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EDITORIAL
Alyssa Schnugg
Ian Sparks
CONTRIBUTORS
Wayne Andrews
Allyson Duckworth
Julie Mabus
DESIGN
Victoria Hutton
EDITOR
Amelia Ott
MARKETING
Joseph Climer
ADMINISTRATION
Rebecca Alexander, Publisher
Luke Westphal, Audience Development
Wayne Andrews, Contributor
Wayne is the Director of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council. He has been an Oxonian for fifteen years and is passionate about promoting Mississippi artists and creative entrepreneurs. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Mary Margaret, cooking, music, and exploring his adopted state.
Allyson Duckworth, Contributor
Allyson Duckworth is a graduate of the University of Mississippi and a lifelong resident of Mississippi. She owns interior design firm Pearly Peacock Design in Oxford. She draws inspiration for design from her world travels.
Julie Mabus, Contributor
A native of Jackson, Mississippi, and graduate of Ole Miss, Julie went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Finance from Columbia University. She served as First Lady of the State of Mississippi from 1988-1992 and spent two years in Saudi Arabia, often challenging the strict rules imposed on women. She now resides in Oxford, where she tutors finance and accounting. She recently wrote her first book, “Confessions of a Southern Beauty Queen,” to universal acclaim.
DDearest Readers,
As the leaves begin to turn and the air takes on that crisp, invigorating quality of fall, we find ourselves reflecting on change and new beginnings. This season invites us to embrace transformation, not just in nature but in our lives and community as well.
In a town as rich in spirit and diversity as Oxford, it’s only fitting that we shine a spotlight on the remarkable individuals who are shaping our future. These young leaders, innovators, and trailblazers deserve recognition for their hard work, dedication, and the positive impact they have on our community.
In this spirit, we are thrilled to unveil our annual “Top 20 Under 40” feature. Each year, we spotlight a diverse group of remarkable individuals who are making significant strides in their fields, shaping our world in innovative and inspiring ways. From entrepreneurs to artists, activists to educators, these young leaders remind us of the power of passion and determination.
Each story in this issue showcases not just achievements but the heart and vision that drive these remarkable individuals. Their journeys remind us that passion and purpose can lead to transformative impact, and we hope their stories inspire you to pursue your own aspirations.
As we embrace the spirit of fall, let’s celebrate the potential within our community and the incredible talent that surrounds us. Here’s to the innovators, dreamers, and change-makers—may we all find the courage to forge our paths.
Wishing you a season full of inspiration,
amelia.ott@oxfordeagle.com
Dr. Sam Gilbert Top 20 Under 40
Photo by Bill Dabney Design by Victoria Hutton
WHAT TO DO IN OXFORD
Three Blind Wines:
Red Wine Edition
The Powerhouse October 1 | 6-8pm
The California Honeydrops
The Lyric October 2 | 8pm
Theo Lawrence
With Nik Parr
Proud Larry’s October 2 | 9pm
Sam Barber
The Lyric October 3 | 8pm
Slaughter Beach, Dog
With Rich Ruth
Proud Larry’s October 4 | 9pm
Square Jam
Oxford Square October 6 l 6:30pm
Hotel Fiction
With The Golden Teacher Society
Proud Larry’s October 9 | 9pm
49 Winchester The Lyric October 10 | 8pm
Captain Midnight Band
Proud Larry’s October 11 | 8pm
UM Wind Ensemble Concert Gertrude Ford Center October 10 l 7:30pm
Peter Mulvey: Listening Room Event
Exploradora Coffee October 13 l 6pm
Oxford On Skates
Old Armory Pavilion October 13 l 3:30pm-5pm
Chamber of Commerce
Golf Classic Country Club of Oxford October 14 l 9am
City of Oxford
Trunk or Treat Oxford Conference Center October 17 l 5-7pm
Our Planet Live: Life On Our Planet With Dan Tapster Gertrude Ford Center October 17 l 7:30pm
Voctave Gertrude Ford Center October 19 l 7:30pm
A Night Of Comedy
Proud Larry’s October 19 l 9pm
Lee Bains
Proud Larry’s October 23 l 7pm
Dear Evan Hansen Gertrude Ford Center October 24 l 7:30pm
Wyatt Flores
The Lyric October 24 | 8pm
Square Jam Session
Oxford Square October 25 l 5-9pm
George Porter Jr. & The Runnin’ Pardners
Proud Larry’s October 25 l 9pm
Blue Mountain
Proud Larry’s October 26 l 9:30pm
Forgotten Space
Proud Larry’s October 27 l 5pm
Three Blind Wines: Red Wine Edition
OCTOBER 1 | THE POWERHOUSE | 6-8PM
Join us for a fall-themed 3 Blind Wines, a night full of wine tasting, door prizes, and more! Team Tickets: $45 for nonmembers, $40 for members.
HOW IT
WORKS:
Step 1: Find a team member - your spouse, your bestie, random person off the street - we don’t care! 1 ticket per team of 2!
Step 2: Select three bottles of the same wine from one of the participating liquor stores. Two of the bottles of wine are set out for the tasting with the labels covered, and the third bottle of wine is reserved as part of the prize for the winner.
Step 3: Come taste the wines! Everyone gets to sample all the wines, voting for their favorite wine of the night. The team that receives the most votes wins all the other team’s third bottles. Winners could go home with a cellar full of free wine!
Purchased wines can be left at the participating liquor store for delivery. Participating stores include:
• High Cotton Warehouse
• Campus Wine & Spirits
• Vine at Chicory Market
• Social Wine & Whiskey House
• Magnolia Wine & Spirits
PACK THE VAUGHT
OCTOBER 26
Ole Miss Football vs. Oklahoma
Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS | 11:00 a.m.
NOVEMBER 9
Ole Miss Football vs. Georgia
Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS | 2:30 p.m.
NOVEMBER 26
Ole Miss Football vs. Mississippi State
Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS | 2:30 p.m.
SCHOOL & SPORTS
BY ALYSSA SCHNUGG
PHOTOS BY BRUCE NEWMAN
NNestled on 150 scenic acres off Highway 6 East, near Lafayette Springs, lies North Grove Equestrian Park, a haven for horse enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
Founded in 2019 by David Misenhelter, who brings a unique blend of experience from his day job with the Oxford Police Department and his passion for horses, North Grove is more than just a riding facility—it’s a community.
Misenhelter’s journey into the equestrian world started serendipitously through his job at OPD back in 2009. With a wealth of formal education and training, heavily influenced by British equestrian traditions, Misenhelter was quickly drawn to the sport of eventing. Eventing is an equestrian competition that combines dressage, crosscountry, and show jumping.
“It’s a thrilling sport,” he said. “There are opportunities at every level, and it’s a lot of fun.”
At North Grove, there’s a strong focus on creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
“Whether you’re a complete beginner or an aspiring competitor, there’s a place for you here,” Misenhelter said.
WHETHER YOU’RE A COMPLETE BEGINNER OR AN ASPIRING COMPETITOR, THERE’S A PLACE FOR YOU HERE
The park offers a progressive curriculum with flexible plans, including a riding academy that caters to everyone, from juniors to adults.
Lessons are available six days a week, with packages that range from one ride per week to more intensive programs for those looking to advance quickly.
The park boasts 15 horses, including lesson horses, training horses and personal boarded mounts.
“We started small in 2019, without a full string of horses to teach on,” Misenhelter recalls. “But over the years, we’ve developed our horses and our training programs. Now, we have a nice, safe string of horses that people can learn on.”
North Grove also hosts various events and shows, from local competitions to major outings to Kentucky and Aiken, reflecting its commitment to providing diverse opportunities for its riders.
“We have schooling shows with dressage,
eventing, combined test, and show jumping classes a few times a year,” says Misenhelter. “And our facility is open for schooling most days, with all the necessary equipment available on site.”
North Grove has successfully developed horses from being unstarted to reaching competitive levels, achieving notable successes in dressage and show jumping.
For those considering stabling options while attending the University of Mississippi, North Grove is a popular choice.
“Parents considering Ole Miss for their kids often come check out the barn first,” Misenhelter said. “They want to make sure it’s a good fit, and often, their decision to send their kids to Ole Miss is influenced by the opportunities they have here.”
Whether you’re six or sixty, North Grove Equestrian Park is more than just a place to ride—it’s a place to grow, learn, and be part of a vibrant community.
For more information, visit: https://www.northgrovepark.com.
HOME & GARDEN
Echoes of Little Bohemia:
A Journey Through Oxford’s Historic Heart
BY ALLYSON DUCKWORTH
PHOTOS BY DIANE BOND
OOne of the most charming aspects of Oxford, Mississippi, is the area surrounding the beloved “Square.” This district feels like something out of a Dickens Village, with each home proudly showcasing its individuality. It’s a setting that could easily inspire the next best-selling novel, right down to the fascinating people who live there. For me, my morning walks through this historic district are a treasured ritual. I stroll past picturesque homes and towering trees, making my way to the Ole Miss campus and back around the Square. It’s a spiritual and calming journey that I believe everyone should experience if they ever find themselves in Oxford, Mississippi.
Ray and Kathryn Hill are what I call “the lucky ones” who have lived in this quaint area since 2006. Their story began in the late ’90s when they met at Ole Miss Law School. Kathryn, the oldest of four children, was raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi, deep in the Delta. She attended Ole Miss for her undergraduate studies before pursuing her law degree. Ray, originally from Starkville, Mississippi, found his way to “God’s country” to attend the University of Mississippi Law School.
