Batesville & Beyond Fall/Holiday 2020

BATESVILLE

&Beyond

FALL/HOLIDAY EDITION ISSUE NO. 26

A PUBLICATION OF THE PANOLIAN

'TIS THE SEASON FOR

Streaming!

tvifiber.com | 662.563.2075

BATESVILLE

&Beyond

THE MAGAZINE

A PUBLICATION OF THE PANOLIAN

FALL/HOLIDAY 2020 ISSUE 24 EDITORIAL Jeremy Weldon CONTRIBUTORS

Donna Traywick

Davis Coen

Carrie Stambaugh

DESIGN Vivek Nakod PUBLISHER Rebecca Alexander

Table 3 9 22 25 27 31 40

of

Contents

Family Secret a Delicious Treasure Finding Peace at Heaven’s Trees Christmas Stockings & Memories Guide to Giving Timely Holiday Tips Spotted Out & About Marketplace

This edition of Batesville & Beyond was published November 2020 by Batesville Newsmedia, LLC. POSTMASTER Send Address changes to Batesville Newsmedia, LLC. P.O. Box 1616, Batesville, MS 38606 Phone: 662-563-4591 Email: publisher@panolian.com

HOW TO REACH US: For story ideas or comments: Jeremy Weldon Phone: 662-563-4591 email: editor@panolian.com

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from the editor

Leaves have changed their colors, the air is chilly, and the sky has traded its robes of brightest blue for paler shades, often settling for grey attire; and why shouldn’t it? Days are shorter now, but that’s just more opportunity to see the festive lighting that has already started appearing around Batesville.

The Main Street Program has introduced a new attraction to our city this year with its Billion Lights of Batesville projects.

Several merchants and office managers have already begun planning for window dressings of holiday scenes.

We’ve noticed that a few homeowners around town have also started putting up Thanksgiving and Christmas themed decorations. Just as the pandemic caused a noticeable increase in the number of people returning to their flowerbeds and vegetable gardens after a few years away from the hobby, it seems that more people have decided to get into the holiday decorating spirit this fall.

Bales of hay, pumpkins and gourds of all shapes, sizes, and colors, and similar fall motifs are appearing every day on lawns across the county. No doubt home decorators are putting out Santas and snowmen and such as well. Favorite ornaments and sentimental serving dishes will be dusted off and readied for display, and we will soon have more to eat than we should, but not enough to have another small helping.

The holidays are different this year to be sure. Not as much travel, less hugging, few crowded living rooms and kitchen tables. The holidays are also the same this year. A time to forget our worldly entanglements, pause with humble and grateful hearts, and remember the blessings our Creator has bestowed yet again on an undeserving humanity.

Let’s turn our eyes to the hills, from whence our help cometh.

The hills of faith and family. Be gone, Covid-19, at least for a few joyful moments from time to time over the next two months while we give thanks for our country, honor our heritage, and seek a renewal of community hope that we best honor God and our fellow man when we first seek to serve, and refrain from complaints and criticisms.

Look around. Count your blessings. The blessing of being an American, the blessing of being a Mississippian, and the great blessing of being in Batesville. Our nation isn’t perfect, our state needs improvement, and our city is far from utopia. But, all things considered, Batesville is a terrific place to live, work, and raise children.

Put aside all pride and prejudice. Let’s enjoy Batesville and all of Panola County during these seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas. We live here, we work here, let’s spend our money here. Shop Batesville and Panola first!

Enjoy this edition of Batesville & Beyond, and hope to see each of you making gift choices at a local shop.

Jeremy Weldon, Editor

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FOOD & DRINK

OLD SARDIS RECIPE HAS PLEASED GENERATIONS ‘School Fudge Pie’ a family tradition

BY LAUREN JONES

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Before Pinterest, Food Network, and immediate access to thousands of recipes online, there was a spiral-bound cookbook, which had the page of the favorite family recipe bookmarked with stains of several holidays worth of spilled ingredients. These timeless, southern recipes have played a symbolic role in preserving family traditions and connecting loved ones.

For Linda Fleming, an Oxford local and wellversed baker, one particular recipe holds a special place, both in her heart and in her kitchen. One morning in the early 1950s, Linda’s grandmother, Mary Katherine Clay Lunceford, sat at her home in Sardis reading the Commercial Appeal newspaper when the chocolate lover came across an alluring recipe for “School Fudge Pie.” She was so delighted with how the pie turned out

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that she called her church, Sardis United Methodist, to have the recipe added to their church cookbook.

It didn’t take long for the decadent fudge pie to become a staple in her home, and to become a sweet symbol of love that connected her friends and family.

“There was never a time when Grandmother didn’t make the pie,” Linda recalled. “She always had some to offer a neighbor, a friend, or to anyone who came into her home, even if it was just the delivery man. She’d have the man installing the dishwasher sit down for pie and coffee,” Fleming laughed as she reminisced about her grandmother’s kind, hospitable nature.

Although she grew up eating and loving her grandmother’s pie, the young baker had never actually made the pie herself; nor did she have the

recipe. In early 2000, Linda, alongside her husband, John Henry Fleming, embarked on their dream of opening a restaurant and bakery and opened Emileigh’s Kitchen.

The couple knew that their grandmother’s beloved pie would be equally as loved by the Oxford community, so they gave her a call and made their first batch of pies. As the two restaurant owners predicted, the Fudge Pie was an immediate hit.

“Grandmother was shocked that people were paying $12 for her pies,” said Linda with a smile. “I thought $12 was a great deal for a whole pie, but my grandmother just could not believe we were selling them for that much.”

