Bluffs & Bayous February 2017

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F RO M T H E E D I TO R

W

ith the beginning of February, we dive back into the fast-paced lifestyle of celebrations, parades, conventions, and more. Whether commemorating Mardi Gras in the Natchez area or sharing the merriment of Brookhaven’s Krewe of Ceres Charity Ball, February is a month of light-hearted parties. Mardi Gras fans in Natchez begin anticipating Mardi Gras with early January’s Twelfth Night, and the Krewe RI &HUHV LV REVHUYLQJ LWV ÀIWLHWK DQQLYHUVDU\ WKLV year. This edition of Bluffs & Bayous highlights ERWK RI WKHVH HYHQWV DQG WKHLU VLJQLÀFDQFH WR HDFK RI these communities and their surrounding areas. Also happening in February is the annual Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration. This year’s weekend of events highlights Mississippi’s literary journey through the years alongside our state’s Bicentennial Celebration. From the kickoff

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on Thursday, which is a viewing of the documentary Mississippi Madame: The Life of Nellie Jackson, to the concluding speakers’ discussions of contemporary topics in Mississippi arts, NLCC events will be a real treat for all who attend! So, let’s gear up for a busy February of fun along and beyond the Mississippi.

FEBRUARY 2017

F E AT U R E S

Fifty Years of Charity..................................................................................................... 40-41 Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler: History of Mardi Gras in Natchez, Mississippi ......... 42-46

F AV O R I T E S

Events

February Premier Event..................................................................................................... 48 Louisiana Up and Coming ................................................................................................. 49 Mississippi Up and Coming ........................................................................................... 50-55

G’s Fare “Souper” Bowl ................................................................................................................11-13

Legal Notes Aging Parents: Part III ....................................................................................................... 19

Southern Sampler ’Tis the Season ............................................................................................................... 56-57

The Social Scene

Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler: History of Mardi Gras in Natchez, Mississippi pages 42 - 46

Brookhaven Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Banquet ........................................ 10 Anniversary Party for Taylors.........................................................................................14-15 Veterans Day Tribute .......................................................................................................... 15 Taste of the Trust............................................................................................................16-17 Southwest Mississippi Board of Realtors Christmas Party ................................................ 18 NACHS Witches Ride .................................................................................................... 20-21 Clinic Launch for Promise Hospital .................................................................................. 22 Natchez Art Association Silent Auction and Gala ............................................................. 23 Krewe of Phoenix Royalty Announcement Party .............................................................. 24 Open House for The Claiborne.......................................................................................... 26 Retirement Reception for Adams ....................................................................................... 27 Cocktail Party for Audubon Pilgrimage Homeowners................................................. 28-29 Beta Sigma Phi Senior Adult Dinner ........................................................................... 32-34 Open House for First Street Business Center .................................................................... 35 Fernwood Country Club Welcomes Tennis Pro ................................................................. 36

“Souper” Bowl pages 11 - 13

ON THE COVER Krewe of Phoenix’s Queen Rosalie XXXIV Laurie Paradise with Ritchie Montgomery get into the festive spirit before last year’s Mardi Gras parade in Natchez, Mississippi. Photography by Cheryl Rinehart and Artistic design by T.G. McCary

Open House for The Claiborne pages 26 Bluffs & Bayous { February 2017 { Page 7

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PUBLISHER Cheryl Foggo Rinehart MANAGING EDITOR

CONSULTING EDITOR

Jennie Guido

Jean Nosser Biglane GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Jan Ratcliff

Anita Schilling

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Tim McCary

Van O’Gwin

Cheryl Rinehart

Lisa Adams Whittington SALES STAFF

Jennie Guido

Cheryl Rinehart Donna Sessions CONTRIBUTORS

Lucien C. “Sam� Gwin

Becky Junkin

Jennifer J. Whittier

Alma Womack

Cheryl Rinehart

Jennie Guido

Jean Biglane

Jan Ratcliff

Anita Schilling

Van O’Gwin

Tim McCary

Lisa Adams Whittington

Donna Sessions

Lucien C. “Sam� Gwin

Jennifer J. Whittier

Becky Junkin

Alma Womack

Bluffs & Bayous is published monthly to promote the greater Southern area of Louisiana and Mississippi in an informative and positive manner. We welcome contributions of articles and photos; however, they will be subject to editing and availability of space and subject matter. Photographs, comments, questions, subscription requests and ad placement inquiries are invited! Return envelopes and postage must accompany all materials submitted if a return is requested. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Bluffs & Bayous are those of the authors or columnists and do QRW QHFHVVDULO\ UHà HFW WKH YLHZV RI WKH SXEOLVKHU QRU GR WKH\ FRQVWLWXWH DQ HQGRUVHPHQW RI SURGXFWV RU VHUYLFHV KHUHLQ :H UHVHUYH WKH ULJKW WR UHIXVH DQ\ DGYHUWLVHment. Bluffs & Bayous strives to insure the accuracy of our magazine’s contents. However, should inaccuracies or omissions occur, we do not assume responsibility.

OFFICE 423 Main Street, Suite 7 | Natchez, MS 39120 | 601-442-6847 bluf fsmag@gmail.com | bluf fs.editor@gmail.com bbupandcoming@gmail.com www.bluf fsbayous.com

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THE social SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Brookhaven Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Banquet n Thursday, November 3, 2016, the Brookhaven Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual banquet and awards dinner at the Old Town Church in downtown Brookhaven, Mississippi. Members of the chamber enjoyed dinner from Mitchell’s Catering and acoustic music while celebrating a successful year in Brookhaven.

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Misty and Colby McMorris Katie Nations and Jillian Ricceri Brittany Thompson and Devin Winbourne Kim Bridge and Kelly Vaughan Mayor Joe and Angie Cox, Crystal and Jermaine Culver, and Laura Ann Walker Cynthia and Tommy Smith David Holland and Bobby Bell Eddie Brown, Mike Whatley, and Harrison Matheny Diane Ward, Sherri Mathison, Geralyn Russell, and Roger Halford Dauphine Magee, Shirley Estes, and Carla Snider Catherine Dickey, Brenda Henderson, and Donna Foster Holly and Scott Kimbrell

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G’S FARE

BY

Becky Junkin

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Jennie

Guido

“Souper� Bowl N

othing is better than a hot bowl of homemade soup on a cold winter night. If you are having a “Souper� Bowl Party for the Super Bowl, you can make several soups and let people choose their favorites. Offer a selection of different sandwiches on hoagies or French bread, and you have yourself a party. Below are a variety of soup recipes; some are easy, and some take a little more time. Serve these soups with corn bread, hot French bread, or plain buttered toast.

This fabulous soup is from a recipe of Jerry’s uncle, Walter Heard, who was an amazing cook, especially in the Cajun department. This is not an easy recipe but is worth the effort.

