Bluffs & Bayous September/October 2023

LIVIN' LARGE ON

At Last Farm

a look INSIDE social scenes 4

Brookhaven, MS

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Brookhaven, MS

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Magees’ 60th Anniversary

Retirement Celebration for Richard Furr

McComb, MS Leslie Clark Baby Shower

14 Natchez, MS

2023 Food and Wine Festival’s “Tastings Along the River”

16 Natchez, MS

Engagement Gathering for Denham and Whittington

favorites 36 Natchez, MS

10 In the Garden

36 Summit, MS

32 Legal Notes

Jim Lessley’s 80th Surprise Family Birthday

Adding Pollinatorfriendly Plants to Your Landscape

Mississippi American Legion Riders Family Award

Big Brother’s Comeuppance

44 Up & Coming

47 Natchez, MS

Miss-Lou events to pique your interest

The Order of the First Families of Mississippi 2023 Spring General Assembly

52 Southern Sampler A Tiny Tale of Baby Chicks

48 Vidalia, LA

Concordia Bank Celebrates 120 Years

24 Natchez, MS

Retirement Celebration for Holyoak

cover

Jennie and Jarrell Smith break from barn duties on their eclectic Vicksburg farm.

See article on pages 38-41.

Photo by Lisa Whittington

features 17 Football Schedules

Follow your favorite teams with our quick reference guide to the upcoming college football season.

26 Fired Up for Football

38 Livin' Large on At Last Farm

Vicksburg couple pursues their dream of living and working on a quintessential country farm.

Tailgating traditions and recipes to get you ready for cheering on your favorite alma mater's team!

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 1

M AG A ZI N E

our team

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

CHERYL FOGGO RINEHART Publisher/Editor/Sales

JEAN NOSSER BIGLANE Copy Editor

ERIN NORWOOD Design Director

KARI L. BLANEY Sales

SAM GWIN Contributor

DR. EDDIE SMITH Contributor

CECILIA STEVENS Contributor

ALMA WOMACK Contributor

BILL PERKINS Photographer

LISA WHITTINGTON Photographer

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

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

from the PUBLISHER Festivals, galas, parades, state fairs, music events, football games, and flea markets—productions and occasions of all kinds pack the agenda for September and October in the Bluffs & Bayous region. Many of these events are long-standing rituals celebrating music, crafts, food and social gatherings, making this summer-into-autumn season the ideal time to connect with friends and family while attending these day-time or even weekend-long events.

Friday night lights along with Saturday collegiate rivalries and Sunday NFL games fill our weekends as well. This busy, engaging season affords one of my favorite Bluffs & Bayous issues to build!

We have some terrific stories this month. The Vicksburg, Mississippi, couple Jennie and Jarrell Smith from At Last Farm give us a peek into their daily life of raising goats, chickens, and Pyrenees with some gardening and farm-

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based products for sale on the side. Cecilia Stevens recaps some tailgating traditions and recipes from three families supporting rival SEC schools. Of course, this issue also includes our traditional listings of college football schedules, a quick reference for the season’s game-day weekends through January 2024.

Always, when working during July and August on this fall issue, I try to flee the dog days of summer by closing the blinds in my office and turning the AC below 68, all as a shield from the steaming temperatures and glare of the harsh sun. I begin to transcend these conditions, transported by the prospect of the sounds and sights of upcoming autumn—a time that now you can embrace. I urge you to seize the many opportunities our area has to offer, fill your calendar with a variety of events to attend, and relish all the elements of this season as we live to the fullest our life along and beyond the Mississippi.

social

THE SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

Magees’ 60th Anniversary

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Shirley and Harley Magee celebrated their 60th Anniversary with family and friends at The Homestead in Brookhaven, Mississippi, on June 17, 2023. Photos by Bill Perkins 1—Shirley and Harley Magee 2—Angie Cox and Shirley Magee 3—Laura Leigh White and Connor Smith 4—Sandra Gerald, Shirley Magee, Nelline Reed, and Ann Morris 5—David Derrick, Shirley Magee, Lynda Derrick, and Nelline Reed 6—Shirley Magee and Annabelle Dickerson 7—Karen Sullivan and Cindy McLain 8—Wilma Robertson and Millie Owens 9—Alex McLain, Cindy McLain, and Doug McLain 10—Gary Hutson, Shirley Magee, and Renee Hutson 11—Douglas McLain, Shirley Magee, Peggy McLean, Ann Jackson, and Daniel McLain 12—Eric Boyd and Jeannie Pyeatt 13—Harley Magee, Mary Virginia Stone, and Mamie Stone 14—Betty Ann Perkins, Shirley Magee, and Peggy McLean 15—Terry Doremus and Jeff Doremus 16—Jolyn Stone, Mamie Stone, Mary Virginia Stone, and Vesta Pittman 17—Stacy Magee, Amanda Russell, and Miriam Moyer

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SAVE THE DATE!

Thursday, September 28, 2023 • 6:30pm SMCC Fine Arts Auditorium

The Gala is back bigger and better than ever! Headlining this year is popular singer, songwriter and actress Haley Reinhart, with her elegant jazz voice backed by her amazing band!

Wear your sparkles and join us for the party of the year in support of greater healthcare growth and excellence for our communities. Since 1979 the Medical Foundation has dedicated every dollar raised supporting our hometown Medical System in the acquisition of new services, equipment, facility renovations, walking track, landscaping, to benefit our patients, employees, and guests.

Reserved concert seating and the AFTER PARTY at THE PALACE featuring incredible eats and drinks is $100 per person.

General admission for the concert only is $50 per person.

Thanks to the amazing generosity of our sponsors, all proceeds from the sale of Gala tickets will go directly to help our medical and health needs right here at home.

If you’d like to help sponsor the Gala, you will receive VIP tickets and will be featured heavily in our marketing and social media channels, digital billboards, local newspapers and radio, as well as having your logo prominently displayed throughout our Health System where more than 1,200 employees, 100 physicians, patients and visitors will see your support every day.

FEATURING singer, songwriter & actress Haley Reinhart!

Contact Tina Brumfield about sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets.

You may also purchase a ticket using our QR code.

tina.brumfield@smrmc.com 601-551-5180

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 5

social

THE SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

Retirement Celebration for Richard Furr After forty-three years of banking, Richard Furr has retired, having been Vice President at Pike National Bank in Brookhaven, Mississippi, for the past eighteen years. On May 22, 2023, Furr was honored with a celebration at the Brookhaven Branch of Pike National Bank where his many colleagues, clients, friends, and family members gathered to mark the occasion.

Photos by Bill Perkins 1—Diane Cothern, Georgia Sones, and Richard Furr 2—Becky Bass, Richard Furr, and Geralyn Russell 3—Kara and Abby Garcia 4—Dave and Lil Ann Pace 5—Robin Furr and Geralyn Russell 6—Chantay Butler and Richard Furr 7—Martha Arrington and Richard Furr 8—Richard Furr and Teresa Allred 9—Richard Furr and Amy Alderman 10—Jack Rutland, Richard Furr, Phil Magee, and Jason Furr

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Miss-Lou Dental welcomes its newest doctors to the team!

Anna Bet Womack, DDS

Amber Harried, DMD

Dr. Womack grew up in Vidalia, LA, and graduated from Cathedral High School in 2010. She completed her undergraduate education at Louisiana State University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Science. Then, she continued her education in New Orleans at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, graduating in 2020.

She and her husband Brendan welcomed their first child, Perry, in 2022. In their spare time, they enjoy their dogs, being on the lake and visiting friends and family.

A native of Fayette, MS, and a graduate of Jefferson County High School, Dr. Harried completed her undergraduate education at Alcorn State University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science. She then earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2022. Dr. Harried enjoys cheering on the ASU Braves football team and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. She also loves reading, books, painting, fishing, trail riding, and cooking meals.

CREEKSIDE & FERRIDAY

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Natchez, MS / Stine 110 US - 61 South (601) 304-4100

Natchez, MS / Creekside 184 Sargent Prentiss Dr (601) 442-0452

Ferriday, LA 207 Serio Boulevard (318) 757-4561

M ISSL O U D E N TA L . C O M SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 7

social

THE SCENE MCCOMB, MS

Leslie Clark Baby Shower Leslie Clark, wife of Andy Clark, both of McComb, Mississippi, was recently honored with a vintage-themed baby shower welcoming baby boy James William Clark who arrived in July 2023.

The shower was held at the childhood home of the mother-to-be. The dining table featured vintage silver and porcelain baby items belonging to the family. The menu consisted of Leslie’s favorite brunch foods of homemade scones, cheese straws, yogurt parfait cups, pimento and cheese sandwiches, and sausage pinwheels and featured a baby stroller fruit display. The gift area showcased vintage baby clothing belonging to Leslie's two younger brothers and a baby card from the paternal great grandparents. As guests arrived, they signed a vintage book. Each of the guests gifted the soon-to-be parents with a children’s book to stock the nursery. Hosting the shower were Freya Biggers, Karinlee Brister, Sarah DeLee, Taylor Ferris, Marla Hinckley, Melisa Jefcoat, Sandra Kavanay, Dinea Kraft, Kathy McCarlie, Misty Smith, Nancy Smith, Carla Stringer, Melissa Stringer, and Hope Thompson. Future grandmothers, Jeanna Clark and Barbara Willis, along with aunts Maggie Clark, Kim Clark, and Lisa Hughes celebrated the happy occasion.

