Today in Mississippi May 2010

Twin County Electric Power Association

May 2010 PAGE 3

Electric co-ops restore power lost in storm

Periodical postage (ISSN 1052 2433)

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Lena’s wooden boat builder

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Heirloom recipes from Wayne County

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May happenings in Mississippi

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May 2010 ■ Today in Mississippi

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Mississippians unrivaled in emergency response en souls (including three children) perished in the April 24 tornado outbreak that left at least a 149-mile trail of destruction across central Mississippi. The facts are not all in at this writing, but it is certain that this enormous EF-4 monster will make history.

Hundreds who survived the storm lost their home or business or church. Reporters swarmed into the stricken areas to get their accounts. These folks are not complaining about the loss of material things that can be replaced; they are expressing gratitude for the survival of their loved ones. To them, nothing is more important.

For the second time in less than five years, the national media is covering a major natural disaster in Mississippi. The world is seeing once again how we do things in Mississippi: We pick each other up and give thanks to God for our lives.

Reporters—who repeatedly remarked on the victims’ positive attitudes—relayed stories of people coming together to help each

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At times like this, we should be proud we live in a state with the values these latest storm victims have demonstrated. other, in all the counties affected. People checked on their neighbors immediately after the storm’s passage and dug through debris to search for victims. Volunteers organized to cut up fallen trees, share food and water, and relay information among family members.

Within hours of the storm, churches all over the state began collecting emergency supplies to truck into the stricken areas.

My Opinion Michael Callahan Executive Vice President/CEO, EPAs of Mississippi

Electric power associations throughout the state reacted with offers of emergency crews for the three electric power associations in the direct path of the storm. Winds estimated at more than 165 mph mangled power lines and snapped utility poles as if they were toothpicks.

National coverage of natural disasters sometimes seems to dwell on conflicts, looting and general bad behavior. But you can’t tell me that’s the norm in Mississippi. At times like this, we should be proud we live in a state with the values these latest storm victims have demonstrated.

Mississippi truly is one big community.

We come together to help one another in times like this. The desire to help is ingrained, like an automatic response in each of us regardless of gender, age or race. And it’s how we are raised. When Mississippians need help, Mississippians are the first to pitch in.

While we feel deep sympathy for the families of the 10 whose lives were lost, the overall response of our people to the disaster makes me proud to be a Mississippian.

The Official Publication of the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi

On the cover

Today in Mississippi

A Mississippi Coast landmark since 1848, the Biloxi Lighthouse reopened for public tours this year upon completion of an extensive four-year post-Katrina renovation. Learn more about the history of the castiron structure and its operation on page 6.

EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is 601-605-8600 a cooperative newspaper published Acceptance of advertising by Today in monthly by Electric Power Associations Mississippi does not imply endorsement of Mississippi, Inc., P.O. Box 3300 of the advertised product or services by Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300, or 665 the publisher or Mississippi’s Electric Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, Power Associations. Product satisfaction MS 39157. Phone 601-605-8600. and delivery responsibility lie solely with Periodical postage paid at Jackson, EDITORIAL STAFF Miss., and additional entry office. The Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO the advertiser. publisher (and/or its agent) reserves the Ron Stewart - Senior Vice President, Co-op Services • National advertising representative: National Country Market, 800-626-1181 right to refuse or edit all advertising.

Mark Bridges - Manager, Support Services POSTMASTER: Send address changes Jay Swindle - Manager, Advertising Circulation of this issue: 430,930 to: Today, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS Debbie H. Stringer - Editor Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year 39158-3300 Abby Berry - Communications Specialist Rickey McMillan - Graphics Specialist Visit us at: Linda Hutcherson - Administrative Assistant www.todayinmississippi.com

OFFICERS

Sam Buchanan - President Ronnie Robertson - First Vice President Darrell Smith - Second Vice President Allegra Brigham - Secretary/Treasurer

Vol. 63 No. 5

Co-ops restore power lost in April tornado Of the 135,000 electric meters served by electric power associations in the path of the storm, more than 27,000 lost power as a massive tornado ripped through central Mississippi on Saturday, April 24.

The path of the EF-4 tornado reached up to 1.75 miles wide and extended at least 149 miles, from Tallulah, La., to northeast Mississippi.

The fast-moving storm destroyed hundreds of utility poles and slammed trees and debris into the power lines in its path.

Electric power associations responded immediately by assessing damage to lines and coordinating emergency work crews. They mobilized an emergency work force consisting of more than 500 crew members from 15 electric power associations in Mississippi.

These crews restored service to all but 900 meters within 36 hours of the storm’s passage.

Several electric power associations serving other areas of the state reported scattered outages caused by the storm system.

Electric power associations serve approximately 85 percent of the land mass in Mississippi. Our large service area makes our electrical system vulnerable to damage from most every major storm that strikes the state.

C.H. Shelton (right photo, at left), general manager of Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association, and Michael Callahan, CEO of the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi, watch a crew repair a storm-damaged line in Yazoo County.

The tornado destroyed power lines (top photo and inset cover photo) in 4-County Electric Power Association’s service area.

Photos: Brad Barr/4-County

Note to readers: “Our Homeplace” will return to this space next month.

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Today in Mississippi ■ May 2010

Ghost tales may be just that—or are they? stopped in to see Charles Hall at Cover to Cover Book Store in Natchez the other day to sign the last of the “Looking Around Mississippi Some More” books. I also wanted to see if they were selling any of the “Ghost Stories” videos that I had left with them before Christmas. Charles told me they were selling well. Anything about Mississippi ghosts sells in his store.

On my way home I started thinking that I know a lot of Mississippi ghost stories, why not write a ghost story book? But I don’t like the way most ghost stories are presented. They are drawn out and embellished to make them spooky. And they go to great lengths to identify the ghost. Or the stories go on and on about a person who died so abruptly that they had unfinished business. So that’s why they are a ghost, trying to wrap up lose ends.

