Bluffs & Bayous July/August 2023

for the love of a

FARMHOUSE

a look INSIDE social scenes 4

Brookhaven, MS

Engagement Party for Phillips and Baylot

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Brookhaven, MS

Sarah Bridge’s 40th Birthday Celebration

15 Fernwood, MS

JA of McComb Spring Luncheon

1 6 Magnolia, MS

Vietnam Veterans 50th Anniversary Day

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McComb, MS

Annual Festival of Flowers Show

favorites 31

Natchez, MS

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DAR National Defense Luncheon

Summertime When the Living is Easy-peasy

32 Natchez, MS

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Annual Natchez Ladies and Newcomers Club Spring Fling Cocktail Party

Adding Beauty with Ferns When Should I Give Powers of Attorney?

38 Natchez, MS

UMB Celebrates 50th Anniversary

42 Riches & Relics

James Shaidnagle Memorializes D’Evereux Hall Orphan Asylum and the Sacred Heart Brothers

40 Natchez, MS

White Linen Night on Commerce Street

46 Up & Coming

Miss-Lou events to pique your interest

Choctaw Hall Hosts Reception Honoring State and International Officials

Jeannette and Jay Nauta pause on the lawn of their newly remodeled farmhouse.

See article on pages 18-22.

Photo by Cheryl Rinehart

In the Garden

28 Legal Notes

26 Natchez, MS

cover

Something Scrumptious

52 Southern Sampler The Beckonings of Berry Season

features 18

For the Love of a Farmhouse

Southwest Mississippi couple restores a charming historic home in Amite County.

34 Intriguing and Vibrant ArtsNatchez Gallery Area artists share and maintain gallery space in downtown Natchez.

JULY-AUGUST 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 1

M AG A ZI N E

our team

225 John R. Junkin Drive Natchez, MS 39120 601.442.6847 bluffsmag@gmail.com bbupandcoming@gmail.com bluffsbayous.com

CHERYL FOGGO RINEHART Publisher/Editor/Sales

JEAN NOSSER BIGLANE Copy Editor

ERIN NORWOOD Design Director

KARI L. BLANEY Sales

SAM GWIN Contributor

DR. EDDIE SMITH Contributor

ALMA WOMACK Contributor

BILL PERKINS Photographer

from the PUBLISHER

Local artists, restorers, easy appetizers, and shade-loving ferns are the focus of our summer issue. July and August are the slower months to savor summer’s living in the moment, a sensory experience we share in our Features and Favorites. Herein, you will discover and applaud the efforts of Jeannette and Jay Nauta during their four-year restoration of an 1893 farmhouse along Highway 98 in Amite County, Mississippi. Their inspiring story is a delightful read.

Rediscovering the many local artists who show their works at ARTSNATCHEZ also will intrigue your interest, surely giving you ideas about adding to your own collections. The gallery in downtown Natchez, Mississippi, offers over 500 original pieces of art. Enjoying the ambience of this gallery of eclectic selections is educational as well as entertaining. Moreover, our Southern summer months provide the perfect time and temps to peruse the talents of these local artists in the cool and inviting gallery experience of ARTSNATCHEZ. For our palettes this season, we have collected some easy-peasy recipes for appetizers using fresh and locally grown ingredients for summer treats. Our collaborative efforts for this month’s Something Scrumptious yielded delicious results from

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LISA WHITTINGTON Photographer

Bluffs & Bayous is published monthly to promote the greater Southern area of Louisiana and Mississippi in an informative and positive manner. We welcome contributions of articles and photos; however, they will be subject to editing and availability of space and subject matter. Photographs, comments, questions, subscription requests and ad placement inquiries are invited! Return envelopes and postage must accompany all materials submitted if a return is requested.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Bluffs & Bayous are those of the authors or columnists and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement. Bluffs & Bayous strives to ensure the accuracy of our magazine’s contents. However, should inaccuracies or omissions occur, we do not assume responsibility.

a local cook and taste team—Blair Smith with Cate and Lillie Drane. These college students spent an evening preparing and staging for the magazine the Antipasto Skewers and the Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls. This was a fun project to engage the youthful energy, enthusiasm, and talents of these rising connoisseurs of cuisine.

In her Southern Sampler, Alma Womack, forever a favorite columnist, shares her summertime search for berries, the changing and challenging conditions of this search, and one particular saga of her efforts to ferret out these juicy treasures.

I remember in my own childhood scrambling up the hill in the wooded parts of my neighborhood, discovering the berries, picking and putting them in a bucket, and bringing them home as my praise-worthy feat in finding something delicious and free.

The harvest of local bounty is better than store-bought any day.

In this issue, you’ll also savor your read of Dr. Eddie Smith’s In the Garden article, “Adding Beauty with Ferns.” Summertime in the South always and forever is about embracing all the area’s lush greenery and surrounding your spaces with all things cool and green with, of course, colorful accents.

We trust that this issue of Bluffs & Bayous will be an enticing part of your experience as you enjoy the lingering, slow-paced lifestyle of summer along and beyond the Mississippi.

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JULY-AUGUST 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 3

social

THE SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

Engagement Party for Phillips and Baylot Celebrating the engagement of Flynn Phillips of Brookhaven, Mississippi, and Kale Baylot of Brandon, Mississippi, friends and family enjoyed an evening cocktail party in January 2023. The couple was married in New Orleans, Louisiana, early in June 2023. Photos

by Bill Perkins 1—Flynn Phillips and Kale Baylot 2—Gary Soignier, Ellie Henderson Phillips, and Ray and Julie Montalvo 3—Denise Thompson, Becky Green, and Nancy Fisher 4—Brooks Warren, Charles Dixon, Betty Dixon, and Dr. David Braden 5—Sydney James, Sophia Barnett, and Hannah Pounds Nations 6—Ellie Henderson Phillips, Tara Warren, and Robert Warren 7—Carol Smith, Andrea Beeson Waldrop, Daniel Beeson, Regina Beeson, and Paul Phillips 8—Doug Boykin and Dave Pace 9—Robert Becton, Holleman St. John, and Landyn Blakely 10—Andrew Culver, Keaton Halbert, and Penn Wilson 11—John Chrestia, Rick Taylor, and Barbara Davis 12—Paul Phillips and Sloane Smith 13—John Bryant Stewart and Maggie Rankin 14—Tripp and Kim Arnold 15—David Culpepper with Mark and Dorothy LeBlanc 16—Blake Paben, Matthew Tucker, and Tyler Kirby 17—Stephanie Smith, Ellie Phillips, and Betty Dixon

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THE SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

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Engagement Party for Phillips and Baylot (continued)

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18—Sarah Rice Halbert, Audrey Montalvo, Laurel Struss, Katie Grace Wycoff, and Cheyenne Smith 19—Clint and Katie Grace Wycoff 20—Charles and Betty Dixon, John Chrestia, and Rick Taylor 21—Linda Moak, John Chrestia, Rick Taylor, and Vicky Driskell 22—Holleman St. John, Sophia Barnett, and Landyn Blakely 23—Carlisle Henderson, Courtney Link, and Drew Link 24—Kevin Baylot, Kale Baylot, Flynn Phillips, and Tera Baylot 25—Flynn Phillips and Paul Phillips 26—Gary Soignier, Francis Brady, and Ellie Phillips 27—Stephanie Smith, Kay Boykin, and Jennifer Hudson 28—Mark Smith and Betty Ann Perkins 29—Dixie Fouche and Trey Fouche 30—Sarah Rice Halbert, Holleman St. John, Landyn Blakely, and Tiffany Shannon 31—Maggie Cupit-Link and Drew Link 32—Ellie Phillips, Gary Soignier, and Anne Atkinson Henderson

