Gulf Coast Woman June 2023

STANDOUTS

Let's celebrate top scholars, teachers, leaders

at every season

Kathy Springer tackles cancer with grace, style

Trends in fashion, makeup, makeovers

Why you need renters insurance

CENTER FOR OB/GYN

AIMEE

R. WATTS

M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

2113 Government St., Ocean Springs

228.818.0025

Facebook @michaelchristiemd

Dr. Watts is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She went to medical school in Shreveport, Louisiana, and completed her OB/GYN residency training in Memphis, Tennessee. For the last ten years, she has practiced in North Mississippi. Dr. Watts is excited to live on the coast with her husband, Chris. She enjoys being able to make a large impact on women’s lives at all ages, especially during adolescence, the reproductive years, and later in life. She is Board Certified and has been a Diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2015. In her free time, Dr. Watts enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and traveling. She performs all general areas of OB/GYN, including but not limited to:

• Normal & high risk prenatal care

• Vaginal and Cesarean deliveries

• Open and laparoscopic hysterectomies

• Minimally invasive procedures

• General Gynecology

• Birth Control

www.gcwmultimedia.com

FOUNDER

Dr. Angela Bruni

PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Dorothy P. Wilson

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

The SUCCESS SHOWCASE

Recognize your team, female leaders in your organization, your achievements in the JULY EDITION of Gulf Coast Woman.

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5. Be presented to 64,5000 print readers of our most popular editions and be seen by 250,000 social viewers

2-Page Showcase | $1,400 $1,300 1 Page Showcase | $800 $750 1/2 Page Showcase | $475 $450 Reserve space by June 10

Jasmine Ball

Maria Barr

Chris Dearman

Kelsie Dove

Dr. Sidra Khalid

Robin Killeen

Anita McAllister

Jennifer Miller

Joy Monnerjahn

Sherry Moxley Seaman

MARKETNG DIRECTOR

Crystal Scretching

Jennifer Gentile ASSOCIATE EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kathy Rogers

Susie Siemiontkowski

Amanda Surwillo

Darlene Underwood

Kathy Brown van Zutphen

Ailsa von Dobeneck

Cherie Ward

Angelyn Treutel Zeringue

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brandi Stage Portraiture

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS ON THE COVER

Farrah Underwood

Photographer: Brandi Stage Portraiture Hair and makeup: HD Hair and Makeup

COVER SUBJECT Kathy Springer

CONTACT US

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© 2023 Gulf Coast Woman is published 12 times per year and is available free of charge. We encourage your comments, suggestions and submissions; however, we do not accept unsolicited documents or manuscripts. All material is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

Providing Quality Care Across the Coast

Providing Quality Care Across the Coast

Whether you’re looking for a Primary Care provider or you are in need of an expert specialist, Singing River Health System has you covered.

Whether you’re looking for a Primary Care provider or you are in need of an expert specialist, Singing

Health System has you covered.

We provide safe, comprehensive care, cutting-edge technology, and medical expertise to serve the entire Coast.

We provide safe, comprehensive care, cutting-edge technology, and medical expertise to serve the entire Coast.

Areas

Areas

HOW TO SPOT MELANOMA

May is Melanoma Awareness month. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, but if caught early, the chance of cure greatly improves. You can use the first 5 letters of the alphabet, the ABCDEs of melanoma, as a guide to help you recognize the warning signs of melanoma.

Did you know that nearly 50% of the most common cancers can be prevented through lifestyle choices? Eating healthy, maintaining a lean weight, exercising regularly, not smoking, and getting vaccinated are all things you can do to lower your risk. The Medical Oncology Group would like you to join our campaign in the fight against cancer. Together we can!

Accepting new patients at all locations: Diamondhead,

Accepting new patients at all locations: Diamondhead, Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs

#WeCanICan - Kick Butts!

#WeCanICan - Get Vaccinated!

If you notice any of these warning signs or symptoms, or notice anything changing or unusual on your skin, see your medical provider for further evaluation.

#WeCanICan - Eat Healthy!

#WeCanICan - Get Moving!

228.575.1234

TheMedicalOncologyGroup.com

228.575.1234

TheMedicalOncologyGroup.com

Sidra Khalid, M.D.

Pamela Tuli, M.D.

Hamza Minhas, M.D.

Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs

Sidra Khalid, M.D.

Pamela Tuli, M.D.

Hamza Minhas, M.D.

SAVE THE date!

Red, White & Blueberry Festival

June 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce

Celebrate blueberry season at the 18th annual Red, White & Blueberry Festival. Free ice cream topped with blueberries or strawberries will be available while supplies last. Shop for local produce and more with the Ocean Springs Fresh Market vendors. The event is free to attend. Call (228) 875-4424 for more information.

Rex’s Exes

June 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Bay St. Louis Little Theatre

This high-energy comedy will keep audiences laughing throughout. It is a Southern-fried farce featuring the Verdeen cousins of Sweetgum, Texas, who are teetering on the brink of disaster. The cast includes Bonnie Cooper, Lana Price, Colleen Buchanan, Lynn Hutchinson, Angelique LaCour, Al Reisz, Genie Talbert, Cecile Tebo, Gerald Howard, Willard Walker, Lynn Barnett and Cheryl Grace. Tickets can be purchased online at www. bsllt.org or by calling the theater at (228) 4679024.

Centennial Rise of the DJ/Disco Weekend

June 16-19

100 Men Hall, Bay St Louis

Scrapin the Coast

June 23-25; Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi

Scrapin the Coast is the South’s largest and premier car, truck and bike show. This highly anticipated event started in 2002 and has grown by leaps and bounds every year, attracting hotrods from near and far. Learn more by calling (228) 832-2688 or (228) 832-4683 or visiting www.scrapinthecoast.com.

Bay Saint Louis’ iconic 100 Men Hall concludes its year-long Centennial Year Celebration with its fourth and final event, Rise of the DJ/Disco Weekend. The eclectic, three-day event will include a tribute to Donna Summer by Anais St. John, a 10-hour dance marathon featuring four DJs (DJs Dennis Farve, Jesse Loya, Doug Page and T. Swan), an outdoor concert with Same Ole Two Step zydeco band free to the community and much more. Visit https://100menhall.com/ for tickets or to learn more.

Juneteenth Freedom Weekend

Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic

June 5-11

Point Cadet Marina, 119 Beach Blvd., Biloxi

While billfish is the focus at this popular annual tournament, other gamefish also are weighed for cash and prizes. The tournament is a nonprofit operation providing thousands of dollars and donations to charities and is widely known for its awesome offshore bite, record-breaking fish, millions in cash payouts, exciting atmosphere and great energy gaming and entertainment. See mgcbc. com for complete details, or call (228) 239-2575.

June 16-17, parade begins at 11:19 a.m. June 17 Isaiah Fredricks Community Center, Gulfport Kick off the weekend in high gear with a Juneteenth festivities in Gulfport. The parade begins on MLK Boulevard, with the festival immediately following. There will be live music, entertainment, craft beer and vendors. This free public event is very family friendly. A Black Excellence Event, featuring an oratorical scholarship contest and Jamii Awards presentation, also will be held at the Isaiah Fredricks Community Center at 6:19 on June 16 as part of the celebration. Learn more at www. gulfport-ms.gov/events.

INTEGRITY. SERVICE. EXCELLENCE. HONOR.

MGCCC GRADUATE ALEXANDRIA

CRUZ

IS MILITARY ACADEMY BOUND

Alexandria “Allie” Cruz, a Collegiate Academy student from Long Beach High School who graduated on May 11 from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, has been accepted to all five U.S. military academies. Being in Collegiate Academy at MGCCC, she was a sophomore in college while also being a senior in high school. She began applying for academy appointments earlier this school year.

“The aspiration to contribute to something bigger than myself has been a motivation throughout my life,” she said. “Growing up with both of my parents serving in the United States Air Force, I was able to witness them put duty first in all regards. Their influence instilled the values of integrity, service, excellence, and honor in me from a young age and the dream of one day selflessly serving as they have.”

Cruz comes from a family of military veterans. Her mother, Carrie, spent 12 years in the Air Force Reserves. Her father, Alexander, is a Senior Master Sergeant with more than 22 years in the reserves. Both parents are veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Added to that, her brother Michael is in the Army National Guard. Her heart was initially set on attending the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, because her parents had served in the Air Force.

“When I was about 10 years old, my father mentioned the United States Air Force Academy to me. It didn’t take much research for me to fall in love with the idea,” she said. “I loved the idea that there were thousands of young individuals who are motivated to serve, sacrificing their traditional college experience to be developed into the best military officers in the world.”

However, her academy goals changed once she had the opportunity to visit the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. “Once I reached my junior year of high school, I was able to apply to the academies’ summer programs, which allow candidates to be immersed into the demanding academy lifestyle for one week in the summer,” she said. “I was accepted to the United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar and for the first time got to explore the campus of the Naval Academy in Annapolis. I discovered even more information about the opportunities the Navy and Naval Academy provided for cybersecurity majors to commission as Cryptologic Warfare officers. The week also provided me with a feel for the culture of the Academy, which includes camaraderie, teamwork, and relentless dedication.”

Having been admitted to the Academy this past year, Cruz is looking forward to heading to Maryland this summer.

NURSING MANAGEMENT, INC.

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‘I’ve always put him first’

PROUD MOM OF SPECIAL-NEEDS SON REFLECTS ON STRUGGLE, SACRIFICE AS HE GRADUATES

BY KELSIE DOVE

When her son, Cameron, recently graduated with distinction from Gulfport High School, Miranda Day reaped the reward of years of dedication and sacrifice

The proud mom explains that Cameron has overcome many challenges to reach this milestone, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and a speech disability.

“He was born very premature; I was six-and-a-half months pregnant when I had him,” Day says. “He’s been a SPED (special education) student all his life.”

In addition to these struggles, being a single parent and sole provider for Cameron has been challenging for Day.

“It’s hard to be an advocate and take care of things while having to work, be head of household and make sure everything is on track,” she says, “because I have to do it all myself.”

To provide for Cameron and herself, Day works two jobs, often in the evenings and at night so she can be available to Cameron during the day if necessary. While she does not prefer to work nights, doing so has been a necessity, especially while Cameron was young.

“I had to work evenings because I wanted to make sure that I was able to be off during the daytime, just in case he needed me,” she says. “I had to take him to the doctor, or I needed to be at the school for a meeting.”

That left her the night to work while Cameron was asleep.

“I just do what I have to do,” Day says. “I’ve always done that. I’ve always put him first.”

Her sacrifice and dedication have propelled Cameron to success both in and out of the classroom. He’s very involved on the GHS campus, according to Day, and was the basketball manager for four years and on the bowling team for two years. Additionally, Cameron received the 2023 ACE Award from the Gulfport Exchange Club, which honors a senior who has overcome significant obstacles and challenges to graduate from high school.

Cameron also drives, an accomplishment Day says is almost unheard of for someone with his disabilities. While teaching him to drive was difficult, she says, it was important to her because of how it impacted his prospects for the future.

“When you learn how to drive, your independence is wide

open,” Day explains. “You can do more things for yourself.”

Cameron’s next step toward independence will take him to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Perkinston campus, where he has earned an academic scholarship. After finishing at MGCCC, he plans to transfer to Mississippi State University to major in culinology.

“Every time I ask him if he’s ready, he says, ‘Yes.’ When I ask him if he’s scared, he says, ‘No ma’am,’” Day says. “The fact that he tells me that he’s not afraid lets me know that I shouldn’t be afraid, either.”

Instead, Day believes in her son and is optimistic about how far he can go in life.

“I hope he accomplishes all of his goals,” she says, “because that’s what I'm doing all of this for.”

“The fact that he tells me that he’s not afraid lets me know that I shouldn’t be afraid, either.”

Above, Cameron receives the ACE Award from the Gulfport Exchange Club, which honors a senior who has overcome significant obstacles and challenges to graduate from high school.

At left, Cameron with his mom, Miranda.

228.822.9870 OFFICE

www.owenandco.com

2208 18th Street, Suite B Gulfport, MS 39501

Sherry Owen, CRS GRI, SFR, ABR BROKER/OWNER

OWENSHERRYL@AOL.COM

228.760.2815 CELL

3 RIVERS BEND DRIVE, GULFPORT, MS 39507

3+ BEDS, 5 FULL- 2 HALF BATH | 7,000 SQFT | $1,300,000

Waterfront home Located in Bayou View area. 3 levels w/ an elevator. The living room has 22’ ceilings w/ a panoramic view overlooking the Bayou Bernard. Main Kitchen has every feature a Chef could ask for. 2nd level has two bedrooms w/ their own private baths, with a water view and private balcony for each. Media room, study, 3rd level has open space for play room or additional bedroom. Outside has heated Pool and Jacuzzi, Grill outside on the patio. 3 Boat slips with deep water access. Seller is offering a painting allowance to the Purchasers.

1319

2ND STREET, GULFPORT,

MS 39501

4 BEDS, 3 BATHS | 3,000 SQFT | $664,500

This is a breathtaking Atomic Ranch Style home. Walking distance to the Gulf, Harbor, restaurants, & Aquarium!! Beautiful wood flooring through-out. Windows & Natural lighting galore. Formal living room w/ Stone fireplace. Formal Dining Room w/ large sky light. Kitchen has beautiful white cabinets, hutch & Breakfast bar/island with Gorgeous Granite & vaulted ceilings. Study with built-in Bookcases and private little patio with Jasmine covered trellis. Home has a circular Driveway with plenty of parking. Beautifully landscaped with Sprinkler System, Large Beautiful pool. Security System.

1380 26TH AVENUE, GULFPORT, MS 39501

CENTRAL BUSINESS | 2,500 SQFT | $950,000

Amazing location, in the heart of downtown Gulfport. One block off Hwy 49.

Walking distance from Restaurants and the Beach. Close to Hwy 90, Harbor, MS Aquarium, and Island View Casino. Presently open as a local bank.

1914 BEACH DRIVE, GULFPORT, MS 39507

BEACH FRONT LOT | 0.94 ACRES | $459,000

The most gorgeous Lot available on the Beach.

High Elevation - Located on the service drive in Gulfport. Large Oaks, .94 of an Acre! Wrought Iron gate at entrance. Will Build to Suit.

520 BEACH BOULEVARD, UNIT # 507, BILOXI, MS 39530

2 BEDS, 2 BATHS | 1,089 SQFT | $425,000

Pelican Cay Condo - Unbelievable View of the Gulf! Fifth floor with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. All marble flooring, new granite in bathrooms. Kitchen and wet bar, pool, dog run, tennis courts. Great location, elevator, storage space. HOA pays everything (including flood insurance) but power. All appliances included. Will sell furnished or vacant. One parking space allocated and visitor parking available. Gated for security!

REDUCED

3

INDEPENDENCE DRIVE, UNIT #3, GULFPORT, MS 39507

3 BEDS, 2.5 BATHS | 1,953 SQFT | $249,900

Great location and Beautiful Heritage Place Unit totally renovated. All-New Luxury vinyl flooring, All-New bathrooms with custom cabinets. Large Living Room, Formal Dining room, Large Den off the Kitchen. Extremely large Master Bedroom (with Balcony) & Bath. 3 Bedrooms upstairs & 2 full Bathroom. 1/2 bath off Den and laundry room. All-New ceiling fans, custom cabinets with new granite counter tops. Large private patio in the rear of the home. Double carport for parking. Clubhouse and Pool.

481 JORDAN DRIVE, BILOXI, MS 39531

4 BEDS, 4.5 BATHS | 3,961 SQFT | $1,500,000

Breathtaking home on Back Bay with infinity pool, boat house and dock! Windows all across the rear of this gorgeous home boasting gorgeous Bay views. The pool, living room, dining room, kitchen, Master Bedroom, Den/suite all with water views. Balcony upstairs off 2nd den. There are 3 bedrooms upstairs or 2BR’s and 1 office overlooking the bay. The landscaping is perfect - triple garage with workshop area.

13205

CHASAE LANE, GULFPORT, MS 39503

3 BEDS, 2.5 BATHS | 2,850 SQFT | $443,000

Wonderful Family Home in Chasewood Subdivision. High ceilings, beautiful Luxury vinyl flooring. Two fireplaces. Custom Crown Moldings through-out. All new Custom cabinets w/ granite counter tops in the large kitchen w/ stainless appliances. Large Laundry Room w/ built-ins and granite counter tops. Covered patio with private ½ bath. Outdoor Kitchen. Exercise pool in the backyard. Beautifully landscaped yard. Oversized double Garage.

Graceful and

GRATEFUL

BY JENNIFER GENTILE PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDI STAGE PORTRAITURE

For her entire adult life, Kathy Pizzetta Springer was a “hot-rollers-and-hairspray” kind of girl.

Photos taken as recently as two years ago show the vivacious blonde, who is CEO of the United Way of South Mississippi, wearing a gravity-defying bouffant.

“I loved to spray and tease my hair, and I colored my hair religiously …,” Springer recalls. “My mother, God rest her soul, always had my hair cut in a ‘pixie’ when I was a young girl, and I swore I would never have short hair. So yes, my hair was a big part of my outward identity.”

Today, Springer’s silvery, cropped locks are the only outward sign of the battle she’s waged for over a year. Last April, a routine mammogram revealed a 5.5-centimeter tumor, and suddenly, Springer found herself in the fight of her life.

‘IT NEVER OCCURRED TO ME THAT I WOULD HAVE BREAST CANCER’

Having once worked at Gulf Coast Community Hospital and later at Biloxi Regional Medical Center (now Merit Biloxi), Springer never missed her annual screening.