1—Andy and Leslie Clark 2—Leslie Clark 3—Mattie Rials and Leslie Clark 4—Anne Marie Huff and Leslie Clark 5—Melinda Wallace and Barbara Willis 6—Carla Stringer, Jennifer Gholson, and Marla Hinckley 7—Karinlee Brister, Barbara Willis, and Carla Stringer 8—Jeanna Clark and Barbara Willis 9—Kim Clark and Leslie Clark 10—Leslie Clark and Karinlee Brister 11—Tricia Holliday, Carol Anne Graves, and Carol Ann McMorris 12—Angela Remley, Barbara Willis, Freya Biggers, and Marla Hinckley 13—Hope Thompson and Louise Lampton 14—Karinlee Brister, Hope Thompson, Barbara Willis, Melisa Jefcoat, and Kathy McCarlie 15—Melisa Jefcoat, Freya Biggers, Barbara Willis, Leslie Clark, Jeanna Clark, Hope Thompson, Karinlee Brister, Carla Stringer, Marla Hinckley, Kathy McCarlie, Misty Smith, and Melissa Stringer

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The Weekend October 26 - 29, 2023 Starring:

6 local volunteers will dress in drag for a lip sync competition on

saturday find out more online!

Mrs. Kasha Davis

Silky Nutmeg Ganache

visit yallmeansallnatchez.org for information Thursday, Oct 26

Dixie's tupperware show

Friday, Oct 27

Choctaw hall cocktail party

with our host

Josalyn Royale

Saturday, Oct 28

battle of the belles & beaus

Sunday, Oct 29

drag show brunch

Buy tickets at Yallmeansallnatchez.org SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 9

in the

garden

Adding Pollinator-friendly Plants to Your Landscape ARTICLE | Dr. Eddie Smith PHOTOS | MSU Extension Service

I recently visited the home of Marian Hill in Tupelo and toured her beautiful pollinator gardens full of plants buzzing with activity. There were several varieties of yarrow, some bachelor’s buttons and Stokes’ aster planted throughout.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 75% of the world’s flowering plants and about 35% of the world’s food crops depend on pollinators to reproduce. That means one of every three bites of food you eat relies on pollinators for production.

Bees may be the most well-known pollinators, and there are more than 3,500 species of native bees. One of my favorite native perennial pollinator plants is Stokes’ aster, a low-growing plant with dark green, lance-shaped leaf clusters.

It has numerous solitary flower heads that are 2-to-4 inches across with deeply divided purple rays and very prominent purple florets emerging from the disc.

Stokes’ aster is easy to care for once established. It performs best in partially sunny locations with well-drained acidic soil. It can grow from 10-to-24 inches tall.

While this plant requires very little maintenance, you may need to divide mature clumps. You can also deadhead spent flowerheads by pinching them off to encourage more flowering.

Yarrow is a native perennial plant with many small flowers that combine into flat-topped flower structures that are very inviting to butterflies, bees, moths, and other pollinators.

The native variety produces white, frilly, showy flowers that grow on multi-branching stems. Other varieties produce pink, yellow, red, or orange flowers. The leaves are divided into smaller leaflets, giving them a delicate, fernlike, lacy appearance.

In natural conditions, yarrow is found in the mildly disturbed soils of open grasslands or in open forests. Yarrow tends to be leggy in part-shade conditions, so plant yours in full sun if you desire a more compact form. Plant longevity and flowering increase in nutrient-poor dry soil with full sun.

A classic annual reseeding pollinator plant is bachelor’s button, often called cornflower. It reseeds with blooms that may be single or double. They reseed freely; so once they are planted, you will be growing bachelor’s buttons year after year. They need minimal care and grow well in full-sun locations.

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Yarrow | Its many small flowers combine into flat-topped structures that invite pollinators.

Button | Reseeding freely, this annual 2 Bachelor's pollinator needs little care and grows well in the sun.

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Verbena | Verbena such as this Purpletop variety is highly attractive to pollinators.

Another great perennial pollinator plant is Purpletop verbena or tall verbena. This is an upright, clump-forming plant with wiry, widely branched stems. The flowers are little tubes in purple or rosy lavender that form in rounded clusters 2-to-3 inches across. These blooms are highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and other insects.

Purpletop verbena is not particular about soil type, but it is short-lived in areas with winter-wet soil. It grows best in full sun or very light shade. Pinch the plants in early spring as the shoots begin to elongate to increase the plant’s fullness and keep the height at a more manageable level.

Whether you live in a city apartment, in a suburban neighborhood, or on a farm, you can create a pollinator habitat. Try any of these beautiful plants in your pollinator garden, and I’m sure you will be pleased with the results.

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

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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Natchez, MS

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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 11

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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.”

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12 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 13

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THE SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

2023 Food and Wine Festival’s “Tastings Along the River” After a hiatus of four years, the Natchez Food & Wine Festival returned to claim its place among summer’s most inviting and exciting occasions, kicking off its popular opening event with Tastings Along the River on Friday evening, July 28, 2023, at the Natchez Convention Center in downtown Natchez, Mississippi. The event offered delectable tastings from local and regional chefs, paired with fine wines and beer. Photos by Lisa Whittington courtesy of the Natchez-Adams Chamber of Commerce 1—Mike Smith, Ty Rasberry, Angel and Allen Booty, and Katie and Bubba McCabe 2—John and Robin Branton 3—Kalynn Vegas, Erica and Key Smith, and Jessica and Mark Carter 4—Lauren Middleton and Katherine Callon 5—Sela Gaudé, Mcee Crouch, Wesley Anderson, and Molli Loomis 6—Glen Green, Tom and Sandy Taylor, and Bridget Green 7—Frank and Stephanie Smith, Todd and JoAnn Waycaster, and Chris and Emily Maxwell 8—Marli Vaughan, Mandy Gardner, and Melissa Vaughan 9—Emily Williams with Amy and James Brown 10—Jared Hedrick, Jessica Cauthen, Hayden Butts, Rachell Seabolt, and Kate Corso 11—Natchez Mayor Dan and Marla Gibson with Shannon and Lonnie Melton 12—Donna and Bryan Calloway, Jennie Calloway Smith, and Kari and Kippy Blaney 13—Lyn Jenkins, Dickie Brennan, and René Adams 14—Devin Heath, Nicole Harris, Janice Heath, Dickie Brennan, and Braxton Hobdy 15—Charlotte Brent, Margaret Perkins, Eric West, and René Adams

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Brookhaven's 49th Annual

E L OestivOalK

O R B F

LIVE MUSIC $ FOOD TRUCKS

SATURDAY OCTOBER 7TH 8 AM - 4 PM

CLASSIC CAR SHOW, 100 + ARTS & CRAFTS VENDORS, FOOD TRUCKS, KID'S ZONE & LIVE MUSIC

en v a h ok WWW.BROOKHAVENCHAMBER.ORG OR CALL

ro

nB w o t n w

Do

FRIDAY OCTOBER 6TH 6 - 9PM

FOR MORE INFO ON BEING A VENDOR GO TO

THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AT 601-833-1411.

FOR MUSIC LINEUP GO TO WWW.VISITBROOKHAVENMS.COM

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 15

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THE SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Engagement Gathering for Denham and Whittington Paige Denham and Ethen Whittington were honored with an engagement party in Natchez, Mississippi, on July 15, 2023, at Ellicott Hall on the grounds of The House on Ellicott’s Hill where friends and family gathered to toast the couple. The event was hosted by Ethen’s parents, Buddy and Lisa Whittington. The couple will travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, for their destination wedding.

1—Ethen Whittington and Paige Denham 2—Paige Denham and Lisa Whittington 3—Trish Santoya and Ty Rasberry 4—Evan Walker with Jerry and Teli Walker 5—Sue Freeman with Jon and Debby Betts 6—Mike and Alicia Norris 7—Daryl and Stephanie Walker 8—Chris and Kaci Cothern 9—Donna and Jim Ball 10—Lacey and Tyler Barr 11—Lisa Whittington and Jennifer Lessley 12—Angel and Allen Booty 13—Edith Chauvin and Kim Graves 14—Amanda and Maddy Doby 15—Trish and Joe Santoya 16—Mike Smith and Ty Rasberry 17—Caleb and Evan Walker 18—Ethen Whittington, Spencer Whittington, and Sheila McFadden 19—Edith and Larry Chauvin 20—Joel and Jennifer Lessley, and Angel Booty 21—Spencer Whittington, Angel Booty, and Ethen Whittington

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2023

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Editor’s note: The following football schedules were up to date at press time. Please consult respective college and NFL websites for any changes should they occur.

