Signature Magazine - May 2011 by Hattiesburg Publishing, Inc.

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There are few things in life that we can all claim to have in common with one another, but having a mother is certainly one of them. Franklin D. Roosevelt was in the White House when my mother was born - the middle child of three and only daughter born to John Bynum and Lillian Clegg. From what I’ve been told, she was the adventurous type - finding no alternative but to embrace her inner tomboy in order to keep up with her two brothers. It was that exciteable little girl who found herself at the wrong place at the wrong time when, at the age of four she walked into the path of a hammer being drawn back by her uncle. The tragedy cost her the loss of sight in one eye, but it never stopped her from achieving her goals and she never considered herself handicapped. Despite the fact she had no depth perception, she learned to sink free throws with the best of them and played high school volleyball and softball in her small hometown of Salina, Okla. She graduated from high school in 1959 and promptly moved to Washington, D.C. where she worked as a secretary for J. Edgar Hoover’s Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was in Washington where she eventually met, fell in love with, and married my father. My parents, like most people, have had their ups and downs during the course of their 51-year marriage. They raised four children together and have welcomed seven grandchildren and a greatgrandchild into their family. A second great-grandchild is expected to arrive this month. My father will tell you that she deserves the credit for keeping the family together all these years and he would be right. She’s one of the most thoughtful and consdiderate and kind people that I know and I’m proud to claim her as my own. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. Thanks for being you and thanks for helping me become a better me.

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Happenings ....................................... 6-7 Signature Q&A Garner, Executive Director, Meet Louise Cubley ...................... 9 Kathy AIDS Services Coalition of Greater Hattiesburg .................................... 64 Art for Heart American Heart Association Signature Events .................... 45-63 announces 2011 gala event ........................ 10 Graduation Roundup Graduation ceremonies around the Pine Belt ....................................

Journey to Addison Mother’s Day will be special for this Petal mom ..........................

Sweet Tweets Not your ordinary cookies ............................

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Take note... Taterbugs is at-home-job for Oak Grove mom .................................... 25

The Drowsy Chaperone The Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera presents a musical within a comedy ..........

Signature Magazine • May 2011 • vol 6 number 2

publisher David Gustafson editor Beth Bunch contributors Dana Gower • Marlo Matthews • Ed Lashley • Lee Cave advertising representatives Emily Hall • Missy Pickering Jessica Wallace art director Bill Benge

New Harmonies Smithsonian exhibit celebrates American roots music ..................................

FestivalSouth Multi-genre arts festival will celebrate its second exciting season June 4-18 ..............

37 Food ........................................................ 42 Family Picnic Fun ...................... 42 Top Chef Q&A Meet Carolyn Carlos, Missy-Anna’s of Petal ..................................

Bethley Birthday ........................................ 45 Boy Scout Banquet .................................... 46 USM Dugout Banquet ................................ 47 Eagle Awards ............................................ 48 Elks Gift Exchange .................................... 49 Elks Cocktail Party .................................... 50 Friends of Carey ........................................ 52 Habitat Fundraiser ...................................... 53 JSU Alumni Association .............................. 54 Lamar Jr. Miss Pageant ............................ 55 Revelers Ball .............................................. 56 Retirement Reception ................................ 58 USM Rodeo Dinner .................................... 59 Business After Hours .................................. 60 Home Sweet Home Giveaway .................. 61 Zeus Coronation ........................................ 62 Zeus Dinner Dance .................................... 63

43 Signature Snapshots ................ 44

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.

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Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center Through May 22, giant insects are creating a bug infestation in Downtown Mobile. See robotic bugs up to 120 x life-size, a life insect zoo and more. At the Exploreum located in Downtown Mobile, exit 26B off I-10. For more information or tickets, call 877-625-4FUN or visit Ex-ploreum.com.

Lauren Rogers Museum 12 Voices – Through June 9 – This exhibition, organized by Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc., presents 26 works by 12 outstanding artists who use quilting as their means of artistic expression. Juror Penny McMorris, in her selections, offers the viewer a magnificent array of works by artists who present a diverse range of imagery in their quilts. McMorris notes that the exhibition offers a "rare, in-depth look at twelve of the finest quilt artists working today. Some are known worldwide. Others are fresh faces displaying a strong and promising talent."

Laurel Collects: Vintage Toys, June - August 2011 Loïs Mailou Jones: A Life in Vibrant Color, Aug. 27 - Nov. 6 Views from the Vault – December 2011 - January 2012

Mississippi Museum of Art Through July 17, the The Orient Expressed: Japan’s Influence on Western Art, 1854-1918, will be on display at the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson. Visitors to this eleventh exhibition in The Annie Laurie Swaim Hearin Memorial Exhibition Series will learn about the cultural phenomenon known as Japonisme, through the presentation of more than 200 works of art from the 19th and early 20th centuries. First identified by French art critic Philippe Burty in 1872, Japon-isme became a worldwide movement that deeply impacted the visual arts. The resulting influence of these pieces on the visual and decorative arts as well as architecture, music, theater, literature, graphic design, and even fashion was overwhelming and continues to this day. For more information, visit msmuseumart.org or call 1866-VIEW ART. The museum is located at 380 South Lamar Street, Jackson.

Pine Belt Farmers & Artisans Market Thursdays through Saturday, Oct. 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.

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Relay for Life May 6 – Relay For Life of Lamar County, Oak Grove High School Track May 6 – Relay For Life of Marion County, Columbia High School Football Field May 6 – Relay For Life of Jefferson Davis County, Longleaf Trace Park May 6 – Relay For Life of Simpson County, City of Magee Sportsplex May 6 – Relay For Life of Greene County, Greene County High School Football Field May 13 – Relay For Life of Smith County, Taylorsville Walking Track May 13 – Relay For Life of Pike County, Southwest Regional Medical Center Walking Track May 13 – Relay For Life of Petal, Relay Park

AIDS Services Coalition Walk for Life The AIDS Services Coalition Walk for Life will be on Saturday, May 7, beginning and ending at Kamper Park Pavilion. This year’s theme Changing the Story” is particularly relevant to the network in Hat-tiesburg. The AIDS Services Coalition works every day to help those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS to change their stories – through the transitional shelter, 1-2-1 Haven House, through the Positive Living Support Group and Food for Life Pantry, and through outreach activities, including free rapid HIV testing.

HCLO presents “The Drowsy Chaperone” The Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera is excited to present its Spring production, ‘The Drowsy Chaperone!’ May 5-8 at the Saenger Theatre. Tickets are $20 for Gold Circle, $16 for General Reserved and $12 Second Balcony. "A rare combination of unprecedented originality and blinding talent, ‘The Drowsy

Chaperone,’ winner of 5 Tony Awards, boldly addresses a great unspoken desire in all of our hearts – to be entertained. If you've ever sat in a dark theatre and thought, "Dear Lord in heaven, please let it be good," this is the show for you! It all begins when a die-hard musical-theater fan plays his favorite cast album on his turntable, and the musical literally bursts to life in his living room, telling the rambunctious tale of a brazen Broadway starlet trying to find, and keep, her true love." For more information, please visit us on the web at www.hclo.org and www.facebook.com/HattiesburgCivi cLightOpera

Beautiful Basics Series The Beautiful Basics Series, sponsored by Forrest General’s Spirit of Women, continues in 2011. All events are held at Hattiesburg County Club beginning at 11:30 a.m. Cost to attend is $15 for Spirit of Women members and $25 for non-members. Lunch is served. May 11, Travel Talks – Details to be announced.

New Harmonies Through May 21 – Listen to America's music and hear the story of freedom at New Harmonies, a traveling Smithsonian exhibit set for the Hattiesburg Train Depot. New Harmonies is an interactive exhibit portraying the ongoing cultural process that has made America the birthplace of more music than any other place on earth. The exhibition provides a fascinating, inspiring and toe-tapping listen to the American story of multi-cultural exchange. The music that emerges is known by names like blues, country western, folk ballads, and gospel. The story is full of surprises about famil-

iar songs, histories of instruments, the roles of religion and technology, and the continuity of musical roots from “Yankee Doodle Dandy” to the latest hip hop CD.

Daylily Garden Tours Monday, May 30 – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Daylily gardens in the Hattiesburg area, many accredited by the American Hemerocallis Society, will be open for tours. Gardens are open at other times by appointment. The Daylily is the official flower for the City of Hattiesburg. Additional information and 2011 Tour Schedule and directions to gardens can be found at www.hattiesburgdaylily.com

Passionate for... Forrest General’s Spirit of Women is launching a new event series designed to inspire passion in women of all ages – passion for parties, health and life itself. Join local experts Catherine Strange and John David Williams in learning how to throw the best party of the season – in any season. All events will be held from 11:30-1 p.m. at Canebrake Country Club. Lunch will be served. Cost to attend is $15 for Spirit of Women members and $25 for non-members. To register for one or more of these events, call the Spirit of Women reservation line at 601288-4968. June 7 – Summertime Celebrations: From Beach Parties to Backyard Barbecues For reserved seating, you may purchase a table for 10 . All other reservations are firstcome, first-serve.

mens and arrangements. In addition to marveling at breathtaking flowers, visitors participate in a plant sale, benefit from seminars, and swap stories and information with other daylily enthusiasts. Additional information, guidelines to enter in the show, and final show times and schedule is available at www.hattiesburgdaylily.com

FestivalSouth Historic Downtown Hattiesburg comes alive with Festival-South's exciting second season, June 4 - 18. FestivalSouth is Mississippi's only multi-week, multi-genre arts festival, offering both free and ticketed events to local residents and cultural tourists. This year's festival expands with exciting events from across the spectrum of the arts - music, dance, art and theatre. Musical offerings include blues, Broadway, jazz, classical and bluegrass events. Art showings and exhibits cover downtown with a special arts market of local craftsmen and artists. Let the excitement move you with a full-scale ballet and dance classes from hip-hop to ballroom for all ages. You'll need it with all the food from eateries all over town. And don't miss arts events for children and late-night performances to cap off the day. For more information, Hattiesburg Visitors Center, 5 Convention Center Plaza. Hattiesburg, Mon. - Sat., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., 601-296-7475 or 866-4-HATTIE, email: info@festivalsouth.org or visit www.festivalsouth.org for a full events lineup.

