris

Angela Stringer and Ashley Olson

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BOWLING FOR BRAVERY Members of Leadership Lafayette hosted a bowling event July 21 at Premier Lanes. The tournament was in conjunction with the Young Professionals of Oxfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Third Thursday event and benefited Family Crisis Services of Northwest Mississippi Inc. photographed by Joey Brent

Jamie Flanagin and Beverly Moorehead

Nathan Smith with Todd and Jessica Windham and Lance Sipes

Chris and Janet Mahew

Monica Pruitt, Loren Young, Ashley Adams, Corey Ussery and Buffie Jordan

Tracy and Bennett Dickinson

Cecil Bowers, Deetra Wiley and Emery Newsom

Eli and Jennifer Lasky

Brittni, Lincoln and Jarred Hancock

Jennifer and Scott Romero

April Stratton and Meredith Rawl

Jeff Anglin and Callie Everett

names names Amy Goodin names and names Colin names Wattigney names names

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Desiree Hensley, Lynn Wilkins and Beth Ann Fennelly

Sam and Jacob Pryor

Kendra Taylor and Conrad Adams

Bonnie Farris and Heather Tutor

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ZETA TAU ALPHA MEMBERSHIP MEETING Oxford area alumni members of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority held an annual membership meeting and luncheon Aug. 6 at Cedar Oaks. photographed by Joey Brent

Margie McLeod and Tina Joyner

Kay Lowe and Rachel West

Nikki Fauver and Carolyn Lott

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Ruth Owens, Carol McGonagill and Clarissa Burchfield

Nan Davis, Lisa Mooney and Kristen Brewer

Kelsey McPherson and Carol Carpenter

Becky Killen and Carolyn Carter

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY PETRE THOMAS

Breeland Speaks

With a strong set of returning players and a promising crop of new recruits, the Ole Miss football team has its sights set high for the 2016 season.

written by Ben Garrett

Led by second-year quarterback Chad Kelly, Ole Miss is barreling toward September focused on championships. The Rebels came close last year to their first-ever SEC championship game (they finished 10-3 overall and 6-2 in SEC games, falling a game short of Alabama in the SEC West), and the sting of what could have been still lingers. Kelly said he opted against an early entry into the NFL Draft to return for his senior season because of unfinished business. “It wasn’t a tough decision at all because I really want to win an SEC championship and

a national championship,” he said. “That’s our main goal. That’s the whole team’s goal. We really feel like we can do that.” Kelly leads a quarterback group that now boasts former five-star prospect Shea Patterson, a freshman who enrolled in January following a decorated prep career. Patterson was regarded as the No. 1 overall quarterback in the country by Scout.com. A USA Today All-American, Patterson led IMG Academy of Bradenton, Florida, to an undefeated season as a senior, completing 79 of 129 passes for 1,533 yards and 18 touchdowns.

“I said in recruiting I thought he was the most college-ready quarterback I’d seen in my short college career,” Ole Miss Head Coach Hugh Freeze said. “His mechanics are really good. He understands the game. He’s fearless. For now, though, Patterson is at best competing for No. 2 with redshirt freshman Jason Pellerin. Kelly is inarguably the face of the program following an All-SEC junior season after breaking or tying 14 single-season school records, including total offense yards, touchdowns responsible for, passing yards and completion percentage. He threw for 300 yards

With 32 tackles, a sack and two pass breakups in the 2015 season, sophomore defensive tackle Breeland Speaks from Jackson is at the forefront of Ole Miss defense.

September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

PHOTOGRAPHED BY PETRE THOMAS

shea patterson

in eight of the team’s 13 games, the most in school history. But he’s just one of many weapons in the Ole Miss offensive backfield. While Kelly finished second on the team in rushing with 500 yards, now-senior Akeem Judd wasn’t far behind with 421. Freeze and staff are excited about the potential of redshirt freshman Eric Swinney. The former four-star prospect sat out last season with a leg injury. “Eric Swinney, it seems, ran over someone every day in spring practices,” Dan Werner, Ole Miss co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, said. “He has a rare combination of power and shiftiness.” Perhaps no positions are as well-stocked as

the Ole Miss wide receivers and tight ends, led by senior Evan Engram, who is first in school history in receptions and receiving yards by a tight end. Eyes are on veterans Damore’ea Stringfellow and Quincy Adeboyejo, among others, as well as freshmen A.J. Brown and Oxford native D.K. Metcalf. “I have a hard time believing there’s a better freshman group of wide receivers in the country,” Paul Jackson, strength and conditioning coach, said. “D.K. Metcalf is probably the most physically prepared to do the work in our area. He’s in great shape. But athletically you see it in all of them.” Along with a talented and deep, if inexperienced, crop of returning players on the

offensive line, Ole Miss added a signing class that ranked top five in the country. The headliner, five-star Greg Little, could very well step in at left tackle. “We have some big shoes to fill from last year,” Matt Luke, co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, said, “but I feel confident we can get it done.” If the old adage holds true that defense wins championships, then the Rebels’ post season hopes will hinge on a defense not lacking in talent and big names, despite some notable losses. Ole Miss will look to Marquis Haynes, D.J. Jones and Breeland Speaks, to name a few, to lead the way. CONTINUED ON PAGE 100

Shea Patterson, the freshman quarterback out of Shreveport, Louisiana, was a five-star prospect and regarded as the No. 1 overall quarterback in the country by Scout.com.

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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SCOUT

Deontay Anderson from Manvel, Texas, committed to Ole Miss on National Signing Day in February, but he didn’t simply slip on a hat or T-shirt to reveal his pick. He took his announcement a step farther. Or higher. About 13,000 feet higher. To make his decision public, the four-star safety and Under Armour All-American posted a video to Bleacher Report in which he was shown skydiving – the experience recorded via a GoPro camera. As he descended, graphics of each of the schools he’d considered (Ole Miss, Alabama, LSU and Texas) popped up, with Can’t Let It Go by Moosh & Twist playing in the background. Once he made his landing, he opened his jacket Superman-style to reveal an Ole Miss T-shirt. “Hotty Toddy,” he said, flashing the Landshark hand signal to his forehead. “I just love Ole Miss,” Anderson would later say of his commitment. “It’s so genuine. The people are genuine. I love their coaches, too, and their players are cool. It’s just a great program. I fit in really good there. It’s amazing.” The 6-foot-1, 202-pound Anderson was rated the No. 57 overall prospect in the country by Scout.com and the No. 4 safety. Ole Miss graduated safeties Trae Elston and Mike Hilton after the 2015 season, meaning Anderson could be asked to jump headfirst – figuratively, this time – into a starting role as a true freshman. “I describe my game as salty,” Anderson said. “I have a lot of speed, I have a lot of strength, and I’m very aware. My game resembles Sean Taylor and Ed Reed. I love to watch them because Sean Taylor is a great hitter, and Ed Reed is a ballhawk.” Ole Miss can only hope Anderson’s career resembles Taylor’s or Reed’s. And that his skydiving days are behind him. September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

PHOTOGRAPHED BY PETRE THOMAS

d.k. metcalf

“Last year Breeland did an excellent job stepping up to the plate when his name was called,” Haynes said. “He really contributed a lot towards helping us win games. We’re going to have a whole lot of rotation going on. We need that rotation.” If there’s one area of concern for Ole Miss, it’s a linebacker corps that is rather thin on paper. However, junior All-SEC candidate DeMarquis Gates is back, and the Rebels added Rommel Mageo in the spring. The 6-foot-2, 233-pound Oregon State transfer started 10 games for the Beavers last

season, registering 87 tackles. “The SEC is the best, and I want to play against the best,” Mageo said. “Ole Miss is a program that intrigued me because they’re a program on the rise and a program that has already beaten the best. Plus, they needed help at linebacker.” Perhaps no position on the roster took a bigger hit this off-season than the secondary. Last year, Tony Conner suffered a knee injury in the Rebels’ win at Alabama and was all but lost for the rest of the season. Prior to injury, he was considered a potential first-round pick.

