Thousands of you voted in our pet cover contest! Meet the Oxford winner, Sully, and the northeast champ, Lily.
Snack Time Smorgasboard
Prep these creative after-school snacks to help your kids refresh and recharge after a long day in the classroom.
The Art of Stenciling
A Water Valley artist and art educator uses a fun substitute for wallpaper in her historic home.
The Gift of Life
A Tupelo teacher and student are thriving one year after a much-publicized transplant surgery.
True Grit
John Wayne, the decorated American Bully show dog, is a celebrated local celebrity both in and out of the ring.
OXFORD: Sully is the winner of this year’s Oxford pet cover contest. Learn all about him on page 26.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
NORTHEAST: Lily from Corinth won this year’s northeast pet cover contest. Meet Lily on page 28.
BY
OUR TAKE
WITH
WE’RE ENTERING OUR 20TH YEAR IN BUSINESS!
We asked publisher Rachel West to share her thoughts on that exciting anniversary and more.
Q
In a few words, what are you most proud of about this 20-year milestone?
I think I’m most grateful for all the support of the community and the wonderful stories we have been able to tell for 20 years. I remember after one or two issues had been published, I fielded all kinds of questions about how we did this. People were perplexed about how we differed from a newspaper. I remember saying, “Please keep picking up Invitation, and it won’t take long to understand.” Our community embraced Invitation with so much support and encouragement. My 28-year-old mind had a crazy idea (or so it seemed then), and it was a shot-in-thedark for sure. But I knew I wanted to return to Oxford somehow, someway after living away for seven years. Thankful is an understatement for all the opportunities and relationships we have built 20 years later.
What do you think has changed the most in Oxford over the past 20 years?
Growth is what first comes to mind. Growth of community, growth of the university. Growth of public schools. In the early years we had to hunt for eight to ten community events to cover. Now there’s probably eight to ten community events a week!
Q Q A A A
It’s the pet issue. Do you have a favorite furry friend at home?
We do! Our sweet 9-year-old dog Lilly. She’s been with us in many transitions in life. When I see her, I smile. I often wish she could talk to us and tell us how much she loves us, but she smiles at us frequently — and that’s enough for us to know she loves us as much as we love her!
Rachel’s daughter with their dog, Lilly, a few years ago.
PUBLISHER
Rachel West
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Emily Welly
EVENTS EDITOR
Jiwon Lee
FOOD EDITOR
Sarah Godwin
COPY EDITOR
Ashley Arthur
SOCIAL MEDIA
COORDINATOR
Jennie Lee
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lena Anderson
Leslie Criss
Eugene Stockstill
OFFICE
BUSINESS MANAGER
Hollie Hilliard
DISTRIBUTION
Allen Baker
Brian Hilliard
MAIN OFFICE
662-234-4008
ART
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Holly Vollor
SENIOR EDITORIAL
PHOTOGRAPHER
Joe Worthem
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rebekah Clayton
Jiwon Lee
Lauretta Piesko
Lisa Roberts
Jacqueline Savoy
ADVERTISING
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS
Alise Emerson
Melissa Holder
Leigh Lowery
Lynn McElreath
Keith Rainer
Moni Simpson
Whitney Worsham
ADVERTISING DESIGNERS
Paul Gandy
Markka Prichard
ADVERTISING INFORMATION ads@invitationoxford. com
To subscribe to one year (10 issues) or to buy an announcement, visit invitationmag.com.
To request a photographer at your event, email invitationmag.events@gmail.com.
Invitation Magazines respects the many diverse individuals and organizations that make up north Mississippi and strives to be inclusive and representative of all members of our community.
THE TALENT
HOLLY VOLLOR
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
The creative force behind Invitation Magazines, Holly Vollor has designed every issue since August 2018, and she’s thrilled about the redesign being launched with this month’s magazine. When not designing Invitation, you’ll find her chauffeuring her four children around town, on the tennis court or creating products for her tourism merchandise business @themississippimerchant. Holly’s goldendoodle Jack and cat Pepper are especially excited for this annual pet issue.
JOE WORTHEM PHOTOGRAPHER
Joe Worthem Invitation Magazines’ senior editorial photographer. He is a rare Oxford local who currently resides in the area with his wife. Joe is a proud Ole Miss graduate. He enjoys capturing all the various stories and images that are featured in the magazine, which he’s been doing for the past 15 years.