Now, all of that is pretty good conjecture over an entity that may or may not even be real! Mama always told me there was no such thing as a ghost. And yet the preacher was always talking about the Holy Ghost. And Mama believed in Him! WLBT news anchor Bert Case asked me point blank on the air one afternoon, just after one of my “Look Around Mississippi” stories about ghosts aired, if I really believed in ghosts. The way he worded the

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question made it hard to dodge. So I just told him that my jury was still out but I knew lots of other people who were convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Mississippi Because many things Seen had happened to

by Walt Grayson them that were most satisfactorily explained no other way than to be supernatural.

So I guess if I really do a ghost book somewhere down the line, I think I’ll just write things people have experienced and not try to draw too many conclusions or impose too many interpretations beyond that.

For instance, I may tell about the strange thing that happened to me in Natchez City Cemetery one day. (That’s another thing: Not nearly all ghost stuff happens at night. A lot of it goes on in broad daylight.)

Jo and I were on our usual flat-out run to meet deadlines for stories and shows when we were in Natchez trying to multitask, including shooting intros for a TV show. I was about chest deep in the ground on the steps behind Irene Ford’s headstone that lead to her coffin level as Jo was run-

How to stay married hen he was young and I was even younger, I had the notion “Hubby Knew Best.” That was back when men were smarter than women. Now I know the truth.

Being he was a Mississippi State University graduate designing jet engines at the Allison division of General Motors in Indianapolis, Ind., and I had just returned my high school cap and gown to Mrs. Marjorie, our senior sponsor, when we married, I thought he had an edge.

The man I married isn’t the boy I married. Nor am I the girl he married; I’m the girl who became a woman someplace along our trip together about the time he became a man. Marriage, I

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discovered, isn’t related to a college degree. Though he still believes he’s my supervisor.

He said, “I taught you everything you know.”

I laughed. “If that’s true, you didn’t know nearly as much as I thought you did.”

Along this trip we call life, our important traits have merged, though not our personality traits. Two individuals exactly like me couldn’t live in the same house.

Just having run past our 54th anniversary on April 21 caused a commotion in our diversified group of friends. Some had us beat, but others have miles to go.

The question most asked is, “How do you stay married when so many

Irene Ford's parents sank a set of concrete steps behind her headstone in Natchez and installed a glass window so they could see her coffin inside the grave. The window is covered over now, but the steps are still there and you can walk down them if you'd like. Photo: Walt Grayson

ning the camera. Then the camera battery died. We didn’t have time for any delays. Jo told me to stay put and she’d hurry back to the vehicle and get another battery.

As I was standing there waiting and fuming to myself about running late, I just said out loud, “This is frustrating!” And a voice—not audible but I heard it in my head—answered me from down to my left, about coffin level, “You think you’re frustrated!”

I was startled at first. I wasn’t scared. But then it dawned on me: Ya know, I am in a position to do something about my frustra-

tions. I’m still in the physical world and can walk about and drive and talk and move things. I really don’t have a lot to complain about.

Now, was that a ghost? I don’t think so. I figure it was probably my inner self, trying to slip some reason into my unreasoning about my situation.

Of course, Mama would have told me it was the Holy Ghost talking to me. And there we’d be!

couples divorce?”

I respond, “Besides love, we have different interests.”

Surprised at that, some say, “I thought couples had to like the same things.”

“Oh, no. That would be boring. But we have just enough of the same interests that allow us abundant time together.”

Another question is, “Do you have arguments?”

Grin ‘n’ I laugh. “Are Bare It you kidding? Of

by Kay Grafe course.”

I’ll tell you the truth, if it weren’t for our bodies’ heating and cooling thermostats, we’d have a perfect marriage. I told my supervisor he inherited his mother’s cold-natured-

ness. He won’t admit it. It’s usually women who want the heat turned up— unless they’re in the throes of a ... hot flicker.

When he was younger and visited his mother, Junior would say, “Mother, this house is like an oven.”

She’d ignore him for a while, then mumble, “Make yourself comfortable, never mind if I get a bad cold.”

As for us, you’d think after being married umpteen years he’d shrug and say, “Go ahead, turn it down, it’s not worth the argument.”

The supervisor knows I’ll turn the heat down after he goes back outside anyway—but the man can’t stay outside all night. Even though he’s bundled like an Eskimo.

That man of mine loves summer.

He’ll work outside in 90-degree heat and not notice the air conditioning isn’t turned on when he comes inside. Those

Walt Grayson is the host of “Mississippi Roads” on Mississippi Public Broadcasting television and the author of two “Looking Around Mississippi” books.

May 2010 ■ Today in Mississippi

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Boats of wood n an age of mass-produced products, one looking pretty much the same as another of its kind, the words made by hand have a peculiar sound that is often most appealing.

And when those words apply to some outdoor implement, that tool is particularly enticing to many of us. Examples are handmade bows or 18th century flintMississippi lock firearms.

Outdoors These have been

by Tony Kinton covered in this space before and always garner interest and response.

In this installment, boats are the focus. Sleek, sturdy vessels that do exactly what they were built to do.

These are from the skilled hands of Charlie Reeves, of Cedar Hill Boatworks near Lena.

A native of the area in the Magnolia State he now calls home, Reeves majored in outdoor recreation in college and later got into environmental education. He moved to Savannah, Ga. “There was lots of canoeing and kayak-

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are the days I’m in my air-conditioned tree house writing, or gone for the day.

When I’m home preparing him a gourmet dinner, he walks in and says, “How can you stand the house this cold?”

I’ll smile my most cordial smile and say, “The thermostat is set on 75 degrees, dear, and the oscillating fan on the cabinet is in my face. Does that answer your question?”

Last night I placed the small fan on my bedside table, checked the doors three times, turned on the outside lights, left a BB gun that resembles a .22 in plain sight of bare window, and set the security system. He was in bed.

“If I live with you another 15 years, I’ll be just like you,” he said.