Emileigh’s Kitchen became a popular local eatery with loyal customers of all ages. Similar to Mrs. Luncford’s approach, every guest of Emileigh’s was greeted with John Henry’s southern hospitality and Linda’s sweet smile –and of course a piece of fudge pie if you wanted one.

The pair did everything from providing breakfast and lunch to catering events and taking hundreds of birthday cake orders each week.

With fresh fudge pies always on-hand, they also sold other pre-made snacks to take home, such as Archie Manning’s personal favorite, the Fleming’s homemade pimento cheese.

Football season and holidays kept the hardworking couple busy. Mrs. Lunceford, though still shocked about the price of her pies, constantly told her granddaughter how proud she was of her.

Although it kept her busy, Linda enjoyed making her grandmother’s pies and thought of her each day while she prepared them for dozens of orders.

Mrs. Mary Katherine Clay Lunceford, a beloved

wife, mother, and grandmother passed away in June of 2013. Though she was devastated over the loss of her grandmother, Linda felt blessed to have connected with her through this recipe.

“I sobbed through the first batch of pies I made shortly after she passed,” Linda shared.

Unrelated to the death of their grandmother, in 2014 Linda and John Henry decided to close the restaurant.

The Flemings miss the restaurant from time to time and often reminisce about the wonderful times they shared during their time at Emileigh’s, but the loving couple has made a new dream into a reality, and in 2017, became foster parents. With no children of their own, Linda and John Henry knew they wanted to make a difference in a child’s life but they weren’t sure how to go about it.

John Henry mentioned the idea of fostering, but neither of them was knowledgeable of the process, nor had they heard much about it. After toying with the idea for so long, though hesitant, Linda drove to Georgia for a conference where she befriended a lady who shared her personal experiences as a current foster parent and inspired Linda to fill out the application.

After receiving a phone call only two short days later, the excited couple proceeded with the process and became certified foster parents to two beautiful boys. Now ages five and three, the two children have stolen the hearts of their foster parents and the adoption process has already begun.

The Flemings and the two boys spend a lot of time in Sardis at Linda’s family home where, while reading the morning paper, her grandmother’s love for chocolate, inspired a sweet family tradition.

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RISE & SHINE AND SERVE UP A HOLIDAY BREAKFAST WARM CITRUS CIDER Bring to a boil: 1-gallon apple cider; 2 cups orange juice; ½ cup fresh lemon juice; 1 orange, sliced; 1 lemon sliced; 1 ½ teaspoon whole cloves; 3 cinnamon sticks. Recue heat; simmer 10 minutes. Strain solids and discard. Garnish each serving with an apple slice. Serve hot. Makes about 4 ½ quarts.

CAFE MOCHA LATTE 1 ½ cups half-and-half 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 cups strong brewed coffee or expresso ¼ cup chocolate syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ cup whiskey (optional) Heat half & half in saucepan over medium-high heat but do not boil. Remove from heat; stir in brown sugar, coffee syrup and extract; Last add whiskey if desired. Serve warm. Makes 4 cups.

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HONEY BACON GOAT CHEESE DIP 8 ounces goat cheese, softened 3 strips applewood smoked bacon, cooked crisp & crumbled 2 tablespoons honey Fresh berries Pita chips, garlic or plain Place cheese on small holiday serving platter.

Drizzle honey over cheese, sprinkle bacon crumbles over top. Garnish with fresh berries. Serve with pita chips.

ICED COFFEE SLUSH 3 cups strong brewed coffee 1 ½ cups sugar 4 cups milk 2 cups half & half 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract In freezer safe bowl, stir coffee and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. Then add milks and vanilla. Cover and place in freezer. To serve: remove from freezer several hours before serving. Chop until slushy. Serve with a ladle from a large bowl.

COUNTRY HAM WITH RED-EYE GRAVY 3 (¼ - ½-inch thick) slices country ham ¼ cup butter or margarine ¼ cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 cup strong brewed coffee Make cuts in fat to keep ham from curling. Melt butter over low heat in heavy skillet; add ham, cook 5 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.

Remove ham from skillet and keep warm. Stir brown sugar into hot drippings until dissolved. Stir in coffee, bring to a boil; reduce heat, simmer 5 minutes.

Serve with ham and biscuits. Makes 1 cup gravy.

KITCHEN CASSEROLE

OVEN BAKED CHURROS

Unsalted butter 1-pound mild breakfast sausage 6 large eggs 4 cups 2% milk 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 tablespoon chili powder Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 slices day old white bread, cut into quarters Lightly grease 9x13 baking dish with butter. In large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook sausage, stirring to crumble meat until browned and cooked thoroughly, about 8 minutes. Drain of excess fat (in colander or on paper toweling). In large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until well blended. Stir in cooked sausage, cheese and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place bread in single layer in prepared casserole dish.

Pour egg mixture evenly over the bread. Bake until set and golden, about 40 – 50 minutes. Serves 8.

Can be assembled a day in advance, wrapped well and kept in refrigerator until ready to bake. Is easily doubled to make 2 pans.

1 (17.3 ounce) package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed ¼ cup sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon ¼ cup melted butter Preheat oven to 450°. Unfold and cut puff pastry sheets in half length-wise then cut each half crosswise in 1-inch strips. Place strips on lightly greased parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake 10 minutes or until golden brown. Combine sugar and cinnamon. Remove pastry strips from oven when done, dip in butter. Roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Let stand on wire rack 5 minutes. Makes 3 dozen.