LENA ANDERSON WRITER
A proud northwest Missouri native and unapologetic Chiefs fan, Lena Anderson is a senior content writer based in Water Valley, where she lives with her husband, Bryan, and their two mutts, Gus and Alice (a mix of 30 breeds and pure chaos). Interviewing and writing about John Wayne and his human, Lance Lee, for this issue was a career highlight.
“TRUE GRIT” | PAGE 44
LYNN MCELREATH
ADVERTISING CONSULTANT
Lynn McElreath has been part of Invitation Magazines since 2007, back when the publication was just beginning to take shape. A native Oxonian, she is grateful for her clients, many of whom she has worked with all these years. Outside of work, Lynn has a soft spot for animals and has enjoyed raising puppies, kittens and even bunnies alongside her three children (now adults). These days, she shares her home with her husband, three dogs and one cat who seems determined to prove it really does have nine lives.
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
INSIDE PAST AUGUST ISSUES
FROM THE INVITATION MAGAZINES ARCHIVES
To celebrate our anniversary we will re-run favorites from past issues!
While we are kicking off our 20th year in business with a whole new design, we have reserved this space to reflect on the past. Although the look of the magazine has changed over the years, our focus on sharing the stories of local people and places has not.
Throughout the coming year, we’ll celebrate our 20th anniversary by looking back at stories and issues that have made an impression on our readers and our community. As we launch the redesigned magazine this month, we thought it would be fun to revisit some August magazines from the past.
Here is a compilation of some of our favorite topics, covers and feature stories from previously published August issues.
BACK TO SCHOOL
AUGUST 2013-2015
THE EARLY YEARS
AUGUST 2008-2009
Early August issues focused on Ole Miss football and welcoming a new chancellor to the university.
Many of our past August issues were back-to-school themed. In 2013, the cover story "Outside the Lunch Box" was about the Good Food for Oxford Schools initiative to sow the seeds for healthier cafeteria food. In 2015, we interviewed some "Rock Star Students" who had found unique ways to spend their summer breaks.
STATE OF MIND
AUGUST 2014
We got to visit a place few Mississippians have ever been: Magnolia Grove Meditation Practice Center, a Buddhist monastery and retreat that helps visitors learn to unplug, slow down and simply breathe.
PAUL DAVIS
JOE WORTHEM
JOE WORTHEM
CHILDREN'S COVER CONTESTS
AUGUST 2010/2011/2012/2017/2018
For several years, our children’s cover contest put smiling faces of local kids on our August covers in both Oxford and Tupelo.
THE MEMORY PALACE
AUGUST 2018
We shared a fascinating story about Alex Mullen, a world champion in memorization who was a medical student at Ole Miss.
Continued on page 22
FAMILY FOCUS
AUGUST 2019-2021
We decided to focus on family in several August issues. There were heartwarming stories in each of these magazines, but the theme took on a whole new meaning in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic.
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
AUGUST 2022
When Ole Miss baseball won the national championship in July 2022, we shifted gears completely to publish this special commemorative issue in celebration of their big win.
PET COVER CONTESTS
AUGUST 2024-2025
This is the 10th year we have held our muchanticipated pet cover contest. Recently, the annual contest and pet-themed magazine has found its home in our August issue. Over the years, thousands of people have entered their pets in our online contest to be selected for the cover of this magazine.
EARLY SCOOP: NEXT MONTH WE'LL BE LOOKING BACK AT FAVORITE FOOTBALL STORIES FROM THE PAST 20 YEARS!
BRUCE NEWMAN
BRUCE NEWMAN
SULLY IS A 4-YEAR-OLD GOLDEN RETRIEVER WHOSE SOCIAL AND LOVING PERSONALITY SHINES.
ully became Madison and Brayden Timmons first baby just a couple of months after they got married in November 2020. Madison, who grew up with a golden, always knew she’d have one of her own someday.
“He’s just become our pride and joy,” Madison said. “He’s our baby, you could say.”
Sully is a beautiful dog, but his personality is what most people who encounter him fall in love with. “He’s very outgoing, very social,” Madison said. “He doesn’t meet a stranger.”
That means Madison and Brayden can take him anywhere, from Lamar Park for a walk to a trip to Home Depot to the Proud Larry’s patio for dinner. And everywhere he goes he expects people to come ask to pet him. He and his owners are happy to oblige.
