August 25, 2011

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northsidesun the weekly

For 44 Years, Covering Northeast Jackson, Madison and Ridgeland

Vol. 44, No. 45

Two Sections, 40 Pages, Thursday, August 25, 2011

District Coming Zoning hurdle cleared for major Eastover development

By ANTHONY WARREN Sun Staff Writer NEW ZONING and a completed traffic study are sure signs that plans to develop the Mississippi School for the Blind property are moving forward.

Northsiders Ted Duckworth and Breck Hines are proposing transforming the 21acre site into the District at Eastover, a $150 million project that will include commercial and residential development.

Last week, the Jackson City Council approved the request of the District Land Development Company to rezone the prop-

erty to allow for a hotel and larger retail establishments.

(The group is made up of Duckworth, Hines and the estate of Michael Barranco.)

Also, Neel-Schaffer Engineering completed a traffic-study of the area. It will be used by state officials to determine if traffic lights can be installed at the development’s Eastover Drive entrance and at the Eastover and I-55 north frontage road intersection.

Hines and Duckworth were noticeably pleased following the council meeting on August 15.

“This is one more step on the road that

we’ve been on since 2006,” Hines said.

“There’s still a lot of work to do, but we’re going to continue doing what we do.”

The next step is to draw up construction plans and submit them to the city’s site plan review committee for approval.

Construction could begin early next year, pending the city’s granting of a permit. If construction begins in the spring, it will be completed by late 2013 or early 2014.

The development will be located on 21 acres at the northeastern corner of Eastover and the I-55 frontage road. It is north of the See District at Eastover, Page 18A

GERMANFEST

German festival planned The 25th annual Gluckstadt GermanFest is scheduled for September 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Admission and parking are free. The festival will include German food and folk music, Bavarian horse-drawn wagon rides, a rock wall and an assortment of children’s games. A country store will offer German items, t-shirts and

foods. Festival-goers may wish to bring a lawn chair but no coolers or solicitors will be allowed on the grounds, and please, no pets. Packing the sauerkraut are (from left) Carolyn Howard, Mindy Fertitta, Billy Endris, Libby Perian, Joe Forsythe, Ivan Cunningham. For more information visit www.stjosephgluckstadt.com.

Homeowners can move ahead with lot size lawsuit

THE FEDERATION OF Madison County Homeowner Associations (FMCHA) can now officially move forward with its appeal, filed 16 months ago, against the county board of supervisors.

Madison County Circuit Court Judge John Emfinger last week denied the board’s motion to dismiss the FMCHA’s appeal, which it filed in April 2010 after the board let developer Frank Pucylowski decrease the minimum home sizes in Oak Field, a planned unit development (PUD) in Gluckstadt.

Pucylowski had agreed with area homeowners on square footages throughout the PUD, but then the recession hit and he asked the board to let him build smaller houses.

The FMCHA appealed the board’s decision to grant Pucylowski’s request; the board filed a motion claiming the FMCHA had no legal standing to bring the lawsuit; and the FMCHA filed a response.

Now that Emfinger has denied the board’s motion to dismiss, both parties can get down to the meat of the case.

“We’re real excited that we can move forward to the substantive issues instead of piddling around with all this procedural stuff,” said FMCHA President Al Sage.

The FMCHA claims that smaller houses in Oak Field would hurt the property values of some FMCHA members living near the PUD. The proposed home sizes decreased by 200 square feet.

The three-member majority of the board that voted to allow the size decrease, including Board President Tim Johnson, said it was needed to move the development along. Johnson said builders often can’t afford to use highquality materials in this economic climate unless the homes are smaller.

“I think we are well within our authority to do what we did, and we will defend that as we move forward,” he said.

NOW EACH PARTY WILL file briefs in support of its case.

“The next move is for the FMCHA to file its brief and we will respond accordingly,” said Madison County Board of Supervisors Attorney Eric Hamer.

Jackson attorney Dale Danks, representing the FMCHA, said the court might or might not request oral arguments from him and Hamer, See Federation Lawsuit, Page 17A

‘IT’S A JA THING’ COACH HIGGINS USES ANNUAL RAFTING TRIP AS OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE CHRIST WITH STUDENTS

Photos by Beth Buckley

Coach Ray Higgins

By KATIE EUBANKS Sun Staff Writer MORE THAN 30 YEARS AGO, David Adams went on a rafting trip the summer after his seventh-grade year at Jackson Academy (JA).

Now Adams’ son and daughter have both gone on the same trip, with the same coach and teacher. Ray Higgins has taught at JA for 37 years and is now providing fun, adventure and Christian ministry for a second generation of JA students each summer.

“My son went two years ago, and my daughter went this year. It’s a JA thing.

Just about every kid in the whole class goes,” Adams said. “But it was real special to me because I went on it.”

Adams counts Higgins - a social studies teacher and cross-country and basketball coach at JA - as a strong influence on himself and his family.

“I grew up hunting and fishing and really didn’t do a whole lot of hiking, camping or rafting,” he said. “[But] when I got out of college, I hiked about 400 miles in section trips on the Appalachian Trail because Coach Higgins introduced me to that kind of thing.

“So now I’m an avid rafter, camper

and hiker because of Ray Higgins, and now my kids are too.”

Higgins says he came up with the idea for the trip because he became a Christian at a Young Life camp.

“Young Life is a Christian organization that kind of takes you out and you have a good time, and then they share the claims of Christ with you. That’s what I wanted to do with the kids at JA,” Higgins said.

“I went exploring out in North Carolina and found a fun place….I used to have one van, and I’d get another adult See Rafting Experience, Page 12A

Page 2A

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Page 3A

a conversation with

Bluntson on the city of Jackson From shining shoes and teaching students, to serving as director of Henley-Young Juvenile Justice Center, Frank Bluntson has had a varied career. For the past three years, Bluntson has served as president of the Jackson City Council.

Bluntson, who represents Ward Four, recently spoke to Sun Staff Writer Anthony Warren about the council, and offered his opinion on public access gates, curfews, crime and the budget.

“I don’t see them as a

SEGREGATION issue. People are really concerned about their neighborhoods...”

--Frank Bluntson

First of all, Avery Gardens is pushing to get permission from the city to install a public access gate at its entrance. What is your opinion on allowing public gates in the city?

“I can answer the question before you even finish asking it. I don’t see them as a segregation issue. People are really concerned about their neighborhoods and want to protect their best interests. I live in the Bel Air subdivision, a neighborhood that can’t be gated because it has too many entrances.

It’s not a good area for gates, but there are a lot of people in my neighborhood who ask me why we can’t have them. They’re concerned about people walking through the neighborhood or riding their bikes and talking on their cell phones. That is how some criminals decide which houses to break into.”

As president, have you gauged the feelings of other council members on the matter?

“I’ve talked to some of my colleagues and I know that (Councilman Tony) Yarber has expressed that he doesn’t have a problem with them, at least that I know of. My other colleague, (Ward One Councilman) Quentin Whitwell is spearheading the issue. I believe

(Ward Seven Councilwoman) Margaret “Some members feel it violates the rights Barrett-Simon would be the fourth vote we of children to place curfew violators in the need to get a public gates ordinance passed.” same holding facility as juveniles who have more serious violations. We’ve been doing it For areas where gates don’t work, what for years and years, and haven’t had a problem with it yet.” can be done?

“Neighborhood associations should get Do you think most of the kick-ins on together and come up with an idea to present the Northside have been committed by to the council. It might be something the juveniles? council will go for. I don’t advise this, but the Woodhaven Homeowners Association “Yes. Most of the home invasions have has a very effective patrol system in place. been committed by people under the age of Men and women in the neighborhood get 21. Another thing that is of real concern to together and patrol the neighborhood day the council is that so many of our young and night. Crime has gone down tremenpeople are in possession of firearms.” dously in terms of cars and homes being broken into and cars being stolen.”

How can you get guns out of the hands of youth?

Despite that success, you still wouldn’t “A lot of times, juveniles get firearms recommend citizen patrols? from house burglaries. I also fear that guns “No, I wouldn’t because there could be a are being taken from their parents’ homes. risk involved, but it has been a very workThe reason is because we have parents who able solution for residents in Woodhaven.” are so careless about where they store their firearms. Parents should be totally responsiKick-in burglaries are a big problem in ble when firearms are taken by youths and Northeast Jackson. What can the council used in any way. Personally, in a lot of cases, judges are too lenient in dealing with youth. do to address the issue?

They should also get the parents involved “That’s an issue we continue to try and work on. I believe this council should imple- with the punishment.” ment a daytime and nighttime curfew. On I want to go back to the curfew for a school days, the curfew would run from 7 minute. The council is now considering a a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It would give officers a new curfew ordinance. Can you give me a tool to deal with young people who are on the street when they should be in school. As status update on it? you know, the evening curfew would run “We are in the process of trying to find a from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through separate holding facility for status offenders, Thursday, and 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. Friday and so they won’t have to be detained with more Saturday. But this council hasn’t been able to serious violators.” muster four votes to get it done.”

Once a new holding facility is found, do Why do you think that’s the case?

See Frank Bluntson, Page 17A

Page 4A

Thursday, August 25, 2011

from the publisher

By WYATT EMMERICH

Protect innocent while prosecuting drunk driving THE MISSISSIPPI HIGHWAY PATROL has kicked off its annual campaign against drinking and driving with the motto, “Stay Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

In 2010, there were 231 Mississippi alcohol related fatalities, a disturbing number. We don’t really know if alcohol caused these accidents or not, but we do know one of the drivers was drinking.

For the one-third of Americans who don’t drink, the legality of drinking and driving must seem like an abomination. Indeed, alcohol consumption even without a two-ton vehicle causes untold wreckage of lives and human misery.

But two-thirds of Americans find moderate alcohol consumption a very pleasant aspect of life. It enhances conviviality, allows one to relax after a hard week’s work and is good for your health. Moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of heart disease and senility.

It was no less than Benjamin Franklin who wrote: “Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards, there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine, a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy.”

And of course, Jesus turned the water into wine.

The temperance battle has been one of the great social battles of our country. We tried to ban alcohol, but failed. Now we keep an uneasy social truce over the liquid drug.

The American love-hate contradiction over alcohol couldn’t be clearer than in our DUI laws. Drinking and driving is legal - but only up to a point.

The American Medical Association, at the request of the Department of Transportation, originally deemed impaired driving to occur at a .15 blood alcohol level. Today, half that level - .08 - is considered impaired and illegal. The human body hasn’t changed during that time, but Mothers Against Drunk Driving has since become a powerful political force that no politician dares to question. Driving While Intoxicated has become Driving Under the Influence. The range of acceptable drinking and driving is much more narrow.

Meanwhile, there were 33,153 Mississippi DUI arrests last year, an astounding number. If DUIs were randomly distributed, every driver in the state would get at least one during his lifetime.

A COLORADO STUDY showed that 20 percent of those arrested for DUIs had legal blood alcohol levels. The problem is that residual alcohol in your mouth can distort the results of the unreliable portable breathalyzers police often use to make an arrest.

Applying the Colorado study to Mississippi, 6,500 innocent Mississippians are arrested for DUI each year. Many lack the knowledge or money to fight the charge and just plead guilty.

For the innocent, the personal cost of an undeserved DUI is immense: Lost reputations, job opportunities and the 90-day license suspensions. Car insurance rates skyrocket. A DUI often ends up costing $15,000.

If police followed the rules, they would never give a breath test without waiting for at least 20 minutes. But Mississippi police are not that patient, especially when quotas need to be met and $30 million in fines is on the line.

Police often administer breath tests without probable cause: red eyes, the smell of alcohol, weaving within your lane, a bad taillight, making a wide turn, and other vague and arbitrary reasons are often used by police as probable cause, even though they don’t stand up to judicial scrutiny.

Police are routinely asking, “Have you been drinking?” even though drinking is a legal activity. If you answer yes, count on being

Extending the payroll tax cuts sends a message of irresponsibility WHEN CONGRESS, with President Obama’s concurrence, enacted a one-year reduction in the Social Security payroll tax, we knew there would be efforts to extend it beyond 2011.

The president himself wants to do so, arguing that it’s a way to pump money into a still struggling economy.

The Social Security tax cut was a foolish move a year ago. It would be an even worse idea to extend it.

Social Security is one of the major drivers of the nation’s financial woes.

Now paying out more than it is collecting, Social Security is projected to be insolvent within 25 years due to the huge influx of baby-boomer retirees.

Supposedly, the $85 billion that this year’s tax break has cost the Social Security trust fund will be reimbursed

by Congress. Of course, that is $85 billion that would be added to the federal government’s unsustainable debt load.

At some point we have to deal with Social Security’s long-term problems.

Let’s at least not make them worse for short-term political gain.

look inordinately high.

Twenty counties had at least 10 percent of their ballots cast by absentee vote. Quitman County led the way with 29 percent, followed by Claiborne and Grenada counties, both with 18 percent. Leflore and Carroll counties had 12 percent each.

Statewide, the percentage was six percent, three times higher than the absentee ballot ratio during the presidential election of 2008.

These rising numbers are cause for concern because absentee ballots are wide open to fraud. All it takes is a dishonest candidate with a voter registry, an ink pen and some “witnesses” who get paid by the number of absentee ballots they deliver. It’s a whole lot easier to rig an election that way than impersonating voters at the polls, which has been the major focus of those who are keen on voter ID. There has been a lot of exaggeration in recent years, from both sides, about voter ID. In November, Mississippi will get a chance to finally settle the question in a statewide referendum. We expect the initiative to pass handily.

But we also expect it will do very litDELBERT HOSEMANN IS rightful- tle to reduce voter fraud, since voter ly suspicious. Mississippi’s secretary ID is not applicable to absentee balof state compiled a county-by-county loting, where most of the shenanitally of absentee ballots cast in the gans occur.

August 2 primaries, and the numbers

tested.

The police need to concentrate on drivers displaying clearly erratic driving, slurred speech and inability to walk straight - these are the behaviors on which genuine probable cause should be based. These are the people who are a danger on the road.

Then there is the infamous “sobriety field test” where the police ask you to do various acrobatic stunts. Studies show perfectly sober people fail this test half the time.

In its eagerness to battle drunk driving, the U.S. Supreme Court has carved out a special place for DUI enforcement, suspending many of the typical civil rights protections afforded by the Constitution.

The clearest case of this is the road block, where drivers are detained for no probable cause. Many legal experts believe road blocks violate the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits unreasonable search and seizure. In allowing road blocks for DUIs, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled several state supreme courts, which found them to violate the rights embodied in state constitutions.

Legal experts on the Web say Mississippi and Georgia have the most backward DUI laws in the nation.

For instance, in Mississippi blowing a .08 is automatic proof of guilt, but blowing under a .08 does not prove you innocent. If you get on the wrong side of an officer, which often can happen just by protecting your rights, they can arrest you anyway, even if you are under the limit. The state Legislature should fix this.

Current Mississippi law gives drivers the right to a blood test, but the statute is watered down and police ignore it. Police should be required to inform drivers that a more accurate test is available. Then police should be required to assist the driver in getting a blood test if they so choose. Any emergency room can do it. The more accurate blood test would further convict the guilty, but it would save thousands of innocent people from getting a huge blight on their record.

Breath samples can be saved for later verification by an independent lab. The cost is about five dollars. But under Mississippi law, the police do not have to save the samples. In essence, they are allowed to destroy the very evidence used to convict.

Like any profession, there are good police and bad police. In this age of smart phones, it is simple to audio or video record your interac-

tion with police. Incredibly, dozens of American citizens have been arrested for recording their encounters with police based on outdated eavesdropping laws. The Legislature needs to change this. Any citizen should have the right to record his interaction with police to ensure proper adherence to the law.

Research has shown that law-abiding citizens who go out to dinner on Saturday night and have wine with dinner are not the cause of alcohol related traffic deaths. The deaths are caused by chronic alcoholic repeat offenders.

These are the dangerous people who are weaving down the road and running red lights. The police need to spend their time watching for the true menace and not randomly stopping the two-thirds of Americans who like wine with dinner.

city beat

dollars to improve the downtown area, it is equally important to allocate tax dollars to improve the various neighborhoods throughout the city. Good neighborhoods make good cities.