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AMBROSIA 6 cups halved orange sections, seeds and membranes removed 3 cups fresh pineapple, chopped 3 cups fresh coconut, shredded 1 ½ cups maraschino cherries – rinsed, drained and halved ¾ cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped ½ - ¾ cup powdered sugar to taste Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Keep chilled until served.

FRENCH TOAST WAFFLES *Note: bread needs to be slightly dry so toast won’t be soggy.

1 cup fat-free milk 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon butter, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 large eggs *16 (½ -inch thick) slices day-old French Bread Coat waffle iron with cooking spray, preheat.

Combine milk and next 5 ingredients, stirring well with a whisk. Place bread in 13x9 inch baking dish; pour milk mixture over bread, turning to coat. Let stand 5 minutes. Place bread in preheated waffle iron. Cook 3 – 5 minutes or until done; repeat with all of the bread slices. Makes 4 servings with 4 waffles each. Serve with fresh berries, powdered sugar, maple syrup, or whipped topping.

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PANOLA LIVING

HEAVEN’S TREES A GEM OF PANOLA COUNTY

BY DONNA TRAYWICK

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Visitors from England, France, and just down the street, have all come to a jewel of Como, Heaven’s Trees Bed and Breakfast at 201 Oak Avenue. Owned and operated by Steven and Morgan Graff, it’s the quiet little cottage secluded behind the Tait-Taylor antebellum home, designed and built by the legendary architect Andrew Johnson.

According to the traditional story of the property, Dr. George Tait came to Panola County from Georgia, fell in love with the area, and set up his practice here.

Acclaimed novelist Stark Young’s first novel, Heaven Trees (published in 1926), derived from the name of the plantation house that served as its central venue. “I took the old Tait House for my setting,” he recalled of the mansion around which the Town of Como would later develop.

It was “a fine place that had seven halls and on three sides porches in the Palladian manner with columns.” Its builder, Young’s uncle, Dr. George Tait, “had a diploma from some university to practice medicine, but his plantations had made that unnecessary, and the number of kin and family connections, from who no fee could be collected, made it futile so that he soon forgot his saddle bags and devoted himself to books and whiskey. The place was haunted with ghosts of happy elegance and drunken sprees and sorrow, pranks after the school of the frontier, gardens, celebrations, and the whole sarcasm of past time.”

The bed and breakfast cottage located adjacent to the main house has been a refuge for many visitors this year, most of them couples and families searching for somewhere safe to visit that made the weeks of close-quarter living during various stay-athome mandates a little more bearable.

Sitting prominently on the well-manicured lawn is a green antique wagon that directs visitors around the side to Heaven’s Trees. As guests enter the white picket fence, they seem to enter another world, far away from the hustle, bustle, and often frightening news of spreading coronavirus and travel restrictions.

The cottage has a screened sun porch with bright yellow chairs, and an atmosphere that lend itself to relaxation and gazing over the back pasture, dotted with mature pecan trees. The miniature horses that roam free can also be ridden by children.

A second sitting area is perfect for early morning and late afternoon meditation and quiet time, and a modern swimming pool waits just a few feet away.

The cottage is tastefully, even exquisitely, decorated for the most fastidious of guests. Morgan has chosen photographs that represent landmarks and special areas of the county, and guests can pick up history lessons of the local land with the visuals.

There are photographs of the Mississippi River, the historic downtown Como First United Methodist Church, and the official National Register of Historic Places plaque.

The master bedroom features an antique iron bed and the second bedroom has twin arrangements.

The kitchen is small, but inviting, and is perfect for weekend stays.

The Graffs appreciate antiques and have chosen pieces for the bed and breakfast that reflect the history of Como and North Mississippi, while serving the more practical purposes of making guests feel welcome and totally at ease.

Heaven’s Trees is open year around, and visitors to the grounds are always welcome. Contact Morgan at 662-292-5538 for an appointment.

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Tucked away in downtown Como, Heaven’s Trees Bed and Breakfast is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. Just 40 miles from Oxford and Memphis, the quaint bed and breakfast is the perfect location for a quiet weekend away or a funfilled college football Saturday. Our historical property provides a charming escape from the everyday without getting too far away. Visit and find out.

The main house, once a historical plantation,

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still has the same rustic feel as it did 125 years ago.

Built in 1892, this Victorian home has a rich history, but has been updated to make sure guests are as comfortable as possible. The guest house has two bedrooms and two bathrooms for complete privacy during stays. Enjoy continental or fresh cooked breakfast upon request before visiting the horses out back. With a few modern updates including an in ground pool, the property is perfect for a peaceful, but contemporary getaway.

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ADULT KICKBALL

JUST KICK IT!

Trussell Park gets boost from new sport

BY DAVIS COEN PHOTOS BY JOEY BRENT

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Who would have known the game of kickball was what Panola County needed to get folks safely out to the parks again?

The crisp fall air reminds us what a great time it is for outdoor adult team sports. Although, the interference of the COVID-19 pandemic caused softball league games - which would usually fill the parks this time of year - to be put on hold.

“I couldn’t get anyone to play softball,” said Heath Fullilove, City of Batesville Director of Parks and Recreation. “I couldn’t get enough people to play, so I figured OK, let’s just try kickball.”

After seeing Oxford, and other nearby communities, with kickball leagues that seemed to be functioning smoothly during these questionable times, Fullilove felt it was worth a try.

The Panola County Adult Kickball League gained so much treading, according to Fullilove, that four

teams from Yalobusha and Lafayette Counties wanted in on the action, although by then it was too late and the season was already underway. He hopes for an expansion of some sort next year.

