Today in Mississippi April 2022 Southern Pine by American MainStreet Publications

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The future is bright I’m here to tell you that our future is in good hands. I say that because, here at the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi, we recently got a glimpse of some potential future leaders up close. Our annual ECM Youth Leadership Workshop returned in 2022 following a year that we had to skip the program because of COVID-19. From March 2 to March 4, 66 high school juniors from all over Mississippi gathered in Jackson to participate in team-building exercises, meet their legislators, tour the state Capitol, and hear words of encouragement from governmental leaders and motivational speakers. The students, who represented and were sponsored by their electric cooperatives, were chosen for the workshop with assistance from high school guidance counselors and a selection process involving the cooperative community. The juniors also earned an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. in June for a six-day tour to meet other student leaders from all over the country, to watch leaders in a national setting, and to see the sites in the U.S. Capitol. Right now, it’s unclear how exactly our 66 students will apply the lessons learned at the workshop. Some might choose a career in

public service; others may start businesses, while others might just use their leadership skills to give back to their local communities. However they choose to utilize their special skills, Mississippi will be better off in the years to come because of their contributions. These sons and daughters of Mississippi will work hard to ensure a bright future for our state. This month’s magazine also celebrates linemen — the first responders of the electric cooperatives. April 11 is National Lineworkers Appreciation Day. Whether restoring power after a major storm or maintaining critical infrastructure to our electric system, lineworkers truly are the heart of everything we do. Please join me April 11 to thank our lineworkers. If you are on social media, use #thankalineworker to show your support for these men and women who power our lives.

Mississippi is... My Daddy is Ole Man River, so mighty, my Mama is a Southern Belle, so tidy. My head wears a Tennessee bonnet, my mockingbird sings a proud sonnet. I have a mirror-twin named Alabama, and a neighbor friend named Louisiana. My cousin, Arkansas, is to my Northwest. I tour pilgrimages in a hooped dress. My feet wade the shores of the Gulf Coast. I’m known as the Hospitality Host.

by Michael Callahan Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

My ears like B.B.’s Delta blues, and my Elvis’ gospel songs soothe. My nose inhales Azaleas in bloom, but Magnolia is my favorite perfume. My eyes have seen some hard time living, but my heart has seen some cheerful giving.

by Lynda O’Quinn, a resident of Natchez and a member of Southwest Electric

What’s Mississippi to you? What do you treasure most about life in our state? Send your brief thoughts to Today in Mississippi, news@ecm.coop or mail to P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158

Elyon Ministries leads the students in team-building exercises.

APRIL 2022 | TODAY 3

in this issue

southern gardening Add spikes of vertical color to your garden

6 scene around the ‘sip A look at special people and places in Mississippi

outdoors today How to build the perfect fire

14 local news 20 feature

Sea Wolves fans never forgot their cherished hockey team, and now – thanks to social media – they’ve made a comeback

picture this Cute kiddos

The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Vol. 75 No. 4

OFFICERS Eddie Howard - President Randy Carroll - First Vice President Ron Barnes - Second Vice President Tim Perkins - Secretary/Treasurer Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO EDITORIAL STAFF Lydia Walters - VP, Communications Steven Ward - Editor Chad Calcote - Creative Director/ Manager Kevin Wood - Graphic Designer Alan Burnitt - Graphic Designer Courtney Warren - Graphic Designer Chris Alexander - Member Services Coordinator Steve Temple - Social Media Director Mickey Jones - Administrative Assistant EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING 601-605-8600

Acceptance of advertising by Today in Mississippi does not imply endorsement of the advertised product or services by the publisher or Mississippi’s electric power associations. Product satisfaction and delivery responsibility lie solely with the advertiser. • National advertising representative: American MainStreet Publications, 800-626-1181

Circulation of this issue: 470,044

Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year. Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is published 12 times a year by Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Inc., P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300, or 665 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Phone 601-605-8600. Periodical postage paid at Ridgeland, MS, and additional office. The publisher (and/or its agent) reserves the right to refuse or edit all advertising. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2) NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to: Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300

www.facebook.com/TodayinMississippi

28 on the menu

www.todayinmississippi.com

Spring is the time for strawberries

31 mississippi seen Cemeteries are for the living

On the cover Ethan Gay, 9, takes a ride on his skateboard. Photo taken by Mandy Gay, Ethan’s mom. Residents of Moselle, the Gays are members of Dixie Electric. The photo was submitted as part of this month’s Picture This feature.

We want to see your graduates! Send us past or present photos of your children or grandchildren on Graduation Day. High school or college. Make sure to let us know their names. The photos must be high-resolution JPG files of at least 1 MB in size. Please attach the photo to your email and send it to news@ecm.coop. Each entry must be accompanied by photographer’s name, address and co-op.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: May 31. Select photos will appear in the July 2022 issue.

4 TODAY | APRIL 2022

There are some great foliage plants such as these Cordyline Red Star selections that bring vertical interest to landscapes.

On this bright, sunny morning, even though it was 30 when I got out of bed, I know for a fact that spring is almost here. That means it’s time to get serious about what I’m going to plant in my home garden and landscape this year. For sure, I’m going to take advantage of various flowering annuals and use them to create colorful carpets. I have my favorites, from spreading annual vinca to the heat-tolerant purslane to the colorful ornamental sweet potato vines. I think seeing horizontal mats of floral color can be as relaxing as looking out on a calm pond.

