EDITOR’S LETTER By JEREM Y PIT TARI
W
ELCOME
All the decorations are packed up, the tree is relocated and the list of New Year’s resolutions is nearly complete. Now that you’re ready for 2017, take time to peruse this edition of Picayune Living. Ever thought about learning the art of pottery? Carriere resident Kelly Landrum Hammell teaches a Raku class. The art involves special glazes and high temperatures. Did you indulge a little too much in the holiday festivities with extra helpings of side dishes, ham and pie? Fear not about that winter weight gain, reviving the routines of warmer temperatures will get you back in shape in no time. Before the winter holidays come to a close, you may consider a trip to a nearby petting zoo. This Poplarville venue offers an adventure the kids will remember for a lifetime. Growing fresh vegetables may seem like an endeavor for 4 WINTER 2016
spring, but there are plenty of crops that grow well in the Southern cold months. Let one local gardener share some tips that might lead to winter harvests in your back yard. One of the features of Pearl River County I find the most endearing is its rural nature. Wooded lands and all that entails is one reason a couple decided to build their weekend getaway a short distance from Picayune. But that weekend getaway turned into a dream come true for that couple when they were handed the keys. Each of these stories will take readers to the corners of south Mississippi we all call home. While we may not have white winters, there’s so much more to be found around Pearl River County.
CONTENTS 7 MUST-HAVES4
Say hello to winter with the collection of locally sold products on page 7.
333 WHERE?
Test your knowledge of Picayune & see if you can identify our secret locale.
10 ANIMAL ZOO: This family’s love of animals has become quite the collection.
14 HOUSE FEATURE: One couple’s love of the outdoors turned into their dream home.
20 RAKU: This method of pottery firing is a bit dangerous and is only taught twice a year.
24 WINTER GARDEN: Even though it’s cold outside, you can still harvest something healthy.
ON THE COVER
On this edition’s cover is a mural of the artist featured within, Kelly Landrum Hammell. This mural is on the wall inside her pottery studio. Photo by Jeremy Pittari
STAFF LINDA GILMORE Publisher
ADVERTISING Laci Lee
JEREMY PITTARI Associate Publisher
COMPOSITION D. Howell
WRITERS Taylor Welsh Julia Arenstam Free copies of Picayune Living magazine are available at these fine establishments:
ALSO INSIDE:
Holiday Inn Express, Glass Porch, MS Welcome Center, Stanek Chiropractic Centre, Moore Chiropractic Clinic, Scooters, Senior Center of South MS, Phillips Building Supply, City Rexall Drugs, Ford Realty, Paul’s Pastry Shop, Apple’s LTD, Watt’s Veterinary Services, Silver Medical Associates, Greater Picayune Chamber of Commerce, and the offices of the Picayune Item and The Poplarville Democrat.
8 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
INFORMATION: Picayune Living is published four times per year by Picayune Newsmedia, LLC. All content is subject to copyright.
42 WHY I LOVE PICAYUNE Picayune resident Joey Temples shares his story about growing up here.
POSTMASTER: Please send any changes of address or undeliverable information attn: Picayune Item, P.O. 580, Picayune, MS 39466
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Browse the calendar page for a look at this season’s upcoming activities.
34 OUT & ABOUT
See who’s attending the city’s premier events.