“I hope so, then I won’t be hot day and night.”

“That’s not what I meant,” he said, yawning. “I mean afraid of prowlers.

ing in that area,” he says.

These pursuits were to his liking.

Reeves later left the fields of outdoor recreation and environmental education as a profession and became a carpenter. His grandfather and father were foresters, and wood was in his blood.

Wooden boat builder Charlie Reeves flyfishes from his Sweet Water I model. Photo: Tony Kinton “Being a carpenter and a float in Georgia. equipped with a trolling motor run compaddler, I started building boats and “We decided to go on a 150-mile pletely by foot controls. This leaves the ruined my life forever!” float on the Altahama River in Georgia. hands free. The center of gravity is low, But Reeves’ boat building didn’t We built a log raft similar to those used making the boats extremely stable. And a always center on wood. He worked in the timber industry of the area. The small trolling motor will zip the little with and designed a wide variety of raft was 35 by 85 feet. Before we left I boats about quite handily. “These boats craft for companies that made boats of was going through some things at home are simple to make and use, are inexpenmore modern and technical materials and found my dad’s old flyrod. I wanted sive and are very environmentally friendsuch as fiberglass. But it was the wood ly,” Reeves notes. that always lured him, tugged him back to use that rod and decided to design and build a boat with that use in mind.”

After seeing these boats in action, I to something deep within.

The boat he eventually designed is can’t imagine anything better suited for He got the idea for designing a now perhaps his most popular, a craft fishing and/or duck hunting in streams, small boat while on an extensive designated the Sweet Water I. sloughs and lakes common to much of At some point after this river float, Mississippi.

Reeves recalls that he felt it was about And how long does it take to build You’re making me nervous. Did you time to move home to Mississippi. “That such a boat? “I am delivering in about hear a noise?” took six years!” he says with a smile. But four weeks now,” Reeves says. That time “No, but I probably will.” I pressed he is now back and doing what he loves depends upon the number of orders my ear next to the window. That’s when to do—building boats and flyfishing. already in, but he tries to keep things our blue heeler started barking outside.

Reeves has three models in his lineup moving so he can get the boats built and I looked over at him snoring. “Wake up, at this time but is working on other in the owner’s hands within that fourMack is barking!” designs. The three capturing his attenweek span.

He opened one eye—“It’s not 15 tion for the moment are the pirogue and As Reeves puts epoxy over a taped years yet”—turned over and went back the Sweet Water I and II. The pirogue is seam on a pirogue, he smiles and says, “I to sleep. a 12-foot rig weighing 50 pounds and still do carpentry when I need to, but OK, I’ll admit that I have a few traits made exclusively for paddling. The building boats is my love. But I stay that bother him, too.

Sweet Water I measures 11 feet, 10 in away from fiberglass boats. I like to work Like I said, our important traits the hull, and weighs 55 to 60 pounds. in wood. Wood is in my blood!” merged. If you care to know them, keep Its bigger sibling, the Sweet Water II, You can reach Charlie Reeves at reading. Otherwise, stop here. comes in at 12 feet and weighs approxiwww.cedarhillboatworks.blogspot.com or We agree on music, politics, hair mately 70 pounds. All are made of (601) 267-5643. color, salvation in Christ, friends, marine-grade mahogany plywood, with clothes, that our children and grandchil- cypress decks, chines, gunwales, braces Tony Kinton has been an active outdoors dren are perfect. We love our pets and writer for 30 years. His books, “Outside and and trim. Seams are sealed with fiberOther Reflections” and “Fishing Mississippi,” enjoy traveling to faraway places. glass tape and epoxy. are available through local bookstores or One thing that sets the Sweet Water Write Kay Grafe at 2142 Fig Farm series apart from the pirogue is that these from the author at P.O. Box 88, Carthage, Road, Lucedale, MS 39452, or e-mail MS 39051. Price is $25 each. kaygrafe@bellsouth.net. can not only be paddled but are also

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May 2010

BILOXI’S

Guiding Light R E O P E N S A F T E R A P O S T - K AT R I N A R E S T O R AT I O N

By Debbie Stringer Upon Perry Younghans’ death in 1867, his 25-year-old widow took over his duties as keeper of the Biloxi Lighthouse for the U.S. Lighthouse Service.

The keeper’s most important task was to keep nine oil lanterns burning atop the cast-iron lighthouse. Their glow, visible up to 13 miles away, helped assure safe passage for Biloxibound steamboats in the Mississippi Sound.

Carrying a bucket of lard oil, Marie Younghans would climb a 57-step spiral staircase and an eight-rung ladder leading to the lantern room. At the top, she would shove open a trap door and pull herself and the bucket into the small round room. There she would replenish the lanterns’ fuel and tend their wicks to keep them burning day and night.

Younghans repeated the routine up to four times a day for 52 years, even during hurricanes.

“You know it had to be a tough job,” said Bill Raymond, Biloxi’s historical administrator. “Eventually they figured out they could put a pulley system on the outside and raise [the oil bucket] up, but still, the keeper had to climb the stairs four times a day.

“At age 77 she was still climbing this stairwell, which is amazing to me.

She would have kept going, but they forced her to retire. Then her daughter took over,” Raymond said.

The lighthouse outgrew its need for a full-time keeper after it was electrified and automated in the mid-1900s.

The story of the Biloxi Lighthouse is one of resilience. The lighthouse was in continuous operation until the Coast Guard decommissioned it in 1967, with the exception of a five-year period during the Civil War. The lighthouse survived the war and more than a dozen hurricanes, including the most fearsome one to date—Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

“Water rushed in here and acted like a piston, going up and down with the waves,” Raymond said.

The force of the water washed away sections of the interior brick wall and destroyed the electrical system.

In Katrina’s wake, the lighthouse became a battered but upright symbol of hope for storm victims.

City officials began planning its

“The way you see it today, with the exception of the electricity, is exactly how it was when it was built.”

