Oxford Magazine Sept Oct 2021 by The Oxford Eagle

A HOME FOR FAMILY AND GARDENING • AN ARTISTS FINDS HIS SOUL IN THE BLUES GIVING NEW LIFE TO A BELOVED STREET

UNDER

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 OxfordMag.com Volume Five | Issue Five $4.95

MEET THE LOU’S BRIGHT YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

There’s a level of authenticity here at NICHOLAS AIR— we know who we are, and we’ve been committed to our Members’ missions since day one and complete those missions with aircraft that are Owned and Operated by NICHOLAS AIR. No identity crisis, no changing business plans every six months, no relying on another’s brand to help build ours. We’ve kept private travel simple— skipping the 30 page contracts and spending more time doing what you wanted- enjoying the best of private aviation experiences. After 24 years, our mission is still the same: provide the world’s most refined set of private flyers with the best aircraft the industry has to offer. Our Members come to us because they want authenticity and reliability, and for over two decades, they’ve found it right here, at NICHOLAS AIR.

NicholasAir.com • 866.935.7771 • #NicholasAir

WATCH

2 September/October 2021

CUSTOM IRON ENTRYWAYS SINCE 1986 

www.ironcraftersusa.com (662) 224-6658

OxfordMag.com 3

FEATURES

MAKING PEACE Matt Corral settles into his new responsibilities

20 UNDER 40 Meet the LOU’s inaugural group of outstanding young professionals

MAN OF MANY MEDIUMS A glimpse into the mind and work of Bradley Gordon

4 September/October 2021

arts & culture

in every issue

33 A local musician finds his grove

6 Contributors

home & style

7 From the Editor

17 A doctor delivers a home for family and for blooms

food

& drink

9 The Guide 38 Book Picks 39 5 Questions

41 A streetscape project brings new life to a beloved area

68 Style Guide 70 Out and About 73 Said and Done

OM 74 Marketplace

OxfordMag.com 5

contributors EDITORIAL

Jake Thompson Maya Martin

CONTRIBUTORS Davis Coen Lyn Richardson Lauren Jones Thad Lee Sarah Gray Bruce Newman Joey Brent Ben Williams

Joey Brent, Photographer

Joey Brent is a local photographer in Oxford, Mississippi.

DESIGN

Allison Dale

MARKETING

Delia Childers Amelia Miller

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.

ADMINISTRATION

Rebecca Alexander, Publisher Nikki Buford

Thad Lee, Photographer

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

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.

6 September/October 2021

from the editor

H ON THE COVER A HOME FOR FAMILY AND GARDENING • AN ARTISTS FINDS HIS SOUL IN THE BLUES GIVING NEW LIFE TO A BELOVED STREET

How excited are you that September has arrived, and with it a return to football and festivities? At Oxford Magazine, we are looking forward to spending more time outdoors and more events to attend. We feature a new spot to add to your list of must-sees this fall, the renovation of Jackson Ave off the Square. The new brick sidewalks, more pedestrian spaces and a new restaurant are waiting to be explored. We are very pleased to present the inaugural awards for 20 Under 40 for the LOU community. This has been years in the works and is a collaboration between The Oxford-Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, the Young Professionals Organization, The Oxford Eagle and Oxford Magazine. Oxford’s gateway sign to the city on Highway 6 proudly announces, “Greatness Happens Here.” We wholeheartedly agree and are proud recognize 20 talented professionals who deserve to be recognized. These outstanding young professionals were selected by the public from among the 83 people nominated. We know you will enjoy reading about and getting to know these young leaders in our community. We will also be hosting a reception in their honor on Sept. 21 at 5:30 pm at the Powerhouse to present their awards and celebrate the 20 under 40 leaders. Tickets to the event may be found at https://oxfordarts.com/shop. Speaking of talent, you will enjoy Davis Coen’s photographs and the story about Mississippi artist Bradley Gordon. Travel to Asia and the Mississippi Delta influenced his art and his music. Davis also had a chance to talk with local musician Eric Deaton on how he got started with Blues ... unexpectedly played on The Black Keys’ latest album. Dr. Gordon Patton shares his love of gardening and how he transformed 130 acres in Lafayette County into a green oasis he named Rivendell. We round out this issue with Fall Style – what to wear to the Grove and the game, and fall recipes to try. Rebecca Alexander Publisher rebecca.alexander@oxfordeagle.com

UNDER

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 OxfordMag.com Volume Five | Issue Five $4.95

MEET THE LOU’S BRIGHT YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Lee Harris of Funkys is among the 20 Under 40 honorees. Photo by Bruce Newman Design by Allison Dale

OxfordMag.com 7

8 September/October 2021

OxfordMag.com 9

WHAT TO DO IN OXFORD FOOTBALL & FALL FLORALS The Sipp on South Lamar September 1 | 5:30 p.m. PROUD LARRY’S PRESENTS… COURTNEY MARIE ANDREWS WITH JOHANNA SAMUELS Proud Larry’s - $15 tickets, 18+ September 4 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m. OXFORD COMMUNITY MARKET Old Armory Pavilion $12 to $15 tickets, 18+ September 8 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m. PROUD LARRY’S PRESENTS… ILLITERATE LIGHT Proud Larry’s - $12 to $15 tickets, 18+ September 8 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m. PROUD LARRY’S PRESENTS… BRISTON MARONEY WITH SAVANNAH CONLEY Proud Larry’s - $15 SOLD OUT, 18+ September 9 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m. HISTORIC DOUBLE DECKER BUS TOUR Ole Miss Campus & Downtown Square - $10 Adults, $5 kids - 12 and under September 10 | 3 p.m. 4 p.m. / 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. PROUD LARRY’S PRESENTS… AFTM Proud Larry’s - $10 tickets, 18+ September 10 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m. PROUD LARRY’S PRESENTS… MAGIC CITY HIPPIES WITH COOL COMPANY Proud Larry’s - $15 tickets, 18+ September 15 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m.

10 September/October 2021

SEPTEMBER 3

Goodnight Market: Boswell’s Pop Up 6 - 8 p.m. The Goodnight Market occurs every first Friday from May through October from 6 to 8 pm! For the September 3rd market, enjoy a pop up with Boswell’s Jamaican restaurant and Us the Duo: Caribbean Vibes featuring Ricky Burkhead on steel drums! Pre-order a plate at oxfordarts. com/goodnight! Come enjoy an outdoor market with music at the Old Armory Pavilion. In order to offer a variety of merchants, booths are available in three categories: arts & crafts, food and other retail.

SEPTEMBER 13

Oxford Night of Genius: Small Business Knowledge Exchange 6 p.m.

Please join the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation at The Powerhouse for one of our favorite events of the year: Oxford Night of Genius! Free to attend or participate. Have a business idea or a hurdle you’re working through? Share your idea with our crowd of small business experts who want to see you succeed and they’ll give you constructive feedback in a brainstorming session. H+ave a friend presenting an idea? Come out and cheer them on! Have experience in small business and what to share what you’ve learned? Be in our crowd of experts and give feedback to entrepreneurs.

HOUNDMOUTH @ THE LYRIC The Lyric Oxford - $22 tickets, 18+ September 16 | Doors: 7 p.m. / Show: 8 p.m. PROUD LARRY’S PRESENTS… THE STOLEN FACES Proud Larry’s - $10 tickets, 18+ September 17 | Doors: 9 p.m. / Show: 10 p.m. PROUD LARRY’S PRESENTS… CHRIS RENZEMA Proud Larry’s - $15 to $18 tickets, Under 18 with guardian September 19 | Doors: 4:30 p.m. / Show: 5:30 p.m. THE BLACK KEYS @ THE LYRIC The Lyric Oxford - $81.50 tickets - SOLD OUT, Under 18 with guardian September 23 | Doors: 7 p.m. / Show: 8 p.m. PROUD LARRY’S PRESENTS… TANK AND THE BANGAS WITH MCKINLEY DIXON Proud Larry’s - $22 tickets, 18+ September 28 | Doors: 8 p.m. /Show: 9 p.m. CHARLEY CROCKETT @ THE LYRIC The Lyric Oxford - $27 to $50 tickets, Under 18 with guardian September 29 | Doors: 7 p.m. / Show: 8 p.m. PROUD LARRY’S PRESENTS… THE GREAT DYING WITH BARK Proud Larry’s - $10 tickets, 18+ September 30 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m. INDIGO GIRLS WITH SPECIAL GUEST, BECKY WARREN @ THE LYRIC The Lyric Oxford - $44 tickets, Under 18 with guardian October 1 | Doors: 7 p.m. / Show: 8 p.m. PROUD LARRY’S PRESENTS… HAPPY LANDING WITH JOHN HART Proud Larry’s - $10 tickets, 18+ October 1 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m.

PROUD LARRY’S PRESENTS… KUDZU KINGS Proud Larry’s - $20 tickets, 18+ October 8 | Doors: 8:30 p.m. / Show: 9:30 p.m. MUSTACHE THE BAND @ THE LYRIC The Lyric Oxford - $20 tickets, Under 18 with guardian October 8-9 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m. PROUD LARRY’S PRESENTS… UM JAZZ COMBOS Proud Larry’s - FREE, 18+ October 12 |Show: 7:30 p.m. TAUK: CHAOS COMPANION TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUEST, SUBCONTRA @ THE LYRIC The Lyric Oxford - $20 tickets, Under 18 with guardian October 12 | Doors: 7 p.m. / Show: 8 p.m. A TASTE OF SPAIN The Sipp on South Lamar October 13 | 5:30 p.m. PROUD LARRY’S PRESENTS… SERATONES WITH EARLY JAMES Proud Larry’s - $15 tickets, 18+ October 14 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m. PROUD LARRY’S PRESENTS… BLUE MOUNTAIN Proud Larry’s - $15 tickets, 18+ October 15 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m. YUNG GRAVY: BACK IN USINESS TOUR @ THE LYRIC The Lyric Oxford - $24 to $99 tickets, Under 18 with guardian October 15-16 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m. PROUD LARRY’S PRESENTS… MO PITNEY Proud Larry’s - $15 to $20 tickets, 18+ October 17 | Doors: 5 p.m. / Show: 6 p.m. PROUD LARRY’S PRESENTS… SARAH SHOOK & THE DISARMERS Proud Larry’s - $10 to $12 tickets, 18+ October 19 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m. OxfordMag.com 11

SEPTEMBER 23 - 25

10th Annual Oxford Blues Festival 6 p.m. The 10th Annual Oxford Blues Festival will take place September 23-25, 2021 on the historic Oxford Square in Oxford. The mission of the Oxford Blues Festival is to preserve, protect and promote blues music and culture. This is achieved through education in school programs, community events and workshops culminating with the production of an outdoor festival uniting our diverse citizenry in a celebration of American blues-based music. The Oxfordbased festival entertains while educating on the role of the blues in the development of popular music in the United States and around the world.

