LIVE MUSIC, UP-AND-COMING OXFORD ARTIST, OUT AND ABOUT
5 QUESTIONS WITH RHEA TANNEHILL
Best of
OXFORD 2022
JULY/AUGUST 2022 OxfordMag.com Volume 6 | Issue 4 $4.95
At NICHOLAS AIR we keep private travel simple— skipping the 30 page contracts, allowing you to enjoying the best of private aviation experiences. From coast to coast and north to south NICHOLAS AIR provides their Members with The Most Refined Set of Private Flyers the aircraft industry has to offer and reliability that only comes from a brand that Owns and Operates their own fleet of jets. Our Members want comfort and ease— they find it here at NICHOLAS AIR.
NicholasAir.com | 866.935.7771 #NicholasAir
WATCH
All aircraft are Owned and Operated by NICHOLAS AIR . NICHOLAS AIR and INNOVATIVE PRIVATE AIR TRAVEL® are registered trademarks ®2021 NICHOLAS AIR. All rights reserved.
Voted Oxford’s Best Lighting Showroom Hernando · Oxford · Tupelo · Ridgeland
www.magnolialighting.com
OxfordMag.com 1
FEATURES
41
BEST OF OXFORD 2022 16
HEALTH
Chronic Stress. Why it is harmful.
69
5 QUESTIONS Rhea Tannehill, attorney at Tannehill, Carmean & McKenzie
2 July/August 2022
69
19
OM
home & garden
19 Home & Garden: Grounded
arts & culture
11 Up-and-coming Oxford artist
25 Live music through the dog days
school & sports
33 Helping local athletes get back in the game after an injury.
food
& drink
37 Sleepy Cactus from food truck to resturant.
in every issue 4 Contributors 5 Letter from the publihser 6 What to do in Oxford 32 Book Picks 76 Out and About 74 Style Guide 80 Marketplace 79 Said and Done
OxfordMag.com 3
contributors EDITORIAL
Kelby Zendejas Maya Martin Jake Davis
CONTRIBUTORS Lauren Jones Martha Catlette Joey Brent Lyn Roberts Davis Coen Jim Dees
DESIGN
Allison Dale Kandi Thompson
MARKETING Amelia Miller Mike Haskins
ADMINISTRATION
Rebecca Alexander, Publisher
4 July/August 2022
Lyn Roberts, Book Expert
Lyn Roberts has been general manager at Square Books for more than 20 years and can usually be found behind the counter at Off Square Books.
Davis Coen, Writer
Davis Coen is a freelance writer and newspaper reporter from Oxford by way of South Carolina. He’s had stories published in various local publications including Oxford Eagle, Oxford Citizen and Daily Journal. He also maintains a music career with over a dozen tours of Europe and regular airplay on SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
from the publisher
T ON THE COVER
The July-August edition is our largest issue of the year. In this issue we present the list of businesses, services and professionals who readers voted for as the Best of Oxford 2022. More than 150,000 votes were cast in the nomination and voting phase, making this truly a people’s choice honor. The nomination phase was in February and March. Only the top businesses moved forward into the voting phase held in April and May. Congratulations to the winners and finalists. There are familiar names on the list, and some surprising new ones that rose to the top this year as the crowd favorites. Review the list and see how it compares to your favorites. I’ll bet you will also find some new places you haven’t tried yet. The best thing about Best of Oxford is that it recognizes local businesses and people who provide excellence all year long. Summer means fewer people with Ole Miss students gone for the summer. Less traffic, fewer crowds. Most of us look forward to this as time to relax and enjoy living in such a beautiful place. There is plenty for locals to enjoy. Davis Coen’s article shows us the music scene is still alive and well in the summer. Summer is also time to enjoy the backyard. Landscaping experts Bo and Jodie Marsalis share their beautifully designed garden and home with readers. We also get to share the story of an up-and-coming young artist from Oxford, Christopher Schove. A graduate of Oxford High School and Northwest Community College, he is beginning to be recognized as an artist with great talent. Last but not least, we have Style pages, Out and About photos from the Oxford Lafayette Chamber of Commerce’s Red Carpet Gala and the Sunset Serande at the Grove, and Said and Done by Jim Dees. We hope you enjoy this issue, and our website, www.oxfordmag.com Check out our Instagram page as well. @oxfordmagazine.
Rebecca Alexander Publisher rebecca.alexander@oxfordeagle.com
Rhea Tannehill
Attorney at Tannehill & Carmean Photo by Joey Brent
OxfordMag.com 5
WHAT TO DO IN OXFORD SUNNY SWEENEY WITH ERIN ENDERLIN Proud Larry’s $15 -$18 tickets July 6 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m. AYLS Proud Larry’s $0 tickets July 8 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m. ALASTAIR GREENE Proud Larry’s $10 tickets July 9 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m. NEIGHBORHOOD LADY Proud Larry’s $10 tickets July 15 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m. BEN RICKETTS WITH E-METES AND MODERN BODIES Proud Larry’s $20-$22 tickets July 22 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m. JJ GREY AND MOFRO @ THE LYRIC The Lyric Oxford $37 tickets August 17 | Show: 7 p.m. WAVVES WITH BOYO AND SMUT Proud Larry’s $20-$22 tickets August 18 | Doors: 9 p.m. / Show: 10 p.m. MUSCADINE BLOODLINE @ THE LYRICS The Lyric Oxford $22 tickets, 18+ August 25 | Show: 7 p.m.
6 July/August 2022
JULY 4
LOU’S 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION Join LOU’s 4th of July Celebration!
JULY 17-22
FAULKNER AND YOKNAPATAWPHA CONFERENCE Faulkner’s Modernisms Please join the Department of English and the Center for the Study of Southern Culture for the 48th annual Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference. The event is coordinated by the Division of Outreach and Continuing Education. The conference will question Faulkner’s literary and other modernisms. In addition to five keynote lectures, the conference program will include panel presentations, guided daylong tours of North Mississippi and the Delta, and our ever-popular sessions on “Teaching Faulkner.” Sign up at https://www.outreach. olemiss.edu/events/faulkner/
OxfordMag.com 7
JULY 18
CJ HAUSER IN CONVERSATION WITH SNOWDEN WRIGHT
6:00 p.m. | “The Crane Wife” + Signing Hosted by Square Books, CJ Hauser will speak on her anticipated book, “The Crane Wife,” on Monday, July 18 at Off Square Books. The memoir written in essays tells the story of love in the 21st century. Join Hauser as she speaks on her journey of life and love, hosted by author Snowden Wright.
JULY 26
DR. JAY WELLONS PRESENTS “ALL THAT MOVES US” + SIGNING
6:00 P.M Square Books will welcome Dr. Jay Wellons, a pediatric neurosurgeon as he talks about his memoir regarding his work. “All That Moves Us” tells the story of his life and shows the triumphs and close calls that come with being a pediatric neurosurgeon.
8 July/August 2022
JULY 5 AND AUGUST 2
UM MUSEUM BROWN BAG SUMMER LECTURE SERIES
Tuesday, July 5 12:00 - 1:00 p.m BECOMING AN ART COLLECTOR: KNOWING YOUR COLLECTION’S VALUE Cost: Free Tuesday, August 2 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. HOW TO DISPLAY AND CARE FOR YOUR PERSONAL ART COLLECTION Grab lessons regarding art collection and knowing its value from the UM Museum Brown Bag Summer Lecture Series. The cost is free and is only for two days this summer.
SEPTEMBER 3
OLE MISS VS TROY
Time TBD Vaught Hemingway Stadium Season opener for Ole Miss Rebels Football. Color to wear - white
OxfordMag.com 9
www.oxforddental.com
Dr. Sam Morrison, DMD, Joins Oxford Dental
Dr. Sam Morrison is the son of Dr. Mike Morrison and Missy Morrison of Oxford, MS. Dr. Morrison earned his high school diploma from Oxford High School, his Undergrad Degree from The University of Mississippi, his Master's from Mississippi College and his Doctorate from Tufts College of Dentistry.
Our practice has grown exponentially. In order to continue providing you with the best standard of care, Oxford Dental is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Sam Morrison, DMD, to our dental team. With Dr. Morrison being an Oxford native, he is thrilled to be able to give back to his community. Dr. Morrison is married to Dr. Kathleen Morrison of Oxford, MS. “Coming home to Oxford afforded me a lot of great opportunities with people like Dr. Swaney who I have looked up to for a long time. I am looking forward to working with him, Dr. Mercier, and Dr. Phillips and learning with them moving forward. Dentistry challenges me to think creatively and ultimately produce the best outcome for the patient. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing someone who is thankful for the dental care provided.” We look forward to Dr. Morrison bringing passion to our beloved Oxford community. You can now book your next appointment with Dr. Sam Morrison on our website www.oxforddental.com, scan the QR code, or call our office at (662)234-5222.
General Dentistry
Dr. Walker Swaney, DDS, Dr. Marc Mercier DMD, & Associates 2155 South Lamar Blvd (662)234-5222 OxfordDental.com 10 July/August 2022
ARTS
& CULTURE
Up-and-coming Oxford artist creating his own path BY MAYA MARTIN PHOTOS SUBMITTED OxfordMag.com 11
C
Christopher Schove is always looking for ways to better his craft. The Oxford-born and raised artist has been drawing and painting from a young age and is looking to grow and develop with the help of loved ones and mentors, helping him along the way. “You always have to strive like me specifically I feel like I have to do that,” said Schove. “I look at other peoples’ art and it’s so detailed and I want to be able to reach that. I really like realism and that’s why I like to paint pictures of people and houses.” The artist recently won “Best in Show” for a graphite drawing featuring a clock, a train and various glassware during an art showcase at Northeast Mississippi Community College, where he has taken classes for the past two years. “There were a whole bunch of great art students at Northeast,” said Schove, “so when I heard I got ‘Best in Show’ it was a surprise because of the amount of talent in there.” Graphite drawings are only one of the mediums he has explored. Schove has also delved into mediums like sculpting a cardboard tree or assembling a miniature haunted house, but he always goes back to paintings.
12 July/August 2022
Schove mostly paints portraits of people or places he knows or those that commission work from him. The portraits are realistic, detailed and often set against a natural backdrop. “I wanted to draw my family and people outside my family,” he said. “I will just paint and draw things for free because I like making others happy. I painted someone a picture of their dog who passed away and I told them it was free of charge. I don’t always have to have money because it’s a good feeling.” According to Schove, he was into art as far back as he could remember. “Even before Pre-K, it seems like I was interested in art. I tried out soccer and it wasn’t my thing, it was my brother’s thing, and my parents, of course, picked up on it and said ‘Well we need to further develop his talent’ and what not.” Through his parents’ encouragement, Schove found the
OxfordMag.com 13
time and resources to invest in something he truly loved to do. “My family has been my biggest support system,” Schove said. “Not everyone is lucky enough to have parents who will pay for art lessons. If not for them, I wouldn’t have been able to take these lessons and get better at art.” Schove’s mother and father helped him every step of the way on his journey, whether it was touring art colleges and camps with him or giving simple encouragement. “... [My mom] has really influenced me to branch out and to move outside of my hometown,” said Schove. “My dad’s not known for art. It’s not really his thing, but my mom, if she would’ve taken art classes, she would’ve been a great artist like me.” Though his parents couldn’t guide him artistically, Schove would find mentors in local artists who would help develop his talent. He was introduced to artist Chandler Williams in elementary school and she gave him crucial tips that shaped his work. “It was really just the basics but she really helped me get more into it and create more detailed pictures with proportions that made sense,” said Schove. Later, as he entered middle school, Schove would then meet Kathy Haynes of Black Kat Studio. Haynes would help Schove learn how to experiment with different mediums of art.