28 WEIGHT GAIN: Sticking to a regimen will help keep those holiday pounds at bay.
SEVEN ON 7 By PIC AY UNE LIVING
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY 14 PINE NEEDLE BASKET WORKSHOP From 10 a.m. to noon join Judy Breland, Stone County Extension Agent, for this adult workshop to learn the art of pine needle basket-making. Participants can complete a small basket by the end of this workshop, and will learn the methods for continuing with future projects. Wear old clothes. All materials will be provided. Admission is $5 for members and $7 for non-members. Register by January 13. For more information, call the office at (601) 799-2311. JANUARY 28 FORGE DAY AT THE CROSBY ARBORETUM Come see how metal used to be worked at this day-long family friendly event. The day will feature metalworkers from across the region and blacksmithing techniques will be shown off. Enjoy the demonstrations or try your hand at making the sparks fly yourself. Members get in free and it’s $5 for non-member adults and $2 for kids. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. FEBRUARY 4 KREWE OF THE PEARL 4TH ANNUAL MARDI GRAS BALL Join the Krewe of the Pearl as they host the third Annual Mardi Gras Ball with the king and the queen. The theme is Romance in Rio. Music will be provided and there will be heavy hors d’oeuvres. Formal attire requested, masks required. The fun starts at 6 p.m. and will run until midnight at the Centraplex. Tickets are free for Krewe members and $65 for non-members. Victor and Carmen Leon will be the king and queen. FEBRUARY 4 CROSBY ARBORETUM WINTER FIELD WALK DAY Tour the arboretum with Director Pat Drackett and get introduced to the beautiful side of winter. Learn about native plants and how to incorporate some native species into your home or garden. This is a great preview for the native plant sale. Members can tour free and it’s $5 for non-members. FEBRUARY 11 KREWE OF THE PEARL MARDI GRAS PARADE The Krewe will begin the Mardi Gras parade at Crosby Commons, 801 Goodyear Boulevard and will roll eastbound down Goodyear Boulevard and will end near El Mariachi. FEBRUARY 18 CROSBY ARBORETUM NATIVE PLANT SALE DAY Want a beautiful tree or shrub that won’t require too much work? Come on out and pick out something green at the arboretum. The sale goes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and admission is free admission. Please use the service entrance. MARCH 17 & 18 PICAYUNE MAIN STREET’S ROCKIN’ & GRILLIN’ PALOOZA This annual spring festival will feature a barbecue cook-off, the popular Boulevard Cruisers, live music and more. Come to Jack Read Park and the downtown area for a day of entertainment. 8 WINTER 2016
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UNIQUELY PICAYUNE By JULIA ARENS TAM
Exotic pets Love for animals creates literal zoo at the Boley
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OVER THE YEARS, ANIMALS HAVE COME AND GONE FROM THEIR FAMILY FARM, BUT SOME HAVE STRUCK DEEP CORDS IN THEIR HEART Tucked away in Poplarville on an expansive property that has been in the family for over 100 years, Keith and Sandra Culpepper care for and display some unusual creatures in and around their home. From hypoallergenic hairless cats to black and white lemurs, Keith Culpepper’s love for animals created a zoological adventure in Pearl River County. At Boley Creek Exotic Farm & Petting Zoo, the Culpepper children—Karley, Logan and Jacob—are assigned a different species to tend, as a way to learn about the animals and earn some money. As the pets produce offspring, the young will either be bottle-fed to encourage them to be more comfortable around humans, or sold to other farmers. Profits from the sale of the offspring go to one of the three children’s accounts to save for the future, Keith Culpepper said. Over 15 years ago, Keith began his collection of atypical pets on his family property. “When we first got married, one of Keith’s dad’s friends found a baby fawn and gave it to Keith,” Sandra Culpepper said. “I think that’s where it started because Gracie
was just a baby and he raised her, but a dog attacked her and we had to put her down. It just kind of went from there and now we have five million animals.” The Culpepper’s collection of pets mingle in one pen to feed, where visitors can walk up and see turkeys, pigs, ostriches, emus, as well as several breeds of deer and geese getting along. “They’re big babies out here,” Sandra Culpepper said. Nearby, three Madagascar lemurs wait their turn. Lucy, Jules and Julian are on the endangered species list, Keith Culpepper said, and aren’t allowed to leave the state. True to their tropical nature, the striped primates love to sit under the heat lamp and munch on the grass, Sandra Culpepper said. “I’ve had animals ever since I was a kid,” Keith Culpepper said, who finds his exotic pets through Facebook, Craigslist and exotic animal auctions. He also accepts rescues and gifts from friends and family. “We had one cow we raised that a neighbor had given us that was born blind. Keith somehow worked with the cow, got its vision back, and the cow would walk down
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the road,” Sandra Culpepper said. “It’d be the cow, a goat, a pig, a dog, the sheep and [his] mom and him all walking down the road...It was crazy.” Over the years, animals have come and gone from their family farm, but some have struck deep cords in their heart. One of Keith’s first animals almost gained world fame. He raised an old longhorn in the running for entry into the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest horns. Sadly, the day she was scheduled to be measured by a local veterinarian and submitted to the publication, she passed away, likely from the weight of her almost prize-winning horns. “I think that’s really what killed her, she couldn’t hold her head up,” Keith Culpepper said. Despite their losses, the family continues to bond with their animals and hopes to begin a mobile petting zoo the community can enjoy and get a closer look at some of their unusual collection of creatures. It’s an unorthodox collection indeed, one that includes a small alligator that wandered up from the creek after a storm two years ago. “He doesn’t bother anything, he’s adopted us as his family now,” Sandra Culpepper said.
