Bluffs & Bayous December 2014

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FROM THE EDITOR “Oh, by gosh, by golly It’s time for mistletoe and holly!”

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hile Frank Sinatra may have crooned in the holiday spirit, there is nothing quite like Christmas in Mississippi. Whether enjoying the occasional frigid temperature or having to swelter in our Christmas sweaters, we relish our holidays in the South that never have a dull moment. Since many of us enjoyed a few days of snow earlier this year, the Christmas spirit seemed to linger well into the new year even after our trees and décor were neatly tucked away.

For me, Christmas is a time of year that is always present in the back of my mind.

(LWKHU , ÀQG P\VHOI VWRFNLQJ XS DW DIWHU holiday sales; or I spend months preparing for holiday decorating, planning for my annual Christmas card with Jackie O, and contemplating what to cook for Christmas Eve dinner. Our family’s newest tradition is hosting this exciting night-before meal at my house and letting me cook up something scrumptious each year.

'XULQJ WKH ÀUVW KROLGD\ VHDVRQ LQ P\ house, I had moved in only two weeks prior to Christmas Eve. So, I was still getting settled and arranged; but I managed to concoct quite the feast, which featured a cranberry pork loin, delectable sweet potato casserole, creamy mushroom risotto, and my fantastic chocolate chess pie. Since I had a little more planning time for last year’s feast, I offered a spread consisting of bacon-wrapped venison tenderloin, cheesy hash-brown potatoes, green bean and Brussels sprout casserole, and individual cheesecakes baked in the crock-pot. Not to brag, but I saw many trips for seconds and thirds after each meal and had very little to store away!

Now that I have enticed your appetites for your upcoming Christmas fare, Jackie O and I want to wish each of you a happy Christmas, festive New Year, and even better life along and beyond the Mississippi.

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PUBLISHER Cheryl Foggo Rinehart MANAGING EDITOR CONSULTING EDITOR Jennie Guido Jean Nosser Biglane GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jan Ratcliff Anita Schilling STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Aimee Guido Van O’Gwin Elise D. Parker Cheryl Rinehart Tim McCary RESEARCH & PUBLISHER ASSISTANT Anne Elise Rinehart SALES STAFF Jennie Guido Cheryl Rinehart Donna Sessions JoAnna Sproles CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Gary R. Bachman Lucien C. “Sam� Gwin Becky Junkin Ross McGehee Alma Womack

Cheryl Rinehart

Jean Biglane

Anne Elise Rinehart

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

Jennie Guido

Jan Ratcliff

Aimee Guido

Anita Schilling

Van O’Gwin

Tim McCary

Donna Sessions

JoAnna Sproles

Elise D. Parker

Lucien C. “Sam� Gwin

Becky Junkin

Ross McGehee

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 QRW QHFHVVDULO\ UHà HFW WKH YLHZV RI WKH SXEOLVKHU QRU GR WKH\ FRQVWLWXWH DQ HQGRUVHPHQW RI SURGXFWV RU VHUYLFHV KHUHLQ :H UHVHUYH WKH ULJKW WR UHIXVH DQ\ DGYHUWLVHment. 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 | bluf fs.editor@gmail.com bbupandcoming@gmail.com | media.bluf fsandbayous@gmail.com www.bluf fsbayous.com

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December 2014

FEATURES

The Gift of Giving pages 40-45 Making Spirits Bright: Collections at Christmas pages 48-49 Home for the Holidays pages 51-55 The Singing Christmas Tree: A Belhaven Tradition pages 56-58 Page 6 { December 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous

ON THE COVER With memories of winter’s snow earlier this year, our hopes for a white Christmas may not be as far fetched as imagined. Photo by Jennie Guido and Artistic design by T.G. McCary

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December 2014

FAVO R I T E S All Outdoors Road Scholars .......................................................................................................10-11

Events December Premier Events ...................................................................................72-73 December Louisiana Up & Coming! ....................................................................74-78 December Mississippi Up & Coming! ...................................................................80-84

G’s Fare Treats and Recipes to Share .................................................................................16-20

In the Garden Ornamental Cabbage and Kale for Winter ..........................................................38-39

Legal Notes The Changing Legal Environment.......................................................................26-27

Southern Sampler Season of Christmas and Colds ............................................................................88-89

Treats and Recipes to Share pages 16-20

The Social Scene Riverside Veterinary Clinic’s Grand Opening .....................................................12-14 Little Ladies Tea ........................................................................................................14 Birthday Party for Lippard .......................................................................................21 Garden Clubs of Vicksburg Host Fall District Workshop ....................................22-23 Satya Wellness Center Open House ..........................................................................24 Birthday Party for Jordan ....................................................................................28-29 McComb Garden Club Flower Show ....................................................................30-31 Southern Garden Symposium ...................................................................................36 BARL’S Celebrity Waiter Dinner ..............................................................................37 Flattman’s Spooktacular Halloween Party...........................................................60-61 Surprise Party for Guido ...........................................................................................62 BLT Membership Party .............................................................................................63 A Surprise Party for Gwin ....................................................................................64-65 Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala and Awards Ceremony .............................68-70

Ornamental Cabbage and Kale for Winter pages 38-39 LSU vs Ole Miss Tailgating ........................................................................................71 Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 9

ALL OUTDOORS

story by Ross McGehee photo by Jennie Guido

Road Scholars O

ne of the county roads through our home place is about two miles long. Part of it was paved in the seventies, but the end we use most is still gravel. We like it that way. Paved roads seem to encourage sightseers and speeding vehicles, and we move cattle back and forth across the road often enough that we GRQ¡W OLNH HLWKHU 7KHUH LV VR OLWWOH WUDIĂ€F RQ “ourâ€? road that when someone drives by we look to see who it is; and when we can’t identify the car, we wonder who it is and what are they coming through for?

When it rains a lot, the road gets ruts and gullies washed in it; but that’s okay.

Sooner or later, sometimes after a call to the county road crew, the grader will show up and repair the damage. It is interesting to note that everyone that lives on a gravel road knows more about how to grade it than the man operating the machine. “He cut the ditches too deep,â€? “He pulled too much crown on the road,â€? “He knocked the WRS RII WRR Ă DW Âľ DQG ´+H MXVW SXOOHG DOO WKDW grass up in the road and left itâ€? are common complaints. While we have seen plenty of idiots grade a road so badly that you

could not ride a horse down it afterwards, there are also those that can take that gravel and dirt and work magic!

We were small children, still playing in the yard, when we’d hear the “road machine� coming a mile down the road from the house. Jack Dykes lived over at Stanton and ran the grader for District 5; and as he passed the mailbox on the Caterpillar, we’d be waiting for him. He’d let us climb up in the cab and ride on the big seat as he graded our road, and it was usually the highlight of our week. How country is that? We didn’t know or care who was president of the bank or who the sheriff was because we knew Mr. Jack, and he kept the road up!

He was important. On his last pass, he’d stop at the mailbox and let us jump off.

Then we’d wave and run back to the house.

There was no need to thank him. Mr. Jack was a deaf/mute, so he was always smiling and chuckling in a little wheeze. We knew from an early age that he was special.

Years later, we inherited Tully Poole Havard as the grader operator. He’d worked in the south end of the county, and the new management system shifted him to our end.

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He always had a hat pulled down low over his forehead, his britches pulled halfway up to his chest, and something to jingle in his pockets as he talked. He really knew how to get a road back in shape and didn’t mince any words describing whoever had messed LW XS LQ WKH ÀUVW SODFH +H ZDV DOZD\V FDUU\ing on some foolishness and good for a few laughs every time you saw him. But we got RQH RYHU RQ KLP WKDW KH QHYHU ÀJXUHG RXW Thank goodness.

Tully was grading the road through the home place; and as we came through, we found his grader parked on the side of the road. Tully was nowhere in sight. It was August, hot, dry, and dusty; and he did not have an air conditioner in his machine. Just open both doors and windows, stand there, and deal with it. Although Tully was missing, his water cooler was not. He had one of the GOTT two-gallon coolers that he’d OHIW LQ SODLQ YLHZ RQ WKH à RRUERDUG DQG LW was too much of a temptation to pass up.

We had an empty cooler on the truck; so we emptied his into ours, screwed the lid back on, put his back exactly where we found it, and high-tailed it!

An hour later, we casually drove down the road and found Tully back at work, UROOLQJ URFNV :KHQ KH VDZ XV KH Ă DJJHG us down for a visit. We shut the engine off; DQG WKH Ă€UVW WKLQJ KH VDLG ZDV ´%R\V \¡DOO got some water?â€? “Sure, Tully, what’s wrong with yours?â€?

He said, “My cooler must have a leak.

I left it while ago and it’s empty. Man, it’s hot out here. Could you spare some water?�

We said, “Tell you what. We got this cooler that’s full, and we don’t need it. You can have it all!� With that, we poured all of his own water back into his cooler; and he was one happy man. “Boys, I appreciate that. I owe ya. I owe ya!� For the longest time after that, every time we’d see Tully around town he’d mention how we’d saved him. “Any time, Tully.�

Gravel roads don’t appeal to everyone.

They’re bumpy, narrow, dusty, and hard on paint jobs. That’s great because country folks think these hassles keep the riff raff out. If you do drive down my road, I’m going to be watching; and I hope your car gets dusty.

Columnist Ross McGehee, a lifelong resident of Natchez, Mississippi, owns a diversified and far-flung farm operation.

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Riverside Veterinary Clinic’s Grand Opening n September 20, 2014, Dr. Buck Brumfield and Riverside Veterinary Care Center celebrated an official grand opening at their Natchez, Mississippi, location. With many community members in attendance, Dr. Brumfield and his family were welcomed with open arms.

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1 Agnes Holloway, Patrick Blanchard, Debbie Hudson, Dr. Buck Brumfield, Sarah Brumfield, Kay Newman, Natalie Newman, Krisalynn Newman, and Kinsley Anderson 2 Mika Krienke and Luke Brumfield 3 Shannon Young and John Walker Young 4 Sarah, Harlyn, Dagan, Dr. Buck, and Bodi Brumfield 5 Dennis and Kinsley Anderson with Natalie, Krisalynn, and Kay Newman 6 Sarah Brumfield, Kathy Moody, Mark Drennan, Marion Drennan, and Dr. Buck Brumfield.

7 Jennifer and Ranson Archer, Ruger Barnett, Avery Burnham, Celeste Emfinger, Ryane Maxie, and Baily Burley

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THE social SCENE

NATCHEZ, MS

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Ann and Keri Shaifer Key Smith and Erica Farmer Emma and Russell Skates William Robinson and Harlyn Brumfield Sandra Davis and Harlyn Brumfield Robert and Eli Segrest Britt and Jamie Gibson Dr. Buck Brumfield and Elliott Brumfield Andy Moon, Emily Rose Farmer, and Ryleigh Merritt 17 Emily Rose Farmer, Morgan Leigh, and Mika Krienke 18 Morgan Leigh and Andrew Goldman 19 Harlyn Brumfield

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

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20 Eric Robinson and Chuck Mayfield 21 Jack Henry and Jordan Stubbs 22 Miles, Jenny, William, Eric, and Nolan Robinson 23 Pat Stroud and Preslee Magee

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THE social SCENE MCCOMB, MS

Little Ladies Tea anging from ages two to five, young ladies were invited to meet Magnolia, Mississippi, author Alice Rhea Mitchell and enjoy a reading of her recent book My Mama’s Closet on October 28, 2014, at the McComb Public Library in McComb, Mississippi. The guests were instructed to “borrow” items of clothing from their mothers’ closets to wear to the tea. Following a fashion parade accompanied with music by Nancy Jackson, the group settled around Mitchell for her reading and were served a fancy high tea.

