Bluffs & Bayous March 2018

Bluffs & Bayous { March 2018 { Page 1

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FIRST HOME SAVINGS for First-Time Homebuyers First Home Savings1

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First Bank’s First Home Savings Account is an account open only to Mississippians who have never purchased or owned a home in MS or any other state. Money deposited in the account earns interest free from state income tax and is deductible from state income in 2018 (up to $2,500 per year for individuals or $5,000 for couples; however, there is no limit to annual `i« Ã Ì > Õ Ìî° Õ `à V> Li ÕÃi` v À > Û>À iÌÞ v Ì }à V Õ` }\ ` Ü «>Þ i Ì] >««À> Ã> vii] Ì Ì i viià À Ì iÀ i «ÕÀV >Ãi Ài >Ìi` iÝ«i ÃiÃÆ ÜiÛiÀ] Õ µÕ> wi` ÕÃi v vÕ `à is penalized ten percent. Individual account holders are responsible for all reporting on their tax return. See www.FirstHomeMS.org for full details. Limit one First Home Savings Account per individual.

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Annual Percentage Yield is accurate as of 1/1/2018. Both applicable tiers currently pay the same rate, but are subject to change after account opening at any time. APY quoted assumes funds remain on deposit for at least 365 days. Be sure to enroll in eStatements as paper statement fees or other fees could reduce earnings.

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F RO M T H E P U B L I S H E R Life.â€? Jennifer attended the Front Porch Conference held in Taylor, Mississippi, back in October 2017; was inspired by the speakers, setting, tours, and events of the conference; and has been working on the local twist to porch-living that some Brookhaven residents enjoy. Citing their uniqueness, local dĂŠcor, and settings, her delightful read will encourage you to take to your porch (or your neighbor’s) and enjoy the various times of day there that suit your schedule and “wine-down timeâ€?!

Becky Junkin, in her feature “Springtime is Porch Time for Sipping and Sampling,� traces our porch theme to a familiar childhood memory with lemonade, lightning bugs, and cookies. For your afternoon-into-evening porch-sitting, her recipes offer a variety of cocktails and homemade lemonade paired with several delicious treats. Our February work-day of preparing the cookies, cheese wafers, and drinks made me think of those March kind of days. Our afThe front porch of Heckler Hall in Natchez, Mississippi, welcomes folks to come and sit a spell and enjoy the waning of the day. G’s Fare pages 28 - 33. Photograph by ternoon was balmy; and the settings of her front porch, her Cheryl F. Rinehart back porch, and her side screened porch coaxed me into believing that springtime was on its way.

Our March Calendar offers so many events in all of our n blows March and...what happened to February? Ground Hog Day...Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day‌Ash Wednesday‌ readership areas...St. Patrick’s Day celebrations; Spring Pilgrimages Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration—all went oh, so well, LQFOXGLQJ KRXVH WRXUV HYHQLQJ HQWHUWDLQPHQW DQG EHQHÀW EDOOV and a Natchez Indian PowWow. Celebrating the coming of spring, and far too fast. The end of January and most of February found me working on this month’s issue. February teased us with mild, mixed, McComb Garden Club honors its blossoming azaleas with the sunny days; and all types of blooms came peeking through our win- Lighted Azalea Trail throughout the month of March. Theatre proter-burned landscape. The Japanese Magnolias burst into their fuch- ductions and ballets are also on the agenda as the month winds down sia-to-pink-to white glory in mid-February; and the jonquils and the and warming March winds welcome Easter’s arrival April 1.

We invite you to enjoy this “out on the porchâ€? edition and daffodils began to dot the landscape with color. I spied a couple of to take in some of the many events of life along and beyond the ,ULV MRLQLQJ LQ WKH FKRLU RI EORRPV DV ZHOO 5\H JUDVV VWDUWHG Ă€QJHUing through the brown blanket of winter yards, and my soul began to Mississippi‌ bask in thinking an early spring had arrived. Ahhhhh‌but most of us know better than to trust these tricks of Mother Nature!

Nevertheless, we can celebrate part of our Deep South springinto-summer lives through this month’s focus on porches with Jennifer Whittier’s feature “Porch Personality...Loving Porch

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MARCH 2018

F E AT U R E S Springtime is Porch Time for Sipping and Sampling .......................................28-33 Porch Personality . . . Loving Porch Life ........................................................... 34-41 Heirloon Treasures .............................................................................................42-43

F AV O R I T E S Events Louisiana Up & Coming .....................................................................................44-47

Porch Personality . . . Loving Porch Life page 34 - 41

Mississippi Up & Coming ....................................................................................49-56

In the Garden Use Lemongrass as an Annual or Perennial ...........................................................12

Legal Notes Pit Bull Hell ............................................................................................................. 16

Southern Sampler Reflections on the Recent Freeze ...........................................................................58

The Social Scene Vicksburg Art Association Christmas Celebration ............................................ 10-11 Fall Gathering 2017 The Order of the First Families of Mississippi...................... 13

Springtime is Porch Time for Sipping and Sampling pages 28 - 33

Surprise Birthday Party for Gwin ...................................................................... 14-15 Wildwood Garden Club Christmas Gathering ................................................... 18-19 Rotary Club’s Centennial Anniversary .............................................................. 20-21 Cheers to 60 Years! .............................................................................................24-25 First Bank Night at SMCC Basketball.....................................................................26

ON THE COVER Rusty and Patsy Yates’ Tiki Porch in Brookhaven, Mississippi, is one of several porches showcased in this month’s feature “Porch Personality....Loving Porch Life,” by Jennifer Whittier, on pages 34 to 40. Photograph by Jennifer Whittier

Retirement Celebration for Dixon ..........................................................................27 Miss Vidalia Pageant ................................................................................................27

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PUBLISHER Cheryl Foggo Rinehart COPY EDITOR Jean Nosser Biglane GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jan Ratcliff

Anita Schilling

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Tim McCary

Cheryl Rinehart Lisa Adams Whittington SALES STAFF

Cheryl Rinehart

Donna Sessions

CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Gary R. Bachman

Lucien C. “Sam� Gwin III

Becky Junkin

Jennifer J. Whittier Alma Womack

Cheryl Rinehart

Jean Biglane

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

Jan Ratcliff

Anita Schilling

Tim McCary

Lisa Adams Whittington

Donna Sessions

Jennifer J. Whittier

Lucien C. “Sam� Gwin III

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 225 John R. Junkin Drive | Natchez, MS 39120 | 601-442-6847 bluf fsmag@gmail.com | bbupandcoming@gmail.com www.bluf fsbayous.com

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THE social SCENE VICKSBURG, MS

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Vicksburg Art Association Christmas Celebration

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he Vicksburg Art Association hosted “Bells in the Hills,” a ’70s Disco Christmas celebration, on Friday, December 1, 2017.

The event was held at the Old Constitution Firehouse in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and included a silent auction of works donated by local artists. A groovy time was had by all!

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1 Lesley Silver, Toni Ferguson, Jean Blue, and Laura Callaway 2 Aaron and Kristin Matthews 3 Don Milner, Lee Waring, Stan Kline, and Hazel Milner 4 Easy Biedenharn and Mary John Johnson 5 Remy and Kasmin Massey, Fred Camfield, and Fred Shirley 6 Kelle Barfield, Dr. Ed Perkins, and Natalia Vinas

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THE social SCENE VICKSBURG, MS

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7 Glenda Loviza, Lee Waring, and Hazel Milner 8 Joe Loviza, Glenda Loviza, and Dick Ferguson 9 Fred Shirley, Glen Beard, and Paul Ingram 10 Leah and Dennis Norris with Libby Beard 11 Dian Anderson, Becky Jolly, and Josephine Peterson 12 Susan Johnston with Erin Loflin and daughter 13 Dr. Susan Chiarito, Libby and Glen Beard, and Vince Chiarito 14 Donna and Paul Ingram with Libby and Glen Beard

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IN THE GARDEN

BY

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

Garden centers offer lemongrass, a tropical plant that performs well in Mississippi, as a perennial in southern areas and an annual farther north.

Lemongrass can be fairly large plants, so use 24-inch spacing when massing them in the landscape. For patio use, plant them in continers at least 12 inches across.

Lemongrass is low maintenance and has few pests. Much evidence suggests this plant may even help to repel mosquitoes.

Citronella oil is naturally found in lemongrass and is commonly used as a natural mosquito repellent. That makes lemongrass perfect for outdoor entertaining areas.

Lemongrass is a clumping grass that spreads by tillering. You can vegetatively propagate it by division, using a sharp hatchet or spade to divide tight clumps.

Plant these divisions in new locations in your garden, or share them with neighbors and friends.

