Photo by Lee Cave/C Studio
very now and again, my wife and I like to drag out the photo album from our wedding and take a little stroll down memory lane. The problem is that after 15 years, we hardly recognize ourselves – much less the other people whose faces appear in the album. I was 23. Hope was 20. We had dated on and off since high school and after “playing the field” for a short while, we came to the conclusion at about the same time that we were simply better off with one another. We exchanged vows a couple of days after Christmas and after a weeklong honeymoon to southern California, we set out to make a life together. Like most couples, we have had our ups and downs. Fortunately, the ups seems to now outnumber the downs these days and our relationship is stronger than ever. Considering how difficult I am to live with, thatʼs a miracle in its own right. But then again, we have some pretty remarkable role models, too. My parents have been married for almost 52 years and Hopeʼs parents have been married for nearly 40. In this day and age when nearly 50% of all marriages end in divorce, thatʼs remarkable indeed. Of course, thatʼs just a drop in the bucket for couples like Charles and Betty Mikell of Hattiesburg, whose story appears on Page 20 in this issue. After 63 years of marriage, Betty, 81, says she canʼt imagine having been married to anyone else. “I love him so much,” she said. As you thumb through this February issue and read the stories about the Mikells and the other couples weʼre featuring, I hope youʼll be reminded of your own special someone – whether youʼve been with them for 40 years or just 40 days. And with Valentines Day just around the corner, donʼt forget to tell them just how much they mean to you. As always, thanks for reading...
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Happenings ...................................................... 4- 5 Signature Events .................................... 55-70 OLLI Christmas ........................................................ 55 Driven crazy by lost love Ronda Rich always heard that love – or rather the loss of it – could drive a woman crazy ......................
6 Meet the Valentines .......................................... 9 FestivalSouth... Nominations sought for 2012 Best of ............................ 11 Day of Dance Get your groove on at February 25 event .................... 12 USM Coca-Cola Rodeo 27th annual event brings rodeo contestants to Hub City ................................................ 15
Home Sweet Home
United Way readies for home giveaway ........................
63 years and counting Mikells share a true love story ......................................
16 Signature Q&A 20
Here Comes the Bride...
Talented area photographers share some of their favorite wedding photos ....................................
20 Wedding Photo Checklist .............................................. 32 Wedding of a different feather Couple exchanges vows on ‘The Game’ day ................ 35 Valor & Vows Couple ‘enlist’ for life ......................................................40 Wedding Countdown Checklist ...................................... 43 Don’t forget the license .................................................. 50 Food ............................................................................ 52 Jodyʼsʼ Bakery – From Mardi Gras king cakes to wedding cakes
Top Chef Q&A
Meet Jody Lopez, chef, Jodyʼs Bakery ..........................
Christmas Luncheon ................................................ 56 HCC Christmas Party ................................................ 57 Girls Night Out .......................................................... 58 Marine Birthday ........................................................ 59 Junior Auxiliary Red Carpet Gala .............................. 60 Junior Auxiliary Sip & See ........................................ 62 Toys for Tots Fundraiser ............................................ 63 KeithCo. Christmas Party .......................................... 64 Holly Ball Cotillion .................................................... 65 Class of 1966 Christmas .......................................... 66 Beta Sigma Phi Christmas Party .............................. 67 40th Place Christmas Party ...................................... 68 Nutcracker Tea .......................................................... 69 Holiday Brunch .......................................................... 69 Winter Wonderland .................................................... 70
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Russ Hendley, Grand Marshal Southern Miss Coca Cola Rodeo ..................................
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Signature Magazine • February 2012 • vol 6 number 11 publisher David Gustafson editor Beth Bunch contributors Dana Gower • Lee Cave • Chloe Rouse • Ed Lashley Carolyn Critz • Matt Bush • Tim Parris • Jennifer Frazer ad representatives Missy Pickering • Shannon Fielder art director Bill Benge graphic artist Emily Hall 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 HubCitySPOKES.com. To mail information or photos, send to Signature Magazine, 103 N. 40th Avenue, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.
ON THE COVER: Whitney Dawn Olivier and Edwin Steve Ott were married December 10, 2011, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Hattiesburg. A reception followed at Canebrake Country Club. The bride is the daughter of Rene’ Benjamin Olivier of Hattiesburg and the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Jacob Ott of Biloxi. Photographed by Lee Cave/C Studio
February 8 • 6 p.m.
African Children’s Choir The African Children’s Choir is coming back to Hattiesburg for a 6 p.m. Wed., Feb. 8, performance at Heritage United Methodist Church in West Hattiesburg. The African Children’s Choir is made up of some of the neediest and most vulnerable children in their countries. Many have lost one or both parents to poverty or disease. The ACC helps these children break away from the everyday cycle of poverty and hopelessness. The ACC performed to a standing-room-only congregation at the church in March of 2011. The church is located at 3 Baracuda Dr. at the corner of Hwy. 98. Senior pastor is the Rev. Dr. Tommy Artmann. February 9 • 6 p.m.
Mardi Gras Parade The Caerus Spirit of Opportunity Parade Hattiesburg is putting together its first Mardi Gras parade set for 6 p.m. Feb-ruary 9 through the downtown streets of the Hattiesburg. Hattiesburg-based KeithCo Petroleum officials came up with the idea and will help sponsor the event. A tentative midtown parade route starts at the Southern Miss Hillcrest Residence Hall parking lot then heads south along the U.S. 49 service road, before turning west on Hardy Street. It will then loop along 38th Avenue before heading east on Fourth Street
back to Hillcrest. There will be a judged float contest, high school bands and more. Mardi Gras 2012 falls on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Mardi Gras, “Fat Tuesday”, is the last day of the Carnival season as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Most visitors will plan to arrive no later than Saturday, February 18, 2012 in order to enjoy an extended weekend of festivities. February 10 • 7:30 p.m.
“Kingdom Heirs” Dollywood's own “Kingdom Heirs” will make a special concert tour to Mississippi. The event is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, Okahola Baptist Church, 3889 Old Hwy 11. Reserve your tickets today, 601-466-4343. February 10
The 10th Annual Home Sweet Home Raffle This raffle, Which benefits the United Way of Southeast Miss., will take place a month later this year. Tickets will go on sale February 10 at a ribbon cutting at the home, which is located in Vintage Springs off Bonhomie Road in Forrest County. This year’s builder is Patrick Ward of Southeastern Construction. HubFest will be the last chance to buy tickets on March 31. February 11 • 10 a.m.
Chi Omega Alum Tea The Hattiesburg Area Chi Omega Alumnae
Group will hold a Valentine's tea for alumnae and their daughters at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Southern Oaks House and Gardens. For details, contact Alicia McLemore at aliciabeth72@wmconnect.com or 601-382-1350. February 11 • 7 p.m.
Ignite the Night People attending this year’s 1920s themed Ignite the Night event at the Mississippi Children’s Museum (MCM) can expect an incredible evening full of alluring, prohibition-style excitement and special surprises. The adults-only event will feature a variety of food, adult beverages and lots of exciting activities that give a nod to this noteworthy period in American history. The 7 p.m. event will feature 1920s era jazz music, circus entertainment such as a fortuneteller and period-style gaming – complete with a speakeasy! The event will feature silent auction packages. People attending the event should dress to explore the museum and feel free to accent casual attire with '20s flair. MCM is a unique 40,000 sq. ft. facility that features about 20,000 sq. ft. of interactive, educational and stimulating exhibits. There are five permanent galleries that focus on Mississippi heritage, literacy, health, cultural arts and Mississippi industry. For more information about the Ignite the Night Gala or for information about MCM visit www.mississippichildrensmuseum.c om or call 601-981-5469 February 11-12
Hattiesburg Gun and Knife Show Countless items up for sale or trade. Guns, knives, jewelry and much more will be available. Hundreds of vendors will have their merchandise on display. Forrest
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County Multipurpose Ctr. Admission is $6. February 14 • 5:30 p.m.
A Family Affair at the Zoo
Instead of hiring a babysitter, enjoy an affordable and unforgettable Valentine’s celebration with your kids at the Hattiesburg Zoo. Each tickets includes a meal, keeper chats, animal encounters and more – all themed around Love the Animal Kingdom. Limited seating available. Tuesday, Feb. 14, 5:30-7 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. Make your reservations today by calling 601-545-4576 February 16
William Carey Exhibit “Manifold Greatness: The Creation and Afterlife of the King James Bible,” Sarah Gillespie Museum, William Carey University campus. The exhibit will be available for viewing through Feb. 16, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fridays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m.-5p.m.; and Sundays,1-5 p.m. February 16 • 7:30 p.m.
Virtuosic Winds USM Symphony presents Virtuosic Winds, Bennett Auditorium on Southern Miss campus. This concert features the entire Southern Miss School of Music woodwind faculty. From one of Vivaldi’s finest musical creations to Luigi Zaninelli’s beautiful Canto, and the American premiere of Alan Theisen’s Concerto for Alto Saxophone, this is a tour de force evening by the outstanding artist faculty. February 16 • 10 a.m.
Free Tree Seedlings At 10 a.m. Feb. 16 at the Forrest County Multipurpose Center, the Forrest County Soil and Water Conservation District will celebrate Arbor Day. The Forrest County SWCD will distribute various types of tree seedlings to the public on a first-come first-serve basis. Seedlings available are Cypress, Sawtooth Oak, Nuttall Oak, Persimmon, Cherrybark Oak, Native Pecan, Shumard Oak, Gobbler
Sawtooth Oak. For more information, contact Forrest County Soil and Water Conservation District, 191 WSF Tatum Blvd., Suite C, Hattiesburg or call 601-583-1184 ext 3. February 17-18
27th Annual University of Southern Mississippi Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo USM Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo at the Forrest County Multipurpose Center. This annual event brings out the top professional cowboys and cowgirls from all over the country to compete for their chance to get closer to qualifying for the national final rodeo. Russ Hendley, division vice president of Hattiesburg Coca-Cola, will serve as grand marshal. Rodeo tickets are on sale at TJ’s Western Ware on U.S. Highway 49 in Hattiesburg. Tickets are $10 and all seats are reserved. For more information contact University of Southern Miss or call 601-583-7500 February 18 • 7:30 p.m.
The Sacred Music of Mack Wilberg USM Symphony presents The Sacred Music of Mack Wilberg, Main Street Baptist Church. The guest conductor for this concert is Mack Wilberg, composer, arranger, conductor
and music director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. His compositions and arrangements are performed and recorded by choral organizations throughout the world and including such artists as Renée Fleming, Frederica von Stade, Bryn Terfel, the King’s Singers, Audra McDon-ald, David Archuleta, and even narrator Walter Cronkite. The culmination of a multi-day festival, this program features his Requiem and other sacred works performed with the orchestra and a mass choir from across the South. February 23-26
Deep South Crawfish Cluster Dog Show Forrest County Multipurpose Center
This dog show will be held in the main arena. All breeds will be shown at this show and spectators are welcome to come support their favorite. From the toys to the working class. Call 601-583-7500 February 24-25
Southern Strings 2012 Dulcimer Festival The Southern Strings 2012 Dulcimer Festival & Deep South Dulcimer Competition will be held Feb. 24-25 in the Thomas Fine Arts Center on the William
USM Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo
Carey University Campus in Hattiesburg. A pre-festival jam will be held Feb. 23. Many well-known in-structors including Bruce Ford, Mountain Dulcimer Instructor and Competition Judge; Dan Landrum, Hammered Dulcimer Instructor and Competition Judge; Bob Taunton, Bass Dulcimer builder and instructor and Rick Long, Psaltery builder, performer and instructor; and Lonnie Brown, Mountain Dulcimer Instructor, specializing in Gospel Hymns. Lee Cagle, of Tennessee will serve as a Hammered Dulcimer Judge during the competition. There will be Beginner – Intermediate - Advanced classes and general instructional sessions on Friday and Saturday. This competition is open to residents of the six Deep South states of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia. Competition will be in two categories of Dulcimer; Mountain and Hammered, in two age groups; Adult and Youth. If you already play or ever wanted to learn to play this is for you! For more information, visit www.mississippidulcimer.com or contact Karen Mims at 601-583-6424 or 601-606-1848 kom_dbc@hotmail.com or Beth Johnson, bethjohnem@msn.com February 25 • 9 a.m.
