Bluffs & Bayous June 2017

Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 1

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F RO M T H E E D I TO R

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t’s time for summer, which means (as I’ve mentioned before) fresh garden vegetables for the Guido family. While my parents have an extensive collection of tomatoes well under way, they also have cucumbers, squash, zucchini, okra, bell peppers, jalape³o peppers, and some sort of peas. However, one item can be enjoyed all year long thanks to Mom’s amazing canning skills—the cucumber as bread-and-butter pickles. They are good laid atop a freshly grilled hamburger, chopped into potato salad, or spread as relish for a hot dog. Enjoy her tried-and-true recipe from Southern Sideboards!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Jennie

Guido

With the close of another school year behind us, we at Bluffs & Bayous would like to congratulate one of our own on her accomplishments this past year. Not only was she named Star Teacher, but also Jean Biglane, our Consulting Editor, reached the milestone of 30 years at Cathedral School. Her love of the English language, literature, and green ink has been passed on to thousands of students in the Natchez area, including myself. Thank you, Mrs. Biglane, for sharing your talents with us and many more to come.

BREAD AND BUTTER PICKLES 5 cups sugar 4 quarts sliced medium cucumbers 3 cups cider vinegar 6 medium white onions, sliced 1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric 3 cloves garlic 1 1/2 teaspoons celery seed 1/3 cup salt 2 teaspoons mustard seed Cracked ice Do not peel cucumbers; slice thin. Add onions, whole garlic cloves, and salt. Cover with cracked ice; mix thoroughly. Let stand for 3 hours. Drain well. Combine remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Pour over cucumbers. Heat just to a boil. Seal in hot, sterilized jars. Yields 8 pints

Cathedral High School’s Rudy Nugent (right) awarded Jean Biglane as this year’s Star Teacher.

Photography courtesy of The Natchez Democrat

Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 3

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Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 5

June 2017

FEATURES

Take a Hike pages 38 - 41

First United Methodist Church 100th Anniversary pages 42 - 43

Celebrate Mississippi Dairy Farmers pages 44 - 45 Page 6 { June 2017 { Bluffs & Bayous

June 2017

F AV O R I T E S Events Louisiana Up and Coming ............................................................................................ 46-49 Mississippi Up and Coming ........................................................................................... 52-56

G’s Fare A Lemon A Day ..............................................................................................................10-13

In the Garden Don’t Make Mulch Volcanoes ............................................................................................ 21

Legal Notes Have Gun. Will Travel. ...................................................................................................... 18

A Lemon A Day pages 10-13

Southern Sampler Papa’s Too-tall Table ........................................................................................................... 58

The Social Scene Benefit for Jackson .........................................................................................................16-17 Sip-and-See for Hamilton ................................................................................................... 20 Save the Hall Ball .......................................................................................................... 22-26 Mellow Monday ................................................................................................................... 28 NGC Pages’ Party for King and Queen ......................................................................... 32-34 DAR Spring Meeting .......................................................................................................... 35 Mother’s Day Tea ........................................................................................................... 36-37

Have Gun. Will Travel. page 18

The Wedding Scene Engagement Party for Swindell and Burns ...................................................................14-15

ON THE COVER Getting into the summer months leads to jumpstarting a healthy lifestyle. Whether it’s taking a hike on a nearby trail or trying a new recipe with bright flavors of lemon, try something new during this healthy month of June. Photography by Jennie Guido.

Don’t Make Mulch Volcanoes page 21 Bluffs & Bayous { June 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

Cheryl Rinehart Lisa Adams Whittington SALES STAFF

Jennie Guido

Cheryl Rinehart Donna Sessions CONTRIBUTORS

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

Lucien C. “Sam� Gwin III

Becky Junkin

Jennifer J. Whittier

Alma Womack

Stephanie Yow

Cheryl Rinehart

Jean Biglane

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

Jennie Guido

Jan Ratcliff

Anita Schilling

Tim McCary

Lisa Adams Whittington

Donna Sessions

Jennifer J. Whittier

Lucien C. “Sam� Gwin III

Becky Junkin

Alma Womack

Stephanie Yow

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

Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 9

G’S FARE

BY

Becky Junkin

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Becky

Junkin

A Lemon A Day ³/HPRQ WUHH YHU\ SUHWW\ DQG WKH OHPRQ ÀRZHU LV VZHHW %XW WKH IUXLW RI WKH SRRU OHPRQ LV LPSRVVLEOH WR HDW´

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hese are the words from a popular song recorded by Peter, Paul, and Mary. My grandchildren have never heard this song; but if they did, they would certainly disagree with it. When we go to restaurants, we have to hide the lemon slices from several of them as they eat them like chips. I don’t eat them like chips, but my husband does tell the waitress that I would like a glass of lemons with a splash of water.

I buy lemons by the sack. I really need to grow my own since I use that many. I ORYH WR à DYRU P\ ZDWHU ZLWK OHPRQ DQG cucumber, and it makes such a refreshing summertime drink. Add fresh mint, and it is even better and is a healthy alternative to soft drinks. I add lemon zest to my vegetables, homemade salad dressings, and mayonnaise. The juice is good in vegetables DQG RYHU ÀVK PHDW RU DQ\ VHDIRRG :H XVH it as an alternative to salt. I have used the cut lemon to polish brass and as a freshener in the garbage disposable and dish washer.

The best part of it is that it is earth friendly.

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This recipe comes from the cookbook Come to the Table: Food, Fellowship, and a Celebration of God’s Bounty that Sissy Eidt let me use. I think it would work perfectly for a romantic picnic.

GRILLED LEMON CHICKEN For the lemon sauce: For the chicken: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 3 lemons 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped 1 1/2 cups extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1 bay leaf 2 tablespoons sugar 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped 1 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon sea salt Cracked pepper to taste 6 bone-in chicken breasts, skinned For the chicken, grate the rind from one of the lemons, and set aside. Squeeze the juice from all of the lemons into a large bowl. Add the grated lemon rind, olive oil, garlic, bay leaf, basil, salt, and pepper; and mix well. Place the chicken in a zip-top plastic bag, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

Remove the chicken from the bag, and reserve the marinade. Preheat the grill to mediumhigh heat; and grill the chicken breasts, turning several times and basting with the reserved marinade. Chill until ready to serve.

To make the lemon sauce, combine the parsley, basil, lemon juice, vinegar, and sugar in a small bowl. Whisk in the olive oil until mixed well. Serve with the chilled grilled chicken.

I love hummus not just because it is so healthy but also because it tastes so good and can be served with cut-up vegetables and not just chips. I found this one on the website A Cedar Spoon. My grands love it, and it has a light summery taste. I added more lemon juice (about half of a lemon) and zest (about another half of a lemon) to have it a more lemony taste. I also added more olive oil to make it creamer. Just be sure not to make it too liquid like.

LEMON HUMMUS 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (I used 2 cans and added more olive oil.)

2 medium lemons, juiced 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1/2 cup Tahini 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1/2 medium lemon, zested and divided in half Mix the above ingredients together and puree in a food processor. Pour into a bowl and garnish with the other half of the lemon zest and chopped parsley.

Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 11

This recipe comes from the February 2017 issue of Southern Living. It was easy, but the water bath is important. I used a disposable aluminum pan; but be very careful and be sure the water has cooled completely before you try to pull it out and lift it.

The cheesecake had no cracks and did not fall as they often do. I whipped up one cup of heavy cream with two tablespoons of sugar and added to the top. I was going to crystallize lemon slices but ran out of time, so I just added lemon slices to the top. I served this at Bridge, and it was a huge hit with all of the girls.

DREAMY LEMON CHEESECAKE J\WZ JY\ZOLK JYLHT Ă„SSLK SLTVU ZHUK^PJO JVVRPLZ such as Lemon Oreo Sandwich Cookies) 2 1/2 tablespoons salted butter, melted 5 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar [HISLZWVVUZ HSS W\YWVZL Ă…V\Y 4 large eggs 2 large egg yolks 1 tablespoon lemon zest 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons heavy cream Yellow food coloring gel paste (such as Spectrum Lemon Yellow Soft Gel Paste Food Coloring). I used plain yellow liquid food JVSVYPUN HUK P[ ^VYRLK Ă„UL 1 cup lemon curd (They suggest making it, but I used store bought.)

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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wrap outside of a lightly greased 9-inch springform pan in a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Stir together crushed cookies and melted butter in a bowl.