Get connected. Stay local. Construction is complete and all our zones are open to bring you the fastest, most reliable fiber internet option available. Plans starting at $54.95/month
INTERNET POWERED BY NORTH EAST FIBER
662.238.3159 | www.NESPARC.com 14 July/August 2022
“She would push me to go beyond my limits and work with different mediums like oil pastel and acrylic,” he said. As he has grown and developed into his own, Schove became known to his peers and community members for his artwork. “Kids would be like ‘Hey, can you do my artwork for me?’ and even my brother who was in high school would ask me to do his drawings,” said Schove. “ … And through high school people have asked me to paint for them and I’ve done commissions for people.” The praise and attention is wonderful, but Schove said he always tries to remain grounded. The artist always wants to strive
for better and a prideful mindset could hinder his growth. “I try not to get a big head, even right now, as an artist because that can backfire,” he said. Schove has just completed two years art classes at Northeast Mississippi Community College. He regularly works on commission pieces, but those projects are not lucrative, so Schove is taking the time to figure out his next steps with the help of a new mentor. “I’m still working on getting my name out there and I post my art to my social media sometimes,” Schove. “Now I’ve finished off two years at Northeast and I
have a great teacher named Jenna Fincher and I really liked her approach to teaching because she’s upfront and she’s not going to sugarcoat anything.” The Oxford artist plans to attend Delta State University and earn a bachelor’s in Fine Arts, but plans are loose at the moment as he doesn’t want to miss out on any opportunities. “I want to experience everything whether it be like ceramics or sculpting,” Schove said. “I want to get a feel for everything and I’ll see where those degrees take me in life. It’s a struggling business so I have to figure out what works in the world. It’s all up in the air.”
OxfordMag.com 15
CHRONIC STRESS Why it is harmful and how to protect your wellbeing BY MARTHA CATLETTE ARE YOU STRESSED? The word “stressed” has become a part of our everyday vocabulary to mean that we are feeling uneasy, wired, and overwhelmed. Stress in our society is of epidemic proportion. “Our epidemic is silent and hidden, in the form of low-level chronic stress.” Many of us live with a constant feeling of being “stressed” and uneasy day in and day out. It is this constant, low-level stress that can be so damaging to our mental and physical health and is a major factor in the development of chronic illness. As teens and young adults, we often become conditioned to this state of stress but do not recognize it until we develop physical health issues, however the harm to our bodies and minds started long before the symptoms became noticeable. Just for a moment, ask yourself, “Do your mind and body communicate or does your mind ignore your body?” How many times has your body sent you messages of something not being quite right, but your mind ignored it and keep doing the same things? Do you take time out in your day to check in with yourself and how you are feeling? Or do you must push through on autopilot? It is this lack of awareness that get us in to trouble, so awareness is the first step in shifting this pattern of behavior. Whatever your age it is not too late to learn to manage your stress! WHAT IS STRESS? Stressors are a normal part of our lives, and everyone 16 July/August 2022
feels stressed from time to time, but what is stress? Stress is how the brain and body respond to any demand. Any type of challenge—such as performance at work or school, a significant life change, or a traumatic event. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/sites/default/files/ documents/health/publications/stress/19-mh-8109-5-things-stress.pdf Not all stress is bad. Our bodies are designed to manage stress through activation of sympathetic autonomic nervous system that prepares us to manage the stressor by facing it head on, escaping the situation, or hiding from the danger (this is known as “Fight, Flight, or Freeze”). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/fight-flight-orfreezeWHY DOES STRESS CAUSE HARM? When we experience acute stress our perspiration increases, our heart rate and blood pressure increase, we become more focused, and we have a burst of adrenalin to energize us to manage the stressor. Once the stressful event subsides our body returns naturally to a state of balance through activation of the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system which allows our body and mind to rest and restore. When the stressors are continual, however, and our nervous system stays in a chronic heightened state of alertness, our bodies and minds are unable to adapt and we experience wear and tear that can contribute to serious health problems, “such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other illnesses, including mental disorders such as depression www. nimh.nih.gov/depression or anxiety www.nimh.nih.gov/anxiety disorders.”
THE 3 STAGES OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY STRESS Over time, when stress has become chronic, three stages of damage begin to appear. Damage will often appear first as psychological/ neuronal such as feeling mentally tired or exhausted from being under specific life pressures. When people say they have run out of energy for coping, there may be underlying mental states such as depression, anxiety, and even feelings of panic. Next there can be behavioral changes, particularly in the areas of work and relationships. When work pressures and stress are mounting, this can lead to office gossiping and having drinks after work to unwind. Eventually we begin to take these feelings home with us, and relationship friction affects the home front. Over time this chronic stress leads to physical damage. Common physical symptoms include physical fatigue, poor digestion, and headaches. We start getting colds and allergic reactions due to a reduced immune response. Finally, when inflammation sets in it can manifest throughout the body, for example in skin irruptions, irritable bowel syndrome, heart attack, and stroke indicating serious system breakdown. https://choprafoundation.org/articles/a-better-answer-to-chronic -stress/ TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN WELLBEING Learning to manage your stress starts with awareness. Recognize the stress signals from your body and mind, such as changes in sleep, increased use of alcohol and other substances, or being highly irritable or easily angered. Realize that only you can take steps to manage your
OxfordMag.com 17
stress. No one else can do this for you. Learn to admit when things have gotten to be too pressured and act accordingly. Do not be afraid to ask others for help, whether it is at work or home. Identify the stressors in your life and limit exposure to them or cut them out altogether. It is also advisable to seek professional help from a qualified mental health professional for sorting through the stressors and receiving guidance. https://www.msm.edu/Research/research_centersandinstitutes/ PRC/resources/FactSheet-MentalHealth-REV3.pdf 10 ACTIONS TO TAKE TO PROTECT YOUR OWN WELLBEING Even though we all have stress in our lives, we are each different in our sensitivity and reaction to it. Personalize your response to stress based on what is best for you. There is no one size fits all. Identify your triggers-What situations make you feel agitated or upset? Avoid them as much as possible or seek ways to cope when avoidance is not possible. Provide structure-Have a schedule for managing your time each day and set priorities. This helps prevent the feeling of overwhelm and disorganization. Practice relaxation techniques-Breath work, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, and meditation are all research-based techniques that support the management of stress. Explore and find what works best for you. Exercise/move your body every day-Make movement enjoyable. Research supports exercise as a primary stress reducer but making it something you enjoy is the key! Schedule time for yourself-Do something every day that makes you feel good-walk your dog, read a book, or visit a friend. What you choose
18 July/August 2022
to do does not have to be expensive or hard to access. Get in touch with what simple things bring you joy. Eat well-Avoid processed foods and dieting. Eat whole, nourishing foods and drink plenty of water. Eat foods that nourish you and make you feel healthy and energized. This helps strengthen your body and stabilize your mood. Get enough sleep-Sleep disturbance can throw everything off balance and many mental health conditions are triggered by poor sleep. Avoid alcohol and drugs-Substance use only make stress worse. Seek professional help if needed. Talk to someone-Whether you talk to a close friend, understanding family member, qualified mental health professional or a support group, airing out and talking can help. Seek professional help-do not be afraid to admit you need help. We all do and the sooner you seek support and relief the sooner you will feel better and protect your wellbeing. https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Individuals-with-MentalIllness/Taking-Care-of-Your-Body/Managing-Stress Know that it is up to you to take responsibility for your health and wellbeing. If you don’t do it no one else can do it for you! You don’t have to accept feeling constantly stressed. Take action today against the harmful effects of stress so that you protect your physical and mental wellbeing and can enjoy your life! MARTHA CATLETTE, PHD, PMHNP-BC Holistic Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 2692 West Oxford Loop, Oxford, MS 38655 www.marthacatlette.com
HOME
& GARDEN
GROUNDED A look inside of Bo and Jodie Marsalis’ charming residence BY KELBY ZENDEJAS PHOTOS BY JOEY BRENT OxfordMag.com 19
T
Tucked away between Oxford’s Square and the University of Mississippi’s campus sits Jodie and Bo Marsalises’ humble, yet elegant home. With ideas and guidance by one of Oxford’s finest architects, Julie Spears and landscape architect Joby Jackson of Winona, Mississippi, the decade-old house is a magnificent rendition of the Marsalis’ themselves. The residence exudes familiarity with warmth immediately, as the house sits kindly with a wooden hanging seat and matching adirondack chairs on its front porch. “Well I’m proud of everything, but really my favorite spot in the house is the front porch,” Bo said. “There’s a lot of entertainment up and down this street, with moms strolling their babies, kids with backpacks coming home from school, people walking their dogs. It’s just kind of a small-town feel.” The charm of the front porch is noticeable in its coloring, stoned
20 July/August 2022
walkway, and cypress door and shutters. “I guess the thing that people notice most about the house are the unusual front door and the wooden bridge from the sidewalk to the house with the dry creek bed underneath,” Bo explained. Alongside the road, guests of this friendly neighborhood are greeted by Japanese maple trees and a bridged walkway, contrary to a typical concrete path. Underneath the wooden bridge are stones alluding to the idea of running water and a sneak peak into the backyard’s extravagance. The three-quarter acre lots once held two dilapidated homes. Built after World War II, the homes needed a new sense of ideas and inspiration. So in 2010, the Marsalis’ began a 14-month construction project, implementing details and elegance into the grounds. They’ve been here ever since. Inside are oriental rugs and wooden beams atop the ceiling, and walls filled with artist’s work. Married for 49 years in September of this year, the pair sit comfortably in a colorful den with oil portraits of their three children by artist and painter Jenny Lathem of
OxfordMag.com 21
Atlanta, Georgia. “She had done the three children’s past portraits in pastels before, which are in the back hall,” Jodie pointed out. As you walk through the house, soft tones and an eclectic blend of family antiques and modern day furnishings give the home a relaxed quality. Custom made light fixtures in the entrance hall and over the kitchen island lend special touches to the decor. The powder room is
22 July/August 2022
particularly interesting with an onyx sink atop an antique chest. A lovely textured, leafy wallpaper completes the room. With Bo spending much of his time admiring the front porch, Jodie puts her work into the garden in the backyard. With landscape design help from Jackson and Ole Miss’ Jeff Mcmanus, the Marsalises created a backyard they are happy to be in. With much of the hands-on work coming from landscaper Chris
Hughes, Jodie also has spots of the yard that she tends. “I like to fiddle with the courtyard,” Jodie said. “I have four raised beds in the backyard, and those are kind of mine.” The L-shaped back porch stands with french doors alongside one wall and a lowered brick porch with tables and chairs. The courtyard is backed by a terracotta wall and fountain, giving Jodie what she says is an “Italian feel.”
“I consider the courtyard my favorite part of the house; I love the idea of a secret garden behind the high walls,” Jodie said. Hydrangeas are growing in the corner and a shrub walkway gives guests direct contact with the fountain. Lovely perennials line up against the shrubs. Hiding in the other corner is a planted garden of herbs including mint, rosemary, parsley, and other herbs for Jodie to use in the kitchen.
OxfordMag.com 23
Exiting the courtyard, the crushed stone pathway continues to the backyard where Jodie has four raised cutting beds. Echinacea, lamb’s ear, yarrow, garden phlox, rudbeckia, and zinnias are among the plants that occupy this area. These plants attract an abundance of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. By the steps to the back door is a vibrant hibiscus plant and on a side fence in the backyard is tangerine crossvine which produces luscious orange flowers each Spring. “We get a lot of hummingbirds, bees, and lots of butterflies,” Jodie said. In the corner, by the door steps are vibrant hibiscus plants and the fence alongside the backyard carries bright, orange leaves when in bloom. When asked if Jodie plans to do anything different to the four-quadrant backyard, she says that it takes three to four years for landscapes to set. “At one time I thought, well maybe I could divide the fourquardants into four different colors,” she said. The essence of the Marsalises’ home is one filled with warmth and humility. Any guest could feel it as they entered the house and made their way to the back yard. The house speaks of family and comfort, as the Marsalis family makes everyone feel like this beautifully designed house is for anyone to admire and enjoy together. Jodie and Bo agree that they are delighted to be in such an enjoyable home that seems to be absolutely perfect for them.