He also loves visiting Madison and Brayden’s parents, siblings and nieces and nephews in Tupelo and Pontotoc. When he’s at home in Oxford, he can often be found sitting on his own front porch doing his unofficial neighborhood watch duties.
Like a child, Sully also has a special object to which he’s super attached. “He has a blanket that he carries around like a big baby. Everybody that knows him knows he’s got that blanket,” Madison said. “If he goes and gets his blanket and brings it you, then you know that you’re special and that he loves you.”
He’s definitely one of a kind, according to Madison. “If we ever got another dog, I don’t think it could ever top Sully,” she said.
A FEW FUN FACTS ABOUT SULLY:
He loves to eat cheese and pup cups from starbucks
S CONGRATULATIONS SULLY
He knows how to strike a pose for the camera car rides with the windows down are one of his favorite things mom madison works in pediatric speech therapy, and sully has gone to work with her as a sort of therapy dog in training his humanlike facial expressions - including a lot of side eyekeep his owners laughing
MEET LILY
FAMILY DOG LILY IS A GENTLE GIANT WHO ADORES HER HUMAN FAMILY AND ANIMAL FRIENDS ALIKE.
Lily joined the Marlar family in March 2021 when she was a 2-month-old puppy. Candace and Josh Marlar had done their research to find a large breed that was family friendly and would be a good companion to their two boys, Jackson and Hilton.
Now 4 ½ years old, Lily has lived up to her billing. She is a Saint Bernese, a cross between Saint Bernard and Bernese Mountain Dog. So, yes, she’s big, weighing in around 90 pounds.
“It’s like having a small pony in our house,” Candace said, quickly adding that Lily is a gentle giant. Candace describes her as patient, loyal and calm. She said Lily loves finding mudholes but luckily loves baths even more.
According to Candace, Lily’s favorite person is 10-year-old Hilton, who she usually sleeps with. Lily recently has shown her love for him in the most extraordinary way. His brother, Jackson, 14, died in a tragic accident in May, and Lily has been great comfort to Hilton.
“Lily’s been really great for Hilton, with all that he’s been going through,” Candace said. “I feel like she can feel the pain he’s going through. She is a constant support. She seems to be the one he’s getting that from. She can sense it; she’s extra gentle and extra affectionate with him.
“She loved the boys,” Candace added. “(Jackson) would be so proud.”
“Lily loves finding mudholes but luckily loves baths even more.”
- Candace Marlar
A FEW FUN FACTS ABOUT LILY:
SHE IS A REGULAR AT DOC'S DOGGY DAYCARE IN CORINTH AND IS ALWAYS EXCITED TO HEAD THERE FOR THE DAY
THE MARLARS ALSO HAVE JAX, A MINI DACHSHUND-AND-MALTESE MIX, AND A BLACK-AND-WHITE TUXEDO CAT NAMED SCOUT. "(Lily) TENDS TO LIKE ALL ANIMALS AND MOST PEOPLE".
LILY LOVES TO PLAY AND RUN WITH CANDACE'S PARENTS' AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD WHO LIVES NEARBY.
PREP THESE CREATIVE AFTER-SCHOOL SNACKS TO HELP YOUR KIDS REFRESH AND RECHARGE AFTER A LONG DAY IN THE CLASSROOM.
1 cup 2% cottage cheese
½ cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
4-5 scallions, chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley leaves
½ teaspoon fresh dill weed
½ teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper, to taste
Add all ingredients to a blender, and process until smooth. Serve with fresh vegetables or crackers.
¼ cup cashew butter
10 dates, pitted
1 ½ cups rolled oats
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
¼ cup vanilla protein powder
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon flax seeds
Pinch of salt
This might be the battle cry of young students when they get home from a long day at school. While a pantry full of prepackaged sweet and salty treats is pretty much essential in a household with schoolage children, it’s also fun to sometimes surprise them with a few creative and healthy options, too. Kids of all ages will be all smiles when they see these unexpected options awaiting them on the kitchen counter when they arrive home.
Add all ingredients to a food processor, and pulse until combined. Using a cookie scoop, scoop mixture into 1-tablespoon sized portions, and roll between hands to create a ball. Store energy balls in the refrigerator.