— Bill Raymond

Biloxi Historical Administrator Bill Raymond, a member of Coast Electric Power Association, explains to lighthouse visitors a new exhibit that records storm surges at the lighthouse since 1852. The measurements refer to the height of the surges above mean sea level. Hurricane Katrina’s 21.5-foot mark far surpassed the previous record of 17.5 feet set by Hurricane Camille in 1969.

complete restoration immediately after the hurricane. The tower that took six weeks to build at a cost of $12,000 required more than four years and $400,000 to restore to its 1848 appearance. Funding was provided by FEMA and MEMA. Actual construction was completed in 14 months, and the lighthouse reopened to the public Feb. 20.

“The way you see it today, with the

exception of the electricity, is exactly how it was when it was built,” Raymond said.

There is one new exhibit: Blue lines painted on the walls mark historic storm surge levels inside the lighthouse. Visitors can see how Hurricane Katrina’s 21.5-foot mark eclipsed Camille’s 17.5foot record.

Once again, the lighthouse endures as a Gulf Coast icon prized by the commu-

May 2010

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Today in Mississippi

Inside the lantern room, Raymond looks over the antique fifth-order Fresnel lens, which was hand made in France. The lens is composed of prisms precisely placed to gather the light and focus it out to sea. Thirty minutes before sunset each day, the 1,000-watt bulb begins a flashing pattern of three seconds on, four off.

Lighthouse volunteer Staff Sgt. Brian Margavich, left, cleans the lantern room windows inside and out each week. He and his wife, Staff Sgt. Amanda Margavich, also are working to remove tarnish from the brass frame that holds the lantern’s prisms, and to polish the lens. “It’s a slow process but we do small pieces at a time while we are waiting to watch the sunset most evenings,” he said.

Photo courtesy Brian Margavich

nity for its beauty, history and steadfastness. The day after its “re-lighting” ceremony on Feb. 19, some 1,000 people ascended its winding staircase.

In July 2009, the U.S. Postal Service unveiled the Biloxi Lighthouse postage stamp at a ceremony held in the packed lighthouse parking lot. A temporary post office was set up to offer first-day cancellations of the stamp, part of a series featuring five lighthouses that have survived Gulf Coast hurricanes. “People waited in line for three hours,” Raymond said.

Staff Sgt. Brian Margavich, an instructor at the 333rd Training Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, and his wife, Staff Sgt. Amanda Margavich, were married at the top of the Biloxi Lighthouse in 2001.

Today, the Margaviches—accompanied by their daughter Haley, 3—are helping clean and polish the lens, and they serve as volunteer tour guides.

Visitors’ most frequently asked ques-

tion, Brian Margavich said, is whether the lighthouse is still operational. “We have the lighthouse set to come on 30 minutes prior to sunset, and it turns off 30 minutes after sunrise. View the lighthouse before the street lights come on for the evening or after they’ve turned off in the morning. You’ll see how our lantern room stands just above the tree line, and our 1,000-watt light bulb, shining through our fifth-order lens, greatly

Lighthouse highlights

▼ The Biloxi Lighthouse was one of the first cast-iron lighthouses in the South.

It was prefabricated in Baltimore, Md., and erected by the U.S. Lighthouse Service in 1848. ▼ At the time, Highway 90 was a path paved with oyster shells, and the Mississippi Coast was becoming a major antebellum resort for the wealthy. ▼ Women tended the lighhouse for 74 of the 91 years it required a keeper.

stands out against the coast.”

Do mariners still need the lighthouse for navigation? “No, they don’t,” Raymond said. “People have all the electronic navigation equipment now. But if you ask any boat owner around here, this is what he looks for when he’s coming in to Biloxi at night. He knows as he’s coming in it will keep him right where he needs to be in the channel.”

Biloxi Lighthouse tours are offered Monday through Saturday, at 9, 9:15, 9:30 a.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for students. Group tours are available. Learn more at www.biloxi.ms.us/museums/ biloxilighthouse, museums@biloxi.ms.us or (228) 435-6244.

▼ An 1860 hurricane undermined the lighthouse foundation and left it leaning. ▼ On New Year’s Eve 1861, Union troops landed near the lighthouse and took control of Biloxi. ▼ In 1867 the lighthouse was coated with black tar to prevent rust, not as a gesture of mourning after President Lincoln’s assassination, as some believed.

The tar was removed after sailors complained it made the lighthouse hard to see against the tree line.

▼ The U.S. Coast Guard assumed responsibility for the lighthouse in 1939 and automated its operation. In 1967 the Coast Guard took it out of service and in 1968 deeded it to the City of Biloxi to become a historic monument and a private aid to navigation. ▼ Hurricane Camille destroyed the original lighthouse keeper’s cottage in 1969. ▼ In 2007 the Mississippi Tax Commission selected the Biloxi Lighthouse to adorn Mississippi vehicle tags.

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Today in Mississippi ■ May 2010

Twin County

A tale of lost love Electric Power Association

For after-hours outages, call (866) 897-7250

The power of working together

Volunteers stage

at historic Mont Helena

By Debbie Stringer 21, 1859. But Henry was killed in a Helen Johnstone Harris, still radiant duel while on a business trip days before despite her 70-plus years, greets the the wedding date. According to one guests she has invited to her elegant account, Helen was taking care of lastplantation home near Rolling Fork. The minute preparations for the wedding in time is circa 1916, about a year before Madison County when she received a her death. telegram informing her of Henry’s death As her guests settle in, she reveals the by a single bullet in Mobile, Ala. purpose of the gathering: His funeral took place the night before Through the years, many of you have he was to wed Helen. asked me to talk about my love story with In mourning, Helen became known Henry Vick, but I’ve been hesitant to do so. as the “bride of Annandale,” a reference But now, as I grow older, I think it’s to her family’s 40-room mansion in important for the story to be told....

Madison County.

