Today in Mississippi July 2020 4-County

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Escaping WISH YOU

WERE HERE J U LY 2 0 2 0

WOMEN

IN COUNTRY MUSIC

VAN GOGH, MONET

AND DEGAS

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outdoo scene around the ‘sip co-op involvement

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2 TODAY | JULY 2020

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FAST HELP IS COV ERED BY A 30-DAY MONE Y BACK GUA R A N T EE LES S SHIPPING A ND A 1 Y E A R LIMIT ED WA RR A N T Y. FAST HELP WILL NOT BE A BLE TO M A K E 911 CA L L S W H EN CEL LU L A R SERV ICE IS NOT AVA IL A BL E. FA ST H EL P IS A 3G GSM DE V ICE. W E S UGG EST T EST ING CEL LU L A R CON N ECT ION BEFOR E U SE. SEE OW NERS M A N UA L. SERV ICE M AY NOT BE AVA IL A BL E IN R EMOT E OR H IG H DEN SI T Y A R E A S. FA ST H EL P W IL L U SE G PS T RI A NG U L AT ION S TO A PPROX IM AT E YOU R LOC AT I O N W H E N YO U R D E V I C E I S T U R N E D O N . O H R E S I D E N T S A D D S A L E S TA X . U N I V E R S A L P H Y S I C I A N S 7 747 S U P R E M E AV E, N O R T H C A N TO N , O H 4 472 0.

g

outdoors today picture this my opinion

Island life

grin ‘n’ bare it

Thanks to HGTV I have lost 25 pounds!

If that sounds a bit confusing, please allow me to explain.

First, HGTV has a show called “Caribbean Life.” The show is fairly simple, people of all ages and walks of life decide that they are going to move to the Caribbean. They pick an island, meet with a realtor and explain what they want and what their budget is. Then, the realtor shows them three pieces of property and at the end you get to see if they bought anything. The show can be entertaining and the guests unrealistic.

But then I had a thought. What is the first thing someone must do in order to retire…. LIVE TO RETIREMENT AGE! Over the last year, I had really let myself go. I was approaching 350 pounds, had ceased all exercise activity and was beginning to have some health issues. All of a sudden, I had a vision of my wife sitting on a Caribbean island, feet in the sand, a local beverage in her hand and someone else sitting next to her. Well, the thought of my wife in the Caribbean with someone else, that was ALL the motivation I needed.

I started walking, working out and Couple: “We want an open floor plan, watching what I ate. Heck, even my 2 to 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, a pool, a youngest child, Victoria, got involved. view and it must be ocean front.”

She started finding and cooking CaribbeRealtor: “Ok, and what’s your budget?” an-style dishes for supper every night.

I now have lunch at the table in my Couple: “$150,000. $200,000 max.” office, eating carrot sticks and Greek Realtor: (sits quietly while keeping a yogurt, while surfing on my iPad looking straight face, trying not to laugh while for places in the Caribbean. Doesn’t make thinking, “Oh my gosh, how did I get the food taste any better, I’m just disstuck with these goofy people.”) tracted. I have even planned my retireThe premise of the show is that anyone ment days. Mondays, Wednesdays and can live a Caribbean lifestyle, though not Fridays are golf in the morning days with afternoons at the beach. Tuesdays and all Caribbean lifestyles are equal. During Thursdays are for morning fishing and afthe COVID-19 lockdown, my wife and ternoon snorkeling. Saturdays, I will take I started watching old episodes of the the wife snorkeling in the morning with a show (there are 19). By the time we got packed lunch that we eat on a secluded halfway through the third season, my beach, followed by more snorkeling in the wife looked at me and said, “We can do afternoon. Sundays will be a day of rest. that.” “Do what?” I asked. “Retire to the Will we make it to the Caribbean, who Caribbean,” she answered. I sat there with knows?

But at least we have a dream and a straight face, trying not to laugh while I’m trying hard to be around to see it. thinking, ‘who have I married.’

The countdown has begun, 10 years, Midway through season four we had 9 months and 23 days. a giant map of the Caribbean, a subscripI’ll send you a postcard. tion to International Living magazine and numerous articles and stats about the various islands. We even had the beginning of a “list” of what we needed.

by Michael The island had to have an airport, with Callahan quick and easy flights back home.

Executive Vice President/CEO I needed at least one 18-hole golf course Electric Cooperatives on the island. of Mississippi

Mississippi is...

It is the memory of hearing my daddy’s voice, and the sound of his laughter.

It is the memory of hearing my grandparents letting the chickens out for the day.

It is the memory of the sounds of family and friends gathering to bale hay or work in the garden.

It is the memory of the sounds of the cows coming in from the field to be milked.

It is the memory of the sounds of the family working together to gather and preserve food for the upcoming year.

It is the memory of the sounds of kids and tired loved ones as they swam and bathed in the creek at the end of a long day.

It is the memory of the sounds of frogs singing to bring on the rain.

It’s the memory of the sound of a line being cast while Daddy and I fished in the Tangipahoa River.

It is the memory of a cherished family friend telling stories and bringing everyone joy.

It is the memory of the sound of the church bells ringing, signaling the call to worship.

It is the memory of the sound of God’s children raising their voices to him in praise in that wonderful old church on the hill.

It is the memory of the sounds of friends and families gathering together for Sunday dinner after church.

It is the memory of the sound of a whippoorwill singing his song in the still night air.

Mississippi is music to my ears that brings a smile to my face, joy to my heart and peace to my soul.

by Mary Varnado Fouliard A native of the Mt. Zion community between Progress and Osyka.

What’s Mississippi to you?

What do you treasure most about life in our state?

Send your brief thoughts to Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158 or to news@ecm.coop

JULY 2020 | TODAY 3

in this issue

5 southern gardening

With flowers, it’s all about the colors

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

5

11

outdoors today The power of smell and memories

12 local news

The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Vol. 73 No. 6

OFFICERS Keith Hayward - President Kevin Bonds - First Vice President Eddie Howard - Second Vice President Randy Carroll - Secretary/Treasurer Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO EDITORIAL STAFF Ron Stewart - Senior VP, Communications Steven Ward - Editor Chad Calcote - Creative Director/ Manager Elissa Fulton - Communications Specialist Rickey McMillan - Graphic Designer Kevin Wood - Graphic Designer Chris Alexander - Administrative Assistant EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING 601-605-8600

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The Lee Tartt Nature Preserve is a tribute to conservation and a fallen hero

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27 24

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scene around the ‘sip co-op involvement southern gardening

One of the landscape views many gardeners ignore is the horizontal plane. Plants that create mats or carpets create a lot of interest and serve an important role in landscapes and gardens.