For now, there are five teams in the league, with somewhere between 10-12 players on each team.

Games are played at Trussell Park on Hwy. 35 N, which has multiple fields to accommodate two games playing at once.

The season began in early-September and games happen weekly on Monday evenings.

The teams include The Kickbacks, Courtland Gorillas, Fudgetown Ballers, Southern Sports, and Quaren Team.

Several of the teams are gender mixed, with men and women of varied ages participating, although it is required that players be 18 years of age and older.

Also, there are those with multiple family

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THE FUDGETOWN BALLERS

SOUTHERN SPORTS SPECIALISTS

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QUARANTEAM

THE COURTLAND GORILLAS

members playing side by side. On Fullilove’s squad for instance, he shares the duties with both his son and daughter.

Fudgetown Ballers, who took their name from Fudgetown Rd. in Sardis - the namesake for that section of town - with their 6-1 record, prevailed Monday, Oct. 12, as winners in the League Championship.

The victory secured them the 1st seed in this week’s end-of-the-season league tournament, as Courtland Gorillas grabbed the No. 2 seed.

Coach, and Ballers player, Harold “Dre” Draper, who himself lives on Fudgetown Rd., says his entire team is family and friends.

Apart from what advantage a close-knit team might bring, he credits their skill and discipline for ongoing success. Also, a strong familiarity with the basic rules of kickball were part of their strategy and approach to the game.

“I believe in playing by the rules,” said Draper.

With regard to the opportunity as a whole, he said “Heath couldn’t have started this kickball league at a greater time than this. With all the uncertainty being shut in for months - this is exactly what adults need to get their minds off of this pandemic.”

It may seem unusual to some to see a group of grown-ups playing what many consider a schoolyard game - and taking it seriously. But there’s a therapy to it, and that, players and spectators alike will agree upon.

“Monday nights when we’re out there on that field, all of our day-to-day issues disappear for that moment.” Draper said.

There are some players on the Fudgetown Ballers that are delivery drivers, and truck drivers, some beginning their workdays at 3 a.m., and working 12hour shifts.

“The smiles they wear out on the field, you couldn’t tell if they worked at all,” he said.

Fullilove has also witnessed a transformation that happens with participants. For many, he feels it brings back childhood memories, and some of the 40-somethings out there he believes haven’t played the game since they were seven or eight years old.

“It’s just good fun,” said Fullilove. “Win or lose I have fun with it...there’s nurses out there, there’s preachers out there, there’s college kids out there.

You’re never too young or too old to play, as long as you’re an adult.”

Fullilove feels that it’s good for the community because it puts people and families in the park again. “It’s just something we’ve been missing over here. Instead of softball, it’s kickball.”

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CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS

STOCKINGS FILLED WITH CARE, WAITING ON THE FAMILY TO BE THERE

BY PEGGY WALKER, R.D. Batesville & Beyond 21

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It takes all year for me to fill Christmas stockings.

I look everywhere … from the grocery store to a souvenir shop on the beach… for anything that someone in my family might enjoy finding in his or her Christmas stocking. It’s a true labor of love. In the top of my closet I keep a Christmas box that is the hiding place for all these goodies, without which I would probably forget where I put them. Often there are a few sacks sitting beside the box, holding the excess as the box overflows.

Our family’s Christmas stockings are all different, except for the first two which my sister made for our twins’ first Christmas. They’re red and quilted; cross stitched across the white top is a Christmas train with their names spelled out by the engines’ smoke. Keepsakes that I cherish and use every Christmas. All of the others, thirteen total now, are as individual and special as the son, daughter-inlaw, grandchild or parent they are chosen for.

Our stockings don’t hang over the fireplace either.

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I’ve always been a little fearful of them falling into the fireplace or getting too warm and singed. For years I hung them on the hall tree by the carport door, making it easy for Santa to find them because the chimney was too small for his entrance. Now, though, the stockings are not from Santa (he takes care of that at their houses), but from DW and me… the grandparents…so the stockings come out the day of our family Christmas…all stuffed and overflowing. And always opened before presents.

My mother was a good stocking filler. I so looked forward to finding the goodies in my stocking Christmas morning. We didn’t have a fireplace so she placed the stockings for my siblings and me around the tree because Santa knew which side was specifically ours. Mostly I loved the box of chocolate covered cherries Santa always left in my stocking…. my very own box that I didn’t have to share and which I would have all eaten up before Christmas dinner was served.

Years later, when I found out that my mother had never had a Christmas stocking, I took care of that with the biggest stocking I could find. Though my grandchildren don’t understand why MiMi gets the biggest one, they all gather around her to see just what is inside that big red furry stocking, which at least two of them could hide inside. It takes a lot of looking to find just the right items for her now since she lives in an assisted living center; but I can also place her wrapped gifts inside the stocking and finish filling it up with her favorite snacks.

Sometimes it takes two of us to pick it up and hold it for her.

DW’s is a true maroon MSU stocking, of course; for the daughters-in-law there are Vera Bradly stockings; and for all the grandchildren I’ve found a wide variety with the appropriate holiday characters…Santa, puppies, snowmen, snowflakes, ornaments and some with a little glitz and glitter.

Except for baby Hudson, I have just found his, a white cable knit stocking with a big red letter “H” for our big little fellow, now one year old. Finding the right stockings has been as much fun as stuffing them.

And, I’m not left out of the fun either. DW has filled my stocking with gardening tools, hand soap and new gloves since I wear out a pair every year; and sometimes I find earrings, house shoes, kitchen gadgets, warm scarves, mittens and socks, and dark chocolate candy…all mine!

