Bluff and Bayous May/June 2022

Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 1

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR Cheryl Foggo Rinehart COPY EDITOR

OFFICE

Jean Nosser Biglane GRAPHIC DESIGN Susan R. DeBusk

Cheryl Rinehart

Jean Biglane

Susan R. DeBusk

Jan Ratcliff

225 John R. Junkin Drive Natchez, MS 39120 601-442-6847 bluffsmag@gmail.com bbupandcoming@gmail.com www.bluffsbayous.com

Jan Ratcliff SALES STAFF Cheryl Rinehart Kari L. Blaney PHOTOGRAPHERS Bill Perkins

Kari L. Blaney

Bill Perkins

Lisa Whittington

Lisa Whittington CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Gary R. Bachman Alma Womack Sam Gwin Richard McMullan

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

Alma Womack

Sam Gwin

FROM THE PUBLISHER

W

Richard McMullan

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 insure the accuracy of our magazine’s contents. However, should inaccuracies or omissions occur, we do not assume responsibility.

Finally, we are now gathering to celebrate birthdays, engagements, graduations, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, a plethora of other events, and all things happy; and a reflection of this uptick in social mingling is the colorful palette of Social Scenes that Bluffs & Bayous has to share with you in this issue. Of course, we want our happy times to remain healthy ones as well.

Toward that end, in our May/June Healthy Lifestyle issue, we salute our health industry and offer various articles that share information about intervention measures as well as prevention ones. Our Something Scrumptious section ON THE COVER even features healthy salads and an easy cool dessert that is a TYLER JORDAN AND ALLEN SPENCER DURING AN ENGAGEMENT PARTY HELD palate pleaser.

IN NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI, ON We have a couple of In the Garden articles in this issue: one offers tips about plants APRIL 2, 2022, AT KENILWORTH that attract butterflies and about ways to make your backyard a healthy oasis; the other PHOTOGRAPH BY LISA WHITTINGTON article is about my favorite (and healthy!) fruit—avocados. Did you know we can grow these in our area?! Be sure to read these Gary Bachman articles and then run to your favorite nursery for plants to spiff up your spring-into-summer gardens. And while we’re on the subject of the outdoors, check out our Up and Coming listings that note numerous outdoor events to load your calendar with fun and festive ventures during May and June.

Elsewhere in this issue, contributor Sam Gwin shares his legal take on estate planning, something everyone should note as a need-toread item. The “merry month of May” also celebrates the Natchez Festival of Music; its intriguing and eclectic selection of genres and venues will have you securing tickets for numerous performances. Another musical event not to miss is the MudBug Festival scheduled for May 14-15 on the bluff in Natchez, Mississippi.

In mid-June, Brookhaven celebrates its annual Girls Night Out, a traditional occasion for friends, colleagues, and relatives such as mother-daughter combos to gather and shop after hours for a good time and super finds. During the third week of June, Vicksburg orchestrates its much-anticipated, annual Miss Mississippi Pageant, attracting hundreds from across Mississippi and neighboring states in support of their favorite contestants. And throughout May and June, Farmers Markets are well underway in almost every community for buyers to seek out the freshest, home-grown produce and complementary products for their homes.

Be sure to embrace all that is healthy and enjoyable this May and June in your life along and beyond the Mississippi.

Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 3

MAY/JUNE 2022

FEATURES 12-13 16

SOUTHWEST MISSISSIPPI REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER ALL THE WAYS WE CARE - DON’ T WAIT ON THESE 8

MAGNOLIA VILLAGE MAGNOLIA VILLAGE - LIVING WITH PURPOSE ™

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REGIONS 8

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NEW BEEHIVE HOMES OF NATCHEZ

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TENSAS & VIDALIA HEALTH CENTERS

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THE ROLE OF PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION IN PROMOTING EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL WELLNESS IN CHILDREN

WHAT THE HECK JOURNEY TO HEALTH AND WELLNESS

KING’S DAUGHTERS EDUCATION: HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CLASSES CONTINUE, AND THEY’RE FREE!

MERIT HEALTH BOOMERS - MAXIMIZE YOUR HEALTH FOR QUALITY OF LIFE

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MAY/JUNE 2022

FAVORITES IN THE GARDEN | 8

SOCIAL SCENES

PLANT EXTRA FORAGE FOR BUTTERFLY CATEPILLARS

MCCOMB GARDEN CLUB’S 64TH ANNUAL AZALEA FESTIVAL CORONATION | 10

LEGAL NOTES | 22-23 ESTATE PURGATORY

SOMETHING SCRUMPTIOUS | 38-42

A 90TH BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON | 14-15 SALUTE TO KREWE OF CERES KING DR. DAVID BRADEN | 19-20 LINDSEY HOF’S 40TH FIESTA CELEBRATION | 25-26 CHERYL YOUNG’S 60TH BIRTHDAY PARTY | 32

ON THE LITE SIDE OF LIFE

NATCHEZ CITY CEMETERY’S GALA UNDER THE OAKS | 47-49

IN THE GARDEN | 56-57

ENGAGEMENT GATHERING FOR ALLEN SPENCER AND TYLER JORDAN | 53-55

PRODUCING AVOCADOS IN MISSISSIPPI GARDENS

SOUTHERN SAMPLER | 69-70 WILDLIFE CRITTERS - UNWELCOME! Page 6 { May/June 2022 { Bluffs & Bayous

JUDITH ROBINSON DAR CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON | 58-57

UP & COMING LOUISIANA | 61-62 MISSISSIPPI | 63-67

Addison Carver

will compete for the title of Miss High School America in June in Little Rock

BRENT L. LEGGETT, D.D.S., M.S. | HUGH V. LEGGETT, JR., D.D.S., M.S. Specialist, Orthodontic Braces & Dentofacial Orthopedics Columbia (601) 736-6313

601 Brookman Dr., Ste B Brookhaven (601) 833-4912 Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 7

IN THE GARDEN

BY

Plant Extra Forage for

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

Butterfly Caterpillars

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his spring, I’ve been getting some interesting questions as more and more homeowners are enjoying their landscapes and gardens. Lots of these questions are about the various caterpillars we find also enjoying our landscapes and gardens. The questions arise because, since we have caterpillars, we have plants being munched on.

There are the bad actors like the big tomato hornworms, which seem to devour an entire tomato plant in a single night.

Another bad one is the yellow-striped armyworm that sets up camp in the tomato patch.

I recently posted a “Daily Dose of Hort” video on these guys and how to control them. You can check out videos from this series and other useful garden and landscape information at the Southern Gardening Facebook page, http://www.facebook. com/SouthernGardening.

But we also have voracious caterpillars that transform into beautiful Swallowtail butterflies. Many home gardeners intentionally grow the forage plants these caterpillars need as a food source. However, new gardeners often are horrified when they find caterpillars consuming their lone herb plant; and they ask me how to control them.

The commonly seen eastern black swallowtail caterpillars are large—about the size of a little finger—and striped in black, yellow, and green bands with yellow spots. They are attracted to dill and parsley.

The developing caterpillars are small and usually dark in color with a wide, light-colored saddle across the middle. I’m always careful after harvesting herbs to look for the small caterpillars. I return those I find and place them on the dill or parsley.

A favorite dill that I plant in my home landscape is an improved selection called Bouquet. This dill flowers early and often, and we harvest the large umbels for use in making dill pickles. It doesn’t matter what parsley I grow; I enjoy them all as do the swallowtail caterpillars.

The giant swallowtails use citrus, mainly satsuma and Meyer lemon, as forage. These caterpillars are commonly called orange dogs or bird-dropping caterpillars. Their bird-dropping mimicry is a defense against predators. Young caterpillars a r e found in plain view in areas where bird droppings would be expected, hence their very descriptive common name.

I enjoy watching these guys munch on the leaves of my satsuma and Meyer lemon trees as they grow. When I see these caterpillars, I leave them alone since there’s no danger of them munching all the citrus trees’ leaves.

So, when you have these caterpillars, my advice is always just to plant more and share with the swallowtail caterpillar. You will be rewarded with beautiful swallowtail butterflies.

Many gardeners intentionally grow the forage plants young swallowtail caterpillars need as food. This young caterpillar is feeding on parsley.

Page 8 { May/June 2022 { Bluffs & Bayous

Giant swallowtails feed on citrus. Young caterpillars are found in plain view where bird droppings would be expected, hence their very descriptive common name, bird-dropping caterpillars.

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Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 9

THE social SCENE

McComb Garden Club’s 64th Annual Azalea Festival Coronation

SUMMIT, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

M

cComb Garden Club held its 64th Annual Azalea Festival Coronation Saturday, March 26, 2022, on the campus of Southwest Mississippi Community College in Summit, Mississippi. McComb Garden Club continues to carry on the tradition of recognizing outstanding seniors in Pike County. The 2022 royalty were crowned and college scholarships were given to King Luke Doyle and Queen Hannah Hinckley. The Gay L. Austin Community Service Scholarship was awarded to Kate McKenzie, who has demonstrated a commitment to community service and serving others. Members of the Junior Court are firstgrade children of active and life club members. Junior Court attendants were Greta James Barr, Linda Jane Caston, Anna-Patrick Price, Stella Julianne White, Matthieu Forrest Tamor, and Gatlin Fields Lott.