I HAVE NEVER GOTTEN a DUI. In fact, I’ve never gotten a speeding ticket nor been in an accident or been arrested for anything. But I do like wine with dinner when I go to a nice restaurant.

I was stopped once several years ago and tested with a breathalyzer. I passed easily, but I can tell you the Ridgeland police officer did not follow the law. He was the law breaker, not me.

When I asked the officer why he stopped me, he said I was “weaving.” When I immediately reacted with an incredulous, “What?” he said, “Well, weaving within your lane.”

The lanes on Old Canton Road are very narrow, with a few feet on either side. The real reason he stopped me was I was driving a red convertible late on Saturday night. That is an illegal stop, completely lacking in probable cause. This goes on all the time. The Legislature should specify erratic driving, slurring of speech and stumbling as the only legitimate probable cause for DUI testing in Mississippi.

If you must drink and drive, buy a breathalyzer and learn to use it. Some cost as little as $30. If you are above the legal limit, go have dessert. As a general rule, don’t consume more than one drink an hour. When dining with friends, pick a designated driver.

With 33,000 arrests each year, it’s high time the state Legislature passed some basic measures to protect its law-abiding citizens from false DUI arrest. With fewer breath tests to do on law-abiding drivers, maybe the police could keep a better lookout for the real drunks swerving down the road.

TAXPAYERS SHOULD urge their City Council representatives to re-examine the priorities set forth in the mayor’s budget to make sure that improving neighborhoods is adequately addressed.

Hopefully, the mayor and council members will concur that by improving neighborhoods, you improve the entire city.

By As a taxpayer, this writer appeared SAMUEL before the Jackson City Council on McGEE August 9, 2011 to urge the mayor and council members to allocate additional funds to the Public Works Department.

These funds should be earmarked to hire adequate employees to correct problems in our neighborhoods: cleaning and clearing debris from drainage ditches, responding promptly to requests to repair broken drainage pipes that run through homeowners’ property, and repair damage problems promptly to avoid frequent flooding during heavy rains, to name a JACKSON MAYOR HARVEY few.

Johnson’s face lights up with excitement City government works best when all when he talks about his proposed 2012 elected officials do their job to ensure that budget that calls for no tax increase, no every cent of taxpayers’ money is used to furloughs, no layoffs, crucial infrastrucimprove the quality of life for everyone. ture funds, and a two percent pay raise for Mayor Johnson says he has done his job workers. The presentations sound great by presenting a balanced budget to the without any further details on how this council. Now the council must do its job budget will improve the entire city. by carefully scrutinizing the mayor’s It is doubtful, however, that Mayor budget to ensure that it clearly focuses on Johnson actively sought and included neighborhood improvement throughout input from Jackson City Council memthe city, in addition to other areas. bers in formulating his budget. Does this mean that the mayor wants council memSamuel McGee, President bers to “rubber stamp” his budget?

Woodhaven Homeowners’ Assn.

While it is commendable to allocate tax

Jackson budget needs input from council

Page 5A

view point By WILLIAM JEANES

Roundabout often becomes a circle of terror IF HARRY POTTER moved to Ridgeland, the roundabout at Highland Colony Parkway and Old Agency Road would give him no trouble. That’s because Harry has a magic wand and can consult wizards. The rest of us, based on observation, are puzzled by this infernal device. What is it, and what is it doing there?

Often, our roundabout is incorrectly called a traffic circle. It is correctly called a roundabout, and it’s intended to let traffic on intersecting streets turn right, go straight, or turn left without the presence of a traffic light.

What the roundabout really does, about one in every five times you use the thing, is combine with other motorists to scare you half out of your wits.

That shouldn’t happen, but there are reasons why it does. A traffic circle is not the same as a roundabout (called a rotary in New England). In a traffic circle, entering vehicles have the right of way. In a roundabout, entering vehicles must yield to those in the circle. Ours is a roundabout, not a four-way stop.

At the roundabout near the municipal airport, a sign puts matters succinctly: Traffic in the Circle Does Not Stop. Which means you’d better.

So the first rule, boys and girls, is that you must without fail yield to vehicles already in the roundabout.

Yielding will reduce correspondence with your insurance carrier and can also aid digestion.

The second rule: traffic in U.S. roundabouts moves counterclockwise. Most of the time it does that in ours, though I once saw a Ridgeland driver going clockwise.

How she did that, I don’t know. How she escaped a crash is a bigger mystery.

In Britain, where roundabouts were invented in the 1950s by civil engineers already confused by having to drive on the wrong side of the road, traffic inside the roundabout goes clockwise. This is true of all roundabouts in countries where motorists drive on the left. If you’re wondering, we drive on the right.

We must now address the Ridgeland roundabout’s twolane design. The one at the airport has only one lane, making it nigh impossible to have a wreck once you’ve agreed to yield. Two lanes add elements of danger and excitement to the roundabout experience.

The danger stems from the two lanes of traffic entering from both directions on the Parkway and from the east on Old Agency Road. If two lanes enter the roundabout, there must be two lanes in the roundabout, right? Right.

Suppose you are northbound on the Parkway and in the left-hand lane entering the roundabout. You will next find yourself in the left-hand (inside) lane of the roundabout’s circle. Sometimes there’s a vehicle beside you in the right-hand lane. Making a right turn, as you can see, would be a mistake.

BUT LET’S SAY YOU wanted to go “straight,” taking the second exit to continue north on the Parkway.

This could also be problematic should the vehicle on your right decide - unlawfully - that it wants to proceed to the third choice, westbound Old Agency Road instead of continuing north. This traps you in the inside lane. If this happens, do not panic, just roll your eyes and go around for a second try.

Your lane mates should not do these things, but trust me, they will.

Lesson three, then, is to know where you want to exit the roundabout and get into the correct lane before you enter. Changing lanes is made easier by Madison County motorists’ ingrained courtesy. Often, it requires nothing more than a turn signal, coarse gestures, horn blowing, and the visible brandishing of a firearm.

Three of the four entries into the roundabout have four lanes. The fourth, eastbound Old Agency Road, is a

northsidesun the weekly

USPS 598 760

PUBLISHER: Wyatt Emmerich EDITOR: Jimmye Sweat BUSINESS MANAGER: Dani Poe ADVERTISING SALES: Melanie North, Katy Agnew, Holly Dean, Amy Forsyth, Carly O’Bryant, Carley Baker GRAPHIC DESIGN: Wanda McCain, Mary Margaret Adcock CIRCULATION: Dale Frazier, Dottie Cole, Jeff Cole, Keri Hawkins EDITORIAL: Anthony Warren, Katie Eubanks, Beth Buckley, Jo Ann Ward Published weekly on Thursday by Sunland Publishing Co., Inc. Offices at 246 Briarwood, Jackson, MS, 39206. Mailing address is P.O. Box 16709, Jackson, MS, 39236. Phone is 601-957-1122. Subscription price in Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties, $20 per year. Long distance rates vary slightly higher. Single copy price is 75 cents. Issues over a month old are 75 cents. Periodical postage paid at Jackson, MS. The Sun

accepts no responsibility for unsolicited stories, artwork or photographs.

Photos are filed according to the week they appear. Usually those that are not published are not kept on file. If a stamped, self-addressed envelope is enclosed, we will try to return such photos, if possible. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Northside Sun, P.O. Box 16709, Jackson, MS, 39236. E-mail: sun@northside sun.com

two-lane two-way street at its roundabout entry. All entries have an offshoot lane that permits a right turn before entering the roundabout. You can also turn right from inside the roundabout. No one knows why.

Arrange your life so that you only need to turn right at the roundabout, and you’ll stay a stress-free driver. But going straight complicates matters, especially if you head west on Old Agency. As you exit, the roundabout’s two lanes instantly become a one-lane street. An informative sign, erected perhaps by pranksters, says: Left Lane Ends. What it doesn’t tell you is that you are reading history.

Inevitably, you will someday want to turn left. That is, enter the roundabout at the six o’clock position and circle counterclockwise to exit at the nine o’clock position.

To survive this without celestial intervention, enter the roundabout in the left (inside) lane. With luck and the cooperation of the other drivers, you can turn left when your exit appears without bending fenders.

Careful attention to what we’ve learned here, plus a few years of using the roundabout, should put you at ease behind the wheel. If you remain uneasy, remember that France has about 30,000 roundabouts, half the world’s supply, and the country has actually improved its accident rate.

If Pierre and Solange can do it, you can do it.

Otherwise, seek help from Harry Potter.

William Jeanes is a Northsider.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Dear Editor: Open letter to Judge Maurice Paul, Tallahassee, Fla. Judge Paul, I write with reference to your ordering taking down the Ten Commandments in the Dixie Court House: I guess it is not enough to see the moral chaos of the United States since judges have ignored truth and claimed that it is against the law to acknowledge our Lord who has given America blessings unlimited and on whom our nation’s way of life was based. You judges who have misdirected the law and misdirected a nation’s beliefs may have a very unexpected time at the judgement.

Mrs. Paul Hogue

We Want Letters, Columns and Articles The Northside Sun encourages readers to write letters and guest columns. Letters of diverse viewpoints are welcome.

Just because a letter appears in the Sun does not imply a Northside Sun endorsement. In the interest of freedom of the press, we run many letters with which we strongly disagree.

You can send letters to the Northside Sun, P.O. Box 16709, Jackson MS 39236. Or e-mail letters to wyatt@northsidesun.com. Please e-mail or mail a photo if you can. All letters must be signed and we reserve the right to edit them.

Page 6A

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Golf clubs lead to arrest

By ANTHONY WARREN Sun Staff Writer THANKS TO A SET OF golf clubs, a man police believe could be responsible for a string of kick-in house burglaries on the Northside is now behind bars.

On August 17, Jackson police nabbed Timotheus Brandon in connection with five kick-in burglaries, as well as several auto break-ins and an auto theft in Fondren.

The break-ins and auto theft occurred last week, while the kick-ins have occurred in neighborhoods off of Old Canton Road throughout the summer.

Brandon, 30, of Jackson, was being held at the Hinds County Detention Center last week. It was unclear if bond had been set. He was being charged with felony house burglary, several counts of felony auto burglary and one felony count of auto theft.

Brandon was also being charged with one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun.

The suspect was picked up by authorities hours after he allegedly attempted to sell clubs he had taken from a car on Ridgeway Street in the early morning hours of August 16.

The clubs are owned by Jackson attorney Jimmy Hall and were in the back of his 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe.

The sports utility vehicle was parked on the street in front of his home.

Precinct Four Cmdr. Wendell Watts said that on the afternoon of August 17, Brandon walked into Play It Again Sports in Ridgeland to make some quick cash.

Instead, a clerk behind the counter noticed something fishy and quickly contacted authorities.

Two of the clubs were marked

“donor from the Country Club of Jackson.” The clerk contacted Chad Darby, the country club’s assistant golf pro, and confirmed that they were missing.

(Darby had contacted four Jacksonarea sporting goods shops on the afternoon of August 16, after Hall told him the items had been taken.)

“I figured that’s where he (the suspect) would go,” Darby said. “He’d get a better price there than at a pawn shop.”

Hall’s set included the Country Club donors, a friend’s Titleist driver, a putter and some wedges. Adding insult to injury, the set belonging to Hall’s nine-year-old son was also taken.

While the clerk was on the phone, Brandon apparently got wind of the situation, grabbed a few of the stolen clubs, and nonchalantly walked out of the store.

Before Brandon could make a clean break though, the clerk got the suspect’s tag number and a brief description, and called police.

The clerk “told us that they were alerted by the country club that the items were stolen,” Watts said.

Officers responded to the County Line Road corridor immediately, but were initially unable to find the suspect.

Watts said a patrolman noticed Brandon’s vehicle around 8 o’clock that night near the intersection of Beasley Road and North State Street.

He said Brandon was sans the clubs, but in possession of items reported stolen from a kick-in burglary that occurred on the same night as the Ridgeway car break-ins.

Watts didn’t say where the kick-in occurred.

Kick-ins have been a problem in Fondren throughout the summer, being reported on July 5 in the 3000 block of Kings Highway; July 12 on East Hill Parkway; July 22 in the 4700 block of Crane Boulevard; and on July 25 in the 4000 block of Glenway Drive.

Watts believes Brandon is tied to each of the incidents. “This solves all the crimes in Fondren,” he said.

WHILE POLICE have made headway in the Fondren incidents, another set of kick-ins has cropped up on the east side of I-55 North.

Three such burglaries were reported in the Leftover neighborhood, with a break-in occurring on Pinewood Street on August 8, and burglaries occurring on Douglas and Eastwood drives on August 9.

An e-mail obtained by the Sun provided details on the Douglas kick-in.

At approximately 12:45 that afternoon, an unidentified black male entered a home in the 1700 block by kicking in the back door. A girl at the home ran out of a side door to a neighbor’s house, where the neighbor immediately called 911.

“While it took only three to five minutes for the patrol to arrive, the burglar was able to grab a TV, cell phone and computer,” the e-mail stated.

The suspect fled the scene in a silver Honda, with dark, tinted windows.

Watts didn’t say what Brandon was driving. He also didn’t say what stolen items had been recovered during the arrest.

Information was not immediately available on the Pinewood or Eastwood incidents.

911

MONTHLY FEES FOR SERVICE INCREASING TO COVER STAFF

By KATIE EUBANKS Sun Staff Writer MONTHLY FEES FOR 911 SERVICE in Madison County have increased slightly to cover the cost of additional dispatchers.

The board of supervisors approved the increase August 8.

“The main thing is, we’ve increased the number of 911 dispatchers across the county. It takes more people to run the 911 system now,” said Madison County Emergency Management Director Butch Hammack.

Fees have increased 20 cents per month for each residential phone line and 40 cents for each business line.

Hammack also noted that 911 parts and equipment cost more than they used to and that Madison County had previously charged comparatively low fees for a long time.

“I think we were one of the last counties in the state to raise our rates.”

He said the county provides 911 service in all its cities and unincorporated areas and maintains the 911 equipment used by municipal police departments. “And that’s what the money is used for. It costs money to have the maps updated on a regular basis. Madison County is growing by leaps and bounds, and what you had last week might not be good this week.”

Interim County Administrator Brad Sellers said state law requires phone companies to bill residents and businesses for 911 service.

“All the billing is through the phone companies, and the phone company remits a certain amount to the county,” Sellers said.

Officials estimated that the fee increase could bring in $250,000 more per year.

Page 7A

Pure gasoline hard to find in Jackson; soon to get harder

By ANTHONY WARREN Sun Staff Writer NORTHSIDERS looking for ethanol-free gas have few local choices where they can fill up.

And thanks to a federal law passed in 2005, there will likely be fewer stations to buy pure gas from in the future.

Based on information provided by two Web sites, puregas.com and buyrealgas.org, there are four spots to buy ethanol-free fuel in the capital city and six spots to buy it near the Ross Barnett Reservoir.

For boaters and others with small-engine crafts, having local locations to fill up is good news.

Jackie Smith, service manager for Smith’s Marine Sales, said ethanol-based fuels wreak havoc on small engines. “It deteriorates rubber hoses and components of rubber in fuel filters,”he said. “It causes hoses to rupture and particles to go through the system.”

Smith said about five out of 10 repair jobs that come into the Ridgeland shop are ethanol-related. “Here lately, we’ve been seeing a good bit of it,” he said. “People ask where they can get good gas, and I tell them there are not a lot of places.”

Ethanol can also cause small engines to tear up as a result of “phase separation.” Smith said that happens when ethanol is left in a tank over time and fuel and water separate.

“Eventually, water gets on the bottom of the fuel tank.

When water gets in the engine it tears it up,” he said.

Solutions include using a water separator or ethanol stablizer, a substance that is poured into the gas tank, he said.

Congress created the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Under the act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented regulations to ensure that all fuel sold in the United States contains a minimum volume of renewable fuel.

The goal was to decrease the nation’s dependence on foreign oil and to reduce air pollution related to fossil fuels. Ethanol is created from corn and other grains and is considered a renewable fuel source.