Let’s look at a few of my colorful carpet favorites. In my opinion, vinca is one of those perfect landscape plants.

It produces loads of color and handles the high heat and dry conditions of our Mississippi summers.

One group of vinca I always recommend is the Cora vinca.

These vincas have dark-green foliage that has a leathery look and texture, making the perfect background to show off a heavy production of colorful flowers.

Upright Cora grows to about 14 inches tall with a wider spread, and it has colors of white, lavender, violet, strawberry and red.

I like Cora Cascade vinca because of its heavy production of colorful flowers. Cora Cascade produces good-branching plants that spread up to 36 inches wide. It has a trailing growth habit perfect for displaying its big, showy flowers that come in colors of cherry, lilac, peach blush, polka dot and strawberry.

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picture this my opinion grin ‘n’ bare it

Purslane is another plant that is perfect for carpeting many places in your garden. Purslane forms a dense mat of droughtresistant color. It also does great in small patches. Purslane is a tough summer plant for our Mississippi heat, and it has become one of my flowering favorites.

The selections Yellow Pazazz and Tangerine Pazazz have a spreading habit that forms a carpet of succulent foliage and bright flowers. Purslane Fairy Tale Cinderella is covered with 1-inch, yellow-petalled flowers with pinkish-orange puffball centers.

Ornamental sweet potatoes are perfect for laying a gorgeous carpet of vivid and attractive leaves. They are vigorous plants that produce thick mats of color.

The Sweet Caroline series offers a wide selection of heartshaped and cut-leaf foliage in a variety of colors for the landscape. Foliage colors include purple, red, bronze and light green.

Sweet Caroline selections Raven and Bewitched have dramatic black foliage.

Since ornamental sweet potatoes can be vigorous, they may become unruly and overrun other plants. Simply prune back to keep them in bounds. Ornamental sweet potatoes perform best with consistent moisture. Be sure to water during dry periods to help maintain good plant health.

Not all colorful flower carpets are horizontal. Tangerine Beauty cross vine is perfect to create a vertical carpet of color scrambling up and over an arbor or fence. It is simply covered in flowers.

Tangerine Beauty cross vine is the well-behaved cousin to its rambunctious relative, trumpet creeper. The flower buds are a pinkish red and open into funnel-shaped orange, salmon and yellow flowers. The flowers bloom on old wood, so prune immediately after flowering if needed.

There’s nothing like creating a floral carpet of color to create landscape interest. Now’s the time to be planting colorful, summer-season plants that will grow into a beautiful garden mat of color.

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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.

JULY 2020 | TODAY 5

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events

mississippi marketplace on the menu outdoors today scene around the ‘sip picture this

my opinion Grammy museum exhibit celebrates

co-op involvement

southern gardening

grin ‘n’ bare it

by Steven Ward Both popular and critically acclaimed, young singer-songwriters Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Amanda Shires and Kelsea Ballerini will one day become country music legends.

But the power and talent of women in country music is nothing new. The Carter Family, Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells and Mississippiborn Tammy Wynette are legends today that all played an instrumental role in filling in the pages of the history of country music.

Right now through Dec. 13, the Grammy Museum Mississippi in Cleveland is featuring a historic exhibit — “Stronger Together: The Power of Women in Country Music.”

The exhibit is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield Mississippi.

“The exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the history of women in country music, from the early years and postWorld War II, to the emergence of Nashville as a country music mecca,” Grammy Museum Mississippi Executive Director Emily Havens said.

“Women have played such an integral role in the development and longevity of country music, and we are thrilled to celebrate some of these trailblazing female artists with our new exhibit,” Havens said.

The exhibit features artifacts from such celebrated female country artists as Maybelle and Sara Carter, Rosanne Cash, Caylee Hammack, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Patsy Montana, Maren Morris, Dolly Parton, Minnie Pearl, Margo Price, Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini and Mississippi natives Faith Hill and LeAnn Rimes.

Some of the artifacts featured are Taylor Swift’s vintage dress worn in her music video for “Mean,” performance outfits from Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman and Karen Fairchild that were worn during the Dolly Parton tribute at the 61st Grammy

Awards and Maren Morris’ gown worn on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards.

The exhibit also features photos, handwritten lyrics and instruments donated by the artists.

Singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash lent one of her two Martin OM-28M acoustic guitars to the exhibit.

“I mean I was over the moon when they (the Grammy Museum) asked me to be part of the exhibit. It’s a great honor. And that guitar, my signature Martin, I see it as an extension of me,” Cash told Today in Mississippi. Cash has owned two of the signature guitars since 2008.

Although Cash said she doesn’t think about performers and musicians in terms of their gender, she said the exhibit helps to feature a greater array of great artists and performers to the public.

“I don’t like subgroups. I don’t think of women as a subgroup of country music but it’s always good to draw attention to legitimate musicians.

Cash said she has had younger songwritRosanne Cash ers reach out to her — including Shires, now a friend — and she did the same when she was first starting out.

“Emmylou (Harris) was a mentor. Just the way she handled herself. I gleaned a lot from Emmylou. She was a great role model for me,” Cash said.

Havens, citing feedback from visitors, said some of the favorite exhibit artifacts include Cash’s guitar and Dolly Parton’s outfits and banjo.

Havens said it’s hard for her to pick out her own favorite part of the exhibit.

“The entire exhibit is incredible, but if I had to pick just one, I would pick Faith Hill’s Grammy Award,” Havens said. “It is such an honor to have it displayed in this exhibit.”

The exhibit, which began in November, will run through Dec. 13, 2020.

Regular hours: TUES - SAT: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM SUNDAY: 1:00 PM - 5:30 PM Call 662-441-0100 or visit www.grammymuseummd.org for more information.

The museum is planning to reopen on July 9.

