Signature Magazine - August 2011 by Hattiesburg Publishing, Inc.

I was an art major early on in my college days (36 hours of college credit worth), so I can appreciate the hard work, dedication and fervor it takes to be a creative soul. Unfortunately, my dedication to my chosen field wasn’t supported by those who were there to encourage me, lift me up, and eventually grade me. Not to be discouraged, I turned to the job-at-hand, which I had known basically all my life, and became a journalist. A journalist is somewhat of an artist, so I didn’t feel like I was totally abandoning my original dream. I still had the opportunity to create – whether coming up with new and exciting ways to approach stories, capturing someone’s life in print, taking photos from every which angle or designing and laying out pages. And that’s the art form my life has taken for the last 25 years since I graduated from Mississippi University of Women in Columbus with Bachelor of Science in Journalism. I chose the BS route because you didn’t have to have a foreign language – an art form I chose not to pursue. This month’s issue of Signature is the kickoff to new seasons for many of the Pine Belt’s many art forms. Whether you enjoy the pounding sounds of the symphony, the languid strokes of a painter’s brush, parading actors across the stage or your favorite ballerina lithely flitting to and fro, you’re sure to find something to strike your fancy during the coming year. Since moving to the “big city” I’ve often said, if you can’t find something to do in Hattiesburg or the surrounding area, then you aren’t looking hard enough. There’s a veritable plethora of places to go, people to see, things to do. This season, area artistic groups take you to new heights. For this issue I had the opportunity to visit with Hattiesburg portrait artist Dollye Kirk, who creates beautiful portraits and had wonderful stories to tell of her and her husband’s travels during his military and her art days. I also had the opportunity to meet three of her delightful grandchildren and for a moment or two as we rummaged around her wonderful art studio I lived vicariously through her artwork. In the words of Hedy Lamar, “Art is a friend. It keeps us company, comforts and inspires us.” Here’s to an awe inspiring year.

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Happenings ........................................................ 4-5 Signature Events ............…………….......... 52-71 Dance ............................................ 52 Meet the Hongs .................................................. 9 Daddy/Daughter Royal Brunch ............................................................ 53 Art for Heart Auction .................................................. 54 Strokes of Life Suburban Daylilies Luncheon .................................. 55 Dollye Kirk captures moments on canvas ...................... 11 Benefit Crawfish Boil ................................................ 56 2011 Doctor’s Hall of Fame ...................................... 57 South Mississippi Ballet Theatre Hattiesburg Senior Prom .......................................... 58 Bringing dance to life ............................................ 15 HPD Policemen’s Ball .............................................. 60 Partners for the Arts ............................ 21 JORT Community theatre enjoys championship season ............................................ 24

Curtain Call Saenger Theater celebrates more than 80 years of entertainment ....................................

Hattiesburg Civic Light Orchestra HCLO announces 36th season ........

USM Theater & Dance 2011-2012 season ..................................

2011-2012 Seasons Hattiesburg Concert Association, City of Hattiesburg Concert Band, South Mississippi Art Association and Hattiesburg Arts Council announce upcoming events ..............

Signature Q&A Patty Hall, Director of the Hattiesburg Arts Council ................................................ 72

USM Symphony Orchestra 2011-2012 season ..................................

Downtown Throwdown .............................................. 61 Lauren Mitchell Birthday ............................................ 62 Mad Hatter Tea Party ................................................ 64 United Way Thank You Luncheon ............................ 65 Strong Women Celebration ...................................... 66 Gibson-Blankenship Engagement Party .................. 67 Sports Medicine Crawfish Boil .................................. 68 Steadman Sweet 16 .................................................. 69 ACS Disney Parties .................................................. 70

Signature Magazine • August 2011 • vol 6 number 5 p u b l i s h e r David Gustafson e d i t o r Beth Bunch c o n t r i b u t o r s Dana Gower • Marlo Matthews a d v e r t i s i n g r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s Missy Pickering • Jessica Wallace a r t d i r e c t o r Bill Benge g r a p h i c a r t i s t Emily Foley Signature Magazine is a product of Hattiesburg Publishing, Inc., publisher of The Lamar Times, The Petal News, hubcitySPOKES, Camp Shelby Reveille and Signature Magazine. For information on submitting items for consideration, call (601) 268-2331 or email beth@HubCitySpokes.com. To mail information or photos, send to Signature Magazine, 103 N. 40th Avenue, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.

About the cover: Local photographer Lee Cave captured Hattiesburg portrait artist Dollye Kirk at her easel for this month’s cover of Signature. Magazine Art Director Bill Benge worked some of his own photo magic for the end result.

Food ........................................................................ 50 Top Chef Q&A Meet Chef John Neal of The Neal House ...................................................... 49

A scene from A recent production of Just Over the Rainbow Theatre.

Lauren Rogers Museum Laurel Collects XI: Vintage Toys and Games Lower Level Galleries Through August 14 Barbies and Accessories, Early 1960s, On loan from Mary Ann Daughdrill, Catherine Nowicki, and Susan Smith This exhibition, organized by LRMA and the Laurel Arts League, features vintage toys and games from Laurel and Jones County collections. Previous "Laurel Collects" exhibitions have been devoted to furniture, portraiture, Asian art, and the work of Laurel native Billy Ford. Toys in the show include rare early Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy dolls - and even rarer, their nanny, Beloved Belindy; three different kinds of train sets; Barbie and GI Joe dolls and many more. Visitors will find familiar faces and traces of childhood memories in this exhibition. David Longest, a lifelong collector of toys, has written nine books on antiques including Collecting Disneyana, Toys, Antique and Collectible, Character Toys and Collectibles, and Santa Claus Collectibles. He was a feature writer and contributing editor of the national Toy Shop news magazine as well as a feature writer for Collector's Showcase magazine. Longest has been a guest lecturer on the subject of antiques for various regional organizations and is also a published playwright. He is an award-winning high school theater director whose drama program has been featured on Showtime and The Movie Channel cable networks and in the arts section of The New York Times. Longest has won numerous national teaching awards including the D.A.R.'s National American History Medal and the U.S. Dept. of Education's Presidential Scholar Teacher Recognition Award. Exhibition sponsored by: Laurel Arts League, Laurel Bone & Joint Clinic

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Curator’s Choice: Focus On Fashion Stairwell Gallery Focus on Fashion features a selection of fashion photographs ranging from the 1940s to early 1960s. Laurel native Charlotte Payne worked in New York, Japan and Europe during that time period, and her personal and professional photo collection is currently in local hands. Those who have been watching the TV show Mad Men, or who remember the styles of the '50s and '60s, will find a lot of familiar material in this exhibition. This nearly 20-year survey will show how quickly fashion and images of fashion changed during the post-war years and how clothing and styling changed again around 1960. Charlotte Payne was crowned "Miss Laurel" in the late 1930s. After a brief marriage and a stint working for the war effort in Jackson in the early 1940s, she was discovered by a model scout on a trip to New York City. She soon moved to New York and signed with the prestigious John Robert Powers Agency. She began as a juniors model. Her baby face and "girl-nextdoor" look kept her in junior for nearly ten years before she "graduated" to more sophisticated work. She appeared in hundreds of ads and on the covers of such magazines as Life, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Junior Bazaar, and many others. The exhibition will feature approximately 60 photos, tear-sheets, proofs, and contact sheets that show the development of both the fashions in the photos, and the style of fashion photography. The show will also illustrate the career arc of a successful fashion model during the pre-supermodel years, from junior catalogue

work to the cover of Vogue, when models were meant to be chameleons, not celebrities. Exhibition sponsored by Gilchrist, Sumrall, Yoder & Boone, LLC

Loïs Mailou Jones: A Life in Vibrant Color August 27 - November 6 In a career lasting more than 70 years, Loïs Mailou Jones (1905-1998) overcame racial and gender prejudices to become a successful painter and designer whose influence as a teacher extended far beyond her native country. This exhibition spans the artist's career from the late Harlem Renaissance to her contemporary synthesis of African, Caribbean, American, and African-American iconography. Jones was raised in Boston, studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts there, and then spent several years designing textiles in New York. She left in 1928 to take a teaching position at Palmer Memorial Institute in Sedalia, North Carolina. At Palmer, a prep school for African American students, Jones founded the art department, coached basketball, taught folk dancing, and played piano for Sunday services. Two years later, she moved to Washington, D. C. to establish a career in painting and teach at Howard University, where she trained several generations of AfricanAmerican artists. She would teach at Howard for almost 50 years, becoming a mentor and influence on several generations of artists. Jones was strongly affected by a sabbatical year in Paris from 1937 to 1938. After so much time in a segregated society, she felt exhilarated to be living in a country where her race seemed irrelevant. Equally important was her introduction to African tribal art, which was enormously popular in Parisian galleries. At home, Jones began incorporating African motifs into her canvases. After her 1953 marriage to the Haitian graphic designer Louis Vergniaud Pierre-Noël, Jones became intrigued by the bright

colors and bold patterns of the architecture, design, and fine art she saw on annual trips to Haiti with her husband. In the 1970s, Jones traveled extensively in Africa. She gave lectures, interviewed local artists, and visited museums in 11 countries. This experience led to further exploration of African subjects in Jones's work, especially in her paintings executed between 1971 and 1989. Loïs Mailou Jones: A Life in Vibrant Color is organized by the Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, NC, in collaboration with the Loïs Mailous Jones Pierre-Noël Trust, and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC. The exhibition if funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Pine Belt Farmers & Artisans Market Thursdays through Saturday, October 31 - 3 -7 p.m Come out each Thursday in the Town Square Park in Historic Downtown Hattiesburg for an opportunity to listen to live music while picking up locally grown produce. The Market is open from 3-7 p.m. Call 601-5834329 for more information or visit www.downtownhattiesburg.com.

