Gulf Coast Woman November 2022

Global Brand Ambassador, Dilraba

Global Brand Ambassador, Dilraba

Dr.

GULF

Sherry Moxley Seaman

Jasmine Ball Maria Barr Carla Biasi Karol Brandt Ariel Chamberlain Tracy Daniel-Hardy Chris Dearman Brittney Johnson Jennifer Miller Joy Monnerjahn

Katelyn Perry, Susie Siemiontkowski Dr. Keith Thompson

Angelyn Treutel-Zeringue Dr. Pam Tuli

Darlene Underwood Kathy van Zutphen Cherie Ward

DR. STEPHANIE FUSSELL

DR. OLIVIA HIGHTOWER

Because every moment counts.

and

Ratitude

Tuli, M.D.

Hamza Minhas, M.D.

Sidra Khalid, M.D.

Healthcare for virtual visits with your provider.

Healthcare for anytime, day or night.

Healthcare for your busy schedule.

Need a provider you can talk with by phone or your mobile device? Call Memorial Health System at (228) 867-5000 to request a virtual appointment. No need to drive for an in-person office visit when you can receive a virtual diagnosis and treatment plan without leaving your home. Virtual healthcare visits are available every day. Connect with a Memorial provider for an on-demand, video or phone appointment.

SAVE THE date!

Here’s what’s happening on the Coast this month

A Taste of the Future

Nov. 4

Bay St. Louis Community Center 6-10 p.m.

A Taste of the Future is back! Guests will enjoy delicious samplings from local restaurants and vendors, a cash bar, a silent auction and entertainment — all while raising awareness and funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf CoastHancock County Unit. For more details, email crystal.scretching@gmail.com and alex.treutel@southgroup.net. Purchase tickets online at www.bgcgulfcoast.org/

TOTF

The Play that Goes Wrong

Nov. 4-6, 10-13

Biloxi Little Theater

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, 2 p.m.

Part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes, this slapstick farce is a global phenomenon that’s guaranteed to leave you aching with laughter. A comedy for the ages — and all ages; directed by Cuttino Alexander. To buy tickets or for more details, visit www.4blt.org.

caregiver fashion show will follow the keynote speaker, Jackie Castro-Cooper, and lunch. For more information, visit www.mississippiheroes.org or email mississippiheroes@gmail.com.

premiere arts and crafts events, drawing crowds of over 150,000 people and featuring more than 400 artists, crafters and food booths.

2022 Mississippi Heroes Caregiver and Health Fair Conference

Nov. 4

Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast, Bay St. Louis

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Mississippi Heroes Caregiver and Health Fair Conference will offer a wonderful lineup of speakers and a wealth of information on topics ranging from financial planning and elder care law to therapeutic exercises and medical equipment providers. The conference and luncheon will be open to anyone who would like to attend. A

Gulf Coast Veterans Parade

Nov. 5

Downtown Gulfport 11 a.m.

Join the celebration of our nation’s veterans with dozens of veterans’ groups, active-duty military, marching bands, JROTC units and patriotic floats. This is a once-in-a-year chance to get together as a community and recognize the brave men and women of the Armed Forces. Bring family and friends to take part in this commemoration.

Highlands and Islands Scottish Highland Games and Celtic Music Festival

Nov. 12-13

Harrison County Fairgrounds, Gulfport Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

This year marks the return of the Highlands & Islands Scottish Highland Games and Celtic Music Festival, featuring live jousting, ax throwing, storytelling, vendors, sheep herding, authentic food, bagpipe and Irish dance workshops, athletic competitions and much more. Visit www.mshighlandsandislands.com for additional details.

Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival

Nov. 5-6

Downtown Ocean Springs 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Starting as a small celebration by a group of local artists and art enthusiasts, this annual festival is now in its 44th year and has grown into one of the Southeast’s

Gulf Coast Brunch Festival

Nov. 13

The Dock, Gulfport Noon-4 p.m.

Who doesn’t love brunch? Festival guests can celebrate this area’s amazing food artisans, enjoy delicious drinks and live entertainment, network and collaborate, make new friends and celebrate old ones while vibing with the best the Gulf Coast has to offer. To buy tickets or learn more, visit www.gulfcoastbrunchfestival.com.

HANDS-on training

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Emergency Medical Sciences Paramedic program focuses on hands-on training for students. Using the college’s Simulation Center, located at The Bryant Center at Tradition, program director Dr. Ron Morgan and his students complete activities such as Normal and Abnormal Childbirth Simulation.

“This is an activity we do every year to ensure our students can successfully navigate an event like this in the field,” Morgan said. “We want them to feel confident in their ability to handle these situations, and there is nothing better than trying it hands-on with the simulators to get it done.”

Morgan said the sophisticated simulators can be set up so that students must troubleshoot a problem pregnancy. “The mother’s heartbeat may rise, or she might not dilate. There’s a whole series of problems that can occur and they need to know how to deal with them. Reading about it in a book is just not the same.”

Aubrey Harrison of Long Beach is a current student in the Emergency Medical Sciences Paramedic program. She said that simulations like the Normal and Abnormal Childbirth Simulation help her tremendously. “To be a part of the Paramedic program, we must currently work as emergency medical technicians,” she said. “We just do not see a lot of childbirth in the field, and it is something we need to be prepared for. Doing these simulations helps the information stick with you.”

T.J. Hazuga of Ocean Springs agrees. “As

someone who has delivered two normal and one assisted abnormal births in the field, I can tell you that the Simulation Center does it right,” he said. “They are able to simulate the anatomy of a pregnancy very well, which helps us better understand how to manage both types of birth.”

The EMS Paramedic program at MGCCC is an outstanding program, with a 91 percent pass rate on the written portion of the licensure exam.

“Our students do very well on the licensure exam, which represents how well our program prepares them for the exam and for their careers after that,” Morgan said. “We constantly seek new ways to provide information to them in formats that they will understand and remember. Plus, medical information is constantly being updated, and we want our students to be prepared for those updates.”

Hazuga said that the program is tough. “Our instructors expect the very best of us and constantly challenge us to do better. Working full time and attending classes is tough, and there are many sleepless days and nights. They prepare you to handle the pressures of the job.”

Harrison added that she has learned to work as a team with her fellow students, depending on them during simulations but also to study.

“We have become very close because we are all in the same situation having to work and take classes,” she said. “It is a demanding program, but we are all adrenaline junkies and love what we are doing. The program brings out the best in all of us.”

Aubrey Harrison

T.J. Hazuga

Fall Farm Friday

Nov. 18

La Terre Farms, Kiln 4:30-8:30 p.m.

Bring your family to La Terre Farms and bring a picnic, see the animals, tour the gardens and enjoy some time in the woods. Visitors also can enjoy local vendors and live music. Don’t forget to bring chairs, a picnic basket, a blanket, comfy shoes and bug spray. Learn more at www.laterrefarms.com.

Celebrate the season

Get in the holiday spirit with these upcoming events:

Christmas City Gift Show

Nov. 11-13

Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum and Convention Center Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A top-20 tourism event in the Southeast, The Christmas City Gift Show is a magical shopping experience featuring over 300 booths and thousands of unique gifts. fashions, jewelry, gourmet foods, handcrafted art and much more. Visit christmascitygiftshow.com for additional details.

Ocean Springs annual tree lighting

Dec. 1 Mary C O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center 6- 8 p.m.

Join the City of Ocean Springs and the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce for the annual Christmas tree Lighting. Visitors can take pictures with Santa, sing Christmas carols and more at this family fun event, which is free to attend. Refreshments will be available.

Gumbo Fest

Nov. 19

Centennial Plaza, Gulfport 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

This one-of-a-kind event will feature non-stop activities and entertainment, including a Stir Da Roux Gumbo CookOff, where homegrown and seasoned chefs vie for the coveted title of “Best Overall Gumbo,” including cash prizes and trophies. Coast Mayors will face off for the Mayor’s Cup during the cookoff. Attendees can shop for art and other collectibles, groove to music from Grammy-winning Cedric Burnside, Amanda Shaw, Bon Bon Vivant and Blackwater Brass and taste cuisine from some of the Coast’s best food vendors. Gumbo Fest is free to attend and appropriate for all ages.

Gulfport Harbor Lights

Nov. 25-Dec. 31 (closed Christmas Eve, open Christmas Day) Jones Park, Gulfport

This holiday tradition that started in 2015 has become Mississippi’s largest Christ mas lights show. In addition to enjoying a display of over 1.5 million lights through out 40 acres, visitors can ride carnival rides, hop on a train at the Train Station, watch the “dancing trees” and stroll through Santa’s Village. Each year, the show grows and brings new surprises. To learn more, visit gulfportharborlights.com.

Against all odds ALTHOUGH SHORT, ABBY BOSARGE’S

LIFE MADE A LASTING IMPACT

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

Givingup wasn’t in Abby Bosarge’s character.

The straight-A student, forward on the Pass Christian High soccer team and kicker/wide receiver on the Gulf Coast Monarchy football team represented persistence to her peers. After being diagnosed with leukemia in June of 2020, she intended to fight.

“Abby’s initial response was shock — and then determination,” recalls her mother, Jerusha Bosarge. “She was emphatic that if anyone could beat this diagnosis, she could.”

A warrior through and through, Abby had planned to attend Rollins College on a scholarship, go on to law school and have a career advocating for the underserved. In the meantime, she underwent rigorous treatment at Children’s of Mississippi and Texas Children’s Hospital.

Despite participating in many clinical trials, defying medical predictions for months and exhausting all therapy options, Abby lost her cancer battle on Oct. 28, 2021.

upcoming season, set to kick off in April 2023, will be dedicated to her.

“She was a bright light to this organization, the world and to me,” says Monarchy owner Tyre Brown. “Her purpose often reminds me to fight through adversity and to have an everlasting purpose with all human encounters.”

So important was the Monarchy to Abby, recalls her mother, that her family came home early from vacation, driving nine hours from Gatlinburg, so she could try out.

“Abby always has been intrigued by the idea of playing football, but I wouldn’t let her play on the boys’ team at her high school,” Bosarge says. “She was so excited when she heard about an all-women’s team!”

‘A TRULY UNIQUE CHARACTER’

Overcoming the shyness that kept her in her comfort zone as a child, Abby started blossoming both socially and athletically in middle school, according to her mom. She ran for class officer and won the presidency, all while maintaining straight As and participating in multiple sports, including soccer, track, cross country and swim.

Abby also developed a keen interest in helping others. For several birthdays, she requested donations to charitable causes rather than gifts for herself.

“On more than a few occasions, she found herself unable to help someone in need, so she brought the problem to a teacher, counselor or her family to help,” Bosarge says. “She permanently and dramatically altered quite a few lives this way. She was simply incapable of turning a blind eye to a person suffering.”

naive, vulnerable and strong, serious and hilarious, straightforward and sarcastic …, , ” Bosarge says. “She was utterly ‘extra’ in so many ways, yet you could always count on her to ‘make do’ or make the best of any possible situation.”

Abby also was the most thoughtful giftgiver her mother has ever known, and the presents have kept coming even after her death. The latest, a flower arrangement that arrived on Bosarge’s birthday in September, contained a card that read, “Happy Birthday from heaven. Love, Abby.”

“She was wise far beyond her years and unfailingly kind,” Bosarge says. “She knew how to be a good friend. She was my best friend. I’m not the only person who claims this title. She was so incredibly important to so many people. She was a force.”

The 18-year-old never got to play in a game with the Monarchy, but she made such an impression on the team that its

Given Abby’s many gifts, Bosarge finds it impossible to narrow down what she misses most about the daughter she calls “a truly unique character” and “a walking contradiction.”

“She was gentle and fierce, polite and strong-willed, insightful and childishly

LASTING LEGACY

The phrase “against all odds” was engraved on Abby’s class ring, and she inspired many — including a group of supporters known as Abby’s Army — to be brave in the face of challenges. Far from living in fear, she spent her time on hospice “getting married” to her friend Kal Lizana, traveling to Disney World twice, attending a concert, seeing her little sister attend her first day of school and visiting

“She was wise far beyond her years and unfailingly kind,” Bosarge says. “She knew how to be a good friend. She was my best friend. I’m not the only person who claims this title. She was so incredibly important to so many people. She was a force.”

Scarlet Pearl excels

CASINO RESORT AND CEO LUANN PAPPAS

NAMED FINALISTS IN GLOBAL GAMING AWARDS

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

LuAnnPappas has won consistently — although some would say the odds were against her.

“Not only am I female, but I’m also almost 65 years old,” says the CEO of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort. “Age and gender don’t matter. You can overcome those things; it is how you chose to deal with it.”

You don’t have to take Pappas’s word for it; the proof is in the results. Recently, she was named a finalist for American Executive of the Year in the Global Gaming Awards, while the Scarlet Pearl was a finalist for 2022 North American Property of the Year.

“It’s 37 years in this business, and you say, ‘wow’; you don’t know what else to say,” Pappas exclaims. Attributing much of the success to the Scarlet Pearl team, associates, customers and surrounding community, she adds, “You have a family willing to do things differently, to not have any preconceived notions about how things should be done and very supportive of anything we want to try.”

The Global Gaming Awards, among the most prestigious in the business, honor leading companies, up-and-comers and dynamic individuals making their mark on the industry. Judges recognized that under Pappas’s leadership, Scarlett Pearl was the first casino in the country to have a 100 percent vaccination rate among eligible employees — achieved through communication, education and on-site vaccinations offered for staff and their families. Also mentioned was the support provided via the UKG Wallet, a financial wellness app meant to help employees through tough times by giving them access to a portion of their unpaid wages, as well as budgeting tools, educational resources and financial counseling.

As for the Scarlet Pearl overall, judges were impressed with the casino’s $13 million investment in VIP and high-end amenities.

“The luxury extends from chevron marble floors and gravity-defying bars to a buffet including charcuterie and an assortment of award-winning desserts,” they noted. “E.I.P. card holders also can enjoy the Parlor, a plush salon inspired by the nostalgia and glamor of private clubs

from the early 1900s.”