24 July/August 2022
ARTS
& CULTURE
Live music throughout the dog days Three local venues support live music through the dog days of summer BY DAVIS COEN PHOTOS BY DAVIS COEN OxfordMag.com 25
T
Things tend to slow down in Oxford during summer months, but one might say it’s a favorable transition and a unique time for the local music scene. In some cases, it’s thanks to the allure of outdoor venues … and others, the intimacy of subtracting a bulk of the University of population from the equation. Three Oxford downtown venues – all boasting stages, designed lighting, and audio backline – will slightly dial it back but continue a steady flow of live music offerings through the dog days of summer. In all three cases these venues will be providing staunch support to the local music community and its fans. Proud Larry’s has been a mainstay on the Square for decades and has grown to become a local landmark. Although a modest 300 capacity venue, it’s become widely known for booking countless national acts for sold-out shows. These have included Modest Mouse, Elvis Costello, Jason Isbell, Warren Zevon, Sturgill Simpson, and
26 July/August 2022
The Black Keys. Also, forefront blues acts of past and present, and the best from every nook of the alternative scene. Although football will always reign as Oxford’s foremost attraction, Proud Larry’s, since opening its doors in 1993, has lent a hand in pushing musical entertainment to be not far behind, along with culinary, literary and historical attractions. The Green at Harrison’s, and Rafter’s on the Square are newcomers, but
much like Larry’s continue to remain very relevant after the springtime student exodus, and according to owners and management, intend to press on through the duration of the dog days. MIDSUMMER’S A GOOD TIME FOR A MUSIC SERIES Local rock bands Wannu? and The Pearl Divide are among those that Larry’s owner Scott Caradine has slated to appear at his venue on a
OxfordMag.com 27
regular basis during summer months, the latter kicking off with a June residency, with a handful of Wednesday evening dates starting around 9 p.m. “They’ve got a good little thing going,” he said, of The Pearl Divide, a four-piece band from Jackson consisting of Ole Miss students. “We’re trying to do weekday shows and new artists that people aren’t familiar with yet, in a free situation,” said Lafayette, Louisiana-native Caradine, of his popular establishment located at 211 South Lamar Blvd. He expressed great enthusiasm for one of the first shows the venue hosted after Memorial Day, Nashville singer/ songwriter George Shingleton. “He is killer,” said Caradine. He’s a country artist with a real team behind him, that has some good stuff going on, and seems to be growing,” he said. “Nobody knows who he is here yet, but it might be one of those guys who in a year or two, you might say ‘I saw that guy on a Thursday night for free at Larry’s.’” The renowned venue, and beloved family restaurant and bar, has gained a reputation also for booking these weekly residencies
28 July/August 2022
for earlier evening hours on weekdays, closer to what may be considered happy hour, sometimes a mix of a seasoned bar crowd and all-ages dinner goers. Some notable early evening acts have included Jimbo Mathus, George McConnell, The Kenny Brown Band, Tate Moore, The Bill Perry Trio, and Davis Coen. “It gives people something to get out of the house for, when it’s easy to sit inside with the AC. That’s a hard time to get off the couch for myself,” he joked. “I think it’s a good opportunity for people to get out and just see quality music live” Caradine reflected on the slow uphill scale of the last two summers and said just about a year ago it seemed like people were finally showing excitement to get out and see music again, “because they were starved for it,” he said. And entering into June, he noticed folks getting even more comfortable with going back out for shows. “We’ve got a good mix of both local artists and up and coming bands … that all have a buzz going on somewhere. It’s just a matter of trying to help them develop, and at the same time bring some new music to town,” said Caradine.
The summer lineup so far has been highlighted by synth-pop duo And the Echo, and The Country Westerns, who are signed to Fat Possum Records. AN OUTDOOR DELIGHT DIRECTLY OFF THE SQUARE A gift to local live music lovers since March 2021 has been The Green at Harrison’s, the new interactive backyard of Harrison’s 1810 bar and grill, just a stone’s throw from neighboring Proud Larry’s. Known primarily as a college bar, Harrison’s has expanded its appeal with its revamped spacious, relaxing outdoor setting, equipped with comfortable cabanas a bevy of flatscreen TVs, cornhole boards and waterproof pool tables, with often a backdrop of breathtaking early evening skies. The venue also features a sizable and prominent stage setup, fully equipped to accommodate national touring acts, pending some repetitive and ongoing struggles with a few irritable neighbors and an ordinance that limits sound outdoors for commercial businesses. Notable acts gracing the stage have
included Grammy-nominated rapper, singer and multi-instrumentalist Afroman, and rock bands The Stolen Faces, Southern Groove Redemption, The Orange Constant, 2 Beans, Riverside Voodoo, and The Vegabonds. General Manager Hayes Dent has been with Harrison’s since the doors first opened in September 2018, after Griffin Tanner purchased what was formerly Frank & Marlee’s, and in that time his roles have ranged from being a door guy to now spearheading the coordination of some of the best summer music the city has offered in years. Distinctly, The Green was one of several local venues to host the ninth annual Oxford Blues Festival late last September. The June music calendar boasted some quality acts with exceptional draws, such as Traveler, the Band, Garsh, and Highland Sunday. The venue still hosts some of the most exciting local and regional acts, in what is dubbed the Summer Concert Series, with a stripped-down, usually acoustic act starting around 4 or 5 p.m., followed by groups or band combos around 8 p.m. “The set-up of The Green, it is almost as
good as you can get for a live music venue,” said Dent. “We’ve just had a non-stop battle with our sound ordinance, that’s caused the music to be dampened down.” The Green at Harrison’s currently has a petition with over 1,500 signatures and continues to gain a positive reputation as a premiere live music destination. “We do not believe that the people that don’t want this to happen outweigh the people that
do,” said Dent. SUNDAY PICKIN’ AND GRINNIN’ SERVED WITH A SIDE OF GOSPEL Rafter’s on the Square, which inhabits the upstairs of what was the historical and storied Henry Hotel, has also been a key player, and in the forefront for live music venues since the business was opened by the Chadwick family, and will continue to
OxfordMag.com 29
be so through the balmiest of mid-South months. Members of local favorite Rocket 88, and Joe Austin & The Tallahatchies will swap out Sundays, and pick out precisely the acoustic sounds that both your ears and doctor ordered, to ease on through a burden-free afternoon, on through summer’s dog days. The musical pairing of couple Jamie and Rosamond Posey, along with seasoned accompanists Eric Carlton (keyboards) and Nathan Robbins (bass, guitar, vocals), is enough to make a Bloody Mary or Mimosa seem like medicine to your mouth during a carefree brunch time. Along with tried & true originals, the group pumps out energetic favorites from John Prine, Dylan, and The Stones, along with uplifting spiritual staples such as “Let the Church Roll On,” “Up Above My Head,” and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” Like Rocket 88’s bassist Nate Robbins, Joe Austin hails from nearby Pontotoc, and much like the Poseys has musical roots steeped in gospel music. “We hope that it inspires all age groups, and attracts all kinds of people,” said front
30 July/August 2022
of house manager Caroline Parker, who affectionately calls the summer music mood on the “soulful” side, perhaps compared to other times of year. Parker also works at the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, based at the Powerhouse on University Avenue and likes to see the community all tie together, as she splits her hours in the service industry. She began at Rafter’s in May 2020, “smack dab in the pandemic,” said Parker.
The spacious venue was able to proceed cautiously with their Sunday brunches, and she regards live music as what held folks together during harsh times. “It’s continuing now to bring and hold people together, but in different ways,” she said, “and uplift everyone as a community. For Oxford, I think it’s huge to have live music on the Square on Sundays. We’re one of the only places that does it consistently.”
OxfordMag.com 31
READ THIS BOOK
BOOKS FOR SUMMER Recommendations from
LYN ROBERTS General Manager, Square Books
I AM FROM HERE By Vishwesh Bhatt A Vishwesh Bhatt dish conjures an evolving American South. Peanut Masala–Stuffed Baby Eggplant alongside fried okra, tossed in tangy chaat masala. These much-loved dishes are stars on the menu at Snackbar in Oxford, Mississippi, where Bhatt has been the executive chef since 2009. His food draws from his Indian heritage and is unpretentious, inventive, and incredibly delicious. Writing for the home cook, Bhatt includes recipes for making your own spice mixes, including a versatile chaat masala. And every ingredient is within reach even if you’re cooking far away from the warmth of Mississippi. This cookbook thoughtfully, and persuasively, expands notions of what it means to be, and cook like, a Southerner today.
DEER CREEK DRIVE By Beverly Lowry In 1948, society matron Idella Thompson was viciously murdered in her Delta home: stabbed at least 150 times and left in one of the bathrooms. Her daughter, Ruth Dickins, was the only other person in the house. She told authorities a Black man she didn’t recognize had fled the scene, but no evidence of the man’s presence was uncovered. When Dickins herself was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, petitions pleading for her release were drafted, signed, and circulated, and after only six years, the governor of Mississippi granted Ruth Dickins an indefinite suspension of her sentence and she was set free. In Deer Creek Drive, Beverly Lowry—who was ten at the time of the murder and lived mere miles from the Thompsons’ home—tells a story of white privilege that still has ramifications today, and reflects on the brutal crime, its aftermath, and the ways it clarified her own upbringing in Mississippi.
OLEANDER CITY By Matt Bondurant Matt Bondurant, director of the MFA program in Creative Writing at the University of Mississippi, tells the story set in the wake of the 1900 Galveston hurricane, three lives converge despite persecution from the Ku Klux Klan, a bareknuckle boxing match gone wrong, and the recovery efforts of the American Red Cross. Based on a true story, Bondurant deftly weaves truth with fiction to bring to life the passion and dramatic action.
32 July/August 2022
LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI By Rinker Buck Life on the Mississippi is an epic, enchanting blend of history and adventure in which Buck builds a wooden flatboat from the grand “flatboat era” of the 1800s and sails it down the Mississippi River, illuminating the forgotten past of America’s first western frontier. A muscular and majestic feat of storytelling from a writer who may be the closest that we have today to Mark Twain.
DISPATCHES FROM THE GILDED AGE By Julia Reed A Few More Thoughts on Interesting People, Far-Flung Places, and the Joys of Southern Comforts. JULIA REED (1960-2020) a Greenville, Mississippi native was a contributing editor at Garden & Gun, and the author of books including But Mama Always Puts Vodka in Her Sangria; Ham Biscuits, Hostess Gowns, and Other Southern Specialties. Edited by Julia’s longtime assistant, Everett Bexley and with a foreword by Roy Blount, Jr., Julia may be gone, but these sparkling essays let us know that she had a lot more to say.
EVANGELICAL ANXIETY By Charles Marsh In this riveting spiritual memoir, the writer, scholar, and commentator tells the story of his struggles with mental illness, explores the void between the Christian faith and scientific treatment, and forges a path toward reconciling these divergent worlds.
BLACK FOLK COULD FLY By Randal Kenan A personal, social, and intellectual self-portrait of the beloved and enormously influential late Randall Kenan, a master of both fiction and nonfiction. Virtuosic in his use of literary forms, nurtured and unbounded by his identities as a Black man, a gay man, an intellectual, and a Southerner, Randall Kenan was known for his groundbreaking fiction. Less visible were his extraordinary nonfiction essays, published as introductions to anthologies and in small journals, revealing countless facets of Kenan’s life and work.