ROUX-BASED COURT BOUILLON J\W >VYJLZ[LYZOPYL ZH\JL ^OVSL IH` SLH]LZ 1/3 cup olive oil J\W YLK ^PUL [LHZWVVUZ KYPLK [O`TL J\W Ă…V\Y J\WZ ^H[LY JOPJRLU Z[VJR VY ZOLSS [LHZWVVU THYQVYHT 1 3/4 cups onions, chopped Ă„ZO Z[VJR ^OVSL HSSZWPJL J\W NYLLU VUPVU [VWZ [OPUS` JOVWWLK [V WV\UKZ Ă„ZO Ă„SSL[Z HU` Ă„YT [LHZWVVU ZHS[ VY [V [HZ[L J\W NYLLU VUPVU IV[[VTZ [OPUS` ZSPJLK Ă…LZOLK Ă„ZO Z\JO HZ JH[Ă„ZO YLKĂ„ZO [LHZWVVU MYLZOS` NYV\UK ISHJR WLWWLY VW[PVUHS [YV\[ YLK ZUHWWLY IS\L Ă„ZO THJRLYLS VY [LHZWVVU JH`LUUL J\W NYLLU WLWWLY JOVWWLK OHSPI\[ 9PUZL [OL Ă„ZO Ă„SSL[Z HUK ZOHRL KY` [LHZWVVU KYPLK IHZPS [HISLZWVVU NHYSPJ Ă„ULS` TPUJLK ILMVYL J\[[PUN PU[V IP[L ZPaLK WVY[PVUZ [LHZWVVU VYLNHUV J\W JLSLY` JOVWWLK [HISLZWVVU ;HIHZJV JHU [VTH[V WHZ[L [HISLZWVVU 3V\PZPHUH OV[ ZH\JL [HISLZWVVU WHYZSL` Ă„ULS` TPUJLK 4HRL H YV\_ PU H OLH]` X\HY[ WV[ /LH[ VPS \U[PS OV[ (KK Ă…V\Y Z[PY HUK YLK\JL OLH[ [V SV^ *VVR V]LY SV^ OLH[ Z[PYYPUN JVUZ[HU[S` \U[PS YV\_ PZ [OL JVSVY VM YPJO WLHU\[ I\[[LY HIV\[ TPU\[LZ (KK [OL VUPVU NYLLU VUPVU [VWZ HUK IV[[VTZ NYLLU WLWWLY NHYSPJ HUK JLSLY` *VU[PU\L [V OLH[ V]LY SV^ OLH[ Z[PYYPUN JVUZ[HU[S` MVY HUV[OLY [V TPU\[LZ (KK [VTH[V WHZ[L WHYZSL` IH` SLH]LZ [O`TL THYQVYHT HSS ZWPJL ZHS[ WLWWLY JH`LUUL IHZPS VYLNHUV ;HIHZJV OV[ ZH\JL >VYJLZ[LYZOPYL ZH\JL HUK YLK ^PUL :[PY [V TP_ [OVYV\NOS`" [OLU ZSV^S` HKK [OL ^H[LY TP_PUN ^LSS )YPUN [V H IVPS" [OLU YLK\JL OLH[ [V SV^ HUK ZPTTLY \UJV]LYLK MVY TPU\[LZ :[PY MYLX\LU[S` ZJYHWWPUN [OL ZPKLZ HUK IV[[VT VM [OL WV[ ^P[O H ^VVKLU ZWVVU VY ZWH[\SH [V WYL]LU[ ZJVYJOPUN HUK [V HSSV^ [OL ZH\JL [V [OPJRLU L]LUS` (M[LY ZH\JL PZ [OYV\NO JVVRPUN HKK [OL Ă„ZO [V [OL Court Bouillon HUK JVVR H[ H SV^ ZPTTLY MVY L_HJ[S` TPU\[LZ ;OLU YLTV]L WV[ MYVT [OL OLH[ HUK ZLY]L V]LY YPJL VY WHZ[H (M[LY ZH\JL PZ WYLWHYLK P[ JHU LHZPS` IL W\[ HZPKL HUK SH[LY OLH[LK [V H ZSPNO[ IVPS MVY [OL Ă„ZO [V IL HKKLK HUK JVVRLK H[ H SV^ ZPTTLY MVY TPU\[LZ ;OL ZH\JL HSZV JHU IL THKL HOLHK HUK L]LU Z[VYLK PU [OL YLMYPNLYH[VY VY L]LU MYVaLU >OLU YLHK` [V \ZL IYPUN [OL ZH\JL IHJR [V H ZSPNO[ IVPS HUK [OLU HKK Ă„ZO MVY TPU\[LZ 0M OLH[PUN SLM[V]LYZ YLOLH[ ]LY` IYPLĂ…` [V H]VPK KLZ[YV`PUN [OL [L_[\YL VM [OL Ă„ZO <UJSL >HS[ ZHPK [V WYLJLKL [OPZ THPU KPZO ^P[O THY[PUPZ HUK [OLU ZLY]L P[ ^P[O NYLLU ZHSHK VY JVSLZSH^

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2017 { Page 11

Cream of Artichoke Soup

This recipe came from Nancy Lambert, who got the recipe from Noelanne Bennett, who got it from Ann Tillman. It is a quick and easy recipe using canned soup.

CREAM OF ARTICHOKE SOUP JHUZ JYLHT VM T\ZOYVVT ZV\W JHUZ JYLHT VM JLSLY` ZV\W ZV\W JHUZ TPSR JHUZ HY[PJOVRL OLHY[Z KYHPULK HUK chopped ZTHSS JHWM\SZ SPX\PK JYHI IVPS WV\UKZ ZOYPTW VY JYH^Ă„ZO WLLSLK HUK ZSPNO[S` JOVWWLK *VTIPUL [OL HIV]L PUNYLKPLU[Z HUK ZPTTLY MVY [V TPU\[LZ )L Z\YL UV[ [V IVPS [OPZ ZV\W

This is a super easy but super delicious soup that would be perfect for the “Souper� Bowl. Barbara Kaiser gave me this recipe that she has been using for years. I hope you all enjoy it as much as the others.

CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP

Wessye Heard gave me this recipe, which is from www.allrecipes.com. Her daughter-inlaw, Carla Gore, made this on one chilly fall night. It is a change of pace from traditional soup recipes.

REUBEN SOUP V\UJLZ JVYULK ILLM ZOYLKKLK 1/2 cup onion, chopped J\W ZH\LYRYH\[ KYHPULK J\W JLSLY` JOVWWLK J\WZ OHSM HUK OHSM [HISLZWVVUZ I\[[LY J\WZ :^PZZ JOLLZL ZOYLKKLK J\W HSS W\YWVZL Ă…V\Y ZSPJLZ Y`L IYLHK [VHZ[LK HUK J\[ PU[V J\WZ ^H[LY [YPHUNSLZ J\ILZ ILLM IV\PSSVU 0U H SHYNL ZH\JLWHU JVVR VUPVU HUK JLSLY` PU I\[[LY \U[PS [LUKLY" Z[PY PU Ă…V\Y \U[PS ZTVV[O .YHK\HSS` Z[PY PU ^H[LY HUK IV\PSSVU HUK IYPUN [V H IVPS 9LK\JL OLH[ [V SV^ HUK ZPTTLY MVY TPU\[LZ :[PY PU JVYULK ILLM ZH\LYRYH\[ OHSM HUK OHSM HUK J\W VM [OL ZOYLKKLK JOLLZL *VVR HUK Z[PY MVY TPU\[LZ \U[PS ZSPNO[S` [OPJRLULK 7YLOLH[ IYVPSLY 3HKSL ZV\W PU[V V]LUWYVVM IV^SZ ;VW LHJO ZLY]PUN ^P[O H ZSPJL VM IYLHK HUK ZWYPURSL J\W VM [OL JOLLZL VU [VW VM LHJO ZSPJL VM IYLHK 7SHJL PU V]LU \UKLY IYVPSLY \U[PS [OL JOLLZL TLS[Z HUK SPNO[S` IYV^UZ

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I\UJO NYLLU VUPVUZ JOVWWLK Z[HSRZ JLSLY` JOVWWLK ILSS WLWWLY JOVWWLK [HISLZWVVU WHYZSL` [HISLZWVVUZ I\[[LY V\UJLZ MYLZO T\ZOYVVTZ ZSPJLK V\UJLZ MYLZO T\ZOYVVTZ JOVWWLK J\WZ TPSR V\UJL JHUZ JYLHT VM T\ZOYVVT ZV\W [HISLZWVVU >VYJLZ[LYZOPYL ZH\JL [LHZWVVU NHYSPJ ZHS[ ZLHZVUPUN [LHZWVVU 0[HSPHU ZLHZVUPUN [LHZWVVU NYV\UK J\TPU ZLLK [LHZWVVU J\YY` WV^KLY [LHZWVVU JH`LUUL WLWWLY [LHZWVVU ^OP[L WLWWLY :H\[t NYLLU VUPVUZ JLSLY` ILSS WLWWLY HUK WHYZSL` PU I\[[LY \U[PS [LUKLY (KK T\ZOYVVTZ HUK JVVR \U[PS ZVM[ :L[ HZPKL 0U HUV[OLY SHYNL ZH\JLWHU OLH[ TPSR T\ZOYVVT ZV\W HUK HSS [OL ZLHZVUPUNZ VU TLKP\T SV^ OLH[ \U[PS [OL TPSR OHZ ZJHSKLK :[PY VM[LU" KV UV[ SL[ [OPZ IVPS (KK [OL T\ZOYVVTZ TP_[\YL [V [OL TPSR TP_[\YL HUK OLH[ \U[PS ]LY` OV[ I\[ not IVPSPUN :[PY MYLX\LU[S` [V RLLW ZV\W MYVT Z[PJRPUN [V [OL IV[[VT VM [OL WHU ;OPZ ZV\W PZ IL[[LY PM UV[ ZLY]LK PTTLKPH[LS` ZV [OH[ [OL ZLHZVUPUNZ JHU YLSLHZL [OL Ă…H]VY 0[ TH` IL YLMYPNLYH[LK VY MYVaLU HUK YLOLH[LK

My dear friend Sara Blough created this Turnip Green Soup recipe many years ago. It is perfect on a cold winter’s night.

TURNIP GREEN SOUP V\UJL WHJRHNL [\YUPW VY T\Z[HYK NYLLUZ JOVWWLK 1 onion, chopped ILSS WLWWLY JOVWWLK [LHZWVVU NHYSPJ TPUJLK V\UJLZ ;HZZV ZH\ZHNL KPJLK VW[PVUHS V\UJLZ OHT KPJLK WV[H[VLZ WLLSLK HUK KPJLK JHUZ ^OP[L UH]` ILHUZ KYHPULK JHUZ JOPJRLU IYV[O [HISLZWVVU Z\NHY :HS[ WLWWLY HUK YLK WLWWLY [V [HZ[L 7SHJL HSS PUNYLKPLU[Z PU H SHYNL OLH]` IV[[VT WV[ :PTTLY MVY OV\YZ \U[PS WV[H[VLZ HUK ]LNNPLZ HYL ZVM[ :LY]L ^P[O JVYUIYLHK

Melinda de la Vergne, who came to Natchez via New Orleans, gave me this Crab and Corn soup that she uses for family dinners. It is perfect and so easy.

