Oxford Magazine Jan/Feb 2021 is the Wedding issue!

LARRY SPARKS LEAVING HIS LEGACY. • NEW BOOKS FOR A NEW YEAR

TALLAHATCHIE GOURMET CATERS TO ALL TASTES NO BORING FLOORING IN OXFORD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 OxfordMag.com Volume Five | Issue One $4.95

BRIDAL JEWELRY TRENDS - VAN ATKINS

2021

WEDDING ISSUE

Your Premier Lighting Store and So Much More...

Hernando · Oxford · Tupelo · Ridgeland

www.magnolialighting.com OxfordMag.com 1

34

WEDDINGS 32

DULANEY & STEWART 34

GLASS & SHUFFIELD 36

LINDLEY & WELLS 38

LOWE & JOHNSTON 40

TELFORD & TOWNSEND 42

PHOTO BY KELI LINDSEY PHOTOGRAPHY

ROBERTSON & MORGAN

2 January/February 2021

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PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

ARTS & CULTURE

IN EVERY ISSUE

8 Making Records in Water Valley with Teardrop City 10 Saying Yes to the Ring: Van Atkins Shares Bridal Jewelry Trends 13 Premiering at the Powerhouse: A wedding in the time of COVID-19.

SCHOOLS & SPORTS

& DRINK

5 From the Editor 6 The Guide 20 Book Picks

15 Leaving A Legacy. Larry Sparks reflects on two decades of service.

FOOD

4 Contributors

51 Out & About 55 Marketplace 56 Jim Dees Column

OM

25 Catering to All Tastes: Tallahatchie Gourmet

HOME

& STYLE

21 No Boring Flooring. Flooring experts discuss 2021 trends for Oxford homes.

29 Something Old, Something New: Jeweler gives new life to antique jewelry.

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contributors EDITORIAL

Anna Guizerix Jake Thompson

CONTRIBUTORS

Carrie Stambaugh Lauren Jones Thad Lee Jenna Mason Allen Brewer Glennie Pou

Carrie Stambaugh, Writer

Carrie Stambaugh is a multimedia storyteller and outdoor adventurer based in central Appalachia. Her passion is telling stories that connect people to one another and to the planet we all share.

DESIGN

Jamie Dawkins Connor Martin-Lively Kimberly Myers Briana Sansom

MARKETING

Delia Childers Amelia Miller

Lauren Jones, Contributor

Lauren Jones is a marketing manager at TVI Fiber and lives in Oxford.

PUBLISHER

Rebecca Alexander

Thad Lee, Photographer

Thad Lee is an award-winning filmmaker from Hattiesburg. He has earned English and Philosophy degrees from the University of Mississippi and an MFA in Screenwriting from the University of New Orleans. His film, All That You Love Will Be Carried Away is based on a short story by Stephen King. It is currently screening at festivals in America and Europe.

Jim Dees, Writer

Jim Dees is a writer and longtime host of Thacker Mountain Radio. He is the author of The Statue and the Fury - A Year of Art, Race, Music and Cocktails.

Oxford Magazine is published bimonthly by Oxford Newsmedia LLC. All material is this publication is protected by copyright. We are located at 4 Private Road 2050 Oxford, MS 38655. Our annual subscription rate is $27 per year in the United States and $60 a year in Canada, Mexico and other foreign countries. Our website is oxfordmag.com. We can be reached by telephone at 662-234-4331. Letters, story ideas and postal changes should be addressed to Oxford Magazine, 4 Private Road 2050, Oxford, MS 38655.

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FroM tHE EDitor

C

ON THE COVER

Dulaney-Stewart Wedding

Bride Catherine Delaney and groom Hunter Stewart exchange their vows at The Jefferson.

Photo by Madison Wright Photography Design by Connor Martin-Lively

Celebrating the New Year 2021 is one of the most exciting in recent memory as we turn the page on the 2020. I think it is for nearly everyone this year as we anticipate and hope with the vaccine that it allows our family, work and community to begin to get back to normal at some point during this year.

Celebrate with some new music recorded in Water Valley by local band, Tear Drop City. Covid led to reduced live concerts but allowed the musicians time to get back in the studio to record a second album.

Looking to the future, we asked experts who predict in that Oxford families plan even more home improvements this year. We asked local flooring stores about what home owners remodeling plans and what they are they are seeing in home trends for flooring.

Jan. Feb is our Wedding issue, which we look forward. We celebrate couples who tied the knot in the past year and took a bold step in their new lives together. Each couple had the unique challenge of adapting their celebration with Covid restrictions on size of guest list for the ceremony and reception. It is evident from the photos that these couples still pulled off a picture-perfect wedding.

We love hearing how creative couples were with their proposals, and ceremonies. how YAK (Yoknapatawpha Arts Council) helped save the day for a young couple that had a hurricane rearrange plans. The photos look like the whole event was planned for months instead of hours as YAK helped make this couples’ dreams come true.

Something new: we are featuring Oxford’s own Van Atkins. Van discussed the engagement rings, bridal sets that are in vogue with today’s brides. For something old, jeweler Fran Riddell founder of Renaissance Jewelers specializes in taking family heirloom jewelry and remaking it into wearable pieces for today.

Something borrowed: we borrowed a great recipe from Tallahatchie Gourmet in our feature about catering and weddings. Tallahatchie Gourmet is known not only for their dining and take out but also for helping couples plan and execute a flawless menu that is delicious as well as beautiful.

Something blue: We look at the blue skies ahead for 2021 as Kinney Ferris from Visit Oxford answers questions about events she looks forward to in 2021.

Rounding out this issue are features i events, music, featured spotted galleries and more. We hope you enjoy this issue, and wish you the best start to the new year.

Rebecca Alexander Publisher rebecca.alexander@oxfordmag.com

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THE GUIDE FEB. 9

Andreas Klein Concert Project with Fine Arts Photographer, Andreas Rentsch Gertrude Ford Center 7:30 PM Pianist Andreas Klein is offering a Concert Project with Swiss Fine Arts Photographer Andreas Rentsch whose body of work is an ongoing exploration of the connections of fate, geography, and politics in the direction of justice. The first part of the program consists of the Bach Partita, a Chopin Ballade and Beethoven Sonata enhanced with light projection, beginning with white lighting progressing to more dramatic color palettes.

After intermission, the images of photographer, Andreas Rentsch, will be projected onto he stage while Andreas Klein performs the Prokoffiev “Sonata No. 7”.

JAN. 15-23

Fiber Festival Show on the Square Fiber on the Square begins-three exhibits in three locations on the square-Oxford Square North, Faulkner Alley, and William Faulkner Statue in front of City Hall.

6 January/February 2021

WHAT TO DO IN OXFORD OLE MISS MEN’S BASKETBALL GAMES The Pavillion JAN 2 Wichita State JAN 6 Auburn JAN 9 South Carolina JAN 16 Georgia JAN 23 Texas A&M FEB 2 Tennessee FEB 10 Missouri FEB 17 LSU FEB 20 Mississippi State MAR 2 Kentucky

THE GUIDE

OLE MISS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL JAN 2 LSU JAN 7 Auburn JAN 14 Mississouri JAN 24 Florida FEB 4 Kentucky FEB 14 Mississippi state FEB. 21 Texas A&M

MARCH 11

Presidio Brass Presents ‘…And All That Brass’ Gertrude Ford Center 7:30 PM Presidio Brass brings you its newest offering titled “… And All That Brass,” which features music from the most iconic shows on Broadway. Come and meet those dancing feet and swinging horns down Broadway!