12 September/October 2021

WHAT TO DO IN OXFORD PROUD LARRY’S PRESENTS… THE BROOK & THE BLUFF WITH WILLIS Proud Larry’s - $16 to $19 tickets, 18+ October 21 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m. MUSCADINE BLOODLINE @ THE LYRIC The Lyric Oxford - $17 tickets, 18+ October 22 | Show: 8 p.m. PROUD LARRY’S PRESENTS… GEORGE PORTER JR. & RUNNIN’ PARDNERS Proud Larry’s - $25 tickets, 18+ October 22 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m. THE HIVES @ THE LYRIC The Lyric Oxford - $29 tickets, Under 18 with guardian October 26 | Doors: 7 p.m. / Show: 8 p.m. BOY NAMED BANJO: WHERE THE NIGHT GOES TOUR @ THE LYRIC The Lyric Oxford - $17 tickets, Under 18 with guardian October 28 | Doors: 7 p.m. / Show: 8 p.m. PROUD LARRY’S PRESENTS… THE DISTRICT WITH GIRLPUPPY Proud Larry’s - $15 to $20 tickets, 18+ October 30 | Doors: 8 p.m. / Show: 9 p.m.

SCHOOLS

& SPORTS

AT PEACE Matt Corrall settles into leadership role as season gets under way BY JAKE THOMPSON PHOTOS BY BRUCE NEWMAN OxfordMag.com 13

Standing in a room at The Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover surrounded by media, Matt Corral made a very candid statement about his first SEC Media Days experience in 2019 — he was "naive." Two years later, the Ole Miss quarterback made the rounds for his second Media Day appearance and had the look of someone who was much more poised and composed when in front of the bright lights and on the main stage answering questions. The transformation in maturity for Corral occurred once he got an understanding of how to be more confident in the mental aspects of his game. The physical attributes were never something Corral questioned, but the decision to return to Oxford for another season came down to making sure he was ready for the next level in all phases. "It was never my athletic ability that I doubted. It was never that, 'I couldn't throw this ball,'" Corral said. "It wasn't anything, athletically. It was all mental. It

was all the intangibles that I thought I could grow (into). I had it, yeah, but I had the leadership by action. I didn't have it, vocally. Being able to grow in that aspect and bring people with me and being able to bring everybody together and get everybody on the same page and understand what we're trying to get done as a team. That's what I want." Acknowledging he was not ready to make the jump to the NFL from a mental standpoint shows the growth and maturity that some college quarterbacks in Corral's position might not stop to consider before bolting to Sundays. Now, as Corral is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC, if not the country, the signal caller for one of the most-productive offenses in 2020 is a year older and a year wiser, which could cause terror for opposing defenses. With teams able to have spring practices earlier this year after losing them a year ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, programs like Ole Miss

benefited. Entering a season with the same system as a year ago is a first for Corral, who did not have the advantage of a spring prior to last season. As Corral, head coach Lane Kiffin and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby head into fall camp for the 2021 season, the signal caller is already predicting heads will turn once the Rebels take the field in a little over a month from now. "Everybody just being on the same page and understanding what we need to get done (makes difference)," Corral said. "That just brings a whole level of comfortability that I've never had before. This team – this specific team, right now – is something that I've never experienced in my entire life of playing football. When I envisioned a team a year ago, I didn't know what this was. This is the definition of a football team and I think a lot of people aren't going to understand that until they really see us in action." The expectations are high for the Ole Miss offense and especially Corral. The

$2.50 Margaritas with the purchase of a meal 14 September/October 2021

quarterback is becoming a dark horse pick to wind up as a Heisman Trophy candidate come December. With all the hype and potential accolades that could be coming Corral’s way, he has focused on himself and becoming a better leader in the locker room for his teammates. Lebby has noticed a change in the leader of his offense throughout the offseason and through fall camp. “I think there are a couple of different things that you immediately notice,” Lebby said of Corral. One is leadership. He's done an unbelievable job being a great leader and setting the standard on how we're going to operate and how we're going to go about things in our building, so that's first and foremost. In the meeting room he has taken giant strides, huge steps in nailing the position. We talk about knowing

OxfordMag.com 15

your job, and he knows it and he's eager to learn every single day. He's been incredibly coachable. After all of the production he has had, he's wanting to get better." Corral has answered many questions focused on his mistakes in 2020 and how he has responded to those games, including his performance in Fayetteville against Arkansas. How Corral answered those questions about his six-interception game and other poor performances last season was the product of how he spent his time away for a couple months during the offseason this summer. "I want to say we had a full two months off, and I learned a lot about myself, just understanding who I am as a person and understanding my weaknesses and focusing on my weaknesses to make them my strengths,” he said. With a centered approach and Corral seemingly whole and at peace with himself, the Rebels could be ready to take that next step with their quarterback.

16 September/October 2021

HOME

& GARDEN

A DOCTOR DELIVERS BLOOMS Patton’s home is a fusion of family and gardening BY THAD LEE PHOTOS BY THAD LEE

OxfordMag.com 17

Greg Patton grew up on a cotton farm on Dear Creek near Leland, what he calls “the heart of the Mississippi Delta.” Around 1975, he was introduced to the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien by his stepfather, Jody Stovall. Patton was struck by the description of the valley of the elves, which “was perfect, whether you liked food, or sleep, or work, or story-telling, or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all. Evil things did not come into that valley. Merely to be there was a cure for weariness, fear, and sadness.” Tolkien called the place Rivendell. “What better name could there be for a home?” asked Patton, who carried the question with him for over twenty years. Time saw the lanky kid who loved canoeing, riding horses, and building treehouses leave Leland

18 September/October 2021

for an education that would eventually land him in Houston, Texas, where he attended the Baylor College of Medicine. “After living in that sprawling metropolis, I realized my preference for living in a smaller town, preferably with a university,” recalls Patton, who in 1989 chose to relocate to Oxford and begin his medical practice as an obstetrician and gynecologist. While Oxford satisfied his longing for a small town’s sense of community, hospitality, and charm, his dream of a farm would have to wait 11 years while he lived in a condominium near the Square. The decision was practical and gave Patton time to scout the surrounding rural areas for a permanent home. “I spent two years rambling around the county in a beat-up 1979 Dodge

Adventure 100 pickup looking at the land and talking to its various owners. In time I was fortunate to come upon Bobby and Juanita Carnell, a pleasant, elderly couple, who were interested in downsizing their property. After several conversations and a handshake, I became the lucky owner of 130 acres of Lafayette County’s beautifully rolling green countryside.” While Patton now had the land of his dreams, he still needed to build a home, and his plans were ambitious. “In 10 years, I wanted it to look as though it had been here one-hundred.” He was inspired by the Carpenter Gothic architectural style that was common in North Mississippi at the turn of the 20th century. One such structure was on Fifth Street and belonged to Vasser Bishop. “I have always admired its look, especially the

OxfordMag.com 19

gabled windows of the second floor.” Patton asked for and received Vasser’s blessing in duplicating the windows into his new home’s white, wood frame design, which he sketched himself. He then consulted architect, Tom Howorth, “who was invaluable in articulating the final result,” which was constructed by contractor Ken Ash. The success of that vision is apparent to anyone standing inside the dwelling, for the large windows that face every direction allow rich light into the interior space and frame the gardens and fields that surround the house like art. As for the décor itself Patton received advice from his maternal grandmother, Mimi, who “was a bit of a great dame from the post-Victorian era of Lexington, Mississippi.” “You’ve got big walls. You need big art!” surmised Mimi, who recommended hanging medieval tapestries and installing a Roman-styled fountain in the front yard. Several weeks later, Patton received “wiser counsel” from Phyllis Ann, another dear relative, who suggested, “Grow into your new space over time.” “In the past two decades, that is indeed what we have done,” affirms Patton, who dressed his big walls with landscape paintings by Mississippi artists like William Dunlap, Gerald Deloach, and

20 September/October 2021

Carlyle Wolfe Lee. There are also a trio of family portraits painted by friend and acclaimed portrait artist Jason Bouldin. His son Spencer’s portrait lives in the library and was painted when the boy was two years old. Above the piano hangs a large portrait of his daughter, Kathleen, who, six years old at the time, is surrounded by gold and holds a red zinnia cut from the yard. Across the hallway and centered above a Vatican Bible is a “beautifully incomplete” portrait of Patton’s “vertical face.” It was unfinished because Bouldin sought to test his skill at high speed with a selfimposed time limit of three sittings. “I was young, fairly new in my career, and in need of “guinea pigs” on which to practice,” explains Bouldin, who “made a deal with Greg that, if I liked the canvas and thought it captured something of his likeness, then he could have the painting. However, if I thought it missed the mark, we’d destroy it.” Fortunately, Bouldin was pleased by the representation, as was Patton, who adds that the canvas is destined to become an heirloom. “My

now adult kids continue to fight over who will inherit it.” Bouldin also gifted Patton with several plants over the years, including “pass-along” roses and magnolias from his grandmother’s home in Coahoma County and a “Wisteria that he had raised from a seed he had gotten from William Faulkner’s Rowan Oak. To

commemorate Kathleen’s birth Jason gave us a gallon pot of Kerria which has grown to now dominate two different beds in the yard.” Patton marked that same occasion by planting a beech sapling and considers “the two days our children were born were the most extraordinary days of my life. I was compelled to plant a long-lived

OxfordMag.com 21

hardwood in celebration of each of them. My parents dug an Oak sapling from my grandmother’s woods in the Delta and brought it as a gift for Spencer. That Oak now towers some 40 feet tall, and even my long arms cannot wrap around its trunk.”

