Signature Magazine - April 2011

from the editor...

Cast your vote...

F

estivalSouth, Mississippi’s only multi-week, multi-genre music festival, is still a couple of months away, but that doesn’t mean that a lot of planning isn’t in the works.

Last year’s inaugural festival saw thousands of people flock to venues throughout Hattiesburg for two weeks of everything from classical piano, vocal and chamber music recitals to Blues, Broadway and Bluegrass.

This year Signature Magazine is partnering with FestivalSouth to not only provide the official program for the two-week event, but to launch the first-ever Festival South Best of the Pine Belt “competition” where area residents will be given the chance to vote in 10 different categories – arts & entertainment, lodging & dining, shopping, politics & personalities, kids, media, best specific food, outdoors & recreation, services, best thing we missed.

“Best of the Pine Belt 2011 is a way for local citizens to sound off about the Pine Belt’s best restaurants, arts, entertainment, shopping, politics, personalities and much more,” said Signature publisher David Gustafson.

Voters can log on to the website: www.festivalsouth.org/best and can cast their votes until April 17. There is no limit on the number of times a person can vote.

“This is completely free,” said Mike Lopinto, festival consultant.

“Nominate yourself or others as many times as you want. Free posters and logos are available on the website to help local businesses and individuals promote.”

FestivalSouth created the Best of the Pine Belt competition to promote the diversity of the region. Voting categories were selected to represent a broad cross-section of this area. An intense vetting process will take

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place once voting ends to determine the winners, who will be announced in the June issue of Signature Magazine.

“The power is really in the hands of the people,” said Betsy Rowell, Hattiesburg Downtown Association executive director “It’s their time to tell everyone about the best things in the Pine Belt. Of course, there’s a huge promotional value for businesses, but there’s a greater value for the Pine Belt people, because when the voting ends we will have a customer-created guide to the best places to eat, shop and play.”

FestivalSouth kicks off June 4 with both free and ticketed events to local residents and cultural tourists. The festival offers something for music lovers of every taste for two consecutive weeks. Arts entertainment ranging from classical piano, vocal and chamber music recitals – to Blues, Broadway and Bluegrass events will be featured in venues throughout downtown Hattiesburg.

Featuring everything from “Best Non-Profit Organization” to “Best Pet Groomer” and “Best Chips & Salsa,” there are dozens of categories and plenty of opportunities to let your opinions be known.

Voting at the Festival South website (www.festivalsouth.org) will continue through mid-April.

Winners will be announced in the June edition of Signature at a special reception planned to kick off the festival.

FestivalSouth and Signature Magazine give you an opportunity to tell everyone your favorite people, places and things in the Pine Belt!

Simply go online to www.festivalsouth.org and click on a category you'd like to vote on and fill in your favorites.

Vote as many times as you like in all categories through Only online votes will count.

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Happenings ....................................... 4-5 Sweet Simplicity Sweet inspirations for your Relay for Life Easter celebrations .................................... 52 Communities unite to fight for a world with less cancer and more birthdays ..............

6 Top Chef Q&A

53 Hattiesburg to host Smithsonian exhibit .......... 8 Signature Traditions .................. 55 Krewe of Elks .................................. 10 Signature Q&A Pace, former Director of Osher Mystic Krewe of Zeus .............. 17 Sue Lifelong Learning Center Institute .............. 72 Mystic Krewe of Zeus Signature Events .................... 56-71 Maids & Dukes of the Realm ........................ 19 Elks Queens Luncheon .............................. 56 Senior Savvy ............................ 23-50 Pints for Paws ............................................ 57 ARC Idol Show .......................................... 58 Meet The Tisdales ........................ 25 Harris Retirement ...................................... 59 Dessert Auction .......................... 60 Signature Destinations .... 27-35 Celebrity Warren Chili Party ...................................... 61 Jackson Downtown rises again ...... 27 Ribbon Cutting/ADP After Hours ................ 62 JORT Fundraiser ........................................ 63 Meridian A new longitude on fun .... 30 Elks Coronation .......................................... 64 Red for Women .................................... 66 Natchez Love on the bluffs .............. 33 Go MEC Blueprint ............................................ 67 Osher Keeping adults active after 50 ...... 36 Petal Football Banquet .............................. 68 Sweet 16 Party .......................................... 70 Traveling Man USM Signing Day ...................................... 71 Meet Mike McElroy of Walnut Circle Grill ....

New Harmonies

Globetrotting professor is on the road again ........................................ 40

A legacy of logs Fifth generation family member restores 19th century homestead ................

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YMCA Trippers After 15 years, YMCA Trippers are going strong .......................................... 46

Delectable Treats Local tea room joins the festivities for the Royal Wedding of the Century ..............

Food

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Signature Magazine • April 2011 • vol 6 number 1 publisher David Gustafson editor Beth Bunch contributors Dana Gower • Marlo Matthews • Ed Lashley advertising representatives Emily Hall • Missy Pickering • Jessica Wallace art director Bill Benge Signature Magazine is a product of Hattiesburg Publishing, Inc., publisher of The Lamar Times, The Petal News, hubcitySPOKES, Camp Shelby Reveille and Signature Magazine. For information on submitting items for consideration, call (601) 268-2331 or email beth@HubCitySpokes.com.

To mail information or photos, send to Signature Magazine, 103 N. 40th Avenue, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.

Lauren Rogers Museum I 12 Voices – March 17- June 9 – This exhibition, organized by Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc., presents 26 works by 12 outstanding artists who use quilting as their means of artistic expression. Juror Penny McMorris, in her selections, offers the viewer a magnificent array of works by artists who present a diverse range of imagery in their quilts. McMorris notes that the exhibition offers a "rare, indepth look at 12 of the finest quilt artists working today. Some are known worldwide. Others are fresh faces displaying a strong and promising talent."

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center Giant insects are creating a bug infestation in Downtown Mobile.

See robotic bugs up to 120 x lifesize, a life insect zoo and moore. The exhibit runs through May 22 at the Exploreum located in Downtown Mobile, exit 26B off I-10. For more information or tickets, call 877-625-4FUN or visit Exploreum.com.

Mississippi Museum of Art Through July 17, the The Orient Expressed: Japan’s Influence on Western Art, 18541918, will be on display at the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson. Visitors to this eleventh exhibition in The Annie Laurie Swaim Hearin Memorial Exhibition Series will learn about the cultural phenomenon known as Japonisme, through the presentation of more than 200 works of art from the 19th and early 20th centuries. First identified by French art critic Philippe Burty in 1872, Japonisme became a worldwide movement that deeply impacted the visual arts. The resulting influence of these pieces on the visual and decorative arts as well as architecture, music, theater, literature, graphic design, and even fashion was overwhelming and continues to this day. For more information, visit msmuseumart.org or call 1-866-VIEW ART. The museum is located at 380 South Lamar Street, Jackson.

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Live at Five, Farmers Market 5-9 p.m. April 2-30, Town Square Park in Historic Downtown Hattiesburg.

Live at Five is an evening filled with music, food and fun for all ages. This is a free concert series that takes place every Friday evening in April and October. Food is sold by local restaurants and beverages by Sacred Heart School. For more information call 601.583.4329 or visit ww.downtownhattiesburg.com.

Pine Belt Farmers Market Thursday, April 2 Saturday, Oct. 31. 3 -7 p.m. Come out each Thursday in the Town Square Park in Historic Downtown Hattiesburg for an opportunity to listen to live music while picking up locally grown produce. The Market is open from 3-7 p.m.

Call 601-583-4329 for more information or visit www.downtownhattiesburg.com.

Passionate for...

Forrest General’s Spirit of Women is launching a new event series designed to inspire passion in women of all ages – passion for parties, health and life itself.

Join local experts Catherine Strange and John David Williams in learning how to throw the best party of the season – in any season. All events will be held from 11:30-1 p.m. at Canebrake Country Club. Lunch will be served. Cost to attend is $15 for Spirit of Women members and $25 for non-members.

To register for one or more of these events, call the Spirit of Women reservation line at 601-288-4968.

Upcoming programs include: April 5 – A season of renewal: Easter and Spring Celebrations May 3 – Celebrations for all Ages: From Children’s Parties to Dinner Clubs!

June 7 – Summertime Celebrations: From Beach Parties to Backyard Barbecues For reserved seating, you may purchase a table for 10 for you and your friends. All other reservations are first-come, first-serve.

The Wizard of Oz Stagestruck presents the Wizard of Oz April 8-9 (7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. (novice cast) and 7:30 p.m.

Saturday - ) at the Saenger Theater. All tickets are $10 general admission and may be purchased at the door. For more information, call 601-450-7469.

Relay Softball Tourney Forrest General’s Surgical Services Department will host their Fifth Annual Relay for Life Softball Tournament on April 9.

The tournament will be held at Timberton Ball Park next to William Carey University, and will begin at 8:30 a.m. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. The Surgical Services Department is seeking teams and individuals to umpire and help with the concession stand, as well as anyone interested in participating as an event sponsor. The cost to play is $15 per person. For information please contact Shirley Smith at 601-433-2964 or 601-288-5634.

MS Hattiesburg Walk The Alabama-Mississippi Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society will hold Walk MS in Hattiesburg on Saturday, April 9. More than 200 walkers are expected to come out and help raise the goal of $15,000. Funds raised will support direct services for more than 3,000 people with MS living in Mississippi and also national MS research to find a cure for this chronic disease of the central nervous system. The walk

will begin at 9 a.m. with check-in at 8 a.m. at the USM Gateway to the Longleaf Trace. No registration fee to participate. Instead, each participant is asked to set a personal fundraising goal.

Those who raise $100 or more will receive an official MS Walk T-shirt.

Participants who go above and beyond will be eligible for other great prizes!

Walk MS is a three-mile walk with door prizes, snacks and encouragement from volunteers. To participate or volunteer, visit www.walkmsmississippi.org; or contact Angie Jackson at (601) 856-5831 or email angie.jackson-@nmss.org.

Hattiesburg Concert Band 3 p.m. April 10, Saenger Theater

Beautiful Basics Series The Beautiful Basics Series, sponsored by Forrest General’s Spirit of Women, continues in 2011. All events are held at Hattiesburg County Club beginning at 11:30 a.m. Cost to attend is $15 for Spirit of Women members and $25 for non-members. Lunch is served.

Upcoming programs in the series include:March 9, Garden Gorgeous – Presented by Thomas E. Eaves, Registered Landscape Architect.

April 13, Fashion Forever – Presented by local personality Chalie Rae and Phillip Pitts, owner of Parris Jewelers.

Spring Art Walk 4-9 p.m. April 16, Downtown Hattiesburg

Roots Reunion South Mississippi musicians will showcase their talents at this year’s spring edition of the Roots Reunion live radio show from 79 p.m. April 16 in Hattiesburg’s historic Saenger Theater. Organized by the University of Southern Mississippi’s Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage and the School of Music’s entertainment industry program, Roots Reunion gives local musicians an opportunity to share with the public the musical traditions of Mississippi.

The show usually features a mix of blues, bluegrass, folk and classic county performers. The show is free and open to the public, and will be broadcast live on WUSM 88.5 FM. It can also be heard online at http://www.usm.edu/wusm. For more information about Roots Reunion, contact the Southern Miss Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage at 266-4574.

Car, Truck, Bike Show The 3rd Annual Car, Truck and Bike Show, hosted by Inertia Car Club and sponsored by Automotive Color is set for 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Ashley Furniture HomeStorein Hattiesburg.

There will be raffles throughout the day for door prizes, a 50/50 cash raffle (drawing will be held immediately following awards) Judging starts at fee is $15 per vehicle/bike. The first 50 entries will receive a grab bag. All entries are entered into raffle for door prizes.

Spectators admitted free.

All makes and models welcome. Awards for different classes – club choice award, kids choice award, club participation, and best of show. These classes will cover cars both import and domestic, trucks and suv’s, muscle cars, antiques (25+ years old), sport bikes, cruisers, and more.

Food and Drinks will be served.

Proceeds from the show go to benefit the Make A Wish Foundation. This is a family friendly event- all ages welcomed.

Carroll Jewelry Company in Hattiesburg is helping Pine Belt residents get in the right mindset for the upcoming Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29 at Westminster Abbey in London.

According to Stancy Gullung, a designer for the business, all the hype surrounding the wedding and her love for tiaras and beautiful pieces of jewelry prompted her to pull together a collection of period pieces that are representative of some of the jewels based on past royal families.

During the last two weeks of April, approximately 10 tiaras on loan from around the area as well as incredible pieces of jewelry, some dating back to the 1800s to present day, will be on display at the store during regular business hours, Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

“I hope this will be an educational experience,” said Gullung, “as well as an enjoyment for those who have an appreciation of jewelry.” A display case will feature the pieces with cards giving more information about each unique design. Pieces include an antique tiara that belonged to a Chinese concubine to a modern day pearl and diamond tiara, with most of the pieces from the 1800s.

There will also be jewelry that was locally made based on Queen Elizabeth II pieces, from her very first piece of jewelry, a pair of coral beads she received from the Queen Mum as a child.

Gullung’s collection of books about tiaras and royal jewelry will also be on display.

“It’s been a really fun collection to get together,” she said.

Carroll Jewelry is located at University Mall on Hardy St.

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Jefferson Davis County, Longleaf Trace Park • May 6 – Relay For Life of Simpson County, City of Magee Sportsplex • May 6 – Relay For Life of Greene County, Greene County High School Football Field • May 13 – Relay For Life of Smith County, Taylorsville Walking Track • May 13 – Relay For Life of Pike County, Southwest Regional Medical Center Walking Track • May 13 – Relay For Life of Petal, Relay Park

Communities unite to fight for a world with less cancer and more birthdays A cancer diagnosis doesn’t affect just one. The three little words “You have cancer” are heard and felt by families, by friends and even by communities. That’s why communities all across the nation unite to fight the battle against cancer.

They’re fighting for a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is more than just a fundraiser. It’s a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event.

Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events.

Everyone's reason to Relay is as unique as their own personal story.

At Relay, you can find healing, comfort, and support from others who have faced cancer or who have lost a loved one to the disease. You have a chance to meet people in the community who are equally as passionate about finding an end to cancer in our lifetime. You can thank all the people who have done so much to support you through your personal cancer experience. And you can

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gather together with friends, family, and colleagues to laugh, cry, and create lasting memories.

No matter why you take part in Relay, however, one thing is clear: With every step you take, you are helping the American Cancer Society save lives. With your help, we aren’t just fighting one type of cancer – we’re fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. Each person who shares the Relay experience can take pride in knowing that they are working to create a world where this disease will no longer threaten the lives of our loved ones or claim another year of anyone’s life.

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community.

We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.

As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year.

To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

Upcoming Relay events include: • April 15 – Relay For Life of Covington County, Collins High School • April 15 – Relay For Life of Lawrence County, Court House Square (Monticello) • April 29 – Relay For Life of Jones County, Laurel/Jones County Sportsplex • April 29 – Relay For Life of Perry County, Perry County Multi-Purpose Center (Richton) • April 29 – Relay For Life of Hattiesburg, Pride Field at Univ. of Southern Mississippi • May 6 – Relay For Life of Lamar County, Oak Grove High School Track • May 6 – Relay For Life of Marion County, Columbia High School Football Field • May 6 – Relay For Life of

1-800-227-2345 and cancer.org The American Cancer Society’s National Cancer Information Center is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling toll-free 1-800-227-2345. Trained cancer information specialists are on hand to answer questions and connect callers to local resources.

