Gcw septoct2014 for web by DWilson & Associates

WOMEN

September September••October October2014 2013

Complimentary

in the ARTS

WHICH ONE WILL BE WOMAN OF THE YEAR? 2014

BPW HONORS WOMEN LIGHTING THE WAY

He cheats, p2 Forgiving is for you, not him

Let’s fight!

1 in 8 women struck with breast cancer

WXXV brings biggest baby event ever to Coast Volume 15 Issue 6

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American Eagle Outfitters Bonefish Grill Books-a- Million Buckle Men’s Wearhouse Sephora The Children’s Place Victoria’s Secret

Bring your kids to meet Allie Deberry who plays “Paisley” from Disney’s Ant Farm. Be sure to bring your camera for meet/greet and autographs. Kids will also love face painting and balloon twisting.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH

1pm-4pm FREE WI-FI sponsored by

HWY 90 • ON THE BEACH BETWEEN BILOXI AND GULFPORT

DILLARD’S • JCPENNEY • BELK • SEARS • FOOD COURT Mon. - Sat. 10am - 9pm • Sun. Noon - 6pm • 228-388-4636 • www.edgewatermall.com

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FROM THE PUBLISHERS

Be informed

Each year, Gulf Coast Woman dedicates space in its fall issue to promote breast cancer awareness among Coast women. Simply being a woman is the main risk factor for developing breast cancer. Men can develop breast cancer, but this disease is about 100 times more common among women than men. Your risk of developing breast cancer increases as you get older. According to the American Cancer Society, most breast cancer cases appear in women of middle age. Having first-degree relatives (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer greatly increases a woman’s chance of having breast cancer herself. However, there are steps that you can take to reduce your risk or increase your chances of survival. The importance of diligent monitoring and screening cannot be under-rated. In addition, other factors can affect the prognosis for a woman with this disease. Breast cancers found during screening exams are more likely to be small and still confined to the breast. The size of a breast cancer and how far it has spread are important factors in predicting the prognosis for a woman with this disease. Be informed (see pages 50-56) and get screened. It makes a difference.

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FOUNDER & PUBLISHER Angela Bruni EDITOR & PUBLISHER Dorothy P. Wilson

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stacy Wadsworth

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ellis Anderson Meaghan Artigues Dr. Randy Buntyn Cecily Cummings Jaimee Dorris Mallory Fitzgerald Master Sgt. Brian Lamar

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GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jon Chambers Cheryl Fishman

B/GYN

MARKETING CONSULTANTS Angela Bruni ~ (228) 760-8887 Valerie Cushman ~ (228) 617-0492 Tiffany Bell ~ (228) 365-8887 Robbie Sharp ~ (228) 365-8486 AVAILABLE IN 420 LOCATIONS www.gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com

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Joanne Levanway Philip Levin, M.D. Dr. Michele Pisciotta Rebecca Ritchey Suzie Sawyer Dr. Angela B. Wingfield Andrea Yeager

HOW TO REACH US

P.O. Box 9011 ~ Gulfport, MS 39506 ~ (228) 760-8887 or (228) 697-5676

www.gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com Advertising services: angelabruni@gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com Editorial services: dorothywilson@gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com

228-539-5858 15190 Community Road, Suite 350 • Gulfport www.gulfportsurgeryclinic.com 4

SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER 2014

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than 300 locations and online. We encourage your comments, suggestions and submissions, however, we reserve the right to refuse or edit them. Gulf Coast Woman is not responsible for unsolicited documents or manuscripts. All material is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

www.gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com 5

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Contents

SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER

Shared!

First day of school pics

WOMEN IN THE ARTS

Young artists create different strokes

OUTER GLOW Fall in love with spicy autumn looks

4 Publisher’s note 7 Women of Achievement 20 Financial health 33 Babypalooza 43 Mom’s the word 44 Healthy you 46 Shopping 50 Breast Cancer Awareness 66 Food for thought 68 Dining out

SERVING HOPE

Woman casting rays of sunshine in Bay

SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER

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SPECIAL SECTION OF GULF COAST WOMAN

Lighthouse BPW to name Woman of Year 13 PROFESSIONALS TO BE HONORED Cynthia Louis Bamburg Danielle Hope Blankenship Mary Sue Caranna Dr. Tracy D. Daniel Christen Duheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Alice El-Hamaki Dr. Nicklya Harris-Ray

Elise Lowery Romeatruis Moss Tina Ross-Seamans Cheli Strumila Janet Williams Natasha Williams

October 15, 2014 Biloxi Civic Center

Doors open and program begins at noon Expo: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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2014 Women of Achievement Awards Program Welcome Invocation Introduction of mistress of ceremonies Introduction of keynote speaker Keynote speaker Janice Young Nonprofit spotlight Recognition of 2014 Women of Achievement finalists Entertainment Recognition of 2014 Young Careerist finalists Announcement of 2014 Young Careerist of the Year 2014 Young Careerist of the Year Whitney Sumrall Announcement of 2014 Woman of the Year 2013 Woman of Year Dr. Frances Lucas Door prizes Closing remarks

8 SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER 2014

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Congratulations to Alice El-Hamaki, Director of Hotel Operations, on her 2014 Women of Achievement Award nomination!

BEAURIVAGE.COM

#ThatBeauFeeling

Congratulations Mary Sue Caranna! The hardest working woman we know, somehow you make it all look easy. -From the employees and family at Monarch

Mary Sue Caranna, CEO Monarch Construction and Development

228-861-5410

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FINALISTS Cynthia Louis Bamburg

Director of Pharmacy, Biloxi Regional Medical Center Cynthia Louis Bamburg values honesty and integrity and looks to strong women as leadership mentors. “The role models in my life have been strong women such as Catherine David, R.N., who served as director of Nursing at Biloxi Regional Medical Center until her retirement, and my maternal grandmother, Hyacinth Hair. From Mrs. David, I learned commitment from seeing her visit every patient in the hospital and also from seeing her make rounds on every nursing unit on holidays handing out treats to let her staff know how much she appreciated them. From my grandmother, I learned that God comes first in our lives. The qualities of my grandmother that I try to emulate most are patience and kindness to others.” Bamburg has been director of Pharmacy at Biloxi Regional Medical Center since 2009.

She is proud of being appointed governors Ronnie Musgrove and Haley Barbour to serve on the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy for two five-year terms from 20002005 and 2006-2011. She has served as district governor of Lions Clubs International for Mississippi Multi-District 30-S from 2013-2014. She is president of Biloxi Lions Club and at the state level is district treasurer and district governor. She serves on the Sea and Sun Camp Board of Directors; as the Global Leadership Team coordinator for Multidistrict 30-S; as a member of the Camp Wilkes Board of Directors; and as den leader for Cub Scouts. She has been recognized as Biloxi Lions Club Lion of the Year Award (2012); and Melvin Jones Fellow Award (2014). She earned a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from University Louisiana at Monroe. She is licensed in Mississippi, Ohio, District of Columbia, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana through the respective boards of pharmacy in each state.

Danielle Hope Blankenship

Owner, To the Rescue Bookkeeping, LLC

A native of South Carolina who grew up in Alaska, Hope Blankenship started her business, To the Rescue Bookkeeping, LLC, in 2006 in Alaska. She moved to Biloxi in 2011 and has seen her business grow to have locations in four states and employ six people. She comes from a family of entrepreneurs and says the hard work and dedication it takes to be continue the success is in her blood. Blankenship attends Ashworth College, where she is pursuing a degree in accounting. She is a licensed tax

return preparer and a Quickbooks Pro advisor. She is a member of BNI Synergy and serves as secretary and treasurer for that organization. She is also a member of the Ocean Springs Rotary Club, where she has serves as treasurer for the past three years. Blankenship respects honesty, integrity, and vulnerability in leaders and names Carly Fiorina as a role model who demonstrates humility, a strong work ethic, and honesty. Her advice to other career women: “Do what you love and love what you do!” Blankenship and her husband, Daniyel, have two children, Austin, 9, and Grace, 5.

Mary Sue Caranna

CEO, Monarch Developments, Construction and Asset Management A native of the Mississippi Coast, Mary Sue Caranna credits her parents with teaching her about business and instilling in her the attributes that have made her a successful entrepreneur who puts family first. Her business, Monarch Construction and Developments, is a licensed builder, licensed inspector and is on track to have its

insurance adjusters’ licenses to expand its service in 2015. Caranna was named a Mississippi Top 10 Business Leader under 40 in 2013, was a 2011 Spotlight on Success honoree, was the Coast Young Professionals’ VIP winner in 2012, participated as an MHA Bachelorette in 2012, and graduated from the Leadership Gulf Coast Class of 2009-2010. She counts among her honors the fact that her company has been awarded large commercial construction jobs over competitors she respects and admires.

10 SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER 2014

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Congratulations

Her professional and community involvement includes being named among Mississippi’s Top 10 Business Leaders under 40 in 2013, graduating from Leadership Gulf Coast’s class of 2009-2010, serving on the executive board of the Coast Young Professionals and being its VIP winner in 2012, serving as YPAC board chair for the American Red Cross, serving on the board for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and being that organization’s Volunteer of the Year in 2011, volunteering with her children for the Boys and Girls Clubs, being a Spotlight on Success honoree for the March of Dimes, serving on the Gulf Coast Chamber’s board and volunteering with its many events, serving on the board of the Gulf Coast Symphony and Sounds by the Sea committee, being a Pathways Leadership Seminar graduate, and volunteering to help the elderly. She is also a Rocket Chix Tri-athlete and is her daughter’s home room mom. She is line lieutenant for the Krewe of Hera Mardi Gras krewe. Caranna says she admires perseverance and integrity in leaders. “Leaders go after their dreams no matter the obstacles in their way, whereas the average person sits back and gives up when their task, endeavor or dream becomes too tough,” she says. She counts being a mother who is very involved with her children as one of her greatest achievements. She is proud of having toughed it out when she was a mom who worked full time and started her own business. “I worked 12-15 hour days, raised a family and ran what is now a multi-million dollar business,” she Jon, please build this one similar to USM-Lucas says.

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Christen Duhe’ Director of Business Development Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Hospitality Resort Management Center Jefferson Davis Campus

Lighthouse Business & Professional Women

“Women of Achievement” Finalist

START with Gulf Coast... ...FINISH with Confidence! Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes students and employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or qualified disability. For further information, contact the Equal Opportunity Officer at a Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Center, Campus, or the District Office. Compliance is coordinated by the Vice President for Administration and Finance, Perkinston Campus, P. O. Box 609, Perkinston, Mississippi 39573, telephone number 601-928-5211.

Congratulations to Hope Blankenship, Owner and Bookkeeper at

To The Rescue Bookkeeping for being a finalist in the

Lighthouse BPW Women of Achievement Award!

Natasha Williams,

principal - Crossroads Elementary

Congratulations to Natasha,

Congratulations, Hope! To The Rescue Bookkeeping and Organization, LLC

228-276-8777-Mississippi • 907-240-4954-Alaska www.totherescuebookkeeping.com

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from the Harrison County School District! Henry Arledge, Superintendent of Education

finalist for the

Lighthouse BPW Women of Achievement Award! 8/26/14 10:45 PM

FINALISTS Tina Ross-Seamans

Executive director Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce Tina Ross-Seamans has always wanted to lead and be of service to others. She knew in high school that would be her path. She started working in customer service as a front desk clerk for a hotel and soon worked her way up to the position of director of sales and marketing. Now, as executive director for the Biloxi Bay Chamber, she is fulfilling a lifelong desire by helping members find ways to succeed in their businesses. In 2009, Ross-Seamans was a recipient of the Mississippi Business Journal’s Top 50 Business

Women award. She serves as an advisory board member for the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, is a member of Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International and has volunteered for the Gulf South Chapter organizing FAM trips and sales blitzes. She has served in various offices for that organization. She is a board member for the Biloxi Chamber and has served on and chaired the Seafood Festival committee. She has held membership in the National Tour Association, the American Bus Association and The American Society of Association Executives. She says, “Hospitality and Leadership are not just words to me; they are my life!’

Christen Hartley Duhe’

Director of business development Hospitality Resort Management Center, MGCCC Christen Duhé, director of business development for the Hospitality Resort Management Center at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, began her career at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce as the first director of Coast Young Professionals. She then worked at the PGA TOUR Champions Tour golf tournament, Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic, as the director of volunteers. She is a two-time graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi, having earned a bachelor of arts degree in public relations and master’s degree in mass communication. She is also a graduate of Leadership Gulf Coast, the Gulf Coast Business Council’s Masters’ Class and is a member of this year’s Leadership Mississippi class. Duhe’ was recognized as a one of the Top 10 Business Leaders Under 40, Class of 2013, and won the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2009. She has served on Biloxi Chamber of Commerce’s executive board of directors, and as vice president of marketing and communication, has served on the Biloxi advisory council for the American Red Cross, was a member of Coast Young Professionals and served on its board, was a member and board member of the Public

Relations Association of Mississippi Beach Chapter, is a member of the Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport, serves as a committee member for the Biloxi Seafood Festival and for the Coast Young Professionals’ Black Tie & Blue Jeans event, chaired the Coast Young Professionals’ Bridge Walk & Canned Food Drive in 2014, was the player registration chair for the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic, and was in 2013 a “celebrity dancer” for the American Red Cross Moonlight & Magnolias fundraiser. Duhe’ says she admires integrity, honesty and a strong moral compass. “I also appreciate when someone identifies the strengths of others and delegates, giving them the opportunity to work on a project or task independently and empowering them to make the right choices,” she says. Her most significant accomplishment has been serving as the first director of MGCCC’s Hospitality Resort Management Center and developing every aspect of the facility. Her advice to other career-oriented women: “Always do your best to build up other women and help them succeed. We are not rivals; we are allies, and if we all work together we will all succeed.” She married her husband, David, in March 2012 in Cancun, Mexico. They love to travel and have two cats, Calvin & Chief, and a border collie named Scout.

12 SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER 2014

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SPONSORSHIPS AND TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE!

Awards Luncheon & Business Expo Oct. 15, 2014 at Biloxi Civic Center

Exhibits open 11am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2pm and Luncheon begins at Noon Each year, Lighthouse BPW recognizes an outstanding woman in each of the following categories: Education, Medical, Nonprofit, Corporate and Government/Military. To be eligible, a candidate must have at least 10 years of work experience in her most recent career field. An overall winner is selected from the top category winners to receive Lighthouse Business & Professional Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2014 Woman of the Year Award. This year, Lighthouse BPW will also be honoring a young woman with the Young Careerist Award. A Young Careerist must be between the ages of 18 to 35, and have demonstrated excellence and leadership in her career field. The candidate must live and/or work along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Special guest speaker

JANICE YOUNG

Former Gulf Coast Chamber Chair, Past District Governor of Rotary District 6840 and Sprint Executive of Florien, Louisiana.

www.gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com 13 For more information, go to www.lighthousebpw.com or call (228) 547-1515.