“I like our safeties,” Freeze said. “I think we’ve got to continue to improve not giving up the big plays. Hopefully we’ll get Tony back there. I’m excited. I think we can be solid back there.” Ole Miss can at least rest easy with its specialists, as both kicker/punter Gary Wunderlich and punter Will Gleeson are returning. The more experience, the better because the path to a championship begins in earnest Sept. 5 against Florida State, and there’s no time to relax, with Alabama and Georgia to follow later in the month. The Rebels are ready and welcome the opportunity.

Oxford native and wide receiver D.K. Metcalf helped lead the Oxford High School Chargers to three straight state championships.

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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF USA TODAY IMAGES

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NFL Draft was a big moment for Ole Miss as five Rebels were picked to head to the NFL.

rommel mageo

fahn cooper

San Francisco 49ers, offensive line

cody core

Cincinnati Bengals, wide receiver

robert nkemdiche

PHOTOGRAPHED BY PETRE THOMAS

Arizona Cardinals, defensive tackle

eric swinney

Eyes are on Oregon State transfer linebacker Rommell Mageo and freshman running back Eric Swinney.

Laquon treadwell Minnesota Vikings, receiver

Laremy Tunsil Miami Dolphins, left tackle

written by Lee Catherine Collins photographed by Josh McCoy

Quarterback Chad Kelly (center), with Coach Freeze and then-teammate Laquon Treadwell, celebrates Ole Miss’ 2016 Sugar Bowl victory.

Quarterback Chad Kelly is building his own legacy as an Ole Miss Rebel. There’s something about this young quarterback from Buffalo, New York. Whether it’s the 14 school records Chad Kelly broke last year or the way he led his teammates to the 2016 Sugar Bowl, nothing excites Ole Miss fans like a talented leader with a steadfast resolution to win. Kelly brings an electricity to the game that fans think could parallel that of Ole Miss legends like Archie and Eli Manning. Maybe it’s the way he digs deep and rallies his team in the face of opposition. Maybe it’s his cannon arm – his ability to make plays and put the ball right where he wants it. Maybe it’s the way he can sacrifice himself for the gain or touchdown. Maybe it’s his keen eye, the way he can analyze plays and his ability to execute. Maybe it’s the way he plows forward and takes a hit.

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Thanks to those skills and a talented team and coaching staff, Kelly finished last season with 4,542 total yards of offense and 4,042 passing yards (an Ole Miss record). Both are the third-most in a season in SEC history, while his 41 total touchdowns are tied for seventh all-time in league records. The Rebels swept the state of Alabama on the road for the first time in program history and topped it all off with the first Sugar Bowl victory since 1970. To fans, Kelly’s commitment to Ole Miss and successes at quarterback are the answer to a prayer. For Kelly, the relationship is mutual. When faced with the decision of where to go after being dismissed from Clemson in 2014, Kelly knew Ole Miss was where he wanted to be. Coach Hugh Freeze proved to be

a major factor in that decision. “The first time I thought about rolling with them, I asked myself, ‘Can I trust them?’ ” Kelly said. “The answer was yes. I felt an immediate connection with him because of his honesty.” Kelly feels the thing that really clicked for him at Ole Miss was the family atmosphere that he encountered. “Everyone looks out for one another, and that doesn’t apply to only me,” he said. He described the atmosphere on campus and in the athletics departments as “happy and genuine.” For a young man like Kelly, with strong ties and an unwavering commitment to family, Freeze’s family-centered program proved to be a place where he could thrive. “I probably talk to him [Coach Freeze] more about life than about football,” Kelly said.

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It was a memorable New Year's Day in New Orleans when the Ole Miss Rebels crushed the Oklahoma State Cowboys 48-20 in the 2016 Allstate Sugar Bowl. photographed by Josh McCoy/Ole Miss Athletics

For the first time since 1970 and the Archie Manning era, Ole Miss competed in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, held in the New Orleans Superdome on Jan. 1. The Rebels dominated the Oklahoma State Cowboys with a final score of 48-20. Top to bottom: The Ole Miss Pride of the South marching band performs at a pep rally outside the Superdome; a handpainted football pays homage to the 1970 Sugar Bowl and Archie Manning; wide receiver Laquon Treadwell celebrates the victory.

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Thousands of Ole Miss fans flocked to New Orleans to ring in the New Year with the Rebels. Before the big game, they hit the streets of the French Quarter, attended a Mardi Gras-style parade and joined the crowd at the Jackson Square New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve party. Top: A young fan tips a hat to Head Coach Hugh Freeze before Freeze heads out to the field with his team.

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Quarterback Chad Kelly completed 21 of 33 passes for 302 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Laquon Treadwell caught six passes for 71 yards and three touchdowns. Kelly returns to Ole Miss as starting quarterback for the 2016 season while Treadwell heads to Minnesota for his rookie year with the Vikings. Above: Coach Hugh Freeze was awarded a postgame celebratory splash from the team after they won the Sugar Bowl and finished their 2015 season 10-3 under his direction.

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Former Rebels pitcher Brady Bramlett is enjoying his work with Ole Miss athletics and is an advocate for NCAA student athletes. written by Toni Overby photographed by Joe Worthem

Brady Bramlett was

selected in the 2016 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft in June, but the former Ole Miss pitcher decided to forgo the draft and return to Oxford. Instead of a starting a professional baseball career, he opted to stay at Ole Miss, focus on a graduate degree and pursue a career in college athletics. He called Ole Miss Director of Athletics Ross Bjork and asked if he had a place for him. “I was glad to hear Ross say I was part of the Ole Miss family and he would love to have me,” Bramlett said.

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The Bartlett, Tennessee, native was recruited by Ole Miss when he was just a sophomore in high school. After graduating from Arlington High School in 2012, Bramlett received a baseball scholarship and was a starting pitcher for the Rebels as a freshman. In the next four years, he left his legacy on the mound, leading the SEC in strikeouts and shutout victories, and was inducted into the University of Mississippi’s 2015-2016 Hall of Fame. Bramlett is now a graduate assistant in the athletics department while working on his masters in integrated marketing communica-

tions. He has been involved in student-athlete affairs since his sophomore year at Ole Miss, when the assistant director of student-athlete development, Derek Cowherd, approached him about a position on the NCAA National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). The SAAC, established in 1989, was formed so student athletes would have input on NCAA activities and proposed legislation. After going through an intensive selection process with the committee, Bramlett was chosen for the position. He is now a voice and advocate for collegiate student athletes.

“My job on this committee is to preserve the student-athlete experience while also maintaining their welfare,” Bramlett said. “Until recently, student athletes had no way of bringing concerns or needs to the NCAA ‘table.’ I am that voice. If changes need to be made, I bring them before the NCAA. The student now has as equal a vote as the athletic directors do.” With 32 members in SAAC, Bramlett, now co-chair, has the responsibility of representing every athlete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Bramlett’s main priority right now is easing

the time demands placed on student athletes across the country. He says even though the athletes are grateful for the opportunity to play collegiate sports, changes could be made to ensure they have more time outside of practice and game time to study and rest. “Student athletes are not complaining,” he said. “We just want our coaches, schools and the NCAA to understand that the liberty of our time outside the playing field should be respected as much as it is inside.” Working with SAAC and Ole Miss athletics has also fueled Bramlett’s interest in the

behind-the-scenes aspects of college sports. “So much has to take place before any game, baseball included,” he said. “The average fan who attends probably has no idea what occurs to make these games run smoothly, especially if the games are airing on television. “There’s so much work the administra tion and staff does to ready the facilities and the ticketing box,” he continued. “Most Ole Miss baseball fans would agree we give them one of the best experiences out there. It’s easy to see why over 9,000 fans fill our seats at any given game.” September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

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Brady Bramlett may be known for his skills on the baseball field, but he’s also a gifted singer. PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE LIVING MUSIC RESOURCE

