Bluffs & Bayous July / August 2020

Bluffs & Bayous { July / August 2020 { Page 1

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F RO M T H E P U B L I S H E R

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n our July/August 2020 issue, we are so proud to share stories about outstanding community individuals and organizations. The no-strings-attached, heartfelt giving of time, energy, and love to help individuals and community is our focus.

It is this type of lifting up of others that is our good news to share with you, our readers. Phi Mu Omega, an organization involving smart, caring ladies, provides service, celebration, and scholarship for members of their community in Southwest Mississippi. Through their volunteer service, they are able to raise funds to offer young adults scholarships for further education.

Teaching patriotism, education, and historic preservation is the Mississippi Society for Children of the American Revolution and its local chapter, the Rosalie Society in Natchez, Mississippi. This organization is open to any child to join in its activities and learn about its important values and goals.

Longtime Natchez-community volunteer, Jean Simonton has served for over

forty years taking care of walking trails, identifying plant life, and labeling it for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. She has worked with committees on these projects and has a contagious spirit about herself.

From her own personal family experience, Katherine Oldenburg, realizing her need to help others undergoing infusion treatments, established Caring Shirts Ministry. At no cost to hospitals, local infusion centers, and people all over the world, her team of friends gather each week to customize uniquely designed, snap-closure T-shirts and then mail them to anyone in need.

With this issue, we have a new column, From our Readers’ Kitchens. We know many of you enjoy baking and cooking and want to share your favorite recipes. So herein, are selections from four of our readers’ best recipes; and we welcome all of you to share your “bests” as well. Email to bluffsmag@gmail.com or mail to 225 John R. Junkin Drive, Natchez, MS 39120.

Also for our readers, Brookhaven, Mississippi’s Bill Perkins has written a VWXQQLQJ SLHFH DERXW ÀOPPDNHU 7UDYLV 0LOOV DQG KLV SOHGJH WR FUHDWH WZHOYH ÀOPV in twelve months; and, of course, we entice our readers with places to go, see, and enjoy in our Up & Coming section. We know travel is different these days, but taking short trips to outdoor activities might be just the needed and welcomed opportunity for an adaptive change. Be sure to check openings before you plan your staycations or short excursions, and enjoy your summer. Be creative in your ventures, allowing family time to explore together; for so many adventures await in our life along and beyond the Mississippi.

the place to be!

WESSON 601. 643.5101

NATCHEZ 601.442.9111

SIMPSON 601.849.5149

www.colin.edu Bluffs & Bayous { July / August 2020 { Page 3

JULy / AUGUST 2020

F E AT U R E S From Our Readers’ Kitchens .......................................................................... 12-17 Indie Filmmaker Travis Mills Loves Mississippi! ............................................ 18-20 A Ministry of Love ......................................................................................... 22-23 Volunteerism—It’s Contagious ....................................................................... 26-27 Teaching Patriotism through CAR ................................................................. 32-33

Indie Filmmaker Travis Mills Loves Mississippi! pages 18 - 20

F AV O R I T E S Legal Notes My Neighbor’s Keeper ...........................................................................................8

Southern Sampler Not Your Usual Snake Story ...............................................................................42

The Social Scene Sweet 16 Party ...................................................................................................6-7 Phi Mu Omega: 20 Years of Exemplary Service in Southwest Mississippi ....... 10-11

A Ministry of Love pages 22 - 23

Up & Coming Louisiana Up & Coming ................................................................................. 34-35 Mississippi Up & Coming ................................................................................ 36-40

ON THE COVER Fresh, traditional tomato, cucumber, and red onion salad welcomes summer. Enjoy our new column From Our Readers’ Kitchens, pages 12-17. Photography by Cheryl Rinehart

Teaching Patriotism through CAR pages 32 - 33 Page 4 { July / August 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

PUBLISHER Cheryl Foggo Rinehart COPY EDITOR Jean Nosser Biglane GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jan Ratcliff S TA F F P H O T O G R A P H E R S Tim McCary Cheryl Rinehart Bill Perkins Lisa Adams Whittington SALES STAFF Cheryl Rinehart Kari L. Blaney CONTRIBUTORS Lucien C. “Sam” Gwin III Bill Perkins Alma Womack

Cheryl Rinehart

Jan Ratcliff

Tim McCary

Jean Biglane

Bill Perkins

Lucien C. “Sam” Gwin III

Lisa Adams Whittington

Kari L. Blaney

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 not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein.

We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement. Bluffs & Bayous strives to insure the accuracy of our magazine’s contents. However, should inaccuracies or omissions occur, we do not assume responsibility.

OFFICE 225 John R. Junkin Drive Natchez, MS 39120 601-442-6847 bluffsmag@gmail.com bbupandcoming@gmail.com www.bluffsbayous.com

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THE social SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Sweet 16 Party n Friday, June 5, 2020, at the Venue at Five Fifty in Brookhaven, Mississippi, a host of family and friends gathered to wish Abby Kate Magee a perfect “Sweet 16” Birthday. Food, music, and dancing provided fun for all from big to small on this perfect summer evening to celebrate her magical birthday! The Venue provided all of the food and decorations for the celebration. Photographs courtesy of Carla Lawrence

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Abby Kate Magee Festive foods Decorations Front—Hope Carr, Callum Carr, and Hudson Ladd / Back—Charles Carr 5 Abby Kate Magee with her cake 6 Hadley Ladd and Mary Miley Magee

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THE social SCENE

BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

7 Front—Marley Nelson, Charlie Ann Carr, Ramie Stovall, Annie Sheppard, Abby Kate Magee, Sarah Todd Adcock, and Anna Grace McCreary / Middle— Josie Summers, Avery Hall, Lizzie Donegan, Kelly Smith, Bella Embry, and Anna Buitt / Back—Hunter Magee, Taylor Buitt, Cody Smith, Dylon Dunaway, Landon Smith, Michael Thomas Stewart, Bryce Bradley, Addison Brady, and Robert Adcock 8 Taylor Buitt, Hunter Magee, Cody Smith, Dylon Dunaway, Abby Kate Magee, Kelly Smith, Charlie Ann Carr, and Anna Buitt 9 Annie Sheppard, Abby Kate Magee, and Avery Hall

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LEGAL NOTES

BY

Lucien C. Gwin III

My Neighbor’s Keeper

W

e all have had various people come to our homes over time such as neighbors arriving for a visit, workers coming for air-conditioner repair or UPS delivery, a relative stopping by to help you move a table, or your nextdoor neighbor showing up unexpectedly with a cake to perk up your day.

What happens if any one of these people is seriously injured while on your property?

I see these situations often in my law practice, and people often ask me what liability they have in the event that someone gets hurt on their property. There is not nearly enough room for me to adequately cover this topic; but I will discuss the general aspects of this matter as best I can, by example.

You invite your Aunt B to come to your home to talk about an upcoming church social. Aunt B unfortunately weighs over 300 pounds and is not very stable on her feet.

When Aunt B starts up your front steps, her foot lands on an uneven step; and she loses her balance and falls backward breaking her back and neck. While you are Aunt B’s favorite family member, she is not about to let family relations get in the way of jackpot justice.

Fast forward: You are now getting sued

by Aunt B’s attorney, Perry Mason, for $1,000,000.00! Of course, you have to turn this over to your homeowner’s insurance company (assuming you have homeowner’s coverage) that will hire an attorney to defend you.

7KH ÀUVW RUGHU RI EXVLQHVV LV WR GHFLGH what kind of guest Aunt B is. This matters because you owe a higher duty of caution and care to certain people who come onto your property. If Aunt B is what is called a Licensee, then you owe her the mere duty to refrain from willful and wanton conduct.

A social guest is considered a Licensee.

On the other hand, if Aunt B is what is called an Invitee, then a landowner owes her a higher standard of keeping the premises reasonably safe. If you can’t keep the conditions on your premises safe, then you must warn all persons that may come onto your property of all “hidden� damages or perils that are not in plain view and open to view.

So, is Aunt B a Licensee or an Invitee?

That is a close call. After all, you DID invite Aunt B, and you invited her for a purSRVH WKDW ZDV EHQHÀFLDO WR \RX DQG KHU The same is true for the repair or delivery persons. These persons are coming onto your property for your advantage. It’s my opinion that Aunt B is an Invitee. A Licensee would be a friend dropping by for coffee.

Now, we must talk about the uneven step where Aunt B lost her balance. Is it a hidden (latent) defect, or is it an open and obvious (patent) defect? This is another close call. Most of the time, the courts have opined that steps are open and obvious. Therefore, as a homeowner, you had no duty to warn Aunt B about it; and Aunt B gets no jackpot justice.

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Since we are talking about something being open and obvious, I suppose I should address what constitutes “open and obvious.� This can be a nebulous subject, but examples are tripping over a six-foot planter in plain view, tripping over a sidewalk curb in plain view, tripping over raised concrete on pavement and/ or a ladder leaning up against a wall, etc.