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FINALISTS Alice El-Hamaki

Director of hotel operations, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Alice El-Hamaki began her career in the hospitality industry more than 30 years ago, after graduating from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management. Her experience includes working for Hyatt Hotels in Miami, Sheraton in Los Angeles, RitzCarlton Naples, and Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans. She took a six-year hiatus from the industry, moving to Vienna, Austria, with her husband. There, she had her two daughters, Mia and Sahra, and worked with her husband in small, family-owned poultry take-out store. She also became fluent in the German language. El-Hamaki returned to the United States in 1998 to work with the pre-opening team of Beau Rivage as the director of housekeeping. In her current position as director of hotel operations, she is responsible for the front desk services, VIP services, housekeeping, EVS, bell and door services, valet, limo services, spa, salon and pool. El-Hamaki was instrumental in the creation and implementation of the “BEAU Service” customer service program aimed at delivering the highest guest and employee experience. The program is used as a corporate

model for MGM Resorts. Over the past 16 years at Beau, El-Hamaki has been a member of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, the Sustainability Committee, Beau Service Council, and numerous other initiatives. In 2001, she was named Manager of the Year by the Mississippi Hotel and Lodging Association. After Hurricane Katrina, El-Hamaki formed and managed the Beau Rivage Hurricane Katrina Employee relief center. In 2012-2014, she was chosen to serve as a member of MGM Resorts Corporate Service Culture Executive Steering committee in Las Vegas, and in 2014 she won the Chairman’s Service Excellence Award for the housekeeping department. She says that among her highest achievements is mentoring fellow employees who go on to be promoted to leadership roles themselves. She is particularly proud of her daughters, whom she raised as a single parent, she says, “to be the best version of their authentic selves.” A solid contributor to her community, El-Hamaki has served as a Sunday School teacher and is a member of Vestry, Trinity Episcopal Church in Pass Christian. She takes part in HeartWalk, Relay for Life, and Pathways to Possibilities and volunteers with the MGM Resorts Foundation to raise money and give time to the community.

Dr. Nicklya Harris-Ray

Podiatrist, CEO, allied health professor NHR Blueprint Foundation

Dr. Nicklya Harris-Ray says her desire to make a difference is what motivates her in her professional life and civic involvement. Harris-Ray began her career interning for federal government agencies then earned master’s and doctorate degrees before embarking on her career serving an expert in lower-extremity care. She was inspired to establish her 501c3 organization to combat the negative perception others have of Mississippi. The foundation’s mission is to help the community eradicate disparities among women. “Our goal is to encourage young women to pursue broader horizons in career and travel,” she says. Working as a podiatrist, she oversees hundreds of patients in all aspects of treatment at seven locations. She served as attending medical physician on a mission trip to Jamaica in 2003 and 2004. She treats residents in urban and underserved areas, including private, clinical and nursing home patients in her practice. She mentors young women pursuing health-care professions and created Heart Beat to the Beat, a cardio dance workshop.

She is a published scientific author and was a Sun Herald Top 10 under 40 nominee, was Karun Court Daughters of Isis Woman of the Year in 2013, was the Daughters of Isis’s first female appointed imperial associate physician, and was a top 10 finalist in 2005 in Cosmopolitan Magazine’s Fun Fearless Female competition. A strong contributor to her community, Harris-Ray has served as treasurer of Daughters of Isis, as state ways and means director for Golden Circle, as board member for the Pink Lotus Project, has taken various leadership roles for the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, has served as junior matron for the Heroines of Jericho, is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies’ Auxiliary. She believes versatility is an important trait for a leader to possess and feels her most significant achievement has been earning her doctorate degree. Her advice to others is to never look at or desire a goal as gender-specific. “If it is to be, make it happen,” she says. “If it is above you, aim for it anyway, and look fabulous doing it. You will get noticed and have another door opened for you!”

14 SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER 2014

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C. Elise Hickman Lowery

Founding member and partner, Dummer, Lowery & Savarese, PLLC C. Elise Hickman Lowery is a founding partner with Dummer, Lowery & Savarese, PLLC, where she practices law in the area of general litigation. After receiving her juris doctorate in 2006 from the University of Mississippi School of Law, Lowery moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where she served as a staff attorney for the Eighth Chancery Court District and subsequently as prosecutor for the Harrison County Youth Court before returning to practice law in the private sector. Lowery is an active member of the Mississippi and local Bar Associations and is active in her community. She has served as a UCA Spirit Event Cheerleading judge; is a member of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society; is a recipient of the George F. Holmes Scholarship; was on the President’s Honor Roll; is a member of Phi Mu Fraternity; a member of the University of Mississippi Choir; was Miss Hospitality 2003 for Petal, Miss.; and received the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA Resolution of Appreciation for exemplary service and leadership. She is president of the Harrison County Young Lawyers Association, served on the Mississippi Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division Board of Directors; was a member of the Mississippi Bar Association’s Leadership Forum, Leadership Class of 2012; is a member of the Harrison County Bar Association and the American American

Bar Association; and serves on the American Red Cross Young Professional Advisory Council. She is a founding member of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter. She has served on the regional board of the Gulf Coast YMCA, was child advocacy committee chair of the Mississippi Bar Association, was a vice president of programs for the Child Abuse Prevention Center, is a member of the Daughters of the Revolution, and volunteers for the Humane Society of South Mississippi. She also served on the Gulf Coast Chamber’s beautification committee. She admires compassion, active listening, volunteering and ambition and says her most significant accomplishment is having established programs in nonprofits, won court cases, and been elected to lead her colleagues. “My most significant accomplishment as of today is that I chose to get up, go out and do my best to bring happiness to myself and others in any way I can, and tomorrow when I make the choice to do it again, that will become my most significant accomplishment,” she says. To fellow career women, she says, “Stay focused and strong, but allow your goals to change with you as you grow. Above all, treat everyone with respect even if they do not reciprocate, and do not allow someone’s attitude to take away your professionalism.” Lowery lives in St. Martin with her husband, Chris Lowery, where they enjoy life with three dogs and two cats.

Dummer, Lowery & Savarese, PLLC Providing exemplary legal services to individuals and businesses of the Gulf Coast with the strong leadership of Attorney Elise Hickman Lowery

Congratulations, Elise! Nominee Finalist for the 2014 Lighthouse Women of Achievement Award Dummer, Lowery & Savarese, PLLC 322 Courthouse Rd | PO Box 6173 Gulfport, MS 39507 ~ 228-284-1818

www.dl-pllc.com

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FINALISTS Dr. Capt. Romeatrius Nicole Moss

Family health flight commander/president/CEO Air Force, MS Gulf Coast Black Nurse Association, RNM Consulting Dr. and Capt. Romeatrius Moss serves as an activeduty Air Force nurse and is the family health flight commander at the 1st Special Operations Medical Group at Hurlburt Field Air Force Base in Florida. She is the founder and executive director for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Black Nurse Association and serves as unit director for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Medical Reserve Corps. She is the project director and executive producer for several programs including Health Ambassador Program (Chronic Disease Prevention Program), Domestic Violence Project, Active Shooter Program for preschoolers, Underage Drinking Program, HIV/ AIDS Prevention program, and emergency preparedness projects. She serves on several boards and advisory committees and is a member of several professional organizations. She is the recipient of six national awards, four state awards, a Governor’s commendation, and numerous local awards and recognitions. Moss owns RNM Consulting,

a brand marketing agency that focuses on disease prevention/health promotion marketing branding for health professionals. She received her BSN degree at Berea College, MSN from the University of South Alabama, and her DNP from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She admires in leaders the ability to delegate efficiently and the talent to help guide others to their own solutions. She says her most significant accomplishment is being mother to three sons. “It is through them that I strive to be the best role model I could possibly be, and that I am an example and encourage a life of service for them as well,” she says. To other career women, she says, “Always be the best at whatever you do, give 200% and strive to set the bar with ever task assigned. Seek excellence and seek counsel of others in positions you want to reach. Understand that you have one life and always make time for your loved ones. Force yourself on real meaningful vacations to decompress.” She married to Meko Moss, and they have three sons, Meko, Mario and Melo.

Dr. Tracy Daniel

Director of technology, Gufport School District Gulfport native Dr. Tracy Daniel serves as director of technology for the Gulfport School District. A 20-year veteran in education, Daniel has served as computer discovery teacher, business/ computer teacher, high school guidance counselor, instructional technology specialist, and technology and assessment coordinator in technology support services. Daniel obtained a bachelor of science in business Education (1994) and a master of science in secondary education - guidance education (1995) from Alcorn State University, an educational specialist in educational leadership (2007), and a doctor of philosophy in education administration (2012) from The University of Southern Mississippi. In her professional and community roles, she has earned many honors, including being a 2014 Blessed Gyrls Rock nominee and Age Category Winner (Family of Faith Christian Church), a Microsoft Innovative Educator, earning Outstanding Educator Recognition (Superintendent’s Luncheon), was a Leadership Gulf Coast nominee, was named to Who’s Who Among Teachers, was a Gulfport High School Teacher of the Year

nominee, was named among Who’s Who Among Women in Business, Who’s Who Among Teachers, and had the 1999 Bayou View Middle School yearbook dedicated to her. Daniel is a member of Little Rock Baptist Church of Gulfport, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Mississippi Educational Computing Association, International Society of Technology Educators and the NAACP. She presents Cybersafety, Social Media, Cyberbullying, and Netiquette to local churches and organizations, was a member of the Gulfport School District (GSD) Strategic Planning Team, is a National Institute for School Leaders graduate and has served on numerous and various committees and volunteered for school district leadership teams and political campaigns. She admires, she says, “the servant leader - the leader leader that is able to lead by example, without force, and with the intent to serve and to inspire others.” She is most proud of seeing her former students attain success by implementing the fundamentals that she instilled in them. “I feel accomplished when someone uses the encouragement and/or skills that I have shared with them for good,” she says. Her words of advice: “Pray often! Smile and always be polite. Be honest or don’t say anything. Share ... share your blessings, share your story!”

16 SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER 2014

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Congratulations

Janet!

We are so proud of our Marketing Liaison! Janet Williams Lighthouse BPW Women of Achievement Award finalist -Jim, Mary and the Staff at Home Instead Senior Care. 1716 Government Street â&#x20AC;˘ Suite C Ocean Springs, MS 39564 P: 228.818.6110 F: 228.818.6113 www.homeinstead.com/486

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FINALISTS Cheli Strumila

Owner/editor, Coast Observer Cheli Strumila is proud of being a self-made entrepreneur. Through perseverance and hard work, she has built a longstanding publication on the Coast. Her Coast Observer is more than 15 years old. “I took on a project/business I knew nothing about,” Strumila says. “Learned everything I could to produce a top product and to be a leader in the community. Linked myself with every cross- promotion I could. I’ve given my advertisers my full attention and dedication as I displayed integrity and professionalism. At the end of the day, I am so proud of where my business has come from, how we have grown, and our look to the future!” Strumila recognizes other businesses and business people through the Covey Awards, which awards industry leaders

and is now one of the most popular events on the Coast. As if both Coast Observer’s were not enough to keep her busy, she also produces Keesler Air Force Base’s monthly publication, The Scoop, and is co-owner of Magnolia, the Coast’s in-hotel room/in-vacation condo entertainment and leisure guide. She has been recognized for her community service and business acumen through numerous awards, including Coast Chamber Tapestry Award winner; Intrepid Angel Award, March of Dimes Spotlight on Success honoree, South Mississippi’s Top Community Leaders award, BPW Women of Achievement nominee; and Mississippi Business Journal’s Top 50 Leading Business Women. Strumila believes that honesty, integrity, hard work, loyalty and passion are the attributes that make up a truly great leader.

Janet Williams

Marketing liaison, Home Instead Senior Care Ocean Springs native Janet Williams joined Home Instead Senior Care in July 2013. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Williams has more than seven years of sales and marketing experience and has worked for several years in the areas of event management and planning and program development. While a student at USM, Williams worked as an inhome caregiver and discovered a passion for working with seniors. As a member of the Home Instead Senior

Care team, Williams helps educate people on the value of allowing seniors to remain in the comfort of their home for as long as possible. In her position as marketing liaison, she develops and maintains existing business relationships with referral sources and elderly clients and informs the community about the company’s services and programs. Williams has one daughter, Eden, and they love to spend time at the library and city parks. She also enjoys local seafood and restaurants, local live music and concerts and spending time (especially on the boat or at the islands) with friends and family.

Natasha Williams

Principal, Crossroads Elementary School, Harrison County Natasha Williams serves as principal of Crossroads Elementary School in the Harrison County School District. She received her bachelor’s degree from Grambling State University and continued her educational career at William Carey College, where she obtained a master of education degree. Williams also obtained her specialist of education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. In her career in education, she has served as she has served as a teacher, lead teacher and assistant principal before becoming principal. She was named Teacher of the Year at Saucier Elementary in 2001 and Kiwanis Teacher of the Month in 2002. She was the Harrison County Administrator of the Year

for 2012-2013 and Gulfport Chamber of Commerce Administrator of the Year, also for 2012-2013. Active in her community, Williams is a member of Northwood Church, where she and her husband, Paul, serve on the greeter team. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Orange Grove Community Service Stakeholders, and Crossroads Elementary School PTA. She says her most significant accomplishment is being a career mother. “I embrace the challenge to rise to the occasion every day to serve in the capacity as an educator and raise two sons who will someday become successful men who will indeed make a positive impact in our world,” she says. To other career-oriented women, she advises, “Be just who God has ordained you to be and live on purpose each and every day!”