JULY 2020 | TODAY 7

Van Gogh, Monet and Degas: C E L E B R AT I N G T H E W E S T E R N C A N O N

Édouard Manet (1832–1883), On the Beach, Boulogne-sur-Mer, 1868. Oil on canvas. Photo: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

by Steven Ward “This is the first exhibition in a long time of such renowned Mississippians have a rare opportunity this year to see iconic French and Dutch artists in Mississippi. Many pieces from the paintings and sculptures created by seminal French artists of collection have never been on view the 19th and 20th centuries. The in the state previously,” said Betsy Mississippi Museum of Art (MMA) Bradley, director of the Mississippi in Jackson is hosting Van Gogh, Museum of Art. Monet, Degas, and Their Times: The collection features more The Mellon Collection of French than 74 paintings and sculptures — Art from the Virginia Museum of both monumental and intimately Fine Arts. scaled.

The exhibit showcases major “This is the first traveling exschools of French art including hibition of the Mellon Collection Romanticism, Impressionism and Cubism spanning 150 years. This since Mrs. Mellon’s bequest to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in exhibition features artwork from 2014,” said Roger Ward, the mumodern French masters that are well known in the United States seum’s deputy director of art and programs. and the world, including Edgar Bradley said visitors can expect Degas, Eugène Delacroix, Edouard a trip to France through time and Manet, Claude Monet, Berthe the eyes of some of the most Morisot, Pablo Picasso, Henri important artists in history.

Rousseau and Vincent van Gogh.

“Since travel continues to be The pieces all come from Paul Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Pensive (LaSongeuse), 1875. Oil on paper on canvas. limited, MMA is excited to transand Rachel “Bunny” Lambert Photo by Katherine Wetzel port visitors to Paris and the Mellon, among the most philanFrench countryside with this exhibition. Through equestrian thropic art collecting couples of the last century. The Mellons’ paintings, views of Parish urban cityscapes and landscapes of personal interests, commitment to modernism and prescient the French countryside, visitors will have a sense France in the collection strategies are evident in the grouping.

19th and 20th centuries, Bradley said.

This exhibition was organized by the Virginia Fine Arts Bradley’s favorite piece in the exhibit is by Monet.

Museum. Its presentation in Jackson is sponsored by the Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation.

SOME PIECES INCLUDED IN THE EXHIBITION: 8 TODAY | JULY 2020

• Vincent van Gogh, “Daisies” • Claude Monet, “Field of Poppies” • Pierre Bonnard, “The Dining Room” • Paul Gauguin, “Still Life with Oysters”

• Edward Degas, “Little Dancer Aged Fourteen” • Vincent van Gogh, “The Wheat Field Behind St. Paul’s Hospital, St. Remy

“My favorite piece in the collection is Monet’s Field of Poppies, one of the world’s most famous paintings. The vibrant colors entice you to jump right in and stroll through the field. You can really imagine yourself enjoying the beautiful weather,” Bradley said.

Entrance to the museum is free but the admission to the exhibit is $15 per person, $13 for advance purchase, $13 for seniors and groups of 10 or more and $10 for college students with school ID. The exhibit is free for museum members, children 5 and under and K-12 students on Tuesdays and Thursdays thanks to Field Co-operative Associations, Inc. and BlueCross BlueShield of Mississippi.

The museum recently announced its plans to reopen after temporarily closing due to COVID-19. The MMA is slated to open in stages beginning July 1 with an initial members-only period and then is scheduled to open to the general public on July 8. The Van Gogh exhbition has been extended through Jan. 10, 2021. First responders and essential workers will be allowed free admission throughtout the exhbit. Bradley said the health of museum visitors will remain a top priority.

Edgar Degas, At the Milliner, ca. Oil on canvas. Photo by Travis Fullerton

Visit msmuseumart.org for more information.

Edgar Degas, Little Dancer Aged Fourteen, model executed ca. 1880 (cast in 1922). Bronze, cloth skirt with tutu and satin hair ribbon. Photo: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

JULY 2020 | TODAY 9

mississippi seen events

m

on the menu

scene around the ‘s co-op involvement

southern gardening

een

mississippi is...

mississippi marketplace u outdoors today d the ‘sip picture this my opinion ement

rdening

grin ‘n’ bare it waters earlier that spring. It was the refreshing aroma of the river’s Oh, for an onomatopoeia related to smells. These words are trickle over aging oaks that had fallen prey to a gnawing widespread for their intended use regarding sounds, but the current on the off-side of that flow. It was concept as it pertains to smells is somethe occasional breath of honeysuckle what limited. wafting on a morning breeze. It was the You know that word, onomatopoeia. smell of excitement and tranquility and Perhaps you recall it from a long-ago expectation. It was the smell of peace.

English or literature or writing class.

And there are many other sensory sigFormed from two Greek words — onnals from my seven decades of growing oma, which means name, and poiein, and processing and filing away. Some of which means to make — onomatopoeia these courted a singular sense; others is basically a word that, when used in Water and woods combine to provide a wide assortment of aromas. came through combinations of two or speaking or writing, mimics the sound more. The green, stinging smell of sage being described: bang, clang, splash, from downslope, this seeping through swoosh. Clever devices for adding spice nostrils begging additional oxygen in the to communication, these words with the High Country. The odiferous stimulation of hard-to-pronounce designation are. an autumn wood, fresh from a pre-dawn It is reasonable to conclude that any splattering of cool rain. The drone of or all five senses can often be related a small-farm tractor, its turning-plow and play a role in recall. Something we releasing from captivity those rejuvenattaste may trigger memory of something ing aromas of freshly disturbed dirt. we saw, and so on. It was such an occurThe fluffed feel and clean fragrance of rence that spurred the thought for this Slough water has a pungent but pleasant odor. It is one sure to maintain a hold in memory. hand-picked cotton bathed in sunshine column. Just recently, a cardinal singing and piled high on a ragged wagon. is what I heard, but the smell of a specific setting from childhood And there was my mom’s rattling about the kitchen and her came to mind. It is in the description of this smell that I badly soft humming that always permeated the secret period between need a proper and handy onomatopoeia. sleep and waking and that scent of biscuits baking before a day My dad and I were paddling a battered wooden boat up a of farm chores that hold a permanent place inside memory. These section of the Pearl River, this section generally known as the Old sounded and smelled like security. Like home.

Straight. Actually, my dad was paddling; I was piddling. Impeding more than assisting I would guess, but my dad was gracious. I heard a bird. I had definitely heard this sound countless times before, but the urge to know what it was had never pricked me. “Red bird,” he said when I asked. Obviously, the cardinal, but it was red bird to him — all his life. And as influential as that identification was, it was the smell of the Old Straight that clung tenaciously

by Tony Kinton to my remembering. It is still there, more than 60 years from that paddling, piddling sunrise river trip.