Daylily Show Saturday, June 4, Lake Terrace Convention Center. Visitors can view more than 700 daylily speci-

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Louise Cubley, center, with two of her sons and daughters-in-law, from left, Mary Jo and Bill Cubley, Bob & Mary Cubley

hen you talk about Louise Cubley’s family, it’s hard to determine just how big it is. There are the four sons, two foster sons and five daughters-in-law. Then there are the Cub Scouts she was Den Mother to and the students who attended her Sunday School classes at Bay Street Presbyterian Church, which she has taught for more than 50 years. And if you start adding in all the other members of her church, each of whom she has been careful to call and wish a happy birthday to each year, and members of all the organizations she has volunteered with, then the number of her extended family members becomes too large to count. “I don’t know a stranger,” she admits. Cubley, who will be 89 in May, said she inherited much of that philosophy from her mother, Ella Jane Nelson. “She was always helping somebody,” Cubley said of her mother, who believed in working hard and doing whatever needed to be done. But it was her late husband, Harold Bethea Cubley, who got her on the road of participating in a variety of organizations. Cubley said her husband’s family was always very involved with the Masons and the Order of the Eastern Star. When she became a Cubley, she said, she also became a member of the latter organization.

Louise and Harold Cubley had known each other as students at Forrest County Agricultural High School. “Then the war broke out and he went off,” she said, and the friends lost touch with each other. Their next meeting would appear to have been less than auspicious. “I was working for a lawyer by then and was going to pick up the mail at the post office,” she said. “He’d been coon hunting and had spent the night in the woods. He asked me if I wanted to go coon hunting with him.” That began a courtship that lasted the rest of their lives together, she said, noting that they were married for 52 years until he died 13 years ago. After they married, he went to law school, becoming a county attorney and Forrest County judge for 12 years. “He was a mighty good fella,” she said. In addition to hunting, he also enjoyed collecting arrowheads, she said, which made him a natural fit to become involved in Scouting. “He was a Cub Master and I was a Den Mother,” Cubley said. The couple remained involved with Scouting for 19 years, she said, and resulted in her being one of the first women in this area to receive the Silver Fawn Award, the distinguished service award that was presented to women from 1971 to 1974. The Silver Fawn was discontinued when women became eligible to receive the Silver Beaver, which had previous-

ly been presented only to men. The husband-and-wife team also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, she said, noting that, “He’d drive and I’d jump out and take it in.” It was her father-in-law who got her involved in volunteering at Forrest General Hospital. After being a patient at the hospital, Cubley said, he saw that there was a need for volunteers there. “I was known as Shorty,” she said. “He said to me, ‘Shorty, you need to volunteer,’” which led to her involvement as a volunteer there for 40 years. Her work at the hospital resulted in a popular project by one of her other interests, the Pine Belt Quilters. Cubley is a charter member of that organization, which started in 1984. “There were four of us that started out,” she said. “We’ve got 200 now, and we’re very active.” It came to the attention of the quilters that patients at Forrest General Hospital who used walkers or wheelchairs had trouble carrying around their possessions. “We started making tote bags for them to put their things in,” she said. The group makes about 1015 of the bags each month to donate to the hospital. Another past project of the group was making quilts for the Ronald McDonald House, she said. A long-time bell ringer for the Salvation Army, Cubley has also participated in drives for the American Cancer Society and, following Hurricane Katrina, became

actively involved in volunteering with the Red Cross. She jokes that, “I think I have been involved in everything there ever was, and I’ve been an officer in every organization I’ve been in.” A Master Gardener for 15 years, Cubley is a member of the Camellia Society, although she is currently “not too active” with that organization, and has been a charter member of the Daylily Society since 1992. “Both of them meet once a month,” she said. Cubley has the distinction of having a hybrid daylily named after her, the Suburban Louise Cubley. “Barbara and Earl Watts sell daylilies,” she said. “I was in his garden and I told him I wanted one named after me. He said, ‘Pick one.’” Cubley has recently given up driving and, now that she needs to rely on others to help her get around town, she is cutting back on her numerous activities. Despite that, Cubley said she has plenty to keep her occupied. Pointing to her well-manicured yard, she asks, “You see how many million weeds there are?” Asked if she has developed a philosophy of life during her many years of service to others, Cubley doesn’t hesitate in coming up with an answer: “Just help each other as much as you can,” she said.

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“I am extremely proud to be a part of a community that demonstrates such caring and charity.” Terri Bell Chair of Art for Heart 2011

he American Heart Association’s mission to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke will spring into action on May 5 at the Live Auction Preview Party sponsored by Hattiesburg Clinic and Southern Heart Center at Walnut Circle Grill and again on May 19 at the annual Art for Heart Gala at the Train Depot in downtown Hattiesburg. Art for Heart is presented by Forrest General Hospital and the American Heart Association and raised $150,000 last year to fund research and education of heart disease in the state. Each year an honoree is chosen for his/her dedication to the community and support for a healthier place to live and work. This year’s honoree is Carl L. Nicholson, Jr. Art for Heart is a national fundraiser with the American Heart Association and is a premier social event in the community. The event features live and silent auctions which highlight the works of local artists. This year’s live auction will feature jewelry from Jewelmasters, art and many other exciting items. Art for Heart will offer a unique menu of heavy hor d’oeuvres, an open bar, sponsored by Jeff Farris with Oak Grove Plaza Package Store & Cork Wine and Martini Bar and Jamie Farris with Lincoln Road Package Store and entertainment sponsored and performed by Lloyd “Hurricane” Munn & the Forecasters. The theme for this year’s event is the glitz of heART! Kym Garraway-Braley shared her talents and time in designing this year’s print pieces for Art for Heart. Terri Bell, chair of Art for Heart 2011, has worked many long hours and along with her committee and a generous community have already exceeded the sponsorship goal for this event and raised more than $90,000! “I have continued to be amazed at seeing our local businesses, our medical community and the personal supporters being so charitable. I am extremely proud to be a part of a community that demonstrates such caring and charity,” said Bell. “I have been honored to work with such a passionate group of people within the Art for Heart committee in an effort to provide financial resources to the American Heart Association. These efforts are aimed solely at putting a stop to this vicious disease. Please join me this year at our annual Art for Heart event.” This year’s Art for Heart sponsors include Forrest General Hospital, Signature Sponsor; Hattiesburg Clinic and Southern Heart Center, Preview Party Sponsor; Thad and Gerry Waites, CPR Anytime Sponsor; HealthSpring, Silent Auction Sponsor; BancorpSouth, Live Auction Sponsor; IP Casino Resort & Spa, Bar Sponsor; WDAM and Signature Magazine, Media Sponsors. For more information, contact Eve Elias, regional director of the Pine Belt Region at 228-297-1800 or eve.elias@heart.org.

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Jones County Junior College will lead off this year’s graduation season among area schools when it holds its Spring Commencement Ceremonies beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 11, in the A.B. Howard/Bobcat Gymnasium. Overflow seating will be available in the Fine Arts Auditorium with a simulcast of the ceremony. About 537 students are expected to graduate from JCJC this spring. Additionally, 175 students have already met graduation requirements after the fall semester and may participate in spring commencement ceremonies. The keynote speaker will be Executive Director of the two-year international Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa, Dr. Rod Risley. Risley is a graduate of San Jacinto College in Texas, where he was elected Phi Theta Kappa National President in 1974. He joined the Phi Theta Kappa staff in Canton, Mississippi in 1977 as director of alumni affairs. In 1985, Risley was elected the society’s second executive director since its founding in 1918. His predecessor and mentor, Margaret Mosal, served the society for 50 years. When Risley took the reins, Phi Theta Kappa had 500 chapters in 48 states, and 25,000 students were inducted annually. The operating budget was $500,000, with a staff of five. Today, there are more than 1,270 chapters in the United States, U.S. territories, and seven sovereign nations. More than 125,000 students are inducted annually and the society’s budget exceeds $14 million. 2.5 million students have been inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, nearly 75 percent of those during Risley’s tenure. Risley successfully led legislative efforts to secure six acres of public land on which to construct a new headquarters for Phi Theta Kappa. In 1997, following the Society’s first-ever capital campaign led by Risley, Phi Theta Kappa dedicated The Center for Excellence, a 25,000 square foot Jeffersonian building, as its new headquarters. The staff now exceeds 70, with 15 telecommuting from 12 states. Both the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University will hold graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 13, with William Carey holding additional ceremonies the following day. Southern will hold two ceremonies on Friday, both at Reed Green Coliseum. The first will begin at 10 a.m. for students in Health, Arts and Letters, Honors College and University Libraries. The second will be at 2:30 p.m. for student in Business, Educational Psychology, Science & Technology and the Honors College. William Carey University will be holding graduation ceremonies for all of its students at the Thomas Fine Arts Building on the Hattiesburg campus. Students at the Hattiesburg campus who will be receiving graduate degrees will graduate during a ceremony on Friday, May 13, beginning at

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7 p.m. The guest speaker has not yet been named. Undergraduates who attend the Hattiesburg campus will graduate during two ceremonies on Saturday, May 14. The ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. for students receiving degrees from the schools of Arts and Letters, Nursing and Natural and Behavioral Sciences. The Speaker will be Rep. Percy Watson. A second Hattiesburg graduation for undergraduates will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday. Students receiving undergraduate degrees from the schools of Business, Education, Missions and Biblical Studies and Music will be honored at this ceremony. The guest speaker is Dr. Lalchungnunga, principal of Serampore College of Serampore, India. This is the college that William Carey established in India. Lalchungnunga will also be receiving an honorary doctorate during this ceremony. Graduation for undergraduates at the Coast campus will be held Saturday, May 14, beginning at 4 p.m. The guest speaker will be Congressman Steven M. Palazzo. Dr. S.V. “Sonny” Adolph Jr. will be receiving an honorary doctorate at this ceremony. Pearl River Community College will hold its graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 17, at the Forrest County Multipurpose Center, beginning at 10 a.m. Dub “Paw Paw” Herring, a long-time supporter of the school, will be the speaker. Presbyterian Christian School will hold its graduation ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, May 20 at the school gymnasium. This year’s class includes 67 candidates for graduation. Dr. Tommy King, president of William Carey University, will be this year’s graduation speaker. Lamar Christian Academy also will be holding its graduation ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. on May 20. Graduation will be at First Baptist Church in Purvis. Dr. Ollie Gibbs, headmaster of Lexington Christian Academy in Lexington, Ky., will be the speaker. This year’s class includes 15 candidates for graduation. Schools in the Lamar County School District will, as is customary, hold their graduations at Reed Green Coliseum on the University of Southern Mississippi campus. This year’s graduation ceremonies will be held on Saturday, May 21. Purvis High School will lead off the graduation ceremonies, beginning at 10 a.m. That will be followed by Sumrall High School at 2 p.m. and Oak High School at 6 p.m. Lumberton High School, as is traditional, will hold its graduation ceremony at the school football field. The ceremony will be held Sunday, May 22, beginning at 7 p.m. In case of rain, graduation will be moved to the school gymnasium.

