InvitationOxford_Nov2013

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november 2013

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In this issue november 2013

NOVEMBER 2013

features 36 Small Town, Big Charm Water Valley’s charming, small-town vibe is making it a popular place to call home.

44 DIY Education on the cover: sgt. chevonne crockette photographed by joe worthem

Meet local parents who turned their houses into classrooms to home-school their children.

68 Cheers to Beer

Craft brewery Yalobusha Brewing Company opens for business in Water Valley.

91 Forever in Blue Jeans

Delta Blue jeans are homegrown and handmade in north Mississippi.

EVENTS 28 EDF Golf Tournament 30 United Way Campaign Event 32 C.A.R.E. Walk 50 Three Blind Wines 52 Kenny Rogers Concert 54 Newcomers Dinner 56 Party in Pink 78 Secret Show 80 Senior Day 82 Southern Foodways 86 Tilted & Pickled 88 Rowan Oak Harvest Supper 102 Coaches and Officials 104 Our Team, Our Town 106 One Night Stand Art Show 108 Junior Auxiliary Fall Ball 110 Blake Tartt III’s Ole Miss Party

60 Saluting Service

In honor of Veterans Day, University of Mississippi ROTC cadet Tiffanie Troxell (pictured) and three other Oxford women share their stories of what the military means to them.

announcements 13 Lucas Allen Suber 26 Walker & Conway 27 Cannon & Ruscoe

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

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108 DEPARTMENTS 12 Letter From the Publisher 18 Contributors 24 What’s Happening 98 In Season 112 Out and About 118 Pets of the Month 120 I Am Oxford: Ann O’Dell

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2000 Lexington Pointe Dr, Oxford, MS 38655 www.liveatlexingtonpointeapts.com 662-281-0402 lexingtonpointe@heritageproperties.com November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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Letter froM

the publisher I

am thankful. When I was in the eighth grade I knew I wanted a career in journalism. Five years later I arrived as a freshman at the University of Mississippi, and I had not changed my mind. Journalism was my major, thanks to the encouragement of teachers and classmates. I knew each day when I entered class that was exactly where I wanted to be. I was one of the lucky ones who knew from an early age what direction I would choose as a career path. I am grateful for teachers and others who continue to help guide me professionally. This month, you’ll meet a few women who have served our country as members of the United States military. Many of them also knew at early ages where their careers would take them. Their chosen field has asked a lot of them and has required a lot of sacrifice from those who love them. Nevertheless, each of them said her affiliation with the military has made her a stronger person and a better citizen. I am grateful for our country and for these women who serve. This time of year I’m often reminded about gratitude. There are many folks in our community in need. They don’t have food to put on their tables or coats to put on their backs. My family and I take their needs seriously, and we do what we can to help. I hope you will also consider giving a can of food to the Pantry or a coat to someone in need. Read more about the Pantry in our interview with Ann O’Dell on page 120. She helped found the local food bank 31 years ago, and she still volunteers with the organization. I am thankful for what I have, and I am grateful to those who help others in need.

Rachel M. West, PublISher

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

PUBLISHER Rachel Malone West

Lucas Allen Suber

August 30, 2013 • 8 pounds 14 ounces • 21.5 inches

EDITOR Phil West MANAGING EDITOR Sonia Thompson ASSOCIATE MANAGING EDITOR Emily Welly EDITORIAL DESIGN Emily R. Suber, Hallie M. Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Joe Worthem DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Cindy Semmes ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Trey Alexander, Alise M. Emerson, Sheena Hagemann, Leigh Lowery, Lynn McElreath, Mary Moreton, Moni Simpson AD DESIGN Rebecca Bailey, Zach Fields, Paul Gandy CONTRIBUTORS Lena Anderson, Joey Brent, Leslie Brooks, Meaghin Burke, Allen Butler, Melanie Crownover, Elizabeth Ferrell, Caroline Beffa Franks, Joe Mac Hudspeth Jr., Mabus Photography, Megan Marascalco, Susan O’Keefe, Jerra Scott, Ann-Marie Wyatt OFFICE MANAGER Hollie Hilliard COPY EDITORS Kate Johnson, Dicki King

Welcomed with love by proud parents

Emily & Christopher Suber

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SOCIAL MEDIA & EVENTS COORDINATOR Tarah Wiley DISTRIBUTION Donald Courtney, Brian Hilliard Advertising Information (662) 701-8070 ads@invitationoxford.com To subscribe to one year (10 issues) of Invitation Oxford, send payment of $50 to: P.O. Box 776, Oxford, MS 38655 or visit invitationoxford.com to pay online. To purchase event photographs shot by Invitation Oxford or to tell us about an event, email tarahmwiley@gmail.com.

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Holiday Open House on the Historic Oxford Square

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29

11am-4pm - Santa Photo Shoot & Holiday Art, Courthouse Lawn 2pm-6pm - Carriage Rides 4:30pm-6pm – Carolers, City Hall 6pm - Christmas Tree Lighting, City Hall 6:05pm - Downtown Dollars Raffle Drawing : $1,000 worth of gift certificates

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2013-2014 COUNCIL MEMBERS A Look Ahead, Ajax, Amelia, Amy Head Cosmetics, Belles and Beaus, Brooks Collection, Centino Systems, Charles H. Walker, CSR Real Estate, CVM Salon, Dwight N. Ball, Elite Cabinetry, Endurance Athletics, FNB Oxford, Frock Fashions, Funkys Pizza and Daiquiri Bar, Golden Rule BBQ & Grill, Grantham Poole, High Point Coffee, Hinton & Hinton, Holcomb Dunbar, Holli’s Sweet Tooth, Indigo’s, Katherine Beck, Knit1 Oxford, LuLu’s, Marchbanks Real Estate, Mid South Financial Group, Miss Behavin, Miss Monogram, McEwen’s Oxford, Mitchell McNutt & Sams, P.A., Neilson’s, Nella, Nest Paper Studio, Olive Juice Gifts, Oxford Grillehouse, Oxford Bridal, Oxford Floral, Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce, Pink and Proper, Private Gallery, Proud Larry’s, Regions Bank, Square Books, Something Southern, Sparks Law Firm, Stash, The Corner, The Frame Up, The Kaleidoscope, The Lily Pad, The Oxford Eagle, The Round Table, Therapy on the Square, Tom Davis State Farm, Tre Amici, Trout Law Firm, Trustmark National Bank, University Sporting Goods, Village Tailor, Visit Oxford, Warehouse 605, WGH & Associates, YaYa’s Yogurt, Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, and Zoe of Oxford.

www.facebook.com/oxforddowntowncouncil @oxforddowntown

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

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Visit www.amyhead.com for these color combinations and more! 2IDGELAND /XFORD 'REENWOOD 3TARKVILLE 4UPELO -ERIDIAN "IRMINGHAM &AIRHOPE

November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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More about our October cover

november contributors

The October cover of Smitty’s was photographed by Joe Mac Hudspeth Jr.

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Caroline Beffa Franks

Native Mississippian Elizabeth Ferrell grew up in Booneville and attended Delta State University. After working in Nashville for 20 years, she returned to Mississippi to attend law school. Writing this month’s feature Forever in Blue Jeans provided her a creative outlet to help her balance out her legal studies, and she enjoyed learning about a product that is made in her home state.

“Throughout my studies in art photography and photo journalism, I’ve learned to capture and recreate the precious moments we live out every day,” Caroline Beffa Franks said. “Invitation Oxford has given me the opportunity to combine my love of small-town culture, art, photography and supporting the community into one outlet.” For this issue, Franks shot sweet potatoes for the In Season column.

Joe Worthem

Susan O’Keefe

Staff photographer Joe Worthem is a graduate of the University of Mississippi and is an Oxford native. He has been with Invitation Oxford since 2010 and does everything from feature photography to event and ad photos. His black and white portraits for the cover story, Saluting Service, were inspired by one of his favorite photographers, Richard Avedon.

Susan O’Keefe’s motto is “Never say never.” “I never thought I would be a home-school parent. I never thought I would live in Mississippi. And I never knew I would be such a big fan of both,” she said. She and her husband, Jack, home-school their children, Lucy, John Freeman, Henry and Hogan. She got to know two more local home-school families through her reporting for DIY Education.

photographed by joey brent

How I Got the Shot: Smitty’s Restaurant I grew up in Oxford during the late ’60s and worked construction during the summer. One day I was working with Mr. Al, one of the carpenters, and we were headed to the lumber company to pick up supplies. The errand took us through the town square where he stopped his truck in the middle of the street and pointed to the side of one of the buildings. He asked me if I’d ever seen the deer head in the window. He told me that his granddaddy showed it to him when he was a boy. Mr. Al wasn’t a spring chicken when he pointed the deer head out to me and I’m guessing his granddaddy showed it to him in the 1920s or ’30s. Later in life, when I was learning about photography, I took this image for two reasons: 1) Mr. Al had pointed it out to me almost 20 years earlier and 2) my Daddy drank coffee there every morning with his buddies. Smitty’s Restaurant had long had a reputation for having the best breakfast and plate lunch anywhere. As luck would have it the building was renovated two weeks after I took the photograph and the Smitty’s sign and deer head were torn down. This image is a favorite print at arts and craft shows, especially the ones in Oxford. I can’t tell you how many former Ole Miss students comment on the photography and how much they loved to eat at Smitty’s. Some even comment to their spouse, “John, do you have any idea how many times we ate breakfast there dressed in the same clothes we had on when you picked me up the night before?” (Reprinted with permission from Hudspeth’s book Return to the Southern Wild).