When she went for this particular test, she had no reason to think anything was amiss.

“The day I was to go for my mammogram was a very busy and hectic day, and I seriously thought about canceling – which I typically did at least once every time I went for one,” she says. “It just never occurred to me that I would have breast cancer.”

A second mammogram and a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis.

“I honestly didn’t know what to do; I just kept thinking, ‘Everything will be OK,’ or, ‘What if everything’s not OK?’ she says. “I did not miss a day of school in my life, or a day of work due to illness, except when (my son) Richard was born.”

Springer’s husband, Rick, was shocked by the news, but supportive — reassuring his wife that they would get through the ordeal together. They visited Ole Miss, where Richard was a month away from graduation, to tell him in person.

“He was surprised to say the least, but took the news as well as he could,” Springer says. “I knew that how I dealt with it would be how he and Rick would deal with it.”

Springer also contacted her friend, oncology specialist

Kathy Springer proves cancer is no match for real beauty

Dr. Allison Wall, who saw her the same day and went on to manage her cancer treatment.

“On my way to Dr. Wall’s, I thought that I’d better stop at Shoe Station and buy a new pair of shoes,” Springer recalls. “Why? I don’t know, but that’s what I did. I guess that was my coping mechanism at that moment. I had so many feelings, but being scared was not one of them.”

Dr. Wall recalls meeting Springer in a working moms’ group, where the members joked that they never wanted to be her patient. When Springer needed her services, Wall says, she faced a devastating diagnosis with optimism, grit and humor.

“I barely saw her shed a tear,” Wall adds. “She was so positive.”

The doctor often tells her patients that treatment puts them in a cocoon, from which they will emerge a new, better and even more beautiful creature. Springer exemplifies these words, according to her friend — coming through her fight more determined than ever.

“She’s one of those people who is thankful and grateful,” Wall says. “She’s going to move forward to whatever comes next, and she’s done it all with grace and style.”

Above all, Springer did not want to become an object of pity. After making her sister and best friend promise that they would get their mammograms as soon as possible, she asked them not to post anything on social media about her condition.

“If people think you’re sick, they think you can’t do your job to the best of your ability, or you can’t run your household, or you can’t be the mother, or the wife,” she says. “I was (intent) on being all of those things, just like always.”

When Springer’s longtime pal Nanette Burke thinks of her friend, several adjectives come to mind among them hard-working, courageous, loving, compassionate, persistent, nurturing, funny, fun-loving, meticulous, talented, dependable, humble and spiritual. Burke especially admires Springer’s relationship with God, which allowed her friend to approach breast cancer with resolve and fortitude.

“Kathy gives her all,” Burke says, “whether it be in her family life, her professional life, her community and civic life and her Catholic faith life.”

‘HOPE IS BEAUTIFUL’

Determined not to disrupt United Way, Springer only missed about five days of work after her mastectomy and continued to work through her treatment, which included eight rounds of chemotherapy and 30 rounds of radiation. After her chemo treatments on Thursday mornings, she’d stop at Sonic for a celebratory order of tots before heading into the office. She tolerated chemo surprisingly well; radiation proved harder.

The silver lining of losing her mane, she says, was reclaiming 30 minutes of time in her daily routine.

“It takes a lot to walk out the

door each morning with no hair, no eyelashes and no eyebrows,” she says. “I got quite good at drawing on eyebrows!”

At one time, appearances mattered greatly to Springer, as they do to most young women — who often base their selfimage on hairstyles, weight, clothes, etc. As a cancer survivor, she has realized beauty has little to do with looks and much to do with character.

“I speak to people every day who are struggling to make ends meet, to do the best for their children or grandchildren, or who have struggles that are unimaginable,” she says. “They are hungry, overcoming some adversity, but they get up and go on every day. Hope is beautiful.”

‘I HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO’

Today, Springer remains cancer free but will be monitored closely for years to come. She often is asked when she will retire, which is not in her plans anytime soon.

“I have a lot of work to do!” Springer says. “My main goal is to live as healthy a life as I can.”

Never one to indulge in self-pity, she reserves her concern for those she deems more deserving. Compared to what some others are facing, she insists, her struggles are trivial.

“I made a lot of friends in chemo and radiation; it’s a sorority I did not rush for,” she says. “But to be in a group of remarkable,

Whatever the future holds for Springer, she’s determined to stay grateful and humble. She believes everyone has unique gifts, and she’s determined to use hers to benefit her family, her

‘I know there’s another purpose for me; I know it more now than I have ever known it,” Springer says. “I don’t know what it is, but I will know it when I see it.”

LADIES, GET YOUR MAMMOGRAM!

If Springer had a megaphone to convey one message, it would be this: “Do not even be five minutes late for your mammogram. What wasn’t there a year ago was there in a big way for me.”

Here are some breast cancer facts that every woman should know:

• Women in America have a one-in-eight chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. Early detection can catch the disease while chances of a good outcome are highest.

• Most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 40. The American Cancer society recommends that women ages 40 to 44 have the choice to start annual mammograms, and women ages 45-54 should be screened every year.

• Most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer don’t have a significant family history. However, having a family history does elevate breast cancer risk. Having your first period before age 12 or starting menopause after age 55 also elevates your risk.

To learn more, visit www.cancer.org/cancer/ breast-cancer.html

The top 5 cosmetic procedures for 2023

– and what to know before having them

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

Cosmetic surgery trends may change over time, but one constant remains: high demand. U.S. providers perform more than 15 million cosmetic surgery procedures each year, according to Cleveland Clinic, and about 92 percent of patients are women.

So which surgeries are the most popular in 2023, and what should you know if you’re considering having work done? Here’s a rundown to help in your decision making.

BREAST LIFT/RESHAPING/AUGMENTATION

Every year, an estimated 300,000 Americans have breast augmentation surgery to change the size and shape of their breasts. This can be achieved with implants or through fat transfer.

Many women who experience breast sagging due to age, pregnancy or breastfeeding may opt for a breast lift, which involves removing excess skin and tightening, reshaping and supporting breast tissue.

Things to consider:

• Breasts won’t stop changing after surgery. Factors like aging and weight gain or loss might alter their appearance.

• It’s possible that breast implants can interfere with breastfeeding.

• Breast implants may need to be replaced for several reasons, such as rupture or capsular contracture, which is tightening of the scar tissue that forms around the implant.

EYELID SURGERY

The area around the eyes is a problem zone for many people, and a procedure known as blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper lid, lower lid or both. Some of the issues this surgery can correct are baggy or droopy lids, loose or sagging skin that can sometimes obscure vision and fatty deposits that appear as puffiness.

Things to consider:

Before booking a blepharoplasty, Dr. Dr. Margaret E. Phillips with Restore Oculoplastics Gulf Coast has suggested asking yourself these questions:

• What is your goal for the procedure? Is it achievable with the surgery you are requesting?

• Do you have the downtime to allow yourself to recover? Blepharoplasty patients can expect to a spend approximately seven to 14 days recovering.

• Do you feel comfortable with the surgeon and his or her plan? Eyelid surgery is “not cookie cutter,” Phillips has said, and each procedure is tailored to each patient’s needs and target outcome.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

COSMETIC PROCEDURES CONTINUED FROM

RHINOPLASTY

More than 225,000 people opt to reshape their noses every year, making rhinoplasty the most popular facial plastic surgery. This procedure can fix bumps, narrow the nostrils, reshape the tip or straighten the bridge, and some may undergo a rhinoplasty for health reasons, including breathing problems.

Things to consider:

• This procedure does carry risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, breathing problems, possible unevenness or lasting pain, numbness or discoloration.

• Swelling will come and go. Be prepared for a healing process that could take up to a year and a half.

• Be realistic about the results. Surgery can make significant improvements, but it can’t give you a new nose.

LIPOSUCTION

Both men and women are fans of this procedure, which has maintained its popularity for decades. A surgical tool called a cannula is used to remove fat from areas including the abdomen, buttocks, backs, hips, arms and thighs.

Things to consider:

• This procedure is not a weight-loss strategy and not ideal for someone with a large amount of weight to lose. The best candidates are those who are close to their goal weight and have some stubborn areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.

• While many patients bounce back very quickly after surgery, anticipate some bruising and mild pain.

• Factors like advanced age, being a smoker or using bloodthinning medications can affect your candidacy for liposuction.

3 4 5

NON-INVASIVE PROCEDURES

This category refers to a wide range of enhancements like Botox and dermal fillers, which don’t require going under the knife but can deliver dramatic results. These treatments combat lines, depressions, wrinkles, or loss of volume associated with aging skin.

Dr. Dawn Hansen of Dermatology Specialists of Mississippi says cosmetic injectables are ideal for those who desire a refresh but want to avoid the “plastic” look that can result after surgical procedures.

Things to consider:

• Injectable clients tend to be pleased with the ease of the procedure and having no downtime afterward, Hansen says.

• “If subtly is preferred, injectables allow the ability to target specific locations rather than a complete transformation at one setting,” Hansen adds. “I recommend that people interested in getting injectables book an appointment with a qualified and experienced provider for a consultation. There are different types of injectable procedures that improve various areas of concern for men and women alike.”

9364 THREE RIVERS ROAD

(behind Walmart in Gulfport)

228.822.0120

Monday- Friday 9:30-5:30 | Saturday 10:00 - 4:00 Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to shop online

@DIAMONDNAIL.CO

The Threaded Cork

With a mom who was a costume designer and seamstress, Andrea Jenkins grew up surrounded by fashion.

“Not only did I learn how to sew, but I learned that my passion and knowledge was, in one form or another, in the fashion industry,” recalls the Florida State University graduate, who double-majored in fashion merchandising and finance.

Her husband’s U.S. Navy career required many moves, but Jenkins kept growing and gaining experience from the companies she managed. When the couple arrived on the Coast for the second time in 2016, they pondered how they could serve and get involved in the local community.

“Although I’ve always wanted to have a boutique, I knew I needed to take that idea to the next level,” Jenkins says. “As we were thinking of how to stand out and offer something different, the idea of a ‘hybrid’ boutique evolved.”

Thus, The Threaded Cork was born — Jenkins’s one-of-

a-kind store that is a clothing boutique, café and gift shop rolled into one. The downtown Biloxi business offers a large variety of Polish Pottery and other specialty items, ladies’ apparel, accessories, shoes and more. Tucked in the back is a coffee bar serving Illy Italian coffee, the owner notes proudly, which is brewed “the true Italian way.”

“I’d say that all of the products are equally popular, as each piece is hand-picked and different from any other boutique in our area,” she says.

The Threaded Cork is available to host events like bridal showers and meetings, and patrons can set up a gift registry via its website: thethreadedcork.com. This year, Jenkins says the store is looking to enhance and expand its apparel options and offer a larger selection of Corky’s footwear.

“I’m always looking to add more new and exciting products,” she says, “so my best advice is to keep checking back!”

WHAT’S TRENDING?

Jenkins says bold colors, wedge shoes and lace will be big this summer. One example is this floral printed halter top with pleat and lace detail ($28).

HER TOP THREE TREND TIPS:

1. Start small. Choose one trend to add to your existing wardrobe.

2. Use accessories for a pop of bold color

3. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

WANT TO GO?

136 Rue Magnolia, Biloxi (228) 967-7424

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.5 p.m.; closed Sunday www.thethreadedcork.com

www.facebook.com/ thethreadedcork; Instagram: thethreadedcork

Be a beach babe with these hot weather makeup tips

Summer is almost here, and beach days are upon us. Here are some tips to keep you looking as hot as the sun:

This is the most important part of your makeup routine. Nothing ages you faster or disrupts your skin’s barrier like the sun. The days of baby oil and iodine are long gone, and we now embrace protecting the skin we’re in. Fortunately, we have so many options that there is no excuse to leave the house without a little SPF. I love the SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 ($60) because it improves your skin while protecting it. This dual-action daily hydrating sunscreen protects against UVinduced pigmentation, evens skin tone and instantly brightens skin. A cult favorite is the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 ($22). It’s an invisible sunscreen that’s perfect to wear under makeup. This oil-free formula gives a natural finish and should be in your bathroom year

STICK TO SIMPLE

If you haven’t used a cream eyeshadow stick, you are truly missing out. These products are really making a splash again in 2023. Almost every brand is hopping on the bandwagon, so the options are endless. Due to the Coast humidity, I suggest a waterproof formula. My mom’s personal favorite is from Thrive Causemetics ($26). The stick glides so effortlessly along the lids and delivers long-lasting color. Shimmery shades give your lid that gorgeous pop to make your eyes sparkle in the sun.

I’m currently having a love affair with the e.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge

Shadow sticks ($5). I’m not sure what I love most: the blendable formula, the color options or the amazing price. We may be adding eyeshadow sticks to our makeup collection for the beach, but cream shadow sticks make a great base for a date-night smoky eye.

WATERPROOF LASHES

As a makeup artist, I condone waterproof mascara on very few occasions: weddings, funerals and days on the water. In my 10 years or doing makeup professionally, I exclusively have purchased drugstore mascaras.

Here are some tricks to avoid that black smudge below your eyes. If you have oily skin or lids you will need to own a translucent powder. The oils from your skin will break down the product and create transfer onto your skin. The smallest bit of powder really goes a long way. Take a fluffy brush and add setting power to you under eyes and lids. This will absorb the oil and flight transfer. If you want to take it a step further, after you add mascara, add powder to the tips of your bottom lashes. This is a step I never skip when my client has long bottom lashes. My all-time favorite mascara is the L’Oréal Voluminous Original Mascara ($10.99)

Amanda Surwillo is a makeup artist and esthetician who owns Mandy Makeup Artistry. She can be reached at amandasurwillomua@ gmail.com, or follow her on Instagram: @mandy_makeup_artistry.

Maegan Redmond Salon & Spa

With her nearly 17 years in the beauty business, it’s fair to call Maegan Redmond a seasoned veteran.

“I have a lot of experience with great customer service,” Redmond says. “I love people, and that’s probably why I love my job.”

Her wealth of experience includes coloring techniques and cuts, as well as updos and styles, men’s haircuts, kids’ cuts, waxing and more. In February, she parlayed her extensive skill and beauty background into a new venture: Maegan Redmond Salon & Spa, located in Gulfport.

“I also do manicures and pedicures, and my goal for this new salon and spa is that we accommodate everyone and have a one-stop shop,” Redmond says. “We will offer walk-ins and also appointments.”

The shop offers a full range of beauty services, including full-body waxing, full-body massage, eyelash extensions,

henna eyebrow tint, airbrush tans, manicures, pedicures and all hair services.

Clients also can stock up on an array of high-end beauty products, with Loma Violet shampoo and conditioner proving to be the most popular, according to Redmond.

“Our newest addition is our Wella Ultimate Repair Treatment,” she adds. “It’s a $45 service that heals the hair from the inside out.”

Whatever your beauty needs, Redmond invites you to visit her and her team, who take pride in making clients look and feel their best.

WHAT’S TRENDING?

Redmond says the salon is receiving a lot of requests for balayage, a blonding technique in which a lightener is painted on in such a way that it creates a gradient, natural effect.

before after

HER TOP TREND TIPS:

1. To get the best result, consider using sulfate-free products at home so that your hair lifts evenly.

2. If your hair is compromised, I would not recommend blonding services. However, there are treatment options available to get your hair healthy enough to begin the process.

3. Any blonding service requires regular visits to the salon. For best results, we recommend multiple appointments if you are looking to achieve maximum blonding.

WANT TO GO?

12207 Highway 49, Suite 40, Gulfport (228) 731-3605

Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

FB: Maegan Redmond Salon & Spa

Panache Apparel and Accessories

From working at the Gift Gallery in Biloxi to interning at Saks Inc., Rebeca Strickland Cowart has never stopped pursuing her love of fashion.

“It has always been in my blood,” she says, “so it was really no real surprise when I decided to move back home and open up Panache in 2006.”

Her Gulfport boutique, a 3,100-square-foot showroom filled with on-trend clothing, shoes, jewelry, candles, bath balms, handbags and more, caters to all ages and stocks sizes up to 3XL. Not all women are the same, Cowart says, “and we want to have something for everyone.”

The store is constantly receiving new shipments, she adds, so customers can always shop at Panache for the latest, greatest trends.

“We have been very blessed over the last 17 years, and we are focused on growing our clientele and making sure we keep our brick-and-mortar going,” Cowart

says. “We believe in helping our customers via social media and in the store, so we hope to keep reaching new customers near and far.”

Panache’s accessible layout and exceptional customer service make the boutique stand out from the competition, according to Cowart. She adds that the store’s team is dedicated to helping customers find pieces that make them feel and look good.

“All of us who work at Panache love shopping,” Cowart says, “so we want everyone to have a very special shopping experience that will keep them coming back.”

WHAT’S TRENDING?

Panache is known for its jewelry selection, Cowart says, and Budha Girl Bangles are one of the shop’s biggest sellers (sets vary in color and price, $100 and up).

“They are lightweight and waterproof,” she adds, so women can wear them all the time ....”

HER TOP THREE TREND TIPS:

1. When choosing and stacking bracelets, be mindful of where and how you’ll wear them. A benefit of Budha Girl bracelets, Cowart says, is that they can be worn every day and even while swimming.

2. Panache sells bracelets in an array of colors — pink, purple, turquoise, emerald, red, black, white and more. Cowart says it’s a popular trend to wear a color even if that color isn’t in your outfit. For example, wear turquoise bangles and gold jewelry with a hot pink top and shorts for a pop of color.

3. Panache’s gold and silver sets come in a set of nine, and Cowart suggests wearing them all at once on vacation and while traveling because you can go in the ocean with them or wear them through airport security. “And they dress up your outfit no matter how dressy or casual you are,” Cowart says.