Well, what if your steps are in your carport and Aunt B proves that it was dark and the uneven step wasn’t “open and obvious�?

You may have a problem, and you will most likely have to face a jury of your peers, and Aunt B’s dreams of moving to Hawaii may come true under this set of facts.

Let’s look at other possible scenarios— your AC repairperson gets electrocuted working on your AC unit; the roofer climbs your roof and falls through rotten wood into your living room; the painter’s ladder with him on it slides off the wall, sending him FUDVKLQJ WR WKH NLWFKHQ à RRU WKH KRXVHkeeper slips on water in your bathroom and gets hurt. Are you held liable for these accidents as a homeowner? The good news is that you are usually not liable for these types of accidents since the accident involved was caused by a danger that is inherent in the work they do. On the other hand, if you maintained any control over the injured person’s work, you could face liability.

MY THOUGHTS: What defect(s) in your home can get you in trouble? Off the cuff, such defects would be known electrical wires not attached to anything, covered up VLQNKROHV ROG FLVWHUQV WKDW DUH Ă XVK ZLWK WKH JURXQG DQG URWWHQ Ă RRUV , NQRZ D ORcal case where a man fell through a rotten Ă RRU DW D EXVLQHVV 0\ DGYLFH LV WR H[HUcise common sense about what is hidden and dangerous on your premises and what is obvious to any fool.

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, Punches & Kelley in Natchez, Mississippi, ever since.

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

Natchez k vidalia k Ferriday k Natchez k vidalia k Ferriday k Bluffs & Bayous { July / August 2020 { Page 9

THE social SCENE MCCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Phi Mu Omega: Twenty Years of Exemplary Service in Southwest Mississippi he presence of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® (AKA), in the McComb, Brookhaven, and surrounding Mississippi communities began on January 15, 2000, as sixteen sorority members blazed new trails to serve mankind. Twenty years later, the Phi Mu Omega Chapter of this sorority still is going strong and making a positive impact. Guided by an international theme of Exemplifying Excellence through Sustainable Services, members continue to deliver service in education, health, the arts, economic empowerment, and global impact.

To launch a weekend celebration of their Twentieth Anniversary, the chapter held a Meet and Greet on Friday, January 17, 2020, at the Sweet Tooth Café. Chapter members, former chapter members, and potential chapter members celebrated with food, fun, and fellowship. Membership Chair Marica Leonard shared a membership presentation, and five sorority members joined the Chapter at the event. Introductions, AKA trivia, and official greetings were a part of the evening festivities. Ruby Husband, Madeleine Floyd, Juanita Steptoe, and Valerie Turner coordinated the event.

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4 1 Golden Members (fifty or more years): Frances Hogan, Margaret Therrell, Lorraine Gayden, Mary Helena Thompson, and Doris Jacques 2 PaQuita S. McCray, Chapter President, with the Chapter’s Founders’ Day Guest Speaker, Dr. Carmen Walters, President of Tougaloo College 3 Chapter Vice-President Denisha Quinn is recognized by the Southeastern Region of the sorority for her frontline services during COVID-19.

4 Front—Betty Wilson-McSwain, Ruby Husband, Denisha Quinn, PaQuita S. McCray, Margaret Therrell, Lorraine B. Gayden, and Mary Helena Thompson / Middle—Dessrae Edison, Aaliyah Lyons, Angela Pound, Vonnie Jefferson, Karen Luckett, Barbara Scott, Katrina Sartin, Marcia Leonard, Vanessa Wilbert, Cora Shannon, Marva Minor, Candice Quinn, and Cynthia Magee / Back—Valerie Turner, Danita Stevenson, DeLicia Long, Tosha Johnson, Tristle Bridges, Breonna Cooper, Madeleine Floyd, and Emily Scott Sanders 5 Chapter presidents for the past twenty years: Betty WilsonMcSwain, Dr. Karen Bryant Luckett, Lorraine Gayden, Frances Hogan, Marcia Leonard, Ruby Husband, and PaQuita S. McCray (not pictured: Nikki Holloway) 6 Chapter members join Girl Scouts on MLK Day to feed area students: Katrina Sartin, Ruby Husband, Madeleine Floyd, Barbara Scott, Lorraine Gayden, Karen Bryant Luckett, Frances Hogan, Valerie Turner, Juanita Steptoe, Sandra Isaac, Cynthia Magee, and Alfonda Westbrook

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THE social SCENE

MCCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

7 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, supports the American Heart Association in the fight against heart disease in order to improve the health of all women. On February 7, 2020, the Phi Mu Omega women took off their pink and wore red for the day to raise awareness of this deadly disease and promote life changes that will increase the longevity and quality of the lives of women around the globe.

Exercise demonstrations, a Medical Q&A Session, Healthy Eating Tips, and Creative Dancing were a part of the evening’s events.

Front—Jocelyne Sims, Thomas Doizer, and Dr. Tomekia Luckett / Back—Sannia Doizer with daughter, Holly Dessrae Edison, Aaliyah Lyons, Danita Stevenson, Angela Pounds, Cynthia Magee, Marcia Leonard, Denisha Quinn, PaQuita S. McCray, Delisha Long, Tanya Culbert, Ruby Husband, Candice Quinn, and Breana Cooper

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8 Jazmine Baylor, a 2016 graduate of McComb High School, received the 2016 Doris Jacques Visionary Scholarship Award. She is a member of the Gamma Omicron Chapter of AKA, serves as Vice-President, and was the recipient of the AKA Education Advancement Foundation Scholarship.

Baylor recently graduated from Tougaloo College with honors and plans to attend medical school.

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9 Ariel Catchings, Lillie Turner Memorial Scholarship 2016 Recipient and 2016 graduate of Brookhaven High School, has completed her Biology/PreDentistry Studies at Alcorn State University. A member of the Gamma Phi Chapter of AKA, she served as Chapter Secretary in 2019 and also held the title of Miss Junior during the 2018-2019 school year. Catchings graduated with honors and plans to complete her studies in dentistry.

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10 Makala Longino was a 2016 graduate of Brookhaven High School and one of the 2016 recipients of the Phi Mu Omega Chapter Scholarship. She attended Mississippi College and graduated with high honors (3.9 G.P.A.) in December 2019 with a degree in nursing.

Currently, Longino is employed at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

11 Taylor Weatherspoon, a 2017 graduate of South Pike High School and recipient of a Phi Mu Omega Chapter Scholarship in 2017, graduated with highest honors from Tougaloo College with a degree in Political Science/PreLaw. Weatherspoon will attend the University of Mississippi School of Law in the fall.

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12 Darrian Wilson, a 2016 graduate of Brookhaven High School and recipient of the 2016 Phi Mu Omega Distinguished Scholarship, recently graduated with high honors from Jackson State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Science. One of the team captains for the Jackson State Men’s Basketball Team, Wilson will continue his graduate studies at Jackson State University.

Bluffs & Bayous { July / August 2020 { Page 11

From the Kitchen of Ann Morris, Woodville, Mississippi

BLUEBERRY & BANANA MUFFINS Batter 1 cup sugar ½ cup oil 1 cup (2 medium) mashed ripe bananas ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 eggs J\WZ HSS W\YWVZL ÅV\Y 1 teaspoon soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries Topping Mix 1/3 cup sugar J\W ÅV\Y 2 tablespoons butter /LH[ V]LU [V KLNYLLZ 3PUL T\ɉU J\WZ ^P[O WHWLY SPULYZ 0U SHYNL IV^S TP_ [VNL[OLY Z\NHY HUK VPS (KK IHUHUHZ `VN\Y[ ]HUPSSH HUK LNNZ" ISLUK ^LSS (KK ÅV\Y HUK V[OLY KY` PUNYLKPLU[Z HUK Z[PY \U[PS TP_LK .LU[S` Z[PY PU IS\LILYYPLZ :WVVU PU[V T\ɉU [PUZ *VTIPUL [VWWPUN PUNYLKPLU[Z TP_ \U[PS JY\TIS` HUK HKK H[VW IH[[LY PU T\ɉU [PUZ )HRL \U[PS SPNO[ IYV^U HUK [VV[OWPJR PUZLY[LK PU JLU[LY JVTLZ V\[ JSLHU

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From the Kitchen of Donna Smith, McComb, Mississippi

BARBECUE PORK PAN PIZZA A couple of years ago, my friend Tina and I attended a breadbaking class in which I discovered instant yeast and the King Arthur Flour website. Since the initial class, I’ve enjoyed exploring the website and baking yeast breads, rolls, pizza dough, and buns.

Not only is this company employee owned but it also has excellent products; and the site’s recipes and blogs are full of excellent instructional material for every level of baking experience.