One way to add excitement to a garden is to break up the mats of horizontal color with vertical plants such as these Mystic Spires salvias.

As enjoyable as the floral carpets can be, to have a really great planting bed, you need some excitement. That’s where adding spikes of vertical color comes in. These vertical plants break up the mats of horizontal color, and vertical lines add excitement and interest. But, as enjoyable as the floral carpets can be, to have a really great planting bed, you need some excitement. That’s where adding spikes of vertical color comes in. These vertical plants break up the mats of horizontal color, and vertical lines add excitement and interest. My first choice for vertical color is salvia, and not just any salvia. I would pick either Mystic Spires or Indigo Spires salvia. Indigo Spires is vigorous and produces 12 to 15 inch long, twisting spikes of dark-violet flowers. These plants have an open growth habit and can reach 4 feet tall. These are nonstop bloomers, especially when you deadhead the flower spikes as they begin to fade. Mystic Spires, also a nonstop bloomer, has a more dense, bushy growth habit. These plants grow 18 to 30 inches tall. Another of my favorite warm-season annuals that produces vertical flower spikes is Angelonia.

Angelonia was chosen as a Mississippi Medallion Plant twice: Serena in 2007 and Serenita in 2016. Serena Angelonias come in four colors and reach only 10 to 12 inches tall, but they spread 12 to 14 inches wide. Flower colors include blue, pink, violet, and white. Serenita Angelonia has a more compact growth habit compared to its bigger cousin, Serena. These plants grow to 1 foot by 1 foot. They are tough, low-maintenance plants in the landscape or in containers, as they are heat-, drought-, deer- and rabbit-resistant. Always plant Angelonia selections in well-drained garden soils. Never plant them in any soils resembling the tight clay, cement-like soils commonly found across Serena Angelonias come in four colors and Mississippi. These compact- reach 10 to 12 inches tall. They thrive in ed soils have very little well-drained garden soils. air space. Foliage plants also serve to break up horizontal color. There are several great options, but one of the best, in my opinion, is Red Star cordyline. The purple-red leaves are sword-like, reaching straight up to about 3 feet tall. For the best color development, plant Red Star cordyline in full sun and water consistently. All these plants work well in containers or landscape beds. Even though temperatures are still low, I’m seeing warm-season plants starting to arrive at garden centers. So, get out in your landscape and start planning. If you see that perfect plant, don’t hesitate to make it yours.

by Dr. Gary Bachman Gary Bachman, Ph.D., Extension/Research Professor of Horticulture at the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. He is also host of “Southern Gardening” radio and TV programs. He lives in Ocean Springs and is a Singing River Electric member.

APRIL 2022 | TODAY 5

scene around the ‘sip

25 YEARS offood, art,and

music

in Oxford To Oxford, the Double Decker Arts Festival is a reunion weekend for friends and families from all over to celebrate all the good things that Oxford has to offer, music, food, and the arts.

6 TODAY | APRIL 2022

by Steven Ward The first Double Decker Arts Festival had humble beginnings in 1996 with the bed of an old pickup truck serving as a stage for music while hosting a handful of art and food vendors in Oxford. Today, the free event is centered around the historic Courthouse Square, and, in recent years, has boasted a crowd of more than 65,000 people. Following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Double Decker Arts Festival returns April 22 and 23 celebrating its 25th year. “Originally inspired by the Double Decker bus that Oxford imported from England in 1994, the festival showcases Oxford as a town that supports the arts and has grown to be one of the champion events in the region,” said Lee Ann Stubbs, coordinator of the festival. The festival will kick-off on Friday with art demonstrations around the Square and music in the evening. Saturday is an all-day affair featuring over 140 art vendors and more than 20 local food vendors while a generous mix of touring musicians take to the stage. Just some of the musicians playing the festival include, legendary R&B and gospel singer Mavis Staples, New Orleans brass band funkster Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, blues guitarist Samantha Fish, country vocalist Brett Young, and alternative rockers The Revivalists. The festival’s 2022 presenting sponsor is the University of Mississippi Museum. The Ole Miss Student Activities Association is sponsoring the stage. Other sponsors include NE Sparc, the internet fiber subsidiary of North East Mississippi Electric Power Association.

Stubbs said a few changes are in store this year. “This year we will have a larger headliner take the stage Friday night. In the past, we’ve had music on Friday night, but this year, Brett Young will be here, which is a larger act than we have had normally on Friday nights,” Stubbs said. Stubbs also said it’s possible there won’t be any Double Decker bus rides and tours this year. “In Oxford, we have four Double Decker buses, but, at the moment, we do not have any that are currently in working condition. We are hopeful that we will have at least one bus running by the festival, but either way, the iconic bus will be on the festival grounds for photo opportunities.” In 2015, the festival started choosing a local artist to feature as the festival’s offical artist. Their festival art is printed on t-shirts and posters. This year’s festival artist is Hannah McCormick who attended school at the University of Mississippi and has lived in Oxford for more than 15 years. Her artwork was selected for the

2020 festival, which was canceled due to COVID-19. Festival organizers decided to carry over her art for this year’s festival. Stubbs said her favorite part of the Double Decker festival is the live music. “This will be my seventh festival to plan from start to finish, and my favorite part of the day is when the last act goes on stage,” Stubbs said. “I generally go backstage during this act and look out from the stage into the crowd. Seeing the large crowd and everyone there having fun and enjoying the music and festival gives me complete satisfaction knowing that I helped bring all these people here. It’s a great way to see it go from start to finish.” The festival has always meant something special to the city of Oxford. “To Oxford, the Double Decker Arts Festival is a reunion weekend for friends and families from all over to celebrate all the good things that Oxford has to offer, music, food, and the arts,” Stubbs said.