22 September/October 2021

The fusion of family and gardening comes naturally for Patton, whose greatgrandfather Joseph Thomas Mathis’s rose garden in Leland was recognized by the Smithsonian as an American Heritage Garden. “In more recent memory my grandmother, my mother,

and one aunt in particular, Mary Boteler, each cultivated extensive home gardens. I didn’t really take a personal interest in gardening until I moved to Oxford, largely due to the fact that previously I had no yard in which to garden.” Since moving to the property, he admits that “I

just went a little crazy” learning everything he could about horticulture via books and by listening for hours to the “gardeners in my Delta family as we walked their respective yards. They were happy to share their passion with me and happier still to dig up a passalong for me take back to the hills of north Mississippi.” That generational passion has bloomed inside Patton’s heart and become a skill that goes beyond the aesthetic of scenery. He remembers that “Marshall Bouldin, Jason’s father, maintained that every person is an artist. Jason pointed out that my particular canvas happens to be the garden. I now subscribe to that premise and enjoy plunging my hands into the rich earth and watching to see what happens. At some level each leaf and bud is miraculous. I find solace in and connectivity to God’s creation. There is also an element of stewardship,” avows Patton. “I don’t feel that I actually own

this patch of rich, verdant land. Rather, it is on loan to me for a fleeting moment to cherish and sustain, but even more importantly, preserve for the next generation that will ultimately pass this way.” But Patton has done more than

sustain and preserve the property, which at the time of the sale was a cattle farm divided into five pastures, each with its own pond. “In the first year I removed most of the cross fencing leaving two pastures and a paddock for the horse barn, which was built on top OxfordMag.com 23

of the hill behind my house.” He has since planted over five-hundred trees around the farm, “including a fouracre pecan grove, an homage to my Delta roots. And nothing speaks of early spring better than swaths of jonquils in bloom. To that end I have planted thousands of blubs around the house and the horse barn over the years.” Patton has three horses, one of whom, Hank, he rides in the cooler seasons. “The other two, Scout and Willow, are largely pasture props,” which he loves to watch from one of the two “ample porches on which I pretty much live eight months of the year” alongside Ajax, his ten-year-old Jack Russell, and Roxy, a shelter LabShepherd mix.” The front porch is flanked by lush magnolias and faces a swing that hangs from a tree branch atop a distant hill. The back porch is screened and is home to sculptures by Pablo Sierra 24 September/October 2021

and Bill Beckwith. It overlooks deep flowerbeds, where bright colors blend with crisp fragrances and create a collage of life and memory. “Probably half of what is growing in my yard originally had its roots in another’s garden,” proclaims Patton, who capitalizes the names of plants like those of friends. Among those passalongs are “Blue Aster, Ginger Lily, Lolly’s Rose, Chocolate Vine, Shield Fern, Pearl Bush, and Purple Phlox. Then there is the Miss Anne Verbena, which was discovered roadside by friend Anne Wilson, whose cultivars of the vigorous, pure white flowers now officially bear her name. The farm also produces fruits and vegetables like blackberries, purple hulled peas, plums, pears, asparagus, zucchini, cucumbers, edamame, and ambrosia cantaloupe, which he calls “the sweetest on the planet.” The abundance is a testament to Patton’s management of time. His

typical day begins at 5 A.M. when his eyes “pop open.” He then spends a couple of hours working in the yard before going to the office. There, he provides health care to women throughout their lives, which blesses him with long-term relationships with his patients. His job also provides the opportunity to give prenatal care and to deliver infants. In the thirty-six years he has be a part of the medical field Patton has delivered upwards of five-thousand babies. “For over ten years now, I have been delivering babies of babies I delivered. That’s really something.” Patton is inspired by this new generation of young adults, which includes his now grown children. “They are simply more tolerant and compassionate towards others,” he says. “I find a lot of hope for the future in their attitude and cannot help but believe that they will make this world a better place for all. Watching Spencer

and Kathleen grow over the years into the people God created them to be has been an unspeakable privilege and delight.” He then reflects and reveals that “one of my favorite things to do when they were younger was to simply turn them loose on the farm and follow behind them to share in their discoveries.” One annual adventure was to “carefully peek” into the many bluebird houses that Patton placed along the fence and to “monitor the nest-building process, the appearance of the sky blue eggs, and then watch the chicks themselves grow and fledge.” Patton recognizes that living in the country placed some limits on his children’s lives growing up. “They did miss having a neighborhood, so to speak, where they could have easily walked out of the back door and played with their buddies down the block. But at some level their city friends considered the farm exotic and

enjoyed its many kid-friendly attractions like a tree house with a zip line and sleepovers in the horse barn.” The barn is also a unique setting for adult dinner parties. Patton calls them “barn suppers” and entertains friends with live music and home-cooked food served on a long wooden table that is lighted with candles and string-lights zigzagging across the ceiling. Patton also hosts “star parties,” where adults and children gather “typically in January to take advantage of first-rate celestial treats found in the winter sky.” The evenings were conceived by Patton and Bouldin, who with the help of guests walk off a scale model of our solar system over the fields and pastures. “Walking to Pluto even at that scale takes well over a half mile,” explains Bouldin. “Glow sticks are used to mark, where each planet gets placed. When done, it is sobering and amazing to see just how far we are from our closest neighbors in the

universe.” The fruits of those and other quests led to the creation of a map of the property that was drawn by Bouldin, who discloses that “an aerial photograph gave us the bird’s-eyeview for the features. The names on the map came from the adventures that Greg and his children gave to the places which were dearest to them.” Some of the names, like Camp Site and Tree House are literal, while others, like Magic Pasture and The Mighty Lizard Creek harken back to the fantastical writings of Tolkien, whose own hand-drawn map of Middle Earth that appeared the in the Lord of the Rings books served as inspiration for Bouldin’s illustration. The name of the property itself is an homage to the otherworldly realm of the elves, what Bouldin renders “a place of healing and hospitality.” What better name could there be for Patton’s home than Rivendell Farm? OxfordMag.com 25

Your Premier Lighting Store and So Much More... Hernando · Oxford · Tupelo · Ridgeland

www.magnolialighting.com 26 September/October 2021

ARTS

& CULTURE

A MAN OF MANY MEDIUMS

Gordon harnesses a rare blend of life experiences in his artwork BY DAVIS COEN PHOTOS BY DAVIS COEN OxfordMag.com 27

Most people don't claim they knew all along where their career choices would lead them, and illustrious artist Bradley Gordon is among these adventurous types of folks. His artistic journey began in Clarksdale, where he was born and raised, and presently continues in Oxford, where he resides with his wife and daughter. Gordon (affectionately known by friends as “Gordo”) also maintains a property and studio in nearby Water Valley. After graduating with a degree in art education at Ole Miss, he spent a portion of the time on the opposite side of the globe, where he took in foreign influences and sought elements for his own painting. His work became a hodgepodge of cultures, oceans apart. It’s what makes Gordon’s painting unique, thanks to the uncommon course he pursued: From the Delta to Asia, and back, a couple of times. Gordon’s influences range from impressions he got from the varied animals he was around growing up in the Delta with a family of farmers, on to the Asian Pop Art he appreciated during his years teaching English as a second language in Taiwan, then to Japan. None of it was part of any game plan he’d imagined. “I was working with a recruiting agency that placed teachers in the U.K., and they were trying to find me an art job over there,” Gordon said. After learning of no jobs available in England, a training opportunity to instruct opened up in Taiwan. Roughly a week later, he was

28 September/October 2021

there in person, and remained for about a year and a half. Also a drummer and an accomplished DJ, Gordon finds a powerful muse in the music he enjoys listening to and performing. “Electronic music is such a repetitive, dynamic, colorful music ... that you can kind of see it, in a way,” he said. One hand washes the other for Gordon. The flexible nature of his teaching job allowed him to play live shows with some regionally established bands. To the extent that by the time he left, he felt as if he’d spent more time touring the island playing music than he had teaching. Besides the inspiration gathered from being a circuit musical performer in an unfamiliar East Asian island nation, Gordon had the good fortune of encountering an artists-inresidence situation in central Taiwan at Scall Art Studios. The residence allowed him his own space, which was in the same building as a gallery where he was able to exhibit work. At the old Taichung Railway Station, several long-vacant warehouses were converted into studios (supported by the Council for Cultural Affairs [CCA] program), and artists were

OxfordMag.com 29

“Just having that visibility in some of these cities that I normally wouldn’t have ... I’ve been fortunate,” he said. “The art world, I think it’s such a funny business … having the right clients have your painting.”

allowed free use of the facilities. This opportunity provided an ideal venue for Gordon to further hone his craft. “Getting to collaborate with these other artists from other parts of the world. We were all buddies ... and there was always something going on there,” said the always enthusiastic and upbeat Gordon. The Mississippian returned home to tend to family needs, then took another job teaching art in the Memphis area, at Germantown Middle School. This lasted two years before his adventurousness got the best of him, and he was flying back east to Narita, Japan, once again to teach English. 30 September/October 2021

This time, Gordon was able to continue DJ work, although never connected with a fulltime band as he had in Taiwan.

A Delta homecoming show and new beginnings

After a year he returned home again in 2010 and reconnected with AnneMarie (now his wife). The two had dated a decade prior. She encouraged him to hit the ground running and devote himself to his passions: art and music. Revitalized, Gordon opened a little gallery on Delta Avenue in Clarksdale, aptly named Gordon Gallery, and it

had a studio and living area in the back. “I started painting 10, 12 hours a day. That’s all I did was paint,” he said. He’d never really painted wildlife before returning home to his roots, but Gordon embraced it for one show, themed around his return to the Delta. “I painted some of the wildlife that I chased around as a kid ... and kind of fell in love with it,” said Gordon. Some instruction continued at Gordon Gallery, but the artist had become fully committed to the application of his creativity. There had been other stints, including in Holly Springs – and a private school he opened in Oxford called Studio Space

– but teaching was put on the back burner, with the exception of an occasional private lesson here and there. A break came when he earned the support of Florence, Alabama-based clothing retailer Billy Reid, who has shops in a number of large cities including Chicago and New Orleans. Reid locations began displaying Gordon’s work, and the rustic but progressive pieces were a perfect fit for the popular and highly foot-trafficked stores. “Just having that visibility in some of these cities that I normally wouldn’t have ... I’ve been fortunate,” he said. “The art world, I think it’s such a funny business … having the right clients have your painting.” The ever-humble Gordon credits his style, above all, to the culmination of artists he’s admired. “You know, you grow up admiring these artists, you mimic them, or you learn how they do things. Hopefully you do it enough, put enough time in and keep doing it, and you start to regurgitate something that’s hopefully your own. So, I’ve been just lucky. I’ve been able to somehow find a way to do this” He credits another local artist, and former University of Mississippi professor Jere Allen – whose oil paintings have been described as “figurative” – for

OxfordMag.com 31

strongly influencing his direction. “He’s probably my number one … or whatever you call inspiration as far as painting,” he said. Gordon had recently completed a sizable portrait of the late-great pop music genius Prince at the time of the interview, which exhibits his growingly recognizable approach. Although he’s been prolific and known for his vast array of wildlife portraits, as a child of the Delta, its rich musical heritage also inspired him to paint Blues music icons, like James “T-Model” Ford, and Robert “Bilbo” Walker. With regards to his own music, Gordon has hopes to record a debut album with his experimental, six-piece Oxford-based band, Madrik. The project was sidelined due in part to the pandemic, but in months prior, the group had performed two well-attended shows at Proud Larry's on the Courthouse Square. More about the artist can be found at bradleysgordon.com.

32 September/October 2021

ARTS

& CULTURE

TOP OF HIS GAME Local musician Eric Deaton shares his journey with the Blues BY DAVIS COEN PHOTOS SUBMITTED OxfordMag.com 33

It could be something he’s getting used to by now, but local musician Eric Deaton got practice cutting his teeth with the big dogs back when he was still a teenager. He was sitting in regularly at Junior Kimbrough's legendary juke joint in Chulahoma, Miss., not long after enrolling in community college in Senatobia, and relocating from his native North Carolina directly after high school graduation.

