Issuu

BATESVILLE Beyond FALL/HOLIDAY 2021 ISSUE 29

PRAISE Sharing talents in

A PASSION FOR MILITARY HISTORY

A PUBLICATION OF THE PANOLIAN

Merry Christmas! All branches will close at 12:00 noon on Christmas Eve.

INDEX 4 5 10 16 22 26 32 34

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What to do in Batesville Mini Military Museum Family Land Once Again Music Fills Panola County Churches Baking Hobby Turns Into A Catering Business Christmas Cookies the Whole Family will Love Shopping Local: A Franklin Farms Holiday Out & About: Music on the Square

&Beyond

BATESVILLE

THE MAGAZINE

A PUBLICATION OF THE PANOLIAN

FALL/HOLIDAY 2021 ISSUE 29 EDITORIAL Jeremy Weldon Brad Greer CONTRIBUTORS Johnathan Williams Lauren Jones Allen Brewer Glennie Pou DESIGN Kandi Thompson ADMINISTRATION Delia Childers Nikki Buford

This edition of Batesville & Beyond was published November 2021 by Batesville Newsmedia, LLC. POSTMASTER Send Address changes to Batesville Newsmedia, LLC. P.O. Box 1616 Batesville, MS 38606 Phone: 662-563-4591 Email: publisher@panolian.com

HOW TO REACH US:

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The winds shift to bring cooler temperatures to Panola County. North Mississippi falls are beautiful, as our many tree lined streets turn into a canopy of gold, red and brown before falling. We seem to rush right over Thanksgiving as Christmas Day shopping, baking, gift-giving begins. Soon the twinkle of lights in the Square and holiday decorations in store window appear. We transform our homes inside and out We are excited to share this issue with you, months in the making. First, we celebrate Veteran’s Day and remember our soldiers. Ronnie Darby’s State Farm office is a mini military museum that helps keep their memory alive all year. His collection is extensive, and you could spend hours with the stories and artifacts. Next, Donna Traywick is known and beloved by so many in Panola County as their first music teacher, as well as a weekly columnist for The Panolian. When we were talking about story ideas for the next edition of Batesville and Beyond, I suggested she write about the musicians in Panola County. It was a bigger story than she expected, and she spent hours researching. She finally narrowed it down to music and musicians that represent the broad spectrum of music in our churches, classical, gospel and contemporary. While researching, one of her dear friends who would have been featured passed away. Donna’s article is dedicated for her and her memory. Newly retired Martha Lynn Johnson, a life-long Panolian, is a first-time contributor to Batesville and Beyond and we are excited to have her share stories from her part of the county. Martha writes about the hard work and dream of one of her neighbors who was able buy back his grandfather’s farm. We also have events happening in Panola County and a holiday day edition of delicious recipes to try this season. Last, we have gift ideas in our Style Guide and your photos in Out and About. Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving, Christmas and a healthy, New Year. Rebecca Alexander Publisher

For story ideas or comments: Jeremy Weldon or Rebecca Alexander Phone: 662-563-4591 email: editor@panolian.com email: publisher@panolian.com Batesville & Beyond 3

WHAT TO DO IN BATESVILLE DECEMBER 8

NOVEMBER 15

The city of Batesville will be bu ing with Christmas spirit Carriage ride through the streets of downtown Batesville, spot roaming Santa, Gingerbread ouse contest. Sponsored by Batesville Main Street. Learn more at: http: www. batesvillemainstreet.com events

Back this year is the Christmas Parade. The parade route winds through downtown Batesville. See Batesville Main Street for details. The theme this year is the Christ the ope of Christmas DECEMBER 11

DECEMBER 3-12

rving Berlin s White Christmas the Musical. Directed by Erica Peninger. White Christmas is a fun holiday favorite with songs including Blue Skies, Love A Piano, ow Deep s the Ocean and the perennial title song, White Christmas. For times and ticket information https: www. panolaplayhouse.com tickets.

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Batesville Civic Center. Monster trucks compete and perform stunts. For tickets https: www.scmonstertruckmadness. com batesville-civic-center DECEMBER 12

The town of Pope gets into the Christmas spirit with Christmas oats and music for the season.