Brady Bramlett isn’t just a talented

athlete; he’s also an accomplished artist. An injury sophomore year set him out for the 2014 baseball season. Bramlett, who had previously studied music, joined various choirs on the Ole Miss campus, including Men’s Glee and the University Chorus. That year, he traveled with the university choirs for 10 days through Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic on a concert tour. “We sang at churches and cathedrals in all the cities we visited,” he said. “I saw some of the most amazing places. Our final performance was with the University of Vienna choir, a truly incredible experience.” Over the last two years, Nancy Maria Balach, associate professor of music at Ole Miss and the creator/editor/host of Living Music Resource™ (LMR), has worked closely with him. Bramlett collaborated with LMR and was featured in two of their events. In December 2015, he, along with Head Baseball Coach Mike Bianco and Ole Miss Director of Choral Activities Donald Trott were featured guests on LMR’s Beat, an innovative live-stream interview series that Balach hosted. Beat focused on the commonalities between baseball and music. “There was a national viewing audience and engaged Oxford public school children listening in,” Balach said. “This was the start of an exciting collaboration between athletics and music.” Using footage from Beat interviews, along with games and performances, Living Music Resource created a documentary about Bramlett titled He’s Got Great Pitch. The premiere of the film took place at LMR’s inaugural Humanities Affair fundraising event in March 2016 at the Inn at Ole Miss. “I was honored and proud to feature Brady, an amazing singer, athlete, role model, student and person,” Balach said. “I am excited to see what the future holds for him. My life has been enriched through my work with this amazing young man.”

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Top: Nancy Maria Balach, creator of the University of Mississippi’s Living Music Resource, talks with Brady Bramlett, Donald Trott and Mike Bianco during the live stream of Beat, an interview series that focused on the connection between baseball and music. Above: Bramlett performs at the He’s Got Great Pitch event last March.

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WITH NEARLY 3,000 INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS, THESE FOUR-LEGGED OLE MISS FANS HAVE BECOME LOCAL CELEBRITIES. written by Katherine Henson photographed by Joe Worthem

In 2015, Leslie Cobb drove from her home in Oxford to New Orleans to pick up her new white, short-haired French bulldog. Her family’s long Ole Miss heritage made picking a name for her new pet an easy task. “My whole family went to Ole Miss, and we are die-hard fans, so there was not a question we would name our little Frenchie Archie,” Leslie said. Seven months later, Leslie and now fiancé Kurt Pollan decided to give Archie a partner. This time, they drove to Biloxi and welcomed a black French bulldog, Olivia, to the family.

“She rode in my lap the whole way home,” said Steven Cobb, Leslie’s 8-year-old son. “Steven is definitely Olivia’s favorite. She sleeps with him every night,” Leslie added. “They have always had this special bond.” The bulldogs’ Instagram account, @oxfordarchie, began when Leslie found herself sending an overload of pictures to her friends and family of the two photogenic and humorous canines. “My friends and family would get so many pictures of Archie and Olivia, I had to find another outlet so everyone could see how funny

and cute they are,” she said. With videos of their snorting sounds and pictures of their comical poses, the duo have become a huge hit on social media. The @oxfordarchie Instagram account is nearing 3,000 followers and growing daily. Susan Tullos, owner of Archie’s canine mom in New Orleans, loves keeping in touch with Archie and Olivia through Instagram. “I am Archie’s human grandma, and it makes my day to see the funny captions and photos of Archie and Olivia; the two ‘vogue’ so well,” Tullos said.

Leslie Cobb (pictured above with son Steven and fiancé Kurt Pollan) enjoys documenting the daily adventures of French bulldogs Archie and Olivia on Instagram @oxfordarchie. September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

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“ARCHIE AND OLIVIA LOVE PEOPLE, AND THEY LOVE OLE MISS.” -STEVEN COBB The two bulldogs don’t just have an online presence. They are often seen sashaying through town, almost always boasting Rebels gear. Archie can be seen in an Ole Miss football jersey and bow tie, while Olivia sports her navy Ole Miss cheerleading outfit. The two pups ride around the Square in their wagon and stop to be petted by Oxford friends. They have developed quite the local fan base and are considered the newest canine socialites of the town. “Archie and Olivia love people, and they love Ole Miss,” Steven said. When the family is at home watching Ole Miss away football games, Archie and Olivia will do cheerful victory laps around the living room when Ole Miss scores a touchdown. “Even our friends who are Mississippi State fans love Archie and Olivia. They try to say they are more State fans because of the bulldog connection, but I just tell them Archie and Olivia are smart bulldogs,” Leslie said. She plans to one day add three more French bulldog puppies to the family. Their names, of course, have already been determined. Follow @oxfordarchie on Instagram for more photos.

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written by Melanie Crownover

Renovations to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium’s north end zone put student fans front and center. Expect more excitement and energy from University of Mississippi students cheering on the Rebels this year, thanks to VaughtHemingway Stadium’s new north end zone, which was designed just for them. Ole Miss senior Anissa Muñoz will be among the students sitting in the new section for the first home game Sept. 10. “Everyone I know is excited to get in the stands of that new student section,” Muñoz, a Texas native, said. “Since our stadium is one of the smaller ones in the SEC, bringing us together and giving us more room to be rowdy for our team is a good strategy.” The upgraded north end zone transforms

the existing stadium into a 360-degree bowl shape, adding 2,000 student tickets to the annual allotment and increasing stadium capacity from 60,500 fans to 64,038. The new section also sports its own concession stands and multiple bathrooms. Situated closest to the Grove, officials expect the convenient location to help students more quickly transition from tailgate parties to their seats on game day along the new Gertrude C. Ford Way. “When they walk in for that first home game, it’ll be a whole different VaughtHemingway experience with lots of new technology and a brand-new feel because student

spirit will be at the helm,” said Keith Carter, senior associate athletics director for development. “Even the band will be there in that northeast corner to keep the energy going.” Money for the $26.5 million renovation came from individual donations to the Ole Miss Athletic Foundation and the Forward Together capital campaign. Demolition began after the last 2015 home game. The new north end zone may be the biggest change fans will enjoy when they reach the stadium this year, but it is certainly not the only one. New sound and lighting systems were installed during the off-season, and natural grass September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

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“When they walk in for that first home game, it’ll be a whole different Vaught-Hemingway experience with lots of new technology and a brand-new feel because student spirit will be at the helm.” -Keith Carter

The summer of 2016 meant big changes for Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, including renovations to the north end zone. The transformation into a 360-degree bowl also included an extended student section and installation of natural grass turf and new video boards. At press time, renovations were not yet completed.

turf is on the field for the first time in more than a decade. Additionally, two new 30-by-50 video boards flank the south end zone structure to make instant replays visible from both sides of the field. The student section should be finished shortly after the fall semester begins in August,

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according to Carter. And in time for the 2017 spring game weekend, construction should also be done on the North End Zone Plaza’s monumental 60-foot-tall Lloyd Bell Tower. In addition to the Walk of Champions tradition for the players, the bell will call Rebels fans from the Grove to the stadium when it’s

time to head to the game. “This north end zone is something we’ve needed for a while to make our stadium feel whole,” Carter said. “It’s a section of their own for students to be proud of, where they’ll be a key part of the game day atmosphere from beginning to end.”

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The Oxford High School Chargers played on home turf for the 2015 state football championship game, held for the first time at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. photographed by Joe Worthem

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Head Coach Johnny Hill led the Oxford High School Chargers to the state championship game for the last time after 40 years of coaching. The Chargers, who have competed in the MHSAA Class 5A state championship for three consecutive years, fell short to the Wayne County War Eagles 41-45 in a dramatic finish.

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The state championship game was held at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for the first time, where the Chargers got the chance to play in their own backyard. Fans tailgated Ole Missstyle with tents and food in the Grove and boasted their hometown pride and support for the team with signs, cheers, performances from the marching band and even body paint.