34 September/October 2021

Deaton convinced his mother to buy him a guitar at the age of 13. “Mom made me beg for it for two years,” he said. When he started out, he was into what’s considered classic rock, enjoying groups like the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Allman Brothers and ZZ Top. Then he discovered that some of his favorite songs by these artists were conceived by blues predecessors like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and Robert

Johnson, and he began seeking out records by the departed artists. After watching the documentary “The Land Where the Blues Began” by filmmaker and folklorist Alan Lomax on PBS, Deaton learned that despite many of his newly discovered favorite blues idols being dead - some for decades - that there were some still active, playing what’s called North Mississippi hill country style, around Marshall and Panola Counties.

“I first heard Jack Owens, Bud Spires and Eugene Powell, '' said Deaton. “And the fact that all of those people were still alive just blew my mind, that that was happening in Mississippi.” He said, “I still had to sit through three more years of high school,” with a chuckle, “but had made up my mind then, that I was going to move to Mississippi when I graduated.” At that time, in the early-to-mid 90s, he felt the Hill Country blues players, especially Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside, were “the most powerful thing going on in Mississippi.” The Lomax documentary was his introduction to fife and drum music, a driving trance inducing style mastered by Otha Turner, who resided for most of his life near Como, Miss. “I started going out to Junior’s juke joint every weekend,” said Deaton, who eventually dropped out of Northwest and moved to Oxford.

“Seemed like the best town in the area to be living in,” he said. “I never went to school at Ole Miss, but Oxford had a pretty good music scene, and places to play.” Still, he was jumping in his car and driving up to Junior’s Place every Sunday night. “It was just as regular as church.” One Sunday, the regular bassist Garry Burnside (Son of R.L.) was discovered to have left town without notice, and Deaton was poised to help fill the shoes until his return. “I was like, ‘well ya know I’ve been sitting in and picking out those riffs and the bass riffs are pretty much the same as the guitar riffs in Junior’s stuff,’ so I told him ‘ya know, I’ll play bass,’” recalled Deaton. “He already had the equipment and the amp, so all I had to do was sit there and hang in.” For the next several months, Deaton was the house bass player for the juke joint. “Which really got me

“I was like, ‘well ya know I’ve been sitting in and picking out those riffs - and the bass riffs are pretty much the same as the guitar riffs in Junior’s stuff,’ so I told him ‘ya know, I’ll play bass.’ He already had the equipment and the amp, so all I had to do was sit there and hang in.”

OxfordMag.com 35

into playing all the time with those guys...with David (Kimbrough, Jr.), with Junior, with R.L. when he was in town, with (his son) Duwayne when he would come out.” Garry returned after a while, and he and Deaton traded off bass duties from then on, which evidently suited Garry, when breaks were needed from having to play four hours every Sunday or many nights longer.

Studio time to burn while in Nashville

Highly successful rock-blues duo from Akron, Ohio, The Black Keys, released their tenth album this year, Delta Kream, which was the result of productive use of spare studio time at their Easy Eye Sound in Nashville. Deaton, along with Hill Country blues veteran, Kenny Brown, were

36 September/October 2021

invited up by the Keys’ Dan Aurbach to play bass and guitar on tracks for Louisiana blues and soul singer Robert Finley’s record. Deaton and Brown were given three days, although as it turned out, one was all they needed to do their parts. Still hired for two more days, Aurbach utilized Deaton and Brown’s time by inviting his bandmate, Patrick Carney, to join the session and run through some Junior Kimbrough songs, of which they cut, recording six. According to Deaton, at the end of the day, he said, “‘let’s come back tomorrow and do some R.L. stuff,’ and we were back the next day and did some R.L. - and one Fred Macdowell tune. At the end of the second day, they’re like, ‘well looks like the next record’s done. And so we were like, ‘oh...OK. That’s gonna be the next

Black Keys record?’” He added, “so that’s how it went down. It was cut spontaneously on the fly, on two days of Robert Finley time.” Both records were sat on for a year, due to the pandemic, but were finally released in Spring, 2021, and have been well-received. Both Deaton and Brown, along with drummer Kinney Kimbrough (Junior’s son), are slated to join the Black Keys for their promptly sold-out September 23 Oxford show at The Lyric, to perform tracks off the record. Other releases that Aurbach has hired Deaton on in recent years include the latest, posthumous album by “The Swamp Fox,” Tony Joe White, who passed away in 2018, consisting of previously unheard home recordings. Deaton plans to record a long-

anticipated third album in upcoming months, to accompany prior releases Gonna Be Trouble Here (2006), and Smile At Trouble (2009). Other notable studio efforts include Fulani Journey (2005) and Alliance (2008) by his group Afrissippi, a collaboration with Senegalese native and North Mississippi transplant Guelel Kumba.

Learning in teaching

Devoted to being a full-time musician, Deaton began teaching in his early 20s, out of his house. He began feeling it would be nicer to have his work somewhere other than at home, so he began teaching part time, for what would be a number of years, at Ron’s Music Center on North Lamar Blvd. in Oxford. Then, when friend Tad Wilkes opened Roxford University - which not only provided a new venue for individual music lessons but offered students incentive to be part of a rock band made up of students in their age

group - Deaton was on board from the get-go. In fact, at the time of this Oxford Magazine interview, Deaton had just returned from giving a lesson, so clearly despite recent successes, he still finds value in teaching. With teaching kids, or adults alike, he agrees it’s still always a learning experience. “It really makes you learn what you (might already) know better, because you have to figure out how to

articulate things that maybe even you hadn’t articulated to yourself, and kind of figure out how to explain ‘em,” he said. “And of course, everybody’s different, so you have to sometimes explain the same thing three or four different ways - based on what it takes for somebody to grasp it.” More information and live performance updates are available at ericdeatonmusic.com.

OxfordMag.com 37

READ THIS BOOK

BOOKS FOR FALL

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

Recommendations from

LYN ROBERTS General Manager, Square Books

60: A Year of Sports, Race, & Politics By Dr. Robert Khayat | $24.95

Graceland, at Last: Notes on Hope and Heartache front the American South By Margaret Renkl | $26

60: A Year of Sports, Race, & Politics is the story of the year that changed everything for a nation, our culture, and a young man from Mississippi.

For the past four years, Margaret Renkl's columns have offered readers of The New York Times a weekly dose of natural beauty, human decency, and persistent hope from her home in Nashville. Now more than 60 of those pieces have been brought together

The Judge’s List By John Grisham | $29.95

King of the Blues: The Rise and Reign of B.B. King By Daniel de Vise | $30

Nonstop suspense from the #1 New York Times bestselling author: Investigator Lacy Stoltz follows the trail of a serial killer, and closes in on a shocking suspect-a sitting judge.

The Speckled Beauty: A Dog and his People By Rick Bragg | $26 From the best-selling, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of All Over but the Shoutin' and The Best Cook in the World, the warm hearted and hilarious story of how his life was transformed by his love for a poorly behaved, half-blind stray dog. 38 September/October 2021

The first full and authoritative biography of an American— indeed a world-wide—musical and cultural legend.

Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love and Loss By David Magee | $28 Award-winning columnist and author David Magee addresses his poignant story to all those who will benefit from better understanding substance misuse so that his hard-earned wisdom can save others from the fate of his late son, William.

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Jeff McCutchen

Oxford’s Chief of Police BY JAKE THOMPSON

Q: What keeps you in Oxford for your Q: How have you approached engaging crime and providing answers to a victim or their family and being able to bring closer with the community in your role? family and your career? for them. To have the responsibility to meet A: We are constantly looking for ways to that need is one that we don’t take lightly A: I am fully invested in our community from my job at the city as well as community engage our community. Each month we and that brings a lot of pride to us. partnerships and our great school systems. strive to find a project that we can do in an This community is where you want to raise area of our community. We’ve hosted Q: What message would you like a family and a place where you want to be community meetings, Pack the Patrol Car, everyone to know about the Oxford engaged to help keep this Oxford and Light up the night, Women’s Self Defense, police force? Active Shooter Response and many others. Lafayette County what it is. A: I want them to know our mission, We OPD puts in well over 1,000 hours a year of Q: What is something you did not expect community involvement. Our goal is to strive to Serve with Wisdom and about the job when you took on the role listen and meet as many people as we can to Compassion and to create a Safe and develop and build relationships. We know Connected community. Our mission is of Oxford police chief in January 2020? that as we build relationships that we make pretty simple. It’s not driven by numbers A: I don’t think that I could fully our community safer and more connected. or stats, it’s focused on people. We find ways to serve people and to keep them appreciate the challenges that a department head faces. While being a Q: What is the most memorable moment safe. We focus on balancing enforcement with community involvement. The job of part of our administrative team the in the past year as police chief? public safety is maximized when you have previous six years, the step to the next A: It’s always the people. As a law buy in from your community, that’s our level is one that presents demands that only the person in that seat can fully enforcement officer you have a calling to goal. You are always welcome here. If you have grasp. No one could have predicted a serve others. When you are dispatched to a pandemic along with the balance of call that someone has been harmed or concerns please contact us. If you want us keeping our community safe from crime. wronged you pour every resource and all of to come and do a presentation, we can do The past 18 months have been a steady your energy into providing answers. There that, too. We are here to be a resource for is no feeling in the world like solving a you. stream of curveballs. OxfordMag.com 39

O TW

OK RO

AR SF

IS • M

SIS

SIP

PI B

B ER

M OO

LE ICO • N

BEST NEW BITES

GUS’S

Oxford Magazine will be a bi-monthly publication beginning with the Dec./Jan. Issue. Continue to enjoy the great writers and stories about Oxford and the surrounding area.

GL A

IED CH

• INVISI ICKEN

BLE OX

FORD

MP • SFA SY

• OXONIANS TO

OSIUM

EPIC RE

FOLLOW • COMM UNITY PILLA

GROV

E TIPS

• WE LLN

ESS 101

Fins Up TENTS

Ther e lkn t Fau Effec

ITH IFF OR’S GR H ILL E AUT ACY WB HO TES TH G LEG A ERIN R CU ING L

ADS • EXPERT

evival It’s ABeRst ofusOxfor d math imbo URNEY

JO USICAL THE M OF

THE RESULTS ARE IN – EVERYTHING TO EAT, SEE AND DO IN 2018

6 for $20 TO SUBSCRIBE:

visit our website: www.oxfordmag.com or call 662-234-4331

40 September/October 2021

& DRINK

FOOD

EAT IN THE STREET Expanded outdoor dining gets underway on East Jackson BY DAVIS COEN PHOTOS SUBMITTED OxfordMag.com 41

August 2021 was a memorable month for outdoor dining in Oxford. One of the city's busiest crosswalks received the final touches of a makeover which started in midMay. The “Eat in the Street” event on Saturday, Aug. 28 commemorated the expansion, with “small bites” from local restaurants, a full schedule of live music, and familyfriendly activities. The Streetscape project that expanded the northwest corner of the Square at East Jackson Avenue (between Boles Wiley Alley and Ninth Street), and widened the sidewalks to allow more outdoor dining in the area, was intended to make the bustling downtown sidewalk corridor easier for pedestrians to negotiate.

