Traditions

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Traditions JONES COUNTY

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2019

published by

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Traditions S TA F F Managing Editor

Sales

Betty Busby Kim Wilbanks

Kevin Williamson

Writers

Graphics

Kevin Williamson Linda Cranford

Stephanie White Candice Pittman Traditions is a product of

For more information contact 601-649-1129

on the cover

Take a glimpse inside the home of Dr. Steven and Catherine Nowicki as they share some of their family's Christmas traditions.

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How to be a

frugal holiday shopper The holiday season is a joyous but often expensive time of year.

T

he average American will spend $700 on holiday gifts and other trimmings this year, totaling more than $465 billion says the National Retail Federation. Such spending can compromise household budgets, making the postholiday hangover that much more difficult.

Holiday shoppers may want to emphasize being frugal this holiday season. Here are some strategies to follow.

•Establish a firm limit on gift amounts. The more the merrier is a popular sentiment during the holiday season, but spending more on a gift doesn’t necessarily mean it will be better received. Many humorous, whimsical, practical, or even glamourous gifts can be had for $30 or less.

•Combine financial resources. If there’s a splurge in mind for a particular person on a list, find out if someone else is willing to serve as a co-gifter. For example, siblings can chip in for a gift for Mom or Dad if they have their sights set on something expensive.

•Consider a grab bag or secret gift exchange. Families or groups of friends can opt for a grab bag this year. In such arrangements, each person brings a gift worth no more than a previously agreed on amount of money, and individuals take turns pulling gifts out of the bag. This is a great way to stay within budget and is a particularly helpful arrangement for big families.

•Shop all sales. Utilize sales to your best advantage to score deals on various items. Those who plan ahead can shop off-season to help stretch a budget over the course of the year rather than over one or two months.

•Include some homemade gifts. People with a talent for knitting or crocheting can create blankets or other gifts. Bakers can whip up tasty, edible treats. The holidays are a prime time to put your unique talents to use and turn them into beloved gifts.

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601.342.5188 Traditions 7

l l e Sm ristmas Ch

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Few things evoke the holiday spirit as much as the aroma of fresh evergreen or spicy cinnamon and cloves. Incorporating inviting aromas into holiday decor can make homes feel even more special.

Filling a home with fragrant decor takes a little ingenuity and planning. Here are some ideas to incorporate the scents of the holiday season into your decor.

• Use a real Christmas tree.

An easy way to create a pine-like scent indoors is to select a real Christmas tree. If a fresh tree i ot o i le fill decor ti e basket with pine cones and evergreen boughs for that woodsy appeal.

• Create a seasonal scented simmer. Take to the stove to make a homemade air infusion from ingredients in and around the house. Simmer pine branches, citrus peels, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and whatever else can be placed in a pot or slow cooker

with water. The scents will permeate the house for hours if enough water is added to the mixture.

• Experiment with scented candles.

Scented candles can be found at various stores during the holiday season. Select among popular holiday aromas like pine, cinnamon, apples, and Christmas cookie varieties.

• Utilize essential oils. Natural food stores and other retailers may sell essential oils, which can be diluted and sprayed on surfaces or into the air.

• Spend more time in the kitchen.

Add delicious scents to the home by way of freshly baked goods or holiday meals. Nothing beats the smell of cookies right out of the oven, and the scents can linger for hours.

• Craft some “gingerbread” ornaments. A mixture of cinnamon, applesauce and glue can be used to make ornaments or gift tags that resemble gingerbread cookies, and these ornaments have more staying power than actual cookies.

• Design a pretty pomander. Stud an orange with cloves. Cut off the top of the orange and hollow out a place for a small tea light. The rmt of t e me ill roduce more scent. ic d i iti rom c fill home with the holiday spirit.

Stovetop Holiday Simmering Potpourri • What you need: 3 cinnamon sticks 1 orange, sliced 2 teaspoons nutmeg 2 teaspoons cloves 1 cup cranberries 1 sprig of rosemary (optional)

• What you do: Fill a saucepan or crockpot with 3 cups of water and toss in all the ingredients. Simmer on low, adding more water as needed.

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Traditions 9

Imagine the aroma of baked cookies drifting through the air and the occasional sound of a toy Choo Choo train whistling as it makes its way around the bottom of the Christmas tree. All the while Christmas music can be heard throughout the rooms of a three-story home located in the historic district of Laurel.

n COVER STORY

Christmas THIS IS...

Nowicki's AT THE

BY LINDA CRANFORD Photo credit: Greg Campbell Photography

D

r. Steven and Catherine Nowicki live in the house that was originally located on 5th Avenue in the late 1800s and was owned by Phillip S. Gardiner, a member of one of Laurel’s most prominent founding families. The t ird oor of t e ori i l ou e c u t fire t e i t of illi daughter’s wedding. He had the house moved to its present location at the corner of 7th Street and 4th e ue d t e t ird oor rebuilt. The house is nicknamed "The Phoenix House." In its place on 5th Avenue, he had a brick home built, which is next door to the RogersGreen House that is located on the corner of 7th Street and 5th Avenue.

With the house being located across from the museum, Catherine said they always make sure to have t e ou e decor ted t e fir t weekend in December when the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art holds its annual gala.

Inside the house, Catherine likes to decorate their home using obis Traditions 10

(Japanese sashes) that she collected while living in Japan during their Navy tour of duty. She also enjoys setting up a collection of créches (Nativity scenes) throughout the home.

“An obi is the big sash that Japanese women use as a belt to keep their kimono together. It’s a big beautiful piece of silk fabric that is highly decorated. A lot of people collect them. I have several. I pull the ones that look like Christmas to me and use them to decorate inside the house.You can use them as table runners. I hang them over doors, on the mantle and on the baby grand piano.”

“One year, we lost the baby Jesus.

We had the crèche up all December without the baby Jesus. On Christmas Day we found him in the toe of one of the stockings."

“The tree goes up the day after Thanksgiving,” Nowicki pointed out.

She said if the children are home they all decorate the tree together. If they’re not, Steven and Catherine decorate with their favorite ornaments and then the children add theirs when they

get home. They have two children – Tristan, who is getting his Master’s degree in Russian history in Russia, and Samantha, who is going to school in Colorado to become a veterinarian nurse. Because the Russian Orthodox calendar is different, Tristan is expected to be home after Christmas again this year. Catherine said they will celebrate all the traditions again with Tristan when he gets home.

