pulse The beat of Southwest Mississippi
Dearly Beloved Couples find love all sorts of ways.
Bridal Issue January-February-March 2013
From the publisher
Inside
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Bridal Expo 2013 The first few weeks of the year may involve cold weather, but for wedding planners that’s when things are just starting to warm up.
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Magnolia’s Mardi Gras celebration gets better each year
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Favorite things
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Husband-getter potatoes Ann Jackson knows that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach Four pages worth of neat items available from local merchants
Pulse Points Shining a spotlight on three businesses that have recently opened
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Be prepared
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The sound of music
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Jamey’s Blues Trio
Some churches insist on pre-marital counseling Bands and DJs make a wedding reception fun Jamey Hewitt, Jeromy Spiers and Travis Easley have played for many years
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Love of a Lifetime
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Priceless wedding stories
A chance meeting led to a marriage of 66 years Couples share their favorite moments of marriage
On the cover: When Katharine Cutrer of Osyka had engagement photos made for her Nov. 17, 2012, wedding to James Bennett Petty, she chose Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, La., as the setting. Everything clicked — great weather, a canopy of ancient oaks, and a wind that blew the bride’s hair slightly and ruffled the antique French lace wedding gown, also worn by her mother, Suzanne.
Cover photo by Bobby LeCompte,
Say Eggplant Photography Studio, Houma, La.
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obody pulls off a nice wedding by themselves. It takes all kinds of assistance, from friends and families of the bride and groom, along with essentials like a photographer, wedding director and even a reception planner. It also might be unwise to exclude a minister from that list. Every year, for brides-to-be that have put some thought into their wedding plans, the Southwest Mississippi Bridal Expo is there to help. It brings a number of vendors together — this year at least 36 of them — to help brides get an idea of how to make their wedding day as memorable as possible. Expo organizers obviously are going to all this trouble to promote their businesses. More power to them; that’s how they ensure they stay in business and get new customers. But they also are providing a valuable service to many people in this area who are planning a wedding. Bringing plenty of options together in one setting is a wonderful way to help brides get information and make decisions. The expo is the afternoon of Sunday, Jan. 27 at the McComb Mill. Organizers expect a record attendance. That too is a good sign.
Staff
Publisher - Jack Ryan Editor - Karen Freeman Advertising Manager - Lauren Devereaux Advertising sales- Debbie Best, Vicky Deere, LeWair Foreman, Erin McKenzie, Kimberly Wooley, Sherry L. Williams Photography - Philip Hall Design - Karen Freeman, Matt Williamson, Jack Ryan
pulse is a publication of J.O. Emmerich & Associates Inc. and is produced in association with the Enterprise-Journal, 112 Oliver Emmerich Dr., McComb, Mississippi. For more copies or advertising information, call 601-684-2421, write P.O. Box 2009, McComb, MS 39649 or e-mail advertising@enterprisejournal.com.
Volume 5, Issue 3
2013 Bridal Issue
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Mardi Gras
Mambo
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Jimmy Harris, president of the Magnolia/South Pike Area Chamber of Commerce, is shown with an elaborate headdress that will be part of Magnolia’s Mardi Gras celebration on Feb. 14.
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Magnolia kicks up heels in style BY RANDY HAMMONS FTER LEAVING HER native Colombia, Mercedes Ricks settled in New Orleans, where she lived for 26 years on the Lakefront. Among work in the Big Easy was a 13-year stint as bartender at the Fairmont Hotel, just off Bourbon Street. A party was just outside the door during Mardi Gras. And Ricks made it her business to take part in the festivities after work whenever possible. After Hurricane Katrina forced her to leave New Orleans in 2005, Ricks came to Pike County. And she brought her passion for Mardi Gras frivolity to Magnolia. Southwest Mississippi hasn’t been the same since. New Orleans’ loss has been Magnolia’s gain. Ricks is known for her elaborate, colorful dress during Mardi
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Gras in Magnolia. The 12th annual event is scheduled for Feb. 2-3 and is sponsored by the Magnolia/South Pike Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Magnolia. “Mardi Gras Mambo” is the theme of this year’s festival and parade in Magnolia. Food vendors and arts and crafts open at 8 a.m. Feb. 2, and the parade will kick off at 10 a.m.. Music by country group Ghost Town starts around 11:30 a.m., and The Pedal Stills alt-country band performs at 3 p.m. The popular fireworks show is at dark, and Saturday’s festivities end around 6:30 p.m. The next day’s activities begin at noon. L.A. Sunshine performs at 1 p.m., followed by a puppet show at 2 p.m. The festival ends at 5 p.m.
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Mercedes Ricks, well known for her elaborate designs for Magnolia’s Mardi Gras celebration, displays a butterfly costume here. She is pictured in the top photo during a parade.
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Continued from Page 8 “Colombia did not celebrate Mardi Gras,” Ricks said. “Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the most fun anybody can have. The first time I experienced Mardi Gras in New Orleans was 1983. It was a wild party with lots of costumes. And the beads were something else.” Ricks said the one thing she found the most fun was how the celebrants dressed to the nines. “On Mardi Gras Day, what I truly enjoyed the most was the costumes in the French Quarter,” Ricks said. “I’d usually get there by 8 a.m. with a cocktail in my hand. I always liked the costumes which were a little controversial with a political theme or other theme. I thought they were having a lot of fun, and I wanted to be a part of it. I made sure I didn’t miss anything.” Ricks said after work at the Fairmont she would slip out and mix with the crowd, often serving as a tour guide, of sorts, for guests. Ricks, who now owns La Mariposa Restaurant in Magnolia, took part in her first Magnolia Mardi Gras seven years ago. She has around 10 elaborate outfits, including one with butterfly wings, an antebellum dress and a Wonder Woman costume. Ricks declined to reveal the style or theme for her dress for this year’s festivities. “Now that I own my own business, I make sure I’m out for Mardi Gras as early as I can be,” Ricks said. Ricks said her Mardi Gras throws don’t include beads (more often than not, made in China) — but various fruits. “I don’t see paying all that money to China,” Ricks said. “I throw cucumbers, bananas and tomatoes. I have 12 boxes of tomatoes. Why spend that money on products made in China when you can help the community around here.?” Ricks said Magnolia residents are responding to the call for more decorations during the parade. “I’m used to the big decorations of Mardi Gras (in New Orleans),” Ricks said. “But I’m noticing more and more people in Magnolia are decorating their floats instead of just putting a sign on their car.” Ricks said Magnolia’s Mardi
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A young participant in the 2012 Magnolia Mardi Gras celebration had the purple, green and gold concept down nicely.
