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From the Editor
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or most people, leaving your hometown for your college years leads you to brighter lights and bigger cities. However, some of us, head out into the unknown to find home in a smaller hamlet than that in which you were raised. In the fall of 2006, I made the well-thought-out decision to venture into the Mississippi Delta to join my sister at Delta State University. Well, six years later and a couple degrees under my belt, I left my new-found home in the bayous of Cleveland, Mississippi, to come back to the bluffs of Natchez.
Yes, Cleveland is smaller than Natchez; and yes, at first sight, Cleveland is not quite as picturesque as Natchez. However, when you spend some time there and look a little deeper, you will find that Cleveland is part of a bigger picture and full of beauty—the Delta. To me, the Delta became my new hometown for those six years. I was not living in Cleveland, per se; I was living in the entire Delta. I loved shopping in the small boutiques in Cleveland, taking day trips to the outlet mall in Tunica, driving down Highway 1 to see a movie in Greenville, enjoying countless meals (and pomegranate martinis) in Leland, and becoming a lover of the outdoors on a few back roads. I grew to love those flatlands and panoramic views of fields and nothingness. While the views of the river can be so intoxicating here in Natchez, there is nothing like a sunset in the Delta. The colors are bolder; the size is ginormous; and the warmth that radiates from it is heart-felt. So, I hope you enjoy getting to know the Delta in this month’s issue and are able to venture up North soon to take a peek at its life along and beyond the Mississippi.
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publisher Cheryl Foggo Rinehart m a n a g i n g e d i t o r consulting editor Jennie Guido Jean Nosser Biglane graphic designers Jan Ratcliff Anita Schilling media coordinator Adam Blackwell staff photographers Aimee Guido Van O’Gwin Elise D. Parker Cheryl Rinehart sales staff Tracey Farrell Jennie Guido Lynn Janette Cheryl Rinehart Donna Sessions office assistant Rachel Benoit contributors Dr. Gary R. Bachman Caroline Devereaux Robert Ferguson Lucien C. “Sam” Gwin Alma Womack Becky Junkin
Rachel Benoit
Jean Biglane
Adam Blackwell
Tracey Farrell
Aimee Guido
Jennie Guido
Lynn Janette
Van O’Gwin
Elise D. Parker
Jan Ratcliff
Cheryl Rinehart
Anita Schilling
Donna Sessions
Dr. Gary R. Bachman
Caroline Devereaux
Robert Ferguson
Lucien C. “Sam” Gwin
Becky Junkin
Alma Womack
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.
office
423 Main Street, Suite 7 | Natchez, MS 39120 | 601-442-6847 | fax 601-442-6842 bluf fsmag@gmail.com | bbupandcoming@gmail.com media.bluf fsandbayous@gmail.com www.bluf fsbayous.com
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May 2014
feature
“…To a World Unknown”: Traveling Through the Mississippi Delta pages 44-56
ON THE COVER Load up your trunk, fill that tank, and journey through the Mississippi Delta with Bluffs & Bayous. See feature on pages 44-56. Photo by Aimee Guido
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May 2014
fav o r i t e s Events May Premier Events................................................................................................. 62 May Louisiana Up & Coming!............................................................................. 63-65 May Mississippi Up & Coming..............................................................................66-74
G’s Fare Road-Tripping and Fine Picnicking.....................................................................12-17
Healthy Living Fiber: A Summertime Figure’s Best Friend....................................................... 34-35
In the Garden An Award-Winning Orchid Show with a Bad Ending......................................... 22-23 Ringing in Summer with Zinnias....................................................................... 26-27
Legal Notes Should Pit Bulls be Outlawed?................................................................................. 30
Road-Tripping and Fine Picnicking pages 12 - 17
Southern Sampler The Southern Drawl............................................................................................ 58-59
The Social Scene A Surprise 74th Birthday Celebration.................................................................10-11 A Celebration for a True Partnership..................................................................20-21 Mended Hearts Support Group............................................................................... 24 Ground Breaking for a New Field Memorial Community Hospital.................. 28-29 Once Upon a Garden Book Signing......................................................................... 33 An Easter Egg Hunt Honoring PGC Page Sophia Grace Killelea..................... 36-37 Junior Auxiliary Azalea Ball................................................................................40-41 King’s Daughters Foundation Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon...................... 42 Annual Monarch Luncheon.................................................................................60-61
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THE social SCENE Natchez, ms
A Surprise 74th Birthday Celebration
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surprise 74th Birthday Party for Tom Taylor, was held in the Pub at the Castle Restaurant in Natchez, Mississippi, on Thursday, March 13. Lots of fun was had by all, and Tom was certainly surprised
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Tom Taylor Leigh Delaughter and Francey Killian Leigh Delaughter Sonja Blaney and Martha Curry Sandy Taylor, Laurence Smith, and Miriam Montgomery 6 Beau Cedotal and Jewel Causey 7 Dolly Freedman, John Freedman, Johanna Busby, and George Busby 8 Charlie Blaney, Martha Curry, Sandy Taylor, and Lynn Delaughter 9 Mario Romano and Ron McGowan 10 Marie Gasguet, Barbara O’Brien, and Helene Joseph
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11 Tommy Ferrell, Cheryl LeBlanc, Lynn Delaughter, and Mo LeBlanc 12 Bill Williams, Norma Williams, and Hazel Ferrell 13 Sandy and Tom Taylor 14 Ginger Schwager and Sandy Taylor 15 Mo LeBlanc and Irene Rosiek 16 Cheryl LeBlanc and Mo LeBlanc 17 Tom Schwager and Ginger Schwager 18 Helene Joseph and Hazel Ferrell
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g’s fare
Road-Tripping and Fine Picnicking
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story by Becky Junkin
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his month’s issue is going on a road trip and taking a picnic basket filled with goodies along for the ride. When my children were young, I would create getaways in my head. One of my favorites was a romantic picnic near a stream with a large oak tree under which I would spread my beautiful antique tablecloth. I had the perfect menu in my head and knew exactly what I would fix. I am going to share my menu and recipes with you and would love to hear from whoever gets to go on such a romantic picnic to find out if it was nearly as wonderful as I dreamed. Although I was never able to go on this idealized picnic, my children, friends, and I often had picnics on the Trace, the Bluff, and in our yards. We did not have fine china; our picnic was much more realistic—1 jar of peanut butter, 1 jar of jelly, 1 loaf of bread, chips, and store-bought dip. For your romantic picnic excursion, you will need a cooler or ice chest since most of these foods need to stay chilled. You can pack your china, silver, linen napkins, and champagne flutes in the basket, but be sure to wrap all carefully. If you would rather, you could buy some pretty paper products and not worry about mess afterwards or breakage. Remember, this was my ideal, romantic picnic, which does not always work out in reality. Have fun…enjoy your picnic outing! Next month, I will feature snacks and activities to make and/ or serve with children during summer vacation.
Becky Junkin, mother of four and grandmother of seven, is a lifelong Natchez resident, a retired elementary teacher of twenty four years, and certified Pilates instructor.
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First, pour a flute of quality, ice-cold champagne with a strawberry floating in it; or my new favorite drink, French 75, or a glass of good, ole-fashioned, sweetened iced tea. Any of these would be a refreshing start to your picnic. I have had French 75 in quite a few places, and each one has been different. At the Plaza in NYC, it was served in a martini glass with a cucumber as garnish. It is usually served in a champagne glass with a twist of lemon. Some have been too tart and others too sweet. Below is my favorite recipe for French 75 (from www.saveur. com) this recipe is “just right.�
French 75 1 ounce gin 1/2 ounce simple syrup 1/2 ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice Brut champagne Lemon twist to garnish Combine gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until well chilled, and strain into a glass. Top with champagne, and garnish with a lemon twist to serve.
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One of my favorite appetizers is Caviar Pie and the perfect complement to the champagne. I used to make this all the time and serve it at parties but have forgotten about it as time has gone by. This one comes from Cotton Country: The Junior League of Monroe Cookbook.
Caviar Pie 6 hard-boiled eggs (grate fine or put in a food processor) 1/2 lemon 8 ounces sour cream 4 ounces black caviar (drained, but be careful that you don’t squash the eggs) Minced parsley Paprika (I minced green onions and added to top of sour cream. This is not part of the original recipe.) Press eggs into bottom of a pie pan, and refrigerate for 24 hours. Put caviar in a bowl, and season with lemon juice. Put into the egg crust. Ice with sour cream. (I added minced green onions or chives here.) Decorate the edges with minced parsley, and sprinkle with paprika. Serve with toast points or melba rounds.
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Becky Junkin, mother of four and grandmother of six, is a lifelong Natchez resident, a retired elementary teacher of twenty four years, and certified Pilates instructor.
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I love Cornish hens, and this is the perfect recipe for a picnic since the Cornish hens can be served cold. I found this recipe at www.fabulousfoods.com, and my family likes the marinated hens both hot and cold. Be sure that you have the hens wrapped and on ice for the picnic.
Marinated Cornish Game Hens 1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 cups white wine vinegar (I use white wine that I have in the 1 tablespoon dried parsley (2 tablespoons fresh) refrigerator.) 4 Cornish game hens 3/4 cup olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 1 shallot, minced 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary (1teaspoon dried) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Remove giblet package, and wash hens in cold water. Pat dry with a paper towel. Cut hens in half, and place in a large zip-lock bag. (I did the hens whole and cooked them a little longer.) Divide the marinade over the hens; and let sit for four to eight hours, turning every few hours to distribute marinade. Season hens with salt and pepper; place on a rack in a flat roasting pan, skin side up. Roast uncovered for forty to fifty minutes in a preheated oven. Remove from oven and cool.
The following recipe came from Sissy Eidt, a local caterer. The amount would depend on how many you wanted to serve.
Asparagus wrapped Prosciutto Asparagus Thinly sliced Prosciutto strips Put asparagus in boiling water (salted). When it comes back to a boil, cook for three to four minutes; and plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well, allow them to dry, and then wrap with prosciutto. Serve. Remember that these need to stay chilled, so they need to be wrapped and kept cool in the ice chest.
Rice-a-Roni Artichoke Salad 1 box Chicken Rice-a-Roni 2 green onions, chopped 1/3 cup green pepper, chopped 1/2 cup celery, chopped 1 jar artichoke hearts, chopped 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1/3 cup green olives with pimentos, chopped 1 can water chestnuts, sliced Prepare Rice-a-Roni according to recipe, omitting butter, and chill. Drain artichoke hearts, and combine liquid with the mayonnaise. Mix well. Add celery, artichokes, onions, olives, water chestnuts, and pepper, stirring well. Pour over chilled Rice-a-Roni. Store in a container, and refrigerate till ready to serve.
For dessert, White Chocolate Bread Pudding is perfect. It is easy to transport and is not too messy. This recipe is from Joan Burt, a caterer in Jayess, Mississippi. Her business is Joan E’s Simple Southern Catering. If you are not a dessert eater, you can also have various cheeses; fruit; a loaf of good, French bread; and a crisp bottle of chilled white wine.
White Chocolate Bread Pudding Topping: Pudding: 6 ounces white chocolate 1 pound French bread, chips torn into pieces 1 stick butter, melted 2 cups half & half 1 cup powdered sugar 2 cups whole milk 6 tablespoons water 1 stick butter, melted 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups sugar 4 eggs, beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla Pour milk over bread, and let stand for fifteen minutes. Cream together eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla. Pour over bread mixture, and stir lightly. Bake in a 9� x 13� pan for one hour at 350 degrees. For the topping, add white chocolate chips to melted butter; and melt in the microwave for one minute. Add sugar, water, and vanilla. Pour over the top of pudding, and serve. (I prefer to let pudding cool before spreading the topping.)