Helen’s story Helen later met and unfolds in “Mont married Rev. Harris, in Helena: A Dream 1862. They shared a Revisited,” an evening comfortable life, raised of drama and music two children and even- From left, Nancy Virden, Emily Carter, Leslie Miller, Lisa Smith and some 100 other volunteers, members of Friends of Mont Helena, will present “Mont Helena: A Dream Revisited” this month at the historic home near Rolling Fork. Carter being staged this tually retired at Mont will be one of the cast members portraying Helen Johnstone Harris, the central character. Miller wrote the script. month in the retireHelena. He died in an-style wedding gown with a black veil, Nine performances are scheduled ment home Helen 1911. sang “I Dreamed a Dream.” shared with her husIn “A Dream Revisit- through May 22 at Mont Helena.

When Rodgers and Carter repeated After years of abandonment and band, the Rev. George ed,” a teenage Helen the act for a group of Norwegian decay, Drick Rodgers bought the threeC. Harris, a rector. anticipates her upcomstory Victorian home in 1999 and spent tourists, “tears flowed down their Before a sellout ing marriage to Henry. cheeks,” Nancy Virden said. years restoring its beauty. audience of 40, seated “This is Helen’s “It was quite emotional, and so we The house, built on a ceremonial in church pews from a dream of what hap19th century church Henry Vick Phelps IV will play the role of Henry pened and maybe what Indian mound on old Miss. 61 north of realized this could really be something,” Vick, his great-great-great-uncle. The portrait in she thought her life was Rolling Fork, is not open to the public Miller said. “And then people heard on the property, the background depicts Henry Vick Phelps I. but occasionally hosts private functions. about it and started asking for it.”

Helen, portrayed by going to be like,” said More volunteers got involved as mini“A Dream Revisited” grew from one of a cast of local Leslie Miller, who performances were staged for later Rolling Fork alderman Mary Corban’s volunteers, relates a tragic love story researched historical accounts before idea to host a reception at Mont Helena groups of artists and tourists. that’s legendary in these parts: writing the script for the two-act pro“It got to where people in the comto share Helen’s story with visiting artists Helen was deeply in love with Henry duction. munity were preparing food for the at a local workshop.

“The guests will hear her story. And Gray Vick, nephew of Vicksburg’s Rodgers narrated the story, and Emily receptions, and luncheons. So we decidwe do have a few surprises in store for founder. The couple was planning a Carter, who appeared wearing a Victori- ed this could be a lot more than it is,” fairy-tale wedding on her birthday, May them,” Miller said.

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Today in Mississippi

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Twin County rebuilds lines downed in storm

Lisa Smith found this reproduction Victorian dress on eBay for the character of Frances, Helen’s sister. Mont Helena, top and above right, will serve as the backdrop for the story of the Johnstone-Vick romance.

Carter said.

The result was the creation of an allvolunteer group called Friends of Mont Helena. Fifty locals showed up for its organizational meeting. Current membership stands at more than 100.

The group is the force behind the development and staging of “A Dream Revisited.” Volunteers are handling every aspect of the production, from casting to costumes.

As guests step through the door at

Mont Helena, they enter a circa 1916 household, with everyone dressed in period clothing. As the narrative begins, the time period shifts to 1855, the year Helen met Henry.

Lisa Smith, costume committee chair, researched clothing styles from the years represented in the story before searching the Internet for convincing reproductions. What she couldn’t buy, she crafted with the help of her sister, Michelle Secoy.

More than 16 actors per performance portray Helen, Henry, their family members and household staff. All the actors are locals, or have local connections.

For some, the roles are personal.

Henry Vick Phelps IV, of Nitta Yuma, portrays Henry, his great-great-greatuncle. “I grew up knowing this history and the story of the duel,” Phelps said.

Phelps, 21, is about Henry’s age at the time of his death.

The only image Phelps has seen of his ancestor is an old tintype. “He seemed a very joyous person. He was smiling in the picture I saw,” Phelps said.

Helen’s story, related in her own home by a cast of talented local residents, makes for what Virden called a “heart-pull” production. With seating limited to 40 guests for each of the 13 performances, she and other organizers anticipated brisk sales when tickets went on sale in March.

“Tickets sold out out in 15 days,” Virden said.

Their hope is to continue the “Dream” as an annual event.

“Mont Helena: A Dream Revisited” will run for 13 sold-out performances through May 22. For more information, visit www.monthelena.com, e-mail friendsofmonthelena.com or call (662) 873-2080.

An estimated 800 electric meters served by Twin County Electric Power Association lost power during the tornado that destroyed homes in the Eagle Lake area on April 24.

“Our main three-phase line that feeds the Eagle Lake area was damaged,”said Tom Price, manager of Twin County’s Rolling Fork branch office.

Twin County immediately dispatched emergency crews to the area to begin making repairs and rebuilding lines downed in the storm.

“By 7:00 that same evening, we had repaired and replaced poles and wires to regain power to the remainder of the lake,”Price said.“We then began clearing debris and restoring power to the most damaged area of the lake.”

By mid-afternoon Sunday, crews had restored service to every home capable of receiving it.

Twin County is grateful for the assistance and cooperation of the Eagle Lake community as crews worked to restore power.

John Robert Smith, a Twin County lineman, helps with storm-related repairs at Eagle Lake.

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Mississippi

ooks C ‘Recipes & Memories’ is cookbook, a project of the Friends of the Waynesboro-Wayne County Library, pays tribute to local culinary heritage as part of Wayne County’s 200th anniversary celebration last year.