Day of Dance Presented by Forrest General’s Spirit of Women, will take place at Lake Terrace Convention Center. Doors open at 9 a.m. Activities will include dance instruction and entertainment; health assessments; consumer education on heart disease; door prizes; vendor booths and more! Bring your friends and family to dance, learn simple ways to stay healthy, enjoy music and participate in health screenings at this free community event! The fifth annual “Celebrity Dancing with the Stars” contest will be a highlight of the day’s activities, featuring local celebrities paired with professional dance partners who will dance
their way to the big prize! Also, NEW this year - Taping of South-ern Remedy, Mississip-pi Public Broadcasting's flagship wellness show! For more information on Day of Dance, visit forrestgeneral.com! February 28, March 1 • 7:30 p.m.
Cavalleria Rusticana and Il Tabarro The Southern Miss Symphony Orchestra presents Cavalleria Rusticana and Il Tabarro, Mannoni Performing Arts Center, USM Campus. Cavalleria Rusticana is one of Pietro Mascagni’s greatest masterpieces. This passionate story of love, jealousy and revenge helped usher in the Italian verismo period, during which literature and opera depicted realistic scenarios and true human emotion. Giacomo Puccini’s operas are the most frequently performed works in the operatic repertoire. Il Tabarro is the first of Puccini’s trio of operas known as Il trittico (along with Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi.) Set in Paris, this opera tells a tale of deception and murder on the Seine River.
Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
Through March 16 Southern Journeys: African American Artists of the South February through March 2010 Eudora Welty's Garden: Photographs by Langdon Clay The museum is located at 565 N. Fifth Avenue Laurel. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. For more information, call 601-649-6374
March 29 • 7:30 p.m.
Future Stars
Presented by the Southern Miss Symphony at Bennett Auditorium. Students in the USM School of Music annually compete in the William T. Gower Competition. The winners appear as soloists with the orchestra in one of our most popular evenings of music. This year, winners will be selected from the woodwind, brass and percussion studios.
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By Ronda RICH
I
’d always heard that love – or rather the loss of it – could drive a woman crazy. Push her plum to the edge and sometimes even push her over it until she was in a free fall that landed her slab dab in the middle of crazy. But I never believed it until it happened to her. Then all I had never believed, never fathom could possibly be true, I came to believe as strongly as I believe in a sun that rises every morning and rivers that run to the sea. He loved her. That much we all knew. You could see it in his eyes, even when she exasperated him beyond words. He’d shake his head, roll his eyes and, ever once in a while, irritation would creep into his words. Fire would flash in her Irish green eyes then slip quickly to pain and sometimes she bit her lip and simply didn’t respond. Sometimes she did. And woe be unto anyone standing too close to
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that torching exchange of blazing words. She complained mildly that he spent too much time with the boys and not enough with her. And that part was mostly true because there was always a good time that beckoned and a beautiful girl that called. But he always came back to her. Every night at 6 p.m., he walked through the door, asking “What’s for supper?” and she gaily responded with a list of many things, too much for two people to eat. She often recalled how she loved him the first time she saw him. “I never seen a cuter anything in my life than that boy was,” she’d remembered wistfully. “Right then and there, I fell in love with them hazel eyes.” Though he wasn’t always exclusively hers – over the years, she had to share him with a bevy of beauties – he was always there when she needed him. He washed her car, filled it with gas, cut the grass, moved the furniture as much as she demanded and there were
even the times that he would spend a full day shopping with her. For that’s how much he loved her. He was willing to do what men loathe the most: slump in a chair outside a fitting room, tap his foot and try to pretend that he is patiently waiting. The night he left, no one knew he wasn’t coming back. She later recounted time and time again how normal the evening had been. She’d made fried chicken, biscuits and gravy and had thought of making his favorite apple cobbler but, instead, settled on left over banana pudding. She never forgave herself for not making that cobbler. “If only I’d knowed,” she moaned quietly, each day edging closer to losing her mind after it all ended like it did. He had given her a peck on the cheek and rushed out into the night. No one ever got all the details but this much we know: The sheriff, a cousin of hers, knocked on her door somewhere around midnight. He recalled how he waited for the lights to come on and when she
opened the door, she was disheveled, clutching her robe together with one hand. He pulled back the screen door and that’s when she screamed with a pained anguish he said he’d never forget. She didn’t care to know the details of the wreck. She knew all she needed to know. She had only had 23 years to love him. She didn’t go crazy over night but it came pretty quickly. Within months, her mind slipped away and, like him, never returned. She went shopping in her bath robe and slept in her Sunday clothes. Once she even spray painted her grass yellow because she liked yellow better than green. Crazy, that’s what she was. But they say that’s how every mother feels who buries a son. Ronda Rich is a best-selling Southern author. Sign up for her newsletter at ww.rondarich.com.
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From left, Dr. Brett, Alesia, James, Rhea-Phillips and Brett Valentine.
For Brett and Alesia Valentine, who will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in June, every day is Valentine’s Day. Although it was the man, and not the name, who won her over, Alesia said she does enjoy being a Valentine. “I enjoy signing a heart for the V,” she said, adding that her husband “is the perfect ‘Valentine’ for me.” Brett said he has always liked his last name, although he admits to taking some kidding for it as a youngster, especially at this time of the year. The couple met at church in October of 1984 and Brett proposed two years later. They got married in June of the following year. “The first time we went out, we just knew we were right for each other,” Alesia said. “It was just right.”
Despite his name, Brett said he doesn’t consider himself “a really big romantic.” Alesia disagrees on that point. “He is kind. He’s very considerate,” she said. “He will go with me to little places – antique shops and corner stores.” “We like taking day trips together, just the two of us,” Brett said. “Our idea of a good time is to drive to St. Francisville, Vacherie, Slidell or a day in Fairhope, Ala.,” Alesia added. “He is more reserved than I am, but it has always worked for us,” she said. “She doesn’t like surprises,” Brett said of his wife. “That really curtails doing really big things. I’ll usually say something several days ahead.” Alesia said, though, that it is the smaller gestures that count, in everything from jewelry to pets. “We have kept a variety of birds
for years, and he never says no to another pet coming through the door,” she said. “He is from one of the finest Christian families that I know,” Alesia said. “When I met Brett, I took him at some point to my high school Sunday School teacher’s home. Her name is Cindy Gillian, wife of Frank Gillian. On more than one occasion, I would take a guy over to meet Cindy. Little did I know that she and my mother talked and were sold on Brett.” Alesia said it’s amazing how fast time has flown since they’ve been together. “We are about to celebrate 25 years of marriage,” she said, adding, “Our oldest is about to graduate from high school.” The couple has three children – a daughter, Rhea-Phillips, 17, who was Homecoming Queen last year at Sumrall High School; James, 16, and Brett, 14, who was born
two days after Valentine’s Day. “It’s cool. Everyone remembers my birthday,” Brett said of being born on Feb. 16. And what’s the best part of Valentine’s Day? “Getting candy,” he said. Alesia, who performed in the musical group Southern Exposure when she was a student at the University of Southern Mississippi, said her entire family is musical. All three of the children have been chosen among the six from Sumrall High School who have been selected to sing at Carnegie Hall this month as part of the Honors Performance Series. They will be among 180 students who have come together from across the country to perform, she said. “The years have zipped by, and Brett seems to never change in character or looks,” Alesia said. “He got ‘Least Changed’ at Warren Central at his 10 and 20 year reunion.”
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A ‘best of’ competition, Best of the Pine Belt 2012, returns to coincide with the release of season tickets to the third annual FestivalSouth, June 9 - 23. The competition will determine the favorite people, places, and things that make the area great. Following an overwhelming response last year, a guide to the Pine Belt was created by its residents. The complete list of ‘best’ will be featured in the festival program that encompasses the June edition of Signature Magazine. This year, the competition will take place in two phases. Right now, nominations are being sought in categories including everything from “Best Day Trip” to “Best Mexican Food” and “Best Shoes” to “Best Volunteer.” On April 1, the top vote getters in each category will be put into the finalist competition and another round of online voting will determine the winners. To vote, simply log on to www.festivalsouth.org and click on the Best of the Pine Belt 2012 logo. There, choose a category and write in as many nominations as you like. Don’t forget to check back April 1 for the finals round to make sure your favorites win. “While I lived in Austin, Texas, we anticipated a similar list each year and kept the guide in the car so that when we were looking for something to do, we knew just where to go,” said contest creator Dr. Mike Lopinto. “We were thrilled last year when we received almost 10,000 votes in the first week alone! By the time it was finished more than 35,000 votes had been cast.” Last year, voters helped The Purple Parrot win honors in many categories. “When the recognition comes from your own market, from customers who are in our restaurants every day, sometimes twice a day, that means the most,” said Robert St. John, executive chef and owner of the New South Restaurant Group. Materials are available online at www.festivalsouth.org for businesses and residents to solicit votes in
this nomination process. Click on the Best of the Pine Belt 2012 logo and download logos, signs and more. FestivalSouth offers events for music lovers of every taste. The 2012 star-studded lineup will be announced on Valentine’s Day as season tickets go on sale at www.festivalsouth.org, the Southern Miss Ticket Office, 601.266.5418 and www.southernmisstickets.com. This year’s Best of the Pine Belt categories include: Arts & Entertainment Best Live Club or Party DJ Best Party of the Year Best Performing Artist Best Place To Dance Best Place To See Local Art Best Scenester/Mover & Shaker Best Visual Artist Kids Best Afterschool Activity/Program Best Birthday Cakes Best Clothing Best Daycare Best Haircut Best Party Place Best Sports/Rec Program Best Summer Camp Media Best Local TV News Program Best Local TV Personality Best Local News Website Best Local Non-'Signature' Publication Best Radio Station Best Radio Music Deejay Outdoors & Recreation Best Annual Event
Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best
Bike Ride Coach Fitness Classes Day Trip – Dry Day Trip – Wet Place to Play Golf Place To Camp Secret Romantic Hideaway Place to Workout
Politics & Personalities Best Non-Profit Organization Best Volunteer Best Hattiesburg Icon (person) Best City Official Best Elected Official Best Unsung, Behind-theScenester Services Best Auto Service/Repair Best Barbershop/Hair Salon Best Car Wash Best Dry Cleaner Best Florist Best Landscape Services Best Medical Care/Hospital Best Pedicure/Manicure Best Pet Groomer Best Photographer Best Printer/Copies Best Spa Best Tattoo Artist Best Veterinarian Shopping Best Antiques/Collectibles Best Car Dealership Best Clothing Best Computer Store Best Drugstore/Pharmacy Best Home Furnishings Best Liquor Store Best Bookstore Best Hardware Store Best Record/CD Store
Best Shoe Selection Best Thrift/Vintage Store Best Unique Find Lodging/Dining Best Hotel Best Barista Best Bed & Breakfast Best Bar Ambience Best Beer Selection Best Brunch Best Buffet Best Cheap Date Best Fast Food Best Food Event Best Full-Service Bakery Best Grocery Best Happy Hour/Free or Cheap Deal Best Intimate Dining Best Late Night/All-Night Best Local Cocktail – drink and location Best Bartender Best New Restaurant Best Place To Take a First Date Best Restaurant to Take Kids Best Restaurant to Take Parents Best Restaurant within 60 Miles Best Restaurant We Wish Were Still Open Best Service/Waitstaff Best Takeout Best Wine Selection Best Mexican Best Italian Best Chinese Best Restaurant Overall Best Specific Food
(include names of restaurant where food is served)
Appetizer Barbeque Hamburger Steak Comfort Food Hot Dog Chips and Salsa Soup Salad/Dressing Seafood Dish Sushi Breakfast Sandwich Bread Desserts Ice Cream Coffee Pizza
Best Thing We Missed
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ine Belt residents are invited to get moving toward better heart health at the 8th Annual Day of Dance, hosted by Forrest General Hospital’s Spirit of Women. This year’s Day of Dance 2012, scheduled for Feb. 25, promises to be bigger and better than ever. Set for the Lake Terrace Convention Cener, the doors will open at 9 a.m. for this free community event. On tap for the day will be dance instruction and entertainment, health assessments, heart disease education, door prizes, vendor booths and more! Each year, Day of Dance brings the Pine Belt together for a celebration of the benefits of dance and exercise for the prevention of heart disease. Last year, 200-plus talented performers from more than 18 dance groups entertained the crowd with various types of dance, showing the more than 600 attendees that it doesn’t matter what kind of dance you do – it’s all heart healthy! During the day’s interactive dance sessions, attendees are invited to dance at their seat or get up on stage with instructors as they demonstrate the steps to line dances, exercise dances, and more! The fifth annual “Celebrity Dancing with the Stars” contest – a highlight of the day – will feature local celebrities paired with professional dance partners. As a new feature for this year’s event, Forrest General’s Spirit of Women is partnering with Mississippi Public Broadcasting to bring a unique opportunity to attendees. During Day of Dance, MPB personalities will host an on-location taping of “Southern
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Remedy,” Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s flagship wellness show, and ask attendees to be a part of the audience! For more information on Day of Dance, visit forrestgeneral.com!