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Azalea Festival Court 2022 Queen Hannah Hinckley and 2022 King Luke Doyle 2021 Queen Lacey Dumas, 2022 Queen Hannah Hinckley, 2022 King Luke Doyle, and 2021 King Walker Willis Haiden Andrews, Savana Barclay, Amari Davis, Emma Ann Fenn, and Brady Byrd Gavin Wicker, Anne Elizabeth Rushing, Alana Johnson, and Sean Artigues Austin Riad, Julia Hughes, Kate McKenzie, Madeline Honea, and Colton McGovern Tanner Perkins, Averi Paden, Anna Harvey, Leah Sterling and Jack Brewer Merritt Tamor, Jace Brown, Meg Gatlin, Lauren Esch, and Luke Sowell Lucy Hallmark, Austin Etheridge , Ella Glass, and Jake Martin Connor McKee, Mary Elizabeth Kuntz, Emma Grace Carruth, Emily Claire Felder, and Whit Price Ethan Lindsey, Taylor Washington, Leighton McCulley, Reece Rayborn, Sydney Williams, Mackenzie Mir, Grant Holmes, and Dock Adams

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FOCUS FOCUS on on

WOMEN’S WOMEN’S HEALTH HEALTH

All The Ways We Care All The Ways We Care

Don’tWait Waiton on Don’t These These

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Get up-to-date on these lifesaving Get up-to-date on these lifesaving health screenings for women. health screenings for women

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Know your cholesterol For every woman, Know your cholesterol levels For every woman, levels While we are talking about heart isbest the best While we are talking heart health, it isabout also important to nownow is the health, it is also important to have your cholesterol levels time to make an ChancesBefore are pretty goodabout that you are. time have your to make an checked. Allchecked.

Allcholesterol it takes is alevels simple blood test COVID, 40 percent of it takes is a simple blood test appointment Before COVID, about 40 percent of that measures your total “bad” Americans were skipping their appointment with that measures your total cholesterol,cholesterol, “bad” cholesterol (LDL), “good” cholesterol (HDL) Americans were skipping their with her primary recommended medical tests or cholesteroland (LDL), “good” cholesterol (HDL) triglycerides (blood fat).

Talk to your your primary care recommended medical tests or and triglycerides (blood fat). Talk about to yourwhen to start treatments. Then, in 2020, an addiprimary care provider care provider and treatments.

Then, 2020, of anAmericans addiprimary care provider about start and how often to when check to your cholesterol tional 32 in percent provider and put and how often to check your cholesterol tional 32 canceled percent oftheir Americans levels. put these eightlevels. annual wellness these eight lifecanceledcheckups their annual wellness and screenings, mainly life-saving health ScheduleSchedule that mammogram checkupsbecause and screenings, mainly saving health of COVID. mammogram Athat mammogram is an X-ray picture screenings on because of COVID. A mammogram isbreast. an X-ray picture of the It is the best way to on Research has proven that healthscreenings of the breast.

It is early the best way detect signs of to breast Researchscreenings has provenincrease that health detect earlycancer. signs of breast The entire procedure life expectancy. youryour to-doto-do list. list.

ARE YOU BEHIND ON ARE YOU BEHIND ON HEALTH YOUR REGULAR YOUR REGULAR HEALTH SCREENINGS? SCREENINGS? Chances are pretty good that you are.

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cancer.

The entire procedureand that half hou screenings life expectancy. takes less than 30 minutes, Soincrease think of preventive exams and takes less than 30 minutes, and that half hour Get your blood pressure checked could save your life. Since 1989, mammoSo think of preventive exams and tests as an investment in your future Get your You blood pressure checked could save your life.

Since 1989, mammomay be surprised to know that grams have prevented more than half a tests as an investment in your futurewill get you You may beheart surprised to know health.

An annual physical prevented more than halfStarting a disease is stillthat the number grams one havemillion deaths in the U.S. at age 45, health. Ancaught annualup physical willofget you is still the number one Nearly million in the U.S. should Startinghave at age health concern for women. half deaths every woman an 45, annual on many your health heart disease health concern for women.

Nearly half every woman should have an annual caught upscreenings. on many ofAyour health of adults in the U.S. (47 percent) have mammogram until age 54.

Women 55 and yearly women’s well- of adults in the U.S. (47 percent) have mammogram until age 54. Women 55 and high blood pressure, also known as hypertenolder can switch to a mammogram every screenings.

A yearly women’s wellvisit will provide the gynecological high blood sion, pressure, hypertenolder can switch to a mammogram every whichalso canknown lead toasheart disease and other year or continue with an annual exam. visit will provide the gynecological sion, whichmany can lead tohealth heart disease and and breast exams that can detect continue with an other issues. Anyone overother the year or Women between theannual age ofexam.

40 and 44 have and breast exams that can detect many other health issues.

Anyone over the Women between the age of 40 and 44 have age of 40 should have their blood pressure the option to start screening once a year and cancer and many other conditions in age of 40 should have their once bloodapressure the option to start screening once a ayear and risk for cancer and many other conditions in checked at least year and more often even sooner if they have greater their early stages. checked atifleast a year and more often a blood even sooner if theycancer. have aTalk greater riskprimary for theyonce already have hypertension, breast to your care their early stages. if they already have hypertension, a blood Talk toabout youryour primary care pressure reading of 130/80 or higher. breast cancer. provider risks. pressure reading of 130/80 or higher. provider about your risks.

Page 12 { May/June 2022 { Bluffs & Bayous

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Get checked for osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a disease that thins and weakens the bones. About 68 percent of the 44 million Americans at risk for osteoporosis are women. A bone density test is the only way to diagnose osteoporosis. This safe, painless, non-invasive procedure uses a special X-ray machine to determine the strength and thickness of your bones and only takes about 10 minutes to perform. Women should have this test starting at age 65 or during menopause if they are at high risk. Talk with your medical provider to discuss your risk factors.

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Remember your Pap/HPV test A Pap test is the best way to check for cervical cancer.

The test detects precancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix and can be performed during a routine gynecological exam. The Pap test may be combined with a test for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer.

In general, you should start having a Pap test at age 21. You and your primary care provider should decide when it is time to begin Pap testing and how often you should have the test.

Make that colonoscopy appointment Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. The best way to check for colorectal cancer is to have a colonoscopy, which detects changes in the large intestine and rectum. During the screening, polyps and other abnormal tissues can be removed before they develop into cancers. Adults age 45 to 75 with an average risk of colorectal cancer should have a colonoscopy at least every 10 years or more often if they have a higher risk. Most insurance plans as well as Medicare help pay for colorectal cancer screenings, with some not requiring a deductible or co-pay.

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Remember your blood glucose test This test measures the amount of sugar, or glucose, in your blood to check for diabetes. Diabetes occurs when the body loses its ability to break down sugar, which can lead to many health issues for both women and men. For example, diabetes increases the risk of heart disease by about four times in women, but only two times in men.

The test requires that you fast for eight hours before a small sample of blood is taken. The American Diabetes Association recommends screening for everyone age 45 or older and for anyone with a high risk for diabetes. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, being overweight or obese, a history of diabetes or if you developed diabetes when pregnant.

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Get screened for skin cancer Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, but it is also the most treatable. If you have fair skin or have spent lots of time in the sun, a regular skin cancer screening is the best way to find the early signs of skin cancer. You can also perform a self-exam. Watch for any changes in the color, shape or size of your skin markings, such as moles and freckles. Also look for any new spots on your skin or any itching or bleeding. If you see anything unusual, make an appointment immediately with a dermatologist.

Sources: Mayo Clinic, American Diabetes Association, WebMD

To learn more about

women’s health services at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, visit smrmc.com

Marcie Aldridge, CFNP SMRMC

Renie Jordon, MD Family & Internal Medicine

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call SMRMC Women’s Health Center at

601-684-2300

Women’s Health Center • 1318 Harrison Avenue • McComb, MS 39648 www.smrmc.com • 601-684-2300

Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 13

THE social SCENE FERRIDAY, LOUISIANA

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

A 90th Birthday Luncheon A

special lunch was held on February 26, 2022, at the home of Amanda Taylor in Ferriday, Louisiana, for Dr. Mary Eidt in celebration of her 90th birthday. Guests gathered at Dr. Eidt’s home in downtown Natchez, Mississippi, and were chauffeured by limousine to the Taylor residence. The home was decorated throughout with beautiful flowers in multiple shades of pink and white. The formally set table offered a delicious luncheon with individual custom mini-cakes for the guests. Dr. Eidt’s niece and great niece were on hand to capture the event.

Photography by Susan Bellan O’Connor and Rose Mary Read Ball 1 2 3 4

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Dr. Mary Eidt Dr. Mary Eidt and Susan O’Connor Ed and Dr. Mary Eidt Sissy Eidt Browning, Jean Reed, Doris Ann Benoist, Pat Dale, Sue Purvis, Amanda Taylor, Dr. Mary Eidt, Katharine Warren Garner, Bettye Jenkins, and Lucianne Wood Marty Seibert Carol Lemay and Doris Ann Benoist Katharine Warren Garner, Dr. Mary Eidt, and Sue Purvis Dr. Mary Eidt and Amanda Taylor Sissy Eidt Browning and Marty Seibert Dr. Mary Eidt, Lucianne Wood, and Elizabeth Power Lucianne Wood, Dr. Mary Eidt, and Doris Ann Benoist

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12 Sissy Eidt Browning, Rosemary Ball, and Dr. Mary Eidt 13 Amanda Taylor and Dr. Mary Eidt 14 Dr. Mary Eidt with a birthday cupcake 15 Individual birthday cupcake Shades of pink and red adorned arrangements throughout the Taylor residence.

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MAGNOLIA VILLAGE

Assisted Living - Independent Living - Memory Care - Respite

Living with Purpose™

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ith today’s medical care allowing people to live longer and more active lives, especially in their retirement years, numerous seniors with disabilities are likely to need long-term health care services to compensate for functional impairments and help maintain psychosocial well-being. Assisted living homes are one choice that can prevent or delay nursing home placement when in-home help is no longer sufficient.

Magnolia Village has been serving the Natchez and the Miss-Lou community for over 27 years and has been an integral part of assisted living, independent living, memory care, and short-term respite for the Elders in our area.

Magnolia Village offers a unique care setting for your loved one. As a Milestone Four Community on the Eden Alternative Registry, our care is based on growth and empowerment of our Elders and Care Partners. Since Magnolia Village is home to our Elders, we create a cohesive social environment in which our Elders are heavily involved in the decision-making process of their home by sitting on a number of committees.

Living with Purpose™ is our cutting-edge memory care program through which we offer highly trained and dedicated staff to care for your loved one who is living with dementia. We believe that our Elders who are living with dementia deserve to continue living their lives with dignity, so our Care Partners are trained to not only meet their needs but also help them thrive by finding their rhythm of the day.