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JULY-AUGUST 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 5

social

THE SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

Engagement Party for Phillips and Baylot (continued) 33—Laurel Struss, Sarah Rice Warren, Katie Grace Wycoff, Paul Phillips, Flynn Phillips, Audrey Montalvo, and Cheyenne Smith 34—Anne Houston Craig, Flynn Phillips, and Maggie Cupit-Link 35—Anne Atkinson Henderson, Maggie Cupit Link, Courtney Link, and Paul Phillips 36—Sophia Barnett, Courtney Franck, Flynn Phillips, Holleman St. John, and Landyn Blakely 37—Denise Thompson and Stephanie Wilson 38—Flynn Phillips, Kale Baylot, and Maggie and Drew Link 39—Vicky Driskell, Danita Hobbs, and Mike Hudson

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JULY-AUGUST 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 7

something

scrumptious

Summertime When the Living is Easy-peasy Served at small gatherings, shared before main courses, or offered smallplates style as main meals, easy-peasy appetizers are perfect for summertime living! We love recipes touting summer’s fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables rounded out with a selection of our favorite meats like salami, bacon, and sausage. Some of these may become your favorites!

Antipasto Skewers These eclectic appetizers can be as creative as your selected ingredients. We'll suggest a few, but use what you can find.

The skewers can be long or cut in half for compact short-bites presentations. These also can be served as salads with grilled meats for a light summer supper.

12 fresh cherry tomatoes 12 mozzarella or bocconcini balls (marinated overnight in Italian dressing) 12 pieces marinated roasted red peppers (from jar or marinated and grilled) 12 pieces marinated artichokes 24 slices salami, or other Italian flavored meats 12 marinated olives, stuffed with blue cheese, garlic, or pimento, Kalamara olives, or black olives 24 fresh basil leaves or pieces Balsamic Reduction Sauce (See recipe below.)

Italian herbs 12 wooden skewers Marinated or roasted asparagus pieces, optional Layer the skewers with the above ingredients, place the skewers on a platter, sprinkle them with Italian herbs, and lightly drizzle with the Balsamic Reduction Sauce.

Balsamic Reduction Sauce Add 1 cup of balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until it thickens, stirring often so the vinegar does not burn. As the vinegar cools, it will also thicken.

Once the sauce has cooled, drizzle it over the skewers.

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something

Bacon Wrapped, Smoked-SalmonStuffed Sweet Peppers This fabulous appetizer is inspired by the Paleo diet. Salmon is a popular menu item, and popping pieces of salmon into small sweet peppers wrapped in bacon offers a surprise to your palate and a dash of color on your table. Easy and delicious, these soon disappear!

10 strips bacon 20 sweet peppers (2 packages) 1-2 packages smoked salmon (either regular or smoked) Paprika Preheat oven to 350˚. Cut bacon in half lengthwise and widthwise so you have 3 pieces of bacon per each strip. Cut peppers in half lengthwise; remove the excess seeds. How much salmon you use depends on how big or small the peppers are. For each pepper, take a small piece of smoked salmon, roll the salmon up, push it into the pepper, and then wrap a small piece of bacon around the sweet pepper. Tuck the sides of the bacon under each pepper to keep it in place as it bakes. Place all baconwrapped peppers on a parchmentpaper-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until bacon is crispy. Be careful not to let it burn.

A baking rack can be placed on top of the parchment paper to keep the drippings away from the cooking bacon. Let cool slightly before serving.

Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

scrumptious

Onion Soufflé Dip

This popular appetizer offers a bite-size, hardy, meat-andbread option. To this easy appetizer, we like to add a touch of seasoning (your choice) to the sausage and cheese mixture to give it a nice “bite.”

A staple among our recipes for appetizers, this dip is a hit when served. Watch your family members or guests devour this familiar, tried-and- true dip.

All you need are four simple ingredients plus a pretty, ovenproof dish plus Fritos (dip size) or your favorite crackers. Yummy!

8 ounces Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dough sheet 1/2 pound pork sausage (mild or spicy per your taste) 1/2 cup jalapeño cream cheese spread

3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese 1 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s preferred) 1 (10-ounce) package frozen diced onions, thawed

Heat oven to 375˚. Cook sausage in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes until brown.

Drain. Unroll dough and press into a 12 x 9-inch rectangle, firmly pressing any perforations to seal. Slice into 6 rows of 4 to make 24 squares. Place 1 pounded teaspoon of sausage in the center of each dough square.

Top with 1 teaspoon of cream cheese. Bring together the 4 corners of each dough square, overlapping slightly in center at the top of each bundle. Twist and pinch to seal, leaving small gaps between seams.

Place on an ungreased cookie sheet, and bake at 375˚ for 10-14 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool and dig in.

Soften cream cheese. Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Place mixture in a greased baking dish. Bake at 350˚until lightly browned on top, about 45-50 minutes.

Serve hot with Fritos or crackers of your choice.

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THE SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

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Sarah Bridge’s 40th Birthday Celebration

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A 40th birthday celebration was held for Sarah Bridge at Bett’s Eat Shop in downtown Brookhaven, Mississippi, on February 17, 2023. Friends and family gathered to celebrate her milestone birthday. Photos by Bill Perkins

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1— Sarah Bridge and Nick Bridge 2— Kaylin Rushing, Sarah Bridge, and Liana Bass 3— Kim Bridge, Cathy Bridge, Doug Boykins, and Tyler Bridge 4— Sally Ogden, Sarah Bridge, and John Ogden 5— Ron Donegan, Josh Iles, and Sharyl Donegan 6— Sarah Bridge, Sally Ogden, Charlie Bridge, and Nick Bridge 7— Sally Ogden and Adam Ogden 8— Jimbo and Mary Williams 9— Darrin and Suzanne Hirsh 10— Christy Lee, Kristi Bridge, and Lillie Bridge 11— Mary Williams,Tonya Bairfield, Suzanne Hirsch, and Carrie Garrett 12— Christy Lee, Sarah Bridge, and Paxton Lee 13— Reeves and Carrie Fernald 14— Sharyl Donegan, Tonya Bairfield, and Nick Bridge 15— Sarah Bridge, Bill Perkins, and Shelia McFadden

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JULY-AUGUST 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 11

in the

garden

Adding Beauty with Ferns ARTICLE | Dr. Eddie Smith PHOTOS | MSU Extension Service

I believe one of the easiest ways to add curb appeal to your home is to add beautiful ferns to the landscape.

Ferns can also be brought inside to add greenery to indoor spaces.

One of the best ways to highlight ferns is to plant them in hanging baskets or pots. Many varieties of ferns grow as a bush of green foliage, so lush that the fronds spill over the sides of the container. Raising this display up to eye level where it can be properly admired is one of the best ways to showcase its beauty.

Fern hanging baskets thrive in our Mississippi heat and humidity if they are kept in partial to full shade. They do best in filtered light although a little morning sun is permissible.