Lemongrass is often used in Asian cuisine and herbal teas. Harvest when the stalks are at least a quarter inch in diameter by cutting or simply twisting them off close to the ground.

The delicious, edible portion of lemongrass is near the base of the stalk under the tough, woody outer sheath. This tender base can be sliced, bruised, or pounded into a paste. Leftovers can be frozen for later use.

I think if you try one lemongrass plant this year, you’ll enjoy it so much that you will grow more in the years to come.

Use Lemongrass as an Annual or Perennial

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ne of the 2018 Mississippi Medallion Winners is lemongrass.

Let’s take a look at this winner for your gardens.

Lemongrass is a tropical herb packed ZLWK D VWURQJ FLWUXV Ă DYRU ,W IRUPV WDOO grassy clumps ranging from 3 to 5 feet tall.

Lemongrass is a great choice as an adaptable replacement for traditional ornamental grasses. It also is a must-have plant for the edible landscape.

Both of the two species we have available originated in Southeast Asia. East Indian lemongrass is native to Cambodia, India, and Vietnam. West Indian lemongrass is native to Indonesia.

Garden centers commonly sell both species as lemongrass. This is okay because both can be used interchangeably, but the East Indian variety is the preferred culinary Page 12 { March 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

species. Seeds are readily available online if you want to try both species.

Since lemongrass is a tropical plant, it is susceptible to some of the winter temperature extremes we have from time to time.

Sound familiar?

Lemongrass is a reliable perennial grass that survives normal winters in Mississippi hardiness zones 8b and 9a. However, it is perfectly happy and productive when planted as an annual or in containers in north Mississippi. I actually grow lemongrass in containers in my Ocean Springs garden.

Always plant lemongrass in full sun for the best performance. Lemongrass needs fertile, well-drained soil; and it does not perform well in clay or other heavy soils. If you’re not going to grow your lemongrass in a container, a raised bed is the perfect alternative location.

Columnist Dr. Gary R. Bachman is an assistant extension professor of horticulture at Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.

THE social SCENE JACKSON, MS

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Fall Gathering 2017 The Order of the First Families of Mississippi he Fall Gathering of The Order of the First Families of Mississippi was held in Jackson, Mississippi, on Saturday, October 7, 2017, with about 150 members and guests in attendance. This year the Fall Gathering celebrated Mississippi’s two hundred years of statehood and the organization’s own Fiftieth Anniversary. That these two auspicious occasions coincided made 2017 a special year, indeed.

The event’s Welcome Party was held at the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion at 10:00 a.m. Artist Don Jacobs was the guest of OFFM member Bill Perkins. Mr. Jacobs had painted a mural on the wall in the governor’s conference room, which usually is not open during social functions at the Mansion. It was a special treat for the members and guests to be allowed to view it.

A noon luncheon at the Country Club of Jackson followed the Welcome Party.

The guest speaker was William “Brother” Rogers, director of the Programs and Communications Division of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. His power-point presentation, entitled “A Romp Through 200 Years of Mississippi History,” highlighted some of the many historical markers throughout the state.

Historian General Dr. Janet Schriver gave an overview of the history of The Order of the First Families of Mississippi, and members and guests had an opportunity to view a display of photos and other memorabilia that celebrated the organization’s Fiftieth Anniversary.

The initial organizational meeting of The Order of the First Families of Mississippi was held in Jackson, Mississippi, on July 27, 1967. The first membership meeting was held in Natchez, Mississippi, on October 28, 1967.

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Ann Simmons and Kathy Henry Tom and Frances Joe Ramsey Bob and Laura Hefner Elizabeth Wessie and Bessie Smith Governor General Mark Henry with Brother Rogers Janet Schriver and Dan Johnson Candace and Peter Bundgard with Bennie Boone Jan Melancon, Bessie Smith, and Jena Melancon Bill Perkins and Ann Simmons Beth Herring, Don Jacobs, Janet Schriver, Carol Burgess, and Keith Reeves Becky Rhinehart, Catherine Prince, Beth Herring, Frances Williams, Virginia Brickell,Dan Johnson, Brother Rogers, Tim Rutland, and Mark Henry 12 Roberby Strawbridge, Kathy Pipitone, Kathy Pittman, Kathy Henry, and Charles Pittman

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

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Surprise Birthday Party for Gwin am Gwin surprised his wife of thirtynine years with a sixtieth birthday party at the home of Sharon and Mike Blattner in Natchez, Mississippi, in early December 2017. Guests arrived early to surprise Cindy as she and Sam entered the Blattner home.

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Sam and Cindy Gwin Britni Gwin and Carolyn Gwin Mike and Sharon Blattner Cindy Gwin with Simmons and Chad Huber Richard Sheehan, Cindy Gwin, and Monica Sheehan 6 Kathleen Taunton, Cindy Gwin and Mark Taunton 7 Craig Bradford, Cindy Gwin, and Lynn Bradford

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

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8 Sam and Cindy Gwin with Beverly and Shep Crawford 9 Cindy Gwin and Carolyn Guido 10 Ken and Sandra Herring with Cindy and Sam Gwin 11 Cindy, Sonny, and Carolyn Gwin 12 Cindy Gwin with Bill Darsey 13 Jim and Sarah Smith 14 Sonny, Lucien, Cindy, Britni, and Carolyn Gwin with Sarah and Jim Smith 15 Cindy Gwin with Johnny and Priscilla Dale

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LEGAL NOTES

BY

Lucien C. Gwin III

Pit Bull Hell B

y now, most of you have read or heard about the alleged dog ÀJKWLQJ LQ 1DWFKH] 0LVVLVVLSSL busted by Adams County Sheriff Travis Patton and his deputies. Apparently, this SURSHUW\ ZDV ´GRJ KHOO¾ ZKHUH QHDUO\ ÀIW\ SLW EXOOV EHLQJ WUDLQHG IRU ÀJKWLQJ ZHUH FRQÀVFDWHG ,Q DGGLWLRQ RYHU WKLUW\ GRJ corpses were lying around the grounds of this property.

2I WKH Ă€IW\ GRJV FRQĂ€VFDWHG VHYHUDO VXIIHUHG IURP KRUULĂ€F LQMXULHV OLNH FKHZHG off legs and missing jaws. Thankfully, our community stepped up and through making donations and volunteering took care of some of the medical and boarding expenses associated with these dogs; and I think we are all happy that the dogs that survived this “dog hellâ€? are now safe and in the care of the ASPCA. From the public outrage about this incident, came a bill sponsored by Natchez, Mississippi Senator Bob Dearing, who is seeking to increase the penalties for dogĂ€JKWLQJ DV WKH\ H[LVW LQ WKH FXUUHQW ODZ WKDW FRQVLGHUV GRJ Ă€JKWLQJ D IHORQ\ SXQLVKDEOH E\ RQH \HDU WR WZHQW\ Ă€YH \HDUV LQ MDLO DQG D Ă€QH RI WR 6HQDWRU Dearing’s bill would stiffen the penalty by NHHSLQJ GRJ Ă€JKWLQJ D IHORQ\ EXW LQFUHDVing the penalty from one to possibly twenW\ Ă€YH \HDUV DQG HDFK GRJ IRXQG ZRXOG be treated as a separate offense. In other ZRUGV LI \RX ZHUH FDXJKW Ă€JKWLQJ WKUHH dogs, you could be facing anywhere from WKUHH WR WZHQW\ Ă€YH \HDUV LQ SULVRQ ,I \RX are just a spectator under the bill, you could get up to two years in prison.

In late January, the Senate amended Dearing’s bill and reduced the term of incarceration to no more than ten years maxiPXP DQG D PD[LPXP PRQHWDU\ ÀQH RI QRW PRUH WKDQ 7KLV ELOO QRZ KHDGV to the Mississippi House of Representatives for consideration.

I thought it would be interesting to look at crimes against humans and list the ÀQHV DQG VHQWHQFHV DQG WKHQ \RX FDQ GHFLGH IRU \RXUVHOI LI WKH GRJ ÀJKWLQJ ELOO being considered is too harsh, too light, or just right: Page 16 { March 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

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MY THOUGHTS: The above sentencing guidelines apply to just some of the criminal violations in Mississippi. I think you can take away from the above that not many laws against humanity are punishable by more than ten years in jail, save a few. I suppose that the Mississippi Legislature may be focused on that fact in trying to come up with what would be “just�

VHQWHQFLQJ IRU Ă€JKWLQJ GRJV LQ 0LVVLVVLSSL ZKLFK KDV EHFRPH D YHU\ SXEOLF PDWWHU I have my own opinion about the proposed sentencing, but I think that almost everyone will have a unique opinion of “fairnessâ€? on this issue.