Gras is gaining popularity. “It is getting bigger,” Ricks said. “Instead of 20 floats, it would be fun to have 40 floats and then it would last a little longer than 45 minutes. It brings a lot of people to the area. It’s a good revenue day for Magnolia.” Ricks said she enjoys the closeness Mardi Gras in Magnolia brings to the citizenry. “I like the Mardi Gras atmosphere because it brings all the people together,” Ricks said. “It’s like a family picnic. It’s a lot of fun.” Magnolia/South Pike Area Chamber of Commerce President Jimmy Harris said the 2006 Mardi Gras in Magnolia stood out because it was the first Mardi Gras parade he had ever seen. “I participated in the 2006 parade and realized how much fun it was,” Harris said. “It’s a good feeling to see that joy on kids’ faces. You can’t duplicate that. It’s like watching a kid open that Christmas gift.” Harris said he hopes the festival is blessed with good weather this year. “The last couple of years we’ve really had some bad weather just
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before Fat Tuesday, dealing with thunderstorms and ice and things like that,” Harris said. “The almanac said it would be nice weather that weekend, so that’s when we decided to move it up. (In the past) we’ve had to defrost amusement rides and food carts so they could operate.” Harris said everybody loses when bad weather washes out the parade. “When you get rained out or snowed out, you lose a lot of money,” Harris said. “You’re paying the musicians anyway and they can’t be rescheduled.” Harris said not only do festivals like Mardi Gras in Magnolia help the economy, they also send a positive message to the area’s young people. “Hopefully the festival encourages young people to take pride in their town and encourages them to stay around,” Harris said. “There are so many small towns that when young people leave, they don’t come back. They go off to the brighter lights. We want to change that.” Harris said the festival has slowly caught on and improved over time. “When it first started, you
couldn’t buy Mardi Gras beads up here at Walmart,” Harris said. “That has gotten better. It was slow starting out getting people used to it. It was really trial and error starting out, but has caught on.” Harris said organizers have also learned how to run a festival. “We’re better prepared to organize it and put it on,” said Harris, who owns The Village Restaurant in Magnolia. “As word got out about the festival, we got a wider variety of arts and crafts, food vendors and entertainment.” Harris said he has never attended Mardi Gras festivities in other parts of the country. He is a native of Jackson and has lived in Magnolia for the last 10 years. “I’ve always heard of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but never had the opportunity to go,” Harris said. “This is my Mardi Gras experience.” Organizers want Mardi Gras in Magnolia to be wholesome family entertainment. “From what I understand, we’re a tad bit cleaner than New Orleans,” Harris said. “We try to keep it clean where you can take your kids. We’re a little bit wild, but not distasteful.”
olville Jackson and I were married at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Woodville, Miss., in 1992. St.Paul’s was the home church of Jefferson Davis’ mother and is a beautiful white clapboard building nestled on a hill in this charming little southwest Mississippi town. Our wedding was the result of a two-anda-half-year courtship and was the happiest day of my life. As many of you know, I had been married once or twice before, but ANN THAT is another story. I had sworn JACKSON I would never marry again, but I had not met CLEAN Colville Jackson. PLATES We had an immen diate attraction to one another, and after many months of seeing each other at social occasions, Colville invited me to lunch, and the rest is history. Neither of us ever went out with another person after that first lunch date. It was as if we knew immediately that we were meant to be together forever. Love at first sight? Absolutely not! The first time Colville came into my restaurant, even though I was attracted to him, I threatened to ask him to leave. He had a huge boisterous voice that carried
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A treat for that
special someone
potato casserole adapted from Colville’s much-loved stuffed potatoes I made for him while we were dating that he later named “Husband Getter Potatoes.” Make it for that special someone; you may be surprised!
HUSBAND-GETTER STUFFED POTATO CASSEROLE
6 large baking potatoes, peeled and cubed 4 green onions, chopped 1 tablespoon chopped garlic 2 sticks butter over the entire dining room. I after it like a bee on a flower. I 1 /2 cup sour cream had to ask him to lower his voice loved it. We did many beautiful Salt, Pepper, Lemon pepper during his dinner. weddings together. I will never and Creole seasoning Later I found out that Colville forget the many times I worked 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar was hard of hearing and could with the red-headed bombshell. When I first met Dottie, I was cheese not tell how loudly he was speak2 packages (3-ounces) real baing, but he certainly irritated me coming out of a very unhappy marriage. She sat me down for a con bits on his first visit to Dixie Springs long talk in her office and assured Boil potatoes in salted water Cafe! To think if I had thrown until just fork tender. Do not him out, we would have never ex- me that the right man was out there. One of her statements has overcook. perienced those wonderful years Meanwhile, sauté green of wedded bliss. I am a big believ- stayed with me: “He will show up er in destiny and know that it was when you are least expecting him.” onions and garlic in 1 stick of The truth was never truer. melted butter over medium heat. God’s plan for us to be together. If you are a single person look- Put in large mixing bowl. I consider myself pretty much ing for Mr. or Ms. Right, quit When potatoes are done, an expert on weddings, not belooking! Go out in the world drain and place in the bowl with cause I have been married more with a smile on your face, make onion/garlic mixture. Add rethat once, but because I have every friend you can, exercise, at- maining butter, seasonings, and been in the catering and floral tend social functions, do your sour cream. business most of my life. After With electric mixer, mix until part in the community, help finishing floral design school, I mixture is creamy. Fold in 1 cup those who need help, attend the met and worked with the late church of your choice, get plenty shredded cheese and bacon bits. Dottie Degler many times as a Taste and adjust seasoning. Pour wedding director for ceremonies of rest, and, most importantly, into 13x11-inch baking dish, top learn to cook a fabulous meal! she was catering. with 1 cup shredded cheese and Dottie made magnificent wed- Believe me ... the way to a man’s bake in preheated 350-degree ding cakes and was highly sought (or woman’s) heart is through oven until hot throughout, and their stomach! after for her delicious big occacheese is bubbling and melted on To aid you in this endeavor, I sion foods. She threw me into ditop. Serve hot. recting her weddings, and I took am sharing my recipe for baked 2013 Bridal Issue
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Expo 20 13 January 27 McComb Mill
Debbie McWilliams, owner of I’m Stuffed Catering and the president of the Southwest Mississippi Bridal Expo, is pictured in the event’s new location, the McComb Mill in the Kramertown district.
Southwest Bridal Expo expects a record attendance
BY GAIL JANOTTA or the bride-to-be, it can be extremely stressful planning for that all-important day: Selecting dresses for bridesmaids, flower arrangements and an affordable, but perfect venue are all considerations. Assistance has arrived for local women planning weddings in the form of the 17th annual Southwest Mississippi Bridal Expo. Each year, the expo reaches hundreds of brides and their their families and friends who are actively involved in the wedding planning process. This year, the event is 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, at the McComb Mill building across from the Ice House in Kramertown.