According to the EPA’s Web site, RFS regulations required 7.5 billion gallons of renewable fuel to be blended into gasoline by 2012. The laws were expanded further in 2007 to include diesel fuel as well. The volume of renewable fuel required to be blended into gasoline and diesel also increased to 36 billion gallons by 2022.

Both measures were approved under President George W. Bush.

Dawn Young, a communications officer with the EPA’s district office in Atlanta, didn’t know if gas producers had reached the new mandate. She said the law doesn’t outlaw the sale of pure gas, but “requires a certain amount with ethanol has to be produced.”

Stations selling pure gas in Jackson include Ward’s Medical Center Texaco at 2395 N. State St., Express Fuels at 1006 Bailey Ave., Jackson Ice Company at 607 S. Jefferson St., and Anu Food Mart at 516 Cooper Rd. Near the reservoir, spots to purchase the gas include Pelahatchie Trading Post at 2363 Mississippi 471, and Tommy’s Trading Post at 4238 Highway 43 North.

happenings Arts and lecture Millsaps College Arts and Lecture Series will feature Brunson Green, producer of the movie “The Help,” September 13, 7 p.m., in the Academic Complex Recital Hall. For information

on this program and season tickets for the series call 601-974-1132 or visit www.millsaps.edu.

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STEPHEN THOMPSON Owner Sears Hometown Store, Byram

CROSSING HIGHWAY 51 at Jackson Street in Ridgeland will soon be safer for joggers and cyclists.

The city will likely hire a contractor to install a pedestrian push-button crossing at the intersection within the next 30 days, Public Works Director Mike McCollum said.

McCollum said the public works department would also replace the traffic signal heads at the intersection of Highway 51 and McClellan Drive. The two projects, which he said were routine maintenance, should cost about $10,000 total and be complete in six weeks or so.

notes

.Jennifer Long was recently inducted into the 2011 Class of Fellows by the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP). A certified orthotist/prosthetist at Methodist Orthotics and Prosthetics in

Flowood, Long is one of only 12 people in the nation to receive the distinction this year.

Mad Genius continues to increase their work in the realm of social media, most recently adding management of the nationwide Louisiana Hot Sauce Facebook page to their portfolio.

Support group

Barbershop harmony

The Metro Jackson Parkinson’s The Jackson Chapter of Barbershop Support Group meets every first Harmony meets Tuesday nights, 7 p.m., Tuesday, 2 p.m., at Redeemer at North Park Presbyterian Church at Presbyterian Church.

PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY

business

the corner of Northside Drive and Old Canton Road.

© 2011 First Commercial Bank. All rights reserved.

Page 8A

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Jackson reviewing plans to change Redbud Road

By ANTHONY WARREN Sun Staff Writer PLANS TO close off a busy cutthrough street in Eastover are coming to fruition.

The city of Jackson is now reviewing plans to turn a portion of Redbud Road into a cul-de-sac.

The Greater Eastover Neighborhood Foundation (GENF) submitted its construction documents, as well as a completed petition from affected homeowners, to the city’s engineering department about two weeks ago.

GENF Executive Director Dana Robertson said the foundation is now awaiting feedback from the city to see if the plans need to be modified. Once the documents are signed off on, the foundation will find a contractor.

The proposal calls for cutting off Redbud’s entrance at Ridgewood Road and turning it into a cul-de-sac. From there, the foundation will continue the fence and sidewalk that already goes

along Ridgewood.

Robertson said their goal was for the completed product to appear as though it had always been that way The work is needed to cut out the through-traffic in an effort to make the street safer for pedestrians and families.

The section of Redbud located between Ridgewood and Eastover Drive is used as a cut-through by motorists hoping to avoid the light at the RidgewoodEastover intersection located a couple of hundred feet to the north, Robertson said.

The project is being paid for by the Eastover foundation and Redbud residents, who will benefit directly from the closure. Property owners on the street have been asked to pitch in to pay for the closure.

“While the project benefits the entire neighborhood, certainly the residents of Redbud will benefit the most because they will no longer bear the burden of high speed traffic.”

City cuts department costs to cover budget demands

By KATIE EUBANKS Sun Staff Writer RIDGELAND OFFICIALS ARE cuting costs in several departments and will cover a $400,000 deficit with surplus funds after presenting the city’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2012 last week.

No public comments were offered at the public budget hearing held at the meeting of the mayor and board of aldermen Tuesday, August 16. The budget will be adopted at the September 6 meeting.

Vacancies in the fire department and police administration will not be filled, and “we’ve cut some administrative costs that would include $10,000 to the library,” said David Overby, city clerk and director of finance and administration.

“We take care of the library on the building and maintenance and utilities and so forth, and we make a payment to the Madison County Library System. Last year we gave $102,500, and this year it’ll be $92,500,” Overby said.

The city is also giving the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce $15,000 instead of $30,000.

“And of course all departments have cut down on some travel and education costs,” he said.

“We probably had roughly about $900,000 in cuts, but it doesn’t show up that much because we’ve had increases in group insurance costs and things like that.”

THE $400,000 DEFICIT in the budget will be covered by money from the city’s $12 million surplus fund, built up over years of saving.

Mayor Gene McGee has said Ridgeland has a policy of not letting funds slip below a 45 percent surplus.

The total amount in the city’s general fund for this coming year - not including capital projects or utilities - is $20.7 million. The general fund covers things like police and fire, the street department, administration, recreation and the library.

The tighter budget also means that, like last year, Ridgeland won’t give any pay raises to city employees.

The city of Madison will hold its public budget meeting September 6.

Page 9A

Page 10A

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Madison County schedules delinquent property tax sale in the board of supervisors room in the county office complex at 146 W. Center St., and will begin with the sale of 13 parcels located in the Parkway East Public Improvement District (PID).

The parcels were originally one 219-acre parcel located east of Interstate 55 between Madison and Gluckstadt.

Property owners must pay extra assessments to help fund improvements in PIDs, so these assessments will be offered for sale along with the 2008-2010 ad valorem taxes on the parcels. Maps of the properties will be available at the sale.

“Should there be no buyer for the taxes on any parcel in the course of a tax sale, the taxes are then struck to state, or sold to state,” Pace said.

And one more thing: If you want copies of your paid receipts, you must bring a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

“Otherwise, your balance sheet which you acquire before you leave the premises of the tax sale will be considered your paid THE SALE WILL BE HELD at 9 a.m. receipts,” the tax collector’s Web site said.

By KATIE EUBANKS Sun Staff Writer LOOKING TO BUY PROPERTY in Madison County and help the county recoup its tax losses at the same time?

Just go to Canton on Monday, August 29, for the annual tax auction.

Properties whose owners have continually failed to pay ad valorem taxes and other assessments will be sold to the highest bidder.

You will need: 1) a completed tax sale application form, available at www.madison-co.com/taxcollector.php under “online forms”; 2) a buyer number from the office of the tax collector; and 3) either a personal check made payable to Kay Pace, Tax Collector, Madison County, Mississippi; a Visa or Mastercard; or cash.

At press time, Madison County Tax Collector Kay Pace said there were 3,200 parcels in the sale but some of the taxes would be paid before the sale itself.

only per month!

$65

601.957.1122.

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Page 11A

New Madison lake to help prevent flooding completed; recreational use also planned

Rotary speaker Ward One City Councilman Quentin Whitwell (center) spoke to the Rotary Club of North Jackson at its weekly Tuesday luncheon at St. James Episcopal Church in Woodland Hills.

Whitwell told the club, “Looking at the state of federal government, it sure is great to be in city politics.” He said his platform is the “Three R’s - reducing crime, recruiting business and restoring accountability.” Whitwell painted a relatively harmonious picture of Jackson City Council politics. “I don’t know anyone at city hall who doesn’t have the interest of the city at heart. They all come from different backgrounds, but they’re honest people.” Whitwell had a few complaints. “Lots of things are showing up on the agenda without a lot of advance information.” And one week the mayor showed up with a new car that was purchased through the police budget. “Ward One probably feels more disenfranchised than any other ward,” Whitwell said, noting, however, that Ward One is now 37 percent African American. Whitwell wants to get a solid gating ordinace passed and wants an overlay district that mimicks Ridgeland. “Ridgeland went from 57 percent occupancy to 80 percent just because people saw the commitment. We need a comprehensive look at zoning.

There have been some horrific things that have come out of the zoning committee.”

Whitwell has been involved in preventing unauthorized sale of animals in parking lots. He is also interested in an ordinance that will allow “food trucks”the right to operate. “We have a lot of young entrepreneurs who want to get into the food business. It costs $750,000 to open a restaurant but only $75,000 to get into the food truck business.”

Whitwell said he has a good relationship with the mayor. “We don’t always agree, but we are cordial and his door is open when I need it.” He is shown with Rotary Program Chairman Jeff Adcock (left) and Rotary President Don Roberts (right).

By KATIE EUBANKS Sun Staff Writer With the completion of a 42-acre lake in Madison two neighborhoods won’t have to worry as much about flooding.

Madison Public Works Director Denson Robinson said crews are hauling off excess dirt and planting grass at the lake, located off Madison Avenue close to Crawford Street.

The lake - technically two lakes that function as one, with a dam and discharge structure - was designed to alleviate flooding in nearby neighborhoods including Sandalwood and Treasure Cove. But Robinson said the lake will likely also serve a recreational purpose.

“Eventually we hope to have boating, but in the early stages probably just walking around and fishing, with some trails and such.”

The city worked for several years to get approval from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and the Corps of Army Engineers before Hemphill Construction started work on the lake.

The lake is located off Madison Avenue ABMB Engineering designed the project.

The $1.2 million project was paid for out of a $15 million bond taken out by the city for roads and other public improvements.

Page 12A

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Rafting Experience Continued from Page One or college student to go with me.”

Since then, the trip has grown to the point where Higgins is taking 70 or 80 people at a time, including students’ fathers.

“I share Christ with the kids, and now I also share Christ with the dads.

“This summer, 25 or so dads went on each trip [one trip for girls and one for boys]. I think they love being with their kid for a week. And so the Lord has been great.

“I actually call my trips ‘outdoor plus.’ If you look at a plus, it’s a cross. I wouldn’t be doing these trips if I didn’t believe in a very big God, because I couldn’t do this by myself.

“Hopefully I can do it a few more years,” the 61-year-old said. “It’s harder and harder to get out of that canyon…”

THE CANYON IN QUESTION is Little River Canyon in Alabama, the first stop on the five-day trip, which includes rafting, “rock hopping,” hiking, swimming, waterfall-sliding, and a couple of nights spent camping in the woods.

JA parent Robert Porch, who went on the trip in the summer of 1980, said he hopes Higgins can hold out a few more years.

Two of Porch’s three children have gone on the trip so far, and “I have a fifth-grade little boy. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”

But Porch admits that even he has a hard time keeping up with Higgins on the recent trips.

“I don’t know how he does it. I had to have an Advil every morning just to keep going.”

Adams agreed: “I tell you what, he wears everybody out…He’s got to be in some of the best shape I’ve ever seen in a man his age.”

But Higgins isn’t just strong physically,

Little River Canyon is the first stop on the five-day trip for Jackson Academy seventh-graders Adams said. graders, many of whom go on the trip again for the seventh-grade girls. I was proud that “Growing up in Mississippi, it’s hard for in high school to serve as mentors for those she ministered to these kids and witnessed just a few years behind them. to them and was a helper to them.” us not to run into a Christian somewhere, but he is a very strong Christian man. “[Seventh grade] is one of the most influLooking back over the past few decades, Higgins said it’s been special to have “a “He and his friend Bubba Cox were both ence-able ages,” Porch said. “The difference between seventh grade and 10th grade bunch of guys like [Adams and Porch],” strong Christian influences in my life, and is like going from 25 years old to 35. who went on the trip as students and are Ray has continued to be a Christian influreturning with their kids. ence in my household.” “[My older daughter] Caroline went on the trip this summer and did a devotional “It’s been really fun.”

That influence starts with the seventh-

Page 13A

in memoriam

happenings

Obituaries Miriam Wilson Weems Services were held August 23 at the Cathedral Parish of Saint Andrew for Miriam Wilson Weems of Jackson.

Mrs. Weems died August 20, leaving behind a large and adoring following of dogs, cats and wine lovers.

She was the wife of Tommy Weems and the mother of Sam D. Knowlton III of Oxford and Richard Baxter Wilson Knowlton of Little Rock, and the stepmother of Kelly Weems Wollfarth of Mandeville, La., Davis Weems Mitchell of Atlanta, and Caroline Weems Rushing of Aspen, Colo.

Mrs. Weems was an artist of note. Her paintings reflect her happy spirit and love of color - the brighter and more vivid the better. She was the featured artist for many organizations and her paintings are prized by all who own them. She provided the art for the Christmas cards of Sen. Thad Cochran on several occasions as well as Chancellor Robert Khayat of Ole Miss. She was the featured artist for Art for Heart, and in 2001 she was selected to provide the poster for Julilee Jam. A collection of her works was published in the book “Mostly Mississippi.”

She came into painting quite by accident: she was working toward a bachelor’s degree at Ole Miss to help her in her love of interior decorating and was required to take some painting courses. Instead of her taking the course, the course took her. Her first exhibition for her degree was “Hometown Hangouts,” and featured the local bars and so forth in Oxford. Her teachers said there had never been an exhibit so well attended nor so completely sold out. Later she was presented in an exhibit by the University Museums under the instigation of Chancellor Khayat.

Mrs. Weems was born in Greenwood November 24, 1941. Her parents were the late R. Baxter Wilson and the late Katherine Owen Wilson. She attended the Jackson Public Schools and was graduated from Murrah High School in 1959. After a year at Agnes Scott College, she transferred to the University of Mississippi where she was graduated in 1963. At Ole Miss, she was a member of Chi Omega sorority, a campus favorite, commander of Angel Flight, president of Mortar Board and vice president of the Associated Women Students among many other honors.

In 1971, she was diagnosed with diabetes which she had lived with for 40 years. In 2004, she was the special honoree at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Celebrity Monopoly Gala which raised $117,000. She was a founding board member of the state chapter of the JDRF. In Jackson, she was queen of the Junior League Carnival Ball in 1963 and in 2004 was named Sustainer of the Year by the Junior League. She worked tirelessly for the Animal Rescue League in Jackson and had founded the Oxford Animal Rescue League. She was also the recipient of the Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services Award. She served on the New Stage Board (chairing benefits and art shows), the Friends of the Library Board (again chairing benefits), the Laurel Park Committee, and the board of the Jackson Ole Miss Alumni Association. She was also an enthusiastic member of the Belhaven House and Garden Club as well as The Monday Club.

Mrs. Weems was one of the great characters of Jackson.

The front porch of the home where she and Tommy lived was a famous gathering spot where great stories (as well as some lies) were freely swapped. She brought a beam of light into every crowd. A friend said to her brother, “She was the most cheerful person I knew - much more cheerful than you.” One of her favorite activities was to go to the Mayflower, sit in the front booth, and - between bites greet everyone who came or went. And they all knew her.

She was a communicant at St. Andrew’s Cathedral where she served as a greeter - and there should be no surprise in that.

She adopted many fortunate dogs and - no doubt to the horror of her late mother (if she had known of it) cats, too.

And she helped to place many more.

In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by her brother, Richard B. Wilson Jr., and his wife, Lester Senter Wilson, of Jackson, her sister-in-law Betty Clarkson, also of Jackson, and her brother-in-law Bob Weems of Oxford.

This is a quote from Miriam’s wishes: “In lieu of flowers, please adopt an unwanted pet from a local shelter.”

Additionally, the family requests memorials be made to the Mississippi Animal Rescue League, the Oxford Lafayette Humane Society, ARF, CARA or to a favorite charity.

Mrs. Arthur Hugo Richter Jr. Services were held August 21 at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Greenwood for Mrs. Arthur Hugo Richter Jr. (Minnie Magdelene Fox) of Greenwood. Mrs. Richter died August 18 at her home.