Q&A with Ferris McGuire, OTR/L
Endurance Physical Therapy, an Athletico Company
Physical and Occupational therapy that helps athletes get back in the game. Q: You work with a lot of local athletes, what types of injuries do you see most frequently? A: We treat a variety of athletic injuries including but not limited to ankle sprains, knee pain, torn ACLs, back pain, shoulder injuries, elbow pain/UCL tears, and wrist/hand fractures. We provide therapy services for conservative management of injuries and postsurgical rehabilitation. Q: How many athletes do you treat in a given month? A: With 3 clinics in the city of Oxford, we provide PT/OT services to a large number of athletes in the area from Oxford City Schools, Lafayette County schools, and Regents School of Oxford. Q: When are athletic injuries most common? For example, do you see more athletes getting injured in the first
few weeks after the offseason? A: Athletic injuries can occur at any given time when being active in sports. Injuries can be seen during pre-season/at the beginning of a new season. Lengthy periods of rest followed by quickly jumping back into training/practice can lead to overuse that the body needs time to adjust to. We are now seeing more injuries year-round as athletes have begun to specialize in specific sports at a younger age. For example, elbow injuries have become more commonplace in young baseball players as they play year-round and the constant stress of throwing leads to pain and potential injury. Q: What kind of injuries have the longest recovery time? A: Injuries that require surgical intervention. Various surgeries require specific protocols and timelines that differ
pending the type of injury. Ex: ACL reconstruction, fractures requiring surgical fixation, etc. Q: What steps can athletes take to prevent those types of injuries? A: Consistent exercise paired with proper mobility/stretching and adequate nutrition as well as ample amounts of rest provide the right equation for injury prevention. Engage in a variety of sports/ exercise to work different areas of the body. All that being said, some injuries are just unavoidable. Q: What steps can young people, and especially young athletes, take to reduce long-term stress on joints and ligaments? A: Stay active. Stretch/warm-up prior to exercising/athletics. Utilize proper biomechanics/technique during sport/ exercise. OxfordMag.com 33
34 July/August 2022
OxfordMag.com 35
36 July/August 2022
FOOD
& DRINK
Ale Santiago opens the restaurant of her dreams Oxford’s newest “Tex-Mex-Issippi” restaurant Sleepy Cactus brings great tastes and atmosphere BY KELBY ZENDEJAS PHOTOS BY JOEY BRENT OxfordMag.com 37
A
As a young Latina and native Texan, Alexandra (Ale) Santiago opened the restaurant of her dreams in May of this year. The breakfast taco (y mas) restaurant – Sleepy Cactus – located on North Lamar Boulevard, exudes style and comfort to customers when they enter into the building, as 90’s country music and smells of everyone’s favorite Tex-Mex flavors flow easily through the front door. Formally known as Oxford Canteen, Sleepy Cactus officially opened its doors during Cinco De Mayo weekend, with customers invited to try a plethora of Mexican-inspired cuisine. From the option to add chorizo – a mexican sausage – into a breakfast taco, horchata cold brew, homemade queso dip, and even Chilaquiles – a dish known for its mixture of homemade tortillas, eggs, and salsa, the menu left customers wanting more the next weekend. No stranger to the restaurant industry and even the Sleepy Cactus building itself, Santiago spent time preparing food for the
Thank you for voting us
Best Hotel & Best Rooftop Bar Graduate Oxford & The Coop 400 N Lamar Blvd • graduatehotels.com/oxford 38 July/August 2022
former building owner, Corbin Evans. After leaving college, she embarked on a path that led her straight to the kitchen of Sleepy Cactus. She spent time in several different Oxford restaurants where she was a bartender and learner, including various restaurants within the City Grocery Group. However, the need for something more was always present in Santiago’s mind. “When I got here, I knew there were a bunch of Texans in town that were going to school and stuff, but it always shocked me and confused me as to why there weren’t any breakfast taco places for me to go and get one,” she said. “I guess in a way, there still isn’t.” During the pandemic, Santiago sold her tacos in neighboring shops around the Oxford Square such as Uptown Coffee – known now as Heartbreak Coffee – before Evans asked her if she wanted to purchase the restaurant. However, the journey to head chef is one Ale says she’s been working towards ever since she was a child. Growing up in an atmosphere where food was a main source of creativity and family-time, Santiago learned from some of the best - her grandmother and
OxfordMag.com 39
step-grandmother. Whether it was sitting atop the counter while her grandmother showed her the ropes on meringue or following her mother to some of the best restaurants around the world, Santiago had all the inspiration in her world to bring her dreams to a reality. “I still call my mom to make sure if they (people in Mexico) eat these sorts of dishes,” she said. “She says she doesn’t know how to cook, but she knows so much about everything.” Cooking is something Santiago obviously enjoys doing at work, but also in her freetime. Friend, souschef, and public relations manager, Kakky Brown shared that she has been fortunate enough to experience Santiago’s home kitchen cooking too. From ramen to a Thanksgiving spread sandwich, Santiago elevates every dish showing her versatility, talent,
40 July/August 2022
and passion. Brown also spoke on Santiago’s overall demeanor. “The way I have watched her handle obstacles is admirable,” Brown said. “Instead of dwelling, she moves to the solution. It’s been incredible to watch her choose to move from a place of trust versus doubt and fear, and that’s hard to do when you are going against the grain. The weekend our opening happened, the walk-in fridge went out. She had the attitude of ‘it is what it is,’ playing out the next move.” Realizing the food industry was mostly a male-dominated world, Santiago relishes the fact that she encapsulates everything it means to be a hardworking, creative woman behind the counter. Using her knowledge and love for food, Santiago wants her customers and employees to feel welcomed into her creatively curated combination of flavors and easy-going
workplace atmosphere. “We’re trying to foster a new restaurant environment in the employee’s sense,” Santiago said. “Because most restaurants are still old-school, still very male-dominated, aggressive places, and we’re trying to make an environment that is healthier and happier.” As a young entrepreneur, Sleepy Cactus is Santiago’s first step into her dream career and it’s her first glimpse as to what it means to be a woman owning her own restaurant. Brown and Santiago told a story of a young girl and her family who came to eat lunch at Sleepy Cactus. When the daughter asked her mother who the chef and owner was, the mother replied, “I think it’s that girl back there,” pointing to Santiago. As the mother shared this with Brown and Santiago, the daughter’s face lit up with excitement. She had realized a woman
was the one cooking all the food and running the restaurant. For Santiago, this interaction was a bigger moment of impact. She realized then that her presence as a woman could inspire potential young chefs to dream big too. “It’s a moment like that where this makes it bigger than just the restaurant,” Santiago said. With a different menu weekly – grab it while supplies last – Sleepy Cactus is paving ways in the Oxford food sphere. Not only that, Santiago is providing customers and employees with a unique experience, a look into her own heritage, a sight into her biggest passion in life, and a source of empathy behind the scenes. Sleepy Cactus is currently open Thursday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or until they sell out. The restaurant is located at 766 N Lamar Blvd.
You voted. We tallied. Keep reading to see who’s who in the LOU.
OxfordMag.com 41
FOOD AND DINING BEST “TO GO” BEVERAGE
South Lamar Nutrition, Winner Finalist: Chaney’s Pharmacy, High Point Coffee
BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT
Toyo Japanese Sushi Bar & Hibachi, Winner Finalist: Kabuki Sushi Bar & Hibachi, Rice & Spice
BEST BAKERY
The Cakery, Winner Finalist: Bottletree Bakery, R & R Cookies
BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
Handy Andy Grocery, Winner Finalist: CookOut, Ajax Diner
BEST BAR
Funkys Pizza & Daiquiri Bar, Winner Finalist: Library, City Grocery
42 July/August 2022
BEST BARBEQUE
Moe’s Original BBQ – Oxford, Winner Finalist: Handy Andy Grocery, B’s Hickory Smoke BBQ
BEST CATFISH
Taylor Grocery, Winner Finalist: Oby’s of Oxford, Ajax Diner
BEST CHARCUTERIE
Big Bad Breakfast, Winner Finalist: First Watch, Beacon
The Sipp on South Lamar, Winner Finalist: Johnston Hill Creamery, Snackbar
BEST BRUNCH
BEST CHEESECAKE
BEST BREAKFAST
First Watch, Winner Finalist: Big Bad Breakfast, Grit Restaurant
BEST CASUAL DINING
City Hall Cheesecake Oxford, Winner Finalist: Bremma’s Sweet Treats, Boure Restaurant
Volta Taverna, Winner Finalist: Ajax Diner, Proud Larry’s
BEST CHILDREN’S BIRTHDAY
BEST CATERING
BEST CHOCOLATIER
Taylor Grocery Special Events Catering, Winner Finalist: My Michelle’s | Catering ~ Grab & Go ~ Delivery, Tallahatchie Gourmet
The Oxford Creamery, Winner Finalist: Studio Whimzy, Chick-fil-A
Rocky Mountain Chocolate, Winner Finalist: Chaney’s Pharmacy
BEST COCKTAIL
Saint Leo, Winner Finalist: Snackbar, Boure Restaurant
OxfordMag.com 43
DOUBLE DECKER ARTS FESTIVAL
Double Decker sponsored by Visit Oxford was back on in 2022 for the first time in two years. The event held April 22, 23, 2022 set a record for attendance. The arts, food and music festival the Square is a crowd favorite.
BEST COFFEE
Common Ground Coffee Bar, Winner Finalist: High Point Coffee, Heartbreak Coffee
BEST COOKIE
BEST DATE NIGHT
BEST CUPCAKES
BEST DELI
Insomnia Cookies, Winner Finalist: R & R Cookies, The Cakery
Small Cakes, Winner Finalist: Bremma’s Sweet Treats
44 July/August 2022
Saint Leo, Winner Finalist: Oxford Grillehouse, Snackbar
Newk’s Eatery, Winner Finalist: McAlister’s Deli, Kroger
BEST DELIVERY
BEST GIRL’S NIGHT OUT
BEST ITALIAN
BEST DONUTS
BEST GUY’S NIGHT OUT
BEST KIDS MEAL
Fetcht Delivery, Winner Finalist: Marco’s Pizza
Community Donuts, Winner Finalist: High Rise Doughnuts
BEST FINE DINING
Saint Leo, Winner Finalist: Oxford Grillehouse, Ravine
BEST FOOD TRUCK
Taylor Grocery Special Events Catering, Winner Finalist: Caffecitos
BEST FRIED CHICKEN
The Sipp on South Lamar, Winner Finalist: Saint Leo, Volta Taverna
The Blind Pig Pub, Winner Finalist: Library, Lamar Yard, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux - Oxford
BEST HAPPY HOUR
Saint Leo, Winner Finalist: Funkys Pizza & Daiquiri Bar, Volta Taverna
BEST HOT DOG
The Growler of Oxford, Winner Finalist: Sonic Drive-In
Tarasque Cucina, Winner Finalist: Leo, Venice Kitchen
Chick-fil-A, Winner Finalist: Boure Restaurant, McDonald’s
BEST LATE-NIGHT FOOD
RockHouse Live Oxford, Winner Finalist: Cook Out, Square Pizza
BEST LOCAL BURGER
Handy Andy Grocery, Winner Finalist: Phillips Grocery, Oxford Burger Company
BEST LUNCH
Taylor Grocery Special Events Catering, Winner Finalist: Abner’s Famous Chicken, Larson’s Cash Saver
BEST ICE CREAM
The Oxford Creamery, Winner Finalist: Yaya’s Frozen Yogurt, TCBY Chaney’s Pharmacy
Ajax Diner, Winner Finalist: Proud Larry’s, Tallahatchie Gourmet Finalist, Moe’s Original BBQ - Oxford
BEST GAS STATION FOR FOOD
BEST INTERNATIONAL
BEST LUNCH UNDER $10
Sky Mart, Winner Finalist: Marketplace on Sisk
El Charro Cocina & Cantina, Winner Finalist: El Agave, Tarasque Cucina
Handy Andy Grocery, Winner Finalist: Larson’s Cash Saver, Mama Jo’s Country Cookin
OxfordMag.com 45
BEST MARGARITA
El Agave, Winner Finalist: Volta Taverna, El Charro Cocina & Cantina
BEST MEDITERRANEAN FOOD Volta Taverna, Winner Finalist: OPA!