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On the River k On the River k On the River k On the River
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On the River k On the River k On the River k On the River
Natchez k vidalia k Ferriday k Natchez k vidalia k Ferriday k Bluffs Bluffs & Bayous & Bayous{{May May2014 2014{ { Page 19
THE social SCENE vicksburg, MS
A Celebration for a True Partnership
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n Thursday, March 20, 2014, a large group of educators and a grateful public gathered at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to celebrate the forty years that Hinds Community College has had a strong presence in Warren County. The night served to honor the administration, faculty, staff, and community leaders who helped bring Business & Industry Workforce Training to Warren County. Photos by Ed and Anita Schilling
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Joe Loviza, Tom Wasson, Alice and Jimmy C. Smith, Dr. Clyde Muse, and Donald Oakes Myrtle Alvarado and Joe Loviza Bump Callaway and Doug Kamien Joe Loviza, Marion Banks, Dr. Clyde Muse, and Mark Chaney with Dorothy and Robert Pickett
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vicksburg, MS
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General Luther Warnock and Walter Hallberg Roy Bailey and William Matthews Representative Alex Monsour, Jack Fowler, Ray Roberts, Joe Loviza, Timothy Crudup, and Donald Oakes Sheriff Martin Pace, Alice and Jimmy C. Smith, Albert Hossley, and Joe Loviza Randy Sherard with Harold and Jean Blue Jack and Sandra Fowler, Sam Heltzel, Father P. J. Curley, and Barbara Bruce Applebaum Venable Moore, Charles Schaffer, George Chappell, and Joe Loviza Standing—Kathleen and Daniel Miles, Joe Loviza, and Myrtle Alvarado; seated— Richard Ahlvin Back—Bill Fenwick, Lisa Tillotson, and Bobby Alvarado; front—Joan and Francis Vriesen
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in the garden
story and photos by Robert Ferguson
An Award-Winning Orchid Show with a Bad Ending
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n the early spring of 1985, we attended a Southern Regional orchid show in Mobile, Alabama. It was an exciting weekend because we won three trophies on the Den. aggregatum, two trophies on two Vandas, two trophies on two Cattleyas, and the AOS show trophy. We had been showing for about ten years at this point and investing in highquality orchid stock, so it wasn’t surprising that we were beginning to be noticed by the AOS judges. AOS Judging is conducted by the American Orchid Society. All of the shows I attend are sanctioned by the American Orchid Society of West Palm Beach, Florida. These judges are volunteers and study orchids for a minimum of six years. Plus, there are required pre-requisites before they can even become students of how to judge orchids. Because the weather was still cold during the Mobile show that year, we couldn’t delay getting back home and getting the orchids back into the warm greenhouse. The first leg of the trip back home went fine, but we decided to make a stop at a restaurant in Hattiesburg for a bite to eat before traveling the remaining two hours on to Jackson. After enjoying our dinner, we got into the van and started on Page 22 { May 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous
Above—Trophies won at an orchid show in 1985 Below—Vanda sanderiana—a species Vanda from Thailand—just like GOD made it
Cattleya intermedia alba hybrid
our way. However, I noticed the van was running very roughly. I stopped, killed the engine, and started it again. It was still rough. As luck would have it, it was Sunday around eight o’clock at night and not a service station open anywhere. So, we headed on north toward home praying all the while. It is amazing how many long steep hills there are between Hattiesburg and Magee. The further we traveled, the hotter the engine became. Even the accelerator was getting hot! I had the heater on in the van to provide some relief from the overheating engine. The heat got so bad that we had to roll all the windows down even though the temperature outside was below freezing. After finally getting to Magee, I decided to call my sister and ask if she and my brother-in-law would come and pull us the remainder of the way to Jackson. I told my brother-in-law where he could find my twenty-foot towing chain and the towing pipe. I even emphasized that he not bring the ten-foot chain because it was too short. After waiting what seemed like forever, they finally came around the bend. We positioned the vehicles and started connecting the chain—the ten-foot chain. After asking that he not bring the twenty-foot chain at least three times, it was obvious
that part of the conversation did not seem register with him. I realized we were going to be just inches from his bumper, so I emphasized that he should not go over twenty miles per hour and that we would travel with our emergency flashers on and just take it slow and easy. Well, as we entered the highway, he immediately started going sixty-five. Have you ever traveled one inch off a vehicle’s bumper going sixty-five? I tried blowing the horn, flashing my lights, putting the brakes on to make him slow down but nothing worked. We traveled from Magee, Mississippi, to Florence, Mississippi, at sixty-five miles per hour before he was finally forced to stop because of a red light. My wife had to get between
us to stop me from killing him. We pulled off the highway, and I disconnected the van from his truck. I told him to just go on, and I would get home the best way I could. We limped on at ten miles per hour with a very hot engine, and my brother-in-law followed behind with his flashers on. We got home around two in the morning. My sister and brother-in-law wanted to help unload the orchids, but I said no. I unloaded them by myself to calm my beating heart to a level that was safe. The next day I removed the engine and took it to a friend to see what the problem was. When we started removing the timing chain and gear, we discovered that the crankshaft gear was made of a Masonite type material, and all the gear teeth were gone. This is why the engine lost its timing and was running hot. The engine had gotten so hot that the whole block and heads had to be replaced. The trip ended up costing us over $3,500.00. This is just one of many escapades that happened over the years of showing orchids. Robert Ferguson, interested in orchids since the age of 13, owned Ferguson Orchids from 1973 to 2002 where orchids were cloned, grown from seed, and sold.
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THE social SCENE McComb, MS
Mended Hearts Support Group Dinner
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he Mended Hearts Support Group at The Cardiovascular Institute, a division of Southwest Health Systems, was treated to “Dinner & Conversation” with the physicians at The Caboose Restaurant in downtown McComb, Mississippi. During the two-night event, guests enjoyed healthy, gourmet fare and dining with their doctors. Mended Hearts, an affiliate of the American Heart Association, is a group who has been through the Institute’s cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program.
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Sherry and Norman Price and Dr. Don and Rocky Netherland with Thri Sonna Freeman and Dr. Marc Freeman Dr. Christos Kasapis and Dora Patsiora Dr. Carl Feind and Pat Randall Dr. Ali Homayuni with Monica and Bill Garner
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in the garden
story and photos by Dr. Gary R. Bachman
Zinnia Zahara Double Fire has robust branching that supports masses and mounds of flowers with very little maintenance needed.
Ringing in Summer with Zinnias
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’m ready for warm weather. I’ve had it with the cold winter that seemed much longer than it actually was; bring on the summer garden. In my opinion, there are a couple of plants that seem to just scream summer, and a gorgeous zinnia is one of them. One zinnia that is forgotten in some gardens is the family of Zinnia elegans— the cutting zinnia. Benary’s Giant zinnia is a must-have for any home gardener who wants long-lasting cut flowers all summer. These plants are perfect as a background in the summer flowerbed as they grow to thirty inches tall. The stems are tall and sturdy enough to support their abundant yield of beautiful flowers. The flowers are fully double and huge, typically three to These Benary’s Giant mix zinnias are must-haves for those wanting long-lasting cut flowers. Their height makes them perfect as a background in the summer flower bed, and they produce an abundant supply of beautiful flowers.
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These pink Magellan zinnias are shorter and stockier than some zinnia and do not require staking, even though their flowers are enormous.
four inches in diameter. With selective pruning, the flowers can reach up to six inches in diameter. These gorgeous flowers are available in a stunning mixture of pink, salmon rose, golden yellow, coral, golden orange, dark red, white, and dark lavender. Benary’s Giants tolerate the high temperatures and humidity of Mississippi summers. As a bonus, these plants have a lower vulnerability to powdery mildew, which can be a problem with other Zinnia elegans. Magellan zinnias are shorter and stockier than some of the Benary’s Giants and have a mature height of about eighteen inches. Because of their shorter, thicker stems, the plants do not require staking even though their flowers are enormous. The flowers resemble dahlia-like pompoms and are available in single and mixed colors. I like mass planting the mixtures as they look like a colorful carnival in the landscape. Zinnia elegans, such as Magellan and Benary’s Giant, benefit from deadheading fading flowers. This step encourages the development of new flowers throughout the season; however, these are such a fantastic cut flower that they are usually cut and brought indoors anyway. These zinnia selections have great vase life and can still look good after seven days. When collecting these flowers for vase use, always cut early in the morning. Select
flowers that are not quite fully open, and they will continue to open in the vase. A key for cutting flowers is to keep a small bucket of water nearby. Cut the stem with sharp scissors or a knife, and place the stem in the water immediately. There are
products you can add to the collection bucket to help keep the flowers fresh. If you are interested in a zinnia that produces more of a mass-flowering effect, then you can’t go wrong with one of my personal favorites, the Zahara zinnia. This plant has robust branching to support its masses and mounds of flowers. They are also resistant to powdery mildew and a good choice for container gardening. The zinnias I’ve described require very little ongoing maintenance during the season. Proper fertilization is critical to maintaining the gorgeous flowers. Meet this need with monthly applications of slow-release fertilizer. Use a two to three-inch layer of mulch to maintain soil moisture. Zinnias tolerate dry weather, but the flower production is reduced. Be sure to provide supplemental irrigation when needed. Soaker hoses or other forms of drip irrigation are really useful in the summer months and help keep the water bill down. 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.
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THE social SCENE centreville, MS
Ground Breaking for New Field Memorial Community Hospital
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The official ground breaking ceremony for an additional site of Field Memorial Hospital was held March 27, 2014, on the site of the new facility in Liberty, Mississippi. Field Memorial’s total service area, in addition to Centreville, includes the towns of Crosby, Gloster, Liberty, and Woodville.
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Kim Jelks, Sara Boatner, Robin Walker, Melanie Newman, Jessica Andrews, LaVerne McDaniel, Deana Ferguson, and Locke Wheeler Bill Bynum, Chad Netterville, Marlin Reid, Ann Morris, and Reggie Jones Chad Netterville, Marlin Reid, Ann Morris, Eldon Hopf, and Reggie Jones Dr. Dennis Johnsey and Dr. Thomas Lobrano Dawn Miley and Dr. Trinity McKenzie
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Dr. Trinity McKenzie and Angela Jackson Dr. Ricardo Nimo, Dr. Richard Field III, and Dr. Kumar Selvaraj Front—Chief of Police Carlos Lee, Rodney Murray, Sheriff Tim Wroten, and Warren Leake; back— Max Lawson and Reggie Jones Bill Bynum, Chris Richardson, Larry Lee, Mayor of Centreville; and Richard Stratton, Mayor of Liberty Dr. Ricardo Nimo, Dr. Trinity McKenzie, Dr. Kumar Selvaraj, and Dr. Richard Field, III Will Powell, Reggie Jones, Max Lawson, and Warren Leake Bill Bankston and Jennings Nettles Tracey Farrell and Dawn Miley
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legal notes
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story by Lucien C. Gwin III
Should Pit Bulls be Outlawed?
n writing this article, I had just viewed a WLBT news report of a two-year-old child being attacked and killed by a pit bull in Jackson, Mississippi. This same news channel has often showed its past newsman, Bert Case, in a clip fighting off a pit bulldog as the dog circles him in attack mode. It seems that I have been noticing a lot more news of attacks by this particular aggressive breed of dog. Before I delve off into this controversial subject, let me say that I, too, own a dog, whose breed is considered “aggressive”. Angus is a registered Belgium Malinois. This breed has become very popular with police and military forces. They have been dubbed “German shepherds on crack”. On the other hand, I have taken extra steps to properly socialize Angus for visitors coming to my house. I also have a “bad dog” shock collar and underground hot-wire fencing around my yard to keep him on my property. Angus has become a wonderful watch dog, which his exactly what I wanted. Enough about me and Angus. The point of this article is the question should Mississippi or even the towns and cities in this state outlaw owning the breed known as pit bulls? Our Mississippi Supreme Court quote testimony in a case styled 32 Pit Bulldogs vs. County of Prentiss that the pit bulldog’s history “can be traced back to Rome where they fought in the Circus Maximus as blood sport dogs. They were later brought to England by the Phoenicians, then subsequently to the United States around the time of the Civil Page 30 { May 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous
War for blood-sport fighting. The pit bulldog was bred for ‘gameness’, which is the ability of an animal to fight to the death.” Wow! This language found in a Mississippi Court case is almost an indictment of the entire breed. We have laws in Mississippi, as in most states, which make dog fighting a felony. Even in the face of this law, there has been a proliferation of dog fighting in this state in the last fifteen years. How many times have you driven by a house and seen a pit bull leashed on a short chain? I have seen this dozens of times in the Adams, Jefferson, and Wilkinson County areas. This brings up the question, is the reputation of this aggressive breed the fault of the breed itself or the breeders? There is a website called pitbulls.org in which the sponsors are obviously owners of pit bulls, and they vehemently defend the breed and espouse the view that pit bulls, like any other aggressive breed, can be socialized and gentled to the point that they make great docile pets. One of the interesting things they quote is from the CDC, which says, “Breed specific legislation does not address the fact that a dog of any breed can become dangerous when bred to be trained to be aggressive. From a scientific point of view, we are unaware of any formal evaluation of the effectiveness of breed-specific legislation in preventing fatal or non-fatal dog bites.” The American Veterinary Medical Association has joined in with the CDC in advocating non-discriminatory laws based on breed.