If ferns sound like something your house or yard needs, there are many different varieties to choose from. A really popular but classic fern is the Boston fern. Its gracefully arching, rich green branches are lush. You see these used all over the South in hanging baskets on front porches.

The Kimberly Queen fern, also known as the Sword fern for its lush, sword-shaped fronds, is gorgeous with both upright and sprawling growth habits. The leathery and toothed dark green foliage provides great texture. It also is a good choice for our hot and humid summers. The Kimberly Queen tolerates sun better than the Boston, and it can grow an enormous amount in a year. It also handles indoor conditions well for those who want to overwinter them.

Many gardeners don’t realize that, if it is planted in the ground, a Kimberly Queen has quite a bit of cold tolerance, frequently enabling it to return from ground level in the spring. Mulching, of course, is mandatory.

Living up to its name, the Macho fern is a big, brawny fern that sports bright green fronds with bold, broad leaves.

Before the name Macho became attached to this fern, it was most commonly called the broad sword fern. Growing up to three feet tall and wide, this plant makes a statement hanging on the porch. Despite their size potential, Macho ferns are commonly sold as large baskets that look great.

Feed ferns every month during spring and summer using a water-soluble fertilizer, and they will look great all season long. Indoors, ferns require very little fertilizer until you get ready to bring them outdoors in the spring.

Ferns do require frequent watering during the spring and summer. Give your ferns a good, deep soaking and then let them dry lightly before the next watering. Be careful not to overwater your ferns. More ferns are harmed from overwatering than underwatering.

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Boston | The arching branches of the Boston fern have made it a popular hanging basket.

Kimberly | The Kimberly fern is a lush selection that tolerates more sun than the Boston fern.

Macho | The Macho fern grows up to three feet tall and wide with bold, broad leaves.

During the winter, you can bring your ferns in hanging baskets and pots inside. When growing ferns indoors, choose a spacious area that will allow their fronds plenty of room to shoot out in all directions.

Visit your local garden centers to see what ferns they offer to add some beauty to your landscape or home.

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Dr. Eddie Smith is a gardening specialist and Pearl River County coordinator with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. He also hosts the popular Southern Gardening television programs.

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JULY-AUGUST 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 13

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THE SCENE FERNWOOD, MS

JA of McComb Spring Luncheon The Junior Auxiliary of McComb, Mississippi, held its spring luncheon on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Fernwood Country Club in Fernwood, Mississippi.

During this event, new officers were installed and provisional members were presented.

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1— Provisional Class 2022-2023: Front— India Warshauer, Parliamentarian Mallory Robinson, and Heidi Brent / Middle—Amber Magee and Kristen McBeth / Back—Simmons Copeland, Becky Simmons, Brittany Raybon, and Darion Fortenberry 2— JA of McComb Executive Board 2023-2024: Row 1—Kandace Hart, Rachel Marrs, Ashley Stovall, and Michelle Cooksey / Row 2—Robin Bonds, Kaitlyn Cooksey, Melanie Wentworth, and Candi Reid / Row 3— Laci Godbold, Jenny Richmond, and Courtney Richard / Row 4—Valerie Turner and India Warshauer 3— Carla Stringer (Life Member), Parliamentarian Mallory Robinson, President Rachel Marrs, and Lynn McInnis (Life Member)

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THE SCENE MAGNOLIA, MS

Vietnam Veterans 50th Anniversary Day On Wednesday, March 29, 2023, on the grounds of the Pike County Courthouse, a commemoration program was held in observance of the Vietnam Veterans 50th Anniversary Day, hosted by Judith Robinson Chapter, NSDAR, and the Pike County Courthouse. More than 50 Vietnam Veterans were recognized for their honorable service with a lapel pin presented by Judith Robinson Chapter, NSDAR. The program began with the presentation of the colors by McComb High School ROTC, and the pledge of Allegiance was led by the McComb BSA Troop 124. Max Fenn was the Master of Ceremonies, and Curtis Brewer provided special patriotic music. Tammy Strickland, Regent of the Judith Robinson Chapter, NSDAR, read a signed proclamation from Governor Tate Reeves in observance of the program. Major Rachel Wilson, program speaker, was introduced by Max Fenn. Major Wilson is the Assistant Judge Advocate assigned to the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, 172d Airlift Wing, Thompson Field, Jackson. The program concluded with DAR members from Judith Robinson Chapter, NSDAR, MSSDAR Coastal Director Margaret Fish, and members from the Copiah DAR Chapter forming a receiving line to greet the Vietnam Veterans present with a handshake of thanks for their service.

1— Judith Robinson Chapter, NSDAR members 2— Judith Robinson Chapter member Shondra Robertson and Regent Tammy Strickland with McComb BSA Troop 124 3— Judith Robinson Chapter member Lynn Williams with Ruth Ann Tabor and Diane Harrell 4— Regent Tammy Strickland and Missy Bates displaying a picture of her deceased brother-in-law who was a Vietnam Veteran 5— Jim O’Rourke and Past Regent Linda Young 6— Max Fenn, Major Rachel Wilson, Regent Tammy Strickland 7— Past Regent/Chaplain Linda Young, Vice Regent Lynn McInnis, Flag Chairman Sylvia Johnson, Past Regent/ Commemorative Chair Ava Madison, and member Jane Lawrence 8— Pike County Circuit Clerk Roger Graves and Regent Tammy Strickland 9— Gov Tate Reeves signs a Proclamation honoring Vietnam Veterans in Recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War as part of The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration

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THE SCENE MCCOMB, MS

Annual Festival of Flowers Show 1

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“Art in Bloom” was the Flower Lovers Club’s theme for this year’s Festival of Flowers held in the Pike National Bank Community Room on March 23, 2023, in McComb, Mississippi.

The event was free and open to the public. Photos by Bill Perkins

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1— Art in Bloom 2— Flower Lovers President Beth Wild and Betty Ann Perkins 3— Kelly Hart 4— Sherry Price, Fran Holloway, and Kathy Assaf 5— Sherry Slusher, Nancy Hewitt, and Nancy Smith 6— Sue Reeves and Virginia Goza with Patsy Giles and Jane Beachman 7— Natalie Moore and Nancy Smith 8— Christopher Hart and Nancy Smith 9— Natalie Moore, Christina Mitchell, Betty Ann Perkins, and Nancy Smith 10— Hannah Hart Wells, Sara Doman, and Marigold Doman 11— Tina Brumfield, Bill Perkins, and Gay Austin 12— Hilary Freeman and Betty Ann Perkins

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JULY-AUGUST 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 17

for the love of a

FARMHOUSE

LEFT | Original owners, William Lee and Lula Turner RIGHT | Exterior of restored farmhouse

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About six years ago, Jay and Jeannette Nauta were on the hunt for a home in southwest Mississippi.

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One afternoon, when Jay was driving down Highway 98 towards Summit, Mississippi, to look at a home for sale, he spotted an abandoned old farmhouse in need of attention. He turned his car around, entered the driveway to the farmhouse, and spoke with the neighbor next door who gave him the owner’s name and contact information.

Not wasting any time, Jay made arrangements; and the owner showed him the farmhouse that had been in her family for three generations since 1893.

William Lee and Lula Roberts Turner, the original owners, had passed the home to their daughter, the owner’s grandmother, who had left the house and acreage to her. This grandchild acquired the homestead with four acres. Although she was reluctant to let the house pass outside the family, the Nautas asked what she would consider as the price for the house. After much thought and consideration, she gave her asking price; the Nautas accepted, and the start of a four-year restoration began.