BEST MEXICAN
El Agave, Winner Finalist: El Charro, La Perla Tapatía of Oxford
BEST MILKSHAKE
The Oxford Creamery, Winner Finalist: Cook Out, Sonic Drive-In
BEST NEW RESTAURANT Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux - Oxford Restaurant, Winner Finalist: OPA!, El Charro Cocina & Cantina
WALK ON’S - BEST NEW RESTAURANT
Originating from Louisiana, Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux brings cajun cuisine to Oxford. From cajun pasta to mouth-watering burgers, Walk On’s is undoubtedly bringing all the flavors. The atmosphere provided is perfect for any sporting event and get together. Television lines the walls with every sport playing for guests to sit back, relax and cheer on their favorite team. With a delicious drink menu, fried food, and adequate sharing sizes, Walk On’s is supporting all sports lovers and flavor goers. Walk On’s is co-owned by sports stars Drew Brees and Brandon Landry, further ensuring that a memorable sporting atmosphere is brought to every location around the country.
662-371-1000
CCMOXFORD.COM
THANK YOU OXFORD CANNON CLEARY MCGRAW
MATT MCGRAW
OXFORD'S BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY
OXFORD'S BEST REALTOR
46 July/August 2022
OxfordMag.com 47
BEST PATIO
BEST RESTAURANT
BEST SPORT BAR
BEST PIZZA
BEST SALAD SPOT
BEST STEAKHOUSE
BEST PLACE TO GRAB DESSERT
BEST SANDWICH
BEST SUSHI
Lamar Yard, Winner Finalist: Taverna, Boure Restaurant
Lost Pizza Co. Oxford, Winner Finalist: Fergndans Wood Fired Pizza Café, Saint Leo
Yaya’s Frozen Yogurt, Winner Finalist: The Oxford Creamery, City Hall Cheesecake Oxford
BEST PLACE WORTH THE DRIVE
Grit Restaurant, Winner Finalist: Rafters On The Water, Ravine
BEST PO BOY
Oby’s of Oxford, Winner Finalist: Ajax Diner, Boure Restaurant
Saint Leo, Winner Finalist: Boure Restaurant, Oxford Grillehouse
Newk’s Eatery, Winner Finalist: Oby’s of Oxford, Proud Larry’s
The Blind Pig Pub, Winner Finalist: Newk’s Eatery, Pizza Den
BEST SEAFOOD
Snackbar, Winner Finalist: The Landshark Crawfish, Kings Steak House
BEST SOUL FOOD
Oxford Grillehouse, Winner Finalist: Sizzler Steakhouse Of Oxford, Kings Steakhouse
Jinsei Sushi, Winner Finalist: Toyo Japanese Sushi Bar & Hibachi, Kabuki Sushi Bar & Hibachi
BEST TAKEOUT
Rice & Spice, Winner Finalist: Oby’s of Oxford, Toyo Japanese Sushi Bar & Hibachi
Ajax Diner, Winner Finalist: Mama Jo’s Country Cookin, Moe’s Original BBQ - Oxford
BEST WINE BAR
BEST SPECIAL OCCASION
BEST WINGS
Saint Leo, Winner Finalist: Ravine, City grocery
48 July/August 2022
Funkys Pizza & Daiquiri Bar, Winner Finalist: Library, Lamar Yard
The Sipp on South Lamar, Winner Finalist: Saint Leo, SoLa
Southern Coop, Winner Finalist: Moe’s Original BBQ – Oxford, Ole Coop Oxford
GRIT
OPA
OxfordMag.com 49
HEALTH AND FITNESS BEST AUDIOLOGY
Ear Nose & Throat Consultants, Winner Finalist: The University of Mississippi Speech and Hearing Center, Hear South Audiology
BEST BOUTIQUE FITNESS CENTER
Core Fitness Oxford, Winner Finalist: Orange Theory, Burn Boot Camp
BEST CARDIOLOGY
Dr. Mark H. Strong, MD, Winner Finalist: Dr Justin May, MD, Benjamin D. Blossom, M.D., FACC Cardiology Associates Of North Mississippi
50 July/August 2022
SAINT LEO
Due to its sophisticated separate menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner and twists on various dishes, it’s no surprise that Saint Leo garnered Best Restaurant, Best Cocktail, Best Date Night, Best Fine Dining, and Special Occasion for this year’s Best of Oxford voting competition. The Italian inspired cuisine includes wood fired pizzas, special pastas and an impressive cocktail and wine menu. With an elegant atmosphere, guests are delighted by wonderful menu items, comfy seats, and a dim-lit environment. Whether it’s a birthday dinner, romantic date night, or brunch with friends, Saint Leo’s seasonal menus and drinks are special for any type of occasion.
BEST DENTAL CLINIC
Oxford Dental, Winner Finalist: Life Dental Oxford, Ross Family Dental Clinic
BEST DENTIST
Dr. Walker Swaney, Oxford Dental, Winner Finalist: Dr. Andrew Ross, Ross Dental Finalist, Dr. Mike Huggins
BEST DERMATOLOGY CLINIC
Dermatology Associates of Oxford, Winner Finalist: Oxford Dermatology, Marascalco Dermatology-Oxford
BEST ENT
Bradford J. Dye III, M.D. , Winner Finalist: Dr John Laurenzo, MD, Ear Nose & Throat Consultants, B. Pearson Windham MD
BEST ESTHETICIAN
Sarah Marsalis at Dermatology Associates, Winner Finalist: Anna Thames, Shell Plastic Surgery, Lynne Myers at Skin
BEST EYE CARE
Oxford Eye Clinic and Optical, Winner Finalist: Rayner Eye Clinic, Mississippi Eye Consultants - Oxford
BEST GYMNASTICS STUDIO
Wink Tumbling Academy, Winner Finalist: Oxford Cheer & Tumble, Oxford Park Commission
BEST HEALTH AND FITNESS CENTER
OrangeTheory Fitness, Winner Finalist: Oxford YMCA , Burn Boot Camp
BEST MARTIAL ARTS
662 Jiu Jitsu, Winner Finalist: ELITE Martial Arts - (TEAM RA, Oxford Fitness Kickboxing & Jiu Jitsu
BEST MASSAGE
Shell Plastic Surgery, Winner Finalist: Live Well Therapeutic Massage, Epicure Day Spa
BEST MEDICAL CLINIC
Oxford Ortho & Sports Medicine , Winner Finalist: Specialty Orthopedic Group, Oxford Urgent Care
BEST NURSE/NURSE PRACTITIONER
Katie Soldevila, Specialty Orthopedic Group , Winner Tie Stephanie Barrett, NP, Oxford Urgent Care Winner Tie, Finalist: Beth Norris, FNP-BC, Oxford Ortho and Sports Medicine
OxfordMag.com 51
BEST ONCOLOGY
Dr. Ryan Yates, Winner Finalist: Dr. Benjamin Wheeler, Dr. Pasquel Wilson, MD
BEST OPTOMETRIST/ OPHTHALMOLOGIST
Dr William Strickland and Dr Ryan Wally, Winner Finalist: Dr. William D. Farmer, MD, Dr. Jim Riffe
BEST ORAL SURGEON
Dr. Tyler Lovelace , Winner Finalist: Dr. Allen Ligon, Dr. Scott Whitaker
OBY’S
As Oby’s in Oxford is known for its cajun cuisine, it’s no surprise that Oby’s is this year’s winner of Best Po Boy. The cajun-themed fare is a great place to indulge in every flavor, while also enjoying a massive menu to never get tired of. With items such as alligator po’boys, crawfish po’boys, typical ham and cheese po’boys, and a plethora of others, Oby’s offers customers anything and everything to satisfy their po’boy cravings. As a perfect place to enjoy meals with friends and visiting family, the menu has something for everybody. Each po’boy is served with Oby’s signature po’boy bread and endless toppings.
$2.50 Margaritas with the purchase of a meal 52 July/August 2022
We are honored and grateful to be voted BEST DERMATOLOGY CLINIC BEST SPA BEST ESTHETICIAN–SARAH MARSALIS
Thank you, Oxford and all of our wonderful customers!
ROMY ABBOUD Physician Assistant
MARY CHRIS MOORE Nurse Practitioner
DR. LYNDSAY SHIPP Dermatologist Owner
SARAH MARSALIS Aesthetician
KATIE JENKINS Physician Assistant
COSMETIC | SURGICAL | MEDICAL | DERMATOLOGY FOR ALL AGES
705 SISK AVENUE SUITE 105 | DAOXFORD.COM | 662-371-1326
OxfordMag.com 53
BEST ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON
Kurre Luber, M.D., Oxford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, PLLC , Winner Finalist: Ryves Moore MD, Specialty Orthopedic Group, Rowland Roberson, M.D., Specialty Orthopedic Group
BEST PAIN MANAGEMENT
Willow Pain and Wellness, LLC. , Winner Finalist: Dr. Kirk Kinnard
BEST PEDIATRICIAN
Dr. David M. Dennis, MD, Winner Finalist: Dr. Catherine Phillips, D.O.,Molly Singletary, M.D
BEST PHARMACY
Chaney’s Pharmacy, Winner Finalist: Oxford Rx, G & M Pharmacy
54 July/August 2022
PROUD LARRY’S
Boasting it’s impeccable music showings, Proud Larry’s is a must for live music and good eats. With artists ranging from local and out-of-town bands, Proud Larry’s serves up music for any kind of listener and lover of live music. Its inside stage and bar are the perfect combination of a musical paradise. Don’t forget, Proud Larry’s provides good eats as well, with a well-ranging menu of items such as freshly baked pizzas and sandwiches. Check out Proud Larry’s music calendar for the next shows during this summer season. A few shows in July include Alastair Greene on July 9th, Neighbor Lady on July 15, and even Ben Ricketts With E-Meters and Modern Bodies on July 22.
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY
Endurance Physical Therapy, Winner Finalist: Elite Physical Therapy, Cornerstone Rehabilitation
BEST PLACE TO BUY EYEGLASSES
Oxford Eye Clinic and Optical, Winner Finalist: Mississippi Eye Consultants - Oxford, Rayner Eye Clinic
BEST PODIATRIST
Dr. Shaun Lund, Winner Finalist: Jared Spicer, Dr. Chris Varva Oxford, Ms
BEST SPA
Dermatology Associates of Oxford, Winner Finalist: Shell Plastic Surgery, SKIN Oxford
MICHELLE ROUNSAVILLE, MY MICHELLE’S
Owner of My Michelle’s, Michelle Rounsaville was voted best chef. My Michelle’s boasts an ever-changing menu filled with delicious quiches, soups, salads, casseroles, and more — including one of Rounsaville’s favorites, the beef and spinach lasagna. “We started substituting zucchini noodles for regular lasagna noodles,” she said. “It is really delicious.” Classic southern casseroles, grab-and-go Meals, baby girl’s chicken salad and special smalltown touch characterize My Michelle’s Catering.
OxfordMag.com 55
BEST URGENT CARE
Oxford Urgent Care, Winner Finalist: Urgent Care Clinic of Oxford, Old Town Med
BEST WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE
Oxford Clinic for Women, Winner Finalist: Oxford Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates
BEST YOGA STUDIO
Southern Star Yoga Center, Winner Finalist: Hotworx, Baptiste Power Yoga Oxford
HOME AND GARDEN BEST ASSISTED LIVING
The Magnolia at Oxford Commons, Winner Finalist: The Pinnacle of Oxford, Elison Assisted Living of Oxford
56 July/August 2022
CHANEY’S PHARMACY
Locally owned for over 40 years, Chaney’s Pharmacy is the town’s very own masterpiece. Owned by Oxford residents Brent and Laura Smith, Chaney’s Pharmacy is the provider of all providers. Customers needing salon appointments, gifts, and even coffee are welcome here. Known for its close relationships with customers, Chaney’s stands as the pharmacy with absolutely everything you need - including friendly, family-like service and care. For the second year in a row, Chaney’s Pharmacy outshines the rest. Whether customers need a flushot or sugary sweets, Chaney’s has it all and more.