18 SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER 2014

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ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE BPW

Join BPW today for networking, mentoring Lighthouse Business & Professional Women’s mission is to unite professional women, support business and community relationships, and provide leadership skills and networking opportunities. THE TOOLS YOU NEED TO SUCCEED Lighthouse Business & Professional Women is here to help women advance their careers. Our mission is to unite professional women, support business and community FINALISTS relationships, and provide leadership skills and networking opportunities. MEMBER BENEFITS Impact: Be part of a national movement to create the changes needed for equitable work environments and supportive communities. NETWORKING Exchange ideas, explore business opportunities, and share common goals with professional women across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Career enhancement: Participate in LBPW programs that are specifically designed to provide personal and professional development, growth and opportunities. Leadership: Maximize the career-boosting value of your Lighthouse Business & Professional Women membership by identifying volunteer opportunities that match your professional goal or strengthen your existing skills. Visibility: Gain visibility and prominence in your community through involvement in Lighthouse events. FINALISTS Member benefits/discounts: Gain access to special programs and discounts offered by and for LBPW members. Friendships: Membership in Lighthouse Business & Professional Women brings many rewards but the most lasting and meaningful are the lifelong friendships.

MORE INFO www.lighthousebpw.com

Gulf Coast Woman MAGAZINE congratulates the

2014

Congratulations! On behalf of the Board of Directors and the members of the Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce we would like to congratulate our Executive Director

Tina Ross-Seamans for her nomination of the

2014 Lighthouse Women of Achievement Award

1050 Beach Blvd. Biloxi, MS 39530 • (228) 435-6149 Info@biloxibaychamber.org • Like us on Facebook!

GCW_V15N6_SeptOct2014 updated.indb 15

Women of Achievement Finalists!

We wish you continued success in all of your endeavors. Publishers Angela Bruni, Dorothy Wilson and Team

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Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Here to Help You Hear Hearing Testing l Hearing Aids Maintenance & Programming of Aids

Charlene Taylor Karen Slater Jade Garrard

Doctors of Audiology

Coastal Hearing Center Professional Audiology and Hearing Care Services, Hearing Aid Fitting and Tinnitus Treatment in Biloxi, Mississippi. We have been providing hearing health care services to Biloxi and surrounding communities for many years. We specialize in... diagnostic hearing evaluations, hearing aid selection and fitting, tinnitus treatment, hearing aid repair, custom hearing protection, assistive listening devices and more for both adults and children.

(228) 207-7102 970 Tommy Munro Drive ~ Suite A Biloxi, MS 39532 Karen Slater, AuD and Jason Smith, MD - Owners

Schedule Your No-Obligation Appointment. Office Hours: Monday - Friday â&#x20AC;˘ 8am - 5pm, extended hours by request

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It’s easy to join! (Civilian or Military)

Not military? Not a problem. Enjoying Keesler Federal benefits and great service is much easier than you think! Make the switch and save. You’re already eligible for membership if you:

 Live, work, worship or attend school in Harrison, Hancock, Pearl River or parts of Jackson County  Work at one of the select employee organizations located in Mississippi or Louisiana  Are an immediate family member of a current Keesler Federal member

There are many ways to join! To see if you’re eligible, apply online at gcw.kfcu.org or call 1-888-KEESLER.

Federally Insured by NCUA Membership eligibility required.

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FINANCIALHEALTH

Expect the unexpected

In WalletHub’s latest survey of “Safest States to Live In,” Mississippi ranked dead last in “Financial Safety” and 49th in “Lowest Percent BY SUZIE P. SAWYER of People With a Rainy Day Fund.” We are also the third highest ranking state for “Percent of Homes with a Mortgage Larger than the Value of the Home.” And according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as of June this year, 22½ percent of Mississippi citizens participate in the Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), better known as food stamps, and our unemployment rate is currently 9 percent. For many, it is relatively simple to plan for the next few days — things like which meals you will have for dinner or what outfits you will be wearing this week. But is it as simple to plan for the next few

decades? What if you’re like the millions of Americans who do not have a plan for the future? Because we are all busier than ever, you may benefit from assistance in managing your financial matters. There are four basic steps that can help you work toward your financial goals:

ASSESS

Assess your situation. Review your financial goals, resources, current savings, and tolerance for risk.

on the right path. Your investment professional should meet with you to discuss how your investments are faring and if any changes need to be made. If you haven’t started investing your money, don’t you think it might be time to start thinking about it? One of the only things that is constant in life is change. And we must expect the unexpected. Suzie P. Sawyer is a Managing Director/ Investment Advisor Representative of Trinity Investment Services, LLC and can be reached at (228) 864-4460. Securities offered through Century Securities Associates, Inc. Member SIPC & FINRA. A subsidiary of Stifel Financial Corp. Home Office: 501 North Broadway, St. Louis, Missouri 63102 (314) 342-4051

DEVELOP

Develop, with the assistance of an investment professional, an Asset Allocation strategy.

IMPLEMENT

Implement this strategy, that has been established with your investment professional’s expertise, in order to help you reach your long-term objectives.

Source: Data used to create these ranking courtesy of the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, (and) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

EVALUATE

Evaluate periodically the progress of your plan in order to assure you’re

Start getting answers to your financial questions my name on the door; “ It’s people count on me. When it comes to taxes and finances, I need to find someone who cares as much about my business as I do.

“

A Certified Public Accountant is uniquely qualified to help you deal with a wide range of personal and business finance issues. In fact, CPAs bring an unmatched level of knowledge, experience and education to the process of tax planning and managing your money.

Call 228.396.2996

November 2 – Set Your Clocks Back; Now Is the Time to Focus on Your Finances With Trinity Investment Services Robert J. Sawyer

Managing Director Investment Advisor Representative

Suzie Pierce Sawyer

Managing Director Investment Advisor Representative

(228) 864-4460 | (877) 896-4664 | www.sawyerteam.com

rin ca

ut tr

2304 14th Street | Gulfport, Mississippi 39501

integrity Denise Howell

15506 Lemoyne Blvd., Ste D | Biloxi, MS 39532 Howell CPA • PA is owned and operated by Denise Howell, CPA. Howell is licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi and is a member of the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants).

GCW_V15N6_SeptOct2014 updated.indb 18

Securities offered through Century Securities Associates, Inc. Member SIPC & FINRA | A subsidiary of Stifel Financial Corp. Home Office: 501 North Broadway, St. Louis, Missouri 63102 | (314) 342-4050

8/26/14 10:45 PM

MOST BANKS HAVE CUSTOMERS.

We have neighbors.

At Hancock Bank, it isn’t about being bigger or older. It’s about being part of the community and being there for our neighbors. It’s about taking pride in what we’ve accomplished and all we have yet to become. Our heart’s on the Coast.

We operate as Hancock Bank in Mississippi, Alabama and Florida and in Louisiana and Texas as Whitney Bank, Member FDIC.

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hancockbank.com

7/31/14 9:05 AM 8/26/14 10:45 PM

OUTERGLOW

SPICY! By MALLORY FITZGERALD

Fall in love with metallic, matte, color pop this autumn

As the seasons change, so do our moods, our perspectives and our styles. Fall is a time of cooler weather (fingers crossed), boots and pumpkin-flavored everything. It’s also a great time to change up your makeup! Here are three simple, beautiful ways to get into the autumn trends — from the runway and the red carpet- straight to you.

METALLIC MANIA Metallic makeup is everywhere this fall, and how lovely, because nothing makes your eyes pop like a beautiful metallic shade. Try using a cream metallic eye shadow applied all over the lid, edges blended out. Another simple way to add a touch of metallic to your makeup is with a shimmering metallic eyeliner. My favorite metallic shades for this spring are eggplant purple, emerald green and chrome/taupe. Try this Stila Magnificent Metal Foil Finish eye shadow, Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo, MAC Pearlglide pencils.

90S INSPIRED MATTE LIP This Kylie Jenner-inspired neutral lip is both pretty and practical! Even better news: Anyone can pull it off! The first thing you’ll need is a good neutral-brown/pink lip liner. Line your lips and, if you could use a little fullness, draw slightly outside of your lip line. Then here is the kicker: With the same lip liner, fill in your lips completely. (If you already have full lips, just follow your natural lip line, then fill in.) This should look velvety-matte and will be incredibly long-wearing! It also will give a full pouty-lip effect. If your lips get dry, feel free to use a Chapstick underneath or over the lip color. Matte lip stains would be great for this look as well. Try this Cappuccino lip pencil by Rimmel London, Boldly Bare lip pencil by MAC. For deeper skin tones: MAC Mahogony lip pencil with Kat Von D’s Lolita lip stain.

POP OF COLOR! As seen all over magazines as well as the runway, this trend is so simple and so much fun. Pick your favorite facial feature — eyes, lips or cheeks/skin. Your pop of color should only be used on that one feature for the whole look to be balanced. If you’ve chosen eyes, try using an electric blue eyeliner paired with your favorite mascara. If you’ve chosen lips, treat yourself to a matte red lipstick and keep the eyes simple and natural. If you’re a blush lover, try a bright berry pink blush on the apples of the cheeks (make sure it’s

Stila Magnificent Metal Foil Finish

well-blended) to give a fall flush of color, and keep the lips and eyes neutral toned. Trends are meant to be inspiring. Hopefully these tips will inspire you to step out of your routine a little and try something new with your look this season. Have fun! Mallory Fitzgerald is a freelance makeup artist on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She has been a makeup artist and consultant for magazines and cover models and participated in fashion weeks and runway shows. Reach her at malloryfitzgerald@ yahoo.com.

Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo

Rimmel London lip pencil

24 SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER 2014

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Gulf Coast Gynecology Clinic, PLLC

Evelyn Ford

REALTOR 228-697-6641 - Direct Evelyn@EvelynFord.com www.EvelynFord.com

“Women’s healthcare for all seasons of life”

My mission is to provide impeccable service ... through skill set and dedicaton!

Your health is important.

Home & Lake - Cape cod style home on 1.8 acres; 4 beds, 3 baths; Peaceful and quiet neighborhood, includes partial ownership of the 24 ac Landon Lake; Covered front porch with rocking chairs; Gorgeous tray ceilings in family room; Huge workshop w/bathroom, Efficiency apartment upstairs w/kitchen and full bath; W. Harrison County. Price $285,000

Beautifully Designed - Arched walkways in open living areas. 3 beds, 2baths, Gourmet kitchen, extended granite counter-tops; Remodeled interior is breathtaking! Eff. Age 4; Long Beach. Price $127,500

Kristyn Steenkamp,

Schedule your annual exam, mammogram and Pap smear today.

Michele Q. Pisciotta, MD 962 Tommy Munro Dr. Suite A Biloxi, MS 39532 228.207.6750

Home Sweet Home - Front circular driveway and covered front porch, Kitchen has huge bay window in breakfast area! Florida room is light & airy, 24’x12’ . Brick fireplace in Den. Long Beach. Price $172,000

Kim Seal,

Merry Gutierrez,

Mike Wixon,

Hancock County Property Manager

Harrison County Property Manager

Ocean Springs Property Manager

Jackson County Property Manager

kristyn@Alfonsopm.com (228) 234-0049

kim@Alfonsopm.com (228) 594-9243

merry@Alfonsopm.com (228) 875-1272

mike@Alfonsopm.com (228) 769-7777

www.alfonsopm.com

Alfonso Property Management is one of the largest property management companies on the Mississippi Gulf Coast with 4 offices and multiple listings, providing full service for residential and commercial rentals. For over 50 years, APM has strived to make home ownership a reality for Gulf Coast families and is dedicated to demonstrating the highest standards.

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SHARED!

Back to School! Shared! features photos from fun events and special occasions from readers all over the Coast. Share your photos with your GCW friends â&#x20AC;&#x201D; no need to dress up for a party! Message Gulf Coast Woman on Facebook!

1. Ashleigh Butterfield - daughters, Callie, first grade; and Emma, second grade 2. Jayde Grayer - Demetrice, Armand and Davion 3. Maribeth Necaise - Gabriel, K-4; Jacob, 12th grade; and Hannah, third grade 4. Micah Lewis - Maley, ninth grade; and Clay, 10th grade 5. Morgan Peters - Trace, kindergarten; Caleb, fourth grade; and Brayden, sixth grade 26 SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER 2014

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Gulf Coast Gynecology Clinic, PLLC

Evelyn Ford

REALTOR 228-697-6641 - Direct Evelyn@EvelynFord.com www.EvelynFord.com

“Women’s healthcare for all seasons of life”

My mission is to provide impeccable service ... through skill set and dedicaton!

Your health is important.

Beautifully Designed - Arched walkways in open living areas. 3 beds, 2baths, Gourmet kitchen, extended granite counter-tops; Remodeled interior is breathtaking! Eff. Age 4; Long Beach. Price $127,500

Kristyn Steenkamp,

Schedule your annual exam, mammogram and Pap smear today.

Michele Q. Pisciotta, MD 962 Tommy Munro Dr. Suite A Biloxi, MS 39532 228.207.6750

Kim Seal,

Merry Gutierrez,

Mike Wixon,

Hancock County Property Manager

Harrison County Property Manager

Ocean Springs Property Manager

Jackson County Property Manager

kristyn@Alfonsopm.com (228) 234-0049

kim@Alfonsopm.com (228) 594-9243

merry@Alfonsopm.com (228) 875-1272

mike@Alfonsopm.com (228) 769-7777

www.alfonsopm.com

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SHARED! 1

1. Mallory Fitzgerald - Catalina Osorio 2. Jennifer Parker - son, Jack, kingergarten 3. Lori Robertson - Timothy, kindergarten

4. Emily Burke - son, William, 12th grade 5. Ashley Endris - Anne Claire, kindergarten 6. Stacy Wadsworth - Merrick, fourth grade

28 SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER 2014

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Donna Alexander. M.D. American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

1721 Medical Park Drive Suite 102 Biloxi, MS 39532 Phone (228) 207-0408 Fax (228) 207-0409 /DrDonnaEAlexander

Women's health issues are personal. Dr. Alexander gives the personal attention you deserve.

specialties obstetrics

• Prenatal care • High risk obstetrics • Incompetent cervix management • Chronic illnesses during pregnancy • 4D ultrasound • Postpartum depression • Pre conception counseling

gynecology

• Annual wellness exams • Family planning • Pelvic pain • Pre cancerous changes • Infectious diseases • Menstrual anxiety and depression • Peri menopause and menopausal disorders • Sexual dysfunction (libido) • Pediatric & Adolescent gynecology • Minimally invasive surgery • Urinary incontinence • Osteoporosis

Fellow of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Serving the Mississippi Gulf Coast for over 10 years.

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534 Courthouse Rd. Gulfport, MS 39507 228-604-0070 www.travelaffiliates.com

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CHRONIC PAIN CARPAL TUNNEL HEADACHES FIBROMYALGIA

The ART of

One-of-a-kind Gerrol Benigno’s designer jewelry now available

The Gulf Coast’s Premier Source For Local Art And Custom Framing

2645 Executive Place, Biloxi

228.388.8822

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Natural relief without pills, shots, or surgery. Call now !

