Issuu

NATIVE PLANTS

SPREAD

FISHING

My Opinion

Something you can count on

Here we are in November already. November signals more than just Thanksgiving, it signiﬁes the beginning of the entire holiday season.

Our cover story embodies that spirit with a longtime Christmas event that draws folks from all over the country and beyond — Trees of Christmas at Merrehope.

Tours at the Meridian mansion kick o this month on the 23rd and go through the season, wrapping up right after New Year’s Eve.

A regional production, decorators and designers traveled from Clarke County, Laurel, Philadelphia, Newton, Jasper County, the Gulf Coast, and from Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky to Merrehope to decorate the more than 70 trees featured at the event.

For many Mississippi families, Trees of Christmas at Merrehope is an annual tradition. This year’s event will be the 57th.

It’s something Mississippi families can count on, year after year.

Another thing Mississippi families can count on are their electric cooperatives.

The co-ops are always there in the background ensuring service to members.

Our priority is to provide a ordable, reliable energy for our local communities.

We are also committed to giving back to our communities in all the di erent ways we do. Whether it’s through putting on membership events for fellowship, hosting our youth leadership program, or volunteering our time or money via community charities, you know you can count on your electric co-op.

We hope you have a great holiday season and enjoy the issue.

by Michael Callahan

Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

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.

Submit your beautiful digital photo of life in Mississippi to Today in Mississippi, news@ecm.coop

The 57th Trees of Christmas at Merrehope event kicks o this

The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Vol. 78 No. 11

OFFICERS

Brian Long - President

Shawn Edmondson - First Vice President

Brian Clark - Second Vice President

Je Bowman - Secretary/Treasurer

Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO

EDITORIAL STAFF

Lydia Walters - VP, Communications

Steven Ward - Editor

Chad Calcote - Creative Director

Kevin Wood - Graphic Designer

Alan Burnitt - Graphic Designer

Jill Sowell - Graphic Designer

Whitley Daughtry - Graphic Designer

Chris Alexander - Member Services Coordinator

Andy Tuccio - Media Solutions Director

Steve Temple - Social Media Director

Julienne Sones - Communication Assistant

EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING – 601-605-8600

For delivery questions or issues, call your local co-op.

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: 468,613 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 o ce. The publisher (and/or its agent) reserves the right to refuse or edit all advertising. The magazine is published for members of subscribing co-ops. The magazine is a bene t of membership.

POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2) NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Electronic address returns requested.

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A Christmas tree from a past Trees of Christmas at Merrehope event in Meridian. Photo provided by event organizers.

Singing River member wins NRECA scholarship

Singing River Electric member Kevin McLain has been awarded a $1,000 Glenn English National Cooperative Leadership Foundation scholarship.

Since its inception in 2014, the Glenn English National Cooperative Leadership Foundation has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to NRECA’s Electric Cooperative Youth Tour alumni. The foundation works to encourage educational advancement by awarding higher education scholarships to eligible students.

McLain, 19, is majoring in business administration at Mississippi State University.

Here is a Q/A with McLain about the Electric Cooperative of Mississippi’s Cooperative Youth Leaders program.

Dream job:

A managerial position in a company and to lead my employees by making a positive impact in their lives.

Hometown and what you like best about it: Waynesboro. I like that it’s a relatively small town where everybody seems to know each other, so you will always have somebody to talk to when you are out and about.

Youth Tour year and how the experience shaped you: 2023. The experience of Youth Tour expanded my outlook on life by showing me how far my leadership values can reach and by connecting me with leaders around the world.

What would you like people to know about electric co-ops?

Electric co-ops are ﬁlled with some of the most passionate and caring people in the world. These individuals are dedicated to their respective communities and to the youth. They have inspired me to reach new heights, and I hope they continue to inspire more youth around the world.

Two industrial properties earn SiteInvest designations

Cooperative Energy reported that two industrial properties have earned the prestigious SiteInvest Premier Property designation, highlighting their advanced readiness and strong potential for industrial development, according to a news release. This recognition positions these sites among the most competitive industrial properties in Mississippi and reﬂects Cooperative Energy’s ongoing commitment to driving economic growth across the state. The 2025 honorees were selected following a rigorous evaluation led by third-party engineering ﬁ rm Burns & McDonnell, as part of Cooperative Energy’s strategic initiative to enhance industrial property readiness.

The 2025 properties are MS-98 Industry Plex North – Marion County Port Bienville Industrial Park – Hancock County

These two newly designated properties join a select group of only six other sites recognized in 2024, further expanding Mississippi’s portfolio of top-tier industrial locations. Collectively, more than $50 million has been invested in SiteInvest Premier Properties to date, supported by Cooperative Energy’s Cooperative Competes grant program, the Mississippi Development Authority’s Site Development Program, state and federal site development support programs, and signiﬁcant local contributions. These investments are advancing infrastructure, accelerating site readiness, and ensuring properties meet the standards required by today’s leading industries.

Launched in 2023, the SiteInvest program was created to elevate the competitiveness of industrial properties served by Cooperative Energy’s 11 Member electric cooperatives. The program complements broader economic development initiatives, including Cooperative Competes, which funds site improvements, workforce initiatives, and community development projects statewide.

“Achieving SiteInvest Premier Property status is an important milestone in positioning Mississippi as a destination for transformative industrial investment,” said Mitch Stringer, director of economic development at Cooperative Energy.

“The signiﬁcant ﬁ nancial resources committed to these sites demonstrate our partnership with state and local leaders to prepare communities for the next wave of economic opportunities.”

Southern Gardening

makes garden slope a major asset

Sometimes what moves a landscape from interesting to outstanding is a change in elevation.

What impressed me the most when I visited Gary Thompson’s garden in Meridian was his smart use of elevation. The shady space beautifully blends structure, texture and color. Natural stone steps lead down the slope, guiding visitors through layers of greenery and bursts of brilliant blooms.

Encore azaleas, with their glossy dark-green foliage, provide splashes of color in shades of pink and red. These azaleas are special because they bloom not just once in spring, but again in summer and fall, giving long-lasting color to shady corners.