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Admission is $7. Debbie McWilliams, owner of I’m Stuffed Catering, is in her third year as expo president. She expects attendance for the 2013 event to top the previous year’s. “Last year we had about 29 vendors in all,” she said. “This year we are expecting around 36. “The bridal expo gives brides the opportunity to meet face-toface with local businesses needed to make their wedding dreams come true. Everything for the
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wedding and honeymoon is on display — all under one roof.” McWilliams said securing a new location was a must for this year’s event. “We are growing bigger each year and expect a record number of brides to attend,” she said. The expo has been good for local businesses, as well as the future brides and grooms. “I love local expos and the idea of using someone local,” McWilliams said. “When you
shop with local merchants more of your money stays close to home. Shopping locally starts a cycle that benefits our communities and our county. Brides can also get that hometown service you can’t get from large companies.” A treat for expo attendees are the door prizes and games. All of the vendors will have door prizes that will be given out throughout the event. The Women’s Health Center is in charge of all the games. Kate Slonaker is scheduled to be emcee for the event. “We are so excited about January’s events,” she said. “The good thing about January’s event is we
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Continued from Page 12 Slonaker said a favorite of the brides and bridesmaids is the toilet paper bridal dress design competitions. “The brides love this game and most make sure their bridesmaids come and join in,” Slonaker said. “We choose first-, second- and third-place winners. We also give away $300 in Bridal Bucks. They can use the money to purchase anything from the other vendors.” Slonaker said brides are able to practice throwing their bouquets at the expo, and grooms enjoy the garter toss. Other games include a memory game. Slonaker said brides have a few seconds to look at many items fastened to the apron with clothespins. The apron is then covered and the bride who can name the most items on the apron wins the apron and everything attached. Slonaker said some of the past aprons had up to $100 worth of prizes on it. Brides also have a chance to dip into bird seed to try and find a diamond ring. “We have about 35 games planned for January,” Slonaker said. “But I don’t want to tell all of them. Everyone just needs to make plans to come out and experience the expo and enjoy yourself.” A “man cave” with football snacks and drinks for prospective grooms has proven to be a hit at the event. And this year, a television will be given away. Caterers will be on hand with food samples. There will be a cake baking contest with Cakes by Carolyn, and a fashion show will be held. “We are so excited about the upcoming expo,” Slonaker said. “It is well worth the admission charge and the trip to come.” New vendors at the expo this year include Village Flower & Gift Shop of Summit and Event Tents. “I own several tents, chairs and chair covers, along with tables, table clothes and lighting for the tents,” said Event Tents owner Missy Hughes. “When I heard about the expo, I decided I had a lot to offer the bride, so I decided to join. One thing that I have that most people can’t provide is chair covers.”
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Delores Davis, foreground, and several other models finish their last-minute primping before the 2012 Southwest Bridal Expo fashion show.
Jacee Price, foreground, and other young ladies get ready for the runway during the 2012 Southwest Bridal Expo fashion show.
Hughes said eight tents are 20 feet by 40 feet and four others are 20 by 20. “We will come out and set everything up and come back to pick it up within the city limits free of charge,” she said. Village Flowers owner Shawn Johnson has more than 20 years of experience in flower designing. “I worked for other florists over the years and always wanted my own shop,” Johnson said. “Four months ago I bought The Village Flowers. Not only do we have beautiful flower arrangements, we offer a bridal registry. We are very competitive with the big retailers.We work with all wedding budgets.” DJ’s Billy Powe and Kurt Brumfield will provide music for the expo this year. “On the day of the wedding, the local vendors chosen by the bride are there to help,” McWilliams said. “They are close by to help you make your wedding the best it can be. They help with last-minute adjustments, or can be there when you call to say something unforeseen has happened.
Everyone wants that special day to run smoothly. All of the vendors we have will go the extra mile to make sure the bride and groom have the best day possible.” Registered vendors include Hampton Inn & Suites, Keepsake Video Productions, Blythewood Plantation, Johnny Smith Photography, Louisiana Castle, Boom Bokz, Cakes by Carolyn, Quick Pix Photobooths, the EnterpriseJournal, Rodan and Fields/Marilyn Terrell, Village Flowers, Jolimar Summit, Curves, Moon Pie Designs, Graphics Etc., St. Andrew’s Senior Center, JoanE’s Simply Southern Catering, The Women’s Health Center, Reflections Photography by Amanda Smith, Personal Touch Bridal Photography, Main Street Party Rentals, Event Tents, Martha’s Bridal Boutique and Formals, Soigné Merle Norman Studio, Randomshots Photography and Randomshots Photobooth, Selman’s Jeweler’s-Gemologists, The Travel Professionals, I’m Stuffed Catering, Monmouth Plantation, Billy Powe Event Lighting and Sound Production. 2013 Bridal Issue
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Talking it over
Pre-marital counseling a must for some couples, faiths
BY MEGAN HUCKABY arriage is one of the biggest decisions two people can make. It is also a decision that comes with high expectations and can bring unexpected speed bumps. The decision to risk it all and bring two lives — every problem, secret and burden — under one roof is one that should not be taken lightly. Many couples quickly figure this out when they decide to go through pre-marriage counseling, which is a requirement from many pastors and priests when couples ask them to officiate their wedding. Catholics, for example, have to notify their priest four months in advance of the wedding, said Father Brian Kaskie of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in McComb. Having to go through the counseling can take many people by surprise, Kaskie said. “It is not like the Robin Williams movie (“License to Wed”), but it is similar in that it covers topics that every couple needs to be prepared for marriage,” he said.
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Father Brian Kaskie of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church offers premarital counseling to parishioners. The Catholic faith requires couples to undergo counseling before marriage.
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Continued from Page 16 In the movie, Williams puts a couple played by Mandy Moore and John Krasinski through a series of challenging tests — many of which they fail — before he gives them permission to marry. “The main thing is to really start a conversation,” Kaskie said. “There is not a right or a wrong, it is just, ‘Do you know the other one thinks this?’ ” Kaskie separates the couple and asks them a set of thought-provoking questions. He said some couples answer the more than 50 questions — which concern things ranging from personality quirks to previous vows not to marry, to a person’s medical history — and come back surprised at their answers. The analysis is sent to the Catholic Diocese in Jackson for approval, Kaskie said. However, it’s all part of the process. The couple must meet with Kaskie three or four times after the initial visit, he said. During those sessions, he works with the couple through their questions and answers. The couple also has the option to either go on a weekend retreat or meet with a married couple as part of the counseling. Kaskie said the requirements are handed down from the Catholic Church, but don’t prevent a Catholic from marrying a protestant. “A lot of people are surprised at how flexible we are,” he said. The church will allow the marriage and it will even allow it to occur in a protestant church with a protestant minister, he said. The church does recommend that a priest be present, however. Pastors of other denominations are just as flexible as long as religion isn’t taken out of the equation because of different beliefs. Dr. Woody Rimes, pastor at First Baptist in McComb, said the only thing he would ask a couple with different denominational beliefs is if the foundations of the Bible are the same for both. “I think the fundamental foundation of the scripture needs to be understood,” he said. “If couples have a fundamental understanding of Christ and His authority in the home, the (denomination) lines aren’t so important.” The Rev. Donald Dick, pastor of First Christian Church in McComb, agrees that a couple from
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The Rev. Donald Dick of First Christian Church in McComb says it’s important for couples to go to church together.
different spiritual backgrounds can marry, but he recommends they go to church together. “I would advocate to choose the church,” he said. “Find a neutral church that they can accept the
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views and theology of and go together.” However, if an agreement cannot be reached, Rev. Dick said they might have to go to different churches.
The three ministers, even though they are of different denominations, agreed that counseling that allows couples to thrash out their differences is of great benefit to future newlyweds.
Marriage is no magic bullet to cure relationship problems, says the Rev. Woody Rimes of McComb First Baptist Church.
The counseling helps them determine things like a household budget and address their expectations. In each minister’s approach, developing a budget, or at least discussing one, is key. “I’m afraid that many couples feel they need to live as well or better than their parents the minute they marry,” Dick said. “That is a misconception.” Couples will have to work toward what their parents have spent many years gathering, he said. He advises couples to make a strict budget and stick to it. The pastors consulted agree that money is an important topic of discussion, but it isn’t the main one. Couples should be prepared for communication and expectations to be the biggest speed bump. “What (couples) fail to realize is that they are not always going to be perfect,” Rimes said. “There is idealistic distortion.” He said many couple have the expectation that getting married is a magical fix and that all their
problems will be solved when they’re joined as one. “Just because you say, ‘I do,’ there is nothing magical about it,” Rimes said. Couples will not always agree, and they may even face a time when they question the other’s love or devotion, he said. Rimes said when asked in premarital counseling if those problems will ever occur, many say no. And that’s one of the reasons counseling is available — even required. It helps couples realize, just maybe, they aren’t ready for what comes with marriage. The ministers have counseled couples who don’t appear to be ready for marriage, but they note it’s not their place to say that. Each works with the couple and helps them come to their own healthy conclusion that getting married to one another isn’t the right thing at the moment. Of the average of six or seven couples that each minister sees a year, they said most make it through just fine.