Press onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven until lightly browned, 7 to 8 minutes. Cool on a wire rack until ready to use. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Beat cream cheese with a heavy-duty mixer on medium speed until creamy, HIV\[ TPU\[LZ .YHK\HSS` HKK Z\NHY HUK Ă…V\Y ILH[PUN \U[PS smooth. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until yellow disappears after each addition. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating just until yellow disappears after each addition. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and heavy cream.

Remove 3 cups of batter, and place in a medium bowl. Using a wooden pick, add a small amount of food coloring gel paste to the 3 cups of batter. Stir until batter is pale yellow, adding more gel paste if necessary. Dollop half of un-tinted batter into prepared crust. Dollop half of pale-yellow-tinted batter on top of un-tinted batter dollops. Swirl together using a small knife, creating a marbled look. Repeat procedure with remaining halves of un-tinted and pale-yellow-tinted batters.

Place springform pan in a roasting pan. Add boiling water to reach halfway up sides of springform pan. Bake at 325 degrees until center is almost set but still slightly wobbly, 1 hour and 10 min\[LZ [V OV\Y HUK TPU\[LZ ;\YU VɈ V]LU HUK SL[ JOLLZLJHRL stand in oven, with door partially open, 1 hour.

Remove cheesecake from roasting pan and water bath, and place on a wire rack. Cool completely, about 2 hours. Cover with plastic wrap, using wooden picks to prevent plastic wrap from touching top of cheesecake. Chill 8 to 24 hours.

Gently run a knife around outer edge of cheesecake to loosen from sides of pan. Remove sides of pan. Spread top with 1 cup Lemon Curd. I then topped it with whipped cream.

I originally found this recipe on Facebook; and, of course, I lost it and then found it on www.lemontreedwelling.com. I made these for Easter morning, and they were so easy. I KDG DFWXDOO\ IRUJRWWHQ DOO DERXW WKHP DQG Ànally remembered breakfast and that I was the cook. I threw it all in the mixer, blended it, and rolled up the crescent rolls. (Be sure that you seal the ends.) Adults and children alike loved them. Since I was running so late, I did not let the rolls cool enough; so the glaze didn’t look as pretty as it would have been had I let them cool. The rolls were still just as good.

LEMON CHEESECAKE CRESCENT ROLLS 1 8-count can refrigerated crescent rolls 4 ounces cream cheese, cold 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract 1/2 lemon, zested For glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/2 lemon, zested In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon extract, and lemon zest. Beat on medium-high speed until mixture comes together. Unroll crescent roll dough into triangles; spoon cream JOLLZL Ă„SSPUN VU[V ^PKLY LUK VM LHJO [YPHUNSL .LU[S` YVSS [OL KV\NO Z[HY[ing with the wider end and tucking the corners, into crescent shapes. Place 2 inches apart on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 to14 minutes or until golden brown.

Let rolls cool on a wire rack. Once cool, prepare glaze by combining all ingredients until smooth. Drizzle glaze evenly over rolls.

I volunteered to make cookies for our opera participants’ lunch and wanted to make something that was quick and easy but still tasty. My daughter Lari had these cookies in Jackson and said they were quiet good; so I decided to try them. They turned out quite delicious and also pretty. You FDQ DFWXDOO\ XVH DQ\ à DYRU FDNH PL[ DQG à DYRULQJ WR PDNH WKHVH , PDGH lemon cookies but also made chocolate and added vanilla extract rather WKDQ WKH OHPRQ 1H[W WLPH , ZDQW WR GR FKHUU\ ZLWK DOPRQG à DYRULQJ

LEMON CAKE CRINKLE COOKIES 1 box Super Moist lemon cake mix 1/3 cup vegetable oil 2 eggs 1 teaspoon lemon extract Powdered sugar Heat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, stir dry cake mix, oil, eggs, and vanilla with spoon until dough forms. Refrigerate dough 15 to 30 minutes (I left it overnight.) or as needed for easier handling. Shape dough into one-inch balls. Roll balls in powdered sugar. On ungreased cookie sheets, place balls about 2 inches apart. (I used parchment paper.) Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until set. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Store tightly covered.

0\ VZHHW IULHQG DQG IDEXORXV FRRN 6XH 3XUYLV JDYH PH this recipe for Lemon Bars. It is a little different from the recipe that most of us make, but it will quickly become one of your favorites.

LEMON BARS For crust: J\WZ Ă…V\Y 1 cup oleo 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt -VY Ă„SSPUN! 2 cups sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder Âź teaspoon salt 4 eggs beaten 4 tablespoons lemon juice For the glaze: 4 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons oleo 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar For the crust, mix the ingredients together, and press into the bottom of a 9-inch by 12-inch pan. Bake at 350 deNYLLZ MVY TPU\[LZ HUK W\[ [V [OL ZPKL -VY [OL Ă„SSPUN TP_ together and pour onto the crust. Bake for 20 minutes in a 350-degree oven. Mix the glaze together, and pour over the bars. Cut and enjoy!

Becky Junkin, mother of four and grandmother of eight, is a lifelong Natchez resident, a retired elementary teacher of twenty-four years, and FHUWLĂ€HG 3LODWHV LQVWUXFWRU

Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 13

THE wedding SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Engagement Party for Swindell and Burns riends and family members hosted an engagement party honoring Carly Swindell and Peter Burns on May 6, 2017, at historic Magnolia Hall in Natchez, Mississippi. Magnolia Hall was the antebellum home of Thomas Henderson, who has lineage to the family of Laura Lambdin Burns, Peter Burns’s mother.

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Peter Burns and Carly Swindell Carly Swindell and Sandra Ellard Selah Willard and Rene Adams TJ Baggett and Laurie Belshan Ken and Lisa Maples Barbara Kaiser with Margaret Guido Joan David with Peter and Dianne Burns Melanie Kennedy, Janet Aubic, and Sandra Ellard Pam Middleton with Karen and Pat Biglane James and Ann Shaidnagle with Erma Louise Burns Melanie Kennedy with Patricia Gaude Laura Burns, Selah Willard, and Mary Dennis Mike Ellard, Blake Turner, and Peter Burns Harrison Burns, Peter Burns, Carly Swindell, and Laura and Paul Burns Harrison and Peter Burns, Carly Swindell, Bridget and Dan Swindell with Laura and Paul Burns

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THE wedding SCENE

NATCHEZ, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

16 Hayden Kaiser, Margaret Guido, George Dickens, Jim Overton, and Kit Parker 17 Scott and Colleen Sandidge with Sherra and Peter Arnold 18 Tracy and Lance Gaude 19 Mary Dennis with Steele Partridge

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Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 15

THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Benefit for Jackson ydney Jackson, a graduating senior from Cathedral High School in Natchez, Mississippi, needs a Diabetic Service Dog (DAD).

Jackson was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes at the age of 9 and will soon leave for college. A DAD is trained to alert the owner 30 minutes before sugar levels drop low or elevate too high. A benefit was held at Bowie’s Tavern on April 15, 2017, in downtown Natchez, Mississippi, that offered live music from local musicians, a silent auction, and a cochon de lait. Earlier in the month a Crawfish Boil Benefit was held at The Corner Bar to raise funds for Jackson’s diabetic dog. For those who would like to donate; visit the Go Fund Me page “Sydney’s Diabetic Service Dog”. Photography by Lisa Whittington

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1 Lillie Claire Jackson and Sydney Jackson 2 Chris Stinson and Sydney Jackson 3 Lauren and Will Commarato 4 Babs Price and Lillie Claire Jackson 5 Sydney Jackson and Jimmy Allgood 6 Jana Junkin and Lyn Fortenbery 7 YZ Ealey and Casey Gilbert 8 Rusty Jenkins and Lyn Fortenbery 9 Mary Kay Doherty and Marla Toman 10 Jana and Pat Junkin 11 Kay Bourdin and Mary Kay Doherty 12 DAD Dog, Jinx 13 Drew David and Gabriel Bass 14 KateLynn, Nicole, and Kim Falkenheiner 15 Heather Anderson, Brandy Colbert, and Amanda Floyd 16 Jean Luc Charboneau and Rusty Jenkins

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THE social SCENE

NATCHEZ, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

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17 Kay Bourdin with Amanda, Sam, and Lillie Floyd 18 KateLynn Falkenheiner, Mary Frances Sessions, and Emily Hootsell 19 Lyn Fortenbery, Mary Kay Doherty, Sydney Jackson, and Babs Price 20 Rusty Jenkins, Chaz Jackson, Marlee Harrell, and Babs Price 21 Front—Lillie Claire Jackson, Chris Jackson, Lauren Commarato, Sydney Jackson, Mary Kay Doherty, and Babs and Ken Price; Back— Will Commarato, Chris Stinson, Chaz Jackson, Marlee Harrell, and Shawn Doherty 22 Robert Peterman, Josh Peterman, John Peterman, Jr., and Brandy Colbert 23 Audra Quin, Abby Peterman, April Colbert, and Heather Peterman

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Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 17

LEGAL NOTES

Have Gun. Will Travel.