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By BETH BUNCH Editor My daughter was a feather who floated down to me. My baby bloomed in China far, far across the sea. Whispers in the forest a song from tree to tree Beasts, birds and flowers know that she was meant for me. –Author Unknown Melissa Morgan of Petal has been a mom for only seven months. But for all you women out there that think 9 months of pregnancy is quiet enough, count yourselves lucky. Morgan was an expectant mother for about 4 years. Morgan, the 9th and 10th grade guidance counselor at Petal High School, began researching single parent adoptions in 2007. She was especially interested in Chinese adoptions. Her journey began January 5, 2007. She told no one...not family, not friends. She began praying, “God show me what to do,” she said. Unbeknownst to Morgan, the ball has already started rolling. “I have always wanted to be a mother,” said Morgan. “Since I am not married, God led me in the direction of adoption. There are thousands of children in the world that need a family. A verse I found in the Bible really stood out to me when I first started praying and thinking about this. It's James 1:27 which states, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." During the early part of her research she was told by Bethany Christian Services (BCS), her agency of choice, that she would have to be placed on a waiting list for singles. “I never told them to put me on the list; however, they

did. I believe that is where God took care of things.” The next day, she received a letter from BCS. Morgan says it’s a miracle she ever actually received the letter, which was dated two weeks earlier. Having moved from her home in Hattiesburg while building a new house in Petal and living with her parents, Don and Jan Morgan, in Richton for a couple of months, she was still somewhat in limbo. “I had changed my address with the post office two times in two months,” she said. Because it was late Friday when she received the letter, it wasn’t until the following Monday that she was able to talk to a social worker at Bethany. The letter informed her that if she wanted to pursue an adoption from China that she could, but she would have to move fast because Chinese policies were changing. Morgan explained that on May 1, 2007, China closed adoptions to single women. China logged Morgan’s paperwork in on April 15, 2007. “So I beat the deadline by 2 weeks. I found out about my log in date on May 1,” she said. And the wait officially began...17 to 19 months, as a best guess estimate. As of March of this year, single women are now able to adopt a child from the Special Focus program (special needs children or older children). “The social worker that I worked with wasn't sure I could still do it, but convinced the main office to let me try. This began 6 months worth of paper work in 2 weeks,” Morgan remembers. It was at that point that she called her parents to tell them what she’d been up to. Her mom wasn’t home, so she told her dad, who she said was shocked. “But he said whatever you need to do, we support you,” she said. Morgan also had to have a cer-

tain paper from the United States Citizenship and Immigrations Services giving her permission to adopt an international child. She finally received these papers on March 13, 2007, five days after the cutoff, but her paperwork was still accepted. March 27, 2007 (from Morgan’s Journey to Addison blog) I got a call from Peggy, my social worker, and my dossier has been sent to China today. This is wonderful news. It is so hard to believe that I began this process a little over three months ago. I guess that just shows what God is capable of doing....ANYTHING!!!

Morgan was well on her way. It was then that the wait began. “It was the waiting and waiting that was the hardest,” she said. “I felt like it would never happen.” Morgan explained that when she started the adoption process Continued on next page

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she looked into many different ways of financing, with one way being to apply for a grant with Shaohannah's Hope, (Show Hope) Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman's organization that helps with adoptions. The contemporary Christian music couple has adopted three daughters from China. She sent the application back and in June 2007 received a letter congratulating her on receiving one of their grants. They have awarded 2,000-plus grants since their inception in 2003 to help place orphans into loving, Christian families “God continued to show me that this was His plan for me and that He would provide,” October 15, 2007 Wow!! I cannot believe it has been 6 months since my LID (log in date). When I began this process back in January, it seemed like time would creep by. To be completely honest, the past 6 months have flown by. I pray that the remainder of the wait time will go just as fast. I still have no idea when I will be able to bring Addison home, but I know that it will be worth the wait. I look at the wait like this....it is better for me to wait for Addison than for her to have to wait for me. Life continued on with more paperwork, fingerprinting, potential immigration status problems, prayers, more prayers, answers to prayers....waiting and more waiting. April 28, 2009 It is with great joy that I let everyone know that I have passed one more step in the adoption process. The Chinese Center for Adoption Affairs has posted they have finished reviewing all paperwork through April 2007. What does this mean for me? My paperwork is through the Review Room and I didn't have any questions from CCAA. I am officially approved to adopt from China. Praise the Lord!!!! Thank you all for praying about this portion of my journey. Please continue to pray that things will speed up and I will have Addison sooner rather than later. Patience...and more waiting.. In January 2010, the third anniversary of the long adoption process and as her wait continued, Morgan said she had begun praying about pursuing a special needs adoption. “God finally gave me the peace that this is the direction that I needed to go,” Melissa said.

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A weary Melissa Morgan, carrying her new daughter, Addison, and her parents, Don and Jan Morgan, walk off the plane in Jackson on Sept. 11, 2010, after a 13-hour flight from China.

Many questioned her. “I just happen to think that all children deserve to have a family whether they are the picture of health or not,” was her reply. “We are all God's children and each one of us are special in our own way. It will be interesting to see what God has in store now that I have taken this leap of faith,” she remembers telling them. On May 19, 2010, Morgan received a call while at work from her social worker telling her she had received a referral – a 16month-old girl named Lin Manshuang born Jan. 9, 2009, in Yihuang of the Jiangxi province; repaired cleft lip and cleft palate. Morgan had until 2 p.m. the next day to say yes or no; however she still faced the possibility that China would say no to the match. In other words, don’t say anything to anybody other than immediate family. She waited for the referral

photo to be emailed to her. And waited...finally calling back to have it resent. May 19, 2010 FINALLY...I received the email and saw my daughter's face for the first time. She is beautiful!! I try not to get my hopes up because there is still that chance of denial from China.....After 37 months and 4 days, I am closer than I have ever been to bringing my daughter home. God is good all the time!!! Morgan got off the phone and a co-worker asked if she were having labor pains. “My answer was YES!” On May 24, 2010, Morgan received her pre-approval from China and began alerting family and friends. At this point, I began calling everyone that knew about the

referral. Each one of them kept asking me if they could tell. Of course, I said YES!!! I still can't believe this is real. I look at Addison's picture and she is truly my Addison. It will still be a couple of months before I travel. However, I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Oh what a wonderful sight!!!!! About two weeks later Morgan got word from BCS that they had received her LOA (official matching recognition) from the China Center for Adoption Affairs. She was one step closer and could officially introduce Addison, via email, to the world. She is from the Jiangxi province of China. More specifically, she is in foster care within the Social Welfare Institute of Yihuang. Addison was born on January 9, 2009. In January, she weighed 17 pounds and was approximately 27 inches tall. She is active, imitates words, responds to other's asking for objects, and cooperative when putting on clothes. Addison is fond of listening to music and singing. She will fit in well with my family. She has a ready smile, is quick in reaction, and can be obstinate at times. Her favorite activity is watching TV and her favorite toy is her doll. It is hard to believe that this journey has finally come to this point. I cannot wait until I meet her face to face. I am praying that this will be an easy transition for her. I ask that you pray for her too. On July 12 Morgan received a call saying she would be traveling to China toward the end of August. On Aug. 25, Melissa and her parents boarded a plane for Beijing And on Aug. 30, when she was 19 months old, Addison, was handed to her new mother. On Sept. 11, the proud mother and grandparents returned home on a 13-hour flight with their newest U.S. citizen, which Addison became upon going through customs in Detroit, Mich., on the journey to Jackson, where a welcome home contingency was waiting and then on to her new Friendly City. Melissa said from the beginning she’d picked out the name Addison Grace, but wanted to keep a portion of her Chinese name. So she tweaked the Grace with Lin and a little spelling twist and named her Addison Gracelyn. When Addison was handed to her in China she was 19 months old, weighed just 14 lbs. and couldn’t sit up by herself or speak. Melissa does know some of her

19-month-old Addison Gracelyn Morgan found a new life with a wonderful family in Petal.

daughter’s background...that she was left at the gate of the orphanage and found about 6 or 6:30 a.m. by a man who worked there. She was two or three days old. She lived with a foster family for about 17 months before being returned to the orphanage for the last two months before she was officially turned over to Melissa. She regressed some during that time, Melissa was told, but was also very attached to her foster family. You’d never know it now. In the past seven months, she’s come so far. “Developmentally she’s caught up to a two-year old,” Morgan said. But she’s still a very petite child and “clothes are an issue because she is so small, like the 6-month shorts and 18-month top she is wearing,” her mom said, Now she walks and runs and identifies colors and animals and the names of people in photos. She tells you her name and that of the special people in her life. Her favorite food is pasta of any shape, form, fashion and she loves watermelon. Melissa said in the beginning Addison was very peculiar and hoarded her food. “She kept it to her because she was afraid she would lose it,” said Melissa, probably something she may have learned at the orphanage. Morgan also pointed out that children which cleft palate prob-

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lems sometimes have feeding difficulties which could contribute to her hoarding. Addison enjoys watching Mickey Mouse Club and Handy Manny cartoons and has a wonderful time playing by herself with a multitude of toys – from puzzles to a simple orange plastic jack-o-lantern that was once her moms. “I’ve put that thing up so many times, but she keeps finding it,” Morgan said as Addison slowly stuffed pastel plastic bracelets into its cavity. She loves books and to read and receives a book a month from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, part of Petal’s Excel by Five program. She likes colors, isn’t partial to small spaces, dolls, stuffed animals or dogs. Family pet, Toby, has been fostered out to Papa and Mimi for the time being. And she enjoys cooking with her Mimi. She got a swingset for her birthday and loves, loves, loves being outside. “The winter was tough for us having to stay in so much,” said the proud mother. Addison works with speech and physical therapists from Southern Miss weekly, who continue to help with her progress. And since both of Melissa’s parents are former educators, the proud grandparents who take care of their only grandchild, teach her throughout the day, and play...and love her. But Addison’s had no problem

attaching to her new family (grandparents, a great-grandmother and great aunt as well as an aunt and uncle) and friends. Addison spends time each week between her house and that of her Papa and Mimi in Richton. If you ask Addison what Papa does at church she'll move her hands like she's directing or moves her fingers like she's playing piano, like her Mimi does (Mr. Morgan serves as music director at Green’s Creek Baptist Church, while his wife plays the piano.) And when asked what Addison is supposed to do at church, she puts a finger to her lips signaling to be quiet. She does still have some sleep issues, according to her mom. “She has separation anxiety and attachment issues and sleeps in the room with me. She has to know where you are at all times. And some nights we are up more than we are asleep, but it gets better with time.” Potty training will become more of a concerted effort during the summer months when Mom is off work and they have more time. Melissa explained that following Addison’s May 2 surgery in Jackson to repair her palate, her arms will be splinted so she won’t put her hands in her mouth. “I didn’t think it was fair to try the potty training then. Besides, she's had a lot of change in a short amount of time.”