We understand just how overwhelming it can be deciding on the best care options for a loved one. Please call us for more information, or schedule a tour of our beautiful home. Our compassionate Care Partners are here for you. For more information about the Eden Alternative, please visit www.edenalt.org.

Living with Purpose ™

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Assisted Living • Independent Living • Memory Care

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At Region 8 Mental Health, we offer comprehensive individualized treatment of the highest quality for those in need of mental health, intellectual developmental disabilities, and drug and alcohol services.

We provide the following: • INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENTS • COUNSELING • • MEDICAL, NURSING AND PHARMACOLOGY SERVICES • • COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES • CHILDREN’S THERAPEUTIC DAY TREATMENT • • ALCOHOL AND DRUG INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT SERVICES • SUPERVISED LIVING PROGRAMS • ADULT PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION PROGRAMS • • CRISIS PREVENTION, INTERVENTIONS AND ASSESSMENTS • 24/7 EMERGENCY ON-CALL SERVICE •

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Page 18 { May/June 2022 { Bluffs & Bayous

THE social SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

A Salute to Krewe of Ceres King Dr. David Braden

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party was hosted by the “Moby Dick Book Club” at the home of Kristie and Kim Sessums in Brookhaven, Mississippi, honoring 2022 Krewe of Ceres King Dr. David Braden on Saturday, February 19, 2022, prior to the Krewe of Ceres Charity Ball held later that evening.

Photography by Bill Perkins 1 King David Braden and Queen Abbigail 2 Jack Jones, Katie Jones, Queen Abbigail Jones, and Trey Fant 3 Karen Braden and Blaise Braden 4 Karen Braden and Dr. David Braden, Krewe of Ceres King 5 Dr. Deana Jackson and Karen Braden 6 Bill Sones, Betty Ann Perkins, and Alvin Hoover 7 Robin Patterson and King David Braden 8 Anna Sparks, Ansley Braden, and Matt Boylan 9 Daniel and Anna Sparks 10 Queen Abbigail Jones and Betty Dixon 11 Bill Jones and Merrie Boerner 12 King David Braden and Ansley Braden 13 King David Braden and Betty Ann Perkins 14 Dr. Asa Reynolds, Dr. Joe Moak, and Mike Taylor

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Linda Moak and Mary Grace Valentine Queen Abigail Jones and Cathy Phillips King David Braden and Carla Snider King David Braden, Robbie Jackson, and Steve Fitzsimmons 19 John Chrestia and Rick Taylor 20 Kristie Sessums and Betty Ann Perkins 21 Bill Sones, Teresa Sones, and Dr. Kim Sessums

for informations on local events

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Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 21

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Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 21

LEGAL NOTES

Estate Purgatory

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n Mississippi, a legal issue that has been around since the state was created but seems to be getting worse as the population grows is Estate Purgatory. By this term I mean “heir property.” Heir property occurs when Grandpaw and Granny die owning Blackacre (the term used on my law school exams representing a fictitious 160 acres).

When Grandpaw and Granny die, they hypothetically have five children named Ned, Ed, Jed, Fred, and Marcel.

Well, being the oldest, Ned tells the other siblings there is no need to go to a lawyer since it would be an unnecessary expense; rather, they should keep Blackacre in the family; and they can all own it and all use it and all have

BY

a place called home. (It is shocking how often the above scenario plays out in Mississippi.)

Hypothetically, none of the siblings bother going to an attorney to open Grandpaw or Granny’s estate; and they just continue with the property as is; and the siblings seem to get along; and everybody comes and goes hunting, fishing, gardening, and enjoying Blackacre. They pass the pot every year to pay the taxes.

Years go by, and then the Lord starts calling the five siblings to their eternal home, and each sibling has children numbered anywhere from two to eight. So, after all five siblings die, there are now (hypothetically) eighteen grandchildren who are scattered all over the country; and some of them have just not kept in touch so their whereabouts are unknown.

This scenario is the epitome of estate purgatory. What happens when one of the eighteen grandchildren wants to get control of the property, or at least manage the property, or get his portion of the property which now constitutes about 8.8 acres per heir?

Page 22 { May/June 2022 { Bluffs & Bayous

Lucien C. Gwin III

This situation now becomes a very expensive legal matter; and while in the process of writing this article, I got a call from a client who had almost the identical issue that I have presented in the hypothetical circumstances above.

Where does one begin to sort through all of this saga’s details and developments? It is very complex, and most lay people do not understand the process even when explained, nor do they understand why it becomes so expensive to sort through.

The question is what does the family want to do with the property? Here are the options they now have: 1) Sell it as a whole.

2) Buy and sell just only certain family members’ interests.

3) Form a limited liability company, have all of the family convey into the LLC, and have a limited number of family members control and manage it.

4) Partite (divide) the land up among all the family members, but be prepared to pay a fortune in survey costs.

5) Have the legal courts order a sale at the courthouse of all the property to

the highest bidder, and have the sales proceeds divided among all family members.

I can tell you, there are many legal complications and expenses associated with all of the options above, and this article will not allow me the space to articulate the multitude of problems.

However, the first question to be asked is this: Do the landowners know who all of the involved family members are and where they are located? I was once called upon to try and straighten out an estate that had three hundred acres and at the time over six hundred known heirs. This was a hopeless situation. I advised the family members who contacted me that the cost in the attempted process alone could produce fees and services that could exceed $25,000 to $30,000.

That Was Just To Get Process Issued!

This expense did not include having

Card Business Online Banking BusinessPlus Business to expend the time Checking and effort inBusiness gettingCreditgo straight to an attorney and probate to court and having to deal with these the estate. Stay on top of it and keep up many people’s different attorneys. The with all the heirs (family). Assert your cost could be hundreds of thousands of personal legal rights as early as possible Business Mobile Banking Payables/Receiveables Fraud Prevention dollars, and no family member wanted based on your attorney’s advice. to spend money for an undivided interest which literally could amount to an undivided one acre. There are Lucien C. “Sam” GwinGroup III was admitted toPayroll the Card Merchant Card Services Management Banking Mississippi Bar in 1981 and has been practicing legal mechanisms for attorneys to Liquidity get many aspects of the law at the firm of Gwin, Punches paid out of the estate; but in a case as & Kelley in Natchez, Mississippi, ever since. the one I described above, an attorney Business Borrow has no idea of the time or effort. There is no guarantee he or she gets paid in full. So the above scenario of 600 heirs becomes an insurmountable problem.

Business Loans Commercial Real Estate Loans Agricultural Loans The problem just gets worse and worse when heirs die and their children or grandchildren double in number.

There are cases all over Mississippi Loans like the oneSBA I have described above, and there is no easy or inexpensive answer to the problem. How do heirs avoid the above scenario?

When Management Grandpaw and Wealth Granny die while owning Blackacre,

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Fiesta Celebration for Lindsay Hof’s 40th Birthday

A

fiesta-themed event was held for Lindsay Hof’s 40th Birthday at the home of the Ross family in Florence, Mississippi. The evening began with a surprise limo ride to the party for the honoree and her family. Here, guests greeted them in their Fiesta or southwestern attire while being serenaded “Mariachi style” by Sawyer Ross. The room was filled with Mexican music and decor including paper roses and hanging lanterns as well as a fiesta tree, photo booth, and personalized slideshow. Mason Hof blessed the food that was catered by El Cabrito and the other fiesta cuisine provided by friends and family. Specialized cookies in cactus and sombrerohat shapes were provided by the talented Whitney Herman. Guests enjoyed the margarita bar while dancing to the sounds provided by DJ Brian Harper.

The crowd was entertained through the evening with a miniature donkey and Amazon bird along with a South African Codie that was provided by Katrina Miller Witt of Mississippi Therapy Animals. The fabulous 40th event was planned by Lindsay’s mother, Ginene Walker. Lindsay would like to give a special thanks to her mother as well as all the friends and family members that made this a memorable birthday!

1 Lindsay Hof 2 Drake Hof, Lindsay Hof, Bubba Johnson, and Mason Hof 3 Brad Walker, Ginene and Ronnie Walker, and Lindsay and Mason Hof 4 Robyn Shows, Amy Bowen, Lindsay Hof, Renae Byrd, and Mason Hof 5 Sawyer Ross and Lindsay Hof 6 Ilene and Randy Hutson with Lauren and John Hontzas 7 Mary Blair, Ginene Walker, and Brenda Guy 8 Lindsay Hof and Bubba Johnson 9 Trey and Kim Hutson with Weston Hutson 10 Randy and Mary Blair 11 The Hutson Family

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Dixie and Bobby Thornton Bubba Johnson, Brenda Wilson, Lindsay Hof, and Larry Wilson Tobias, Kingston, Sebastian, and Brooke Compton Ginene Walker, Lindsay Hof, and Gloria, the donkey Anna Lewis, Darlene and Mike Lewis, and Caroll Hennington Joy Westbrooks; Danny and Julie Lowery; Alex, Ky, and Easton Lowery; and Emmerie Lowery Kayla Raines, Julie McAlpin, and Lindsay Hof Kim Hutson, Lindsay Hof, and Anna Lewis Emily Thornton, Brad Walker, and Lindsay Hof Lindsay Hof Lindsay Hof and Ginene Walker Brenda Guy, Buddy James, and Johnell Eppes Lindsay and Mason Hof

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Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 29

BY Richard

McMullan

The Role of

A

Prevention and Early Intervention in Promoting Emotional and Social Wellness in Children

ccording to recent statistics, 10% of children have mental health challenges so significant that not only do they impact the child’s day-today life but, if left untreated, they also will continue into adulthood. Prevention and early intervention are critical to promoting physical healing and recovery in our communities and society at large.

However, we must recognize as parents or in any significant role we play in shaping and influencing the lives of young people how critically important prevention and intervention services are for children to develop and maintain optimal mental health.