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

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THE social SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

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Wildwood Garden Club Christmas Gathering he Wildwood Garden Club of Brookhaven, Mississippi, celebrated Christmas at the home of Ryan and Wendi Case on December 13, 2017. Hostesses were Susan Fitzsimmons, Betty Ann Perkins, Rockie Netherland, Wendi Case, Linda Kergosien, Shirley Estes, and Velma Estes. Photography by Bill Perkins

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1 Susan Fitzsimmons, Betty Ann Perkins, Rockie Netherland, Wendi Case, Linda Kergosien, Shirley Estes, and Velma Estes 2 Alana Harrigill 3 Julie Montalvo and Rockie Netherland 4 Betsy Belk and Merrie Boerner 5 Susan Aycock and Linda Robinson 6 Claire Calcote and Tish Russell 7 Melissa Hewitt, Bill Perkins, and Alana Harrigill 8 Becky Taylor and Mary Clark 9 Reverend Lynn Mote and Shirley Estes 10 Sylvia Campbell and Harriet Proctor 11 Carolyn Hennington and Norma Hamill 12 Rockie Netherland, Linda Kergosien, and Susan Fitzsimmons 13 Karen Braden, Wendi Case, and Lisa Hodgson 14 Melissa Hewitt, Wendi Case, and Lisa Hodgson 15 Betty Dixon, Susan Fitzsimmons, and Kathy Behan 16 Dott Cannon, Maxine Minter, and Lynn Richardson 17 Linda Kergosien, Johnnie Jackson, and Merrie Boerner

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THE social SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

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18 Karen Braden, Betsy Belk, and Velma Estes 19 Betty Ann Perkins, Susan Fitzsimmons, and Linda Moak 20 Shirley Estes, Rockie Netherland, Johnnie Jackson, and Maxine Minter

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THE social SCENE VICKSBURG, MS

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Rotary Club’s Centennial Anniversary n Thursday, January 18, 2018, the Rotary Club of Vicksburg celebrated its Centennial Anniversary with a Gala at the Vicksburg Convention Center. The evening began with a social hour followed by a steak dinner.

The keynote speaker was Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann.

After Rotary District Governor Bill Walker presented the club with a declaration from Rotary International, the celebration continued with dancing to the music of the Ben Shaw Band.

Photography by Paul Ingram

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Bob Morrison III and Ed Buelow Richard and Phyllis Cowart Jan Griffey and Lynn Foley Donna Thornton and Wayne Thornton Julie Marcy George Flaggs and Allen Hudspeth Riley Nelson and Kelly Carlisle Miss Mississippi Anne Elizabeth Buys and Mark Buys Barbara and Pat Cashman Jane Flowers and Lynn Foley the Rev. Beth Palmer and David Rorick Miss Mississippi Anne Elizabeth Buys and Annette Kirklin Mack Varner with David and Suzanne Sessums Margaret Gilmer, Pablo Diaz, and Pam Mayfield Donna Ingram, Sheila Hudspeth, and Terri Frazier Donna Ingram with Jim and Linda Fondren Dr. Al Windham and Leslie Horton Joan and Hal Morgan with Herb Wilkinson Linda Fondren, Dick Ferguson, and Toni Lanford-Ferguson

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THE social SCENE VICKSBURG, MS

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20 Jimmy and Ann Vessell with Eric Biedenharn 21 Jean and Harold Blue with Pat Cashman 22 Jennifer Walker, Lindsey Gilliland, and Cori Carraway 23 Mike and Sarah McMillin with Hunt Gilliland 24 Harry Sharp, Andy Oakes, and Clint Walker 25 Don Neumann, Edley Jones III, and Marjorie Neumann 26 Rotary of Vicksburg President Allen Hudspeth, Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, Mark Fields, District Governor Bill Walker, and Mayor George Flaggs 27 Lynn Foley, Wally Powell, and Coleen O’Brien 28 Ed Buelow, Ronnie Andrews, Scott Robbins, Mayor George Flaggs, and Jane Flowers 29 Toni Lanford-Ferguson and the Reverend Beth Palmer 30 Edgar Allen, Hal Morgan, Joan Morgan, and Kathleen Allen 31 Brenda Jones and Edley Jones III, Amy Stone, and Pete Stone 32 Terri Frazier, Courtland Wells, and Donna Ingram 33 Blake Teller, Peggy Teller, Stacey Teller, and Frances and Doug Hassell 34 Alderman Alex Monsour, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, Mack Varner, and Mike Chaney 35 Suzanne Sessums, Pam Mayfield, and Cindy Windham 36 Cori and Bert Carraway, Lee Waring, and Stan Kline

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

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THE social SCENE MCCOMB, MS

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Cheers to 60 Years! ecently, the McComb Garden Club celebrated “Cheers to 60 Years!” at their annual fundraiser held at Fernwood Country Club in McComb, Mississippi.

Guests walked down a memory lane of past presidents, projects, azalea courts, and kings and queens as the décor of the evening celebrated sixty years of McComb Garden Club service and members.

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McComb Garden Club members Kristen Hemphill and Sandy Summers Clare Clark-Taylor and Mallory Newlon Ratliff and Donald Price Johnathan and Clare Freeman Clayton Dyar and Taylor Stringer Joy Hall and Kim Root Delores and David Feldman with Verna and Ray Swinney Scott and Belinda Dyar, Delores Feldman, and Allison Ott Dennis and Regan Jones with Verna and Ray Swinney Sara Hemphill with Gay and Will Austin Charlotte Little, Cindy Quail, Sue Nunnery, and Pat Randall Brande Moak, Jonalyn and Randy Clark, and Clare Clark-Taylor

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THE social SCENE MCCOMB, MS

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14 McComb Garden Club President Carla Stringer with husband Tony 15 Don and Caroline Jackson 16 Kim and Matt Root 17 Debra and Dick Frohn 18 Nancy Smith, Heather Newlon, amd Mallory Newlon 19 Alisha and Keith Reeves 20 Fundraiser Planning Committee: Kim Root, Melissa Duncan, Kindra Price, Allison Ott, Regan Jones, Carla Stringer, and Joy Hall 21 Coleen Humphreys, Melanie Bishop, Kasie Holmes, and Kristin Ratliff 22 Allison Ott, Tina Brumfield, Roxie Skenderis, and Kindra Price 23 Kindra Price, Kristen Hemphill, Jonalyn Clark, and Lisa Lewman

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THE social SCENE SUMMIT, MS

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First Bank Night at SMCC Basketball

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n January 11, 2018, Southwest Mississippi Community College Athletics in Summit, Mississippi, hosted the First Bank staff at the hospitality room during the Bears’ basketball games against Pearl River.

SMCC named its basketball court ‘First Bank Court’ during the game.

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1 SMCC Athletic Director Bill Wallace and Richard Dodd 2 Andrew Alford with Reggie Collier 3 Bruce Payne and Brad Whitaker 4 First Bank Brookhaven President Cal Hodges with son Thatcher 5 John Shappley, First Bank President & Chief Operating Officer, with Dr. Steve Bishop, SMCC President 6 Stella Dodd with SMCC Basketball Coach Thomas Gray 7 Reggie Collier, Richard hay and Stella Dodd 8 Trulee, Jorge, and Sopia Torres 9 Laila Peavey with Curtis Butler, First Bank Senior Vice President 10 Patience, Zoe, and Keith Miller 11 Thatcher Hodges 12 Jeff Murphy, son of Cheyenne Murphy, First Bank Lending Officer 13 Ken Jackson with First Bank Officers Brad Whitaker, Adam Price, and Curtis Butler 14 Reggie Collier, Brad Whitaker, and Richard Dodd

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THE social SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Retirement Celebration for Dixon ebecca “Becky” Dixon celebrated her retirement in 2017 with colleagues, family, and friends at the Lincoln County Government Complex in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Dixon’s career in working with taxes spanned over fortyfour years, thirty-one of them spent with the Lincoln County Tax Assessor’s Office and thirteen previous ones with the State of Mississippi.

Photography courtesy of Bill Perkins

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Becky Dixon and Lily Muirhead Glenn and Becky Dixon Lily Muirhead Keisha Dickerson and Becky Dixon Linda Smith and Becky Dixon Becky Dixon and Shanteau Gaskin Tax Assessor Blake Pickering and Becky Dixon Patty White and Becky Dixon Mason Smith and Becky Dixon

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THE social SCENE VIDALIA, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Miss Vidalia Pageant he Vidalia Women’s Club had its 2018 Miss Vidalia Pageant January 20, 2018, at the Vidalia Conference and Visitors Center in Vidalia, Louisiana. Ada Morgan was crowned 2018 Miss Vidalia by the 2017 Miss Vidalia, Kate Kammerdeiner. First Runner-up was Skylar Maxwell, Second Runner-up was Peyton Roberson, Third Runner-up was LaNya Jones, and Fourth Runner-up was Ta’Necia Williams.