WANT TO GO?

9364 Three Rivers Rd Gulfport (228) 822-0120

Hours: Monday -Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

facebook.com/panachegpt

To Stacey Riley, advocating for others is beautiful

BY JENNIFER GENTILE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDI STAGE PORTRAITURE // HAIR & MAKEUP BY HD HAIR AND MAKEUP

Stacey Riley has never sought attention — quite the opposite. A lifelong struggle with social anxiety disorder meant Riley, the chief executive officer of the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, felt uncomfortable speaking in public, being called on in class or being in a room full of people she didn’t know.

“I admit that my earlier days with social anxiety stopped me from doing some things,” she acknowledges, “but I try to never let my anxiety take away anything that I really wanted to achieve in life and have learned to push my boundaries.”

Today, Riley is proud to have embraced her “introverted self” and grown to love who she is. Nonetheless, she remains focused on others, namely victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and homicide who seek the Center’s help. In 2022, the nonprofit answered 17,084 crisis calls, provided 40,012 nights of emergency shelter and served 120,036 meals to shelter clients — making a significant difference for people in danger and despair.

Inspired by those who oppose injustice and inequality, Riley identifies with Mahatma Gandhi’s observation: “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.”

“I entered the social work field for a very important reason: to advocate for those who cannot or will not advocate for themselves,” she says. “I never leave home without my soapbox.”

A self-described “hippie gal from the country” who is most comfortable in shorts and flip-flops, Riley says habits like meditation, yoga and eating right do more for her self-image than any elaborate makeup routine. Even so, she enjoys getting pampered by professionals — and Gulf Coast Woman recently arranged for her to receive some much-deserved TLC.

“I can truly appreciate the experience

of getting a makeover and allowing myself to come out of my shell to shine,” says Riley, adding that she was “honored” by the recognition. “I strongly encourage everyone to have their makeup, hair and wardrobe done by someone other than you and to have your picture taken by someone who loves the art of photography.”

and beautiful” look that matched Riley’s personality. She played up Riley’s eyes by using a neutral palette with some hints of gold and smoking them out slightly at the corners to add depth. Her lip was a neutral mix, Dubuisson adds, “which showed off her beautiful smile.” Large curls kept in place with volume spray gave Riley’s hair plenty of lift.

Riley struck photographer Brandi Stage as a “kind, compassionate woman” qualities she sought to convey in her portraits. Stage presented a few wardrobe options, and the winner was a metallic, flowy piece that Riley loved.

“The goal for this shoot was for Stacey to feel special and to capture her having a blast and feeling great,” Stage says. “This is always the aim when I photograph women. It’s amazing to watch them transform, much like a flower bud blooming. It’s beautiful to behold.”

Heather Dubuisson of HD Hair and Makeup created a “strong, but feminine

“She shared with me that she had only had her makeup done once, so it was a treat for her,” Dubuisson says. “She does so much to take care of others, and I wanted her to know how that felt.”

The hardworking wife and mom makes time in her busy schedule to support activities that address discrimination and further social justice; she’s a member of the Human Rights Campaign and the National Organization for Women and an advocate for the ACLU, Planned Parenthood and local animal rescue groups

“Without my need for the limelight, I can help propel others forward so they can highlight their accomplishments,” she says.

Despite past struggles with self-love, Riley has worked hard mentally, physically and spiritually to move beyond any feelings of inadequacy. Her mom, who taught her to be a free thinker and hold fast to her beliefs, remains Riley’s biggest beauty role model.

“Have I always (felt beautiful)? No. Do I now? Absolutely,” Riley says. “It’s all about self-acceptance and feeling good in the skin that you are in.”

Contestants offer backstage glimpse into pageant life

THE GRIND glam BEHIND THE

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

Wearing a $50 evening gown and a megawatt smile, Melanie Robinson owned the stage at the Ms. Voluptuous International contest.

Her top-three finish proved something to the pageant veteran: winning was all about confidence, not expense. Now 52 and the reigning Ms. Voluptuous Mississippi, Robinson first competed at a local level in 1989. She didn’t pursue a crown again until she turned 50 and sought a special way to mark the milestone.

Her April appearance at Ms. Voluptuous International required six months of preparation, including practicing her evening-gown walk, personal introduction and interview questions, choosing her outfits, creating social media content, making appearances and developing her platform.

“The days are long, especially if you have hair and makeup done, and it’s important to pace yourself so you are good to go for the competition days,” Robinson says. “It’s over all too soon, and you’re exhausted afterward. But if you feel you grew as a person from doing it, then it’s all worth it.”

Several of her fellow titleholders — members of what Robinson calls “the sisterhood” — share her opinion. Despite the difficulties and frustrations, they say the pageant world offers them a unique vehicle for self-improvement.

“Oftentimes, you will fail over and over, and you have to learn to get back up and work harder,” says Daisha Hall, the reigning Miss Harrison County. “Nothing teaches me how to focus on my own path and self-growth better than pageantry does.”

The skills Hall learned on stage have translated into success for the 20-year-old, who attends Mississippi State University as a business management/marketing student, models for the university’s fashion board and operates a

small business — The Bargainista. Outsiders may focus on the appearance side of pageants, but Hall emphasizes the mental — namely the strength and focus it takes to not become discouraged.

“Your dream has to be bigger than the crown or fame,” she says. “My passion for inspiring other young women and being a leader for women who look like me keeps me going.”

Ja’Kaylee Minor

Although she’s only been competing for a year, Ja’Kaylee Minor also has found that pageants are more about inner than outer beauty. The 17-year-old, who holds the 2023 Miss Mississippi HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Teen title, got involved because she wanted to step outside her comfort zone.

Even for the high-achieving cheerleader, who will graduate in May with both her high school diploma and an associate

degree and is active in a slew of clubs and boards, pageant pressure took some getting used to.

“In my first pageant, we only had one day to rehearse (less than four hours) to remember every routine and learn every step of the show,” she says. “Behind the scenes, while they are putting on a show, we are constantly changing and getting ready at a very fast pace.”

Nonetheless, she found the chance to learn about herself and network with others invaluable.

“There is so much opportunity when competing in pageants,” Minor says, “and overall, it is such a wonderful and joyful experience!”

Pageants have evolved for the better, Robinson points out, by making presentation, interview and communication — skills that will carry a woman for life — a larger part of the overall score. They also showcase a wider range of body types, ages and backgrounds than ever before, which she finds inspiring.

“Seeing groundbreaking queens competing and winning pageants gave me hope that a 50-something, curvy woman with short purple hair had something to offer to the pageant world,” Robinson says.

Defying the movie stereotype of catty, fake-smiling contestants, Robinson says she has found a tribe of women who cheer each other on, offer a shoulder to cry on and help one another wherever possible. She counts that camaraderie among the best parts of her pageantry experience.

“The friends I have made in pageants are some of the most genuine, warm hearted, hard-working and generous people I have ever met,” she says. “Even if you don’t win a title, you didn’t lose if you made good friends.”

Melanie Robinson

Daisha Hall

“Your dream has to be bigger than the crown or fame...”

DAISHA HALL

Want smoother, more luminous skin? Consider microneedling

From sun damage to scars, women have a host of skin concerns. Many of them, according to aesthetician Christina Kemp, can be addressed with microneedling.

During this minimally invasive procedure, thin needles make tiny holes in the top layer of the skin. The damage helps stimulate the skin’s natural healing process producing more collagen and elastin, which keeps skin firm and smooth.

“I believe microneedling is so popular because of the longlasting results,” says Kemp, a skin professional with Aqua Medical Spa in Biloxi. “With as few as three treatments spaced 30 days apart, clients can improve their appearance

for six-plus months after the last treatment.”

Kemp notes that a good candidate for microneedling is anyone who is experiencing hyperpigmentation, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles.

“The treatment is done inoffice using topical numbing, so most patients experience little to no discomfort,” she says.

“Initial skin tightening and pore reduction often can be seen immediately after treatment.” However, she adds that optimal results take about four to six weeks – roughly the amount of time that it takes for collagen to develop fully.

Christina Kemp

2023

STANDOUTS

Congratulations, top scholars, teachers & community leaders!

A special section presented by

MEET THE WINNERS OF GCW’S 2023 TOP TEACHERS CONTEST

Teaching is not for the faint of heart. Most of us would count it among the world’s toughest, but most rewarding, professions. Every day, educators across the Coast mold young minds and fill them with knowledge, giving them a significant role in shaping the future.

What makes an outstanding teacher — qualities like empathy, enthusiasm, patience and adaptability? Certainly all these and more, as well as a certain something that can’t be defined — a quality that allows a teacher to connect with and inspire a student like no other.

We are pleased to celebrate the Coast’s most extraordinary educators with our Top Teachers 2023 Contest. We had an overwhelming response, receiving hundreds of nominations. Meet the winners from each of our three counties.

HARRISON COUNTY Chaundrea Allen

North Gulfport Elementary & Middle School

What the nominators say: “Chaundrea is the epitome of an exemplary educator. She has compassion in action for her scholars.”

“Mrs. Allen teaches from the heart, and the passion which drives her is one that changes lives daily.”

“Mrs. Allen is a teacher like no other. She loves her students unconditionally. She is phenomenal.”

What the principal says:

“Over the past two years, I have seen the continuous growth of Mrs. Allen through community outreach and mentoring of teachers. She uses her planning time to provide support for teachers on campus and tutor students. She has displayed patience, endurance and dedication while working with students with disabilities and learning deficits. She wants the best for her students and always advocates for their achievement.

Mrs. Allen is a teacher who goes above and beyond for the success of students and is committed to her duties. Each month,

she provides an opportunity for parent engagement. She has ice cream socials, paint parties, game nights, etc. She builds lifelong relationships with her students and parents. Mrs. Allen is dependable and an integral part of our faculty and staff.”

- Milton Ray III, principal North Gulfport Elementary & Middle School

STANDOUTS

Presented by Gulf Coast Woman

MEET THE WINNERS OF GCW’S 2023 TOP TEACHERS CONTEST

JACKSON COUNTY Kaleigh Broom

Arlington Heights Elementary (Pascagoula)

What the nominators say:

“She’s a blessing! She treats her kinders like they are her own. She’s so loving and sweet.”

“She was born to teach. She loves her children, and she gives her all!”

“She is the most amazing teacher I have ever seen. She has helped my child in ways I cannot explain.”

What the principal says:

“She has implemented innovative and effective teaching strategies and activities that engage and challenge her students and are tailored to their individual needs and interests. She has established a positive and nurturing classroom

HANCOCK COUNTY Robin Craft

Kindergarten

Waveland Elementary

What the nominators say:

“Mrs. Craft has a patience for kids like no other, and you can see she enjoys what she does.”

“She is the best. She makes learning fun. She loves the children and wants them to learn all they can.”

“Many nights, she can be found in her classroom well after dark working to provide our kids the BEST.”

What the principal says:

“Ms. Craft is a huge asset to our school and is an amazing mentor to her peers. Ms. Craft works countless extra hours to make sure her students receive the best education possible. You can find Ms. Craft here on the weekends and late into the

evenings prepping and planning for her upcoming lessons. Ms. Craft greets her students with a hug and a smile each and every day. Her classroom is a “family,” and the love can be felt the minute you enter the room. You will find the smallest achievement being celebrated and students cheering each other on during every task assigned. The culture of the classroom is inviting and positive. Not only is Ms. Craft an amazing support to her students, but she also offers support to each of her peers. Her door is always open, and she is always willing to lend a helping hand. Her peers value her support and look up to her as a mentor. Her peers are always eager to share the stories of the support she has provided and sing her praises.”

- Joann Mestayer, principal  Waveland Elementary

environment that promotes respect, kindness and inclusivity and encourages parents and families to be involved and supportive of their children’s learning. To put it simply, her students and parents admire her! Even as a new teacher, Ms. Broom has shown leadership and collaboration skills by mentoring and supporting other teachers, sharing her knowledge and experience with the wider community and advocating for education policies and resources that benefit young learners and their teachers.

Bottom line, Ms. Broom is deserving of any reward or recognition that is presented to her. Her dedication to her students is amazing.”

- Dr. Latoya Worthen, principal Arlington Elementary School

STANDOUTS

Presented by Gulf Coast Woman

VALS AND SALS

GAUTIER HIGH SCHOOL HARRISON CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian: Gavin Pound Salutatorian: Elizabeth McArthur

Valedictorian: Dakota Wilson

Salutatorian: Josephine Coffell

MOSS POINT HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian: Marissa Barajas Salutatorian: Thomas Ferguson

OUR LADY ACADEMY

Valedictorian: Audrey Chang

Salutatorian: Averie Templeton

PASCAGOULA HIGH SCHOOL

Valedectorian: Emma Lee

Salutatorian: Angelica Negrete

PASS CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian: Ariana Troutman

Salutatorian: Anne Allen

ST. MARTIN HIGH SCHOOL ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian: Ellouise Bridges Salutatorian: Riley Mickelson

Valedictorian: Thomas Owen

Salutatorian: London Lafferty

SAINT STANISLAUS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Valedictorian: Brady McCaw Salutatorian: Zachary May

STONE HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian: Jonathan Baker Salutatorian: Lauren McKay

VANCLEAVE HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian: Ava McRaney

Salutatorian: Morgan Goff

WEST HARRISON HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian: Kathryn Page Salutatorian: Meredith Rogers

STANDOUTS

GULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation presented scholarship awards to the following students for 2023:

St. Patrick Catholic High School

• London Lafferty: Leo W. Seal, Jr. Scholarship, $10,000; Rotary Club of Biloxi Scholarship, $1,200

• Noah Benjamin Collier: Jeremiah J. and Annette S. O’Keefe Scholarship, $4,000

Ocean Springs High School

• Shanice Giddings: Jeremiah J. & Annette S. O’Keefe Scholarship, $4,000

West Harrison High School

• Eric Necaise: H. Richard Dick Herman Stewart Sneed Hewes Scholarship, $2,000

Gulfport High School

• Haley Reynolds: Rotary Club of Gulfport ‐ Herbert G. Carnathan Scholarship ‐ Home Schooled, $8,000

• Rae‐Anna White: Rotary Club of Gulfport ‐ Hollis Carr Scholarship, $8,000; Evelyn Desporte Thompson Stewart Sneed Hewes Scholarship, $2,000

• Layton Bradley: Rotary Club of Gulfport Owen T. Plamer Scholarship, $1,000

• Aimee Davidson: Rotary Club of Gulfport Scholarship, $1,000

• James Taylor: Dorothy Eaton Scholarship for the Performing Arts, $1,000

Stone County High School

• Garrett Jones: Harold & Mary Perlman Scholarship, $5,000

• Garrett Jones: Lawrence and Lucimarian Roberts Scholarship, $2,500

• April Goble: Lawrence and Lucimarian Roberts Scholarship, $2,500

CONTINUED ON PAGE 48

Presented by Gulf Coast Woman

$25,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

THROUGH EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

The Biloxi, Gulfport, Long Beach and Pass Christian chambers of commerce recently hosted a joint Excellence in Education Awards Ceremony where $25,000 in scholarships were awarded to high school seniors and educators received special recognition.

Partners included Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College-Harrison County Campus, which hosted the breakfast program, and Mississippi Power, which sponsored the awards ceremony. Scholarship sponsors included, Mississippi Power, The Insurance Center/Steward Sneed Hewes, Hancock Whitney Bank, Ingalls Shipbuilding, Swetman Security Service Inc. Cynthia Payne Scholarship, The Peoples Bank, Corso’s Inc., Eley Guild Hardy Architects and Whataburger.

Biloxi Chamber of Commerce’s scholarship recipients include Amaya Plumbar, Bryson Pisarich, Parker O’Keefe, Garner Seymour, John Michael Moran, Clayton Wilhorn, Olivia Williams, Lauren Croal, Caden DeMers, Ainsley Thriffiley, Colette Reynolds, Jordan Sanderson, Caroline Dellenger, Ashley Edwards and Maria Victoria Andradez Garcia.

Gulfport Chamber of Commerce’s scholarship recipients include Eric Necaise, Rae-Anna White, Tyana Johnson, John “Jack” Mullins, Sean Holmes, Jeremiah Jean, Hailey Coate, Joylyn Anderson, Terrence Seales, Neal Isensee and Robin Sheftick.

Long Beach Chamber of Commerce’s scholarship recipients include Stokley Sawyer, Ella Lansford, Rowan Sanzin and Alexander Eleuterius.

TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS OF THE YEAR

MOSS POINT

Pass Christian Chamber of Commerce’s scholarship recipients include JohnXavier Thornton and Savannah Meyers.