The CDC has conducted a very interesting survey entitled “Fatal dog attacks in the US”, which was based purely on media reports (which is not complete). The report, which was up through the year 2000, covered the prior twenty years; and it found there had been 327 deaths in the US by dog attacks. The two primary breeds responsible for the majority of the deaths were pit bulldogs and Rottweilers. Another website reported between the years 2005 and 2013 that there have been 245 media reported deaths by dog attacks. Of those deaths, pit bulls were responsible for forty percent of the deaths. In 2013, the American Veterinary Medical Association published a thorough investigative report on the past fatalities by dog bite in this country. Virtually all findings pointed to either human negligence in failing to train dogs to be more social creatures or unintentional human conduct in abusing animals (keeping dogs chained with virtually no human contact). My Take: At this point, I think and agree with the American Veterinary Medical Association on the problem. Outlawing a breed does not solve the problem. On the other hand, stronger laws concerning animal abuse might be in order. Then, we need to insist that law enforcement carries out such laws. 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, Lewis, Punches & Kelley in Natchez, Mississippi, ever since.
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Brookhaven, ms
Holly Byrd
Cathy Frank, Carla Snider, Rhonda White, and Holly Byrd
Once Upon a Garden Book Signing
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olly Byrd recently signed the first printing of her new book Once Upon a Garden at Castles in Brookhaven, Mississippi, on April 9, 2014. It is a rhyming children’s book with illustrations around a first-grade reading level. It is about a flower named Daisy who struggles to fit in at school because she looks different than the other flowers in her garden and has a special happiness in life. This makes the other flowers jealous, so Daisy has to figure out a way to politely and tactfully use her kindness to confront her friends at school to better her situation. The proceeds from this book go to a non-profit, after-school reading program in Mississippi. Photos by Bill Perkins
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Healthy Living
story by Caroline Devereaux
Fiber: A Summertime Figure’s Best Friend
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e are finally in the throes of spring (not yet inundated with the heavy, summer heat); and with the arrival of spring, crawfish boils, barbecues, flip-flops-and-shorts-weather and—drumroll please—swimsuit season are upon us! In our younger days, we may have been counting down the minutes until we could strip away the long sleeves and socks, pack up our (light) coats from our tepid winter, and get back outdoors to enjoy life in warmer weather. Let’s face it. Now, many of us cringe at the thought of “shorts weather” basically just because of what articles of clothing we are left to wear without dying of heat stroke walking out the front door (or carrying a toddler). Either way, if you just nodded your head aggressively, let’s not even think of gathering ourselves into a bathing suit! If your winter attributed to you packing on the pounds around your midsection and you’re
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ready to feel more comfortable wearing the wardrobe mandated by our Mississippi and Louisiana climate, fear no more! Besides a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, start your slim down by including cardio like walking, running, swimming, or bike riding. Also, take a deeper look into the benefits of fiber for your heart, weight, and energy. Many Americans do not consume nearly enough fiber in their daily diets. So, how much dietary fiber do you need? Most women should get at least twenty-five grams and most men should have thirty-eight grams each day to gain all the health benefits of fiber according to the Institute of Medicine’s Dietary Reference Intake. The problem is that most of us get only about half of that when not watching what we eat and even less when intentionally dieting, especially on low-carb diets. The benefits of fiber are numerous and some may be surprising! Fiber is a
non-digestible component of plant foods that is never broken down and absorbed by the body, so it can perform important functions that no other food can. The two types are soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber turns into a gel-like consistency during digestion; so it can trap sugars, fats, and cholesterol and help sweep them out of the body. That’s one reason consuming ample fiber is an instant tummy flattener because it is relieving bloating by acting as a broom in our small intestines. This insoluble fiber strips, flushes, and sweeps the toxins out of the body that we are bombarded with every day from the foods we eat and personal care items we use. When consuming enough fiber in our diet, we can actually remove five to ten pounds of sludge around our midsection naturally. Think of fiber as a magic detox to improve your energy level and immune system and a non-surgical tummy tuck all in one!
Soluble fiber also helps reduce LDL cholesterol and reduce blood glucose levels after eating. Insoluble fiber never breaks down and, instead, acts like a sponge and can absorb more than fifteen times its weight in water, which is why it’s super important to hydrate and drink plenty of water while eating proper amounts of fiber. Another perk is the ability that fiber has to help you feel fuller longer. Feeling fuller can control hunger and what/how much you eat by helping you resist eating more food than you actually need. A cool trick to remember is that eating fiber also takes you longer to chew, which gives your brain time to get the signal that you’ve had enough. So, next time you’re eating, slow down and savor each bite; it could help the pounds fall off. A 2009 study in the journal, Appetite, compared the satiety or fullness factor of apples, applesauce, and apple juice with added fiber before lunch. People who ate an apple before lunch ate fifteen percent fewer calories than those who ate the applesauce or drank apple juice. This suggests that the fiber in the whole apple was more filling even when compared to the juice that had added fiber. As if you needed more reasons to add fiber to your diet, there are still more benefits like reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, diverticulitis, and constipation. So, does a specific type of fiber affect weight loss? Fibers come in a variety of forms like insoluble and soluble fiber, which was covered earlier and are found naturally in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. “Dietary” fiber refers to the fiber found naturally in the foods that we eat. “Functional” fibers, such as inulin, are added to packaged foods to boost their fiber content. Now you know my stance on packaged foods; go ahead and search for whole, fresh foods that are rich in fiber to add to your diet. If you still can’t get in your recommended daily dose, try a healthy fiber supplement that includes antioxidants, calming herbs, and probiotics if at all possible. As always, please email me with any specific questions about fiber; and while I am no expert, I am happy to offer suggestions based on your specific health concerns and what works for me and my family. Enjoy, and thanks for reading! Here’s to a happy and healthy May! Caroline Devereaux is wife to Matt; mom to two daughters, Stella and Mary Tucker; and a certified Pilates instructor residing north of the Big Easy in Covington, Louisiana.
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THE social SCENE Natchez, MS
An Easter Egg Hunt Honoring PGC Page Sophia Grace Killelea
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n Easter Egg Hunt was held March 16, 2014, on the grounds of Dunleith Plantation in Natchez, Mississippi, during Spring Pilgrimage honoring Pilgrimage Garden Club Page, Sophia Killelea. Hostesses for the event were Georgeanne Brakenridge, Eugenie Cates, Cammie Dale, Melanie Miller Downer, Laura Godfrey, Genny Harrison, Amanda Jeansonne, and Babs Price. Special friends and family attended the affair. Refreshments were served; then the egg hunt began encouraging the children to scatter to find the treasured eggs and treats inside. Following the hunt, the children gathered on the front steps of Dunleith to count their eggs and enjoy the treats.
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Cammie Dale, Christi and Genny Harrison, Devereaux and Eugenie Cates, Melanie and Caroline Downer, Georgeanne and Lansing Brakenridge, and Babs Price and Rachel Lott 2 Rachel Misita and Sophia Killelea 3 Josh Britt, Blake Mann, and Camp Blunschi 4 Andrew and Alex Lott 5 Babs Price, Genny Harrison, and Stephanie Anderson 6 Sophia Killelea and Brady Bubrig 7 Jeanette and Josh Britt 8 Sarah Katherine Cauthen, Gina Cauthen, and Melanie Downer 9 Jean Farrar, Eleanor and Bennet James, Lynn and Richard Leet, and Amy Killelea 10 Eric West, Charlotte Brent, and Brady Bubrig
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THE social SCENE
matchez, MS
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Ann Logan and Sarah Katherine Cauthen Sophia Killelea and Nelson Baughman Amy Killelea and Amanda Jeansonne Sharon Baughman and Charlotte Brent Babs Price, Tanya Biglane, Georgeanne Brakenridge, Lansing Brankenridge, and Stephanie Anderson 16 Anna Kat McDonough, Millie Anderson, and Camille McDonough 17 Kennedy Bubrig, Camille McDonough, and Mollie Anderson 18 Amy and Sophia Killelea with Sharon Baughman
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THE social SCENE McComb, MS
Junior Auxiliary’s Azalea Ball
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he Junior Auxiliary of McComb, Mississippi, held its fifty-second annual Azalea Ball on February 22, 2014, at the McComb Mill. During the festivities, the 2014 Azalea Ball Queen and King, Duranne Boothe and Bobby McDaniel, were presented. The ball is the sole fundraiser for the Junior Auxiliary. The McComb chapter of this service organization was started in 1938 by local women who wanted to assist children in their growth, health, and education. This year, local service projects include Child Welfare; Local and National Scholarships; We’ve Got You Covered; Fit, Fun, and Focused; Speaker’s Bureau; Excel by 5; and Camp Sunshine, a summer camp for mentally and physically challenged adults and children in the area held annually at Percy Quin State Park. This year’s Azalea Ball theme, “It’s a Marvelous Night”, celebrated past and present Junior Auxiliary projects and involvement in the community.
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Samuel Cochran Mims VI, Sydney Williams, Merritt Tamor, Kasey Kuyrkendall, Mason Alford, Averi Paden, Ella Glass, Leah Honea, Charles Sanders, and Miles Felder Bill Mabry, Jr. and Joyce Mabry Brande Moak and Carla Stringer Clair Magee and Lauren Norman Jack Ryan and Sam Mims F.A. and Melissa Anderson Cori Honea, Tammy Gillihan, and Amie Wigginton Sara Jones and Stephen Garrett Linda Williams, Sydney Williams, and Cindy Easley
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THE social SCENE
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THE social SCENE Brookhaven, MS
King’s Daughters Foundation Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon
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ing’s Daughters Medical Center (KDMC) Foundation Board in Brookhaven, Mississippi, believes in promoting awareness, early detection, and effective treatment in the fight against breast cancer throughout the year in addition to their annual informational luncheon. KDMC is proud to partner with the Susan G. Komen Foundation in receiving a grant this year. The grant allows those who are in low-income or underinsured households to receive free diagnostic mammograms at KDMC. Photos by Bill Perkins
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“…To a World Unknown”:
Traveling Through the
Mississippi Delta
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Story by Jennie Guido Photos by Aimee Guido, Jennie Guido, and courtesy of the Alluvian Hotel I am a firm believer that you do not have to travel far for a little “r and r”. Thankfully, Mississippi is filled with places to help you get away for a weekend. One of my favorite and lesser-known areas to “weekend” to is the Mississippi Delta. When chatting with the Director of Tourism for Cleveland, Mississippi, Kelli Cotton, she explained the beauty of this place: “I love that writers, singers, and artists have been working to capture its essence for hundreds of years. It’s like this living, breathing element that is constantly evolving and changing with the times, but it still continues to be a hotbed of culture in many different ways. It’s not commercialized. It’s not fabricated. It’s authentic. Cleveland constantly amazes me, and our visitors as well, with its depth of history, artistry, and, of course, hospitality. It’s only getting better.”
