February 2013 Bluffs & Bayous by Bluffs & Bayous Magazine

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 1

Page 2 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 3

From Your Publisher . . . events are sure to turn this still wintry season into one of pleasure and adventure. This month Bluffs & Bayous features Mardi Gras, referencing three of the oldest towns to celebrate the Mardi Gras season. Our cover saCheryl and Mike Rinehart, guests of Biff and Karen lutes Natchez, Mississippi’s Partridge, on the balcony of Malaga Inn, watch the IM night Krewe of Phoenix Rex and parade during Mobile, Alabama’s Mardi Gras. Rosalie XXXI, Tim Sessions and Sherry Beardon, along with Mardi Gras adventures ebruary, the winter month that somein Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans, times tempts us with days of spring, Louisiana. Another feature is Vicksburg, although the shortest month of the Mississippi’s Lebanese Dinner, chronicled by Ellis Nassour. Ellis well remembers his year, is packed with activities—wrapping mother’s diligent participation in the womup the Mardi Gras season, observing the been’s activities at Vicksburg’s St. George ginning of Lent, and celebrating Valentine’s Antiochian Orthodox Church though Day; and throughout our area, an array of

Page 4 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

she was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Faithfully, for years during her 30-minute lunch breaks, she walked the width and breadth of downtown, selling Lebanese Dinner tickets, not only those allocated to her but also tickets allocated to two others. Mamie Nassour was the champion ticket seller! During his younger years, Ellis also helped make the rounds. In our monthly treat abroad, Patricia Taylor’s “Jottings” takes us on a tour of Britain’s Cambridgeshire through the rolling fields of Essex and onto the Fens where Anglesey Abbey rests on ninety-eight acres. Taylor’s treks around and about England provide interest and intrigue for our readers whose southern homes and garden plots often replicate those of England, Scotland, Ireland, and neighboring France. Whether you travel there or not, you can embrace the aura of Patricia’s homeland— its history and its horticulture—through her writings. G’s Fare this month focuses on the wholesome living style of her daughter, Blythe Junkin Roberts, as she raises her children with healthy, organic home-made foods. These recipes are delicious as well as good for you. Also focusing on food, Jenny Guido visits Roux 61 and shares some of its popular southern fare, sought by those close by and from surrounding towns as well. Ross McGehee, Alma Womack, and Robert Ferguson treat us again with their always anticipated, entertaining and informative commentary. Our calendar of “Up & Coming” events is jam packed; and we catalog the Mardi Gras parades for New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Mobile with their online sites for you to follow these exciting venues. Laissez les bons temps rouler …… in our life along and beyond the Mississippi.

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 5

C o n t r i b u t o r s Robert Ferguson, a resident of Jackson, Mississippi, for most of his life, received his degree in horticulture from Mississippi State University in 1973. Interested in orchids since the age of 13, he owned Ferguson Orchids from 1973 to 2002 where orchids were cloned, grown from seed, and sold. Ferguson is a Life member of The American Orchid Society, has garnered four American Orchid Society Awards for his orchids, and has won three American Orchid Society Exhibition Trophies for Best of Show. Jennie Guido is a graduate of Delta State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Master’s Degree in English Education. Having lived up Highway 61 in Cleveland, Mississippi, she recently has returned to Natchez, her hometown, to pursue her professional career.

Ellis Nassour, a Vicksburg native, is an arts journalist and veteran of The New York Times. He wrote the best-selling biography Honky Tonk Angel: The Intimate Story of Patsy Cline and hit revue Always, Patsy Cline. For Bravo TV, he co-anchored The Voice with k.d. lang. At MCA/ Universal Studios, he helped introduce Elton John and Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar and worked closely with Neil Diamond, Bill Cosby, The Who, Loretta Lynn, Brenda Lee, and Conway Twitty. Ellis authored Rock Opera: The Creation of Jesus Christ Superstar. He worked with Jerry Herman and Stephen Sondheim. He was contributing editor of Oxford University Press’ American National Biography. Ellis donated the Mamie and Ellis Nassour Arts & Entertainment Collection, in memory of his parents, in the University of Mississippi’s J.D. Williams Library. Ellis is featured in the book Mississippians.

Lucien C. “Sam” Gwin III, a native of Natchez, Mississippi, was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1981. Since then, he has been practicing at the law firm of Gwin, Lewis, Punches & Kelley, LLP, in Natchez. His practice includes general litigation, real estate law, divorce, contract disputes, eminent domain, products liability, personal injury, medical matters, and some estate work. Becky Junkin, mother of four, grandmother of soon-to-be six, is a lifelong Natchez resident and a retired elementary teacher of twenty four years. She is a certified Pilates instructior and owner of Pur Pilates Studio. She and her husband Jerry live and entertain in their antebellum home Heckler Hall.

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

Patricia Taylor is a Doctor of Naturopathy and a Consultant Medical Herbalist, having studied at the University of Wales and Clayton, Alabama. She is a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists of Great Britain and a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild. Taylor has a practice in her hometown in England, and she and her husband John split their year between there and their home in Natchez, Mississippi.

Page 6 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

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.

on the cover Queen Rosalie XXXI Sherry Beardon with her pups, Princess and Holly, and King Rex XXXI Tim Sessions represent the Krewe of Phoenix in Natchez, Mississippi. Photo courtesy of Bill Beane, Natchez, Mississippi. Bottomrow photographs capture the spirit of Mardi Gras with New Orleans, Louisiana, children dressed for carnival (photo courtesy of Mary Catherine Moffet); the KOR float in Mobile, Alabama; and costumed revelers during the Krewe of Phoenix Parade in Natchez, Mississippi. (final two photos by Cheryl Rinehart)

publisher Cheryl Foggo Rinehart editors Jean Nosser Biglane Cheryl Foggo Rinehart graphic designers Jan Ratcliff Anita Schilling media coordinator Adam Blackwell staff photographers Van O’Gwin Elise D. Parker Jennifer Ratliff Cheryl Rinehart sales staff Cheryl Rinehart Donna Sessions JoAnna Sproles

Adam Blackwell

Jean Biglane

Van O’Gwin

Elise D. Parker

Jan Ratcliff

Cheryl Rinehart

Anita Schilling

Jennifer Ratliff

Donna Sessions

JoAnna Sproles

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 bluffsmag@gmail.com bbupandcoming@gmail.com media.bluffsandbayous@gmail.com www.bluffsbayous.com

February 2013 FEATURES The History and Magic of Mardi Gras.................................................................. 30-34 Vicksburg’s St. George Church Lebanese Dinner Is Treasured Annual Tradition.................................................................... 40-45, 47

FAVORITES All Outdoors In Other Words........................................................................................................... 11

The History and Magic of Mardi Gras pages 30 - 34

Events February Premier Events....................................................................................... 58-59 February Up & Coming!........................................................................................ 60-71

G's Fare Keep 2013 a Healthy One..................................................................................... 14-16

In the Garden Blc. Oconee ‘Mendenhall’ AM/AOS........................................................................... 20

Legal Notes Law Along the Mississippi.......................................................................................... 56

Random Jottings My Random Jottings of Cambridgeshire............................................................. 48-49

Southern Sampler Comforting Thoughts for 2013................................................................................. 74

Something Scrumptious Roux 61, Natchez, Mississippi............................................................................... 24-25

Vicksburg’s St. George Church Lebanese Dinner Is Treasured Tradition pages 40 - 45, 47

THE social SCENE

MAMH Christmas Social............................................................................................... 8 Sunday School Social.................................................................................................... 9 Pumpkins for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.................................................. 12-13 Junior Auxiliary Charity Lunch................................................................................... 17 Girls’ Night Out..................................................................................................... 18-19 Fall Gathering........................................................................................................ 36-37 Katherine Bray’s Annual Christmas Party............................................................ 50-51 Miss-Lou Medical Centers Celebrate Christmas................................................... 52-54 December Events at Turning Pages Books & More.................................................. 55 Natchez Festival of Music’s A Christmas Cabaret................................................ 72-73

THE wedding SCENE

Couples Shower Honors Katie Cutrer and James Petty...................................... 26-27 Rebecca Brown and Lance Kelpe Engagement Party......................................... 28-29

Roux 61, Natchez, Mississippi pages 24 - 25 Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 7

THE social SCENE | McComb, MS | MAMH Christmas Social

MAMH Christmas Social The Marketing Association for Mississippi Healthcare gathered at the Fernwood Country Club, south of McComb, Mississippi, on December 14, 2012, for their annual Christmas Social. Kristi Berch, marketing coordinator for Advanced Home Care, received the MAMH Member of the Year Award. The culmination of this festive affair was an exchange of Christmas ornaments.

2 3

Frontâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Earnestine Varnado, Leanne Jenkins, Donna George, and Minor Griffin; backâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Alison Strong, Tammy Strickland, Melissa Leggett, Balfour Lipscomb, Denise Thames, Lindsey White Alexander, Kim Hodges, Kristi Berch, Loretta Vanlew, Kathy LaGrange, Sally McCoy, and Rhonda Brown-Allen Kristi Berch and Minor Griffin Alison Strong and Leanne Jenkins

4 5

5 Page 8 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

Melissa Leggett, Lindsey White Alexander, and Denise Thames Kristi Berch, Sally McCoy, and Kathy LaGrange

Sunday School Social | Brookhaven, MS | THE social SCENE

Sunday School Social Members of the Martha Sinclair Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church in Brookhaven, Mississippi, recently gathered for an ice cream social. Fun and fellowship were enjoyed by all.

1 2

Virginia Peavey, Mignon McKennon, Marie Gray, Judy Yarborough, Beverly Britt, and Doris Winborne. Carolyn Rounsaville, Imogene Ryan, Martha Sinclair, and Terry Warnock

3 4 5

Linda Smith, Mignon McKennon, and Marie Gray Pat Gartman and Marie Gray Mary George Collins, Sylvia Keene, and Jim Sinclair

5 Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 9

Page 10 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

All Outdoors by Ross McGehee

In Other Words

vid sportsmen enjoy sharing the experience of the outdoors with their comrades, obviously. And just like with any occupation, there is no greater compliment than for your offspring to follow your pursuits. That is part of the reason that parents take their kids along fishing and hunting. The other is the priceless bonding time that can be gained when something special happens for a child in the woods. It’s important for everyone at the hunting camp to be positive and supportive of a youngster’s first deer, fish, raccoon, bullfrog, or whatever he or she drags in bloody and smelling to high heaven. A pox on the jerk that makes a condescending comment about a child’s first deer that wasn’t up to the big boys’ standards. We’ve always tried to encourage kids to enjoy the outdoors at our camp. Sitting for hours in a deer stand or duck blind when there is no action can be pretty miserable for them. So, after the hunt, if they want to build a fire in the yard or ride a four-wheeler around the camp, that’s fine. At supper, if they have an amusing observation about sitting in the deer stand with Daddy, they are free to describe it to the group. It can become a roast of parents by the kids at times, and some of the stories they tell have endured for years. One story that comes to mind happened on November 13, 2004. Eight-year-old Valerie Forman was hunting with her dad, R. T. Forman, as she had any number of times. She was patiently waiting for an old doe to walk out to be taken as her first deer and…… since she wrote it down, I think it would be best to let her tell it in her own words (and spelling): “Well me and my dad we were walking to the stand and we walked up the ladder

and we sat in the stand for about thirty minutes. and my dad was looking one way and I looked the other way and I saw to deer and I said dad look theirs some deer he sade o and starded getting shakie and he shaked so bad I could not get the gun from him and he put his thum on the back of my gun and turned on the red light and he still had his thum on my gun and he told me to hit it behind the sholder he was shaking so bad he made the light go on the eyeball and I told dad to stop shaking but he did not so I shot it behind the sholder and the deer went to ways my dad saw the tail shaking and I herd limbs braking and the deer fail I saw his belly and we climbed down and my dad was shaking so hard you could here it and we got down and I did not shake one bit and we went to the woods and my dad said uhoh he saw the horns and they were about 3 inch and we went back to the camp I got blood on my face and they took my picter and the head was to heavy and my dad had to help me pick up the head my dad all most cryed

he was so happy gosh he wa happy. FIRST deer 8 years old I am in the 3rd grade” Isn’t that adorable? Valerie’s mom kept the scribbles, and the story along with the photos were given to RT on a poster board for Christmas. We’d been picking at RT for years about getting “buck fever” and mistaking spike bucks for does; but when that little girl came into the camp and told that story, we fell out laughing! Especially when she said in that tiny voice, “When my daddy found the deer, he said, ‘UH OHHHH.’” Valerie and RT wouldn’t take anything for that experience, and I guess neither would anybody else. Of course, kids grow up and get busy, life gets in the way of hunting (for some), and they don’t get to come around like they used to. But we old guys cherish the time that the little ones spend at the camp, in most cases, because they remind us that we need to slow down a bit and look at things like we’re looking for the first time, all over again.