Wellness and well-being in childhood are associated with a wide range of positive outcomes including higher academic achievement, improved social relationships, and economic security. So, you might be wondering what the difference is between prevention and early intervention. Prevention and early intervention are part of the spectrum of mental health interventions which includes mental health education or psycho-education, treatment services, and continuing care.

The prevention of mental health problems involves intervening before a condition develops. These types of interventions and services aim to address challenges and barriers that are associated with mental health difficulties.

These may include perinatal influences, relationships with family and friends and other adults, schools and workplaces, social and cultural activities, the physical health of individuals, and community and media influences.

An early intervention approach aims to identify the early signs and symptoms of a mental health condition and prevent it from progressing to a diagnosable illness.

This includes providing treatment services for children experiencing the first episode of a serious emotional and behavioral disturbance or other serious mental health conditions.

Early intervention treatment services aim to reduce the impact of mental illness and adverse effects in terms of duration and damage and to foster hope for future well-being.

Keep in mind that mental health difficulties

Page 30 { May/June 2022 { Bluffs & Bayous

for children do not look the same as they do for adults.

Young children cannot process emotions, worries, or stressors in the same way as adults. As a result, children’s mental health difficulties will often present as behaviors, relationship problems, or traits. A child’s behavior must also be considered in the context of typical child development. All children do not develop at the same pace physically, emotionally, or psychologically.

As children grow, their ability to communicate their thoughts and feelings will change. If particular behaviors fall outside the realm of what is expected for a particular developmental stage, these behaviors may be a sign of emerging mental health difficulties. To underscore the critical need for prevention and early intervention services for children, there is a large amount of research that has been conducted on what are called Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and their impact on mental and physical health problems later in life. The ten experiences included in studies of ACES are: 1. physical abuse 2. verbal abuse 3. sexual abuse 4. physical neglect 5. emotional neglect 6. living with a family member who is incarcerated 7. living with a family member who is diagnosed with a mental illness 8. living with a family member who abuses substances 9. exposure to violence against one’s mother 10. absence of one parent through divorce, separation, or other factors Studies consistently find that the more Adverse Childhood Experiences an individual has the more likely by more than fourfold he or she is to develop health

problems later in life, including heart and lung disease, long-term substance use disorders, and illicit drug use and alcoholism. There is a strong correlation between the amount of ACES experienced and the likelihood of suicide attempts in adolescence and adulthood.

In terms of specific mental health disorders, each experience increases the likelihood of both lifetime and recent major depressive episodes; and experiencing seven or more ACES is linked to a fivefold increase in reporting hallucinations.

These early childhood experiences make a substantial impact on long-term development and health outcomes for all children regardless of socioeconomic background and other demographic factors.

All of this information underscores the importance of viewing mental and physical health as inextricably linked and, equally, the importance of our communities acknowledging this link as a critical area of concern for the overall health of our children. In order to effectively address these needs in our communities, Region

8 Mental Health Services provides comprehensive, quality, and innovative evidence-based treatment services to the citizens of Lincoln, Copiah, Simpson, Madison, and Rankin counties in central Mississippi.

Region 8 Mental Health Services offers prevention and early intervention services for children ages 3-17. Our full range of child and family-centered services also includes individualized assessments; therapy services for the child and family; therapeutic day treatment for preschool and school-aged children; medical, nursing, and pharmacological services; community support services; school-based crisis services; crisis intervention services; afterhours telephone crisis services; and afterhours mobile crisis response services.

Please give us a call at any of our service location numbers or visit our website at www.region8mhs.org for more information and assistance.

Richard McMullan is the Children’s Director for Region 8 Mental Health Services and has over thirty-one years’ experience in mental health, twenty-eight of those years with Region 8.

601-823-2345 620 Hwy. 51 North www.region8mhs.org

“Serving The Area For Over 50 Years”

Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 31

THE social SCENE

LAKE DIXIE SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Cheryl Young’s 60th Birthday Party

C

heryl Young’s 60th birthday was celebrated by friends and family at The Mallard restaurant at Lake Dixie Springs, Mississippi, on Saturday evening March 12, 2022. Because Young has so many fans from serving at The Mallard for 34 years, it was only natural that this restaurant, so important a part of most of her life, be the venue for her birthday celebration. Photography by Bill Perkins

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Cheryl Young Cheryl Young’s birthday cake Announcement sign at The Mallard Amber Hall and Bill Perkins Caitlyn Smith and Kristina Pagan Trey and Eileen Brabham Paula Decoux, Angie Hart, Von Hart Haney, Brandi Kelley, and Whitney Rutter Angela Simmons and Julius Butler Sharon White, Laura Dixon, and Laurene Brady Darryl Brady and Cliff White Nicole and Trey Brabham, Bonnye B. Hoffman, and Patti Brabham Cheryl Young, Betty Ann Perkins, and Diane Leggett Case Jim and Sheryl Teske Lisa Slaven, Gabe Allen, Patricia Allen-Smith, Cheryl Young, and Tracy Smith Diane Leggett Case Cheryl Young and Eileen Brabham Erick Michael Peters and Cheryl Young Lance Magee and Diane Leggett Case Nell Newton, Cheryl Young, and Diane Leggett Case Damon Ellzey and Poppy McGovern Shayla Edward, Cheryl Young, Keshunda Burton, Tiffany Blackwell, and Aveta Myers Ava Rutter, Chris Rutter, Cheryl Young, and Whitney Rutter

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New of Natchez

H

ave you heard the Buzz? There is a new BeeHive home in Natchez overlooking the Mississippi River next to the Hotel Vue. So what is a BeeHive Home? Boise, Idaho-based BeeHive Homes has been at the franchise game for nearly three decades and has 207 small-home senior living franchises spread across the United States.

For BeeHive, the small-home assisted living and memory care format—more financially attainable than large-scale senior living properties—has blended well with the franchise model according to Troy Veach, franchise sales director with BeeHive.

“We feel like we’ve discovered a niche across the U.S. where we’ve been able

to really find our market,” Veach told Senior Housing News. He added that the company’s communities follow a smallhome model with ratios of roughly one staffer per three or four residents. That allows caregivers to form close bonds with residents, thus boosting resident satisfaction and helping to tamp down the turnover.

“We get to know the family a lot better; we get to know the resident a lot better,” Veach explained. “If we have a resident that likes to have a glass of wine and peanuts before they go to bed at night, we should be able to provide that.”

BeeHive Homes of Natchez is the proud accomplishment of locals Butch and Missi Johnson. According to them, they were searching for a suitable home for Butch’s parents back in 2017 when his father’s health was failing and his mother was struggling to manage caring for him and her aging self. There were no local options available.

The only assisted living facility here was booked with a long waiting list and the nursing homes were not a fit.

Butch stumbled upon the BeeHive franchise concept shortly after his father’s passing and began the process of learning about the business. It wasn’t long before the decision was made to pursue their business model. He met with John Mayfield who was the Mississippi franchisee director of new business and owner of

six homes himself. They agreed to form a partnership and the BeeHive Homes of Natchez was born.

Property search was very difficult in Natchez, Adams County. Proximity to local shops, doctors’ offices, and hospitals

BEEHIVE HOMES REPRESENTS

Quality Care with our Commitment to Excellence!

Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 33

was important. Property in Natchez was expensive and not zoned properly. Property in the county had drawbacks as well.

Finally, the current location overlooking the Mississippi River was found. What a view is offered to the residents. They spend much time enjoying the river view, sunsets, and sunrises in a comfortable safe home.

The feel and atmosphere here is overwhelming the minute you walk in the door. Missi says, “It feels like a resort not a nursing home! The residents choose to live here and are not ‘put here.’ ” The home provides twenty-four-hour personal care and three meals prepared on site daily with snacks and drinks provided at residents’ requests. The rooms are cleaned and laundry service done individually by the staff. Activities are provided; and the large living room, sun-room, and outdoor living space are well appointed with quality furniture and amenities. Residents can come and go at will (depending on their abilities), and guests are welcomed twenty-four hours a day.

The large spacious rooms are home like and each has a private bath. The rooms are available to men, women, or couples.

No age requirement exists. The home is monitored and inspected routinely by the Mississippi Department of Health, and strict guidelines of care are followed.

Medicines and special care are monitored by the staff for individual needs. Physical therapy and home health services are available as well.

Butch and Missi invite everyone to stop by for a visit and see what BeeHive Homes of Natchez is all about.

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JOURNEY TO HEALTH & WELLNESS O

By Providers at Tensas and Vidalia Community Health Centers

ften, the goal of “getting into shape” or “getting healthy” can seem too daunting—too big a mountain to climb. One may be too ambitious with the plan; and when perfection isn’t achieved, he or she just gives up and is left feeling like a failure. The most important thing is to decide to start on that path and act. We all will have different starting points and different short-term and long-term goals. We also have different health needs. The path to health and wellness truly is a lifelong journey filled with ups and downs. Deciding to take control over your health can feel overwhelming. Your physical and mental health sometimes just needs minor changes to see big improvements. Starting small can many times be the key.

Page 36 { May/June 2022 { Bluffs & Bayous

The first step in your health journey may be as simple as a wellness visit.

Almost all insurance companies cover a yearly wellness exam at no additional cost.

This visit can give you and your provider a picture of your overall health. This can also be a great place to start a health plan. These visits include a health physical, blood pressure checks, and weight and height checks as well as blood work if needed.

This is a good time to get a preventative care plan as well as review any chronic health concerns that you may have. Our providers can then help guide you in the next course of action.

Let’s talk about preventative care for chronic health issues. Preventative care is simply a plan to prevent chronic illnesses, diseases, or other health problems, finding issues that may be of concern down the road and working to remedy them.

Whether it is a genetic predisposition to heart disease or being pre-diabetic, our providers are equipped to help you combat those things before they ever start. Things such as changing your diet, exercising, and lowering your stress are just some of the ways that we can prevent illness.

Chronic health concerns are illnesses that need to be monitored for an extended period of time. This can be thyroid problems, hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, asthma, and obesity.