Teacher of the Year: Vanessa Moncrief

PASS CHRISTIAN

Teacher of the Year: Dorothy Stewart

Administrator of the Year: Jonathan Beasley

STANDOUTS

TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS OF THE YEAR

GULFPORT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Other honorees

Anniston Avenue

Elementary

TOY: Kathryn Lovell

ATOY: Emma Carrell

NTOY: Meredith Bennett

Bayou View Elementary

TOY: Jeannie Cook

ATOY: Amelia Thompson, Karen Resh

NTOY: Jordan Lewis

Central Elementary

TOY: Anna Olivia Spragins

ATOY: Desiri Hernandez

NTOY: Tera Pisarich

Pass Road Elementary

TOY: Leslie PerezCent

ATOY: Kendall Casey

NTOY: Keisha Lacy

28th Street Elementary

TOY: Ryne Anderson

ATOY: Julia Cook

NTOY: Jenna Gardner

West Elementary

TOY: Andrea Walker

ATOY: Nekajia Smith

NTOY: Katherine Walker

Bayou View Middle School

TOY: Angelia Wallace

ATOY: Adela Stalcup

NTOY: Taylor Poczynek

Gulfport Central Middle School

TOY: Alice Breazeale

ATOY: Sheila Gill

NTOY: Adrian Davis

Gulfport High School

TOY: Heather Spangler, Dr. Cimmie Switzer

ATOY: Allen Smoot

NTOY: Kristen Windham

The Learning Center

TOY: Haley Jones

Virtual Academy

TOY: Amanda Howard

Presented by Gulf Coast Woman

District (pictured)

Teacher of the Year (TOY): Andrea Walker, Assistant Teacher of the Year (ATOY): Sheila Gill

Novice Teacher of the Year: Meredith Bellon Bennett

STANDOUTS

GULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

D’Iberville High School

• Ashlyn Le: Harold & Mary Perlman Scholarship, $5,000; Hollie Gonsoulin Memorial Scholarship ‐ Dance, $5,000

• Morgan Down: Hollie

Gonsoulin Memorial Scholarship ‐ Cheer, $5,000

• Avery Verrett: Harold and Mary Perlman Scholarship, $5,000

Hancock High School

• Allie Anglin: Harold & Mary Perlman Scholarship: $5,000

Long Beach High School

• Janeclaire King: Mary & Gene Levens Excellence in Education Scholarship, $1,000

• Kiley Valentine: Mary & Gene Levens Excellence in Education Scholarship, $1,000

• Rowan Sanzin: Mary & Gene Levens Excellence in Education Scholarship, $1,000

• Alexander Eleuterius: Harold & Mary Perlman Scholarship, $5,000

• Ella Lansford: Dr. Sara “Penny” Cobb Scholarship, $1,000

Biloxi High School

• Joely Hollang: Hollie Gonsoulin Memorial Scholarship ‐ Cheer, $5,000

• Saylor Johnson: Hollie

Gonsoulin Memorial Scholarship ‐ Dance, $5,000

• Danny Vujanovic: Blue Caillavet Athletic Schlorship, $3,000

• Mejia Ayala: Maryliss

Michelle ‐ Michael Mixon Memorial Scholarship, $1,000

Harrison Central High School

• Jaslyne Davis: HCHS Alumni

Robin Alfred Midcalf Student Athlete Scholarship, $1,000

Community Leader Award recipients (from left to right):

Front Row: Dr. Cedric Bradley, Angel Greer, Jonathan Jones, Joy Saucier, Aaron Standberry (CeCe Shabazz’s father), Tiffany Murdock, Kay Kell, Nikki Johns, Dr. Cassandra Conner, John Anderson

Second Row: Amber Olsen, Regan Kane, Casey Hill, Sandra Carter

2023 ONE COAST AWARD RECIPIENTS HONORED

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Hancock, Ocean Springs and Jackson County chambers of commerce, recently recognized recipients of the 2023 One Coast Awards at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. The winners were as follows:

Community Leader Joy Saucier, Mississippi Power

• Tiffany Murdock, Singing River Health System

• Jonathan Jones, Harrah’s Gulf Coast Casino Hotel & Spa

• John Anderson, Anderson Approve Services LLC

• Dr. Cedric Bradley, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

• Dr. Cassandra Conner, William Carey University Tradition Campus

• Nikki Johns, AGJ Systems & Networks Inc.

• CeCe Shabazz, Memorial Health System Angel Greer, Coastal Family Health Center

Kay Kell, retired

Top 10 Under 40

• Heather Ladner Smith, Butler Snow LLP Morgan Bogolin, Boys & Girls Clubs of

Top 10 Under 40 Award recipients (from left to right):

Front Row: (Amira Badon) Morgan Bogolin, Courtney Jacobs, Elisabeth Naff, Emily Sham, Jaklyn Wrigley, Heather Ladner Smith, Gabrielle Rose, James Moody, Amanda Gray, Ben Benvenutti

Second Row: Amber Olsen, Regan Kane, Casey Hill, Sandra Carter

the Gulf Coast Courtney Jacobs, IDR Agency

• Elisabeth Naff, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino

• Jaklyn Wrigley, Singing River Health System

• Emily Sham, Two Men and a Truck Amanda Gray, Ingalls Shipbuilding

• Gabrielle Rose, Allstate Chris Boudreaux Agency

• Ben Benvenutti, Covington Civil & Environmental

• James Moody, Cadence Insurance

The Sun Herald started the One Coast Awards in 2002, and the coastal Chambers of Commerce have carried on the ideal that our common interests far outweigh any differences, the awareness that what benefits one ultimately benefits all and the celebration of our unique communities and attitude of no boundaries.

Presented by Gulf Coast Woman

MGCCC HONORS INSTRUCTORS OF THE YEAR, DANTZLER DIFFERENCE MAKERS

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has announced its 2023 Instructors of the Year and L.N. Dantzler Difference Makers.

According to the college, “These honorees go above and beyond to make a difference in our students’ lives and those around them daily.”

The honorees are as follows: Instructors of the Year

Dr. Jamie Gruich – Harrison County Campus

• Dr. Rana Walley – Health Sciences, Medical Laboratory Technology

• Carin Platt — Jackson County Campus

Ryan Schilling — Perkinston Campus

L.N. Dantzler Difference Makers

• Lisa Alexander — District Office

Barbara Williams — Harrison County Campus

• Barbara Lee — Jackson County Campus

Ben St. Cyr — Perkinston Campus

STANDOUTS

100 WOMEN DBA AWARDS FIVE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

100 WOMEN DBA recently awarded its second-annual college scholarships to Hancock and Bay High School, as well as home school, graduates.

The 100 WOMEN DBA is a nonprofit operating under 100 Men Hall seeking to address gender and racial biases. The membership supports the maintenance and preservation of the 100 Men Hall. The organization raised funds for the scholarships from June 2022 to May 2023.

The scholarships are awarded annually and provide $1,500 to three young women of color graduating from Hancock County high schools (Hancock and Bay High School) and home schools. In addition, in memory of member, Laura Lucore’s daughter Elena Marie Lorenza Lucore, two additional scholarships of $500 each are awarded.

This year, Anayah Raelinh Wood (Hancock), Karima Wallace (home school) and Anajah Laneaux (Bay) each received the college scholarship and Kiana Han (Bay) and Jaelyn Acker (Hancock) each were awarded the memorial scholarship.

“The scholarships continue the mission of the 100 Men Hall to support the African American community in Bay Saint Louis and Hancock County, which has contributed to local architecture, building, industry, small business, art, food and music since its inception,” says Rachel Dangermond, director and owner of the 100 Men Hall. “Young women of color have historically been disproportionately shut out of generational wealth. The 100 WOMEN DBA scholarship targets young women of color who might not have access to full scholarships or family resources for their college education.”

The 100 WOMEN DBA accepts donations all year long to replenish the scholarship fund. To contribute, please visit https://100menhall. com/products/donate and send an email to 100menhall@gmail.com acknowledging your donation is for the scholarship.

Presented by Gulf Coast Woman

LEO W. SEAL AWARDS

The Leo W. Seal Innovative Teacher Grants recognize exceptional dedication to teaching and are awarded for projects that enhance students’ educational experiences while ultimately benefiting students, staff or a teacher’s professional effectiveness. The awards are funded and were established by Hancock Whitney and administered by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

The winners, who were honored at an awards luncheon held on May 8, are:

Gulfport School District

Gulfport High School Project: Coastal Waters Pollution Check

Kopszywa

Harrison County School District

D’Iberville High School Project: Warrior Coffee

Gulfport

District Pass Road Elementary School

Project: Community Revitalization and Creation

Thames Elementary School Project: Lights, Camera, Action!: Creativity Meets Communication with Movie Making

Carly

Long Beach School District

Harper McCaughan Elementary School Project: The Problem Solver’s Friend

Harrison County School District

D’Iberville High School Project: Composers’ Corner

Forrest County

Agricultural High School District

Forrest County

Agricultural High School Project: Tower to Table

Pass Christian Elementary School

Project: B.E.L.O.N.G.: Beating Every Length of Note Globally

Tania Tellier-Brooks

Melanie Davis

School

Elvira Gabriela Deyamport Hattiesburg Public School District

Brandy Waltman

H. Parker

Melissa Leigh Payne

Matthew Seal

Cherynne Denise Wright

Pass Christian Public School District

STANDOUTS

Presented by Gulf Coast Woman

BILOXI BAY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORS SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

(l to r) Matthew Brooks, president, Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce 2022-23; Luke Meyers; Dr. Gaye Winter; Tina Ross-Seamans, executive director, Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce; Conner Smith

NINE USM STUDENTS

RECOGNIZED AS CITIZEN SCHOLARS

The University of Southern Mississippi’s Center for Community Engagement has announced nine new recipients of the Citizen Scholar Award, a recognition for students demonstrating significant involvement in community engagement.

The Citizen Scholars program recognizes undergraduate students who have made significant contributions to their communities by incorporating service and community engagement into their academic experience. Students who contribute 100-plus service hours, participate in a communityengaged learning experience and complete a reflective exit interview are eligible for recognition.

This semester’s nine awardees are: Bailey Davis, business administration major from Sumrall, Mississippi; Avery Dickerson, kinesiology major and child advocacy studies minor from Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Camryn Harris, psychology major from Brandon, Mississippi; Olivia Knight, nursing major from Florence, Mississippi; Genesis Mann, health sciences major from Brandon, Mississippi; Clancy Slay, healthcare marketing major from Quitman, Mississippi; Mary Cate Sliman, speech language pathology major from Gulfport, Mississippi: Joseph Tarver, business administration major from Cleveland, Mississippi, and; Angel Walker, biological sciences major from Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

“The Citizen Scholars program recognizes students who show a deep commitment to service and honors the different ways they contribute to the community as student leaders, scholars, researchers, and future professionals,” says Christy Kayser, director of CCE. “We continue to be impressed with their stellar records and the amazing work they do on campus and in the community.”

The following students were recognized with awards at the Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce’s 33rd annual membership meeting, held on May 9 at the Biloxi Visitors Center.

Culture and Heritage Scholarship Essay Contest

First Place: Sydney Papke, senior at Biloxi High School, $650 prize

Second Place: Madison Hill, senior at Biloxi High School, $400 prize

Tied for Third place: Luke Meyers and Conner Smith, seniors at St. Patrick Catholic High School, $100 prize each

(l to r) Dr. Gay Winter and Madison Hill

(l to r) Dr. Gaye Winter and Sydney Papke

STANDOUTS

Presented by Gulf Coast Woman

LEADERSHIP GULF COAST GRADUATES CLASS OF 2022-23

After months of learning and growing, The Leadership Gulf Coast Class of 2022-23 is ready to make its mark on the community.

Leadership Gulf Coast is a program geared toward teaching present and emerging leaders to understand the problems and opportunities in our community and to create a communication network dedicated to the improvement of the Coast. LGC is a ten-month program covering various topics in eight one-day monthly sessions, concluding with a one-day retreat in May. These sessions include professional development, military, government, human needs and health services, economic structure of the Coast, culture and heritage, education and quality of life. One of the most important goals of Leadership Gulf Coast is to create a continuous flow of strong, community-committed alumni who help continue the legacy of Leadership Gulf Coast advocates and supporters.

LGC applications can be found under the Deadlines and Applications tab on the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber website.

LEADERSHIP HANCOCK COUNTY

• John Cumberland, councilmember, Ward 3, City of Diamondhead

Linda Davis, housing program manager, Hancock Resource Center

• Richard Davis, director of transportation, Hancock County School District

Britni Haynes Moody, data entry supervisor, Hancock County Tax Assessor/Collector

The members of the Class of 2022-23 include:

• Thomas A. Allen - Eley Guild Hardy Architects

• Jamie Lyn

Barhanovich - Cypress Environmental & Infrastructure

• Chris Boudreaux

- AllState - Chris Boudreaux

Jeremy ComprettaCommunity Bank

• Ravin Floyd NettlesCity of Ocean Springs

• Tina M. OakesAnderCorp LLC

• Margaret O’Beirne Payment - Mississippi Power Company

• Samuel C. ResultanNorthwestern Mutual

• Benji James Richoux - Hancock Whitney Bank

The Hancock Chamber of Commerce introduced Leadership Hancock County in 1996 to identify and prepare the community’s existing and future leaders. Its mission is to support current and emerging leaders by helping them develop skills, create community awareness and build understanding of the impact of global events.

Each participant becomes part of a growing network of leaders who have the motivation, sense of commitment and opportunity to advocate and work for the good of Hancock County.

The members of the 2022-23 class, who will graduate on June 6, include:

Will Addison, reliability engineer, SABIC

Michelle Anderson, CEO and executive director, INFINITY Science Center

• Wendy Boyd, Realtor, CBAR

Derinda Chester, closing agent, Pilger Title Co.

Angela Christoffer, Waveland branch manager, Hancock County Library System

• April Crowe, PBX/reservations manager, Silver Slipper Casino Hotel

• Rebecca Henley, branch manager/lender, The Peoples Bank

Ashley Holland, deputy clerk, Hancock County Chancery Clerk

•Candace Labat, risk services supervisor, Mississippi Power

• Timothy Lister, food and beverage supervisor, Silver Slipper Casino Hotel

• Russene Murphy, manager of imaging, Cardiology, Respiratory and Sleep Lab, Ochsner

Hancock

• Bennett Rimmer, parent attorney, Office of the State Public Defender

• Michael Sanders, Hancock County game warden, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

• Michael Scardino, executive producer, SouthGroup

Insurance Gulf Coast

Jessica Sekinger, branch manager, The First Bank

Zachary Smith, community outreach, Habitat for Humanity

Ronnie Vanney Jr., public works director, City of Bay St. Louis

Sarah Crisler-Ruskey - Harrison County Library System

• Alex Davis - NeelSchaffer, Inc.

• Bobby Gillon - Gulf Coast Impact Investments

Patty Hammons - Gulf Coast Community Foundation

• Vikki Steward

Huggins - Singing River Gulfport

Courtney Jacobs - IDR Agency

Alisha Johnson

Perry - Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Jennifer KingHancock Whitney Bank

• Jonathan McCaslinCoca-Cola United

• Latasha D. McCullarBlacklidge

• Carlos Anthony

Moulds - Ingalls

Shipbuilding

Elisabeth Naff - Beau

Rivage Resort & Casino

Melvin J. Roland, III - Mississippi Power Company

• Erin RosettiMemorial Health Systems

Maria Elaina SaylorAlexander Van Loon Sloan Levens and Favre

Melissa SchnoorSinging River Health System

• Samantha S SherrillCity of Gulfport

• Amber ThomasColdwell Banker

Alfonso Realty

Eric Valles - Gulfport Fire Department Noelle J. Vautour - IP Casino Resort Spa

Dylan T. Wade - Gulf States Engineering Inc.

• Matt WaltersGulfport High School

• Tyler WattersWatters Architecture

• Kimberly Maria Weary

- MDCPS

• Jennifer WilliamsCommunity Bank

• Tracy L. Yanez, APRAccelerate Mississippi

Savings&Loans

They’ve got big dreams and so do you, and you want to help when the time comes. Whether they need it right now or you’re planning for the future, there’s no better time than the present. Our Dreammaker™ Savings options include regular savings, money markets and CDs and are a great way to start a nest egg for college and more. Our Dreammaker™ Loans are personal loans with competitive rates that come with friendly bankers who make it easy.

Our Branch Managers are ready to assist you with all of your savings and lending needs. Give us a call or visit our website to locate and stop by any of our branch locations.

For Dreams of all Sizes

SAVINGS OPTIONS

EDUCATION LOANS

It’s always been more than banking.

STANDOUTS

Presented by Gulf Coast Woman

BILOXI SCHOOLS HONORED AS STAR MILITARY SCHOOLS

The Mississippi Department of Education has named all schools in the Biloxi Public School District Military Star Schools.

The MDE awarded this designation to 61 schools, recognizing those that have made a significant commitment to supporting military families and children of service members.

“We always strive to understand and meet the needs of our military students and families. Our military connections are an integral part of the culture of Biloxi Schools, and we value their place in our community,” says Marcus Boudreaux, superintendent of the Biloxi Public School District.

Gov. Tate Reeves established the Military Star School program in February 2022, making Mississippi one of 31 states with a formal program to recognize schools that support military families. Military Star Schools must meet specific requirements that address the unique needs of military students and families. These include appointing a dedicated school liaison for military families, providing studentled transition services and peer support, ensuring professional development for staff to respond to the needs of military students and families and publicly recognizing service members and their families.

“As a member of a military family, I understand the crucial role our schools play in supporting military-connected students,” says Dr. Robert Taylor, state superintendent of education. “The teachers, staff and leaders of Mississippi’s Military Star Schools have demonstrated their commitment to their students and our nation. I am incredibly proud of the work they do every day to support the children of service members.”

All eight Biloxi Public Schools were honored at a ceremony in Jackson on April 18.

LEADERSHIP JACKSON COUNTY SHAPES EXISTING, EMERGING LEADERS

The Leadership Jackson County Program is designed to identify, educate, and motivate existing and emerging leaders to become involved in the future of Jackson County. The courses focus on community awareness and building leadership skills. The group is sought from all segments of government, industry, education, small business, health care, financial, professional and geographic areas within the community.