The only rule for a stocking stuffer is that it should fit in the stocking, but it’s not a hard and fast rule and I break it all the time. The most important rule, though, is to enjoy the moment and watch the faces light up and smiles widen as they discover all the goodies their stockings hold.

And always, everyone finds a Christmas tree ornament in his or her stocking, lovingly and thoughtfully chosen, for ‘tis the season.

There are so many ways to fill stockings, so many stocking stuffers to find and fun things to share, but the best way to fill your family’s stockings is with love, peace and joy! That’s what it’s all about!

Merry Christmas to all!

STOCKING STUFFER IDEAS Babies: diapers, wipes, diaper covers, diaper

cream; onesies and sleepers; rattles, teething rings; headbands and hats, socks, Baby’s first Christmas picture frame, books, night light, age appropriate toys and more diapers.

Children (everything age appropriate): small toys; socks, underwear and pajamas; Legos; card games and sticker books; art supplies, coloring books, crayons, markers and writing pads; play dough and molds; a favorite character toothbrush, water bottle, or tee shirt; an umbrella, a watch; harmonica; jump rope; collegiate tee shirts or accessories; books, including Bible story books; Nerf balls; a bowtie or necktie, stuffed animals; toboggan or cap; moccasins; headlamp or flashlight; poncho and long underwear; play makeup, hairbows, headbands, ponytail holders, barrettes; leggings, tights, long underwear; flip flops or house shoes; bubble bath or bath bombs; small stuffed animals; play jewelry or jewelry making kits; a purse or billfold.

For the grown up girls: picture frames; gift cards from Bath & Body, Ulta or their favorite local shops; fun earrings and jewelry; favorite coffees, tea mixes, or hot cocoa; paper cocktail napkins; small tape measure for their purses; scarves, socks, headbands, mittens; lip gloss, hand mirror; toiletries such as polish remover, purse-size hand sanitizer, hand lotion, foot scrub; bath bombs or bath salts; stationery, devotional books, note cards; manicure scissors and clippers; granola or protein bars; gift cards for smoothies and shakes.

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Items for homes: Holiday decorations; favorite collectibles; pottery, candles, bud vases; stainless kitchen tools and gadgets, recipe cards; kitchen towels, a fingertip towel, anything monogrammed; candles, picture frames.

For the big boys: socks, ties, boxer shorts; anything collegiate; gift cards from iTunes or similar; car wash coupons; favorite coffees or cocoa mixes, insulated mugs, snacks and gum; BBQ seasonings, tools for the grill or smoker, fire starter, apron, pot holders; handwarmers, toboggans; heavy duty tape measure, flashlight, a laser level, handyman tools, work gloves; gift cards from the hardware, building supply, or car parts stores; straps for sunglasses; and toiletries such as razors and razor blades, shaving cream, after shave, contact solution, moisturizer for winter skin, lip balm; clippers; picture frames; and devotional books and calendar.

For your MiMi: stamps, boxed greeting cards, stationery and note cards; pretty towels, bath cloths; instant coffees and teas, a china cup; pretty underwear; scarves, costume jewelry; magazine subscriptions; devotional books and other reading

BUILT FOR WORK AND PLAY. 12159 Hwy 6 W, Batesville, MS 38606 WADEINC.COM 24 Batesville & Beyond

material; jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzle or other word game books, coloring books and crayons; flower pots with bulbs to force into bloom; framed pictures, a digital frame to receive emailed pictures; socks, slippers; items from the Clinique counter, lip balm, lipstick, hand and body lotion, hand soap; Christmas candy, cookies, homemade bread and favorite snacks.

IOUs are highly appreciated too: Make coupons (find patterns online) for babysitting time, casseroles, outings, back massages, favorite desserts, a car wash, favorite meals, trip to the Sonic (a family favorite) or DQ; movie tickets; a hunting or fishing trip, horseback riding, bowling. To name just a few.

Themed stockings: cooking, gardening, movies, sports, travel, pampering, reading, beach time, running, fishing, grilling/smoking, etc.

Hostess gift stockings: fill a small stocking with an ornament, homemade candy, bread or cookies; spiced tea mix or a specialty coffee, an unusual serving utensil, a pottery bud vase; local honey or specialty jam or jelly; or something made locally in your hometown or state.

GUIDE TO GIVING

BY CARRIE STAMBAUGH

BATESVILLE CUB AND BOY SCOUTS Batesville offers children in grades kindergarten through 12th grade the opportunity to “start with their best right now selves and grow into their very best future selves,” through Boy Scouts of America.

Batesville’s Boy Scout Troop 478 and Cub Scout Pack 78 currently serve more than 100 youths in Panola County through a variety of activities aimed at developing and honing leadership and service skills. Youth earn merit badges in specific areas of expertise through hands-on learning and achievement programs, in topics that range from citizenship and first aid to sailing and science.

Scouts seeks to “train young men to be Godly and good leaders for their communities and homes,” according to longtime Batesville Scout Master Jim Witten, who added “We are training boys to be future leaders of our community and our country.” New members are always

welcome. “We are a very active troop and pack. We are still up and going and we are a traditional, old time Boy Scout and Cub Scout Pack. We do it the way it has always been done,” said Witten.

Contact Jim Witten at 662.609.0859 for information on meetings, membership, upcoming activities, fundraisers or to volunteer or donate. Scouts are currently working on their annual food drive to support the local South Panola Food Pantry and are seeking donations of canned goods and nonperishable food items.