After graduating, Kathryn wanted to stay close to her family, and Oxford, with its charm and close-knit community, was the perfect fit. Both she and Ray joined local law firms in Oxford, moving through different neighborhoods as their careers and family grew. They dreamed of building their perfect home in the Grand Oaks neighborhood, and Kathryn had meticulously planned every detail with the help of a Memphis-based architect. However, a mix-up during the design process meant that the house they had been working on was designed for the wrong lot, forcing them to start over. LUCKY MIX UP!
At that time, Ray was training for a marathon, and his running routes took him through the streets surrounding the Square— an area not yet designated as a historic district. On one of his runs, he came across a house built in the early 1900s at 512 North 14th Street. The moment he saw it, he knew it was where they were meant to be. Thus began their journey in this now historic neighborhood, a place that had long attracted artists, writers, musicians, and people who, like them, appreciated culture and history. Kathryn, a musician herself, had affectionately called the area “Little Bohemia” during her college days, long before the real estate boom made it one of the most sought-after places to live in Mississippi and the South. When they closed on the house, Kathryn knew it was where she and her family were meant to be. “The neighbors are like family,” she says, capturing the essence of this tight-knit
community.
When Ray and Kathryn purchased the house, it needed significant rehabilitation. The previous owner, Andree Walker, had been the sole caretaker from 1988-2006. A master gardener, she had cultivated a garden that drew admirers from all around. Kathryn said they still have plants that grow and are interesting throughout the yard. Ray and Kathryn took the home down to the studs, with Kathryn recalling how you could see the backyard from the front door during the renovation process. The house was not well insulated, so they brought it up to modern standards, all while preserving its historic integrity. For example, they replaced the roof but kept the original flooring, ensuring that the home’s history was not lost in the process. The bathrooms still have the original clawfoot tubs but modernized to today’s standards.
Ray and Kathryn have a deep love for New Orleans, Louisiana, and its architecture. While on a work trip to the Big Easy, Ray took countless photos and did extensive research, drawing inspiration for their home renovation from the city’s iconic designs. They also relied heavily on Sherry Pace’s book, Victorian Houses of Mississippi, as a guide throughout the process.
Although they replaced the windows during the renovation, they kept the original windows, transoms, and doors in storage, intending to use them in future projects. These precious pieces are safely stored in a detached garage on the property, waiting for the next owner to continue the home’s legacy. The lot is generous, offering plenty of space for future expansions, such as a pool or an addition to the main house—plans that Ray and Kathryn had envisioned but never realized due to the demands of raising their two sons. Jack Hill is now a sophomore at Davidson College, his fathers alma mater in North Carolina, and Max Hill is
finishing his senior year at Oxford High School. As they prepare for the next chapter of their lives, Ray and Kathryn are ready to pass this piece of history on to new owners. “I want the next family to love this house as much as we have,” Kathryn says, a sentiment that reflects the deep connection they have to the home and the neighborhood. She said, “this will always be home for me.”
The streets near the Oxford Square offer a lifestyle. It is a place where history, culture, and community come together in a way that is rare to find; a place where the past and present coexist beautifully. With easy access to the Ole Miss campus, local shops, and the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Oxford, life here is both peaceful and invigorating. This home on North 14th Street is unique and is a part of this historic and welcoming community. With its blend of original features and modern updates, it’s a place to comfortably appreciate the beauty of its
Ray and Kathryn’s story is just one of many in the Square, and it’s a testament to the love and care that goes into preserving these historic homes.
Joe Young: A Southern Artist Rooted in Community and Creativity
BY WAYNE ANDREWS
JJoe Young’s artistic journey is deeply intertwined with the landscapes, characters, and culture of the Mississippi Delta. Originally from Charleston, Mississippi, in Tallahatchie County, Young’s early life was marked by a profound interest in art and music, though opportunities for creative expression were limited in his school years. It wasn’t until high school that art began to play a significant role in his life, ultimately influencing his decision to become an art teacher—a path that would allow him to nurture the same creative spark in others that had been ignited in him. Young’s formal education in art began at Northwest Community College, where he was profoundly influenced by his teacher, Lane Tutor. He later transferred to Delta State University, double majoring in Art Education and Ceramics/Painting, and graduating in 2005. His time at Delta State, under the mentorship of Ky Johnston, solidified his commitment to both creating art and teaching it.
While pursuing his studies, Young worked at Madidi, a restaurant in Clarksdale, from 2003 to 2012. This experience, though seemingly unrelated to his art career, had a lasting impact on him. Being surrounded by art and meeting creatives from various backgrounds enriched his
perspective and deepened his connection to the community. It was during this time that Young developed a love for the people he served, a sentiment that would later become a cornerstone of his work.
In 2008, Young opened Lambfish Art Co. in downtown Clarksdale, a studio named after a sawmill, Lamb-Fish Lumber Co., in his hometown. The studio, built on the site of his grandfather’s cafe, became more than just a workspace; it was a hub for community, collaboration, and creativity. Young was intentional about providing a platform for artists and musicians who might otherwise be overlooked, ensuring that Lambfish Art Co. was a space where diverse voices could be heard.
Throughout his career, Young has worn many hats—teacher, artist, and community advocate. He took a break from full-time teaching to work at the Shack Up Inn, travel, and showcase his work internationally in Australia and Canada. However, the classroom eventually called him back, and today he teaches high school students at Lee Academy and elementary students at St. Elizabeth in Clarksdale. Young sees his role as a teacher as an opportunity to give the next generation of artists the opportunities he wished he had growing up.
Though he closed his downtown studio in 2020, Young continues to create from his home studio in Clarksdale and on his farm in Tallahatchie County. He also grows produce for the local farmers market and restaurants, further embedding himself in the community he loves. Married to his wife, Hannah, with whom he has a young son, Noah, Young’s life is a testament to the power of staying rooted in one’s community. Joe Young’s work is deeply inspired by the Southern landscapes and the people who inhabit them. His connection to Clarksdale and the Delta is palpable in every piece he creates. While he once thought he needed to leave the region to find inspiration, he has come to realize that everything he sought was right where he started. Today, Young hopes to inspire future creatives to see the richness of the Delta and to build their lives and careers in this vibrant region, just as he has done.
Kira Cummings: Mississippi’s Influence on a Multi-Medium Artist
BY WAYNE ANDREWS
KKira Cummings, a multi-medium artist whose talents span painting, pyrography, photography, videography, graphic design, and animation, embodies the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Mississippi in her work. A graduate of Jackson State University with a Fine Arts degree and a Minor in Graphic Design, Cummings has carved out a unique space for herself in the art world. Her membership in the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi for pyrography further solidifies her status as a master of her craft.
Cummings’ role as the Creative Director for The Works allows her to bring her artistic vision to a broad audience. She creates video and animation for musicians, interview programs, and corporate promotions, while also producing live events. Her work is deeply influenced by the place she calls home— Mississippi, a state with a complex history, vibrant culture, and an enduring connection to the arts.
Living in Mississippi, Cummings is constantly surrounded by a blend of natural beauty, Southern traditions, and a strong sense of community. These elements are reflected in her art, whether it’s the intricate patterns she burns into wood in her pyrography or the narrative-driven videos she produces. The
Find Joey Young: SQUARE-FACEBOOK @lambfishart
Images by Sneaker Boxx Photography
One
of the most valuable aspects of being in a community is the opportunity to share my work and reflect on the work of others.
Engaging with other artists allows me to see different perspectives, which can inspire new ideas and approaches in my own work. Sharing my art with others and receiving their feedback helps me to refine my practice and grow as an artist. It’s a cycle of giving and receiving that enriches the creative experience.
Kayla Cummings
landscapes, the people, and the stories of Mississippi are woven into the fabric of her work, giving it a sense of authenticity and depth that resonates with viewers.
Mississippi’s influence is particularly evident in Cummings’ approach to her craft. The state’s history of resilience and creativity amidst adversity informs her artistic process. Her work often explores themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the passage of time, all of which are deeply tied to the Mississippi experience. Cummings’ ability to capture the essence of her surroundings in her art makes her a powerful storyteller, using her skills across various mediums to communicate the soul of the South.
For Cummings, living and working in Mississippi is not just a backdrop for her art—it’s an integral part of her creative identity. The state’s rich artistic tradition and the vibrant community of artists around her have provided her with both inspiration and support. As she continues to evolve as an artist, Kira Cummings remains deeply connected to her roots, drawing from the wellspring of Mississippi’s culture to create art that is both innovative and reflective of the world around her.
Through her work, Cummings offers a window into the unique blend of history, culture, and creativity that defines Mississippi. Her art is a testament to the power of place, showing how the environment in which an artist lives and works can profoundly shape their creative output. In every piece she creates, Cummings captures a piece of Mississippi, sharing its stories with the world.
ARTS & CULTURE
The ‘Extra Burden of Honesty’
Greg Iles talks about health, family, politics and his new novel, Southern Man’ — his last in the series?
BY TOM MAYER
MMark Twain’s authorial axiom, “write what you know,” was written for Mississippi author Greg Iles. In the vein of life imitating art, there is no more clear connection than Iles’s Penn Cage series of novels. The author has long noted that Penn is modeled after himself, Penn’s father, a doctor, after his own and so on throughout the literary family.
But after dropping a revelatory letter about his health to his readers earlier in the year, the author’s connection between literature and life have, in “Southern Man” (William Morrow), become even more personal — even as the series becomes more entrenched in a fictional realm that takes readers on a journey that began in 1999 with “The Quiet Game.”
The author tells us this himself: “You might be interested to know that as I wrote ‘Southern Man,’ the connection that always existed between Penn Cage and myself became even deeper, to the point that Penn took on my own secret struggle with mortality, along with the existential and political themes of this novel,” Iles writes in that letter.