Tony Kinton has been an active outdoors writer for 30 years. He lives How do I describe that smell? Pungent, but certainly not unin Carthage and is a Central Electric member. Visit www.tonykinton.com for more information. pleasant. It was decaying leaves and slough mud drying from high

JULY 2020 | TODAY 11

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Johnny Johnson, President • Mike Banks, Vice President • Marty Crowder, Secretary/Treasurer • Bill Bell • Kenneth Seitz • Ernest H. “Bud” Tumlinson • John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr.

We’re here to help you save 4-County Electric Power Association is here for you, and given the challenging times we’ve all experienced the last few months, I’d like to share some information and ideas to help you save energy and money.

Summer is a great time to conduct an energy audit of your home and identify ways to boost energy efficiency.

An energy audit is one of the best ways to determine how energy efficient your home is — an audit can also identify areas for potential energy savings. Energy audit professionals at 4-County Electric can conduct an energy audit in your home, identifying key areas for efficiency improvements. Just give us a call to see if you qualify, 1-800431-1544 (ask for the marketing department).

If you’d prefer to do an energy audit yourself, try 4-County’s online energy savings tools. Visit www.4county.org to get started. But keep in mind, an online audit won’t be as thorough as an in-home audit.

Shifting to off-peak periods Electric rates based on time of use offer co-op members the ability to lower their electricity costs without reducing the amount of electricity used. By performing some of your daily chores such as running the dishwasher or doing laundry during off-peak hours (when people are using less electricity), you can see meaningful savings on your energy bills.

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For example, use a programmable thermostat to adjust the settings so that your heating and air conditioning systems sync with the off-peak rate periods. Use automatic timers to run hot tubs, pool pumps, water heaters and other appliances in the same way.

Putting power in your hands 4-County’s PrePay program is intended to aide in budgeting your monthly energy costs. 4-County members can pay for electricity before it is used, then use the electricity until the credit expires. During the time period you’ve paid for, you will receive regular feedback on your balance. For more information on PrePay or energy efficiency programs, contact 4-County at 1-800431-1544 or go to www.4county.org.

Industry studies show that consumers who participate in prepaid metering plans use up to 10 percent less electricity.

As your trusted energy advisor, we’re here to help. If you have questions about your bill or additional ways to save energy, please let us know. We’re only one click or phone call away.

by Brian Clark CEO/General Manager

HERE’S AN IDEA Stealing electricity is illegal and dangerous In these current times of economic difficulties, many customers are concerned with their electric bills. While there are numerous ways to cut down on the amount of electricity used in a home, in some cases customers resort to trying to steal electricity. Tampering with an electric meter is both illegal and dangerous. Under Mississippi law, anyone who intentionally tampers with a meter is guilty of a misdemeanor which is punishable by a fine and imprisonment.

“Those who tamper with their electric meters in an effort to reduce their power costs are stealing from their energy providers and their fellow cooperative members,” said Jimmie Daniels, manager of 4-County’s system security. “Like any other business that is required to cover the costs of theft by increasing its prices, member-owned electric cooperatives must cover the costs of meter tampering in their rates.”

Electric meters are designed to accurately record the electricity used each month and are routinely tested. Meters are sealed for the protection of the homeowner and the energy provider.

Members who break a meter seal are exposing themselves and their home to the risk of electrocution and fire. Once a meter has been tampered with, it becomes both unsafe and unstable. Interrupting the flow of electricity through a line also poses serious risk to linemen working nearby.

Your cooperative is dedicated to providing safe and reliable electric energy. Meters owned by 4-County are regularly inspected for signs of wear and damage. As members of an electric power association, you can assist in cracking down on energy thieves. If you are aware of or suspect that someone is tampering with a meter, please let us know.

“If members are having trouble with their bills, they should not hesitate to contact us,” Daniels said. “We’re happy to help suggest energy efficient options and other ways they can reduce their usage. Tampering with meters should never be an option.”

Lake Little Scholarship awarded

4-County Electric Power Association officials awarded the first Lake Little Leadership Scholarship recently to a graduating Starkville High School senior.

Makayla Smith received the prestigious award. “As a winner of the award, Makayla strongly represents qualities of community service and concern for others while maintaining a high level of leadership — all qualities displayed by Lake Little,” 4-County Communications Coordinator Brad Barr told an audience during

Update 4-County Electric Power Association members may receive a phone call in the coming weeks aimed at collecting information about broadband service.

In recent months, co-op officials have polled members regarding whether to offer broadband service or not. The rural electric utility gathered some 5,600 responses from mail-in surveys, with about 3,600 of those supporting leveraging the Association’s assets to fund the project. But 4-County officials want more input.

The cooperative has enlisted the services of the Social Science Research Center (SSRC) at Mississippi State University. The research center will conduct random polling via telephone calls.

Members may receive a call from a 325 prefix. 4-County officials are encouraging members to participate in the random survey, if contacted. “We will continue to work with the SSRC to collect more data and we will provide an update when that project is complete,” said 4-County Manager of Marketing and Public Relations Jon Turner.

4-County officials hope to have a decision on the matter before the end of the year.

For more information, members can contact the utility at broadband@4county.org, or call 1-800-431-1544.

a ceremony at the co-op’s Starkville office.

The $1,000 scholarship is in honor of the life of Lake Little, a 2018 4-County Youth Leadership delegate who passed away unexpectedly in 2019.

Lake’s parents, David and Pattie Little were on hand and lauded Smith as a worthy recipient of the award.

Smith’s plans include attending college, possibly studying political science. She is the daughter of Carol Smith.

COVID-19 update 4-County Electric Power Association continues to provide services to its members.

Office lobbies, however, remain closed for business in observance of COVID-19 recommendations and precautions.

Office drive-through services remain open. Members can also find out more about services by calling 1-800-431-1544 or checking out the 4-County website, www.4county.org, or using the 4-County app.

Line crews continue to work. Co-op officials are continuing to do everything they can to ensure safe, reliable and efficient electricity to its members. That will not change.

4-County leadership continues to monitor the latest information on COVID-19.

Please call 1-800-431-1544 with questions.

JULY 2020 | TODAY 13

4-County

Online Annual Meeting held June 4

Members of 4-County Electric Power Association viewed the co-op’s 2020 Annual Meeting from the comfort of their own homes.