Wine Tasting & Silent Auction 6-10 p.m. Friday, September 30 The Venue at The Bakery Building, 127 Buschman Street, Downtown Hattiesburg

Mississippi Children's Home Services presents its annual Vines of the World, 2011 Annual Wine Tasting & Silent Auction, from This event supports the region’s primary emergency placement shelter for abused, neglected, runaway and homeless children ages 9-17. When these children walk through the shelter door they only have the clothes on their backs and are often scared and hungry. The South Mississippi Children’s Shelter provides these kids a safe haven. At the shelter, the children are provided room,

board, medical, dental, education and so much more! The shelter is part of Mississippi Children's Home Services and is the first line of contact for children in need. They rely heavily on grants and donations to bridge the gap between what the state provides and the actual costs of services. Tickets available at Blooms a Garden Shop, 601-5849200, Click Boutique & Gallery, The Kitchen Table, Fine Wine, and Franklin Hill Interiors.

Summer Concert Series Wesley Manor Independent Retirement Community in Hattiesburg will sponsor a summer concert series featuring several different types of artists. I August 6, 2 p.m. – “Danny Henderson & Side Kicks,” a ventriloquist, Rev. Henderson is director of the Lamar Baptist Association Mission Center. I August 27, 2 p.m. – “Piano/Keyboard Duets,” presented by Juanita Wise and Jeanette Barham. Every concert is free and the public is cordially invited to attend and listen to these talented artists and enjoy the afternoon at Wesley Manor Retirement Community, 246 Westover Drive, Hattiesburg. For more information, call Linda or Pam, 601-264-8847

WCU Art Exhibit Throughout the year William Carey University is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of the university's namesake, William Carey, with a variety of events, including an art exhibition. The exhibit, which will be housed at the Lucile Parker Gallery Oct. 3 - Nov. 18, will feature artwork inspired by the accomplishments and career of William Carey, the "father of modern missions." The opening reception for the exhibit is Thursday, October 6, from 5 -6 p.m. in the Lucile Parker Gallery. WCU invites the public to submit artwork for the exhibit. Any media is welcome for submission – paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, mixed media, 3-dimensional work, and time-based media (such as audio clips and animated work) - as long as the work relates to the life of William Carey and meets the size guidelines. The maximum size requirement for 2-dimensional work is 11 inches by 14 inches framed, and 3-dimensional work must fit in a shoebox. The goal is to collect 250 pieces of artwork for the show from interested artists. For information about submitting art work, visit www.wmcarey.edu, and click on the Carey 250 icon found on the bottom left-hand side of the page.

At the Saenger.... Click Boutique Movie Night August 11 – 7 p.m.

Dixie Echoes September 10 – 6 p.m.

Revelations Quartet 30th Anniversary Tickets: $12 - $15

Hattiesburg Concert Band September 25 – 3 p.m. Free admission

The Saenger Theater Box office is open from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and at noon prior to all ticketed performances. You may visit the Box Office, call them at (601) 584-4888. Tickets may also be purchased from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. at the Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention

Center. You may visit Lake Terrace or call them at (601) 2683220 or (800) 638-6877.

Mid-Summer Day Dream Concerts The continuing hot summer will be a bit easier to take with an approaching program in downtown restaurants. Returning for the third year, the MidSummer Day Dream Concerts will once again be presented in downtown restaurants at noontime, during July and August. The dates for the remaining series are noon until 1 p.m. Aug. 3, 4, 5 – Bianchi’s; Aug. 10,11,12 – Walnut Circle Grill; Aug. 17, 18, 19 – The Pastry Garden and August 24, 25, 26 – Depot Coffee House & Bistro. The concert series is a partnership between visitHattiesburg, Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association (HHDA), and the Southern Miss Symphony. The Concert Series will be performed by The Strings Quartet from the Southern Miss Symphony on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The Quartet will be performing at different restaurants during the noon hour, rotating among the restaurants from week to week. For more information, contact HHDA at 601- 583-4329, or www.downtownhattiesburg.com

Alumni Band Reunion Jones County Junior College is inviting anyone who ever participated in the college’s band program to come back to campus for a weekend reunion, September 23-24, as part of the Centennial Celebration. According to information in the college yearbook, JCJC has had a band since 1931. Over the years, students have participated in marching, symphonic, concert and jazz bands. Auxiliary units of the band have included managers, drum majors, majorettes, feature twirlers, color guard and the Touch of Gold dance line. Since 1976, the marching band has been known as the Maroon Typhoon. Reunion information can be obtained by contacting the JCJC Alumni Office by phone at 601-477-4049 or via e-mail at maroontyphoonalumni@jcjc.edu. Former members can also receive updates by joining the Facebook group page JCJC Maroon Typhoon Alumni Band and Reunion.

Are you a local independent band, group or solo artist who performs in and around the Pine Belt? Then we’d like to let people know where and when they can see you. We need performance dates as much in advance as possible. Please email information to beth@hubcityspokes.com.

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By David GUSTAFSON

ost people who find themselves chasing a full-time career in the music business will tell you that they were raised in households where music was constantly pres-

ent. But not Glenn Chandler. Although he grew up hearing people like the Steve Miller Band, Rod Stewart, and Billy Joel on his father’s car stereo, he admits music was never a big deal at home. In fact, the Jacksonville, Florida native stumbled onto his love for music almost by accident. “I just fell into it,” he said. “But once I fell, I fell hard. it was love at first sight.” Chandler began playing saxophone in the school band when he was 11. His band teacher - Mr. Welch - was a bit of a legend in Jacksonville circles thanks to members of the legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd who

came through his middle school band program in the early 1960’s. “I thought it was cool and I had friends in the band so I started with the saxophone,” said Chandler. “But when buddies of mine started playing he guitar, I thought I’d give it a try.” Taking a page from the title character in the smash Foreigner hit “Juke Box Hero,” Chandler found a beat-up guitar in the back of a friend’s storage building and began picking around on it. After a while, his parents figured out he was serious and bought him his first “real” guitar when he was 15. He started writing his own songs shortly thereafter. Chandler said he played around with the idea of pursuing a career in music, but was way too shy to play his original music in front of anyone. “I don’t think most people who knew me ever even knew I played music,” he said. It wasn’t until he moved to Hattiesburg with a friend to enroll at the University of Southern Mississippi that he got more serious. “I didn’t really know anybody when I moved here and I guess it was a chance to start over with a new identity. So I dove in and started singing around at the frat houses and places like that. Much to my surprise, people actually liked it and I started booking shows.” Influenced by pop songwriters including Matt Nathanson, Jason Mraz, and Gavin DeGraw, Chandler strapped on his acoustic guitar and started showing off his chops - scattering original songs amidst a mountain of covers he was performing. After playing with various bands in the area, Chandler set out to record his first album in 2007 - only to have the producer move to Baton Rouge midway through the project. With nothing else to lose, Chandler tried out for American Idol three different times - including last year when

he made it through the first several rounds of competition. “It was crazy,” he said. “There are 15,000 people there to sing and they only put through 300 to 500 people and half of them are jokes. Talentwise, only a couple of hundred people advance. Overall, it was a good experience.The day I finally got cut was the day I made up my mind to start working on an album.” Chandler contacted record producer Mark Black from Moselle and a week later they were working on the project. “Mark is the type of producer who lets you do what you want, but still knows what needs to be done to make you better.” Recorded at Riverside Studio in Moselle and at Cenico Studios in Biloxi, the finished project: Glenn Chandler Project: “You and I” is an impressive 10-song album that showcases Chandler’s talent as both a songwriter - and a guitarist. Supported by producer Black on bass, Daniel Vincent on drums, Kirk Gore on guitars, and Katie Dryman on supporting vocals, the album is definitely worth a listen. From the top-tapping opening title track “You and I” to the catchy “Oh Oh Oh,” the album delivers a powerful punch of melodic pop backed up by infectious lyrics that will grab your attention and hold it. And Chandler is certainly grabbing plenty of attention these days. After nabbing a shot at opening for Train at this year’s Gulfport Music Festival, Chandler has been on a mission to spread this music throughout the Pine Belt. He regularly performs at venues throughout Hattiesburg and has been branching out to Biloxi and Ocean Springs, too. His album, available for download at iTunes and at Eve Marie’s Boutique in Hattiesburg, is also getting radio airplay throughout the state. For more information about Chandler - including a list of his upcoming dates, follow him on Facebook or check out his webpage at ReverbNation.com/glennchandlerproject