New construction for a Grammy Museum on the campus of Delta State University is happening now in Cleveland. This national museum will attract tourists from far and wide to see what Mississippi has to offer, and it is set to open in 2015. “We are currently working on so many projects that help celebrate our heritage and unique culture, and it is so exciting to see our community positive and growing,” Cotton added. “I have seen an uptick in interest in the Delta in the past year. So many more people are realizing the depth of the area; and they can come to a place and stand where history was made and where so many people influenced the world. It’s just something in the water. Why not the Delta? This place has soul—and I’m not just talking about the music or the food, although both are spectacular,” Cotton believes. Let’s hop in and see where the road takes us! Bluffs & Bayous { May 2014 { Page 45
Sleep in The Delta
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The Alluvian Hotel: Greenwood hen planning a weekend adventure to the Delta, a perfect place to call home is in the heart of the Delta—The Alluvian in Greenwood, Mississippi. With a luxurious lounge on site, Giardina’s, this hotel boasts an extensive wine and cocktail menu and offers a “happy hour” on Thursday evenings with live music and monthly drink specials. Lyndsey Wade, the Marketing and Sales Manager for the exclusive, boutique hotel, explains the luxe living you will experience during your stay. “The Alluvian Hotel offers a vast array of guest services and amenities including a Southern Breakfast daily, a business center, fitness center, and more,” Wade shares. “The hotel décor is customized to reflect the rich earth of the Mississippi Delta. The Alluvian Art collection displayed throughout the hotel includes artwork by Mississippi artists that reflect the alluvial plain on which the hotel stands.” Not only will you enjoy a fabulous night’s sleep on plush linens and bedding, but you will also be able to indulge in first-class pampering in The Alluvian’s 7,000-square-foor spa. Wade told me, “It offers a complete menu of treatments including face and body care, massage therapy, therapeutic baths, hand and foot care, and cosmetic and hair services. The Alluvian Spa is dedicated to rejuvenating both body and soul, providing a premium spa visit and a relaxing Delta experience.” With packages available for your weekend away, plan on adding one of the spa’s signature Sweet Tea services, which includes a refresher scrub, during your stay at the hotel. During your weekend in the Delta, be sure to stop by the Viking cooking school and retail store to freshen up on your culinary cooking skills or pick up a souvenir from your fabulous stay. Wade added, “We offer a range of classes from steakhouse classics to brownie workshops. One of our most popular classes is a Southern Specialties class based on the hit movie The Help, which was filmed in Greenwood, Mississippi. In this class, students learn to make finger-lickin’ fried chicken, feather-light biscuits, creamy mac n’ cheese and cornbread with silky greens—all staples of the South.” Visit www.thealluvian.com to make your reservations and spa retreat at this luxe Delta hotel.
photo ops in The Delta
Po’ Monkey’s
Located off of Highway 8 in Cleveland, Mississippi, Po’ Monkey’s Lounge is one of the only authentic Delta Blues “juke joints” still delivering the best in Mississippi’s local color and culture.
The Crossroads
The inevitable fork in the road that brings together Highways 49 and 61 is a perfect place for a pit stop and photograph in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Located near the fabulous Abe’s BBQ, why not make this a part of your weekend get-away?
The Sunset
It’s rather easy to veer off course and find yourself on a back road when traveling in the Delta. When the sun starts to dip down, head West until you find the perfect place to pull over and soak in the last bit of warmth of the day. Page 46 { May 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous
Shop in The Delta
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Abraham’s: Cleveland
n today’s shopping world, very few stores focus on men’s clothing and accessories. However, Abraham’s in Cleveland, Mississippi, offers an extensive selection of this overlooked avenue of fashion. A Natchez native, Betsy Johnson Abraham met her husband, Danny, while attending Delta State and finishing a degree
Located on Sharpe Street in downtown Cleveland, Abraham’s carries the best in men’s clothing with a little something for the ladies, as well.
time Danny was working for his father in Indianola while trying to determine his career. I was working at Lowerey’s, which is now Clark Jewelry, and finishing my degree from Delta State. We bought the lot that was formerly Kaplan’s and began our plans to open our men’s traditional clothing store.” Some of the brands that can be found at Abraham’s are Polo, the Northface, Patagonia, Southern Tide, Mountain Khakis, Peter Millar, BigStar, Silver, True Religion jeans, Cole Haan shoes, and many more. “We also decided to venture into women’s wear and carry Southern Tide, the Northface, Patagonia, BigStar and Silver jeans, Tom’s shoes, Chaco’s, Southern Shirt Company, and others,” Abraham added. “Our store is constantly evolving to meet the needs of our customers. We not only offer traditional clothing but also include the ‘hot new trends’ in quality clothing. Our three sons, which all live in Cleveland, and staff are an integral part in keeping us aware of what our customers want and need.” While Betsy and Danny Abraham have no plans to retire any time soon, Betsy told me that one day one of her sons plans to take over the family business. “We do not see retirement for us any time soon,” Abraham shared. “We are having too much fun!”
and charm.” Along with her husband, Steve, the Clarks purchased an already established jewelry store in Cleveland and made it their own in 1993. “The existing store had a wonderful staff, and the Cleveland community had amazing and supportive people to welcome us,” Clark
shared. “We met the most wonderful people we would have never met otherwise Many of them have become great friends over the years.” After moving into their current location in November of 2001, the Clarks expanded their merchandise to cover every
in fashion merchandising. She shared with me, “Danny grew up in the clothing business. His grandfather came from Lebanon and began to sell clothing and other dry goods. His father and mother opened Abraham’s Department store in Inverness in 1953 and later opened Abraham’s for men and women in Indianola. His brother, Michael, and wife, Helen, own and run that store today.” After graduating from Delta State in May and getting married in June, Betsy and Danny Abraham opened an Abraham’s in Cleveland’s downtown in July of 1979. “In 1978, a huge fire claimed a section of downtown Cleveland. A dollar store, Milton Raines’ family shoe store, and Kaplan’s men’s store were completely destroyed in this Sunday afternoon fire,” Abraham recalled. “At the
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Clark Jewelry: Cleveland
hile finished my Masters degree, I decided to get a job to fill my days and take my mind off of the need to study constantly. So, I ventured downtown to find the perfect store to join. Clark Jewelry, located on Sharpe Street in historic downtown Cleveland, was just the place. From the fine china to its exquisite jewelry, I knew that I would love being a part of this fantastic retail experience. Owner Sheila Clark explained to me, “Clark Jewelry is a boutique filled with beautiful furnishings and modern accessories wrapped in Southern Hospitality Who can say no to John Hardy? Clark’s can help you add to your collection with a piece of this beautiful, sterling silver jewelry.
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Shop in The Delta Clark Jewelry: Cleveland, continued
aspect of life. From weddings to babies and home décor to fine antique furniture, Clark Jewelry is a sort of “one-stop shop” when looking for the perfect gift or maybe a little something for you. “We take great pride in our eclectic collection of art, silver, lamps, baby gifts, and unique home decor. We love searching for that perfect
gift or treasure with you, our customer, in mind,” Clark added. One of the main reasons I loved working at Clark Jewelry was being able to familiarize myself with the many lines of fine and everyday china. With brands such as Lenox, Waterford, Stafford, Mottahedeh, Juliska, and Vietri, every bride is sure to find that collection to treasure for a lifetime. “We adore weddings and working
with our bridal couples to make their registry unique is what we love,” Clark explained. We are committed to serving our customers by offering a traditional calling card library along with free gift wrap and complimentary delivery in our area.” If you are looking to spice up your jewelry collection or maybe need an new accent piece to take home, stop by Clark Jewelry and browse the endless possibilities.
H Squared: Cleveland Looking for that special something to wear during your weekend in the Delta? H Squared can help you fashion up your wardrobe with its extensive selection of clothing, shoes, jewelry, and more!
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n Cleveland, Mississippi, the place to shop for top-notch fashion and accessories is H Squared. Located on Sharpe Street, H Squared has been open since March 31, 2012. Being a new part of the retail industry in Cleveland, owner Haley Huerta Kelly has been able to transform the shopping scene in the Delta. Kelly shared, “We had a huge grand opening with a fashion show to kick everything off, and it was a huge success. Now, we begin each season with a fashion show to share the trends and looks to buy and try.” After graduating from Ole Miss with a degree in Marketing Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations in 2011, Kelly moved back home to Cleveland and started working on the store. “After college, I returned home to figure out everything,” Kelly remembered. “I have always wanted to open a clothing store; and growing up with a family of small business owners, I knew that I wanted to do the same. It took about a solid eight months to get everything together between the construction, buying, and employees.” No matter what you may be searching for, H Squared is bound to have it in store. “We carry everything in the Page 48 { May 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous
store clothing, shoes, swimsuits, jewelry, scarves, handbags, and accessories. We have everything from cocktail dresses to Easter dresses to just casual wear. Some
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of our lines include Joe’s Jeans, Sevens, Judith March, Karlie, Line and Dot, Lavender Brown, Tart, Seychelles, and Steve Madden,” Kelly told me. “What makes H Squared so special in the Delta is that we strive to carry stylish and trendy lines that our customers will love,” Kelly shared. “New shipments arrive daily at the store, so the store is always fresh and new. We want to bring new and upcoming clothing lines to Cleveland so our customers will be dressed perfectly for every occasion.” Be sure to check out H Squared’s website, hsquaredladieswear.com, and find the store on Facebook and Instagram to see what new styles are available.
McCarty Pottery: Merigold
hen you walk into my house, you will notice a recurring theme throughout—a collection of McCarty Pottery from deep inside of the Mississippi Delta. Lee McCarty was born and raised in Merigold, Mississippi, and attended Delta State as a chemistry and physics major. While attending Delta State, Lee met Pup, from Ethel, Mississippi; the two fell in love; and they moved to Oxford, Mississippi, to continue their education. Stephen Smith, a godson of the McCartys, explained to me that, “Lee began to blend his knowledge of science with his love of the arts. He was interested in jewelry making; and oddly enough, Pup was the one who first wanted to take pottery classes. In fact, William Faulkner allowed them to dig the clay for their first pieces from a ravine behind his home, Rowan Oaks.”
In the 50’s, the McCartys moved home to Merigold, Mississippi, after both teaching at Ole Miss and becoming full-time freelance artists. Once back home, Lee’s Aunt Margaret gave them a safe haven to work on their now-famous pottery in her husband’s, Albert, old mule barn. “They moved into the loft and set up shop below,” Smith shared. “Aunt Margaret proceeded to bring every garden club in the Delta by to see the exquisite pottery, unique jewelry, and enameled pieces being made. With Lee’s knowledge of chemistry, and Pup’s artistic eye, the McCartys set about creating their unique glazes and colors; and McCarty Pottery was born.” Over the years to come, McCarty Pottery became famous throughout the South and even began to make a name for itself by winning awards in New Orleans, Louisiana; being featured in House Beautiful; and starring in exhibits and galleries, such at the
Shop in The Delta McCarty Pottery: Merigold, continued Be sure to add a piece of McCarty Pottery to your collection while visiting Merigold, Mississippi.