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aving lived in the South all of my life, I have grown up with a very open mind about the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. I believe strongly in the right of the American citizen to bear arms. Mississippi has one of the most liberal laws when it comes to the right of its citizens to carry a concealed weapon. Mississippi also has, for some time, protected its FLWL]HQV¡ ULJKW WR FDUU\ D ÀUHDUP LQ WKHLU YHKLFOHV ZLWKRXW D SHUPLW Having said that, there can be circumstances when a person’s right to bear arms seems to fall into a somewhat gray area. For example, what happens when you work for an employer whose policy is no guns (either on your person or locked in your vehicle) while you are at work? That is the exact issue that arose in a recent case styled Swindol vs Aurora Flight Science Corporation, which went to the United States Circuit Court of Appeals 5th Circuit.

The facts are that Swindol was an employee of the Aurora Flight Science Corporation (AFSC). He routinely came to work with a pistol in his vehicle although he never took the pistol out of the car when he came to work. Instead, he would lock the gun up in the vehicle every day.

Swindol’s employer, AFSC, found out that Swindol brought a JXQ WR ZRUN DQG NHSW LW LQ KLV YHKLFOH ORFNHG XS DQG ÀUHG 6ZLQGRO arguing that they had a policy of no guns on site. AFSC further arJXHG WKDW 0LVVLVVLSSL LV DQ ´DW ZLOO¾ VWDWH DQG DQ HPSOR\HU FDQ ÀUH Page 18 { June 2017 { Bluffs & Bayous

BY

Lucien C. Gwin III

any employee at any time as long as the employer is not violating federal anti-discrimination laws.

The problem with AFSC’s position is that Mississippi has a relatively new law, which states in part that “a public or private employer may not establish, maintain or enforce any policy or rule that has the effect of prohibiting a person from transporting or storLQJ D Ă€UHDUP LQ D ORFNHG YHKLFOH LQ DQ\ SDUNLQJ ORW SDUNLQJ JDUDJH or other designated parking areaâ€? (MCA § 45-9-55).

Up to this point, the only exception in Mississippi to “at willâ€? termination (other than federal employees) was if an employer atWHPSWV WR KDYH DQ HPSOR\HH FRPPLW DQ LOOHJDO DFW RU Ă€UHV WKH HPployee for reporting an illegal act.

The Mississippi Supreme Court was actually interpreting Mississippi law for the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, which is a federal court, after being requested to do so for the 5th Circuit. They found that the Mississippi Legislature intended to guarantee a priYDWH FLWL]HQ WKH ULJKW WR FDUU\ D Ă&#x20AC;UHDUP LQ KLV RU KHU YHKLFOH RQ DQ\ SXEOLF RU SULYDWH IDFLOLW\ <HV \RX FDQ SRVVHVV D Ă&#x20AC;UHDUP LQ \RXU FDU on the Natchez Trace Highway.) as long as the gun remains secured inside the vehicle. This would not include federal property like a SRVW RIĂ&#x20AC;FH IHGHUDO DJHQF\ RU MXGLFLDO IDFLOLW\ ,Q WKH HQG WKH &RXUW found for Swindol and said that for the AFSC to have terminated its employee for such a reason was illegal. Swindol was given the green light to sue AFCS for wrongful termination of employment.

In Mississippi, there are many unanswered questions about carU\LQJ Ă&#x20AC;UHDUPV ZKHWKHU FDUU\LQJ RQH RSHQO\ RU FDUU\LQJ D FRQFHDOHG ZHDSRQ ZLWK D SHUPLW :KDW LV WKH Ă&#x20AC;UHDUP RZQHU¡V ULJKW IRU example, when a person places a sign at his or her business stating, â&#x20AC;&#x153;No Gunsâ&#x20AC;?? What happens when it is discovered that a patron carrying a partially concealed gun under his belt enters the business and, when confronted by the business, the patron informs them that KH KDV D FRQFHDOHG FDUU\ SHUPLW IRU WKH Ă&#x20AC;UHDUP" &DQ D VWRUH RZQHU do anything under these circumstances? I believe that if a patron enters a store, packing a gun openly in a holster, the store owner has a right to ask the patron to leave or face trespassing.

'RHV D SHUPLW WR FDUU\ D FRQFHDOHG Ă&#x20AC;UHDUP WUXPS QR SOD\ RQ words here) an ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right not to allow guns on the premises?

This is an unanswered question because the concealed weapon statutes are silent concerning a store ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right to exclude guns from the premises. My guess is that the business owner would still have the right to ask anyone to leave the premises for carrying a Ă&#x20AC;UHDUP RU IDFH WUHVSDVVLQJ FKDUJHV LI KH RU VKH UHIXVHV WR OHDYH My Take: I was on the Gulf Coast last weekend in the company of some attorneys from New England where the gun laws are extremely rigid, and conceal/carry is almost unheard of. The discussion turned WR FRQFHDOHG FDUU\ SHUPLWV IRU Ă&#x20AC;UHDUPV DQG , OHW LW EH NQRZQ WKDW , hold an â&#x20AC;&#x153;enhanced conceal carry permit,â&#x20AC;? which allows me to carry a concealed weapon in virtually all businesses. One attorney asked me, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why do you need a gun?â&#x20AC;? To which I replied, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope I never need a gun, but to need it and not have it is far worse than to have it and not need it.â&#x20AC;?

Lucien C. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Samâ&#x20AC;? Gwin III was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1981 and has EHHQ SUDFWLFLQJ PDQ\ DVSHFWV RI WKH ODZ DW WKH ILUP RI *ZLQ /HZLV 3XQFKHV & Kelley in Natchez, Mississippi, ever since.

BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 19

THE social SCENE VICKSBURG, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Sip-and-See for Hamilton amily and friends enjoyed a Sip-and-See on Saturday, May 6, 2017, in honor of five-month-old Iris Pearl Hamilton at the home of Donna and Steve Saunders in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Guests were treated to delicious finger food and punch while admiring the baby. Iris is the daughter of Lenora and Robbie Hamilton of Plano, Texas, and the granddaughter of Fred and Frieda Hamilton of Ruston, Louisiana, and Ed and Anita Schilling of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Iris is also the niece of Amanda Brice of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the great niece of Ronda Wolfe of Vicksburg. Hostesses were Donna Saunders, Dolores Rohrer, Susan Stewart, Cheryl Roberts, and Ronda Wolfe.

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1 Lenora and Iris Hamilton 2 Brooke Farr, Iris Hamilton, Laura Ayers, and Lenora Hamilton 3 Lenora and Iris Hamilton with Laura Ayers 4 Sylvia Gurtowski, Lenora and Iris Hamilton, and Anne Gent 5 Front—Susan Stewart, Anita Schilling, Lenora Hamilton with Iris, and Ronda Wolfe; Back— Cheryl Roberts, Dolores Rohrer, and Donna Saunders 6 Front—Ed and Anita Schilling with Lenora, Iris, and Robbie Hamilton; Back—Frieda and Fred Hamilton

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7 7 Gale Waites, Susie Wilhelms, Judy Pennington, Amanda Brice, and Anita Schilling 8 Gale Waites, Anita Schilling, Iris Hamilton, Joelyn James, and Ronda Wolfe 9 Susan Morang, Janey Seabergh, Ronda Wolfe with Iris Hamilton, and Susan Athow

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IN THE GARDEN

BY

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mulch trees like this.

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Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Make Mulch Volcanoes

D

riving around town a few weeks ago, I enjoyed all the work fellow gardeners have been doing in their yards. I thought our early spring weather brought out the best in our landscapes, but then I saw them. I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe my eyes, but there they wereâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;mulch volcanoes.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a couple of years since Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen a real doozy of a mulch volcano, and I realized again what my duty has to be. I have to convince people that mulch volcanoes are bad for our trees. So, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to blame when a mulch volcano is created?

Most gardeners love their trees and want to do what they can to help them grow and prosper.

Newspapers, magazines, TV gardening shows, and landscape professionals tell us perhaps the best thing we can do for our trees is to add a layer of mulch around the base. Mulching reduces weeds, cools the soil, and, most importantly, conserves precious water in the treeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s root zone.