Hattiesburg’s own ‘Juke Box Hero’ is quickly making a name for himself. 6

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herman and Mildred Hong met because she wanted a date and he had already booked the hall. “I wanted a date to do a recital in Marsh Hall,” an auditorium on the University of Southern Mississippi campus, Mildred Hong said. “They told me the percussion ensemble already had that date. I went to the percussion department in the basement and said I wanted that date.” She didn’t get it, but she did meet Sherman Hong, a member of the faculty. “I went to his percussion recital,”

she said. Eventually, they began dating. “This was in ’67 and times were different,” Dr. Hong said of his concerns at the time with dating the voice major. “I was an instructor and she was a student.” Mildred Hong said she went to talk to Dr. Raymond Mannoni, the late dean of the former College of the Arts. “I asked Dr. Mannoni if I could marry him, and he said, ‘I don’t know. You should ask him.’ ” Both Sherman and Mildred Hong have had long, successful musical careers which began somewhat dif-

ferently at their respective high schools. As a high school student in Greenville, Hong was a member three years in a row of the Mississippi Lions All State Band. “It was 53 years ago when I was first in that band,” he said. Twice, the band performed in Chicago and once the band went to New York City. “We rode 36 hours on the bus,” he said of that trip. “It was right after I graduated that they went to France.” He began teaching at USM in 1965 and continued to perform in various symphonies throughout the area. He also served as a judge in band and drum and bugle corps competitions. Mildred Hong went to school in Magnolia. “They said years ago that I couldn’t carry a tune, but all I wanted to do was sing,” she said. “I got in the chorus in the ninth grade. They had a new teacher come. She heard something in my voice and she taught me a lot.” After attending Southwest Junior College, she came to USM to study voice. All of the voice teachers had offices along one hallway, she said, and she started at one end of the hall asking each instructor if they would take her on as a student. “There weren’t any more doors left” when she came to the office of Frances Benner, who agreed to take her on, Mildred Hong said. “My daughter is named after her. She started teaching me in September, and I was singing arias in December or January.” The Hongs were married in 1968. They have two children – David, a doctor in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Frances, an elementary teacher in Knoxville. During the years, both continued performing throughout the area. “I did a lot of musicals,” Mildred Hong said. “’Carousel’ was my first solo on the stage at USM in ’64.” Among the various bands and orchestras he performed with, Sherman Hong was one of the charter members of the Hattiesburg Concert Band, which was started in 1983. “Joe Barry Mullins started it,” he said. “I’ve been with it since then. Seven years ago, I became the

fourth conductor. We’re starting the 29th season this year.” In its first year, the band put on one performance. That increased to two and, eventually, three per year. When Dr. Hong took over as the band’s conductor, he increased that to four. There is no charge for attending the band’s performances, but they do take donations. “All the members are volunteers,” Sherman Hong said. “Nobody gets paid, including me. We have two rehearsals and then we give a concert.” The first concert of the new season will be Sept. 25 at the Saenger Theater. Because they are all volunteers, the number of musicians varies from concert to concert, he said, noting the band averages about 45-70 members at each concert. At one concert, he said, “We had 15 members missing. Five trumpets played the whole concert.” The band plays a lot of “big band” and popular music, Sherman Hong said, noting that there is always a patriotic musical salute in November. “When Sherman started, there was virtually no audience,” Mildred Hong said. “He has a very full audience now.” After performing continuously since her college days, Mildred Hong said she is planning to retire from professional singing following one last performance this month. She will be one of the featured soloists in the Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera’s production of “The Modern Musical: The Best of Stage and Screen,” which is set for Aug. 10-14 at the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center. “I’m going to sing two solos and a duet,” she said, including “I’m Still Here” and “The White Cliffs of Dover.” With Chalie Ray, she will sing, “The Grass is Always Greener.” “We’ve sung together here and there over the years,” Mildred Hong said of Ray. “I have sung in Hattiesburg for 47 years and this is my final one,” she said. “I’m really going out with a bang.” Although both are now retired, “We stay active,” Sherman Hong said. “We like to go and have fun,” Mildred Hong added.

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by BETH BUNCH The walls of Dollye Kirk’s Oak Grove home are filled with beautiful portraits of special people in her life. But the portraits aren’t framed photographs captured by a photographer, but rather oil portraits on canvas painted by Kirk herself. The wife of a military man, Kirk has had many opportunities to see the world, and capture much of it in her paintings, whether landscapes or still lifes, in addition to her portrait work. Kirk grew up in Greenville, and as a young girl admired the work of an artist who her aunt had commissioned to paint a portrait of her husband and two sons. Kirk remembers that the painting hung in the parlor where there wasn’t much light, save for the portrait light which hung about it. “I would stare at it for hours and think how wonderful it would be to be able to do that,” she said. While the young artist preferred landscapes, the portraits were always right there in her mind, she said, adding that most artists who paint portraits also like to do still lifes. But if the truth were known, “I like to do it all,” said Kirk, which is evident from the many paintings hanging throughout her home and which are lined up around the walls of her sunny studio. The artist who had painted the portrait for her aunt died of lung cancer at a fairly young age and it was his widow who became Kirk’s mentor. “She had me a scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago, but my family said I was too young, so I didn’t go,” said Kirk. Instead she headed to Hattiesburg and Southern Miss, her mother’s alma mater and earned a degree in Fine Art. Her father impressed upon her the need to minor in something where she could make a living, which turned out to be business. “Back then there were not too many things you could do if you weren’t a nurse, teacher or secretary,” said Kirk. Despite her business minor, which she never used, Kirk discovered a love of teaching, especially teaching adults. Continued on next page

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Dollye’s soon-to-be husband, Col. John Kirk, originally from Arlington, Va., and these days a dead ringer for jolly St. Nick, was in pilot training in Greenville, when she met him. He proposed to the young Dollye by the lake on USM’s front campus. “He was a dashing Air Force officer,” she said. And once they married their adventures began and the travel started, like with most military families. The Kirks started out in Columbus, Ohio, and from there went to

Plattsburgh, N.Y., and then clear across the country to Riverside, California and Merced California, where Kirk ended up teaching classes at Merced College. From there it was off across the big waters to Taiwan, off the southeastern coast of mainland China, back to Georgia and finally to Romania, during Communist days, where John served as the military attache to the Embassy. They retired to Hattiesburg temporarily to take care of Dollye’s aging mother and had 10 years with her before she passed away. “But when it came time to move, we had so many

friends here that we decided to stay and make it our permanent home,” Kirk said. During their early years in the Hub City they owned an art supply store, The Worker’s Bench. Everwhere they’ve lived she’s painted, taught and took classes. She also taught for the University of California and the University of Maryland. “I didn’t immediately feel qualified,” she said. “But things really got going in California. I had a mentor who really pushed me. I didn’t want to teach, but....” During this time she had several one-woman shows in Oregon and California.

She remembers that during a show in Oregon, a woman really admired one of Kirk’s paintings, but couldn’t afford it at the time. So she worked out a monthly payment plan in order to purchase the piece of artwork. “Every month a check would come,” said Kirk, “and when the painting was paid in full I shipped it off to her. It made her happy.” Another of Kirk’s works, a seascape with a lighthouse was purchased by the commodore of the QE2 (Queen Elizabeth II). Most of the portrait work Kirk gets is through word of mouth. And most of the work she does

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is from photographs. “It’s very seldom that you get a sitting,” she said. “Most people don’t have that much time. I work from photos,” either ones she has taken or ones that have been sent to her, which has proven quite interesting at times. Most of her portraits have a story behind them. And usually when there’s more than one person in a painting “it’s very rare to just use one photo,” she said. “I usually have to take one person from one photo and another from another,” she said. And sometimes it’s just the faces she uses, dressing the subjects in clothes of her choice or putting them in an entirely different setting, depending on what the customer wants. Most of Kirk’s portraits are done in oil, which is considered much more durable and long-lasting, but she has done some pastels. “And digital cameras have proven to be a wonderful help,” she said. While she enjoys her avocation immensely, she doesn’t let it interfere with her social life. The length of time it takes to finish

a portrait varies, “but I don’t promise less than 6 weeks and it could go a lot longer than that,” she said. “If we’re traveling it might add a few weeks to the length of time, but if in a rush, I burn the midnight oil.” The holiday season is usually her busiest. For one particular job, she got an almost last-minute request from a woman in Grenada who asked to have a portrait of her son painted to give to her husband for a Christmas present. Kirk explained the time frame and limitations, but when the woman explained that their son had been killed during the year and this would be their first Christmas without him, Kirk got busy, putting in long hours and even taking the large portrait to be shipped while the paint was still “a bit tacky.” The company, leery to ship the item because of damage the portrait could sustain from “wet paint” while in transit, sent it back home with Kirk to wait out the drying process. The clock continued to tick, with the woman calling regularly to check on the gift. And the portrait went back for shipping. “It got to the point where John was getting ready to load the piece in the car and drive it to the customer when the company sent word that the painting had been shipped. The Kirks have a daughter, a son, three grandsons and two granddaughters, who are all depicted at different ages in portraits throughout the home – whether the individual

portraits of her children, then at 19 and 20, that hang above the living room fireplace to the portrait of her husband when he was in his 30s that hangs in the den, or the portrait of an older grandfather reading with two of the grandchildren that hangs in one of the guest bedrooms. Granddaughter Savannah, 13, who lives in Madison, might be picking up some of her grandmother’s artistic talents. During a recent summer visit to Hattiesburg, an easel with Savannah’s still life, still a work in progress, was prominent in her grandmother’s studio. Younger granddaughter Annalise’s artwork, with colored markers and a tablet, held an equally important place on one of the studio’s work tables. Kirk continues to teach classes to adults, and finds great joy in teaching classes during cruises. The longest, was a TransAtlantic trip, which started in New York, sailed to Southhampton, England, around the Mediterranean and back to New York. During the month-long trip Kirk taught two classes a day while at sea, but not every day.