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These former Ole Miss athletes are dedicated to their alma mater through their jobs at the university. interviewed by Lanie Anderson photographed by Joe Worthem

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Grant Heard

Grant Heard thought it was a natural progression to return to his alma mater as the wide receivers coach of the Ole Miss football team when Head Coach Hugh Freeze asked him about the job in 2012. Heard, a wide receiver at Ole Miss from 1996 to 2000, coached under Freeze at Lambuth University and Arkansas State University and trusted his leadership to revive the football program at Ole Miss. “The atmosphere that Coach Freeze has created here is the biggest thing,” Heard said. “It’s truly a family, and it’s a great feeling to come to work every day knowing the people you work with and the guys you coach.” Heard is most impressed with the overall care the Ole Miss football program gives its players – not just as athletes but as people. “The football side is such a small part of it,” Heard said. “We want to grow great young men – not only great football players. We want them to be successful in life, whether that means playing in the NFL or getting a job and having a family after college.” As a former wide receiver now coaching wide receivers, Heard said that he stresses the importance of determination and confidence to his players. “The biggest thing [I tell them] is to impose our will on our opposition,” Heard said. “Let’s dictate what we want them to do. The next thing is that we must have a sense of confidence when we step off the bus, whether for practice or a game. We’ve got to think we’re the best guys out there and play like it.” A major milestone for Heard was wide receiver Laquon Treadwell’s comeback from a major injury last season. “It was awesome to watch a young man with a heartbeat [for football] who had something taken away from him come back and be better than he was,” Heard said. “It helped me and a lot of guys in the locker room because bad things happen in life, but the best thing you can do is to keep working hard and chasing after your goals and dreams.”

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lauren beyers

In February, Lauren Beyers celebrated 10 years of employment at the University of Mississippi Foundation. It also marked the 15th anniversary of the former Ole Miss Rebel volleyball player’s last game in Gillom Sports Center. Lauren, who is married to Ole Miss women’s tennis coach Mark Beyers, does yoga some mornings with the women’s tennis team on the volleyball court at Gillom Sports Center. It’s a nostalgic experience for her. “They’re tearing down Gillom right now,” she said. “I remember when Gillom was built. It only had stands and fans – no air conditioning. It’s cool to see the growth that’s happened with athletics and the benefits these student athletes have that I didn’t have.” Beyers is the director of project management and research at the foundation and evaluates what does and does not work when it comes to fundraising for the university. “I feel like I’m helping to secure the funds for these better facilities, not only for student athletes but for all students,” Beyers said, referring to new buildings such as the student union and the honors college. “We [at the foundation] are reminded in our meetings that we’re here for the students, and we’re really passionate about that.” Lauren still attends volleyball games, and the former Texan is excited to see volleyball’s growing popularity in Mississippi. “I remember feeling like people here did not understand the sport because it’s not offered in a lot of high schools in the state,” she said. “It’s really neat for me to see the huge crowds that volleyball gets now because we didn’t have crowds that big when I was playing.” Lauren understands the time commitment that collegiate volleyball players dedicate not only to the sport but also to their fans, through appearances and marketing events. “They’re so scheduled, and they have it harder than I did in a lot of ways,” she said. “They lift weights at 6 a.m. and have heavy class loads. Time goes so fast, and [I would advise them] to be grateful for every day.”

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deterrian “d.t.” shackelford Deterrian “D.T.” Shackelford, Ole Miss linebacker from 2009 to 2014, tries to enjoy football games in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium now as a fan. Although his days as a student athlete are behind him, Shackelford is an important player in raising funds for current and future athletes as assistant director of development and major gifts at the University of Mississippi Athletics Foundation. “It’s breathtaking because I’ve met the people that make sacrifices for [student athletes],” Shackelford said. “The donors that give philanthropically receive nothing in return except seeing student athletes succeed. I’ve become more thankful as a former athlete.” Shackelford is also pursuing his doctorate in higher education. Since he graduated in 2015, he said his perspective has shifted from that of a student athlete to that of a mentor, and he stresses the importance and permanence of education for football players and other athletes. “I really preach to athletes a focus on academic pursuits,” he said. “I know that there are different situations they come from and different socioeconomic statuses, but academia has its way of putting us all on a level playing field … Athletics is temporary, but what you have ‘up top,’ so to speak, far outweighs what you can do athletically.” Upon graduation, Shackelford took the job at the athletics foundation and said his choice to remain at his alma mater was “selfexplanatory,” referring to the university and community that supported him as a student athlete. Now as a fan at the football games, he tries to show the passionate support he received as a player. “It’s awesome being a fan and seeing what those student athletes do on a daily basis,” Shackelford said. “I have a different respect for them. I do my best to come out [to the football games] and see if they hear my yelling voice. I can only hope it works.”

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chris malloy

Chris Malloy had an advantage when he accepted the head coaching position for the Ole Miss men’s golf team; he knew the SEC golf courses like the back of his hand. Malloy was on the Rebels’ golf team from 1996 to 2000 and held coaching positions at the University of South Florida and Florida State University. “I tell my players, ‘I could physically walk you through where I made my mistakes on the same golf courses you’re playing on now,’ ” Malloy said. “It lends itself to my credibility. I’ve carried the same [Ole Miss] bag. I was a part of something special and took pride in it.” Malloy is entering his third season at the University of Mississippi, but when Director of Athletics Ross Bjork asked Malloy about returning to Oxford in 2014, the husband and father of two was unsure until Bjork convinced him of the community’s draw for families. “When I was a student here, I didn’t know anything about how good Oxford was for raising a family,” Malloy said. “That’s not what you’re concerned about as a student. The interview process opened my eyes to the other side of Oxford.” Malloy is passionate about Ole Miss and Oxford, making it easy for him to recruit prospective student golfers. He is also aware of the positive morale that Bjork and others in Ole Miss Athletics have garnered from Rebels fans since he was a student athlete. “When [Ole Miss] doesn’t win, people are up in arms,” Malloy said. “We’re okay with that. We’ve raised the bar as an athletic department, and that’s a good thing. We hear people talk about ‘the new normal,’ and that’s awesome.” Malloy said there is one downside to coaching at his alma mater. “When I was coaching at FSU or USF, I would root for the sports teams, but if they lost, I’m an Ole Miss Rebel at the end of the day,” Malloy said. “I had two teams, and at least one of them could win. All of my eggs are in one basket now.”

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Visit Batesville, Mississippi

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Visit Batesville, Mississippi

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After bringing home the state championship trophy last year, the Lafayette Middle School cheerleading squad and Coach Tracie Riddle gear up for another winning season. written by Toni Overby photographed by Joe Worthem

LAFAYETTE MIDDLE SCHOOL cheerleaders rallied their way to victory at the Mississippi High School Athletics Association Junior High State Championship in Ocean Springs in 2015, beating six other teams to win the Class 1-4A division. In winning the championship, the LMS squad had zero penalties or deductions, a feat Coach Tracie Riddle said she and the girls were aiming for. “We had a ton of talent and drive,” Riddle said. “We really grew over the season, so I expected us to perform well. We were prepared.” Riddle previously coached the LMS cheerleading squad for five years before taking a break from it to raise her kids and work on her Master of Education degree. This will be her second year back as the head cheer coach. “I was a dancer, so my experience with cheer simply came from coaching,” she said. “Polishing eight-counts easily corresponds to both cheer and dance. I had to learn a good bit when it comes to proper stunt techniques, grips and motion placement, however. ” LMS cheerleading tryouts are held every March. The newly formed squad immediately begins weekly practices and training at the school gym under the tutelage of Riddle and assistant coach Avery Lorick. The girls also attend Universal Cheerleading Association

Winning the 1-4A division in the 2015 Mississippi High School Athletics Association Junior High State Championship meant a lot of dedication and practice for the LMS cheerleading squad, who focused on technique and teamwork.