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HOME SWEET HOME By JEREM Y PIT TARI
Modernized log home Couple builds charming cabin in the woods
WHILE THE HOME WAS BUILT TO BE A WEEKEND RETREAT, IT TURNED INTO A FULL TIME RESIDENCE On 22 acres of mostly wooded land is a 3,000-square-foot hybrid log home built by a couple whose love of the outdoors sparked its creation. It is the home of Julie Hunger, where she and her late husband Charlie created their own cabin in the woods. The Louisiana natives built the home in 2000, and decorated it with Charlie’s own taxidermy and Native American themes from Julie’s heritage. Charlie’s other passion was vinification, or wine
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making; the remnants of that craft can be found throughout the home. Julie said the home began as a weekend getaway because the couple enjoyed camping. Initially their quest was to find five acres on which to build a small home, but came across the plot of land in northern Hancock County where the house now stands. Of the 22 acres, they cleared about five to build the home, and left the rest untouched. But they didn’t set out to build the home right away after purchasing the property. Instead the couple
“It’s just a gift to live here.” Julie Hunger
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weekends on the land in its undeveloped state, considering where to build. Julie said that during each trip, they ended up at the same spot near a set of oak trees. Two years of study about log homes led them to the discovery of potential issues with the building method. The one that worried Julie the most was how the logs were joined together with rebar. Using such a construction method meant that if for some reason a log on the bottom of the home needed to be replaced, the rebar would need to be severed, resulting in a weakening of the home’s foundation. As a result of their research, they opted to build a modified log home, using a frame home on a concrete slab with log on the outside and inside. The interior walls are untreated pine, while the exterior is clad in treated pine. Julie knows that the area is prone to storms, so she had 1,000 hurricane clips installed during the home’s construction. Inside, the pine creates a warm atmosphere to the open layout, where the living room and kitchen meet. Julie said she chose the open layout for the living room
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and kitchen because gatherings almost always involve those two rooms. Other features on the property include a 1,000-square-foot shop, large garden and 2,000-square-feet of deck and balconies. Upstairs, the master bedroom adjoins a large bathroom that includes a Jacuzzi garden tub and separate shower. The bedroom’s French doors open to a balcony facing the wooded back yard.
Also on the second floor is an office that overlooks the living room. In the kitchen, hickory cabinets provide space for dishes and cookware and a granite countertop bar accents the decor. Cold nights can be made more comfortable with the wood-burning fireplace. While the home was built to be a weekend getaway, it turned into a lifetime dream. “It’s just a gift to live here,” Julie said.
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THE ARTS By JEREM Y PIT TARI
Hues from the flames Artist shares her knowledge of Raku THE ENTIRE FIRING PROCESS TAKES ABOUT 45 MINUTES, BUT MANY HOURS WENT INTO EACH PIECE LONG BEFORE THAT STEP They gather outside the studio in preparation for a class that occurs only biannually due to its nature. As they wait for kilns to heat, some tear up strips of newsprint for later use on their art while others visit with one another on the porch swing.