But there is more. Not only has Iles crafted an intricately written behemoth of a book — the
novel comes in at 950- plus pages — he advances Twain’s aphorism to include not only “write what you know” but “write what you predict you will know.” While no easy feat for any author, for a novelist to devise a contemporary and prescient political thriller within those standards that carries water at the time of publication is a masterstroke from a master writer. This is Greg Iles and that work is “Southern Man.”
About two weeks before the May 28 publication of Iles’s seventh full-length Penn Cage novel, the author graciously agreed to an interview about his new work, his health and the state of our nation — among other things. And as you’ll read, those things include not only more than one reference to other literary heavyweights, but the rock band Rock Bottom Remainders, a new addition to the Iles’s family, the question of another Penn Cage novel and the current state of Iles’s mental outlook — and for a hint on that, note that he named his abbreviated book events for “Southern Man” the “NOT YET DEAD Tour!”
Because his health prevented a one-on-one interview, Iles responded in writing to my questions. The following interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Tom Mayer: “Southern Man” is your most expansive, encompassing and engrossing Penn Cage story to date, but more, it’s eerily prophetic in terms of today’s political climate. You’ve said the novel was years in the writing, but
you nail the impending presidential election season as if you wrote the book a month ago. Did things actually play out pretty much as you expected post-2020, or were you surprised by anything? Or to ask in another way, how much furious additions/deletions to the writing were there on the homestretch?
Greg Iles: You definitely nailed the panic of the last six weeks before I let go of this manuscript. Making political predictions in such a short timeframe is a very dangerous game, with the potential to look very stupid if you go far wrong. Also, I had basically doubled the pressure on myself by doing something I’d never done before in my career, which was to throw away an entire first draft after two years of work and start again. I usually publish my first drafts, primarily because of my secret illness, which I believe we’re going to get into later. Let me say upfront that I’m a proud Southerner in many ways. But I am not a Trump supporter. So, between my health crisis and trying to thread a fictional narrative into the unprecedented political reality we’ve all been living through, this has been the toughest book I’ve ever had to complete.
TM: Not every author has had the compunction, integrity and courage to write about the contemporary issues that need to be written about. But you’ve never shied away from saying what needs to be said, whether in one of your stand-
Literary enthusiasts and fans of Mississippi author, Greg Iles, gather at Cathead Distillery in Jackson, Mississippi,Tuesday, May 28, 2024, to hear Iles read from his new book,‘Southern Man.’ (Thomas Howard, Meridian Star)
alones, or certainly not in the seven Penn Cage novels. James Lee Burke is a kindred spirit in this way, but I’m seeing others who already claim a seat on that national stage. Fellow Mississippian John Grisham has been building his case on the death penalty and imprisonment for years, and his upcoming book, “Framed,” will be a case in point. And Don Winslow, who has announced his retirement from writing to attend to his passion, political activism, certainly made his views clear in his Danny Ryan trilogy. Would you comment on all of this?
GI: I think you’ve made a good list of writers who’ve shown courage during a period where there is a lot of resistance to brutal honesty on the page. In my opinion, James Lee Burke did a wonderful job of cross-racial narration in his recent “Flags on the Bayou,” and I was very gratified to see him win the Edgar for Best Novel for that work. I did the same thing in small portions of “Southern Man,” but
I also stopped myself from overstepping the boundary in important ways, I think. No matter how well we know our native South or the people in it, there are some things we simply cannot know without experiencing them ourselves. For this reason, I also took a pretty hard shot at William Styron, a Southern writer who was revered when I came through college, but who I think committed some of the worst literary sins of projection, etc. in his “The Confessions of Nat Turner.” John Grisham gave me a great blurb the other day, and he was brave even in doing that, saying that in “Southern Man” I had taken “an unflinching look at the frightening rise of fascism and Trumpism.” John has always been a great advocate for many causes. I have always tried to be fearless, if not reckless, when dealing with the themes of my various novels. Not everybody appreciates that, but my favorite readers certainly do.
TM: Back to prophecy: The idea of a
third-party candidate rising from the ashes of social media, aka Bobby White in “Southern Man,” is one that millions of Americans wish would happen today. I say the “idea” here because, without pushing out any spoilers, we can say that a player such as Bobby wouldn’t be, perhaps, our first choice. But was the idea of a supersized-H. Ross Perot one that you believed (believe) a viable alternative to our current choices?
GI: I’ll tell you, Tom, without giving too many spoilers, I look at Bobby White as a sort of Rorschach on the character of each reader. I have a pretty strong belief that if Robert E. Lee White were to appear on the ticket tomorrow, he might easily take this election by a double- digit percentage. As for political prediction, I think the award for that, unquestionably, goes to my bandmate [of the Rock Bottom Remainders] Stephen King for the creation of Greg Stillson in “The Dead Zone” decades ago.
TM: Along dissimilar lines ... Penn has always been a champion of the people. I mean, look what he did in going head-to-head with the likes of billionaire Charles Dufort — and by the way, you do a great job with this and other exposition in either reminding consistent readers or informing those new to the series of the extensive backstories the series has evolved — but does it take the likes of a Penn Cage with his street smarts, education, contacts and resources to stand up to a political bully? That is, what can the average Joe or Jane do to fight the good fight?
GI: One, realize what is truly at stake in this unique election year. Two, vote accordingly, regardless of one’s political affiliation. Given the impending loss of white demographic power in America, we were always going to be facing a sort of “last white hope” of somehow maintaining white power in the face of that change. But what has been revealed since 2016 has
truly stunned me, which is that tens of millions of Americans are willing to give up democracy and betray the Constitution in order to maintain that power. I don’t think they fully grasp what the consequences of that could be if whichever authoritarian leader seizes power were not on their side.
As for the hypothetical part of your question, it’s an inflexible principle of drama that one’s antagonist must be at least as strong as one’s protagonist, and I often prefer that the antagonist be the stronger of the two.
Usually, they are, if only by their willingness to break any rule or law in order to win. So, does it take a sort of superhuman character to defeat a Bobby White? On the page it does. In the real world, thankfully, it only takes an election — if the participants agree to honor its outcome.
TM: Speaking of the good fight, Penn Cage’s adult daughter in the series, Annie, is really coming into her own as a civil rights attorney. If
“Southern Man” were a movie — which it is no doubt destined to be — she’d be a scene stealer every time. The relationship is built on tragedy, but there’s an enviable father-daughter dynamic at work here, especially as they join forces to fight an almost pure evil in this new novel. Only one other contemporary author I’m aware of — Michael Connelly in his continuing Bosch series — comes close. I’m wondering, what are the writing roots of the Penn and Annie relationship?
GI: Like so many aspects of the Cage family, as they’ve evolved in what’s become this long-running series, Annie has her roots in reality. My own daughter, who is 30 years old, is now practicing law in Jackson, Mississippi, and some of the cases she has already worked are pretty horrific. I worry a lot about the things she has seen and the dangers she could face doing that kind of work. But it certainly gives me a very clear and intimate lens through which to view crime in
Mississippi. So much of the earlier Cage stuff I experienced through my father, the inspiration for Tom Cage. But he’s been dead 14 years now, so new sources of accurate insight are most welcome.
TM: On the topic of relationships … also enviable is the connection you have with your readers. Earlier this year, you wrote a letter about your illness. You’ve kept that quiet for a long time, but now you’ve not only addressed the elephant in the room, you’ve fed it a bag of peanuts and took it for a ride. Not every author is so forthcoming about his or her private life — a well-known author I once interviewed about a memoir he co-wrote with his brother reminded me he “only shows the reader what he wants them to see” — but you expand on this in spades in “Southern Man.” First, how difficult was the decision to give Penn (and his mother, Peggy) a similar, incurable blood cancer diagnosis? And, two, you’ve written that by the time “Southern Man” is published (May 28) you will have had a stem cell transplant. If you’re willing to share, I know that millions of us readers really care to know how you’re doing?
GI: Actually, Tom, I had to watch my mother die of multiple myeloma — the same cancer I have — while I was writing the initial draft of this book. Ironically, I was diagnosed more than 20 years (with the same disease) before she was, an almost unheard-of situation with what has always been classified as an incurable cancer.
Thankfully, Mom passed on before we realized that my own myeloma had “switched on” and nearly killed me before we understood what was happening. These events were so enormous in the lives of our family that I doubt I could have kept them out of this epic novel, which might be the end of the Cage saga. Penn has always been partly based on me, and that, I think, placed an extra burden of honesty on me as a writer. It was that, along with the present political danger, that prompted me to do something that few series writers ever do, which is to age their protagonist realistically on the page and make him or her truly mortal. Only this allowed me to leap 15 years ahead of where the Natchez Burning Trilogy ended and force Penn to confront the same lethal challenge that I am in my own life.
TM: Thank you for sharing that honesty, Greg. One piece of great news recently was the announcement that you would give a reading — not a signing — May 28 at Cathead Distillery in Jackson, Mississippi, and then at a couple of
venues after that. I’ve no doubt that, given the timing of your health situation, that was no easy commitment to make. What did doing this first book launch event mean to you?
GI: It meant a great deal, Tom, in many ways. Just over two years ago, I confronted a serious dilemma upon being “re-diagnosed.” The oncologists were ready to transplant me as soon as they could, but I was bent on finishing “Southern Man” before enduring that procedure and the risks that come with it. I estimated that I could finish the book in six to eight weeks, but in the end it took more than two years. And all that time I was taking chemotherapy to keep my cancer under control. That has undoubtedly made it more difficult to get me into a position where we’re ready for harvest and transplant.