Information is also available online at cancer.org. The site provides information about cancer, local resources, events and more.

Cancer Survivors Network® The Cancer Survivors Network is a virtual community created by and for survivors where they can share experiences and provide support. The site is available at csn.cancer.org.

Celebration of Survivorship The American Cancer Society holds an annual Celebration of Survivorship during its Relay For Life events across the state.

Cancer survivors are invited to lead the Victory Lap that begins the overnight Relay. To join this year’s celebration, please call the American Cancer Society at 1800-227-2345.

College Scholarships The American Cancer Society’s Mid-South Division awards scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to young cancer survivors.

Eligible students must have had a cancer diagnosis before age 19, maintain a 2.5 GPA, be under the age of 25, and been accepted to an accredited college, university or vocational school.

Gift Items Wigs, turbans, breast prostheses, prosthetic bras, and limited durable medical equipment are some of the items available free of charge to cancer patients.

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s the beat goes on in America, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. has chronicled the progress of American music through the years in a portable seven-kiosk interactive exhibition, “New Harmonies.” The exhibit will debut in Hattiesburg on April 16 for a five-week run at Hattiesburg’s Historic Depot.

New Harmonies is an interactive exhibit portraying the ongoing cultural process that has made America the birthplace of more music than any place on earth. The story is full of surprises about familiar songs, histories of instruments, the roles of religion and technology, and the continuity of musical roots from Native American chanting and drumming to the latest hip hip-hop CD. “The Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Assoc.

(HHDA) is pleased to present such an outstanding exhibition which provides a fascinating, inspiring and toe-tapping listen to the American story of multi-cultural exchange in music,” Betsy Rowell, executive director of the HHDA, said.

Hattiesburg is the first of six Mississippi cities to

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host the exhibit through January 2012. Other Mississippi cities are Long Beach, Pearl, Amory, Columbus and Hernando.

“New Harmonies” is part of the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street (MOMS) program.

MOMS serves small-to-medium sized communities by bringing Smithsonian-quality exhibitions to local museums, historical societies, libraries and community centers that traditionally have limited access to traveling exhibition due to space and cost limitations. Each exhibition consists of free standing structures that contain interactive components and artifacts.

According to Kristie Fairley, deputy director of VISITHATTIESBURG, transient exhibits not only create a reason to visit Hattiesburg, but once visitors are here, these exhibits help give cultural depth to the overall experience and impression visitors have of Hattiesburg.

“Hosting these exhibits in the Historic Depot also gives us a great opportunity to show off one of Hattiesburg's most beautiful architectural gems, VISITHATTIESBURG is thrilled to partner

with HHDA in hosting New Harmonies in Downtown Hattiesburg,” Fairley said.

The exhibition provides a full education component. Music faculty throughout the Hattiesburg area are urged to bring their classes to tour the exhibit. Additionally, the exhibit provides lesson plans and activities for grades 4-8 and 9 -12.

The exhibit will be open Wednesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There is no charge to visit the exhibition. Groups planning to visit the exhibition should contact HHDA at rowell@megagate.com or call 601-583-4329 to schedule their visit.

“New Harmonies” is brought to Mississippi by The Mississippi Humanities Council. The exhibit is presented in Hattiesburg by, The Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association, VisitHattiesburg, Hattiesburg Arts Council, and City of Hattiesburg, in partnership with Southern Miss, William Carey University and the Hattiesburg Public Library.

The Krewe of Elks celebrated its 45th anniversary with the announcement of King and Queen Elk XLV during their annual Carnival Ball at the Hattiesburg Elks Lodge on Saturday, Feb. 26.

The identities of the new King and Queen were revealed as King Elk XLV, Kevin Malone and Queen Elk XLV, Sue Walters.

The entrance to Elks Lake Road was ablaze with color featuring signage welcoming members and guests to the “Krewe of Elks Carnival” bordered with large Mardi Gras masks complete with flowing streamers on either side. Lining the circular drive were royal torches with blue lame streamers. Tiny white lights glistened on the ground and in the trees. A large crown signifying approaching royalty could be seen atop the building.

Ushers for the evening were Bob Johnson, Phil Sudduth, Kent Mohawk, David Brown, Curtis Goff and Greg Barrett.

There is a kingdom far away created in 1837 by Hans Christian Anderson. It is different from anything you have ever seen. There, “the seaweed is always greener in somebody else’s lake.” The creatures are so delightful you will remember them forever. This magical kingdom is “Under the Sea.” As one entered the foyer of the building they might believe they had been transported off of land and into a watery kingdom.

In the grand ballroom the stage was seen to represent a regal throne room awaiting the arrival of King and Queen Elk XLV. Their silver thrones, covered in imported green cut silk sat in the middle of the stage with a marvelous glass top table featuring a base of ornate gold carved cabriole legs between them.

The stage was draped in shimmering silver lame featuring swags. The swags were caught by bold silver cornice pieces. To either side of the royal thrones were the silver chairs with matching green cushions reserved for the immediate Past King and Queen Elk XLIV. White columns were seen on each side of the stage, which featured a dove gray carpet.

Displayed on the walls around the massive ballroom were passing creatures of the sea which included lobsters, crabs and multi-colored fish.

The Captain of the Krewe, Chris Herrod, welcomed members and guests to the annual ball.

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Krewe Captain Herrod then introduced the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Robert Cook, who entertained the audience with his hilarious monologue.

Everyone’s attention was directed to the back of the ballroom where the entrance to a mysterious cave, complete with a waterfall, could be seen.

As the trumpets blared the past royalty made their grand entrance.

They were, King Elk III, James J. Mordica; Queen Elk IV, Ruth Centanni; Queen Elk V, Mary Beth Bounds; King and Queen Elk VI, Sidney Malone and Dottie Burt; Queen Elk VII, Jane Ezelle; King and Queen Elk VIII, B. J. “Buck” Thompson and Rosa Lee Mordica; King Elk X Chester Moulder; King and Queen Elk XI, Charles Finnegan and Tiny Hicks; King Elk XII, Duwayne Ezelle; King and Queen Elk XIII, Jimmy Moudy and

Margaret Langford; Queen Elk XIV, Lottie Vance; Queen Elk XV, Frances Bond; King and Queen Elk XVI, Ray Bonones and Cathy Mohawk; King and Queen Elk XVII C. A. “Andy Moore and Lorita Finnegan; King and Queen Elk XVIII, C. W. “Dub” Hicks and Madolyn Cross; Queen Elk XIX, Patsy Hawkins; Queen Elk XX, Janet Pascale; Queen Elk XXI, Shelby Dove; King and Queen Elk XXII, Woody Lyon and Pam Nobles; King and Queen Elk XXIII, Bobby Cubley and Betty Love; King Elk XXIV, Joe Winstead; Queen Elk XXV, Peggy Moore; King and Queen Elk XXVI, Tony Pascale and Martha Johnson; King and Queen Elk XXVII, Johnny Fairchild and Charlotte Shoemake; King and Queen Elk XXVIII, Robert Shoemake and Joan Slay; King and Queen Elk XXIX, David Lyon and Nadine Sumrall; Queen Elk XXX,

Joann Fairchild; King and Queen Elk XXXI, Bill Bond and Cathy James; King and Queen Elk XXXII, Roy Roberts and Judy Carney; King and Queen Elk XXXIII, Mike Sanders and Kay Smith; Queen Elk XXXIV, Kim Jackson and King and Queen Elk XXXV, John Thomsen and Dianne Warren; King and Queen Elk XXXVI, Tommy Pittman and Dawn Gillis; King and Queen Elk XXXVII, George Pollitz and Sarah Campbell; King and Queen Elk XXXVIII, Dan McGee and Sue Lyon; King and Queen Elk XXXIX, Chris Moore and Ann-Michelle Sanford; King and Queen Elk XL, Denny Hawkins and Mary Thomsen; King and Queen Elk XLI, George Huffman and Debbie Pollitz; King and Queen Elk XLII, Mike Nobles and Amy Stromeyer and King and Queen Elk XLIII, Mike James and Jeanette Baylis.

The reigning sovereigns of all Elkdom were then introduced. They were King and Queen Elk XLIV, Steve Oshrin and Richie Malone.

They wore their coronation regalia.

The Script Bearer for the evening was Nathan Richard Cook, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Cook, Jr. At the blare of the trumpets, all subjects were then commanded to rise for the entrance of King Elk XLV, Kevin Malone. The King entered wearing an original attire handcrafted by Stevens E. Moore of emerald green brocade with a floral and paisley motif outline in gilt threads. His 18th Century tunic featured a front panel of gold lame further enhanced with small rose appliqués of gold and silver paillettes. Tiger eye paillettes and golden braid outlined each edge of the tunic. Wide cuffs marked the sleeves of his costume.

Gold knickers worn over white tights were completed with gilded slippers which were finished with gold lame bows accented with aurora rhinestones. His Majesty wore a crown of rhinestones set in gold.

The King’s handcrafted mantle was formed of heavy imported French gold and white brocade with aurora borealis stones interspersed throughout. It was banded in heavy gold sequins with a thinner row of aurora borealis sequins completing the banding. In the center could be seen a golden crown of silver and gold holographic sequins heavily studded in shimmering aurora borealis stones and beading. Under the crown was ornate scrollwork in matching sequins and stones. At Continued on page 14

Elks Crown Royalty Continued from page 12 the bottom of the mantle were the initials of the Krewe of Elks embellished with scrollwork of same design.

The King’s pages were Kathryn Elise Phillips and Kara Elizabeth Phillips, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Craig Phillips. They wore mermaid costumes of pale blue and green satin with inserts of the same colored silk outlined in gold and silver sequins.

His Royal Majesty henceforth decreed that the following shall be known as the Royal Court of Elkdom for 2011: Duke Marlon Calhoun and Duchess Jean Streiff; Duke Don Aultman and Duchess Pam Harpole; Duke Kevin Rogers and Duchess Sheila Calhoun; Duke Richard Pascale and Duchess Lea Aultman; Duke Butch LeBlanc and Duchess Peggy Pittman and Duke Kirk Harpole and Duchess Amy Rogers.

Each year two members of the Krewe are chosen as honored members of the Court. They serve as special attendants to the new King and Queen. This year they were Lord Elk XLV, Scott Stromeyer and Lady Elk XLV, Robin Morse.

Lord Elk entered wearing a white tail coat encrusted with rhinestones.

His matching white tuxedo pants featured rhinestones outlined in silver and gold beading down each leg.

Lady Elk entered wearing a formfitting gown of gold and royal blue lame. The gold lame bodice featured a deep V neckline edged with gold and silver sequins encrusted with rhinestones. The skirt was made of sea blue lame with crosshatching outlined in silver and gold sequins. A mini-court train completed the dress.

Once the Royal Court was assembled, the trumpets were sounded and all Elkdom was requested to rise as Queen Elk XLV, Sue Walters, made her entrance and was introduced to the Court and those assembled. King Elk XLV then escorted her to the throne stopping first to toast past Kings and Queens.

Her Majesty wore a Stevens E. Moore original full-length emerald brocade gown with a floral and paisley motif edged in gold. Her gown featured a deep V neckline and was ablaze with tiger eye gold and silver paillettes edged in silver crystal beads. The same appliqués adorned the back of the gown in an

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aurora borealis rhinestone motif.

Her skirt was slender to the knee and featured a circular flounce to the floor terminating in a brief train in the back. A golden lame band was appliquéd in the same beading at the top of the trumpet skirt.

Rhinestones in gold formed the drop earrings and ornate necklace she wore. She chose gold opera gloves and gold shoes to complete her attire.

Her mantle formed of heavy gold and white brocade and featured the same design as her King. Her collar was of silver lame in a spider web design with elaborate stonework throughout. It was outlined in silver bugle beads of differing lengths.

The Queen completed her attire with a crown of aurora borealis rhinestones set in gold. She carried her Royal Scepter.

The Queen’s pages were Reilly Blayne Warren, son of John Michael Warren and Angie Benfield and Alyssa Renee Calhoun, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marlon Calhoun. They wore matching costumes to those of the King’s pages.

Mr. Cook then called for the Royal Entertainment to begin. The featured players were Stephanie Buckley as Ariel, Jennifer Cook as Sebastian, David Brown as King Triton, Jordyn Brown as Flounder and Jacob Brown, Turner Cook, Trey Cook, Brooke Roberson and Katelynn McGowen as a wonderful, flirty school of fish. Stephanie Buckley sang “Part of Your World” and Jennifer Cook sang “Under the Sea.” It was then proclaimed time for the Royal Presentations to begin. First to be presented to the Royal Court was the Captain of the Krewe, Chris Herrod. The Exalted Ruler of BPOE #599, Nick Goff, then followed.

The King commanded the Grand March to begin. The Queen retired to her throne and the King ordered the King’s Dance to begin. Midway through the King’s Dance the Royal Court joined His Majesty. At the close of the dance, the King commanded that the First Call-Out begin, followed by the second CallOut at which time the Past Kings and Queens joined.

David Lyon and Marlon Smith provided music for the Coronation and Tableau.

The Grand Finale began with each Tableau player coming to the stage to pay homage to King and Queen Elk XLV. The King commanded that the Royal Presentations begin. Bonnie McNair was presented to the King.

She was escorted by Dan McGee, King Elk XXXVIII. The Queen’s Family was then commanded to come forward. Her husband, Gene Walters, was presented. Next came the Queen’s son, Scott Spiers of Purvis followed by the Queen’s twin sister, Lou Aultman Murphy and her husband of Petal.

The King then ordered the Royal Ball to begin. The Cowboy Blues Band provided music.

At the stroke of midnight King and Queen Elk XLIV bid farewell to their court as they descended the stage to join in the revelry of the evening.

Committees Stage the Show Elks Carnival Ball Chairman was Judy McGee. Other Carnival Ball Chairmen and their committees were: Royal Entertainment – Robert and Jennifer Cook; Scenery Construction – Woody Lyon, Jim Sumrall and David Lyon; Lighting – Mike Warren and Curtis Goff; Scenery Design – Nadine Sumrall, Betty Lyon, Carolyn Lyon and Martha Johnson; Scenery Decoration – Nadine Sumrall, Betty Lyon, Marika Warner, Zoula Huffman, Thelma Roberts, Mary Thomsen, Sue Lyon, Diane Warren and Sarah Campbell; Programs – Patsy Hawkins; Tickets – Patsy and Denny Hawkins, Robin and Tight Morse, Sarah and Lionel Campbell and Carolyn and David Lyon; Social – Diane Warren; Social Decorations – Nadine and Jim Sumrall, Betty and Woody Lyon, Brenda Goff, Bonnie McNair and Carolyn Lyon Attitude Adjustment – Darrel and Fran Haden; Publicity – Pam Nobles; Telephone – Robin Morse, Jerre Boker and Debbie Pollitz; Script – Robert Cook; King & Queen Assistants – Steve and Joanne Oshrin, Richie and Sidney Malone and Peggy Moore; Foyer – Martha Johnson; Ushers – Bob Johnson; Court Costumes – Josette’s and Peggy Moore; King and Queen Costume Design – S. E. Moore.

Officers of the Krewe are Captain, Chris Herrod; Lieutenant, Matt Brown; Secretary, Joanne Oshrin and Treasurer, Amy Stromeyer.

Meet King Elk XLV King Elk XLV, Kevin Gray Malone, is the son of Shirley Jeannett Malone and the late Jim Luby Malone. A native of Iuka, he is a graduate of Iuka High School. He received his Associate’s Degree in General Studies from Pearl River Junior College and is currently working on his Bachelor’s Degree in Multidisciplinary.