Elizabeth Ferrell

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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WHAT’S HAPPENING November

A sampling of important, fun and interesting events in our area. For more, visit facebook.com/invitationoxford.

holiday happenings November 1-2

Benefits, Special events and culture

Oxford Holiday Market

Pat Conroy Reading

November 1

November 7

The fourth-annual holiday market features shopping, music, food and pictures with Santa. Preview party ticket proceeds benefit the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society. 6-9 p.m., Nov. 1 (preview party) 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Nov. 2 (all-day shopping) Oxford Conference Center oxfordconferencecenter.com

Pat Conroy reads from his new book The Death of Santini: The Story of a Father and His Son. 7 p.m., Fulton Chapel

The Ole Miss Department of Art presents an art auction featuring pieces from current students, faculty and alumni to benefit the department gallery and visiting artist program. An art film screening hosted by OxFilm will follow the auction. 9 a.m.-7 p.m, silent auction; 5-6 p.m., cocktail hour; 6-7:30 p.m, live auction, the Powerhouse

November 15-16

North Pontotoc Elementary School PTO Christmas Bazaar Arts and crafts, baked goods and holiday shopping. Features a Little Elves children’s craft area and photos with Santa. 6-9 p.m., Nov. 15; 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Nov. 16 8324 Highway 15 N, Ecru, Miss.

November 1-3

Hairspray, the Musical Ole Miss Theatre presents the Broadway musical Hairspray. 7:30 p.m., Nov. 1-2; 2 p.m., Nov. 3, Gertrude Ford Center

November 3

Walk for Diabetes Mississippi’s Walk for Diabetes raises awareness about diabetes and supports the programs and services of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. 1 p.m., Lyceum Loop

November 24

November 3

Batesville’s gift shop Talk of the Town holds its storewide Christmas open house. 1-5 p.m., Talk of the Town, Batesville, Miss.

Pianist Paul Bisaccia performs. Free admission. 5 p.m., First Presbyterian Church

November 29

Women of Distinction Luncheon

Christmas Open House

Holiday Open House The Oxford Downtown Council Holiday Open House features photos with Santa, holiday art, carol singers, a Christmas tree lighting and downtown dollars raffle. 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Oxford Square

Grace Notes Concert

November 6

FNC hosts the third-annual luncheon honoring women from Lafayette County. The event benefits the Girl Scouts Heart of the South. Keynote speaker is Lydia Jones. 11:30 a.m., First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall

P(ART)Y Art Auction

November 7

Paws for Art Auction Features silent and live auctions, music, food and drinks. Benefits the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society. 6:30-9:30 p.m., Oxford Conference Center

November 8

Blues on the Square

A free blues concert, part of Oxford’s Welcome Home Weekends that take place during home football weekends. 5-7 p.m., Oxford Square visitoxfordms.com/welcome-home-weekends

November 10

An Acoustic Evening with Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin Songwriters and friends Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin share the stage and perform material spanning their vast catalogues. 7-9 p.m., Gertrude Ford Center

November 7, 14 and 21

November 21

A weekly radio show featuring readings and music. The Nov. 21 show is the last show of the season. 6 p.m., Off Square Books thackermountain.com

The Texas singer-songwriter performs. 8 p.m., the Lyric Theatre

Thacker Mountain Radio

Robert Earl Keen Concert

November 24

Oxford Civic Chorus Concert The Oxford Civic Chorus performs The Poet Sings. 3 p.m., Nutt Auditorium, oxfordcivicchorus.org

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Sports November 1

South Carolina-Aiken vs. Ole Miss Men’s Basketball 6 p.m., Tad Smith Coliseum

November 8

Troy vs. Ole Miss Men’s Basketball 7:30 p.m., Tad Smith Coliseum

November 9

Arkansas vs. Ole Miss Football Ole Miss takes on the Arkansas Razorbacks at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Wear blue. Time TBA

November 16

Troy vs. Ole Miss Football Ole Miss takes on the Troy Trojans at VaughtHemingway Stadium. Wear blue. Time TBA

November 22

Mississippi Valley State vs. Ole Miss Men’s Basketball 7:30 p.m., Tad Smith Coliseum

November 23

Missouri vs. Ole Miss Football Ole Miss takes on the University of Missouri Tigers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Wear red. Time TBA

November 26

North Carolina A&T vs. Ole Miss Men’s Basketball 3 p.m., Tad Smith Coliseum

November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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lauren elizabeth walker

photographed by caroline beffa franks

& nicholas paul conway

rs. Anne Walker Cole and Mr. Charles Donald Walker announce the engagement of their daughter, Lauren Elizabeth Walker, to Nicholas Paul Conway, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tim Conway, of Chesterfield, Mo. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Marion Williams of Nashville, Tenn., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Walker of Ripley, Tenn. Miss Walker is a graduate of Madison-Ridgeland Academy and the University of Mississippi, where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management and Insurance. Miss Walker is a member of Kappa Delta sorority. She is employed with FCCI Insurance Group in St. Louis, Mo. The prospective bridegroom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Paul Thibodeau of St. Louis, and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Conway of St. Louis. Mr. Conway is a graduate of St. Louis University High School and the University of Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management and Insurance. He is a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He is employed with Value Pharmacy Services in Chesterfield. The couple will exchange vows Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, at 6 p.m. at Oxford-University United Methodist Church in Oxford, Miss. A reception will follow at the Powerhouse. The couple will make their home in St. Louis.

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

photographed by Bill Dabney Photography

margie claire cannon & ben ruscoe

argie Claire Cannon and Ben Ruscoe were married at 6 p.m. on June 22, 2013, at North Oxford Baptist Church in Oxford, Miss. The bride is the daughter of Ronnie and Cindy Cannon of Oxford. The groom is the son of Jon and Marilyn Ruscoe of Oxford. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a dress that was custom made by Oxford Bridal; and the rest of the wedding party’s attire was also by Oxford Bridal. Attending the bride as maid of honor was Kelli Renee Smith. Bridesmaids were Miss Amy Hudson, Mrs. Linley Harvie, Miss Catherine Cannon, Mrs. Chelsea Martin, Mrs. Katie Young, Mrs. Ashley Mabry and junior

bridesmaid Miss Olivia Ferguson. The groom’s best man was his father, Mr. Jon Ruscoe. His groomsmen were Mr. Matt Fulcher, Mr. Lawson Smith, Mr. Zac Cannon, Mr. Caden Cannon, Mr. Rhett Ruscoe, Mr. John Landon Ruscoe, Mr. Taylor Ruscoe, and honorary groomsman Mr. Grant Ruscoe, the groom’s little brother. Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at the Oxford Conference Center. Guests danced to music by Silas Reed N’ Da Books and enjoyed food by Ms. Jo Harris of Jo’s Personal Touch of Greenville, Miss. The wedding cake was custom designed by the bride and made by Cakes by Rita of Amory, Miss.

The day before the wedding, Mrs. Anita Cannon and Mrs. Christy Hall, aunts of the bride, hosted a bridesmaid luncheon at Lenora’s on the Oxford Square. The bride wore her mother’s lace wedding dress, shortened for the occasion. On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at Bouré on the Oxford Square. After a honeymoon in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, a gift to the couple from the groom’s parents, Ben and Margie Claire are at home in Oxford in their first house. Margie Claire works at Lafayette Upper Elementary School and is finishing her master’s degree at the University of Mississippi, and the groom runs Southern Turf with his father. November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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events Business and Industry Golf Tournament View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationoxford.

The Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation hosted the sixth-annual business and industry appreciation golf classic Sept. 27 at the Country Club of Oxford to thank area businesses for their contributions to the community.

Torie Marion and Marcus White

John D. Smith, Phil McLane, Curtis Valentine, Dee Hobbs and Lee Harris

Michael Joe Cannon and Dr. Steve Wooten

Mike Stark and Mark Smith

Dr. Steve and Leah Wooten

Marc and Dawn Boutwell

Elise, Jay and Cooper Atkins

Mark Boyer, Pat Boren and Rick Mize

Brad Grantham, J.C. Clark, David Calhoun and Mike Stark

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Brent Sanders and Courtney Cedotal

Mary McLane, Dianne Fergusson and Susan Hayman

Tom Hill and Diane, Keith, Bob and Glenna Bachman with Frank and Kim Kwas

photographed by Joe Worthem

New Albany, Preston, Elise and Grayson Lee

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photographed by Joe Worthem

events United Way Campaign Kick Off View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationoxford.

The United Way of Oxford and Lafayette County kicked off its annual fundraising campaign Sept. 18 at the Oxford Conference Center. The organization has a fundraising goal of $525,000 this year.

Mary Harrington, Katherine Drinkwater and Monica Lebron

Wanda Woods, Jessica McClain and Lea Anne Lemmons

Sonya Bjork and Melissa Wommack

Angie Rankin and Sarah Ball

Becky and Marvin Wilson

Jerry, Kate and Gloria Kellum

Thelma Curry and Kathy Sukanek

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Will and Beth Hunt with Brittany Vaughn

Donna Long and Lena Wiley

INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

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Jeff Cousar and Al Nylander

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events C.A.R.E. Walk

View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationoxford.

The ninth-annual Cancer Awareness Research and Eradication Walk was held Sept. 26 at the University of Mississippi Student Union and was organized by the Ole Miss Panhellenic Council. The walk benefits breast cancer research.