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Hey, Mr. D.J. Put a record on Music is big part of wedding reception BY RHONDA DUNAWAY
The perfect band or disc jockey for a wedding bash is one that knows how to make happy memories and gives the wedding party center stage. Local entertainers have something special they do just for wedding gigs, because, they say, it’s all about the bride and groom. Ransakk drummer Robbie Stewart said he, guitarist Jonathan Moran and bassist-lead vocalist Gary Busby play a lot of weddings. “We like to get the people involved,” Stew-
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Sid Boyte brings karaoke fun to wedding receptions and parties. art said. “For instance, we like to get the party going by getting the groomsmen to come up and sing something like ‘Louie, Louie.’ At first they’re reluctant, but the crowd loves it and they start cheering for them. Then we can
hardly get them to leave the stage.” He said they often get the bridesmaids to dance to “Brick House” by The Commodores.
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Continued from Page 20 “People love that,” he said. “Their family and loved ones will gather around and clap and egg them on, and it’s just a lot of fun. “There’s probably a lot of bands out there that are better bands than we are,” Stewart said. “But, what the big bands do is play music they like, and they are the show, and that’s great. We make the wedding party the show. That’s our job.” Billy Powe of Tylertown does lighting and production for all sorts of events, including weddings. When he deejays he recruits a member of the wedding party to be his emcee. “I deejay sometimes and I make the wedding party the centerpoint. I put the head table center-stage so everyone is looking at them and I’m just in a corner somewhere,” Powe said. “I think it comes across more personable if the emcee is someone the wedding party all knows, someone with the kind of personality that can get everybody going. I recruit them to make announcements and to get people out on the Ransakk includes, from left, Gary Busby, Robbie Stewart and Jonathan Moran. dance floor.”
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The entertainers all said they have the first dance as soon as the wedding parties arrive. But, DJ Aaron Tullos has a special dance to follow up the first dances. “I like going straight into the first dances, which is the father and bride,” Tullos said, “then the mother and groom. Then, the money dance. I like to get the crowd involved and so the money dance is my thing. “I grew up in Mississippi, but I come from Louisiana, and the money dance comes from Louisiana. All the guys line up for a dance with the bride, and all the girls line up for a dance with the groom,” Tullos said. “And if it’s a wedding where the couple is really in love and they are meant to be together, their friends and family will really come together for them, and they could collect big.” Tullos said his brother and his wife collected enough from the money dance to pay for their honeymoon. “I like doing that early on, while everybody is still there, because it’s all about the bride and groom, and introducing them for the first time,” Tullos said.
‘It’s all about the bride and groom, and introducing them for the first time.’ DJ Aaron Tullos At wedding parties, there’s always that lag time between when the wedding guests arrive at the reception hall and when the wedding party gets there after taking photos at the church. Stewart said Ransakk starts out by checking out who’s in the crowd and getting a sense of what music they should play. “We usually try to read the crowd we play to,” Stewart said. “Early on, there are usually a lot of older folks, so we try not to be too loud (then). But later in the night, as the younger crowd starts hoppin’ and the older folks have filtered out, we crank it up a notch.”
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Continued from Page 23 Powe, when deejaying, uses the same approach. “At the reception we’re playing jazz or light dinner music before the bride and groom get there,” Powe said. “And some people might dance, but we try to keep it sedate. Then when the bride and groom come in, we do the song they’ve chosen for their first dance. Then we have the father and bride’s dance, then the mother and groom dance, and so on.” A karaoke DJ is a unique option for wedding parties that will get guests and wedding attendants in the mood to be the center of attention, said Sid Boyte, of McComb, who works as a DJ in local clubs and other bookings. “I do weddings, private parties, family reunions, any get-together, I’ll do it,” Boyte said. The kind of show he puts on
Contact information
song request given to them. “I like playing requests because it’s for them anyway right?” Moran said. “We hate going by a set list. We like spontaneity and like the guests to • Sid Boyte, (601) 551-6616. • Ransakk, Robbie Stewart, come up with the songs they 248-1617, Jonathan Moran, want to hear.” • Billy Powe, email, side248-6900, and Gary Busby, 551Powe takes a slightly different kick3881@yahoo.com, or call 3233. approach. He likes to get the (601) 757-0660. couple to send him at least 50 • Aaron Tullos, 248-3501. songs they’d like to hear on the turntables. “I always ask the bride and groom for a playlist because this depends on the wedding. Stewart said there may be a is an important event,” he said. “I like doing the weddings be- jazz crowd early on and a rockin’ “You wouldn’t tell your dresscause it’s a change of scenery crowd later, so playing by a set maker, ‘Make whatever you like, from what I normally do,” he list usually doesn’t work. you’ve done this before,’ and you said. “Every wedding is different “A lot of younger bands might wouldn’t tell the baker to make though, so what I do is always a work with a set list, but what if whatever cake they wanted.” little different.” you have this rock and roll set Boyte said couples should Wedding guests range from list and you have a country mubook an entertainer months babies to the elderly and everysic crowd?” he said. “We play it ahead of time. thing in between. They have all — classic rock, from the 50s “With the bar assignments every background imaginable, so to the 80s. We play country, and other local gigs,” Boyte said, being able to play a variety of dance and blues.” “I plan my weekends about three music is key at a reception. Moran said Ransakk takes any or four months in advance.”
One gig DJ won’t forget D J Reggie Martin, of Play It One More Time DJ service, has had plenty of stories to tell about reception parties. One in particular at a Lake Mary camp stands out. Martin, who owns Martin’s Real Barbershop, had a gig after Hurricane Katrina. “They had a deck out there, a flat deck and they had laid tin over us but they didn’t nail it down,” Martin said. “They had put chairs out for people to sit in. And then one of the darkest clouds you’ever seen in your life showed up. “I thought, ‘What are we going to do?’ I just hoped everything would blow over. But the bottom fell out. You never saw such a rain,” Martin said. The tin was actually making the situation worse, he said, holding water and allowing it to pour down. Martin rushed to get all his equipment in the small trailer he brought. “I got all my stuff in there, but we were ankle deep in water walking around out there. I set my stuff up in the trailer to keep me out of the weather. The rain
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continued 11/2 hours,” he said. Meanwhile, the reception partying was under way, more by some than others. Martin remembers one man who got drunk, fell down and lost his teeth. “Then the lights went out,” Martin said. All was not lost. Martin had come prepared with a generator. He didn’t have any gas for it, so a gas run had to be made. “Wires were strewn everywhere. I got the electricity up and I was running music from inside the trailer,” he said. “I didn’t realize that people had twisted the microphone (head) off when they were trying to do karaoke.” When the party was over, Martin realized that all of the rain had made the water rise. Fortunately, he had a place to go. “The only thing that saved me was I went ahead and pulled my camper at a friend’s camp. It’s a good thing I did,” he said. “Percy Creek got up, and when it rains hard, you can’t get out. You’re there.” And P.S., Martin said his most requested song is “Free Bird.”