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1 Tiffany Hall with Alice Mitchell 2 Sophia Torres, Olivia Torres, Mattie Rials, and Alice Rhea Mitchell 3 Mattie Rials and Raven Dillon 4 Tiffany Hall

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G’S FARE

story by Becky Junkin photos by Jennie Guido

Treats and Recipes to Share I

Ă€QG LW YHU\ KDUG WR EHOLHYH WKDW , DP writing the December column, and 2014 is about to be a year of the past.

I know that everyone is as busy as I am buying Christmas presents, wrapping and delivering, writing cards and mailing, preparing food for the host of family and friends coming by for the holidays, decorating the house, and through all of this, trying to work and keep up with the everyday bustle that occurs. Once again, I am writing this column for quick-andeasy gifts to share with friends, co-workers, and neighbors. Cover the tops of the jars with cute Christmas fabric or wrapping paper, and give these items as gifts from your kitchen. I hope that you enjoy these, and I wish for each of you and your families a very Merry Christmas!

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This recipe is from my long-time friend Mattie Jo Ratcliffe. This chutney is perfect as a gift for friends, but be sure to keep some for yourself and family. It is tasty with turkey or as a topping for brie or other cheeses.

CRANBERRY CHUTNEY 1 tablespoon light brown sugar 1 1/4 cups sugar 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced 1/2 cup water 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 1 12-ounce package fresh (or 3 cups frozen 1 tablespoon cinnamon and thawed) cranberries 1 teaspoon nutmeg 3/4 cup dry apricots, chopped Cook sugar and water in a three-quart saucepan over medium heat stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Bring mixture to a boil without stirring. Stir in cranberries, apricots, and remaining ingredients. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for ten minutes or until cranberries pop and mixture starts to thicken. Cover and chill for one hour. Let stand at room temperature for thirty minutes before serving. This can be put in jars and delivered to friends, but be sure to remind them to keep it refrigerated.

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SWEET SPICY PICKLES 1 gallon Best Made whole dill pickles 4 pounds sugar 6 cloves garlic, crushed 4 tablespoons crushed red pepper Pour two cups of the pickle juice into a large pot. Add the sugar, garlic, and red pepper to the pot. Heat together until sugar is dissolved and ingredients are well mixed. Slice pickles into the size you prefer. Place pickles and juice mixture back into the gallon container. Shake well and put in refrigerator. Be sure to shake the pickles each day for four days and then enjoy.

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I was going through my purse the other day and found this recipe from my friend Clare Eidt. This recipe was her father’s and is a very special jar of onions to share with friends. The number of RQLRQV WR ÀOO WKH MDU ZLOO GHSHQG RQ KRZ WKLFNO\ \RX VOLFH WKHP

PICKLED WHITE ONION RINGS Large white onions, sliced 1 cup sugar 1 cup vinegar 1 cup water 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 cup olive oil Slice the white onions and break slices into rings. Pack tightly into the quart jar. Mix the remaining ingredients in a bowl, and pour mixture over onions. Let stand for two hours. Put in refrigerator and chill thoroughly.

This is a very quick and easy recipe from my friend Elizabeth Lehmann. You can do several jars at once, and these are fantastic on chili or on crackers and cheese. To make for easy jarring, soak the pepper jar so that the label removes easily.

SEASONED PEPPERS 1 pint jalapeno peppers, sliced 3/4 cup sugar Garlic clove Drain the jalapeno peppers in the jar and discard juice. Add the sugar and garlic, and screw the top on very tightly. Let the sugar completely dissolve. You might need to turn this upside down on the counter, but be sure that your lid is screwed on very tightly! When all of the sugar is dissolved, store in the refrigerator.

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This recipe comes from my son-in-law Lewie. He has shared it with the family, and we all use it on steaks, hamburgers, and, our all-time-favorite grilled sirloin steak with mashed potatoes.

The sauce stores in the refrigerator for quite a while as long as you do not add the butter until ready to cook. This makes a lot, and Lewie usually halves the recipe when he makes it.

YOCONA SAUCE 6 cups burgundy wine 4 cups Worcestershire sauce 3 cups balsamic vinegar ½ cup molasses 3 bay leaves Salt and pepper (Butter) Combine all ingredients (except butter) in a large saucepan and cook over low heat until the sauce reduces to 1/5 of its original volume. It will foam on the edges when ready. Store the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to use. When you are ready to use the sauce, pour two to three large spoonfuls of the sauce in a pan; and add one tablespoon of butter to sauce. Heat thoroughly and pour over the meat.

Becky Junkin, mother of four and grandmother of seven, is a lifelong Natchez UHVLGHQW D UHWLUHG HOHPHQWDU\ WHDFKHU RI WZHQW\ IRXU \HDUV DQG FHUWLĂ€HG Pilates instructor.

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THE social SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

Birthday Party for Lippard n May 10, 2014, family and friends gathered at the Fellowship Hall of Jackson Street United Methodist Church in Brookhaven, Mississippi, to celebrate Clara Lippard’s ninetieth birthday. Great grandchildren, grandchildren, and children of Lippard were there to celebrate this special day.

Photos by Bill Perkins.

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1 Donny Lippard, Pam Cartwright, Clara Lippard, and Jimmy Lippard Front—Pam Cartwright, Clara Lippard, and Emily Knerr; back—Rebecca Lippard, Amanda Gross, Elizabeth Lippard, Donny Lippard, Ken Cartwright, Jimmy Lippard, and Michael Lippard Front—Austin Gross, Mallory Cartwright, Bailey Cartwright, 2 Pam Cartwright, Clara Lippard, Emily Knerr, and Caitlyn Deal; back—Amanda Gross, Aiden Gross, Rebecca Lippard, Elizabeth Lippard, Donny Lippard, Ken Cartwright, Jimmy Lippard, and Michael Lippard 3 Front—Aiden Gross and Austin Gross; 2nd row—Mark Ring, Beth Ring, Marlene Ring, Donny Lippard, Bailey Cartwright, Mallory Cartwright, Clara Lippard, and Pam Cartwright; 3rd row—Michael Lippard, Eric Knerr, Emily Knerr, Caitlyn Deal, Elizabeth Lippard, Alex Gross, and Jimmy Lippard; back— 4 Ken Cartwright, Kristi Cartwright, Amy Lippard, Jo Lippard, Amanda Gross, and Rebecca Lippard

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THE social SCENE VICKSBURG, MS

Garden Clubs of Vicksburg Host Fall District Workshop Fall District Workshop of the River Road District of the Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc., was held September 30, 2014, at Crawford Street United Methodist Church in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The Garden Clubs of Vicksburg, Mississippi, (Green Hill Garden Club, Openwood Plantation Garden Club, Hester Garden Club, and Morning Gardeners Garden Club) hosted the event.

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1 Trula Moore, Nan Keith, Charlene Louwerens, Alice Bell, Donna Rutledge, Shirley Lynchard, Ann Beasley, Mary Spadini, Shirley Wuestenhoefer, and Toni Gamberini 2 Janean Shirley, Ginny Horvath, Terri Melby, Libby Beard, and Pat Tisdale 3 Nancy Bell 4 Debbie Cooper, Doris Jones, Pat Young, and Doris Ebner

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THE social SCENE

VICKSBURG, MS

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Gale Waites and Toni Gamberini Janis Koestler Linda Baudo Mary Lynn Powers Kay Demirbilek, Dr. Susan Chiarito, MiHyang Faulks, and Huel Sills 10 Lee Ann Whitley, Sharon Lutz, and George Flaggs, Jr

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Satya Wellness Center Open House n Sunday, September 21, 2014, Satya Wellness Center held its open house at 713 Main Street in Natchez, Mississippi.

Guests and yoga students enjoyed refreshments and heard about the classes and yoga styles of each of the instructors.

Terry Rouprich also attended the event, and she will offer Reiki Healing Therapy at Satya Wellness Center. Photos by Aimee Guido

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2 1 Cody Jones, Melissa Ard, Brenda Zerby, and Bethany Zerby 2 Margaret Rowe, Lee Carby, and LaMont Rowe 3 Rosemary Hall and Amanda Jeansonne 4 Terry Rouprich, Betsy Blair, and Joyce Reeves 5 Steve Worley and Joseph Easttom 6 Julie Johnson, Katherine Callon, and Stacey Worley 7 Amanda Jeansonne, Katie Freiberger, and Mary Frasier

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WOODVILLE, MISSISSIPPI Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 25

LEGAL NOTES

story by Lucien C. Gwin III

The Changing Legal Environment I

t has been ten years since tort reform was passed in Mississippi. I was curious to learn what impact tort reform has had on the legal atmosphere, as well as the overall impact of the economy on litigation. I ran across a study that was done by Clifford Johnson, an attorney in Jackson, wherein he compiled a substantial amount of statistics concerning past and current litigation of all types in Mississippi since 1994.

Before getting into the various numbers and statistics, it is important to point out that right now under the current census Mississippi has registered 2,991,000 people in this state. So, as I go through the following statistics and data, please keep in mind the number of people we have in the state at this time.

Mr. Johnson reports that in 1994 (ten years before tort reform) we had a total RI FLYLO VXLWV ÀOHG LQ 0LVVLVVLSSL in circuit court. In 2012, we had 20,965 FLYLO ODZVXLWV ÀOHG LQ FLUFXLW FRXUW LQ Mississippi. This would be a 16% increase over twenty years.

However, the interesting fact is that WKH ODUJHVW QXPEHU RI WKRVH ODZVXLWV ÀOHG

do not come from personal injury or tort lawyers; rather, they come from businesses and corporate litigators, who were the very ones who were so adamant that something had to be done about the litigious nature of our state. In 1994, corporate and business litigation came to a total of 9,838 lawsuits. In 2012, there were ODZVXLWV ÀOHG E\ FRUSRUDWLRQV DQG businesses in the State of Mississippi.

This is a 25% increase. Mind you, this litigation has nothing to do with car wrecks, products liability, pharmaceutical suits, medical malpractice, premises liability, or personal injury. So, in 2012, corporation and business litigation constituted 62% of DOO FLYLO OLWLJDWLRQ ÀOHG LQ WKH FLUFXLW FRXUWV of Mississippi.

Now, when one wants to look at what was going on with tort law, i.e., the car wrecks, the slip and falls, the medical malpractice, etc., Mr. Johnson reports that in 1994 there were 5,056 civil lawsuits of WKLV W\SH ÀOHG LQ FLUFXLW FRXUWV DFURVV WKH State of Mississippi. However, in 2012, that number was 3,551. This amounts to a 25% decline in personal-injury lawsuits.

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This number also means that personal-injury litigation only amounted to 17% of all OLWLJDWLRQ ÀOHG LQ WKH VWDWH LQ $JDLQ think about it; this means that for the entire population of Mississippi, less than a half RI D SHUFHQW RI WKH SRSXODWLRQ ÀOHG SHUVRQal-injury lawsuits. The highest number of SHUVRQDO LQMXU\ VXLWV HYHU ÀOHG ZDV and that number was just over 10,000. This was still less than one half of a percent of the entire state population.