7KH LGHDO PXOFK WKLFNQHVV LV WR LQFKes, but some gardeners think 6 to 10 inches has to be better; and, so mulch volcanoes are born.

When a thick layer of mulch is spread around the trunk of a tree, many things can happen; and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all bad. The mulch will indeed hold moisture, but it will be up against the tree trunk, creating a condition where the bark starts to decay. This problem allows fungi, bacteria and insects to get under the bark and cause problems internally for the tree.

Circling roots are another problem commonly found in mulch volcanoes. In this

Dr. Gary R. Bachman

moist environment, a tree will begin to grow roots into the mulch instead of outward into the surrounding soil. Most mulch volcanoes are circular because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the way most homeowners place mulch around trees. Roots will start to circle the tree, staying in the mulch.

An example of root circling can be seen with bedding plants or any plant grown in a container. Many consumers will look at the roots of a container-grown plant before purchasing it. They are looking for roots that circle the inside the container. These roots never grow out into the soil, and the plant will not perform well in the landscape.

As the tree grows, the circumference of the trunk grows larger, and the circling roots eventually strangle the tree. However, the tree does not die immediately. It goes through a prolonged period of decline.

The proper way to mulch a tree is to Ă&#x20AC;UVW VSUHDG DQ HYHQ LQFK WR LQFK OD\HU around the base of the tree. The diameter of this mulch is up to the home owner. I personally like big mulch beds around trees to ease lawn mowing and reduce edging, but that is a topic for another column.

After the mulch is applied, use a rake or your hands to pull the mulch back away from the tree trunk. It is ok to leave a thin layer to avoid exposing bare soil, as long as the mulch does not touch the tree trunk. As you pull the mulch back, contour it to resemble a bowl. This shape helps to collect water and direct it towards the root system of the tree during rain or irrigation.

Columnist Dr. Gary R. Bachman is an assistant extension professor of horticulture at Mississippi State Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 21

THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Save the Hall Ball he third annual Save the Hall Ball benefit, sponsored by the Pilgrimage Historical Society for Stanton Hall, was held on April 1, 2017, following the Historic Natchez Tableaux in downtown Natchez, Mississippi. The black-tie event was open to donors, supporters, and outof-town guests. The crowd gathered inside Stanton Hall, on the historic grounds, and inside the Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Room and Carriage House as they enjoyed food, libations of all kinds, and music provided by the dance band Anita. A silent auction was held amid elaborate dĂŠcor provided by John Grady Burns. Photography by Cheryl Rinehart and Mark Coffey

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Genny Harrison and Kerry Dicks Marla Toman and John Grady Burns Benny and Amanda Jeansonne Ruthie and Jim Coy with Marsha Colson Wensel Conroy, Donna Maselli, and Marcia McCullough Sam Kirby, Katelee Laird, and Luke Cockerham Richard Grant with Regina and Doug Charboneau Lansing Brakenridge, Wensel Conroy, and Debbie Akin Kent Breard, Catherine Ratcliffe, and Charlotte Breard

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THE social SCENE

NATCHEZ, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

10 Jessica and Mark Carter 11 Coral and Richard Byrd with Bridget and Glen Green 12 Emily Hyman and Chase Brakenridge 13 Will, Sheila, and John Foggo with Joseph Gunning 14 Terry and Merideth Trovato 15 Emily Ragsdale, Joseph Gunning, Katie Ernst, and Riccardo Giani 16 Karen Dunaway, Maria Smilo, and Curtis Moroney 17 Parnell Burns and Brenda Evans 18 Carla Jenkins, Ritchie Montgomery, Debbie Wilson, and Laurie Coffey 19 Jessica Stubbs with Christopher and Lizzie Martin

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

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Stella Sharp with Bayard Watts Marc and Courtney Taylor Katie Frieberger and Lisa Wood Smith Eric West and Charlotte Brent Mary Margaret Gilly and Fayla Guedon Carla and Bettye Jenkins Christian DiPietrantonio and Lauren Paige Aiken Helena StClair Lisa Ray and Debbie Aiken Elizabeth and Alan Wolfe Lisa Wood Smith and Christine Miller Kate Orso and Rachel Garvin Anna James and Harry Boschieri

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THE social SCENE

NATCHEZ, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

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33 Peggy and Walter Sandell and Julie Kendell 34 Dr. Carrie Iles, Maureen Radzewicz, and Laurie Coffey 35 Bryan Calloway, Lisa Wood Smith, and Donna Calloway 36 John McCullough with Pat and Connie Burns 37 Laurie, Patsy, and Caroline Coffey with Jake Smilo 38 Shannon Jex, Mary Margaret Gilly, Emily Maxwell, and Sarah Carter Smith 39 Lisa and Burt Baker with Anna and David Trimble 40 Allysa Stewart, Amelia Conn, Nic Waycaster, and Caroline Downer

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The Place To Be . . .

Natchez Campus Registering for Summer and Fall Semesters Summer Term I Classes Begin June 5 Summer Term II Classes Begin July 5

ยง ยง

www.colin.edu

Natchez: 601-442-9111 * Wesson: 601-643-8490 * Simpson: 601-849-0122

Orientation and Registration July 13 & August 11 at 1 p.m.

Fall Classes Begin August 14

Copiah-Lincoln Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or other factors prohibited by law in any of its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment practices.

Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 25

THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

41 Kristine Wade with Ricky and Wanda Smith 42 Jason Dauphin, Stratton Hall, Tracy Hall Gammon, and Melanie Downer 43 Sam Frieberger, Anna Rodriguez and Camille Taylor

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THE social SCENE VICKSBURG, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Mellow Monday he Vicksburg Convention Center held its first Mellow Monday on March 13, 2017, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Mellow Monday events commemorate the convention centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s twenty-year anniversary. Attendees enjoyed great music and food.

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Debbie and Craig Peacock Carolyn and Melanie Allen Bertha and Alderman Michael Mayfield Kimberly Smith, Carolyn Pew, and Karla Rogers Leslie Silver and Rachel Bacon Lois and Jimmy Vinson Thomas and Madalene Mayfield Johnny L Reynolds, Angie Brown, and Ralph Miller

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12 9 Mayor George Flaggs, Jr and Annette Kirklin 10 Sue Bagby, Tim Clark, Donna Gray, Elyce Curry, Annette Kirklin, and Erin Southard 11 Ruby Green, Kim May, and Audrey Randle 12 Wayne Pratt, Kevin Mahoney, Stacey Mathis, and Ralph Miller

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

NGC Pages’ Party for King and Queen he Natchez Garden Club Royal Pages hosted a cocktail party honoring the 2017 Historic Natchez Tableaux Royalty—Natchez Garden Club Queen Shelby Stokes and King Walker Fogg—on April 1, 2017, atop the Callon Building overlooking the Mississippi River in downtown Natchez, Mississippi. Pages Harrison Callon, Stella Devereaux, Court Edgin, Emma Orr, and Reene Slover along with their parents entertained both Pilgrimage Garden Club Royalty and Natchez Garden Club Royalty with their friends and family members as well. The pages and the royals exchanged gifts with one another to commemorate their 2017 Spring Pilgrimage reign.

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1 Bobby and Jennifer Smith, Anna Laura Orr, Abby Laird, and Katherine Callon 2 NGC Queen Shelby and Brenda Stokes 3 Conner Pressgrove, Chase Brakenridge, Caitlyn Upton, and Cole Radzewicz 4 NGC Queen Shelby Stokes and NGC King Walker Foggo 5 Michael Shull with Will, NGC King Walker, and John Foggo 6 Shelia Foggo and Mary Ann Foggo-Eidt 7 Genny Harrison, Tori Bradford, Lansing Brakenridge, PGC King Chase Brakenridge, and Emily Hyman 8 Karen Callon and Brenda Edgin 9 Court Edgin, Harrison Callon, NGC King Walker Foggo, and Austin Jex 10 Jennifer Smith and Caroline Devereaux 11 Katie and Leah Tillman with Abby Massey and Tori Bradford

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THE social SCENE

NATCHEZ, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

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Will Foggo, Bobby Smith, and John Foggo Ann Paradise with Joe and Donna Maselli Tori Bradford with James and Amy Brown Emma Orr, Shelby Stokes, Stella Devereaux, and Reene Slover 16 Lindsey Callon, Richard Edgin, and Clifford Tillman

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

17 Natalie Jane McLemore, Molly McLemore, Stella Devereaux, Reene Slover, and Mary Tucker Devereaux 18 Mary Kate Huber and Julia Rachel Kuehnle 19 Leah Tillman, PGC Queen Caroline Downer, Julia Matheney, and Alyssa Stewart

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THE social SCENE TYLERTOWN, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

DAR Spring Meeting he Judith Robinson Chapter of the DAR, met on May 11, 2017, at Janice Brock’s beautiful log cabin in Tylertown, Mississippi. Members enjoyed social time on the wrap-around porches that overlook the Bogue Chitto River. Ms. Dell Clawson gave members autographed copies of her book Keeper of the Echoes; and all enjoyed a roundtable buffet of a variety of home- made entrées, desserts, and sweet tea. The tables were topped with fresh daisies and larkspur.

