Invitation Oxford - March 2018

MARCH 2018

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Search the entire Oxford Market at www.MarkClearyOxford.com and www.OxfordVip.com • 662.234.5621 • 1923 University Ave Oxford, MS 38655 Each office independently owned and operated. All information deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and subject to change without notice.

Renderings are to be used for marketing purposes only and subject to change.

Harrison Square Just Steps To The Square!

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Starting in the mid $300,000’s Contact Mark Cleary (713) 303-8924

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Starting in the Mid $300’s Surrounded by the Country Club of Oxford Golf Course, Fairmont will be developed immediately adjacent to the fairway of Hole #2, and all condominiums will have pristine views onto the golf course. A 1.5 acre wooded preservation area will be created on the property to give the condominium owners a feeling of quiet solitude.

Access to the second and third floors will be provided with elevators and stairs.

www.FairmontOxford.com

Floor Plans Starting at $232,000 Oxford’s Newest Townhome Development! Located approximately 1.7 miles to the square and approximately 1.9 miles to Ole Miss The Mill offers 3 floor plans to choose from all featuring 3 Bed 3.5 Bath condos with a main level master, granite counter tops, hardwood floors, full stainless steel appliance package and so much more! Amenities accompanying your ownership at the Mill include a resort style pool, garden terrace, lake and lush landscaping.

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Starting in the low $300k’s

Conveniently located next to the Medical Park as well as just a few minutes from the Oxford Square and the Ole Miss campus. Spacious master bedroom and master bath with his/hers closets, hardwood floors, granite counter tops, stainless appliances!

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Search the entire Oxford Market at www.MarkClearyOxford.com and www.OxfordVip.com • 662.234.5621 • 1923 University Ave Oxford, MS 38655 Each office independently owned and operated. All information deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and subject to change without notice.

Renderings are to be used for marketing purposes only and subject to change.

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MARCH 2018

36 ON THE COVER

FEATURES

EVENTS

24 Parting Shots

50

Empty Bowls

Photojournalist Robert Jordan retires after 33 years with University Communications.

52

Signing Day Reception

54

Oxford Film Festival

31 Siren Song

56

Young Life Banquet

IN EVERY ISSUE

After decades of service, an old police car and an antique fire engine need TLC.

58

Princess Ball

8

Letter From the Editor

36 Down by the Station

60

Law Enforcement Banquet

12

Calendar

62

OHS Baseball Banquet

14

Shoutouts

Ride the rails or visit these repurposed depots for a taste of travel from a bygone era.

64

Thacker Mountain Radio

16

InstaLove

66

Songwriters Showcase

20

In Season

68

Delta Gamma House Dedication

78

Out and About

42 An Oxford Insider’s Guide to Travel Destinations

70

Junior Genius Trivia

80

I Am Oxford

Oxford residents have the inside scoop on travel destinations all over the country.

72

Oxford Day for Art

74

Oxford Fiber Arts Festival

76

AKA Founders Day Celebration

March means spring, and, for many, spring break means travel. In this issue, rediscover old destinations and discover some new ones.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 17

Kellum and Eickmeier

6 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

31

42

80

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

7

THE EDITOR

A

s a Mississippi expat in New York from the ’80s through 2013, I celebrated every snowfall. But, as the decades passed, I got mighty tired of slogging through gray slush and wearing a coat until June. I really love all the seasons, but I think winter should be over by March. Fortunately, now that I’m back in my homeland, it pretty much is.

That first warmish night when I step outside and hear the peepers, I know the worst of winter is over.

March has always been my favorite month.

The earth began its inexorable tilt toward the sun way back in December, but March is when we first begin to feel it. We might still have some bitter days, but on the whole, everything’s a little softer and warmer. Things stir. The grass turns green again, the clover and wild onions come up, and it’s daffodil-hyacinth-tulip time.

And whose spirit doesn’t lift when, at the end of the day, there’s a little more light in the sky?

Another thing to love about this month: March means travel. If you hadn’t planned on going anywhere for spring break, InstaLove,

8 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

Top: Zip-lining at Adventure Ridge in Vail, Colorado—one of four travel destinations profiled in our story beginning on page 42. Above: Historic railcars at the Water Valley Casey Jones Railroad Museum.

on page 16, or the Oxford Insider’s Guide to Travel Destinations, starting on page 42, may give you the itch. If you’re feeling nostalgic for the romance of train travel, visit two nearby historic depots, or take a ride on the Crescent or the City of New Orleans (more on page 36).

Vacation or staycation, wherever this month takes you, we’re happy to come along for the ride.

ALLISON ESTES, EDITOR IN CHIEF

INVITATION Oxford publishers

Phil and Rachel West

editorial

EDITOR IN CHIEF Allison Estes CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Emily Welly EVENTS EDITOR Mary Moreton STAFF WRITER Ginny Cooper McCarley CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kimme Hargrove Rachel Ishee Keith Wiseman SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Katherine Henson

art

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Hallie Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Joe Worthem CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Olivia Barrow Amanda Cody Carina Marino Jessica Richardson Megan Wolfe

production

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Emily Suber

COPY EDITOR Kate Johnson

advertising

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Alise M. Emerson Leigh Lowery Lynn McElreath Stacey Raper Moni Simpson Whitney Worsham ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Zach Fields Becca Pepper

office

BUSINESS MANAGER Hollie Hilliard DISTRIBUTION Donald Courtney Brian Hilliard MAIN OFFICE 662-234-4008 ADVERTISING INFORMATION ads@invitationoxford.com

To subscribe to one year (10 issues) of Invitation Oxford or to buy an announcement, visit invitationoxford.com.

To request a photographer at your event, email Mary at mary.invitation@gmail.com.

Invitation Oxford respects the many diverse individuals and organizations who make up north Mississippi and strives to be inclusive and representative of all members of our community.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

9

1205 Wood Duck Cove

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calendar

MARCH 2018

3/1

3/7

3/21-23

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, one of the Native American names for the moon in March is the “Worm Moon,” because as the soil softens, earthworm casts appear.

6:52 p.m. almanac.com/content/full-moon-march

English singer/songwriter Rupert Wates performs a mix of acoustic, melodic art/folk, jazz, vaudeville and cabaret.

Single admission $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers.

Couples admission $12 for members, $15 for nonmembers.

7-9 p.m., the Small Hall.

662-236-6429 oxfordarts.com

An outreach program of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture presented in partnership with Square Books. Book signings, speakers and other events.

662-915-3374 oxfordconferenceforthebook.com/schedule

Full Worm Moon

3/2-3

Oxford Park Commission Fastpitch Softball Challenge

Small Hall Concert Series

Oxford Conference for the Book

3/22

Mini Masters at the Museum

High school tournament hosted by Olive Branch Lady Quistors Softball.

