Bluffs & Bayous { May / June 2020 { Page 1
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F RO M T H E P U B L I S H E R
PANDEMIC 2020
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istorical times these days! I hope all of you have kept some type of diary or notes of your daily activiWLHV GXULQJ WKLV SHULRG 5HĂ HFWLQJ RQ WKH past couple of months, I realize my lifestyle and routine have changed drastically. As many of you, I have been glued to the QHZV ELQJHG PRYLHV DQG 1HWĂ L[ $PD]RQ Prime, and Starz series; read books; baked and cooked; played board and card games; and put my grandchildren’s thousand-piece puzzle together. I have enjoyed working in the yard and planting an herb garden, as well as cleaning out closets, drawers, and storage areas, all to keep myself productive and make the most of this stay-at-home time. Zoom calls with family and friends have been crucial to staying in touch, and lately various “virtualâ€? committee and board meetings have resumed — life still JRHV RQ :H DUH QRW VXUH H[DFWO\ ZKDW RXU new “normalâ€? will be, but Southerners are RSWLPLVWLF DQG ZLOO Ă€QG D ZD\ WR SHUVHYHUH
COVID-19 has brought a hiccup to production at Bluffs & Bayous as well; but now we are thrilled to bring happy and inIRUPDWLYH H[SHULHQFHV WR \RX LQ WKLV 0D\ June issue. Taking time to enjoy life’s simplicity and quiet together-moments, leaving the darkness in our wake and heading to brighter waters beyond, was the inspiration for our cover and ensuing pages of scenes throughout our area of life on lakes and rivers. The weekend prior to our shut-down, or as Leslie Jordan says our “hunker downâ€? time, a precious Ice Cream Sundae party honored Natchez Garden Club Page Anna Grace DePaula‌such a clever party that we wanted to share it with you. Our several gardening articles will entice you to spend even more time outdoors preening your landscape, and our delicious and healthy recipes will keep you busy about the kitchen and trim as well. Also, we salute our area hospitals’ healthcare providers and
ÀUVW UHVSRQGHUV ZKR KDYH EHHQ RQ WKH front line in battling the current pandemic, and our contributors Sam Gwin and Alma Womack anchor this issue. We wish all of you a healthy and safe lifestyle as we ease into summer, and we send a Happy Father’s Day greeting to all Fathers out there. We hope all of our readers will join us in proceeding with caution as together we brave the circumstances of reopening our communities in our life along and beyond the Mississippi.
Bluffs & Bayous { May / June 2020 { Page 3
may / JUNE 2020
F E AT U R E S Cooking with Herbs ........................................................................................ 22-23 An Ice Cream Sundae Delight ......................................................................... 28-30 A Salute to Area Healthcare Providers and First Responders ......................... 32-35 Savoring Life on the Water ............................................................................. 36-37
F AV O R I T E S In the Garden Herbs are Easy for First-time Gardeners ............................................................8-9
Cooking with Herbs pages 22 - 23
Worthy Wave Petunias for Home Gardens ...................................................... 10-11 Melampodium: A Garden Must-have .............................................................. 14-15
Legal Notes Was America Created a Christian Nation? ...........................................................20
Southern Sampler Love of Plants . . . and of Dogs . . . Generation to Generation .............................42
The Social Scene Wreaths Across America in Osyka Veterans Park ................................................6-7 Double Birthday Celebration .......................................................................... 12-13 Celebration Party for Queen Whitney Moak ................................................... 16-18 Natchez Literary & Cinema Celebration 2020 ......................................................19 Krewe of Ceres Reveal Party ...............................................................................25
A Salute to Area Healthcare Providers and First Responders pages 32-35
Brightest Stars Ball ........................................................................................ 26-27
Up & Coming Louisiana Up & Coming ......................................................................................40 Mississippi Up & Coming .....................................................................................41
ON THE COVER Taking time to enjoy life’s simplicity . . . ending a day on the water . . . heading home See pages 36 - 37 for additional images of Savoring Life on the Water. Photograph by Cheryl Rinehart
Worthy Wave Petunias for Home Gardens pages 10 - 11 Page 4 { May / June 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous
PUBLISHER Cheryl Foggo Rinehart COPY EDITOR Jean Nosser Biglane GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jan Ratcliff S TA F F P H O T O G R A P H E R S Tim McCary Cheryl Rinehart Bill Perkins Lisa Adams Whittington SALES STAFF Cheryl Rinehart Kari L. Blaney CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Gary R. Bachman Lucien C. “Sam” Gwin III Alma Womack
Cheryl Rinehart
Jan Ratcliff
Jean Biglane
Tim McCary
Bill Perkins
Lisa Adams Whittington
Dr. Gary R. Bachman
Lucien C. “Sam” Gwin III
Alma Womack
Kari L. Blaney
Bluffs & Bayous is published monthly to promote the greater Southern area of Louisiana and Mississippi in an informative and positive manner. We welcome contributions of articles and photos; however, they will be subject to editing and availability of space and subject matter. Photographs, comments, questions, subscription requests and ad placement inquiries are invited! Return envelopes and postage must accompany all materials submitted if a return is requested. 1R SRUWLRQ RI WKLV SXEOLFDWLRQ PD\ EH UHSURGXFHG ZLWKRXW ZULWWHQ SHUPLVVLRQ RI WKH SXEOLVKHU 7KH RSLQLRQV H[SUHVVHG LQ Bluffs & Bayous are those of the authors or columnists and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement. Bluffs & Bayous strives to insure the accuracy of our magazine’s contents. However, should inaccuracies or omissions occur, we do not assume responsibility.