1 15-ounce can chickpeas
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/3 cup tahini
½ cup honey
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup mini chocolate chips
Rinse chickpeas thoroughly, removing as many skins as possible. Dry the chickpeas, and add to a food processor with cocoa, tahini, honey, milk, vanilla and salt. Process until smooth, 3-4 minutes, scraping down the sides every minute. Stir in chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top of the hummus. Serve with pretzels, cookies or fruit.
RECIPES BY SARAH GODWIN
STYLED BY JENNIE LEE
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
THE ART OF STENCILING
A WATER VALLEY ARTIST AND ART EDUCATOR USES A FUN SUBSTITUTE FOR WALLPAPER IN HER HISTORIC HOME.
WRITTEN
BY
LESLIE CRISS
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
hen Megan Patton and her family moved into the historic Creekmore House in Water Valley two years ago this month, it seemed a perfect fit for the artist, her musician husband Will and two daughters.
WWAfter all, the 3,536-square-foot, multiplestoried house was the childhood home of Hiram Hubert Creekmore, built in 1900 by Creekmore’s father. Though he gained notoriety as a poet, Creekmore was a Renaissance man, to be sure. He was a novelist, editor, publisher, pianist, composer and gardener.
Patton grew up in Oxford, graduated with an art degree from Ole Miss and these days is an art teacher at Lafayette Middle School. She met her husband in 2007 at Ajax Grill, when he was playing with a local band.
Soon after, she bought a house on Panola Street in Water Valley that just happened to be in shouting distance of the Creekmore House. The day after, she and Will had their first date.
“I had loved the house for a long time,” she said. “And we were settled in when I heard the Creekmore House was on the market. I jokingly said to Will, ‘Hey, let’s buy the Creekmore House.’ His response was, ‘We can talk about it.’”
Continued on page 36
In
to
and
addition
painting
stenciling, Patton is a self-taught quilter. Many of her creations are displayed in a bedroom in her house.
Continued from page 35
The previous owner had left the house in good condition, but the Pattons made a few improvements upon moving in.
“We put on a new roof and had to have the boiler in the basement repaired,” Patton said. “I wasn’t even sure what a boiler was, but we have one, and it works.”
With her artist’s eyes and creative spirit, Patton saw things she wanted to do in the family’s new digs. With penchant for wallpaper, she quickly learned how much time — and expense — wallpapering would take.
“I love wallpaper,” she said. “But when I started checking and learned it would cost $3,000 to wallpaper one room, I gave up on that idea. But then I heard about stenciling. I googled and
read more about it. It seemed like something I could do.”
For those not in the know, stenciling is a technique for reproducing designs by passing ink or paint through cut-out shapes. And it has quite a history. Stencil use has been around for 35,000 years, the earliest examples found in Paleolithic cave paintings in Asia and Europe where people blew pigments over their hands to create images.
Stenciling was a part of artistic culture in China, Japan, medieval Europe, and became popular during the art deco era of the 1920s and ’30s. More recently, stencils have been used in graffiti art, like works by Banksy.
A longtime painter, Patton decided to try to stencil on the walls in the rooms of her house. She researched and read the how-tos, chose and ordered the stencils and picked out her paint colors, which Patton said is the hardest part.
She finished a bedroom in two weeks.
“Early on, I messed up the stencils and had to reorder,” she said.
The tools of stenciling are few and relatively simple — the stencil, the paint and a stencil brush. One important tip Patton will pass along: Clean paint buildup on the stencil brush.
On a tour of the stenciled rooms, she offered an admission in the main bedroom, stenciled in pink, Patton’s favorite color.
“I am a perfectionist,” she said. “I can show you a spot in here where I messed up, and it drives me crazy.”
Even when pointed out, it was not noticeable.
A room upstairs, to be the guest room, is stenciled using four paint colors, and Patton has stenciled above the chair rail in the kitchen in three colors — two shades of blue and a green.
Though every stenciled wall is impressive, perhaps the masterpiece is the foyer, which not only has lots of wall space, but very high ceilings. And Patton is afraid of heights.
“I had to borrow a very tall ladder from a neighbor,” she said.
Did the stenciling process calm her fears?
“Not at all,” she said, laughing. “I was just praying the whole time I wouldn’t fall.”
Stenciling is not Patton’s first foray into a self-taught art medium. In 2008, she started quilting. She picked up a book, “Quilting for Dummies,” and commenced to hand quilting.
“My grandmother was a quilter,” Patton said. “And I hated to see that end with her.”