Presiding over many improvements in her seven-year-tenure, Pappas can’t help but reminisce about the property’s early years, when it started without a database, virtually from nothing, and many doubted it could succeed.

“It is 24-7; there are sacrifices you make that do pay dividends in the end,” she says. “I did have a lot of great mentors, including my father.”

Raising her as a single dad, Pappas’s father taught her to work hard, “to never accept anything less, and always be very vocal when things don’t look right or feel right.”

“He didn’t like silent participation, and he had a saying: ‘Nothing gets done until someone becomes engaged,’” Pappas recalls.

Heeding his lessons, she climbed her way up through the gaming industry, working in retail, marketing, operations, food and beverage and other departments with Harrah’s Entertainment and Caesars Entertainment Corporation before becoming the Scarlet Pearl’s CEO.

Her strong belief in giving back has made Scarlet Pearl a local leader in charitable giving. In addition to the most recent accolades, New Orleans Magazine has named her a Steel Magnolia for her accomplishments as a businesswoman and philanthropist. She also has received Top Influencer honors at the annual Success Women’s Conference, been recognized by Global Gaming Business Magazine as one of 25 people to watch and received the Annette O’Keefe Humanitarian Award, among other distinctions.

The Scarlet Pearl likewise has been singled out repeatedly for excellence. For instance, in May, Casino Player Magazine named the casino resort the winner of six first-place honors in its annual Best of Dining and Nightlife Awards.

The Scarlet Pearl is the first Gulf Coast property to be a Global Gaming finalist since the awards began nine years ago and is the only finalist from the Southeastern United States. Pappas is also the first Mississippi gaming executive to be selected as a finalist in the award’s history.

and cooking for loved ones.

Her influence and legacy extend well beyond her family and friends. On Jan. 18, the Mississippi Senate adjourned in her honor. A display at her alma mater, Pass Christian High School, contains her soccer jersey, her football helmet, some game balls and an essay she wrote titled “The Butterfly Effect,” in which she expressed her desire to use her gifts of compassion, kindness, empathy and love to make the world better.

A scholarship created in her name is awarded to seniors at her high school who “live like Abby,” recognizing that small deeds can have a big impact.

The Pass Christian girls’ soccer program retired Abby’s number, and the Monarchy has done likewise. Her football jersey, bearing the number 7, now resides at Buffalo Wild Wings in Gulfport, and Brown wants it eventually to be relocated to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. The team also plans to donate to the Leukemia Foundation and will hold a balloonrelease event at the Monarchy’s last home game in memory of Abby.

“She will always and forever be with us,” Brown says. “We uphold the value of family, and Abby will never be forgotten. Her purpose was to empower and inspire, and that’s what she did.”

LET'S HEAR IT FOR SMALL-BUT-MIGHTY BUSINESSES

Approximately 99 percent of U.S. companies are considered small businesses, and locally, they are some of our favorite places to shop, eat, bank, buy and sell real estate, call for home repairs, receive health care and so much more.

Small businesses have been tested in recent years as never before, but they’ve shown their resilience and strength. Read on to meet some successful local entrepreneurs, see who topped the list of the Coast’s Best Small Businesses, find tips and inspiration for launching your own small business and much more.

Soaring —

BY JENNIFER GENTILE PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDI STAGE PORTRAITURE

Each year, more and more people are visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and Jacqueline Gilich Wilson stands ready to greet them.

As the owner of Biloxi Beach Resort Rentals LLC, Wilson is one of the greatest proponents of the local area and all that it has to offer.

“Each day that I drive Highway 90 to work, I take in the view — thanking God that this is where I live,” says the lifelong Biloxi resident. “It is a pleasure to share my love for my hometown. We live in a hidden paradise!”

PERSEVERING THROUGH IT ALL

Biloxi Beach Resort Rentals has been welcoming visitors to Mississippi’s idyllic shoreline since 2007. It began when a businessman from New Orleans, who had bought condos in the area, was dissatisfied with the management companies available locally and started his own.

Today, Biloxi Beach Resort Rentals is the largest rental management company on the Mississippi Gulf Coast — managing over 150 units located at nine different luxury condominium complexes. The company’s corporate office is located on the beach in Gulfport, and two additional offices operate inside Ocean Club Condos and Sea Breeze Condos.

Whether clients require a vacation rental during their stay on the Coast, or they need management services for a property they own, Wilson and her team are at their disposal — even during hard times.

“Our company has endured many things since 2007 a recession, an oil spill, COVID-19,” Wilson says. “Through it all, we have soared and continued to grow.”

BECOMING A BUSINESS OWNER

When she started with the business, Wilson had no hospitality experience. However, thanks to her upbringing in a family filled with strong-willed women,

Jacqueline Gilich Wilson thrives as head of Biloxi’s biggest rental management company

AND STILL AIMING HIGH

she was taught to work hard and give back to the community in any endeavor she chose.

The youngest of three daughters raised by a single mother, Wilson also looked up to her grandparents, Jacobian and Andrew Gilich, who had Biloxi's first supermarket.

“We knew that if you wanted something in life, you have to do it,” Wilson says. “Do not depend on someone else for your happiness.”

Wilson attended Mercy Cross High School and went on to earn an associate degree from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. In 2011, she fatefully applied for and received an accounts manager position with Biloxi Beach Resort Rentals.

“I slowly worked my way up to being the general manager,” she recalls. “In 2020, my former boss pitched the idea of me buying the company. The rest is history, as they say.”

A large team helps Biloxi Beach Resort Rentals operate day to day, including a full housekeeping department, maintenance department, reservations department, owner relations and Wilson’s assistant. Clients typically find the company by word of mouth, Wilson says, and sometimes through commercials or magazine ads.

“We advertise on numerous websites, not just VRBO, Airbnb and Booking.com; we have magazine ads across the United States — local commercials,” she explains. “Advertising is important. No one knows that Mississippi has beaches, that we are a hidden vacation destination. If we do not advertise, who will?”

‘A CLOSE-KNIT FAMILY’

Throughout her decade with Biloxi Beach Resort Rentals, Wilson’s passion for hospitality has continued to grow. Describing her role in her business today, she says she’d like to think she’s “the glue that keeps us together.”

“BBRR is so special; it is hard not to go on and on about it,’ she says. “From how we treat our guests, owners and each other on the staff, we are a closeknit family!”

Each day as a business owner presents new challenges, but also brings Wilson a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. The same goes for her home life as wife of 13 years to her husband, Aaron Wilson, with whom she shares a 10-year-old daughter, Caroline Jaye, and two dogs, Maggie and Lucky.

To all of her responsibilities, Wilson brings a cando attitude and a willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed.

“(The greatest reward) is watching the moving pieces work together, being able to give each one of my employees a steady job where they are appreciated and not just a number, being able to give back to the community that we live in,” she says. “And most importantly, being able to show my daughter that a woman can do anything.”

WILSON’S TOP VACATION RENTAL TIPS:

1. When traveling, buy trip insurance — especially when traveling anywhere that is hurricane prone. A storm can pop up overnight, and cancellation policies are there for a reason. The insurance it is worth the money.

2. When searching for vacation rental management, make sure you are working with a true management company — a firm with a broker who is governed by the Real Estate Commission. When dealing with a “host,” there can be a lot of fraud. When things are not handled properly, there is no one other than Airbnb and VRBO to complain to. A company like BBRR is held to a different standard.

3. It is only smart to invest in a vacation rental property if you can afford the expense without rental income. Vacation rental income comes in waves. Sometimes it’s great, but other times, it can be bad. You must be prepared for both.

4. As a guest, using a management company might cost a little more than an individual property manager. However, with a management company, you know the units being advertised are truly theirs. There are other benefits, such as not having to worry about last-minute cancellations before big events like Cruisin’ the Coast.

COAST'S Best Small Businesses 2022

Entrepreneurship isn’t easy. Anyone who has ever started a company will attest that it takes long days, sleepless nights, total dedication and more than a little luck to do well. Data shows that only 45 percent of businesses survive the first five years, and only 25 percent make it to 15 years or more.

So, what sets the successes apart? First, they are motivated by more than money. They contribute positively to the community inside and outside of their own walls. They think long term

Bay St. Louis

Winner: Coffee Culture

Runner up: Ebony Sage Apothecary & Healing Center

Biloxi

Winner: Jennuwine Design Sophisticated Staging ***OVERALL WINNER*** Runner up: Bleu Organic

D'Iberville

Winner: A Hand 2 Heal Massage Therapy

Runner up: Twice as Nice Kids Resale

and focus on giving their customers the best experience possible. They are well run, and the team works together toward a shared vision. They are constantly growing, never letting themselves stagnate. We’re fortunate in South Mississippi to have so many businesses with these traits in common.

We received dozens of nominations in the Coast Best Small Businesses 2022 contest and are pleased to reveal the winners, chosen by you:

WINNERS BY CITY

Diamondhead

Winner: Uncle Joe’s Pizza and Wings Runner up: J. Daniels Photo

Gautier

Winner: Delo’s Heavenly House of Coffee LLC

Runner up: Magnolia Occupational and Physical Therapy

Gulfport

Winner: Bee Fearless Doula Service LLC

Runner up: Sisters Cafe & Bakery

Kiln Winner: Coastal Hardware

Runner up: Crosby’s Furniture LLC

Long Beach

Winner: Chuck Ryan Cars

Runner up: Studio E Dance Co.

Moss Point

Winner: Latona’s Magic Touch LLC Runner up: Dunsfield Heidrun Farm

Ocean Springs

Winner: LM Get it Clean LLC Runner up: Buddyrow

Pascagoula

Winner: Posies & Puddles Children’s Boutique Runner up: Clary & Sage Apothecary

Pass Christian

Winner: Stella Maris Gifts

Runner up: Davis Drugs Pharmacy

Vancleave

Winner: Georgia’s Corner Market

Runner up: Triple H Ranch

Waveland

Winner: Momma J’s Jam’n Jellies and More Runner up: Coastal Concierge

Food is the language

228 Cocina plans to feature traditional Mexican foods, like the Birria Tacos with shredded beef in a spicy broth, Shrimp and Fish tacos, Mushroom Tacos with locally grown Maitake and Oyster mushrooms, and Ceviche. Vegetarians will love the Potato Tacos, a Mona Lisa special creation!

After retiring from AT&T, Mona Lisa set her sights on a new venture: bringing Southern California Mexican food to the Mississippi Gulf Coast where she launched 228 Cocina, a “hidden gem” located next to Gulfport Nissan’s Service department. “I always have loved to cook and feed people,” she said. “Food is the language of love.”

chevron pascagoula refinery fuels local small business recovery

COVID-19 not only destroyed lives, but it also destroyed small businesses across the globe. From shutdowns to social distancing rules and other protocols, the small businesses that did survive often did so with fewer employees, added costs and lowered profits.

According to an article published by the University of California-Santa Cruz Department of Economics, the number of active business owners in the United States plummeted by 3.3 million or 22% over the crucial 2-month window from February to April 2020.1

The drop in active business owners was the largest on record, and losses to business activity were felt across nearly all industries. African-American businesses were hit especially hard experiencing a 41% drop in business activity. Latinx business owner activity fell by 32%, and Asian business owner activity dropped by 26%.

Female business owners were also disproportionately affected (25% decrease in business activity).

Continuing the analysis in May and June 2020, the number of active business owners remained low—down by 15% and 8%, respectively.

Melanie Landsiedel, Chevron’s Business Development Specialist at the Pascagoula Refinery, took action. In response to feedback from members in the Jackson County, Ocean Springs and Mississippi Gulf Coast Chambers of Commerce, Melanie worked with chamber leaders to create an initiative that would address each small business’ unique needs.

“At Chevron, we are committed to working with communities to promote local sourcing, job growth and economic development,” said Melanie.

“After witnessing the impacts of COVID, we wanted to create a new avenue to support our local small businesses.”

President Adele Lyons of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber is always looking for valuable benefits for their membership.

“The Chevron 5C program offered our members professional and technical advice and services that provide a path to small business growth and success. Chevron exemplified what it means to be a responsible corporate citizen by helping small businesses on the Coast. Strong entrepreneurs in our community create a foundation for the entire business community. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce is proud to call Chevron one of our members and we thank them for giving back to our small business members.”

The 5C initiative (short for Chamber Chevron Community Creative Collaboration) paired local advertising agency Christie Fountain Advertising with 60 chamber members who requested assistance. From there the agency developed an individual plan of action to assist each member’s most immediate need.

“It was an honor to help so many small businesses, including minority and women-owned enterprises, during such a tough time for everyone,” said agency principal Christie Fountain. “So many participants were wearing the hats of many roles, such as human resources, operations, sales, etc. without any resources to meet the marketing needs of the changing environment. We were able to step in to be their support team.”

Social media campaign created for The Men’s

Brand ID created for Rising Phoenix, Mississippi Gulf Coast

Brand ID created for The Art House, Ocean Springs

Refined logo and animation created for Gulf Coast Gal, Biloxi

participating chamber members

supported by Chevron, provided over 400 hours of work in total for 60 participating small business chamber members from fall 2021 through summer of 2022. The 5C work products represented a range of needs, from new logos, tv commercials and website designs to marketing plans, social media campaigns and more.

Williams, Director of the Pascagoula Adult Learning Center and 5C participant, shared her gratitude for the assistance in developing a marketing plan and budget.

to Chevron and 5C, we were able to draft a strong marketing plan to submit as part of a grant application. We were thrilled to receive the grant and are in plans now to launch the campaign,”

Kathleen. “Those five hours of agency time not only helped us develop a strong grant proposal,

the resulting marketing campaign will allow us to reach even more students and assist them in earning their high school equivalency diplomas and obtaining valuable workforce training and credentials,”

Kathleen.

program pays it forward.”