8 a.m.-8 p.m., FNC Park.

Contact Seth Gaines at 662-687-1720 or 662-232-2389. fncpark.com

3/11

Daylight saving time begins. Turn clocks forward one hour.

2 a.m.

A drop-in art workshop for kids 2-5 years old and a parent or guardian. This month, artist Maysey Craddock: Nature Shapes. $5 per family 3:45-4:30 p.m., the University of Mississippi Museum. museum.olemiss.edu/mini-masters

3/3

3/12-14

3/23-25

Ole Miss Men’s Basketball Ole Miss vs. Vanderbilt 7:30 p.m., The Pavilion. olemisssports.com

3/5

Yoga in the Gallery A free event hosted by RebelWell. Practice your downward dog alongside art, sculpture and exhibits in one of the museum’s galleries.

Participants should bring their own mat.

8:30-9:30 a.m., the University of Mississippi Museum. museum.olemiss.edu

12 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

Spring Forward

Celebrate the Sun Spring Break Art Camp For ages 4-14. Outdoors; pack a lunch. Art supplies and snacks provided. $100 per artist. Sibling discounts available.

9 a.m.-3 p.m., Studio Whimzy.

662-202-2895 studiowhimzy.com

3/17

Oxford St. Paddy’s Pub Crawl The ninth annual pub crawl, sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey.

3 p.m., the Square.

2018 Miss-i-sippin’ Beer Festival Hosted by the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and Miss-i-sippin’. Brewers banquet, beer tasting and craft beer festival. oxfordarts.com/events/sippin

3/24

The Ole Miss Big Event University of Mississippi students volunteer to assist local residents. Community members are encouraged to register projects for students to complete on the day of service. olemissbigevent@gmail.com bigevent.olemiss.edu

3/24

Ninth Annual New Albany Home and Garden Show Hosted by the Union County Master Gardeners and the Union County Extension.

This year’s theme is “Hoppin’ into Spring.”

9 a.m.-5 p.m., downtown New Albany.

3/24

Denim and Diamonds Oxford University School Spring Auction Live music by Rocket 88, dinner by My Michelle’s restaurant, silent auction, wine pull and restaurant pull. Call 662-234-2200 for a $25 ticket.

6-11 p.m., The Lyric Oxford. facebook.com/events/182303255861074

3/26

Paws Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs Hosted by Pampered Paws Animal Hospital.

All ages and breeds welcome. Bring a lawn chair and your pup(s). Live music, beverages, food and pet prizes. Rain date 3/27.

5-8 p.m., Pampered Paws Animal Hospital, 226 County Road 162.

662-236-9500 pawsoxford.com

3/31

Blue Moon The second full moon this month.

7:57 p.m. almanac.com/content/full-moon-march March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

13

shoutouts MARCH 2018

The 2018 North Mississippi Classic The Country Club of Oxford will host the North Mississippi Classic golf tournament April 16-22. The PGA-sanctioned Web.com Tour event, managed by Century Club Charities, will be held annually and is expected to attract some of the world’s top golfers. One hundred fifty-six players compete for a $550,000 purse, and proceeds benefit charities throughout the region.

Volunteers can register to work during the tournament. The $25 registration fee includes a shirt, hat, badge, tickets, food and beverages.

The fee is waived for University of Mississippi students and staff. Volunteers who work at least 15 hours earn a free round of golf. northmsclassic.com

Erin Smith and CASA: the Court Appointed Special Advocates Program The Ole Miss Big Event For eight years University of Mississippi students have dedicated a day in spring to serving the L.O.U. community. This year’s Big Event takes place on March 24. Students volunteer to spend the day helping community members with projects, chores and other duties, such as painting, yard work, cleaning, washing windows and assisting the elderly. The event builds relationships between students and community members.

Students may sign up to volunteer at my.olemiss.edu. Click on the “Get Involved” tab.

Community members are encouraged to register service projects for students to complete. olemissbigevent@gmail.com 662-915-3870 bigevent.olemiss.edu

14 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

Thousands of abused and neglected children in Mississippi have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care. In the overburdened court system, these children who are most in need of help may fall through the cracks.

CASA is a national program that screens and trains courtappointed volunteers to speak for the best interests of these children in court and other settings.

Erin Smith, a University of Mississippi graduate, first learned about the CASA program as a member of Kappa Alpha Theta; CASA is the fraternity’s national philanthropy. In 2017, Smith started the first North Mississippi CASA program, the seventh in the state.

“We are sometimes the only constant figure in a child’s life,” Smith said. “We stay with children until they are in a safe and permanent home.”

Children who have a CASA volunteer in their life spend on average 7.5 fewer months in foster care than those without an advocate.

To volunteer: casaforchildren.org

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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ALISON IS OUTSIDE written by Rachel Ishee

A

sk Ole Miss student Alison El-Feraly about her passions in life, and traveling will be at the top of her list. Scrolling through her Instagram feed is like going on a mini vacation filled with adventure, breathtaking views and her 2-year-old golden retriever, Koa. “On my page you can find photos from a vast array of places I have been, either in the South, such as Nashville or Chattanooga, or places far away, like Santa Cruz, California; Lake Tahoe; the Grand Canyon; and even Iceland,” El-Feraly said.

Also featured are images from her hometown, Helena, Alabama; the Appalachian Trail in Georgia; and, of course, Oxford.

El-Feraly’s love of travel, paired with her photography skills, has earned her more than 3,000 followers on Instagram and partnerships with brands such as Polaroid and Bangs Shoes.

Taylor Swift even follows her on Tumblr.

After graduation, El-Feraly is bound for San Francisco, where she will continue to chronicle her travels on social media.

“I’m always looking forward to my next adventure,” El-Feraly said.

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

@alisonisoutside

16 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JANNAH ALEXANDER

STACI MICHELLE KELLUM & LUKE AARON EICKMEIER

r. and Mrs. David Ward Kellum of Oxford, Mississippi, announce the engagement of their youngest daughter, Staci Michelle Kellum, to Luke Aaron Eickmeier, son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Lee Eickmeier of Rome, New York.

The bride-elect is a 2005 graduate of Lafayette High School in Oxford. She attended Delta State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing sciences in 2009.

She graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2011 with a master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders. Staci is currently a speech therapist for the Lafayette County school district.

Luke is a 2006 graduate of O’Fallon High School in O’Fallon, Illinois. He attended the University of Missouri and graduated in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in business management. He then was commissioned into the Navy as a surface warfare officer and served on three U.S. Navy ships in San Diego and Japan.

Lieutenant Eickmeier is currently a naval science instructor for the NROTC program at the University of Mississippi.