The Leadership Jackson County class of 2023 is as follows:

Shelia Robertson, Health and Prescription Services

• Kristen Lambert, Singing River

Donna Stewart, United Way for Jackson and George counties

• Travis Hart, Moss Point School District

• Kimberly Myles, Singing River Electric Cooperative

• Suzi Brown, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

• Jeff Trammell, Merchants & Marine Bank

• Christen Duhé, Gulf Coast Community Foundation

• Calen Wills, Bryan, Nelson, Schroeder, Castigliola, & Banahan

• Amanda Ray, Bacot McCarty Foundation

• Katherine Kingren, Taggart, Rimes, & Wiggins

• Christa Brown, Jackson County Board of Supervisors

• Lindsey Plash, First Federal Matt Fall, Mississippi Power Company

• Shelly Laughlin, Ingalls Shipbuilding

Brandon Boyd, Mississippi Export Railroad

• Daniel Hamburg, Eley Guild Hardy Architects PA

Billy Ellzey, Pascagoula-Gautier School District

• Jeremy Brown, Gautier Fire Department

Darren Alford, First Federal

• Kiara Taite, Law Office of Kiara A. Taite PLLC

Heather Kerutis, Geiger

• Krystal Romero, Jackson County Board of Supervisors

Jara Miller, YMCA

• Lee Bond, Gautier Police Department

Caterria Payton, Pascagoula-Gautier School District

• Kerry Boylan, Goodwill Industries of South Mississippi

Benjamin Weldon, The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Lab

Cinnamon Snyder, Trent Lott International Airport

• Zane Wells, Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce

Darius Wilson, City of Moss Point

HOW I BUILT MY BUSINESS

Ailsa von Dobeneck

Our journey began with a “cheers” in 2021. Tomeka Bryant and I previously had worked together in the rail industry, ran into each other at a conference in St. Louis and got chatting. A juice bar in a caboose car always had been top of mind (and center of heart), and when we saw a 1947 rusty, old red caboose for sale online, we said, “Well, if the bones are good, let’s go for it.” We traveled to Missouri to pick her up, moved her to Mississippi and began the hard work.

I moved across the country, and Tomeka made her house headquarters. We invested almost every night and weekend, had contractors help (an equal mix of wonderful and awful experiences), had industry friends get on board and built a brand based on sunshine and positivity. We were determined to bring something new and fresh to the Coast. A year and a half later, we opened The Juicy Caboosy in Long Beach. It what we hoped it would be: a vibrant and fun outdoor restaurant that focuses on fresh-squeezed juice, cocktails and caboosymade food.

Now that the caboosy is up and running, it is a great time to reflect. It all starts with an idea, simple idea. After the idea comes a laundry list of considerations: financing, time commitment, partnership and brand vision, to name a few. The biggest piece of advice I can offer from our experience is to take some time (as long as it takes) to get a full understanding of what lies ahead and how best to

get to a place of success. Surprises will happen and, as they say “the best laid plans….” However, if you have as much of the organization as possible done on the front end, it is easier to navigate rough waters. Plan. Plan. Plan.

If you have a business partnership, make sure you spend time nurturing that connection, listening to the other person’s ideas and respecting the other’s investment in the journey. This is essential. Everyone brings different strengths to the table, so make sure you are using them to their fullest potential. The journey is a hard one, and it is better when shared. If you are sitting on the idea of a lifetime, the only choice is to go for it; jump in the deep end. Know it will be hard, but worth it, and you will rise to the top. Cheers to you, and always remember to be sweet and stay juicy.

Ailsa von Dobeneck is co-owner of The Juicy Caboosy and specializes in the menu side of the house and brand management. She can be reached at juicycaboosyms@ gmail.com or (757) 749-0851. The Juicy Caboosy is located at 407 Mason Ave., Long Beach, and can be reached at (228) 265-7964.

Tomeka Bryant (l) and Ailsa von Dobeneck (r), co-owners of The Juicy Caboosy in Long Beach.

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ELEVATIONS

GULF COAST CENTER FOR NONVIOLENCE HONORS CONTRIBUTORS

The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence recently held its annual Community Recognition Luncheon at the Biloxi Visitors Center, celebrating outstanding contributions to the Center and its efforts to help those impacted by domestic violence, homicide, human trafficking and sexual assault.

The 2023 award winners were:

• Public Service Award - Krewe of Salacia

Citizen Activist Award - Margaret Baker

• Industry Award - Everything Kayak & Bicycles

Civic Award - Biloxi Elks Lodge #606

• Youth Award - Jae’Von Narcisse

Start By Believing- Lillian Lizana

• Staff Support Awards - Joel Riley, Virginia Jones

• Law Enforcement Award - Lori Massey & Mississippi Coast Crimestoppers

• Judicial Award - Judge P. J. Mauffray

Volunteer Service Award - Deb Jackson

• Volunteer of the Year - Rene Mitchell

Community Service Award - Junior Auxiliary of Biloxi - Ocean Springs

The Adrienne Klasky - Carlet Jones

• Making a Difference Award – Rep. Kevin Felsher

• The Jane Philo Award of Excellence - Christy Pickering

LUCAS NAMED USM VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) has named Dr. Kelly Lucas vice president for research, effective May 1. Lucas has served in the position on an interim basis since July 1, 2022. Over the past year, she has helped secure significant federal, state and private funding in support of faculty research projects, economic development, and undergraduate and graduate student research, as well as completing an in-depth analysis highlighting the critical role of non-STEM programs in maintaining the University’s Carnegie R1 designation. This classification places USM among the most researchintensive institutions.

“It is an honor to continue to build on the foundation of growth in research and scholarship at the University of Southern Mississippi,” Lucas says. “I look forward to working with the leadership team, faculty and staff to continue to strengthen our existing research, support new opportunities and build new collaborations and partnerships – not only in traditional research disciplines, but also through identifying new ways to support creative scholarship and collaborative partnerships.”lence in my field.”

MGCCC’S TAYLOR NAMED PTK DISTINGUISHED COLLEGE ADMINISTRATOR

Dr. Ladd Taylor, vice president of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Perkinston Campus and George County Center, was selected as a 2023 Phi Theta Kappa Distinguished College Administrator at Catalyst in Columbus, Ohio.

PTK Catalyst, held in April, is Phi Theta Kappa honor society’s premier annual event, bringing together members, advisors and their supporters for professional development and celebration of the accomplishments of the PTK community.

Be radiant on your big day with these wedding beauty trends

BY JASMINE BALL

It’s the most important day of your life, so why not try the latest beauty trends that are memorable and effortlessly chic?

POLISHED HAIR

Sleek is key when it comes to 2023 bridal hair. Brides are loving perfectly placed buns and glossy, voluminous curls and waves. Natural coils, too, are becoming stars of the show in this year’s bridal looks.

MODERN ACCESSORIES

Mini-length veils and crystal- or pearl-encrusted hair are having a moment. Brides are switching it up when it comes to their overall aesthetic, and more and more of them are choosing a modern take while showing off their bridal personality with fun, unique embellishments in lieu of a traditional veil. If you’re still leaning on the traditional side and like the look of a veil, try a mini option. One that’s not too long nor too short could be just right.

All photos from Pinterest

SOFT, NATURAL GLAM

Local beauty pro Lauren Riley Dubuisson once observed that brides were going in a more minimalist direction, wanting to wear makeup without looking like they were wearing makeup.

“This year yields healthier skin and a more natural finish,” she’d observed.

Her assessment still holds true in 2023. Brides want to feel comfortable and highlight their natural beauty on their special day.

...forthosespecialoccasions...

ELEGANT NAILS WITH A TWIST

All photos from Pinterest

The wedding nails trend for 2023 calls for simplicity with a touch of pazazz. As women, we want our nails to look their best and reflect our style, especially on our big day. Brides are now loving the classy look with perhaps just a hint of sparkle or shimmer. Pretty details like pearls or hand-painted flowers add a luxe touch and show attention to detail. We just can’t get enough!

Jasmine Ball is a Mississippi fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger. Connect with her via Instagram (Miss_Ball23), her blog site (www.theball-post.com) or by email at theballpost1@gmail.com.

Gardenia Tea Room

Afternoon Tea

Baby & Bridal Showers

& Michelle & Sydney Nichols

Midnight Bloom House Wrapped Bouquets

Flower Arrangements

314 Hwy 90 – Waveland | 228-332-2334

Thursday – Sunday 1-5 pm – Reservations Required

THERAPY

Breanne + James

Wedding date: November 5, 2022 Biloxi,

Breanne Nicole Fogg & James Allan McCoy III

Mississippi

CREDITS Photographer: Amber Elena Photography Ceremony venue: Slavonian Lodge

We knew from the moment we met we would be each others forever...

Making real estate dreams come true

Realtor Holly Lemoine-Raymond helps Slidell couple find perfect property on “House Hunters”

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

If you tuned into a recent episode of HGTV’s hit show “House Hunters,” you probably were struck by the familiar coastal setting.

You also may have recognized the cheerful face of Holly Lemoine-Raymond, broker and owner of HL Raymond Properties, who has been helping South Mississippi residents find their dream homes since 2014. On the May 1 “House Hunters” episode, titled “New Chapter in Mississippi,” Lemoine-Raymond guided clients Shea and Ken as they picked a property on the Coast.

“They loved the idea of living in a place where it truly feels like you are on vacation; they adored the Bay/Waveland close-knit communities, the close proximity to dining and social get togethers that were just a golf cart ride away,”

Lemoine-Raymond says. “The close location to friends and family they were leaving

behind would also keep them grounded. The Gulf Coast was the best of both worlds for them.”

This was not LemoineRaymond’s first time on TV. The Bay St. Louis-based Realtor has worked with HGTV and their production companies several times on programs like “Beach Front Bargain Hunt” and “You Live in What?” Through her company, H.L. Raymond Productions, she and her team also have produced their own show called “Inside Out with H.L. Raymond Properties,” which has aired for two seasons on ABC affiliates.

Whether on camera or off, Lemoine-Raymond just enjoys being part of her clients’ stories.

“We get to see our clients fall in love with the special place where their memories will be made,” she says. “We get to learn the neighborhoods and experience the sense of community that is so special and uniquely genuine here along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”

In working with Shea and Ken, who hailed from Slidell, Louisiana, Lemoine-Raymond faced a common real-estate dilemma: two buyers with differing visions. He wanted a cozy beach cottage, but she was willing to spend more to get a newer, modern house. To find the right fit, LemoineRaymond had to think outside the box.

“We showed them a variety of homes, making sure that the properties checked off most of

their boxes,” she says. “In the end, they decided on a home that best suited their needs. We had a blast along the way!”

For other buyers who can’t agree on major points like style and price, LemoineRaymond has the following advice.

“Make a list of what each buyer is looking for; when you see it on paper, there are often more common points than you realize,” she says. “Also, be willing to take a look at properties that you may not have originally been interested in. Seeing a property online and then visiting it in person can expand your horizons.”

While there is fluctuation in all real estate markets, Lemoine-Raymond says what doesn’t change is potential buyers’ affection for this area. Her own love for the Bay, she adds, runs deep

and has never wavered.

“To watch this area recover, grow and thrive through the rebuilding of our town has been a humbling experience,” Lemoine-Raymond says. “I have been so touched by the strengthening of our spirits in the process. It has been a beautiful journey.”

For those who missed the first airing of “New Chapter in Mississippi,” it will air again on June 24 at 6 p.m. Central on HGTV (subject to change).

Shea, Ken and Holly

FURNITURE TRENDS: All signs point to a

sustainable summer

BY JENNIFER MILLER

When it comes to interior design, furniture plays a significant role in creating a cohesive and stylish look. Here are some of the top furniture trends you can expect to see heading into summer:

ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS

As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, sustainable and eco-friendly materials are becoming increasingly popular in furniture design. From reclaimed wood to recycled plastic, furniture manufacturers are incorporating earth-friendly materials into their designs.

INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING

Warm weather means many people are seeking ways to bring the outdoors in. Homeowners are incorporating greenery and natural elements into their homes to create a seamless transition between interior and exterior living.

NATURAL MATERIALS

Homeowners are opting for organic materials like wood, bamboo and stone to create a warm and inviting

atmosphere. These materials not only look beautiful but also are sustainable and long-lasting.

BOLD COLORS AND PATTERNS

More dramatic colors and patterns have become popular in design in recent years, and this summer is no exception. One of the easiest ways to incorporate them into a home is to use them on walls or as statement pieces. A single accent wall painted in a bright hue or adorned with an eye-catching design can instantly transform how a room looks and feels.

Wallpaper is another great option if you’re looking to add patterns to a wall without committing to a full paint job. When it comes to pairing bold colors and patterns, the key is to find a balance among a room’s various elements.

Incorporating bold colors and patterns is a fun and creative way to add personality and energy to a living space. Whether you choose to go all out with a brightly colored accent wall or simply add a few patterned pillows, this trend is sure to make a statement in any home.

MIX-AND-MATCH

Gone are the days of coordinating furniture sets. This year, homeowners are embracing a hodgepodge approach to furniture design. Combining different styles and textures adds interest and dimension to a room, creating a personalized and unique look.

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL

As space becomes more limited, versatile furniture is growing increasingly popular. From sofa beds to coffee tables with hidden storage, furniture manufacturers are creating innovative designs that serve multiple purposes and save space.

MAXIMALISM

Think bold, eclectic designs that incorporate a mix of patterns, colors and textures. Although I’m a minimalist at heart, I’ve tried to be open-minded to a more lavish approach.

NATURAL SHAPES

Organic and natural shapes are trending in furniture design. Curved lines and asymmetrical shapes create a sense of flow and

movement, while natural materials such as rattan and wicker add warmth and texture.

BIOPHILIC DESIGN

This refers to incorporating natural elements and materials into interior spaces to create a sense of connection with nature.

From organic materials to bright colors, homeowners are looking for ways to create beautiful spaces while reducing their environmental impact. Whether you’re looking to update your living room or revamp your bedroom, incorporating these trends into your furniture choices can help you create a stylish and cohesive look that reflects your personal style.

Jennifer Miller is a certified interior designer, professional home stager and the president of Jennuwine Design, Sophisticated Staging. Reach her at jenn@jennuwinedesign.net or (601) 213-8729.

Looking forward to … Monday

Many of us spend much of our weekdays wishing for the weekend. It makes sense; weekdays involve work, monotony and obligations while weekends often bring relaxation, excitement and novelty. However, I recently realized the downside of this habit while driving my children to school.

Each morning, our commute consisted of complaints and laments from the backseat: “I wish it was Saturday so that I could sleep in today,” or, “I can’t wait for Friday so that we can get to the weekend!”

As this pattern continued day after day, I feared their hyperfocus on the experiences of the weekend would cost them positive experiences during the week. I decided the best way to help them shift their mental narrative was to shift their focus to the potential found in each day.

One morning, before the complaining could start, I asked, “What are you boys looking forward to today?” At first, my eldest seemed skeptical. He replied, “Coming home and being done with school.”

While this was not quite the answer I’d hoped for, I went along with it.

“Okay,” I replied. “I can totally understand that. I love it when I get home and get to spend time with my family. I think that is what I am looking forward to today as well.”

I then turned to my youngest son and asked the same question. He responded that he was looking forward to

playing with one of his best friends.

BY KELSIE DOVE

“Excellent,” I said. “So, we’re looking forward to getting to play with our friends and spending time with our family once we get home.”

I repeated this ritual every morning that week, and I tried to accept whatever my sons said, no matter how small or insignificant. I knew that I had their buy-in when my eldest son started the ritual one morning by asking me, “So, mom, what are you looking forward to today?”

While very simple and hardly groundbreaking, this habit provides a pleasant way to begin our days, and it helps us to be more mindful in our day-to-day lives. It also is a great connection tool; I can ask specific questions in the afternoons to follow up on what they mentioned that morning. We have even expanded the scope of the question to include the outlook for our weeks, which we discuss on Sunday nights at dinner.

Of course, we all still eagerly await our weekends of fun, excitement and relaxation, but I now feel confident that my children can appreciate the beauty and novelty of life the other five days of the week as well.

Kelsie Dove is an English teacher at Gulfport High School and a founding contributor for Gulf Coast Mom. She can be reached at kdove711@gmail.com.

The woes of incontinence

Although we don’t like to talk about it, we should. Incontinence is an almost taboo subject, but it poses a challenge for many caregivers of the elderly, physically challenged and medically disabled. So, let’s talk about it.

is not likely to be completely resolved or corrected.

INCONTINENCE MANAGEMENT

CAN INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

night and early morning visit to our schedule to accompany momma to the restroom. This has been a gamechanger.)

• Limited intake of beverages at night

DR. TRACY DANIEL-HARDY

I am the primary caregiver for my elderly parents, who have dementia, and both have experienced some incontinence. Although this issue is common among the elderly, it does not necessarily develop simply because of aging. Incontinence is, however, more common in women over age 50, individuals who are in an advanced stage of dementia and the physically disabled. These groups are more likely to experience incontinence due to other medical conditions or ailments.

People often think of incontinence as accidental or involuntary bladder leakage. However, it also describes the condition of losing bowel control, although that is specifically called fecal incontinence. Urinary and fecal incontinence can cause shame, embarrassment and discomfort. They also can cause frustration and great challenges for caregivers.

Sometimes caregivers misunderstand the condition and frustrate those they care for with unrealistic expectations. I spent too much time questioning my parents, trying to help them figure out how the accidents occurred so they could “fix” or prevent them. I learned later during their doctor visits that they can no longer easily control what’s happening. The side effects of their dementia progression, along with other ailments, sometimes make it difficult for them to reach the bathroom fast enough.