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APR*

*0.00% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for first 6 months, then variable with the APR equal to NY Prime Rate at that time plus a margin of 0.00% with a minimum APR of 4.00% and maximum APR of 18.00%. Current APR as of 4/15/14. Interest only or 2% of outstanding balance payment options available. With either of these options, a balloon payment equal to the outstanding principal balance at maturity and any unpaid interest will result. Minimum line of credit amount is $25,000. No annual fee. One time account opening fees of $150 to $175 may be charged. Closing costs of up to $500 may be waived if loan amount is under $250,000 and no real estate collateral for which an appraisal is performed at the bank’s expense totals 4 or more acres in size. Must have Community Bank checking account with auto pay feature tied to this loan to be eligible for offer. Adequate property insurance on all real estate collateral is required. Consult your tax advisor regarding interest deductibility. All loans subject to credit approval. Limited time offer. See Bank for full details.

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JUNIOR AUXILIARY of GULFPORT 65th CHARITY BALL

Saturday, October 11th, 2014 7 p.m. - Midnight Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Purchase tickets at the door, online at jagulfport.com or call 228.239.6675. presented by

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Jack Beattie’s

House of Carpet also the home of... Beautiful Reclaimed Hard Wood, Glass & Metal Accent Tile, Luxury Vinyl, Brick, Custom Showers, Kitchen Backsplashes, Tile, Wallcoverings, Window Treatments and Bedspreads!

Call 228.864.6856

for remodeling or new construction of home or office!

Dental C.A. “Buddy” Brice D.D.S., P.A. Jason S. Rector, D.M.D.

Pediatric Dentists Dedicated To The Oral Health Of Infants, Children, Teens And Children With Special Needs BILOXI OFFICE

OCEAN SPRINGS OFFICE

1070 Judge Sekul Ave. Biloxi, MS 39530

1268 Ocean Springs Rd. Ocean Springs, MS 39564

(228) 374-8175

GCW_V15N6_SeptOct2014 updated.indb 3

(228) 215-3100

Bay harbor opens fresh possibilities By ELLIS ANDERSON

At the new Bay St. Louis harbor, a man stands by the boat slip he has just leased. It’s empty for now, because he doesn’t own a boat. Not yet. But he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to lay claim to a piece of “real estate” in Old Town Bay St. Louis. “Location, location, location!” the man exclaims. “And this location is priceless. Look at that!” He gestures across the harbor toward the shoreline. A row of quaint buildings face the beachfront, their fanciful silhouettes backlit by a showy sunset. It’s twilight. Golden light spills out from the windows of shops and restaurants atop the seawall. The picture-perfect historic town seems to keep watch over the floating white boats below. The enthusiasm of the man with a slip and no boat (for the moment!) stems from the fact that this harbor is unique on the Mississippi Coast. In Bay St Louis, Highway 90 runs north of Old Town and only a two-line beach road runs between the docks and the historic district – making the harbor part of the neighborhood. Boaters can stroll through the harbor entrance directly into shops, galleries, restaurants, bars and lodging. According to Harbormaster Chuck Fortin, location is the key reason slips are leasing at such a fast clip. Although the harbor has been open only a month, the three-year projection rates for long-term slip rentals already have been blasted out of the water. “It’s because everybody loves Old Town,” Fortin says. “And there’s a beautiful white sand beach next to the marina, as well as a fishing pier.” Fortin points to the harbor’s practical amenities, too, like the availability of both gas and diesel fuel, bump-out service at the dock. Several boat service providers nearby in case repairs are needed. The harbor contains 163 slips. Boaters can rent space by the day, week, month or year. Fortin himself was impacted by the allure of Bay St. Louis when he came from Florida to interview for the harbormaster position. At the time, he also was exploring job options on the east coast. “I spent a few extra days here and knew this was it,” he says, smiling. “I just fell in love with the town.” MORE INFO Find out more about the BSL harbor by calling (228.467.4226) or under “Harbor” at www.baystlouis-ms.gov. Explore Old Town online at www.BayStLouisOldTown.com.

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SEPT. 20, 2014 Gulf Coast Convention Center 10 a.m. -2:30 p.m. Free to attend

PRESENTED BY

Suite delivery

Garden Park embraces family-oriented birthing gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com 33

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Babypalooza is presented by WXXV25, the FOX affiliate for South Mississippi. WXXV25 provides local breaking news, weather, sports and business news.

Why Babypalooza?

s a mother of three beautiful children, I can relate to new moms and the need for knowing what resources are available to support them before during and after pregnancy. My husband and I had a long list of questions when I became pregnant. We were discussing a new home, family vehicle, insurance, baby gear, diapers, healthy eating, exercise, clothes for my changing body and the list went on and on. One of my co-workers attended Babypalooza in Birmingham, Ala., with her daughter, who was expecting. This is a grandmother who was just as — if not more excited — about the event as her daughter! There wasn’t an event like Babypalooza on the Coast. After contacting the coordinator of the Babypalooza Tour about hosting such an event locally, WXXV, my employer, began a partnership to bring this wonderful event to South Mississippi. Our goal with Babypalooza is to bring hopeful, expectant and new parents together with exhibitors who can help answer all the questions on the new parent’s list. We also want attendees to walk away saying they had a lot of fun! A number of fun things are planned at Babypalooza, including baby shower games with great prizes. Winn-Dixie will be giving away free diapers for a year. Best Buy will be showing off all the latest technology at the social media lounge, and we even have a man cave furnished by Best Buy for dads! A lot of hard work has gone toward making this event an annual destination for hopeful, expectant and new parents on the Coast. I want to personally invite you come to our free Babypalooza event at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 20.

Tori Bishop with he r

family

Tori Bishop, WXXV account manager and Coast liaison for BabyPalooza

34 SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER 2014

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GPMC-8x

–––—–––– Even a –––—––––

FAIRY PRINCESS — can succumb to injuries. —

The physicians at The Pediatric Center and Garden Park Physician Group can make her whole again. Call (228) 328-1401 to make an appointment if your little fairy loses her twinkle.

Experience. Compassion. Excellence.

The Pediatric Center 15190 Community Road, Suite 270, Gulfport, MS 39503 • GardenParkDoctors.com GCW_V15N6_SeptOct2014 updated.indb 3 Ads_v5.indd 1 GPMC-8xxx-AD-Gulf Coast Women FullPage

gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com 35

Dr. Tamara Harper

Dr. Erica Frank 8/26/14 10:46 PM 8/20/14 3:01 PM

Suite delivery

Photograpy by William Colgin

Garden Park’s Family Birth Center offers nonconventional setting for family-centered approach to childbirth

he Family Birth Center at Garden Park Medical Center caters to your individuality, making every effort to see that each mother feels comfortable and confident during her stay. The Family Birth Center’s nine deluxe Labor Delivery Recovery Postpartum suites are beautifully decorated and equipped with latest technology for a safe, comfortable delivery for the mother and her newborn. The birthing experience is designed for the mother to remain in the suite during the entire birthing process. It’s the perfect setting for a family-centered approach to childbirth. “Our goal is provide a smooth transition and immediate bonding opportunities for parents and child and for the mother to have a personalized experience,” says Wanda McClain, director of the Family Birth Center. “In a conventional setting, the newborn would be separated from the mother from two to four hours. Immediate skin-to-skin contact with her baby is important for both of them and promotes rapid bonding.”

36 SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER 2014

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Should a cesarean section be necessary, an operating suite is located inside the maternity unit. “We encourage and support room-in care for newborns, keeping the baby in the suite throughout the stay,” McClain says. “Our state-of-theart nursery has several unique features for our littlest patients and is available for times when the mother needs to rest, shower or walk. We know it’s hard to leave the presence of a bright new addition to the family; therefore sleeper sofas are provided in each LDRP suite. For safety reasons, our unit has limited access. An advanced electronic infant security system is activated at all times during the parents stay for extra peace of mind.” Special requests, such as photographing or videotaping the birth and letting dad cut the baby’s umbilical cord, are respected when possible. Each room is equipped with a refrigerator, DVD player and an iPod docking station. Level II Nursery Garden Park’s nursery will experience significant changes in the near future. “In March 2014, the Mississippi Department of Health granted Garden Park permission to pursue a Level II Nursery for obstetrics and special care nursery services,” CEO Brenda Waltz says. “We are excited to have this opportunity so that we can enhance the care that we provide to babies born with unique challenges. A higher level of care, equipment, and additional staff is what a Level II Nursery will mean to our hospital and patients.” Waltz adds, “As a standard of high quality care, we require our nurses to become certified in Neonatal Advanced Life Support.”

Pregnancy can be overwhelming. You may feel afraid, alone, and uncertain. You probably have a lot of questions. Take your time. Talk to someone you can trust - like the peer counselors at WRC.

Free & Confidential Services • • • • • •

Pregnancy Tests Peer Counseling Ultrasounds Parenting & Prenatal Classes Pregnancy Loss Support Services offered to Latin American Community

Phone (228) 897-8958 or toll free (866) 432-7890 Physical Location: 9155 Old Lorraine Road, Gulfport, MS 39507 Mail: Women's Resource Center, P. O. Box 4435, Biloxi, MS 39535

New Expectant Mom classes Garden Park offers New Expectant Mom classes every third Saturday of the month. The Childbirth Experience, which is a comprehensive review of the overall experience; New Mom’s Class, which is designed to help introduce what to expect; Sibling class, which was developed to help a big brother or sister feel special while preparing for the new baby; and Breastfeeding class are topics covered. For details, call (228) 575 –7099, or to schedule, call (228) 575-7151.

Our office hours are: Monday & Tuesday 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday 10:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Thursday 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Looking to Volunteer Medical volunteers, administrative volunteers, data entry clerks, class facilitators, peer counselors, boutique clerks email: info@wrcgulfcoast.com for more info. gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com 37

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Babypalooza schedule DOORS OPEN

Babypalooza welcomes you!

FAQs 10-10:30 a.m.

10:30-11 a.m.

BABY TALK with Garden Park Medical Center

11-11:30 a.m.

FASHION SHOW 11:30noon

FAQs

Questions & answers with Lifesource Cryobank

Questions & answers with Gulfport OBGYN

noon12:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Premium Outlets FASHION SHOW 12:30-1 p.m.

Sponsored by Lizzie Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

1-1:30 p.m.

DADDY OLYMPICS

1:30-2 p.m.

GOT GAME?

Baby Bingo & shower games

2 p.m.

DRAWING

Drawing for Winn-Dixie diapers for a year!

38 SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER 2014

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Text4baby Check out text4baby. It’s a free cellphone text messaging service for pregnant women and new moms. Three times per week, you’ll receive tips on how to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, and how to care for your baby up to one year of age. The timely tips are based on your due date or your baby’s date of birth. What is text4baby? Text4baby is a free cell-phone text messaging service for pregnant women and new moms. The text messages are timed to the pregnant woman’s due date or the baby’s date of birth. The free text messages provide tips on subjects including breastfeeding, car seat safety, developmental milestones, emotional well being, exercise and fitness, immunizations, labor and delivery, nutrition, prenatal care, safe sleep, and stop smoking. The text messages also provide 1-800 numbers and other resources to learn more. The text messages are in English and Spanish. Participants can sign up for text4baby in English by texting BABY to 511411. They can sign up for text4baby in Spanish by texting BEBE to 511411.

 Scan this code for more information on Text4baby.

Text4baby is an education campaign of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition.

gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com 39

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THE FIRST YEAR / Know what to expect THE FIRST MONTH Can lift head momentarily Turns head from side to side Hands stay clenched Strong grasp reflex present Looks and follows moving object Sees black and white patterns Quiets when a voice is heard Cries to express displeasure Makes throaty sounds Looks intently at parents THE SECOND MONTH Lifts head when on stomach Head bobs forward when in sitting Grasp reflex decreases Follows dangling objects with eyes Visually searches for sounds Makes noises other than crying Cries become distinctive Vocalizes to familiar voices Social smile demonstrated THE THIRD MONTH Begins to bear partial weight on legs Able to hold head up when sitting Bears weight on forearms Grasp reflex absent Holds objects Clutches own hands Follows objects 180 degrees Locates sound by turning head Squeals, coos, babbles, and chuckles “Talks” when spoken to Recognizes faces, voices, and objects Smiles when sees familiar people THE FOURTH MONTH

Drooling begins Good head control Sits with support Bears some weight on legs Raises head and chest off surface Rolls from back to side Explores and plays with hands Tries to reach for objects Grasps objects with both hands Eye-hand coordination begins Makes consonant sounds Laughs Enjoys being rocked, bounced THE FIFTH MONTH Signs of teething begin Holds head up when sitting Rolls from stomach to back Puts feet to mouth Voluntarily grasps and holds objects Plays with toes Takes objects directly to mouth Watches objects that are dropped Smiles at mirror image Gets upset if you take a toy away Can tell family and strangers apart Begins to discover parts of body THE SIXTH MONTH Chewing and biting occur Can lift chest and part of stomach Rolls from back to stomach Grasps and controls small objects Holds bottle Grabs feet and pulls to mouth Adjusts body to see an object Turns head from side to side Prefers more complex visual stimuli Says one syllable sounds like “ma” Recognizes parents THE SEVENTH MONTH Sits without support Bears full weight on feet Bounces when held standing Transfers objects one hand to another Bangs objects on surfaces Able to fixate on small objects Responds to name Awareness of depth and space begin Has taste preferences “Talks” when others are talking THE EIGHTH MONTH Sits well without support Bears weight on legs and may stand holding on to furniture Adjusts posture to reach an object

Picks up objects Able to release objects Pulls string to obtain object Reaches for toys that are out of reach Listens selectively to familiar words Combining syllables like “mama” Understands the word “no” Dislikes diaper change, dressing THE NINTH MONTH Begins crawling Pulls up to standing position Sits for a prolonged time (10 minutes) May prefer one hand Responds to simple verbal commands Comprehends “no no” Increased interest in pleasing parents THE 10TH MONTH Goes from stomach to sitting position Sits by falling down Recovers balance easily while sitting Lifts one foot to take a step Comprehends “bye-bye” Says “dada” or “mama” with meaning Waves bye Repeats actions that attract attention Plays interactive games Enjoys being read to THE 11TH MONTH Walks holding on to furniture Reaches back to pick up an object Explores objects more thoroughly Able to manipulate objects Rolls a ball when asked Becomes excited when task mastered Acts frustrated when restricted Shakes head for “no” THE 12TH MONTH Walks with one hand held May stand alone and attempt steps Sits down from standing position Attempts to build two block tower Turns pages in a book Follows rapidly moving objects Comprehends several words Repeats the same words Imitates sounds Recognizes objects by name Understands simple commands Shows affection Shows independence Clings to parents in strange situation Searches for object where last seen

From www.americanpregnancy.org

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Presenting sponsor

Gold sponsors

Area sponsors

V.I.P. Bag sponsor

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Exhibitors and goodie bag sponsors

South MS Surgical Weight Loss United Way March of Dimes Women’s Resource Center Massage Envy Ashley Furniture Subway

• • • •

Chapel each morning Christian environment Low child/ teacher ratio Child care from 6 weeks to completion of Pre K4

80 48th St. Gulfport, MS 39507 Good Shepherd Christian Academy provides quality education partnered with a Christian environment to students in the Gulfport, MS area. We use the “Beginnings” curriculum and we meet the state guidelines for education. Enroll your child today in the safe, healthy, cheerful environment of our school. Our friendly and professional staff works with every child in a caring, positive, and encouraging manner.