OFFICE 225 John R. Junkin Drive Natchez, MS 39120 601-442-6847 bluffsmag@gmail.com bbupandcoming@gmail.com www.bluffsbayous.com
Bluffs & Bayous { May / June 2020 { Page 5
THE social SCENE OSYKA, MISSISSIPPI
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Wreaths Across America in Osyka Veterans Park
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he Osyka Veterans Park hosted the Wreaths Across America program on Saturday, December 14, 2019, in downtown Osyka, Mississippi
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1 Bobby McDaniel, Master of Ceremonies 2 Gina Mitchell 3 Ruby and Tuffy Chambers were honored with a memorial for service with the Osyka Veterans Park. 4 Ceremony speaker Command Sergeant Major Christopher L. Young, currently assigned as the State Command Sergeant of the Mississippi Army National Guard 5 Bagpiper Steve Brownlee performed “Amazing Grace.” 6 Dudley F. Lampton, Lieutenant Colonel, Mississippi Army National Guard, Special Forces, hung a wreath in honor of the 93,129 United States Servicemen from all branches of the service whose last-known status was either Prisoner of War or Missing in Action. These individuals have never returned to their families and homes. 7 Wiltz Roberts, Jr., U.S. Army National Guard Veteran, reads his poem, “The Osyka Soldier.” 8 Captain Rachel Wilson, Senior Staff Attorney for the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance and originally from the Terry’s Creek Community, was a speaker and sang “America the Beautiful.” 9 Anthony Sassone, U.S. Army veteran who served in the Vietnam conflict, hung a wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Army. He was escorted by Jose Amador, SPC/Specialist 155th Armor Brigade Combat Team. 10 Jack Speed, U.S. Air Force veteran who served in the Vietnam conflict, hung a wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Air Force. He was escorted by Charles Christopher Bond, U.S. Army Veteran. 11 Roger Pittman, U.S. Army veteran who served in Korea and the Vietnam conflict, hung a wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Navy. Jose Amador was his escort. 12 William Barrett Travis, U.S. Marine Corp veteran who served in the Vietnam conflict, hung a wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Marines. His escort was Charles Bond. 13 Charley Sloan, U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, hung a wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Coast Guard. His escort was Jose Amador. 14 Phillip O’Brien, Mississippi Army National Guard 155th Infantry Veteran, hung a wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Merchant Marines. His escort was Charles Bond. 15 Front—Anthony Sassone, Jack Speed, Roger Pittman, Barrett Travis, Charley Sloan, Phillip O’Brien, and Dudley Lampton; Back—Escorts Jose Amador and Charles Bond
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OSYKA, MISSISSIPPI
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16 Veterans: Row 1—Jose Amador, Charles Bond, Charley Sloan, Tuffy Chambers, Rachel Wilson, David Wilson, Wiltz Roberts, and Dudley Lampton; Row 2—Jason Waller, Anthony Sassone, Jamie Harrell, Matt Thompson, Barrett Travis, Chris Young, Santa, Percy Wall, and Roger Pittman; Row 3—Charles Carruth, Phillip O’Brien, and Brad Bellipanni; Row 4—Jack Elarton, Jimmy Givens, Jack Speed, Larry Gibson, C. M. Wilson, and Doug Elarton 17 Reverend Justin Craft, Pastor of Line Creek Baptist Church, offered the benediction. 18 Linda Williams, Debbie Crawford, and Ernest Herndon, along with Lisa, Isaac, and Butch Bates and Marilu Rhodus. The Bates from Mount Juliet, Tennessee, are truck drivers for Story Trucking and delivered the wreaths to Osyka. 19 Veteran honorees Jack Speed, Anthony Sassone, and Barrett Travis 20 Christopher Crawford, Army Reserve/Specialist, assisted in the placing of the wreaths. 21 The Osyka Veterans Park
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Bluffs & Bayous { May / June 2020 { Page 7
IN THE GARDEN
BY
Dr. Gary R. Bachman
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Dr. Gary R. Bachman
Herbs are Easy for First-time Gardeners
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s we continue to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, our eating habits are changing. The options for eating out have been limited as we practice social distancing. This is the perfect opportunity for gardeners of all abilities to grow vegetable gardens. Now, I’m not advocating trying to produce all of your own food because that ZRXOG EH GLIÀFXOW LI VWDUWLQJ IURP VFUDWFK Also, we do need to support our local restaurants as much as we can. However, now seems a good opportunity to try growing things at home. The easiest and best plants to grow are herbs. They’re also perfect for growing in containers. Home-grown herbs can brighten up any meal whether it’s home-cooked or takeout. Therefore, I want to tell you about some of my favorite herbs. For the beginning gardener, common or sweet Italian basil is most likely the basil of choice. It’s versatile in the kitchen and pretty nonthreatening for the novice. The large leaves of this Genovese-type basil are aromatic. It is perfect for pesto or tomato sauces. The bright-purple leaves of Amethyst UHVHPEOH WKH EURDG à DW OHDYHV RI *HQRYHVH basil and have the same taste but with a touch of licorice spice. This herb is a great ingredient for purple basil mojitos. After muddling the basil with lemon juice, the leaves surrender their purple color and turn the drink a pretty, pink amethyst. Basil looks like a delicate garden plant, but it actually is a tough plant for hard times and has been recognized as a Mississippi 0HGDOOLRQ ZLQQHU 3XUSOH 5XIà HV KDV deep-purple leaves that are very fragrant. Uses include fresh garnish or color in salads when used as baby greens. And who can resist red basil pesto? A couple of good heirloom choices are the Thai basil varieties Quenette Top—Common or sweet Italian basil is versatile in the kitchen and nonthreatening for the novice gardener to grow. Left—The bright purple leaves of Amethyst basil taste like Genovese basil with a touch of licorice spice.
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DQG &DUGLQDO ZKLFK KDYH H[RWLFDOO\ GHOLFLRXV FLQQDPRQ DQG OLFRULFH à DYRUV and aromas. Both have beautiful, brightgreen foliage that contrasts with the dark purple stems. These plants are so similar that I believe they are both common names for the same variety. Basil care is really easy. First, be sure WR GHDGKHDG WKH à RZHUV :KLOH WKH\ DUH DWWUDFWLYH RQ WKHLU RZQ à RZHULQJ KDOWV OHDI production. Be sure to keep the containers FRQVLVWHQWO\ PRLVW $QG IRU WKH EHVW à DYRU harvest basil sprigs in the morning when the essential oils are at their peak. Place them in a small vase or jar until ready to use for dinner. Remember, the garden isn’t cancelled or closed just because we are practicing social distancing. Support your local garden centers. They are essential to our well-being and have a great selection of vegetable, herb, DQG à RZHULQJ SODQWV WKDW ZLOO PDNH \RXU time spent sheltering in place a lot more tolerable. Columnist Dr. Gary R. Bachman is an assistant extension professor of horticulture at Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow, and it thrives in containers.
Bluffs & Bayous { May / June 2020 { Page 9
IN THE GARDEN
BY
Dr. Gary R. Bachman
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Dr. Gary R. Bachman
Worthy Wave Petunias for Home Gardens
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’m sure Southern Gardening Nation knows that Supertunias, especially Vista Bubblegum, are among my favorite summer color because they are reliable performers in my coastal Mississippi garden and landscape. But there’s another great group of petunias that I haven’t written much about, primarily because I haven’t been growing them lately. That group is the family of Wave petunias. I actually grew and loved the Wave family long before my infatuation with Supertunias, and I’ve decided this year I’m jumping back in the water. And why not, as Wave petunias were named a Mississippi Medallion winner in 2000.
Top—Easy Wave petunias are heavy feeders and require consistent moisture. Flower production shuts off for up to a few weeks if they get dry.