On another 16-day cruise, Kirk only taught four days. “I got a call a couple of months ago from a man in Edinborough, Scotland, who I had taught during one of my cruise classes,” she said. “He had never picked up a brush, but once he did he loved it.” He was calling to invite Kirk to Scotland for his first one-man show. “You never know,” she said. Kirk, a member of the American Society of Portrait Artists and the Degas Pastel Society, has painted hundreds of portraits, which hang in private and corporate collections in the U.S. and Europe. It’s this work, which captures the lives of loved ones for so many, which makes her happy.

The lighthouse painting, center, was purchased by the Commodore of the QU2. At far left, a photo Kirk saw and wanted to paint. Left, Kirk had the privilege of painting a portrait of her dear friend, Mildred McKellar. Above, her granddaughter, Savannah, now 13.

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South Mississippi Ballet Theatre, under the Artistic Direction of Arkadiy Orohovsky, will begin its 2011-2012 season with auditions for The Nutcracker. Auditions will be held on Saturday, Aug. 27 and Sunday Aug. 28. They will be open to the public and dancers aged 5 and up are encouraged to audition. Times and requirements can be found on the website, www.southmsballet.org The Nutcracker will be performed at Mannoni Performing Arts Center on the campus of USM. This holiday classic will feature Russian designed backdrops, beautiful costumes, and professional guest dancers. Children of all ages will fall in love with the dancing mice, snowflakes and Sugarplums. Performances will be on Saturday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 18. The Spanish ballet Don Quixote will be performed by SMBT during FestivalSouth in June of 2012. This ballet about the wayward knight who chases windmills will delight all audiences. The dancing and story are filled with comedy and merriment,

and this ballet might well become audiencesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; favorite! Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this performance. Auditions times and performance dates will be announced soon. The husband and wife team of Arkadiy and Rachel (Katya) Orohovsky serve as artistic directors for the ballet. They have worked together for many years. Arkadiy grew up in Kiev, Ukraine, where he trained at the Kiev State Choreographic School. After graduation, he joined the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet where he toured throughout Europe, North America, and Japan. He danced soloist and principal roles such as the Prince in Cinderella, Siegfried in Swan Lake, and the Prince in The Nutcracker. After coming to the United States in 1994, he danced as a principal dancer with Ballet El Paso. He joined Houston Ballet in 2000 where he continued to perform soloist and principal roles in the classical repertory as well as in ballets by George Balanchine and Ben Stevenson. As a guest artist and master teacher,

Orohovsky is sought after by schools throughout the United States Rachel grew up in Hattiesburg and started her dance training with Yvonne Bergeron and Henry Danton at Pine Belt Ballet. She continued her training in such notable schools as The Kirov Academy and Nutmeg Conservatory for the arts. She has danced as a guest principal artist with her husband throughout the United States, performing such roles as Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, Juliet in

Romeo and Juliet, and Swanilda in Copellia. She is noted for her outstanding ability to coach young dancers in the classical ballet repertory as well as staging the full length classics.

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“The work of the community based Partners for the Arts with the College of Arts and Letters makes possible many of the awe-inspiring productions to the area,” said Dr. Steven Moser, executive director of Partners. Partners for the Arts was established in 1997 to support and enhance the arts, promote arts education; and expand access to regional, national and international arts events and artists. Looking forward, Partners continually strives to broaden its scope by reaching out to new members as well as working to maintain a loyal membership base. If you can imagine yourself part of a network of creativity, discovery and artistic sensibility, then you are imagining yourself as a Partner. To join or find out more about Partners for the Arts call 601.266.5922

Partner Sponsored Fall Semester Events September 16 Connoisseur Series

October 6

Georgia Guitar Quintet

Cello Orchestra performance

Westminister Presbyterian 7:30p • Free

Marsh Hall 7:30p • Free

24 Connoisseur Series Rhythm and Brass

Dance residency performance

MPAC • USM 7:30p • Free

27 Southern Invitational Choral Conference Choir Concert Main St. Baptist 4p • Free

29 Symphony Orchestra Bennett Auditorium • USM 7:30p

Art ”In Balance” printmakers exhibit Museum of Art Free Runs through November 6

14 -15 Theatre King Lear Tatum Hall 7:30p

16 Theatre King Lear Tatum Hall 2p

18 - 21 Theatre King Lear Tatum Hall 7:30p • Free

27 Symphony Orchestra Bennett Auditorium 7:30p

December 1

Symphony Orchestra Choirs Main Street Baptist Church 7:30pm

For ticket information contact 601.266.5418 or southernmisstickets.com

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Just Over the Rainbow Theatre (JORT) recently completed its 20102011 season, the second year for its new location in the Petal Cultural Center. Productions included Almost, Maine, a delightful romantic comedy about love in the mythical town of Almost, Maine; Driving Miss Daisy, a story in race relations featuring a Southern Jewish widow and her chauffeur; and The Dining Room, an examination of American life revolving around the dining room. In addition to performances in Petal, the company took to the road with Driving Miss Daisy going up at The Mary C, O’Keefe Cultural Center in Ocean Springs, The Historic Saenger Theater in Hattiesburg, Mississippi State University’s Riley Center in Meridian and at The Baldwin Burroughs Theater at Atlanta’s Spelman College. ‘Daisy’ was selected as the 2011 Warren McDaniel Award for Best Production in the state, during festivi-

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ties at The Mississippi Theatre Association’s State Drama Festival. State awards went to JORT performers Michael Marks (Best Actor) and Ruth Ann Black (All Star Cast for Outstanding Performance). The production also garnered Best Technical Achievement by a Community Theatre during the statewide competition. Other state accolades went to Dick and Jane Allison (Best Dialogue Performance), Marianne Voorbrood (Best Monologue), and Irene Waites (Third Place, Monologue). Competing as Mississippi’s champion show, Driving Miss Daisy actors Michael Marks and Ruth Ann Black received national acting awards for their performances at The Southeastern Theatre Conference in Atlanta. JORT’s 2011-12 season opens with Greater Tuna. Written by Jaston Williams, Joe Spears, and Ed Howard, the season opener is directed by Deborah Hardy. The performance schedule includes a 6:30 dinner with show to follow Sept. 1-3 & 8-10, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Also there is one Sunday matinee on Sept. 4. Dinner is at 1 pm with show to follow.

JORT actors Michael Garner and Tom Hardy return to the boards in this slice of life from the third smallest town in Texas, Tuna, where the Lions Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. Tickets are $25 and reservations are necessary. The season’s second show is the Pulitzer Prize winning play, Crimes of the Heart, by Mississippi writer Berth Henley. It is the story of the three quirky Magrath sisters, who gather at the family home in Hazelhurst in the midst of more than one bizarre family “tragedy.” This dark comedy will Continued on next page

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keep you enthralled. Auditions for four female and two male roles are on September 5-6 at 7 pm in The Arts& Humanities Complex located at 120 S. George Street in Petal. This showcase is directed by former Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outstanding Teacher of the Performing Arts Michael Marks. Tickets are $10. Performances are October 27-29 and November 3-5 at 7:30 pm. One Sunday matinee, on October 30 is scheduled for 2 pm. Reservations are encouraged but not required. The JORT season conclude with The Ladies of Harmony, a new award-winning comedy by Ron Hill, directed by local theatre standout Chris Wooten. The audience will spend time in the fellowship hall of Harmony Church with the ladies of the Kitchen Committee as they plan a funeral dinner for a recently deceased and thoroughly detested, member of the congregation. Performances are March 8-10 and 15-17 at 7:30 pm. One Sunday matinee is scheduled for March 11 at 2 pm. Tickets are $10. Reservations are encouraged but not required. Auditions for 6 female roles of assorted ages are on January 1617 in The Arts & Humanities Complex

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SILVER BENEFACTOR $275 OR MORE. Four priority seating tickets to each of the three productions, including the dinner theatre show; quarter page ad in each subscription season playbill; sponsorship listing in each playbill.

in Petal. Reservations are encouraged but not required. JORT is a non-profit organization and depends on its members and supporters to sustain its quality arts programming. JORT Sponsorships/Memberships for the 2011-2012 Subscription Season are available at the following levels: CORPORATE BENEFACTOR $2500 OR MORE. Twenty priority seating tickets to each of the three productions of the season, including the dinner theatre show; company logo on front cover of all season playbills; company logo on all JORT brochures and mailouts; company logo and link on JORT website (JORTonline.org); full page advertisement in each subscription season playbill; sponsorship

listing in season playbill. PLATINUM BENEFACTOR $1000 OR MORE. Ten priority tickets to each of the three season productions, including the dinner theatre show; company logo on all JORT brochures and mailouts; company logo and link on JORT website (JORTonline.org); full page ad in each season subscription playbill; sponsorship listing in season playbill. GOLD BENEFACTOR $500 OR MORE. Eight priority seating tickets to each of the three productions, including the dinner theatre show; half page ad in each subscription season playbill; sponsorship listing in season playbill.

BRONZE BENEFACTOR $150 OR MORE. Four tickets to each of the three productions, including the dinner theatre show; sponsorship listing in the playbill. PATRON $80. Two tickets to each of the three productions, including the dinner theatre show; membership listing in playbill. MEMBER $45. One ticket to each of the three shows, including the dinner theatre show; membership listing in the playbill. Anyone wishing to join should mail a check payable to JORT, along with name(s) (as you want them listed in playbill), phone number, mailing address and email address for performance notifications, to: P.O. Box 16553, Hattiesburg, MS 39404.