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 11

THE social SCENE | Vicksburg, MS | Pumpkins for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Pumpkins for Breast Cancer Awareness Month In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 2012, the week before Halloween, art classes at St. Aloysius High School in Vicksburg, Mississippi, decorated pumpkins donated by Guaranty Bank and Trust in Vicksburg. Students then returned the pumpkins to the bank for a silent auction benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

1 2 3

Chris Sanders and Wally Wibowo Kori Vessell and Cameron Curtis Blaine Butler and Megan Davis

4 5

Page 12 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

William Kemp, Jennifer Ratliff, and Lester Tzotzolas Michael Foley, Sage Lewis, and William Kemp

Vicksburg, MS | THE social SCENE

6 7 8 9

Lindsey May and Raeann Jones Stephanie Riveros and Madison Lumbley Camille Bexley and Julie Mabry Connor Smith and Gabe Stuckey

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 13

G's Fare by Becky Junkin

Keep 2013 a Healthy One!

his month I give a nod to one of my twin daughters, Blythe Junkin Roberts, a two-year resident of Scranton, Pennsylvania where she works at Beta Land Services. The mother of six-year-old Brooks and fouryear-old Ella, Blythe has put her family on the track of healthier living by focusing on whole and organic foods for meals and snacks and making all her family’s breads and tortillas by hand using unprocessed flours. The Scranton area has organic dairy, poultry, beef, and pork farms; and during the summer and fall, farms with fresh berries are open to pick your own as they are in the fall with apples and pumpkins. During the

Real Food Defined (The Rules) 100daysofrealfood.com

spring, fresh maple syrup is available; and throughout the year, a large farmers’ market provides an abundant source of organic meats and vegetables. As those of you already “eating organic” know, organic foods generally offer a richer and fuller taste than artificially or chemically grown ones. Below are the rules Blythe and her family followed during their original 100 Days of Real Food Pledge. If you are taking the 10-Day Pledge you will follow these same rules.

Above—Blythe and Brooks Roberts Above left—Kids’ Breakfast: Home-made Cocoa Baked Donuts with a Berry Salad Left—Breakfast for Two Adults: 1) Egg White Veggie Omelet topped with organic avocado slices. 2) Oatmeal breakfast bread with homemade strawberry preserves. 3) Berry Salad

Page 14 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

What you CAN eat: Whole foods that are more a product of nature than a product of industry Lots of fruits and vegetables (We recommend that you shop for these at your local farmers’ market.) Dairy products like milk, unsweetened yogurt, eggs, and cheese 100% whole-wheat and whole-grains (Find a local bakery for approved sandwich bread and check the Understanding Grains post for more information.) Seafood (Wild caught is the optimal choice over farm-raised.) Only locally raised meats such as pork, beef, and chicken (preferably in moderation) Beverages limited to water, milk, all natural juices, naturally sweetened coffee & tea, and, to help the adults keep their sanity, wine and beer! Snacks like dried fruit, seeds, nuts, and popcorn All-natural sweeteners including honey, 100% maple syrup, and fruit juice concentrates are acceptable in moderation. Also check out the website’s Recipes & Resources page for a more detailed list of meal options including links to recipes. What you CANNOT eat: No refined grains such as white flour or white rice (Items containing wheat must say WHOLE wheat…not just “wheat.”) No refined sweeteners such as sugar, any form of corn syrup, cane juice, or the artificial stuff like Splenda

Top—Cabinets hold only glass and recycled plastic.

Nothing out of a box, can, bag, bottle, or package that has more than 5 ingredients listed on the label No deep fried foods No “fast foods”

Homemade Nutty Bran Flakes Recipe adapted from Mr. Breakfast Blythe makes her own cereal for the children. No boxed food products are in their house. Yields: 3-4 servings (NOTE: Feel free to double this recipe! I wish I had.) 1/2 cup bran 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 1/3 cup almond flour (or other finely ground nuts) 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup milk 1/4 cup water Parchment paper Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift all dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl, and add milk and water. Stir to mix well. The resulting mixture will be a very wet “dough” (so wet, you can hardly call it a dough). Cut two sheets of parchment paper to fit two baking sheets, and set one sheet of parchment paper on the counter where you’ll be rolling—you won’t be able to transfer it without this! Glop half of the “dough” out onto the sheet of parchment paper, and flatten it by hand. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the dough, and “roll” it out (Your rolling pin will almost just be smooshing it out into place.) EXTREMELY THIN, almost transparent in some places. It will look like a giant bran flake — super fun! Remove the plastic wrap and transfer the parchment carefully to a baking sheet. Cook for 10 minutes, but check often after just 5, because such a thin dough can easily burn.

You’re looking for a thin, leathery cracker that is crunchy at the edges. When it’s done, remove it and allow it to cool completely. While it cools, repeat the process with the other half of the dough. After both giant bran flakes have finished their first bake, reduce the oven temperature to 275 degrees. Tear the first, cooled bran flake into regular bran flake-sized pieces (about 3/4 of an inch), spreading them out on the parchment-covered baking sheet. Bake at the reduced temperature for 20 minutes, flipping and stirring the flakes around every 5 minutes. Repeat process with the second cooled, giant bran flake. Then allow all bran flakes to cool completely. This stores well in a sealed container for up to two weeks. Nutritional information: Serving size: about 1/4 of total yield. Calories: 146.3, Fat: 5g, Sodium: 185mg, Carbs: 24.5g, Fiber: 6g, Sugars: 8g, Protein: 5.5g

Above—Parfait—a great snack! • Whole Milk Plain Organic Yogurt • Puréed strawberries and honey • Homemade organic Granola

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 15

Baked Whole-Grain Mini Donuts (2 Ways – Original and Chocolate) Adapted from Bella Cucina Donut Maker Recipe Booklet 100daysofrealfood.com Original Flavor – Ingredients 1 cup whole-wheat flour 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 egg 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 tablespoons melted coconut oil Chocolate Flavor – Ingredients 1 cup whole-wheat flour 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa (We prefer “special dark” 100% cocoa.) 1 egg 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 tablespoons melted coconut oil Whisk together the dry ingredients. Make a well (hole) in the middle, and drop in the egg, milk, syrup, vanilla, and coconut oil. Stir together with a fork until well combined. Pour donut batter in

donut pan. Bake according to pan directions. Serve donuts or freeze for another day! We love to add these as an occasional treat to school lunches.

French Lentil Soup www.epicurious.com 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 cups chopped onions 1 cup chopped celery stalks plus chopped celery leaves for garnish 1 cup chopped carrots 2 garlic cloves, chopped 4 cups (or more) vegetable broth 1 1/4 cups lentils, rinsed, drained 1 14 1/2–ounce can diced tomatoes in juice Balsamic vinegar (optional) Heat oil in heavy, large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, carrots, and garlic; sauté until vegetables begin to brown, about 15 minutes. Add 4 cups broth, lentils, and tomatoes with juice and bring to boil. Reduce heat to mediumlow, cover, and simmer until lentils are tender, about 35 minutes. Transfer 2 cups soup (mostly solids) to blender and puree until smooth. Return puree to soup in pan; thin soup with more

Page 16 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

broth by 1/4 cupfuls if too thick. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar if desired. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with celery leaves. Read more at http://www.epicurious. com/recipes/food/views/French-LentilSoup-236772#ixzz2HQ0r4WLH

Good For You Breakfast Loaf onceamonthmom.com 1 cup rolled oats 1 cup whole wheat all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1 1/2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 cup 1% or nonfat milk Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. Grind oatmeal in a food processor or blender. In a large bowl, combine oatmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve honey in canola oil; then stir in the milk. Combine both mixtures and stir until a soft dough is formed. Pour the dough into a loaf pan. Sprinkle some oats on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack. Slice and enjoy with a nice warm beverage!

Junior Auxiliary Charity Lunch | Vicksburg, MS | THE social SCENE

Junior Auxiliary Charity Lunch The Junior Auxiliary of Vicksburg, Mississippi, hosted its First Annual Charity Lunch on October 25, 2012. A great partnership was formed when the Culinary Arts students at Hinds Community College in Vicksburg volunteered to prepare the lunches and practice their skills. JA sends a big “ thank you” to the community of Vicksburg for their support.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Ashley Smith and Christin Matthews Lori Burke and Lacy Lee Alainna O’Bannon and Lauren Coulon Gareth Lampkin and Katie Feibelman Kristy Cole, Kara Brister, and Ashley Smith Whitney Simmons, Kara Parmegiani, Gareth Lampkin, Kristy Cole, Alainna O’Bannon, Jennifer McMillin, Lauren Coulon, Lacy Lee, Lori Burke, and Christin Matthews

6 Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 17

THE social SCENE | Brookhaven, MS | Girls' Night Out

Girls' Night Out The Third Annual Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Night Out Christmas Party was held on December 14, 2012, at the home of Susan and Steve Fitzsimmons in Brookhaven, Mississippi. The first Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Night Out Christmas Party was held in 2010 and has become an annual event for these close friends and family members to celebrate their friendships and the Christmas Season. Photographs by Katie Furr

2 3 4 5

Skye Phillips, Lucy Holloway, Laura Murray, Susan Fitzsimmons, Jimminette Phillips, Stacey Wesson, Megan Smith, Emily Phillips, Angie Lins, Shannon Clark, Katie Nations, Kathryn Bougere, Anna Peavey, Anna Smith, Andrea Mabry, Jennifer Yeager, Leslie Baker, Michelle Fitzsimmons, Jessica Jordan, Katie Furr, Stefanie Orr, Kathy Phillips, Lindsey Robinson, Katie Baker, and Kelsey Jordan Megan Smith, Stefanie Orr, Lindsey Robinson, Laura Murray, and Jessica Jordan Anna Smith and Anna Peavey Skye, Jimminette, and Diana Phillips Katie Nations, Katie Baker, and Kelsey Jordan

6 Page 18 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

Angie Lins, Kathryn Bougere, Katie Nations, Michelle Fitzsimmons, and Katie Baker

Girls' Night Out | Brookhaven, MS | THE social SCENE

7 8 9 10

Leslie Baker and Andrea Mabry Susan Fitzsimmons, Kathy Phillips, and Shannon Clark Stacey Wesson, Lindsey Robinson, and Jennifer Yeager Lindsey Robinson, Kathy Phillips, Anna Peavey, Leslie Baker, Susan Fitzsimmons, Stacey Wesson, and Michelle Fitzsimmons

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 19

In the Garden story and photos by Robert Ferguson

Blc. Oconee ‘Mendenhall’ AM/AOS

r. William Kirsch of Hawaii is responsible for creating the wonderful hybrid Blc. Oconee ‘Mendenhall’ AM/AOS when he crossed Lc. Belle of Celle and Blc. Norman’s Bay. These two orchids are very heterozygous genetically. Lc. Belle of Celle is a very nice yellow with heavy substance and Blc. Norman’s Bay is one of the finest lavenders to be bred in England. I’m sure Mr. Kirsch knew what kind of progeny he could get from such a cross. During this time period, the 1970s, a breeder could name a hybrid only after it had flowered. The growers probably found this hybrid pushing buds from its green sheath early one morning. When my Cattleyas were approaching blooming size, I would always get into the greenhouses early before the public was allowed. The growers that bloomed this hybrid initially named it in 1976 for Oconee County in South Carolina; but long before the name was applied, the plants became

available to the public who only knew it by its cross (Lc. Belle of Celle x Blc. Norman’s Bay ‘Lucille’). Blc. Oconee became the talk of the orchid world, and everyone wanted a plant. Therefore, the orchid was sent to the cloning lab for propagation and became available to the public in 1980. I had to have 100 of them in 1982. These were purchased in a two-foot-square tray. The producers would only allow one tray per customer if memory serves me correctly. Initially, these cloned orchids were very slow growers; but upon getting established, they started blooming exactly like the original. However, the clones didn’t bloom just in fall as did the original. Instead, they had NO season and would push forth their buds upon maturity of the pseudo-bulb and bloom. Sometimes this isn’t good. In this case, the fall-winter flowers were always better than summer blooms; for the summer season’s heat would not allow the buds to form and open slowly. As a result, many times the buds would open half way

Page 20 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

out of the sheaths with short flower stems. Many producers, therefore, were hesitant to breed with it. Nonetheless, many hundreds of hybrids were made, and hundreds started blooming with NO problems. I have made many hybrids with Blc. Oconee ‘Mendenhall’ but I made my hybrids with an original division that I purchased later. It has been almost 40 years since the initial blooming of Blc. Oconee, and it is still being used as a parent and is also a grandparent. Blc. Oconee ‘Mendenhall’ has received an AM/AOS award twice. It was first awarded in 1979 with 83 points and then again in 1982 with 88 points. Now there also have been two other clones awarded as recently as 2001 with 80 points: one is the ‘C/J ‘clone, and the other is ‘Wine Red Fall’ clone. The ‘Wine’ Red Fall’ clone is available, but the ‘C/J’ clone was never made available to the public. I shall be making a selfing (crossed upon its self) of my original ‘Mendenhall’ Clone and hope to have seedlings available in the near future.