Awarded Miss Congeniality was LaNya Jones; Miss Photogenic, LaNya Jones; People Choice Awards, Ada Morgan; and Best Interview, Skylar Maxwell and LaNya Jones. Entertainment was provided by Hannah Bell Cook, Kejuane Bates, Charlie Hugg, and Heath Whittington. Corporate sponsors this year were Bryan Marine, Callon Petroleum, Concordia Sentinel, Cintas, Dr. Barry Tillman, J&J Carpets, Johnny’s Pizza, Hammers Drive-Thru, Hospital Solutions Inc., State FarmAdam Bryant, State Farm-Jordan Farmer, Van’s Photography, The Vidalia Conference and Convention Center, Vidalia Police Department, and Wilson’s Machine Shop. Photography courtesy of Van’s Photography

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1 1 Skyler Maxwell, Ada Morgan, Lee Ann Fuqua, Peyton Roberson, Angel Kenney, LaNya Jones, Bridget Anderson, Ta’Necia Williams, Kelsi Cavazos 2 Miss Vidalia 2017 Kate Kammerdeiner 3 Miss Vidalia 2018 Ada Morgan

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Bluffs & Bayous { March 2018 { Page 27

Springtime is Porch Time for Sipping and Sampling

Page 28 { March 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

hen the weather begins to warm up, I plump up the porch sofa, chair, and swing cushions; and on the porch LV ZKHUH \RX ZLOO ÀQG PH³ in the mornings, on the back porch with a cup of coffee and a snack, and at night, on the screened side porch with lemonade or French 75 and another snack. My porch-sitting, one of my favorite pastimes, all started when I was a little girl. Every night I would go over to my neighbor’s house, and we would sit on her porch with hand fans and watch the cars go by. At that time, South Martin Luther King, Jr. Street was a maMRU WKRURXJKIDUH DQG WKH WUDIÀF DQG WUXFNV would go by all day and night. It was a lazy way of passing the time and visiting with the neighbors that walked by; and in between, I would run catch lightning bugs in a Mason jar with my friends and cousins.

Just as three generations before them did, my children, who grew up around the corner from where my grandmother, my mother, and I grew up, also spent their summer nights catching lightning bugs while I sat on the porch visiting with people on their nightly strolls. I now live in the country, so there are no neighbors walking by; but my grandchildren still catch and release the lightning bugs. However, now they use plastic containers rather than the old Mason jars. Unfortunately, my grandchildren don’t live here; but when they come to visit, we treasure family pastimes on the porches and lightning-bug adventures. I only hope that, as they grow up, the warm spring nights will bring back fond memories of the porch, the lightning bugs, the swings, and their grandparents.

by Becky Junkin photography by Cheryl F. Rinehart staging by Becky Junkin Bluffs & Bayous { March 2018 { Page 29

These are a few liquid refreshments that you can offer your guests while you swing or rock on the front porch. This recipe would be perfect for afternoon or night. I have made this for years, and it is always a favorite. Kay Jinkins reminded me of it. I originally found the recipe in Southern Sideboards, Jackson’s Junior League cookbook.

I serve this from a clear pitcher to which I have added mint and lemons.

HOT WEATHER PUNCH / ICE TEA COOLER 8 tea bags or 3 large, family-size tea bags 3 quarts boiling water ž cup sugar 1 can (12 ounces) frozen lemonade, thawed 1 bottle (32 ounces) ginger ale Steep tea bags in water for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags and mix tea with sugar and lemonade. Chill. Just before serving, add the ginger ale. Serves 15

This recipe comes from my daughter-in-law’s family, and they serve it at all of their family functions.

PEACH ICE TEA 3 cans (11.5 ounces each) peach nectar 2 quarts brewed tea 1 cup sugar Âź cup fresh lemon juice Stir all of the ingredients; chill until ready to serve.

Page 30 { March 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

This recipe for lemonade is a general one to which you can add more lemon or more simple syrup to taste.

BASIC SIMPLE SYRUP LEMONADE Simple Syrup 1 cup sugar 1 cup water Combine sugar and water in saucepan. Stir over medium heat about 1 minute [V KPZZVS]L Z\NHY :[VYL Z`Y\W PU YLMYPNLYH[VY PUKLĂ„UP[LS` 4HRLZ Ăą J\WZ Z`Y\W Lemonade Allrecipes.com Ăą J\WZ SLTVU Q\PJL :PTWSL Z`Y\W HKK Ăą J\W H[ H [PTL [V KLZPYLK Z^LL[ULZZ 7 cups water 4P_ [VNL[OLY PU H WP[JOLY HUK HKQ\Z[ SLTVU Q\PJL HUK Z`Y\W [V [HZ[L *OPSS

If you have Simple Syrup left you can use it to make my favorite drink. This is perfect to sip while rocking on the porch and visiting with friends. The drink can EH VHUYHG LQ D FKDPSDJQH Ă XWH ZLWK D WZLVW RI OHPRQ ULQG RU LQ D PDUWLQL JODVV with a slice of cucumber. The original recipe calls for brandy rather than gin but I prefer the gin.

FRENCH 75 Ăą V\UJL SLTVU Q\PJL MYLZO PM WVZZPISL Ăą V\UJL ZPTWSL Z`Y\W 1 ounce gin 3 ounces champagne Twist of lemon rind or slice of cucumber (KK Ă„YZ[ [OYLL PUNYLKPLU[Z [V H ZOHRLY HUK Ă„SS ^P[O PJL :OHRL ^LSS HUK Z[YHPU into your glass. Add champagne to glass, and add a sliver of lemon rind or cuJ\TILY [V [OL KYPUR :LY]L HUK LUQV`

On the front porch of Heckler Hall, G offers lemonade, watermelon, and ranger cookies fresh from the oven for her grandchildren to HQMR\ DV WKH\ FDWFK ÀUHà LHV DQG ORRN IRU GHHU peeping out of the woods.

If you have lemonade and tea, you must have a little someWKLQJ WR QLEEOH RQ 7KHVH ÀUVW WKUHH UHFLSHV FRPH IURP WKH IDPily of my daughter-in-law, Stacey. Her entire family are fabulous cooks, and anything they make is delicious!

RANGER COOKIES 2 eggs J\WZ Ă…V\Y 1 teaspoon vanilla Âź teaspoon salt J\WZ VH[TLHS \UJVVRLK 1 teaspoon soda 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal Ăą [LHZWVVU IHRPUN WV^KLY 1 cup coconut 1 cup butter 1 cup pecans 1 cup sugar 1 cup dried cranberries 1 cup brown sugar :PM[ [VNL[OLY Ă…V\Y ZHS[ ZVKH HUK IHRPUN WV^KLY *YLHT butter and sugars. Add eggs and mix well. Stir in vanilla and HKK ZPM[LK KY` PUNYLKPLU[Z Ă…V\Y ZHS[ ZVKH HUK IHRPUN WV^der). Fold in oatmeal, Rice Krispies, coconut, pecans and KYPLK JYHUILYYPLZ +YVW I` [HISLZWVVUZ VU H NYLHZLK JVVRPL ZOLL[ )HRL H[ KLNYLLZ MVY TPU\[LZ VY \U[PS UPJLS` IYV^ULK *VVS VU H JHRL YHJR

SAND TARTS 1 cup butter 5 tablespoons powdered sugar J\WZ Ă…V\Y 1 teaspoon vanilla Ăą J\WZ JOVWWLK WLJHUZ (KKP[PVUHS WV^KLYLK Z\NHY MVY IHRLK JVVRPLZ *YLHT I\[[LY HUK Z\NHY >VYR Ă…V\Y ]HUPSSH HUK U\[Z PU[V [OL JYLHTLK TP_[\YL 9VSS PU[V ZTHSS IHSSZ )HRL VU HU \UNYLHZLK JVVRPL ZOLL[ PU H KLNYLL V]LU MVY TPU\[LZ Roll in powdered sugar several times.