University of Florida’s showcase called “Mud Magic: The Mississippi Pottery of Lee & Pup McCarty”. Stephen Smith and his brother, Jamie, came back to Merigold in 1998 to help their godparents grow McCarty Pottery to what it is today. Stephen shared, “As a child, Jamie had a natural talent for pottery which Lee and Pup encouraged. By the age of five, Jamie was throwing on Lee’s wheel and creating his own unique pieces. Over the years, Jamie continued his pursuit of pottery first as a hobby and then as an artist with Lee and Pup’s guidance. While he focused on the creative aspects of the studio, I began to handle the many different facets involved with the business and the Gallery Restaurant.” While Lee McCarty’s partner in the arts, Pup, passed away in 2009, he still comes to the old barn to work with the clay and continue creating pieces for many to share and enjoy. Smith believes, “Lee and Pup McCarty certainly created a unique artistic enterprise in Merigold, and this endeavor continues to this day. Each piece of our pottery is handmade with our own glazes developed by Uncle Lee and Aunt Pup—the Cobalt Blue, Jade, and Nutmeg. Our trademark signature and Mississippi River symbol (the black squiggly line) adorn our pieces and certainly contribute to the uniqueness of our work; but the most
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ust up Highway 61 in Clarksdale, Mississippi’s quaint downtown, Strider Bowen and her mother, Melissa O’Keefe, have just the venue for a little retail therapy. Bowen told me, “My mom had a children’s store for a long time and, eventually, got out of the children’s business when we (my three sisters and I) outgrew the clothes. She has missed being in retail ever since.” With her mother’s business background and Bowen’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, she explained how she always wanted to open her own store; and The Shoppe Downtown was
unique thing about McCarty Pottery is the connection that we have to our State, the Delta, and Merigold. “We often hear customers say that they love to give our pieces not only because of the art but also because it reminds them of the Delta and home, and that is indeed the best compliment possible,” Smith added. Whether you are just now looking to start your own McCarty Pottery collection or you are “knee deep” in this handcrafted goodness from the Delta, there is definitely going to be that one piece that is special to your collection. For me, I love my “Black-Eyed Pea”, which sits proudly on my island in my kitchen year-round; however, Smith shared, “There really is not a signature piece since each one stands on its own artistically, and as such, each piece will have a different meaning for individual customers. Many customers love
our animals since they speak to them in a way through their distinctive facial features, and other customers love our serving pieces with the Mississippi River and our unique glazes.” McCarty Pottery is constantly growing and adding new pieces for us to love and cherish in our collections. “This past Christmas we created the hot tamale pot (an individual hot tamale dish), the hot tamale tray (a large tray for serving hot tamales at parties), the morning glory vase, and our small alligator in jade,” Smith explained. “We will introduce a new piece in August of this year to celebrate our 60th anniversary of McCarty Pottery.” Head on over to Merigold, Mississippi, spend the afternoon pursuing the shelves of Lee and Pup’s barn, and add to your pottery collection with a piece of McCarty Pottery.
The Shoppe Downtown: Clarksdale born. “Mom and I decided that it just made sense for us to open a store in Clarksdale; so that we could both be doing something we loved and have time for our families,” Bowen told me. “There was a definite need in our town for a place to shop. People are always pushing others to ‘shop local’, and that is a challenge in Clarksdale because there was nowhere to shop for clothing.” Filled with some of the top brands in women’s, junior’s, and men’s clothing, Bowen shared, “We have something for everyone and to fit in any price range. We carry Joe’s Jeans, Volatile, Tkees, Southern
Marsh, and many other favorites.” Bowen thinks The Shoppe Downtown is a place for everyone—almost. “I always loved a store I could go shopping with my sisters, mom, and grandmother; go shopping with my husband; and all of us find something. We wanted our store to be that way,” Bowen added. “We wanted to have something for everyone, including men, but had a ‘boutique’ small store feel and not be overwhelming like a department store.” “We wanted people to feel like they could come in and find both ‘investment’ pieces, such as jeans; but also they could Bluffs & Bayous { May 2014 { Page 49
Shop in The Delta The Shoppe Downtown: Clarksdale continued
fill their closet with fun tops and dresses that can be worn a few times and not feel guilty about spending so much,” Bowen explained. “Along with the trendy pieces of clothing we also carry all the basics.” When I asked Bowen why she thinks the Mississippi Delta is the perfect home for The Shoppe Downtown, she shared, “We love the Delta! This place has so many old buildings that have so much potential, but they just need a little attention. My dad is always trying to restore different locations downtown and bring new life to Clarksdale.” With the help her father and many others, Bowen and O’Keefe have been able to give a “facelift” to the shopping scene in historic Clarksdale, Mississippi; so head on up 61 and take a gander.
Located in downtown Clarksdale, Mississippi, the Shoppe Downtown can outfit the entire family!
tours in The Delta
The Help Tour
Throughout Mississippi, Hollywood is making itself at home. In Greenwood, Mississippi, there is an extensive tour available of the many locations and memorable moments in the heartwarming flick, The Help.
Hot Tamale Trail
Who doesn’t love a dozen hot tamales? Luckily, the Mississippi Delta is chock full of this Southern delicacy. Almost every corner along your travels offers the corn-husked classics; and McCarty Pottery has added a new piece for each collector’s obsession—The Tamale Plate.
Mississippi Blues Trail
When on the road in the Delta, the royal blue markers of the Mississippi Blues Trail litter the area with history and a dose of the music from long ago. Each marker not only tells you about the particular location’s significance but also offers a concert for you to enjoy with the simple press of a button.
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eat in The Delta
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Vince’s: Leland
nce you cross over from the two-laned journey up Highway 61, Vince’s can be found in the heart of downtown Leland, Mississippi, for a fabulous dinner retreat. Vince Giardinia, a Leland local, who had come from Italy to work in the lumber business, started Vince’s in the 1920’s. After he got out of lumber, he opened Vince’s in the building where the restaurant is today. While it was only in one side of the building, it was very popular and a local favorite. In 2009, Cherie Clark along with Joe Robert Campbell reopened Vince’s in the original building, which only seated 80 people. Chef Will Gault was brought in from Oxford, Mississippi, where he worked at several restaurants during his time there, to head up the kitchen. Clark explained, “Will knew how to pick a staff and make a menu that would work with what Campbell and I were trying to create.” Over the years and after a steady growth of regulars, Vince’s was expanded to incorporate two other storefronts to the right of the original setting. With this expansion, a full bar and seating for up to 175 people was added to this Delta favorite. “What makes this place so unique is the fact that you can come to Vince’s for an intimate dinner for two or with a large group and still have that cozy feeling. While we do have nightly entertainment, we aren’t a ‘juke joint’” Clark shared. When you settle into Vince’s, you definitely do not feel like you are in Mississippi anymore. The restaurant has both an old world and modern atmosphere and décor about it that really makes Vince’s what it is. Clark also said that the décor, the ceilings and plaster on the walls, is all original to the building, which is unique in itself. When it comes to the food, there is an endless assortment of items to entice your palate. Some of my favorites are the Pan Seared Duck Breast with Polenta and the Pita Pizza. Of course, everything pairs nicely with a Pomegranate Martini or one of the many wines listed on the menu.
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In Leland, Mississippi, Vince’s offers the best in fine dining and entertainment.
Mosquito Burrito: Cleveland
will confess; I have a love for Mexican food that is powerful. Unfortunately, this gem of a restaurant opened in Cleveland after I moved back home. Justin Huerta, owner of Hey Joe’s in Cleveland, opened Mosquito Burrito in 2012 because he “wanted to bring a fast pace, fresh food Mexican restaurant to downtown Cleveland that would have allow working people to come in for their hour lunch break and enjoy a healthy, fresh lunch.” Started by Huerta along with Weejy Rogers and Marisol Doyle, Mosquito Burrito’s bar of toppings for your nachos, tacos, salads, or burritos is fantastic and filled with flavor. “The food is everything that a costumer could ask for. Fresh—it’s cooked every day; fast— if you have an hour lunch, this is the place for you; good—since it’s made everyday, it’s a very consistent taste. This
restaurant is set up to be fast and, at the same time, be healthy and very tasty,” Huerta told me. Growing up in a town with a college once referred to as a “suitcase college”, Huerta has been the driving force of the “Keep Cleveland Boring” campaign that helps to motivate the community, bring fresh talent in for entertainment, and promote the best of Cleveland. This initiative has transformed Cleveland into a happening town with constant change for the better. “No matter where you’ve been and where you’ll go, you’ll never find a place on this planet with such a rich culture shrouded in a blend of arts
Build your own burrito, taco, salad, or nachos at Mosquito Burrito located on Cotton Row in Cleveland, Mississippi.
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eat in The Delta Mosquito Burrito: Cleveland continued
and music,” Huerta told me. “Not to mention the fertile farm land from centuries of the flooding Mississippi River. Highway 61 brings a lot of people from all over the planet to Mississippi following the blues trail. Cleveland, which was named the second
best small town to visit by the Smithsonian in 2013, has a growing music scene, great restaurants, and local shops. What else can you ask for? A Grammy museum? We will have that, too, very soon in Mississippi.” So, if you are looking for something different for lunch while visiting the Delta and have a hankering for some knock-out
Mexican food, Mosquito Burrito located on Cotton Row is the place to chow down. Be sure to order one of their amazing margaritas and ask what the newest on the menu is. They are constantly trying something fresh, interesting, and quite tasty.
Warehouse: Cleveland Haley Huerta Kelly, whose family renovated and owns this fabulous eatery, explained the long and interesting history of it to me. “The Warehouse, which was originally a wholesale grocer in the early 1900’s, opened for business in October of 2001. Our family loves antiques, so it was originally started as an ‘antiques market’. Then, we felt that people might get hungry or thirsty while shopping; so maybe we should add a little ‘tea room’ so people could enjoy coffee and desserts. In December of 2002, we opened The Lunchroom, a gourmet eatery, which specialized in sandwiches, soups, salads, pizzas, and of course, deserts.” Kelly thinks that what keeps people coming back into The Warehouse time and time again is that fact that it feels as if you have “stepped back in time” since everything is original to
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hen I first moved to the Delta, I found a place in the heart of Cleveland that serves some of the best lunches. The Warehouse, located right off of Highway 8 on Sharpe Avenue in the Warehouse District, is my go-to eatery when I am craving a fresh salad, a scrumptious sandwich, or a velvety piece of cheesecake. After a few years, some changes to the restaurant, and a whole new menu, The Warehouse became my favorite place for a cocktail with friends with the addition of the nighttime menu and martini bar.
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the building from the early 1900s. For me, I feel right at home once I sit down at one of the large tables or am tucked away in one of the booths surrounded by friends and family when they come up for a visit. When I venture over to The Warehouse for a nighttime get together, I like to start off with a Delta Martini, which is Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Vodka and lemonade in a sugar rimmed glass. Next up is an appetizer of the delightfully fried calamari. If I haven’t had my fill after those delicacies, I lean towards ordering the shrimp and grits, which are a-top local Delta Grind Grits, or the ever scrumptious South Texan Salad, which is a bed of lettuce topped with black beans, roasted corn and peppers, pepper jack cheese, and grilled chicken.
When looking for a lunch spot, the Warehouse has quite the menu to choose from with pizza, sandwiches, salads, and scrumptious desserts.
sites in The Delta
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ne thing is for sure in the Delta; farmland and plantation life is the center of everything. I do believe it is possible to set a calendar to the farming patterns of the Delta. Sometime in late winter, the plows will come out and begin planting; and in the middle of fall, everything grown over the past months is cut and sold leaving the fields empty and resting for the next season to come around. Eight miles east of Cleveland, Mississippi, and located on Highway 8, Dockery Plantation sits on forty square miles of prime farmland that was purchased by Will Dockery in 1895 and covered in a thick forest at the time. I had the chance to take the grand tour of Dockery with the caretaker, Bill Lester (who patiently also tried to teach an English major how to paint while I attended Delta State University); and he explained the in-depth history of this Delta landmark. “Dockery bought this forest in a time where the best way to clear the land was with a match,” Lester shared. “It is said that the flames burning from Dockery were so bright and the smoke was so thick that the people in Cleveland could not sleep at night from the glow.” Dockery’s family enlisted the man power of 4,000 workers; and unlike many others in the early 1900s in Mississippi, Dockery offered fair treatment and wages to his workers. “Dockery created a ‘Dockery currency’ to pay his workers with at the end of a long work week. Other farmers of the time would also make their own money, but the workers could only spend this money on the farm and in the farm’s commissary,” Lester added. “However, Dockery made sure that his ‘Dockery money’ was good in the surrounding communities, such as Cleveland and Drew.” With such a large community of people living at Dockery and starving for entertainment, the surrounding blues musicians started to take the train into Dockery from all over to play for them at night. Lester explained, “One of the young men living on Dockery, Charley Patton, learned how to play from these visiting musicians and the resident Bluesman, Henry Sloan. Charley went on to play for the folks of Dockery until his death at the age of 42.” However, in Patton’s short life, he recorded fourteen of
Dockery Plantation: Ruleville
his songs for Paramount Records and became a bestseller in the world of the Blues. Lester told me tales of Dockery that made it seem like only yesterday that those fields were being plowed by these hardworking men. One in particular was of a man who was raised on Dockery until the age of 10—Joe Friday. This man was of the “Friday Kingdom,” which was a family allowed to farm on Dockery similar to the idea of sharecropping. One day, Lester was coming back from photographing different projects on the property when he saw a tall man standing next to the old baptismal font. “This baptismal font was used by people from miles and miles away. It was the only place a man could be baptized in fresh clean water. The only other option was the river that runs through the property,” Lester shares; “and most people didn’t want to meet their maker on the same day they were baptized.” Lester slowly approached this man, introduced himself, and asked if he needed help. The man slowly turned to him and said, “I’m Joe Friday.” Lester instantly connected him to the Friday Kingdom and proceeded to relive the glory days with Joe.
