Today in Mississippi March 2016 Pearl River Valley

News for members of Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association

NeedleART Ruth Miller’s

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Roses, rosemary among Miss. Medallion winners

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Pascagoula River Audubon Center opens to visitors

Periodical postage (ISSN 1052 2433)

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Nutritionist pens guide to healthier eating

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Today in Mississippi

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March 2016

Electric cooperatives applaud U.S. Supreme Court action

A

recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to halt the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan is good news for all electric cooperative members in America,

including you.

The EPA’s plan is an incredibly complex scheme that could endanger the reliable electric service you now enjoy. And despite claims from the EPA, aspects of this plan would undoubtedly increase your monthly electric bills. Part of the cost increases would come from prematurely shutting down coalfired power plants that are in good working condition.

In my column last month, I explained how electric power associations and their members work together to represent members’ interests at all levels of government. Over the past two years, your electric power association and other electric cooperatives across the country have been urging the EPA to step back and develop a plan that is more achievable and affordable than the Clean Power Plan.

Jeffrey Conner, interim CEO of the National Electric Cooperative Association, called the current plan a “huge overreach of EPA’s legal authority” that threatens cooperatives’ ability to provide affordable and reliable electricity.

Electric cooperative members and advocates across the country came together in a grassroots effort to let the EPA know of their objections to these rules. Together they submitted more than 1.2 million comments to the EPA. The EPA charged ahead anyway and finalized the plan, only to eventually hit a legal brick wall with this recent Supreme Court ruling to halt its implementation. A decision in this case may come later this year or in early 2017.

Grassroots efforts that unite electric cooperative advocates in protesting harmful legislation and regulation have effectively served electric power association members throughout our history. It was, after

On the cover Coast Electric Power Association member Ruth Miller creates jaw-dropping, hand-embroidered tapestry portraits at her home in Hancock County. Each of her life-size tapestries involves thousands of hand stitches and months of work, including “Our Lady of Unassailable Well-being” (inset photo). Read more about the artist on page 4.

all, a rural grassroots effort that created electric power associations: Farmers wanted electric service they could obtain no other way than by forming their own electric cooperatives.

Even now, more than 80 years later, electric cooperatives and their members are a powerful force in protectMy Opinion ing the affordability and Michael Callahan reliability of their electric Executive Vice President/CEO service. Just last year, for Electric Power Associations example, electric cooperaof Mississippi tives’ grassroots efforts addressed monopoly pricing by railroads, cybersecurity, solutions to protect wildlife and energy efficiency.

Our grassroots work on your behalf will never go out of style.

Mississippi’s 26 electric power associations, their directors, staff and members are to be commended in working together to make sure your voice is heard by elected officials. As I explained last month, it is up to us to inform them when their legislative proposals may impact your electric service. They listen, too, especially when you take part in the process by writing or talking with those who represent your area of Mississippi.

We can help with that. You can find the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi 2016 Legislative App and our 2016 Legislative Roster at www.epaofms.com. Click on Government Relations and then General Information to reach both of these helpful free products.

To learn more about electric cooperatives’ grassroots efforts on the national level, visit the Cooperative Action Network website at Action.coop.

Today in Mississippi OFFICERS Keith Hurt - President Tim Smith - First Vice President Barry Rowland - Second Vice President Randy Smith - Secretary/Treasurer

EDITORIAL STAFF Michael Callahan - CEO Ron Stewart - Sr. VP, Communications Mark Bridges - Manager, Support Services Debbie H. Stringer - Editor Elissa Fulton - Communications Specialist Trey Piel - Digital Media Manager Rickey McMillan - Graphics Specialist Linda Hutcherson - Administrative Assistant

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The Official Publication of the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is published eleven times a year (Jan.-Nov.) by Electric Power Associations of Mississippi, Inc., P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300, or 665 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Phone 601-605-8600. Periodical postage paid at Ridgeland, MS, and additional office. The publisher (and/or its agent) reserves the right to refuse or edit all advertising.

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Today in Mississippi

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Our Homeplace

The sight of an Eastern bluebird with a beak full of nesting material is a welcomed sign of springtime in rural Mississippi. Early March is prime time for attracting bluebirds with clean nest boxes ready for occupancy.

Mississippi is I am from New Jersey. We moved to Tennessee in 1992 due to job relocations, and then to Mississippi in 2005. I read this column every time Today in Mississippi comes, and I thought this would be a different perspective than usual, as most of the stories are from life long residents of Mississippi. So, here goes!

It is February and I am out working in the garden in a long-sleeve shirt! I can actually dig a hole to transplant things. I have a horse! Never would have happened in New Jersey, too expensive. I have fox hunted my horse in Como, Blue Mountain and the Holly Springs area. Beautiful country to ride in! I love the rest stop on Route 78 when you come in from Alabama.

Very pretty and the attendants are super nice.

I miss the crashing, big waves of the Atlantic Ocean, but this fall we went to Ocean Springs, Miss., and what a wonderful town that is!

I will always be homesick for where I was born and lived for almost 40 years, but my children and grandchildren are here, so I will continue to explore Mississippi and enjoy life! Oh, and fried peach pies with a little powdered sugar are incredible!

—Sue Enright, Olive Branch

What’s Mississippi to you?

What do you treasure most about life in our state? Send your thoughts to Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158, or to news@epaofms.com.

Please keep your comments brief. Submissions are subject to editing for length and clarity.

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March 2016

Uncommon Threads Ruth Miller employs simple stitches to create complex embroidered portraits A detail from Miller’s latest work, “Congregants,” shows the surprising number of yarn colors she uses in flesh tones.

By Debbie Stringer Upon seeing artist Ruth Miller’s portraits for the first time, you may be surprised: There is not one drop of paint in her work—just thousands upon thousands of hand stitches in hundreds of colors.

Guided by an extraordinary sense of color and tonal values, she embroiders tapestries with such realism, some viewers can’t believe their eyes.

“They don’t believe it’s embroidered.

They want to touch it,” said Miller, a member of Coast Electric Power Association.

Her subjects are everyday folks, friends and relatives. Some are picRuth Miller tured in settings that tell a story.

Dancers apply make-up in a back-stage dressing room and a young man closes his eyes while a phone-talking stylist works on his long hair.

In a piece she calls “The Evocation and Capture of Aphrodite,” a reference to the mythological Greek goddess of love and beauty, Miller depicts her granddaughter posing for a selfie in a mirror.

Working from a drawing based on a photograph she has made of her subject, right, Ruth Miller begins stitching a portrait tapestry. In this piece, she begins with the subject’s left eye. A small detail of her first tapestry, “Flower,” above, shows her characteristic use of a rich variety of yarn colors and stitch directions.

“All the young girls are always in the mirror, trying to find the beauty in themselves,” she said.

Motifs inspired by embroidered Kuba cloth from Zaire drift across the tapestry, evidence of her interest in African fiber art traditions.

Miller learned to sew and embroider from her mother and two aunts, who lived in Meridian. Her mother made sure her three children’s education included a broad range of cultural experiences, from musical instruments to museum visits.

Young Ruth was a shy child who aspired to become an artist as she studied drawing and painting at The Cooper Union School of Art in New York City. “I really felt I was a terrible painter but I learned to draw well,” she said.

Embroidered tapestries became her alternative to painting. Her first effort was a life-size full-length portrait in wool yarn that took 19 months to complete.