Melinda de la Vergne gave me this recipe from the 1992 Annual Southern Living Recipes book. These cookies take a little effort but they really are cute for a summer porch party. I always try to look for an easy way to do something so in this instance you can use the package of sugar cookie mix but add the red food coloring to the liquid before you add it to the mix. That way you can skip the cookie PDNLQJ SDUW 7KHVH FRRNLHV DUH QRW GLIĂ€FXOW DQG DUH IXQ WR GR

WATERMELON COOKIES ù [LHZWVVU ZHS[ 1/3 cup butter Red paste food coloring 1/3 cup shortening 4PUP JOVJVSH[L JOPWZ ž cup sugar Frosting: 1 large egg ù J\WZ ZPM[LK WV^KLYLK Z\NHY [HISLZWVVU TPSR 2 tablespoons water 1 teaspoon vanilla Green paste food coloring J\WZ HSS W\YWVZL ÅV\Y ù [LHZWVVUZ IHRPUN WV^KLY Beat butter and shortening in a large mixing bowl at medium speed with an electric mixer. Gradually add sugar, beating well. Stir PU LNN TPSR HUK ]HUPSSH *VTIPUL ÅV\Y IHRPUN WV^KLY HUK ZHS[" gradually add to creamed mixture, mixing well. Add a small amount of red food coloring to color dough as desired, beating until blended. Shape dough into a ball; cover and chill at least 3 hours. Divide dough in half; store one portion in refrigerator. Roll remaining portion [V Í PUJO [OPJRULZZ VU H SPNO[S` ÅV\YLK Z\YMHJL *\[ KV\NO ^P[O H PUJO YV\UK JVVRPL J\[[LY" J\[ JPYJSL PU OHSM 7SHJL VU HU \UNYLHZLK JVVRPL ZOLL[ 7YLZZ ZL]LYHS JOVJVSH[L TPUP TVYZLSZ PU LHJO JVVRPL 9LWLH[ ^P[O YLTHPUPUN KV\NO )HRL H[ KLNYLLZ MVY TPU\[LZ +V 56; SL[ [OL JVVRPLZ IYV^U *VVS VU ^PYL YHJRZ Frosting: Combine powdered sugar and water, mixing until smooth. Add a small HTV\U[ VM NYLLU MVVK JVSVYPUN -YVZ[ JVVSLK JVVRPLZ HUK WSHJL VU ^H_ WHWLY \U[PS MYVZ[PUN PZ ÄYT @PLSK KVaLU JVVRPLZ

Bluffs & Bayous { March 2018 { Page 31

When I was a young child, my grandmother would have bridge parties. She always used her favorite recipes for the different times of day. The night group would get one glass of sherry and cheese wafers. She would roll the wafers in what I guess was paprika and put a pecan on top.

Every time, I would sneak into the kitchen, snatch one, take a big bite, and then throw it out because it was hot and not a cookie.

You would think that in all the years I did WKLV , ZRXOG ÀJXUH RXW , GLGQ·W OLNH WKHP but oh, no, every single time I tried, hoping for a cookie. Some people never learn.

I don’t have my grandmother’s recipe, unIRUWXQDWHO\ EXW WKLV LV D TXLFN YHUVLRQ RI hers. Carol Smith gave me this recipe sevHUDO \HDUV DJR DQG , À[ WKHVH ZDIHUV ZKHQ we have company, a party, or just the kids coming in. You can always sprinkle these with paprika and add a pecan if you like.

CHEESE WAFERS J\WZ HSS W\YWVZL ÅV\Y 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated) 2 cups Rice Krispies ñ [LHZWVVU ZHS[ ¼ to 1 teaspoon red pepper Z[PJRZ I\[[LY

Page 32 { March 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

4LS[ JOLLZL PU TPJYV^H]L (KK Ã…V\Y ZHS[ I\[[LY HUK WLWWLY (KK 9PJL 2YPZWPLZ JHYLM\SS` TP_PUN ^P[O OHUKZ -VYT KV\NO PU[V IHSSZ WSHJL VU HU \UNYLHZLK JVVRPL ZOLL[ 0 \ZL WHYJOTLU[ WHWLY HUK Ã…H[[LU ^P[O H MVYR )HRL PU H KLNYLL V]LU MVY TPU\[LZ

If you are in a hurry and want to whip up some cookies quickly, these are just for you.

Kay Jinkins gave me this recipe from Betty Crocker—you use a cake mix so minimum measuring,

QUICK AND EASY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES IV_ )L[[` *YVJRLY :\WLY 4VPZ[ `LSSV^ JHRL TP_ Ăą J\W I\[[LY VY THYNHYPUL ZVM[LULK [HISLZWVVUZ TPSR 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 egg Ăą J\W JOVWWLK U\[Z 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 0U H SHYNL IV^S ILH[ JHRL TP_ I\[[LY [HISLZWVVU TPSR ]HUPSSH HUK LNN ^P[O LSLJtric mixer on medium speed until smooth VY TP_ ^P[O ZWVVU 4P_ PU HKKP[PVUHS [HISLZWVVU TPSR PM KV\NO PZ [VV KY` :[PY PU nuts and chocolate chips. Drop dough by slightly less than a tablespoon 2 inches HWHY[ VU \UNYLHZLK JVVRPL ZOLL[Z )HRL JVVRPLZ TPU\[LZ VY \U[PS [OL LKNLZ HYL ZL[ *LU[LYZ ^PSS IL ZVM[ HUK JVVRPLZ will be very light in color. Cool 1 minute; YLTV]L MYVT JVVRPL ZOLL[Z [V JVVSPUN YHJR Store covered.

Awaiting the evening sounds of crickets and WKH EOLQNLQJ OLJKWV RI ÀUHà LHV WKH EDFN SRUFK of Heckler Hall beckons the Junkins’ guests to savor the moments of daylight into dusk.

Becky Junkin, mother of four and grandmother of eight, is a lifelong Natchez resident, a retired elePHQWDU\ WHDFKHU RI WZHQW\ IRXU \HDUV DQG FHUWLĂ€HG Pilates instructor.

Bluffs & Bayous { March 2018 { Page 33

Porch Personality...

Loving Porch Life Make your front porch a part of your home, and it will make you a part of the world. —John Sarris

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Porches in the South are known for their charm, warmth, and fellowship. They are also a representation of the passions and personalities of the homeowners. Such is the case with Rusty and Patsy Yates’ tiki porch. A few steps from their lovely traditional Craftsman-style home, ]PZP[VYZ ÄUK [OLTZLS]LZ [YHUZWVY[LK [V H ]LYP[HISL PZSHUK PU [OL :V\[O 7HJPÄJ JVTWSL[L ^P[O H ZOHYR H NYHZZ YVVM ^P[O IHTIVV HJJLU[Z plenty of colorful furniture, and an extensive collection of personal TLTVYHIPSPH LHJO P[LT YLWYLZLU[PUN ZVTL VM [OLPY ZWLJPHS TLTVYPLZ VY 9\Z[`»Z WHZZPVU ZHPSPUN ;OL MVJHS WVPU[ PZ [OL \UPX\L ÄYLWSHJL JVUZ[Y\J[LK ZWLJPÄJHSS` [V [OL JV\WSL»Z [HZ[LZ ( M\SS` Z[VJRLK IHY kitchen, and entertainment center complement the space and enJV\YHNL MYPLUKZ HUK MHTPS` [V Z[H` Q\Z[ H SP[[SL ^OPSL SVUNLY ZH]VY [OL TVTLU[ HUK LUQV` [OL WSLHZ\YLZ VM [OL PZSHUK

By Jennifer J. Whittier Bluffs & Bayous { March 2018 { Page 35

I want to sit on the porch and watch the sun set, listen to the distant thunder, and feel the cool breeze. I want to relax in the porch swing and hold the hand of someone I love, reminisce about a time passed, and dream of a hopeful future. I want to sip sweet tea with a touch of lemon, smell the honeyVXFNOH DQG ÀOO P\ VSLULW WR WKH EULP ZLWK precious moments of porch time. —Jennifer Whittier

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n the South, the concept of a porch comes in all different shapes, styles, and sizes. Whether it’s an improvised front porch such as a stoop, carport, gazebo, or tool shed; whether it’s screened or open to the elements; or whether it’s an architectural masterpiece or an eclectic menagerie, the porch is a metaphor for the lifestyle that epitomizes that region of the country below the Mason-Dixon Line. It is an extension of our homes and our personalities, a connection between us and the outside world. A porch enables life in the open, life on display. It is a place for interaction and is its own social setting.