Since forming in 2006, Presidio Brass has rocketed to success as the face of a bold new generation in brass entertainment. By combining a brass quintet, piano and percussion with fresh, original arrangements, the group’s unique sound has become a trademark for the ensemble.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Recording in Water Valley

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Oxford band Teardrop City discusses their new album, plans for the future Story by Thad Lee | Photo Contributed

Looking for homegrown local music for the new year?

You will want to check out the band Teardrop City’s recently released second album ‘RENT PARTY’ recorded at Dial Back South in Water Valley.

The recording is a collection of covers, ranging from Woody Guthrie’s “I Ain’t Got a Home” to Carl Perkins “Sure to Fall” to the Bee Gee’s “To Love Somebody.” It features Tyler Keith on electric guitar, Laurie Stirratt on acoustic, and George Sheldon on stand-up bass. The result is a dynamic sound that is rowdy, tender, and harmonious.

“We have these influences integrated into our personalities” explains Keith. “Laurie and my dad played folk music, so that’s just our basic language.

George also grew up on country and blues. He played with blues guys from the Delta, including Paul “Wine” Jones. We also had a profound love for 60s music from the Velvets to the Girl Groups. It’s just in there. It

8 January/February 2021

wasn’t a thought-out strategy.”

Stirratt agrees that ‘RENT PARTY’ was “definitely spur of the moment, with Covid and all. It was a great break from everything to get back in the studio again. It was engineered by Schaefer Llana. She knows her stuff and was great to work with.”

The session was recorded at Dial Back Sound in Water Valley, which is also where Teardrop City made their debut album, It’s Later Than You Think. Its twelve songs were mostly originals with Wallace Lester on drums and netted in two days by Bronson Tew, who Stirratt proclaims “was amazing and captured the essence of the band right away. He knew exactly what to do. It was one of the most rewarding and magical studio experiences I’ve ever had.”

Going back to Water Valley was a no-brainer for Keith. “When you find something like that that works you take advantage of it. You can’t turn your back on

ARTS & CULTURE the magic,” Magic is nothing new to Stirratt, Sheldon, and Keith who for the past 25 years have been part of iconic Oxford bands like The Hilltops, The Neckbones, Blue Mountain, The Preacher’s Kids, and the Kenny Brown Band.

“We had a group called the Cowboy Killers with Wallace, Jake Fussell, George, and me,” Keith recalls.

“When Jake left Laurie just fit right in there. We’d all played together over the years and had talked about this band. It just seemed natural. I am such a fan of their musicianship.”

Keith’s admiration for Stirratt began in 1992 when he was in a band called The Sky Pilots. “I was a huge fan of the Hilltops and then Blue Mountain. I used to go over to Laurie and Cary Hudson’s house, hang out, and talk music. They took me in and taught me so much.”

Stirratt remembers first meeting Sheldon “on the square when Blind Jim’s was still around. Cary and I were amazed to see George hauling his upright piano up the stairwell once a week to play his afternoon shows. Eventually, George joined Blue Mountain when I became unable to play bass due to severe tendonitis. I switched to guitar. George was with us for two years.” It was then that Keith says he and Sheldon became fast friends, bonding “over our love for music and whiskey.”

Covid has challenged that bond by preventing regular rehearsals, which Keith calls “a real drag. It’s been rough since we used shows to play new songs and work out material as well as sell records and make a little money for the band to operate.”

Stirratt knows this obstacle is not unique to Teardrop City. “Covid has decimated live music and income for working bands, hurt record stores. I’m worried about the already struggling small clubs that have hosted hard working bands nation-wide… many probably won’t be around when this is over…which makes touring for smaller bands even more difficult. Still, it makes sense to be cautious and try to wait it out.”

Hopefully, Teardrop City, will soon be able to take the stage in Oxford, and the music loving community can gather again to dance and have fun. “Europe when it’s over,” says Stirratt.

Keith dreams ever farther, for he wants to “make many more albums and be together as friends and bandmates for the rest of my days. Like I said, it’s really a family band. We’ve known each other for so long and we love each other so much. I wish it to be something we can have together forever.”

Teardrop City’s It’s Later Than You Think + ‘RENT PARTY’ is available to download for $10 on Bandcamp. com.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Saying Yes to the Ring

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Van Atkins shares trends in bridal jewelry Story by Carrie Stambaugh | Photos by Rebecca Alexander, Contributed

There have been huge changes in engagement and bridal trends over the years, but in 2021, going back to basics is in A return to the solitaire diamond is shaping up to be the biggest trend in 2021 bridal jewelry, according to Van Cooper, the thirdgeneration manager of Van Atkins Jewelry on the Square in Oxford. A certified GIA Gemologist and a GIA CAD designer, Cooper said engagement rings are returning to more classic designs compared to the “high fashion” rings of the recent decade.

“Guys are wanting to get that simple look,” said Cooper noting that choosing a simpler band allows them to spend more money on the diamond itself – either opting for a larger stone or a higher quality one. A simple solitaire band can cost closer to $500 to $700 compared to the more elaborate bands of past years that themselves can cost $2,500 to $3,000.

As for the shape of solitaires ovals and rounds have always been, and will likely continue, to be the most popular choices, said Cooper. But modern brides are also gravitating to more elongated cuts including cushions, emeralds and pears. These cuts can make smaller stones

10 January/February 2021

ARTS & CULTURE appear larger than Photo Contributed similar sized round stones. Marquis cut stones are also making a comeback as brides look to make a statement, as are old-style rose cut gems.

Solitaires are a classic for a reason, said Cooper.

They are always a good choice for those who are uncertain exactly what their significant other will want. “If you want to go the safe route, give her a solitaire and you can come in and pick out rings together or do it on a future anniversary,” said Cooper.

Diamonds purchased at Van Atkins are always guaranteed to keep their value, he added. “We always give full trade-in value on a diamond. We hand select each and every diamond for different price points, and we are always able to take any diamond back. It doesn’t matter if the diamonds go up on down. If you spend $6,500 on a diamond solitaire and a semi-mount you

will always have that $6,500.”

Solitaires, although classic, lend themselves easily to the popular trend of layering and stacking bands, including interlocking sets. “We have so many options now on stackable bands to build your unique set,” said Cooper.

Brides are definitely going for uniqueness, said Cooper, noting they want their bridal sets “to set themselves apart from anyone else.” Many are opting for colored diamonds and stones other than diamonds for their engagement rings with sapphires, rubies, and emeralds among the most chosen substitutes for diamonds. Colored stones paired with diamonds in a three stone ring are also popular choices, often with the colored stone taking center stage to the diamond.

Two stone, “Toi et Moi,” rings are also hot choices in

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ARTS & CULTURE 2021. French for “you and me,” twostone rings symbolize two souls becoming one. (Napoleon Bonaparte made the rings famous when he proposed to Josephine de Beauharnais with a diamond and sapphire diamond ring.)

Vintage engagement rings are also increasingly popular, said Cooper. “It is a huge market in our area,” said Cooper, noting Van Atkins has an extremely large collection of estate jewelry and antique semi-mounts.

Demand has continued to increase – driving the cost and value of pieces up. “It is crazy how much more those antique settings are these days. It is blowing up in these metropolitan areas,” said Cooper. Art Deco and Victorian designs are among the most popular for vintage engagement rings. There are also plenty of new vintage-inspired settings featuring the details like milgrain (beaded metal pattern), filigree (metal wire details) and elaborate halos.