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS

AUBURN TIGERS

Sept. 2 ..................... vs Middle Tennessee Sept. 9 ..........................................vs Texas Sept. 16 ............................ @ South Florida Sept. 23 .................................... vs Ole Miss Sept. 30 ..................... @ Mississippi State Oct. 7 .....................................@ Texas A&M Oct. 14 .....................................vs Arkansas Oct. 21 ...................................vs Tennessee Nov. 4 ..............................................vs LSU Nov. 11 ......................................@ Kentucky Nov. 18 ........................ vs UT Chattanooga Nov. 25 ........................................@ Auburn

Sept. 2 ...... vs West Carolina (Little Rock) Sept. 9 ............................................vs Kent Sept. 16 ...........................................vs BYU Sept. 23 ............................................@ LSU Sept. 30 ............vs Texas A&M (Arlington) Oct. 7 .........................................@ Ole Miss Oct. 14 ......................................@ Alabama Oct. 21 ........................vs Mississippi State Nov. 4 .........................................@ Florida Nov. 11 ........................................ vs Auburn Nov. 18 .................vs Florida International Nov. 25 .....................................vs Missouri

Sept. 2 ........................................ vs UMass Sept. 9 ....................................@ California Sept. 16 ....................................vs Samford Sept. 23 .................................@ Texas A&M Sept. 30 ....................................vs Georgia Oct. 14 ..............................................@ LSU Oct. 21 ...................................... vs Ole Miss Oct. 28 .......................vs Mississippi State Nov. 4 ................................... @ Vanderbilt Nov. 11 ..................................... @ Arkansas Nov. 18 ..................... vs New Mexico State Nov. 25 .................................... vs Alabama

FLORIDA GATORS

GEORGIA BULLDOGS

KENTUCKY WILDCATS

Aug. 31 ............................................@ Utah Sept. 9 .......................... vs McNeese State Sept. 16 .................................vs Tennessee Sept. 23 ...................................vs Charlotte Sept. 30 ...................................@ Kentucky Oct. 7 .....................................vs Vanderbilt Oct. 14 ............................ @ South Carolina Oct. 28 .............. vs Georgia (Jacksonville) Nov. 4 ..................................... @ Arkansas Nov. 11 ..............................................@ LSU Nov. 18 ..................................... @ Missouri Nov. 25 ..............................vs Florida State

Sept. 2 ................................... vs UT Martin Sept. 9....................................vs Ball State Sept. 16 ..........................vs South Carolina Sept. 23 ...........................................vs UAB Sept. 30 ......................................@ Auburn Oct. 7 ....................................... vs Kentucky Oct. 14 ................................... @ Vanderbilt Oct. 28 ................ @ Florida (Jacksonville) Nov. 4 ......................................vs Missouri Nov. 11 ...................................... vs Ole Miss Nov. 18 .................................. @ Tennessee Nov. 25 .............................. @ Georgia Tech

Sept. 2 ...................................vs Ball State Sept. 9 ...................... vs Eastern Kentucky Sept. 16 ........................................ vs Akron Sept. 23 ................................. @ Vanderbilt Sept. 30 ......................................vs Florida Oct. 7 ..........................................@ Georgia Oct. 14 ......................................vs Missouri Oct. 28 ..................................vs Tennessee Nov. 4 ........................ @ Mississippi State Nov. 11 ..................................... vs Alabama Nov. 18 ........................... @ South Carolina Nov. 25 .................................... @Louisville

LSU TIGERS

MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS

MISSOURI TIGERS

Sept. 3 .............vs Florida State (Orlando) Sept. 9 ..................................vs Grambling Sept. 16 ...................... @ Mississippi State Sept. 23 ...................................vs Arkansas Sept. 30 ....................................@ Ole Miss Oct. 7 ........................................ @ Missouri Oct. 14 ........................................ vs Auburn Oct. 21 ........................................... vs Army Nov. 4 ......................................@ Alabama Nov. 11 .........................................vs Florida Nov. 18 ............................ vs Georgia State Nov. 25 ................................. vs Texas A&M

Sept. 2 ................ Southeastern Louisiana Sept. 9 ...................................... vs Arizona Sept. 16 ............................................vs LSU Sept. 23 .......................... @ South Carolina Sept. 30 .................................. vs Alabama Oct. 7 ........................vs Western Michigan Oct. 21 ..................................... @ Arkansas Oct. 28 ........................................@ Auburn Nov. 4 ..................................... vs Kentucky Nov. 11 ...................................@ Texas A&M Nov. 18 ........................... vs Southern Miss Nov. 23 ..................................... vs Ole Miss

Sept. 2 .............................vs South Dakota Sept. 9 .....................vs Middle Tenn. State Sept. 16 .............................vs Kansas State Sept. 23 ................. vs Memphis (St. Louis) Sept. 30 ................................ @ Vanderbilt Oct. 7 ................................................vs LSU Oct. 14 ......................................@ Kentucky Oct. 21 ............................vs South Carolina Nov. 4 ........................................@ Georgia Nov. 11 ...................................vs Tennessee Nov. 18 ........................................vs Florida Nov. 25 .................................... @ Arkansas

18 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

OLE MISS REBELS

SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS

TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS

Sept. 2 ........................................ vs Mercer Sept. 9 .........................................@ Tulane Sept. 16 .............................vs Georgia Tech Sept. 23 ....................................@ Alabama Sept. 30 ...........................................vs LSU Oct. 7 .......................................vs Arkansas Oct. 21 .........................................@ Auburn Oct. 28 ..................................vs Vanderbilt Nov. 4 .................................. vs Texas A&M Nov. 11 ........................................@ Georgia Nov. 18 .................................vs UL-Monroe Nov. 23 .....................................@ MS State

Sept. 2 ........vs North Carolina (Charlotte) Sept. 9 .......................................vs Furman Sept. 16 ......................................@ Georgia Sept. 23 ......................vs Mississippi State Sept. 30 ................................ @ Tennessee Oct. 14 .........................................vs Florida Oct. 21 ...................................... @ Missouri Oct. 28 ..................................@ Texas A&M Nov. 4 .......................vs Jacksonville State Nov. 11 ...................................vs Vanderbilt Nov. 18 .................................... vs Kentucky Nov. 25 .....................................vs Clemson

Sept. 2 ...................vs Virginia (Nashville) Sept. 9 ............................... vs Austin Peay Sept. 16 .......................................@ Florida Sept. 23 .........................................vs UTSA Sept. 30 .........................vs South Carolina Oct. 14 .................................. vs Texas A&M Oct. 21 ......................................@ Alabama Oct. 28 .....................................@ Kentucky Nov. 4 ......................................... vs UConn Nov. 11 ...................................... @ Missouri Nov. 18 ...................................... vs Georgia Nov. 25................................. vs Vanderbilt

TEXAS A&M AGGIES

VANDERBILT COMMODORES

ALCORN STATE BRAVES

Sept. 2 ............................... vs New Mexico Sept. 9 ..........................................@ Miami Sept. 16 ............................... vs UL- Monroe Sept. 23 ...................................... vs Auburn Sept. 30 .............. vs Arkansas (Arlington) Oct. 7 ....................................... vs Alabama Oct. 28 ...........................vs South Carolina Nov. 4 .......................................@ Ole Miss Nov. 11 ........................vs Mississippi State Nov. 18 ...................... vs Abilene Christian Nov. 25 .............................................@ LSU

Aug. 26 .......................................vs Hawaii Sept. 2............................ vs Alabama A&M Sept. 9 ...............................@ Wake Forest Sept. 16 ......................................... @ UNLV Sept. 23 ................................... vs Kentucky Sept. 30 ...................................vs Missouri Oct. 7 ...........................................@ Florida Oct. 14 ....................................... vs Georgia Nov. 4 ........................................ vs Auburn Nov. 11 ............................ @ South Carolina Nov. 25 ...................................@Tennessee

Sept. 2 ............................................ @ USM Sept. 9 .......................@ Stephen F. Austin Sept. 16 ......................... vs McNeese State Sept. 23 ..................... vs Prairie View A&M Sept. 30 ................@ Alabama State Univ.

Oct. 7 ..................vs Grambling State Univ.

Oct. 21 ......@ Univ. of Arkansas, Pine Bluff Oct. 28 ....... @ vs Mississippi Valley State Nov. 4 ............................vs Southern Univ.

Nov. 11 ..................@ Texas Southern Univ.

Nov. 18 .............vs Jackson State / Jackson

BELHAVEN BLAZERS

COPIAH LINCOLN WOLFPACK

DELTA STATE STATESMEN

Aug. 31 ......................................vs Millsaps Sept. 9 ............................................@ Lyon Sept. 23 ...............................vs Greensboro Sept. 30 ................................. @ Wesleyan Oct. 7 ...................................vs Huntingdon Oct. 14 .....................................@ LaGrange Oct. 21 ................................... vs Methodist Oct. 28 .................................... @ Maryville Nov. 4 ....................... @ Southern Virginia Nov. 11 ....................................... vs Brevard

Sept. 7 ......................... vs East Mississippi Sept. 14 .................................vs Miss Delta Sept. 21 ............................ @ Jones College Sept. 28 ....................vs Southwest MS CC Oct. 7 .......................................@ Coahoma Oct. 12 .............................. @ Gulf Coast CC Oct. 19 ............................. vs Pearl River CC Oct. 26 ..........................vs East Central CC Nov. 2 .......................................@ Hinds CC

August 31 ......................... @ Missouri S&T Sept. 9 ............................. @ Chowan Univ.

Sept. 16 ........................ vs MS Valley State Sept. 23 .............................vs Shorter Univ.

Sept. 30 ........... @ Univ. of West Alabama Oct. 7 .....................@ Valdosta State Univ.

Oct. 14 ................vs North Greenville Univ.

Oct. 21 ......................vs Univ. West Florida Nov. 4 .....................@ Univ. West Georgia Nov. 11 ............................................... vs MC

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 19

GRAMBLING STATE TIGERS

HINDS COMMUNITY EAGLES

HOLMES COMMUNITY BULLDOGS

Sept. 2 ........................... @ Hampton Univ.