A LIVING

HISTORY Darby’s military collection filled with stories

BY REBECCA ALEXANDER

Ronnie Darby’s State Farm o ce appears to be a typical insurance o ce when you pass by on Hwy . But when you step inside, you nd a mini military museum that has been carefully curated. There are rows of military helmets from WWII and other wars, pictures and posters memoriali ing battles and war movies, patches, models of military Jeeps and more. The military artifacts are more than ust conversation starters for people who come to discuss insurance they are also a way to remember and honor soldiers, heroes of war. From the beginning of his agency, Darby has been collecting, buying and selling military memorabilia and his o ce has allowed him to share it with others. Many times, people share their own military family stories which helps keep those memories alive. Darby’s interest in the military and collecting goes back to childhood. When I was a kid I loved war movies, military histories and read comic books. When he was , he and a friend in Marks were in the front yard playing army when the

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next-door neighbor, a Methodist minister, saw them playing. The neighbor went back in the house and brought out a German WWII helmet. Darby was in awe of it and wore it the rest of the day, pretending he was the soldier in the helmet. When he took it back to the minister, he asked to buy the helmet. The minister said he was willing to sell it to Darby, for . Darby said it might as well have been , , a sum far out of reach. Still, he wanted that helmet. Darby rode his bike home, broke open his piggy bank, scrounged around his father’s chair for change but only had around . . He wanted that helmet, but how He rode back to the minister’s house with all the money he had and gave it to the minister. Darby then boldly asked if he could pay o the rest for each week from his allowance until the entire amount had been paid o . I

bought it on layaway and have been doing it ever since I was years old Darby said. Darby also grew up seeing his cousin, Army Lieutenant Waverly Wray’s military medals displayed in the wooden box at the home of Wray’s sister. Wray is one of the most decorated war heroes from Panola County, who served in the nd Airborne and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously. Many years after Darby began his military collection, Ruby entrusted him with the medals to continue to share the story of Waverly Wray. Darby continues to tell the story of Wray in hopes that Wray will nally be awarded the Medal of Honor. As an adult, Darby began collecting military memorabilia after a car accident left him crippled, without the ability to run or play golf. He began concentrating on collecting, going to military shows and studying military history from books.

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ach item in his o ce has a story and a history. The collection includes an original Cavalry saddle, complete with water bottle and saddle bags an A Leather acket worn in the movie Twelve O’clock High and several British tropical war helmets. As a collector he buys and sells through the internet and at shows. Over the years Darby has learned to distinguish the real from the fake military artifact and he cautions that a lot of fakes are out there for anyone interested in the hobby. When asked about Veterans Day and the meaning of his collection he said I want people to respect what these people did and what they went through. He points out it is not ust WWII veterans, some who are still among us, but also orena, Dessert storm and all Veterans. He also added I would like Waverly Wray to be honored the way he should be. Darby also points proudly to photo of a young man, his o ce manager Amy Brown son who became recently became a Marine.

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FAMILY LAND once again

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Mules, a farm plow and lessons still learned at a grandfather’s side

BY MARTHA LYNN JOHNSON

the plowed elds on the -acre farm located on Woodblu Road, near the Good Hope Community. Blue stood on three legs, his feet planted rmly Together they fed pigs, cows, horses and mules, in the dirt with the fourth bent in a resting position. tended to chickens, gathered vegetables and grew a Contentedly the old plow mule waited his turn to large vegetable garden. James became Blue Boy plow the cotton eld. A twist of his ear and a twitch as nicknamed by his dad Adolphus, because of his of his head sent gnats scattering in the hot air. His love for the plow mule Blue. Blue Boy’s favorite harness rattled - but Blue continued to wait for animal became Blue the aged mule, who together Cake, his plow partner, to nish his turn at the with Cake plowed the numerous acres of the plow. To Blue’s side sat the farmer’s wife, Annie, Chapman crop land. Grandaddy Ben allowed James contently providing cold water to the farmers while to hold the wooden handles of the plow line that tending to their young grandson, James. As the two attached to the harness. Together, the four, listened to the farmer guide Cake the mule with the Grandaddy Ben, Blue Boy, Cake and Blue, plowed turning plow - Gee , Haw , Whoa , and Get hundreds of acres of cotton over the years. At the age of , James began to beg to plow Blue p , James repeated the words over and while Grandaddy Ben talked to his mule, turning up row after row of the soil. Those four words were among the rst James spoke as a toddler. James Chapman, the son of Adolphus and Lillie Chapman and the grandson of Ben and Annie Chapman, loved the farm life - and the land on which he lived. He followed his grandfather through