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In August Addison will start going to the Children's Center at USM a couple of days a week to continue on the educational path before they try preschool. Addison has celebrated Halloween as a big flower (but only in photos), Thanksgiving, Christmas, her second birthday on Jan. 9, Easter and very soon her first Mother’s Day with Melissa. Depending on Addison’s recovery after surgery will depend on how they celebrate this special first Mother’s Day together. “We’ll probably go to my parents and have lunch with them,” Melissa said. But these days, every day is Mother’s Day for Melissa. “I really felt like God wanted me to do this....it was something I was supposed to do and I don’t regret one minute of it,” the proud mother said. “A lot of people say, ‘Oh you did such a good thing.’ But she's the blessing to me. She has been the light of my life since that day. I don't remember life before her. I wouldn’t give anything in the world for the adoption journey that I have been on the past 4 years. Addison has blessed my life in ways I can never explain. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.” To read Morgan’s blog she wrote while traveling to get Addison, go to www.youbelong.net/addisongracelyn.

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“Occasionally I would make cookies for family and friends on special occasions. The more cookie cutters I bought, the more “invested” in the hobby I became and it took off from there.” By BETH BUNCH Editor One week you may find Vicki Taylor following the yellow brick road with a cookie sheet or two of ruby red slippers in her hand or in a galaxy far far away with Yoda and some of his Star Wars buddies. On other weeks she may be up to her elbows in onesies, rattles and baby bottles, but not changing any dirty diapers. When frazzled, she might be “hanging ten” on a flower-bedecked surfboard, while sporting an Hawaiian-print shirt. Or you might find her at homeplate with a full count(er) of bats, balls and baseball caps. Then there are the sock monkeys, pink cowgirl boots and bandannas. You just never know. And neither does she. But no matter what the theme of choice for the particular project she’s working on, rest assured, she's having a blast and is probably covered from head to toe in flour. There may even be icing in her hair. “I don't mind the way I smell in carpool line, if there's blue icing in my hair or flour on my face,” she said. And no doubt, the kitchen has a sheen of flour and powdered sugar.

Taylor is Sweet Tweets, a cookie hobby, that’s anything but half-baked, and one she does for family, friends and the like. But most importantly, something she does for charitable purposes, as well. All proceeds from her endeavors are donated to local Pine Belt charities. Remembering back, she has no idea where the Sweet Tweets name came from. “I don't tweet or have a twitter account,” she said. But it came from somewhere and stuck. While she considers herself an O.K. cook, she admits she loves to bake. “If I'm asked to bring a dish to an event, it's always a dessert,” she said. “I have loved to bake ever since I was introduced to my grandmother's KitchenAid mixer,” said Taylor. “The standing mixer fascinated me, because it was huge and sturdy and it was known that it had been a workhorse for ages and was built to last a lifetime.” Taylor grew up outside of Omaha, Neb., in a very rural area; her grandparents lived only two doors down from her family. “My mother's father had died when I was very small and my grandmother remarried a Jewish gentleman and converted (although my mother did not), so I got the

benefit of being next door to the typical “Jewish Grandma,” Taylor remembers. “She was an amazing cook, as was my mother. We grew up on Matzo Ball soup and Latkas. So, whenever I was able, I went over to my grandmother's house to use the beloved KitchenAid.” Her mother's talents in the kitchen didn't go unnoticed either. “We'd walk home from school and there would always we chocolate cake, apples turnover or something mom had made and had waiting for us...every single day,” Taylor said. As a teenager, Taylor took a quick cake decorating class and enjoyed making all of the family cakes until her senior year in high school. “Then came college and marriage and kids, and although I liked to bake and cook, I really did not get into decorating until about 3 of 4 years ago,” she said, only really reviving her hobby in December of 2009. Taylor said she was sitting at home with a new baby and saw a Martha Stewart episode on cookie decorating and thought it was something that looked like fun. “Occasionally I would make cookies for family and friends on special occasions. The more cookie cutters I bought, the more

“invested” in the hobby I became and it took off from there.” Taylor said if it weren't for the magic of the internet, she would never have learned little tips and tricks that make cookie decorating easier. “There is a wealth of forums on cake and cookie decorating and not only are the other ladies helpful, but they post pictures that I use as inspiration for many of my cookies.” She said YouTube is also helpful Continued on next page

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for techniques and “seeing how cookie decorators do even the simple things, like filling an icing bag!” While many women have extensive shoe or purse collections, Taylor boasts an extensive cookie cutter collection that numbers in the hundreds. “I have lost count, but counting the “mini” cookie cutters, I have several hundred. She said she tries to organize them, but, generally, “I find myself “digging” to find just the right one. And it's always inevitable, someone will ask for a cookie that I don't have a cutter for and then I “have” to get it!” Or improvise as she so craftily does on occasion. Her sock monkey is actually the combination of a “cupcake” cookie cutter paired with another to give it its shape and Thomas the Train is a cake-shaped cutter with some extras added to give it dimension and the perfect look. While Taylor loves collecting recipes, through trial and error she's learned to stick to one or two tried-and-true recipes, because “I know what they will do,” she said. “There is nothing worse than trying a new recipe and realizing you cut out 50 sailboat cookies and after they've baked they “spread” to look like 50 “blobs.” Because of this, Taylor has to balance taste with the cookies holding up to icing and bagging, as well as how the cookie will be used. If it's to be put on a stick she has to use a different recipe. “My recipe uses only 5 ingredients, but I can say that the real difference in a good cookie is real butter and good vanilla or other flavoring,” she said. On occasion she'll throw in her “secret” ingredient to add even more taste. Taylor decorates the cookies she bakes with a Royal icing, which dries hard, or she makes her own fondant. “With icing, if you get the wrong consistency, you've got a disaster,” she said. “Once again, the internet has been the source for all my recipes, whether it be the actual cookie or the icing.” Taylor's cookie making runs like a well-oiled machine. On Monday she makes up enough dough for the entire week, while Tuesday is baking day with two ovens and Wednesday and

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Thursday are spent decorating. From start to finish, cookies are usually at least a four-day process. “If the cookie icing has to be layered, then it may take longer,” she said. “I have to wait for the icing to dry, usually 12 hours for one color, before I can add the next. Sock monkeys take 4-6 days. She also likes to let cookies sit out and dry before icing. “The butter in the recipe tends to make the icing blotchy if the cookies are fresh. It's better if the cookie is slightly hard,” she said. While she says she can't draw, the petite baker considers herself creative, but not artistic. You'd never know it from looking at the details of her baked creations...whether the Golden Eagle logo of Southern Miss or cookies for a pink cowgirl birthday party where some of the icing resembles saddle leather. For the tedious things like detailed logos, she uses the aid of a small projector attached to a swing arm lamp clamped to the dining room table, an invention of husband, Rick. “I can bring up any image on the computer,” she said. The design on the computer screen is then projected onto a piece of white paper placed on the table. Taylor puts the cookie on the paper and traces the lines of the design. “It's tedious and you have to have a steady hand. If I drink a lot of coffee, I shake. And that's brutal.” It's also why she doesn't like 'characters,' ” because you don't do it once, but maybe as many as 24 times. Cookies with a “slip of the hand,” otherwise known as imperfect, are packed up for Rick to take to work. Sometimes for cookies, such as the USM eagle logo, Taylor will make a yellow cookie which then

only requires black piping and simplifies her job somewhat. Then there are times that someone would like her to make something that is “just not possible with icing. That is when I break out my “anniversary present” from Rick....a printer that prints edible ink onto edible icing sheets. This makes logos and pictures a breeze,” she said. But the color printer, which clogs a lot, can only be used for this use and nothing else...no paper through this printer. And the ink is extremely expensive. Always looking for new ideas for decorating, Taylor admits that if she sees scrapbook paper with a particular design or a T-shirt that she likes “I am always thinking how that will translate into a cookie.” “Rick is responsible for most of my cookie gadgets,” said Taylor. “If I even drop a hint, he is good enough to investigate how to get a certain product for me. That is where he draws the line, though. He does not like sweets that much, so he is not a good “quality control” person.” Rick is also responsible for a handy three-tiered cart that holds all of his wife's “cookie clutter” and can be rolled to a secret hiding place until her next baking excursion. The mother of two tries to keep her cookie hobby within the confines of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. “And I try and have it all put away by 5 p.m., that way I can pick up my teenager from school and help my first grader with homework,” she said. That's also why she limits her orders to no more than 100-150 cookies a week. For those orders she can't handle, she has a list of other “bakers” who she refers people to. It also enables her time to spend putting the details on each batch of cookies to make it special

for the person it is going to. Taylor is always on the prowl for cute containers to put cookies in, “whether it be at Target or at Dollar Tree. The other day I was at Target and saw a “Hello Kitty” box and decided to make cookies to match the box!” Taylor admits to being an addict of the Food Network and Cupcake Wars. “I think I just love the smell of sugar and vanilla,” she said. She also enjoys trying new techniques and using new tools, “but what I love most is a good giveaway on my facebook page, Sweet Tweets. I love hearing from other people who love cookies and having them write on my wall telling me about their families, who their favorite teacher was, their favorite vacation spot or Easter candy. “In the end, I get to give away a box of cookies! I have met so many wonderful people on my baking journey and I'm excited for everything that is to come.” Holidays are usually her busiest time of year and she's usually booked two months in advance. While she'll do or attempt whatever is requested, she prefers being left to her own devices. “When people want something very specific, there are expectations that come with those cookies,” she said. Lots of people bring her a birthday invitation to at least give her a theme, but it's when her customers let her do “whatever,” that's when she can be creative and “I can go crazy.” In addition to “orders” for family, friends and the like, Taylor also donates cookies, about 60 pieces, on a weekly basis to the Hattiesburg Visitor's Center. The week of the Hattiesburg Zoo's 61st birthday she made zoo animals. Sometimes she makes cake balls; chocolate espresso was a recent creation. All proceeds from her cookie endeavors are given to charity. Recently, Homes of Homes for Children was the recipient, Last year, they gave to United Way, Southern Pines Animal Shelter and R3SM. “Rick and I talk on a monthly basis about where the money will go, based on things that strike a chord with us,” she said. “But it's always a local charity.” Taylor loves what she does and when it stops being fun, the facebook page will come down and she'll pack it all away. And that's the way the cookie will crumble, but hopefully no time soon.