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“To build up teamwork we played games that encouraged us to build trust, and if a stunt group or even one person was having a bad day, our team was ready to pick them up and tell them they could do it.” -Ella Armstrong camp at the University of Mississippi in June. In July and August, the squad learns and practices its competition routines and continues meeting for practice twice a week and some Saturdays to further prepare for the upcoming competition season. “In the weeks before state, we spent most of our practices running the routine until we got it right,” said eighth-grader Ally Bryan, a current cheerleader and member of last year’s championship squad. “Not only did we have to train our physical selves but mentally as well. We did a lot of team bonding to get closer. It helped tremendously.” The team also cheers at seventh- and eighth-grade football and basketball games and works with the student council to hold pep rallies at the middle school in the fall. Former LMS squad member Macie Childers has been cheering with a competitive team nearly all her life but had never experienced the thrill of cheering on the sidelines. “I tried out for my middle school squad because I wanted to do both,” Childers said. “We worked together as a team and individually before competition. We pushed ourselves to be the best we could be, and we strived to win. We gave up many weekends with friends, and [we spent] weeknights practicing and practicing. We loved what we were doing, and nothing stopped us from being the very best we could be.” Teammate Ella Armstrong hadn’t given much thought to cheerleading until tryouts last year, but once she joined and her squad won state, she was hooked. “[We] worked really hard last year to get to state,” she said. “To build up teamwork we played games that encouraged us to build trust, and if a stunt group or even one person was having a bad day, our team was ready to pick them up and tell them they could do it.” Riddle and Lorick have worked hard to

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Clockwise from top: Over the summer, the squad practiced up to three times a week for this state championships, to be held this fall. At the Universal Cheerleading Association camp, held at Ole Miss, the team learns new stunts and routines. With the assistance of Coach Tracie Riddle, the team is aiming for another state title.

forge that team spirit. “It does not benefit us at all to have one great flyer or one great tumbler or one great stunt group,” Riddle said. “We must all be great. No position is permanent; all members

learn all positions so we can be flexible.” This year, the LMS cheer squad hopes to build on its winning momentum, adding more UCA competitions to its schedule and competing for another state title.

“I would one day like to attend UCA Nationals in Orlando,” Riddle said. “It would take a ton of fundraising, practice and dedication, but I believe Lafayette has the talent and ability to do great things in the cheer world.” September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

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As executive director of the Mind Matters Foundation, Chyna Ward is dedicated to the prevention of sportsrelated head injuries and keeping young athletes safe and healthy.

hen Chyna Ward was asked to help start the Mind Matters Foundation, it was a no-brainer. The former athlete, who worked for 18 years with Ole Miss athletics and for five head football coaches, was passionate about sports and saw the need to improve safety procedures and injury prevention. “I grew up with a single mom, in a tiny Arkansas town, and sports were my only way out,” Ward said. “I would never have made it where I am today if I hadn’t been an athlete myself. Truly, it is all some of these kids in our state have, and it’s our responsibility to protect them.” Ole Miss fan and entrepreneur Ty Bauer of the financial company Coker and Palmer reached out to Ward in 2015 to help start the Mind Matters Foundation. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to “provide equipment, resources, education and research for concussion prevention for every athlete.” “Concussions had become big talk by then, and companies were beginning to develop tools to help understand exactly what was happening every time a player was hit,” she said. Both the NFL and colleges were able to fund studies and develop preventive measures for concussions, but younger players were not receiving as much attention. “Ty and I realized high schools and junior highs did not have anyone truly advocating for their players, simply because of a lack of resources,” Ward said. Ward spent her time researching head injuries and learning all she could about the misconceptions surrounding them. “The biggest problem with diagnosing a concussion is that every hit is different, even if

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written by Toni Overby

photographed by Joey Brent

they register the same,” she said. “A brain is like a thumbprint; each one is completely unique.” Because of those differences, Ward says the most important medical screening to offer athletes is a baseline test, defined by the Centers for Disease Control as a computerized assessment that measures aspects of the brain to help determine if an athlete has gotten a concussion. “The CDC’s Heads Up fact sheet about concussions, offered to all coaches, is a great resource to understand why baseline testing is so important,” Ward said. Almost immediately after opening its doors, the foundation was able to oversee and work side by side in a statewide high school pilot program with X2 Biosystems. Five high schools participated in the program, with the primary criterion being that each school have an available athletic trainer. X2 Biosystems provided XPatches and iPads to each school. The XPatch is a sensor that is placed behind an athlete’s ear to record and measure every hit. After each use, the athletic trainer removed the chip and loaded the information into a program that graphed and measured every point of contact. “Our biggest accomplishment so far was this pilot program,” Ward said. “It gave us the opportunity to work alongside some amazing athletic trainers that work tirelessly to take care of our children. “I’m one of the biggest competitors you’ll meet and a huge advocate of sports, including football,” she continued. “But the fact still remains, if you don’t allow a concussion to heal properly, you open an athlete up to problems down the road.”

Chyna Ward is committed to the health of athletes with the Mind Matters Foundation. Along with improving safety procedures and injury prevention, her current focus is to increase the number of athletic trainers at junior high and high schools.

Next on Ward’s agenda is to work with the foundation to help increase the number of athletic trainers at the junior high and high school levels. “I had no idea that these schools did not have athletic trainers in place,” Ward said. “They are so necessary to the health of our athletes.” Certified physical therapist Jason Yarber with Performance Physical Therapy Inc., who

volunteers his services with Booneville High School, has seen firsthand the important work Ward is doing. “The Mind Matters Foundation has done a phenomenal job bringing to light the need for more athletic trainers and baseline screening to protect our high school and junior high athletes,” Yarber said. For more information or to donate, visit themindmattersfoundation.com. September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

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University of Mississippi fans young and old spend their fall weekends cheering on the Rebels. From tailgates in the Grove to the stands in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Ole Miss fans know how to celebrate. photographed by Joe Worthem

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Hosting a tailgate party at the Grove means pulling out all the stops, with intricately decorated sugar cookies boasting school pride and decadent sweets served atop crystal and china. Beneath the sea of red and blue tents is a collection of Rebels fans welcoming in friends, family and even strangers for a bite to eat, celebratory libations and a dose of Southern hospitality.

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The Grove isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the typical tailgate experience. From sports jackets and bow ties to rompers and cocktail dresses, Ole Miss fans arrive in style. Elaborate spreads of fried chicken, pimento cheese, fresh fruit and bite-sized chicken salad sandwiches are served on silver trays and Ole Miss ceramic dishes. Led by the Rebelettes, Ole Miss cheerleaders and the Pride of the South marching band, more than 60,000 fans are excited and ready for Ole Miss football inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

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47TH ANNUAL WATERMELON CARNIVAL The Watermelon Carnival took place Aug. 4-7 in downtown Water Valley. The festival included a BBQ cookoff, the largest-watermelon contest, a street dance, and food and art vendors. photographed by Joey Brent

Adam and Kimberly Cummings

Dillon and Sandy Johnson

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Kara and Ben Barbee

Barbara Bevill, Leah Barris and Rebecca Allison

Paul and Wanda Howell with Paula Hill

Kaylynn Webb, Shannon Sparks and Anna Clair Shaw

Landon, Colton and Kristen Perry

Bonnie Roebuck and Donna Sanders

Christy Renfrow and Maria Kienberger

Alyssa Garner and Madison Caroline Hill

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Larry and Laura Collins

Steve and Janet Blackmon

Josh, Leighton, Linen and Haley Ferguson

Brittany Roberts and Molly Upchurch

Jan and Cole Marsh with Jill and Drew Tyler

Cassidy Shoemake, Rick Mize, Holden King and Richard Porter

John Huchu, Mike Shellenberger, Dave Hill and Lance Gehring

Swayze, Mary Margaret, Tara and Jason Ross

John Trott, Stephen Wicker and Ross Capwell

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THEATRE OXFORD’S SUMMERTIME PARTY Theatre Oxford held its annual membership party Aug. 6 at the Powerhouse. The familyfriendly event included food and entertainment and benefited Oxford’s community theater. photographed by Joey Brent

