Brookhaven Magazine November/December 2020 by The Daily Leader

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 GENERAL MANAGER Jan Griﬀey EDITORIAL Brett Campbell

Gracie Byrne

CONTRIBUTING Hunter Cloud Britain Campbell Keith Hall Hannah Blankenship ADVERTISING Kristi Carney DESIGN Rob Sigler BROOKHAVEN Magazine is produced and published by The Daily Leader, 128 N. Railroad Ave., Brookhaven, MS 39601. The magazine is published six times a year. For additional information on this issue or other publications or for copies, call 601-833-6961. To inquire about story content, email donna.campbell@dailyleader.com, or to inquire about advertising, email advertising@dailyleader.com. Copyright 2020 © The Daily Leader

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FEATURED

november/december2020

Local florist readies for the holidays SHOPPING Page 8

Page 22

Page 34

Page 42

DAY TRIP

BOOK REVIEWS

FEATURE

HISTORY

WELLNESS

DEPARTMENTS

ARTS

HOME

STICK AROUND HOME AND SEE WHAT YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE MISSING IN BROOKHAVEN 12

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT DATES BACK TO THE 1990S 20

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER CREATE UNIQUE FASHION JEWELRY

AUTHOR WRITES NONFICTION STORY ABOUT ONE DAY IN 1986 24

TIPS ON HOW TO COPE WITH THE STRESS OF 2020 AND HOLIDAYS 27

BARNDOMINIUM HAS BECOME HOME FOR LOCAL FAMILY

TWO LOCAL SANTAS ENJOY BRINGING CHRISTMAS SPIRIT TO AREA 42

SHOPPING FOOD & DRINK PHOTO ESSAY WHY I LOVE BROOKHAVEN SOCIAL SCENES GARDEN

30 32 36 41 46 50

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shopping NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20

Bertha’s Flowers

Flower shop owner gives joy and also gives back

“

Story By Hannah Blankenship Photos by Gracie Byrne

... I always make sure that nobody goes without flowers at a time when someone has passed away. That to me is just giving back to the community.” Myrtle Cartwright

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Bertha’s Flower Shop owner Myrtle Cartwright said that although there has been a close call or two, she has never fallen while stringing up 3,000 Christmas lights on a 14-foot, fresh-cut fir tree, something she does every year for

one of her clients. Bertha’s Flower Shop, a local Brookhaven florist business, has been under the ownership of Cartwright since 1999 and offers a wide variety of decorations for the holiday season.

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Roses, hydrangeas, lilies, paperwhites and poinsettias are the flowers that typically grace Bertha’s floral Christmas arrangements, but the store also offers many more holiday home additions, including candles, garlands, nativity scenes, centerpieces and gift baskets. Bertha’s decorates entire homes and businesses for the Christmas season as well as outfits venues for parties and events. However, they are happy to help with even the smallest details, said Kim Carter, Cartwright’s daughter and co-owner of the store. “You get to do a lot of fun stuff at Christmas, from the smallest little things like selling a person one special ornament, or selling someone an entire living room of Christmas decorations. It varies,” Carter said. For Cartwright, giving joy brings her joy. Her favorite thing about working in the flower business is putting smiles on people’s faces, something that meshes well with the happiness inherent in the holiday season. The experience of seeing a client walk into a room and say “Wow, I never would have got it to look like this” is truly unmatched, she said. For Cartwright and Carter, however, decorations are deeper than just pretty things to look at. Carter’s favorite Christmas product

Bertha’s sells is their manger scenes. Because their faith is important to them, mother and daughter pour their hearts into their nativity scenes, ensuring that no two families have identical sets. They order from a variety of different places every year that they find online or at markets. Cartwright said decorations are especially meaningful to families, as they recall years of happiness, warmth and celebration with loved ones. “A lot of it is memories. A lot of people do decorations because it’s a tradition to decorate. Most families come home at Christmastime. So a lot of times, people come home that haven’t been home in a long time. It’s just all about going home for Christmas, and you always want your house to smell like gingerbread,” Cartwright said. Soaking up every opportunity to be with family is something Cartwright deeply understands the importance of. Cartwright got into the flower business after her first husband died. She visited Shipp’s Flowers so many times to buy flowers for his grave that they offered her a job there. That was 36 years ago. Now, Cartwright has purchased her own flower shop and gives back to those she knows are going through a hard time. “When you’re having a lasting memorial for when someone passes away, you want to make that very special for that person at

that time because they’ve realized that that’s the last thing they can do for them. So you put that special touch and feel like that person is a part of your family too,” Cartwright said. Cartwright never lets a bereaved family go without flowers. “I deal with a lot of families that can’t afford to do memorial pieces and I always make sure that nobody goes without flowers at a time when someone has passed away. That to me is just giving back to the community,” Cartwright said. A Brookhaven native, Cartwright grew up in Brookhaven then moved around due to her first husband’s job. She returned to her hometown because of the people. “I grew up here. Wonderful town to raise children. Wonderful community. People are friendly here … You get to know who your neighbor is. You know them from when they have their children and you know them through death,” Cartwright said. Cartwright worked at a local flower shop for 14 years then remarried and decided she was going to stay at home. That, however, lasted for a total of three

months before Cartwright realized that the stay-at-home life was not for her. So she bought Bertha’s, enlisted her daughter to help her at the shop, and has been supplying Brookhaven with fresh florals and smiles ever since. Carter said Bertha’s is more than just a business, it’s a part of the community, and has been for a long while. “It’s been here for a very, very long time. Everybody is familiar with Bertha’s. They’re familiar with the location of Bertha’s. It’s always been families, it’s always been parents and children that own it and hand it down from generation to generation. It’s always been wellknown as a family establishment and loved by the community,” Carter said. Cartwright said she starts decorating for Christmas in the shop the first week of October. If clients are interested in having Bertha’s decorate for them over the holiday season, they need to go ahead and come in or call to put their name on the list as early as the first of November, as spots will fill up fast. /////

Kim Carter and Myrtle Cartwright are the mother/daughter duo that runs Bertha’s Flowers. From left: Carter and Cartwright.