Standing tall off of Highway 8 near Ruleville, Mississippi, Dockery Plantation is a definite stop on your Delta Road Trip.
Lester shared, “Joe had traveled all night to the Delta because of a dream he had the night before. Joe had started to smoke at the tender age of 9 and had always wanted to quit the habit. He said that God came to him in the dream, told him to return to the place where he had been baptized, light his final cigarette but not smoke it, and a man would be there to take his picture.” There in Lester’s pocket was the same small camera he had used to take pictures of the property. He took it out, snapped Joe’s photo, and returned home to share the photo with Joe’s family. It’s stories like this that make the Delta a place rich with history, and the tale of Joe Friday and his last cigarette is only one story I heard from Lester that day. When you take your own trip up to the Delta, make sure you look up Bill and ask him to tell you where Charley Patton is buried and who Aunt Viola is. That’s one that only he can tell of Dockery Plantation. Bluffs & Bayous { May 2014 { Page 53
SITES in The Delta
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The Baby Doll House: Benoit
Top—Hollywood came to the Delta and left its mark on the Burrus House during the filming of Baby Doll in the 1950s. Above—Still a thriving plantation today, the Burrus House is home to many sights and memorabilia from the “Old South”.
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eing from Natchez, I have grown accustomed to finding grand homes standing tall around almost every corner of this city; however, the Mississippi Delta is home to very few of these stately mansions. So, when you find one, it is worth your time to take notice of it. When I first laid eyes on The Burrus (Baby Doll) House in the spring of 2011, I thought I had been teleported back to Natchez. The regal Greek revival home that stood before me was nothing short of grand and had just finished undergoing an extensive round of much needed tender love and care by one of its original builder’s heirs, Eustace Winn IV. Built in 1858 by Judge J. C. Burrus, originally of Huntsville, Alabama, The Burrus House was constructed on “a large tract of land five miles from the Mississippi River, which would become known as Hollywood Plantation because of the beautiful holly trees in abundance on the property. The home was built on ‘one of the most ideal spots on earth’ on Egypt Ridge. In early 1861, the family of nine moved into their Greek revival style home on the frontier of the newly formed Bolivar County,” Winn shared. After the home was built, the War Between the States began; thankfully, The Burrus House was spared in the wrath of the fireyielding Yankees. Judge Burrus had gone to school with one of the commanding officers of the Union Army; therefore, his home was left untouched. After the Burrus family moved from the home, renters took over for a time. One such renter included Hollywood director, Elia Kazan, who had come to the Delta to film a dark comedy—Baby Doll. The movie was adapted by Tennessee Williams from one of his plays, 27 Wagons Full of Cotton; and it was filmed inside the stately Burrus House. The controversial film won many awards despite much scrutiny from groups, such as the National Legion of Decency. The film helped to coin the term “baby doll nightgown” because of the dress worn by the main character, played by Carroll Baker, in the film and left its imprint on the home—now known as The Baby Doll House. After Hollywood left the Plantation, the home was vacant for many years and underwent much vandalism. In 1974, the Bolivar County Historical Society took over the care of the home and attempted to “mothball” it in order to preserve its history. However, The Burrus House ended up being too much to handle; and the home was turned back over to the Burrus family and left to suffer. In 2001, the home was almost completely demolished when a large flat-land tornado swept through the Delta taking out the roof and porches of the home. Thankfully, one of the Burrus heirs, the late Dr. E. H. Winn, Jr., of Greenville, Mississippi, stepped in, had a roof put on the home, and “mothballed” it to prepare for future restoration efforts. Over the years, Dr Winn’s son and grandson, Eustace Winn IV, have piece by piece brought the mansion back to life. “For me, it’s all about the restoration of Baby Doll,” Winn told me. “The home is now restored to its former splendor, with a few new amenities like electricity, plumbing, and central heat and air. The home is now under management of Hollywood Plantation, LLC, and is available to rent for special events.” When traveling to the Delta, make the drive down Highway 1; turn to cross over the railroad tracks in Benoit, Mississippi; and turn right on Burrus Road. The image of endless cotton fields leading to the gorgeous grandeur of The Burrus House will overwhelm you.
stops in The Delta
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The Onward Store: Onward
he Onward Store, which sits at the junction of Mississippi’s two finest highways (the Great River Road of Highway 1 and the Blues Highway, also known as 61), was founded over one hundred years ago in 1913 to not only serve as a last stop along a long stretch of Delta road but also as a place to commemorate a monumental American event from 1902. A story that I have been familiar with for some time, since I am a lover of all things Delta, the tale of President Theodore Roosevelt and his hunt in Onward, Mississippi, is one that many Mississippians may not be aware of. What started as a harmless hunt in mid-November 1902 turned into an event that would forever change America’s view of this outdoorsy Commander in Chief as well as the world of children’s toys forever. After a long day of searching for a black bear, the leader of the hunt, Holt Collier, came across one, tied him to a nearby tree, and called for the hunting group to hurry to the site. Seeing the defenseless bear, Roosevelt stuck to his guns and refused to shoot it. While he did not plan on this particularly unsuccessful hunt becoming a nationwide sensation, a toy store in Brooklyn, New York took to the tale and created “Teddy’s Bear” to be sold to children across America. The rest is both a hunting legend and a household name for your favorite, cuddly toy. Today, The Onward Store is the perfect pit stop on your way through the Delta, a convenient general store for those living in the area, and a restaurant with an amazing menu and delicatessen. Chef Nick Secoy of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, has been with the store since it reopened in October of 2012. He explains that, “while we’ve renovated the old general store, we’ve maintained its
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original nature and added wood from the old Red Barn, a symbol of Rolling Fork and the South Delta which recently fell. So, it’s very special to locals.” Be sure to pick up a jar of the “Blue Ridge” jelly; it’s divine on homemade biscuits!
Located at the corner of the Blues Highway of 61 and the Great River Road of Highway 1, the Onward Store is the perfect pit stop while traveling to and through the Delta.
Crave Bistro and Cupcakery: Cleveland
n the corner of Highway 61 and North Street in Cleveland, Mississippi, Stan Gaines and Charlotte Skelton opened Crave Bistro in November of 2009. Some may be familiar with Skelton from her days of Absolutely A la Carte; and now, she is cooking up luscious lunch creations and charming cupcakes for the perfect afternoon treat. Skelton says, “I had known Stan through friends for a while. He started talking to me about wanting to do a restaurant, and the rest is history. We worked on the ‘Crave’ concept the whole summer and opened that fall.” To top it all off, the cupcakery and coffee bar can help get your afternoon or morning going with Crave’s “cast of characters”. Charlotte Skelton explains why only cupcakes; “At the beginning, we started with only a few selections a day. Now, cupcakes are a huge part of our business. We offer four flavors a day but have twenty-five flavors that we rotate each month. Some of our best sellers are Delta at Midnight, Smores in the City, Strawberry Fields, Red Velvet and Wedding Cake.” Some of my personal favorite cupcakes to come out of Ms. Charlotte’s kitchen are Delta at Midnight, Wedding Cake, and Oreo Cloud. These tasty treats tend to be one of my weaknesses of the Delta; and with new options every day, it is hard to have the same cupcake twice. Bluffs & Bayous { May 2014 { Page 55
stops in The Delta
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Delta Dairy: Cleveland
n the Delta, life is a little slower, a little simpler, and a little— sweeter. Delta Dairy, a frozen yogurt shop on Sharpe Street in downtown Cleveland, Mississippi, was opened during the town’s happening arts and music festival last year, Crosstie. While owners Suzette and Matty Bengloff are both “imports” to the Mississippi Delta (Suzette was born and raised in Texas; Matty is a big-city Manhattan boy.), they could think of no better place to settle down and start a small business. After both relocating to the Delta through the Teach for America program, they got married and started churning the fro-yo. “We really wanted to open a small business in town and saw the need for a frozen yogurt shop,” Suzette told me. “With the help of a lot of small business owners in town, our dream came to life after three months of planning, building, and researching.” So, why fro-yo? “We love frozen yogurt! It’s delicious and nutritious—we wanted to bring that to Cleveland,” she shared. “We also love that at Delta Dairy we have numerous choices for everyone. From twelve different kinds of frozen yogurt to over thirty toppings, there’s something for everyone.” A firm believer that atmosphere is sometimes the most important factor of the experience at a restaurant, Delta Dairy is the perfect place to come in, sit down, and enjoy some sugar. “We are in Historic Downtown Cleveland, and we are proud to help preserve a piece of Cleveland’s past. Our building has a rich history and features the original flooring,” Suzette explained. “At Delta Dairy we have something for everyone from all of our different flavors to toppings. We have local favorites while they’re in season, local pecans and blueberries from Bolivar County, as well as a few more eccentric toppings (including Hot Cheetos).” So, for two big-city people, why stay in the Delta? “The Delta is the gem of Mississippi,” Suzette shared. “Here we take life slower, talk to our neighbors, and offer a cultural experience that is only found right here in the Delta. Our rich heritage in music has influenced American music for decades. There are a handful of the only standing Juke Joints in the country in the Mississippi Delta that showcase our rich music and culture. The Delta is home to not only great music but also the best Southern fare around. We are famous of our hot tamales, locally raised catfish, grits (in all varieties), and fried chicken. And did I mention the people? The Delta is truly the most welcoming place in the country. As an ‘outsider’, I couldn’t
One thing is certain; the Mississippi Delta sets a standard for Mississippi living that you will not find in any other city or town across this flowering and colorful state. I do believe that the Delta has a beauty all its own, and you have to learn to love it with time, some trials, and enjoyment of all it has to offer. In The Most Southern Place on Earth, James C. Cobb hits the nail on the head when describing Page 56 { May 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous
feel anymore at home than I do here. My community took me in as one of their own, and we treat our customers the same way.” When you are wrapping up your days in the Delta, take a ride to downtown Cleveland and enjoy the simple things in life—fro-yo and sprinkles (and maybe a cherry on top). Fro-Yo is the hottest ticket in town, and Cleveland’s Delta Dairy can help satisfy that sweet tooth.
a Delta excursion. He explains, “[S]ure enough, I soon noticed that in Mississippi one spoke not of going to Clarksdale, Greenville, or Greenwood, but of traveling ‘into the Delta,’ the implication being that of passage back in time, to a setting that—if such a thing were possible— seeming even more southern than the rest of the state.” So, hit the road; the Delta awaits.