“We collect a variety of ornaments,” said Catherine. “We try to add one or two new ones each year. It’s fun to see the ornaments from when the kids were young. We also have ornaments from the shows we’ve done. I call them ornaments of memories. And, I always wanted a train to go around the tree.”

She said when they lived in Florida, Steven bought her a big fancy train.

“It was too fancy and too intricate; we couldn’t put it together before Christmas.”

All she wanted was a simple little train that whistled. She said Steven found what she wanted at Big Lots.

THE CHRISTMAS PICKLE One special ornament was discovered in Laurel and immediately became another tradition for the Nowicki family. While visiting Laurel, Catherine discovered the Old World ornaments that are sold at ffice roduct i do to urel.

Among the ornaments was a green glass pickle ornament, which has a tradition in Germany. The green glass pickle ornament i idde o t e tree d t e fir t c ild or er o to fi d it et to o e t e fir t present. Catherine said they started the pickle ornament tradition with Tristan and Samantha when they moved to Laurel.

It was the perfect train, one that they could put together in 15 minutes.

Catherine said it was the people of Laurel and the Laurel Bone and Joint practice, known today as South Central Orthopedics, that attracted them to t e cit . e ere fir t i troduced to Laurel by Linda Gavin when she was trying to recruit them to the area in 1997 for South Central Regional Medical Center. They were living in Jacksonville, Florida, at the time. Steven was about to get out of the Navy and go into private practice.

Both Catherine and Steven are professional actors. They met in 1973 while performing summer stock theatre in New Hampshire. Catherine is originally from Kensington, Maryland, and Steven is originally from New York City.

Catherine has performed over 100 shows during her career and Steven ro im tel . er fir t o in Ogunquit, Maine, in 1971. Her latest role was in the Laurel Little Theatre’s recent production of Neil Simon’s comedy “Broadway Bound,” which Photo credit: Greg Campbell Photography

opened November 1 and ran two weekends through Sunday, November 10. The movie she acted in recently is her seventh movie; it premiered in New Orleans in October and will be re e ted t i ummer t e er l film festivals.

On Christmas Eve the Nowicki family traditionally attends the service at First-Trinity Presbyterian Church in Laurel. After returning home from the service, they wrap presents for each other while watching traditional old

Christmas movies and singing Christmas carols around the piano. Catherine recollected that one of their major traditions started after Samantha was born.

“We were living in the Naval Academy housing apartments. The kids were asleep. Steven suggested we start a tradition and have a little private dinner for just the two of us on Christmas Eve i t. o e m de lorified re f t.

We always make the same. I make eggs Cont'd. on pg. 12

Photo credit: Greg Campbell Photography

COLLEGE MISSISSIPPI

Florentine and sticky buns, and Steven makes roasted potatoes. We usually have Mimosas – champagne with orange juice. We would do this every year. We never told the kids the whole time they were growing up. But when t e ot to e older fi ll e id ‘would you like to share in our secret?’ e fir t e r e told t em t e ere maybe eight and twelve years old. They said ‘no, we’ve got to go to bed or Santa won’t come.’”

“Christmas Day we usually sleep in late, have something light to eat, then open presents,” explained Catherine.

“Stockings are the biggest thing, especially as the kids got older. They’re filled it ll i d of u eful t i li e socks, hair items, fancy soap, and candy, primarily small items.”

“Sometimes, if Dr. Nowicki is on call, we have a Christmas dinner that we all make together, and sometimes we don’t,” continued Catherine. Steven added that Catherine will take her cookies and go with him to make his rounds at the hospital. They share

the cookies with the staff working on Christmas day and visit with them.

“We just enjoy each other and our presents. We have friends who traditionally come over sometime during the day. I always have Christmas cookies out . . . hot chocolate, if they want, coffee, or hot tea. We have a very small family here.” em e out fi e to ei t differe t types of cookies including Pecan Sandies, Toffee with Pºecans, Cowboy Cookies, Rice Crispy Scotcharoos, Fruit Cake Lizzies, Peanut Butter Blossoms and Apricot Bars.

Catherine said she plays music during all her Christmas activities. She enjoys Christmas music from the 40s to the present day. Her activities are planned for each week in December. By the fir t ee i ecem er t e tree i u and the house decorated inside and out.

There is a week that she’s baking, a week where she is handwriting and addressing 50-75 Christmas cards, and a week of fi i i u re e t d r i .

Happy Holidays from the Nowicki's!

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Pallet Wood Reindeer Step 1:

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Paint nose red, let dry.

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Add details. Use black paint for eyes and mouth.

Add white accents to eyes.

Step 6:

Glue on nose and ribbon using Elmer's glue.

Step 7:

Hot glue branches on for antlers.

Step 8: Cut a small square of cardstock for monogram tag.

Paint cardstock black and add "R" monogram.

Step 9: Punch a small hole in corner of tag and attach jump ring.

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Step 10: Attach monogram tag to ribbon.

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Traditions 14

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Traditions 15

n RECIPE

Gifts in a Jar Fun to give and receive

Pistachio Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies Layer the following ingredients in a quart sized jar in the order listed. Pack down each layer gently before adding the next.

• • • • • •

cu ll ur o e our 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 tsp. baking soda Pinch of salt 1-1/2 cups regular oats 3/4 cup dried cranberries 1/4 cup pistachios

irections for tag Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully pour pistachios and cranberries from jar into a small bowl and set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer combine the following: • Remaining contents of jar • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (not melted) • 1 egg, beaten • 1 tsp. vanilla

Homemade gifts in a ar are a fun and creati e option for gifting that are sure to please anyone on your list. he best part is they are ust as fun to ma e as they are to recei e. ith ust a little creati ity li e adding a pretty bow and coordinating tag with the preparation instructions these ars are sure to be a well recei ed treat

Traditions 14

Mix until creamy then gently fold in the cranberries and pistachios. Drop dough by rounded spoonfuls onto cookie sheet 2” apart and bake 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Homemade Fudgy Brownie Mix Layer the following ingredients in a quart sized jar in the order listed.

Pack down each layer gently before adding the next.

• • • • • • •

cu . our 2/3 cup packed brown sugar 2/3 cup sugar 3/4 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking powder 1/3 cup cocoa 1/2 cup chocolate chips 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Country Soup Layer the following ingredients in a quart sized jar in the order listed.

irections for tag In a large bowl, mix contents of jar with the following: • • • •

2 eggs 1/4 cup water 2/3 cup oil 1 tsp. vanilla

Pour into a greased 9” square pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out clean. Cool and enjoy!