Sept. 9 .............................................@ LSU Sept. 16 .............vs Florida Memorial Univ.

Sept. 23 ................vs Texas Southern Univ.

Sept. 30 ............................. @ Prairie View Oct. 7 .........................@ Alcorn State Univ.

Oct. 14 ............................ vs Alabama A&M Oct. 28 ...........vs Bethune-Cookman Univ.

Nov. 4 ...................@ Alabama State Univ.

Nov. 10 .........@ Univ. Arkansas, Pine Bluff Nov. 25 ...........................vs Southern Univ.

Aug. 25 .................... vs Copiah-Lincoln CC Sept. 7 ..............................@ Northeast MS Sept. 14 ...........................@ Northwest MS Sept. 21 .........................vs East Central CC Sept. 28 ...........................@ Pearl River CC Oct. 5 ............................... @ Jones College Oct. 12 .......................vs Southwest MS CC Oct. 19 .............................. vs Itawamba CC Oct. 28 ....................... @ MS Gulf Coast CC Nov. 2 ........................vs Copiah Lincoln CC

Sept. 7 ............................. vs Pearl River CC Sept. 14 .........................vs East Central CC Sept. 21 ................................ @ East MS CC Sept. 28 ............................ vs Coahoma CC Oct. 5 ..........................@ Northeast MS CC Oct. 12 .............................. vs Itawamba CC Oct. 19 .................................@ MS Delta CC Oct. 26 ...................... vs Northwest MS CC Nov. 2 ........................ @ Southwest MS CC

JACKSON STATE TIGERS

LOUISIANA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY WILDCATS

LOUISIANA TECH BULLDOGS

Aug. 26 ................vs South Carolina State Sept. 3 ............................... @ Florida A&M Sept. 9 ........................... @ Southern Univ.

Sept. 16 ................................@ Texas State Sept. 23 ...................vs Bethune-Cookman Oct. 7 ...............................@ Alabama A&M Oct. 14 ........................... vs Alabama State Oct. 21 ...........................@ MS Valley State Oct. 28 .................. @ Arkansas, Pine Bluff Nov. 4 ...........................vs Texas Southern Nov. 18 ...............................vs Alcorn State

Aug. 31 .....................vs East Texas Baptist Sept. 9 .......................vs Arkansas Baptist Sept. 16 ...................................@ Langston Sept. 23 ...................... vs Wayland Baptist Sept. 30 ............. @ Okla. Panhandle State Oct. 7 ............................vs North American Oct. 14 ..............................@ Texas College Oct. 21 ........................@ Ottawa (Arizona) Oct. 28 ......................................... vs SAGU Nov. 4 .............vs John Melvin (Exhibition) Nov. 11.......................... @ Texas Wesleyan

Aug. 26............................................. vs FIU Sept. 2 ............................................ @ SMU Sept. 9 ..................vs Northwestern State Sept. 16 .............................. vs North Texas Sept. 23 ...................................@ Nebraska Sept. 29 .........................................@ UTEP Oct. 5 ................... vs West Kentucky Univ.

Oct. 10 ...................... @ Middle Tenn. State Oct. 24 ..................... vs New Mexico State Nov. 4 .........................................@ Liberty Nov. 11 ..............................vs Sam Houston Nov. 18 ......................@ Jacksonville State

MILLSAPS MAJORS

MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE CHOCTAWS

NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY DEMONS

Aug. 31 ........................... @ Belhaven Univ.

Sept. 9 ............................vs McMurry Univ.

Sept. 16.................................... @ Sewanee Sept. 23 ........................vs Hendrix College Sept. 30 .@ Birmingham-Southern College Oct. 7 ............................ vs Rhodes College Oct. 14 .............................. @ Berry College Oct. 21 ............................vs Centre College Oct. 28 .......................@ Trinity University Nov. 4 ....................vs Southwestern Univ.

Aug. 31............................................@ Keiser Sept. 9.........................@ Midwestern State Sept. 16...............................vs West Georgia Sept. 23.............................@ West Alabama Sept. 30........................................@ Shorter Oct. 14...............................vs Valdosta State Oct. 21..........................................vs Chowan Oct. 28............................@ North Greenville Nov 4...................................vs West Florida Nov 11......................................@ Delta State

Sept. 3..................................... @ Montana Sept. 10 .......................vs Grambling State Sept. 17 ........................................... @ USM Sept. 24....................................... vs Lamar Oct. 1......................................... vs Nicholls Oct. 8............................. @ Eastern Illinois Oct. 15......................... @ Houston Baptist Oct. 22................... vs Southeast Missouri Nov. 5 ...........@ Texas A & M ( Commerce) Nov. 12........................ @ Southeastern LA Nov. 19.......................... vs Incarnate Word

20 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY JAGUARS

SOUTHWEST MISSISSIPPI BEARS

TULANE GREEN WAVE

Sept. 3 .......................vs Florida Memorial Sept. 10 ............................................@ LSU Sept. 17......................... @ Texas Southern Oct. 1................................ vs Ark Pine Bluff Oct. 8................................. vs Prairie View Oct. 15..................................... vs Alcorn St Oct. 22 ....................vs Virginia-Lynchburg Oct. 29................................... @ Jackson St Nov. 5................................ @ Florida A&M Nov. 12............................ vs Miss Valley St. Nov. 26................................. @ Grambling Superdome

Sept. 1 ................................ vs MS Delta CC Sept. 8 .............................. vs Coahoma CC Sept. 15 ...................... @ MS Gulf Coast CC Sept. 22 .................... vs Copiah-Lincoln CC Sept. 29 ........................ @ East Central CC Oct. 6 .......................................vs Hinds CC Oct. 13 .............................. @ Jones College Oct. 22 ............................. vs Pearl River CC Oct. 27 ...................................@ Holmes CC

Sept. 3................. vs Univ. Massachusetts Sept. 10........................................ vs Alcorn Sept. 17............................. @ Kansas State Sept. 24.......................................... vs USM Sept. 30 ......................@ Univ. of Houston Oct. 8....................... vs East Carolina Univ.

Oct. 15..................... @ Univ. South Florida Oct. 22........................... vs Univ. Memphis Nov. 5............................... @ Univ. of Tulsa Nov. 12 ..................vs Univ. Central Florida Nov. 17 ............................................vs SMU Nov. 26 .....................@ Univ. of Cincinnati

UNIV OF LA @ LAFAYETTE RAGIN’ CAJUNS

UNIV OF LA @ MONROE WARHAWKS

UNIV OF SOUTHERN MS GOLDEN EAGLES

Sept. 3............ vs Southeastern Louisiana Sept. 10...................... vs Eastern Michigan Sept. 17............................................ @ Rice Sept. 24........................................... @ ULM Oct. 1............................. vs South Alabama Oct. 12....................................... @ Marshall Oct. 22.......................... vs Arkansas State Oct. 27............................... @ Southern MS Nov. 5 ............................................. vs Troy Nov. 10...................... vs Georgia Southern Nov. 19.............................. @ Florida State Nov. 26................................ @ Texas State

Sept. 3 .......................................... @ Texas Sept. 10..................................... vs Nicholls Sept. 17.................................... @ Alabama Sept. 24........................................... vs ULL Oct. 1.............................. @Arkansas State Oct. 8 ............................vs Costal Carolina Oct. 15........................... @ South Alabama Oct. 22 ............................................@ Army Nov. 5 ................................. vs Texas State Nov. 12............................. @ Georgia State Nov. 19 .............................................@ Troy Nov. 26........................................... vs USM

Sept. 3 ........................................vs Liberty Sept. 10 .........................................@ Miami Sept. 17 .................vs Northwestern State Sept. 24 .......................................@ Tulane Oct. 8 ...............................................@ Troy Oct. 15 ...........................vs Arkansas State Oct. 22 ..................................@ Texas State Oct. 27 .............................................. vs ULL Nov. 5 ............................. vs Georgia State Nov. 12......................... @ Coastal Carolina Nov. 19 ......................... vs South Alabama Nov. 26............................................ @ ULM

COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP BOWL GAMES !

Dec. 2 ACC Championship – Charlotte, SC Dec. 2 SEC Championship – Atlanta, GA Dec. 2 SWAC Championship – TBA Jan. 8 NCAA National Championship – Houston, Texas

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS Sept. 10 ..................... vs Tennessee Titans Sept. 18 ..................... @ Carolina Panthers Sept. 24 ...................@ Green Bay Packers Oct. 1 ................vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Oct. 8 ................. @ New England Patriots Oct. 15 ..........................@ Houston Texans Oct. 19 ...................vs Jacksonville Jaguars Oct. 29 ......................@ Indianapolis Colts Nov. 5 .............................@ Chicago Bears

Nov. 12 .....................@ Minnesota Vikings Nov. 26 .........................@ Atlanta Falcons Dec. 3 ................................vs Detroit Lions Dec. 10 ......................vs Carolina Panthers Dec. 17 ......................... vs New York Giants Dec. 21 ......................@ Los Angeles Rams Dec. 31 ...............@ Tampa Bay buccaneers Jan. 7 ............................ vs Atlanta Falcons

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 21

22 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 23

social

THE SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Retirement Celebration for Holyoak John Holyoak, General Manager of Dunleith Historic Inn and The Castle Restaurant and Pub in Natchez, Mississippi, was honored with a retirement party on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at The Pub. The community turned out to congratulate Holyoak on his retirement after his many years of service to Dunleith Historic Inn and to share with him their best wishes for his next chapter. Photos by Lisa Whittington 1—Brenda, Blair, and Bethany Zerby 2—René Ware, Pat Sanguinetti, Sheila Thompson, and Gina Holyaok 3—Mark Wilson, Chef Doug Hosford, John Holyoak, Wes Guice, and Sandy Comeaux 4—Diane DuPont, Ann Dupont, and Jim and Sarah Smith 5—Courtney, Allie, and Charles Feltus 6—Babs and Ken Price 7—Linda Caston and Sandra Tipton 8—Molly and Ian Robertson 9—Kim and Mike Lazarus 10—Anette Lewis, Hedy Bolte, and Margaret Byrd 11—Dub Rogers and Linda Shehan 12—Lisa and Adrian Sandel 13—Kerry Dicks and KateLee Laird 14—Julie and Forrest Johnson 15—Nancy and Julianna Wallace 16—Lane and Kate Feltus

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24 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 25

FOOTBALL!