Jennifer Murchison and Greg Earnest

Jim McCauley and Richard Frey

Benjamin Wilkinson and Jonathan Flatt

Josh, Nicole, Russell and Macy Moore

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Stewart McMillan, Danielle Adams and Lizzie Brevard

Sharon Schreiber, Elaine Gelbard and Dan Mattern

Lynn Wilkins, Meaghin Burke, Bremen Earnest and Will Wilkins

John and Marty Dunbar

Blake Hemphill and Geoffry Calderaro

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REGENTS SCHOOL ICE-CREAM SOCIAL Regents School of Oxford held a back-to-school ice-cream social Aug. 9 for new and current students and their families. The event included a special appearance by Reggie, the school mascot. photographed by Joey Brent

Katie and Tison Deweese

Lora Leigh and Charlie Bray

Lottie, Haley and Josie Messersmith

Cam and Shep McLaughlin

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Dawn Drain and Nuatoshia Price

Kendall and Mary Anna White

Amy Dearman with Trina and Bobby Nix

Sean and Kelly Jenkins

Ann Gates, Rebecca and Metz Garner

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THE IRON BARTENDER COCKTAIL COMPETITION The Art-er Limits Fringe Festival kicked off Aug. 11 with a bartending contest at the Powerhouse. Snackbarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ivy McLellan and Alex Von Hardberger created the winning signature cocktails. photographed by Joey Brent

A.J. Houpt, Andrea Fitts and Haley Clark

Chris and Ashlan Glaze

Ivy McLellan and Alex Von Hardberger

Carrie Driskell and Marya Paolillo

Travis and Betty Smith with Gay and Steve Case

Mason Payne and Matthew Tambor

Sarah Huffman, Brittany Dudley, Robin Geurin and Elizabeth Vance

Michael Hattaway and Julie Wronski

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Chloe Lloyd, Yesenia Garcia and Kelsea Smith

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Aussie Warren and Joey Carlisle

Veronica Ransey and Charlette Smith

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OXFORD CHARGERS BOOSTERS & BLUES The Oxford Chargers Athletic Booster Club held its second annual Booster & Blues fundraiser Aug. 13 at the Library Sports Bar. It benefited the Oxford Middle and High School athletic programs. photographed by Joey Brent

names names Dan names and Lee names Annnames Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Keefe names names

names namesLaJada names and names Chris names Bushnames names

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names names Lonanames Wallernames and Vicki names Stevens names names

names Mary names Beth names Mobley names and Rhonda names names Rousseau names

names namesClaire namesand names Ron names Rychlaknames names

names namesKaren namesand names Joe Swingle names names names

names names Robynnames Lyonsnames and Danielle names names Little names

names namesFrank names and names Janenames Yergernames names

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names names Angie names andnames Jasonnames Wilfawn names names

names names Whitney names andnames Chris names Baughman names names

namesLori names and names Reed Elliott names with names Chrisnames Pattonnames

names John, names Paige and names Geoffrey names Yoste names

names names Walker names and names Whitney names Byars names names

Ashley namesFreeman, names names Brittney names Young names andnames Natalie names Smith

Michelle Neilson, namesJulie names Field, names Katenames Greennames and Missy Hewitt

Buddy names Bassnames and Leigh names Soloman names names with Sheila names and names Bill Peal

names names Chris names andnames Molly names Cutcliffe names names

names Riley Dunworth, names names Allienames Stein and names Kathryn namesGasper names

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HARRY POTTER BOOK RELEASE PARTY Off Square Books hosted a party at midnight on July 31 celebrating the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The eighth story in the series follows Potter, who is now a husband and father. photographed by Joey Brent

Autumn Smith and Anna Lacy

Misty, Lukas, Aleks, Nickolas and Hailey Stupal with Amber Browning

J-Man, Lyric and Amanda Heavner

Joe and Trisha Taylor

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Mary Read and Mary Gaston Blair

Caroline Parnell with Riley and Neely Mullen, Marion Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan, Maddison Colston and Georgia Hogue

Harold and Susan Luhren with Jenny Bucksberg

Susanna, Kim and Carolina Cassisa

Matthew Wilkin and Anna Samonds

Carter Owen and Tabatha Williams

Anna Bruno and Emma Humphreys

Alissa Davis with Virginia and Jeff Stricklin

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names Kristinnames Testonnames and Amber namesHodge names

Lakyn Gibson and Elizabeth Manning

names names Fish names and Caleb namesRobinson names names names

Fara Shook, Anne Carolyn Hankins and Sarah Grayzel-Ward

Doug and Captain Alexander with Kristina Carlson

Anna Gibbs, Shelby Nichols, Tammy Cally and Nitu Singh

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HAWGS & HOMEBREWS Hawgs & Homebrews was held Aug. 13 at the Oxford Growler in conjunction with the North Mississippi Homebrew Competition. The event was sponsored by the Mississippi Brewers Guild. photographed by Joey Brent

Amanda Alpert and Matthew Jessee

Dana Sartin and Brian Veverka

Saxonie and Ike Eicholtz

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Bruce Robins and Harry Hart

Beverly and Callie Slover with Erika Simmons

Nicole List and Sydney Castleberry

Caitlin Holland with Ross and Nora Capwell and Will Grisanti

Ben Stroud and Lisa Kohmescher

Ben and Haley Mathis

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OUS MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT Oxford University School hosted its back-to-school Meet the Teacher night Aug. 11. Families of students toured the school and met the teachers and faculty. photographed by Joey Brent

Jon Reese and Darrick Vanderford

Kathryn Brasher and Kasey Haynie Daniels

Samantha Ball and Mackenzie Turner

Emily and Luke Suber

Harland, Hayden and Maygen Jones

Alison and Graeme Alger

Sean, Tom and Erin Kirkpatrick

Jennifer and Tyler West

Katie Grace, Scott and Emily Burton

Let our Family build your Family’s home! SCOTT CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, LLC www.scsoxford.com 662-832-3782 • Oxford, MS

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SAM KENDRICKS OLYMPIC WATCH PARTY The LOU Ole Miss Club hosted a party at Rafters bar on Aug. 15 to watch former Ole Miss athlete Sam Kendricks compete in the Rio Olympics pole vaulting event. Kendricks won the bronze medal. photographed by Joey Brent

Alissa McClure with Celeste and Allen Carroll

John and Stephanie Stevens

Gray Wallace and Kathleen Lovelace

Alex and Mary McDaniel

Dianne and Ronnie Conner with Caleb Robinson

names Marni names Kendricks names names and Nina names McCullough names names

Dixie McPherson, Ali McGee and Leland Graeber

Juana Velez, A.J. Houpt and Brad Fitz

names names Gwen,names Joey, Gabe namesand names J.W.names Jones names

Stacy and Phil Harrison

Molly Coleman and Simsie Shaw

Julie and Hattie Fisher

The staff of Invitation Magazines extends our condolences and prayers to the children and families of Drs. Jason and Lea Farese, Dr. Michael and Kim Perry and Dr. Austin and Allison Poole who died on Sunday, Aug. 14. Invitation Magazines appreciates the long-time support and friendship of the Farese Family Dental Clinic and Dr. Michael Perry and his staff. 174

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Kerry Hamilton, Elizabeth Dollarhide and Lucius Lamar

Hailey and Jeff Hansen

Molly Tindle and Lucy Freeman

Alexandria Bensel, Grace Orman and Victoria Collyer

Kim Spillers and Leslie Sprenkel

Tim and Melanie Tackett

Tim Noss, Mindy Sutton, Tina Hahn and Jason McCormick

Emily Prins and Alli Chadwick

Linda and Brad Peters

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OUT AND ABOUT CONTINUED ON PAGE 180

4-H KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

Jamie and Jace Fortner

Susan Winters and Patty Hudek

Kyle Gordon and Katsha Hudson

ACE ATKINSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; THE INNOCENTS LAUNCH PARTY