In fact, halos are among some of the enduring trends from previous years. Their designs, featuring a center stone ringed with smaller stones, gives the illusion of making the center stone larger. Unusual shaped stones

12 January/February 2021

or colored stones in the halo are also becoming popular.

When it comes to choosing, what style of ring is right for the bride-to-be Cooper said a good jeweler will ask about her personality and what she likes to do. In addition, he said, “Most guys have their girls’ best friend snooping through her Pinterest page. We can normally build a profile from that to help guide him along.” Afterall, there are few other pieces of jewelry that a woman will wear every day for decades on end.

Cooper said the best piece of advice he can give to ring shoppers is to find a jeweler, “you are comfortable with. It is always nice to do business in person. The growing trend is to find a diamond online. That kind of takes the romance out of it to me,” he said. Cooper said local jewelers like his family really take the time to educate their clients and ensure they get the right ring.

“You get a lot more out of doing it in person, and keeping your business local with someone you know,” he said, adding, “We are here to stay.”

Van Atkins is located at 124 Courthouse Square in Oxford. Visit them online at vanatkins.com or call 66.830.4012.

ARTS & CULTURE

Premiering at the Powerhouse

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A Wedding in the time of COVID-19 Story by Carrie Stambaugh Photos by LukeAMotion Photography

Matthew and Jennifer (Smith) King had the perfect wedding day planned. The couple met in 2017 through mutual friends in the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, and “sparks flew” instantly.

“We very quickly gravitated toward each other. We were smitten from the jump,” recalled Matthew, who at the time was serving as the President of the Board of Directors for Theatre Oxford.

When Matthew popped the question last December, Jennifer instantly agreed. They quickly settled on a date: 10.10.2020. It was perfect – easy to remember, and most importantly for the Oxford residents, there was no University of Mississippi football game scheduled that day.

The couple planned a simple DIY outdoor ceremony outside the lakefront home of one of Jennifer’s coworkers. The ceremony would take place on the manmade beach, and the reception would be held outdoors on the lakeside. “It would kind of feel like you were going away but you’d still be in Oxford,” explained Jennifer, noting that with temperatures usually mild in early October, the couple was looking forward to having their casual “destination” wedding. Their approximately 80 guests would spend the afternoon playing cornhole and horse shoes or throwing outdoor dice while mingling with the newlyweds on the idyllic lakeshore.

But that was before COVID-19 swept around the world. Like millions of other couples world-wide, they debated pushing their ceremony back but decided not to. “We really thought it will be gone by October,” said Jennifer. As it became increasingly clear that the plague would be sticking around into the fall, they began to modify their plans.

No big deal, they thought. It is outside, social distancing will be easier. The hardest part was trimming down the guest list to comply with health guidelines, that seemed to change daily. Finally, they settled on 35

of their closest family and friends and felt good by their decision to celebrate with just the people most important to them.

A week before the ceremony, like any anxious bride with outdoor wedding plans, Jennifer checked the weather and discovered forecasters were calling for OxfordMag.com 13

ARTS & CULTURE

rain. “it was kind of a bummer but there is nothing you can do about rain,” said Jennifer, noting the couple thought they’d just rent a large outdoor tent. By Wednesday, those rain showers had turned into Hurricane Delta. Oxford was right in its trajected path after landfall. The Governor declared a state of emergency and the King’s began to panic, but only slightly.

They were determined to get married, regardless of what Mother Nature put in their way: a hurricane, a

14 January/February 2021

worldwide plague, or even murder hornets… No matter how they tied the knot – the important thing was that they do it, and on 10.10.20. “At the end of the day, I’m yours and you are mine – that’s the important thing,” explained Matthew.

Among the first people they reached out to for help was their old friend Wayne Andrews, Director of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, who oversees the Powerhouse where most of Theatre Oxford’s performances take place. Powerhouse was special to them, and they had originally wanted to get married there but it had been booked for a theatre show on their wedding date.

Thanks to COVID-19, the show had been cancelled and the theatre was available. Immediately Andrews offered the venue to the couple free of charge. “The Arts Council offered the space as a thank you to Matt’s service on the Board and with the thought that maybe right now we all need a little more kindness and compassion,” explained Andrews.

It could not have worked out more perfectly. “They not only let us have our wedding there, they helped us set it up,” explained Jennifer, noting all the DIY decorations she had prepared fit perfectly into the space and looked as if they were meant to be there. The most complicated part of the move was transferring the

&SPORTS

SCHOOLS

LEAVING A LEGACY

Larry Sparks look back at two decades of service and forward to retirement

BY JAKE THOMPSON PHOTOS BY UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI COMMUNICATIONS OxfordMag.com 15

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Larry Sparks has served as a quiet force guiding the fiscal management and financial growth of his alma mater, the University of Mississippi, for over two decades.

His time serving as the school’s vice chancellor for administration and finance came to an end at the end of 2020, as Sparks retired to pursue a future filled with enjoyments long-delayed.

The Oxford native has been the university’s chief financial officer since 2006. In that position, he has been responsible for an extensive list of areas across campus, including fiscal affairs, contractual services, facilities planning, health and safety,

16 January/February 2021

human resources, landscape services, facilities management, procurement services, campus mail, the golf course and airport operations.

“I’m looking forward to retirement,” Sparks said.

“My wife and I are hoping to take advantage of many of the things we weren’t able to do during my career. We really want to travel – both around and outside of the United States.

Sparks, along with his wife Jacky, also hopes to spend more time with those closest to him, including his six grandchildren who live between Nashville and Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Sparks’ journey to decades of financial

new year, new deere

12159 Hwy 6 W, Batesville, MS 38606 2298 Hwy 15, Pontotoc, MS 38863 WADEINC.COM OxfordMag.com 17

“Always remember that no matter what other priorities may arise, our students are the reason we are here.”

- Larry Sparks

management began as early as his kindergarten and first-grade years. Although Sparks was always astute in mathematics, it was college classmates who were into investments that got Sparks interested in financial management.

“When I was very young, I used to save coins in a jar with a slot in the lid,” Sparks said. “At some point, I asked my mother to take me to the bank so I could open a savings account. I guess that’s where all this began.”

Early in his career, Sparks found employment as an assistant auditor with the Mississippi Department of Audit while Ray Mabus was serving as state auditor. Mabus had created a college and university division that specialized in auditing Mississippi’s public colleges and universities.

When a superior decided to make a major life change, it opened the door that set Sparks on what

18 January/February 2021

would eventually become his main career path.

“My immediate supervisor resigned to accept another job opportunity,” Sparks said. “I was challenged to step up and assume full on-site responsibilities for the audit. As I did so, many of the concepts we’d studied in my classes at Ole Miss suddenly began to crystalize and instinctively seem to weave together in my mind.”

In 1997, Sparks received a call from then-Ole Miss Chancellor Robert Khyat who asked him to consider taking a position at the University. Sparks had been working at the Institutions of Higher Learning for the past 10 years when Khayat presented Sparks the chance to return home.

“Growing up in Oxford and attending Ole Miss, I’d said I would never consider returning here to live and work,” Sparks said. “But when Chancellor Khayat asked me to come back and be on his

management team, I couldn’t get back here fast enough.”