For more information: 601-583-7778 or JORTonline.org.

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The Saenger Theater, built by the Saenger Brothers, opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1929 as a movie palace. During the rise of Hollywood, the Saenger Theater brought the world to the Pine Belt through moving pictures with an admission of a mere six cents! Audiences marveled at the massive chandelier and listened in awe to the sounds of a 778-pipe Robert Morton organ. In 1979, the Saenger Theater was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and has since undergone two major renovations. Now, more than 80 years later, the Historic Saenger Theater entertains audiences with a wide range of cultural events, providing the “Not Your Ordinary Night Out” experience time and again. This season’s line-up is no different – from foot-stomping concerts to classic fairytale plays, the Saenger offers entertainment for your entire family!

Revelations Quartet 30th Anniversary

Hattiesburg Concert Band

Saturday, September 10 • 6p Tickets: $12, $15

Sunday, September 25 Sunday, October 23 Free Admission

The Revelations Quartet of Florence will celebrate 30 years of ministry with an anniversary performance at the Saenger Theater. The legendary Dixie Echoes Quartet will also perform, along with Calm Assurance and Hunter May.

The Hattiesburg Concert Band returns to the Saenger stage for its 29th season. The band is conducted by Dr. Shermon Hong who has played professionally with the Joffrey Ballet, as well as symphonies, operas, and ballets in Mississippi and Mobile. The band consists of members from South Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana and represents a wide variety of professions.

Rocky Horror Picture Show Friday, October 28 • 8p Tickets: $10 Let’s do the time warp again! With a jump to the left and step to the right, the Saenger tradition continues! Catchy songs and thrilling dance numbers are made complete with interaction from the audience – you wear the costume and we’ll provide the props!

Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera presents

“The King and I” November 17-20 In its 36th season, Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera entertains audiences in the Pine Belt year-round. This fall, “The King and I” will come alive on the Saenger Theater stage. Ticket information, as well as a full list of cast members can be found online at www.hclo.org. American Family Theater presents

“Pinocchio” Sunday, November 26 Tickets: TBA American Family Theater, the nation’s premier producer of live entertainment for families and young audiences, will return to the Saenger Theater with one of history’s most famous and loved stories – “Pinocchio.” American Family Theater performs award-winning Continued on next page

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productions in more than 300 venues each year to continue their critically acclaimed commitment to full-scale presentations. All American Family Theater productions capture the spirit of timeless classics that provide the excitement and magic found only in the live, on-stage experience.

Roots Reunion Sunday, December 3 • 3:00p Free Admission South Mississippi is returning to its roots – its musical roots, that is! The Roots Reunion live radio show is returning to the Saenger Theater for its 13th edition. Organized by the University of Southern Mississippi’s

For more information on any event at the Saenger Theater, contact the Saenger Theater Box Office at 601.584.4888 or visit www.HattiesburgSaenger.com. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 12 noon

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Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage and the School of Music’s entertainment industry program, Roots Reunion gives local musicians an opportunity to share the musical traditions of Mississippi with a live audience.

Holiday Movie Series December 19-22 • 1:00p Free Admission Enjoy classic holiday movies in the comfortable surroundings of the Saenger Theater – just like in

1929! Classic favorites to be shown on the big screen include “Miracle on 34th Street,” “A Christmas Carol,” and more. Doors open at 1pm and special holiday concessions will be available in the lobby.

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Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera is pleased to announce its 36th season, providing the Hattiesburg area with Broadway-quality entertainment at reasonable ticket prices, and allowing an outlet for local talent to aspire to the stage. The 2011-2012 season will commence with HCLO’s annual dinner theatre. “The Modern Musical: The Best Of Stage And Screen” is an original concept, conceived and directed by Lindsey Noelle Brown. But don’t look for merely the standard Oklahoma! or South Pacific fare in this revue. Instead, be prepared to enjoy tunes from such film-to-stage (and vice versa) shows as Sunset Boulevard, The Little Mermaid,

Newsies and Avenue Q. The Modern Musical: The Best Of Stage And Screen will run August 10-14 at the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center. Right about when you’re getting ready to set your Thanksgiving turkey to bake, be sure you make it out to see that old chestnut The King And I, which will be performed Nov. 17-20 at the Saenger Theatre. This beloved classic tells the tale of a Siamese king and his relationship with a strong-willed widow whom he has contracted to tutor his many children. Larry Mullican will direct. It’ll be “Springtime for HCLO” in 2012 on the Saenger stage, when Rob Mulholland directs Mel Brooks’

The Producers. It’s the tale of a washed-up Broadway producer and his new protégé who conspire to put on Springtime For Hitler, a controversial musical which looks to be a surefire flop, while making off with the investment money. Complications arise when the show instead becomes an unexpected hit. A very recent smash hit on Broadway and based on the 1968 film of the same name, it promises to produce hilarity and will run May 10-13. Founded in 1976 by the late Bob Mesrobian, Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera began its journey with The Barber Of Seville and has thus far presented nearly 90 productions. These span the scope from

Brigadoon, Fiddler On The Roof and The Music Man to Smokey Joe’s Café, Cats and the recent five-time Tony-winning The Drowsy Chaperone. HCLO has also announced its board of officers for the new season. Sandy Whitacre is the incoming president, with Karen Wiseman as president-elect. Suzanne Carey and Travis Hacker are first and second vice presidents, respectively, with Paul Hathorn as immediate past president. Ken Hrdlica will serve as treasurer, and Jacque James is secretary. Please visit http://www.hclo.org for more information. Continued on next page

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HCLO unveils ‘Modern Musical’ Dinner Show by PETCH LUCAS A hot summer night could use a little excursion “Under The Sea,” and Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera is onhand to provide it with The Modern Musical: The Best Of Stage And Screen, the organization’s annual dinner theatre, which also ushers in its 36th season. The show will be performed August 10-14 at the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center in downtown Hattiesburg. Instead of relying just upon a potpourri of Broadway’s old chestnuts, The Modern Musical focuses on more recent fare, both on the Broadway stage and the cinema screen. Hence, you’ll hear tunes from contemporary movies like The Little Mermaid and Newsies, as well as selections from Sweeney Todd and Chicago.

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That’s not to say that oldies will be left out. Memorable ditties from The All Night Strut, The Sound Of Music and Woman Of The Year will turn up. So will tunes from Fame and Legally Blonde, as well as a rousing rendition of “I’m A Woman” from Smokey Joe’s Café. Look for Hattiesburg favorites Mildred Hong and (one-time Miss Mississippi) Chalie Ray to make special appearances on other musical gems. Modern fare will be the main focus, though. Jersey Boys will be represented by a foot-stomping medley that’s sure to remind you how to “Walk Like A Man,” even if it’s late “December 1963.” And such cutting-edge shows as The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and the puppetspectacular Avenue Q will feature selected tunes. Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera began in 1976 under the late Bob Mesrobian and a collective ideal to offer Broadway-quality entertainment to the Hattiesburg area at a reasonable price, plus allowing local talent a chance to aspire to the stage. Newly-appointed president Sandy Whitacre now takes the helm in the organization’s 36th season, which follows The Modern Musical with The King And I and The Producers. It promises to be a splendid year. Lindsey Noelle Brown conceived The Modern Musical: The Best Of Stage And Screen and also directs it, as well as conducts the music. Choreography is by Danielle Metcalf. Tickets are $25 (includes meal) and may be purchased at the website http://www.hclo.org or over the phone at 601-583-5694

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Viva la France September 29, 2011 • 7:30 Concert by The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra at Bennett Auditorium

Rule Britannia October 27, 2011 • 7:30p Concert by The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra at Bennett Auditorium

A Musical Bouquet February 16, 2011 • 7:30p Concert by the Woodwind Faculty of The University of Southern Mississippi in Bennett Auditorium

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Il Tabarro and Cavalleria Rusticana February 28 and March 1, 2012 7:30p Opera performances presented by Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center

Future Stars March 29, 2012 • 7:30p Concert by The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra in Bennett Auditorium featuring winners of the annual William T. Gower Concerto Competition

Bach B Minor Mass May 3, 2012 • 7:30p Location: TBA Concert by The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra featuring the Hattiesburg Choral Union

Ticketed event, available through the Southern Miss Ticket Office, www.southernmisstickets.com

Dr. Jay Dean Music Director Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra

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Theatre

KING LEAR by William Shakespeare

Main Stage Project Tatum Theatre October 14*, 15*, 18-21 7:30 p.m. October 16* and 23 • 2 p.m. Shakespeare’s powerful tragedy will be presented in a highly theatrical production fea-

turing AEA Guest Artist Mark Kincaid in the title role. Kincaid is a renowned classical actor who has worked at major theatres throughout the country. This is an opportunity to see students performing alongside a highly regarded professional in one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays. Special Fall Break performances

FENCES by August Wilson

Studio Project Hartwig Theatre November 4, 5, 9-11 7:30 p.m. November 6 • 2 p.m. Set in 1957 Pittsburgh, Fences is the story of Troy

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Maxson, a former Negro Baseball League star excluded from the major leagues. Troy's bitterness takes its toll on his relationships with his wife and son, but leads to an affirmation of the power of hope, and human resilience. August Wilson won the Pulitzer Prize for this brilliant drama in 1987.