Lower Your Risk: Just Dance! According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, dancing can lower your risk of coronary heart disease and decrease blood pressure. Also, high energy dancing such as salsa, swing and ballroom dancing: • Builds stamina and can serve as an effective weight loss method • Helps with flexibility which helps keeps joints from stiffening with age; • Strengthens muscle tissues essential to preserving your bones and helps prevent osteoporosis. A recent Surgeon General’s report suggests that moderate physical activity, such as dancing, actively promotes bone health, and dancing is also one of five steps to better bone health listed by the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Boost Your Mood and Your Health! 5 reasons to dance for your health: • lowers heart disease risk • decreases blood pressure • builds stamina • boosts flexibility • preserves bone health
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ne of the Pine Belt’s most entertaining events is just around the corner, as the Southern Miss Coca Cola Rodeo returns to Forrest County’s James Lynn Cartlidge Multipurpose Center Feb. 17-18. The 27th edition of the event is presented by The University of Southern Mississippi’s Department of Recreational Sports. Russ Hendley, division vice-president of Hattiesburg Coca-Cola and a Southern Miss alum, will serve as the rodeo’s grand marshal. Referred to by some fans as the “Greatest Show on Dirt,” the event is a fundraiser for Southern Miss scholarships. “I’m honored and looking forward to serving as the rodeo’s grand marshal,” Hendley said. “I’ve enjoyed watching this event grow
over the years, and as a Southern Miss graduate, it pleases me to know that it is supporting scholarships to help give students the same opportunity for a great education like the one I received.” The rodeo will be in the Main Arena of the center, where it has been held since the facility opened in 1999. The event was first presented at the former Southern Miss Equestrian Center in 1986. “We’ve got another great rodeo planned this year,” said Sid Gonsoulin, associate vice president of student affairs and director of recreational sports at Southern Miss. “It’s going to be a lot of fun for everyone involved, and it also helps students at the university pursue their academic and career goals.”
Contestants are awarded both points and cash prizes for competing and placing in the event’s various categories, with point totals helping in their pursuit of qualification for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nev. Some of the country’s top professional cowboys and cowgirls will compete in the local event’s categories of competition, including bareback riding; saddle bronc riding; steer wrestling; team roping; calf roping; women’s barrel racing and bull riding. Fans of the Southern Miss CocaCola Rodeo can also look forward to being entertained again by one of the event’s most popular celebrities, six-time ProRodeo Clown of the Year Lecile Harris. Harris has worked rodeos in various capaci-
ties for more than half a century, and gives nearly 125 performances a year at the world’s biggest rodeos. He got his start as a bullfighter in the 1950’s and ‘60s and was instrumental in transforming the sport from thrill show to a skillful art. He has also appeared on various TV shows, including as a regular role on “HEE HAW” and on the big screen in “The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James” and “W.W. and the Dixie Dance Kings” with Burt Reynolds, among other films. Rodeo tickets are available at TJ’s Western Ware on U.S. Highway 49. Tickets are $10 and all seats are reserved. Tickets will also be on sale beginning at 1 p.m. the day of the show at the Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center.
About The University of Southern Mississippi The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu.
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A neighborhood reminiscent of the one your parents or grandparents grew up in is where you’ll find this year’s Home Sweet Home, which is being raffled by the United Way of Southeast Mississippi. Located in Vintage Springs in the heart of south Hattiesburg, the neighborhood adjoins the Timberton subdivision and is within walking distance of the new Presbyterian Christian High School. This gated community, with homes built in the simple, informal and effi-
cient Craftsman style, is conveniently nestled between Interstate 59, and Highways 11, 49 and 98. Inspired by the delightful neighborhoods of old Hattiesburg, Vintage Springs was developed by Cliff Norman and Bob Sullivan, joint owners High Cotton LLC, and was designed to encourage pedestrian travel with sidewalks and walking trails winding through pine and hardwood trees. Open spaces and pavilions encourage interaction with nature and neighbors. The gated
main entrance is on Bonhomie Road with a private gate connecting to Timberton. This year’s home at 39 North Founders Way is appraised at $250,000 and is being built by Patrick Ward of Southeastern Construction and the Greater Hattiesburg Home Builders Association. The house has 1,898 square feet of heated/cooled living space and features a split floorplan with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Comforts of the master bath include
a large closet, whirlpool tub, custom shower and double vanities. The home with 9 and 11-foot ceilings, has a double garage with two large storage rooms and features custom cabinetry with quartz and granite countertops. A highlight of the home is a huge screened-in back porch, perfect for enjoying the cooler spring and fall days in South Mississipi, which are sometimes few and far between, but with gas logs in the living room fireplace to cozy up those chilly Continued on page 18
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days that are inevitable. Greg Fennell of Swatches in Hattiesburg is serving as interior designer for the project and is working on putting together just the right touches – from paint colors and flooring, to lighting fixtures and hardware – to help make this house a real home. For the 10th year in a row, some lucky person will soon have the chance to win this new home for only $100. Raffle tickets in the 10th annual Home Sweet Home Raffle, sponsored by the Greater Hattiesburg Home Builders Association and Leaf River Cellulose to benefit United Way of Southeast Mississippi, go on sale Friday, Feb. 10. All proceeds from the raffle will benefit United Way of Southeast Mississippi and its partner programs. “Leaf River Cellulose has once again donated $70,000 to help sponsor the raffle, and we are very grateful for that,” said Brooke Bryan, Campaign & Communications Associate for the United Way of Southeast Mississippi. She said the beginning of the raffle, which is usually held in midJanuary, has been pushed back this year because the typical closing event for ticket sales – the
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Home and Products Show – will not take place this year. Instead, the last chance for ticket sales will take place during The ADP’s HUBFEST in downtown Hattiesburg on March 31. Beginning Feb. 11, open house tours will be held every Saturday and Sunday until April 1 – from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Sundays. Open houses will also be held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Monday, March 26, through Friday, March 30. Guests are invited to register for free door prizes at each open house. Directions to 39 North Founders Way: Traveling south on U.S. Highway 49, turn right onto WSF Tatum Drive (just past The Salvation Army Family Store). Go .6 of a mile and turn left on to Bonhomie Road. Drive 1.2 miles and turn right on Vintage Park into the Vintage Springs subdivision. Take the first right on to North Founders Way. Go .3 of a mile, and the house will be on the right. According to Bryan, a maximum of 5,000 tickets will be sold. “If less than 2,100 tickets have been sold by 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 1, the raffle will be cancelled, and each ticket holder will be refunded their $100 purchase price, and the home
will be sold on the open market,” she said. Tickets will be available online beginning Feb. 10 with VISA or MasterCard or by mail (download order from from the United Way’s website, http://www.unitedwaysems.org/). Mail in a completed order form and $100 check or credit card information to United Way of Southeast Mississippi, P.O. Box 1648, Hattiesburg, MS 39403, postmarked by March 26, 2012. You can also order by phone at 601-545-7141 or fax a completed order form to 601-545-8872 by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 30, to order by VISA or MasterCard. Tickets will also be on sale at the United Way office at 210 W. Front Street in Historic Downtown Hattiesburg and select locations of Citizens Bank, Community Bank, The First and Grand Bank until 5 p.m. on Friday, March 30. Tickets may also be purchased during open house weekends (see above for times) and at HUBfest, Saturday, March 31, in downtown Hattiesburg. The last weekend to buy tickets will be March 31 at HUBfest, the open house or online and Sunday, April 1 at the open house or online. The winning ticket will be drawn at 6 p.m. Monday, March 9, on location at 39 North Founders Way
in Hattiesburg. You do not have to be present to win. Runner-up prizes in the raffle include a new computer donated by Owens Business Machines, gift cards donated by Ashley Furniture Home Store and Best Buy and a football package donated by Southern Miss. More information about the Home Sweet Home Raffle and pictures of the home can be found by visiting www.unitedwaysems.org. Stay tuned for more details! www.vintagesprings.com. When you purchase a Home Sweet Home Raffle ticket, you not only get a chance to win a new $250,000 home, you also help others in our community! Your purchase will: • provide 10 hot meals for disaster victims through American Red Cross • send two Cub Scouts in the Scoutreach program to day camp for a week • provide a child with two weeks of after-school programming at The Family Y • feed 20 hungry people a hot meal at Christian Services • assist many other programs to improve our community through education, health, financial stability and support services.