I recently prepared a pork butt roast in the crockpot (Mississippi style) and served it on homemade seeded buns. I turned the leftover pork into a barbecue pork pizza. Here are some pictures I made as well as a photo of a vanilla blueberry cake I made for a friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday. The cake layers are split and Ã&#x20AC;OOHG ZLWK YDQLOOD SDVWU\ FUHDP DQG IUHVK EOXHEHUULHV YLJPWL 2PUN (Y[O\Y -SV\Y *YPZW` *OLLZL 7HU 7PaaH KV\NO J\WZ ZOYLKKLK TVaaHYLSSH JOLLZL KP]PKLK 1/3 cup barbecue sauce 2 cups prepared chopped pork butt ZTHSS VUPVU ZSPJLK PU[V YPUNZ 1/3 cup pepperoncini 7YLWHYL WPaaH KV\NO HJJVYKPUN [V YLJPWL MVY IHRPUN PU H JHZ[ PYVU ZRPSSL[ 7YLOLH[ V]LU [V KLNYLLZ HUK HYYHUNL VUL V]LU YHJR PU [OL SV^LY WVZP[PVU HUK HUV[OLY PU [OL [VW WVZP[PVU ;VW KV\NO ^P[O J\W ZOYLKKLK JOLLZL HUK KYPaaSL IHYILJ\L ZH\JL V]LY [OL JOLLZL 3H`LY VU JOVWWLK WVYR VUPVU WLWWLYVUJPUP HUK YLTHPUPUN JOLLZL 7SHJL PU WYLOLH[LK V]LU VU [OL SV^LY YHJR )HRL [V TPU\[LZ VY \U[PS [OL IV[[VT PZ IYV^U HUK JYPZW` <ZL H ZWH[\SH [V JOLJR MVY IYV^UPUN 0M JY\Z[ PZ WYVWLYS` IYV^ULK VU [OL IV[[VT I\[ Z[PSS WHSL VU [OL [VW TV]L [V \WWLY YHJR HUK JVVR MVY H ML^ TPU\[LZ SVUNLY 9LTV]L MYVT V]LU HUK \ZPUN [^V ZWH[\SHZ YLTV]L WPaaH [V H J\[[PUN IVHYK [V ZSPNO[S` JVVS *\[ PU[V ZSPJLZ HUK ZLY]L

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VANILLA BIRTHDAY CAKE WITH OLD-FASHIONED VANILLA BUTTERCREAM The recipe for the cake is not an original. The cake recipe is the vanilla birthday cake recipe from the site Once Upon A Chef. (onceuponachef.com). The buttercream is from the same site. I just swirled my own blueberry jam into the buttercream.

Because the cake batter calls for 6 egg whites, I was looking for something to do with the yolks and searched for a recipe for vanilla pastry cream. I found Cream Custard Cake Filling at food. com. I thought it made a stunning birthday cake with the addition of a blueberry cascade and fresh mint, but I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t claim credit for the recipeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;only the idea to cobble it all together!

by Jennifer Segal / Cake portion adapted from Perfect Cakes by Nick Malgieri Servings: Makes one 8-inch 2-layer cake, or 24 cupcakes Batter J\WZ HSS W\YWVZL Ã&#x2026;V\Y ZWVVULK PU[V TLHZ\YPUN J\W HUK SL]LSLK VÉ&#x2C6; ^P[O IHJR LKNL VM RUPML [LHZWVVUZ IHRPUN WV^KLY 1/4 teaspoon salt [HISLZWVVUZ Z[PJRZ \UZHS[LK I\[[LY ZVM[LULK 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar SHYNL LNN ^OP[LZ H[ YVVT [LTWLYH[\YL J\W ^OVSL TPSR H[ YVVT [LTWLYH[\YL [LHZWVVUZ ]HUPSSH L_[YHJ[ [LHZWVVU HSTVUK L_[YHJ[ Frosting [HISLZWVVUZ Z[PJRZ \UZHS[LK I\[[LY ZVM[LULK V\UJLZ J\W WS\Z VUL [HISLZWVVU JYLHT JOLLZL H[ room temperature J\WZ WV^KLYLK Z\NHY [LHZWVVUZ ]HUPSSH L_[YHJ[ 7PUJO ZHS[

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Batter 7VZP[PVU H YHJR PU [OL TPKKSL VM [OL V]LU HUK WYLOLH[ [V KLNYLLZ :WYH` [^V PUJO JHRL WHUZ ^P[O UVUZ[PJR JVVRPUN ZWYH` *\[ [^V PUJO YV\UKZ VM WHYJOTLU[ VY ^H_ WHWLY HUK SPUL [OL IV[[VT VM LHJO WHU" ZWYH` [OL WHWLY ^P[O UVUZ[PJR ZWYH` ;V TLHZ\YL [OL WHYJOTLU[ WHWLY Q\Z[ trace the bottom of the pan.)

0U H TLKP\T IV^S ^OPZR [VNL[OLY [OL Ã&#x2026;V\Y IHRPUN WV^KLY HUK ZHS[ 7SHJL [OL I\[[LY HUK Z\NHY PU [OL IV^S VM H OLH]` K\[` TP_LY Ã&#x201E;[[LK ^P[O [OL WHKdle attachment; beat on medium speed for about 5 minutes or until very soft and light. )LH[ PU [OL ]HUPSSH HUK HSTVUK L_[YHJ[Z 4LHU^OPSL ^OPZR [VNL[OLY [OL LNN ^OP[LZ HUK TPSR I` OHUK PU H TLKP\T IV^S \U[PS Q\Z[ JVTIPULK 9LK\JL [OL TP_LY ZWLLK [V SV^ HUK ILH[ PU VUL X\HY[LY VM [OL Ã&#x2026;V\Y TP_[\YL [OLU VUL [OPYK VM [OL TPSR TP_[\YL Z[VWWPUN HUK ZJYHWPUN KV^U [OL IV^S HUK ILH[LY HM[LY each addition. Beat in another quarter of [OL Ã&#x2026;V\Y [OLU HUV[OLY [OPYK VM [OL TPSR TP_[\YL :JYHWL HNHPU 9LWLH[ ^P[O HUV[OLY

X\HY[LY VM [OL Ã&#x2026;V\Y HUK [OL YLTHPUPUN TPSR TP_[\YL" ZJYHWL -PUHSS` ILH[ PU [OL YLTHPUPUN Ã&#x2026;V\Y TP_[\YL :JYHWL [OL IV^S ^P[O H SHYNL Y\IILY ZWH[\SH +VU»[ ^VYY` PM [OL IH[[LY SVVRZ H SP[[SL NYHPU` 7V\Y [OL IH[[LY PU[V [OL WYLWHYLK cake pans and smooth the tops.

Bake the cakes for 30-35 minutes until [OL` HYL ^LSS YPZLU HUK Ã&#x201E;YT HUK H [VV[OWPJR inserted into the center emerges clean. *VVS [OL JHRLZ PU [OL WHUZ VU YHJR MVY TPU\[LZ" [OLU \UTVSK VU[V YHJR [V Ã&#x201E;UPZO cooling right side up. (Keep parchment paper underneath cake layers so they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stick to rack.) When cake layers are comWSL[LS` JVVS [YHUZMLY [V JHRL WSH[L HUK MYVZ[ ^P[O ]HUPSSH I\[[LYJYLHT 0 HS^H`Z Ã&#x2026;PW [OL bottom layer of the cake so that the domed ZPKL PZ MHJPUN KV^U HUK [V\JOPUN [OL WSH[L ;OH[ ^H` [OL Z\YMHJL [OH[ `V\»YL PJPUN PZ Ã&#x2026;H[ HUK ^PSS TPUPTPaL HU` ZLWHYH[PUN IL[^LLU [OL [^V SH`LYZ ^OLU `V\ W\[ [OL other layer on top of it.)

-YVZ[PUN 0U [OL IV^S VM HU LSLJ[YPJ TP_LY JYLHT the butter and cream cheese until creamy HUK ^LSS JVTIPULK .YHK\HSS` HKK [OL WV^KLYLK Z\NHY" [OLU ILH[ PU [OL ]HUPSSH HUK ZHS[ 0M [OL MYVZ[PUN PZ [VV [OPJR HKK [HISLZWVVUZ VM TPSR VY cream.

-YLLaLY -YPLUKS` 0UZ[Y\J[PVUZ! ;OL JHRL JHU IL MYVaLU ^P[OV\[ MYVZ[PUN MVY \W [V TVU[OZ (M[LY P[ PZ JVTWSL[LS` JVVSLK KV\ISL ^YHW P[ ZLJ\YLS` ^P[O HS\TPU\T MVPS VY WSHZ[PJ MYLLaLY ^YHW" VY WSHJL P[ PU H OLH]` K\[` MYLLaLY IHN ;OH^ V]LYUPNO[ VU [OL JV\U[LY[VW HUK [OLU MYVZ[ ILMVYL ZLY]PUN

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From the Kitchen of Leslie Horton, Vicksburg, Mississippi

SLAW These two recipes were given to me years ago by a good friend Tricia Rainer. I still use them; and anytime I serve them to company, they always ask for the recipes. Both recipes are very unusual. :WYLHK VUL OLHK VM NYLLU JHIIHNL PU H _ pan.