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But in the background is their instructor, Kelly Landrum Hammell, diligently getting the kilns ready, fussing over the location of gas lines and keeping her students on track for what is the most dangerous class at her pottery studio in Slidell, La. Hammell has 16 years of experience working with pottery, and has been teaching various techniques for the past 7 years. A resident of Carriere, she established the studio in Slidell because her students said they would rather not drive the distance to Pearl River County to attend her sessions. That decision has worked out. Each of her classes is full, leading to a waiting list of potential pupils. “People don’t want to leave her class,” said current student Sabrina Audibert. Audibert waited a year and a half to get her spot. Now that she has it, she has no plans of giving it up. Hammell teaches five classes a week, each limited to five students. Some of her pupils have been part of the roster since she started teaching aspects of pottery, which includes horsehair, wheel, and various types of firings, just to name a few. Adjacent to the studio is an art store, offering works by Hammell, some of her students and other local artists. Unlike some of the techniques she instructs, Raku is for creating decorative pieces not suited for food service. That’s because the clay remains porous and the glaze contains metallic substances not fit for food contact. The process to create Raku involves putting a piece of pottery into a reduction chamber
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immediately after removing it from a hot kiln. Inside the reduction chamber, the amount of oxygen decreases quickly, drawing out the metallic colors in a special glaze applied to each piece. It begins with the creation of the piece. Then after hardening the art, they add the special glaze Hammell makes at the studio, containing copper carbonate and cobalt carbonate. Those substances provide the metallic colors during the reduction process. Colors in the glaze can vary from green, red, copper and blue. The kilns she uses are modified metal trashcans, lined with a special material capable of handling temperatures of 2,000 Fahrenheit. Since the kilns are portable, they suit her needs to conduct firings away from the studio. While firing the piece in the kiln, she waits for
the glaze to bubble before removing it, typically after reaching 1,700 degrees, and carefully places it in the reduction chamber lined with the shredded newsprint. As the hot clay is placed inside, the newsprint catches fire before the flames are quickly extinguished by covering the chamber. The entire firing process takes about 45 minutes, but many hours went into each piece long before that step. Aside from the time employed to sculpt or work the piece into its form, there’s a week’s worth of dry time, 9 hours of bisque firing and then another 36 hours of cooling. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s very rewarding,” Hammell said. In the end, each student retrieves their piece from a water bucket used to cool them, rewarded with finished work reflecting hues of copper, blue and green.
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DIRT WORK By JULIA ARENS TAM
TENDING THE GROUND Tilling what God created, harvesting what was sown
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AFTER WORKING FOR YEARS IN THE CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS, MAKING THE TRANSITION TO FIELD WORK WAS “QUICK LEARNING” The Garden Patch on Palestine Road stays green even during the cold winter months with a variety of collard greens, mustard greens, green tomatoes, cabbage, kale and peas. Monday through Friday, Joseph Johnson can be found walking the garden patch picking boxfuls of classic southern vegetables. “I’m retired and I had nothing
else to do,” Johnson said. “I fell on my knees and I asked the good Lord what to do and this is what I’ve come up with.” For five years, Johnson has helped till and sow the soil on Prentiss Burks’ land just outside the city limits of Picayune. After hearing that Johnson was tending a garden in Ponderosa, Burks invited Johnson to work with him. “You’re taking a chance
when you put a seed in the ground; you never know if it’s going to come out,” Johnson said. Pesticides are never used on the plants to deter common pests like worms and deer, except to save the tomatoes, he said. “We just let it go, we don’t spray for anything,” Johnson said. “Would you call that organic or what?”
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As the coldest months approach, the worms will be deterred from feasting on the tender leaves. Because of the milder climate in the South, it’s much easier to grow these winter vegetables without the use of heaters or coverings, Johnson said. The only precaution he takes against the cold is to spray the frost off the tomatoes in the early morning. After working for years in the construction business, making the transition to field work was “quick learning,” he said. “When I got out of school, I used to go pick tomatoes, but I knew from there [the plants] needed fertilizers,” Johnson said. “I think I might have it a little better now,” he joked. Now, Johnson said he’s learning as he goes, with the help of the Mississippi State Extension Service in Pearl River County. Sending soil samples to the
extension service helps him better understand the nutrients he needs to add to give the plants the help they need to blossom. However, the business is largely about “making a little money for ourselves,” Johnson said modestly. A steady flow of trucks and cars up and down the gravel drive means their loyal customers come to them. For Johnson and his coworkers, the long hours spent in the field provide quiet mental relaxation. “It keeps my hands busy, it keeps me busy and it keeps my mind off myself,” he said. The garden patch doesn’t use much in the way of machinery; all of their crops are harvested by hand. “It’s a lot of work,” Johnson said, but after years of trial and error, the garden seems to be thriving under patient love and care.