25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE by Finn, Sheinkin, Feldman A co-production with the School of Music

Main Stage Project

Tatum Theatre November 17-19 and December 1- 3 • 7:30 p.m. November 20 and December 4 2 p.m. This delightful musical is the hilarious story of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Winning isn’t everything and losing doesn’t make you a loser. Spelling Bee won the 2005 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical, and has been popular throughout the country.

Dance

RIRIE-WOODBURY DANCE COMPANY IN CONCERT Thursday, October 6, • 7:30 pm. Mannoni Performing Arts Center This internationally acclaimed modern dance company brings their repertoire to the Gulf South. The company is committed to making dance accessible to everyone. Tickets are $6 USM students, $10 senior citizens, faculty,staff and military, $16 general admission. There will be a free PostPerformance discussion with the artists.

FALL DANCE CONCERT Mannoni Performing Arts Center October 27-29 • 7:30 p.m. October 30 • 2 p.m. The first Repertory Dance Company concert of the year features work by students, faculty and guest artists, all performed by our most talented students. Tickets are $6 USM students, $10 senior citizens, faculty, staff and military, $16 general admission

FALL STUDIO 115 DANCE CONCERT TAD Building • Studio 115 December 8 -10 • 7:30 p.m. December 10 • 2 p.m. The intimate setting of the Studio 115 concert is a chance to see dance up close. Come to opening night for a post performance discussion with the artists. Tickets $5 at the door.

Theatre

RUMORS by Neil Simon

Main Stage Project Tatum theatre February 23- 25 and March 1-3 • 7:30 p.m. February 26 , March 4 • 2 p.m. The Deputy Mayor of New York has just shot himself. Four couples have gathered for his anniversary celebration and must get “the story” straight before the other

guests arrive. As the confusions and miscommunications mount, the evening spins off into hilarious farce, in classic Neil Simon style. From Broadway to theatres throughout the country, Rumors spread as fast as laughter.

ANNA IN THE TROPICS by Nilo Cruz

Studio Project Hartwig Theatre March 29 - 31 , April 3 , 4 7:30 p.m. April 1 • 2 p.m. This 2003 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama is set in a CubanAmerican cigar factory, Florida, 1929, where cigars are still rolled by hand and “lectors” are employed to educate and entertain the workers. The arrival of a new lector who reads aloud from Anna Karenina becomes a catalyst in the lives of his listeners, leading them to express passionate needs and desires.

THE GRAPES OF WRATH by Frank Galati From the novel by John Steinbeck

Oklahoma during the Great Depression. Their journey to California reveals the strength of the human spirit in a timeless story that has become an American masterpiece.

Dance

SPRING DANCE CONCERT April 12 - 14 • 7:30 p.m. April 15 • 2 p.m. Expect to see athleticism and grace as dance majors bring to life the ideas of fellow choreographers. This concert is a mustsee for the spring semester. Tickets are $6 USM students, $10 senior citizens, faculty, staff and military, $16 general admission

SPRING STUDIO 115 DANCE CONCERT TAD Building Studio 115 May 3 - 5 • 7:30 p.m. May 5 • 2 p.m. The Repertory Dance Company concludes its season with a spring soiree into the creativity of students and faculty choreographers. Tickets $5 at the door.

Main Stage Project Tatum Theatre April 19 - 21, 26 - 28 • 7:30 p.m. April 22, 29 • 2 p.m. Winner of the 1990 Tony Award, this powerful stage adaptation of the John Steinbeck novel depicts the struggle of one family’s flight from the Dust Bowl in

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December 2, at 7 p.m. December 3, 3 and 7 p.m.

Carey Christmas Festival Smith Auditorium January 17 - 31, 2012 August 29 - September 15 South Mississippi Art Association

October 6 - 8 and October 13 - 15

Juried Exhibition of Watercolors & Sculptures

presented by the William Carey Theatre Department Smith Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

Lucile Parker Gallery

The Diviners

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November 13

Celebration of Freedom Concert

City of Hattiesburg Band Concert

Smith Auditorium at 3:00 p.m. October 3 - November 18, 2011 South Mississippi Art Association

Carey 250 Exhibition Lucile Parker Gallery October 6

Carey Oratorio Concert Smith Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.

Smith Auditorium at 3:00 p.m. November 28 - December 13

A Lifetime of Landscapes: Watercolors & Oil Paintings by Myra Meade Lucile Parker Gallery

Robert Long: Works in Clay Lucile Parker Gallery January 19, 2012

Dr. Hui Ting Guest Artist Recital Smith Auditorium at 7 p.m.

February 11

The Third Annual High School Scholarship Competition Showcase Lucile Parker Gallery March 5 - 29

Artwork by Charles Price: A Search for Prolific Innovation Lucile Parker Gallery April 3

January 21, 2012

Easter Messiah Concert

Clarence Dickinson Organ Competition

WCU School of Music Smith Auditorium at 7 p.m.

Smith Auditorium at 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

April 9 - 20

William Carey University Art Student Exhibition Lucile Parker Gallery April 12 - 14, and April 19 - 21

Creation presented by the William Carey Theatre Department Smith Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

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City of Hattiesburg Concert Band 29th Season Scheduled Concerts September 25 • 3 p.m.

Saenger Theater November 13 • 3 p.m.

Salute to America William Carey University January 29, 2012 • 3 p.m.

Saenger Theater March 25 • 3 p.m.

Saenger Theater All concerts are free

Hattiesburg Concert Association 2011-2012 Season October 10, 2011 • 7:30 pm.

Festival of Choirs Main Street Baptist Church December 9 • 7:30 p.m. December 10 • 2 p.m.

Winter Wonderland Sponsored by Forrest General Hospital

Saenger Theatre

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February 18, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Mack Wilberg Festival Concert Music Director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Main Street Baptist Church May 3, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Bach B Minor Mass Main Street Baptist Church

Hattiesburg Arts Council The Hattiesburg Arts Council, a multi-disciplinary organization, is celebrating 41 years of community service. HAC began in 1970 as the brainchild of a group of citizens who loved art, dance, music and theatre and wanted to share it with school children as well as other adults. In 1982, with the help of then Mayor Bobby Chain, HAC received its first public money, a grant from CETA, the Comprehensive Employment Training Act. With that came a more formal structuring of a paid director and office space in the Saenger Theatre. The board of directors remained a volunteer force and the organization’s focus shifted more into community service. The defined purpose was to operate a community-based program that would educate and enrich all citizens through cultural and artistic experiences.

Currently housed in the Cultural Center on Main Street, HAC operates as a non-profit entity financed by memberships, corporate sponsorships, and grants from the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) and the Mississippi Arts Commission. Most of the programs are offered free of charge. There is a series of luncheon lectures scheduled throughout the year as well as drawing and painting classes that will be offered this fall. Under the capable leadership of Anita Price, president, HAC looks forward to a season filled with something for everyone.

Also planned for the year are art classes in drawing and painting for students and a series of luncheon lectures that will be of interest. January • TBA

Instrument Petting Zoo February

African - American Artist Show

South Mississippi Art Association August 29 - September 15

Fall - 2011

Exhibit of Watercolors & Sculpture

September 29

by the SMAA at William Carey University's Lucile Parker Gallery

Opening reception for Sherri WImberly October

Brown Bag Concert Series

September 2

Reception for exhibit at Lucile Parker Gallery

at the noon hour on Thursdays October 8 October 4 & 5 Theatreworks, USA from New York presents

Fall Art Walk

Seussical

SMAA Annual Art Show and Sale

for 2nd, 3rd and 5th grades November 3

Opening Reception for Photography Exhibit December 8

Emerging Artists Show

December 9

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Making sure kids get balanced and nutritious school lunches and afterschool snacks doesn't have to be hard. In fact, it can be fun. Parents can ensure kids get a lunch that's good for them - and that they'll eat - by making it themselves with products they trust. All Boar's Head Brand(r) deli meats and cheeses are gluten free, and there are dozens of lower sodium and heart-healthy options to choose from, as well. No matter what your health priority, you can rest assured your family is in good hands with Boar's Head. Here are some simple tips from Boar's Head for lunches and munches kids will love: • If your child leaves most of his or her sandwich behind, use cookie cutters to create a favorite shape such as an airplane, car, star or heart. The fun shape might encourage your child to finish the entire sandwich. • A colorful selection of food and

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different texture adds appeal carrot sticks and green grapes for color, whole wheat pretzels and crackers for crunch. • Put a surprise in your child's lunch: a sticker, a note of encouragement, or a small toy.

nutrition labels making note of those foods that are considered healthy and those that are not. Your kids will learn about healthy eating and enjoy fun arts and crafts projects, too. For a quick and tasty lunch, try

these easy Turkey and Apple Rollups. And for a simple after-school snack, Turkey Kabobs are fun and easy to make. Family Features

• Children love the do-it-yourself aspect of building their own pizza or making their own cracker stack. You can make the experience fun and healthier by cubing Boar's Head meats and cheeses and putting them in a bag along with some low-salt crackers. • Roll Boar's Head meats and cheeses for dipping into condiments - it will make a hungry child happy and keep them satisfied until dinner time. Another fun idea is to start a family food album where you and your kids keep track of the foods that provide nourishment and the ones that offer little or no nutritional value. Have your kids cut photos of food and

Visit www.boarshead.com for more kid-friendly lunch and snack ideas like these.

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Bob & Sarah Pierce, Shelby & Mike Phillips

he first annual Daddy Daughter Dance was held this spring at the Lake Serene Clubhouse. This was the Purposeful Pony's annual fundraising event. There were refreshments, a dance instructor giving dads pointers on dance steps, live DJ, doorprizes and lots of father/daughter fun.