Patsy C. Brewer, library director, collected more than 150 recipes for the project. Many are heirloom recipes—the dishes, sweets and specialties typical of Grandma’s Sunday dinners, holiday feasts and everyday meals. e cookbook also presents glimpses of local history and celebrates the library’s own evolution since its organization in 1934. Today’s WaynesboroWayne County Library is one of the most innovative libraries in the state— proof that an old library can learn new tricks. In 2003, the library tripled in size by moving into a renovated 17,000-

square-foot building vacated by WalMart. In 2008, the library staff and the Friends of the Waynesboro-Wayne County Library created the first wireless Internet cafe to operate in a public library in Mississippi. is is also the only library in the state to have a full-time bookstore. e Whistle Stop Friends of the Library Bookstore, operated by Friends volunteers, offers gift items, used books, office supplies, snacks and coffee.

In 2009, the library became an EWIN Job Center Access Point for the Mississippi Department of Employment Security to provide patrons access to job listings statewide.

Other library services and facilities include free computer classes, a computer room, a geneaology room, children’s library and special prgrammming, a 150-

1 lb. stick margarine, softened 1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 (6-oz.) pkg. chocolate chips Camellia or ivy leaves, washed and dried

Melt chocolate chips in top of double boiler. Arrange camellia or ivy leaves on sheet of wax paper. Spread chocolate on back side of each leaf with a spoon. Place immediately in freezer for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Peel away green leaves. (To work with leaves, place hands in ice water and shake lightly.) Refrigerate chocolate leaves until ready to use. Serve on ice cream or cheesecake. Yield: 2 dozen

Mock Champagne 1/2 cup orange juice 3 Tbsp. grenadine 1 large bottle ginger ale, chilled

Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat. Bring to a boil; simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool. Add grapefruit and orange juices to syrup and chill. At serving time, add grenadine and ginger ale.

Sweet Potato Biscuits 1 egg, slightly beaten 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potatoes

seat community meeting room and a Mississippi Writers area.

“Recipes & Memories: A Bicentennial Cookbook of Wayne County, Mississippi” is available for $15 plus $5 S&H per copy. e three-ring binder includes a cookbook

stand. To order, send check or money order to Friends of the Waynesboro-Wayne County Library, 1103A Mississippi Drive, Waynesboro, MS 39367. Copies may also be purchased at the library bookstore. For details, call (601) 735-2268.

Martha’s Quick Homemade Butter

Chocolate Leaves

2/3 cup sugar 2/3 cup water 2 cups grapefruit juice

Karen Wells, left, and Pat Gandy, right, members of the Friends of the Waynesboro-Wayne County Library, and Patsy Brewer, center, library director, collaborated with other “Friends” to publish “Recipes & Memories: A Bicentennial Cookbook of Wayne County, Mississippi.” In addition to heirloom recipes, the cookbook serves up local history and photos. Wells and Gandy are Waynesboro residents and members of Dixie Electric Power Association; Gandy, a Greene County resident, is a member of Singing River Electric Power Association.

2 Tbsp. butter, softened 3 Tbsp. shortening 2 cups self-rising flour, or less

Combine all ingredients except flour in a bowl; mix well. (Use only 1/4 cup of the sugar if potatoes are naturally sweet and juicy.) Stir in enough flour to make a soft dough. Dough will be softer than regular dough. Turn out on floured surface; knead lightly a few times. Roll to 1/4-inch thickness and cut with 2-inch biscuit cutter. Bake on ungreased baking sheet at 350 degrees about 15 minutes. Makes 17 biscuits.

1 cup buttermilk 1/2 tsp. salt

Beat margarine in a large bowl until creamy. Add oil, buttermilk and salt. Beat until fluffy. Store covered in a plastic container in the refrigerator.

1942 Refrigerator Roll 1 can sweetened condensed milk Juice of 2 lemons Crushed vanilla wafers Sugar

1 pkg. chopped dates 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans 1/2 cup green or black seedless raisins 1/2 cup chopped Maraschino cherries

Mix milk, lemon juice and enough vanilla wafers to make a dough resembling biscuit dough. Pat mixture down on waxed paper, which has been sprinkled with sugar. Pat down on top of the dough, in layers: dates, pecans, raisins and cherries (blotted with paper towels). Roll up jelly-roll style and refrigerate 2 or 3 hours.

Slice to serve.

Black-eyed Pea Corn Bread 1 lb. pork sausage 1 onion, chopped 1 1/2 cups corn meal mix 1/2 cup self-rising flour 2 eggs, slightly beaten 1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 (4-oz.) can green chilies, chopped 3/4 cup cream-style corn 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese 1 (15-oz.) can black-eyed peas, drained

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-by13-inch pan. Cook sausage and onion in a large skillet until browned. Drain and set aside. Combine corn meal mix and flour in a large bowl. In another bowl, beat together eggs, buttermilk and oil. Mix with dry ingredients. Add sausage, onion, chilies, corn, cheese and peas. Pour into pan and bake for 50 to 55 minutes.

May 2010

Picture This: Your yard art Mississippians are known to get creative with yard and garden decorations.

For generations, we’ve been making planters out of old tires, pruning shrubs into unexpected shapes, crafting scarecrows and hanging bottles on trees.

So, what have you created for your own landscape? How have you deco-

rated with recycled materials? Is your mailbox one of a kind?

We encourage you to submit photos of your yard art to our next “Picture is” feature, in the July issue. Submissions must be postmarked or e-mailed by June 14.

“Picture is” is a reader photo feature appearing in the January, April, July

and October issues of Today in Mississippi. Photos are selected for publication based on their overall quality, relevance to the given theme, visual impact and suitability for printing on newsprint paper. (Dark photos usually do not print well. We look for bright photos with good contrast and sharp focus.)

Submission requirements

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Today in Mississippi

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• Photos must relate to the given theme.

• Photos must be the original work of an amateur photographer (of any age).

• Photos eligible for publication may be either color or black and white, print or digital.

• Photos must be in sharp focus.

• Digital photos should be high-resolution JPG files. e images may be cropped but please do not use photoediting software to enhance colors or tones. (We prefer to do it ourselves, if necessary, according to our printer’s standards.)

• Photos with a date stamp on the image cannot be used.

• Photos must be accompanied by identifying information, including photographer’s name, address, phone and electric power association. Include the name(s) of any recognizable people in the picture.