Patton likely will not give up on her stenciling projects. There are many more rooms in her family’s home, and she’s done a room in her sister’s Memphis home.
“I enjoy doing it,” she said. “It takes patience, but I have patience — I teach school.”
THE GIFT OF LIFE
A TUPELO TEACHER AND STUDENT ARE THRIVING ONE YEAR AFTER A MUCH-PUBLICIZED TRANSPLANT SURGERY.
JOE WORTHEM
Last August, a Tupelo teacher and her 5-year-old student made headlines across north Mississippi when she donated part of her liver to him.
One year later, Bowen Dorr, now 6, is pumped about starting kindergarten at Carver Elementary School in Tupelo, and his former teacher, Holly Allgood, downplays it when asked if she saved his life.
“There’s no other way to put it. Our son was going to die without a liver,” Bowen’s father, Jake, said. “I guess when it will finally sink in is when Bowen is old enough to understand what she did for him.”
Bowen was born with a rare metabolic liver disorder that kept him from processing protein, along with other challenges, including autism. His family knew he’d eventually need a liver transplant. After months of trips to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis and reaching the maximum dosage of special medicine he could take, that day came sooner rather than later.
Enter Allgood, a special needs instructor and Bowen’s teacher at the Early Childhood Education Center in Tupelo, who quickly went to the top of the donor list. There were so many others who wanted to help that UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh had to ask people to stop volunteering.
Jamie and Jake Dorr have borne much more than their share of pain. The Dorrs lost a daughter in utero and a son after his birth. Then after an open adoption that brought Bowen home to them, they began learning to cope.
The Dorrs also have three more children.
When the time came for Bowen to start school, his parents had to learn to trust someone else with their son. Bowen started out with two hours of learning on Fridays, a schedule that gradually expanded.
“Relationships happen first. I work to build that with all my parents and all my students,” Allgood said. “I thought (Jamie) was going to have a heart attack that first day … then she found out that she could peek through the doors anytime she wanted to.”
When Bowen’s medical condition worsened and Allgood discovered the family’s need, she immediately wanted to donate, but her husband wasn’t so sure. After they spent some time considering options, Allgood traveled to UPMC for multiple tests.
Following the surgery to remove 30% of her liver on Aug. 27 last year, she had considerable pain for about a day, mainly because she fell asleep before she could be given an epidural to block post-surgery discomfort. Bowen’s surgery took about 12 hours at UPMC Children’s Hospital. He developed a blood clot and had to be kept on a ventilator for days, and he and his family stayed in Pittsburgh for 100 days.
Bowen returned to Allgood’s class on St. Patrick’s Day.
“When he came back, his little brain and body were soaking up everything that you want him to have to be successful,” Allgood said.
Jake Dorr said his son has not had to make a single trip to Le Bonheur since the surgery.
“He’s doing great,” he said, and the staff at Carver have eased the upcoming transition. “We’re really excited.”
Bowen faces two more surgeries this year, which will also be done in Pittsburgh. He has a hernia and also must have the inner muscle wall closed at the site of last year’s operation.
Asked about her gift, Allgood was softspoken.
“I think the Lord had a really awesome plan,” she said. “To be able to do that, I was in the right place at the right time.”
Bowen’s father was much more effusive about the difference one person can make.
“She’s the most humble person you could meet,” he said. “It hasn’t changed our beliefs; it has strengthened them. It has been incredibly redemptive.”
TRUE GRIT
JOHN WAYNE, THE DECORATED AMERICAN BULLY SHOW DOG, IS A CELEBRATED LOCAL CELEBRITY BOTH IN AND OUT OF THE RING.
When John Wayne saunters into a room, people notice. Maybe it’s his undeniable swagger, his quiet confidence, or his impressive, muscular physique. But once you lay eyes on him, you know immediately that he’s something truly special. This isn’t just a winner. This is a champion.
His owner, Lance Lee of Oxford, had that feeling about John Wayne the moment he bought him from the breeder. Even with the puppy’s broken leg, an injury sustained during some rough-and-tumble play, Lee could tell there was something unique about this dog.
His intuition was spot on. After a swift recovery, Lee entered John Wayne into his first dog show, Bullies on the Bluff in Memphis, and the stunning tri-blue American Bully champed out at an astonishing 7 months old, an incredibly young age for a show dog.