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As summertime began, I bought a dozen Easy Wave petunias while observing social distancing recommendations and shopping for summer color at one of the independent garden centers on the coast. The colors I chose were Berry Velour, ZLWK LWV VRIW UDVSEHUU\ FRORU DQG OX[XULDQW à RZHU SHWDOV DQG 3OXP 9HLQ ZKLFK KDV SUHWW\ YLROHW SLQN à RZHUV ZLWK GHOLFDWH dark-plum veining. Easy Wave petunias are fast growing DQG SURGXFH JRUJHRXV à RZHUV DOO VXPPHU long. I transplanted four into each half barrel in my front landscape. With their potential to spread out up to 3 feet, I’m looking forward to a really colorful mass. Always plant Wave petunias in full sun IRU WKH EHVW à RZHULQJ DQG JURZWK .HHS the soil or potting medium consistently moist. Letting the plants dry out and start WR ZLOW ZLOO VKXW RII WKH à RZHULQJ IRU XS WR a few weeks. Proper watering is especially important ZKHQ WKHVH à RZHUV DUH JURZQ LQ FRQWDLQers, as they dry out much faster than when planted in the ground. Early-morning watering helps keep the soil moist and allows the foliage to dry during the day. During the hottest months, you may need to water containers and hanging baskets a second time in the afternoon. In such cases, having a drip irrigation system is very useful. All Wave petunias are heavy feeders, so apply a controlled-release fertilizer at SODQWLQJ )RU WKH EHVW JURZWK DQG à RZHU production, feed these plants on a regular basis. I prefer using a water-soluble fertilizer once a week when I water the plants. , ÀUVW VWDUWHG JURZLQJ :DYH SHWXQLDV back when I lived in Tennessee, and I tried the Silver Tidal Wave selection. I thought LWV EULJKW VLOYHU\ ZKLWH à RZHUV ZRXOG ORRN great in front of a Heller holly hedge. The growth habit of Silver Tidal Wave lived up to its name, as these petunias would climb up the holly hedge and start running across the tops of the shrubs. I literally had to trim them back every week. Once I started using them as a ground cover, I knew this plant was a keeper. So I encourage you to get out to your independent garden centers and try some of the Wave petunias that are available. I know that you’ll be pleased with them.
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Columnist Dr. Gary R. Bachman is an assistant extension professor of horticulture at Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Bluffs & Bayous { May / June 2020 { Page 11
THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI
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Double Birthday Celebration eather Callon and Michael Boykin celebrated their birthdays together on February 15, 2020, at the home of Karen Callon, Heather’s mother. Friends and family were invited to toast the two friends on their birthdays and enjoy the event’s fine food and libations.
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1 Stephen Cook and Jane Gardner 2 Heather Callon and Michael Boykin 3 Susie Pyron and Michael Boykin 4 Mike Rinehart and Christy Williams 5 Jane Gardner and Heather Callon 6 Wendell Weeden and Susie Pyron 7 Michael Boykin, Mike Rinehart, and Eric West 8 Christy Williams and Mark Weeden 9 Charlotte Brent, Amy Callon, Valerie Bergeron, and Stephanie Anderson 10 Joe Mardini, Susie Pyron, Brooks Herrington, and Michael Boykin 11 Kenny Booth, Michael Boykin, Windell Weeden, Mark Weeden, and Mike Scalfano 12 Michael Boykin, Rachel Lott, and Vincent Bache
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NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI
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13 William Thames, Susie Pyron, Mark Weeden, David West, Cheryl Rinehart, and Windell Weeden 14 Debra Colston, Karri Simpson, Susie Pyron, and Amy Callon 15 David West, Jane Gardner, and Dianne Bunch
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Bluffs & Bayous { May / June 2020 { Page 13
IN THE GARDEN
BY
Dr. Gary R. Bachman
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Dr. Gary R. Bachman
Melampodium: A Garden Must-have
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here are a few must-have plants for my summer Mississippi garden and landscape. You can count on my having Vista Bubblegum supertunia, marigolds, and all kinds of zinnias to provide color for my yard. But another great plant that doesn’t get a whole lot of attention is melampodium. I hope my talking about it will make melampoGLXP EHFRPH WKH ODWHVW LWHP WR Á\ RII WKH VKHOYHV during the current COVID-19 situation. Let’s face it: Melampodium is one tough plant when it comes to ÁRZHULQJ DQG MXVW SODLQ ORRNLQJ JRRG LQ WKH KHDW DQG humidity of the Mississippi summer. Melampodium was selected as a Mississippi Medallion winner way back in 1997. And no wonder because melampodium is a nonstop bloomer from summer until frost. It literally bursts forth with yelORZ WR JROGHQ GDLV\ RU VWDU OLNH ÁRZHUV
Left—Melampodium like this Jackpot Gold is a nonstop bloomer from summer until frost. It bursts out with yellow, VWDU OLNH ÁRZHUV
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There are several standard melampodium varieties available with more being introduced. Sizes vary from 10-to-24 inches tall. Selections to look for include Derby, Medallion, Million Gold, and Jackpot Gold. Melampodium likes dry conditions and makes a great container plant. Transplant into a light, welldrained soil. It is easy to grow and has few demands. It requires no staking. Because melampodium is self-cleaning, that means you don’t have to deadhead WKH à RZHUV HLWKHU ZKLFK UHDOO\ LV D plus when the temperatures start to soar in the summer. Melampodium prefers full sun and looks great no matter how hot and dry it is. But it is important to maintain a consistent root zone moisture. Plant melapodium in the landscape at the same depth as it grew in the container. Space the plants on 8-inch centers to allow them to grow together and form a brilliant mass. A KDSS\ VXUSULVH \RX¡OO JHW QH[W VSULQJ is that melampodium reseeds. The 0HODPSRGLXP VXFK DV WKLV 0LOOLRQ *ROG LV D WRXJK SODQW ZKHQ LW FRPHV WR à RZHULQJ DQG MXVW SODLQ ORRNLQJ JRRG LQ WKH new plants can be thinned if needed. heat and humidity of the Mississippi summer. I always allow reseeded seedlings to grow because it seems to me that is where Mother Nature thought the plant should be growing. Melampodium really likes to have consistent fertilization. Use a controlled-release fertilizer at transplanting and then once a month through the summer. I like to use water-soluble fertilizer since I’m going to have to water anyway. ,Q P\ H[SHULHQFH VQDLOV DQG VOXJV DUH the only pests that bother melampodium. Use snail baits or sprinkle diatomaceous earth—the fossil remains of prehistoric algae—to control these pests. 7KH à RZHULQJ GLVSOD\ RI PHODPSRGLum is strong enough to stand on its own, but try pairing it with other yellows, reds, and oranges to create a warm color scheme that will be hot this summer. This is where combination planting with my zinnias is always a hit. The only problem with melampodium is that it only comes in one color, but that’s not enough of a problem to stop you from enjoying it in your garden this year. Columnist Dr. Gary R. Bachman is an assistant extension professor of horticulture at Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Bluffs & Bayous { May / June 2020 { Page 15
THE social SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI
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Celebration Party for Queen Whitney Moak oe and Linda Moak hosted a cocktail party at their home before the annual Krewe of Ceres Charity Ball held February 22, 2020, to honor their niece Whitney Moak. Queen Whitney and King Paul Phillips reigned over the court later that evening during the ball at the Brookhaven Building in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Photographs by Bill Perkins.