Cranberry Pecan Muffin Mix Layer the following ingredients in a quart sized jar in the order listed.

Pack down each layer gently before adding the next.

• 3/4 cup chopped pecans • 1 cup dried cranberries • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar cu ll ur o e our • 2-1/2 tsp. baking powder • 1/2 tsp. salt irections for tag r r err ec uffi • 3/4 cup milk • 1/4 cup or 1/2 stick butter, melted • 1 egg, beaten

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease re ul r i ed muffi cu . our contents of jar into large bowl.

Combine milk, butter and egg in a small bowl. Stir into jar mixture just until moistened. Spoon evenly into re red muffi cu . e to minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool for about 5 minutes and then remove from . e muffi .

• • • • • • • • • •

1/2 cup barley 1/2 cup dried split peas 1/2 cup uncooked white rice 1/2 cup dry lentils 2 Tbsp. dried minced onion 2 Tbsp. dried parsley 2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. lemon pepper 2 Tbsp. beef bouillon granules 1 cup uncooked spiral macaroni

irections for tag Add contents of jar to the following: • • • • •

3 quarts water 2 stalks celery, chopped 2 carrots, diced 1 cup cabbage, shredded (optional) 1 can Rotel® tomatoes

Cookies for Santa Layer the following ingredients in a quart sized jar in the order listed. Pack down each layer gently before adding the next.

• • • • • • • •

cu our 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt 1 cup quick cooking oats 3/4 cup M&M’s (red & green) 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup sugar

irections for tag Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix contents of jar with the following: • 1/2 cup butter, softened (not melted) • 1 egg, beaten • 1 tsp. vanilla Note: It’s best to mix these by hand rather than with an electric mixer to ensure the M&M’s don’t get crushed. Once everything is thoroughly incorporated, drop dough by rounded spoonfuls onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Over medium-low heat, cover and simmer about 1 hour or until vegetables are tender.

i

Traditions 17

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Great gifts for

beloved seniors

B

y the time they reach senior status, many adults have amassed a ton of stuff along with their irreplaceable knowledge. Come their golden years, grandparents and other aging loved ones probably don’t need much in the way of material possessions, which can make it challenging to fi d t em olid ift .

Finding great gifts for seniors may take a little more effort, but with these ideas at the ready, it’s likely gift-givers can make this holiday merry for everyone on their shopping lists.

Family photo memories Many seniors love to talk about their life histories.

What better way to be the catalyst for conversation than to create a photo album that chronicles their lives? Photos can be included alongside

historical documents, such as old school projects, military discharge papers, awards, and even genealogical information. Photo puzzles, photo calendars and any home decor with a photo printed on it are variations on this theme.

Assistance gifts Seniors want to remain as independent as possible. By giving items that help them do just that, you can bring smiles to their faces.

One idea is motion-sensing li t itc e d fi ture .

If and when nature calls in the middle of the night, hallways or bathrooms can be illuminated effortlessly.

Shower and bathroom grab bars are another idea. These provide extra security and stability when getting in and out of the shower or when using the toilet.

For seniors who just need a little extra reach, a grab tool can easily snag packages from a top shelf or pick up items that may have dropped to t e oor elimi ti bending or straining.

Practical technology Seniors may not be as immersed in technology as young people, but they purchase their share of gadgets and increasingly rely

on tech to get through the day. To free up more time for rest and relaxation, invest in an iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum. This simple device ill cle oor e il moving from room to room without the need for a bulky canister or upright vacuum.

Consider an easy-touse tablet, pre-loaded with handy applications.

Grandparents can use video chatting to keep in touch with grandchildren living across the country. Easily refill re cri tio medic tio with a pharmacy app just a click away. Stream favorite movies or channels through video streaming sites, like et i or m o rime.

Tablets tend to be lightweight, portable and user-friendly.

Personal care Even independent seniors m e efit from little e tr companionship and assistance when family members are not able to make frequent visits.

Hiring a visiting care worker, who can do everything from organizing pills to making dinner to tackling some laundry, can provide the help seniors need with their daily errands.

Seniors are a thriving and growing demographic. It may seem challenging to purchase gifts for older loved ones, but with a little know-how, it’s e to fi d t e ri t re e t.

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Traditions 20

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1. Arianna Rooks 2. Cortland Goff 3. Class of '74 Sock Exchange 4. Zoey & Axle McCardle 5. Aubree, Effie & Cooper Ellis; Jayden & Piper English, Pop (Ronnie Parrish), Stella Hall 6. Twins - Taniyah and Tanasia Lampley 7. Bennett Ashmore 8. Dallan Ingram 9. Gracie Blackwell

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Traditions 22

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Cranberry Orange Spiced Cider Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

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• 2 cups cranberry-apple juice • 1 cup orange juice • 1 cinnamon stick • 2 orange slices • 1 tablespooon honey

Directions 1.

2.

3.

4.

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Add the cranberry-apple juice, orange juice, cinnamon stick, and orange slices to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.

Bring to a boil then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove the cinnamon stick and orange slices and stir in the honey.

Serve warm and garnish with more orange slices and cinnamon sticks if you wish.

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Traditions 23

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1 3 2

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For EMERGENCY CASH call 601-649-3106 Traditions 26

• Factory Connection • Quinn’s Pharmacy • Quinn’s Monogramming & Shipping Center • Frames Unlimited • Town & Country Beauty Salon • West Contractors • Smile Country Orthodontist • S.D. Bateman Fine Furnishings

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• Clark’s Convenience Shell • Summer Snow • Corner Market • Butler’s Barber & Style Shop • Simply Chic Salon • Subway • Anderson Square • New State Crossfit • Memory Chapel Ins. 70818

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Traditions 27

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• Cabernet Sau ignon This is a full-bodied red grape heavily planted in the Bordeaux region of France. Cabernet generally has high levels of alcohol and tannins.

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• Cabernet ranc This is a light- to middle-weight wine that features a high acid content and or or .

• albec and Carm n re Similar to Merlot, these grapes originated in France but then made their way to other regions of the world. Malbec is most popular in Argentina, while Carménère is grown in Chile.