Not knowing the depth of restoration needed, Jay and Jeannette jumped in feet first and began the tedious process of demolition themselves, salvaging everything original. Years of coal-burning fireplaces’ heating the house, along with its age, had turned the ceilings and walls almost black. The couple hired a contractor to do the work, but Jay and Jeannette designed the plans with the help of their cousin. The couple painstakingly worked to use materials period to the house.

The interior walls, ceilings, and floors were all heart pine; the ceiling and walls were originally tongue and groove. Each piece that was removed was numbered and then placed back in its original position, and then each piece was manually sanded and stripped from the many layers of age. Their priority was to make the house sound by repairing or replacing any damaged support beams, by weatherizing with insulation, by installing new plumbing, a new HAVAC system, new insulated windows, and new doors (that were period to the house) where needed.

The couple delighted in designing with a Baton Rouge, Louisiana, artisan the stain-glass transom windows placed throughout the house.

ABOVE | Fireplace before restoration BELOW | Fireplace and mantle restored and designed for today’s living space

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE FROM TOP LEFT | Before and after of attic space carved out to accommodate additional bedrooms, bonus room, and bathroom with added dumb-waiter system

AFTER

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BEFORE TOP LEFT | Before and after of the demo process involved peeling many layers of flooring to find the original heart-pine flooring in the kitchen.

BOTTOM RIGHT | Added staircase customized a nook for Vito’s bed.

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The massive attic space allowed them to carve out three additional bedrooms, an office/craft room, and a bathroom for their upstairs. To these, they added a staircase and a pulley-system dumbwaiter. The upstairs replicated the wood walls and ceilings of downstairs with new hardwood pine floors and walls. Not a piece of sheetrock was installed in the house. Every inch of the attic space was transformed into living areas and storage areas including builtin drawers. The couple acquired period decorative molding and trims for use throughout the home, adding detail to the windows, doors, and ceilings; and they added all-new, periodtype hardware for the windows and doors. During the renovation of the main floor, several doors were moved and walls opened up to allow space for traffic flow connecting the entrance hallway to the kitchen, dining room, and living space.

The kitchen area was enlarged with generous counter space, double ovens, and all-new appliances. New custom cabinets were made for the kitchen with Jeannette applying the glaze.

However, layers upon layers of flooring, including nailed-down cardboard, which covered the original heart-pine floor, posed a significant challenge. The daunting task of removing these layers left stains of dark rings and markings that, once the floor was refinished, bear witness to its history. The overall kitchen design was carefully calculated to accommodate the Nautas’ relaxed living space and allow ample area when their children and grandchildren come to visit.

AFTER

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TOP LEFT | Downstairs master bedroom INSET | Antique styled hardware replaced original throughout the home.

A separate laundry room extends off the kitchen, and a staircase from the carport-door entrance was built to house a sizable hidden drawer for shoes and gloves and the many extras that accompany their grandchildren’s visits. The first floor of the home also offers a spacious, cozy master bedroom, bathroom, and custom closet. For this area, the couple chose newly designed fixtures with a vintage look and custom window shades in variations of blue, one of the couple’s favorite colors used throughout the home.

Jeannette and Jay Nauta’s labor of love for this latenineteenth-century farmhouse has brought renewed life to this site, making it once more a bountiful and happy homestead. It now sits on four acres of landscaped grounds that enhance the welcoming atmosphere of this property; and their suburban family members treasure their visits there, enjoying as they come three generations of memorable times all at once.

Reflecting on their in-depth and long-term revitalization of this country home, the Nautas agreed in commenting, “All the trials and tribulations of taking on such a total restoration of this magnitude make it so worth it when we both see the expressions and hear comments from visitors, especially those who have history with the home.”

This new era of generations, welcoming family and friends, once again brings life, love, and care to this charming farmhouse.

ARTICLE | Cheryl Rinehart PHOTOS | Cheryl Rinehart and

Jay and Jeannette Nauta

Bless

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THE SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Choctaw Hall Hosts Reception Honoring State and International Officials David P. Garner and Lee Glover, owners of historic Choctaw Hall, hosted a reception, May 13, honoring Xavier Salmon, director of the Department of Prints and Drawings at the Louvre Museum and Jack Kyle, Chairman and Executive Director of the Mississippi Commission for International Cultural Exchange, Inc. Guests included P. Allen Smith and James Sumpter along with John and Kari Elian all from Arkansas.

Local guest enjoyed cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and musical performances by Franco Gurman and Kari Elian.

1—Xavier Salmon, P. Allen Smith and James Sumpter 2—Marla and Mayor Dan Gibson, David P. Garner and P. Allen Smith 3—Lee Glover, Zaiver Salmon, P. Allen Smith, David P. Garner, Jack Kyle and Kari Eli 4—Rhonda Gentry Binns and George Ivory 5—Michael Boykin, Coleen Wilkins and Yvonne Murray 6—Sharon Blatner, John Bergeron, Seth and Mike Blatner 7—Lee Glover, Xavier Salmon, Kari Eli, Ginger Hyland, Jack Klye and David P. Garner 8—Victoria Bankerand and Michael Boykin 9—Debbie Wilson and Ritchie Montgomery, Esther Carpenter and Mark Lowrey with David P. Garner 10—Devin and Janice Heath, Valerie Bergeron and Terrel Williams 11—Franco Gurman and Kari Eli 12—(The Arkansas Gang) James Sumpter, P. Allen Smith, Kari Eli, David P. Garner and Lee Glover 13—Ritchie Montgomery, Debbie Wilson and Mayor Dan Gibson 14—Natchez Garden Club Homeowners Michael Boykin, Lee Glover, Ginger Hyland, Sharon, Seth and Mike Blatner, Colleen Wilkins and David P. Garner 15—Terrel Williams, Beau Des Hotel, Jeff Mansell, Al Walker and Devin Heath 16—Ronnie Boutwell, Jack Kyle and Kathy Boutwell

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legal notes When Should I Give Powers of Attorney?

ARTICLE | Lucien C. Gwin III

A power of Attorney (POA) is a muchused document that most people one day will need either to give someone else to act on their behalf or will receive to act for that person. When you give a POA, you are called “the principal” and the person you give it to is an attorney-in-fact.

What is a POA and what is the purpose? A POA allows a third party to act on your behalf on financial matters, contacts, real estate matters, or any other conceivable transactions.

If you give someone a general POA, then that third party on your behalf can sign deeds, deeds of trust, or mortgages; can transact all of your banking business and buy, sell, or trade your stocks and bonds; and can operate your business, negotiate any contract for you, act in your stead regarding government benefits, file your taxes, and handle any personal matter that you may not be in a position to handle.

If you give a limited POA, then you give some third party the right to handle only the matters that you authorize, for example, selling your house.

Who can act as your POA? Anyone who is an adult and in whom you have a great deal of trust and confidence can act as your POA. Once you give a third party such power, then that person has a fiduciary duty toward you, meaning that under the law the third party owes you the utmost good faith in handling your business or transactions and is required to act for your benefit and welfare.

A person with your POA should never do anything with your assets that benefits themselves unless you authorize such. I have seen attorneys-in-fact abuse their POA status by loaning themselves money from the principals’ funds without authorization and place real estate property belonging to the principals into the attorneys-in-fact’s names, as well as deplete hundreds of thousands of dollars of principals’ estates for personal use.