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2 1 Front—Morgan Wallis, Alyssa Cannon, Queen Whitney Moak, Anna White, and Holli White; Back—Brittany Watkins, Morgan Barron, Maura Dunaway, Madison Franklin, Maggie Cross, and Athena Nakos 2 Queen Whitney Moak 3 Rick Taylor and Amy Valentine 4 Rhonda White and Veronica Richardson 5 Dennis Valentine and Jeff Richardson 6 Maggie Cross and Morgan Barron 7 Bill Jacobs and King Paul Phillips 8 Dr. Joe Moak and Anna Moak 9 Amy Valentine and Melinda Said 10 Anna Moak and Dr. Ed Moak 11 Stephanie Orr and Queen Whitney Moak
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THE social SCENE
BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI
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12 Morgan Wallis and Brittany Watkins 13 Athena Nakos, Brittany Watkins, Alyssa Cannon, Queen Whitney Moak, Holli White, Morgan Barron, and Maggie Cross 14 Patti Moak and Bill Perkins 15 Hunter Bloomfield, Dr. Ed Moak, Lane Bobo, Graham Bobo, and Edward Moak 16 Holli White, Queen Whitney Moak, and Athena Nakos 17 Katie Nations, Stephanie Orr, and Patti Moak 18 Dudley Lampton, Henry Ledet, and Dr. Joe Moak 19 Stephanie Orr, Shannon Patterson, and Katie Nations 20 Mike and Melinda Said 21 Morgan Barron and Morgan Wallis
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Bluffs & Bayous { May / June 2020 { Page 17
THE social SCENE
BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI
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22 Ralph and Martha Ann Peeples with Bill Jacobs 23 Jeff and Veronica Richardson and Rhonda White 24 Dr. Ed Moak with Assa and Sarah Reynolds 25 Terri Moak, Patti Moak, Shannon Patterson, Kristy Sessums, and Amy Valentine 26 Lane Bobo, Graham Bobo, Edward Moak, and Hunter Bloomfield 27 Patti Moak, Dr. Ed Moak, Queen Whitney Moak, Edward Moak, and Sydney Moak
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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI
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Natchez Literary & Cinema Celebration 2020 he 31st annual Natchez Literary & Cinema Celebration, themed Visits, Vittles, & Vines, held February 26-28, 2020, and hosted by CopiahLincoln Community College, brought together outstanding guest speakers, presentations, and events, featuring guests like Wyatt Waters, Robert St. John, Nick Wallace, and a host of authors, chefs, artists, and more. The event took place at the Natchez Convention Center and other local venues. Photographs by Scarlett Hart
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9 1 Dr. Jane Hulon and Mayor Darryl Grennell 2 Ronnie and Rosie Nettles 3 Emily Williams and Stuart Rockoff 4 Robert St. John, Dr. Jane Hulon, and Wyatt Waters 5 Nancy Guice, Carolyn Vance Smith, and Beth Richard 6 Dr. Ebony Lumumba 7 Dr. Jane Hulon, Kathy King, and Melton King 8 Tiffany Woods, Dr. Jane Hulon, and Dr. Sandra Barnes 9 Emily Williams, Carolyn Vance Smith, and Rosie and Ronnie Nettles 10 Beth Sansing McLarty, Lib Sansing, Perry Sansing, and Jeannie Sansing
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Bluffs & Bayous { May / June 2020 { Page 19
LEGAL NOTES
BY
Lucien C. Gwin III
Was America Created a Christian Nation? tyranny, and every species of religious persecution.� —George Washington “It is contrary to the principles of reason and justice that any should be compelled to contribute to the maintenance of a church with which their consciences will not permit them to join . . . .� —George Mason “Without freedom of thought, there can be no such thing as wisdom; and no such thing as a public liberty without the freedom of speech; which is the right of every man as by it he does not hurt or control the right of another . . . .� —Benjamin Franklin
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suppose the only way to grab more attention to this article would have been if I had entitled it “SEXâ€?! That being said, I recently read a blog written by Mississippi Chancery Court Judge Larry 3ULPHDX[ IURP 0HULGLDQ 0LVVLVVLSSL ZKHUHLQ KH SRVHG WKH TXHVtion: “Was it the intention of the Founders to Establish a Christian Nation?â€? 7KLV LV D TXHVWLRQ RI JUHDW GHEDWH DQG ZKHQ , Ă€QLVK WKLV DUWLFOH there will still be great debate about this question. The Establishment Clause contained in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution concisely states the following: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.â€? This sentence seems so easy to understand, yet its meaning has proven to be HOXVLYH DQG VXEMHFWLYH VLQFH WKHVH ZRUGV ZHUH Ă€UVW ZULWWHQ ,Q KLV EORJ -XGJH 3ULPHDX[ TXRWHV PDQ\ RI RXU )RXQGLQJ Fathers and their various views on religion and government. Some RI WKH TXRWDWLRQV -XGJH 3ULPHDX[ FLWHV LQ KLV EORJ DUH WKH IROORZLQJ “Who does not see that the same authority which can establish &KULVWLDQLW\ LQ H[FOXVLRQ RI DOO RWKHU 5HOLJLRQV PD\ HVWDEOLVK ZLWK WKH VDPH HDVH DQ\ SDUWLFXODU VHFW RI &KULVWLDQV LQ H[FOXVLRQ RI DOO other Sects?â€? —James Madison “The religion of every man must be left to the conviction and FRQVFLHQFH RI HYHU\ PDQ DQG LW LV WKH ULJKW RI HYHU\ PDQ WR H[HUFLVH it as these may dictate . . . . We maintain therefore that in matters of Religion, no man’s right is abridged by the institution of Civil 6RFLHW\ DQG WKDW 5HOLJLRQ LV ZKROO\ H[HPSW IURP LWV FRJQL]DQFH Âľ —James Madison “We should begin by setting the conscience free. When all men of all religions shall enjoy equal liberty, property, and equal FKDQFH IRU KRQRUV DQG SRZHU ZH PD\ H[SHFW WKDW LPSURYHPHQW will be made in the human character and the state of society.â€? —John Adams “I beg you be persuaded that no one would be more zealous than myself to establish effectual barriers against the horrors of spiritual Page 20 { May / June 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous
Even with all these quotations from the founding fathers, none answers the question of whether America was created a Christian nation. Some time back, I read John Meacham’s book entitled American Gospel. In it, Meacham quotes directly from an American Treaty with Tripoli that was negotiated by George Washington and conFOXGHG E\ -RKQ $GDPV 7KH 7UHDW\ UDWLĂ€HG E\ WKH 6HQDWH GHFODUHV that alliances between religion and government produce oppression and tyranny. Meacham quotes the treaty as follows: “The Founders declare that ‘the government of the United States is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion.’â€? Well, I have to wonder if that just opened up a can of worms for some readers. So, did the Founders intend that our government had to be completely divorced from God? It must be noted that our Founding Fathers had just fought a war in which one of the issues was a state-run church, so that idea that all men in our country should be free to worship (or not worship) as they choose or as their conscience dictates was heavy on the minds of the Founders. Our country, in its infancy, did not have many of the issues of today, those issues being government or religion crossing into each other’s boundaries. History clearly reveals that a large majority of the Founders were Christian although from many different denominations. Nowhere is there a document declaring the United States to be a Christian nation. However, in the genius of the First Amendment (assuming it to be always adhered to), the Founders laid out a IRXQGDWLRQ IRU &KULVWLDQLW\ WR Ă RXULVK DQG IXUWKHU LW ZDV WKHLU FOHDU LQWHQWLRQ WKDW DQ\ RWKHU UHOLJLRQV KDG WKH ULJKW WR FR H[LVW within this country. I am far more devout in my Christian walk today than I was WZHQW\ Ă€YH \HDUV DJR EXW , Ă€QG LW LPSHUDWLYH WKDW DV D IUHH QDWLRQ and for Christians to be free to worship we must allow others to worship as their minds dictate. Lucien C. “Samâ€? Gwin III was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1981 and has been practicing many aspects of the law at the firm of Gwin, Punches & Kelley in Natchez, Mississippi, ever since.
On the River k On the River k On the River k On the River
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OREGANO
ROSEMARY
Cooking with Herbs by Cheryl Rinehart
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earning to eat from “farm to tableâ€? can be rewarding even IRU WKRVH ZKR JDUGHQ LQ Ă RZHU SRWV ,Q WKH 6RXWK VR PDQ\ have turned to buying fresh foods (meat, dairy, vegetables, and herbs); and purchasing from our local producers and merchants is healthier for us and supports our areas’ gardeners. A few years back, Bluffs & Bayous featured area Farmers Markets and passed on to our readers so much healthy-living information from the many farmers and market organizers we came to know. I have never had a garden, but I grew up with my grandparents and parents growing a garden each year. Therefore, I was raised eating freshly grown vegetables; and I continue to happily embrace gifted vegetables left at my back door in grocery sacks. What I do seem to have success in growing is a variety of cerWDLQ KHUEV , KDYH JURZQ WKHVH IRU \HDUV LQ Ă RZHU SRWV DQG HVSHFLDOO\ GXULQJ WKH VXPPHU PRQWKV , HQMR\ P\ Ă RZHU SRW JDUGHQ¡V fresh mint in an array of dishes and drinks. Mint is so easy to grow but is invasive when not contained in its own pot. Even with this precaution, my mint jumped out of the Page 22 { May / June 2020 { Bluffs & Bayous
pot last year and set root in the ground‌.and that is what survived from last summer’s planting‌not in the pot! My rosemary is a year-to-year survivor as well as my chives; and since we had a mild winter, even my geraniums looked so pretty and healthy, full of blooms beginning in March. My Italian oregano survived as well, and the pot is full, awaiting my cuttings. This year, I set out parsley, basil, and cilantro seeds to add to my herb garden. Let’s hope they sprout because I have had great success with these plants in the past; and we really have become spoiled as we enjoy using them in many of our meals. So, I thought I would share some recipes that showcase herbs. Using “freshâ€? takes a little more time than opening the spice cabinet and shaking out the dried versions, but fresh herbs can be so much more rewarding and so much richer tasting. Plus, such a variety of these healthy choices awaits your purchasing and planting pleasure. Enjoy!
CHIVES
MINT
HERB BUTTER 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened JSV]LZ NHYSPJ ÄULS` JOVWWLK [HISLZWVVU ÄULS` JOVWWLK MYLZO VYLNHUV [HISLZWVVU ÄULS` JOVWWLK MYLZO JOP]LZ [HISLZWVVU ÄULS` JOVWWLK MYLZO YVZLTHY` SLH]LZ Salt and pepper to taste 0U H TLKP\T IV^S TP_ HSS PUNYLKPLU[Z :WVVU TP_[\YL VU[V H WPLJL VM JVVRPUN WHYJOTLU[ WHWLY 9VSS [V JYLH[L H SVN ZOHWL ;^PZ[ LUKZ VM WHWLY [V ZLHS 9LMYPNLYH[L SVN \U[PS ÄYT HIV\[ OV\YZ *\[ PU[V [OPU ZSPJLZ [V ZLY]L
ROASTED CARROTS WITH THYME WV\UKZ MYLZO JHYYV[Z WLLSLK [HISLZWVVUZ L_[YH ]PYNPU VSP]L VPS [LHZWVVU RVZOLY ZHS[ [LHZWVVU MYLZOS` NYV\UK ISHJR WLWWLY [LHZWVVUZ MYLZO JOVWWLK [O`TL 7YLOLH[ V]LU [V KLNYLLZ 3PUL H IHRPUN ZOLL[ ^P[O HS\TPU\T MVPS :SPJL JHYYV[Z PUJOLZ [OPJR *VTIPUL JHYYV[Z VSP]L VPS ZHS[ WLWWLY HUK [O`TL PU H IV^S" HUK [VZZ ^LSS 7SHJL JHYYV[Z VU IHRPUN ZOLL[ HUK YVHZ[ TPU\[LZ :[PY TPK^H` [OYV\NO JVVRPUN
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ASPARAGUS WITH CHIVES
HERB RANCH DRESSING