Sparks began his tenure at Ole Miss as director of internal audit. Over the years, he was promoted to director of Project DISCOVER, the university’s administrative reengineering project.

Suddenly, at the beginning of 2019, Sparks found himself serving at the University’s Interim Chancellor after Jeffery Vitter stepped down as Chancellor at the end of 2018. Sparks navigated the University through the year while a search began to look for the next permanent chancellor.

There a unique connection within Sparks’ family.

His grandfather was a brick mason in Oxford who helped construct the entrance gates to Carrier House, the campus home for Ole Miss’ chancellor.

“The position of interim chancellor was not something I aspired to nor ever thought I would occupy,” Sparks said. “Still, it was an honor and a privilege for me to serve in the role. I believe having someone experienced and familiar with the university’s operations was truly beneficial during that pivotal time of transition.”

With time now to reflect, Sparks looks back over the decades of people who helped influence and caft

his life, professionally and personally.

There were three men at Ole Miss who stand out in Sparks’ mind as key role models: Bob Dowdy, Johnny Williams and Morris Stocks.

Stocks, the provost and executive vice chancellor emeritus and inaugural holder of the Patterson School of Accountancy’s Don Jones Chair. Several years ago, Stocks also answered the call to serve as interim chancellor during a time of transition.

“Dr. Stocks and I have always had a great relationship,” Sparks said. “Even when we disagreed, we never let that get in the way of our friendship. He is one of the best and most genuine people I know.”

As Sparks prepares to leave his beloved alma mater, he has a few words of wisdom he learned throughout his tenure at Ole Miss that he wants to impart to his successor.

“Always remember that no matter what other priorities may arise, our students are the reason we are here,” Sparks said. “Always keep in perspective what is best for the university and its mission as a whole. Keep the main thing the main thing.”

Sparks said he also hopes to spend more time building things in his wood workshop.

New Year,

New Home

Are you ready to find the right home for you or a loved one?

Call (622) 638-0899 to schedule your socially-distanced safe tour today!

Mississippi’s Premier Assisted Living & Memory Care Community 110 Ed Perry Blvd. | Oxford, MS 38655 | www.blakeatoxford.com

OxfordMag.com 19

READ THIS BOOK

Home-Grown Books

This issue’s book picks were hand-selected by Lyn Roberts, General Manager at Square Books for more than 20 years, and can usually be found behind the counter at Off Square Books – along with many of the titles below.

Recommendations from

Lyn Roberts

General Manager at Square Books

Race Against Time

By Jerry Mitchell Jerry Mitchell’s book RACE AGAINST TIME is available in paperback in January. For many years, journalist Jerry Mitchell pursued the Kansmen responsible for some of the most notorious murders of the civil rights movement. This book is his story of how he brought these men to justice.

I Don’t Like the Blues: Race, Place, and the Backbeat of Black Life

By B. Brian Foster How do you love and not like the same thing at the same time? B. Brian Foster when he returned to his Mississippi to teach at the University of Mississippi and to learn about Black culture . Foster takes us into the homes and memories of Black folks in contemporary Mississippi to hear what they have to say about the blues and all that has come about since their forebears first sang them. In so doing, Foster urges us to think differently about race, place, and community development and models a different way of hearing the sounds of Black life, a method that he calls listening for the backbeat.

The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation

by Anna Malaika Tubbs In January we will be celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr and February is Black History Month. For the first time, THE THREE MOTHERS takes a look at the contributions the mothers of King, James Baldwin and Malcolm X gave to our society in moving forward.

Nick

by Michael Farris Smith A great thing about Oxford is that we seem to have at least one writer with a new release each month---even January. We are looking forward to launching NICK, a prequel to The Great Gatsby. Before Nick Carraway moved to West Egg and into Gatsby’s periphery, he was at the center of a very different story-one taking place along the trenches and deep within the tunnels of World War I.An epic portrait of a truly singular era and a sweeping, romantic story of self-discovery, this rich and imaginative novel breathes new life into a character that many know but few have pondered deeply. Charged with enough alcohol, heartbreak, and profound yearning to paralyze even the heartiest of golden age scribes, Nick reveals the man behind the narrator who has captivated readers for decades.

Follow That Frog

By Matthew Cordell Because everyone will need a fresh read in the new year, we are delighted that Philip Stead and Matthew Cordell, two Caledecott medalists, have teamed up for FOLLOW THAT FROG, a rambunctious story of Aunt Josephine’s journey around the world in pursuit of a rare giant frog.

For ages 4 and up.

20 January/February 2021

&STYLE

HOME

NO BORING FLOORING Give your floors some love

STORY BY ALLEN BREWER PHOTOS BY ALLEN BREWER, CONTRIBUTED OxfordMag.com 21

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Floors can receive more damage than you might think. The continual walking, stomping, spilling, chair scooting, jumping, bumping, and children romping can leave lasting marks on the floor’s surface.

COVID-19 has also affected your floors. Due to the self-imposed quarantine, your floors have become a part of your impromptu office, daycare, school, and gym. This means twice the amount of juice box spills and finger paint-related accidents.

“Giving Your Home Some Love” has become a popular saying during 2020 by people with home projects. According to the staff at two flooring and carpeting companies in Oxford, interest in remodeling has increased in the latter half of the year.

22 January/February 2021

“We are seeing more remodeling jobs as opposed to new construction,” Clay Martin, Stout’s Flooring store manager, said. “Our theory is that since people are spending more time at home during the pandemic, they are finding small projects that could help build value in their homes.”

Both representatives from Stout’s and Kizer Flooring said that luxury vinyl planks are trending among home renovators in 2020. Planks can be waterproof and come in a variety of wood styles and colors.

“They are family-friendly,” Christy Byford, Kizer sales manager, said. “Pets can walk on them, and kids can spill on it, and it will still be fine.”

While luxury vinyl planks can be more expensive than carpeting, experts say it is easier to clean and

does not need to be replaced as often. Vinyl is also more scratch and dent resistant than some other types of flooring. Laminate flooring is an alternative with many similar characteristics for moisture and stain resistance.

Compared to hardwood flooring, synthetic flooring options are cheaper to buy and install. Hardwood, however, can last longer.

Many Oxford homeowners chose hardwood to increase the resale value of their homes. Some homeowners also like having the real thing.

“You don’t see hard wood trying to look like vinyl, but you do see vinyl trying to look like wood,” Byford said.

Tile is also making a comeback in flooring for kitchens and bathrooms. It can be quick and easy to install and affixed to walls and counter surfaces.

“Large format tile has been trending recently as well as using unique patterns and colors,” Martin said. “Doing this allows you to make a statement in smaller spaces like powder rooms, laundry rooms, and backsplashes without going way over budget.”

Both companies say that renovators are moving away from carpeting due to them being harder to clean, especially for pet owners and people with dust allergies. Both companies, however, still offer many carpeting options and services.

“Carpet is generally the most economical option when replacing floor covering, but it has to be replaced more frequently than other options,” Martin said.

Martin said that most carpeting jobs come from transitional housing, such as dormitories and student apartments. A possible OxfordMag.com 23

benefit of carpeting is that the flooring will be warmer on your feet during the winter months as compared to the cool surfaces of other floorings. A rug is also an alternative.

Regardless of the flooring type that users chose, the experts suggest that lighter colors can help brighten up a room, making it appear more open. It will also make colorful furnishings pop. In contrast,

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24 January/February 2021

NE SPARC Outage/Support 1-833-NESPARC/1.833.637.7272

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darker flooring with light walls can bring balance to your living space and make it more inviting.