For more information, visit doubledeckerfestival.com or call 662-232-2477.

APRIL 2022 | TODAY 7

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The perfect Jack London’s short story, “To Build a Fire” is perhaps the most The first step in preparation is to have good wood. Hardwood poignant tale ever written recommending preparation and the such as oak is preferable; poplar burns easily and generates admineed to follow good advice. The Man had disregarded such sound rable heat. But, poplar burns quickly. Whatever chosen should be advice from the Old Man at Sulphur Creek and left there alone to seasoned and dry. Damp wood, whether sap-filled or rain-soaked, reach Henderson Creek Camp. Friends waited there. In the telling, will make life miserable. And how you prepare — build, if you will — London counts down degrees, beginning with 50 and ending that fire from the very beginning is key. with 75 below. Unquestionably a I once came across instructions on life-threatening situation. building a smokeless fire. I don’t know As you likely know, The Man found that any wood will be entirely smokehimself freezing. His attempts at fire less, but after many years of following starting were misguided at best, and this tactic, I can say with authority that the entire affair ended in disaster. the method is much improved in the London says of him, “He was not smoke department. And it begins with much of a thinker.” the proper wood as mentioned above. Hopefully none of us will be caught You will need it in varying diameters or in life-or-death struggles where fire splits. Split wood burns more easily than would have saved the day. Even so, a solid round stick. fire starting is a skill that everyone Begin with a bottom tier, three splits The anatomy of a smokeless fire. Bottom to top: bigger splits on are my choice. Place them parallel but should know. Modern ingredients bottom, smaller as the tiers rise. Fat pine is a good beginning such as lighters and ferro rods make not jammed together. Move to the next for the top kindling. Light the kindling and enjoy a pleasant fire. the chore quite simple but are no tier with smaller splits and do the same good unless one or both of these are with the one trying to start except these will be across the ones below. Use enough to span that fire. I have a lighter, a ferro rod, and an old-fashioned combo of approximately the length of that bottom tier. And a third tier, smaller flint and steel (along with char cloth) with me always while in the splits than the second, these stacked in the same direction as the woods and fields. bottom tier. And so on, three or four tiers. All that remains is some That all aside and an emergency not present, fire starting is still a fat pine chips or other easily-ignited kindling on top, maybe even a valid and often-used skill. For instance, camping season is underlittle of this dropped between the top two tiers. Light that kindling way. Few things say camping more eloquently than an enchanting and a smokeless fire will be your reward. campfire. But that fire must be, in addition to safe and controlled, one that is pleasant, welcoming, not a smoky mess that foils the occasion. There are ways to mitigate smoke and create a fire that is inviting rather than repulsive.

by Tony Kinton Tony Kinton has been an active outdoors writer for 30 years. He lives in Carthage and is a Central Electric member. Visit www.tonykinton.com for more information.

APRIL 2022 | TODAY 9

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The Power Behind Your Power It’s no secret that a lineman’s job is tough — but it’s an essential job and they don’t return until the job is done, often days later. That’s why the linemen’s family is also dedicated to service. that has to be done, often in the most challenging conditions. As we Nationwide, there are approximately 120,000 electric linemen. celebrate Linemen Appreciation Day on April 11, I thought I’d share Southern Pine has 95 linemen responsible for keeping power flowing some interesting facts about electric linemen with you. 24/7, 365 days a year. To do this, they maintain over 10,500 miles The work can be heavy in more ways than one. Did you know of power lines across 11 counties. In addition to the apparent duties that the equipment and tools that a lineman carries while climbing a that linemen perform, their utility pole can weigh up to job today goes far beyond 50 pounds? Imagine climbing climbing utility poles to a 30-to-75-foot utility pole repairing a wire. Today’s carrying 50 extra pounds with linemen are information you. Now imagine doing it in experts who can pinpoint the Mississippi heat. power outages from miles Linemen must be commitaway. Line crews now use ted to their career — belaptops, tablets, drones, and cause it’s not just a job, it’s other technologies to map a lifestyle. The long hours outages, survey damage, and and ever-present danger can troubleshoot problems. genuinely take a toll. In fact, Being a lineman is not being a lineman is listed in a glamorous job, but it is the top 10 most dangerous essential to the life of our jobs in the U. S. community. Without the Linemen often work unexceptional dedication usual hours outdoors under and commitment of these dangerous conditions. The hardworking men, we job require certification from would not have the reliable a lineman program or years We thank linemen for their courage and electricity that we need for of prior experience, technicommitment to powering our community everyday life. cal skills, and 8,000 hours So, the next time you see of on-the-job training as an a lineman, please thank him for his work to keep bringing the power. apprentice lineman. After four successful years as an apprentice, it After all, linemen are the power behind your power. takes two more years as a lineman at Southern Pine to become a journeyman lineman. There’s an important reason for all the intensive training. To protect the lives of our linemen because one mistake can be catastrophic. Despite all that, Southern Pine’s linemen are committed to powering our local community. During severe weather events that bring by Chris K. Rhodes major power outages, linemen are the first ones called. They must be President/CEO Southern Pine Electric ready to leave the comfort of their home and families unexpectedly,