BEST CARPET/FLOORING
Stouts Carpet and Flooring, Winner Finalist: Kizer Flooring, Signature Flooring
BEST CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
Grantham Construction Co., Winner Finalist: MR Construction, Sid Coleman Construction
BEST ELECTRICAL REPAIR
Rick’s Plumbing and Electrical, Winner Finalist: Eagle Fire & Electric, Collier Electric
BEST FURNITURE
Oxford Home Furnishings, Winner Finalist: Something Southern, The Furniture Source of Oxford
BEST HEATING AND AIR
Franklin’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., Winner Finalist: Brunner Heating & Air, Walker Electric Company Inc.
BEST HOME BUILDER
Grantham Construction Co., Winner Finalist: MR Construction, Sid Coleman Construction
BEST HOME DECOR
Discount Building Materials, Winner Finalist: OIL Shed- Oxford Interior Landscape, Jones at Home Interiors, Something Southern
LARSON’S CASHSAVER
Larson’s Cashsaver owned by Brett Larson continues to be voted Best Grocery store year after year. The meat selection and produce make Larson’s stand out in a crowded field of grocery store chains. The Cooler, a walk-in refrigerated beer cooler is featured on t-shirts for sell at the store and has a large selection of ice cold beer.
OxfordMag.com 57
BEST INTERIOR DESIGN
Something Southern, Winner Finalist: Aynslee Smith Designs, Julie Montgomery
BEST LANDSCAPER
Smith Lawn Management, Winner Finalist: Matthews Landscape & Maintenance, Good Earth Landscape and Design, Inc.
BEST LIGHTING STORE
Magnolia Lighting, Winner Finalist: Sunbelt Lighting
BEST MATTRESS STORE Oxford Home Furnishings, Winner Finalist: Mattress Firm Oxford, The Furniture Source of Oxford
58 July/August 2022
RICK’S PLUMBING
This year’s “Best Plumber” goes to Rick’s Plumbing located off Highway 7. In need of quick, efficient plumbing? Rick’s provides a 24 hour call service for any inconvenience including a small leak or burnt-out fuse. Priding itself with residential plumbing services, repairs, commercial plumbing, and even drain cleaning, Rick’s has highly skilled and motivated workers. Providing efficient emergency repairs is what Rick’s has been known for for over 35 years of its existence. Not only does Rick’s serve Oxford residents, the company also has trained electricians and plumbers in counties such as Panola, Lee, Pontotoc, and a few others.
BEST MOVING COMPANY
Three Men Moving & Storage, Winner Finalist: Pack Move Solutions, J&N
BEST NURSERY
The Barn Trading Company, Winner Finalist: OIL Shed- Oxford Interior Landscape
BEST PEST CONTROL
Pickens Pest Control, Winner Finalist: Drewery’s Termite & Pest Control LLC, Pest Marshals
BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Summit Management Services, LLC, Winner Finalist: Rebel Realty & Property Management, Square Real Estate
THE JEFFERSON
Voted Oxford’s Best Wedding Venue for the last 6 years, the Jefferson is Oxford’s premiere wedding venue. From elegant receptions for 1500 guests to intimate, fireside dining for 100, the Jefferson offers beautifully decorated event spaces overlooking an eight acre lake. The spacious 18,000 sq ft building includes a 7,200 sq ft column-free Grand Hall along with two additional 2,500 sq ft rooms suitable for wedding ceremonies, receptions, formals, or parties. With a built-in stage, 40-foot long bar, stunning see-through fireplace, spacious bride’s room, 3 portable bars, and two catering kitchens, the Jefferson is the ideal setting for any event.
OxfordMag.com 59
THE GRADUATE
The Graduate at Oxford sits in the perfect location on Oxford’s Square, minutes from the bustling crowds on busy weekends and great eats to choose from. Guests of the hotel are greeted by a beautifully designed lobby with vintage touches and then head to another impeccable suite, touched with warmth and hospitality. With charm and Southern touches, The Graduate is the best place for visitors to sleep and eat. Atop the hotel itself, sits The Coop, the hotel’s rooftop bar, providing guests and locals with a fun drink and food menu. Guests also enjoy a wonderful rooftop view of Oxford. The Coop is the perfect place for a sunset dinner and date night happy hour.
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY
Cannon Cleary McGraw, Winner Finalist: RE/MAX Legacy, Kessinger Real Estate
OUT AND ABOUT BEST DANCE SPOT
The Library, Winner Finalist: Funkys Pizza & Daiquiri Bar
60 July/August 2022
BEST DAY TRIP
Memphis Zoo, Winner Finalist: Sardis Lake Marina, Wonderbird Spirits
BEST GOLF COURSE
University of Mississippi Golf Course, Winner Finalist: The Country Club of Oxford, Goose Creek Club
BEST HOTEL
Graduate Oxford, Winner Finalist: The Chancellor’s House, The Inn at Ole Miss
BEST KEPT SECRET
Oxford Community Market, Winner Finalist: The Sipp on South Lamar, Bar Muse
BEST LOCAL EVENT
DOUBLE DECKER FESTIVAL, Winner Finalist: Oxford Community Market, Oxford Film Fest
BEST MUSEUM/GALLERY Rowan Oak, Winner Finalist: University Museum, Southside Gallery
BEST MUSIC VENUE
Proud Larrys, Winner Finalist: Lamar Yard, Rockhouse Live
BEST PARK FOR A PICNIC Lamar Park, Winner Finalist: Avent Park, John Kyle State Park
BEST PLACE TO TAKE VISITORS
The Square, Winner Finalist: The Courthouse Square, Rowan Oak
BEST ROOFTOP
Graduate Oxford - The Coop, Winner Finalist: Courtyard by Marriott Oxford, The Summit
BEST RUNNING EVENT
Double Decker Spring Run, Winner Finalist: CASA Superhero Run, Oxford University Hash House Harriers
BEST TRIVIA
Moe’s Original BBQ - Oxford, Winner Finalist: The Blind Pig
BEST PLACE TO TAKE THE FAMILY
Swayze Field, Winner Finalist: Sardis Lake, Lamar Yard
BEST WEDDING VENUE
The Jefferson Oxford, Winner Finalist: The Mill At Plein Air, Castle Hill Resort
PETS BEST ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Crossroads Animal Hospital, Winner Finalist: Animal Clinic of Oxford, Pampered Paws Animal Hospital
BEST BOARDING
Lodge at Crossroads, Winner Finalist: Delta Dog, Pampered Pets
BEST PET DAYCARE
Deltadog Oxford, Winner Finalist: Crossroads Animal Hospital, Pampered Paws Animal Hospital
BEST PET GROOMER
Shea Zinnecker DELTADOG OXFORD, Winner Finalist: Bonnie from Pampered Paws Animal Hospital, Kellie Owens, Homeward Bound, Inc.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST NEW AUTO DEALER! Cannon Chevrolet Buick Cadillac 662.234.2311 • 100 N Thacker Loop, Oxford, MS
Cannon Nissan of Oxford 662.236.3300 • 479 Hwy 6 W, Oxford, MS
NobodyBeatsACannonDeal.com OxfordMag.com 61
BEST PET SUPPLIES
Hollywood Feed, Winner Finalist: PetSmart, Tractor Supply Co.
BEST PET TRAINER/ OBEDIENCE SCHOOL Wildrose Kennels, Winner Finalist: Bekah Chapman, BCB K9, Pampered Paws Animal Hospital
BEST VETERINARIAN Dr. Lachlan McQueen, Crossroads Animal Hospital, Winner Finalist: Dr. Lee Payne, Dr. Ware Sullivan, Animal Care Center
DR. WALKER SWANEY, OXFORD DENTAL
The 2022 award for “Best Dentist” goes to Dr. Walker Swaney of Oxford Dental. Beginning his dental career in 1975, Swaney has been providing care to patients for over 45 years. Swaney founded Oxford Dental in 1983, and has been providing dental care to many families in the city for over three generations. Swaney is a member of the American Dental Association, Mississippi Dental Association, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American Orthodontic Association, and many others. Committed to his work, Swaney has also traveled to different countries to provide adequate dental care. The dental office is located on South Lamar Boulevard for anyone in need of dental assistance.
Thank you for voting us BEST PLUMBING & BEST ELECTRIC for Best of Oxford 2022! We are proud to serve the LOU community since 1983! (662) 236-5985 (662) 816-5984 24/7 ON-CALL SERVICE Licensed | Bonded | Insured Commercial & Residential 11 CR 324 Oxford, MS 38655 | ricksplumbingandelectric.com 62 July/August 2022
PROFESSIONALS BEST ARCHITECT
Cory Alger, Winner Finalist: Howorth, Beard + Riser
BEST FIREFIGHTER
Wes Anderson, Winner Finalist: Brion Whitten, Chase McDaniel
BEST HAIR STYLIST
Campbell Helveston FNB, Winner Finalist: Lauren Pace, Brad Ewing
Anna Adams, Winner Finalit: Dallas Cupit, Connie Styers, Avenue West
BEST BARTENDER
BEST INSURANCE AGENT
Sydney Smith, Winner Finalist: Cooney at City Bar, Peyton Attaway
Allison Burrow, Winner Finalist: Jason Burns, Jimmy Carr
BEST CHEF
BEST LAW ENFORCEMENT
BEST BANKER
Michelle Rounsaville, Winner Finalist: Elizabeth Heiskell, John Currence
Joey East, Winner Finalist: Kayla Vaughn, Alan Ivy
BEST COLLEGE PROFESSOR
BEST LAWYER
Dr. Morris Stocks, Winner Finalist: Joel. Amidon, Cynthia Joyce
Rhea Tannehill, Winner Finalist: Matt Mckenzie, Jay Carmean
FARM BUREAU
Last year, Allison Burrow was a finalist for “Best Insurance Agent.” This year, however, Burrow took the vote. Farm Bureau provides services to the Oxford community year round, with efficiency and care. Utilizing a personal approach to customers, Burrow provides her clients with reliable insurance needs.
OxfordMag.com 63
BEST LOCAL ARTIST
Bradley Gordon, Winner Finalist: Jim Hendrix, Glenn Ray Tutor
BEST LOCAL MUSICIAN Tate Moore, Winner Finalist: Joe Austin & The Tallahatchies, Will Griffin
BEST LOCAL WRITER Shane Brown, Winner Finalist: Ace Atkins, Larry Brown
BEST MORTGAGE LENDER
Bank of England, Jake Ott, Winner Finalist: Michelle Mason Mechanics Mortgage, Andrea Rutherford
64 July/August 2022
SHAW ACE HARDWARE
Shaw Hardware changed names from Sneed Ace Hardware to Shaw Ace this year but readers continue to recognize the oldest hardware store in Oxford. Longtime owners David and Susan Shaw still are the owners but changed the name back to an original name. “We have all of the same products,” said Susan. All of the people the community has come to know and love will still be working here. The only thing that is changing is the name on the building.” In a way, the name change is a full-circle moment for David. That’s because, when the store originally opened on the Square in 1951, David’s grandfather Parham Shaw was one of the cofounders. “It was originally called Shaw and Sneed Hardware,” said David. “My grandfather started it with his friend Payne Sneed. It eventually became an Ace Hardware store in 1963.”