42 September/October 2021

According to City of Oxford Director of Special Projects, Mark Levy, the additional parking spaces in the new parking garage and its proximity to East Jackson allowed them to remove parking spaces and widen the sidewalk. “Like any downtown space, it will continue to evolve, and we are interested to see how the space develops over time,” he said. Reflecting on the months-long undertaking, Levy said, “we feel like one way to sustain a vibrant downtown is to encourage community activity, and interaction on the street level. We feel like this project is successful in that regard.” Levy also emphasized that the commitment of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen played a key role

in the project, from the onset. Executive Director of Visit Oxford, Kinney Ferris, who helped create the Aug. 28 event to celebrate the completion, also commented on the days of the project’s outset: “The expanded sidewalks and narrowing of the street on Jackson Avenue East was already in the city budget, and plans were in place to create a safer area for the heavy pedestrian traffic,” she said. Ferris, formerly Office Manager for the Oxford Convention & Visitors Bureau, said that the discussions concerning facilitating outdoor dining in order to maximize seating and safety for restaurants began during the “crisis mode of COVID.” After witnessing outdoor dining that had been underway around the

According to Ferris, business owners along the street were asked for input on what was described to them as ‘a long project stretching over several months.’ They were informed it would better allow for thru traffic and only involve partial street closure from time to time, for the plan that was executed.

OxfordMag.com 43

Square (initiated in part by Proud Larry’s and SoLa on South Lamar Blvd.) she said, “we saw it was a great success and that our outdoor spaces were possibly underutilized. When we realized outdoor dining was so successful, and since this plan was already in place for sidewalk expansion, the city pivoted to incorporate permanent outdoor dining in this stretch.” According to Ferris, business owners along the street were asked for input on what was described to them as ‘a long project stretching 44 September/October 2021

over several months.’ They were informed it would better allow for thru traffic and only involve partial street closure from time to time, for the plan that was executed. She also said that the businesses that did offer input desired a total shutdown of the street over the summer - the less busy months that students are away - to get the job completed, so that they could be open and better accessible by the time the Ole Miss fall session began. Talks of sidewalk expansion go back to 2019

In the words of City Engineer Reanna Mayoral, the East Jackson Streetscape project originated as a “simple sidewalk expansion project to increase safety for the large number of pedestrians that use the space.” According to Mayoral, the former police Chief - now Sheriff - Joey East, proposed the expansion of the south side of the sidewalk years ago, and funds were approved by the Board in 2019. “The project was well into the design process in March 2020 when COVID hit,” said

Mayoral. “We paused all capital outlay projects to save money during very uncertain times, and put the project on the shelf.” Mayoral credits Levy, and Director of Planning Ben Requet, for how they made use of the time. “They created a temporary outdoor dining solution that was a huge success in our community. Recognizing that success and the demand for outdoor dining, the Board authorized the streetscape project in February 2021 to include additional width of sidewalk to be used as shared spaces for outdoor dining, retail, or other uses.” She said, “Mark provided the framework, or vision for the project, that our design engineer and landscape architect then developed into a complete design. Ben and the planning staff developed the guidelines for what the shared outdoor dining spaces would look like, as a guide for any restaurants/ businesses that choose to participate.” Mayoral also spoke to the challenge of completing a project of this scope in an historic downtown area in such a small

time frame. She said, “during this same period as our streetscape project, there were also five adjacent construction/ renovation projects underway that required a fair amount of coordination. The Board committed to keeping pedestrian access to all businesses during construction, and the contractor was able to meet that obligation. There was phenomenal teamwork between the

business owners, construction crews, design professionals, and multiple city departments to make this project a success.” Courthouse Square restaurants see impact of expansion With regard to possibilities of outdoor dining expansion for restaurants on opposite parts of the Square, particularly along South Lamar Boulevard it seems

OxfordMag.com 45

that the few establishments that were temporarily allotted portions of the sidewalk during earlier days of COVID, will be relatively unaffected by the progress on East Jackson. According to acclaimed and innovative Chef Erika Lipe of SoLa, the outdoor dining that they were able to create as a result of COVID was unsightly, with barricades that were required to in order to meet the ABC regulations. Although popular, SoLa’s outdoor patio was one of the first to be shut down by the city. Lipe said that the city offered her a portion of the sidewalk on which to build a patio, but unlike her neighbors on the other side of the Square, her restaurant would have to finance every aspect of the project on its own. Not wanting to dismiss the offer, Lipe said that both she and Scott Carradine, owner of nearby restaurant and historic music venue Proud Larry’s, had spoken to an architect, but hesitated to move further with the beginning of football season approaching.

46 September/October 2021

“I hope that the city will build out the rest of the sidewalks - in due time,” Lipe said, optimistically. Although a hop, skip, and a jump from the East Jackson strip, SoLa participated in the “small bites” aspect of Aug. 28 celebration, as did Moe’s BBQ - also on South Lamar. Claire Kiamie, who owns YŪGŌ on

East Jackson with her husband AJ, immediately witnessed the positive impact of having a patio, particularly during the late-August rise in hospitalizations due to the delta variant. “Our patio has been a wonderful asset already,” she said. “We have only been open two months, and already see repeat customers coming to enjoy the outdoors.”

OxfordMag.com 47

ALLY WATKINS

Youth Librarian at the Lafayette County & Oxford Public Library

ibraries provided a lot for Ally Watkins growing up. Now, Watkins is giving back to the next generation of Oxford and Lafayette County. Serving as the Youth Librarian at the Lafayette County & Oxford Public Library, Watkins enjoys providing the same experiences to children that she had. “Libraries were a huge part of my life growing up,” Watkins said. “I had librarians who meant a lot

to me when I was younger and showed me how important and magical libraries are. Once I began to realize all of the things that a public library does for a community, I knew I wanted to be involved in that.” Watkins has worked at the library for three years. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Mississippi and a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Southern Missis-

MARSHALL FRATESI Vice President of the Bank of Oxford

he finance world was something Marshall Fratesi knew from an early age he wanted to be a part of. Becoming a banker allowed him to meet people from all walks of life. Fratesi is the Vice President of the Bank of Oxford. Nine years ago he started at the bank as a teller and has worked his way through the company.

48 September/October 2021

1 sippi. Being able to serve the families of Lafayette County and Oxford is something Watkins said is “a gift.” Putting the right books in a teenager or child’s hands is one of the things Watkins

loves at her job. “The fact that this community values the work that I do for the library is priceless, and this is an enormous honor,” Watkins said. “The library is for everyone, and our patrons are the best.”

ing a business of their own. Each person in our community has their own

vision in life, and it is truly amazing to help them in achieving their goals.”

Providing a way to help members of the community make dreams become reality is one of the many benefits to the job, according to Fratesi. “You never know what each day will bring,” Fratesi said. “I may be financing a commercial development project, helping someone find their first home or working with the person who is taking a chance on their dream of open-

OxfordMag.com 49

MORGAN WALTER Executive director of The Blake at Oxford. Morgan Walter never expected to find a second family in The Blake at Oxford community. Walter grew up in Pontotoc and came to Oxford to attend the University of Mississippi graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Registered Nursing. “I am one of those who fell in love and never left,” said Walter. Walter has been a registered nurse for 12 years and has practiced in different areas of nursing in the community until Walter had the chance to be the executive director of The Blake at Oxford, a senior living community. Previously, she had been a partner with The Blake

through hospice and other community nursing, so she was familiar with the building and staff prior to working there. “When the opportunity came to join a team with a community I was already familiar with, I took it and it has been one of the greatest decisions I ever made,” said Walter. “I absolutely love working at The Blake because it doesn’t feel like work. It feels like going to my parents and grandparents’ house and just trying to make sure everything is as good as can be and make them proud.” Walter’s mother is currently one of the residents at The Blake, said Walter. Having an actual family member

increases the sense of home and familiarity. “I know every residents’ name, room number, family member -- they are all like family,” she said. Walter has always been a goal driven and success oriented person when it comes to her career and, while she may have changed paths a couple of times, her eyes remain on the target. She even won an award for being the

most competitive. “I want to be great,” she said. “If I put my name on it, I want it to be a great product. I truly feel like I’m able to do that at The Blake. Leading the charge to provide quality senior living is honestly an honor and that’s exactly what we do at The Blake.” Morgan Walter currently works as the executive director of The Blake at Oxford.

Congratulations! The Blake is proud of Executive Director, Morgan Walter for being named to Oxford’s 20 Under 40! “Morgan’s drive and determination to deliver the best for her residents and coworkers is what sets her apart…She is committed to excelling in everything she does.” - John Waits, BMG President Call us at (662) 638-0899 to schedule your tour and meet Morgan. Experience life at Oxford’s premier Senior Living community today

Oxford’s Premier Assisted Living and Memory Care Community

110 Ed Perry Blvd. | Oxford, MS 38655 | blakeatoxford.com

50 September/October 2021

CARLOS MAURY

Senior Client Delivery Manager at CoreLogic

or the past 10 years, Carlos Maury has worked at CoreLogic, formerly known as FNC, helping maintain and enhance client relationships with lenders. He is currently a Senior Client Delivery Manager for the company. Combining his passion for technology and people into a profession is what made working at

a company such as Core Logic appealing to Maury. “I enjoy the business and interpersonal relationships that CoreLogic provides the opportunity to achieve, while at the same time, I enjoy working on the technology that allows our company to find, buy and project the homes we love,” Maury said. Outside of the office,

Maury volunteers as a member of the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, serving as its National Director of Technology. As part of the organization, Maury participates in several community service endeavors, including St. Jude and the American Red Cross. He also volunteers at the Oxford Pantry and the United Way. “Being chosen as one

of the Top 20 Under 40 is an honor,” Maury said. “It is a testament to my many mentors for the work and time they invested in helping make me a better person. To my church family at University of Life who support me in my spiritual journey, and to my family, friends and colleagues who support me daily. To all of you, thank you.”

OxfordMag.com 51

CATHERINE PHILLIPS Phillips Pediatrics

hen she was a young girl, Catherine Phillips had two dreams — become a mother to her own child one day and to become someone who could take care of other’s children. Both of those dreams turned into reality for Phillips who now runs her own medical practice in 52 September/October 2021

Oxford, Phillips Pediatrics. While reaching those goals, Phillips understands both require hard work but are also just as rewarding. “I had no idea how demanding and how challenging the two roles would be, but they are the most significant and gratifying roles of my life,” Phillips said. “I absolutely love

my kids, and I am honored to care for others. Phillips serves and provides the Lafayette County and Oxford community with a service in her medical practice, but has days where she wishes she could do more. “There is always a project in need, an illness to treat or a child to advocate for,” Phillips said.