Mary Claire Boudreaux and Mary Wade Ballou

Emily Hector, Maddy Salisburg, Emily Ortega, Sydney Pearl and Shelby Dennis

Emily Anne Sharpe, Kylee Trawick, Mary Margaret Sanders and Emily Rosenstein

Kaylie Reeves and Lake Weston with Sage

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Mary Austin Morgan and Morgan McNeel

Katie McCallum with Machael and Makenzi Wade

INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Morgan Hannah and Morgan Vyzral

Katie Lachmann, Sarah Memmer, Sydney Green and Savannah Davenport

Cidney Simmons, Lucy Davis and Katherine Flautt

Dawn Lipscomb, Debbie Swan and Emily Rhodes

photographed by Leslie Brooks

Madison Israel, Katie Milleville and Macy Taylor

Meghan Kellum, Caroline May and Katie Alexander

Danielle Randall and Ellis Gourdin

Ashley Gamble, Chandler DeJean and Grace Ornan

Kristen Garcia, Carlye Mangum, Steph Brennan and Tamy Le with Gracie

Mary Lovell, Leanne Barnes, Kimberly Banks and Bess Hamilton

Addie Reeves and Stephanie Tyre

Kelsey Cockerell and McKenzie Mitchell

Alex Eggleston, Katelyn Harvey and Emily Fountain

November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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A GUIDE TO OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI

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Water Valley’s small-town vibe, growing Main Street and budding arts scene are making Oxford’s neighbor to the south a popular place to call home. by Jerra Scott photographed by Joe Worthem

Small Town,

Big Charm

Previous page, a downtown mural depicts Water Valley’s history as a railroad town. This page, storefronts found along the town’s historic Main Street are a mix of old and new businesses, like the 100-year-old Turnage Drugstore and the 2-year-old Yalo Studio and Gallery, which previously housed Wade’s Barbershop.

38

INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

W

ater Valley, a town of about 3,400 people that sits 20 miles southwest of Oxford, is lined with 100-year-old storefronts and historic homes. Its residents still greet each other by name, hold bake sales and shop at the local farmers market. But it’s more than just a quaint small town. It’s a place where tradition and innovation are blending to create something special. In many ways, the town is experiencing a renaissance. Young entrepreneurs are opening businesses, and the local arts scene is thriving. A story about Water Valley ran in The New York Times in 2012, although many residents disagreed with the newspaper’s description of the town as “derelict� and one that needed saving. “The people that have been here in this town all along know that they love it,� said Main Street Association Director Mickey Howley. “They are happy that this incoming group really loves the town for what it is.� That was true for transplants Alexe van Beuren and her husband, Kagan Coughlin, who relocated from Virginia in 2006 and now own B.T.C. Old-Fashioned Grocery. “Me and my husband quickly fell in love with the town itself,� van Beuren said. “It was a way of life that neither one of us knew existed, being from the East Coast.� Like van Beuren and Coughlin, other residents agree that what makes their town special is that there is a true sense of community. “However big we get, we want to keep the small-town feel,� said Cora Lynn Ray, a Water Valley native who is a baker at van Beuren’s B.T.C. Grocery. “You feel really connected here. Everybody looks out for one another.� At family-owned Turnage Drugstore, looking out for one another isn’t just lip service – it’s served them well as a successful business model for 100 years. “If customers have a sick baby and have just gotten out of the emergency room at 12 o’clock at night, they can call us to fill their prescriptions,� said Binny Turnage, thirdgeneration owner (and father of Cora Lynn Ray). “We try to treat each person like family.�

CVM Salon is a Davines concept salon specializing in hair cuts, color and perfect tress extensions. Mandy Miller, the technician and owner of CVM, has spent the last seven years in Orange County, California as a stylist. Mandy is excited to introduce Davines to Mississippi. Davines is a color and product line from Parma, Italy. CVM is the exclusive carrier of Davines in Mississippi.

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big

“However we get, we want to keep the small-town feel.” – Water Valley resident Cora Lynn Ray

Above, B.T.C. Grocery owner Alexe van Beuren. She and her husband opened the store in 2010 after renovating the 140-year-old building. She also helped found the Water Valley Farmers Market. Below, the infusion of new ideas complements local institutions like Turnage Drugstore’s old-fashioned milkshake counter.

40

INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

If Water Valley feels like a charming community, it also looks the part. Besides the old brick business facades on Main Street, many residential streets are lined with Queen Anne-style houses built between 1885-1920. “We just found this amazing house,� said Amy Wells Dolan, a recent Water Valley transplant who is a University of Mississippi professor. “We loved that combination of a beautiful house that was affordable in a community that has a nurturing sense.� That, coupled with the fact that the average cost of living is 17 percent lower than the rest of the country, makes for attractive real estate. “Just about everyone that I meet, especially if they’re from a big city, they say, ‘I can’t believe how low the property taxes are here,’� said Lee McMinn, a real estate agent. Those low prices have also attracted a creative community. In the past five years, art galleries such as Bozarts, Yalo Studio and music gallery J. Clayton’s have opened, making Water Valley a budding artist destination. “There is this interesting mix of old and new going on,� Howley said. “We have all these anchor businesses, like the drugstore, hardware store and the bank that have held Main Street together. Then we see businesses like the B.T.C., J’s on Main and the art galleries, which are in the creative economy field which Mississippi is trying to expand on.� Snooky Williams, 81, who has lived in Water Valley since 1956, agreed. He said he has been impressed with how the recent influx of creative ideas has blossomed while complementing the town’s true character. “We’re a rural area. We have wonderful people, and we have all these new people coming in with new ideas,� Williams said. “The ideas are good, and they work. I’m a cheerleader for them. We’re on the move!� It all adds up to a small town that residents say is on the rise. “One thing I love about Water Valley and the people is that it is very possible to make a difference if you would like to make a difference,� van Beuren said. “There’s still room to grow here, and I don’t think very many towns have that anymore.�

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DIY

Education

Learning doesn’t have to be confined to a traditional school building. These local families turned their houses into classrooms to home-school their children. by Susan O’Keefe The kitchen serves as a science lab on experiment days. Lined neatly across the island are several jars containing various amounts of Epsom salt, baking soda and table salt. Tenyear-old Selby Willis measures the ingredients. Her younger sister Lydia, age 5, weighs the materials. “We are mummifying fruit as part of our anatomy and physiology study of ancient Egypt,” Allyson Willis, their mother, said. Besides the two budding scientists, Allyson is also mother of Clayton, 8, and Lauren, 2. The home science lab isn’t just for fun. It’s part of their curriculum. Allyson home-schools all four children. She and her husband, Eddie, who is director of campus ministry group the Wesley Foundation at the University of Mississippi, are part of a growing movement that is coming full circle. In the early 1800s, most children were schooled at home. By 1918, all states required children to complete elementary school. In the 1960s, some education reformers began questioning public school’s methods and results. In 1993, home schooling became legal in all 50 states and experienced annual growth rates of 15-20 percent. Today, national statistics show more than two million students are primarily schooled at home. In Mississippi, nearly 16,000 students are registered as home-schooled with the Mississippi Department of Education, roughly 3 percent

photographed by Joe Worthem

of the population. In north Mississippi there are about 6,541 home-schooled students. The reasons vary. Some cite a more conducive learning environment at home. Others say it allows them greater flexibility or deeper family relationships. Many cite religious reasons.

The Willises said they were asked by their own children. “We began to home-school at our daughter Selby’s request,” Eddie said. “She laid out a plan of why home schooling would be a good option for us as a family.” With a master’s degree and career in counseling, Allyson was well acquainted with the right resources and had the right background. She began exploring the idea of home schooling. She sought trained educators’ opinions. She prayed. Then she jumped in. “We continue to home-school because of the quality time it affords our family,” Allyson said. “It allows our children to move at their

own pace, to study and explore the subject matter we see valuable in their education.” Working with college students rarely provides a work schedule of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., which means Eddie might be home during the morning more often than he is in the evening. “We can prepare and eat breakfast as a family, even cooking leisurely and enjoying ourselves. It is amazing to not always be on someone else’s schedule,” Allyson said. For them, that schedule could be 8 a.m.-3 p.m., 9 a.m.-2 p.m., or 4-8 p.m. – whatever works with the family calendar. Saturday school might enter the equation. A flexible schedule was also attractive to Jacob Ross and his family. Ross is a freshman at the University of Mississippi, but he was home-schooled for grades 7 and 8. He said being home-schooled allowed him more time to work on his golf game, which helped him earn a golf scholarship to Ole Miss. “It really allowed me to focus on other things when my academic work was complete,” Ross said. For other home-schooled student-athletes like Ross, extra practice time is key. Although the “Tim Tebow” law is accepted in many states, Mississippi as a whole is not one of them. The Tebow law allows homeschooled athletes partial or full access to high school athletics. The Mississippi High School Athletic Association requires student-athletes to be enrolled full-time in that particular high November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

45

Previous page, Allyson Willis and her children use their kitchen as a lab for home-school science experiments. This page, Eddie Willis gives a school lesson in the family dining room. The Willises prefer home schooling because of the flexibility it provides and the way it allows their children to learn at their own pace.