Malone joined the Armed Forces in 1980 where he served several years as an armor instructor. After being assigned to Camp Shelby, he served in the areas of Leadership Development and Basic and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer courses. He was also Branch Chief of the 4th Armor Training Battalion.

He is now retired and employed with the Center for Army Lessons Learned of Fort Leavenworth, Kan., as a Military Analyst Counter-Improvised Explosive Device.

His military honors include Mississippi Magnolia Cross and Meritorious Service Medal. He served as support for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Malone is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #599 and the Krewe of Elks. He served as a Duke in the Court of King and Queen Elk XXXIX. He has served as an officer of BPOE #599 for the past six years and is now the current Membership and Elks Training Chairman for the Elks State Association. He is also a member of the Hub City Masonic Lodge 627.

His hobbies include motorcycle riding, scuba diving and fly fishing.

The King is the father of a daughter, Madison Malone, who lives in Richton.

Meet Queen Elk XLV Queen Elk XLV, Sue Aultman Walters, was born in Hattiesburg and is the daughter of the late Monroe and Iva Lee Aultman. She graduated from Seminary High School and attended the University of Southern Mississippi.

The Queen is retired from the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. She currently owns a mobile notary service in the Hattiesburg area.

A member of the Krewe of Elks, she served as a Duchess in the Courts of King and Queen Elk XXIV and King and Queen Elk XLIV. She also served as Carnival Ball Chairman to King and Queen Elk XXVII. She is married to Gene Walters, former Sheriff of Forrest County.

Her Majesty has a son, Scott Spiers, of Purvis and two stepdaughters, Gloria Jean Bond of Ocean Springs, and Mary Kip Williams of Franklin, Tenn. She is the proud grandmother of six and great-grandmother of four. The Queen has two sisters Martha Aultman of Petal and a twin Lou Aultman Murphy also of Petal.

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The Mystic Krewe of Zeus gathered on Friday, March 4, in the Saenger Theatre in downtown Hattiesburg to crown King Zeus LXXI and his Queen. Forrest Street had been transformed into a French Quarter Street, as a Mardi Gras band entertained the guests with lively melodies. Everyone in attendance knew that it was Carnival Time in ole downtown.

With the flashing of the house lights and the order "to clear the aisles," guests took their seats.

Umbrella dancers and a Saints band offered a rip-roaring parade, bringing the attendees to their feet with enthusiastic applause. "Throw me something Mister!" was the call as trinkets were tossed. Carnival Time in Hattiesburg had officially begun.

Former Kings and Queens of the Krewe were introduced and seated in the Royal Boxes. His Majesty, King Zeus LXX Robert White St. John, and his Queen Margaret Alice McWhorter bid welcome to all the guests, and made their way to their seats.

A solo saxophone player, leaning against a lamppost at the corner of Royal Street, played a haunting melody, as the curtain opened to reveal a hazy dawn in the French Quarter on the day of Mardi Gras.

Children play an important role in the annual celebration of Carnival Time and here they portray various denizens of the Crescent City – street artists, fortune tellers, tap dancers, hot dog vendors and even the famed Silver Man. The New Orleans folks were all portrayed by children of members of the Mystic Krewe of Zeus.The Unicyclist was William Moreau Murphey. The Silver Man was portrayed by William Charles Felsher.

Jack Anthony Bevon, IV, was the Lucky Dog Vendor. The Bourbon Street Tappers – the Misses Mary Claire Cornett, Margaret Allison Felsher, Taylor Leigh Parsons and Lucy Elizabeth Pruitt, wore purple bedazzled street jeans with plaid tops. In artists' aprons and berets with oversized palettes and brushes were The Jackson Square Artists, Misses Olivia Leigh Cole, Maria Hope Enger, Merritt Buffington Price, Marianna Claire Sikes, Katherine Giles Stolin, and Mary Abigail York. The Fortune Tellers were the Misses Margaret Lacey Campbell, Meredith Grace Enger, Kerry Camille Helveston and Claudia Scott Moore. They wore black and green sequined peasant dresses with matching scarves.

In the voodoo tradition, even the cemeteries let loose at Mardi Gras.

Skeletons arise from St. Louis cemetery and roam the streets.

Animals escape the Audubon Zoo and rampage through the Quarter.

The Skeletons, children of Krewe members, were William Clair Baker,

III, Benjamin Thomas Barbieri, William Pearce Brett, David Michael Phillips, Jr., Marshall Collins Phillips, and Christopher Ian Randolph. The alligator was James Adam Antinnes.

Hugh Curtis Baker was the giraffe.

The adorable whale was Rachael Elisabeth Barbieri, while the playful tiger was Macy Grace Girod. Jane Tess McIntire was the dolphin and Jesse Ryan Mitchell the mischievous Monkey. Jack Randall Schwartz was an elephant, and Jill Ellen Underwood was the leopard.

The imminent arrival of King Zeus LXXI, Warren Alton Hood, Jr. and his Queen, Annie Laurie Roberts, was heralded by drums and trumpets from Louis Armstrong's famed Basin St. Blues. The King and Queen rode in Royal splendor as the Royal Carriage rolled slowly down Royal Street. Leading the entourage was the King's Grand Marshal, Dr. Joe Hand Campbell, Jr. The King's Captains were Douglas Wesley Rouse, III and Benjamin Waddle, Jr. The Standard Bearers, outfitted in gold tunics with purple satin tabard overlays with gold satin trousers were Patrick Cooper Davis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Doyle Davis, and William Moreau Murphey, son of Dr. and Mrs. Steven Moreau Murphey. In similar costumes were the King's Royal Heralds, Rocco Anthony Barbieri, III, and Bradford Scott Humphreys, sons of Dr. and Mrs. Rocco Anthony Barbieri and Dr. Michael Chandler Humphreys and Kim Humphreys, and the King's Pages, Gray Spivey Phillips, son of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Preston Phillips, and Thomas Harrison St. John, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert White St. John. The King's Prince, Benjamin David Brett, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Gregory Brett, wore gold knickers, a cathedral print purple satin brocade doublet, and a tabard trimmed in gold braid. The King's Princess, Hayden McKenzie Shifalo, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Strom Shifalo, was gowned in purple satin brocade.

The young Queen, Annie Laurie Roberts, was escorted by her father, Forrest David Roberts. For her Coronation, Her Majesty chose a gown of embroidered silk organza over gold metallic dupioni silk, designed and created by Ilaine Hartman of New Orleans. The embroidery was of antique silver metal bullion swirls, flowers and leaves. The sweetheart de'collete' topped an a-line skirt, pleated in the back to form a court train. The entire dress was heavily embellished with

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Swarovski Austrian crystal rhinestones. She wore an aurora waterfall necklace and chandelier earrings to match. Long white kid gloves completed her attire.

The Queen's Grand Marshal was Harry McArthur III. The Queen's Captains were Dr. Eric Wiggins Enger and William Ewing McLeod.

Ladies-in-Waiting to Her Majesty were Catherine Eve Griffin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Weaver Griffin, and Jennifer Holleman St. John, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert White St. John. They wore identically designed purple panne princess gowns, edged in gold braid, and jewel encrusted crowns.

The Queen's Jewel Bearers, India Renee Smith, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Glenn Norman Smith, and Mary Claire Whitehead, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Y. Whitehead, wore gowns of purple satin.

The Queen's Pages were the Misses Catherine Scott Childress and Charlotte Ann McQueen, daughters of Dr. and Mrs. Curtis Scott Childress and Mr. and Mrs. Christian Lee McQueen.

The Queen's Prince, Logan Randolph Tyner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cooper Burns Tyner, and the Queen's Princess, Anna McCall Nicholson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Carl Nicholson, wore purple satin brocade.

The Royalty promenaded with much pomp and pageantry with their Courts throughout the theatre. With great fanfare King Zeus LXXI stopped at the boxes of the former Kings, Queens and his family, acknowledging their accolades.

The radiant young Queen made her royal trek, stopping to curtsey to the Royal Box and to her family.

Returning to the stage, His Imperial Majesty crowned his new Queen and presented her with her royal scepter.

With the Royalty seated on their thrones, the Royal Troubadours, Reginald Antonio Chapman and Hannah Pritchard Rachal, serenaded the new Monarchs. The New Orleans-style entertainment continued as children of Krewe members portraying New Orleans Saints football players, cheerleaders and tumblers took center stage. The New Orleans Saints, wearing helmets and pads, were Aden Christian Entriken, Evan Alexander Entriken, Jackson David McGee, Chanitz Grimes Molleston, John Milner Price, Jr., John Boone Roberson, Jr., Jackson Elliot Sikes, Ian Nor-

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man Smith and Paul Harden Stolin.

The Cheerleaders, in black and gold, were the Misses Madeline Randolph Hinton, Sarah Crosby McKay, Lucy Elizabeth Moore, Emily Elizabeth Nichols, Mary Magruder Nichols, Alden Elizabeth Parsons, Ashton Elizabeth Reno, Margaret Aileen Roberson, Kathryn Ella Slaughter and Hannah Grace Talbot. And lastly, the Tumblers were the Misses Allison Eve Floyd, McKenlie Jade Graham, Natalie Elizabeth Hall, Catherine Claire Harmon, Rachael Harley Perkins, Laine Frances Phillips, Madison Elisabeth Phillips and Taylor Ann Stewart.

The new King called for the Maids and Dukes of the Realm to be introduced. The Maids of the Court paraded through the Saenger and took their places on stage. The Maids were the Misses Maureen Shanthi Bellare, Andrea Elizabeth Claret, Suzanna Lee Ellzey, Carolyn Currie Fletcher, Caroline Douglas Fox, Cynthia Ann Fry, Mary Kathryn Harris, Margaret Carlton Heithaus, Adrian Michelle Lowry, Lana Paige Stuart, Lindsey Anne Tobin, and Julia Hardy Webb. They wore white gowns of individual design.

Serving as Dukes to His Majesty's Court were Robert Stewart Deen, William Scott Dillard, Maxwell Edison Dodds, James Brock Doleac, Bret Joseph Farris, Forrest Robert Floyd, Stewart Gammill, V, Ricky Harris Gibson, Casey Hamilton Greer, Andrew Annis Hatten, Frederick Tatum Henson, Brett Gregory Moore, Forrest Charles Phillips, III, Cole McKee Richardson and Matthew Wayne Rigel.

As the Maids and Dukes finished their promenade, His Majesty, King Zeus LXXI, made the clarion call for the newest members of the Mystic Krewe of Zeus, the Dignitaries, to join the Monarchal festivities. As the Dignitaries made their way throughout the Saenger, costumed as wellknown figures from the Big Easy, they were accompanied by Royal Captains of the Krewe.

Parading with the Krewe of Rex were Royal Captains Dr. George James Azar, William Gregory Brett, and Dr. Timothy Leigh Cole. King Rex, in the personage of Dignitary Joseph William Bailey escorted his Queen, Lady-in-Waiting Kathryn Sue Stetelman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Douglas Stetelman.

She wore a gold metallic ballgown embellished with rhinestones and

beads. Making his appearance with this Krewe, was the legendary gentleman pirate of New Orleans, Jean Lafitte, Dignitary Dr. Charles Adrian Henderson. His Pirate Queen was Lady-in-Waiting Laura Madison Felsher. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Edwin Felsher, she wore a brown velvet mini with a matching brown velvet hat. Two notorious Governors of Louisiana, brothers Huey P. Long, Dignitary Michael Allen Carpenter, and Earl K. Long, Dignitary Edward Lee Monroe, threw doubloons to the audience as they paraded. They were natty in their matching white suits, pink suspenders and pink ties.

Royal Captains, Burnice Wesley Curry, III and Burnice Wesley Curry, IV, ushered in the Krewe of Bacchus. Adorned in a heavily spangled tunic, King Bacchus and his Queen were portrayed by Dignitary Donald Vancil Moore, III and Ladyin-Waiting, Caitlyn Caruthers Sullivan. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Magruder Sullivan, II, she was elegant in her lavender satin gown and jewel encrusted silver crown.

New Orleans is famous for its celebrity chefs. Making their way with the Krewe of Bacchus were Emeril, Dignitary Jason Frederick Helwig, and Paul Prudhomme, Dignitary Larry Chad Driskell.

The Krewe of Orpheus was led by Royal Captains Dr. Craig Sidney Howard and Dex Walton Johnson.

The King of Orpheus, bedecked in iridescent silver and white, Dignitary Dr. Thomas Edward King, III, was accompanied by his Queen, Lady-in-Waiting, Christina Penn Rutland, daughter of Susan Thomson Rutland and the late Gregory Walton Rutland. She wore a silver beaded gown and a magnificent headpiece which resembled a harp.

With Orpheus known as the Krewe of musical heritage, Clarinetist Pete Fountain, Dignitary Kyle David Wallace, in tux pants and ruffled shirt, and the funky Dr. John, Dignitary Dr. Jack Lee Dean, Jr. decked out in a lime green shirt, topped with a purple velvet jacket, and sporting a very large, plumed hat, jazzed up this celebratory parade.

Paying homage to Zeus were Royal Captains Dr. Joseph Troy McIntire and Dr. John Clayton Nelson, and the Krewe of Endymion. Masquerading as The King of Endymion was Dignitary Dr. Andrew Scott Middleton. His Queen was Lady-in-Waiting, Chloe Leigh

Nelson, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. John Clayton Nelson. She was regal in a royal blue satin sparkling gown and matching cape. Following closely was the cloaked Vampire Lestat, Dignitary Dr. Charles Randall Griffith. Making her appearance with Lestat was the Gothic New Orleans writer, Anne Rice, Lady-in-Waiting Madeline Ann Campbell, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Joe Hand Campbell, Jr. A black hooded cape draped her burgundy satin dress. Outfitted in his striped gym shorts and tank top, was New Orleans native and exercise guru Richard Simmons, Dignitary Layne Rogers Upton.

Royal Captains Samuel Jaron Sackler and Scott Joseph Schwartz bowed to the new royalty as they accompanied the procession of the Krewe of Proteus. Disguised as King Proteus, Dignitary John Joseph Griffith, along with his Queen, Lady-in-Waiting Anne-Love Helveston, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Wendell Raymond Helveston, coursed the stage. Her aqua floorlength gown teamed well with his royal robes identifying him as Shepherd of the Ocean. Stanley Kowalski, Tennessee Williams' fictional New Orleans tough guy, Dignitary Christopher Mark Morse, followed close behind.

The Krewe of Comus, one of the oldest of the Krewes, was introduced and led by Royal Captains Dr. Gregory Nolan Vickers and John Moyers White, Sr. Playing the royal role in white tights and a blood-red satin tunic, King Comus, Dignitary John Adam Roberts, and his Queen, Lady-in-Waiting, Abby Catherine Bradley, stepped into the spotlight.

The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kimberly Slay Bradley, she was dressed in a crimson chiffon gown enhanced with gold sequins. As superbowl champs, the New Orleans Saints brought considerable joy to the city. Saints quarterback, Drew Brees, played by Dignitary Boma Cave Pennebaker, greeted the newly-crowned Sovereigns and tossed footballs to the audience.

With the Court assembled, the members of the Royal families received recognition. The pageant and coronation concluded with His Majesty commanding his subjects to partake in the revelry and festivities at the Coronation Ball.

Special recognition was given to Robert William Mulholland, director of this year's Coronation.

Maids in the Court of King Zeus LXXI Maureen Shanthi Bellare, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Nagendranath Bellare, is a Psychology major at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is a member of the Women's Soccer Team, Golden Key International Honor Society, and a team member for the International Foundation for the Physically Disabled.