In following with COVID-19 guidelines and recommendations, 4-County officials made the decision to have the meeting online. Members tuned in June 4 by accessing the 4-County YouTube channel, Facebook page, or by dialing in.

“Even though this isn’t our normal meeting format, we’re thankful to interact with our members. We look forward to having a more traditional format, hopefully, next year,” 4-County CEO Brian Clark said at the beginning of the meeting.

Two incumbent directors were re-elected, Mike Banks (representing District 4, Noxubee County) and Bill Bell 14 TODAY | JULY 2020

(representing District 7, At-Large). They will serve three-year terms.

Members viewing the meeting also heard business and financial reports from co-op officials. Clark said the coop is beginning its fiscal year without a rate increase. He also lauded the cooperative for its response to COVID-19 challenges and to recent storms (in particular, those in April that left 70 broken poles in their wake). Clark applauded the 4-County Foundation, which recently surpassed the $1 million mark in giving. The Foundation also awarded $24,000 (assisted by a TVA match) to its service area to assist in COVID-19 relief efforts (particularly to assist food pantries).

The 4-County CEO emphasized the co-op’s dedication to community through its programs and employee volunteer efforts.

He also provided 4-County members with an update on the co-op’s research on broadband. The Association was hoping to announce the results of a recent member survey about the issue, but that process has been delayed. “As our members know, we recently conducted a survey of our membership on our potential broadband project. We were working with the Mississippi State University Social Science Research Center (SSRC) to collect the results and collate and interpret the data for us. Unfortunately, at the time we began the survey, the country began to suffer the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the SSRC was unable to participate in collection and were forced to delay the reporting of the survey data. We had hoped to have a full report ready for release today, but we won’t have deep data for a few more weeks. We are continuing to work with the SSRC and we may even do more polling to make sure we understand what our members think. Right now, our raw data shows that about 5,500 members responded. We want to thank those members who participated and let everyone know that the results will be delayed and we’ll keep everyone updated as we move forward,” Clark said. The co-op plans to have a decision this fall on whether or not to offer broadband service.

Board President Jay Gilliland said, since its inception 81 years ago, the co-op has continued to provide reliable, affordable power to its members. “We hope to do so for another 81 years,” Gilliland told those watching and listening.

Clark said the co-op remains focused on safety. “We have achieved over 1 million hours without a lost time accident, for the second time in 4-County’s history. We are actually right at 1.2 million hours without a lost time accident. Let’s keep it up!”

Annual meeting prizes and broadband survey participation prizes, including two retired 4-County fleet trucks, were awarded during the meeting, Truck winners were Joyce Allen and Thomas Breland.

ANNUAL MEETING PRIZES: Retired 4-County fleet truck • Joyce Allen, Oktibbeha County

$1,000 Credit • Jeff Peeples, Clay County • Laquinta Jones, Lowndes County • Brittney Jeffcoats, Oktibbeha County

$100 Credit • Maggie Turner, Noxubee County • Merle Gammill, Choctaw County • Larry Ballard, Lowndes County • Martina Wilson, Lowndes County • Harold George, Oktibbeha County • Beverly Willhite, Webster County • Gregory Stewart, Lowndes County • Cindy Lockhart, Oktibbeha County • Damon Snead, Lowndes County • Kent Morris, Oktibbeha County

Broadband Survey Grand Prizes, Retired 4-County fleet truck • Tom Breland, Oktibbeha County Electric Yard Tools • David Cotton, Noxubee County $500 Credit • Kandy Hines, Monroe County JULY 2020 | TODAY 15

E S

Finance home energy upgrades with 4-County On-bill financing for home energy upgrades — including heating and air — is now available for qualified 4-County Electric Power Association members.

4-County is now offering a convenient way to pay for energy efficiency improvements in your home, to include HVAC, insulation, weatherization and more through the co-op’s eScore program.

4-County members who qualify can finance up to $15,000 for 10 years and pay it off monthly incorporated into their power bills. Currently the loans have a 6% interest rate, at least through Sep. 31 and members must own the home, have lived there for at least 12 months, have a 625 or higher Beacon Score and have a favorable payment history with 4-County.

To find out more, go online to www.2escore.com and sign up, or give us a call at 1-800-431-1544.

Making your home more energy efficient doesn’t have to be rocket science. That’s why 4-County Electric Power Association has teamed up with the Tennessee Valley Authority on our eScore program. eScore is a residential energy efficiency program that provides homeowners with guidance and incentives that upgrade their homes to their most energy efficient levels. A 4-County energy advisor will come to member homes and give them eScores — from 1 to 10 — letting members know how energy efficient their homes are.

They’ll also get a list of recommendations on how they can get their eScore to a 10 (the highest score) by taking steps such as adding insulation, window

16 TODAY | JULY 2020

replacements, an HVAC upgrade, and more.

Members will use one of 4-County’s quality contractors to do the work. And, even better, members get cash incentives when the work is complete. You can continue to do improvements over time, get incentives and work towards a 10 score — all at your own pace.

The incentives are available to single-family homeowners.

Qualified members can take advantage of financing, but any 4-County residential member can call for an inspection and an eScore to find out how energy efficient their home is and what steps can be taken to achieve their home’s best possible energy performance.

For more information, visit 4-County’s website at www.4county.org and look for the eScore link, or call us at 1-800-431-1544.

4-County offices will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. A dispatcher will be on hand at 1-800-431-1544 to handle member inquiries.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

A little hard work never hurt anybody An honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.

That pretty much sums it up for 4-County Electric Power Association’s Tre Samuel. Each morning, as he straps his boots up tight, the Apprentice Lineman III hits the floor looking to give it his all to keep the lights burning bright.

Trevan “Tre” Samuel of Starkville serves as an Apprentice Lineman III on the Corporate Center crew of Wyatt Pumphrey. Tre studied at East Central Community College (ECCC).

He is a graduate of East Mississippi Community College’s Lineman Program.

When did his interest in line work begin? “I have always enjoyed working outside in a job where I know I accomplish something.

You put the work into it and the job gets done. As a lineman, I can do that,” Tre explained.

Prior to 4-County, Tre worked for the City of Starkville’s Water Department.

Growing up, Tre learned the ins and outs of hard work by help-

ing his grandfather on the family farm. “I still enjoy working with him. He’s probably out there right now,” he said.

Tre graduated from New Hope High School in Columbus, earning accolades for his football prowess.