Its sword-like leaves — striped green and edged in golden yellow — fan outward in dramatic spikes. This evergreen perennial stands tall through all seasons, and its architectural form adds structure while resisting drought and deterring deer.

Nestled nearby are shade-loving perennials, their varied leaf shapes and textures softening the planting beds and keeping the garden lush year-round.

At the edge of one planting, a variegated yucca makes a bold statement.

Further down the slope, ornamental variegated grasses ripple in the breeze. Their slender blades are streaked with creamy white and green. The grasses catch the sunlight and bring graceful motion to the garden.

Intermingled with these grasses are sunny Black-eyed Susans, their golden-yellow petals radiating like little suns around deep brown centers. These cheerful ﬂowers brighten the path and draw in butterﬂies and bees during the warm months.

At the heart of the garden lies Gary’s pride and joy, a tranquil waterfall.

A change in elevation makes this tranquil waterfall possible. Stacked ﬂagstones blend seamlessly with the surrounding plantings, and mossy crevices and lush, tropical-style plantings thrive in the misty humidity.

The water begins its journey at the top of the slope, spilling gently over stacked flagstones before tumbling down into a clear pool. The sound is soft and rhythmic, a soothing background that muffles neighborhood noise and invites guests to linger.

The stones are carefully arranged to look as though they’ve always been there, blending seamlessly with the surrounding plantings. In a few places, the water splashes over mossy crevices, adding a touch of natural wildness.

Around the waterfall, lush tropical-style plantings thrive in the misty humidity it creates.

Broad-leaved banana plants stretch skyward, their green foliage rustling in the breeze. Hydrangeas cluster nearby, their rounded blooms glowing softly in the dappled shade.

At the very edge of the water, pickerelweed has spikes of violet-blue flowers that sway above glossy, heartshaped leaves. Other water-loving plants filter the pool naturally. The whole landscape feels alive with movement and sound.

Gary’s backyard is a wonderful example of how thoughtful design and plant selection can transform a challenging slope into a layered paradise.

By blending evergreens, perennials, tropicals, and pollinator-friendly bloomers around the steady music of falling water, he has created a shady retreat that delights the senses and offers peace at every turn.

by Dr. Eddie Smith

Southern Gardening columnist Dr. Eddie Smith, a gardening specialist and Pearl River County coordinator with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, is an internationally certified arborist, Produce Safety Alliance certified trainer, and one of the developers of the Mississippi Smart Landscapes program that encourages the use of native plants in the landscape.

Cheerful Black-eyed Susans brighten the waterfall path and draw in butterflies and bees during the warm months.

The sword-like leaves of the variegated yucca make a bold statement. This evergreen perennial stands tall through the seasons, its architectural form adding structure to the landscape.

Outdoors Today

Leaving the Greenville Yacht Club dock, we headed down Lake Ferguson into the powerful Mississippi River current.

“The Mississippi River can be a very dangerous place,” warns David Magness with Cat’n Aroun’ Guide Service (901-356-1008, catnarounguideservice.com) from Hernando. “People need to respect the river, but it can produce some huge catﬁsh.”

Christopher Halley of Brookhaven holds the Mississippi state record for blue catﬁsh. He pulled a 104-pounder from the Mississippi River at Natchez in August 2022.

We didn’t catch any 100-pounders on this day, but some special people did land some special fish. Magness carried two Army soldiers on their first catfishing trip. Sta Sgt. Austin Leavitt from

Ogden, Utah, runs the Army recruiting o ce in Greenville with Sta Sgt. Overgie Wiley from Troy, Alabama.

“We went to the American Legion meeting in Greenville the night before,” Leavitt said. “It’s always a good time to sit around and just hear their great stories. It’s a brotherhood. We might have worn di erent uniforms, but it’s like we’ve known each other forever. We tease each other from di erent branches of the service, but if anyone messes with one of us, they are going to get all of us.”

Magness pulled up to one of his many spots on the mighty river and dropped the lines down to just above the bottom in about 45 to 60 feet of water. Wiley caught the first fish of the day and his first fish ever, a five-pound blue catfish.

Sta Sgt. Austin Leavitt from Ogden, Utah and Sta Sgt. Overgie Wiley from Troy, Alabama., both Army recruiters in Greenville, show o some blue catﬁsh they caught while ﬁshing the Mississippi River.

“It was an awesome experience,” Wiley said. “I didn’t get a chance to do much fishing or other outdoors activities when I was growing up. This was also the first time I had ever been in a boat. I had a great time. I’d love to see more events like this for other veterans. I feel that it brings a good camaraderie to the community and allows us to network with the community. It’s a great opportunity for us recruiters to get to know people.”

Leavitt followed next. He brought up a 13-pound catfish, his personal best fish. In Utah, he fished for trout.

“I’ve done lots of river and lake fishing, but nothing like on a boat in the Mississippi River. That was a new experience for sure.”

I’ve done lots of river and lake fishing, but nothing like on a boat in the Mississippi River. That was a new experience for sure.

The youngest member of our expedition landed the biggest one. On another boat, David’s friend Keith Powers brought out Michael Holiman of Greenville and his 14-yearold son, Micaiah. On this special day for veterans, they fished in honor of Micaiah’s grandfather, Anthony Holiman, who served with the Army in Vietnam.

“Micaiah had an absolute blast,” his father remarks. “Micaiah loves fishing, but it’s never outside of a pond in the neighborhood. This was his first guided fishing trip, first catfish, first time on the Mississippi River, and he caught his personal best biggest fish to date, a 14-pound catfish.”

“I had a good time,” Micaiah said summing it up for everyone. “I caught my first catfish and my biggest fish ever so far. We had a great day.”

by John N. Felsher

is a professional freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer, and editor who lives in Alabama. An avid sportsman, he’s written more than 3,300 articles for more than 170 different magazines on a wide variety of outdoors topics. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com.

John

Felsher

Micaiah Holiman, 14, of Greenville (right) shows off his first catfish and personal best fish. He caught it while fishing the Mississippi River out of Greenville with Keith Powers.