Batesville scouts are also currently in need of new fourseason tents that will help the youths develop their high adventure skills through camping. Monetary donations are always needed and welcome. They can be made out to Boy Scout Troop 478 or Cub Scout Pack 78 and mailed to P.O. Box 88, Batesville, MS, 38606.

BATESVILLE SAFE SHELTER Batesville Safe Shelter is an emergency shelter for women trying to get away from their abuser. Serving women in Panola, Tate, Lafayette, Ouitman, Tallahatichie, Yalobusha counties, the nonprofit’s main focus is “to assist survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault and their children, achieve safety and self-sufficiency while striving to prevent violence against women.”

The organization also works “to end the epidemic of domestic violence against women and children by stopping individual victimization and reducing the devastating impact of family violence through safety, shelter and expert services to battered women and their children.”

The confidential domestic violence shelter provides a safe place for women and children fleeing a dangerous situation.

A 14-day emergency shelter, it provides women and their children a safe refuge to begin to heal. Survivors of domestic

violence that would like to access the shelter should call 662.360.4060 at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Donations of time, dollars, material goods, skills, professional services, along with prayers for the individuals and families are always needed. Batesville Safe Shelter offers a variety of opportunities for individuals, civic groups, churches, and businesses to reach out in their communities through volunteer services and projects. Visit batesvillesafeshelter.com to download and complete the volunteer application.

Follow Batesville Safe Shelter on Facebook. Donations can be made via PayPal link on site or by searching Batesville Safe Shelter on Paypal. Batesville Safe Shelter, PO Box 1824, Batesville, MS 38606. Contact Dr. Jake Julian, executive director, 662-360-4060 or jakejulian@cableone.net

E.D.U.C.A.T.E. The mission of E.D.U.C.A.T.E. is to “eradicate deficiencies through understanding the importance of collaborative abilities to transform education.” It provides quality youth and educational services that seek to empower youth and involve community members of all ages because “education is everybody’s business from cradle to career.” The goal is to provide youth with the tools they need to be great future leaders.

Through its After School Matters and College and Career Readiness programs, E.D.U.C.A.T.E. offers a variety of one-on-one services including mentoring, tutoring, college and career readiness and planning, competitive sports, cultural enrichment, and more. It is also currently offering homework assistance by

appointment to students who are attending school virtually during the Covid-19 pandemic.

E.D.U.C.A.T.E also consults with educators and schools to help develop new, improvement and discipline plans, recruit teachers and administrators and provide professional development.

E.D.U.C.A.T.E. was founded in 2010 and is run by State Representative Lataisha Jackson (D-11th), who has a master’s degree in educational leadership. To make a donation or learn more about its programs visit: Educatems365.org, call 662.426.1484, follow it on Facebook at E.D.U.C.A.T.E. Inc, or @EDUCATEMS365.

Donations can be made directly via a link on its homepage

SOUTH PANOLA FOOD PANTRY The South Panola Food Pantry provides food items to those in need. Food is currently provided by drive up service only, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The Pantry is located at 201 Van Voris in Batesville.

Recipients must provide photo identification.

The pantry is in need of a replenishment of non-perishable food items. All varieties of canned goods, rice and flour are needed. Items can be dropped off at the pantry or picked up.

Contact Director Marcella England at 662.703.1739 or email foodpantry@panola.com to make arrangements. Follow the South Panola Food Pantry on Facebook.

Cash donations are also always needed and accepted.

They can be mailed to South Panola Food Pantry at P.O. Box 1372.

The 501©3 was founded by Mrs. Marie Leland in 1996.

Mrs. Leland died earlier this summer.

Batesville & Beyond 25

JUNIOR AUXILIARY OF BATESVILLE The women of the Junior Auxiliary of Batesville are seeking community support for a variety of upcoming projects and ongoing. The Auxiliary is “a group of women who have dedicated our tie to ministering to the needs of area children and community.”

The Junior Auxiliary of Batesville was founded in 1973 and is a member of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries Inc., with chapters in Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Junior Auxiliary “represents a serious endeavor on the part of women to be active and constructive community participants and to assume leadership roles in meeting community needs,” providing

“opportunities to serve and to be a vital part of the community.”

Projects are undertaken in the fields of welfare, health, recreation, culture and education. Each member is asked to give at least 5.5 years of service to the community through their chapter, serving at least 24 hours annually and each member receives 12 hours in education each year.

Find the Junior Auxiliary of Batesville MS on Facebook, follow on Instagram and twitter @jabatesvillems to learn about upcoming projects. Contact them at jaofbattesville@ gmail.com to make a donation or provide material to support their projects. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 885 Batesville, MS 38606-0885.

THE GRACE PLACE The Grace Place Inc.’s mission of “Sharing the Grace of Christ through Meeting Needs,” has continued despite the Covid-19 pandemic. The 501©3 was founded in 2017 and has been actively supporting the community through a variety of ministries.

This summer, The Grace Place began providing food boxes monthly to residents in Panola County elderly apartment complexes. Its Children’s Ministry has also reopened and is serving children Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., providing homework assistance, a meal, and sharing the gospel. The Grace Place also provides food, clothing and household items, counseling and spiritual guidance to community members at its Benevolence Center. Clients can receive a five-day supply of food and eight articles of clothing per month.

Volunteers are welcome and can help with a

26 Batesville & Beyond

variety of tasks including greeting, assisting, mentoring and counseling adults, children and youth; grounds upkeep; assisting with job searches, sorting, cleaning and preparing donated clothing items; prepacking food and household supplies; unloading and shelving food and donated items and coordinating all volunteer workers for after-school children in the neighborhood around the corporate office.