Delivering dreamswhile wearing heels

Jennifer Miller, owner of Jennuwine Design, brings clients’ visions to life

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

For many years, when her friends and relatives needed help decorating their homes, Jennifer Miller was their go-to expert.

Little has changed, but the York, Pennsylvania, native now makes a living from her talent. She developed a fondness for fashion and design early in life — thanks largely to her aunt, who owned a home staging company.

“As a little girl, she would take me with her on various jobs and teach me what she was doing and why; I remember soaking it all in,” Miller recalls. “My skills as an artist, extreme attention to detail and love of all things design made for a beautiful transition into the home decor industry.”

Miller’s gifts ultimately prompted her to found Jennuwine Design, Sophisticated Staging, the overall winner of Gulf Coast Woman’s Best Small Businesses Contest. Dozens of businesses from across the Coast were nominated, and Miller’s interior design firm received 269 votes to claim the top honors.

“I am so humbled, honored, grateful and overjoyed,” Miller says. “I have always supported small businesses.”

In 2016, a friend encouraged her to read “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Richard Kiyosaki — a book she credits with changing her life. She went on to co-found a real estate investment property firm with two other business partners.

“It was my responsibility to design each property before flipping it; I worked directly with the contractors to verify that the job was done accurately and on schedule,” Miller recalls. “Then, I staged each home prior to listing it, and business boomed! Clients fell in love with my creative abilities, and in 2018, I branched out on my own.”

She came to the Coast in January of 2020, and soon after arriving, she met a real estate professional who recently had started flipping houses. One particular property had failed to sell for months, but after Miller worked her staging magic, multiple offers came in, and the house sold within four weeks.

“As a result of the open house, I was able to get four new customers in only three days,” she says. “As word of mouth about me traveled up and down the Coast, so did my business.”

Today, Miller is renown not only for her design skill, but also for her footwear. Some have come to call her “the lady who moves furniture in stilettos.”

“It has become my brand,” she says. “Whether I’m decorating

a room, consulting with a client, painting, or simply shopping for home furnishings, you will find me in a classy dress and high heels most every day.”

Stilettos aside, Miller takes pride in heading a women-ownedand-operated business that offers full-service residential and commercial interior design and decorating, e-design, professional home staging for vacant, occupied or short-term rentals, special event decorating and custom artwork. Entrepreneurs Herald named her one of the Top 10 Interior Designers to Take Inspiration From in 2021, and she also was named Best of the Best for Home Staging Excellence 2022 by the International Association of Home Staging Professionals.

Many clients have high praise for Miller, too, including Dr. Shaun McKee, who calls her “a joy to work with.”

“She carefully listens to my ideas and offers a few tailored suggestions promptly,” he says. “Once I select my choice, she makes it happen seemingly magically.”

With every project, Miller strives to create spaces that are functional, authentic, and unique. Whatever changes and challenges may come, she commits herself to going above and beyond for her clients, keeping her word and giving back wherever possible.

“More than anything, I would say that I am humbled and appreciative of the countless blessings that God has given me in my life …,” she says. “When I see the smile on the client’s face, it is a compliment I always love to receive!”

BAY ST. LOUIS

Baytique Beachside at Buoys Beauty by the Bay Brittney Johnson Makeup Artist

California Drawstrings Coastal Bartending Services LLC Fleurty Girl Bay St. Louis

The French Potager Gotcha Covered Hancock Women’s Center

Mockingbird Cafe Parker Contracting, LLC Popcorn Plus SouthGroup Insurance Starfish Cafe The Wedding Collection

BILOXI

Brantley Ellison Fitness Bridges Skin + Body Champagne Art & CBD Cheeky Monkey Cake Company

Coastal Select Insurance DBatia Interiors

El Rincon Restaurant Fabulous Images Style and Barber Shop

Fidelis Realty

Frankie Faye’s Good Eatin’ Furniture Galore and More Grant’s For Her Greenhouse Biloxi

Gulf Coast Training & Education Ser vices, LLC

Gulf Coast Vascular Care Healing Touch Homemaker & Compan ion Agency

Jacked Up Coffee Bar Ladidaa Boutique Makin’ Groceries

Martinis New York Pizza Biloxi PowerMark Properties Precise Plumbing LLC

Prickly Pear Party Rentals LLC Southern Kutz

The Threaded Cork

D’IBERVILLE

Ashleigh Fallo - State Farm Insurance Broadwater Dental Coral Boutique

GAUTIER

Gautier Family Clinic LLC

Tenesha & Company That Gumbo Life

GULFPORT

605 Pharmacy

ABC Rental

Allure Nail Spa

Baudier’s Flooring

BBQ Browns Meat N Eat Beach View Family Dental Eat Right Meal Prep

EJR Photography

Farmer Browns Southern Farm Events Agri-Tourism Floor Co.

Foundations Professional Bra Fitting French Drug Company Good Cat Tattoo Good Karma Cafe Huntington Learning Center Import Performance LLC

Jack Beattie’s House of Carpet Jade Boutique

Kare-In-Home Health Services Layla’s Coffeehouse & Eatery Martin Miazza Gifts

Michael Vincent Salon Mindful Matters

Mississippi South Realty MobiMed Plus

Nazzare Interiors LLC

Orchid Indian Cuisine Our Wedding Doc Pro Cleaning Service Quality Bakery Renaissance Community Loan Fund Rent A Maid Restoration 1 Gulf Coast Singing River Orthopaedics Sofa City Sweethearts South Mississippi Smiles South MS Telecom Inc. Southern Shore Girl Boutique

The Blind Place

The Rack House Steaks & Spirits The Radish Loft Unique Treats & Catering LLC Vintage Flamingo Yard Stuff

LONG BEACH

A Southern Bagel Company Dolce Bakeshop

For Pet’s Sake Rescue

Forget Me Not Florist

Fuji Sushi & Hibachi

Juan Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant Juicy Caboosey

Long Beach Market & Deli NextHome Simplicity

Parrish’s Restaurant & Lounge Radish

Simply Jane Clothing Co. Sister Swank Boutique Twisted Canvas Wicked & Wonder Digital Design Co.

MOSS POINT

613 Nutrition

Bryan’s Steamer Dukes Dukes Ellerby Law Firm

Hoop Cares LLC

I AM Candy and Things LLC

It’s Personal LLC Jamocha Records Kurbside Kitchen

Lolly & Pop’s Kitchen & Bakery

Pascagoula River Audubon Center SSE Cleaning WAMP

OCEAN SPRINGS

Bar2LBunnies

Bombshell Hair Studio

Bright Eyed Brew Company Coffee Diamond Lotus

Eat Drink Love

Elizabeth Hall Designs Flowers by Karen French Kiss Pastries

Government Street Grocery

Keely Kennedy-NextHome HomeFront Love Ivy

Martha’s Tea Room

Mr. CaLi RoB! HimSeLf! Ocean Springs Mercantile Pruitt’s Martial Arts

Rain Residential Sugar Tribe Sweets and Events Sweet Enchantments

The Beauty Bar

The Roost Boutique Hotel

The Scratch Kitchen

Two Dogs Dancing XO Clothing

PASCAGOULA

Boldly Blonde

Ella Paul Crafts & Boutique

Gulf Coast Market Pascagoula IFC Tax Services

Island Winds Title Company LLC Nutra Juice

Occupational Health Center Pas-Point Inflatables & More

Samantha Overby Photography LLC Trina’s Sweet Treats & More

PASS CHRISTIAN

Chris Boudreaux Agency

Denise Hopkins Fine Art Denison & Associates Insurance - Penni Ladner Lee, Agent Elysian Salon & Spa

Pass Christian Olive Oils & Vinegars Roadrunner Mobile Notary & Signing Services

Rough Water Charter

TBT Butcher Shop

The Pass Daq and Fro Yo

WAVELAND

Marshall Moving Services

SR Designs

SHOPPING SMALL

Small Business Saturday is observed nationwide on Nov. 26. American Express launched the shopping holiday, which falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, in 2010 to help local stores in the wake of a major recession. The initiative has been a success by any measure, as consumers have reported spending an estimated $163 billion across all 12 Small Business Saturdays combined.

HERE ARE SOME OTHER FACTS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF SHOPPING SMALL:

• For every dollar spent at a small business, it’s estimated that an average of 67 cents stays in that business’s local community. This means that every dollar spent at an independent retailer returns three times more money to the local economy than those spent at a chain store. Small businesses account for 99.7 percent of all businesses in the country, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

• Small businesses donate 250 percent more than larger businesses to nonprofits and community causes, according to the Seattle Good Business Network.

• According to a 2020 Consumer Insights Survey, 97 percent of shoppers recognized the positive impact they can make by shopping small and 85 percent of them reported they also encouraged friends and family to shop small.

• If each household redirected just $100 of planned holiday spending from chain stores to locally owned merchants, the local economic impact would reach approximately $10 million, according to an AIBA Economic Impact case study.

BY ROYAL SPRAGIO

10 simple steps

to launching a small business

Starting a small business can be difficult and stressful, but it also can be very fulfilling. While there is no hard-and-fast set of rules for starting a business, here are 10 tips to help you start on the right foot.

1. Develop a business plan. Establish an achievable timeline for goals, materials needed, actions required and a revenue model for economic milestones based on your business model’s projections.

2. Build your budget. Make it as detailed as you can. Compare this to your revenue model to see where equity injections will be needed to start up and where sustainability and profitability could be achieved. Realize that a budget is fluid and will require adjustment.

3. Seek out professional counsel. A great certified public accountant, attorney, insurance agent and banker are critical in guiding you through various issues you will encounter. They’re also critical in helping you avoid disaster. Budget for them.

4. Build a barrier. File for your legal entity name and tax ID number with the state. Afterward, open bank accounts under this information and ensure you’re never comingling private funds with business funds.

5. Logistics — and more logistics. Location (rented or purchased), internet, phone systems, software, office supplies, etc., everything you need to perform in your business, should be obtained, understood and in place before opening day.

6. Design your logo or brand. Hire a graphic designer to do this. Obtain all AI vector, jpg, PDF, and other digital files. You will need them for whatever you want to place your logo on in the future.

7. Marketing and advertising. By the time you open, you should have utilized every social media platform available. Build a business page on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc. Send invitations to everyone you know. In the first 90-180 days, pay for boosted ads to get your business name out there. Building a brand takes time, so keep at it!

8. Forget what your competitors are doing. Run your business with integrity, tenacity, respect and appreciation for success, and you and your product will be in demand.

9. Analytics and evaluation. Combing through every aspect of your business, at least monthly, is imperative. You can never look too deep. What worked, and what didn’t work? Were goals met, and where did you fall short? You will fail only if you don’t address your shortcomings and find ways to improve. Proof is always in the numbers.

10. Be driven, but stay balanced. Your business, in the first year or more, could consume your life. There is a fine line between professional success and personal failure. Take at least one day a week to forget the job and spend time with the people you love doing the things you love.

Royal Spragio is owner/executive principal with Coastal Se lect Insurance. Reach him at royal@coastalselectins.com.

Changing Dreams To Open Signs Is

You have big dreams for your business. Let us help you make them a reality.

Our Business Loan program provides financing to help you fulfill your dreams! We offer options to meet whatever your lending needs are… inventory expansion, land acquisition, construction, capital investment and more...we have financing solutions for your business! Take your business to the next level with our expert advice, smart financing solutions and staff management tools specifically designed for growth.

Our Branch Managers are ready to assist with all your business checking and lending needs. Please give us a call or stop by any of our branch locations. It is just that easy!

D. Batia Interiors: Capturing the essence of the Coast for 75 years

Legacy furniture store has been serving the Gulf Coast since 1947

BY CHERIE WARD

Known for her sophisticated eye and attentive ear, Debbie Batia has been helping Gulf Coast residents and business owners design stylish and functional spaces with elegance for decades.

And she has no plans to stop any time soon.

“I have been doing this my entire life and never considered anything different,” Batia says. “I have many people, friends and family, asking when I plan to retire, but the truth is I don’t know that I ever will.”

Batia is the owner and lead interior designer of D. Batia Interiors LLC. She spends her days offering her expertise and experience to those looking to update a room or two or start fresh with a major undertaking like a new home or business.

Either way, Batia ensures the entire project will be smooth, thoughtful and successful from start to finish.

“I appreciate all aspects of styles, colors and wood tones that interior design has to offer,” she says. “I also appreciate how it can be interpreted differently for each individual, creating a unique style. My favorite style would personally have to be transitional, which is a mixture of various styles and colors.”

D. Batia Interiors was once the local furniture store Merchiston Hall Galleries, founded in 1947. Batia’s parents, Leo and Dottie Crapo, took over in 1957 when they bought it from the Napier family.

“I began working in the business in 1977 and took over in 2005 after my mother retired,” Batia says.

The business was renamed D. Batia Interiors in 2017 after moving to the current location on Howard Avenue in Biloxi, only a few blocks away from the original store.

Batia has nothing but praise for her clients, many of whom have become close friends over the years. She also has amassed many stories, including one involving large armoire that a client purchased for a beautiful antebellum home on the beach.

“It did not fit through any of the home’s staircases or hallways,” she recalls, laughing. “To get it up to the second floor, we had to rent a crane that lifted it up over the balcony onto the second-floor porch, where it could be moved through double

French doors into the bedroom it was purchased for.”

Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina was unkind to that antebellum manor on Aug. 29, 2005.

“Katrina destroyed that home,” Batia says, noting that the storm also devastated the original store and her private residence, which ironically led to events she hails as her biggest accomplishments.

“It was a very stressful time for me personally, as it was for many others here on the Gulf Coast; but with hard work and perseverance, we made it through,” she says. “And on top of finding a new location for the store and obtaining stock, I was able to reopen the store on Nov. 3, 2005, which is the original anniversary date of the store opening in 1947.”

And on Nov. 3, 2022, Batia will celebrate her family’s 75-year legacy.