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day trip NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20

Right here at home How about a Brookhaven ‘stay-trip’? Story By Brett Campbell File photos

Have you ever gone shopping in a castle or an old theater? Or visited museums inside a former Jewish synagogue or railway station? Have you seen a gigantic coffee pot on top of a building or played an Elton John-themed piano on the sidewalk? If you’re from Brookhaven, you may have done all these things and much more, but it can be easy to forget the interesting things one’s hometown holds, especially when most of our vacations and day trips

are spent going elsewhere. Where do you take your family and friends when they visit the Home Seekers Paradise? What places do you share when someone from out of town asks your recommendations for a place to eat, shop or sleep? We all have our favorites, and the only way to be completely fair to everyone is to name every business and give the proper praise due each one. That cannot be done here, however, so I’ll share some of our

favorites — my wife’s and mine — and welcome you to add to your own list. Everyone who knows me knows my favorite place to eat out in Brookhaven is Los Parrilleros Mexican restaurant, located just off Brookway Boulevard. Disclaimer: Several of the people here are nuestra familia — my family in heart and spirit, if not by blood — so eating here for my family is about more than just the food. We feel at home inside these doors. BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 13

Chester and Casandra Chism are the owners of Chism’s Diner, where staples of Southern cuisine can be found daily. Below, one of the many displays at the Military Memorial Museum downtown.

Some other places I love to go are The Shack at 550 for their steaks, seafood and the best fried mushrooms and oysters I’ve ever tasted; The Crouton for salads and just-right Cuban sandwiches; Magnolia Blues BBQ Company for the pulled pork nachos and those amazing housemade pickled onions I can’t get enough of; Bowie Barbeque, too, for the smoked chicken and melt-in-your-mouth brisket; and — I’ve got to be honest — Waffle House, because I love the coffee, and breakfast here tastes so good in the late night/early morning dark. But, dude, if you want a biscuit, Dude’s Hot Biscuits are just right. When we moved to Brookhaven, the very first place a friend told us we absolutely had to eat at was Dude’s. 14 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE

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His eyes lit up and his smile stretched across his face as he told us about the his favorite there — “All of ’em” — and I swear the man was drooling. Two more places I will always recommend are Chism’s Diner — you’ve got to have the fried green tomatoes and one of the cheeseburgers to which my daughter gave a 9/10 rating because it was “too good, and nobody’s that perfect” — and Mama Ruby’s. I can make (and have made) a meal out of just the speckled butterbeans and cornbread at Mama Ruby’s. Whoo-wee. Mommas better hide when children eat here, because somebody’s likely to get slapped. Next on the list is Serio’s Pizza and Jack’s Coffee & Cream, the newest offerings downtown. The pizza at Serio’s — whose name is an homage to the Italian family who forever left their mark on Brookhaven on South First

Street with their neighborhood grocery store — is small batch, the crust made with dough that takes two days from start to finish, so better go early to make sure you get some. The coffee and ice cream offerings at Jack’s are not only tasty, they’re just plain fun to look at when even the cups look happy. When you’re not eating, though, check out the Military Memorial Museum, located in the former Illinois Central Union Station downtown. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. You will be amazed at the amount of military memorabilia that can be contained and displayed in an area that size. The Lincoln County Historical Museum, operated by the Lincoln County Historical and Genealogical Society, is located on South Church Street and is also open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 15

Housed in the former Temple B’nai Shalom synagogue, you will be amazed at the artifacts and written information housed here. At both places, you’ll learn a lot from the volunteers who give free tours of the collections, too. Take a walk around downtown while you’re out, also, and visit the Rocketman piano sitting outside Downtown Music Academy on South Railroad Avenue. Owned by professional pianists Blake and Carrene Scafidel, the piano is outside during nice weather and inside the academy otherwise. If it’s outside, the Scafidels encourage you to play it — that’s what it is there for — and if it’s inside during DMA hours, just step in and ask if you can see it and play it. Walk on down to the Godbold Transportation Center — the Amtrak train and Greyhound bus station — and you can see the Mississippi Blues Trail marker for Eurreal Wilford “Little Brother” Montgomery, a jazz, boogiewoogie and blues pianist and singer. Go shopping at one of the shops and boutiques unique to the city, like Castles Ladies Apparel. Drive down Brookway Boulevard and look for the castle — you can’t miss it. If you’re looking for

a wedding gown, Vows Bridal opened this year inside the newly-restored Arcade Building downtown, which was Southwest Mississippi’s original moving picture theater. Throughout the year — even limited by a global pandemic — events are going on just outside of town at the Hansel King Sportsplex, as well as the Lincoln County Livestock Arena and baseball complex, both located at the Lincoln Civic Center. A quick stop by the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce or the office of The Daily Leader can net you materials and information on upcoming events. There are so many more places to shop, eat, visit, stay at or see throughout the city, and I wish I could let you know about all of them. But if you’re from here, you know what places you love and where you always go back to and take your friends. Enjoy trips out of town and vacation anywhere you and your family want to go and have opportunity, but don’t forget about or miss out on any of the wonderful places right here at home. ///// A collection of uniforms is on display at the Military Memorial Museum.

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history NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20

Miss Merry Christmas 2013 Sara Terrell rides in the annual parade.

Miss Merry Christmas A brief history of the holiday tradition Story by Brett Campbell File photos

Anyone who’s been in Brookhaven over the last couple of decades during Christmastime knows that Santa is not the only face everyone looks forward to seeing in the winter holiday months. There’s also Miss Merry Christmas. Created by retired educator Rita Rich, the pageant was something she introduced 20 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE

in the 1990s after assuming direction of the annual Christmas parade for the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce. The parade needed a little punch to stir up more interest in the event, which Rich felt was tapering off. “So I decided we needed something to spice up Christmas,” Rich said. “When

I took over the parade, it had dwindled down. I was approached by the board to spice it up, so I created Miss Merry Christmas to cultivate interest about the parade and to give a young lady some attention.” “I loved it and enjoyed doing it, but then as I’ve gotten older I thought someone

else needs a chance to do it,” Rich said, so others at the Chamber took over. Miss Merry Christmas is chosen annually in October from area high school seniors or college freshmen age 20 or younger. Students apply for a small pageant Miss Merry Christmas 2014 conducted by a Courtney Carol Franck Chamber committee, who judge applicants on personality, an interview, poise, appearance, friendly, outgoing and who demonstrate the spirit of Christmas. The pageant winner is crowned Miss Merry Christmas and wears a traditional red cloak for November retail open houses and the annual parade. “It’s a short reign for them, but very busy,” Rich said. Abby Miss Merry Christmas 2016 Gayle Smith Mackenzie Jackson was chosen as a Brookhaven High senior to be Miss Merry Christmas 2019. It was something she “always wanted to be,” since she was a little girl. With 10 potential Miss Merry Christmas applicants that year, it was a difficult decision for the judges to make, and even after the standard interview, the judges weren’t able to choose a winner. So they brought Miss Merry Christmas 2017 the applicants back for Allie Claire Townsend a final question. “Each young lady that registered to compete for the title was gracious and full