The loss of sensation in the urinary/ reproductive area and inability to get to the toilet quickly because of dementia progression, damage to muscles due to prostate issues in men or childbirth in women and other conditions that cause mobility constraints are common causes of incontinence. In addition to shame and embarrassment, it also can contribute to loneliness and isolation.

The lifestyle changes incontinence requires can be problematic. However, the condition can be managed, although it

• Finding and purchasing properly fitting, comfortable and convenient incontinence protection products (liners, pads, briefs, underpads, mattress covers, pillow covers, seat cushions and special garments).

• Stocking wipes (sanitizing and personal cleansing)

• Purchasing personal cleansing products (gentle and unscented soaps and intimate care cleansers)

• Using odor-eliminating laundry detergent and other laundry cleaning/ sanitizing products

• Frequently cleaning common areas

Due to her stroke several years ago, momma has developed normal pressure hydrocephalus (excess fluid build up on the brain, usually due to some type of head trauma). I am told this condition has a “triad” of classic symptoms: gait problems, urinary incontinence and mental confusion. Momma’s gait issue is hard for me to watch. Although she’s capable of walking and other physical activities with a little assistance, she struggles to get her feet moving and maintain balance. These challenges, paired with the loss of bladder control (and sometimes mental confusion), have made momma struggle with getting to the bathroom in a timely manner.

After trying different options and considering solutions (even a minimally invasive brain surgery), we have developed a routine that helps mitigate accidents. The new routine allows momma to achieve some level of independence, as we routinely schedule bathroom breaks. We safely escort her to the restroom, whether she thinks she needs to evacuate or not. Once there, she usually takes care of the rest.

HERE ARE SOME OPTIONS TO PREVENT OR REDUCE INCONTINENCE ISSUES.

• Regularly scheduled bathroom trips (We have recently added a late-

• Handheld urinal or portable toilet placed nearby

• Surgically implanted device for bladder control

• Electrical stimulation to increase bladder control

• Self-installed catheters

• Controlling foods and beverages that trigger issues

• Increasing fiber intake

• Carrying a personal bag of supplies when leaving home (cleansing wipes, extra incontinence briefs/liners/pads and a change of clothes)

• Clothing that can be removed quickly and easily.

It’s very important to be respectful while dealing with incontinent individuals to help them maintain a sense of pride, dignity and independence. However, don’t enable laziness. Encourage them to actively participate in the management of their condition.

Dr. Tracy Daniel-Hardy is the author of “The Adventures of Butch and Ruby: Chronicles of a Caregiver” and director of technology for Gulfport School District. She may be contacted at tracy@ drtracydanielhardy.com.

IT’S A GIRLS’ WORLD

Let Cynthia help you find your place in it!

Whether you are a mama bird looking for a place to nest your family or a Queen Bee in your field searching for a hive in which to thrive, let me help you find space.

I know the Mississippi Gulf Coast area well. And I know real estate. Whether you are looking for a new home or a commercial property for your business, you can count on me to find that perfect location to hang your hat or hang your briefcase. Contact me today so that we can meet and assess your housing or business needs. Then I will start a “no stone unturned” search to get you settled. And count on me to accompany you on every step of your real estate transaction. Let’s do this!

Joachim, REALTOR MBA, JD, ABR, ABRM, CIPS, CRB, CRS, GRI, e-PRO,MRP, RSPS, SRS, TRC Broker

FROM HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER

REASONS WHY ACADEMIC SUPPORT THIS SUMMER CAN HELP YOUR STRUGGLING STUDENT 3

While summer is a welcome and much-needed respite from school, it’s also the best time to provide academic support for your child, who may have faced learning difficulties this school year. Children learn in different ways and at varying paces. What might be easy for one child may be more difficult for another.

The biggest mistake many parents make when it comes to dealing with struggling students is waiting too long to act. We often have parents bring their children to Huntington after a year or more of low grades and learning difficulties.

If you started to see problems arise for your student this past school year, don’t fall into the “wait-and-see” trap.

1. THE SLOWER PACE OF SUMMER MAKES IT A GOOD TIME TO DEAL WITH SKILL GAPS.

The school year is busy for most families, with children juggling far more than just homework and school. An extended break like summer is the best opportunity to dedicate time to identifying and correcting any skill and knowledge gaps that are preventing your child from progressing. Outside of school, your child has fewer activities during the day and can commit to

consistent learning while still enjoying some relaxation and downtime.

2. THE SUMMER SLIDE WILL ONLY EXACERBATE YOUR CHILD’S PROBLEMS.

The loss of skills and knowledge that occurs over summer break is called the “summer slide” learning loss. Students who don’t work on academic subjects during the summer months often struggle to retrieve their skills and knowledge when school resumes. If your child has been struggling during the school year, summer learning loss can put your student even further behind. Your child needs academic support now.

3. YOUR CHILD NEEDS TO START NEXT SCHOOL YEAR WITH BETTER HABITS.

Did your child fall behind this school year when learning new material or concepts? Did he or she spend too much time on homework, and that time wasn’t productive? Was procrastination and distractedness a big problem? Did your child’s disorganization and poor time management negatively affect his or her school performance? Don’t go into the next school year without fixing these issues, which are signs of more than just academic struggles. They’re also indicators of poor study skills and weak executive functioning skills.

If your child’s grades have decreased and you’ve seen a change in their confidence and self-esteem, it’s important to act quickly. Get your child the academic support he or she needs this summer, and don’t delay in doing so. When the time comes for school to resume, and your child is equipped and ready to kick off a great school year, you’ll be glad that you did.

An academic evaluation for your child can identify academic gaps and put a learning plan in place that improves your child’s weaker skills and strengthens the ones they already have. Additional support can work quickly to get your child on the path to success and ready for the start of the new school year.

HERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS WHY IT IS URGENT THAT YOU GET YOUR CHILD ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND TUTORING HELP:

The Huntington Learning Center Gulfport is located at 8950 Lorraine Road, Unit E, Gulfport. Contact the center at (228) 206-2353.

BY DARLENE UNDERWOOD

Herbs

- delicious and easy to grow

One secret to great food is seasonings. The fresher they are, the better the taste. Herbs have a long and storied history. Many voyages were made to discover routes to faraway lands for spices. Used for food and medicine, only the wealthy could afford them at one time. Seasonings such as cinnamon, cassia, cardamon, ginger and turmeric were important items of commerce. India accounts for 75 percent of global spice production, and we in the U.S. are blessed to have access to a wonderful assortment of flavorings at our local grocery. Even better, less expensive and more convenient than going to the store for herbs and spices is growing your own.

Herbs, the leaves or stems of tender plants, and spices, the berries, seed, fruit, root, bark or aromatic substance of a plant, enhance our food and health. Because of our mild climate, we can grow many herbs here. They can be cultivated in a vegetable garden, flower garden or pot, or even in a container on the window sill.

Grow what your family enjoys. Fresh herbs can be included in many dishes. Easily dried or frozen for later use, there’s no reason not to grow enough for the entire year. Most herbs grow readily from seed and require full sun (six to eight hours).

HERE ARE SOME APPETIZING OPTIONS: BASIL

One of the most popular herbs used for Italian cooking, basil prefers warm weather and grows as an annual. Single leaves or whole stems may be cut above a pair of leaves. This allows the plant to continue to grow and preserves it for future use.

CORIANDER/CILANTRO

A seasoning superstar, this plants leaves add a fresh, zesty flavor to salsas and Tex-Mex recipes. It’s seeds, called coriander, are used to spice meats and other foods. It grows to 16 inches high and tends to bolt. Planting cilantro in successive plantings ensures a continuous supply.

OREGANO

A must for the herb garden, oregano adds a peppery flavor to Italian dishes. This perennial plant grows 12-24 inches tall with an 18-24-inch spread. Plant in a sunny area in well-drained, light and sandy soil.

ROSEMARY

A garden favorite, rosemary adds a piney, bittersweet flavoring to pork, lamb, poultry and other dishes. In our area, it can be grown as a perennial and stays green throughout the winter. Rosemary likes dry, poor soil, so don’t overwater. An old tale: If your rosemary blooms, the wife rules the house.

CHIVES

This long-lasting, perennial herb can be harvested all summer long. Ideal for edible landscapes, it’s easy to grow and has a mild, onion-like flavor.

ENGLISH THYME

This plant is highly aromatic, high in Vitamin C and great for flavoring meats, vegetables and tea. With judicious harvesting, it is a perennial.

LAVENDER

Celebrated for its scent and attractive flowers and foliage, lavender is popular for its oil, which is used in aromatherapy, alternative medicine and beauty products. There are many varieties of lavender, and all require hot, dry growing conditions. Due to our high humidity, I’ve only had success with Spanish lavender, and that’s only after getting the plant well established with frequent watering the first few weeks. It’s a perennial and will stay wispy and beautiful if cut back after flowering. Forget to prune, and you’ll end up with a stiff, woody stem.

Darlene Underwood is a Mississippi master gardener, nationally accredited flower show judge and Garden Clubs of Mississippi Inc. third vice president. Reach her at darlene.underwood@att. net.

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Team Title was formed in January of 2004 as a subsidiary of a real estate focused law practice (Richards, Higdon, Huguet and Campani, APLC) founded by Thomas Richards and Mark Higdon. Shortly after Team Title opened, it began providing title review, curative work, escrow, and disbursement services to state and federal government agencies. The largest project to date involved the disbursement of $4.9 billion through the Louisiana Road Home project from 2007-2016, which included 130,000 successful closing transactions. Team Title continues to forge new paths as a company providing title services to government subsidiaries all over the country.

Team Title currently has three office locations in Louisiana (Metairie, Baton Rouge and Mandeville) and six office locations on the Mississippi Gulf Coast (Picayune, Ocean Springs, Diamondhead, Biloxi, Brookhaven and Hattiesburg).

De-influence your finances

BY KATHY ROGERS

Did you know that the general financial advice you get online or from your favorite financial “guru” can be wrong for you just as often as it is right? Read that again. There is a 50-50 chance that the guidance you get online or from listening to a financial personality or a random person on the street could be detrimental rather than helpful. I personally don’t like those odds. You can find a plethora of tips or opinions about getting out of debt, retirement planning or investing, but are they right for you in your unique situation? Here are some questions you should ask yourself before applying any financial advice you receive, no matter the source.

What are the advisor’s qualifications? How much experience does this person have? What is his or her area of expertise? Instead of consulting a professional, are you taking advice from a friend, coworker or relative about how to save, invest, handle money or get out of debt? Are these advisors in a good place financially themselves?

Does the advice work in my specific situation? Getting out of debt is generally great advice, but making that your primary focus may not be appropriate for you. Do you have an emergency fund? What kind of financial situation would you be in if you lost your job with no cash on hand? I often hear people advocate maxing out your 401k. It sounds good, but is that the right decision for you? Selecting an

alternative option for contributions above what your employer matches may be the wiser option. How do you decide?

Do you believe taxes are going up or down? Your belief about taxes will help form the basis of your financial planning and investment strategy. Do you know how the tax rate impacts your current 401k and your future retirement income? Should you consider a ROTH option within your 401k?

What are the affiliations or biases of the person advising you? What is that person’s track record? Can he or she offer you a full range of options, or is there bias toward a particular strategy based on sponsorships or affiliations? Beware of taking advice from social media influencers who often are paid for catchy videos advertising a product or service they don’t even use. Investigate any online personalities you follow for financial advice, as you may find that they are not a licensed financial advisor at all. Many times, the information they provide is only their opinion. What is the basis for their opinion? What is the basis you use to determine which “opinion” is the best for you?

Does the person advising you have values or recommend strategies that align with yours? Are there certain businesses or strategies in which you want to avoid investing your money? What is your advisor’s position on those investments? Can you ask your advisor specific questions? How does

he or she respond to your querries? Is your advisor willing to listen to your specific needs and desires, or does that person apply a one-size-fits-all strategy to everyone?

What will this cost me? The cost is always more than the money you invest and the fees charged. Are the recommended investments something that will cause you to lose sleep, increase your stress levels or cause a conflict with your spouse?

Do you know, like and trust the person advising you? Developing a financial strategy can be a stressful and intimidating process. Meeting your potential advisor will help you determine if are interested in working with and trusting that person. Ask around; has anyone you know worked with him or her before?

I encourage you to use caution before implementing any financial plan. Do your homework. Ask lots of questions. A good advisor will not shy away from answering your questions, but rather will welcome them.

A solid financial plan includes a longterm strategy with built-in flexibility. After all, things happen, and life changes.

Kathy Rogers is the vice president of Marston Rogers Group, a life planner and financial consultant. Reach her at (228) 206-5902 or Kathy@mrg.life

Moving to the Coast?

More and more people are drawn to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for its many attractions, including the reasonablypriced real estate relative to other states and the beach atmosphere. If you recently made the Coast your home or are considering a relocation, here are some items to check off on your to-do list when you move:

BY KATHY BROWN VAN ZUTPHEN

1. If you have a last will and testament from your prior home state, make sure it is valid in Mississippi. There are at least two states that do not require witness signatures on a will. In general, however, most states, including Mississippi, require the signature of two witnesses to execute a valid will. Therefore, it is best to double check when you move to Mississippi to ensure your last will and testament is valid in this state. It also is wise to check to see if you have new or additional assets to include in your last will and testament.

2. If you still own real estate in another state, consult a professional regarding estate-planning options that would eliminate the need to have probate proceedings in two different states after your death. A little prior planning can help ease the transition of assets after your death.

3. Did you move from a state that recognizes common-law marriage? Mississippi does not recognize common-law marriage (and has not since 1956); however, about 16 other states still recognize commonlaw marriage in varying forms. If your relationship was recognized as a common-law marriage in another state and you move to Mississippi, you should call the appropriate authorities and discuss the legal implications that may arise.

If you want to ensure that you are safely covered under all scenarios, please contact a professional to discuss the options available to you.

Kathy Brown van Zutphen of Coastwide Law LLC is an attorney licensed to practice law in Alabama and Mississippi. She focuses on the “elder law” areas of trusts, estates and conservatorships. Additionally, she litigates lawsuits and represents small business owners as part of her legal practice. Visit https:// coastwidelaw.com/ to learn more or reach her at her office: (228) 357-5227.

BY ANGELYN TREUTEL ZERINGUE

DON’T GET CAUGHT WITHOUT RENTERS INSURANCE

Apartment living is great, with close neighbors and shared amenities. However, there are still risk exposures you should understand so you can protect yourself and your belongings.

When you don’t own your home, you may not think about insurance. Your landlord probably is insuring the asset he or she owns, which is the actual structure you rent, but not your property inside. Your contents are your responsibility to cover.

Also, in most cases, you are the liable party if someone is injured at your rented residence. The average renter’s fire policy ranges from $30-50 per month. If you think about it, you can’t afford not to have that protection. Why do you need renters insurance? Consider that one wall away, a kitchen fire could arise that engulfs your home within moments. The water dripping from the light fixture above your head while you’re brushing your teeth could be caused by the neighbor above you with an overflowing tub. What possessions of yours could be damaged as a result? Bad things happen to responsible people every day. Renters insurance can protect you from terrible incidents such as fire and water damage, weather catastrophes and more. Coverage for clothing, furniture, appliances and computers is an important part of why you should have this insurance. Also, in today’s litigious society, you should be protected in the event you find yourself legally responsible for someone who incurred harm resulting from your property, even if the damage was accidental. You need protection if something happens in your apartment that detrimentally impacts other apartments. A renters insurance policy can offer you that kind of coverage at a very reasonable rate.

Take a few moments to do a quick inventory of your belongings. Don’t do it in your mind, but physically go around and list your possessions — every fork, sock, DVD and item in between. Can you afford to replace it all yourself? Many people don’t realize how quickly this adds up. The average renter has $50,000 in personal belongings at stake. Now, consider your valuable items, like fine jewelry, art, collectibles and even your car. Renters insurance doesn’t protect your car from collisions or comprehensive claims, but it does protect items for theft that you may be carrying in your vehicle. Suppose a door-to-door salesman comes to your residence on a rainy day and slips on your wet doorstep. The injured party decides to sue you for medical expenses. Is this your landlord’s problem or yours? If you didn’t have a proper rug in place to prevent slips, and you didn’t dry the step after a hard rain, you could be considered the at fault party. Can you afford to pay thousands for his medical bills? You may not have that kind of cash on hand, but your assets could add up to that much.

How much coverage do YOU need? As a renter, ensure you are adequately protected.

Angelyn Treutel Zeringue is president of SouthGroup Insurance Services, a CPA, PWCAM, CBIA and licensed Trusted Choice Insurance Agent. Reach her at www.southgroupgulfcoast.com, (228) 385-1177 or azeringue@southgroup. net

Retirees fell in love with laidback Coast lifestyle

BY SUSAN SIEMIONTKOWSKI

They say it’s all in the numbers, and for Matt and Ranae Boomgarden, when it came to deciding where to retire, there couldn’t be a more accurate statement. After moving from Minnesota to Arkansas, the family started vacationing and trying out coastal towns to live in upon retirement. Once they visited the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the first time, they fell in love and knew this was where they wanted to be.

“It’s a hidden gem,” Ranae says. “There’s always somewhere good to eat or to explore, and we didn’t want to go home!”

The Boomgardens spent countless hours researching and decided to retire in Coastal

Mississippi because of the affordable lifestyle, tax benefits, things to do and, most importantly, it wasn’t so densely populated that they couldn’t enjoy retirement. They appreciate that they can get up and go without fighting traffic or waiting in long lines like in many other coastal cities.

Of course, weather played a significant role in their decision.

“When you live in the north, there’s not much to do in the winter; you’re stuck inside with the snow and cold,” Ranae says. “We love the outdoors, and here, we can be outside most of the year.”