“It’s been a tough 17 years since Katrina, and I started the business over on my own,” she says. “But my stubborn will, hard work and persistence have gotten me through, just like it has so many. I miss the beautiful store that was the center of our lives for 58 years until 2005 changed our lives forever. Thank you to all our wonderful clients, friends and family who have been there when we needed them. Here’s to many more years serving the Gulf Coast.”

Debbie Batia, owner of D. Batia Interiors

Current storefront

Original Store, circa 1947

As a former prosecutor, I am equipped to handle a variety of cases, whether it be complex civil litigation or defending criminal cases. As a female litigator, I bring a unique perspective to your case and will ensure your rights are protected. I also strive to ensure that clients are treated with dignity and respect and that each case is handled as efficiently as possible.

a parent, I understand the importance of keeping families together. However, situations arise where difficult decisions must be made and I work hard to represent my clients’ interests. In addition to family law, I specialize in immigration cases, with an emphasis in family-based matters, asylum cases, and removal defense.

KATHERINE A. KINGREN, ESQ.

Since the beginning of my legal career in 1994, I have been a trial attorney, litigating cases on behalf of my clients whether they were civil litigants or criminal defendants. I treat every client with dignity and respect, making sure that each case is handled in a way that best serves our client’s needs. My practice focuses on complex civil litigation, family law matters, estate matters and criminal defense.

state

any particular area of the law. The descriptions herein are meant only

are not intended

any form of guarantee of any particular results on a case.

CHERIE RIVERA WADE, ESQ.MICHELLE TOMES BRYAN, ESQ.

HOW I BUILT MY BUSINESS: HAVEN HALE LYONS

Being a business owner on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is like being a jack of all trades. It is a delicate balance of lining your belt with the tools necessary to get the job done, painting a pretty picture and having the courage to create something wonderful.

• First, you will need the right brush. This is your niche, where you feel comfortable in doing what you know best — like a trusty old paint brush.

• Second, the paint and the colors come into play. In this case, I’m referring to the branding and marketing required to communicate your vision and draw in your clients.

• The third, and perhaps most important, element is the courage to put the brush to the board.

Looking back, if you would have asked a 17-yearold Haven where she would envision herself in the workplace, owning a small business definitely would have been on her radar. Growing up, my parents

owned a small garden shop in Ocean Springs. There, I experienced firsthand the ups and downs of entrepreneurship but also recognized the beauty in it.

After opening Wood & Wine Design Co. in 2017, I quickly realized that as small business owner, work ethic was essential. You must be ready to roll up your sleeves and put in the effort. The harder I worked, the more my business flourished.

Maintaining a healthy balance between work and home life is much easier said than done. This is where things get tricky. Through the support of my family, I was able to find the time to grow my business while fulfilling myself creatively. Everything else fell into place.

Haven Hale Lyons is owner of Wood & Wine Design Co. LLC, located on Government Street in Ocean Springs. Reach her at (228) 217-6759, and learn more at www. woodandwinedesign.com.

HAVEN’S ADVICE FOR ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS:

Be fluid in your business plan. Don’t for one second be afraid to reinvent yourself time and time again. Be ready to acknowledge that the market is changing and it’s time to adapt.

• Go with what you know. Start simple and small; there is always room to grow as you learn.

• Take the extra 10 minutes to talk to the people who walk through your door and genuinely get to know them. They are your business.

• Be sure to set social media boundaries for yourself. Being active and ready with a quick response is great, but personal time to reset also is important. In a contentdriven world, I often find myself refreshed and more energized to post after a brief weekend of being “logged out.”

Believe in yourself and your vision. Recognizing the tools and talents you possess is the key to success.

Wood & Wine Design Co. took shape with “paint, trust and a little sawdust”

DodsonAl

TIPS FOR SMART SPENDING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

FROM NAVIGATOR CREDIT UNION

Holiday shopping season is nearly upon us, but many Americans are tightening their belts as they deal with higher prices for groceries and other necessities. Here are some simple ways you can make this holiday season merry without putting a squeeze on your wallet.

START WITH A PLAN

Have an idea of what you want to buy and how much you can afford to spend. Take the time to make a list of everyone you want to buy for, with two to three ideas for each person, and set price limits. Be sure to account for any Secret Santa and holiday gift exchanges as well. Keep the list handy and check off the names as you purchase the gifts.

STACK REWARDS WITH DISCOUNTS

Reward stacking is the term for combining several shopping rewards programs to maximize the discounts, points and cash back you receive for a purchase. This could mean buying a gift using a credit card that allows you to earn cash back and using a discount browser extension on top of that, as well as a store coupon.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Right now, retail inventories are full of items that were often unavailable during the pandemic due to supply chain issues. Furniture and home décor aren’t typical holiday gifts, but the longer they hang around, the steeper their discounts may be through the end of the year.

GIVE GIFT CARDS

If you’re a chronic over-spender or worried about your usual gifts costing way more than you’re expecting, consider gift cards. Gift cards allow you to avoid high inflation on goods and services. Another big plus: You’ll know exactly how much you spent at the end of the season.

TRY CONSCIOUS GIFTING

Instead of loading up multiple gifts per person, consider embracing conscious gift giving. The practice focuses on meaningful spending that fulfills a purpose in someone’s life, such as a unique secondhand item or a family portrait.

The holidays should be a time to relax and spend time with family and friends. Don’t let going overbudget stress you out. Take a deep breath, do some planning in advance and shop smart this season.

Navigator Credit Union has 12 branches along the Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coasts. Learn more at navigatorcu.org or call 800-344-3281.

BY ANGELYN TREUTEL ZERINGUE

Consider your needs, budget when buying life insurance

Many people don’t want to think about life insurance. However, the most important reason to consider it is to prevent financial hardship for your loved ones if you are no longer around. If no one depends on you financially, you have no debt and your estate has enough cash to pay its own taxes and expenses, you probably don’t need life insurance. Otherwise, it may be time to investigate it. The best rates are what you can get today, and not in the future, as life insurance is based on your age and health status.

You will have to calculate how much life insurance you need. When you die, there are three possible resources: social security and other retirementrelated survivor benefits, group life insurance and your other assets and resources. Once you know how much is available through these sources, then look at the expenses you will leave behind, including burial costs, loans and debts and continued income needs. Next, consider your survivors’ financial resources to help you determine how much coverage you should buy.

There are three types of life insurance policies: term life, whole life and universal life. If you need the insurance for a specific period or are on a limited budget, a term policy, which has lower premiums, may be a good fit. However, if you need the insurance for as long as you live and want to accumulate savings, a whole or universal policy may be a better choice.

“Riders” are available on most policies for waiver of premium and guaranteed insurability. Waiver of premium would pay the life insurance policy premium for you if you became disabled. Guaranteed insurability permits you to add to the death benefit without providing evidence that you are in acceptable health.

When buying life insurance, you should shop around. There are many ways to save money, but they don’t always entail paying a lower premium immediately. Life insurance is a very competitive business, so quotes can vary significantly among companies. You can save if you pay annually rather than in installments because there

is often a relatively large additional charge for paying smaller amounts more frequently.

Tell your beneficiaries about your life insurance policy so they know where to find a paper copy and are aware of any specifics regarding what you want them to do with the death benefit. Make sure to store your documents somewhere where your beneficiaries can access them easily.

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

MEMORIAL ANNOUNCES ACCREDITATION TO ESTABLISH INTERNAL MEDICINE EDUCATION PROGRAM

Memorial Health System has received initial accreditation to establish its Graduate Medical Education Program in Internal Medicine.

GME begins after students graduate from medical school. Residents then match into existing residency programs around the country. Successfully completing the residency training leads to the physician sitting for his or her specialty’s board exam to become a board-certified and an independently practicing physician.

The mission of the Memorial Health System Internal Medicine Program is to build healthier communities by improving care for the region’s most vulnerable populations. The economic impacts include job creation, stronger hospitals and research.

“A good physician will treat the disease, but the better physician will treat the whole patient who has the disease,” said Internal Medicine Residency Program Director Dr. Wayne Latack. “The Memorial Health System internal medicine residency will train our future community physicians to look at the whole patient.”

Applications will be available through the Electronic Residency Application Service, and residents will begin rotations on July 1, 2023. For more information, visit www.gme. wearememorial.com.

NEREIDS MERMAIDS GIVE BACK TO VETERANS’ PROGRAM

Queen Doris LIV, members of her royal court and the Krewe of Nereids Mermaids recently collected more than $1,000 worth of supplies and donated to them to the Hancock Resource Center for the Veterans Program. The Hancock Resource Center’s mission is to build the foundations for stable housing, strong families and a better community. Nereids is the original Mardi Gras Krewe in Hancock County, starting in the 1960s as an all-women organization devoted to giving back to the community.

ELEVATIONS

TOP IN THE STATE

The Mississippi Department of Education has ranked Long Beach School District number-one in the state in its recently released accountability grades.

This marks the first time since 2019 that the state Department of Education has released accountability grades, which account for factors including proficiency in reading, math, history and science; growth in reading and math; acceleration; and graduation rates. In addi tion to its top overall ranking, Long Beach also placed in the top 10 in the areas of reading, math, history and science.

Ocean Springs also ranked highly, placing number three overall.

KIWANIS HOLD ANNUAL CELEBRATION, PRESENT AWARDS

The Kiwanis Club of Gautier/ Ocean Springs held its annual celebration and community awards event on Sept. 29 in the St. Paul UMC East Campus Fellowship Hall in Ocean Springs.

Community Leadership Awards were presented to:

• Papa John’s Pizza of Ocean Springs - Food Service Business of the Year

Merchants and Marine BankFinancial Services Business of the Year

• Memorial of Ocean SpringsHealth Care Service Business of the Year

Belk of Gautier - Retail Business of the Year

Friends of the Gautier and Ocean Springs Libraries – cowinners of the Non-Profit/ Charitable Organization of the Year

• WXXV Fox 25 TV - Media Organization Business of the Year

Kenny Holloway, mayor of Ocean Springs - Government Official of the Year

• Roy Tolbert, principal of Gautier

High School - Educator of the Year

• Dylan Hults of Ocean SpringsFirefighter of the Year

• Robbie O’Bryant, formerly of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and now of the Moss Point Police Department - Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

Additional Awards were presented to:

Trey Skaggs - senior pastor, St. Paul United Methodist Church Dawn Smith - Gautier High School Kiwanis Key Club advisor and STARS program coordinator

• Select members of the Gautier High School Kiwanis Key Club

Kiwanis Club of Gautier/Ocean Springs member certificate and pin awards were presented to:

• Brad Bailey

• Mandy Baily

• Stephen Burrow

• Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA Hickory Hill Country Club

New 2022-23 new club officers and board members also were installed.

LONG BEACH SCHOOL DISTRICT RANKS

What our customers say about us

Excellent moving skills, and great customer service! On top of that great prices. I will definitely be using Mighty Men Movers in the near future.

Just wanted to let the owner know that the 3 men who cam and moved us were very professional, prompt, friendly, and very efficient! I will strongly recommend your company to anyone who needs to move. Thanks again!! - G. & B. Etchison

Mighty Men Movers did an excellent job with my long-distance move. They were fast, efficient, and... - R. Thornton

We have worked with Mighty Men Movers for several years and are never disappointed with their service. They are always accommodating to our moving needs and have the best price around. When I have to find a moving company for my personal move, there was no hesitation, I called Mighty Men because they are the best! - N. Bedsole, Mental Health Assoc. of South Mississippi

James D. Wilson,

BY KATHY ROGERS

Don’t have a financial plan? Get started now

Ipreviously

have encouraged you to stop procrastinating and trying to copy someone else’s financial strategies and get started on your own plan. Now, I’d like to suggest ideas for getting started.

The first place to start is with an honest evaluation of your financial situation. Do you have a budget? Are you living within your means? Do you have an emergency fund, and is there in money in it? It’s great to have dreams of financial independence, but most of us are not going to win the lottery. Getting your financial house in order takes time, planning and, most importantly, self-discipline.

Don’t despair and think you are alone in your financial struggles. As I have mentioned before, 45 percent of all Americans have not saved a dime. If you represent that statistic, now is the time to break free and start moving toward financial stability.

Once you’ve completed your financial review, you are ready for the next step: exercising self-discipline. Stop spending, and start saving. Depending on your situation, this may mean learning not to overdraft your checking account, beginning (or adding to) your emergency fund and starting (or increasing) your retirement savings.

Too often people act like sheep and follow other people. Your financial strategies should be just that — YOUR strategies. What are your short- and long-term goals? Do you have debt? What is important to you? What kind of financial legacy do you want to leave? These questions must be answered honestly for you to develop a plan based on your unique situation. You also want to ensure your planning includes flexibility because, let’s face it, life changes. Things happen, and financial situations arise. Your plan should allow you to pivot.

Planning for your financial future is not just about how much money you have; liquidity also is essential. By liquidity I’m referring to your ability to access your money without

penalty. All too often, I hear of younger people who put all their money into a retirement plan with very limited access and penalties that apply before they turn 59-and-a-half. There is certainly a place for these types of plans and the benefits they offer, but they shouldn’t be the only plan you have.

If your employer offers a retirement plan with a matching contribution, I encourage you to take advantage of the match. However, in general, I discourage my clients from contributing above the match. There are places that offer greater liquidity for those dollars. If you, like me, have concerns about rising taxes, you might want to seek advice on Roth options inside your plan so you can pay your taxes now before they go up.

Based on our current national economic situation, inflation and debt, all indicators point to an increase in taxes. Are you also concerned about rising taxes? You can take steps to mitigate potential increases. If you have money in the market, has the current volatile market negatively impacted your retirement savings? If you don’t have money invested in the market, is the volatility and fear of loss making you rethink investing? If you are experiencing these situations, you are not alone.

Instead of panicking, which can make the situation worse, I encourage you to seek advice from a financial professional. Many financial professionals, like myself, offer a free initial consultation that allows you to discuss your specific situation with someone equipped to help you identify which steps are in your best interest.