CRAB AND CORN SOUP I\UJO NYLLU VUPVUZ ZOHSSV[Z JOVWWLK V\UJL JHUZ ^OVSL RLYULS JVYU KYHPULK Z[PJR I\[[LY JHUZ JYLHT VM JLSLY` ZV\W WPU[Z OHSM HUK OHSM [HISLZWVVU 0[HSPHU ZLHZVUPUN JHWM\S AH[HYHPU»Z V\UJL IV[[SL WV\UK S\TW JYHI TLH[ 0U H SHYNL ZV\W WV[ HKK JOVWWLK NYLLU VUPVUZ ZOHSSV[Z KYHPULK JVYU HUK I\[[LY" ZPTTLY \U[PS ZSPNO[S` [LUKLY (KK YLTHPUPUN PUNYLKPLU[Z" ZPTTLY MVY TPU\[LZ I\[ KV not IVPS 0M P[ PZ [VV [OPJR HKK ZVTL JSHT Q\PJL VY JOPJRLU Z[VJR :LY]L ^P[O H NYLLU ZHSHK HUK -YLUJO IYLHK Becky Junkin, mother of four and grandmother of eight, is a lifelong Natchez resident, a retired elePHQWDU\ WHDFKHU RI WZHQW\ IRXU \HDUV DQG FHUWLÀHG Pilates instructor.

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Anniversary Party for Taylors andy and Tom Taylor of Natchez, Mississippi, celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary by having a Renewal of Vows ceremony at Jefferson Street United Methodist Chapel, followed by a gathering later at their home. A Hawaiian theme was used since the Taylors were married twenty-five years ago in Kauai, Hawaii.

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Tom and Sandy Taylor Sandra and Eddie Burkes Jesse Dunbar Miriam Montgomery Jimmy and Mary Lessley Tom Taylor and Lynn Delaughter Laurie Belshan and TJ Baggett Marty and Anthony Tuccio Jack Laws and Liz Dantone Dolly Freedman and Kathleen Mackey King Taylor Martty and Will Breland Mary and John Kramer Hazel Ferrell, Irene Rosiek, Francey Killian, and Leigh Delaughter Mary Lou and Gene Perkins Tom and Sandy Taylor with Liz Dantone Cheryl Rinehart with Sandy and Tom Taylor Genny Harrison, Diana Glaze, and Pat Jonaitis

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THE social SCENE

NATCHEZ, MS

18 Mario Romano and Ron McGowan 19 Ben Ledbetter, Louise Peabody, Liz Dantone, and Sandy Taylor

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Veterans Day Tribute n Veterans Day, November 11, 2016, Merit Health Natchez paid tribute to twenty-two Veterans who are part of the Merit Health Natchez family. This will be an annual “unveiling” ceremony on Veterans Day. During the meaningful ceremony, hospital CEO Eric Robinson asked the Veterans in attendance to lead guests in the Pledge of Allegiance. Afterwards, the names were read, and the framed tribute was unveiled. It hangs proudly on the wall leading up to the hospital’s Information Desk.

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Jason Lynch and Naomi Hayes Eddie Ray and Bernice Richardson with Lisa Wilson Jennifer and Adam Conerly Rosie and Robert Sullivan Michelle and Jordan Babb Alphe Wells Dr. John O’Brien, Eric Robinson, and Dr. Rick Ricalde

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THE social SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

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Taste of the Trust he annual Taste of the Trust was held November 21, 2016, at the Ole Towne Church in downtown Brookhaven, Mississippi. Over twelve restaurants provided food tastings while Tyler Bridge and his band provided live music. There were over one hundred silent auction items that went to the highest bidder. The Brookhaven Trust is committed to preserving the town’s heritage and culture. This year’s beneficiary was Brookhaven’s The Haven and Brookhaven Little Theatre. Photography by Bill Perkins

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1 Amanda Hodges Mizell and Margaret Alice Lampton 2 Tiffani Dawn Coquat-Ferguson 3 Mary Catherine Franklin and Cathy McDonniel 4 Sheila McFadden and Sherrie Welch 5 Mike and April Brady 6 Mercedes Ricks and Anna Giust 7 Linda Moak and Margaret Alice Lampton 8 Lindsey Gennaro and Jonah Lock 9 Kevin and Robin Laird 10 Michelle and Stephen Fitzsimmons 11 Josh and Isabel Reed 12 Joe and Linda Moak 13 Merrie and Bill Boerner 14 Norma and Miller Hammill 15 Mike Mascagni and Jordon Mac Lemore 16 Mark and Anna Giust 17 Holly Slay with Mike and Rachel Powell 18 Emily and Trey Waterloo with Anna Moak 19 Mary White, Bill Perkins, and Lindsey Gennaro 20 Erika Henry, Matt Fitzsimmons, and Sonia Henry 21 Jerri and Sherrill Wallace with Patsy Yates 22 Ron and Sharyl Donegan with Kay and Doug Boyken 23 Carla and Dean Snider

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THE social SCENE

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24 Jeffrey and Mary White 25 Shanteau and Jason Gaskin 26 Margaret and Bob Weatherby 27 Shannon and Jeff Clark 28 Devon and Jeremy Winborne 29 Julia Miller and Glenda Hux 30 Warren Stamps and Shelley Harrigill 31 Jane Breeland and Martha Sinclair 32 Pat Lowery and Garrick Combs 33 Barbie Cox and Janet Smith 34 Robbie and Deana Jackson 35 Beverly Britt, Joanne Rogers, and Hugh and Rosemary Leggett 36 Tyler, Kim, and Nick Bridge 37 Tricia Webber, Ricky Taylor, and Senator Becky Currie 38 Bill, Betty Ann, and Don Perkins 39 Gretchen Neal and Holly Pappas 40 Vicki Hollingsworth and Mayor Joe Cox

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THE social SCENE MCOMB, MS

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Southwest Mississippi Board of Realtors Christmas Party n December 12, 2016, the Southwest Mississippi Board of Realtors celebrated the end of a successful year with a Christmas party, awards ceremony, and silent auction. The gathering was hosted at the J.J. White Presbyterian Church’s fellowship hall in downtown McComb, Mississippi. The board enjoyed dinner while also collecting toys to be donated to the Salvation Army.

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Lisa and Robbie Dylan Monica Garner and Gail King Nancy Wooten and Betsy Smith Larry Bright, Brandi Warner, and Janette Alexander Etheleen and Edward Herron Debbie and Seth Touchstone with Colleen Lally Ron Jackson and Kaynthia Addison Tiffany Bridevaux, Brittany William, and Kim Schmidt Brenda Rollinson with Debbie Stovall Austin Bean, Sydney Wilson, Amanda Warren, and Janice Boling Clem and Debbie Stovall with Ashley McCain and Kit Stovall Rick and Connie McAlister with Brenda Rollinson Janette, Paige, and Joey Alexander Debbie Stovall with LeAnna Marion

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LEGAL NOTES

BY

Lucien C. Gwin III

Aging Parents: Part III

I

n my last two articles, I discussed what to do with an aging parent’s assets and what were the roles of power of attorQH\V ,Q WKLV Ă€QDO DUWLFOH FRQFHUQLQJ DJLQJ parents, I will talk about another helpful tool called a conservatorship. A conservatorship is a court-ordered guardianship of an adult by an adult. A conservatorship can become necessary when a person has become substantially physically impaired, mentally impaired, or both. In the event that the aging person never executed a “Durable Power of Attorney,â€? the family may need to obtain a conservatorship over the person if he or she is too mentally debilitated to understand and execute a regular power of attorney. I have seen stroke victims left so impaired that they cannot write, understand, or communicate and are, therefore, unable even to provide the proper power of attorney. Setting up a conservatorship may be a helpful alternative in these situations. I have dealt with hundreds of conservatorships over the course of my career, and it is a good tool for families and loved ones in certain circumstances. A conservatorship can be obtained by a Chancery Court in two ways: 1. Voluntary: In this conservatorship, the person is in agreement with the