When should you give someone else your POA? Many times, I have advised clients who are getting older that having one or more of their adult children act as a POA is usually a good idea, as such a person with advanced age begins to slip mentally. I have seen this multiple times. Spouses often give each other general POA, especially if one spouse is out of town a lot. I have prepared dozens of limited POA’s between spouses for the purpose of selling a house or property when one spouse cannot be available for a closing.

A POA should be notarized because most financial institutions will not accept a POA without a notary. Your POA becomes effective immediately upon your signature to the

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document. By the way, the document should be drawn up by your attorney. A general or limited POA can cost anywhere from $200.00 to $400.00, depending on how tailored you want it.

Once you sign the POA, it is usually a good idea to file it in the Chancery Clerk’s office so that you can get certified copies that are usually accepted by all business institutions including banks.

If you wish to withdraw your POA, you simply do so by signing a document called a Revocation of Power of Attorney.

This document is also recorded with the Chancery Clerk’s office. This will immediately terminate the POA. One thing that a lot of people do not realize is that a POA automatically terminates upon your death, UNLESS the attorney-in-fact acted in good faith in using the POA without knowledge of the principal’s death.

Another thing to know is that you should always have the POA state that it is a “durable” POA, so that, should the principal become completely mentally incapacitated, the POA survives this medical condition and the attorney-in-fact can continue to act as an attorney-in-fact.

I have seen multiple times where people have not executed POA’s and then they become mentally incapacitated and, therefore, unable to sign a POA. At this point, the only recourse is to open a guardianship and conservatorship, which usually involve far more expense than a POA and require a court hearing.

Another thing to remember is that your having given someone your POA DOES NOT preclude you from engaging in your day-to-day regular business and financial affairs. The POA gives your attorney-in-fact the ability to act on your behalf in your absence or as a result of your mental incapacity.

Finally, if you give another person your POA, it is important that this third party be very honest and trustworthy. You should explain to them why you are giving them the POA and what you are expecting them to do and not to do with it. You are in essence placing them in charge of your life and possessions.

j Lucien C. “Sam” Gwin III was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1981 and has been practicing many aspects of the law at the firm of Gwin, Punches & Kelley in Natchez, Mississippi, ever since.

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THE SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

DAR National Defense Luncheon

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The Natchez and William Dunbar Daughters of the American Revolution Chapters enjoyed a joint luncheon on February 13, 2023, at the Carriage House in Natchez, Mississippi, to celebrate National Defense.

Juliette Cassagne, State Recording Secretary, MSSDAR, and Regent of the Natchez Chapter, was Mistress of Ceremonies. She gave special recognition to Sandy Taylor, William Dunbar Chapter National Defense Committee Chair, and Nan Earl Schuchs, Natchez Chapter National Defense Committee Chair. Special guests were Natchez Mayor and Mrs. Dan Gibson; Mr. Robert Bradford, a decorated U.S. Army veteran and Director of Emergency Management in the Natchez area; and Alderwoman Sarah Carter Smith. Other recognized guests included Lieutenant Colonel Herman Curry (retired), Commanding Officer Natchez High School AFJROTC; Sergeant Major Gordon West (retired); and Regina Boyles, the Major General’s mother and member of Rebecca Cravat DAR Chapter, Jackson, Mississippi. Guest speaker for the occasion was Major General Janson D. Boyles, Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard. Photos by Tom Taylor 1—Lieutenant Colonel Herman Curry; Mabel Tippens, William Dunbar Chapter Regent; Lieutenant Colonel Robert Bradford; Sergeant Major Gordon West; First Lieutenant Michael Smith, Aide de Camp to General Boyles; Mayor Dan Gibson; Major General Janson D. Boyles; Natchez First Lady Marla Gibson; Alderwoman Sarah Carter Smith; Juliette L. Cassagne, Natchez Chapter Regent; and Sandy Taylor, Past William Dunbar Chapter Regent and National Defense Committee Chair 2—Sergeant Major Gordon West; First Lieutenant Michael Smith, Aide de Camp to General Boyles; Major General Janson D. Boyles, Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard; and Lieutenant Colonel Herman Curry

JULY-AUGUST 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 31

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Annual Natchez Ladies and Newcomers Club Spring Fling Cocktail Party On Friday, April 28, 2023, in Natchez, Mississippi, Sandy and Tom Taylor once again orchestrated a fabulous spring fling event! This has become an annual affair at the Taylors’ home in conjunction with the performers from the Natchez Festival of Music.

This year, musicians from the Die Fledermaus opera added to the festivities. Co-hosts Johanna Busby, Ann McMullen, Karen Schibler, Helene Buttross, Elaine Gemmell, Melinda de la Vergne, Randy Busick, and Ellen Depta shared their homemade specialties. Photography by Lisa Whittington 1—Judy Busick and Marsha Thompson 2—Kathleen Mackey King and Sue Boyd 3—Sue Ellen Barnett and Sandra Toman 4—Karen and Charles Schibler, Beth and Tony DeAngelis, and Pat Jonaitis 5—Charles and Karen Schibler with Diana Glaze 6—Letta Crocker, Cindy Rollins, and Elaine Gemmell 7—Jason Dauphin, John Burns, and Gloria James 8—Tjaden Cox, Jason Detwiler, Stacey Trenteseaux, and Michele Detwiler 9—Pat Jonaitis and Nelley Sanguinetti 10—Peggy Sandel, Sue Boyd, and Barbara Persons 11—Jackie Smith, Tom Taylor, and Diana Glaze 12—Pat Smith and Randy Busick 13—Ann McMullen and Judy Mize 14—Tom and Sandy Taylor 15—Jesse Dunbar and John Burns 16—Dr. Jay Dean and Charlotte Franklin 17—Dorothy and Frank Drouillard

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Annual Natchez Ladies and Newcomers Club Spring Fling Cocktail Party (continued)

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18—Elaine Gemmell and Patti Wentworth 19—Donna West and Sue Boyd 20—Mike and Elaine Gemmell 21—Mayor Dan and Marla Gibson 22—Larry and Jackie Smith 23—Richard Hess with Richard and Judy Mize

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JULY-AUGUST 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 33

Intriguing & Vibrant

ArtsNatchez Gallery

F ABOVE | Image of the gallery, painting by Brad Bruce, and pottery by Sherri Slusher OPPOSITE | David Hammett surrounded by his woodwork and abstract art

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, native Jerry Dixon moved to Natchez, Mississippi, and set up residence, followed by a few other artists who purchased property and contributed to the community such as Marby Schon and husband Andrew Tilden, Keith Karlson, and Tony Eccles. Dixon ran an art studio, Serenity, in Bay St. Louis as did Karlson with his Mississippi Gallery.

In 2008, Karlson and Dixon were instrumental in the local establishment of ArtsNatchez, a unique gallery showcasing the works of many artists with each of them alternating days of opening and running the gallery one day a week. Those involved created a governing board for their activities, and ArtsNatchez is now in its fifteenth year of operations.

ArtsNatchez Gallery is a nonprofit organization formed to promote the arts in the greater Natchez area. As part of this mission, the gallery provides a venue for local artists with the studio’s operation handled by various volunteer committees composed of patron members and participating artists who take on everything from community outreach to facilities maintenance.