Miss Merry Christmas 2018 Aly Floyd with her court

of Christmas spirit and certainly worth of the crown,” said Chamber Program Director Katie Nations. The fateful question to decide Miss Merry Christmas was, “What is the most meaningful gift you have ever given someone?” Smith answered that the best gifts are not always materialistic. “Sometimes actions mean more than any gift you can purchase,” she said. “Last year at my grandparents’ Christmas gathering, I slipped out of the door while everyone was finishing up their dinner and cleaned the kitchen for my grandmother. Doing this for her meant more for her than any gift I could have bought for her. Doing this for her brought me so much joy.” That answer earned her the win. Smith was a guest of honor at the Brookhaven Christmas Parade, and played an integral role in the Christmas Open House, where local merchants and restaurants show their festive side. A Brookhaven tradition, the Christmas Open House is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. It’s also often a family tradition, with groups of women bringing daughters and granddaughters to do their Christmas shopping. “My favorite Christmas memories involve attending Christmas Open House every year with my mom, Nana, aunt and cousin and spending the night at my Mamaw and Papaw’s house pretending that it is Christmas Eve,” she said. “Christmas truly is a magical time.”

Some of the other young women to have worn the Christmas crown are: Aly Floyd, 2018; Allie Claire Townsend, 2017; Mackenzie Jackson, 2016; Morgan Wallis, 2015;

Miss Merry Christmas 2019 Abby Gayle Smith

Courtney Carol Franck, 2014; Sara Terrell, 2013; Jessie Henning, 2012; Emilee Weeks, 2010; Bethany Crawford, 2009; Mallory Mills, 2008; Eleanor St. Clair Valentine, 2007; Megan Russell, 2002; Kate Porter, 2001; and Lacy Gaskin, 2000. “I had outstanding young ladies as Miss Merry Christmas,” Rich said. “I was always proud of them. Pretty young ladies, good girls as far as good character and cared about their education.” ///// BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 21

arts NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20

Like mother, like daughter A love of jewelry runs in the family Story By Keith Hall Photos By Gracie Byrne

Fashion Jewelry has been in business for over 30 years now at their downtown location on 122 South Whitworth Avenue, and is owned by Margaret Ann Britt. Originally the building housed a barbershop and the mirrors that run behind the counter are a remnant from the past that come in handy whenever someone needs to see just how amazing their new piece of bling looks on their person. It’s a building filled with all kinds of beautiful inventory that sparkle in just about any kind of light, perfect for accessorizing with your latest outfit. However, the pieces that drew our attention are fairly recent additions to the collection that shine with a different focus, Johanna Russell’s “Peaches and Cream” 22 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE

designs. Jana Russell, Johanna’s mother, has been wearing jewelry for most of her life, but it wasn’t until 2016 that she decided to turn her pastime of wearing jewelry into a creative outlet by making her own. Aside from learning tips and tricks from webinars and videos, Jana Russell said that it took sitting down and creating her own jewelry to actually understand the process involved. It all starts with an idea of something cute in her head and what follows is a process of fine-tuning and tweaking until a new piece of jewelry comes out in the end. It may not always turn out exactly how envisioned, but the finished product is unique in its own way.

The family legacy of the building and business has now seen the third generation blossom into her own recently after finding her muse in some buttons online. Those buttons when delivered soon went on to become Johanna’s first homemade piece of jewelry. This soon turned into a line of accessories all her own called “Peaches and Cream,” a play on her mother’s line of homemade rocky themed pieces, “Peaches” named after Jana’s paternal grandmother Georgia, who was affectionately nicknamed ‘Peaches’ by her husband. Jana Russell also has a line of little girl bracelets called ‘Girdies,’ named after her maternal grandmother. Jana teaches full time at Loyd Star Atten-

Jana and Johanna Russell both sell their handmade creations at their family’s jewelry store, Fashion Jewelry.

dance Center and Johanna opens the jewelry store Thursday-Saturday for customers. Jana enjoys making jewelry because it gives her an outlet with which to explore her creativity and finds inspiration from keeping up with fashion trends and also pays mind to what the locals want in her area. Johanna finds her inspiration from the internet using sites like Instagram and Twitter, viewing other artist’s work and finding a way to put her own twist on a new product. “What’s cool about today’s world is that you can make something that may not be something someone would wear around Brookhaven, but by putting it on the Internet, you can put your stuff out there and someone somewhere will like it and want to buy it,” Johanna Russell said. “So if you have an idea for your own kind of style but can’t find anything like it, try looking on the Internet for it or create your own and post it up for sale, you’ll be surprised just how many people may have that same kind of taste in style.”

Jana spent some time detailing how the rocks for the Peaches pieces are ordered in pairs so that each piece is unique in its own way. She uses a special “gold-filled” (unlike gold plating which is just a thin layer of coating on a piece, gold filled with is essentially a tube of gold filled with a base metal) wire that is specially made to not chip away the gold so that her pieces look sparkly and shiny for years to come. Jana also prefers to work outside using the natural sunlight saying that no lamp comes close to what the sun can naturally produce when it comes to working with her pieces. “There’s just something to it when it comes to working outside, I can’t quite put my finger on it,” Jana Russell said. “But it helps make something really special when you get the chance to see it under natural light.” When asked about how the coronavirus pandemic has affected business, Jana expressed a desire to “open up” because what

was once a thriving business has suffered due to the pandemic, perhaps somewhat due to a lack of disposable income from other people going through a struggle in these trying times. She and Johanna agreed that people should try to practice more inclusiveness. “If you see someone walking down the street who might look a little different or dress a different way, just pay them no mind and let them live their life their way while you live your life your way,” Jana Russell said. “You’ll be a lot happier.” In the meantime, you can find Jana and Johanna’s works at Fashion Jewelry, which is open Thursday-Saturday. You never know, you may just find your newest favorite piece of jewelry to go with that outfit you’ve been trying to find an excuse to wear. /////

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book review NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20