46

INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

school in order to play on the school’s teams. Other challenges are unique for each family that home-schools. “Truly, most of our challenges involve the learning curve I have gone through in adapting to a different model of teaching,” Allyson said. “We have days we accomplish more than others. We have subjects that can cause more angst than others. These things are challenging, but they are part of the process of growing and learning together.” As the Willis children gather around the dining room table to begin the day’s assignments, Allyson juggles between keeping Lauren entertained and not disrupting the studies of her older students. “There are special toys just for school time,” Allyson said. “We let her participate as much as possible. She follows the big kids and repeats many of their words. What was really funny was that one of our vocabulary words recently was ‘disruption,’ to which the older children made sentences including their baby sister.” Keeping a toddler occupied isn’t something Walter and Kim Locke have had to deal with in many years. Their five sons, Joshua, Jeremy, David, Daniel and Matthew, range in age from 11 to 26; and they have been home-schooling their children for 20 years. Kim said it’s been rewarding. “I wanted to be the one who taught them how to read and to reap the satisfaction from that moment when they really got it,” she said. They said they wanted to teach their sons to understand the bigger picture, rather than just how to cram for tests. “From the beginning, it’s been our desire that our sons would eventually teach themselves to understand the process of learning,” Walter said. “We have focused more and more on their independence as they’ve gotten older, but have always tried to be there to give direction and encourage self-sufficiency.” They added that another goal is to teach more at home than just the three R’s. “Most businesses are more interested in hiring a teachable, coachable person of high standards than somebody who knows it all in the book sense, but has no integrity,” Walter said. “Along with academic curriculum, we want to build character and reliability.”

Kim and Walter Locke with their sons (from left) Daniel, Matthew and David. Their eldest sons, Joshua and Jeremy (not pictured), were also home schooled and then earned degrees from the University of Mississippi.

Their sons say they are grateful for those lessons. “My mother never studied chemistry or physics, but she taught me how to seek, find and compile,” said Joshua, 24, who has a criminal justice degree from Ole Miss and is now an Air Force captain. “She taught me that I could be successful at whatever life brought if I could figure out the material.” In fact, success is somewhat of a Locke family motto. Jeremy is a first lieutenant in the Army. David, 17, is studying to take the ACT, but began the test prep work years ago. For home-schooled children, that’s not unusual. A survey from the Journal of College Admission reported that home-schooled students, on average, have higher ACT scores, grade point averages and graduation rates compared to traditionally educated students. Collegiate publication Stanford Magazine recently reported that home-schooled students

are “a group to embrace … that brings a mix of unusual experiences, special motivation and intellectual independence.” In all, advocates say home schooling can better prepare children for the future. And students like Ross say they are grateful to have been given that opportunity. “Mom assembled my lesson plans and kept up with grades. But the workload was up to me,” Ross said. “The independence definitely prepared me for high school and eventually college. I really learned how to study and be successful.” For more information about home schooling or to connect with area home-school groups, contact John and Laura Beth Ferguson (662513-4538) with Oxford Christian Home Educators; Stephanie Garneau with Classical Conversations Community at 662-832-2269 or classicalconversations.com; or mhea.net, the Mississippi Home Educators Association website. November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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photographed by Leslie Brooks

events Three Blind Wines View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationoxford.

The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and the Rotary Club of Oxford hosted a blind wine tasting Oct. 8 at the Powerhouse. The event benefited the Arts Council and the Moak Scholarship Fund.

Brittni and Jarred Hancock

Dr. Hal Posey, Aimee Kohne, Louise Kincaid and Nancy Kohne

Heather Outlaw and Kim McLellan

Doug and Marian Miller

Lauren West and Andy Douglas

Benjy Foster and Liz Barrett

Katie Hughes and Valerie Blair

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Mary Johnson and Marty Calderwood

Tina Montgomery and Molly Meisenheimer

Patton Ford and Elizabeth Stephens

Lorri Williamson and Joeli Beckum

Peggy Ely and Pam Meyer

Kate Hooper and Felipe Macias

November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

51

events Kenny Rogers Concert View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationoxford.

Kenny Rogers performed at the Gertude Ford Center Oct. 10. The next Ford Center concert is An Acoustic Evening with Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin on Nov. 10. Visit fordcenter.org/events for more information.

Kelli Moore and Cindy Barnes

Billy and Christy Quin with Heidi Gatlin and Andie Cooper

Bill and Wanda Larson

Don and Kathryn Glidewell

Robin and Jim Hollis

Betsy and Ed Holcomb

Mary Moreton, Jenny Rayner, Amy Wilkes and Wendy Carmean

John and Linda Scarbrough

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Barbara Briscoe and Rosemary Comer with Judy and Jerry Loden

Lesa Alford and Glenda Jefcoat

INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Robert and Genie Rose

Carolyn Laster with Mary Duncan and Phil Hall

Lydia and Carter Myers with Amanda Hyneman

Hugh and Marty Gurner

photographed by Leslie Brooks

Bud and Ann Browning

Kenny Rogers

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Corina Petrescu, Gabriel Garrido and Dinorah Sapp

Michael and Kathryn Koury with Cheryl and Calvin Wells

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events Newcomers Club Kick-Off Dinner View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationoxford.

The Oxford Newcomers Club welcomed new residents with its annual kick-off dinner Sept. 25 at the home of Lynn and Trammell Wells. Club members meet monthly for events including book club, bridge club, garden club and movie night.

Mort and Melva Mortimer

Nancy Barber, Bonnie Siebert, Rick Roberts, Marta Brookhart, Carol Burrows, Leslee Linn and Royce White

Charles and Linda Jackson with Lynn Wells and Alex MacCormack

Pat and Richard Atkinson

Judy Seely and Betty Bridge

Alex and Mary Balducci with Eddie and Carol Clinton Sam and Sheila Franco with Larry and Tricia Copelin

Vanessa Moore and Denny Siebert

Dr. J.T. and Betty Hill

Sarah and Mark Loftin

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photographed by Leslie Brooks

George and Wanda Johnston

Bonnie and Denny Siebert

Susan Mason and Marie Barksdale

Betsy Dyke and Susan Hayman

Lynne Masters, Marianna Ochs, Linda MacCormack, Lorraine Wagster and Nellanne Davis

Becky and Don Caudle with Larry Brookhart

Vanessa and Tim Moore

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Marta Brookhart and Cathy Ross

Carol Champion, Linda Smith and Ann Proffer

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photographed by Leslie Brooks

events Party in Pink Zumbathon View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationoxford.

Zumba instructors from throughout north Mississippi taught a two-hour Zumba dance marathon Oct. 5 at OxfordUniversity United Methodist Church. The event raised money for breast cancer research.

Kasi McPherson and Kimberly Robinson Elizabeth Joyner, Renae Vallas and Ann Harris

Melissa Johnson, Michelle Sharp and Lee Martin

Faith Bachus and Dawn Crockett

Lavina Woodfin, Liz Dixon and Julia Winston

Allison Garner and Brittany Dudley

Lisa King and Jeanetta Smith

Ashton, Kathy and Katie Pearson

Brittanni Bundren and Ashley Cranford

Chris and Suzy Norwood

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saluting service In honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, four women, from an Army sergeant to a military wife, share their stories of what service means to them. by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem

Sgt. Chevonne Crockette Sgt. Chevonne Crockette was 17 years old and just out of high school when she joined the Navy active duty in 1995. The Chulahoma, Miss., native’s parents had to sign a waiver for her to ship out. “There were doubts, but my mom knew how much it meant to me,” said Crockette, who now lives in Oxford with her family. “I wanted to travel and get out of Mississippi to see the rest of the world.” Crockette, 36, spent two years stationed in California and Spain before she took a hiatus from military life to care for her first child instead of joining a new unit that deployed every six months. The need for college tuition assistance brought Crockette back to the military with the Mississippi Army National Guard in 2001. She originally enlisted with the 223rd

60

INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Engineering Battalion out of Clarksdale, Miss., and became part of the Water Valley, Miss., detachment of the 289th Vertical Construction Company based in Bruce, Miss., in 2008. She did not deploy with her unit to Iraq in 2003 because she was pregnant with her third child, but last year she completed a 10-month tour of Afghanistan and returned home in April. “It wasn’t as bad as I’d thought it would be,” Crockette said. “My husband [Kerry] took care of everything at home and kept me in the know about what was going on, and the kids handled it well. I got to talk to them or text every day thanks to Skype and Facetime.” Crockette earned a degree in human resources from the University of Mississippi in 2011. When she returned home from Afghanistan, she worked briefly at the Army National Guard state headquarters in Jackson, Miss., processing requests for security

clearances, but it was a long commute. She hopes to soon secure a position closer to home with her unit in Bruce or Water Valley. She will mark 15 years with the military in December, and her career has come full circle. Her 16-year-old daughter, Brianna, is a ROTC cadet at Oxford High School and says she is considering the possibility of joining the military full time after high school. “I’ll be behind her all the way,” Crockette said. “There are more opportunities around than ever for a young woman in the military. The number of females in my unit has doubled since I joined and a lot more are in high positions, so we’re up and coming. The places I’ve seen may not be the ones I thought of visiting when I was young, but it’s been a learning experience that’s brought me out of my shell and shown me I can take on whatever. It could do the same for her.”