Also, it is interesting to note that the QXPEHU RI GLYRUFHV ÀOHG LQ 0LVVLVVLSSL LQ 1994 was 14,106. In the year 2012, there were 13,935. These are chancery matters DQG QRW ÀOHG LQ FLUFXLW FRXUW DOWKRXJK they are considered to be civil matters. It appears from the graphs that divorce has remained somewhat of a constant throughout the years.

In federal court, Mr. Johnson’s study only goes back to 2001; however, there ZHUH FDVHV ÀOHG LQ DOO IHGHUDO FRXUWV LQ Mississippi in that year. In 2013, there were FDVHV ÀOHG ZKLFK LV D GHFOLQH The next interesting statistic that Mr. Johnson points out is that the number of

applicants applying for law school nationwide has dramatically dropped from 564,000 in 2008 to 385,000 in 2013. Of those applications, however, there were only 46,364 lawyers to graduate nationwide from all law schools in 2012. Of that number, 37,000 got jobs. The data in Mississippi shows that for the last three years, Mississippi has graduated an average of 325 law students per year.

2I WKDW QXPEHU DQ DYHUDJH RI RQO\ ÀQG jobs annually; but those jobs are not necessarily in Mississippi.

My Take: The raw data stated above from the Johnson study clearly points out that Mississippi is not (nor was it ever) the Mecca of personal-injury litigation. That does not mean that people don’t feel that they have been unjustly sued. Right now, my wife has been sued in a fender bender; and I personally feel she should not have been. However, I have faith in a system that I am a part of that she will be treated fairly and that the system will work.

Lucien C. “Samâ€? Gwin III was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1981 and has been practicing PDQ\ DVSHFWV RI WKH ODZ DW WKH Ă€UP RI *ZLQ /HZLV Punches & Kelley in Natchez, Mississippi, ever since.

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Birthday Party for Jordan n October 17, 2014, family and friends gathered to celebrate Anita Maria Jordan’s sixth birthday. The celebration was held in a suite on the grounds of the Vue Hotel on the bluff in Natchez, Mississippi. Family and friends have enjoyed Jordan’s party for the last five years by gathering together to watch the annual hot-air balloon glow and fireworks along the Mississippi River.

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1 Emery Cate Lewis, Anita Maria Jordan, Amelia Cate Geoghegan, Ali Haile, Sarah Chase Porter, Sally Hudson Linton, Halle Grace Janette, and Hannah Hargon 2 Halle Grace and Lynn Janette 3 Lucy and Meghan Wood 4 Susie Pyron, Silas Blaney, and Anita Maria Jordan 5 Bernie Pyron 6 Marcie Carlton, Susie Pyron, Jim Anderson, and Andrew Haile 7 Susie Pyron, Amy Jones, Mary Ellen Porter, and J Porter 8 Karri Simpson, Courtney Geoghegan, Marcie Carlton, Ashley Anderson, Kristin Jordan, and Shay Gay 9 Grant Carlton, Anita Maria Jordan, and Caroline Carlton

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THE social SCENE

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10 Josh Hargon, Stacey Heflin, and Diane Hargon 11 Front—Anna Leigh Jordan, Halle Grace Janette, Hannah Hargon, and Grant Carlton; back— Caroline Carlton, Ella Grace Heflin, Cailey Geoghegan, Anita Maria Jordan, Amelia Cate Geoghegan, and Susie Pyron 12 Mike Hazlip, Susie Pyron, and Mary Lynn Jordan 13 Bennett, Jack, Mary Margaret, Ellie, and Martin Gilly 14 Audrey and Lynn Janette

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THE social SCENE MCCOMB, MS

McComb Garden Club Flower Show cComb Garden Club held its annual ÀRZHU VKRZ HQWLWOHG ³7KURXJK WKH /RRNLQJ *ODVV´ RQ 1RYHPEHU DW )HUQZRRG &RXQWU\ &OXE LQ 0F&RPE 0LVVLVVLSSL )ORUDO GHVLJQV ZHUH ODUJH FUHDWLYH FRPSRVLWLRQV VWDJHG RQ WKH ÀRRU DQG made of dried or fresh plant material. Other exhibits included educational presentations DQG KRUWLFXOWXUH VSHFLPHQV 7KH VKRZ ZDV ZHOO DWWHQGHG E\ FRPPXQLW\ PHPEHUV RI DOO DJHV DV ZHOO DV E\ YLVLWLQJ JDUGHQ FOXEEHUV IURP DV IDU DZD\ DV 1DWFKH] DQG %UDQGRQ Photos by Elise Parker

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1 Donna Smith, Brande Moak, Melissa Duncan, Kindra Price, Anna Patrick 3ULFH DQG 7LQD %UXP¿HOG 2 Front—Hadlee Reeves, Miles Honea, and Anniston Henderson; back—Leah Honea, McKena Henderson, and Rebekah King 3 Miles and Leah Honea with Cori Honea and Karen Allen.

4 Cindy Henderson, Cori Honea, and Sara Jones 5 Rebekah King

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MCCOMB, MS

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6 Front—Maston Moak; back—Hannah Hinckley, Bailey Boarman, Ashton Bridges, and Lauren Gehringer 7 Front—Suzanne Ross, Ginger Parker, Charla Jordan, and Sandy Parish; middle— Sharon Hoffman, Lynn Mahoney, and MaryEllen Hester; back— Deena Moore, Martha Powell, Barbara Cook, and Debbie Zischkea 8 Oliver Smith, Nancy Smith, Stacey Tamor, and Carla Stringer 9 Bonnie Johnson, Debbie Howell, Kristen Hemphill, and Coleen Humphreys 10 /RUL +ROL¿HOG DQG 3DW +ROL¿HOG

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BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI Page 32 { December 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous

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BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 35

THE social SCENE ST. FRANCISVILLE, LA

Southern Garden Symposium elebrating its twenty-sixth year, the Southern Garden Symposium has become an annual tradition for garden enthusiasts from across the South. Held on the weekend of October 10 and 11, 2014, in St. Francisville, Louisiana, the event featured speakers, such as LSU Ag Center’s Dan Gill, award-winning New Orleans landscape architect Rene Fransen, and noted authors Greg Grant and Bill Welch.

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1 Dana Laborde, Rocanna Champagne, and Betty Foret 2 Brandon Parlange, Neil Odeuwald, and Lucinda Hutson 3 Eleanor Henry, Laura St. Blanc, and Lynn Leake 4 Bob Butler, Lenord Sullivan, and CB Owens 5 Kitty Bray and Jim Johnson 6 George Newton, Lynne Acosta, Judy Tauzin, Faye Acthemeut, and Janet Danner

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THE social SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

BARL’S Celebrity Waiter Dinner he Brookhaven Animal Rescue League’s Celebrity Waiter Dinner was held on October 21, 2014, at the Lincoln Civic Center in Brookhaven, Mississippi. The fundraiser is held annually to support the care of dogs and cats that are waiting for adoption. This year artist Wyatt Waters was an honored guest and completed an original watercolor onsite for the live auction.

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1 James Belk, Dr. Nic Belk, Eva Lou Belk, Violet Belk, and Betsy Belk 2 Kellie Patti, Sherri Mathis, Tracy Crozier, and Billy Crozier 3 Beth Adcock, Deana Pendley, and Lucy Shell 4 Katherine Shell, Dr. Ray Montalvo, and Julianna Porter 5 Lu Becker, Coney Lea, and Alex Case

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Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 37

IN THE GARDEN

story and photos by Dr. Gary R. Bachman

Nagoya red kale has uniform growth and attractive fringed leaves.

Ornamental Cabbage and Kale for Winter W

ith temperatures beginning to dip into the 30s, I’m beginning to wonder if I’ve seen the last of my tomatoes and peppers; but it also reminded me that it’s time to transition to plants that thrive in lower temperatures.

Ornamental kale is one of my favorites for the cool season. There are so many different colors and leaf textures to add landscape interest. Don’t plant a single type.

Mix and match for increased visual interest. Ornamental kale plants are mostO\ JUHHQ ZKHQ ÀUVW WUDQVSODQWHG EXW WKH\ begin to display colorful foliage as colder weather set in. $W JDUGHQ FHQWHUV \RX ZLOO ÀQG RUQDmental kale and cabbage lumped together, which isn’t that much of a surprise since they are the same species, Brassica oleracea.

Ornamental cabbage usually refers to selections that have smooth and more or less unUXIĂ HG OHDYHV .DOH RQ WKH RWKHU KDQG KDV UXIĂ HG WH[WXUHG OHDYHV DQG PDQ\ KDYH

feathered leaf edges. In my opinion, these features make ornamental kale much more interesting in the winter landscapes.

Although there are lots of great selections of ornamental kale, many garden centers won’t have them all. There has been a shortage of kale seed for growers, so you might have to shop around. I like the redcolored selections, and a favorite is the Nagoya series of kale. This variety has uniform growth and attractive fringed leaves in red, rose, and white.

Red Chidori kale is another good selection that forms loose heads that are extremely colorful. New foliage is a bright magentared that matures to a darker green with veins that maintain their magenta-red color.

Redbor kale is an outstanding choice that was named a Mississippi Medallion Fall winner in 2006. The frilly leaf colRU LV D VROLG SXUSOH UHG WKDW LQWHQVLĂ€HV DV temperatures get lower during the winter.

Redbor is also a long-lived plant; I’ve seen

Page 38 { December 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous

this plant still looking good in July and August in south Mississippi.

Good soil drainage is a must for growing kale and cabbage. I use raised beds for my in-ground ornamental plantings. Add composted organic matter at planting to increase drainage, but make sure the soil does not dry out. I really like growing these plants in containers because the excellent potting material available means I never have to worry about the plants having wet feet.

Everyone knows about droughts during the hot summer months; but they can happen in the winter, too. Cold fronts are often relatively dry, and the soil moisture can GHSOHWH UDSLGO\ .DOH OLNHV FRQVLVWHQW VRLO moisture, so apply a layer of mulch to help conserve soil moisture.

For best growth, don’t neglect fertilizer. Ornamental cabbage and kale are actually fairly heavy feeders. I like to add a tablespoon of a good, slow-release fertilizer into each planting hole to get the plants off

$ERYHÂł5HGERU NDOH VHHQ KHUH ZLWK %XWWHUĂ \ 5HG Penta, is an outstanding variety with colors that intensify as temperatures get lower.

Left—Ornamental kale is edible, and the leaves’ bright colors can add pizazz to fresh salad or stir-fry.

These kale leaves have been baked as chips.

to a great start. I use water-soluble fertilizer on a monthly schedule to keep the plants healthy and growing strong.

Don’t forget that ornamental kale is edible. The bright colors of these leaves can add pizzazz to fresh salad or stir-fry. Many Mississippi gardeners like to cut kale into squares and make kale chips as a snack.

In the Bachman household, we grow the Nagoya ornamental kale because it is already chip-shaped. To prepare, mix with a little extra-virgin olive oil and sea salt and then bake at 240 degrees for about fortyÀYH PLQXWHV When growing ornamental kale and cabbage for snacks, consider starting your own from seed so you can control the plants’ environment. If this sounds like a tasty idea, it’s not too late in the season to get growing.

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.

Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 39

Kristy’s Pottery Alford’s McComb, MS

Hobo Zara Clutch Purse The Better Half Woodville, MS

Colorful Scarves Candles by Lola Ferriday, LA

The Gift of Giving ·7LV WKH VHDVRQ IRU VKRSSLQJ DQG JLIWLQJ &KULVWPDV LV ÀQDOO\ KHUH and the fabulous shops, stores, and such of the Bluffs & Bayous DUHD ZRXOG OLNH WR KHOS \RX ÀQG WKH SHUIHFW VRPHWKLQJ IRU HDFK RI your family members and friends. So, take the guesswork out of your gifting this year and visit your local merchants today!