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Caroline Weir

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Dianne Penfield with James Ellis

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ArtsNatchez Board Members Connie Burns, Mary Ann Spell, Brad Bruce, and Elaine Gemmell

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Allyn DeVries

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aRTSNATCHEZ GAlleRY’S PaRTICIPATING ArTISTS: Elizabeth Wolf Robin Person T. G. (Tim) McCary Leon Hollins Ron Chapman Julia Bray Ann Faillace David Atkins Mary Flach Diane Penfield James Ellis J. Philip Larson Brenda Hicks Donna Marie Geoffrion Carolyn Terry Hedy Boelte Shirley Byrne Adrienne Parr Deborah McNeal Polly Ireland David Hammett Sue Burkhalter Jeff Bryant Michelle Bryant Joseph Johnson Allyn DeVries Robert Schuler Karen Coffman Sherri Slusher Carolyn Weir Robert Field, Jr. Sarah Rockstead Bill Mahé Jax Frey Louise Cadney Brad Bruce

diverse artwork

with over 500 original pieces

T

The gallery’s diverse display of art includes photography, painting, ceramics, jewelry, mobiles, woodwork, fabric arts, and pen-and-ink drawings that comprise over 500 original pieces by thirty-six local artists. The gallery is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. but stays open later for receptions and other downtown evening events. All the gallery selections are for sale, new pieces continually refresh the kaleidoscope of displays, and new artists frequently add their wares to the gallery’s eclectic collections.

As part of its year-long active calendar of events, ArtsNatchez features an Artist of the Month during which a special section in the gallery displays the artist’s collection; and an after-hours wine-and-cheese reception from 5:00 to 7:00 on the month’s second Saturday invites the public to meet the artist and immerse themselves in the creativity of the showcased works. This past June, the gallery held a Heritage Folk Art Silent Auction with items from an estate collection of folk art donated to ArtsNatchez for use as a fundraiser. Upcoming events include a book signing and book sale, children’s art activities, lectures, and special occasion receptions.

Another ArtsNatchez activity is Tuesday Artists: Every Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 to 4:00, artists gather at Natchez Coffee on Franklin Street and work their magic. These several hours foster camaraderie and spark creativity as attendees, either individually or in groups, devote their time to paintings, drawings, or other small projects. Anyone is welcomed to bring materials for a small project and join the gathering. No cost to attend is involved, and no signup or registration is required.

Most Tuesday artists come ready to create, but many come just to enjoy the company of other creative talents. Some weeks, just a couple of people gather; other weeks, aficionados fill the room.

Only one rule applies at these meetings: Don’t leave a mess— take everything with you that you brought. Of course, all are encouraged to come early and enjoy coffee or lunch before getting creative!

Be sure to check out ArtsNatchez when you are in town or when you come downtown, and enjoy the gifts and talents of this area’s local artists.

Learn more about ArtsNatchez Gallery at its 425 Main Street location, at artsnatchez.com, on FB @ArtsNatchez, or at 601.442.0043.

ARTICLE | Cheryl Rinehart PHOTOS | T. G. McCary, Leon Hollis, and Robin Person

JULY-AUGUST 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 37

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THE SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

UMB Celebrates 50th Anniversary An anniversary celebration on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the Natchez Civic Center in Natchez, Mississippi, honored United Mississippi Bank’s 50th year of operations. The event hosted United Mississippi Bank employees and guests for an afterhours gathering. Photography by Lisa Whittington 1—Lauren Middleton and Sarah Carter Smith 2—Wes and Lauren Middleton 3—Denton and Jenna Biglane 4—Laura Bonds, Lori Myles, Deborah Green, and Jennifer Eidt 5—Tate Hobdy, Wes Middleton, and Kolby Kennedy 6—Ginnie Rogillio, Kolby Godfrey, and Lyn Jenkins 7—Beth and Daniel Guedon, Malaria Honea, and Stephen Garrett 8—Robin and Malcolm Anders 9—Mike Smith and Ty Rasberry 10—Charlotte and Chris Maxwell 11—Michael Rabb and Shannon Parker 12—Nancy Biglane, Judy Stahlman, and James Biglane 13—Lauren Middleton and James Biglane 14—Francis Cothren and Mike Ellard 15—Judy Stahlman and Debbie Prout 16—Adrian and Lisa Sandel with Skeeter and Chris Hutchins 17—Brittney and Sheriff Travis Patton with Sarah Carter Smith

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UMB Celebrates 50th Anniversary

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18—Mike Ellard, Adrian Sandel, Lauren Middleton, Chris Maxwell, Frank Foster, and Chris Hutchins 19—Charlotte Beard, Kevin Smith, and Fernanda Diaz 20—Denton Biglane, Nancy Biglane, Edie Christian, James Biglane, and Katherine Christian 21—Stephen Garrett, Frank Foster, and Jody Herring 22—Claudia Stephens, Cole Mosby, and Jack Stephens 23—Brooke and Adam Roberts with Matthew Hall and Andrew Moroney 24—Kathy Bell and Sherry Gill 25—Skeeter Hutchins and Tina Kaho 26—Valencia Hall and Sarah Carter Smith 27—Emekia Warner and Tom Rosenblatt 28—Crystal Gilchrist, Britta Prater, Regina Rand, Morgan Dollar, Faye Williams, and Darleen Moon

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THE SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

White Linen Night on Commerce Street The weather was hot but the strollers were cool in their white linen outfits on Saturday evening, June 3, 2023, during White Linen Night, the first open-to-the-public event of its kind in celebration of downtown Natchez, Mississippi. Crowds gathered to enjoy this intriguing and exciting evening that was spearheaded by artists Jax Frey and Mamie Henry. Shops and art galleries were open, artists were creating live paintings on the sidewalks, music from Mississippi Roux filled the air with tunes under the old Ritz Theater marquee, and the beverage station was hopping. Photos submitted by Mamie Henry 1—Ruth Powers and Robin Person 2—Two enthusiastic Natchez visitors 3—Mamie Henry and Carolyn Weir 4—Dan Hays-Clark, Bill Ennis, Trippy Shields, James Pettigrew, Thad Laiche, and Mel Zufall 5—Carolyn Weir creating a living painting of the event 6—Mamie Henry, Marla Gibson, Diane DuPont, Laura Newkirk, and Tracy McCartney 7—Mayor Dan Gibson with Rusty and Lyn Jenkins 8—Marla and Mayor Dan Gibson, Laura Newkirk, and Rusty and Lyn Jenkins 9—Troy Johnson and Norma West 10—Shannon Melton, Brad Yarborough, and Jaki Robinson 11—John and Kristine Herrin, Mamie Henry, and Robin Allen 12—Mickey Howley, Mamie Henry, Jax Frey, and Mayor Dan Gibson 13—Eric Shanoski, Quincey Vidrine, and John Dahl 14—Mamie Henry, Majorie and David Hawkins, and Robin Allen 15—Celeste and David Melzer with Mamie Henry 16—Mr. Robert and Sharon Brown

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riches &

relics James Shaidnagle Memorializes D’Evereux Hall Orphan Asylum and the Sacred Heart Brothers

TOP | Former D’Evereux Hall Orphanage residents with City of Natchez officials: Pat Smith, Robert Smith, William Smith, Mayor Dan Gibson, James Shaidnagle, Billy Shaidnagle, Alderwoman Valencia Hall, and George Hude BOTTOM | Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi, surrounded by Cathedral Catholic School students and staff, blesses the memorial plaque.