Whether you are looking to remodel your entire home or to redo the floors in your kitchen, both Stout’s and Kizer have many options in styles and prices. If you want to give your house some love this year, you might as well give your floors some love too.

&DRINK

FOOD

CATERING TO ALL TASTES From casseroles to-go to catering, Tallahatchie Gourmet has it covered STORY BY JENNA MASON PHOTOS BY ANNA GUIZERIX, CONTRIBUTED OxfordMag.com 25

W

When Angele Mueller was working at the Gin in Oxford during college, she hadn’t yet planned on opening her own restaurants years later. After working in Hilton Head restaurants, she returned to Mississippi as a school teacher.

Mueller had always enjoyed entertaining, though, and made casseroles by request for a small church in New Albany. She credits her mother and aunt, who taught her to cook during her childhood in New Orleans. In fact, many of the recipes she now serves through Tallahatchie Gourmet are adapted from those early years.

Angele opened Tallahatchie Gourmet in New Albany in 2002, then opened a second location in Oxford just before the Double Decker Arts Festival in 2017. Catering events has always been the bread and butter of her operations, even as the restaurants served customers in-house as well.

Tallahatchie Gourmet became a go-to for weddings and corporate events, with spring and summer as her busiest seasons. She also likes to rent out the 26 January/February 2021

restaurants for private events, such as small weddings, university events, and corporate gatherings.

Angele particularly enjoys the variety every event entails. “They are all really special in their own way,” she says. “We try to make each one a unique experience.”

Just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March of this year, Angele was poised to celebrate the ‘roaring 20s’ with a full calendar of orders.

“Everything changed,” she said of the sudden shutdown. “Almost all our orders were cancelled.”

Business did eventually pick back up, and her much-loved casseroles have kept her business afloat this year. As more families are dining at home, her staff has kept plenty busy keeping up with orders. In addition to catering, Tallahatchie Gourmet offers individual casseroles for pickup at both locations.

Angele’s chicken spaghetti is easily the most popular dish among her loyal clientele, along with

her chicken and spinach enchiladas, white lasagna, and jambalaya. She herself finds special joy in crafting her crawfish etouffee, a comfort food she always loved while growing up in New Orleans.

“I love the way it tastes,” she muses. “It’s just yummy.”

Customers can also find such gems as gumbo and shrimp and grits on Tallahatchie Gourmet’s menu of catering casseroles.

When planning any size catering event, Angele appreciates a long lead time for orders: “the earlier, the better.” This helps Tallahatchie Gourmet order product and adequately staff their kitchen to accommodate requests.

OxfordMag.com 27

IT COSTS $0 TO BE A HERO!

Donate up to $1,800 to Canopy Children's Solutions and receive a dollar-for-dollar Mississippi state tax credit. Don't delay, tax credits are limited!

Please visit mycanopy.org/taxcredit for more information.

Recipe: Tallahatchie Gourmet’s Crawfish Etouffee 1 cup of butter

8 tsp. Salt

1 cup of flour

4 tbsp. Worcestershire

4 cups green onions

Tabasco, to taste

4 cups yellow onions

8 cups liquid (4 cups

8 gloves garlic, minced

dry white wine, 3 cups

2 cups green pepper

water)

1 bay leaf

4 pounds crawfish tails

1 tsp. Thyme

2 tbsp. Lemon juice

2 tsp. Basil

2 tbsp. Lemon rind

12 oz. Tomato sauce

½ cup minced parsley

2 tsp. White pepper

Sherry, to taste

HOW TO MAKE IT Make a walnut-colored roux with 1 stick of butter and 1 cup flour. Add green onions, yellow onions, garlic, green pepper, celery, bay leaf, thyme, basil and the remaining butter. Sauté, uncovered, over medium flame for 30 minutes. Add tomato sauce, white pepper, salt, Worcestershire, Tabasco and liquid. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer slowly for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat. Add crawfish tails, lemon juice, lemon rind and parsley. Serve over rice.

Pro-Tip: Dish is best when prepared a day in advance.

Potential clients and diners can find Tallahatchie Gourmet’s extensive menu on their website: www.tallahatchiegourmet.com.

Options are available for curbside pickup and catering, and both locations feature daily blue plate specials for indoor dining.

Tallahatchie Gourmet in Oxford will celebrate its four-year anniversary in April, by which point Angele hopes local dining and catering return to a greater sense of normalcy. In the meantime, she’s deeply grateful for the constant support from the Oxford community.

28 January/February 2021

something old,

F

something new

By Rebecca Alexander | Photos by Fran Riddell

For more than a dozen years, Fran Riddell of Renaissance Collection has been re-making heirloom quality jewelry into two and three strand pearl bracelets and necklaces. Many Oxford brides have received these one-of-a-kind bracelets as a bridal gift as their “something old” to walk down the aisle. Fran hosts jewelry shows in Oxford two to three times a year, and also receives pieces sent to her to remake.

“Pearls are classic and will always be in style.”

Riddell explained as to why she uses pearls in her jewelry. “They make a great wedding present and by remaking a family jewelry piece it is something the bride can treasure and keep for the rest of her life.

The pieces also make great gifts for bridesmaid, maid of honor and matron of honor or other members of the wedding party. People can wear it everyday and it can be stacked with other style

bracelets.”

After years spent in the jewelry business, Fran began her business as a hobby, making a special bracelet for a family friends’ wedding. When she posted the photos of the bridal pieces she had made on Facebook, she got so many requests for her work that she began a business. The name Renaissance means a rebirth, and Fran said she enjoys giving new life to antique jewelry that would have been sitting in a drawer, but now can be worn and enjoyed.

Fran has a strict policy of not revealing her client names because as a jeweler that information is confidential due to the value of the pieces people entrust her to re-make. The antique jewelry is valuable in itself, but the sentimental value is priceless as some of these pieces have been passed down for generations.

OxfordMag.com 29

But Fran was willing to reveal the story of one special piece she was remaking for a bride. “A client had a cameo that had been her mother’s that she wanted remade into a bracelet for her daughter. Her own mother had passed away, so this was a treasured piece of jewelry to give to her daughter as a wedding present. As Fran prepped the piece of jewelry and inserted the drill bit into the cameo, the heat of the drill released the essence of Estee Lauder in the room, the mother’s favorite fragrance. “It was like she was there in the room with me.”

The most common jewelry pieces she is asked to

30 January/February 2021

rework come from the late 1800’s to turn of the century. Fran also peruses high quality antique shows in search of interesting pieces that can be given new life.

When asked what was most popular for brides, Fran replied that bracelets are much more popular.

Necklaces have so many variables with necklines and have to be measured to fall at the right length.

Bracelets allow the wearer to see them and enjoy the pieces more.

Renaissance Collection can be found on Facebook or can be contacted by phone 601-201-8688.

OxfordMag.com 31

WEDDINGS

dulaney stewart PHOTOS BY MADISON WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

32 January/February 2021

How You Met: We met a few days after Hunter graduated the police academy. I was a grad student at Ole Miss and we had mutual friends who worked at Oxford Police department.

The Proposal: Hunter proposed at Wise Family Farms in Pontotoc, MS. We met a few of my best friends at the pumpkin patch and had the best time, right before sunset, as we were about to leave we went to take one more picture in the sunflower field I turned around and he was on one knee and asked me to

marry him.