• Submit as many photos as you like, but select only your best work.

• Prints will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

How to submit photos Send prints or a photo CD to Picture is, Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300.

Or, e-mail digital photos (as an attachment to your e-mail message) to news@epaofms.com. If submitting more than one photo, please attach all photos to only one e-mail message, if possible.

For more information, call Debbie Stringer, editor, at (601) 605-8610 or email news@epaofms.com.

Grab your camera and get creative!

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Today in Mississippi ■ May 2010

Mississippi Marketplace Type or print your ad clearly. Be sure to include your telephone number.

Cost is $2.50 per word, $25 minimum. Deadline is the 10th of each month for the next month’s issue. Mail payment with your ad to Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300.

Have any questions? Phone (601) 605-8600.

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GULF SHORES CONDO; no pets/smoking; 1BR/1B/W/D; sleeps 6; walk to pier; wifi; unobstructed view of gulf state beach directly across street; $650 7 days/6 nights; $150 deposit; call Tina 251-209-0530; cliffordallen@comcast.net.

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VENDORS WANTED 1ST ANNUAL SW MS TRADE DAYS. June 26th, Pike County Fair Grounds, Call Diane 601-684-0894.

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May 2010 ■ Today in Mississippi

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May 2010

Purple coneflowers are ideal for gardens urple coneflowers are only needed when the plants are newly native plants that look set out. Once established, normal rainfall great in the prairie as well is sufficient except during extreme as in formal designs. I droughts. personally think the purThe crown of the plant is susceptible ple coneflower is one of the best plants to rot conditions. This is not a problem you can use in your garden. in the summer but can become one durThere are nine species of purple cone- ing the cool, moist winter months. flower, or Echinacea, native to North Mississippi gardeners can address this America. The main species found in the problem by planting coneflowers in trade is the Eastern purple coneflower. It raised beds, which helps keep the plant grows up to 3 feet tall and wide, produc- crown drier. ing bright purple flowers with dark cenOn the coast, the coneflower is a tenters. The 2- to 4-inch diameter flowers der perennial because of the cool, moist bloom until frost. The foliage and stems winters, so use it have hairy surfaces that might remind as an annual. you of medium-grit sandpaper.

Divide coneTypically, coneflowers are large plants, flowers every three with many being more than 3 feet tall to four years, but and wide. This makes the coneflowers be patient waiting back-row plants in perennial beds or for regrowth. borders.

Several varieties Southern But their back-row status does not can be grown Gardening from seed, and the make them second rate. Plant breeders have been busy with this species. Kim’s plants will reseed

by Jeff Wilson Knee High is a 15- to 18-inch-tall and themselves, 12- to 15-inch-wide variety. Little Annie becoming a weedy problem some seais a dwarf form that is 6 to 9 inches tall sons. Deadhead the flowers if this and 18 inches wide. It has 3 1/2-inch becomes an issue. flowers that are a clear pink.

Coneflowers are good companions for Though named for the color purple, achillea, bee balm, goldenrod and rudbreeders are selecting varieties with beckia. And be sure to plant a couple of white, orange, yellow, red and almost extra plants to have enough for long-lastevery color in between. Summer Sky is ing cut flowers. one of the varieties with an outstanding new color.

This bi-color coneflower has soft peach petals and a rose halo around the cone.

The flowers are 5 inches in diameter and very fragrant. It is a good cut flower choice.

Another new variety with outstanding color is Twilight, which has rosecolored petals surrounding a unique red cone. This is a heavily branched variety Coneflowers such as this Bravado may be ideal plants for the busy gardenthat is extra fragrant. er because they thrive on neglect and require only normal rainfall. Photo: Coneflowers may be MSU Extension Service/Gary Bachman the ideal plant for busy gardeners because they thrive on neglect.

Jeff Wilson is a horticulturist with the They tolerate a wide variety of soil types, Mississippi State University Extension from tight clay to sandy. Irrigation is Service.

P

Events Mississippi

www.us11antiquealley.com.

Fifth Annual North Mississippi Senior Expo: “Sports in America,” May 14, Southaven.

Photos with pro athletes, cake walks, line dancing, music and other activities. Free. The Arena. Details: (901) 482-0018; www.lifestyletransitions.net.

International Spring Festival, May 14-16, Biloxi. Live entertainment, international food booths, carnival rides, kids’ games, crafts, turtle races, car/truck show and more. Our Lady “NASA Art: 50 Years of Exploration,” through of Fatima. Details: (228) 388-3887.

June 27, Laurel. Artworks by leading American Women’s Conference, May 14-16, Bude. artists relating to NASA’s storied history.

Featuring Brenda Bryant, Norman Kelly, Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. Details: (601) Thelma Brent and other women of God. 649-6374; www.lrma.org.

Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in 31st Annual Spring Gospel Jubilee, May 1, Christ. Details: (601) 322-0032, (601) 384Pearl. Featuring The Chuck Wagon Gang, Tim 7203.

Frith & Gospel Echoes and others; 6:30 p.m.

Dixon Day, May 15, Philadelphia. Former stuAdmission. Pearl Community Center. Details: dents, teachers, neighbors and friends invited; (601) 906-0677, (601) 720-8870.

10 a.m. Picnic-style lunch. Neshoba County Auction, every Saturday, Senatobia. Furniture, Fairgrounds. Details: (601) 656-3795. tools, misc.; 6 p.m. 230 Main St. Details: (901) 36th Annual A’Fair in Hernando, May 15, 598-6867.

Hernando. Arts/crafts vendors, music, food, 5K Green Thumbs in the Park, May 7, Forest. race/walk, children’s activities. Historic Gardening-related presentations and demon- Hernando Square. Details: (662) 281-8875. strations by MSU gardening, horticulture and Magnolia Classic Cruisers Fifth Annual entomology specialists. Plant sale, vendors, “Show by the Shore,” May 15, Pascagoula. Car door prizes. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Town square park. show, food, games, prizes. Pascagoula Beach Details: (601) 469-4241.