Andrea Elizabeth Claret, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Thomas Claret, is majoring in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations, and minoring in English at the University of Mississippi. She served on the 2009 Recruitment Team and the Public Relations Committee of Kappa Delta Sorority. She is a member of the Ole Miss Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, and is involved with Hope for Africa and Prevent Child Abuse America.

Suzanna Lee Ellzey, a Biochemistry major and Biology minor at the University of Southern Mississippi, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Burke Lee Ellzey. At USM, she is a National

Merit Presidential Scholar, an Honors College Ambassador, and the Mississippi Association of Colleges HEADWAE award winner.

She is vice-president of Administration of Delta Delta Delta Sorority.

Mississippi. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, vicepresident of Finance for Delta Delta Delta Sorority, and on the Chancellor's Honor Roll. She is currently working as a tax intern for KPMG in Dallas.

Carolyn Currie Fletcher, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Gardner Lee Fletcher, is a Clinical Exercise Physiology major at Mississippi State University. She is a President's List Scholar and a member of the MSU Student Association Cabinet. As a member of Chi Omega Sorority, she serves as Alumni Relations chairman. She is also a member of the Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honors Organization.

Mary Kathryn Harris is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. James Huel Harris. She is a senior at the University of Southern Mississippi with a major in Speech and Language Pathology. A Dean's List Scholar, she is a member of the Student Speech and Hearing Association, a volunteer at the Dubard School for Language Disorders, and a Big Sister volunteer for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Mississippi. Her grandfather, Dr. Dawson Brumfield Conerly, Jr., reigned as Zeus XXXIV. Jon Mark Weathers, her uncle, was Zeus LX, and, her cousin, Lindsay Jeanne Conerly Murphy, was Queen to Zeus LXIII, Dr. William Henry Gullung, III.

Caroline Douglas Fox, a Hospitality Management major at the University of Mississippi, is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Henry Creed Fox. She serves as Multi-Media chair and social chairman of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, and is Media chairman for the Ole Miss Ambassadors of Southern Hospitality.

Cynthia Ann Fry, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Giddings Fry, is an Accounting major and a Finance minor at the University of

Margaret Carlton Heithaus, daughter of Robert Evans Heithaus and Sarah Connor Heithaus, is a Radiography major at Pearl River Community College. She is an alumni member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, a member of the Mississippi Society of Radiologic Technologists, and a volunteer for Cinderella's Closet.

Adrian Michelle Lowry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Earl Joseph Schwartz and Dr. and Mrs. Michael Wayne Lowry, is a Nursing major at the University of Southern Mississippi. She is a member of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's Partners in Hope, the National Student Nurses Association, a volunteer for Cinderella's Closet, and a member of the Hattiesburg Debutante Association.

Lana Paige Stuart, a Health Studies and Biology major at the University of Alabama, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kent Everett Stuart. A President's List Scholar, she is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta pre-med honor society, a volunteer in an integrative animal behavior research lab at Alabama, and a peer health educator with the University of Alabama Project Health.

Lindsey Anne Tobin, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Charles Martin and Mr. and Mrs. James Richard Tobin, is a Business Management major at Mississippi State University. She is a member of Delta Gamma Sorority, the MSU Student Association, and the Catholic Student Association.

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Julia Hardy Webb, a Food Science major with an emphasis in Culinology at Clemson University, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ted Johnson Webb, Jr. She is a high school youth leader at Clemson United Methodist Church, and serves as a board member of the non-profit organization, Extra Table. She is in the Calhoun Scholars Honors Program, and volunteers for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of South Carolina. Her father, Ted Johnson Webb, Jr., reigned as King Zeus LXVII.

Dukes in the Court of King Zeus LXXI Robert Stewart Deen is a Business Management major at the University of Southern Mississippi. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cecil Deen, Jr. At USM, he is a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the Legacy Board, a member of Eagle Connection and the Catholic Student Association.

William Scott Dillard, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Evan Scott Dillard, is a Biology major at the University of Alabama. He is a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. An avid outdoorsman, he is pursuing a career in Veterninary Medicine. He has been accepted

by Mississippi State University for the 2011 freshman class in the School of Veterinary Medicine. He is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church.

Maxwell Edison Dodds, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Patrick Dodds, is a Business and Marketing major at the University of Mississippi. He is a graduate of Oak Grove High School and Jones

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County Junior College. He is a 10year volunteer at the Abbie Rogers Civitan Camp and a member of Trinity Episcopal Church.

James Brock Doleac is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Barry Craig Doleac, Sr. He is a Public Relations major at the University of Southern Mississippi. At USM, he has served as Rush Chairman, vice-president and president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, and he has volunteered at the Abbie Rogers Civitan Camp.

Bret Joseph Farris graduated from Mississippi College with a major in KinesiologySports Medicine.

At MC, he was a member of the Choctaw Baseball team, chosen for the American Southwest Conference Academic American Team, and a Phi Theta Kappa Scholar. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Bartholomew Farris.

Forrest Robert Floyd is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Lavelle Floyd. He is an Insurance and Risk Management major at Mississippi State University and a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Stewart Gammill, V, a senior at the University of Southern Mississippi majoring in Healthcare Marketing and Biology, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Gammill, IV. He is a member of the USM Honors College and the USM Men's Tennis Team.

Ricky Harris Gibson, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Ricky Gibson, is a senior at Mississippi State University with a major in

Banking and Finance. He is a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity at MSU. Casey Hamilton Greer majored in Criminal Justice at Pearl River Community College. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lynn Greer. He is a member of the National Cutting Horse Association and is currently employed by Dr. Virginia Angelico Tatum.

Andrew Annis Hatten, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Lewis Edwin Hatten, is a Business Administration major at Millsaps College. A Dean's List Scholar, he was a member of the Millsaps' College football team, served two terms on the Millsaps Student Body Senate, and served as president of Kappa Alpha Order.

Frederick Tatum Henson is a Sports Communications major at Mississippi State University. He is the son of Mary Sandra Tatum Henson and David Wright Henson. At MSU, he is a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.

His grandfather, Dr. Frederick Edward Tatum, reigned as Zeus XXIII. His mother, Mary Sandra Tatum Henson, was Queen to Zeus XXXIX, Paul Wilson McMullan, and his aunt, Margaret Ann Tatum, was Queen to Zeus XLVII, Thomas Ivy Hughes. A member of the First Presbyterian Church of Tupelo, he is an Eagle Scout.

Brett Gregory Moore is the son of Gregory Ethan Moore and Pam Martin Moore.

He is attending East Mississippi Community College studying Funeral Service Technology. He is a member of Sigma Phi Sigma honor society, and a member of Main Street United Methodist Church.

Forrest Charles Phillips, III, a Political Science major at the University of Mississippi, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Charles Phillips, Jr. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Order and Gamma Beta Phi Society. He is a member of Temple Baptist Church.

Cole McKee Richardson, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Charles David Richardson, is a Biological Sciences major at Mississippi State University. He is a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, serves on the Public Relations Committee of the Student Association, is a member of Campus Crusade for Christ, and a member of the American Medical Student Association. A Dean's List Scholar, he volunteers as a soccer coach with the Starkville Youth Association.

Matthew Wayne Rigel, a senior at Mississippi State University with a major in Political Science and minor in History, is the son of Sheriff and Mrs. Daniel Harold Rigel. A Dean's List Scholar, he is a member of the Lambda Alpha Sigma Honor Society, the Pre-Law Society and the Stennis Montgomery Association. He is vice-president of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, serves on the committee for Academic Affairs of the MSU Student Association, is a member of Maroon VIP at Mississippi State University, and a member of the MSU College Republicans.

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or Dr. Terrell Tisdale and his wife, Martha, much of their life together has revolved around Jones County Junior College, where they went to school, worked and even lived until his retirement as president in 1997.

Now, there are still classes to be taught, but life revolves more around family, including grandchildren, friends and neighbors.

Terrell Tisdale grew up in Ellisville, graduating from Jones County Agricultural High School before attending Jones Junior College. In those days, the schools were located on the same campus, even sharing buildings. Eventually, a new high school was built, leaving the campus to Jones Junior College.

The school followed a traditional design, with a flagpole out front and buildings positioned in a semi-circle around it. That area – once the entrance to the school – is now located in the back of the modern campus. That piece of history, and geography, has led to one of Tisdale's popular jokes.

"When I took over as president," Tisdale says, "the board told me, 'We want you to turn this school around.' And I did." It is only partially a joke, however.

"During my tenure, I rebuilt the whole campus," he said. "And when I retired, everything was paid for."

Before being named president at JCJC, Tisdale held several other positions there, including housing supervisor and dean of men.

Still single at the time, Tisdale was living in a three-bedroom apartment, which led to him becoming a roommate for about six months with Heisman Trophy winner and professional football player William "Billy" Cannon.

Cannon was interested in going back to school to become an orthodontist and was looking for a school where he could take some science courses he needed in order to meet the requirements at the University of Tennessee, where he eventually received his D.D.S. Cannon settled on JCJC, and Tisdale was asked if Cannon could stay with him while he picked up the classes. That lasted for about half a year, Tisdale said.

Although Cannon was far better known at the time, JCJC also had a

connection to someone who would eventually become much more of a celebrity, Tisdale said.

Red West, who became Elvis Presley's body guard, also was a student at JCJC, he said, adding, "I don't know how he got to Jones.

Elvis would come and visit, but he wasn't well known yet," so he didn't attract attention on the campus.

Martha Tisdale, originally from Collins, also attended Jones Junior College.

"I knew him at Jones when I was a student, but he didn't know me from Adam," she said of the man who would become her husband.

She had already received her bachelor's degree in music education from Mississippi University for Women and was teaching in Hattiesburg when a mutual friend introduced them. They were married

in 1969, and in 1970 he was named president at Jones.

"I think I was the youngest president in the (junior college) system," having taken over as president at the age of 30 or 31, Tisdale said. All of his top administrators were even younger than he was, Tisdale said, noting that there were some who questioned whether the group was ready for the responsibility.

"We surprised everybody," he said.

"The story goes something like this," Tisdale said. "Mr. Bush was the (first) president, and he got elected to the state Senate." While serving in both capacities, Bush turned much of the day-to-day operation over to Dr. J.B. Young, who eventually became the school's second president. Eventually, Dr. Young was considering retiring, but was

concerned that Tisdale, who was still in his 20s, would be considered too young to succeed him. Tisdale worked as Assistant to the President for three years, until 1970, when Young retired and Tisdale was named President.

"We tried to attend every event we could" at the school in those days, Martha Tisdale said. "We did a lot of entertaining in our home. It was a 24-hour-a-day job."

It was also about that time that she went back to school to work on her master's degree, which she received from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1971. Terrell Tisdale also began working on his Ed.D. in higher education administration at about the same time, receiving his degree from USM in 1972.

In 1971, their son, James Terrell Tisdale, was born.

"Our son grew up on the (JCJC) campus and lived there until he went away to college" at the University of Mississippi, she said.

Martha Tisdale had begun teaching at USM in 1989 – teaching music theory, education and class piano – commuting each day from Ellisville.

When Terrell Tisdale retired as president of JCJC in 1997, they decided to make the move to Hattiesburg.

Martha Tisdale retired in 2004, but both of the Tisdales continue to teach occasional classes at USM and William Carey University.

Terrell Tisdale said he enjoys spending time with his students, both inside and outside of class.

"That's really my recreation," he said.

Much of the Tisdales' attention, though, has shifted closer to home.

Their son, James, and his wife, Heather – along with their three children, Thomas Reese Tisdale, 8, George Grayson Tisdale, 5, and Margaret Ansley Tisdale, one month – live nearby. And, as might be expected from the proud grandmother, "I spend a lot of time with them," she said.

The couple also is active with their church, Main Street Baptist.

"We love living in Hattiesburg," Terrell Tisdale said. "We have great neighbors and friends here. They have caused us to have a richer life."

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Photo by Bradley Sumrall

Jackson’s historic Mayflower Cafe A trip to downtown Jackson won’t be complete without a trip to the historic Mayflower Cafe.

Located at 123 W. Capitol St. just a stone’s throw from the newly-remodeled King Edward Hotel, the cafe may look like a run-of-the-mill quintessential 1950’s diner from the outside, but inside is one of Jackson’s best seafood restaurants.

As a Jackson institution, the cafe has been open since 1935 and is a destination point for area residents and out-of-town guests. Serving beer and a liberal “BYOB”

policy allows you to bring your favorite wine to accompany your meal. And you'll find something to accompany white or red wines because it's a favorite for seafood and steak entrees.

The red fish, scallops and fillets are are just a sampling of the dishes that give the Mayflower its reputation.

The cafe was even featured on The Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate” series for its world-famous Comeback Sauce - a cross between a rémoulade sauce and Thousand Island salad dressing.

Mississippi Children’s Museum The newly-completed Mississippi Children’s Museum provides a unique and exciting educational experience that ignites and inspires a thirst for discovery, knowledge, and learning in children of all ages.

The museum consists of a 40,000 square foot structure with 20,000 square feet of exhibit space arranged around the five themes of Mississippi heritage, health & nutrition, literacy, cultural arts, and science & technology.

Mississippi is unique, rich, and diverse in its people, in its environment, and in its history, and its connection to the broader world. At the Mississippi Children’s Museum, children have a place to discover for themselves the richness of the places where they live, their heritage, and cultural traditions. Children can experience possibilities for dynamic futures in Mississippi and beyond.

This celebratory framework provides the content base for our exhibitions, programs, and outreach.

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For tourists and locals alike, a good day in Meridian starts with a hearty country breakfast at Jean's Restaurant on Front Street. The fare is simple and the portions generous – one reason that a number of locals make this a popular place to begin their day.

The Meridian, Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau is located just around the corner, a couple of blocks from Jean’s. Stop by for a visitors guide and a listing of the various special events taking place.

With a number of art shops and antique galleries located in the downtown area, walking off a large breakfast is convenient and entertaining.

Next stop is a tour of the Merrehope and the F.W. Williams Home. Merrehope is a stately 20room Victorian mansion. Originally, part of the home was used as headquarters for Confederate General Leonidas Polk.

Adults and children alike will enjoy a visit to the Highland Park Dentzel Carousel. This National Historic Landmark is one of few two-row stationary Dentzel menagerie carousels.

The carousel was manufactured in 1896 by Gustav Dentzel of Philadelphia, Pa., for the 1904 St. Louis Exposition and later sold to

Causeyville General Store

MSU Riley Center Meridian for $2,000. Today, it is valued at more than $1 million. The carousel arrived in Meridian in 1909. Its house is the only remaining original carousel building built from a Dentzel blueprint.

For lunch one can stop at any one of the many national chains located along each side of I-20.

The numbers of restaurants offer a variety of selections. There are also a number of local eateries, such as the Deli on 5th, Cater’s Market and Weidmann’s.

After stopping for lunch, head north on Highway 45 to the Antique Mall for a unique shopping experi-

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Highland Park Dentzel Carousel

Another popular attraction is a visit to the Causeyville General Store, which opened in 1895 as a general store and gristmill. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has many of the original fixtures and working gristmill.

Merrehope and the F.W. Williams Home

ence. The selection changes frequently, so each time you visit something new – or rather old – will be on display.

Another popular attraction is a visit to the Causeyville General Store, which opened in 1895 as a general store and gristmill. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has many of the original fixtures and working gristmill.