The Rev. Billy Rae Stonestreet, assisted by the Rev. Bobby Williams, officiated.

Born January 27, 1922 in Charleston, Mrs. Richter was educated in the Tallahatchie School System. She then attended Delta State College (later to become Delta State University) where she received a degree in music education.

During college, Mrs. Richter and her friends formed a popular all girl dance band called the “The Litte Foxes” of which she served as the bandleader and saxophonist.

After marriage, she and Dr. Richter made their home in Greenwood where they were active in civic and church affairs. A charter member of St. John’s, she served as the original choir director. She was a faithful member of the Wallace Friendship Sunday School class. She also served on many church committees.

She was a charter member of the Lebonte Women’s Club.

She was also an active member of the Altrusa Club, the Matinee Musicale, the International Sewing Club and Four Season Garden Club. Mrs. Richter was the choir director of The Waterford in Ridgeland where she lived her last three years.

Mrs. Richter loved to travel, cook, experience theater and loved all aspects of music. Her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren brought great joy to her life.

Survivors are her three children: Frances Richter Shields of Jackson, Linley Richter Milner (Philip) of Greenwood, and Arthur Hugo ‘Ricky’ Richter III (Marguerite) of Knoxville; brother Claude Earl Fox of Charleston; seven grandchildren including Mary Linley Sweat (Andrew) and Kathleen O’Beirne (Ryan), both of Jackson; and seven great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Richter was preceded in death by her parents Frances and Claude Fox of Charleston, and her husband of 62 years, Dr. Richter.

The family is grateful for the loving care of Catherine Braden and Ron Tharpe, Alice Cathey, Linda Walls, Kashaina Suddeth and Gina Truelock.

Memorial may be made to Beacon Harbor Group Home or St. John’s United Methodist Church.

Pallbearers were Linley Richter, Earl Fox, Mike Fox, Harlan Fox, McLane Milner and William Gallaspy.

Burial was in Oddfellows Cemetery in Greenwood.

Northside Sun Obituary The Sun publishes obituaries of Northsiders and their families. Typically, we receive obituary information from the funeral homes.

For a small charge, we invite readers who are so inclined to supplement this with more descriptive text capturing the spirit of the person’s life.

For more information call 601-957-1122

Bear breakfast

The Jackson Zoo will Art show serve Breakfast With the Mississippi State Hospital Bears, August 27, 7 a.m. will hold its annual $15 adult, $13 child, Serendipity art exhibit and includes breakfast, activisilent auction September 1, ties, and zoo admission for 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., the day. To register call 601Building 71 on campus. For 352-2580 or visit www.jackmore information call 601- sonzoo.org.

351-8018.

Bible study A new Explorers Bible Study ladies group will meet Wednesdays, 9:30 to 11 a.m., at Christ United Methodist Church. For details call Becky Howell at 601-924-1373 or Martha Holt at 601-956-1052.

Page 14A Thursday, August 25, 2011

DEVOTIONAL PAGE MISSISSIPPI’S FASHION & COSMETICS LEADER 4 locations to serve and 24 Hour Towing Service Ridgeland 601-856-0700 Lakeland 601-939-9700

Highland Village 601.981.4621

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Richland South

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115 Highland Village Jackson, MS 39211 Store (601) 366-2557 info@buffalopeak.net Toll Free 1-800-232-2503

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This Devotional and Directory Is Made Possible By These Businesses Who Encourage All of Us to Attend Worship Services.

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McDade’s Market 1220 E. Northside Dr. Jackson, MS 39211 601-366-8486

904 E Fortification Jackson, MS 39202 601-355-9668

653 Duling Ave. Jackson, MS 39216 601-366-5273

2526 Robinson Rd, Ste 5 Jackson, MS 39209 601-353-0089

mcdades-markets@bellsouth.net

ANGLICAN

BAPTIST (Cont.)

CHRIST THE SAVIOUR 6014 Floral Dr., 209-5910 HOLY APOSTLES 3169 W. Tidewater Ln. Madison, 829-2113 HOLY TRINITY (AMiA) 604 Goodridge Dr Ridgeland, 601-956-1616 ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS 12586 Midway, Raymond, 857-2545

TWIN LAKES BAPTIST 673 Lake Cavalier Rd., Madison, 856-2305 VICTORY BAPTIST 420 Hoy Rd., Madison, 856-4260 WOODLAND HILLS BAPTIST 3327 Old Canton Rd., 981-1441 WOODMAN HILLS MB 468 Kearney Park Rd., Flora, 879-8347 GREATER MT. MORIAH 3672 Medgar Evers Blvd.

362-9088

ASSEMBLY OF GOD RIVER OF LIFE 101 Parkway Rd., Brandon, 919-1700

“Mississippi’s Photographic and Digital Headquarters Film or Digital Developed at the Same Place, Same Way! I-55 North Serving Mississippi DEVILLE PLAZA 601-956-9283 Since 1977!

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High at North West Street • Jackson • (601) 352-3632 106 Cynthia Street • Clinton 201 Hinds Blvd. • Raymond 1161 Highland Colony Parkway • Ridgeland

Southern food for city folks 2323 Lakeland Drive Ste A Flowood, Ms 39232 601-936-3398 515 Lake Harbour Drive Ridgeland, Ms 39157 601-898-3600

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T

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ORCHARD

600 Pear Orchard Road Ridgeland, MS 39157 601-856-2205

www.orchardretirement.com

619 Highland Colony Parkway | Ridgeland, MS www.waterfordonhighlandcolony.com

BAPTIST BRIARWOOD DRIVE 245 Briarwood Dr., 956-4561 BROADMOOR BAPTIST 1531 Highland Colony, Madison, 898-2345 CALVARY BAPTIST 1300 W. Capitol St., 354-1300 CASTLEWOODS 175 Castlewoods Blvd., 992-9977 COLONIAL HEIGHTS 444 Northpark Drive Ridgeland, 956-5000 CROSSGATES BAPTIST 8 Crosswoods, Brandon, 825-2562 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF JACKSON 431 N. State St., 949-1900 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF MADISON 2100 Main St., 856-6177 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF RIDGELAND 302 W. Jackson St., 856-6139 FLOWOOD BAPTIST 1649 Old Fannin Rd., Flowood, 992-6464 GREATER RICHMOND GROVE BAPTIST Complex Road, Ridgeland, 856-2209 GREATER ROSS CHAPEL BAPTIST Gluckstadt Road, Madison, 856-8778 HIGHLAND COLONY 1200 H.C. Pkwy., Ridgeland, 856-4031 HORIZON COMMUNITY CHURCH 4711 I-55 North, 982-8889 MOUNT CHARITY 964 Lake Harbour Dr., Ridgeland, 956-1767 MOUNT PLEASANT Gluckstadt Rd. Madison, 856-5862 NEW HOPE GROVE Old Agency Rd., Madison, 856-5279 NEW LIFE BAPTIST 385 N. Old Canton Rd., Madison, 209-9500 NORTHMINSTER 3955 Ridgewood Rd., 982-4703 PARKWAY BAPTIST 802 N. Frontage Rd., Clinton, 924-9912 PEAR ORCHARD 5725 Pear Orchard Rd., 957-2086 PILGRIM’S REST BAPTIST 409 Main St., Madison, 856-2609 PINELAKE BAPTIST Lakeland Drive RIDGECREST BAPTIST 7469 Old Canton Rd., Madison, 853-1090 RIDLEY HILL BAPTIST 1034 N. Livingston Rd., Madison, 853-1068 RIVERCREST FELLOWSHIP 21 Northtown Dr., 991-0046 ROCKY HILL BAPTIST Rocky Hill Rd., Madison, 856-0759 SIMON HILL BAPTIST 139 W. Ridgeland, Ridgeland, 853-2669 TRACE RIDGE BAPTIST 238 Lake Harbour Dr., Ridgeland, 856-2529

BIBLE GRACE BIBLE CHURCH 380 Highland Colony Pkwy.

991-1910 RIVERWOOD BIBLE 5228 Old Canton Rd., 956-5694

CATHOLIC ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC 4000 W. Tidewater Ln., Madison, 856-5556 ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC 123 N. West St., 969-3125 ST. RICHARD CATHOLIC 1242 Lynnwood Dr., 366-2335

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN 543 Eldorado Rd., Pearl, 936-9618

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST FIRST CHRISTIAN 645 Briarwood, 977-9477 NORTHEAST CHRISTIAN 3169 W. Tidewater Ln., Madison, 856-7399 UNITED CHRISTIAN 1730 Florence Ave., Ridgeland, 354-1177

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTIST 731 S. Pear Orchard Rd., Ste. 9, 952-0307

CHURCH OF CHRIST MEADOWBROOK CHURCH OF CHRIST 4261 I-55 N., 362-5374 SOUTH MADISON CHURCH OF CHRIST 338 Lake Harbour Dr., Ridgeland, 856-2165

CHURCH OF GOD CHRISTWAY 1501 Old Fannin Rd. 992-7474 COBBLESTONE CHURCH OF GOD 444 Pebble Creek Dr., Madison, 853-6910 FIRST CHURCH OF GOD 829 Hwy. 51 N., Madison, 856-0652

EPISCOPAL CHAPEL OF THE CROSS EPISCOPAL 674 Mannsdale Rd., Madison, 856-2593 ST. ALEXIS EPISCOPAL 650 E. South St. stalexisjackson.org ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL 305 E. Capitol St., 354-1535 ST. COLUMB’S EPISCOPAL 550 Sunnybrook Rd., Ridgeland, 853-0205 ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL 3921 Oakridge Dr., 982-4880 ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH N. College, Brandon, 825-5836 ST. PETER’S BY-THE-LAKE EPISCOPAL 1954 Spillway Rd., Brandon, 992-2691 ST. PHILIP’S EPISCOPAL 5400 Old Canton Rd., 956-5788

EPISCOPAL (Cont.)

ST. STEPHEN’S REFORMED EPISCOPAL 5049 Lakeland Dr., 992-4317 JEWISH BETH ISRAEL CONGREGATION 5315 Old Canton Rd., 956-6215

LUTHERAN ASCENSION LUTHERAN Old Canton Rd./E. County Line Rd., 956-4263 CHRIST LUTHERAN 4423 I-55 North 366-2055 GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN Hwy. 25, 992-4752 NATIVITY LUTHERAN 495 Crossgates Blvd., Brandon, 825-5125

METHODIST ALDERSGATE UNITED METHODIST 655 Beasley Rd. 366-6630 ANDERSON UNITED METHODIST 6205 Hanging Moss Rd., 982-3997 BELLWETHER, Flowood JA Performing Arts Center BRIARWOOD UMC 320 Briarwood Dr., 956-4035 BROADMEADOW UNITED METHODIST 4419 Broadmeadow Dr., 366-1403 CHRIST THE WAY FREE METHODIST 978-3423 CROSSGATES UMC 23 Crossgates Dr., Brandon, 825-8677 CHRIST UNITED METHODIST 6000 Old Canton Rd., 956-6974 EAST JACKSON UMC 855 S. Pear Orchard Rd., 957-0515 EMMANUEL UNITED METHODIST 100 Shands St., 372-9424 FIRST INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH OF MADISON 1556 Hwy. 51N, 672-1240 FIRST UNITED METHODIST Ridgeland, 856-6456 GALLOWAY MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST 305 N. Congress St., 353-9691 MADISON UNITED METHODIST 2050 Main St., Madison, 856-6058 PARKWAY HILLS UNITED METHODIST 1468 Highland Col. Pky., Madison, 856-2733 RIVERSIDE INDEPENDENT METHODIST 1127 Luckney Rd Flowood, 919-8311 ST. LUKE’S UNITED METHODIST 621 Duling Ave., 362-6381 ST. MARKS UNITED METHODIST 400 Grants Ferry Rd., Brandon, 922-2131 ST. MATTHEW’S UNITED METHODIST 7427 Old Canton Rd., Madison, 856-9581 WELLS CHURCH UNITED METHODIST 2019 Bailey, 353-0658 WESLEY BIBLICAL SEMINARY CHAPEL 787 E. Northside, 366-8880

NAZARENE FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 5416 Lakeland Dr., Flowood, 992-8680

ORTHODOX ST. PETER’S ORTHODOX 180 St. Augustine Dr., Madison, 856-3894 HOLY TRINITY, ST JOHN THE THEOLOGIAN GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 5725 Pear Orchard Rd., Jackson, 601-355-6325

PENTECOSTAL APOSTOLIC REVIVAL CENTER-UPC 301 W. Washington St., Ridgeland, 856-2385 DAVIS TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST 1700 Dalton St., 969-9519 FIRST PENTECOSTAL 5000 I-55S, 373-9000 LANDMARK CHURCH Springridge Rd., 372-7761 PARKWAY 1620 Mannsdale Rd., Madison, 853-2607

PRESBYTERIAN BRIARWOOD PRESBYTERIAN 620 Briarwood 956-4553 COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN 4000 Ridgewood Rd 981-7236 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 1390 N. State, 353-8316 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF MADISON 7717 Old Canton Rd., 856-6625 FONDREN PRESBYTERIAN 3220 Old Canton Rd., 982-3232 GRACE CHAPEL Hwy. 463, Madison, 856-7223 HIGHLANDS PRESBYTERIAN 1160 H.C. Pkwy., Ridgeland, 853-0636 LAKELAND PRESBYTERIAN 5212 Lakeland Drive, Brandon, 992-2448 LAKESIDE PRESBYTERIAN 2070 Spillway Rd., Brandon, 992-2835 NORTH PARK PRESBYTERIAN 4624 Old Canton Rd., 362-2886 PEAR ORCHARD PRESBYTERIAN 750 Pear Orchard Rd., Ridgeland, 956-3283 TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN 5301 Old Canton Rd., 977-0774 REDEEMER CHURCH 640 E. Northside Dr., 362-9987

www.bellwetherchurch.org • Sunday, 10:30 at Jackson Academy

www.BankPlus.net Member FDIC

I can do all things thru Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippines 4:13

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST COLLEGE DRIVE ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

110 College Dr., Pearl 664-1408

NONDENOMINATIONAL CALVARY CHAPEL 109 Jetport Dr., Pearl, 932-9673 CONGREGATION BEIT LECHEM - MESSIANIC 110 Jones Ln. Ste F, Flowood 601-933-4913 CORNERSTONE CHURCH 2460 Terry Road, 371-3323 RIDGELAND FAMILY CHURCH Old Agency Rd., Ridgeland, 856-2101 CHURCH TRIUMPHANT 731 S. Pear Orchard, 977-0007 UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST 4872 N. State, 982-5919 UNITY OF JACKSON 4660 McWillie, 981-9412 VINEYARD CHURCH 600 Grants Ferry Rd., 919-1414

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus Philippians 4:19

Page 15A

northside facts

Crime Report Jackson Crime The Jackson Police Department received the following reports for: Old Canton Road, 5700 block, auto burglary, June 29; Old Canton Road, 6100 block, larceny, Kangaroo Express, July 14; Old Canton Road, 6200 block, auto theft, July 14; Old Canton Road, 6300 block, auto burglary, July 6; Old Canton Road, 6300 block, auto theft, July 18; Old Canton Road, 6300 block, larceny, July 19; Old Square, 1400 block, auto burglary, August 9; Old Square, 1400 block, larceny, June 23; Orchardview Drive, 5800 block, house burglary, August 1; Peachtree Street, 1500 block, auto burglary, July 6; Peachtree Street, 1500 block, business burglary, Belhaven College, July 25; Peachtree Street, 1500 block, larceny, July 15; Peachtree Street, 1700 block, house burglary, August 11; Pear Orchard Road, 6200 block, larceny, August 15; Pimlico Place, 400 block, house burglary, June 30; Pine Hill Drive, 4000 block, house burglary, July 26; Poplar Boulevard, 1400 block, house burglary, July 6; Poplar Boulevard, 700 block, auto burglary, July 17; Poplar Boulevard, 700 block, auto burglary, July 5;