LINEMEN APPRECIATION DAY

14 TODAY | APRIL 2022

2021

Southern Pine Opens Call Center

MEMBER SERVICE STATISTICS AT A GLANCE TOTAL MSR CALLS 25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

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One of the primary responsibilities of our member service representatives (MSRs) is to answer member calls. In 2021, MSRs answered more than 163,500 calls from members! While answering member calls, they also processed 118,638 in-person payments, established 7,731 new accounts, entered 68,620 service orders, balanced cash drawers, prepared bank deposits, and met with members. In addition, members used our automated phone system to report outages, get account information, or make payments over 828,000 times in 2021. One of the most common member concerns in recent years is regarding the phone system, and we know how important it is for our members to reach us by phone when they need assistance. The average number of calls answered per month last year was 13,650. Even with all-hands-on-deck, it was still a struggle to serve our members on the phone as quickly and efficiently as we would like. Recently, Southern Pine implemented several new features to help reduce hold times and improve our telephone system. Since upgrading to our current phone system, we now can track phone statistics that we used to determine how to better respond to members. Other new programs, like voicemail, automatic call back, and texting for outages have helped. While incremental improvements resulted, our members deserve to quickly reach Southern Pine when they need us. With that in mind, we have opened a new Member Service Call Center to serve you. Staffed with dedicated local employees, the call center is located in headquarters in Taylorsville. These employees know Southern Pine and our members and have the knowledge and skills to help you. With the addition of the call center, we hope that you will notice a real improvement in our phone response time in the coming months. Southern Pine is also working on future improvements like chat options and an app for mobile devices. Our goal is to bring the power to our members with the timely, friendly, and helpful service you deserve. We always look forward to hearing from you, so please let us know how we’re doing by emailing info@southernpine.coop.

991,819 CALLS

Total MSR Calls

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Total Automated Calls

828,014

NEW ACCOUNTS

7,731 SERVICE ORDERS

68,620 PAYMENTS IN DISTRICTS

118,638 APRIL 2022 | TODAY 15

Thank You to Our Linemen of the Past, Present, and Future The linemen of Southern Pine are a special breed and part of a brotherhood of linemen across the nation who work tirelessly to power America. Southern Pine linemen bring the power to over 69,000 meters in 11 counties every day. When storms hit, they are the first to respond. That’s been true for over 84 years and will remain true for many more. Thank you is not enough, but we are so grateful for the past, present, and future Southern Pine linemen.

16 TODAY | APRIL 2022

APRIL 2022 | TODAY 17

TORNADO SEASON:

Plan for Outages Before Storms Strike Many Southern Pine Electric members have witnessed the destruction of tornadoes or hurricanes as they barreled their way through Mississippi. These dangerous weather events caused massive damages and prolonged outages, and since we never know when severe weather will strike again it is always best to be prepared. Typical outages tend to be much shorter in duration, and often just a brief nuisance, but can be less frustrating with a little planning and preparation. Whether it is an extended outage due to a severe weather event, or a shorter outage, Southern Pine encourages you to be ready. An Outage Preparation Kit is a must-have item in Mississippi where severe weather systems occur regularly. Here is what you need to be safe, prepared, and comfortable during times of outage.

Flashlights, lanterns, and candles – These are essential to light the way for safety.

First Aid Kit – Many first aid kits are available at retailers, or you can make your own (visit redcross.org to find essential contents of a first aid kit) Water – Always have more water than you think you may need. Non-Perishable Food – Some examples are crackers, trail mix, protein and breakfast bars, canned foods, and other pantry items. Medications – Adequate supplies of medications can be a lifesaver during an outage, particularly in extended outages.

Hygiene Products – Baby wipes, hand sanitizer and deodorant will be your friend in an extended outage.

Batteries & Battery-Powered Chargers – Make sure to include all types of batteries.

Battery-Powered Radio – This is crucial for staying updated on emergencyrelated progress when all else fails. Sleeping Bags & Blankets – When the power is off, particularly in cold weather,you’ll be thankful for the extra blankets. Books, Board Games, Playing Cards – Boredom can be one of the most frustrating things in an outage, particularly for children. Make sure you have plenty of entertainment items in your kit.

To stay up to date on the latest information, please follow the Southern Pine Electric Facebook page and visit us online at southernpine.coop.

Happy Easter SUND AY, AP RIL 17 I am the resurrection and the life. John 11:25 18 TODAY | APRIL 2022

Safety:

Always on our Minds

by Jamie Arender Safety Coordinator At Southern Pine, we’re proud to bring the power to our members, but we’re even more proud of our focus on safety while doing it. Constantly focusing on safety keeps it at the forefront of all employees’ minds and helps them work safely. We want everyone to get home to their “one” reason for working safely at the end of the day. When all employees have made it home safe and sound, we have accomplished our main goal for the day – bringing the power to our members as safely as possible. It’s not just something we say at Southern Pine; it’s something we actively practice. Each district holds weekly safety meetings on Monday mornings to set the tone for the week and discuss any issues that could potentially be safety hazards. In addition, monthly safety meetings are held to cover things like personal protective equipment (PPE), defensive driving, temporary traffic control, and a comprehensive list of lineman-specific duties. These meetings are guided by the safety committee, a group of employees from different departments and districts. The committee meets monthly to address any new concerns, discuss safety issues and solutions, and what should be on the agenda for future safety meetings. Another way we keep safety first is through constant training. All employees must complete two online safety courses each quarter.