November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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Corinne Jackson

Corinne Jackson was married to Sgt. Kent Jackson for a decade before he joined the Army National Guard. “He was almost too old to join,” she said, laughing. “But it’s something he’d wanted to do since before we met.” The conversation reemerged after Sept. 11, 2001, but the couple didn’t feel their young family was stable enough with Corinne staying home to care for their 1-year-old. But in 2009, after the birth of their second child and the success of Corinne’s new business (Lulu’s Shoes on the Square), Kent signed on as a combat engineer with the 288th Sapper unit in Houston. His first deployment was a 12month assignment to Afghanistan in 2011. It was an adjustment for the whole family. “I didn’t want our lives to stop because he was gone, but I wanted to make it as easy as possible. My responsibility was to be strong and keep things handled so the kids could keep moving and let him know everything was okay here so he could focus on his job,” she said. His job was dangerous. Kent’s company disabled improvised explosive devices to clear the road for military traffic. Corinne’s service back home was difficult in different ways. “I really felt more like a widow or divorced woman instead of a military spouse since there was little communication while he was gone because of all the missions,” she said. Kent returned home in October 2012, and neither spouse was prepared for the realities of their reunion. After almost a year apart, coming back together wasn’t all TVbroadcasted welcome-home hugs. “People don’t see that part. It’s hard to put your lives back together again as a family and couple after you’ve steeled yourselves through a year apart. If we didn’t have two kids and 13 years together, we probably wouldn’t have made it. We have a full life now that he’s back, though,” Corinne said. “I love having to remind him it’s lights out because he’s ‘over spending’ time with the kids.” Next year, Kent will have the option to resign for another six years with the Guard, but the couple is debating whether it’s right for the family considering the possibility of another deployment.

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Corinne with their children, Charles, 11, and Elise, 8. The flag was given to Kent by the Army National Guard in honor of his deployment. Below, the Jackson family is reunited after Kent returned from Afghanistan.

Above, Myriam Alley holds a photo of herself taken during her time in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps. Bottom (left to right), Alley in 1970 with U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska and astronaut Rusty Schweigert. Alley at Tacoma Indian Hospital in1947. Alley in an official U.S. Air Force photo taken at McChord Field in Washington state.

Myriam Alley

Myriam Alley, 93, was never an average gal. The Alaska native was working toward her pilot’s license in Washington state at the age of 17. Five years later, she joined the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) and headed to Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., to become a military nurse to soldiers during World War II. “Do you know how much I made? Fifty dollars a month. And I sent half of it home to my parents every payday,” she said. The WAAC corporal spent the next 15 years in the service, traveling from Boston to

Tokyo to Paris. “I was in Tokyo just after the bomb was dropped, and it was so sad,” Alley said. “We saw all these people who were burned and sick, but we couldn’t even touch them [due to radiation]. All we could do was pray for them.” Alley met her husband, Ira, on a military conference trip in Nome, Alaska, and the two married in 1962. After Alley left the service, the couple made their home in Juneau, Alaska, with their two daughters. Myriam worked as a nurse, and Ira taught school and served as a preacher. The pair

stayed in Juneau until the early 1990s and then moved to Bruce, Miss., when Ira accepted a job as a minister at Macedonia Baptist Church in Calhoun County. After Ira died, Myriam became a resident of the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford, where she has lived since 2004. She said her life in the military was a fulfilling one. “I had a man here at the home ask me once if I were young and had it to do over again would I still join,” Alley said. “I told him, ‘Oh, yes. I loved everything about being in the military. I’d do it again today.’” November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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Cadet Tiffanie Troxell

Cadet Tiffanie Troxell, 21, has been in the military almost as long as she’s been a student. The Saint Cloud, Fla., native spent four years in her high school Army JROTC program before she considered changing direction. “After graduation, I decided I wasn’t going to just head out and join the military like the rest of my friends because I wanted something different,” she said. “That lasted one semester before I missed the ‘family’ so much at college that I had to get back in.” Troxell joined the University of Central Florida’s Army ROTC, training for two years before transferring in 2012 to the University of Mississippi, where she is currently a junior. In addition to her full-time course load as a liberal studies major with an emphasis in math and Russian, she earns three credit hours each semester for her military science minor. She trains with her battalion four days a week and attends twice-weekly ROTC classes and a tactical skills lab (essentially mock Army missions, like leading ambushes and attacks). Although students can be ROTC members for three years with no further military commitment, Troxell has already signed an ROTC contract that will begin after she graduates. She will serve either four years active duty or six years in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard. She is also a member of the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP), which means she is paid to serve in the National Guard, but

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

she cannot be deployed while she is a student. “Most of us are contracted and SMP cadets, so when we graduate with our class rankings we can decide if we want to try for active duty with the Army, go into the reserves or stay in the guard. Only the best of the best make it into active duty because there are only so many slots open. That’s where I’d love to be,” she said. Last year, it took at least a 3.0 grade point average and a score of 280 out of 300 on the Army physical fitness test to have a chance. Troxell currently has a 3.7 GPA and a perfect Army physical fitness score. Her dream is to enter the Army as a second lieutenant in military intelligence after she graduates in 2015. “I’ve learned here that you’re only as strong as your weakest team member. That might push you to not be that person, but it also motivates you to look out for each other and build each other up as much as possible. That’s what I’m looking forward to most as a soldier – being

able to be that positive influence for the soldiers around me,” she said. In addition to her impressive resume, Troxell is a member of the Ole Miss Russian Club. Over the summer, she was an assistant leader at the JROTC summer camp in Florida and is part of the battalion’s 11-member Ranger Challenge team. She is also a Color Guard commander at Ole Miss. Before classes began this fall, she challenged herself even further at the U.S. Army Airborne School in Ft. Benning, Ga., where she learned about conducting airborne operations. Part of the education was jumping out of an airplane from 1,250 feet up. “When I first did it, I was so scared,” she said. “But there’s nothing better than the feeling of accomplishing something that you didn’t think you could do. That’s all I’ve been doing in ROTC. You keep setting different goals, and once you achieve them, you keep setting more.”

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Yalobusha Brewing Company, north Mississippi’s first brewery, taps into the craft beer craze. by Lena Anderson photographed by Joe Worthem

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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Previous page, Yalobusha brewers Amos Harvey (left) and Tony Balzola. This page, former bourbon barrels produce bourbon-aged beers. Opposite page, the Yalobusha Brewing Company logo was designed by Harvey’s wife, artist Coulter Fussell.

S

omething new and delicious is brewing in an old brick warehouse on Water Valley’s historic Main Street. The vast 12,000square-foot Hendricks building housed a machine shop from 1869 until the 1940s, when it became a Ford dealership, but has sat empty for the last six years. That changed in April, thanks to the vision of Andy O’Bryan, Mac Nichols and Amos Harvey. The building was reborn as Yalobusha

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Brewing Company. Today, the Hendricks building is buzzing with activity once again. The sound of hammering tractor and train parts has been replaced with the hiss and hum of tanks turning water, barley, yeast and hops into various Yalo brews. Harvey, head of operations/brewer and a Water Valley resident, said the place was ripe for resurrection and reinvention.

“There were other counties interested, but I’ve always had my eye on this building,” he said. “The parking lot was where the Coca-Cola plant was, and next to that was the Double Cola plant. It was interesting to discover the bottling history in Water Valley. It makes this place just scream brewery.” Yalobusha isn’t the first brewery in the state, but it is the first in north Mississippi. It joins Crooked Letter Brewing on the Gulf Coast,

Lazy Magnolia in Kiln, Lucky Town Brewing Co. in Jackson, and Southern Prohibition in Hattiesburg. Oxford Brewing Company is also locally owned but currently brewed in Alabama (see box on page 73). That list is sure to grow thanks to the state legislature’s lifting the ban on high-gravity beer in 2012. “Now that this law has passed, this state is really catching on to craft beers,” said Tony

Balzola, Yalobusha head brewer. “Mississippi may have been a little late to the game, but it’s here now, and it’s going to be big.” Growth is something the Yalobusha men are banking on. Co-owner O’Bryan, an entrepreneur with experience in the restaurant business, said he wanted to start a brewery because he saw opportunity. “I’m a serial entrepreneur,” he said. “This

is something I thought was a good business model. North Mississippi has not had a brewery since pre-prohibition. We thought it was time for there to be a local option.” When O’Bryan and Nichols had the paperwork in place, it was time to think about actually making the beer. They partnered with Harvey, whose resume includes stints at Louisiana’s Abita Brewing Company and Idaho’s Big Horn Brewing Company. November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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The Hendricks building houses the brewery, and it has plenty of character and vintage charm. The building’s parking lot used to contain a Coca-Cola plant and next to that was a Double Cola plant. The bottling history of the location appeals to the Yalobusha brewers and owners.

The team was complete when Harvey asked Balzola, who had been working for 13 years at McMenamins, a chain of 65 brewpubs and microbreweries headquartered in Portland, Ore., if he would consider moving to Water Valley to work for Yalobusha. It wasn’t a hard sell for Balzola and his wife, Rachael. “We got such a great vibe from everybody,” Balzola said. “We’d never even been to the South before, but people were so friendly here. The food was good. I was ready for a new challenge. It was the perfect situation.” Of course, there was a brief adjustment period for the Oregon native. “There was a little bit of a culture shock when I learned all of Mississippi’s complicated liquor laws,” he said. “I also mispronounced

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

‘Yalobusha’ for the first few weeks I was here. Amos made that the first part of my training.” Harvey is adamant about the brewery name paying homage to the rolling hills of north Mississippi. “‘Yalobusha’ means ‘Home of the Little Tadpole,’” he said. “This used to be a little creek town where people would bring their cows and other animals to get water. Now we’re just a different kind of watering hole.” Besides the brewery’s evoking a sense of history, Harvey also hopes the beer will elicit a sense of place. Their first two beers are named Yalobusha River Ale (a pale ale) and Yalobusha IPA. “We want to keep it simple and get these beers out there with our name on it,” Harvey said. “There’ll be a time later on when we have

fun and get creative [with the names], but for now, we need to let people know who we are and be recognized with our brewery. You hear ‘Sierra Nevada Pale Ale’ and know what you’re getting.” Harvey and Balzola added that consistency is one of their biggest challenges. They’ve been working around the clock – 20 hours a day – to perfect their product. “We made a commitment that nothing leaves these doors until we are 100 percent satisfied with it,” Balzola said. The duo insists the long hours are worth it. “We want our beer to be unique,” Harvey said. “So we need to create a snowflake and then re-create that exact snowflake the next time. That’s a tough thing to do, but man, it’s fun.”