The Wedding Dress: My dress is everything I wanted it to be and more, it was what I describe as elegant, timeless, and fun.

Favorite Moment: Our favorite moments from our perfect day were me walking down the aisle to him and reading own personal vows we wrote each other.

Favorite Wedding Details: If I

WEDDINGS

have to pick I would say the venue was our favorite wedding detail, we got married at the Jefferson and the venue itself is breathtaking and stunning. I couldn’t imagine being married anywhere else but at that gorgeous venue.

What We’re Doing Now: We recently bought a new house and are enjoying making it a home along side our four dogs. In a year as crazy as 2020 we are so grateful to have each other and excited to see what great things the future holds for us.

the details Ceremony Venue: The Jefferson Reception Venue: The Jefferson Wedding Planner: Deb McCool Photographer: Madison Wright photography Florist: Twisted Twigs Caterer: Taylor Grocery Cake(s): Alyssa’s Heavenly Sweets Invitations: Minted

Wedding Dress (designer and bridal shop): Maggie Louise Bridesmaids Dresses: Kays Kreation Hair & Makeup: Rachel DeLashmit- RK Beauty Bar: Ramie Godfrey Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Thomas Brothers Formal Wear Music: DeepBlu Entertainment

OxfordMag.com 33

WEDDINGS

glass shuffield SEPTEMBER 12, 2020 PHOTOS BY KELI LINDSEY PHOTOGRAPHY

34 January/February 2021

How We Met: Tanner and I met through mutual friends our freshman year of college at Northwest Community College in Oxford.

was a gorgeous Hailey Paige gown. It had a plunging v-neckline and a full swiss dot skirt with cashmere lining.

The Proposal: As Tanner and I are walking beside The Lyric, he told me to look up. I saw the words, “Will you marry me?” on the marquee. All of our friends and family were hiding in The Library waiting and watching. I was completely in shock.

Favorite Moment: My favorite moment about my wedding day was walking down the aisle and seeing Tanner cry. Tanner is not an emotional person.

We have always joked and said he would just laugh at me walking down aisle, but when I saw him crying I was the one who couldn’t stop laughing.

Wedding Dress: My wedding dress

Favorite Wedding Details: My

WEDDINGS favorite details about our wedding were that it was very family oriented. From the pictures of loved ones who have passed on sitting on the mantle, my grandfather’s handkerchief around my bouquet, to riding off in Tanner’s grandfather’s ’66 Chevy II. What We’re Doing Now: Today, Tanner and I live in Water Valley where we are renovating an old house right off of main street. We have a poodle named Buck.

the details Ceremony Venue: The Red Barn in Ripley, MS Reception Venue: The Red Barn in Ripley, MS Wedding Planner: Lauren Dalton Photographer: Keli Lindsey Photography Florist: Whitney Drewrey Caterer: Ralph Daniels Cakes: Lea Harkness Invitations: Minted

Wedding Dress: Hailey Paige – The Willow Bride Bridesmaid Dresses: Show Me Your MuMu Hair & Makeup: The Blo Dry Bar of Oxford Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Thomas Brothers of Oxford Music: Leshon Polk – DJ LP

OxfordMag.com 35

WEDDINGS

lindley wells JULY 25, 2020

PHOTOS BY CAROLINE BEFFA PHOTOGRAPHY

36 January/February 2021

How We Met: We both grew up in Oxford. He attended Lafayette and I attended Oxford High School. We met in December of 2012 when our mutual friends introduced us.

The Proposal: Cole and I had been talking about getting married for several months. We had been together for 7 years at that point, so we weren’t really concerned about a ring or big proposal.

He asked me to marry him while getting ready for work that morning.

The Wedding Dress: I had always imagined a ball gown type dress for my wedding. The gown has tulle ruffles in the skirt and it is satin on top. My favorite part of the dress is the buttons on the back. They are satin like the top of the dress and they look so elegant.

Favorite Moment: My favorite moment from the big day was dancing with Cole at the reception. It was so spontaneous and fun.

Favorite Wedding Details: The

WEDDINGS

Twisted Twig did an outstanding job and the flowers looked just like I had imagined.

Another favorite detail was the cake from The Cakery. It was a white cake, with white buttercream and strawberry filling.

What We’re Doing Now: Cole and I bought a house in Olive Branch, Mississippi.

He works for Upchurch Services doing HVAC in Memphis. I am a stay-at-home wife, as I had to start dialysis not long after the wedding. I am currently waiting on a kidney transplant. We hope to start a family after I receive my transplant.

the details Ceremony Venue: First Presbyterian Church, Oxford Reception Venue: The Graduate Wedding Planner: SG Hollowell Events Photographer: Caroline Beffa Photography Florist: The Twisted Twig Caterer: The Graduate Cake: The Cakery

Wedding Dress (designer and bridal shop): Jasmine; Engagements Bridal and Formal Wear Boutique Bridesmaids Dresses: Ballew Bridal and Formal Salon Hair & Makeup: The Studio Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Thomas Brothers Formal Wear

OxfordMag.com 37

WEDDINGS

ward smith AUGUST 2020 PHOTOS BY MARY KATE STEELE

38 January/February 2021

dress with a sweetheart neckline. There is lace all the way down but in panels that it made it so unique. The dress has The Proposal: Leading up to our 1 a champagne underlay that made the year anniversary, I knew Hunter was going lace detail pop and a matching to propose. We had discussed it enough champagne bow that tied around my that I knew it was coming but I also asked waist. Down the back were satin buttons that he make sure I was surprised. We that went all the way down to the train. went to Mud Island park and walked Favorite Moment: Saying our vows around the big Memphis sign. We took photos with the sign and Hunter got on to each other. We heard each other’s vows for the first time at the altar that one knee and asked me to be his wife. day and it was such a special moment The Wedding Dress: It is an A-line hearing how each of us vowed to love How We Met: Hunter and I met through the dating app, Hinge.

WEDDINGS one another for the rest of our lives.

Favorite Wedding Details: My florist did such a great job capturing my vision on the floral details at the chapel as well as the tables in the reception. I had the design of my wedding cake picked 10 years ago when my sister got married and our baker captured the look we were going for perfectly.

What We’re Doing Now: Hunter and I live in Memphis, TN. I am finishing up my PhD in Cancer and Developmental Biology and Hunter works in marketing at Frontdoor.

the details Ceremony Venue: The Chapel at Plein Air Reception Venue: The Mill at Plein Air Wedding Planner: Ellen Thomas Event Design Photographer: Mary Kate Steele Videographer: Matthew Lynn Productions Florist: Anna Katherine Colomb (TCB Events) Caterer: A&N Catering

Cake(s): Sweet T’s Bakery Invitations: Cardinal Straw Wedding Dress (designer and bridal shop): Allure and Ballew Bridal Bridesmaids Dresses: eShakti Hair & Makeup: Tabby Scronce Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Gents Formalwear Music: Ceremony – Earthy Tones String Ensemble. Reception - Jordabella Entertainment

OxfordMag.com 39

WEDDINGS

lowe johnson JULY 2020

PHOTOS BY BRITTANY MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY

40 January/February 2021

How We Met: Hunter and I have known each since the age of 16. On my 20th birthday, sparks began to fly as all our friends got together in Oxford to celebrate.

my best friends to find my dream dress at Kleinfeld Bridal in NY (The location of TLCs “Say Yes to the Dress.”) My dress is a lace Pnina Tornai with long sleeves and an open back.