Say the word, and fierce rivalries come to mind. LSU, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss stand out as competitors. However, even these rivals have something in common; and that is the love of tailgating, especially enjoying barbeque.

Tailgating began when fans would open a car trunk or drop a truck tailgate to spread out a pre-game meal since there were few restaurant options available for traveling fans. Today’s tailgating might take place on campus or be an “at home” celebration where friends gather to fire up the grill and watch the game.

One unique story of tailgating begins with Prent and Anne Castle of St. Joseph, Louisiana, who married in 1956 and spent their honeymoon at an LSU football game. The Castles were devoted fans and attended all LSU home games and most away and bowl games. “Mom said the ladies ‘dressed to the nine’s’ including heels and hats,” recalls Susan Castle Gremillion. “We celebrated all things LSU, and we still do.”

Over the years, the Castles added three children and many friends to their tailgating traditions. Pete Westmoreland and son Charlie of Natchez were Ole Miss fans and joined the group through his wife’s college friendship with Anne. Dale “Red” and Jane Hoover were St. Joseph friends who later moved to Natchez and added to the LSU side of the equation.

Recipes developed by these three couples continue to be staples at their families’ tailgating celebrations. Anne’s Hot Dip recipe, included in the LSU Alumni Association Cookbook, is now the base of a baked cheese grits recipe. Pete’s Divine Swine whole hog barbeque has been simplified to a barbequed pork butt and is served with sides like Asian Cole Slaw, Cucumber Dip, and Sausage Balls which are easy to prepare and transport to tailgates.

Another family with a great tailgating tradition is the Wells family of Natchez. Their family’s Mississippi State tradition began with Ruth Cooper Head who attended MSU Extension training in Vicksburg during World War II. Ruth’s daughters, Phyllis Lewellen and Linda Grafton, were the first Mississippi State alumni in the family. Phyllis’s daughter, Laurie Pittman Wells, and her husband, Patrick, are second-generation MSU graduates while grandson Mason Wells is a junior at State.

“We love our university. It feels like home to be on campus,” says Laurie Wells. “It’s not unusual to have a stranger join our tailgate and end up with our family recipes. Mom plans our tailgating parties. We tailgate with these recipes for football and baseball.” These family recipes include Patrick’s Grilled Duck Breasts, Laurie’s Chess Squares, and Smoked Edam Cheese.

Share these recipes at your next tailgate, and add a little “Hotty Toddy,” “Geaux Tigers,” and more cowbells as secret ingredients for a great celebration.

TOP | Mason and Cooper Wells at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi (Photo by Laurie Wells)

ARTICLE | Cecilia Hopkins Stevens Cecilia Stevens (B.A. LSU and M. Ed. Louisiana Tech) resides in Concordia Parish, works for the LSU AgCenter, and is the parent of two adult children.

MIDDLE | Anne Castle and granddaughter Lauren Castle at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (Photo by Susan Castle Gremillion) BOTTOM | Jane Hoover, Anne Castle, and Joyce Ann Westmoreland

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 27

Anne Castle’s Hot Dip

(Shared by Susan Castle Gremillion and Ray Castle from files of their mother, Anne Castle) 1 large container Velveeta, cubed 1 quart Blue Plate Mayonnaise

8-ounce jar pickled jalapeño peppers 1 large onion

Puree peppers and onion in food processor. Gradually add cubed cheese and mix till smooth. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Mix in mayonnaise. Refrigerate at least one hour but best overnight. Serve with saltine crackers or corn chips. Refrigerate unused portions.

Keeps one week in refrigerator if you manage to have any left.

Sausage Balls

(Recipe from files of Cecil Hopkins) 2 rolls “hot” breakfast sausage 1 package (32 ounces) pancake mix

16 ounces cream cheese, softened 16 ounces freshly grated cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a large cookie sheet. Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Using hands, mix ingredients until well incorporated.

Shape into balls 1 inch in diameter. Place on cookie sheet and bake 20-25 minutes or until sausage is cooked through. Remove cookie sheet from oven and allow sausage balls to cool five minutes. Use a spatula to remove to a plate to continue cooling. Store in an air-tight container and refrigerate. Keeps one week in refrigerator. Good served with jalapeño jelly.

Baked Cheese Grits

(Recipe developed by Cecilia Hopkins Stevens) 2 cups quick grits 8 cups whole milk ½ stick butter 1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper ½ recipe of Hot Dip 2 eggs, beaten

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 9x13 casserole dishes. Prepare grits according to package directions substituting milk for water. When grits are cooked, remove from heat and place grits in large mixing bowl. Add Hot Dip and mix well. Add beaten eggs and mix well. Pour into casserole dishes and bake for 45 minutes or until top is lightly brown and firm. Serve hot.

Asian Cole Slaw

(Recipe from files of Jane Hoover) 1 package cole slaw mix 1 package Ramen noodle soup (dry) ½ cup sunflower seeds

½ teaspoon pepper ¼ cup red wine vinegar ½ cup sugar ½ cup mayonnaise

Mix vinegar, sugar, and mayonnaise in large mixing bowl. Add cole slaw mix, sunflower seeds, and seasoning. Mix well. Remove Ramen noodles from package. Discard seasoning mix. Crush noodles and sprinkle on top of salad. Mix in noodles just before serving. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

28 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

Cucumber Dip

(Recipe from Chasity Dryg) 2 large cucumbers, peeled and grated ½ cup white onion, grated 16 ounces cream cheese, softened

½ cup sour cream 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 teaspoon Louisiana Hot Sauce Salt to taste

Drain cucumbers and onion. Place cream cheese in a large mixing bowl and mix till smooth. Add sour cream, mayonnaise, hot sauce, and salt. Mix till smooth. Add cucumber and onion. Mix till smooth.

Refrigerate at least one hour for flavors to marry.

Serve with corn chips or wheat crackers. Keeps in the refrigerator 3-5 days.

Chess Squares

(Recipe from Laurie Pittman Wells) 1 box butter cake mix 1 stick butter 3 eggs

1 pound powdered sugar 8 ounces cream cheese

Mississippi State Smoked Cheese Ball

(Recipe from Laurie Pittman Wells) 1 ball Edam cheese from Mississippi State Dairy

1 jar Jezebel Sauce or Favorite spicy jelly

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 baking pan. Place cake mix and butter in a mixing bowl and cut in butter. Press butter mixture in the bottom of the baking pan. In a separate mixing bowl, mix eggs, sugar, and cream cheese until smooth. Pour over butter/cake mix crust in baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Cool. Cut into squares to serve.

Wrap cheese ball in foil. Place on the grill, distant from direct heat source; and smoke for 1 hour. Remove from heat and unwrap. Place on a tray and garnish with selected sauce or jelly. Serve with crackers and fruit.

Pete’s Divine Swine

8 duck breasts, deboned and halved 1 cup Italian dressing 1 cup red wine

(Shared by Charlie Westmoreland from the recipes of his father, Pete Westmoreland) 1 whole hog (100 pounds) Rebel Rub (available at Rebel Butcher Supply in Flowood, MS)

3 gallons of water 4 ounces apple cider vinegar 24 ounces apple juice 4 ounces water

“Daddy developed this whole hog recipe after cooking a Cochon de Lait at Cloverdale Plantation with Red Hoover. They decided that took too long, and they started experimenting.” (Charlie Westmoreland) If using a whole hog, break the backbone so that the hog can be placed stomach side down on the grill.

Rub the hog with your favorite rub or seasoning blend.

Mix rub with 3 gallons of water to dissolve the rub.

Use an injector, and slowly inject this liquid seasoning into the hog. Spritz the skin with oil so that the skin will be crisp. Heat the smoker to 325 degrees. (Daddy liked to smoke it hotter than most do today.) Once you close the lid on the hog, don’t open it again until near the end when you start spritzing with the remaining apple cider/water/apple juice mix. Cook 1 to 1:15 hour per 10 pounds of hog. A 100-pound hog will take at least 10 hours to cook.

Adjust for a smaller crowd by cooking a pork butt or shoulder and using 2 quarts of the liquid seasoning mix. Cook for the same ratio of time and spritz with apple cider mix the last 30 minutes of cooking.

This recipe won 4th at the Memphis in May “Whole Hog” World Championship.