Medicine wheel garden through its native plants

by Lici Beveridge

Like a resurrection fern, the native people of Mississippi are awakening from a long sleep, ready to embrace the world again.

That is the story shared by Tammy Greer, founder of the Center for American Indian Research and Studies at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg and a member of the United Houma Nation. The university is home to a medicine wheel garden that not only shares the story of the state’s native plants, but also tells the story of Mississippi’s history.

“People were telling me they thought we were extinct, but we’re not,” Greer said. “All we need is a little bit of water, a little attention, a little bit of something to elevate our culture.”

The garden, nestled between the university’s International and Liberal Arts buildings, was started in 2005, and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in November, which is also Native American Heritage Month.

“During fourth grade, kids are learning about Mississippi history, and what they’re learning a lot of times is just pan-Indian stu ,” Greer said. “So, we would have games that were native Mississippi games. Sometimes we would let them build mounds and talk about the mound-building culture.

“These are native Mississippi experiences. They can’t get that in school.”

In the garden, visitors can ﬁnd plants like boneset, yaupon, palmetto, elderﬂower, American beautyberry … the list goes on. Each plant has a purpose, sometimes several purposes, Greer said.

The plants inside the garden were what indigenous people used for food, medicine, pigments, rituals, housing, weapons, and well, just about anything you can imagine.

Before the garden was built, the elders told Greer they had lost touch with a lot of their culture and didn’t know how to use the rich botanical resources at their disposal. And, in 2004, Joe Bohanon, a former student at Southern Miss, suggested the garden as a way for indigenous people, especially students, to get in touch with their roots.

Greer and Bohanon started planning, and received a small grant to get the garden started. Greer asked the university for space to build it. She said she expected an o -campus location, but to her surprise, she was given space behind the International Center, where students could visit and tend the garden daily.

The garden gradually grew, with new topsoil and a few plants as money or donations became available until one day, Joe and Merrill Willis, a couple from the Oxford area, arrived with a truck bed and trailer full of plants native to Mississippi.

A call went out for volunteers to get the plants in the ground right away, and literally overnight the garden was robust and ﬂourishing.

The garden is four-directional, meaning its paths face east and west, north and south, with each direction signifying a time of year coinciding with the four seasons.

Over the last 20 years, the garden has welcomed thousands of visitors, who come to learn about the plants, native American culture, Mississippi history, botany, and anthropology.

Mississippi once was home to dozens of tribes of indigenous peoples. That number dwindled over time, with tribal members scattered throughout the Southeast. The groups are gathering again to rebuild their communities and regain the traditions that were once lost to them, to be a people no longer “extinct.”

Anyone is welcome to visit the garden year-round with no admission fee. Signage helps visitors learn about the garden, the plants and cultural significance. Or, they can find a quiet place of reflection at the center of the wheel, Greer said.

“A lot of people go and sit in the center of the garden,” Greer said. “I ﬁnd people out there all the time when I go harvest seeds.”

Lici Beveridge is a freelance writer based in Hattiesburg.

To learn more about the garden, visit usm.edu/interdisciplinary-studies-professional-development/cairs.php.

Tammy Greer

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Powered by progress, rooted in gratitude

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a time for reﬂecting on the journey we’ve shared as a cooperative. I’ve had the privilege to call Dixie Electric home for 39 years. It’s been remarkable to see the co-op evolve through the years, with technology advancing at an astonishing pace. In many ways, these advancements have transformed how we serve you, enhancing reliability, convenience, and safety. But amid all the progress, one constant has remained: our unwavering commitment to our mission of powering communities and empowering lives.

When I fi rst joined Dixie Electric, many of our tools and processes were quite di erent from what you see today. We had a couple of digger trucks for setting poles and one bucket truck. Almost all the work of providing service and restoring power involved the linemen climbing poles. They still climb poles today, but the fleet of vehicles and the specialized tools we have now allow our linemen to work safer and more e ciently than in the past. Not only does this equipment protect our men and women in the field, but it also allows us to restore power faster when outages occur. These improvements reflect our commitment to continually investing in both our people and the resources they need to serve you well.

It’s not just vehicles and tools that have transformed the way we serve. Innovations in technology — from automated meter reading to modern outage management systems — have enabled us to improve service for our members, respond faster

to outages, and o er more convenience in how you manage your energy use. These advancements ensure that we’re not only meeting today’s needs but preparing for the future. Our priority has always been, and continues to be, delivering the reliable, a ordable service our members expect.

But even with all this change, the single greatest asset we have continues to be our people, the ones who make up this cooperative. We are fortunate to have a dedicated team that works diligently and a committed board of directors that has supported and guided us at every turn. At Dixie Electric, our goal is to be more than just a power provider — we are neighbors, friends, and partners in the growth of our community.

This Thanksgiving, I want to thank you for being part of our co-op family and for placing your trust in us. As we continue to advance and adapt, you can count on us to stay focused on what matters most: empowering lives and powering the communities we all call home.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Dixie Electric!

by Randy Smith

General Manager

Powering connections:

partnering with our schools for safety and learning

by Amanda Mills

As both a communicator for Dixie Electric and a mom, I know how important it is for children to receive the right lessons at the right time. Electricity and the internet bring countless opportunities into our homes, but they also carry risks. That’s why I was so proud to help launch our very ﬁ rst Powering Connections event this September.

As an electric cooperative, we feel called to help teach children the dangers of electricity and how to stay safe around it.

On Sept. 18, we welcomed 36 educators representing 24 schools across our seven-county service area to our headquarters in Laurel. Principals, counselors, career coaches, and teachers gathered for one common purpose: to learn how Dixie Electric and DE Fastlink can partner with them to better equip their students.

Many schools didn’t realize the variety of resources we o er. From electric safety demonstrations and bucket truck displays to STEM activities, youth leadership programs, and internet safety

presentations, our team has developed ways to make learning hands-on and memorable. One of the highlights of the day was giving educators the chance to try a STEM activity themselves — the same type of activity our employees bring into classrooms. It was fun to watch them dive in and enjoy what their students would soon experience.