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By Dana GOWER It began in 1948 at Garraway’s in Prentiss and continues to the present day and, hopefully, far into the future. Garraway’s closed a year ago last month, but it lives on in the memories of Charles and Betty Mikell of Hattiesburg, who celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this January. Charles Mikell was raised at Silver Creek. When he graduated in 1948, Charles moved to Prentiss, where he went to work at Garraway’s, which sold everything from hardware to groceries. “I ran the café,” he said. There was also a dry goods, where Betty worked. “I had to get some materials for aprons,” Charles said. “I thought he was cute,” Betty remembers of the first time she saw him. “I was from Carson. I’d go back and forth to work every day. I used to eat lunch over there” at the café,” she said. “It was just a short time before we started dating,” Charles said. It wasn’t long before things started getting serious, or at least Charles was, but Betty was 17 at the time and told him she was too young to get married. “But he kept on aggravating me,”
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she says now with a smile. “We didn’t have a long courtship.” They were married on Jan. 16, 1949, moved to Prentiss, rented a house and were ready to settle down to a long married life. Then Charles was drafted in January of 1952 and sent to Korea. Betty stored the furniture and moved back home with her parents and waited for Charles to return. “We wrote each other every day,” Betty said. “I would tell him the news.” There wasn’t much happening in Prentiss at the time, so, “I’d say the same old thing over and over.” And Charles would write back, every day. “I’ve still got most of my letters,” she said, of the keepsakes which are packed safely away. Charles says now it wasn’t the news in the letters that was so important; it was that they kept coming, every day, something that impressed the other soldiers. In addition to the letters he sent home to Betty, Charles would occasionally send gifts that he was able to buy while on five-day “R&R” in Tokyo. On one occasion, he sent her a 93-piece set of china. “It cost more to send it home than the original price,” he said. “I didn’t know what to think,” when the package arrived, Betty said. “It was in two boxes. He was
all the time sending something. He was a good man.” One day, Betty received a threepage letter. “It had one word on each page,” she said. The letter, in its entirety, said, “I’m coming home.” “I was a gun mechanic,” Charles said. The Armistice was signed on July 27, 1953. “When they ceased fire, I was on the line. I probably was there to work on the guns.” Charles was home for Christmas, but there was still one last hurdle to get over before he got home, one that made headlines back in the states – food poisoning. “It took about 10 days to cross the Pacific,” he said. “About three days out, in the Sea of Japan, we got food poisoning. That was terrible. We made headlines in the United States.” Charles, who had weighed 140 pounds when he left Korea, arrived in San Francisco weighing 125. The sight of the Golden Gate Bridge, lit up at midnight as they approached the harbor, almost made up for the suffering of the trip, he said. The boat docked at 5 a.m. and he was put on a train to Camp Chaffee in Arkansas, where he was discharged. He made the rest of the trip home by bus. “I was right there” when the bus
arrived, Betty said. “I’d been waiting about 45 minutes. I was the only one there. He picked me up and twirled me around. I thought he was real slim and trim and good looking. That was the happiest Christmas I ever had.” Charles went back to work at Garraway’s and they rented an apartment. In September of 1954, their first child, Charles Victor, was born. In February of 1962, another son, Keith, was born, and a daughter, Lisa, rounded out the family in March of 1967. Over the years, there were a number of different jobs and a few other houses. The family has grown to include five grandchildren. But among all those changes, one thing has remained the same. “I love him so much,” Betty said, adding she couldn’t imagine being married to anyone else. Both agree that it is simple things that help make a marriage last and remain strong. “I love working in my yard,” Charles said. “I love roses. She likes camellias.” You’ll find plenty of both growing in their yard. Charles turns 83 this month. Betty will be 82 in June. “We’ve had a good life,” she says.
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Bride with parents Bride & Groom together Bride & Groom with parents Bride & Groom with families Bride & Groom with entire wedding party Bride & Groom with flower girl and ringbearer Groom with parents Groom with best man Groom with groomsmen Bride with groomsmen
During the Reception
Shots Before the Ceremony Arriving at your designated dressing area with arms full of stuff Fixing hair and makeup, bride and bridesmaids Wedding dress lying over a chair, hanging up Zipping up or buttoning the wedding dress Mother of the bride fastening the bride's necklace, buckling shoes, helping with earrings The bride's garter The bride's veil Bride's shoes peeking out from under the dress Bride looking into a mirror Bride looking out window Florist delivering bouquets to bride/bridesmaids Bride pinning corsage/boutonniere on mother/father Bride with parents (hugs, kisses, special gift) Bride touching up Bride and parents leaving for ceremony Groom tying tie Groom looking into mirror Groom, groomsmen waiting, horsing around Groom pinning corsage/boutonniere on mother/father
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Groom with parents Bride and parents leaving for ceremony
Shots At the Ceremony Outside of ceremony venue (decor, etc.) Guests walking into ceremony venue Bride and father entering ceremony venue Parents being seated Grandparents being seated Maid of honor walking down the aisle Bridesmaids walking down the aisle Flower girl and ring bearer walking down aisle Groom waiting for bride Ceremony musicians Officiant Altar or canopy during ceremony Close up of bride, just before she makes her entrance Bride and father walking down aisle Groom seeing bride for first time The back of bride and father walking down the aisle –
with the groom waiting in the distance Bride's father and bride hugging at end of aisle Shot of the audience from the bride and groom's point of view The unity candle (sand) ceremony Close up of bride and groom saying the vows Wide shot of bride and groom saying the vows Exchanging the rings Close up of hands The kiss Bride & Groom walking up the aisle Bride & Groom outside on steps
Photos Before the Reception (These can also be taken before the ceremony depending on whether bride wants groom to see her prior to walking down the aisle, but it usually helps get the wedding party get to the reception quicker.) Bride alone (full length) Bride with Maid of Honor Bride with bridesmaids Groom with bridesmaids
Outside of reception site Bride & Groom arriving Bride & Groom greeting guests Table centerpieces Table setting Bride & Groom's table (head table) Musicians or DJ Guest book Place card table Wedding cake Groom's cake Gift table Decorations A shot of bride & groom with guests at each table Bride with college friends Groom with college friends The food tables (if being served buffet style or place settings if seated dinner) Bride & Groom's first dance Bride & Father dancing Groom & Mother dancing Guests dancing Bride & Groom cutting the cake Bride & Groom feeding each other cake Toasts Signing the marriage license Bride throwing bouquet Groom retrieving garter Groom tossing garter The getaway car Bride & Groom leaving reception Guests throwing confetti/rose petals/birdseed Bride & Groom hugging guests, laughing, getting congratulations Bride & Groom getting in car Bride & Groom in back seat Bride & Groom driving away
By Beth BUNCH When Randa Campbell and John Pittman, both of Hattiesburg, became engaged on the sands of Muscle Beach in Santa Monica, Calif., on Feb. 18, 2011, it culminated a friendship that began at, of all places, Sonic, in the summer of 2006 at the hands of a mutal friend, Matt Bougere. They didn’t start dating until January of 2007. “I look back and wonder, ‘Where would we be if it were not for Matt?’ ” Wedding preparations started almost immediately and went “all the way until the wedding day,” according to Randa, who according to her wedding photographer, was still tending to things and putting out fires right up until the end. And while the day was perfect...the weather cool and sunny, there is one thing she would have changed – the date. The day the couple picked for their wedding was Nov. 5, which just happened to be the day that #1 LSU and #2 Alabama met on the
been members of the church his gridrion for the first time. “The only entire life and Randa started thing I would have changed would attending with him when they starthave been the date, because I’m ed dating. Randa’s family eventualsure I ticked a few people off by ly joined the church. “We chose the getting married during the old church because that is where LSU/Alabama game!” said Randa. John got me involved and I got my But thanks to a 6 p.m. wedding family involved. start, “I did have to say, everyone at the The couple picked for their Needless it is a very sentireception for the kickoff at 7 p.m, wedding was Nov. 5, which mental place for where a 47-inch just happened to be the day all of us.” Nuptial music screen televithat #1 LSU and #2 Alabama was presented by sion was set up met on the gridrion Dr. Laura and tuned to the Broughton, vocalappropriate ist and pianist; Jonathan Brannan, channel. But I honestly didn’t know vocalist; Ben Bullock, trumpeter; that is when that game was schedPedro Oseias and Maria Sofia uled when I picked the date!” With Lasa, violinists; Daniel Pardo, viola; approximately 500 guests who and Ana Cristina Abrantes, cello. attended the wedding and about Randa is the daughter of George 450 at the reception, it’s pretty safe and Jerri Lynn Campbell, who have to assume that the obvious conflict lived in Hattiesburg for more than didn’t keep people away. 40 years and John’s parents, Brad The couple exchanged vows at and Jacquelyne the old First Baptist Church on Pittman, have West Pine Street in downtown been residents of Hattiesburg with Pastor Jeff Clark the Hub City for officiating. John and his family had
35-plus years. Both are currently employed in their respective family businesses – Randa with her family at Southern Colonel Homes and John with Columbia Block and Brick. For the nuptials and events surrounding the big day, Randa chose a peacock theme. “I love peacock feathers and the colors you can coordinate with them,” said Randa. “I had never really put a lot of thought into it until Continued on next page
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I discovered how trendy they were becoming in arrangements and weddings.” She said it wasn't too long after she and John became engaged that she started researching peacock-themed wedding ideas. “I found a lot of awesome things, but I wanted to coordinate it with rich colors such as fuschia, lime green, turquoise and purple,” she said. When planning began in earnest around April, Randa met with Lisa Gunter at Southern Oaks House and Gardens in Hattiesburg, where the reception would be held and who coordinated all of the flowers for the church and the reception, and explained her ideas. “I also took her some photos of the flowers I liked and how I wanted to coordinate the feathers in with the arrangements, bouquets, boutonnières and other aspects of the wedding, including the programs. Shortly after that I found a picture
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of a peacock flower arrangement that I fell in love with.” Randa took the photo to Lisa who found all the things she needed to make the arrangement. “It turned out more beautiful than I had imagined.” “Lisa and I worked great together,” said Randa. “She helped me carry out a lot of my ideas, as well as picking out linens, foods, flowers. And she provided a helpful and reassuring hand when I questioned about how I should do things. The night would have not been a success without her!” Sans a wedding planning, the planning duties also fell to Randa’s mom, sister-in-law, John’s mother and Lisa with Donna Nations Malone serving as wedding director. “I won’t lie. There were numerous times when I’m sure my family wanted to strangle me, but I am so grateful they all put up with me and continued to help.” Sister-in-law Rebecca helped Randa keep up with all of her
appointments and helped make sure things got done. She also stayed in touch with the bridesmaids to make sure they were getting everything worked out with their dresses. “Looking back, I realize that everyone really chipped in and helped along the way. All of my bridesmaids were great about checking up on me and making sure I had not gone "bridezilla" and to see if there was anything they could do. I have really been blessed with amazing friends and family! Randa chose 10 family members and friends as her bridesmaids. While John chose a host of family and friends to serve as groomsmen and ushers. A special touch of the peacockthemed wedding festivities were white shirts with a peacockembroidered on the back that bridesmaid April Bullock, a local boutique owner, found at market in July. “She emailed me a picture of
them,” Randa said. “I told her they would be perfect for all of us to wear the day of the wedding, for the bridesmaids’ brunch and afterward as we had our hair and makeup done. Following the brunch at Southern Oaks, the bridesmaids loaded into a white stretch Hummer for the trip across town to the salon where the ladies would spend the afternoon being pampered and getting all “done up” before the pre-wedding photos and ceremony. She considers that as one of the highlights of that special day. “Everyone was dancing to music, being loud and cutting up. It was so much fun!” Randa chose a dress by Watters & Watters for the bridesmaids in a color called agave, a nod to her peacock theme. The bridesmaids carried brightly colored nosegays of hydrangeas, roses and other flowers. The boutonnières worn by the men were made up of roses and accented with a small peacock feather.