Grilled Duck Breasts

(Recipe from Laurie Pittman Wells) ¼ cup Dale’s Seasoning 16 ounces cream cheese 8 jalapeño peppers 8 slices bacon

Prepare grill and heat to medium. Combine dressing, wine, and seasoning in a Ziploc bag. Add duck breasts.

Refrigerate overnight. Remove duck breasts and discard marinade. Half jalapeños and remove seeds.

Cut cream cheese into 1-ounce slices. Place 1 slice cream cheese on ½ jalapeño. Wrap with duck breast and then wrap with bacon. Secure with toothpicks.

Grill until bacon is crispy.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 29

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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 31

legal notes Big Brother’s Comeuppance ARTICLE | Lucien C. Gwin III

Have you ever read George Orwell’s 1984, a fictional work about a government taking over and controlling its citizens’ every move, every thought, and every action through surveillance and legislation? Our current government has recently been compared to 1984’s fictional plot about “Big Brother.”

However, in recent months, our United States Supreme Court has backed down both federal and state governments from excessive overreaching and usurping of power, liberty, and speech. Specifically, four just-decided cases have fired shots across the bow of government power grabs. A fifth and most egregious case sits in the wings.

The first case is Groff vs. DeJoy decided in the summer of 2023 wherein a Christian who worked for the U. S. Postal Service intentionally transferred to a rural area where USPS provided services, all in order not to have to work on Sundays.

However, a short time later USPS required him to work on Sundays even though other employees were available to work Sundays and didn’t mind working on the Sabbath. USPS then started writing him up, an effort designed for demotion and termination. He sued them under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act for religious discrimination, and ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court held that without a showing of hardship by USPS it had to make the religious accommodation.

The next case styled 303 Creative vs. Elenis dealt with antidiscrimination in public accommodations of the Free Speech Clause. The State of Colorado passed a law that businesses could not discriminate against LGBT citizens. The plaintiff was in the business of creating and selling wedding websites, but it was against her religion to create a website for LGBT individuals. The plaintiff actually sued the state asking the federal courts to declare she did not have to obey a law that violated her long-held religious belief and practices. The U. S. Supreme Court agreed with her and said the law violated the plaintiff’s right to free speech.

The third case is styled Student Fair Admissions vs.

Harvard. This case involved Harvard University’s using race as one of the determining factors in admitting students to the university. Asian students felt they were discriminated against under affirmative action, and so they sued. Justice John Roberts ruled that it was unconstitutional to use race as a determining factor in college admissions.

The last case recently decided is Biden vs. Nebraska which involved a campaign promise by Joe Biden that, if elected, he would seek legislation to forgive up to $10,000.00

32 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

worth of student loans for students who made less than $125,000.00 per year. When legislation failed, Biden sought loan forgiveness through executive order. The case was very complicated and involved several federal acts. The Supreme Court ruled in essence that a debt forgiveness of this magnitude which did not have clear legislative authority for the President required Congress to act, and thus the Supreme Court set aside Biden’s executive order.

All four of these cases seem to peel back both state and federal government control over an individual and society.

They are certainly controversial.

The final case, one that is pending, involves a doctrine known as the “Chevron Doctrine.” Simply put, the Chevron Doctrine, decided by the Supreme Court several years ago, held that, when a federal law is ambiguous and involves action by a federal agency, the Court should defer in favor of the federal agency’s determination of what the law means.

The case involves a New England family-based fishing company. Some federal agency has decided under a vague interpretation of federal law that the agency has the right and power to place federal inspectors on every fishing boat to ensure government compliances with fishing regulations and to have the fishing company pay the government fishing inspectors. This amounts to 20% of the fishing company’s earnings.

If the government wins this case, then Pandora’s Box is kicked wide open. Big Brother would certainly be unleashed further to invade our private lives, our speech, and our freedom. Our founding fathers completely understood how tyrannical government can become if there are no checks and balances. This is exactly why you should cherish and fight hard for your constitutional freedoms.

In my lifetime, I have never seen such overreaching by the government as has occurred in the last ten years. The nightmares of North Korea cannot be far away from the United States if we do not stand up for our constitutional freedoms.

Twenty years ago I would have thought that impossible, but society is changing with lightening speed right before our eyes.

j

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

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social

THE SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Jim Lessley’s 80th Surprise Family Birthday

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A surprise 80th birthday party for Jim Lessley was held July 15, 2023, at The Castle restaurant on the grounds of historic Dunleith Inn in Natchez, Mississippi. The family coordinated their attire with summer white and kaki.

Cocktails, dinner, and family photos filled the evening as family members honored and toasted Jim for his 80-years-young celebration! Photos by Bill Perkins

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1—Jim and Mary Lessley 2—Lanie Reese, Elizabeth Van Uden, Taylor Lessley, Meredith Lessley, and Lessley Van Uden 3—Grayson, Bryan, Elizabeth, Lessley, and Michael Van Uden 4—Taylor and Meredith Lessley 5—Front—Meredith, Mary, and Jim Lessley with Lessley Van Uden and Taylor Lessley / Back—Grayson Van Uden, Turner Lessley, and Michael Van Uden 6—Lanie Reese and Lessley Van Uden 7—Front—Jay Lessley, Mary Lessley, and Jim Lessley / Middle: Turner Lessley, Taylor Lessley, Joel Lessley, Elizabeth Lessley Van Uden, Bryan Van Uden, Lessley Van Uden, and Grayson Van Uden / Back: Meredith Lessley, Jennifer Cox Lessley, and Michael Van Uden 8—Jim Lessley toasting

social

THE SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Mississippi American Legion Riders Family Award American Legion Drane-Prine Post 79 Commander Bobby Thornton and Auxiliary District 7 President Sara Lassiter announce that the Wesson Legion Family has been awarded the 2023 American Legion Riders Family Award. The award was announced at the recent 104th Annual Department of Mississippi American Legion Convention on July 22, 2023, in Natchez, Mississippi.

The American Legion focuses on the Four Pillars which are Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children and Youth.

36 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 37

LIVIN' LARGE ON AT LAST FARM

38 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

It was a warm August Saturday morning when we left Natchez, Mississippi.

hogs. From a young age, he was accustomed to feeding the livestock before he went to school and tending to the farm chores afterward. “It was a great childhood,” he explained. “We were living the dream.”

The closest Jennie came to a farm experience while growing up was her grandmother’s chickens; “and they were mean,” she quipped. In her neighborhood, several families shared a garden growing vegetables and fruits; however, the water At 8:30 a.m, dressed for walking outside supply had to be “toted” to the site. When her dad on a farm, Lisa Whittington, Bluffs & Bayous and the other men were away, the children were photographer, and I drove up to Vicksburg, tasked with the watering chores. Therefore, when Mississippi, to see what At Last Farm was all Jarrell suggested a farm, Jennie flat out stated, “I about. Knocking on the front door of Jennie and won’t tote water!” She was soon hooked, though; Jarrell Smith’s home, we got and today she is co- owner no answer. After a text to and operator of At Last Farm.

Jennie to let her know we Jumping right in with had arrived, Jarrell appeared chickens and feeder hogs, around the corner and led the Smiths have now been us to the goat barn where we passionate farmer-owners for found Jennie milking two of ten years. They eventually their goats. introduced goats to the farm, Mind you, they both the raising of goats being a had been up and working skill learned from Sandra since sunrise; and our arrival and Ronald Collins. Jennie was around 10 a.m. We shadowed these mentors spent over an hour and a for over a year to garner half with them on their everything necessary to know eleven-acre farm while they about goats. talked with us about their At Last Farm’s three seventy-four animals—goats, Pyrenees dogs, Minnie Pyrenees dogs and pups, and Pearl, Slim Pickins, and Jarrell and Jennie Smith chickens—as well as a large LuLu, respond eagerly and seasonal garden. affectionately when called by their Hee Haw The couple met through mutual friends and cotelevision show-character names from the 1960s workers at a Super Bowl party for two consecutive and 1970s. Minnie Pearl and LuLu are sisters. At years before finally dating and tying the knot the end of our tour, we visited Minnie Pearl’s new in 2013. A South Carolina native, Jarrell is a puppies in the basement of the Smiths’ home. The research civil engineer with the U.S. Army Corps couple breeds and sells these dogs to other farmers of Engineers in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Jennie, a as the breed most protective in guarding goats to Natchez, Mississippi, native, worked in the food keep them from harm. and hospitality industry following college and served The Smiths’ sense of humor with names also as Food and Hospitality Director for Isle of Capri includes their other animals: Betty Jo, Irene, and Diamond Jacks Casinos in Vicksburg.

Eeyore, Jethro, Smokey, Bandit, Brutus, Braxton, No stranger to the farm life, Jarrell grew up on Red Mayo, Nellies, and Anna Fortunato are just a a small family farm boasting a variety of poultry— few of the names that stand out. Some are named chickens, turkeys, pheasants, and quail—a big after family, some after friends, and some after garden, fruit trees, a Christmas tree farm, and feeder television characters.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 39

LEFT | The couple's clever humor for the chicken coup entitled The Egg Drop Inn RIGHT | Jennie holding one of their hens from The Egg Drop Inn

And the humor continues with The Egg Drop Inn, a jazzed up chicken coup that has colored lights strung around the building. “Mr. Fix It,” as Jennie lovingly refers to Jarrell, built the structure and all of the fencing around the property. He is the repair guy, snake retriever, chicken-lovin’ man about the place.