The couple will exchange vows May 26, 2018, at North Oxford Baptist Church, with a reception to follow.

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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CAESAR SALAD

written by Ginny Cooper McCarley recipes by Kimme Hargrove

T

he Ides of March will always conjure up Julius Caesar and the conspiracy and betrayal surrounding his death, but despite popular belief, the ancient Roman ruler had nothing to do with your favorite salad.

However, rumor and betrayal swirls around the origins of this dish as well.

One legend says chef Caesar Cardini concocted the dish out of necessity on a particularly busy night at his Tijuana, Mexico, restaurant back in 1924.

Others claim that Cardini’s brother Alex, an Italian air pilot during World War I, added anchovies and popularized the version we know today.

Yet another story says it wasn’t a Cardini who created the salad but an employee at the restaurant. After the dish became popular, Caesar Cardini claimed the recipe as his own and named it after himself.

Whatever the true origins, this month’s recipe by Invitation Magazines’ food blogger, Kimme Hargrove, features all the elements of a classic Caesar salad — a rich, creamy, garlicky dressing; loads of grated Parmesan; and a crunchy topping — with a few fun twists.

Throw halved romaine on the grill for a light char and slight wilt that pairs perfectly with the strong flavors of the dressing. If you’re turned off by the idea of raw eggs thickening the dressing, don’t worry: Hargrove provides an equally decadent egg-free version.

20 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

Grilled Caesar Salad

Light (and Eggless) Caesar Dressing

2 heads romaine lettuce, rinsed and cut in half lengthwise 2 Tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste

2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon anchovy paste Juice of ½ lemon (about 2 Tablespoons) 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 Tablespoon white vinegar ½ cup plain Greek yogurt ½ cup olive oil ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper, to taste

Heat grill to medium-high. Drizzle romaine halves (both sides) with olive oil, salt and pepper, to taste. Place cut side down on grill for 2 minutes, then flip. Heat for another 1-2 minutes, until slightly charred.

Serve cut side up, drizzled with dressing and topped with Parmesan Crisps.

For a traditional Caesar salad, served cold, use chopped romaine lettuce. Toss with dressing, and top with fresh croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese.

Parmesan Crisps ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese Heat oven to 350ºF. Line a large baking pan (or 2 small pans) with parchment paper or silicone baking sheets. Drop cheese by heaping tablespoonfuls onto pan, patting each pile down gently and placing piles 1 inch apart (crisps will spread while cooking).

Bake 5-6 minutes, until slightly browned.

Cool and gently loosen using a spatula.

Combine first 6 ingredients using a whisk.

Whisk in yogurt until combined. Drizzle in olive oil slowly while whisking vigorously. Once the olive oil has been emulsified, add Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, to taste. (The anchovy paste adds a depth of flavor that isn’t fishy at all, but haters can leave it out.)

Quick Homemade Croutons ½ loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes 3 Tablespoons olive oil 1 Tablespoon garlic salt Salt and pepper, to taste Heat oven to 350ºF. In a large bowl, sprinkle olive oil, garlic salt, salt and pepper over bread cubes. Toss to combine. Spread croutons onto a baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes. Cool and store in a ziplock plastic bag.

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22 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

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March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

23

parting SHOTS Photographer Robert Jordan retires after 33 years with University Communications.

S

ince 1984, Robert Jordanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary responsibility has been to promote the University of Mississippi through superior photography that captures the spirit of the university. An Ole Miss alum, Jordan has also worked as a stringer for both United Press International and The Associated Press. His work has been recognized by the National Press Photographers Association, Kodak, Nikon, the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and the University Photographers Association of America. Included here are some of his many outstanding images. photographed by Robert Jordan

24 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

SUNSET OVER THE LYCEUM: I was driving home after a long day at work, when the sky started to light up from the setting sun. I turned around and raced back to campus just in time to grab a few photos.

YOGA IN THE GALLERY: RebelWell sponsors free yoga classes in the University Museum. Practicing yoga in such a space adds to the experience.

FALL AT OLE MISS: Bokyung Choi and Jaehyun Ryoo pause to get a closer look at the leaves of a Japanese maple outside the J.D. Williams Library.

SNOWY VENTRESS: February 2015. I shot a lot of photos that day with my camera and drone. This photo best captured the beauty of the campus, Ventress Hall and the snow.

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE AT OLE MISS: Jim Lehrer welcomes John McCain and Barack Obama to the candidatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first presidential debate, hosted by Ole Miss in 2008. An official begrudgingly gave me a photo pass less than an hour before the debate began.

STARGAZING: Astronomy students were going to the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dark-sky viewing area to observe the stars and planets.

I jumped at the chance to tag along and shoot photos.

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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TULIP TIME: Students head to class past “The Mentor” statue, near the Gertrude Ford Center for the Performing Arts.

GLOW ZUMBA: Challenging lighting situations often lead to interesting photos. Here Ole Miss students participate in glow Zumba in the Turner Center.

NEW STUDENT UNION: I hired a 65-foot Facilities Management bucket truck to take the photo. I was just about to call it a day when I saw the double-decker bus coming down the road. Sometimes you just get lucky.

ECO FASHION: Ole Miss student Kyla Clark models a dress and sash made entirely from plastic recovered from the Lafayette County landfill to raise awareness for recycling during Ole Miss’ Green Week.

SUNSET OVER OLE MISS: With the Fourth of July approaching, I wanted to create an iconic image of the American flag with the Lyceum. I needed a breezy day to furl the flag and a nice sunset to set the mood.

THE LAZARUS PROJECT: Led by Dr. Gregory Heyworth, honors students participating in the Lazarus Project learn to use multispectral light arrays to reveal details in old or damaged documents that are invisible under normal lighting.

26 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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SUNSET OVER VAUGHT-HEMINGWAY: Ole Miss hosted Memphis State on Sept.

9, 2014. Ole Miss had one home game around the time of sunset that season, and I hoped it would be a good one so I could shoot an aerial photo with our new drone.

I shot a series of photos and stitched them together to create this image.

PERSONAL STRETCH GOAL: Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly stretches for the goal line to score a touchdown against New Mexico State. I only get to shoot a few athletic events a year, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always great to know I can still capture a good sports action shot.

THE PAVILION AT OLE MISS: Fans line up outside The Pavilion at Ole Miss before the Rebels host Alabama. Once I saw how long the lines were becoming, I knew I would need a higher vantage point, so I ran across the street to the rooftop of Anderson Hall.

THE PAVILION AT OLE MISS: Ole Miss fans cheer as the Rebels score against Alabama in the first basketball game played in the new Pavilion.