Was that worth it? There’s probably no way to know. The launch party at Cathead represents stepping out of the hermit-like isolation it always takes me to finish one of these big books. Seeing a lot of Mississippi readers and friends from the book industry was a wonderful experience. (As was the) freezing shot of Cathead vodka. But I will not be doing my usual extensive tour, so this also marks the end of my battle to finish this book and the new one against my cancer. I’d call that a big day.
TM: Let me finish with this, then. It seemed another “big day” was something you captured on video, with your brother, of your
unboxing of the finished copy of “Southern Man.” You look like a kid on Christmas in your post at https:// www.facebook.com/ GregIlesAuthor/.
Last question, what does the publication of this novel mean to you and to your career?
GI: Well, this is my 18th novel, Tom. If you had asked me back when I was writing “Spandau Phoenix” in 1990 how many books I would write or get to publish, I’d never have said 18. So to reach this point, having been diagnosed with myeloma — considered a death sentence at the time — while writing my third novel, it’s pretty amazing. I think that explains the excitement people saw in me and my brother the other night. One thing my illness has taught us is just how many people are caught up in the same kind of battle that we are; many of them with fewer allies or resources than we have. But I think none of us has any greater resource than the will to survive. We’re doing all we can over at the Iles house to maintain some sense of normalcy, despite extraordinary circumstances. The best thing, believe it or not, is that my wife and I have a brand new daughter who is not quite 3 months old, and she is sleeping right here beside me while I answer your questions. In the same way that you asked what we can do to battle great danger or evil, I think we must do all we can in the face of severe illness and possible death. We cling to life, and put all our energy in that direction. As Steve wrote in the novella that became “The Shawshank Redemption”: “Get busy livin’, or get busy dyin’.”
Framed
By John Grisham
In his first work of nonfiction since The Innocent Man, #1 bestselling author John Grisham and Centurion Ministries Founder Jim McCloskey share ten harrowing true stories of wrongful convictions. Impeccably researched and grippingly told, Framed offers an inside look at the injustice faced by the victims of the United States criminal justice system.
Book Picks
All the Things We Didn’t Say
By Marion Barnwell and Mary
DuBose Trice Clark
In this poignant and introspective dual memoir, Mississippi native Marion Garrard Barnwell embarks on a deeply personal journey.
By Wright Thompson
A shocking and revelatory account of the murder of Emmett Till that lays bare how forces from around the world converged on the Mississippi Delta in the long lead-up to the crime, and how the truth was erased for so long.
Small Town Living
By Erin Austen Abbott
Water Valley resident Erin Austen Abbott’s latest book is a stunning photographic ode to country stores, main streets, and the inspiring creatives who have embraced life outside the city center - from the wilds of rural Maine, via the plains of Texas, the villages of the Hudson Valley, and the breathtaking seascapes of the Pacific Northwest, all the way to Oxford, Mississippi.
When Mississippi Schooled America in Baseball
By James R Crockett
The years 2021 and 2022 were good ones for baseball in Mississippi. This book, by a life-long baseball fan and a lover of all things Mississippi, gives all the details on those wins and is a must for any baseball fan.
A Little Crazy
By David Magee
Following the success of his memoir about the loss of his son, Dear William, Oxford native David Magee returns with A Little Crazy - a powerful call to action to embrace differences and create a life unbound by stigma and stereotypes, leading to redeeming purpose and joy.
The Barn
Record Picks
Recommendations from The End Of All Music
Allegra Krieger Art of the Unseen Infinity Machine (Double Double Whammy)
Our Record of the Month Club pick for September! Allegra’s music is full of strong narratives, and story-like songs. It’s not folk music, but its roots seem to be in folk stylings. Her voice draws you in, makes you listen... It’s like reading a great book with your ears.
Neil Young Archival Releases: Early Daze and Archives Vol. III
Neil’s vault is jam packed with killer stuff, and luckily Neil seems open to letting us hear all of it. The Neil Young Archives has been releasing records at a steady clip for years now, and we’ve yet to tire of them. The two latest titles cover the very early days of Crazy Horse in the studio, while “Archives Vol. III” covers Neil’s prolific period from 1976-1987. Keep ‘em coming!
MJ Lenderman Manning Fireworks (ANTI-)
Lenderman’s first album on major label, ANTI- Records, is one of his best yet. His songs recall Drag City artists--Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy and David Berman’s Silver Jews. There’s a literary quality to the songs, and the guitar is delightfully sloppy and twangy while also being deadly precise. Lenderman fits right in with the grit lit of Larry Brown and Barry Hannah.
Grateful Dead Duke ‘78 (Vinyl Box Set)
The Grateful Dead continues its spelunking of live shows from the massive Dead vault. The latest release is a full-show from Duke University recorded in 1978. The mid-to-late 1970’s is some of the best live Dead there is, and this box set is no exception. The packaging is beautiful too, making this an excellent holiday gift. Also, 1978 is the same year the Grateful Dead would play in Jackson, MS at the Memorial Coliseum... were you there?!
WEEZER Blue Album (30th Anniversary Edition)
We’ve been pulling on sweater threads for 30 years now, and we’re still not tired of it! Weezer’s debut album dropped in 1994 and took the world over. Now, 30 years later, the album is still making waves... We’re goin’ surfin’ with the new reissue pressed on splatter vinyl and available only at independent record shops like The End of All Music. Out November 1st.
ARTS & CULTURE
THE LAND THROUGH CHARLIE BUCKLEY’S EYES
BY JULIE MAYBUS
PHOTOS BY BRUCE NEWMAN
OOften, Oxford feels like a giant treehouse. Situated in the southern foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the town’s land and surrounding areas rise and fall like undecided ocean currents. A drive down one street can be flat and nondescript. But take a turn, and suddenly, houses sit on hilltops with breathtaking views of small forests or creek gulleys below.
When I turned off a rather mundane part of County Road 217, just east of Oxford, onto North Deer Run Road, I sensed I had slipped down my own rabbit hole into a verdant wonderland of secret hiding places. The home of Charlie Buckley and family sat tucked away in those surroundings, perfect for an artist who loves painting landscapes. Charlie greeted me at the end of his driveway and swept me through the lush surroundings into his studio.
Charlie and his older brother Andrew were born to Tom and Marjorie Buckley while the family lived in Dallas, Texas. Marjorie is an Oxford native with a music teaching degree from Millsaps College. Her journey to marriage, Dallas, and motherhood began with her call to the ministry. Raised a Methodist, Marjorie attended the SMU Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, where she met her Nebraska-native husband. They married a year later, and the pair began a career as co-pastoring Methodist ministers.
In 1989, when the boys were seven and nine, the Mississippi Methodist Conference offered the couple a joint pastoring opportunity in Newton, Mississippi. The family made the move.
Charlie got very animated as he spoke of Newton. “My happy and overwhelming memory of Newton was
Dotty Armstrong. She lived down the street from us in a pink Victorian house with a big bicycle attached to the exterior wall. And she had a swimming pool.” So often, in the life of an artist, a person outside the family is instrumental in shaping the student’s love and talent for the discipline. Dotty taught art at the elementary school, and once a week, starting in the second grade, Charlie walked down the street to that pink house and plied his little seven-year-old art talents through watercolors, arts and crafts, and woodworking in Mr. Armstrong’s home
After six years in Newton, the Buckleys accepted a co-pastoring opportunity at an Olive Branch church. The city was closer to Marjorie’s parents, Doris and Bo Murry, in Oxford, and the nearby city of Memphis could expose the boys to broader cultural resources.
The Olive Branch middle school had no art classes, but Charlie found ways to keep creating on his own. Once in high school, Charlie’s art teacher, John Chapman, became another great mentor to this dedicated art student. Charlie
finished his senior year in 2000, taking high school honors when he graduated. Charlie announced his decision to major in art at Ole Miss.
In the fall of 2000, he embraced his first year of college with a seriousness and determination to excel. Without a doubt, Ole Miss has a reputation as a party school. But Charlie chose to forego rush and the fraternity life. He saw it as a distraction from his academic goals. But that is not to say his social life suffered. Charlie and Amber Nichols met in high school at Olive Branch but didn’t date then. Serendipity reunited the couple through dorm roommates their freshman year; a romance blossomed, and they married after college graduation.
Charlie’s path through the University was extraordinary. He graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. In addition, he was awarded the Taylor Medal, the University of Mississippi’s highest academic award given to less than 1% of the student body each year.
After graduation, now married, the demand for real-world responsibilities lifted its head for the
couple. It was time to face and test the economic power of his artistic gift.
Amber had a three-year commitment to teach in Holly Springs, so the couple stayed in Oxford for that period. Without intention, Charlie was drawn into portrait painting. “I don’t think portraits are my strength, but people came to me for commission work. This period was also when I started painting landscapes and architectural scenes. It was the most consequential time in my life and proved I could make a living from art.”
After Amber completed her three years in Holly Springs, Charlie accepted a full scholarship to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, to complete a master’s in fine arts.
“My time immediately after college when I was working as a full-time artist and my time in graduate school in Ohio were very formative. That was the first five years of our marriage. We were
broke, idealistic, and working our butts off to build our lives. We believed in each other’s dreams. Those five years were the bedrock of this life.”
With his MFA completed, the couple moved to Tupelo, where Amber took a position teaching high school AP English, and Charlie taught art at Mississippi State, routinely making the hour commute between Tupelo and Starkville. Charlie offered, “I enjoyed teaching in the studio,” but the bureaucratic demands were somewhat off-putting. “I couldn’t stand the meetings, the grading, and the emails.” Charlie wanted to paint.