BEST OXONIAN TO FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA John Cofield, Winner Finalist: Jason Plunk
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER Bruce Newman, Winner Finalist: Keli Lindsey, Joey Brent
BEST PLUMBER
Ricks Plumbing, Winner Finalist: Tim Traylor, Adam Roland
BEST POLITICIAN
Robyn Tannehill, Winner Finalist: Clay Deweese, Nicole Boyd
BEST REALTOR
Matt McGraw - Cannon, Cleary, McGraw, Winner Finalist: Tim Phillips, Keith Kessinger
BEST RESTAURANT SERVER
Meghan Kingery @ Ajax, Winner Finalist: Terry Moon, Robert Franks
BEST TEACHER (K-12) Kristen Busby, Winner Finalist: Lauren Lauzon, Mallory Rowland
BEST TRAVEL AGENT
Jessica Woodworth Jones, Winner Finalist: Beverly Brent, Tessa Hankins
CROSSROADS
For the second year in a row, Crossroads Animal Hospital has been named “Best Animal Hospital” along with “Best Vet” and “Best Kennel.” Staff at Crossroads work hard to make sure everyone’s fur babies are taken care of. With care and service ranging from doggy daycare, acupuncture, grooming, and even laser therapy, Crossroads provides residents and visitors with some of the best service the industry has to offer. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) prides itself for their animal hospital accreditation throughout the country, and Crossroads stands among the best as a member of the association. For any animal care needs, Crossroads delivers and are the best people to make sure every animal is taken care of effectively.
OxfordMag.com 65
SHOPPING AND SERVICES BEST ACCOUNTING FIRM
Kinney & Associates PLLC, Winner Finalist: Swetland Cook PLLC, DeVoe Carr
BEST ANTIQUE STORE Sugar Magnolia Antique Mall, Winner Finalist: The Mustard Seed Antique Mall, The Depot Antique Mall
BEST AUTO DEALER (NEW)
Cannon Motors, LLC , Winner Finalist: Oxford Toyota, Allen Samuels Jeep RAM of Oxford
66 July/August 2022
BEST AUTO DEALER (USED)
Action Auto, Winner Finalist: Cannon Motors, LLC, Belk Ford, Inc.
BEST AUTO REPAIR
Southland Body & Paint Shop, Winner Finalist: Kenny Warren’s Auto Repair, Deal’s Auto Repair
BEST BANK
FNB, Winner Finalist: Regions Bank, Renasant Bank
BEST BOOKSTORE
Square Books, Winner Finalist: Square Books Jr., Off Square Books
BEST BOUTIQUE
LuLu’s Shoes and Accessories, Winner Finalist: I Just Have To Have It, JANE
BEST BRIDAL REGISTRY
Oxford Floral, Winner Finalist: Neilson’s Department Store
BEST BUSINESS
Shaw Ace Hardware, Winner Finalist: Neilson’s Department Store, FNB Oxford
BEST CAR WASH
Car Wash USA Express , Winner Finalist: L & M Detailing, Elite Mobile Car Wash and Detailing
BEST CHILDCARE
First Baptist Child Care, Winner Finalist: The Children’s Academy, ABC Learning Center
BEST CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE
Olive Juice Kids , Winner Finalist: Jack and Claire’s , Mother Goose Children’s Consignment
BEST COMPUTER REPAIR
uBreakiFix in Oxford, Winner Finalist: Sam’s Cell Phones Accessories & Tbcc, Technology Management Group Oxford
OxfordMag.com 67
BEST CONSIGNMENT/RESALE Holding Hands Resale Shop, Winner Finalist: Weecycle, Mother Goose Children’s Consignment
BEST COSMETICS
Amy Head Cosmetics, Winner Finalist: Amy Head Cosmetics, Ulta
BEST CUSTOM T-SHIRT SHOP
Oxford T-Shirt Co., Winner Finalist: University Sporting Goods, Ink Spot
BEST DEPARTMENT STORE
Neilson’s Department Store, Winner Finalist: Belk
BEST DRY CLEANER
Rainbow Cleaners, Winner Finalist: Lapels Dry Cleaning Oxford
BEST FLORIST
Oxford Floral, Winner Finalist: Bette’s Flowers, University Florist
BEST GIFT SHOP
Chaney’s Pharmacy, Winner Finalist: Olive Juice Gifts, Oxford Floral
BEST GROCERY STORE
Larson’s Cash Saver, Winner Finalist: Kroger, Chicory Market
BEST HAIR SALON
Southern Chic Salon and Spa, Winner Finalist: Amara Salon, The Studio
BEST HUNTING STORE
Lammons Fine Jewelry, Winner Finalist: Van Atkins Jewelers
BEST LAW FIRM
Tannehill, Carmean & McKenzie PLLC, Winner Finalist: Swayze Alford Attorney at Law, Barrett Law Group, P.A.
BEST LIQUOR STORE
High Cotton Wine & Spirits Warehouse, Winner Finalist: Magnolia Wine & Spirits, Social Wine and Whiskey House
BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Hunters’ Hollow, Inc., Winner Finalist: Vincent Outfitters
Hinton & Hinton, Winner Finalist: Neilson’s Department Store, Vincent Outfitters Oxford
BEST INSURANCE COMPANY
BEST NAIL SALON
Farm Bureau Insurance, Winner Finalist: Brown Insurance Agency, Jimmy Carr - State Farm Insurance Agent
68 July/August 2022
BEST JEWELRY STORE
Nail Bar & Co. Oxford, Winner Finalist: My Girl, Southern Chic Salon and Spa
5
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR Rhea Tannehill Tannehill, Carmean & McKenzie BY JOEY BRENT
Q: When did you realize you wanted to become a lawyer, and who were your influencers? A: I grew up in the small town of Union, Mississippi. We only had one lawyer in the entire town: Rex Gordon, Jr. Rex coached the Union High School Mock Trial Team, and I was on the team for three years. I loved facing other schools and jousting with them in the courtroom. I only graduated with 44 people, so that gives you an idea of how small our high school was. We fared very well competing against much larger schools. Rex was a great guy, and really good to our team, and me in particular. He would have our team over to his office at night and we would practice. He would be drinking bourbon during practice, and was really funny. Rex had a huge nice house, a cool old Bronco that he drove around town, and he always seemed to be happy. Everyone in town respected him, so naturally I thought if I was a lawyer my life would be similar. Little did I know what a big difference there was in the law practice of a solo practitioner in a town of 2,000 people and practicing law in a city with over 400 lawyers!
Later in life I was able to attend the Municipal Court Judges Conference with Rex because he was the Municipal Court Judge in Union, and I served as the Judge in Sardis. That was neat to get to see someone I grew up admiring on a professional level. My grandmother, Courtney Tannehill, really pushed me to go to law school. I was not real sure about a three year school commitment after I had finished my undergraduate and graduate degree, but I wanted to please her.
While clerking at the Tollison Law Firm they offered me a full-time job. At the time my wife, Robyn, was the Executive Director of the Oxford Tourism Council. It was a great opportunity, and it just made sense to stay in Oxford.
Q: Your firm continues to grow. What do you look for most when you bring in new associates into your law firm? A: A wise older lawyer told me one time that the biggest compliment a lawyer can get is that a person comes to you with a problem and trusts you to help. Usually Q: Why did you decide to stay in Oxford that person’s legal issue is the biggest problem they have in their life. I have tried to build your practice? A: My mother worked for the University to carry this with me through my career, of Mississippi for eleven years while I was and pass it on to our staff. We want growing up, so I spent my youth driving to potential clients to know that we value their Oxford with her and staying here. I got to business and will do our best to assist them know many local Oxonians during that with their legal issue. Therefore, we want time, and fell in love with Oxford and Ole our lawyers and staff to handle our clients like this every day. Miss at an early age. Practicing law is a service industry, so While I was in law school I clerked for a couple of local lawyers, Ed Roberts, and the anyone that works in our office has to be Tollison Law Firm. Those were incredible able to serve our clients. Therefore, we experiences, and I learned so much working at both places about how to practice law. See “TANNEHILL,” page 70 OxfordMag.com 69
TANNEHILL Continued from 69
want lawyers and staff who are good communicators, that have integrity, are willing to work hard, and not looking to take the easy way out. Q: Having won Best of Oxford as best lawyer and best law firm for 2022 and many years in the past, what do you think continues to set you apart? A: The “Best of Oxford” Awards we have received over the years are very special to me because there are so many good lawyers in Oxford. In fact, there are more lawyers per capita in Oxford than any other city in Mississippi. Over my 25 years of law practice I have determined that communication is the most important thing for our clients – they want good results, but they can accept results they do not like if they know what is going on in their case. We do the best we can to communicate with all of our clients,
70 July/August 2022
but we do not always get it right. Our firm is blessed to have a great staff, who genuinely cares about the well-being of our clients – not just their case. Most of the time the lawyers in our office get the credit, but there is no way we could do what we do without our wonderful staff. Our staff genuinely cares about the people we represent. I think we have good lawyers in our office, but the primary reason I believe people vote for us is because our staff takes good care of clients. Q: f you planned the ideal day in Oxford, what would your day look like? A: That’s easy. Double Decker. My wife, Robyn, started the Double Decker Arts Festival when I was in law school, and she was the Executive Director of the Oxford Tourism Council. People cannot understand how hard she worked to start the first one. Robyn had the idea to have a festival to celebrate the arts, food and music, which are three things that Oxford does really well. She was a young lady at the time, and the City of Oxford’s Mayor and Board of Aldermen did
not really think much of the festival idea. Robyn got the Tourism Council at the time (Pat Patterson, Bob Vasilyev, Cynthia Gerlach, Jason Plunk, Bill Russell, Angela Hinton, Amy Lowe Lewis, and others) on board they raised all of the money for the first two years by themselves. She got Ross Boatright to donate all of the portable restrooms, Zerk Wilson donated golf carts, and many musicians played for beans because they loved Bill Russell. The festival was staffed with 100% volunteers, which meant that I was called to action. The first two years of the festival Goodloe Lewis and I were in charge of ice and drinks for the concession stand, toilet paper in the porta potties, and trash detail. We picked up all of the trash on the street until the wee hours of the morning. Every year Robyn and I love going to Double Decker. We love the music, food, and arts, but most of all we are so excited to see how much it has grown. We love seeing how Double Decker has evolved into this event that people from all over the mid-south travel to Oxford to attend.
BEST NEW BUSINESS
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux Oxford, Winner Finalist: South Lamar Nutrition, Caffecitos
BEST OFFICE SUPPLY Pitner Office Supply, Winner Finalist: PakMail
BEST PACKING AND SHIPPING The UPS Store, Winner Finalist: Pak Mail
BEST PAWN SHOP
Oxford Pawn Shop & Gold Buyers, Winner
BEST PLACE TO FIND OLE MISS GIFTS Rebel Rags, Winner Finalist: Olive Juice Gifts, University Sporting Goods
BEST PRINTING COMPANY
Callahan’s Quick Print Inc., Winner Finalist: Oxford Printing Co., Ups
BEST QUICK PRINT
Callahan’s Quick Print Inc., Winner Finalist: Oxford Printing Co., Documart
BEST SEAFOOD MARKET
LB’s Meat Market, Winner Finalist: Chicory Market, The Landshark Crawfish
BEST SHOE STORE
My Favorite Shoes, Winner Finalist: LuLu’s Shoes and Accessories, Austin’s Shoes Finalist
BEST SIGN COMPANY
BEST TANNING SALON
BEST SMALL ENGINE REPAIR
BEST TIRE STORE
1 Day Signs, Winner Finalist: Callahan’s Quick Print Inc., Oxford Yard Card
Deal’s Auto Repair, Winner Finalist: 4 Seasons Equipment Co. Oxford, Beard Auto Parts & Machine Shop
BEST SOAP SHOP
Buff City Soap - Oxford, MS, Winner Finalist: Magnolia Soap and Bath Co - Oxford
BEST SPORTING GOODS
University Sporting Goods, Winner Finalist: Rebel Rags, Hunters’ Hollow, Inc.