No overview of the diversity of Southern porches ^V\SK IL JVTWSL[L ^P[OV\[ [OL PUJS\ZPVU VM Porches Restaurant PU >LZZVU 4PZZPZZPWWP )\PS[ PU I` 1HTLZ :HT\LS 9HL [OL VYPNPUHS OVTL YLWYLZLU[Htive of the Italianate Victorian architectural style, OV\ZLK [OL 9HL MHTPS` PUJS\KPUN [OLPY LSL]LU JOPSKYLU 6M [OL ZX\HYL MLL[ ZX\HYL MLL[ ^LYL \ZLK HZ WVYJOLZ WYV]PKPUN WSLU[` VM ZWHJL MVY ]PZP[PUN HUK ZSLLWPUN ;OL WYLZLU[ V^ULYZ *LSPH (S HUK Chris McSweyn, purchased the home and opened P[ HZ H YLZ[H\YHU[ PU 6J[VILY :PUJL [OL MVJHS point of the home was its variety of porches, the deJPZPVU [V UHTL [OLPY LZ[HISPZOTLU[ Porches was an easy one. Since then, Porches OHZ ILJVTL VUL VM [OL TVZ[ WVW\SHY KPUPUN ZWV[Z PU ZV\[OLHZ[ 4PZZPZZPWWP .\LZ[Z HYL PU]P[LK [V LUQV` KLSPJPV\Z OVTL Z[`SL ZWLJPHS[PLZ" ]PZP[ [OL NPM[ ZOVW" ^HSR [OL NYV\UKZ" HUK VM course, relax on the expansive front porch.

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Historically, porches were a statement of status; if you had enough money, you could afford the extra space that served as both a gathering place and a link to the world beyond. Houses had no air conditioning; so to avoid the heat, families congregated on their porches, affording the family a space for storytelling, shelling peas and beans, SOD\LQJ PXVLF DQG ZDWFKLQJ FKLOGUHQ DV WKH\ ÀOOHG JODVV jars with lightning bugs long after the sun went down. On porches, homemade ice cream was made in hand-cranked wooden freezers; and butter was churned to top warm cathead biscuits fresh from the oven. Topics not suitable for children’s ears were discussed in the sanctity of the porch where disagreements were resolved and broken relationships were mended.

0 MV\UK UV NYLH[LY L_HTWSL VM [OL L_[LUZPVU VM VUL»Z personality into his home and porch than the Walden7VUK H[TVZWOLYL VM [OL JHIPU PU [OL ^VVKZ I\PS[ I` )YVVROH]LU»Z V^U 4PRL 1 *HZL ,]LY` ZX\HYL PUJO YLÅLJ[Z OPZ ZWLJPHS TLTVYPLZ" MYVT [OL ^VVK WSHUR ÅVVYZ [V [OL KVVYZ ^PUKV^Z M\YUP[\YL WOV[VZ IVVRZ HUK V[OLY [YLHZ\YLZ HSS ZHS]HNLK MYVT OPZ MHTPS` OVTL *HZL»Z LJSLJ[PJ [HZ[LZ HYL L]PKLU[ (Z H ZPUNLY ZVUN^YP[LY T\ZPJPHU OL OHZ MV\UK PUZWPYH[PVU HUK ZLYLUP[` MYVT [PTL ^LSS ZWLU[ ZP[[PUN VU OPZ MYVU[ WVYJO V]LYSVVRPUN OPZ V^U >HSKLU 7VUK HUK ZOHYPUN P[ HSS ^P[O family and friends.

Bluffs & Bayous { March 2018 { Page 37

The history of porches piqued my curiosity, so I delved into the internet world to VHH ZKDW , FRXOG ÀQG 0\ UHVHDUFK ZDV IDVcinating! According to a variety of sources, porches can be traced back to prehistoric times when overhanging rock shelters were found at the entrances of caves.

Shaded verandas were commonly used in ancient Greece and Rome to allow access to beautiful gardens and to provide a place for social gatherings. The Latin porticus was the term for the columned entry to a temple. During the Middle Ages, WKHVH HGLĂ€FHV ZHUH UHSUHVHQWHG LQ D FDWKHdral setting where worshippers gathered to socialize before and after services. In the Victorian Era, these structures for social gatherings and relaxation were termed piazzas or porticos. The diversity of the earliest settlers in America resulted in a variety of traditions and architectural styles. )URQW SRUFKHV LQ :HVW $IULFD PRVW GHĂ€nitely played a role in the origin of porches used in the architecture of shot-gun houses in colonial American culture. With the inĂ X[ RI $IULFDQ LPPLJUDQWV FDPH WKHLU LQĂ XHQFHV LQ DGDSWLQJ KRXVLQJ WR D PRUH VRcial, utilitarian style of life. The popularity of the porch spread throughout the South to Page 38 { March 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

(S[VU HUK 1LHU 9PJRZ SVUN [PTL LK\JH[VYZ HUK YLZPKLU[Z VM >LZZVU 4PZZPZZPWWP ILSPL]L PU SP]PUN [OLPY SP]LZ [V [OL M\SSLZ[" HUK [OH[ VM[LU TLHUZ IYPUNPUN [OL PUZPKL V\[ZPKL -YVT LU[LY[HPUPUN MYPLUKZ HUK MHTPS` [V ZPTWS` SV\UNPUN JVTMVY[HIS` VU [OLPY IHJR WVYJO HUK KLJR 1LHU HUK (S[VU KLSPNO[ PU ZOHYPUN [OLPY V\[ZPKL ZWHJL ^P[O V[OLYZ 0[ PZ HU L_[LUZPVU VM [OLPY SV]LS` OVTL HUK [OLPY V\[NVPUN WLYZVUHSP[PLZ Jean’s active lifestyle still leaves time for her passion—her family; HUK (S[VUZ WHZZPVU PZ OPZ L_[LUZP]L [VTH[V NHYKLU [OL LU]` VM [OL community. If the weather is nice and sometimes even if it isn’t, you’ll ÄUK [OL 9PJRZ MHTPS` LUQV`PUN [OLPY SV]LS` V\[KVVY YL[YLH[

There’s a lot of family history connected to Clementine Country Store, the former site of Fauver’s Grocery H [OYP]PUN JVTT\UP[` I\ZPULZZ PU [OL Z ^OLYL V^ULYZ 7LYJ` HUK (S[H 4HL -H\]LY ^VYRLK SP]LK HUK YHPZLK [OLPY MHTPS` :PZ[LYZ 1LZZPJH )V`K :TP[O HUK 2HSSPL 9VZL :JV[[ NYLH[ NYHUKKH\NO[LYZ VM [OL -H\]LYZ VWLULK [OLPY UVZ[HSNPJ `L[ [YLUK` NPM[ ZOVW PU 5V]LTILY PU [OL ZHTL I\PSKPUN ^OLYL ZV THU` MHTPS` TLTVYPLZ HIV\UK ;OL Z[VYL OHK YLTHPULK ]HJHU[ \U[PS [OLZL ZPZ[LYZ YLVWLULK P[ HKKPUN [OLPY V^U \UPX\L [V\JOLZ 3VJH[LK VU VSK /PNO^H` PU 3PUJVSU *V\U[` Clementine Country Store VɈLYZ L]LY`[OPUN MYVT Z[VUL NYV\UK NYP[Z HUK YH^ OVUL` [V ; ZOPY[Z HUK IH[O IVTIZ" HUK THU` VM [OL P[LTZ HYL THKL SVJHSS` PU 4PZZPZZPWWP HUK 3V\PZPHUH ;OL VSK MHZOPVULK WVYJO WYV]PKLZ [OL WLYMLJ[ WSHJL [V LUQV` HU PJL JVSK IV[[SLK *VRL HUK [V ZP[ HUK Z[H` H ZWLSS

deal with its warmer climate, and American settlers adopted porches into their new world as a gathering place for family and friends.

Davida Rochlin in Home Sweet Home reà HFWV ´1RERG\ WKRXJKW PXFK DERXW WKH IURQW porch when most Americans had them and used them. The great American front porch was just there, open and sociable, an unassigned part of the house that belonged to everyone and no one, a place for family and friends to pass the time.�

The dynamics of the front porch are changing, however; and thanks to forums such as All Things Considered on National Public Radio, there is a resurgence of interest in considering the porch “not just a place, but a state of mind, where each porch has its own personality... representative of the family and neighborhood.�

According to Andrew Jackson Downing (1815-1852), well known horticulturist, author, and landscape designer, considered by many to EH KLJKO\ LQĂ XHQWLDO LQ SRSXODUL]LQJ WKH IURQW porch, “The porch not only establishes continuity between the home and the land, but also invites one to enjoy nature more comfortably.â€?

Downing’s architectural designs continue to play an integral part in combining the physical structure of the home with elements of nature, LQà XHQFLQJ JHQHUDWLRQV RI DUFKLWHFWV ODQGVFDSH designers, and builders.