Miller returned to Mississippi in 2009, settling into the Hancock County home she renovated to include a studio. “I really came here just to work,” she said. “I wanted to be able to work at the art without having to

have a job, so that I wouldn’t have to interrupt the process.”

Hers is a slow, meditative process that can require more than a year to complete a tapestry, depending on its size and the degree of realism.

She works in the spacious studio at her home, sometimes listening to audiobooks while she stitches.

Large windows on three walls admit the natural light she needs for her extremely detailed work. Stacks of plastic boxes hold her vast collection of Paternayan tapestry wool yarns in most every conceivable color.

Miller composes tapestries based on the drawings she makes from photographs of her subjects. She transfers the basic outlines to a linen or other fabric foundation, scaling the size to suit the composition.

Despite careful planning, the outcome is never certain. Miller edits as she works, ripping out stitches and stitching on top of stitches to get the effects she wants.

She may apply up to three layers of stitching to render facial features, hair and clothing as convincingly as possible.

“You really don’t have any idea in the beginning what it’s going to look like in the end,” Miller said.

Traditional hand embroidery, such as crewel work, is made up of elaborate multistitch patterns. Miller prefers to use simple straight stitches in varying lengths, which resemble tiny brush marks.

“I like all those traditional embroidery stitches, but I wanted the stitching to take a back seat to the storytelling,” Miller said.

The direction of each stitch contributes to the realism of the image. Miller carefully places each stitch in

March 2016

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Today in Mississippi

A granddaughter poses for a selfie in Miller’s tapestry “The Evocation and Capture of Aphrodite,” a reference to the Greek goddess of love and beauty. Her portrait of a man, right, demonstrates Miller’s skill at realistically depicting hair and skin tones, lighting and fabric folds. See these works in their entirety in the online gallery at ruthmillerembroidery.com.

order to replicate the contours of the face, hair, body and clothing.

In a portrait of a young man wearing a blue pullover, Miller enjoyed the challenge of placing the blue stitches “so that you can get a sense of a solid man in there.”

Possibly the most astonishing aspect of her portraits is the wide range of yarn colors she uses to create realistic skin tones. The complexion of one African American woman, for example, is stitched with yellow, aqua, lime green, orange, red, pink, blue, lavender and purple—and other colors.

The colors are not chosen arbitrarily; these are the actual hues Miller sees in the reference photos of her subjects. When viewed from a distance, the colors merge into natural-looking flesh tones.

Miller’s tapestries have been exhibited from Kiln to New York City. Her latest portrait, “Congregants,” won Best in Show at “Face It: The Face in Contemporary Art,” an exhibit held last summer at a gallery in Brooklyn, N.Y. She is also a teaching artist. Last summer, she taught her tapestry methods at the Tougaloo Art Colony, an annual week-long event at Tougaloo College in Jackson. These days, however, she prefers to teach in her home and welcomes groups interested in booking a class in tapestry embroidery. She teaches all phases of her process, from concept to drawing to stitching.

She enjoys sharing what she has learned—and is still learning—about the art of embroidering portrait tapestries.

“With each piece I’m learning something new about how to see, as well as how to replicate it,” Miller said.

“You really don’t have any idea in the beginning what it’s going to look like in the end.”

–Ruth Miller

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March 2016

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Today in Mississippi

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Was there ever

gold in the

Gold

?

Hole

m not as bad as the old man who was so forgetful he could hide his own Easter eggs, but I can’t remember if I have ever written anything about the Roxie Gold Hole, in Franklin County. I know I did a TV story about it years ago. However, my interest in the Gold Hole was renewed last week.

I was driving the bypass around Roxie when the thought came to me to stop in at the post office or city hall and find out who currently owns the Gold Hole property.

Mayor Michael Wright took me to the wellspring of all knowledge in Roxie, my friend Norma Walker. Jo and I met

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Norma and her traveling companion Jerlene Boyte years ago.

They have been with us on all of the special trips we take every year with Holiday Vacations. (ColMississippi orado this Seen September.)

by Walt Grayson Norma was well versed in the Gold Hole.

According to Norma, it seems the hole got started when a treasure map was passed along to Revah Dove by a relative on his deathbed. There was supposed to be hidden treasure buried on Revah’s property, for which Revah secretly started digging at night. Long story short, pretty soon everybody knew about the treasure hunt and not long after that shares were sold to raise money to enlarge the dig.

The way the story goes it didn’t take

long to find the heavy treasure box. But it was buried in some boggy ground and every time they jarred it, the box would just sink deeper. The more it was jarred the farther it sank. So the hole had to be enlarged to try to get it. And then the same thing would happen all over again until over the years the Gold Hole grew to be massive.

Twenty or so years ago when I did my TV story, former Roxie mayor Whitehead told me that the digging in the Gold Hole was an endless source of entertainment for a long time in Franklin County. The road to the hole was packed daily with people wanting to see it.

Where did the gold come from? One story says Natchez Trace robbers buried their loot there. Others say it was train bandits. One version says it was pirate Jean Lafitte’s gold sent with Andrew Jackson to finance Jackson’s trip back to Tennessee after the Battle of New Orleans.

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Actually there are two tangible leftovers from the days of digging the Gold Hole. One is the hole itself.

The other is this, Gold Hole Road north of Roxie. Both are evidence that something happened here. But just exactly what is up for speculation. Photo: Walt Grayson

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Did they ever find the gold? Some believe yes, others, no. Some think it’s still in the bottom of the Gold Hole under all that water. And a bunch of people doubt there ever was a treasure to begin with.

But to me the hole itself ought to be proof of something. I mean, people don’t go digging the Grand Canyon in their backyard because they have nothing better to do. Lots of time and lots and lots of money were poured into that hole.

Today, the Gold Hole is just a huge quiet pond, over 500 feet across and no telling how deep, situated on private property off Gold Hole Road north of Roxie. There are rumors of rattlesnakes and sink holes around it, so don’t try to slip through the fence to get a peek.

Besides, if you’ve seen any old farm pond you’ve seen it.

And even if gold was never found or was never there to begin with, the Gold Hole itself is a monument to dreams and fantasies. Or to gullibility and greed.

Or to all of the above. It seems to take it all to make the world go round, or at least to make a good story.

Walt Grayson is the host of “Mississippi Roads” on Mississippi Public Broadcasting television, and the author of two “Looking Around Mississippi” books and “Oh! That Reminds Me: More Mississippi Homegrown Stories.” Contact Grayson at walt@waltgrayson.com.

8 I Today in Mississippi I March 2016

Miss. Medallion winners are good garden choices s gardeners across the state are starting spring planting, I want to urge everyone to consider the plants selected as Mississippi Medallion winners for 2016: Serenita Angelonia, muscadine, rosemary, Drift roses and Cherokee Purple tomato.

Angelonia, also called summer snapdragon, is a favorite in any Mississippi summer garden. Serenita Angelonia is a selection that is sure to delight, with its blue, blush and white colors. These tough but elegant plants bring long-lasting color with very little maintenance.

They create a soothing sea of soft color in the landscape. Serenita Angelonias are heat tolerant and grow 12-14 inches tall and wide.

Muscadines are grapes that grow well in the heat and high humidity of Mississippi. In late summer, they reward gardeners with their sweet, fruity flavors.