Donations of food and clothing items are always accepted.

A volunteer application is available online.

Regular financial donations to continue and expand services are needed. Donations can be made through PayPal or Venmo by searching The Grace Place in the apps or through links at TheGracePlaceMS.org or Facebook, search The Grace Place. For more information call 662.267.1173 or email info@TheGracePlaceMS.org

HOLIDAY TIPS

KEEPING TRADITIONS ALIVE DURING AN UNUSUAL HOLIDAY SEASON

BY JEREMY WELDON Batesville & Beyond 27

T

This holiday season may look a bit different due to social distancing. But just because everyone is not physically together, doesn’t mean your family can’t share its favorite traditions.

Family-owned and operated bakeries share their best tips for creating holiday cheer from anywhere: • Celebrate virtually: In a survey commissioned

by O&H Danish Bakery and conducted by SWNS Media Group and OnePoll, nearly 80 percent of

respondents say time with family is their favorite part of the holiday season. Whether your tradition is a Christmas movie marathon, a caroling session around the piano or eating certain foods and baked treats, you can enjoy these activities together over video chat this year.

• Share traditional foods: The sensory memories that good food creates are powerful. In fact, 44

SC

windoll onstruction

28 Batesville & Beyond

percent of people say the holiday spirit wouldn’t be the same if they didn’t have their traditional holiday dessert.

If you are like many families, that favorite dessert is Kringle, a traditional Danish treat made of 36 layers of butter and pastry. Among O&H’s special holiday offerings are Thanksgiving Stuffed Kringle, A Very Danish Christmas Kringle and the classic Pecan Kringle.

Over the past 70 years, the award-winning bakery has shipped to more than 100 countries, making landfall in all seven continents, including Antarctica. This year, doorstep delivery makes it easy to order a traditional favorite for your own household or send a gift to family members near and far. Visit ohdanishbakery.com.

• Plan ahead: When it comes to ordering gifts and specially baked treats, make sure to account for busy schedules and congested delivery services to ensure all your goodies arrive on time. Take note of shipping times and policies, as well as ordering deadlines for each company.

• Create hygge: Evoking the sights, sounds and aromas of a typical holiday season will help make this year feel more cheerful. Take a cue from Danish culture and embrace hygge.

Pronounced “hoo-ga,” it means creating a cozy atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life, such as the warm glow of candlelight or a steaming cup of cocoa -- and there is no better time of year to do it than the holiday season.

This year might be especially difficult for families who are physically separated, but there are many ways to spread cheer and keep traditions alive.

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Batesville & Beyond 29

5 TIPS FOR THANKING YOUR HEROES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Those who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others are rarely in it for recognition.

However, in this especially challenging year, the holiday season is a perfect time to not just show these selfless people your appreciation, but also take inspiration from their kindness. Here are five simple ways to thank the everyday heroes in your life.

1. Send a unique care package. Even if you can’t share your appreciation in person, you can still say thanks with a care package filled with goodies you know your recipient loves. Start with special holiday treats, then add personalized items. If your recipient enjoys cooking and baking, you might include a handwritten recipe card.

2. Make a donation in their honor. Consider thanking those often unsung heroes doing the hard work of keeping our communities strong by making a donation to a charity close to their heart. In these uncertain times, many such organizations are in particular need of financial support. Whether it’s an animal shelter in a region affected by natural disaster, a food bank, or a nonprofit that offers support to essential workers, take a cue from the giving folks around you.

3. Give thanks to someone who always gives back. We all know someone who goes beyond their day-to-day responsibilities to help make the world a better place.

Let them know just how much their work is valued.

It’s a meaningful way to celebrate someone’s passion for giving and show the impact of their hard work.

4. Give the gift of relaxation. Give those always in the service of others an excuse to practice some self-care.

Whether it’s an at-home spa kit, a new book to curl up with, or a nice bottle of wine, some of the most welcome gifts are those that give someone a chance to unwind.

5.

Write a thank you note. There is something so personal about putting pen to paper. In this digital age of emails and texts, a heartfelt, handwritten letter or card can become a true keepsake. With the right tools, it’s easy to let your feelings flow and craft a meaningful message. So, pick up some nice stationery and a pen to let your loved ones know just how much you appreciate them.

For those who kept our communities strong during this difficult year, let the holiday season be your opportunity to give thanks and give back.

30 Batesville & Beyond

KICKBALL The City of Batesville’s Parks and Recreation Dept. hosted the season-ending Adult Kickball League tournament Oct. 19 at Trussell Park. It was a night of family fun and plenty of laughs watching

adults play a favorite childhood game. Trussell Park will host more kickball events in the spring.

1. Porshia Ferrell and Shanda Davis

2. Brooklyn Grays, Jada Bensoi and Kentavious Frost

4. Ely and Caleb 3. Rylee, Ryan, Bryant and Rhett Faulkner with Cheryl Harrison

14.5. Amanda, Cole and Hardy Flint

6. Marty Stokes and Matt Phillips

PHOTOS BY JOEY BRENT

10. Celeste and 7. Markeise Makenzie Butler and Makayla Benson Houston

Batesville & Beyond 31

11. Rhette and Lindsey Faulkner

12. Taki Lee and Lakayla Cosby

13. Nesha Harris, Shonda Davis and Tiffany Mitchell

14. Walter and Rebecca Butler

15. Silas Kiihnl

16. Michelle and Molly Simmerman

17. Kage Hentz, Malan White, Martika Spearman and Aunrea Bibbs

18. Leland Simmerman and Lisa Moorehead

Celebrating 20 Years!