If you would like additional details on potential options, consider viewing the retirement page on my website. After all, it’s your money. Why not make the most of it?

Kathy Rogers is the vice president of Marston Rogers Group, a life planner and financial consultant. Reach her at (228) 2065902 or Kathy@mrg.life.

The Tummy Doctor is in

At Kids and Tummies, young patients are treated like family

The staff at Kids and Tummies, LLC may be in the business of quality gastrointestinal care for kids, but the owner, Dr. April L. Ulmer, says the clinic’s true specialty is listening to patients.

“Every complaint, no matter how common, is addressed on a case-by-case basis, and there’s no single diagnosis that can be attributed to a complaint,” says Ulmer, who is known to many as the Tummy Doctor.

She adds, “Tummy pain can be due to constipation, gallbladder disease, celiac disease, gut allergy, and the list goes on and on. That’s why we start by listening to the parent and patient. We believe that it’s important to give people the time and space to just talk.”

Ulmer says allowing parents and patients that freedom ensures her staff of six fulltime employees and numerous part-time affiliates are asking the right questions and making the correct recommendations. The members of her team have been handpicked based not only on ability, but also attitude and because they share Ulmer’s philosophy

“It’s important to acknowledge why a patient is coming in,” she says. “Sometimes what registers as a concern to a parent or patient is not what is most concerning to us as providers. To be able to address the thing that is concerning to me as a physician, I must first tackle the issue that is most worrisome to the patient and parent.”

Ulmer says working closely with children makes for lively workdays filled with endless laughter and lots of wholesome discussions.

“There is talk of tummies and worries, but also cartoons, little league, soccer and supper,” she says.

“At Kids and Tummies, we are a family to one another, and we treat our patients as an extension of that family. We are talkers, and we are listeners. Work is more than just a job here; it’s a calling. We approach every patient as if they are a member of our own family.”

Since opening her Gulfport practice in 2017, Ulmer says her biggest reward has been the difference she and her staff make in the lives of children and their families daily.

“We are providing access to a subspecialty service that is scarce in many parts of the country and definitely here in the South,” she says. “It’s rewarding when our patients tell us, ‘You changed our lives,’ or, ‘My friend or family member recommended y’all, so that’s why we decided to come here.’ The affirmations are not why we do it, but it sure helps on those difficult days to be reminded that what we do matters to people.”

The clinic provides a variety of pediatric services, including endoscopies and breath testing to detect conditions like lactose intolerance, sugar intolerance and bacterial overgrowth of the GI tract, as well as care and maintenance of feeding tubes, specialized bloodwork, stool testing and imaging.

“The testing that we order or perform at Kids and Tummies is not standard,” Ulmer says, “and most frequently has not yet been performed on the patients that present to the practice for diagnosis and management.”

The most challenging cases include those patients who have few or no typical gastrointestinal symptoms.

“Our approach to the GI tract is that it is the portal into the entire body,” the doctor says. “For that reason, problems in children that are primarily GI in origin can manifest as something that seems completely unrelated.”

One such case for Ulmer was the child of a dear friend, who was having allergic reactions that seemed to be escalating. Although the child did not have any GI symptoms, Ulmer recommended testing, which revealed that he suffered from a severe gut allergy.

“With treatment of his gut, his predominant symptoms either down-regulated or melted away,” she says.

ABOUT KIDS AND TUMMIES LLC Gulfport location: 401 Cowan Road, Suite B; Ocean Springs location: 1161 Robinson St. (228) 222-4072

To learn more: www. kidsandtummies.com; www.facebook.com/ KidsandTummies

Ulmer knew she wanted to become a doctor at the age of 6, primarily because she loves to help people, and she’s not stopping anytime soon. Kids and Tummies just opened a second location in Ocean Springs.

Also exciting is the addition of Erica Kostmayer, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner, and the addition of the only freestanding pediatric nutrition program in the state, which is set to start accepting patients in early 2023.

Ulmer says when she dreamed of opening her medical practice, she knew the Gulf Coast was the perfect place for her clinic and her family.

“(The Gulf Coast) is special because the people here are very warm,” she says, “and parents are so appreciative of what we do for them and their children.”

Be G.R.A.T.E.F.U.L. this Thanksgiving

INSTEAD OF USING WORDS, SHOW GRATITUDE THROUGH MOVEMENT

As you gather around the table with family and friends to dig into a delicious feast this Thanksgiving, you’ll want to take a moment to reflect on what you’re most grateful for in 2022.

I’ve learned over the last few years from my own mentors that you are what you focus on. I hope this holiday season that you find yourself focusing on the things you have to be grateful for. Oprah Winfrey once said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. Starting a daily practice of gratitude can help you recognize the positive in your life instead of focusing on the negative. And being thankful and grateful for all the good things you have actually can make you happier.

I know that with so much to be thankful for, particularly each person sitting around your table, it may be challenging to find the words to show your gratitude. How about instead of words, you use movement? Up for the fun? Take a look below.

Complete each exercise below for 20 seconds with a 10-second rest in between. One completion of the word GRATEFUL equals one round. Complete as many rounds as possible for as long as you’d like or for as many things you are grateful for — 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and so on. Grab the family and have them join you, too! No equipment? No problem! Just use your body weight.

R- RENEGADE ROWS:

Find a plank position and pull each elbow back, alternating arms. Weights in hand are optional.

G -GOBLET SQUATS:

Take a wide stance, hands at your chest, toes facing forward, and bend the knees while pressing your hips back. You can hold weights if you’d like.

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

T- TRICEP PUSHUPS:

Get in a plank position with knees down (or up). Bend the elbows back towards the waist versus towards the outside of the shoulders.

A- ALPINE SKIERS:

Softly jump from side to side as if skiing down a mountain.

E- ELBOW-TO-KNEE

MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS:

In a plank position, pull the knees in toward the elbows at a quick pace. You can also do this by leaning into the kitchen counter for a modification.

F- FOOTBALL FEET:

Find an athletic stance and quickly run in place while staying low.

U- UPRIGHT ROWS:

Stand tall with weights (or water bottles) in hand, and pull the elbows up towards the shoulders. Keep the elbows above the wrists.

L- Lateral Lunges:

Stand tall and step out from side to side. Bend the moving leg, and keep the inside (nonmoving leg) straight.

DIABETES AND THE FOOT

November is national diabetes month and over 37 million Americans are living with diabetes and every year over 20,000 Mississippians receive a diagnoses. Diabetes is a chronic condition that can cause complications to the cardiovascular system, eyes, kidneys, and left unmanaged possibly lead to amputations of the toes, foot, and even part of the leg.

A person properly managing diabetes can increase his or her life expectancy up to 10 years. A podiatrist plays an important role in care management of the diabetic foot. Diabetes may cause a person to lose feeling at the end of the toes and tingling at the bottom of the foot, referred to as diabetic neuropathy. This can make even the smallest issue of the foot dangerous for the diabetic patient. The loss of feeling may make stepping on a foreign object or a blister forming from improper foot wear unknown and lead to unattended cuts or sores. You may not realize that an injury has occurred until it is red or showing signs of infection. An ingrown nail or sore of the toe or bottom of the diabetic foot can quickly lead to an open wound or ulcers causing an infection of the bone without treatment. Your podiatrist can help manage ingrown nails and wounds with regular visits and a care plan. In extreme cases of diabetic ulcers an amputation may be needed; a scenario that can dramatically impact a persons lifestyle and life expectancy. Including your podiatrist as part of your diabetes management team may lower the risk of an amputation by 85 percent and can lower hospitalization by 25 percent.

If you develop a diabetic ulcer your podiatrist will access the size, depth, and location of the wound. The physician’s office will also check the blood flow to the area to make sure oxygen is getting to the trauma area. If there are any issues you may be referred to a cardiovascular specialist. Once determined that blood flow is normal and any infections are controlled

the podiatrist can begin a treatment of the ulcer. The treatment and management may include removing damaged or nov-viable tissues, bracing the wound to keep pressure off, medication to help the wound close, and diabetic shoes. Our office does offer diabetic shoes that can accommodate different feet and we can provide custom insoles to offload problem areas. Most insurance plans will cover the cost of the diabetic shoe.

Keeping a foot care routine is essential, here are a few foot and toe tips:

• Check your feet daily. Check your feet and toes every day for cuts, bruises, sores, or changes to the toenails.

• Wash feet every daily. Pat dry feet and dry between the toes.

• Wear thick, soft socks. Avoid socks with seams, which could rub and cause blisters.

• Exercise. Walking can keep weight down and improve circulation.

• Have new shoes properly measured and fitted. Foot size and shape may change over time.

• Don’t go barefoot. Even wear supportive house shoes to protect against cuts and scrapes.

• Never try to remove calluses, corns, or warts. Overthe-counter products can burn the skin and cause irreparable damage to the foot for people with diabetes.

It is important to visit Foot Specialists of South Mississippi if you notice changes in your foot, cuts, or wounds that are not healing in a timely manner especially if you have diabetes. It is our motto to Save a Limb, Save a Life.

Charles Caplis, DPM, AACFAS

When my dad suffered a stroke, it was my turn to help him with important decisions, like making the right choice in rehabilitation. I asked the medical professionals that treated him who they trusted for the best care and outcomes. They referred us to a place that created a rehabilitation program

specifically designed for his needs using advanced technology and innovative treatments. And he was cared for by a highly trained, experienced staff that showed professionalism and compassion throughout his recovery. Now I know why they are the trusted choice of medical professionals.

Take steps now to lower your lung cancer risk

Despite advances in treatment, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. However, we can make a positive difference through prevention and early detection.

The most important thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is to not start smoking or quit if you smoke already. Did you know that smoking remains the most preventable cause of all death in the United States, and not just due to cancer?

Cigarette smoking causes about one in every five deaths in the United States, one in every three cancer-related deaths, and four in every five lung-cancer related deaths. If you are a smoker and ready to quit, talk to your health care provider about the multiple effective options available to help you stop smoking.

Although smoking causes most lung cancers, non-smokers can develop lung cancer as well, and radon gas is thought to be the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless and odorless radioactive gas that comes from rocks and soil. Radon gas quickly dissipates outdoors, but it can build up in homes and buildings. One in 15 homes has high, unsafe levels of radon, and having your home tested is the only way

to determine if the levels in your home are safe; this can be done professionally or with a self-test kit. The situation should be addressed quickly if your levels are found to be high.

Lung cancer usually has no symptoms in the early stages, leading to many being diagnosed when their cancer is more advanced and harder to treat. As with most cancers, detecting it in earlier stages has been shown to improve the chance of cure and overall survival. For those at high risk of lung cancer, yearly screening with a low-dose CT scan has been shown to do this. Screening is recommended for individuals who:

• have smoked 20 pack-years or more, and

• are a current smoker or have quit within the past 15 years, and

• are between 50 and 80 years old, and

• have no health issues that significantly limit life expectancy or ability or willingness to be treated if lung cancer is found.

A pack-year is calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years the person has smoked. For example, smoking two packs per day for 10 years is 20 pack years.

BY DR. PAMELA TULI

Dr. Pamela Tuli is a hematolo gist-oncologist practicing with The Medical Oncology Group - Memorial Physician Clinics. She can be con tacted at (228)-575-1234.

If you meet the above criteria, talk to your health care provider to schedule your screening.

PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR LUNG CANCER SCREENING STUDY

Memorial Health System and Science 37 are seeking qualified participants who meet the following criteria for a lung cancer screening clinical research study:

• Ages 50-80 with a 20-plus packyear smoking history

• Have a scheduled CT chest scan

The findings from this research study, conducted by Science 37, will be used to develop a less invasive lung cancer screening process. Qualifying participants will be compensated for their time.

Visit wearememorial.com/lungstudy to complete the form for consideration. Call (228) 575-1825 with questions and to learn more.

Dr. Zein Obagi

Emotional eating: WHY IT HAPPENS, AND HOW TO STOP IT

BY KAROL BRANDT

Emotions

and eating go hand in hand. Emotions can cause us to eat, and eating can stir our emotions. This connection is especially hard for many during the holiday season, and if you are someone who “eats your feelings” or can’t stop stress eating, here’s a closer look at why emotional eating happens and some strategies to help you stop.

WHY DO WE EAT IN RESPONSE TO CERTAIN EMOTIONS?

Certain emotions, usually negative ones like stress, anger or sadness, trigger the release of the hormone cortisol. This hormone is responsible for enhancing our appetite and telling the brain that we crave sugary and fatty foods. Therefore, an extra secretion of cortisol encourages people to overeat.

Psychologically, whenever we experience sadness, loneliness or anger, we often find ourselves trying to escape or avoid them. Many of us use food as a coping mechanism because it brings us immediate pleasure and can mask those nasty emotions, if only for a moment.

Some people can cheer themselves up with just one chocolate bar. However, for many others, one chocolate bar is not enough to suppress their negative emotions, and they find themselves binging on a variety of foods.

Many factors are responsible for some people taking emotional eating too far,

including personality traits and genetics. All these factors interact to cause people to emotionally overeat.

HOW CAN THIS HABIT BE STOPPED?

1. Identify the culprit emotions

Many emotions can cause you to seek the comfort of food, including stress, anxiety, anger and boredom. The first thing you should do is identify which emotions you’re struggling with.

Consider keeping a journal for a week or two. Describe in detail the types of emotions you have experienced during the day, why you experienced them, what you wanted to do about them and whether they caused you to overeat. Over the course of a week, you should have a good idea which emotions are and are not responsible for your overeating.

2. Feed your emotions with something else

Find other, healthier ways to fill the void. The alternative activities should be pleasurable, realistic and straightforward.

Some alternatives to emotional eating may be calling a friend, watching a comedy, reading a book, going for a walk, getting a massage, taking a hot bath or meditating.

3. Make lifestyle changes

Many lifestyle changes can help improve your mood, enhance your wellbeing and reduce the likelihood of

experiencing negative emotions.