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1 Front—Sylvia Johnson, Wanda Lambuth, Betty Penick, Ava Madison, Elouise Lee, Janice Fortenberry, Dell Clawson, Danielle Martin, and Sue Boyd; Second row—Tammy Strickland, Beverly King, Virginia Zeigler, Helon Johnson, Janice Brock, Brenda Laird, Betsy Harrell, Mary Felder, Connie Lambuth, and Sonya Johnson; Third row—Laila McEwen, Gail Spinnato, Mary Helen Smith, Dina Rushing, and Mona Ray; Back row—Carol Wood, Norma Perdeye, Janis Ard, Crystal Newman, Vivis Yvette Moore-Smith, Shelley Taylor, Lynn Williams, and Linda Young 2 Linda Young and Mary Felder 3 Carla Stringer and Rebecca Brumfield 4 Sylvia Johnson and Janice Brock 5 Dell Clawson, Janis Ard, and Betsy Harrell 6 Janice Fortenberry, Tammy Strickland, and Ava Madison 7 Helon Johnson, Brenda Laird, and Gail Spinnato 8 Dell Clawson, Connie Lambuth, Danielle Martin, and Sue Boyd 9 Sitting—Elouise Lee; Standing—Sue Boyd and Linda Young

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Mother’s Day Tea n Saturday, May 13, 2017, the members of the Natchez Garden Club hosted its inaugural Mother’s Day Tea on the grounds of antebellum Magnolia Hall in downtown Natchez, Mississippi.

Guests enjoyed a “high tea” tablescape along with many homemade delectables.

Daughters were invited to make their mothers a gift of fresh bedding plants that awaited on the back gallery.

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Mary Margaret and Ellie Gilly Lillie and Miranda Seyfarth Annie and Mary Margaret Edwards Molly and Jessica Ryan Misty and Gianna Tuccio Adele and Linda Middleton Carolyn Dollar and Chris Bartha Mary Frances and Donna Sessions Julia and Lauren Burns

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THE social SCENE

NATCHEZ, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

10 Edith Loy with Mariella and Kristy Atkins 11 Nyla Jones, Natamasha Hawkins, and NaTia Jones 12 Nikki and Reagan Shaifer with Charlotte Britt 13 Britton Jones and Presley Moffett 14 Heather Callon with Amy and Evie Jones 15 Harper Carter and Fisher Iseminger

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Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 37

Take a Hike

7KH VXPPHU PRQWKV DUH D SHUIHFW WLPH WR JHW RXW Ă&#x20AC;QG D trail, and take a hike. With so many wonderful locations around us that are home to trails and passages to adventure, no one should have a hard time hitting the hiking trail and getting healthy this summer.

by Jennie Guido Photography courtesy of Sara Strickland of the Vicksburg Military Park; Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks; and Visit Natchez

Page 38 { June 2017 { Bluffs & Bayous

Al Scheller Hiking Trail: Vicksburg, Mississippi One trail to attract many adventurers winds through the National Military Park in Vicksburg, Mississippiâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the Al Scheller Hiking Trail. This trail is a primitive one that was forged in 1979 by Ranger Al Scheller to provide the local Boy Scouts with â&#x20AC;&#x153;a unique experience and better understanding of the siege of Vicksburg. Since then, the trail has been hiked by countless Scouts and members of the general public,â&#x20AC;? as described by the Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pamphlet on the Trail.

Sara Strickland, the Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Natural Resource Manager, explained that the trail is for those looking for an adventure that will WDNH WKHP WKURXJK DOO W\SHV RI ODQGVFDSHV LQ WKH 3DUN $ PLOH hiking trail, it â&#x20AC;&#x153;loops through the beautiful hills and valleys that once formed a Confederate defensive earthworks that protected the people of Vicksburg and held off the Union troops for 47 days.â&#x20AC;?

Starting near the Visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center behind the William Vilas monument, the trail winds in and out of the wooded areas of the Park and even runs along some of the paved roads in the Park, which highlights certain monuments that tell the history of Vicksburg along the way. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Orange blazes guide the trail and each opening is recognized by white-topped posts,â&#x20AC;? Strickland added.

Safety is key when hiking along the Al Scheller Trail. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The very fertile hills provide excellent substrate for roots, vines, stumps, and other tripping hazards. The erodible loess soil can also cause

drop-offs, holes, and other hazards. Appropriate footwear is highly recommended,â&#x20AC;? as described by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s woods are home to hardwood forests with many varieties of oak, pine, hickory, and dogwood; loess hills; wetlands; and streams. Along with the hazardous terrain, be on the lookout for snakes, spiders, and poison ivy.

If the Al Scheller Hiking Trail looks to be a little too much for your summer adventure, there are many other options for hikers in the Military Park. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course, the paved roads make for a scenic hiking trail for visitors and locals alike,â&#x20AC;? Strickland said and added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are also other trails throughout the Park that we have mapped out for hikers.â&#x20AC;? When you visit the Military Park this summer, be sure to visit the Visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center at the beginning of your trip to pick up the maps they have on hand along with the many monuments and markers to look out for along the way.

Strickland shared, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will also be hosting an orientation and LQIRUPDWLRQ VHVVLRQ RQ -XQH LQ KRQRU RI 1DWLRQDO 7UDLOV Day. Volunteers will learn about the details of the Adopt-A-Trail program and the Al Scheller Hiking Trail, have the opportunity to RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDOO\ VLJQ XS DQG DGRSW D VHFWLRQ RI WKH WUDLO DQG SDUWLFLSDWH LQ an orientation about how to perform trail maintenance.â&#x20AC;?

For more information on the Adopt-A-Trail program, call

Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 39

The Natchez Trails: Natchez, Mississippi Along the bluffs and throughout downtown in Natchez, Mississippi, hikers young and old can enjoy one of Natchezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many trailsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the Bluff Trail, St. Catherine Street Trail, Nature Trail, North Trail, and South Trail.

According to the local Community Alliance of Natchez-Adams County, the Bluff Trail is â&#x20AC;&#x153;also known as the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Upper Trail.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; This linear walk along the Bluff shows the Mississippi River in all its glory.

Start at any point on Broadway, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll pass from south to north the historic homes Rosalie and The Parsonage, the Gazebo (which is great for photos), the Bridge of Sighs (a reconstruction of a pedestrian bridge that was destroyed in the 1840 tornado), a fountain, the Trails Pavilion providing background on the Trails, and up the hill past the many historic homes on Clifton Avenue. The sunsets DUH PDJQLĂ&#x20AC;FHQW DQG WKH YLHZV QHYHU JHW ROG Âľ The trailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total distance is just under a mile at .78 miles. The Community Alliance also describes the trail as â&#x20AC;&#x153;easy, although as this is a straight line, you will need to double the distance with a return to a vehicle or other original location.â&#x20AC;?