• infandel Although mostly associated with the rosé wine

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White Zinfandel, Zinfandel is actually a medium-bodied red wine that originated in Croatia.

• inot oir Soft tannins and high acid give this light-bodied red wine its appeal. The grapes were fir t idel l ted i r ce ut can now be found elsewhere.

• Chianti Chanti is a dry red that pairs very well with food. It is made exclusively with Sangiovese grapes, or at least 80 percent of them and other blends.

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glass of wine makes a nice accompaniment to a meal or something to enjoy while conversing with friends. Many people have a favorite style of wine, and some even have a favorite vineyard. In addition, the popularity of wine makes it a versatile gift for the holidays or something to bring along to a holiday party as a hostess present.

Novice wine enthusiasts may be interested in learning more about wine so they can choose their wine selections for gifting and enjoyment more readily. Learning to taste wine and differentiate et ee or i imil r to reci ti rt or mu ic. der t di the varietals can simplify the process of selecting wines.

• Chardonnay This is a mediumto full-bodied dry white wine. The Chardonnay grape is a white grape from the Burgundy region of France.

• Sau ignon lanc Citrus-driven and often light-bodied, Sauvignon Blanc is another dry white grape planted widely in France.

• inot ris inot rigio Pinot Grigio is a zesty, dry white wine that is particularly associated with Italy even though it originated in France. Pinot Grigio skins are not green like other

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white grapes, but have a gray hue, hence the name.

• eisling Those who prefer a sweet white wine can opt for Reisling, which can be traced to Germany. It can be a good match for those who appreciate other sweet white wines, such as Moscato or Gewürztraminer.

There are many wines to tempt palates.

When gifting, the selections mentioned above can tempt foodies and budding sommeliers alike.

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Traditions 29

'tis the season

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Jewelry

Available at Cotton Boll Pictured - Victoria Lynn Jewelry

Home For Sale - 1107 N. 6th Ave.

Available at Laurel Home Town Realty

Swig® Drinkware

Available at Rubies Home Furnishings

Homemade Assorted Holiday Candy Trays

Available at Ann's Cakes & More II

Goat Milk Soap On Cloud® Shoes

Available exclusively at Bella Bella

Popcorn Pull-Over Sweaters

Available at Sass & Class Boutique

Available at A Stroka Gene-us Alpaca Store

Mi-T-M Kerosence Forced Air Heater

Available at Rent All of Laurel

n for shopping!

l business and shopping local.

Kendra Scott® Ellie Earrings - $65

Available at Hill's In-House Jewelers

Erimish® Bracelets

Available at It's What A Girl Wants

Big Green Egg® - Any Size

Available at Phillips Building Supply

Mens, Womens and Childrens Patagonia® Jackets & Pull-Overs

Animal Print Sneakers, sizes 7-11 $32.95

Available at Pink Anchor 1.00cttw Diamond Twist Halo Ring - $1,499.99

Available at Bella Bella Opalescence Go® Teeth Whitening Gift Sets - $70

Available at Ellis & Walters Dental Clinic

Available at Hill's In-House Jewelers Leopard Fleece Pullover

Available at Heart & Sole Boutique

Louis Vuitton® Purse

Available at Allie's on Magnolia Boutique

Jewelry

Available at The Spotted Dog

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Handmade Treasure Jewels Earrings

Available at It's What A Girl Wants

Votivo速 Candles

Available at Kip's Jewelry & Gifts Louis Vuitton速 Wrist Strap

Available at Allie's on Magnolia Boutique

Womens' Leopard Print Shoes, Assorted Styles

Available at Miss Behavin' Boutique

Women's Clothing

Available at The Cotton Boll Julie Vos速 Jewelry

Available at Bella Bella

Each Necklace Helps Employ the Homeless

Available at The Coffeehouse at Brookside

K2 Coolers

Available at Dixie Pump & Supply

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Bridgewater Candle Company Sweet Grace Laundry Detergent

Available at Pink Anchor Red Velvet Cake

Available at Ann's Cakes & More II Case® Knives

Available at Phillips Building Supply

Confetti Popcorn Sweater - Pam Ishee Model

Available at Heart & Sole Boutique

Husqvarna® Power Automower

Available at Ellisville Auto

Earth Grace® Jewelry

Available at Rubies Home Furnishings

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Available at Laurel Hometown Realty Streamlight® Flashlight

Available at Dixie Pump & Supply Assorted Wallets $12.00

Available at Miss Behavin' Boutique

Seiko® Watch

Available at Kip's Jewelry & Gifts Alpaca Fleece Socks

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Boots - many styles to choose from

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Laurel Watch Co. Men's Watch - $330

Available at Hill's In-House Jewelers

Assorted Bedroom Groups

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German Chocolate Cake

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Custom Monogramming

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Hammerhead™ Go Kart

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Simmons Beautyrest® Adjustable Base Mattress

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CC® Beanies, Headwraps & Gloves $14.95 - $17.95

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Assorted Sunglasses $8 - $10 and Watchbands $22 - $29

Available at Champs Club

Available at Miss Behavin' Boutique

Fleece Lined Leggings HOLIDAY CASH!

Available at Quinn's Pharmacy & Gifts

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Boss Buck Feeder

Available at Town & Country Feed

Laurel Watch Co. Ladies' Watch

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Thymes Frasier Fur

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10" Cool Gel, Cooling Memory Foam Mattress

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Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting

Available at Sweet Magnolia's Bakery Cafe

Buck Naked® Soap Products

Available at The Coffeehouse at Brookside

Triple Recliner Sofa

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Tyler® Candles Many sizes and scents to choose from

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse® Childrens' Recliner

Available at Blackwell's Furniture

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Natural Life® Accessories

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Gift Baskets

Available at Fulmer's General Store

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Holiday Happenings

November 28 Lewis Lights will be at 5:30 p.m. in Purvis, MS. This is their 30th year for light display.

November 30 Shop Small Saturday.

December 5 The Laurel-Jones County Library will celebrate its Centennial Open House from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Santa Claus will be here to listen to all your Christmas wishes. There will be arts & crafts, sweet treats and a hot cocoa/coffee bar with all the “fixings.” Local authors Noel Holston and Monique Payne will be on-site signing copies of their latest books while sounds of the season fill the air. Please join us for this holiday tradition sponsored by the Friends of Jones County Public Libraries.

The Laurel Tree Lighting Ceremony will start at 5:30 p.m. It will take place at Pinehurst Park, 400 N. 5th Avenue, Laurel.