8 ounces asparagus 1 tablespoon olive oil [HISLZWVVU MYLZO JOP]LZ ZUPWWLK Sea salt *\[ LUKZ VɈ [OL HZWHYHN\Z /LH[ VPS PU H SHYNL UVUZ[PJR ZRPSSL[ (KK HZWHYHN\Z ZWLHYZ HUK ZH\[t V]LY TLKP\T OLH[ \U[PS [OL` Z[HY[ [V IYV^U HUK ISPZ[LY TPU\[LZ :WYPURSL ^P[O JOP]LZ HUK ZHS[ HUK YVSS HYV\UK \U[PS JVH[LK 9LTV]L HUK ZLY]L
-YVT +HUPLSSL >HSRLY»Z Against all Grain: Meals Made Simple J\W TH`VUUHPZL J\W M\SS MH[ JVJVU\[ TPSR JSV]LZ NHYSPJ JY\ZOLK PU[V H WHZ[L [HISLZWVVUZ JOVWWLK MYLZO WHYZSL` [HISLZWVVUZ JOVWWLK MYLZO JOP]LZ [HISLZWVVUZ JOVWWLK MYLZO KPSS [HISLZWVVU MYLZO SLTVU Q\PJL [LHZWVVU VUPVU WV^KLY 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 0U H IV^S ^OPZR [VNL[OLY HSS VM [OL PUNYLKPLU[Z 9LMYPNLYH[L MVY \W [V KH`Z
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HOW TO FREEZE FRESH HERBS ,_[YH ]PYNPU VSP]L VPS -YLZO OLYIZ HU` RPUK 0JL J\IL [YH` :LSLJ[ OLYIZ [V MYLLaL ;OL` TH` IL JOVWWLK VY ZWYPNZ MVY `V\Y TVYL [LUKLY OLYIZ Z\JO HZ WHYZSL` -PSS PJL J\IL [YH` HIV\[ M\SS VM OLYIZ 7V\Y L_[YH ]PYNPU VSP]L VPS V]LY [OL OLYIZ [V ÄSS LHJO JVTWHY[TLU[ *V]LY [OL [YH` ^P[O WSHZ[PJ ^YHW HUK MYLLaL V]LYUPNO[ 9LTV]L [OL MYVaLU J\ILZ MYVT [OL PJL [YH` HUK Z[VYL PU H MYLLaLY IHN VY JVU[HPULY >OLU YLHK` [V \ZL YLTV]L H J\IL MYVT [OL JVU[HPULY IHN [V IL \ZLK MVY ZH\JLZ ZV\WZ THYPUHKLZ VY Z[L^Z
THE social SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI
Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.
Krewe of Ceres Reveal Party he Krewe of Ceres of Brookhaven, Mississippi, hosted its annual Reveal Party at the home of Josh and Sloane Smith in Brookhaven. With its theme of “Phantom of the Opera,” the Krewe of Ceres 53rd Annual Charity Ball was held Saturday, February 22, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. at the Lincoln County Civic Center.
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Dr. Ed Moak and Patti Moak Linda Moak and Melinda Said Clint and Holly Gardner Kathleen Calcote and Elizabeth Isles Martha Ann Peeples, Barbara Davis, and Beth Breeland Amanda Warren and Dienna Moak Sydney Wilson, Ellie Phillips, and Stephany Smith Amy Valentine, Shannon Clark, and Amanda Warren
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THE social SCENE VIDALIA, LOUISIANA
Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.
Brightest Stars Ball he second Brightest Stars Ball was held at the Vidalia Convention Center on February 20, 2020, in Vidalia, Louisiana. Forty-four special needs guests and buddies from local high schools were present for the events. The guests arrived on party busses, made their grand entrance on the red carpet, danced to the tunes of a DJ, took pictures at the photo booth, and posed for formal photographs. Wonderful food and fun completed the special event. With over one hundred volunteers to assist with the event, the Brightest Stars Ball began in February 2019 and serves those in the community from all walks of life. The event was the brain child of Ronnie Calhoun and Melissa Vaughn; and the activity is guided by a volunteer board of directors that include Calhoun and Vaughn, Mary Huhn, Robert Sanders, Sheila Lillie, Regenia Fleming, Melanie Kennedy, and William Fred Marsalis. Follow them on FB at BrightestStarsBall.
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1 Ray J Ransom and Shelby Brady 2 Allie Feltus and Tray von Thomas 3 Anna Katherine McDonough and Richie Trujillo 4 Anthony Hunter and Sarah Freeman 5 Ashlyn Jordan and Jake Spears 6 Brennan Remmington and Morgan Johnese 7 Brett Walsworth and Lacie Drummer 8 Byrne Heatherly and Sophie Webber 9 Calvin Bethley and Madeline Smith 10 Chandler Warren and Haley Freeman 11 Allie Crawford and Chris Clark 12 Deondrais Boxley and Taylor Fletcher 13 Eden Armstrong and Nathan GaudĂŠ 14 Lacie Drummer and Timothy Smith 15 Kayla Gamble and Chris Clark 16 Kelvin Trujillo and Karly King 17 Kerry Swift and Taylor McElwee 18 John Garrett Patrick and Raychel Crawford
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THE social SCENE
VIDALIA, LOUISIANA
Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.
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Abby and Darla Wilkinson Morgan Handjis and Keaton Havard Nicholas Stognar and Harley Rawles Patrick and Elizabeth Smith
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An Ice Cream Sundae Delight B
efore 2020 went into major healthawareness
mode,
high-spirited
folks in Natchez, Mississippi, greeted the emerging times and the nearly century-old Spring Tourism season, founded by The Natchez Garden Club in 1927, by orchestrating an Ice Cream Sundae Party for young Anna Grace DePaula. This delightful event on March 14, 2020, honored her as Royal Page to the Queen of the Natchez Garden Club’s Historic Natchez Tableaux. Welcoming guests as they arrived at the event in Ellicott Hall on the grounds of the garden club’s National Register, historic House on Ellicott Hill, hostesses for the event were Corky Vess, Ree Hagemann, Mary Linden Hagemann, Kristyn Gray, and Mary Katherine Gray. The Vess family, Charlie and Corky, and the King family, Melton and Kathy, along with their daughters Ree Vess Hagemann, Kristyn King Gray, and Amy King DePaula, are close friends of the DePaula family. Anna Grace is the daughter of Amy and Robert DePaula from New Orleans, Louisiana. Amy DePaula, Godchild to Corky Vess, is one of Ree Hagemann’s childhood friends. Kristyn Gray is Anna Grace’s Aunt and Amy DePauls’s sister. Ree Hagemann is Anna Grace’s Godmother and Kathy King’s Goddaughter. Attending the party were The Natchez Garden Club’s Spring Pilgrimage King William Joseph Foggo and Queen Mary Francis Sessions, their Royal Court of maids and generals, and the other Royal Pages, as well as cousins and friends.