For us, this isn’t just about outreach — it’s about responsibility. As an electric cooperative, we feel called to help teach children the dangers of electricity and how to stay safe around it. With the addition of high-speed internet in our communities, the responsibility extends to helping students navigate the online world safely, too. As parents ourselves, we understand just how critical these lessons are.

Powering Connections gave us the opportunity to not only share these resources but also build lasting partnerships with our local schools. We’re grateful for the chance to walk alongside educators in preparing the next generation, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. Educators who would like to schedule Dixie Electric or DE Fastlink to visit their school for a classroom presentation or demonstration are encouraged to reach out. To learn more or to schedule a visit, contact Melanie Driskell at 601-425-2535 or email melaniedriskell@dixieepa.com.

Remem ing Jennifer Penton

by Amanda Mills

Dixie Electric Power Association is mourning the loss of one of our own, Jennifer Penton, who passed away on Sept. 27. Jennifer was a familiar face to many of our members and a beloved part of the Dixie Electric family for over 20 years.

Jennifer began her career at Dixie Electric in June 2005 as a cashier trainee in the Petal o ce. From her ﬁrst day, she was known for her politeness, initiative, and eagerness to learn. Her dedication and care for members quickly stood out, and in Jan. 2012, she was promoted to senior member service representative — a role she faithfully served in until her passing.

Her coworkers remember her as someone who led by example, never hesitating to step in and help when needed. Whether assisting a member with a question or supporting her fellow team members, Jennifer always approached her work with kindness and professionalism. Her presence in the Petal o ce was not just valued — it was cherished.

“Working with Jennifer was a privilege,” said Petal District Supervisor Jerry Gibson. “I never had to worry about member service because she had the knowledge and skill to take care of just about everything that came through the o ce. Beyond being coworkers, we were close friends, and it’s hard to put into words the weight of her loss. Jennifer will be deeply missed by both her coworkers and the members she cared for so well.”

“Jennifer was the embodiment of kindness and gentleness,” said General Manager Randy Smith. “I can’t remember ever hearing a cross word from Jennifer about anyone, even members who had been rude or ugly. I can’t imagine anyone better suited for the job she had in Petal than Jennifer. We are going to miss her."

Beyond her career, Jennifer’s greatest pride and joy were her two children, Tyler and Breanna. She treasured every moment with them, and her devotion as a mother was evident to all who knew her.

Jennifer’s sudden passing leaves a tremendous void, both within her family and in our cooperative family. She will be deeply missed by her coworkers, our members, and the community she served with such dedication.

The Foster Backpack Program

Tickets are $25 each. Buy four tickets for $100 and receive a ﬁfth bonus ticket!

• First drawing will be Monday, Dec. 1, and continue each weekday through Tuesday, Dec. 16.

• Only 500 tickets will be sold. • Winning tickets will stay in the drawing, allowing the opportunity to win multiple days.

• Tickets can be purchased from any Dixie Electric employee or o ce location.

36 Inch Outdoor Fire Pit with Grill

$105 value

Electric Waterless Oil Di user + 5 Scent Oils (covers up to 1,000 feet)

$120 value

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 3.5 Qt. Stand mixer (white)

$125 value

Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with Charging Dock Station

$130 value

Vizio 5.1 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer

$200 value

iRobot Roomba Vacuum & Mop Combo

$250 value

Apple Airpod Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation

$250 value

Pit Boss Tabletop Wood Pellet Grill

$250 value

Apple iPad 11-inch 128 GB

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28” Blackstone Griddle with X-Braced Hood

$400 value

Roku 65-inch Smart 4K HDR TV

$400 value

Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler, Desert Tan

$450 value

If Your Hands, Arms, Feet, or Legs Are Numb - If You Feel Shooting or Burning Pain or An Electric Sensation - You Are at Risk

Get The Help You Need - Here's What You Need to Know...

Purvis, MS - If you experience numbness or tingling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet or if you experience shooting or burning pain, this is important.

Please read this carefully

Peripheral Neuropathy is when small blood vessels in the hands, arms, feet or legs become diseased and tiny nerves that keep the cells and muscles working properly shrivel up and die.

Early-warning symptoms include tingling and numbness, mild loss of feeling in your hands, arms, legs or feet, inability to feel your feet, which increases your risk of foot-injury and falling

More Advanced Symptoms Include...

Loss of coordination & dexterity, which puts you at increased risk of accidents

Inability to feel clothing like socks and gloves

High risk of falling, which makes walking dangerous, and makes you more dependent on others

Burning sensations in your arms, legs, hands or feet that may start mild, but as nerves and muscles die, may feel like you're being burned by a blow torch.

Ignore the early warning signals long enough and you risk progressive nerve damage leading to muscle wasting, severe pain, loss of balance and a lot of staying at home wishing you didn't hurt

When every step is like walking on hot coals, sitting still may be the only thing you feel like doing But there's little joy in sitting still all day long

Now here's the scary part....

Nerve damage CAUSES cell damage Cell damage SPEEDS UP nerve degeneration

Without treatment this can become a DOWN-WARD SPIRAL that accelerates.

The damage can get worse fast Mild symptoms intensify Slight tingling, numbness or lack of feeling can turn into burning pain.

Before you know it, damage can become so bad you hurt all the time

Unless this downward spiral is stopped and nerves return to proper function - the damage to nerves and cells in the affected area can get so bad your muscles begin to die right along with the nerves and cells. And that sets the stage for weakness, loss of mobility, disability, and dependence on others.

If you have early warning signs of peripheral neuropathy, (tingling &/or numbness, loss of feeling or pain) it's CRITICAL you get proper treatment

It's critical, because with proper treatment the symptoms can often be reversed Without it, you are playing Russian Roulette with your health

Once your nerve loss reaches 85%, odds are there's nothing any doctor can do to help.

The most common method your doctor may recommend to treat neuropathy is prescription drugs

Drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, & Neurontin are often prescribed to manage the pain But, damaged nerves and dying cells do not heal on their own

Pain pills do not restore healthy nerve function. They just mask the pain as the nerves continue to degenerate and cells and muscle continue to die.