Ironically, Charlie later interviewed for a teaching position in Chicago. “I bombed the interview. It was a blessing because I really did not want to teach.”
While in Tupelo, Charlie kept up his landscapes. “I loved painting delta soybean fields, especially with standing water after floods. Word got around
about my work, and several local businesses commissioned pieces for their offices. By then, he was also regularly showing at Southside Gallery in Oxford and Gallery 119 in Jackson.
As demands for his work grew, Charlie faced a turning point in his career. “That was a real struggle, trying to figure out the right decision--safety in a long-term, stable job--or striking out on my own, again, painting full time. Once I made the choice, I never looked back.
His gallery opportunities flourished. He was asked to show in Nashville and Little Rock. Gradually, a new genre evolved from his multi-dimensional subject matter--cityscapes--grand and diverse paintings encompassing the heart and soul of an urban area.
Charlie’s brother, Andrew, who lives in Atlanta, used his social media platforms to highlight Charlie’s work— and the word spread. The CREATE
Foundation in Tupelo, started by George and Anna McLean in 1972, was one of his first collages. In it, Charlie layered portraits of its founders and cultural and architectural aspects of the city of Tupelo to portray an artistic story of the foundation’s impact.
Clients are lining up for their piece of his genius, his cityscapes--he calls
them “stacks.” Blair Batson Hospital, First Commercial Bank, and the City of Gulfport are just a few of his clients.
“These projects require a lot of research time. You can’t just start painting. I have to get a feel for the client’s expectations, the history, the architecture before I even begin the sketching. I’m primarily focused on
telling a specific Mississippi narrative, and I want to make sure each painting tells its piece of our story as accurately and artistically as possible. Plus, they are big, really big.”
Charlie’s newest project is 13 feet wide by 4.5 feet tall. After he finishes the design steps, the painting will take about six weeks. It’s a secret
WE WERE BROKE, IDEALISTIC, AND WORKING OUR BUTTS OFF TO BUILD OUR LIVES. WE BELIEVED IN EACH OTHER’S DREAMS. THOSE FIVE YEARS WERE THE BEDROCK OF THIS LIFE.
commission, so we will have to wait to know the genesis of the piece.
This success couldn’t be happening to a nicer family. Charlie and Amber have a thirteen-yearold. Emers is a musician who plays with the Oxford middle school band.
Marjorie shared another story about her son. “Charlie is close with his money. Getting him to buy a house in Oxford took a miracle.” That’s just about what happened. Three years ago, a local pastor and Charlie’s close friend told him about this property in his neighborhood. The owners and the Buckleys struck a deal.
I called it a verdant wonderland. Charlie described it as a neighborhood commune. Same thing. “We all live together as a big family in this stunning, tucked-away space.” For this artist with an eye for his environs, his creations seem to rise and tumble forth like the foothills of this Appalachian terrain.
20 TOP UNDER
DR.SAM GILBERT
University
of Mississippi; Clinical Assistant Professor
Educational Background
Ph.D. in Elementary Education from the University of Mississippi; M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Mississippi; B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Mississippi
What inspired you to take your career path?
I never had any doubts about pursuing a career in education. It was not a matter of choosing a career path, but rather following my passion. However, what I did not expect was to continue my education and obtain a Ph.D in Elementary Education. This was a possibility that I had not considered until I met two influential mentors. Dr. Jerilou Moore was the professor I worked with as a graduate assistant during my master’s program. She was the one who first planted the seed of pursuing a doctoral
degree. Dr. Moore introduced me to the academic world and the opportunities that education could provide. She illustrated how rewarding it was to conduct research, build relationships with students, and contribute to the knowledge base of the field. In addition to Dr. Moore, another mentor who played a crucial role in pursing my Ph.D. was Dr. Jim Payne. He challenged me to think critically, creatively, and independently. Dr. Payne believed in my potential and provided invaluable advice throughout my Ph.D. journey.
What is the favorite part of your work day?
Being in the classroom teaching is the highlight of my work day. I enjoy building relationships and engaging with my students while supporting them in their education journey. I am deeply committed to facilitating the growth and development of teacher education candidates while motivating them to achieve their fullest potential. My goal is for students to leave the School of Education feeling confident and prepared in all aspects of their teaching.
Volunteer/Community/Civic Engagement
I am actively involved in the local community and currently serve as the Education and Scholarship Committee Chairman for the Junior Auxiliary of Oxford, MS, along with the Reading Pals Project Chair.
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
I have an encouraging, supportive family that means the world to me. My husband has a heart of gold, and we are blessed with three wonderful children. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be parents, and it is by far my greatest blessing. Our children keep us busy, but in all of our spare time, we love hanging out with friends and family and cheering on the Rebels! Hotty Toddy!
Bill Dabney Photography
COURTNEY HEMPHILL
The University of Mississippi; Program Manager for The Office of Confidential Advocacy, Support and Education
Educational Background
I am originally from Dyersburg, Tennessee. I am a 2004 graduate of Dyersburg High School and attended Dyersburg State Community College before transferring to the University of Tennessee at Martin. I received my Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with a Concentration in Child and Family Studies from the University of Tennessee at Martin
What inspired you to take your career path?
I always knew I wanted to be in a profession to advocate, support and encourage others. Throughout my career, I have provided case management services to many individuals ranging from infants to adults. I have a passion for advocating for others and know the importance of having someone in your corner when facing a crisis. I am so thankful for the opportunity to work for the University of Mississippi and carry out my passion for helping others on a college campus.
What is the favorite part of your work day?
My favorite part of my workday is meeting with students on campus. I hope that every student feels heard, supported and knows they are never alone when they leave my office.
Volunteer/Community/Civic Engagement
Before moving to Oxford in 2020, I served the community by directing and teaching Vacation Bible School at my home church. I have also served as a member of J’Cettes of Obion County Tennessee where I was chosen as Outstanding New Member. I served as secretary of that organization and helped with Chimes for Charity. Since relocating to Oxford, I have been happy to volunteer with Vacation Bible School at a local church.
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
My husband, Blake, and I are happy to call Oxford our home! We love cheering on our Ole Miss sports teams and make no other plans on home game weekends! We love to travel, all things Disney and our sweet doodles, Murphy, Minnie and Max!
Bill Dabney Photography
Hemphill PROGRAM MANAGER FOR DEAN OF STUDENTS
dr. sam gilbert CLINICAL ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF TEACHER EDUCATION
Celebrating Excellence
These two University of Mississippi staff members demonstrate an exceptional commitment to inspiring a lasting impact across our campus, community, and beyond. Congratulations Cortney Hemphill and Dr. Sam Gilbert on being awarded Top 20 Under 40.
olemiss.edu
Cortney
Educational Background
Graduated Highschool in 2003 from Casady School in Oklahoma City, OK. Graduated from The University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, AL in 2007 with a degree in Apparel & Textiles emphasing in Fashion Retail and General Business. (The official degree title is B.S. in Human Environmental Sciences - Major: Apparel & Textiles Concentration: Fashion Retail Minor: General Business)
What inspired you to take your career path?
My very first job was working as a Sales Associate at a high-end clothing store, Balliet’s. After my first day, I knew I found the perfect career for my business brain and creative side. I knew I wanted to own a store one day, so I went to Alabama to study Fashion Retail. I spent a semester in Italy to study fashion design and fabrics. After graduation I spent several years as an account executive in wholesale sales for Loro Piana. I have also served and store manager for several different stores along the way. In 2021, the time felt right and I had enough experience to open my own store.
What is the favorite part of your work day?
I absolutely love helping a customer. You will see me on the sales floor almost everyday. There is no better feeling than helping someone find the perfect outfit that makes them feel great and helps them feel confident. Whether they are going on a date, interviewing for a promotion, or just need something fresh. The conversations and relationships with my customers are my favorite part of my day. I also have a BLAST with my sales team. I couldn’t do any of this without them.
Volunteer/Community/Civic Engagement
Since Spring or 2021 I have been an adjunct instructor in the IMC department at Ole Miss. I teach Fashion Merchandising.
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
I am somewhat of a sports junkie - especially Ole Miss. I almost played basketball in college. I hope that one or both of my boys (Woods (7) & Hayes (3) let me coach them one day.
KATE NEWMAN
Style Assembly; Owner
Bruce Newman Photography
ELIZABETH PETTIT BRYANT
Educational Background
B.S. in Horticulture, concentration in Floral Design from Mississippi State
What inspired you to take your career path?
Growing up my father being a landscaper pushed me towards Horticulture. My freshman year I took a Basics to Introduction of Floral Design class and I fell in love. My senior year I interned with Oxford Floral and just fell in love with the shop and the people there.
What is the favorite part of your work day?
I love all of the different events, weddings and parties we get to help with in town. Getting to see a client’s reactions to a completed vision and the camaraderie of our team as we pull together keep me coming back everyday.
Volunteer/Community/Civic Engagement
I am a member of St John’s Catholic Church and have just joined JA of Oxford
Oxford Floral; Lead Florist
Bruce Newman Photography
Educational Background
Kelly obtained her BA in English from the University of Mississippi 2008.
What inspired you to take your career path?
I have worked in the food industry since 2009 and have always had a passion for the industry. I began making cheese as a hobby in 2018 and set up a makeshift aging room in my basement. After going to an intensive Cheesemaking bootcamp in Vermont I decided to turn my hobby into a business. I opened JHC in December 2020 in the height of the pandemic but the Oxford community really embraced my vision.
What is the favorite part of your work day?