The courses cover the gamut — from fire hazards to chemicals to trips and falls. You name it, and we’ve taken a class on it. Training for our apprentice linemen is top-notch. Southern Pine’s apprentice linemen program, done in conjunction with Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM), over four years, apprentice linemen experience on-the-job training, self-study, workbook completion, and testing. An apprentice lineman must pass all phases and complete over 2,000 work hours. Once completed, the employee moves on to lineman 1 for one year, lineman 2 for another year, and becomes a journeyman lineman after six years of training. The training doesn’t stop for journeymen linemen, though. It’s an ongoing process for linemen and all employees. We recently completed a training yard to give our apprentice linemen hands-on experience in a controlled environment and ongoing linemen training. We also use it to train all linemen on any new equipment before installing it on our system. As a lineman with 35 years of experience, I know just how critical it is to use safe practices. As a safety coordinator, my job is to make sure that message is ingrained in everyone who works at Southern Pine.

APRIL 2022 | TODAY 19

by Matt Caputo

When veteran minor-league hockey player, Joe Pace Jr., told Barry Soskin, the owner of the team he played for in Port Huron, Michigan, that he was thinking of moving South and easing out of the pro game, his boss asked him if he and his wife had ever considered relocating to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.

is back in Photos by Tom Rogers

20 TODAY | APRIL 2022

Soskin explained to Pace that he was eyeing Biloxi as an expansion location for the Federal Prospects Hockey League, an independent entry-level circuit where he already owned two clubs and where Pace had roamed as a player/coach for a decade. “We didn’t know Biloxi was on the coast or anything. I never played here against the Sea Wolves or the Surge,” Pace says. “We Googled it, looked up the community, researched the school districts, and when we saw where it was on the map, that interested us.” With Pace and his family relocated to the “Playground of the South,” Soskin had a professional hockey “lifer” on the ground. While the last pro hockey team to play at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, the Mississippi Surge, went out of business in May 2014, true fans always held out hope for a return of their beloved Mississippi Sea Wolves, part of the NHL-affiliated ECHL, tenants of the coliseum for 10 seasons between 1996-2009 and champions in 1999. The Sea Wolves are back in Biloxi with the 2022-23 season starting in October. Pace is the team’s chief operating officer and season tickets went on sale in March. “Barry wanted a lease right away to (start playing last) October, the coliseum wanted us to test the market,” says Pace, who has played in over 450 Federal League games. “We signed a lease for the exhibition games, we moved down, and the first thing I did was get in touch with the people running the Bring Back Our Sea Wolves Facebook page.” In 2022, it’s no wonder that social media played a role in bringing the Sea Wolves back to life after 13 years. In minor league sports, it’s often the passion of the fans that endures longer than the clubs themselves. It’s not unusual for fans of defunct teams to maintain Facebook pages where they can trade stories, photos, and memories of the good old days.

Sea Wolves vs. River Dragons The crowd during the National Anthem at the Dec. 30, 2021, game at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. There were 8,646 Sea Wolves fans at full capacity that day. Photo by Tammy Morosko

APRIL 2022 | TODAY 21

Josh Law, a Long Beach resident, grew up cheering for the so the stars aligned,” Pace says. “We researched the copyrights Biloxi teams and now works for the new team part time in marketing. and trademark, and the Sea Wolves name was available, “It’s something you’d never expect to be such a huge part of so we secured the name early and went from there.” my life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” Law says. “It’s become my What is now the official Facebook page of the Mississippi Sea favorite sport. I was three years old the night we won the Kelly Cup Wolves evolved out of a fan page that was created by Alexander (ECHL championship), I was at the Davis, a Vancleave native, and game with my mom and dad. I was fan since 2001, to support a blog a superfan.” he produced about the Surge. It’s something you’d never expect to be Damages caused to the coliseOriginally called “Surge Nation,” um by Hurricane Katrina forced the such a huge part of my life on the Mississippi Davis rarely posted on it between team to suspend operations for the 2012 and 2014 but started using it Gulf Coast. It’s become my favorite sport, 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons. to rally remaining Sea Wolves fans I was three years old the night we won The Sea Wolves returned to action and connect with new ones. In in the 2007-08 season, but the June 2021, Davis’ page had about the Kelly Cup. I was at the game with my hiatus hampered their attendance 3,900 followers and over 4,200 at mom and dad. I was a superfan. numbers, and the team folded the time of the new owners’ first in 2009. The Surge took the Sea Wolves’ place at the coliseum, press conference in July 2021. Today, the Sea Wolves page has but the rebrand in the lower-level Southern Professional Hockey well over 12,000 followers. League didn’t resonate and that team halted operations in 2014. “Before social media, fans created their own websites. The Sea Knowing that many locals wanted the Sea Wolves back and Wolves had two or three unofficial websites with game photoghaving a direct line of communication to them made filling the raphy and message boards,” Davis says. “The power of having a coliseum for a series featuring existing FPHL teams much easier. place to connect with fans and keep the Sea Wolves memories “The tribute page for the original ECHL team had 4,000 followers, alive certainly helped bring hockey back.”