“Some days, you have to reach one child at a time, but Phillips Pediatrics will always strive to grow and do more on a larger scale.” Being selected as one of the Top 20 Under 40 is an accolade Phillips is “humbled” in as well as the “trust” the community has in her and Phillips Pediatrics.

LEE HARRIS Funkys

ee Harris said he has gotten this far due to an amazing staff of people who have seen him through the curveballs life has thrown at them. “I could say I’m the brains behind it but I have employees who’ve helped me and helped me through my business’ success,” said Harris. “Without them I wouldn’t be sitting here. We have a good team at Funkys that helps make a lasting success, one I think we are all proud of.” Harris owns a successful business and has learned a lot from his experiences in managing, but getting where he is now hasn’t been easy. “The bar and restaurant business is extremely, extremely hard to navigate around,” said Harris. “It’s not a walk in the park.”

Harris is originally from Clarksdale and attended the University of Mississippi in 2002 to major in criminal justice due to a dream of becoming a FBI agent. His first summer job was as a bouncer at Freddy T’s in Pickwick, Tennessee and then he worked construction during the day. The next summer he applied as a waiter at the Acme Oyster House in Destin, Florida and worked there every summer since. Harris worked different positions at Acme, became close with the managerial staff and eventually fell in love with the business. “I started to come up with ideas of what I liked and what I wanted to see,” he said. “I came back to Oxford and some of those weren’t there, so I came up with the idea of Funkys. I was in a bar called

Funky Blue Shack and said, ‘I’m going to name my bar Funkys.’” Harris bought pizza recipes from a friend who owned a pizza restaurant that was closing, added daiquiris and inspiration from his trips to New Orleans and opened his own restaurant in February 2009. “I went through a line of ups and downs, ended up turning a corner and starting to do really well and for the past seven years it’s been on the up,” said Harris. “I’ve been really blessed and we’ve been successful in what we’ve done.”

Harris said he makes sure he is trying new things, figuring out what works and being a good read and observer of people. “We do our best to offer the best customer service and that’s the model we’ve built success on,” he said. Harris hopes to get into consulting and spread his knowledge of business with those who need it and plans to expand Funkys in the future. He hopes to triple the size of the sole Funkys location in Oxford by mid-September and, one day in the future, make Funkys into a franchise.

OxfordMag.com 53

ANN MORGAN GRAHAM Coordinator for the Professional Development of the Barksdale Reading Institute

nn Morgan Graham wishes that all students were proficient, literate and love to read. Graham was a classroom teacher in the Oxford and North Panola School Districts where she taught third and fourth grade for 10 years then she got the chance to teach on the campus. She started with the University of Mississippi School of Education and then moved to the Barksdale Reading Institute, a nonprofit that develops and implements professional learning opportunities for teachers across Mississippi. Now, Graham is the coordinator for the Professional Development of the

Barksdale Reading Institute, the adjunct instructor at the School of Education and university supervisor to student teachers. As coordinator, Graham works primarily with teachers and helps them get professional development in literacy education “I’m very passionate about making students into proficient readers,” said Graham. “I teach teachers and I teach potential teachers so my personal goal is that those will meet, so they can produce strong readers.” Working with teachers and students now will have a great impact on the education of children in the future, according to her.

ANNA LAUREN HEAVENER

Success Coach at The University of Mississippi Anna Lauren Heavener has a passion for helping students find their way. Heavener grew up in Chalybeate, Mississippi, a small town located in the northern part of Tippah County. She attended a community college before transferring to the University of Mississippi. “I got to Oxford and fell in love with it,” Heavener said. “It had that small town feel that I was used to but with way more places to eat.” Heavener majored in biology during her undergraduate and was on the health professions track trying to decide if she wanted to apply to medical schools or 54 September/October 2021

“For me, teaching is my passion and really being a part of the future generations and helping them be the best that they can,” said Graham. She is a CASA volunteer working with children within the foster system and has served as a sorority advisor, member of the Lafayette County Literacy Council board, Jumpstart Program

site supervisor, and various church programs. She is married to O’Keefe Graham and has three children ages 10, 7, and 2. She enjoys being outside with her kids, especially riding bikes all over Oxford with her son. “Whenever we get the chance we love to travel just to be with them,” said Graham

as a Success Coach for the university, a position they recently opened to help students reach the goals they set for themselves whether it’s academic, personal or emotional. “I think it’s important to not look at a student as just a student, but as a person,” she said. As a Success Coach, not only does Heavener want

to help with problems, but she wants to celebrate achievements as well and make her office like a second home. “My favorite part of my job as an admissions counselor was getting to know the students, building relationships and knowing that they trust me,” she said. “My favorite part of my last job is my job now.”

nursing schools. After moving home and then back to Oxford, she was offered the admissions counselor position for transfer students. Heavener’s mother is an educator, so for five years Heavener used what she learned from her mother to help Ole Miss students. “I really have a passion for helping Mississippi students get access to equitable education,” Heavener said. In the meantime, Heavener graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor’s degree in Higher Education and Student Personnel. Heavener currently works

the faculty, staff, and students at t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f M i s s i s s i p p i ,

THANK YOU Ann Morgan, Anna Lauren, Elizabeth and Alexandria

Your service and support of our community exemplifies our university’s dedication to the well-being of our state, our students, and our future.

Congratulations on your

20 UNDER 40 HONOR!

Ann Morgan Graham, Anna Lauren Heavener, Elizabeth Tettleton Mason, Alexandria White

OxfordMag.com 55

ELIZABETH TETTLETON MASON

Executive assistant to Dr. Josh Gladden

ince graduating from the University of Mississippi, Elizabeth Tettleon Mason’s career path has taken a few different directions over the past seven years, but Oxford and Ole Miss have always been at the center of those change in directions. That path most recently brought her back to Ole Miss, where she works as the executive assistant to Dr. Josh Gladden, who is the Vice Chancellor for Research and Sponsored Programs. Mason has worn many hats during her professional career, including working in the special events and catering arena with The Main Event.

When not working, Mason enjoys working in other community organizations and giving back. “In the community, I enjoy pouring my time into projects that my work life doesn’t directly touch,” Mason said. “For, that is creative writing, music and the arts.” During her undergraduate studies, Mason discovered her love for poetry, fiction and nonfiction writing. That love was very “cathartic” for Mason as a healing mechanism after the death of her sister, Rebekah Newel Tettleton, in 2016. That passion and love for writing helped Mason co-found The Oxford Comma, which she

became the director of. Mason has also done a lot of community partnerships with Quasar and the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council. Mason also freelances for The Local Voice and DeSoto Magazine. “I received so much from the community growing up, through groups like the 4-H

programs, church groups like AWANA, forensics and the arts and music programs,” Mason said. “Giving back to the community is in my blood, because I watched my mother do it and the way I was raised. … My community in Oxford is why I have stayed here so long.”

and Cross Cultural Engagement and, in 2019, White became the student services director of Shorelight Education. White states that her biggest source of strength and motivation is her family and is a great reminder of how far she has come. “I’m my ancestors’ wildest dream,” said White. “I think about my grandmother Annie Bell Williams and my paternal grandmother, Ruby Dell White and I think about how those women never would’ve got the chance to do what I do, so they

walk with me in my classroom and when I’m out protesting. Being the wildest dreams of people in my family? That is what makes me feel wonderful.” White is the founder of Alexandria White Consulting, LLC, an organization that provides training, workshops and keynote addresses to empower clients on diversity, equity and inclusion. She also works as a lecturer at the University of Mississippi and is vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

ALEXANDRIA WHITE Vice President of Diversity

lexandria White is a very active and outspoken member of the local community and hopes to see positive progress. She even ran for Ward 3 Alderman earlier this year and admits it was a fun learning experience for her. As a Black entrepreneur herself, White is a big advocate for minority-owned businesses and diversity. Being a native of a big city like Chicago and coming to a smaller town like Oxford was a change for White. “When I moved here in 2015 — I had lived in cities before I moved here like Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis-- I was like, ‘Where are the minority-owned businesses?’” she said. “I wanted to know how they generated wealth in the local Black community.” White is passionate about teaching people about financial literacy and providing minorities with the tools they need to succeed. 56 September/October 2021

In response to the lack of minority-centered organizations and resources, White began a Facebook group called the Black Pages of Oxford Mississippi and it currently hosts about 2,000 Black people in the local area that utilize the group to talk about their businesses, building generational wealth and diversifying Oxford. “I’ve created this online platform from a personal need and it has just expanded,” said White. “We use this resource to build and learn, so I’m very very proud of that.” White graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Education with a Doctorate in Higher Education. She has a Bachelors of Science in Sociology and a Masters of Arts in Higher Education. In 2015, White worked with the University of Mississippi as the assistant director and later the interim director for the university’s Center for Inclusion

CORY WILLIAMSON

Real estate and criminal defense lawyer at Hayman & Co.

hoosing to enter the legal profession, Cory Williamson views it as his way to help the community. Williamson works at Hayman & Co. as a real estate and criminal defense lawyer. The ability to help all members of the Lafayette County and Oxford community is one thing Williamson takes pride in. “It is the best part of the job,” Williamson said of helping his community. “My profession has enabled me to meet people and form relationships which I would otherwise have missed out

on. Many of the people in the LOU Community have been true blessings to my family.” Williamson also teaches and introductory law class at the University of Mississippi. He is also on the Finance Committee at North Oxford Baptist Church. He attended Millsaps College and the Ole Miss Law School. “To be chosen as Top 20 Under 40 in a community of so many talented and accomplished young people is an honor,” Williamson said. “It is also encouraging to live in a place

where the decision on Top 20 under 40 is not based exclusively on corporate or

professional success but largely on service to the community.”

OxfordMag.com 57

DENISE FONDREN

Public defender of Oxford Municipal Court and the Lafayette County Circuit Court at Hickman Fondren, LLC President of the Lafayette County Bar Association.

enise Fondren knew from a very young age that she wanted to be an attorney. “Life happened and it got derailed, but I finally got here,” said Fondren. Fondren has been in private practice for two years at Hickman Fondren, LLC. as a public defender of Oxford Municipal Court and the Lafayette County Circuit Court and currently serves as the president of the Lafayette County Bar Association. She is one of two Lafayette County public

58 September/October 2021

defenders and holds the title as the first African American public defender in the county. “It feels wonderful because there’s not many African-American private practice attorneys in Lafayette County and we hear clients tell us, ‘’We know you’re working for us and did the best you could,” and that’s always satisfying,” Fondren said. “I’m always intentional about putting myself in positions where you put in some form of diversity like being the president of the

bar. It might not be a big deal to everybody else, but it’s a big deal to me as a woman and woman of color.” Fondren, a first generation college graduate, graduated from University of Mississippi in 2007 with two Bachelors of Business Administration degrees in banking finance and managerial finance. In 2017, Fondren graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Law and earned her Juris Doctorate. She was admitted to the

Mississippi Bar in 2017 and started her legal career at North Mississippi Rural Legal Services as an attorney in the Victims’ Assistance Project before going into private practice. Fondren appreciates her sisters in the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, where she serves as the President of the Mu Chi Zeta chapter in Oxford, for all the love and encouragement she has received. “It means a lot to have the support of my sorority and my family,” she said.