Hosted by Laurel Music Lessons.

December 6 The Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas Concert hosted by the Laurel Jones County Animal Rescue will be from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Laurel Little Theatre, 408 N. 5th Avenue, Laurel.

December 7 The annual Lions Club Pancake Breakfast at Bosun Joe’s in Ellisville will be held Saturday, December 7 from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to join in this year’s event. The Ellisville Lions Club sponsors the annual breakfast that includes all you can eat hot-off-the-grill pancakes with butter and syrup, sausages, juice, chocolate and white milk, and hot coffee. One hundred percent of the revenues from the event are given back to the community to sponsor sight programs and other humanitarian services. Tickets are $6.00 at the door and are available from Lions Club members.

The 37th Annual 2019 Sertoma Christmas Parade in Laurel will be held on Saturday, December 7 starting at 10:00 a.m. This

year’s parade theme is “Ole Towne Christmas.”

The Ellisville Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 7 from 2:00 p.m.

- 3:00 p.m.

December 12 Holiday of a Lifetime – Come enjoy the holiday film “Christmas in Mississippi” on the big screen at the Laurel-Jones County Library at 2:00 p.m. Afterwards you can participate in some lively discussion about what makes our hometown special during the holidays! The Mississippi Film Office, the Mississippi Library Commission and the library system are collaborating to screen this Lifetime film produced by Daniel Lewis. This feel-good movie starring Jana Kramer, Faith Ford and Barry Bostwick is sure to provide holiday fun for the entire family. Popcorn and beverages will be provided. This event is free of charge and open to the public.

December 14 The YWCO will be hosting “Winter Wonderland: A Ladies Christmas Tea,” on Saturday, December 14 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 each.

Praise in the Pasture - Come enjoy food, fun & fellowship, hay ride, worshiping through praise, and The Christmas Story in Sandersville, MS. Christmas in the Country will be held at the Williams Family Farm in Wiggins, starting at 3:00 p.m. Take a caroling hay ride around the farm, visit Santa, check out th farm animals, drink hot cocoa, watch an outdoor movie, craft fair & more! Admission is $5.

December 15 First Baptist Church of Laurel will present “The Glory of Christmas” with their Celebration Choir & Orchestra, along with a cast of students, children, shepherds & wise men. Performances are scheduled for Saturday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 16 at 6:00 p.m.

December 16 The First-Trinity Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir will present their annual Lessons & Carols service on Sunday, December 16 at 6:00 p.m. This years’ service will include choral works by Francois Poulenc, Leo Sowerby, Paul Manz and Mack Wilberg.

This is always a wonderful evening of sacred music, and childcare is provided.

December 18 Art class at Lauren Rogers Museum of Art will be held Thursday, December 18 from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. for grades K5-6th. Participants will make a variety of handmade Christmas tree ornaments and a Christmas art project. While you are in the neighborhood, enjoy the charming preserved and restored homes lining Laurel’s brick-paved 5th Avenue.

December 20 Wine Down Downtown.

December 21 Enjoy a day full of Christmas festivities at Landrum’s Country. The Christmas Candlelight tour at Landrum’s Country is on Saturday, December 21 from 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Admission is $10 per person and children under 3 get in free. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Christmas lights come on at 4:30 p.m.

From 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Laurel downtown merchants will host a very special Christmas after-hours event. Visit downtown and enjoy the stores there during this time. There will be story readings, refreshments, special sales, live music and more.

December 22 The Agape Church will offer three opportunities to hear the message of Christmas in music on Saturday, December 22 at 6:30 p.m. and twice on Sunday, December 23: at 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The cost is absolutely free but, due to limited space, you must reserve your seats.

December 31 Downtown Countdown.

Traditions 39

by Kevin Williamson

T

he holiday season is here and even though there is no guarantee of a white Christmas in south Mississippi, we can certainly expect lots of last minute shopping, gift wrapping, hurried trips to the homes of relatives and friends, and a diversity of Christmas caroling and programs presented at local schools and churches.

Amid the clamor of running the holiday circus, we all need to be aware that some of those around us may not be enjoying the holiday scene as much as we are; in fact, some may have reached such a level of despair that even the cheer of the Christmas season does not lend much optimism to their lives. And, so, right in the center of what should be one of the most enjoyable times of the year, they take their own life. General thinking for many years has been that suicide rates rise during the holidays, but research reveals that is not true. The number of suicides actually seems to peak in the spring, although the reason for that is not yet fully known.

But there are suicides during the holiday season, and the number of suicides annually has been rising across the nation, according to information released by the Centers for Disease Control. Suicide is now the 10th leading cause of death, and depression, a key indicator that someone may consider suicide, is now more common than AIDS, cancer and diabetes combined. Two out of three people who commit suicide are in a state of depression when they take their life.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention notes in some of its latest data that three times more deaths occur in Mississippi from suicide than from alcohol-

Traditions 40

related motor vehicle incidents. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in our state for those aged 15-34 and the fourth leading cause for the age group 35-44. There have been over 400 suicides in our state so far this year.

One local resident who is all too familiar with the alarming statistics about suicide is Buffy Brooks, who lost her daughter Meagan in 2005. The vivacious teenager took her life 14 years ago, but to her mother the memories and pain persist like it was yesterday.

It was October 16, 2005, just seven months before Meagan’s high school graduation would be held at Southwood High School in Shreveport, Louisiana, when Buffy got the life-altering call from a local hospital that her daughter had attempted suicide but was still clinging to life. The call came just hours after Buffy, with the help of frie d o olice officer d admitted her daughter to the hospital to e dru lo o i u ed from er system. Meagan had been introduced to the drug by a friend a few days earlier and had ingested two or three of them over a twoday period along with some alcohol. The blend of the drug with the alcohol affected her mind and personality adversely, so Buffy had taken the steps any caring parent would to get her daughter help.

After getting her daughter admitted to the hospital and staying with her for a while, Buffy decided to return home for the night.

She had not long left the hospital and was sitting in her car in her driveway at 1:15 a.m. when her phone rang. The caller from the hospital delivered the mind-numbing news: Meagan had hanged herself with the gown given to her by the staff in the

Behavioral Medicine unit at the hospital. The caller said that Meagan had been revived three times and was in the ICU on a ventilator. Buffy rushed back to the hospital to stand at her daughter’s side, but later that day Meagan stepped out of this life. The teen drew her last breath when her mother, at the urging of a friend, walked outside for just a few minutes to get some fresh air.