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Bassist Jamey Hewitt, center, leads Jamey’s Blues Trio with guitarist Jeromy Spiers, left, and drummer Travis Easley.
Getting the gigs Jamey’s Blues Trio becoming a favorite at local events
Their lives settled down a bit recently, and all are back home in Pike County. Easley was in Montana, Hewitt was in Nashville and now has his own cabinet-making business. Spiers started a new chapter in his life after selling his BY RHONDA DUNAWAY music store in McComb. amey’s Blues Trio has gone from an avFor the last year and a half the three have erage house band that cranks out blues been jamming together a lot more and have standards to a band coming into its own been seen around town playing scenes like and sought out by discerning music Noon Tunes, festivals, banquets and Live on lovers. Main events sponsored by the McComb Main Lead singer-guitarist Jamey Hewitt, vocalStreet Association. ist-bassist Jeromy Spiers and drummer Travis They all agree that music is a part of who Easley have been playing together off and on they are, but they are also family men who play for 16 years. music for the love of it — not necessarily to They’ve been busy running businesses, hav- make a living from. This, they said, ironically ing families and living out of state, so jam ses- has given them artistic freedom. sions were sparse over the years, they said. Hewitt said they like to put their own spin
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on songs and play them like they feel them. “We take songs and interpret them our own way,” Hewitt said. “Our songs usually come from a long time ago and may not be familiar to everyone, but that gives us the freedom to perform an original work and create our own version. It’s still a polished piece but it’s something people will recognize and relate to.” Easley said in their jam sessions he always gets the sense that they are creating something. One band member responds instrumentally to another’s. “We’ve got a certain kind of chemistry that most bands don’t have. We have a lot of the same ideas about where music should go.” Spiers said the improvisation they have at jam sessions and on stage is what makes their music a little different.
Spiers and Easley keep the beat at Live on Main Street in McComb. “That’s the thing — the way we play is all about improvisation. I learned how to improvise playing with them,” Spiers said of his earlier years playing with Easley and Hewitt. “How we play now goes back to how we started out improvising together at jam sessions.” Easley describes the band’s style as a “new combination of Southern soul and spontaneous rhythm.” Spiers said they like to try new things in their sessions. “I might play some new sound, and then Jamey will come in over that with a voice that sounds like a 75-year-old man,” he said. “Led Zeppelin did that kind of thing. (They) proved back in the ’70s that we could mix different styles and come out with an unbelievable piece.” The trio attribute that improvisational influence to two Pike
County natives known for their art: Byrd Lovell and the late Roger Lawrence. Both were teachers and friends to Easley and Hewitt. Hewitt used to spend weekends jamming with Byrd Lovell and Lawrence. Hewitt was raised by a traveling musician who worked on the Holiday Inn circuit. He said his father was a big influence in his picking up the guitar, but Lawrence and Lovell did something that began Hewitt’s discovery of his own musical style. “They were big influences on me when it came to developing a personal style,” Hewitt said. “They are the guys who introduced me to the blues. When I met them, I was listening to Motley Crue and Black Sabbath. That was the rockin’ teenage years.”
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like a whole education on jazz and blues.” Easley took drum lessons from Spiers developed his love of Lawrence and later joined in jam music through his grandfather sessions with Lawrence and Lovell. who worked at McComb Piano “What we’re doing now is a di- Co. and was always playing music. rect influence of those times,” “I just seemed to be born with Easley said. “They are the ones a desire to play music,” he said. who taught me how to pull someHe played saxophone in school thing of my own out of a song.” and said it was after he heard Jimi Easley said he was always Hendrix that he just had to learn around music growing up. His fa- guitar, too. ther was a big music fan, his sister Easley said their most requested an accomplished pianist. “There was always piano music songs from people who know the band’s repertoire are, Ray Charles’ in the house, and one day I got it “I Got a Woman,” Jimmy Reed’s in my head that I wanted to play the drums,” Easley said. “Not sure “Big Boss Man” and B.B. King’s “How Blue Can You Get?” why. I just knew I wanted to play The three said they try to make drums.” He said his mother got excited the old songs new again, and their about his interest and bought him brand of blues seems to be of interest to all kinds of folks. a set of drums. That’s when “We appeal to a large variety of Lawrence entered the picture. “When Roger Lawrence moved people, different ages, different backgrounds, different socio-ecoback to town, he started taking a nomics,” Hewitt said. limited number of students,” Spiers said they have their juke Easley said. “He wasn’t techniqueoriented. He attacked the drums! I joint songs, but they mostly play may have never developed my own what they like. style if it wasn’t for him. He never Continued on Page 32 taught specifics. Instead, it was
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Victor L. Walsh, DMD Family Dentistry New Patients Welcome Mon. - Wed. - Thurs. 8:30 am-5pm Tues. 8:30am-2:00pm 1313 Aston Ave. • McComb 601-684-7921
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Continued from Page 30 Easley took drum lessons from Lawrence and later joined in jam sessions with Lawrence and Lovell. “What we’re doing now is a direct influence of those times,” Easley said. “They are the ones who taught me how to pull something of my own out of a song.” Easley said he was always around music growing up. His father was a big music fan, his sister an accomplished pianist. “There was always piano music in the house, and one day I got it in my head that I wanted to play the drums,” Easley said. “Not sure why. I just knew I wanted to play drums.” He said his mother got excited about his interest and bought him a set of drums. That’s when Lawrence entered the picture. “When Roger Lawrence moved back to town, he started taking a limited number of students,” Easley said. “He wasn’t technique-oriented,” he said with a laugh. “He attacked the drums! I may have never developed my own style if it wasn’t for him. He never taught specifics. Instead, it was like a whole education on jazz and blues.” Spiers developed his love of music through his grandfather who worked at McComb Piano Co. and was always playing music. “I just seemed to be born with a desire to play music,” he said. He played saxophone in school and said it was after he heard Jimi Hendrix that he just had to learn guitar, too. Easley said their most requested songs from people who know the band’s repertoire are, Ray Charles’ “I Got a Woman,” Jimmy Reed’s “Big Boss Man” and B.B. King’s “How Blue Can You Get?” The three said they try to make the old songs new again, and their brand of blues seems to be of interest to all kinds of folks. “We appeal to a large variety of people, different ages, different backgrounds, different socio-economics,” Hewitt said. Spiers said they have their juke joint songs, but they mostly play what they like. “We’re more tuned into soul and blues, and every now and then we’ll do a standard like ‘Mustang Sally,’ ” Spiers said. “We have our ‘bar songs’ that we do, but then we
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Travis Easley, right, took drum lessons from the late Roger Lawrence, and the trio’s members used to jam with him and guitarist Byrd Lovell of McComb. Above, Jamey Hewitt, bassist, plays at a Live on Main Street performance. have the kind of songs that people come to see us for, the songs that we love.” Spiers said he feels like they’re doing the work of recovering a lost art in Mississippi. “I’m sad that soul singing — the kind of singing that artists from Mississippi have made famous, is becoming a lost art,” Spiers said. “There’s not a lot of people that do that anymore. Jamey’s ability to sing like that is a strong point for our band.” Easley said he looks forward to gigs these days. “We get to play for ourselves,” he said. “I’m excited every gig we go play. People that come to hear us play are there because they like our music. And playing for the love of it, and not depending on it to make a living, I think, makes us a better band.” Hewitt pointed out that Spiers
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can play multiple instruments and has been writing songs for the band. “He can play the keyboard as good as he can the guitar,” Hewitt said. “His songs are great, too.