conservatorship and signs the required paperwork. This is generally for very old adults who can still communicate. I have seen many situations where a person is mentally able to attend to personal hygiene matters and may even be able to drive a FDU EXW LV XQDEOH WR KDQGOH KLV ÀQDQFHV This was the type of conservatorship that Britney Spears was under for a while. 2. Involuntary: This conservatorship is obtained by having two doctors certify that the person is in need of either physical or mental care (or both). If a physician has not examined the person, the Court can order that an examination take place. Next, a hearing takes place; and the Court decides if a conservatorship is needed. If WKH &RXUW ÀQGV WKHUH LV LQGHHG D QHHG WKH Court then appoints a conservator. A conservator is usually given the same powers as those of an attorney-in-fact (a.k.a. power of attorney). Perhaps you have heard of an adult child kidding with his parent about picking out a nursing home; with a conservatorship, this situation can become a reality that can alleviate stress and help families manage their aging parent and his or her affairs. A conservatorship differs from a Power of Attorney in that a Court makes the determination as to whether the person should

have a conservatorship placed over him. With a Power of Attorney, the person himself executes the Power of Attorney giving another adult the authority to handle his affairs and not the Court. A conservator and a person with a Power RI $WWRUQH\ ERWK KDYH D Ă€GXFLDU\ GXW\ WR act in the utmost good faith on behalf of the ward, especially relating to the ward’s Ă€QDQFHV ,I WKH FRQVHUYDWRU IHHOV WKDW KH should be compensated or if he has to spend monies for anything other than the absolute needs of the ward, then Court Authority almost always is mandated. Finally, a conserYDWRU LV DOVR UHTXLUHG WR Ă€OH DQ DQQXDO DFcounting with the Chancery Court, outlining where all monies spent on behalf of the ward have gone; and this accounting must be approved by the Court. I have seen several occasions when an adult child has a conservatorship or Power of Attorney over a parent; and upon the death of that parent, the child winds up with all or the bulk of the estate. When this happens, you are almost guaranteed a lawsuit by any other siblings in the event that they have been left out of the assets to be disbursed. It is illegal for a person who has D Ă€GXFLDU\ GXW\ WRZDUG DQRWKHU SHUVRQ KLV ward, to put his ward’s assets in his own name. Just because someone is your parent or loved one does not mean you do not owe him or her the utmost good faith in managing his affairs. A conservator who decides to live off of the ward’s estate is committing malfeasance. My Take: A conservatorship is a great tool for assisting an aging parent. It includes court RYHUVLJKW DQG UHTXLUHV Ă€GXFLDU\ IXQFWLRQing from the would-be conservator. It is, of course, much more expensive than a power of attorney because court authority is required and often time necessitates a full-blown court hearing in the event that a parent plans to challenge the conservatorship. Lucien C. “Samâ€? Gwin III was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1981 and has been practicing many aspects of the law at the firm of Gwin, Lewis, Punches & Kelley in Natchez, Mississippi, ever since.

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2017 { Page 19

THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

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NACHS Witches Ride n October 26, 2016, the first annual Natchez Witches Ride was held in downtown Natchez, Mississippi, with proceeds benefiting the Natchez Adams County Humane Society. Both witches and warlocks dressed in their finest and rode or walked the parade route. At the end of the parade, patrons attended the after party at Bowie’s Tavern where everyone had a “howling” good time. Photography by Bill Williams

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1 Lynn Britt, Babbs Grey, Wendy Jenkins, Jennifer Voss, Mandy Howington, and Kathy Graning 2 Emerald Hull with Gouda and Lillie DeShields 3 Lisa Sanders 4 Deanne Tanksley, Maria Smilo, and Curtis Moroney 5 Babs Price, Mae Holyoak, and Suzan Hogue 6 Claire Kenda, Haley Whittington, and Caitlin Goodman 7 Jillian Steels, Tommy Beebe, and Victoria Guidry 8 Vicki Cothren and Agnes Holloway 9 Brittany Rasberry, Ty Rasberry, Joc Simpson, Jan Simpson, Nancy Laird, Katelee Laird, and Morgan Lander 10 Kerry Dicks, Jane Weems, and Sissy Dicks 11 Tracie Cole 12 Heather Carter and Savannah Vance 13 Rhonda Smith, Linda Kennon, and Lori Isbell

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14 Gwen Young, Dr. Ruth Nichols, and Kay Ketchings 15 Rylie Jenkins and Jessica Best 16 Jan Simpson, Julia Drews, and Hillary Denille 17 Angie Brown, Debbie Owens, Tonja Butler, Denise Case, Ginna Holyoak, Sarah Meriweather, and Lynn Britt 18 Shirley Hoggatt and Renee Cantu 19 Layten Chapman, Heather Schrock, P.J. Pevey, and Kelly Olive 20 Tracie Cole 21 Bill and Norma GasquetWilliams 22 Front—Heather Carter and Savannah Vance; Back—Lillie DeShields, Marie Gasquet, and Norma Gasquet-Williams 23 Robert Dunn and Lillie DeShields

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THE social SCENE VIDALIA, LA

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Clinic Launch for Promise Hospital romise Hospital, along with Med Centris, hosted a dinner presentation to inform local physicians and healthcare providers about the launch of their new outpatient wound-care clinic in Vidalia, Louisiana. The presentation was to educate healthcare professionals about the new treatment options and modalities offered in the outpatient setting at Promise Hospital.

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1 Regetta Woods, Kayla Purvis, Joseph Purvis, Dawn Moss, Quinta Calhoun, and Natasha Bullitts 2 Cashuna and Elton Mayes 3 Dr. John White and Shanda Richardson 4 Todd Shaffett, Gerri Willie, Shanda Richardson, Dr. John White, and Sheila Baillio 5 Boyd Greene, Mike Harrell, and Dr. Kevin Ingram 6 Mike Harrell, Tommy Milligan, Brent Smith, and Dr. Kevin Ingram 7 Tommy Milligan, Brent Smith, Bryan Day, and Dr. Kevin Ingram 8 Natasha Bullitts, Shanda Richardson, Dawn Moss, Quenta Calhoun, and Dr. John White

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

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Natchez Art Association Silent Auction and Gala

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n November 11, 2016, the Natchez Art Association hosted a silent auction and gala honoring visiting artists in Natchez, Mississippi. The evening of art appreciation was held at St. Joseph’s Inn at Edgewood, the home of Hedy and Jerry Boelte.

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Tammy Callens and Caitlin Rutter John and Eileen Ball Chris Radtke and Josh Miller Sandy and Tom Taylor Lynn Lackey, Mary Lessley, Judy Heard, and Pat and Connie Burns Joe and Andree Gamberi with Carol Ann Riley Kay Taylor with Ron and Sandy Lane Marcia McCullough, Debra Snider Heard, and Merideth Campbell Chad, Brooke, and Ashley Sheridan Annie Heard, Anne Seale, and Lori Ryan Joanna and Jason McNeel with Karen and Pat Biglane Penny and Tim McCary with Wes and Lauren Middleton Gwen and Jay Massey with Kevin and Bonnie Kirby Hannah Mason, Sarah Freeman Carey, Megan Cora Crawford, and Jenna Aldridge

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

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Krewe of Phoenix Royalty Announcement Party he Krewe of Phoenix held its 2017 Royalty announcement party October 20, 2016, at D’Evereux, the home of Jenna and Courtney Aldridge in Natchez, Mississippi. Members attended a cocktail party awaiting the announcement of the 2017 Mardi Gras Rex, Rosalie, and Royal Dukes and Duchesses. Photography by Lisa Adams Whittington

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Fayla Guedon and GA Mayers David Kimbro and Rene Cantu Madison and Jason Lees Elizabeth Ryan and Lauren Burns Chandler Russ and Fayla Guedon Kevin Preston and Sue Stedman Fayla Guedon, Elizabeth Hall, and Mary Margaret Edwards Joe and Sue Stedman with Chandler Russ Tony Heidelberg, Kevin Preston, and Dominique Wilkins Hayden Kaiser, Sarah Russ, and Jason Lees Cindy Rollins with Charlotte and Jim Franklin Melissa Vaughn with Robin and Scott Christian Elizabeth Hall, Hayden Kaiser, Matthew Hall, and David Kimbro Laurie Paradise, Haley Whittington, and Cathy and Tommy Ellett Jennifer Smith and Michelle Kaiser Mary Lessley and Pat Dickens Scott and Robin Christian, Karen Dunaway, Tommy Smith, and Pat Burns

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COMING UP IN 2017

Bluffs & Bayous MARCH Down Home Down South Spotlighting Southerners and their contributions to home and community.

APRIL Spring Flings Enjoy nature at her best and have a blooming good time!

MAY 0XVLF 0DJQLÀTXH The 27th Annual Natchez Festival of Music!

JUNE A Healthier You Medical and health matters for our readers and their families

JULY Sights Around the South Intriguing places and enriching events

AUGUST Saluting Community Mentors Individuals impacting their communities

SEPTEMBER Hunting, Fishing, Football & More Our favorite fall pastimes in the great outdoors

OCTOBER Fall Festivities Festivals and celebrations that fuel our energies and our economies!

NOVEMBER Cultural Cuisine )URP ÀQH GLQLQJ WR KRPH FRRNLQJ southern fare is sacred!