Wedding programs were a cream paper stock tied with ribbon and accented with a peacock feather and the ring bearers pillow also featured her signature feater. Following the wedding, guests made their way to Southern Oaks for the reception where a veritable buffet awaited, not to mention, the all-important big-screen television. The menu included oysters on the half shell, Chicken Alfredo, Parmesan chicken tenders, pork loin with chutney sauce, Mississippi sin dip and pita bread, spinach and artichoke dip with tortilla chips, a chocolate fountain with cakes, cookies, pretzels and fruit, ice cream shooters and a prime rib carving station. In addition to all that, there were two cakes made by Home Bake & Candy Shoppe in Hattiesburg. The four-tiered wedding cake with a decorative peacock motif featured three different flavors – the bottom layer was white, the second was chocolate, the third
strawberry and the top was Italian Creme Cheese. “The top layer was for my parents because that is one of their favorites,” Randa said. The groom's cake, chocolate with buttercream icing, was a replica of the couple’s Rotweiller, Gus. “John and I refer to him as our child and he is very special to us,” she said. “Since Gus couldn’t be John's best man, we made him into a cake!” Providing music for the reception was the band, the King Beez. Guests, who weren’t found in front of the television, enjoyed a night of dancing. “The game definitely added some excitement to the night. I would say a lot of people were pumped up about the game” said Randa, of the approximately 100 people who were crammed into the room at one point during the night. “One of my bridesmaids graduated from Alabama last summer and she was determined to be there at kickoff. And with a pretty
even amount of Alabama fans versus LSU fans, the room with the TV was packed most of the night. I never realized I had such die-hard football fans for friends until that night.” But she admits, “there were some sad faces after the game.” The Campbell family, owners of Southern Colonel Homes, was rooting for Alabama because all of their manufacturers are out of North Alabama, “so their favoritism has rubbed off on all of us. While John and I were rooting for Alabama, we are true Southern Miss fans.” Several members of the wedding party, both male and female, donned LSU or Alabama blackouts under their eyes like you see the players wear. “It was really cute, especially the bridesmaids wearing them. The blackouts really made their dresses,” Randa said. “It was definitely a site to see! The couple stayed at the reception for more than three hours, and “really didn't want to leave when
we did,” Randa said. “We had so much fun, and enjoyed spending time with friends and family we had not seen in a long time. It was truly a spectacular day and night! When they did leave, they departed under a sea of rose petals. The couple honeymooned at two different resorts in St. Lucia – one on the beach and the other in the rainforest in between the two Pitons, the island’s extraordinary twin pointed peaks. “They were both amazing places!” she said. The couple met several other newlywed couples who they have remained in contact with through Facebook. “It was just a wonderful day,” recalls Randa. “The wedding was so beautiful and was more than anything we could have ever dreamed of. We had a great turnout and John and I were so pleased at all the people who came to show their love and support! We feel so blessed.”
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By Beth BUNCH Newlywed is described in the dictionary as a recently married person. John and Carolyn Critz of Glendale celebrated their second wedding anniversary on Jan. 9 of this year, but by all accounts, they are newlyweds. Of the 24 months they've been married, they've only lived together as a couple for 6 months and not all at one time, but at sporadic intervals during the 2 years. The couple, both military at the time, met in 2009 at a 7-month military school at Fort Meade, Md., that both were taking part in. They were only six others in the class. “We were friends a really long time,” Carolyn said. And because they were such good friends and hung around so much together, they really didn’t know they were dating until 3 or 4 dates in, when John turned to Carolyn or vice versa and asked, “Are we dating?” And the other replied, “I don’t know. Kiss me and we’ll find out.” However their families knew differently. As families are prone to be, “they just
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knew.” Carolyn described their days at Fort Meade as, “Up at 4 a.m., school, breakfast, school, lunch, school, formations, dinner and Army stuff to do, before finishing up around 8 or 9 p.m. Then we’d hang out. We were together all the time.” And not necessarily of their own choosing. They described typical weekends at Fort Meade as doing nothing but sitting around the barracks, which wasn’t a lot of fun. So, with the close proximity of family – his dad and stepmom were about 20 minutes away in Baltimore, while Carolyn’s sister was 2 hours north and her parents 6 hours, it made it easy to “go home” for a long weekend....sometimes just the two of them and at others times with friends in tow. The families came to expect it and always wanted to know how many that weekend’s entourage would include. “It was the same at holidays,” Carolyn said. “So there were no surprises to family when we did start dating. You have to be yourself when you’re with family. And put on your best front when dating, so on
those weekends it was a little of both.” John said that while their families knew of their relationship, their classmates had no idea. “We kept a low profile, not that it was against the rules or anything,” he said. “We kept it that way to maintain some professionalism.” So when they eventually got married (at Gramercy Mansion in Baltimore with only 8 people – 4 family members for the bride, 4 for the groom, a minister and a photographer) and came back to class the next week to finish the last several days of classes before graduation, the “friends” came back bearing gifts of wedding cake and wedding cookies to share with their classmates, who were
totally surprised to hear of their weekend nuptials.
Only six months?
But before they would live together for an extended period of time or the rest of their lives, there would be a lot of water under the bridge. A Mississippi Army National Guard technician at Camp Shelby, John only Continued on page 42
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returned from his second deployment, this time in Afghanistan, in July of 2011. Carolyn's last deployment to Iraq was scheduled to overlap with his. “After we married and before deployment, we figured out that there would be 18 months between the time we would see each other again,” John said. But things changed and gave them a few days here or there before one of the two of them left. But that didn’t mean they didn’t keep the roads hot Let’s just say that between Jan. 9, 2010, and present day, there was a lot of traveling between the two – whether it was going back to Denver, where she and the boys had last lived to pack up a house before Carolyn and John Critz on their wedding day, Jan. 9, 2010, surrounded by family members. deployment, to California to see the boys before she left, “So, I called a friend of a friend and Fort Meade, which John was also to Fort Dix to visit John before his told them I needed to go on the first attedning, after which she would be deployment, to Pennsylvania and thing smoking.” She needed a job deployed. One of the conditions in Maryland to visit inlaws and parents, that badly. So she reupped with an going to Fort Meade was that the back to Durango, Colo., to pick up Armed Forces Network unit out of commander needed a broacast jourher two dogs who had been fostered Georgia and was deployed as a nalist/technican and she could do out to a family during her time away, broadcaster in Iraq. Her boys, both, as well as print stories. She back to Glendale for John to tie up Matthew and John Robert, went to was on tap to head to Iraq as soon loose ends and get the house he’d live with her then former in-laws in as the school was over. She knew purchased ready to be closed up for California. then that with the situation in an indefinite period of time, among “Back in school I had told them, Iraq/Iran she was going to get sent other things. It was a very busy cou“You watch, you’ll see me on CNN on a longer deployment, for possibly ple of years. someday.” This looked like that might up to 18 months. And off she went. It all started just a week after their be her chance. Because of administrative Jan. 10 wedding, when the two grad“My first deployment was fantastic. changes, a reduction in forces, a uated and he headed to Mississippi, I saw the entire country,” she said. “It change in mission, with her contract and she to Denver to pack a house was a journalist’s dream. We were on getting ready to expire, and having up, before meeting at Fort Dix on a the road three weeks at a time....flymet and married John, Carolyn four-day pass before deployment. ing, driving, etc. We couldn’t convoy decided she was “going to leave the by ourselves, so we’d jump in with party. I now had a husband and chilOnce upon a time.... other convoys leaving out. Basically dren at home,” she said. Carolyn, a native of Pennslavania, we hitchhiked by car. It was a pheJohn hailed from Mississippi and graduated high school in 1992 and nomenal experience.” Maryland. He was raised in was 17 when she joined the Army. At During another part of her military Southaven, but moved to Frederick, 19, she married a military man and service, she studied as a Russian lin- Md., at the age of 9 and lived there six months later they were stationed guist in Monterey, Calif. After that she until his parents divorced when he in Alaska. “There was a big military went to tech school. “My job was to was 13 and he moved back to drawdown under (Pres.) Clinton” she listen to radio traffic to try and interPhiladelphia, Miss. He joined the explained. “My job went away. They cept information....all classified,” she Mississippi National Guard in 1999. told me I could be a carpenter or I said “It was the bridge my friends were could get out, so I got out and travAnother stint away from the military jumping off,” he said. “I was the last eled. Her husband's military service found Carolyn serving as a marketing to join and am the only one still kept him away from home 8 to 10 director for a financial consulting firm in...going on 13 years.” months out of the year. until that job was phased out. With the 184th out of Laurel, in So during Carolyn's stints away “And as history repeats itself, 2 2005 he was sent to Camp Shelby, from the military, she worked at a kids, no job....,” she said. where he is now stationed as an variety of jobs across the country. Again, she got back on the phone electronics technician. “I fix radios During one particular hiatus, though and called a friend who was a and just about anything with a circuit still a Reservist, she worked as a Reserve recruiter and “got the wolf board – air traffic control equipment, copywriter, but lost her job, when the away from the door” once again. firefighter radar, Bradleys. My official market fell out from under things. They offered her a job using her title is lock/vault/safe technician, “Divorced, I was a single mom with Russian, which she had not spoken which means I basically break into 2 dogs, 2 kids and a Honda Civic in 10 years or a PR job with what things and then fix them.” and I was bad afraid we were going would turn out to be an added When deployed to Afghanistan in to have to live in the car. I was 35. I bonus – meeting and marrying John. July 2010 he was detached to the could have gone home to my par“The PR job was what I’d always 367th out of Philadelphia. ents, gone on welfare, etc., but I was wanted,” she said. So the military In July of 2011, just about a month in it to take care of myself,” she said. sent her to the journalism school at shy of when he was scheduled to
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return stateside, John got the call that his grandmother, and last living grandparent, had died. He came home for two weeks on emergency leave and ended up not going back. Working through his chain of command, he ended up demobilizing out of Camp Shelby. And for the first time in a long while, he and his “new bride” were on the same soil and not going anywhere for quite some time. “I had owned a house for two years, but Carolyn had lived in it longer that I had,” John said. “I bought it at the end of 2008, left in June 2009 to go to Fort Meade for seven months, came home in January 2010 and was gone again by July 2010 until I came home for good one year
Becoming a couple
And then the task of becoming a couple once again started all over. “I had to get acclimated back to being a mom again, as well as a wife,” Carolyn said. “John’s job afforded me the opportunity that I didn’t have to work. I’d never had that blessing before.” During the time John had been away, she and Matthew had moved to Mississippi, learned about the Greater Pine Belt area (John Robert, now in his sophomore year in high school, had opted to stay in California to finish his high school years with his class) and she’d had everything in her four-bedroom house in Colorado shipped to her. With her four-bedroom house and John’s two-bedroom house, they were putting six bedrooms worth of stuff into two. “All her stuff was piled floor to ceiling in the spare bedroom until she could start going through it,” John said. Both a cat and dog person, Carolyn describes herself as a border collie. “I’ll pee on the rug or tear your stuff up if you don’t keep me occupied,” she said. So her quest for a job began. “But I couldn’t find a thing. I’d been a combat journalist twice, a copywriter, financial marketing person, Russian linguist, etc. and I couldn’t find a job that paid over $8. So I decided to make my own job, try my own dream – photography. I’d done a lot of video in the Army, but never still photography.” She found a place in Petal to hang her shingle, have an office to work in and out of and get the word out about her newly-created photography business, Abbey Road. “I learned a
lot of good, but I learned the bad also.” March 17 of this year will mark her one-year anniversary with some important changes, including a new downtown Hattiesburg location. She’s planning some type of celebration and thinks the March 17 date will be perfect. “I need all the luck I can get,” she said. And married life is treating them O.K. “I don’t feel like we’ve been married for two years,” said Carolyn. On their second anniversary, how did they celebrate? “My parents had sent us a gift card to a local restaurant,” Carolyn said. “So, I put on makeup and got ready to go out for a nice anniversary meal. John didn’t shave and he put on jeans and a Tshirt.” “It’s just a lunch,” was his comment. They recall the days as a newlyengaged couple when people said “we fought like married people. I wanted to crawl under the table,” Carolyn said. And as to who proposed to whom...well that’s still up in the air. It was more of a mutual thing, with John most assuredly believing that it was Carolyn who proposed to him. “I really had to think about what all this really meant,” she said. “He was single and had never been married, we were from different parts of the
country. We had two separate lives. I’d been a homeowner and he’d just bought a home and we were both getting ready to leave on lengthy deployments in the coming months. I had to think about whether this was one of those ‘love the one you’re with’ moments.” “He’d said, ‘I love you,’ ” Carolyn remembers, but she didn’t know what to say. “I was forced to think about how I felt. I knew he was an amazing person, but had to think about where this would all go.” A week later the two were in Washington, D.C., and there, standing in front of the Washington Monument, Carolyn professed her love for him, but even then didn’t know what would transpire, she said. “After several weeks went by I think we both kind of knew what was ahead. We went ring shopping and told our families we were getting married.” She planned the wedding, while managing everything else going on in her life. And though quite small, it was everything they’d both hoped it would be, right down to John donning a purple tie for the purple/whitethemed affair.