Quinn Street, 1100 block, auto burglary, July 21; Quinn Street, 1100 block, larceny, July 21; Rebecca Court, 3800 block, house burglary, August 1; Rebecca Court, 3800 block, house burglary, August 1; Reddoch Drive, 500 block, auto burglary, June 25; Riderwood Drive, 100 block, house burglary, August 8; Ridgeway Street, 2100 block, larceny, July 5; Ridgewood Court Drive, 6300 block, auto burglary, August 6; Ridgewood Court Drive, 6300 block, auto burglary, August 7; Ridgewood Court Drive, 6300 block, business burglary, Pacos Restaurant, July 14; Ridgewood Court Drive, 6300 block, larceny, July 31; Ridgewood Court Drive, 6300 block, larceny, July 5; Ridgewood Road, 3600 block, larceny, June 21; Ridgewood Road, 3700 block, larceny, June 28; Ridgewood Road, 3800 block, auto burglary, August 11; Ridgewood Road, 5000 block, auto burglary, August 4; Ridgewood Road, 5000 block, house burglary, June 21; Ridgewood Road, 5000 block, robbery individual, June 29; Ridgewood Road, 5100 block, auto theft, July 2; Ridgewood Road, 5800 block, aggravated assault, August 6; Ridgewood Road, 5800 block, auto burglary,

four counts, July 25; Ridgewood Road, 5800 block, auto theft, July 15; Ridgewood Road, 5800 block, auto theft, two counts, August 9; Ridgewood Road, 5800 block, house burglary, July 26; Ridgewood Road, 5800 block, house burglary, June 21; Ridgewood Road, 5800 block, house burglary, June 22; Ridgewood Road, 5800 block, larceny, August 2; Ridgewood Road, 5800 block, larceny, July 13; Ridgewood Road, 5800 block, robbery - carjacking, July 15; Ridgewood Road, 5800 block, robbery individual, July 26; Ridgewood Road, 5800 block, robbery individual, July 5; Ridgewood Road, 5800 block, robbery individual, June 30; Ridgewood Road, 5900 block, house burglary, June 23; Ridgewood Road, 600 block, auto burglary, July 31; Ridgewood Road, 6100 block, auto burglary, July 11; Ridgewood Road, 6100 block, auto burglary, July 21; Ridgewood Road, 6100 block, auto burglary, July 8; Ridgewood Road, 6100 block, auto burglary, June 29; Ridgewood Road, 6100 block, larceny, July 15; Ridgewood Road, 6200 block, larceny, Arrow Wood Products, July 15; Ridgewood Road, 6300 block, auto burglary, August 9; Ridgewood Road, 6300 block, larceny, July 12; Ridgewood Road, 6300 block, larceny, July 16;

Ridgewood Road, 6300 block, larceny, July 21; Ridgewood, 5000 block, auto theft, July 14; River Thames Place, 5400 block, larceny, July 19; River Thames Road, 5300 block, auto burglary, June 22; River Thames Road, 5400 block, auto burglary, June 22; Riverside Drive, 2100 block, auto burglary, June 29; Riverwood Drive, 1300 block, auto burglary, June 25; Robin Drive, 4100 block, auto burglary, July 16; Robin Hood Road, 300 block, auto theft, July 13; Rollingwood Drive, 100 block, auto burglary, June 22; Rollingwood Drive, 300 block, auto burglary, June 25; Rollingwood Drive, 500 block, auto burglary, June 25; Romany Drive, 5000 block, stolen license plate, August 11; Romany Drive, 5200 block, auto burglary, June 25; Roxbury Road, 3900 block, house burglary, July 20; Sagecrest Avenue, 2300 block, larceny, August 5; Sandalwood Place, 1600 block, larceny, June 24; Sedgwick Drive, 5300 block, house burglary, July 25; Sheppard Road, 400 block, business burglary, July 13; Sheridan Drive, 4800 block, auto theft, June 25; Sheridan Drive, 4800 block, house burglary, June 29; Sherwood Drive, 700 block, house burglary, August 4; St. Andrews Drive, 300 block, auto burglary, July 18.

Page 16A

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Many supported civil rights for all

By PATRICIA LAND STEVENS Special to the Sun KATHRYN STOCKETT’S fine novel, The Help, has been made into a movie in theaters now. Remember the key word “novel” - the book is a work of fiction containing much truth, but emphatically not to be taken in total for historical fact.

I claim authority in this venue because I lived the life and walked the walk of a housewife with wonderful “help” in Jackson before, during, and following the 1960s. Stockett’s novel opens in 1962 and since she was born in 1969, her knowledge of the 1960s is based entirely on hearsay.

I write now because at almost 85 years of age, few of my generation are left to testify and it makes me mad and sad for the world to think there were no voices among the white populace of Jackson in opposition to the rantings of our state government officials and the local newspapers. I particularly want Jackson’s young people to have as full a picture as possible with reference to attitudes and actions by citizens of Jackson during the ’60s. Facts include the presence of many white people in Jackson who believed civil rights to be a “birthright “ for all Americans and worked to achieve long overdue racial justice - we were too few, not loud enough, but we were there.

were a private group only in that we met together to strengthen each other and desired no publicity. Many of the women were active in community affairs, but some had more private interests. We exchanged information we cried and we laughed whenever possible.

about their employees in such a rude unfeeling declasse (yes, “tacky”) way. I bow, however, to the memories of some of my younger friends who tell me that as children visiting homes of some of their friends they heard white women express themselves in the style used by Stockett.

“There certainly were women in Jackson leadership positions who held racist beliefs, yet

CONVERSATION AT the bridge table in The Help brings us to the Jackson Junior League. Odd that Kathryn Stockett makes the league into such a big deal. Then and now membership in any branch of the junior league requires being willing and able to work. At age 23, my first league work included regular attendance at a maternal and child health clinic where another new league member and I handled the immediate needs of babies, while also weighing, measuring, etc., them while their mothers were being seen in the clinic - thereby relieving skilled personnel previously doing that work.

This clinic was located in Bethlehem Center which served its African-American neighborhood adults and children.

(Bethlehem Center continues to serve the community.)

The Jackson Junior League, like most community organizations, is comprised of individuals, each with their own viewpoint and ideas about what constitutes good for the city of Jackson. As was true with all members, some of my favorite projects became reality and some I wanted did not receive approval.

Stockett’s depiction of the Jackson Junior League shows her hearsay information was badly flawed. Once again I can claim authority in fact versus Stockett’s fiction, as I was an active member of the league when The Help opens in 1962. Furthermore, a few years prior to that I had been editor of the very newsletter, The Tattler, which Stockett accurately names but misunderstands, and which plays a background role in The Help. The mission of any junior league group, then or now, is to seek to improve the fabric of any and all segments of community life. In Jackson in 1962, that included useful projects within what was then a more separate African-American community. Was that work “patriarchal,” thereby flawed, by today’s standards?

Possibly, but many of the projects accomplished good for that community. A personal benefit for me was that, as an older league member (approaching age 40) and through board memberships in joint projects, I became acquainted with distinguished leaders within the African-American community and this led to friendships.

I CANNOT IMAGINE ANY WOMEN SPEAKING TO OR ABOUT

their employees in such a rude unfeeling declasse way.”

Most of these women lived in Northeast Jackson (Belhaven, Eastover, Woodland Hills and other neighborhoods) - and had family names you would recognize.

Those very active in community affairs (Jackson’s female “movers and shakers” so to speak) included past presidents and board members of Jackson organizations such as the symphony league, junior league, Mississippi Museum of Art, Mississippi Natural Science Museum, the parent teachers association of various schools (public and private), active members of Christian churches and Temple JACKSON HAD a divided white community as well as Beth Israel Congregation, as well as many other organizations. a division between black and white. Within the white However, we met together as individuals who had community we knew each other’s viewpoint on “the issue,” and although there were times when leaving town beliefs in common, not as representatives of any of the many organizations to which we might belong. We supwould have given relief from the public utterances of ported the goal of a just society through our individual intolerance and hate, none of us had to leave town solely influence within organizations and in many personal ways. because we held a minority viewpoint - as the character, “Skeeter” in The Help feels is necessary. It is certainly true Although The Help gives little indication of any white citizens overtly supporting racial justice, there is much that there was intimidation by leaders of the majority (white supremacist) group and many in the minority group truth and fact in Stockett’s presentation of the plight of the African-American domestic employees. I am filled with were, understandably, reluctant to show their true colors admiration and appreciation for Stockett’s depiction of for fear of economic or social reprisal or worse. My husthose specific African-American characters. I clearly recband and I had clear beliefs in common and were fortunate in that we were supported in our beliefs by our fami- ognize them and and I marvel at Stockett’s ability to create such authenticity. ly. Such support was often not the case.

Again, factually speaking, there have always been longOUR FAMILY, like many others, was fortunate in havtime and prominent citizens of the Deep South who have ing African-American domestic employees (“help”) during been sickened and frustrated by racial injustice, and the ’60s, and as was often the case we developed rich worked in a variety of ways to create a better life for all emotional ties with several of those employees. Now, in citizens - I document only several of these instances in a letter published in The New Yorker in 2003. Unfortunately, 2011, long past the employee-employer relationship, we these citizens have always been in the minority. Brown V. continue to enjoy true friendship, certainly including social times together. These good friends of ours have the same Board of Education (1954) began to force long overdue qualities of dignity, intelligence, sensitivity they had when change. I wish all of Mississippi’s white citizens could they became our employees long long ago. have earlier understood that racial justice was not only a Could I have asked these ladies (yes, ladies) to use only moral and legal issue, but an economic necessity if a designated bathroom in our home or could I have set Mississippi was to prosper. aside dishes solely for their use - by the way - when they could spare time from taking care of our precious babies?

REVERTING AGAIN to The Help - the author, like many adults of her generation, seems to be unaware of the But Stockett is right - there were many (but not all) people who didn’t think of that dichotomy or of the hurt they male and female white residents of Jackson in favor of were inflicting. civil rights for all people.

Stockett knows her African-American “help” and I wish I was part of a group of Jackson women who were she could have infused her female white characters with strongly in favor of civil rights for all people, as well as other aspects of racial justice, to be achieved through non- that same authenticity. The majority of the white female violent means. Starting in 1962 at the instigation of one of characters seem one dimensional. As indicated earlier, I do Jackson’s leaders, and with the support of others, we met recognize some of the viewpoints expressed, however every Friday in each other’s homes, primarily to keep our some of those women are cast as community leaders and I sanity. Our purposefully loosely organized group was open have trouble with that scenario. There certainly were women in Jackson leadership positions who held racist to all women who cared about the issue of racial justice, beliefs, yet I cannot imagine any women speaking to or especially including good schools for all children. We

SKEETER in The Help feels she must leave Jackson in search of a better life. However, if Stockett had been dealing with fact instead of her milieu of fiction, Skeeter might have found congenial women and men and perhaps she would have chosen to remain in Jackson and help make a better city.

We grasp truth in many ways and often through fiction (think Eudora Welty’s marvelous stories, all fiction with clear truth).

Despite Stockett’s apparent gaps in knowledge regarding the beliefs and activities of many white Jacksonians who supported civil rights and deplored the “face” of Mississippi at that time, Stockett does present many of the shocking racial injustices of that and previous eras.

The Help is a fine novel that deals with a shameful, but real period in American life.

Lest We Forget.

Patricia Stevens and her husband Phineas, now make their home in Asheville, N.C.

Page 17A

Frank Bluntson Continued from page 3A you think the ordinance will pass?

“It will. The facility will still be managed by the juvenile judge and Jackson Police Department. The only difference is that they, the curfew offenders, will be held in a separate facility.”

You are now in your second term on the council and you’ve had an opportunity to work under two mayors. What’s the difference between the two administrations?

“When you compare both styles, we as a council had better relationships with department heads in getting things done for our constituents under Melton than we do now. Melton allowed council members to have total involvement with city employees to address problems in their wards. Melton told department heads to address it whenever we had a problem in our ward. Now, all concerns have to go to the office of the mayor, and that prohibits the council from getting problems corrected. A lot of our constituents look at us and ask ‘why did we vote for you when you told us you could fix our problems and you can’t?’”

What do you tell your constituents?

“It makes you feel bad when they keep calling and you tell them you can’t get something corrected. We work under a strong mayor weak council form of government. The mayor is responsible for supervising all employees, except the city clerk.”

The budget hearings are going on now. What is your top priority in drawing up the budget?

“I think we must clean the city up, such as tearing down burnt structures and dilapidated houses, and mowing overgrown grass. I also think we need to find money to do a better job working with the streets in Jackson.”

Federation Lawsuit Continued from Page One but “there will be no more testimony.”

The court will then rule based on the briefs and what’s called the bill of exceptions: “a compilation of documentation of board minutes, comments made before the board on this issue by the public, the planning and zoning commission’s minutes, just all kinds of documents,” Danks said.

“And there were a lot of documents in this case.

[The bill of exceptions is probably] three or four inches thick - now to ask me why it’s called that, I couldn’t tell you,” he added with a laugh.

Page 18A

Thursday, August 25, 2011

District at Eastover

THE COUNCIL voted unanimously to rezone the acreage from a neighborhood mixed-use district (NMU-1) to a community mixed-use district (CMU-1).

Residential uses permitted under NMU-1 include singlefamily attached dwellings, two-family dwellings, multifamily homes, bed and breakfasts, group homes for six or fewer residents, residential day cares and nursing homes.

On the commercial side, studios and galleries, offices up to 2,500 square feet, neighborhood restaurants open no later than 11 p.m, retail stores up to 3,000 square feet of floor area, bars, taverns, cocktail lounges or micro breweries, and personal and commercial services with up to 3,000 square feet of floor area.

Under CMU-1, all uses allowed under NMU-1 are permitted, but regulations also allow for larger retail and professional establishments. Regulations are also less strict on restaurants.

Permitted uses include commercial day care centers, hotels, retail stores (excluding those selling firearms or explosives), larger than 3,000 square feet, offices with more than 2,500 square feet of space, general restaurants and fast food restaurants, colleges, health clubs, department stores, shopping centers and theaters.

Property to the north and east of the site is zoned for single-family residential, and the area to the south is zoned C-2, for limited commercial use.

The council approved the measure following a recommendation for approval from the city’s planning and zoning staff.

Meadowbrook Rd.

L I 5 ane Fro 5N nta ge Rd .

.

Rd n to an C d Ol

Mo ntr ose

The District at Eastover

Ea sto ve r

Berkley Dr.

Continued from Page One current Mississippi School for the Blind campus.

The project will include around 550,000 square feet of space. The lion’s share will be set aside for retail, with 200,000 going for shops and restaurants. Another 150,000 square feet will be set aside for office and professional space, and between 70,000 and 80,000 square feet will be set aside for residential. Plans also include a 100,000-square-foot, 125room hotel; and a 45,000-square-foot specialty grocery store.

“Interest in office space has been significant,” Duckworth told the council. “We hope to attract tenants that moved out of the city to move back in. We’ll possibly attract them from County Line Road and other areas that are becoming more mature.”

Duckworth didn’t say what retailers are looking at the development.

Dr.

Those voting in favor included Ward One Councilman Quentin Whitwell, and council members Frank Bluntson, Charles Tillman, Tony Yarber and Margaret Barrett-Simon.

Councilmen Kenneth Stokes and Chokwe Lumumba were absent from the meeting.

“We hope to attract tenants that

MOVED OUT

MEMBERS seemed confident that the project would be a success.

“We’re going to bring in national tenants, I’m certain of it,” said Whitwell. “This is great for Jackson and Northeast Jackson.”

--Ted Duckworth Tillman, who represents Ward Five, urged Duckworth to take on projects elsewhere in the city once the District is finished. “There’s an old saying: ‘go west young man.’ We want you to go to West Jackson,” he said.

Bluntson, who serves Ward Four, recommended a restaurant for the establishment. “What we need is a Cheddar’s.

You can hardly get in there,” he said.

Duckworth didn’t commit to bringing in the restaurant, but did espouse confidence in the tenants the District will bring in. “We’ll have something like it or better,” he said.

of the city to move back in. We’ll possibly attract them from County Line Road and other areas....”