28 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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30 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

written by Ginny Cooper McCarley photographed by Joe Worthem

I

t’s been six years since Chief Joey East last drove Oxford’s beloved police car, nicknamed “Old Barney.” The old-fashioned police car appeared at store openings, in parades and in children’s programs for more than 30 years until it finally gave out.

“I carried it out to do an opening, it blew up on me, and it hasn’t been used since,” East said. “There’s talk about trying to redo it, but our city shop guy said it would take a lot of money to get it back to where it was safe to drive again.”

The car wasn’t originally a police car but a family car donated to the Oxford Police Department in the mid-1970s when Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels, was the community relations officer for OPD. “Mike and some other officers painted it,

Behind the wheel of “Old Barney.” OPD is currently seeking donations to refurbish the old Buick Roadmaster.

put an old-fashioned light on it and used it in the community to interact with children,” East said.

Barney made appearances at many parades and events over the years, but the car was perhaps best known for its appearances in the Christmas parade.

After decades of service, an old police car and an antique fire engine need TLC. “The children loved him,” East said. “During the Christmas parade I’d always load up with one or two kids. He was very popular.”

Barney has had engine trouble before. East brought the car to the Oxford-Lafayette School of Applied Technology several years ago to have some work done on it, but the car now needs more extensive repairs.

The police car has been missed in the community. Several people have called the department, asking about the fate of the old Buick Roadmaster, which is currently parked near a dumpster behind Fire Station 4.

“We had several private citizens [contact us] who are willing to help raise money,” East said. “There may be a resurrection of Barney, if we can get some private donations to get it back and going.”

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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For close to 40 years, Engine 2 was the pride of the Oxford Fire Department. The 1928 American LaFrance, with its wooden-spoke wheels, was state-of-the-art at the time. OFD plans to restore the 90-year-old engine if funding can be secured. Oxford Fire Chief Mark Heath (pictured opposite page) estimates that repairs could range from $50,000 to $150,000.

Barney isn’t the only vintage vehicle in town in need of some help. Sitting in an enclosed garage at Fire Station 1 is a 1928 fire truck, original to the Oxford Fire Department.

The truck was shipped to the old Oxford train depot on July 5, 1928, and has been with the fire department ever since. Made by American LaFrance in Elmira, New York, the engine was a unique acquisition for a town the size of Oxford.

“For Oxford to be able to secure this back in the day, somebody was getting something that normally you would only be getting in a bigger city,” said Oxford Fire Chief Mark Heath. “For its day it was kind of cutting-edge.”

Despite the number 2 painted on its side, Engine 2 was the primary engine for the department until it was eventually replaced. Typically the department uses trucks until they age out of service, at which time they are switched to

32 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

reserve status then taken out of commission.

Some, like Engine 2, are kept for their historical value. Based on old photographs, Heath estimates that the engine was still in service in the 1960s. According to retired Fire Chief Jerry Johnson, the engine functioned until the 1980s, when the pumping mechanism froze.

Engine 2 has been preserved and updated over the years. In 1988 executives at the old Whirlpool Corporation plant donated funds for gold leaf decaling and rechroming of the exterior fittings. In 1989, Elliott Lumber Company donated wood to cover the original running boards, which were saved and have been reinstalled.

OFD continued to use Engine 2 in parades and for educational purposes until it stopped running a few years ago. At that time, the department consulted with an American LaFrance restoration specialist. The price he

quoted was “pretty expensive,” Heath said.

Heath will seek other quotes, but he estimates that repairs will cost between $50,000 and $150,000 depending on whether the department opts for a full restoration or just a mechanical overhaul to return the engine to running condition.

“We’re trying to look at ways to raise money to restore it,” Heath said. “A lot of the guys, they would love to see it back where we could drive it for parade use or other community events.”

For now, the department uses the engine for static displays. At the 2017 Double Decker Festival, Shivers Towing took the engine to the department’s safety area just off the square, where several people expressed interest in the truck.

“We’re trying to determine what it needs to bring it back,” Heath said. “It’s 90 years old this year. A lot of people love that old engine.”

“We’re trying to look at ways to raise money to restore it. A lot of the guys, they would love to see it back where we could drive it for parade use or other community events.” -Oxford Fire Chief Mark Heath

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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34 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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Down

by the

Station

Ride the rails or visit these repurposed depots for a taste of travel from a bygone era. written by Keith Gore Wiseman

“Look a-yonder comin’…”

The first trains pulled into Oxford in the 1850s, when the Mississippi Central Railroad ran right up the heart of the state from Canton to Grand Junction, Tennessee. The Memphis and Tennessee Railroad joined the line at Winona in 1861, connecting the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes. And Water Valley became a boomtown when the Illinois Central Railroad began to acquire the line in 1872.

The last passenger trains pulled out of Oxford in 1941. But the Mississippi Central still has an active freight line with headquarters in Holly Springs, and a historic site near the original depot in Water Valley now houses a collection of train memorabilia, much of it associated with the infamous Casey Jones.

To enjoy this legacy, take an afternoon to explore the Holly Springs depot district or the Casey Jones Museum in Water Valley. For a real

36 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

dose of nostalgia, board Amtrak’s legendary “City of New Orleans” in Greenwood or the “Crescent” in Meridian for a day or weekend excursion.

Water Valley Casey Jones Railroad Museum Several hundred men were killed on the railroad in 1900, but only one is legendary.

Jonathan Luther “Casey” Jones was an otherwise upstanding young engineer whose fatal flaw was a need for speed. Popular music immortalized Jones for jumping the tracks near Vaughan, but people in Oxford knew him as a humble engineer who mimicked the whippoorwill with his whistle on his route through the Hilgard Cut. “Jones’ legend sprang from a ‘nonstory,’ because trains jumped tracks, and men died, just about every day,” said Jack Gurner, nephew

of Bruce Gurner, the late curator of the Water Valley Casey Jones Railroad Museum.

Jones figures prominently in Bruce Gurner’s Illinois Central Railroad collection, which fills the museum at 105 Railroad St., along with items from the shuttered rail museum in Vaughan.

Bruce, the son of a railroad fireman, worked the railroad himself and had been fascinated with trains since childhood. He pulled many of the unique records and artifacts in his collection from trash heaps when Water Valley’s ICR headquarters closed in 1946.

Visitors to the museum can see photos of Jones on his regular route in Engine 638, as well as a photo of the wrecked engine in which Jones earned his infamy. The exhibit includes a cracked bell, identified by its donor as the bell salvaged from the wreck.

More information: caseyjonesmuseum.com

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JACK GURNER

Top left: Casey Jones in Engine 638. Top right: Vintage baggage cart and barrels at the Water Valley Casey Jones museum. Center: Water Valley depot sign. Bottom: Inside the museum.