Happily ever after...
They are working on that. Now, at the start of their second year, they are going through the things most
couples go through during their first year of marriage, Carolyn said. “We’re really learning...kind of the ‘leave the toilet seat up thing,’” which she’s quick to point out he doesn’t do. And it’s taken and will continue to take some adjustments. He came home from Afghanistan to a home he’d barely lived in, but Matthew and I had. And everything is different. A new house, more people and his underwear is in a different dresser drawer because of new furniture.” Sure, it’s caused some stress, they admit. But they are all coping. While she professes to be quite independent and hard headed, she’s tried to be understanding. And while they’ve both been frustrated at times, they are both learning to compromise on how to load the dishwasher and other such all-important tasks. “We’re finding our way,” she said. And John, who realizes he’s stuck with her now, promised while still away in Army School, that he wouldn’t marry anyone else. He’s had to get used to having a wife who’s a ferocious businesswoman. “I got tired of being married to Abbey Road Photography,” John said, and he told her so. But Carolyn, as sole proprietor of her domain, who believes that if you don’t grow your business yourself, who will, has learned to change
her work habits, time and priorities to being a wife, which she hadn’t for a very long time, and a mother. And at 37, she’s learning to adjust to a husband who comes home each night. She’s learning to be a wife and mother first, then a businesswoman. John takes care of the yard and the couple looks forward to putting in a garden this year in ground that they “won’t have to leave behind. It’s home!” There may be a future in bee keeping, a hobby Carolyn hopes to take up in the near future. “People always tell me I’m flitting around all the time like a bumblebee,” she said, but knows that this new hobby will require her to be calm and focused. “It’s kind of a Zen thing for me. But the bees will help our gardens grow, as well as the ones around us and Matthew will have the opportunity to learn science-y things,” she said of the garden, which will be organic. While John enjoys his participation in area ham radio organizations, he also enjoys tinkering with things, such as motorcycles. And the motorcycle he gave Carolyn for her birthday last year, that incidentally matches his, is at the top of the list. “Our lives are exciting, an adventure,” Carolyn said. “He’s my best friend and I’m very lucky. He puts up with me and even tolerates me at times.”
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10 - 12 Months Before Introduce both families and officially announce your engagement. Find out who pays for what and start a budget. Create a guest list. Compare calendars and select a tentative date. Choose your wedding party. Create a wedding website to share your engagement. Consider whitening your teeth for your engagement parties and photographs. Conduct interviews and hire a wedding coordinator if applicable. Decide if you want premarital counseling. Start looking at photos of wedding dresses for inspiration. Send your engagement photo to the local paper. Begin thinking about where you want to honeymoon. Visit and book your reception site, and arrange for parking.
Visit and book your ceremony location, including rehearsal time. Create a save-the-date guest list.
6 - 9 Months Before Alert out-of-town guests of wedding date and/or send a FREE save-the-date email. Find a bridal salon and begin trying on wedding dresses and veils. Bring stockings, heels, a strapless bra, and a hair clip to each appointment. Get in shape for your wedding gown by starting an exercise routine. Get ideas for honeymoon locations and research pricing. Start looking at floral designs and interview florists for style and cost. Search for menu ideas and start meeting with caterers. Research wedding photography and interview wedding photographers/videographers.
Get ideas for music and interview bands/DJs. Finalize flower and décor ideas, and select a florist. Include specifics of each flo ral arrangement in your con tract. Sign a caterer. Order your gown and wedding veil. Shop for and select the perfect bridesmaid dress. Book your honeymoon! Find out if your ceremony location requires liability insurance. Finalize contracts with your wedding photographer and videographer. Book your DJ/band. Browse and purchase wedding dress accessories, including shoes, lingerie, purse, and gloves. Choose your officiant and discuss ceremony ideas. Start thinking about all of your gift registry options.
Select three hotels in varying price ranges and reserve rooms for out-of-town guests.
4 - 5 Months Before Start thinking about traditions for your wedding. View wedding invitation styles and research proper wording. Look at photos to get ideas for wedding cake designs, and meet with bakers to taste samples. Discuss menu ideas with your catering manager. Shop for wedding rings. Look for the groom’s tux and decide what groomsmen will wear. Confirm your bridesmaids ordered their gowns and decide on accessories. Have your mother and future mother-in-law coordinate and select their dresses. Compare pricing, place your wedding invitation order, and book your calligrapher. Continued on page 47 ➤
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Continued from page 45 Purchase your wedding rings and send for engraving if applicable. Get ideas for wedding favors. Confirm dates for bridal showers and bachelorette parties. Make sure you’ve started your registries before bridal shower invitations are sent. Choose your baker and finalize wedding cake. Reserve rental equipment (chairs, tables, linens, tents, etc.)
Research and book your rehearsal dinner location. Get ideas for wedding hair and makeup. Notify any family or friends whom you would like to give readings, sing solos, serve as guest book attendant, etc. Interview and hire any additional management staff and babysitters if needed. Give your guest list to shower hostesses and check that your registry has enough items. Update wedding website. Consider getting wedding insurance.
2 - 3 Months Before Finalize guest list and submit invitations to calligrapher. Book makeup artist and hairstylist. Order your wedding favors. Candles, baskets, ring pillow… it’s time to start browsing and purchase wedding accessories! Consider signing up for dance classes. Schedule your last tasting and finalize menu. Find gifts for each other, your attendants, your shower hostess, and your parents. Confirm tuxes have been ordered for groom/groomsmen. Prep for your honeymoon – do you have everything you need? Choose your getaway! Finalize wedding transportation. Take care of business: Look into joint bank accounts, insurance, and merging your money. Select your music for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, and review with musicians, singers.
Check that there are enough options left on your registry, and update your wedding website. Finalize rehearsal dinner plans and order rehearsal invitations, menus, table numbers, escort cards, and any other stationery accessories. Mail invitations eight weeks before your wedding day.
1 - 2 Months Before Have your first bridal gown fitting. Remember to bring stockings, shoes, appropriate bra, hair accessories, jewelry, a camera, and your mom or best friend. Finalize ceremony readings and songs, and review with performers. Order liquor/beverages not handled by caterer. Meet with your officiant to finalize the ceremony, including attendant formations. Begin writing your vows if applicable. Begin writing thank-you notes for bridal showers and early wedding gifts, and update your registry at the same time. Research where to get your marriage license. Prepare a photo and video shot list, naming important family members and guests. Schedule the bridesmaids’ luncheon and buy attendant gifts if you haven’t already. Begin whitening your teeth for your wedding day. Consider liability insurance for your reception location.
3 - 4 Weeks Before Finalize your jewelry, which may include something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. Prepare a must-have shot list for your wedding photographer and videographer. Finalize your “must play” and “don’t play” music lists and review with musicians. Practice your first dance wearing your bridal shoes. Design and order your wedding program. Confirm honeymoon and travel arrangements, and give loved ones your itinerary in case of emergency.
Call guests who haven’t RSVP’d. Pick up your wedding rings. Get your marriage license, typically no earlier than 30 days before the wedding. Research how to change your name. Mail your rehearsal-dinner invitations. Purchase small candles, candies, and mints for your guest powder room. Meet with your stylist to discuss and test the perfect makeup and hair for your bridal style.
1 - 2 Weeks Before Have your final wedding gown fitting. Finalize your wedding-day schedule (including receiving-line order) and share with attendants, parents, and all vendors. Confirm all of your beauty appointments. Confirm pick-up times, schedules, and addresses with your wedding-day transportation. Pick up your wedding dress and make sure all of your accessories are together. Pick up the groom’s outfit, make sure it fits, and gather all of his accessories together. Finalize your vows for the ceremony. Get your hair colored and trimmed (don’t wait until two days before the ceremony). Confirm final headcount. Give final attendance numbers to vendors and confirm final date/time for deliverables and pick-ups after wedding. Pack for your wedding night and honeymoon. Create a “wedding box” to gather your ceremony accessories (marriage license, candles, ring pillow, basket, guest book) and assign someone to transport. Prepare a “reception box” for accessories such as guest books, cameras, toasting goblets, cake toppers, etc., and assign someone to transport. Prepare all of your wedding favors for transportation to reception venue and assign
someone to move them. Finalize your seating arrangements (making sure you involve both sets of parents) and submit to caterer. Prepare place cards. Confirm dates/times/locations for all photo and video sessions the day of the wedding. Confirm dates/times/locations with all vendors.
The Day Before Prepare a list of payment envelopes – including tips – earmarking who is responsible for distributing to vendors. Hand out assignment lists and checklists to ensure everyone knows their tasks, including person responsible for transporting gifts. Hand out ceremony box to appropriate person. Hand out reception box to appropriate person. Hand out favor box to appropriate person. Assign someone to mail your announcement cards. Gather together your wedding dress, accessories, and bridal emergency kit. Get a manicure, pedicure, and massage. Rehearse ceremony with officiant and wedding party.
The Wedding Day
Your day has arrived! You may be nervous, but try to eat breakfast and drink plenty of fluids. Take a lavender bath – it’s very relaxing. Be sure to wear a button-down shirt for your hair and makeup appointments.
After the Wedding
Get your wedding dress cleaned and preserved. Preserve your bouquet. Write and mail your thank-you notes. Complete your name-change kit. Check into your store’s bridal registry completion program. Meet with photographer and videographer to finalize albums/video.