Following an appearance in the Mississippi High School All-Star Football Game, Tre played defensive end at ECCC in Decatur.

The camaraderie, family atmosphere and the contact were key reasons he enjoyed football.

He also enjoys watching Mississippi State University football and the San Francisco 49ers.

Tre enjoys exercise, especially lifting weights.

He attends St. Robertson Church in Clay County.

He is an avid deer hunter. “It’s just fun being outside in nature. I enjoy getting on my four-wheeler and going.”

What does he enjoy about being a lineman? “The experience,” he answered. New challenges every day “help you grow and mature,” Tre added.

The young lineman said he watches and learns from his veteran counterparts. “I observe and listen to the older linemen,” Tre said.

“That’s the way to learn.”

Tre describes 4-County as a home away from home. “Everybody sticks together, especially the guys on the line crews. We have to do that.”

He began his 4-County career in August 2018 and hopes it ends many years down the road. “It’s been everything I imagined.”

New employees join co-op team Two new employees have joined the 4-County Electric Power Association team.

Brandon Worrell of Starkville is serving as an Apprentice Lineman IV on Tim Adkins’ Corporate Center crew. His first day was in April, in the midst of a string of power restoration efforts.

He has an associate’s degree in forestry technology from East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), and is a graduate of EMCC’s Utility Lineworker Technology program.

Prior to 4-County, he worked for Narkeeta Forest Services.

In his spare time, Brandon enjoys hunting and fishing.

Isaac Carroll of Macon is serving as an Apprentice Lineman IV on Eric Yarbrough’s Corporate Center crew. He is studying business and marketing classes at EMCC, and is a graduate of EMCC’s Utility Lineworker Technology program.

Prior to 4-County, Isaac worked for Double D Carriers.

Isaac said he enjoys sharing his Christian faith. He is a ham radio operator.

Isaac Carroll

e m o c l e W

Brandon Worrell

to the 4-County team, guys!

JULY 2020 | TODAY 17

LE E TART T NATU RE PRES E RVE:

A Heros Outdoor Refuge NOT FAR FROM THE SQUARE IN DOWNTOWN GRENADA , THERE’ S AN URBAN FOREST ON 30 0 ACRES ON THE BANKS OF THE YALOBU SHA RIVER .

by Steven Ward Local artist Robin Whitfield, who landed in Grenada in 1996 to paint murals for a public school, had never spent time in a swamp before walking from her home studio to the urban forest.

“It captivated me from day one. I would explore the area every day, slowly learning the names and relationships of the plants and animals there,” Whitfield said.

She “fell head over heels for this special and magical place” and became an Audubon Master Naturalist soon after.

Today, Whitfield is the director of the Lee Tartt Nature Preserve, the name of the acreage which was previously called the Chakchiuma Swamp Natural Area.

The preserve is a bottomland hardwood forest featuring a series of interconnected oxbow lakes known as the Chakchiuma Swamp.

The city-owned property’s westbound boundary is Highway 51 and the northern boundary is Highway 332 leading to the 18 TODAY | JULY 2020

Grenada Lake dam and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers floodplain property known as the Haserway Wetland Area.

The preserve provides a constant feast of caterpillars for birds year around. Notable summer birds are the prothonotary warbler, summer tanager, white-eyed and yellow-throated vireo, northern parula, yellow billed cuckoo and snowy egret.

Notable winter birds are the hermit thrush, wood duck, brown creeper, red crowned kinglet and yellow-bellied sapsucker. The year around residents include barred owl, red shouldered hawk, northern cardinal, turkey vulture and woodpeckers — pileated, red bellied and downy, Whitfield added. The caterpillars fill the preserve with butterflies and moths notably zebra swallowtail whose host plant is pawpaw, gulf fritillary whose host plant is passion vine and luna moth whose host plant is sweetgum.

“The oxbow lakes are cut off from the river keeping them cool and clear most of the year,” Whitfield said. And it wouldn’t be a swamp without turtles, frogs, fish and reptiles. photo by Marianne Todd

A

magical P L A C E

The preserve currently has duty, he liked to hand fish short walking trails in three in the Yalobusha River, locations, an observation deck overlooking the swamp according to his brother, Keith Tartt. and oxbow lake access for paddlers. Whitfield’s volunteer When he was on duty, he worked as a special agent for group, Friends of Chakchiuma Swamp, is working with arthe Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. A perfect shot, Keith chitects to create a masterplan that will feature a handicap Tartt said, his brother was also a member of the Mississippi accessible interpretive trail, three Department of Public Safety SWAT miles of walking trails, boardteam. The 44-year-old law enforcewalks through the wetlands and ment officer was shot and killed in grasslands, quiet nature viewing It captivated me from day one. February 2016 when he and other benches, a natural children’s play I would explore the area every authorities responded to a domestic area and a classroom size pavilion. day, slowly learning the names dispute at a home near Iuka in Whitfield said visitors come to Tishomingo County. and relationships of the plants the preserve for many reasons but An armed man was holding his and animals there. the swamp itself seems to be the wife and 10-year-old daughter in a main attraction. Guests sit on the observation house and he refused to come out after more deck or float in a kayak. They fish, paddle, than six hours of hostage negotiations, according take photographs, paint, go birding and set up to reporting by the Associated Press. picnics in the preserve.

Tartt was one of four officers that went inside The preserve was named after James Lee when the man and police officers started shooting Tartt, who was passionate about the outdoors. at each other. Lee Tartt was shot and killed that A Grenada native, he grew up on a farm and day. The other three officers were injured. loved hunting and fishing. When he was off Continued on next page

JAMES

Lee T A R T T

Conservation

The woman and her daughter escaped the home alive. The armed man holding them there was shot and killed by police during the standoff.

How the preserve became named after Lee Tartt, involves someone who remains anonymous to this day.

The Friends of Chakchiuma Swamp wanted to save the acreage from inclusion in a citywide timber harvest. An anonymous donor loaned the group $300,000 to win the bid in the timber sale purchasing all of the trees in the 300 acres, Whitfield said. He then offered half of it back as a matching donor so every time someone donates, 50 cents is added to every $1. The deal paved the way to a 60-year lease of the property with the city.

Keith Tartt said one of the conditions of the deal by the donor was to name the preserve after his brother. The preserve was named after Lee Tartt in 2018.

When asked what Lee would have thought about the naming of the preserve, Keith Tartt recalled his younger brother’s personality.