She adds that coastal living offers a great lifestyle.

“With the plethora of things to do

Come home to Coastal Mississippi

here, you will never get bored,” Ranae exclaims. “If you do, it’s your fault!”

The Boomgardens frequent the many beautiful beaches across the Coast. Another favorite spot of theirs is Fishbone Alley in Gulfport, with some of the best local cuisine.

“There’s always something to do here because you have hockey with the Sea Wolves, Shuckers baseball and all kinds of indoor and outdoor activities, including Cruisin’ the Coast for those who love classic cars,” Matt says.

When family visits, they pack in lots of memorymaking fun. Both Boomgardens recommend Ocean Adventures Marine Park, the Mississippi Aquarium and the local fare at any one of the Coast’s fantastic eateries. They note that there’s a never-ending choice of delicious restaurants whether you’re craving fresh seafood, Italian, Mexican or Creole, to name a few.

Of course, as many of us are, the Boomgardens were pleasantly surprised with the local home prices. Since they were retiring, price points were essential.

After viewing homes in the best coastal communities, they decided to build a custom home in Oak Landing, a new community in Gulfport. They lovingly call their new abode “Summer Salt Cottage.”

Since moving to the Secret Coast, the Boomgardens still enjoy exploring or spending time in their beautiful backyard oasis. They are delighted to have found a church and value the family they have built there.

When asked to share advice for those considering moving to Florida, Texas or the East Coast, Matt says, “Visit the Gulf Coast here in Mississippi; I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the people and the area.”

Susie Siemiontkowski is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty. Reach her at (228) 239-2621 or susiesellsthe coast@gmail.com.

Outside Of Work

Darlene loves to cruise, travel, boat and camp with her beloved husband, Tony, of 32 years. She also spends as much time as she can with her family, especially her precious grandson Cooper!

DARLENE CRUTHIRDS

CREATING A LEGACY

of happy homeowners

Darlene is celebrating her 20th anniversary with Adams Homes as the Closing Coordinator. Darlene handles all aspects of the contract to close. She works closely with the buyers, REALTORS, lenders and closing attorneys to ensure the closing is accomplished smoothly, successfully, and on time. Doing so lets the buyers focus on moving into their brand-new home with as little stress as possible! Darlene wears many hats at our office, picking up extra duties whenever needed. Darlene’s hard work and dedication never go unnoticed! She always has a cheerful smile and is a joy to work with.

Everyone here at Adams Homes is so grateful and thankful for Darlene’s dedication and hard work; we appreciate you so much!

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EYEING THE LENS TRENDS

EDGEWATER EYECARE SPECIALIZES IN STYLISH EYE HEALTH

BY CHERIE WARD

Eyewear sits at a unique medical intersection, serving as both a vision enhancement device and a fashion accessory.

And Dr. Johneen Gilich of Edgewater Eyecare in Biloxi wants her patients to feel as healthy and stylish as possible by offering personalized, highquality and therapeutic vision care with a myriad of designer eyewear that includes options for all income levels.

The eyewear oasis includes well-known brands and an array of diverse designers, including Ray-Ban, Oakley, Burberry, Prada, Gucci, Tom Ford, Krewe, St. Laurent, Chloe, Maui Jim, Costa Del Mar and many others.

“But we are the only optical practice in the entire state that carries Christian Dior and Fendi,” Gilich says, adding that the optical center also carries other highly soughtafter beauty products like the eyelash-growth treatment LATISSE, and Upneeq, a daily eye drop treatment for acquired ptosis or low-lying eyelids. Both products are FDA-approved and hailed in the beauty world as wonder treatments. Upneeq has even been known to relieve surgical needs in some patients.

Gilich has been practicing optometry since 2005 and has seen many eyewear fads come and go.

“The trend right now seems to be the big, bold nerdy look, or the clear,” she says, “but it really just depends on the person and his or her own particular style.”

As for contact lenses, Gilich says these days, they are moving toward daily modality options.

“You put them in your eyes in the morning, and then you throw them away at night,” she says. “They provide more oxygen, more moisture and, at the end of the day, less dryness because you throw

them away, and you’re done.”

The optical practice also carries Lastacaft, eye drops for itchy eyes that recently have become available without a prescription.

“We’re actually having a spring this year, so I’m treating so many people with allergies every day,” Gilich says. She added that oral histamines will make dry eyes even drier, and lubrication is key for eye health.

Staring at a computer screen all day can contribute to dry, tired eyes too, and Gilich has diagnosed several patients with Computer Vision Syndrome, which causes headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and neck or shoulder pain. She recommends incorporating a 20-20-20 rule into daily activity to counteract eye dryness and other symptoms.

“Take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes,” she advises. “That should help produce some tears, and you can resume your work on the computer.”

Dr. Johneen Gilich has been practicing optometry since 2005 and has seen many eyewear fads come and go.

Dr. Gilich and team

Swing into summer

DON’T LET SEASON’S LEISURELY PACE DERAIL YOUR GOALS

BY MARIA BARR

We all look forward to summer for a chance to relax, rejuvenate and refresh our minds midway through the year. It's a season full of potential, but if we get complacent, we can easily spend it sleeping the day away, zoning out on TikTok or getting off track with our health and wellness regimen.

But don’t fear; I'm here to help you stay in the swing of things with a few tips and a really fun workout.

Many of us, me included, work remotely these days. Finding a routine that keeps us motivated throughout the dog days of summer is a struggle, but far from impossible. Let's nail down a program that’s sure to recharge your battery and propel you toward your goals.

SET UP A SLEEP SCHEDULE

Establishing a solid sleep pattern can be challenging in the summer, but very necessary. I remember nights when I would stay up until 1-2 a.m. scrolling Netflix, and the next night, I'd be asleep by 8 p.m.

As a self-proclaimed morning lover, I want you to experience the feeling of getting up a bit earlier, giving you more hours in the day to accomplish what you want. This isn’t to say you need to be up and at ‘em by sunup every day. The most important part is to try to stay consistent, allowing your body to naturally find a rhythm and get used to your routine.

DEVELOP A SYSTEM

I love a good to-do list, and I use a planner. What about you? Are you a mental notetaker? A to-do list queen? I love a good check-off during my day; it keeps me accountable and productive. To stay in the swing of things, jot a few notes down about what you want to accomplish this summer, or just the next day. It's such a good feeling to know you have a system in place, and it’s even better when you mark items off the list.

MAKE TIME FOR WHAT MATTERS MOST

You'll hear me say this often: If it doesn't build your belief, your bank account or your

business, it's a no. Although summer is the season for sailing away and leisure, you still can set time aside for the most important ones in your life. Many of us have more downtime, so make the most of it by connecting with the people and doing the things that you hold most dear.

Maria S. Barr is a fitness instructor, educator and entrepreneur who serves as brand manager and a master trainer with Barre Intensity. Reach her at maria@barreintensity.com.

GET IN SUMMER SHAPE

Here is a little workout to keep you in great shape for enjoying all your summer plans:

Equipment you’ll need: one kettlebell

Space: Anywhere your heart desires, indoors or outside

Time: Do each exercise for one minute, and repeat three rounds through.

1. Standing overhead tricep extension to reverse lunge: Bend the arms as you bend the legs. Stand and straighten the legs as you straighten the arms. Alternate sides.

2. In a lunge, row the kettlebell three times, then stand tall while alternating sides.

3. Standing balance challenge: Stand on one leg; lift and bend the other, and press the kettlebell overhead as you extend and bend the lifted leg. Repeat the other side for one minute.

4. Kettlebell swing/hop: Swing the kettlebell in a wide squat; as you lift the kettlebell, hop to the other side and repeat.

Treating the whole person

NUCARE MEDICAL AND WEIGHT LOSS CENTER MEETS PATIENTS’

BY CHERIE WARD

When Dr. Nar’Cissa McDonald and Carrisa Bolden bet on themselves and created NuCare Medical and Weight Loss Center, they also bet on the Gulf Coast community.

And when the Biloxi center opened just over a year ago, McDonald and Bolden knew one thing for sure: They wanted a compassionate primary care facility that did double duty as a weight-loss hub.

“We are all about our patients,” says McDonald, who has a doctoral degree in nursing with more than 16 years in the nursing field. Bolden has a master's degree in nursing and is completing a doctoral program. The primary care providers offer wellness exams and treat everything from acid reflux, high blood pressure and gout to bronchitis, flu and sinus infections.

“We can also do quick walk-in sick visits if you have some upper-respiratory things going on, or if you think you might have COVID, we can do a COVID swab,” McDonald says. “We can order imaging like MRI and CT scans and mammograms. We can do referrals to any specialist that a patient might need, such as if someone needs a colonoscopy or needs to be followed up by GI.”

Many of the conditions they treat go hand in hand with the weight-loss side of the facility, and they try to find weight-loss remedies and treatments so their patients can avoid surgical procedures.

“A lot of people don’t realize that you could have some bloating and some excess weight gain, and you might need your thyroid level checked,” McDonald says. “Boom, you get your levels checked and come to find out your thyroid is overactive. Or you

could be going through perimenopause, and you don’t know you’re having some fluid retention. So, we can touch on both sides and make them coexist in the same world. You’re right there in one place for your health needs.”

Perhaps the best part is that no weight loss referrals are required.

“A lot of clinics refer you elsewhere for weight loss, and then that’s just another office you have to go to,” McDonald says. “And that’s why a lot of people don’t even bother with weight loss because it’s so much to do. But we are treating each person as a whole, and we can just knock it all out.”

They’ve been so successful they’ve had to increase their office space. The practice celebrated its first anniversary in May, and McDonald notes that it has grown significantly over the last year.

“We started in just a little suite,” she says. “We are in the same building, but we’re on the other side and we have accumulated 33 additional rooms.”

NuCare Medical and Weight Loss Center only accepts Medicare now but is in the credential phase and soon will accept all insurance. Affordable cash prices are available for visits and treatments.

Dr. Nar’Cissa McDonald, left, and Carrisa Bolden

From the NICU to the NFL

HOW DERICK HALL’S EARLY ARRIVAL COULDN’T STOP HIM

Derick Hall’s path to the NFL Draft is one that couldn’t have been predicted in 2001. Before he was a top-150, 4-star recruit out of Gulfport High School and a captain of the Auburn Tigers Football Team, his mom, Stacy Gooden-Crandle, was fighting for her 2-pound, 9-ounce baby boy born four months early at Memorial.

She was eight days from turning 27 when Hall suddenly made his appearance, and she had a normal pregnancy with no complications until the day her son arrived.

A BLEAK OUTLOOK

“I don’t quite remember the diagnosis, I just remember him having to be put on life support,” Gooden-Crandle shares. “He had bleeding in the brain, fluid around the brain (he had a tube to drain the fluid). He had to have a feeding tube, and he had jaundice. He had underdeveloped lungs as well.” Her biggest fear after giving birth was that she wouldn’t be able to financially support a baby that she was told could have severe medical complications.

Hall was hospitalized at the Memorial Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for nearly five months. Once he was discharged, medical treatment consisted of numerous appointments each week.

THE WILL TO LIVE

Starting at age 6, Hall was considered comparable with his peers and showed no additional signs of developmental delays. Gooden-Crandle reflects, “He

still suffered from respiratory illness and had semi-annual CT/MRI scans, but he had made so much progress in those six years. I think a lot of the credit for getting him caught up was because he was enrolled in the First Steps Program (an Early Intervention Program offered through the Mississippi State Department of Health).”

When asked what she learned about herself and her son in those early years, Gooden-Crandle shares, “We were a lot stronger than we thought we were. He was resilient in his will to live, and I would walk the earth two times over just to get to the point we are today. I learned that we were not quitters, and as long as Derick showed signs of improvement, I was going to fight for his life with all that I had.”

STRENGTH AND CHARACTER

Even while he was in an incubator in the NICU, Hall’s family noticed the characteristics that would differentiate him. He was born 23.5 inches long, and Gooden-Crandle mentions that his grandmother noticed the significant size of his hands. Now, he stands at 6’ 3” and weighs 256 pounds.

Hall became an elite athlete at Gulfport High School, earning all-state honors in football. He also started for the Admirals basketball team, and he was a state finalist in the 200-meter dash. Multiple Division 1 universities and

I WOULD GIVE THEM A FIVE-STAR RATING

JOHN FOSTER GETS BACK ON HIS FEET WITH HELP FROM ENCOMPASS HEALTH

As soon as he fell, John Foster knew his hip was broken.

The 72-year-old father of two and grandfather of five tripped at his Carriere, Mississippi, home in January, which landed him in the emergency room.

“Two days later, I had the surgery, and the hospital therapy began the following day or two,” Foster recalls. “I was encouraged to consider a rehab facility to help me gain the strength for walking and doing things that I had done prior to the break.”

He arrived at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, a partner of Memorial Hospital of Gulfport, a week after surgery. The facility is committed to helping patients regain their independence after a life-changing illness or injury.

At the start of his nearly three weeks at Encompass, Foster practiced standing up and sitting down using a wheelchair and a walker. He also participated in morning therapy sessions, when a few people got together to talk, and he gradually regained strength through weightlifting sessions.

“I enjoyed my therapy with Jeremy; he is an awesome physical therapist,” Foster says. “He always encouraged me to take as many steps as I could without pushing me beyond my limit.”

Each day, Foster was encouraged to do more than the day before. As part of his rehabilitation, he practiced his return to real-life scenarios, including entering a car, walking on inclines, peddling a bike and more.

“When you break a bone, it sets you back and it makes you feel like you are learning to walk all over again,” Foster says. “My family came to visit me at the hospital and the rehab facility, and they will continue to help me gain strength and encourage me to get back to doing the things I love.”

As for Encompass, he adds, “I would give them a five-star rating.”

“The professionalism and knowledge of the staff and caretakers was amazing; they knew what to do to help you out as you needed,” Foster raves. “The facility was very clean, and I was amazed at all of the equipment that they had in the physical therapy room.”

Foster has continued to progress at home, where he does exercises to gain strength and walks longer distances each day. Encompass provided him with items he will need as he recovers, including a wheelchair, walker, shoehorn, long-handled sponges and other necessities.

“Just things like taking a shower, you have to now make accommodations to do,” he says. “It is a change, but I am hoping to get beyond all of this and back to my normal activity with minimal changes.”

With its specialized programs, interdisciplinary team approach and advanced technology, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital helps patients like Foster achieve their goals. To learn more, visit www. encompasshealth.com/gulfportrehab or call (228) 822-6965.

colleges extended offers, and he selected Auburn University in 2019. His accomplishments at Auburn are numerous, and his future in the NFL is bright.

What Gooden-Crandle is most proud of, though, is his “character and integrity.”

“He is big in stature, but so modest and caring in his tone and how he handles people,” she says. “He treats people with respect regardless of what they do and where they are in their lives.”

When asked who his biggest inspiration is, Hall replies, “Hands down, my mom.”

“My mom is my hero and my go-to person,” he says. “She has made so many sacrifices for me and my sister that without her, I don’t know if I would be here today and be the man that I am.”

DEDICATED TO SERVICE

The challenges Hall and his mom faced have inspired him to help others. He is working on obtaining his 501(c)(3) charitable licenses to establish a foundation, projected to launch this fall. He hopes to support NICU families through his foundation, and he has visited NICUs as part of his community outreach with teammates.

“Being a kid who came from humble beginnings, it was important for me to make a difference in my community now that I have the platform to do so,” Hall says. “Volunteering with my mom, I have seen families come in asking for assistance with necessities such as food and clothing that some of us take for granted.”

While he works to launch his foundation, he continues to support his community.

“I have partnered with a local nonprofit organization to help fight food insecurities, sent water to Jackson to fight the water crisis, donated toys to the local Boys & Girls Clubs and many other service events to help through their work and mission,” Hall says.

NEVER LOSE HOPE

When asked what they would share with families who are experiencing a similar situation, Hall says, “Stay strong, pray and don’t think that all hope is lost because that’s what you’re being told.”

Gooden-Crandle’s advice: “Be an advocate for your baby, enjoy every moment and celebrate every win, no matter how little it may be.”

“Stay positive while you’re visiting your baby, and know that God is a healer,” she adds. “My faith has gotten me through a lot of difficult moments while my baby was in the hospital.”

As for her NICU experience, Gooden-Crandle says, “No words I can ever speak will amount to the gratitude in my heart for the care and consideration given to my baby, myself and my family. I am forever indebted to you all, the NICU staff, for what you did for my baby.”

“He is big in stature, but so modest and caring in his tone and how he handles people. He treats people with respect regardless of what they do and where they are in their lives.”

Derick with his mom, Stacy Gooden-Crandle. Below, in NICU at hospital.

Children’s Advocacy Center

Supporting Children

Strengthening Families

Restoring Hope

Hope Haven Children’s Advocacy Center is one of 12 nationally Accredited CACs in Mississippi. We are currently in the midst of our ANNUAL APPEAL FUNDRAISER which helps us continue to provide FREE MENTAL HEALTH, ADVOCACY and MEDICAL SERVICES to child victims of sexual abuse and their nonoffending family members. We are a nonprofit agency and are only able to operate through donations from individuals like you. We also work closely with our District Attorney during the investigation of these cases to ensure that people who hurt children are stopped.

PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TO HOPE HAVEN THIS MONTH TO HELP US CONTINUE OUR MISSION TO HELP FAMILIES.

C. JAMES, Executive Director

Count Down to

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BY SIDRA KHALID

Focusing on cancer survivorship

June is the month of cancer survivorship. Even after patients live through a difficult diagnosis and undergo treatment, their struggles often are not over. This observance gives us an opportunity to focus on survivors’ challenges and concerns.