Hours of Business:

Monday thru Friday 6:30 AM to 5:45 PM

42 SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER 2014

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MOM’S THE WORD

Declawing,

‘I’m hungry!”

Want to see your child at play while you’re at work?

Tips for making meal planning easier By REBECCA RITCHEY

Your children come home from school, and they are famished! The first thing they say as they come through the door is, “I want a snack!” It’s five o’clock, and you hear the sound of scampering feet running toward you with the question, “What is for dinner?” No need for panic if you use a neat tool that I use in my home: A menu plan! TAILOR THE TEMPLATE It is easy to find a template for a menu plan online, but find one that matches you, your family, and your personality. My dinner menu planner is simple but bold and bright. It matches our home and our family well. I have covered mine with clear contact paper and use a dry erase marker each week to edit it. This will save you much paper and ink. DECIDE DETAILS One of the first things you need to decide when planning a menu is how detailed to make it. Does your menu need to include breakfast, snacks, lunch and dinner? Will you have just the three main meals on your menu? Will it be just a dinner menu? There is no wrong way to set up a menu. When my children were younger, I would have my menu detailed with the three main meals and snacks. I would include the ideal time for these as well. As my children have grown I have adjusted my plan to include only dinner. Ask yourself what will help you most. BE FLEXIBLE A menu plan is only a guide. Do not make it law in your home. There is usually at least one week in each month that my menu should just be thrown out the door; but that is okay. One way to stay on track with your menu plan is to set out the ingredients the morning of or the night before. I have found that I most often stray from the planned menu if I forget to set out ingredients that need to be thawed the night before. PLAN YOUR PLAN One night of the week, I sit down and plan my menu for the coming week. I get out my favorite cookbooks, get online and look up recipes, and if I have hit a major idea block, I will ask my children what they would like for the week. I also have at least one night for leftovers, so we won’t waste food, and I get a break in cooking. We have our standbys that I rotate throughout the week like barbecue chicken, tuna noodle casserole, and turkey burgers. I try to incorporate new things as well, sometimes they are a hit, and sometimes they are flop! You can control the meal time stress by using this simple tool. Get your family involved as you begin to see what they like or don’t like. Don’t make it stressful; it is another way to be the CEO of your home. Ritchey is CEO of the Ritchey household, the mother of three children and wife to Jonathan. Reach her at rebeccaritchey@ymail.com.

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Twin Oaks

Child Development Center has the latest in technology!

Kidvision Webcam Log on and view your child anytime thru the day!

• Children Ages 6 weeks through Pre K welcome. • Experienced Teachers are CPR/ First Aid Certified. • Breakfast, Lunch and PM Snack. • Open Door Policy • References Available • State Licensed and Certified

896-4100 • 1077 Pine Street, Gulfport Open 6:30am to 6:00pm Monday-Friday

14567 Canal Trace - This house is priced below the current base price for this floor plan. There are over $12,000.00 in builder upgrades making this house, at this price the best deal! Latest technology in security system. This house is only 2 years old and still carries the Bonded Builder Warranty for another 8 years. $184,900

2805 Lawnwood Drive - Ranch Home in a honey pot of a neighbor hood! Walking distance to Pecan Park Elementary, and Gulf Island National Seashore Park. Walking, Cycling, Exploring, Kayaking, Boating, Sailing and a 30 minute boat ride to one of the most heavenly spots on God’s Green Earth, Horn Island! Come & Call it Home! $142,000

206 General Pershing - Unique Octagonal house in “Old Ocean Springs, Downtown” with an open studio on the second floor. Motivated Seller has priced the house to sell. High and Dry, the house sits at 22’ elevation and it is still just across from Ocean Springs inner harbor, and just up the street from beautiful East Beach! $289,000

4801 Old Dees Place - Raised Creole Cottage is part of the history of Vancleave, however the home is completely updated with wiring, plumbing and fixtures! The home inspection and list of repairs are available upon request. $154,900

Proactive, Trusted Real Estate Advisor

Larry Semski,

ABR, CDPE, SFR, REALTOR

2003 Bienville Blvd. Ocean Springs, MS 39564 228-875-1272 - office 228-238-6263 - cell larry.semski@coldwellbanker.com or larrysemski.mgc.mlxchange.com

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For Shopping And Dropping

pleASe Support

All South MS

GooDwill StoreS Helping People Help Themselves – through the Power of Work Our Mission: To assist persons with disabilities and those who are otherwise vocationally disadvantaged to achieve full participation and integration into society. This is accomplished by developing and delivering effective services that enable clients to attain their personal and economic goals.

In other words, we provide employment counseling, training, and jobs!

www.shopgoodwill.com

2411 31st St GulFport, MS 228-863-2323 ext 21

oceAN SpriNGS, MS

12100 hwy 49 GulFport, MS 228-832-0696

901 palestine rd picAyuNe, MS 601-798-8677

Mon-Sat 9-6, Sun 1-6

Mon-Sat 9-7, Sun 1-6

BArGAiN BArN 2407 31st St GulFport, MS 228-863-2323

Mon-Sat 9-4, closed Sun

2403 Denny Ave pAScAGoulA, MS 228-938-0111 Mon-Sat 9-6, closed Sun

2200 Bienville Blvd 228-215-1507

Mon-Sat 9-6, Sun 1-6

Mon-Sat 9-6, closed Sun

Diamondhead plaza 4407 e. Aloha Dr DiAMoNDheAD, MS 228-222-4663 Mon-Sat 9-6, Sun 1-6

10109 central Ave D’iBerville, MS 228-392-0569 Mon-Sat 9-6, Sun 1-6

1989 pass rd Biloxi, MS 228-701-0043

2707 hwy 90 GAutier, MS 228-522-6737

Mon-Sat 9-6, Sun 1-6

19 Glen oaks Dr, luceDAle, MS 601-947-7119

zuppardo’s plaza 603 hwy 90, Ste 600 BAy St. louiS, MS 228-467-9202

Mon-Sat 9-6, closed Sun

Morgantown plaza 436 hwy 61 N NAtchez, MS 601-897-0382 Mon-Sat 9-7, Sun 1-6

Mon-Sat 9-6, Sun 1-6

the wiggins plaza (next to walmart)

1045 e Frontage rd wiGGiNS, MS 601-928-9399 Mon-Sat 9-6, closed Sun

www.goodwillsms.org Drop off at our collection centers. 19094 pineville rd

loNG BeAch, MS 228-697-0021 Mon-Sun 7:30am-5:30pm

6425 washington Ave

oceAN SpriNGS, MS 228-697-6386 Mon-Sun 7:30am-5:30pm

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2029 popps Ferry rd

Biloxi, MS 228-861-4074 Mon-Sun 8:00am-6:00pm

Gut check

HEALTHY YOU

Pre- and probiotics are super heroes to digestive system By JOANNE LEVANWAY

A topic that has been gaining a lot of attention these days is digestive health. Not to be underestimated, the digestive tract is the center of our immune system. The digestive tract is also referred to as the gut. Every cell, tissues and organ in your body depends on healthy digestion and nutrient absorption for wellbeing. RISKS Occasional upsets in the gut can be caused by changes in your routine, diet, stress, travel, antibiotic treatment (kills not only the bad bacteria but good bacteria) and don’t have favorable outcomes. Many types of bacteria, good and bad, take up residence in the digestive tract. The good bacteria are the immune system’s friend, whereas the bad bacteria are not and like to feed on sugar and fats found in so many processed foods. The most dominant one, or the winner, can determine your risk for a range of health problems. GOOD FLORA Because the gut is the center of our immune system, it is imperative that the good flora in our digestive tract be nourished. How do you get the right mix/the right balance of good flora? This can be accomplished by providing the digestive tract with pre- and probiotics. Let’s talk about probiotics first. These are microorganisms usually referred to as the good bacteria and provide multiple benefits for your immune system. The more abundant in your body they are, the harder it is for bad bacteria to be in control. There are different names for them: Lactobacillus bulgaricus; Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacteria. Some yogurts contain these bacteria but be sure to look for yogurts with “live and active cultures”. Other sources include eating fermented foods like Brewer’s yeast, miso, sauerkraut, or micro algae. Whatever the source, always look for “live and active cultures” on the label. If none of these sources appeal to you, your best bet is in the form of a probiotic supplement. The key to look for on the label is live living colonies of this good bacteria. SUPER HEROES If you want to supercharge your probiotics, you need to feed them with prebiotics. Eating prebiotic foods provide the nutrients that healthy types of bacteria in your digestive tract need to thrive and grow and can help improve your immune function. These super heroes can fight off constipation, diarrhea associated with antibiotic treatment, irritable bowel syndrome and also can help with food allergies and lactose intolerance. Some foods to eat that help provide prebiotics are: berries, bananas, artichokes, asparagus, leafy greens, onions and garlic. Just like the probiotics, you can find them in the form of a supplement. If you are having issues with your stomach whether it be lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, are on antibiotics or take antibiotics frequently, and have food allergies, I highly recommend taking pre- and probiotics together. Joanne Levanway is a dietitian and wellness coach. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Reach her at RightDirections@att.net.

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Gulf Coast Woman Locally Hand Crafted Baby Booty & Cap set $35 Circa 1909 2170 E. Pass Rd, Suite C Gulfport 228-897-7744

Lover’s Knot Quilt Large Quilt $425 Peace by Piece Quilts 1013 Howard Ave Biloxi 228-207-0425 For the Sophisticated Woman $538 House of Tux 1524 Pass Rd Gulfport 228-868-2037

Original Art by Marlin Miller $850

USM Logo’d Jacket Blanket $44.99

Negrottos 2645 Executive Place Biloxi 228-388-8822

Sports Shack 11516 Lamey Bridge Rd. D’Iberville 228-392-7007

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Therapy Retail

Place

Clara Beau bracelets - $96 ear rings - $39 Hope Chest 7198 Beatline Rd, Suite E, Long Beach 228-206-3668

Rosemary Sea Salt $7 / 2oz. bottle Pass Christian Olive Oil 141 Davis Ave Pass Christian 228-452-9470

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Gold & Silver Coins starting at $24 Coin Shop Biloxi 724 Jackson St Biloxi 228-435-8880

MS Made Etta B. Pottery $30 The Radish Loft 76 48th St. Gulfport 228-284-1668

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Permanent Cosmetic Clinic permanent brows ~ eyeliner areola repigmentation ~ lips

a k e u p! wa k e u p in you r m228.547.1195 by Felicia Philpot RN, CDT @ & Gina Sawyer CDT @ 228.233.8335

Ocean Springs www.permcosclinic.com | permcosclinic@cableone.net

FREE BROWS for Cancer survivors

PEACE PIECE BY

UILTSBERNADETTE BY

Baby & GRAHAM T-Shirt Quilts Long-arm Quilting * Monogramming * Made in Biloxi, MS 1013 Howard Ave • Biloxi, MS * 228-207-0425 www.facebook.com/peacexpiece

MAKE THE RIGHT MOVE!

Experienced crews Personalized service Furniture placement assistance

228.297.5676

Dr. Kimber is a Gulf Coast spine surgeon with a mission. He is seriously enthusiastic about returning patients to a happy productive life through functional and anatomical restoration of their necks and backs. “It’s satisfying and sometimes miraculous to see the progress of a patient who has suffered so long and perhaps told they had no other real option.” he said “The facts are that modern spine surgery can be transformative when medications and other conservative measures have simply failed.” Dr. Kimber is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Vanderbilt University, Emory Medical School and Duke University. He followed these degrees with three advanced fellowships in North Carolina, Australia and Germany. His international training and experience has given him an unparalleled perspective and experience with the most complex spinal problems and the entire range of minimally invasive treatment solutions.

12337 Ashley Dr. Suite F Gulfport, MS 39503 Since 2004 • LICENSED BONDED INSURED www.mightymenmoversms.com

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James D. Wilson owner/operator

228.284.2370

www.performancespine.net

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get your team & tailgating gear at

SHOPPING

now selling under armor sunglasses

Sports Shack in D’Iberville 11516 Lamey Bridge Rd, Ste L • 228-392-7007 Mon-Sat 10-7, Sun 11-6 • www.sportsshack.com •

OAK FORREST S/D

12938 Coles Cover - YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL! Estate sized, tree shaded lot. Beautfully landscaped. Fabulous CURB APPEAL. Interior features: High ceilings, 2 fireplaces, large open kitchen with breakfast room & granite, lots of counter space. 4 or 5 bedrooms w/ additional bonus room- lg landscaped byard, patio, pool.

BAYOU OAKS S/D

SUNKIST S/D

Photography by Ellis Anderson

Tagged for success Bijoubel’s chic clothing at discounted prices grows Bay boutique By ELLIS ANDERSON

10 Cedarwood Lane - TOTALLY CHARMING ACADIAN HOME, nestled under beautiful oak trees. Sought-after Bayou Oaks S/D. 3 fireplaces, hdwd/ brick flooring, formal & informal areas. Sun porch overlooking park-like back yard. A welcoming family home.

BAYOU VIEW S/D

2317 Sunkist CC Rd. - Awesome Millwork in the Randy Cofield built home. All the upgrades including extensive millwork, triple crown molding, granite countertops, custom built-ins in great room, designer colors, brick and hardwood flooring. Fabulous split bedroom plan. Easy access to Keesler, Casinos, schools, I-10.