DECEMBER Winter Wonders 7KH KROLGD\ VHDVRQ·V VZHHWV WUHDWV DQG WUHDVXUHV Bluffs & Bayous { February 2017 { Page 25

THE social SCENE MCCOMB, MS

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Open House for The Claiborne n December 7, 2016, an open house was hosted at the soon-to-open assisted living facility, The Claiborne, in McComb, Mississippi. Local residents and their families were able to come in and see what living at The Claiborne will be like, see the available rooms, and meet the staff.

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7 1 Lee Ellen Haskins, Joe Ann Darville, and Betsy Van Norman 2 Melissa Temple, Lisa Alford, and Dianne Wilkinson 3 Lee Ellen and Tena Haskins with Mary Kathryn Brewer 4 Allison Strongs, Leanne Jenkins, and Nicole Hart 5 Beverly Carr and Mimi Allen 6 Phil Benjamson, Beverly Smith, Karen Stockman, and Mariah Reneau 7 Kelly Adams and Janice Fortenberry

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THE social SCENE SUMMIT, MS

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Retirement Reception for Adams retirement reception was held on Saturday, November 26, 2016, at the Southwest Mississippi Regional Workforce Center on the Southwest Community College campus in Summit, Mississippi, in honor of Stephen Adams, who is retiring from the McComb Fire Department after twenty-seven years of service. Family, friends, and retired and active employees of the McComb Fire Department were in attendance. Captain Warren Agnor presented Stephen Adams with a plaque and gift from the firemen, and guests enjoyed sharing memories with him throughout the evening.

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Julia and Stephen Adams Stephen Adams and LaRheta Dunaway Justin Adams and Jordan Fitzgerald Grace, Alvin, and Autumn Adams Darla Roberts and Stephen Adams Justin and Stephen Adams Justin Adams and Kel Hooks Donna and Preston Wells Sam Marsalis and Warren Agnor Pat, Grace, Stephen, and Alvin Adams Stephen Adams, Amanda Price, and Julia Adams LaRheta Dunaway, Julia Adams, and Darlene Coney Stephen, Pat, and Kara Adams Alvin, Justin, Kara, and Tammy Adams Abbey and Kel Hooks, Stephen and Julia Adams, and Clay and Tonya Hooks

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THE social SCENE ST. FRANCISVILLE, LA

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Cocktail Party for Audubon Pilgrimage Homeowners

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n Thursday, November 17, 2016, a cocktail party was hosted at Dellamata, the home of Coco and David Treppendahl, in St. Francisville, Louisiana, to honor the homeowners of the 2017 Audubon Pilgrimage. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and refreshments while getting into the holiday spirit.

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8 1 Father Cary Bani, Julie Brashier, Toni McVea, Lisa Horn, and Leonard Sullivan 2 Caroline Alberstadt and Liz Hazlip 3 Nicole Pinson, Brandie Olsen, Lisa Horn, and Dare Didier 4 Joliette Retting and Beryl Daniel 5 Chip and Christian Tregle 6 Betsy Daniel and Polly Lemoine 7 Irv Daniel and Tom Tully 8 Mary Godker, Mary Owen, and Toni McVea

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THE social SCENE

ST. FRANCISVILLE, LA

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10 9 Thomas Temple, Bob Butler, and Don Spillman 10 Yvonne Leak with Amanda and Stephen McKinney

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THE social SCENE MCCOMB, MS

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Beta Sigma Phi Senior Adult Dinner

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he Laureate Epsilon Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi hosted a complimentary senior adult Christmas dinner on Sunday, December 11, 2016, in McComb, Mississippi, at St. Andrew’s Senior Center. Over 100 guests attended the event and feasted on a traditional Christmas dinner of turkey and all the trimmings prepared by Shirley Boyd and Gloria Smith. The meal was blessed by Dr. David Millican, and the guests enjoyed entertainment provided by Surrendered, a contemporary Christian band composed of Chance Conerly, Willtz Roberts, Chris Branning, and Ronald Knight, as well as solos of Christmas music by Debbie Bowlin and Artis Brown.

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1 Patricia Fleming, Debbie Bowlin, Artis Brown, Barbara Simmons, Mary Matherson, Pam Hopkins, Dottie Wallace, Debbie Ball, Beverly Welch, and Kay Hughes 2 Debbie Ball and Barbara Simmons 3 Beverly Welch and Susan Bellipanni 4 Edward and Ethelene Herron 5 Lynsey Cooper, Bailey White, and Sadie Daix 6 Gage Harbour and Kaleigh Brister 7 Dr. and Mrs. Jay Chung with Jeanette Mercier 8 Jim, David, and Hannah Causey 9 Jennifer Miller with Sandra and Rick Kennedy 10 Mike and Pam Berry with Joyce Moak 11 Sue Ellen and Ed Codding

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THE social SCENE

MCCOMB, MS

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12 Mary Matherson, Eva Bass, Mallory Ball, Carley Ball, and Kay Hughes 13 Joy Laird and Marilyn Stutzman 14 Mary Matherson, Dawn and Lynsey Cooper, Bailey White, Sadie Daix, and Alana and Pam Hopkins 15 Mallory, Carley, Debbie, Finnegan, and Lane Ball 16 Charlotte Zeigler with Barbara and Stan Jones 17 Betty Brister, Janette Scott, Willie Fae Turnage, and Jerry Turnage 18 Jimmy and Pat Young 19 Glenn and Lee Laurie Gatlin with Linda and Feldon Dunway 20 Pearl Lanier and Curtis Anderson 21 Wille Mae Jackson 22 Carolyn Boyd, Janette Scott, Elouise Lee, and Sun Nunnery 23 Nell Price and Carolyn Wells 24 Margaret Jones

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THE social SCENE MCCOMB, MS

25 Patricia Fleming, Kay Hughes, Debbie Bowlin, Beverly Welch, Dawn Cooper, Pamela Hopkins, Jennifer Miller, Artis Brown, and Mary Matherson 26 Donna Stewart, Lucy Lowrey, Bonnie Huffman, and Rachel Speed 27 Wiltz Roberts, Chance Conerly, Chris Banning, and Ronald Knight 28 Geraldene Shiel, Jean Myers, and Dyan Mead 29 David and Doris Millican with Sandra and Rick Kennedy 30 Jasmin Whigham, Rhonda Kennedy, Kay Hughes, and April Monceret 31 Gloria Smith, Patricia Fleming, and Shirley Boyd 32 Helen Washington and Norma Hamilton 33 Betty Greer and Lee Ann Cunningham 34 Jennifer Miller and Sadie Daix 35 Henry Brewer and Betty Greer

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THE social SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

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Open House for First Street Business Center n Wednesday, January 11, 2017, the First Street Business Center & CafĂŠ hosted an open house and ribbon cutting for the community in downtown Brookhaven, Mississippi. The center offers several office spaces with full amenities for those looking for full-time or temporary rental along with a cafe and coffee bar. Photography by Jennifer Whittier

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Gwen Walker and Suzanne Smith Perry Smith and Julia Ivy Lindsey Robinson and Leigh Ann Creel Tramel Shedd and Suzanne Smith David Phillips and Tom Monroe Suzanne Smith Montell, Mary, and Jimmy Smith Stan Foster, Tillmon Bishop, and Ken Parvin Regina and Barry Shedd Tammy Thompson, Sheila Killingsworth, and Tammy Lewis 11 Blake Pickering with Jimmy, Phyllis, and Mary Smith 12 Stan Foster, Ken Parvin, and Patsy and Rusty Yates 13 Perry Smith and Emilee Cutler

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Bluffs & Bayous { February 2017 { Page 35

THE social SCENE MCCOMB, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Fernwood Country Club Welcomes Tennis Pro ernwood Country Club in McComb, Mississippi, recently held a meet-andgreet for its new Tennis Professional, Brian Perry. He is from Georgia and has remained in the South during his professional career. He has been working in the tennis industry as a coach or professional since 1998 with much of his experience coming from private clubs. He has an education background in leadership and physical education. He is also a certified tennis professional with the USTA and the Professional Tennis Registry, and an accomplished player with a 5.0 NTRP playing level.