The St. Catherine Street Trail leads directly into downtown, IROORZLQJ DORQJ 6W &DWKHULQH 6WUHHW ´D VWUHHW RI JUHDW VLJQLĂ&#x20AC;cance to our townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s African American history and culture. The 6W &DWKHULQH 6WUHHW WUDLO LV D OLQHDU ZDON ZLWK FXOWXUDO SDQHOV DW KLVWRULFDOO\ VLJQLĂ&#x20AC;FDQW ORFDWLRQV Âľ WKH $OOLDQFH VKDUHG ´6WDUW DW the corner of Liberty Road and St. Catherine Street at the site of the Forks of the Road 19th century Slave Market, at the time one of the largest in the South. Continue past the site of the ACE (All Colored Entertainment) Theatre; the home of Emile Angeletti (a QDWLRQDO ODQGPDUN WKH KRPH RI 'U -RKQ %DQNV 1DWFKH]¡V Ă&#x20AC;UVW African American physician; the site of the Rhythm Night Club Ă&#x20AC;UH ZKHUH VRXOV SHULVKHG LQ DQG WKH Âś0/. 7ULDQJOH¡ the hub of the Natchez Civil Rights Movement on Martin Luther .LQJ -U 6WUHHW Âľ A little more of an intense hike and under half of a mile is the Nature Trail or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lower Trail,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; described by the Alliance as follows: ´7KLV VKDGHG ZDON RQ FUXVKHG URFN LQFOXGHV SDQHOV RQ ORFDO Ă RUD Page 40 { June 2017 { Bluffs & Bayous

and fauna. The Nature Trail is in two sections. One starts at Silver Street, descends the wooden stairs, walks past the trail deck overORRN ZLWK D PDJQLĂ&#x20AC;FHQW FORVH XS RI WKH 0LVVLVVLSSL 5LYHU DQG FRQtinues until you reach the base of Roth Hill Road where you have to start walking up a steep hill. The other is halfway up Roth Hill Road; a pedestrian crosswalk leads you to the next section, which ends at the wooden stairs at the corner of Madison and Learnedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mill Road (the north end of the trail).â&#x20AC;?

The North and South Trails lead hikers throughout the downtown area and past many historical and picturesque landmarks. Jennifer Ogden Combs, Director of the Natchez Convention and Visitors Bureau commented, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Exploring the Downtown trails is great way to work out, stroll, see the most beautiful view on the Mississippi, and learn about all aspects of Natchez history at your own pace.â&#x20AC;?

For more information about the Natchez trails, visit www.communityalliancenatchez.org.

Clark Creek: Pond, Mississippi Yet another trail in our area is located in Wilkinson County, Mississippi, which makes it very accessible to our surrounding readers. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clark Creek Natural Area of southwestern Mississippi is one of the Magnolia Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beautiful outdoor treasures. Take the day for a visit; aside from the absolute crush of the weekend crowds, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be sorry you went. ´&RPSULVLQJ PRUH WKDQ DFUHV WKLV 1DWXUDO $UHD¡V RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDOO\ KLJKOLJKWHG E\ VRPH ZDWHUIDOOV WKRXJK \RX¡OO Ă&#x20AC;QG only 6 along established trails), ranging from 10 to more than IHHW LQ KHLJKW &UHDWLRQ DQG SURWHFWLRQ RI WKLV IDEXORXV DUHD came about in 1978 from cooperation between the Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Committee, Wilkinson County, David Bramlette, International Paper Company, and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clark Creekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s steeply sloping hills host a mixed hardwood and pine forest dominated by beech and magnolia. Here, visitors discover a variety of colorful migrating and resident birds; invertebrates; poisonous snakes; a rare land snail; the federally endangered &DUROLQD PDJQROLD YLQH DQG D VWDWH HQGDQJHUHG Ă&#x20AC;VK WKH 6RXWKHUQ redbelly dace. This forested tract also provides excellent habitat for another threatened species in Mississippiâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the black bear. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The terrain at Clark Creek is physically demanding and visitors VKRXOG EH PHGLFDOO\ Ă&#x20AC;W EHIRUH JRLQJ DĂ&#x20AC;HOG &ODUN &UHHN LV ORFDWHG in a somewhat remote part of the county; medical and other assistance can be a long way off. Be certain to be careful.â&#x20AC;?

Hikers seeking an exciting outdoors venture will appreciate both the variety of activities and the challenges posed here as â&#x20AC;&#x153;bird-watching, hiking, photography, and botanizing are encouraged at Clark Creek on established trails. However, hunting, camping, and motorized vehicles are not allowed. Due to the

areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s small size and the highly erodible nature of the loess soil, RQO\ IRRW WUDIĂ&#x20AC;F LV SHUPLWWHG Âľ For more information about the trail, visit www.hikelouisiana.

RUJ RU FDOO

Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 41

First United Methodist Church 100th Anniversary

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he majestic sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church in Brookhaven, Mississippi, has witnessed much growth and change and has touched many lives in its family of believers in the past one hundred years. From worship services, FKULVWHQLQJV FRQĂ&#x20AC;UPDWLRQV ZHGGLQJV DQG FRPPXQLRQV WR FHOebrations of life and funerals, this House of God has served as the JDWKHULQJ SODFH IRU JHQHUDWLRQV RI ZRUVKLSSHUV VLQFH LWV Ă&#x20AC;UVW VHUYLFH LQ -XQH ,WV FRUQHUVWRQH ODLG LQ SODFH RQ 'HFHPEHU

1916, represents far more than mere stone and mortar; it symbolizes the strength and energy, substance, tenacity, and stability of the congregation and the Community of Christ that characterizes First United Methodist Church.

The building itself, constructed in the Neo-Classical Revival style, embraces a sanctuary large enough to seat approximately SHRSOH ,WV H[WHQVLYH VSDFH SURYLGHV IRU D ODUJH FKDQFHO DUHD DV ZHOO DV D WLHUHG FKRLU ORIW Ă DQNHG RQ ERWK VLGHV E\ D EHDXWLIXO 0|OOHU RUJDQ WKH ROGHVW SLSH RUJDQ VWLOO LQ XVH LQ %URRNKDYHQ and a Yamaha six-foot grand piano; both serve to continue the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich musical heritage through the amazing talents of organist and pianist, Steve Russell.

Serving as the focal point of the sanctuaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Craftsman style interior is an inspiring twenty-seven by ten-foot mural of The Last Supper by artist Margaret Schuck. Encased in rich mahogany, the painting is displayed only for Communion and other special serYLFHV 7KH PDJQLĂ&#x20AC;FHQW VWDLQHG JODVV ZLQGRZV ZHUH UHSDLUHG DQG restored to their original beauty in 1999. Providing a glorious prism of radiance for the sanctuary, the windows were cited as the primary architectural details necessary for the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inclusion on the National Registry of Historic Places. The sanctuaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original ornate woodwork and intricately carved fascade add to

by Jennifer Jackson Whittier | Photography by Jennifer Jackson Whittier Page 42 { June 2017 { Bluffs & Bayous

the church offers such worship and service experiences as Sunday School, Bible study, Wednesday evening worship, and a variety of community service and outreach opportunities.

In an effort to bring together those of all faiths to participate in the auspicious occasion commemorating of the 100th anniversary of the First United Methodist Church sanctuary, the church family will hold a

VSHFLDO FHOHEUDWLRQ RQ -XQH DW the 10:00 Wesley Service, followed by a church-wide, covered-dish luncheon, along with several other activities still in the tentative stagesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a special time of worship and praise and an outpouring of love and gratitude for the things He hath done.

To God be the Glory!

For more information, contact the FKXUFK RIĂ&#x20AC;FH DW

the classic craftsmanship. Many elements of the beautiful dĂŠcor have been generously donated by members of the church family in honor or in memory of loved ones, creating a sense of tradition and a respect for the past.

To fully appreciate the history and beauty of First United Methodist Church, one must personally experience the glory and majesty of this beloved structure.

The essence of generations past and present is embodied within its walls; the love and fellowship are almost tangible among the family of believers; and the spirit of the Lord is evident in every aspect of worship. Although additions and modiĂ&#x20AC;FDWLRQV KDYH EHHQ PDGH RYHU WKH \HDUV the sanctuary remains the center point, the mainstay, and the symbol of reverence and peace where hearts are mended and souls are saved, where praises are lifted and prayers are raised. Everyone is welcome for those wishing to participate in the Connection Service, a contemporary VW\OH SURJUDP EHJLQQLQJ DW D P or the more traditional Wesley Service at 10:45 a.m. each Sunday. In addition, Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 43

Celebrate Mississippi Dairy Farmers W

hile June may symbolize the start of summer across the country, for Mississippi dairyfarm families, June symbolizes something elseâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;National Dairy Month.

1DWLRQDO 'DLU\ 0RQWK EHJDQ LQ WR promote dairy consumption during peak milk production in the summer. Today, its rich history continues with communities from Mississippi celebrating in a variety of ways, including festivals, contests, and celebrations. Walthall County Dairy Festival ZLOO WDNH SODFH LQ 7\OHUWRZQ RQ -XQH DW +ROPHV :DWHU 3DUN %URRNKDYHQ Farmers Market will have a dairy day on -XQH LQ GRZQWRZQ %URRNKDYHQ and Middleton Dairy Day is scheduled for -XQH DW 0LGGOHWRQ 'DLU\ )DUP LQ Moss Point. ,Q DSSUR[LPDWHO\ Mississippi dairy cows produced 17 milOLRQ JDOORQV RI PLON IRU D WRWDO RI PLOlion dollars in cash receipts.