‘One Day’ explores 24 hours in America Book took six years and 500 interviews to write Review By Gracie Byrne Art submitted

While I love reading fiction, there’s nothing like a nonfiction book to really get me going. We all know the obvious difference between the two, but sometimes I read nonfiction titles that seem too good to be real. In the case of my latest read, it was a nonfiction book, and every bit of it was true. I just finished reading One Day: The Extraordinary 24 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE

Story of an Ordinary 24 Hours in America, penned by Washington Post journalist Gene Weingarten. This book took Weingarten six years to write, as he conducted more than 500 interviews for it. After discussing the idea with a friend, he had three random people draw slips of paper from a hat. One person drew a month, one drew a day and one drew a year. The date he came up with was December 28, 1986. The day itself has no major cultural or historical

Gene Weingarten

significance. It was a Sunday, plain and simple. But for the people he interviewed, that day changed the course of their lives. From emergency heart transplants to finding love in the nick of time, One Day was a book I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put down. Weingarten is a journalist, and he wrote his book in a journalistic style. Everything felt so raw, so real; it was as if I were there with the characters. Speaking of characters, that was one thing that really stuck with me. I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reading about something made up. Their stories meant something because they were real. I was reading about real people, with real joys and sorrows. In 367 pages, I traveled all across the county in the span of 24 hours. I got to see life from an array of lens, from the top of the line to the bottom of the heap. I was reminded that life is fleeting, and that every day is special. Even the mundane ones. Overall, One Day was the ultimate culmination of human interest stories. Weingarten wrote specifically about the individuals he interviewed, but he also fanned out to give each chapter depth by including other information and history about the topics discussed. This was a book I toted around with me everywhere I went. I read it alone and out loud to those in my family who would listen. One Day is a series of stories worth reading. Just trust me. /////

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book review NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20

The Be Happy Box: Plan a Happy Life by Stephanie Fleming Review By Britain Campbell Art submitted

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The Be Happy Box is an amazing package that includes some great things. It comes with a 12-month planner for the next year, 30 sticker sheets, 60 sheets of fill paper, plastic envelopes/dividers, a pencil pouch, a keychain, and — best of all — Fleming’s Plan a Happy Life book. Every piece within the box is adorable. The layout of the planner incorporates ideas I did not know I wanted in a planner until now. Before each month, there is a section where you can put your “big ideas,” a master list and dates to remember. There are large margins on one side of each page of the weekly planning sections. My favorite part is the large amount of room provided for you to write your tasks for each day. And if that is still not enough room for you, the insert sheets and stickers can provide even more. It is great to know that if I do not use them all, I can save them for my next planner. The pencil pouch comes with a strap and can hold a large quantity of pens, pencils, markers and whatever else you might need. All of the items included are beautifully designed. The Plan a Happy Life book is just as beautiful and is wonderful, as well. I found fairly quickly that several thought-out pieces of advice were weaved in and throughout every chapter. The book is split into four sections: “Defining Happy,” “The Four Ps,” “Nurturing Happiness” and “Living Happy.” Fleming walks you through what the ultimate goal is for this book (a happy life), how to start on this goal-focused path, continue it, and, eventually, make it a daily habit. Simple, yet important and thought-provoking exercises that can help you reach this goal are included in the book, as well. I appreciate how she mentions in the introduction of her book that she is “offering tools, not prescriptions”; no one is exactly the same, therefore you should “figure out what works for you.” I also like how these words of advice that she gives come from her personal experiences. Although I believe I would trust a professional’s view on how to have a happy life, personal experience goes above textbook knowledge. Because she pulled wisdom from her life she has found to be true, she has given many personal examples of what she did to reach this point in her life and how to continue living it. Fleming constantly makes the reader feel at ease and without pressure to have the “perfect” answer. She gently encourages the reader and makes them know that their thoughts and feelings are valid. Overall, I believe Fleming created a wonderful book to help others. Not only was it inspiring and useful, it was enjoyable and fun. The book was a pleasure to read, and I feel I gained a lot from it.

wellness NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20

Richard Balkcom owns Revelation Counseling Center in Brookhaven.

Holiday Blues Pandemic has compounded mental health issue Story By Hunter Cloud Photos by Gracie Byrne

The lights shine brightest at night, feasts are prepared, trees are decorated and the sound of silver bells ring on through the days. However as the days grow shorter, temperatures drop and the trees lay bare, mental health becomes an issue. Dr. Richard Balkcom, who owns Revelation Counseling Center, said that COVID-19 may make it more challenging.

“We are in 2020, which has been one of the most difficult times for people struggling with mental issues anyway, because of quarantine,” Balkcom said. “Also a tough time for individuals who have lost a loved one and this is going to be the first major holiday refacing that reality.” COVID-19 has impacted the lives of Americans in many aspects but the financial struggles that it has caused

may be a trigger for people this holiday season. According to an article from Forbes Magazine, Americans spend up to $920 on gifts on average. Balkcom has tips for those who feel crushed by the weight of finances and the spending associated with the holidays. “I think people can communicate better,” Balkcom said. “Create a budget and stick to it. That would relieve BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 27

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Holidays can be stressful for those dealing with pain and loss of loved ones, according to Richard Balkcom with Revelation Counseling Center.

some stress and anxieties for a lot of individuals.” Relatives or friends that have lost close family may feel the most pain around the holidays. Reaching out to them and making sure they feel included is something the Mayo Clinic recommends. In his practice, Balkcom uses an anxiety scale for the people that he counsels. He said the top three things causing anxiety are loss of a loved one, moving and the holidays. “It is a very stressful time,” Balkcom said. “I definitely see an uptick in people reaching out for help, trying to cope with stress and anxiety or loss of a loved one.” Ways to cope include being honest with yourself, learning how to say no

to not add more stress to your life, and continuing to live healthy according to the Mayo Clinic tips to prevent holiday depression and stress. Seasonal affective disorder occurs when the weather changes and is usually associated with the winter months as the time changes and the temperature drop. More people are inside and in stressful environments. According to Mental Health America, about five percent of the U.S. population experiences seasonal depression. While the ways to prevent seasonal depression are small, increased lights and more time spent outside can help offset the effects. “That does bring on a lot of depression in some individuals,” Balkcom said. “They can reach out to their doctor, or

to reach out to a counselor or therapist and try to set up an appointment through that.” With 2020 being an election year and an unusual year due to the pandemic, the holidays may be filled with more stressors than usual. This is a time Balkcom said holiday traditions and gatherings will be affected by the pandemic. How that will affect people may be different than years prior. “Be more aware of what is going on,” Balkcom said. “It is a time where there are stressors in families. People are arguing and not getting along. To set aside differences and be able to reach out.” /////