Bluffs & Bayous { March 2018 { Page 39

/LJRSLY /HSS OVTL VM )LJR` HUK 1LYY` 1\URPU PU Natchez, Mississippi, is two early 1800s homes YLSVJH[LK [V [OLPY WYLZLU[ ZL[[PUN ;OL VYPNPUHS OV\ZL ^HZ TV]LK PU [OL SH[L Z HUK ^PKLULK ^OLU [OL` YLHZZLTISLK [OL OV\ZL [V THRL [OL WVYJOLZ ^PKLY ;OL OV\ZL H[[HJOLK [V [OL VYPNPUHS OV\ZL ^HZ TV]LK [V [OL WYLZLU[ ZP[L PU HUK [\YULK ZPKL^H`Z [V [OL VYPNPUHS OVTL ZV [OL MHTPS` JV\SK LUQV` MYVU[ IHJR HUK ZPKL WVYJOLZ (SS [OYLL WVYJOLZ HɈVYK KPɈLYLU[ ]PL^Z VM [OL JV\U[Y` HUK LHJO PZ ZP[\H[LK ZV [OLYL PZ \Z\HSS` H IYLLaL VU H[ SLHZ[ VUL VM [OL WVYJOLZ K\YPUN KPɈLYLU[ WHY[Z VM [OL KH` ,HJO WVYJO WYV]PKLZ H \UPX\L MHTPS` L_WLYPLUJL MVY [OL 1\URPUZ» JOPSKYLU HUK NYHUKJOPSKYLU ;OL YLHY WVYJO PZ WLYMLJ[ MVY ^H[JOPUN [OL RPKZ Y\U PU [OL IHJR `HYK [OL MYVU[ WVYJO ZOV^JHZLZ ^PSK SPML TV]PUN HIV\[ PU [OL SH[L L]LUPUNZ HUK S`PUN VU [OL ZPKL WVYJO»Z ILK Z^PUN WYV]PKLZ H ]PY[\HS tree-house encounter with nature. The side porch PZ ZJYLLULK [V RLLW V\[ TVZX\P[VLZ /PZ[VY` ;PW! ;OL HKKP[PVU ^HZ VUJL [OL IPY[O WSHJL VM .PULZ 9\NLY +VUVOV Z\WWVZLKS` [OL ÄYZ[ (TLYPJHU 0TWYLZZPVUPZ[ /L ^HZ IVYU PU *O\YJO /PSS 4PZZPZZPWWP VU +LJLTILY HUK ^HZ [HRLU HJYVZZ LULT` SPULZ HZ H JOPSK K\YPUN [OL *P]PS >HY /L KPLK PU 1HU\HY` PU 5L^ @VYR *P[` 5L^ @VYR

Page 40 { March 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

6U [OL V\[ZRPY[Z VM 3PUJVSU *V\U[` 4PZZPZZPWWP VU /PNO^H` >LZ[ `V\ÂťSS Ă„UK Buds & Blooms Nurseries, a favorite spot MVY L_WLY[ HUK ILNPUULY NHYKLULYZ HSPRL 5V[ VUS` KV V^ULYZ +\Z[` HUK +VUUH *HZL WYV]PKL H ]HYPL[` VM [YLLZ ZOY\IILY` HUK WV[[LK VY OHUNPUN WSHU[Z I\[ HSZV +VUUH HUK OLY Z[HɈ NSHKS` ZOHYL [OLPY L_WLY[PZL PU THRPUN `V\Y NHYKLUZ NYV^ HUK Ă…V\YPZO 5V ]PZP[ [V B&B ^V\SK IL JVTWSL[L ^P[OV\[ ZLLPUN [OL VSK V\[OV\ZL HUK NHYKLU HYLH I\PS[ PU HUK YLTVKLSLK PU ;OL SP[[SL YLK V\[OV\ZL JVTWSL[L ^P[O P[Z JYLZJLU[ TVVU VU [OL KVVY HUK HKVYHISL MYVU[ WVYJO KLJVYH[LK ^P[O HU HYYH` VM ZLHZVUHS Ă…V^LYZ OHZ ILJVTL H WVW\SHY ZP[L MVY MHTPS` WPJ[\YLZ =PZP[VYZ ^HUKLY [OYV\NO [OL L_WHUZP]L NYLLUOV\ZLZ LUQV` [OL ILH\[PM\S WSHU[Z HUK ZWLUK H SP[[SL X\PL[ [PTL YVJRPUN on the porch. Buds & Blooms JLSLIYH[LZ P[Z ;^LU[PL[O (UUPversary on March 10, complete with refreshments and prizes.

I recently had the privilege of participating in presentations by noted scholars, writers, artists, and craftsmen during the second annual Conference on the Front Porch, located in rural Taylor, Mississippi, a mere seven miles from Oxford and the University of Mississippi. The twoday conference was held at The Mill, a 12,000-square-foot venue built entirely from reclaimed materials, and located in the Plein Air neighborhood, a beautifully distinctive, upscale community in the quaint town of Taylor, and a showcase for a variety of unique porches. Plein Air was an ideal location for the collaboration of some of the most knowledgeable experts on every aspect of porches, including their history, architectural and cultural diversity, and role in literature and music.

The keynote address was presented by writer, commentator, and director of the Southern Foodways Alliance, John T. Edge, who has authored several books, the most recent being The Potlikker Papers: A Food History of the Modern South. Edge GLVFXVVHG WKH LQĂ XHQFH RI WKH SRUFK SKLlosophy of the “Southern Renaissance man and champion of food and cultureâ€?

Eugene Walter, including the language of the front porch; the role of the front porch in the Civil Rights Movement through the efforts of Georgia Gilmore and the Kitchen Sisters; Lyndon Johnson’s call for a national war on poverty; the role of Southern food in providing “a place of coming together; and porches as “metaphysical pictures of the South.�

A number of other fascinating writers, artists, historians, and scholars contributed their knowledge and expertise to make for a very educational and entertaining look at a topic that most of us take for granted.

Their enthusiasm was contagious and inspired me to do some research in my own community about porches that are an extension of the personalities and lifestyles RI P\ IULHQGV DQG QHLJKERUV 1RZ , ÀQG myself noticing many more of the unique styles that represent not only architectural space but also qualities that complement the tastes and individuality of the homeowners themselves.

Works Cited and Consulted: The Origins of the American Front Porch/ University of Virginia Sitting on the Porch: National Public Radio The Conference on the Front Porch 2017 Bluffs & Bayous { March 2018 { Page 41

Heirloom Treasures

S

mocking, the art of sewing on pleated fabric, dates back to the Middle Ages. Before elastic, smocking was commonly used in clothing’s cuffs, bodices, and necklines instead of and prior to the use of buttons. Developed in England, smocking was practical IRU JDUPHQWV WR EH ERWK IRUP ÀWWLQJ DQG à H[LEOH DQG was worn by laborers during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Today, often associated with infants’ and children’s clothing, Page 42 { March 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

smocking requires lightweight fabric and a crewel embroidery needle with colorful cotton or silk threads that stabilize the pleated fabULF DV WKH QHHGOHZRUN FUHDWHV SDWWHUQV GHVLJQV DQG Ă€JXUHV Twenty years ago, Gerry Blanchard of Natchez, Mississippi, began smocking though she feels she has always created works of art through her needlepoint, crochet, and knitting. She playfully claims, “I was born with a thimble on my thumb; I grew up in a family of sewers.â€? Having only one son and no girls to inspire

%DVNHWV EXQQLHV Ă RZHUV DQG ODFH GHOLJKW WKH H\H as the heirloom craft of smocking fashions delicate Easter Eggs. Blanchard has made hundreds of these treasured tokens over the years to share with family and friends.

VZHHW RULJLQDO VPRFNHG GUHVVHV VKH VDWLVĂ€HG KHU ORYH RI VHZLQJ LQ other areas of needlework.

Blanchard did not delve into smocking until much later, creating the smocked eggs and teaching her twelve-year-old niece, Maggie Spell, to sew. At one point, she gave Maggie some pleated material; and Maggie stayed up all night, working on her own smocking, and soon learned the art of smocking eggs. As she made her eggs, she gave them away as a thank-you to her friends’ mothers who took her to special places or included her in their family activities. Now an attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana, Maggie creates the basic smocked eggs but saves the adornments for others to apply, saying, “MawMaw [Maggie’s grandmother] can add the ribbons!�

Blanchard also loves creating the various smocked eggs and giving them to her nieces and nephews for seasonal gifts or special birthdays. Her brother and wife, Bubba and Mary Ann Spell,

shared their array of these unique smocked eggs with us at The Natchez Garden Club to display during Spring Pilgrimage at antebellum Magnolia Hall; and this amazing holiday collection is just too beautiful not to share with our Bluffs & Bayous readers.

Blanchard met and married her husband and moved to Natchez, Mississippi in 1950. They later moved to the Gulf Coast and then to Fair Hope, Alabama; and following Hurricane Katrina, she moved back to Natchez. She prefers making the eggs because they can be completed so quickly. Asked why she prefers that over smocked inVHUWV IRU FKLOGUHQ¡V FORWKLQJ VKH H[SODLQHG ´,W LV OHVV ÀQLVK ZRUN and putting together the garments is something else altogether.�

Over the years, Blanchard has made hundreds of these signature smocked eggs with her gentle, deft touch and has no plans to stop now. ‌eighty-seven and still smocking!!