20. Brittany 19. Landyn Dulin and Amber Simmerman, Perry Tutor and Griffin Heath Fullilove

21. Robby Kiinhl, 22. David Hill Raegen and Whitney Hickman and Jimmy Watson with Jennifer Kiihnl 32 Batesville & Beyond

SQUARE CONCERT SERIES Batesville’s Main Street Program held the popular October Concert Series again this fall with live music on the Downtown Square each Thursday night. With only one rain out this year, organizers

were happy to see the Square filled each week with families enjoying picnics and catching up with friends.

1. Susan Jefcoat and Danny Jones

2. Brittany 3. Judy Davis and 4. Mamie Avery and Carlisle, Cherri Quentin Whitwell McNeely and Hollingsworth (Panola Medical) Carol Garner, Nikki Dillon, Emily Copeland with Rebecca Brewer

5. Becky Lucius and Bailey Smith

6. 6.Jayme Jones, Jennifer Darby, Syd Elliott and Courtney Darby

7. Lisa Pearson, Lisa Langley and Paige Evans

8. Joseph Kaufman, Raylea Davis, Kristen and Patrick Johnson

9. Terry Mills, Fletcher Powers and Ricky Swindle

10. Juanita Wallace and James Roberts

11. Melissa Cook and Kacé Rhea

12. Cindy McCurdy and Malcolm Morehead

Batesville & Beyond 33

13. Brandon Burchfield and Shepherd Carlisle

14. Fisher Sullivan and Chris Ware

15. Donna Lance and Rusty Shaw

16. Kirk Isbell and Vivian Williamsom

17. Tracie Russell, Sheila Tubbs and Kenda Blount

18. Sadie, Kati, John Daniel and Travis Overall

19. Jolie and Lily Avery

20. Trey and Tina Hamby

21. Harlee Renfrow with Dean, Melinda and Cora Thompson

22. Sabrina Arnold and Cyndi Darby

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23. Piper Hudson, Katelyn McCain and Rachel Edlin 34 Batesville & Beyond

BY JEREMY WELDON

Batesville & Beyond 35

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36 Batesville & Beyond

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Marketplace Batesville & Beyond • 662.267.1451

PEACHES Cherry Creek Orchard Opening June 1st Call:662-489-7783 Now Taking PreOrders For: • G een Butter Beans • Speckle Butte Beans • Purple Hull Peas Shelled or Bushel Call: 662-760-0672 Evans Sand & Gravel • Clay Gravel • Dirt • Wash Rock • Fill Sand • Masonry San MDOT Approved We Deliver! 1715 River Road (East of Hwy 51 Between Batesville & Sardis) Call Mike or Jason at 662-487-3854 Viney Creek Gravel Pit NOW OPEN!! Under New Management • DI T • GRAVEL • SAND, Deliver , Spreading, Grading & Dozer Services Also Available, State Approved Call: 662-417-8088 MARK RAGON’S HOME REPAIR & REMODELING • Metal Roof • Paintin • Plumbin • Windows • Door • Po ches • Decks • Conc ete • New

40 Batesville & Beyond

Homes and More References Available Over 25yrs Experience Call Today:662-473-7766 I PAY TOP DOLLAR FOR USED MOBILE HOMES CALL: 662-419-9762 Quality Small Engine Repair • Lawn Mower • Chainsaw • Blower • eedeaters • 4-Wheeler Repai 148 Perkins Lane, Batesville 662-9348414 662-563-3163 Steve McMinn QUALITY LAWN CARE Steve McMinn 662662-934Mowing, Edging, General Maintenance, Trimming of Shrubs and Hedges, Leaf Blowing, Small Tree Pruning, Mulch/ Bed Maintenance & Renovation, Planting, Reseeding, Weed Pulling/ Killing, Season Clean-ups, Hauling & More. Call today for your free

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Backyard Pool Services. Above and In-ground.

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TODD MONTGOMERY CONSTRUCTION WORK Services: • Remodelin • Decks/Po ches • Drywall/Paintin • Interior/Exterio Repairs Call Todd: 662-714-1148 380+/- Acres near Taylor. Historic Log Cabin 4BR, 3BA 13 miles from square, beautiful pastures. 2 lakes, & significant timber value/ $1,950,000.

••• 52+/- Acres near Abbeville.

Good building sites, 2 ponds, mix of pine & hardwoods. $153,400.

Harvesters Land Co. Hunt Treadwell 901871-4450 hunt@ harvestersland.com Mobile Homes For Rent • Furnished 1BR/1BA • 2BR/2BA Appliances & washer/dryer included, great location, super nice!!

South Panola School District, 3 miles to town Call: 817-304-2276 Mom’s Office Cleaning Service Will match any competitor rates!!

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new customers Call For A Free Quote!

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662-710-242 662901-335-1788 email: holyspirit2q@gmail. com For Rent or RenttoOwn! 1177 Melrose Road, Como 2BR/1BA $575/month, $575/ deposit 2265 Vassar, Pope 4BR/2BA $900/month $900/ deposit For more details, visit: www. rentnwh.com Text: 901-654-4400 Sardis Community Nursing Home Now hiring • CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANTS (CNAs) • LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES (LPNs) Competitive Pay & Benefits Send Resume: cgassion@ asimgt.com Apply in person: 613 East Lee Street, Sardis

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662-563-4591• www.panolian.com 10 B AT E S VI L L E PI G S K I N 2020

Batesville & Beyond 41

42 Batesville & Beyond