Taking endless drugs and suffering terrible side effects that may damage your liver & kidney and create even more problems, is not a reasonable path. You deserve better. Three things must be determined to effectively treat neuropathy 1) What is the underlying cause? 2) How much nerve damage has been sustained? 3) How much treatment your condition will require?

With proper treatment, shriveled blood vessels grow back & nerves can return to proper function How much treatment you may need depends on your condition

At Purvis Chiropractic we do a complete neuropathy sensitivity exam to determine the extent of your nerve damage The exam includes a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, & a detailed analysis of the findings.

Dr Rob Acord, D C will be offering this complete neuropathy sensitivity exam for $47 This special offer goes away at the end of this month as we have a limited number of exam appointments available

Stop Hurting & Start Healing

Call

by Steven Ward

Every year in Meridian, a 20-room Neoclassical revival mansion, built in 1859, transforms into a Christmas wonderland that has attracted visitors from the state, country, and overseas.

Trees of Christmas at Merrehope is one of Mississippi’s premiere holiday events, and this year’s celebration will be the 57th.

Merrehope will feature more than 70 specially decorated Christmas trees and displays created by decorators from all over Mississippi.

Tours are available from Nov. 23 to Dec. 31.

“Visitors often comment that everywhere you look; there’s something special to see — lanterns, snowﬂakes, or even a tree hanging from the ceiling,” said Bet Deweese, a teacher and of one of the co-chairs of Trees of Christmas at Merrehope.

BJ Hatten, a local stained-glass artist and teacher who is also a co-chair of this year’s event, said the comments she hears every year are about how grand the entire experience is.

Select ladies created the oversized, shimmering ball ornaments, which are covered in satin braids, lace, and treasured pieces of their jewelry. The ﬁnal touch is strands of pearls draped across the tree. It’s spectacular.

“Most feedback I hear is about how breathtaking the entire event is. Guests love the diversity — each tree and mantle is di erent from the next. They appreciate that the theme, and decorations change every year. No two trees are ever the same. No two years are the same,” Hatten said.

Trees of Christmas at Merrehope, which has been voted one of USA Today’s 10 Best Holiday Historic Home Tours, all started in 1968 when ﬁve women were on their way to a Federated Women’s Club meeting in Enterprise.

While traveling together, the women discussed the need for a place in Meridian where all the federated clubs could meet. One mentioned that the beautiful old Tibbett’s House was in poor repair and in danger of being torn down. They all agreed it was far too beautiful to be lost. The women led the charge to save and restore the home.

With the help of Meridian philanthropist Jack Stack, the newly formed Meridian Restorations Foundation was formed by members of the nine Federated Women’s Clubs of Meridian. The group purchased

and restored the home. They changed the name to Merrehope — MER for Meridian, RE for Restoration, and HOPE for hope for the future. Their main fundraiser, Trees of Christmas at Merrehope, was launched the following year in 1969.

In 1970, The Merrehope Tree was created. Each ornament was handmade by the members of the women’s clubs with old jewelry and old dresses. It’s the only tree that has been part of the event every year and stands year around.

“Select ladies created the oversized, shimmering ball ornaments, which are covered in satin braids, lace, and treasured pieces of their jewelry. The ﬁnal touch is strands of pearls draped across the tree. It’s spectacular,” Deweese said.

Photos provided by event organizers

Preparations for the event are major.

“The ladies on the Merrehope Board are heavily involved in every aspect. Friends of Merrehope and other volunteers step up to decorate, serve at special events, play music on Sunday afternoons and staff the door and gift shop — seven days a week for six weeks. In early November, students bring the trees out of storage and place them in their assigned spots. Then the decorators arrive and work their magic,” Hatten said.

The tree decorators start collecting and creating decorations the year before. Initially decorated by local clubs and club members, decorators from outside clubs, schools, businesses and designers have been invited to participate.

“Our decorators come with proven reputations. We always have a waiting list. Each is given a theme, and they run with it. It’s always exciting to see how each one interprets and presents the theme. It’s amazing how it all comes together and flows throughout all 20 rooms,” Deweese said.

This year’s theme is “Experience the Wonder.”

Deweese said visitors from past years have experienced special moments at Trees of Christmas at Merrehope.

“One year we had three marriage proposals. The first couple traveled from Florida. She loved Christmas, and he made it extra special during their first visit to Merrehope. Another couple had met years earlier while decorating a tree. When they returned, he had a full proposal planned — complete with family, friends, and a photographer. The third couple heard about the other two, and during what she thought was a simple Sunday afternoon visit, he popped the question in the Double Parlor. Luckily, they all said ‘Yes.’”

Hatten said families have been coming to the event for years.

“I love when visitors say things like, ‘I’ve been coming since I was a kid,’ or ‘Our school brought us on buses,’ or ‘My grandmother always brought us. It’s a family tradition.’ Merrehope holds so many sweet memories for people.”

For new visitors, Hatten said, “expect to be amazed.”

“The beauty, creativity, and festive spirit shine through every tree, mantle, and display. If you don’t have the Christmas spirit when you walk in, you’re guaranteed to leave with it after the visit.”

2025 HOLIDAY TOURS: NOV. 23 – DEC. 31

Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

ADULTS $15

MILITARY AND SENIOR CITIZENS $10

STUDENTS $5

EXPERIENCE THE WONDER UNVEILING

Sunday, Nov. 23 • 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Tours, live entertainment and holiday refreshments

Adults $15 | Military and Senior Citizens $10 | Students $5

COCOA & COOKIES WITH MRS. CLAUS

Sunday, Dec. 7 • 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

The delightful Mrs. Claus is looking forward to spending a little individual time with each child as they enjoy delicious cookies and hot cocoa after their tour of the Trees of Christmas.

$5 children and students (Tour included)

PICTURES WITH SANTA

Sunday, Dec. 7 • 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Victorian Christmas pictures with Santa. Mark Davis, professional photographer, will be on site to photograph your children with Santa.