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The celebration was orchestrated by hostesses Corky Vess, Kristyn Gray, and Ree Hagemann and decorated with colorful tablecloths, themerelated balloons, and game stations. The activities were bountiful and designed for each guest to enjoy the signature ice-cream sundaes and party atmosphere. Several round tables were staged for an arts-and-crafts activity, Make Your Own Sundae. With pre-cut paper pieces provided, guests created these icecream delights in a non-melting, non-sticky mode as a party favor to take home and enjoy as a visual treat. Another activity was an interactive kinetic sand station where guests were able to scoop into plastic cups and ice-cream cones dollops of the “sand” ice cream and decorate with various toppings. This play version of creating ice-cream sundaes was quite a hit! A dramatic play center, complete with aprons and plastic ice cream molds and a toppings bar, enabled the young guests to take each other’s ice cream orders. Exciting for these children, who adore hands-on activities, was a
Bluffs & Bayous { May / June 2020 { Page 29
Blindfold Game during which the children competed in pairs to scoop—with a real ice-cream scoop—cotton balls from a bowl. An additional activity was the Hot Potato game but substituting a seasonal Easter egg for the potato. The children passed the egg around until the music stopped, eliminating the player holding the egg. This roundabout continued until the last person left not holding the egg was the winner of a Golden Egg stuffed with all sorts of prizes. Guests of all ages were treated to creating their own ice-cream sundaes. The sundae table displayed colorful cups, spoons, and napkins offering a variety of imaginative shapes, sizes, and colors, and provided traditional toppings such as cherries, marshmallows, and crushed Oreos. Everyone enjoyed these sweet treats even the “older” guests who with childhood delight took their turns at creating some scrumptious icecream sundaes. As the party drew to a close, the hostesses gave Anna Grace a keepsake all of them had signed as a remembrance of her party— the book “Izzy and the Ice Cream Fairy.”
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or f w o n r e t s i g Re ll a F & r e m m u S classes!
Visit www.colin.edu/register for details
Bluffs & Bayous { May / June 2020 { Page 31
A Salute to Area Healthcare Providers and First Responders With life in and around our communities as well as around our world consumed with concerns about our current wellbeing on many levels, as well as about what a “new norm� might be, our thoughts and prayers for months have praised the vital role of
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Kings Daughters Medical Center Brookhaven, Mississippi
7R PHHW WKH QHHGV DQG GHPDQGV RI RXU FRPPXQLW\ .LQJ¡V Daughters Medical Center has established a mobile screenLQJ VLWH IRU LQGLYLGXDOV H[SHULHQFLQJ &29,' V\PSWRPV %ODLQH %ULWW 0 ' D SK\VLFLDQ DW .'0& 0HGLFDO &OLQLF stated, “The best way to prevent the spread of this virus for healthcare workers is the proper use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and isolation and quarantine for the patients that are symptomatic or test positive.â€? The site allows those individuals to have quicker and easier access to a screening without leaving their vehicles. The COVID Screening site is located behind the Emergency Room and will be open to the public from 10 A.M. until 7 P.M. seven days a week until further notice. This screening is for individuals 12 years of age and up. We request that you call (601-835-9455) before your visit so that we can be better prepared WR VHUYH \RX 3DWLHQWV XQGHU \HDUV RI DJH VKRXOG FRQWDFW .'0& Pediatric and Adolescent Clinic at 601-823-5204.
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We urge you to practice good hygiene, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer in between hand washes, and practice social distancing. If you have been asked to quarantine please do so. Look at it as a staycation— avoid leaving your home unless absolutely necessary. That means no work, school or church and saying no to your cousin’s wedding.
Merit Health Natchez Natchez, Mississippi
Behind the scenes at Merit Health Natchez: In early March, the hospital leadership and staff at Merit Health Natchez intently focused on preparedness and
monitoring processes to prepare for the protection of patients, our caregivers, and our community. All with the hospital remain laser focused on safety as they prepared their hospital to be COVID-Safe by implementing numerous safety precautions, including a COVID-free entrance zone and waiting areas. The hospital encourages the community to seek care quickly in a medical emergency and not to delay their health. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital employees have been
overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community. Donations of food, gift baskets, masks, gowns, artwork from local children, prayer vigils, and sidewalk art have provided much-needed relief, nourishment, smiles, and feelings of appreciation. We can never thank our community enough. One of our highlights came when we had the pleasure of celebrating the discharge home of two patients who had a combined 56-day stay in the hospital and recovered from the virus.
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Riverland Medical Center Ferriday, Louisiana
Riverland Medical Center would like to WKDQN DOO KHDOWKFDUH ZRUNHUV DQG ÀUVW UHsponders for their unwavering commitment to courage.
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Southwest Regional Medical Center McComb, Mississippi
Above—Dr. Brett Ferman and the Emergency Department team were treated to The Mallard lunch from “Feeding Healthcare Heroes with Local Restaurants,” a fund created by Performance Food Group’s Chris Mitchell. Over $28,000 has been raised to feed frontline workers while helping locally owned restaurants in Pike, Amite, and Lincoln Counties. Above—Covid Candles are lit across the Eastern Seaboard nightly for Southwest Regional frontline healthcare workers and their patients. Nancy Todd from Arlington, Virginia, organized a nightly candle lighting from McLean, Virginia to Chevy Chase, Maryland to Easton, Maryland. This meaningful gesture has meant so much to us.
Above—Tortilla Soup meals were delivered by Feed Healthcare Heroes with Local Restaurants at the Mississippi Cancer Institute.
Above and right—First Baptist Church, McComb, delivered Mother’s Day meals and roses to all of the employees working that Sunday. Receiving some of the meals are Denise Bishop, RN, in the photo above, and frontline screener Dawn Ogea, Lab team member Nelda Steele, and First Baptist member as Medical Foundation Board member Gloria Smith in the photo to the right. Bluffs & Bayous { May / June 2020 { Page 35
Savoring Life on the Water Fishing, crabbing, swinging under oaks, enjoying breathtaking views and inspirational sunsets—life is better on the water. PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHERYL RINEHART
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Downtown and All Around Our City... VICKSBURG
Bluffs & Bayous { May / June 2020 { Page 39
MAY/JUN Louisiana Up & Coming! Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, many events were postponed or delayed prior WR SXEOLFDWLRQ 3OHDVH FKHFN WKH DUHD·V sites for the most updated information for any June events.