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all by himself. Grandaddy nally relented, letting him take charge of Blue. The old mule’s walk was much slower than that of Cake by then. Surely, James could handle that. Proudly, the young farmer guided Blue, holding tightly to the plow lines attached to the harness - with a continuous gee , haw , whoa , and get up . Grandaddy watched carefully the making of another farmer from several rows over as he and Cake continuously plowed ahead. All at once, Grandaddy heard rushing sounds and saw Blue bolt away from his grandson, pulling the plow across rows, destroying young cotton plants, with the young boy running behind. A loud WOAH WOAH WOAH from the familiar voice of Grandaddy Ben and Blue stopped dead in his tracks. James ran to catch up with Blue. As soon as Grandaddy had the plow placed back in order, James ran into the house to escape the embarrassment

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of the runaway mule and to experience the safety of the house. Several hours later, James and Blue were again plowing and helping Grandaddy Ben a lesson had been learned. Ben, Cake, Blue and Blue Boy were plowing the cotton crop. When the bolls of cotton became a eld of white, cotton picking time had arrived. Blue Boy would follow Grandaddy Ben up and down the long rows picking cotton. Grandaddy pulled the heavy cotton sack along the dusty middles together. The two farmers lled sack after sack until the weather turned cold and the cotton stalks were clean. The aged mules died and were eventually replaced with a John Deere tractor. As was the custom of the times, the aged faithful work animals were cared for until they died on the farm. After a few years, the family farm land was rented to a local farmer. At the death of

the grandparents, the farm land was equally divided among Ben and Anna’s three children. James received his nal education in the South Panola school system, completing the th grade. The lure of having a regular income and purchasing the things teens like to own and do became strong. James ended his formal education and began work at a local sawmill. This decision became the biggest mistake of my life. I’ll always regret ending my education, he said. Finding a good paying ob without a high school diploma became a ma or obstacle as James reali ed more and more the mistake of quitting school. However, the strong work ethic and the importance of loyalty and responsibility were ingrained from the

hours spent working with Grandaddy Ben as a young man. These constant attributes allowed James to comfortably care for his three daughters, Tanika, Stephanie, adn Ieisha, and his wife, Loretta. When James’ dad, Adolphus, died, he willed his share of the family land to his children, which was two and a half acres each. Two of James’ cousins moved to northern states to live, leaving their land idle, being kept up and cleaned by their siblings. Within a period of - years, their land was put on the market to sell. Within a short period of time, James was approached by an unknown potential buyer who wanted to purchase the Chapman property to develop a housing pro ect - in James’ immediate backyard.

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James approached local banker, Calvin Flint, to check the possibility of purchasing the two -acre plots. Approval was granted and James quickly became the owner of acres of cherished family farmland. In his very own words, I never thought I could or would own the actual farm land on which Blue, Grandaddy Ben, and I plowed cotton for years together I ust wanted to shout right there in the bank when Mr. Flint told me I could buy the land. I was SO happy. That land needed to stay in the Chapman family and now it was mine. The new owner rushed home to share the news with his family. While walking over his newly purchased land, James discovered the turning plow which he had followed for years plowing behind Blue as a young boy.

Batesville & Beyond

He brought the plow to his house, placing it visibly by the front door to serve as a constant reminder of his heritage. My Grandaddy Ben would have re oiced that we kept his land in the family and that I, Blue Boy, have the special heirlooms - both the land and the turning plow. Blue’s bones have long returned to the earth on the farm. Immediately after the purchase of the family land, James wanted to purchase cattle for his farm - after all, every farm needs cattle. He already has one horse Sucar , a pet for Paw’s grandchildren. A few heifers would make a neat addition. He discussed wanting to purchase cattle with local farmer, PeeWee Johnson. Together, they developed a plan exchange yard mowing for heifers. And so it was. James became the

I never thought I could or would own the actual farm land on which Blue, Grandaddy Ben, and I plowed cotton for years together I ust wanted to shout right there in the bank when Mr. Flint told me I could buy the land. I was SO happy. That land needed to stay in the Chapman family and now it was mine. — James Chapman

owner of three heifers, handpicked by the new owner. Charlay , Angel , and Angels became immediate friends with Sucar . The four animals are hand fed daily, complete with a head rub. James had been employed in the shipping department of Dunlap and yle for years. On weekends James spends all his time with his wife, Loretta and his grandchildren. Loretta was very active in helping with the upkeep of the land mending fences and feeding cattle. Today, the oldest grandson, Marcus Johnson accompanies Grandaddy James Papaw as he mows yards for his yard service, learning the skill of mowing. Together they feed the animals and share the precious time together, ust as Papaw did with his Grandaddy Ben. Recently after the cattle were purchased, Marcus took Papaw James and led him outside to the animal pen. Come show me how to feed the cows, Papaw, you know this will all be mine one day And the cycle of life continues.