Oxford Super Tan, Winner Finalist: Sunsations, Super Tan
Gateway Tire & Service Center, Winner Finalist: Oxford Tire Inc., University Tire & Service
BEST TOWING
Shivers Towing, Winner Finalist: Marquis Towing, Sheldon’s Towing
BEST TRAVEL AGENCY Brent Travel LLC, Winner
BEST T-SHIRT SHOP
Cat Daddy’s, Winner Finalist: B-Unlimited | Ole Miss, JCG Apparel
OxfordMag.com 71
BEST WINE STORE
High Cotton Wine & Spirits Warehouse, Winner Finalist: Social Wine and Whiskey House, Kiamie Package Store
BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE Neilson’s Department Store, Winner Finalist: I Just Have To Have It, Cicada
72 July/August 2022
Thank you for voting us
2022
FNBOxford.com
(662) 234-2821
OxfordMag.com 73
74 July/August 2022
OxfordMag.com 75
OUT AND ABOUT
1
OXFORD - LAFAYETTE COUNTY CHAMBER OF
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
6th Annual Red Carpet Gala Castlehill Resort May 12, 2022 PHOTOS BY Joey Brant
1.
Jason Plunk and Collin Hill
3.
Jessica Windham, David and Susan Shaw with Pam Swain
2.
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Cherie and Jon Maynard
Jean and Randy Abrams, owners of Castlehill Tony Deal and Brooke Jones
Ronnie and Dasha McGinness Melanee and Freddy Pinion Ashley and Rob Freeman
Suzy Guntharp and Don Jones
10. Shelby Kordsmeier, Brittany Dudley, Brian Corbin, Monique Horan and Natalie House 11. Joey and Beverly Brent 12. Pam and Cory Swain
13. Joey Brent and Alan Kurr
14. Natalie and Mark Hodges
15. Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster 16. Lisa and Mitchell Stout
76 July/August 2022
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
OxfordMag.com 77
OUT AND ABOUT
1
SUMMER SUNSET SERIES THE GROVE
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
June 5, 2022 PHOTOS BY Joey Brant
1.
Ricky Burkhead
3.
Harper and Sam Harris
2.
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Jennifer Lauriello, Brittany Cable. Katelyn O’Brien and Ben Fugler Lisa and Gary Maxwell
Kate, Finn, Augusta and Rob Forster
Jane Wilkie and Jeepsie Smith Amy Roberts and Aimee Nezhukumatathil Kate Teague
Kaitlyn Busby and Carolina Cassisa
10. Wayne Andrews with 50 Years of Art (YAC) Cake by The Cakery
78 July/August 2022
SAID AND DONE
REINVENTING WILLIE
O 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.
Oxford is known as a retirement destination but it’s also a place for those of any age to rebound from a crisis, tie up messy loose ends or reinvent yourself. Perhaps no one practiced this art better than the late writer, Willie Morris. Willie lived in Oxford from roughly 1980 to 1990 and he was, as they say these days, a hot mess. He showed up driving his deceased mother’s 1974 Plymouth with few possessions and an ancient black Lab, Pete, in tow. Willie had suffered a painful divorce in 1969 and was forced to make a principled decision to resign his beloved job at Harper’s magazine in 1971. Willie’s best friend, the author James Jones, passed in 1977 but not before asking Willie to finish his novel-in-progress using an outline and his dictated notes. Willie dutifully honored his friend’s request. The book turned out to be Whistle, the final novel in Jones’ WWII trilogy that included, From Here to Eternity. The rest of the 1970s saw Willie deeply grieving while pursuing often demeaning freelance projects. Just nine years prior, he had “owned” literary Manhattan, according to author David Halberstam. Willie was the editor-in-chief at Harper’s, in fact, their youngest ever at 36. This was an era when magazines were the cable TV of their time and magazine writers had star power akin to Rachel Maddox. It was the “Mad Men” era of publishing and Willie was in the thick of the swirl: endless phone messages, three-martini lunches, all-nighters on deadline, hefty expense accounts. From The Baltimore Sun: “As editor of Harper’s, this former Rhodes Scholar from Yazoo City, Miss., published nearly every contemporary American writer of note, from Norman Mailer to Bernard Malamud to William Styron to John Updike. I knew the writers, the poets, the intellectuals, the editors, the actresses, the tycoons, the homicide detectives, the athletes, and not a few fakirs and reprobates and charlatans,” Mr. Morris wrote in his memoir, “New York Days.” From such a heady whirlwind to a one-bedroom bungalow on Faculty Row at Ole Miss is quite a drop-off in intensity. Willie made the most of it. His tiny abode became a late-night salon for the nightcap crowd. He started teaching classes, going to Rebel sporting events and becoming a habitue of what became his favorite
Oxford restaurant, Ruby Chinese. Ruby’s had sensational food but Willie went anyway. There’s an old legend that he actually edited Harper’s from a Chinese restaurant across the street from his office. “Not for the food, which was terrible,” Halberstam told the New York Times, “but because he liked the bar.” In 1982, Willie published a haunting book about his days working on Whistle and his time with James Jones called James Jones: A Friendship. A beautiful collection of essays followed, Terrains of the Heart, published locally by Dean Faulkner Wells and husband Larry at their Yoknapatawpha Press. In the meantime, Willie was reinventing Willie. During his teaching tenure at Ole Miss, he gave extra credit to students who could stand and recite the infield fly rule. When Pete finally passed at age 12, Willie arranged to have him buried in St. Peter’s cemetery. (Later disinterred). Willie wouldn’t answer his phone but he’d write you a five-napkin letter of encouragement at dinner. He became a man about town when “town” pretty much consisted of the Warehouse, the Gin and the Holiday Inn. Yet he still published a book every two years while in Oxford and was often featured on national television as an “explainer” of Mississippi to glib TV interviewers and the similarly clueless. In 1990 after a decade of being beloved in Oxford, Willie married JoAnne Prichard, moved to Jackson and began one of the happiest decades of his life. He published, My Dog Skip, which was later made into a classic movie by Disney. We lost Willie on August 2, 1999. This summer, Willie’s son, photographer David Rae Morris, released a book of photos of his father accompanied by Willie’s letters to David Rae. The book, Love, Daddy – Letters from My Father traces Willie through his years in New York, Oxford and Jackson. You can see the progression from Manhattan star to lost soul on Long Island; his Oxford rebound years and finally peace and serenity (and more hard work) with JoAnne in Jackson. One of the final images in David Rae’s touching book is a photo of Willie’s work table on the day he died. The space is covered with notes for his next book which was to be about baseball and his father. Sorry to miss that next beauty from the terrains of his heart. Thanks, Willie. OxfordMag.com 79
MARKETPLACE
Marketplace Oxford Magazine • 662.234.4331
Anthony’s Lawn & Tree Care. 662-380-0290. Full service lawn & tree care. Flower beds, weed/ edging, blowing, tree work, gutter cleaning, power washing, etc. amp.hilliard@gmail.com B & B Concrete. Est. 1949. 70 years experience. Delivering quality ready-mix concrete since 1949. 662-234-7088 Cambridge Station Apartments 662-234-1801 801 Forntage Rd. Oxford, MS 38655 NOW LEASING FOR 2022 www.liveatcambridge stationapts.com Lay up treasures in Heaven by texting your family and friends to go to romanroadbibleministry. com Better built portable buildings for better prices! (662) 417-1256
Communicare Overdose Prevention/ Education Grant Positions •Project Director Master’s Preferred, Bachelor’s and Mental Health Experience Required •Outreach Coordinator/ Trainer - Bachelor’s Degree or Experience in Mental Health/Training Submit Resumes: kclinton@oxford communicare.com
80 July/August 2022
CDL Class A Drivers D&S Haulers, LLC Water Valley, MS Requirements: •23+ years of age •2 years driving experience •no more than 2 violations on license. All dry van freight, no touch. Home base in North MS- Be home weekly!401-K, Health/ Dental/Vision offered. Starting pay .38/mile with bonus. $1000 Hiring bonus! Call 662-473-1100
Alterations, Custom Curtains, Blinds, Shades, Bedding, Cushions, Dorm Decoration! Design Gallery 1529 University Ave. Oxford, MS. 38655. Designer/Julie Coleman. 662-655-0500 Green Pro Septic System Plumping Installation and Repair. Advance Treatment Plants. Conventional Septic Tanks. Full Septic System Tanks. Air Pumps/Spray Pumps. Bacteria Additives. Lift Stations/Grinder Pumps. Grease Traps. 662-801-9789 GNPROLLC.COM Faulkner Flats Apartments 662-234-1801 2998 Old Taylor Road Oxford, MS 38655 NOW LEASING FOR 2022 www.liveatfaulkner ats.com H&L Underbrush, Yard Work & Much More. 662-714-0132
OxfordMag.com
HAWKINS HANDYMAN Lawn & Tree Removal. 24/7. Bonded & Insured. Plumbing, Electric, Excavating, Bush Hogging, Lawn Care, Leaf Removal, Dozer Work, Gravel/ Dirt Hauling, Welding Service, Trailer Repair. For your home & outdoor needs. Oxford, MS. 662-473-8139 Lexington Pointe Apartments 662-281-0402 2000 Lexington Pointe Dr, Oxford, MS 38655 NOW LEASING FOR 2022 www.liveatlexington pointeapts.com HELP WANTED! PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN BATESVILLE. RETAIL EXPERIENCE PREFERRED. SEND RESUME TO RESUMES947 @GMAIL.COM 553 Acres in Holly Springs, Marshall County. Great deer & turkey hunting. Good pine timber. $1375 per acre. (662)417-2354
Operations Supervisor Qualications: •2yrs of college and/ or a minimum of 5yrs in warehousing environment with management level experience; food warehousing and training desired •Experience in warehousing management/ broad knowledge of
warehouse operations •Ability to maintain organized and detailed records Applicants apply at: www. midsouthfoodbank.org or in-person: Batesville Facility 875B Hwy 51 South Batesville,MS 38606 For Rent. 1 Lot Space For a 62 foot mobile home. Oxford Wheel Estates at Oxford Wheel Estates Mobile Home Park (662)380-5086 Precious Angels Home Care. Private Duty, Non-medical, In-home care. Caregivers, homemakers & sitters. Does your loved one need care at home? Contact us today. 662-821-6787. email: wecare@preciousangels homecare.org REM Mississippi is Hiring! REM Mississippi is seeking full-time and part-time employees, all shifts. Great benet
package for full-time employees. For more information, please visit http://www. rem-ms.com/ or call 601.939.0394 TRAILER WORLD Goosenecks, Equipment, Stock & Enclosed Trailers. Mid-South’s Largest Selection. SOUTHLAND CO. Batesville, MS 662-563-9428 Yalobusha General Hospital 630 South Main St. , Water Valley, MS 38655. Seeking full-time night shift LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) and full-time night shift RN(Registered Nurse). We offer free medical insurance, PTO, retirement matching and more. $1000 hiring bonus! Apply through our website http:// yalobushageneral.com/ Indeed or in person.
FR TO
If you think oxygen therapy means slowing down, it’s time for a welcome breath of fresh air.
Introducing the Inogen One family of portable oxygen systems. With no need for bulky tanks, each concentrator is designed to keep you active via Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery Technology.® Hours of quiet and consistent oxygen flow on a long-lasting battery charge enabling freedom of movement, whether at home or on the road. Every Inogen One meets FAA requirements for travel ensuring the freedom to be you.
• No heavy oxygen tanks • Ultra quiet operation
• Lightweight and easy to use • Safe for car and air travel
• Full range of options and accessories • FDA approved and clinically validated
Call 1-877-460-0206
for a free consultation and info guide.
MKT-P0253
NEW PRODUCT!
SHAMPOO BARS CONDITIONER BARS 2605 Jackson Ave next to Toyo & ElAgave
www.magnoliasoapandbath.com