“People are going to start hearing a lot of them this coming year.” To book the band call Hewitt at 250-6676, or email them at bluetriojh@gmail.com.
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How they met:
arl James Bergeron wasn’t looking for love in 1977, but the start of his romance with Melrose Boggan began then in an unlikely place — in the newspaper. Carl was working at Green Canyon in Texas, and he was reading the Houma, La., paper to keep up with news from home. He read a story about Melrose Boggan, who was taking care of boys for the state of Louisiana but needed another home, as hers was in a state of disrepair. “I told a friend to call her and tell her I could help,” Carl said, adding that he had a home in Houma that he was not using. “I didn’t want anything. It made me happy that she cared about a bunch of kids.” Before Carl left for work for two months, he left a house key with Melrose. When he came back home, he learned that Melrose had returned the key and had taken another place. During that two months, Carl did a little digging of his own.
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Carl Ray and Melrose Bergeron.
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Carl James & Melrose Boggan Bergeron “I found out a lot about her; I was quite curious. I called her and asked her to have coffee and talk. We got acquainted over a two-month period. She was a straight shooter all the way around. She reared three children of her own and then went back to college herself. “She more than interested me at that point. I decided I’d walk into her kitchen and say, ‘Hey, from this point on I’m courting you.’ ” The two wed in August 1977 and were married for 32 years. Carl was 40, and Melrose was 45. They were together until Melrose died in March 2011. Carl still lives in the home he built for them at Lake Dixie Springs. “She and I had given up on getting involved with a partner. ... There was a lot of intervention that had to take place for me to arrive at that particular place at that particular time. Divine intervention. I don’t see any other way it would have happened.”
McComb Coca-Cola Bottling Company Hwy. 24 West, McComb, MS
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Cozy Candles The Scents have it! Circle E Candles that lift you up come in 12 oz., 28 oz. and 40 oz. Prices start at $14. Browse for them at
Corner Drug Store 121 Railroad Ave. Magnolia 601-783-2321
Party Trays
b McCom Market 1211 Delaware Ave., McComb 601-684-1988
Make a statement! Find your favorite styles in sunglasses: Maui Jim, Coach, Costa and many more to choose from!
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From our deli our assorted party trays make life a lot easier. Choose from our variety which include fruit (shown above),vegetable, meat, sandwich, drumette and cakes
Accessorize Necklaces, bracelets & earrings in assorted styles start as low as $5.
Kebert Eye Clinic and Optical Dispensary 1307 Aston Ave., McComb 601-684-8118
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Gulf/South Art Gallery 228 Fifth Ave., McComb 601-684-9470
411 W. Presley Blvd. McComb 601-249-3389
114 Main St., McComb 601-684-3623
Rosy & Red Merle Norman Lip Candy Wide assortment starting at $15.00
Pretty in Pink Habersham Scented Candles Large selection of scents and colors. Starting at $23.95 Available at
The Flower Nook 1406 White St., McComb 601-684-0582
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Natural Stress Relief Non-sedating, non-addictive produces calming effects and helps with memory 30-day supply $25.20
221 Hwy. 98 W Tylertown 601-876-6722
Dining in style Fine china by Lenox, Mikasa and others and many other items to tempt you.
Boot Scooting With our large selection of boots you can scoot all over town.
Star studded style All it takes is a little Karisma. Simple change the top for each new style you wear.
TRADITIONAL JEWELERS EDGEWOOD MALL, MCCOMB • 601-684-6797
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ROGERS WESTERN STORE 325 W. Presley Blvd., McComb 601-684-5540
Bible Covers Unique Bible covers starting at $31.95
Hello Kitty Necklaces, bracelets and more for your little one.
800 Robb St., Summit 601-276-7533 www.maseysjewelers.com
Pike County Co-op 105 Nehi Circle, McComb • 601-684-1651
Beyond the Rainbow 629 Brookway Blvd., Brookhaven, MS
601-835-1580 Pretty as a flower Flower girl dresses and shoes, everyday clothes and toys.
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Love of a Lifetime Ava Marie Shultz found her love of 66 years on streets of New Orleans BY KAREN FREEMAN
va Marie Butler Shultz spent four long days on a Southern Pacific troop train, riding cross country from New Orleans to Las Vegas, where she was to wed her fiancé, Army 2nd Lt. Charles R. “Chick” Shultz. She had a ticket, but she was a civilian and didn’t have a seat. That meant she sat on the edges of seats and on her luggage. “And I imagine I sat in a few laps,” she recalled with a laugh. “I quit my job on a Friday and got on a train the following Wednesday,” Shultz said. She arrived in Nevada at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. After getting a marriage license, Chick and Marie exchanged wedding vows the next day — Sunday, Feb. 27, 1944 — at 2 p.m. in a Las Vegas Air Corps chapel, with a chaplain officiating. It was the end of a unique courtship and the beginning of a new life for the woman who grew up as the daughter of country doctor Charles H. Butler of Smithdale, Miss. In 1943, Ava Marie was 19 years old and living in a girls club home on Camp Street in New Orleans. There, she worked for the U.S. Naval Office of Officer Procurement. It was a common sight to see servicemen on the city streets. Common, too, were the efforts of those often lonely enlisted men to catch the attention of young ladies, sometimes by whistling their appreciation. On the day Ava met Charles, she was walking down Canal Street with a friend, headed to the USO, where they would have an evening of fun. Ava heard a “wolf whistle,” but she ignored it and kept walking. “One guy walked up to the right of me, and another walked next to my friend,” Ava said. “I looked at him and thought, ‘He’s kind of cute.’ ”
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89-year-old Ava Marie Shultz, a resident of Camellia Estates, wears her late husband Charles ‘Chick’ Shultz’s wedding band around her neck and fondly recalls their life together. She’s pictured with photos of her and Chick when they were young.
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Continued on page 44 “They were officers, and we were going to the USO. We thought, ‘ha, ha. They couldn’t get in,’ ” she said, noting that officers weren’t allowed in the USO. And Ava didn’t much appreciate the wolf whistle, and told Chick so. He apologized, and from then on, she said he always told people that she chewed him out the first time they ever met. After the USO evening was over, Chick and his friend returned and escorted Ava and her girlfriend back to the Catherine Club for Girls, where the mission statement was “The city’s big sister to the worthy girl.” Chick, a native of Duquesne, Pa., was in the Army’s 63rd Division, which by happenstance had moved entirely to Centreville’s Camp Van Dorn — right in Ava’s family’s neck of the woods. They began corresponding by letter, and Ava occasionally came up by train to McComb, where Chick met her and was introduced to her family. Shultz had applied to the Air Corps and was accepted. In November of 1943, he shipped out to California to train as a bombardier. But before he left for the West Coast and unbeknownst to Ava, Chick had asked her father for her hand in marriage. After a short courtship, “we were beginning to like each other,” Ava said. One of the many things that Ava liked about Chick was his sense of humor. “It was wonderful,” she said. An example of that humor arrived by the U.S. Postal
Ava Marie and Charles ‘Chick’ Shultz are shown in happy times. At right is the belated wedding band Ava gave Chick, engraved with the word ‘Finally.’