LOTS AVAILABLE

LANG AVE. - Walking distance to the beach. Build your dream home or weekend retreat. MLS# 242897

BAYOU PLANTATION - BEST WATERFRONT VALUE ON THE COAST - Exclusive waterfront S/D with a secluded areas, yet east access to Hwy 605 & I-10. BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME. MLS# 175804 4709 Kendall Ave. - Heart of Bayou View! Spacious family home. Original hardwood floors. Multiple living areas. Carport. Fenced yard w fruit trees and deck - additional HAV/AC single car garage- plenty of room for expansion. Huge lot. Rear alley access.

CURCOR AVE. - Walking distance to the beach. Quiet neighborhood w/ easy access along the Coast. MLS# 270714

EAGLE POINT WATERFRONT - Riviere Vue Dr. - Build you dream home in beautiful Eagle Point. BEST VALUED LOT IN S/D. MLS# 256070

Doris Randall, REALTOR

625 Courthouse Rd Gulfport, MS 39507 228-287-1000 - office 228-697-0401 - cell Doris.Randall@coldwellbanker.com

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Bijoubel may have started small, but just two years later the boutique is one of the largest in Old Town Bay St. Louis, filling the second floor of the historic Century Hall building with a colorful array of chic clothing, accessories and jewelry. The quality lines of apparel offered at surprisingly affordable prices — have been one reason for bijoubel’s rapid success. Owner Melissa Hamilton is the visionary who has overseen the establishment of this new coastal shopping experience. Her exceptional business savvy comes from working for retail giants Walmart and Zales jewelry. The two decades she has spent in management (at one point overseeing more than 100 employees) led her to develop retailing ideas of her own. When the opportunity presented itself to become an entrepreneur in 2012, Hamilton was ready with the know-how — and the dreams. Hamilton’s background made buying for her own boutique feel like second nature. Bijoubel’s main clothing line is Joan Voss, also sold in stores like Niemann-Marcus and Bloomingdales.

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Made from quality knit fabrics, the casual clothing combines comfort and style and is extremely popular with women in the 30-plus age range. Hamilton knows that shoppers love a bargain, so she offers Joan Voss closeouts at a fraction of the original department store prices. Since the designs are timeless instead of trendy, fashionistas can merrily lose their heads in the boutique. For instance, a dress that originally sold for $150 might be found at bijoubel for $30. Most clothing items range from $15 - $35. “I have several good New Orleans customers who have spread the word in the city, so now a lot of people are making the drive over just to shop here,” Hamilton says. “I’ve also had mothers tell me they can bring their daughters shopping here without worrying that they’ll spend too much.” Hamilton stocks bijoubel with accessories, too, like purses, scarves, shoes and jewelry, all reflecting the same sense of refined style and the same modest price tags. In the new dedicated bijoubel jewelry “store,” customers will find bold statement pieces and casual everyday pieces, like elegant pearl and leather designs. According to Hamilton, four designer lines of jewelry are especially popular: Catherine Topesco, Marianna, Renaldo, and Earthgrace (which is made by a Mississippi artist). The historic Century Hall location seems a perfect match for bijoubel. Enormous exposed beams invite customers to linger, while gallery lighting makes colors and textures come alive. “I love Century Hall,” Hamilton says. “Years before I ever started my business, I’d come in here just for the atmosphere. I’ve always felt at home in this building and think customers connect with it, too.” That fits in neatly with Hamilton’s primary goal as a shop owner. “I want people to feel relaxed when they’re in bijoubel,” she says. “And I want them to know they don’t have to spend a lot of money to have high quality things.”

76 48 St., Suite A, Gulfport (Bayou View)

228.284.1668

Mon. - Fri. 10am - 5:30pm Sat. 10am - 3pm Apparel

Gifts

Accessories

Find Us On

Let Your

Happily Ever After

Start With Us

bijoubel

Melissa Hamilton

Location: 112 Second St., Century Hall Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 More info: (601) 463-2494

GCW_V15N6_SeptOct2014 updated.indb 3

tuxedo rentals starting at

Open Mon-Fri 10am-5:30pm • Sat 10am-4pm 1524 Pass Rd • Gulfport, MS 39501 • 228-868-2037 •

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Each year, Gulf Coast Woman joins the fight against breast cancer by publishing a special section offering information and encouragement. Be sure to share this information with other women, especially your daughters.

Step up! Join thousands walking to fight breast cancer Will you be among the thousands of Coast breast cancer survivors, caregivers, volunteers, businesses and community members uniting to fight breast cancer Oct. 18 on the Biloxi Town Green? Join the cause by stepping forward to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K – 3-mile walk. This noncompetitive, inspirational event raises awareness and funds to fight breast cancer and provides hope to all people facing the disease. Significant progress has been made in recent years in the fight against breast cancer,says Jan Garner, event manager, but “more needs to be done.” Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in the U.S. other than skin cancer, and is the second

leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer. The chance of a woman developing invasive breast cancer at some time in her life is about 1 in 8, and in 2014, approximately 232,670 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,400 will die from the disease in the U.S. To change these stats and the course of breast cancer forever, the American Cancer Society created Making Strides Against Breast Cancer community walks in 1993 as a rallying cry to build awareness and generate funds to fight the disease. In that time, 10 million walkers have collected more than $594 million. Last year, 3,200 walkers came out, in horrible rainy weather, to support the MS Gulf Coast Making Strides campaign and they raised more than $210,000.

“Making Strides Against Breast Cancer brings communities together as the most powerful force to end breast cancer,” Garner says. “The progress we are making is remarkable, but more people are needed to help finish the fight!” Making Strides proceeds are used by the American Cancer Society to fund breast cancer research grants, offer free patient/caregiver services, provide indepth cancer information, and supportive legislative advocacy to make sure cancer patients have access to the card they need.

More info makingstrideswalk.org/msgulfcoast

(228) 896-2001 jan.garner@cancer.org

50 SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER 2014

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know what the line is between the address and the phone number?

Hancock Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center Caring for your physical and emotional needs, from adolescence through adulthood, with the best healthcare available. Obstetrics I Gynecology I Primary Care Medically Supervised Weight Loss I Botox I Juvederm 1009 Benigno Lane I Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520 www.hancockwomenscenter.com I 228-467-2555 I like us on

Introducing our new

Robyn Buehler, Ultrasound Technician

Noel Duplantier, MD F.A.C.O.G.

Ultrasound Technician and our newly expanded in-house, same day ultrasound services including breast, thyroid, abdominal obestetrics and pelvic ultrasounds.

Dimitri Yanez, MD F.A.C.O.G.

Stacey Kreher, Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Nurse Practitioner

Accepting most insurances including United Healthcare and Magnolia Health Plan gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com 51

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How breast cancer treatments can affect your skin By ANGELA B. WINGFIELD, M.D. Skin effects of breast cancer treatment can be long and short-term problems. The primary goal, of course, is treating the cancer. We deal with the other effects as they come along, if they come along. Every woman and every situation is different. Medications and treatments affect people in different ways. However, here are a few generalizations. Chemotherapy of any sort can have many effects on the skin. Some cause rashes, and sometimes these rashes are a sign that the treatment is working. We treat the symptoms of the rash and try to manage it along until the treatments are finished. Sometimes a rash is so uncomfortable that an alternate treatment is chosen. Dry skin is a very common complaint. I recommend a high quality fragrance free cream or lotion like Cetaphil Restoraderm or CeraVe. Avoiding deodorant soaps and highly fragranced soaps is also important. Estrogen receptor binders (such as tamoxifen) can cause loss of elasticity and premature aging of the skin along with hot flashes and fits of sweating. The symptoms can feel like menopause. We treat these skin changes with high quality skin care products containing growth factors (Neocutis is my favorite) along with injectable wrinkle fillers and botulinum toxin.

Radiation dermatitis can occur in a radiation field during or after treatment. The radiation oncologist will do their best to spare the skin from an acute burn, but sometimes it cannot be avoided. Very sun-damaged skin and thin skin are more susceptible to these changes. Soothing lotions and gels will be prescribed. Sometimes if the inflammation is intense, a topical steroid will be used. The leftover changes in the skin can be pigmentation changes and dilated blood vessels. These changes can be treated with lasers. An exciting and free service we offer in our clinic is laser Radiation Mark Removal. Medical tattoos are placed to mark alignment for radiation treatments. Once a patient has completed therapy and is out of the window for relapse monitoring, they can get a letter of approval from their oncologist. We will use our tattoo removal laser to erase those reminders from their skin. Treatments are fast. The sites form a scab and heal. Most tattoos require six sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart. Wingfield is a board-certified dermatologist with a full-service practice in Gulfport. Reach her at (228) 864-3300.

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One in eight women (about 12 percent) in the U.S. will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer, even though death rates have been decreasing since 1989. The largest decreases are among women younger than 50. Prevention and early detection will help save more lives, so you should understand the lifestyle factors that may affect your risk of breast cancer and what you can do to stay healthy. Some factors influence risk more than others, and an individual’s risk for breast cancer can change over time, due to factors such as aging or lifestyle. Here are some risk factors to consider: RISK FACTORS • The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are gender (being a woman) and age (growing older). • Heredity can play a role, although most women (more than 85 percent) who get breast cancer do not have a family history of this disease. The most common cause of hereditary breast cancer is an inherited mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which play a role in maintaining normal cell division. In women who carry mutated forms of this gene, the lifetime risk of breast cancer is increased by 45-65 percent. • Overall, white women 45 and older are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than are African-

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PRN Home Care was started in 1997 by Dennis and Kearn Cherry. PRN Home Care goal is to assist individuals in remaining in their chosen living environment whether it’s at home or assisted living. We do this by providing transportation, cooking, cleaning and more. As a very community involved organization, we are involved in my non-profits such as American Heart Association, Mental Health Association, and more. We also help create the RIPE (Resources, Information and Planning for the Elderly) Conference. Visit our website at www.ripeconference. com and a tv show for caregivers. The tv show that is still in production and is called “The Unwrinkled Heart Caregivers’ Journeys”. Our sister company - Handy Dandy Moving Services, www.handydandymoving.com, which is a national full service company was created to assist caregivers and seniors in moving loved ones’ items to facilities, storage unit, or across the nation.

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Oral health, nutrition and cancer By DR. RANDY BUNTYN

American women in the same age range, but African-American women are more likely to die from the disease. • Women who have had more menstrual cycles because they started menstruating early (before age 12) and/or went through menopause later (after age 55) have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer. • Women who have had no children or who had their first child after age 30 have a slightly higher breast cancer risk. • Alcohol use is clearly linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. • Post-menopausal obesity increases the risk of developing breast cancer, especially if the weight was gained as an adult (as opposed to lifelong obesity). Studies are beginning to reveal that physical activity reduces breast cancer risk.

WARNING SIGNS

• Lumps that feel harder or different from surrounding tissue in the breast or underarm area.

• Swelling, warmth or redness of the breast tissue. • Changes in the size or shape of the breast tissue.

• Dimpling or puckering of the skin or nipple.

• Itchy or scaly sore or rash on the nipple.

• New pain in one area of the breast that will not go away.

• Nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing the nipple, occurs in only one breast, or is bloody or clear (not milky).

In addition to being aware of risk factors and looking for any of the warning signs of breast cancer, breast exams, mammograms and other screenings increase the chances of detecting breast cancer early, when it is most likely to be curable. It is recommended that women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam as part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional at least every 3 years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health professional every year. Information source: Susan G. Komen Foundation and the American Cancer Society

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Summer is nearing an end, and we’re heading full-force into festivals, holidays and family fun. October brings us Cruisin’ the Coast and Halloween, but there is one emphasis that we should all keep in mind. Women and men, young and old, of diverse cultures and backgrounds: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a dentist, I have spent my professional career concentrating on oral health. Sometimes we fix teeth, do checkups, or create beautiful smiles … but we always check the health of your mouth, and how it interacts with the total health of the rest of your body. As they say, “you are what you eat,” and yes, it’s true. It stands to reason that in order to eat healthy, nutrient-rich foods that enhance your health, you must have good digestion. The beginning of digestion is properly chewed food that has been infused with healthy saliva. I see many patients who can’t chew because they have missing teeth or teeth that need to be repaired. Some patients have many teeth but have dry mouth because their body isn’t able to produce enough saliva. Not only does dry mouth cause nutritional problems, but it causes healthy teeth to decay more quickly and can make swallowing food much more difficult. Wait! We were supposed to be talking about breast cancer. Well, that’s exactly what we are talking about! In 2014, Mississippi is expected to have more than 2,000 people diagnosed with breast cancer. Most of these will be women, but a few will be men. This disease is most often found in those older than 50, but some are younger. No matter what age, sex, or group in society someone belongs to, we all must have nutritious food, and that means eating. If you are healthy, with normal salivary flow and good teeth (and

not missing any teeth), you should do what we all know to do: Brush three times a day with a proper brush and technique, and floss once a day, EVERY DAY. Your dental visits should typically be every six months to check the health of your teeth and gums. Polishing your teeth not only cleans them, but smoothes the surface so plaque and bacteria don’t stick to them as easily. Regular applications of fluoride can be a key factor in long-term health, even with adults. Now, about cancer, your body and your teeth. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, then you have had discussions about your body’s ability to fight the cancer as well as procedures and protocols that our wonderful practices of medicine have developed. One of the first doctors to see after diagnosis of any cancer is your dentist. The medications and procedures that may be used such as chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy can affect your ability to get proper nutrition. Your body has a tough time fighting disease without proper food. Realize that you will probably see changes in the amount of saliva you produce, which makes swallowing difficult, and also speeds up the decay of natural, healthy teeth. This can cause tooth loss and difficulty eating. You may get sores in your mouth related to medications and changes in your immune system. Your dentist should be an integral part of your cancer therapy. Your dental visits should be determined by your dentist which will be based on your individual situation. Your body is incredibly complex but runs on a few basic principles: Proper nutrition, plenty of water (yes, water), and exercise as prescribed by your doctor. L. Randy Buntyn, D.M.D, is the owner of Smile Gulf Coast. Reach him at (228)875-3343 or www.SmileGulfCoast.com

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GET IT DONE!