Established by the Catholic Diocese of Mississippi in 1861 and erected that year on the grounds behind what would later become the buildings of Cathedral Catholic School in Natchez, Mississippi, D’Evereux Hall Orphan Asylum until its closure in 1966 was home to over 1500 boys under the guidance of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.

From 1955 until his graduation in 1962, Natchez native James Shaidnagle from a family of nine siblings lived there as did his three brothers Donald, Paul, and Billy. All four became masters-degree college graduates and successful professionals in service to their communities, the Sacred Heart Brothers having instilled in them, as James frequently confirmed, “a strong work ethic” and deep commitment to the important priorities in life.

For over ten years, James Shaidnagle has striven to memorialize the religious brothers and the orphanage so vital in their positive effects on the lives and futures of so many youth. At his considerable expense, James restored and memorialized the burial sites of a number of the orphans and religious brothers at the Natchez City Cemetery. He created and donated a formal historic marker, as part of the city’s tri-centennial, that was installed and dedicated in 2016 atop D’Evereux Hill in memory of the orphanage and Brothers. This marker is now displayed in one of the school buildings. Most recently, under his instigation and guidance, he worked with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the Historic Natchez Foundation, Cathedral Catholic School, and the Catholic Diocese of Jackson to erect an official state historic plaque on D’Evereux Hill, a plaque dedicated on April 26, 2023.

Throughout his decade-plus research, he has compiled a significant and scholarly collection of the many historic documents and pictures that capture the inspirational saga of D’Evereux Hall Orphan Asylum, the devotion of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart who served there, and the character of the man—James Shaidnagle—whose life and deep devotion inspired these many tributes.

ARTICLE | Jean Nosser Biglane PHOTOS | Cara Moody and the James Shaidnagle Archives

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riches &

TOP LEFT | D’Evereux Hall Orphan Asylum boys at play TOP RIGHT | Brothers of the Sacred Heart and clergy on the front steps of D’Evereux Hall Orphan Asylum on December 12, 1960, the Centennial Celebration of the church’s care of area orphans BOTTOM | Front façade of D’Evereux Hall Orphan Asylum

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up & coming calendar LOUISIANA

July 28 Ouachita Live Concert Series Kent Burnside & His Band Alley Park 7-9 pm / Free

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August 25 Ouachita Live Concert Series Shelley King & Her Band Alley Park 7-9 pm / Free _______________________

July 13-16 Guys & Dolls 7:30 pm & 2:30 pm 318.487.8243 lagniappetheatre.com

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BATON ROUGE visitbatonrouge.com lsumoa.org rivercenterarena: baton-rouge. tickets-center.com batonrougeballet.org Red Stick Farmers Market Breada.com brso.org lasm.org

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Every Saturday in July & August Red Stick Farmers Market 5th & Main Streets 8 am-Noon July 25 & August 22 ART at Lunch Shaw Center for the Arts Noon-1 pm 225.389.7200

July 1 31st Lake St. John Flotilla Lake St. John Grand Marshals: The Steckler Family | Dedication to Rosco Registration: Spokane Resort 10 am-Noon | Pier Decorations Entry $15 | Flotilla rolls 2 pm Cash Prizes | Fireworks at dusk near water tower FB: Lake St. John Flotilla July 1 9th Liberty Loop Lake Concordia 1 pm Line up north end Fireworks TBA ______________________ MONROE / WEST MONROE monroe-westmonroe.org July 1 Fireworks Celebration Downtown Riverfront 318.397.6735 July 8 Children’s Fun Day Biedenharn Museum & Gardens $5 child / Free adult 318.387.5281

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NEW ORLEANS neworleansonline.com neworleanscvb.com ogdenmuseum.org nola.org FB: nolajazzmuseum/live newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu nobt.org neworleansfilmsociety.org neworleanscitypark.com neworleanszombierun.com July 4 Go Fourth on the River Along MS River between Gov. Nichols St. Warf & Canal St. Dock 9 pm July 4 & July 13 The Victory Belles Vignette BB's Stage Door Canteen 945 magazine St. 1-1:30 pm / $20 504.528.1944 July 6-9 Little Shop of Horrors Tulane Summer Lyric Theatre liberalarts.tulane.edu

up & coming calendar ST. FRANCISVILLE audubonstatehistoricsite. wordpress.com explorewestfeliciana.com/ events.html stfrancisvillefestivals.com FB: St. Francisville Farmers Market

July 14 Bastille Day Fete 1519 Jackson Ave. 6-10 pm / $15 504.568.0770 af-neworleans.org July 14-16 Running of the Bulls The Sugar Mill 1021 Convention Center Blvd.

6:30 am nolabulls.com

Every Thursday in July & August Farmers Market 9961 Wilcox St. “8-ish to Noonish” 225.245.1752 _______________________ VIDALIA cityofvidaliala.com concordialibrary.org Every Wednesday Farmers Market Old Court House N. Spruce St. 9 am-1 pm

July 22 Jackson Browne Saenger Theatre 8 pm 504.525.1052 _______________________ PORT ALLEN westbatonrouge.net westbatonrougemuseum.com West Baton Rouge Museum Throughout July & August For All Events 225.300.4674 westbatonrouge.net FB: TheWBRM July 4 July 4th Fest Downtown Port Allen/riverfront Fun begins @ 4 pm 5-10 pm Live Music 9 pm Fireworks _______________________

July 22 Brookstock Music Festival Brookhaven Building 6-11 pm visitbrookhavenms.com August 4-6 Overbook Song Writers Festival Downtown/Various venues 8 am-5 pm visitbrookhavenms.com _______________________ FERNWOOD fernwoodcc.com

MISSISSIPPI visitmississippi.org hikinginmississippi.com BROOKHAVEN FB: VisitBrookhavenMS visitbrookhavenms.com brookhavenrecreation.com brookhavenlittletheatre.com llf.lib.ms.us

_______________________ JACKSON dulinghall.com msmuseumart.org visitjackson.com jacksonfreepress.com/ calendarmsnla.org craftsmensguildofms.org balletms.com msmetroballet.com operams.org downtown-jackson.com newstagetheatre.com July 4 Farm Bureau Watermelon Classic MS Sports Hall of Fame 7:30 am-10 pm July 6, July 8 & August 3 Fondren Live Downtown Fondren 6-8 pm / Free

JULY-AUGUST 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 47

up & coming calendar _______________________ MCCOMB pikeinfo.com mccombarts.com mcrrmuseum.com FB: McComb Farmers Market

July 8 & August 12 BTC Market 2nd Saturday Belhaven Town Center 800 Manship July 23-28 JXN Film Festival Jackson Convention Complex visitjackson.com August 19 Mississippi Book Festival Mississippi State Capitol Downtown 9 am-5 pm 769.717.2648 msbookfestival.com August 29 Broadway in Jackson & Jackson Live Thalia Mara Hall Downtown jacksonbroadway.com _______________________ MADISON/RIDGELAND visitridgeland.com madisonthecity.com ardenland.net mscrafts.org Every Tuesday in July Except July 4 Farmers Market Main St. @ Caboose 3:30-6:30 July 3 Fireworks Show Liberty Park Food Trucks 5pm Live Bands 6 pm Fireworks 9 pm madisonthecity.com

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Every Thursday in July & August Farmers Market 113 North Railroad Blvd.