“I worked at the Catholic Hospital. I remember walking outside and looking at a statue of the Virgin Mary. That’s when she passed. It was like she waited until I walked out to pass away.”

It was October 17, 2005, at 4:30 p.m.

Meagan had celebrated her 17th birthday earlier that year on January 23.

“I remember lying on top of her while they did CPR on her; I just had my head buried in her hair,” recalled Buffy. “That was the most awful feeling, having to leave the hospital without my child.You get in the car to go home, and you go home without them.”

Meagan was feisty and full of life, and she had plans to go to college at Louisiana Tech and become a surgical tech like her mother.

She enjoyed shopping and hanging out with friends, just the typical teen stuff. Despite her energy and zest for life, her mother can now see, looking back, some signals from Meagan that may have deserved more attention.

“She would say things about suicide and had started at the end doing some selfmutilation,” remembers Buffy. “We thought it was for attention, and she got that. I had never dealt with anything like this before with a child.”

She is not alone in that regard. Few people are prepared to deal with such

M AY B E T H E B E S T T I M E T O TA L K ABOUT

life & death

situations until it is happening to them, and many are not educated about the symptoms that can foreshadow something more dismal. Buffy wants to change that, which is one reason she volunteers with the Out of Darkness walk hosted by the University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Psychology. The next walk at Southern Miss is scheduled for next spring, and the proceeds from the walk go to AFSP. The AFSP labors to provide education about suicide prevention.

Some key warning signs listed by AFSP on their website that suicide is being contemplated by an individual include a person talking about killing himself or herself, conveying feelings of hopelessness or of being a burden to others, or stating that they have no reason to live.

Some behavioral changes to watch for are increased use of alcohol or drugs, withdrawing from activities, isolating from family and friends, sleeping too much or too little, visiting or calling people to say goodbye, giving away prized possessions, aggression and fatigue.

Buffy encourages those who have lost a loved one to suicide to talk to others about their situation, and she wants to raise awareness about the feelings of guilt that survivors often struggle with.

“You have the ‘what ifs.’ What if I had taken her to a different hospital? What if I had not taken her to a hospital at all?

Fourteen years later I still have the ‘what ifs’ and the guilt that it’s my fault because I took her to the hospital,” she said, adding that survivors have to learn to deal with assorted emotions such as anger or grief.

“Everyone deals with it differently, in their own way. Sometimes you want to be left

alone, sometimes you want to talk. I prefer to talk about it because I want her memory to be kept alive. I don’t want her to be forgotten.”

Buffy’s father has coped with the family’s loss in a different way than his daughter has. Buffy vividly remembers her father, who was at the emergency room when his granddaughter passed away, screaming in the hallways for the medical staff to “take my heart and give it to her. Don’t let her die.” The loss of his granddaughter was so heart-wrenching that he just recently has arrived at a place in his life that he can voice Meagan’s name and look at pictures of her.

“He was close to Meagan and Morgan (Meagan’s sister). Their father was not in their lives much, so my dad was more like a father to them.”

Buffy is still healing from the wounds suffered from losing Meagan so soon, and that healing will likely never cease, so she leans on her faith and on the memories of her daughter to carry her from day to day. She often takes off work on Meagan’s birthday and on other days that have special

i ific ce to er d u ter life d ome of Meagan’s things, including the clothes they cut off of her the night of her death, are housed in a hope chest that helps keep her memory glowing in her mother’s mind.

“I really feel like she did not mean to do this, but the Klonopin made her do it. If she had not had that in her system, I honestly don’t think she would have done it.

“I tell others to not be embarassed about this. There is nothing to be ashamed about,” she continued. “If someone you know says something that indicates they are thinking about harming themselves, then talk about it. More people would be alive today if we would talk about it and take them seriously.”

Buffy wrote the following and added it to Meagan’s obituary for her funeral.

A decade and a half later her words still reverberate with the heartfelt emotions of a mother: “My sweet precious daughter, Meagan.You were a joy the second you were born. I loved you before you got here and will always love you. I know you are in a better place. Please give me little signs that you are doing good and that every time I say I love you and miss you, you’ll let me know you hear me.You know that I will always carry you in my heart and soul and never one day will go by that I won’t think of you and cry because you’re not here.

You’ll always be precious and dear to me.

You’re my firstborn and it’s so very hard to let you go.You have a great time partying with all the other angels. God only takes the good ones and he’s got the best angel of all now.

I love you forever, Mother.”

Traditions 41

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PERSONAL CARE HOME

CARE HOME: 601.340.3156 CELL: 601.498.1740 Traditions 42

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VICENTE MONCIVAIS, RN - Owner

Christmas Tree

tips and tricks

tree stand as well.

• If needle retention is a goal, the Scotch pine variety has the best needle retention and a high survival rate, lending to its popularity, offers Precision Tree d d c e. ou l fir d l m fir re ot er dur le tree .

• If possible, buy a freshly cut tree from a reputable nursery or tree farm, advises The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Many pre-cut trees sold elsewhere were likely cut weeks before and may not be fresh.

• Cut the bottom of the tree trunk before bringing it home to facilitate the uptake of fresh water daily. Trees can absorb as much as a gallon of water in a day, so make sure the tree gets fresh water every day.

• Keep trees away from as many heat sources as possible and away from direct sunlight to prolong longevity.

• According to Karabin Farms in Connecticut, to make a Christmas tree last longer, boil a gallon of water and then dissolve one cup of sugar in the water.

Allow to cool. After freshly cutting the trunk, pour in the warm sugar water. Continue to add fresh, cool, plain water to the tree stand afterward.

Once needles begin to fall off with frequency, the tree is reaching its prime. Remove it so it doe ot ecome fire rd.

reshly cut Christmas trees are farmed specifically for the holiday season and support local economies. hey also tend to last a bit longer than pre cut trees a ailable elsewhere.

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hristmas trees are an iconic symbol of the holiday season. Whether they are personal trees nestled in the corner of a living room for families to enjoy or towering evergreens serving as the focal point of a town square, Christmas trees are a wonder to behold.

Live trees and their pine-like aroma can be especially nostalgic trees to include in holiday plans.