(KK H ZWYPURSL VM (JJLU[ (KK H ZWYPURSL VM YLK WLWWLY (KK H ZWYPURSL VM ZLHZVU ZHS[ .LULYV\ZS` ZWYPURSL KPSS ^LLK .LULYV\ZS` ZWYPURSL WHYZSL` Ã&#x2026;HRLZ Dressing 1 cup mayonnaise 5 tablespoons mustard 1/8 cup of dried onion softened by soaking in WPJRSL Q\PJL ;OPU ^P[O WPJRSL Q\PJL PM ULLKLK *VTIPUL HSS KYLZZPUN PUNYLKPLU[Z" [VZZ ZSH^ ^P[O KYLZZPUN HUK ZLY]L·\Z\HSS` L]LU IL[[LY [OL UL_[ KH`

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@natchezmanor @natchezmanoronfranklin 601-442-4441 natchezmanor.com 600 FRANKLIN STREET, NATCHEZ MS Page 16 { July / August 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

LABELLAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S (INDIANOLA, MISSISSIPPI, DRIVE-IN) HAMBURGER SAUCE *OVW HUK ZH\[t JSV]LZ VM NHYSPJ HUK one large onion.

(KK J\W VM NYV\UK TLH[ HUK IYV^U (KK JHUZ ILLM IYV[O HUK VUL ZTHSS can tomato paste.

4P_ [HISLZWVVUZ JVYUZ[HYJO PU H SP[[SL ^H[LY (KK JVYUZ[HYJO TP_[\YL [V ZH\JL HUK stir until thick.

(KK [LHZWVVUZ J\TPU HUK WLWWLY [V taste. :[PY PU VUL J\W Ã&#x201E;ULS` ZSPJLK JHIIHNL :LY]L V]LY OHTI\YNLYZ ^P[O JVUKPTLU[Z VM `V\Y JOVPJL .YLH[ VU OV[KVNZ [VV

From the Kitchen of Anna Payne, Erwinville, Louisiana

MARINATED CUCUMBERS, ONIONS, AND TOMATOES One of my favorite summer snacks from my garden.

TLKP\T J\J\TILYZ WLLSLK HUK ZSPJLK 1/4 inch thick TLKP\T VUPVU ZSPJLK HUK ZLWHYH[LK into rings (I prefer Italian red onions.)

TLKP\T [VTH[VLZ J\[ PU[V ^LKNLZ or use cherry tomatoes cut in half) 1/2 cup vinegar 1/4 cup sugar J\W ^H[LY 2 teaspoons salt [LHZWVVU MYLZO JVHYZL NYV\UK ISHJR pepper 1/4 cup oil *VTIPUL PUNYLKPLU[Z PU H SHYNL IV^S HUK TP_ ^LSS 9LMYPNLYH[L H[ SLHZ[ OV\YZ ILMVYL serving.

Bluffs & Bayous { July / August 2020 { Page 17

Travis Mills in action behind the camera

Aboveâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Ward Emling, former Executive Director of the Mississippi Film Commission, did a superb MRE RQ KLV GHEXW Ă&#x20AC;OP DV WKH OHDG LQ Bastardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossing!

Indie Filmmaker Travis Mills Loves Mississippi!

I

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a few years since indepenGHQW Ă&#x20AC;OPPDNHU 7UDYLV 0LOOV GHFLGHG to locate his Running Wild Films operation in the Brookhaven, Mississippi, area. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been an Indie writer/producer/ GLUHFWRU RQH PDQ VKRZ VLQFH KH Ă&#x20AC;UVW HPbarked on this journey in 2010, forming KLV Ă&#x20AC;UVW Ă&#x20AC;OP SURGXFWLRQ FRPSDQ\ WRJHWKHU with one of his professors from Arizona State University immediately post graduation. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a statement in itself since

who better knows Millsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential than his instructor and mentor.

Mills has since taken his own path doLQJ IHDWXUH Ă&#x20AC;OPV DQG RYHU VKRUW Ă&#x20AC;OPV :KHUH GRHV KH Ă&#x20AC;QG DOO WKHVH VWRULHV to translate to cinema? He either latches on to a story, preferably a true story, that he reads or hears about; or he creates one DQG WKHQ UXQV ZLWK LW IURP VWDUW WR Ă&#x20AC;QLVK Sure, there are casts and crews for each production, but Mills is the spoke in the

by Bill Perkins Page 18 { July / August 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

wheel to bring the plot to fruition on the silver screen.

Mills has family roots stemming from both Lincoln and Lawrence Counties in Mississippi. His mom grew up in Brookhaven; and both grandparents, before moving to Brookhaven, lived in Lawrence County. His grandfather Chancery Judge Donald â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mouseâ&#x20AC;? Patterson was perhaps the person who tipped the scales for shiftLQJ WKH Ă&#x20AC;OP SURGXFWLRQV IURP $UL]RQD WR Mississippi. Patterson was quite the story teller; and Mills picked up over time that the town, area, and state are loaded with such characters and endless stories. The Magnolia State has an abundance of ideas to inspire a young, budding movie-maker.

By the end of 2019, Mills had made IHDWXUH Ă&#x20AC;OPV LQ 0LVVLVVLSSL LQFOXGLQJ Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Come Around Here that took the cake at the 2017 Oxford Film Festival for EHVW IHDWXUH Ă&#x20AC;OP PDGH LQ 0LVVLVVLSSL. The sixth premiered on August 2, 2019, at the %URRNKDYHQ &RXQWU\ &OXE 7KLV Ă&#x20AC;OP LV D sequel to Porches and Private Eyes and is titled If These Porches Could Talk. Yes, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another who-done-it murder mystery, something between an Agatha Christie and Steel Magnolias with a touch of The Pink Panther.

Initially, I was now and then catching a glimpse from the sidelines of his early Ă&#x20AC;OP VKRRWLQJV YLVLWLQJ VHWV DQG ZLWK P\ Nikon taking still shots, which he began incorporating into his trailers and promotions. Over time, I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help getting more involved, sometimes solving various

5LJKWÂł:RUNLQJ WRJHWKHU Ă&#x20AC;OPLQJ DUH 7UDYLV 0LOOV and Nick Fornwait.

issues with venues and assisting in other ways. Being someone from Mississippi, I knew where to look or whom to contact and approach.

I found myself actually in the last three Ă&#x20AC;OPV ZLWK D OHDG UROH LQ WKH Porches sequel, so now I have Running Wild Films running in my veins. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been fascinating WR VHH KRZ 0LOOV¡V Ă&#x20AC;OPV RULJLQDWH ZLWK DQ idea or story as he taps away on his Mac like a machine gun cranking out screenplay after screenplay. He then casts and organizes crews, selects venues for shoots, orchestrates shooting and post production, DQG Ă&#x20AC;QDOO\ DGGUHVVHV VFUHHQLQJ DURXQG WKH region before the movies land on Amazon Prime where they reach national and international audiences.

(DFK Ă&#x20AC;OP LV TXLWH DQ HYROXWLRQ ZLWK DQ eclectic assortment of cast and crew. Due to tight budgets and availability of personnel, shootings happen in rain or shine over usually a 21- to 30-day period. Contingency funds just arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yet available for any variation which can make what could have been an easy shoot challenging at times. Cast and crew are expected to be present and punctual without exception. For example, at one shooting, a Civil War battle scene near Raymond, Mississippi, was in jeopardy with warning sirens blaring for a tornado and disbanding all on site when they sought VKHOWHU $V WKH Ă&#x20AC;OP JRGV ZRXOG KDYH LW WKH storm passed quickly leaving perfect condiWLRQV WR Ă&#x20AC;QLVK WKH VKRRW 0RWKHU 1DWXUH LVQ¡W always so kind, so Mills and his entourage roll with what they get. $ Ă&#x20AC;OP¡V SUHPLHU XVXDOO\ LV VFUHHQHG LQ D WKHDWHU LQ WKH WRZQ ZKHUH PRVW RI WKH Ă&#x20AC;OPing occurs; then it is shown across the reJLRQ LQ D YDULHW\ RI WKHDWHUV 0LOOV¡V Ă&#x20AC;IWK Ă&#x20AC;OP VKRW LQ 0LVVLVVLSSL Son of a Gun, a farfetched Civil-War-era story, premiered to a full house at The Blue Barn Theater in Port Gibson, Mississippi, in early 2019.

Who would have thought there would be a theater seating 300 and it would be packed with standing room only in Port Gibson!?!