Yes, you really do need a mammogram

By MICHELE PISCIOTTA, M.D. Now that I am 45, I am starting to pay attention to my health in a more personal way. Time has a way of passing without much fanfare, and I am now the age that I warn my patients about. I can hear myself telling women this: “In your late 30s and early 40s, medical issues often become a problem.” Unhealthy habits start to catch up to us! We have some control over our likelihood of developing breast cancer, but with an incidence of about 1 in 8 women, it is obviously a major issue for many healthy patients. With all of the changes in healthcare over the past five years, it can be confusing to know what the recommendations are regarding breast cancer screening. I personally do not like some of the changes that are being discussed. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology still recommends annual mammography after 40. The American Cancer Society also recommends annual screening. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women have mammograms every two years between the ages of 50 and 74. The American Medical Association seems to ride the fence, saying that patients should talk to their doctor. I do think that patients should always talk about their choices, but I am asked, “Do I really need one?” My answer is, “I do it.” I think that some of these recommendations take away the value

of each individual life. I realize that as a society we need to be conscious of costs and benefits in our medical care, but I do not believe that there is an abuse of mammography services. The value of catching an early cancer and treating it is so obvious to me. I sit in church and see fellow mothers and friends who have had the benefit of early detection in their 40s. One went through difficult treatments and now has her gorgeous head of hair back! She is back at the business of raising her children and helping our community. Another was able to have a lumpectomy and only radiation and is so grateful to be able to step right back in where she left off about nine months ago. I am also aware that there are faults in mammography, and that all cancers don’t behave the same way. There are negative mammograms and aggressive cancers that are not caught. There are unnecessary biopsies done. All in all, it is not a perfect test, and this is not a perfect system, but to my friends and patients I say: “Get it done!” I want to increase the years I have with my loved ones. Don’t you? Dr. Pisciotta is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at Gulf Coast Gynecology, 962 Tommy Munro, Suite A, Biloxi. Reach her at (228) 207-6750.

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Get involved! WOMAN-LESS BEAUTY PAGEANT Join the Women and Gender Studies Student Organization in the fight against breast cancer from 6:30-8:30 Oct. 10 at the University of Southern Mississippi, Fleming Education Center-Auditorium Gulfpark Campus, Long Beach. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Contact WGSSO staff representative Crystal Hay at (228) 214-3434 or crystal.hay@usm.edu for more information. ROBERTS GUEST OF HONOR AT SWEETS AND CHAMPAGNE Join the American Cancer Society for a night of elegance as it presents the fifth annual Sweets and Champagne on Friday, Sept. 19, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Biloxi Civic Center, 578 Howard Ave. in Gulfport. This year’s event will honor Gulf Coast native and co-anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America” Robin Roberts.

Roberts is a seven-year cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2007. In June of 2012 she faced another health battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, or MDS, which attacks the blood and bone marrow. Roberts underwent a bone marrow transplant in September of that same year with her sister Sally-Ann being a perfect match. The story received national attention and triggered an outpouring of support across the country. Roberts returned to the anchor desk in February 2013, nearly five months to the day since she underwent the transplant. Event proceeds will support the American Cancer Society’s programs and services for all cancer patients and their families, as well as help fund breakthrough research, including a grant in Mississippi totaling $720,000. Guests will be treated to live entertainment from local favorite dance band MoJeaux, a silent auction, wine and liquor basket raffles, and photos with Snaparazzi Photobooth. Partygoers will enjoy desserts from eight top confectioners from around the Coast, as well as food prepared by Chef Patrick Heim of Taste Catering. Tickets can be purchased at sweetsandchampagnegulfcoast.org. Tickets are $75 each or $125 per couple. Event sponsors receive reserved seating in addition to other benefits at the starting level of $600. For questions about the Sweets and Champagne, call (228) 896-8936 or email jan. garner@cancer.org.

PINK LOTUS PROJECT PRESENTS CHA CHA FOR THE TA TAS The Pink Lotus Project will hold a live dance-a-thon called Cha Cha for the Ta Tas from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at Orange Grove Community Center, 14416 Dedeaux Road, Gulfport. The cost is $10. Preregister at www.eventbrite.com. All proceeds benefit the Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Breast Imaging Fund. The Pink Lotus Project is a nonprofit organization based in Harrison County dedicated to serving the women and girls of the Gulf Coast. The mission of the organization is to provide educational programs and focused services that will impact women and girls of all ages and empower them to build and sustain healthy lifestyles, relationships, and communities. 7TH ANNUAL WALK OF HOPE Walk, run or stroll for the Pink Heart Funds on Oct. 11. The route begins east of Jeff Davis Avenue on 4th Street, continues on Magnolia Street to Boggs Circle and back to Long Beach Town Green. Pets are allowed. Registration opens at 7 a.m., and the race begins at 8 at Long Beach Town Green, Long Beach. Registration is $20. After the walk, an awards ceremony and In Memory/Honor of Balloon Release is planned. Pink Heart provides free wigs to adults and children with cancer, and breast prostheses to women after surgery. Proceeds benefit Pink Heart Funds. For more information, call (228) 575-8299.

56 SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER 2014

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15200 (228) 8/26/14 10:46 PM

Make

Your health a Priority!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Garden Park Medical Center wants to make it easy for you to take charge of your health now! October 1st â&#x20AC;&#x201C; October 31st Mammograms are only $99.* Complimentary bone density screening is included.* Schedule your appointment today. Call (228) 575-7151. Ask about our special Saturday and evening hours! 15200 Community Road, Gulfport, MS 39503 (228) 575-7000 I GPMedical.com GCW_V15N6_SeptOct2014 updated.indb 9

*Special $99 digital mammogram price for cash payers only. Paid at the time of57service. gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com Insurance will not be filed. Medical order and appointment required. Bone density screenings available to anyone during the month of October (heel only). 8/26/14 10:46 PM

Happiness on Main Street Transformed woman casting rays of sunshine, hopes on others in Bay By JAIMEE DORRIS

Most of us have heard the biblical scripture where Jesus calls his disciples to sell their worldly possessions and follow him. Few of us know someone who has actually done it though. Well, meet Di Fillhart. Fillhart runs the Starfish Café on Main Street in Bay St Louis. She is a middle-aged blonde with striking blue eyes and a personality that can fill a room. When she talks, she smiles, and since she talks to everyone, she smiles constantly. Between the neon pink T-shirt she wears daily and her bubbling enthusiasm, she can’t help but give her restaurant patrons a side of happy along with each healthy meal. No one would ever guess that this jolly woman used to have a dark side. “I had a wicked, wicked wild temper,” Fillhart confesses. “I grew up with a verbally abusive father and a mother

Fillhart, right, shows her enthusiasm with an all-day smile. who screamed a lot. So, I was a verbal arsonist. You model what you know.” In her early 20s, Fillhart says she had resentment and bitterness from her upbringing and her anger reached an all-time low when she and her then husband had a terrible fight one night. “I had enough anger and hatred in my heart that I could have murdered him. And I had a knife. We didn’t sleep for days.”

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58 SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER 2014

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But her life began to change when she moved from Pennsylvania and found a nursing job at a hospital in Florida. She says her co-workers would pray with patients, and Fillhart witnessed countless healings she could only describe as miracles. “That’s a God I hadn’t seen before,” she recalls. “Those nurses had what I wanted, so I prayed to God, ‘They say you live inside of them, so I’ll open the door. Come on in.’ And that was it!” Fillhart says she began to read the Bible. When she came upon the scripture where Jesus called his disciples to sell their worldly belongings and follow him, Fillhart took the calling to heart. “I thought, “All I have to do is sell my stuff and follow God’s word? Well, sounds easy enough.’ ” So she did it. She quit her corporate job, sold her home and moved her family to a church in the ghetto of New York City to minister to homeless people in the area. “Everyone thought we were crazy. My (second) husband wasn’t all that keen about the idea either, but he went along with it,” Fillhart says. “I always felt more at home in the inner city.” Since then, Fillhart has had many adventures. The latest one led her to South Mississippi, where she found herself delivering water and ice on the streets in Bay St. Louis just days after Hurricane Katrina. “That’s how I met the entire community. I drove around delivering food and supplies out of a truck.” Fast-forward almost nine years, and Fillhart now is running the Starfish Café, which despite the casual atmosphere and wholesome cuisine, is primarily an outreach mission for at-risk youth. Since it opened last summer, Fillhart and her team have helped 14 young adults learn restaurant skills and move into the job market with confidence. She says her past gives her the compassion she needs to relate to the students. “I would not help the people I help if I didn’t understand where they were.” The students aren’t the only people affected by this remarkable woman, though. She inspires the customers who frequent the Starfish Café, too. Through her actions, people experience a woman living the gospel, instead of simply preaching it. “I’m at peace,” she says. “I don’t have to worry about what God has in store for me next. The Lord gets so much happier when I just shut up and listen. That’s 25 years of transformation.”

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MORE INFO Find out more about the BSL harbor by calling (228.467.4226) or under “Harbor” at www.baystlouis-ms.gov. Explore Old Town online at www.BayStLouisOldTown.com.

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www.gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com 59

STANDING IN THE RAIN

How I survived my husband’s affair {Part 2 }

“

It was something I was doing for myself, no matter what happened.

hat I am writing today is by far the most important advice you will ever receive about how to survive and deal with your husband’s affair. I want to preface my remarks by warning you that you may not like what I am going to say and you may not agree with it, but I would be doing you a great disservice if I do not share this most important aspect of dealing with a spouse’s adultery. I hope that you will take my advice in the loving spirit in which it is intended and keep your heart and mind open. The best thing you can do for yourself when you have suffered from a spouse’s affair is choose to forgive. I know it is a hard concept to accept; it certainly was for me. When you have been deeply wounded by someone you love, someone who vowed to be faithful to you, forgiving is much easier said than done. After all, you did nothing wrong. You did not do anything to be put in such a difficult and painful situation. You are in this situation because of the actions of two very selfish people. When you are living in pain and anguish every day because someone has greatly wronged you, forgiveness is one of the last things you want to do. It is easy to recount all of your spouse’s wrongdoings against you and attempt to justify remaining angry, bitter and resentful toward him. While those thoughts and feelings are certainly understandable, they are not the most beneficial to you in the short-term or the long-term. In fact, anger, bitterness, malice, and resentment are like poison to our bodies, minds and spirits. If they are not properly resolved, you will suffer far more than you will if you just let them go. Not long after I learned of my husband’s adultery, I told him that I 60

”

forgave him. At that point, I did not know if my marriage could be saved or even if I wanted it to be saved. I did not know if my husband would choose to leave me or if I would leave him. I also did not know if my husband had any intention of ending the affair and making things right with me. My future and the future of my marriage were still uncertain, and forgiveness did not offer me any guarantees. It was something I was doing for myself, no matter what happened. There are several points about forgiveness that I would like to share:

1. Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling.

It is an act of your will whereby you release the offending party to God to deal with. You choose not to seek revenge for the pain and injustice inflicted upon you. As long as you find it necessary to hold your husband’s sins against him, God is limited in what he can do in your husband’s heart. Once you release your husband, you are freeing God to work in your husband’s heart and mind to convict him and bring him to repentance.

2. Forgiveness is the first step toward

healing and moving forward with your life. As long as you are holding onto resentment, anger, bitterness and hatred, you will remain in a place full of anger and pain. The anger, pain, and resentment you feel will eventually spill over into every other relationship you have, including your relationship with God.

3. Forgiveness does not mean you

condone, accept, agree with, or excuse the actions of the other person. It does not mean the actions of the other person should be ignored either. In fact, it will be necessary at some point to confront

your spouse about his actions and how his actions are affecting you. When you approach your spouse with a forgiving spirit, you are much more likely to handle the discussion in a way that is positive and helpful.

4. Forgiveness does not mean you are

naïve, gullible or weak. On the contrary, a person who forgives is one who is wise, strong and courageous.

5. Forgiveness does not necessarily mean

that your marriage will be saved or that your spouse will change. Even if you and your spouse divorce, it is still necessary to forgive him. That way, you can move forward with peace and in confidence, knowing that your heart is right before God. Forgiveness is a decision you will have to commit to every day, often several times a day. Further, it is a process. Forgiveness will not automatically get rid of all the painful and angry emotions. Those things still have to be faced and dealt with on a daily basis. But, by forgiving, you are freeing yourself to heal and move forward without all those negative emotions holding you back. Forgiveness will help you be able to work through all your emotions and deal with your thoughts from a much healthier perspective. Just keep walking in your choice to forgive your spouse, even in the most difficult moments. Commit your feelings, thoughts, and choices to God, be obedient to Him, and He will direct you. If you are a Christian, then you have been forgiven freely by God — now it is time to extend that same gracious and undeserved forgiveness to your husband. Part 3: Look for the next segment of “Standing in the rain” in the next issue.

SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER

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WOMEN IN THE ARTS

MEET FOUR WOMEN WHO ARE BRUSHES OF A DIFFERENT STROKE ON THE GULF COAST’S ART SCAPE.

FANCIFUL and FUN Discover BSL’s French Potager By ELLIS ANDERSON

Two words describe the woman with three names: Tres cool. In fact, most people who know Martha Whitney Butler would agree that the young artist is also a trendsetter whose original ideas blossom as bountifully as the flowers in her store. gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com 61

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2280 Walden Court Ct - Very desirable Greenleaf, excellent condition, new dishwasher, new disposal and stainless steel sink, new paint, some new carpet, vinyl and ceramic, new light fixtures, ceiling fans, fireplace heated and cooled Florida room with French doors, large shady fenced yard at the end of the cul de sac. $179,900

14405 Whitney Dr - Townhome style, close to Crossroads Mall, restaurants, Garden Park Hospital, easy access to I-10 from Three Rivers Road and U.S. 49, appliances, open floor plan, 2 bedrooms upstairs with one full bath, half bath downstairs; and living area downstairs. $42,500

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Even the name of her Bay St. Louis store — The French Potager — reflects Butler’s unique style. A potager (po-te–jhzaa) is a European kitchen garden where you’re likely to find everything from herbs and vegetables to fresh flowers for the table. Regular customers (and there are many) at Butler’s irresistible cottage shop at 213 Main St. in Old Town have likewise learned to expect the unexpected. Every item in the store seems to tell an interesting story, from the antique jewelry to the chic sculptures and furniture Butler creates from vintage finds. For instance, an antique fan might wind up as a table lamp, or a book page could be transformed into a keepsake notecard. Even the displays and windows at The French Potager cross the line from retail to conversation-provoking art. In May, the picture window featured mannequin legs topped by an old-fashioned phone, captioned with a bold sign, “Call Your Mama!” Butler has actually developed an international fan base for her windows, with design professionals across the world complimenting her work when she posts pictures on Facebook. In the past year, Butler has been turning her considerable talents to floral design. After earning an art history degree at Ole Miss, Butler became fascinated with flowers and worked for a time at a florist shop with a respected designer. During the past two years, she’s been studying a painstaking Japanese style of flower arranging called Ikebana. “It’s a zen floral arrangement,” she explains. “You focus all your positive energy into the creation of it.” Buckets of fresh flowers greet visitors just inside the door of the French Potager, where Butler makes up bouquets on demand. But don’t look for Plain-Jane varieties here. Butler only stocks what she calls “Dr. Seuss” flowers, both fanciful and fun. Butler’s eye-catching “Zen/Dr. Suess” arrangements have recently caught on with brides looking for statement-making décor at boutique weddings. The arrangements are now in demand for other events as well, but since Butler works alone, she’s able to be selective about her clients, offering each a unique look and personal service. “I love the fleeting beauty of flowers,” Butler says. “Since they have such a short window of peak glory before they fade, working with them seems like a cross between performance art and mixed media.”