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shopping NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20

Great Christmas gift ideas Be ready when Rudolph arrives, wearing this cute PJ set! PJ Set $39.99, 17 in Rueben Reindeer $26.99 Beyond The Rainbow

Bring a touch of the outdoors in with the crisp, just-cut forest fragrance of Frasier Fir. Thymes Frasier Fir collection of candles, laundry detergent and room spray are available to Hall & Company. Prices vary by product and size. Hall & Company

Stocking stuï¬&#x20AC;ers for HER? Yes, please. Vintage Cosmetic Makeup Removing Cloths $10 Vintage Cosmetic Satin Pillow Case $14 Living Proof Dry Shampoo $28 Living Proof Nourishing Styling Creme $25 Glamour and Grace

30 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE

shopping NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20

Built on life's special occasions, Diamond Add A Link Bracelets make the perfect gift! Bring a little sparkle to your Christmas. Prices vary by style Smith Jewelry House of Diamonds

Purses make great Christmas Gifts! These Cheetah Hobo Purses are sure to be a big hit under your tree. $56 Expectations Too

Your little princess will be thrilled to have the same doll house Princess Charlotte has in her room! Intricate details and a variety of sizes and accessories make this one extra special! Expectations

BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 31

food & drink NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20

Holiday Recipes

Brookhaven Magazine staff share favorite Christmas recipes Christmas Praline French Toast Casserole

8 eggs 1 1/2 Cups Half and Half 1/3 Cup Maple Syrup 1/2 Cup Dark Brown Sugar 9-10 Slices Texas Toast Topping: 1/2 Cup Butter 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar 2/3 Cup Maple Syrup 2 Cups Chopped Pecans

Ama’s Corn Casserole 1box jiffy corn muffin mix 1 can whole kernel corn drained 1 can creamed corn 1 stick of butter 2 eggs 8 ounces of sour cream Mix together and put in square or round Pyrex dish. Bake at 375 for 50 minutes until lightly golden on top and cooked all the way through. “This recipe is my grandmother’s recipe and I’ve been eating it for as long as I can remember. It’s the perfect mix of creamy, cakey and flavorful. It pairs perfectly with all of the traditional holiday food- turkey, ham, stuffing, you name it. I’m not going to lie, I love it so much that I would gladly bypass the pumpkin pie and eat it for dessert. Part of the draw though is the nostalgia that comes with every bite, reminding me of years of warm, cozy rooms filled to bursting with the people I treasure most in this world.” Hannah Blankenship is a freelancer for Brookhaven Magazine. She is a junior journalism major at Mississippi State University. 32 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE

Butter 13 x 9 casserole dish. Mix eggs, half and half, syrup and sugar. Place bread slices in casserole dish and pour egg mixture over it. Refrigerate overnight. Christmas morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in saucepan. Add sugar and syrup and cook for 3 minutes over medium heat. Add pecans and pour over bread mixture. Bake 45-50 minutes. Kristi Carney is the Director of Advertising and Marketing for Brookhaven Magazine and the Daily Leader.

Pumpkin Muffins

Ingredients: 1 can pumpkin 1 box spice cake mix 1 bag cinnamon chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Pour ingredients into a bowl and stir until moist. Line or grease or spray muffin pans (the size of your choice). Scoop or spoon “batter” into the tins until flush with the pan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. “As the leaves of fall begin to flutter to the

ground sounds of college game day wake me up on Saturday mornings. Walking into the kitchen I make myself a cup of coffee, Black with sugar and inhale the rich pumpkin and cinnamon smell of pumpkin muffins. While my family is 7 hours away and Northwest Arkansas has a different fall weather experience than Mississippi, my attachment to pumpkin muffins and Thanksgiving/Halloween are very close. One small bite of a warm pumpkin muffin on a crisp fall morn takes me back a few years and hundreds of miles to home. There I’m sitting at the breakfast table, family all around, warm on the inside and out. Thank you to my amazing mother and her food blog for this recipe.” Hunter Cloud is a freelancer. He is a senior journalism major at Mississippi State University.

Aunt Edna’s Devils Food Cake

1 devils food cake mix (Duncan Hines) , 4 eggs, 1/2 cup oil, 1 cup buttermilk, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9x13 cake pan and bake for 25-30 min. On stove top melt 1/2 cup butter and mix 2 1/2 cups powder sugar, 1/2 c cocoa powder, tsp vanilla, and 1/2 milk. Ice cake while it is warm. You can top with your favorite nuts if you like! “What sets this cake apart from other chocolate cakes is the buttermilk and cinnamon that give it an edge over other chocolate cakes I’ve had in my life. For the real adventurous types, melt some peanut butter chips with your stove top icing and fall head over heels in love with your new favorite dish.” Keith Hall is a freelancer for Brookhaven Magazine.

Pan Roasted Pecans

Heat oven to 325 or 350 degrees. Melt a stick of butter or margarine in a glass measuring cup or bowl in the microwave. Drop pecan halves in butter and stir to coat well. Use a slotted spoon so they will drip the excess off and spread the pecans in a baking pan. Generously salt and stir, then spread them around. If there is extra melted butter left over, pour it on top. They need to be just one layer deep in the pan. If cooking more than one pan at a time, melt enough butter to coat pecans for both pans. Cook about 15 minutes, then take them out, stir, taste and salt again if necessary. Keep doing this every 4-5 minutes until you think they’re done. Nuts must be watched closely. If they ever start to taste burnt, they’re shot. “This was always one of my favorite treats at my grandmother’s house. She’d make them for us to eat as we traveled back to our house from visiting for the holidays. She used a cast iron skillet, but a sheet pan in the oven works, too.” Brett Campbell is Editor for Brookhaven Magazine and the Daily Leader.