The 2022-2023 season begins in late October/ early November and runs through April.

22 TODAY | APRIL 2022

Pace had previously helped Soskin host FPHL neutral site “I couldn’t be more excited to have hockey back, I’ve only been games to test the viability of other markets, but never while watching on TV for years.” living on-site in the perspective city and never with the robust Soskin’s teams, the Carolina Thunderbirds of Winston-Salem, social media presence that was preexisting in Biloxi. Soskin and North Carolina and the Port Huron Prowlers played as the home Pace borrowed staff from the visiting FPHL teams, from teams team against the Columbus River Dragons in Georgia. Soskin’s in other leagues and relied on fan volunteers to staff the three clubs quickly earned the hearts of the locals. “Thousands of fans really stuck to cheering for the events in 2021. home team,” Davis says. “By Despite being held on the third game, the number two Thursdays and one of Sea Wolves chants almost Friday in December – and became annoying.” not on any Saturdays – the neutral site games left little While the FPHL is a lower level than past Biloxi teams, the doubt that hockey would be welcomed back in Biloxi. 2021 games were a great showcase for the new Sea Wolves. Each game drew larger Pace, still not retired, managed crowds than the previous to get into an old-fashioned one. About 4,300 tickets hockey fight in front of his were sold for the Dec. 2 new hometown fans that has game, 7,200 for Dec. 17, garnered over 5 million views and 8,646 on Dec. 30, on Facebook. “You can go to good for a sellout. “All the modern technolyour first-ever game and get autographs and pictures with ogy brings new fans,” says the players,” Pace says. “Game John “Stumpy” Evangeends, the players are in the lista, a Hurley resident lobby or ice skating with the who played parts of six From left to right: Mississippi Sea Wolves Chief Operations Officer Joe Pace; fans, something fans don’t get seasons with the original his wife, Allie Pace; Sea Wolves staffers Jerod Campbell and Kory DuMond. Photo by Tammy Morosko club between 1999-2005. at the highest level.” Matt Caputo is a writer from Queens, New York, with bylines in The New York Times, Connecticut Magazine, and The Hockey News. A student in Western Connecticut State University’s creative writing MFA program, he’s at work on a book about minor league hockey.

Call 228-999-8333 or visit the Sea Wolves offices at 4063 Ginger Drive, Suite D in D’Iberville to buy tickets. Visit mississippiseawolves.com for more information. APRIL 2022 | TODAY 23

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tdoors today picture this my opinion grin ‘n’ bare it

1. Caitlin Wood’s sons running on the coast, by Caitlin Wood of Biloxi; Coast Electric member.

6. Allison feeding the birds, by Pat Lemmermann of Ocean Springs; Singing River Electric member.

2. Avery Jordan, by Kristi Jernigan of Louisville; East Mississippi EPA member.

7. King C. Henry, by Mattie Corker of Columbia; Pearl River Valley Electric member.

3. From left: Jake, Molly, Matthew (held by Molly), Finn, Killian, Melody, and Oliver, by Patty Jackson of Wesson; Southern Pine Electric member. 4. Owen Bailey, by Willa Russell of Meridian; East Mississippi EPA member. 5. Jenna Kate Stanley holding Emma Kate (the goat), by Robert Thames of Sumrall; Southern Pine Electric member.

26 TODAY | APRIL 2022

8. Jake Hood looking things over, by Ella Hood of Eupora; Natchez Trace EPA member. 9. Easton and Harper Satcher play in the bubbles, by Barbara Bishop of Meridian; East Mississippi EPA member. 10. Emma with her pony Poppy, by Ida Macuick of Waveland; Coast Electric member.

14 16

15 17

11. Eli and Micah Smith, by Charles Smith of Sturgis; 4-County Electric member. 12. Andrew Thomas Newman, by Cassie Buford of Vancleave; Singing River Electric member. 13. Louise Brown’s granddaughter, by Louise Brown of Perkinston; Pearl River Valley Electric member. 14. Kennedy Reynolds (right) and Kelsey Reynolds, by Rosena Profice of Natchez; Southwest Electric member. 15. Leigh Guess, by Cassandra Mobley of Florence; Southern Pine Electric member. 16. Jackson Garner, by Morgan Garner of Poplarville; Coast Electric member.

17. Wyatt Andres, by Mike Andres of Ocean Springs; Singing River Electric member. 18. Ava Presley, by Theresa Crosby of Hazlehurst; Southern Pine Electric member. 19. Shelby Fraiser, by Jewel Waters of Brandon; Central EPA member. 20. Witt Vaughan, by Tish Vaughan of McCarley; Delta Electric member. 21. Bradley and Nathan Rogers, by Kashea Rogers of Brandon; Central EPA member. 22. Asher Dailey and his dog Maize, by Tayler Dailey of Decatur; Southern Pine Electric member.