Thereafter, Son of a Gun sold out near Pensacola, Florida, and then was featured at The Strand in Vicksburg, Mississippi, IROORZHG E\ LWV DSSHDUDQFH GXULQJ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW dinner-theatre event at The Chapel of The Mallard restaurant at nearby Lake Dixie Springs. During this unique movie and dining experience in such a remarkable venue,

Chef Gary Jones delivered a delicious dinQHU IRU Ă&#x20AC;OP DĂ&#x20AC;FLRQDGRV LQ WKLV UHLQYHQWLRQ of what had been the nineteenth-century First Methodist Church of Bogue Chitto, Mississippi, before cafĂŠ owner and master of ceremonies Ted Malta envisioned saving a landmark structure no longer in use by incorporating it into the third-generation Mallard when it was built two years ago. There are sure to be more dinner-theatre events there. Too good not to make this a regular experience!

The screening of Son of a Gun on Sunday evening, March 31, 2019, at the banquet rooms of The Grand Hotel in Natchez, Mississippi, was by all accounts a crowd pleaser in every way to those in the Bluff City. The audience at The Saenger in the Hub City of Hattiesburg, Mississippi,

Aboveâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Canadian cinematographer Jared Kovaces FDSWXUHV WKH DFWLRQ GXULQJ Ă&#x20AC;OPLQJ

DOVR JDYH UHVRXQGLQJ DSSODXVH WR WKH Ă&#x20AC;OP¡V April 3 showing there. It was a hit as well at the Malco in Madison, Mississippi, drawing a devoted audience of Running Wild Film fans. Other showings may still be scheduled for Son of a Gun due to popular demand.

The September 2019 premiere of Millsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest If These Porches Could Talk sold out its 150 seats, so an encore screening as an elegant dinner-theater experience was immediately scheduled for 100 at the Brookhaven Country Club. This movie also was viewed by near-capacity audiences at additional Mississippi venues including The Malco

Bluffs & Bayous { July / August 2020 { Page 19

in Oxford and Madison, The Strand in Vicksburg, and The Saenger in Hattiesburg.

7UDYLV 0LOOV KDV KDG PDQ\ Ã&#x20AC;OPV LQ festivals over the years with those in 2019 including Ranch Hands in the Wild Bunch Film Festival, Seven Blood in the Wasteland Film Festival, Blood Country in the Elder Hall Film Festival, and Son of a Gun LQ WKH /DQHWW )LOP )HVWLYDO +LV Ã&#x20AC;OP Silver Slipper won the best actress award at FestivalSouth.

As this year began, Mills planned an unparalleled endeavor in his ambitious writLQJ DQG Ã&#x20AC;OPLQJ³ ZHVWHUQ Ã&#x20AC;OPV WR EH shot over the 12 months of 2020. Yes, one IHDWXUH Ã&#x20AC;OP HDFK PRQWK 2WKHU Ã&#x20AC;OPPDNers have exclaimed that this enterprise is insane, but wait and see if he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pull it off in spades. It already has been an extremely demanding undertaking; but where there is a will, there is a way in his world.

He has never come even close to failing, so we believe this venture by hook or by crook will be very successful even with the unforeseen obstacles and challenges of COVID-19.

3HU VFKHGXOH WKH Ã&#x20AC;UVW Ã&#x20AC;OPV RI ZHUH completed during January and February.

7KH Ã&#x20AC;UVW Bastardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossing, was shot at or near an actual circa 1870 Wells Fargo station in Lincoln County. It was nice having DOO VFHQHV LQ D VSHFLÃ&#x20AC;F ORFDOH IRU D FKDQJH rather than dashing from town to town. +RZHYHU WKLV Ã&#x20AC;OPLQJ ZDV PLUHG E\ WRUrential rains for most of the shooting; but VLQFH WKH Ã&#x20AC;OP GHSLFWV D IURQWLHU WUDGLQJ SRVW in 1870s Oklahoma, the hardship of kneeGHHS PXG DGGHG WR WKH Ã&#x20AC;OP 7KH VHFRQG Texas Red, was inspired by events that occurred in southwest Mississippi in 1940.

7KH 0DUFK WKURXJK 6HSWHPEHU Ã&#x20AC;OPV have been and are being shot in Arizona in quintessential desert and mountain settings before Mills and his crew return to 0LVVLVVLSSL WR Ã&#x20AC;QLVK RXW WKH Ã&#x20AC;QDO Ã&#x20AC;OPV one of which will be a Natchez Trace story. All involved will recall 2020 as a year of living and breathing western practically around the clock. Travis Mills may even relax in his hammock for a week come Christmas or New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when all RI KLV Ã&#x20AC;OPV LQ PRQWKV KDYH PDWHULalized. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll seeâ&#x20AC;¦.

Brookhaven, Mississippi, native Bill Perkins after graduating from Brookhaven High School studied at Millsaps College, Georgetown University, Ole Miss, and Universidad Iberoamericana (Mexico City) before becoming an expat living in numerous countries across the globe for 28 years. He continues to have a passion for photography, writing, and, of course, travel.

Page 20 { July / August 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

Bluffs & Bayous { July / August 2020 { Page 21

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A Ministry of Love

By Cheryl Rinehart | Assisted by Kari Blaney

M

eet Katherine McPhate Oldenburg of Vicksburg, Mississippi, the creator of Caring Shirts Ministry and an angel among us. Oldenburg has spearheaded a group of volunteers who have created plastic-snap T-shirts for adult and children patients hospitalized due to treatments with chemo ports, picc lines, dialysis catheters, G-tubes, J-tubes, or due to having broken arms or to recovering from shoulder surgery or open heart surgery. They wear the plastic-snap T-shirts instead of hospital gowns.

These shirts also are available to infusion clinics and other medical RIĂ&#x20AC;FHV ZKHUH QHHGHG Oldenburg explains the purpose for her ministry through the Facebook Page Caring Shirts: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In June, 2019, my granddaughter Dani Oldenburg was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lymphoma. It was a shock to her as she had no symptoms and was about to celebrate her 35th birthday. She would be hospiWDOL]HG IRU WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW FRXSOH ZHHNV DQG RQH ZHHN D PRQWK IRU Ă&#x20AC;YH days receive a twenty-four hour continuous chemo treatment. $IWHU WKH LQLWLDO VKRFN VKH ZDV UHDG\ WR Ă&#x20AC;JKW +RZHYHU VKH KDWed the hospital gowns. Walking around with her rear showing ZDV QRW DQ RSWLRQ %HLQJ IXOO\ GUHVVHG ZDV Ă&#x20AC;QH XQWLO VKH UHDOL]HG that she couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change or shower well due to being hooked up to the continuous chemo. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when her wonderful coworkers at Riverhills Bank in Vicksburg, Mississippi, got together and

bought her some shirts which one of the girls altered to snap down the side so that she could change. They even had plastic snaps so that she could wear them while having MRI and PET scans. They were just awesome! â&#x20AC;&#x153;These shirts allowed her to wear regular clothes and to be able to change. I was so touched by them. I thought, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Why has no one HOVH WKRXJKW DERXW WKLV"¡ :KLOH , FRXOGQ¡W KHOS KHU Ă&#x20AC;JKW , FRXOG help others. So with the help of my church family, Bovina Baptist Church in Bovina, Mississippi, we started Caring Shirts. Soon word got out and other friends and members from other churches wanted to help. We started by donating them to Daniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cancer Ă RRU 7KH VKLUWV DUH DOVR SODFHG DW WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 0LVVLVVLSSL Medical Center, Wisner Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital in UMMC, Jackson Cancer Center and other infusion centers in Jackson and Vicksburg, Mississippi. Soon we were making them for people who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even live in our state. They have gone to children as well as adults.

Some do not even have cancer but other health issues. We have now made hundreds of these shirts.â&#x20AC;?

Since the group began this ministry, they have shipped 979 shirts made at their once-a-week gatherings for assembly-line production.

These gatherings are social times as well with members happy and conversant in their work while sharing their hours of volunteering and appreciating their ability and opportunity to help strangers around the world. The shirts have been placed in area clinics and hospitals and shipped across the nation and to other countries, including Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and Russia.

The Caring Shirts volunteers can customize their T-shirts to Ă&#x20AC;W DQ\ VL]H ,QIRUPDWLRQ QHHGHG LQFOXGHV WKH SDWLHQW¡V QDPH DGdress, type of treatment, and size. Shirts come with snaps on the shoulders, down the side, or a combination of both. People who have learned about this groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creativity and generosity contact Oldenburg via telephone, email, text, and Facebook. Once she hears from them and gets the necessary information, the team goes into action and on a weekly basis packages and ships these T-shirts made with love. The group will ship anywhere with never a cost to the patient. Funding for this projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expenses is by love offerings and donations. Readers interested in donating or in requesting a shirt can contact Katherine Oldenburg through the Caring Shirts Facebook Page.