Service in the form of a small cardboard box. “I got a package in the mail, and it wasn’t very big. It was a small cereal box, and inside was a jewelry box,” she said. It held the engagement ring she still wears. After he placed the wedding ring on her hand, it didn’t come off unless he put it back on. After she accepted Chick’s marriage proposal, Ava decided to take the plunge and travel to Nevada,
where Chick was stationed. These were the days before instant messaging and phone conveniences. Ava left New Orleans on faith, not knowing if her fiancé would actually be there or not. She was a young woman, traveling alone across the country. She was apprehensive about their meeting. But when she made it to Nevada, Chick was there to greet her. She remembers the dusty Las Vegas “strip” — a far cry from the glitzy,
neon metropolis that covers the desert now. During war time, many things were rationed — including camera film. There was no film available to photograph the Butler-Shultz wedding, but someone was on the scene with a camera. Charles and Ava Marie are pictured with a small group at the Air Corps. Ava is holding someone’s baby in the photo. When they set up housekeeping, they had a very small apartment, with a bedroom, bath and hot plate. While Chick was away, Ava found a bigger place in the same building and she moved their things. “He didn’t know I was in another apartment,” she said with a laugh. “He came in and my clothes were gone, I was gone.” Chick and Marie were married for 66 years, until his death in July 2010. “We had a good life. He retired in Mississippi. He lived and died in Mississippi,” she said. The couple had no children, but they built a home full of love in Smithdale on Ava’s family property. Ava lives at Camellia Estates in McComb and still maintains her country home. She’ll celebrate her 90th birthday in June. On a chain around her neck, Ava wears a gold band — the only ring she picked out for Chick. Engraved on the inside is the word “finally.” It’s a lasting symbol of the love she shared with the man she met on Canal Street in New Orleans and lived with for the following 66 years.
Wedding photo can speak volumes very picture tells a story. And this one was a doozy. When Art and JoAnn Nelson of McComb were married o n April 8, 1972, a camera caught the moment when wedding party members reacted to a small bit of profanity by the photographer when his camera failed to flash. “We were at the reception at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Hammond, La.,” Art said of the photographer’s curse. But, it wasn’t the only funny moment. “It was a Catholic wedding and the priest had what appeared to be a club and I thought he was going to hit me in the head, so I ducked and said
E Bride JoAnn Nelson is left speechless when a photographer utters a curse word. Others found it funny. With JoAnn are, from left, her husband Art’s brother Ken and his wife Lydia, Art’s parents, Art, and his sister-in-law Memrie and son Taylor.
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‘damn,’ when he was really sprinkling Holy Water. Being a Protestant, I wasn’t familiar with the ceremony. I also asked if I could kiss my bride after the service. He said I could do it at the the back of the church as we left. No dice, I laid a big one on JoAnn at the altar. We hid the car we were taking on the honeymoon at a service station, let them decorate a different one. “But we ran out of gas near Covington, La. We finally got to our honeymoon at the Holiday Inn in Gulfport and JoAnn sprained her ankle the first day. We spent a lot of time in the hotel room, which I didn’t think was a bad thing.”
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Wedding stories Tresse Young & Austin Sumrall
Tresse Young and Austin Sumrall arrive at their wedding site in a carriage.
BY LAURA SUMRALL here is nothing like being in the right place at exactly the right time. When my brother Austin came home from The Culinary Institute for Christmas break, the whole family knew things were getting serious. There was a little extra sparkle in both Tresse’s and Austin’s eyes that made everyone start thinking about that special moment. With an attempt at keeping things quiet, Mom Dawn and I began asking Austin questions like “Are you thinking about asking soon?” Of course, the answer was “yes,” so we jumped at the chance to start looking at rings since Austin would not come back home from New York until the spring. While Tresse took a nap upThe happy couple on stairs, Austin and I slipped out of their big day. the house with Grannie Annie’s beautiful diamond she had given to Austin and headed for Selman’s was back in New York and since Jewelers. With guidance from Tresse still had time off, she flew Kristin Ratliff, Austin fell in love in for a long weekend. After with the ring that would forever much consideration, Austin debe a part of his life with Tresse. cided this was the weekend that Fast forward a week. Austin would change his life forever. But
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everything had to be perfect. They met with Austin’s culinary friends, who knew of his plans. Austin had told Tresse to pack up her bags, as they were going to stay in the city for the weekend. Throughout the day in the city, things could not have gone more perfectly. They spent hours in Macy’s as Tresse tried on various things, and Austin gave his opinions here and there. Somewhere between outfits, Tresse mentioned going to see Central Park to take in a part of the city they had not yet encountered. After shopping, Austin gathered her up and said, “We have dinner reservations, and they are early. It was the only thing I could get, so we need to head that way.” They freshened up at the ho-
Elizabeth Brady Robinson — Part 1 n 1942, World War II was in full force. My high school sweetheart, Julian Brady, joined up as soon as he graduated from high school. He was 18. He signed up for a V-5 program for flight school and was commissioned an Ensign a year later at Corpus Christi, Texas. We had waited a year to married since the V-5 program only took unmarried men. As soon as he was commissioned, we applied for a marriage license at the courthouse in Magnolia. Although Julian was in his uniform, the circuit clerk said,
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"Julian, I know you but since you are underage (19) I will have to call your Mother and get her permission." The age of consent was 18 for women and 21 for men. We got our license and were married in the study of Dr. Wyatt Hunter on June 29, 1943. Someone had told Julian that Dr. Hunter charged $3 to perform a wedding ceremony. Julian gave Dr. Hunter a $20 bill — a lot of money in those days — expecting to get $17 in change. Dr. Hunter took the $20 and said, “That is very generous of you. Thank you.”
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tel, where room service came too early with champagne for the happy couple. Fortunately, Tresse did not notice and Austin stepped into the hall to remind them — “not until 10!” With an explanation of “wrong room,” Tresse thought nothing more of it, and they grabbed a cab and headed out. They got out in front of the Time Warner Building and Austin said, “I thought I would take you on a carriage ride through Central Park. You said you wanted to see it.” They began their ride through Central Park. The night was clear and warm. The coachman said, “This is the most beautiful view in all of New York City.” Austin asked him to stop and let them get out to take a photo.
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Elizabeth Brady Robinson — Part 2 n 1960, my Navy husband, Julian Brady, was stationed at the Naval Air Station at Patuxent River, Md. We lived in the MOQ (Married Officers Quarters) on the base. Our across-the-hall neighbors were R.B. Robinson and his wife Lavonne. Their son Rob went to high school with our son David. We became good friends and continued our friendship over the years. After retirement, we visited the Robinsons in St. Louis and they visited us in McComb. They came during Julian’s terminal illness and for his funeral in 1985.
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Lavonne had battled breast cancer for years and succumbed to that illness. In 1997, R.B. was traveling around the country visiting friends when he came to McComb to see me. The Rev. Steve Ramp was our pastor and encouraged him to stay for dinner on the grounds at Liberty Presbyterian Church — a new experience for R.B. He stayed an extra week and before he left, he asked me to marry him. I said yes. He left on the rest of his trip and said, “I’ll be back.” We were married on September 20, 1997.
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Wedding Stories Continued from Page 46 Tresse and Austin got out of their carriage and walked up a hill to a gazebo. Down on one knee, he said, “Tresse Young, you are my best friend and I love you so much.” She said yes! Austin then stood up and said, “Oh, this is for you,” and handed her the ring box. Tresse told him, “Put it on my finger, Austin!” The ring holding his grandmother’s diamond was a perfect fit. A man nearby even caught the moment on his camera phone. After dinner at a romantic spot, all the plans fell into place. Tresse and Austin wed Oct. 20, 2012, on the Sumrall family farm.