DUCKWORTH, Hines and the late Michael Barranco began working on plans to develop the old blind school in 2006. Earlier this year, Duckworth was notified the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration had approved his proposal to buy and develop the land.

Page 19A

keeping up with lottie By LOTTIE BOGGAN

Zapper flushes houseboat idea BEFORE HUSBAND Willard and I left Jackson for a trip to the coast, brother Alvin had given us instructions on operating the toilet onboard his boat. “When you’re sitting down, all you have to do to work the head is push the button on a panel right in front of you,” Alvin advised. “Nudged against your knee, to be specific.”

And now, with our Florida condo having been rented to family members, we were staying on Alvin’s boat, The Sunchaser, at Gulf Shores. “If that doesn’t work,” he had continued, “and the head stops up, there’s a zit-zapper under the sink with a dial you

Tribute dinner

turn. Just be sure you don’t put anything inappropriate in the toilet, like beer cans or dead fish and you probably won’t have to use the zapper.”

Once my husband and I were on board the boat, unpacked, and had eaten our dinner, we settled in for the night. Willard on the lower bunk, me on the top one.

For a short-legged person, it was a major production to get down from the top bunk, use the head and climb back into the top berth. I got up to visit the facilities several times during the night but being as how I’m very considerate of other people, I was glad there had been no need to run the zapper and possibly wake up my husband. All systems seemed to be in good working order.

To say the least, it had been a long night.

The last time I woke up I made myself hold still for about three hours and tried to think pleasant thoughts. One of them was the $7,500 houseboat I had found for sale on the Internet. I pictured my husband and me slipping over blue-green waters while dolphins frolicked in front of the boat, or sunset cruising down Ole River while a tape deck played Jimmy Buffet singing “Margaritaville.” Finally, around six o’clock, I mentally anchored my houseboat, swung down from the bunk bed, and made a beeline to the head.

THE FLUSH BUTTON made a big noise when I pushed it. Water whirled, then

stopped. Nothing went down. More water inched into the bottom of the toilet. I reached under the sink, turned the dial on the zit-zapper and waited. Water whirled. I heard a noise like a cow pulling its leg out of a bog. Nothing happened. Water rose halfway up the bowl.

It was at that moment that I smelled the comforting aroma of coffee. Alvin and wife Becky didn’t have a coffee pot on board, so Willard and I had bought them one with a timer, as a hostess gift.

I abandoned the dysfunctional zit-zapper for a moment and woke my husband. “If you run the zapper, I’ll pour us some coffee.”

Unfortunately, I had forgotten to remove the plastic cover from the inside of the new pot, so when I tried to pour the coffee, it ran all over the kitchen counter and pooled onto the floor.

“Willard!” I called down from the galley.

“I need some help cleaning up the coffee.”

“Because of my bad back, it’s not good for me to climb the steps any more than I have to,” he reminded me.

So I cleaned up the coffee mess alone, then went down the galley steps to our four foot wide stateroom with its two and a half foot wide bunk beds.

“Did you run the zit-zapper?” I asked “I can’t bend over because of a bad back.

I think I’ll just go on up to the salon and rest my back,” he said.

I RAN THE ZAPPER. Water whirled, the toilet filled, but nothing disappeared. At that point, it would

happenings

The Jackson Authenticity Tribute Dinner and Awards CF benefit Ceremony will salute Dr. Wallace Conerly and benefit the The Mississippi Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will host Jackson Fire Department. August 30, at the Jackson “Jeans and Jewels,” August 26, 7 p.m., at the home of Dr. Convention Center. Black tie optional. For details call 601- and Mrs. Gene Barrett. Event features music, wine tasting 948-7575. and auctions. $30.

have come as no surprise to see a shark’s fin cutting through the brackish water. I was beginning to re-think houseboat.

I climbed the galley steps leading to the salon. “Because of your bad back, I’ll drive, but we have to go to a hardware store … right now,” I said. “To buy a dipper and a pail.”

While I went into the store, because of a bad back, Willard had to wait in the car.

When I was done, I slid behind the wheel with my purchases.

“I’ve been thinking over your plan,” Willard said. “You know, $7,500 sounds like a really good deal on a used houseboat and we could probably resell it later. If we sell your car it might be something worth considering. And another thing. The captain’s chair on a houseboat might be just the thing for my bad back.”

I thought about the chores awaiting me in The Sunchaser’s stopped-up head.

“Oh, Willard,” I said, as I pulled out of the parking lot, with my purchases.

“I looked at the printout of that houseboat again, and I made a mistake. You know I’m number challenged, and I didn’t see one of the zeroes,” I said. “The boat doesn’t cost $7,500. It cost $75,000,” I lied.

“But it still sounds like a good deal to me.”

Willard pushed the recline button on his car seat until he was almost horizontal.

“The captain’s chair probably wouldn’t let far enough down for my bad back,” he said.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, I thought, and mentally pulled the plug and sunk the houseboat.

Anniversary concert Beth Israel Congregation will celebrate their 150th anniversary with a concert September 17, 8 p.m., at the Jackson Convention Center. $30 tickets can be ordered at Ticketmaster.com or at the Jackson Coliseum ticket office at 601-353-0603.

Page 20A

Thursday, August 25, 2011

social news

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Ginger Raff, Noreen Bozeman, Lindsay Nichols

Jenny Berryhill, Sarah Markham

section B

Sandra, Mary Margaret and Tommy Miller

Engagement celebration Mary Margaret Miller, Barry White treated with cooking lesson Friends and family gathered recently in the home of George Aarons to celebrate the engagement of Mary Margaret Miller and Barry White. Chan Patterson co-hosted the party, which included a cooking lesson theme.

As guests arrived they were greeted with libations and sticky ribs hot off the grill.

After the cocktail hour, the group gathered in the kitchen, where Patterson gave a cooking lesson on homemade pasta.

The bridal couple demonstrated cracking eggs, sifting flour, kneading dough and pressing pasta. After the lesson, dinner included pasta bolgnese, fresh salad with homemade croutons, French bread and Italian cream cake.

Guests received party souvenir recipe books entitled, “Cooking with Mary Margaret and Barry,” which included recipes for each of the dishes they enjoyed during the party.

Julie Markle, Shannon Blakely, Mary Margaret Miller The couple will be married October 1 at St. Peter’s Cathedral.

Shown are scenes from the party.

Barry White, Mary Margaret Miller, Chan Patterson, George Aaron

Page 2B

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Weddings & Engagements Elizabeth Thomas, Christopher Bowers wed

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Lee Bowers

ELIZABETH LEA Thomas and Christopher Lee Bowers were wed on the evening of June 25 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Oxford.

The bride is the daughter or Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Frank Thomas Jr. The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Randal Lee Bowers of Shreveport.

Officiating the nuptial mass was Father Joe Tonos. Music was presented by Melody Carol Eubank, soloist; Ann Boswell Johnson, cantor; Charles F. Miles, musician; and Betty B. Harness, organist.

Readers of the sacred Scripture were Collins Woodbury Johnson and Katherine Hallene Reed.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a gown of candlelight of embellished ribbon lace over satin, adorned with seed beads, sequins and bugle beads. The slim silhouette featured a bodice with a sweetheart neckline closed in the back with covered buttons. From the waistline fell a trumpet skirt, flowing into a circular train. The fingertip veil was edged with appliquéd adorned with pearled beading and sequins.

The bride carried a rosary with her bouquet that belonged to her father. The bride’s bouquet was hydrangea, roses, peonies hand wrapped with candlelight ribbon.

Mary Kathryn Thomas of Jackson was maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Kathleen Mae Ambose and Josephine Luck Clark of Nashville; Mary Katelyn Armstrong, Sally Kathryn Hazard, Laura Kathryn House, Mary Alexandra McCaskill, Emily Clark

McLaurin, Melissa Banister Russell, and Mary Brook Traxler of Jackson; Jennifer Hart Burke and Elisabeth Camille Maddox of Memphis; Jessica Glynn Fort of Meridian; Courtney Andree LaBorde of Baton Rouge; Louise Wallace Nesbitt of Washington, D.C.; Susan Grace Roberts of Hattiesburg; Marjorie Ann Sauer of Ridgeland; Katherine Nichols Sneed of Birmingham; and Virginia Catherine Yarber of Oxford. They wore gowns of coral pink organza with a V neckline and self-tie at the natural waist. They carried bouquets of hydrangea, roses, and peonies hand wrapped with candlelight ribbon.

Junior bridesmaids were Anna Blake Lively and Mary Elizabeth Lively, both of Rogers, Ark. Flower girls were Natalya Elizabeth Salvo and Olivia Quinn Salvo, both of Jackson. The bride’s proxy was Mary-Crosby Turner of Nashville.

Attendants were Ellon Christine Eubank of Madison; and Mary Blair Johnson and Tara Hallie Tighe of Jackson.

New York; William Travers Tapp Jr. of St. Petersburg, Fla.; Elliott Frank Thomas III of Jackson; and David Lee Traxler III of West Hollywood, Calif. The ring bearer was Christian Michael Hargroder of Abbeville.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at the Mary Buie Museum, where the guests enjoyed a cocktail buffet and were entertained by the music of The Compozitions.

On the eve of the wedding, the bridegroom’s parents hosted a seated rehearsal dinner at the Mary Buie Museum. Prior to the rehearsal, the bridal party was honored at a luncheon at the Oxford-University Club. Co-hostesses were Jennie Clark, Stacy Duff, Diane Hazard, Janet House, Suzy Mayer, Tammy McLaurin, Debbie McCaskill, Anne Nesbitt, Cathey Russell, Betty Sauer, and Carol Sneed.

A wedding day brunch was held at the M Club Room in the Starnes Center on the campus of the University of Mississippi.

Co-hosts and hostesses were Messieurs and THE BRIDEGROOM’S brother, Chase Mesdames Rob Barefield, John Bolls, Nathan Bowers of Shreveport, was best Mickey Crosby, Ian Cross, Billy Denny, man. Groomsmen were Kane Richard Joe Durfey, Winston Gilbert, Howard Alber, Robert Dudley Park Jr., and Thomas Graham, Sam Jew, Bill Johnson, Peter Robert Stephenson of Memphis; Jason Keyes, Mitch Monsour, Johnny Neely, Dwanye Cook of Oxford; Ben Jarvus Stump Russell, Fred Salvo, Larry Stacy, Green-Ellis of Lafayette; Don Paul and Bo Tighe.

Hargroder Jr. of Abbeville, La.; George After a wedding trip to the Sun Palace in Andrew Helow of Jacksonville; Danny Cancun, Mexico, the couple is at home in Terrell Jackson of Brandon; David Reid Memphis.

Neely of Nashville; Dean Justin Sparks of

Page 3B

social news

Weddings & Engagements Miss Smith, Montgomery wed at Madison UMC MELANIE LAYNE Smith and Wilkins Montgomery Crawford Jr. were united in marriage September 11, 2010 at Madison United Methodist Church. The 6 p.m. ceremony was officiated by Rev. Bill Barksdale.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leland Somers Smith III of Madison. The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Wix Crawford of Holly Bluff.

Nuptial music was provided by David Harrison, organist; the Mississippi Weddings String Trio; and Erin Gall, vocalist.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a gown of ivory Alencon lace and silk fashioned with a portrait sweetheart neckline and natural waistline sashed with a wide satin ribbon centered with hand-cut silk flowers and beads. The full A-line skirt of silk overlaid with English net and appliques of Alencon swept into a chapel train. Her walking length veil of illusion was edged in lace matching that of the gown. She carried a rounded cluster of Eskimo roses, hydrangeas, lisianthus and freesia. The stems were wrapped with a satin ribbon and accented with her grandmother’s broach and handkerchief.

Maid of honor was Emily Henke.

Bridesmaids were Laci McCulloch Bonner, Jessica Douglas, Meagan Felker, and cousins of the bride Jeanne Sill, Katherine Vilutis and Sara Vilutis. They wore gowns of sage chiffon with ivory cummerbund waistlines and softly gathered skirts. They carried clusters of green hydrangeas, lisianthus, green button poms and hypernicum berries.

Erin Elizabeth Palmertree, niece of the bridegroom, was flowergirl. The bride’s proxy was her cousin, Jennifer Lawrence.

Program attendants were Ellie Wallace, Whitney Lehr Ray and Claire Wilson.

Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins Montgomery Crawford Jr. David Ratcliff, Brent Sanders and Lee Smith, brother of the bride. Ushers were Alex Crawford and Michael Crawford, cousins of the bridegroom; Harris VanBuskirk and Luke Yeatman.

Following the ceremony the bride’s parents hosted a reception at The Old Capitol Inn, where guests dined and danced to the music of The Soul Outsiders. On the eve of the wedding, the bridegroom’s parents entertained the wedding party and family with a rehearsal dinner at the Mississippi THE BRIDEGROOM’S father was best Crafts Center.

After a wedding trip to Antigua, the couman. Groomsmen were Matthew Horton, ple is at home in Flowood.

Stanton Lauderdale, Michael Monaghan,

Miss Gooch, Stephenson plan September 10 service MR. AND MRS. James Steven Gooch announce the engagement of their daughter, April Marie Gooch, to Robert Raoul Stephenson Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Raoul Stephenson Sr. of Southaven.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rudy Ainsworth and the late James Hines Gooch of Pearl, and Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Ward of Chesapeake, Va. Miss Gooch was graduated from Pearl High School in 2004 with honors and was a member of the Pearl High School Hall of Fame and Super Scholars.

She was graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Mississippi College where she was a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, Phi Theta Kappa, and the Laguna Social Tribe. She is a registered nurse in the well baby nursery at River Oaks Hospital.

THE PROSPECTIVE bridegroom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Stephenson of Monticello, Ark., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Berry Jackson of Dermott, Ark. Stephenson was graduated as the salutatorian of his high school class at S.B.E.C. in 1991. He received his bachelor’s degree of accountancy from the University of Mississippi in 1994, where he was graduated magna cum laude.

He received his juris doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law where he was graduated cum laude in

Robert Raoul Stephenson Jr., April Marie Gooch 1997. Stephenson is a partner in the law firm of Wilkins Tipton, P.A., of Jackson.

The couple will exchange vows September 10, at 2 p.m., at McLaurin Heights Baptist Church in Pearl with a reception to follow at the Pearl Community Room.

Give a gift subscription to the Northside Sun for just $20 per year locally

Page 4B

Thursday, August 25, 2011

social news

Central MS Ole Miss Club Group meets at convention center The Central Mississippi Ole Miss Club annual meeting was held recently at the Jackson Convention Center.

Shown are scenes from the event.

George Tomlinson, Frank and Ann Kinard

Tim Lawless, Lynn Bailey

Cary and Peyton Parks, Henry Michel

David Francis, Hap Farber, Randy Reed, Lee Zuddleston

Blake Smith, Kent and Ken Peters, Reeves Smith

James and Erika Berry, Lillie Flenorl

Hap Farber, Mary Kathryn McKell, Wally Byrd

Page 5B

Gardening Glimpses I’VE STILL GOT succulents on my mind, even though the temperature has moderated somewhat. Outdoors, in a once-and-future rock garden, and indoors, in a set of diverse blue and white pots in a west-facing sunny window sill - this is what I’m looking for. In my mind’s eye (the most delightful place to design any garden), I can see the widepetalled rosettes in red hues, in that window, and in trailing, spreading profusion in a hot, dusty series of small hills in a corner of the picket fence garden. These would of course be green-gray, because they would be the ones my mother taught me something about growing.

First, I needed to read more about soil for succulents, to review what I knew. I was certain that it must be lean in organic matter, on the sandy side, with a well-drained mineral base, where the water drained right through it. If you are searching in stores for the right prepared potting mix (you are an optimist), it will be heavier than you would expect. A bag of soil mix, advertised for cactus, probably has too much lightweight woody material.

Sand is heavy in comparison.

If you have a regular potting mix, create a 50/50 blend of it mixed with sharp sand.

Once you’ve planted your succulents, fertilize regularly throughout the active growing seasons of spring and summer, to make up for the lack of fertility in the soil mix. And plant succulents with other succulents, so you don’t have to provide moist soil for anything.