While freshly cut trees can be particularly beautiful and aromatic additions to the season, they require a bit more work than rtifici l tree i order to rem i beautiful and thrive throughout the holiday season. Maintenance can help keep Christmas trees as perfect as possible.

• Even though it is tempting to buy a real tree as early as possible, their shelf life is limited even with the best care. Dural Christmas Tree Farm advises that, under the best conditions, a real tree should last up to four weeks before drying out.

• Consider the needles when looking for a real tree. Pull your hand toward your body along the branches. If many needles fall off, the tree is past its peak.

• Think about the room in which the tree will be located. Leave at least 6 inches between the tip of the tree and the ceiling, accounting for the height of the

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www.spotteddogclothes.com Traditions 45

What's Your Favorite Holida

HERE'S THE ANSWERS FROM SOME LOCAL FOLKS THAT WERE A SK "We love to have a German meal on Christmas consisting of Schnitzel or Weisswurst, Spätzle with Emmentaler cheese and caramelized onions, sweet and sour spiced Saurekraut, and cucumber salad."

Linda Carson "I enjoy opening presents at my house on Christmas day with my husband and daughter and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus."

Candice Pittman "We enjoy decorating the house for Christmas starting right after Thanksi i . e d e t re t i t e fir t to e et u d i do e t e fir t Advent Sunday which is December 1 this year."

Sharon Graeser

"We go to Smith Tree Farm the day after Thanksgiving and pick out our Christmas tree."

Vicki Smith "I enjoy decorating the tree with the whole family. We may decorate it Thanksgiving Day or the day after."

Ali Berry "We like to do what we call the Christmas Ham when we go to my grandmother’s house. Gifts of all kinds are wrapped in tin foil layer after layer forming a large tin foil ball.

We do one with gifts for the kids and one with adult gifts. The person sitting next to the one with the ball rolls the dice until they land on matching numbers. The person with the ball unwraps it as fast as they can

We’ve been doing this for almost 20 years now."

Vic Prather

and stops when matching numbers are rolled with the dice. Then the ball and the dice are passed to the next person."

Madison Hoffman "I like leaving cookies for Santa, singing Christmas songs with the family, and ugly Christmas sweaters."

Shamethia Pippens "I look forward to eating, especially deviled eggs."

Nick Brown "My wife and I and our three daughters, who are now 18, 19, and 21, enjoy drinking hot chocolate, eating a dessert, and reading the Christmas Story while sitting in front of t e fire l ce or t e ri tm tree.

"I love having family from out of state come home for the holidays."

Bill McMullan "I enjoy having the traditional Christmas meal with the family that includes turkey, dressing, butter beans, dumplings, and more."

Pam Barefoot We gather at my mother’s house on Christmas Eve and even though my kids are grown now, I love watching them open presents. We still have gifts from Santa and the kids love to see what’s in their stockings.

Angie Kelly

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A SKED THIS VERY QUESTION "We’ve been starting a new tradition. We are collecting country style Christmas ornaments like ducks, tractors, and deer."

Laurie McKee "I love making Christmas frosted sugar cookies." Her son, Jonathan, said he "loves making a Gingerbread House."

Jennifer Moss "I want to start a new tradition this year. On Christmas Eve, we exchange Christmas pajama gifts and everybody wears the pajamas on Christmas Day." Memrie Nix

"My friends and I have what we call 'Friendsgiving' around Thanksgiving each year. We all dress up and get together at a friend's house each year.

We bring food, eat, take pictures, and write notecards stating reasons why we're thankful for each other and hand them out. This year will be the fourth year we've done it."

Morgan White

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"I love the night before Christmas when we all get together and have a pajama party, watch movies, and eat."

Angela Evans

"I love the decorations and looking at the Christmas Lights around town. I also like Christmas trees. I put up a tree in every room. I will have around 13 trees this year. I hope to have three trees outside. I should have all the trees up and decorated by a day or two after Thanksgiving."

April Thatch

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n RECIPE

C

Ingredients and Equipment: • 1 9x13 pan • 1 pastry brush • 1 roll – phyllo dough, thawed • 1 ½ C – unsalted butter, melted (clarifying optional by heating butter to a boil and cool slightly.Then skim off milk solids) • l ut fi el rou d • 1 tsp. – ground cinnamon • ¼ tsp. – cardamom • 1/3 C – sugar (organic raw sugar optional) or more i te e or d e lt e efit dd • 1 drop cinnamon essential oil* • 1 drop cardamom essential oil* For the Syrup: Make ahead and allow to cool to room temperature • 2 C – sugar • 1 C – water • 1 Tbs. – fresh-squeezed lemon juice • 1 Tbs. – Orange Blossom Water*

*Orange Blossom Water is the key to this Baklava recipe.

There is no substitute, but can easily be ordered on ma on his adds an authenti avor to your astry lso Linda highly recommends using doTerra® brand essential oils because they are ingestible. Other brands are not.

Instructions: 1. Thaw the Phyllo dough on the kitchen counter (some suggest in the refrigerator but I’ve found that the Phyllo pastry sheets are easier to work with this way). Allow 3 hours for thawing.

2. Prepare the syrup by combining all ingredients and bring to a boil over medium heat until slightly thickened. The syrup is done when it coats a spoon. Set syrup aside to cool to room temperature. Do NOT refrigerate!

3. Preheat oven to 350°.

4. ul e t e l ut till fi el rou d i food processor or blender with the cinnamon, cardamom, and sugar. Set aside.

5. Clip the ends of one tube of the thawed dough and pull out the roll of pastry sheets.

6. o t urf ce d e tl u roll.

7. Separate one pastry sheet and lay in the bottom of the 9 x 13 pan. These are thin and delicate but can be used even if they are torn.

8. Using a silicone brush or pastry brush, drizzle unsalted butter over pastry sheet and gently brush butter over the entire sheet. Repeat this with 8 more pastry sheets.

Traditions 48

Turkish

a v a l k a B I

S

S

a la a is a traditional dessert from the eastern editerranean basin and is especially pre alent in reece and ur ey. he ingredients can change slightly but they always include phyllo sheets chopped nuts some type of sweet syrup and some type of oil or butter.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

Starting with the 9th pastry sheet, sprinkle nut mixture evenly on top of pastry sheet after buttering.

Add another sheet and repeat spreading butter and then nut mixture.

Add a third layer of the pastry sheet and repeat spreading butter and nut mixture.

Add remaining pastry sheets buttering each sheet.