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 {{February February2013 2013{ { Page 21

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 22 { {February February2013 2013{{ Bluffs Bluffs && Bayous Bayous

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 23

Something Scrumptious by Jennie Guido

Roux 61

Natchez, Mississippi

“I

f you build it, they will come” seems to be the philosophy behind one of the newest eateries in town. Jason and Madison Lees opened the doors of Roux 61 located on Highway 61 just south of Natchez in November of 2011. Ever since, it has been a favorite to everyone that has taken the quick drive to test out their new dishes and specials that never cease to please us. When I talked with Jason Lees, he recalled, “Roux 61 began as an idea in late 2010. My dad, brother, and I agreed that a nice seafood and steak restaurant was needed in town. Shortly after we decided to go on with our dream, we bought a parcel of land just south of town and began to build Roux 61.” Since it has opened, customers have come running in droves! What the Lees family was trying to achieve with Roux 61 was a dining experience that would allow the customers to be relaxed, comfortable, and have plenty to look at, too. Jason explained, “We keep adding to our décor all the time. One morning, I came into the parking lot to find a deer mount on the front porch. We took it inside and hung it, of course!” With an extensive menu filled with every type of seafood cooked any way you may want it, I do not think it is possible to go into Roux 61 and have the same meal twice. Jason’s personal favorite from the menu is a Roux 61 steaks—“a thick cut of meat and seared at 1800 degrees to your desired pinkness.” Also, he has found that some of their dishes are what bring people in who just want to take a shot at sampling them. As an example, he cites their Shrimp and

Alligator Sausage Cheesecake. It’s not your typical sweet cheesecake; this one teases the flavor pallet with savory spices and much more. “I love to see the face of our customers when it is suggested to them.” Jason states. “People come in just to try this one!” For my family, Roux 61 remains an adventure that tempts us time and time again. If we are lucky enough to get into the parking lot, we usually spend a long time perusing the menu, trying to decide which flavor

Page 24 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

sensation we want to try next. My Dad has found favorites in The Delta Queen and the Catfish LeBeaux. Both of these dishes are that all-in-one feature that any manly man seeks on his dinner plate. My Mom is a lover of almost every salad Roux 61 has to offer. Whether it’s The Wedge or the Roux 61 House Salad, she is in heaven with all the fixings that can be found atop that mountain of lettuce that each boasts. As for me, I am a crab-cake lover. If a crab cake is on a menu, I am going to try it.

And, of course, Roux 61 has one of the best in town. With actual lump crab meat mixed into that perfect blend of spices, breading, and vegetables, I just cannot resist, especially when it comes with that delightful little corn tart on the side. I can also say that Roux 61 is home to the best fried catfish in town. At my house, we eat white perch fresh from the catch, so catfish has a tough time measuring up. However, at Roux 61, the catfish is fresh, the batter is crunchy, and there is just enough salt to meld it all together without overpowering me. When I asked Jason what he has in store for his customers, what’s new for the future of Roux 61, he explained that there will be an addition in the next year: “In the late spring or early summer of 2013, we are adding an 1,800 square foot open-air addition—with a surprise for all!” He says that none of this could be possible without the loyal customers they have found over this busy first year of business. If you find yourself out south of town, stop by Roux 61 for a treat. If the menu starts to overwhelm you a little bit, you cannot go wrong with an order of the fried catfish, a side of sweet potato fries and maybe even a side house salad. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert, too! Oh, and at your upcoming Mardi Gras festivities, try this recipe for Roux 61’s famous (and fabulous) Jazz Dip:

10 pounds shredded Velveeta cheese 1/4 gallon whole milk Sauté vegetables and andoullie sausage in butter. Puree sautéed vegetables and sausage in a food processor. Warm whole milk on the stove. Do not boil. Add shredded cheese and mix until melted. Serve with tortilla chips.

Jazz Dip 1/4 pound butter 1 cup diced onion 1 cup diced bell pepper 1 cup diced celery 1/4 cup minced garlic 1 1/2 pounds andoullie sausage (sliced) Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 25

THE weddingSCENE | Tylertown, MS | Couples Shower Honors Katie Cutrer and James Petty

Couples Shower Honors Katie Cutrer and James Petty A Couples Wedding Shower was held at the Rocking R Dairy in Tylertown, Mississippi, on Saturday October 27, 2012, honoring Katie Cutrer, daughter of Eugene and Suzanne Cutrer of Osyka, Mississippi, and James Petty, son of Benny and Jenny Petty of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Hosts were Niki and Bill Ryals, aunt and uncle of the bride. Family and friends enjoyed the crisp fall air of the outdoors event while sitting on hay bales and eating a delicious meal that included appetizers of gourmet goat and cow cheese provided by the family dairy. The couple married on November 17, 2012, at the First Baptist Church of Jackson, Louisiana, with the reception following at the Old Centenary Inn.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

James Petty and Katie Cutrer Bill and Niki Ryals Jenny and Benny Petty Marsha and Robert Prine Tyler Cutrer and Katie Cutrer Shirley and John Davis with Bill and Margaret Ryals Kolbie Petty Amber and Billy Carpenter Lynn Pigott with Jackie and Robert Boone

Page 26 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

Couples Shower Honors Katie Cutrer and James Petty | Tylertown, MS | THE weddingSCENE

10 11 12 13

Eugene and Suzanne Cutrer Brady and Ethan Ryals Jaimee and Blake Ryals Linda Williams with Sarah and Wayne Kuhn

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 27

THE weddingSCENE | Natchez, MS | Rebecca Brown and Lance Kelpe Engagement Party

Rebecca Brown and Lance Kelpe Engagement Party On December 1, 2012, Rebecca Brown, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ray L. Bradford of Natchez, Mississippi, and Lance Kelpe, son of Dr. and Mrs. Jim Finley of Ruston, Louisiana, and Mr. Bruce Kelpe of Arcadia, Louisiana, were honored with an engagement cocktail party at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Reynolds of Natchez. Each guest presented the couple with a Christmas ornament to commemorate their holidays as an engaged couple in anticipation of their upcoming wedding. Photos are courtesy of Becky Tillman Jex.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Lil Finley, Lance Kelpe, and Rebecca Brown Ray and Andrea Bradford, Lance Kelpe, Rebecca Brown, James and Amy Brown, Tori Bradford, and Chase Brown Trey Dickey, Henry Farmer, Richard Edgin, and Billy Ulmer Andrea Bradford with James, Rebecca, and Chase Brown Rebecca Brown, Megan Warren, Morgan Kelpe, and Amy Brown Lauri Boyd, Andrea Bradford, Pam Wood, Mary Ruth Caldwell, and Sherrill Byrd

Page 28 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

Rebecca Brown and Lance Kelpe Engagement Party | Natchez, MS | THE weddingSCENE

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Marla Farmer, Leah Ulmer, Cynthia Reynolds, Rebecca Brown, Leigh Dickey, Christina Hall, and Sandra Ellard Clint Gleason, Rebecca Brown, Lance Kelpe, Bruce Kelpe, and Will Neeles Andrea Bradford, Tony Maher, and Wendy Freeman Sandra Ellard, Christina Hall, Pam Middleton, Andrea Bradford, and Lynn Bradford Tori Bradford and Rebecca Brown Susan and Chip Little with Ray and Andrea Bradford Leah Ulmer, Andrea Bradford, Christina Hall, and Marla Farmer

13 Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 29

Photo courtesy of Dr. Thomas and Joan W. Gandy Collection, LSU Special Collections.

The History and Magic of Mardi Gras e can thank the French for bringing Mardi Gras to the colonies. The origins of Mardi Gras in America go back to the arrival of Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville who arrived about 60 miles south of New Orleans, naming it Pointe du Mardi Gras in 1699. Bienville also established Fort Louis de la Louisiane in 1702 that is now known as Mobile,

Alabama. Thereafter, in 1716 he traveled up the Mississippi to what is now Natchez, Mississippi, creating quite a celebration. Mobile is credited with having the oldest Mardi Gras Carnival celebration in the country. The festival began as a French Catholic tradition and included hosting mystic societies, some beginning as early as 1704. New Orleans was established in 1718; and by the 1730s, Mardi Gras was celebrated openly there. Under Spanish rule, Natchez saw its Mardi Gras banned until 1823 when balls were once again permitted.

by Cheryl Rinehart Page 30 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

Opposite page: King, queen, and court of an early Mardi Gras in Natchez, Mississippi This page: Queen Rosalie XXXI Sherry Beardon and King Rex XXXI Tim Sessions lead the second line during the New Year’s Eve King and Queen Ball held at the Natchez Community Center. Photo courtesy of Bill Beane.

Unlike its mystique-filled origins, Mardi Gras today is marked by public parades and balls. Mobile, most likely having the oldest exclusive krewes and secret societies, begins its royal rituals in November each year; and for certain families, these rituals are entwined with social debutante seasons. Some locales begin their Mardi Gras festivities on New Year’s Eve while others initiate the season on Twelfth Night. New Orleans is probably the most famous for its outlandish carnival celebration. Since its earliest carnival emerged in 1781 with the formation of the Perseverance Benevolent & Mutual Aid Association, New Orleans has seen the creation of hundreds of krewes and organizations. The Mistick Krewe of Comus, in particular, devised by six young Mobile natives in 1856, brought magic and mystery to New Orleans with dazzling floats and masked balls. Comus still reigns and krewe members remain anonymous to this day. Natchez is another city with a rich carnival history. Before the Civil War, an established tradition was the annual Fireman’s Ball, hosted each February to coincide with Mardi Gras Carnival time in New Orleans. Natchez, high on the bluff overlooking the winding Mississippi River, would be aglow by torchlight, and a procession would wind through the downtown streets from the bluff to the courthouse. The season’s venue also included parades with bands and military units as participants from all areas of the town’s religious, benevolent, and social groups joined the revelry. On Mardi Gras day in Natchez, another elaborate parade would take place with the arrival of Rex; and festivities continued into the night with a ball. Following the Civil War, Natchez leaders had re-introduced Mardi Gras to Mississippi by 1875, and Natchez continued this thriving celebration until 1910. With the two world wars that followed and the interim prohibition era and Great Depression, Natchez Mardi Gras remained

dormant. However, in the late 1970s and into the early 1980s, the Natchez Mardi Gras Committee was formed and created the Krewe of Phoenix to bring Mardi Gras back to Natchez. Today, five formal krewes host parties, parades, and balls. Many other float-riding krewes, groups, and organizations also have joined the festivities; and one masked, politically oriented krewe marches each year in downtown Natchez, hosting its ball following the parade. This year in Natchez, Krewe of Phoenix King Rex XXXI is Tim Sessions, husband of Bluffs & Bayous’ Sales Executive Donna Sessions. Tim reigns with Sherry Bearden as Queen Rosalie XXXI. Both reigning royalty are well versed in the merriment of Mardi Gras traditions. Sherry’s family involvement with the Krewe of Phoenix

...in the late 1970s and into the early 1980s, The Natchez Mardi Gras Committee was formed and created the Krewe of Phoenix...