Some evidence-based lifestyle changes to work on include regular physical activity, sufficient sleep quality and quantity, limiting alcohol consumption and spending as much time with loved ones as possible.

Emotional eating stems from feeling out of control. This powerlessness often causes us to avoid our emotions entirely. We need to feel and accept our emotions, no matter how uncomfortable they may be. This can be scary, I know. But once you recognize, accept and embrace your core emotions, you won’t need to desperately try to escape them through food.

To overcome this challenge, you must become mindful and learn how to stay connected to your moment-to-moment emotional experience. This will enable you to rein in stress and repair emotional problems that often trigger overeating.

Karol Brandt is an executive host with Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, as well as co-author of the Amazon best-seller “The Struggle is Real: Finally Break the Dieting Cycle, Transform Your Mind and Body, and Evolve into The Person You Have Always Wanted to Be” and the “30Day Evolve Challenge Journal.” Contact Brandt by email at karol.brandt@scarlet pearlcasino.com, Facebook/ The Struggle Is Real or Instagram at karolbrandtnola.

Five ways to maximize your vein health this holiday season

BY DR. KEITH THOMPSON

While the holidays are all about family, friends and fun, they also can be stressful and wreak havoc on your legs. All the extra hours of shopping, cooking and traveling can take their toll, leaving your legs achy and swollen. So, as we get this holiday season started, here are some tips to give your veins the care they need.

1. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising during the holiday season are never easy. Exercise helps the calf pump blood back to your heart, which helps promote healthy veins. Diets rich in vitamins, fiber and antioxidants aid in strengthening vein walls, thus contributing to overall vein health.

So, for Thanksgiving, fill your plates with cranberries, turkey, green vegetables and sweet potatoes, as they are packed with vein health benefits. Avoid foods high in salt, as these can contribute to swelling and discomfort for those with varicose veins.

And, of course, don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated aids healthy blood flow and is essential for good vein health.

2. WEAR COMPRESSION SOCKS

Many of us have a love-hate relationship with compression socks, but they are an effective way to apply gradient pressure to the lower leg veins, which helps blood flow back to the heart and reduces the chance of blood pooling in the legs. Especially if you travel this holiday season, compression socks can be effective in relieving pain and reducing leg swelling associated with varicose veins.

3. BE FASHIONABLE, BUT COMFORTABLE

While compression socks are beneficial to vein health, wearing tight, restrictive clothing around the waist and stomach can make it more difficult for blood to move from the legs back to the heart. Although we love sexy footwear, heels can inhibit your calf pump while low-heeled shoes help promote calfpumping action.

4. GIVE YOUR LEGS A BREAK

Hours traveling by car or plane can be very uncomfortable for those suffering from varicose veins. On long car rides, plan to stop about every two hours to get out and walk around a bit. On a plane, try walking the cabin aisle every hour or so. Taking walk breaks can help reduce the pain and swelling associated with varicose veins. While you are seated, performing calf flexes, pointing toes and rotating ankles frequently can help your veins push blood back up to the heart. After a long day of traveling, prop up your legs above your heart to let gravity assist with proper blood flow.

5. SEEK TREATMENT

While all these tips are helpful, the best way to eliminate the pain and unsightliness of varicose and spider veins is to seek treatment from a board-certified vein specialist. Some minimally invasive procedures with little downtime can have you dancing the night away with your family and friends this holiday season.

Dr. Keith Thompson at the Vein Institute in Hattiesburg is a board-certified, full-time vein specialist. Reach him at (601) 3368368.

Kick foot pain to the curb

FROM MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM

J.C. Nunn was living with chronic foot pain for weeks, and he didn’t know where to turn. November is American Diabetes Month, and his story is a reminder of what can happen if chronic foot pain isn’t addressed quickly.

He says, “I got an infection in my foot, and it seemed like I wasn’t getting any better. I went to talk to my primary doctor, and he sent me to Dr. [Renita] Parker, and she was the right person for me to see. If it wasn’t for her, I probably wouldn’t have my toes right now.”

Nunn was suffering from an ischemic limp, a severe blockage in the arteries of the lower extremities, which markedly reduces blood flow. This can be caused by uncontrolled diabetes, kidney disease and other conditions.

Parker is a podiatrist, a foot-health specialist trained to identify medical emergencies involving the lower extremities as well as common problems that affect patients’ everyday lives such as plantar fasciitis, bunions and other foot deformities.

Of the condition Nunn was suffering with, she says, “According to an article in Endovascular Today, CLI (critical limp ischemia) has increased over the last decade by 12.6 percent and often is misdiagnosed. It is a sad truth, but I have found that patients have suffered from ischemia pain thinking it was just a ‘normal’ thing, and then later find that they have a decrease in circulation, or in some patients, the absence of

circulation to a limb. A non-invasive test called an arterial doppler or venous doppler helps identify those patients more at risk for CLI, which can lead to lower limb amputations.”

Nunn initially thought he had an ingrown toenail. However, as soon as Parker saw his foot, she sent him to have emergency surgery.

Nunn explains that the procedure he received was focused on improving circulation to his foot, and it was a quick stay in the hospital. Just a week post-op, he was feeling much better.

If you are suffering from persistent foot pain and aren’t sure where to turn, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive the care you need.

Memorial offers both primary care services and virtual visits. Learn more by visiting wearememorial.com or by calling (228) 867-5000.

DR. RENITA PARKER

JOHN C. JAMES, Executive Director

Spark holiday joy with this season’s biggest décor trends

BY JENNIFER MILLER

SIMPLE, NATURAL AND WARM ARE THEMES FOR 2022

Each January at the annual Christmasworld Exhibition, the coming year’s holiday trends make their debut. The exciting trends predetermined for this year highlight awareness, illusion and sustainability.

Here are some of the season’s biggest trends to incorporate into your own holiday décor:

• Lights always will be on trend for the holiday season, but you can spice things up this year. Add LED lights to your space, including wreaths, trees and all décor. It creates a lavish feel while illuminating your home.

• You can add a touch of winter charm to any table setting with a few regal-looking white feathers. When combined with black and green, the soothing colors of white and gray evoke stability, coziness and strength.

• Enjoy the splendor of the sea in your home this holiday season. Beachthemed decorations are both environmentally friendly and elegant, adding a modern, chic element to your traditional setting. You can use just about anything, from seashells to driftwood. This trend emphasizes nature, and as a result, sustainable materials are ideal. For a cozy and minimalist aesthetic, light hues and clean lines should be considered when it comes to shapes and colors.

• Take inspiration from the magnificent coastal scenery as it is illuminated by fading sunlight. If you want to make your home feel more like a retreat, try using colors like dark green and calming blue to bring the outside in.

• Don't be afraid to express sentiments close to your heart and incorporate classic elements that remind you of your youth or family traditions. Because uniqueness is emphasized, the color and shape options are as limitless as your imagination.

• Floral accents and illusionary effects are perfect elements to incorporate into your holiday decor, from gift wrap to elegant script on greeting cards. This trend involves lively colors like velvet gray, soft green, blurry white, topaz, red and deep blue. Fun things happen when imagination and reality collide!

• As I mentioned earlier, 2022 trends emphasize the majesty of nature while simultaneously promoting minimalistic colors to preserve simplicity and majestic colors to enhance elegance.

• Metallic silver emphasizes the uniqueness of decorative elements. Those who are intolerant of gloss can use gray and graphite alternatives. When you use metallic gold, a little golden shine will give your decorations a new, sparkling perspective.

• Having a strategy is the secret to a welldesigned tree. Use the same guidelines you would when decorating your home. When deciding what ornaments and fillers you will use, it's essential to consider not only a color scheme, but also texture, shine, and metallics. Don’t be afraid to step away from the traditional red and green. One trend you will see this year is pampas grass trees.

Designer secret: A cost-effective way to give your white tree some body is Poly-fil. Prior to fluffing your branches, fill the inner parts — then shape your branches around it to hold it in place.

• Talking more about color, utilize soft shades of pink and blue to complete the overall aesthetic of your Christmas décor. Soothing, gentle and natural earth tones will bring a sense of ease and comfort to your home. Get ready for a Christmas filled with cheer, surrounded by hues both warm and delightful.

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.

Shopping for kids? YOU NEED THIS 2022 GIFT GUIDE

It is hard to believe Christmas is around the corner! As much fun as the season can be, deciding what to get the kids in your life can be a struggle. If that sounds familiar, don’t despair; help has arrived! Featuring some of the year’s top toys, this handy gift guide is sure to give you plenty of ideas the little ones will love.

BY ARIEL CHAMBERLAIN

Ariel Chamberlain is mom and lifestyle blogger based on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Connect with her via Instagram (@thelemonsoflife1, her blog (www. thelemonsoflife.com) or by email at ari elc@thelemonsoflife.com.

FISHER-PRICE DJ BOUNCIN' BEATS INTERACTIVE MUSICAL LEARNING TOY

This interactive musical toy is a real party for your baby. Featuring colorful lights and 75-plus songs, it’s sure to give your baby a rocking good time! (from $44.97)

COCOMELON ULTIMATE LEARNING ADVENTURE BUS

Inspired by the hit show CoComelon, this interactive, educational toy for toddlers helps spark creativity. Featuring two engaging modes, music and learning, your toddler will have hours of fun. (from $51

GEOSAFARI JR. TALKING KIDS MICROSCOPE

GABBY'S DOLLHOUSE PURRFECT

DOLLHOUSE PLAYSET

Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse sits at over two feet tall and looks just like the dollhouse from the hit series! This toy is the ultimate gift for kids ages 3 and up. (from $59)

The perfect STEM toy, offering 60 highresolution images of animals and plants to explore. Your little one’s curiosity and interest in science surely will be encouraged. (from $33.79)

SMART SKETCHER 2.0 KIT

If you have a little artist in your life, the smART Sketcher 2.0 Kit is just what he or she needs. This one-of-a-kind toy features over 60 activities that encourage motor skills and creativity. (from $64.99)

AGES 8-10

PIZZA CO. GAME

The Pizza Co. Game works with the OSMO base (sold separately) and teaches kids how to run their own pizza shop. While they play, they also learn math and money skills. (from $49)

THE COMPLETE BAKING BOOK FOR YOUNG CHEFS

Perfect for any budding chef, this book contains recipes for all skill levels, including breakfast, pizza, cookies, cupcakes and more. It’s filled with step-by-step photos and tips, making it so enjoyable that the whole family will want to get in on the fun! (from $11.09)

5-7

VTECH KIDIZOOM PRINTCAM

The VTech KidiZoom PrintCam lets kids take photos and instantly print them out. There’s even the option to create tiny greeting cards, comic strips and more. With over 100 photo effects and templates, this is the perfect gift for your little photographer. (from $34.97)

NIGHT LIGHT BLUETOOTH SPEAKER

Shopping for tweens can be a challenge to say the least. This Bluetooth speaker features seven light modes and can easily be changed. Let your tween jam out to his or her favorite music! (from $22.99)

AGES 11+

HUE STOP MOTION ANIMATION KIT

The Stop Motion Animation Kit lets tweens create their own top motion animated videos. The kit includes a camera, stop motion software and a mini stage with background, as well as a book of animation. (from $69.95)

GREAT TITLES TO CHECK OUT FOR READERS OF ALL AGES

BY SARAH CRISLER-RUSKEY

CLASSIC TEEN BOOKS

Ample

research shows that being read to and reading for fun sets a child up for academic success. Children who are ready to develop the foundation needed to learn to read, expand their vocabularies and learn to love reading early on. Children who are strong readers go on to perform well on assessments and on tasks that require critical thinking. In addition, recent studies suggest that reading even helps people of all ages be more empathetic.

It’s easy to get started: Just read to your child and spend time together enjoying books. Your local children’s librarian can suggest titles and provide tips. You also can access digital materials if you prefer. Stop by your nearest branch to learn how to get your card.

In honor of National Family Literacy Month, observed in November, here are some titles your children are sure to love:

GREAT BOOKS FOR KIDS

For something a little different, try a beautiful book of accessible poetry by Joyce Sidman, “The Dark Emperor.” This children’s book combines lovely illustrations with poems about nightdwelling creatures.

Our Margaret Sherry branch children’s librarian recommends “Out of a Jar” by Deborah Marcero for the positive feedback she received on it from her storytime parents. It’s a beautifully illustrated book for preschoolers that talks about processing feelings in a healthy way.

S. E. Hinton’s “The Outsiders,” written when she was just 16 herself, still tops best-of lists over 50 years after its publication. The book was one of the first written for younger readers that addressed difficult topics.

Another classic series that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages is Lucy Maude Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables.” The initial book recounts the story of what ensues when an elderly sister and brother who wanted a boy from an orphanage to assist them with the tasks on their farm instead receive the titular Anne. Movie and series adaptations abound.

GREAT ADULT BOOKS

If you enjoy TV/movie tie-ins, try “The Magpie Murders” by Anthony Horowitz. The author is well-known to lovers of mystery for many of the early “Midsomer Murders” episodes and as the creator and writer for the long-running series, “Foyle’s War.” “The Magpie Murders” will air on Masterpiece! and Britbox in October.

Readers who enjoy a dense historical novel with expertly crafted prose should try recently deceased Bookerwinner Hilary Mantel’s “Wolf Hall.” This work traces the life and times of Thomas Cromwell, adviser to Henry VIII. The novel was made into a series on Masterpiece.

Sarah Crisler-Ruskey is director of the Harrison County Library System. Reach her at s.ruskey@harrison.lib.ms.us.

BELIEVE THAT ENTHUSIASTIC PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

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Photos by Ann Madden

Make your home irresistible on a budget

BY SUSIE SIEMIONTKOWSKI

staging your home to sell, work with what you already have — including indoor and outdoor furniture. Curb appeal draws home buyers in, so be sure that your porch is warm and inviting. The fall season offers an excellent opportunity to bring color in with fall plants, such as chrysanthemums (mums). Add more interest by painting your front door an attractive color. Add a wreath and place a colorful throw on a chair or bench. Don’t forget a new welcome mat.