The Proposal: Hunter came to Dallas for New Year’s Eve, and we went to 560 at Reunion Tower with family. We got up to take a picture and he said “Do you know what would make this year the best year of my life? If you would marry me”

Favorite Moment: Our pre-ceremony around the door prayer and gift exchange.

I gave Hunter a Movado watch and he gave me a beautiful Tiffany Cross necklace.

We shared a prayer with our officiant to bless our marriage and life together

The Wedding Dress: I traveled with

Favorite Wedding Details: Our

WEDDINGS

Champagne Glasses, the Ring Bearer Pillow, and the Cross we got married in front of. The Champagne Glasses was used in my parents wedding 30 years ago, the Ring Bearer Pillow was made for us by my grandmother using excess lace from my dress, and the Cross was handmade by my dad so that we could keep it forever.

What We’re Doing Now: Hunter and I live in Olive Branch where we have bought a home and started our lives together. We are loving our little life with our three dogs and cannot wait to see what the future holds for us!

the details Ceremony Venue: Castlehill Chapel Reception Venue: Castlehill Ballroom Wedding Planner: myself; Castlehill gave us a day of coordinator Emily Burton Photographer: Brittany Mitchell Photography Florist: Twisted Twig Caterer: Castlehill Cake(s): Sweet T’s Bakery Invitations: Beautiful wedding announcements Dress Designer: Pnina Tornai

Bridal shop: Kleinfeld Bridal Bridesmaids Dresses: Kleinfeld Bridal Party Hair: Anna Catherine Easterling Make-Up: Jordan Lea Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse Music: Ceremony- Robert Riggs Reception- Rockin Robin DJ Transportation: Tennessee Limousine Service Bar: Castlehill

OxfordMag.com 41

WEDDINGS

telford townsend JULY 13, 2019 PHOTOS BY CASSANDRA HOUSE (CAPTURED HEART PHOTOGRAPHY)

42 January/February 2021

My Wedding Dress: It was the first dress I tried on, and I fell in love with it. I always wanted a Cinderella dress because in my mind, I was Cinderella and he was my Prince Charming. My dress was the perfect length, big and poofy with the long The Proposal: My family gave me all train. the hints that day, but it still never dawned Favorite Moment: When I entered that he was about to propose, so there I was in my bleached yoga pants and my the church, because it was the moment I messy ponytail, and he got down on one saw the man I was about to spend the rest knee and asked the question that I had of my life with standing there waiting for me. The smile on his face when he saw me been waiting to hear for so long. was priceless.

How We Met: We have known each other for most of our lives. We saw each other around at the different churches we would go to, and we also went to the same school together.

WEDDINGS Favorite Wedding Details: The reception set up. Our Wedding Planner brought all of my dreams to reality. Our colors were gold, rose gold, and khaki, she brought all of the colors together perfectly. From the table centerpieces to the bride and groom table. She surprised us with the throne chairs and those really brought my fairy tale wedding to life.

What We’re Doing Now: Here we are a year and four months later and we are raising a handsome little boy and looking into buying our forever home. We are currently living in Oxford, MS and both working full time jobs in

the details Ceremony Venue: Bayson Chapel M.B Church, Located in Water Valley, MS Reception Venue: Fountain Square, Water Valley, MS Wedding Planner: Peggy Buchanan Photographer: Cassandra House (Captured Heart Photography) Florist: Karen Wessen Caterer: Lisa Williams Cakes: Leandrea Townsend. (The Bride)

Invitations: Vista Print Wedding Dress: Casablanca- Ballew Bridal Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal Hair: Avis Corbitt.

Make Up Artist: DeAnna Benson.

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Dexter Shipp Music: Jacova Jenkins Bar: Ashely Thompson

OxfordMag.com 43

WEDDINGS

robertson morgan JUNE 30, 2020

PHOTOS BY AUSTIN DILLON PHOTOGRAPHY

44 January/February 2021

How We Met According to the Bride: Daniel and I met on a dating app called Bumble. I was close to deleting the app right before I met Daniel Morgan!

How We Met According to the Groom: After chatting for a while, she brought up the idea of meeting at her kickboxing gym. Definitely not your usual first meeting spot, but I thought “why not?!”.

and walked me over to the pier at the lake at Lamar Park that has the most beautiful view. He told me the past 18 months had been the best months of his life. Instantly, he got on one knee and asked if I would marry him.

Wedding Dress: The dress was made of a lot of lace and tule material.

The sleeves hung off my shoulders a tad with some lace on them. I had a beautiful belt sewed on to the dress to add some BLING! The dress was a ballroom style The Proposal: He took my hand dress.

WEDDINGS

Favorite Moment: Daniel and I were able to get a first look before our ceremony started. The look in his eyes when he turned around and smiled at me left me breathless Favorite Wedding Details: Standing there being able to have a wedding during COVID was absolutely humbling. We did not have “it all together” but it turned out to be the most perfect day.

the details

Our wedding was at 3:00 on June 20, 2020. Fish Robinson officiated.

Ceremony Venue: North Oxford Baptist Church of Oxford, MS Reception Venue: North Oxford Baptist Church Welcome Center.

Wedding Planner: Peggy Sneed (NOBC) Photographer: Austin Dillon Photography, Oxford MS Florist: Betty’s Flowers, Oxford MS Caterer: NONE. We had punch and cake at our wedding only.

Cake: Shelley Browning (bride and groom’s cake).

Hair and Makeup: Blo Dry Bar of Oxford MS Grooms/Groomsmen Attire: Jos A Bank, Oxford MS Music: Abby Vance, “YES I WILL” By: Elevation Worship Music Linda Taylor played the Bridal March; First Dance song was “Diamonds or Twine” By: Ryan Hurd Music Transportation: Enterprise Rental Car

OxfordMag.com 45

46 January/February 2021

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48 January/February 2021

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5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Kinney Farris

Executive Director of Visit Oxford

Kinney Farris is the executive Director of Visit Oxford. She orchestrates all the aspects of marketing our city to the world. We wanted her insight into what last year had been like and what she sees for our city in 2021.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

As head of Visit Oxford, what is the one thing people are surprised to learn about you?

While I majored in Hospitality Management at the University of Mississippi, tourism is not an industry that I considered in college. I honestly didn’t know much about how destination marketing organizations like Visit Oxford operated. After graduation, I worked as an event planner and even at an insurance office for several years before moving to Oxford and beginning work at Visit Oxford 11 years ago. Looking back, I can see how my different career stops and especially my experience here have helped prepare How have you adapted in 2020 to me for my current role. (????)

COVID-19 in a way that has been Looking into 2021 events for Oxford, positive?

We’ve been busy at Visit Oxford! We’ve what are you most looking forward to basically recreated the way we market and why?

One of the hardest things about Oxford for the economic benefit of our community. One thing that has changed COVID-19 for all of us, including Visit for the better is our ability to be flexible, Oxford, is the unknown. It makes it learning how to work from anywhere, and difficult to plan ahead so, unfortunately, I realizing that some things can, in fact, be can’t say exactly what events will look like pulled together with just a month, two- in early 2021. I’m hopeful that we can begin to have events that look and feel week, or even a week’s notice! more and more normal again soon. We all What is the best part of promoting Oxford to the world?