$20 (Tour not included)

MIMOSAS & MERREHOPE

Saturday, Dec. 13 • 10 a.m. - Noon

Cheers to tours, live entertainment, brunch fare and mimosas

Ticket $50 (Limited Tickets - must be purchased in advance)

CHRISTMAS YOGA

Tuesday, Dec. 16 • 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

5 p.m. Open for tours for yoga participants

5:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. A slow mindful yoga practice with meditation with Courtney Taylor and Wild Soul Yoga

Tours continue until 7:30 p.m. for participants

$15 (Yoga/meditation practice and tour)

SPIRITS OF CHRISTMAS

Thursday, Dec. 18 • 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Bring your own spirits and enjoy an evening at Merrehope under the Christmas lights.

$20 (Tour, entertainment, light refreshments)

GRINCH PORCH PARTY

Saturday, Dec. 20 • Merrehope Veranda • 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Step onto the porch at Merrehope for Grinchy fun, Whoville refreshments, and hangout with Merrehope’s very own Grinch!

It’s a perfect photo op before your tour of trees.

Adults $15 | Military and Senior Citizens $10 | Students $5

“TOAST TOGETHER” RECEPTION

Wednesday, Dec. 31 • Merrehope • 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Let‘s “Toast Together“ as we celebrate the ﬁnal day of the 57th Annual Trees of Christmas 2025

Adults $15 | Military and Senior Citizens $10 | Students $5

Family Feasts

Send us a photo of you and your family cooking or eating a meal. Photos of folks cooking, grilling, baking, or laughing around the dinner table will work just ﬁne. The photos must be high-resolution JPG ﬁles of at least 1 MB in size. Please send the photo as an attachment to an email to news@ecm.coop.

Each entry must be accompanied by photographer or sender’s name, address, and co-op.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Nov. 24. Select photos will appear in the January 2026 issue.

Meet SpARkMAN SpARkMAN SpARkMAN

I'm here to help you get the most out of your electricity—safely! I'll show you how to spot hidden dangers, share simple tips to save money on your energy bill, and give you the latest on electrical safety. LET'S LEARN TOGETHER!

Call bef e you

Always call 811 at least three working days before you dig. It’s the easiest way to avoid underground utility lines.

Stay away

Keep yourself and your equipment at least 20 feet away from power lines at all times.

Downed lines are

Always assume a downed power line is energized and dangerous. Stay away and call 911 immediately. a safety message om your local elec ic cooperative

John Stroud BASKETBALL A MISSISSIPPI LEGEND

John Stroud was destined to become an AllAmerican basketball player.

He had no choice as he grew up on the dirt basketball courts of Union County.

His father, Johnny, a four-time all-state selection, led his high school in Macedonia to the state title in 1944. Stroud’s mother was a three-time all-state selection. His sister Diane also was an all-state player. So, basketball was and is in the family blood.

Stroud led his West Union High School basketball team to the Class B title in 1975. Named All-State and All-American, he became heavily recruited with over 100 college scholarship o ers. Stroud’s ﬁnal choices came down to Alabama, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, and Ole Miss.

Indiana University, led by their ﬂamboyant coach Bobby Knight, was the top college program at that time. One of Knight’s longtime assistants, who had been with him at West Point and Indiana, was Bob Weltich. Weltich was named the head coach at Ole Miss after the Hoosiers won the national championship in 1976. Knight reached out to Stroud with a phone call urging him to sign with Ole Miss.

“It was a pretty big deal getting a call from Bobby Knight,” Stroud said.

In his four years in Oxford, Stroud’s scoring average kept improving. He averaged 14.5 points per game his freshman year, followed by 18.1 the following season. His ﬁnal two seasons, he led the Southeastern Conference in scoring as he averaged 26.3 his junior season and 25.2 his senior season. Stroud is still the leading career scorer in Ole Miss history — he scored 2,328 total points. Additionally, he is the third leading scorer in SEC history. Stroud scored 39 points in the opening round of the 1979 SEC tournament, which is the second most in history. He was named the SEC Athlete of the Year after his senior season. Stroud remarked, “I just had a knack for scoring.”

“I have so many fond memories of my time at Ole Miss. We won our ﬁrst postseason game in over 50 years and went to the second round of the NIT in 1980,” Stroud said. Another highlight of his college career was holding the record for most points in a men’s game at Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville. He scorched the Bulldogs for 42 points.

I have so many fond memories of my time at Ole Miss. We won our ﬁrst postseason game in over 50 years and went to the second round of the NIT in 1980.

The Houston Rockets drafted Stroud with their ﬁrst pick. “I still have several wonderful memories of playing in the NBA. I was able to experience playing in the Boston Garden against Larry Bird. Another great highlight was playing against the Lakers in the Forum,” Stroud said. He also experienced playing in the NBA Finals against the Celtics and Bird. After playing pro ball in Spain for a year and a half, Stroud took a position at the University of Alabama. In 1985, he began coaching in New Albany and led the Bulldogs to back-to-back Class 3A state championships in 1986 and 1987. Stroud then took over the men’s program at East Mississippi Community College for two seasons. He led the Lions to their ﬁrst state championship appearance in school history. Next, Stroud took over the men’s program at Millsaps College. Over 13 seasons, he posted a 204-131 record, winning three conference titles

and making three NCAA Division III tournaments. His 1994-95 team advanced to the Sweet 16 with a 25-3 record.

Stroud purchased an insurance business in 2003 as he returned to New Albany. In 2004, he started coaching girls’ basketball there. He coached 13 years in his hometown before hanging up the coaching whistle. Stroud’s overall record was 248-131 as he won the Class 4A state title in 2011. His teams also made three state tournaments.

“The best part of returning home was coaching my two daughters, Caroline and Anna Francis,” Stroud said.

He is now a high school basketball o cial.

Stroud was honored recently by the University of Mississippi with the Excellence and Impact Award. The former Rebel has been honored by West Union High School and several Ole Miss halls of fame along with being an SEC Living Legend. He is a member of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and in 1989 was named the second most popular athlete in Mississippi history by the Clarion Ledger.

by Dale McKee

Dale McKee is a Waynesboro native who has been writing about sports in Mississippi since 1973. He is a member of Dixie Electric. Contact him at ddmckee18@yahoo.com.