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GET FIT By TAY LOR WEL SH
Fighting the winter gain: Routines and regimens are the key THERE ARE THREE IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF EXERCISE TO REMEMBER: FLEXIBILITY, RESISTANCE AND CARDIO. With the shorter days and colder temperatures of winter, it can be difficult to stay away from unhealthy temptations and stay active, but there are ways to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight during the winter. Brent J. Fountain, associate Mississippi State Extension professor, said this is the best time to reassess and focus on health as the New Year approaches. Fountain said a major reason winter weight gain occurs is because people get out of their regular routines. “At this time of the year most people travel out of town for the holidays, which are centered around large feasts,” Fountain said. Also, the transition from fall to winter creates a change in the weather that forces people inside, slowing the frequency of exercise, he said. Although the colder weather may provide a good excuse to let routines and diets slip, it is important to maintain dietary and exercise regimes as well as set goals for next year. For those that want to either lose weight or prevent winter weight gain, the most important thing to do is be prepared, Fountain said. “Have a goal in mind, check your goal and
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work towards it,” he said. “You might not be able to keep up with the normal routine, but setting those goals will go a long way.” Fountain suggests limiting the portions at gatherings and bringing a small gym bag if traveling. “A lot of times when people think of losing weight they correlate it with not eating. That is not the case. It is healthy to eat five meals a day, but the portion size must be small and balanced,” Fountain said. There are three important aspects of exercise to remember: Flexibility, resistance and cardio. Flexibility— practiced by stretching and through yoga—is beneficial for increasing circulation and ensures the joints are functioning and engaged to prevent injury. Resistance, or body weight exercises, helps strengthen muscles and includes table squats, jumping jacks and resistance bands. Cardio helps increase the heart
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rate. “All three of these can be exploited during the winter season because they are all functional indoors,” Fountain said. Also, going to a local gym has the same benefits. General Manager of The Cornerstone Jennifer Harrison said the key to losing weight in the winter is to “stay at it.” “A lot of people get lazy when the weather turns, but there are still plenty of options people can choose from to stay active and get in a good workout,” Harrison said. Nakisha Feaster, CPT and fitness instructor at The Cornerstone, said finding a healthier substitute for side items is an efficient way to keep unnecessary pounds off while enjoying a delicious meal. For example, Feaster said instead of white rice, use brown rice. Also, instead of a plate of potatoes, try a healthy alternative such as cauliflower. “This is just a great lifestyle to practice and after a while, it becomes second nature and a person’s will to avoid unhealthy foods will become stronger,” Feaster said. From cleaning the house for cardio to exercising with resistance bands between television commercials, people can practice and maintain their healthy lifestyle through the winter without excuses.
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PICAYUNELIVING.COM 31
WHERE A M I ? By JEREM Y PIT TARI
SKY LIGHT Do you know where this picture was taken? If you do, then send your guess to news@picayuneliving.com or post it on Picayune Living’s Facebook page. We will unveil the location in the next edition of Picayune Living. LAST EDITION: The photo below was featured in our fall edition of Picayune Living. It was taken in front of the Moses Cook Lodge No. 111 in Picayune. Congratulations to those of you who recognized this building’s feature.
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OUT & ABOUT
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By JEREM Y PIT TARI
BLUES AND HERITAGE FESTIVAL Picayune Main Street’s Annual Blues and Heritage Festival brought large crowds to the event, featuring live music and classic cars. 1. From left are Conrad Caruso and Buddy Bennett. 2. From left are Nancy Spiers and Rozie Dorr. 3. From left are Todd Douglas, Sandy Kane Smith, Cathy Smith and Therman Smith. 4. From left are Sue Bounds and Scott Bounds. 5. From left are Ed Pinero, Jan Johnson, Winston Johnson, Lanna Jackson, Steve Jackson and Christie Pinero. 6. From left are Bob Creel, Linda Creel, Mickey Stegall, Lois Stegall and Steve Stockstill.