“I’m sure he would have been proud. But Lee was a very humble person. He was a quiet guy. He liked to be in the background. He didn’t toot his own horn,” Keith Tartt said.

After Lee Tartt died, his brother was going through his things and came across a box. Inside were all kinds of law enforcement awards he never told anyone about.“He won the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Agent of the Year award twice. Once posthumously. He won an award of valor twice

20 TODAY | JULY 2020

too, once also posthumously,” Keith Tartt said.

Keith Tartt, a member of the nature preserve’s board of directors, said he hopes that the future of the swamp area becomes part of city plans for downtown Grenada’s revival.

“It’s all part of a bigger vision and this would add a nature presence which would be vital for the community,” Keith Tartt said.

Whitfield said the mission of the nature preserve is “conservation through creativity, curiosity and community connection.”

“Through all that we have experienced as an organization and with observations of nature our motto is ‘everything is connected.’ Events, workshops, partnerships and conservation workdays are how we fulfill our mission,” Whitfield said.

Whitfield said she finds a few minutes or a few hours to spend at the preserve every day.

“I never tire of seeing what’s different from the day before and making new connections. I have never been disappointed in a visit and have always left with abundant gifts, Whitfield said. “While wandering around I think things like ‘wow!

There’s my favorite flower!’ or ‘that is the most amazing tree I have ever seen!’ or ‘Does it get any more peaceful than this moment?’ Considering I have these thoughts everyday about totally different things, the only conclusion I can draw is that my favorite part of the preserve is simply having the privilege of being there in that moment.”

Visit www.friends-of-cs.org or call 662-230-0368 or email friendsofcsna@gmail.com for more information.

ssissippi marketplace outdoors today p picture this my opinion grin ‘n’ bare it

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1. Two Mississippi River bridges in Natchez, by Kelsey Bass of Smithdale; Magnolia Electric Power member.

7. Bay St. Louis train bridge and harbor, by Joe Swaykos of Pass Christian; Coast Electric member.

2. Early morning turkey hunt at Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge,

by Grant Hartman of Collinsville; East Mississippi EPA member.

8. Waveland beach, by Heather Atwood of Tylertown; Magnolia Electric Power member.

3. Roosevelt State Park, by Melissa Loper of Brandon; Central EPA member.

9. Mississippi Coast Lighthouse, by Rhonda Drummond of Greenwood; Delta Electric member.

4. Watching the birds and waves in Biloxi, by Rashonda Waldrop of Purvis; Pearl River Valley EPA member.

5. Gulf Islands seashore, by Rebekah Pope of Ocean Springs; Singing River Electric member.

6. Flint Creek Water Park in Wiggins, by Teri Trotter of Byram; Southern Pine Electric member.

22 TODAY | JULY 2020

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10. A full moon at Cat Island, by Carol Terrrell of Ruleville; Delta Electric member.

11. Sunset at Biloxi beach, by April Ray of Decatur; Southern Pine Electric member.

12. On the Fair River in Lawrence County, by Tim Lea of Monticello; Southern Pine Electric member

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13. Possum Walk Trail in Logtown, by Cathy Boyet of Pearlington; Coast Electric member.

19. Sunset over Mississippi River at Natchez, by Kathy Tourne of Carriere; Coast Electric member.

14. The banks of Bear Creek at Tishomingo State Park, by Jason Heavner of Oxford; North East EPA member.

20. Swimming at home in Carriere, by Lisa Treuting of Carriere; Coast Electric member.

15. Horn Island on the Gulf of Mexico, by Debbie Scott of Pascagoula; Singing River Electric member.

21. Gulf Coast, by Trish Little of Magee; Southern Pine Electric member.

16. Kayaking on the lake at Little Black Creek in Lumberton, by Teresa Adams of Picayune; Coast Electric member..

17. Sunrise in Biloxi, by Alan Hofstetter of Gautier; Singing River Electric member.

18. Rocky Springs along the Natchez Trace Parkway, by Perla Ruby Arellano of West Point; 4-County Electric member.

22. Horn Island camping trip, by Amanda Norris of New Augusta; Pearl River Valley EPA member.

23. Arlo Wilkinson having fun at Middlefork Creek in Franklin County,

by Daisy Arnold of Meadville; Southwest Electric member.

JULY 2020 | TODAY 23

mississippi seen

mississippi is...

events

mississippi marketplace on the menu outdoors today scene around the ‘sip picture this my opinion co-op involvement southern gardening

grin ‘n’ bare it

with Rebecca Turner

July 4th celebrates the birth of American independence.

Traditional festivities range from fireworks, parades, concerts and cookouts. This summer will be anything but conventional as our communities continue to work together to socially distance and slow the spread of COVID-19. Our outdoor gatherings may be more intimate, but that doesn’t mean barbeques are off-limits. Enjoying a wholesome meal cooked outside at home can boost your physical and mental health.

Incorporate these simple tips to enjoy a fun, flavorful, and nutritious patio meal.

Your Mississippi farmers and fishers need you now more than ever, so be sure to think local when you shop for lean proteins. Processed meats like hot dogs, sausages and some red meats are high in saturated fats and sodium, which can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. Make the switch to leaner cuts of beef such as the eye of round, sirloin, or skirt steak. Choose 80 to 95% lean ground beef or turkey for burgers. Make your ground meat budget and nutrition go further by adding in black beans, kernel corn, or finely grated zucchini or carrots to patties, meatloaves, spaghetti and tacos.

A cookout isn’t complete without side dishes. You can focus on our patriotic colors, red, white and blue, during July, 24 TODAY | JULY 2020

and be surprised by the variety of foods and the wealth of nutrition each color offers. Mississippi gardens are brimming with red produce like beets, radishes, peppers, onions, potatoes, rhubarb and tomatoes. Red fruits include cherries, raspberries, apples, strawberries and watermelons. Bring white produce to the table with cauliflower, garlic, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, potatoes, turnips, white corn and white beans. Using the color blue loosely, and including those that are purplish-colored, too, gives you more options like blackberries, blueberries, eggplants, figs, grapes, plums, potatoes and raisins.

Upgrade your side dish recipes to include more hearthealthy ingredients. Remove or reduce saturated fats by substituting plain Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. Instead of sugary baked beans, try white corn and bean salad or a tri-colored potato salad. Choose a variety of seasonal vegetables marinated with herbs and olive oil. Grill whole carrots, or make vegetable kebabs using cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms and onions brushed with a vinaigrette dressing.