John Hailman and Tom Dawson

Will Tidwell and Ace Atkins

Monty and Mary K. Monteith

Leah and Steve Wooten

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH LEMONADE STAND

Cooper Cheshier, Gaven Eifling, Tucker Bridgers and Jack Hill

TRIALS OF THE EARTH BOOK CELEBRATION

Anne Milburn and Virginia Smith

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Owen Wilkinson, Bell Monteith, Cait Mayo, Georgia Wigginton and Carter Wilkes

HERMITAGE GARDENS COMMUNITY DINNER

Jamison Hollister and McGhee Monteith

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Dorthy Mathis and Wanell McCoy

Louis Hartmangruber and Ron Knapp

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OUT AND ABOUT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 178

CLAY CANVAS BUBBLE PAINTING CLASS

Ava Threlkeld and Owens Smith

Riley Dorris and Anna Belle Allen

MOVIE NIGHT AT THE ARMORY PAVILION

Shannon Curtis and Sherry Driggers

Ernest and Clara Hartwell Flautt

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Christy Callahan, Betsy Chapman and Lilly Gray

John Arrechea, Jim Stephens and Jack Taylor

Karen VanWinkle and Joseph Johnson

Kelsie Homes and Amanda Day

Matt Graham and Kristina Garey

Kristina and Brandon Connell

THE NAIL BAR OPEN HOUSE

Nick Lang and Tracy Nguyen

1400 University Ave • Oxford, MS 38655 • 662.234.3232

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written by Lena Anderson

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF NISOLO

NISOLO is making a statement in the fashion world by creating high-quality shoes and a better livelihood for the people who make them.

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WHEN UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI GRADUATE PATRICK WOODYARD WENT TO TRUJILLO, PERU,

in 2010, it wasn’t to break into the fashion industry. With a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, he was there for a development job in microfinance. But while in Trujillo, Woodyard met a group of talented local shoemakers who struggled without a means to break into the global market and sell their products. He was inspired to create a company that would bridge the gap between producer and consumer. “Brand options that provide high-quality products – both ethically and aesthetically – are scarce,” Woodyard said. “The industry desperately needs critical, creative and innovative brands that pledge to fill that demand and make a positive change.” Woodyard called on longtime friend and fashion expert Zoe Clearly with his plan to make that positive change. With one visit to Peru, where she met the local shoemakers, Clearly quit her job with a major fashion label in New York and joined forces with Woodyard. In 2011, they launched Nisolo, one of the world’s first social-impact fashion labels. The company provides opportunities for the Peruvian shoemakers to sell their products internationally and ensure they receive fair trade wages, health care and steady employment. Over the past five years, Nisolo has helped improve working conditions and increased the average income of their producers by 300 percent. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and Trujillo, Peru, and with an office in Kenya, Nisolo has sold more than 35,000 products in all 50 U.S. states and more than 60 countries worldwide. Nisolo has a staff of more than 50 and directly supports the livelihoods of more than 325 people across the globe. Woodyard, co-founder and CEO, is grateful for what his little start-up company has become. The born-and-raised Southerner, who currently lives in Nashville with wife Sally Ward, was recently named a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, recognized as an Innovator Changing the South by Southern Living and named a Global Accelerator Entrepreneur by the United Nations.

The Emilio Chukka Boot Brandy (pictured above, far left) is Nisolo’s top-selling shoe for men, and the Smoking Shoe Noir (second from left) is the most popular of the women’s line. For more shoes and accessories, visit nisolo.com. September 2016 | INVITATION OXFORD

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“ONE OF OUR CORE VALUES at Nisolo is ‘mejorarse siempre,’ which is a Spanish phrase that basically means to never stop doing what you can to improve.” –PATRICK WOODYARD

Co-founders Zoe Clearly and Patrick Woodyard (pictured at top) created Nisolo to bridge the gap between producer and consumer by working directly with Peruvian craftspeople to make high-quality leather footwear. Woodyard will receive the 2016 Outstanding Young Alumni Award from the Ole Miss Alumni Association on Sept. 30.

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Clearly, co-founder and vice president of design, leads the team to design high-quality leather footwear. The women’s line features huaraches, chukka boots and traditional oxfords, while the men’s line includes a collection of trench boots, wing tips and boat shoes. Made from hand-cut, soft leather and stitched by the expert hands of the shoemakers, the pieces have a timeless quality and are not only fashionable but also sources of function, comfort and sustainability. The Nisolo brand continues to evolve and now features a line of handbags, totes, brass jewelry and accessories that include leather clutches, laptop bags, belts and more. High-quality products and an ethical business model are key components in the success of Nisolo, but so are Woodyard’s drive and leadership skills. During his time at the University of Mississippi, he was inducted into the Student Hall of Fame; served as vice president of Sigma Chi fraternity; and was a founding member of Respect Mississippi, a William Winter Institute student organization dedicated to increasing diversity. Most recently, Woodyard will receive the 2016 Outstanding Young Alumni Award from the Ole Miss Alumni Association. The honor is awarded to those who have shown exemplary leadership throughout their first 15 years of alumni status in both their careers and dedication to Ole Miss. The awards ceremony will take place Sept. 30 during homecoming weekend. He is looking forward to coming back to Oxford to spend time with friends and family. “My parents actually live in Oxford, so in a way, it’s still home for me,” he said. Along with drinks on the City Grocery balcony, reading a novel at Square Books or grabbing breakfast at Bottletree Bakery, one of Woodyard’s favorite Oxford activities is an Ole Miss football game. The Grove, known as much for its fashion as its football, is a place where he feels at home. “Dressing in your go-to game day gear is a way of building excitement and hype for the day ahead,” he said. “Loved by Southerners, fashion is a form of self-expression, an opportunity to make a bold statement, purposely blend in among the crowd or find yourself cruising along comfortably somewhere in between.”

THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM PRESENTS

The Beautiful Mysterious:

The Extraordinary Gaze of William Eggleston SEPTEMBER 13, 2016–JANUARY 14, 2017

Opening Reception: Thurs., October 6, 2016, 7–9:00 p.m.

A series of stunning color and early black-and-white photographs, some never exhibited before, by the world-renowned, Memphis-born photographer. Guest Curated by novelist Megan Abbott.

The University of Mississippi Museum UNIVERSITY AVE. & 5TH ST., OXFORD, MS

A D M I S S I O N

Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

MUSEUM.OLEMISS.EDU

Closed every Sunday and Monday along with most University Holidays. For assistance related to a disability call 662.915.7073.

I S

F R E E

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A fairy tale became reality for Madi Blocker, who spent a year as a performer at Disney World. She is now making her mark in Los Angeles with Christian Dior’s makeup line. written by Katherine Henson illustrated by Maddie Beck

Many young girls dream

about being princesses, but for most it doesn’t go further than dressing as one for Halloween. Madi Blocker got the chance to live out this fairy tale when she spent one year as a performer at Disney World. While Blocker was attending the University of Mississippi, her mother, Katrina Harris, heard about auditions being held for performers at Disney World. Harris thought her daughter would be a perfect fit and suggested the two drive to Orlando so Blocker could audition. At 19, Blocker, who moved to Oxford when she was 15, was itching for a change of scenery and was excited to get started on a new adventure. After an audition at Disney World, she was hired right away. “It all happened so quickly, but I just knew it was meant to be,” she said. She didn’t know what to expect when arriving at the park for her first day of work, but Blocker was amazed by how considerate Disney was of its staff, especially the newly hired associates. “Disney runs a tight ship, but they set you up for success,” Blocker said. Her day-to-day experience was just as magical as she expected. Blocker spent the following year wearing elaborate costumes, greeting guests and spreading the Disney magic. The busiest days were those spent riding the floats in the parades at Magic Kingdom. “The routes would last 45 minutes, but the experience of having thousands of kids screaming for you was always a thrilling and happy moment,” Blocker said. “Meeting the guests was always special