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Before heading to the altar, there are several things couples need to get in order, or are required to get in order, by the state. For couples getting married in Mississippi a marriage license is required. In most circumstances you may apply for a marriage license at any Mississippi circuit clerk’s office in the county where you plan to be married. These offices are usually located in the county probate court or circuit court. In Forrest County, the Circuit Clerk’s office is located at 630 N Main Street, Hattiesburg, 601-5823213 In Lamar County, the Circuit Clerk’s office is housed at 203 Main Street, Purvis, 601-794-8504. The cost of a marriage license is $21 in cash. This is the only form of payment accepted. There are no residency requirements. You do not have to be a previous or current resident of Mississippi to obtain a marriage license that is valid statewide. For couples applying for a marriage license, there is a mandatory 3-day waiting period until the license is issued. In most states, the waiting period does not include Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. In some instances, the day the application is filed is not included within the waiting period.
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Once a license is issued there is no waiting period. Couples can marry immediately after receiving their license. While there are no residency requirements, there are age requirements. A person must be 21 years old or older to marry without parental consent. A birth certificate may be necessary to show proof of age. If either partner is under 21, parental consent forms must be signed. At this time you will need a certified copy of your birth certificate. As part of the requirements for getting a marriage license in the state, couples are required to take a blood test for syphilis prior to receiving a license. The blood test must be analyzed by a state certified laboratory and recorded on a state form. This form can be obtained from the physician, clinic, or the Office of the Town Clerk. Test results become invalid after 30 days. Once you obtain a license, you have 90 days from the date the license is issued before it expires. Once it expires you must start the application process all over again. For those who are divorced or widowed and applying for a license, there is certain information that must be provided. If previously married, the date of divorce or date of a spouse's death must be provided. If the divorce or
spouse's death had taken place within the last 6 months, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate is required. A copy of your divorce records or spouse's death certificate can be ordered online. To legally change your last name following your marriage, you will receive a marriage certificate, a piece of paper proving that you are legally married. This certificate will serve as evidence of your marriage, which you'll need when you begin the process of notifying several government agencies about your name change, as well as any non-government institutions that you do business with (ie, banks, employers, credit cards, memberships, etc). The state provides a legal name change kit that you can use and complete before or after your marriage takes place. Completing all the necessary name change documentation prior to your wedding can be considerably convenient. Not allowed by the state are: • Marriage by proxy • Cousin marriages • Common-law marriages • Same-sex marriages.
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Bakery bustling during Valentineʼs, Mardi Gras... By Dana GOWER For JoAnna Lopez, owner of Jody’s, the beginning of each year is almost like the beginning of a race. It begins on Jan. 3 and continues through Valentine’s Day and to the week past Mardi Gras, when king cake season is, literally, king. (Or almost, anyway. More on Valentine’s Day in a moment.) Jody’s sells about 4,000-5,000 king cakes each carnival season – maybe not a huge number in Louisiana, where carnival is a way of life, but pretty much unmatched locally, where king cakes were still something of a novelty when she opened her Hattiesburg bakery nearly 30 years ago in 1983. “I’m Mississippi born and bred, but I was raised in southern Louisiana,” Lopez said of her famil-
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iarity and fondness for the carnival staple. “I learned how to make king cakes in southern Louisiana. We’ve been making them here since we opened.” Although they were somewhat slow to catch on at first, she said, their popularity has continued to increase throughout the years. “We make about 60 a day, some days more than that” throughout the carnival season, she said. Lopez uses her own recipe, which includes using sweet dough. “The special part is the filling. We’re very generous with it,” she said, adding, “We make them daily, so they’re always fresh.” Jody’s also makes special Valentine’s king cakes for that holiday. “They’re always a popular hit,” Lopez said. Although she tries to have plenty on hand for Valentine’s
Day, it’s never a bad idea for customers to call ahead and order one just to make sure, she said. Which brings us to Valentine’s Day in general. “Valentine’s Day is probably our second busiest season of the year after Christmas,” Lopez said. Favorite confections tend to vary seasonally, she said, with chocolates and chocolate-dipped fruit being at the top of the list one year and cookies and other baked goods taking the lead in others. “This year, I have a feeling it’s going to be cookies,” she said, although customers looking for just the right item will probably be able to find whatever their heart desires at Jody’s. “We try to anticipate our customers’ needs,” Lopez said. When Valentine’s Day arrives, “We anticipate an early crowd and an all-day crowd.” And if Valentine’s Day and carnival season doesn’t keep her busy enough, there are always weddings – and wedding cakes – to keep her busy as well. Although many people associate weddings with summer, Lopez stays busy keeping up with the demand for wedding cakes throughout the year. “We’ve always done wedding cakes,” Lopez said, but the cakes have tended to become much more unique and varied throughout the years. “It used to be standard, but today’s brides are so diverse, and they want more unusual things. We try to be as open to ideas as we can,” she said. “Everybody is unique and different. It’s just really important to be able to sit down and talk to them.” As opposed to the traditional wedding cake, which is often more formal and elegant, grooms’ cakes have always been more individual and unique, Lopez said. Armadillos, which cover a red velvet cake interior, remain popular, but she has also made wild boars and trucks, Lopez said. “It runs the gamut, just anything you can imagine,” she said. “As far as cake decoration, we try to keep our finger on the trends so people will see it and love it. You just have to know your customers and know what they want.” That’s good advice for cakes in general, Lopez said, noting that Jody’s sells a lot of non-holiday cakes as well. But it’s not only cakes, cup cakes, cookies and other confections that can be found at Jody’s. They also have a variety of readyto-go frozen casseroles available
for any meal of the day, serving anywhere from two to 15 people. Some of her casseroles include lasagna, chicken tetrazzini, chicken pot pies, crawfish and shrimp and quiche, she said, adding, “We also do a great breakfast casserole.” Jody’s currently has three locations, the original shop at 6058 Highway 49 South, along with a shop at Oak Grove inside Corner Market and a coffee house/cafe on the Hattiesburg campus of Pearl River Community College, which mainly sells breakfast and sandwich items to students and faculty.
EMERIL'S QUICK KING CAKE 1 (12 oz.) can crescent rolls 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 cup butter 1 (21 oz.) can fruit pie filling 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese 1 cup powdered sugar 1/2 cup icing (see below) 3/4 cup sugar , divided into 3 parts Food coloring (gold, purple, green) Directions: 1. After opening the can of crescent rolls, unroll in one piece. With your fingers, press seams together to form one piece of dough. 2. Mix together butter and cinnamon, gently spread over the dough. 3. Mix together cream cheese and powdered sugar. Drop teaspoons over the top of the dough. Drop teaspoonfuls of pie filling (cherry, blueberry or peach) over the dough as you did the cream cheese. 4. Starting on the long end, carefully roll the dough, horizontally, with the filling and cream cheese inside. Insert plastic baby at any place within the dough. 5. Place on baking pan with the seam side down in a circle, pinching the ends together. 6. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. 7. While the cake is baking, use the food coloring to dye the sugar. 8. When cake is cool, pour icing over the top of the cake. Sprinkle with the colored sugar, alternating the three colors as you go around the circle. 9. For icing: Combine 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp. water until smooth.
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Leo & Nita Bingly
Kent Mohawk, Peggie Bowles
Sue Pace, Peter Rabbit, Janette Tibbetts
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he Rabbits’ Christmas Party was held at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) on the University of Southern Mississippi campus. Guests were invited to view a collection of more than 40 years worth of Beatrix Potter books and artifacts collected by Janette Kennedy Tibbitts, who recently donated the collection to the de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection at USM.
Ken Harrell, Glenda Miller Jeanie Aaron, Emma Blackmon
Nate Bender, Mim Adamson, Don Adamson, Stella Fair
Colleen Cameron, Jo Marsh, Trish Mcree
Jan Randolph, Mo Conville
Sue & Jerry Harris, Sharon Steel
Jo Marsh, Cathy Mohawk
Betty Mitchell, Jan Randolph, Betty Detre
Dixie & Bill McDougald
Betty Mitchell, Loretta Clissold, Jan Randolph
Betty Detre, Shirley Brown, Margaret Barnett
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Kelly & Joseph Parker
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flac Hub City District held a Christmas luncheon for all agents and their guests at Canebrake Country Club. The luncheon was held in appreciation of the dedication and hard work put forth by the agents during the year, according to a spokesman for the organization.
Mark & Jo Butler
Luanne Parks, Heather Rhodes, Nicole Carson, Kelly Parker, Mike Parks, Michael Jones
Kim & Harvey Dickerson
Garren Smith, Heather Rhodes
Jamie Campbell, Danny Powell
Joseph Parker, Shirley Boyd Amanda & Eddie MaKenzie
MIke & Luanne Parks
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Constance Farmer, Colesha Jackson
Heather Rhodes, Laura Arnold
Mike Parks, Heather Rhodes, Luanne Parks
Sabrina Schuerger, Heather Reed
Wanda & Poncho James
Mary Glenn Bradley, Beverly Morris, Janet Blanton, Julie Sims, Jacquelyn Pittman
Greg & Rosemary Cowsert
Ruth & Paul Centanni
Jack & Jane Roberts, Chris & Jennifer Miles, Careen & Steve Brantley
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rior to the Christmas holiday, the Hattiesburg Country Club hosted its annual Christmas party for members and their guests at the club. Guests enjoyed great food, fun and fellowship.
Will Thames, Blake Feldman
Louis & LouAnn Poynter, Lisa & Rick Conn, Renae & Larry Doleac
Charlie & Cindy Sutherland, Carl Nicholson, Brad Martin
Jan Lacy, Ric & Judy Corts
Robert Davis, Crystal Harvey, Debbie & Bill Thomas Michael Reed, Brandy & Tim Weyenberg
Ron & Sue Hegwood, Chuck & Ginger Eberling
Jim Henderson, Scott Murry, Robert Ragan, Steve Brantley
Deborah Moore, Gretchan Martin, Leah Henderson
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Christina, Jon & Katie Bostick
Marty & Cindy Vicky, Cindy Warren, Shelley Tatum
Pat & Amy Douglas
Caroline Sinden, Shelby Ladner
Charla McSwain, Delisa Kearney
Robert Smith, Vanessa McClellan
Joan Davis, Voncile Young
Sarah Honea, Hanna Ott
Rhonda Hayden, Vicky Clatterbuck
Sabrina Malone, Molly Kimble
Elizabeth Weldom, Jody Smalley
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ewelMasters in Hattiesburg hosted a Holiday Ladies Night Out trunk show. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and wine and had the opportunity to win door prizes.
Ruby Ledbetter, Charlie McSwain
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Paige Johnson, Shirley Whaley, Lisa Hansen
Sunny Martin, Margaret Judice
Onita Norris, Ginger Tapp, Mary Sellers
Jon & Faith Herrington
Samantha Campbell, Ariel Hall, Dr. Charles W.L. Hall
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Dick & Carol Hoerner
Irma Milling, Wanda Howard
he CommiskeyWheat Marine Corps League celebrated the Marine Corps' 236th Birthday with a banquet at the Trent Lott Center on the Southern Miss campus. Rep Steven Palazzo was guest speaker.