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ic fill PANOLA COUNTY CHURCHES

BY DONNA TRAYWICK

If music has charm to soothe the savage breast, soften rocks and bend the knotted oak , then the churches in Panola County have no fear of the savage beast. This paraphrase was taken from The Mourning Bride by plawrite poet William Congreve . Whether it be the more formal service of the Catholic, piscopal, Presbyterian, Methodist, the spirited pentecostal, non-denominational, gospel and spiritual songs, or the beautiful blended voices of the Church of Christ, each church uses their instruments and voices to worship and praise God. In commemoration of his th year as a pipe organist, Municipal Court Judge Jay Westfaul gave me a mini-concert on the Mollar pipe organ at the First nited Methodist Church recently.

Batesville & Beyond

Talented artists share faith through music

The organ was donated to the church by the late Imogen Alice Busby in . In order for the organ to produce its rich sound, the sound is forced through graduating pipes feet, feet, feet, feet, and . The sound emerges from those massive pipes to engulf the whole room. Just walking into the sanctuary and seeing those ma estic pipes is breathtaking. Judge Westfaul was a student of Mrs. Anise Brock in Moss Point from the age of to . At he began lessons from Dr. John Dearhart who was the professor of music at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. Years ago a drivers license could be obtained at the age of fteen. Judge Westfaul remembers that time when he obtained his license and became and o cial church organist. He has been a church organist in Pascagoula, Holly Springs, Batesveess. He is currently organist and choirmaster of St. George’s piscopal Church in Clarksdale, where he has served twelve years. The current organist at F MC is Holly Roberson. She feels that her music is a God given talent and she en oys sharing her talent. She began her music education rst as my student and continued with Miss Martha Whitten. She then studied under Rebecca Triplett at Northwest Mississippi Community College. The pianist is Sabrina Morris. Although the Church of Christ’s doctrine does not permit musical instruments, both the Batesville Church of Christ and

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Central Academy Church of Christ produce strong harmonies. There is power in a cappella singing. At the age of 8 Michael Dixon began piano lessons and continued for 10 years with Donna Traywick. He then attended Rust College in Holly Springs and was elected Minister of Music at New Bethlehem M.B. Church at the tender age of 9. He is the music director of Sardis District Association of the NBC Congress of North Miss., Dean and youth leader and Music Director of the Quitman County Association. He is a sought after artist for weddings and funerals. The Hosanna Church is very young but has large congregation. Music is lead by a worship team who leads the congregation in contemporary Christian worship. This includes band instruments including electric guitars and drums.

windoll onstruction

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A Tribute to

Connie Haley As this article was being compiled, I learned of the death of Connie Haley. She was to be an integral part of this article. I began teaching Connie at the age of . She continued for the next years and then entered Northwest Community College. She was the most dedicated and hard working student I ever had. She became the pianist at Calvary Baptist at the age of . She was their pianist for the next years. She was also a very popular piano teacher.

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BAKING HOBBY TURNS INTO A

catering business

BY LAUREN JONES loise Cosby, born and raised in Batesville, Mississippi, grew up in a large, close-knit family who all knew their way around a kitchen. Cooking a homecooked meal was always a family a air but it was baking in the kitchen with her mom and grandmother where loise’s love for the hobby grew. Baking helps me unwind from my everyday stresses. says the busy, single mom of four. It is a hobby I had that turned into my passion. While baking was always a hobby that Crosby not only en oyed, and was very good at, it was her growing passion for baking and her motivation that led her to Auguste sco er School of Culinary Arts, where she recently graduated from pastry school with a . , and where she discovered her talent as a pastry artist. Decorating cakes wasn’t one of my biggest talents. I could bake them but ust couldn’t decorate them. That skill came later through my time in pastry school. the talented baker explained. The cake that I am proudest of was a two-tier Mickey Mouse cake because it was the very rst cake that challenged me the most and it turned out great. I love to make kids cakes because it’s a di erent challenge every time.

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Batesville & Beyond 23

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Since , loise has stayed busy sharing her talent with the community by creating exquisite cakes and decadent treats for occasions big or small weddings, birthdays, holiday gatherings, and much more. Throughout the holiday season, her busiest time of year, loise o ers many holiday treats including cheesecakes, pies, freshly baked bread, decorative cakes, and much more. To place an order, loise can be reached at .