By BETH BUNCH Editor

he most important task Susan Miller has in her life at the moment is being a mom and a wife. And then there's the business side of her. Miller is mother to three children, 8-year-old Taylor, a third-grader at Oak Grove Lower; 4-year-old Jack, preschooler at Temple Baptist Church’s Learning Depot and 10-month old Payne, the caboose and a very big surprise, and wife to husband, Terry. “My main job is being the COO (Chief Operating Officer) of my household with laundry, bottles and chauffeuring being my main responsibilities,” she laughs. “We had planned to have three children until Jack arrived,” said Miller. “He is such a ball of energy, but brings lots of laughter and joy into our lives, yet he wears us out.” The Millers, who have been married for 11 years, found out in October 2009 in the emergency room at Forrest General that Baby #3 would be arriving in June 2010. “I thought I was having a stroke in the middle of the night and Terry took me to the ER and surprise!” remembers Miller. “This might be the most expensive pregnancy test known to man, but I don’t recommend finding out this way! But honestly, I can’t imagine my life without these three. They are all three in very different stages of life, which make life very interesting and busy.” While Miller once worked outside the home, she now finds great joy in being a stay-at-home and proprietor of her own home business, Taterbugs, a hobby turned homework that churns out primarily stationery products – notecards, notepads, birth announcements, Christmas cards, birthday party and shower invitations, calling card/gift enclosure tags and luggage tags. The hobby business really was something that just got started as an accident, according to Miller. “I love fiddling around the computer and because I had a little bit of a graphic design background, I decided I'd save some money and start making my own stationery and invitations for my children,” she said. The compliments starting rolling in on the work she was doing, so she decided to

start giving her work as gifts. “We have lots of birthday parties to attend these days and my creations were both a time and money saver,” she said. “Plus, while I know the children don't really appreciate a set of notecards or calling cards as a birthday gift, I know their moms do!” Susan is quick to point out that it was a dear friend who provided encouragement for her to start her home endeavor. “She told me that I seemed to be looking for something to do and I was looking in the wrong place. I remember her saying to me, ‘Susan, think about what you love to do and concentrate on developing your talent right there at home. You love being creative, God has given you this gift, go with it!’ I know this was the best advice I’ve gotten. So many times we tend to look for something that’s right under our noses. I know that I am so blessed and I have no one to thank for the blessings I have (and don’t deserve) except for my Savior. God has richly blessed me and my family and I’m thankful he’s opened this door for me.” The busy mother was never formally trained in graphic design other than a class she took in college towards her degree. Miller received her bachelor’s degree in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and a major concentration in Spanish from Mississippi State. She earned her Master’s in Mass Communication from the University of Southern Mississippi, where she taught newswriting for two years. “I have completed my coursework and written and oral comprehensive exams towards my doctorate in Mass Communication from USM, but Continued on next page

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still lack that one big hill – the dreaded dissertation. I hope to one day return to the classroom when my carpool duties slow down,” she said. “My real experience came through lots of patience on the part of several people that held my hand and answered countless questions from me about desktop publishing programs,” said Miller, whose first “real” job was in the marketing dept. at Forrest General Hospital under Bernice Linton. “Bernice was my first boss and she really pushed me to learn more and to do my best. While I begrudgingly did what she asked many times, I look back at that experience and can’t possibly thank her enough for the guidance and most of all, confidence, she instilled in me,” she said. While employed at FGH, it was Julee Breakstone who taught Miller all about PhotoShop and Quark Express. “This was really my first time to do desktop publishing and Julee was so very patient with me. We designed all the brochures, maps, newsletters, etc. for the hospital. Several years later I went to work with Jennifer Wicker McRae and Matt Martin at CellularOne/ Megagate. I still to this day call Jennifer in Meridian with questions about how to do something in a program. I honestly don’t think I’d know a thing today about desktop publishing and graphic design without Julee, Jennifer and Matt!” Taterbugs? “I came up with the name years ago after the birth of my first child, Taylor Ann. For some reason we called her “Taterbug” when she was born and the name stuck,” Miller said. Miller sells her wares through word of mouth, Facebook, email and a soon-to-be completed website. “While a website is in the works and I hope to have it fully functional in the near future (though nothing is ever a sure thing with three kids), you can view some of my samples on my new FaceBook page.” While some people have some definite ideas about the design they want on whatever it is Miller is creating, she also enjoys free reign to create whatever her artistic side comes up with. “I usually tell people that while I can certainly use the designs they see on the Facebook page, I love to create custom designs. So, in other words, the possibilities are endless,” she said. “I love it when someone calls me and gives me carte blanche to do something for

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Miller is currently serving as a mentor for Oak Grove student Rebekah Glaze’s senior project. Glaze’s project is to develop a set of notecards that she will sell locally with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. “I have a young cousin who has juvenile diabetes and we had been talking about this at a family reunion and my mom suggested this might be a good project,” Glaze said. Three local students – Lucy Pruitt, 13; Fletcher Travis, 12 and Jaxan Boeschen, 6, created three different pieces of artwork, which were then made into notecards. “They could draw anything they wanted to,” said Rebekah. They will be sold at Hair Solutions, Old Tyme Farmers Market and online at Glaze’s facebook page, Cards 4 A Cure or cards4acure2011@yahoo.com. A package of 9 will sell for $10 with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. “It’s a neat project,” said Miller. The back of each notecard has a message about Cards 4 A Cure. Miller and Glaze were strangers up until this project. Among the project requirements are spending 3 hours with a mentor and 20 hours overall on the project. Glaze works at Chik-fil-A and will be attending Mississippi State in the fall where she will major in international business.

them. I love the creative side.” In addition to the stationery-type items Miller offers, another thing that she was creating as a gift for others that’s caught on really well are “artistic” house prints. “I’ve gotten calls from people who have seen these and wanted to give them as an anniversary or teacher gift,” said Miller. She explained that she goes out and gets a picture of the specific home or customers can email her a picture, if the house is not local, and she pulls it into Photoshop and puts a filter on it to make it appear to be a watercolor or pencil drawing. “I print it out on some nice canvas and mount it for framing,” she said. “It’s a really unique and very personal gift that people really love. I’ve even gotten some orders from Realtors that give this as a gift at a closing to the new homeowner. I’ve also done notecards.” Her favorite part about this gift is the scripture at the bottom of the print. “When I did my first one of these (for myself), I included our family verse, “Choose you this day, whom you will serve. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15. I love adding a family verse to this unique gift for people that want these.” And while being a mom to three children means that life is never boring, rarely does she get to sit down and use her creative juices. “Taterbugs allows me to do something I enjoy and it helps me keep up with the technology and programs used in desktop publishing. I do love working with people,

too. There are many days that I never leave home and to have a connection to the outside world is most important. Having adult interaction is key to keeping your sanity with three little ones.” While everyday is busy, “with three kids, there’s never a dull moment. I hope that graduation will be my busy season,” said Miller “Notecards, because seniors have lots of thank you notes to write, and they make a great graduation gift, as do luggage tags for going to college are always a hit.” Miller does everything right in the comfort of her home, right down to scoring the notecards so they will fold properly to cutting out gift tags by hand. “If I get a large order that I can’t handle, I’m perfectly honest and tell the person that while I appreciate them considering me for the task, they need to seek help from a professional printer in town. I’m far from a professional and can’t produce mass quantities,” she said. While Miller ideally likes about 56 days’ notice for an order, “I know that in this crazy, fast-paced world, that rarely happens. I usually can turn things around in a day or two. That is the advantage to me being able to do this inside my home with my own equipment.” So with mom duties, when does Miller find time for her Taterbugs work? Mainly at night, between crying spells from Payne. “I am a night owl, always have been. I rearely go to bed before 1 a.m. However, baby #3 has made me a much more tired mom these

days. He hasn’t been trained in the “Miller” way of sleeping just yet. We like our sleep around here and he just refuses to sleep. So, it’s been a juggling act for sure. He gets tubes at the end of the month and we are hoping for fewer sleepless nights and more time for me to concentrate on this part of my journey. Miller’s biggest support system in her family. “My mom comes down from Forest at least once a month to help me for a few days. I use those days to get appointments (hair, doctor, dental) done and run lots of errands. My husband, Terry, is my biggest cheerleader. He delivers orders for me, helps with the household chores when he gets home from work, and is always willing to pick up the pieces that I leave behind.” For Mother’s Day, Miller passes along this prophetic adage... “Going out to eat for us is a huge undertaking. Three kids, ages 8 to 10 months, may not seem like a big deal, but they are each unique and have very different needs/wants, due to the differing stages they are in. “So, needless to say, we don’t go out with them often. We did go out to eat in January for my birthday and my mother-in-law was with us. When it was time to leave, my husband had the baby and my motherin-law rounded up the older two and they all headed out of the restaurant, leaving me to clean up our mess, gather up the toys, put the diaper bag back together, etc. I found myself huffing and puffing and as I left my seat, I sort of rolled my eyes. I was exhausted. The lady at the table next to us saw me and stopped me. “She said, “You have a beautiful family. Cherish every moment with these precious children. It goes by so fast. You will soon wake up and instead of buying two gallons of milk each week, you’ll be buying one half gallon a week. Oh, how I miss those two gallons of milk each week,” she said tearfully. I thanked her and told her that she was right and that sometimes in the “thick of it” I needed to be reminded that this will be over in the blink of an eye. I can get so overwhelmed at times. I decided with the new year that my most important job right now is being a mommy to these children and that I was going to slow down. If it means that I have to tell someone “no,” let the dishes get crusty in the sink, or let the laundry sour in the washing machine, I’ve got to love on these blessings while they are under my care.”