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY KEITH GORE WISEMAN

The Holly Springs Passenger Station and Hotel was once a bustling hotel and depot, attracting patrons and travelers from all over. An active freight line still runs past. The depot had fallen into disrepair over the years, but plans are underway to salvage it. Next door is Phillips Grocery, an old-time country store.

Holly Springs Passenger Station and Hotel Those who think Oxford is the center of the universe may be surprised to learn that Holly Springs had a population of 4,000 when Oxford was just a wide spot in the woods. The town alboasted the first university in the state, the Chalmers Institute, before Oxford was even incorporated.

The original depot in Holly Springs was a modest structure built in the 1850s, but in 1886, the ICR opened the Holly Springs Passenger Station and Hotel.

Located on East Van Dorn Avenue, this grand edifice still stands. With 20 luxurious bedrooms and a dining room that seated 120,

38 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

the depot was a regional entertainment draw, with dances, bands from Memphis and guests from all over. President Teddy Roosevelt once greeted townspeople from the train while stopped at the station.

William Faulkner was a visitor and fictionalized its proprietor as Mr. Diarmid in “The Reivers,” claiming he sliced meat so thin that he was able to send his family to Chicago on the proceeds of a single ham.

Visitors today can get a more generous serving next door at Phillips Grocery. The old-time country store is packed to the brim with interesting local artifacts, and the menu features burgers, patty melts, corn nuggets and fried apple and peach pies.

Gwen Wyatt, whose grandfather bought the building in 1942, has lived in the depot all her life. She and a group of locals who call themselves the Depot Divas envision converting it to a venue similar to Oxford’s Powerhouse. The size and age of the building, however, present a very daunting task.

“We did complete the large dining room that was added in 1886 and plan to rent it out as a venue,” Wyatt said. “The room’s floating ceiling had provided an unobstructed dance floor but eventually collapsed. It took a year to pick up all the huge timbers, and three posts now hold the ceiling up.”

More information: thehollyspringsdepot.blogspot.com

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF AMTRAK/CHUCK GOMEZ

The “City of New Orleans” and the “Crescent” If talk of train lore has you longing to hear that lonesome whistle, Oxford is well situated for a quick, relatively inexpensive rail excursion. Amtrak has passenger stations as close as Memphis, Greenwood and Meridian.

Travelers can board the legendary “City of New Orleans” at 6:50 a.m. in Greenwood and be in New Orleans’ Union Passenger Terminal at 3:32 that afternoon.

Take it big-easy from Friday night in your favorite NOLA haunts to Sunday morning beignets, then board the train at 1:45 p.m. and be back in Greenwood in about six hours.

Or spend that weekend in a less celebrated, but no less historic, city along the way.

Yazoo City, Jackson, Hazlehurst, Brookhaven and McComb are all stops along the line.

Attractions detailed in Amtrak’s route guide include Brookhaven’s Victorian homes, McComb’s Lighted Azalea Festival and Jackson’s Old Capitol Museum.

Amtrak also operates the “Crescent,” which runs from New York to New Orleans primarily along the Norfolk Southern Line, with stops in Meridian, Laurel, Hattiesburg and Picayune.

So, whether your speed is “Soul Train” or “Wabash Cannonball,” there’s a railroad destination right around the bend.

More information: amtrak.com/train-routes Above: The “City of New Orleans” makes a stop in Jackson. Above right: The “Crescent” crossing the James River in Virginia. Right: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, including wine, beer and spirits, are available.

40 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

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Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re planning a weekend road trip or a weeklong adventure, these Oxford residents have the inside scoop on travel destinations all over the country. written by Ginny Cooper McCarley

Top: Downhill skiing on perfect powder at Blue Sky Basin at Vail Resorts. Above left: Skaters at Alderhof Ice Rink in Vail Square. Above right: Twilight aerial view of Vail Village in winter.

42 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JACK AFFLECK AND JEFF ANDREW FOR VAIL RESORTS

Clockwise from top left: Mountain biking at sunset; hiking the hills amid wildflowers; Vail Village at dusk in the summer; meandering trail through a stand of aspens.

Vail, Colorado When it comes to powdery snow and expansive terrain, pretty much everyone agrees: Vail is one of the best ski resorts in the country.

But what should you do when you take a break from the slopes?

Oxford resident Carter Thomas Griffin lived in Beaver Creek, Colorado, a small town just a few miles from Vail, where she worked as a ski instructor after college. For Griffin, one of the best parts of visiting Vail is the location.

“I love that you can jump on the interstate and get to different resorts really quickly,” she said. “If you’re going to be there for an extended period of time, it’s definitely a good place to stay.”

In winter, Griffin suggests spending a long day skiing with a break for lunch at the Vail Chophouse. The upscale eatery offers fantastic views of the slopes as well as live music in the afternoon. Then find a nearby hot spring to work out any sore muscles. For a fancy night out, head to Grouse Mountain Lodge to sample some of the game meat the state is known for, like dry-aged duck breast or elk short loin.

In summer, hiking enthusiasts should attempt a fourteener, one of Colorado’s 58 mountains with a peak of 14,000 feet or more.

Just a little more than an hour away, Quandary Peak is a great choice for beginner hikers because the trail is well marked and the ascent is

tame. For very experienced hikers, the nearby Mount of the Holy Cross offers breathtaking views from the summit.

“You start at 4 a.m. and climb all day, then have lunch at the top of the mountain before coming back down,” Griffin said. “You’ve got to be ready for it, but it’s definitely something to add to the bucket list.”

Griffin also suggests fly-fishing or taking the guided Vail Pass bike tour. In late summer, driving the Independence Pass is a great way to catch the changing aspen trees.

For Griffin, the sight is unparalleled. “If you hit it at the right time, it’s the most gorgeous thing you’ve ever seen.”

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF TOURISM SANTA FE

Clockwise from top left: Mariachi bands serenade onlookers near the Plaza in Santa Fe; the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi downtown; local blooms and produce at a farmers market; mountain biking on the Aspen Vista Trail; postwar American abstract art at David Richards Gallery.

Santa Fe, New Mexico Bill and Ann Hopper have been traveling to Santa Fe every August for about three decades, so they know all about the charm of the Spanish-style city. For the Hoppers, the twisting city streets provide a magical escape from the sweltering late-summer heat of Mississippi.

“It’s located at 7,000 feet in the high plains, so during the day it is 80 degrees at most, and at night it gets down to the mid-50s,” Bill said.

44 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

Any trip to Santa Fe should begin in the Plaza, the center of town known to many as “the heart of Santa Fe.” The beautiful, treefilled square is replete with art galleries, shops and restaurants as well as historical landmarks like the Palace of the Governors, the oldest public building in the United States.