A fresh fruit salad or Smith County watermelon is a refreshing way to add something sweet to any meal.

Get outside, light the grill, and enjoy a meal fit for a celebration.

INGREDIENTS ¼ cup blueberries, fresh ½ cup cauliflower florets, halved ½ cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved ½ cup feta cheese crumbles (optional) spinach leaves 2 tablespoons, dressing of choice Using a wide-mouth mason jar, assemble your salad. Add the desired dressing to the bottom. Sturdy vegetables like cauliflower and tomatoes go in first. Next, add a layer of spinach, followed by chickpeas and feta crumbles — another handful of spinach, followed by blueberries. Fill the mason jar to the top with spinach. When ready to eat, shake the mason jar to cover the content with the dressing. Eat from the jar or transfer to a plate. Make several ahead of time for the week.

INGREDIENTS 3 pounds (about 4 cups) small red, white and purple potatoes, halved 1 tablespoon dried parsley (3 tablespoons fresh) 1 teaspoon dried dill (1 tablespoon fresh) ¼ cup chopped red onion ¼ cup white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons stone ground mustard ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper (or to taste) Place halved red and white potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Bring potatoes to a full boil and boil for 13-15 minutes or until potatoes can easily be pierced with a fork.

Drain potatoes, pat dry with a paper towel and transfer to a large bowl.

To avoid purple or blue potatoes from bleeding onto the others, boil separately, using the same instructions for the red and white potatoes.

While cooked red, white and blue potatoes are cooling in a large bowl, form the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together parsley, dill, onions, vinegar, olive oil, mustard, salt and pepper.

Pour dressing over slightly warm potatoes and gently toss to cover.

Serve potato salad warm, room temperature, or chilled. *Look for the tri-colored baby potatoes or purchase 1 pound bags of each. This recipe still works well with single colored potatoes, too.

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.

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mississippi is...

events

mississippi marketplace The 30th Bruce Sawmill Festival, July 10Many planned summer events were canceled because of the COVID-19 crisis, so we have onDowntown the menu outdoors today 11, Bruce.

Bruce Square. The had far fewer events to feature in this space as a result. As more areas of Mississippi open back up and groups and organizations feel comfortable about holding public events, we event features a 5K run/walk, arts and intend to include those details here. So,this if you have an upcoming event for August and scene around the picture crafts, food vendors, and a car, tractor, and ‘sip September, please email the details to news@ecm.coop. motorcycle show. Live entertainment on theco-op Cannon Motors entertainment stage my opinion involvement starts Friday at 6 p.m. and starts back at 9 a.m. Saturday and runs through to Saturday night with the headliner band, The Jason Miller Band. Details: 662-983-2222.

southern gardening

The 42nd Mississippi Watermelon Festival, July 17-18, Mize. Proceeds go to the Mize Volunteer Fire Department. Country singer Colt Ford performs Saturday at 8 p.m. Gates open Friday at 3:30 p.m. and Saturday at 8:30 a.m. See display advertisement on Page 5. Details: 601-517-3510.

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Employees are local residents who share a personal and professional interest in the well-being of their community.

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Roof only, open gables - $3950

jregister@registermetals.com

Prices do not include tax and delivery

2811 26th Ave., Gulfport, MS • Highland Home, AL

Mississippi Veterans’

Home Purchase Program Mississippi Veterans’ Home Purchase Board Must be Mississippi Veteran to qualify

Loans up to $400,000

15 year *2.5% 30 year *2.75% (APR 2.507%)

(APR 2.754%)

• No Origination Fee • No Discount Points • No Processing Fee • No Underwriting Fee

Call: 601-576-4800 Mississippi Veterans State Sponsored Benefit

Email: vhpbinfo@vhpb.state.ms.us Web: www.vhpb.vlending.com -or- www.vhpb.ms.gov

*Rates can change without notice

Waiting for the

They would let us climb up on the roof of the house the night of July 4th to watch the fireworks over Lake Ferguson from the Greenville waterfront so we wouldn’t have to go down there. We lived a mile or so away, as the crow flies. Getting to go up on the roof was an adventure for us kids.

The big fireworks show was the culmination of the 4th. It started off pretty much like any other summer morning. Help mama, take out the garbage, watch my little brother. But the day set itself apart after lunch. An ice cream freezer or two (depending on whether we had company or not) would come out and the ice around the drum was salted. By midafternoon, the cranks started getting harder to turn; a sure sign that the cream inside was just about right.

Then someone would start hauling out the watermelons that had been chilling in wash tubs since midmorning. There is no sound like a ripe watermelon being stabbed with a butcher knife and then splitting open. And there is no smell like the instant sweetness in the air that follows.

Fireworks for us didn’t have to wait until dark. We’d pop our own firecrackers any time. As a matter of fact, it didn’t wait until the 4th. We would have already been popping them for days in advance.

Supper might be hamburgers or hot dogs. And then we’d hear the first “boom” from the waterfront and scamper to the roof.

Some of the rockets didn’t fly too high and we’d just see a flash in the sky like heat lightning from where they had exploded below the tree line. But some of them would climb and climb and climb and then pop into a big dandelion seed puff of light way up there.

Why is that so exciting to see when you are young? And then all too soon came the fireworks. The whole sky would light up with explosions all over at once. We could hear the faint car horns of approval from the waterfront all the way to our roof.

We carried some of that over into adulthood. While the “old folks” were still here we’d go to mama and daddy’s for the 4th, sometimes. Usually we’d all congregate at an aunt and uncle’s house down the street. There would still be ice cream — with an electric freezer by then — and watermelon. We could hear fireworks all over, from the kids in a nearby neighborhood, mostly.

And then after dark, the big “boom” of the serious rockets over the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway a mile or so away from where mom and dad had moved after all of us left home.

This year? I’ll swing on the front porch after dark and listen to the small snaps and pops in the neighborhoods around. And wait for the big “boom” from the Barnett Reservoir — a mile or so away.

Happy 4th everybody.

by Walt Grayson Walt Grayson is the host of “Mississippi Roads” on Mississippi Public Broadcasting television and the author of two “Looking Around Mississippi” books and “Oh! That Reminds Me: More Mississippi Homegrown Stories.” He lives in Brandon and is a Central Electric member. Contact him at walt@waltgrayson.com.

JULY 2020 | TODAY 27

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