The cedar log arch on a hillside of the farm of Hiram and Dawn Sumrall was the setting for the rustic wedding of Austin Sumrall and Tresse Young. Musicians shown had a perfect vantage point.
Fifty years and counting LeVaughn and Norma Hamilton BY KAREN FREEMAN orma Butler was a college senior and was taking her cousin to Booker T. Washington School (now North Pike Middle School), when she met her future husband — LeVaughn Hamilton, where he was teaching. She was actually engaged at the time and had a ring, but it didn’t take her long to change her mind about the man she would marry. When she was on her first job as a teacher, she invited LeVaughn to her home for Thanksgiving, where he met her family. Her wedding proposal wasn’t the most glamorous. LeVaughn told her, “Since you’re ready to leave home, I guess we should go on and get married.” They were married the next December, on the 23rd, in 1962.
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They exchanged vows at the home of Norma’s parents, Booker T. and Naomi Gutter. LeVaughn jokes, “I’m the best thing that happened to her since black pepper.” Education had come first for Norma. “My goal was to get an education and take care of myself if I had to.” Norma and LeVaughn — both retired teachers who live in McComb — filled their home with love. They have two children, Stanley Hamilton of Illinois and Tonya Jenkins of Georgia; and four grandchildren. The family came together Dec. 23, 2012 for a lavish 50th anniversary at the Mount Zion Community Center north of Summit. They expected 200 guests for the party, and they’re ready for more years together.
LeVaughn and Norma Hamilton married in 1962. In December, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a big party.
Gone too soon: Ricky and Teresa Diane Haygood BY KAREN FREEMAN
niversary so we could all go together on a trip to New Orleans. y wife and I were marOur first afternoon being married when we were 16 ried we spent out by the pool at years old. Because of the Fountainbleau Hotel. our age we could not This teenager walks out, looks get hotel reservations. straight through me and starts We waited and married the talking to my wife. He introduces Friday before my parents’ an- himself as “Daniel.”
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I quickly let him know that was my wife he was hitting on and we were on our honeymoon. He wandered off, not even acknowledging I had said anything to him. Later that evening we were by the pool again and along comes the same guy from that after-
noon. He casually walks up to my wife and asks, “Remember me?” before my wife could reply, I said, “Yeah, Daniel!” I got rid of him that time for good. Our marriage lasted more than 38 years until I lost her to lung cancer in December 2012. She was the best friend I’ve ever had.
Wedding Stories BY KAREN FREEMAN went to the administrator and told ddy May was at his late wife them to tell Helen to back off. Ina’s side every possible mo- They did and she backed off. Then ment while she lived out her she came back. last days at Liberty Com“She came to me and said, ‘I munity Living Center. think God has put us together. I She died on Sept. 12, 2011, af- think we need to get married.’ I ter 66 years of marriage. Not long told her I’m not ready for marriage. before then, the Mays renewed She backed off, but kept it up,” he their wedding vows at the nursing said, but he gave in and love took home. Then over. Eddy met HeWhen len Sullivan. they got She, too, had their marlost her husriage liband, Emmett cense in Sullivan, who Amite died in 2010. County, As it happened, the official Eddy and Hesaid, “You len were both two are Newlyweds: Eddy and Helen May in the commuthe oldest nity living cencouple ter in 2011, where they were under- who ever applied for a marriage ligoing health rehabilitation. cense in Amite County.” Eddy is They met when First Baptist 87 and Helen is 81. Church of Liberty sent a van to the Eddy wasn’t looking for love, center to pick up residents for re- but he was bitten. “I fell in love vival services. Eddy got on first and with her. I believe I loved her from Helen sat next to him. the first time I saw her, but it was Then someone asked Helen to too quick after Miss Ina died. “We got engaged and we got move over a little for another lady to sit in the same row, and asked Eddy married Oct. 6, 2012, at the Liberty center,” he said. “Boy, did they to help fasten Helen’s seatbelt. “But I couldn’t get my hand in put on a wedding for us. Bro. between us,” he said. “I said, ‘Lady David Millican performed the cereI’m not trying any hanky panky mony. At the wedding, you’d have here,’ ” as he fiddled with the belt. thought you were in a church.” Eddy’s son, Benny May, took They enjoyed revival and refreshments later. And both re- photos, and Eddy’s son Bonny was turned for a second night. And a his best man. His wife was Helen’s third. At fellowship, Helen moved matron of honor. Eddy believes Ina is happy with his decision because closer to Eddy each day. “We began having conversa- they always discussed finding a tions in the nursing home parlor,” new mate if one of them died. “We just keep thanking God for he said. Weeks later, he said, Helen putting us together. You know, “came on pretty strong with me. I God don’t make mistakes.
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Pinwheels owner Blair Rushing is shown with kids’ clothing and accessories in her McComb shop.
Pinwheels Located at 5231/2 Delaware Ave., McComb, Pinwheels specializes in clothing for babies, toddlers and other little ones. Blair Rushing opened the children’s boutique in March 2012 and business has been steady ever since. “It’s just something that I have always wanted to do,” Rushing said. In stocking her store, she tries to pick clothes that she knows would appeal to as many people as possible who buy for their children. The store carries Sun-San Sandals, Anavini, Bailey Boys, Feltman and Willoughby brands. Sizes are newborn to 4T in boys, and newborn to 10 youth for girls. Pinwheels is open Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
New businesses in the spotlight
Sears Hometown Store manager Antonie Johnson stands in the business showroom.
Sears Hometown Store The Sears at 1211 Delaware Ave., in McComb opened in September 2012 and business was brisk from the start. For locals, it meant a return to the familiar products sold at the larger McComb Sears, which closed last year as the company downsized. Enter Natchez residents Marlon and Donna Richardson, who opened the independently owned Hometown Store. “Business is better than we expected,” said manager Antonie Johnson. “McComb has welcomed us with open arms. We thought it was going to be two months going in before the business got going, but our goal was achieved, and we did more.” The store sells home appliances, power tools, grills, mattresses, lawn mowers, exercise equipment, yard tools, water heaters and more. If customers can’t find what they need inside, items can be ordered at Sears’ “Solution Station.” Store hours are 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Topisaw General Store It always smells good at 105 Main St. in McComb when Topisaw General Store is open. The small restaurant and eclectic general store owned by David and Edie Varnado has fast become a favorite spot for foodies who want something different. They can usually find it at Topisaw — from fresh baked breads, to dairy products from Progress Milk Barn, sweets, a daily lunch special, soups, hummus, olives and seasonal offerings. Also available for purchase are all of Edie’s handmade soaps, candles, lip balms and salves. Other items include pottery pieces, wooden bowls and spoons made locally, and a bit of art. “It’s gone really well so far,” David said of the business he and Edie opened in October 2012. “We had to take a week off (after the holidays) to get back together.” The merchandise for sale at Topisaw change often. “There’s really no telling what we might find. If something strikes our fancy we’re going to buy it and put it in there and see if it works,” David said. “Our menu has never been the same week to week. We’re constantly trying to add things.” Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
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Topisaw General Store owners David and Edie Varnado are shown at the refurbished building at 105 Main St. in McComb.