Sometimes these conditions require seeing a specialist every so often. What many of our patients do not know is that our providers can work together with their

specialists to give them the best possible care. Because we can provide care to every aspect of a person, whether it be physically or mentally, we have the knowledge and ability to see the whole picture. When we see the whole picture, our care is that much more personalized.

One health aspect that tends to get overlooked in our journey to health is proper oral care. The connection between our oral health and physical health is very important. Some issues in your mouth can affect the rest of your body. Studies suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with periodontitis (gum disease) are linked to some health issues such as endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy and birth complications, and pneumonia. Also, certain diseases such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS can lower the body’s ability to fight infection, making oral health problems more severe.

Some dental patients are overwhelmed by the amount of dental work they need and instead just delay treatment altogether.

Start small! Commit to scheduling a hygiene appointment and getting a treatment plan for your needs. Small lifestyle changes can lead to big improvements in your oral health. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Make it a goal to floss once daily. Drink more water especially after eating to help keep your teeth clean. There truly is no better solution for dental problems than to avoid them in the first place with proper care and dental visits.

Another health aspect that can be overlooked is our mental health. While physical well-being is very important, some do not realize the importance of mental well-being. Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being affects how we think, feel, and act. Our society today is plagued with one mental health issue that cannot be overlooked—STRESS. Children and adults are more stressed than ever! Stress has been shown to contribute to physical illnesses. Headaches, nausea, muscle pain, fatigue, insomnia, and mental illnesses are all risks of stress and anxiety.

Speaking to a provider about these issues can be a great start to finding mental fortitude. Stress and anxiety may never “go away” but finding the tools you need to cope with and work through those times can make a big change in your health and well-being. Many times, it’s as simple as changing your diet, going outside more, stretching, deep breathing, drinking more water, or adding in physical activity.

Mental health is important at every stage of life from childhood through adulthood Our health journeys are all different and are all at different stages. The takeaway is to start small and be consistent in your health plan. Schedule your wellness, mental health, or dental care visit. Talk to our providers about any and all issues you may have. We at Tensas and Vidalia Community Health Centers are here to help guide and encourage you on your lifelong journey to health and wellness.

Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 37

ON THE LITE SIDE OF THINGS Our healthy focus this issue is salads and a light lemony sweet. With warm weather approaching, cool, crisp salads create a light refreshing meal. Fresh, leafy greens and healthy vegetables used in salads have many dietary advantages. Along with raw vegetables and fruits, these meals offer a good source of natural fiber as well as nutritional benefits and, of course, temptations for the taste buds. Be sure to try our light dessert to satisfy your sweets palate, and remember to include a daily walk or workout with your healthy eating habits.

Bon Appetite!

Page 38 { May/June 2022 { Bluffs & Bayous

Calypso’s Black Bean Salad TOKISSTHECOOKBLOGSPOT.COM

BLACK BEANS

2 cans black beans 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 cup chopped red onion 1 tablespoon chopped garlic (2 cloves) 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon cumin 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon cayenne 1/3 cup beer (Guinness was suggested because chocolate undertones go well here, but any choice would work, perhaps a “lite” option.)

1 cup of water

SALAD

Open, drain, and rinse your beans. Set them aside. Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil at medium heat in a medium saucepan. Add in spices till everything in the pot is coated and fragrant, 2-3 minutes stirring constantly.

Add your beans, mix well, and then add your beer and water. Bring this to a boil; then immediately turn heat down until you can keep a steady simmer. Simmer for 2530 minutes, stirring occasionally until liquid is reduced by a third.

While your beans are busy soaking up goodness, make the dressing. Put all of the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Whirl it around. Season to taste and refrigerate.

Assemble the rest of your chopped ingredients in the following order: hearty amount of Romaine lettuce, tortilla chips, chicken, tomatoes, red onion, and cheese.

Use a slotted spoon to divide your black beans out over the salads. Pour a liberal bit of cucumber dill dressing over the top of it all.

1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped 2 cups lightly broken tortilla chips 1/2 cup diced red onion 1/2 cup diced tomato 1 1/2 cups chopped roast chicken (Rotisserie chicken from a market makes prep easier.)

1/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1/3 cup canned sliced jalapenos (optional)

CUCUMBER DILL DRESSING 1 cucumber, peeled and seeded 1 1/2 cups 2% Greek yogurt 1/4 cup fresh dill fronds, chopped 1/4 cup olive oil 1 heaping teaspoon of buttermilk powder 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 teaspoon kosher salt Squeeze of lemon juice (optional)

Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 39

Broccoli & Bacon Salad LECREMEDELACRUMB.COM

SALAD

Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl. Combine dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor, and pulse until smooth. (Alternately, you can combine in a jar and shake.) Add water as needed to reach desired consistency. Taste; add salt and pepper if needed and pour over broccoli salad. Toss salad to coat. Serve immediately or cover and chill up to 24 hours.

Tip: To remove the harsh bite from the red onion, add slices to a bowl of water or white vinegar for approximately 15 minutes. Remove from liquid and pat dry before using.

Options: Use toasted almonds or pistachios instead of sunflower seeds. Use half broccoli and half cauliflower. Instead of white cheddar cheese, use sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella.

6 cups broccoli florets, chopped small 1/3 cup red onion diced 4-6 strips of cooked and chopped bacon 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon salt Pinch black pepper 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese 3 tablespoons roasted sunflower seeds

HONEY MUSTARD DRESSING 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1/4 cup honey 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon salt Pinch of black pepper Water to thin if needed

Big O’s West Indies Salad OLIVE ANDERS, YAZOO CITY, MISSISSIPPI

1 pound lump crab meat 1 medium onion, finely chopped 4 ounces cider vinegar 3 ounces Wesson oil

3 ounces ice water Salt and red pepper to taste Saltine crackers, optional Fresh greens, optional

Layer the crab meat and onion. Mix vinegar, oil, and water together. Pour over crab meat mixture, season to taste, and let marinate. Serve with saltine crackers or over a bed of your favorite fresh greens for a delicious salad.

Page 40 { May/June 2022 { Bluffs & Bayous

Super Green Pasta Salad LENA ABRAHAM - DELISH.COM

SALAD

Kosher salt 8 ounces elbow macaroni or favorite pasta 3 cups packed fresh spinach 1 cup frozen green peas or edamame, defrosted and drained 2 Persian cucumbers, quartered lengthwise and chopped 1/2 cup freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley, basil, or cilantro 2 jalapenos, thinly sliced into rounds 3 tablespoons capers, drained 2 teaspoon lemon zest 1/4 cup toasted hulled pumpkin seeds 1 avocado, cubed Freshly ground black pepper Crushed red pepper flakes

PASTA

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente. Drain pasta in a colander; then run under cold water to stop cooking and rinse off starches. Set aside to drain while you make the dressing.

In a large bowl, combine pasta, spinach, peas or edamame (or both), cucumbers, herbs, jalapenos, capers, and lemon zest. Toss for 1-2 minutes until spinach has reduced in volume and becomes slightly wilted. Add avocado and pumpkin seeds, and toss gently until just combined. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.

DRESSING

3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed 1/2 medium shallot, minced 1 teaspoon agave nectar 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, shallot, and agave. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in olive oil until mixture is emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.

Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 41

Frozen Lemon Dessert YOURHOMEBASEDMOM.COM

3 eggs; separate yolks and whites 1/2 cup sugar 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1/2 cup vanilla wafers crushed (grated lemon rind, optional)

COOL, REFRESHING, & ONLY 280 CALORIES PER SERVING!

Mix together yolks, sugar, and lemon juice in a pan and stir over low heat until thick, approximately 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into cooked mixture. Whip cream and fold into above mixture. Spread 2/3 of the vanilla wafer crumbs over bottom of an ungreased 8” x 8” or 9” x 9” pan. Pour in lemon mixture. Sprinkle with remaining crumbs (and/or grated lemon rind).

Freeze. When ready to serve, pull from freezer. Let thaw some, cut into squares, and serve.

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844-862-4862 844-862-4862

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No problem! We send your visit summary to your PCP the next day!

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1806 CARTER ST VIDALIA, LA 71373

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Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 43

HISTORIC INN Frank L. “Lee” Smith, IV

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Our team at Bergeron & Plauche strives to help you navigate your financial future Call us today for a consultation.

507 Franklin Street • Natchez, Mississippi 601-442-0088 • 800-308-5388 • bergeronandplauchellc.com Securities offered through National Securities Corp, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through National Asset Management, Inc, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. B&P is not affiliated with NSC or NAM.

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285 Sgt. Prentiss Dr. - Natchez, MS - 601-445-5601 Page 44 { May/June 2022 { Bluffs & Bayous

84 Homochitto St. Natchez, Mississippi 601-897-6300

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Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 45

education

Healthy Lifestyle Classes Continue, and They’re Free!

Despite the pandemic, King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven, Mississippi, continues to help members of its community maintain healthy lifestyles. Here are three classes, all free and open to anyone in the community, that involve Diabetes Educator Emily Nations, RN, and Clinical Dietitian Betsy Daughdrill.

Diabetic Education Class

The class meets every Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. with everyone masked and socially distanced. “Most of the class wanted to keep coming,” Nations said. “It is usually under 10 people, so we are able to spread out.”

The topic changes weekly, so you can start showing up anytime. A dietitian teaches the class, answers questions, helps plan grocery lists and healthy recipes, and checks health statistics.

Pre-Diabetic Education Class

Thanks to a grant, this class not only is free but also includes a year’s free gym membership. A new group has been forming every month. Some classes meet in person, and some decide to operate online via Zoom. Each class meets for a year.

To attend, you have to be at risk of type 2 diabetes or have been told by a doctor that you have elevated blood sugar or a pre-diabetes condition. You can take a risk test through your doctor, over the phone or at doihaveprediabetes.org.

“It really is an easy class because it’s just lifestyle changes,” Nations said. “It involves making better choices and having accountability with others in their class. We give them tools to help make those changes.”