Score into squares or diamond shapes.

At this point, pour 2 Tbs. of orange blossom water in m ll o l. i fi er ri le o er t e e tire tr u til ll i u ed. i ill i e more i te e or d ier cru t.

Place in oven preheated to 350°F and bake for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes of bake time, increase the temperature to 425°F and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the pastry is puffed and the top is golden brown. Check after 10 minutes and watch carefully.

Remove from oven and immediately pour cold syrup over the entire pastry dish making sure the syrup runs along the sides and in the scored areas of the pastry.

Cool completely before fi i cutti i to e as this allows the pastry to fully absorb the syrup.

Linda Carson loves to cook and learned most of what she knows through her extensive travel throughout Europe for eight years. Her husband, Dr. Scott Carson, is the president of Southeastern Baptist College. She and Scott moved to Laurel in 2016 and were featured on Episode 7 of Season 1 of the HGTV Hometown Series where Ben and Erin designed her dream kitchen. They were able to turn a painfully small plain kitchen into a warm French country chef’s kitchen where Linda creates her own delicious cuisine.

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AN "GINGER" our Mississippi born Alpaca

ALPACA FARM IN MISSISSIPPI

quality color crias (offspring).

A few years later as retirement approached, the two found themselves basically alone in New York. Their combined family and grandchildren had moved to different parts of the country, and the nearest lived over 22 hours away.

One of the sons was training for a tour in Iraq and was stationed at Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg. “While at Camp Shelby,” said Terry with a grin, “he fell in love with a young gal who was cooking c tfi . e e retur ed from r t e two were married.”

“My daughter and her husband visited them when the baby came. They also fell in love with Mississippi and moved here, too,” added Mary Ann. Her daughter, Dawn Stoll, is now the owner of New t te ro fit d e t te utritio on Old Bay Springs Road in North Laurel.

So, the two decided to move to Mississippi to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Dawn located a 27-acre farm in Jasper County that she thought would be perfect for the alpaca farm. In August 2012, sight unseen, Mary Ann and Terry loaded up their herd of alpacas that had now grown to 40, two beautiful white Great Pyrenees dogs (their natural herd guardians), and relocated the Stroka Gene-us Alpacas Farm to Stringer.

After arriving in mid-August, they had t eir fir t i i i i l c or a few weeks later in September. The Mississippi baby alpaca, named Ginger, is medium fawn in color. Each alpaca

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ary Ann Stroka and her husband, Terry Andress, never dreamed they would own an alpaca farm, much less ever live in Mississippi. But life has its way of providing never dreamed of opportunities.

It’s been seven years since the couple left the state of New York and made Stringer, Mississippi, their home.

While living in New York, Mary Ann and Terry fell in love with the alpacas, a domesticated species of South American camelid, which resembles a small llama in appearance. Unlike the llama, which was bred to be a beast of burden, the l c i red ecific ll for t eir fi er or eece.

Looking to retire in a few years, they purchased four alpacas, three females and one gelding, and started their Stroka Gene-us Alpacas Farm in Middletown, New York, specializing in producing

The annual Stringer Alpaca Fall Festival was held on November 23 and is usually held every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

There are typically over 30 vendors who participate in the festival.

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Snow and Ice will always be remembered as the original "guardians of the herd."

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is named, and Mary Ann and Terry say they each have their own personalities. Some of Ginger’s friends include Sterling, Blue Magnum, DK (Dark Knight), Baron, Maggie, Mariska, Trixie, Rosie, Honey, Cream Sticks and Cocoa to name a few.

Since moving here they have lost both “Snow” and “Ice,” the Great Pyrenees who were the guardians of the herd. The life span of the Great Pyrenees breed is around eight to ten years. Snow and Ice were 6-years-old when they came to Mississippi. Prior to their passing, Mary Ann and Terry acquired “Thunder” and “Lightning” and “Sunny" and "Stormy,” who learned their duties from the older dogs.

True to their genetics, they are natural livestock guardians and are naturally nocturnal. They patrol the perimeter of the alpaca herd throughout the night and guard them against any possible predators. f d er ro c e t e ou d ecific bark that the alpacas know means danger, and the herd will start toward the barn with the dogs moving them along. During t e d ou c fi d t em lou i rou d at different places on the farm, and before long one or both will be seen “making a round” around the pasture.

Mary Ann and Terry said they raise the alpacas primarily for their high quality, lu ur fi er. e l c fi er i oft c mere three times warmer than wool and is lighter and stronger than wool. Its excellent thermal and wicking properties

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will keep you warm and dry, yet allow your skin to breathe, and it makes great socks, hats, scarfs and e ter id r . o er r de fi er from t e legs and belly area makes excellent rugs and blankets. ti tur ll o ller e ic d me re i t t. e l c eece come i more color t ot er fi er roduci im l. ere re ro im tel basic colors with many variations, and we have all 22 colors on the farm.” e l c re or o ce e r d t e fi er i c rded tr i te ed o t t t e fi er i oi i o e direction), made into roving and then spun into yarn. dditio to t eir lu uriou eece t e l c m ure is an excellent plant growth enhancer. “The alpaca poop is great for plants,” she added. “It is non-acidic and can be used directly on pot plants. It won’t burn the plants and it has no smell. The odor that you smell on the farm is from the alpaca’s urine. We offer poop for sale by the bag and truckload. Of course, we have plenty!”

Farm tours are offered throughout the year for individuals and groups, and they host birthday parties. e f rm i door f rm tore filled it l c products including scarfs, hats, gloves and socks as well as products imported from Peru. There are also craft items made by Mary Ann, Dawn and other local artists, along with alpaca yarn and roving and much, much more.

Mary Ann teaches knitting, crocheting, decorative painting and spinning, and she is a dealer for Babe i i eel . e e or i ed fi er rt rou that usually meets at the farm every third Saturday of the month for fun, fellowship and creative expression.

In addition to their own festival, Mary Ann and Terry participate in several local festivals and outdoor events annually. They will be at the Landrum’s Country “Christmas at the Homestead” on November 30 and December 1. “If you attend the festival, stop by and say hello,” said Mary Ann. A Stroka Gene-us Alpacas Farm is located in Jasper County at 383 County Road 155. County Road 155 is off Highway 15 North near Lu’s Steakhouse & BBQ – just follow the alpaca silhouette signs. For more information, contact Mary Ann or Terry at 716-863-4366.

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