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hat was intended to be a gift for a bachelor party became a Broadway sensation, and this “musical within a comedy” is the funniest show that you’ve never heard of. The winner of 5 Tony Awards , The Drowsy Chaperone is perhaps one of the most ambitious productions the Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera has produced. Under the direction of two of the Hub City’s most accomplished directors, Robert Mulholland and Tammy Mansfield, and choreographer Paige Perkins, this is one production you will absolutely not want to miss. The show begins when a die-hard musical theatre fan, known to the audience as simply “Man in Chair,” drops the needle on his favorite album. The album, a fictional 1928 musical entitled “The Drowsy Chaperone” then bursts to life (quite literally) in his small apartment. It is the hilarious tale of Janet Van de Graaf, the star of “Feldzieg’s Follies,” who has decided to give up a life on the stage in order to marry an (somewhat dim-witted) oil tycoon Robert Martin. Janet’s producer (Feldzieg) is desperate to change her mind, especially Continued on next page

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since his main investor has sent two gangsters (posing as pastry chefs) to threaten him with bodily harm if Janet leaves the show. Janet is determined, however, and spends her wedding day trying to convince everyone around her that she no longer wants to “Show Off,” even though she spends an entire song doing just that. No wedding would be complete without “Cold Feet,” however, which Janet does experience, resulting in yet another subplot complete with a hilarious dream sequence and a case of mistaken identity. Janet’s “Drowsy” Chaperone, who could care less about anything other than her next cocktail, even finds love herself in a Latin buffoon who was originally sent by Feldzieg to seduce Janet. Add to all of this a harried best man, a dry-witted butler, the scatterbrained owner of the estate where the wedding is to take place, Feldzieg’s flaky sidekick desperate to be his next leading lady, along with an aviatrix complete with her own airplane, and you have one exciting evening of musical comedy. The Drowsy Chaperone is a true “show within a show,” and the audience is often reminded that all of the action takes place courtesy of an old LP. At one point, the record skips, forcing the actors to repeat a song’s notes (and dance steps) until the Man is able to bump it back to its proper place. A

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power outage causes the record to stop completely, and of course the Man removes the needle regularly (causing the actors to freeze in place) so that he can provide his own unique commentary. With infectious songs and glittering costumes, Chaperone is a valentine to the American musicals of the Jazz Age and those who love them. But yes, it all began at a bachelor party. In 1997, Don McKellar (book), Lisa Lambert, and Greg Morrison (music, lyrics) collaborated with their friends to create a spoof of old musicals for the stag party of the real life Bob Martin and Janet Van de Graaf. The concept was so popular that Martin then helped develop it for the 1998 Toronto Fringe Festival. Martin felt the show needed a narrator, and thus created the “Man In Chair” character, the role he would eventually originate when the show debuted on Broadway in 2006. Nominated for 18 awards, the show won 5 Tony Awards (including Best Book and Best Score) in 2006, more than any other nominee that year, as well as 7 Drama Desk Awards. It has had major productions in Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, Japan, London’s West End, Australia and two National tours. Rob Mulholland, director, is no stranger to HCLO, for whom he most recently directed last spring’s Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. An awardwinning director, Mulholland has directed numerous productions in New York, Los Angeles, London and Edinburgh, Scotland, as well as regionally in the United States.

In London, he has directed actors from The Royal Shakespeare Company, The Royal National Theatre and Hollywood. Music director Tammy Mansfield and choreographer Paige Perkins, with whom he worked on Beauty and the Beast, join him. Mansfield is a graduate of USM with a degree in Music Theory and Composition, and a Master’s of Music in Conducting. She is also no stranger to the HCLO stage, where she has extensive acting and directing credits. She is the music director and arranger for the Mystic Krewe of Zeus Coronation and the awardwinning Oak Grove High School CenterStage! Show Choir, and has also directed productions at the Jefferson Performing Arts Society in New Orleans. Perkins, choreographer, received her BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from USM. She has choreographed numerous local productions for HHS, JCJC, HCLO, Zeus, USM, and Mississippi College. In 2006 she was named Nora Davis Magnet School’s teacher of the year, and that same year received the Mississippi Alliance of Arts Educators’ Thad Cochran Distinguished Arts Educator of the Year Award for dance. For the actors, this production provides a unique challenge. Again, this being a show within a show, they are not only playing the characters in a fictional 1928 musical, they are also playing the actors themselves! The cast is

made up of some of Hattiesburg and Laurel’s most talented singers and actors, most of who have appeared in previous HCLO productions. However, don’t let the fact that these are “local” performers fool you – nearly every actor has an extensive theatrical and musical resume, and more than a few bring professional experience to the stage. The actors all possess fantastic singing, dancing, and comedic acting skills, and each is featured at some point during the show. For the relatively small ensemble cast, this production has its challenges, but all of them are up to the task. Above all, the script is absolutely hilarious, and rehearsals are often interrupted by the laughter of the actors and directors. As for the music, every song is a showstopper. The Drowsy Chaperone is on stage for one weekend only at the Historic Downtown Saenger Theatre May 5-8. Evening performances are Thursday thru Saturday at 7:30, with a matinee on Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12, $16 and $20 and are on sale through the box office 24 hours a day at 601583-5694. For more information, visit www.hclo.org

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s the beat goes on in America, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. has chronicled the progress of American music through the years in a portable seven-kiosk interactive exhibition, “New Harmonies.” The exhibit debuted in Hattiesburg on April 16 for a five-week run at Hattiesburg’s Historic Depot. New Harmonies is an interactive exhibit portraying the ongoing cultural process that has made America the birthplace of more music than any place on earth. The story is full of surprises about familiar songs, histories of instruments, the roles of religion and technology, and the continuity of musical roots from Native American chanting and drumming to the latest hip hip-hop CD. Hattiesburg is the first of six Mississippi cities to host the exhibit through January 2012. Other Mississippi cities are Long Beach, Pearl, Amory, Columbus and Hernando. “New Harmonies” is part of the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street (MOMS) program. MOMS serves small-to-medium sized communities by bringing Smithsonian-quality exhibitions to local museums, historical societies, libraries and com-

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The Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association (HHDA) is pleased to present such an outstanding exhibition which provides a fascinating, inspiring and toe-tapping listen to the American story of multi-cultural exchange in music.

munity centers that traditionally have limited access to traveling exhibition due to space and cost limitations. Each exhibition consists of free standing structures that contain interactive components and artifacts. According to Kristie Fairley, deputy director of VISITHATTIESBURG, transient exhibits not only create a reason to visit Hattiesburg, but once visitors are here, these exhibits help give cultural depth to the overall experience and impression visitors have of Hattiesburg. “Hosting these exhibits in the Historic Depot also gives us a great opportunity to show off one of Hattiesburg's most beautiful architectural gems, VISITHATTIESBURG is thrilled to partner with HHDA in hosting New Harmonies in Downtown Hattiesburg,” Fairley said. The exhibition provides a full education component. Music faculty throughout the Hattiesburg area are urged to bring their classes to tour the exhibit. Additionally, the exhibit provides lesson plans and activities for grades 4-8 and 9 -12. The exhibit will be open Wednesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There is no charge to visit the exhibition. Groups planning to visit the exhibition should contact HHDA at rowell@megagate.com or call 601-583-4329 to schedule their visit. “New Harmonies” is brought to Mississippi by The Mississippi Humanities Council. The exhibit is presented in Hattiesburg by, The

Betsy Rowell Executive Director of the HHDA

Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association, Visit-Hattiesburg, Hattiesburg Arts Council, and City of Hattiesburg, in partnership with Southern Miss, William Carey University and the Hattiesburg Public Library.

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usical offerings include blues, jazz, Broadway, classical and bluegrass events. Art showings and exhibits cover downtown with a special arts market of local craftsmen and artists. Let the excitement move you with a full-scale ballet and dance classes from hip-hop to ballroom for all ages. You’ll need it with all the food, glorious food, from eateries all over town. And don’t miss our arts events for children and late-night events to cap off a day of adventure in the Pine Belt.

FESTIVALSOUTH offers events for cultural arts lovers of every taste!

Studios release to a host of other legendary artists, there’s an artistic spirit that permeates the city. Adding to Hattiesburg’s melodic repertoire are two markers on the Mississippi Blues Trail that note the city’s contribution to the growth of blues. With more than a thousand performances annually by university and community organizations, you’ll see why Hattiesburg is Mississippi’s Music Destination. So enjoy FestivalSouth for two weeks of great performances, food and fun! Continued on next page

Hattiesburg is Mississippi’s Music Destination Although Blues, Country, and Rock and Roll have reached audiences worldwide, each genre finds its musical roots lead back to the birthplace of America’s music - Mississippi. The musical road map of the Magnolia State leads naturally to the city of Hattiesburg, that is centrally located less than 100 miles of the state capital of Jackson, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, New Orleans, La., and Mobile, Ala. The rich musical heritage of this dynamic city includes the recording of the first Rock and Roll album in 1929. From The Blind Roosevelt Graves and Brother Paramount

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Continued from previous page

WEEK ONE OPENING NIGHT

The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber Sponsored by Forrest General Hospital

Saturday, June 4 • 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre Winner of seven Tonys, three Grammys, a Golden Globe, and an Oscar, to name a few, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music electrifies audiences worldwide. Experience the music of Cats, Evita, Phantom of the Opera and more in this breathtaking opening to Festival South’s second season.

The Phantom Ball Sponsored by Brownstone’s

Immediately following the Opening Night concert. The masquerade begins as

patrons don their masks to enjoy food, wine and dancing in the magical phantom’s lair. Festival South is proud to present our Second Annual Opening Night Gala – the magical, mystical Phantom Ball.

Mozart’s Magic Flute Sponsored by Bryan Nelson P. A.

Thursday, June 9 • 7:30 p.m.and Saturday, June 11 • 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre Mozart’s fairytale confection that delights audiences worldwide comes to Festival South for two performances only. One of the most imaginative entertainments ever created, The Magic Flute blends ritual, magic and wonderful music to deliver the timeless message that love conquers all.

Giselle Friday, June 10 • 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 11 • 1 p.m. Southern Miss Mannnoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium The French grand ballet, Giselle, resonates with audiences world-wide with universal themes of betrayal, death and forgiveness through the romantic story of a young girl. The South Mississippi Ballet production of Giselle features an outstanding

cast of professional and local dancers for a special engagement of two performances only!

FESTIVAL FINALE Dancing in the Streets Sponsored by Brownstone’s

Rhonda Vincent and The Rage

Saturday, June 11 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

With The Festival South Orchestra Sponsored by Sanderson Farms

In front of Brownstone’s on Front Street

Saturday, June 18 • 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre

FREE

Join The Heritage Band as their Reggae and island rock vibe echo down East Front Street, closed for an entire block solely to offer you the opportunity to “get your groove on.” Lights and sound provided by Mississippi Music.

WEEK TWO Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Featuring Violinist Alexandre Brussilovsky

Thursday, June 16 • 7:30 p.m. Hattiesburg Cultural Center The Four Seasons is Antonio Vivaldi’s best-known work, and is one of the most popular pieces in the classical repertoire. Audiences of all ages will recognize these masterpieces that have been performed for almost 300 years in concert, television and film.

Robert Johnson, The Man, The Myth & The Music Starring Blues Legend Vasti Jackson Sponsored by Mississippi Opera

Friday, June 17 • 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre Bluesman Robert Johnson is considered to be one of the greatest influences on popular American music. On an international level, he shaped future generations of the blues. Vasti Jackson returns to Festival South in thisoriginal musical show celebrating the

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life and music of the “Father of the Blues!”

The reigning queen of Bluegrass, Rhonda Vincent and her band, The Rage, have been taking the country by storm. With over seventy awards to their name, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage are the most celebrated band in bluegrass, with honors including a coveted Entertainer of the Year award from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and a staggering seven consecutive IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year awards.