From there, his rise was meteoric. John Wayne earned impressive rankings, including No. 7 in the world in ABKC in 2020 and No. 6 in 2021. He also achieved the incredible feat of being the No. 2 dog in the world in ICBR, and he piled up multiple championships across various registries, including ABKC, BRC, ICBR, USBR and UKC.
“What set John Wayne apart wasn’t his size,” Lee said. “He was often
Lance Lee’s local roots run deep. He grew up on Van Buren Street in a home that once belonged to his great-grandmother and is a few blocks from his alma mater, Ole Miss, where he spent a year as an offensive lineman on the football team.
WRITTEN BY LENA ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
a dog about town
More than just a show dog, John Wayne is a registered service dog, granting him access to nearly any public space, including airplanes, where he travels with remarkable ease. This allows him to be a constant companion, accompanying his owner, Lance Lee, to various local establishments.
At home, John Wayne is a true snoozer. But once he sees Lee putting on “going out” clothes and hears the jingle of keys — the ultimate wake-up call — he’s ready at the door, knowing it’s time for an adventure.
One of his favorite activities? Running errands around town with Lee. From First National Bank to the Oxford Paint Store, John Wayne enjoys visiting with employees and customers, who are just as thrilled to see him.
Another of his top spots is Littlejohn’s Quick Shop, the historic gas station located just off Highway 30. There, he likes to join owner Joyce Littlejohn for a delicious home-cooked lunch provided by Tim Woodward and his team, who have been running the Little Easy restaurant and catering business inside the Quick Shop for more than 14 years.
When John Wayne struts in, the crew already knows his order: a hamburger steak with mashed potatoes and green beans, which he happily consumes, the little nub of his tail wagging with delight.
“John Wayne is a true gentleman, and everyone here loves him,” Littlejohn said. “He’s not your typical customer, but he’s one of our best. He’s got his favorite meal and seeing him enjoy it always makes us happy. He’s just got that special something.”
one of the smaller Bullies (at a compact 75-80 pounds). It was his movement, structure, and ‘prettiest feet’ that judges frequently admired.”
While the accolades were never the only goal, John Wayne himself seemed to understand his triumphs, visibly happy when presented with ribbons and trophies, almost as if he knew he’d won.
Today, John Wayne is a five-time champion and a grand champion in one registry. Lee ultimately decided against pushing him further, prioritizing John Wayne’s well-being and acknowledging all he’d already accomplished in the sport.
Now 5 years old, John Wayne’s illustrious show career has naturally slowed down. However, his remarkable legacy continues through his offspring as part of Lee’s Oxford business, Blue Magic Bullies. John Wayne has produced two grand champions and six champions.
“We absolutely prioritize finding good, responsible homes over just making money,” Lee said, getting to the core of his breeding philosophy. “At Blue Magic Bullies, you can see the dedication, the passion, and the strategic planning that goes into producing these amazing show dogs.”
For inquiries or to connect with Blue Magic Bullies, find them on Facebook or reach them at bluemagicbulliesbmb@gmail.com.
american bully about the breed
The American Bully is a relatively new companion dog breed, originally developed in the 1990s by combining the American Pit Bull Terrier with other bulldog-type breeds. This strategic breeding aimed to create a dog with a powerful and muscular build, while simultaneously cultivating a more docile and friendly temperament.
Visually, American Bullies can appear intimidating due to their broad chests, muscular physiques and large heads. This imposing appearance, coupled with lineage tracing back to pit bull-type dogs, often leads to them being stereotyped as aggressive or dangerous. However, this perception is largely inaccurate.
In reality, the American Bully is known for its exceptionally sweet, gentle and loyal disposition. They are bred to be companion animals and typically display a high degree of friendliness, even towards strangers. Their calm and confident nature makes them excellent family dogs, and they are often very patient and tolerant with children.
Despite the stereotypes sometimes associated with his breed, John Wayne consistently disarms people with his calm demeanor. His chill personality, coupled with his iconic name, seems to universally win people over. This gentle giant, accustomed to the bustling environment of dog shows with hundreds of other dogs, is incredibly well-behaved in public.
“It’s really great how John Wayne touches people,” his owner Lance Lee said. “He’s become this amazing icebreaker, cheering folks up. But it’s not just onesided. He loves people as much as they love him.