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Christmas cookies the whole family will love

Many people en oy baking come the holiday season, and perhaps no dish is more synonymous with holiday baking than cookies. Children leave cookies out for Santa Claus on Christmas ve, while adults may indulge and en oy an extra cookie or two at family gatherings or holiday o ce parties. Cookies come in all shapes and si es, so bakers have an array of options at their disposal when planning their holiday menus. Chocolate chip cookies may be among the most popular types of cookies, and bakers who want to capitali e on that popularity while giving loved ones something a little di erent may want to try the following recipe for Double Chocolate Chip Cookies from Maxine Clark’s Chocolate Deliciously Indulgent Recipes for Chocolate Lovers Ryland, Peters Small .

Batesville & Beyond

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES Makes about 12 large cookies

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 5 tablespoons granulated sugar 5 tablespoons light brown sugar, sifted 1 large egg, beaten 1 2 teaspoon pure vanilla essence or chocolate extract 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons self-rising our 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa 1 4 teaspoon salt 2 3 cup or more dark and white or milk chocolate chips or roughly chopped chocolate A heavy, nonstick baking sheet Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Farenheit. sing an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugars together until pale and uffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla essence. Sift the our with the cocoa and salt in a small bowl. Fold into the egg mixture with the chocolate chips. Place 4 heaping tablespoons of the mixture on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them well apart. Press down and spread out to about 1 4-inch thick with the back of a wet spoon or with dampened ngers you may like to scatter some more chocolate chips over the top . Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute, then transfer to a wire rack. When cool, store in an airtight container. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

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Baking your family happy, gingerbread and chocolate Perhaps no baked good is more closely linked to the holidays than gingerbread, an indulgence many people enjoy only around Christmastime. This not only tastes delicious but will make sure your home smells like the holidays. Holiday hosts or those who want to bring a dessert to their next holiday gathering can whip up this recipe for “Sticky Chocolate Gingerbread” from Maxine Clark’s “Chocolate: Deliciously Indulgent Recipes for Chocolate Lovers” (Ryland, Peters & Small).

STICKY CHOCOLATE GINGERBREAD Makes an 8-inch cake

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Farenheit. Grease and line the base and sides of the cake pan with nonstick parchment paper. Put the molasses in a pan and heat gently until hot, but do not allow it to boil. Remove the pan from the heat and add the chocolate. Stir until melted. Sift the our, ground ginger and salt together in a bowl. Add the stem ginger and toss it around in the our until every piece is coated. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs, then the molasses and chocolate mixture and nally the our mixture. Dissolve the baking soda in the milk and gradually beat this into the batter. Pour into the prepared cake pan, scatter with the crystallized ginger, if using, and bake for 45 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F and bake for another 30 minutes. f using the oval pan, cook for about 45 minutes at the higher temperature, then about one hour at the lower temperature, as it will be deeper.) A metal skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. Let cool for ve minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a wire rack and let cool completely. When cold, store in an airtight container for at least a couple of days to mature and become sticky. Don’t worry if it sinks a bit in the middle — this is normal.

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21 3 cups dark molasses 6 ounces dark chocolate 60 to 0 percent cocoa solids , grated 13 4 cups all-purpose our • 2 teaspoons ground ginger • 5 ounces whole pieces preserved stem ginger, drained and roughly chopped 1 stick 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 1 2 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, sifted to remove lumps • 2 medium eggs, beaten 1 2 teaspoon baking soda • 2 tablespoons milk, warmed • A pinch of salt Extra-large crystalli ed ginger pieces, to scatter optional • A deep 8-inch square cake pan or 8 x 6 x 3-inch oval cake pan.

Warm Up With A Hot Cocoa Nothing beats sipping a hot, soothing beverage after a day of choosing the perfect Christmas tree shopping for gifts. Teas, coffees, and mulled ciders certainly can t the bill, but a mug of rich hot chocolate is a holiday season staple. Hot chocolate can be whipped up quickly from premade packets, but many such packets are loaded with sugar. Chocolate lovers should have a reliable hot chocolate recipe to lean on when the moment is right. This recipe for Real ot Chocolate from Chocolate Parragon by the editors of Love Food is sure to please.

REAL HOT CHOCOLATE Serves 1 to 2

11 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces 11 4 cups milk • Chocolate curls to decorate Place the chocolate in a large, heat proof pitcher. Place the milk in a heavy-bottom saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour about one-quarter of the milk onto the chocolate and leave until the chocolate has softened. Whisk the milk and chocolate mixture until smooth. Return the remaining milk to the heat and return to a boil, then pour onto the chocolate, whisking constantly. Pour into warmed mugs or cups and top with the chocolate curls. Serve immediately.