The two main goals are to lose 5 to 7 percent of your body weight and to exercise 150 minutes a week,” she said. “That reduces the risk of your developing diabetes by 56 percent. If you’re over the age of 65, it reduces the risk by 76 percent!”

Weight Loss Class

After a diabetes or pre-diabetes class ends, some people want to continue losing weight. KDMC moves them into a weekly weight loss support group. Members receive general tips, exercise suggestions, and recipes. They weigh in every week.

“You don’t have to weigh in front of people,” Nations said, “but you do have to say whether you’ve gained or lost, and how many pounds. So, it holds you accountable.”

For more information on Diabetic Education Classes, please contact Emily Nations at 601-835-9118.

427 Highway 51 North • Brookhaven, Mississippi 39601 Page 46 { May/June 2022 { Bluffs & Bayous

Natchez City Cemetery’s Gala under the Oaks

THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

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n March 26, 2002, the Natchez City Cemetery Association sponsored the cemetery’s 200th Anniversary Celebration with an elegant evening’s gathering and entertainment fashioned as A Gala under the Oaks. The event’s dining and dancing was held under the towering and mini-lights-covered oak trees in Natchez’s downtown Memorial Park where the original cemetery was established during the Spanish rule from 1779-1789. In 1822, the remains of most there were removed and reinterred at the new cemetery just upriver from the town. The gala’s celebration offered live music, scrumptious fare, and seated dining at formally dressed tables with creative décor. Annette Holder chaired the celebration’s activities with proceeds going to the restoration of the National Register noted Shelter House in the Natchez City Cemetery located in the historic Cemetery Bluff District.

Characters from previous Angels on the Bluff events were also in costume at the Gala: Sam Jones as George Booth, father of one of the little girls killed in the Natchez Drug Store explosion; Ruthie Coy as her grandmother Ruth Audley Beltzhoover, owner of Famous and Price; Dr. Jim Coy as General William T. Martin, who lived at the historic home Montaigne and fought in the Civil War; Carlee Reed as Lillie Granderson, a brave enslaved woman who secretly taught other enslaved people to read even though her doing so was against the law; and Mike Roboski as Lodvigo Viccinelli, an Italian who came to farm here along with many other well-known Italian families, still known today, who helped start Assumption Catholic Church Parish.

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Sue Burkhalter and Nancy Whittington Kathy and Melton King with Corky and Charlie Vess Joe and Micki Hartley and Carol and Jerry Smith Jean and Bryant Reed Marty and J. W. Seibert Jeannie and Bazile Lanneau Rusty and Lynn Jenkins Shay Gay, Melinda Biglane, Kristen Jordan, Lynn Janette, Stacey Heflin, Jessica Ryan, and Sarah Stanton Smith Mary Lessley, John Burns, and Jason Dauphin John Burns and Sharon Brown Jim Coy as General T. Martin and Ruthie Coy as Ruth Audley Beltzhoover Mike Roboski dressed as Lodvigo Viccinell Aylett Dickman, Denison Graham, Dr. Jim Coy as General William T. Martin, Ruthie Coy as her grandmother Ruth Audley Beltzhoover, and Rick and Debbie Conner Beverly and George Hude Karen Hill, Dianna Glaze, Sissy Allen, and Nancy Kimbrell Ken Kochey, David Paradise, Homer Rushing, Judy Stahlman, and Betty Paradise Bee Burns, Lucianne Wood, and Elise Rushing Judy and Randy Busick

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Mayor Dan Gibson with Marla Gibson William Thames and Heather Callon Claudia Stephens, Phebe Heard, and Dr. Dianne Bunch Shirley Petkovsek with Sandra and Eddie Burkes Susan and John Hudson Meg and Mac Hazlip, Diana Ewing Nutter, Betty Jo Harris, and Eleanor and Bill Ernst Sherry Jones and Ethel Truly Charlie and Molly Speed Carter Burns, Larry and Annette Holder, Penny McCary, Micki Hartley, and Martha Jane Ratcliff Carter Burns, Dianne and Peter Burns, and Ginger and Tom Schwager Melissa Vaughan and Ronnie Calhoun Connie and Jack Parker with Braxton and Carol Hobdy Emily and Chris Maxwell Freddie and Jean Biglane with Stratton Bull John and Robin Branton, Mary Margaret and Martin Gilley, Katie and Kirk Graham, Lisa and Barret McKnight, and Shannon and Zach Jex

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Noelle Stewart, Leigh and James Saunders, and Sarah Carter Smith Edward and Carlee Reed Marsha Colson and Mary Lessley Ben and Melinda Yarbrough Margaret Jordan, Lyda Jordan, Bill McGehee, and Maureen Radzewicz Joe Stedman, Betsy Feltus, and Sue Stedman Paula Estes and Terry Stutzman

of Natchez

­

Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 49

Boomers – Maximize Your Health for Quality of Life

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he average United States life expectancy of 84 years means many Baby Boomers reaching age 65 have nearly two decades of life ahead. Advanced years bring more risks to your health that can impact quality of life as you age.

Dr. Barbara E. Smith, M.D., and Charla Knapp, Nurse Practitioner at Merit Health Medical Group Primary Care Clinic, remind us that some factors like genetics are beyond your control; but healthy lifestyle choices and timely identification and management of the following common, chronic conditions can increase your odds of living a long and healthy life.

ARTHRITIS

Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in or around one or more joints can be signs of arthritis, the leading cause of disability in the United States. Almost one in four adults develops the condition. Arthritis has many forms, and your doctor can help diagnose and identify the best treatment. Management of arthritis can help you reduce or manage pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or maintain functioning.

TYPE 2 DIABETES

More than 34 million Americans have diabetes, with approximately 90-95% having type 2 diabetes. The symptoms are hard to spot; and the older you are, the more likely you are to have this condition. Left untreated, type 2 diabetes can cause other serious conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, or vision loss. Regular check-ups can timely help identify the condition.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

In 2017, United States medical organizations lowered blood pressure numbers to 120/80 as normal, 130/80 as pre-hypertensive, and 140/80 as stage 1 hypertension. Left unchecked, this asymptomatic condition plays a big role in your chances for heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes. Your doctor can help you develop a plan including diet, exercise, or medication to lower your number.

HEART DISEASE

Several types of heart conditions are considered heart disease, including coronary artery disease, issues with valves in the heart, or heart failure. Each of these conditions elevates the risk for heart attack and stroke. Symptoms vary, depending on the type of heart disease. Your doctor can perform diagnostic tests and, if diagnosed, may advise you to make lifestyle changes or may prescribe medication for treatment.

DEPRESSION

Clinical depression is not a normal part of aging, but can be more common for people who also have other illnesses such as heart disease or cancer. The condition is serious and can affect the way you feel, act, and think. Counseling, medicine, or other forms of treatment can help.

If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, talk with your doctor who can help put together a plan of treatment.

“Also, remember the foods and beverages that people consume have a profound impact on their health,” said Dr. Smith. “A healthy diet can help people achieve and maintain good health and possibly reduce the risk of chronic diseases throughout all stages of their lifespan.”

A balanced diet with appropriate portions of produce, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products helps prevent, delay, and manage heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases.

“Our goal is to help patients maintain their best life through preventive medicine, when possible,” said Knapp. “When conditions or issues arise, we will help them identify the most promising course of treatment and connect them with specialists if needed.”

Aging is a normal and cumulative process that extends across our lives. Sustaining healthy lifestyle choices and managing chronic conditions give you the best chance to remain healthy with high levels of independence and functionality as you age.

If you are in need of a primary care physician, you can call Merit Health Medical Group Primary Care Clinic at 601-445-1715 or visit https://www.primarycareappointments.com/merit/natchez/ to schedule an appointment online with one of our providers. For a list of all the medical providers and specialists on the Medical Staff at Merit Health Natchez, visit https://www.merithealthnatchez.com/find-a-doctor.

Merit Health Natchez offers a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox from a trusted medical source. To sign up, visit https://MeritHealthNatchez.com/enewsletter-sign-up.

Page 50 { May/June 2022 { Bluffs & Bayous

About Merit Health Natchez

Merit Health Natchez is a Joint Commission-accredited hospital with 179-beds and offers a broad range of services including emergency medicine, surgery, cardiology, labor and delivery, radiology, outpatient diagnostic testing, physical therapy, and more. Merit Health Natchez holds additional accreditations from the American College of Cardiology for Chest Pain Center, the American College of Radiology for mammography, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and Advance Disease-Specific Care Certification for Acute Stroke Ready Hospital from The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Learn more at https://www.merithealthnatchez.com/.

Barbara E. Smith, M.D.