Some things to consider include:

1. Manage and monitor side effects: Some cancer treatments change the body and its functioning. Regular follow-up is required after completing treatment, as short- and long-term side effects can occur. An example includes neuropathy related to chemotherapy. Neuropathy can affect daily activities, such as opening and closing things or writing. This condition should be monitored and treated with medications to help improve function and daily living.

2. Have a survivorship care plan with the treatment facility: This plan lists the cancer diagnosis, treatment, physicians and surveillance protocol. The surveillance includes timings of oncology physician visits, lab work and imaging. It lists the symptoms that must be monitored that are concerning for a recurrence. Follow-up is very important, as it can help detect cancer recurrence earlier, which can help with treatment and improve outcomes.

3. Follow up with primary care providers: Seeing your regular doctor is encouraged, as survivors need to stay up to date with other cancer screenings.

4. Consider genetic testing: This measure is recommended for certain cancer types, as well as if there is a familial pattern present. Discuss with your oncologist if it is recommended

because if a genetic mutation is present, additional screenings should be implemented to help with early detection. Sometimes, preventative treatments are needed. For example, if a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutation is present, increasing a woman’s risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer, then one of the preventative options includes surgery – bilateral mastectomies and/or total abdominal hysterectomy.

5. Prioritize mental health: A cancer diagnosis and treatment are life changing and can lead to emotional distress during or after treatment. Discuss with your provider if you are having concerns.

6. Enact lifestyle changes: Survivorship should incorporate healthy habits, which include:

• eating healthier and maintaining a healthy weight

• exercising

• smoking cessation

• drinking alcohol moderately

• sunscreen/skin protection

• better sleep habits

7. Pay it forward: If you have a rare cancer, see if there is a clinical trial or a cancer center available that is interested in monitoring and collecting data to help future patients with the same cancer.

It is very important for survivors to follow up with your oncologists regularly and keep up with surveillance. It also is crucial to focus on treatment-related effects and address them to improve quality of life.

Dr. Sidra Khalid is a physician with Memorial Physician Clinics seeing patients in hematology and medical oncology. Reach her at (228) 575-1234.

WOMEN LEADERS IN DENTISTRY

Schedule

His practice is focused on cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the face and neck. This includes cosmetic procedures such as brow lift, blepharoplasty, face lift, neck lift, lip lift, buccal fat reduction, and facial fat grafting as well as reconstructive procedures such as nasal reconstruction, facial reconstruction, maxillofacial trauma repair, and microvascular surgery.

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BILOXI OFFICE

970 Tommy Munro Drive, Suite B | Biloxi, MS 39532

Phone: 228-388-4585 | Fax: 228-385-7610

GULFPORT OFFICE

15190 Community Road, Suite 100 | Gulfport, MS 39503

Phone: 228-539-3824 | Fax: 228-539-1572

OCEAN SPRINGS OFFICE

3704 Bienville Blvd., Ste A1 | Ocean Springs, MS 39564 Phone: 228-271-4050

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Specializing in treating disorders of the ear,nose & throat. Skilled in the latest surgical advancements for head and neck surgery.

DR. ARYA NAMIN is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He practices at the Southern Institute of Facial Plastic Surgery on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. His offices are in Gulfport, Biloxi, and Ocean Springs.

Pepe’s Bosque makes mouths water with flavorful Mexican fare

Pepe’s Bosque Mexican Restaurant has been a Coast staple for over 16 years, serving authentic south-of-the-border cuisine and TexMex favorites that have earned the restaurant a loyal following and a reputation for having some of the area’s best Mexican food.

Located in D’Iberville, the awardwinning restaurant provides a fun atmosphere that’s perfect for a family night out or a romantic dinner for two. The dining room is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of tables and booths for groups of all sizes.

Shortly after being seated, you’ll be

BY CHRIS DEARMAN

greeted with a bowl of crisp chips and a fantastic homemade salsa. I highly recommend ordering the choriqueso to go along with it. Creamy queso cheese is melted to perfection and complemented by Pepe’s homemade chorizo of traditional pork sausage slowly seasoned with nuts, a variety of sun-dried red peppers and a blend of traditional spices imported from Mexico. Combined with the fresh, pickled jalapenos, it makes for a hearty and delicious appetizer that can be scooped up with chips or warm tortillas.

Pepe’s dishes are a true celebration

of the flavors and culture of Mexico. Each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail, using only the freshest ingredients and traditional techniques. My girlfriend and I experienced this firsthand on a recent date-night visit.

Our server, Jess Collier, first brought out a plate of bosque grilled chicken, which she said was a customer favorite. Served with grilled spinach, jalapenos, onions and a generous helping of queso on top, the chicken is tender and juicy, and the grilled vegetables add a depth of flavor that perfectly complements everything. Served with a side of

Spanish rice, I can see why it’s a crowd-pleaser.

Up next was another standout dish, Pepe’s shrimp rice. Featuring fresh Gulf Coast shrimp sauteed in garlic butter and served with Spanish rice that’s been seasoned with homegrown herbs like garlic, thyme and rosemary, the result is a dish that’s bursting with flavor.

We couldn’t leave without trying a plate of Pepe’s tacos, served street style with four different fillings to choose from. The carne asada is traditional grilled steak, and the cesina is steak marinated in lime juice and spices. The al pastor is pork marinated in red pepper and garlic gravy, which provides a nice kick, Last but not least is the homemade chorizo. The tacos are served on tasty corn tortillas and dressed with fresh cilantro, onion and lime with a side of refried beans. Be sure to make a stop at the salsa bar to choose from the numerous homemade sauces.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the tasty beverages we had to accompany the delicious food. The fresh berry margarita was made with muddled blueberries and strawberries and would be refreshing on a hot summer day, and the 16-ounce mangonada margarita was the perfect combination of sweetness and heat when sipping from the side of the spiced rim. If you want an added treat, order a board of Pepe’s infused tequilas.

Pepe’s Bosque Mexican Restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Make sure to check out the daily specials that are posted on the chalkboard and, weather permitting, request the shaded patio.

IF YOU GO

Pepe’s Bosque Mexican Restaurant

10027 Central Ave., D’Iberville

(228) 396-0044

www.facebook.com/pepesbosque

marinated Simple, satisfying cheese

BY JOY MONNERJAHN

June is full of parties and backyard get-togethers. Make this simple dish to bring or serve at your next gathering. It is light, tasty and makes for the perfect appetizer to grab while enjoying all the summer fun!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

8-ounce cheddar block

• 8-ounce Gouda block

• 8-ounce cream cheese block

Marinade:

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 3/4 cup olive oil

1/2 cup white wine vinegar

4-ounce jar of pimentos

• 5 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/4 cup green onions

1/4 cup chopped garlic

1/2 tsp Slap Ya Mama white pepper blend, more to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix above marinade

2. Slice cheese (You will see my slices are still long; I will cut these in half as well.) You want to put them on crackers, so slice to size. Alternate cheeses for presentation on serving plate.

3. Pour the marinade over the cheese and cover with plastic wrap. Place in the fridge until ready to serve!

Pro tips:

Another use for the marinade is to make it and serve it as a vinaigrette on your salad.

• To make the preparation even easier, pick up pre-packaged, sliced cheese at your local grocery store.

Joy Monnerjahn is the owner of The Bayou Belle, where you will find many Louisiana recipes. She grew up in Southern Louisiana and enjoys bringing the flavors of her home to her dishes. Learn more at www. purejoyliving.net, and reach her at purejoy@purejoyliving.net.

gouda cheese

cream cheese

cheddar cheese

SUMRALL CROWNED KING OF SOUTHERN COMFORT FOOD

Coast chef dominates Food Network’s “Alex Vs. America”

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

It’s official — the Coast’s own Austin Sumrall is the Southern comfort cuisine champion.

Sumrall, the acclaimed owner and chef of Biloxi’s White Pillars Restaurant and Lounge, emerged victorious on a recent episode of “Alex Vs. America,” a Food Network show that pits three brave and talented chefs per episode against Alex Guarnaschelli, a frequent Chopped judge and an Iron Chef.

On the May 7 episode, titled “Alex vs Southern Comfort,” Sumrall and his fellow contestants, hailing from Tennessee and North Carolina respectively, had to use their cooking skills to impress judges Kelsey Barnard Clark and Adrienne Cheatham. Sumrall won with a mouthwatering take on grits and grillades, which are featured often on the White Pillars brunch menu. He took home not only the title, but a $15,000 prize.

“I pulled from not only my classical training, but also my family experiences to come up with dishes that were not

only beautiful and delicious, but also nostalgic and, in my eyes, quintessentially Southern,” Sumrall says.

The chef called the Food Network appearance “one of the most fun things I’ve ever done.” He also says he was humbled and honored to not only meet, but also cook beside, a chef of Guarnaschelli’s caliber.

“The goal was always to win, and I knew it was going to be extremely tough,” Sumrall says, “but I wanted to show everyone that Mississippi cuisine was worthy.”

Honors are nothing new for the McComb, Mississippi, native, who was named King of American Seafood during the 2021 Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans and was a 2020 James Beard semi-finalist.

“It was such a treat to be able to represent my home state and be able to put Mississippi cuisine on a national stage against the best of the best,” Sumrall says. “I hope to get the opportunity to do it again!”

American Legion Auxiliary Unit #42

Here, we catch up with Anita McAllister, past president of the American Legion Auxiliary Emile Ladnier Unit #42, Ocean Springs. McAllister also is past department president for the state of Mississippi, parliamentarian for the state this year and a member of the executive committee for Unit 42.

1. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OR MISSION OF THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY?

The mission of the ALA is to support the Legion and honor the sacrifices of those who have served. Through programs and local support, we enhance the lives of veterans, military members and their families both here on the Coast and abroad. We stand with and advocate for our veterans, promote patriotism, educate our community and mentor youth. We serve in the spirit of service, not self. Learn more at www.leagion-aux.org.

2. HOW, WHEN AND WHY DID YOUR UNIT COME ABOUT?

Post #42 in Ocean Springs opened its doors on Dec 18, 1919. It was named for Emile Ladnier, an Ocean Springs native who served during World War I and was killed in action four days before the Armistice was signed in November of 1918. Along with 12 veteran spouses, Legion Post Commander Ivan “Mac” McAllister revived ALA Unit #42 in 2009. Today our unit has grown to 50 plus members and continues to flourish.

3. WHAT’S NEW AND EXCITING WITH YOUR UNIT?

We are very excited to have acquired new members this past year who are full of energy and bring new ideas. We are planning to implement these ideas very soon to provide more services and support to the veterans and military families on the Coast, with emphasis on Ocean Springs.

4.

WHAT IMPACT DOES YOUR UNIT MAKE ON THE COMMUNITY AND THOSE IT SERVES?

This has been our first year back in full swing since the COVID pandemic. Our community engagement year begins in August, and we started off with a bang, celebrating August birthdays with cake and ice cream at the VA Home in Biloxi. We continued raising funds and increasing community outreach throughout the fall with our spaghetti dinner fundraiser, concession sales at Cruisin’ the Coast and honoring and celebrating the veterans residing at Lighthouse Assisted Living. In December, Ocean Springs Post and Unit #42 spread Christmas cheer by collecting toys for underprivileged children in our area. We also filled stockings with essentials and brought joy to the veterans at Lighthouse.

In the new year, we have been busy helping 40/8 (an American Legion affiliate organization: https://www.fortyandeight. org/) to educate first-graders on U.S. flag history and symbolism to instill patriotism and appreciation of American history. We also teamed up with St. Alphonsus CYO, Planet Fitness Gulfport and the JROTCs of Biloxi and Gulfport high schools to collect 700 pounds of non-perishable items

for the Biloxi VA food pantry. We also have had Operation: Gift Wrap and Operation: King Cake to raise funds for veteran programs here on the Coast. In April, we held our first-ever Strong & Resilient Together event in honor of the month of the Military Child. Our goal this year is to double the support, assistance and community outreach the unit provided in 2022.

5. WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST THING YOU HAVE LEARNED OR GAINED BY BEING INVOLVED IN THIS UNIT?

The benefits and joy of working together as a team and giving to our veterans and military community (have been the best things). By volunteering with our veterans and engaging with our community, including citizens, business owners, civic organizations and local government, we have discovered a real sense of patriotism and unity in Ocean Springs, and we want to keep growing this positive energy. As St. Francis of Assisi said, “It is in giving that we receive.”

BY ROBIN KILLEEN

To forgive, or not to forgive

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines forgiveness as a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge.

Forgiveness empowers us to recognize the pain we’ve suffered without letting that pain define us. It frees us from damaging emotions and can reduce symptoms of trauma, anger, anxiety and depression. Forgiveness enables us to rise above the situation, be healed and walk in freedom.

Repeatedly, scripture tells us to forgive one another. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” We have been given much in the way of forgiveness, and much is expected from us in return. Though forgiveness often is difficult, to be unforgiving is to disobey God and depreciate the greatness of His gift.

Just as important as defining what forgiveness is, though, is understanding what forgiveness is not. Experts who teach forgiveness make clear that when we forgive, we are not denying the seriousness of an offense against us. Forgiveness does not necessarily mean forgetting, nor does it mean condoning or excusing wrongs. Though forgiveness can help repair a damaged relationship, it does not obligate you to reconcile with the person who harmed you.

Unforgiveness robs us of the full life God intended for us. Unforgiveness can fester into a lifetime of bitterness. We must make a conscious decision to be better, not bitter. Matthew 6:14 says, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.”

WHAT FORGIVENESS IS

• Letting go of resentment, anger, and hostility toward someone who treated you unfairly

• A mental shift, a change of heart, which develops over time

• A personal decision that only you can make — no one can make you forgive.

• A commandment

• Primarily for YOU

WHAT FORGIVENESS IS NOT

• Pretending like nothing happened — we need to retain the lesson learned without holding on to the pain it caused.

• Something you do for the other person

• Reconciliation

• A feeling or emotion

• Condoning, approving of or excusing what happened

God’s love is unconditional. His forgiveness is amazing and is offered to anyone who genuinely asks for it. Hebrews 9:22 tells us that without the shedding of blood, there can be no forgiveness of sins. This is why Jesus died on the cross for us and shed His precious blood — so that we can be forgiven and have a personal relationship with Him. Aren’t you thankful that He forgives us freely? Say it with me: I choose to forgive!

Robin Killeen is the founder of WOW Women of Wisdom Inc. Reach her at (228) 424-0098.

When it comes to dental implants, experience makes the difference. That’s why Smile Gulf Coast is your area’s only Hybridge Certified Dental Implant Provider. Hybridge brings advanced technology, efficiency and lasting results to patients in need of a new smile.

When it comes to dental implants, experience makes the difference. That’s why Smile Gulf Coast is your area’s only Hybridge Certified Dental Implant Provider. Hybridge brings advanced technology, efficiency and lasting results to patients in need of a new smile.

When it comes to dental implants, experience makes the difference. That’s why Smile Gulf Coast is your area’s only Hybridge Certified Dental Implant Provider. Hybridge brings advanced technology, efficiency and lasting results to patients in need of a new smile.

Trust Smile Gulf Coast − Delivering comprehensive and comfortable dental care for two generations.

When it comes to dental implants, experience makes the difference. That’s why Smile Gulf Coast is your area’s only Hybridge Certified Dental Implant Provider. Hybridge brings advanced technology, efficiency and lasting results to patients in need of a new smile.

Trust Smile Gulf Coast − Delivering comprehensive and comfortable dental care for two generations.

Trust Smile Gulf Coast − Delivering comprehensive and comfortable dental care for two generations.

Trust Smile Gulf Coast − Delivering comprehensive and comfortable dental care for two generations.

When it comes to dental implants, experience makes the difference. That’s why Smile Gulf Coast is your area’s only Hybridge Certified Dental Implant Provider. Hybridge brings advanced technology, efficiency and lasting results to patients in need of a new smile. Trust Smile Gulf Coast − Delivering comprehensive and comfortable dental care for two generations.

L.

L. 'Randy' Buntyn, DMD

HYBRIDGE CERTIFIED

HYBRIDGE CERTIFIED

HYBRIDGE CERTIFIED

HYBRIDGE CERTIFIED

HYBRIDGE CERTIFIED

Implant • Cosmetic • General Dentistry 1423 Magnolia St. Suite J • Gulfport, MS 39507

Implant • Cosmetic • General Dentistry 1423 Magnolia St. Suite J • Gulfport, MS 39507

Implant • Cosmetic • General Dentistry 1423 Magnolia St. Suite J • Gulfport, MS 39507

Implant • Cosmetic • General Dentistry 1423 Magnolia St. Suite J • Gulfport, MS 39507

Implant • Cosmetic • General Dentistry 1423 Magnolia St. Suite J • Gulfport, MS 39507

Call: 228.875.3343

Call: 228.875.3343

Call: 228.875.3343

Call: 228.875.3343

Call: 228.875.3343

Email: SmileTeam@SmileGulfCoast.com

Email: SmileTeam@SmileGulfCoast.com

Email: SmileTeam@SmileGulfCoast.com

Email: SmileTeam@SmileGulfCoast.com

Visit: HybridgeGulfCoast.com

Email: SmileTeam@SmileGulfCoast.com

Visit: HybridgeGulfCoast.com

Visit: HybridgeGulfCoast.com

Visit: HybridgeGulfCoast.com

Visit: HybridgeGulfCoast.com

L. 'Randy' Buntyn, DMD

L. 'Randy' Buntyn, DMD

L. 'Randy' Buntyn, DMD