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to me because it gave me the opportunity to make the magic a little more personable for that child,” she added. Her year at Disney tapped into Blocker’s creative side, and she became intrigued by the art of trans formation through costumes and makeup. She relocated to LA and began working at Nordstrom with Christian Dior’s makeup line. “Moving to LA was the best decision I have ever made,” she said. “I learned it’s important to take time to experience a new opportunity.” Like Disney, Christian Dior also has very high standards regarding their associates’ performance and presentation. “You have to look the part at Dior,” Blocker said. “You must present yourself professionally and chic: Wear all black, hair slicked back, and of course a strand of pearls.” Being from the South, Blocker was accustomed to this as her mother taught her the importance of always looking her best. But it was Disney that really helped prepare her for her new profession. “At Disney, you couldn’t even have wisps of hair in your face,” Blocker said. “Disney helped me learn how to present myself in a more professional manner.” As a makeup consultant for Christian

Dior, Blocker’s job is to represent the high standards of the prestigious line, which coordinates seasonal changes with its fashion line. Each season, as the fashion house updates its clothing line, the makeup team prepares palettes that match the new colors and style. “That part is fun, getting to show people new ideas with makeup,” Blocker said. “This season we had highlighter-colored eye shadows that matched our retro spring line. The customers are sometimes shocked about how good bright colors can look on their eyes.” Blocker’s time at Dior has opened up professional opportunities that include an upcoming move to Tucson, Arizona, where she just accepted a management position at Nordstrom. She is excited to try a new place and grateful for the adventurous spirit her mother instilled in her. “I have grown so much as a person because of Disney and moving to LA, rather then just staying in one town,” she said. “But it’s also nice to know I can always come home.”

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From runway statement pieces to Grove-ready dresses, these fashion apps help boost a wardrobe without breaking the bank.

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ARMARIUM

ARMARIUM

written by Caitlin Adams

Southerner Trisha Gregory had a penchant for fashion since the moment she began piecing together her own outfits as a child. After launching the app Armarium, she’s making her mark in the fashion world. Whether it’s pitching to the media, hosting client meetings or styling celebrities, there is one constant in the fashion maven’s wardrobe picks: color. It’s something that the Okolona native and Oak Hill Academy graduate attributes to her Mississippi roots. “The South loves color,” she said. “The bolder the better.” But it wasn’t until Gregory moved from the Magnolia State to the Big Apple that her passion for curating wardrobes turned into a full-time career as the head of public relations for the high-fashion company Salvatore Ferragamo. It was during this time, between photo shoots and editorial meetings, that Gregory and friend Alexandra Lind Rose saw a void in the fashion industry. “For years, we’ve talked about how hard it

is to find statement pieces from the runways to wear to events during the day and night or even to dinner with friends,” Rose said. The two fashion veterans saw an opportunity to bring runway trends to the masses and create a “luxury fashion on loan” service. “Dressing women in statement pieces that often weren’t available to buy, we realized there had to be a way to introduce women to brands they might not have access to otherwise,” Gregory said. After 10 years at Salvatore Ferragamo, Gregory left the comforts of her full-time public relations job and, alongside Rose, launched Armarium, an on-demand app that gives women short-term access to a curated collection of designer duds. Similar in concept to Rent the Runway, the mobile app and recently launched website allow women to rent high fashion for life’s little moments without paying the hefty price tag. What was once limited to customers in fashion capitals around the world is now just

a click away. “It’s our job to bring the experience that sometimes can only be found in New York City or Los Angeles,” Gregory said. Whether it’s a printed frock or a standout piece of jewelry, Armarium stocks an assortment of statement pieces from a variety of luxury brands, including Alberta Ferretti, Jimmy Choo, Peter Pilotto and Roberto Cavalli. Members log in, browse the curated picks and select the items they want to wear. The customer has four days to wear the pieces before returning to Armarium. Gregory sees the service as a way to give women in smaller towns, much like the one she grew up in, access to international fashions. “The girl in the South likes to make a statement with her style choices,” Gregory said. “She likes to pop when she walks into a room. And she leans on us for pieces she can’t find down there. Armarium keeps her up to date on what’s going on in fashion and gives her that front-row seat.”

Co-founders Trisha Gregory and Alexandra Lind Rose (pictured above left), created the Armarium mobile app and website to give clients access to high fashion in an affordable way. To view the current fall/winter collections and for on-call styling assistance, visit armarium.com and download the Armarium app.

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF CURTSY

CURTSY

written by Katherine Henson

In January 2015, recent University of Mississippi graduate Sara Kiparizoska needed a new dress for her upcoming Greek formal. She wanted to look fabulous and feel confident but didn’t want to go broke doing it. That’s when the idea hit her. “I thought Oxford needed a Facebook page so girls can post dresses they’ve worn and rent them to people,’ ” Kiparizoska said. She presented the idea to friend William Ault, a UM graduate and successful entrepreneur. Ault had been looking for a new idea to invest in and saw potential in Kiparizoska’s plan. He just had a few changes. Ault altered the concept by nixing the Facebook page and decided to launch an app instead. He assembled a team to conduct some market research, and they hit the pavement surveying female students on campus to find out what the demand looked like. They were

pleased with the feedback and the overwhelming interest they received. “When I heard about it, I said, ‘Will this be ready by next week? I have a date party and no dress to wear,’ ” said Annemarie Hale, a senior at the University of Mississippi. With the positive response, Ault and Kiparizoska entered their idea in the Gillespie Business competition, sponsored by the University of Mississippi, which allows students to pitch business ideas and plans administered by mentors. The app received second place. After working with a few computer science friends to develop the app, they launched it in January 2016 under the name Nimble Fashion. But a few months in, the team decided Nimble just didn’t seem right and came up with a different name. “The word ‘curtsy’ is feminine and polite, which is the personality of our business,” Ault

said. “It seemed to be the perfect fit.” To use the members-only app, the user creates an account by signing in with her email address. As a provider, she posts pictures and details of the dress for renters to view, while potential renters browse various categories like “wedding” and “going out.” With its direct messaging system, the provider and renter can arrange how to meet up and exchange the dress. Ault and Kiparizoska are pleased with the app’s success and are proud of their small business. They have plans to include a shoes and accessories line and to launch at other college campuses. But Kiparizoska knows it’s the Ole Miss girl and her love of a dress that is the bread and butter of their company. “Our city is fun, and fun means more dresses,” she said. Download Curtsy from the iOS App Store. For more info, visit curtsyapp.com.

The Curtsy app, based in Oxford, is a fashion sharing service that allows local users to rent and borrow each other’s dresses. William Ault (far left) and Sara Kiparizoska (third from left) were inspired to create the app so Ole Miss students would have access to a larger selection of dresses. They hope to extend the service to other SEC schools in the future.

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COACH CHRIS CUTCLIFFE interviewed by Meaghin Burke photographed by Joe Worthem

Former Oxford High School football player Chris Cutcliffe is looking forward to his next chapter with the Chargers as head coach.

Q: What has it been like following in Coach Johnny Hill’s footsteps? A: It doesn’t get much better than Coach Hill. He’s been an outstanding coach and an outstanding role model to so many people who played here, including me. I learned a lot from him, and that has certainly helped. Q: How has the community shown support? A: It starts with our parents. Our group of parents is unbelievable. They do so much for our team all the time. The community at large is supportive as well. Whether it’s coming to games or through decorating windows on the Square, the community has embraced our entire school and especially our athletics in so many different ways. Q: What are your expectations for the team? A: We want to help these guys succeed in the classroom and help grow them into successful men, husbands and fathers. That is our number one goal. On the field, we always expect them to compete and play with outstanding effort and do the little things the right way. Q: What is it like to be the head coach at your old high school? A: A neat thing is that there are so many people I work with that had a positive impact on me. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to get into this profession: to hopefully have a similar positive impact on other young people. I’ve always wanted to coach football. Q: What brought you back to Oxford after moving away for college? A: My wife, Molly [Shivers], is from Oxford. We went to high school together. We knew how great this town was, and we wanted to raise our [three sons] here. We thought it was a great place for us to be. 200

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