Kaley, Rebecca, Brianna, Clay Hudgins

Pat & Abby Cantrell

Lauren, Ken & Reagan Sumrall

Jon & Rebekah Anne Wiser, Joseph Fokakis, Toni Lawrence Katherine, Ken & Natalee Lantz

Joe Nick & Caroline Leigh

Gerri, Laura, Rick Joy, Dennis & Jessica Aldy

Donnie & Carrie Burge

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Benjamin & Ainsley Hardy

Reagan & Breck Daniell

Madeline Rose & Bobby Browning

Lauren Simmerman, Kim Wingo

Patty Bomboy, Sandra Beaman

Lauren Simmerman, Stancy Gullung, Lisa Vickers, Melinda Best

Kathy Randolph, Mary Cromartie, Jan Howard

Betty McKenzie, Debbie Stout, Karen Shappley

Elise Cole, Nancy Leader, Patricia Burns

Mary Margaret Tatum, Fran Ginn, Anita Murphy, Barbara Carter

Charla Hudson, Shannon Pigott

Meg Puckett, Blue Giles

n honor of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, Stancy Gullung hosted a Royal Wedding Brunch on April 29, the morning of the wedding at her Canebrake home. Women were required to wear hats as in true British style. Gullung also had the wedding recorded and played it during the brunch.

Bebe McLeod, Meg Puckett, Tirza Carmichael, Blue Giles

Mary Margaret Tatum, Marty Herrin

Stancy Gullung, Carol Fletcher

Candice & Courtney Gullung

Gigi Dillard, Millie Swan

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Carol & Tom Messer his yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Art for the Heart Gala was held at the Train Depot and was chaired this year by Terri Bell. The preview party was held at Walnut Circle. The event included a live and silent auction for beautiful pieces of artwork and other donations. All proceeds benefit the American Heart Association.

Marci Oglesby, Jane Osowski

Shelley & Bobby Tatum

Mary & David Halliwell, Virginia Morris

Kelli & Mitch Brent, Kerry Helveston

Lawrence & Shannon Jones, Amy & Joe Travis, Tracy Haynes, Marsha & Joe Townsend

Pam Wilkerson, Jeanie Munn, Michelle Garner

Carol Ryan, Claire Curtis, Miko Ryan

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Amber Balzli, Meredith Nolan, Brittany Price

Brenda Shook, Sarah Glenn, Kim Dukes

Kym & Lehman Braley

Jack & Charla Hudson

Andy & Michelle Leslie, Charles Price, David Fortenberry

Dorian Shoemake, Dewanna Herklotz, Stewart Smith, Amanda Lee

Sweetie & Charles Greer

Bix Johnson, Bob Hammond, Rob Henderson

Joanne Denham, Ann Jones, Peggy Roberts

Dianne Massey, Peggy Pittman, Louise Massey

Donna Richardson Cecil & Louise McClellan

Retha McMullan, Ava Nell Jones, Dean McInnis

Gladys Hogg, Ruby Ledbetter

arl and Barbara Watts of Suburban Daylilies hosted a brunch for a group from Main Street Baptist Church. The visitors enjoyed wandering through the many daylilies in bloom in the Wattsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lake Serene yard.

E Sylvia White, Joyce Rogers, Mary Becht

Gerald Baylis, Tom Hall, Truman Roberts

Marie Baylis, Peggy Lofton

Tommie & G.L. Gilmore, Lillian & Jimmy Pittman

Paul Eavenson, Hershel Parker, Jere Rush, Cecil McClellan, Earl Watts

Barbara Hannabass, Layne Wright

Mildred Smith, Ken Smith, Bill Beard Doris Sledge, Arleane Beard

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Terry Stewart, Morgan Stewart, Mary Morgan, Amy Morgan, Aniston Reese Ebke, Wade Stewart

Brett Carpenter, Julie McPhail, Kaitlyn Norton, Thomas Fox-Lear

uto Glass City Glass and Andy & Lisa Lear held their 12th Annual Crawfish Boil May 6. The Annual Crawfish Boil & Silent Auction event featured former NFL Saints player Deuce McAllister and specialguest, Shay Hodge of the Bengals, homemade jambalaya & DJ "D-Drome." All proceeds subsidize the Abigail Lear Scholarship Foundation, with 100 percent of funds supporting the USM Women's Soccer Team. Each year, USM Coach Scott Ebke has the team select a peer who evokes the spirit to honor Abigail and her love for the sport. The 2010-11 recipient was Mallory Barnes.

Carrie & Bandy Singh

Shay Hodge, Deuce McAllister Paul McDaniel, Lisa & Andy Lear

Barry & Kelly Lowery, Bill Rainey, Shannon Waldrop

Kaitlyn Wilson, Joshua, Kasey & Aiden Hocutt

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Shannon Rogers, Casee Rhodus, Kristen Windecker, Sarah Brusco

Thomas Fox-Lear, Brett Carpenter, Jordan Nobles

Justin Estes, Cason Bicknell, Ed Preston, Dylan Lanphere,

Laura Singley, Rodney & Lana Gresham, Mike Magee

Tammy, Katie & Todd Perry

Hughston Sanders, Drew Herring

Jacklyn Allen, Cheryl King

Kathy & Ben Carmichael

Joseph Barker, Chad Waldrup

Dr. James W. Griffin Jr. M.D.,

Kaye & Wayne Ray

John & Gloria Green

Ivie & Marty Pulliam

Todd & Mary Glenn Bradley, Raymond & Melanie Whitehead

Donice Smith, Duane Burgess, Bonita Beckham, Teri Burgess, Rachel Beckham, Sara Beckham n Thursday, June 2, the Forrest General Healthcare Foundation held its Third Annual Doctors’ Hall of Fame event. The Hall of Fame was organized by the hospital’s foundation to honor those physicians who have contributed to the improvement of healthcare in Hattiesburg and to the growth and excellence of Forrest General Hospital. Physicians honored in the 2011 Doctors’ Hall of Fame included Duane Burgess, Sr., A. Jerald Jackson, T. Erskine Ross, III, Fred Tatum, Clint White, William Whitehead

Shirley Ducksworth, Fran McManus, Virginia Jones

Dr. Eric Hale, Wendy Farrell, Steven Farrell, Jackie Parker

Ora Shaheed, Doug & Judith Jones

Amy Whitehead, Dr. William Whitehead, Lou Whitehead, William Whitehead Jr., Melanie Whitehead, Dr. Raymond Whitehead, Peter Whitehead, Mersey Whitehead

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John & Sydney Cuccia

Janet Deal, Jean Bourne, Josie Burney, Virginia Hession

Bobbye & Bill Sladek

Brenda Burnes, Hazel Milton

Lovie Gains, Lenora Busden, Rhodia B. Lofton

Mary Frances Dobbs, JoAnn Raanes

George & Liz Hensarling

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Debby Vaughn, Ann Green, Libby Broome

Linda Swann, Ray Fortner

Nola G. Holder, Mettrue Ellis

he City of Hattiesburgâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park and Recreation Department hosted the 2011 Senior Prom at the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center in Downtown Hattiesburg. Area seniors were invited to participate. The afternoon included food, dancing, live music and prom photos.

Lillie Dixon, David Anderson, Fonda Johnson, Kathryn Dobson, JoAnn Polk

Maxine Stallard, Jerry McCloud, Neal McCloud, Sally Matthews

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LaKeisha Bryant, Myesha Russell

Judge Vanessa J. Jones, Williams Jones Jr., Regertha Jordan Stephanie & Ricky Myers

Marcia & Hardy Sims

he Hattiesburg Police Department held its annual Policemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ball May 21 at the Lake Terrace Convention Center.

T Luther Moore, James & Carolyn George, Vita & Tonia Carson

Frazier & Linda Bolton

Frank & Tricia Misenhelter Willie Cherry, Mary Watts, Martha Cherry, Kati Bragg

Cheryl Hinton, Jasmine Siggers, Artidra Siggers, Sherri Siggers, Artedra Siggers

Faye Hicks, Joanna Harris, Tammy Leggett, Stephanie Dillon, Tianie Marshall, Andrea Martin

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Shannon & James Harris Jr.

Christina Minor, Sgt. E. Allen Murray

Jane & Ron Reid

Anita & DJ Davis

Stephou & Valencia Harris

James Bru, Jordan Morrow Joyce Hicks, Lucie Fleming, Max Fleming

Adam Myrick, Lindsey Smith, Jason LaViere

Pauline Le, Sam Clark Linda Gates, Hoa Nguyen, Jimmy Le

Chase Jordan, Riley Pittman, April Bullock, Jordan Hicks

Barry Herring, Jonathan Churchill, Kyle Goddard

Kelly Shows, Russell McCarthy

Jason LeViere, Stacy Ahua, Adam Myrick Downtown Throwdown was held at The Venue in Downtown Hattiesburg and featured the Thomas Jackson Orchestra and The King Fridays.