OUTDOORS, IN THE rock garden that worked for me for a while, and will again, I worked in small pebbles and crumbled oyster shell. I’d have liked to have used granite grit, a component of chicken feed, but I never have enough of it for my baskets of miniature daffodils.

In the pots indoors, I will make the same

kind of sharp rocky base, and follow the practice I’ve learned the hard way with my red-headed cactus - water the first day of the month. That may not be enough, but that’s why you talk to your plants, so they can let you know what’s missing. Having watched two plants die, and not delay in the doing of it, you rather know what to look for.

Oh, and before I forget: When you are transplanting cactus or succulents, especially to pots indoors, their lives and yours will be happier if you make it a two-step process, especially if the decorative pot is somewhat larger than the plant in its plastic small pot.

Make up your lean, gritty soil mix, spread some on the bottom of the pot, place the plant in its original pot on this soil base, and fill in around the sides, really stuffing it in, leaving only a half inch at the top. Water thoroughly, more on the outer portion. Do this a couple of times over a week’s space.

Then see if you can lift the inner pot and find a neat and perfect space waiting for the plant. Carefully take it out of the store container, and set it in the space. You may find kitchen tongs helpful in this process…especially if you have chosen spiny cactus rather than smooth succulents.

Next, I’d need to find the plants.

Succulents are not something I’d ever want to order by mail. I’ve broken off fragile leaves just transporting them in the car. Why should I expect them to survive an airflight, even with the best of packing. So you just simply watch.

And when you find them, buy them. I couldn’t have bought them in that New Jersey nursery eight years ago, because I had a week left of travel and a six-hour plane flight, two changes. But last winter I could have….my husband was buying some hardware supplies when I spotted just the red color I wanted for indoors. There were only four, when I needed five for a matched set,

and they were more expensive than I’d liked.

But I regret it.

NOW I’M ALL SET - places to establish these new plants, knowledge reviewed thoroughly about how to treat them, patience to watch and search for the right plants to buy.

Just one more segment of homework to do what, exactly, am I looking for.

My mother, who grew these succulents well, called them “hens and chicks,” and if you look at them growing, the small cheerful rosettes creeping out from beneath the wings of the mother plant, you will understand why. But I knew them both as echeverias and sempervivums, and I wanted to know more.

So I went to my basic reference, a new book in the Timber Press offerings last fall, “The Encyclopedia of Container Plants,” by Ray Rogers, a daffodil-growing and gardenwriter friend from New Jersey. Ray teams up with photographer Rob Cardillo in many of his books, giving you blended text and pictures to inspire and to educate.

Ray’s given to a touch of irreverent whimsy which lightens up a serious subject. One of the things he is serious about is indexes, and the proper Latin names. So I found myself searching through lovely pictures and interesting text, but couldn’t quite sort out the echeverias and the sempervivums.

So I decided I’d just e-mail him and ask him to clarify the differences, and he did, by the next afternoon, “in just a couple of sentences, please.”

This is what he explained: “Echeverias bloom from leaf axils in the rosettes and sempervivums bloom at the rosette terminals. This means that the individual plants of echeveria bloom and continue to grow, whereas individual plants of sempervivum bloom once and then die.” Very basic.

Does this mean I now know which I’m

By Mrs. Herman McKenzie looking for? Not necessarily, as Ray continues.

“Here’s the gardening significance: before they direct their energy to producing their deathwish bloomstalk, Sempervivum ‘hens’ produce a few or many smaller ‘chicks” that will carry on after the hens die. That means there are normally lots of sempervivums in your garden - so many you can give some away or toss them over the fence.

Echeverias, on the other hand, produce their offspring, or ‘chicks,’ much more sparingly.

Ergo: they cost more and you need to keep closer tabs on them to make sure you keep them around.”

Now I was ready to go back to the pictures. And what I learned was that I liked both of them, and couldn’t see enough difference in appearance to choose. Which is a good thing, because I likely won’t have a choice. When they show up as potted plants in a local garden center, the labels, from some mass-production center in Florida, may or (likely) may not say echeverias or sempervivums, or the botanical class of crassulacae - maybe just “hens and chicks” or likely “succulents.”

But if you like its looks, since you now know how to plant and care for it (lean on soil, stingy on water, regularly but with a very light hand on feeding), you can buy with every expectation of enjoyment.

Page 6B

Thursday, August 25, 2011

social news

Bradley and Allison Tyler, David and Kimberly Hughes, BJ and Kurt Rademacher

Brad Fowler, Stephanie Daniel

Jeanann and Jason Reeves

Jamaica Me Crazy Cancer society holds fund-raiser The American Cancer Society fund-raiser, Jamaica Me Crazy, was held recently at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum.

The event featured music by The Chill, a silent auction, ball drop, food and a cash bar.

Shown are scenes from the event.

Christie Freeman, Leslie Webb; (front) Jamie Jones, Meagan Hannah, Stephanie Bowering Denise and Eddie Streety, Mary Douglas

Jamie Woods, Andy Quinn, Pam Magee

Jackie Clanton, Michelle Burns, Philip Grisham

Hunter Gibson, Jesica Hulsman, Olga Abramovich

Kirk and Kim Erickson, Chris Henderson, Andrea Jones

Page 7B

Calendar

the northsidesun

To include an event, e-mail sun@northsidesun.com by 5 p.m. Thursday

August / September SUNDAY

MONDAY 23

22

21 Greater Jackson Arts Council Art exhibition ends today

Ag museum Hours

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Mississippi Opera Chorus auditions

Millsaps College Auditions

SUNDAY

MONDAY

4

New Stage Theatre Season ticket packet

MMA Concert Barbershop Harmony Meeting Boy Scouts Dinner

Jackson Zoo Hours

Municipal Art Gallery Hours

New Collectors Club Live auction MS Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Jeans and Jewels

Apple art MS Farmers Market, Eudora Welty Library Book sale SneakyFest Outdoor music festival Children’s hospital Grace House benefit

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

31

Jackson Fire Department Dinner, awards ceremony Barbershop Harmony Meeting

7

New Stage Theatre Season ticket packet

MS Farmers Market, Greater Belhaven Market

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

8 MDAH History is Lunch

3

Fondren district Fondren After 5 MS State Hospital Serendipity Municipal Art Gallery Artists reception

WEDNESDAY

SIDS Support group Parkinson’s Support group Ridgeland Garden Club Meeting

2

1

MDAH History is Lunch Rebel Club of Jackson Kickoff meeting

TUESDAY 6

5

MS Children’s 27 Museum

26

25

MDAH History is Lunch Eudora Welty House Storytime

TUESDAY 30

29

28

24

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

9

Eudora Welty Library Production

CelticFest MS Festival

10 MS Farmers Market, Greater Belhaven Market Old Capitol Museum Civil War re-enactors CelticFest MS Festival

August / September events August 24, Wednesday

September 3, Saturday

• Mississippi Department of Archives and History program, Mississippi Main Street Association director Bob Wilson talks about current Main Street activities.

Noon - 1 p.m. in the William Winter building.

• Eudora Welty House “Storytime on the Side Porch,” 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. 353-7762.

• Mississippi Farmers Market and Greater Belhaven Market, corner of High and Jefferson streets. Most Saturdays, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. 601-359-1159.

September 4, Sunday

August 25, Thursday

• New Stage Theatre offers “Your Passport to a Theatrical Journey,” season ticket packet. www.newstagetheatre.com.

• Municipal Art Gallery, 839 North State St., Gallery hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Mondays. Admission free. 601-960-1582.

September 5, Monday

August 26, Friday

September 6, Tuesday

• Mississippi Museum of Art hosts Art by Choice, an exhibition, sale and auction of artworks to benefit the museum. 601-960-1515.

• MS Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Jeans and Jewels, 7 p.m. in the home of Dr. and Mrs. Gene Barrett. $30, music, wine tasting and auctions.

August 27, Saturday

• The Jackson Zoo is currently open daily 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome support group, first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at River Oaks Hospital. 601-362-0242.

• Metro Jackson Parkinson’s support group meets every first Tuesday, 2 p.m. at Redeemer Presbyterian Church. 601-845-6340.

• Ridgeland Garden Club monthly meeting 11 a.m. at the Ridgeland Recreation Center at Old Trace Park. Emily George, 601-898-1902.

• Mississippi Farmers Market and Greater Belhaven Market, corner of High and Jefferson streets. Most Saturdays, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. 601-359-1159.

• SneakyFest Music by local and regional bands, activities for the family, local food vendors, 2914 N. State St. 601-487-6349.

• Enchanted Evening Under the Stars Gala, 7 - 10 p.m., home of Susan & Chip Triplett.

Tickets $100. 601-984-5273. Friends of Children’s Hospital benefit.

• Mississippi Children’s Museum Apple Arts Stamping. 601-981-5469.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY • Jackson Friends of the Library book sale, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Eudora Welty Library.

August 25: Ann Gordy, Jennifer Passons, Henry Lyell, Valerie McClellan, Blake Peters, • Saving Grace Benefit for Grace House. St. James Episcopal Church, 6 - 9 p.m.

Tracey Rhoden, Ann Rueff, Evelyn Tackett, Belmont Trapp, Troy Weathersby Jr., $35 per person. 601-353-1038.

Howard Greer, Frances Noble, Cheryl Newman, Kathryn McDaniel. August 26: Beth August 28, Sunday Hosey, Jim Stanley, Lisa DeLoach Trotter, Gary Conley, Jessica Whitehead, John • Mississippi Opera auditions for new chorus members at Mississippi College.

Countiss III, Ginny Foster, Jane Nichols, Jim Stanley, A.G. Nash, Katherine Vandemark, Amy Cleveland, Lauren Hensarling, Sarah Williams, Brian Emory, the Rev. J.B. For appointment e-mail gypc34@gmail.com with chorus audition in the subject line.

Welborn. August 27: Sam W. Warren Jr., Clem Burwell, Leigh Robertson, Ralph Maisel, August 29, Monday Ethel Anepohl, David Banks, Charles Carr, John Lever, Andrew Neely, Keller White, • Millsaps College invites middle and high-school actors to audition for the production of Nan Carney, Jennifer Hawkins, T.L. Sullivan, Zach Tickle, Steve Kowalski. August 28: “Little Women.” 5 p.m. in room seven in the Christian Center. Ellen Burke, 717-552-3712. Freeman Bennett, Virginia Allen, Beth Henry, Dawn Johnson, Esther Martin, Claude August 30, Tuesday Shuttleworth, Kathryn Sulser, Charles McNair, Elizabeth Dendy Hogan, Tim Lawing, Bob Magee, Mike O’Quin, Cathy Thornton, Gay Eatmon Phillips, Angela Pierce. August • Jackson Authenticity Tribute Dinner and Awards Ceremony benefit for the Jackson Fire 29: Shelvy Falvey, Beau Bishop, Frances Rogers, Avery Buffington, Kelsey Evans, Ben Department, Jackson Convention Center. 601-948-7575.

Henry, Kenny Parker, Betty Scott, Eleanor Wells, James C. Spencer. August 30: Irma August 31, Wednesday Ellis, Michelle Nielsen, Lake Tolbert, Peyton Foster, Sonny Berbett, Anne Cook, Melissa • MDAH program, Historic Jefferson College director Robin Person gives a Irby, Taylor Kitchings, David Pittman, Debbie Royer, Gray Secrest, Ann Simpson, Stella virtual tour of the HJC site. Noon - 1 p.m. in the William Winter building.

Williams. August 31: Margaret Collier, David Dogan, Amos Mitchim, Davis Magee, • Rebel Club of Jackson fall kickoff meeting, 5:30 p.m. at Table 100 Conference Marshall Brown, Virginia Carlton, Kirk Nelson, Will O’Mara, Kenneth Raigins, Mark Center, Flowood. 601-949-04621.

Wann, Christopher Reagan, Peggy Clower, Gary Beeland, James Bolen, Ray Dearman, David Lyle.

September 1, Thursday • Historic Fondren District Fondren After 5, the first Thursday of every month, 5 - 8 p.m.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY at participating merchants.

August 26: Mr. and Mrs. Dudley H. White Jr., John and Linda Lange. August 28: • MS State Hospital Serendipity art exhibit, silent auction, 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. 351-8018.

Danny and Jamie Collier. August 29: Becky and Winfred Lott. August 31: Amos and • Municipal Art Gallery artists reception, 5 - 7 p.m. for VSA Mississippi art group.

Bobbie Mitchim, John O. and Pat Williams, Jackie and Pat Johnson, Judy and Mike Showing through September, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

Frascogna, Hamilton and Polly Ware, Longstreet and Elizabeth Minor.

special days

September 2, Friday

• New Stage Theatre offers “Your Passport to a Theatrical Journey,” season ticket packet. www.newstagetheatre.com.

To add your ‘Special Days’ call 601-977-8122, write to P.O. Box 16709, Jackson, MS 39236 or e-mail sun@northsidesun.com.

Page 8B

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Baptist celebrates first baby BAPTIST HEALTH Systems is sharing its 100th birthday this year with a special person. Mary Ormand Heald Sterrett of Lexington, Va., the first baby born at Baptist hospital on August 11, 1911, turned 100 last Thursday.

Mrs. Sterrett’s son, Dr. Reid Sterrett, contacted Baptist earlier this month with the information about his mother’s birthday. “She’s a continual inspiration to us and she’s full of sage advice,” said Dr. Sterrett. According to Dr. Sterrett, his mother is still very active, balances her own check book and writes thank you notes with a great deal of detail. “She’s sharpest early in the morning,” he said.

“Early to bed and early to rise is her motto.”

Mrs. Sterrett also still displays a keen sense of humor. In a telephone interview with her from her apartment within an assisted living community in Lexington, she commented that her secret for a long life is to eat plenty of turnip greens. “I never liked turnip greens, but I like to say that,” she said.

“We are delighted to celebrate this very special occasion with Mrs. Sterrett,” said Barbie Sullivan, M.D., executive medical director of women services at Baptist. “We are sending her flowers and a birthday gift along with our very best wishes for a memorable day.”

Mary Ormand Sterrett Sterrett recently shared with her son.

“She did tell me that Dr. Harley Shands was the obstetrician. As a young adult he told her that her mother was in labor for four days and he finally decided he couldn’t wait any longer.” The gold piece from Baptist later played a very significant role. Dr. Sterrett said his mother told him she used it to buy a train ticket to travel to Ole Miss for her first job as a librarian.

MRS. STERRETT grew up in

MRS. STERRETT’S birth is documented in “A Tradition of Caring,” a history of Baptist published in 1991: “…Mrs. Robert R. Sterrett (born Mary Ormand Heald), was born in the hospital on August 11, 1911, reportedly the first baby to be born in the little facility… At the time, the hospital was so new that they had not acquired necessary equipment and did not have a bed for the first baby….the doctor who I am sure was Dr. Shands, as he was always the Healds’ family doctor, borrowed the laundry basket to use as a bed…Mrs. Sterrett later wrote the hospital that the legend surrounding her birth was substantiated in 1932. The fact of her birth was included in documents found in the cornerstone of one of the hospital’s early buildings. The document showed that she was given a five-dollar gold piece to celebrate the occasion.”

“My doctor was Dr. Harley Shands,” she said. “He was my doctor for a long time. When I went to college, I had to have a physical and I went to his downtown office and he told me the day I was born was the hottest day he’d ever experienced. He said, ‘I had to change shirts twice!’”

Adding to the story is what Mrs.

Jackson and attended Millsaps College.

“I walked every step of the way,” she commented. She then earned a master’s in library science from Carnegie Tech, now Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburg.

As a young adult during the Great Depression, she was offered two jobs: one in Minot, N.D., and one in Naugatuck, Conn. Following her dad’s advice that the climate would be better in Naugatuck, she moved to Connecticut, where she later met her husband, Robert Sterrett. Coincidentally, after completing a Ph.D. in chemistry, he also was offered jobs in Minot and Naugatuck. Fortunately, he, too, chose Connecticut, and was working at U.S. Rubber at the time they met through a common friend on the library board.