The intimate La Plazuela restaurant at the hotel La Fonda on the Plaza, has a fabulous breakfast. Bill suggests the huevos rancheros or the brioche French toast. For drinks after a long day of exploring, head to the

hotel’s rooftop bar and tapas restaurant, which overlooks the Jemez Mountains.

“That’s a wonderful thing to do on a beautiful clear day or right after a rainstorm,” Bill said. “The sunsets are magnificent.”

Grab dessert at the Plaza Café, a local spot famous for their pies, or venture a block away to Chez Mamou, a French bakery.

If you’re in town in mid-August, attend the Santa Fe Indian Market. The event is the largest of its kind in the world and features more than 1,000 artists exhibiting and selling

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Top: Authentic Mexican fare at Tomasita’s restaurant.

Above: Traditional Pueblo pottery.

traditional and contemporary Native American art and jewelry. In the summer, enjoy an aria underneath the desert sky at the Santa Fe Opera house.

There’s always an event to attend or a monument to see, but the best way to experience Santa Fe, Bill says, is to just go to the Plaza and explore.

“That is Santa Fe,” he said. “When you are in the Plaza, you just have a good feeling. You feel light and carefree; you feel more energetic. That’s what we like.”

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Clockwise from top left: Gazebo at the Huntsville Botanical Garden; serene water view at Ditto Landing and marina; Shops at Bridge Street Towne Centre; Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment.

Huntsville, Alabama An easy three-hour drive from Oxford, Huntsville is the perfect spot for a family-friendly weekend getaway. The charm of the rapidly growing city lies in its ability to maintain a smalltown feel while boasting big-city amenities.

“It’s like a love child between Oxford and Atlanta,” said Huntsville native Jenna Elsohly.

“It has little boutiques, but it also has big malls.”

Elsohly, who moved to Oxford to attend college in 2006 and has lived here since, frequently takes trips back to her hometown with her husband and their two children.

Kid’s Kingdom, an enclosed playground in Dublin Park shaded by oak and walnut trees,

46 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

is one of their favorite places to play.

“They have a pond, so we’ll go and feed the ducks,” Elsohly said.

She also likes to take her family to Mont Sano, a sprawling 2,140-acre state park high above Huntsville, which features 20 miles of hiking trails, beautiful views and a playground for kids.

For a night out on the town, Elsohly suggests going to Bridge Street, a beautiful open-air mall with a hotel, restaurants and lots of shopping. For dinner, try Kona Grill, an upscale Asian-fusion restaurant. Enjoy a walk across the street to Cantina Laredo for a special

slice of apple pie, prepared right at your table.

Huntsville is famous as home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, a must-see interactive museum featuring science exhibits and rockets, as well as an IMAX movie theater. But for visitors looking for something new, Elsohly suggests checking out Lowe Mill.

Once a cotton gin, the massive building features more than 130 working artist studios, six galleries, a food truck and a record store.

“There’s jewelry, art, food and lots of unique findings,” Elsohly said. “It’s a place most people don’t know about that you’ve really got to visit.”

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Top to bottom: Space Shuttle Orbiter test simulator “Pathfinder”at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center; Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Hampton Cove; Huntsville Museum of Art in Big Spring Park.

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF EXPLORE ST. LOUIS

Top: View of the St. Louis skyline and the Gateway Arch across the Mississippi River. Above left: Anheuser-Busch St. Louis brewery. Above right: Young Clydesdales at Grant’s Farm.

St. Louis, Missouri When University of Mississippi student Carina Marino is showing visitors around her hometown of St. Louis, the first place she takes them is the Gateway Arch.

At 630 feet tall, the arch remains the tallest man-made national monument in the United States. Visitors can ride an enclosed tram to the top, where on a clear day you can see up to 30 miles in each direction. On windy days, you might be able to feel the arch sway a bit, though it was built to withstand earthquakes and high winds.

“No one else has the arch,” Marino said.

48 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

“That’s number one. You can see Missouri on one side of the Mississippi, and on the other side you can see Illinois, plus all of downtown.”

St. Louis is also home to the largest and oldest brewery in the nation, Anheuser-Busch.

Visitors can learn about the site’s historic architecture and the brewing process, and sample some of the beers.

Just 20 minutes away is Grant’s Farm, the sprawling 281-acre ancestral home of the Busch family. A tram tour, fun for all ages, affords visitors a tour of the property and a view of the more than 100 species of animals that live

there, including the famous Clydesdale horses.

Nearly everything (except parking) is free.

Parade lovers take note: Mardi Gras in St. Louis rivals New Orleans, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is fun for all ages, turning the city into “a sea of green,” Marino said. And baseball fans can of course catch a Cardinals game.

For Marino, one of the great things about St. Louis is its rich and diverse immigrant culture. After a day of exploring, she suggests heading to The Hill for lunch. Located near the city’s highest point, The Hill is a vibrant neighborhood known for its Italian-American

Top to bottom: Grant’s Farm; fire hydrant painted like the Italian flag on The Hill; Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill.

roots and delicious restaurants.

“It’s almost like Beale Street in Memphis,” Marino said. “Several different roads connect, and there are delis, bakeries and restaurants that are all Italian.”

Grab a slice of pizza or a sandwich at Joey B’s on The Hill. “Their choices of pizza are super authentic,” Marino said. For dessert, try a scoop of ice cream or a cookie at a bakery nearby.

For a taste of Bosnian culture, Marino recommends Bevo Mill, named after the area’s 100-year-old windmill.

“I love our city,” Marino said.

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View more photos at invitationoxford.com.

EMPTY BOWLS

The 15th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser was held on Feb. 8 at the Oxford Conference Center.

Attendees enjoyed soup served in a collector’s bowl made by local artists. Proceeds benefit The Pantry. photographed by Carina Marino

Evelyn Halverson and Toulos Kakales

Ginger Whitwell, Paula Farese and Linda Norwood

Camie Bianco and Hattie Steiner

Johnna Kolaks, Barbara Smith and Beth Stidham

Ann DeVoe and Tracy Buchanan

Olivia Wagg and Libby Sleeper

Lucy Schultze and Suneetha Chittiboyina

Katie Hester and Mandy Varner

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Susan Meredith and Irma Buchanan

Hailey Hansen and Max Costa

Heidi Franz, Rawlins Biggs and Olivia Nash

Julia Blake Anderson and Miranda Crosby

Abby Vance and Summer Jefferson

Nyterica Edget and Caroline Baldy

Jan Henning, Kyrie Shaner, Debbie Shaner, Paula Flynn and Marcia Vincent

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View more photos at invitationoxford.com.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL SIGNING DAY

The Ole Miss Quarterback Club hosted a reception celebrating National Signing Day on Feb. 7 at The Pavilion. photographed by Megan Wolfe

Summer Ragsdale and Brady Bramlett

Jack and Preston Turner

Terri and Dale Jackson

52 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

Buck and Melanie Ladner

Betty Lou and Pat Garrigan

Alex Rankin, Matt Mossberg and Daâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ron Brown

Roger and Pam Franck

Juanita and Gene Skinner

Michael Paulus and Kathryn Lance

Bill and Bonnie Hanks

Luke Eickmeier, Staci Kellum, Jessica Hughes and Jeremy Gregory

Sherry and Tom Storey

Jim and Elizabeth Stephens

Russell, Donna and Redding Wilson

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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View more photos at invitationoxford.com.