When we approached the fenced area, we were met

by Braxton, the retired barn rooster. His home is outside the coup protected from the other roosters and hens. At Last Farm’s flocks of chickens are Dominique, Barred Rock, Easter Eggers, and Ameraucana breeds. To our delight, we caught the action of some hens laying eggs and some flying from one level to the next as we listened to the clucking and crowing “dialog” of the hens and rooster.

We strolled over to the garden where our eyes met rows of vegetables and fruits just about finished with their growing season and soon to be followed with fall crop preparations. Throughout the summer, annual produce usually includes thorn-less blackberries, asparagus, okra, basil, dill, rosemary, squash, corn, tomatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon, purple hull peas, eggplant, various greens, and snap beans.

From these selections, Jennie reigns as queen of the kitchen creating varieties of goat cheese dishes, salsas, and pickled eggs along with okra, breads, pies, and a plethora of other items for sale. You are welcome to text her and cruise up through the circle drive; and she’ll be there to hand off fresh eggs, cheeses, and vegetables, as well as other selections of your choice. At Last Farm has a Facebook page where Jennie posts her daily,

40 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

available-for-purchase, fresh-from-the-kitchen dishes.

Also of interest are the property’s two ponds where the Smiths raise bass and brim. The smaller of the ponds is for breeding and raising young brim to be transferred to the larger pond. Here, the couple enjoys fishing during any short time off during the day and then later basking in the comfort of an evening feast from the catch, the cultivation, the care, and the harvest of the land and resources their planning and hard work have produced.

The Smiths offer tours of the farm to interested groups, and Jennie has been known to speak to various civic and educational gatherings about her farm life and about the breeding and raising of Pyrenees, goats, and chickens. Our morning was a delightful and refreshing tour infused with large laughs and goat love. Did I mention that the farm welcomed several sets of kid goats born back in February? All of that excitement amidst Jennie and Jarrell Smiths’ keeping the kaleidoscope of life cycles going while livin’ large on At Last Farm.

To place your orders at At Last Farm, visit their FB page, email atlastfarmsmith@gmail.com or text 601.838.1702.

ARTICLE | Cheryl Rinehart PHOTOS | Lisa Whittington

Jarrell and Jennie Smith

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 41

42 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

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up & coming calendar LOUISIANA

October 7, 14, 21 & 28 Corn Maze at Burden LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens lsu.edu/botanic-gardens/ events/cornmaze.php

October 13-28 Oktoberfest Fridays (4 pm-11 pm) Saturdays (1 pm-11 pm) oktoberfestnola.com

ALEXANDRIA / PINEVILLE alexandriapinevillela.com rapidessymphony.org riveroaksartscenter.com lagniappetheatre.com themuseum.org

October 31 Boo with the Krewe Boo Village 8551 Scotland Ave. 4-7 pm / Free

October 21 Krewe of Boo Parade French Quarter 6:30 pm / kreweofboo.com

October 7 Kent Plantation House Fall Herb Day Arts & Crafts Festival/Yard Sale Kent House 8 am-4 pm / Free

CLINTON / JACKSON louisianasteamtrain.com

louisianatravel.com A great site for everything Louisiana

October 28 Van Gogh Gala / 7 pm RiverOaksArtsCenter.com _______________________ BATON ROUGE visitbatonrouge.com lsumoa.org rivercenterarena: baton-rouge. tickets-center.com batonrougeballet.org Red Stick Farmers Market Breada.com brso.org lasm.org Saturdays in Sept. & Oct. Red Stick Farmers Market 5th & Main Streets 8 am-Noon 1st Saturdays in Sept. & Oct. BR Arts Market Red Stick Farmers Market 5th & Main Streets 8 am-Noon September 15-24 Grease Theatre Baton Rouge thearebr.org/tickets September 21-22, 28-29 Boo at the Zoo Baton Rouge Zoo 9:30 am-5 pm / brzoo.org

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First Fridays in Sept. & Oct. Jackson Market Town Hall Gazebo Charger St. 11 am-4 pm / 225.933.4911 September 2 Stop & Shop the Choctaw Trail Garage Sale Clinton-Jackson-St. Francisville 8 am-3 pm FB: JTEC Jackson _______________________ MONROE / WEST MONROE monroe-westmonroe.org September 29-October 8 Ark-La-Miss Fair Monroe Civic Center 318.396.8700 October 3-7 5th Annual NELA Scarecrows in the Garden Biedenharn Museum & Gardens bmuseum.org _______________________ NEW ORLEANS neworleansonline.com neworleanscvb.com ogdenmuseum.org nola.org FB: nolajazzmuseum/live newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu nobt.org neworleansfilmsociety.org neworleanscitypark.com

44 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

_______________________ ST. FRANCISVILLE audubonstatehistoricsite. wordpress.com explorewestfeliciana.com/ events.html stfrancisvillefestivals.com FB: St. Francisville Farmers Market Thursdays in Sept. & Oct. Farmers Market 9961 Wilcox St. 8 am-12 pm / 225.245.1752 October 12 Witches Ride Commerce @ Burnett Rd. FB: Witches ride of St. Francisville October 28-29 Yellow Leaf Arts Festival Parker Park 10 am-5 pm _______________________ VIDALIA cityofvidaliala.com concordialibrary.org Wednesdays Farmers Market Old Court House N. Spruce St. 9 am-1 pm November 3-4 VPD- Back the Blue BBQ Competition River View RV Park 318.336.1400 FB: Vidalia PD Back the Blue KCBS BBQ Competition

up & coming calendar MISSISSIPPI visitmississippi.org hikinginmississippi.com BROOKHAVEN FB: VisitBrookhavenMS visitbrookhavenms.com brookhavenrecreation.com brookhavenlittletheatre.com llf.lib.ms.us September 16 Fall Concert Series AA’Keela & the Beats Downtown Railroad Park Stage 7-9 pm

JACKSON dulinghall.com msmuseumart.org visitjackson.com jacksonfreepress.com/ calendarmsnla.org craftsmensguildofms.org balletms.com msmetroballet.com operams.org downtown-jackson.com newstagetheatre.com

October 5 Toast & Tails The Mill 6 pm / $25 October 7 20th Anniversary Celebration McComb City Railroad Depot Museum 10 am / 601.248.3625

October 5-15 164th Mississippi State Fair State Fair Grounds mississippifairgrounds.com

September 28 Canines, Cats & Corks Wine Tasting Brookhaven Building barl.net/events

October 21 2nd Annual Oktoberfest Fertile Ground Beer Company Belhaven Town Center fertilegroundbeer.com

October 6-7 48th Ole Brook Festival Downtown 8 am-5 pm visitbrookhavenms.com

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October 12-22 Into the Woods Brookhaven Little Theatre Historic Haven Theatre 7 & 2 pm brookhavenlittletheatre.com

October 28 Homochitto River Fest Downtown 8 am-9 pm / $9 admission homochittoriverfestival.org

October 14-November 26 Crossroads: Change in Rural America Multimedia Exhibit Lincoln County Public Library Downtown October 21 Fall Concert Series Clear Creek Downtown Railroad Park Stage 7-9 pm _______________________ HAZLEHURST October 12 2nd Annual Power of Pink Gala Joe L. Johnson Community Safe Room 6 pm / 601.574.7232

MEADVILLE meadvillems.com

October 12-15 The Nerd Pike County Little Theatre Oct. 12-14 / 7:30 pm Oct. 15 / 2:30 pm pcltmccomb.org/shows October 19 Cooking for a Cause The Palace Theatre 6 pm / fernwoodflippers@yahoo.com October 30 The Artisan’s Table Flower Show McComb Garden Club Palace Theater 2-6 pm / Free _______________________

_______________________ MCCOMB pikeinfo.com mccombarts.com mcrrmuseum.com pcltmccomb.org FB: McComb Farmers Market Thursdays in Sept. & Oct. Farmers Market 113 North Railroad Blvd.