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‘You really don’t know where life is going to take you’

Roosa brings new vision to WAMA By CECILY CUMMINGS Rosemary Roosa, executive director of the Walter Anderson Museum in Ocean Springs, acknowledges that her professional and creative paths have taken her to unexpected places throughout the journey of life. However, one of the most surprising aspects is that the voyage led her back home and to a career she loves. Roosa’s journey began is her hometown of Starkville, but the majority of her youth was spent in the NASA community outside Houston, Texas, as the daughter of Stuart Roosa, Apollo 14 astronaut. After her father retired, her family started a Coors Beer distributorship on the Coast in 1981. Roosa went on to attend Newcomb College in New Orleans. Here, she was first introduced to Southern art. “My mother loved to paint. I grew up around creative, artistic people,” she says. Roosa graduated with a degree in liberal science and moved to Washington, D.C., in 1985, where she worked for Congressman Trent Lott. Three years later, her father asked her if she’d like to come home and run the Coors distributorship, and she found herself running a multimillion-dollar business at the age of 25. “I bought a house, and the first thing I did was buy a bunch of Walter Anderson prints to decorate. It’s funny to think about, now that I’m running that museum,” she says. A lover of lifelong learning, she continued her education with Harvard Business School’s Owner/President management program. She also got her master’s in industrial and organizational psychology at William Carey University and helped teach psychology classes at Tulane University on the Coast. Because of her background in management and business, Roosa was approached in the fall of 2012 by the Walter Anderson Museum to become the museum’s interim director. “I came on board to keep the helm steady. The Board of Directors liked what they saw and asked me to be the permanent director,” Roosa says.

“I became director on Jan. 31, 2013, which coincided with the anniversary date of my father going to the moon. I figured, if he launched to the moon in 1971, I’m going to launch on to a new career with Walter Anderson,” she says. Her goals as director are to reintroduce the Coast to Walter Anderson and to take the museum from a regional museum to a place that’s a destination. She envisions introducing the American master to New Orleans and Mobile, followed by New York and Los Angeles, then perhaps Paris and Hong Kong. “I’m on a journey here myself in discovering more about Walter Anderson. I think of all the connections that have brought me here. All the experiences that I’ve had have led me to where I am today,” she says. “When people are young, they think: ‘I’m going to take this route, and this is going to be my career.’ I’ve found that as long as you are open and willing, you really don’t know where life is going to take you.”

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YOUNG AT ART “Above all, make sure your work is a reflection of your true self.” These are words of wisdom offered by Cecily Cummings. They could easily have flowed from the lips of Toni Point, another young Coast artist. Both women show the courage to be themselves, to be different in their art. They both are interesting examples of the new hands etching the area’s art scene.

TONI POINT ‘The hope is that what you create, not only makes you happy, but that other people will also connect with your work.’

GCW: Who inspires you? Point: “I have been inspired by many teachers and professors that I have had. My art teacher in high school, Paulette Dove; art professors at MSU; Brent Funderburk and Robert Long; a couple of local artists, such as Walter Anderson and George Ohr; also, some more national and international artists: Mark Rothko, Frida Kahlo, Richmond Barthé and Romare Bearden. All of which have very different aesthetics, but have had an impact on what I create.” GCW: What makes your pieces different/special? Point: “I enjoy making pieces that have a modern feel but also have interesting patterns or compositions. I think my work is special because I am constantly moving from one medium to another — which keeps my work fresh and interesting.” GCW: What encouragement would you give other young artists?

The 29-year-old full-time artist has been involved in some form of art since she was a young girl. “I think I started painting when I was 8 or 9 years old and I have never stopped,” she says. “I gradually expanded into ceramics, printmaking, jewelry making and various other forms painting.” An architect by education, Point enjoys creating handmade block prints carved and printed by hand. “They include tribal, modern, abstract, and illustrations. I also make screen-printed towels and totes that are from hand-painted designs. I also enjoy making modern and abstract original watercolor paintings.” The Biloxian shared with Gulf Coast Woman recently about her artwork and life.

Point: “Establishing oneself as a legitimate artist is definitely not a simple or easy process. But, you have to be willing to put in the time and keep investing in developing your creative voice. The hope is that what you create, not only makes you happy, but that other people will also connect with your work.” Find her work at www.etsy.com/shop/printwork

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GCW: How did you get started?

CECILY CUMMINGS ‘Rather than painting the world I see around me, I prefer to depict the world inside of me.’

Cummings: “I have identified as an artist since childhood. My mother is an artist, too, so I was exposed to an artistic environment throughout my young life. We lived in Europe when I was a child, and I loved visiting the art museums and taking in the culture of cities like London and Paris. One of my most vivid memories is seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre when I was 8 years old. How could I not grow up loving the arts? I continued to draw and paint throughout my teen years and received a scholarship to William Carey University to study art and English, and received a master’s in art education and English. GCW: Who inspired you? Cummings: “My mother was my first art teacher and she continues to encourage me to express my creativity through art and writing. My husband and I love to travel, and seeing new places always gets my creativity flowing. He is a romantic person, which shows in my art. I tell him he is the red in my paintings.

The 34-year-old depicts Coast scenes in still lives and landscapes but says she’s primarily a portrait artist. “I’ve used all different kinds of media, but the rich, jewel-tone colors of oil paint are my favorite,” Cummings says. “Regardless of what subject I paint, I favor bold, bright colors and combine loose, impressionistic brushwork with fine detail.” Because Cummings is fascinated with cultures and styles from different eras, she portrays people from distinct time periods, “such as maidens of the Renaissance era with long hair and sweeping gowns, as well as geisha with fans and traditional kimonos. I gravitate to fantasy art and occasionally paint subjects like fairies, angels and mermaids. Most recently, I completed a ‘Sirens of the Speakeasy’ series, depicting women from the flapper era up until the 1940s.” Cummings, who was recently named a visual arts instructor at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jefferson Davis campus, recently shared with Gulf Coast Woman about her artwork.

“My inspiration starts with particular time periods, such as the Roaring 20s. I’ll watch an old movie, read books, or listen to the music of the era to get started. I’ll sometimes see a person who looks like he or she belongs in a particular time period and ask if I may paint their portrait in a specific era of fashion. Because I am also a writer, I make sure that each of my works tells a story, though I like for the viewer to find his or her own meaning as they look at my piece. “ GCW: What makes your pieces different/special? Cummings: “I try to paint what no one else is painting. Rather than painting the world I see around me, I prefer to depict the world inside of me. An artist’s secret to making her work distinctive is to have passion for her art form and to show the viewer the world through her eyes.” GCW: What encouragement would you give other young artists? Cummings: “Whether you train professionally as an artist or are self-taught, learn all you can from art museums, books, teachers, mentors and fellow artists. It’s true that you need to learn the rules before you break them. Then, after you’ve received all the training, break the rules to the best of your ability. Try to make your artwork as outside the box, distinctive, and creative as you can. Above all, make sure your work is a reflection of your true self.”

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FOODFORTHOUGHT

It’s slow cooker time!

chool’s in session and so are all the extracurricular activities for students. Parents and grandparents have their share of activities, too. Most clubs, organizations and church groups resume a regular schedule of meetings, fund-raisings and even festivals. Yes, it is that time of year when 24 hours does not seem like enough time in a day. There are ball games, band and choir practices, to say nothing of team sports. Our church is revving up its Missionettes and children’s church. All of these activities for children require parent or grandparent involvement. So, where does this leave the evening meal? Oftentimes, it is sorely lacking in health value. A swing through the drive-through, even though there are healthier fast-food choices, does not make for good nutrition. The cook or cooks in the family feel

By ANDREA YEAGER

too pressed for time to prepare a meal, especially when she or he has just walked in from the office. May I offer a solution? Dust off the old slow cooker and give it a whirl. Nothing is more comforting than to come home to the aromatic smells from a slow cooker, where the meal has been cooking since morning. Fall vegetables can be added to the meat for a one-pot, healthy wonder. Butternut squash, apples and pumpkin say fall to me and are so rich in nutrients. If family members are strictly meatand-potatoes folks, that’s an easy onepot dish. Plop a beef or pork roast, seasoned with salt and pepper and garlic cloves, in the slow cooker, slice onions on top and add potato slices or chunks. I would use a red wine for the liquid; it makes for a richer, more flavorful roast. Turn the slow cooker on

low, and off to work the cook goes. No hassle, not much preparation — just a good hot meal on hectic days. One of my family’s favorites is pork tenderloin just about any way that I can fix it. When I have meetings or deadlines, I do not have time to roast one in the oven. The slow cooker can take over the cooking duties. A favorite pork loin recipe is one from “Fix-It and Forget It Diabetic Cookbook.” This cookbook is full of nutritious slow-cooker recipes for diabetics or non-diabetics alike. Diabetic, low-fat or low-carbohydrate meals do not have to taste like cardboard. They can be packed with flavor. With these two recipes, hurried families can have at least two homecooked meals before rushing off to games or other activities.

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Autumn Harvest Pork Loin 1 cup cider or apple juice 1 1/2 pound boneless pork loin, trimmed of fat 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced 1 1/2 whole medium butternut squashes, peeled and cubed 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon dried sage Heat cider in hot skillet. Sear pork loin on all sides in cider. Sprinkle meat with salt and pepper on all sides. Place in slow cooker, along with juices. Combine apples and squash. Sprinkle with sugar and herbs. Place around pork loin. Cover. Cook on low 5-6 hours. Remove pork loin from cooker. Let stand 10-15 minutes. Slice into 1/2-inch slices. Serve topped with apples and squash.

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Bay’s Sycamore House should be on your must-try list The Sycamore House’s Shrimp and Grits. Photography by Isabelle Parker

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n a sturdy 19th century home, linen-laid tables with shiny cutlery and precise white china speak of the elegance of the Sycamore House Restaurant, Bay St. Louis’ spot of savior faire. Michael and Stella LeGardeur– Eastham have created a signature restaurant for locals and tourists looking for unique fare. The menu features Thai scallops, Southern pulled pork, New York style pizza, Japanese sushi, and Indonesia curry. “Eclectic is what we do,” Stella says. Cooking has been a life ambition for both Michael and Stella. In fact, they met while enrolled at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York. Working in the restaurant business in California after graduation, they decided to buy their own place, choosing a spot in Georgia. On the way to the Peach State, they stopped to visit Stella’s family in New Orleans and heard about this charming old house that had gone through several restaurant renovations. One look and they were captivated. They named it after Michael’s grandmother’s home in England, also called, “The Sycamore House,” with the hopes the name would bring the same good fortune she had

enjoyed. Begin your dining pleasure with one of their dozen choices of appetizers, perhaps their spicy barbeque shrimp or tangy Thai scallops. A favorite of locals is the poke sushi-grade yellow fin tuna, served in a tangy ginger soy sauce over seaweed salad. Follow that up with a traditional Mississippi Turtle Soup, or the signature Sycamore House Sun Choke Soup. For the entrée, consider the popular jumbo scallops served with a burred blanc sauce, a butter sauce melded with coconut milk and lime juice, designed to bring out the sweetness of the scallops. For extra taste-bud tingle, try the zesty Caribbean jalapeno sauce, served on grilled shrimp, salmon or tuna. For those yearning for a meat taste from down under, order the grilled rack of lamp chops, tender New Zealand lamb topped with a Moroccan fig sauce. The original house where the restaurant resides was known as the Mauffray Boarding House when two cottages were connected in the 1850s. The original structure is now the restaurant’s kitchen. “There’s a photo of the whole family sitting on the porch,” Stella says, “all 15 of them living in this little two-bedroom shack.” Through the year, the house has had several reincarnations, including as a boarding house and as local restaurants such as The Landmark and The Homestead. Once again, it serves as the owners’ home as well; the culinary couple lives upstairs with their two children. Michael, being from New York, had been here just a few years when he began missing his New York Style pizzas. He

SEPTEMBER~OCTOBER

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decided the best way to bring them to the Coast was to make them himself. So after acquiring genuine pizza stones, he converted one of the ovens to pizza style. Now the restaurant offers a dozen varieties of the tastiest thick-crusted traditional New York style pizzas ever made, including BBQ shrimp, Meat Lover’s, and the traditional “White Pizza,” featuring an Alfredo sauce with spinach and garlic. From the grill comes the aged Black Angus New York Strip with a choice of sauces, such as basil-mushroom cream or pineapple-jalapeno. The café menu offers garlic boursin BLT, grilled chicken sandwich, and a Ropa Po-Boy. Desserts include homemade ice creams and the best crème brûlée you’ve ever had. Thursday night is sushi night. That night’s menu includes Maki Sushi, with choices ranging from the classic California with crabmeat, avocado, radish, and cucumber, to ShakeSalmon, with carrot asparagus, caper berry and aioli. Nigiri Sushi includes Ebi-Shrimp for $6. Surf and Turf features a selection of local shrimp with wasabi sour cream, cucumber and asparagus, and topped with seared steak, declared “an inside out roll.” Michael and Stella’s restaurant supports the local community. Local photographer Mike Ramsey and artist Jennifer Black display their work on Sycamore’s walls. In the summer, Stella does a kid’s camp for 3 to 7–year-olds. Featuring cooking as well as arts and crafts, the camp sells out every year, with a waiting list two years in advance. The Sycamore House brings to Bay St. Louis and the Mississippi Coast a unique fine-dining experience of multicultural foods. Michael says, “I grew up with a Czech grandmother who cooked classic Italian food from scratch. From that beginning I knew I’d become a chef because I love to eat.” Visit the Sycamore House Restaurant and you’ll love to eat, too!

The Sycamore House 210 Main St, Bay St Louis, MS 39520 ~ (228) 469-0107 Open 5 – 8:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 11:30 a.m. -9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday brunch. www.thesycamorehouse.com

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