COMMUNITY FILM NIGHT

Community Film Night was held Feb. 7 at The Powerhouse. The event served as the kick-off to the 15th annual Oxford Film Festival and featured live performances and several short films. photographed by Carina Marino

Charissma Crump and Pam Lawhead

Deb and Jay Wenger

54 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

Paulina Afentakis, Rory Ledbetter and Mark Rabinowitz

Conner Ferguson and Sam Cox

Jullian Cullen and Rachel Adkins

Jeffrey Reed, Aaron Harris and Matt Wymer

KJ Gipson and Dre Sweat

Sara and Mabry Wellborn

Sharon Schreiber and Michael Hallock

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YOUNG LIFE ANNUAL BANQUET

Young Life Oxford held its 11th annual banquet on Feb. 8 at the Jefferson. The celebration included dinner, fellowship and program discussion. photographed by Olivia Barrow

Emily Moquin and Camille Spillman

Sarah Morgan Pellum and Emily Reeter

Molly Jones and Taylor Langford

56 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

Ashley Clark and Jill Gardner

Alex Enright, Kayleigh Keyes, Anna Spears, Crayton Bowie and Sara Valentine

Victoria Young, Donnell Barr and Barbara Bell

Stacy and Phil Harrison

Molly and Griffin Tanner

Mary John and Josh White

Barbara and Todd Weddle with Caroline Carrillo

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FATHER/DAUGHTER PRINCESS BALL

The sixth annual Princess Ball was held on Jan. 29, 30 and 31 at the Powerhouse. The event was hosted by Chick-fil-A and featured refreshments, music and dancing. photographed by Megan Wolfe

Ava and Javarius Brom

Myers Polancich with Kalee Caldwell and Ella Grace Polancich

Amanda and Lance Reed

Reagan Thomas and Casey Dunn

Maggie, Rosie and Matt McClendon

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Nathan and Hanley Jo Murray

Madilyn and Marcus White

Nicole Donechie with Carley Wilkinson

Ella James and Trey Warrington

Chris and Havilah McCammon

Ellie, Jason and Bella Bumgardner

John and Mamie Currence

Aniah, Mary and Allen Echols

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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View more photos at invitationoxford.com.

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS BANQUET

The Lafayette County Law Enforcement Officers Association held its 22nd annual banquet on Feb. 8 at the Oxford Conference Center. photographed by Jessica Richardson

Alan and Jennifer Wilburn

Jason and Courtney Welch with Fran Ramsey

Joe Quarles, Justin Wilson and Will Jenkins

Tammy, Cody, Mike and Harlee Quarles

Mario and Trenisha Weekley

60 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

Cody and Barron Pruitt with Kim Maples

L J and Mary McNece

Marvin, Beth, and Kayla Shoffer with Dylan Hart

Sheridan Maiden and Mary Annie Foshee

Jennifer and Alan Wilburn

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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View more photos at invitationoxford.com.

OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL BANQUET The Oxford High School annual baseball banquet was held Jan. 28. The guest speaker was St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Mike Mayers. photographed by Olivia Barrow

Daniel and Gloria Mathias

Avery Kimbrell, Clark Stoball and CJ Terrell

Ashten, Mary and Ricky Shorter

62 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

Bo Gatlin and John Harvey

Skylar Johnson with Mike and Marie Mayers

Heidi and Warren Smith

Caryn and Chris Burkes

Cole Catalano and Blake Loper

Clay Ivy, Drew Bianco, Jacob Melendez and Tyler Smith

AK Carson and JD Poss

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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THACKER MOUNTAIN RADIO HOUR

Thacker Mountain Radio Hour held a live show of music and literary readings on Feb. 8 at the Ford Center in conjunction with the Oxford Film Festival. photographed by Jessica Ridgeway

Derek Brown and Antonio Terrell

John and Nora Graeber

Melba Hollingsworth and Annie McEwen

Michelle Pillow and John Afamasaga

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An independently owned & operated office of Crye-Leike Franchises, Inc. All information deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice.

FEATURING ARTISTS FROM ACROSS AMERICA with live music and children’s art activities

WEEKEND ALSO INCLUDES Run Now Wine Later 5K Santé South Wine Festival & OBO Tandem Cycling Rally RENAISSANCE AT COLONY PARK

R I D G E L A N D A R T S F E S T. C O M March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE

The Small Hall Concert Series hosted a Songwriter Contest and Showcase on Jan. 20. The event was sponsored by the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and Visit Oxford. photographed by Amanda Cody

Ashton Flippo and Leah Rose

Katie Mink, Eli Lasky and Ashley Culpepper

Wayne Andrews and Derek Brown

James Daigle and Amy Fisher

Luke Fisher, Tricia Walker and Randy Weeks

Veneshia Gillespie and Steve Schad

Kenny Nowell and Rich Gardner

Andrew Gardner, Kyle Kite and Ben Ricketts

Amy Jo Kite and Larry Stevens

Renae and Jason Vallas

Saturday, March 24 6 p.m.@ the Lyric

2018

and

DIAMONDS Oxford University School Spring Auction

Live music by Rocket 88 Silent Auction including:

Original art by Bradley Gordon and Adrienne Brown-David Spa and Beauty packages by Epicure, Styles by Sarah Kate and Blo Dry Bar • Designer handbags by Village Tailor, Cicada and Kelly Wynne • Jewelry by Brooks Collection and Lammons Fine Jewelry • Furniture by The Green Door and much more!