Join dairy farm families from across Mississippi as they mark 80 years of celebrating June Dairy Month, and encourage consumers to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Get More with Milk.â&#x20AC;?

The dairy farmers in Mississippi work

hard every day to produce a wholesome nutritious product that is packed with nine essential nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. These QXWULHQWV DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH Dietary Guidelines for Americans, are â&#x20AC;&#x153;nutrients of concernâ&#x20AC;? for both children and adults. These unique combinations of nutrients play key roles in preventing heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Dairy is also important for building strong bones and teeth.

There is good news for those who are lactose sensitive. They can still participate in June Dairy Month by consuming delicious dairy foods that are lactose-reduced or lactose-free. Lactose-free milk is real cowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s milk, just without the natural milk sugar, lactose; and lactose-free milk contains the same nine essential nutrients as regular milk. In addition to being a refreshing beverage, milk can also be used to prepare other foods such as oatmeal or pudding. Our Homemade Banana Pudding is a classic Southern dessert made with creamy homemade vanilla pudding and layered with ripe bananas and vanilla wafers. It is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

by Stephanie Yow Page 44 { June 2017 { Bluffs & Bayous

Yogurt and cheese are also excellent ways to enjoy dairy. Not only is yogurt an excellent source of calcium and protein, but it also contains probioticsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;live and active cultures that aid in digestion and boost immunity by fending off harmful bacteria.

The live and active cultures also help your body break down lactose, making yogurt another great dairy option for those who are lactose sensitive. Plain Greek yogurt can easily be added to smoothies, dips, and parfaits. Also, an ounce of low-fat cheese such as Cheddar, Colby, or Swiss, has as much protein as an egg and is a top source of calcium. Cheese not only tastes great but also is a convenient, portable, and versatile food. When paired with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, it may help people eat more of these food groups as recommendHG E\ WKH 'LHWDU\ *XLGHOLQHV for Americans. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Get More with Milkâ&#x20AC;? this June and all year long by adding milk, cheese, and yogurt to your meals and snacks. Find more LQIRUPDWLRQ DERXW WKH EHQHĂ&#x20AC;WV RI GDLU\ RQ Facebook (sedairy), Twitter (@sedairy), and Instagram (@sedairy) or at www. southeastdairy.org.

HOMEMADE BANANA PUDDING 2 teaspoons vanilla 4 large eggs 3 tablespoons sugar 1 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 3 tablespoons cornstarch 4-5 ripe bananas 1/2 teaspoon salt 45 vanilla wafer cookies (approximately) 3 cups milk Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Separate eggs, reserving whites for the meringue topping. Place yolks in small bowl. Combine 1 cup sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan, whisking until well combined. Add milk to sugar mixture; then gradually whisk in egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until pudding thickens, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Set aside to cool. In a medium mixing bowl using an electric mixer, beat egg whites at high speed until foamy. Add 3 tablespoons Z\NHY HUK JYLHT VM [HY[HY" JVU[PU\L ILH[PUN \U[PS Z[PÉ&#x2C6; WLHRZ MVYT :L[ HZPKL \U[PS ULLKLK Peel bananas and cut into 1/3-inch-thick slices. In the bottom of a 3-quart, oven-safe dish, place an even layer of vanilla wafers. Top with a layer of sliced bananas and about half of pudding. Repeat layers, ending with bananas. Spread egg white mixture over the top, covering the pudding completely. Use a spatula to make small peaks. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until top is golden brown. Let cool 30 minutes if serving warm, or chill for an additional hour and serve cold. Makes 8-10 servings

6WHSKDQLH <RZ 06 5' &63 /' LV D UHJLVWHUHG GLHWLWLDQ DQG ERDUG FHUWLĂ&#x20AC;HG VSHFLDOLVW in pediatric nutrition. She serves as a nutrition affairs program manager for the Southeast Dairy Association in Louisiana and Mississippi where she is responsible for providing health education on the importance of dairy in the diet to health professionals, educators, and consumers. The recipe is courtesy of Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rebecca Egsieker, The Dairy Chef.

Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 45

JUNE Louisiana Up & Coming! louisianatravel.com BATON ROUGE Throughout June visitbatonrouge.org lsumoa.org FERRIDAY June 8 Mitch Richard Magician Concordia Parish Library 10:15 am / Free concordialibrary.org June 10 Ealey Brothers Induction Ceremony Arcade Theater 218 Louisiana Ave. 6 pm / Free

Page 46 { June 2017 { Bluffs & Bayous

Louisiana Up & Coming! JUNE June 15 Storytelling with Science Techniques Concordia Parish Library 10:15 am /Free concordialibrary.org June 17 Ronnie Cox & Friends LIVE Arcade Theater 7 pm / $15 / Couple: $25 June 20 Music & Variety Show Concordia Parish Library 2 pm / Free concordialibrary.org June 27 David LeBoeuf Magician Concordia Parish Library 2 pm / Free concordialibrary.org PORT ALLEN Throughout June westbatonrougemuseum.com

June 3 – August 27 “The River Rises: Historical Floods” Exhibit West Baton Rouge Museum westbatonrougemuseum.com

June 17 – October 29 “Water Trails of the Atchafalaya” Exhibit West Baton Rouge Museum westbatonrougemuseum.com

Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 47

JUNE Louisiana Up & Coming!

ST. FRANCISVILLE Throughout June westfelicianahistoricalsociety.org stfrancisville.us June 2 – 4 Walker Percy Weekend Throughout St. Francisville (225)635-6330 / walkerpercyweekend.org June 3 – 9 The Plantation Apothecary Audubon State Historic Site 1 – 4 pm (888)677-2838 / (225)-635-3739 June 9 – 11 The Day the War Stopped Grace Episcopal Church / Rosedown (225)635-4224 / daythewarstopped.net

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Louisiana Up & Coming! JUNE June 20 Music & Variety Show featuring Harvey Rabbit & Friends Concordia Parish Library 10:15 am / Free concordialibrary.org

June 27 David LeBoeuf Magician Concordia Parish Library 10:15 am / Free concordialibrary.org

June 17 Take a Kid Fishing Audubon State Historic Site 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 pm (888)677-2836 / (225)-635-3739 June 24 Zouaves!

Audubon State Historic Site 10 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 pm (888)677-2836 / (225)-635-3739 VIDALIA June 8 Mitch Richard Magician Concordia Parish Library 2 pm / Free concordialibrary.org June 15 Storytelling with Science Techniques Concordia Parish Library 2 pm / Free concordialibrary.org

Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 49

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 50 { {June June2017 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 {{June June2017 2017{ { Page 51

JUNE Mississippi Up & Coming! visitmississippi.org BROOKHAVEN Throughout June facebook.com/VisitBrookhavenMS visitbrookhavenms.com Every Friday Farmers Market Railroad Park info@brookhavenchamber.com June 2 KDMC Foundation Golf Tournament Brookhaven Country Club Tee Times: 8 am & 1 pm June 8 Girls Night Out Downtown Brookhaven 3 – 9 pm In advance: $20 / Day of event: $25 (601)833-1411 info@brookhavenchamber.com

TEENAGERS CRAVE FREEDOM. PARENTS CRAVE FREE. Bank freely with Squad Student Banking. | 1ol;v b|_ =u;; Ѵo 0-Ѵ-m1; -Ѵ;u|vķ =u;; omѴbm; 0-mhbm]ķ mo lom|_Ѵ =;;ķ - vl-u|r_om; -rrķ -m7 lou;ĺ -u|m;u b|_ $u v|l-uh |o 0;]bm |;-1_bm] o u hb7v |_; bmv -m7 o |v o= _-m7Ѵbm] lom; ĺ

TRUSTMARK.COM/STUDENTBANKING

Page 52 { June 2017 { Bluffs & Bayous

Mississippi Up & Coming! JUNE June 22 – 25 Seussical the Musical, Jr. The Haven Theatre 7:30 pm / Saturday & Sunday: 2 pm $15 / $20 (601)669-1878 / haventheatre.org June 23 Summer Concert Series: Lindsey Cardinale Railroad Park 8 – 10 pm (601)833-1411 info@brookhavenchamber.com JACKSON Throughout June dulinghall.com msmuseumart.org visitjackson.com June 9 2nd Annual MS Craft Beer Festival Duling Hall 6 – 9 pm dulinghall.com

Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 53

JUNE Mississippi Up & Coming!