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 31

1. Krewe of Ice Queens—one of the many social krewes formed to ride in the Krewe of Phoenix Parade 2. A walking reveler in one of the many carnival parades in Mobile, Alabama 3. 2012 Krewe of Phoenix Queen Rosalie XXX tossing beads during the Krewe of Phoenix parade 4. Mobile Mardi Gras themed float in 2012

runs deep. Her sister, Betty Lou Nettles served as Duchess La Glorieuse in 1989; and Sherry’s husband, Chuck Bearden, served as Rex XXV in 2007. Her nieces Madelyn and Farrar Brown and nephew Eric Brown served as pages to their father, Rex VI Raymond Brown, in 1988. Sherry’s son, Kyle McDonough, also served as page to Rex VI. This year, her nephew Stanley Cooper serves as a duke on her court. Sherry Bearden has served the krewe in every capacity except treasurer though she has served on the finance committee. “Some say I’ve earned my stripes in the krewe, but it was such a heart-felt endeavor to try and help Phoenix achieve success that I believe I had more fun than hard work. It’s different, though, on this side of the fence,” laughed Bearden. King Rex XXXI, Tim Sessions has been a faithful Krewe of Phoenix member through the years and served as a duke in the 2005 Mardi Gras court. As King Rex XXXI, he reflected, “A major factor in producing each of the events during the Mardi Gras season and ensuring that they go as smoothly as possible is having a queen like

Page 32 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

5. & 6. Mystic krewes, many with male memberships, toss crowds anything from MoonPies to Cabbage Patch Dolls. 7. Family participation in NOLA carnival has members dressing in character to attend parades. 8. Specially made ladders with seats enable children to garner beads and other trinkets during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Sherry Bearden, who carries so many of the same values and ideas that I have.” Not only do these two orchestrate the Mardi Gras season’s festivities but they also give a face to the Krewe of Phoenix as a facet of tourism, marketing Natchez to the world. In addition, they represent their krewe’s presence in various community events, their krewe’s investment in its community’s youth by annually awarding scholarships to graduating seniors, and their krewe’s collaboration with the other krewes in Natchez. The Krewe of Phoenix’s involvement in community events begins in October with the annual Chili Cook Off benefit for the Natchez Children’s Home. This community involvement continues with participation in the Natchez Christmas Parade, the Krewe of the Natchez Indians Parade, and the Krewe of Phoenix Parade and also includes visiting various nursing homes and schools to share the spirit of Mardi Gras. “Being on the Court has offered the opportunity to make new friends and renew old friendships,” explained Sessions. “All of the krewes are gracious to share their

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 33

Creative floats sometimes are three levels high for krewe members to toss out trinkets.

celebrations with one another as the krewes represent many of the different cultures that make up this great section of our country.” My own French ancestry and living along the Mississippi are influences that run deep, enriching my family members’ lives as we embrace the seasonal traditions of Mardi Gras. Currently, we have three out of five children residing in New Orleans and long-time close friends who belong to a mystic krewe in Mobile. Through these family members and friends, we celebrate the Mardi Gras season in all three locales. Our grandchildren have grown up

alongside parade routes and dressed in outlandish costumes to join the excitement; and even the grand-dog has marched in the Barkus Parade. My mother’s school, Pleasant Acre, located in Natchez, gets in on the act with students’ sorting, grouping, and selling Mardi Gras beads to the community, all the while accepting beads from the Mississippi, Alabama, and NOLA celebrations to replenish their supply. This year our two granddaughters who were born January 5 and 9, 2012, recently celebrated their oneyear birthdays at Mardi Gras World in New

Page 34 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

Orleans. Beads, beads everywhere; floats; costumes; Mardi Gras masks; King Cakes, and tutus in purple, green, and gold filled the day with mystique and magic! We hope your Mardi Gras season is filled with fun, adventure, and magic, too, as you don layers and layers of colorful beads, bask in the revelry of a party or ball, or mingle with the masses at a Mardi Gras parade, remembering, of course, that most important spirit-of-the-season shout-out, with arms held high and a voice as strong and loud as you can muster…… Throw me somethin’, mista!

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 35

THE social SCENE | Brookhaven, MS | Fall Gathering

Fall Gathering The Order of the First Families of Mississippi held their Fall Gathering in Brookhaven, Mississippi, on Saturday, October 27, 2012. Members and guests gathered at the Lincoln County Museum for the morning Welcome Party and attended a noon luncheon thereafter at Mitchellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant. Cynthia Cleveland McNamara presented a program on the causes of the War of 1812 in recognition of the historical events of 200 years ago.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Guest Speaker Cindy McNamara and Governor General Wendy Cartwright Billie Davis and Genevieve Harris Jim Westermeier and Roy Eaton Cindy McNamara and Pearl Strange Tom Bowen with Roy and Christine Eaton Vernon and Ann LaCour and Genevieve Harris Carol Westermeier and Donna Trosclair

Page 36 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

Fall Gathering | Brookhaven, MS | THE social SCENE

8 9 10

Ann and Earl McCraven with Mary Belle Douglas John Goss with Jeanne and Jim Oglesby Ronald and Carolyn Smith

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 37

Page 38 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 39

Vicksburg’s St. George Church Lebanese by Ellis Nassour • Photographs by Jeffrey West

At the end of the nineteenth century, immigrants from Syria and Lebanon traveled up the Mississippi or made their way from New York and settled in Vicksburg because of work opportunities. They opened dry goods stores and groceries. Times were difficult. There was discrimination. Soon, they became a large

very community has fundraisers: pancake suppers, catfish fries, spaghetti and turkey dinners, carnivals. However, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, as Lent approaches, appetites are focused on the annual Lebanese dinner prepared by the women of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church. It’s a much-anticipated tasting extravaganza of savory Mediterranean dishes, mainly Lebanese and Syrian; and one of the largest of its kind in the state. This year’s event, the 53rd annual gathering, is on Monday, February 25, in the church’s Baroudy Hall [2709 South Washington Street]. Lunch is 11 A.M. to 2 P.M.; dinner, 5 to7 P.M. The date is set four to six months in advance, as the dinner must precede the Orthodox Lent. Each year, it’s dedicated to deceased members who actively worked. “Our dinner celebrates the Old World traditions, charm, and certainly the culinary talents passed down from generation to generation to mother and daughter, even sons,” says Lori West,

Page 40 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

and thriving community. For years, St. George was the only Antiochian (Syrian) Orthodox Church in Mississippi. It evolved from a storefront mission, to a converted Protestant church, and the current St. George edifice. The church is celebrating its 107th Anniversary. President of the Women of St. George, who works as a quality control manager at Clinton’s Gulf States Canning. She’s not only not Lebanese, but also a convert to Orthodoxy. “We haven’t changed the menu in years,” notes Dinner Chair Rhonda Wright, who caters and is co-owner of Goldie’s Trail Barbeque. “It’s what the customers want!” The dinner attracts state, county, and local officials and ministers from other faiths. Classic favorites are kibbee, rolled cabbage, and tabouli. The $11 plate also includes green beans, and pita bread. Coffee and water are on the tables. Baklawa and nut-filled pastries sumbuski and ma’mool are $1. Take-out meals are the same price. The church parking lot begins to fill and lines form at 10:30 A.M. Within an hour, the lot and area parking spaces are full. Police and county deputies direct traffic. At the start, St. George’s women couldn’t forsee dinners 53 years hence; “but,” says original dinner co-chair, Polly Nasif, 91, “We were sure, with so many Lebanese businesses and so many non-Lebanese that were familiar with our food, that they’d come.

Dinner Is Treasured Annual Tradition They did and loved it. We had no idea how large it would become! One thing that hasn’t changed is the amount of work.” “However,” states Rolled Cabbage Co-chair Miriam Jabour, the Vicksburg Post gardening columnist, “Church members don’t mind the work because our goal is to offset church expenses. The dinner also strengthens and enriches our church family and our standing in the community.” Dinner funds helped build the new church, dedicated in 1967, with modern amenities such as Baroudy Hall, named in memory of a decades-long pastor, and Sunday school rooms. Mrs. Nasif recalls, “At the first dinners, we used plates, glasses, and silverware. We washed and dried everything by hand. The kids rolled the silver in napkins. We ran out of food a few times. Still, we enjoyed it and there was always laughter.” Her daughter, Donna Thornton, observes, “We’ve never had a heavy-duty dishwasher, but now everything on the tables is disposable.” Sue Thomas, who is Rolled Cabbage Co-chair with Mrs. Jabour, adds, “It’s a heavy load and time consuming, but there’s a great outpouring of fellowship among the congregation and community.” Mrs. Thomas, a convert to Orthodoxy and to Lebanese traditions by marriage, learned making authentic dishes “doing exactly like my husband’s mother.” She went from being a rolled cabbage novice to being able to fill a pot with cabbage rolls in less than an hour with her cohort. “The most wonderful thing,” says Rosalie Thomas, 98, involved since inception until 2010, when she injured her leg, “is

how the dinner brings our congregation and the Lebanese together. You see friends you don’t see every day. They come from Jackson, Port Gibson, Natchez, and Louisiana. Many who don’t live here anymore use the dinner as an excuse to spend a long weekend and to enjoy food they don’t often have. It’s a unique tradition we’re passing along to the next generation. I’m always impressed with how hard our young people work.” The dinner is a multi-day operation. There are various food committees as well as chairpersons for ticket sales, dining room set-up, take-out, and publicity. Because of lack of kitchen space at the B’nai B’rith Club where the dinners were originally served, members made dishes at home their way. Now, with a large kitchen that’s still not large enough, everyone works with one purpose. Dolores Nosser, whose daughter Lori passed recently and who is the 2013 honoree, recalls being involved “with my entire family since the early days. Easily, now, we make 12,500 cabbage rolls and 4,000 pieces of kibbee. Lori Nosser Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 41

Page 42 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

What it takes to make the Lebanese Dinner Kibbee: 200 pounds of Number 2 cracked wheat, 300 pounds of double-ground ground round, 100 pounds of ground chuck, and 10 pounds of pine nuts for stuffing Rolled cabbage: 150 pounds of cabbage, 250 pounds of ground round; 250 pounds of rice Tabouli: 50 pounds of Number 2 cracked wheat; 280 pounds of tomatoes; 450 pounds of lettuce; 70 pounds of green onions; 80 pounds of parsley; 70 pounds of green onions Green beans: 250 gallons of cut green beans; 30 pounds of chopped onions; five pounds of chopped garlic; 24 gallons of tomato sauce; and 12 gallons of chopped tomatoes Pita bread: 3,840 pieces of pocket bread

1. Jimmy Angelo of Jackson, Mississippi, keeps his hands busy kneading the double-ground ground beef for kibbee. 2. Rhonda Wright, Dinner Chair and Purchasing Agent, prepares rolled cabbage the day before 2012’s dinner. 3. Tabouli Salad Chair Angela Angelo of Jackson, Mississippi, mixes tabouli, her exclusive domain. 4. Dobie Nosser prepares tomatoes for tabouli with helper Walt Andrews, son of Nadia Andrews. 5. St. George member Mary Rantisi and daughter Nadia Andrews prepare stuffed rolled cabbage. 6., 7., & 8. The family that preps together stays together: Nancy Thomas prepares for the dinner with her eager children volunteering—Sarah helping with the stuffed, rolled cabbage; Gregory, Jr., “panning” some kibbee; and Tori measuring salt for the cabbage rolls.

We’ve gone from serving 500 meals to 3,500 in 2012.” On the rare occasion when there are leftovers, parishioners are eager to purchase. Friday, prep begins with coring cabbage heads and preparing the leaves. Saturday is spent stuffing and rolling cabbage and stacking them in warmers so they’ll be cotton-soft when served. “Following Sunday service,” says Sue Thomas, “green beans with tomato sauce are prepared. Later, vegetables are washed and diced for tabouli.” That night, the food assembly plant is transformed into a dining room. “The dinner’s a well-oiled machine,” says Mrs. Wright. “Most of the committee chairs have held their position for years. We joke that once you have a job, the only way to lose it is in death. I’m sure those who’ve gone before us still do their jobs in heaven. They’re smiling down on us.” Mrs. Jabour points out, “There’s a misconception that only Lebanese belong to St. George’s. At least half of our congregation is converts. I grew up Methodist; and, before moving to Vicksburg, I’d never tasted Lebanese food. I learned to prepare it from my late mother-in-law and observing preparations for the dinner.” Recipes from the Women of St. George presents T’ai Bien: A “Delicious” Collection of Lebanese Recipes (T’ai bein translates as “tastes good.”)