Plant muscadines from November through February.

I suggest these muscadine varieties: Carlos, which has high yields of bronze-

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CD or IRA COMING DUE?

Drift roses, such as these pink and red selections, left, are lower-growing landscape roses that work great in small spaces, borders and even containers. Serenita Angelonia, center, are tough but elegant plants that bring long-lasting color with very little maintenance. Rosemary, right, is an aromatic herb that is a favorite for cooking. It thrives on neglect, and when planted by paths or steps, it releases its sweet scent at the slightest touch. Photos: MSU Extension/Gary Bachman

skinned, medium-sized fruit; Doreen, which has medium-sized, bronzeskinned fruit; and Noble, which has purple fruit. All are excellent for juice, wine and jelly.

Rosemary is an aromatic herb with leaves that typically are dark green with silvery undersides. A favorite herb for cooking, its sweet aroma makes the kitchen an inviting place. But rosemary can sometimes be tough to grow, so my advice is to plant it and leave it alone; it thrives on neglect. Just be sure that there is good drainage and that the plant receives full sun for at least six hours each day.

Plant rosemary by paths or steps where the slightest touch will release the sweet scent. There are many upright growing varieties, but I love trailing rosemary growing in a hanging basket outside my back door.

The Drift rose is a group of lower-

growing landscape roses that work great in small spaces, borders and even containers. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, coral, red, white, peach and apricot, and they will fit into almost any design scheme.

For the best landscape growth and performance, plant Drift roses in locations receiving full sun for at least six hours each day.

Southern These roses grow Gardening to 2 or 3 feet tall

by Dr. Gary Bachman and have a 4-foot spread, so be sure to space them a minimum of 3 feet apart. Plant Drift roses in well-drained beds with a slightly acid pH in the range of 6.0 to 6.5.

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Workshops begin Friday at 9 a.m. and continue Saturday morning.

• Blacksmith • Natural horsemanship • Canning on the farm

by Advance Equine Training • Growing grapes in the south • Alpaca weaving projects • Amish bread-making class • Quilting classes • Old-time biscuit making Registration and fee are required for the classes. Contact us at 601-964-8222 or fulmersgeneral@gmail.com for more information. Visit: www.fulmershomesteadersgathering.com

The horsedrawn auction will be held on Saturday. Find deals on plows, discs, mowers, hay rakes, wagons, buggies, cultivators, harnesses, antiques, farm collectibles, and much more.

Sale handled by Holden Brothers Auction-MS License #995

Cherokee Purple tomato also has been selected as a Medallion winner for our Mississippi gardens. This is a popular heirloom tomato that is thought to have been grown by the Cherokee tribe in North Carolina. It’s known for its purplish color and a rich taste that makes a great tomato sandwich.

I have grown Cherokee Purple in my garden for almost 10 years, and it is a good producer every year. You will need to trellis or cage this plant, as it is a vigorous indeterminate grower. The fruit start maturing in my Ocean Springs garden around mid-June. Your patience will be rewarded.

The Mississippi Medallion program was established in 1996 by the Mississippi Nursery and Landscape Association to increase awareness of plant materials and to promote sales and production of ornamental plants in Mississippi. Compared to national campaigns such as All-American Selections and Perennial Plant of the Year, the Mississippi Medallion program focuses on plants adapted to the environment in Mississippi to benefit both consumers and the green industry.

Visit www.msucares.com for information on past Mississippi Medallion winners.

Dr. Gary Bachman is an associate Extension and research professor of horticulture at the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. He is also host of “Southern Gardening” radio and TV programs.

March 2016

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Today in Mississippi

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Bring your binoculars and your curiosity to the

Pascagoula River Audubon Center

By Nancy Jo Maples The Pascagoula River Audubon Center serves as an epicenter to a national natural treasure, the river from which it derived its name.

Perfectly situated in the midst of the Mississippi Flyway and other ecotourism sites, the center offers sites and activities for all ages to learn more about the area’s estuary interactions.

The center’s new $2.3 million facility opened last October and is expected to draw 8,000 to 10,000 visitors per year.

With an eye toward conservation and economic development, the center focuses on one of the community’s greatest natural assets—the Pascagoula River and its surrounding basin.

“The river basin supports 75 reptile species, 75 mammal species and 327 bird species,” Pascagoula River Audubon Center Director Mark LaSalle said.

“People will come here to see the biodiversity.”

The Pascagoula River is the last large unimpeded free-flowing river in the contiguous United States. It is considered a large river based on its annual rate of discharge into the Mississippi Sound at 430 cubic meters per second.

The “Singing River,” as it is sometimes

called, flows 82 miles from Merrill where it forms via the confluence of the Chickasawhay and Leaf rivers. It has no controls, no dams and no locks.

“Because it’s free-flowing, the biodiversity is high. If the water flow were to be changed or if the habitat were to be altered, its value would change,” LaSalle said.

The center lies within the Mississippi Flyway, the migratory route of more than 300 birds that fly from their breeding grounds in Canada and the northern United States to their wintering grounds along the Gulf of Mexico and in Central and South America. An epicenter for promoting nature-based tourism, the center is one of 16 stations along the Pascagoula River Blueway, a six-hour water trail, and is one of 44 destinations on the Mississippi Coastal Birding Trail.

The Pascagoula River Audubon Center’s first location opened in 2006 about three miles away. The newly opened center, a 5,000-square-foot elevated cypress structure, is located on 10 woodland acres on Rhodes Bayou. Easily accessible for senior citizens and disabled visitors, it houses the Pascagoula River Room and the Moss Point Fine Art Gallery.

Inside the Pascagoula River Room are with plants native to the Pascagoula tanks with turtles and snakes, aquariums River,” LaSalle said.

McCoy’s Swamp and River Tours with fish and water creatures, and interoffers guided boat trips from the center. active displays for education and awareThe 22-passenger boat leaves twice daily ness about the river.

March through December and gives twiThe Moss Point Fine Art Gallery light tours from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on doubles as an exhibit hall for nature Friday nights during summer months. artists to exhibit their artwork and as a Boat tours are $28 for adults and $18 meeting room for programming and for children ages 12 and under. Senior events. It can be rented for private parties, wedding receptions and public forums.

The grounds feature a children’s nature playground, a humVisitors to the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, top, try out interactive educational displays.

The 5,000-square-foot center, above, is located on 10 woodland acres. Photos: Bill Colgin mingbird and butterand military discounts are available. fly garden, a historic Boy Scouts of Admission to the center costs $8 for America hut, blinds for bird watching adults and $5 for children. Center memand a kayak launch area. Boardwalks berships are $35 per year for individuals create paths across marshes and a pier and $65 per year for families. Yearly extends toward the bayou. Observation memberships provide free admission decks and nature paths are abundant.

Continued on page 15 “The entire site is a botanical garden

10 Today in Mississippi

March 2016

PRVEPA Contact Information Columbia: 601-736-2666 Hattiesburg: 601-264-2458

Purvis: 601-794-8051 Wiggins: 601-928-7277

To pay bills or report outages:

855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372) Visit us online at www.PRVEPA.com

Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference.

A message from your general manager

New emails will help keep members informed We believe it’s very important for Pearl Randy Wallace River Valley General Manager Electric members to know what’s going on with their Association, as well as being up to date about news and events that affect our operations. Communication is one of the foundations of being a cooperative. Our industry is highly complicated and regulated, and there may be times when you should be aware of legislation or policies that can affect your service, and especially your bill.