My family and I have been a part of the LOU community since 2014 and we love living here. Getting to own a business and be a part of the community continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of my day. It’s always fun to hear about people that have fell in love with our cheeses and even shared with loved ones when they visit. To be able to show our customers exactly where the cheese is aging and letting them be a part of the whole process has been a lot of fun!
Volunteer/Community/Civic Engagement
We are always excited to be a part of local charitable events whether it be donating our products or time. We have been involved with United Way, the Lafayette Literacy Council and the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council. Of course, as big Ole Miss fans we are also members of the Grove Collective!
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
The model of our business is very unique. These days, Cheesemaking is much more industrialized, which is so disjointed from how the artistic process began. Cheesemaking started in small villages as a way to utilize surplus milk, feed families and sometimes make a little extra money. I was so inspired by the early cheesemakers, who were often women, and to be able to create a small batch creamery has been a true labor of love.
Bill Dabney Photography
KELLY JEFFUS
Johnston Hill Creamery; Owner
CARRIE WHITE
Educational Background
Miami Univeristy (of Ohio) Class of 2019. Bachelors of Science in Chemistry and Minors in Dance and Arts Management
What inspired you to take your career path?
After college I worked in both the chemical field as well as the medical software engineer field. When we moved to Mississippi I wanted to explore a career path that I was more emotionally connected to: one that included the arts. The arts have always been a passion of mine, specifically dance and theatre. I had previously viewed my career as separate from what I at the time considered a hobby in the arts. Through my work at the Mississippi Presenters Network I have been able to assist arts presenters increase their
capacity and professional development skills, therefore increasing and preserving the artistic opportunities and culture that exist across the state. I have expanded my nonprofit work to include a variety of community organizations including Theatre Oxford and Special Olympics. I also choreograph musicals in the Oxford community as well as teach dance at Oxford Academy of Dance Arts to continue my love for dance and theatre.
What is the favorite part of your work day?
My favorite part of the work day is hearing back from granting organizations that a presenter we have assisted has been awarded a grant to increase their capacity. I also have the best coworkers and enjoy assisting members of the Oxford community with their unique needs throughout the day.
Volunteer/Community/Civic Engagement
Outside of the Mississippi Presenters Network, I am also involved with the Area 4 Special Olympics as Sponsorship and Public Relations Coordinator. This season, Oxford will host Area 4 blowling, basketball, and track and field games. I am also the Production Manager for Theatre Oxford’s production season. TO puts on 4 main stage productions per year. I also cheorgraph the Oxford Middle School Musical. As a former 8th grade math teacher at OMS, I enjoy continuing to work with the students. I also teach ballet, tap, and musical theatre at Oxford Academy of Dance Arts to both children and adults. I also have participated in the last two Community Productions at the Ford Center: The Music Man and Oklahoma.
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
After college I moved to Saint Thomas in the USVI for two years where I met my husband Barry White. We moved to Oxford from Saint Thomas during the pandemic. We were blessed with our first baby boy, Reed, this July.
Mississippi Presenters Network; Program Coordinator
Bruce Newman Photography
Educational Background
I was born in Nashville, TN, but practically, I was only there the first 72 hours of being born. While my mother was in her final trimester, my dad traveled up and down Interstate 40 from Nashville to Oxford, working on opening up his first-ever restaurant, El Charro, on Jackson Avenue. I was raised here in Oxford, MS, where I attended the Oxford School District. Upon graduating from Oxford High School, I attended Northwest Community College, followed by L’ecole Culinaire in Memphis, TN. This expanded my knowledge of the gastronomy side of running a business. Of course, they aren’t teaching you how to make queso and salsa, but they are measuring every cubed carrot!
What inspired you to take your career path?
Being a second-generation restauranteur, it seemed like the natural path to take. My parents, being from a small town in Jalisco, made this legacy my siblings and I wish to continue. It is an honor to continue expanding their name in the Oxford community as they successfully did throughout Tennessee and Mississippi.
What is the favorite part of your work day?
From being at old El Charro as a kid to Casa Mexicana in 2015 to the new El Charro, I have only seen one thing: hard work! However, the most critical aspect of any business, in my opinion, is to have a good work dynamic. While I spend most of the hours of my day at the restaurant, my wife is holding the fort down back at home; kudos to her. Having a healthy, well-rounded environment around you is vital, from work
RAMIRO MUNOZ JR
to home. Our staff becomes like family, and we take each one from server to back of the house as one of our own. Our favorite part at the end of the night is the “debrief,” where we talk about
how our shift was, personal life stories, and, most importantly, share laughs. I honestly always look forward to what we call the closing time dynamic — there’s just nothing like it.
El Charro Cocina & Cantina; Partner
Bruce Newman Photography
Educational Background
Oxford High School graduate; Certifications specific to fiber optics.
What inspired you to take your career path?
I’ve always enjoyed troubleshooting and solving complex problems. I never really knew what route I wanted to take early on. In a previous job, I opted into fiber optics training and certification, and it was something that really clicked with me. As I have grown in the field, I have been more and more intrigued by fiber and enjoy learning how ever changing and important technology is for us.
What is the favorite part of your work day?
I enjoy working with fiber optics and the role it plays in today’s communication. I learn something new everyday. Working at NESparc allows me to serve my community daily by using both my technical skills and my skills in customer service. I love interacting with people in Oxford and the surrounding communities by helping to solve their technical issues.
Volunteer/Community/Civic Engagement
I have volunteered with Oxford Park Commission to help coach both soccer and baseball for my two sons.
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
I am thankful to have grown up in this amazing town and community. I enjoy being able to continue to live in Oxford with my wife (Rachael), while raising our two children (Grady & Logan) and giving back to this same community that poured into me.
NESparc; Fiber Tech Supervisor
MATT DURHAM
Educational Background
HOLLY GRISSINGER TUBBS
City of Oxford; Payroll & Benefits Manager
What is the favorite part of your work day?
My coworkers and learning! In HR no two days are the same so I am constantly learning new things and on the move. The City has 19 departments and over 500 employees so I love getting to go out to the departments and matching faces with names and getting to know my coworkers and seeing what all they do.
Volunteer/Community/Civic Engagement
Project: LEAD - Class of 2022 ; Active volunteer for CASA; Volunteer help with the City hosted events like Trunk or Treat and the Annual Christmas Parade; Help former students with Résumé’s and mock interviews - A mentor for women who are diagnosed with cancer. - I enjoy looking for ways to help the community and have ideas that I hope to put into action in the near future!
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
I graduated from Oxford High School in 2011. I received my Bachelors of Accountancy from The University of Mississippi in 2015.
What inspired you to take your career path?
My family. I am the oldest child and grandchild on both sides of my family. In general, the oldest siblings are typically the ones who “set the standard” and “lead the pack”, along with those things I had the privilege of teaching my sister & cousins new things, give them advice, and watch them grow into who they are today. My parents inspired me from a young age demonstrating the importance of hard work and helping others. For as long as I can remember I knew that I wanted a career where I could help others and make a difference. I am blessed to be able to serve my coworkers and the LOU community that I have called home for 32 years.
Before the City, I taught Financial Courses at South Panola High School in Batesville. I loved my “kids” and teaching them about topics that they would use the rest of their life. I had to take a leave of absence in 2020 after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Thankfully I had my now husband, our two dogs (Sterling & Lucy), my family, friends, and people from all over praying for me. The last few years have taught me a lot but most importantly to enjoy everyday and do what makes you happy. For me-- that’s the beach, random adventures, concerts, trying/ learning new things. I am honored to be chosen as one of the 20 under 40. It is remarkable the changes that I have seen in Oxford over the last 5 years and I am excited to see what the future holds
Bruce Newman Photography
JOHN “BO” PRINCE III
Educational Background
Graduated Lafayette County High School C/O 2003, Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer Training Academy 2008.
What inspired you to take your career path?
Growing up I have always wanted to help people. I have also had family in Law Enforcement that helped lead me on my career path.
What is the favorite part of your work day?
The best part of my day is making a difference to someone who is in a time of need. Does not matter if it’s unlocking a car, or helping someone involved in an accident.
Volunteer/Community/Civic Engagement
I am a member of the O.D.Smith No. 33 Masonic Lodge, and the Oxford Shrine Club.
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
I am a Lafayette County resident who has been married to my wonderful wife Anne-Minter Prince for almost 10 years. I am also the father to two girls who I strive to set a positive example for.
Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department; Deputy
Bill Dabney Photography
Educational Background
Graduated in 2018 with a Bachelors of Business Administration, double majoring in Managerial Finance and Real Estate from the University of Mississippi
What inspired you to take your career path?
I credit my parents and grandparents for instilling in me a great work ethic and passion to help others. I’ve had great mentors so far in my career that have helped shape the individual I am today
What is the favorite part of your work day?
My favorite part of the day is getting to witness happiness from clients after being able to provide them with an ideal solution to complex situations.
Volunteer/Community/Civic Engagement Fundraising Committee for the Tailgate for Palmer Foundation
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
It has been amazing being born and raised in Oxford, MS and seeing the growth of the town. There are tons of young professionals who are working hard to make Oxford one of the top cities to live in and I am grateful to be apart of the 2024 class of 20 Under 40.
PITTMAN PHILLIPS
Live Oak Merchant Partners; Investment Associate - Crye-Leike Oxford; Realtor
Bill Dabney Photography
Educational Background
I graduated from Oxford High School in 2017 and then went onto attend The University of Mississippi where I majored in Public Policy Leadership and Minored in Political Science. While there I was lucky enough to be accepted into the Trent Lott Leadership Institute where I was able to gain invaluable leadership skills that are still with me to this day.
What inspired you to take your career path?