Preparing Bulgur (cracked wheat) for Recipes [Bulgur is sold in three types: No. 1 – fine grind; No. 2 – coarse grind; No. 3 – mixed grind.] Rinse wheat in a bowl of cold water several times. Finally, use three cups of water for each cup of wheat. Soak for 30 minutes. Drain well through a fine strainer or, in the tried and true Lebanese fashion, squeeze fistfuls by hand to remove excess water. Tabouli (Cracked Wheat and Vegetable Salad) 1 cup No. 2 bulgur (cracked wheat) 4 cups water 1 bunch green onions, chopped 1 bunch parsley, chopped 8 sprigs fresh mint, finely chopped (or 3 tablespoons dried mint) 4 large tomatoes, peeled (optional) and chopped Juice of 4 lemons or 1/2 cup lemon juice 1/2 cup olive oil 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Soak wheat in water for about 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze wheat thoroughly dry. Mix ingredients. Delicious served in leaves of lettuce or tender grape leaves.

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 43

Kibbee 2 1/2 cups No. 2 bulgur (cracked wheat) 2 pounds lean double-ground ground lamb (traditional) or beef 2 large onions, finely grated or ground 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon red pepper (optional) 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon Prepare wheat accordingly. In large bowl, mix and knead ingredients – folding over frequently and gently squeezing through fingers. Keep a bowl of ice water handy in order to keep hands wet. Hoshwee (stuffing for fried kibbee; middle layer for baked kibbee) 2 pounds double-ground ground beef or lamb 1 1/2 sticks butter/margarine 2 large onions, finely chopped 3/4 cup pine nuts Salt, black pepper, red pepper, and cinnamon to taste Lightly brown pine nuts in butter or margarine. Remove pine nuts and set aside. Brown meat in butter or margarine. Add onions and seasonings. Stir. Then on low

With a knife, create a diamond pattern or squares. Bake until golden brown (45 minutes - one hour). All kibbee recipes, raw or cooked, can be frozen. Before baking or frying, stuffed raw kibbee, ala steak tartar, is delicious.

flame, sauté slowly until onions are translucent. Add pine nuts and cook another minute. For Baked Kibbee: Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease/oil baking pan; layer a halfinch of kibbee on pan bottom; spread hoshwee (adding more pine nuts, if desired); and do a final half-inch layer. In the middle, in a finger hole, add a tablespoon of olive oil.

Page 44 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

Fatahyer (Spinach Pie) 2 pounds fresh spinach, washed and cut 2 large onions, finely chopped 3/4 cup oil Juice of 3 lemons (or more to taste) Salt, pepper, and cinnamon to taste 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped (optional) into small pieces 2 tablespoons dried mint Basic dough Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Filling: combine all ingredients except dough. Mix well and set aside. Form dough into three inch balls. Set aside for 30 minutes. Roll into circles. Dough should have pie-crust thinness. Put 1/4 cup of filling onto circle. Fold dough “diaper style” to form triangle. Brush with oil. Bake on greased sheet 12 to 15 minutes. NOTE: Decrease dough ball size for appetizer pies.

Mishee Malfoof (Stuffed Rolled Cabbage) Filling: 2 medium or 1 large head cabbage, parboiled and prepared 1 pound ground beef or lamb* 2 cups rice Salt, pepper, and cinnamon to taste Seasoning for water: 6 cloves of garlic, quartered 1/2 - 3/4 cup lemon juice Salt, pepper, and cinnamon to taste Water, as required Preparation of cabbage leaves: Remove core and place cabbage, core end down, into boiling water. With a long fork and/or tongs, remove leaves from head of cabbages as they loosen. Allow leaves to remain in the water, cooking until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove, drain, and cool. Remove hard stem. Cut large leaves in half. Filling: Add butter and seasonings to rice, mix well. Add meat. Mix by handsqueezing until meat and seasoned rice are “bound.” Set aside. Cabbage Leaves: Evenly distribute 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of filling along, the edge

over medium heat 30 minutes. Add lemon juice. Cook 10 to 15 additional minutes. NOTE: Can be baked in oven: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Put rolls into a deep casserole using same layering method. Add seasoned water. Bake until water boils. Decrease heat to 350 degrees. Cook until done, about 30 minutes. Add lemon juice during the final 15 minutes. *One can of chickpeas (garbanzos) can be substituted for one pound of meat.

of the leaf. Roll firmly, cigar fashion, leaving ends open. Preparation: Line bottom of large pot with the heavy outer leaves. Add eight pieces of garlic. Lay rolls side by side. After first layer, lay next in the opposite direction. Continue alternating each layer. When finished, lay more heavy leaves on top. Add seasoned water to cover. Place an inverted plate over leaves. Cook, covered,

Ma’mool (Nut-filled Pastry) 2 cups butter or margarine, melted 5 tablespoons flour 1 large package Cream of Wheat l/4 cup sugar (or more to taste) 1 cup milk (low-fat is okay) 1 package dry yeast 1 lb. coarsely-ground walnuts or pecans (optional: mix in ¼ - ¾ cup sugar) Powdered sugar Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Pour hot melted butter over flour, Cream of Wheat, and sugar. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Heat 1/2 cup of milk. Pour over mixture. Mix. Set aside one hour. Warm Continued on page 47

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 45

Page 46 { {February February2013 2013{{ Bluffs Bluffs && Bayous Bayous

Vicksburg’s St. George Church Lebanese Dinner Is Treasured Annual Tradition Continued from page 45

remaining half cup of milk, and mix with yeast. Combine mixtures. Mix and knead until it holds together. Break into rounded one-and-a-half-inch pieces. Pat into desired shape (round, square, triangle, or crescent). Add nuts. Place piece of same shape on top. Work pastry to seal well. Unbaked ma’mool should be firm. Place on ungreased baking sheet and design each with fork tines. Bake 18 minutes or until lightly browned. Coat with powdered sugar while hot. Ma’mool can be frozen. Zelabee (Donut) 4 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 package yeast 2 tablespoons oil 1/2 cup warm water Dissolve yeast in water. Add flour, salt, and oil. Knead, adding water as needed to form soft dough. Set aside for one hour; then roll out on floured board. Cut into squares or strips. Drop into hot oil. Fry until golden. Serve with heavy syrup* or powdered sugar.

* Heavy syrup recipe: two cups sugar, one cup water, and one tablespoon lemon juice. In heavy saucepan, slowly bring sugar and water to boil. Simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add lemon juice. Store refrigerated. To order the T’ai Bien cookbook (42 pages; 120 recipes); price, including postage, $10: Cookbook Women of St. George Orthodox Church 2709 Washington Street Vicksburg, MS 39180

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 47

Random Jottings by Patricia Taylor

My Random Jottings of Cambridgeshire

y random jottings have talked mostly about places near to our home in Essex, England. This month, however, I am going to take you to where the county of Essex tips gracefully into Cambridgeshire and the peaceful, softly rolling fields of Essex flatten out gently until they meet the Fens north of Cambridge City. The East Anglia Fenlands were once a vast area of reed-beds, pools, and mires with tufts of solid ground rising above shallow water. Tucked into the last of the gently rolling hills before the flatness of the Fens takes over the landscape are beautiful Anglesey Abbey and its 98 acres of magnificent gardens1, now in the care of the National Trust. Anglesey Abbey, or Priory, as it would have been known at the time, was founded by Henry I in 1135 and began its life as the hospital of St. Mary, converting to a Priory in the early thirteenth century. Over the centuries, the house has had various owners; and in 1848, the Reverend John Hailstone bought it, changed its name to Anglesey Abbey, and demolished the greater part of the Priory. The Abbey’s last owner was Huttleston Rogers The East Anglia Fenlands once were a vast area of reed-beds, pools, and mires. Broughton, First Lord Fairhaven. He was born in 1896 in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, the son of Urban Hanlon Broughton, an English-born engineer who made his wealth in the United States from mining and financial Lord Fairhaven and his brother Henry enjoyed horse racing and management. His mother was Cara Leyland Rogers, daughter of kept their own racing stables at Newmarket and bought rundown Henry Huttleston Rogers who made his considerable fortune in Anglesey Abbey for nearby lodging and shooting. When Henry the oilfields of Pennsylvania. He was co-founder of Standard Oil Broughton married in 1932, he sold his share of the estate to Lord of New Jersey (Exxon). He also dabbled successfully in mining Fairhaven who remodelled and extended the house to showcase and railroads, amassing some $100 million fortune by the time of his splendid collection of fine art and the most amazing antiques his death in 1909. and furniture. In 1912 Cara and Urban Broughton returned to England with Over the next 36 years, Lord Fairhaven took what was flat fentheir children Huttleston and Henry; and Urban served as a land and turned it into a garden of beauty and peace. It is now one Conservative Member of Parliament. Urban was quite something. of the finest examples of twentieth-century gardens to be found in He used his wealth for the benefit of the British nation by purthe east of England. He incorporated formal gardens with natural rechasing Runneymede in Surrey. Runneymede is the place where serves, tree-lined avenues, a wild-flower meadow, a rose garden, a on June 15, 1215, King John (1167-1216), in order to avoid civil dahlia garden, and one of the most spectacular herbaceous borders war, affixed his seal to the Magna Carta under pressure from 40 of I have ever seen. As you wander around the avenues and pathways, his barons.3 Their intentions were to protect their rights and propLord Fairhaven’s collection of statues can be seen tucked into hedges, erty against what they thought to be a tyrannical King. During the settled under trees, or lining pathways. If you are ever in the neighAmerican Revolution the colonists embodied these laws into the bourhood, Anglesey Abbey and its gardens are most definitely a ‘must Constitution and Bill of Rights as the Fifth Amendment. see.’ Come in spring and witness carpets of crocus and cyclamen in Urban Broughton was recognised for his philanthropy with a swathes over grass and woodland, and take a look around Lode’s mill, peerage but unfortunately died before he could be conferred. The a water-driven flour mill, and buy some fabulous flour for baking. peerage passed to his widow Cara and his eldest son Huttleston, One cannot be in this area of the country without visiting Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial.3 It sits just 3 miles who took his title from his maternal grandfather’s birthplace, Fairhaven, Massachusetts. To preserve Runneymede for Britain, west of Cambridge on a little over 30 acres of land donated by Cara and Huttleston, now Lord Fairhaven, presented it to the Cambridge University. It is the only permanent American World National Trust in Urban’s memory.2 War II cemetery in the British Isles. Page 48 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

Greeting those entering the grounds, the 72-foot flag pole, bearing the flag of the United States of America, stands tall and proud on a plinth, offering a spectacular view of the cemetery grounds and countryside beyond. Below, rows of white crosses bear the name, rank, and state of those buried beneath, interspersed with the Star of David denoting those of Jewish faith. All are uniformly arranged in a sectioned curve that sweeps down the hill to the valley beyond. Each section is enclosed by boxwood hedges complemented by sweet gum, tulip trees, catalpa, beech, and oak. The sight makes one pause to honour the sacrifice these men and women made so we may live in freedom. To the right of the flag pole is the Great Mall with its reflecting pools, lined on one side by hawthorn trees and stunning in the spring when covered in a profusion of pink blossoms like candyfloss on a stick. On the opposite side of the pools is the Tablet to the Missing, a wall of Portland stone 472 feet in length listing the names of 5,126 missing in action. It includes that of President Kennedy’s brother Joseph and Alton Glen Miller. Interspersed along the wall are four huge statues, a soldier, sailor, airman, and a Coast Guardsman, appearing to stand guard on the fallen; the view just takes one’s breath away. The Mall leads to The Memorial, a chapel and museum also built of Portland stone. The north side of the building has five pylons (pillars) each dated for a year that the United States fought during World War II. On the south side wall is a huge map depicting all the American bases on British soil during the war. It shows the invasion routes to North Africa in 1942 and to Normandy in 1944, along with the principal air and sea routes from the United States to Britain. At certain times throughout the day a carillon of bells from The Memorial plays tunes loved by all. Taps is played around 4.30 p.m., the sound resonating across the cemetery, rolling down into the valley below. At this time the flag is lowered and folded. Should your visit coincide with Taps, Mr. Brookes and his colleagues encourage you to help them lower and fold your nation’s flag. Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial is a place of quiet tranquility and beauty that touches the heart and soul of all. If you are in Cambridgeshire, please pay it a visit. Goodbye until next time. Freedom flies in your heart like an eagle Let it soar with the winds high above, Among the spirits of soldiers now sleeping, Guard it with care and with love. ~ from Freedom Flies in your Heart Like an Eagle by Audie Leon Murphy Anglesey Abbey: My grateful thanks go to Gareth Sandham, House and Collections Manager, National Trust, for his assistance and permission to print such splendid photographs. Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial: My grateful thanks go to Arthur J. Brookes (Cemetery Associate) for all his help and for his wonderful photographs. 1. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/anglesey-abbey/ 2. http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured_documents/ magna_carta/ 3. http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/ca.php