Fashion Coats, Clothing & Accessories Expectations Too Brookhaven, MS

Melissa & Doug Kitchen Set Elizabeth Wade Summit, MS

Stella Boyd Copper Accents & Gifts Detour 51 Brookhaven, MS

Page 40 { December 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous

Byers Choice Carolers The Gift Box Ferriday, LA Christmas T-shirts Expectations Brookhaven, MS

John Medeiros Bracelet H. Hal Garner Natchez, MS

Rustic Frames Girls Gone Junkin’ Summit, MS Painted Door Hangers Finishing Touch Brookhaven, MS

Sorrelli Jewelry Friendgirl Things McComb, MS

Red Nek Sippers Drinking Glasses Growin’ Green Bogue Chitto, MS

Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 41

Handmade Crosses Lagnaippe Framing Natchez, MS

Butter Bell Crock McComb Electric McComb, MS

Mary Jane Purse Katie’s Ladies Natchez, MS

Stone Booze Dispenser Moreton’s Flowerland Natchez, MS

Amy Howard At Home Furniture Paints Melinda’s Interiors Brookhaven, MS

5RQDOGR ,QÀQLW\ %UDFHOHW ZsaZsa’s Vicksburg, MS

Kristy’s Mississippi Made Pottery The Ivy Place Vicksburg, MS Bridal Gifts Imaginations Bridal Brookhaven, MS

Page 42 { December 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous

Furniture Accents TH Perkins Furniture Brookhaven, MS

18k Hammered Gold & Sterling Silver Earrings Patrick’s Fine Jewelry St. Francisville Louisiana

Pouchee Cross-body Organizer Rrus & Co. Vidalia, La

Faux-fur Vest The Pampered Sole Natchez, MS

Leg Warmers and Boot Socks Rasberry Alley Natchez, MS

Specialty Toys & Gifts Beyond the Rainbow Brookhaven, MS

Michael Kors Men’s Watch The Natchez Mall Natchez, MS

Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 43

Rose Gold and Diamond Ring Selman’s McComb, MS

Swarovski Crystal Shed Deer Antler Studio 137 Woodville, MS

Monogrammable Pouches and Bags Threads Natchez, MS

Unique Christmas Wreath Serendipity Flea Market Vidalia, La

Antique Czechoslovakian Jeweled Christmas Trees The Towers Collection Natchez, MS

Pure Glosses (with Lighted Mirror) & Fashions SNAZZIES Brookhaven, MS

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Beautiful Bracelets The Toad House Meadville, MS

Frye Boots Sports Center Natchez, MS

Noelle Swarovski Crystal Sets & Fashions Touch of Sass Brookhaven, MS

Custom Christmas Cards, Gifts & Consignment Zeal Brookhaven, MS

Dr. Seuss Puzzle Turning Pages Natchez, MS

SSP Mississippi Pottery & Gifts We Frame It Home & Bridal Brookhaven, MS

Ronaldo bracelets Traditional Jewelers McComb, MS

Ray Ban Sunglasses Vaughan City Drug Ferriday, LA

Homemade Canned Goods Vendors Emporium Brookhaven, MS

Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 45

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Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 47

Making Spirits Collections at Christmas

by John Grady Burns, Jill Helmer, and Kathy Stewart

J

ust in time for the holiday season, another brilliant collaboraWLRQ RI -RKQ *UDG\ %XUQV -LOO +HOPHU DQG .DWK\ 6WHZDUW KDV come to fruition in their newly published venue of decorating accents, Collections: Sharing the Passion.

Burns shares, “With the success of Evergreen RXU Ă€UVW ERRN we knew we wanted to create another book as we so enjoyed creatLQJ WKH Ă€UVW ,W KDV EHHQ VR PXFK IXQ WR VHH ZKDW SHRSOH FROOHFW 2I course, we are always interested in beautiful interiors; so collections just seemed so perfect for us. We hope our readers enjoy seeing the collections, reading about the collections, and seeing how some can be functional, as well as just pieces of art to the eyes.â€?

Evergreen, published in 2009, is a holiday anthology that the three writers of Collections composed after working together decorating for Christmas in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.

When it comes to their readers, Burns hopes that everyone can learn a little more about some of the collections they have in their own homes. “I hope that they enjoy the beauty of the collections.

Seeing what all people collect has been a really interesting jourQH\ ¾ %XUQV VDLG ´$W ÀUVW PRVW SHRSOH VD\ WKH\ GR QRW FROOHFW

Page 48 { December 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous

Bright: anything; then as we talk, they soon realize that they have three or four of this or that. Then, people realize that they do collect. We also enjoyed hearing how they started collecting. Some collections were inherited, some by travels, and others just because something really caught their attention for some reason or other.�

With the holidays close at hand and the decorating beginning, Burns shares a few ideas and tips for the readers of Bluffs & Bayous to take into account with their own collections and dĂŠcor. “In the book, we show how you can take some collections, such as blue and white china (which seems to be one of the most commonly collected items), from your shelves and place them on the dinning room table, sideboard, or even the entrance-hall table. Put your collection together with vases, bowls, and platters. You can use wooden risers or plateaus and create a vignette with varying heights,â€? Burns adds. “If you want to start in the fall, then collect pine cones, acorns, magnolia pods, or any seed pod for that matter DQG Ă€OO WKH ERZOV ZLWK GLIIHUHQW SRGV 7DNH D YDVH DQG Ă€OO LW ZLWK fall leaves, then another bowl with magnolia foliage, and another vessel with boxwood. You could incorporate branches and berries.

7KHQ DGG VRPH JRXUGV LQ GLIIHUHQW VL]HV DQG FRORUV WR ÀQLVK RII WKH scene. You can easily enjoy this from October through November; and then, you can change the materials to roll into the Christmas season. You can easily enough do the same for the spring.�

Be sure to pick up a copy of Collections at a book store near you to put a few of these ideas to good use in your own home.

Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 49

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Eugenie, Devereaux, and Michael Cates enjoy spending time with each other during the holidays whether here in the South or abroad.

Home for the Holidays story by Jennie Guido

uring the holiday season, coming home and sharing traditions with family and loved ones is the goal for many. In the Michael Cates family of Natchez, Mississippi, daughter Devereaux Cates has been around the world and currently is studying in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With the holidays approaching, Cates looks back on her summer abroad and her new adventures with The Baton Rouge International School, BRIS. Devereaux told me, “After attending Cathedral in Natchez for eight years, I switched schools this year and am attending BRIS. I am taking French as one of my second languages, which I love and enjoy.

I think French is a beautiful language, and I love the French culture!

I have traveled to Paris and other places in France over the past few years and discovered a new interest in language, art, and fashion. I took one year of French at Cathedral, but I thought it would be nice Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 51

Cates atop the Duomo in Milan, Italy

for me to get a little ahead of the game before starting at BRIS. That is when I found a French-immersion program at a school called The American School in Switzerland, TASIS, located in Lugano, Switzerland. “It was a three week program with morning classes, then afternoon activities with trips to nearby cities. While studying French, I tried to stretch myself and try new things. In addition to the French classes, I took a hip-hop dance class, a sailing class, a hiking class, and a singing class.�

Devereaux’s father, Michael, shared information about TASIS, explaining, “The TASIS story began over a halfFHQWXU\ DJR ZKHQ 0 &ULVW )OHPLQJ IXOĂ€OOHG KHU GUHDP RI establishing an American boarding school in the heart of Europe. Students come from sixty-two countries around the world and speak dozens of languages. Many have multiple interests, and TASIS encourages students to explore their curiosities. TASIS students are truly well-rounded people, inspired by their fellow students, their teachers, and their own potential.â€?

Devereaux Cates added, “One of the most interesting things about TASIS is that there are so many kids that come from different countries and cultures. One of the school’s goals is to provide an environment where students get to learn and share about their home cultures and customs. One RI P\ URRPPDWHV IRU H[DPSOH ZDV IURP .XZDLW DQG LW ZDV very interesting to learn about her life and family.�

Page 52 { December 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous

Cates even took sailing lessons on Lake Como.

So, what drove Cates to branch out from home and travel to Europe and new cities to further her education? “I am so inspired by different cultures and experiencing new things,â€? Cates said. “My father travels internationally for work; and sometimes, I get to go with him. I have traveled to eleven different countries in WKH SDVW Ă€YH \HDUV 6R DOO RI P\ WUDYHOV sparked the idea of studying abroad. While in Natchez, when my mom picked me up from Cathedral in the afternoons, I would ask her to take me somewhere I’ve never been before in Natchez. Even if it was just down a street, it was a place I had never noticed before. We did this almost every week, and that’s when I knew I wanted to travel for the rest of my life. Attending the International School is just one way I hope to do this.â€?

After making the choice to study in Europe before starting at The International School, Cates was excited to start her adventure abroad. Even though venturing to a place whose people did not speak English DV WKHLU Ă€UVW ODQJXDJH VKH WULHG QRW WR VWUHVV over the challenge ahead but see the similarities of these new cultures to her own life instead. “My summer in Switzerland was amazing, fantastic, memorable, and more than I could have asked for! I was RQH RXW RI DERXW Ă€YH $PHULFDQ VWXGHQWV in a program of about 250 people. I made life-long friends from Russia, Japan, Italy, 9HQH]XHOD .XZDLW 3DNLVWDQ 'RPLQLFDQ Republic, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, China, England, Ireland, Mexico, France, Norway, and Sweden during my summer abroad.â€?

With today’s social media, Cates is able to stay connected with many of her new friends. “Even though we didn’t always speak the same language, we all became great friends. I learned so much more than I ever had before about different religions, governments, and cultures,�

Cates remembered. “I spent a whole afternoon eating gelato in Florence, Italy, OHDUQLQJ DERXW WKH WUDGLWLRQV LQ .XZDLW and its religion. I even picked up a couple of Arabic words.�

With a roommate from Egypt, Cates learned different views and opinions on many topics and interests that the two shared. “There is so much more happening in the world than what you hear about in the local news,� Cates told me. “When I tried to teach them about my culture, they

Cates has made lifelong friends from far away, such as Kana from Japan.

Even in Europe, teenagers still get all decked out for dances.

Here, Cates attends a “boat� dance with Diego Blank.

Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 53

:m ma^ N_Ûsb @Zee^kr in Florence, Italy, Cates was intrigued by centuries of art and history.

already knew so much about America. They watch American television and movies and listen to American music and radio. It taught me how important it is to educate ourselves and others about different cultures.”

Now that she is closer to home, Cates is happy to be with her family and have a constant connection to the internet. “During my travels, I missed my family and not being able to hug or speak to them whenever I wanted,” Cates shared. “I also realized how much we take WiFi for granted! After nearly three weeks without being able to check email, I was happy to have that convenience back once I got home.”

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So, how will Cates try to incorporate these new traditions she learned abroad into her family’s Christmas holiday? She said, “When I was younger, my family had a pretty traditional Christmas; but for the last several years, we have spent the holidays together traveling to Amsterdam, Melbourne, and San Francisco. So our new tradition is travel during our holidays. Every year, we jet off to a different place; and maybe for this Christmas dinner, we will have some homemade Gnocci and Cannolis!”

Hiking in Montegnola, Lpbms^keZg]% <Zm^l ^gchr^] the lush landscapes of her European summer.

Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 55

The Singing Christmas Tree:

A Belhaven Tradition Page 56 { December 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous

by Jennie Guido

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he sounds of the season are ringing through our speakers, humming in our minds, and radiating from our Christmas traditions.

In Jackson, Mississippi, Belhaven Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music department helps to kick off the holiday season with its annual Singing Christmas Tree performance.

Started in 1933 by Mignonne Caldwell, a music professor at then Belhaven College, the production has been named one of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top twenty events for the holidays in the Southeast.

I had a chance to talk with Dr. Christopher Shelt, coordinator for the Singing Christmas Tree. He explained the history of the production that began when Belhaven was an all-female college: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the Treeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s infancy, Professor Caldwell conducted an all-female choir in a Christmas tree formation during an informal gathering for faculty and students before their holiday break.

Realizing that members of the community would enjoy witnessing this event, Caldwell moved the concert outside, between Preston and Fitzhugh Halls. The Ă&#x20AC;UVW ZRRGHQ WUHH IUDPH IRU WKH FKRLU was constructed by Mr. C. V. McLain, a college engineer. Thus, the outdoor Belhaven College (now Belhaven University) Singing Christmas Tree tradition was born. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Caldwell directed the outdoor Singing Christmas Tree event until her retirement in 1962. At that time, Henry Thomas Ford, Director of the Concert Choir, began directing the Tree.

Belhaven had since become a co-educational institution, so Ford added men to the chorus. A new, taller tree frame was constructed to accommodate the new male voices.â&#x20AC;?

Shelt, the director of the project for WKH SDVW Ă&#x20AC;IWHHQ \HDUV WROG PH ´7RGD\ members of the Belhaven Concert Choir, along with alumni, faculty and staff, typically perform the outdoor Singing Christmas Tree concert on the Ă&#x20AC;UVW ZHHNHQG LQ 'HFHPEHU $ ODUJH WKLUW\ Ă&#x20AC;YH IRRW WDOO ZRRGHQ DQG PHWal tree structure accommodates up to 100 singers. Performers wear white UREHV ZLWK UHĂ HFWLYH FROODUV DQG WLDUas to heighten the visual impact of the tree. While singing, singers hold large strands of lights, which change colors in various patterns and sequences

Early days

1960s

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Late 1950s

Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 57

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2005

Page 58 { December 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous

according to the character of each Christmas carol, creating a visual spectacle for the listeners.”

As the oldest outdoor Christmas performance in North America, the Singing &KULVWPDV 7UHH·V ÀUVW SURGXFWLRQV WRRN place near the university’s fountain; but now, the yearly tradition is staged in the campus soccer bowl in order to accommodate the growing crowd.

Shelt explained the constant growth in attendance by sharing, “People have grown attached to the singing tree over the years. Many members of our community and the surrounding areas start the Christmas season by coming to the presentation every year. This tradition is usually passed down from generation to generation in most families that attend every year. Because of this attachment, we try to do a good job with it every year to make sure the musical product is very good and our singers are well prepared.

We try to execute the performance with excellence and try to improve it as the years go by.

“People come to me every year to tell me how many times they have been to the performance or how they haven’t missed a Christmas yet,” Shelt added. “One of the things about a tradition like this one is that it develops a culture all its own. The way that the songs are sung and arranged according to each year’s group is one of our traditions. We like to amend the songs to ÀW PHPEHUV RI WKH IDFXOW\ DW %HOKDYHQ One year we had a professor that had a very distinct laugh where he would burst into one big ‘HA.’ So, when we would sing ‘laughing all the way,’ we would just sing ‘HA’ to represent that one professor.”

There are traditions that Shelt and the SHUIRUPHUV KDYH FKDQJHG WR ÀW WKH JURXS and the unique Belhaven culture. “There is a creative process for the students each year when preparing the songs,” Shelt said.

“For instance, with ‘Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer,’ whatever is to ‘glow’ will ÀW LQ ZLWK ZKDWHYHU PD\ EH LQ WKH QHZV at the moment. It’s our way of injecting a little comedy into the performance.”

This year’s Singing Christmas Tree will take place December 5 and 6 at Belhaven University’s campus. Treat your family to a new Christmas tradition by attending this fantastic sing-a-long.

For more information, visit www.belhaven.edu/music.

Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 59

THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Flattman’s Spooktacular Halloween Party

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isa Flattman’s annual Spooktacular Halloween Party was held October 23, 2014, in her spacious home, turned “haunted castle,” located in Natchez, Mississippi.

Costumed revelers enjoyed a huge spread of food and spirits throughout the evening as they admired all of the Silpada treasures offered by Brandae Miller.

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1 Lisa Flatman 2 Jan Kirkwood, Andre Gamberi, and Penny Daggett 3 Torri Webber and Melissa Marks 4 Crystal Barlow, Hailey Guillory, and Delia Bryan 5 Nan New and Ann Rabb 6 Chelsy Crum, Judy Burkley, and Karen Martin 7 Melissa Marks, Patricia Marks, Paisley Mason, Kittye Mason, and Kennedy Mason 8 Sophie Webber, Brook Speed, and Sami Dulan

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9 Dr. Jefffery and Lisa Flatman 10 Cherish McCallum and Kitty Bray 11 Leshia Young and Stacy Edwards 12 Caitlin Johnson, Dzifa Johnson, and Ursula Brooks-Ware 13 Front—Jody Upton, Paige Carter, and Lisa McKnight; back—Tory Webber, Brandae Miller, Lisa Flatman, Tanya Clardy, and Shelley Dooley 14 Jennifer Cockerham, Jason Meng, and Jaurence Cockerham

Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 61

THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Surprise Party for Guido n Wednesday, November 5, 2014, family and friends gathered for a surprise thirtieth birthday celebration for Aimee Guido at the home of her sister, Jennie Guido, in Natchez, Mississippi. Aimee was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed ringing in her thirties with friends.

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Aimee Guido Kari and Megan Guido with Racky Book Jennie, Suzanne, Paul, and Aimee Guido Suzanne Guido, Joe Stedman, Aimee Guido, and Sue Stedman

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THE social SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

BLT Membership Party he Brookhaven Little Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual membership party was held on October 11, 2014, at the Haven Theater in downtown Brookhaven, Mississippi. The evening featured live entertainment from pianist Durr Walker, who was accompanied by vocalists performing song selections from Les Miserables.

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1 Jens Oliva and Sherri Mathis 2 Tommy Sproles and Amanda Dann 3 Jana Russell, Celeste Lowery, and James Minter 4 Sherri Mathis and John Landress 5 Carole Bennett, Durr Walker, and Helga Reed 6 Sue Minter, Beth Breeland, Zeke Ellis, and Sharon Ellis 7 Latasha Fields and Gerralyn Russell

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THE social SCENE WOODVILLE, MS

A Surprise Party for Gwin riends and family gathered Saturday, November 1, 2014, at Wood Lawn Hunting Club in Woodville, Mississippi, to honor Sonny Gwin on his eightieth birthday.

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Sonny Gwin Sonny Gwin, Anne Brown, and Adam Gwin Helen Thornton and Sonny Gwin Jerrod McPhate and Shot Gwin

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5 Carolyn Gwin and Sam Gwin 6 Sam Gwin, Anne Brown, Cindy Gwin, and Robert Brown 7 Sam Gwin, Cindy Gwin, Beverly Crawford, and Shep Crawford 8 Sam Gwin and Sonny Gwin

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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 Page 66 { December 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous

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 & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 67

THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala and Awards Ceremony he Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce held its annual gala and awards ceremony at the Natchez Convention Center on October 28, 2014, in downtown Natchez, Mississippi. Chairperson Lauren Middleton conducted the meeting and introduced speakers Red, Blue Review, Jere Nash, and Andy Taggart. Debbie Hudson, President and CEO for the local chamber, presented the Natchezian and Business of the Year Awards.

Concluding the event was the passing of the gavel onto Chairperson-Elect Key Smith.

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Johnny Junkin and Sue Stedman James and Amy Brown Matthew Brough and Jordan Farmer Bill Byrne and Bennie Jeasonne Reverend Dennis and Mary Flach Reverend David Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor and Ron Smilo Tom and Sandy Taylor, Jake Middleton, and Missy Brown 8 Sim and Betsy Mosby, Angela and Clay Gibson, and Pat Porter 9 Patricia Lozon and David Cothren with Kari and Kippy Blaney 10 Wes and Lauren Middleton with Karen and Pat Biglane

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THE social SCENE

NATCHEZ, MS

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11 Charles Kennedy, Carr Hammond, and Nancy Kennedy 12 Bennie Boone with Tim Houghton and Stephanie Wagoner Harris 13 John McCullough with Brandi and Grayson Lewis 14 Amanda Jeansonne with Ann and Robert Paradise 15 Kay Ketchings with Donna and Tim Sessions 16 Scott Christian, Representative Sam Mims, and Mike Lazarus 17 Sam Kirby, Jennifer and Scott Slover with Aimee Guido 18 Kathleen Jenkins, Barbara Nell and Mike Lomasney with Lyndsey Smith 19 Jenny and Eric Robinson with Sue and Joe Stedman 20 Gary Golden and Jake Middleton with Tammy and Kenny Jackson

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Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 69

THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

21 Philip Carby, Irvin Anderson, and Wade Heatherly 22 Lacy Boykin, Kemp Hariston, and Stephanie Hutchins 23 Frances Cothren, Key Smith, and Erica Farmer 24 Billy and Patsy Delaughter with Billy Ferrell 25 Brandon and Jennifer Rowe, Dr. Vikya Kamalapur, Dr. Vikramaditya Dulam, Chris and Dr. Chuck Borum, Jon Borum, and Joyce Borum 26 Fred Callon and Walter Brown 27 Mary Flach and Carolyn Ridley 28 Chad and Caitlin Goodman with Haley and Elliott Meng 29 Suzan and Kevin Kirby

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Page 70 { December 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous

THE social SCENE BATON ROUGE, LA

LSU vs Ole Miss Tailgating riends and family gathered under Ole Miss tents on the grounds of Louisiana State University during the recent LSU homecoming game in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Louisiana and Mississippi friends enjoyed great food and friendship prior to the game.