DrinkLocal

Oxford Brewing Company Raise your pints to another way to drink locally. Oxford Brewing Company is owned by Oxford resident Mason Meeks (pictured). The business started as a hobby, but when his beer began winning awards at area craft beer festivals, he decided to turn it into something more. Meeks contracted with Back Forty Beer Co. in Gadsden, Ala., to brew his beer, and now it is sold throughout north Mississippi. “I went from making five-gallon batches to 930-gallon batches,” he said. The company released its first two beers this summer, an MPA No. 8 and the cleverly named Sorority Blonde Ale. “Yeah, I’m pretty proud of that one,” he said. “It’s a blonde ale, and I was sitting around trying to think of a name, and it just came to me. Sorority girls and Ole Miss.” He said business has been good so far, and he hopes to move the brewing operation to Oxford next year, as soon as he finds the right facility. “It’s just a little company that I started by myself,” he said. “Of course I’ve had a lot of help along the way. My friends say, ‘Oh if you need a taste tester, I’ll do it.’” Visit oxfordmsbrewing.com for more information.

November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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The brewery’s 30-barrel fermenters can produce 300-600 barrels each month. Kegs of the first beer, River Ale, a pale ale, were released to area restaurants in October. The brewers hope to soon craft six-eight flagship Yalo beers to be sold year-round. They also produce a honey and muscadine root beer.

Due to their quest for quality, the brewing process has gone slower than the men would like, but they debuted their first beverage, a root beer made with local honey and muscadine, at the Watermelon Carnival over the summer. They began distributing kegs of River Ale to area restaurants last month. Soon, they will begin bottling beer to sell to the public. It will be available at most gas stations and grocery stores in Oxford. The brewery currently has a 15-barrel system but 30-barrel fermenters, so they will need to make double batches each time they brew. One brewer arrives early in the morning to start the first batch, while the other brewer takes the late shift to finish the second. One barrel is the equivalent of 31 gallons, or two

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

full-sized kegs. When the operation is in full swing, they will produce 300-600 barrels per month. They also plan to produce smaller, boutique beers on a two-barrel system, which allows for more creative, experimental batches. Harvey and Balzola said they want to showcase the best the region has to offer. A map of Yalobusha County will be on the bottom of each six-pack to provide a little geography lesson to the buyer. When possible, ingredients are sourced locally. They grow and harvest their own organic hops on a farm just outside Oxford. There are talks of espresso ales made with locally ground coffee, and for whiskeylovers, the brewery purchased oak barrels for future batches of bourbon-aged beer. Joe Vaughan, owner of Oxford’s Joe’s Craft

Beer, said that ethos will play well in Oxford. “People in this town love to eat locally,” he said. “We buy straight from farms, go to fresh markets, use the city garden. Now we’ll have a local option for our beer, too.” Even though six-packs are not yet available, Vaughan is already selling growlers (64-ounce jugs) filled straight from Yalobusha kegs. “This means having the freshest beer to go,” he said. “This isn’t stuff that’s been sitting on an 18-wheeler for days coming down from Washington state. This is basically being brewed in our backyard. It’s so much better.” Yalobusha Brewery will soon be open Saturdays for guided tours. Visit facebook.com/ yalobushabrewing for beginning tour dates and more information.

November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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events Secret Show

View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationoxford.

A secret art show was held Sept. 27 in the Vieux Carre building to benefit the United Way of Oxford and Lafayette County. The location was kept secret from participants until the day of the show. The event included food and beer tastings.

Sarah-Fey Rumbarger and Allen Brown

Joeli Beckum and Lorri Williamson with Cory and McKenzie Williamson

Johnny and Carolyn Lott with Don and Susan Mason

Cliff Lawson and Ramona Bernard

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Molly Phillips, Sunny Young, Caitlin Keith and Alison Doyle

Cliff and Laura Hall

INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Cathy and Hugh Ross

Ally Watkins and Marco D’emidio

Aena Payne, Dave Bell and Wanda Ikeda

Debbie and Bob Myers

photographed by Leslie Brooks

Phil McCauslamd and Drew Chiles

Tierney and Ryan Charlton

Richard and Jennifer Lowe

John and Sarah Hornor

Silas Reed, Cameron Allen, DJ Fitzgerald and Joseph Reed

Mickey Howley and Annette Trefzer

Tim Shank and Susan Westbrook

Caitlin Keith and Alison Doyle

Michelle Robinson and Anne McCauley

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photographed by Joe Worthem

events Senior Day

View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationoxford.

Emeritus Senior Living held Senior Day for residents and their family members Sept. 14. The Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society brought dogs for residents to play with, and local businesses donated raffle prizes.

Leigh Anne Coffey, Melinda Jennings, Tayler Coffey and Casey Simmerman

Gladys Spencer with Bentley, Evelyne and Emerson Denham

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Randon Hill, Tamika Pettis, Terrence Brown and Alisha Hickinbottom

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events Southern Foodways Symposium View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationoxford.

Writers, chefs and foodies gathered for the 16th-annual Southern Foodways Symposium, held Oct. 4-6 in Oxford and on the University of Mississippi campus. The theme of the conference was Women at Work.

Rebecca Lauck Cleary, Julie Pickett and Lily Kelting

Jamie Estes, Paul Fehribach, Alex Kruse and Greg McGehee

Sara Camp Arnold and Mary Beth Lasseter

Ralph Brennan and Simone Rathle

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photographed by Leslie Brooks

Kerry Diamond and Rob Newton

Rebecca Sharpless and Elizabeth Engelhardt

Kara Hidinger, Kristie Abney, Pardis Stitt and Charles Abney

Lisa Ekus and Virginia Willis

Toni Tipton-Martin, Vertamae Grosvenor and Donna Battle Pierce

Mike and Leanne Powell, David Strahl, Mike Membreno and Brannon Paulk

Kelsey Lynn and Carla Tomasko

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events Tilted & Pickled

View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationoxford.

Tilted & Pickled, a communitywide event held Oct. 1 at the Powerhouse, celebrated the release of The Tilted World, a novel by Tom Franklin and Beth Ann Fennelly, and Pickles, Pigs & Whiskey, John Currence’s cookbook.

Forrest Leary and Caroline Shepard

Faye Hodges, Jeepsie Smith, Lynn Hayes and Greta Martin

Eliza McClure and Ryan Griffin

Don and Melissa Jones

Majure Markow and Stuart Hederman

Dru Jones and Peter Cleary

Beth Doty, Lenore Hobbs and Sharon Hunt

Megan Staten, Shane Robertson and Katrina Briscoe

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Shaundi Wall, Greg Johnson, Brian Carpenter and Marti Funke

Jim and Janine Knox

INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Kevin Williams and Tamar Karakozova

Sean and Marie Adams

Ben Fierman, Sulivan Banks and Walt Terry

Will Mays and Ben Mathis

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April, Drake and Derrick Harriell

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events Harvest Supper at Rowan Oak View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationoxford.

Friends of the University Museum hosted a harvest supper Oct. 10 on the grounds of Rowan Oak to benefit the University Museum and historic houses. Dinner was provided by Woodson Ridge Farms, and Shannon McNally performed.

Gay Graeber and Dianne Fergusson

Cam Elisara, Michael Bienkowski, Boyce Upholt and Ethan Smith

Joeli Beckum and Beth Ziegenhorn

Laura Antonow and Randy Wadkins

George Seagraves with Mark and Holly Edwards and Mark Pyburn

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Forever in Blue Jeans by Elizabeth Ferrell

photographed by mabus photography

Bespoke isn’t just for suits anymore. North Mississippi-based Blue Delta Jean Company crafts denim that is custom-made and homegrown.

B

esides apple pie, blue jeans are about as American as it gets. But as ubiquitous as they are, finding a pair that fits well can be difficult. At least, that was the case for Pontotoc, Miss., natives Josh and Jill West. “Neither I nor my wife could find jeans that we liked,” Josh said. “We wanted something conservative but attractive, with bold lines, made in America.” So in 2010, they decided to do something

about it, and that’s when their business, Blue Delta Jean Company, was born. Josh recruited Nick Weaver, a high school friend from their hometown who now lives in Oxford, as their business partner. Today, Josh is chief executive officer, Jill is president and Weaver is chief operating officer. The company is based in Verona, Miss., and it produces custom-made, all-American, eco-friendly jeans. “Every component is made in the U.S.,”

Weaver said. “Cotton grown in Texas. Rivets and zippers, labels printed in the U.S. We’re not buying goods from other places.” Novices to textile manufacturing, the young entrepreneurs faced a learning curve. “We knew nothing,” Josh said. “We bought out a garment operation in Memphis that had closed down. We loaded 17 sewing machines on a trailer not knowing how to turn them on.”