On the Menu

I’ve made many meals in my kitchen, and we’ve enjoyed plenty of occasions, special and otherwise. But the holidays always have a special place in my heart. It’s the one time of year that I try to please everybody. I take requests, and I do my best to comply. There are leftovers for days, and everybody goes home with their own little doggie bag of favorites. And at the end of the day the thing we are all most grateful for is an elastic waistband. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Serves 6 to 8

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 pinch salt

1 tablespoon all-purpose ﬂour

1 tablespoon plain cornmeal (yellow or white is ﬁne)

1 tablespoon butter, softened to room temperature

3 eggs

½ cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

½ cup chopped pecans

¼ cup chocolate chips

1 9-inch unbaked pie shell

Combine sugar, cocoa, salt, flour, and cornmeal in a medium mixing bowl and mix well. Add butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the bottom of the unbaked pie shell. Pour cocoa mixture over chocolate chips. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Cool completely before serving.

with Vicki Leach

A 10-12 pound turkey will take close to 3 hours to cook. Allow ample time, and when you baste, take its temperature. The beginning roasting time is to give the breast meat a little jump start in the cooking process. The lower temps give a long slow cooking time to the dark meat of the turkey, which requires a little more cooking time and a little higher finished temperature.

INGREDIENTS

10-12 pound fresh or frozen turkey (thaw COMPLETELY before cooking)

2 fresh whole oranges, quartered

2 large onions, halved and quartered

2 cloves garlic, crushed

2-3 tablespoons poultry seasoning

4-6 cups chicken broth or water, or a combination

As needed salt and pepper

1 stick melted butter

Small sprigs fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley, sage)

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator one hour before you want to place it in the oven; unwrap it and remove the giblets. Pat dry (inside, too) with paper towels.

Season the inside of the turkey cavity with salt and pepper, and poultry seasoning. (See Corbread Dressing) Rub the bottom and top of the cavity to evenly distribute seasoning. Stuff the turkey with half of the oranges and onions, one clove of garlic and some of the fresh herbs.

Using butcher’s twine, tie the legs together to prevent splaying during roasting. Toss a few pieces of the onion and orange into the neck cavity, then tuck the wing tips under to hold the neck flap in place.

Season the exterior with more salt and pepper and additional poultry seasoning, rubbing liberally into the skin. Brush with melted butter and place on the rack in a roasting pan. Place remaining oranges, onions, garlic, and herbs in the roasting pan and add chicken broth. Place in the oven at 425 degrees for 45 minutes. Baste the bird with pan drippings. Then reduce the heat to 325 degrees and cook, basting two to three times, until a meat thermometer displays an internal temperature of 165-175 degrees (165 degrees for the thick part of the breast; 175 degrees closer to the thickest part of the thigh.) Total cooking time depends on size.

Remove the turkey from the oven and allow it to rest for 30 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

VEGGIES

1 large onion, ﬁnely diced

3-4 ribs celery, ﬁnely chopped, leaves and all

2 tablespoons butter (or bacon grease) Serves 12 easily

CORNBREAD BATTER

2 cups self-rising cornmeal mix

1 egg

¼ cup vegetable oil (or bacon grease)

1 ½ cups buttermilk

In the same cast iron skillet you intend to make your cornbread, sauté half the onions and half the celery just until wilted and softened. Pour the cornbread batter into the cooked veggies and bake at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Remove bread from skillet into a large mixing bowl.

In the same cast iron skillet you intend to make your cornbread.

CRUMBLE IN

6 cathead biscuits or hamburger buns, or other leftover bread

STIR IN

1 quart rich turkey broth (or chicken broth)

1 tablespoon poultry seasoning (make your own)

3 eggs, beaten

POULTRY SEASONING

3 tablespoons rubbed sage leaves, 1 tablespoon each of rosemary, thyme leaves, and parsley, 1 teaspoon celery seeds, and a pinch of savory and marjoram leaves.

Add the remaining raw onion and raw celery to the mixture. Stir all together well. Adjust seasonings. Pour into a 9x13 baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

by Vicki Leach

Vicki Leach is a full-time chef/culinary instructor at Mississippi State University in the Department of Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion. She teaches Science of Food Preparation, Foodservice Organization, and Quantity Food Production. She lives in a 130-year-old farmhouse that speaks to her old soul.

Events

Events open 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.

Salute Red White and Blue Run. Nov. 8. Hattiesburg. This run/walk is hosted by The Mississippi Youth Challenge Academy Foundation at Camp Shelby. The foundation offers scholarships, up to $2,000, for trades and academic education beyond high school for Youth Challenge Academy graduates. The run starts at 8 a.m. in front of the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum at 850 Forrest Ave. Details: 601-558-2410.

Turkey shoot. Nov. 8, and Dec. 6. Vancleave. Will be held at the Daisy Masonic Lodge No. 421. Starts at 8 a.m. 2570 School House Road. Details: 228-990-3365.

Our Old Warehouse Vendor Fair. Nov. 8. Kewanee. At the Simmons-Wright Company. 5493 Highway 11 and 80. Details: 601-632-1884.

Big Pre Thanksgiving Gospel Concert. Nov. 8. Magee. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Magee High School Auditorium. The show will feature performances by Kingsman QT, Terry Joe Terrell, The Revelations, and Tim Frith and the Gospel Echoes. Details: 601-906-0677.

Purvis Street Festival. Nov. 8. Purvis. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be vendors, singing, a pie baking contest, a car show, and good food for family fun. Details: 601-543-9815.

The 20th Annual Polkville Day. Nov. 8. Polkville. “Celebrating America’s Veterans” is the theme this year and the event will be held at the Polkville Civic and Multi-Purpose Center from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature an antique tractor and car show, live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, food and desserts, a cakewalk, raffles, and a kid’s zone. No entry fee. Details 601-537-3115 or rwmiles@gmail.com.