Bluffs & Bayous { July / August 2020 { Page 23

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Bluffs&&Bayous Bayous { { July July // August August 2020 2020 { { Page 25 Bluffs

Volunteerism â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Contagious T

he more we give as volunteers, the happier we feel. Volunteering results in good for other individuals as well as for entire communities and imparts WKH SHUVRQDO EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W RI ERRVWLQJ VHOI FRQĂ&#x20AC;GHQFH LQ WKH UHDOL]DWLRQ RI D JRDO DFFRPplished. The role of volunteer can also enrich a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective on life as is the case with one Natchez, Mississippi, citizen

whose love of history, gardening, and community service has framed her path to give back more than she has received.

Natchez native Jean S. Simonton has served her community for 44 years, sharing her gifts and talents with thousands of people in the Miss-Lou region. Her work began in 1976 with The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, a museum open

to the public under the auspices of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. There she served as historian, educator, tour guide, and speaker. In 2004, she retired from her position at The Grand Village and has never missed a beat as a volunteer in her community.

One of Simontonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proudest legacies is the development of the Nature Trails at both The Grand Village and Historic Jefferson College. Decades ago, she and Sarah Tillman, a local volunteer plant expert, along with personnel from the United States Forest Service, began to identify many existing plants on these properWLHV DQG HVWDEOLVKHG WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW QDWXUH WUDLO %\ QDWXUH ZDONV SURYLGHG LGHQWLĂ&#x20AC;cation signs that detailed the vegetationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; FRPPRQ SODQW QDPHV DQG VFLHQWLĂ&#x20AC;F QDPHV This signage led to staff membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; conducting guided walks along the trails.

As a member of the Adams County Master Gardeners, Simonton continues to maintain both trails at these historic sites.

Her numerous hours of service have led to state and national recognitions. Her most recent honor was the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award of Merit from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History for serving more than 200 hours of volunteer time in 2019. In 2013, during the 2013 Awards Ceremony, David Holmes, then Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, remarked about the Adams County Master Gardeners: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been associated with this agency for forty years and have seen many of our stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s treasuresâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but none compare to the treasure of your generosity.â&#x20AC;?

The Award of Merit was established by the Mississippi Historical Society to honor individuals or organizations for their outstanding archival, museum, records management, or media interpretation work. Simonton previously had earned this award six times. In 2015, she was awarded the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Volunteer Service Award for her commitment of over 300

Shown here at The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians in 1995, Simonton points out a Toothache Tree. Native Americans deadened a toothache by pulling off a bark nodule and chewing on it. According to Simonton, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It works!â&#x20AC;?

Page 26 { July / August 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

Top— 2014 Master Gardeners’ Nature Trail Committee: Kelley O’Malley Bradley, Jean Simonton, and Peggy June Bottom—Jean Simonton and Peggy June during one of their plant-trail workdays: June also received an award for her service. She has worked on both site trails and other Adams County trails.

volunteer hours to strengthen the nation and its communities.

Since 2006, through the Master Gardeners’ programs, Simonton has spearheaded a Trail Committee of volunteer members, who maintain the trails at Historic Jefferson College, The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, and other trails in Adams County, Mississippi. She has taught and directed proper techniques to other volunteers, has ordered and inVWDOOHG VLJQLÀFDQW VLJQDJH IRU KXQGUHGV RI trees and plants, and keeps records of trees planted. The committee members include Peggy June, Margaret Graves, Al Walker, and Doug Douglas. A total of 3,858 hours has been recorded for her volunteer work from 2006 through 2019. (No records were kept prior to 2006.)

Additional volunteer associations to which Simonton devotes her time include the Natchez Historical Society, and Beta Sigma Phi International Society. As a member of the Natchez Historical Society Book Committee, she contributed to the text Natchez Images 1880-1960 that describes multi-generational stories about a community family. This long-time project comprises 194 pages and serves as a VLJQLÀFDQW FRQWULEXWLRQ WR 1DWFKH] KLVtory. For her work with Beta Sigma Phi, she has won numerous writing awards and has been published in the sorority’s magazine Torch. Simonton continues to volunteer within her community at Magnolia Village, an assisted living facility offering an alternative to nursing home care, where she serves the residents and participates in a sing-along program.

Jean Simonton moves with enthusiDVP DQG FRQÀGHQFH DV VKH JRHV DERXW KHU work, always a smile on her face and kind words to those around her. She understands that volunteerism is about people’s need to participate in their societies and to let others know that they matter. It is an individual’s and a group’s understanding of and commitment to giving back more than they receive. It is a mindset; and around Simonton, it is contagious.

Bluffs & Bayous { July / August 2020 { Page 27

M Lance Boyd

Lee Hinson

erit Health Natchez is used to responding in times of crisis.

However, this pandemic is unlike anything any of us has ever experienced. It has created anxiety for many people, especially when it comes to seeking healthcare services.

Lance Boyd, CEO of Merit Health Natchez; Lee Hinson, Chief 1XUVLQJ 2IĆ&#x201C;FHU DQG 'U *HRIIUH\ )ODWWPDQQ &KLHI RI 6WDII DW WKH hospital, have a message worth sharing with our community regarding your health: If you are experiencing a medical emergency or you have put off or delayed your healthcare needs, you are not safer at home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our hospital resumed elective surgeries in late April; and with few exceptions, we have now fully restored access to our services,â&#x20AC;? said Boyd. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are taking extraordinary measures and going above and beyond our normal efforts to keep our hospital clean DQG VDIH :H UHDOL]HG HDUO\ RQ WKDW &29,' ZRXOG EH D SDUW RI RXU environment for the foreseeable future; therefore, we implementHG VDIHW\ PHDVXUHV WKDW ZRXOG DOORZ XV WR IXQFWLRQ DV &29,' VDIH DV RSSRVHG WR &29,' IUHH Ĺ?

Everyone entering the hospital is screened, and his or her temperature is checked. Everyone is required to wear a mask. Cleaning and disinfecting are emphasized in caregiving areas and throughout the facility, including high-touch items like door handles, elevator buttons, tables, and chairs.

Lee Hinson has heard too many stories, either locally or on the news, of the dangerous results of people ignoring the signs and symptoms of heart attacks and strokes, as well as delaying care for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want HYHU\RQH WR NQRZ WKDW RXU KRVSLWDO DQG RXU 0HGLFDO 6WDII YDOXH \RXU peace of mind, and we have taken extreme measures to help you feel safe and comfortable accessing care,â&#x20AC;? said Hinson.

One of the most important aspects of these measures is the hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s zoned entrances and units within the facility. There are 121 &29,' &DUH =RQHV DQG &29,' &DUH ]RQHV DV ZHOO DV D

VSHFLDO HQWUDQFH IRU WKRVH ZKR PD\ EH VXVSHFWHG RI &29,' DOO RI ZKLFK DUH FOHDUO\ PDUNHG 7KH KRVSLWDO KDV GHVLJQDWHG VSHFLĆ&#x201C;F units within the hospital where patients with the coronavirus are provided appropriate and safe inpatient care. *HQHUDO 6XUJHRQ DQG &KLHI RI 6WDII DW 0HULW +HDOWK 1DWFKH] 'U *HRIIUH\ )ODWWPDQQ KDV EHHQ KHDYLO\ LQYROYHG LQ WKH SURFHVVHV policies, and protocols implemented at the hospital from the onset RI WKH Ć&#x201C;UVW SDWLHQW DGPLWWHG WR WKH KRVSLWDO ZLWK &29,' LQ PLG March. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The hospital has and continues to be laser focused on the health and safety of the patients and employees. We stand ready to take care of you and cannot emphasize enough the importance of scheduling your wellness visits and taking care of chronic health conditions. Most importantly, please seek immediate care in an emergency department for serious health emergencies like chest pain, heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening conditions,â&#x20AC;?

VDLG 'U )ODWWPDQQ 0HULW +HDOWK 0HGLFDO *URXS FOLQLFV DUH WDNLQJ WKH VDPH VDIHW\ SUHFDXWLRQV DV WKH KRVSLWDO 7KH &29,' SDQGHPLF KDV PDGH LW crystal clear just how much communities rely on their local hosSLWDOV DQG DOVR KRZ PXFK WKHVH KRVSLWDOV UHO\ RQ \RX 'XULQJ WKH past couple of months, Merit Health Natchez has felt an outpouring of support from the Miss-Lou community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are grateful to everyone who has delivered a meal, sewn a face mask, left a card or a sign or a chalk drawing, or who has just reached out to one of our caregivers and support team to say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; thank you,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? said Boyd. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You took care of us, and we ask now that you please let us take care of you and your healthcare needs.â&#x20AC;?

6WDQGLQJ WRJHWKHU ZH KDYH VHHQ KRZ SRZHUIXO RXU KXPDQ FRQnection really is. Keep standing togetherâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but stay six feet apart.

Wash your hands frequently. Tell others how much you appreciate them. Also, if you need healthcare, please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid. Merit Health Natchez is here and prepared to care for you and to keep you safe.

For the most up-to-date information on the hospital, please visit MeritHealthNatchez.com or

facebook.com/MeritHealthNatchez/.