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1 John Ott, Lawrence Giles, Steve Magee, Brian Perry, and Beck Troutman 2 Cyrena Austin, Donice Magee, Steve Magee, and Llewellyn Coon 3 Carol and Darrell Easley with Diane Parsons and Beck Troutman 4 Kathy Parker with Lawrence and Patsy Giles 5 Becky Izard and Courtney Watson 6 Mary Emma Lansing and Janice Hougland 7 Diane Cothern, Eric Lewis, Brian Perry, and Rockie Netherland 8 Carol Easley, Diane Cothern, Brian Perry, and Rockie Netherland 9 Donice Magee, Betty Sue Mims, Carol Easley, and Leanne Summers

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On the River k On the River k On the River k On the River

Natchez k vidalia k Ferriday k Natchez k vidalia k Ferriday k Page 38 { {February February2017 2017{{ Bluffs Bluffs & Bayous & Bayous

On the River k On the River k On the River k On the River

Natchez k vidalia k Ferriday k Natchez k vidalia k Ferriday k Bluffs Bluffs & Bayous & Bayous {{February February2017 2017{ { Page 39

Fifty Years of Charity I

n Brookhaven, Mississippi, the Krewe of Ceres has been raising money and promoting locals who excel since 1966. This year, the organization’s Charity Ball will celHEUDWH ÀIW\ \HDUV RI UR\DOW\ IRU WKH .UHZH and Sarah and Stan Foster, current Krewe of Ceres Presidents, shared their thoughts on the Krewe and its involvement in the community. According to Sarah, “The Krewe of Ceres ZDV IRUPHG LQ ZLWK ÀIW\ FKDUWHU PHPbers and has grown to 100 members today. Organized by the late Enoch Case, the Krewe was derived from the Jaycees and was originally completely made up of men. Now, the Krewe includes women, too.” Each year, the Krewe of Ceres hosts a Charity Ball in Brookhaven, Mississippi, and involves the community in helping to raise money for many charities throughout the area. The Charity Ball has evolved over the years and is now annually held at the Lincoln County Civic Center in order to accommodate the growing crowd of supporters. This year’s ball will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Civic Center in Brookhaven, Mississippi.

Krewe member Shannon Miller explained, “The day of the Ball will celebrate all of the past Charity Ball kings and queens with several events leading up to the Ball.” So, just how important is the Charity Ball to the Brookhaven area? Smith explained, ´:H DUH H[FLWHG WR EH D SDUW RI WKH ÀIWLHWK DQniversary celebration of the Krewe of Ceres. We are very proud that over the years through the Charity Ball we have been able to donate over $265,000 to local charities. “The Krewe of Ceres is very important and special to me, especially since my parents, the late Barbara and Dub Sproles, were FKDUWHU PHPEHUV DQG DOO ÀYH RI P\ VLEOLQJV and I have been honored on the court. My sister, Amy Sproles Smith, was crowned Queen in 1982; and both of my children have served on the court. We believe in and love our community and being part of an organization that gives so much back to it is a true privilege.” For more information about the Krewe of Ceres and this year’s Charity Ball, contact Shannon Miller by emailing shannon_miller102@yahoo.com.

by Jennie Guido • Photography courtesy of the Krewe of Ceres Page 40 { February 2017 { Bluffs & Bayous

2000 Queen Melissa Hennington Henson and King Dr. Jim G. Barnett

1993 Queen Allison Dixon Ingram and King Ralph Peeples

1985 Queen Leslie Driskell Ashford and King Dr. Russell Burns

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2017 { Page 41

Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler: History of Mardi Gras in Natchez, Mississippi

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ccording to an article written by Donald Flynn and featured in the 1983 Krewe of Phoenix program, Natchez, Mississippi, hosted an early Mardi Gras of sorts in 1716 when Bienville Le Moyne arrived at Natchez and was welcomed by a grand dance in which 600 Natchez warriors and 300 women took part. Mardi Gras was banned XQGHU 6SDQLVK DQG $PHULFDQ UXOH XQWLO ZKHQ EDOOV Ă€QDOO\ ZHUH SHUPLWWHG DJDLQ Street masking was legalized in 1823; and the word “kreweâ€? allegedly was fashioned about this time by the secret Comus society of Mobile, Alabama, which established several traditions: forming a mystic society, choosing a mythological namesake, presenting a WKHPHG SDUDGH ZLWK Ă RDWV DQG VWDJLQJ D WDEOHDX[ EDOO DIWHU D VWUHHW SURFHVVLRQ 7KH Ă€UVW 0DUGL *UDV LQ 1DWFKH] ZDV KHOG LQ $FWXDOO\ WKH WRZQ IDWKHUV RI Natchez introduced Mardi Gras to everyone to attract customers to the languishing stores of the town. It was an immediate success. An elaborate parade on Mardi Gras day was followed by the arrival of Rex on the “Royal Steamerâ€? and festivities continued into the night with dancing and popping of champagne corks at a ball sponsored by the Italian society of Natchez (Natchez Democrat, February 10, 1875). The last of these early Mardi Gras celebrations in Natchez was 1910. Modern Natchez Mardi Gras was revitalized in the early 1980s.

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King, Queen, Duke, and Duchesses of 2017

Krewe of Heart and Soul Founded in 2013, this active Krewe is spearheaded by one of its founders Robert L Gardner, Jr. Other founding members are Felicia Bowman, Tera Williams Harris, Christy Bowman, and Jeremy Fakes. This service-oriented group of forty members is actively involved in work with the Natchez Stewpot, nursing homes, and fellowship within churches throughout the community; and it offers three scholarships for graduating seniors in Vidalia and Ferriday, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi. Elected by the membership, the krewe’s royalty consists of a king, queen, duke, and duchesses. The elected captain and co-captain manage the annual ball each year. This year’s royalty and nobility are King Roger and Queen Debra L. Allen, Duke Robert Lee Gardner, Jr., Duchess Tabatha Wright, Duchess Retha Shae Scott, and Duchess Ursula ShenÊ Brooks-Ware. This year’s ball was held January 14 at the Natchez Convention Center.

Krewe of Janus 7KH .UHZH RI -DQXV ZDV HVWDEOLVKHG LQ $SULO KROGLQJ LWV Ă€UVW JUDQG EDOO -DQXDU\ 19, 2002. The charter members include Barbara N. Johnson, Lisa W. Johnson, Valeria Johnson, Robert L. Plummer and Pamela B. Plummer. Janus, the Roman god, named for the month of January is recognized by his characteristic double head, one facing forward ZLWK WKH RWKHU IDFLQJ EDFNZDUG -DQXV WKH 5RPDQ JRG RI QHZ EHJLQQLQJV ZDV RIĂ€FLDOO\ adopted by the Krewe as its namesake and represents good beginnings and good endings. The purpose of the Krewe of Janus is to participate in the Annual Mardi Gras and celHEUDWLRQV DORQJ ZLWK RWKHU DFWLYLWLHV IRU WKH EHQHĂ€W RI LWV PHPEHUV DQG WR KDYH IXQ DQG HQMR\ WKH 0DUGL *UDV VHDVRQ 7KLV \HDU¡V 3UHVLGHQW LV *ORULD 'DQJHUĂ€HOG DQG /H5R\ 0HUULFN serves as Captain. The 2017 Royal Court is King DaMorris Merrick, Queen Connie Merrick, Duke Arrocus Baskin, Duchess LaWanda Baskin, Duke Chris Dunbar, Duchess Natalie Lyles, Duchess Fannie Campbell, and Duke Kerry Baskin.

Top left— 2008 Queen Tonya Galtney and .LQJ %DUU\ 1RUWKà HHW Above—Robert Plummer with 2007 Captain Pam Plummer

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2017 { Page 43

/HIW³ 4XHHQ -DFTXHOLQH 0RQHH &DPHURQ Top—Participants in former Krewe of Indians Presentation

Krewe of Indians The Krewe of Indians was established in 2006 to represent Native Americans who once occupied the open lands. Robert McNeely is one of the founding members and presently serves as President. Each year the Krewe hosts a ball where the Big Chief and Majestic Queen along with Dukes and Duchesses are presented. This year’s Mardi Gras theme is Light up the Night in Paris. The 2017 royalty are Big Chief David Myles; Majestic Queen Nickie Mosby; Duke Keywand Batteste; and Duchesses Deloris Curtis, Ira Swell, and India Martin. The krewe held night parades in the past. This year’s ball was held January 28 at the Natchez Convention Center.

Krewe of Mer The Krewe of Mer was incorporated on April 29, 1993, by its organizers Margaret January, Wilbur Johnson, Barbara Johnson, Charles Groom, Bessie Bradley, Willie January, Sadie Bacon, and Ralph Jennings for the purpose of participating in Mardi Gras celebrations in the Natchez area. The Krewe of Mer, named for merriment, a lovely celebration, is Natchez’s oldest African American Mardi Gras organization. It is a volunteer group missioned to promote the Mardi Gras spirit. The dedicated members give generously with the planning and production of various events and activities to assist in the vision of the Krewe. Mer provides scholarships to local students and participates in various organizations to assist with worthy causes within the Miss-Lou community. Celebrating their twenty-fourth year, Krewe of Mer will host their ball on Feburary 11 at the Natchez Convention Center. Each year a King and Queen with their court of Dukes and Duchesses reign over the ball. Above—King of 2015, Antonio Rankin Left—The Krewe festively decorates their tables for the ball.