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SOUTHERN SAMPLER
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story by Alma M. Womack
The Southern Drawl
didn’t know that there was an answering machine on one of my phones, but JG found it and pushed the button to record calls. When I saw this blinking light on the phone, I pressed the button and was privileged to hear a recorded call from FedEx, asking for directions to my house. Listening without thinking, I wondered just who in the world was on my phone with that oh-so-Southern accent. I recognized the conversation; it was me giving directions to the FedEx office. Well, hmmm, if I sound like that, no wonder I have gotten myself listened to all over the place. At LSU back in the late 1960s, I was surrounded by people from south of Baton Rouge who definitely did not sound like me. One friend lived in one of those little towns on the River Road that stretched from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. She invited me to ride down to her grandmother’s house one Sunday afternoon to have coffee and visit with the family. The family turned out to be a houseful of boisterous Cajuns who welcomed us enthusiastically. When I was introduced to everyone, I said, “It is so nice to meet y’all.” Dead silence. Then, “Where you from?” and “Say that again!” I turned out to be the entertainment for the afternoon, but it was all in good fun. As my language requirement at LSU, I took German because I had little choice. When I signed up for a language my first semester there, I was told that there were three choices available to me: Portuguese, Russian, and German. Fine choices for a Catahoula native whose two languages were English and Southern. On the Page 58 { May 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous
spur of the moment, I chose German, thinking that it might have a little more recognizable format than Portuguese or, Lord help me, Russian. My first semester teacher told me point blank in class one day, “Fraulein McClure, you will never convince a German you are German.” To which I replied, “Ma’am, I do not intend to go to Germany or talk to Germans; I just want to pass this class with a reasonable grade.” I made an A in the class because I was good at memorizing and repeating in my poor German accent what I had memorized. Taking a language class at LSU meant a great deal of time spent in the language lab, listening to tapes that were supposed to help me convince a German I was German. There was one particularly arrogant German student there on some days who was responsible for getting the right tape for a person to listen to. He would say to me, “Well, get down off that horse, and tell me what tape you all want to listen to.” Mostly, I just ignored him; but one day, I just had to tell him that you all was plural and was never used to address a single person. Dumb Yankees just couldn’t get it straight. Another time when my accent silenced a room was up in Seattle, Washington. Holly was living there for a while; so Jorie, Claire, and I went up to visit her one July. She was showing us the sights of Seattle and taking us to some of her favorite places. One particular place was an ice cream parlor that made all kinds of fantastic ice cream sundaes. We had all ordered our ice cream when the server
person asked if we wanted whipped cream on the sundaes. Two of the girls had walked on, so I asked in a louder than normal voice, “Do y’all want whipped cream on your ice cream?” Complete silence enveloped the entire formerly noisy shop. What is the big deal related to asking about whipped cream, I wondered. Didn’t these pale people ever eat whipped cream on their sundaes? Later that week, we went to a Scottish Festival in Enumclaw, which is a short drive from Seattle. After listening to people complain about the heat that day (It was 70 degrees for heaven’s sake.), I thought to myself, “What would they think of the 100-degree weather we had left behind in Louisiana?” After a bit, I decided to try one of the Scottish meat pies; and when I placed my order, this fellow said I must be from Southern Scotland. This time I just smiled and said nothing, a real feat for me. Well, people can laugh and make fun, but I thank the good Lord every day that I talk like I do and not like outlanders. Lewis Grizzard always said that he was American by birth and Southern by the Grace of God, and I completely agree with that statement. Our accents and phrases came over to the colonies long ago and have withstood all manner of invasions from people who wanted to change our way of talking. Television has probably done more to destroy regional accents than any other modern invention; and, to me, it is sad. I enjoy listening to different accents from other regions of our country and state for that matter. In Louisiana alone, we have very distinct differences between the accents of North Louisiana and those of the Louisiana below I-10. New Orleans has an accent for every section and suburb; and a New Orleans native can tell right away which section it is just by the way a person says, “New Orleans.” Diversity is supposed to be the key word of this decade; so let me give you outlanders a little diversity lesson: we ain’t changing the way we talk for you or anyone else. Give it up. Who wants to sound like they are from Blandville, USA, when you can say, “Hey Y’all,” with a mellifluous Southern Drawl? However, please remember this one thing—“just because we talk slow, does not mean that we think slow.” 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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THE social SCENE Natchez, MS
Annual Monarch Luncheon
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uring Spring Pilgrimage in Natchez, Mississippi, many social events transpire during the four weeks of historic home tours and Historic Natchez Tableaux. Well over eighty years of the Pilgrimage tradition abounds in this historic town on the Mississippi River. Each year during the Pilgrimage, Royalty changes between Natchez Garden Club and Pilgrimage Garden Club; and a “Queen’s” Luncheon is held. Its origin began in 1952 when Kathy Boatner Blankenstein was Queen. The event was lovingly named the Society for the Preservation and Maintenance of Aged Monarchs, SPMAM; and a doll queen was made to represent the organization. Each year, the doll makes her appearance as she welcomes the new queens to the society. Hosted by past Pilgrimage Queens in honor of the present year’s royalty, this year’s event was held at Glenburnie, which is the home of Carolyn and Gary Guido whose daughter, Megan Guido, reigned as Queen in 2006. The warm spring day lent itself to beverages and hors d’oeuvres on the gallery, a traditional song and toast to the new queens, group photographs, and was followed by lunch.
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1 2014 Pilgrimage Garden Club Queen, Lara Biglane, and Natchez Garden Club Queen, Madison Chandler 2 Abagail McCary and Courtney Taylor 3 Betsy Daggett, Megan Guido, Aimee Guido, Ginny Scarbrough, Abagail McCary, and Susannah Heatherly 4 Anne Stowers and Madison Chandler 5 Aimee Guido and Megan Guido 6 Gay Lord, Anne MacNeil, and Kathie Blankenstein 7 Jennifer Slover, Sarah Smith, and Ann Paradise 8 Vidal Blankenstein
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THE social SCENE
natchez, MS
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Back—Kathie Blankenstein, Ann Paradise, Daye Dearing, Courtney Taylor, Britton Hinson, Sarah Smith, Paige Carter, Abagail McCary, Tanya Biglane, Ginny Scarborough, and Betsy Daggett; middle— Christie Chandler, Anna Devening, Susannah Heatherly, Gay Lord, Jennifer Slover, Anne Stowers, and Aimee Guido; front—Anne MacNeil, Madison Chandler, Lara Biglane, and Megan Guido Betsy Daggett, Ginny Scarbrough, and Abagail McCary Tanya Biglane, Lara Biglane, Madison Chandler, and Christie Chandler Britton Hinson and Paige Carter Margaret Guido and Megan Guido
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MAY
premier events Brookhaven, mississippi
June 1 – 6 Mississippi School of Arts Summer Arts Camp Whitworth College Campus The Mississippi School of Arts will be hosting a Summer Arts Camp June 1 through 6 for students entering grades 8 through 10 for the next school year. The camp will offer one week of intensive arts training in creative writing, dance, theatre, visual art, and vocal music with classes taught by the school’s faculty. Students will have the opportunity to study two art forms of choice for the week, which will culminate with a showcase for families. Students can have the experience of living in a residential environment or participate as a commuter for the week. Camp space is limited. For more information, call (601)823-1300 or email admissions@mde.k12.ms.us.
jackson, mississippi June 14 - 29 International Ballet Competition Thalia Mara Hall Get your tickets now for the celebration of 35 years for the USA International Ballet Competition. During the month of June the young top dancers from around the world will take the stage of Thalia Mara Hall for ten days of competition. The two age groups of 15-18 and 19-26, will work towards medals, scholarships, cash prizes, and apprenticeships to highly acclaimed international dancers. In between competitions there will be luncheons, performances, art exhibits, lectures and much more. For ticket and more event information please visit www.usaibc.com or call (601)973-9249.
natchez, mississippi
May 3 Kitchen and Garden Tour The Natchez Garden Club is hosting the third annual Spring Home and Garden Tour, which will be featuring kitchens and gardens this year. The year tour will showcase four unique kitchens and the gardens offering historic, traditional, and modern modes of southern living. Outside scapes to these homes will display these home’s patios, courtyards and gardens as well. Kitchens and gardens included are the homes of Guy and Lou Ellen Stout, 415 South Commerce Street; Marc and Chesney Doyle, 704 State Street; Becky and Kevin Wilson, 305 Creek Bend Road; and Adlai and Sue Pate, 3 Bingaman Lane. Tickets are $15.00 and may be purchased in advance at the Natchez Garden Club office on the grounds of Magnolia Hall, 215 South Pearl Street, (601)443-9065 or at the door on the day of the tour at all tour homes. Chairman for the event are Missy Brown, Eileen Ball, Lynn Janette, and Michelle Skates. May 3 - 23 Natchez Festival of Music The 2014 Natchez Festival of Music season will kick off the month on May 3 with the Red Carpet reception at the Historic Natchez Foundation at 5:30. Directed by Jay Dean, the month is filled with music from Jonathan Levin, Jerome Kern, and tributes to the Beatles, and Leontyne Price. Experience the rich culture of Natchez through this festival. Visiting various locations such as Twin Oaks, The Eola Hotel, The Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center, Magnolia Bluffs Casino, and much more! For a complete schedule of events, and ticket prices visit www.natchezfestivalofmusic.com or call 601-446-6631. May 30 – 31 Adams County Sheriff’s Deputy Rodeo If it’s entertainment you want, it’s entertainment you will get at the Adams County Sheriff’s Deputy ACSO Rodeo. Cowboys and cowgirls from all over the country will come together in historic Natchez, Mississippi, and bring a taste of the “wild west” with them. All proceeds from the rodeo benefit the Adams County Sheriff’s Deputy Fund, which subsidizes law-enforcement equipment purchases. The concessions at the rodeo will benefit the Adams County Search and Rescue Team. The fourth annual rodeo will be held at 7 pm on Friday, May 30, 2014, and Saturday, May 31, 2014, at the Wayne Johnson Covered Arena on Foster Mound Road. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $7 for children in advance or $12 for adults and $8 for children at the gate. For more information, call the Adams County Public Information Officer, Courtney Taylor, at (601)442-2752.