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Chocolate-Strawberry Pie Busy hosts with a lot on their plates might not have the time to prepare homemade baked goods for their guests. Thankfully, the following recipe for Chocolate-Strawberry Pie from Addie Gundry’s No-Bake Desserts St. Martin’s Press can be prepared in ust minutes, all without turning on the oven.

CHOCOLATESTRAWBERRY PIE ields 1 pie

1 pint fresh strawberries, washed, trimmed and halved 1 store-bought or homemade chocolate cookie pie crust 2 3 cup sugar 1 4 cup cornstarch 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 4 teaspoon minced crystalli ed ginger 1 8 teaspoon ground nutmeg Pinch of kosher or sea salt 6 large egg yolks 21 2 cups half-and-half 6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped 1 2 tablespoon rum extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Additional strawberries for garnish optional 1. Place the strawberry halves in a single layer in the bottom of the pie crust. 2. n a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, ginger, nutmeg, and salt over medium heat. 3. Whisk in the egg yolks to create a thick paste. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat. 4. Add the chocolate and whisk until combined. Add the rum and vanilla extracts. Cool the mixture for 4 minutes. 5. Pour the lling over the strawberries and up to the top of the crust. Chill the pie for 2 hours or until set. 6. Garnish with additional strawberries, if desired.

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BATESVILLE Beyond

Call for Advertising Rates! 662•563•4591 Batesville & Beyond 31

A Franklin Farms Holiday

by Lauren Jones

farmed by Todd, and his dad and grandad before him. In addition to the From apple and peach crumbles to several acres of tomatoes, okra, squash, delicious vegetable casseroles, peppers, and more, the Franklin family Franklin Farms has been providing tends to a beautiful apple orchard, as acre families with fresh, local produce for well as the impressive, their holiday dishes for many years. McCullar peach orchard, which Todd and athy Franklin’s charming Franklin says keeps him busiest farmhouse, which they call home, throughout the season. As the air cools and the busiest time sits on scenic acres of bountiful crop

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of year for the farmer slows down, Todd and his wife athy, a retired school teacher, plan for the next busy season the holidays. The Franklins kick o the holiday season by providing family-friendly fun with a Franklin Farms pumpkin patch. From pumpkins galore to kid-

friendly activities, Todd and athy work tirelessly and spend generously to prepare for the October event. As December approaches Mrs. Franklin is busy decking the farmhouse halls, putting up four christmas trees, hanging stockings, and decorating every room of the

Batesville & Beyond 33

house with nutcrackers, garland, and more. Outdoor lights are strung around every inch of the home’s exterior, with a light display for families to come en oy throughout the magical season. Although it’s hard work and a significant investment, the Franklins en oy opening their farm to the community but Todd admits that without support and participation, it will be difficult to maintain the same caliber of previous years. This year, starting

Batesville & Beyond

Nov. , Franklin Farms invites the community to come visit with Santa and en oy a beautiful light display. For more information, follow the Franklin Farms facebook page. Don’t miss out on delicious, local produce for your holiday spread The Franklin’s fresh fruits and vegetables are available for purchase daily at the Batesville Shell station, and multiple Farmers Markets throughout the year.

INGREDIENTS

HOW TO COOK

PREP/COOKING TIME

NOTES

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MUSIC ON THE SQUARE BATESVILLE, MS • OCT. 14, 2021

Katie Calbert with Gracie and Chloe Ucci

Slates and Syd Elliott with Ava Williams, Emily Smith, Taylor Elliott, Courtney Darby and Jayme Jones

Lily and Mamie Avery

Mamie Avery, Robbie Haley and Jeffery Bean

Presley Callihan and Aidan Williams

Katy, Jax and Carrie Russell

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Brad and Kelley Robison

Mike and Carolyn Roberts

Emma and Paige Evans

Milly,

ailey, Delyah and JT Davis

Judy and Dennis Smith

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Nate and Taylor Shelby

Sissy Copleand and Georgia Evans

Keith and Nita Goodwin

Atley and Lacey Shepherd

Tina and Tracy Moore

David and Race Smith

38 Batesville & Beyond

Speer, Amanda and Hardy Flint

Cole Flint and Charlotte Capwell

Rylie and Eli Maples

Brittany and Blakely Ross

Karen Crumpler and Ashley Roebuck

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Batesville & Beyond

2 Batesville & Beyond