June 15 Music in the City MS Museum of Art 5:15 – 8 pm / Free msmuseumart.org June 24 – 25 MS Comic Con MS Trade Mart Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm Prices vary mississippicomiccon.com MAGNOLIA Every Thursday Summer Story Hour Pike County Library 3:30 pm MCCOMB Throughout June pikeinfo.com

>H[JO MVY `V\Y *OPW *HYK JVTPUN ZVVU t er Debi Consum

r e m Sum1 7!

20

s Debit Busines

deltabk.com =0+(30( -,990+(@ 3(2, 796=0+,5*, ;(33<3(/ 5(;*/,A

Page 54 { June 2017 { Bluffs & Bayous

Mississippi Up & Coming! JUNE Every Thursday Summer Story Hour Pike County Library 10 am

The Aspen of Brookhaven FIVE-STAR SERVICE with a HOME-LIKE FEEL

The Aspen of Brookhaven is a 44-suite assisted living June 15 Pike County Chamber of Commerce Annual Fish Fry Railroad Blvd 6 pm / $35 (601)684-2291

community. The Aspen offers residents the independence of living at home with a capable and experienced staff of professionals to ensure the highest level of quality and care.

NATCHEZ Throughout June Live Music Event Calendar visitnatchez.org/full-event-calendar visitnatchez.org Every Saturday )DUPHU·V 0DUNHW 100 Block S. Commerce St. 8 am – Noon June 2 – 4 Cancer Tennis Tournament Duncan Park Participant: $35 / Social events: $25 (601)446-6677 / (601)442-1584 June 10 2nd Saturday Downtown Natchez (601)445-4611 June 10 NACHS Dog Days of Summer Fundraiser Wills Home 500 N. Pearl St. 6 - 8 pm / $30 (601)660-5268

AMENITIES Y 24-Hour Care & Security Y On-Site Healthcare Y Transportation Service Y Planned Social Activities Y Laundry Service

Y Y Y Y Y

Gym & Walking Trail Dietitian & Chef-Designed Meals Storm Shelter All-Inclusive Pricing Pet Friendly

Contact us today to schedule a personal tour or apply for residency!

June 29 – July 2 The Jungle Book Natchez Little Theatre $20 (601)442-2233 / natchezlittletheatre.org OSYKA Every Thursday Summer Story Hour Pike County Library 2 pm

500 SILVER CROSS DRIVE, BROOKHAVEN, MS 39601

www.AspenOfBrookhaven.com

CALL 769-300-5380 Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 55

JUNE Mississippi Up & Coming!

RIDGELAND Throughout June ridgelandms.org June 3 Heatwave Classic Triathlon Old Trace Park 7 am – Noon ridgelandsportsandevents.com SUMMIT Throughout June pikeinfo.com VICKSBURG Throughout June southernculture.org / visitvicksburg.com vicksubrgartassociation.org tarawildlife.com / downtownvicksburg.org Every Wednesday & Saturday )DUPHU·V 0DUNHW Downtown Vicksburg Corner of Jackson St. & Washington St. (601)634-4537 / (601)801-3513 June 3 National Trails Day Vicksburg Military Park RSVP (601)629-8133 molly_caldwell@partner.nps.gov June 13 Know Your Roots - Grow Your Business Warren County MSU Extension $30 / Extended deadline: June 7 Bed & Breakfast focus (601)636-5442 / warren@ext.msstate.edu June 19 Miss Mississippi Parade Downtown Vicksburg 7 pm June 21 - 24 Miss Mississippi Pageant Vicksburg Convention Center Preliminaries: Wed - Fri Pageant: Saturday / 8 pm (601)638-6748 missmississippipageant.com %H VXUH WR FRQÀUP GHWDLOV RI WKH HYHQWV should changes have occurred since events were submitted.

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Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 57

SOUTHERN SAMPLER

BY

Alma M. Womack

Papaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Too-tall Table I

have a nice collection of old furniture. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing to make an antique appraiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart beat fast, but I enjoy every piece and consider everything special. Furniture, like art or books, is something to acquire a piece at a time, for only then can it truly be called a collection. Buying any of these treasures in bulk just doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give a person the same appreciation of the art, books, or furniture or anything else purchased.

0\ IDYRULWH SLHFH LQ WKH FROOHFWLRQ GDWHV IURP WKH year of the Great Flood. That year, my maternal grandparents, Mae and Ray Dowdy, had been married for two years and were the parents of a baby daughter. They lived on Little River on the Barron-Dowdy property; but the Great Flood forced them to become refugees or, as they say now, â&#x20AC;&#x153;evacuees,â&#x20AC;? heading for the Catahoula hills.

7KH Ă RRG UHIXJHHV OLYHG LQ WHQWV OHDQ WRV RU ZKDWHYHU WKH\ could construct in a short time to protect their families from the elements. Since there was no electricity in rural Catahoula Parish at the time, no one missed lights or air conditioners or refrigerators or television. People lived in the tents with pretty much the same conveniences of home but without a strongframed house to protect them from the elements.

The Red Cross provided lumber to the people to use as needed, most of it going into living structures. Papa and Mimi needed a table; and since he had been trained in carpentry skills by his grandfather, Matt Barron, Papa was able to construct a sturdy table for their humble abode from some of their share of the Red Cross lumber.

7KH WDEOH ORRNHG Ă&#x20AC;QH DQG ZDV VXEVWDQWLDO MXVW WKH ULJKW VL]H IRU D little dining table. Except, when they sat down, it was several inches too high for dining. Papa was tall, so the height didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bother him WKDW PXFK 0LPL ZDV SUREDEO\ DOO RI Ă&#x20AC;YH IHHW IRXU LQFKHV VR VKH said that she looked like a little child sitting at the big folks table.

Being the hardy folks that they were, they made do with the too-tall WDEOH DQG WHQW OLYLQJ XQWLO WKH Ă RRG ZDWHUV UHFHGHG DQG WKH\ ZHUH able to go back to their home on Little River.

The table survived the Flood and all the moves of the subsequent years of their lives until it came to Smithland in 1946. , Ă&#x20AC;UVW UHPHPEHU WKH WDEOH EHLQJ RQ WKH VFUHHQHG EDFN SRUFK RI their house. It held pot plants, summer and winter; and woe to the FKLOG ZKR EXPSHG WKH WDEOH DQG GLVORGJHG D Ă RZHU SRW RU EURNH a plant. After Papa passed away in 1971, Mimi left the old white KRXVH DQG PRYHG LQWR WKH VPDOOHU PRUH HQHUJ\ HIĂ&#x20AC;FLHQW $UFKLH house just up the road from where she and Papa had lived for twenW\ Ă&#x20AC;YH \HDUV The table was then placed in the carport, once again covered with pot plants in the summer but left bare in the winter since the FDUSRUW ZDV RSHQ WR WKH QRUWK DQG WKH Ă RZHUV FRXOGQ¡W WDNH WKH cold wind.

In the mid-1970s, I became concerned that the table might not survive much longer being exposed to the weather. I asked Mimi if I could take the table, clean it up some, and take it to my house.

Page 58 { June 2017 { Bluffs & Bayous

â&#x20AC;&#x153;What do you want with that old thing?â&#x20AC;? She was puzzled but agreed to let me have it, since it was becoming a catch-all table by the back door. I cleaned it, glued some places to make them sturdiHU OLJKWO\ VDQGHG LW DQG Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHG LW ZLWK D FOHDU VHDOHU WR SURWHFW WKH wood from stains from coffee or tea that often come from my cups.

Since it is taller than average, it made a perfect table to go by the bed in our bedroom. It is a little larger than most night tables, but is just right to hold treasures, books, and a lamp. Of course, for this table, I reserve the choice crochet or linen cloths, most of them made by Mimi or mother-in-law Eunice Womack; for the table deserves the best that I have for its cover.

I know the table would have no value to anyone else; but knowing that my beloved Papa made it as a young husband and father and that it was used by him and Mimi all their lives, makes it priceless to me; and it holds a most honored place in my home, down here on beautiful Black River.

To be certain that its maker and story are known to posterity, I wrote the information on the bottom of the table top, so that there will be no misunderstanding as to the value of the table when the time comes to pass it on. And, this year it will 90 years old; and I will wager that it is one of a very few things to survive the CatahoulaKLOOV UHIXJHH FDPS UHVXOWLQJ IURP WKH *UHDW )ORRG RI &ROXPQLVW $OPD :RPDFN OLYHV RQ 6PLWKODQG 3ODQWDWLRQ RQ %ODFN 5LYHU VRXWK RI 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.

Bluffs & Bayous { June 2017 { Page 59

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