Inside, a fresh coat of paint can be an affordable option to increase your home’s resale value and ensure your property appeals to a broader pool of prospective buyers. Paint the most important rooms, those that will create a new-home feel upon entering, such as an entryway. If you have an open floor plan, paint the adjoining rooms.

Studies have shown that a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color can bring sellers an average 107 percent return on their investment. The best neutral shades for home staging are light grays, beiges and creamy whites. The classic colors reflect light and can make rooms feel larger. Don’t forget the ceilings, and avoid bright white walls; they can come across cold or hospitallike to some. Warmer shades of white are best to make the room inviting. If you can’t decide between gray and beige, go “greige,” a combination of the two. It’s inviting, versatile and matches most design trends.

WhenMORE BUDGET-FRIENDLY STAGING TIPS

• Clean like you have never cleaned before. Wipe down the baseboards. Scrub the bathroom grout, and deep clean the rest of the home. Wash windows, and remove heavy curtains. Add ambiance with light scents like vanilla or lavender.

• Declutter and store items to make your home feel cleaner and more spacious. Keep shelves, countertops and tables clutter free with just a few decorations. Pack away photos, knick-knacks and personal items to avoid distracting buyers. A vase of fresh flowers goes a long way when staging to sell.

• Freshen the kitchen with new cabinet hardware. Clean and declutter cabinets and pantries to showcase the storage space. If you have appliances on the countertops, place them in a cabinet or in storage if they are not used regularly.

• Invest in new bedding. Inexpensive, neutral matching sets are the key to bedroom staging, an essential when selling your home. If your sofa and chairs are worn or outdated, you can add slipcovers without blowing the budget on new furniture pieces.

A real estate professional also can offer great advice, as they are on the market looking at homes often, including your competition. Please don’t be shy about asking their opinion.

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

OCEAN CLUB

THE COAST’S FAVORITE MOVERS

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD CONFRONT LINGERING LEARNING ISSUES

Schoolis a journey, and sometimes that journey will take your child off course or down an unintended path. Even the best of students will find some subjects or concepts difficult, but when an academic issue becomes bigger or seems to be affecting your child for a while, it’s best not to ignore it.

Here are a few tips on how to help your child confront lingering learning issues that aren’t resolving on their own:

CHECK YOUR CHILD’S ORGANI ZATION

Is your child disorganized and constantly losing track of papers and homework? Is staying on top of assignments problematic? Does your child not use a planner no matter how much you suggest it?

Your child could be causing many of his or her own problems with poor organization and haphazard homework routines (e.g., relying too much on memory to remember assignments and test dates). Make sure your child fine-tunes his or her organization skills.

EVALUATE YOUR CHILD’S TIME MANAGEMENT

Some students struggle with managing their time more than anything else. This could be due to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which causes struggles with focus, task completion, organization and staying on track while doing just about any activity.

Check your child’s routine. Does he or she have one in place? Have you set expectations for what your child must accomplish in the mornings and after

school? Help your child become more efficient with better time management.

OBSERVE YOUR CHILD AND PAY CLOSE ATTENTION

You can learn a lot about what struggles children are having by watching them do homework. Observe how your child operates. Is he or she struggling with the work, staying on task or both? Which subjects take the longest and cause the most stress? You may find that your child needs better homework habits.

DEVELOP A GAME PLAN

Once you’ve gathered information and evaluated the problem on your own, it’s time to strategize about fixing school issues, too. Talk with your child’s teacher, or if you have an older student, encourage him or her to do so first. The teacher is an important resource who can share observations about what’s happening in the classroom. He or she can work with your child to take appropriate action and refer you to the right school resources if needed.

The new school year is just beginning, but if you notice that your child seems to lack skills and knowledge he or she should have acquired in prior years, is getting poor grades already, is angry or apathetic about school or has needs that are not being met, don’t wait to deal with these issues. Your child needs help getting back on track.

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

FROM HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER

COASTAL GARDENING Be strategic in filling, placing fall planters

Fallfinally has arrived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and most of us couldn’t be happier! What’s not to like about cooler temperatures, falling leaves, pumpkins, Halloween, Thanksgiving and the anticipation of Christmas?

As colorful piles of leaves collect across the Coast, the comfort of home fires, pumpkin spice and cuddly wraps beckon us to appreciate the warmth of our homes and families. Thus, our thoughts turn to bringing the color and cheerfulness of fall closer to our doorsteps.

Living in a milder climate means we can enjoy flowers year-round. Selecting those that survive cooler temperatures is key to successful fall and winter gardens and planters.

The mantra for beautiful planters is selecting a “thriller” a “filler” and a “spiller.” Planters need to be large enough to accommodate at least three to five different plants and enough potting soil to meet the plants’ needs. As the early part of fall tends to be drier than later in the season, a moisture-retentive soil is helpful. This can be purchased in the prepared soil mixture or added separately if needed.

Placement of the planter must be considered carefully, as some areas may get more sun or wind than others — like a swimming pool or an exposed patio. If you put the planter at your home’s entrance, will there be full sun exposure, or mostly shade created by an overhang or trees? Will drying winds impact the plants? Will guests be brushing against any plants placed in certain spots? Weigh these factors when deciding a location.

A grouping of plants will help maintain moisture and warmth and shield planters from wind. Will water be readily available to keep your planter looking good? Are you lucky enough to have an irrigation system to maintain moisture?

Although you can choose from among many beautiful plants, it’s best to select those with similar horticultural

needs, such as moisture, sun and shade requirements and wind tolerance. Whatever choices you make will have a direct impact on the success of the planter and grouping.

At some point in the life of a planter, you may need to make substitutions. For instance, chrysanthemums past their prime can be replaced with ornamental cabbage or poinsettias, hardy herbs or other winter-tolerant flowering plants. The last few years, I’ve noticed more cyclamens available in our area.

BY DARLENE UNDERWOOD

These flowers native to Europe and the Mediterranean do well here and should be utilized for their beautiful colored flowers and strikingly veined leaves. Consider adding these to this year’s planters.

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

Finding joy and balance in the journey

Being responsible for the care of another person is one of the most arduous roads to travel. You easily can find yourself stuck in a caregiving rut, as there is very little time and energy left after administering medicines, preparing or delivering meals, bathing, dressing, transporting to and from appointments, being a medical advocate and managing finances, not to mention doing chores, observing behavioral and physical changes, etc. Meanwhile, you still must balance your own job, household and other responsibilities. The immense pressure can suck all the energy and joy from life if you let it.

Don’t allow yourself to become emotionally drained; you can find joy in the journey. It is rewarding to see the smiles on the faces of those you care for, to hear the “thank yous” and to know you have helped in ways they could not help themselves.

As time-consuming and energy-taxing as my caregiving journey can be, I try to stay engaged in other things to prevent losing myself in caregiving. Staying engaged also allows me to see the joy in the journey.

I am passionate about helping others find solutions. I also enjoy being involved in organizations and projects that provide opportunities for giving that align with my passions and desire for fulfillment. These opportunities usually come with commitments to meetings and planning and organizing events. The commitments may leave me exhausted, yet also feeling accomplished. That feeling helps bring balance to my life when I don’t overdo it.

I encourage all caregivers to find joy in the journey by identifying ways to feed their passions and commit time to things that provide fulfillment. Doing this can provide solace and enjoyment on a difficult journey.

For me, finding joy includes staying mentally rested and maintaining balance among my caregiving, professional and personal roles. If I’m overly engaged, I can’t provide the quality care I desire to my parents. Becoming a master of what I call “the great balancing act” includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Being intentional about carving out time for myself so I can be emotionally fit for the journey. When my mind is cluttered and I am physically fatigued, I become irritable and impatient. I also become a onedimensional thinker instead of considering things beyond those that are visible to me at the time.

• Prioritize relationships and commitments by keeping an electronic calendar that you can access anywhere at any time; make sure to set reminder notifications. I’ve also learned to be selective about what I add to my calendar.

DR. TRACY DANIEL-HARDY

• Just because someone asks doesn’t mean I must say “yes.” I’ve not mastered the art of saying “no,” but I’m working on it.

• Avoid giving time and energy to causes or individuals that don’t fulfill you or value your time.

• Allow others to help. I find this one very difficult because I am a giver and a fixer. Allowing others to help can bless me, the giver and my parents.

• Surround yourself with people who keep it real. Sometimes we need those who care about us to tell us we are off balance or trying to do too much; this feedback helps keep us in sync. Maintaining a circle of friends who only feed your ego instead of occasionally “pulling your coattail” to tell you to sit down fosters imbalance and serves you no purpose.

As we begin the busy holiday season, please commit to finding balance and joy in the journey.

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 contact ed at tracy@drtracydanielhardy.com.

weddings Creating the 'wow' factor

Couples are opting for unique entertainment additions to set their receptions apart

Picture a Cirque du Soleil-styled show of your own! This trend will guarantee an unforgettable night.

Denise Baumann is bringing color, excitement and innovation to events and venues throughout the Southeast with her company, Creative Elements Productions.

Guests may be greeted by a model donning a “champagne dress” that holds 100 glasses, or by “mermaids” lounging by the pool. They also shouldn’t be surprised to see aerialists, contortionists and other talented entertainers displaying their unique skills.

“I want to create something that makes people look up and enjoy what they’re looking at and be engrossed in what they’re seeing,” she adds.

A REIMAGINED PHOTO BOOTH

360 booth rentals have taken over! Delivering incredible social media content, these booths provide great lighting and cool special effects, making guests feel as if they are appearing in their very own music video.

Elvis Ta, owner of P&I Productions has seen an increase in demand for this service, "The 360 experience has been popular among our wedding guests, and the ability to change uplighting color on the fly."

BRING ON THE PERFORMERS

Denise Baumann, Creative Elements Productions

Elvis Ta, P&I Productions

The fashion staples you’ll see everywhere this fall

HIGH-WAISTED SUIT PANTS

BY JASMINE BALL

Fallis here, and the Coast has been blessed with the best weather! Leaves are falling, and evenings are cooler. It’s the perfect time to transition your summer closet into a cozy fall wonderland. But before you shop for a whole new wardrobe, consider that your closet probably already contains all the fall essentials you need. Here are my favorite staples to keep you ahead of the trends all season long.

BOOTS AND LOAFERS

We all know shoes are key to completing a fashionable look. Of course, boots and loafers will be big this fall. Some sources say over-the-knee boots are out, and I tend to agree. I think ankle and platform boots are going to be huge. Even Uggs are making a major comeback. Watch for boots with a unique print or heel to get lots of attention. Some of my favorite statement boots are by a brand called Alohas.

I may be biased, but I’m in love with loafers. They elevate anything from simple jean ensemble to a business-casual look. You can even pay homage to Michael Jackson and wear your loafers with some cute socks. Regardless, you’re sure to be comfortable and stylish at the same time.

• Sam Edelman Laurs Lug Sole Loafer, $150, www.samedelman. com

• Free People Zoe Suede Platform Penny Loafers, $168, www.dillards. com

• UGG Tazz Suede Platform Slipper Clogs, $120, www.dillards.com

• Alohas West - Brown and White Leather Ankle Boots, $206, www. alohas.io

Most of us have a favorite pair of slacks in our closet right now. Keep them right there! Suit pants are here to stay this fall. High-waisted, wide-leg bottoms are at the top of my rotation right now. My favorite pair come from Banana Republic; I can dress them up by adding a boot or a heel. My favorite thing to do is pair them with a graphic tee and sneakers. Playing with a look that represents you is the best!

• Banana Republic Factory Wide-Leg Flannel Pant, $45, bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory. com

• Abercrombie and Fitch Tailored Wide-Leg Pants, $90, www. abercrombie.com

• Zara Pants with Fabric-Covered Belt, $27.99, www.zara.com/us/

OVERSIZED SWEATERS

Next to fuzzy cardigans, this is the most important seasonal staple you can have in your closet. It’s important to choose oversized sweaters that are comfortable, as well as personality driven. And remember — fall isn’t always about neutrals. Go for color in your sweaters this year. I love how you can throw on an oversized sweater and look effortlessly chic – not to mention stay completely cozy.

• Zara Soft Knit Sweater $47.90, www.zara.com/ us

• Nasty Gal MultiColored Knitted Sweater, $112, www. nastygal.com

• A New Day Women's Crewneck Pullover Sweater, $25, www. target.com

LEATHER

The leather trend always returns for the fall, which is just fine by me. It’s a material

that never fails, and this goes for all leather items — shackets, jumpsuits, blazers, skirts and more.

• Never Fully Dressed Black Vegan Leather Jaspre Skirt, $120, www. neverfullydressed.co.uk/

• Zara Faux Leather Shirt Dress, $69.90, www.zara.com/us/

• Zara Faux Leather Mini Flared Pants, $45.90, www.zara.com/us/

• Maddie Faux Leather Button-Up Shirt, $91, www.nordstrom.com

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.

Spillingher secrets

KATELYN PERRY

(@itsmekatelyn13) is the reigning Miss Gulf Coast and Miss Biloxi 2023, and she will compete in Vicksburg for the Miss Mississippi title next summer after placing third runner-up in the contest earlier this year. Her organization, Crowns for a Cause, teaches girls about service. Katelyn also runs a Gulf Coast food and attraction TikTok account called Just Coast Things (@ justcoastthings). Here are some of her must-haves:

HAIR CARE ‘GAME CHANGER’

I have a lot of hair, and Revlon OneStep Volumizer keeps me from spending hours drying it. Plus, I always look like I just got a blowout in the salon. This has been a game-changer for hair-washing nights!

‘A MUST FOR DARK CIRCLES’

I know I’ve seen Tarte Shape Tape Concealer on a few lists before, and that’s because it’s the best! I own multiple shades and use them for all my concealing, sculpting and highlighting needs. Especially for busy weeks when I’m not getting enough sleep, this is a must for dark circles.