We use this publication, as well as our website, bill messages, ads, and our

mobile app to try to provide important and timely information. We have also begun to send short Plugged In emails to members, because we know that for many folks, that is an easy, quick way to stay up to date.

The topic of the first Plugged In email is the Clean Power Plan, the federal government’s recent attempt to regulate carbon emissions from the nation’s power plants. At the end of last year, the Environmental Protection Agency released its 1,560-page plan, which we believe will have a drastic and negative impact on how our industry generates and delivers electricity. Not only will the plan drive up costs, it will

We have an app for that!

PRVEPA members can now access their account information from their smart phones.

You’ll have the same helpful services found on our website in the palm of your hand.

also, by the EPA’s own acknowledgement, have no statistical impact on the agency’s 26 climate indicators.

More than half the states and many utilities have filed lawsuits challenging the plan, and in February the Supreme Court issued a stay in implementing the plan while it considers those cases.

South Mississippi Electric, our wholesale power provider, has spent hundreds of millions of dollars trying to keep up with the requirements of everincreasing EPA regulations.

Unfortunately, like other utilities that have done the same thing, much of that work and investment is threatened by the new rule. That is money

that comes from all of our members, and the CPP as it is written could close dozens of generating plants well before the end of their useful lives and certainly while we are still paying for those investments.

As always, if you have any questions about issues that affect our Association, please feel free to call and let us know.

If you didn’t receive a copy of the Plugged In email, call us to update your contact information. We will be glad to add you to the list. Again, we want all of our members to know what’s going on, and we may need your help at some point. That is what keeps our cooperative strong.

Pearl River Valley Electric’s outage reporting system will automatically recognize your account if your phone number is correct.

Reporting a power outage can be easy!

Update your phone number.

Pay your bill • Track your daily use • View your billing history • Keep up with multiple accounts • Update your contact info • Set up alerts and reminders Apps for Apple and Android devices are now available. Visit your app store and search for “PRVEPA” to download your app today.

They’re free, convenient and easy to use!

Update your phone number today by going to www.prvepa.com, then clicking on “Manage My Account.” You can also call us at 855-2PRVEPA, or write it on your next payment stub.

March 2016

Comfort Advantage can help you save money

One of our goals at Pearl River Valley Electric is to provide members with information about using energy wisely. When building or remodeling a home, energy efficiency should be a high priority. For more than twenty years our Comfort Advantage new home program has helped members save money on their monthly bills and increase the resale values of their homes.

Comfort Advantage energy-efficiency standards are based on years of experience, and they are continually being updated. The program now offers the following benefits for new homes: • Your home will be certified as a Comfort Advantage home, which reflects energy efficient construction.

• Comfort Advantage homes qualify for up to 150 feet of free underground service.

• Comfort Advantage Plus homes qualify for up to 150 feet of free underground service and a rebate of $500.

• Geothermal heat pump installations qualify for an additional $500 rebate.

• Natural gas instantaneous water heaters may now be used in Comfort Advantage homes (electric instantaneous water heaters do not qualify).

In addition, upgrading from an existing electric furnace or conventional air conditioner to a 15 SEER or higher heat pump qualifies for a rebate of $400.

Scott Arinder, member services representative

Key Requirements of the Comfort Advantage Program: 1. Flex duct work will be limited to runs of 8 feet or less.

2. Ducts in unconditioned space must be wrapped with R-6 or higher insulation.

3. Wall insulation must have an R-value of 13 or greater.

4. Attic insulation must have an R-value of 38 or greater.

5. A Comfort Advantage home must have double pane insulated windows with a U-value and an SHGC-value of .60 or less.

6. A Comfort Advantage Plus home must have double pane insulated windows with a U-value and an SHGC-value of .40 or less.

7. Comfort Advantage homes must have a heat pump of 14 SEER or better.

8. Comfort Advantage Plus home must have a heat pump of 15 SEER or better.

Note: Electric instantaneous water heaters will not qualify for either program.

The Comfort Advantage program can help make your energy decisions a breeze. We also offer free building consultations and HVAC load calculations.

For more information contact Scott Arinder, member services representative, at 601-731-7809.

Today in Mississippi 11

Local students earn Youth Leadership spots Two area high school juniors have been selected by Pearl River Valley Electric to participate in the Electric Power Associations’ Youth Leadership program. Taylor Martin of Forrest County AHS and Anna Claire Pecunia of Presbyterian Christian School are the winners of this year’s essay/interview contest. As a result, each student will be Leadership Workshop, where they met with legislators and took part in leaderparticipating in a leadership conference ship training sessions (see next month’s in Jackson and a week-long trip to Today in Mississippi for more informaWashington, D.C., this summer.

Pearl River Valley Electric selects the tion). They will also meet up with 1,700 other students from around the winners from essays submitted by students throughout its 12county service area, and then through interviews with the finalists. This year’s essay topic required students to discuss how rural electric cooperatives have helped transform rural America since being organized in the 1930’s, as well as how they can continue to serve members into the future.

Anna Claire Pecunia Taylor Martin Taylor, 17, is the Presbyterian Christian School Forrest County AHS daughter of Billy and Tobey Martin. A Brooklyn-area resident, she is a member of the National Honor Society, HOSA, Book Club, Art Club and National History Club at FCAHS. She is also a member of the Lady Aggie fast-pitch softball team and participates in mission trips with her church. In her spare time, Taylor enjoys reading, music, astronomy and enjoying the outdoors.

Connor Necaise Bryan Leggett Presbyterian Christian Anna Claire, 16, is the son of Rick Forrest County AHS School and Melanie Pecunia of Hattiesburg.

She is a cheerleader at PCS and partici- country in June to attend the National Rural Electric Youth Tour in pates on the track and swim teams and Washington. There they will have the annual staff. She is in the Senior opportunities to meet their Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of Congressmen, tour the U.S. Capitol and America (FBLA) and French Honors do lots of other sightseeing.

Society. In her spare time, Anna Claire Two other area high school juniors volunteers with yearly medical mission were named finalists in this year’s conprojects and ARC, as well as working test: Bryan Leggett of Forrest County and teaching at a gymnastics facility.

AHS, son of Antrinet Leggett of In late February, Taylor and Anna Hattiesburg; and Presbyterian Christian Claire joined more than 80 other stuSchool student Connor Necaise, son of dents from around the state in Jackson Mark and Kim Necaise of Hattiesburg. for the 30th annual Mississippi Youth

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Today in Mississippi I March 2016

Turkey madness

in the Magnolia State

fter more than 40 years of grand and glorious experiences in the hunting fields of 18 U. S. states, four Canadian provinces and a huge chunk of South African real estate while in pursuit of 30-plus species of legal and abundant big game animals, I have come to a conclusion. That conclusion? There is nothing better than chasing the wild turkey.

Squirrels in a Mississippi creek or river bottom come close, but they are small game. Turkeys are generally considered big game in many locales. And if contact with fellow hunters is a valid indicator, thousands of others share my sentiment. Turkeys are as good as it gets.

Wild turkeys, in a variety of subspecies, are scattered about from Central America to Canada. Estimates put the population at 7 million. Some stocking efforts have been marginally successful in isolated regions of Europe, but those efforts failed solidly in other areas. Hawaii and New Zealand boast sizable numbers, with hunting a celebrated activity.