I’ve always had a passion for real estate. As a child, I would ride around Holly Springs with my grandmother, who was a real estate agent. She knew every detail about every house, and the way she treated her clients with kindness and warmth truly inspired me. I wanted to grow up to be just like her. I was also fortunate to have a father and uncle in real estate development, which gave me the chance to witness the transformation of raw land into buildings—whether homes or shopping centers. It was fascinating to see something emerge from nothing. In college, I worked for Hughes Brown, a local real estate law firm, where I spent three years learning the ins and outs of the real estate legal process. This experience reinforced my desire to follow in my grandmother’s footsteps, so on March 1, 2023, I began my real estate sales journey with Cannon Cleary McGraw. It has been an incredible experience ever since.
ZACH CALLICUTT
What is the favorite part of your work day?
My favorite part of the workday depends on the role I’m playing. I’m proud to be the youngest listing agent in Oxford’s history for a development project, “The Cottages at Oxford Farms,” which takes up a significant part of my day. I love working closely with the developer and building team, going over logistics, and making decisions on what will work best. But I also love showing the homes to potential buyers. I might be biased, but The Cottages are my favorite homes in Oxford. They’re truly breathtaking, and I enjoy seeing clients’ reactions when they walk through the door and experience their beauty for the first time.
Volunteer/Community/Civic Engagement
I’m fortunate to serve as a key volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America, a program that had a profound impact on my life as a child. It completely changed me for the better, and I love giving back to something that has given me so much. Currently, I serve as the district finance chairman, where I’m responsible for fundraising and ensuring we raise enough money to help send underprivileged kids to camp. It’s one of the most rewarding roles I have. There’s no better feeling than giving back.
Cannon, Cleary, & McGraw; Associate Broker
Bruce Newman Photography
KEVIN PARKER
Oxford Police Department; Captain
Educational Background
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Mississippi.
What inspired you to take your career path?
I wanted to be involved in a hard working and well respected career where I could have a positive effect on the community I grew up in. Oxford Police Department has given me the opportunity to better my community, my family, and myself.
What is the favorite part of your work day?
My favorite part of the work day are the people I work with. Every day I look forward to the interactions I have with my coworkers and the public. I enjoy the conversations and hearing people’s stories and making
connections with them as well as being on calls with patrol officers.
Volunteer/Community/Civic Engagement
When I’m not working at OPD, I work for my father, Johnny Parker (Parker Electric & Plumbing). I also serve as the assistant coach for my son’s baseball team, the Oxford Gorillas.
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
I’m a proud husband to Margo Parker, who is a kindergarten teacher at LLES, and a proud father to John Ace (10) and Amelia (5). I am very appreciative to represent Oxford Police Department in this award, and I am proud of where I work and the city I live in.
What inspired you to take your career path?
From a young age, I have always aspired to be a mentor and role model for young people, especially young men. Since joining the Boys and Girls Club in the summer of 2019, I can’t imagine working anywhere else. My experience at the Club has taught me that the true value of this work isn’t in the salary but in the meaningful relationships we build with the youth. These supportive connections extend beyond the club, as I engage with their extracurricular activities— whether it’s football, baseball, basketball, or dance. Seeing their faces light up when you show up to support them is truly rewarding and memorable for them. Over time, I’ve gained many “nieces” and “nephews” at the clubhouse, and I’m affectionately known as “Uncle Shaq.”My time with this organization has opened doors and provided opportunities that I needed. I am deeply grateful to be a part of this organization and look forward to many more years ahead.
What is the favorite part of your work day? My favorite part of the workday is being the first face the kids see as they arrive at the club. I enjoy asking them about their day and what’s one thing they could have done to make it even better. I love hearing them greet me with “Hey, Mr. Shaq, how are you?” or getting compliments on my Friday outfits, like “Oh, Mr. Shaq, you look fresh today!”
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
Outside of my role at the club as Mr. Shaq, I’m also known as Chef Shaq. I run my own catering business called “The Sugar Shack,” which I’ve been operating for the past eight years. The Sugar Shack specializes in a variety of cuisines, with brunch being my personal favorite. I cater to events such as private dinners, weddings, and birthday parties. My passion for cooking started as a young boy working at my grandpa’s deli in Como, where I learned to fry chicken and fish at an early age. Starting my business has been a source of joy and fulfillment for me. I’ve built a loyal client base and had the opportunity to work in many significant venues, for which I am truly grateful.
SHAQUILLE BUTLER
Boys & Girls Club of North Mississippi; Membership Coordinator
Bill Dabney Photography
Educational Background
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from University of Mississippi, Bachelor of Nursing from UMMC.
What inspired you to take your career path?
IGrowing up, I had the privilege of volunteering in a special education classroom during middle school, an experience that profoundly impacted me. Working with the incredible children in that setting opened my eyes to the challenges they face and the immense strength they possess. It was during this time that I realized I wanted to dedicate my life to making a difference in the lives of children with special needs. My journey toward nursing became even more personal when I became a parent to a special needs child. This experience not only deepened my understanding of the unique challenges these families face but also fueled my passion for advocacy. I wanted to be the nurse who provided the same support, compassion, and guidance that my family received during our own journey. I envisioned being a voice for other children and their parents, ensuring they felt heard and empowered in their healthcare experiences.
What is the favorite part of your work day?l
I get to help children make progress and improve their lives every day. Watching them achieve milestones, no matter how small, fills me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Volunteer/community/civic engagement
Junior Auxiliary of Oxford (The Pinnacle Oxford with Crown Club, CASA, Lafayette Schools liaison, among other wonderful projects through JA), Night to Shine, I speak to pre-nursing students at the University of Mississippi each year to answer any questions they have and help know what to expect in the nursing field. I speak to Ole Miss students who are in the school of education special education career path from a parent perspective, have mentored/met with/tutored a number of nursing students to help them be successful.
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
I have been married for 17 years to my husband, Dr. Andrew Bilbo, and we have four children (Luke, Preston, Mack, Scarlett). Without Andrew supporting my dream and encouraging me along the way going back to nursing school as a mom of four would not have possible.
AMANDA BILBO
Lafayette Pediatric Extended Care; Administrator
Bruce Newman Photography
Educational Background
PhD in Asian Studies (Korea focus) and Museology (UT Austin); M.A. in Geography (KU); B.S. in Geography (BYU)
What inspired you to take your career path?
Being in nature and working with trees has always been a part of my life, since early childhood. Bonsai came into the picture when we were newlyweds; my wife worked in a greenhouse, and I picked up bonsai as a hobby to spend more time with her. The more I delved into the fascinating discipline of bonsai the more interested I became in making it my primary occupation, as well as a method of meditation and artistic expression. A dozen years of study and one apprenticeship later, those dreams started taking shape. Komorebi bonsai is growing quickly, and we couldn’t be happier!
What is the favorite part of your work day?
The early morning hours watering and pruning trees as the sun comes up is the best. But really, there’s no aspect of bonsai that I don’t enjoy. After 15 years, I haven’t found something that takes the fun out of Bonsai.
Volunteer/Community/Civic Engagement
I coach two of my daughters’ OPC soccer teams, volunteer for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in service ministry, youth programs, and teaching capacities, and organized and participate in monthly meetings and annual shows for the Magnolia State Bonsai Club (MSBC).
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
I have an amazing wife Lauren and four fantastic children, 9 and under. The kids love to collect moss, water the trees, and are beginning to learn wiring and styling techniques. Komorebi Bonsai isn’t just about tiny trees; there are so many aspects to tree artistry - I even style specimen landscape trees - and I love talking about it with anyone and everyone.
ZACH ADAMZ
Komorebi Bonsai; Owner & Lead Artist
Bill Dabney Photography
Educational Background
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Mississippi and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Reformed Theological Seminary. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified TeleMental Health Therapist
What inspired you to take your career path?
I always wanted a career where I helped others. When I started college I thought this was only by going into the traditional medical field. As I got older I realized so many people are hurting emotionally which does affect the physical as well. I wanted to be small ray of hope for helping people through hard times and learning ways to heal. I found balancing psychology and my personal faith equipped me best for this so I pursued a career in counseling.
What is the favorite part of your work day?
My favorite part of my work day is probably when I first arrive to the office. Even the small things like turning on the lamps and coffee set the tone for our welcoming environment in our offices. I want people to feel comfortable and safe when they arrive. I also love the anticipation of all the wonderful people I am going to work with that day.
Volunteer/Community/Civic Engagement
I served around 8 years on the LOU Mental Health Alliance Leadership team in Oxford. I enjoy volunteering in as many capacities as possible at our school, Regents. I enjoy serving in the Women’s and Children’s Ministry at my church, Christ Pres. I also enjoy offering training, workshops and seminars for organizations on mental health related topics. In the time I have left, I really thrive on being a sports mom and using my organizational skills to help out!
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
I am very honored to be nominated and selected for this award. I feel very passionate about the work I do and bringing help to others and am proud of my business and career path. But my proudest accomplishments are in being a wife and a mom to two great kids! I think women can do it all and it’s important to set the example of how you can balance career and family.
Mitchell, McNutt & Sams, PA ; Real Estate Paralegal
Volunteer/Community/Civic Engagement
Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources.
What inspired you to take your career path?
After graduating from Oxford High School, I was fortunate to start working part time at the U.S. Attorney’s Office while attending the University of Mississippi. During my time at the U.S. Attorney’s Office is where I became interested in the legal field.
What is the favorite part of your work day?
My favorite part of my workday can change daily, as I work with such a varied group of clients, from first time homebuyers to corporate companies investing in our community. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the first time homebuyers makes all the hard work worth it.