Hosting people for their first visit to Oxford! First-time visitors are always surprised at what they find in our small Mississippi town. Many visitors we host are also on their first trip to Mississippi and those are the best. They all say similar things: people are so friendly! This food is delicious! How can so much be in this small town! I love seeing the town I call home through the eyes of visitors. Hosting them provides a fresh perspective so I don’t become complacent in what I’m doing each day.

50 January/February 2021

know the winter months make it more challenging to be outdoors so we are brainstorming ways to be outside warmly and inside safely!

If you planned the perfect day in Oxford in this winter season- Jan-Feb, where would you go and what would you do?

I plan most of my days around meals! I would start with breakfast at High Rise Doughnuts with a coffee from Uptown.

Next, I would walk the grounds of Rowan Oak, followed by a hike through Bailey’s Wood, and a tour of the UM Museum.

Then I would get lunch from Handy Andy, Ajax, Proud Larry’s, Funky’s (depending on the day!). After lunch, I would visit Square Books to find the perfect winter curl-up book and spend the rest of the afternoon shopping around the Square. I love to have a stay-cation because we have so many wonderful hotel properties. You can’t go wrong with any on our list at visitoxfordms.com. A fun and different nighttime outing for the winter season is to grab take-out from one of my favorite restaurants, maybe from Volta’s new graband-go set up, then I’d go out to the Oxford Film Fest Drive-In.

OUT & ABOUT

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EGG BULL PRO RODEO PHOTOS BY GLENNIE POU

The Egg Bull Pro Rodeo event was held at the Lafayette County Multipurpose Arena on Nov. 27th. It featured some of the top professional riders in the US vying for qualifying points for the World Championship Pro Rodeo in Las Vegas

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1.

Wendy Reese

2.

Fay & Sherman Nolan

3.

Amber, Ollivia, and Piper Windholst

4.

John Luke Parker, Cooper Parker, and Joshua Page

5.

Haley Smith

6.

Lydia & Carson Aderholt

Virtual visits and more!

Subscribe to 5th and University— our monthly email— to find out about virtual galleries and exhbitions as well as the latest news on re-opening to the public. Stay safe and thanks for the heart-warming support, Oxford! tracking.wordfly.com/join/ UniversityofMississippiMuseum/

OxfordMag.com 51

OUT & ABOUT 7.

Brenda and Scotty Box

8.

Ana & Gabriella Banks

9.

Sylvia and Savannah Baker

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8

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10. Jallen and Joshua Wilson 11. Justin and Toby Criddle 12. Lynn Harrison (New Albany, MS), Linda and Brice Allsup 13. Kenneth Bailey from Robertsdale, AL pictured Miss Mid-South Rode 14. Mike and Cooper Driver 15. Amanda and Aaron Beeson 16. Will Larson, Lindsey Potts and Annika Jones

52 January/February 2021

OUT & ABOUT

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OxfordMag.com 53

OUT & ABOUT

CHAMBER 80TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

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PHOTOS BY CONTRIBUTED

The Chamber held it’s 80th Anniversary Celebration with a lunch drive through event, with limited capacity due to Covid on Dec. 4th.

Staff members greeted members and Santa made an appearance.

1.

Aisha Gillespie and Pam Swain

2.

Back row: Santa Claus, Allen Kurr, Jon Maynard, Front Row: Rosie Vassallo, Pam Swain and Julia Blackmon

3.

Julia Blackmon and Jason Plunk

4.

Don Jones with Santa & Mrs. Claus

54 January/February 2021

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OxfordMag.com

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662-469-1193 References Available

OxfordMag.com 55

SAID AND DONE

HERE’S TO HOPE

T COUNTRIBUTING EDITOR JIM DEES is a writer and longtime host of Thacker Mountain Radio. He is the author of The Statue and the Fury - A Year of Art, Race, Music and Cocktails.

56 January/February 2021

he first days and weeks of a new year evoke new beginnings, a fresh start, the shedding of skin like an upright snake. Then reality slithers up and your back hurts, the Internet goes out and you can’t find your keys. You realize it’s just a year, neither happy or new.

Still, it’s natural to feel at least a vague sense of optimism. This is indeed admirable given the new year starts with broken resolutions, the end of football, the heightened loneliness (for some) of Valentine’s Day and cold, dreary days that darken right after lunch.

Winter in Mississippi is a soggy shroud of slate and gray, an unfinished painting, washed-out of color. We are optimistic that life will return in March, roaring in like a lion. Our winter is ugly but relatively brief though it sometimes drags like that six-hour car ride to grandmas in your fidgety childhood. We know if we can hold on through the grayness, there is light at the end of the funky.

What a blind leap of faith it takes to be optimistic!

Perhaps we wrap ourselves in the cloak of optimism because the other set of clothes, pessimism, are too starchy for comfort. Optimism is 100% silk while pessimism is polyester/nylon. Optimism is slimming; pessimism highlights our figure flaws.

Somewhere between the two, reality resides.

For those of us who have lived in Oxford for, ahem, decades, our optimism is partially rooted in the comfort of community in this small town. The calamities of 2020 are more easily survived if one is among good neighbors and life-long friends.

There are naysayers who proclaim Oxford has changed, that there is an “old Oxford,” and the soulless, less desirable “new Oxford.”

Well, yes, there is change in the world. Have a mirror handy?

There’s no denying Oxford has grown, that you can go to Kroger and not see anyone you know. But you can still see the cheery women at the front desk of City Hall, the patient lady at the alterations place that takes up the sleeves on my Hawaiian shirts.

There’s still the beckoning display window of Square Books, the Sweet Potato Casserole at Ajax and that gingko tree on Madison Avenue.

This past fall, the mighty Rebels took victory over their purple rivals in venerable Vaught-Hemingway stadium, a sturdy edifice first built in 1915. The

stadium abides, still conjuring magic on certain November nights.

This spring, Covid-willing, the baseball Rebels will resume their winning ways, cruelly cut off last year in the midst of a 15-game winning streak. Perhaps at least a restricted number of grills may burn.

Meanwhile, the white bass will make their annual run in the Yocona River. The dogwoods will let us know when it’s dry enough to picnic on the ground.

The courthouse clock will stay five minutes slow.

These are (just some of) the mainstays of our particular place, neither old Oxford or new. Just Oxford. These touchstones will abide through an international pandemic and despite the lamentations of the scholars on Twitter.

Scientists tell us that optimistic people generally live longer and take better care of themselves. They also tell us, according to a recent report on CNN, you can actually teach yourself to be an optimist.

Such a mindset is “a muscle that needs to be developed.”

Daily meditation, keeping a gratitude journal and visualizing positive outcomes are some of the techniques of learning to be an optimist, according to the article. I would add, cut back on screen time, especially for the teens. As poet Tomos Roberts wrote of 2020, “…children’s eyes grew squarer.”

Endless scrolling on social media may perversely be the ultimate act of optimism. The user has boundless faith something interesting or at least eyecatching will be gained if the images (and ads) will just keep whirling by.

This bright, young year might best be viewed with something like low expectations of growing optimism. Obviously, so much depends on the virus, a possible vaccine and the slow return of normal operating hours for schools and businesses. Oxford has shown resilience in the face of losses of loved ones. This community, like many small towns, encloses around hurting family and friends. That continues from the old Oxford to Oxford today.

The optimist in me whispers that things will get better and, sure enough, I find my keys and my back quits hurting. I experience a wince of anticipation to finish riding out this pandemic here in this town.

In the never-ending debate about whether the proverbial glass is half empty or half full, I’m just grateful we haven’t broken the glass.

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