Perhaps the most common four among the six subspecies are the Eastern, Osceola, Rio Grande and Merriam’s. While this following description of locations is not complete, it is a rough outline of the individual subspecies’ range.

The Eastern variety is found from the North Country of the East down to Central Florida and points westward across the Mississippi River.

The Osceola inhabits only Central

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and Southern Florida.

My favorite, The Rio Grande finds a home in the Hill Country of Texas and several hundred miles in practically every direction from there.

The Merriman’s is a spectacular bird. Its customary white bands on the tail feathers make it a magnificent specimen.

This one can be

by Tony Kinton found throughout the hills and plains of the West and Midwest, and my solitary encounter with these in Montana’s Little Snowy Mountains is a life-long memory.

Collecting one of all four of these is known in the hunting world as a Grand Slam.

There are two others, the Gould and Oscillated. Some may argue that the latter is not a turkey as all but a separate entity. Regardless, it is gathered under the turkey designation.

This strange but handsome bird lives in tight cover of Central America. The Gould is found in Northern Mexico and scattered, isolated spots of the Southwestern U.S. Adding one each of these to that list making up the Grand Slam is termed a Super Slam.

Outdoors Today

Nothing in nature compares to a wild turkey gobbler answering and strutting to a call. Photo: Sherry Thornton (www.photographyonthewildside.com)

As suggested by the title of this piece, Mississippi hunters are enamored of the wild turkey. It is the Eastern that we seek, and the state has solid flocks living in all portions of its borders. Since wild turkeys do what wild turkeys do and nest on the ground, they are subject to a great many pressures from nature, among these flooding. Predation also plays a significant role. Individually and/or collectively, these two elements— flooding and predation—can adversely impact reproduction. As a result, turkey numbers can be up and down with some degree of regularity. On the whole, however, turkeys do very well in the Magnolia State.

And to add validity to the assumption that Mississippi hunters possess a rare fondness that borders on addiction for the wild turkey, consider the number of world champion competition callers and masterful call manufacturers with their roots firmly planted right here. Their numbers are too many to include in this discourse, but they are here. And, they are world famous, both in the call and calling business.

Mississippi’s wild turkey season gets underway in March. There is a special youth season that opens the weekend before the regular season, and this is a good time to introduce a young hunter to that wonderfully frustrating endeavor of turkey hunting. Seldom easy, it remains a cunning lure once the youngster hears a big gobbler answering a call and hopefully strutting into view. Such sounds and sights are the panicle of wildness.

This practice of turkey hunting is a procedure of cunning and shotguns.

The hunter must remain concealed.

This can be done with the aid of blinds or solid camo. Renowned companies that make both are here within the state.

Shotguns? Absolutely. That is the only ethical—and legal in Mississippi —way to take a turkey in most areas.

The 12-gauge remains king, but the 20 is also a good choice. I have taken turkeys with every shotgun gauge save the 28, and yes, that includes the .410.

This was not a stunt but a necessity following a vertebra repair in my neck five days before season opener. The good doctor thoroughly admonished me not to shoot a recoiling firearm, so I opted for that .410. Taking it for what it was, I exercised extreme caution to keep the range short. And while I don’t recommend it, the little rig worked.

If you are fortunate enough to walk from the woods with a big gobbler slung over your shoulder, take all the pictures you want and show the bird off to those who would like to see. But treat that hefty breast with care.

Extract it as quickly as possible, slice it into cubes, dip it in buttermilk and batter it in flour seasoned to taste. I like lots of black pepper. Deep fry these morsels to perfection and prepare to enjoy one of the finest meals nature provides.

If you weren’t afflicted by the madness of turkey hunting until then, you will be immediately after the first bite!

Tony Kinton has been an active outdoors writer for 30 years. His newest book, “Rambling Through Pleasant Memories,” is now available. Order from Amazon.com or Kinton’s website: www.tonykinton.com.

March 2016

Occhi wraps up long service on national co-op board Robert “Bob” Occhi recently comvisionary supporter of emerging techpleted 11 years of service as nologies that have helped drive growth Mississippi’s representative on the in communities served by Mississippi’s National Rural Electric Cooperative 26 electric power associations.

Association (NRECA) board of direc“Bob was a dynamic leader in the tors.

Occhi’s long career in rural electrification began in 1973 when he took a job as an engineer at Coast Electric Power Association after serving as an officer in the U.S. Army. In 1986, he was Kevin Doddridge, CEO of Northcentral Electric Power Association, speaks with Bruce chosen to lead McCaffery, a director of Magnolia Electric Power Association, last month at the NRECA annual meeting in New Orleans. the 80,000member cooperative as chief executive development of strategies to face officer. national issues. He has made signifiThe Louisiana State University grad- cant contributions to the national and uate has been very active throughout state electrification program,” said his career in civic and community Michael Callahan, CEO of the affairs. He has served on several indus- Electric Power Associations of try and professional boards and on the Mississippi.

Electric Power Associations of Occhi’s leadership skills led him to Mississippi board for more than 30 being selected as chairman of the years. insurance and financial services comDuring his service to the NRECA, mittee. This committee is the most Occhi was a dedicated advocate for prestigious committee at NRECA as it rural economic development and a is responsible for over $20 billion in assets.

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Today in Mississippi

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“The selection of a qualified person to as CEO. Doddridge is a graduate of the lead your national organization is critUniversity of Mississippi and active in ical due to the many issues facing our community and economic developcooperatives on a national level. ment activites throughout During my 11-year tenure with NRECA, I developed some close perNorthcentral’s service area. He is a sonal relationships with other board member of the Lions Club and Rotary members and staff that I will truly Club and serves on the boards of the miss. NRECA is a very large complex Electric Power Associations of organization that has a lot of moving Mississippi and North Mississippi parts. My NRECA experience has Industrial Development Association. taught me a lot and helped me He and his wife, Leigh Ellen, have become a better CEO.” two daughters, Aggie and Anna Ruth.

At the recent NRECA annual meet- They are active members of Maples ing, Kevin Doddridge was chosen to Memorial United Methodist Church. replace Occhi as Mississippi’s repre“I am honored that Mississippi sentative on cooperative leadthe board. ers have elected Doddridge me to serve and “Bob was a serves as chief humbled by the executive offifaith shown in dynamic leader in cer of me to represent the development Northcentral the interest of Electric Power their organizaof strategies to Association, in tions and memface national Olive Branch. bership on a “Kevin will national level,” issues. He has continue the Doddridge said. made significant Bob Occhi tradition of “I look forMississippi ward to addresscontributions to having a ing the chalthe national and state strong voice lenges our induson matters try faces on a electrification program.” that come national and state before our Michael Callahan level, and being national assoCEO, Electric Power Associations part of an expericiation. He has of Mississippi enced team seeka real passion ing to find solufor cooperations. It’s impertives and is a successful leader at one ative that we continue to be wise and of the fastest growing electric coopera- diligent in making decisions that will tives in the nation,” Callahan said. allow us to maintain reliable electric A 27-year electric power association service at the lowest cost for all veteran, Kevin has served the last 12 Mississippians.”

YLC delegate Madelynn Lynch attends NRECA meeting Madelynn Lynch, of Corinth, represented her home state in opening ceremonies at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) annual meeting, held in February in New Orleans.