‘BLENDS LIKE A DREAM’

On stage or off, I love a good contour, and Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Stick and Shape Tape are the secrets to my two-minute sculpting routine. I feel like most contour sticks are hard to work with, but this one blends like a dream.

‘BEST TINTED MOISTURIZER I’VE EVER USED’

I haven’t worn foundation in years thanks to SeneGence Color-Correcting

Tinted Moisturizer. It’s the best tinted moisturizer I’ve ever used, hands down. It’s got color-matching technology in the formula, which makes it match seamlessly three shades up or down, so you never have to worry about a line or changing your shade if you’ve got a tan. It also has an airless pump, which I love because that means I can use every single drop.

THE SELF-TANNER I ALWAYS GO BACK TO

Does anyone else instantly feel prettier, skinner, funnier and nicer when they’re tan?!? Just me?! I’ve used many selftanner brands in my time, but St Tropez Self Tanner is the one I always go back to. It applies with a green tint that acts as a guide, so you never have to worry about missing a spot (don’t worry, the green disappears), and it doesn’t leave you orange or sticky. It’s easy enough that there’s never a reason to not be faketanned.

‘BEST HAIRSPRAY IN EXISTENCE’

Freeze It Hairspray is my holy grail. If you know me, you know that I always have a can of it with me. You will not convince me that this isn’t the best hairspray in existence.

‘THE SECRET OF MY SUCCESS’

LipSense is truly the secret of my success. If you’re busy like me, you don’t have time to stop and reapply your lipstick. Plus, I never have to worry about getting it on my teeth, clothes or coffee cup. My favorite shades are Nude Honey and Kiss My Sass.

‘ADD A LITTLE BLING’

Fabulous earrings are my favorite accessory, and it’s a bonus if they add a little bling to the day. My favorites come from Bridal and Formal Boutique in Gulfport. They keep me stocked on fun pieces and big, glam ones for the stage.

BIG HAIR MADE EASY

I’m always asked how I get my hair so big and how to do the signature pageant “swoop.” The secrets are a teasing comb, Rock On Teasing Powder, and alligator clips. All these tools are available at Sally’s Beauty, and you can go to my TikTok for a tutorial on how I use them (@itsmekatelyn1313). The bigger the hair, the closer to Jesus.

GRATEFUL FOR makeup memories

November is a time when families come together to celebrate being grateful and thankful for their families and each other. It’s a time when traditions are on display.

Do you remember the first time you fell in love with makeup? I don’t remember the day I decided to become a makeup artist, but I do remember the person who inspired me to love makeup. Most mornings I spent with my grandmother growing up. She was frankly the best at everything. Everyone knows her because of the creative array of flavors she put into her food. While her cooking inspired me, it was her daily routine that would teach me to become the woman I am today.

Each morning, she would wake up, take her bath, do her hair and apply her makeup. So many mornings, I would peek in to watch her apply her cosmetics. She never left the house without a full face of makeup. I remember those white jars of moisturizer, containers of loose powders and tubes of lipstick in many shades of red and berry. She even did her brows long before I knew that would become a staple of my own routine. I still can remember the smell of the moisturizer; it was a creamy, clean scent.

Although it took me years to realize the importance of looking put together when leaving the house, my Grandma Jenny always set the example — even in a time where the beauty industry wasn’t as inclusive to women of color. Little black and silver tubes filled her drawer, and when she kissed you, it left red smudges on your face that I eagerly wiped off. She had jet black curls unwinding from her rollers, which she brushed with her comb.

I grew into a teenager and used my grandma’s eyeliner and brow pencils. I even tried to use her powder on my face, although she was much fairer than I was.

My grandma later would buy me one of my first real lipsticks (Girl About Town), and I even got her to wear Rebel by MAC for a short while. I attribute my love of makeup largely to her, just like so many of the other things I love.

I am grateful for the time I spent with her and the lessons of love and womanhood she taught me. Makeup has become a mainstay in my life, one I never saw coming. It is the reason I can live the life I do feeling confident and “put together.”

BY BRITTNEY M. JOHNSON

Brittney M. Johnson is an indepen dent makeup artist based on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Reach her at mbrittneyjohnson@gmail.com.

TIMELESS BEAUTY BUYS YOU NEED IN YOUR COLLECTION:

Take a page out of your grandmother’s book and try these modern makeup classics:

Dior Capture Youth Age-Delay Advanced Crème, $95

Yves Saint Laurent Slim Sheer Matte Lipstick, $23.40

Chanel Joues Contraste Blush, $45

Brow Liner, $23

Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder, $52

Simply Jane offers trendy, affordable clothing for all

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

Longbefore she launched her own company, Courtney Jane Cuevas understood the rewards and responsibilities of entrepreneurship.

Her mother is a fourth-generation floral designer who owns Forget Me Not Florist & Gifts in Gulfport and Long Beach. Cuevas recalls that in her formative years, owning and operating a business was a common topic of dinnertime conversation.

“I grew up surrounded by the local community impacting my life and my family’s life,” she says. “I always understood the importance of supporting local small businesses and shopping small.”

Besides igniting her passion for business at a young age, growing up in an entrepreneurial home benefited Cuevas in many other ways.

“I also gained invaluable real-world business experience long before I knew I wanted to open Simply Jane Clothing Co.,” she says.

Simply Jane, the clothing boutique Cuevas founded in March of 2021, started online during the COVID-19 pandemic. After three months, she opened a storefront location inside her mother’s Long Beach flower shop.

As a student at the University of Southern Mississippi, Cuevas learned the legal ins and outs of running a business. She has always loved shopping and styling outfits, which influenced her ambitions.

“One day, I woke up wanting to enjoy going to work every day,” Cuevas says, “and what better way than to open up a clothing boutique for women of all ages and sizes?”

Knowing she wanted to involve family in her venture, the entrepreneur has enlisted several relatives to help with her boutique. Her sister, Candace Stoeger of Candace Stoeger Photography, does all of Simply Jane’s clothing photoshoots and also manages the business’s Instagram. Cuevas considers her parents, John and Theresa Cuevas, “the two most important members of my team.”

“Anytime I need anything done, such as building a new clothing rack or helping set up a pop-up shop, my parents are always there whenever I need help,” she says.

That assistance has allowed Cuevas to achieve her dream of offering women of all ages and sizes fashionable, affordable clothes for every occasion. She goes to market every three months to stay on top of the changing trends and seasons.

“We have new arrivals every week,” she says. In addition to trendy dresses, tops and other apparel, the shop carries a unique gift line.

Just in time for Shop Small Saturday and Christmas, her showroom floor at 100 E Railroad Street in Long Beach has expanded, creating room for additional items and two more dressing rooms.

“I look forward to hosting many events coming soon!” Cuevas says.

Carla Biasi is a shopping and styling professional, Find her and learn more at facebook.com/carlabstyle and https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-biasi.

Give your look an effortless edge with leather

Leather is one of the most popular fabrics for the cooler months, and, let’s be honest, it’s because it looks cool on everyone. Plus, it keeps you warm. Wear it to give even the most feminine outfit an edge. I choose faux or vegan leather and look for patent leather, too.

This blazer has stretch and moves with you for all day comfort and style.

Signature Blazer by White House Black Market, $195.00; www. whitehouseblackmarket.com

Choose a bright hue like piccadilly green to add a pop of color to your neutrals this season.

Sandwash satin shirt by Chico’s, $89.50, www.chicos.com

jeans and crop pants.

7 for All Mankind, $39.99, Marshall’s, D’Iberville (similar: Lennon High-Waist Ankle Bootcut Jeans in coated cognac by Pistola, $111; www.nordstrom.com)

Your fall wardrobe NEEDS a pair of leather crop pants!

Marshall’s, D’Iberville, $34.99

‘Good ingredients. Good people. Good experience.’

RADISH HONORS TRADITION WHILE SHOWCASING SOUTHERN FLAVORS

BY CHRIS DEARMAN

With outstanding cuisine and a cozy atmosphere, Radish is the perfect place to enjoy upscale Southern fare with a menu that offers food and cocktails with a unique perspective and flavor profile.

Debuting in July in Long Beach, Radish is owned by William and Brooke Rester, who wanted to open a small, upscale space that embraced time-honored cooking techniques and traditions. They hired Chef Lauren Joffrion as executive chef, and together, they created an ingredient-driven menu that showcases what it means to eat and drink in the South.

The name of the restaurant is acknowledged throughout the building in many different décor choices, some upfront and others with a cheeky wink. Not only are radishes incorporated into the menu, but the vegetable can be seen growing in planters on the front porch, in murals on the walls and even on the bathroom wallpaper.

“Brooke pulled the name out of thin air one morning,” William recalls. “One of the things we've always loved about living in Long Beach is its long and colorful history. The fact that it was once known as the ‘Radish Capital of America’ played into that. My favorite restaurants have always had a name that was somehow indicative of time and place, a connection to the menu and the food.”

They describe the Radish dinner menu as elevated Southern cuisine consisting of small plates, soups and salads, entrées, sides and add-ons, along with ever-changing specials. The restaurant sources local produce and proteins, and everything is made from scratch.

“The menu and the restaurant is, in many ways, a collection of memories and experiences, takes on flavors and cuisines Brooke and I have experienced throughout the years,” William says. “When creating dishes with Chef Lauren, we try to stick to the regional aspect of the cuisine but also introduce something new and fun.”

On our visit, my girlfriend, Lauryn, and I got to experience this firsthand, as every dish brought a smile to our faces. Our meal started with a small cast-iron pan of molasses cornbread topped with honey butter and made with locally produced Gold Tap honey. It was incredibly light and melted in our mouths.

Next up were some fantastic crab beignets made with generous portions of fresh lump crab perched on a Crystal sauce beurre blanc and perfectly topped with a delicious housemade pepper jelly.

With the weather just beginning to turn cooler, the next selection we tried, the steak ramen with buckwheat soba noodles, marinated soy egg, molasses-braised collard greens and nori was a welcome treat. The aromatic curry broth smelled delightful.

Radish uses fresh Gulf fish, and the week we went, cobia was the featured catch. The entrée was served on a sautéed tomato jam with a crust made from the contents of an herb garden out back. A beurre blanc sauce and micro greens topped off the dish, which looked as good as it tasted.

We ended our meal with a black pepper cheesecake done a bit unconventionally. Instead of being sliced, the dessert was scooped onto a brown-butter crumble that emulated a crust and topped with a raspberry puree and surrounded by fresh raspberries, strawberries and herbs like purple basil and basil flowers. It was like being served a piece of fine art.

“Everyone at Radish takes great pride in what we provide to our guests, and I’m proud of every one of them,” Chef Lauren says. “We have something wonderful here in Long Beach, and I cannot wait for everyone to see what we have to offer!”

William adds, “I once read that if you put good in, you get good out. Radish is my attempt to create somewhere that I

would want to eat time and again. Good ingredients. Good people. Good experience.”

Radish is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The restaurant offers a full bar with wine, liquor, beer and specialty cocktails. The lunch menu features quick and flavorful sandwiches and hand-cut fries not available at night.

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

the

Kitchen

~ Julian Brunt,

Critic/Sun Herald

Chef Joe Castoro and Michelle Beauregard,

Hosting Thanksgiving? No need to be nervous

Here’s your no-sweat guide to nailing the biggest meal of the year

BY JOY MONNERJAHN

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 https://www. purejoyliving.net, and reach her at purejoy@ purejoyliving.net.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! It is the largest dinner I host all year, and I have some tips that will make your hosting journey a breeze.

Some years we’ve had about 15 people over, but one year, we had over 30! Whatever your guest count, remember that planning and organizing will make everything go smoothly.

SOME GENERAL TIPS

• The biggest tip: Write down/print out your recipes ahead of time so you’re not spending precious time searching for them later.

• Have freezer baggies on hand. These are important to my process, as I organize ingredients and spices in them. I love to measure my spices in advance and put them into a labeled baggie. That way, when I start cooking, it is easy to grab and season. It’s one step that goes a long way.

I also put my boiled mirlitons into baggies until I am ready to use them, and I use another baggie for the stuffing.

• Break down your recipes into steps for each day, and work ahead. For example, you can boil mirlitons a day or two before

your event. During this time, also boil your eggs for deviled eggs, noodles for macaroni and cheese and potatoes if you’re making sweet potatoes. Set them aside in freezer baggies until you use them.

Mirliton stuffing can be made ahead and frozen as well. I would not keep it in the fridge for more than two days before the event.

• Buy premade items that will help you. For instance, if you are not good at making pie crust, buy it. If you aren’t confident about making dinner rolls, buy them. Make the preparation less stressful where you can.

ON SUNDAY

• Check turkey weight to ensure it will have enough time to defrost. Place it in the fridge. This is extremely important, especially if you are frying your turkey. An improperly defrosted turkey can cause a grease fire.

ON MONDAY

• Do all your grocery shopping today. Review the recipes and see what you need to buy and what you can use from your pantry and fridge.

• If you haven’t started defrosting your turkey, do it now.

ON TUESDAY

• Let’s start cooking! Read your recipes so you know how much you are making.

• Cut onions, celery, garlic, bell pepper and green onions; boil mirlitons, macaroni noodles and eggs.

ON WEDNESDAY

• Make your apple pie; place it in the fridge, or you can wrap it and place is somewhere secure.

• Cook stuffings — one pan for mushroom stuffing, another for mirliton stuffing

• Assemble and stuff mushrooms. Place breadcrumbs and a small cube of butter on top; wrap and place in the fridge to cook fresh tomorrow.

• Assemble and stuff mirlitons. You can pre-cook these today and reheat tomorrow. When you reheat them, place a dab of butter on top of each one so they won’t dry out.

• Inject your turkey with Cajun butter. I try to inject every few inches; this is the secret to keeping it moist. Sprinkle as much Cajun seasoning as you like all over your turkey and place back in the fridge until tomorrow morning.

• Make filling for the eggs. You also can put this into a baggie and store in the fridge. Cut the corner of the baggie and pipe into the eggs in the morning.