Highland Games and Celtic Music Festival. Nov. 8 and 9. Gulfport. Harrison County Fairgrounds, 15321 County Farm Rd. Two full days of Scottish culture, food, music, and athletics. Sanctioned Highland athletic competitions on both days and three award-winning bagpipe bands. Two stages of Celtic music and dance featuring the world famous Seven Nations, Irish singer Rory Makem, Jacobites by Name, The Jollies, Blarney Coast, Celtic Crossroads, The Crescent and Clover Celtic Band, New Orleans Celtic Harp Ensemble, Red McWilliams and MacCrossan School of Irish Dance, and the Niall O’Leary School of Irish Dance. Watch jousting competitions. Try your hand at axe throwing. Savor authentic Scottish foods. Visit various Clan Tents to learn about your heritage. Buy handmade goods from our select artisans and Scottish-themed vendors. Details: 228-380-1642 or mshighlandsandislands@gmail.com.

Veterans Day Event. Nov. 9. Natchez. The recognition will be held at the Zion Hill No. 1 Baptist Church, 349 Lower Woodville Rd. Registration and slide show begin at 7:30 a.m. The veteran procession starts at 8 a.m. followed by a religious service and brunch in the fellowship hall. Gift bags and door prizes will also be available for veterans. Details: 601-443-1560 or 601-493-7724.

Landrum’s Homestead Sugar Cane Syrup Making. Nov. 15. Laurel. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Watch as syrup is made the old-fashioned way using a mule-powered cane mill and an antique syrup pan, just like in the early days. Guests can also enjoy free biscuits with fresh syrup samples, along with tasty festival favorites like corn dogs, lemonade, and homemade ice cream. 1356 Hwy 15 South. Admission is $12. Ages 3 and under free. Details: 601-649-2546. landrums.com.

42nd Annual Christmas at Landrum’s Homestead. Nov. 29 and 30. Laurel. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 29. 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 30. Enjoy photos with Santa, live entertainment, a Civil War re-enactment, dulcimers, clogging, wagon rides, pony rides, gem mining, and a gift shop filled with unique treasures. Stroll through acres of dazzling holiday lights, watch skilled artisans like blacksmiths, wood carvers, and broom makers, and treat yourself to holiday favorites such as kettle corn, funnel cakes, homemade ice cream, and more. 1356 Highway 15 South. Admission is $15. Ages 3 and under free. Details: 601-649-2546. landrums.com.

13th Annual Life of Christ Presentation. Dec. 5. Monticello. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Atwood Water Park. Drive through live depictions of scenes from the life of Christ. Admission is free. Details: 601-431-9317.

Journey to Bethlehem. Dec. 13 and 14. Pelahatchie. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 2394 Shiloh Rd. Admission is free. Drive through event with live animals and more than 200 characters. Details: 601-854-8158.

Ackerman Christmas Concert. Dec. 18. Ackerman. From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Put on by the Ackerman Masonic Lodge No. 119. The lodge presents a Christmas concert to benefit the Choctaw County Library featuring Christmas music from a variety of genres performed by Anthony Howell, Alan Sibley, Bill Tennyson, and Les Charlton. The concert will be held at the Choctaw County Community Center, 895 College St. Concessions will be available. Door prizes. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Details: 662-617-3744.

gives you a lemon

The photograph accompanying this column is the sum total of my agricultural harvest for 2025. One lemon. Oh, the day lilies did okay, but you can’t eat day lilies. Well, you can, but I’ve never tried it. You can eat dandelions, too. I seem to be able to raise quite a few of them. I Googled “dandelion recipes” and found some including a recipe for dandelion wine. I could use my lemon in that recipe.

I don’t bother with tomatoes anymore. Mine don’t seem to “set fruit” when the temperatures are above 90 degrees. So that gives me about a 4-week growing season in spring before the vines shut down until mid-October. It’s easier to go by the farmers market and pick up tomatoes than to go through all the anguish of seeing my horticultural e orts come to nothing.

Truck Festival in Hattiesburg, and you have more reasons to be outside in fall than inside.

Plus, lots of the festivals are in places that are the “World Capitals” of their featured product. Greenville is known as the “Hot Tamale Capital of the World,” Belzoni the “Catﬁsh Capital of the World,” Vardaman the “Sweet Potato Capital of the World.”

I spoke at the sponsor’s appreciation dinner at the Sweet Potato Festival in Vardaman years ago. Everything we ate that night was made from sweet potatoes. The salad, main dish, side dishes, desserts, and all of it was good.

After dinner, they announced the Sweet Potato Queens for that year. The Vardaman Sweet Potato Festival has several di erent queens, each from di erent age groups.

I’m going to celebrate my harvest by squeezing some juice from my lone lemon into my Thanksgiving dinner sweet tea and then declare it a good year.

I used to get more than one lemon a year from my little tree. Unfortunately, a couple of nights in single digits last winter in a poorly insulated greenhouse pruned my tree down to just one viable branch.

But looking at the number of food related festivals we have in autumn in Mississippi, somebody is having good luck with their drops. There is the Pecan Festival in Beaumont every September. The Peanut Festival in Collins. The Pumpkin Festival in Clarksdale, and the Harvest Festival in Crystal Springs. We can’t forget the Sweet Potato Festival in Vardaman in early November.

Add in all the blues festivals, the Delta Hot Tamale Festival in Greenville, the Gumbo Festival in Gulfport, and an all-inclusive Food

Then there were various awards given in the growing and packing categories. Later, it was my turn to speak. Realizing that a bunch of the families at the dinner lived on farms and had to get up early the next day, I ﬁgured about the longest speech they wanted that late was a quick hello, a couple of jokes, and a brief goodnight.

As for me? I’m going to celebrate my harvest by squeezing some juice from my lone lemon into my Thanksgiving dinner sweet tea and then declare it a good year.

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.” Walt is also a reporter and 4 p.m. news anchor at WJTV in Jackson. He lives in Brandon and is a Central Electric member. Contact him at walt@waltgrayson.com.