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OUT & ABOUT
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By JOANNE NOR TON and JEREM Y PIT TARI
BUG FEST The Crosby Arboretum held their annual Bug Fest event, which attracted children and adults to learn about insects before going on an expedition to collect and preserve specimens.
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1. Back row from left are Sondra Trosclair, Hunter Hooper, Brianna Trosclair, Alek Waters, Ben Waters, Gabriela Waters and Kathy Stasny. Front row from left are Tristian Stasny, Zach Waters and Lucie Waters. 2. From left are Bryce Wells, Heidi Wells, Christine Wells, Lauren Wells and Rachel Wells. 3. From left are Buddy Broadway and Jac Coleman. 4. From left Chad Flaugh, Grayson Flaugh, Esther Flaugh and Tyner Flaugh. 5. From top Marci Hryciw and sons Cayden and Colton. 6. From left Laird Walker and Roxanne Walker.
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OUT & ABOUT By JEREM Y PIT TARI
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CHAMBER BANQUET Picayune residents attended the Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards banquet to honor several members of the community, businesses and emergency responders. 1. From left are Tania Stockstill, Ethan Stockstill and Mark Stockstill. 2. From left are Keith Brown, Bill Edwards, Evelyn Edwards and Keith Seal. 3. From left are Kimberly Burge and Noel Burge. 4. From left are Bridget Ferrucci and John Ferrucci. 5. From left are Barry Lee and Barbara Lee. 6. From left are April Saul and Ricky Saul.
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OUT & ABOUT 1
By TAY LOR WEL SH
FAIRY TALE FESTIVAL Children and adults alike attended the Greater Picayune Arts Council’s Fairy Tale Festival held at Jack Read Park. 1. From left Steve Leblanc and Shay LeBlanc share a unique Cajun version of Little Red Riding Hood. 2. From left are Kadie Galloway, Anna Hays and Amber Newton. 3. From left are Jamie McDonald, Lucille Gasecki and Beverly Elston. 4. From left are Carolyn Davenport, Katie Dexter, Scott Dexter and Colby Dexter. 5. From left are Connie Galloway and Michelle Hays.
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OUT & ABOUT By JULIA ARENS TAM
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MAKING STRIDES Pearl River County Hospital and Nursing Home held the annual Making Strides event to raise money for the National Cancer Society. 1. From left are Sugar Ladner, Lisa Mitchell, Kim Poaughmen and seated is Adam Foster. 2. From left are Lorie Cowart Smith, Jody Bickham Smith, Nina Rawls Stevinsen, Shannon Wheat Smith, W. Ray Pardue, Jeff Pusch, Nicole Pusch and Sharla Tootle. 3. From left are Ashlyn Carr, Taylor Austin, Karen Taylor and Ryan Andrews. 4. From left are Laken Smith and Deedee Smith. 5. From left are Laura Dickerson, Heidi Borderlon, Shannon McAmis and Tara Rouse. 6. From left are Chrissie Temple, Dianna Russell and Lisa Stampley.
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OUT & ABOUT 1
By TAY LOR WEL SH and JULIA ARENS TAM
MEET THE TIDE The Picayune Maroon Tide varsity basketball team held a Meet the Tide event recently to allow fans to meet this year’s team.
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1. From left are Evan Nichelson and Gem Breeland. 2. From left are Erick Jett and Kendall Badon. 3. From left in the top row are Ronnie Basby and Joey Johnson. From left in the bottom row are Brunson Stockstill and Jacob Johnson.
POPLARVILLE CHAMBER AWARDS LUNCHEON Community and business leaders in Poplarville attended the annual awards luncheon.
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4.From left are Christie William, Chemin Pitre and Mary Jo Marsh. 5.From left in the front row are Vicki Francis, Theresa Penton, Pam LaHaye, Brenda Wells, Monet Kees and Cynthia Oreaboe. From left in the back row are Maggie Smith, Brittany Krutzfeldt and Byron Wells. 6.From left are Ronal Wallace, Stephen Schouff, Nita Gilpen and Arnie Williams.