Amish Friendship Cake

Starter: • One large can sliced peaches with juice, 2 ½ cups of sugar • Combine in one gallon glass jar, stir one time a day for ten days • On day ten add 2 ½ cups of sugar, one large can pineapple chunks with juice, stir one time a day for ten more days • On day twenty add 2 ½ cups of sugar, one 10 ounce jar maraschino cherries with juice, one large can fruit cocktail with juice, stir one time a day for ten more days •On day thirty, drain fruit and bake cakes and give 1/3 of starter away as a gift • Store fruit on countertop, do not place in refrigerator. Close cap loosely on jar, do not use metal utensils in fruit. Baking Instructions 1 yellow cake mix (without pudding) 2/3 cup oil 4 eggs 1/3 of the divided fruit 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) 1 box vanilla instant pudding mix Mix all and bake at 350º for 50 minutes or until done “I’ve had this cake every year during the holidays for as long as I can remember. It’s a big hit in my family, and my mom has always made enough cakes for me to take to school and church to share with my teachers. It’s really special to me.” Gracie Byrne is a writer and reporter for Brookhaven Magazine and the Daily Leader.

BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 33

home NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20

The McMorrises’ barn has been a work in progress for the past four years. Above, the dining room features plenty of space for their family.

Mac’s Barn

Unique building well on its way to becoming a family home Story & Photos By Gracie Byrne

Nestled in the northeast corner of Lincoln County is a project Clay and Stephanie McMorris have been working on for the past four years. Visible from the road, Mac’s Barn is inviting and warm, with a sprawling lawn and plenty of room for their grandkids to play. Plenty of room is important, especially since there are 13 of them. “They love to come to the barn,” McMorris said. “We have barn Christmas, Thanksgiving, birthday parties. It’s just a weekend place.” The name for the barn came from the 34 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE

McMorris’ last name, shortened from McMorris to Mac. The barn started out as a place for their family to come together on the weekends and during holidays. “We built it for our family,” McMorris said. “Where we can enjoy the weekends, spend the nights, and just have a place to get away.” There was an old barn on the property, and much of the material from it has been used to build the new barn. This can be seen in the shiplap and tin used in the walls throughout the barn.

The previous barn had been there for 75 years. Features of the original barn can be seen in the bathrooms and the kitchen. The kitchen cabinets are made with wood from the original barn, with all of the boards being different colors. “It’s all made out of old barnwood and tin that came off the original,” McMorris said. McMorris said his wife Stephanie had the idea. She had always wanted to build a barn, but the time was never right. After buying the property, they began discussing what could be put there. It

didn’t take long to come up with an idea. “We always wanted a red barn,” McMorris said. “It’s just for us.” While the McMorris’ live at their residence at Riverwood, they hope to make the barn their permanent home one day. At 3,200 square feet, the barn sits on 68 acres and features a pond adjacent to the structure. They have cows and plenty of land to explore. “It’s somewhere we all love to go,” McMorris said. “It’s a home away from home.” They began adding amenities and even built a Murphy bed for the barn. “It was livable, we could stay here,” McMorris said. They decided to build two 12 by 50 bedrooms, and the construction crew is in the process of finishing that now. This puts the total number of bedrooms at four, all with closets. “So all the kids can come and have beds rather than sleeping bags on the floor,” McMorris said. “ One feature that stands out about the barn is the ceilings it boasts. “It’s got 20-foot ceilings,” McMorris said. The barn has been a work in progress for the McMorris family, and they are excited for when everything is finished. “We’ll have a four bedroom home we can live in, family time, good memories for my grandkids,” McMorris said. McMorris hopes their barn gives them even more family time than they already have. “Those memories of those kids, that’s what we hope we can get out of this,” McMorris said. “Even when it’s our home, we know they’ll still see it as the barn.” For the McMorrises, it’s a rustic living dream come to life. “It’s our home away from home, up on the hill,” McMorris said. /////

Above, the television cabinet, built by McMorris, doubles as a Murphy bed.

BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 35

photo essay NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20

Familiar Places The city of Brookhaven features an array of landmarks, many of which are seen here. Photos By Gracie Byrne

36 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE

Left, the Mary Jane Lampton Auditorium on the campus of the Mississippi School of the Arts. Above, Recess 101, a poplular music venue. Below, Bobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sandwich Shop, a longtime Brookhaven business famous for their flat hotdog.

BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 37

Above, First Baptist Church of Brookhaven, located on East Monticello Street. Below, The Coffee Pot Inn, a former restaurant and hotel. Top right, the Homeseekerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Paradise sign, located in the heart of downtown Brookhaven.

38 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE

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BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 39

40 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE

voices NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20

Why I love Brookhaven A North Mississippi native makes Lincoln County his home. Michael Hughey, 53, lives and works in Brookhaven and has so for the past 20 years. Originally from Blue Mountain, he moved here in 2000 with his wife Tonya, who is from Brookhaven. The couple met in high school through 4H. They first made each other’s acquaintance at a 4H in Chicago. They married in 1991, and will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary next year. Hughey previously lived in Starkville before moving to Brookhaven. For his wife, moving to Brookhaven was coming back home. The incentive of a secured job only made things sweeter. They have two children: Britt, 22; and Carson, 16. “My family loves it here,” Hughey said. For the past 20 years, Hughey has worked as a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service. He delivers mail to the northeast part of the county where he lives. He is an active member of Mount Zion Baptist Church, along with being involved in Loyd Star Athletics due to his daughter playing multiple sports. “I love my church, my church family,” Hughey said. “The schools are good, Loyd Star is good.”

He describes Brookhaven as similar to his hometown of Blue Mountain. “It’s real small here too,” Hughey said. “But I like it here.” If asked to give someone advice about whether to move to Brookhaven, he would only have this to say. “Do it,” Hughey said. “It’s a great place to raise a family.” Hughey has a big job during the holidays as a rural mail carrier. It’s not a part of the job he enjoys. “It’s terrible,” Hughey said. “The packages started being terrible at Christmas three or four years ago, and every year it’s just been bigger and bigger.” Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Hughey said it’s felt like Christmas the entire time, but not in the way one would think. “This past year when Christmas was over, it never went back down,” Hughey said. “Because of COVID, people started buying more stuff online.” The rate of packages increased due to people being forced to quarantine in their homes. “We never eased back down,” Hughey said. “The summer’s always been easy, but it’s felt like Christmas.” Despite everything, Hughey enjoys his job and strives to do his best each day, especially during the holidays. “I take people their packages to the door, and not all carriers do that,” Hughey said.“I feel good about what I do.” Michael Hughey is a longtime resident of Lincoln County. /////

Wishing our friends in Brookhaven a

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 41

feature NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20

Larry Russell brings Christmas joy to a child in her first encounter with Santa Claus.