Page 44 { February 2017 { Bluffs & Bayous

Nubian Social Aid & Pleasure Club Founded in 2011, the group’s theme is “Party for a Purpose.” Throughout the year, the organization holds monthly volunteer projects at various nursing homes in the area and adopts a family during Thanksgiving and Christmas each year. The Nubian organization’s mission is to foster social unity and support as well as encourage and improve the socialization of the MissLou community. The group holds a Coronation Ball in the fall presenting the selected maids and junior dukes to society. The youth have participated in various etiquette and moral character presentations, visions workshops, and dance classes. During the Coronation Ball, the maids and junior dukes present a choreographed waltz; and the King and Queen are announced for the upcoming Mardi Gras season. Each year, following their Tableau Ball, which this year was held January 21, 2017, at the Natchez Convention Center, the royalty travel to a nursing home and hold a parade of costumes, toss cups and beads, perform a Second Line, and bring the spirit of Mardi Gras to the residents. Also during the year, the Nubians host a Family Fun Day in April and an All White Affair event in July at the Community Center. This year’s sixth annual Tableau Mardi Gras theme is Nubian Visits the Orient. Presiding over the festivities are Queen Margaret January and King Marques January. Maids are Jakalya Barnes, Jamaliette Ke1Porshe Combs, and Jerita Baker; and Junior Dukes are Kaleab Wade Robinson, Robert Hargrave, Jr., and George Edward Frye, Jr. Serving as Pages are Cody Bonds, Alexes Denson, Angel Jackson, Taylor January, Tyler January, and Kelly McMorris. Chieftess is Alexine Jordan. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page.

Top left—2016 Queen Doris Williams and King Donald Acker Above—2014 Chieftess Andrea January Bonds

Bluffs & Bayous { February 2017 { Page 45

Krewe of Phoenix

Top— 2016-2017 Krewe of Phoenix Royalty, Dukes, and Duchesses Above—Krewe of Phoenix Rex and Rosalie XXXV, Chandler Russ and Sue Stedman Photographs by Lisa Adams Whittington

7KLUW\ Ă€YH \HDUV DJR D JURXS RI 1DWFKH] FLWL]HQV UHVXUUHFWHG WKH FXVWRP RI 0DUGL Gras in Natchez. They formed a Krewe, elected a court, staged a parade, and hosted a Grand Ball. During the preparations for these events, members held discussions to deterPLQH Ă€UVW WKH QDPH WKH .UHZH ZRXOG FDUU\ DQG VHFRQG WKH WLWOHV RI WKH PHPEHUV RI WKH royal court. The Krewe decided upon the name Phoenix (the mythological bird that repeatedly rises in splendor from the ashes of its own burning demise) because it seemed in harmony with the idea of resurrecting Mardi Gras from Natchez’s past. The names selected for king and queen were King Rex I and Queen Rosalie I, with each succeeding year increasing the Roman numeral. Rex was chosen because it is synonymous with a grand King of Mardi Gras and because rex is the French word for “king.â€? Rosalie was chosen because it is the given name of the Duchess De Pontchartrain. In the mid-to-late 1600s, she was instrumenWDO LQ REWDLQLQJ Ă€QDQFLQJ IRU )UHQFK DGYHQWXUHU 5REHUW GH /D 6DOOH ZKR H[SORUHG WKH DUeas of the Mississippi River and brought white Europeans to the Natchez area. When the French formed a settlement high on the bluffs of Natchez in the early 1700s, they named WKH Ă€UVW IRUW KHUH 5RVDOLH WR KRQRU WKH 'XFKHVV The royal court’s dukes and duchesses represent the various periods of Natchez history: Duke Great Sun and Duchess La Glorieuse, Duke of Versailles and Duchess Marie Therese, Duke Montfort Browne and Duchess Panmure, Duke Manuel Gayosa De Limos and Duchess Marguerite Theresa De Limos, Duke Monmouth and Duchess Eliza Lowe Little, and Duke Jefferson Davis and Duchess Varina Howell Davis. In total, the Krewe of Phoenix has 165 members and hosts multiple events, such as the Announcement Party, Twelfth Night Celebration, Call-Out Ball, Grand Ball, and a Mardi Gras parade. Throughout the season, many private parties honor the reigning royalty and court. This year’s Rex and Rosalie are Chandler Russ and Sue Stedman. Dukes and Duchesses are George A. Mayers; Ryan Morrison, DMD; Charles Hayden Kaiser III; David “Roscoâ€? Kimbro; Dallas Morris; David Ryan; Maggie Martin Smith; Madison Lees; Theresa Renee Cantu; Mary Margaret Edwards; Elizabeth Hall; and Fayla Huff Guedon. Ryan Richardson currently serves as President of the Krewe of Phoenix For more information, visit www.kreweofphoenixnatchez.com or its Facebook page.

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BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI Bluffs Bluffs & Bayous & Bayous {{February February2017 2017{ { Page 47

FEBRUARY

premier events

NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI February 23 – 25 Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration The Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration will host Mississippi: A Literary Journey on February 23 - 25, 2017, at the Natchez Convention Center located at 211 Main Street in Natchez, MississipSL 7KLV \HDU·V WKHPH KRQRUV WKH 6WDWH·V bicentennial. Dr. William Ferris, Richard Grant, Sally Jenkins, Mark Brockway, Alisa Burton Steel, and many more will discuss the people, places, and pivotal events that shaped the history and culture of Mississippi from statehood, to Civil War, to civil rights and beyond. 7KXUVGD\·V NLFNRII HYHQW IHDWXUHV Mark Brockway and Tim Givens premiering their documentary Mississippi Madame: The Life of Nellie Jackson at 7 pm, followed by a panel discussion on WKH LFRQLF -DFNVRQ RQH RI 0LVVLVVLSSL·V most famous madams. Nearly all of the programming is free of charge and open to the public thanks to the generous support of Copiah Lincoln Community College, The Mississippi Bicentennial Celebration Commission, The Mississippi Humanities Council, The City of Natchez Mississippi, Adams County Mississippi, and The Department of Archives and History. Only three events require tickets. 7KH ÀUVW LV 0XVLF RI WKH 3HRSOH RQ )ULday, February 24, at 8:30 pm at the First 3UHVE\WHULDQ &KXUFK ³DOO SURFHHGV EHQHÀW SUHVHUYDWLRQ HIIRUWV DW +RO\ )DPLO\ &DWKROLF &KXUFK DQG )LUVW 3UHVE\WHrian Church, both of Natchez MS). On Saturday, the NLCC will host a luncheon DW WKH &DUULDJH +RXVH DW DP SHU WLFNHW DQG D EHQHÀW FRFNWDLO EXIIHW honoring the speakers and award winners at historic Glen Auburn at 5:30 pm SHU WLFNHW To purchase tickets to any of these three events, email nlcc@colin.edu or call (601)446-1208 or (601)446-1274.

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Louisiana Up & Coming! FEBRUARY www.louisianatravel.com

VIDALIA

ALEXANDRIA

Every Wednesday Farmers Market Old Courthouse www.cityofvidalia.com

Throughout February www.alexandriapinevillela.com BATON ROUGE Throughout February www.visitbatonrouge.org Mardi Gras Parade Schedule www.visitbatonrouge.com/events/mardi-gras FERRIDAY February 11 Ronnie Cox & Friends Ferriday Arcade 7 pm (318)757-9999

February 2 7KH %HDWOHV %DQG RI WKH ·V Vidalia Library SP )UHH February 16 Loving Our Elders with Quality Life Derek Warden Vidalia Library SP )UHH February 25 Mardi Gras Parade Carter Street 3 pm (318)518-7657

February 16 E-Services Class Ferriday Library 9 - 11:30 am / Free (318)757-3550 NEW ORLEANS February 11 - 28 New Orleans Mardi Gras 3DUDGHV DQG HYHQWV YDU\ HDFK ZHHNHQG www.mardigrasneworleans.com PORT ALLEN Throughout February www.westbatonrougemuseum.com ST. FRANCISVILLE Throughout February Black History Display Rosedown 10 am – 4 pm (225)635-3332 February 3 Introspections: Brahms & Dohnanyi Grace Episcopal Church 7 pm (225)635-6397

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FEBRUARY Mississippi Up & Coming! www.visitmississippi.org BROOKHAVEN February 18 Krewe of Ceres 50th Charity Ball Lincoln County Civic Center SP (601)757-6141 February 25 Downtown Jazzed Up Downtown Brookhaven 5 – 10 pm :DONLQJ -D]] 3DUDGH SP (601)833-1411 March 4 Singer & Songwriter Festival The Haven SP

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Mississippi Up & Coming! FEBRUARY JACKSON Throughout February www.visitjackson.com Throughout February Live Music Concerts Duling Hall www.dulinghall.com Throughout February Art Events at Mississippi Museum of Art www.msmuseumart.org Through February 5 Madagascar- A Musical Adventure New Stage Theatre 7:30 pm www.newstagetheatre.com Through February 19 52nd Dixie National Livestock Show & Rodeo Mississippi Coliseum www.dixienational.org