Jean & Jack Denton

Linkie Marais, Tinyke & Jeremy Cooper

Lindsey Smith, Dusty Weiss, Caitlin Weiss, Kay Kerstens, Alex Kibner

David & Sara Miller

Jackie Freels, Kelly Caldwell, Sam Caldwell, Jill Anderson, Ken Smitherman

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Elvis, Lauren Mitchell

Sandra Russell, Elvis

Hollie Ferrill, Josh Mixson, Hoy Schramm

Jacob Freeman, Hannah Beech Lauren Mitchell, Anita Nobles

Whitley Tassin, Elvis, Lauren Mitchell

Debbie Everett, Lauren Mitchell

Lauren Mitchell, Ryan Hendley

auren Mitchell celebrated her birthday recently at the ARC House in Hattiesburg. Elvis made a special appearance during the event. This was a very big night for a lot of special needs children.

Jourdan Byrd, Caleb Barnes, Blake Murphy

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Aljandro Betancourt, Elvis, Cubic Weatherspoon, Stephen Mooney

Lauren Mitchell, Pam Graves

Allye Cate Tynes, Melinda Holcomb, Abbye Jo Tynes, Lauren Mitchell Abbye Tynes, Donnie Holcomb, Lauren Mitchell

Lauren Mitchell, Whitney Roberts

Christian Aruz, Amber Williams Tammy & Paige McBeth, Lauren Mitchell

Brodie Moss, Emily Matherne Angela, Kennedy & Todd Graves, Lauren Mitchell

Elvis, Todd Russell

Lauren Mitchell, Morgan Trotter

Cindy Pennington, Lauren Mitchell, Brittnay Amos

Abbye Tassin, Lauren Mitchell, Dawn Tassin, Whitley Tassin

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on’t be late for this very important date! Forrest General hosted a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party for Sweeteas members at Southern Oaks House and Gardens. Some of the Pine Belt’s youngest ladies dressed in their tea-time finery for a date with Wonderland’s favorite characters.

Molly Francis Camille, Reagan Daniell, Anna Lea Weathers, Addie Siders

Meredith Rutland, Kim Burge, Marlene Harris, Kathy Emmons, Christina Kemp

Caylee Gatwood, Cassie Davis, Anna Jordan Boyer

Ryleigh, Brittney & Tori Borbash

Cassie Davis, Anne-Love Helveston, Abby Wade, Ivey Swan

Kathy & Olivia Smith, Alicia & Merrit McLemore, Donna, Katie & Maggie Rouse

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Susan Slaughter, Lee Bell

Alex Rawlins, Ashley Allee, Mallory Gilbertson, Ryleigh Borbash

Addison Blair Dyess, Weslie Hunter, Zoey Swan

Amy & Kirstin Schauss, Stacey Turnage, Elizabeth Prine

Sydney Rester, Chloe Bell, Emmie Perkins, Kathryn Slaughter, Abigail Gunter

Annie Jackson, Sonya Duncan

Linda Nary, Patricia King

Joyce Housley, Frances Bounds

Ashley Grant, Sara Peterson, Linda Boutwell-Griffith

Brianna, Kailey & Rebecca Hudgins

he United Way of Southeast Mississippi gave a big thank you to the Pine Belt â&#x20AC;&#x201C; agencies, residents and companies, who were among those helping to raise $1.4 million in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaign. The funding supports 21 partner agencies in the area. Jerome Brown is 2011-12 board president. The Top 10 organizations with the largest campaign contributions were recognized. Also recognized were those who have given 25 or more years of service to the organization.

Kris McNair, Charlean Bolton

Clyde Bryant, Emma Pope, Eddie A. Holloway

Ted Webb, Linda Boutwell-Griffith, Wes Rouse, Mary Clare Shaw, Lisa Phillips, Dan Kibodeaux, Mickey Allen, Grant Walker

Helen Matthews, Marilyn Howell

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Rodrika Hollingsworth, Meria Jones, Tunga Nelson, Clemmie Nelson-Morgan

Annie L. Jones, Melissa Garretson, Patricia King

Porshia Evans, Willie L. Evans

Lydia Walters, Lynn Walters

Susan Light, Angela Davis-Morris, Carolyn Jones-Primeaux

Billie Magee, Cora Mix

Carol Lindley, Louise Cubley, Bob Lindley

Linda Carraway, Tamara Sutton

Ashley Hinton, Jacy & Pam Graham

Emily Elledge, Cathryn Parker, Renee Elledge, Esther Sharplin

esley Medical Center recently honored hundreds of Pine Belt women during its Sixth Annual Strong Women celebration held at Lake Terrace Convention Center. More than 200 women were nominated in five categories â&#x20AC;&#x201C; defender, leadership, mentor, perseverance and promise.

Linda Williams, LInda F. Garry, LaShana Sorrell, Annie Jackson

Judy Allen, ShaLonda Stokes

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Sherry & Hollie Parker

Kamey & Carolyn Patterson

Clara & Sandra Ugwu-Dike

Laci & Ben Kling, Mark & Natalie Maddox

Nikki Mattison, Laurie Rimes

Rhonda Flowers, Jenny Doleac, Nicole Young

Chase Blankenship, Amanda Gibson

Jennifer Conerly, Mary Jane Lawler, Dawn Jones

Nancy Gibson, Ricky Gibson, Amanda Gibson, Chase Blankenship, Stacy Pace, J.B. Pace

manda Gibson and Chase Blankenship were honored with an engagement party on June 18 at Canebrake County Club. The bride is the daughter of Ricky and Nancy Gibson and the groom is the son of Rhonda and Mark Flowers and Kent Blankenship. The wedding is set for Sept. 4 at the Audubon Tea Room in New Orleans.

Chase Blankenship, Amanda Gibson, Ricky & Nancy Gibson, Dot & Joseph Thrash, Jennifer & David Harvey; Lauren, Lisa, Al, Will, Ike & Dawn Thrash, Kelly & David Oliver

Presley Davis, Susan & Mike Barnes, Nancy Regan, Tyler Blankenship, Amanda Gibson, Chase Blankenship, Jordan Blankenship, Rhonda, Mark, Katlynn & Steven Flowers

Elise Schwarz, Lyndsey Fry, Courtney McDonald, Amanda Gibson, Ashley Fry, Cynthia Fry, Shara Graham

Lisa Thrash, Barbara Swilley, Beverly Silman, Debbie Lowery, Anita Johnson, Betty King, Dawn Jones, Patricia Brown; Laurie Stetelman, Patsy Hammett, Janet Mitchell, Reagan Hrom, Rhonda Fry, Sheila Kribbs, Pam Waddle, Becky Barnes

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Lee & Lisa Ready, Brittney & Jamie Powell

Sophie, Bert & Lori Beisel

he 9th Annual Hattiesburg Clinic Sports Medicine Crawfish Boil for area coaches and their staffs was held at the Hattiesburg home of Dr. Raymond Whitehead.

Ann Louise & Raymond Whitehead

Dallas Carter, Meagan Blackwell, Ken Carter

Monesha, Monique & Robresha Thomas Shannon & Tammy White, Melissa & Matt Caldwell

Roy Stringer, Raymond Whitehead, Tanya Powell

Gordon & Bonnie Dixon Travis, Laura, Lynda Grace & Jamie Holifield Mike Williamson, Laura & Tommy Sims

Kadi Bishop, Tatum Farlow, John David Oubre, Ty Hughes Mary Claire Whitehead

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John & Cyndi Brown

Alex Ready, Taylor Ready, Matthew Norton

Katelyn McCrory, Lauren Scarborough, Hilary Word

Ashton Beightol, Leah Travis, Phyllis Jestice

Phyllis Jestice Savannah Steadman

Savannah & Susan Steadman

Greer Andrews, Hannah Stevens

Nina Bellipanni, Greer Andrews avannah Steadman was honored with a Sweet 16 Birthday tea at Simply Teavine in Hattiesburg. The event was hosted by Phyllis Jestice and Susan K. Steadman. Guests celebrated with a beautiful Southern Tea on the porch of the historic family cabin.

Katelyn McCrory, Janki Patel

Savannah Steadman, HIlary Word, Lauren Scarborough

Hannah Stevens, Greer Andrews

Nina Bellipanni, Kate McElroy

Ashton Beightol, Leah Travis

Katelyn McCrory, Lauren Scarborough, HIlary Word, Savannah Steadman, Ashton Beightol, Leah Travis, Alexis Weathersby

Nina Bellipanni, Kate McElroy, Hannah Stevens, Greer Andrews

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Maddy & Stephanie Mayfield

Mallory & Leslie Boyte, Addison & Marlena Shaw

Randall, Madelyn & Hagen Smith, Linda & Don White

Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Kia South, Christie Mosley

isney characters such as Donald and Daisy Duck, Buzz Lightyear, Belle, Sleeping Beauty and Ariel came out to help the American Cancer Society raise funds during a Characters for a Cure Dinner. A dinner with the special guests was held at Movie Star Restaurant in Oak Grove and another at Petal Harvey Baptist Church in Petal.

Barbara, Tom Rhea & Shelby Phillips

Mike & Casey Bankston, Peyton Elmore

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Betty Carlisle, Tyler, Joseph, Amanda, Breanna, Debbie & Alyssi Miller

Claire Kyzar, Jana Clinton Ethan, Melanie & Baleigh Belk, Sheila Easterlin

Faye & Virginia Weston, Nancy McKee, Jenna Weston Jayden Pulliam, Kelly & Clay Hall, Ivie Pulliam

John Mark, Lindsey, Izzy & Tripp

Ella & Jack Parker

Gabby Graham with Kylie Harrell (Belle), Ashley Reynolds (Ariel) & Whitley Tassin (Sleeping Beauty)

Jerrie Zahn, Genesis & Providence Kitchens Emma Grace & Deanna Gardner

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