Pictured with Lynch at the NRECA meeting is Ron Stewart, senior vice president of the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi.

Lynch was chosen at the 2015 Electric Power Associations of Mississippi Youth Leadership Workshop to serve a one-year term as Mississippi’s delegate to the national NRECA Youth Leadership Council.

The Corinth High School senior was sponsored at the workshop by Alcorn County Electric Power Association.

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March 2016

Breakfast mississippi

NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH

‘Mind Over Fork’ While not a cookbook nor a diet book, Rebecca Turner’s new book, “Mind Over Fork: Escape Dieting to Find the Healthy Lifestyle You Deserve” is packed with practical advice and food recommendations for people wanting to improve their health—and lose some pounds in the process.

Turner is a registered dietician living in Brandon. She serves as nutrition affairs program manager for the Southeast Dairy Association and as the nutritionist for Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s healthy-cooking TV show, “Fit to Eat.” Turner also hosts the SuperTalk radio show “Mission Nutrition,” broadcast (and streamed) Tuesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m.

Turner’s book is not a diet plan; it is a life-long wellness plan designed to help people change the way they think about food and make better food choices.

Using simple language, she explains the science behind her recommendations so that readers may understand her reasoning. “‘Mind Over Fork’ is a way of thinking that helps to repair and restore a person’s relationship with food, terminate the need to diet and make obtaining a balanced and healthy life attainable,” Turner writes.

She opens the book with her personal story of overcoming her own obsession in chasing the ideal weight and

the resulting detrimental effect on her self-worth, not to mention her health. Turner strives to help readers recognize such “self-sabotaging” behavior patterns on the way to improving their well-being. “You will learn to appreciate and enjoy heathy eating in contrast to forcing yourself to adhere to a diet plan,” she writes.

March being National Nutrition Month, there is no better time to begin adopting healthier eating habits for life. “Mind Over Fork” can help you succeed, beginning with the meal examples reprinted here.

“Mind Over Fork” is available in paperback for $15.95 or as an e-book for $8.95. For more information, visit rebeccaturnernutrition.com.

rebeccaturnernutrition.com

• Healthy cheesy grits: 1 ounce 2% Cheddar cheese 1 cup grits, cooked 1 cup mixed berries Combine cheese and grits.

• Mini parfait: 1 cup low-fat yogurt ½ cup light granola 1 cup cubed fruit Layer ingredients.

• Cottage cheese with fruit: ½ cup 2% cottage cheese 1 cup canned (in water) peaches 1 medium whole-grain muffin Mix cottage cheese and fruit.

• Smoothie: 1 scoop protein powder 1 cup mixed fruit 1 cup milk or yogurt Blend all ingredients.

Lunch • Endless sandwich combinations: 3 to 4 ounces lean meat (fish, poultry, low-fat cheese) 2 slices whole-wheat bread Lettuce, tomatoes, onion, etc.

1 tablespoon light mayonnaise 1 (6-ounce) low-fat yogurt

• Endless soup and salad combo: 1 to 1 ½ cups non-cream-based soup Side salad 1 tablespoon light dressing 1 cup cubed fruit

• Veggie burger: 1 veggie burger patty 1 whole-wheat hamburger bun Fresh spinach, red onion, tomato ¼ cup sliced avocado 1 tablespoon light Dijon mustard 1 medium pear

• Chicken or Tuna Salad: Combine: 3 to 4 ounces chicken or tuna, diced onion, pickles, pepper, celery, 1 chopped boiled egg and enough light mayonnaise to moisten mixture. Serve over lettuce.

1 serving whole-grain cracker 1 string cheese

Dinner • Healthy stir fry: Sauteed shrimp, beef or chicken ½ cup each sliced mushrooms, snap peas, carrot matchsticks and onions, sauteed in 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil. ½ cup quinoa • Chicken fingers: Grilled chicken fingers ½ cup mashed sweet potato Steamed broccoli

• Healthy fajitas: Chicken, beef or shrimp 2 soft tortillas Tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce ¼ cup guacamole 1 tablespoon sour cream Salsa • Vegetarian wrap: Sauteed tofu or ½ cup beans Endless non-starchy vegetables 1 ounce Cheddar cheese 1 (6-inch) whole-wheat wrap

Snacks • ¼ cup almonds, 1 medium apple • 1 cheese stick, single-serving light popcorn • ½ cup hummus, unlimited raw veggies • ¼ cup dark chocolate nibs, ¼ cup dried fruit • ½ cup black bean dip, 1 serving baked chips • 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 medium banana • ½ cup 2% cottage cheese, 1 cup canned (in water) peaches • ¼ cup walnuts, 1 small box raisins

March 2016

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Today is the time to turn over a new leaf his column is written in real time. Which means my story is about now, and time spent in Sunday school and church this morning. Sunday.

The lunch dishes are in the dishwasher and my bag of Gummy Bears is on the desk in front of me. I am not stressing about eating too many carbs—though the number is way over my limit.

Today I began my journey to eliminate the ugly word “stress” from my life. I will now turn off the news on TV. Grin ‘n’ Whew!

Bare It I went to sevby Kay Grafe eral sources to learn the exact meaning of this word referenced often in conversation and by doctors. I found a ton of definitions for stress, but here is one from the Merriam-Webster dictionary that seemed to fit my story today: a physical, chemical or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation.

Actually, this stress-less decision came after listening to “Doctor Radio” on the subject last week and purchasing a small

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handbook called “Keep Calm and Trust God,” by Jake and Keith Provance. I truly believe I can erase the topics in this book from my life. Just to name a few: stress (of course), anxiety, worry, depression, regret, frustration and self-criticism. Do you see a topic that applies to you?

Here are the side effects of stress: It increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks, shrinks the brain, ages you prematurely, fuels cancer, leads to clinical depression and weakens your immune system. The book states that stress is killing us.

The Provances’ book shows you a clear way out through scriptures. My first thought was, I read scriptures every day and turn everything over to God, but as soon as I encounter a stress situation, I take it back.

Today is my defining new beginning.

When I was late for Sunday school this morning, I washed the stress away with another swallow of coffee. And by the

way, I didn’t try to hide my Yeti cup under my chair when I sat down. After we walked into church from the Sunday school building, I sat on my usual thirdrow front pew and began a four-sided conversation with friends, whispering reverently.

Brother Larry came in with the choir. I began to sip on my coffee without hiding behind the person in front of me. I was not stressing. He told a little joke before the sermon: This lady was going to a new dentist whose name looked very familiar. She had a classmate in high school by that name 40 years ago who was tall, dark and handsome. She always had a crush on him.

When the lady saw the dentist she noticed a man who was balding and had a fat tummy. That is probably his father, she thought.

The lady sat in the dentist chair and asked, “Did you go to Monroe High School?” He said he had.

Then she said, “I believe you may have been in one of my classes.”

And he said, “I don’t remember. Which class did you teach?”

We all laughed and I felt relaxed and ready for the sermon. So I pulled out my bag of Gummy Bears and began to nibble and drink my coffee.

When we walked out after the sermon, Brother Larry shook my hand and whispered in my ear. I thought he said, “Don’t eat in church.”

Nah. He wouldn’t correct someone older than he is ... so I decided not to get stressed. I sure don’t want my brain to shrink or have a stroke.