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FEBRUARY Mississippi Up & Coming! February 18 Mississippi Symphony Orchestra presents Bravo! Tchaikovsky! Thalia Mara Hall 7:30 pm www.msorchestra.com February 23 Stomp Thalia Mara Hall 7:30 pm www.ticketmaster.com MAGNOLIA February 18 – 19 Mardi Gras Downtown Railroad Depot 6DWXUGD\ DP ² SP 6XQGD\ DP ² SP (601)783-5267 www.magnoliachamberofcommerce.com

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Mississippi Up & Coming! FEBRUARY MCCOMB February 2 The Claiborne presents Live, Love, & Laughter 6W $O·V /LJXRUL +DOO 2 pm (601)551-5590 February 18 -XQLRU $X[LOLDU\ RI 0F&RPE·V Azalea Ball McComb Mill 7 pm – Midnight Invitation only March 1 0F&RPE *DUGHQ &OXE·V th Annual Lighted Azalea Trail Throughout Pike County )HUQZRRG 3LQHKXUVW 0DJQROLD 6XPPLW North & South McComb Dusk – 9 pm www.business.pikeinfo.com NATCHEZ Throughout February Live Music Event Calendar www.visitnatchez.org/full-event-calendar February 9 - 12 )R[ÀUH Natchez Little Theatre 7:30 pm / February 12: 2 pm www.natchezlittletheatre.org February 10 Natchez Festival of Music presents A New York State of Mind The Carriage House Silent & Live auction / Dinner / Cash bar SP www.natchezfestivalofmusic.com February 10 9DOHQWLQH·V :HHNHQG 'LQQHU 7KHDWUH Hotel Vue SP www.thedetectives.biz

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FEBRUARY Mississippi Up & Coming! February 11 ArtsNatchez Featured Artist Joseph A. Johnson & Leon Hollins ArtsNatchez Gallery 5 – 7 pm / Free www.gallery.artsnatchez.com February 18 Krewe of Phoenix Grand Ball Natchez Convention Center ² SP www.kreweofphoenixnatchez.com February 23 – 25 Natchez Literary & Cinema Celebration: Mississippi: A Literary Journey Natchez Convention Center (601)446-1208 / www.colin.edu/nlcc February 24 Krewe of Phoenix Parade Downtown Natchez SP SUMMIT February 17 Mardi Gras Parade Downtown Summit (601)276-3038 VICKSBURG Throughout February www.visitvicksburg.com Throughout February Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation www.southernculture.org February 3 – 12 <RX·UH $ *RRG 0DQ &KDUOLH %URZQ Parkside Playhouse Friday & Saturday: 7:30 pm Sunday: 2 pm (601)636-0471 February 4 – 5 Vicksburg Coin Show Riverwalk Casino Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm Mark Richter / (601)529-0335

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Mississippi Up & Coming! FEBRUARY February 7 Venus, Vino & Valentine 403 Longleaf Cove www.vicksburgartassociation.org February 8 – 9 More Than Painting Workshop SCHF 5:30 – 8:30 pm (601)631-2997 February 17 – 19 $IIDLUV RI WKH +HDUW Parkside Playhouse Friday & Saturday: 7 pm Sunday: 2 pm (601)618-5457 February 18 7KH 5LYHU 5HYHOHUV· 0DVNHG %DOO Vicksburg Convention Center SP &DVK EDU (601)634-4527 February 25 Mississippi Film Showcase Strand Theatre 717 Clay Street www.strandvicksburg.com February 25 Mardi Gras Parade Downtown Vicksburg 4 pm www.downtownvicksburg.org February 25 Carnaval de Mardi Gras & Gumbo Cook-off Southern Heritage Cultural Center 6 – 8 pm / Adult: $10 / Child: $5 vburgfoundation@aol.com

%H VXUH WR FRQÀUP GHWDLOV RI WKH HYHQWV should changes have occurred since events were submitted.

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SOUTHERN SAMPLER

BY

worry about being stepped on or outmaneuvered by some bead-hungry adult. We know PDQ\ RI WKH à RDW ULGHUV DQG it is always fun to wave at a local farmer dressed up like a pirate. We have drinks and snacks for the little ones, and we usually park in front of friend Janice Smith’s camp where there is plenty of room for the little boys to play football or chase. She always has drinks and pots of chili and gumbo for those dropping by, and it is a happy couple of hours for all of us. It takes longer to drive to Larto from Smithland than it takes for the parade to run its route, but we don’t watch the clock. It’s time to go when the boys are tired, and it’s good that we’re close to home and their nap spots (mine, too). This Larto Mardi Gras parade is a good example of local people taking time to provide entertainment for their families and for the surrounding community even if many still do not grasp the actual meaning of the day. The weather people have forecast a warm, dry winter for us here in the Gulf South; but so far, it has been cold and very wet. Of course, it could change next week; but lots of rain this time of year has us watching the lakes and the rivers. We know all too well what excessive rain can do, and keeping an eye out is to our advantage. The lakes here on Smithland are private lakes and non-navigable bodies of water with no current to move the water from north to south. When Grassy Lake is full, it will run over the control structure to the south until the water levels off; but otherwise it moves only at the whim of the wind. Tupelo Brake and Jack Young Lake are exactly the same: when the water gets UHDO KLJK LW ZLOO RYHUà RZ VRPHZKHUH EXW there’s no current moving it. This concept LV GLIÀFXOW IRU WKH XQHGXFDWHG LQ ZDWHU ZD\V WR XQGHUVWDQG EXW WKH GLIÀFXOW\ GRHV not change the facts of nature. I’ve been watching the water in Tupelo Brake in front of my house since that last big rain in December. If it gets much higher, it will be climbing up the hill to my

’Tis the Season W

hen I was a child, Mardi Gras was a term in an eighth-grade History of Louisiana textbook. Protestants did not celebrate Mardi Gras here in east central Louisiana, not once, not ever. It wasn’t our holiday, and we were unconcerned about it. We vaguely knew that the holiday existed because people would go to New Orleans for the spectacle of Mardi Gras, but they were few and far between in our world. We had few Catholic students in our schools then, as now; and the most notable thing about Mardi Gras was not the day itself but Ash Wednesday when the students would come to school with a dot of ashes on their foreheads. This was very alien looking to us Protestants, and we never really got into the meaning of it all. Basketball was our religion in February, and getting ready for the playoffs was our goal. Ashes were not part of that scene. Attitudes began to change about Mardi Gras in this area in the 1980s. I remember Dale Campbell Brown and some of her friends getting together on a horse-drawn wagon, decorated for Mardi Gras, and riding through the streets of Natchez. From that singular event, the Mardi Gras parade of Natchez developed, and other small

local towns began having parades at their schools and sometimes community-sponsored events. The krewes began to form, and soon Mardi Gras was a big celebration in the Miss-Lou area and in Protestant central Louisiana. Celebrating Mardi Gras became the ‘thing’ to do even when a great many of the participants had no idea as to the true meaning of the occasion. To them, it was like Halloween: a chance to wear masks, ULGH RQ Ă RDWV DQG JR WR SDUWLHV 7KHUH ZDV no follow-up Ash Wednesday and days of Lent. It was just a fun time in dreary month of winter. I have to admit that I have never been to a New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration. One, because I detest large crowds of any kind; and two, that particular celebration was just not part of my world. However, there is one Catahoula parade of the last decade or so that I do try to attend every \HDU 7KDW ZRXOG EH WKH RIĂ€FLDO 0DUGL *UDV parade at Larto, a very family-oriented, kid-oriented affair. The parade is not very large, but it makes up for its lack of size in enthusiasm amongst the participants and the onlookers. My little grandsons can enjoy the sport of gathering beads without having to

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Alma M. Womack

already soaked and limb-covered yard; but the house and the barns will be okay. The real problem with the brake now is a beginning intrusion of noxious water turkeys. I shoot at them with my BB gun just to scare them off; and so far, my efforts have worked. We have a permit to control them, but they are muckle hard to hit. They mostly roost in the southern end of Grassy Lake, and the noise they make is abominable. It is also worth mentioning that, along with their noise and ugliness, they will decLPDWH D ODNH·V VXSSO\ RI VPDOO ÀVK Water turkeys, water hyacinths, poachers, and trespassers—those things are the SULFH RI KDYLQJ D ÀVKLQJ ODNH DQG VRPHtimes, I think it just ain’t worth the trouble. Happy Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, and happy whatever else there is to celebrate in this last real month of Southern winter. I just hope we have enough cold weather to kill the blasted stinkbugs and to OHW PH KDYH D ÀUH DW QLJKW ZLWKRXW WXUQLQJ on the air-conditioner. Columnist Alma Womack lives on Smithland Plantation on Black River, south of Jonesville, Louisiana. In addition to her duties as maitresse des maison, she is the keeper of the lawn, the lane and the pecan orchard at Smithland.

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