Richard & Ginger Tapp
Wayne & Tunjia Felts
Mike & Sue Jordan, Ercell & Phil Varnell, Larry Nichcolas, Daisy Jefcoat
Kathy & Paul Williams
W.C. & Linda Maples
Kathy & Bob Morrow, Billie & Art Kersh, Dorothy & Brent Gatch
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Jr. Auxiliary Class of 2008
Margaret & Dr. Mark Campbell
Dr. Orlando & Hope Andy, Kim & Todd Gibson, Susan & Jay Slaughter
Kristie Fairley, Traci Rouse, Anita Wright
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he Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg hosted its annual Charity Ball with a Red Carpet Gala this year at Lake Terrace Convention Center. Guests enjoyed having their photos made as they walked the red carpet. The night included food, entertainment, silent and live auctions. Funds raised support the many service projects of the JA, which benefit children of the Pine Belt
Sabrina & Wesley Malone
Tresa & Chris Bruce, Anita Wright
Ginny & Erik Graham Kayla Boyte
Sanjay & Connie Derhgawen
Hermine Granberry, Denise Kemper, Karen Morris
Stacy Head, Cara Buffington, Carol Simpson
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Steph Bishop, Chasten R. Mitchell, Mary Riley
Clare Brewer, Laura Pennebaker, Laura Owen, Kristie Fairley
Michael Shemper, Sweetie Greer
Andrea Miller, Neely Cooley, Kelly Williams
Tracy & Clay Speights Erin & Dr. Kevin Barker
Frank & Blake Ogletree
Gypsy & Michael Shemper
Stephanie & John Mayfield
Andrea & Will Miller
Carol Simpson, Melanie Phillips
Jay & Kelaine Dumas
Lisa Perkins, Loleeta Rhett Hope Andy, Amy Batson, Misty Smith, Cindy Cochran
Paige Pattie, Donna Rouse
Jennifer & Matt Martin
Karen & Dr. Jeff Morris
Jennifer Nicholson, Sara Morris Schock
Angela Duff, Dolly Walters Junior Auxiliary Members
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Janet Mitchell, Layla Essary, Sloan Buys, Kelli King Past Junior Auxiliary presidents
Traci & Pam Rouse Blake Ogletree, Donna Rouse
Emily Gardner, Anne Kent
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unior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg celebrated its 70th anniversary of service to children and families this year. In anticipation of the annual JA Charity Ball fundraiser, past members of the organization were invited to attend a morning preview brunch. More than 100 guests at this year’s Past Member Sip and See were a part of a special celebration marking the organization’s anniversary.
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Leslie Gonce
Debby Cain, Lisa Gunter
Dean Garrett, Wendy Johnson Vicky White, M.J. Smith, Romona Hinton
Jeff Farris, Glenn Chandler
Amber Bond, Robert & LaRisha Glover
Scarlett Thomas, Cheri Mathis
Jordan Graves
Nadya Elqadi, Glenn Chandler
Katie, Wade & Sophia Windham
Brittany Price, Chan Humphreys Jeremy & Stephanie King, Tony Hession
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ork Wine & Martini Bar in West Hattiesburg hosted a Toys For Tots Fundraiser. The event, which started early afternoon and ran into the evening, featured a lineup of musicians in an outdoor concert. In lieu of admission, those attending were asked to donate toys for the holiday season as their admission.
Whitney Vames, Madison Turner
Daniel Lozada, Tom Pahsons
Jay Garraway, Monica Graves
The King Fridays
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Leighann & Jason Locklear
Steven & Elizabeth Smith
Amanda Coomans, William Morgan
Selena Lorden, Stephanie Green
Sarah & John Graham
Donna Bordelon, Rob Coomans
Brittany & Jeramie Burch
Audra Myers, Jeri Treganowen
Tony Mosea, Barbra Stewart
Matthew Quick, Mike Shows
Gary Weeks, Monica Niemeyer, Leighann Locklear
Doug & Darlene Arnold
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Russ & Jean Hendley, Karen Lott, Lori Saucier
Jeri Treganowen, Audra Myers, Tammy Buie
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eithCo Petroleum held its annual Christmas party at the Lake Terrace Convention Center. Employees and guests enjoyed great food and special entertainment by country music artist Janie Fricke.
Teresa Hollemin, Angela McGill, Selene Lorden
Kareen Chaldwell, Melissa Davis, Rita Sumrall
Arnetra & Rochaard Mason, Breanne Neary
Laura McMurry, Barbara Callahan, Teresa Robb
Gabby Calderon, Courtney Neal
Nathanlie Rowell, Destiny & Tori Rose
Roma & Gabrielle Graham
Stacey & Kaitlyn Reeves
Tanner & Stephanie Slay
Madi Eguia, Macaleigh Mancuso
Bryce & Cassie Bullock
Lyn Holli Severson, Gabrielle Graham
Mary Sue & Alyssa Rodgers, Lucy & Jennifer Moore, Raimee Sanders
Lydia Ward, Madison Ritter, Lexey Breerwood, Ansley Brent, Hannah Grace Talbot, Raimee Sanders
Paige, Jovi & Mary Ann Matheny
Lynn Holli Severson, Karlee Ward, Savannah Trigg
Kate McNeese, Sarah Anderson, Ayden Klaire McInnis, Macaleigh Mancuso, Hanisee Sirmon, Caroline Simpson
Jordan Adams, Wil Permenter, Brand Thaggard
T John Driske, Christian Doleac, Clay Thames, Renae Doleac, Cindy Thames
he National League of Junior Cotillions, Hattiesburg Chapter, celebrated the end of a successul program with its annual Holly Ball held at the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center in Downtown Hattiesburg. Young gentlemen and young ladies had the opportunity to practice what they had learned. The program is under the direction of Roma Graham.
Blake Ortego, Sarah Anderson, Jordan Adams, Jamie Ainsworth
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Carolyn Lyon, Gina Morris, Ellen Doleac, Bettie Collins, Mary MacDermott
Sarah & John Odom, George Lee
Susan Steadman, Mike Nobles, Mary MacDermott
Class of 1966 members
Tommy & Mary MacDermott, Pam & Mike Nobles, Ellen & Ronnie Doleac
Mike & Pam Nobles
Billy Mennell, Beattie & Ricky Collins, Thomas & Annette Davenport
M
embers of the Hattiesburg High School Class of 1966 held a Christmas Party at the Westover Apartments Clubhouse. David Lyon served as deejay and provided music for the event. Guests also enjoyed an assortment of holdiay goodies.
Linda Brady, Susan Steadman, Sue Denson, Lynn Lee
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Sarah Odom, Becky & Rocky Goudie, Susan & Tom King
Nadine Sumrall, Betty Lyon, Judy Morgan, Sherry Winstead
Judy Morgan, Patsy Hawkins, Judy Davis
Albert Young, Bob Johnson, Woody Lyon
Betty Lyon, Nadine Sumrall, Sherry Winstead, Judy Morgan, Pam Nobles
Stephen, Woody & David Lyon
C.W. & Tiny Hicks
D
enny and Patsy Hawkins hosted the annual Beta Sigma Phi Christmas Party at their Canebrake home. Beta Sigma Phi is an international women's social, cultural and service organization.
Gary & Jana Pace
Sue Lyon, Jana Pace, Pam Nobles Nadine & Jim Sumrall
Jean & George Pace
Lee Jarrell Davis, Joe Winstead
Betty & Woodrow Lyon, Nadine & Jim Sumrall, Judy & Lee Jarrell Davis
Carreme Curry, Tiny Hicks, Brenda Jackson
Denny & Patsy Hawkins
Jean Pace, Carreme Curry
Bob & Martha Johnson
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Gayle & Gene Curtis
Paulette & Buddy Lewis
Mark & Billie Hogan, Mary Williford
J.T. Terui, Jenny Curtis
Jenny Curtis, Mary Williford, Gayle Curtis, Miriam Seale, Paulette Lewis, Cathy Sessums, Billie Hogan
Paulette Lewis, Cathy Sessums
Gayle Curtis
T
he 40th Place Homeowner's Association held its Annual Christmas Party at the home of Bill McLeod.
Billie Hogan, Paulette Lewis
Buddy & Paulette Lewis, Billie & Mark Hogan
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Buddy Lewis, Gene Curtis, Bill McLeod
Colleen Cammeron, Pie Daniel, Frank & Jane Cade
Stewart & Mary Williford, Bill McLeod
Joyce Bradley, Miriam Seale
Caroline Leigh, Abby & Emily Williams, Haley Boyles
Emily Williams, Olivia Smith, The Nutcracker, Katie Rouse, Abby Williams
S
Addie & Caroline Stanford
outh Mississippi Ballet Theatre presented the holiday favorite, The Nutcracker, for three performances at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center on the Southern Miss campus. Dmitry Kanibolotskiy served as guest artist. A highlight of the Sunday performance was a Sugarplum Fairy Tea held in the Thad Cochran Center Grand Ballroom. Guests enjoyed a meal followed by the reading of the The Nutcrakcer, and had the opportunity to meet the Sugarplum Fairy, Snow Queen, DewDrop, Clara and other members of the cast. Emily Williams, Katie Rouse
Kathy & Olivia Smith
Cassidy Crosby, Ella Grace Segraves, Abigail Gunter, Maddie Grenn, Catherine Turner, Caroline Shappley, Molly Phillips, Maggie Rouse, Ellen Chain, Rochelle Frazier
Rochelle Frazier, Shelby Phillips, Kathryn Slaughter, Sydney Rester, Blair Willoughby, Mallory Wade, Susan Slaughter
M
embers of the Sweeteas Club enjoyed a personal meet-and-greet with Santa Claus himself at their Holiday Brunch at the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center. The young girls participated in a pinning ceremony, enjoyed a delicious brunch and had an opportunity to take photos with Santa. The Sweeteas Club is designed for young girls in grades Pre-K through 6th grade and is based on the Sweeteas book series by Rochelle Frazier. The club hosts special events throughout the year, offering opportunities for these young girls to spend special time with their moms, grandmothers, aunts or other female chaperones while learning about the essence of a true Southern Girl – charm, character and charisma, and the art of touching the world with Southern Grace!
Merrit McLemore, Avery Hudson, Avery White, Katie Rouse, Weslie Hunter, Zoey Swan, Ann Marie Kittrell, Shelby Perkins, Alicia McLemore, Rochelle Frazier, Millie Swan
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Jadyn, Lee & Stefanie Stanford
Gaines Russum and Elf
Aubree Lee
Wade, Ann and Christina Addison
Shelly, Hunter, Garner & Gaines Russum
Kaitlyn Wilson, Rhyan Baman
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orrest General Hospital, the Hattiesburg Concert Association’s Meistersinger Chorus and Orchestra, the Southern Miss Dixie Darlings, La Studio Academy of Dance, On Your Toes Dance Studio and more joined together for this year’s second annual Winter Wonderland – a magical holiday event. Winter Wonderland featured Christmas Village activities, where young ones made their own magical reindeer food and ornaments, sampled delicious treats in Mrs. Claus’ Sweet Shoppe and were entertained by the sights and sounds of Victorian carolers and other costumed characters. Children could submit their wish lists and take photos with Santa and his elves! Guests were treated to a Winter Wonderland Concert with the Hattiesburg Concert Association’s Meistersinger Chorus and Orchestra, the Southern Miss Dixie Darlings and other talented performers, including a visit from Forrest General’s ambassadors, Forrest the Deer and his friend Emerald.
LaStudio Dancers, Morgan Brown, Gaines & Garner Russum
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Michelle Stanley, Bridgit Odum
Randy, Autumn, Adam & Patsy Zettle
Miles & Sarah Dabrey Whitehead, Will Winchester
Avery & April Ladner
Charlie & Sweetie Greer
Barry & Carolyn Doleac, Holden Doleac
Anne Johnson, Anne Jiles
Nancy Lewis, Michael Marks, Vickie Hanna
Caroline Green, Katherine Moody, Reiod Stathan
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