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Layers Of Love Chocolate Brownies

batter in same large bowl until light in color. Stir in semi-sweet morsels. Spread evenly over caramel topping. BAKE for 30 to 35 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Makes 5 dozen bars

Makes 16 brownies

It's true - the kitchen is the heart of the home. Ever notice how people always gather there? Whether baking treats, making dinner or spending time with family and friends, the kitchen is my favorite place to be. Since my day job is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestle Test Kitchens, you can bet I love to stir things up. This column lets me pass along to you some of my best recipes, tips and baking secrets. If you're ready to enjoy an afternoon in the great outdoors, pack up a basket or cooler and head out to a nearby park or arboretum. The backyard makes a great spot, too. Be sure to allow time for exploring and playing. In addition to playing things like tag and Frisbee, try some of these fun activities: • Scavenger hunt - make a list of things to find, like a bird feather, a pine cone and an acorn. • I Spy - a great way to help kids learn to observe nature. • Art al Fresco - use paper plates as canvases. Let the kids draw things they see or create collages out of natural objects. No picnic would be complete without a fun - and easy - dessert. These bar cookies are a tasty way to wrap up a day of family fun. You can find more picnic-ready treat recipes at TollHouse.com Jenny Harper is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestle Test Kitchens.

Family Features

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3/4 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 cup Nestle Toll House Baking Cocoa 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, cut in pieces 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 3 large eggs, divided 2 tsps. vanilla extract 1 cup chopped pecans 3/4 cup Nestle Toll House Premier White Morsels 1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping 3/4 cup Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels PREHEAT oven to 350? F. Grease 8-inchsquare baking pan. COMBINE flour, cocoa and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Reserve 3/4 cup batter. Spread remaining batter into prepared baking pan. Sprinkle nuts and white morsels over batter. Drizzle caramel topping over top. Beat remaining egg and reserved

2 cups peanut butter, divided 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened 2 cups powdered sugar, divided 3 cups graham cracker crumbs 2 cups (12-ounce package) Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels, divided GREASE 13 x 9-inch baking pan. BEAT 1 1/4 cups peanut butter and butter in large mixer bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in 1 cup powdered sugar. With hands or wooden spoon, work in remaining 1 cup powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup morsels. Press evenly into prepared baking pan. Smooth top with spatula. MELT remaining 3/4 cup peanut butter and remaining 1 1/2 cups morsels in medium, heavy-duty saucepan over lowest possible heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Spread over graham cracker crust in pan. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until chocolate is firm. Cut into bars. Store in covered container in refrigerator.

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Ruby Reed, Henry & Leliar Bethley, Richard Burger

Saundra & Lordeas Bethley

Rev. and Mrs. Carlos Wilson

enry “Buck” Bethley’s 70th birthday was celebrated with a party given at his Hattiesburg residence by his three daughters – Owinda and Craig Marchbanks and Saundra Gail Bethley, all of Chicago and Lordeas Bethley of Silver Spring, Maryland. and godson, Harris and Katrina Washington, III, of Montgomery, Ala. Buck’s wife, Leliar Ann, and extended family along with many local and out of town friends danced, dined and laughed the night away.

Katie Smith, Tashara Shoemaker, Henry Bethley

Dianne Whigham, Ruby Reed, Pauline Magee

Lordeas Bethley, Saundra Blackman, Saundra Bethley

Lordeas Bethley, Alecia Kelley, Patricia Fluker, Katie Smith, Owinda Marchbanks

Charles Brown, Carl John

Leliar & Henry Bethley

Melanie Dannely, Saundra Bethley, Lyntonya Lindsey

Cecelia & Nathan Jones

Henry Bethley, Joyce Yarbrough, Nina Smith, Sherry Bethley

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Jim & Michele Blevins Michael French, Ray Barnes

Calin Perrone, Christian Shiyou, Justin Rector, Hunter Robertson, Spencer Short, Jeremiah Scott, Shaun Royer, Thomas Ranshaw he Centennial Eagle Banquet was held at the Thad Cochran Center on the University of Southern Mississippi campus. Former Southern Miss football standout Ray Guy was this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eagle Class honoree.

Ken Lee, D. Neil Harris, Todd Trenchard, James N. Yelverton

Donna Johnson, Maggie Moore, Becky Morris

Beth & Al Shiyou

Christian Hymel, Seth Houston, Justin Holley, Samuel Mahler, Rush Line, Justin Landrum, Matthew Lander

Lonnie, Jarrett & Judy Stephens, Karen Ranshaw

Alice & Bruce Duckett, Nancy & Drew Allen

John Kelley, Dovy, Meredith, Charlotte and MC Price

Michele Landrum, Jay Sullivan, Joe & Jill Eades

Karen & Lee Gill

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he University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagle baseball team held its preseason Dugout Club banquet at the Thad Cochran Center. The evening included an autograph session, live and silent auction and dinner. Jeff Hammond, former U.S. Army general and USMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current associate athletic director, was the guest speaker.

T Jean Anne, Jobi & Chris Potin

Maria & Jay Vollmuth, Nicole Twilbeck

Jake Drehoff, Josh Rogers, Tiffany Spell, Ashton McKinnon, Clancy Rogers, Brenda Rogers

Ashley, Donnie, Alyssa & Steve Graeter

Kelly Brent, Jonathan Brent, Bailey Hartel, Trey Cuevas, Ansley Brent

Louise McMahon, Ashlin McMahon, Paul & Pat Rimes, James McMahon

Mark Ellis, Jeff Hammond, Marc Bourgeois

Lauren Brinson, Lori Jones, Chantelle Cosey-Williams

Andrew Furr, Brett McIntyre

Jessica & Chad Caillet

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Latoya Milsap, Deola Jones, Chasity Robertson, Markeesha Overstreet, Jarred Hayes, Marcia McFarland, Jazmyne Butler, Kadreanna Johnson

Timithia Taylor, Jarred Hayes, Ashley Betts

Jessica Fielder, Chunquanda Steverson, Kelsey Cortez Haggard, Kimberly Walker, Alexis Patterson, Jessica Williams

Deola Jones, Chasity Robertson, Jazmyne Butler, Kadreanna Johnson

Kadreanna Johnson, Zurich Thomas Tanya, Clyde Jr. & Clyde Bryant

John H. & Pearline Anderson

Alvin & Lourinda Williams

Amber Griffin, Byron Love, Eve Blakney, Terry Smith

Terence Dillon, Christine Horton, Wendy Martin, Mario Lofton

Vernon Smith, Tierra Clemmons Ivana King

Samantha Nelson, Sonya Evans

T Jerome Brown, Ramon Glenn, Jevorrius Prince, Richard Carlisle, Byron Porter, Joshua Cathey

Keshia Harris, Simka Newson, Joslynn Grant, Melba Houze

Kasey Mitchell, Kyle Nixon

Briana Keeler, George Keeler, Greg Armstrong, Keturah Robinson, Jerry Walker, Cicely Garrette

Jamesia Burns, Kuri Washington, Denotra Logan, Ebony Fears, Nysheka Ware, Kayla Strong, Trenisha Mikell, LaDonna Sparkman, Shayon Orr, Sheena Washington

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he members of the Black History Celebration Committee held the 1st Eagle Awards. The Eagle Awards are a Ceremony/Gold Carpet event designed to honor past and present African-American students at The University of Southern Mississippi. The ceremony took place at Mannoni Auditorium on campus. The awards ceremony was hosted by Vernon Smith and Tierra Clemmons, student leaders at Southern Miss.

Mitch Williams, Jamal Jones

Jasmine Carlton, Aston Williams

Johnell & Jason Goins

Eryka Wallace, Ameer Jackson, Carolyn & Eugene Owens

Eryka Wallace, Gaby Austin, Mark Frazier, Jillian Hardy, Markeesha Overstreet, Keturah Robinson

Sidney & Richie Malone, Steve & Joanne Oshrin

George & Zoula Huffman, Debbie & George Pollitz

Andy & Peggy Moore

Lionel & Sarah Campbell, Debbie & George Pollitz

David & Carolyn Lyon, Betty & Woody Lyon

Janet & Tony Pascale

John & Mary Thomsen, Patsy & Denny Hawkins

Johnnie & JoAnn Fairchild, Mike & Diane Warren

Tony Pascale, Martha Johnson

he Krewe of Elks celebrated the carnival season with a variety of activities. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gift exchange party was held at the Hattiesburg Country Club.

T Tommy & Jeanette Baylis, Diane & Mike James

Bob & Martha Johnson, Roy Roberts

Jane & Duwayne Ezelle, Denny & Patsy Hawkins, Janet Pascale, Joan Slay, Peggy & Tommy Pittman

Diane & Mike Warren

Pam & Mike Nobles, Amy & Scott Stromeyer

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Sidney & Richie Malone, Joe & Sherry Winstead, Steve & Joanne Oshrin

Royce & Marika Warner, Jerry & Peter Bokor

Jim & Leah Henderson, Lottie & Jeff Vance

Bonnie McNair, Kevin Malone

Janet & Tony Pascale

Pam & Marty Guess, Amy Stromeyer, Chris Moore

Peggy & Andy Moore, Beth Moore, Pam Nobles, Jennifer Moore

he Krewe of Elks celebrated Carnivale season with their annual Cocktail Party at Elks Lake Lodge in the Dixie Community. The party was held in anticipation of the coronation of a new king and queen.

Martha & Bob Johnson, Pam & Mike Nobles

Nellie & Charles Phillips, Clarice & Bill Martin, Joyce & Gene Lee, Peggy & Tommy Pittman

April Phillips, Michael & Tracy Finch, Misty Vanover, Denise Brown, Tina & Butch Leblanc

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Chad Pickering, Malette Foxx

Ashley Shelby, Marie Landrum, Hugh McGowen, Nicole Rose

Freddy & Lisa James, Mike & Diane James, Pam & Hal Shrock

Henry & Diane Snell, David & Anita Brown, Angie & Jamie Robinson

Tommy & Jeanette Baylis, Diane & Michael James

Tina & Butch LeBlanc

Tommy & Jeanette Baylis, Sylvia Yates, Glenn Ryan

Phil & Francis Suddeth

David & Margaret Judice, Dale & Sunny Martin, Sara Hayman, Jarrod Cannette

Judy Morgan, Rhonda Bookout, Jane Ezelle, Lynn Stuart, Patsy Thomas

Kathleen Napier, Bob Muli, Jim & Norma Williamson

Diane Warren Bonnie McNair

Martha Johnson, Diane Warren, Brenda Goff, Bonnie McNair, Judy McGee

Denny Hawkins, Patsy Thomas, Debbie & George Pollitz

Mike & Diane Warren

Gene & Sue Walters, Kevin Malone, Bonnie McNair

Steve Oshrin, Danny McGee

Betty Parrish, John Hayman, Paul & Mandy Brunson, Margaret & Doug Lawler, Kathy Hayman, Kevin Rogers

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Randy & Brenda Ross, Scott Hummel

Gloria & John Green, Don Stewart, Kathy & Justice Mike Randolph

Sarah & Dr. Don Odom, Barbara Hamilton

W Lewis & Margie Myrick, Ralph Simmons, Michael Cudworth

Bitsy Browne Miller, Gabyle & Robert Knight

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Mary Beth Pearson, Anne Hurt, Jane & Dick Allison, Lynn Houston

Jim & Martha Hayes, Joel & Glenda McKenzie

Mary Alice Braswell, Jim & Peggy Braswell, Pam Shearer

Brittani Clark, Blake Hegstrom, Tom Lester, Harriet Crockett, Seth Ladd

illiam Carey University hosted this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Friends of Carey dinner at Lake Terrace Convention Center. Guests enjoyed a buffet with entertainment provided by the Carey Jazz Ensemble.