November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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photographed by mabus photography

Blue Delta jeans have a timeless look and custom fit. Clients can choose their denim weave, with options that range from heavy and slub yarn to summer and ecru. The jeans are made from U.S.-grown cotton that is all-natural and 100-percent raw. Each pair is cut and sewn individually.

But they were smart enough to know what they didn’t know, and they worked to recruit the most experienced employees they could find. “Our seamstresses each have over 30 years of jeans manufacturing experience,” Josh said. “Some laughed at us,” Weaver said. “There was one resume we really wish we had back. She called us fools and then left!” “That was a low point,” Josh said. “Our first hire was our lead seamstress, and she’s stuck with us.” Since then, the business has found its groove.

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Designers Hillary Nichols and Sona Amroyan start with a sketch and help bring concepts to reality. But it’s all hands on deck at the small startup. “Believe it or not, my wife and I do some design work,” Josh said. “Well, we use that term loosely. I know what I want it to look like, and they help.” Overall, Blue Delta jeans have a minimalist, conservative look. “You see so many jeans with crazy pocket designs,” Josh said. “That’s not us.” Additionally, their asthetic contributes to

their mission to be eco-friendly. “Ours is a waterless process,” Josh said. “When our jeans become streaked, it’s natural wear lines, not artificial lines from water and chemicals. After we get the jeans from the mill, they’re never washed again until the customer washes them. That has much less impact on the environment.” Once Nichols and Amroyan turn the design ideas into a pattern and then a sample pair, staff members test the jeans themselves. Then it’s up to the customer to make the jeans his or her own.

photographed by joe worthem

Bottom left, Blue Delta Jean Company owners Jill and Josh West and Nick Weaver in their Verona, Miss., workshop. Top center, the old sewing machines were purchased from a shuttered garment business in Memphis. Top right, Josh and Nick review Blue Delta designs.

There are three basic styles for men and two for women, with boot cut, straight or slim leg. Customers choose their denim from one of five weave options, then one of three thread theories. Next, each customer selects hardware – rivets, watch pocket, and other details. Measuring for size comes last. “We can get above a 50-inch waist and keep going,” Josh said. “I have a friend who is 6 feet 8 inches [tall], and his jeans fit like a glove. They’re good for somebody who can’t find jeans to fit.” Harry Rayburn, an Oxford resident with a Tupelo dental practice, likes the way his Blue

Delta jeans feel. “I picked out where my belt loops were, had them put on at an angle in back, and picked the thread,” he said. “They fit great, and I love wearing them.” Rayburn learned about the fledgling company from a business associate through social media. “I try to support local businesses,” Rayburn said. “I knew Josh professionally and wanted to support his business.” Rayburn toured the production facility, where they took his measurements and showed

him various design options. Rayburn opted for classic straight-leg regular blue jeans with orange thread. “If somebody says, ‘Hey, I like your jeans,’ you can say, ‘They were made in Tupelo, and I helped design them,’” Rayburn said. “They’ll say, ‘What do you mean?’ And that starts a conversation. People like the story.” Blue Delta jeans cost between $190 and $220 per pair, with a turnaround time of three to four weeks. Visit bluedeltajeans.com or call 888963-7879 for more information. continued on page 94

November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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photographed by mabus photography

First in flight

W

hat do blue jeans have to do with airplanes? Nothing really, except on Sept. 21, in Dallas, Texas, Blue Delta Jean Company participated in Flugtag, a national event organized by Red Bull in which competitors attempt to fly homemade human-

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

powered flying machines. Blue Delta was the first-ever team from Mississippi since the event began in 1992. To pay homage to their product, their aircraft resembled a Delta crop duster combined with an antique sewing machine (pictured). Although – like most teams – they

crashed, burned and landed in the water, they still managed to have fun. “It was a great experience for Blue Delta,” COO Nick Weaver said. “We did not win the flight competition, but we sure were a crowd pleaser.”

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in season Sweet

Potatoes

by Sonia Thompson photographed by Caroline Beffa Franks

T

he fall harvest is bountiful at Yokna Bottoms Farms, a community supported agriculture (CSA) farm owned by Doug Davis and located on Oxford’s County Road 471. “Fall is our best time,” said Betsy Chapman, who works for the farm. “We’ve got kale, arugula, turnip greens, turnips, carrots, green onions, lots of different kinds of lettuces, cabbages, broccoli, radishes, winter squash, butter beans and more.”

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

But one of the farm’s most prolific fall crops is sweet potatoes, a staple of many Thanksgiving spreads. In addition to casseroles, Chapman suggests using them in more unexpected ways, like this sweet potato hash recipe, created by Jamo Gait, a friend of Yokna Bottoms Farms. “It’s something a little bit unusual with the combination of the sweet potatoes and the apples,” Chapman said. “It’s an interesting use of ingredients. The sweet potatoes give it a

sweetness, and also the texture is a little different than white potatoes. It’s less starchy. You’re also getting a very colorful presentation.” She added that another bonus is that the dish can be prepared ahead of time and can be made in one pan for easy cleanup. “I think it would make a great Thanksgiving brunch,” she said. “Or it would be great if you’re entertaining during football season. And sweet potatoes just kind of taste like fall.”

Jamo’s Sweet Potato Hash 2-3 medium sweet potatoes (washed, peeled and diced) 3 Tablespoons olive oil Salt to taste 2 Tablespoons butter 1 red onion, diced 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced 3 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored and diced) 1 bunch green onions (tops and bulbs), thinly sliced 1 (4 ounce) can roasted, diced green chiles Pepper to taste 4 large eggs Parsley, chopped for garnish Preheat oven to 400°F. Place sweet potatoes in a large bowl, drizzle with 2 Tablespoons olive oil and toss to coat. Spread oiled potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Salt to taste and bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes. Melt butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 Tablespoon olive oil and red onion. Reduce heat to medium low and cook onions, stirring frequently, until caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Add sausage, apples and sliced green onion bulbs. Raise heat to medium-high. Sauté, stirring frequently, until sausage starts to brown. Add sweet potatoes, green chiles and black pepper to taste. Toss together. Make four small indentations in the top of the hash with a spoon. Crack one egg into each hole. Bake at 400°F until eggs are cooked to your liking (up to 10 minutes). Remove from oven and garnish with green onion tops and parsley. Serve with warm biscuits.

continued on page 100

November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Betsy’s Buttermilk Biscuits 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 2½ teaspoons baking powder 6 Tablespoons real butter (plus 2 Tablespoons for greasing the pan) ¾ cup buttermilk Preheat oven to 450°F. Mix together flour, salt and baking powder. Cut butter into flour until it looks like cornmeal. Mix in buttermilk to form a soft dough. Knead for about 30 seconds, folding the dough as you go (helps make biscuits flaky). Pat into a ¾inch round. On a floured surface, use a small jelly jar to cut about 18 small biscuits. Grease baking sheet with the remaining 2 Tablespoons butter. Place biscuits close together on baking sheet so they bump into each other when they bake (this makes soft, pull-apart biscuits). Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly brown on top. Remove from oven and brush top with melted butter if desired.

The Oxford City Market is open Tuesdays through Nov. 26 from 3-6:30 p.m. at 2650 West Oxford Loop.

November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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photographed by Leslie Brooks

events Coaches and Officials Party View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationoxford.

Former state Rep. Noal Akins, who coached basketball for many years, hosted a party Oct. 10 for former and current high school and college coaches. Akins has been hosting the event for 15 years to honor those who work in athletics.

John Burt and Robert Phillips

Noal Akins, Harvey Childers, Thomas Grisham and Bobby Grisham

Billy Calhoun, Jack Adams, Robert Youngblood and Mike Robbins

Tommy Naron and Jerry Worsham

102

Tony Vogel, Steven Quach, Skip Dunkin and Nick Vogel

Larry McAlexander, Johnny Hill and Chuck Rounsaville

INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Ronnie and Glenda Boyd

Jack Gadd, David Cole, Ken Franklin and Larry McAlexander

Lonnie Whitt and Lanny Gooch

1107 Jackson Ave. E., Oxford, MS www.treamicioxford.com (662) 232 1923

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November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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events Our Team, Our Town View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationoxford.

The Young Professionals of Oxford hosted the second-annual Our Team, Our Town communitywide tailgate during the televised Alabama vs. Ole Miss game Sept. 28 at the Lyric. The event raised $11,000 for children’s charity Lovepacks.

Wes Roberts, Marcus Lahiff and Perrin Crews

Lindsey Baquie, Lauren Cox, Megan Wray, Sarah Canizaro and Nay Nikuma

Natalie Hughes and Leslie Ferguson

Moni Simpson and Sarah Brooke Bishop

Hayden Casey and Lucy Smith

Kate and Andy Field

Madison G. Gould and Conner A. McCluer

Kara and Mike Hoffman

Jamie and Byron Carr

Alyce Krouse, Caroline Mayo and Helen Phillips

Caroline Mashburn, Riley Hicks, Ashley Frye and Jessica Lehane

Kelly Graeber and Cory Williamson

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

photographed by Joe Worthem

Holly Maynard and Corinne Field

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Annie Rhodes and Raegin Martin

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For more information on volunteering, contact the Rotary Club of Oxford-Ole Miss at oxfordchristmasstore@gmail.com or call 662.259.7150. Donations by individuals or corporate entities, and gifts in honor of a special friend or relative, are being accepted. Our goal this year is to provide more than 800 eligible children with a toy and a new book totaling $30. Corporate sponsorships are needed.