Top—The Great Mall with reflective pools Middle—Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial is a place of quite tranquility. Bottom—Tablet to the Missing, a portland stone wall 472 feet long listing names of 5,126 missing in action

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 49

THE social SCENE | Natchez, MS | Katherine Bray' s Annual Christmas Party

Katherine Bray' s Annual Christmas Party Friends and family gathered in December at Dunleith in Natchez, Mississippi, for a Christmas gathering hosted by Katherine Bray of Woodville, Mississippi. Guests gathered in the lovely antebellum home decorated for Christmas, enjoyed a rich array of holiday fare, and celebrated the spirit of the holiday.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Kitty Bray, Edine Seal, Drew Pierson, and Sara Knox ReneĂŠ McGraw, Gena Sessions, Raven Lewis, Laura Ann Whetstone, Sallie Treppedahl, Edine Seal, and Julie Feltcher Katie McCurley, Kate Seal, Katie McCarstle, Ida Whetstone, Sharon Westbury, and Jan Netterville ReneĂŠ McGraw with Kate and Charles Seal Jenna and John Holyoak with Tommy Jo and Sam Blackmon Scott and Sharon Westberry, Katherine Bray, and Wil Seal

5 Page 50 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

Katherine Bray' s Annual Christmas Party | Natchez, MS | THE social SCENE

7 8 9

Katherine Bray, Aulene Flaccomio, Minnie Smith, and Steve Jones Wettlin Treppendahl with David and Elizabeth Wilkerson Front—Stephen Seal, Bob Bray, Katherine Bray, and Jennings Owens; back—Bob Lewis, Wettlin Treppendahl, Andy Lewis, Wil Seal, Reneé McGraw, Randy Whetstone, and Sam Blackmon Paul Arnold with David and Reneé McGraw

12 13 12

Bob Bray, Sally Morris, Minnie Smith, Toby Morris, and Shep and Beverly Crawford Kitty and David Bray, Katherine Bray, and Bob and Becky Bray Andy and Lili Lewis

13 Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 51

THE social SCENE | Natchez, MS | Miss-Lou Medical Centers Celebrate Christmas

Miss-Lou Medical Centers Celebrate Christmas A Christmas Celebration was hosted by Natchez Community Hospital, Natchez Regional Medical Center, Promise Hospital, and Riverland Medical Center during the 2012 holiday season. BriarVue in Natchez, Mississippi, provided a beautiful setting for health-care professionals to enjoy an evening of fun, music, and camaraderie among the Miss-Lou hospitals and their leadership teams, medical staff, and boards of trustees.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Deanna Bowser with Kathy and Dr. Jeffery Traina Twania and Carey Baskin Dr. Ruth Nichols and Debbie Hudson Sarah Smith, Jim Smith, Marcia Passman, Wayne Waller, and Dr. Carl Passman Amy Campbell, Alice Thorpe, Todd Gartner, Alan Massengale, and Irby Campbell Brandon and Jenny Rowe, Chris Borum, Dr. Chuck Borum, Stratton Hall, and Larry Brown Dr. Ed Daley, Key Smith, Chuck Caldwell, Laurie Pere, and Brad Yarborough

Page 52 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

Miss-Lou Medical Centers Celebrate Christmas | Natchez, MS | THE social SCENE

8 9 10 11 12

Ed Bowser, Mitchell Chappell, and Joseph Bullen Forest and Barbara Persons with James and Melia Waddill Dr. James and Malia Waddill, Kathy Traina, Dr. Karl and Noemie Hubbard, and Christine and Dr. John Wright Cameron Boyette, Tammie Cothern, and Stephanie Rehms Eric and Jenny Robinson, David and Charla Knapp, and Sharon and Dr. Dennis LaRavia

13 Dr. Dan McCallum, 14

Cherish McCallum, and Kay Jenkins Bill Heburn and Reverend LeRoy White

14 Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 53

THE social SCENE | Natchez, MS | Miss-Lou Medical Centers Celebrate Christmas

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15

Brandon and Suzanne Price Sarah Smith, Kay Ketchings, and Sue Loy Elaine and Mike Gemmell with Barry and Sue Loy Kathy and Dr. Jeffery Traina, Dr. Vivek Bhargava, and Dr. Anubha Jati Brian Day, Nelson Baughman, Jerry and Carlyn Elenbaas, and Richard Gould Dr. John Smith and Blythe Smith with Missy Rentro Lawrence and Nekisha Smith

21 Page 54 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

December Events at Turning Pages Books & More | Natchez, MS | THE social SCENE

December Events at Turning Pages Books & More Peggy Sweeny-McDonald, author of Meanwhile Back at Café Du Monde was a guest of Turning Pages Books & More in Natchez, Mississippi, during the recent holidays. The new tome, a cookbook, contains recipes and monologues recalling memories of love, life, family, and friends. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of her book is given to Liberty’s Kitchen, a nonprofit organization in New Orleans. Sheliah Hamilton Pantin and Kerry Hamilton, great-grandchildren of author Mary Hamilton, were on hand for a Book Talk held in December 2012 at Turning Pages. Pantin, presented the program in celebration of the twentieth anniversary re-publication of Mary Hamilton’s Trials of the Earth, originally published in 1993. The new rendition contains the original forward by author Ellen Douglas and a new introduction by Mississippi native Morgan Freeman. Trials of the Earth is a biography of one of the first white female settlers in the Mississippi Delta. On December 15, 2012, Sherye Simmons Green, a former Miss Mississippi, conducted a Book Talk at Turning Pages. She presented Abandon Not My Soul, book one of her The Timothy House Chronicles, a trilogy of inspirational fiction about surviving adversity through hope and forgiveness using faith in God. Green is an inspirational speaker who teaches at Jackson Preparatory School and is an adjunct instructor at Mississippi College.

1 2 3

Sherye Simmons Green and Nancy Kimbrell Sherye Simmons Green with Jackson Jones, Fletcher Mims, Lake Jones, Kim Jones, and Jordan Jones Peggy Sweeney-McDonald with Mary Emrick

4 5

Sheliah Hamilton Pantin with Elodie Prichartt and Daye Dearing Richie Montgomery with Kerry Hamilton

5 Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 55

Legal Notes by Lucien C. “Sam” Gwin III

Law Along the Mississippi Is It Truly Free Will? (Part II)

y last article dealt with the issue of a will contest based on the question, “Did the person executing the will (the testator) have the mental capacity to do so?” Mental incapacity is one of the most common grounds for contesting a will. The next most common ground for contesting one’s will is whether the beneficiary of the will had a confidential relationship with the testator and thereby exercised undue influence over the testator. Assume the following hypothetical facts that I literally have seen in the real world time and time again: Mr. Smith, a widower, is getting up in years. Mentally, he is still functional; but physically, he has become very frail and is highly dependent on others. He has three sons whom he has always been close to. He decides at the invitation of his oldest son, Needy Smith, to move into Needy’s house. For convenience, Mr. Smith decides to have Needy added to his checking account. At the same time, Mr. Smith also decides it would help if Needy had a Power of Attorney just in case one was needed. Within a year of this living arrangement, Needy starts to take Mr. Smith everywhere including the doctor, the pharmacist, haircuts, grocery store, etc. This, of course, entails a lot of work and responsibility on the part of Needy, and Needy starts to feel that he deserves more from his father because of all of the care. Needy starts to complain to Smith that he deserves more from the will. As Mr. Smith gets older and more feeble, he begins to listen to Needy. Then one day, he asks Needy to call his attorney so that he can have a new will drawn up. Needy calls Barry Mason, who is his attorney. Needy drives Mr. Smith to Mason’s office,

and there Mr. Smith meets with Mason and discusses his assets. At this point, Mason asks Needy to leave the room. Mr. Smith tells Mason that he has three sons and Needy has been extremely helpful to him. He tells Mason to draw a will leaving Needy $450,000.00. Mr. Smith does not want to exclude his other sons, and he tells Mason to give them the rest of his estate. Unfortunately, this amounts to approximately $50,000.00. Upon Smith’s death, you can guess what happens. The two sons that were left out see an attorney and begin a will contest, alleging that Needy had a confidential relationship with their father and exerted undue influence over him. Mississippi law presumes undue influence where a confidential relationship exists between a testator and a beneficiary to his will if the beneficiary participated in some way in the preparation of said will. Our Court looks at the following various factors in first determining if a confidential relationship exists or not: whether or not the testator is cared for by a beneficiary; whether there is a close relationship with the testator; whether transportation and medical care are provided by the beneficiary; whether there is a joint banking account; whether the testator is physically or mentally weak; whether the testator is of advanced age or poor health; and whether or not a Power of Attorney exists between the testator and the beneficiary.

Page 56 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

As you can see from the hypothetical situation mentioned above, all of these factors are present. Again, I have seen this situation many times. Furthermore, our courts have said that undue influence can arise from suspicious circumstances surrounding the creation of a will when there is also a confidential relationship. In other words, often times when an old person had a planned estate for many years, then starts living with one family member, and at the last minute changes his will leaving the bulk of the estate to said family member, such could be considered suspicious circumstances. In the end, it is all left up to a jury or a judge to decide if the circumstances support that the confidential relationship was abused and undue influence was exerted over the testator. My Take: Any time an older, fragile person wants to change his or her will within a short time before death, leaving everything to one family member or excluding the majority of family members, attorneys should closely scrutinize a person’s motives and determine if the testator truly understood his actions and the consequences. I believe a frank discussion should be had with all family members together with the testator explaining why he is doing what he is doing.

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 57

February up

& coming! Premier EVENTS

February 21 - 24 24th Annual Natchez Literary & Cinema Celebration Natchez, Mississippi “For more than 150 years, America’s Civil War has influenced not only military leaders and historians but also legions of creative people,” said Carolyn Vance Smith of Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Natchez, Mississippi. Smith and Copiah-Lincoln founded the award-winning, annual Natchez Literary & Cinema Celebration in 1990; and it is now sponsored by Copiah-Lincoln, Natchez National Historical Park, and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. In addition to the Civil War’s influence on history and the creative arts, according to Smith, “The NLCC will explore physical references to the war in Natchez houses, churches, cemeteries and other sites. Keynote speaker on the evening of February 21 is the noted professor and author William Cooper of Louisiana State University, who will present “1863: Year of Crucial Decisions.” Cooper is the author of Jefferson Davis and the Civil War Era and We Have the War Upon Us: The Onset of the Civil War, November 1860-April 1861. In addition, on February 24 events will include tours of sites associated with the Civil War. The morning tour is of Longwood and Rosalie, two National Historic Landmark mansions; the afternoon tour features four sites—Forks of the Road; The Burn, a mansion inside the Union’s Fort McPherson; Natchez City Cemetery; and Natchez National Cemetery.

Page 58 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

Music inspired by the Civil War will be performed February 22 after lunch in the Carriage House at Stanton Hall by re-enactors Jim Woodrick and Tim Waltman, both of Jackson, Mississippi. Music of the Civil War is also the theme of a concert, sponsored by the NLCC, Natchez Festival of Music, and University of Southern Mississippi, on February 23 at Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church. An awards ceremony February 23 will honor three outstanding writers, two of whom will win the Richard Wright Literary Excellence Award. One is Jesmyn Ward, University of South Alabama professor and author of Where the Line Bleeds and Salvage the Bones, which won the 2011 National Book Award. Most of the conference is free of charge. Ticketed events are a luncheon at the Carriage House on February 22 ($25); a reception at the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture ($10); a benefit reception/supper at Magnolia Vale on February 23 ($135, with $100 tax-deductible); a concert on February 23 ($10); a morning tour of two mansions on February 24 ($20); and a guided afternoon tour on February 24 ($25). Up to 2.6 Continuing Education Units are available by emailing Beth.Richard@colin.edu or calling 601-446-1103. Information about the NLCC and tickets are available by visiting www.colin.edu/nlcc, emailing NLCC@colin.edu or calling 601-446-1289 or toll-free 866-296-NLCC (6522).