7 am-1 pm / 410.693.7701 September 28 Southwest Medical Foundation’s Gala SMCC Fine Arts Auditorium After Party: The Palace Theatre 6:30 pm 601.551.5180

NATCHEZ Live Music Events Calendar visitnatchez.org/full-eventcalendar visitnatchez.org kreweofphoenixnatchez.com natchezpilgrimage.com thetowersofnatchez.com natchezgardenclub.org FB Downtown Natchez Farmers Market Saturdays in Sept. & Oct. Natchez Farmers Market 300 N. Broadway / Downtown 8:30 am-Noon September 14-24 Rocky Horror Picture Show Natchez Little Theatre Fri. & Sat. 7:30 pm / Sun. 2 pm thenatchezlittletheatre.com September 15 BBQ, Blues & Brews 408 N. MLK Jr. St. 6-10 pm / $15 Plate

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 45

up & coming calendar September 16 Soul Food Fusion Festival Community Dinner En Blanc Broadway St. 6:30-10:30 pm eventbrite.com/e/soul-foodfusion-festival September 22 Barbie Party Stanton Hall 8-10 pm / 512.665.1166 September 23-24 Cathedral Catholic School Fall Festival Cathedral School Campus FB Cathedral Fall Festival September 23-October 20 Pilgrimage Garden Club Fall Pilgrimage Historic Home Tours & Events natchezpilgrimage.com October 6-7 Junkin’ on the River 15-mile stretch in the Miss-Lou FB Junkin’ on the River October 7-30 Natchez Garden Club Fall Pilgrimage Historic Home Tours & Events natchezgardenclub.org October 20-21 38th Natchez Balloon Festival Broadway/Rosalie Grounds natchezballoonfestival.com October 26-29 Y’all Means All The Weekend yallmeansallnatchez.org October 28 Longwood Music Fest Longwood Grounds 11 am-8 pm / $25 / 12 & u free 601.807.1595 October 28 Evening of Songs & Praise Mississippi Mass Choir True Love Missionary Baptist Church 4-6 pm / 601.597.6960

MADISON/RIDGELAND visitridgeland.com madisonthecity.com ardenland.net mscrafts.org Tuesdays in Sept. & Oct. Farmers Market Main St. @ Caboose 3:30-6:30 pm _______________________ SUMMIT pikeinfo.com September 23 Fairytale Fall Event Williamson Nursery 11 am-3 pm October 14 Summit Fall Fest Downtown 8 am-4 pm summitfallfest@gmail.com _______________________ VICKSBURG southernculture.org visitvicksburg.com vicksburgartassociation.org tarawildlife.com vicksburgtheatreguild.com downtownvicksburg.org September 8-10 Play That Goes Wrong Parkside Playhouse 7:30 pm vicksburgtheatreguild.com September 9 & October 14 Second Saturday Downtown FB: VicksburgSecondSaturday September 22 A Taste of Vicksburg Women of the Siege Vicksburg Convention Center Noon-1:30 pm / 601.630.2929 September 23 Vicksburg National Military Park Fee Free Day 601.636.0583

46 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

September 29-30 Fiber Fun in the Sip Vicksburg Convention Center fiberfuninthesip.com September 30 & October 5 13th Annual Bricks & Spokes Downtown 8 am / raceroster.com October 7 40th Fall Flea Market Old Court House Museum 8 am-5 pm / 601.636.0741 October 7 Pickin’ on the Porch Levee Street Marketplace 601.638.7191 October 14 35th Over the River Run Old Mississippi Bridge 8 am / info@southernculture.org October 27 A Taste of Vicksburg Vicksburg Convention Center Kendra Reed / $15 601.630.2929 _______________________ WESSON FB Wesson Chamber October 21 Wesson Annual Flea Market Main Street Downtown 8 am-4 pm / 601.265.1694 _______________________ WOODVILLE woodvillems.org woodvillemainstreet.org FB Woodville/Wilkinson County Main Street Association September 16 Market on the Square Historic Courthouse Square 10 am-4 pm woodvillemainstreet.org

social

THE SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

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The Order of the First Families of Mississippi (OFFM) held its Spring General Assembly in Natchez, Mississippi, on June 2-3, 2023. Events began on Friday evening with cocktails, conversation, and dinner at The Castle. Saturday morning brought the traditional Welcome Party at the Governor Holmes House, home of Mary Lou Perkins. Lunch followed at The Grand Hotel with guest speaker Tricia Nelson. Concluding was the installation of Dr. Vernon LaCour as Governor General for 2023-2025. Photos by Bill Perkins

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1—Betty Perkins, Anne Anderson, and Darla Goodfellow 2—Neva Rath and Cynthia Gutowski 3—Anne McMullen, Kathy Prospere, and Wendy Cartwright 4—Flora Riley and Mayor Dan Gibson 5—Dr. Bill and Nancy Howard with Mary Lou Perkins 6—Marilyn and Stewart Witt 7—Sylvia Campbell, Jena Melancon, Jan Melancon, Keith Reeves, and John Burns 8—Dan Johnson, Joyce Shorter, and Leasa Shorter 9—Mark Henry, Vernon LaCour, and Darla Goodfellow 10—Opal MacLeod, Will Poe, and Greg Smithhart 11—Martha and David Cordell 12—Melanie and Chad Coutch and Dr. Keith Goodfellow 13—Dr. Ted Dear and Leasa Shorter 14—Susan and Rodney Bateman 15—Andy and Nancye Montgomery 16—Dr. Ted Dear and Mary Lou Perkins 17—Clinton Bagley and Jena Melancon 18—JoAnn Russell and Ruben Seminara 19—Bennie Boone and Candace Bundgard 20—Dan Johnson, Joyce Shorter, and Leasa Shorter 21—Brayden Dear, Jerri Dear Wallace, Bobbye Dear, Kayleigh Dear, Rachel Dear, Zachary Dear, Dr. Jenna Dear, and Dr. Ted Dear

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The Order of the First Families of Mississippi Spring General Assembly 2023

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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 47

social

THE SCENE VIDALIA, LA

Concordia Bank Celebrates 120 Years Concordia Bank & Trust celebrated its 120th Anniversary on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at the main branch in Vidalia, Louisiana. The bank was chartered in 1903 and has been a continuous positive influence and support for the community since its beginnings. President and CEO Pat Biglane along with Executive Vice President Scott McLemore welcomed the crowd of customers, employees, board members, family members, and community business personnel. Photos submitted by Mayor Dan Gibson and Concordia Bank & Trust 1—Scott and Laura McLemore with Karen and Pat Biglane 2—Eddie Hobson, Scott Kimbrell, and Cindy and Pat Galloway 3—Patrick Biglane, Mark Carter, and Patrick Vogt 4—Shirley Byrne, Rebecca Grantham, and Betsy Mosby 5—Colby Godfrey and Natchez Alderwoman Valencia Hall 6—Pat Biglane and Brent Gore 7—Danny Grayson and Sue Grayson 8—Officer Melvin Demby and Trippy Shields 9—Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson and Pat Biglane 10—Rebecca Grantham and Joey Merrill 11—Brian Fisher with Beth and Shane French and Lindsey Breal 12—Jared Hedrick, Angie Tenner, Hayden Butts, and Jessica Cauthen 13—James Falkenheiner and Joseph Sewell 14—David Hedrick and Brent Gore 15—Erica Smith and Caurie Norris 16—Willie Carter, Natchez Alderwoman Valencia Hall, and Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson 17—Genny Cutrer and Traci Gray 18—Jenny and Dustin Hinkle 19—Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson and Pat Biglane

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THE SCENE VIDALIA, LA

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Concordia Bank Celebrates 120 Years

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(continued)

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20—Diane Johnson, Cindy and Pat Galloway, Mallory Sewell, Paula Morris, Angie Tenner, Lindsey Breal, and Vernita Barber 21—Dr. Bridget Milliken and Ada Milliken 22—Dr. Tom Terry Milliken and Dr. Bridget Milliken with Laura, Molly, and Scott McLemore 23—Michelle Bozeman, Linda Hedrick, Traci Gray, Brooke Roberts, Josh Welch, Casey Reeves, and Adam Roberts 24—Angie Tenner, Mallory Sewell, Janiece Netterville, and Sharon Frank 25—Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson, Scott and Laura McLemore, Natchez Alderwoman Valencia Hall, and Sarah Carter Smith 26—Vidalia Mayor Buzz Kraft and April Kraft with Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson 27—Laura, Molly, Natalie, and Scott McLemore 28—Mark Richardson and daughter

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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 51

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A Tiny Tale of Baby Chicks ARTICLE & PHOTO | Alma M. Womack

Last month my story was about looking for dewberries up in my neighbor’s woods, a search that proved futile. This story is about what was waiting for me when I got home.

Before JG and I went looking for berries in June, we got a call from the Jonesville Post Office that our baby chicks had arrived. Mike Duncan went to pick them up for us and soon brought them to my house.

Knowing that we were about to leave to find berries, we put the box of chicks on the kitchen table under the ceiling fan to keep them cool. I also put a saucer with each batch to give them a drink until we came back home.

Fast forward about two hours. We arrived home, berryless, and hurried in to check on the babies. When I took the box top off, I was met with a horrifying sight: instead of the chicks drinking the water, almost all of two dozen had fallen in the water and were soaking wet, and chilled to the bone under that fan.

Talk about a panicked pair of berry pickers! I got a dish towel for JG and told him to wrap up the chicks until I could get a hair dryer to blow them dry. We worked as a good team, drying and protecting the babies, one at a time, until they all had fluffy feathers and warm bodies again.

Sadly, we lost four that couldn’t be blow-dried enough to survive; but if we had been thirty minutes longer, we probably would have lost all of them due to my stupidity.

That afternoon, they went home with Clarence Duncan, who had agreed to raise them for me at his place, where he already has a good setup for baby

52 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

chicks. They were chirping and happy, completely unaware of their brush with eternity.

Since then, I have bought 100 pounds of starter feed and now 75 pounds of grower for them; and they are flourishing. I had ordered only Buff Orpingtons; for they are my favorite chickens in the chicken yard, big fluffy, yellow hens who are gentle and lay large amounts of brown eggs for my kitchen. It won’t be long now until they will be ready to let loose in the chicken yard to set their place in the pecking order in the pen.

About November or December, they will start to lay their pullet eggs; and with my older hens, I should have plenty of eggs for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Of course, I share my bounty of good yard eggs with family and friends so that we all have the best eggs ever to cook with for meals and goodies.

Shakespeare once wrote, “All’s well that ends well.”

Thank goodness the story of the baby chicks has ended well, thanks to my friend Clarence, JG with his towel, and a good hair dryer.

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

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