Attire Casual, Denim & Diamonds Best Dressed award will be given to the couple decked out in the best Denim & Diamonds

Wine Pull • Restaurant Gift Card Pull • Food provided by My Michelle’s • Cash bar • Tickets available at the door • $25/person

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March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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DELTA GAMMA HOUSE DEDICATION

The Alpha Psi chapter of Delta Gamma sorority held a reception on Jan. 13 to celebrate its new chapter house renovation. photographed by Mario Martinez

Archie and Olivia Manning

Sherri Moore and Dana Traxler

Lizzie Craig, Drew Bagley and Katie Myers

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Mary Susan Clinton, Karen Moore, Kim Dale, Melody Cates and Aly Telfer

Marla Lomax with Sharon and Jeff Vitter

Carolyn Howard, Mary Margaret Hickman, Carol Jo Barnes, Julie Bull, Tina Montgomery, Beth Rice, Ginger Marlar and Terry Hust

Margie Lott, Ashley Myers and Dorothy Jean Hicks

Bev Kitchens, Emily Witcher and Kate Lyon

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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JUNIOR GENIUS TRIVIA

The Lafayette County Literacy Council held a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trivia contest on Jan. 21 at Tallahatchie Gourmet. photographed by Megan Wolfe

Kaytee Hazlewood and Ramona Brawner

Noah Amidon with Connor Sweeney and Adam Bowling

Sarah Siebert and Annie Amidon

Jacob Tulchinsky, Everett Van Every, Payton Tulchinsky, Gates Allen and Eli Nordstrom

Anders, Derek and Jackson Moreton

Norah and Elliot Bruce, George Monroe, Charlie Samuels, Carolina Cassisa and Saurab Anjanappa

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Jennifer and Lorelei Samuels

Maggie Hazelwood and Graham Sherman

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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OXFORD DAY FOR ART

The Oxford Day for Art Award Ceremony was held on Jan. 23 at the Powerhouse. The event recognized the contributions of local artists and cultural organizations and featured live performances by local musicians. photographed by Amanda Cody

Joe Scott and Hanna Teevan

Brittain Thompson, Nature Humphries and Jaime Adams

Damein Wash with Nick and Faith Keeling

Matthew Dickinson and Seqouia Smith with Anne Karen and Thomas Tolbert

Steve Taranto and Stephanie Young

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Anita Luchies and Tiana Allen

Jessica and Daniel Roebuck with Price Walden

Diana and Josh Cissell

Don and Michelle Harvey with Marilyn and Richard Fry

Joseph Johnson and Kate Teague

Clant Harrison and Katelynn Dillard

Michael Johansson and Princeton James

Kathryn and Kennon Hood

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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OXFORD FIBER ARTS FESTIVAL

The eighth annual Oxford Fiber Arts Festival was held Jan. 25-28 at the Powerhouse. The event showcased exhibits by local fiber artists, a fiber market, workshops and demonstrations. photographed by Megan Wolfe

Teresa Wilson, Linda White and Emily Renie

Frankie and Meredith Wilson

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Merritt, Steven, Vaiden and Chelsea Bennett

Adrienne Brown-David, Ashni Brown and Katie Boyle

Shepherd and Tim Kempe

Perry and Sharon Herron

Roo Kline and Amy Shelton

Bijou David, Anna Samonds and Katie McKee

Erin and Teresa Hendrix

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA FOUNDERS DAY

The Theta Psi and Upsilon Iota Omega chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority held a Founders Day Celebration on Jan. 28 at Second Missionary Baptist Church. photographed by Megan Wolfe

Kayline Stone, Zsaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Xhani Davis and Tiara Mayfield

Ismih and Anitria Jones with Antonio Nelson

Tyesha, Mary and Bobby Hines

Angela Stringer and Judith Thompson

Patsy Pipkin, Braylon Hunt and Edith Sims

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Torie Marion White, Leyser Hayes and Darlene Washington

Sandra Cox McCarty and Sumayia Young

Chasity Caston and Richela Davenport

Brittney Jackson and Kajah Kennedy

RoSusan D. Bartee, Torie Shaw, Demetrica Pegues, Phillis George, Jennifer Simmons and LaQuesha Harris

Annie Jones, Myles Slate and Courtney Jones

LaKayla Love, Tammy Herod and Karmicha Johnson

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OUT AND ABOUT WATER VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Linda Maynor, Zandra Walker and Mary Sue Stevens

Tyler Hill, Keith Stevens and Jackie Sartain

Barron Caulfield and Janet Dickey

CHANCELLORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOUSE FIRST ANNIVERSARY PARTY

Anne Morgan Carney, Christina Day, Hannah Trinkle, Charles Sheriff and Bailey Younger

Joseph Emerson and Alex Sanders

Rick Mize and Larry Tate

Margaret Barnell and Becky Cupp

Gwen Wyatt and Alexandra Ashmead

ALL ARTS HOLLY SPRINGS WITH DR. ALISEA MCLEOD

Rkhty Jones and Dr. Alisea McLeod

Susan Jones and Lea Stewart

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MEDICAL

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Brad Camp Consultant/Agent

Direct: 662-234-3224 Office: 800-489-3224 brad.camp@morganwhite.com

Connie Caviness Consultant/Agent

PAYROLL 78 INVITATION OXFORD | March 2018

HUMAN RESOURCES

Direct: 662-234-3224 Office: 800-489-3224 Cell: 662-983-8660 connie.caviness@morganwhite.com

662-638-3922

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T O W N

S Q U A R E

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CAVITY FREE DIPLOMATE, AMERICAN BOARD OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Congratulations to our December & January Winners!

Allyson Ivy

Jacob Doty

Tel: 662-513-4188 2408 South Lamar Blvd. Suite1â&#x20AC;¢ Oxford, MS 38655

March 2018 | INVITATION OXFORD

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JEFF DENNIS

interviewed by Allison Estes photographed by Joe Worthem

Jeff Dennis is an internist, a team doctor for Ole Miss Athletics and president of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council board. His documentary, “The Process: The Way of Pablo Sierra,” about a former runner turned potter, won the Hoka Award for Best Mississippi Feature at the Oxford Film Festival.

Q:

How did you become interested in documentary filmmaking?

A: I got into it for the storytelling aspect. I had frequently seen [Pablo] flying down the side of those country roads on his horse. One day I pulled up behind him in my truck at a crossroad. We started talking, and he told me to come check out his kiln. Once I saw him work his clay mill and groundhog kiln, I knew a documentary needed to be made. [Wayne Andrews] put me in touch with Derek Brown of Lifelong Productions, and we started filming.

Q: During the filming of “The Process,” you had an epiphany of sorts?

A: Yes. Midway into filming, I realized that [more documentaries] would be a nice way to showcase other artists.

Q: What’s your next project?

A: With a group of some of my closest friends, the Patrons of the Process, we’re making another film, “Sharde Thomas: Legacy of the Fife.”

This film will feature Sharde’s amazing fife and drum music, passed down from her grandfather, Blues Hall of Fame musician Othar Turner. It will also feature the 67-year-old Turner family “goat picnic” in Gravel Springs.

The [final scene] has Sharde’s Rising Star Fife and Drum Band playing with members of the Ole Miss Drumline.

Q: What’s the best thing about creating and directing films?

A: My favorite thing about making these documentaries is seeing, hearing and feeling the artists express their creative process.

It’s beautiful!

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