“Everyone describes him as a ‘cool dude,’ and that’s spot on,” Lee continued. “He’s truly my best friend, always by my side.”
john wayne's favorite things
Beyond the accolades and titles, John Wayne enjoys a life filled with simple pleasures and a few surprising favorites. Here’s a peek into what truly makes this American Bully happy.
Favorite movie
A big fan of his namesake and his owner’s favorite actor, “El Dorado” tops his list of John Wayne flicks
Favorite TV show
Anything on the Discovery Channel — captivated by the “live” animals on screen, he’s known to "talk back” to them
Favorite at-home meal
Gizzards in gravy
Favorite away-from-home meal
The meat-and-three from Littlejohn’s in Oxford
Favorite toy
Sticks and pieces of wood, which he will happily chew up into “a million little pieces”
Favorite trick
Human-like habits, like drinking straight from a water bottle
Favorite award
While his national recognition means a lot to him, winning the King of Mississippi in 2019 is this local’s proudest accomplishment
YAC SPRING SOIREE
he Yoknapatawpha Arts Council hosted its inaugural Spring Soiree May 31 at The Lodge at Live Strive Farms. The fundraiser event featured live entertainment by Compozitionz, food from Elizabeth Heiskell Catering and signature cocktails by Saint Leo.
TCaitlin Hopper with Michael and Brooke Worthy
Celia Wood with Earl and Sam Dismuke and Ann Brock
Mac Monteith and Trey Ware
Mallory Menard and Julianna Gomez
Tricia Gipson and Anjelica May-Farmer
Jaby and Rebecca Denton with Jeff Dennis
Wesley Webb, Joli Nichols and Katherine Webb
PHOTOS BY LAURETTA PIESKO
STUDENT HALL OF FAME REUNION
The University of Mississippi Office of Student Affairs hosted a reunion for Hall of Fame alumni May 17 at the Ole Miss Student Union. During the event, the university unveiled a Student Hall of Fame display dating back to alumni from 1920.
Jiwon Lee and Jacob Ferguson
Greg, Caroline, Ann Hunter and Betsy Alston
Emily Coursey and Emily Hahn
Jake Vineyard, Susie Brown, Ami Ba and Keller Smith
David Phillips and Jack Baker
Jerry Crawford with Jack, Mary Olive, and Lauren Smith
Don Fruge, Frances “Lassie” Cooke Flowers, Billy Gottshall and Mary Ann Fruge
Lillie and Rose Flenorl with Debbie McCain
Wesley and Deb Whitley
Kasia Hosey with DaLakin and Linda Crawford
Kirk Purdom and Cal Mayo
Markeeva Morgan and Brent Marsh
Madeleine Ryan with Morgan and Meredith Whited
RED CARPET GALA
The Oxford Lafayette Chamber of Commerce hosted its eighth annual Red Carpet Gala at Castle Hill Oxford May 22 in celebration of its 75th anniversary.
Becca Butler and Jenna Mason
Blake and Jaclyn Wilson with Katie Fractal, Clay Martin, Elissa Fulton and Justin Till
Dorothy McClure, Debra Reynolds, Jane Gill, Renikq Carothers, Chasity Thibodeaux, Janet Campbell, Jayla Coffey and Brooke Lane
Hannah Creamer, Tristan Adams and Claire Ficek
Taylor O’Callaghan, Kinsey Goggins and Ali Grace Parker
Riley Darnell, Lacylei Le, Alexis Le, Victoria White and Leshia Martin
SUMMER SUNSET SERIES
Oxford’s Summer Sunset Series, sponsored by Visit Oxford and various university departments, brings free live music to the Grove every Sunday evening in June.
Locals and visitors gather with lawn chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy the scene.
Christy, Asher Rose, Juni and Matt Nielson
Leah, Colle, Nora and Murphey McKenzie
Millie and Chris McAlilly
Hugh and Karen Lee with Ouida and Wayne Drinkwater and Kitty Cox
Jeff, Lauren, Addison and Georgia Ward
Millie Stivers and Diana Laird
Shawn and Erica Avent
Susan Gaston and Emily Deaver
Susan Hayman and Mary Margaret Laughlin
Jeff Lambdin and Nephie
Lydia Bodie, Mary Elena Hale, Eden Bodie and Hallie Ingram
T'Keyah Stokes and Amanda Scales
he City of Oxford and Visit Oxford hosted 2025 Juneteenth celebrations across two weekends in June. The main festival took place June 14 outside Oxford Intermediate School, and the followup event was held June 19 at City Hall Pocket Park.