Dr. Geoffrey Flattmann PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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BROOKHAVEN & MCCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

Page 30 { July / August 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

BROOKHAVEN & MCCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

Bluffs&&Bayous Bayous { { July July // August August 2020 2020 { { Page 31 Bluffs

Teaching Patriotism through CAR

T

eaching children about patriotism can be fun through hands-on experience with Children of the American Revolution (CAR). This nation-wide group is part of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and anyone up to twenty years old can join. The national organization has state, district, and local chapters. In Natchez, Mississippi, the Rosalie Society of the Children of the American Revolution offers children opportunities to participate in many activities.

Angela Munson, Senior Society President for the local Children of the American Revolution Society, remarked, “This program promotes patriotism, education, and historic preservation. The National Society of the Children of the American Revolution trains good citizens, develops leaders, and promotes love of the United States of America and its heritage among young people.”

The Rosalie Society has been active in Natchez for over eighty years and is named in honor of the Rosalie Mansion and Gardens, owned, operated, and maintained by the Mississippi Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (MSSDAR), a site located on the bluff in downtown Natchez.

Recent CAR activities include a fundraiser to restore Rosalie’s gazebo.

The children are raising $880 and reFHQWO\ SUHVHQWHG WKHLU ÀUVW FKHFN WR Mary Willard, Chairman of the Rosalie Mansion Governance Board. The restoration work will be completed by a local veteran.

Page 32 { July / August 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

On December 14, 2019, the children participated in the national program of Wreaths Across America Day. The wreathlaying ceremony offers participants three valuable lessons: to remember fallen United States Veterans, to honor those who served, and to teach the value of freedom. The society honored the MSSDAR Natchez Chapter with a Presidential Tea in February 2020. The children learned about George Washington and his â&#x20AC;&#x153;110 Rules of Civility in Conversation and Company.â&#x20AC;?

The goals of the National Children of the American Revolution include the following: to acquire knowledge of American History; to preserve and restore places of historical importance associated with men and women who forwarded American independence; to ascertain the deeds and honor the memories of the men, women, and children who rendered service to the cause of the American Revolution; to promote the celebration of patriotic anniverVDULHV WR KRQRU DQG FKHULVK WKH Ă DJ RI WKH United States of America above every othHU Ă DJ DQG WR ORYH XSKROG DQG H[WHQG WKH principles of American liberty and patriotismâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all goals adopted on April 11, 1895.

For more information regarding CAR Rosalie Society, please contact Angela Munson at rosaliemsscar@gmail.com.

Bluffs & Bayous { July / August 2020 { Page 33

JUL / AUG Louisiana Up & Coming!

What to Do & Where to Go for Short Day Excursions or Overnight Staycations Please check sites to see hours and schedules before making travel plans.

Traveling Guidelines cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-inthe-us louisianatravel.com A great site for everything Louisiana ALEXANDRIA / PINEVILLE alexandriapinevillela.com rapidessymphony.org While visiting check out . . .

Alexandria Zoological Park Kent Plantation House Alexandria Museum of Art Louisiana History Museum Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site T.R.E.E. House Arna Bontemps African-American Museum Lake Buhlow Pineville Old Town Museum Alexandria Holocaust Memorial

BATON ROUGE visitbatonrouge.com lsumoa.org rivercenterarena:baton-rouge.tickets-center. com Red Stick Farmers Market Breada.com While visiting check out . . .

Louisiana Old State Capitol %5(&·V %DWRQ 5RXJH =RR Blue Bayou Water Park LSU Rural Life Museum Louisiana Art & Science Museum USS KIDD Veterans Museum %5(&·V %OXHERQQHW 6ZDPS 1DWXUH &HQWHU Magnolia Mound Museum Atchafalaya Basin 0LNH WKH 7LJHU·V +DELWDW 2OG *RYHUQRU·V 0DQVLRQ /LEHUW\ /DJRRQ .QRFN .QRFN &KLOGUHQ·V 0XVHXP +LOOWRS $UERUHWXP LSU AgCenter Botanical Gardens LSU Museum of Art LSU Museum of Natural Science 7LNL 7XELQJ ² ZHHNHQGV RQO\

CLINTON eastfelicianachamberla.chambermaster.com FERRIDAY concordialibrary.org deltamusicmuseum.com While visiting check out . . .

Delta Music Museum & Arcade Lake Concordia Lake St. John Frogmore Cotton & Gin Sportsman Lodge Spokane Resort Lakeview Lodge July 3 Fireworks on Lake Concordia Dusk July 4 /LEHUW\ /RRS Lake Concordia 1 pm July 4 Lake St. John Flotilla 2 pm August 15 0DUW\ +DJJDUG $ 7ULEXWH WR 0\ 'DG 0HUOH Haggard Arcade Theatre 6 - 8:30 pm / $30 318.757.4297 JACKSON felicianatourism.org MONROE / WEST MONROE monroe-westmonroe.org NEW ORLEANS neworleansonline.com neworleanscvb.com ogdenmuseum.org nola.org newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu nobt.org When visiting check out . . .

Museums opening July 8 NOLA City Park NOLA Botanical Gardens Café Du Monde -- take-out NOLA Museum of Art Bayou Oaks Bayou Paddle Sports NOLA Kayak Swamp Tours Kyak-iti-yak Big Easy Swamp Tours

Page 34 { July / August 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

Louisiana Up & Coming! JUL / AUG

PORT ALLEN westbatonrouge.net westbatonrougemuseum.com ST. FRANCISVILLE stfrancisville.us audubonstatehistoricsite.wordpress.com FB St. Francisville Farmers Market While visiting check out . . .

Clarks Creek Nature Area The Myrtles Plantation Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site West Feliciana Historic Museum :HVW )HOLFLDQD 5DLOURDG &DERRVH $XGXERQ 6WDWH +LVWRULF 6LWH Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge Afton Villa Gardens West Feliciana Parks & Recreation :RRGULII )DOOV ² $VKOH\ $YH Locust Grove Historic Site VIDALIA cityofvidaliala.com concordialibrary.org Every Wednesday Farmers Market Old Court House N. Spruce St. 9 am - 1 pm

Downtown and All Around Our City... VICKSBURG

Bluffs & Bayous { July / August 2020 { Page 35

JUL / AUG Mississippi Up & Coming! visitmississippi.org hikinginmississippi.com BROOKHAVEN facebook.com/VisitBrookhavenMS visitbrookhavenms.com brookhavenrecreation.com brookhavenlittletheatre.com Linclib.org/events.phy Braggarts.neebly.com FB Brookhaven Farmers Market Railroad Depot )ULGD\·V DP 1RRQ While visiting check out . . .

Great Mississippi Tea Company $UG·V 'DLU\ )DUP ² 5XWK 0LVVLVVLSSL Mississippi School of Arts (museums/historic campus/mural) -DQLH·V %DNHU\ %RE·V 6DQGZLFK 6KRS %HWW\·V (DWV Magnolia Blues Military Memorial Museum %URRNKDYHQ /LWWOH 7KHDWUH ² QRW \HW RSHQ Boutique Shopping in historic downtown Mt. Zion Bike Trail singletracks.com/bike-trails/mt-zion-bike-trails

July 4 6HQDWRU 6DOO\ 'RW\·V th Annual Fireworks Show Lincoln Civic Center & Sports Complex 9 pm FERNWOOD fernwoodcc.com 6HSWHPEHU 3LNH &KDPEHU th Annual Golf Tournament )HUQZRRG &RXQWU\ &OXE 601.684.2291 JACKSON dulinghall.com msmuseumart.org visitjackson.com jacksonfreepress.com/calendarmsnla.org craftsmensguildofms.org balletms.com When visiting check out . . .

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Jackson Zoological Park Old Capitol Museum 0LVVLVVLSSL &KLOGUHQ·V 0XVHXP /H)OHXU·V %OXII 6WDWH 3DUN

Page 36 { July / August 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous

Eudora Welty House & Garden Mississippi Civil Rights Museum Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Russell C. Davis Planetarium Museum of Mississippi History 0\QHOOH *DUGHQV $UERUHWXP %RWDQLFDO Center City of Jackson Fire Museum Flowood Nature Park Byram Swinging Bridge Manship House Museum MCCOMB pikeinfo.com mccombarts.com mcrrmuseum.com )% 0F&RPE )DUPHU·V 0DUNHW While visiting check out . . .

Percy Quin State Park Quail Hollow Golf Course 0F&RPE 5DLOURDG 0XVHXP Dixie Springs Lake Lake Tangipahoa The Black History Gallery Mississippi Blues Trail Marker Bo Diddley Bogue Chitto Water Park

Mississippi Up & Coming! JUL / AUG

MEADVILLE meadvillems.com While visiting check out . . .