OxfordMag.com 59

EARL DISMUKE

Founder of Dismuke Design and Creative, LLC.

ne day, Earl Dismuke’s pastor did a sermon on gifts, stating that if someone can find something they love that fulfills a need then that person has found the sweet spot. Dismuke has found that sweet spot in art and the Oxford community has benefited from it. He has provided many sculptures as well has helped provide other forms of artwork throughout the city. “Art is something I have been passionate about since I was a young child,”

60 September/October 2021

Dismuke said. “God blessed me with a talent and it is my responsibility to do something positive with it.” Founder of Dismuke Design and Creative, LLC, Dismuke is also the co-founder of the Yokna Sculpture Trail, which is a rotating exhibit of 18 large-scale sculptures by locally, regionally, and nationally renowned exhibiting artists, this collaboration between the City of Oxford, The University of Mississippi, and the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council. Dismuke has also helped with several other public

art projects around Oxford, including the mural on the back of Sneed’s Hardware, the Shelter Show which put murals on several bus stop locations across the city. He also designed and created the city’s first and only roundabout sculpture, Victory Dance II. The sculpture is located at the roundabout of Belk Boulevard and South Lamar Boulevard. “Public art showcases the uniqueness of a city and adds meaning to the community,” Dismuke said. “It is encouraging to know that my young children and

their friends are growing up with an appreciation for the arts. People who may not be comfortable going into a museum are being exposed to the ideas and discussions that public art encourages. Public art will have a positive impact on our community for decades to come.” Dismuke is a present board member of L.O.F.T. (Lafayette Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow) and serves on the Board of Directors for the University of Mississippi Friends of the Museum.

DAN FINAN Realtor at Cannon Cleary McGraw

an Finan cares immensely for others and prioritizes their happiness which makes him an excellent realtor. “I like helping people,” said Finan. “I love seeing a first-time homeowner’s reaction to the very end process. They’re so happy and excited.” Finan was born and raised in Meridian and attended Millsaps College for his undergraduate degree in business administration. He continued his education at the University of Mississippi, obtained his Master of Business Administration in 2015.

During his time in Oxford, Finan fell in love with the city. “I didn’t want to leave Oxford,” he said. “I wanted to stay here.” Although Finan accepted a job at the Renasant Bank in Tupelo, his true passion lay in real estate. Finan got interested in real estate through appraisals and, through the right connections, accepted a job as a realtor and property manager. Later, he became a full-time realtor for Re/Max and then for Cannon Cleary McGraw where he manages 115 properties. “Every one of the agents

[in Cannon Cleary McGraw] push me,” said Finan. “They make me want to be a better realtor.” Finan attends Pinelake Church, another organization that motivates him to be the best version of himself and get involved. Finan and his associates plan to

start a young professionals group targeted at individuals in graduate school or singles in the area. Finan said Oxford is his new home. He wants to invest more into the community and become one of the top 20, or even top 10, Realtors in the city.

CCm

CANNON CLEARY MCGRAW

Congrats! DAN FINAN C. 601-917-5429 O. 662-371-1000

DE TOP 20 UN R FORTY OxfordMag.com 61

ELIZABETH BAIRD WHICHARD Sales director at Chancellor’s House

lizabeth Baird Whichard loves that she gets to exercise her creativity working at the Chancellor’s House. Whichard joined the Chancellor House staff as a server in 2018 where she worked her way up. “I have been working at the Chancellor’s House for 3 years and I have always taken a special interest in the events and marketing side of the hotel,” said Whichard. “As a server, I worked closely with Amanda, the sales direc62 September/October 2021

tor at the time to learn anything she could teach me.” Whichard said she is very passionate about events at the hotel, showing her dedication to the job. When the sales director position was available, she was asked if she would move from bar manager to sales director. She is happy to be working as the sales director because the position allows Whichard to get creative and come up with ideas for the hotel.

“I love how creative I get to be, whether it is coming up with fun instagram posts or creating an event layout, it’s always fun,” she said. “I also really love the people I get to work with, we are very lucky to have such a great staff.” As sales director, Whichard is committed to giving her customers the best service possible and putting their needs first. “I like to put myself in the guest’s shoes,” she said. ‘I really try to make

sure that everyone who walks into the hotel has a great experience.” Being considered a promising young professional is an honor to Whichard and she thinks she couldn’t have won it in a better place. “I don’t want to be a young professional anywhere else,” said Whichard. “Oxford is a fantastic town for young professionals. I’m very honored to be a part of this very hard working community.”

KATE KENWRIGHT

Historical preservationist for the City of Oxford

istory and architecture have been two key interests in Kate Kenwright’s life, so choosing a profession in architectural preservation seemed like the perfect way to pursue those interests. Kenwright is a historical preservationist for the City of Oxford and has worked in City Hall for three years. She earned a degree in Southern Stud-

ies from Center for Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi and earned a master’s degree in Architectural Preservation from Tulane University. “History is a big part of what gives our community its character,” Kenwright said. “Historic buildings remind us of our shared past. I love helping people figure out how to make these buildings work for

them today, while maintaining them for Oxford’s future.” Kenwright has helped in surveying and archiving historical neighborhoods and buildings throughout Oxford. She also serves as the chairwoman for the city’s Historic Properties Commission. Representing Oxford as a board member for the Mississippi Heritage Trust, Kenwright helps preserve

the city on a state level. “By preserving our historic building, we have the opportunity to see and touch our past as a part of our everyday lives,” Kenwright said. “Oxford is my chosen home, and is now home to most of my immediate family. We are so happy to be a part of such a vibrant and happy community, and one that has so much to offer.” OxfordMag.com 63

ERIN SMITH

Founding Executive Director for CASA of Lafayette County

hile during her undergraduate studies at the University of Mississippi, Erin Smith found her passion and calling when she joined Kappa Alpha Theta. The organization’s national philanthropy is CASA, which is where Smith began volunteering. Erin Smith is the founding Executive Director for CASA of Lafayette County (Court Appointed Special 64 September/October 2021

Advocates), which is a program that advocates for abused and neglected children in the courts and other settings. After volunteering in Memphis for four years, Smith began to see a need for a CASA chapter in Lafayette County. In 2018, she officially gained nonprofit status for CASA of Lafayette County. “My passion lies within helping people, ever since

I was a little girl, I always wanted to help someone besides myself,” Smith said. “I saw a need for a program like CASA in our community. I saw a need for foster children to have someone to advocate for them in the youth court and give a voice when they didn’t have one, and I didn’t let anything get in my way from starting this program.” Now that CASA of

17 Lafayette County has established itself, Smith has plans to expand the CASA program beyond one county in Mississippi and bring it to other counties of need. “If I could start a program in every county in Mississippi, I would,” Smith said. “It’s about serving as many children that we can and getting them in safe and permanent homes.”

SARAH JAY GRAY Counselor at Thrive Counseling

arah Jay Gray always knew she wanted to help people, but how that path would look was not exactly clear. Choosing to enter the counseling profession, Gray had the intention of impacting as many individual lives as possible and is doing so currently as a counselor at Thrive Counseling in Oxford. “My goal is to provide the support I needed during early adulthood by empowering people to find strength in tough times,” Gray said. “Guiding them through life’s challenges, and teaching healthy coping skills.”

Since graduating from the University of Mississippi in 2009, Gray has worked in multiple school districts and at Ole Miss. Her specialties include anxiety, grief and infertility. One goal Gray has is wanting to give back all that Oxford has given her. “I would love to impact Oxford as much as it has impacted me,” Gray said. “It’s a diverse, unique and vibrant community that has shaped my life, and it will shape my children’s lives.” Being named to the first Top 20 Under 40 list is an achievement

Gray wants to share with more than just herself. In her eyes, the honor is a reflection of more than just her individual accomplishments. “I want this to be a reflection of the growth

of the individuals I work with,” Gray said. “My clients’ bravery inspires me everyday. They show up for themselves and continue to work toward improvement, and that is all any of us can do.”

OxfordMag.com 65

PAUL THOMASON-FYKE

Square Books Assistant Manager

aul Thomason-Fyke is excited about getting kids to read. Whether it’s fluffy and sweet romance or graphic novels, Thomason-Fyke appreciates whatever encourages kids to read more. Thomason-Fyke was born in Starkville, was raised in Tupelo and later came to Oxford in the 10th grade. “I’m not native to Oxford but I feel like I’ve been here my entire life,” said Thomason-Fyke. He currently works at Square Books, Jr. as the

assistant manager, children’s buyer and bookseller. His day-to-day routine is cataloging, receiving shipments and processing invoices just to name a few with the help of the other workers. Thomason-Fyke’s favorite thing about his job is seeing the joy on a kid’s face when they connect with a book. “Whether they’re a good reader or whether they’re a reluctant reader--no matter what their reason is, there is nothing more satisfying than helping a kid find a book that they love

TRENT COX Roostas

rent Cox says being young gave him the great advantage of taking a risk in a new business and learning how to be successful. “This has been the most fun and the most scary part of my entire life so far, but I’m excited that I did and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said. Cox grew up in northeast Louisiana in a small town of Oak Grove and came to the University of Mississippi in 2009. Cox graduated with a Bachelors of Finance in Real Estate in 2013 and received his M.B.A. from the university in 2014, where he met his wife Ashely. Cox worked as a finan-

66 September/October 2021

or going to love,” said Thomason-Fyke. “I love finding a book that makes them light up and say, ‘That does sound cool.’ That part of my job is my favorite. I don’t get to do

it all the time but it is my favorite.” It is fine that some kids may never move away from stories with pictures as long as they continue to love reading, he said.

and have grown to 36 unique designs since then. Roostas originally started as a direct to consumer ecommerce website. In January 2021, Cox and his wife moved into wholesale and now Roostas belts are sold in 85 stores. Cox set a goal of 100 stores by the end of 2021 and with the way things are moving for the busi-

ness, he believes he will reach that number soon. “We want to continue to grow, diversify and give the golf world what they want,” Cox said. Roostas has been featured as an emerging brand on Golf.com and will soon be featured in articles for Professional Golfer’s Association (PGA) magazine and Golf Digest.

cial advisor for FedEx for seven years before he started Roostas, a goff and leisure brand that specializes in woven elastic belts. “I was actually sitting in my living room watching the pro-golf tournament that week and we saw the players wearing hoodies, joggers and high-top Jordans making their way onto the course --there was kind of like this renaissance starting with golf fashion,” said Cox. “We noticed that the belt was still neglected. It was just something that you had to wear, not something that you wanted to wear.” Cox and his wife initially designed four different belts, launched with those

OxfordMag.com 67

Powder Blue

Scalloped Sweater $78 Indigos Azure Lolita Hat $159 Hemline

Beige Booties Lulu's $58.50

BB Dakota Patch Skirt Frock Oxford $79

Red Sunglasses $59 JANE

Vodka bottle earrings $85 Katherine Beck

Clear gem mini bag $38.95 DSquared

68 September/October 2021

Navy Blue

Feather Earrings $110 JANE

Never a Wildflower High Neck Top $184 Hinton & Hinton HER

Madly Yours Purse $60 Hinton & Hinton HER

Black Orchid Denim $207 Zoe

Peep-toe wedge $36 I Just Have To Have It

REBEL RED Lovely Bird Hat $194 Hinton & Hinton HER

Karlie Dress $92 Threads Oxford

Ole Miss beaded earrings $30 I Just Have To Have It

Western Bootie $74.50 Lulu's

Ahdorned Messenger $109 Daisy Gift Company

OxfordMag.com 69

OUT & ABOUT

LOFT NIGHT FOR NONPROFITS WINNERS

PHOTOS BY Donald R. Cole, a retired faculty member of Ole Miss

1. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7.