louisianatravel.com
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BATON ROUGE visitbatonrouge.com lsumoa.org rivercenterarena:baton-rouge.ticketscenter.com
ALEXANDRIA / PINEVILLE alexandriapinevillela.com rapidessymphony.org
Red Stick Farmers Market Breada.com CLINTON eastfelicianachamberla.chambermaster. com FERRIDAY concordialibrary.org deltamusicmuseum.com JACKSON felicianatourism.org MONROE/WEST MONROE monroe-westmonroe.org NEW ORLEANS neworleansonline.com neworleanscvb.com ogdenmuseum.org nola.org newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu nobt.org PORT ALLEN westbatonrouge.net westbatonrougemuseum.com ST. FRANCISVILLE stfrancisville.us audubonstatehistoricsite.wordpress.com )% 6W )UDQFLVYLOOH )DUPHUV 0DUNHW VIDALIA cityofvidaliala.com concordialibrary.org Every Wednesday Farmers Market Old Court House N. Spruce St. 9 am – 1 pm
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Mississippi Up & Coming! MAY/JUN
visitmississippi.org BROOKHAVEN facebook.com/VisitBrookhavenMS visitbrookhavenms.com brookhavenrecreation.com brookhavenlittletheatre.com Linclib.org/events.phy Braggarts.neebly.com )% %URRNKDYHQ )DUPHUV 0DUNHW FERNWOOD fernwoodcc.com JACKSON dulinghall.com msmuseumart.org visitjackson.com jacksonfreepress.com/calendarmsnla.org craftsmensguildofms.org balletms.com MADISON madisonthecity.com MCCOMB pikeinfo.com mccombarts.com mcrrmuseum.com
VICKSBURG southernculture.org visitvicksburg.com vicksburgartassociation.org tarawildlife.com vicksburgtheatreguild.com downtownvicksburg.org Vicksburg Farmers Market Vicksburg Main Street 601.801.3513 farmersmarket@vicksburg.org WESSON FB Wesson Chamber WOODVILLE woodvillems.org FB Woodville/Wilkinson County Main Street Association
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)% 0F&RPE )DUPHUV 0DUNHW MEADVILLE meadvillems.com NATCHEZ Live Music Events Calendar visitnatchez.org/full-event-calendar visitnatchez.org kreweofphoenixnatchez.com natchezpilgrimage.com )% 'RZQWRZQ 1DWFKH] )DUPHUV 0DUNHW PORT GIBSON FB: portgibson.chamber RIDGELAND visitridgeland.com SUMMIT pikeinfo.com
Bluffs & Bayous { May / June 2020 { Page 41
SOUTHERN SAMPLER
Love of Plants . . . and of Dogs . . . Generation to Generation
M
y grandson JG and I were often out working in the yard during his enforced “vacationâ€? from school. We mowed, planted our garden, DQG DOVR SODQWHG Ă RZHUV SXUFKDVHG IURP Badge’s Nursery up the road from us. It is always a happy time for us to transfer the nursery plants to our nice collection of Ă RZHU SRWV IURP WKH %OXH &KDLU JDUGHQ WR the front porch, to the pool house. Actually, we didn’t get any plants for the pool house pots yet, for that would have been an overload of work. Best to do just part of the pots at a time. I learned long ago not to try to have Ă RZHU EHGV EHFDXVH WKH\ DWWUDFW GRJV 7KH Ă RZHUV VHHP WR PDNH WKH EHVW EHGV IRU WKH canine critters’ daily naps, and nothing I would ever do would keep them away. Some dogs were worse than others about messing with the plants; but the queen of them all was Lucille, the beautiful bloodhound. She would watch me plant the pots and then go behind me and pull out everything I planted. We had a tug-of-war over one plant: I planted it daily for four days; but by then, it was so bedraggled that I had to concede victory to Lucille. Now, there are four dogs living here, EmmyLou, Charlie Brown, Brucie, and Maggie Maypop. If someone hadn’t
murdered my sweet little EllieMae, I’d have Ă€YH Ă€QH GRJV SURWHFWLQJ P\ \DUG 7KH SRSulation more than doubles when JG comes over on his Mule to visit daily. These are the ones that follow him here: Possum, Louie Wolf, Izzy, Patrick, Ruby, Moe Peterson, +HUPDQ DQG 'UD[ 1LJHO FDQ¡W IROORZ WKH others, for he is an inside dog. As it is, a body can barely get through the carport for all the dogs lying around, waiting for a treat. The good thing is that they all pretty much get along, only squabbling over a stick now and then. Pet one and the rest crowd around for their share of petting and conversation. Possum, the Irish Wolfhound, is the biggest; so he can usually position himself the closest to the human who is dispensing pats on the head. Last month, the new UPS driver came to the house to deliver a package for Claire. These drivers never go to her house because of all the dogs. Unfortunately for the new man, all the dogs were here instead; so he had to gently maneuver around a dozen dogs. When he stopped, Possum decided he wanted to go for a ride and climbed in the truck. I had to grab his collar to pull him out, all the while saying, “Get out of there, Possum!â€? As soon as I got him out, he’d go right back in and sit by the driver. The
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BY
Alma M. Womack
poor driver was clearly not happy to have D :ROIKRXQG QH[W WR KLP DQG NHSW VD\LQJ “Go, Possum! Go Possum!â€? After the third H[LW , KHOG RQ WR 3RVVXP IXVVHG DW KLP and told the driver to leave now! He was happy to oblige, and all the dogs returned to their nap spots. That was probably the poor man’s scare of the day. Because our dogs are not the least bit interested in them, my blooming yard plants have been beautiful this year and were certainly quite showy. When Grancy Graybeard was in full bloom, it was visible all the way to the Blue Road, as JG refers to Highway 564. The large Lady Banksia Rose was also covered in blossoms the QH[W ZHHN DQG LWV \HOORZ Ă RZHUV ZHUH D sight to see. The two sweeties, Sweet Olive and Magnolia fuscata (Banana Bush) were LQ IXOO Ă RZHU WRJHWKHU DQG WKH IUDJUDQFH near them was marvelous. These plants are a joy to have, for they remind me of Buster’s mother, Eunice Womack, who was a consummate gardener. She introduced me to these lovely bloomers and many more plants, too; and I always think of her when the Sweet Olive is in bloom. When we moved to this house in the spring of 1971, there was nothing here but pecan trees across the front, and dirt. Through the years, I’d add a bit here and there—purchased plants, gift plants, and plants dug up off the side of the road—until I had a full yard of cherished acquisitions. They bring joy when they bloom or when they just stand in place providing a home for birds, maybe a rabbit or two, and even little garter snakes. The plants make mowing interesting, too; for there are few straight lines to mow; and the ZTR mower is wonderful at turns. I am teaching JG the names of the plants and giving him an interest in the planting and care of our blossoms. Right now, he’s all into helping out because he’s eight years old. My hope is that his interest in plants will stay with him long after Emma is gone, for they will provide him with the same joy that they have given countless gardeners through the ages.
Columnist Alma Womack lives on Smithland Plantation on Black River, south of Jonesville, Louisiana. In addition to her duties as maitresse des maison, she is the keeper of the lawn, the lane and the pecan orchard at Smithland.
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MENUS & SPECIALS POSTED DAILY ON: @natchezmanor @natchezmanoronfranklin
601-442-4441
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