F

1

1 Charlie Mascagni, Kate Foley, Kim Gascon Mascagni, Callan Sitar, Malorie Mascagni Sitar, Adam Sitar, and John Edward Mascagni 2 Kirby Richard, Beth Richard, Heather Huff, and Will Carter 3 Will Carter and Mary Ann Carter 4 Will Carter and Drew David

2

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Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 71

DECEMBER

premier events ST. FRANCISVILLE, LA

December 6 Christmas in the Country Town of St. Francisville (YHU\ \HDU GXULQJ WKH ÀUVW ZHHNHQG RI 'HFHPEHU 6W )UDQFLVYLOOH RSHQV XS WKH WRZQ IRU LWV DQQXDO &KULVWPDV LQ WKH &RXQWU\ 7KH WRZQ OLW XS DW QLJKW ZLWK OLJKWV FDUROHUV DQG RSHQ KRXVHV LQ WKH VKRSV DUH SDUW RI D IXQ ZHHNHQG WKDW LQFOXGHV WKH &KULVWPDV SDUDGH 7KH &KULVWPDV 7RXU RI +RPHV QRUPDOO\ KHOG RQ 6XQGD\ PRYHV WR 6DWXUGD\ 'HFHPEHU WR DFFRPPRGDWH WKH DQQXDO SDUDGH 7KH VLWHV LQFOXGHG LQ WKLV \HDU·V WRXU DUH WKH KRPHV RI .HQQHWK 0 DQG *ZHQ &DUWHU -HUU\ DQG 2XLGD :HVW %REE\ DQG -DQH 'DQLHO DQG %HOWRQ DQG 'DUH 'LGHU 7KH HYHQW VHHV WKH UHWXUQ RI WKH SRSXODU %UXQFK DW WKH %OXIIV ZKLFK EHJLQV DW DP DW 7KH %OXIIV *ROI 5HVRUW &OXEKRXVH DQG WKH %HOOV RI &KULVWPDV %RXWLTXH D VHDVRQDO SRS XS VKRS IHDWXULQJ WKH ZRUN RI ORFDO DUWLVWV DQG DUWLVDQV DOVR DW 7KH %OXIIV 7KH KRPHV IHDWXUHG RQ WKLV \HDU·V WRXU ZLOO RSHQ WKHLU GRRUV WR WKH SXEOLF DW QRRQ DQG UHPDLQ RSHQ XQWLO SP 7RXU WLFNHWV DUH LQ DGYDQFH DQG WKH GD\ RI WKH HYHQW ZLWK SURFHHGV JRLQJ WR )ULHQGV RI 7KH :HVW )HOLFLDQD 3DULVK /LEUDU\ For more information, call (225)784-2731.

Brandon, Mississippi

BRANDON, MS

March 13 - 14 60th Annual Mississippi State Square Dance Festival Brandon Civic Center 7KH VL[WLHWK DQQXDO 0LVVLVVLSSL 6WDWH 6TXDUH 'DQFH )HVWLYDO IRUPHUO\ NQRZQ DV WKH 0LVVLVVLSSL 6ZHHWKHDUW )HVWLYDO ZLOO EH KHOG WKH ZHHNHQG RI 0DUFK DQG DW WKH %UDQGRQ &LYLF &HQWHU ORFDWHG DW 0XQLFLSDO 'ULYH LQ %UDQGRQ 0LVVLVVLSSL &RPH HQMR\ D IXQ ÀOOHG ZHHNHQG RI VTXDUH GDQFLQJ VSRQVRUHG E\ WKH 0LVVLVVLSSL 6TXDUH DQG 5RXQG 'DQFH $VVRFLDWLRQ 7KH IHVWLYDO GDQFHV ZLOO EH KHOG RQ )ULGD\ HYHQLQJ IURP WR SP DQG 6DWXUGD\ HYHQLQJ IURP XQWLO SP ZLWK ZRUNVKRSV RQ 6DWXUGD\ PRUQLQJ IURP WR DP DQG 6DWXUGD\ DIWHUQRRQ IURP WR SP 7KH DGYDQFHG UHJLVWUDWLRQ IHH IRU )ULGD\ DQG 6DWXUGD\ LV SHU SHUVRQ ZLWK )ULGD\ RQO\ SHU SHUVRQ DQG 6DWXUGD\ RQO\ SHU SHUVRQ 6SHFWDWRUV DUH ZHOFRPH WR DWWHQG IUHH RI FKDUJH For more information, call (601)924-8226 or email Chair Vicki Cagele at vickicagle@gmail.com.

Brookhaven, Mississippi

BROOKHAVEN, MS December 6 %URRNKDYHQ·V 7RXU RI +RPHV Downtown Brookhaven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or more information, call (601)833-2023.

MCCOMB, MISSISSIPPI January 22 6KXIÁH WR WKH &KHIV McComb Mill 6W $QGUHZ·V 0LVVLRQ ZLOO KRVW 6KXIÁH WR WKH &KHIV RQ -DQXDU\ DW WKH 0F&RPE 0LOO LQ 0F&RPE 0LVVLVVLSSL 7KH WKHPH WKLV \HDU LV ´0LGQLJKW LQ WKH *DUGHQ RI *RRG (YLOµ DQG ZLOO IHDWXUH FKHIV IURP +DPPRQG DQG 1HZ 2UOHDQV /RXLVLDQD -DFNVRQ 0LVVLVVLSSL DQG DUHD FKHIV IURP VRXWKZHVW 0LVVLVVLSSL 7KLV DQQXDO HYHQW VXSSRUWV PDQ\ FDXVHV VXFK DV SURYLGLQJ PHDOV WR WKH VHQLRU FLWL]HQV D IUHH PHGLFDO FOLQLF D PHQ·V KRPHOHVV VKHOWHU DQG PXFK PRUH %HIRUH 'HFHPEHU \RX PD\ SXUFKDVH VL[ WLFNHWV IRU RU WZHOYH WLFNHWV IRU $IWHU WKDW WLFNHWV ZLOO EH SHU SHUVRQ DQG ZLOO LQFOXGH ZLQH DQG EHHU SDLULQJV ZLWK WKH WZHOYH FKHI VHOHFWLRQV DQG ORFDO ÁDYRU FKHIV For more information, call (601)684-6830.

Page 72 { December 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous

premier events DECEMBER NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI Through December 31 Christmas in Natchez City of Natchez %HJLQQLQJ WKH )ULGD\ DIWHU 7KDQNVJLYLQJ WKH DQQXDO &KULVWPDV LQ 1DWFKH] VHDVRQ ZLOO EHJLQ .LFN LQJ RII WKH VHDVRQ ZLWK WKH OLJKWLQJ RI WKH GRZQWRZQ &KULVWPDV WUHH (YHQWV ZLOO FRQWLQXH WKURXJKRXW 'HFHPEHU DQG ZLOO LQFOXGH WRXUV RI EHDXWLIXOO\ OLW DQG GHFRUDWHG KLVWRULF KRPHV VXFK DV 7KH 7RZHUV %UDQGRQ +DOO $XEXUQ DQG (OPV &RXUW KROLGD\ FRQFHUWV SUHVHQWHG E\ $OFRUQ &KRLU DQG 7KH 1DWFKH] )HVWLYDO RI 0XVLF &KULVWPDV &DEDUHW FDQGOHOLJKW WRXUV EUHDNIDVW ZLWK 6DQWD DQG PRUH 7KH VHDVRQ LV Ã&#x20AC;OOHG ZLWK PDQ\ VSHFLDO HYHQWV WR PDNH \RXU KROLGD\ YLVLW WR 1DWFKH] D PHPRUDEOH RQH For tickets to the events, call Natchez Pilgrimage Tours 1(800)647-6742 or visit www.christmasinnatchez.com.

December 7 &KULVWPDV 7RXU RI 1DWFKH] +RPHV City of Natchez (QMR\ D 6XQGD\ DIWHUQRRQ WRXU RI GHFRUDWHG KRPHV LQ GRZQWRZQ 1DWFKH] 0LVVLVVLSSL )URP WR SP RQ 6XQGD\ 'HFHPEHU WRXU WKHVH EUHDWKWDNLQJ KRPHV WKH -DFNVRQ KRXVH KRPH RI -DQ DQG 'DQ 6KLHOOV +LJKSRLQW KRPH RI )UDQ DQG :LOWRQ 1RODQ WKH &DOORQ KRXVH KRPH RI .DUHQ DQG )UHG &DOORQ DQG WKH 3DWH KRXVH KRPH RI 6XH DQG 0DUF 3DWH 7LFNHWV WR WRXU WKHVH KRPHV DUH SHU SHUVRQ RU SHU FRXSOH $OO SURFHHGV VXSSRUW WKH -XGJH *HRUJH : $UPVWURQJ /LEUDU\ For more information, visit www.natchezlibraryoffriends.org or call (601)445-8862.

December 13 Artist Studios Tour City of Natchez and Concordia Parish, Louisiana 2Q 6DWXUGD\ 'HFHPEHU WZHQW\ Ã&#x20AC;YH DUWLVWV WKURXJKRXW $GDPV &RXQW\ DQG &RQFRUGLD 3DULVK LQYLWH \RX WR YLVLW WKHLU SHUVRQDO DUW VWXGLRV IURP DP XQWLO SP 7KLV WRXU LV D UDUH JOLPSVH LQWR WKH FUHDWLYH HQYLURQPHQWV RI D YDUL HW\ RI DUWLVWV ZRUNLQJ ZLWK PDWHULDOV UDQJ LQJ IURP FOD\ WR PHWDO SDLQW ZRRG JODVV DQG PRUH 7KLV IUHH RQH GD\ HYHQW LV KHOG RQFH HYHU\ \HDU $UWLVWV ZLOO EH SUHVHQW WR JLYH VWXGLR WRXUV GLVFXVV DUWZRUN DQG H[ SODLQ WKHLU SHUVRQDO DUW PDNLQJ SURFHVV In order to locate the individual studios and/or preview the artwork, visit www.natchezartassociation.org or call (601)446-6334.

Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 73

DECEMBER Louisiana Up & Coming!

ALEXANDRIA Throughout December +ROLGD\ /LJKW 6DIDUL Alexandria Zoo SP (318)441-6810 www.cityofalexandriala.com December 4 +ROLGD\ 0DJLF &KULVWPDV /LJKWLQJ Alexandria Fulton Mini Park SP )UHH (318)449-5051 www.cityofalexandriala.com December 5 - 20 A Christmas Carol Little Theatre of Alexandria 7KXUVGD\V )ULGD\V SP 6DWXUGD\V 6XQGD\V SP

www.thelittletheatre.com

December 6 An Old Fashioned Christmas .HQW 3ODQWDWLRQ +RXVH SP )UHH (318)487-5998 www.cityofalexandriala.com December 7 5DSLGHV 6\PSKRQ\ 2UFKHVWUD +ROLGD\ &KHHU Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center SP 3ULFHV YDU\ www.louisiana-arts.org December 13 Christmas at Inglewood Inglewood Farm DP SP )UHH (318)442-6398 / www.inglewoodfarm.com December 13 Second Saturday Alexandria Museum of Art DP SP )UHH (601)443-3458 / www.themuseum.org December 14 Christmas Parade Downtown Alexandria SP (318)623-7359 www.cityofalexandriala.com December 14 7KH 0XVH 0DNHU¡V 0DUNHW Alexandria Museum of Art DP SP (318)443-3458 / www.themuseum.org BATON ROUGE Through December 30 Zoo Lights %5(&¡6 %DWRQ 5RXJH =RR 7KRPDV 5G DP SP 3ULFHV YDU\ (225)775-3877 / www.brzoo.org December 2 /68 +ROLGD\ 6SHFWDFXODU LSU Union Theatre SP )UHH www.lsu.collegiatelink.net December 5 Festival of Lights Downtown Baton Rouge SP www.downtownbatonrouge.org

Page 74 { December 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous

Louisiana Up & Coming! DECEMBER December 5 )RUXP 路V 5HLQGHHU 5XQ -LQJOH %HOO -RJ Downtown Baton Rouge -RJ SP . SP 3ULFHV YDU\ www.raindeerrunbr.com December 7 A Rural Life Christmas LSU Rural Life Museum SP (225)765-2437 / www.rurallife.lsu.edu December 7 露7ZDV WKH 1LJKW %HIRUH &KULVWPDV LSU Manship Theatre SP (225)344-0334 / www.manshiptheatre.org December 12 - 21 A Christmas Carol Baton Rouge Little Theatre 7LPHV YDU\ www.theatrebr.org December 13 Christmas Parade Downtown Baton Rouge SP www.christmasinbr.com December 19 - January 4 +ROLGD\ 6NDWLQJ RQ WKH 5LYHU Baton Rouge River Center $OO GD\ (225)389-3030 / www.brrivercenter.com December 20 - 21 The Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre presents 7KH 1XWFUDFNHU $ 7DOH IURP WKH %D\RX Baton Rouge River Center SP SP 3ULFHV YDU\ (225)766-8379 / www.batonrougeballet.org FERRIDAY December 6 Christmas Parade ( ( :DOODFH %OYG SP MONROE / WEST MONROE Throughout December 6DQWD路V &KULVWPDV 9LOODJH 1RUWKHDVW /RXLVLDQD &KLOGUHQ路V 0XVHXP 7LPHV YDU\ (318)329-2237

Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 75

DECEMBER Louisiana Up & Coming!