They married on July 7, 1938, and spent their honeymoon traveling to Kentucky, where her husband was from, and to Mississippi. Over the years of their marriage, she worked as a librarian off and on as they moved around for her husband’s jobs in Naugatuck; Little Falls, N.J.; Woodbridge, Conn.; Hixson, Tenn.; and Dalton, Ga. Their marriage of 35 years ended in April of 1973 when her husband died. She eventually settled in Lexington, Va., and has been a fixture there ever since.

Mrs. Sterrett has two living sons, Reid and Dr. John Sterrett.

Walk for diabetes This year’s Walk for Diabetes will be held October 2. For more information call 601-957-7878 or visit www.msdiabetes.org. Money raised by the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi stays in the state to fund research, provide life-saving services, education and emergency assistance, as well as to send children to Camp Kandu. Shown are (from left) Alon Bee, Jackson walk honorary chair; Kandu kid Gracie and mother, Beth Biedenharn, holding mascot Sugar.

THREE BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO CALL HOME AND ENJOY LIFE AT ITS BEST.

85 CROWNPOINTE

WOW - what a buy!! - 4 bedrooms/3.5 baths - all updated and immaculate throughout. 2 Masters plenty of room!! Huge living areas with Fireplace/builtins; Gorgeous landscaping.

Convenient neighborhood. Lots of storage Decorator's home. Pack your bags!! - $ 244,900.

1459 NORTHLAKE DRIVE

What a place for you!! - 4 bedrooms/3 baths in serene, peaceful setting. Upstairs has a huge room and a full bath - very private! Extra-large living area with soaring ceilings/fireplace. 3 car garage!! Well taken care of and huge trees. Don't miss out!

Convenient location! $ 249,900.

June Johnson, Realtor Broker Associate 601-506-9202

420 ST. ANDREWS DRIVE

A rare fine!! - If you want unheard-of amenities, you must see this condo at the Country Club of Jackson; Totally updated with all extras - 3 bedrooms/3baths - Bamboo floors/Slab granite; Viking Chef Kitchen - All baths have Kohler fixtures and master has spa bath/steam shower.

Relax and enjoy a luxurious lifestyle !! $ 399,900

NELL WYATT, INC., REALTOR® an independently Owned and Operated Member of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation

Page 9B

social news

Jefferson-Jackson-Hamer dinner Democratic fund-raiser held at convention complex Political strategist James Carville was the keynote speaker at the Mississippi Democratic Party’s 31st annual fund-raiser.

The Jefferson-Jackson-Hamer Dinner was held at the Jackson Convention Complex.

The dinner was a chance for party mem-

bers to meet candidates and office holders.

House Speaker Billy McCoy, who is retiring this year, was also honored during the dinner.

Shown are scenes from the event.

Carrie Logan, Nancy Steen, Mike Adelman

Harvey Johnson, Brown Miller

Andrew and Kate McMillin

Anne Welch, Ben Herring, Peyton Smith, Mark McClinton, Jessica Malone

Laura and Jan Hackney, Nita Denicola

Amy McLain, Tony and Melissa DiFatta

Page 10B

Thursday, August 25, 2011

social news

Abby Berry, Lauren Welford, Mary Clift Abdalla

Dawn and Larry Brewer

Brian and Donna Sims

Susan Margaret Barrett, Scott Johnson, Melvin and Monique Davis

Flashback to the ’80s Storytellers Ball held at arts center The sixth annual Storytellers Ball, “Flashback to the ’80s,” was held recently at the Arts Center of Mississippi. The event is a fund-raiser for the arts center.

Shown are scenes from the ball.

Carrie Tilley, Byron Flowers

Erica and Johnathan Smith, Phoebe Smith Porter, (seated) Phoebe Smith

Lauren Garrick, Dea Hamett, Carmen Keys

Becky and David Cummings

Ray and Susan Riley Peter Clark, Ann and Claire Whitehurst

Freida Lauderdale, Lisa Ratzlaff

Susan Riley, Sherry Downs, Sondra Waldrop Ex clu s

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Page 11B

social news

VOLUNTEERS

The Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership marshaled hole number one during the Viking Classic. Volunteers included (from left, back) Melissa Killingworth, Ashley Varnes, Andee Hinton, Tony Meyers, Virginia Hodges, Jamie Woods, Cynthia Caine; (front) Erin Mitchell, Sherie Dean.

To advertise in the Northside Sun, call 601-977-0470

Page 12B

Thursday, August 25, 2011

social news

Greatest gift Committee members plan for The Greatest Gift Concert, a fund-raiser for The Christmas Village. The concert, featuring artists Dorothy Moore, Guy Hovis, Sam and Mary Haskell, and Georgia Thomas, will be held December 16 at the Belhaven University Center For the Arts. Tickets go on sale through the Belhaven ticket office on November 1. Shown are (from left, back) Candi Talley, Rebecca Sharpe, Lisa Ray,

Jan Stringer, Britton Hatman, Jennifer Rhea, Miranda Creely, Amanda Burton, Deborah Meadors, Sharon Tew; (front) Connie Phillips, Carolyn Ragsdale, Beth Kellogg, Michael and Brenda VanVelkinburgh, Connie Knox. Not pictured: Fannie Green, Carolyn Jefferson, Kim Mitchell, Patricia Eaves, Beverly Robinson, Steve Colston, Karen Lyon, Opal Croke, Carley Jeffcoat, Melinda King, Kim Lyle, Ann Barnes.

happenings Book sale Jackson Friends of the Library will hold a book sale August 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Eudora Welty Library.

For details call 601-968-5828.

Hawk watch Jackson Audubon Society’s annual hawk migration watch will be September 17, 9 a.m. to noon, at Vicksburg Military Park. Park entrance

fee, $8. For details call 601-956-7444.

Rebel kickoff The Rebel Club of Jackson will hold their fall kickoff meeting August 31, 5:30 p.m., at Table 100 Conference Center in Flowood. For details call 601-949-4621.

Retirement class Millsaps College Community

Enrichment Series will offer a planning for retirement class beginning September 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cost $69. To register call 601-974-1130 or visit www.millsaps.edu.

Tri-Delta event Jackson area Delta Delta Delta alumnae are planning Deltas After Dark, September 8 at the Treehouse. For more information contact Betty Lynn Freeman at bfreeman@christunitedjxn.org.

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Page 13B

Rafting in Georgia Rising eighth-grade girls from Jackson Academy and their dads recently went on a rafting trip to North Georgia. This is an annual event led by Coach Ray Higgins for more than 25 years. Enjoying the trip are (from left, back) Carter Richardson, Avery Smith, Candice Fielder, Taylor Healy, Abby Tyner, Madison Carroll, Makenna Adams, Lucy Waller, Olivia Johnson, Rose

Maxwell, Sam Rhodes, Mallory McCubbins, Elizabeth McGowan, Elizabeth McDaniel, Amanda Ray, Clarke Wilkerson, Georgia Gibson, Robyn Hadden, Alexis Ridgeway, Annalee Purdie; (fourth row) Mary Ousley Owen, Kendall Cockayne, Hannah Hudson, Camryn Kestenbaum, Sarah Buchannen, Abbey Lindsay, Maggie Cross, Sydney Hays, Mary Chosen Caples, Allie Brown,

Glennis McWilliams, Hannah Wooten, Makenzie Carmody, Emma Carol Waller, Mary Paxton Gibson, Marguerite Johnson, Kathleen Giddon, Avenell Newman, Caroline Porch; (third row) Michael Caples, Chris Richardson, Johnny Healy, Jay Fielder, Pete Hays, Tim Lindsay, Ian Cross, Jim Brown, Scott Rhodes, Wes McCubbins, Rafe Hudson, Chuck Ray, Jim Wilkerson,

happenings

History is lunch

MDAH History is Lunch upcoming programs include: Storytime August 24, Bob Wilson on Main Street Association activities The Eudora Welty House will offer “Storytime on the Side (Old Capitol); August 31, Robin Person on Historic Jefferson Porch,” August 24, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Each week children College, (William Winter building). Meetings are held noon - kindergarten through third grade and their parents will hear a classic story and make a related craft.

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Patrick Ridgeway; (second row) Joe Maxwell, Bill Johnson, Ronnie Cockayne, Chuck Smith, Alan Purdie, Pete Kestenbaum, Brad MacNealy, Reggy McDaniel, David Adams; (first row) Bert Giddons, Bryan Owen, Richard Newman, David Carroll, Ray Higgins, Don Waller; (front) Mark Wooten.

Theater auditions Millsaps College is holding auditions for their production of “Little Women.” Middle and high school age actors are needed. Auditions are scheduled for August 29, 5 p.m., in room 7 of the Christian Center. For details call Ellen Burke at 717-552-3712.

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Page 14B

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Fund-raiser event Mississippi Community Education Center hosts the third annual golf tournament benefiting New Summit School October 7 at Lake Caroline Golf Course. All proceeds will go to New Summit School’s academic and enrichment programs. A reception will be held following the golf tournament from

5:30 - 7:30 (pre-sold). Door prizes and a chance to win vacation packages will be included. For more information visit www.newsummitschool.com. Shown are (from left) Daniel Wooton, Elizabeth Rogers, Gracie McGill, and Locke Leverette.

Community help Each year Jackson Prep recognizes those students who give of themselves in community service. Ninth-graders who received community service medals are (from left) Sydney-Kirk Patti, gold medal and Presidential Service gold; Myers Mercier,

bronze medal and Presidential Service bronze; Madeleine Griffin, silver medal and Prudential Spirit of Community nominee; and Cady Porter, gold medal and Presidential Service bronze.

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Percy visits Percy King and his amazing animals recently visited Wee Care Ridgeland. Rebecca Moss checks out the tortoise, while Ruby Buford, R.J. Goss, Austin Morgan, and Anna Kavanaugh watch.

happenings Art sale National choral award

The Mississippi Museum of Art will host Art by

Choice, sale and auction, August 26. VIP reception, 6 p.m.; Sale, 7 p.m.; Live auction, 8 p.m. For details and reservations call 601-9601515.

Two Jackson Prep seniors received the National Choral Award at senior high class day. The nationally recognized award is given to students who demonstrate merit, ability and outstanding achievement. In addition, these students’ contributions to the success of the school vocal program are exemplary for their loyalty, cooperation and conduct.

Recognized are (from left) Carly Herm and Noah Killebrew.

Homecoming St. Anthony Catholic School third-grade teachers (from left) Megan Kisner, Patti Reiss, and Julie Benson prepare to welcome students at the Back to School Homecoming event.

BRIANNA BURSE, student at St. Joseph Catholic School, advanced to finalist standing in the National Achievement Scholarship Program of 2011.

For advertising information call 601-957-1125

Page 16B

Thursday, August 25, 2011

GARDEN PARTY

First Presbyterian Day School kindergarten teachers created garden hats for the welcome back garden party for FPDS teachers. Shown are (from left) Margaret Harvey, Jennifer Higginbotham, Janine Hutchinson, Mary Lynn McDade, Kim Duhs, and Debbie Parker.

JCL recognition Two Jackson Prep ninth-graders received recognition at the Junior Classical League State Convention. Shown are (from left) Sarah Adison Phillips, first place in Greek and Roman History I, first in Mythology I, third in Greek and Roman History II; and Robert Frey, second place in Greek and Roman History II, second in Mythology I and elected Senior Consul for Mississippi.

Graduation attendants Students (from left) Morgan Cora and Jade Burnett were program attendants at the summer graduation ceremony for the Education Center School.

Page 17B

Golf winners Mississippi Boys Junior Amateur Golf Tournament was played recently at Lake Caroline. There were 32 participants in the 14 -15 age group. Winners are (from left)

Start fourth grade St. Anthony Catholic School welcomed fourth-grade students (from left) Jaden Coleman, Hailey Desai, Alex Brunini, Anna

PHIL LANE, (shown) and Taylor Donald, Jackson Prep seniors, received the Choral Performance Award at the senior high class day ceremonies for their talent, loyalty and dedication to the choral music program.

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Chris Nicholas, Wyatt Davis, and Morrissey Claire Harmon for the first day of school.

Ross Bell, third place; Noah Hill, second; Blake Harris, first; Tucker Jenkins, fifth. Not pictured: Grant Motter, fourth.

Page 18B

Thursday, August 25, 2011

school news happenings Support group The Metro Jackson Parkinson’s Support Group meets every first Tuesday, 2 p.m., at Redeemer Presbyterian Church. For more information call 601845-6340.

Art sale The Mississippi Museum of Art will host Art by Choice, sale and auction, August 26. VIP reception, 6

Pep Madison Central sophomores (from left) Ellery Chancellor, Taylor Pendleton and Mary Holly Robinson, prepare for the parade through Madison and the first pep rally of the season for the Jaguars.

p.m.; Sale, 7 p.m.; Live auction, 8 p.m. For details and reservations call 601-9601515.

Arts and lecture Millsaps College Arts and Lecture Series will feature Brunson Green, producer of the movie “The Help,” September 13, 7 p.m., in the Academic Complex Recital Hall. For information on this program and season tickets for the series call 601-9741132 or visit www.millsaps. edu.

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Goodwill volunteer St. Joseph Catholic High School Senior Scott Montgomery (left) recently attended the Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services Volunteer Salute 2011 reception where he was honored as an Outstanding Community Volunteer.

Montgomery is one of two young people chosen this year for this award. Also shown is Gray Wiggers, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Mississippi Inc.

names in

taught a variety of ways to use the arts across the curriculum to better educate their students. Attending Teachers from St. Richard were Elisabeth Ely, Norma Catholic School recently Thiel, Stacy Kaiser, Julie participated in the Kehoe, Terri Cooper, Mississippi Arts Sarah Navoy, Dena Commission’s Whole Kinsey, Margaret Schools Summer Institute Anzelmo, Dorothy held at the MSU Riley Spencer, Lari Sandel, Lisa Center in Meridian. During Geimer, and Jules Michel. the Institute, they were

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Page 19B

school news

Team building State flowers Fourth-grade students at First Presbyterian Day School displaying their chalk drawn Mississippi magnolias are (from left) El

Knotts, Allie Wise, Andrew Griffin, Jimmy Underwood.

The eight new teachers at St. Joseph Catholic High School enjoyed a week of orientation, team building events and mentoring by other teachers before students returned to school. Along with cookies and pumpkin bread, the highlight of their wel-

come baskets was a copy of “Teach Like a Champion�a modern classic in education.

Shown are (from left, back) Steven Eastlack, Philip Ewbank, Abby Quetzau, Terry Cassreino; (front) Amanda Weissinger, Lou Ann Turner, Emily Lazor, Chance Theriot.

Page 20B

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Tips for submitting pictures for publication If submitting by e-mail (jimmye@northsidesun.com), do not shrink the picture.

If submitting the print of a picture from a digital camera, set the printer to best quality and please do not print the date on the picture.

For more information, call 601-9977-88122

Back to school Madison-Ridgeland Academy’s junior class Smith, Addison Smith, Laura Beth Reeves, held their annual back-to-school party Laura Katherine Blurton and Mary Elizabeth recently. Some of the students attending Eltiste. were (from left) Haley Thornton, Darbi Grace

names in

the news Teachers from St. Richard Catholic School recently participated in the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Whole Schools Summer Institute held at the MSU Riley Center in Meridian.

Attending were Elisabeth Ely, Norma Thiel, Stacy Kaiser, Julie Kehoe, Terri Cooper, Sarah Navoy, Dena Kinsey, Margaret Anzelmo, Dorothy Spencer, Lari Sandel, Lisa Geimer, and Jules Michel.

Excel on NFE Jackson Prep seniors (from left) Carter Barnett and Peyton Reves excelled on the National French I Exam. Barnett placed second in state, ninth in the nation; Reves, first in state and seventh in nation.

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DESMOND DAVIS, president of the Education Center School’s student council, was recently honored with two major awards at the ECS graduation and awards ceremony. Davis received the Principal’s Award and the Martha Thomas Kabbes Award.

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Air National Guard Airman Jeremy J. Wilson graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio. He is the son of Yolanda Bell of Whitestone Road. Wilson graduated in 2009 from Callaway High School.