If you are in Meridian on the first Friday of each month, don’t miss attending the Sucarnochee Revue, a nationally syndicated radio show featuring performers from the Black Belt region of Mississippi. The twohour live show is taped at the historic Temple Theatre.

Another popular entertainment venue is the MSU Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Meridian, the center opened its doors in September 2006 to offer cultural, artistic and educational experiences like no other in the region.

The center includes a fully restored 1889 grand opera house theater that seats about 950, a 200seat studio theater and 30,000 square feet of meeting space, including a large exhibit hall, breakout rooms and board rooms, all equipped with teleconferencing capabilities and built-in technical features. A variety of national entertainment acts perform at the center throughout the year.

While downtown Meridian has an abundance of things to do – no matter the length of your stay – there is only one place that is actually a requirement to visit: Weidmann's Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in the state and one of the oldest in the country. And for good reason.

Established in 1870, the restaurant started at the Union Hotel, right across from Union Station. Since 1923 it has been at its current location at 210 22nd Ave., and since 1979, the building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Swiss-born Felix Weidmann, previously an ocean liner chef, opened Weidmann's as a restaurant/hotel called the European House in 1870 and the restaurant remained under the Weidmann family's ownership until the 1990s.

In 2000, a group of investors bought the building and restaurant, transforming it into a more upscale eatery.

"It kind of struggled for eight or nine years," Charles Frazier, the restaurant's current owner said. In early June 2010, Frazier bought the lease and recreated the restaurant's past by reintroducing much of the classic Weidmann's menu, including its famed black bottom pie.

Before taking on his latest project, Frazier was general manager at Crescent City Grill in Meridian, so, "There's definitely a Hattiesburg connection," he said.

At least for Meridian, though, there is a special connection with Weidmann's.

"It's really iconic in this town," Frazier said. "That kind of history is certainly unusual."

Walking into Weidmann's is, in a way, like walking into the past. In addition to bringing back much of Weidmann's traditional menu items, Frazier is working to bring back some of its old decor as well.

"Almost every week, people bring in something," such as old photographs to hang on the walls, he said.

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Sitting high on the bluff above the mighty Mississippi River rests Natchez – a city 300 years in the making.

Founded by French colonists in 1716, Natchez is one of the oldest European settlements in Mississippi, predating the capital of Jackson by more than a century.

At first glance, Natchez appears to be frozen in time, with perfectly preserved homes and buildings that remind you of days gone by. But upon closer inspection, you soon discover that Natchez, while indeed a reflection of the past, is also alive in the here and now – filled with arts, music, culture, events, commerce and natural beauty.

Welcoming arms invite you to experience history first hand as you explore some of the most well-preserved and architecturally stunning homes in the American South.

Natchez is home to more than 1,000 historic structures, residential and commercial, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This enchanting historic city is the anchor of the 444- mile scenic Natchez Trace, which runs from Nashville to Natchez-Under-the-Hill.

Just like all good Southerners, hospitality is King in Natchez, and the best way to experience this hospitality first hand is by pulling up a chair at the dinner table.

And while the people of Natchez

Longwood

Great Mississippi River Balloon Race

take the food they prepare and serve pretty seriously, dining here is merely an excuse for bringing everyone together.

You see, in Natchez, sharing a meal together means sharing stories, catching up and re-connecting in a world that often moves way too fast. So, whether you're in the mood for traditional Southern cuisine, juicy burgers, festive cantinas, local diners, tangy barbecue, exquisite fine dining, or fresh seafood,

Natchez is bound to have exactly what you’re looking for.

The only thing that compares to watching the sun set as you sit on the bluff in Natchez, is waking up to it rising – and the best way to ensure that you don’t miss it, is to wake up already here.

Fortunately, Natchez offers a wide variety of accommodations for every budget and desire. Whether you’re looking for something Continued on next page

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romantic like a tucked away bed and breakfast, something unique, like an overnight stay in one of their historic antebellum homes, something rustic, like a cozy cottage or campsite, or for the less adventurous, a modern hotel that caters to your every need – Natchez has room for everyone.

History in Natchez is not just a word, or something you read about in books. Here, history lives.

It lives in the traditions, the heritage – and it lives in the structures that line the city’s streets.

Natchez, on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi, is known for its breathtaking vistas and old-world charm. Though bustling enough, the entire downtown is well-planned and walkable, with inviting hotels, a new, state-of-the-art convention center, community center and city auditorium; great restaurants, unique shops, and sparkling entertainment easily within reach.

There’s also plenty of public transportation, and even a lazy horsedrawn carriage ride if you choose to meander through our historic district.

And Natchez is full of charm and romance, having been chosen by both USA Today and Glamour Magazine as one of the Top Ten most romantic places in the entire United States. With a host of cozy and elegant bed &and breakfasts to choose from, Natchez is a dream come true for smaller groups who’d like to experience a little more of the quiet side of life.

It’s the perfect place to bring along the spouse or family, too, with an abundance of historic sites to explore, special events, exhibits, tours, exquisite food, and quaint shops to enjoy, and the atmosphere is as safe as it is friendly.

For those who like to live on the wild side, the thrill of casino gaming is alive and well in Natchez, and can be found down on the river – just like it was back in the days of the Natchez Trace. Housed on a traditional riverboat, there is no better place to have fun with friends as you try your luck at Vegas-styled casino gaming.

So, you like to shop. Good thing you’re thinking about visiting Natchez, because in Natchez, shopping is practicaly a way of life.

It all goes back to the earliest days of Natchez, when Natchez stood at the crossroads of American trade.

Here, goods from all of the country passed through the city as they moved through the nation’s first interstate highway known as “The Natchez Trace.”

Sure, things have changed quite a bit since those days, but one thing remains constant - a good deal and a good time - can always be found in Natchez.

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Spring Pilgrimage Through April 16 Visitors to Natchez's annual Spring Pilgrimage can step into the mid-19th Century. The five week festival of pre-Civil War life, which began March 12, offers antebellum home tours, gospel shows, light comedy and carriage rides amidst profuse multihued azaleas and fragrant trailing wisteria.

In the 1840's Natchez claimed more millionaires per capita than any other city in America. The 25 late colonial and pre-Civil War townhouses, mansions and plantation homes open for touring during Spring Pilgrimage attest to the fortunes made in 19th Century Natchez by cotton planters, bankers and other entrepreneurs. The present owners of these homes open their doors to local, national and international visitors for guided tours led by docents dressed in period costume.

A few of the mansions to be seen are: • Longwood, a six story octagonal house designed as an oriental villa but never completed due to the onset of the war in 1861 - a lasting reminder of the rapid rise and inevitable decline of wealth built on King Cotton and slavery.

• The House on Ellicott Hill, where in 1798, by order of George Washington, American soldiers raised the U.S. flag and took possession of the area from the Spanish.

• Lansdowne, where the present occupant's great-great grandmother confronted Union soldiers who broke into the house in 1865.

Festival of Music Symphony of Gardens Tour May 6-7 Special gardens surrounding a remarkable country estate, a renowned antebellum, and colorful town gardens highlight the Fifth Annual Symphony of Gardens Tour in historic Natchez on Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7. This popular event consists of self-guided tours of the finest private gardens in Natchez and surrounding areas. Additionally, a gardening workshop led by author and horticulturist Harvey Cotten will take place on Saturday afternoon.

Eight town and estate gardens will be open, some for the first time. Many of the gardens are at historic antebellum or Victorian houses. Plants reflect a diversity of types, according to the homeowners’ preferences. Some are traditional for Mississippi historic landscapes; others are contemporary versions of old favorites. Designs range from formal and classic to contemporary and informal.

Great Mississippi River Balloon Race October 14-16 The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race is Mississippi's most exciting hot air balloon race weekend and Natchez is its home. Set for Oct. 14-16, two balloon flights take place each day, weather permitting. Pilots compete as they fly over the cities of Natchez, Vidalia and the mighty Mississippi River.

The balloon festival weekend starts with the Balloon Glow Friday night, and continues through Sunday evening with a stage full of world renowned musicians. The festival itself takes place on the grounds of Rosalie Bicentennial Gardens on Broadway Street.

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The University of Southem Mississippi provides an educational opportunity designed to meet the needs of America's maturing population through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Adults over 50 who care about their education, who are self-motivated and who wish to define their own educational experience are able to realize their personal goals in a relaxed university atmosphere through participation in the institute.

The major objectives of the institute are: • to involve the learners in developing college level, noncredit educational activities; • to provide an organizational structure which distinguishes the institute as an educational community.

Founded in May 1991 with 94 charter members, the institute grew to nearly 150 members in its first year. In 2005, the institute received a grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation and changed its name to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Currently, the USM-OLLI has a membership of more than 500.

Who We Are The University of Southern Mississippi Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is an association of active women and men 50 years of age and older who seek to explore stimulating learning experiences (no homework or exams) while developing new friendships.

The institute's program recognizes that a growing number of adults are adventuresome, active and intellectually curious. Its cornerstones are peer learning and shared responsibility. The strength of the program is that it is directed and run for and by the members. It draws primarily on the talents and experi-

ences of members for instructors and facilitators.

Men and women, 50 years and older, are invited to become members of The University of Southern Mississippi Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Present members come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. They share one essential attribute: belief that learning is lifelong and that the world of ideas is one of knowledge.

Organization The institute is member-governed, member-driven and primarily peer taught. There are two part-time staff members, a director-liaison and an administrative assistant. Its executive board and standing committees enable members to participate fully in the organization and direction of the institute. Officers are elected to serve one year. The vice president is the president-elect and the associate secretary is the secretaryelect.

The elected officers are president, vice president, secretary, associate secretary, treasurer and three board members.

The standing committees are curriculum, finance, membership and publicity, governance and hospitality.

About the Bernard Osher Foundation The Bernard Osher Foundation was founded by Bernard Osher in 1977. Through the foundation, his philanthropy has benefited a wide range of educational, cultural and other nonprofit organizations primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area and his native Maine. In the 1990s, the foundation funded a series of Osher Scholar programs extending scholarship assistance for post-secondary education to nearly thirty colleges and universities as well as professional and technical schools

in California and Maine. The Bernard Osher Foundation funded the first Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (The University of Southern Maine) in 1997. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Network began in the fall of 2002, when the Foundation Board awarded initial grants to six campuses in the Southern California University system.

Maine native Bernard Osher is a sucessful businessman and community leader, a patron of the arts and education, whose philanthropy has affected countless organizations over the past quarter-century.

His wife, the Honorable Barbro Osher, Consul General of Sweden in San Francisco, serves as chair of the foundation.

Benefits & Privileges As a member of the OLLI, you will receive a special identification card that provides you with access to these privileges: I USM Federal Credit Union Membership A member-owned and operated full-service financial cooperative, the USM Federal Credit Union offers competitive programs and services, usually at lower loan rates and higher savings rates than other traditional financial institutions. The Board of Directors of the Southern Miss Federal Credit Union set the policies and monitor the financial stability of the credit union. The directors are volunteers and cannot be compensated for duties performed. The USM Federal Credit Union is federally-insured and chartered by the National Credit Union Administration.

601.450.4114 or toll-free 1.877.876.3281; www.usmfedcu.com.

I University Libraries

Student use of library materials (books, video tapes, audiotapes, music, periodicals and electronic resources) during published hours. 601.266.4241; www.lib.usm.edu.

I Southern Miss Athletics OLLI members are encouraged to contact the Southern Miss Ticket Office for inquiries about OLLI discount ticket packages.

601.266.5418 I Payne Center Limited Membership The OLLI Payne Center membership is $64 per four months or $162 per year. Members have two options to pay - every four months or annually by personal check or credit card (VISA or MasterCard only). OLLI members will not be allowed to purchase memberships for extended family. First-time membership-2-for-1 special: Bring a friend or spouse who is also a member of OLLI and get half price off the second membership.

Members may participate in any Payne Center exercise class (at no additional charge) during the specified hours of use. Members may bring up to two guests at $10 per person, per day and may bring children and grandchildren under age 15 during weekend hours at $5 per child, per day.

A parking pass may be purchased for $5 per year for limited parking around the Payne Center at Reed Green Coliseum.

I Southern Miss Arts Events OLLI members will receive an additional 10 percent discount on advertised senior rates. OLLI membership card must be presented at the ticket office.

601.266.5418.

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Osher Continued from page 37 Activities I Classes Each year, the institute con ducts a number of interesting and informative classes at the suggestion of its members. The institute's year parallels the academic year of the university. Each academic year, members participate in five terms of five weeks each.

These terms usually begin in September, November, February, April and June. Classes are two hours each and generally begin at 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. or later.

All classes and seminars are held at the Peck House or Asbury Annex (unless otherwise indicated). Enrichment class fees are $15. Computer class fees are $25.

For a list of classes, contact OLLI or visit their homepage.

I Seminars and Field Trips Seminars and field trips vary in length, depending upon the topic, facilitator and desire of the participants. Seminars vary in cost from $5 to $10, depending on length. Several field trips are

planned each year. They range in length from one day to one week.

Costs vary.

I Luncheon Lecture Series Luncheon Lectures are generally held once a month at 11:30 a.m. when in OLLI classes are in session. Olli members may bring up to two guests to the luncheon series. Please bring a brown bag lunch.

I Social Functions and Other Activities At least three social functions are scheduled during the year: one in the early fall prior to the beginning of classes, one in December and one in May. The May function is coordinated with the annual business meeting and the election of officers.

I Course Guide/Registration Information The OLLI Course Guide is published three times a year, once every academic semester. Each edition of the OLLI Course Guide contains the schedule of enrichment classes, field trips and seminars for each term, as well as information on OLLI facilitators and registration.

Corporate Partners Corporate partners support OLLI by promoting membership with their customers who are 50 and over.

Customers who join for the first time will receive a 10 percent discount on their first year's membership. The corporate partner will display literature about OLLI and mail information to selected customers. OLLI will invite representatives of corporate partners to OLLI socials, list them in the OLLI newsletter, and invite them to an annual appreciation function: OLLI Corporate Partners are: Bancorp South Grand Bank Community Bank Regions Bank Wesley Medical Center, Senior Circle First Southern Bank Apply The cost of membership for one year is $65 per person. For married couples, the first-person, one-year membership fee is $65 with the spouse's one-year membership fee of $50. The membership year begins July 1 and ends the following June 30. Also available are special half-year memberships for the period January - June or July December for $50 per person.

To join The University of Southern Mississippi Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, you can download the printable form located here*. Once filled out, please mail the form with payment to:

The University of Southern Mississippi Osher Lifelong Learning Institute 118 College Drive #5055 Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001 For more information or to register by telephone with VISA or MasterCard, call 601.264.2780 or 601.261.1346. All classes will meet at the Peck House and Asbury Annex, 3601 Pearl St., unless otherwise noted in the class description.

OLLI Office, Peck House 3601 Pearl St. Phone: 601.264.2780 Bill Youngblood, President Phone: 601-268-6378 E-mail: youngbloodw@bellsouth.net Location/Driving Directions The OLLI is located at the Peck House and Asbury Annex on the corner of Pearl Street and North 36th Avenue (3601 Pearl Street).

This lovely off-campus location provides classrooms, an assembly and social area and free parking. When parking is unavailable at the Peck House/Asbury Annex lot, park in the lot between 36th Avenue and Montague Boulevard, one-half block from the Peck House. ** Summer Class Term Dates: June 6, 2011 - July 15, 2011 (off July 4 - July 8)

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By the time he was 12, Dr. Milton Wheeler had visited every state in the continental United States, which is all there were – Hawaii and Alaska hadn't been admitted yet.