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OUT & ABOUT 1
By JOANNE NOR TON
PUTTIN ON THE PINK The annual Puttin on the Pink event raised money to help Pearl River County residents receive breast cancer testing. 1. From left are Libby Harvey and Janet Jones. 2. From left are Nancy Bounds and Terry Bounds. 3. From left are Christy Fletcher, Keri Glasscock, Samantha Lopez, Karen Goss, Niki Woodard and Morgan Cruse. 4. From left are Derek Turnage and Byron Hill. 5. From left are sisters Katrina Munna, Sabrina Brown and Regina Odom. 6. From left are Kay Whitfield and Debbie Carter.
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OUT & ABOUT
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By JEREM Y PIT TARI
FALL STREET FESTIVAL Crowds were heavy during Picayune Main Street’s biannual Street Festival held during the fall. 1. From left are Pat Alridge and Denise Maurer. 2. From left are Norman Fenstermacher, Karina Smith, Dale Wilson and Dave Hannahs. 3. From left are Dara Hooper, Quinn Heidelberg, Larry Hooper, Jamie Heidelberg and Roy Heidelberg. 4. From left are Laurie Bounds, Jerry Bounds, Brooks Boyte, Beth Upton, Donald Balch and Karen Balch. 5. From left are Carmen Leon, Jerry Todd, Felisha Jarrell and Victor Leon. 6. From left are Rondeshi Acker, Jenni Miller and Maci Miller.
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WHY I LOVE PICAYUNE By JOE Y TEMPLES
FOND MEMORIES OF THE PLACE I CALL HOME I have so many fond memories of growing up in Picayune. When I was a kid we actually played outside, most of the time until dark when mother would call us inside because the streetlights were coming on. Our parents would make us go to town with them and we would go to all of those now forgotten places like T G &Y, Thigpen Hardware, Grants, and Otasco. When we would dine out, there were fewer choices than there are today. A couple of places that are gone, but not forgotten, are Danny’s Fried Chicken and Hank’s Snack Bar. The popular place to be on Friday nights in those days was the movie theater. In Picayune we actually had 2 theatres, The Pic and The Ritz. I will never forget the excitement of meeting all of my friends at the theater. I attended elementary school at East Side Elementary, which closed many years back. I remember my first grade teacher, Mrs. Rena Pearson and my fifth grade teacher Ms. Ozie Turner who both had a profound impact on me during my earlier years. In those days, we did not have air conditioners in our classrooms. Instead, we had box fans and open windows. The funny thing was that we didn’t really complain. I guess it was all in what we got used to. I attended Picayune Jr. High School, which at that time was located where the high school is now. Mrs.
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Elizabeth Seal was definitely a favorite teacher of mine there. I also attended Picayune Memorial High School where I forged a lot of close friendships that have lasted many years. It’s funny that I can still hear my Spanish teacher, Rosita Roche, saying “Hola Clase!” My first job was working after school at Westside Grocery, which was in the shopping center by the police station that has been torn down. I will never forget the day that one of the owners, Mike Brister, hired me. I was so excited! It was such a fun place to work. It was there that I got my first glimpse into the business world. A landmark of Picayune that only exists, at least in the way it used to be, in myth and legend is “The Boulevard.” I, like countless others my age, remember all of the good times cruising and just hanging out with friends. If you were looking for someone at that time, there was a high probability that you would find them on “The Boulevard.” I went through so many right front tires on vehicles because of that left turn making the rounds. Picayune has gone through many changes over my lifetime. Some businesses have given way to newer, larger ones while others have persevered through the years. Some of the old buildings have been torn down to make room for newer ones, while others still remain.
There is one thing that has stood the test of time in Picayune, however, and that is the people. The people that reside here are genuinely sincere and still possess the values that have been passed on from prior generations. I can’t think of a better place for someone to raise a family than right here in Picayune. Many good people have shaped my life over the years. They took an interest in me and I am sincerely grateful to them. That’s why I love Picayune and am proud to call it home.