8. 9. 10. 11 & 17. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

Theatre Oxford The Mississippi Presenter’s Network (Wayne Andrews, grey shirt, Chair of TMPN) The Boys and Girls Club North Mississippi - LOU Barksdale Gordon Community & Cultural Center and the Abbeville School Summer Enrichment Camp (Woman: Janice Carr, VP for Board of Directors for GCCC and coordinator of ASSEC) Purpose Awareness (Le’Tosha James, co-founder of Purpose Awareness) LOU - HOME, Inc. (Forrest Jenkins, lady in blue shirt, Housing Counselor for LH) CASA of Lafayette County (Erin Smith, blue dress, Founding Executive Director of CASA of Lafayette County & Terrica Roberts, green and yellow, Volunteer Supervisor) Doors of Hope Transition Ministries (Mary Margaret Andrews, older lady on the left, Executive Director and CEO of DOH) Oxford Medical Ministries Clinic (Marlene Bishop, middle, Executive Director of OMMC) Autism Center of North Mississippi (Melinda Tidwell, short blonde hair in black & white, Executive Director of ACNM Holding Hands Resale Shop (The older lady in the middle with pink glasses on her head - Donna Howard, the founder & her employees). Memory Makers, Respite Day Services of Oxford Inc. (Al Cutturini, member of Memory Makers’ Board of Directors) Lafayette County Multi-Purpose Arena (Britney Jones, YAC Events & Sponsorship Coordinator) Oxford Community Market (Betsy Chapman, Market Director) Mississippi Coats 4 Kidz (Blonde lady in the middle with the child - Linda Keys, founder of MC4K) Lafayette County Literacy Council (Sarah McClellan - Executive director of LCLC)

70 September/October 2021

OxfordMag.com 71

OUT & ABOUT

72 September/October 2021

SAID AND DONE

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.

‘LOVE THE GAME’

Here in our little postage stamp of humidity, football begins while it’s still hot enough to flip omelets on the sidewalk. Our courageous studentathletes gather to practice under a devil sun and classes start when ESPN says they do. While our brains may be spaghetti, these kids have to learn plays, knock each other silly in equatorlike heat and, oh yeah, attend class, maintain grades and try to squeeze in some social life. What if you do all that in two sports, say, football and baseball? And you just happen to play both at all-SEC levels? That is exactly the situation we have this fall with John Rhys Plumlee and Jerrion Ealy. Both are integral parts of Ole Miss football’s juggernaut offense as well as go-to outfielders covering ground for the Rebels’ baseball team. Like those drink cups that keep stuff hot or cold, I have to ask, ‘How do they know?” How do you tell your body to do that? And, of course, the even scarier question: “What time do you have to get up?” Plumlee has said he realizes he’ll eventually have to pick one sport. “I’m gonna ride both until I can’t anymore,” he told one reporter. “Probably until it becomes a business decision.” Ah yes, bidness. The Supreme Court recently ruled that college athletes can now be paid for their personal appearances, sales of their posters, likeness, etc. Superstars like Ealy and Plumlee could reasonably be expected to cash in. Here in Oxford, there is an 83-year-old gentleman who knows exactly what Ealy and Plumlee are facing – except for the cashing in part: Jake Gibbs. To discuss sports, big bucks and life its own self, I was admitted into his home on a recent afternoon and was invited downstairs into his two-sport player cave. Here amid the happy clutter of memorabilia, one sees a giant photo of Gibbs heaving a long pass in the 1960 Sugar Bowl payback win over the loathsome LSU Tigers. Next to that is a photo taken of a young Gibbs on his first day as a New York Yankee. He is standing next to Mickey Mantle. While a two-sport player at Ole Miss, Gibbs recalls taking his shoulder pads to baseball practice (with Robert Khayat, among others) and then “after baseball practice, running down the hill to Coach

Vaught’s football practice. “Under Vaught, we started football in early February so he and the coaches could be done in time for duck season. A football player who also played baseball didn’t have to miss any spring baseball.” Before signing with the Yankees in 1961, Gibbs tells me he was offered a major league contract while still a junior at Ole Miss. John McHale, the general manager of the (then) Milwaukee Braves, personally traveled to Grenada, Mississippi (what a trip that must have been in 1960?!) to offer the young infielder, $100,000 to play baseball in Milwaukee. One pictures Gibbs and his two hard-working parents, his dad, he tells me, made $10,500 that year, sitting in their modest living room, aghast to hear such an amount. The family turned McHale down. (His turn to be aghast. McHale must have felt very confident he had the young Mississippian in the bag with such a fantastical sum). “My getting a college degree was a very big deal in our family,” Gibbs asserted. “I told Mr. McHale I had to go back to Ole Miss for my senior year.” The happy ending is, one year later, Gibbs signed with the New York Yankees, at the time the premiere sports franchise in the world, for $100,000. During his almost decade in the majors, he earned $19,000 to $25,000 per year. His last year in the majors, 1971, was his highest paid at $37,500. While still with the Yankees, Gibbs began as quarterbacks coach under John Vaught. (“$500 a month plus $35 for gas so I could commute from Grenada every day,” Gibbs chuckles). One of the first players he worked with was a young freshman named Archie Manning. “He could roll out and run, scramble and bootleg. He was perfect for Coach Vaught’s offense.” In Jake Gibbs, at 83 years young, you have an AllAmerican Ole Miss Rebel in two sports whose career spans from Casey Stengel and Mickey Mantle to Archie Manning and John Rhys Plumlee. On Opening Day 2020 at Swayze Field, Ole Miss retired Gibbs’ number 41. Before the ceremony, Gibbs recalled sitting in the dugout with a couple of players who turned out to be Ealy and Plumlee. “Love the game, fellas,” Gibbs said he told them. “Love the game and it will be good to you.” OxfordMag.com 73

Marketplace Oxford Magazine • 662.234.4331

Alterations, Custom Curtains, Blinds, Shades, Bedding, Cushions, Dorm Decoration! Design Gallery 1529 University Ave. Oxford, MS. 38655. Designer/Julie Coleman. 662-655-0500

Office space for rent: Single office includes all utilities and use of common area. Also 2500 square feet available. 662-902-7135 or w.stevecox@gmail. com

Tommy’s B & B Concrete. Refinishing Est. 1949. 70 & Repair LLC years experience. Professional antique Delivering quality restoration since ready-mix concrete 1974. 188 CR 215, since 1949. Oxford. 662-234-7088 662-816-7135 Estate purchasing/ Read Romans every appraisal services. day! Chapters – not Verses. Be obedient For Rent. 1 Lot to what it says. Space For a 62 Roman Road Bible foot mobile home. Ministry. Oxford Wheel Estates at Oxford For Sale: Rent Wheel Estates to Own Buildings Mobile Home Park (662) 417-1256. (662)380-5086 Quality Buildings at Affordable Prices! Office Space for Rent: 2608 West H&L Underbrush, Oxford Loop 1157 Yard Work & Much square feet. Utilities More. 662-473-4974 furnished. 662-714-0132 $1200/month Call 662-816-7017 or 662-891-6496 Precious Angels Home Care. A & A Care at Private Duty, NonHeart Please let us medical, In-home provide you with care. Caregivers, great service & homemakers & companionship to sitters. Does your loved one need care your loved ones! Let at home? Contact us us give your loved ones the best care at today. 662-821-6787. heart in the comfort email: of their own homes. wecare@precious Call (662)816-1589 angels homecare.org

74 September/October 2021

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 TRAILER WORLD Goosenecks, Equipment, Stock & Enclosed Trailers. Mid-South’s Largest Selection. SOUTHLAND CO. Batesville, MS 662-563-9428 Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center in Oxford, MS is seeking LPN’s to join our team! Full-Time and PRN positions available. To apply please contact Sandy Lott, D.O.N. at 662-259-8474.

offered. Starting pay .38/mile with bonus. $1000 Hiring bonus! Call 662-473-1100 A&J Mulchers •Forestry Mulching •Land Management •Disaster Relief •Land Grading - Call Joey Cox: 662-266-7448 Cambridge Station Apartments 662-234-1801 801 Forntage Rd. Oxford, MS 38655 NOW LEASING FOR 2020 www. liveatcambridge stationapts.com PEACHES Cherry Creek Orchard Opening Mid-May Call:662-489-7783 Also Taking PreOrders: •Purple Hull Peas •Tomatoes •Blackberries •Watermelons Call:662-760-0672 or 662-489-7783

Communicare Overdose Prevention/ Education Grant Positions •Project CDL Class A Drivers Director - Master’s D&S Haulers, LLC Preferred, Bachelor’s Water Valley, MS and Mental Requirements: •23+ Health Experience years of age •2 years Required •Outreach driving experience Coordinator/Trainer •no more than - Bachelor’s Degree 2 violations on or Experience in license. All dry Mental Health/ van freight, no Training Submit touch. Home base Resumes: kclinton@ in North MS- Be oxfordcommunicare. home weekly!401-K, com Health/Dental/Vision

Faulkner Flats Apartments 662-234-1801 2998 Old Taylor Road Oxford, MS 38655 NOW LEASING FOR 2020 www.liveatfaulkner flats.com Lexington Pointe Apartments 662-281-0402 2000 Lexington Pointe Dr, Oxford, MS 38655 NOW LEASING FOR 2020 www.liveatlexington pointeapts.com Allied Universal Security Services Employment Opportunities in Oxford FULL AND PART TIME POSITIONS ALL SHIFTS AVAILABLE Competitive starting salary Security Experience Preferred NC Driver’s License required $500 sign on bonus after 90 days of employment Visit www.AUS. com/search-jobs for additional employment opportunities

OxfordMag.com 75

76 September/October 2021

Oxford Magazine Sept Oct 2021

Articles inside

A doctor delivers a home for family and for blooms