7 am-1 pm 410.693.7701 July 20-23 Assassins: An American Musical Pike County Little Theatre Thurs, Fri & Sat 7:30 pm Sun 2:30 pm $10 adv. / $12 at door pcltmccomb.org _______________________ MEADVILLE meadvillems.com _______________________ NATCHEZ visitnatchez.org/full-eventcalendar visitnatchez.org kreweofphoenixnatchez.com natchezpilgrimage.com thetowersofnatchez.com natchezgardenclub.org natchezlittletheatre.com FB: Downtown Natchez Farmers Market

Every Saturday in July & August Natchez Farmers Market Downtown 300 N. Broadway 8:30 am-Noon July 1 & 2 The Reunion Murder Mystery Dinner Glenburnie 6:30 pm / 7 pm $79 601.442.1002 July 4 Live @ 5 on the 4th Bluff Park @ Gazebo/ Bandstand 5 pm / Fireworks 9 pm Free 601.818.4862 July 6, 8 & 9 The Rocky Horror Show Auditions Natchez Little Theatre Thurs 6 pm Sat & Sun 2 pm 601.442.2233 thenatchezlittletheatre.com July 8 Celebrate the Blooms Farmers Market Cruise the Crepes Tours 8:30-10 am natchezdna.org/crepe-myrtlefestival July 15 Christmas in July Downtown FB: Downtown Natchez Alliance

up & coming calendar July 27-29 Natchez Food & Wine Festival Downtown 601.445.4611 natchezchamber.com

August 1 Milestone Branch Boys Vicksburg City Auditorium 5:30 pm 704.790.9690

August 4-5 This Bard’s For You Natchez Little Theatre Fri 7:30 pm Sat 2 pm 601.442.2233 thenatchezlittletheatre.com

August 4 Vicksburg National Military Park Fee Free Day Vicksburg National Military Park 601.636.0583

_______________________ PORT GIBSON FB: portgibson.chamber msculturalcrossroads.org _______________________ SUMMIT pikeinfo.com _______________________ VICKSBURG southernculture.org visitvicksburg.com vicksburgartassociation.org tarawildlife.com vicksburgtheatreguild.com downtownvicksburg.org July 1 Movies on the Lawn Levee Street Warehouse Tickets available 7-10 pm 601.618.0811

July 1-2 160th Anniversary of the Surrender of Vicksburg Old Court House Museum 8:30 pm 601.636.0741 July 4 Independence Day Fireworks Celebration Downtown Vicksburg Washington St. between Jackson & Grove Sts. Music by the Chill 9 pm fireworks 601.630.2929 July 8 2nd Saturday Downtown FB: VicksburgSecondSaturday July 13 & 27 Movie Night by the Pool Mulberry Vicksburg 7:30 pm 601.301.2500 July 14-16 The Little Mermaid Vicksburg Theatre Guild Fri & Sat 7:30 pm Sun 2 pm $10 / Tickets: showelix.com

August 11 A Taste of Vicksburg Vicksburg Convention Center Featuring Jordan Rushing $15 / Noon-1:30 pm 601.630.2929 August 12 2nd Saturday Downtown FB: VicksburgSecondSaturday _______________________ WESSON FB: Wesson Chamber _______________________ WOODVILLE woodvillems.org woodvillemainstreet.org FB Woodville/Wilkinson County Main Street Association ____________________ Be sure to confirm details of the events should changes have occurred since events were submitted.

July 20 10th Ritz on the River Vicksburg Convention Center 6 pm dinner / 8 pm music 601.630.2929 July 28 A Taste of Vicksburg Vicksburg Convention Center Featuring Charles Pendleton $15 / Noon-1:30 pm 601.630.2929

JULY-AUGUST 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 49

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The Beckonings of Berry Season ARTICLE | Alma M. Womack

If there is one thing I love in this world, it is summer dewberries and blackberries. Pies, cobblers, dumplings, jams, and jellies— wonderful things can be made from these berries provided by nature.

When I was a little girl, there used to be berry vines all over Smithland. Mama, Nub, Doug, and I, usually accompanied by some of the women who lived here, would head to the berry vines with buckets and an honestto-goodness metal washtub to fill up with the sweet blackberries. The berries were so plentiful that we never had a problem filling up all of our containers. We would head home with purple fingers and purple tongues, briars in our fingers and arms, and burning up hot but happy with all the berries we were bringing home. Mama made so many good things from the berries, and we loved them all.

After I was grown and married, I still searched out the berries in June to fix treats for my own family. Trouble is, farming changed a goodly bit from the 1950s to the 1970s; and the changes were not kind to the berry vines. There were still some berries; but they got harder to find each year because fences were taken down, wooded areas were cleared, and what vines survived often succumbed to the chemical death of Roundup.

It got to the point that I had to look for berries elsewhere. Different friends would allow me to pick on their property, but the vines were never plentiful on their places either, so I would scrap what I could. If I was lucky, I might manage to get enough for a pie or two and enough for a gallon of juice to put in the freezer when it would be jellymaking time.

Last year, a dry May kept the berries about the size of English peas, so I didn’t pick any. This year, same story, bitty berries. There were some vines between a slough and Grassy Lake, but their berries never turned black or filled out. I just gave up and figured maybe next year.

Then I had a conversation with my neighbor Dr. Bobby Field, and he told me about all the berries he had found back in his woods and said that I was welcome to pick all I wanted. Oh, happy day for ol’ Alma, berries awaiting!

Mike Duncan, JG, and I got our buckets the next morning and headed up the road to Field’s Point where the Field family has lived for five generations. Bobby met us at the entrance to the woods, telling us he had unlocked

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chains and telling us just where the berries were. We thanked him, he left, and we went into the woods.

And we went past some landmarks he had pointed out, doing fine; then I forgot where to turn next. So we went a ways, decided that was wrong, went back to a deer stand that we were to use as a guide, and I called Bobby. He patiently explained again where to turn, and turn, and turn; and I got lost again. So I called again. He decided he’d just come show us by being the lead truck going into the woods except he was in town and had to go to the bank. We had no problem waiting for him.

When he came to find us again, we got behind him and followed him more deeply into the woods where there were many berry vines. Except...they were all red and the size of English peas. By going slowly, we did find a few to pick; but we didn’t fill up our buckets.

We were able to follow his tracks back out to the highway without having to pester him again. JG suggested I go to the grocery store and buy some berries to make a pie, but I was too aggravated at myself for staying lost half of the morning, so we just came home.

We thanked Bobby for being a generous and patient neighbor, friend, and woods guide to a person who can get lost anywhere, anytime. The woods that he knows every foot of were just a maze to me, but he rescued us, and we were grateful for that kindness, too.

I hear that a person can buy jelly in the grocery store; but, honestly, where is the adventure in buying storebought jelly when there are mayhaws and muscadines and possum grapes in the woods just waiting to be picked up.

And next year, maybe there’ll be some fat, ripe dewberries and blackberries to tempt me into the woods again.

j Alma M. Womack lives on Smithland Plantation on Black River, south of Jonesville, Louisiana. In addition to her duties as maitresse des maison, she is the keeper of the lawn, the lane, and the pecan orchard at Smithland.

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