He had also been to every province in Canada and all of Mexico except the Yucatan.

"My dad enjoyed it," Wheeler said of the frequent trips. "I can't say my mother did," but she did appreciate their educational value.

"Mark Twain said a year of travel is like four years of college," Wheeler said.

As a young boy, the best part of his travels was "going up to the top of skyscrapers," he said. "And, also, attending baseball games."

Wheeler said he saw every major

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league team play, including one game when the Browns beat the Yankees 4-1, "and that's saying something."

But despite his years of travels, it wasn't until 1972 that he made his first overseas trip.

Before that time, Wheeler, a professor of history at William Carey University, had taken groups of students to various North American sites, but had never made an overseas trip.

"What sparked it in '72 was a student's question," he said. The question: Why can't we go see these places we've been studying?

That seemed like a good question to Wheeler, so a group of three male and two female students loaded up

for a grand tour of Europe.

Since then, Wheeler has made 91 trips to Europe and a total of 144 overseas, including 15 to the Holy Land.

"We still go on domestic trips," he said, such as the Grand Canyon and Branson, where he once led a group of 89 people in two buses.

"We had the Merry Christmas bus and the Joyous Noelle bus," Wheeler said. "I'd hop off one and onto another every hour and a half."

The trips are always made between semesters, during holidays or during the summer so that students don't miss any classes, and there are sometimes as many as five or six a year.

Although Wheeler admits that the

preparations can be extensive, it is worth it "to see their eyes light up," he said of his students. "It is such a pleasure for me to see people identifying with these cultures."

Over time, the trips have grown to include more than just students, with a number of "regulars" signing up for the tours.

"Two people have gone 25 times," he said. "Another has gone 18 times. I've had some people say, 'Sign me up for anything that's coming.' There's one doctor who joked that he has a reservation for 2021."

After just returning from a trip to England in March, Wheeler is next scheduled to take a group to Turkey in November.

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Walking in William Carey’s footsteps

William Carey

Traveling Man Continued from page 40 Wheeler said he has an e-mail list he sends out to his regulars, letting them know about upcoming trips.

"Usually, in three nights, we have 45 people sign up," he said. "I had a student just this morning ask, 'Do you still have a seat on the Turkey tour?'"

The smallest "group" he has ever taken was one traveler, Wheeler said, noting, "I had to use up some frequent flyer miles."

During the trips, Wheeler said he always counts the members of his group to make sure nobody is left behind. On that particular trip, "I'd look at him and say, 'One.' It caused the bellhops to double up with laughter."

The largest group he has taken overseas numbered 47, Wheeler said.

Saying that he guarantees "the

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best tours for the best price," Wheeler said that an essential item on all of his tours is "good walking shoes."

Wheeler said he has a regular cycle of destinations for his trips, including such countries as England, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

"Scandinavia is on tap again," he said. "We go to Australia and New Zealand every four years."

The trips usually take 11 days, although that varies depending on the time available and the remoteness of the location. "Some can be 14 or 23."

Out of all of the places he has visited, does Wheeler have a favorite?

"That's like asking someone with 12 children which is his favorite," he said. "I like them all."

Anyone who is interested in taking one of Wheeler's tours can contact him at 601-268-3126.

For Dr. Milton Wheeler, who is just finishing up his 47th year on the faculty at William Carey University, visiting some of the sites frequented by the university's namesake is quite a treat.

That is especially true this year, the 250th anniversary of Carey's birth in 1761. Wheeler was scheduled to be in England from March 12-20 for a tour of some of the sites that were pivotal in Carey's life. Known as the father of modern missions, Carey was one of the founders

of the Baptist Missionary Society.

Wheeler said a number of stops were planned for the tour, which was to begin in Carey's home town of Paulerspury and the church he attended there.

"We are hosted by the warden," who has the key to the church, Wheeler said. "We call her Miss Mollie. The key is more than a foot long. We see the pew where he sat as a boy. There's a grassy area where he picked flowers. He was a botanist, and this is the first evidence of his interest."

From there, the group was scheduled to travel to Moulton, where Carey served as pastor of the Moulton Baptist Church, now sometimes called the Carey Baptist Church, Wheeler said.

During the last trip Wheeler led there, which was year before last, "The students gave the church more than $2,000 for restoration projects. The worms had taken a toll on the frame of the building."

The third stop is the nearby village of Hackleton, where Carey also preached.

"The church has a pulpit designed by William Carey," Wheeler said, noting, "It squeaks."

The fourth stop is the Widow Wallace's kitchen, he said, which is where Carey helped start the Baptist Missionary Society.

Carey eventually left England for India, Wheeler said, where he introduced the printing press and translated the scriptures into more than 30 languages and dialects.

"He compiled the first English-Bengali dictionary," Wheeler said. In 1993, on the bicentennial of Carey's arrival in India in 1793, the country issued a postage stamp in his honor.

Wheeler said that, as an example of Carey's patience and determination, he went seven years before seeing his first convert.

In 1986, Wheeler traveled to India to see Carey's house and grave.

The house where Carey was born was torn down in the 1960s, but there is a plaque in front of the two houses that marks his birthplace. The stones surrounding the plaque are made from the house where he was born.

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A labor of love is probably the best way to describe the care and devotion that have gone into preserving one of the oldest homes in Hattiesburg. The preservation of the Meador Homestead, located on 3 1/2 acres of family land in a quiet stand of trees on Hwy. 49 North, has been laboriously protected for the next generation and the one after that, as well as those who want to spend a special night or weekend at the bed and breakfast.

In 2009, its owner, a fifth generation Hattiesburg Meador, Dean Meador Smith, with the help of family members and a construction crew, restored the cabin to its original design... not an easy task, stripping away a century of everyday life, including old sheetrock and five layers of wallpaper. Smith ventures a guess that each time a woman came into the house (1887,1913, 1928, 1955, 1986) it was “redecorated,” thus the many layers. Photo albums chronicle the many days, weeks and months bringing the cabin back to its original glory. A lockbox found on the property contained the original deed to the property, which had been signed by

The history of the homestead In 1883, John Thomas and Cynthia Jane “Jennie” Davis Arnold and their eight children came to the Hattiesburg area with loggers from Alabama. Their wagon train, consisting of the entire logging company including equipment and families, was such a spectacle that the New Augusta schools were dismissed to watch them parade past the town.

F. M. “Pompey” Jones and William J. Mixon each bought 40

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Grover Cleveland back in 1887 when the land was purchased from the government.

“I wanted this to be a place where people could get away and work on special projects if need be,” said Smith, “...a place where guests, who may feel stressed out, can come paint, work on music or the great American novel or take photographs – whether guest artists coming into the university or doctors being courted by a local medical facility. I wanted a unique place where people can be by themselves.”

Except for the addition of electricity and gas for lighting and heating, the cabin now looks as it did in 1885. A modern kitchen and bath house beside the cabin are constructed of wood from the old family barn. And two mud and stick chimacres of land from the U.S. Government in 1884, the year of Hattiesburg’s incorporation.

Pompey built the “Cadillac” of cabins – a dogtrot with a wood, rather than dirt, floor. It was constructed of square hewn pine logs, chinked with mud daub (twigs and clay), and had fan-shaped dove-tailed corners. Unfortunately, it was constructed in the wrong place and was on Mixon’s land. To correct the error, the cabin was dismantled and moved to the land where it still stands today. In front of the house ran the original cedar tree lined wagon trail that connected Gordonville and the area now called

neys have been replaced and updated. While the old water pump still resides off the back porch, community water now services the facility.

Much of the Hattiesburg-area history and the family’s heritage is contained in the cabin’s story. If walls could talk – and with Dean’s help these do – the logs would tell visitors a complicated tale about itself and the family’s involvement in the community – from clearing the land for Kamper Park to their dairy farm days and linen services for city residents and those soldiers at Camp Shelby.

Comfort, charm and hospitality are all words used to describe the 1885 hand-hewn log cabin which is surrounded by camellias and massive crepe myrtles. Front and back Hattiesburg with the communities to the north.

The Arnold family bought the land and cabin in 1887. Ten people lived in the little two-pen dog-trot. Chores and dining were done on the wide breezeway or dogtrot between the two rooms. John Arnold traveled widely with his work, and his children matured and married. Finally, only his wife, Jennie, and daughter, Mary Celina, remained in the home.

In the meanwhile, the Meador family arrived in Hattiesburg. In 1895, Walton Price (W. P.) and Mary Eugenia Traylor Meador and their three children, including four-

porches, which extend the length of the structure on both the north and south, beckon guests to sit and rock for a spell as they view glorious sunsets, various wildlife and the many blooming flowers on the grounds. A pond is also available for fishing.

The family has continued to make the land its own, planting trees in honor and memory of loved ones.

On this brisk morning, 9-month-old granddaughter, Laney, ventured outdoors with Grandma Dean to see the small white blossoms budding forth on the purple plum tree Laney’s parents planted for her. And all around, a carpet of camellia petals blanket the ground. The many camellias planted around the grounds attest to a love that still transcends the land today.

The bushes were planted by year-old C.G. (Gowers), established a home and dairy on Hardy Street about two miles west of downtown. By 1902 W.P. and Mary Eugenia were the parents of five.

Mary Eugenia died the year before Gowers graduated from Hattiesburg High School in 1912. In 1913, Gowers enrolled at Mississippi Normal College and played on the first football team for the school destined to become U.S.M. Gowers, who had done well in his high school studies of Latin, shorthand, typing, and the classics, served as secretary for the first president Cook.

By 1913, W. P. Meador, a widow-

Smith’s grandfather, Gowers, in memory of her grandmother, Dean, who died in 1946 and for whom Smith takes her name. “She was the love of his life,” said Smith. “And when she died he went into a depression, as most spouses do.

His therapy became planting azaleas and camellias around the grounds. And every spring, his love for her blossoms all over again.”

It’s that love that Smith wants to continue for hundreds of years through the homestead’s land and the environment.

It was in 1979 that Gowers deeded the cabin to Dean, with the wish that it be preserved for future generations. The restoration is a means to that end.

The cabin, a double pen dogtrot, two rooms connected by a dog trot, always has a cool breeze running through it. The cabin is supported by 20 heart pine joints measuring 33 feet in length. The roof of hand-split cedar shank shingles still protects the members of seven generations of the Meador family. The exterior walls bear the “juggling” marks created while shaping beams by hand.

Giant cedar trees on the property mark the trail wagons traveled, and the original water well stands in the yard.

The cabin is filled with family heirlooms, original furnishings which provide a glimpse at the family’s daily life from 1885-1932.

The sitting parlor features a stone wood-burning fireplace, sitting areas for relaxing with a good book, an old record player for dancing to the oldies, as well as space for sampling some of the tasty morsels Smith eagerly serves her guests. Antique lace curtains filter light in through the large single paned windows.

Faded black and white photographs

and pieces of needlework grace the walls. Pieces of china and crystal are displayed in the room’s cabinetry.

The bedroom, across the dog trot, has a gas-burning fireplace, a rocking chair original to the structure and the beautiful and romantic 1856

rope bed with crocheted canopy made by Smith’s great-great-grandfather as a wedding present for his bride, a small cradle and the original spinning wheel complete with thread.

A glorified modern day outhouse is accessible across a walkway con-

er, married Lena Arnold and moved to the Arnold cabin. He renovated the front room by raising the ceiling for better air circulation, but the kitchen and privy remained separate from the house. Still a circuit rider, W. P. often married couples on the cabin steps. The family farm included chickens, cows, and a sugar cane mill. Dairy products, chickens, eggs, and sugar cane were sold in town. The two mothers-in-law (Lena’s mother, Jennie, and W.P.’s mother, Levi Ma) lived in the cabin with them along with Rab, the youngest of W. P.’s children.

During World War I, Gowers served as secretary for Senator

John Sharp Williams at the Navy Department in Washington, D.C. In 1917, he married Annie Dean Thatch. After the war they moved to Mississippi. Their sons, C.G. (Pete), Jr. and Dean Price lived with them in Jackson, before moving to Hattiesburg.

Although W. P. had bought the cabin and land in 1913, it was not until Jennie Arnold’s death in 1925 that he put the land into his own name. In 1928 Gowers heard that his father planned to sell the land, so Gowers bought it himself. With Annie Dean, Pete, and Price he moved into the renovated (newly electrified, with inside kitchen and

bath) cabin in 1932. Together they worked the farm which they called Hard Luck Plantation.

During the depression others helped work the land, as Gowers traveled for the Department of Labor. In the 1930's Annie Dean borrowed $30 and partnered with Ed Davis to start Crescent Laundry and Meador Linen Supply in the growing town of Hattiesburg. With the increased activity of World War II at Camp Shelby, Dean vied for and won the Shelby business.

Sadly, as WWII came to an end, Dean died at the age of 47.

When Gowers married Jessie Green Mason in 1955, he renovated

structed of old wood pieces salvaged from the large crepe myrtles following Hurricane Katrina. The outhouse features an exquisite crystal chandelier, which was once part of the Kamper Park family estate, a double granite shower, pedestal sink and modern-day loo, all which fit nicely into the “updated” history.

The outhouse is part of a larger structure, which also houses a sleeping loft, complete with king size bed, and the kitchen facilities with all modern day conveniences.

And while you may feel as if you’re out in the middle of nowhere, easy access to and from I-59 and US Hwy 49 have you at the convention center, in downtown Hattiesburg, along the Longleaf Trace Recreational Trail or at university activities, restaurants or shopping venues within minutes.

The homestead is also home to the top-rated tearoom in Mississippi, Simply TeaVine, which provides an excellent venue for small receptions, fine dining, and business meetings or a quiet getaway. There is even a small gift shop on the premises which offers unique gifts and tea accoutrements. Personal guided tours are available along with a complete Southern breakfast for bed and breakfast guests.

Meadors’ wish for her guests is that “you will be granted peace and rest while under our roof. May the pleasure which brought you to this place be all that you hoped for. May every person you meet add to your joy. May those you love be near you in thoughts and dreams. When it is time for you to leave us, may your memories be pleasant and your journey safe.”

The Meador Homestead, a haven of tranquility, is truly heaven on earth. the cabin again. The area continued to grow; the original wagon trail was enlarged and improved. By 1958 Gowers had sold land to the highway department to make Highway 49 two lanes. The Price Meadors moved out of the roadway and built a house closer to the cabin. Granddaughter Dean visited Gowers daily.

In 1979 Gowers deeded the cabin to granddaughter Dean with the wish that it be preserved for future generations. In 2009 his wish came true. The fully restored cabin now hosts the fifth, sixth, and seventh generations of the Meador family.

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hether it's a day trip to a Mardi Gras parade in Mobile, a 9-day bus trip to the Big Apple to see the sites, mud wrestling, line dancing or sword fighting, Floanne Kersh aims to please. The licensed social worker and director of active older adults at The Family YMCA in Hattiesburg tries to meet the requests of those who regularly attend and take part in Y happenings.

Up until about 15 years ago no such program existed at the facility so Kersh approached the “powers that be” about putting together classes for things that older active adults wanted, whether creative writing, exercise or fitness classes.

“If they wanted sword fighting or mud wrestling, I would have done my best to get those started,” she laughs. And while all classes don't make for lack of participation, it's not because she doesn't try.

As a retirement community, Kersh saw the need for active Hattiesburg residents to have some outlets for creative juices and energy. And the Family Y gave her the opportunity.