I enjoyed the gummies and coffee so much, I may take some chicken fingers to church next Sunday.

Kay Grafe is the author of “Oh My Gosh, Virginia.” To order, send name, address, phone number and $16.95, plus $3.50 S&H to Kay Grafe, 2142 Fig Farm Road, Lucedale, MS 39452.

Audubon Center

Continued from page 9

and a 10 percent discount on gift shop items. The center welcomes school field trips and offers an educational package that includes the boat tour.

Funding for buildings and operations comes from government grants, corporate donations and the Jackson County Board of Supervisors. Programs include Toddler Tuesdays for preschoolers, outreach conservation programs in the community and a Master Naturalist Class for adults interested in learning more about nature.

Plans for the center include adding a historical interpretation display about the now-defunct trolley line that travelled across the center’s property in the first quarter of the 20th century. The line, owned by the Pascagoula Street Railway and Power Co., connected Moss Point and Pascagoula. The trol-

A historic Boy Scouts of America hut still stands on the center’s 10-acre site. The center welcomes school field trips and offers a program for preschoolers.

ley’s original ticket booth has been obtained and will be renovated for a future display on the grounds.

“The interpretations and themes at the center change often.

We want people to come back time and time again. So, we try to offer something Medicare Supplements, Low Rates! different for repeat visitors to see,” ( Female age 65, “Plan F” = $104.78 ) LaSalle said.

The Pascagoula River Audubon I Medicare Supplement - age 65 and over. Drug Card.

Center is located at 5107 Arthur Street I Disability Medicare Supplement Under age 65 - New LOW cost!!! in Moss Point. Operating hours are I Dental, Vision and Hearing - Ages 18-89 Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. until 5 I Major Medical & Medicare Advantage Supplemental p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

I Cancer Policy; Short Term Nursing Home I Final Expense, Whole Life - issue ages 0-85 The facility is closed Sunday and I 10/15/20/30 Year Term Life - coverage range from $100,000 to over a million.

Monday. The telephone number is 228475-0825 and the website is pascagoulariver.audubon.org.

Writer Nancy Jo Maples can be reached P. O. Box 5277, Brandon, MS 39047 1-800-463-4348 at 188 Ernest Pipkins Road, Lucedale, MS E. F. Hutton nor its agents are affiliated with the Federal Medicare Program.

39452 or nancyjomaples@aol.com.

E. F. Hutton Insurance Agency

16

Marketplace

Today in Mississippi

March 2016

Mississippi

Type or print your ad clearly. Be sure to include your telephone number.

Deadline is the 10th of each month for the next month’s issue. Rate is $2.50 per word, 10-word minimum. Mail payment with your ad to Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300. Have any questions? Phone 601-605-8600 or email advertising@epaofms.com.

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SAWMILL EXCHANGE: North America’s largest source of used portable sawmills and commercial sawmill equipment for woodlot and sawmill operations. Over 800 listings. Call for a free list or to sell your equipment, 800-459-2148; www.sawmillexchange.com.

Mobile Home Owners: ROOF KING

2 ACRES LAND IN MARION COUNTY, near Hattiesburg, $5000 per acre. 601-466-8268.

VACATION RENTALS

Mobile Home Super Insulated Roof Over Systems.

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ROOF KING 1-800-276-0176

CABINS - PIGEON FORGE, TN, peaceful, convenient location, owner rates, 251-649-3344, 251-649-4049; www.hideawayprop.com.

THE PERFECT GETAWAY - McCOMB, MS. Private, peaceful, relaxing. Website: beautyinabush.com. Email: reservations@beautyinabush. 601-594-0892 SMOKIES. TOWNSEND, TN. 2 BR, 2 BATH Log Home, Jacuzzi, Fireplace, wrap-around porch, charcoal grill.

865-320-4216; For rental details and pictures E-mail: tncabin.lonnie@yahoo.com.

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SINCE 1982

MISCELLANEOUS PLAY GOSPEL SONGS by Ear! $12.95. “Learn Gospel Music” - chording, runs, fills - $12.95. Both $24.

Davidsons, 6727MS Metcalf, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66204. 913-262-4982.

FREE BOOKS/DVDS, Soon the “Mark of the Beast” will be enforced as Church and State unite! Let the Bible reveal. The Bible Says, P.O. Box 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771. 888-211-1715; thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com.

LAND PREPARATION & MANAGEMENT. Bulldozer, Mulcher, Trackhoe, Bushog. Ponds, Roads,Timber.

Chuck Smith 601-795-1659.

Marr Bros. Inc.

What to do during an

Electrical Storm Don’t forget to unplug Extension Cords Extension cords are meant to be used temporarily, not as permanent plugs.

They’re not sturdy enough for prolonged use.

Before you store an extension cord, examine it for nicks, abrasions, frayed ends and other damage. Discard a damaged cord to prevent electrical shock.

Lightning can enter your home through a direct strike, through wires or pipes, and through the ground. During a thunderstorm, don’t touch electrical equipment or cords, such as a corded phone, computer, stove, TV or microwave. Postpone your bath or shower to avoid contact with plumbing. And stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.

A safety message from your local Electric Power Association

March 2016

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Here’s a plug for child safety!

Infants and toddlers are curious by nature. Open electrical outlets just beg for explorationbut can be pretty dangerous. To keep those little fingers out of trouble, pick up some safety plugs at your local store. They’re inexpensive and can be installed inseconds. And they’ll give you peace of mind while those curious little minds keep looking for new outlets.

A safety message from your local Electric Power Association

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18

I

Today in Mississippi

I

March 2016

Events MISSISSIPPI

Want more than 400,000 readers to know about your special event? Submit it at least two months prior to the event date. Submissions must include a phone number with area code for publication. Mail to Mississippi Events, Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300; fax to 601-605-8601; or email to news@epaofms.com. Events open to the public will be published free of charge as space allows.

Please note that events are subject to change; we recommend calling to confirm details before traveling.

McComb Garden Club Azalea Festival, March 1-31, McComb. Lighted azalea trail, garden tours and presentations, flower show, azalea coronation. Details: 601-303-7193.

42nd Annual Gospel Singing Jubilee, March 12, Magee. Featuring The Hinson Family, Singing Echoes, Tim Frith & Gospel Echoes, and others; 6:30 p.m. Admission.

Magee High School Auditorium. Details: 601906-0677, 601-720-8870.

44th Smith County Jamboree, March 1419, Polkville. Bluegrass, country and gospel music, featuring Tyler Carroll & Pine Ridge, The Pilgrim Family, Bluegrass Cartel and others. Jamming; camper hook-ups. Music Barn.

Details: 601-946-0280, 601-955-9182.

Wild Game Supper Featuring Tony Kinton, March 17, Philadelphia. Outdoors

writer Tony Kinton portrays Daniel Boone in program on long hunters; 6 p.m. First Baptist Church. Details: 601-656-1507.

Spring Fling Rock AF 2016, March 19, Southaven. Featuring Cage the Elephant, Silversun Pickups, FOALS, Bear Hands; 7 p.m.

Admission. Landers Center. Details: 662-4702131; ticketmaster.com.

Bluegrass, Country and Gospel Singing, March 19, Black Hawk. Black Hawk Old School; 6 p.m. Details: 662-453-0072; bobbykayalford@gmail.com.