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All contributions are tax deductible and can be made payable to ICM/The Christmas Store. November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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events One Night Stand Motel Art Show View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationoxford.

Ten area artists transformed 10 rooms at the Ole Miss Motel into miniature art galleries on Oct. 5 for the One Night Stand Motel Art Show. The eighth-annual show was organized and curated by Erin Austen Abbott.

Mallory Prater and Jacob Mabray

Lisa Burr and Corinne Jackson

Trey Lyons and Jessy Phillips

Drew and Bethan Holland Raines

Jack and Abby Phillips

Molly Fergusson and April Grayson

Martha and Ellen Whitaker

Becky Hiter and Hayden Guest

Bill Warren and Pati D’Amico

Chris Williams and Curt Franklin

Erin Scott and Brenda West

Erin Austen Abbott and Virginia Willis

Ramona Wanlass and Jennifer Nelson

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

photographed by Leslie Brooks

Liam Baranauskas, Dugan Nash and Laura Roebuck

Dorothy Collier with Quinn, Bev and Rowan Thompson

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events Junior Auxiliary Fall Ball View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationoxford.

The Junior Auxiliary of Oxford hosted its second-annual Fall Ball Sept. 20 at the Lyric. The event benefited the children of Lafayette County and included a wine and spirits pull, a silent auction and food by Elizabeth Heiskell.

Billy and Fowler Staines

Hope Gilbert and Harry Harrison

Nathan and Lea McCartney with McKenzie and Cory Williamson

Kelly and Jim Blackwood

Michael and Elizabeth Ellis with Jennifer Russell

108

INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Dr. Jim Rayner and Jolee Hussey

Drew McGehee, Miele Stuckey and Brandon Hudspeth

Lauren Hollis, Laine Mitchell, Lee Ann Stubbs and Whitney McGraw

Jane Cross and Hope Sneed

Ashley Windham and Diala Chaney

Jenny Stubblefield, Reed Toms and Kyle Still

Roane and Robert Grantham with Emily and Phil Bailey and Bill and Barbara Turner

photographed by Leslie Brooks

Ali Beth Jenkins and Wendy Wilson

Catherine and Drew Adams

Samantha Weathersbee and Lydia Siniard

Amanda Knight, Whitney Rayner and Rachel Doenges November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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photographed by Joe Worthem

events Ole Miss Football Party View more event photos @ facebook.com/invitationoxford.

Blake Tartt III hosted a party Oct. 11 at the Powerhouse to kick off the Texas A&M vs. University of Mississippi weekend. The event featured blues music, the Ole Miss band, cheerleaders, Rebelettes and a re-creation of the Grove.

Marge and Forrest Hinton

Kaddy Brown, Lila Nelson, Krissy Brown, Carson Brown and Brittany Melenick

Charles Jones and Sonny Schulman

Anna Rush and Stewart Gammill

Blake Tartt III and Heber Simmons

Chandler Dowdle and Carrie Carlise

John Harrison York, Karan York, Anne Taylor and Buckner Corso

Robin and Troy Nahaes

Archie and Kay Howard with Dwight and Vicki Pickle

Rachel Parrish, R.J. Morgan, Becky Turner and Tommy Clayton Harmon, Anne Gammill, Maggie Olander Kirkpatrick and Cameron Ray

110

INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

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out and about

continued on page 114

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

1. Sam Smith with Bella and Sarah Vega and Rachel Harper at the third-annual Charger Challenge held Sept. 21 at Oxford High School. 2. Candice Mathis and Cameran Williams with Maria and Kiyana Thompson at the Charger Challenge. 3. Dr. John Wilmerding spoke about collecting American art for the Crystal Bridges Museum on Oct. 8 at the Lyric. Pictured are Laura Antonow and Gay Graeber. 4. Natcha Knight Evans and Mary Leach at the Crystal Bridges American art talk. 5. Alison Neel and Mackenzie Breeland at the Sept. 22 Alpha Omicron Pi alumnae event and rededication of the Alpha Omicron Pi house. 6. Katie Borgmeyer, Tricia Newbold and Amanda Vann at the Alpha Omicron Pi event. 7. Rosie Vassallo, Jon Maynard and Kate Rosson at the Sept. 23 grand opening of restaurant Tre Amici on the Square. 8. Eli Gross, Al Bell, Alex Sanders and Jason Johnson at the Tre Amici grand opening.

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Our goal is to meet your banking needs no matter where you live and work. In addition to our full-service branches throughout North Mississippi, we also have many convenient ATM locations. Find ONE near you!

November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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out and about

continued on page 116

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10

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12

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9. Michael Joe Cannon, David Huckaby, Glen Baggett and James Redding at Beefing Up the Commodores, a steak dinner for athletes, held Sept. 27 at Lafayette High School. 10. John Chance, Nick Harmon and Monte Randle at Beefing Up the Commodores. 11. Charlene Hubbard, Jacquelyn Pettis, Brinda Isom and Katelly Ramsey at the Read for the Record event held Oct. 3 at the Mary Cathey Head Start Center. 12. Dixie Purdon, Gee Gee Reed and Olivia Dale at the University Museum Membership Party on Oct. 10. 13. Dick and Marilyn Frey at the University Museum Membership Party. 14. Beth and Will Hunt at the grand opening of the new William G. Hunt and Associates office on Sept. 20. 15. Kathy Neff, Laurie Fisher, Jill Moore and Paul Fyke at the Oct. 12 Square Books Jr. book signing for Fisher’s book Where Do They Go on Game Day? The Story of the Squirrels Who Live in the Grove. 16. Nina Casper with Trey and Karen Kostal at the Where Do They Go on Game Day? book signing.

Thankful

Emeritus…Outsiders say it’s a large, beautiful building atop a hill in Oxford, MS. We, the residents know it’s much more than a building. It is our home and family. Thank you Emeritus at Oxford for making me part of this wonderful family. Louise Lindsey, resident, 2013

(662) 234-9600 t "[BMFB %SJWF 0YGPSE .4 t www.Emeritus.com 114

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out and about

continued from page 114

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17. Misty Fiew, Tina Chandler and Cheryl Hope at the First National Bank event on Oct. 8 to thank FNB customers who are over 62. 18. Janice and Jimmie Lee Smith with Maggie Holland at FNB’s over 62 event. 19. Jerry Pope, Darryail Whittington and Don Alexander at the Habitat for Humanity Appreciation barbecue held Sept. 21 at Avent Park. 20. Caitlin and Clara Hopper with Eileen Metts and Joyce Whittington at the Habitat for Humanity Appreciation barbecue. 21. Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Johnny Morgan at an Ole Miss pre-game party held at Morgan’s shop on Oct. 11. 22. Thad Mueller with Maia and Mark Miller at the Ole Miss pre-game party. 23. Oxford School District Assistant Superintendent Bill Hamilton and Superintendent Brian Harvey at the OSD All-Star Celebration held at Oxford High School on Sept. 27 to celebrate OSD schools that recently received all A’s from the Mississippi Department of Education. 24. Andie and Will Cooper at the OSD All-Star Celebration.

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Pets of the Month

photographed by judy beth morris

Bambi

Speckles

Babe

November marks two fundraisers for the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society (OLHS). Ticket sales from the Oxford Holiday Market Preview Party benefit the shelter. The event is from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Oxford Conference Center and features early bird shopping, music, food and pet pictures with Santa. Art auction Paws for Art is from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Oxford Conference Center and features music, food and silent and live auctions with artwork by Bradley Gordon. But the best way to support OLHS is to adopt a pet. Bambi, Speckles and Babe and many other animals are all ready to be adopted. Visit them at 413 McElroy Drive.

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

Oxford Toyota

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November 2013 | INVITATION OXFORD

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I Am Oxford Ann O’Dell Ann O’Dell helped establish the Oxford Food Pantry 31 years ago. She still volunteers there and is president of the board of directors.

Q: How did the Pantry get started? A: In 1982, we started with five churches, and as other groups saw what we were doing, they got involved. We now have about 16 churches and civic clubs that take turns operating the Pantry one month at a time.

Q: What’s unique about Oxford’s Pantry? A: At most pantries, people get a box or bag of food. We’re operating more like a grocery store, so people get to choose what they want from the shelf.

Q: With the holidays coming up, it’s probably a busy time. How can people provide extra support? A: We always have weeds that need pulling on the outside of the building. Small groups can volunteer to work with a larger group or to do a special food drive. For families wanting to donate, any varieties of soup are always welcome. Food donations can be brought to the Pantry on Tuesday mornings.

Q: You are also known for your green thumb. What sorts of projects do you enjoy? A: I have certainly enjoyed my several years with the Master Gardeners. And I was a secretary on [the Ole Miss] campus for about 15 years, and one year they asked for ideas for things to do during Staff Appreciation Week. I suggested a plant swap. Some of my favorite plants are from these plant swaps. I retired in 2005, but I’ve come back every year to participate. It’s fun. Everybody goes home happy. It’s a winwin. That’s what I’m after. Creating win-win situations. interviewed by Meaghin Burke photographed by Joe Worthem

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INVITATION OXFORD | November 2013

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