Bluffs & Bayous { March 2018 { Page 43

Louisiana Up & Coming! MARCH louisianatravel.com Baton Rouge Throughout March visitbatonrouge.org lsumoa.org March 17 33rd 6W 3DWULFN·V 'D\ 3DUDGH 6RXWK $FDGLDQ 7KUXZD\ +XQGUHG 2DNV $YH 10 am - 1 pm (225)505-5466 / paradegroup.com

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Bluffs & Bayous { March 2018 { Page 45

Louisiana Up & Coming! MARCH -DFNVRQ felicianatourism.org

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MARCH Louisiana Up & Coming!

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Mississippi Up & Coming! MARCH visitmississippi.org %URRNKDYHQ Throughout March facebook.com/VisitBrookhavenMS visitbrookhavenms.com (YHU\ :HGQHVGD\ &KLOGUHQ·V 6WRU\ 7LPH /LQFROQ /LEUDU\ &KLOGUHQ·V 'HSW 10 - 11 am lif.lib.ms.us

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Mississippi Up & Coming! MARCH 0DUFK 7KH 6ZHHW 3RWDWR 4XHHQV· :HHNHQG sweetpotatoqueens.com Magnolia Throughout March magnoliachamberofcommerce.com 0F&RPE Throughout March pikeinfo.com (YHU\ 0RQGD\ 6WRU\KRXU 7RGGOHUWLPH 0F&RPE /LEUDU\ 11 am pawls.org (YHU\ 7KXUVGD\ 6WRU\KRXU 3UHVFKRRO $JH 0F&RPE /LEUDU\ 10 am pawls.org

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MARCH Mississippi Up & Coming!

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Mississippi Up & Coming! MARCH 0DUFK &DPHOOLD &LW\ &LYLF &OXE $]DOHD &RXUW (GJHZRRG 3DUN 3 - 7 pm / Free (601)551-0376 $SULO 0F&RPE *DUGHQ &OXE·V $QQXDO )ORZHU Show )HUQZRRG &RXQWU\ &OXE pikeinfo.com 0HDGYLOOH Throughout March meadvillems.com 1DWFKH] Throughout March /LYH 0XVLF (YHQWV &DOHQGDU visitnatchez.org/full-event-calendar Throughout March visitnatchez.org 6HH 1DWFKH] citysightseeingnatchez.com 0DUFK $SULO 7KH ,PSHULDO (DVWHU 7RXU 7KH 7RZHUV (601)446-6890 / thetowersofnatchez.com March 3 .UHZH RI .LOODUQH\ $QQXDO 3DUW\ $XFWLRQ $GDPV &RXQW\ 6DIH 5RRP 6 pm $30 Family Dues / $20 Single kreweofkillarny@gmail.com March 10 nd 6DWXUGD\ 'RZQWRZQ March 10 1DWFKH] *DUGHQ &OXE Magnolia Ball 6 pm / cocktail hour/ 7 pm presentation & ball natchezgardenclub@bellsouth.net natchezgardenclub.org

Bluffs & Bayous { March 2018 { Page 53

MARCH Mississippi Up & Coming!

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Mississippi Up & Coming! MARCH 0DUFK $SULO $W &RQFRUG &RQFRUG 4XDUWHUV 5 pm / $25 natchezpilgrimage.com 0DUFK $SULO The Heiress 1DWFKH] /LWWOH 7KHDWUH Sun. & Tues. Evenings 7:30 pm / $15 natchezlittletheatre.org 0DUFK $SULO Southern Road to Freedom +RO\ )DPLO\ &DWKROLF &KXUFK Tue., Wed. & Thurs.

8 pm / $15 (No performances March 25 - 31) natchezpilgrimage.org 0DUFK $Q $PHULFDQ LQ 3DULV -RQDWKDQ /HYLQ LQ &RQFHUW %UDQGRQ +DOO 6 pm / $80 natchezpilgrimage.com 0DUFK 30th $QQXDO 1DWFKH] 3RZ:RZ *UDQG 9LOODJH RI 1DWFKH] ,QGLDQV All Day $5 Adult / $3 Child (601)446-6502 / natchezpowwow.com

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MARCH Mississippi Up & Coming!

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BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI • A HOMESEEKER’S PARADISE

Bluffs & Bayous { March 2018 { Page 57

SOUTHERN SAMPLER

BY

Alma M. Womack

Reflections on the Recent Freeze I

don’t know about the rest of y’all, but I am glad that we’ve had a real winter with weather cold enough to kill the contrary hyacinths in our bodies of water. Driving by the lakes, seeing all that brown, dead vegetation just puts a smile on my face.

Unfortunately, just about every perennial plant in my yard has that same brown, dead look, because it IS dead. I had a goodly collection of perennials so that I didn’t have to plant so many pots every spring. Now, I’ll just have to wait and see if any of them come back from their roots or if they are, indeed, gone. If completely dead, some will be replaced. Others will be fond memories, not because I don’t like them but because I get tired of waterLQJ à RZHUV LQ -XO\ Really and truly, I did cut back on the pots I planted last year, and that did make watering easier. In fact, August was so wet that I hardly moved a water hose. Of course, the August rain did a number on WKH SHFDQV DQG FRWWRQ ÀHOGV DQG WKDW KXUW D lot worse than having to pull a water hose around this big yard.

Since we have to turn our articles in a month ahead of time, we are still in February’s winter weather as I type. It is cold and rainy, and the Tupelo Brake is climbing the hill up into my yard. The

worst part of the cold is that I have no UHDO ÀUHZRRG WKLV \HDU /DVW \HDU , SUREDEO\ PDGH ÀYH ÀUHV WKH ZKROH VHDVRQ DQG a couple of them were really not necessary.

Silly me, I thought I had enough wood for this winter. Mike Duncan even cut some this fall to add to the stack under the mule barn. In the great January freeze, I just about went through what was stacked up and so have very little left for now. It’s QRW WKH ULJKW WLPH WR FXW JRRG ÀUHZRRG and I found out that the downed tree that Mike cut up for me would burn, but put out little heat.

Here I sit in the middle of nowhere with woods all around me, and I will have WR EX\ ÀUHZRRG WR ÀQLVK RXW WKH \HDU 7KLV will not happen again. Mike will pick out some good river birch this summer, and cut them into burnable pieces. We will stack them under the barn where they will VHDVRQ IRU WKH ZLQWHU ÀUHV , KDG PXFK UDWKHU SDFN ZRRG DQG EXLOG D ÀUH DQ\ GD\ than listen to that heating unit run. With a ÀUH LQ WKH ÀUHSODFH DQG D OLJKWZHLJKW MDFNet or sweater, I can be comfortable all the day long.

When we had those few nights of below twenty degrees, I was worried to death DERXW P\ GRJV , KDYH EHGV RQ WKH à RRU RI the carport for them and had an electric heater that wasn’t very effective. It just

wasn’t enough for them to stay warm, but Jorie and Aaron came to the rescue. They have a very successful hay business and put up many, many bales this year. There were a few bales that Aaron wasn’t satisÀHG ZLWK VR KH ZRXOGQ¡W VHOO WKHP -RULH told me that he had used some to make an HQFORVXUH IRU :RRGURZ¡V JRDWV VR ZH ÀJured it would work for dogs, too.

Jorie picked me up one day, and we rode over to the hay barn where Aaron loaded about a dozen rectangular bales of hay. We brought them to my carport; and with Woodrow’s help, Jorie and I unloaded the hay and made an enclosure for the dogs. We arranged their beds near the hay wall, so that the hay would give them extra protection. It worked wonderfully well for them. In fact, it worked so well that it is still in place and will be until the warm weather is here to stay. It’s a ELW FRPLFDO WR ZDON RXW DQG VHH DOO ÀYH dogs still lying in their cozy little bunker in the middle of the day. It has become their haven and has made me less worried about their condition in the cold. (It is messy, but I can live with the mess for a while if it helps my dogs.) , GLG ÀQG RXW VRPHWKLQJ , KDG IRUgotten: a bale of hay is heavy. We had watched Aaron sling them up in the back of the truck as if they weighed about ten pounds. Trust me, they do not. When it came time to remove them from the truck, Woodrow pushed them to the tailgate, and Jorie and I (mostly Jorie) unloaded and stacked them. Thanks to their hay and good idea, the dogs kept warm in the coldest cold spell I can remember, here in the midst of all this global warming.

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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