Charla Knapp, FNP-BC

Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 51

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Engagement Gathering for Allen Spencer and Tyler Jordan

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n Saturday, April 2, 2022, an engagement party, honoring Allen Spencer and Tyler Jordan, was hosted by friends and family to introduce Allen and her family to friends of Tyler and of Lisa Jordan Dale and GA Mayers. The gathering was held at Kenilworth, the home of Caroline Doughty in Natchez, Mississippi. Photography by Lisa Whittington

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Tyler Jordan and Allen Spencer Marty and Kolby Kennedy Maureen Radzewicz and Fred St. Clair Catherine Ratcliffe, Tracy Gammon, and Doty Bennett Mary Clark Weems and Marcie Davant Lisa and Danny Jaber Gary and Mary Ruth Caldwell Clark and Susan Spencer Allen Spencer and Lisa Jordan Dale Adam Kaiser, Pam Middleton, and Emily Rose Kaiser Donna Callaway and Ann Gaudé Melinda Yarbrough, David Gaudé, Dee Newman, and Christine Jenkins Lashon and Walt Brown Ray Terry and Beverly Ogden Pam and Ken Steele with Catherine Ratcliffe Sharon and Ken Williams Danny and Patricia Huffines Stratton Hall, DeAnn Sullivan, and Barry Rhoads Kevin and Danna Wilson Chris and Jodi Kelley

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Debbie and Skipper Blackwell Kirby Watts, Jan Kirkwood, and Jodi Kelley Owen, Denise, and Dan Thibodeaux Tim and Angie Cotton Lisa Mayers and Susan Spencer Katie Freiberger, Tracy Gammon, and Patricia Huffines Ladd Sanderson and Darby Starks Garret Anderson and Alaina Wilson Annette and Tony Byrne Iva Ward, Ray Terry, and Beverly Ogden Tom and Pam Middleton with Avery and Brenna Middleton Lisa Mayers, Tyler Jordan, Allen Spencer, Allie Mayers, and GA Mayers Randall and Mary Clark Weems, Tyler Jordan, Allen Spenser, and Susan and Clark Spencer Tyler Jordan, Allen Spencer, Ladd Sanderson, and Darby Starks Mike Ellard, David Gaudé, Walt Brown, and Danny Huffines Jaki Robinson, Brad Yarbrough, and David and Christine Jenkins

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Jake Brown, Adam and Emily Rose Kaiser, Allen Spencer, Tyler Jordan, Brenna and Avery Middleton, and Brent Gaudé Tracy Gammon, Lisa Jordan Dale, Caroline Doughty, Doty Bennett, and Stratton Hall Sandra Ellard, Mary Ruth Caldwell, Jan Kirkwood, Doty Bennett, and Lauri Boyd Spencer Allen and Tyler Jordan with family and friends

$100

Healthy Heart Screening No Physician Referral Required

601-574-7132 • www.mycmcc.org Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 55

IN THE GARDEN

BY

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

Producing Avocados in Mississippi Gardens

Page 56 { May/June 2022 { Bluffs & Bayous

H

ere’s a little ditty ‘bout Joey and Lila: two cold-hardy avocados growing up in the heartland. Lila was doing OK in my Ocean Springs yard, but I introduced Joey to bring the thrill of living.

With apologies to John Mellencamp’s “Jack and Diane,” avocados have been one of the most interesting additions I’ve made over the past few years to my Heritage Cottage Urban Nano Farm. I’ve had the opportunity to visit avocado growers in California and Florida, and I have marveled at all the guacamole growing on those trees.

I knew that even the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s environment wasn’t suitable to grow commercial varieties like the popular, bumpy-skinned (Guatemala) Haas and smooth-skinned (West Indies) avocados.

Temperatures of 25 to 28 degrees in the winter are just a little too cold for these varieties to produce fruit.

But since then, I learned about coldhardy avocados, and that was a game changer. These avocados are of Mexican origin and cold hardy to about 15 degrees.

I grow my cold-hardy avocados in big containers like the ones I use for my citrus trees, but this cold hardiness means we should be able to grow—fingers crossed— these avocados in the ground through zone 8.

The first avocado I planted in 2019 was the selection Lila, a grafted, semi-dwarf selection that reaches about 10 feet tall.

Lila started producing fruit last year, but I thought the production wasn’t as good as it could be. So, being silly and thinking that Lila needed a boyfriend, I bought another cold-hardy avocado selection named Joey.

I did this without doing any research into the issue, and it turned out to be a bit prophetic.

You see, avocados produce flowers having both male and female parts, but they don’t function at the same time. The flowering occurs over two days. On day one, the flowers open female, ready to be pollinated, and then they close. On day two, the flowers open male, shed pollen, and close again. This sequence can be an issue when producing avocado fruit. While a single tree can self-pollinate and produce some fruit, it is a difficult process as the male and female flowers are not open at the same time.

Mother Nature provided the solution to this pollination conundrum, for avocados have two pollination types: A and B. Type A plants have female flowers in the

morning of day one and male flowers in the afternoon of day 2. Type B plants have female flowers in the afternoon of day one and male flowers in the morning of day two. Having both Type A and Type B avocado trees in your garden or landscape will improve pollination rates and may end up generating more fruit production.

So, my thinking that my Lila avocado needed a boyfriend was part intuitive and part just plain lucky. You see, my Lila is a pollination Type A tree and boyfriend Joey is a pollination Type B tree. I’m expecting Lila and Joey to be very fruitful in future seasons.

Avocado trees are becoming more readily available in the fall when independent garden centers stock their citrus trees. If you are intrigued by my experience or just like guacamole a whole lot, be sure to look for avocados this fall.

Columnist Dr. Gary R. Bachman is an assistant extension professor of horticulture at Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.

A single avocado tree can self-pollinate, but growers have more success when planting both Type A and Type B pollinating types in the landscape.

Avocados of Mexican origin are cold hardy enough to survive in Mississippi. They are most often available for sale in the fall.

Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 57

THE social SCENE SUMMIT, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Judith Robinson DAR Christmas Luncheon

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he Daughters of the American Revolution Judith Robinson Chapter held its annual Christmas luncheon in December 2021 at the home of Peggy Tidwell in Summit, Mississippi.

Karinlee Brister and her daughter, Kathrynlee BristerMcDaniel, entertained the members with Christmas Carols prior to the luncheon. Hostesses for the luncheon were Patty Breckenridge, Mary Felder, Dale Free, Missy Holman, Crystal Newman, Cherrie Randall, Carla Stringer, Peggy Tidwell, and Ramona Young. The Judith Robinson Chapter has members from the Southwest Mississippi area.

1 Peggy Tidwell and Missy Holman 2 Dale Free, Crystal Newman, Cherrie Randall, and Mary Felder 3 Lori Keller, Betty Penick, and Glenda Howell 4 Dale Free, Madeline Cater, and Kathy Williams, 5 Susie Bonnette and Madeline Carter 6 Peggy Tidwell 7 Hostesses: Ramona Young, Cherrie Randall, Peggy Tidwell, Missy Holman, Mary Felder, Crystal Newman, Dale Free, and Carla Stringer 8 Table Centerpiece 9 Janice Fortenberry 10 Glenda Howell, Betty Penick, Judy Johnson, and Janette Alexander 11 Karinlee Brister and Kathrynlee Brister-McDaniel 12 Jane Lawrence, Sue Boyd, and Lynn McGinnis 13 Front—Rosemary Rushing, Ann Hobgood, and Janice Brock / Back—Carla Stringer, Jane Ard, Crystal Newman, Kathy Williams, and Janette Alexander 14 Betsy Harrell and Karinlee Brister 15 Kathrynlee Brister-McDaniel 16 Front—Elaine Jenkins / Back—Janet Pike and Janice Fortenberry 17 Carla Stringer and Sherri Wallace 18 Jane Ard, Sarah Simmons, and Lori Keller

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Downtown and All Around Our City...Vicksburg

Shop, Eat , Stay & Play

Vicksburg

THE SOUTHERN CULTURAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION

presents

“SOUTHERN EXPOSURE” CAMP May 31 - July 29 from 8 am to 5 pm Open to Kids Ages 4-13

Page 60 { May/June 2022 { Bluffs & Bayous

Up & Coming LOUISIANA

louisianatravel.com A great site for everything Louisiana ALEXANDRIA / PINEVILLE alexandriapinevillela.com rapidessymphony.org riveroaksartscenter.com lagniappetheatre.com themuseum.org Every Tuesday through June Alexandria Farmers Market 2727Jackson Street 3-6 pm 2nd Saturday in May & June Alexandria Museum of Art Free Admission 10 am-4 pm themuseum.org

MAY/JUNE Louisiana Up & Coming!

FERRIDAY concordialibrary.org deltamusicmuseum.com

May 13-14 Dallas String Quartet Coughlin-Sanders Performing Arts Center 7:30 pm 318.484.4474 Ticket-Central.org

MONROE / WEST MONROE monroe-westmonroe.org June 17-18 Red White & Blue Airshow Fri. 4-10 pm Sat. 9 am-10 pm redwhiteandblueairshow.com

June 12 Indian Creek Triathlon Indian Creek Recreational Area 7:30-11:30 am 504.952.2899

NEW ORLEANS neworleansonline.com neworleanscvb.com ogdenmuseum.org nola.org FB: nolajazzmuseum/live newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu nobt.org neworleansfilmsociety.org neworleanscitypark.com neworleanszombierun.com

BATON ROUGE visitbatonrouge.com lsumoa.org rivercenterarena:baton-rouge.ticketscenter.com batonrougeballet.org Red Stick Farmers Market Breada.com CLINTON / JACKSON louisianasteamtrain.com

April 29-May 8 New Orleans Jazz Festival jazzandheritage.org PORT ALLEN westbatonrouge.net

ELLICOTT POOL SUMMER FUN Opening May 28 Weekend through Labor Day Weekend Mon-Fri 1 - 7 pm | Saturday 10 am - 7 pm | Sunday 1 - 7 pm

Open to all paid Natchez Garden Club members and their children. $5.00 for any guest.

Non-NGC Family Summer Membership: $200 Non-NGC Individual Summer Membership: $125 Non-NGC Bed and Breakfast Summer Membership: $200

May 7-August 21 From Sugar to Rum Exhibit West Baton Rouge Museum Tues.-Sat. 10 am-4:30 pm Sun. 2-5 pm westbatonrougemuseum.org May 20 Historical Happy Hour West Baton Rouge Museum Tequila & Traditional Music 6-8 pm westbatonrougemuseum.org ST. FRANCISVILLE audubonstatehistoricsite.wordpress.com explorewestfeliciana.com/events.html FB St. Francisville Farmers Market stfrancisvillefestivals.com May 26, June 23 & 28 Vibes in the Ville Parker Park 5:30 pm

For more information contact the office: 601.443.9065 | www.natchezgardenclub.org

Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 61

Up & Coming MAY/JUNE Louisiana Up & Coming!

June 3-5 Walker Percy Weekend Various Venues 281.608.1137 walkerpercyweekend.org

James B. Hall, MD

O

ur clinic focuses on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and chronic kidney disease prevention.

As a hypertension specialty clinic, we also focus on difficult-to-control blood pressure, secondary hypertension, and reno-vascular hypertension. Our full-time and covering physicians are nephrology-fellowship trained and board certified in nephrology. Dr. Hall is also trained and certified as a Hypertension Specialist. Our clinic fosters a compassionate and friendly atmosphere, and our main objective is to delay the progression of kidney disease through community outreach, peer education, kidney screening seminars, and health promotional classes. Remember, “Your health is the most important thin you own, second to your soul.”