Premier EVENTS up

& coming! February

March 1 - 3 & 8 - 10 Always...Patsy Cline Vicksburg Theatre Guild Vicksburg, Mississippi The Vicksburg Theatre Guild, 101 Iowa Avenue, brings back its very popular 2009 production of Ted Swindley’s musical tribute Always...Patsy Cline. Such an encore occasion is very rare for the Vicksburg Theatre Guild and is a testament to the strong material and appeal of the show. The performance details the real-life story of a friendship Cline developed with Houston, Texas, housewife and fan Louise Seger in 1961. Seger became an ardent fan of the legendary country singer in 1957 when Cline performed on The Arthur Godfrey Show. Later, when Cline went to Houston for a show at a local honky tonk in 1961, Seger and her friends arrived about an hour and a half early; and by coincidence, they met Cline before her show. Seger thought Cline was simply being nice by exchanging addresses the next morning; however soon after she left, Seger received her fist letter from Cline. The two continued a close penpal relationship until Cline’s tragic death in a plane crash in 1963. Humor is liberally sprinkled throughout the show, combined with some touching moments. Seger’s character is quite fun as she shares her story of their friendship, interspersed with Cline’s singing her most memorable tunes. The musical is co-directed by Glenda Arredondo and Jim Shirley, and Arredondo will return as Patsy Cline with co-star Shirley Stuart as Louise Seger. Arrendondo will be accompanied by a live band as well as a male quartet as backup for eleven of Cline’s songs. The production of Always...Patsy Cline is a fundraiser for the Vicksburg Theater Guild, the oldest chartered community theatre in Mississippi. All Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m., and all Sunday performances are at 2:00 p.m. Tickets vary in price, ranging from $5 to $12, and are available at the Box Office one hour before curtain time. No reservations required. Tickets may also be purchased at http://vicksburgtheatreguild.com. For more information, call 601-636-0471, or visit http:// vicksburgtheatreguild.com.

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 59

February up

& coming!

Through February 3 Morning to Night: Domestic Service in the Gilded Age West Baton Rouge Museum Port Allen, LA 845 North Jefferson Avenue 225-336-2422 www.westbatonrougemuseum.com Through February 23 Richard W. Dempsey (1909 – 1987) Recollections: A Forty Year Retrospective Luz-Maria Lopez: Mayan Creation Stories Clementine Hunter: Memories in the Clementine Café Alexandria Museum of Art Alexandria, Louisiana 933 Second Street 318-443-3458 www.themuseum.org Through February 28 Black History Month Program African American Museum St. Martinville, Louisiana 125 South New Market Street 337-394-2273 www.stmartinville.org louisianatravel.com Through March 24 Color in Freedom: Journey along the Underground Railroad West Baton Rouge Museum Port Allen, Louisiana 845 North Jefferson Avenue 225-336-2422 www.westbatonrougemuseum.com Through April 7 Pieces of the Past: Civil Rights in Jackson Old Capitol Museum Jackson, Mississippi 100 South State Street / Free Tues. - Sat., 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sun., 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 601-576-6934 www.visitjackson.com www.mdah.state.ms.us

Page 60 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

up & coming! February Through May 12 Rainforest Adventure Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Jackson, Mississippi 2148 Riverside Drive Prices vary. Mon. - Fri., 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sat., 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / Sun., 1:00 5:00 p.m. 601-576-6000 www.visitjackson.com / www.mdwfp.com February 1 â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Humanist Tradition in the Digital Ageâ&#x20AC;? Vantage Health Plan Central Bank Building Monroe, Louisiana 300 DeSiard Street 6:00 p.m. / Free Evelyn Stewart / 318-329-2237 evenlyn.stewart@ci.monroe.la.us www.cooleyhouse.org www.errolbaroon.com February 1 - 3 Steel Magnolias Westside Theatre Foundation Vicksburg, Mississippi 801 Clay Street / 7:30 p.m. 601-618-9349 www.westsidetheatrefoundation.com www.visitvicksburg.com February 1 - 3 Smoke on the Mountain Vicksburg Theatre Guild Vicksburg, Mississippi 101 Iowa Boulevard Prices vary. Fri. & Sat., 7:30 p.m. / Sun., 2:00 p.m. 601-636-0471 www.vicksburgtheatreguild.com February 2 Chamber II: Mozart by Candlelight Belhaven University Center for the Arts Jackson, Mississippi Riverside Drive 7:30 p.m. / Prices vary. 601-960-1565 www.visitjackson.com www.msorchestra.com

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 61

February up

& coming!

February 2 - 24 Arts by Choice Mississippi Museum of Art Jackson, Mississippi 380 South Lamar Street 601-960-1515 www.msmuseumart.org February 5 Music in the City Mississippi Museum of Art Jackson, MS 380 South Lamar Street / Free 5:15 p.m. / Hors d’oeuvres 5:45 p.m. / Program 601-960-1515 www.visitjackson.com / msmuseumart.org February 5 Cooking for Couples Workshop Southern Culture Heritage Foundation Vicksburg, Mississippi 1302 Adams Street $50 / Members; $55 / Non-members 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. info@southernculture.org www.southernculture.org February 5 Millsaps Arts & Lecture Series: “Songs and Improvisations” Ford Academic Complex Jackson, Mississippi 7:00 p.m. / $10 601-974-1130 www.visitjackson.com February 6 “Racial Politics in Mississippi during World War II” Winter F. Winter Archives and History Building Jackson, Mississippi 100 North Street 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. 601-576-6998 www.visitjackson.com / mdah.state.ms.us

Page 62 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

up & coming! February February 8 Kids Mardi Gras Mask Making Workshop Southern Culture Heritage Foundation Vicksburg, Mississippi 1302 Adams Street 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. $10 / child (6 yrs. or older) 601-631-2997 info@southernculture.org www.visitvicksburg.com February 8 - 10 Affairs of the Heart (Salvation Army Fundraiser) Vicksburg Theatre Guild Vicksburg, Mississippi 101 Iowa Boulevard Fri. - Sat, 7:30 p.m. / Sun., 2:00 p.m. Prices vary. 601-6363-0471 www.vicksburgtheatreguild.com February 9 2nd Annual Carnival de Mardi Gras Southern Culture Heritage Foundation Vicksburg, Mississippi 1302 Adams Street 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. $5 / Adults; $3 / Children 601-636-5010 info@southernculture.org www.southernculture.org vburgfoundation@aol.com www.visitvicksburg.com February 9 2nd Saturday Downtown Natchez Natchez, Mississippi 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Yvonne Murray / 601-238-8325 murrayy@bellsouth.net February 9 Animal Rescue Adoption Event: Petsense Brookhaven, Mississippi 939 Brookway Boulevard 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Lu Becker / 601-754-2000 www.dailyleader.com

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 63

February up

& coming!

February 10 Open Studio Mississippi Museum of Art Jackson, Mississippi 380 South Lamar Street 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Free / Members; $5 / Non-members 601-960-1515 www.visitjackson.com / msmuseumart.org February 10 & 24 Ballroom Dance Lessons Southern Culture Heritage Foundation Vicksburg, Mississippi 1302 Adams Street 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 601-631-2997 info@southernculture.org www.southernculture.org www.visitvicksburg.com

Page 64 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

up & coming! February February 12 Mardi Gras Gala Prentiss Club Natchez, Mississippi 211 North Pearl Street 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. $20 / Advance; $25 / Door Yvonne Murray / 601-238-8325 murrayy@bellsouth.net February 13 “Medgar Evers” Old Capitol Museum Jackson, Mississippi 100 South State Street 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. 601-576-6998 www.visitjackson.com / mdah.state.ms.us February 14 Valentine’s Day Party The Bailey House Natchez, Mississippi 400 South Commerce Street 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. $50 / Person; $95 / Couple 601-445-2210 www.visitnatchez.org February 14 Mississippi Opera’s Valentine’s Celebration Christ United Methodist Church Jackson, Mississippi 6000 Old Canton Road 601-960-2300 www.msopera.org / info@msopera.org February 15 Lenten Fine Art Series Church of Holy Trinity Vicksburg, MS 909 South Street 601-636-0542 www.visitvicksburg.com February 15 The Valentine’s Day Explosion Vicksburg Convention Center Vicksburg, Mississippi 1600 Mulberry Street / 7:00 p.m. 601-630-2929 / 866-822-6338 www.vccmeet.com www.vicksburgevents.com www.visitvicksburg.com

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 65

February up

& coming!

February 15 Look and Learn with Hoot Mississippi Museum of Art Jackson, Mississippi 380 South Lamar Street 10:30 a.m. / Free 601-960-1515 www.visitjackson.com / msmuseumart.org February 15 - 17 Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aladdin Jr. Vicksburg High School Vicksburg, Mississippi 3701 Drummond Street / $7 Fri. 7:00 p.m. / Sat. 12:00 p.m. Tracy Gardner / 601-831-1807 trgardner@yahoo.com February 16 Cirque de la Symphonie Thalia Mara Hall Jackson, Mississippi 255 East Pascagoula Street Prices vary. / 7:30 p.m. 601-960-1565 www.visitjackson.com www.msorchestra.com February 16 A Decent Proposal BriarVue Natchez, Mississippi 31 Irving Lane / $60 6 p.m. Cash bar / 7 p.m. Show & Dinner www.visitnatchez.org Februray 16 Louisiana Youth Orchestra Concert B.R.C.C. Magnolia Performing Arts Pavilion Baton Rouge, Louisiana 7330 Highland Road / 3:00 p.m. 225-883-0500 www.brso.org / info@brso.org February 17 Vicksburg Music Teachers Students Recital Southern Culture Heritage Foundation Vicksburg, Mississippi 1302 Adams Street / 2:00 p.m. 601-631-2997 info@southernculture.org www.southernculture.org www.visitvicksburg.com

Page 66 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

up & coming! February February 17 Vicksburg Catholic School Drawdown Vicksburg Convention Center Vicksburg, Mississippi 1600 Mulberry Street / 5:00 p.m. 866-822-6338 / 601-630-2929 www.vicksburgevents.com www.visitvicksburg.com February 17 17th Annual Bridal Beginnings Show West Monroe Convention Center West Monroe, Louisiana 901 Ridge Avenue Tickets / TBA 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. 318-362-0303 www.theweddingmarket.com February 17 Forest Grove Plantation Wedding Show Denham Springs, Louisiana 1:00 p.m. Tickets / TBA 225-202-2175 DeShae Hughes twoveliesevents@gmail.com www.theweddingmarket.com February 18 - 23 Giant Traveling Map of North America Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Jackson, Mississippi 2148 Riverside Drive / Free 601-576-6000 www.visitjackson.com / www.mdwfp.com February 21 - 24 2013 Natchez Literary & Cinema Celebration Natchez Convention Center Natchez, Mississippi 211 Main Street 601-446-1208 / 866-296-NLCC (6522) NLCC@colin.edu / www.visitnatchez.com February 21 Stories & Heroes of the Jackson Woolworth Sit-in Old Capital Museum Jackson, Mississippi 100 South State Street / Free Tues. - Sat., 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sun., 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 601-576-6934 www.visitjackson.com / mdah.state.ms.us Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 67

February up

& coming!