Through December 20 Christmas On The River City of Monroe $FWLYLWLHV YDU\ www.monroe-westmonroe.org

December 6 8th Annual Bawcomville Redneck Parade 6PLWK 6WUHHW DP www.christmasontheriver.org

December 4 Downtown Gallery Crawl Downtown Monroe 'H6LDUG 7UHQWRQ 6WV SP (318)503-5125

December 6 Christmas Gala Monroe Civic Center SP 3ULFHV YDU\ (318)329-2255

December 4 Downtown River Jam Bry Park SP )UHH (318)329-4947 www.monroe-westmonre.org December 5 - 6 Wagon Rides &RUQHU RI &RPPHUFH :RRG 6W SP 3ULFHV YDU\ www.antiquealleyshops.org December 5 - 31 Christmas at the Beidenharn %LHGHQKDUQ 0XVHXP *DUGHQV 'D\V WLPHV DQG SULFHV YDU\ (318)387-5281 / www.bmuseum.org

December 6 Monroe Renaissance Fireworks Extravaganza Downtown Monroe SP )UHH (318)807-1177 'HFHPEHU 7KH 0XVLF 0DQ Strauss Theatre Center SP (318)323-6681 / www.strausstheatre.com December 14 Sounds of the Season West Monroe Convention Center SP 3ULFHV YDU\ (318)812-6761 www.westmonroechamber.chambermaster.com

December 6 %DK +XPEXJ . 5XQ 7UHQWRQ 6W DP 3ULFHV YDU\ www.ovrrc.com

Page 76 { December 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous

December 15 - 19 Louisiana Delta Ballet presents 7KH )UR]HQ .LQJGRP Monroe Civic Center 7:30 pm / Prices vary (318)345-1155 www.louisianadeltaballet.com December 16 Celtic Christmas in Antique Alley +DPLOWRQ +RXVH SP (318)325-1961 www.hamiltonhouseinn.com December 20 Christmas in Costume 7UHQWRQ 6W DP SP (318)388-3939 www.antiquealleyshops.org MOUND December 6 3DMDPDV 3DQFDNHV 3ODQHV Breakfast with Santa 9LFNVEXUJ 7DOOXODK 5HJLRQDO $LUSRUW DP (318)574-2731 www.southernheritageair.org

Louisiana Up & Coming! DECEMBER December 14 Creole Christmas Celebration Magnolia Mound Plantation SP (225)343-4955 www.visitbrec.org/magnoliamound.

1$7&+,72&+(6 Through January 6 88th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights Downtown Natchitoches www.christmasfestival.com NEW ORLEANS Through January 3 Celebration in the Oaks City Park SP 3ULFHV YDU\ www.experienceneworleans.com Through January 1 Christmas in the District &RQYHQWLRQ &HQWHU %OYG SP (855)477-8756 www.christmasinthedistrict.com Throughout December Teddy Bear Tea 5RRVHYHOW +RWHO 1 pm / $40 - 60 (504)335-3129 www.therooseveltneworleans.com

Through December 23 St. Louis Cathedral Concert Series St. Louis Cathedral (504)522-5730 www.holiday.neworleansonline.com December 6 Breakfast with Santa The Esplandade DP kshambrook@bch.com December 6 Krewe of Jingle Parade Downtown New Orleans SP www.canalstreetholiday.com December 12 %RQĂ&#x20AC;UH RQ WKH /HYHH Nottoway Plantation SP www.nottoway.com December 13- 14 39th $QQXDO +ROLGD\ +RPH 7RXU Garden District DP (504)636-3059 / www.prcno.org December 21 Caroling in Jackson Square Jackson Square SP www.experienceneworleans.com

December 27 0RVFRZ %DOOHW¡V *UHDW 5XVVLDQ 1XWFUDFNHU Saenger Theatre SP 3ULFHV YDU\ www.saengernola.com December 31 1HZ <HDU¡V (YH *DOD +\DWW 5HJHQF\ SP DP 3ULFHV YDU\ www.bignightneworleans.com December 31 1HZ <HDU¡V (YH *DOD Nottoway Plantation SP DP 3ULFHV YDU\ www.nottowat.com PORT ALLEN Through January 11 War of 1812 Quilt Challenge Exhibit West Baton Rouge Museum www.westbatonrougemuseum.org Through January 7 :LOG /DQG 7KRPDV &ROH DQG WKH %LUWK RI WKH $PHULFDQ /DQGVFDSH West Baton Rouge Museum www.westbatonrougemuseum.org December 7 +ROLGD\ 2SHQ +RXVH West Baton Rouge Museum SP www.westbatonrougemuseum.org

Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 77

DECEMBER Louisiana Up & Coming!

RUSTON December 4 - 7 %HVW &KULVWPDV 3DJHQW (YHU The Dixie Center for the Arts $GXOWV 6WXGHQWV (318)255-1450 / www.dixiecenter.org December 11 Christmas Parade Downtown Ruston SP (318)255-2031 67 )5$1&,69,//( December 5 +ROLGD\ %UDVV SUHVHQWHG E\ Lamar Family Chamber Series +HPLQERXJK 3ODQWDWLRQ SP (225)635-6397 / www.brso.org December 5 - 7 Christmas in the Country Town of St. Francisville DP SP (800)789-4221 / www.stfrancisville.us December 6 &KULVWPDV 7RXU RI +RPHV Town of St. Francisville DP (225)784-2731 December 6 - 7 150th Anniversary Reenactment: Battle of $OH[DQGHU¡V &UHHN $XGXERQ 6WDWH +LVWRULF 6LWH (225)635-3739 / www.LaStateParks.com December 8 Old Fashioned Christmas Parade Downtown St. Francisville SP (800)789-4221 / www.stfrancisville.us 9,'$/,$ December 13 Breakfast with Santa Comfort Suites DP www.concordiachamber.com December 13 Caroling on the River 9LGDOLD $PSKLWKHDWHU SP (318)336-9936 / www.cityofvidalia.com

Page 78 { December 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous

FERRIDAY/VIDALIA, LOUISIANA Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 79

DECEMBER Mississippi Up & Coming! %522.+$9(1

CANTON

'HFHPEHU 'DG¡V &KULVWPDV 0LUDFOH Brookhaven Little Theatre 7LPHV YDU\ www.brookhavenlittletheatre.com

Through December 23 9LFWRULDQ &KULVWPDV )HVWLYDO &DQWRQ &RQYHQWLRQ 9LVLWRUV %XUHDX $FWLYLWLHV YDU\ (601)859-1307 www.cantontourism.com

December 6 Christmas by the Tracks Downtown Brookhaven DP SP (225)936-5348 December 6 7RXU RI +RPHV Downtown Brookhaven SP www.msgw.org December 6 Christmas Parade Downtown Brookhaven SP (601)833-1411

&/(9(/$1' December 4 Ugly Christmas Sweater 5K Downtown Cleveland SP www.clevelandmschamber.com December 5 - 7 +ROLGD\ 7RXU RI +RPHV Town of Cleveland SP www.clevelandmschamber.com

Page 80 { December 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous

December 6 Christmas Caroling Pub Crawl Downtown Cleveland SP www.clevelandmschamber.com December 6 Christmas Parade Downtown Cleveland SP www.clevelandchamber.com CLINTON December 6 Christmas Parade Olde Towne Clinton www.clintonms.org +$77,(6%85* December 11 - 13 :KLWH &KULVWPDV William Carey University 7LPHV YDU\ www.hattiesburg.org

Mississippi Up & Coming! DECEMBER December 12 - 14 The Sugarplum Fairy Tea Party Thad Cochran Center SP www.southmsballet.org

December 22 - 23 Christmas Camp +DWWLHVEXUJ =RR DP SP www.zoohattiesburg.com

December 5 Old Jackson by Candlelight Tour Downtown Jackson SP (601)576-6800 / www.visit Jackson.com

December 13 +ROLGD\ $UW :DON 'RZQWRZQ +DWWLHVEXUJ SP www.hattiesburg.org

JACKSON

'HFHPEHU Singing Christmas Tree Belhaven University SP www.belhaven.edu

December 13 - 14 9LFWRULDQ &DQGOHOLW &KULVWPDV 'RZQWRZQ +DWWLHVEXUJ SP www.hattiesburg.org December 20 - 21 South Mississippi Ballet Theatre presents 7KH 1XWFUDFNHU Mannoni Performing Arts Center SP 3ULFHV YDU\ www.southmsballet.org

December 2 7KH 0XVHXP 6WRUH +ROLGD\ 2SHQ +RXVH Mississippi Museum of Art (601)960-1515 www.msmuseumofart.com December 2 0XVLF LQ WKH &LW\ /LJKWLQJ RI %HWKOHKHP 7UHH Mississippi Museum of Art SP (601)960-1515 www.msmuseumofart.com December 2 - January 25 Bethlehem Tree Mississippi Museum of Art DP SP (601)960-1515 www.msmuseumofart.com

December 5 - 7 &UDIWVPHQ¡V *XLOG RI 0LVVLVVLSSL 38th Annual Chimneyville Crafts Festival Mississippi Trade Mart 7LPHV YDU\ www.craftsmensguildofms.org 'HFHPEHU DQG -DQXDU\ Garden Glow Nights 0LVVLVVLSSL &KLOGUHQ¡V 0XVHXP SP (601)709-8964 www.mississippichildrensmuseum.com

Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 81

DECEMBER Mississippi Up & Coming!