REFERRALS ONLY

747 Industrial Park Rd | Brookhaven, MS 601.833.4111 | www.anointedneph.com

June 11 The Day the War Stopped Feliciana Lodge #31 8 am VIDALIA cityofvidaliala.com concordialibrary.org Every Wednesday Farmers Market Old Court House N. Spruce St. 9 am-1pm

Check our our website for new & upcoming events!!

Our office offers Botox/Juvederm treatments.

Make an appointment to experience your transformation!

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Shannon Patterson, DMD, FAGD FELLOW OF THE ACADEMY OF GENERAL DENTISTRY

615 Hwy. 51 South | Brookhaven, Mississippi | 601.833.0746 | brookhavendentalcenter.com Page 62 { May/June 2022 { Bluffs & Bayous

Up & Coming MISSISSIPPI

visitmississippi.org hikinginmississippi.com BRANDON May 21 Team Hope Walk for Huntington’s Disease Lakeshore Park 9 am Heather Thurgood Wilmoth 601.754.6323 south.hdsa.org BROOKHAVEN facebook.com/VisitBrookhavenMS visitbrookhavenms.com brookhavenrecreation.com brookhavenlittletheatre.com Linclib.org/events Through June Farmers Market S. Whitworth Ave. & W. Chickasaw St. Every Tuesday & Friday Tues. 3-6 pm Fri. 7 am-Noon June 3 Golfing for A Cause The Ole Brook KDMC.org/foundation

MAY/JUNE Mississippi Up & Coming!

June 16 11th annual Girls Night Out Various Merchants 3-9 pm 601.833.1411

June 29 Kenny Chesney Brandon Amphitheater 7:30 pm FB: Brandon Amphitheater

June 23-26 Descendants: The Musical Brookhaven Little Theatre Thurs. 7 pm / Fri. Noon Sat. & Sun. 2 & 7 pm brookhavenlittletheatre.com

MCCOMB pikeinfo.com mccombarts.com mcrrmuseum.com FB McComb Farmers Market

FERNWOOD fernwoodcc.com JACKSON dulinghall.com msmuseumart.org visitjackson.com jacksonfreepress.com/calendarmsnla.org craftsmensguildofms.org balletms.com msmetroballet.com May 7 Mississippi Makers Fest Entergy Plaza 222 North St. 10 am-10 pm msmakersfest.mdah.ms.gov

Through June Thursdays McComb Farmers Market 113 Railroad Blvd.

7 am-1 pm May 6 Shrimp Boil Salvation Army 4138 Hwy. 51 S. 601.600.2020 May 13 19th Annual Golf Tournament Fernwood Country Club 601.684.2291 pikeinfo.com May 14 Iron Horse Festival Downtown 10 am-10 pm pikeinfo.com

Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 63

Up & Coming NATCHEZ Live Music Events Calendar visitnatchez.org/full-event-calendar visitnatchez.org kreweofphoenixnatchez.com natchezpilgrimage.com FB Downtown Natchez Farmers Market thetowersofnatchez.com natchezgardenclub.org natchezlittletheatre.com Saturdays through June Downtown Natchez Farmers Market 300 N. Broadway 8:30 am-Noon Throughout May Natchez Festival of Music Various Events 601.445.4155 natchezfestivalofmusic.com May 6, 12, & 20 Live @ 5 Bluff Bandstand 5 pm visitnatchez.org

MAY/JUNE Mississippi Up & Coming!

May 7 & June 4 First Saturday Market MLK Triangle 6 St. Catherine St. 11 am-5 pm May 13-14 MudBug Music Festival Broadway St. ardenland.net May 14 Merry Market Natchez Convention Center 9 am-4 pm 601.442.5880 May 21 Fitness on the Bluff Run/Walk Bluff Park Broadway St. 9-10 am / $9 May 22 Claws for a Cause Trinity Episcopal Church 5-8 pm 601.445.8432

Don’t have time for an injury?

May 21-22 Gayrage Sale yallmeansallnatchez.org June 3 Pajama Jam Natchez City Auditorium 4-6 pm / $10 601.443.3066 June 17-19 Soul Food Fusion Festival Various Events & Sites FB:SoulFoodFusionFestivalNatchez June 24-25 Tumbler Palooza Market Natchez Community Center Main St. 9 am-5 pm / Free missloudesigns.com July 2 & 3 Natchez 4th of July Celebration Natchez Bluff Alabama / Other Notable Bands ardenland.net

We understand that illnesses and injuries can happen anytime, including after hours and weekends. That’s why we stay open 7 days a week for life’s urgencies. Just walk-in when you need us, Vidalia!

Vidalia 4014 Carter Street (318) 414-1800 M–F 8am–8pm S–S 8am–5pm MyTotalUrgentCare.com Give us a follow

Check-In Online Walk-In Schedule a Virtual Visit

Page 64 { May/June 2022 { Bluffs & Bayous

March/April 2022

Invitation to St. Francisville 12th Biennial Spring Garden Tour Natchez: 90th Spring Pilgrimage Bluffs & Bayous { March/April 2022 { Page 1

Up & Coming

MAY/JUNE Mississippi Up & Coming!

PORT GIBSON FB: portgibson.chamber msculturalcrossroads.org

Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation 9-11:30 am & 2-5 pm / Free 601.631.2997

MADISON/RIDGELAND visitridgeland.com madisonthecity.com ardenland.net mscrafts.org

May 2 Lebanese Dinner St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church 11am-2 pm & 5-7 pm $13 per plate 601.636.2483

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SOUTHERN SAMPLER BY Alma M. Womack

Wildlife WildlifeCritters Critters--Unwelcomed!

Unwelcome!

L

iving down here on Tupelo Brake, south of Jonesville, Louisiana, wildlife critters are fairly common visitors to my yard. Raccoons, possums, armadillos, deer, coyotes, squirrels, rabbits, nutria rats, beavers, and alligators are all around me and, sooner or later, will show up in my yard.

I have fished possums, frogs, and snakes from the swimming pool over the years, some dead, some alive.

I have fought chicken snakes, possums, wood rats, and hawks over my chickens; for all those varmints are intent on doing damage to the chickens or will steal their eggs. Since those eggs probably cost me $3 each considering the price of feed, I do not surrender them easily.

Chicken snakes have been caught and removed from the laying room; and if they come back, I am like an ancient executioner; for it’s “off with their heads.” Possums I generally scare away, but wood rats are treated with rat poison because I cannot stand the nasty creatures. They are not like Templeton in Charlotte’s Web; they are truly destructive and gross, and I won’t have them around.

Two years ago, I went to tend to the chickens one afternoon; and there sat a peacock on the roof of the chicken house, hollering and keeping the chickens all aflutter. The beautiful, but noisy creature hung around for several days. He would light down in the chicken yard, eat some of the grains in the feed, and then rise majestically to the fence, the chicken

house, or the live oak outside the pen.

After a few days, he left; whether he returned home or went across the river to visit Nicky and Sara Peré, I do not know.

This peacock was quite the celebrity with the grandsons for a few days, one of whom wanted to catch him and pull out some of his glorious tail feathers. Not to worry, we couldn’t get that close.

Thursday morning, April 14, I was trying to read my early morning news but couldn’t concentrate because the dogs kept barking and wouldn’t hush, even when warned. When I say dogs, I do not mean one or two. There are eight in my yard, Possum, Louie, Charlie, Bruce, Penny, Pepper, Max, and Daisy; and they were all standing under the sweetgum tree, just barking their heads off.

I made a second attempt to hush them because they never bark that long at one of the dozens of squirrels that live here. Then, out to the front yard I went to admonish the pack and looked up in the tree to see if I could see the squirrel; to my great shock, there sat a rather large black bear, if not fully grown, then almost there. Great sakes above, was all that came to mind!

Mike and Clarence Duncan were out at the tractor shed, so I alerted them to the unwelcome visitor. They came back, and we watched the bear who was as scared of the dogs as they were annoyed by him. We discussed the situation, wondering whatever to do to get rid of the bear.

I ended up calling Robert Swayze at the Sheriff’s Office in Harrisonburg, and he put me in touch with a Wildlife and Fisheries Agent. The agent’s advice was this: lock up the dogs and perhaps the bear would leave. A fine idea, but hard to manage with that many dogs; where would I put them?

And how long would they have to stay put away? My dogs are used to roaming at will, so locking them up didn’t seem to be too good to me.

But Mike and I put the most vocal ones in the greenhouse, put one on a leash, and left the quieter ones to sleep in the carport.

They were all out of eyesight of the bear, who was supposed to realize the dogs were gone so he would climb down from the tree and go back to the woods. In theory,

Bluffs & Bayous { May/June 2022 { Page 69

of course. The bear climbed down the tree, went to the lake to get a drink, then climbed back up the tree, stretched out on a big limb, and went to sleep. There he remained all morning.

After lunch that day, I had to leave to go to Hattiesburg to get grandson J.G. and bring him to Smithland for Easter weekend. I called WLF, and told them my plans, and wished them good luck with the bear. They suggested the dogs stay locked up till I got home, which did not happen.

They had to be fed and get water and do their sniffing around. They were bored with the bear, which did nothing but drink water and sleep. However, Mike decided to put them in his horse trailer for the night, in hopes the bear would leave.

But that didn’t work either. He was still here Friday morning before Jay and I left Hattiesburg for home. The dogs were in the horse trailer, so the silly bear had no reason to stay. When we drove into the yard about 12:30, the bear had left. No goodbyes, no thank you for your hospitality, just gone…. thank goodness. The dogs were let loose to run around and be dogs, but JG was disappointed because he had wanted to see the real live bear.

Knowing that bears are roaming our land again does not give me a warm and fuzzy feeling.

I’d just as soon they stay away from yard and me, and go be bears in the woods. Reckon a “Keep Away Bears” sign would work with them?

Columnist Alma 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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