APRIL 2022 | TODAY 27

with Rebecca Turner

Shakes, salad and sweets: Spectacular spring strawberries Nothing shouts spring has arrived like biting into a sweet, juicy locally harvested strawberry. Mississippi strawberries get harvested from mid-March to the end of April, and folks flock to markets and roadside stands for a plump basket or flat. But most strawberry enthusiasts don’t realize the mysteries and legends surrounding the plant. Even the USDA isn’t sure how the strawberry got named. Some believe it originated from how strawberry vines spread about the ground and perhaps morphed into straw. Others believe it has to do with the berries being ready for harvesting around the same time as the straw. Thus, strawberries. Regardless, people’s love for the delicate, heart-shaped berry has appeared in stories, literature, and paintings throughout the ages. The Greeks and Romans believed the strawberry to be a wild plant. The berries’ bright red color and sweet taste have symbolized purity, passion, and healing. Venus, the Goddess of Love, was often

28 TODAY | APRIL 2022

associated with strawberries because of its heart shape and red color. It’s easy to fall in love with the health-promoting benefits of strawberries. Modern-day science confirms that strawberries are brimming with antioxidants like vitamin C and anthocyanins, which provide its gorgeous color. Strawberries, by nature, are a low-calorie food. A cup of fresh strawberries provides around 50 calories serving up immune-boosting vitamin C and bone-building vitamin K. They also provide a generous dose of fiber, folic acid, manganese, and potassium. Strawberries typically last about a week, but you can extend that with a few extra steps at home. Wait until you are ready to eat your berries before washing them. Store fresh berries in the refrigerator in an air-tight lid lined with paper towels to help wick away the moisture, keeping your produce fresher.

Strawberry Milkshake Strawberry Spinach Salad INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

1 1 2 2

16 ounce fresh spinach + mixed greens 16 ounces fresh strawberries - stems removed, sliced ½ cup crumbled cheese (goat cheese, gorgonzola, blue cheese, or feta) ½ cup chopped pecans Favorite balsamic vinegar Salt/pepper - to taste

cup of milk teaspoon vanilla cups strawberries hulled cups vanilla ice cream

To hull strawberries, wash, pat dry, and cut off the end, and use a straw to remove the center (hull). Combine all ingredients in a blender, except milk, and blend well. Add milk to create the desired consistency. You may not need any milk, you may only use a ¼ cup or the whole cup. If you add too much milk, just add more ice cream to thicken it back up.

Combine spinach, salad greens, sliced strawberries, cheese, and pecans. Toss with your favorite dressing and serve or, if you prefer, plate salads, and serve dressing on the side.

Strawberry Upside Down Cake INGREDIENTS For the topping:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2 tablespoons butter ¼ cup brown sugar 1 cup fresh ripe sliced strawberries

For the batter:

You are going to need a bundt pan or a 9-inch round baking pan. Give the desired cake pan a good coat of nonstick spray.

1 box strawberry cake mix 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated white sugar ¾ teaspoon salt 1 1⁄3 cup water 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 teaspoon vanilla extra 1 cup sour cream 4 large egg whites

In a small pot (or in the microwave) melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the brown sugar to the butter and mix the two together. Spread the topping you made evenly over the bottom of your cake pan and place your sliced strawberries on top of the topping. In a large bowl, whisk together cake mix, flour, sugar, and salt. Add remaining ingredients and beat with a hand mixer until well blended.

Pour the cake batter carefully into the pan without moving the fruit on the bottom. Fill the cake pan ¾ way full. (If you use a 9-inch round pan, there’s a chance you’ll have leftover batter. Make cupcakes, or make an additional smaller cake, just double the topping steps.) Place the cake into a 350 degree preheated oven and bake for 30 - 35 minutes. Check the cake with a toothpick inserted in the center to see if it comes out clean to make sure the cake is baked through. Remove the cake from the oven to a wire rack to cool for five or ten minutes. When it’s cooled for 5 or 10 minutes place a serving plate over the top of the pan. Flip the cake over onto the plate and remove the pan. Let the cake cool down completely before cutting and serving it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rebecca Turner is an author, registered dietitian, radio host, television presenter and a certified specialist in sports dietetics with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A lifelong Mississippian, she lives in Brandon and has spent the last decade offering no-nonsense nutrition guidance that allows you to enjoy good health and good food. Her book, “Mind Over Fork,” challenges the way you think, not the way you eat. Find her on social media @RebeccaTurnerNutrition and online at www.RebeccaTurnerNutrition.com.

APRIL 2022 | TODAY 29

mississippi seen

mississippi is...

events

mississippi marketplace onopenthe menu outdoors today Events to the public will be published free of charge as space allows. Submit details at least two months prior to the event date. Submissions must include a phone number with area code for publication. Email to news@ecm.coop. Events are subject to change. scene around the ‘sip picture this A rummage and bake sale. May 7. Brandon. The through preaching and song. Chairs will be sanitized The 2022 Columbus Spring Pilgrimage. event will be held at Nativity Lutheran Church, at the daily for your safety. 6:30 p.m. 30 Circle J Drive. March 24 through April 16. Columbus. Put together my opinion corner of Crossgates Boulevard and Old Brandon co-op involvement Details: 601-374-1092 or 601-374-1090. by The Preservation Society of Columbus. The daily home tours show off some of the most historically significant private homes in America with a comprehensive view of the architectural periods of the homes that tells part of Columbus’ storied history. The tours feature nationally recognized, multicultural, interactive, interpretive, educational programs for all ages. Proceeds fund preservation, research, and programming of the Preservation Society of Columbus, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Details: 662-368-2503 or preservecolumbus.com.