I am a member of the Junior Auxiliary of Oxford, serving on many different project committees committed to serving the children of the LOU community. I am currently serving as the Co-Chair of the Junior Auxiliary of Oxford’s Crown Club. I have grown the Junior Auxiliary of Oxford’s Crown Club to not only give the members the opportunity to serve the LOU community, but to expand on personal development skills to prepare them for when they are out of High School. I am actively involved with Kappa Kappa Gamma at Ole Miss, serving as the Philanthropy Advisor for the chapter. I am a member of St. John’s Catholic Church.
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
When I am not working, I enjoy attending Ole Miss games, cooking, reading, and spending time with my two pups, Mamie and Oy.
Bruce Newman Photography
Educational Background
I was homeschooled until my junior year of highschool, and then attended Northwest Community College and received an AA in Business Administration - I then attended the University of Mississippi where I received Bachelors in Business with a focus in Marketing.
What inspired you to take your career path?
I started working at a bank as a teller my freshman year of college as a way to help pay for school, and after college continued to stay in banking as I really enjoyed getting to help people and the problem solving aspects of the career. I have now been in the financial industry for 16 years and still absolutely love my job.
What is the favorite part of your work day?
I love getting to help people accomplish their financial goals, whether that is starting a business, buying land or investment property, or navigating any aspect of their financial journey!
Volunteer/Community/Civic Engagement
I am a board member and on the finance committee for United Way, and I attend College Hill Presbyterian Church
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
I am very blessed by my Savior and King, Jesus. He has given me a kind and loving wife, Meg, and four amazing boys: Ben, Eli, Dave, and Luke. We have a farm house and garage gym out in the country - where we have weekly fitness throw downs with friends. Come on by!
CHASE BUCHANAN
Cadence Bank; Vice President & Commercial Lender
Bill Dabney Photography
COURTNEY PRUITT
Specialty
Orthopedic Group; Nurse Practitioner
Educational Background
Masters of Science in Nursing - Walden University; Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Certification - AANP
What inspired you to take your career path?
I was a registered nurse for five years and loved what I did, but wanted to deliver a higher level of patient care and help fill the gap in healthcare.
What is the favorite part of your work day?
My favorite part of my work day is working directly with patients and creating individualized treatment plans. Whether it’s an athlete wanting to get back on the field, someone wanting to get back in the gym, or a grandparent wanting to enjoy playing in the floor with their grandchildren, it is truly an honor to help improve a
patients quality of life and help them get back to doing what they love.
Volunteer/Community/Civic Engagement
I offer free preceptor hours for nurse practitioner students from different colleges so they can learn more about the orthopedic specialty. We also offer a free Saturday morning clinic for athletes around the community. It’s a chance to be seen quickly if injured during a sporting event without having to pay for the office visit.
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
It never feels like going to work because I love what I do. Thank you LOU community for voting me as Top 20 Under 40!
Bruce Newman Photography
Educational Background
I obtained my Bachelors Degree in Business with minors in legal studies and psychology from The University of Mississippi in May of 2023. I received my paralegal certification in July of 2023. I will be receiving my Masters of Legal Studies in Private Wealth Management in December of this year and then taking my Advanced Paralegal Certification course in January.
What inspired you to take your career path?
When I was younger I always wanted to be a forensic scientist, it wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school when I took a Business Law course that I decided Business Law was the career path I wanted to pursue. My ultimate goal is to gain corporate legal experience so I can give back to small communities when I am older by assisting small business in the legal aspects of creating enduring and expansive enterprises.
What is the favorite part of your work day?
My favorite part of the work day is any chance I get to spend with my legal team. They are always pushing me to be the best version of myself by facilitating my growth in the legal field. I am honored to be surrounded by a supportive team that teaches me something new every day.
Volunteer/Community/Civic Engagement
I have attended a few events through the YAC and intend on becoming an active member once I wrap up my education at the end of this year. I am excited to start giving back to the Oxford Community in every way I can.
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
I am a single mother of a one year old and a two year old. When I found out I was expecting at 20 years old, I was constantly asked if I planned to stop my education or if I still planned on pursuing a legal career. Although it seemed like I was facing the impossible from the outside world, I persevered and continued to strive for excellence so that my girls had the best role model they could have. They are my greatest accomplishments, my greatest motivators, and I will continue to strive for more because of them. I hope that I can inspire young mothers who also seem to be facing the impossibility to continue to chase their dreams and pursue their passions. This is just the beginning!
HEAL
Bruce Newman Photography
Fall Recipes
Apple Cider Margaritas
By Amy Brinkley
For rimming the glass:
» 1 tsp ground cinnamon
» 1 tbsp granulated sugar
» 1 lime wedge
» lime wheels, apple slices star anise, cinnamon stick, rosemary sprig to garnish
For the margaritas:
» 2 oz (₁⁄₄ cup) reposado tequila
» 8 oz (1 cup) apple cider
» 1 oz (2 tbsp) orange liqueur
» ₁⁄₂ oz (1 tbsp) lime juice
1. Stir together cinnamon and sugar on a small plate. Rub lime wedge around the rims of 2 glasses and dip in cinnamon and sugar mixture to coat the rims.
2. Fill the glasses with ice.
3. Pour tequila, apple cider, orange liqueur, and lime juice into a cocktail shaker with ice. Cover and shake vigorously
4. Strain into prepared glasses. Garnish, if desired.
Baked Brie in Puff Pastry, with Honey, Fig, and Prosciutto
By Mia Martinez
» 1 (8-12 oz) wheel of brie cheese
» 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
» 4-8 slizes thing prosciutto
» Coarse sugar, for sprinkling
» 1-2 tbsp honey
» 1-2 tbsp fig preserves
» Black pepper, to taste
» 1 egg, beaten
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Lay the thawed puff pastry flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the wheel of brie in the center of the pastry. Use a knife to score the top of the brie in a crosshatch pattern.
3. Spread the fig preserves over the top of the brie, then drizzle with honey. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of black pepper over the top.
4. Wrap the slices of prosciutto around the brie. Fold the corners of the puff pastry up and over the brie, covering it completely. Press to seal.
5. Brush the puff pastry with the beaten egg, making sure to coat it evenly. Lightly sprinkle the top with coarse sugar for a subtle sweetness and crunch.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is deep golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve warm with your favorite bread or crackers.
» 2 tbsp olive oil
» kosher salt
» ₁⁄₂ tbsp fennel seeds
» 1 onion, diced
» 1 fennel bulb, diced
» 4 cloves garlic, minced
» 2 tbsp tomato paste
» 1 cup white wine
» 1 qt chicken stock
» ₁⁄₂ cup heavy cream
» 1₁⁄₄ lbs bulk Italian sausage
» freshly cracked black pepper
» ₁⁄₂ tbsp crushed red pepper
» ₃⁄₄ lb carrots, peeled + sliced ₁⁄₄
» 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
» 2 large sprigs fresh oregano
» ₁⁄₂ lb cheese-filled tortellini
» 2 XL handfuls fresh spinach
» grated parmesan cheese
» toasted bread, for serving
1. Heat a large Dutch oven (or heavy-bottomed pot) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart into bite-sized chunks.
2. Cook the sausage for about 5-6 minutes, stirring often, or until browned on all sides and cooked through. Season with salt and black pepper. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate.
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add a little more olive oil to coat the pot if needed. Add the crushed red pepper, fennel seeds, onion, and fennel to the pot. Season again. Sauté for about 8 minutes until slightly caramelized. Add the carrots and garlic. Cook for another couple of minutes.
4. Stir in the tomato paste. Cook for a minute or so before pouring in the white wine. Allow the wine to simmer for a minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, and oregano sprigs. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce the heat to a medium-low, and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Add the browned sausage. Simmer for another 10 minutes. Remove the oregano sprigs.
6. Add the tortellini and cook for 2-3 minutes, or according to the package’s instructions. Stir in he cream to heat through. Add the spinach and let wilt. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with lots of grated parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
8. Serve with toasted bread alongside for dipping. Enjoy!
Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage & Spinach
By The Original Dish
BEST OF OXFORD 2024
August 23, 2024 at the Powerhouse
Photos by Bill Dabney
1. Rebecca Alexander, Matt McKenzie
2. Shana and Joe Gregory
3. Carmen Mattox, Pam Swain
4. Ana Miller, Jodi Rives, Amelia Ott
5. Mark and Jo-Shannon Hartnett, Jennifer Bolton
6. Michelle and Robert Alexander
7. Emma Williams, Aubrey Myers
8. Jonathan Kemp, Emily Suber, Stevi Self, Mary Soloman
9. Tony Halcin, Zach Callicutt, Dan Finan, Matthew Boulanger
10. Daniel Angel, Esmorelda Muñoz, Ramiro Muñoz, Allison Muñoz
11. Carson and Kate Boucek, Claire Farrar, Cooper Giles
12. Dr. Hank Sherman, Heather Martin, Jennifer Brown, Adam Stewart, Tyler Hunter, Ashley Reed
13. (Sseated, from left) Peyton White, Sophie Dalton, Layton Lawhead, Laken Schurb, (Standing, from left) Thomas Madson, J.T. Kellum, Ethan Caviness, Joe Peace
14. Helean Davis, William Greene
15. Taylor Daniel, Emily and Robert Gatlin, Kami Boyette
16. Anna Frances Thames, Allyson Duckworth, Nay Omori, Morgan Cannon, Jessica Swindle
17. Kelli Moore, Kara Barbee, Emily Teer, Ben Barbee, Sierra Ashe, Andrew Ashe
18. Brianna Vaughn, Alyssa Schnugg
19. Amelia Ott, Rebeccca Alexander
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