TCassie Bonner, Jason Texada, Reginetta Mixon, Dawn Quillian and Kelvin Willingham
Louie and Douglas Hill
Katie, Finn and Cope Mullins with Lilly Boteler-Mullins
Patsy Pipkin, Frances Howell and Felisa Redmond
Illetta and Norbert Woods
Effie Burt and Barbara Wortham
Mary Ezell
Brad and Mary Martha Crowe
Hanna Fourie, Laine Mitchell, Nadia Thornton and Leah Veazey
Oxford Garden Club members
Cindy Kirk, Nan Davis, Marge McCauley, Dotsy Fitts and Barbara McIntosh
Anna, Parks, Danny and Lynn Russell
Michael, Jonlyn and Ellie Flowers
Alex, Maura and Liam Langhart
Katherine, Maddie, Ellie Rose and Chris Thornton
Corey Addy, Lauren Jones, Mary Kathryn Herrington, Jenny Addy and Josh and
HAPPENING NOW
OXFORD MISSISSIPPI
WATERMELON CARNIVAL
AUGUST 1-2
watervalleychamber.com
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF OXFORD PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
AUGUST 2 oxford.jl.org
OLE MISS SOCCER VS. SOUTH ALABAMA
AUGUST 2
olemisssports.com/calendar
UNITED WAY FLASHBACK BASH
AUGUST 2 visitoxfordms.com
KNEAD YOUR CURE
AUGUST 7-9
kneadyourcure.com
OLE MISS SOCCER VS. SAMFORD
AUGUST 8
olemisssports.com/calendar
THE GROVE COLLECTIVE GOLF CLASSIC
AUGUST 8
thegrovecollective.com
BIT OF THE SIP’
AUGUST 7-10 oxfordarts.com
IRON BARTENDER
AUGUST 8 oxfordarts.com
OXFORD MARGARITA FESTIVAL
AUGUST 9
boothsbarbeque.com
LOFT PRESENTS A NIGHT FOR NONPROFITS
AUGUST 12 oxfordarts.com
OLE MISS SOCCER VS. MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE
AUGUST 14
olemisssports.com/calendar
CASA SNEAKER BALL
AUGUST 15 oxfordarts.com
UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI BROWN BAG LECTURE SERIES
AUGUST 15 museum.olemiss.edu
THE GROVE GALA
AUGUST 16 thegrovegala.com
HOUSE RULZ IMPROV COMEDY
AUGUST 17 oxfordarts.com
OLE MISS SOCCER VS. UAB
AUGUST 21 olemisssports.com/calendar
MOUNTAIN GRASS UNIT
AUGUST 22 visitoxfordms.com
OLE MISS SOCCER VS. UT MARTIN
AUGUST 28 olemisssports.com/calendar
OLE MISS FOOTBALL VS. GEORGIA STATE
AUGUST 30 olemisssports.com/calendar
MAIN EVENTS
OXFORD MISSISSIPPI
IRON BARTENDER
OXFORD
AUGUST 8
WATER VALLEY WATERMELON CARNIVAL
WATER VALLEY
AUGUST 1-2
Learn about cocktails and taste creations made by some of the most talented bartenders in the area in this juried cocktail-making competition. Best Cocktail will be decided by a panel of culinary professionals and local media. Crowd Favorite will be picked by attendees through tips, which each bartender keeps. 7-9 p.m., the Powerhouse. Tickets, $70, are sold online. Iron Bartender is just one of the culinary events taking place during Bit of the Sip’ Drink and Food Festival taking place Aug. 7-10. Find a full schedule of events online.
oxfordarts.com
Since it was first held in the 1930s, Water Valley’s Watermelon Carnival has attracted thousands of visitors and brought the community together. Friday night includes a street dance and fireworks display at City Park, and Saturday is packed with entertainment, food and arts vendors, contests, parades, an antique car show, a 3K run and more.
watervalleychamber.com
A NIGHT FOR NONPROFITS
OXFORD
AUGUST 12
Lafayette Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow hosts its 10th annual Night for Nonprofits in celebration of organizations and people that give back to the community. Marshall Ramsey will serve as keynote speaker, and 22 local nonprofits will be awarded more than $40,000 in grant funding. 6 p.m., the Powerhouse. Tickets, $20, are available online and at the door.