Collective Conversations with Constance’s Annual Spring Tea. April 16. Biloxi. The Bay Breeze Event Center, Keesler Air Force Base. Details: Barbara Bolton at 601-325-6630.

southern gardening

Maker Faire Meridian. April 2 and 3. Meridian. A free hands-on show-and-tell event showcasing invention and creativity for and by all ages. Indoors and outdoors demonstrations and exhibits at Soule Steam Works in the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum. Details: makerfairemeridian.com or 601-693-9905. The 16th Waynesboro Whistle Stop Festival. April 9. Waynesboro. The event features space jumps, pony rides, arts and crafts booths, food booths, the Barney and Marie Skipper Memorial Car Show, children’s train rides, carnival rides, and live entertainment. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Waynesboro. Details: 601-735-2268. The Hope Resurrected Gospel Tent Crusade. April 11-16. Laurel. Christ Only Ministries, Inc. of Mississippi asks that you bring the family out to hear local preachers and singers who will bring a message

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grin ‘n’ bare it

The Gulf Coast Military Collectors & Antique Arms Show. April 29 and 30. Biloxi. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 29 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 30. Historic artifacts from all wars bought, sold, and exhibited. War souvenirs, weapons, swords, daggers, bayonets, flags, uniforms, medals, helmets, badges, insignia, and field gear. The Joppa Shriner’s Center, 13280 Shriner’s Blvd. Details: 228-224-1120 or 228-392-9345 or email terrell.hamilton@gmail.com. The World of Marty Stuart. May 7. Jackson. The exhibit will debut at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson, coinciding with the inaugural Mississippi Makers Fest, a music, food, and arts festival on the museum grounds. The World of Marty Stuart explores Stuart’s life and his legacy of collecting country music’s stories. The exhibit includes hundreds of items never shown before in Mississippi, including Marty’s first guitar, original handwritten Hank Williams manuscripts, guitars from Merle Haggard and Pops Staples, costumes from Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton, personal items from Johnny Cash, including his first black performance suit, and much more. 222 North St. No. 1206. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Details: 601-576-6934.

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We had another impromptu family reMy grandaddy Cummings has possibly union a few weeks ago. Another funeral. the most fascinating grave marker in Oak Only time we can get together anymore, Grove. He worked in wood all his life as it seems. My brother-in-law passed away. a timber man and sawmiller. One day, he He and my sister had lived in North Carfound a petrified tree stump in a creek botolina for decades. But he was brought tom and hauled it back up to the house. He back to Mississippi to be buried next to told grandmother that since he had worked her in the same cemetery where at least in wood all his life, it would be fitting to six generations of my family are buried. have the wood stump as his grave marker. There are a few things I remember Grandmother replied, “If that’s the case, vividly from my early childhood about just take the door off the oven and use going to grandma’s house at Fulton. The it for me when I die.” Dr. Pepper sign coming into town. I’d see On our way back home, Miz Jo and I it and know we were there. Grandma’s mused over the idea of picking a spot for house itself, of course. And Oak Grove ourselves and being buried at Oak Grove. Cemetery at Ratliff. More precisely, Oak Britt Curtiss, overseer of the graveyard, said Grove is a graveyard. A “cemetery” is a there are two plots right next to my mom detached place for burials. A “graveyard” and dad. But Jo said it’s a long way up there According to our beliefs, those is associated with a church — Oak Grove from where we live for the family to come who have passed on aren’t Methodist, in this case, even though most visit. But we have left kin folks buried behind of my family were Baptist. in many places from which the family has there, anyway. We console Anyway, Oak Grove is where we moved on. At least we’d be buried with a lot ourselves by visiting them. And buried my brother-in-law. His funeral was of other family. in turn, we want to be buried just the latest in a life-long series of carBut Jo is still thinking it over. Right now, where people can come visit us. avans out to Oak Grove. As a child, every she likes the new cemetery near our house time we went to grandmother’s all of us on Highway 25. I told her, odds are, we would drive out to visit the family graves. We’re kin to about half of wouldn’t have family stay here forever, either. She said, “Maybe not. the people buried there. But that cemetery is between our house and Walmart. So, I’d know My affection for cemeteries comes from all those visits when I was you’d drive past me a couple of times a day, at least.” a child. I learned that family attachments go way beyond this life and cemeteries are for the living, not the dead. According to our beliefs, those who have passed on aren’t there, anyway. We console ourselves by visiting them. And in turn, we want to be buried where people can come visit us. There is a little house over the grave of one of our distant relatives by Walt Grayson from the 1800s. She was afraid of storms, and her husband promised that it would never rain on her grave. He built a little house over Walt Grayson is the host of “Mississippi Roads” on Mississippi Public Broadcasting her when she died. Possibly the only time her grave ever got wet television and the author of two “Looking Around Mississippi” books and “Oh! That was when the 2014 tornado destroyed the little grave house. Reminds Me: More Mississippi Homegrown Stories.” Walt is also a reporter and 4 The Cemetery Association reproduced it precisely, even milling p.m. news anchor at WJTV in Jackson. He lives in Brandon and is a Central Electric member. Contact him at walt@waltgrayson.com. lumber to exactly match the original boards.

APRIL 2022 | TODAY 31

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