December 6 Christmas Parade Downtown Jackson SP www.visitjackson.com December 6 - 7 Ballet Mississippi Presents: 7KH 1XWFUDFNHU 7KDOLD 0DUD +DOO SP 3ULFHV YDU\ www.balletms.com December 6 - 7 7KH 6XJDU 3OXP )DLU\¡V 7HD 3DUW\ Mississippi Museum of Art SP (601)960-1560 / www.balletms.com December 9 Small Town Country Christmas 0LVVLVVLSSL $JULFXOWXUDO )RUHVWU\ 0XVHXP SP www.visitjackson.com 'HFHPEHU Mississippi Opera presents $PDKO DQG WKH 1LJKW 9LVLWRUV +ROPHV &RXQW\ $UWV %XLOGLQJ 7LPHV YDU\ www.msopera.org

December 20 - 21 %DOOHW 0DJQLĂ&#x20AC;FDW SUHVHQWV 7KH 0RVW ,QFUHGLEOH &KULVWPDV 7KDOLD 0DUD +DOO SP )UHH (601)977-1001 ZZZ EDOOHWPDJQLĂ&#x20AC;FDW FRP

December 6 McComb Christmas Parade Downtown McComb DP www.pikeinfo.com

December 31 1HZ <HDU¡V (YH &HOHEUDWLRQ 0LVVLVVLSSL &KLOGUHQ¡V 0XVHXP DP SP www.mississippichildrensmuseum.com

December 13 &KULVWPDV 9LOODJH $UWV DQG +DQGPDGH Crafts Market McComb Mill 6 %URDGZD\ DP SP (601)551-1261

December 31 1HZ <HDU¡V (YH &HOHEUDWLRQ )RQGUHQ +DOO SP www.fondren.org

January 22 6KXIĂ H WR WKH &KHIV McComb Mill 3ULFHV YDU\ (601)684-6830

MAGNOLIA

1$7&+(=

December 4 Christmas Parade Downtown Magnolia SP www.magnoliachamber.com

Through January 3 The Towers SP 3ULFHV YDU\ www.thetowersofnatchez.com

MCCOMB December 1 - 2 Rejoice Dance Academy presents 7KH 1XWFUDFNHU State Theatre 7LPHV SULFHV YDU\ (601)684-5229

Page 82 { December 2014 { Bluffs & Bayous

December 2 1DWFKH] *DUGHQ &OXE¡V 9LFWRULDQ /XQFKHRQ DQG 6RXS &DVVHUROH 6DOH 0DJQROLD +DOO DP SP (601)443-9065 ntzgardenclub@bellsouth.net

Mississippi Up & Coming! DECEMBER December 3 +ROLGD\ 0L[RORJ\ %RZLH¡V 7DYHUQ 0DLQ 6W

(601)446-8500

December 7 7th $QQXDO &KULVWPDV 2SHQ +RXVH Auburn SP (601)446-8500 www.natchezpilgrimage.com

December 4 - 12 $ 1DWFKH] &KULVWPDV &DURO Natchez Little Theatre 7LPHV YDU\ www.natchezlittletheatre.org

December 7 $UP %DODQFH ,QYHUVLRQ :RUNVKRS featuring Lee Sturdivant Carby Satya Yoga Wellness Center SP www.satyayogaclasses.com

'HFHPEHU +ROLGD\ &RQFHUW (ROD +RWHO SP www.visitnatchez.org December 5 Special Christmas Candlelight Tour The Towers SP (601)446-6890 www.thetowersofnatchez.com December 5 1DWFKH] )HVWLYDO RI 0XVLF¡V Christmas Cabaret Natchez Convention Center SP (601)446-6631 www.natchezfestivalofmusic.com

December 7 (YHU\GD\ %HDXW\ RI (OPV &RXUW A Miniature Oil Painting Exhibition by Sharon Richardson Elms Court SP 5HVHUYDWLRQV RQO\ (601)445-5431 December 7 /LEUDU\ 7RXU RI +RPHV City of Natchez SP 3ULFHV YDU\ www.armstronglibrary.org

December 13 Gifts of Art Silent Auction Party Arts Natchez Gallery SP (601)807-6342 December 13 Artist Studio Tour Throughout the Miss-Lou DP SP )UHH www.natchezartassociation.org December 13 Second Saturday Downtown Natchez SP (601)442-2929 December 14 Photos with Santa 6WDQWRQ +DOO 3ODQWDWLRQ SP (601)442-6282 www.natchezpilgrimage.com

December 6 Treasures on the Trace %UDQGRQ +DOO 3ODQWDWLRQ SP info@brandonhallplantation.com www.brandonhallplantation.com December 6 Breakfast with Santa The Briars DP (601)653-0017 December 6 Christmas Parade Downtown Natchez SP December 7 - 8 Alcorn Choir 6W 0DU\¡V %DVLOLFD SP )UHH (601)446-8500

Bluffs & Bayous { December 2014 { Page 83

DECEMBER Mississippi Up & Coming!

December 18 %RZLH¡V %HQHĂ&#x20AC;W %RZLH¡V 7DYHUQ

(601)445-6627 www.bowiestavern.com December 19 &KDPSDJQH &DQGOHOLJKW The Burn SP (601)442-1344 December 20 Tea at Twin Oaks Twin Oaks Plantation SP (601)445-0338 www.twinoaksnatchez.com 'HFHPEHU Libations at Linden Linden Plantation DP (601)-446-8500 www.natchezpilgrimage.com December 21 Eggnog at Lansdowne Lansdowne Plantation SP (601)446-7595 www.natcgezpilgrimage.com December 22 'XQOHLWK¡V $QQXDO &KULVWPDV Celebration The Castle Restaurant SP 3ULFHV YDU\ www.dunleith.com

December 24 Christmas Eve Dinner The Castle Restaurant SP www.dunleith.com December 31 .UHZH RI 3KRHQL[¡V 1HZ <HDU¡V (YH %DOO featuring 6FUDWFK Natchez Community Center SP DP QRQ PHPEHU 0HPEHUV IUHH &DVK EDU glorianeames@hotmail.com

9,&.6%85* December 4 .DQVDV &LW\ 6RXWKHUQ +ROLGD\ ([SUHVV 'RZQWRZQ 9LFNVEXUJ SP www.vicksburg.org December 6 Christmas Parade of Lights 'RZQWRZQ 9LFNVEXUJ SP (601)634-4527 www.downtownvicksburg.org

PEARL December 6 Jingle Bell Market Trustmark Park DP SP www.pearlms.org RIDGELAND Throughout December Wonderland of Lights Freedom Ridge Park (601)853-2011 / www.visitridgeland.com December 1 5HQDLVVDQFH 2SHQ +RXVH Renaissance at Colony Park SP (601)519-0900 www.RenaissanceAtColonyPark.com

December 6 WK $QQXDO +ROO\ 'D\V $UWV DQG Crafts Show 6RXWKHUQ &XOWXUDO +HULWDJH &HQWHU Auditorium DP SP (601)631-2997 www.southernculture.org December 13 Annual Breakfast with Santa 9LFNVEXUJ &RQYHQWLRQ &HQWHU DP (601)630-2929 www.vicksburgccevents.com December 13 Confederate Christmas Ball 2OG &RXUW +RXVH 0XVHXP SP 3ULFHV YDU\ (601)636-0741 / www.oldcourthouse.org

SUMMIT December 8 Christmas Parade Downtown Summit SP (601)248-9882

December 17 9LFNVEXUJ :DUUHQ &RXQW\ &KDPEHU RI Commerce Luncheon 9LFNVEXUJ &RQYHQWLRQ &HQWHU SP (601)636-1012 www.vicksburgchamber.org December 22 - 24 :UDS XS WKH +ROLGD\V 6DOH 7KH 2XWOHWV DW 9LFNVEXUJ DP 6DW SP 6XQ (601)636-7434 www.outletsatvicksburg.com

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SOUTHERN SAMPLER

story by Alma M. Womack

Season of Christmas and Colds

C

ROG DQG Ă X VHDVRQ LV FRPLQJ , KDYH KDG P\ Ă X VKRW EXW VR far, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no cold shot. So I can expect to suffer a few colds this winter. I have learned to use some home remedies to help me get through these miserable days of coughs, sneezes, sore throats, and general malaise associated with the common cold.

Honey, lemon, and tea are soothing to a sore throat; but the best home remedy I have ever used is vinegar and honey. You just use equal amounts of both liquids, put the brew in a glass, and sip on it all day long. Just a wee sip at a time will do, and it is deadly on the germs that cause a sore throat. So strongly do I believe in this recipe that I share it with anyone who comes to my house and complains of a sore throat.

Which brings to mind a short story: Larry Crouch, our friend who works with us, will rarely take medicine for any ailment. If he canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wear it out, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take a couple of Tylenol till it goes away.

One morning several years ago, he had come by for the morning coffee and talk with Buster when I noticed he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sound quite right. Upon questioning, he said that he had a sore throat; and he was having trouble swallowing. :HOO 'U $OPD MXPSHG WR WKH UHVFXH , Ă&#x20AC;[HG KLP D VPDOO JODVV of vinegar and honey and told him to take it with him, sip on it all day, and his throat would be much improved by morning. While they were talking about deer or disking or whatever, I went on to the back of the house to straighten up for the day.

When I made it back to the kitchen, Larry looked at me and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Poor Jesus!â&#x20AC;? I hated to ask what in the world was wrong with poor Jesus, but I did.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Poor Jesus, having to drink all that vinegar, and Him on the cross. Poor Jesus!â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Did you drink all of the honey and vinegar, Larry Crouch?â&#x20AC;? ´<HDK , Ă&#x20AC;JXUHG ,¡G MXVW JHW LW RYHU ZLWK LQ RQH VZDOORZ DQG wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to take this glass around with me all day.â&#x20AC;? It defeated the purpose, of course; but as long as I have a memory, I will remember Larry Crouch sitting at my kitchen table, feeling sorry for poor Jesus having nothing to drink but vinegar.

My Mississippi uncle, Malcolm Randolph â&#x20AC;&#x153;Patâ&#x20AC;? Patterson of Yazoo City, had another good recipe that has helped me with many colds through the years. It is pretty well known, but Uncle Pat had a special ingredient in his bottle of bourbon and peppermint. He wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell what it was. Even my grandmother, who completely disapproved of spirits, would drink Uncle Patâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recipe and declare it worthy. I have to make my own now, but it is never as good as Uncle Patâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when it was delivered in a mason jar.

Christmas is coming, too; and it is this time of year that I miss the most those family members that have gone on. Mama always enjoyed Christmas so much, and she made it fun for us kids when we were youngsters. She and Mimi, our grandmother Dowdy, would shop and wrap presents, bake a houseful of cakes and pies and puddings, and let us decorate to our heartsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; content.

Nub, Doug, and I made many miles of colored paper chains; and we hung them everywhere.

We decorated our houses, the chicken house, and any dog that chanced by. We had real trees and used the same old decorations every year but thought them the most beautiful ornaments of all

time. When weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d go up Little River to our Grandma Ellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d feel sorry for her since she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t decorate for Christmas like we did. I never remember even a Christmas tree there, but I could be wrong.

Grandma Ella wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t one for wasting time on decorations, but she always cooked a feast and loved presents. If one of the family brought her present before Christmas Day, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d hold it, shake it, then accidentally tear a little piece of paper, and decide since it was torn she might as well open it. She was appreciative of any little thing that was given her and made you feel like you had found the one thing sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d secretly wanted for some time.

Mimi would drop hints to Papa about what she wanted for Christmas. Then, she would go buy the exact thing for herself after Papa had already purchased the requested item. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d get mad every year and declare that that was the last present he was buying for her, but heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d go through the same song and dance the next year.

We kids were allowed to ask Santa for three things each, not one item more.

After I started to school, I got to write the Santa letter for all of us each year.

By fourth grade, I knew the score; but I still had to go through the motions for my little brothers and sister. I wrote the Santa letter, and it was published in the local Jonesville Booster. My fourth-grade friend (my friend to this day, Francis Spinks Pugh) told me that she had read my letter in the newspaper. I was mortiĂ&#x20AC;HG WR WKLQN WKDW VKH WKRXJKW , believed in 6DQWD FRPH WR Ă&#x20AC;QG RXW P\ OLWWOH EURWKHUV knew the score, too; but none of us were brave enough to say so in case those presents might disappear.

It is my wish that all of our readers have a blessed Christmas season and that they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow anyone to change Christmas to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;winter holidayâ&#x20AC;? or whatever other nonsense is being touted in 2014. It is Christmas, and it involves nativity scenes and carols and spreading joy that the Christ is born. Remember these things, and thank God for his goodness in blessing us and blessing our wonderful country, the United States of America. Merry Christmas to all from your grateful correspondent from beautiful Black River, Jonesville, Louisiana, US of A. 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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