Park. Details: (228) 218-7218; The Crossroads Blues and Heritage Festival, www.magnoliaclassiccruisers.com.

May 8, Rosedale. Lineup includes Kenny Wings Over Columbus 2010 Air Show and Brown, T-Model Ford and many others.

Open House, May 15-16, Columbus. Featuring Admission. River Resort. Details: (662) 843U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Army 6110; www.rosedaleblues.com.

Golden Knights Precision Parachute Team; 10 George County 100th Birthday Celebration, a.m. - 5 p.m. Free. Details: (662) 434-7068; May 8, Lucedale. Begins 8 a.m.; parade at 4 www.wingsovercolumbus.net. p.m. Details: (601) 947-7506; “Deer Creek Meanders Through Life: From bos@georgecountyms.gov. the Delta to the World,” May 18, Rolling Fork.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Daylily Society Flower A Lower Delta Talks event with presenter Show and Sale, May 8, Biloxi. Edgewater Princella Nowell; 6:30 p.m. Sharkey-Issaquena Mall. Details: (228) 826-5596.

County Library Fine Arts Room.

May Day PlayDay, May 8, Louisville. Games, Smokin’ the Sound, May 20-23, Biloxi. sports contests, food, raffle, music, horseback Offshore powerboat racing event. Details: riding and more. Benefits playground equip(305) 296-6166; www.smokinthesound.com. ment drive. Dean Park. Details: (662) 779American Hemerocallis Society Region 14 0169, (662) 773-4397.

Spring Meeting, May 21-22, Gulfport. Details: Taste of Ocean Springs, May 11, Ocean (228) 826-5596.

Springs. Food and wine festival. Admission.

Dixie Rodders Ninth Annual Car Show, May L&N Depot Park. Details: (228) 875-4424; 21-23, Meridian. Open to all makes and modwww.oceanspringseats.com. els. Live band Saturday night. Best Western US 11 Antique Alley, May 13-16, Meridian to Motel. Details: (601) 938-3060; Bristol, Va. A 502-mile roadside sale along his- www.dixierodders.com. toric Highway 11. Details: (601) 632-0282; Strong Kids Charity Golf Tournament, May We gladly list events of statewide interest, as space allows. Submissions must reach us at least two months prior to the event date and must include a phone number with area code. Mail submissions to Mississippi Events, Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 391583300; fax to (601) 605-8601; or e-mail to news@epaofms.com. All events are subject to change. We recommend calling to confirm dates and times before traveling. For more events and statewide tourism information, go to www.visitmississippi.org.

May 2010

22, Vancleave. Four-man scramble; benefits YMCA Strong Kids campaign. Registration deadline May 15. The Preserve Golf Club. Details: (228) 326-7849 Brussel’s Bonsai Rendezvous, May 28-30, Olive Branch. Five top Bonsai masters demonstrate and lead workshops. Brussel’s Bonsai Nursery. Details: (800) 582-2593; www.brusselsbonsai.com.

Kristy’s Trail Ride and Crawfish Boil, May 2831, Simpson County. Ride at 9 a.m. Crawfish boil, barbecue cookout at 6 p.m. Benefits Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital. Admission.

Details: (601) 847-3309; kristystrailride@bellsouth.net.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Ninth Annual Rodeo, May 28-29, Vancleave. Sanctioned by Professional Cowboy Association; 7:30 p.m.

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Mallette Covered Arena. Details: (228) 826-5665.

Roxie Family Day, May 29, Roxie. Crafts, games, rides and entertainment. Special feature King Joseph of Sacramento, Calif. Roxie Town Square. Solos and choirs invited. Details: (601) 322-0032, (601) 384-7203.

Daylily Garden Tours, May 31, Hattiesburg.

Area daylily gardens, many accredited by the American Hemerocallis Society, open for tours.

Details: www.hattiesburgdaylily.com.

Memphis Film Festival: “A Gathering of Guns 2 – TV Western Reunion,” June 3-5, Olive Branch. Four viewing rooms, live radio show recreations, TV star appearances, memorabilia and more. Admission. Whispering Woods Hotel and Convention Center. Details: www.memphisfilmfestival.com.

Bluegrass at the Cabin, June 3, 10, 17 and

24, Hernando. Professional and amateur pickers; 6:30 p.m. Free. DeSoto County Museum grounds. Rain site: Christ Covenant Church.

Details: (662) 429-8852; www.desotomuseum.org.

Annual Daylily Show, June 5, Hattiesburg.

Some 500 daylily specimens and arrangements, plant sale, seminars. Public viewing 15 p.m. Lake Terrace Convention Center. Details: www.hattiesburgdaylily.com.

Bay Fest Fun Run 2010 Car, Truck and Rod Show, June 5, Bay Springs. Southern Cruisers Car Club event with best of show awarded for each class. Details: (601) 425-4865, (601) 7643279.

Green Market at the Corinth Depot, June 5, Corinth. Open-air market featuring handmade and homegrown items from within a 100-mile

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Today in Mississippi

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radius. Held the first Saturday of each month through October. Details: (662) 287-8300; greenmarket.corinth.net.

81st Annual Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival, June 5-6, Biloxi. Blessing mass, entertainment, craft vendors, schooner race, street party, seafood, boat parade and more. Biloxi Town Green and St. Michael Catholic Church. Details: (228) 435-6339; biloxiblessing.com.

Mississippi Coast Jazz Society Dance, June 6, Gulfport. Elks Club building; 3-6 p.m. Details: (228) 604-2246, (228) 392-4177.

Second Annual Cruisin’ the City, June 6, Wiggins. Free food, fun, festivities. Lineup from 12-1:30 p.m.; parade at 2 p.m. Jerry Fairley Sports Complex. Details: (601) 6066867, (601) 528-0115.