Santas spread local cheer Santa delivers gift of literacy in Bogue Chitto These stories originally ran in the pages of The Daily Leader in 2017 and 2018, respectively, on local Sat. Nicks — Larry Russell and Kim Bridge.

Larry Russell spends most of his time pastoring the congregation at Montgomery Baptist Church in Summit. But when the calendar turns to December, he transforms from an inconspicuous country parson into the embodiment of Father Christmas. For nearly a decade, he has sported a custom-made crimson suit, cultivated his milky whiskers and patiently listened to the holiday wish lists of countless children. 42 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE

Monday, he dashed over to the Bogue Chitto Attendance Center in his yuletide regalia and gave the school’s K-2 students each a free book to kick start their holiday season. “I just feel like it is such a precious memory for these children to get to meet Santa and to know that he cares about their education,” Bogue Chitto librarian Kim Nelson said. Russell, a former schoolteacher, recently started a local program called “Santa’s Gift of Reading” with the longterm goal of giving every child in Lincoln County a new book at Christmastime.

“To do that will take a lot of money, and a preacher like me doesn’t make much,” he said laughing. “But I figure there are people in the county who see this need as much as I do and will want to help.” Originally from Lincoln County, Russell spent several decades living near Jackson. When he moved back home, the deficient reading scores pouring out of area schools astonished him. So, he decided to help spark a change. “We all would love to have a lot of high paying jobs and industries move into our part of the state, but they won’t do that

unless we see an improvement in these reading scores,” Russell said. “So, I’m going to do what I can to help.” So far, he has been able to reach the youngest students at Bogue Chitto and make a general contribution to the library at Mamie Martin Elementary School. But he hopes to do more in coming years. After giving Santa a quick hug, kindergartener Turner Fortson said, “It feels awesome to get a book.” Russell takes playing St. Nicholas very seriously. He is a graduate of the International School of Santa, he has undergone a nationwide background check and he carries special liability insurance, all so he can spread a little Christmas joy. “I wish we would pause every now and again and think about the real history of Christmas, especially the first Christmas,” he said. “That first Christmas shows us that we’re here to give, and that’s one thing I like to pass on to the children who listen to my story” Russell said. /////

Santa Claus (Larry Russell) listens to children at Bogue Chitto Attendance Center share their Christmas dreams.

BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 43

Brookhaven RN is a pro St. Nick These stories originally ran in the pages of The Daily Leader in 2017 and 2018, respectively, on local Sat. Nicks — Larry Russell and Kim Bridge.

Kim Bridge still believes in Santa Claus. Kim Bridge is Santa Claus. The 65-year-old registered nurse and community education coordinator for King’s Daughters Medical Center has the red suits; the old-world wooly, white beard; the belts and buckles and boots and the “ho, ho, ho” from the bottom of his gut that make him, for a few weeks every December, Brookhaven’s own Saint Nicholas. He’s even been to school for it — he’s a 2018 graduate of the Professional Santa Claus School, available for hire for parades, parties and photo sessions. But it’s Christmas spirit, not cash, that turns Bridge into Kris Kringle. “I just love the smiles on people’s faces. It makes it all worth while,” he said. “Seeing the responses you get from people, to see the smiles on the faces of children and adults, to see their eyes light up. They have no idea who I am — it’s Santa they see.” Bridge’s Christmas calendar is already filling up. He’s scheduled to get in character as Father Christmas for the annual Brookhaven Christmas parade ..., booked for two nursing home parties, a fundraiser for Heritage Hills orphanage ..., the Junior Auxiliary’s Cookies and Milk with Santa event and an appearance at the Mississippi School of the Arts. These hours-long appearances, in which Bridge never breaks character, started out years ago as a 10-second dash across a dark back yard. “I started out like everybody else — I bought a cheap Santa suit for $25 and a fake beard, just for my kids,” he said. “Tyler and Nick were 9 and 5, I believe. My wife, Cathy, would tell the boys, ‘I think I hear Santa,’ and they’d look out the window and I’d run across the back yard in my suit. It was just a dad thing, something special for my boys.” The Bridges still do the “dad thing” — Tyler Bridge is 40 and still believes in Santa Claus, his father said — and now it’s a granddad thing, with three little Bridges who are believers. And, over the years, the Santa act has expanded outside of the Bridge home. Word began getting out years ago that Bridge played a pretty good Santa — people knew he had a suit, he said — so he started accepting invitations to Christmas parties here and there, and a few family get-togethers, where he helped with distributing gifts. As Bridge’s reputation grew, he put more into the act. He spent $600 on extra Santa 44 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE

suits, “with more bling,” he said, and a new belt, buckle and boots. He used to wear fake beards because his real beard grew in red, but now his scratchy face-mane is white as the North Pole. “My wife wants the beard to go away. It normally goes away Christmas morning, but I don’t know if I’m gonna do that this year,” he said. “She hates waking up next to Santa.” Bridge had always wanted to attend Professional Santa Claus School in Denver, Colorado, but never could bring himself to drop the cash on the trip. But the institution took its show on the road in 2018, touring all around the nation, and Bridge attended the two-day course in Memphis, Tennessee, back in August. The classes taught around 30 deepSouth Santas essential professional St. Nick techniques, like proper makeup and beards, contracts, insurance and background checks. Since passing the course, Bridge has incorporated his side job as 601 Santa, and he’s taking gigs this season. But the best gigs don’t pay. Bridge visits local nursing homes as Santa and, on Christmas Eve, goes doorto-door at KDMC, in full costume, meeting every patient who couldn’t be home for the holidays. He sits with them, holds their hand, talks a while, brings candy and lets them know someone cares. “They can’t go home. They can’t be there. I just let them know Santa hasn’t forgotten them for Christmas. It’s special,” Bridge said, wiping his eyes. “In the nursing homes, you have some patients who are battling Alzheimer’s and dementia, and they may not be able to remember their own families. But everyone remembers Santa. “It’s just a way I can give back. That’s all,” he continued. “Christmas has always been special to our family. The Lord has blessed us in so many ways, and being Santa allows me to pass it on. The Lord has a plan — you can’t question it, you gotta go with it. It’s just a little ministry.” Bridge said he plans on putting in at least one more year at KDMC, and he wants to elevate his Santa game in retirement. There is such a thing as Christmas in July, he said. “When I first started doing this, I was at a gathering at McLane Southern, and a kid came up to me and said, ‘You’re not the real Santa.’ I said, ‘Well, how do you know that?’” Bridge said. “He told me, ‘I heard you laughing, and you laughed normal. You didn’t say, ho, ho, ho.’ That’s something I learned. When you’re in the suit, you gotta stay in character. When you’re Santa, you’re Santa.” /////

Top, Kim Bridge graduated in 2018 from the Santa Claus School in Memphis. Center, Bridge waves to parade-goers in downtown Brookhaven. Bottom, a child whispers her wish list to Santa (Bridge).

BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 45

social scenes NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20

Brookhaven resident and business owner Wayne Wallace turns 80

Wayne Wallace, seated in baseball cap, celebrated his 80th birthday surrounded by family. Back row, from left, Jacob Lea, Travis Wallace, Kristy Wallace, Justin Winburn and Brian Little; second row, from left, Janice Wallace, Gail Wallace, Jackson Wallace, Anna Lea, Bryson Lea, Jaynie Henning, Britni Winburn, Nikki Little, Karen Wallace, Cliff Wallace, Cooper Wallace, Paul Henning, Grant Melancon and Judson Henning; third row, from left, Joey Wallace, Scotty Wallace, Claire Winburn, Ella Winburn, Pat Miller, Wayne Wallace, Deedee Henning, Jeremiah Henning, Carson Sticker and Jordan Sticker; front row, from left, Noah Winburn, Camden Little, Ava Kate Little, Merritt Little, Lofton Winburn, Jessie Melancon, Hadli Wallace, Addie Claire Sticker and Maddie Henning. Below, back row, from left, Scotty Wallace, Cliff Wallace, Deedee Henning and Pat Miller; front row, from left, Pat Miller, Wayne Wallace and Joey Wallace.

46 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE

social scenes SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 20

ABATE of Southwest Mississippi Motorcycle Club Flower Runs

From left, Ben Benson and Christian Motorcycle Association member Randy Lackey, Inset, one of the memorial markers delivered and installed by ABATE members during one of 2020â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Flower Runs. This marker was for Billy Monk.

From left, ABATE members Debby Welch, Cliff Welch, David Penn and Ben Benson

BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE 47

social scenes NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20

Junior Auxiliary Shrimp Dinner Brookhaven Junior Auxiliary members in Year 2 are, front row from left, Mandy Allred, Whitney Clark and Anna Grider; back row from left, Rachel Cochran, Bethany Ballard and Erin Culpepper.

Brookhaven Junior Auxiliary members in Year 3 are, front row from left, Chaunci McIntyre, Lindsey Abdalla and Erin King; middle row from left, Jennifer Price and LaToya Butler; back row from left, Mallory Johnson, Tiffany Blackwell and Jillian Ricceri.

Brookhaven Junior Auxiliary members in Year 1 (Provisional Class) are, front row from left, Erica Kent, Emily Bellipanni, Rachel Powell and Madison Foster; middle row from left, Shayla Edwards, Kayla Martin and Candice Quinn; top row from left, Jessica Malone, Ashton Richardson, Chancey Armstrong and Tiffany Thadison. Not pictured is Sarah Brown.

48 BROOKHAVEN MAGAZINE

social scenes SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 20

Junior Auxiliary Shrimp Dinner

Brookhaven Junior Auxiliary members in Year 4 are, from left, Laura Broxson, Mary Clare Hemleben, Kristina Mason, Paula Welch and Mary Catherine Franklin.

Brookhaven Junior Auxiliary members in Year 5 are, from left, Stephanie Henderson, Katie Furr and Anne Houston Craig. Not pictured is Ashley Choudoir.

Brookhaven Junior Auxiliary members in Year 6 are, front row from left, Hannah Laporte, Sheila Sartin and Mary White; back row from left, Amy Ferguson, Candice Moore, Summer Williams and Sarabeth Hall. Not pictured is Lisa Breazeale.

garden NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20

Photo by MSU Extension/Gary Bachman With its loads of red berries and bright green leaves, the Savannah holly may be the official Christmas plant of the landscape.

Savannah hollies decorate landscapes past Christmas By Gary R. Bachman MSU Extension Service

I love when the calendar strikes Dec. 1, because it means we are officially in the Christmas season. Now, I know it seems like many stores have had their holiday decorations out since before Labor Day, but none of that counts until we get to December. Lately, I’ve been promoting coolseason annuals for winter color, and my advice for those plants holds. But one group of landscape plants needs some extra attention paid to it this time of year. Of course, I’m talking about the hollies. Today, I want to talk to you about a reliable favorite of mine for many years, the Savannah holly. This time of year, these plants are loaded down with red berries. With its red berries and green leaves, the holly may be the official Christmas plant of the landscape. Plus, it is a superb and versatile evergreen plant to grow in our Mississippi gardens and landscapes all year. Savannah holly is known botanically as

Ilex x attenuata and is a hybrid of two of our native hollies, American holly (Ilex opaca) and dahoon holly (Ilex cassine). It is also a close cousin to another great landscape holly, Foster’s holly. Savannah hollies are moderate growing large shrubs or small trees with the potential to reach up to 35 feet tall. They make great screens or are great-looking landscape specimens. These hollies naturally have a pyramidal growth habit. Their summer foliage is typically a dull, light green. Leaf margins have soft spines of varying numbers on each leaf. These spines are representative of the American holly parent. When grown with other hollies that have dark, glossy green foliage, Savannah holly can appear to be a bit yellowish. But the foliage color is perfectly normal. During the winter months, when exposed to cold weather, the foliage, like many of our evergreen landscape plants, may become a bit yellowishpurple or be tinged with red. The heavy berry production can also lead to leaf yellowing, also called chlorosis. The berries can be a real showstopper

from November through March. Tight clusters of berries are formed towards the ends of the branches. The berry color is reminiscent of fluorescent red, and each berry is a quarter-inch or more in diameter. All hollies are dioecious, with each plant having male and female parts. For good berry production, male and female plants must be in relative proximity. It’s a good thing that hollies are considered promiscuous in regard to pollination! Native American hollies are common across the state and can provide the requisite pollination for the Savannah, as well as other fruiting hollies. Savannah hollies tolerate almost any well-drained landscape soil. These plants also tolerate confined root zones because of their small root diameter and great number of roots. Cities often use Savannah hollies in median plantings, which is a testament to their toughness. Dr. Gary R. Bachman is an Extension and research professor at Mississippi State University. /////