Cedar Hill Farms Annual Easter Egg Hunt, March 19-26, Hernando. Pony rides, egg hunts, more. Admission. Cedar Hill Farms.

Details: 662-429-2540; gocedarhillfarm.com.

Easter Cruise-In, March 26, Pearl. Classic cars, oldies music, more. Trade Days at Jones

Center Flea Market. Details: 601-939-4131.

The Marksmen Quartet in Concert, March 30, Newton. Bluegrass gospel; 7 p.m. Love offering. Ebenezer Baptist Church. Details: 601-896-2249.

Mississippi Exchange Clubs’ Step-Change Ball, April 1, Brandon. Dinner with speaker, dance performances, social dance; 6-10:30 p.m. Admission. Brandon Municipal Civic Center. Details: 601-937-1301.

10th Annual Charles H. Templeton Ragtime & Jazz Festival and Gatsby Gala, March 31, April 1-2, Starkville. Sounds of boogie, blues, swing, New Orleans jazz, ragtime, more. Mississippi State University. Details: library.msstate.edu/templeton/festival.

“Whispers in the Cedars,” April 1-2, Port Gibson. Nightly walking tours of historic cemetery with live portrayals of featured characters.

Admission. Wintergreen Cemetery. Details: 601-437-5097, 601-529-4680.

41st Annual Southern Heritage Pilgrimage, April 1-3, Aberdeen. Tours of historic homes, carriage rides, cemetery tours, live performances. Details: 662-369-9440; aberdeenpilgrimage.com.

Sheep-to-Shawl Fiber Arts Demonstrations, April 2, Ridgeland. Sheep shearing, wool dyeing, spinning, weaving; hands-on weaving for all ages. Free.

Mississippi Craft Center. Details: 601-3732495; craftsmensguildofms.org.

Shiloh Arts & Crafts Show, April 2, Pelahatchie. Handmade items, gospel music,

craft demos, children’s activities, silent auction. Shiloh United Methodist Church. Details: 601-213-7528.

Starkville Public Library Book Sale, April 4, Starkville. Noon - 6 p.m. Starkville Public Library. Details: 662-323-2766.

Fifth Annual Smokin’ on the Tracks BBQ Cookoff, April 8-9, Summit. Barbecue contest, entertainment, 5K run, car show. Details: 601248-2509; smokinonthetracks.com.

New Albany Home and Garden Show, April 9, New Albany. Gardening experts, floral designers, crafts, antique tractors, vendors, more. Historic downtown. Details: 662-5385333, 662-316-8321; Facebook.

Juleps and Generals, April 8, Holly Springs.

Historic Montrose mansion; 7-9 p.m.

Reservations. Details: 662-551-0076; hollyspringspilgrimage.com.

Van Dorn Rides Again, April 9-10, Holly Springs. Civil War reenactment of raid on Holly Springs; 2 p.m. Admission. Details: 662-5510076; hollyspringspilgrimage.com.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Spring Pilgrimage, April 13-17, Mississippi Coast. Tours of homes, gardens and historic places from Moss Point to Diamondhead. Free. Details: 228-623-1614; springpilgrimage.com.

Fulmer’s Homesteaders Gathering and Horse-Drawn Auction, April 15-16, Richton.

Workshops, food, entertainment. Sale conducted by Holder Bros. Auction; 10 a.m.

Saturday. Details: 601-964-8222; fulmersfarmstead.com.

Picture This: Spring Color Help us get a jump on spring fever! Our next “Picture This” theme is Spring Color.

We are looking for photos of the brilliant, beautiful colors of springtime in Mississippi (or anywhere else).

Submissions must be emailed or postmarked by March 7.

Selected photos will appear in the April issue of Today in Mississippi.

“Picture This” is a reader photo feature appearing in the January, April, July and October issues of Today in Mississippi. We publish a few of the photos that best illustrate the given theme.

Photographers whose photos are published become eligible for a $200 cash prize, to be awarded in a random drawing in December.

Please note: This is not a contest, as photos will not be judged. Photos are selected for publication based on their overall quality, relevance to the given theme, visual impact and suitability for printing on newsprint paper. (Dark photos

usually do not print well. We look for bright photos with good contrast and sharp focus.)

Submission requirements • Submit as many photos as you like, but select only your best work.

• Photos must relate to the given theme.

• Photos must be the original work of an amateur photographer (of any age).

• Photos eligible for publication may be either color or black and white, print or digital.

• Photos must be in sharp focus.

• Digital photos should be high-resolution JPG files. Please do not use photo-editing software to adjust colors or tones. (We prefer to do it ourselves, if necessary, according to our printer’s standards.)

• Please do not submit photos with the date appearing on the image.

• Photos must be accompanied by identifying information: photographer’s name, address, phone and electric power association (if applicable). Include the name(s) of any recognizable

people or places in the picture.

• Prints will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

We cannot, however, guarantee their safe return through the mail.

How to submit photos Prints and digital photos are acceptable.

Prints: Mail prints to Picture This, Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300.

Digital photos: Email (as an attachment to your e-mail message) to news@epaofms.com. If submitting more than one photo, please attach all photos to only one email message, if possible.

Or, mail a photo CD to Picture This, Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300.

Question? Call Debbie Stringer, editor, at 601-605-8610 or email news@epaofms.com.

March 2016

HARBOR FREIGHT

We have invested millions of dollars in our own state-of-the-art quality test labs and millions more in our factories, so our tools will go toe-to-toe with the top professional brands. And we can sell them for a fraction of the price because we cut out the middle man and pass the savings on to you. It’s just that simple! Come visit one of our 600+ Stores Nationwide.

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44", 13 DRAWER INDUSTRIAL QUALITY ROLLER CABINET LOT 68784 shown 69387/62270/62744 • Weighs 245 lbs.

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LOT 69262 69094/61916 2745 shown

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1999

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36999 comp at

comp at

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• 225 lb. capacity

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5999

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11999 comp at

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WITH ANY PURCHASE

SAVE $79 Customer Rating

LOT 95275 shown 60637/61615

FREE 20% OFF Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, extended service plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day parking lot sale item, compressors, floor jacks, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, CoverPro, Daytona, Diablo, Franklin, Hercules, Holt, Jupiter, Predator, Stik-Tek, StormCat, Union, Vanguard, Viking. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 7/5/16.

19

OILLES AIR COMPRESSOR

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

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Today in Mississippi

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QUALITY TOOLS AT RIDICULOUSLY LOW PRICES

How Does Harbor Freight Sell GREAT QUALITY Tools at the LOWEST Prices?

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LIMIT 3 - Good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.

Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 7/5/16. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

• No Hassle Return Policy • Lifetime Warranty On All Hand Tools

calling rFreight.com or by or prior n at our stores, Harbo LIMIT 5 - Good t be used with other discount or coupo al receipt.

800-423-2567. Cannodays from original purchase with originn must be al coupo Origin rable. purchases after 30 ransfe ies last. Non-t mer per day.

Offer good while suppl h 7/5/16. Limit one coupon per custo presented. Valid throug

R PE ON SU UP CO

900 PEAK/ 700 RUNNING WATTS 2 HP (63 CC) 2 CYCLE GAS RECREATIONAL GENERATOR

LOT 60338/69381 shown

SAVE $78 $ 99

89

comp at

$168.97

LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.

Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 7/5/16. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

• 600+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com 800-423-2567