Fifteen years later and with a name change or two under their mature belts, the Wise Ones, now known as the YMCA Trippers, are going strong and hitting the road, every chance they get. And the best thing is you don't have to be a 'Y' member to take part in the activities. Non-mem-

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bers may have to pay a few extra dollars to take advantage of some of the activities, but most would say it's worth it.

The Trippers, as they've been known for the last 13 years are on the go. “As far as trips are concerned, I told them I'd work up a trip to wherever they wanted to go, but I wasn't leaving the country,” Kersh said. And she said they've made a lot of repeat trips, whether to a Mardi Gras parade in Mobile, which isn't quite as wild as New Orleans, to New York City and destinations out west.

The Trippers take two to three big trips a year and “as many little ones as they want to do,” said Kersh, who explained that not every trip makes.

“We need enough people to keep prices as low as we can. We're not out to make money; a good time is what it's all about and we want everyone to have the opportunity.”

Kersh is quick to point out that just because most programs are held at the Y facilities on Veterans Blvd., they aren't all fitness programs.

“We have roundtable discussion groups where we choose a topic, have a moderator and sit around and discuss ideas and feelings,” she said of the group, which has become quite popular. “It's great to have the interaction and see what people's ideas are today.” Ongoing meetings are held every Thursday at

10:45 a.m. at the Hattiesburg location.

There are also 6- to 8-week art classes offered, as well as line and ballroom dancing and creative writing. And every last Friday of the month they have a covered dish luncheon. “Every time there's a reason to celebrate, we do,” she said.

The popularity of the Y group and activities they are involved in have caused them to run out of the space they once occupied, so they've borrowed space from other Y groups, which now houses an ever-growing library, which members can borrow from.

Kersh fits in with everyone, whether she's the mild mannered Y director or Madame Meme (with her camel sidekick, Camelia – one hump not two), who tells fortunes, something that goes back to when her son was in grade school, but that she still enjoys immensely.

The active Kersh considers the program “wonderful.” Whether it's someone who has lost a spouse, suffers from an illness or disability or is single or married, the program is for everyone. “I feel for people hurting,” said Kersh. “This is the place they need to be. We're one big happy family. We drink coffee and share our troubles. People have so many stories to tell.”

Kersh, who grew up in the Hub City and was once an airline stew-

ardess, feels her job is one of the most rewarding things she's done. “I think this is what God wanted me to do,” she said. Kersh is working her dream job. “This is what I'd be doing if I could be doing anything in the world. My job is so much fun I won't ever retire.”

Her office at the Y appears to look, in her words, more like a gift shop – with beaded curtains, Oriental vases enhanced with peacock feathers, wind chimes, statues and stuffed animals, including several camels.

And one large really large camel, Camelia, that stands sentry in front of her owner's desk, a gift from Y friends. She explains that Camelia “models a story I share with children and adults about a camel born more than 200 years ago. It is a metaphor of courage, faith and hope.”

She describes the love she has found in the surprise love gift “beyond measure.”

The “kidnapping of Camelia in recent years brought great distress to Kersh and Y friends “who had become accustomed to seeing her and experiencing the magic and joy of make-believe Camelia instilled.

“All of us, no matter what our age, need a little magic and make believe in our lives to comfort and lift us out of the often harsh and disappointing realities of the real world,” Kersh wrote in a 2005 article for a Pine Belt Continued on next page

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Christian magazine. “We need reassuring, mind-resting moments to stimulate our human and creative side in a positive and uplifting way.

When a camel in an office can add that extra sense of spiritual and emotional well being and tender loving care, then let it be!

“God avails many tools for us as Christians to work with, but so often we fail to recognize them. Some friends believe that Camelia is such a tool. From the original story of Camelia's abandonment and adoption long ago to her kidnapping, listeners rediscover how the most seemingly hopeless situations, the toughest obstacles, our greatest tragedies and losses can be accepted and, in time, overcome with faith and trust.”

That's what the Y programs are about. Kersh recognizes the tools God has laid out before her and is putting them to the good of many active adults.

Approximately 50 to 75 participate in the exercise classes on a weekly basis, while some take part in Minnie's Thursday Crafters, which meet at 1 p.m. every Thursday. The group meets to embroider, crochet,

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knit and quilt and no experience is required to attend the group sessions. “It’s for people interested in learning how to craft, as well as meet new people,” she said.

Kersh explains that all the programs are for people who like companionship or just want to get away from home for a few hours...whether joining in a group playing Mexican train dominoes, learning to tap dance or clog or going on a scavenger hunt on the trails behind the Y facility. “We've tried many many things,” she said. Among that long list are shows of a comedic ilk, which Kersh loves to produce. At one time there was a regular “Trip Along With Us” show and a dance team known as the “Y-Zettes, which was made up of ladies in their 80s, one as old as 88, who were as lively as can be and danced with comedy bits in between. “It was real cute and unique,” said Kersh, who admits that “entertainment is in my blood.” In addition to producing shows and stand-up comedy bits, she also likes to write poetry for the rhyme and meter and other pieces.

“Entertainment satisfies that part of me.”

For the Y programs, Kersh incorporates all the things that she loves

and puts them together in these programs.

Kersh believes that laughter is some of the best exercise there is.

And during stretch classes, people aren't so aware that they are sitting for an hour and exercising, she said.

“This is a place where older people don't have to feel old. A lot of it is attitude. We have as much fun as possible.”

And coming in May, the Y will feature an eight-piece dance band twice a month. “This is being offered for the first time in Hattiesburg,” said Kersh, who explained that there would be a dress code, music would be a mixture – from some classic country to oldies and big band. “A lot of people enjoy dancing, but their choices to do so are quite limited, so we are going to bring the band to them. “ Kersh wants people to leave Y activities feeling better about themselves and their lives to feel invigorated. And if she has anything to do with it, they'll also have a song in their heart, a smile on their face and a lilt in their step.

And with lots of ideas in her head, that’s not going to end any time soon.

Floanne Kersh is living her dream job as director of older adults at the Family YMCA in Hattiesburg.

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The Royal Wedding of the Century has finally arrived, and the celebration of Prince William and Kate’s marriage has begun. Simply Teavine, voted #1 tea room in Mississippi and located in Hattiesburg, plans to join in with the festivities by offering a “RoyalTea” Celebration during the month of April. The menu, which is loaded with origins of British history, includes some of the favorite foods of the Royal Family and most assuredly will be served at the Wedding Celebration and afternoon teas throughout England.

Dean Smith and Peggy Bullion, co-owners of Simply TeaVine, say there is always cause for celebration, however, when any wedding occurs, and the food Smith created for this regal event would make any bride truly feel like a queen herself.

The afternoon tea menu is perfect for any bridal shower or reception and you can be assured guests will go away being glad they made the exclusive “invite list”.

Smith says that any afternoon tea includes tea with savories, scones, and sweets.

King’s Fancy, a Scottish breakfast tea, will represent the meeting of Prince William and Kate at the university in Scotland. Prince William proposed to Kate in Kenya, thus prompting the serving of Blue Sapphire, a full bodied Kenyan black tea. Queen Elizabeth’s favorite tea, Keemun Hoa Ya A, will be served along with Wedding Cake Almond Green, a tea with the flavor of a wedding cake.

For savories, a favorite of Prince Charles is the smoked salmon.

Queen Elizabeth has a preference for chicken salad, and always there is the faithful cucumber sandwich.

Mini sausage rolls are served and gobbled up regularly at Buckingham Palace buffets. The menu also consists of Asparagus Chantilly, which is asparagus simmered until tender and served cold with a mixture of mayonnaise, lemon juice and stiffly beaten cream.

Prince William’s all time food preference is Cottage Pie or as most Americans say “Shepherd’s Pie.” Cottage Pie refers to a British meat pie made with beef or lamb, corn and other vegetables, and with a crust made from mashed potatoes.

The term “cottage” pie is known to have been in use since 1791, when the potato was being introduced as an edible crop affordable for the poor, or “cottage” dwellers of England.

Simple Cottage Pie 1 lb. ground chuck 1 onion, diced 3 carrots, diced (a package of combo vegetables may be substituted)

2 1 1 2 1

Tbsp. flour Tbsp. Italian seasoning tsp. Worcestershire sauce Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley 1/2 cups beef broth (or 1 1/4 c broth, 1/4 c Burgundy wine)

1 Tbsp. tomato paste Salt and pepper 4 potatoes, peeled and diced 1/4 cup butter 1 cup milk 1/4 lb shredded Cheddar cheese Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Make Meat Filling: Brown beef. Add onion and carrot or vegetable mixture and sauté until tender. Mix in flour, seasonings, and parsley. Stir in broth and tomato paste and seasonings. Simmer mixture for 15 minutes until almost all of liquid has been absorbed. Spoon mixture into a 9-inch pie plate.

Make Potato Topping: Boil potatoes until tender. Drain. Mash potatoes, adding butter and milk. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread potatoes over beef filling. Sprinkle with grated Cheddar cheese. Bake in oven for 25 minutes, until top is browned and cheese is bubbly.

The second course of Simply TeaVine’s “RoyalTea Celebration” is the traditional dish of scones. The scone is said to have taken its name from a stone used at a coronation

site for Scottish kings. The Stone of Scone, or Stone of Destiny, which served as a throne during the coronation rites, was taken to England

by Edward I in 1296 and kept in Westminster Abbey beneath the chair used during the crowning of British monarchs. The Stone of Scone was returned to Scotland in November 1996. Scones in England are usually served with Devonshire Crème, a clotted crème produced in Devon, England, along with lemon curd and honey.

Lavender Scones 3 cups self-rising flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 stick butter 1 tsp. lavender 1 cup buttermilk Cut butter into sugar until it resembles cornmeal. Add flour and lavender. Stir in buttermilk. Form a soft dough. Turn out on a floured board and cut with biscuit cutters or cut as pie shaped wedges. Place on greased baking sheet. Brush tops with milk and sprinkle lavender on top. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes or 375 degrees in convection oven.

Serve with honey, Devonshire crème, and lemon curd.

Strawberries and crème are served as a complement to the scones. Strawberries and crème have long been a traditional food served at Wimbledon and English weddings.

The tea is finally topped off with the serving of the sweets. Smith created the Westminster Abbey

Chocolate Cake in the form of a hat to compliment the fashionry of the guests attending the royal tea.

Cheesecake pastries covered with blueberries enhance the sapphire blue color, which represents the sapphire and diamond ring given to Kate by Prince William. Petit fours and heart candy are served with crown engraved Scottish shortbread cookies.

Peach Melba, the favorite of Prince Charles, was invented in 1892 to honor the Australian soprano, Dame Nellie Melba. Nellie Melba was performing in Wagner’s opera, Lohengrin, at Covent Garden in London, England. Smith says the dessert is very appropriate for wedding celebrations since the traditional bridal processional song comes from the famous opera. A few years later the classic dessert was also served for the opening of the RitzCarlton in London and since has been found among the menus of many English celebrations and Buckingham Palace events.

Peach Melba For Peaches: 3 cups water 3 1/2 cups sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 8 peaches For Raspberry Sauce: 3 cups raspberries 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1 Tbsp. lemon juice To Serve: Vanilla Ice Cream Put the water, sugar, lemon juice and vanilla into a saucepan and heat to dissolve the sugar. Bring to a boil and bubble for 5 minutes.

Cut the peaches in half and poach the halves in the sugar syrup for about 2 minutes. Test to see if the peaches are soft and remove to a plate.

When all the peaches are poached, peel off skins and cool. To make the raspberry sauce, liquidize the raspberries, powdered sugar and lemon juice in a blender.

To assemble the Peach Melba, place a peach half on a plate or bowl beside a scoop of ice cream. Spoon the raspberry sauce over each and add a spot of whipped cream with pecans (opt).

Smith made the Wedding Cake Cookie by placing three different sized sugar cookies on top of each other and decorating with frosting.

The cookie can be decorated by placing fruit cake on its top, a tradition of many English wedding cakes, or adorned with jewelry.

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Jelly Bean Easter Bark Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 2 minutes Makes 11 servings or 1 pound bark

It's true - the kitchen is the heart of the home. Ever notice how people always gather there? Whether baking treats, making dinner or spending time with family and friends, the kitchen is my favorite place to be.

Since my day job is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the NestlÈ Test Kitchens, you can bet I love to stir things up. This column lets me pass along to you some of my best recipes, tips and baking secrets.

(Family Features) As much fun as it is to make fancy treats, sometimes simple really is better. This Easter I've decided to keep things sweet and simple when it comes to making desserts.

These Easter Egg Treats are a fun twist on marshmallow crispy bars the kids can help shape the eggs and sprinkle them with pretty toppings. It will be a little messy, but what a fun memory to make together!

Bark candies are traditional around other holidays, so why not Easter, too? They couldn't be simpler to make, and the creamy white morsels and colorful jelly beans taste - and look - great together.

To get more sweet inspiration for your Easter celebrations, visit www.tollhouse.com.

Crisped Rice Easter Egg Treats Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Makes 24 eggs Nonstick cooking spray 6 cups (10.5-ounce package) miniature marshmallows 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter 8 cups toasted rice cereal 2 cups (12-ounce package)

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2 cups (12-ounce package) NestlÈ Toll House Premier White Morsels 2 teaspoons vegetable shortening 1/2 cup Wonka SweeTarts Jelly Beans, divided LINE baking sheet with wax paper.

NestlÈ Toll House Premier White Morsels, divided 2 teaspoons vegetable shortening NestlÈ Toll House Pink & Yellow Mixed Mini Morsel Toppers, assorted sprinkles and/or sugars SPRAY large mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray.

HEAT marshmallows and butter in large, heavy-duty saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for 5 to 10 minutes, until smooth.

Remove from heat.

Morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted.

DIP top of each egg into melted morsels; shake off or scrape excess against side of bowl. Place each upright in muffin pan(s).

Immediately sprinkle dipped end of each egg with Toppers, sprinkles or sugars. Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until set. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

MICROWAVE morsels and vegetable shortening in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 1 minute; stir. Morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted. Stir in 1/4 cup SweeTarts Jelly Beans.

SPREAD mixture to 1/4-inch thickness on prepared baking sheet.

Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup SweeTarts Jelly Beans. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes or until firm.

Break into pieces. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

WORKING QUICKLY, stir in cereal and 2/3 cup morsels. Carefully transfer mixture into prepared mixing bowl. Cool for 5 minutes.

SPRAY hands with nonstick spray.

Press marshmallow mixture into a 1/3 cup measure, then form mixture into an egg shape with hands.

Repeat with remaining mixture to make a total of 24 eggs.

MICROWAVE remaining 1 1/4 cups morsels and vegetable shortening in medium, uncovered, microwavesafe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 45 seconds; STIR.

Jenny Harper is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the NestlÈ Test Kitchens and VeryBestBaking.com.

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Mary Thomsen, Joann Fairchild, Pam Nobles, Martha Johnson, Amy Stromeyer, Sue Lyon

Jane Ezelle, Nadine Sumrall

Sarah Campbell, Mary Thomsen, Sue Lyon, Diane Warren, Patsy Hawkins

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ast Queens of the Krewe of Elks gathered at the Lake Serene home of Peggy Moore for the annual Past Queens Luncheon.

Mary Beth Bounds

Margaret Langford, Rosie Mordica

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Elks Past Queens Club

Margaret Langford, Joan Slay

William Alexander, Neil Robinson, Nick Jordan, Jennifer Braud, Luke Ainsworth, Tyler Norman

Keith Parsons, Lauren Kucera, Brooks Abel, Emily Hoff

Shannon Fortenberry, Aimee Thomas, Kayla DiIorio, Mark McWhorter

Marcos & Rebecca Quinto & Rogue, Sam, Karie, Lili and U’pi Sorrells, Kathleen Shervey

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he second annual Pints for Paws, a fundraiser for Southern Pines Animal Shelter, was held recently at Keg & Barrel. Pints for Paws was started last year in an effort to help Southern Pines rebuild following a fire. Approximately $4000 was donated.