February 21 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love is in the Airâ&#x20AC;? Concordia Bank Vidalia, Louisiana 904 Carter Street 7:00 p.m. / Free 318-336-5258 mnelson@state.lib.la.us February 22 Family Slumber Safari Jackson Zoo Jackson, Mississippi 2918 West Capitol Street 7:00 p.m. 7 yrs. & older 601-352-2580 (ext. 241) www.visitjackson.com www.jacksonzoo.org February 22 Mike Epps Mississippi Coliseum Jackson, Mississippi 1207 Mississippi Street 8:00 p.m. / $35.50 www.visitjackson.com www.ticketmaster.com February 23 Teacher Workshop: Old Masters to Monet Mississippi Museum of Art Jackson, Mississippi 380 S. Lamar Street 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. $35 / Members; $40 / Non-members Pre-registration required by February 15 601-960-1515 www.visitjackson.com / msmuseumart.org February 23 Ten Minute Play Project Vicksburg Theatre Guild Vicksburg, Mississippi 101 Iowa Boulevard 7:30 p.m. / $5 601-636-0471 www.vicksburgtheatreguild.com

Page 68 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

up & coming! February February 23 Bravo IV: Beethovenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sixth MS Symphony Orchestra Jackson, Mississippi 201 East Pascagoula Street 7:30 p.m. / Prices vary. 601-960-1565 www.visitjackson.com www.msorchestra.com February 23 Krewe of Ceres Annual Charity Ball Lincoln Civic Center Brookhaven, Mississippi Beltline Road 7:30 p.m. / $50 per person Live music; catered buffet Tickets: 601-757-3544 February 23 2nd Annual Warren County Wildlife Extravaganza Vicksburg Convention Center Vicksburg, Mississippi 1600 Mulberry Street 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 866-822-6338 / 601-630-2929 www.vicksburgevents.com www.visitvicksburg.com www.warrencountywildlifeexpo.com

February 24 White Oak Plantation Bridal Show Baton Rouge, Louisiana 1:00 p.m. Tickets / TBA Jordan Herbert Panepinto / 225-751-1882 www.theweddingmarket.com February 24 Rock Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Roll Marathon & Half-Marathon New Orleans, Louisiana St. Charles Avenue 504-566-5011 runrocknroll.competitor.com February 24 - 25 Gold in the Hills Vicksburg Theatre Guild Vicksburg, Mississippi 101 Iowa Boulevard 6:00 p.m. 601-636-0471 www.vicksburgtheatreguild.com

February 25 53rd Annual Lebanese Dinner St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church Vicksburg, Mississippi 2709 Washington Street / $10 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 601-636-2483 / 601-638-5779 601-415-7273 / www.visitvicksburg.com February 25 - 28 4 Day Beginner Stained Glass Workshop Southern Culture Heritage Foundation Vicksburg, Mississippi 1302 Adams Street 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. $160 / Members; $170 / Non-members 601-631-2997 annette@southernculture.org info@southernculture.org www.southernculture.org

February 24 Mary Chapin Carpenter & Shawn Calvin Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center Jackson, Mississippi 4908 Ridgewood Road 7:30 p.m. / $48.50 601-362-9676 www.visitjackson.com www.ardenland.com February 24 Brides & Basketball with the New Orleans Hornets New Orleans Arena New Orleans, Louisiana 1501 Girod Street 2:30 p.m. $11 / First 200 registered $16 / Thereafter brisdesandbasketball.com www.theweddingmarket.com

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 69

February up

& coming!

February 25 - April 15 Drawing from Life Masur Museum of Art Monroe, Louisiana 1400 South Grand Street 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. / Prices vary. Evelyn Stewart / 318-329-2237 Jenny Burnham / 318-329-2237 evelyn.stewart@ci.monroe.la.us jenny.burnham@ci.monroe.la.us www.masurmuseum.org February 26 - March 10 Mahalia Jane Reid-Petty Theatre Center Jackson, Mississippi 1100 Carlisle Street Adults / $28; Students & Seniors / $22 Mon. - Sat. 7:30 p.m. / Sun. 2:00 p.m. www.visitjackson.com www.newstagetheatre.com

Page 70 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

February 28 Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Concert Vicksburg Convention Center Vicksburg, Mississippi 1600 Mulberry Street 866-822-6338 / 601-630-2929 www.vicksburgevents.com www.visitvicksburg.com March 8 - April 9 Southern Exposure Natchez Little Theatre Natchez, Mississippi 319 Linton Avenue March 8 / 7:00 p.m. / $10 7:30 p.m. / $15 Sun. / 2:00 p.m. 601-442-2233 natchez@bellsouth.net www.natchezlittletheatre.org www.visitnatchez.org

up & coming! February March 10 Le Parfait Jour The Perfect Day Hemingbough St. Francisville, Louisiana Time / TBA / $5 Christi / 337-224-0700 Billie / 337-652-4101 christi_wws@att.net www.theweddingmarket.com

MARDI GRAS PARADES February 1 Krewe of Omega Mardi Gras Parade Hammond, Louisiana West University Avenue 800-542-7520 / louisianatravel.com February 1 Andalusia Mardi Gras Parade New Iberia, Louisiana Downtown 337-367-6466 / louisianatravel.com February 1 Krewe of Hercules Parade Houma, Louisiana West Park Avenue 985-876-5877 / louisianatravel.com February 1 Krewe of Centaur Float Loading Party Shreveport, Louisiana Kreweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Den 318-470-0006 / louisianatravel.com February 1 Krewe of Natchez Indians Parade Natchez, Mississippi Downtown www.kreweofphoenix.com February 1 - 2 Family Gras Festival Plaza Metairie, Louisiana 877-572-7474 www.familygras.com / louisianatravel.com February 1 - 2 Rotary Club Mardi Gras Ball St. Martinville, Louisiana 1688 Smede Highway 337-394-9726 www.stmartinville.org louisianatravel.com

February 2 12th Annual Mardi Gras Parade Magnolia, Mississippi Eva Gordon Elementary School to South Pike High School 9:00 a.m. / Line-up; 10:00 a.m. / Parade Magnolia City Hall / 601-783-5211 / 601-783-5915 February 2 Knights of Nemesis Parade Chalmette, Louisiana West Judge Perez Drive 504-583-3998 / louisianatravel.com February 2 Krewe of Aquarius Parade Houma, Louisiana West Park Avenue 985-532-6236 / louisianatravel.com February 2 Krewe of Carnivale en Rio Parade Lafayette, Louisiana Downtown 337-739-4151 www.riolafayette.com louisianatravel.com February 2 Krewe of Centaur Parade Shreveport, Louisiana Clyde Fant Parkway 318-572-4632 / louisianatravel.com

February 9 Mardi Gras Parade Downtown Vicksburg Vicksburg, Mississippi Historic Washington Street / 4:00 p.m. 601-634-4527 Kim Hopkins / kimh@vicksburg.org www.downtownvicksburg.org www.visitvicksburg.com February 9 Krewe of Dionysus Parade Nachitoches, Louisiana Front Street 800-259-1714 www.natchitoches.net louisianatravel.com February 9 Lake Fausse Point Parade Lake Fausse Point State Park St. Martinville, Louisiana 337-229-6173 www.lastateparks.com louisianatravel.com February 13 Carnival & Lions Club Parades Community Center New Roads, Louisiana 225-638-3998 www.cityofnewroads.com

PARADE SCHEDULE LINKS

February 3 Krewe of Ezana Parade Jeanerette, Louisiana Main Street 337-276-4164 / louisianatravel.com

Baton Rouge, Louisiana www.visitbatonrouge.com/mardigras/

February 8 Krewe of Phoenix Mardi Gras Parade Downtown Natchez Natchez, Mississippi 5:00 p.m. / Free www.visitnatchez.org

Natchez, Mississippi www.kreweofphoenix.com/calendar.html

February 8 - 10 Mardi Gras Celebration Alexandria, Louisiana Downtown 318-473-9501 www.alexmardigras.com louisianatravel.com

Mobile, Alabama themobilemask.com/Parade_Schedule.html

New Orleans, Louisiana www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/ mardigras/parades.html

Be sure to confirm details of the events should changes have occurred since events were submitted. Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 71

THE social SCENE | Natchez, MS | Natchez Festival of Music' s A Christmas Cabaret

Natchez Festival of Music' s A Christmas Cabaret Featuring Master of Ceremonies Walt Grayson from Jackson, Mississippi, the Natchez Festival of Music hosted A Christmas Cabaret at the Natchez City Auditorium in Natchez, Mississippi, on December 14, 2012. Featured vocalists were Paul Houghtaling, Maryann Kyle, and Jennifer Hart. Tables in-the-round were placed on the floor while guests decorated and brought their own food. A door prize was presented to the table with the best decoration. Following the cocktail hour, the performers presented the musical cabaret.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Mandy Brown and Amy Killelea Betty Paradise and Mary Lessley Tom and Ginger Schwager Dr. Linda Welborne and Carolyn Krueger Dr. Ruth Nichols, Sue Pate, Megan Guido, Olivia Bridewell, and Debbie Hudson Walt Grayson, Jay Dean, Jo Grayson, and Bill Henley Sharon Browning, Billy and Janie Tew, Jeanette and Will Warren, with Gerry Cleveland (seated center) Regina Charbonneau, Billy Tew, and Louanna Haworth Bobbye Henley, Doris Ann Benoist, Peggy Benson, and Miriam Montgomery

Page 72 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

Natchez Festival of Music' s A Christmas Cabaret | Natchez, MS | THE social SCENE

10 Sandy Taylor, Mayor Butch 11 12 13 14 10

16 17

Brown, and Debbie Hudson Jo Ann Rogers and Agatha Weeks Megan Guido, Olivia Bridewell, and Debbie Hudson Bridget Green and Catherine Ratcliffe Jonathan Rogers, Lauren LeMay, Dr. Brad LeMay and Sherry LeMay Janet Wilcox, Bills Perkins, Betty Ann Perkins, and Kseniya Perkins Jeanette Feltus, Pat Jonaitis, Maxine Brice, Ginger Schwager, and Adolph Jonaitis Bernard and Luciane Wood with Karen and Kenneth Stubbs

17 Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 73

Southern Sampler by Alma M. Womack

Chronicle of Life along Old Black River

hristmas dinner this year came close to being my last Christmas— and dinner. We had all sat down to enjoy the good meal when the wind picked up mightily. Pecan trees and oak trees, not the most agile in the yard, were bending and flapping like willows. A real loud noise went over the house during all this; and there I sat with my fork in midair thinking that we are going to the Promised Land today, right now. But it passed on over, and my fork came down to the table. Outside, there were limbs everywhere; the little boys’ camp house was flipped over on the ground; there was loose tin on the back of the house, but the pool umbrellas never budged from their little stands. Amazing what the wind can do. Later we learned that a tornado had touched down on the Louisiana Delta and uprooted some big trees over on Snaggy Lake; but when it got here, it was up high

enough to keep us from being blown away. During the time of the great blowing wind, all I could say was “Lord, please keep us under your wings.” He did, and we are back to normal. Well, actually, there is no normal this time of year. Two weeks of holiday got old to some of us, those of us who went to town and expected a store to be open and it wasn’t. Two weeks of having to cook a lot and not getting to clean the house, and of watching it rain every day so that the little children were trapped inside with a crazy woman who just wanted to watch Ancient Aliens in peace— two weeks like that got old. It was too wet to work in the yard, so all the Christmas limbs were still all over the yard. Mud and dog footprints were everywhere with little hope of being cleaned up and having it stay that way for more than five minutes. Everyone who can be is in the woods, chasing deer and wild hogs. Rain and cold

Page 74 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous

do not matter to these mighty hunters, and I cheer them on, for a good meal of fried venison is hard to beat. Catfish from the cold water is a treat, too; and I am glad to know that we have these food sources around, ours for the taking. Now it is February, and I have left up my red-ribboned Christmas wreaths for Valentine’s Day. If Mardi Gras comes first, I might change the wreath by the cattle gap in the front yard to one of purple, green and gold, but the rest stay red for Valentine’s Day. Later, I will do Easter colors and save the red for the Fourth of July. I get mileage out of my red ribbons. We had two major dog deaths in December. Frank, Claire’s little pug since college days, passed away in his sleep before Christmas. We were expecting it, for his health had really declined this fall, but it is still sad to lose a beloved little friend like Frank. And right after Christmas, Holly and Coty’s little Boston Terrier, Jersey, also passed away. She, too, had been in a sharp decline the last months and was no longer the energetic little girl she had been. Even though they live in Covington, Coty made the trip here to bury Jersey in our dog cemetery, so that her grave can be looked after as all the others are. We have a lot of beloved pets buried there, mostly dogs, but also three cats that were long-time pets. There is a story about the Rainbow Bridge where pets that have passed on wait for their owners to make that great trip, too. Every so often, you’ll see one of the pets raise his head and perk up his ears, for he hears the footsteps of his master. A joyful reunion ensues as the reunited friends continue their journey. Jorie, Claire, and I will have so many animals waiting for us that we will likely be dirt rolled by the enthusiastic horde camped by the bridge. It will be a great part of the crossover to see these wonderful, loyal friends again even if they do knock me down for a bit. I expect Lucille, the most beautiful ever bloodhound, to give me a good talking to when we meet up. She was always one to make her feelings known in a voice given only to those of her breed. The others will just jump and run around in circles as they did here on earth. Well, except for Annabelle, the giant chocolate lab; she never was much for jumping. Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you who enjoy and celebrate this holiday. In these times, it is still nice to have a day dedicated to love.

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2013 { Page 75

Page 76 { February 2013 { Bluffs & Bayous