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Louisiana Up & Coming! MAY Alexandria
Through May 24 Nilda Comas and Kimberly Brannon River Oaks Arts Center 1330 Second St 10 am - 4 pm (318)473-2670 www.riveroaksartcenter.com Through July 5 Jacob Broussard and Jane Crowell River Oaks Arts Center 1330 Second St 10 am – 4 pm (318)473-2670 www.riveroaksartscenter.com May 3 Getting Buggy at Kent House Kent Plantation House (318)487-5998 / www.kenthouse.org May 3 Festival of Colors Downtown Alexandria 11 am - 3 pm Amy Pillarisetti / (318)792-1147 www.cityofalexandriala.com May 8 Dinner on the Bricks Third St 6 - 8 pm (318)449-5225 www.cityofalexandriala.com May 8 – 11 River Fete Festival Downtown Alexandria (318)449-5225 www.facebook.com/alexriverfete May 9-10 Art Walk Cultural Art District Downtown Alexandria Fri 4 - 8 pm / Sat 9 am - 4 pm Free Anna Brooks / (318)484-4471 www.cityofalexandriala.com May 10 Dragon Boat Races Downtown Alexandria (318)443-3458 www.louisianadragonboatraces.com
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MAY Louisiana Up & Coming! May 16 Acoustic Concert Series Alexandria Museum of Art 933 Second St 6:30 – 8:30 pm Members free / Non-members $4 (318)443-3458 / www.themuseum.org May 17 Men Who Cook & Men Who Mix River Oaks Square Art Center 1330 Second St $50 / $60 at door 6:30 – 9:30 pm (318)473-2670 www.riveroaksartcenter.com May 24 Little Walter Music Festival Downtown Alexandra (800)551-9546 www.theheartoflouisiana.com/littlewalterfestival.cfm
May 30 Rhythm and Rhymes: Spoken Word Performing Art Center Alexandria Museum of Art 933 Second St 6 - 8:30 pm Members free/ Non-members $4 (318)443-3458 / www.themuseum.org May 31 - June 1 Gem and Mineral Show Beauregard Parish Fair Grounds Expo Hall 506 West Dr Sat 9 am – 5 pm / Sun 10 am – 4pm $2 adults / 12 & under free Jim Marler / (318)443-5184 www.cityofalexandriala.com
Baton Rouge
Through June 1 Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War West Baton Rouge Museum 845 N Jefferson Ave (225)336-2422 www.westbatonrougemuseum.com May 3 Civil War Women’s Perspectives West Baton Rouge Museum 845 N Jefferson Ave 10:30 am - noon (225)336-2422 brantley@wbrmuseum.org www.westbatonrougemuseum.com May 4 Movie and Tour “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War” West Baton Rouge Museum 845 N Jefferson Ave 2:30 pm (225)336-2422 brantley@wbrmuseum.org www.westbatonrougemusuem.com May 9 Hot Art, Cool Nights Mid City Merchant Art Hop Various locations 6 – 10 pm www.visitbatonrouge.com May 10 Baton Rouge Pops at Rural Life Windrush Gardens www.rurallife.lsu.edu
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Louisiana Up & Coming! MAY May 10 A Louisiana’s Grand Tour in the Belle Epoque West Baton Rouge Museum 845 N Jefferson Ave (225)336-2422 brantley@wbrmuseum.org www.westbatonrougemuseum.com May 23 – 25 Bayou Country Superfest Tiger Stadium www.bayoucountrysuperfest.com Breaux Bridge
May 2 - 3 Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival Fri 4 pm – 12 pm / Sat 10 – 12 am / Sun 9 am – 4 pm www.bbcrawfest.com Jackson
June 1 Firepower Port Hudson State Historic Site (225)654-3775 / www.lastateparks.com New Orleans
May 13 – 18 War Horse Saenger Theater www.sangernola.com/shows/war-horse May 31 – June 1 Oyster Festival Woldenberg Park (504)888-7608 www.neworleansoysterfestival.org St. Francisville
May 3 Spring Stroll Garden Tour St. Francisville Town Hall 11936 Ferdinand St 10 am - 2 pm / $20 (225)635-3614 www.stfrancisvillespringstroll.org June 6 – 7 Walker Percy Weekend West Feliciana Historical Society (225)635-3873 / walterpercyweekend.org Vidalia May 2 Relay for Life Vidalia Riverfront 6 pm - until www.relayforlife.org
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MAY Mississippi Up & Coming! Brookhaven
May 1 - 2 Brookhaven Biographies Walking Cemetery Story Tour Brookhaven High School Forensics/Debate City Cemetery Monticello Street 3:30 - 6:30 pm / $3 (601)833-4498
May 9 1st Annual BRAG Art Walk The Haven 126 E Cherokee St Silent Auction Items / Art 5 – 7 pm (601)669-1878 jamesminter@cableone.net May 9 – 11 & 16 - 17 Music Man Brookhaven Little Theatre The Haven / 126 E Cherokee Fri & Sat 7: 30 pm / Sun 2 pm / $10 (601)669-1878 / (601)757-8550 May 22 Bob Tompkins Art Demo Lemonade Gallery 5:30 – 7:30 pm Free lollypop31185@gmail.com
Cleveland
May 3 Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl Downtown Cleveland All day event www.keepclevelandboring.com
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Mississippi Up & Coming! MAY Hattiesburg
May 1 USM Symphony Future Stars & Korvits-Kreek’s Note Book Main Street Baptist Church 7:30 pm www.usm.edu May 8 – 11 Les Miserables Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera Fri & Sat 7:30 pm / Sun 2 pm (601)583-5694 / www.hclo.org May 15 The Funny Housewives of Orange County Hattiesburg Saenger Theater 7 pm / $25 - $35 May 30 Rick & Bubba 20th Anniversary Tour Hattiesburg Saenger Theater 7 pm / $20 - $40 (601)584-4888 www.HattiesburgSaenger.com June 7 - 21 Festival South www.FestivalSouth.org
Jackson
May 3 Cinco De Mayo 2014 Festival State & Capital St Noon - 10 pm $15 adults / children $5 www.visitjackson.com May 6 Music in the City Mississippi Museum of Art 380 S Lamar St / Trustmark Grand Hall 5:15 pm cash bar / 5:45 pm program (601)960-1515 / www.msmuseumofart.org May 6 Take a Tasty Bite Out of Crime Highland Village 4500 I-55 North 7 - 10 pm www.visitjackson.com May 13 Go Red for Women Luncheon Jackson Convention Complex 105 E Pascagoula St 10 am – 2:30 pm $100 admission www.metrojacksongored.heart.org
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MAY Mississippi Up & Coming! May 15 Screen on the Green MS Museum of Art 380 S Lamar St Toy Story / The Art Garden 5:30 pm concessions / movie at dusk (601)960-1515 / www.msmuseumofart.org May 17 Capital Roller Girls Roller Derby Mississippi Trade Mart 1200 Mississippi St 7 - 9 pm $12 adults / children free www.visitjackson.com May 21 History is Lunch: Elizabeth Coleman William F. Winter Archives & History Building 200 North St Noon- 1 pm (601)576-6998 / www.visitjackson.com
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Mississippi Up & Coming! MAY May 29 Downtown Jazz MS Museum of Art 380 S Lamar St Members free / non-members $5 7 – 9 pm / cash bar (601)960-1515 / www.msmuseumofart.org McComb
May 3 Spring Dance Recital “Peter Pan: Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust” Rejoice Dance Academy Southwest Mississippi Community College Auditorium 6 – 8 pm / Free Kristi Draut / (601)810-6950 May 3 Palace Theatre of McComb Pickin & Peelin Railroad Blvd $5/pound / 4 – 8 pm www.palacemccomb.com May 3 Gulf South Art Gallery Art Exhibit 228 Fifth Ave Lynn Wells / (601)720-8202 May 4 Gulf South Gallery Meet the Artist Tracey Brockhoeft Farrell 228 Fifth Ave Noon – 4 pm Lynn Wells / (601)720-8202
May 10 100th Anniversary McComb City Hall 115 Third St 9 - 10 am / Free ganeath@msn.com May 10 100th Train Day ICRR Railway Post Office 108 N Railroad Blvd 10am - 2 pm / Free ganeath@msn.com May 10 Pops in the Park Trustmark Bank / Pike County Arts Council 5 pm / Free Kelly Parker / b4nonblond@bellsouth.net Natchez
May 3 Belles on Bikes Natchez Bicycle Club Corner of Main & Broadway $40 / 8:30 am – 12:30 pm Allen Richard / (601)597-5744 / www.natchezbike.org/bellesonbikes.htm May 3 Kitchen & Garden Tour Natchez Garden Club Tour of 4 Kitchens & Gardens 9 am – 1 pm / $15 (601)443-9065 natchezgardenclub@bellsouth.net
May 3 - 24 24th Season of the Natchez Festival of Music (601)446-6631 www.natchezfestivalofmusic.com May 4 Prentiss Club Bridal Expo Prentiss Club 211 North Pearl 12 - 5 pm $10 advance / $15 at door SteinerEventGroup@gmail.com May 10 ArtsNatchez Second Saturday Featured Artists 425 Main St 6 – 8 pm (601)442-0043 / artsnatchez@gmail.com May 10 – 11 Natchez Arts Festival Various downtown galleries www.natchezartsfestival.com May 29 – June 1 Legally Blonde Natchez Little Theatre 319 Linton Ave $20 (601)442-2233
Rolling Fork
May 31 Deep Delta Festival Courthouse Square Murindia Williams / (662)873-2755
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MAY Mississippi Up & Coming! Vicksburg
May 1 6th Annual A Chocolate Affair Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation 1302 Adams St 7 - 9 pm $25 per member / $30 non-member (601)631-2997 / www.southern culture.org May 2 Relay for Life Warren Central High School 1000 Highway 27 6 pm / $2 admission (601)760-8238 / www.relayforlife.org May 2 – 3 44th Annual Play-A-Day-In-May-Away St. Aloysius School Fri. 6 – 8:30 pm Bingo Cafeteria Sat. Noon – 5 pm School Grounds www.vicksburgcatholic.org
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May 2 - 3 Straighten It Out Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar 4116 S Washington St 9 pm – 1 am shirleywaring@vicksburgheritage.com May 3 Delivered Mystery Dinner Theatre Roca Restaurant 127 Country Club Dr 6 pm cocktails / 7 pm show (601)638-0800 / www.rocarestaurant.com May 3 – 31 Vicksburg Farmers’ Market Corner Jackson & Washington St Wed 4 – 7 pm / Sat 8 – 11 am (601)801-3513 www.vicksburgfarmersmarket.org May 4 Vicksburg Orchestral Society for Mozart Concert Church of Holy Trinity 900 South St 4 pm (601)636-0542
Mississippi Up & Coming! MAY May 5 - June 11 Mississippi Art Colony Exhibit Southern Cultural Heritage Center 1302 Adams St 8 am – 5 pm (601)631-2997 / info@southernculture.org May 9 – 10 Jj Thames Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar 4116 S Washington St 9 pm – 1 am shirleywaring@vicksburgheritage.com
May 9 – 11 Five Tellers Dancing in the Rain Vicksburg Theatre Guild 101 Iowa Blvd Fri & Sat 7:30 pm / Sun 2 pm $10 seniors / $7 students / $5 12 & under (601)636-0471 www.vicksburgtheatreguildcom May 10 Mom & Me Painting Workshop SCHC / 1302 Adams St $50 members / $55 non-member (601)631-2997 / info@southernculture.org
May 10 & 12 Les Miserables Auditions Parkside Playhouse 101 Iowa Blvd 10: 2 – 4 pm / 12: 6:30 – 8:30 pm www.vicksburgtheatreguild.com May 14 Sid the Science Kid LIVE Vicksburg Convention Center 1600 Mulberry St $10 advance / $15 day of show (601)630-2929 www.vicksburgccevents.com
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MAY Mississippi Up & Coming! May 16 – 17 Eddie Cotton Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar 4116 S Washington St 9 pm – 1 am shirleywaring@vicksburgheritage.com May 23 – 24 Mr. Sipp Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar 4116 S Washington St 9 pm – 1 am shirleywaring@vicksburgheritage.com May 23 – 25 Memorial Day Events Vicksburg National Military Park 3201 Clay St (601)636-7434 / www.nps.gov/vick May 24 Lake Fest Eagle Lake Hwy 465 10 am – 5 pm www.eaglelakematters.com
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May 24 MS Symphony Orchestra Concert Vicksburg National Military Park 3201 Clay St 7 pm / Bring Seating (601)636-0583 / (601)831-6896 www.nps.gov/vick May 24 – 25 5th Annual Holt Collier Sacred Harp Singing Old Courthouse Museum 1008 Cherry St 10 am Bubba Bolm / (601)636-0583 societyhistorica@bellsouth.net May 26 Memorial Day Parade & Activities Downtown Vicksburg 10 am Parade / Washington St North 11:30 Memorial Service / City Auditorium 12:30 pm Wreath Laying /National Cemetery Willie Glasper / (601)634-0163
May 29 – 31 Miss Mississippi Outstanding Teen Pageant Vicksburg City Auditorium 901 Monroe St (601)638-6746 www.mississippipageant.com Washington
May 17 Great Big Yam Potatoes Old-Time Music Gathering Historic Jefferson College 9 am – 5 pm / Free Robert Gray / (601)506-5661 rwgray@umc.edu www.bigyampotatoes.com May 31 EXPLORE! Drawing with Shapes Historic Jefferson College Ages 7 – 9 / 2 – 3 pm $10 Kay McNeil / (601)442-2901 kmcneil@mdah.state.ms.us
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MAY Mississippi Up & Coming! Wesson
May 17 Pump Up the Color: Children’s Miracle Network 5K Co-Lin Wesson Campus 1028 JC Reed Dr 7 am $25 pre-registration / $30 event day (601)643-5101 / www.colin.edu Be sure to confirm details of the events should changes have occurred since events were submitted.
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