Keith Parsons, Xiciole Chang, Greg Cortzwiler

Lauren Andrews, Lucy

Sohbian Thriffiley, Tracy Bowles, Lhay Thriffiley

Donna Davis, Laurel Abreu & Petunia, Kristy Halverson

Chris Cook, Brandon Achord

Linda Gates

Justin Schmidt, Audrey & John Neal

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Patsy & Truman Roberts Elaina James, Sally Matthews

JB Bounds

Kerry Camille Helveston

Mike Schramm, Barrett Miller

Brad, Lillie & Jennie Bounds

T Cameron & Annessia Butler, Maria Legune, Malissa Arrington

he ARC held an American Idol-type competition at their Multipurpose Center on Bonhomie Road.

Scotty & Bonnie Blackwell, Deanna Bounds, Cole Saulters, Shirley Saulters, Jamie Parker

Lisa Perkins, Jessica Hightower, Kelli King, Kristie Jones, Anna Laura Brett, Chanda Van Slyke, Teresa McDaniel, Emily Montgomery

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Forrest General Spirit Girls

Shawana McArthur, Hillary Griffin, Julianna Lieb, Taylor McLeod

India Matthews, Janet Leggett, James Minor, Sallie Minor, Linda Eaton

Betty Harris, Mayor Johnny DuPree

Francis Lee, Betty Harris, Michelle Wright

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retirement reception honoring Betty Harris was held at the Petal Civic Center.

Mrs. Harris retired after many years of employment with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Marcella Ellis, Betty Harris, Taelyr Harris, H.S. “Butch� McMillan, Lessie Arrington

India Matthews, Patty Horton, Betty Harris, Frank Edgar

Amy Graham, Susie Berry, Faye Ethridge, Betty Harris, Betty Hollingshead

Austin, John, Taelyr, Brandon, Becky, Betty, Linda, Harry, Janil, India, Sallie, Michael

Sallie Minor, Betty Harris, Linda Eaton, Brenda Carter

Special guests

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Marcia Mordica, Bernice Linton

John, Christine & Courtney Brown

Misty Hodges, Lauren Noll, Anne Marie Nelson, Imani Steven

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Night of Sweet Dreams, a celebrity dessert auction and sampling, was held at Southern Oaks House and Gardens. Celebrity host was Dr. Joe Paul of the University of Southern Mississippi. Auctioneer was Don Monroe and the Forrest General Spirit Girls served as dessert servers. The was the third annual fundraiser for DREAM of Hattiesburg, which works to prevent drug abuse.

Honey, Dave & Lane Blue Adams

Kym & Trey Garraway Leigh Malone, Pam Cook, Nancy Gatwood, Val Stewart

Joyce Berry, Linda Leggett, Gwen Mason, Sarah Holloway, Sommer Holloway, Elayne Lockett

Timithia Taylor, LaDonna Sparkman, Anesha Fairley, Jenell Ward, Ebony Fears, Nysheka Ware

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Chris & Bob Heath

Jessica Cave, Sean Short

Kevin Malone, Bonnie McNair Whitney Walton, Regan Davis, Emily Dobson, Spencer Leggett, Mark Raymond, Zac Warren, Kyle Rayman, Stacey Jackson, Adriane Warren

Stacy Jackson, Regan Davis, Whitney Watkins, Kyle Rayman

David & Carolyn Lyon, Deborah Littlepage

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Mike, Zac, Diane & Adriane Warren

Clint Ellzey

ike and Diane Warren and their children, Zachary, and Adriane, hosted a chili party at their Sanford home. Hot food, cold drinks, a large bonfire and rest and relaxation were on the menu for the evening.

Diane Olexa, Jennifer Cook, Emily Ernest, David Brown, Anita Brown, Bonnie McNair, Robert Cook, Nicole Rose, Hugh McGowen

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Zeke Powell, Joann Brown

T Susan Newman, Marcie Thompson

he Citizens Bank on Hwy. 98 West in Hattiesburg recently held a ribbon cutting for its new financial institution. The event was followed by an ADP Business After Hours.

Paulette & Burt Lewis Whit Stewart, Laura Strickland

Greg McKee, Todd Mixon Glenda & Kenny Harrell

Mary & Bill Nolan, Rosalie & Bill Schoell

Marcie Thompson, Travis Moore

Bill & Peggy Langnecker

Ed & Libby Broome

Valencia Williamson

Pam Mixon, Dale Bush

Stacy Arnold, Debra Owen, John Bethea Jr.

Brenda Westley, Lisa & Johnny Fokakis

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Mary Virginia & Conrad Welker

Kaylyn Rutland, Heather Waites

Sharon & Carey Varnado, Dean & Mary Cromartie

Arnett Whitlock, Carol Fuller

Erin & Dennis Granberry

Ken & Toy Brown, Mike & Jenny Pierce, Pam Garrick

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ust Over the Rainbow Theatre (JORT) held an encore performance of its popular production, “Driving Miss Daisy� at the Saenger Theater. JORT recently won The Warren McDaniel Award for best production at the Mississippi Theatre Association (MTA) 2011 Festival in Meridian and was raising funds to take the production to competition at the Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc. (SETC) in Atlanta where they competed against community theatres from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Malcolm English, Judith Thompson, Mari True & Fred Swanson

Verna Ebbert, Juanice Peden

Mr. and Mrs. Milan Hoze

R.B. & Carolyn Hill

Bill & Nancy Kay

Teri Hudson, Jane Allison, Gene Hudson

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Ruth Centanni, Lottie Vance

Amy Stromeyer, Lou Murphy, Janet Pascale, Richie Malone, Jeanette Baylis

Jennifer, Emma, Chris & Lucy Moore Corley Morse, Joanne Oshrin, Chris Herrod, Don Aultman, Phil Sudduth, Woody Lyon

Robin Morse, Scott Stromeyer

Charlotte Shoemake, Charlie Finnegan, Tiny Hicks Charlie Finnegan, Jane Hicks, Charlotte & Robert Shoemake Peggy & Tommy Pittman

Kevin Malone, Steve Oshrin, Kevin Rogers Hannah Hendrix, Joe, Janet, Tony & Becky Pascale Martha Johnson, Pam Nobles

Nadine & Jimmy Sumrall

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Cathy Mohawk, C.W. & Tiny Hicks

Marlon Calhoun, Robert Cook Jr., Frances & Phil Sudduth

Lauren Johnson, April Phillips

Edward & Brenda Nodhturft

Nadine Sumrall, Judy McGee, Bonnie McNair

Mary Thomsen, Bonnie McNair, Janet Pascale

Amy Stromeyer, Mike Nobles

Jane Ezelle, Ruth Centanni, Nadine Sumrall

Robin Morse, Mike Nobles

Tina & Butch LeBlanc

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he Krewe of Elks celebrated their 45th anniversary with the announcement of King and Queen Elk XLV during their annual Carnival Ball at the Hattiesburg Elks Lodge on Saturday, Feb. 26. The identities of the new King and Queen were revealed as King Elk XLV, Kevin Malone and Queen Elk XLV, Sue Walters.

John & Mary Thomsen

Bonnie McNair, Kevin Malone

Tony Pascale, Becky Pascale

Jeanette Baylis, Robert & Charlotte Shoemake

Kay Smith, Tommy Pittman, Diane Warren, Kirk Harpole

Mike & Pam Nobles, Betty & Woody Lyon, Carolyn & David Lyon

Stephanie & Steve Oshrin

Katye & Kara Phillips, Alyssa Calhoun

Stephanie Buckley, Nathan Satcher

Mike Sanders, Peggy, Beth & Andy Moore

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Sarah Ervin, Jessica McCarthy, Joelle Blackwood Joanne Tran, Tinesha Erve-Earnest, Susan Yarrow, Teresa Brannan, Samantha Kinard Yeager, Amanda Collins

Kathy & Amanda Spiers

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Jewel Tucker, Ora Shaheed

o Red For Women, observed each February, encourages awareness of the issue of women and heart disease, and also action to save more lives.

The American Heart Association celebrated Go Red for Women on Feb. 11 at the Thad Cochran Center on USM’s campus.

The day was filled with informative breakout sessions, an inspirational keynote speaker, health screenings, lunch and exciting activities.

Gale Powell, Susan Riley

Kim Shows, Rosa Rogers, Joe Marcello, D’Wan Welsh, Sandy Jones, Phyllis Pitts

Brenda Taylor, Irene Ginn, Elaine Stevens, Becky Ginn

Lisa Daniels, Vickey Campbell

Susan Wallace, Ann Holmes, Joyce Johnson, Sandy Johnson, Phyllis Tingle

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Sheila Williams, Tricia Misenhelter, Nicole Tudela

Angela Pace, Michelle Leslie, Marlene Harris, Tangela Boutwell, Millie Swan, Kim Pittman, Linda Haywood, Ora Shaheed, Kim Weathersby, Micah Rehm, Brent Mills

Sherrie Anderson, Lara Otaigbe, Jewel Tucker, Annie L. Jones

Karen Gibbs, Machelle Brown, Barbara Hannan, Katherine Pittman

Jerry Mayo, Gene Owens

Rick Maddox, Marc Maddox, Angie Cognevich

Tim Morris, Mary Margaret Turner

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he Blueprint Mississippi Road Show came to Hattiesburg during February.

Blueprint Mississippi is a dynamic private-sector funded initiative aimed at developing a long-range plan focusing on the foundational issues of economic competitiveness, educational achievement, technology commercialization and resource management. The study also has cross-cutting focus on health care, community, racial reconciliation and infrastructure.

Mississippi Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Hank Bounds, Blueprint Chair, and other Blueprint private sector leaders and the Blueprint Mississippi Team were on hand at Southern Oaks House and Gardens.

Ric Corts, Tim & Jeannie Ryan

Scott Hummel, JT Tisdale, Mike Bonette

Brian Moore, Steve Ramp

Cathy Northington, Frederick Varnado, Valencia Williamson

Kurt Brautigam, Anthony Harris, Carolyn Burton, Patricia Johnson

Darian Pierce, Robbie Griffin

Bobby Gibson, Timothy Johnson

Catherine Lott, Haley Carter

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Jermaine Rogers, Theresa Thompkins

Ethan Gerlach, Rosie Parker

Ted & Charlene Cannon, Kimberly & Wayne Pittman

Cassidy Carter, Zack Klaus, Brett Scott

Anthony Alford Sr., Anthony Alford Jr., Gemoree Brown

Aileen Delk, Dannelle Smith, Sonja Hopper, Jody Windham

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Cam Mabins, Jalen Boney, Lucas Dixon, Marquise Newsome, Jamarcus Revies, Ricky Mason, Derek Crockrum II, Zennis McDonald

Carley Inmon, Lauryn Dyess, Madison Kolbo, Allison McSwain, Nicolet Hopper

Rush McKay, Mackenzie Kitchens, Jamon Butler, Hunter Linton

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his year’s Petal High School Panther football banquet was held at Lake Terrace Convention Center. Coach Steve Buckley and assistant coaches reviewed the outstanding season.

Southern Miss quarterback Austin Davis was the guest speaker.

Andrea, Mike & Andrew Lurz

Claire Tynes, Sara Oswalt, Jenna Lowery, Haley O’Neal, Haley Humphries

Jared Smith, John Windham, Nacota Bajoie, Carlton Burger

Bo Barhum, Haydn Lott, Anneliese McDuffie, Kyle Reynolds, Ashley Kennedy, Terrence Payne, Jesse Jackson

Darlene Thomas, Steve Owens, Hunter Owens, Glen Mallette, La Donna Mallette

Andy Estess, Pat Conner

Cody Conkle, Madden Rodrigue, Eric Woodard, Matthew McCullum, Duke McLeod

Cindi Higgasen, Ray Perkins, Jim & Wanda Smith

Conner Estess, Jacoby Langley, Tanner Morris, Taylor Higgason, Maverick Parsons

Ricky A. Mason Sr., Francene Mason, Paris Morris, Delores, Charles Sartin, Otis Jackson, Hattie M. Brown, Ayonna Allard

Cody Poole, Kylah, Edward & Roslyn Hossley

Stephanie & Glen Linton, Ashley, Lisa & Travis Barding

John, LeAnne & Katie Casiano, Katelynn Brock, Conner James

Nicki Roberts, Barry Scott, Keenon & Kelly Stevens

Casey & Gracey Freeman

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Catherine Smith, Dana Dillistone, Caitlynn Broome, Rachel Swann

Nicole & Rachel Swann, Courtney Gagliano

Katrina & Gerry DeLancy

Jenna Devenport, Kim Head, Julia Solomon, Rachel Swann, Amber & Ariel Reynolds, Nicole Swann

Darin, Conner, Catherine & Mary Smith

Julia Solomon, Kaitlyn Caulfield, Melody HIll, Catherine Smith, Emily Hope, Courtney Gagliano, Nena Bond, Caitlynn Broome, Mallory Jennings, Emily Rhodes

Kathy Davenport, Nicole Swann, Tony Henderson, Rachel Swann, Derren Henderson

Caitlynn Broome, Dana &Paige Dillistone

Nathan Maxwell, Catherine Smith, Meagan Baggett, Kaitlyn Caulfield

Rick, Dana, Cheryl & Paige Dillistone

Randy, Julie, Caitlynn & Blake Broome, Jake Hollingsworth

Kermit, Caitlynn & Duthel Broome

Caitlynn Broome, Chad, Maddy, Payton & Susie Nichols

Melody Hill, Caitlynn Broome, Sarah Keilholz

Gavin & Kylee Broome

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Madeline Ingram, Caitlynn Broome, Natalie Nobles, Ashley Rankin

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Julie, Gavin, Caitlynn, Linda, Courtney & Lillian Broome, Jamie Johnson

Sweet 16 party was held at the Broome family barn for four friends who all have birthdays within a two-month period. Entertainment was provided by Don King of SL100 and there was a big bonfire out back. The birthday honorees were Caitlynn Broome, daughter of Randy and Julie Broome; Dana Dillistone, daughter of Rick and Cheryl Dillistone; Catherine Smith, daughter of Darin and Mary Smith and Rachel Swann, daughter of Paul and Inna Swann.

A.J., Brady, Garett & Brett-Christopher Hartfield

Ryleigh Hudson, Scott Spiers

Carsen Smith, Lynn Smith, Debbie Baggett

Landon & Lance Nail

Larry & Faye Myatt

Kimberly Meeks, Portia Hall, Annika Neursen

Heath Hinton, Jeremy, Joshua & Kenneth Freeman

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Anna M. Adams, Alexis Adams, Claudette Washington

Pat, Scott & Larry Douglas

John, Pete Jr., Pete Sciarabba Sr., Mike Addington, Justin Sones, Mason Moss

Hannah, Bob and Michelle Palmer, Megan Strickland

Ray Carne, Billy Scruggs

University of Southern Mississippi Signing Day Celebration was held at Lake Terrace Convention Center.

Coach Larry Fedora gave a State of Southern Miss Football Address and new football signees were revealed.

Wane Howard, Shirley Howard, Wayne Adkisen, Vicki Adkisen, George Rasco

Bobbie Marshall, Tommie Willoughby, Terri McDonald, Donna Sharp

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