Whose story would you like to hear? Our weekly feature "A Conversation With..." offers a chance to hear from one local individual each week. Young, old, black, white — it's an ever-evolving picture of the remarkable community we call home. Look for "A Conversation With..." in The Oxford EAGLE Thursdays on Page 3, and while you're here, take a moment to suggest a potential interviewee.
A cause to collect, a way to let go
When a passion for book-buying began to overwhelm her home, Carolyn Staton channeled it into a bookselling hobby that’s taken off since she retired. Step inside The Book Nook with the former University of Mississippi provost in this week’s “A Conversation With…” (February 9, 2012, Page 3)
As a caregiver, taking care of oneself
A home-health nurse specializing in Alzheimer’s, dementia and end-of-life care, Angela Townsend has turned around her own life-threatening health challenges through eating well and exercising. Senior staff writer Lucy Schultze sat down to talk with Townsend in this week’s “A Conversation With…” (February 2, 2012, Page 3)
A life of hard work for family’s sake
An icon of the local restaurant scene, Phat Tran earned his famous work ethic the hard way, laboring in restaurant kitchens as an orphan in Vietnam. Senior staff writer Lucy Schultze sat down to talk with Tran about his journey to Oxford in this week’s “A Conversation With…” (January 26, 2012, Page 3)
Winding down a career in improving education
After a career in education leadership, former Mississippi State Superintendent of Education Richard Boyd is shedding responsibilities and settling down to write his memoirs. Senior staff writer Lucy Schultze sat down to talk with Boyd about his experiences in this week’s “A Conversation With…”. (January 19, 2012, Page 3)
Instilling a love of reading
Nancy Opalko spent plenty of time at her local public library while growing up. Today, she’s helped a generation of Oxford and Lafayette County kids connect with books. Senior staff writer Lucy Schultze sat down to talk with the beloved children’s librarian in this week’s “A Conversation With…” (January 12, 2012, Page 3)
Making a home, passing down values
For Queenie Dixon, the pride of her career as a homemaker has been passing down to her children and grandchildren the values she learned from her parents. Senior staff writer sat down to talk with the local matriarch in this week’s “A Conversation With…” (January 5, 2012, Page 3)
Obtaining a new lease on life
The experience of suffering a nearly fatal aortic dissection at age 34 gave Joey Carpenter a different perspective on what’s important. Senior staff writer Lucy Schultze sat down to talk with Lafayette High School’s assistant principal in this week’s “A Conversation With…” (December 29, 2011, Page 3)
Celebrating the spirit of giving
Think your holiday to-do list is overwhelming? Try losing the first three weeks of December. For Sloan Hunter, it’s a small sacrifice to dedicate that time to the Angel Tree program at Oxford-University United Methodist Church. Senior staff writer Lucy Schultze sat down to talk with Hunter about her work in this week’s “A Conversation With…” (December 22, 2011, Page 3)
Artist has a penchant for the past
For Megan Kingery Patton, it’s not the shiny new baubles of the holiday season that captivate her imagination. Rather, it’s the stories, textures and treasures of the past. Senior staff writer Lucy Schultze sat down to talk with the local artist and gallery co-owner in this week’s “A Conversation With…” (December 16, 2011, Page 3)
Explaining differences, finding common ground
Helene Shepsky was raised in an Orthodox Jewish family in Chicago and is now preparing to celebrate Hanukkah as part of Oxford’s tiny Jewish community. Senior staff writer Lucy Schultze sat down to talk with Shepsky about the challenges and misconceptions she’s encountered in this week’s “A Conversation With…”. (December 8, 2011, Page 3)