Okhissa Lake Homochitto National Forest 9DQ 'RUQ :RUOG :DU ,, 0XVHXP ² &HQWreville NATCHEZ Live Music Events Calendar visitnatchez.org/full-event-calendar visitnatchez.org kreweofphoenixnatchez.com natchezpilgrimage.com FB Downtown Natchez Farmers Market While Visiting check out . . . +RPH 7RXUV ² natchezpilgrimage.com Duncan Park City Park & Golf Course Sight-Seeing along Bluff & Natchez Under The Hill Southern Carriage Rides Open-Air Tours Downtown Karla Brown Natchez Museum of African American History & Culture Natchez in Photographs Natchez Trace Parkway

The Grand Village of Natchez Indians 0RQ :HG )UL DP SP 9LVLWRU &HQWHU ² RSHQV -XO\ 601.446.6502 Natchez State Park 1DWFKH] 7UDLOV :DONLQJ 7RXU ² GRZQtown at Bluff St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge July 4 Fireworks on the Mississippi Bluff Dusk July 10-11 Crepe Myrtle Festival Downtown visitnatchez.org PORT GIBSON FB: portgibson.chamber While visiting check out . . .

Natchez Trace Parkway: 6XQNHQ 7UDLO ² natcheztravel.com Windsor Ruins /DNH &ODLERUQH Grand Gulf Military State Park

Bluffs & Bayous { July / August 2020 { Page 37

JUL / AUG Mississippi Up & Coming MADISON/RIDGELAND visitridgeland.com madisonthecity.com While visiting check out . . .

Natchez Trace Multi-use Trail Freedom Ridge Old Trace Park 6WUDZEHUU\ 3DWFK 3DUN Mule Jail Lake Mule Jail Mountain Bike Trail Ridgeland Bike Trail Mississippi Crafts Center Ross Barnett Reservoir SUMMIT pikeinfo.com While visiting check out . . .

Lake Dixie Springs Downtown Boutique Shopping July 20 Relay for Life SWMCC 6 pm

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Mississippi Up & Coming! JUL / AUG

TYLERTOWN While visiting check out . . .

Canoe and Trail Outpost 'LOORQV %ULGJH 5G canoeandtrailoutpost.com 601.876.6964 Paradise Ranch & Resort 0LVVLVVLSSL : paradiseranchrv.com August 28-29 The South Mississippi Boucherie %DUEHFXH )HVWLYDO )ULGD\ SP SP 6DWXUGD\ DP SP thesouthmsboucherie.com VICKSBURG southernculture.org visitvicksburg.com vicksburgartassociation.org tarawildlife.com vicksburgtheatreguild.com downtownvicksburg.org Lower Mississippi River Museum -XQH -XO\ 9LFNVEXUJ )DUPHUV 0DUNHW 9LFNVEXUJ 0DLQ 6WUHHW :DVKLQJWRQ 6WUHHW 3DUN 601.801.3513 farmersmarket@vicksburg.org While visiting check out . . .

9LFNVEXUJ 1DWLRQDO 0LOLWDU\ 3DUN 2SHQ WR Recreational Pedestrians & Cyclists All Casino Properties Old Court House Museum Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum Southern Heritage Air Foundation Museum +RPH 7RXUV E\ $SSRLQWPHQW City Playgrounds & Parks Clear Creek Golf Course 9LFNVEXUJ &RXQWU\ &OXE Retail Shopping Downtown Eagle Lake July 4 Fireworks Extravagamza Old Depot Museum 601-630-2929 -XO\ Kids in the Kitchen Southern Culture Heritage Foundation 601.631.2997 info@southernculture.org

Bluffs & Bayous { July / August 2020 { Page 39

JUL / AUG Mississippi Up & Coming July 10-25 Gold In the Hills 9LFNVEXUJ /LWWOH 7KHDWUH 601.636.0471

August 25 Free Day 9LFNVEXUJ 1DWLRQDO 0LOLWDU\ 3DUN 601.636.0583

6HSWHPEHU Ritz on the River A Disco Ball 9LFNVEXUJ &RQYHQWLRQ &HQWHU SP 7DEOHV RI LQ $GYDQFH 1R *HQHUDO $GPLVVLRQ 601.630.2929 WESSON FB Wesson Chamber While visiting check out . . .

Still Water Farms 0RXQG 5G 1( WOODVILLE woodvillems.org FB Woodville/Wilkinson County Main Street Association While visiting check out . . .

Historic Town Square Walking Tour Wilkinson County Museum African-American Museum Clark Creek Natural Area Pond Store Homochitto National Forrest Rosemont Plantation Wilkinson County Park %HWKHO )DUP ² bethelplantation.com Beth Israel Cemetery

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

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Bluffs & Bayous { July / August 2020 { Page 41

SOUTHERN SAMPLER

BY

Alma M. Womack

Not Your Usual Snake Story

L

iving where we do, wildlife is pretty much part of every day.

With deer, squirrels, rabbits, possums, coons, minks, otters, beavers, alligators, birds of all kinds, and even a bear now and then, we are blessed with a great variety of animals; and we pretty much stay at peace with all of them. All, that is, except the one species I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mention...snakes.

Snakes are in a separate category from the other creatures because some snakes will bite you and make you very sick. Chicken snakes, grass snakes, king snakes, etc., are tolerated as long as they stay out of the chicken house. Water moccasins are a different story. I will whack their heads off anytime I am given a chance. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d best stay out of my sight if they want to make it back to the lake for supper.

All this is leading up to a snake story that happened on Memorial Day, right here in my house.

Jorie and Woodrow and JG had come to my house for Memorial Day lunch. Claire was at her house, grilling pork steaks and ribs for us to enjoy. Aaron was working, and Holly and her family were on the Alabama beach, so it was just the four of us. The boys went outside to do boy things while Jorie and I were watching Home Town on HGTV, resting a bit before getting everything set up for lunch.

All was peaceful until Jorie went into the kitchen. She let out a shriek of terror, scaring me along with whatever scared her. When I got to the kitchen, she was up on a stool by the table, pointing to the dining room, and yelling, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was a snake coiled up on the Ă RRU ULJKW LQ WKH GRRU ,W ZHQW XQGHU WKH FKLQD FDELQHW ,W PD\ EH D moccasin!â&#x20AC;? Jorie does NOT like snakes. , IHWFKHG P\ EHVW Ă DVKOLJKW DQG JRW DZD\ IURP WKH FDELQHW VR WKH OLJKW ZRXOG VKLQH RQ WKH Ă RRU DQG WKH VQDNH ZRXOG EH UHYHDOHG 1R snake. It hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t crawled out of the room, so we decided that it had crawled behind a poster frame that was leaning up against the wall between a chair and the cabinet. But how to get it out?

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Woodrow and JG sprung into action, getting the brush hook ready and wanting to get either the 20-gauge shotgun or the ULĂ H UHDG\ WR VKRRW ´%R\V Âľ VH] , ´\RX FDQQRW FKRS XS P\ Ă RRUV RU VKRRW D KROH LQ them just to get rid of a snake. We have to think of something else.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Something elseâ&#x20AC;? turned out to be Aaron.

Jorie called him and advised him of the emergency and asked him to bring his frog gig or whatever it is that captures bullfrogs. :H Ă&#x20AC;JXUHG LI WKH FRQWUDSWLRQ ZRXOG SLFN XS a fat bullfrog, it could handle a snake.

It took Aaron about twenty minutes to get here; but he made it, gig in hand. He carefully moved the poster frame; and, yes, the snake was there. He attempted to catch it with the gig, but the snake got away and slithered to the far corner on the same wall.

The second attempt at the snake saw the frog gig break and the snake go back under the china cabinet.

We started moving chairs and pictures off the wall and then moved the china cabinet enough to get what I call a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;grabberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; behind the cabinet so he could get the snake. The snake would not cooperate; it crawled up to the chair rail on the wall, making it impossible to reach him. Aaron had the good idea to move the cabinet back some to pin the snake to the wall. We did that and got the snake pinned, right in the middle of the wall where none of our tools would reach him. After poking and prodding for a bit, we had to move the cabinet out some to see if the fool snake would just drop down and start crawling. When we moved the cabinet out a bit, the snake did drop down and crawl to the corner again. This WLPH $DURQ SLFNHG LW XS DQG SXW LW LQ D Ă&#x20AC;YH JDOORQ EXFNHW DQG SXW D lid on it.

The snake was removed from the house; and there stood Woodrow and JG, armed to the teeth to kill the snake. Claire had to hold them off to see if it was a poisonous snake that would be killed or just a harmless water snake that would be returned to the lake.

Turns out it was a water moccasin, so it was beheaded and its parts given to the turtles for lunch.

I have written before, in a different context, that any country boy knows that to kill a snake you cut off its head. This past Memorial Day, that saying was put into action by three of our country boys, Aaron, Woodrow, and JG. Even though Woodrow was for blowing it to smithereens with the shotgun, we opted for the easiest way to be rid of it.

So, that is my snake story for the month; I just hope the Fourth of July is a bit more peaceful and snakeless.

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.

Bluffs & Bayous { July / August 2020 { Page 43

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