Robert Hensarling, Terrell & Martha Tisdale

Darrell Lovings, Tommy & Sandra King, Scott & Starr Hummel

Harriet Crockett, Ron Regan, Starr Hummel

Steve & Dr. Eddie Lewis, Garry Breland

Brad Duncan, A.Z., Ahmad & Alec MeKenzie

Jailaih Gowdy, Stefanique Roberts, Courtney, John & Christy Brown

he internationally-acclaimed Harlem Ambassadors Basketball Team returned to Hattiesburg recently to take on a motley crew of local celebrities in the 2nd Annual “Hoops for Habitat” event. The showdown took place at William Carey University’s Clinton Gym and was sponsored by Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services. For Hattiesburg’s event the Ambassadors partnered with Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity to help raise funds for its affordable housing program. The Hattiesburg Habitat Hoopsters team included Father Tommy Conway, John Brown, Cpt. Andy Gilliam and Chad Newell, among many others.

Dylan, Dalton, Kaylyn, Gaylon, Wendy Bradshaw

LeeAnne Venable, Alana Parker, Mackenzie Somersall, Melissa Carpenter

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Dr. Rosie Pridgen, Emma Pope

Pamela Ellington, Louise McCoy, Margaret Johnson, Melvin Galender

Dedra Gavin, The Rev. Joseph Scott Sr., Ardasene Scott

Aleanna & Frederick Williams

Kasia & Kenya Hosey

Lanita Shelby, Jazmyne Griffith, Marie Hammond-Williams

Zakiyyah Smith, Lantia Shelby, Allison Stevens

Stacy, Ciera & Melika Keyes

he Jackson State University Alumni Association held its 20th Black History Talent Fashion Exhibition at the Saeger Theater. Minister David Garraway served as emcee. The event featured the Hub City Diamonds, Sovereign Chorale, Expressions Show Choir, step teams and much more. The event was sponsored by the Hattiesburg Chapter of the JSU Alumni Association.

T Aqura Wilson, Anexesia Williams, Kevonte Robinson, Nikki Botton, Dennis Wilson, Alexis Saucier, Chester Coleman

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Jan & Charlie Mooney Carol Messingham, Taylor Messingham, Rhonda Higgason, Lucy Shows

Mark & Ryan McLeod

Jeanette Tisdale, Carlos Boyte

Margaret & Mary Margaret Hyer

Irina, Naomi & Linda Howell, Jeanie Munn

uring this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lamar County Distinguished Young Woman (formerly Jr. Miss), Whitnee Bradford was named the 2011 winner. She is the daughter of Todd and Sondra Bradford. The event was held at the Saenger Theater. Tammy Purvis, Alicia & Merrit McLemore

Courtney Gagliano, Scott Smith, Lauren Kolakowski

Angie Crosby, Monica, LeeAnn & Alison Nobles

Sandra Williamson, Ken Jackson

Jackson White, Ashton Somerville, Blake Moore

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Barbara Martin, Gretchen Martin, Deborah Moore

Rosi Johnson, Lou Ann Poynter, Lottie Vance, Renee Doleac, Leah Henderson, Jan Lacy

Clarice Martin, Bill Martin, Joyce Lee

James Wamble, Joe Ignatius, Darren Welch, Michael Reed

Pat Ruffin, Jean Tatum, Jay Schmidt, Delores Schmidt

Heather Reed, Lisa Perkins, Julie Burks, Ray Perkins

Big E, Sue & Ron Hegwood

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Charles & Lynn Stuart, Bob Ross, Mary Loughman, Larry Doleac, Julie & Ray Sims

Rita Dyar, Jean Tatum

Lottie Vance, Lynn Stuart, Jane Ezelle

Jo Ignatius, Paige Wamble

he Revelers Krewe celebrated carnivale season with a ball at the Hattiesburg Country Club.

Max & Rita Dyar, Jean Tatum

Delores & Maureen Schmidt

Fred Hatten, Charles Stuart, Ray Sims, Bill Thomas

Bobby & Lynn Collins, Mary Loughman, Bob Ross

Jeff & Lottie Vance, Charles & Lynn Stuart, Jane & Duwayne Ezelle

Susie Paramore, Louis Rhian

Jimmie & Fred Hatten, Mac Johnson, Dex & Rosi Johnson, Bob & ChĂŠ Helfrich, Ron & Sue Hegwood, Jim & Leah Henderson

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Mo Conville, Nanci Youngblood, Shirley A. Glaab, Micky Chapman

Dollye Kirk, Sue Pace

Pat Yelverton, Don Hegwood

Margaret Barnett, Ellen Sundberg

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ue Pace, founder and former director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at The University of Southern Mississippi, was honored with a retirement reception and the unveiling of a portrait painted by OLLI member Dollye Kirk, a Southern Miss alumna. Pace founded OLLI in 1991 at Southern Miss when it was known as the Institute for Lifelong Learning. OLLI offers educational, cultural and recreational opportunities, along with the opportunity for new friendships, for active women and men 50 years of age and older.

Sue Pace portrait

Helen Erickson, Loretta Clissold

Penny & John Kochtitzky

Mary Elizabeth Blair, Alex Blair, Doris D. Davis

Dollye Kirk, Sue Pace

Dawn & Paul Reuter

Pat McRee, Hughlene Perrott

Jerre & Peter Bokor

Jon & Jeanette Tibbetts

Drew & Whitney McMullan

Lori, Brent & Keith Saucier

Chad White, Guss Hendley, Chris & Lisa Bowen

Debra & David Hogan

Blue Giles, Neely Harrington

Wayne Smith, Gigi & Eric Dillard, Brad Brian

his year’s 26th Annual Southern Miss Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo, otherwise known as the “Greatest Show on Dirt,” was hosted by The Department of Recreational Sports at the Forrest County Multipurpose Center. Raymond Whitehead, M.D., orthopedic surgeon with Hattiesburg Clinic Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, served as Grand Marshal of this year’s event. Rodeo cowboys and cowgirls showed off their elite skills in barrel racing, calf roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, team roping and bull riding. Lecile Harries, six-time Pro Rodeo Clown of the Year and 50-year rodeo veteran, made an appearance at the rodeo this year.

Scott Patterson, Anna Sterling, Jackie McCurthy, Brent Holifield, Jason Anthenien

James Harper, Shan & Mike Mathis

Lecile Harris, Debbie Blakeney, Vaughan Wilson

Terry, Jennifer & Ken Davis

Bradley Blair, Carlene Kartz, Mark Crager

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outhern Eye Center held a ribbon cutting for its newest facilities and hosted a St. Patrick's Day Business After Hours on March 17.

Helen Short, Lynn McMahan, Annie Jones

Hunter Douglas, Elizabeth Lupton, Marsha Evans, Lady B. Hudson, Beverly Bates, Amy Ketchings, Debra Hunt

Lynda Thomas, Jerre & Peter Bokor

Dora Hobdy, Phil Gattuso, Susan Newman

Lesley Sanders-Wood, Donita Wade Singleterry, Linda Nary, Patricia King

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Pam Bates, Lisa Fokakis

Jennifer Lee, Pam Bullock

Betty & Dr. Milam Cotten

Teresa Viehwig, Sherry Pace, Elizabeth Lupton, Sue Rayburn

Ileana & Ken Carlson

leana Carlson of Hattiesburg was this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner of the 2011 Home Sweet Home Raffle with ticket #4558. This was the ninth year for the raffle which benefits the United Way of Southeast Mississippi. The home is built through support of the Greater Hattiesburg Homebuilders Assoc., GP Cellulose/Leaf River Cellulose and United Way of SE Miss. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home was built by Burt Williamson, BRW Construction, LLC.

Deidre & Harley Musgrave

Bianca Jenkins Nylaa Jordan

Margaret Hawes, Joy Smith, Leslie Coppage

Dan Kibodeaux, Barbara Wilson, Burt Williamson

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John Milner, Chase & Madison Felsher

he Mystic Krewe of Zeus gathered at the Saenger Theatre in downtown Hattiesburg to crown King Zeus LXXI and his Queen. Downtownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Forrest Street had been transformed into a French Quarter Street, as a Mardi Gras band entertained guests with lively melodies. Everyone in attendance knew that it was Carnival Time in ole downtown. King Zeus LXXI was Warren Alton Hood, Jr. and his Queen was Annie Laurie Roberts.

Andrew Harper, Shelby Sims, Chris Smith, DeAnna Shuck, Seneca Eubanks, Matthew Clinton

Susan, Kathryn, Jay & Cade Slaughter

Hayden Boutwell, Linda Boutwell-Griffith, Scott & Brec Harris

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Stacie Michel Wallace, Katherine Driskell

John Bethea, Charlotte Brewer

Becky Stuart, Morgan Sims

Hunter Hawkins, Rachel Henderson

Andrew Rigel, Donna Rigel

Caroline & Catherine Harmon

John Bethea, Charlotte Brewer, Mike Ratliff, Consuelo Oster

Mike & Nancy Carpenter, Blue & Mike Giles

Mr. & Mrs. Don Hinton

Paula & John Brahan

ystic Krewe of Zeus members dined and danced at the Lake Terrace Convention Center to celebrate the opening of their Mardi Gras season. Carnival was the theme of the evening. Anne-Love Helveston, Olivia Enger, Elizabeth Mapp, Virginia Secrest, Harley Felsher Gardner & Carol Fletcher Craig & Melinda Best

Mr. & Mrs. Tom Puckett, Mr. & Mrs. Ward Conville

Barbara & R.D. Ellender Michael & Heather Reed

Mr. & Mrs. James McKenzie, Mr. & Mrs. Chris Morse, Dr. & Mrs. David W. Bomboy

Juliana & Charlie Henderson

Marcie & Bart Haddad

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